RTHK: Vietnam jails pair over Facebook 'propaganda' A Vietnamese court has jailed two activists on charges of publishing damaging anti-state propaganda about the communist-run country, state media reported on Saturday, the latest convictions under a hardline leadership intolerant of dissent. The women, Vu Thi Dung and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Suong, were sentenced Friday to six and five years respectively for posting videos and articles on Facebook against proposed special economic zones and a beefed up cybersecurity law, the People's Police newspaper reported. The court, in the country's south, found them both guilty of "making, hoarding and spreading propaganda information, documents and materials against the socialist republic of Vietnam". Both market vendors, the two women are the latest to face harsh blowback for publicly opposing the cybersecurity law, which would require internet companies to hand over user data and remove content if requested by the government. The special economic zones are also deeply sensitive and sparked rare nationwide protests last year in which police stations and government offices were ransacked. Independent media is banned in Vietnam, with online posts, comments and critics strictly monitored and bloggers, activists and rights lawyers routinely jailed. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2019-05-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Getty Images (CAIRO) -- Pictures, paintings and drawings of a smiling 13-year-old who was killed by celebratory gunfire adorn the Cairo home of Marwa Kenawy, a heartbroken mother who is relentlessly calling for justice for her son. Youssef El-Arabi was struck in the head by machine gun rounds fired from a nearby wedding on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital two years ago, falling into a coma before succumbing to his wounds 12 days later. Four people received sentences of up to seven years in jail for involuntary manslaughter and possession of firearms in May last year, but two have never been captured, prompting Kenawy to go on a hunger strike on March 31 to pressure authorities into arresting them. With one of the culprits being a police officer and the other the son of a late member of parliament, the 45-year-old woman is worried they are being protected by their connections. "I have never got an explanation from any officials over why the two men had not been arrested," Kenawy, dressed in the traditional all-black of mourning, told ABC News in an interview. "But for me, it's obvious [they are being protected], there are no other reasons," "I decided to resort to the hunger-striking option until they are arrested because all my other efforts were in vain. I went through all the possible channels before starting the hunger strike," she said. Kenawy said she has been contacted by the government, but does not believe their promises. "A week ago, officials from the Interior Ministry contacted me to offer condolences and assure me that the men will be captured, denying they are being protected," she said. "But I'm standing firm; mere calls to soothe my anger are not enough." At this point of the interview, a butterfly buzzed persistently around Kenawy's head. "It's Youssef," she laughed, pointing to it. Bigger picture Celebratory gunfire is a common practice at weddings in southern Egypt and rural parts of the country, but has now spread to more urban areas such as the capital. Kenawy said that while she is striving to bring justice to her son, she also has her eyes set on the bigger picture. "Youssef's death is a message from God, everything happens for a reason. He was a victim and I'm required to bring his right and the rights of many other people," she added. "There are many similar incidents which are not getting the same attention. I have a role to raise awareness and call for the rule of law, so that many people could be deterred." "Last February, I launched a campaign titled 'No for firing gunshots at weddings.' I printed handbooks bearing Youssef's picture on the front and words to raise awareness at the back. I started to sell them and use the profits to hold workshops for pupils at schools to polish their skills, especially in rural areas." When asked about her plans for the future, Kenawy insisted there was no option that she could suspend her hunger strike before the suspects are brought to justice. "Promises made are only words, what I only need now is action," she said. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 12:21:54|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Peking University has launched "Future Leaders" International Undergraduate Program to train talent and serve the development associated with the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative. Some 50 students will be enrolled with the dual-degree program, led by Guanghua School of Management, among whom one third will be from Peking University and the others will be from college partners around the world. The number of students enrolled with the program will gradually expand to around 100 in the future. And the first group of international students will arrive in Beijing in the autumn of 2020. Liu Qiao, dean of the school, said they had reached cooperation with 14 colleges from 13 countries and regions, including Moscow State University, National University of Singapore and York University in Canada. According to Liu, the international students will spend the first two years of their undergraduate education at universities of their home countries and join the Guanghua School for the next two years of study. Peking University will cooperate with its partners in developing featured courses such as those focusing on China's development and Chinese culture, to allow international students to learn more about China. China has signed agreements with 24 countries participating in the B&R Initiative on the mutual recognition of higher education degrees as of the end of April, according to the Ministry of Education. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 12:41:58|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close by Levi J Parsons HOBART, Australia, May 11 (Xinhua) -- While it may not be as well recognized as Australia's other iconic locations like Sydney, Uluru or the Great Barrier Reef, the island state of Tasmania, known for its immense natural beauty, is now the nation's fastest-growing tourism destination. The latest statistics from Tourism Research Australia showed that in the year to December 2018, not only were visitor numbers up 4 percent to reach a new record of 1.32 million, but total tourism spending in the state also shot up 5 percent to hit an all-time high of 2.46 billion Australian dollars (1.74 billion U.S. dollars). To put these figures into perspective, the entire island of Tasmania has a total population of just over 500,000. In particular, the state has seen an upsurge in Chinese visitors. "I knew that Tasmania is a very remote place, but after I came here, I realized how beautiful the scenery really is," Ren Guang, a Chinese leisure cruise captain in the state, told Xinhua recently. "Many people wonder why I came to this small place in Tasmania... It's because I like fishing very much, so I want to turn it into a business," said the Shanghai native, who operates fishing charters, scuba-diving tours and sight-seeing trips with his company Tasmanian Ocean Experience. "It was very difficult at first because there's no other Chinese people here to help me and I had no previous experience," he said, adding that the fuel consumption on a ship was very large. "It can take some time to attract tourists here, so I had to be patient," Ren said. "It also requires a lot of support from the Tasmanian government along with local domestic travel agencies in China," he added. First setting sail in December last year, Ren now has two boats and is able to carry 50 people per day in peak season which runs during Australia's long hot summer period from December to February. "Around the time of Chinese New Year we will be very busy, almost every day both of the boats will go sailing," he said. "One boat can take 10 people for deep sea adventures and the other can take 40 people for sight-seeing trips." As word continues to spread about one of Australia's most intriguing destinations, Ren expects the all-time high Tasmanian visitor numbers to grow even further. "I'm not so familiar with people from other countries, but I do know that Chinese travelers are looking for places with less tourists and more nature." "So I am very confident the local tourism industry here will have a bright future," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 12:41:59|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close WASHINGTON, May 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said Pyongyang's recent weapon tests were "very standard" and not "a breach of trust," U.S. media reported. "They're short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all," Trump said in an interview with POLITICO. "These were short-range missiles and very standard stuff. Very standard," Trump added. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched two projectiles from its northwestern region Thursday afternoon. Days earlier, the DPRK fired several short-range projectiles into the sea off its east coast. U.S. acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said Thursday that Washington understood what Pyongyang has fired. "But we're going to stick to our diplomacy," he said. "We haven't changed our operations or our posture, and we'll continue to generate the readiness we need in case diplomacy fails," said the Pentagon acting chief. Stephen Biegun, U.S. special representative for the DPRK affairs, said Friday in Seoul that the door remained open for the DPRK's return to negotiations. DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday that top leader Kim Jong Un guided the strike drill of the Korean People's Army defense units on a couple of fronts. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 12:47:02|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close XINING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Jinpa, a trucker of ethnic Tibetan group, accidentally kills a sheep with his vehicle before picking up a hitchhiker who is on the way to kill a man who murdered his father 10 years ago. Although they part ways later, the coincidence of these two incidents haunts Jinpa, so he tries to track down the hitchhiker and stop the murder. This is the plot of the ongoing film "Jinpa." Set on Hoh Xil, or Kekexili, an isolated plateau region in northwest China's Qinghai Province, "Jinpa" is the sixth feature film from Tibetan writer-director Pema Tseden. The film, which scored 7.4 out of 10 points on the Chinese movie rating platform Douban, has grossed more than 10 million yuan (around 1.5 million U.S. dollars) since it premiered in the Chinese mainland on April 26, a big number for Tibetan movies in recent years. Before its release in the domestic film market, Pema Tseden won the Best Screenplay award for "Jinpa" in the Orizzonti section of the 75th Venice Film Festival last year. Award-winning director Wong Kar Wai, also a producer of "Jinpa," said the film peeps into the world with the eyes of ethnic Tibetans, and the audience can discover the Tibetan way of thinking, life and their understanding of relations. TIBETAN MOVIE PIONEER "With the development of the ethnic minority film industry, it has become a trend for Tibetan directors to record Tibetan people's life and intimate sides," 49-year-old Pema Tseden said, hoping that audiences with different cultural backgrounds can create their own understanding of the film. Born in a village in Guide County of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai, Pema Tseden always aspired to see the outside world and change his life. He tried many professions such as working as a primary school teacher and as a local government employee. In 2002, he entered the Beijing Film Academy to start his endeavor in film production. He has won many Chinese and international film awards. In 2005, the year when the 100th anniversary of the birth of Chinese film was marked, Pema Tseden's first movie "The Silent Holy Stones" won the Golden Rooster Award for Best Directorial Debut. This film is believed to mark the beginning of Chinese Tibetan-language movies. Some film critics say his works reflect Tibetan people's struggle in maintaining a balance between tradition and modern life with naturalistic storytelling, rather than amusing the audience with epic narration or an overload of breathtaking scenery. "In the past, most Tibetan movies tended to show plateau scenery or mysterious religious elements but lacked concerns about humanity," Tibetan director Sonthar Gyal said. Sonthar Gyal's film "Ala Changso" won the jury grand prix and best screenplay at the Shanghai International Film Festival in 2018. In "Ala Changso," a young mother with a fatal illness, accompanied by her current husband and son, made the pilgrimage to Lhasa that she promised her first husband on his deathbed. "This is a story of an ordinary Tibetan family that describes common human emotions. It can happen in any corner of the world," Sonthar Gyal said. DREAM CHASERS In China, Tibetans mainly live in the Tibet Autonomous Region and parts of Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan provinces. Films by Tibetan directors have been winning more fans in the last few years. The success has inspired more young Tibetans to pursue their movie-making dreams and spread traditional Tibetan culture. Director Lhapal Gyal's movie "Wangdrak's Rain Boot" centers around a Tibetan boy's dream for a pair of rain boots. "Tibetan areas are only used as backgrounds in movies, while the Tibetan elements provide richer narrative clues for movies," 30-year-old Lhapal Gyal said. Film is an art derived from life. "As there is an increasing number of Tibetan directors recording Tibetan culture and life through films, this can help protect and spread Tibetan culture," Pema Tseden said. Sonthar Gyal echoes his view. "This era gives young Tibetan directors more possibilities. They are our hope and responsibility," he said. Sonthar Gyal established a movie base at his hometown in Tongde County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. He hopes the base would provide settings for film shooting and organize training for talent. The seeds of film have been sowed. Last summer, more than 20 students from Tongde County signed up for examination for film and television production in the prefecture's vocational school, according to Drugyal, director with the county's enrollment office. "Perhaps the film base in their hometown and screenplay contests inspired them to pursue their movie-making dream," Drugyal said. Pema Tseden hopes more youth to fall in love with movies while finding their direction of life. "Hopefully, the dream we are building now could be a part of their dreams," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 13:02:07|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close MEXICO CITY, May 10 (Xinhua) -- An attack on a bus carrying employees of a federal prison for women left four dead and four injured Friday in the central Mexican state of Morelos, the local government said. The incident occurred Friday morning in the town of Puente de Ixtla in southwest Morelos and some 30 kilometers from the prison. The Morelos government confirmed in a statement the death of four employees and said four others were being treated for injuries at a local hospital. The state government asked for immediate intervention of the federal government to help curb local criminal organizations. "The local government stands firm in its commitment to protect families and not make deals with criminals at any time," said the statement. According to local media, the attack was carried out by three armed men who fired shots at the bus and then fled in a car. It has been the second violent attack this week in Morelos. On Wednesday, a man shot and killed two local union leaders in the main plaza of the city of Cuernavaca, the state's capital. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 13:42:23|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan National Army commandoes conducted an operation and freed 10 civilians from a Taliban prison in the country's northern province of Kunduz, a military source said Saturday. "The raid was launched in Aq Saray village, Chahar Dara district late Friday, and the building used by the Taliban as a detention center was destroyed by the security forces," Ghulam Hazrat Karimi, spokesman of army Corps 217 Pamir based in the region, told Xinhua. The civilians were shifted to an army camp for identification process before being provided accommodation and they would join their families soon. The militants guarding the facility fled before the troops' arrival and the security force did not use their weapons during the raid, the source added. Taliban insurgents frequently detain civilians from across villages and highways and charge them for spying for government security forces. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 13:57:29|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China saw 21 major capital goods monitored by the government post lower prices in the last 10 days of April compared with the 10 days before them, data showed. Of the 50 goods monitored by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), including seamless steel tubes, gasoline, coal, fertilizer and chemicals, 21 goods saw their prices drop during the period, with 23 posting rising prices and six with unchanged prices, according to the NBS. Specifically, non-metal building materials and capital goods for agriculture saw an overall decline in prices, while prices of ferrous metals and farm produce increased in general. Peanuts, caustic soda and liquefied petroleum gas led the rising trend, while methanol and polyester filament seeing notable price drops. The reading, released every 10 days, is based on a survey of nearly 1,700 wholesalers and distributors in 24 provinces and regions. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 14:12:36|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close CARACAS, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Friday that the former director of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), Manuel Ricardo Cristopher, "organized the coup" against him on April 30. "The person who organized the coup is a coward, is a traitor, his name is General Manuel Ricardo Cristopher, traitor and coward," Maduro said at a public event. The general fled and in spite of organizing the movement, he "was not capable of going to the site where he ordered the coup in Altamira, he did not show up, he left his troops alone," said Maduro. "He fled in the early morning hours, and up till today continues to flee," he said. He said that investigations confirmed that the former SEBIN director had been recruited by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). "We have confirmed that General Manuel Ricardo Cristopher, for more than a year had been recruited by the CIA and worked as an infiltrated traitor in the capacity he was given," he said. Maduro said that the former SEBIN director "sooner than later will come to Venezuelan justice for his treason." The former intelligence chief had been sanctioned by the United States for belonging to SEBIN, an agency claimed by Washington as part of a "torture center." However, following the coup, Vice President Mike Pence announced the withdrawal of the sanctions on May 7. Maduro also reiterated his trust in Defense Minister Padrino Lopez, Supreme Court of Justice President Maikel Moreno and Presidential Guard Commander Hernandez Dala. After the coup was defeated, General Gustavo Gonzalez Lopez was appointed as director of SEBIN. Gonzalez Lopez once served as the Minister of Interior Relations, Justice and Peace. This year he assumed the role of security and intelligence adviser to Maduro. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 14:27:39|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos will pay a state visit to China from May 12 to 16 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. During the visit, Pavlopoulos will also attend the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations. Pavlopoulos was born on July 10, 1950. He is a professor of law at the University of Athens and a member of Greece's New Democracy party. He has served as government spokesman, political advisor to the president of the New Democracy party and the party's spokesman. Pavlopoulos was a member of parliament from 2000 to 2014 and served as the minister of the interior from 2004 to 2009. In March 2015, Pavlopoulos took office as the seventh president of Greece with a five-year term. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 14:32:43|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, May 11 (Xinhua) -- A Brazilian Supreme Court judge ruled on Friday that President Jair Bolsonaro has five days to give explanations of a decree signed earlier this week, which makes it easier for Brazilians to get a gun carry permit. The ruling was motivated by a request made by political party Rede, which said that the decree is unconstitutional. The president has five days to present a defense before Supreme Court Judge Rosa Weber decides whether to suspend the decree or not. Under the Brazilian law, a decree cannot overrule a federal law, and can only regulate the terms of the law. The president signed this week a decree detailing rules for citizens to be granted a gun carry permit, but opponents allege that the decree is unconstitutional, as it contradicts several aspects of the Disarmament Statute, which is a federal law. In addition to Rede's request, two technical reports from the House and Senate also pointed out some problematic points in the decree, which may lead to it being considered illegal. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 14:57:57|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close WELLINGTON, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Proposed law changes to enhance New Zealand's aviation regulatory system, modernize the sector and highlight safety were released on Saturday. The new Civil Aviation Bill will modernize New Zealand's key pieces of aviation legislation, the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and the Airport Authorities Act 1966, Transport Minister Phil Twyford said in a statement. From drones to lost luggage, the changes touch on every part of the aviation sector, Twyford said. "Safety is our top transport priority and the proposed laws will make our airports, and flying, safer for New Zealanders and visitors to our country," he said. Measures to improve safety include a new drug and alcohol management scheme for people who work in the sector, clearer powers for aviation security officers as well as amendments which take into account new technology like drones. New Zealanders will be able to apply to the Disputes Tribunal over lost, delayed or damaged baggage, the minister said. Officials are holding a series of meetings with airports, airlines and the wider aviation community to discuss the changes. The public are also invited to give their feedback before July 6, which will inform the development of the final legislation to be introduced later this year, he added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 14:57:59|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close ATHENS, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China has made enormous and impressive progress in the past 70 years, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos has said. Pavlopoulos will pay a state visit to China from May 12 to 16, during which he will also attend the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations in Beijing. As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Pavlopoulos told Xinhua ahead of his visit that "the development of China over these years is something that has impressed the whole world." "The way of development China has chosen is based on its own principles, its own values, its own way of seeing the economy," he said. The president said that he was particularly impressed by China's development in e-government, especially with regard to public administration. E-government refers to the use of electronic communication devices and the Internet to provide public services to citizens in a country or region. "I really admire the enormous progress made by China in the field of e-government, which is very important (not only) for the course and the relations between the state and the citizens, but also for the economy itself," he said. The president said he believes China, a "great country," will further develop and prosper in the future. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 15:23:06|Editor: ZX Video Player Close HANGZHOU, May 11 (Xinhua) -- An inaugural group of 350 Chinese tourists left Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, on Friday night for Djibouti, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, starting an 11-day trip to Africa. It marks the start of a five-year tourism program launched by Zhejiang, aiming at advancing exchange and cooperation with Africa in areas such as culture, tourism and trade, in addition to bringing 10,000 travelers to countries participating in the program. A number of African countries including Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia have signed up to the program. China and Africa have seen rare opportunities for cultural and tourism cooperation thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative. In the past two years, Africa has become an important destination for tourists from this east Chinese province. The initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and beyond along the ancient Silk Road trade routes for common development and prosperity. Zimbabwean Ambassador to China Paul Chikawa said tourism cooperation was not only a bridge for Chinese and Africans to enhance mutual understanding and common progress, but also a basis for the two peoples to embrace each other. "We will welcome the arrival of Chinese friends with the greatest enthusiasm and sincerity," the ambassador said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 16:00:11|Editor: ZX Video Player Close Beekeeper Liu Huilin of a bee cultivation cooperative climbs a tree to inspect a beehive at Yingwan Village of Longnan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, May 10, 2019. Nestled in remote mountainous area, Yingwan village faced the challenge to get rid of poverty. In 2017, villagers started to produce honey through a newly-founded bee cultivation cooperative with support from local government. Beekeepers here, who combine the traditional way of bee-keeping with modern processing method, find a broader market through online platforms. The cooperative is now running over 2,000 beehives, each of which is able to bring 3,000-4,000 yuan (440-586 U.S. dollars) per year. (Xinhua/Ma Ning) Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 16:13:17|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's General Security said that the number of Syrian refugees who have returned from Lebanon to Syria since 2017 reached 200,000, Asharq Al-Awsat local newspaper reported on Saturday. The report said that the return of Syrian refugees organized by Lebanon's General Security in coordination with Syrian authorities has increased in 2018 but slowed down recently due to the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Sources at Lebanon's General Security told the newspaper that the process of return is still adopted by Lebanese authorities and trips to Syria will increase again after the end of Ramadan and during the summer. More than 1 million Syrian refugees are registered with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Lebanon, while the Lebanese government estimated the true number of Syrians in the country at 1.5 million. To facilitate the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, Russia has drafted a strategy and presented it to the Lebanese authorities. The strategy aims at securing the return of 890,000 Syrian refugees to their homeland. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 16:18:19|Editor: ZX Video Player Close Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos receives an interview with Xinhua in Athens, Greece, on May 6, 2019. The already very good Sino-Greek relations will become even better, closer and more productive, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos told Xinhua in a recent interview. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) by Yu Shuaishuai, Maria Spiliopoulou, Li Xiaopeng ATHENS, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The already very good Sino-Greek relations will become even better, closer and more productive, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos told Xinhua in a recent interview. The Greek president made the remarks ahead of his five-day state visit to China starting Sunday, during which he will also attend the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations. This will not be Pavlopoulos' first visit to China. He visited China a few months before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in his capacity as the Greek minister of the interior. "I remember with nostalgia and satisfaction ... that very important visit," which helped lay the foundation for the bilateral relations today, Pavlopoulos said. The Sino-Greek cooperation has flourished over the years although Greece once suffered from an acute debt crisis, he said, adding, "This shows how deep the roots of our relations are." "Our two peoples have relationships that, you know, are not based on something superficial. It is not something circumstantial and opportunistic," he said. "They are relations based mainly on the role that each country envisions for itself and for peoples." Pavlopoulos said he believes that such sound bilateral relations could be strengthened in the future. "Sino-Greek ties will further deepen," which will certainly facilitate China's ties with the international community, especially with the European Union (EU), he said. "We have never considered Greece isolated from the surroundings in which we live. We always see Greece as a dynamic member of the international community and especially as one of the key partners of our big European family, the European Union," Pavlopoulos said. Therefore, stronger Sino-Greek relations will bring China closer to the EU and the world at large, he said. The president said he hopes both countries could enhance cooperation within the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), suggesting that the two countries further develop bilateral economic cooperation. "The development of China over these years is something that has impressed the whole world. The way of development China has chosen is based on its own principles, its own values, its own way of seeing the economy. We may have different ways, but we respect the way others see the economy," he said. "We believe that we can work together despite the differences that may exist in the way we choose to make economic decisions," he added. Pavlopoulos also called on both sides to join hands in bridging different civilizations through dialogue. "We are two countries of two ancient civilizations. They are different civilizations, but ancient, with deep roots and above all with some common values, some common ideals," he said. "We understand something that is extremely important in today's world -- global peace depends on the dialogue between civilizations," Pavlopoulos said. "The East and the West, we have many more things that unite us than those that separate us," Pavlopoulos said, noting that China and Greece together can set an example of how much dialogue between civilizations can contribute to world peace. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 16:28:24|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close HAVANA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Cuban government announced on Friday new measures to ration food and hygiene products in face of the country's supply crisis. Chicken, eggs, sausages and some hygiene products are among the items being rationed to achieve "a fair and rational distribution" and "prevent hoarding" of basic products, said the country's Minister of Domestic Commerce Betsy Diaz. "In face of certain shortages it is necessary to regulate and control the sale of certain goods," Diaz said. The minister said that the supply crisis is caused by the hardening of the U.S. economic sanctions against Cuba, as the Caribbean country imports about 80 percent of its food. The Cuban government's decision to ration these products does not mean that they will be included in the so-called Ration Book established in 1962 in Cuba, Diaz said. Since the 1960s, Cuba has implemented a rationing system for various food items such as rice, grains, proteins, vegetables, and milk for children and infants, among others, in order to deal with food shortages and hoarding. The Ration Book allows the entire Cuban population to buy small quantities of basic food each month with less than one U.S. dollar. Around a decade ago, the Cuban government proposed an "orderly disposal" of the Ration Book after considering that over the years it had become an "irrational and unsustainable" burden for the country. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 16:33:26|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close Attendees visit an education exhibition at the 12th National Chinese Language Conference (NCLC) in San Diego, the United States, on May 10, 2019. The 12th NCLC of the United States kicked off Thursday evening in the coastal city of San Diego in the western U.S. state of California. More than 1,300 teachers, administrators and policymakers from the United States and seven other countries took part in the three-day event. (Xinhua/Zhao Hanrong) SAN DIEGO, the United States, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The 12th National Chinese Language Conference (NCLC) of the United States kicked off Thursday evening in the coastal city of San Diego in the western U.S. state of California. More than 1,300 teachers, administrators and policymakers from the United States and seven other countries took part in the three-day event. The NCLC is the largest annual gathering in North America that brings together leaders and practitioners in the fields of Chinese language and culture education and U.S.-China education partnership. It is dedicated to enhancing the capacity for teaching and learning of Chinese language culture by sharing cutting-edge practices and examples with educators and policymakers. In collaboration with the Confucius Institute Headquarters, this year's event was co-organized by the College Board and Asia Society and is themed "Connecting to a global future." Exchanges and mutual learning diversify civilizations and facilitate human progress, peace and development, said Ma Jianfei, deputy chief executive of Confucius Institute Headquarters and secretary-general of the International Society for Chinese Language Teaching, at the plenary on Friday. Over 2 million American students have studied in Confucius Institutes, over 1,300 students have been rewarded Confucius Institute scholarships and 22,000 educators and students have joined trips to China organized by the Confucius Institute Headquarters, according to official statistics. "Confucius Institute has made an unparalleled contribution to advance the Chinese language education, meet the demands of studying Chinese language and promote the mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States," Ma added, noting that it's a vivid example of international collaboration for global education. "The Confucius Institute Headquarters will ensure each Confucius Institute continues to follow the educational mission; cherish the academic tradition of host countries and global educational concept; respect the autonomy of the host educational institutions; keep open and transparent, comply with the law, regulations and policies; continue to serve people around the world with highest quality of Chinese language educational offerings, and continue to make contributions to advance the global education," Ma noted. Anthony Jackson, vice president of Education at Asia Society, warned that "American students were dangerously uninformed about international issues, which is particularly glaring in the case of Asia." Calling this knowledge deficit and the under-appreciation of languages like Mandarin "dangerous," he added that the Asian Society is working hard to promote education in these areas. "It is through language one acquires understanding and appreciation for the history and culture of a people," he said. "And that is the basis for good judgement as we go forward in the future." Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 16:48:33|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) --China's express delivery sector expanded slower in April, according to an industry index. The China express delivery index stood up 100.8 percent last month, down from 101.5 percent in March, according to the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing (CFLP). The index, compiled based on data from large logistics firms operating delivery services, provides a perspective on business activity in the economy. The sub-index for delivery activity in the manufacturing industry has rebounded from March with 12 out of 21 sectors above 100 percent. China has remained the world's largest express delivery market for five consecutive years, accounting for more than half of the global express delivery market. Chinese delivery firms handled a total of 50.71 billion parcels in 2018, up 26.6 percent from the previous year, while total business revenue grew 21.8 percent year on year to 603.84 billion yuan (around 89.83 billion U.S. dollars). Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 17:08:44|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close KABUL, May 11 (Xinhua) -- A young Afghan lady working for the country's national parliament was shot and killed by gunmen in Kabul in a latest targeted attack on Saturday, Ministry of Interior Affairs spokesman said. "Mina Mangal was shot and killed in Kart-e-Naw neighborhood, Police District 8 roughly at 7:20 a.m. local time," spokesman Nasrat Rahimi tweeted. Mangal, a former journalist, served as an advisor to Cultural Commission of the Afghan Wolesi Jirga or Lower House of the parliament. The gunmen fled the scene after the shooting and an investigation has been undertaken, he said. No group has claimed the incident yet. The shooting came as the Taliban militants have intensified attacks since they launched an offensive in early April and the armed outfit considers anyone working for government as a target. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 17:13:50|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's internationally-recognized government on Saturday described Houthi agreement to withdraw their forces from Hodeidah's three key ports under a United Nations-brokered peace deal as "an inaccurate and misleading offer." The government's reaction, which was revealed in an official statement delivered by Yemeni Information Minister Muammar Iryani, came just hours after Houthis announced that they are ready to unilaterally redeploy from the ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa over four days. Iryani said that the Houthi offer was "a reproduction for their previous farce when they tried handing over the management of Hodeidah's port to their affiliates." He said that his government rejects any unilateral withdrawal of the rebel forces from Hodeidah without allowing for a joint monitoring and verification of implementing the Stockholm Agreement. "We welcome any serious step towards real implementation of the Stockholm Agreement but such elusive attempts are unacceptable," the Yemeni minister added. He warned that the Houthi announcement aimed at misleading the international community just days before convening the next session of the UN Security Council and to avoid any firm international stance. On Friday, UN declared that Yemen's Houthi rebels agreed to unilaterally redeploy forces out of the three key ports in the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah within four days beginning from Saturday. The UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement "will monitor and report on this unilateral redeployment," Michael Lollesgaard, head of the team of UN observers and monitors, said in a UN statement. The Iran-allied Houthi rebels control the city while the Saudi-backed government troops have advanced to its southeastern outskirts. Hodeidah is the key lifeline entry point for Yemen's most food imports and humanitarian aid. The four-year grinding war has pushed over 20 million people to the verge of starvation. Yemeni warring parties reached a peace deal on Hodeidah in December last year as the first step toward a comprehensive political solution. Sporadic breaches, however, are daily recorded in Hodeidah as the two sides failed to withdraw their forces in accordance with the agreement reached in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 17:24:00|Editor: mingmei Video Player Close Cynthia Chennault, daughter of late U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault, addresses the opening ceremony of the 4th Sino-American Second World War Friendship and Flying Tiger History Conference in Las Vegas, the United States, May 10, 2019. The 4th Sino-American Second World War Friendship and Flying Tiger History Conference opened here Friday to commemorate the American and Chinese heroes and the U.S.-China cooperation during World War II (WWII). (Xinhua/Han Fang) LAS VEGAS, the United States, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The 4th Sino-American Second World War Friendship and Flying Tiger History Conference opened here Friday to commemorate the American and Chinese heroes and the U.S.-China cooperation during World War II (WWII). By commemorating the Flying Tigers, a U.S. air squadron that helped the Chinese fight Japanese invaders in WWII, the two-day event features an extensive reflection on the shared American and Chinese experiences and friendship during the war. Flying Tigers, with U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault as its commander, is a household name in China due to its heroic deed to help China drive out invading Japanese troops. Throughout WWII, China was a major battlefield in the fight against Japanese fascist invasion and a major Asian battlefield in the war against fascists worldwide. China fought shoulder by shoulder with other allied forces against fascism. Eight of the last members of the legendary Flying Tigers attended the conference. Themed "Honoring Our Father's Flags," the activity also saw the participation of the sons, daughters and grandchildren of the Flying Tigers members to share memories and stories about the war heroes. Cynthia Chennault, daughter of late General Chennault, said the Flying Tiger history was a great success story of mutual friendship, respect and collaboration. Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said in a congratulatory letter to the event that his state welcomed hosting the memorable event, which remembered the courageous WWII veterans and U.S.-China cooperation in history. "It is of great significance for us to remember the Chinese and American warriors who cooperatively fought against fascist aggression, to listen to the touching stories of the friendly exchanges between the two peoples and to review the development of our bilateral relations," Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Wang Donghua said in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. He also called on people from both countries to ponder how to carry forward their friendly ties into the future and how to jointly create a better future for bilateral relations. The event was co-organized by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 17:39:12|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close Photo provided by German department store retailer Breuninger shows a customer using Alibaba's Alipay at the store in Dusseldorf, Germany, June 29, 2018. (Xinhua/Breuninger) SHANGHAI, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Thomas Derkseu, a 30-year-old German, has three identities: a graduate in East Asian studies, a foreign son-in-law and an online celebrity with millions of followers on China's social media platform. Thomas settled in China four years ago, and he is better recognized to crowds of fans as a fluent Chinese speaker who creates funny video clips telling his anecdotes on China. He recently created a video clip about the popular Chinese mobile products such as Xiaomi and Huawei in Germany as he said more Germans, especially the younger generation, increasingly perceive Chinese products as innovative. A revolution of globalized Chinese consumer brands is taking place. Perceptual improvements are powered by progress from manufacturers across China's high-tech industries, from mobile payments to artificial intelligence. China announced in 2017 that May 10 was China Brand Day and the 2019 China Brand Day series, an exhibition inviting indigenous brands to showcase the cutting-edge technology, products and services kicked off Friday in Shanghai, the second such event held in the city. Nearly 200 Chinese brands joined the event, to be concluded on May 12, and share their experiences in going global. "Branding strategy is one of the priorities during the shift for Chinese brands to become world power players," said an official with the National Development and Reform Commission, co-host of the event. LOCALIZATION STRATEGY In Thailand, a market dominated by Japanese cars for decades, it is not easy for latecomers to stand out. A car-maker MG from China found its niche in the market by developing an in-car infotainment system that supports Thai language, bringing immediate results in sales. The system, along with MG's consistent quality, helps the Chinese car-maker become the 7th best-selling car brand in Thailand. Cars made in China are not only top sellers in the southeastern Asian country, but also across in Britain, New Zealand, Australia, the Middle East and Indonesia. SAIC Motor, the parent company of MG, is one of the competitive Chinese players that have gained popularity in overseas markets. In 2018, SAIC Motor's exports of vehicles and overseas sales surged to 277,000, up 62.5 percent year on year, accounting for nearly a quarter of the total overseas sales of Chinese car brands. "The priority of taking a company global is to earn a reputation and then boost the sales," said Yang Xiaodong, president of SAIC Motor International Corporations. "Localization is the key to establishing a reputation in a strange market and SAIC Motor has always sought to manufacture vehicles and offer after-sale services that cater to the local demand." SAIC Motor has done exactly what it said, setting up a sophisticated value chain of research and development centers, manufacturing bases, sales and supplying centers and financial companies in its bullish international marketing drive. Like SAIC Motor, more and more Chinese automobile companies have sped up the efforts to expand their businesses globally in recent years. According to Shanghai customs, more than 70 Chinese car makers exported their vehicles to over 70 countries and regions via the ports in Shanghai last year, with the total amount reaching 230,000 units, making up about 67 percent of China's total vehicle exports. TRENDSETTING SERVICES "With just a few clicks of the mouse, and 10 days of patience, I can have a box of light bulbs delivered to the front door from China that help me save on my electric bill by over 90 percent," said Faisal Saleh, a young man from Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The e-commerce platform Damman referred to is the AliExpress of China's online retail behemoth Alibaba, making cross-border sales and fast delivery possible for millions of buyers around the world. As of September, last year, AliExpress's home and abroad users have snowballed to 150 million. "This year marks the third year for our 'local to global' strategy," said Wang Mingqiang, general manager of AliExpress. "This strategy is intimately connected to Alibaba's broader globalization strategy." During the annual online shopping bonanza on Nov. 11, China's online retail sales exceeded 300 billion yuan last year, up about 27 percent and a record high, the Ministry of Commerce said. The double 11 online retail market in China is becoming increasingly international. AliExpress is inviting businesses from other countries to grab a slice of the huge market. The company not only helps facilitate overseas business owners to sell their goods on its platform, but also share its wisdom of efficient delivery services. "We want to promote a level playing field for small and medium-sized businesses at home and abroad in global competition," Wang said. "The sales of local products at AliExpress will also boost local economy and create job opportunities." Mobile payment services are also taking root abroad. According to a recent research released by Nelson, a marketing consultancy, the number of outbound Chinese tourists using mobile payments has surpassed tourists who pay by cash. The spike in Chinese mobile payment users has caught the attention of overseas business owners since the convenient payment boosts their numbers of customers and revenues. Alipay, Alibaba's mobile payment platform, has built business relations with over 250 financial institutions abroad to provide online payment service for foreign sellers and the service of mobile payment for Chinese tourists as well as locals. Thanks to its global expansion, Alipay's users has totaled 1 billion, making it the world's most-downloaded non-social mobile application. COMMON PROSPERITY Sri Lanka welcomed its first railway open to traffic on the early morning of April 8, after over 70 years without railroad transport. This is the first railway project built by a Chinese company under the Belt and Road Initiative. Thus far, the island nation has developed a sophisticated transport system of land, sea and air. Over the years a number of countries and regions, especially those participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, have benefited from the investment and expertise of Chinese companies to upgrade their infrastructure and beef up the local economy. The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, the first cross-sea bridge in the Maldives, was opened to traffic in August last year. The Montenegro highway, the biggest infrastructure in the terrain-challenged country, was completed last July, and Belarus has started to develop its car manufacturing sector with the help of Chinese expertise. In the German city of Duisburg, China Railway Express has increased from three trains per week to 35 to 40 per week right now, stimulating the growth of port industry and creating more than 6,000 jobs. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Chinese investors completed non-financial investment totaling 15.7 billion U.S. dollars in 1,416 foreign companies in 138 countries and regions in the first two months of 2019. (Video reporters: Jia Yuankun, You Zhixin, Zhou Rui, Cheng Siqi, Yuan Quan, Li Haiwei; video editor: Wang Han) Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 17:59:23|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close DAMASCUS, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Heavy airstrikes and shelling targeted rebel positions in the northern countryside of Hama province and the nearby countryside of Idlib province on Saturday as part of an ongoing Russian-backed campaign, a war monitor reported. The Russian and Syrian warplanes started the 12th day of escalation with airstrikes and ground shelling on rebel positions in northern Hama and the southern countryside of Idlib, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Britain-based watchdog group said that the airstrikes renewed after midnight Saturday. The report said that the Syrian army made progress and captured key areas from the rebels of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the umbrella group of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front. Areas in the countryside of Hama, Idlib and the western countryside of Aleppo are included in the de-escalation zones deal which was reached between Russia and Turkey in September 2018. The deal failed to materialize as the HTS expanded in Idlib and started attacks on Syrian military positions instead of withdrawing from the designated zone which combines Idlib with Hama and Aleppo countryside. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 18:04:26|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco Friday celebrated Mother's Day, gathering hundreds of Chinese and U.S. women entrepreneurs, scientists, scholars as well as diplomats and their female family members to pay respect to each and every mother and woman. The celebration featured dances with ancient Chinese costumes, Peking Opera episodes, modern songs, Chinese folk songs by a child chorus, and a violin solo accompanied by piano. One of the women guests, Sharon Shoemaker, said the event was a fantastic experience which will deepen friendly ties between Chinese and U.S. women. "It's wonderful to be here on Mother's Day and to have this opportunity to celebrate the special moment at the Chinese Consulate General," said Shoemaker, executive director of California Institute of Food and Agricultural Research at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). She said her family has close connections with China and it was fabulous to celebrate the special day at the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco. "I've been going to China since 1985 and on Mother's Day, what's really special for me is that my two sons now go to China regularly with their jobs because my husband and I have introduced them to China," Shoemaker said. The woman scholar said she has spent a lot of time with her husband in a Chinese university and has been to many other places in China. "We have so many exchanges back and forth," she said. Ruihong Zhang, professor of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at UC Davis, was also excited about the event, which gave her a special feeling for the motherland. "For many overseas Chinese like me who have lived in a foreign country for a lot of years, this special moment evoked their special feelings for the motherland," Zhang said. "We are grateful to both China, where we were born, and the United States, our residing country where we made our careers," she said. The Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco has for many years hosted celebrations on Mother's Day, which falls on the second Sunday of May. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 18:04:27|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close NANNING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature has inspected the enforcement of the Law on Promoting Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China. The inspection team of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) listened to reports made by the regional government and relevant departments. They also visited several enterprises in the cities of Nanning, Beihai and Guigang. Wang Dongming, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee who led the team, urged inspectors to adopt a problem-oriented approach and explore new working methods to enhance the effectiveness of supervision. First adopted in 2002, the SME promotion law was revised in September 2017. According to the law, relevant government agencies are required to protect the rights and interests of SMEs and private entrepreneurs, and provide guidance on their development. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 18:24:43|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China's leading liquor brand Kweichow Moutai has launched a promotion event in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam in a bid to further tap the African market. In November 2017, Moutai was first introduced in the African market in Cape Town, South Africa. This is the second time Moutai has set foot on the wonderful continent of Africa, said Wang Yan, board member of Moutai Group at the event on Thursday night themed "Cultural Moutai, Colorful Guizhou." The event was rolled out with an official gala attended by diplomats, government officials, as well as cultural and business representatives from both China and Tanzania. Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda said the event was well aligned with the aspirations of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during the launching ceremony. He said the coming of Moutai Group in Tanzania for a trade mission was in line with the BRI, which is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes. "Moutai Group is with us today on a business mission to introduce Chinese liquor Moutai. It is a renowned drink worldwide," said Pinda. China's outlook on foreign affairs has continued to uphold the concept of joint development and cooperation, advocating sincerity, good faith and shared business interests, said Pinda. He said within a period of 40 years China has made tremendous progress economically to the extent that it was ranked as the second largest economic power globally. The introduction of Moutai Group in Tanzania was followed with the establishment of the first African Moutai Fans Alliance, deepening the vision of extensive and shared benefits and will enhance cooperation among all African countries. In 2018, the revenue of Moutai Group hit 12.6 billion U.S. dollars, net profit reached 5.8 billion U.S. dollars and tax revenue 5.6 billion U.S. dollars. The total assets exceeded 30 billion U.S. dollars, according to statistics from Moutai Group. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 18:24:45|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration issued an alert Saturday for mountain torrents in parts of southern China. From Saturday night to Sunday night, some areas in the central and southwestern provinces of Hunan and Guizhou and Chongqing Municipality will be prone to mountain torrents. To guard against mountain torrent disasters, the two agencies told local authorities to strengthen real-time monitoring and flood warnings and brace for evacuation. Mountain torrents are caused by heavy rain, which is frequent in summer. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 18:29:47|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close SHARAN, Afghanistan, May 11 (Xinhua) -- A total of 10 Taliban militants were killed after a NATO-led coalition forces' pilotless plane struck a Taliban hideout in Afghanistan's eastern province of Paktika overnight, local police said Saturday. "The strike was conducted in Mangarreet locality of Barmal district, killing 10 militants and destroying a militant's vehicle," Shah Mohammad Aryan, provincial police spokesman, told Xinhua. No civilian was hurt following the sortie in the province, 155 km south of the country's capital Kabul, the source added. In an unrelated incident in neighboring Wardak province, a Taliban fighter was killed and three suspected militants were arrested after Afghan Special Operations Forces launched an operation in Lajjkhil locality of Sayyed Abad district, the provincial government said in a statement. The security forces seized five motorcycles after the raid in the province, 35 km west of Kabul. The Taliban insurgent group has not made comments yet. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 18:29:48|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, May 11 (Xinhua) -- A Lebanese-Palestinian agreement to end armed manifestations in Mieh Mieh camp in east of Lebanon's Sidon city came into force on Saturday, local media reported. The agreement came after a series of meetings between representatives of Lebanese and Palestinian authorities which will pave the way for more similar agreements in other camps such as the Shatila in Beirut and El Buss in Tyre, Elnashra, an online independent newspaper reported. Authorities agreed to prohibit the acquisition of arms inside the camp in addition to dismantling security checkpoints. Mieh Mieh camp is a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, located on the outskirts of Mieh Mieh village, 4 km east of Sidon city. The camp has witnessed several clashes between members of Fatah and Ansar Allah during October last year, killing at least five and injuring 26 people in the camp. It also has witnessed tensions among its refugees in the past years. Some 450,000 refugees are registered with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Lebanon, with many living in the country's 12 refugee camps. Palestine refugees represent an estimated 10 percent of the population of Lebanon. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 18:34:51|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close DAMASCUS, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army has found Israeli weapons and medicine left by the rebels in the southern Quneitra province, state news agency SANA reported on Saturday. The weapons were found stashed in formerly rebel-held areas in Quneitra and were uncovered during the Syrian army's search for land mines. The rebels withdrew from Quneitra which is close to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights late last year to rebel-held areas in northwestern Syria. The Syrian government has repeatedly accused the rebels of receiving support from the United States and Israel. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 18:50:03|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and his visiting Nepali counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli review guards of honor during a welcome ceremony in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, May 11, 2019. The prime ministers of Vietnam and Nepal agreed here on Saturday to boost the exchange of high-level visits and meetings, people-to-people activities, and cooperation in various spheres between their countries. (Xinhua/VNA) HANOI, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The prime ministers of Vietnam and Nepal agreed here on Saturday to boost the exchange of high-level visits and meetings, people-to-people activities, and cooperation in various spheres between their countries. During their talks on Saturday in Hanoi, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his visiting Nepali counterpart K.P.Sharma Oli also reached consensus on broadening the relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Nepal Communist Party in the coming time, Vietnam News Agency reported. Both sides said they would assign competent ministries and sectors to study new cooperative and result-oriented mechanisms on economics, trade and investment. The two sides signed several agreements, including one on visa exemption for official and diplomatic passport holders between the two governments; a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries; and a letter of intent on the negotiation and signing of a framework agreement on trade and investment cooperation. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 18:55:05|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Education (MOE) of China has issued a statement warning the country's middle and primary schools against unauthorized selections and rankings. The statement, made public on Thursday, was based on several lists of so-called "top 100 middle and primary schools in China" recently released by some institutions. The MOE has never authorized any organizations or institutions to carry out such selections or rankings, according to the statement. While educational evaluation has an important role of guidance, such roughly generated and lame evaluations cannot objectively reflect the real conditions of schools, and have severely disrupted education activities, the statement said. The MOE will therefore continue to regulate such activities in accordance with law and regulations, according to the statement. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 19:10:10|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close NAIROBI, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency UNHCR has called for restraint after a protest organized by a group of refugees in front of the UNHCR office in Nairobi turned violent on Thursday. Fathiaa Abdalla, UNHCR's representative in Kenya, urged dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the situation after the police lobbed teargas canisters at the protesting refugees who were demanding their monthly payments. "We regret that, despite our continuous efforts to engage with and offer solutions to protestors, the situation has deteriorated over the past 48 hours, with some refugees blocking roads and coming into direct physical confrontation with a small number of police officers," Abdalla said in a statement issued on Friday evening. In the past two weeks, about 100 refugees and asylum seekers, including women and children, have camped in front of the UNHCR office in Kenya. The refugees have accused the UN refugee agency for failing to remit their dues, putting them in precarious situation since they cannot afford food or housing. Abdalla said the UNHCR staff have been in regular contact with the group to understand their grievances and address them, and to offer its assistance. She said breaking the laws of their host country can only make the already difficult situation of this group of refugees worse, and risks encouraging anti-refugee sentiments. "UNHCR remains committed to providing protection and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, and we continue to advocate with all concerned for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the current situation," said Abdalla. She said a small number of persons in the group on Wednesday started escalating the protests, encouraging demonstrators to block nearby roads and preventing UNHCR staff and others from entering or leaving UNHCR premises. According to the UNHCR official, threats were also made against specific staff members and some security guards were beaten up. Abdalla said additional police forces were deployed on Thursday to control the situation, after several protestors began throwing rocks and confronting law enforcement officials. Police had to use teargas to disperse the crowd and arrested 17 people. "Fortunately, there have been no reports of serious injuries. The situation, although largely calm, remains unpredictable," noted Abdalla. She called on the group to stop preventing other refugees, some in a very vulnerable situation, from accessing UNHCR premises and receiving the counseling, protection and assistance that they need. "We really hope that the violence of a few will not negatively impact the many other refugees living in Kenya," she added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 19:15:16|Editor: ZX Video Player Close LAS VEGAS, the United States, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation is the best choice for China and the United States, while any attempt to decouple the two economies will harm U.S. interests, a senior Chinese diplomat said here Friday. "As the world economy faces increasing risks and uncertainties and countries are facing more challenges, China and the United States need to strengthen cooperation more than ever before," said Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Wang Donghua. "Only by strengthening cooperation can the two countries achieve better development," he said at the opening ceremony of the 2019 U.S.-China Cultural Tourism Festival. Pointing out that "the economic interdependence between China and the U.S. is ever closer," the veteran diplomat emphasized that "cooperation benefits both sides while conflict could only hurt both." Wang cited the successful cooperation between China and the United States in response to the 2008 financial crisis as a good example that illustrates the broad and shared interests of the two economies. The Chinese diplomat hailed the historic progress China and the United States have made in bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic ties 40 years ago. History, he noted, has proved that the two countries can transcend differences and disagreements and work together to address common risks and challenges. He expected the two sides to properly manage differences and ensure long-term, sound and steady development of their relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, mutual understanding and accommodation. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 19:20:18|Editor: ZX Video Player Close CHICAGO, May 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. farmers have raised an outcry against Washington's latest move to increase tariffs on Chinese imports, warning of serious consequences for U.S. farms and families as the trade tensions drag on. Washington on Friday increased additional tariffs on 200 billion U.S. dollars' worth of Chinese imports from 10 percent to 25 percent, a move Beijing said it deeply regrets and will be forced to respond to with necessary countermeasures. In a joint statement, the U.S. National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said farmers across the United States "are extremely concerned by the actions taken today" by the U.S. government. The three commodities, according to the associations, represent around 171 million acres of farmland in the United States. "U.S. wheat growers are facing tough times right now, and these additional tariffs will continue to put a strain on our export markets and threaten many decades worth of market development," said Ben Scholz, NAWG president and a wheat farmer in Texas. Davie Stephens, ASA president and a soy grower from Kentucky, urged the U.S. government to hear them and believe what soy farmers are saying about "the real-life consequences to our farms and families as this trade war drags on." "Adding to current problems, it took us more than 40 years to develop the China soy market. For most of us in farming, that is two thirds of our lives. If we don't get this trade deal sorted out and the tariffs rescinded soon, those of us who worked to build this market likely won't see it recover in our lifetime," he added. On behalf of U.S. corn farmers, NCGA President Lynn Chrisp said they are watching commodity prices decline amid ongoing tariff threats, even while many cannot get to spring planting because of wet weather. He argued that the ripple effects of Washington's tariff measures are causing harm to U.S. farmers and rural communities. "Farmers have been patient and willing to let negotiations play out, but with each passing day, patience is wearing thin. Agriculture needs certainty, not more tariffs," he added. All the tariff moves, stressed the three agricultural associations, "are having a compounding impact not only on agriculture but all industries across the United States." China has repeatedly stressed that slapping additional tariffs is no solution to the problems, and the only right way forward is cooperation and consultation based on respect of each other's core concerns. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 19:30:24|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Destruction is seen in the northern countryside of Hama province in central Syria on May 11, 2019. The Syrian army has carried out strikes on the rebel's positions in the areas between Hama and Idlib provinces in northwestern Syria, state news agency SANA reported on Saturday. SANA reported that the army is responding to the attacks of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the umbrella group of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, in the southern countryside of Idlib and the northern countryside of Hama. (Xinhua/Stringer) DAMASCUS, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army has carried out intense strikes on rebel positions in the southern countryside of Idlib province in northwestern Syria, state news agency SANA reported on Saturday. The strikes led to the killing and injury of many rebels and the destruction of their positions, SANA said. The army also carried out strikes on the rebel's positions in the areas between Hama and Idlib provinces. SANA reported that the army is responding to the attacks of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the umbrella group of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, in the southern countryside of Idlib and the northern countryside of Hama. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that Russian and Syrian airstrikes and shelling have intensified against the HTS in Hama and Idlib over the past 12 days. It said that over 7,750 airstrikes and ground shelling targeted the aforementioned areas, leading to the displacement of 300,000 people in that region. Areas in the countryside of Hama, Idlib and the western countryside of Aleppo are included in the de-escalation zones deal which was reached between Russia and Turkey in September 2018. The deal failed to materialize as the HTS expanded in Idlib and started attacks on Syrian military positions instead of withdrawing from the designated zone which combines Idlib with Hama and Aleppo countryside. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 20:00:43|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China's export of aluminum products grew at a steady pace in the first quarter this year, official data showed. Aluminum product export amounted to 1.28 million tonnes in the first three months, up 13.1 percent from the same period last year, according to a report from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The growth rate was 7.4 percentage points lower than in the same period last year, the MIIT said. By the end of March, the country's total export of aluminum products reached 3.5 billion U.S. dollars, up 3.9 percent year on year. Meanwhile, unit export prices of aluminum products saw an 8.1-percent year-on-year decline in the period, the ministry added. Total output of China's 10 major non-ferrous medals reached 13.7 million tonnes in Q1, up 6.3 percent year on year, 3.9 percentage points faster than Q1 2018, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 20:10:52|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close KHARTOUM, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Transitional Military Council (TMC) has invited the major opposition forces for a meeting set for Sunday to discuss arrangements of transitional period and formation of a civilian government, the opposition announced Saturday. "We have received a call from the TMC to resume the negotiations," said the major opposition Freedom and Change Alliance in a statement. "We have informed them that the old approach is not consistent with the demands of the Sudanese people in salvation and in reaching the goals of the revolution as quick as possible," noted the statement. The alliance set a period of 72 hours to reach a deal with the TMC on the outstanding points, including the formation of a joint sovereignty council, the duration of the transitional period, and affiliation of the military bodies, it added. The alliance said it has determined the points of difference, noting that those points would conclusively be discussed with the council. On May 2, the opposition alliance submitted a constitutional document to the TMC related to the institutions and arrangements of the transitional period. Later, differences emerged between the TMC and the alliance over the constitutional document. The document stipulated that the joint sovereignty council be formed of 15 members, including eight civilians and seven military representatives. It also demanded that the civilian government be formed of 17 ministers, provided that the declaration of state emergency be within the powers of the civilian government. The document included formation of a transitional parliament of 120 members with a four-year transitional period. The TMC, chaired by Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, is tasked with running the country's affairs following the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 20:46:07|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on Saturday revealed the signing of contract agreement with three international companies to renovate the historic Africa Hall in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa. The latest agreement among the UN-ECA and the three construction companies marks the commencement of renovation works of the Africa Hall inside the premises of the ECA headquarters in Addis Ababa at a cost of 28.2 million U.S. dollars, the ECA said in a statement issued on Saturday. The overall Africa Hall Renovation and Modernization Project, which was approved by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 with a budget of about 57 million, mainly envisioned a complete renovation of Africa Hall main building. "The signing with contractors, Africa Hall Projects FZE, marks a paramount milestone of this iconic project," an ECA statement read. "The contract for the renovation and refurbishment of Africa Hall is the biggest ever signed by the ECA with a supplier." Africa Hall, which was inaugurated prior to the establishment of the Organization of the African Unity (OAU) in 1963, is considered as a historic venue mainly for hosting the formation of the OAU - predecessor of the 55-member African bloc, African Union (AU). According to ECA's Director of Administration Carlos Haddad, "the renovation will be completed on time and delivered in 2021 as budgeted for." "We are excited by the signing of the main renovation works contract which paves way to upgrade the safety standards and restore the state-of-the-art technology while preserving the historic and heritage values to Africa Hall. We are confident," an ECA statement quoted Haddad as saying. The iconic hall was built between 1959 and 1961 and inaugurated on February 26, 1961 by Ethiopia's former Emperor Haileselassie, who is considered as one of the founding fathers of the African Union, the former OAU. The complete renovation of Africa Hall main building embraces various works that include surrounding landscape works, a new Visitor Entry Building, upgrading the ECA compound perimeter's wall, a new visitor car park and road-works external to the ECA compound, it was noted. Alem Kiros, Director and Legal Representative for Africa Hall Projects FZE, said that the restoration work is a "great opportunity" that followed two and a half years of negotiations. "The project will be delivered up to expectation and even beyond with the expertise of the contractors who have special skills with such levels of renovation," Kiros said. The ECA had previously indicated that the renovation project, when completed, aims to transform Africa Hall into a rejuvenated facility, complying with the highest international standards for conference facilities. As part of preserving and restoring the historical and cultural values embedded in its architecture, the project also include a permanent exhibition to turn historic hall into one of the leading tourist destinations in Addis Ababa and highlight its significant role in the UN and in modern African history, according to the ECA. George Ogboro, Chief of Supply Chain Management Section at the ECA, said that the project "is a major milestone not only for the contractor but also for Africa as a whole. African countries will be proud of the hall even more when the modernization project is completed." Ogboro also stressed the ECA's "maximum support" towards the successful completion of the renovation work. Photo taken on on May 9, 2019 shows a local bartender serving Moutai cocktail at the launching event.(Kweichow Moutai Group/Xinhua) DAR ES SALAAM, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China's leading liquor brand Kweichow Moutai has launched a promotion event in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam in a bid to further tap the African market. In November 2017, Moutai was first introduced in the African market in Cape Town, South Africa. This is the second time Moutai has set foot on the wonderful continent of Africa, said Wang Yan, board member of Moutai Group at the event on Thursday night themed "Cultural Moutai, Colorful Guizhou." Photo taken on on May 9, 2019 shows local models displaying Moutai products at the launching event.(Kweichow Moutai Group/Xinhua) The event was rolled out with an official gala attended by diplomats, government officials, as well as cultural and business representatives from both China and Tanzania. Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda said the event was well aligned with the aspirations of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during the launching ceremony. He said the coming of Moutai Group in Tanzania for a trade mission was in line with the BRI, which is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes. Photo taken on on May 9, 2019 shows establishment of the African Moutai Fans Alliance at the launching event.(Kweichow Moutai Group/Xinhua) "Moutai Group is with us today on a business mission to introduce Chinese liquor Moutai. It is a renowned drink worldwide," said Pinda. China's outlook on foreign affairs has continued to uphold the concept of joint development and cooperation, advocating sincerity, good faith and shared business interests, said Pinda. He said within a period of 40 years China has made tremendous progress economically to the extent that it was ranked as the second largest economic power globally. Photo taken on on May 9, 2019 shows the company displays its global markets at the launching event.(Kweichow Moutai Group/Xinhua) The introduction of Moutai Group in Tanzania was followed with the establishment of the first African Moutai Fans Alliance, deepening the vision of extensive and shared benefits and will enhance cooperation among all African countries. In 2018, the revenue of Moutai Group hit 12.6 billion U.S. dollars, net profit reached 5.8 billion U.S. dollars and tax revenue 5.6 billion U.S. dollars. The total assets exceeded 30 billion U.S. dollars, according to statistics from Moutai Group. Photo taken on on May 9, 2019 shows the company displays its products at the launching event.(Kweichow Moutai Group/Xinhua) Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 21:01:12|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China's public offering funds reached 13.94 trillion yuan (about 2 trillion U.S. dollars) by the end of March this year, according to data from the Asset Management Association of China. This marked a decrease of 2.45 percent from the scale seen at the end of February. According to the association, the public offering funds were operated by 123 fund management companies, of which 79 were domestic firms while the rest were joint ventures. China's asset management business expanded slower in recent years as authorities tightened regulations to contain risks arising from wealth management products. In 2017, draft guidelines unified rules covering asset management products issued by all types of financial institutions, requiring them to set leverage ceilings. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 21:01:14|Editor: ZX Video Player Close WASHINGTON, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The recent public invoking of "clash of civilizations" worldview by a high-ranking U.S. diplomat failed to capture the essence of U.S.-China relations and should raise concerns, U.S. experts told Xinhua. At a security forum last week, U.S. State Department Director of Policy Planning Kiron Skinner analogized the unfolding China-U.S. competition to "a clash of civilizations," claiming it is "the first time we will have a great-power competitor that is not Caucasian." Skinner's remarks were immediately met with criticisms at home as U.S. experts blasted her remarks for being deeply flawed and dangerously misleading. Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua that the "clash of civilizations" frame is unproductive and "risks sounding arrogant and hostile." "There are cultural and political and religious and other differences (between the United States and China). But we have many common interests, and most of the differences aren't absolute," said O'Hanlon. The problem with the "clash of civilizations" worldview is that the idea puts an explicit emphasis on what divides different peoples, suggesting that the division is intractable, said the expert. Rather, the United States and China share common interests in improving prosperity of their people, O'Hanlon added. "We should give the Chinese governments of recent decades credit for improving the quality of life of their citizens and alleviating poverty," he said. "Like the Chinese, we also value economic prosperity and progress, and a reduction in poverty rates." According to Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington should not put Skinner's thinking into policy making; otherwise, it would be "truly unhelpful." "The (U.S.) administration has struggled to identify a strategy rather than to list its complaints. I do not know whether they are capable of organizing a strategy with any chance of viability," said Paal. The prestigious China expert suggested that where possible, Washington should "employ cooperation" with Beijing. He also urged all observers to "remain calm and offer constructive suggestions" for the sake of U.S.-China relations. Darrell West, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, noted that the United States has dealt with many countries with differing backgrounds and cultures and not turned it into a cultural fight. It is crucial that Washington and Beijing let dialogues flow between the two sides to make sure that current disputes would not further escalate. Escalation "would be harmful to both countries," West warned. A number of U.S. experts have also voiced online their disagreement with Skinner's remarks. Abraham Denmark, director of the Asia Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, tweeted that if Skinner's remark "accurately reflects the State Department's thinking on China, it suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of both China itself and the challenge we face." "There seems to be an assumption of competition as an end in itself, which is not a good recipe for an effective strategy," Denmark added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 21:06:20|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni political experts believe that the Houthi sudden decision to unilaterally withdraw from Hodeidah's key ports will not really happen as both warring sides still prepare for upcoming armed confrontations in Hodeidah. "Both warring sides are continuing in building fortifications and sending military reinforcements to the frontlines in Hodeidah till this moment. There are no clear signs for de-escalation or real desire for withdrawal," Ali Hadi, Aden-based military observer, told Xinhua. He said that the Houthi fighters continued in digging underground trenches and planting landmines randomly in and around farms or residential areas, paving the way for another military escalation instead of the unilateral withdrawal. Adil Al-Shujaa, politics professor from Sanaa university, told Xinhua that the Houthis don't really intend to leave Hodeidah and deliberately offered the unilateral withdrawal from the city's ports just to gain more time. "The Houthis are manipulating through choosing this unilateral announcement. Avoiding to implement all provisions of the Stockholm Agreement proves that Houthis are not serious with their withdrawal from Hodeidah," Al-Shujaa said. The United Nations announced on Friday that Yemen's Houthis showed willingness to unilaterally redeploy away from three key ports in the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeidah, almost six months after signing the Stockholm Agreement. Michael Lollesgaard, chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC), said that the Houthis agreed to initially withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa over four days, starting on Saturday and concluding by May 14. The Houthi offer was welcomed by the RCC as "a first practical step on the ground" since the agreement reached between Yemeni warring parties in Stockholm in December 2018, Lollesgaard noted. However, earlier in the day, Yemen's internationally-recognized government described the Houthi agreement as "an inaccurate and misleading offer." The Houthi announcement regarding their unilateral withdrawal from Hodeidah's ports is the third in six months after similar two pullback declarations that faced failure. Other Yemeni experts said that the Houthi offer is considered as another stunt designed by the group's leaders to deceive the Saudi-backed Yemeni government and mislead the international community. The UN Special Envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths is expected to brief the UN Security Council (UNSC) on the implementation of Stockholm Agreement on May 15. Yahya Abu Hatim, strategic military expert, told Xinhua that Houthis usually precede any UNSC session on Yemen by declaring their acceptance to withdraw from Hodeidah and its key ports in an attempt to avoid any firm stance or decision against their behavior. "The Houthis want to show that they are implementing the agreement by announcing unilateral withdrawal but all their violations and military actions on the ground indicate that there will be no withdrawal at all," the expert said. Mohammed al-Ahmadi, political analyst and writer, told Xinhua that the prospects for the Houthi unilateral withdrawal remain doubtful as the Houthis previously used such announcements as a ploy to avoid consequences and started handing over Hodeidah's main port to their fighters. "Houthi pledges of achieving unilateral withdrawal from Hodeidah's ports will begin to evaporate soon under baseless pretexts like what happened previously," al-Ahmadi said. However, Mohammed Jawas, strategic military expert based in Aden, believed that Houthis are facing firm stances from the international community and will start pullout as announced by the UN statement in fear of the UNSC threats. The Iran-allied Houthi rebels control the city while the Saudi-backed government troops have advanced to its southeastern outskirts. Hodeidah is the key lifeline entry point for Yemen's most food imports and humanitarian aid. The four-year grinding war has pushed over 20 million people to the verge of starvation. Yemeni warring parties reached a peace deal on Hodeidah in December last year as the first step toward a comprehensive political solution. Sporadic breaches, however, are daily recorded in Hodeidah as the two sides failed to withdraw their forces in accordance with the agreement reached in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 21:11:22|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, May 11 (Xinhua) -- China's lunar rover Yutu-2 has driven 190.66 meters on the far side of the moon to conduct scientific exploration on the virgin territory. Both the lander and the rover of the Chang'e-4 probe switched to dormant mode for the lunar night on Saturday, according to the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration. China's Chang'e-4 probe, launched on Dec. 8, 2018, made the first-ever soft landing on the Von Karman Crater in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon on Jan. 3. A lunar day equals 14 days on Earth, a lunar night the same length. The Chang'e-4 probe switches to dormant mode during lunar night due to lack of solar power. During the fifth lunar day of the probe on the moon, the scientific instruments on the lander and rover worked well. A total of 6.6GB of scientific detection data has been sent to the core research team for analysis. As a result of the tidal locking effect, the moon's revolution cycle is the same as its rotation cycle, and the same side always faces Earth. The far side of the moon has unique features, and scientists expect Chang'e-4 could bring breakthrough findings. The scientific tasks of the Chang'e-4 mission include low-frequency radio astronomical observation, surveying the terrain and landforms, detecting the mineral composition and shallow lunar surface structure and measuring neutron radiation and neutral atoms. The Chang'e-4 mission embodies China's hope to combine wisdom in space exploration with four payloads developed by the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Saudi Arabia. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 21:26:32|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close DAMASCUS, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The unabated economic crisis in Syria is overshadowing the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month of Ramadan. People in the capital Damascus are still seen in crowds in marketplaces, mainly the popular ones such as Bab Srijeh and Midan areas during the fasting day of Ramadan as part of the tradition of buying sweets and other food items. However, people are opting to buy cheap products as the country's economic situation are staggering more than ever because of the economic sanctions tightened on the war-torn country by the U.S. and its Western allies. In the Bab Srijeh area, which is a big marketplace for grocery and meat, people were seen thronging the place but hardly buying stuff without negotiating the prices. Muhammad Malla, resident of Damascus, told Xinhua that the prices are going up year after year. "Regarding the economic situation, the prices are going up year after year but the security situation is much better. Every new Ramadan, we witness an increase of around 50 percent in prices compared with the previous year," he said. Abdul-Qader Quaider, accountant at a sweet shop in Midan neighborhood, said that people are buying sweets by piece, instead of kilo as they used to do before the crisis. "People ... don't buy the products by kilo but by piece, because they are not in good economic conditions," he told Xinhua. Many factors have led to the increase in prices this year, mainly the fuel crisis that has hit the country recently because of the U.S. sanctions. The lack of fuel has negatively affected the transportation of goods across the country as truck owners and drivers are demanding higher prices. Fadi al-Sayha, grocery shop owner, said that the lack of fuel is pushing truck drivers to ask for more money to transport the goods. "Our customers are the same but the prices are fluctuating every day. There is a new price which is affected by many factors such as the fuel availability to bring the goods and this is a main reason behind the recent unstable prices amid the fuel crisis in the country," he said. On Jan. 24, 2019, the United States imposed additional sanctions on Syria and on every entity that deals economically with Syria. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 21:41:39|Editor: ZX Video Player Close LANZHOU, May 11 (Xinhua) -- There is a Chinese saying that "Doctors rely on their mouths, and nurses rely on their legs," but Yang Liping thinks differently. "Nurses can do far more than the repetitive work such as giving injections and pills," said Yang, 36. "We can observe the subtle changes of the patients' situation based on our knowledge and experience; and we can develop nursing inventions to better help patients recover." In clinical nursing for 11 years, Yang is now head nurse in the First Hospital of Lanzhou University in northwest China's Gansu Province. She is among a growing number of Chinese nurses who are pursuing higher education to make themselves more professional and qualified. According to the Health Commission of Gansu Province, the number of postgraduates among registered nurses in the province increased from 21 in 2016 to 42 in 2018. Like most nurses in China, Yang became a nurse after graduating from a medical junior college. One year later, she went to university for undergraduate education and obtained a bachelor's degree. In 2007, she worked short-term in a hospital in eastern Chinese city of Nanjing, learning advanced nursing theories and realizing the nursing business was promising. She started considering postgraduate education. She prepared for the postgraduate entrance exam in 2011. Having to take care of her baby and working in the ICU, she could only squeeze in a little time for studying. During that period, Yang usually got up at 5 a.m. and studied English with her baby in her arms. With a master's degree, Yang has returned to the hospital and put what she learned into the clinical medical care. For instance, she developed a leg rehabilitation device last year. The number of registered nurses in China exceeded 4 million at the end of 2018, rising to 3 nurses per 1,000 people, according to the National Health Commission. Nursing services have improved as a growing number of medical staff have more expertise, with almost 70 percent of nurses holding junior college degrees or above. "With advances of medical technologies and a rise in the number of elderly patients and complicated diseases, well-educated nurses with critical thinking and judgement are needed more than ever," said Zhang Caiyun, director of the nursing department of the hospital, ahead of International Nurses Day, which falls Sunday. China unveiled a plan in 2017, aiming to boost the quality of national health care talent and optimize the talent structure. Nurses are encouraged to play more important roles in medical services including elderly care, rehabilitation and health consultation. "As the space for medical care expands, nurses no longer belong exclusively to sickrooms. Instead, they also enter the communities and homes to popularize home nursing," Zhang said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 21:56:47|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, May 11 (Xinhua) -- At least three militants stormed a five-star hotel after spraying bullets at it in the Gwadar district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Saturday, the province's information minister told media. Zahoor Ahmad Buledi, the minister, said that no casualty has been reported so far and security forces are battling the militants after cordoning off the area. He said that all guests from the hotel have been successfully evacuated and shifted to some safe place. Quoting eyewitnesses, local Urdu TV channel Samaa said that fierce exchange of firing between security forces and militants continues in the area. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 22:22:06|Editor: ZX Video Player Close by Dana Halawi BEIRUT, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Sarkis Khoury, director-general of antiquities at Lebanon's Culture Ministry, emphasized Saturday the importance of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations (CDAC) for gathering people from all over the world. "This event gathers people from different civilizations together contrary to politics and war which divide people and create clashes," Khoury told Xinhua in an exclusive interview. Khoury's remarks came on the occasion of the CDAC on May 15 in Beijing gathering more than 2,000 government officials and representatives of various fields from 47 Asian countries as well as other world countries and regions. The convening of the CDAC aims at promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations in Asia and the rest of the world, while encouraging these civilizations to achieve common progress. Khoury's interview also comes on the occasion of Lebanon's participation in an exhibition that will open on May 13 at China's National Museum in Beijing, under the framework of CDAC, where several countries around the world will showcase their pieces of historical antiquities. "We are participating in this exhibition with special antiquities that tell about the civilizations that Lebanon has gone through," Khoury explained. Khoury emphasized the role of Lebanon as a platform that links Asia, Europe and Africa while highlighting the Belt and Road Initiative linking civilizations together. He added that cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative must be boosted, and Lebanon should play a greater role to benefit from the economic and tourism growth. "As a small country, we have scientific capabilities and resources and we can create activities to benefit from this initiative even at a small scale," he said. Khoury also noted that there is a great interest by Asian people in tourism in Lebanon and in the region. "This would help us in improving the tourism and culture sectors in Lebanon." He praised the role played by China in the world not only on the economic and trade levels, but also on the cultural level. "China is building strong ties with Lebanon and other countries around the world," he said. Lebanon and China have been cooperating on the cultural level whereby Lebanon always sends groups of people from the directorate of antiquities to be trained in China. "Chinese experts help train our people on restoring glasses and pottery pieces in addition to improving their skills in management for archeological sites," he said. Khoury also mentioned the conservatory that will be built by China in Lebanon. The conservatory, funded by China, will cost 31.9 million U.S. dollars. It will cover 25,000 square meters in the northern Beirut suburb of Dbayeh. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 22:27:08|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Saturday urged East African countries to instill sound legal frameworks and policies so as to tackle impacts of forced displacement on the region's overall development. The call was made by IGAD's Director of Health and Social Development Division, Fathia Alwan, who noted that the impacts of migration and forced displacement require sound legislation in a bid to protect vulnerable people as well as the region's development. "Migration and forced displacement require sound legal frameworks and policies for the protection and empowerment of vulnerable populations and for enhancing the developmental impacts of those who are affected," an IGAD statement quoted Alwan as saying on Saturday. "Sound legal frameworks and polices, in turn, need reliable data and scientific research in scaling up responses to existing needs, and we must make our response even more relevant," the director said. IGAD also stressed that "forced displacement presents a major development challenge in the East and Horn of Africa Region, accounting for some of the world's most protracted displacement cases with limited prospects for return or self-reliance." IGAD, back in 2017, adopted the Nairobi Declaration as the regional application of the CRRF, seeking a multi-sectoral approach in dealing with displacement with a focus on the development impacts of displacement on host communities and governments across the region. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 22:57:29|Editor: yan Video Player Close SKOPJE, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Stevo Pendarovski, the president-elect of North Macedonia, received here on Saturday from the State Election Commission (SEC) a certificate verifying his victory in the presidential election runoff held on May 5. Handing over the certificate, Oliver Derkovski, the head of the SEC, congratulated Pendarovski on his victory and wished him success in the performance of his mandate. "Stevo Pendarovski is elected North Macedonia's President and has won the majority of the citizens' votes," Derkovski said. Upon receiving the certificate, Pendarovski said that the presidential elections proved that North Macedonia can behave in a European manner and the institutions can work professionally. "For the first time since 1990s all participants in the voting process recognized the election result and this is an extremely good recommendation for North Macedonia ahead of the June European Union summit," Pendarovski said to reporters. The president-elect also declared that he would thoroughly engage in the reform of the security services, whose abuses were the main reasons for the country's deep political crisis in 2015. Earlier Saturday, the SEC announced the final results of May 5 presidential election runoff, where out of over 1.8 million registered voters, the turnout was 46.65 percent. Pendarovski won with 435,656 votes against his rival Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, who received 377,446 votes. The inauguration ceremony for Pendarovski as the new president of North Macedonia will be held on Sunday, the press office of the Parliament announced. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 23:17:44|Editor: yan Video Player Close TEHRAN, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran is not concerned about the recent U.S. sanctions on Tehran's metal exports, Iranian Deputy Minister of Industry, Mining and Trade Jafar Sarqini said Saturday. Recent sanctions by the U.S. government on the sales of Iran's iron, steel, aluminum, and copper will have less significant impact on the country's metal industry, Sarqini told Tasnim news agency. "Iran's metal industry has high-quality and meets global standards ... and it has its customers in the world," the Iranian deputy minister said. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions targeting Iran's revenue from export of industrial metals. The U.S. move followed Iran's withdrawal from parts of its commitments under the landmark 2015 international nuclear deal. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 23:22:48|Editor: yan Video Player Close ANKARA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- As Turkey accelerated its efforts for the policy of opening Turkish schools in other countries, its plans in France hit the wall, triggering new unease between two countries. "We have been in talks with French administration for opening Turkish state-controlled schools in France for the past few years, but talks could not yield result yet," a Turkish official familiar with the negotiations told Xinhua on condition of anonymity. "The negotiations are conducted on the basis that France has its schools in Turkey for many years, and we seek reciprocity for this practice," the official added. On Friday, Turkey's Foreign Ministry dismissed reports on opening Turkish school in France by the embassy of Turkey, describing it as "illusory and baseless." Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said that the "negotiations over the schools to be opened by Turkey in accordance with the French education system are essentially carried out on a reciprocal basis with these schools in Turkey." Earlier, French Minister of Education Jean-Michel Blanquer told local reporters that his government does not favor the idea of Turkey opening high schools in France. Blanquer hinted that Turkey wants to carry its ideology to France through these schools. "France cannot be an open field for these ... In France, everyone has to follow the rules of the country. I also conveyed our concerns to the Turkish interlocutor," French media quoted Blanquer as saying. If France creates problem in opening Turkish schools there, Turkey will threaten to do the same in French schools in Turkey, Euronews quoted an official of French Education Ministry as saying on condition of anonymity. Moreover, Le Figaro reported that a group of officials in Ankara visited the French schools in Turkey and examined the legitimate basis of the education of Turkish children in these institutions. The daily recalled that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed in 2012 his will to raise "religious generations" and reported that the French education minister is insistent to preserve the secular education system in his country. France objected this initiative on the grounds of secular principles of the country, and since then Ankara shows the stick of putting pressure on French schools in the country. There are two French public schools in Turkey's Ankara and Istanbul. The first one, Yunus Emre High School, was opened in Strasbourg, France in 2015, under the system of French Ministry of Education. Yunus Emre receives its budget from Turkish government and can not conduct any policy in contrast to Turkey's foreign policy, according to its chair Seref Ates. The institute received 3 billion euros (3.37 billion U.S. dollars) from the EU for cultural dialogue between Turkey and Europe, he said. The Turkish government launched a policy of expanding Turkish schools in other countries through Maarif Foundation, which is responsible for Turkey's education activities abroad in coordination with the Education Ministry and Foreign Ministry. The foundation has made official contact with 90 countries, currently running 162 schools in 12 countries. This case is the last chain of disputes between Ankara and Paris whose political ties faces numerous ups and downs. In April, Turkey strongly condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's declaration of April 24 as a day commemorating the 1915 events between Turkey and Armenia. On May 7, Turkish Foreign Ministry rejected a recent French statement of criticism on Ankara-led offshore drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Ankara is also unhappy with France to host Syrian Kurdish leaders as Turkey sees the People's Protection Units as the Syrian branch of outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party, regarded as a terrorist group by Turkey. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 23:32:54|Editor: yan Video Player Close MADRID, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Valtteri Bottas will start on pole position in Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix after finishing ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton in Saturday's final qualifying session at Barcelona's Montmelo race circuit. It is Bottas' third consecutive pole positon as he finished 0.6 seconds ahead of Hamilton and 0.8 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel. Max Verstappen in his Red Bull will start fourth, with the second Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc in fifth ahead of Red Bull's Pierre Gasly. "I really enjoyed it ... I enjoy the adrenaline rush you get from those laps," commented Bottas after qualifying. Hamilton was full of praise for his companion. "Valtteri did a fantastic job, he's been quick all weekend," said Hamilton, who lamented that he "didn't put the lap together ... Ultimately it just wasn't a good enough job." "It's great for the team to have this one-two so we'll try and convert that, but if I can reverse it I'll be happy," concluded Hamilton. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 23:32:56|Editor: yan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu He said Friday that cooperation is the only right choice for China and the United States, but China will not compromise on major issues of principle. China-U.S. relations are of great importance, Liu said in a group interview with Chinese media after the conclusion of the 11th round of high-level economic and trade consultations between the world's top two economies, which took place on Thursday and Friday in Washington. Economic and trade relations serve as the ballast and propeller of the overall China-U.S. relationship, and matter not only to bilateral ties, but also to world peace and prosperity, added Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. Cooperation is the only right choice for the two sides, but it has to be based on principles, said the vice premier, who heads the Chinese side of the China-U.S. comprehensive economic dialogue. China, he stressed, will never make concessions on major issues of principle. The Chinese delegation came to Washington for the latest round of talks with sincerity, and held candid and constructive exchanges with the U.S. side, Liu said, adding that the two sides agreed to continue to push forward the consultations. China strongly opposes U.S. tariff hikes, which are harmful not only to China and the United States, but to the world at large, and China will have to take necessary countermeasures, he added. Stressing that any agreement must be equal and mutually beneficial, Liu said that the two sides have reached important consensus on many aspects, but there remain three core concerns of China that must be addressed. The first is to remove all the additional tariffs, he said, adding that the levy of those tariffs is the starting point of the ongoing bilateral trade dispute, and must be totally revoked if the two sides were to reach a deal. The second is that the amount of purchases should be realistic, he said, adding that the two sides reached consensus on the volume in Argentina, and should not change it randomly. The third is to improve the balance of the wording of the text, he said, adding that every country has its dignity, the text must be balanced, and more discussions are needed on some critical issues. Noting that it is just normal that there have been some ups and downs in bilateral consultations since last year, Liu pointed out that it is irresponsible to casually accuse one party of "backtracking" while the two sides are still in the process of negotiation. As for China, the vice premier said the most important thing is to focus on its own business. China enjoys huge domestic market demand, the implementation of the supply-side reform will comprehensively boost the competitiveness of Chinese products and enterprises, and there is still ample room for fiscal and monetary policy manoeuvres, he said, adding the Chinese economic prospect is very optimistic. Liu pointed out that it is a good thing for a major country to encounter some twists and turns in its development, as they can serve as an ability test. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core, as long as the Chinese people have firm confidence and make joint efforts, China is not afraid of any difficulties, and will certainly be able to maintain the good momentum of sustained and sound economic development, he added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 23:53:07|Editor: yan Video Player Close ROME, May 11 (Xinhua) -- After Washington ratcheted up the tariff threat during the just-concluded round of China-U.S. trade talks, Italian experts said that the medium-term impact on China would be limited, giving a vote of confidence to the Chinese economy. Romeo Orlandi, vice president of Osservatorio Asia, a think tank specializing in research and training in Asian countries, said that "China's economy is incredibly robust, and it is a maturing economy, which mean it is much less vulnerable than it would have been a decade ago." Washington on Friday increased additional tariffs on 200 billion U.S. dollars' worth of Chinese imports from 10 percent to 25 percent, a move Beijing said it deeply regrets and will be forced to respond to with necessary countermeasures. "These new tariffs will hurt, but exports to the United States will not disappear," Orlandi said. "They'll be reduced for some period of time. This will not stop the Chinese growth." For the coming weeks and months, the biggest impact on China from the dispute was "uncertainty," Filippo Fasulo, scientific coordinator for the Italy-China Foundation Center on Business Research and a fellow with the Italian Institute for International Political Studies, said. "We don't know how long this will last," Fasulo said in an interview. "This creates uncertainty for Chinese companies that produce exports." The latest escalation of the trade dispute between the world's two largest economies is a blow, not only to the countries involved, but to all parts of the global economy because of the deep ties among the economies, Italian analysts said. A trade dispute of this level "does not leave anyone untouched," Agostino Giovagnoli, an Italy-China analyst and author of multiple books on history and globalization, told Xinhua. For example, Orlandi said that it would hurt major industrial economies in Europe like Germany and Italy, which not only depend on exports but also on parts that come from the countries involved. Likewise, Javier Noriega, chief economist with Hildebrandt and Ferrar, said that significant tariffs manipulate markets and result in less demand and lower economic growth across the board. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-12 00:03:09|Editor: yan Video Player Close KIEV, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine's president-elect Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday met with Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Du Wei in Kiev to discuss bilateral cooperation. During the talks, Zelensky said that he attaches particular importance to Ukraine's relations with China and wants to learn from China's success of development. Zelensky said cooperation between the two countries has great prospects, since Ukraine has a number of advantages -- a favorable geographical position, rich resources and a large number of highly qualified personnel. After assuming the office, the president-elect pledged to take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all foreign investors including the Chinese investors. Zelensky called on Chinese businessmen to invest more actively in the construction of factories in Ukraine and develop cooperation in such areas as deep processing of agricultural products, information technology, green energy, digitalization and others. For his part, Du said that China and Ukraine have been developing friendly relations and cooperating with each other under the Belt and Road Initiative. Du hopes that cooperation between the two countries would achieve new breakthroughs and tremendous success during the presidential tenure of Zelensky. Zelensky was elected as the sixth president of Ukraine on April 21, and he is expected to take office no later than June 3. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-12 00:08:11|Editor: yan Video Player Close KAMPALA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The 18th "Chinese Bridge" competition, an annual Chinese proficiency contest for foreign college students, was on Saturday concluded in Kampala, capital city of Uganda. Under the theme "One World, One Family," the final round of the competition held under the guidance of the Confucius Institute at Makerere University was featured by presenting speeches in Chinese, question and answer session on China and talent shows on Chinese culture. Seven finalists from Makerere University, Kyambogo University and Ndejje University competed in the final round. The winner will travel to China to participate in the global competition while the first runner up will get an opportunity to watch the competition in China. Other competitors won prizes and also were given certificates. This is the fourth time the competition is held in Uganda. There is increasing interest among Ugandans to learn the Chinese language, and several schools in Uganda have started teaching the Chinese language, said Yang Yehua, director of administration at the Chinese embassy. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-12 00:38:19|Editor: yan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Saturday that 222 illegal Ethiopian migrants were repatriated from the war-torn Yemen since Monday. The migrants, who were voluntarily repatriated from Yemen's capital Sana'a to Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa since Monday with the help of IOM, were "unable to continue to support themselves or fund their travel home," the UN migration agency said in a statement on Saturday. "The migrants were left stranded in a country experiencing a deadly conflict," an IOM's statement read. According to IOM, the latest flight on Saturday brought back home some 46 Ethiopian nationals, increasing the total number of people assisted in the previous three flights since Monday to 222. IOM also noted that "despite the ongoing conflict in Yemen, migrants seeking economic opportunities in Gulf countries continue to make the treacherous journey by land and sea to the Arabian Peninsula." "All along the route, migrants face many challenges in accessing protection and assistance. IOM is committed to supporting Yemen and the region in managing migration in a sustainable and humane way," IOM said. The latest repatriation efforts is said to be the first return movement to take place from Sana'a since mid-March 2019, said the UN migration agency. "IOM was only able to resume air movements from Yemen in November 2018, having had to suspend them just after the conflict broke out in 2015," IOM said. Estimates suggest that thousands of Ethiopians trafficked every year hoping to reach the Arabian Peninsula, via Djibouti and Yemen, looking for better economic opportunities in major Middle Eastern countries' informal job markets, mainly with an aim to find informal jobs in Yemen's northern neighbor Saudi Arabia. Desperate Ethiopian migrants, who often attempt to cross the dangerous Red Sea route via neighboring nation Djibouti, regularly endure deadly incidents along the Red Sea as well as imprisonment and killings in the war-torn Yemen. In recent years, the Ethiopian government has taken out advertisements in local print and broadcast media outlets to warn its nationals on the dangers of illegal migration, with only limited success. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-12 01:18:33|Editor: yan Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, May 11 (Xinhua) -- At least one security guard was killed and several people were injured when three to four gunmen stormed a five-star hotel in the Gwadar district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Saturday, several official reports suggested. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani military's media wing, said in a statement that three terrorists attempted forced entry into Pearl Continental Hotel Gwadar, and were challenged by security guards who restrained them to a staircase. Mir Zia Ullah Langau, Home Minister Balochistan, told local media that army and paramilitary troops were carrying out a joint operation against the militants. Langau said that the security forces took timely action to evacuate most parts of the hotel. Some local media reports said that Navy helicopters were used to shift hotel guests to safer places. Meanwhile, sharing initial reports with Xinhua on condition of anonymity, senior security sources from Gwadar said that four militants camouflaging as security personnel entered the hotel and engaged in a gun battle with the hotel's private and public security personnel, leaving three of them killed. The killed people included two private security guards and a soldier, the sources added. The militants were later cornered and killed at the 1st floor of the hotel by security forces, and a combing operation is going on which may take several hours to conclude, said the security sources. They added that three people including two security personnel and a civilian were also injured in the shootout, and had been shifted to a nearby hospital. The militants were using sophisticated weapons, and hurled hand grenades inside the hotel, the sources said. Separatist group Balochistan Liberation Army's (BLA) Majeed Brigade faction confirmed the attack from an unverified Twitter account, warning to carry more attacks in the future. The BLA also released a picture of four militants wearing army uniforms and carrying weapons, claiming that they killed themselves after carrying out the attack at the hotel. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-12 01:18:35|Editor: yan Video Player Close AMMAN, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Jordan launched on Saturday a national clean-up campaign to preserve the environment, state-run Petra news agency reported. The campaign included cleaning areas near tourist attractions and public parks. It also seeks to preserve the cleanness of public sites and facilities. The campaign aims also to encourage the Jordanian youth to contribute to local communities and protect the environment. During his participation in the campaign, Hussein bin Abdullah, Crown Prince of Jordan, highlighted the importance of voluntary work for the country. The crown prince also emphasized the importance of supporting the tourism sector by preserving the cleanness of the tourist and archaeological sites as well as forests and public parks. The campaign will continue until the end of the year. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-12 01:23:37|Editor: yan Video Player Close NEW DELHI, May 11 (Xinhua) -- As many as 15 persons were killed and six injured in a road accident in India's southern state of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, local media reports said. The road mishap occurred when a passenger bus collided with another vehicle in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. The injured were reportedly admitted in a nearby local hospital. According to the media reports, while 13 people died instantly at the accident site, two others died in the hospital. The victims were identified as residents of Ramavaram village in Gadwal district of neighbouring Telangana state. They were returning home after attending a marriage when the mishap took place. Telangana Chief Minister Chadrasekhar Rao, Andhra Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and leader of the Opposition Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy all expressed shock over the accident. Jeffrey Greene (1st R), Chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation (SAAHF), and guests present a T-shirt with the forum theme "Honoring Our Father's Flags" at the Flying Tigers History Conference in Las Vegas, the United States, May 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Han Fang) LAS VEGAS, the United States, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The 4th Sino-American Second World War Friendship and Flying Tiger History Conference opened here Friday to commemorate the American and Chinese heroes and the U.S.-China cooperation during World War II (WWII). Flying Tigers veterans attend the Flying Tigers History Conference in Las Vegas, the United States, May 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Han Fang) By commemorating the Flying Tigers, a U.S. air squadron that helped the Chinese fight Japanese invaders in WWII, the two-day event features an extensive reflection on the shared American and Chinese experiences and friendship during the war. Flying Tigers, with U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault as its commander, is a household name in China due to its heroic deed to help China drive out invading Japanese troops. Throughout WWII, China was a major battlefield in the fight against Japanese fascist invasion and a major Asian battlefield in the war against fascists worldwide. China fought shoulder by shoulder with other allied forces against fascism. Guests cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the Flying Tigers History Conference in Las Vegas, the United States, May 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Han Fang) Eight of the last members of the legendary Flying Tigers attended the conference. Themed "Honoring Our Father's Flags," the activity also saw the participation of the sons, daughters and grandchildren of the Flying Tigers members to share memories and stories about the war heroes. Cynthia Chennault, daughter of Flying Tigers General Claire Chennault, addresses the opening ceremony of the Flying Tigers History Conference in Las Vegas, the United States, May 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Han Fang) Cynthia Chennault, daughter of late General Chennault, said the Flying Tiger history was a great success story of mutual friendship, respect and collaboration. Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said in a congratulatory letter to the event that his state welcomed hosting the memorable event, which remembered the courageous WWII veterans and U.S.-China cooperation in history. "It is of great significance for us to remember the Chinese and American warriors who cooperatively fought against fascist aggression, to listen to the touching stories of the friendly exchanges between the two peoples and to review the development of our bilateral relations," Chinese Consul General in San Francisco Wang Donghua said in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. He also called on people from both countries to ponder how to carry forward their friendly ties into the future and how to jointly create a better future for bilateral relations. The event was co-organized by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-12 01:43:42|Editor: yan Video Player Close RABAT, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Morocco's coast guards rescued 117 illegal immigrants from Sub-Saharan African countries in the Mediterranean, the Moroccan army said Saturday. The migrants were on board three inflatable boats which ran into trouble in the Mediterranean sea, the army added. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Interior, 88,761 migrants were prevented from leaving Morocco in 2018. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-12 02:58:59|Editor: yan Video Player Close VALLETTA, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) have rescued 85 migrants, the Maltese government said on Saturday. The government said in a release that an AFM vessel was dispatched on Friday evening to the location where a wooden boat was reported to be in distress off the coast of Malta. A group of 85 migrants were rescued and transferred on board the AFM vessel. They were brought to Malta on Saturday morning, it said. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 30, 2015. (Xinhua File photo) RAMALLAH, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Saeb Erekat said on Saturday that the U.S. government is trying to "de-legitimize" Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The United States has "waged a war against Abbas by all means," because Abbas rejects anything that contradicts international law regarding the Palestinian cause, Erekat told the official radio station Voice of Palestine. His statements came after Jason Greenblatt, U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, accused the Palestinians of trying to "kill" the U.S. peace plan before it was unveiled. "The plan can offer them (Palestinians) something that can be exciting and can transform their current situation ... They should sit tight and hold their fire until the plan comes out," Greenblatt was quoted by Israeli public radio as saying. The PLO official, however, said the Americans have not shown the Palestinian side any plans, and the Palestinians only see the U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital, the U.S. closure of PLO office in Washington and its legitimization of Jewish settlements on the Palestinian territory, which violate international law. Erekat criticized the U.S. moves for trying to test the Palestinians' patience and forcing the Palestinians to join the negotiation table. "But we totally boycott the U.S. government," he noted. Trump's advisor Jared Kushner previously said Trump's peace plan will be unveiled in June, after the current month of Ramadan. The Palestinian Authority has been boycotting the U.S. government since it recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December 2017 and moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem in May 2018. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has taken several steps against Palestinians, including shutting down the PLO office in Washington, cutting aid to both the Palestinians and the UN agency providing support for the Palestinian refugees. Abbas has repeatedly said the U.S. "Deal of the Century" falls way short of the expectations and aspirations of the Palestinian people for lasting and just peace settlement, calling for an international multilateral peace mechanism to overlook peace negotiations. The last round of U.S.-sponsored negotiations between Palestine and Israel ended in 2014 after almost nine months of talks without achieving any breakthrough. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-12 05:34:46|Editor: yan Video Player Close BRUSSELS, May 11 (Xinhua) -- "Future technologies like 5G will better safeguard Europe's social model and the European way of life," Abraham Liu, Huawei's chief representative to the EU institutions, said recently. "May 9 is a special day for Europe. On that day back in 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a remarkable declaration that braced Europe for the future," said Liu on the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration on May 9. "In 2019, Europe Day is celebrated at a moment when new technologies will bring tremendous changes to the society and the future. Huawei cares about a strong and united Europe. We are ready to work with the EU to roll out 5G the European way," he was cited in a press release published on Huawei.eu website. Huawei has been researching 5G technologies for over 10 years. In the past five years alone, it has invested over 530 million euros (about 595.5 U.S. dollars) in 5G R&D, said the press release. "Everything we use and need can be improved by 5G. It will help us meet targets such as the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and European Commission objectives on, for example, climate change and on road safety. For this to happen, choices have to be made. Choices of how to reconcile European values with revolutionary new technologies that are about to impact profoundly on our way of living," said Liu. Huawei currently runs 23 R&D centers located in 14 European countries. It has participated in 13 Horizon 2020 projects on 5G in Europe since 2012, and trials 5G technologies in testbeds in Munich, Germany, at the University of Surrey in Britain and in Bari, Italy. It is also a board member of the 5G Infrastructure Association, the private side of the 5G Public-Private Partnership (5GPPP), the joint initiative between the European Commission and the European ICT industry, read the press release. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-12 05:54:57|Editor: yan Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, May 11 (Xinhua) -- For nearly 30 years, a San Francisco-based group is trying to help people connect with their ancestral villages in China to explore what it means to be Chinese Americans. Founded in 1991, the organization "Friends of Roots" has helped hundreds of participants experience their roots in China through education, family history research, and journeys to ancestral villages in Guangdong Province, where many Chinese Americans migrated from. "A lot of Chinese descendants living in America don't have a very good understanding of their own heritage and background. Younger people don't talk much to their parents or grandparents," said Steven Owyang, an adviser and leader of Friends of Roots, on Saturday. But after the program was launched, the participants, especially the young people, have become much more connected to and have a better appreciation for their Chinese heritage and what their grandparents or even great grandparents had gone through in the United States, he said. The organization offers a year-long program for young adults aged 18 to 30. Before they start their journey to China, the participants, called "Rooters," explore their roots in the United States, such as touring San Francisco Chinatown, conducting research at the National Archives, and visiting the Angel Island Immigration Station. They also attend seminars on China's history and geography, as well as the Chinese American community. "We do a whole bunch of meetings on history and geography of China; for a lot of the participants, it's the first time they've learned that kind of thing because a lot of the stuff is not talked about in American school system," said Owyang. He also directed a lecture series that leads up to the organization's annual trip, covering Chinese geography and history with a focus on Guangdong Province. After the initial research and preparation, the group goes on a guided trip of about two weeks in China to visit their ancestral villages in July. The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Guangdong Province provides key logistical support in the search for villages and with arrangements for travel and accommodations in China. The participants also visit key historic and cultural sites, such as the overseas Chinese museums in Guangzhou, Jiangmen and Taishan, according to the organization. As the last step of the program, the "Rooters" continue their work on their family trees and genealogical research and write essays regarding their experience in China. Their research will be displayed at a Chinese New Year exhibit and presentation. At the end of every year's program, some of the participants always go back to China to study language or become more deeply involved in community organizations in San Francisco, said Owyang. The program has been expanded from the original Pearl River Delta to other parts of Guangdong due to rising demand. "We often get requests to go to Fujian Province, since many overseas Chinese historically migrated from Fujian," he said. Stiri pe aceeasi tema - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) does not recognize the legitimacy of the elections held in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova and reiterates that Romania supports "a comprehensive, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Transnistrian conflict." According to a press release - In its new strategy for 2030, energy company OMV Petrom sets itself new, more ambitious environmental targets, in line with the Fit for 55 proposals, company CEO Christina Verchere told a specialist conference on Monday. According to her, the company has already reduced its carbon footprint - Conform unui sondaj politic realizat de Avangarde, in perioada 17-26 octombrie 2021, PNL s-a prabusit in intentia de vot, pe fondul crizei politice, dar mai ales al faptului ca 77% dintre respondenti... Acesta este doar un sumar al stirilor. Vizitati siteul nostru pentru mai multe stiri complete! - President Klaus Iohannis will have on Wednesday, at 17:30, at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace a working session with government stakeholders regarding the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Presidential Administration announces. According to the quoted source, the session will be attended - The Capital City recorded on Wednesday a record number of new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the last report - 3,119. According to the Strategic Communication Group, after Bucharest, most new cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections compared to the last report were recorded in the counties of Constanta - The National Committee for Emergency Situations (CNSU) adopted, on Wednesday, Decision no. 80 which proposes the extension of the state of alert on the entire national territory, for a period of 30 days, starting October 10, 2021. According to a press release of the Government, Decision no. 80 also - Eleven migrants from Afghanistan, asylum seekers in Romania, have been caught when trying to illegally cross border to Hungary, through the Arad and Bihor counties. According to a press release on Friday of the Arad Border Police, the police officers discovered six persons who were walking in the - This school year, Romania's National Anti-Drug Agency (ANA) will carry out in high schools in Romania a pilot project for the prevention of drug use with support from the Lions District Clubs 124 Romania association. According to ANA, by initiating the "Skills for Action" project, ANA specialists, Pare incredibil, dar exista: Sindromul bradului de Craciun Se spune ca daca aveti sindromul bradului de Craciun, atunci este posibil sa aveti simptome asemanatoare febrei fanului! Pare incredibil, dar un asemenea sindrom se poate manifesta, potrivit unora dintre specialisti. Bradul are potential alergen si poate crea probleme pentru cei [citeste mai departe] Open source Russian occupants violated the ceasefire regime in Donbas combat zone 12 times on May 10. One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in the attack. The Joint Forces Operation (JFO) HQ reported this on Facebook. In Donetsk region, the enemy fired at the positions of the Joint Forces operation six times: twice with 82 mm mortar, easel anti-tank grenade launchers and small arms near Novomykhaylivka settlement, twice with the automatic grenade launchers near Avdiivka village, twice with the grenade launchers of various systems near Chermalyk and Pavlopol villages, the report said. In Luhansk region, the occupants fired at the positions of our defenders six times: twice with 120 mm artillery systems, 120 mm mortar, heavy machine guns and small arms near Novozvanivka settlement, with 120 mm mortar and grenade launchers of various systems near Novoluhanske village, with 120 mm mortar Popasna town, with automatic easel grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms near Novgorodske settlement, and with manual anti-tank grenade launchers and small arms near Mayorske settlement, the report said. According to the report, one serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was wounded as a result of the enemys attack. No shellings have been registered since midnight on May 11. Ukrinform On May 11, the militants twice violated the ceasefire in the Donbas conflict zone. As a result of the fighting, one Ukrainian military was wounded, the press center of the JFO headquarters informed on Facebook. It is reported that all the attacks occurred in the Donetsk sector. Here, the enemy fired at the positions of our fighters from hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns near the village of Pisky and from small arms near Avdiivka. As a result of the attacks, one soldier of the Joint Forces was wounded. The enemys losses are being estimated, the headquarters said. Related: 24 hours in Donbas: Occupants violated ceasefire regime 12 times, one Ukrainian soldier wounded As we reported, U.S Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker accused Russia in worsening of the situation in Donbas, as he posted on Twitter. For the last 5 years Russias fighters and proxies have made life worse for the people in Donbas including the Russian-speakers it claims to care about, Volker posted. He added that Russia should cease the hostilities, to implement the Minsk-banned weaponry, to reconstruct and reintegrate Donbas back to Ukraine. He (Leshchenko - ed.) was already found guilty in relation to our elections in 2016. Under these circumstances, the meeting would be ineffective and could be in the hands of those who would want to distort its essence, said Rudolf Giuliani.Also, Trump's attorney claims that his goal was to share information, "to help the investigation about the Ukrainian officials who assisted Clinton in the U.S. presidential election.This investigation can reveal some people who initiated and spread allegations that were deemed to be false as a result of two investigations by the FBI. This false charge did not arise from the air. If this charge did not arise in Ukraine, there is evidence that pushed it to life, and pushed it by illegal means, "said Giuliani.Leshchenko himself believes that Rudolf Giulianis statements are made due to the fact that he realized he was systematically deceived by the Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko. The ships of the Russian Federation on a permanent basis block large areas of the Black and Azov Seas under the guise of military drills. This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Defense, Anatoly Petrenko, the press service of the Ministry of Defense reports.According to him, Russia is particularly active in the western part of the Black Sea, "namely around the illegally seized our oil and gas fields on the underwater shelf, which are constantly guarded by the forces and means of the Black Sea Fleet."And what concerns our exclusive economic zones is also constantly under the control of warships of the Russian Federation, he said.Petrenko also stressed that the control of passage through the Kerch Strait "remains the prerogative of the Russian Federation", thereby "violating international law on free civil navigation.""At the same time, a set of forces and means of the Ukrainian Navy is deployed to protect the economic activities of our ports in Berdyansk and Mariupol. They performs tasks that allow to eliminate threats that may occur from the sea direction," he stressed. 'Ukraine is a maritime country. It has the longest coastline among the countries of Azov and Black Sea region (2759.2 km) and over 72,000 square kilometers of the exclusive maritime economic zone. This is why we boost the work of the Ministry's units in this sector, creating the unified security system, which will comprise of members of the State Border Guard, the National Guard and the National Police'. Vadym Troyan, the Deputy Minister said so at a briefing in Kyiv. The security system will be reinforced by the Ministry's aviation safety units and the civil defense units. It will be the new mechanism of monitoring and operative response, mobile groups and exchange of information. Troyan noted that Ukraine has reliable partners in terms of protection of the coastline, namely the U.S. Coast Guard, Turkey, the EU, the Baltic States and Frontex, the EU authority responsible for the protection of EU external borders. Administration of the President of Turkey refuted the media data on its refusal to purchase the S-400 RIA news The procurement process for the S-400 missile systems from the Russian Federation has been completed. This was announced by the head of the Relationship Office of the Presidential Administration of Turkey Fahrettin Altun, reports Anadolu. Thus, he responded to the claims of Julian Ropcke, one of the German Bild editors, about the refusal of the deal by Turkey. "Dear Julian, your sources are unreliable. Get the information from me: the purchasing process for the S-400 is complete," wrote Altun on Twitter. Related: Ukraine and Turkey sign contract for supply of tank guided missiles Earlier the U.S. decided to stop the supplies of details for the F-53 fighter to Turkey due to the plans of Ankara to purchase the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft weapon system as Reuters reported. U.S. officials told their Turkish counterparts they will not receive further shipments of F-35 related equipment needed to prepare for the arrival of the stealthy jet, the message said. The U.S. offered Turkey to buy Patriot system instead of S-400. According to the agency, Ankara was interested in the offer but decided not to refuse from S-400 purchase. Pending an unequivocal Turkish decision to forgo delivery of the S-400, deliveries and activities associated with the stand-up of Turkeys F-35 operational capability have been suspended, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, a Defense Department spokesman, said. The U.S. warned Turkey many times that the Russian S-400 system endangers F-35 safety produced by Lockheed Martin. Ankara is the partner of the creation of the plane but it refused to cancel its decision. As it was reported earlier, Russia and Turkey signed an agreement on the supply of S-400 missile system. Also, it is planned to get the joint production going. The United States criticized Turkeys intention to buy the S-400 missile systems from Russia. Du Wei and Zelensky discussed the development of Ukraine and cooperation with the People's Republic of China President-elect of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with the Ambassador from China to Ukraine Du Wei. Zelensky wrote this on Twitter. I had a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from the Peoples Republic of China to Ukraine Du Wei. We have discussed the development of cooperation and traditionally friendly relations between our countries. The experience of China and investments are important for Ukraine, Zelensky posted. As we reported earlier, Volodymyr Zelensky met with European Commissioner for EU Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Johannes Hahn. Hahn congratulated Zelensky on his victory in the presidential election in Ukraine and stressed that the victory gives the new leader the mandate to fight corruption and oligarchs. The Verkhovna Rada, the Parliament of Ukraine registered one more the bill on holding the solemn session devoted to the President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky making an oath and start performing his duties. The website of the Verkhovna Rada reports this. Open source U.S Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker accused Russia in worsening the situation in Donbas, as he posted on Twitter. For the last five years, Russias fighters and proxies have made life worse for the people in Donbas, including the Russian-speaking ones it claims to care about, Volker posted. U.S Special Representative for Ukraine added that Russia should cease the hostilities, implement the Minsk-banned weaponry, and reconstruct and reintegrate Donbas back to Ukraine. Earlier, the special representative of the U.S. State Department on Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker does not rule out the possible implementation of the new package of sanctions by Washington against Russia due to Putins order of issuance passports to Donbas citizens. At the same time he the special representative added, that no new decisions Washington have been adopted yet. Nevertheless, according to the report, the USA is concerned about the situation that happened, and the USA is regarding Putins decision as the provocation that exactly contradicts the plan for the reintegration of these territories back to Ukraine, as stated in the Minsk agreements. The number of people who were in it at the time of the attack is not yet known. Open source Armed men broke into the five-star Pearl Contnental Hotel, which is located in the city of Gwadar of Balochistan province, Pakistan. It is reported by BBC Ukraine. It is known about at least three armed men, who started shooting in the hotel. Representatives of local authorities say that most of the guests were evacuated. The media clarifies that the hotel is popular among foreign tourists and businessmen. The number of people who were in it at the time of the attack is not yet known. Related: Pakistan, India resume military activity in Kashmir after two-day ceasefire Earlier at least 128 people became victims of a bomb explosion at a campaign rally in Balochistan province, in south-we part of the country, more than 200 were injured, as Dawn news reported, referring to the Internal Minister of the province. The terrorist group ISIL took responsibility for the explosion. As the mass media note, Awami Siraj Raisani, one of the candidates in the parliamentary elections, was the main aim of the terrorist attack. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but according to Dawn news, he passed away. It was the second attack at the election rallies in Pakistan over that day. According to Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, the only way to guarantee the safety and stability is to strengthen the political, diplomatic and economic pressure on the Russian Federation Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, the Vice-Prime-Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine 112 Agency The European Union has not reacted tough enough on the capture of the Ukrainian vessels and sailors by the Russian militants near the Kerch Strait. Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze, the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine said that at the international conference in Romania on May 10, as UNN reported. According to the report, the only way to guarantee the safety and stability on the Ukrainian territories is to strengthen the political, diplomatic and economic pressure on the Russian Federation, and the indecisive European Union only encourages Russia to make new provocations. We call the international partners for further sanctions against the Russian ports and vessels, which are the part of the Crimean ports, as well as the companies, which are using the bridge over the Kerch Strait, Klympush-Tsintsadze said. According to the Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Kremlin is interested not on the conversation, but in securing their dominance in Europe. If the European Union strikes the compromise concerning the values of the international law in relations with Russia, the EU project has no future, Klympush-Tsintsadze added. Open source The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea will announce the decision concerning the case of arrested ships of the Ukrainian Navy and 24 crew members on May 25. The head of the delegation from Ukraine at the International Tribunal and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Olena Zerkal stated this during the session, which was broadcasted by 112 Ukraine. We hope that on May 25, the tribunal will rule to release three Ukrainian Navy vessels and 24 members of the crews, so that they could return to Ukraine, where we are waiting for them very much, Zerkal emphasized. As we reported earlier, Ukraine asked the International Tribunal. as a temporarily preventive measure. to force Russia to release the captured vessels and the sailors immediately, to close the criminal proceedings against Ukrainians and not to open them anymore. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the foreign states cannot arrest, detain or subject Navy vessels to legal proceedings. In November 2018, 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, the rest came to the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison. Minster of Infrastructure of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelyan supports the full cessation of the railway communication with Russia, but it will not be done for now. Omelyan stated this in the interview with LIGA.net. I see that the political solution (although we do support it) is not likely to be reached, Omelyan pointed out responding to the question whether it is planned to cease the railway communication with Russia. According to the report, the trains to Russia are still used, but far less then it used to be before, and the occupation rate in carriages is constantly decreasing. Last year, for the first time in the history of Ukraine, the number of trips by rail to the EU countries exceeded the number of trips to the Russian Federation. Therefore, the reduction of trains to Russia was an absolutely objective decision. It makes no sense to carry air, Omelyan added. The agreement on the interrogation has been reached recently Open source The interrogation of President Petro Poroshenko concerning the mass murders during Euromaidan in 2014 took place May 11. Serhiy Horbatyuk, the director of the special investigations department of the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine stated this, as ZIK reported. According to the report, the agreement on the interrogation has been reached recently. As I was informed, the investigators are interrogating him. Perhaps, they have already finished the questioning of the President, Horbatyuk said. As we reported earlier, Ukraines Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko stated that President Poroshenko was ready to give additional testimony in the investigation of Maidan crimes. President Poroshenko did not come to the Prosecutor General Office for questioning on May 7. Horbatyuk should work on himself because Prosecutor General is not a person who can get the signature of the witness. I know for sure that two investigators were in the Presidents Administration about a year ago and questioned the President. Why did not they get the signature, Horbatyuk should ask his subordinates, Prosecutor General added. Horbatyuk claimed law enforcers have served 442 people with charge papers concerning the crimes committed against Euromaidan participants. Indictments against 279 people were sent. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the incumbent President Petro Poroshenko will meet in Brussels on May 13. The press service of the North Atlantic reported. On Monday, 13 May 2019, the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will meet the President of Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Petro Poroshenko, at NATO Headquarters, the report said. No media sessions are planned afterward. As we reported earlier, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada Chrystia Freeland on Wednesday, May 8. Besides, the President noted the significance of the peacekeeping mission from the UN to the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas, including the uncontrolled part of the state border between Ukraine and Russia. Poroshenko thanked Canada for implementing the coordination with EU and USA of the so-called Azov package of sanctions on March. They stressed the issues of release of 24 sailors and all Ukrainian hostages, which are illegally kept by Russia. Rudy Giuliani canceled the trip due to the accusations of seeking foreign help for the re-election of Trump Donald Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani canceled the planned trip to Ukraine and the meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, New York Times reported. The reason for this decision is withering attacks accusing the attorney of seeking foreign assistance for President Trumps re-election campaign in 2020 after he announced the visit. Mr. Giuliani, President Trumps personal lawyer, explained that he felt like he was being set up, and he blamed Democrats for trying to spin the trip, the report said. According to the attorney, he had hoped to meet with the President-elect in Kyiv and urge him to pursue inquiries that could yield new information about two matters of intense interest to Mr. Trump. One is the origin of the special counsels investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 election. The other is the involvement of former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.s son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch, - the report added. As we reported earlier, Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani plans to travel to Ukraine to push the country's leadership on several probes that may prove "very, very helpful" to President Trump, as Republicans continue looking to turn the tables on Democrats and prove that they were the party that improperly conspired with foreign actors. Thank's for the fish. -- Douglas Adams Come back again sometime. Thank you for visiting. Runs through 05/18/2019. Named after the wounded Fisher King of Arthurian Legend, A Prairie Fisher King espouses the notion of home as both a site of idealization and a locus for wounding. Drawing from memory, a narrative is woven in the form of photographs and text of the rural Iowa countryside where my family has lived for generations. A Prairie Fisher King is an ongoing body of work reflecting on the nature of familial hardship and generational connection through the lens of place. An undertone of violence embodies the emotional distress accumulated with age as well as a looming threat posed upon the landscape. Initially conceived as a bittersweet love letter to home, A Prairie Fisher King considers the various myths we construct in order to survive in the face of inevitable change. Through the accumulation of intimately described detail a search for reconciliation becomes palpable. I assume the role of reluctant hero and return to seek the damaged king, to seal old wounds and to salve the land. __________________________________________ Chelsea Darter received her MFA at Columbia College Chicago in 2018 and her BFA from The University of Iowa in 2013. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and featured online by Light Leaked, Aint-Bad, and Fraction Magazine. Her personal work explores themes of place attachment, class, familial connection and local mythologies. She lives and works in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 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!) Pacific Press via Getty Images, FILE(NEW YORK) -- As the U.S. remains locked in a debate over asylum seekers from Central America, lawyers and advocacy groups say they are seeing an alarming uptick in deportations to the African nation of Eritrea -- a country that President Donald Trump's government acknowledges arbitrarily imprisons and tortures its own citizens. The plight of Eritrean refugees, while relatively small, strikes at the heart of the ongoing dispute in America over who is entitled to seek refuge within its borders, and what to do with people who are already here. Eritreans in the U.S. whose bids for asylum have been denied say they fear that deportations are akin to a death sentence, immigration attorneys told ABC News. Zeresenay Ermias Testfatsion, a 34-year-old Eritrean whose asylum claim was rejected, was found dead last year in a shower area at a detention holding area during a layover at Cairos international airport en route to East Africa. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said his death was an "apparent suicide." He explained to the U.S. government, if he gets deported, the Eritrean government will imprison him and torture him, all that kind of stuff, his close friend in the Washington area, Tesfom Debesai, told ABC News. If he went back to this country, something was going to happen to him. President Trump has primarily focused on migrants and asylum-seekers from Central America, which advocates say deflect attention from the plight of Africans and others seeking refuge in the United States. I think certainly on the ground, we see all the communities in our state and folks who we serve across the board impacted by administration policies, Tim Warden-Hertz, an attorney at the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project in Seattle, told ABC News. Eritrea's authoritarian government tortures, forcibly disappears, and indefinitely detains its citizens, who lack an array of civil rights and freedoms, according to the State Department's 2018 report on human rights in the country. Human rights groups say it also uses extortion and threats of violence to compel its nationals residing abroad to pay a 2% income tax before they can obtain basic services. Nearly half a million Eritreans have fled in recent years, with many of them escaping indefinite military service that the United Nations has said amounts to mass enslavement, and tight restrictions on leaving. Some have made their way to ports of entry on the United States southern border with Mexico and claimed asylum -- only to have American immigration courts deny them refuge. Eritrea, which borders Ethiopia, Djibouti and Sudan in the Horn of Africa, has for years refused to provide U.S. immigration authorities with the documents needed to repatriate Eritreans, and those who are denied asylum can end up in a state of limbo. To force Eritreas hand, in September 2017, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it would stop issuing a wide range of U.S. visas to Eritreans. Since then, the number of Eritreans deported has spiked by over 50%, an increase ICE has attributed to the heightened pressure. The U.S. deported about 62 Eritreans in the year since the sanctions announcement, and an ICE spokesperson told ABC News that at least a dozen more people have been deported since October. The America Team for Displaced Eritreans, an advocacy group, told ABC News that, over the years, it had tracked scores of cases of Eritreans fighting to stay in the United States. As of last month, there were 936 Eritreans in the U.S. who had been ordered deported but who were not detained, including 147 convicted criminals, according to an ICE official. As the United States pushes to accelerate deportations, several immigration attorneys who work with Eritreans told ABC News that individuals who go before U.S. immigration judges without a legal assistance might struggle to counter claims that the human rights situation in their home country has improved. There is no guarantee to a lawyer in U.S. immigration courts. That is the climate that we are living in, especially under the Trump administration, said one immigration attorney, who requested anonymity out of fear of reprisal from Eritrea. Im seeing just the craziest arguments being made -- decisions, rulings that place peoples lives in danger. The Eritrean embassy in Washington did not respond to multiple requests for comment, and the State Department referred questions about Eritreas cooperation with the U.S. to ICE. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, also referred questions to the agency. The brother of one Eritrean man facing deportation, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation by Eritrean and American authorities, told ABC News that he worries that if his brother is forced to return home, he will never see him again. His brother had been conscripted into the countrys notorious national service and was tortured repeatedly after refusing an order to shoot at someone who was trying to escape. He escaped across the border to Sudan and eventually made his way to a port of entry on the U.S.-Mexico border in 2016, but his asylum claim was later denied. He is now being held in ICE detention. In the past, he was going in and out of the prison. And got tortured, got beaten up, he said of his brother. But this time, he will not make it out [of Eritrea] alive. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. 00:00 | Kathmandu (Nepal), May. 11. Mingma Sherpa, the managing director of Seven Summit Treks the agency that organized Richard Hidalgo's expedition told EFE that the body of the 52-year-old climber would be handed over to the Peruvian consulate after an autopsy was performed at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. The honorary consul at the Peruvian consulate in Kathmandu, Sumit Kumar Agarwal, told EFE that the body would be cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat in Kathmandu following the traditional Hindu ritual. The hospital is expected to hand over his remains on Saturday morning, Agarwal said. "A representative from Peru will arrive in Nepal tomorrow (Saturday) with an official letter to cremate his body as per the Hindu ritual," he said. Agarwal, however, did not confirm the scheduled date for Hidalgo's last rites. Hidalgo was found dead in his tent at an altitude of 6,600 meters (21,654 feet) by high-altitude Sherpa guides who went to check after he did not wake up on Wednesday. Due to a lack of funds, the expedition's organizer was unable to airlift the body of the accomplished climber. The Peruvian consulate in Kathmandu and Hidalgo's friends, however, requested the organizer bring the body back from the high-altitude mountain. Mingma Sherpa said the cost to bring the body to Kathmandu stood at US$22,000. "His insurance will cover a part of the cost, while his friends in Peru have informed us that they would pay the rest," said the organizer. Hidalgo was climbing the 8,481-meter high Mount Makalu located to the southeast of Mount Everest with the shape of a four-sided pyramid as part of a mission to summit the 14 highest mountains in the world without supplementary oxygen by 2021 to mark the bicentennial of Peru's independence, according to the expedition's organizer. Two weeks ago, a Malaysian climber was rescued from Mount Annapurna after spending two nights in the open, close to the summit. He later died at a hospital in Singapore. According to the Department of Tourism, 842 climbers have been cleared to climb different mountains, including Mt Everest, in Nepal this spring. There are 378 climbers hoping to summit the world's highest peak this season, which is expected to begin next week. YEREVAN, MAY 11, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Public Radio of Armenia on the occasion of World Radio Day. As a symbolic step, Nikol Pashinyan first took part in the repair of the door damaged during the events of April 14, 2018. Nikol Pashinyan congratulated the Public Radio staff on World Radio Day, stating: Let me congratulate all the Public Radio staff, the radio listeners and the employees of all radio stations of Armenia on World Radio Day, because currently there are many radio stations in our country. I wish them every success and express the hope that the Public Radio will live up to the task set in this new information situation or, more precisely, it will gain new positions. I want to say that in the years when I was an MP, I was an active listener of Public Radio, and I really liked the programs, especially from the Golden Fund of radio. And I hope that the best traditions will continue in our social and political life the Public Radio will actually become the media, which corresponds to the new reality, I mean democracy, freedom of speech and press. And I regret to note that in Soviet times, the Armenian radio was known for its incredible humor. I do not know why this tradition has somehow slowed down or even stopped. I hope that this image of Public Radio will be restored, and the sense of humor inherent in the Armenian Public Radio will get a new reputation on international platforms, thereby enhancing Armenias international reputation and rating. Reiterating my congratulations, I would like to say that I am glad to visit the Public Radio of Armenia following last years April 14. We are in the same studio I broke into at that time. Then, of course, I asked for forgiveness several times, but now, I again want to ask for forgiveness from all the radio employees. I hope that we all realize that this was a civil act that, in the short term, justified itself and will justify itself in the long run. Prime Minister Pashinyan answered the Public Radio commentators questions, which related to tomorrows press conference, citizens problems, the economic revolution, and the Prime Ministers leave. The Prime Minister first noted that he intends to start a press conference tomorrow with the presentation of 100 facts about New Armenia, the purpose of which is to show what changes have taken place in the country. In response to the question about whether he intends to take leave after one years continuous work, the Prime Minister said he may take a two-day leave in early June and spend it in the Republic of Armenia. Touching upon issues of concern to the citizens of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan noted: As before, the most important global issues are related to economic opportunities, growth of well-being and incomes. As I said earlier, we have already taken specific steps in this direction and will continue to take them in the near future. We are preparing to raise the salaries of servicemen and teachers, and this year we plan more than 100 million US dollars in capital investment, which according to our estimates will boost the economy. Our economic activity index is in a fairly stable, satisfactory condition, and now the most important task is to stimulate the economy through large-scale investment, so that people could feel the growth of their income and wealth. At tomorrows press conference, I will present a lot of information on this topic, because during this year the incomes of many people have grown, including wages and pensions. I will talk in detail about this tomorrow. However, this is the beginning of the road, and I think that the most important fact is that we are in a very good starting position and can really manage a serious economic breakthrough. Touching upon the economic revolution, the Prime Minister said that the first most active stage of the economic revolution was successful, but he will say more about this tomorrow. Then Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan toured the radio headquarters, congratulated the Public Radios management, the employees, and the staff of Radio News on World Radio Day, wishing them new achievements and every success. The Head of Government was briefed on the Public Radios approaches to tapping the existing potential. The process of digitizing Armenias largest audio archive, the archive of Public Radio, was also touched upon. As a result of large-scale work, starting from this February, more than 100,000 records are available at armradioarchive.am website, including classical songs, performances, programs, concerts, as well as unique and unknown recordings. The archive is also available through the Armenian Public Radio mobile app. Archiving work continues, and the audio library will be replenished with new records and titles during the year. YEREVAN, MAY 11, ARMENPRESS. More than 100 businessmen, mostly from abroad, are taking part at the My Step For Gegharkunik Province business forum in the Gegharkunik province, Armenia. Governor of the province Gnel Sanosyan delivered welcoming remarks to the 110 entrepreneurs, 72 of whom have arrived from UAE, China, France, Italy, Kuwait, Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan. Sanosyan noted that todays forum is the first of its kind in the history of the province. He emphasized that the province has strong regional potential in terms of mineral water production. The Governor pointed out agriculture, alternative energy development and tourism as potential branches for development. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and other government officials are in attendance. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 11, ARMENPRESS. Its been 25 years since the trilateral ceasefire agreement brought an end to the active war operations between Nagorno Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) and Azerbaijan, however numerous lives are still claimed by the latters ceasefire violations across not only the Karabakh-Azerbaijan border, but also the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. This agreement factually stipulated that Artsakh does exist as a state, as a party to the conflict, as a party to negotiations, because this agreement was signed also by representatives of the Republic of Artsakh and eventually it is thanks to this agreement that today we have a relatively stable and peaceful region, Artsakhs Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Communications of President Sahakyans Administration David Babayan told ARMENPRESS. He emphasized the humanitarian perspective, noting that the ceasefire deal brought end to war operations and saved lives. Babayan says the region also greatly benefited from the agreement, as well as the international community in general. According to him, if Azerbaijan is conveying an offensive nature to the war, than Azerbaijan itself is becoming offensive. Weve never been an aggressor, but if needed we will shift the warfare into the enemys territory and will impose peace. Its another thing that we do not adopt such strategy, because we are not aggressors or terrorists, but if needed we must fight against aggressors and terrorists with force, Babayan said, emphasizing that Azerbaijan is conducting an offensive, subversive, Nazi strategy, while the Armenian side is doing the complete opposite. He noted that the imperatives are also different for the two sides. We do not seek to destroy Azerbaijans statehood, but they seek to destroy the Artsakh and Armenian statehood, overall they want to commit genocide. We must always be strong, united and carry out correct geopolitics this is the key to peace and stability. We must view the current configuration in our region this way, he said. The trilateral ceasefire agreement, signed between Azerbaijan, Armenia and Artsakh, come into force May 12, 1994. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, MAY 11, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Education and Science Arayik Harutyunyan has vowed new reforms in the education sector. Harutyunyan said he will soon convene a news conference to present the accomplished tasks and future plans of the ministry. On year ago on this day I was appointed Minister of Education and Science. Serving the Republic of Armenia is a greatest honor. Numerous changes have been made during this one year, and new changes are up ahead, he said on Facebook. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan The avuncular Taylor proved true to this appraisal and willingly took on the project. After much iteration the philosophy eventually surfaced as a slender document entitled The Role of a National Broadcaster in Contemporary Australia which immediately sank without an oil slick. Graham Taylor, the ABCs boss in South Australia, came highly recommended. He can get on with anyone, I was told. I quickly learned to dread this enforced collaboration with the loquacious and pedantic Boyer and began to search for a willing substitute. NOOSA - In late January 1985 no sooner had I rested my feet under my faux oak desk in my faux oak panelled office as the ABCs controller of corporate relations than managing director Geoffrey Whitehead instructed me to take a plane to Canberra to meet deputy chairman, Dick Boyer who, I was told, was hell bent on writing a philosophy for the national broadcaster. But Taylor and I had discovered a common history. As young men in colonial times we had both been broadcasting managers in Papua New Guinea, me having gravitated from teaching and Taylor from the more exotic role of Kiap - a patrol officer. And it is of those distant times that A Kiaps Story is all about. Depending on who youre arguing with, the word Kiap is either a derivation of the German word Kapitan (Captain) or a simple steal of the indigenous Tolai word for Chief. Whatever the etymology, in Papua New Guinea it spoke of a government official a district officer or patrol officer almost always a young Australian and always male - who had been given the most extraordinary powers to spearhead Australias pacification, administration and development of the three million people in the joint colonies of Papua and New Guinea. When recruited in 1948, Taylor was just 19, which put him among the youngest of his cohort at the Australian School of Pacific Administration in Sydney. There he trained in addressing the many practical difficulties he would face in Papua New Guinea as well as matters of cultural variance he would need to adjust to. It was telling that both sides of this deal the physical task and the intellectual challenge - appealed to the young man. A Kiaps Story reflects this duality, and shows that Taylor learned his lessons well. The memoir is a lucid and well told history of Australias great experiment in colonialism blended with a rollicking and rousing tale of derring-do as Taylor and his colleagues carved their own, and Australias, way to fulfil the formidable command to build a nation. They didnt always get it right of course and many died in the process of getting it wrong. There were patrol officers Szarka and Harris and their two police who, at opposite ends of the Elptamin Valley of the untamed Sepik region, were butchered by warriors who thought the white men had come to visit pestilence upon their food crops. And later, in New Britain, district commissioner Jack Emanuel was bayoneted to death by a Tolai war party which, despite the danger of which he was aware, he had decided to negotiate with without his police escort. Taylor himself experienced a near catastrophe on a December 1951 expedition into an uncontrolled area of the Ramu Valley when, on Christmas Eve, his patrol was ambushed by hostile tribesmen, leaving Taylor and some of his police wounded by arrows, clubs and stone axes. With a sense of utter disbelief I saw an arrow, maybe a metre long, sticking out of my right shoulder. It had pierced my khaki work shirt and impaled in soft tissue. Held firmly by its tiny barbs, the arrow was now drooping down at an angle of maybe 45 degrees. Blood was starting to ooze through the torn sweaty fabric of my shirt. Taylor ordered shots to be fired and shocked by a deafening volley from the Lee Enfield .303s - the warriors fled into surrounding bush, bar one who again tried his luck only to have his leg pinned to a fallen tree by a police bayonet. Upon Taylors instruction he was let go. At 22, the young patrol officer had undergone a baptism of fire and won a scar he would carry for life. But, in all, it was a fortunate encounter for Taylor for nobody had been killed. This spared him from what would have been an unfriendly inquest by his superiors, whose standing instructions included the imperative to never shoot first and dont shoot at all unless your own life is threatened, an injunction interpreted by hardened Kiaps as dont shoot until youre dead. Taylors patrol was the first post-war foray into this uncontrolled and dangerous area, and he was highly commended for its conduct. After further service on the Indonesian border, in the Kokoda area and training as a magistrate, Taylor was appointed to headquarters at Konedobu in Port Moresby as supervisor of patrol officer training. Then, in 1958, after 10 years as a Kiap, Taylor had a major shift in vocation, joining the ABC in Port Moresby to head up its multi-lingual broadcasting service. Thereafter his career progressed steadily before he retired as the ABCs general manager for South Australia in 1987. However, his colonial experience remained the defining part of his life, as it did for many of those young Australians who served in Papua New Guinea during its formative years as a nation. Taylor has written a splendid book in graceful prose. His narrative skilfully and evocatively blends history, adventure and humour with the story of Papua New Guineas coming of age. And as you might expect, it also provides significant insights into the demanding challenges of the Kiap ol narapela kain man ia as they were referred to in Pidgin. A different breed! Marape said his consistent advice to ONeill to change the law so Papua New Guinea could gain greater value from its resources had fallen on deaf years, and that led to his resignation from the governing coalition. This is a revolution of mindset, we will not be subservient to individual and corporate capitalist greed anymore, he said. May I say we dont subscribe to threats and intimidation, he wrote in a statement on Facebook. And he has accused his former close friend Peter ONeill of working to freeze Hela and Southern Highlands accounts and vindictively look into possibilities of suspending these provincial governments. NOOSA James Marape, Papua New Guineas former finance minister and appointed leader of its 'Alternative Government', has alleged police have been instructed to investigate convoluted charges against him and other highlands leaders who recently defected from the ONeill government. James Marape - "We we will not be subservient to individual and corporate capitalist greed" He said he is comforted to know that many leaders share his view to rise up and take back PNGs natural resources and add value to them. The wind of change is surely blowing. The war of alleviating poverty from our midst will be going on for a long time but I believe it will be won and soldiers are needed in this long war. Marape said PNG is rich in assets yet poor by all the measures of development and he holds ONeill responsible for this as his mindset submits to corporate and individual business interests. On the 'Alternative Government' he now leads - a new coalition of 50 MPs, just short of the 56 needed to form a government he said it offered a truly authentic Melanesian leadership style where decisions at all levels are consensus- and system-based instead of individual inclinations. Marape said good members of parliament remain with the O'Neill government, many more than the six he needs, and he asked the public and MPs not to bash them. These MPs are going through moments of mental discernment and I am one hundred percent sure many of them will make it right at their own timing because circumstances vary amongst MPs, so let us respect their rights, he said. The new generations of leaders want to truly make the wealth of this blessed country and we rally to the catch cry of Honourable Garry Juffa, a great peer and compatriot of mine, who has been preaching take back PNG since 2012. Our country has oil, gas, gold, copper, nickel, timber, fish, coffee, copra, oil palm, vanilla, and edible organic agricultural produce [and] we have cultural, geographical and bio diversity for both recreational and niche tourism, yet we have been poor since 1975. This is a revolution of mindset, we will not be subservient to individual and corporate capitalist greed anymore, Marape said. What $950k can buy you in Australian capitals. Source: Domain With property prices on the slide, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne, you could get a little more bang for your buck these days. While it may not be the mansion of your dreams, heres where $950k couldve bought you in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth in the last three months. Sydney Central Double Bay residential opportunity 5/11 Patterson Street, Double Bay 2 bedroom/1 bathroom Sold: $940k Stylish, spacious and immersed in natural light, this two bedroom, well presented apartment offers a lifestyle of peace and comfort, Domain.com reported. 5/11Patterson Street, Double Bay. Source: Domain 5/11Patterson Street, Double Bay. Source: Domain Its set in the heart of Double Bays cosmopolitan village, and a short stroll to village shopping, parks and eateries. 5/11Patterson Street, Double Bay. Source: Domain Melbourne Privacy, tranquility and a super low maintenance lifestyle 7 Kenny Street, Richmond 2 bedroom/1 bathroom/1 parking Sold: $905k Over in Melbourne, just under a million couldve gotten you a sweet two bedroom freestanding home around 5kms out from the city. Cute as a button, this brick-fronted, freestanding home is the perfect option for those seeking a low-maintenance lifestyle surrounded by some of the best inner-city lifestyle conveniences the Domain.com listing said. 7 Kenny Street, Richmond. Source: Domain 7 Kenny Street, Richmond. Source: Domain This home is a short walk from Richmond Plaza shopping centre for all your grocery needs, and is fully equipped with Bosch appliances to make cooking and entertaining a breeze. 7 Kenny Street, Richmond. Source: Domain Adelaide Architecturally designed family home 14B Albans Drive, Burnside 4 bedroom/2 bathrooms/2 parkings Sold: $911k While a one or two bedder is all youll get your hands on in Sydney and Melbourne, Adelaides a whole different ball game. For under a million, you can expect three to five bedroom houses under 10kms from the CBD, and plenty of space for little ones to run around. 14B St Albans Drive, Burnside. Source: Domain The property presents an abundance of living space perfect for the large families who enjoy entertaining friends and family, Domain.com said. 14B St Albans Drive, Burnside. Source: Domain Sitting at the foot of the Adelaide Hills, this four-bedroom home is located just seven kilometres from the Adelaide CBD, and is a short drive from Burnside Village and the Norwood Parade. Story continues 14B St Albans Drive, Burnside. Source: Domain Brisbane Spacious family retreat 14 Holborn Crescent, Carindale 4 bedroom/2 bathroom/3 parkings Sold: $899k For a little less than the rest, you can get a four bedroom, two bathroom sprawling home in inner-Brissy too. 14 Holborn Crescent, Carindale. Source: Domain 14 Holborn Crescent, Carindale. Source: Domain With plenty of room to relax, unwind, dine or host guests, these comfortable living areas all open directly out the covered patio, Domain.com said. 14 Holborn Crescent, Carindale. Source: Domain Perth Tropical paradise in Jardine 45 Jardine Street, Stirling 5 bedroom/2 bathroom/5 parkings Sold: $930k It looks like youll get some of the best value for your money in Perth, where $930k gets you a five bedroom, two bathroom, home complete with a massive alfresco and outdoor entertaining area. 45 Jardine Street, Stirling. Source: Domain 45 Jardine Street, Stirling. Source: Domain The backyard is lined with palms, tropical plants and a combination of limestone and timber decking surrounds the salt water pool. To top it off, its got a water feature to take your pool parties to the next level. Photo: Getty The Sultan of Brunei has said that plans to bring in the death penalty for gay sex will not be enforced, after the new legislation was strongly condemned worldwide. But George Clooney, who was among the most vocal opposers of the legislation, has said that he will keep up pressure on the country, which introduced new laws punishing sodomy, adultery and rape with penalties such as death by stoning. The United Nations condemned the move, as well as high profile gay celebrities like Elton John and Ellen DeGeneres. Calls were made for people boycott hotels owned by the Sultan, including the Dorchester in London, Le Meurice in Paris and the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. In a statement, Clooney called the move a huge step forward after a giant leap backwards. It promises that the citizens of Brunei wont be executed for being gay, he said. It also sends a very crucial message to countries like Indonesia and Malaysia that there is a cost for enacting these laws. And the cost isnt folks boycotting their hotels. The cost is that corporations and big banks wont do business with you. The financial institutions stepping up had a huge impact. Having said that, the law to stone their citizens is still in place. Meaning that as soon as the pressure dies down they could simply start the process of carrying out executions. So in reference to the boycott everyone should do what they feel is correct. For my family and me we simply cant walk away until this draconian law is no longer on the books. Responding to the international outcry, which saw bodies like the Police Federation of England and Wales and the UK Health and Safety Executive breaking links with the country, the Sultan penned a letter to the European Parliament, saying that a moratorium on the death penalty would be extended. I am aware that there are many questions and misperceptions with regard to the implementation of the [sharia penal code order]. However, we believe that once these have been cleared, the merit of the law will be evident, he said. Story continues Got a story tip? Send it to lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or sign up to our daily newsletterhere. An ancient drug pouch shows people were taking cocaine and hallucinogens 1000 years ago. Researchers found the drug pouch in the Sora River valley in south western Bolivia, containing snuffing tablets used to crush plants into sniffable form. There were also three fox snouts and a mix of chemicals suggesting the powerful hallucinogen ayahuasca was used at least 1000 years ago. The researchers tested the pouch and found traces of cocaine, plus hallucinogens including dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and possibly traces of magic mushrooms. Researchers found psychoactive compounds in an animal-skin pouch made out of three fox snouts. Source: Jose Capriles/Penn State The find suggests ancient people in Bolivia may have combined different drugs. We already knew that psychotropics were important in the spiritual and religious activities of the societies of the south-central Andes, but we did not know that these people were using so many different compounds and possibly combining them together, researcher Dr Jose Capriles said. Dr Capriles said the fox-snout pouch was likely to have belonged to a shaman a type of witch doctor. It is possible that the shaman who owned this pouch consumed multiple different plants simultaneously to produce different effects or extend his or her hallucinations, he said. The bundle was found in the Cueva del Chileno rock shelter located in southwestern Bolivia. Source: Jose Capriles/Penn State Dr Capriles said finding harmine and DMT the primary ingredients of ayahuasca, a drink reported to induce hallucinations and altered consciousness in the pouch suggested the use of the brew as one of the drugs in the shamans kit. Some scholars believe that ayahuasca has relatively recent origins, while others argue that it may have been used for centuries, or even millennia, he said. Given the presence of harmine and DMT together in the pouch we found, it is likely that this shaman ingested these simultaneously to achieve a hallucinogenic state, either through a beverage, such as ayahuasca, or through a composite snuff that contained these plants in a single mixture. This finding suggests that ayahuasca may have been used up to 1,000 years ago. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoos daily newsletter. Sign up here. The devastated father who lost four children in a family massacre says he will not leave the town where their tragic deaths happened. The childrens grandmother and their mother, Aaron Cockmans former partner, also died in the tragedy in Osmington near Western Australias Margaret River. Mr Cockman currently lives in a Margaret River caravan park and says he cannot bring himself to leave. Aaron Cockman lost his four children Taye, Rylan, Arye and Kaydn and his former partner, Katrina Miles. Source: AAP The memories are everywhere but I don't want to leave this place because the memories are always there, I want to keep the memories really clear," he told 9News. It has been 12 months since Mr Cockman found out that his children were allegedly shot dead by their grandfather, Peter Miles, on the family farm in Osmington. I almost dont understand what coping means he told 9News. I still can't see video footage of the kids yet, I still can't look at photos. Mr Cockman is the father of four children allegedly killed by their grandfather, Peter Miles, near Margaret River. Source: AAP Mr Cockmans children 13-year-old daughter Taye, 12-year-old Rylan, 10-year-old Arye, and eight-year-old Kadyn were among the seven bodies found on the farm on May 11 last year. The fathers former partner Karina Miles, 35, and Mr Miles wife Cynda, 58, were also allegedly murdered by Mr Miles. Mr Miles, 61, took his own life after he allegedly killed his family. A coroners investigation will help determine what led to the deaths. Mr Miles' wife Cynda was allegedly killed by her husband. Source: 7News Mr Cockman, 41, says his family was ripped apart during a bitter dispute just months before the tragedy. He has founded aaron4kids a collaboration with the group 'For Kids Sake', which calls for a new approach to transform how Australia deals with family breakdown. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoos daily newsletter. Sign up here. A persistent 92-year-old man on a mobility scooter refused to get off Melbournes Monash Freeway as traffic passed him at 100km/h. Remarkable footage uploaded to Dash Cam Owners Australia Facebook page shows the elderly man, who had been reported missing earlier on Friday, slowly making his way onto the freeway from the merging lane of the Glen Waverley on-ramp about 3pm. The driver of the vehicle behind him, who filmed the bizarre incident on his dashcam, approaches the man in his Audi and urges him to get off the road. The pensioner on the on-ramp. Source: Facebook/ Dash Cam Owners Australia Move over. Youre on the freeway... youre not supposed to be on the freeway, the driver named Bruce can be heard saying. Yet the defiant man refuses and continues to drive along the freeway moving in between the left lane and the service lane. Fearing for the mans safety, Bruce stays behind him and calls emergency services. The 92-year-old dangerously close to a passing truck. Source: Facebook/ Dash Cam Owners Australia I just told him to try and pull over and he told me to f*** off, Bruce told a triple-0 operator. While the operator told Bruce he did not want him to risk his own safety by staying behind, the driver replied: If I go off around him, hes going to get collected. Hes just driving along quite happily." After driving about one kilometre down the freeway, a police car pulls up alongside the man in the service lane and manages to bring his adventure to an end. Victoria Police told Yahoo News Australia in a statement the 92-year-old had been been reported missing by his family. Police eventually arrived to bring the man's journey to an end. Source: Facebook/ Dash Cam Owners Australia A passing motorist spotted the 92-year-old man merging into traffic in the 100km/h zone and travelled behind him with hazard lights while calling triple-0, Victoria Police said. Police quickly arrived and spoke to the Glen Waverley man and determined he had been reported missing a short time earlier by family members. He was taken to Glen Waverley Police Station where he was reunited with his family. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoos daily newsletter. Sign up here. North Korean missile launches over the past week have not affected Donald Trump's relationship with Kim Jong Un, the US president said Friday, in a change of course after initially expressing his dissatisfaction. Pyongyang fired two short-range missiles Thursday following an earlier drill the previous Saturday -- the first in 18 months. The North had not launched any missiles since November 2017, shortly before once reclusive Kim embarked on diplomatic overtures. "I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no," Trump said in an interview with Politico. "These were short-range missiles and very standard stuff. Very standard." Twenty-four hours earlier, however, Trump showed his irritation and impatience on an issue where he hopes to succeed while all his predecessors -- Republicans and Democrats -- have failed. "Nobody's happy about it," he told reporters, in reaction to the launches. "We'll see what happens," Trump added. "I know they want to negotiate, they're talking about negotiating. But I don't think they are ready to negotiate." Will the US president at some point lose faith in Kim? He has met twice with the North Korean leader and claimed that the two have a special friendship and even "love." "I mean it's possible that at some point I will, but right now not at all," he told Politico. - 'Undiminished threat' - The first face-to-face historic meeting between the two men in June 2018 in Singapore produced only a vague statement about denuclearization, allowing both sides to make very different interpretations of it. February's second summit, in Hanoi, broke up without a deal after they failed to agree on what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Kim has accused Washington of acting in "bad faith" and given it until the end of the year to change its approach. North Korea's Rodong Sinmun newspaper, the mouthpiece of the ruling party, devoted its entire front page and half of page two to the launch on Friday, with 16 pictures, the main one of Kim watching the launch from a camouflaged shelter. Despite recent threats by the North to seek a new path, the nature and presentation of the two recent launches demonstrate that Pyongyang does not intend to walk away from talks any time soon, analysts say. On Friday at the United Nations, 70 countries urged North Korea to scrap its nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and related programs, decrying the "undiminished threat" posed to world peace. Signatories included the United States and South Korea, as well as nations in Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe. Russia and China, supporters of Pyongyang, did not sign the document drafted by France. According to a diplomatic source, about 15 countries asked to sign on to the request for North Korean disarmament after the new missile firings. President Donald Trump has met twice with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and claims that the two have a special friendship Map showing Kusong in North Korea's North Pyongan Province where two missiles were fired on Thursday, according to S. Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The identity of a young woman who was burned alive after climbing into an electricity transformer to take a selfie remains a mystery. Witnesses said she was electrocuted after clambering onto the power facility in Kuznetsy village, 50 miles east of Moscow. They reported the woman - aged between 18 and 24 - was trying to take a selfie. Horrific pictures show flames and smoke rising from the scene, her burned body stuck in the transformer, a mini substation. Russian police are looking to identify a woman who was burned alive after she was electrocuted while trying to get a selfie. Source: east2west news/Australscope The womans phone was found at the site alongside her badly burned body. Most likely she decided that she wouldn't touch anything and nothing bad would happen, a witness named as Olga I said. But it is enough only to climb own the transformer structure to get a severe electric shock. The witnesses were unable to stop her, reports say. A female body was found on a transformer unit, a Russian police spokesman said. She was described to be about 167cm tall. Source: east2west news/Australscope Investigators are conducting a check into the incident. Police have issued an appeal for the identity of the woman because her description does not match anyone reported missing in the area. She was about 167cm. One theory is she was visiting the area from Moscow. Russia has been listed as second to India for selfie-related deaths. Australscope Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoos daily newsletter. Sign up here. FLEMING Chol Majok, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, said he wrote down everything he was planning to say in preparation of being the keynote speaker for the 2019 Freedom Fund Banquet. Majok, who spoke about his experience as one of approximately 20,000 boys orphaned and displaced as refugees from the Second Sudanese Civil War, told the banquet crowd he committed all of his thoughts to written words in order to be as explicit as possible. He warned people at the Springside Inn in Fleming that what he was going to say may be upsetting, but he wanted to include as much detail as he could because "until we share stories, no one will know the other side of themselves. We are all here as mirrors to one another." He talked about the violence he had seen at the age of 7, saying he remembers "bullets whistling by, hiding in bushes, going days without food and many times without water." He said the Sudanese government failed to serve all of its people, referencing the banquet's theme, "Lift Every Voice," in the process. "Government is service to the people, government is supposed to lift every voice," Majok said. The event serves as the annual banquet for the Auburn/Cayuga Branch of the NAACP. Students of color were presented over $30,000 in college assistance awards and community members and organizations received awards as well. Rhoda Overstreet-Wilson, the NAACP's first vice president, said the banquet was "where I first heard that I could be anything I wanted to be and I believed it." She said NAACP members should be proud of being in the organization. "You are a partner in the fight to eradicate racism and discrimination in this community," she said. Lauren Dupre, one of the stipend award winners, said that she was honored to be acknowledged. She has been an NAACP member since eighth grade and said that she has learned from the organization "to celebrate who you are." Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. In March, AVN.com reported on a proposed new law in Washington state that would strengthen on-the-job protections for strippers, after the federal FOSTA/SESTA sex trafficking law made working conditions for dancers in adult nightclubs more perilous. Seattle activist and sex worker Savannah Sly testified to a state legislative committee that clients who previously would have gone online looking to connect with sex workers have since shown up in clubs with mismatched expectations, after FOSTA/SESTA clamped down on internet sex advertising. As a result, Washington state has seen an uptick in violence against sex workers. On Wednesday, the proposed legislation became law in Washington, when Governor Jay Inslee, who is also a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, signed the bill, according to a report by The Spokane Spokesman-Review. "We want all workers in the state to be safe," Inslee said at the bills signing ceremony on Wednesday. The bill also received a boost when AVN Hall of Famer Stormy Daniels joined the lobbying effort in support of the legislation. Daniels alerted legislators to the need for panic buttons in private rooms at strip clubs, allowing dancers to summon help if a customer behaves violently or in an otherwise inappropriate fashion. The bill, Senate Bill 5724, also hits strip club customers with a three-year ban if they are found to have the the subject of legitimate complaints of violence or harassment, and creates a blacklist of customers who behave in dangerous or threatening ways. The bill also includes provisions for safety and workplace rights training for strippers. "I think were treading new territory and were going to tread carefully in a way that empowers the women," said Washington state Representative Tina Orwall, an original sponsor of the stripper-rights bill. "Its something thats needed." Photo By Gogirl18/Wikimedia Commons When the Red for Ed movement began in 2018, educators listed five demands they wanted to be met: a 20% raise for all teaching and certified staff; competitive wages for all classified staff; returning school funding to 2008 levels; no new tax cuts until Arizona per-pupil spending reached the national average; and yearly raises until Arizona teacher salaries met the national average. A little over a year later, Coconino High School English teacher Derek Born said two demands have been partially met, but overall not enough has changed. Born said the 20% salary raise and returning school funding to 2008 levels are the two demands that have been partially addressed. [Governor Doug] Ducey then, under pressure from our activism last year, released what he calls his 20 by 2020 plan. So the idea is to give a 20% raise to teachers by 2020, a three-year plan, Born said. Restoring the funding to 2008 levels, thats underway. The 10% [Ducey] gave last year restored a chunk of funding -- it was $240 million statewide -- but its going to take a couple more years before we would get there at the rate we are going. Born raised concerns about actions to increase teacher salaries. He said the first issue is that it is a three-year plan and another issue is that not all educators qualify for the raise. It only counts classroom teachers as educators, Born said. Counselors, nurses, librarians, licensed professionals, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, psychologists -- they work with students every day and none of them are considered educators by the way [Ducey] defined his plan, so its kind of a gimmick. Kelley Fisher, a kindergarten teacher at Las Brisas Elementary School in Deer Valley, was one of about 100 people at a May 3 Red for Ed rally at Flagstaff City Hall. She hoped educators and community members could reengage with the movement, she said. Although we made some strides last year with our walkout, it wasnt enough, Fisher said. We still have buildings that are falling apart, we still have curriculum thats being held together with duct tape and we still have overcrowded classrooms. Many of them are being taught by non-certified teachers because we are missing 1,700 certified educators. Fisher said since the Red for Ed movement started, she hasnt seen a lot of changes at Las Brisas. She said as an educator it is her job to impact the lives of students in positive ways; however, a lack of funding forces many educators to front the cost of providing for students themselves. This year I spent almost $2,000 out of my own pocket just on school supplies because our districts are having to cut the funding that goes directly to our schools that our schools would normally use to buy supplies, Fisher said. Thats what we do, thats part of why were educators, because we have that innate sense to take care of our students. Fisher said she used to buy backpacks and school supplies for her students that came to school with almost nothing when she was a teacher with the Glendale Elementary District. She also kept clean clothes, a washcloth and a comb in her classroom for students who needed them. Fisher said she knows teachers who buy food for students to have on the weekends because they are not able to get a free and reduced lunch at school. Basis Flagstaff teacher Neal Barnett said the next goal for Red for Ed is to reach out to the parents of students. Barnett said he spoke to local business owners to inform them of what the Red for Ed movement stands for. He said the Flagstaff community is in support of the movement, but there has been some backlash from non-supporters. The negative part over the past year has been the backlash against Red for Ed from different groups that, to be honest, I think are threatened by how much power Red for Ed seemed to garner in such a short amount of time, Barnett said. Its a negative, but in a way it was inevitable and in a way it almost justifies how much we were able to accomplish. Love 7 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 7 Christian Science Society of Flagstaff: 619 W. Birch Ave. We hold Sunday worship services and Sunday School (for children and young people up to the age of 20) at 10 a.m. The subject of this week's sermon is "Adam and Fallen Man." We also have Wednesday testimony meetings at 5:30 p.m. each week. Our Christian Science Reading Room, a quiet place for prayer and study, is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays or by appointment (Call 556-0510 for full Church information or to make an appointment.) The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany: 423 N Beaver St. Mission: Bringing the love of God to all people. Vision: Reconciling all to God, so the world will know peace and justice. Priest Marianna Gronek celebrates, and preaches at all services; Sunday: 9:15. Ryan Cagle / Why a Loving God Can't Stop Evil; 11:45 a.m. Mother's Day Tea. Open Doors Gallery Art In Action: Border Crossroads. epiphanyaz.org. SoulCollage at Beacon UU: Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 510 N Leroux. Using the SoulCollage process, everyone becomes an instant artist. You can create your own deck of personal wisdom cards to help you explore the wholeness of your Being. All classes will run from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on the second Saturday monthly. Bring your own bag lunch. To register or pose questions contact Char Tarashanti at (507) 990-3888 or by email at biobalance240@charter.net. http://beaconuu.com. Unity of Flagstaff: 10:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Sunday. Mother's Day is an opportunity to recognize all the people in our lives that have demonstrated this kind of love. It is a day that reminds us what a difference it makes in our lives to receive and to give this kind of care. It is not limited to gender, or family position. Come and Celebrate with Unity of Flagstaff, the Mother Energy that you have been blessed with. Enjoy the music of our Music Team: Shawn Dennehy, Wiley Beveridge and Trina Goetz. http://unityofflagstaff.org. Riverside Church: 419 S. Verde Street, Flagstaff. Sunday School 9:30 AM, Sunday Morning Service 11:15 a.m.. riversidecogic.com. First Congregational Church of Flagstaff: 10:30-11:45 a.m. Sunday. 740 N Turquoise Dr. Reverend Nathan Watts will preach on "Get Up, Stand Up" based on John 10: 22-30 and Acts 9:36-43. Please join us for fellowship and a shared Mother's Day Brunch after worship. http://fccflagstaff.org. Living Christ Lutheran Church: 6401 N. US Highway 89. We hold Sunday worship services starting at 10 a.m. with fellowship following. We worship through music, teaching, prayer and sacraments. Pastor Kurt Fangmeier will be leading worship on Sunday, May 12 with scripture readings from Acts 9: 36-43 and Gospel reading from John 10: 22-30. Come join us. http://livingchristflagstaff.org. Spiritual Center for Intentional Living: 10-11:10 a.m. Sunday. Ponderosa HS, 2384 N Steves Blvd. We welcome back Guest speaker, Alex Reegan, at our Sunday Service this week. Also Dorris Muramatsu who will play special music.We are a New Thought Spiritual Center teaching Science of Mind Principles brought forth by Ernest Holmes over 90 years ago. We welcome people of all faith traditions to our services."Happiness doesn't come and go; what comes and goes is your attunement to happiness." Church of the Resurrection: 740 W University Heights Dr South, Flagstaff. The COR church family wishes Pastor Bob Norton a blessed retirement. New Sunday Worship Service Time: 10 a.m. Guest PCA Pastor David Bennett will teach on Mark 1:16-20, "Jesus - Madman, Liar, Lunatic or God? Who are you following? Who are you trying to catch?" Sunday School for Children & Youth: 10 a.m. Please join us for fellowship after worship. cor-pca.org. Holy Cross Orthodox Church: 6134 Black Bill Rd, Flagstaff. Please join us Sunday for our 8:55 a.m. 'Orthos' with Father Earl. Please join us Sunday for 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy with Father Earl. http://holycrossflagstaff.org. Flagstaff Federated Community Church: 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 400 W Aspen Avenue. This Sunday we recognize, honor, and celebrate all those who have had a mothering presence in our lives. We recognize God as our mother, just as God is our father, and meditate upon the image of God within us as a mothering presence using scripture from Acts 9:36-43. Children's Church and our adult classes will happen on their regular schedule. flagstafffederatedchurch.org. Calvary Bible Church: Sunday teaching by Pastor Aaron Hulbert: Living in a Gray World from James 4:7-10. Sunday 9:30 a.m.: Overview of the Old Testament. Mid-Day Worship Service 10:45 a.m. No evening service May 12. Child care and Children's Church. Teen AWANA on break for summer. 2nd Saturday of every month: Men's breakfast and Bible Study 7 a.m. http://calvarybibleflagstaff.com. Trinity Heights United Methodist Church: 9-10:30 a.m. Sunday. 3600 N. 4th St, Flagstaff. We would love for you to join us as we delve into the Questions God Asks Us. office@thumc.com, 928-526-1397. thumc.com. Peace Lutheran Church: 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Sunday. 3430 North 4th street, Flagstaff. Pastor Brian Pape will be leading the service using John 10:22-30; Acts 20:17-35; and revelation 7:9-17. We have a traditional service at 8:30 am, with fellowship and bible study afterwards. We have a contemporary service at 11 am celebrating Holy Communion. Please come join us. http://peacelutheranflagstaff.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon): Sunday services held at four Flagstaff locations: 4165 S. Lake Mary Road, 625 E. Cherry Ave., 2401 E. Linda Vista Dr. and, for young single adults, 239 E. Saunders Dr. Meetings are also held in Williams at 1111 Stockmens Road and at the Shrine of the Ages on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Check azdailysun.com or "Locations and Schedules" at LDS.org for meeting times by ward/branch. Sunday services consist of Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School and special instruction for various age and interest groups (Priesthood Meeting for men, Relief Society for women, Young Men/Young Women for youth and Primary for children). Shepherd of the Hills ELCA: 1601 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff. Our services include a Spoken Word service at 5 p.m. on Saturday, a Contemporary service at 9 a.m. on Sunday, and a Traditional service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, all led by Pastor Adam Barnhart. office@sothflagstaff.org, 9287744832. http://sothflagstaff.org. Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation: 10-11 a.m. Sunday. 510 N Leroux, Flagstaff. "Motherhood" - We will recognize mothers of all kinds on Mother's Day. It is a national day of gratitude for those who bring love into this world. http://beaconuu.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 When a road is blocked off or is jammed up as happens often in this town we may have to go around," graduating student Richie Szopinski said to about 80 fellow graduates at Coconino Community Colleges first commencement ceremony Friday morning. "Sure, it may take us a bit longer, and we may not like it initially, but we should never underestimate it. Who knows, you might just find something out about yourself that you might never have if you had taken the alternate route, he said. Speakers shared common themes of adaptability and flexibility in their presentations at both CCC and Northern Arizona University, which each hosted two graduation ceremonies Friday. NAU will hold an additional two on Saturday to accommodate a total of more than 5,000 graduates. Arizona Board of Regents Chair Ron Shoopman said at the NAU ceremony Friday afternoon that Arizona has welcomed 40,000 new university graduates this year, the most ever. You are at the peak of your own personal mountain, NAU President Rita Cheng told graduates. Even on a mountaintop, though, roadblocks are present. Szopinskis metaphor was especially applicable to Flagstaff as residents once again confronted the semiannual influx of graduating students and families. Students from near and far traveled to their schools main campuses this week, navigating their own obstacles along the way. If youre not adaptable, youre not going to survive, CCC President Colleen Smith said to her graduates. Clarissa Tallman and Patrick St. Germain, CCC students from Page, said they awoke before sunrise to arrive at the Lone Tree Campus in time for the morning ceremony. In contrast, for Cole Mares, a CCC graduate who has lived in Flagstaff for five years, the familiar commute was just a few minutes in duration. Mares will make a lengthier journey in the fall, though, when he transfers to Arizona State University to study engineering. Im relieved to have it over with and Im proud of what Ive done, he said. Others from across the state introduced themselves to the area just in time to receive their diplomas. Margo Bogossian and Cheryll Haupt, two NAU online students, said commencement marked their first visit to NAU. Haupt, a veteran of the U.S. Military and Sierra Vista resident who received a bachelors degree in career and technical education, said she was excited to finally earn a degree 37 years after graduating from high school. She is the first in her family to obtain a college degree. I live in rural Arizona and online college is an excellent opportunity for people who live rurally to expand more than they could otherwise. For rural Arizona, it is freedom, Haupt said. Though Bogossian lives in Tucson and works at the University of Arizona, she also utilized the online program to complete her masters in educational leadership. For students who relocated to attend school, the journey didnt always feel too far from home, despite hundreds of miles of separation. Chason Uruu, who graduated with his bachelors degree in information systems, said he chose to attend NAU because of its similarities to his home in Hawaii. It has that same kind of culture as Hawaii, where everyone is really accepting and open to new people within their lives. I like the people around here, he said. Families replicated their students journeys this week, sometimes in large caravans, to celebrate their students success. Evan Cover was one of 12 to travel from Phoenix to Flagstaff to see his nephew, Bradford Pierce, graduate with his bachelors degree in hotel and restaurant management. I am super excited. Its been a long time and Im so proud of him, Cover said. As the graduates start to develop lives and careers of their own, NAU honorary doctoral recipient Kareem Neal, the 2019 Arizona Teacher of the Year, reminded them that a healthy dependence on others family and colleagues is as important as flexibility, a message for future teachers that rings true for all of Flagstaffs graduates. You need to use your team and your resources. You need to be flexible. We are there for students. We are there to make sure all students get the best possible education we can give them and you dont do that by being inflexible. You have to be ready to change at the drop of a dime, Neal said. Kaitlin Olson can be reached at the office at kolson@azdailysun.com or by phone at (928) 556-2253. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A Coconino County Sheriff's Office deputy fired their weapon and killed an armed man near Parks on Saturday morning. Sheriff's officials identified the man who died as 43-year-old Paul Mcvicker, who lived in Parks. The incident is currently under investigation by the Northern Arizona Officer Involved Shooting Team, with the Flagstaff Police Department leading the investigation, according to a sheriff's office media release. Sheriff officials said deputies were responding to a report of domestic violence in the Pine Aire neighborhood near Parks. The woman called deputies at the sheriff's Williams substation, saying her ex-husband had pulled a gun on her during an argument at their home. Mcvicker left the scene in a white vehicle, she told dispatchers. While driving to the home, deputies reported spotting a vehicle matching the description of the man's car along County Road 141, which is at the Parks exit directly south of the train tracks. When deputies stopped the vehicle, the man exited the car holding a handgun. Despite multiple commands to drop the gun by deputies, the suspect continued to advance with a gun in his hand. A deputy reportedly fired at the man and he fell to the ground. Police video from the shooting censors Mcvicker's body. Deputies on the scene attempted to render aid to Mcvicker, but he died from his wounds, according to the report. Mcvicker was transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy. No deputies were injured from the altercation, but Tyler Stoppe, the deputy involved in the shooting, has been placed on paid administrative leave. Stoppe has been an officer for 5 and a half years. Sheriff officials say the deputy fired "at least one round," but Jon Paxton, spokesperson for the sheriff's office, told the Arizona Daily Sun that they will release more information and details, including the amount of bullets fired, once the investigation is completed. Video footage from responding deputies has been made available on the sheriff's office Facebook page. The footage of Mcvicker is blocked by the deputy's rifle during most of the video. Paxton alleged that the deputy gave Mcvicker commands and fired his weapon at Mcvicker in the video, but the audio was not recorded. Paxton explained that the audio from the cameras needs 30 seconds to buffer before it is able to record, and was turned on abruptly before the shooting occurred. Thisarticle has been updated from its original version. Scott Buffon can be reached at sbuffon@azdailysun.com, on Twitter @scottbuffon or by phone at (928) 556-2250. Love 8 Funny 3 Wow 0 Sad 4 Angry 4 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. In order to maintain this blog I have to pay for its upkeep including a hosting company, support services, virus and other malicious hackers. If you appreciate what I write please make a donation. That Which is Haunting of An Oregon Coast Lighthouse: Cape Meares and Area Published 05/11/2019 at 4:53 AM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Oceanside, Oregon) Surrounding the lighthouses of the Oregon coast are plenty of mysteries, and even swirling tales of the creepy and possibly paranormal. The Tillamook Rock Lighthouse by Seaside / Cannon Beach has its rumors of ghost dogs howling in the night, the two lighthouses in Newport have their eerie tales, and the Heceta Head Lighthouse near Florence is purportedly haunted by a pleasant spirit. Cape Meares Lighthouse, near Oceanside, however has no spooky legends and rumors of manifestations. However, there are some morbid and dark histories in the area surrounding it. To go back to the headlands beginnings is to visit a literal hell on Earth. About 18 million years ago or so, the promontory was formed by giant lava flows hundreds of miles long, destroying everything in their path and sometimes pooling into searing bodies of liquid Earth material perhaps hundreds of feet deep. All this happened over millions of years, perhaps thousands of times, and it all came from a gigantic hole in the Earths crust that was then by the Idaho border. Spookier still: that massive weakness still exists and will likely someday create an extinction level event for the planet. The area under Yellowstone National Park is where it wound up, thanks to plate movement over all that time. Its been a super volcano before and will be again. Hopefully thats thousands of years away, however. Near the Cape Meares Light is the Octopus Tree a strangely-shaped tree that looks a bit like a candelabra. Archaeologists say it was twisted into that shape because it was used as a burial place by local native tribes, who would place their dead in the tree in their canoes. The practice is well documented. First, they flattened the direction the limbs were growing early in the trees life. Once a flat spot was attained, their natural growth direction took over, and the limbs grew upwards again, forming this unique shape. Local tribes have lived on the Oregon coast for a good 3,000 years, if not ten thousand years. The Octopus Tree is said to be more than 2,000 years old. Just below Cape Meares, unbeknownst to most tourists, sits one of Oregons most famous but hidden ghost towns. The Bayocean spit, which runs across Tillamook Bay, was once the briefly glittering resort town of Bayocean. Theres essentially nothing left of it now, except one public building in the tiny town of Cape Meares (directly below the cape). It was moved to its present location, however. Bayocean started in 1912 and essentially died less than ten years later, although its final nail in the coffin occurred with the Great Depression. It boasted five miles of roads, a couple of large hotels, a theater, and various other attractions. Changing tidal conditions essentially destroyed most of it in the 30s, and the rest was bulldozed by the U.S. government in the 70s. To get a picture of what once existed there, head to the shoreline. That was where Third Street in Bayocean was. This means there were at least two other streets beyond where the shore is now. All that and some actual beachfront were swallowed by the tides decades ago. You'll find Cape Meares at the very northern edge of the Three Capes Tour. Lodgings in Oceanside - Where to eat - More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted How far has the United States gone down the road of punishing people for uttering politically incorrect thoughts? Very far indeed, as an incident at the University of Louisville shows. Yes, we know that faculty in the "soft" fields of the social sciences endanger their careers if they happen to say something that upsets someone of "progressive" sensibilities, but the Louisville case involves a (formerly) esteemed medical school professor.Evidently, no one is safe from the PC enforcers.Dr. Allan Josephson has been in medical practice since 1976, specializing in childhood psychology. In 2003, has was chosen to be the chief of the University of Louisville Medical School's Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology. Over the years, he greatly improved the reputation of the Division, enlarging its faculty, securing grants, expanding programs, and serving more patients. He published extensively and his annual reviews were flawless.But in the autumn of 2017, the university's previously cordial relationship with Josephson took a U-turn when medical school officials learned that he had spoken about gender dysphoria in youth at an event hosted by the Heritage Foundation.Josephson was one of three panelists. In his remarks, which are cited in the complaint he has filed against the university, he said thatthat the current treatmentthatand thatIn sum, Josephson, along with the other two panelists, dissented from the idea that children expressing gender dysphoria should be accommodated (such as being allowed to use locker rooms of their preferred rather than their biological sex) and treated with puberty-blocking drugs.Subsequently, Heritage published a record of the event and it came to the attention of two officials at Louisville's LGBT Center. While not medical doctors, those individuals strenuously objected to Josephson's remarks and contacted Christine Brady, an assistant professor in the Division. The two LGBT officials demanded to know what punitive action the Division would take against Josephson.Now that he was the focus of attention, Josephson's opponents dug and found that his "offenses" weren't limited to his remarks at the Heritage event, but that he had also served as an expert witness in some legal cases, arguing against the prevailing ideology about gender dysphoria. That spurred Brady to meet with Josephson in November 2017.At the meeting, Brady declared that Josephson was "hostile" to treating gender dysphoria and couldn't be trusted with gender dysphoria patients-even though she had only three years of clinical experience, compared to Josephson's 35. She further claimed that Josephson was guilty of "discrimination" against children claiming gender dysphoria because of his belief that young children lack the cognitive maturity to say that he or she is "really" a member of the opposite sex.To the LGBT people, Brady, and several other university officials, Josephson was. They weren't interested in understanding why he held the ideas he did and certainly not in respecting his expertise. They regarded him asand set about punishing him for holding incorrect views about gender dysphoria. One professor demanded that he apologize to the university for his expert testimony and his Heritage remarks and that he hire a public relations firm to counter the "damage" he had done.Late in November, two of the university officials decided to demote Josephson from division chief. A letter was sent to him instructing him to submit his resignation by December 4th. The grounds given for this demand was thatScience and medicine have always advanced on the basis of evidence, not majority belief, but that has changed in our era of political correctness. Supposedly erroneous views aren't countered with reason but are crushed with power.Josephson did submit the forced resignation letter but stayed on to fulfill his contract. For the next year, he suffered repeated disparagement and humiliation at the hands of the defendants. His salary was reduced, his travel budget slashed, he was stripped of all leadership activities in the Division, and his workload increased to a level commensurate with junior faculty status.Nevertheless, Josephson continued doggedly working in the division until February 25th of this year. On that date, he was summoned to the office of Jennifer Le, who had taken over as division chief. He thought the reason for the meeting was to discuss his 2018 evaluation but instead found that the meeting had a different purpose. He was informed that his contract would not be renewed after it expired on June 30th. When Josephson asked why, he was merely told that the Division hadNever once during Josephson's career at Louisville had the school refused to renew the contract of a faculty member in the Division. But he had made enemies who were intent on getting rid of him. His medical judgment put him on the wrong side of an ideological divide and therefore his presence on the faculty was no longer tolerable.In their zeal to punish Josephson, however, the university officials involved forgot to consider the possible legal consequences. A public institution, the University of Louisville is obliged to respect the constitutional rights of individuals. With the aid of the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), Josephson has filed suit against the university, arguing that its treatment of him violated his rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.The First Amendment does not allow public officials to take retaliatory action against an employee just because those officials dislike the content of that employee's speech. Also, by punishing Josephson under vague and overly broad standards, the university has violated his right to due process of law under the Fourteenth Amendment.Josephson is asking for a renewal of his contract and reinstatement as division chief, that his personnel file be purged of references to his demotion and firing, for compensatory and punitive damages for the violation of his rights, and for his legal fees and costs. ADF has successfully brought many other suits against public universities for violating the rights of students and professors and eagerly took this one.ADF senior counsel Travis Barham said.The complaint demands a jury trial, and if the case goes before one, there's a strong likelihood that the "let's get rid of this heretic" mentality of several university officials will cost the school a great deal of money.Teachers shouldn't have to be wary about what they say, but in America these days, they do. Donald Trump and William Barr As we have repeatedly explained, the Attorney General could not comply with your subpoena in its current form without violating the law, court rules, and court orders, and without threatening the independence of the Department of Justice's prosecutorial functions...Unfortunately, rather than allowing negotiations to continue, you scheduled an unnecessary contempt vote, which you refused to postpone to allow additional time for compromise. Because the White House voluntarily cooperated with the Special Counsel's investigation, significant portions of the report contain material over which the President could have asserted privilege. And he would have been well within his rights to do so. Following my March 29th letter, the Office of the White House Counsel requested the opportunity to review the redacted version of the report in order to advise the President on the potential invocation of privilege, which is consistent with long-standing practice. Following that review, the President confirmed that, in the interests of transparency and full disclosure to the American people, he would not assert privilege over the Special Counsel's report. Accordingly, the public report I am releasing today contains redactions only for the four categories that I previously outlined, and no material has been redacted based on executive privilege. On Wednesday morning, President Trump, via the Department of Justice, announced that he would be declaring executive privilege with regard to the redacted Mueller report. The announcement came after Democrats began to move forward with their planned contempt vote against the Attorney General, William Barr, for supposed failure to comply with their subpoena for the entire Mueller report, including redacted materials. Barr has claimed that Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6(e), which prevents the disclosure of grand jury information. As Hans von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation states,The DOJ made the actual announcement, with Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd taking the lead, explaining White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders stated,In response to the declaration of executive privilege, the House Judiciary Committee voted to hold Barr in contempt. The contempt charges next move to a full committee vote, before moving to the full House of Representatives.Democrats are effectively making one case about President Trump and his attorney general; Trump and his attorney general are making the converse case. First, we should examine both cases. Then, we'll examine whether executive privilege can be invoked to protect the material at issue here.Democrats essentially argue that the redacted portions of the Mueller report might justify an impeachment move. They didn't get what they were looking for in the full Mueller report available to the public; Mueller's team, despite their obvious antipathy toward President Trump's behavior, didn't recommend indictment, and Barr didn't move forward with an obstruction charge. Despite the hew and cry emanating from prosecutors who claim they'd move forward with such charges if they could, they can't - and the truth is that they likely wouldn't. The evidence for intent simply isn't strong enough. But Democrats have now moved the goalposts - now they say that the hidden sections are where the goodies lie. Thus, Barr covered them up.This argument isn't particularly plausible on its face, given Mueller's findings, the availability of the 448-page report, and the fact that Democrats haven't moved toward impeachment in any serious way since the report. But Democrats can always count on President Trump to look as guilty as possible, and Trump has obliged: he has suggested that he might block Congressional testimony by Robert Mueller and by former White House counsel Don McGahn. There's no reason to do this, Democrats argue, unless Trump has something to hide. Thus, Barr's activity is part of a pattern, not a well-motivated attempt to obey the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.Trump argues, correctly, that the Mueller report spent years and tens of millions of dollars to come to a thorough conclusion. That conclusion is public. The vast bulk of the material is public. Now Democrats want to rehash that material, dredge up grand jury information that by law should remain secret, and use it as a club against him. Trump is simply irritated by the continued focus on Mueller, feels this is a charade - which, of course, it is - and wants McGahn not to answer questions for the same reason. This isn't a cover-up. It's just another example of Trump being annoyed by an investigation that has wasted time and money and sapped his presidency of popularity.As for Barr, Trump's assertion of executive privilege isn't a cover-up attempt. It's Barr asking Trump to shield him from a contempt charge based on BarrWhich case you find most plausible largely depends on how you think of Trump: nefarious schemer, or annoyed and volatile president? The latter seems eminently more plausible than the former, given Trump's long record of taking action out of pique rather than planning (see Comey, James or alternatively, the entire Mueller report).So, what about the assertion of executive privilege? Here's the problem: Barr can be completely right about the Federal Rules, but executive privilege likely doesn't apply here. There are two types of executive privilege: deliberative process privilege and communications privilege. Both types of privilege create a presumption of privilege for the president, but that presumption can be overruled by a court.Communications privilege applies to those who communicate with the president, or to communications- so, not the White House janitor. The communications must occur andThe argument for Trump here is that people who testified before Mueller didn't waive that privilege when they testified to him - Mueller is a member of the executive branch, not a member of the legislative branch. Noah Feldman of Harvard Law School says that this shouldn't matter - that Barr should have redacted the appropriate sections of the Mueller report explicitly on executive privilege grounds so as not to waive the privilege. In fact, when Barr originally released his summary of the Mueller findings, he explicitly said that Trump had not asserted executive privilege over information contained in the Mueller report:That makes it difficult to assert privilege now, although Barr could presumably argue that his comments only apply to the unredacted portion of the report.How about deliberative process privilege? That privilege covers, according to appellate courts,That would presumably cover the Mueller report. But the deliberative process privilege typically does not apply when there isDemocrats can plausibly claim that this is the case.So, even though Trump and Barr are right on the merits - the Democrats should not see the underlying grand jury material under the Federal Rules - privilege isn't the appropriate method of preventing the dissemination of the materials. That's what the courts are likely to find.With that said, to pretend that this is some sort of massive coverup or Constitutional crisis rather than a clash between the legislative and executive branches in a grey area of the law would be to tar and feather Trump on the basis of very little evidence. And if it's a crisis at all, it's a crisis manufactured by Democrats who are wildly disappointed with the results of the Mueller report, and can't let it go. The scriptures I am going to share are copied directly from the Bible. I found them while doing research for my book: "THE VERDICT: God is NOT dead, His Word, The Bible is Relevant Forever!" and it was written to familiarize today's generation with the everlasting, never failing faithfulness!! Today Sec. Mike Pompeo was quoted as saying that President Donald Trump may have raised up to not only be the President of the United States, but also to make favorable decisions regarding Israel and I totally agree with Sec. Pompeo!This is a long explanation, but to prove God's plan for appointing President Trump for a time like this, it is necessary!God works on a timetable that we as humans cannot comprehend. Reading the Bible will give you insight into God's plans & purposes.During my research, my attention was drawn to God's proclamation to the rebellious children of Israel ... several hundred years BEFORE it would take place: 'I will raise up a king named 'Cyrus' to deal with your situation!Eventually a baby would be born and given the name Cyrus, who would grow up to be the founder and ruler of the Persian Empire!Let me give you the references straight from God's Word the Bible:(after the children of Israel had been led into captivity)This fulfilled the prediction of Jeremiah.The above proclamation is restated at the beginning of the book of Ezra and then continues inMOST OF THE BOOK OF EZRA EXPLAINS THE EAGERNESS OF KING CYRUS TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT THE LORD HAD PUT ON HIS HEART TO DO.......THE REBUILDING OF THE TEMPLE!...See if this rings a bell!, starting with: When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles had returned and were rebuilding the Temple, they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and suggested,'Let us work with you, for we are just as interested in your God as you are; we have sacrificed to him ever since king esar-haddon of Assyria brought us here.But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the other Jewish leaders replied, "No, you may have no part i this work. The Temple of the god of Israel must be built by Israelis, just as King Cyrus has commanded....The following verses list ALL THE LEADERS who objected to the rebuilding of the Temple and sent the following accusatory letter to king Artaxerxes:THESE ACCUSATIONS CONTINUED FOR MANY YEARS UNTIL KING DARIUS SIDED WITH THE PROCLAMATION MADE BY KING CYRUS!This is exactly what President Trump has to deal with in 2019, but hear what God had to say about king Cyrus and see if it doesn't apply to our President today!was written MANY years before Cyrus rose to power: "When I say of Cyrus,God's instructions to Cyrus himself are recorded in Isaiah 45 and seem to fit President Trumps appointment to lead America and assist Israel in the same way God designed for Cyrus to rein.I will share additional scripture verse regarding God's appointing king Cyrus to do his bidding from the book of Jeremiah, Daniel, and II Chronicles. COME BACK SOON AND CHECK THEM OUT! RED LODGE Humanities Montana will host Hometown Happy Hour and Think & Drink: The Art of Meaningful Conversation with Montana Poet Laureate Lowell Jaeger on Thursday, May 16, at Red Lodge Ales Brewing Co. Hometown Happy Hour is a free dinner from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. After the meal, Jaeger will speak from 6:30 to 8 p.m., as he guides the audience into lively conversations about creative intelligence, the impact of storytelling, and how to foster meaningful exchanges in our everyday lives. Jaeger is an author, professor of creative writing at Flathead Valley Community College, and the 2017-2019 Montana Poet Laureate. He is the founding editor of Many Voices Press and a winner of the Grolier Poetry Peace Prize. A nationally recognized poet, Jaeger has provided more than 100 programs to Montana communities as poet laureate with the support of Humanities Montana. He lives in Yellow Bay. For more information, call Red Lodge Ales at 406-446-0243 or Humanities Montana at 406-243-6022. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Laurel police say they have not identified any suspects in their investigation into dozens of fliers advertising a white supremacist group that were anonymously plastered around town in March. Dozens of fliers bearing the images, slogans and name of the American Identity Movement, an organization formerly known as Identity Evropa and identified by multiple human rights organizations as a hate group, appeared around the downtown area on March 25 and 26, Laurel Police Chief Stan Langve said. The incident was first reported by the Laurel Outlook. Langve said it wasnt clear if the activity violated any criminal laws, although he said his department would move forward on a criminal mischief complaint if any of the businesses that were targeted by the fliers could articulate some kind of loss as a result. He said nothing in the reports indicated that police were able to get any surveillance video of the suspects. But he added the appearance of hate group activity in the town is something his department takes seriously. Polar Service Centers is a nationwide chain of facilities that clean, maintain and sell industrial tank trailers and trucks. The two men were technicians responsible for cleaning and maintaining tanks brought to the Lockwood facility, company president Jerry Cignarella said Friday. The worker on top of the tank trailer, 23-year-old Josiah Coulimore, was strapped into a safety harness, and both Staley and Coulimores wife, Danielle, said Friday that it apparently prevented him from being thrown from the trailer. But, Staley said, the video shows the man unable to unbuckle himself from the harness as a fire broke out around him. It was fortunate that it pushed him to the back of the trailer, because the flames were off to the sides, Staley said. It didnt stop him from getting burned, but my guess is that it stopped him from getting burned more significantly. Danielle Coulimore said her husband suffered second- and third-degree burns on one of his hands, and had second-degree burns on the other. His elbows and the tips of his ears were also burned, either during the explosion or the fire. The hair on the back of his head was also singed, she said. Messages left at St. Labre for executive director Curtis Yarlott on Friday were not returned. Phones at St. Labre were staffed Friday. Calls to Redgrave also were not returned. An email from Yarlott about canceling school cites the walkout. We have had parents and employees express concern about the safety of their children and themselves, he wrote. The notice of the walkout was published on a public Facebook page. Although this is promoted as a peaceful student walkout, the concern raised was that we have no idea who or how many people will show up because of the public post. Limpy, one of the walkouts organizers, said that students werent given a chance to explain the walkout or operate under ground rules. We could have respectfully followed what (Yarlott) said, she said. Instead, she left with the perception that they didnt want us to have a say in what we wanted to do. School climate Having a say is something Redgrave focused on, students said. Helenas local elections are nonpartisan and campaign manager Trent Bolger declined Friday to name which partys nomination Collins will seek in which race. However, Bolger became CFO of the Montana Democratic Party in 2008. Collins will make his announcement at 12:30 p.m. Monday at Performance Square on Helena's Downtown Walking Mall. Montanas governorship, lone seat in the U.S. House and one of its seats in the U.S. Senate are all up for grabs in 2020. A Monday declaration to run for governor or U.S. Senate as a Democrat would make Collins the first to declare a campaign. Punke did not return requests for comment on his own possible run from the Missoulian on Friday. In March, he wrote a column in Medium arguing that Democrats must unite their own party if they hope to beat Republican President Donald Trump. Democrats now control the House because a sufficient number of moderate Democrats beat Republicans to flip districts that actually were in play, Punke wrote. The 2020 presidential election will be decided on similar ground. Richard Dale Loghry, 73, Mandan, passed away May 9, 2019, at his home surrounded by those who loved him most. Richard fought tirelessly during his two year battle with cancer, surprising his oncologist at each appointment and often being referred to as a "miracle." A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 13, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with Pastor Kerry Stastny as celebrant. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Weigel Funeral Home with a time of sharing at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Richard was born in Riverton, Wyo., on Jan. 24, 1946, to Charles and Goldie (Wright) Loghry. In 1965, Richard joined the Navy and proudly served his country for 29 years. During his military service, Richard completed several tours of duty, including Vietnam. He enjoyed sharing stories and memorabilia from his time in the Navy. After the Navy, Richard held various jobs and eventually retired from the State Penitentiary where he worked in the boiler room. In 2002, Richard met Dorothy at bingo. They quickly bonded over their shared love of trips to the casino, playing cards and eventually, Dorothys family. Richard quietly and unassumingly worked his way into their hearts and lives and loved Dorothys children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as his own. Dorothys family is forever grateful for that fateful day at the bingo hall and for how lovingly he cared for Dorothy. Richards true joy was spending as much time with his kids and grandkids as he possibly could. His commitment to family made for an eventful and chaotic life and he loved every minute. There was never a shortage of school programs, sporting events, campground visits, fishing adventures, road trips, birthday celebrations, graduations and weddings to attend. It was not uncommon for Dorothy and Richard to leave one event with just enough time to get to the next one. Richard made sure to always have an overabundance of the grandkids favorite foods at the house. If one box of candy was good, then five must be better! Richard also never passed up the opportunity to surprise the girls in his life with fresh-cut flowers. He truly made everyone feel like they were his favorite. In addition to spoiling the grandkids and drastically overpaying them for doing household chores, Richard enjoyed trips to the casino, playing cards and Farkle, racing anyone who would dare challenge him in Sudoku, fishing and spending time in the kitchen. These activities were always done with a group of grandkids and Dorothy. Richard will be deeply missed by his special companion, Dorothy Fix; his children, Rene (Jeff) Kostelecky, Randy (fiance Cindy Scheurer) Fix, Rhonda (Larry) Goetzfridt and Russell (Charity) Fix; his grandchildren, Brandy (Kevin) Banken, Lacey (Devin) Hintz, Oakely DeVoto Noonan, Sydney (Dan) Telehey, Madison Goetzfridt, and Taylor and McCartney Fix; his great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Saydee Hintz and Naleela Devoto Noonan; his siblings, Robert (Brenda) Loghry, Agnes Alley and Edith Fugua; special family friend, Perry Sandau and his furry, four-legged best friend, Marley. Richard was preceded in death by his parents and numerous siblings. Go to www.weigelfuneral.com to sign the guest book and share memories with his family. FARGO A North Dakota State University administrator has been put on leave after being accused of sexually assaulting an underage teen in Bismarck and while awaiting trial for a similar charge in Clay County. Two Class C felony charges of sexual assault were filed Wednesday in Burleigh County District Court against Enrollment Management Administrative Systems Director Viet Q. Doan, who's accused of fondling a minor while she slept Nov. 21 in Bismarck. An affidavit of probable cause details how the 44-year-old allegedly rubbed the girl inappropriately, at times reaching under her clothes. Doan was placed on paid leave from NDSU on Thursday, according to university spokeswoman Laura McDaniel. He has been with NDSU since 2005, she said. Doan is scheduled to go to trial Aug. 13 in Clay County District Court on a fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct charge. In that case, the same girl was sleeping on a couch the week before Thanksgiving in a Moorhead home and awoke to Doan allegedly rubbing her inappropriately, according to a criminal complaint. After that is when she also told officers about the alleged incident in Bismarck. The criminal complaint in the Clay County case was filed Jan. 11. A message left for attorney Jay Greenwood, who's representing Doan in Clay County, was not immediately returned Friday, May 10. North Dakota court records do not list an attorney for Doan. NDSU was made aware of the Clay County charge, and he was "placed on a work-from-home arrangement," McDaniel said. Moorhead police alerted the Burleigh County Sheriffs Office to the alleged interaction in Bismarck. A criminal summons was sent to Doan, but it appeared as of Friday afternoon that he had not been arrested or booked into the Burleigh County Jail. Doan also is the director for NDSUs One Stop, an information center for financial aid, scholarships, records and other student services, according to the universitys website. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 5 ZAP The weather could have been better for the 50th anniversary of Zip to Zap on Saturday, but then again it was somehow fitting that it would be cool and windy. Thats how the weather was in 1969, when a couple thousand people, mostly college students, converged on the tiny town. They came for a good party that weekend in May, one that drew national media attention, got out of hand on Friday and ended with National Guard troops clearing them out early on Saturday. This Saturday, though, there was no conflict and, instead, much reminiscing about the first Zip to Zap. People came from all over the area and from hundreds of miles away to tell stories or just be a part of something that is uniquely North Dakotas. We started making plans as soon as we heard they were having this, said Charlene White, of Minneapolis. White, 54, and April Erie, 37, were decked out in 60s garb, Erie admitting hers was a little Goth, too, and were taking in the events on Main Street. Their trip fit with plans for Eries birthday celebration, and, as a former resident of the area, White was happy to bring her. White couldnt resist getting her picture taken with Kim Nordland, of Zap, who was wearing round sunglasses, a head band and fringed outfit. Shes one of the organizers of the event, which Zapites have held every 10 years, and said it came together quite easily. We started planning about a year ago, Nordland said, adding there were "about eight regulars" on the committee. She was 12 when the original event occurred, but her outfit was a recent purchase. You can get anything on the internet, she said. The feel of the day was much less tense than it was for a while in 69, said Kevin Carvell, then editor of the Spectrum at North Dakota State University. He visited and joked with former Guardsmen, likely some of the ones who pushed the partyers out after a night that included a Main Street bonfire to fend off the cold and some collateral damage to fuel the fire. They didnt want to be there in 1969 and the college kids really didnt want them there, some throwing beer cans at the trucks as they entered town. Now theyre delighted to be here, Carvell said. All is forgiven. Carvell and others at the Spectrum promoted the 69 event with inside jokes in tiny print in the papers masthead. Soon, some clubs and fraternities were planning to make the trip. Carvell resigned as editor, left NDSU and headed to his hometown of Mott, but first made a publicity sweep at colleges across the state. The idea caught on and was soon beyond the scope of what he could have imagined. North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger was there in 1969, too. Saturday, as he ate fleischkeuchle with Eugene and Eldora Sailer, of Zap, he was wearing the Army issue coat he wore in 69. That didnt go unnoticed by Bruce Christianson, of Minot, who was a freshman at Minot State in 69. He shook Jaegers hand and pointed to the coat. This is the coat I wore to kick you out of here, Jaeger said. Among the first to arrive in 69 was Guy Edwards, of Denver. He was a freshman at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, S.D., and might hold the distinction of being the only person to get kicked out of jail that weekend. After a television interview when he arrived, he and his traveling companion checked out Main Street and wandered into the city auditorium. There were two jail cells in the back and they threw their gear there. They were the only two beds in town, he said. The next morning they awoke to a Guardsman pointing a bayonet at them. He said it was time to go, Edwards said. Go they did, to Beulah, Jaegers hometown. They were run out of there and also out of Hazen, before settling in Riverside Park in Bismarck. It was a much calmer affair there, with firewood provided and better behavior from the partyers. Edwards lucked out again, meeting up with a bunch from Bemidji, Minn., that had traveled in a rented moving truck. He slept in the truck that night. Edwards would later serve in the South Dakota legislature, was a Rapid City council member for five years and interim mayor for six months. On Saturday, the 5K and 10K runs went on as planned in the morning, in spite of temperatures in the mid-40s and some spitting rain. The stage was ready on Main Street but sat empty as the band, which was to play from 4 to 8 p.m., set up instead in the city auditorium, where many dances have been held over the years. Midday, there was a steady line of people ready for fleischkuechle in the fire hall, and firefighters served close to 1,000. And empty shoes sat outside the inflatables, where kids were sliding and jumping. The events not meant to be a money maker, Nordland said. If they break even, great. She doesnt see it becoming an annual event. I think well keep it every 10 years, she said. T-shirt sales were brisk, beer was flowing, and people were enjoying themselves. By 4:30 p.m., the hall was half full and the rain had stopped. Its a very good party, Nordland said. (Reach Travis Svihovec at 701-250-8260 or Travis.Svihovec@bismarcktribune.com) Love 7 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 1 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WHITE SHIELD Peter MacDonald Sr. had a significant role in saving lives during World War II and helping the U.S. win the war. He was one of 400 Navajo Code Talkers in the U.S. Marine Corps during the war. The Navajo Code Talkers transmitted top secret messages in every major battle in the Pacific Theater. MacDonald, one of eight surviving Navajo Code Talkers, will be the guest speaker at this year's traditional Memorial Day services in White Shield on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Austin Gillette, former commander of the Joseph Young Hawk-Elmer Bear American Legion Post in White Shield and a former chairman of the Three Affiliated Tribes, extended an invitation to MacDonald on behalf of the White Shield Legion Post to speak at the services. Gillette and MacDonald have known each other for more than 40 years. The White Shield community will hold its traditional Memorial Day services on May 30. A salute will begin at 11 a.m. at the Old Scouts Cemetery, west of the community, followed by the service in the Ralph Wells Jr. Memorial Complex. The Navajo Code Talkers are one of the most storied units in U.S. military history. MacDonald, 90, lives in Tuba City, Ariz., and is president of the Navajo Code Talkers Association. He's also working to raise funds to build a National Navajo Code Talkers Museum to honor these heroes of World War II. The U.S. Marine Corps first recruited 29 young Navajos for the top-secret operation starting in 1942. After boot camp and combat training they went to communication school, then were separated from the other Marines to create the military code used in the Pacific, according to MacDonald. The code was first used that year, and more Navajos were recruited for the operation. MacDonald joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944 when he was 15. He was with the 1st Marine Brigade on Guam and then went on to North China with the 6th Marine Division from 1944-46. The Navajo code was the only military code in modern history never broken by an opposing force. "The Navajo language was a code and only 400 of us knew it," said MacDonald in a summer 2013 documentary, "Peter MacDonald - A Journey of Perseverance," made by students at Winona (Minn.) State University and Dine' College at Tsaile, Ariz. He said the reason the Navajo Code Talkers were so successful during World War II is because their language is all verbal and subject to memory only. He said Navajo is not a written language and America was looking for a code that the enemy in the Pacific would not understand and could not break. He said the code worked well even though there were up to 600 code words that the code talkers had to know and remember instantly when someone would start repeating them over the air to write down. For example, he said a company of Marines was pinned down on the north side of the island of Iwo Jima, and the commander needed help. The commander wrote a message and gave it to the Navajo Code Talker covering the front line. The code talker would verbally send the code words to the Command Post by the beach, asking for help. At the Command Post, the code talker there quickly wrote down the message. Immediately, help was sent to save the company of Marines who were pinned down. "It was used to save thousands of lives and also help pinpoint where the enemy were," MacDonald said in the documentary. MacDonald was discharged from the Marine Corps as a corporal in October 1946 and returned to Teecnospos, Ariz. He graduated from Bacone High School, has a social science degree from Bacone Junior College and an electrical engineering degree from the University of Oklahoma. After college graduation in 1957, he went to work for Howard Hughes at Hughes Aircraft Company, working on missile projects. MacDonald was chairman of the Navajo Nation, re-elected for an unprecedented four terms. He is a recipient of the Congressional Silver Medal for heroic service to the nation as a U.S. Marine Corps Navajo Code Talker, among his many honors. The Navajo Code Talkers were not recognized for their achievements during World War II for many years because the operation was classified by the military. In 1968, the military declassified the operation. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan declared Aug. 14 as Navajo Code Talkers Day. In November 2017, President Trump honored the Navajo Code Talkers at an event at the White House with MacDonald and two other Navajo Code Talkers, Fleming Begaye Sr. and Thomas Begay, attending. During his presentation about the Navajo Code Talkers at the White House, MacDonald said, "What we did truly represents who we are as Americans. America, we know, is composed of diverse community. We have different languages, different skills, different talents and different religion. But when our way of life is threatened, like the freedom and liberty that we all cherish, we come together as one. And when we come together as one, we are invincible. We cannot be defeated." He said that was why a National Navajo Code Talker Museum is needed, so future generations can go through the museum and "learn why America is strong." The president told them he would help build the museum. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 In the 1920 presidential election, Warren Harding won in a landslide by promising a "Return to Normalcy." Today's Democrats would be wise to make that same pledge for 2020. They probably won't, however, which is why President Donald Trump might get re-elected. Harding's concept of normalcy has been ridiculed and reviled by progressives and liberal historians for 100 years. Some falsely claim it was merely a call for a return to the isolationism of the prewar years. But Harding wasn't just tapping into the unpopularity of the First World War; he also spoke to Americans' worries about the widespread domestic turmoil and tumult of the Progressive Era. Race riots, labor violence, anarchist terror bombings, the Red Scare, Prohibition, widespread censorship, political oppression and mass arrests were also on voters' minds. Even important and necessary progressive advances -- like women's suffrage -- caused disruption. Harding offered voters a breather from the rapid social change. Nothing in the last two years -- or two decades -- approaches the turmoil of the Woodrow Wilson administration, but that doesn't change the fact that a lot of Americans feel like they've been through the wringer. That feeling has defined our politics for a long time -- from the Clinton scandals to the Iraq War to the financial crisis and the fights over Obamacare -- bringing us one "change election" after another. But politicians often seem to miss that the change many voters are looking for is a reversion from the abnormal to the normal. Given the roaring economy, with near full employment and rising wages, a normal president would lie back and avoid fueling the unease that has kept Trump from breaking through the 50 percent approval ceiling. But he is clearly incapable of doing that, which creates an opportunity for Democrats to win despite a healthy economy. Democrats seized such an opportunity in the 2018 midterms. The president's constant trolling of the political and media establishment is music to the ears of his biggest supporters, but it is an unsettling and deafening din to the most important constituency in American politics: the vast, mostly moderate middle. While activist firebrand freshmen (freshpersons?) such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., get all the attention from both the liberal and conservative press, most of the Democrats elected in the 2018 landslide were moderates from purplish districts that will decide the 2020 election. They ran on health care and other issues, but also on the promise to be a check on Trump's "abnormalcy." Promising to turn down the political temperature, reducing not just the drama of Washington but the centrality of it in our lives and conversations, would still leave lots of room for a Democrat to advance his or her agenda. Right now, Joe Biden is the only major Democratic presidential contender who seems both interested in and capable of pursuing such a strategy. The rest of the field seems to think that Twitter likes and retweets will count as primary votes, and that there's an appetite in the country for left-wing radicalism on a par with what they see as Trump's right-wing radicalism. Rather than vow to keep the economic boom going while returning Washington to normalcy and enacting reasonable reforms with bipartisan support, they talk about socializing medicine, making slavery reparations, forgiving student loans, banning guns through executive orders and implementing a Green New Deal. And the media obsess over impeachment. All that stuff is super-popular with young, college-educated activists and journalists, all of whom are wildly overrepresented on social media. But most Democrats belong to what CNN's Harry Enten calls the "hidden Democratic Party." Enten notes that a majority of Democrats are over the age of 50, at least half call themselves moderate or conservative, and a majority don't have college degrees. Biden's lead in the polls is explained almost entirely by his support from older Democrats. Moreover, many blacks and Latinos -- crucial to the Democratic coalition -- aren't nearly as "woke" as progressives often assume they are. They often have a more pragmatic and transactional view of politics, for a slew of reasons. Even Ocasio-Cortez underperformed with blacks and Latinos, defeating the incumbent Democrat by running up tallies from richer and whiter precincts. The college-educated barista socialist constituency dominates in states the Democrats will win no matter what. But the battleground will be in states that narrowly went for Trump. Biden, a logorrheic and gaffe-prone 76-year-old with a terrible track record in presidential contests, is best positioned to beat Trump, but first he has to survive the death by a thousand tweets the vocal minority has in store for him. Jonah Goldberg writes for the Los Angeles Times. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 "We'll make as big a difference as we can in as many people's lives as we can." -- Jolene Kline, executive director for the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency, on the Housing Incentive Fund, a program that has been used to help finance 2,500 rental housing units statewide since 2011. q q q "The jobs that this could create and the revenue it would generate is unbelievable potential." -- Sen. Dwight Cook, R-Mandan, a co-sponsor of legislation providing a new tax incentive aimed at adding value to the state's abundant natural gas supply. A bill approved in the recent legislative session adds a sales tax exemption for certain natural gas processing facilities. q q q "It's a great honor for me and a privilege to be able to raise the flag knowing that it's a remembrance of so many people who have done so much for the country." -- Vern Huber, 90, a Korean War veteran, on raising the POW/MIA flag at the Capitol. The Legislature passed a bill requiring the flag to fly in front of the Capitol. q q q "We're going to start fixing what we can, and then I'm going to go as far as I can go with it." -- Gary Greff, the sculptor behind the Enchanted Highway, on how he will use the $75,000 budgeted by the Legislature for maintenance of the scrap metal sculptures along the 32-mile road to Regent off Interstate 94, east of Dickinson. q q q "These population counts help us determine everything from where to build a bridge across a river to the best location to open a day care." -- Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford, on the importance of the 2020 U.S. Census in North Dakota. q q q "In no way was that maneuver ever intended to be limiting of the auditor's ability. It was exclusively about improving communication." -- Rep. Corey Mock, D-Grand Forks, on an amendment to the auditors budget requiring legislative approval for certain types of audits. q q q "I believe I'm doing the work the taxpayers expect." -- North Dakota Auditor Josh Gallion. q q q "We'll help with location scouting. We advise on permit requirements. We really try to be accessible and available; however, there are no economic incentives." -- Sara Otte Coleman, director of the state Tourism Division, on what the department does to help film companies. q q q "Brent and I love what we do, we're passionate about what we do, we're honored to have the opportunity to serve. I think if we're trying to read the tea leaves, I'd say we're leaning in." -- Gov. Doug Burgum, on whether he and Lt. Gov. Brent Sanford will seek re-election. q q q "Our students will actually be teaching in those Polish schools. They'll be teaching American songs to some of the children and really looking at the comparison of American schools to Polish schools." -- Kim Marman, chair of the University of Marys Department of Education, on seven recent graduates who will be visiting Polish schools. q q q "If we put it out there now every little old lady who watches 'Dateline' is going to be blowing up our tipline. We will not be chasing the leads we need to." -- Ami Galusha-Eckstrom, the sister of William Galusha, of Milnor, on what police told the Galusha family in explaining why they didnt release information indicating foul play was involved in his death. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The National Water Trails System, a network of 22 rivers, lakes and other waterway trails, designated as such by the U.S. Department of Interior, offers families recreational opportunities and history lessons in scenic regions of the U.S. Here are five trails to consider: 1.The Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail, Iowa and South Dakota: How might this river have appeared to Lewis and Clark when they navigated their way along the Missouri more than 200 years ago? Discover for yourself as you explore some of the last remaining natural stretches of America's longest river, on the lookout for wildlife, scenic vistas and contemplating the significant history of the area. You'll learn about the plants, animals and landscapes described in the Lewis and Clark journals and find out how the river has changed course over the years. The trail extends from Fort Randall Dam near Pickstown, S.D., to Sioux City, Iowa, mostly within the boundaries of the Missouri National Recreational River, or MNRR, a National Park unit consisting of relatively free-flowing segments of the storied river. 2. Great Miami River Watershed Water Trail, Ohio: In southwest Ohio, families can access 291 miles of paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching on three rivers and numerous smaller tributaries, including the Great Miami River, Stillwater River, Mad River, as well as Twin, Greenville and Buck Creeks. You'll also find whitewater and kayak parks, world-class fishing and more than 100 natural and urban parks in the region. Maps are available to help families locate the 117 public access points, bike trail information and to plan a custom adventure. 3. Willamette Water Trail, Ore.: Plan a day trip or a multi-day outing on this mostly flatwater, 216-mile trail that flows north from the Oregon Coastal Range, through rural landscapes, past Corvallis and Eugene, through the urban Portland area and into the Columbia River. Paddlers can access a waterproof and bound printed map or the web site to find campsites, picnic areas, parks and historical points of interest and to track river features. Follow links on the website to learn about festivals and other happenings related to the trail. Guide and shuttle services are available. 4. Bayou Teche Paddle Trail, La.: Be on the lookout for wood ducks, herons, kingfishers and warblers as you paddle your chosen stretch of this 135- mile trail, named by the Chitimacha tribe and lined with cypress trees and live oaks dripping Spanish moss. Each town along the trail offers history, architecture, music and art worth further exploration. Choose from 13 possible access points to paddle a seven-mile route or longer stretches. Consult the web site to learn about fishing opportunities, locks, portages and to help determine the appropriate route for your group. 5. The Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, N.Y.: Make use of the web site's interactive "plan your trip" feature to craft an outing within this scenic region that stretches from the Adirondacks to Battery Park in Manhattan. With more than 100 designated access points and camp sites located approximately every 15 miles, paddlers can choose from day trips or multi day journeys along the 256-mile trail. Look forward to exploring wildlife marshes, islands, and historic sites as well as nearby hiking trails. Local outfitters, guides and equipment rentals are available to enhance your trip. ___ (Lynn O'Rourke Hayes (www.LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com) Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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). Transcript: Good evening. Two months ago, the federal government summoned me before a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia. As a general principle, I object to grand juries. Prosecutors run grand juries behind closed doors and in secret, without a judge present. Therefore, I declined to cooperate or answer any questions. Based on my refusal to answer questions, District Court Judge Hilton ordered me held in contempt until the grand jury ended. Yesterday, the grand jury expired, and I left the Alexandria Detention Center. Throughout this ordeal, an incredible spring of solidarity and love boiled over. I received thousands of letters, including dozens to hundreds of them a day. This means the world to me, and keeps me going. Jail and prisons exist as a dark stain on our society, with more people confined in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world. During my time, I spent 28 days in solitary confinementa traumatic experience I already endured for a year in prison before. Only a few months before reincarceration, I recieved gender confirmation surgery. This left my body vulnerable to injury and infection, leading to possible complications that I am now seeking treatment for. My absence severely hampers both my public and private life. The law requires that civil contempt only be used to coerce witnesses to testify. As I cannot be coerced, it instead exists as an additional punishment on top of the seven years I served. Last week, I handwrote a statement outlining the fact I will never agree to testify before this or any other grand jury. Several of my closest family, friends and colleagues supported this fact. Our statements were filed in court. The government knows I can't be coerced. When I arrive at the courthouse this coming Thursday, what happened last time will occur again. I will not cooperate with this or any other grand jury. Throughout the last decade, I accepted full responsibility for my actions. Facing jail again, this week, does not change this fact. The prosecutors deliberately place me in an impossible situation: I either go to jail, or turn my back on my prisons. The truth is, the government can construct no prison worse than to betray my conscience or my principles. Thank you, and good night. News / Africa by Staff Reporter The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) members have requested the Bureau to consider civil society organisations from other countries rather than always using South African based ones.While debating the Pan-African Parliament President's Activity Report covering October 2018 April 2019, legislators felt its unfair for PAP to concerntrate on organisation based in South Africa as other countries are also home to equally capable civil societies.The report was presented to the house by President Roger Nkodo Dang on Tuesday, 7 May 2019 in Midrand, South Africa.During the same seating Nkodo Dang also spoke on the situation surrounding the Cameroon crisis explaining that PAP has little room to manoeuvre in such a case.It is reported that battle lines in this Central African country are drawn by language.Around 80 percent of the country speaks French; the rest speaks English. For decades, Francophones and Anglophones lived in relative harmony.But over the past two years, violence spurred by this linguistic split has brought Cameroon to the brink of civil war. Hundreds have died, close to 500,000 have been displaced, and activists have been rounded up and jailed.The government claims armed English-speaking separatists who want to create a new nation called Ambazonia have terrorized civilians and attacked government forces, prompting the military to retaliate against them"PAP's hands are tied in the Cameroonian crisis.The problem is we dont know who is leading the charge.When there is a crisis such as the one happening in Cameroon. We dispatch a team to investigate however, we havent found joy thus far," he said.Members also called upon the Bureau to in its finance dealings amid a plethora of other allegations which include corruption allegations which threatens to engulf the institution.Legislators also advocated for the efficiency of the organ with regards to its relationship with African Union which fails to recognise it as one of the organs fostered by the treaty.Nkodo Dang mentioned that PAP has an approved budget of US$18.5 million in 2019 and has an increased budget set to cater for regional parliamentary conferences, ratification of African Union legal instruments and holding of public hearings.He also indicated the financial support that came through from the PAP secritariat.He said they offered the support in timely and effective manner especially in Kigali as well as the statutory committee meetings in March 2019."The PAP endeavored to maintain sound and effective financial and budget management, which are yet to be confirmed by the outcomes of the external audit of the 2018 financial statements, and provided timely support to the 2019 year operational and statutory activities," said Nkodo Dang.The report was detailed in its presentation of activities undertaken by PAP with its committees in the realisation of its set goals. However, members were not pleased by the President's failed report into investigations on corruption following two earlier sessions held in Sham-el-Sheik in Egypt in 2016 and Kigali, Rwanda as promised.In Kigali it is reportef that staff of PAP were denied leaving the country before settling their bills."We need more transparency. In Egypt, I moved a motion to set up a committee to investigate allegations of corruption, and the President promised to handle the matter, which he should have reported about now," said Hon. Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka (Ghana)."In Kigali, [PAP] staff were detained and the finance officer stayed behind for a week until our bills were paid. We need to know the agreements signed by PAP and governments hosting our meetings for us to avoid these embarrassing situations," he added.Motions to have the meeting held in camera to discuss matters of finance and allegations of corruption was however, poured cold water by the President as he suggested that the House first wait for the report of the Committee on Audit and Public Accounts.During the same sitting, PAP suspended two representatives from Cote d'Ivoire, who took oath at the start of the second ordinary session of the fifth Parliament yesterday.The legislators who were designated by the country's Senate raised the number of their representatives to seven, two more than what is provided for by the Protocol establishing PAP and the PAP Rules.However, Prof. Ogenga-Latigo reasoned that Parliament erred in law in suspending the members."In Uganda, I am a Member of the Rules Committee. These two members who were sworn in outside the prescribed number are not legitimate members of this House. You cannot therefore just suspend them because they are not members. As it is now, unless Cote d'Ivoire withdraws the five who are already members, what transpired is null and void in law. That is the position," Ogenga-Latigo said. News / National by Staff reporter The trial for estranged former cabinet minister and Zanu PF National Secretary for Administration, Ignatius Chombo is yet to kick-off a year after corruption charges were brought against him.Harare magistrate, Ms Barbra Mateko granted Chombo leave to travel to South Africa for medical review and temporarily released his passport.This is not the first time that the former minister has been granted authority to proceed to South Africa for medical review.Mr Chombo who faces graft charges emanating from his time as a minister was arraigned before the courts in 2017 after the Operation Restore Legacy.His trial is yet to officially commence after he approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay of prosecution.The case was postponed to the 24th of June as the magistrate awaits the decision of the Appeals Court.The postponement has also benefited former Zanu PF Youth leader, Kudzai Chipanga and former Zanu PF Youth National Commissar, Innocent Hamandishe who are also jointly charged with Chombo on a separate matter related to the abuse of Zanu PF party regalia.In a separate matter, Chombo is charged with officials from the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing; Lazurus Chimba, Rejoice Pazvakavambwa and Psychology Chiwanga over corruption related to land allegedly belonging to Eddie Pfugari.Additionally, Chombo faces charges of defrauding the City of Harare a property worth $900 000 and also duping Vinthal Rama $500 000 in a company transfer deal. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Movement for Democratic Change Vice President, Professor Welshman Ncube on Friday made an emotional plea to party congress delegates to retain him as second in command in a bid to fulfil a promise he made to the late President Morgan Tsvangirai.Ncube, a seasoned politician said it was crucial for him to continue as vice president and assist President Nelson Chamisa as that dovetails with the wishes of late founding party leader, Tsvangirai.Professor Ncube was addressing Midlands congress delegates during the second round of manifesto presentations by all candidates in Gweru."When President Tsvangirai was about to go to South Africa for his last treatment, we had a principals forum on the fourth of January, he sent Innocent Chagonda to extend his invitation to me so that I go to his house on the sixth of January" Professor Ncube began his emotional address."When I went there, he said Prof, doctors are saying the treatment I am receiving is not working, am going back to South Africa for an experimental treatment."I don't know whether it's going to work or not" narrated Prof Ncube what would be his last engagement with iconic Tsvangirai."It was very emotional, I set there holding back tears. It was clear to me that umuntu omdala wayeselayela."He then said I want President Chamisa (then Vice President) to take over and chair the principals forum. I want you to assist him in the campaigns and going forward to give the people of Zimbabwe a fighting chance against the junta."Promise me that you will assist him" said Prof Ncube.He added "I said President (Tsvangirai) , you have my word, I promise you".Professor Ncube said he then suggested that Chamisa be called and hear for himself Tsvangirai's critical request and his pledge."Chamisa came and we set together in front of President Tsvangirai and I promised President Chamisa infront of President Tsvangirai that I will assist him unwaveringly all the way."I am here today to ask you to fulfil my promise (of assisting President Chamisa) and am requesting you to vote for me so that I can continue to assist President Chamisa" said Professor Ncube amid thunderous applause from delegates.Ncube is battling it out with six other candidates for three slots who include Tendai Biti, Morgan Komichi, Elias Mudzuri, Tracy Muthinhiri, Lillian Timvious and Kereni Kore.On Saturday the party is expected to hold its third debate in Gwanda. News / National by Staff Reporter The Marriages Amendment Bill which will repeal a legal provision that criminalises "wilful" transmission of HIV to a partner has been approved by Cabinet.Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said a Clause in the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act that criminalises transmission of HIV by one partner to another would be repealed.Minister Ziyambi said this yesterday in Harare while responding to questions from journalists during a post Cabinet briefing which was chaired by Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Prisca Mupfumira.He said the Marriages Amendment Bill which was approved by Cabinet would also repeal that Clause of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act."Yes, indeed Cabinet approved that we repeal the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act where it speaks about these criminalisation so we will repeal the Criminal Code in this regard," said Minister Ziyambi.The Marriages Amendment Bill will soon be gazetted before it is tabled before Parliament for debate.The decision to decriminalise transmission of HIV dovetails with what Minister Ziyambi told Parliament earlier this year.In March, Minister Ziyambi made an assurance to repeal the Clause during a question and answer session after Zengeza West legislator Mr Job Sikhala (MDC-Alliance) had asked if Government was considering amending the law which criminalise transmission of HIV."When this legislation came into effect, the thinking then was that we need to control the spread of HIV by criminalising those who transmit it to partners knowingly. But the global thinking now is that that law stigmatises people living with HIV and studies have shown that it does not produce the results that were intended. What the Ministry is going to do is to repeal that section of the law and ensure that we keep up with modern trends in the world," said Minister Ziyambi in the National Assembly.He said the fastest way of doing it was to incorporate the provision in the Marriages Amendment Bill.Earlier on Minister Mupfumira said Cabinet approved the Coroner's Office Bill.She said the Bill sought to help safeguard human lives through facilitating specialising investigation of preventable deaths and identification of deceased persons."The country has previously relied on expatriates for the specialised investigations required to conclude such cases, which arrangement has now become unsustainable. In more precise terms, the Bill will establish an efficient coroner system to look into the cause of death in the following circumstances among deaths that occur without a medical doctor's attention, surgical operation table deaths and deaths while in jail, police custody or other central authority control," said Minister Mupfumira. News / National by Staff reporter POLITICIANS and analysts have slammed outspoken Ntabazinduna traditional leader, Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni, for his unrelenting call for the United States of America and the European Union to add more illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe.Churches also joined in the campaign for removal of the sanctions.Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni, who was apparently angered by the Government's decision to resettle an indigenous farmer at a farm in Ntabazinduna previously occupied by a white family, on Thursday night, addressed a Press conference in Bulawayo and called for tougher sanctions against Zimbabwe.Chief Ndiweni sensationally appealed to the international community to escalate sanctions on the President Mnangagwa's Government, claiming it has failed to pursue democracy."We have now put in place our point man and ladies in Washington DC, London and Europe and they will engage those particular organisations who have been speaking about Zimbabwe. We are openly asking those institutions to increase the sanctions against President Mnangagwa's administration. We are asking them to increase the travel restrictions against this administration because the present sanctions are not punitive enough," he said.In separate interviews, political analysts and politicians condemned Chief Ndiweni's stance, saying his sentiments were regrettable and "treasonous."Political scientist and University of Zimbabwe lecturer Professor Sheunesu Mpepereki said the call for more sanctions by Chief Ndiweni was unpatriotic and treasonous."It is unfortunate that such utterances are coming from a chief and I respectfully say that is most unfortunate and a downright unpatriotic gesture. I think in any country including America itself and Europe anybody who publicly make such utterances would be charges with treason. Clearly, what Chief Ndiweni has said is an act of treason and coming from someone who is a traditional leader is most unfortunate and regrettable," he said.Prof Mpepereki urged Chief Ndiweni to embrace President Emmerson Mnangagwa's re-engagement efforts through dialogue, which is aimed at promoting peace in the country."President Mnangagwa has been open for engagements although our history may have had many painful episodes and the last thing that any right thinking people would do is to ask for sanctions. The chief is well advised to keep his mouth shut and he should not call for sanctions when people are suffering including his own subjects. In fact the sanctions will not solve anything except to cause more untold suffering for people and economic misery to our country," he said."When you are sitting inside a pot and then say people should make more fire under that pot, it does not make any sense and that is how a chief who loves his people behaves? Sadly, he is even lying to the same foreigners who only yesterday were killing our own people."Prof Mpepereki said Chief Ndiweni should instead champion dialogue and peace among Zimbabweans instead of fuelling hatred."The sanctions will not make the chief more comfortable and whatever problems and challenges the chief has can only be solved by Zimbabweans through discussion. All wars fought on mother earth have been concluded through dialogue, which President Mnangagwa is calling for. Yes, people can scold and shout at each other, but let's sit down and dialogue and eventually when there is a cease fire there will always be talks and when there are talks there will be peace. The respectable chief should be the one sitting at the forefront calling for peace through dialogue and bringing out the issues those pertinent issues to the roundtable not by calling for sanctions. That is unforgivable," he said.Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association secretary-general Victor Matemadanda said the chief's sentiments were a clear indication that he was serving the interests of the British and Americans."Chiefs are the custodians of the land and that land is what creates the chieftainship and not only the land but also the people that inhabit that place. It is those people that are their subjects who are suffering from the effects of sanctions. For a chief to call for sanctions just shows how separated that chief is from his people," he said."It is unfortunate we have people like him who are referred to as chiefs when they are not connected to the ethos of chieftainship. From his sentiments it is clear that he is not a people's chief but some British and American stooge."Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Minister Richard Moyo expressed shock at Chief Ndiweni's utterances, saying he was singing from the same hymnbook with opposition parties."The chief stayed in the United Kingdom for 25 years and it is not surprising why he has a British mentality. While Zimbabweans are speaking with one voice against sanctions, it is quite disturbing to have people like him calling for sanctions which are hurting the ordinary people. Chief Ndiweni is speaking like a politician not a traditional leader, which effectively means that he is in a wrong place," said Minister Moyo.Zimbabwe Council of Churches Zimbabwe Council of Churches president Bishop Mpande Khanye also appealed to the international community to lift sanctions against Zimbabwe."We implore the international community to remove sanctions. We reiterate our preferential option of the vulnerable, marginalised voiceless and those in the diaspora to be given an opportunity to voice their concerns and fully contribute to national dialogue as full citizens of our great nation," he said. News / National by Staff reporter TOP MDC politician, Elias Mudzuri is living in fear of attacks by angry party supporters who accuse him of having a hand in the court nullification of Nelson Chamisa's incumbency as party leader on Wednesday.NewZimbabwe.com reports that Chamisa's supporters have accused party secretary general Douglas Mwonzora and Mudzuri of having been behind the application by a junior party official that triggered the crisis that is now gnawing at the party.Speaking through a spokesperson, Father Rungano Muchineripi, Mudzuri said his home had been besieged by a group of angry youths sometime this week, who shouted obscenities accusing him of secretly funding the court application by Elias Mashavira.It was not clear whether Mudzuri had made a police report. Muchineripi said Mudzuri suspects senior leaders close to Chamisa within the MDC (names withheld) were behind the youths.Mudzuri accepted Justice Edith Mushore's judgment that also declared the former Harare Mayor illegitimate.Chamisa and Mudzuri's frosty relations date back to the MDC's congress in 2011 when the former, who was party spokesperson at the time, challenged Mudzuri for the position of national organising secretary and won. Last month, Perigold turned heads by adding more designer-favorite trade brands to its platform, including Century Furniture, Lillian August, Start Studio Rugs, Janus et Cie and Lladro. Business of Home caught up with the sites general manager, Rebecca Ginns, to take stock of the companys progressand get a sense of how it plans to grow. A selection of Lladro lighting and figurines available on Perigold Courtesty of Lladro Weve seen a fast and broad market response, Ginns, a former BCG consultant who joined the platform in time for its launch in September 2017, tells BOH. We finished the first calendar year right where we expected to be. This year, we expect business to more than double. With over 200,000 SKUs from more than 300 vendors, Perigold has staked out a sizeable corner of the internet as a retail platform for high-end home brandssome of which cater primarily to the trade. With a trade program that offers discounts for interior designers, its a compelling proposition for its ease; for the general public, the allure lies in the platforms access, as well. The platform is also appealing to brands that are looking for new avenues to meet customers who increasingly prefer to shop online. Were still learning, but we know that residential and trade customers are shopping for high-end items online, says Ginns. I think theres a growing recognition that todays affluent customer is digital. That consumer has more devices than the general population, is seeking unparalleled access to interesting and exceptional productsand we know that shes buying all sorts of categories online. The brands we work with are recognizing the same. The mix of high-end companies on the siteand the robust storytelling around those brands on its homepage and social mediahas made Perigold more desirable for trade brands, as well. It really is a neighborhood of the best caliber brands out thereand as part of that, we are focused on highlighting those brands, their history, and their quality. And [once a client makes a purchase], our service and experience is commensurate of what youd expect purchasing luxury product. That brand storytelling was a key selling point for Century Furniture, which recently added a small assortment of its products to the site. Perigold is rapidly becoming a powerful messaging platform for better end products in addition to their core business of retailing, says Comer Wear, the vice president of marketing at Rock House Farm, a family of brands that includes Century. [We] believe strongly in the power and importance of local retailers and designers to create and shape interiors for clients, and yet we are also keenly aware that ideas and information are being gathered online by all furniture consumers. We need to be present where the customer is self-educating, and one of those places is Perigold. Theres a growing recognition that todays affluent customer is digital. Rebecca Ginns For consumers, Perigold also opens the door to brands that didnt previously offer products directly to non-trade shopperswhich poses new opportunities, but also unique challenges. Brands have different approaches, but most are optimizing [their assortment on the site] for what they expect the consumer interest to be, says Ginns. Often that means offering a few finish options of an assortment of best sellers, for example, rather than the entire suite of custom options. (Both Century and Lladro have taken this approach.) But access to a more complete product array may not be too far off: For many brands, what were launching with is a starting place. I would expect to see what they offer grow over time, including offering made-to-order products, says Ginns. If theyre not starting there, I would expect them to get there over time. The element of discovery also appealed to Lladro CEO Sandra Jordan, who found the site herself while browsing online. As we reposition ourselves as a luxury lifestyle brand, I really feel that the site spoke to a client who could appreciate our lighting and home decor products, she tells BOH. Someone whos shopping Aerin Lauder and Ralph Lauren has the opportunity to see that were not just a figurine brandthey can see us in a whole new light. Lladro's chandelier and figurines Courtesy of Lladro For Century, joining the site is more about discovery than sales. Awareness and education are the primary deliverables for Century. If we can make the end consumer more aware of their choices and introduce them to the brand, then it helps everyone in our distribution channels. The balance of consumer, designer, sales person, and store owner is delicate and as we integrate new ways to display and market to the consumer, we are first and foremost thinking about how to maintain this careful balance. We believe our unique method of working with Perigold does exactly that. If you talk to the average consumer, they dont know what a showroom is, says Ginnssomething the design community often forgets. At a high level, we see [Perigold] as complementary and additive. Were excited to continue to educate the consumer that these products are out there. If anything, Jordan sees the platform as augmenting the companys consumer-facing storefronts and trade-only showrooms. I dont think one replaces the other, she says. On Perigold, weve curated the product assortment. If they like what they see, that just gives designers a reason to come visit us and find out more. - 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." (Adds date for appeal hearing, context) SAO PAULO, May 9 (Reuters) - Former Brazilian President Michel Temer on Thursday surrendered himself to the country's federal police, marking the second time he will be jailed on allegations that he participated in a vast corruption scheme for decades. Television images showed Temer leaving his home in Sao Paulo and going into the offices of Brazil's federal police there. On Wednesday, when the arrest warrant was issued, his attorney decried the decision and said it was an "injustice." His lawyers had filed an appeal before his arrest that will be heard on Tuesday. Temer, 78, led Brazil between 2016 and the end of 2018 following the impeachment of left-wing President Dilma Rousseff, under whom he served as vice president for six years. He was first jailed in March and held in a Rio de Janeiro facility, but was released a few days later. As part of Brazil's sprawling 'Car Wash' anti-corruption probe, prosecutors allege that Temer led a "criminal organization" that took 1.8 billion reais ($455.52 million) in bribes, including kickbacks that were promised but have yet to be paid. One of the schemes allegedly involved bribes that were from funds diverted from a nuclear power facility operated by a subsidiary of state-run Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras SA. While those allegations have led to the current arrest warrant, Temer has been charged six times overall in connection with different corruption investigations. More than 150 politicians and businessmen have been convicted in connection with the "Car Wash" investigation, including left-wing ex-President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been in prison since last year. ($1 = 3.9515 reais) (Reporting by Marcelo Rochabrun in Sao Paulo and Pedro Fonseca in Rio de Janeiro; editing by Rosalba O'Brien and Jonathan Oatis) Toddler dies after being left in hot car in Burnaby, B.C. A toddler has died after being left alone in a car for hours in Burnaby, B.C., a city immediately east of Vancouver. Burnaby RCMP say the 16-month-old boy was discovered unconscious in a vehicle parked at Inman Avenue and Kingsway at about 5:45 p.m. PT on Thursday near Metrotown, a dense commercial and residential area of Burnaby. The boy was taken to hospital, but could not be saved. Police located the toddler's father at the scene, and say both parents are co-operating in the investigation. Neither has been arrested. Chief Supt. Deanne Burleigh called the incident an "extremely tragic event." She said the investigation is still in the early stages and officers are in the process of interviewing witnesses, family, neighbourhood residents and anyone else in the area. She did not share many details about the investigation, including who found the toddler or who made the 911 call, or exactly how many hours the child was in the car. "It's absolutely heartbreaking," Burleigh said. "I can't imagine how the parents are coping." She said the parents are being supported by Victim Services and are surrounded by friends and family. Unseasonably warm Burleigh emphasized the need for parents to be vigilant as temperatures rise over the next few days. "It's about not leaving children at any point unattended in a vehicle. Make sure you've delivered them where they need to be delivered," Burleigh said. "We're [in] a heat wave right now. Please don't leave your children unattended in a car, [at] any age." Most of B.C. is currently unseasonably warm, with temperatures 7 to 10 C above average in Metro Vancouver. The mercury reached a high of 21.4 C at Vancouver International Airport on Thursday, according to Environment Canada, and temperatures in Burnaby several kilometres inland were likely higher. With direct sunlight, the temperature would likely have risen even higher inside a car. Story continues The B.C. Coroners Service is also investigating. Doctor advises memory aides Dr. Erik Swartz, Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care's head of pediatrics, explained that young children are particularly susceptible to overheating. "First of all, the child can't get out of the car themselves so that's the obvious one," Swartz said. "Secondly a child's body surface area is much smaller than an adult's. So through perspiration they can't drop their body temperature as fast as an adult could." Swartz said a child can't be left alone in a car "for even a minute." He advises parents develop memory aides to remind them that the child is in the car. "Whether that's leaving your laptop or your cellphone, your handbag, your purse in the back of the car so you have to check the car, you must check the car, before you leave." He said in the U.S., about 40 to 50 children die in hot cars every year. It was just three weeks ago that Tiaan Puzicha last spoke to his sister, Saint John psychiatrist Dr. Louise Klipin. Although they'd lived about 12,000 kilometres apart since 2011 when she immigrated to Canada, they kept in regular contact. "We always chatted," often using the long distance video app WhatsApp, Puzicha said in a telephone interview from his home in Johannesburg, South Africa. "We had a close relationship. She was my big sister, she always looked out for me." On Tuesday when Puzicha's phone rang, it was Klipin's husband, Tony, calling. "He said that they found my sister and she was deceased." The body of Klipin, 48, was discovered near the Irving Nature Park on the city's west side following an extensive search by air, ground and sea that began Monday night when she was reported missing. Her cause of death has not yet been released. Saint John police are awaiting the results of the autopsy performed on Wednesday. "The investigation is still very much active with scheduled interviews well into next week," Sgt. Jay Henderson, the head of the major crime unit, said. Puzicha said he knows few details about his sister's death and is glad police are investigating. He does not, however, suspect foul play. Tony Klipin, Facebook Klipin took medication for depression, he said. According to her obituary, her dog Margot "passed peacefully" at the Fairvale Animal Hospital the same day. Klipin, who had two other "fur babies," Misha and Mira, "was a wonderful client and really loved her pets," said vet clinic manager Richel Gnazdowdky, declining to discuss any details for privacy reasons. "We were all shocked and saddened by the news and we're going to miss her." I was of the opinion she was doing quite well. - Tiaan Puzicha, brother During their last conversation, Puzicha said his sister talked to him about possibly having to euthanize the older dog. Story continues Still, "I was of the opinion she was doing quite well," he said. Klipin had started doing more inpatient work at the Saint John Regional Hospital over the past 18 months, which she seemed to enjoy. His sister, who was always "very bright" and a top student, became a doctor to help people, he said. She chose to specialize in psychiatry, at least in part, because she was "not very fond of blood." She previously practised in Clarenville, N.L., having been recruited. CBC That's where she met her husband about five or six years ago, said Puzicha. Klipin was doing some renovations to her home, and Tony worked for a woodworking company. Up until then, Klipin, who was divorced after marrying young in South Africa, had been "pretty much single most of the time," he said. The couple decided to move to Saint John because the city doesn't pose the same challenges of living in a small town, "where everybody knows everybody's business." They also thought a bigger city would offer more opportunities for Tony's career as a furniture-maker and artist, he said. Celebration of life planned Tony was "distraught" when he called with the devastating news, said Puzicha. In a statement issued through a family friend Tuesday, Tony urged anyone who is depressed or in distress to reach out for help. For his part, Puzicha said he's "coping" with the support of family and friends. Klipin "will be remembered by her many patients and colleagues for her gentle and professional manner," her obituary says. A celebration of life service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at Fundy Funeral Home at 230 Westmorland Rd. in Saint John. Confusing regulations and high costs are keeping some Canadian search and rescue organizations from using drones, even though the devices are described as one of the "greatest tools" in a first responder's tool kit. In parts of the country, search and rescue drones use infrared cameras to spot people missing in the woods, map search areas and keep ground crews out of dangerous spots. One group of paramedics in Ontario even uses them to quickly deliver life-saving defibrillators and medicine. But despite the benefits, regulatory questions and the potential costs have kept some search and rescue groups in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, P.E.I. and Yellowknife from adopting the technology. "It's a complicated issue because of safety issues and also because of the licensing, so it's a very involved process," said Sherry Veinot, president of Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association. "It's not as easy as going out and buying a drone and we're going to use it. There's a lot of factors to consider. You have to look at, you know, the safety of the people that are on the ground also." Veinot also has questions about liability and privacy while using drones, which have all played a part in the organization's decision not to use the machines. Submitted by Paul French She's not the only one confused by what's required to get a search and rescue drone in the air, both under the current rules and under new federal regulations that come into force next month dictating who can operate one, where it can fly and what it can carry. "Regulations was obviously a very confusing thing for some of them," said Philip Reece, a member of Flyy, an organization that represents professional users and provides training to companies and first responders that use drones. "Since Transport Canada started to talk about the new regulations coming into force, and now as in fact they come into force on June 1st, there is a bit of confusion there." Story continues Submitted by Sherry Veinot Transport Canada is in the process of streamlining its regulations to make its processes easier to understand. Under the new rules a search and rescue organization needs to register its drone, pass an exam and pass an in-person flight review. The flight review is like a driving test for a car and is used to assess a pilot's ability to operate a drone. Once that's done a pilot certificate for advanced operations is issued. "The new rules are way simpler than, than the existing rules if I can put it that way," said Felix Meunier, the director of the remotely piloted aircraft systems task force with Transport Canada. "If any first responders have any questions with respect to the interpretation of the rules, we're very happy to either meet with them or answer any questions they may have." Ashley Burke/CBC Transport Canada even has an inspector dedicated to helping first responder organizations. Meunier said he's seen drones in action and can see how useful they can be to search and rescue groups. Gord Tessier, the director of research and development with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association of Ontario, said drones "cut search and rescue times down dramatically." "Time is of the utmost essence. If that person is bleeding out in the bush, or over on the lake, or they are drowning or whatever the scenario is, we need to get there as quickly as possible and drones will do that," he said. His organization works with the Department of National Defence providing volunteers who work as pilots, navigators and spotters to help find missing people and aircraft. Submitted by Jennifer Tessier While drones prove useful, they are not cheap. The sheer cost of buying a drone suitable for search and rescue is turning off some groups, especially when the RCMP in many areas have ones that can be brought in to help during searches. "They are expensive to buy, there are certainly costs associated with licensing and there's the ongoing commitment to training and using it," said Tom Girrior, the training director with Yellowknife search and rescue. "In our case we looked at it and just felt the costs were too high for us." Drones sell for a wide range of prices, but generally those that search and rescue organizations need have to be more robust and able to fly in bad weather, making them more costly. Submitted by Paul French Rovers Ground Search and Rescue in Newfoundland and Labrador spent $70,000 for its drone system. That system contains numerous components including the drone, extra batteries and an infrared camera. Paul French, one of the drone's pilots, said after the search for a vulnerable person last year the team decided they needed a drone. At the time they had searchers on the ground and helicopters in the air, but weren't having much luck finding the man. "The helicopters actually scared the individual and drove him further into the woods. Had we had the drone, you know, it would have been a lot more quiet and he actually wouldn't have even known it was in the air." French said had they been able to use the infrared camera on a drone they would have been able to lock onto the man's body heat and find him much faster. Submitted by Paul French However, one of the most cutting-edge drone operations in Canada is being run out of Renfrew County in Ontario. The county's paramedics have a team of six drones that can dispense medicines and defibrillators to people in need. The paramedics' drones are sometimes even used for search and rescue operations where they're equipped with flotation devices they can drop to people who run into trouble on the water. "This past winter we had a number of circumstances where we had reports of people having gone through the ice," said Michael Nolan, the director of emergency services and chief paramedic for the County of Renfrew. "Instead of sending responders out onto what is now known as thin ice, we can simply send the drone out with a flotation device." Ashley Burke/CBC News The Royal Canadian Air Force is also looking at getting its own long-range drones. The main purpose is surveillance and reconnaissance, with a secondary role in search and rescue. The drones could also be equipped with a "Survival Kit Air-Droppable (SKAD) containing survival gear to persons on the ground or at sea," according to Maj. Scott Spurr, a spokesperson for the air force. But Spurr said exactly what the military drones will be capable of is still up in the air since the plan to purchase them is still in its infancy. The drones aren't even expected to be delivered to the air force until 2024 or 2025 and won't become fully operational until at least 2029 or 2030. Ashley Burke/CBC While the country's military drones may still be on the drawing board, Renfrew County's paramedics regularly use their drones at least once a week. Nolan said they save lives. "Without a doubt it is one of the greatest tools that I've seen in my almost 30 years as a paramedic." MORE TOP STORIES: The daughter of Tanya Brooks says she still can't believe someone killed her mother and left her body in a window well of a Halifax school a decade ago. "What was the point in taking someone's life?" said C.J. Brooks, Tanya Brooks's oldest child, who is 29. "How can someone just leave my mom there? How could they do just that? It's an indescribable feeling really. It's something I have to live with everyday." C.J. Brooks joined other family and friends of Tanya Brooks at the former St. Pat's-Alexandra school on Friday to remember the 36-year-old mother of five who was known for her infectious laugh and gentle soul. The school closed in 2011. Drumming, smudging and prayers marked the anniversary of the Millbrook First Nation woman's unsolved murder one of hundreds of cases of murdered Indigenous women across Canada. Halifax Regional Police have said investigators were able to trace Tanya Brooks's last movements until about 9 p.m. the night before her body was found. She left the Gottingen Street police station at 8:20 p.m. on May 10. Her body was found on May 11. C.J. Brooks said the last time she spoke to her mother was on May 10. She said she had to keep the conversation brief. "A few hours later I felt really weird," she said. She tried calling her mom repeatedly but didn't get an answer. "I had a bad feeling." Elizabeth Chiu/CBC "It's not an easy feeling to get over, if you think about it. Somebody took my mom." "I'm going to be there for my brothers as much as I can for them because I don't want them to forget that she loved them, too." There was a witness who saw Tanya Brooks walking hastily toward the school, looking over her shoulder at a group of people following her, said her sister Vanessa Brooks. The witness called his sister to say he felt unsafe in his apartment, but didn't call the police, she said. Elizabeth Chiu/CBC "He opted to call his sister instead of saving my sister," Vanessa Brooks told CBC's Information Morning. Story continues Tanya Brooks struggled with addiction, she said. A couple months before her death, she was brutally beaten by her drug dealer, said Vanessa Brooks. "He beat her for two minutes and only stopped when the pipe broke," she said. She suffered seizures on the way to the hospital from blows to the head and her arm she used to protect herself was broken in multiple places, said Vanessa Brooks. She said her sister was hit between 75 and 100 times. Craig Paisley/CBC The investigation is still active, but is relying on receiving new tips from the public, said Vanessa Brooks. "We're no further ahead 10 years later than when we started." No arrests have been made in connection with the case. Police said they believe Tanya Brooks knew her killer, or killers, and there are people who know what happened to her. Between 1980 and 2012, 1,017 Indigenous women were murdered, representing 16 per cent of all women murdered in Canada in that period, according to RCMP statistics. Indigenous women represent four per cent of the population of women in Canada. The murder was added to the province's major unsolved crimes program in 2009, offering an award of up to $150,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. MORE TOP STORIES By Mathieu Rosemain and Gwenaelle Barzic PARIS (Reuters) - Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg hailed France's efforts to regulate hateful content online as a model for the European Union after meeting President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday. His comments come after the U.S. social media giant was heavily criticized by politicians and the public for its failure to more rapidly remove footage of the March shooting attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, from its network. Fifty people were killed in the assault, with footage of it circulating online for days. Zuckerberg's meeting with Macron coincided with the release of a report commissioned by the French leader recommending increased oversight of Facebook and an independent regulator to police the efforts of large tech companies to deal with hate speech. "If more countries can follow the lead of what your government has done here, that will likely end up being a more positive outcome for the world in my view than some of the alternatives," Zuckerberg told reporters at Facebook's Paris office after the meeting at the Elysee palace. "We need new rules for the internet that will spell out the responsibilities of companies and those of governments," he told France 2 television in an interview. "That is why we want to work with the team of President Macron. We need a public process." The French president wants France to take a leading role on tech regulation, seeking to strike a balance between what he perceives as the United States' laissez-faire stance and China's iron grip on the internet. The 33-page report, co-written by a former lobbyist for Google France, recommends that French authorities should have more access to Facebook's algorithms and greater scope to audit the company's internal policies against hate speech. The report comes after Facebook allowed a team of French regulators to spend six months inside the company monitoring its policies. It represents a "half-time" assessment for their stint which started in January. "The inadequacy and lack of credibility in the self-regulatory approach adopted by the largest platforms justify public intervention to make them more responsible," the report said. Companies like Facebook cannot simply declare themselves to be transparent, it added, noting that checking the integrity of the algorithms they use was a particularly complex task. 'DOMINATING POSITION' However, the convergence between French regulators and big tech companies was criticized by some internet lobby groups. "Up to now, in terms of regulation, only the internet giants have been invited to the table, while others wait for decisions to be taken to have more visibility," Constance Bommelaer de Leusse of non-profit group Internet Society said. "This only reinforces the dominating position of Web giants," she said. This week, Chris Hughes, one of the founders of Facebook with Zuckerberg while they were at Harvard, wrote in a long opinion piece in the New York Times that he believed the company was too powerful and needed to be broken up. Zuckerberg declined to comment on Hughes' piece when asked by reporters in Paris, but Nick Clegg, his global communication head and a former British deputy prime minister, dismissed it as "melodramatic". "For us, the alternative to these melodramatic calls for breaking up companies is exactly what we're discussing here, which is proper regulation. What the tech sector needs is not to be broken up, it is proper rules," Clegg said. France's parliament, where Macron's ruling party has a comfortable majority, is debating legislation that would give the new regulator the power to fine tech companies up to 4% of their global revenue if they don't do enough to remove hateful content from their network. Facebook's decision to allow the team of French regulators inside the company was the first time the company had opened its doors in such a way. Facebook's shares fell as much as 5% in a single day following the Christchurch shooting, but have since risen by about 10%, helped by good first-quarter results. (Additional reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey and Michel Rose; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Mark Potter) Health research bankrolled by Coca-Cola at universities in Canada and the U.S. included provisions allowing the beverage giant to quash studies midway, in a move potentially allowing the firm to shut down projects that are counter to its interests, according to a new study. Researchers at Cambridge University and other institutions analyzed more than 87,000 documents obtained from freedom-of-information requests to public universities in North America related to research funding contracts with Coca-Cola between 2015 and 2018. They found Coca-Cola exercised its right to cancel funding for studies several times; the company did not have to provide reasons for its decision. Sarah Steele, a Cambridge professor of public policy and co-author of the study published this week in the Journal of Public Health, said the contracts gave Coca-Cola licence to terminate research without cause and the company could keep control over data the researchers gathered. Direct involvement in public health research by firms with a financial stake in the issue can make it difficult for consumers to understand when information has been compromised by business interests, she said. As concerns grow over links between soft drinks and conditions like obesity and diabetes along with worries over health impacts from energy drinks and artificial sweeteners she said nutrition research has become a battleground with real-world consequences. Gene J. Puskar/The Associated Press, David Donnelly/CBC Steele said companies have not always been up front about their involvement. "We certainly know that Big Food and Drink are taking a lot of plays out of Big Tobacco's playbook," Steele said in a phone interview. "Big multinationals have pledged transparency.... What we see here is evidence that those wonderful PR statements don't actually measure up to what's in the legal documents that researchers sign." She said Coca-Cola could have quashed "anything not favourable to their interests." Story continues 'Very restrictive' Contract provisions did not give Coca-Cola day-to-day control over researchers working on studies financed by the company, she said. In some agreements, the Atlanta-based multinational could, however, provide comments on research projects prior to their publication in an academic journal. Scholars could reject those comments, she added. But in an era where professors, especially those who don't have tenure, are increasingly looking to the private sector for financial support, and when university jobs are often tied to securing outside cash, Steele questioned whether all academics would ignore the company's comments. She could not point to a specific instance where Coca-Cola terminated research that was going in a direction it didn't like. In emails obtained for the study, one scientist expressed uncertainty over the termination of a project by the company. "They have not communicated with us in several months," the scientist said, also raising concerns over intellectual property rights for the data. It's unclear what specifically the scientist was researching. Another scientist complained in emails to Coca-Cola that its contract was "very restrictive for an 'unrestricted grant.'" 'Never interfered' Coca-Cola said its rules on research funding changed in 2016 so the firm will only support research if 50 per cent of the project is financed by others. In other words, it believes issues raised by the study have been addressed. The company has also posted health and wellness research it financed between 2010 and 2016 on its website, in a move to increase transparency. Shizuo Kambayashi/The Associated Press "We agree research transparency and integrity are important," a company spokesperson said via email. "Research funded by the Coca-Cola Company ... is expected to be conducted in accordance with our publicly stated approach to funding scientific research, including the fact that we do not have the right to prevent the publication of research results nor do we provide funding conditioned on the outcome of the research." At the University of Toronto, Coca-Cola provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding for research to staff studying health issues, including John Sievenpiper, a professor of nutritional sciences. "Coca-Cola never interfered with our research or tried to exert influence over our research findings," Sievenpiper said via email. He said he had concerns with the initial wording of the research contract, and Coca-Cola was amenable to changing it so the funding would come as an unrestricted grant. "The original wording of the agreement was changed so that Coca-Cola could not 'quash' our research," he said, adding that he hasn't had further funding agreements with the company for the past five or six years. 'What does Coke know?' For her part, Steele wants academic journals to include information about contracts signed between sponsors and researchers as part of publication, so readers can see potential conflicts of interest and the terms of financing deals. "All the available measures for the public to gauge bias are not really stacking up," she said. "We know that industry money strongly influences outcomes and recommendations found in studies on health and nutrition." The crucial worry for consumers, she said, is possible sins of omission studies with important health information that companies might have quashed before they became public. Tobacco companies, for instance, knew their products were harmful based on their own internal data long before that information became accepted by scientists, regulators and the public, according to a paper from the World Health Organization. "The big question is," said Steele, "what does Coke know about research that has never seen the light of day?" WASHINGTON (AP) Hundreds of Justice Department employees gathered Thursday to send off Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, capping a tenure marked by a tumultuous relationship with President Donald Trump. Attorney General William Barr and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions were among the speakers, praising Rosenstein's dedication to a difficult job. Rosenstein's tenure as the department's No. 2 coincided with some of the most consequential moments of the president's term, including the firing of ex-FBI director James Comey and the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller. And the ceremony itself comes at a turbulent time for the Justice Department. Scores of Democrats have called for Barr's resignation and the House Judiciary Committee voted on Wednesday to hold him in contempt after he refused to comply with a subpoena for a full un-redacted version of Mueller's report and underlying investigative documents. "You like records," Barr said jokingly to Rosenstein. "This must be a record, of an attorney general being proposed for contempt within 100 days of taking office." Rosenstein stepped in to take over supervision of the Russia probe after Sessions recused himself. He authored a memo the White House used to justify firing FBI Director James Comey, whose agency was leading the investigation into Russian interference at the time. Days later, Rosenstein appointed Mueller, a move that Trump feared could end his presidency. But by the end of his time at the Justice Department, Rosenstein appeared to be largely in Trump's corner, joining Barr in determining Trump had not obstructed the Mueller investigation a conclusion Mueller pointedly did not make. "Decisions had to be made, and those decisions fell to him and they fell to him alone," Sessions told the crowd. "He made every decision based on his best judgment of what he thought was best for this country. He stayed the course during some of the most difficult times in the history of the department." Story continues During the nearly two years as deputy attorney general, Rosenstein a Trump appointee became a frequent target of the president and other Republicans. Trump once retweeted an image showing Rosenstein and others criticized by the president behind bars, calling for them to be tried for "treason." In September, Rosenstein went to the White House expecting to be fired after news reports that he had discussed secretly recording Trump and invoking a constitutional amendment to remove Trump as unfit for office. He was ultimately allowed to stay on after private conversations with Trump and John Kelly, who at the time was White House chief of staff. Sessions said he knew there would be a lot of controversies when he took the job. The attorney general's office "frequently finds itself at the vortex of law and politics and the separation of powers," he said. "But in truth, I have to say our run exceeded my expectations. Considerably," Sessions said, turning to Rosenstein as laughter erupted from the audience. Sessions resigned in November at the president's request, and Trump nominated Barr as his successor. Rosenstein's departure had been expected after Barr was named attorney general. He had planned to leave his post around mid-March, but stayed on for the completion of Mueller's investigation. Amid backlash from Democrats, Rosenstein defended Barr against criticism that he was spinning Mueller's findings in the president's favor. He stood silently behind Barr at a news conference as the attorney general praised Trump's cooperation in the investigation. Toward the end of the ceremony Thursday, Rosenstein's deputy Ed O'Callaghan who gained Twitter fame for his beard after standing behind Barr at the same news conference last month presented his boss with a fake beard. Rosenstein put it on with a smile. "I leave here confident that justice is in good hands, in your hands," Rosenstein told the audience after recounting his nearly three-decade career at the Justice Department. Trump has nominated Jeffrey Rosen, the deputy transportation secretary who was a longtime litigator, to replace Rosenstein. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday voted to approve Rosen's nomination, though Democrats have raised questions about Rosen's lack of criminal law experience. The full Senate will now need to vote on his nomination. ___ Follow Balsamo on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MikeBalsamo1 . They travelled further than anybody, and may also have worked harder to pay their way. A group of teenage girls from Dawson City, Yukon, achieved a big goal this week as they hit the court at the 2019 Volleyball Canada Nationals, in Toronto. It's the culmination of a major effort to raise the $25,000 the players needed to pay for the trip and register for the big event no small feat, in a small town like Dawson. "We've always wanted to go to a big tournament, as a team from Dawson," said Kate Crocker, before the trip. She's one of the eight girls who make up the North Stars. "We just got very determined and we said, 'if we're going to go, we might as well go big.' and we just decided to go to Toronto for the Nationals." Submitted by Suzanne Crocker The team held bake sales, popcorn sales, and pancake breakfasts to raise money. They also managed to drum up some sponsorships from local mining and exploration companies in Dawson. When they managed to meet their fundraising goal a few weeks ago, they were "in a bit of shock," Crocker said. The competition is tough this week, with plenty of teams from Ontario, Quebec, B.C., and Alberta. The North Stars are the only team in their division from the North. "I think we're a little intimidated coming from a small town and not having much experience, but I think I think we'll be able to hold our own," Crocker said before heading to Toronto. The tournament continues until Tuesday. Ontario may be the winner when it comes to Canada's single biggest job increase since the mid-1970s, but a funding cutback to its innovation companies could mean jobs once designated for the province will be forced to move elsewhere. Several tech companies say the province is tightening up the purse strings when it comes to how much it gives to startup companies and that the move will have a trickle-down effect on jobs. "A lot of provincial funding has stipulations that you are creating jobs in Ontario," said Ann Poochareon, CEO of Little Robot Friends, one of the companies that's learned it will no longer be receiving funding through the Ontario Centres of Excellence program. "So with this avenue closed or cut in half, there is less guarantee that a job is coming from Ontario because if I have funding from elsewhere then I don't have to spend those funds creating jobs in Ontario." News of the cuts comes the same day that Statistics Canada announced a surge of 106,500 jobs in April the bulk of them full time. It's the most in one month since 1976, when the government started keeping comparable data. Nearly 80 per cent of the overall gain was concentrated in Ontario, according to Desjardins senior economist Helene Begin, with the province gaining 47,100 jobs. Cuts 'deeper than expected' But for Communitech, based in Kitchener-Waterloo, the cuts amount to a 10 per cent reduction of its annual budget. It's the same for Toronto innovation hub MaRs Discovery District, the organization said in a statement. "MaRS anticipated cuts and built resilience into our plans and budget. however the cuts were deeper than expected," the company said in a statement, adding it will be restructuring departments in the coming weeks and could see a "small staff reduction." I think one of the reasons Toronto is so strong and such a leader in the tech space is because there's been government funding. - Takara Small Story continues Canada's digital economy is outpacing more traditional sectors like oil, mining and gas extraction, it said. "The province is seeing momentum as a growing global tech centre, so now is not the time to ease off the accelerator." The government of Ontario Premier Doug Ford says it has a budget to balance and that it's supporting businesses by reducing red tape. "We're continuing to reduce funding in certain areas to protect what matters most," Treasury Board President Peter Bethlenfalvy said. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade said the province's "number one priority is supporting Ontario job creators, by making our province an attractive destination for investment, for companies to scale and grow, and for talent from around the world." The statement adds that the government has had "frequent, constructive" conversations with the tech sector about the conditions to help companies grow, citing a new measure under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, and introduced measures in its first budget to help support the development of automatic driving technologies. 'Premier cannot have it both ways' In a news release Friday, the government also touted the surge in Ontario jobs in April 10,100 full-time positions and 37,000 part-time jobs, with Minister Todd Smith saying it was "putting Ontario back on track." Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner said that characterization doesn't fly. Sean Gallup/Getty Images Premier Doug Ford in January decried the federal Liberals' carbon tax, claiming it would plunge the country into recession, killing jobs and hurting productivity. If Friday's job numbers are any indication, that claim may be overblown. "The Premier cannot have it both ways. He cannot take credit for stronger job numbers while stoking rumours about a recession. The April job numbers show that, far from the Premier's economic doomsday talk, pollution pricing has not hurt our economy," Schreiner said in a statement. But the cuts to innovation will hurt, says Ontario's New Democratic Party and will hurt young people specifically, says Catherine Fife, official opposition critic for Jobs, Employment Research and Innovation. Concerns women and young people could be hardest hit "Right now, many applying for summer jobs and looking to gain a vital work experience are losing hope," Fife said. "Doug Ford is making this job search even more difficult for young people by cancelling programs that help businesses train and hire them," she added, citing cuts to start-up companies and the cancellation of Youth Job Link and the Employment Youth Talent Incentive, which provide subsidies to businesses to hire young people. And while Canada's overall unemployment rate fell from 5.8 per cent in March to 5.7 per cent in April, Ontario's youth unemployment rate remains much higher, at 12 per cent, Fife points out. Takara Small, founder of Venture Kids Canada, a firm that teaches coding to kids, says she was shocked to hear of the cuts. Her company doesn't receive provincial funding, but she worries the reduction will mean startups that do will have to offload the cost by making fewer jobs available in the province. "I think one of the reasons Toronto is so strong and such a leader in the tech space is because there's been government funding," she said. "That helps startups, especially women, participate in the economy. "What this does is hinder Toronto's tech scene." MADRID, May 10 (Reuters) - Spanish police have arrested former Venezuelan minister Javier Alvarado Ochoa on a U.S. warrant as part of an investigation into money-laundering involving the Latin American nation's state oil company PDVSA, court officials said. Alvarado Ochoa served as minister for electric power development under Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's late predecessor, Hugo Chavez. Maduro has described the U.S. investigation as politically motivated, and accuses Washington of seeking to undermine his government. "(Alvarado Ochoa) is going to await in jail while his extradition is being processed," said an official at the Spanish court that deals with extradition requests. Reuters was not immediately able to contact the ex-minister or his representatives for comment. He is the second high-profile Venezuelan to be arrested in Spain in less than a month. Last month police arrested Hugo Carvajal, a former head of Venezuelan military intelligence, on drug trafficking charges, also on a U.S. warrant. Washington said it believes Carvajal has a "treasure trove" of details he is willing to share about Maduro. The administration of Donald Trump has slapped sanctions on PDVSA and several figures in Maduro's government in a bid to pressure him to step aside so opposition leader Juan Guaido can take office and call elections. Maduro has cracked down on Guaido allies since putting down an attempted uprising last week. (Reporting By Belen Carreno, writing by Andrei Khalip, editing by John Stonestreet) Party City CEO Says Closure of 45 Stores Is 'Completely Unrelated' to Helium Shortage Party City has announced its plan to close roughly 45 stores. The New Jersey-based retail chain announced the shocking decision on Thursday. This year, after careful consideration and evaluation of our store fleet, weve made the decision to close more stores than usual in order to help optimize our market-level performance, focus on the most profitable locations, and improve the overall health of our store portfolio, Party City Chief Executive Officer James Harrison said in the statement posted to the companys website. Harrison also explained that the retail store has signed an agreement with a new supplier for a new source of helium, which would provide for additional quantities of helium beginning this summer. Nonetheless, the helium shortage couldnt have come at a more inconvenient time for the party store. Obviously graduation is a big season for balloons, no doubt about that, Harrison said on a conference call with Wall Street analysts on Thursday, CNN reported. The company did not name which locations would be closing. However, in a separate statement, Harrison said store closures are completely unrelated to the shortage of helium. Its important to note that Party Citys decision to close an increased number of stores in 2019 is completely unrelated to the global helium issue. These are two separate topics, the latter of which weve made significant in-roads in addressing, Harrison said. The decision to close 45 stores in 2019, is part of our network optimization process focusing on maximizing store performance on a market basis. We believe that the opportunity to recapture much of the business conducted in the closed stores in other Party City locations within the market, will provide for overall improved profitability for our Company. It is also important to note that most of the stores being closed were themselves profitable on a stand-alone basis. Meanwhile, helium shortage has been an ongoing issue for the last several years. Story continues Party City balloons | Getty The gas is a chemical element with the symbol He and atomic number 2. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, inert and monatomic gas. Interestingly, helium is very common its the second most abundant element in the universe, according to The Royal Society of Chemistry. However, that does not mean it is abundant on earth. Helium only accounts for 0.00052% of the Earths atmosphere and the majority of the helium harvested comes from beneath the ground being extracted from minerals or tapped gas deposits. This makes it one of the rarest elements of any form on the planet, according to Universe Today. The gas is also only available in Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, ExxonMobil in Wyoming and the National Helium Reserve in Texas, which is the main reason for the shortage, according to Gasworld.com. RELATED: Morgan Freeman Sucks Helium Balloons with Jimmy Fallon At this time, the reserves are being depleted. Its a serious problem, organic chemistry professor at Oakland University Roman Dembinski told USA Today. A shortage and disruption would quench our magnets, so we would be without instruments, Dembinski said. The lack of helium is not only bad news for the balloon business, but also for technology, including life-saving MRIs that scan for damage to organs and tissues, USA Today reported. Helium is also used in space flight to pressurize the fuel tanks of liquid-fueled rockets. New Zealand's high commissioner is thanking Canada publicly for condemning online extremist material following the mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch in March that left 51 people dead. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be travelling to France next week to participate in the Christchurch Call, a multilateral meeting aimed at stopping the spread of terrorism and extremism online. Trudeau released a statement this week ahead of the summit, saying that while information technologies have "connected people in many positive ways," they "have also increasingly become used as tools to incite, publish and broadcast extremist violence and hatred." Those comments and other statements of support from Canadian leaders have been invaluable in moving forward after the tragedy in Christchurch, High Commissioner Daniel Mellsop said in an interview airing Saturday morning on CBC Radio's The House. The governments and tech companies gathering in France for the multilateral meeting will discuss ways to curb violent content on the internet a mission driven by the fact that the Christchurch gunman live streamed his attack. That video has been shared online thousands of times since, and social media companies have struggled to wipe the video from their services. Mellsop praised Canada's willingness to collaborate on efforts to ensure such attacks don't happen again. Immediately after the New Zealand shooting, Trudeau condemned the hateful, "toxic segments" of society that peddle the belief that diversity is a weakness. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland also told the United Nations that neo-Nazism, white supremacy and Islamophobia are among the "gravest threats" the world is facing. And while official Washington condemned the violence in Christchurch and U.S. President Donald Trump expressed sympathy for the victims, Trump also downplayed the threat of white nationalism across the world, saying he did not consider it a rising threat, despite data suggesting it's growing. Story continues No one from the White House has been invited to the Christchurch Call meeting. Two countries in lockstep "It's wonderful that Prime Minister Trudeau has confirmed he's coming, and that goes back to the point that the support we've had from the Canadian government on this has been outstanding," Mellsop said. Canada and New Zealand aren't quite in lockstep on policy measures to prevent future massacres. New Zealand's sweeping post-Christchurch ban on so-called "military-style" semi-automatic firearms prompted many Canadian activists to redouble their efforts to bring in stricter gun control. Of all the violent gun crimes in Canada in 2017, 59 per cent involved a handgun, 18 per cent involved a rifle or a shotgun, six per cent involved a fully automatic firearm, sawed-off rifle or shotgun, and 17 per cent involved a firearm-like weapon or an unknown type of firearm, according to data from Statistics Canada. The government is currently studying the idea of a ban on handguns. Marty Melville/AFP/Getty Images Work has to be 'collaborative' At the summit in France, participating countries and companies will be asked to sign a declaration committing them to concrete actions to curb violent material online. Mellsop said that a private-public partnership will be essential to that effort. It's nearly impossible to regulate online content to the extent required to completely ban violent or extremist posts, he said, but you have to start somewhere. "I think it has to be collaborative in order to work. There are things that can be done by the tech companies. There's potentially things that can be done by governments to address the problem," Mellsop said. "But I think all the tech companies, the countries involved, we all agree that there is a set of terrorist content, violent extremism that we don't want to have on the platforms." Lessons from Quebec City New Zealand has been in contact with Canadian officials to discuss lessons learned from the Quebec City mosque shooting. Six worshippers were killed in January 2017 when a gunman opened fire during Sunday-evening prayers. "In the aftermath of the Christchurch incident, we've certainly been talking to authorities up in Quebec, and I've had fantastic support from officials up there in sharing the lessons learned," Mellsop said. The Christchurch Call meeting runs concurrent with the G7 digital ministers gathering, which will also examine ways to combat online hate and abuse. The Menomonie Police Department Friday investigated a scrap of paper found at the Menomonie Middle School that had what appears to be an inappropriate reference to a school shooter, according to a letter from the Menomonie School District to parents. The department wrote in a Facebook post Friday: There is nothing to suggest that there is an immediate or credible threat. The situation has been resolved and appropriate school discipline and legal measures are underway, district administrator Joe Zydowsky wrote in a letter to parents Friday. The intent of the writing was somewhat unclear, according to the letter. Menomonie police investigated the incident Friday morning and stayed at the school throughout the day. The district asked parents to talk about the incident with their children. We ask that all parents talk with their children this weekend to remind students of the serious consequences for making threats, which could include expulsion from school and legal charges from the criminal justice system, Zydowsky wrote. Even though threats like these are becoming more common, please know that we will not let down our guard, and we will continue to keep the safety and security of our students and staff as our highest priority. The district also urged students to report any concerning behavior in school or in the community. Menomonie police asked residents to contact the department at 715-232-1283 or alert Menomonie Middle School Principal Bart Boettcher if they or their children have information about the incident. Residents can also report information anonymously through the Dunn County Crime Stoppers Inc. Facebook page: https://urlzs.com/mREG7 Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WASHINGTON With the passing of Jean Vanier on May 7, the sum of the worlds welcoming kindness diminished appreciably. More than 50 years ago, Vanier sparked an unlikely movement of conscience. Shocked by the despair and loneliness he found at a psychiatric hospital outside Paris, Vanier did not merely adopt the cause of the intellectually disabled; he decided to buy a dilapidated house and live with Raphael Simi and Philippe Seux, two people with severe intellectual disabilities. Essentially, they wanted a friend, Vanier said. They were not very interested in my knowledge or my ability to do things, but rather they needed my heart and my being. This highly personalized model of compassion now inspires 10,000 people who live together in more than 150 LArche group homes around the world. Those without intellectual disabilities known as assistants spend a year or more committed to a LArche home and its disabled members. And the relationship can be transforming for both. When you visit one of these LArche communities, you are immediately impressed by the rigor and order of the average day. Chores and work schedules are taken seriously. But so are affirming celebrations such as birthdays and rituals such as communal meals and prayer. These homes offer safety, routine and acceptance. And people with disabilities often respond by showing unsuspected aptitudes for friendship and love. The LArche movement is not sectarian, but it is clearly informed by Vaniers Catholic faith. His lifes work reflects a Christian anthropology a belief in the inherent rights and dignity of every human life. Vanier identified this as the belief in the inner beauty of each and every human being. In one sense, Vaniers approach to compassion is wildly inefficient. Who would design a social program that strives for a one-to-one ratio of helpers to helped? How could that type of effort possibly be scaled? But that is precisely the point. LArche is not a traditional social program. Its commitment to the dignity of people with intellectual disabilities is lavish, extravagant. It rejects a utilitarian cost-benefit analysis. And it certainly rejects a Social Darwinism that views the vulnerable as worthless. By serving a group of human beings that others ignore or discount, Vanier made the case that no human being should be ignored or discounted. Vaniers radical Christianity goes even a step further. Not only are the disabled inherently valuable, they have much to teach us. It has been this life together that has helped me become more human, Vanier reflected. Those I have lived with have helped me to recognize and accept my own weaknesses and vulnerability. I no longer have to pretend I am strong or clever or better than others. I am like everybody else, with my fragilities and my gifts. As a teacher and writer, Vanier spoke to a broader cultural unease. In modern societies, it is not only the disabled who feel isolated, abandoned and alone. Vanier diagnosed loneliness as the great challenge of our time. Loneliness is a feeling of being guilty, he said. Of what? Of existing? Of being judged? By whom? We do not know. Loneliness is a taste of death. The answer to loneliness is the same thing that LArche offers. Human beings can only thrive and be happy in small, family-sized communities. And communities of this type are only created through mutual vulnerability. And that sense of vulnerability requires a knowledge of our frailties. And so the happiness and belonging we need most in life begin with a recognition of our own weakness. If we deny our weakness and the reality of death, Vanier wrote, if we want to be powerful and strong always, we deny a part of our being, we live an illusion. To be human is to accept who we are, this mixture of strength and weakness. To be human is to accept and love others just as they are. To be human is to be bonded together, each with our weaknesses and strengths, because we need each other. Weakness, recognized, accepted and offered, is at the heart of belonging. Vaniers message was so different from our typical cultural emphasis on strength and independence. It will be terribly missed. But it is carried forward by the assistants and people with disabilities at LArche, who have much to teach us about the universal human need for acceptance and belonging. Michael Gersons email address is michaelgerson@washpost.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 As part of his new job defending Republican gerrymandering across the country, former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker made a splash on Fox News this week. He warned fellow Republicans that Democrats plan to pick a state, any state, and sue until its blue. As Walker tells it, Democrats led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder are attempting a nationwide judicial power grab to force the redrawing of congressional and legislative voting districts to favor Democrats. As finance chairman of the National Republican Redistricting Trust, Walker hopes to raise millions of dollars to counter Holders group. The former governor is right that liberals are energized by the issue. Democrats hope to convince more judges that voting maps in Wisconsin and elsewhere are unconstitutional gerrymanders favoring Republicans. Three judges in Ohio last week ruled that districts there are rigged to favor GOP majorities and must be redrawn. A federal court in Michigan made a similar determination last month. But as much as Walker wants to blame federal judges for getting involved, hes rooting for legal intervention of his own from the conservative-leaning high court. The Supreme Court can and should swiftly bring clarity and restore reason to what has been profoundly flawed processes, Walker tells Fox. Some clarity on how far state lawmakers can go in drawing oddly shaped districts to thwart the will of the people would be nice. But the ultimate solution isnt for one partisan side or the other to rig the maps. Gerrymandering is wrong no matter if its Republicans in Wisconsin using computers and voting data to skew the lines so they can cling to power, or if its Democrats doing the same thing in Illinois. The real answer is to take the politics out of redistricting, so voters of all stripes are treated fairly and can hold their elected officials accountable without getting stiffed for millions of dollars in legal fees. Thats the Iowa model, which Wisconsin and other states should emulate. In Iowa, a neutral state agency draws the lines after each major census to account for population changes. The agency does so under guidelines requiring compact districts that respect communities of interest, rather than protecting incumbents. Walker says he opposes putting redistricting in the hands of unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats. But thats not what the Iowa model does. In Iowa, the Legislature still gets to approve the maps or seek revisions. They just cant monkey with the lines for partisan advantage. For decades, huge majorities of Republican and Democratic lawmakers have approved Iowas maps with little controversy. We dont expect Walker to embrace the Iowa model, given hes now paid to defend gerrymandering. But the rest of Wisconsin should strongly support Iowas good-government model. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The City of Columbus is making some internal adjustments regarding the way it manages its emergency medical services (EMS) and fire department billing services. Earlier this week, the Columbus City Council unanimously OKd City Administrator Tara Vasicek to advertise a request for proposals to professional ambulance billing service providers to perform all billing related to the operations of the local fire and rescue department. Vasicek said the city bills all Medicare and Medicaid patients who receive billable EMS services but doesnt bill any other insurance providers. The majority of the billing workload is placed upon an employee within the city clerks office and is becoming too time-consuming of an undertaking. It takes about 50 percent of one, full-time employees time," Vasicek told the City Council this week. "As you are probably aware, HIPAA standards (and) billing standards for medical information are increasing all the time, and the workload at city hall is continually increasing We are probably one of the last municipalities of our size that does ambulance billing services in-house. The fiscal impact of shifting away from the citys traditional in-house method will ultimately be determined after proposals have been received and the contract is negotiated. Typically, the fee for the billing services work is a percentage of the overall billing collected. This, in turn, provides an incentive to the billing service to maximize revenue, which ultimately benefits the City of Columbus and its residents, according to information provided by the city. The other major advantage of the shift, Vasicek said, is that the move would free up 50 percent of one current employee's time to perform other work. For the past several years, the city water office has requested additional personnel, however, there hasnt been room in the budget to make this happen. The proposed change, she said, would fill that request with no additional expense to the citys budget by moving a current employee whose time is evenly divided between the water and clerks office, to work in water full time. The action was unanimously approved by the governing body, however, Ward 3 Council Member Rich Jablonski encouraged the city administrator to set clear guidelines for how the operation would run through the outsourced billing service. In my experience with billing services, communication is always a problem, he said. I would make sure that you write in something into your proposal that they do that in a timely fashion. Unlike other agencies, they are not required to remit in a certain period of time, or time frame, any dollars they collect they can hold your money." Vasicek noted the contracted agency, per contract, would be required to remit within 45 days and the city would receive monthly reports by the 15th day of the following month. Sam Pimper is the news editor of The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at sam.pimper@lee.net. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Columbus residents on Friday gave thousands of dollars to local nonprofits in the final hours of the Columbus Big Give. The event, which had previously been a 24-hour event, was expanded to a full week. It began on May 3 and continued through Friday with drop-offs at various local businesses, including Hy-Vee and Supersaver grocery stores. People also donated online at columbusbiggive.org. We wanted to focus on the nonprofits in town, on giving, the culture of giving and encouraging people to give to nonprofits that really need our help to continue their work, said Eve Jacobson, director of the Columbus Area Future Fund and its coordinator for the Big Give. Jacobson was instrumental in expanding the event in her first year in Columbus. While she said she felt that traffic at Hy-Vee and Supersaver would be slow early on, she also anticipated business picking up by the middle of the afternoon Friday. I predicted the morning would be slow because people were getting started with their day, Jacobson said. As the day (went) on, I predicted wed get more donations. I expected it to be a fun day where we can get the message out there about our nonprofits and (hoped) there would be some new donors who have never donated before. Several dozen area nonprofits participated in the event, and more than $15,000 had been raised by Friday afternoon. One of those was Sammys Superheroes, a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Columbus raising money for childhood cancer research. The foundation was set up by the family of Sammy Nahorny, who was diagnosed with stage 4, high-risk neuroblastoma a kind of bone cancer normally found in children under the age of 5 at age 4. Sammy spent nearly three years in treatment completing chemotherapy and various clinical trials. His family was alarmed at the lack of investment in childhood cancer research and decided to do something about it. They originally had T-shirts to just raise money and awareness and they ended up getting so much support and so many donations, that they ended up starting their own foundation, said Nathan Karges, treasurer of Sammys Superheroes and a Northwestern Mutual financial advisor. Thus, Sammys Superheroes was born. The organization supports initiatives and projects that will help doctors get closer to finding a cure for various kinds of childhood cancers. We do everything we can to raise money and find research projects that will help eradicate childhood cancer, Karges said. Karges said the Big Give is important for his organization because it provides a good place for the charity to get more exposure and for people to give money to the cause. Weve always done well, Karges said. I remember last year we had school kids donate nickels and dimes and change because this was something that was important to kids. This is a big time for us, not only to gain funds for the organization locally, but to get awareness out there and have people see our name and give. Jacobsons job is to emphasize the importance of people giving, helping community organizations and improving the City of Columbus. She said events like the Columbus Big Give help to achieve that goal. I wanted to see people think of their vision of what they want for Columbus, Jacobson said. I want them to look at this group of organizations and these projects and think about what they want for their community. Thats what I want people to get out of the Big Give. Zach Roth is a reporter for the Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at zach.roth@lee.net Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Every time I see the latest economic news, I thank Hillary Clinton. Every time I see those high GDP numbers (up 3.2 percent last quarter), I thank Hillary. Every time I see those record low unemployment numbers for blacks, Latinos and women, I thank Hillary. If she hadn't been such a horrible candidate in 2016, there's no telling what sorry state America would be in right now. So thank you, Hillary, for being such a loser. You did your country a greater service than you'll ever know. I don't really blame Hillary too much for refusing to accept her embarrassing defeat and deciding to spend the rest of her public life posing as a professional victim of a conspiracy that never happened. In the pretend world where she lives, the Trump-hating Democrats running the House of Representatives and the Trump-hating Democrats running the mainstream liberal media want to re-investigate the Russian collusion delusion from scratch. They're still deluding themselves about bringing down Trump and they know it. They know that even if the House impeaches Trump, the Senate won't impeach him in a million years. In other words, the Democrats know their multiple hearings are nothing but partisan TV stunts designed to constantly smear Trump and his family and discredit Attorney General William Barr before he digs up the dirt about the FBI's rogue spying operation on the 2016 Trump campaign. The good thing is, you don't have to bother watching the House's hearings live or pay attention to how the committees vote. Everyone already knows exactly what the final scores are going to be - straight party-line votes in favor of the majority Democrats' efforts to impeach, probe or immediately hang the president. Meanwhile, the liberal media never get around to asking the Democrats in the House why they aren't busy writing new legislation to reform health care or fund infrastructure repair. Come on, Nancy. It's time to send your new legislation over to the Senate so it can be sent over to be signed by the President. Where is it? While the liberal media keeps busy finding new ways to hate Trump, a hundred Democratic presidential wannabes who hope to go on their party's suicide mission in 2020 are wandering around Iowa, hating on Trump, doing bad impersonations of socialists and making wilder and wilder promises they can't keep. "Medicare for all," free college for all, "free" federal money for all deposited in a bank account every year just for being born a future Democrat. Wouldn't it be nice if a journalist at CNN, MSNBC, CBS or the New York Times seriously challenged one of these irresponsible promise-makers? Instead of the usual softball question, what if Wolf Blitzer threw a surprise fastball at the head of Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren? What if he asked them something complicated like, "What do you think about passing legislation to end the monopoly protections given in each state to healthcare companies and allowing the companies to sell insurance across state lines?" "I think it's called 'competition,' " Wolf could say. "It allows consumers to shop around for the best deal for themselves and their families. It's worked pretty well with cars, TVs and vegetables.Do you think it might work with health care?" Don't worry. No one in the mainstream media will ever dare to ask that kind of question to a Democrat. They're only asked questions that can be answered with "I really really hate Trump." Let's face it. We're going to have this kind of anti-Trump insanity in America for the next 18 months. The deranged mainstream media - electronic and what's left of print - is never going to go back to presenting what we used to call "The news." So in order to not go crazy yourself, I suggest that you follow my favorite advice. Turn off the TV for the weekend - at least. Listen to a lot of loud country music - real loud. And remember to honor your mother. Michael Reagan is the son of President Ronald Reagan, a political consultant, and the author of "Lessons My Father Taught Me: The Strength, Integrity, and Faith of Ronald Reagan." He is the founder of the email service reagan.com and president of The Reagan Legacy Foundation. Visit his websites at www.reagan.com and www.michaelereagan.com. Send comments to Reagan@caglecartoons.com. Follow @reaganworld on Twitter. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 There will be days when sales will go down and existing clients will give you a hard time. Those are the times when all you need is a push, a shot of instant motivation and positivity to get into a high gear. This is where a Financial Consultant comes into play. Right from counseling clients on investment opportunities to keeping up with even the minutest fluctuations in the market, a financial consultant helps set business goals and helps in achieving those. Set up in 2015 by Reena Ashok, with help from a team of industry veterans, SAR Global Advisors Pvt Ltd is a unified platform for providing all financial and legal services such as fund raising, financial advisory, Regulatory, RBI and other legal compliances.Headquartered in Delhi, SAR Global houses a team of financial and legal advisors. A renowned name in this domain, SAR Global provides targeted and tailored services in the areas of corporate financial planning, business and capital structuring, fund raising from negotiated deals in debt, equity and innovative structures. The firm also offers planning, assistance and hand holding during public issue of equity and debt. At SAR Global, we believe in providing its clients a wider view of the existing opportunities for their business and financial requirements. We help in developing policies, practices and structures which support growing businesses to convert into organized entities to raise formal finance from private equity and structured debt markets. We are a one-stop solution provider. We believe our success lies in the success of our clients and we are very focused on that. We are very particular about keeping the interest of our clients above us. Our aim is to keep a long-term business relation with our clients, assist them to achieve their long term goals as well says Reena Ashok, Co-Founder, SAR global. Apart from these, SAR Global also offers Legal Advisory, M&A Advisory, IPO Advisory, Stressed Asset Management and many more. The expert team at SAR Global through its robust network of Investors,Entrepreneurs, Senior Executives, Advisors and Attorneys has successfully served many clients across India for their Financial, Legal and Business Advisory requirements. Some of the major industry verticals served by the firm include Media, Agribusiness, Renewable energy, Chemicals, FMCG, Technology, Hard Liquor and many more. SAR Global also provides India Entry strategy and helps foreign businesses looking for a gateway into the Indian market of over 200 million middle class consumers. The firm is supported by Avinash Mehrotra, who is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Lawyer who has also recently completed his management course from Howard. Avinash brings with him a network of professionals and a proficient team in handling complex issues with finesse. Unlike large consulting companies, SAR Global ensures that every client receive top of the line professional services with utmost personal attention. Owing to its quality services, a large part of the companys business comes through referrals. The major factor that has provided an edge over SAR globals competitors is the transparency and honesty with which assignments are handled. The firm has achieved 100 percent revenue growth year on year. The plan of any financial advisor will always be market driven and our future plan will be to assist all our clients in their growth at multiple levels. The team at SAR is very proactive and keeps studying the market to keep them up to date about the industry. The firm is also working towards adding more services and group companies to its portfolio in the years to come, concluded Avinash Mehrotra, Co-Founder,SAR global. New Delhi May 10, 2019: JLL India today announced key leadership appointments at strategic positions in its Chennai business. Siva Krishnan has been appointed Managing Director, Chennai; Kanchana Krishnan has joined as Head Markets and Retail, Chennai and Jerry Kingsley has stepped up as Head - Capital Markets, South India and Head - Sri Lanka. Chennai, a key real estate market in the country, has been an important region for JLL. The Firm has a proven track record of successfully managing some of the city's landmark real estate transactions over the last 20 years. Lately, the Firm was instrumental in facilitating several large transactions across Office, Capital Markets & Industrial. Some of the notable deals in 2018were S P Infocityasset sale to Mapletree, Exide Divestment to Olympia Group, large OEM projects in Manufacturing and several large Blue Chip Anchor Office Leasing transactions. These leadership appointments at the Firm will not only ensure that JLL augments its service capabilities and strengthens its undisputed market leadership, but also continues to be at the forefront of such industry redefining transactions. Chennai has discovered increased demand across all asset classes like office, retail, manufacturing, logistics and also holds a promising future for new emerging sectors such as student housing, co living etc. Siva Krishnan, Managing Director for Chennai, is an industry veteran with over 21 years of expertise in understanding business models and market dynamics across real estate assets and lifecycles. Siva re-joined JLL in early 2018 and also heads the Firm's Residential Services, Developer Solutions and Strategic Consulting businesses. In his new role, hewill drive all business lines in Chennai, and nurture go-to-market strategies to reinforce the Firm's capabilities. His innate understanding of Indiasreal estate space has propelled him to be a member of JLL's India Leadership Council. He is also credited with founding and developing the B2C residential franchise for two of the largest IPCs in the country. In his earlier roles, Siva was part of CBRE's CountryLeadership, he was instrumental in building JLL's residential arm and has also worked with HDFC Bank. Kanchana Krishnan appointed as Head Markets and Retail, Chennai, will focus on further building successful JLL office leasing business. She will also Head - Landlord Representation at the country level and spearhead the practice by coordinating with other Landlord Representative experts within the firm. A veteran in the Chennai real estate market, Kanchana is highly regarded in the fraternity and has a deep understanding of the office, industrial, capital markets, land, project management and facility management. She brings to the Firm 17 years of experience in real estate sector. In her previous assignment, she headed all businesses for Knight Frank in Chennai. She has also worked with DTZ (now Cushman & Wakefield), Equis India (UGL) and Chesterton Meghraj across various businesses. Jerry Kingsley has taken on the role of Head - Capital Markets, South India and Head Sri Lanka. Over the last 13 years with the firm, Jerry has played multiple roles across business lines and asset classes. His multi-disciplinary experience include almost all facets of the real estate brokerage business like Tenant Representation, Developer Representation, Industrial & Warehousing, Investment Sales, Land Divestments, Land Acquisitions, Joint Development Structuring, Capital Markets and Feasibility. Jerry has also set up, expanded and streamlined business lines like Land, Capital Markets and Industrial from ground up into profitable teams with steady revenue growth and as market leaders in Chennai. Ramesh Nair, CEO and Country Head, JLL India commented, "Chennai's market offers a balanced economy that is not dependent on a single sector. Also, the market has a presence of large Fortune 500 companies. Factors such as its developed social infrastructure with international educational institutions, healthcare facilities and low cost of living, etc. have been an attraction for occupiers. I am delighted as Siva, Kanchana and Jerry take up their new roles. Their expertise, coupled with expanding opportunities in the city is sure to be a winning combination. About JLL India JLL is India's premier and largest professional services firm specializing in real estate. With an estimated revenue for FY 2018-19 expected to be approx. INR 4,000 crore, the Firm is growing from strength to strength in India for the past two decades. JLL India has an extensive presence across 10 major cities (Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Coimbatore) and over 130 tier II & III markets with a cumulative strength of close to 11,000 professionals. The Firm provides investors, developers, local corporates and multinational companies with a comprehensive range of services. This includes leasing, capital markets, research & advisory, transaction management, project development, facility management and property & asset management. These services cover various asset classes such as commercial, residential, industrial, retail, warehouse and logistics, hospitality, healthcare, senior living and education. JLL India won the Five-Star Award for Best Property Consultancy at the International Property Awards Asia Pacific 2018 -19. The firm is recognised amongst the top 100 Best Places to Work in India for two consecutive years in 2017 and 2018 in the annual survey of 'India's Best Companies to Work For' - a joint study conducted by Great Place to Work and The Economic Times. It has also been acknowledged as 'Property Consultant of the Decade' at the 10th CNBC-Awaaz Real Estate Awards 2015. For further information, please visit www.jll.co.in Source: JLL India Patient Number One is a thin man, with a scabby face and bouncy knees. His head, shaved in preparation for surgery, is wrapped in a clean, white cloth. Years of drug use cost him his wife, his money and his self-respect, before landing him in this drab yellow room at a Shanghai hospital, facing the surgeon who in 72 hours will drill two small holes in his skull and feed electrodes deep into his brain. The hope is that technology will extinguish his addiction, quite literally, with the flip of a switch. The treatment deep brain stimulation has long been used for movement disorders like Parkinson's. Now, the first clinical trial of DBS for methamphetamine addiction is being conducted at Shanghai's Ruijin Hospital, along with parallel trials for opioid addiction. And this troubled man is the very first patient. The surgery involves implanting a device that acts as a kind of pacemaker for the brain, electrically stimulating targeted areas. While Western attempts to push forward with human trials of DBS for addiction have foundered, China is emerging as a hub for this research. Scientists in Europe have struggled to recruit patients for their DBS addiction studies, and complex ethical, social and scientific questions have made it hard to push forward with this kind of work in the United States, where the devices can cost $100,000 to implant. China has a long, if troubled, history of brain surgery for drug addiction. Even today, China's punitive anti-drug laws can force people into years of compulsory treatment, including "rehabilitation" through labor. It has a large patient population, government funding and ambitious medical device companies ready to pay for DBS research. There are eight registered DBS clinical trials for drug addiction being conducted in the world, according to a U.S. National Institutes of Health database. Six are in China. But the suffering wrought by the opioid epidemic may be changing the risk-reward calculus for doctors and regulators in the United States. Now, the experimental surgery Patient Number One is about to undergo is coming to America. In February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration greenlighted a clinical trial in West Virginia of DBS for opioid addiction. ___ HUMAN EXPERIMENTS Patient Number One insisted that only his surname, Yan, be published; he fears losing his job if he is identified. He said doctors told him the surgery wasn't risky. "But I still get nervous," he said. "It's my first time to go on the operating table." Three of Yan's friends introduced him to meth in a hotel room shortly after the birth of his son in 2011. They told him: Just do it once, you've had your kid, you won't have problems. Smoking made Yan feel faint and slightly unhinged. Later, he found meth brought crystalline focus to his mind, which he directed at one thing: Cards. Every time Yan smoked, he gambled. And every time he gambled, he lost all told, around $150,000 since he started using drugs, he estimated. His wife divorced him. He rarely saw his son. Yan checked into a hospital for detox, moved to another town to get away from bad influences, took Chinese traditional medicine. But he relapsed every time. "My willpower is weak," he said. Last year his father, who had a friend who had undergone DBS surgery at Ruijin, gave him an ultimatum: Back to rehab or brain surgery. "Of course, I chose surgery," Yan said. "With surgery, I definitely have the chance to get my life back." Before there were brain implants in China there was brain lesioning. Desperate families of heroin users paid thousands of dollars for unproven and risky surgeries in which doctors destroyed small clumps of brain tissue. Brain lesioning quickly became a profit center at some hospitals, but it also left a trail of patients with mood disorders, lost memories and altered sex drives. In 2004, China's Ministry of Health ordered a halt to brain lesioning for addiction at most hospitals. Nine years later, doctors at a military hospital in Xi'an reported that roughly half of the 1,167 patients who had their brains lesioned stayed off drugs for at least five years. DBS builds on that history. But unlike lesioning, which irreversibly kills brain cells, the devices allow brain interventions that are in theory reversible. The technology has opened a fresh field of human experimentation globally. "As doctors we always need to think about the patients," said Dr. Sun Bomin, director of Ruijin Hospital's functional neurosurgery department. "They are human beings. You cannot say, 'Oh, we do not have any help, any treatment for you guys.'" Sun said he has served as a consultant for two Chinese companies that make deep brain stimulators SceneRay Corp. and Beijing PINS Medical Co. He has tried to turn Ruijin into a center of DBS research, not just for addiction, but also Tourette syndrome, depression and anorexia. In China, DBS devices can cost less than $25,000. Many patients pay cash. "You can rest assured for the safety of this operation," Yan's surgeon, Dr. Li Dianyou, told him. "It is no problem. When it comes to effectiveness, you are not the first one, nor the last one. You can take it easy because we have done this a lot." In fact, there are risks. There is a small chance Yan could die of a brain hemorrhage. He could emerge with changes to his personality, seizures, or an infection. And in the end, he may go right back on drugs. ____ A BUZZING DRILL Some critics believe this surgery should not be allowed. They argue that such human experiments are premature, and will not address the complex biological, social and psychological factors that drive addiction. Scientists don't fully understand how DBS works and there is still debate about where electrodes should be placed to treat addiction. There is also skepticism in the global scientific community about the general quality and ethical rigor particularly around issues like informed consent of clinical trials done in China. "It would be fantastic if there were something where we could flip a switch, but it's probably fanciful at this stage," said Adrian Carter, who heads the neuroscience and society group at Monash University in Melbourne. "There's a lot of risks that go with promoting that idea." The failure of two large-scale, U.S. clinical trials on DBS for depression around five years ago prompted soul-searching about what threshold of scientific understanding must be met in order to design effective, ethical experiments. "We've had a reset in the field," said Dr. Nader Pouratian, a neurosurgeon at UCLA who is investigating the use of DBS for chronic pain. He said it's "a perfectly appropriate time" to research DBS for drug addiction, but only "if we can move forward in ethical, well-informed, well-designed studies." In China, meanwhile, scientists are charging ahead. At 9 a.m. on a grey October Friday in Shanghai, Dr. Li drilled through Yan's skull and threaded two electrodes down to his nucleus accumbens, a small structure near the base of the forebrain that has been implicated in addiction. Yan was awake during the surgery. The buzzing of the drill made him tremble. At 4 p.m. the same day, Yan went under general anesthesia for a second surgery to implant a battery pack in his chest to power the electrodes in his skull. Three hours later, Yan still hadn't woken from the anesthesia. His father began weeping. His doctors wondered if drug abuse had somehow altered his sensitivity to anesthesia. Finally, after 10 hours, Yan opened his eyes. ___ BODY COUNT According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 500,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in the decade ending in 2017 increasingly, from synthetic opioids that come mainly from China, U.S. officials say. That's more than the number of U.S. soldiers who died in World War II and Vietnam combined. The body count has added urgency to efforts to find new, more effective treatments for addiction. While doctors in the U.S. are interested in using DBS for addiction, work funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health is still focused on experiments in animals, not people. At least two U.S. laboratories dropped clinical trials of DBS for treating alcoholism over concerns about study design and preliminary results that didn't seem to justify the risks, investigators who led the studies told The Associated Press. "The lack of scientific clarity, the important but strict regulatory regime, along with the high cost and risk of surgery make clinical trials of DBS for addiction in the U.S. difficult at the present time," said Dr. Emad Eskandar, the chairman of neurological surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. China's studies have offered mixed results. Sun and his colleagues have published one case study, describing a patient who used heroin and fatally overdosed three months after getting DBS. But a separate pilot study published in January by doctors at a military hospital in Xi'an showed that five of eight heroin users stayed off drugs for two years after DBS surgery. Based on those results, SceneRay is seeking Chinese regulatory approval of its DBS device for opioid addiction, and funding a multi-site clinical trial targeting 60 participants. SceneRay chairman Ning Yihua said his application for a clinical trial in the U.S. was blocked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. But in February, the FDA greenlighted a small, separate trial of DBS for opioid use disorder, said Dr. Ali Rezai, who is leading the study at the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. They hope to launch the trial in June, with funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The FDA declined comment. "People are dying," Rezai said. "Their lives are devastated. It's a brain issue. We need to explore all options." ___ 'YOU CAME TOO LATE' Two unsteady days after Yan's surgery, doctors switched on his DBS device. As the electrodes activated, he felt a surge of excitement. The current running through his body kept him awake; he said he spent the whole night thinking about drugs. The next day, he sat across from Dr. Li, who used a tablet computer to remotely adjust the machine thrumming inside Yan's head. "Cheerful?" Li asked as the touched the controls on the tablet. "Yes," Yan answered. Li changed the settings. "Now?" "Agitated," Yan said. He felt heat in his chest, then a beating sensation, numbness and fatigue. Yan began to sweat. Li made a few more modifications. "Any feelings now?" "Pretty happy now," Yan said. He was in high spirits. "This machine is pretty magical. He adjusts it to make you happy and you're happy, to make you nervous and you're nervous," Yan said. "It controls your happiness, anger, grief and joy." Yan left the hospital the next morning. More than six months later, he said he's still off drugs. With sobriety, his skin cleared and he put on 20 pounds. When his friends got back in touch, he refused their drugs. He tried to rekindle his relationship with his ex-wife, but she was pregnant with her new husband's child. "The only shame is that you came too late," she told him. Sometimes, in his new life, he touches the hard cable in his neck that leads from the battery pack to the electrodes in his brain. And he wonders: What is the machine doing inside his head? Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Carlisle Area School Board will stay the course and vote May 16 on a proposed 3-percent real estate tax increase to help offset a projected $3 million-plus shortfall in the 2019-20 budget. Budget/finance committee chairman Gerald Eby had asked fellow board members Thursday to consider a tax hike slightly lower than the maximum allowed under the Act 1 Index. Though Eby was absent for health reasons, Board President Paula Bussard passed on his request for discussion during the committee meeting. The proposed tax hike would generate about $1.3 million in new revenue to close a shortfall in the $86.5 million budget for next school year. District administrators have also recommended about $1.74 million in spending cuts along with the transfer of $377,000 from reserves to the general fund. If approved, the tax rate would go up by .4342 mills from 14.47 mills this year to 14.9 mills next year. The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would pay $1,490 in taxes next year, up $43.42 from the current year. Go for the max In the past, Deborah Sweaney has been against approving tax hikes up to the allowable maximum. This time around, she sees it as yet another hard decision board members need to make given the fiscal reality. On April 18, board members voted 7-1 to approve a transition plan that terminates the district employment of over 80 instructional aides effective May 30. The plan outsources the positions, giving current aides the opportunity to seek employment through ESS K-12 Education Staffing & Management Solutions. District administrators had recommended the outsourcing in an effort to cap escalating health insurance and pension costs. The aides voiced concern the outsourcing could cause instability and hurt special needs students. Board member Bruce Clash had that in mind Thursday when he turned down Ebys request. We have told people here that we are in dire straits, he said. To not capture all the revenue we can I think would be more of a slap in the face to the instructional aides we just terminated. The proposed tax increase comes out to less than $4 per month for home owners with property assessed at $100,000, Clash said. Rick Coplen also opposed not going with the maximum. If Gerry was here, I would ask him directly If we dont raise it to the 3-percent, where would that additional funding come from? Most likely, the board would have to draw out more money from district reserves, Coplen said. Reserve funds are like saving accounts. Once exhausted, the money is gone. In late June 2014, the total fund balance for the district was 24 percent of its expenditures for fiscal year 2013-14, business manager Owen Snyder said. That percentage will decrease to 15 percent at the end of the current fiscal year. Fifteen percent is still solid, but to protect that in the future, you will need to take action, and part of that action is a tax increase, Snyder said. Pay scale change Board members April 18 approved the transition plan for the outsourcing with the understanding that administrators would take another look at the proposed tiered pay scale for aides who decide to continue under ESS. Current aides with years of experience have complained that they would be making the same hourly wage as ESS aides hired off the street with less experience. Superintendent Christina Spielbauer briefed the committee Thursday on a revised pay scale that is based on the years of service aides have put in, not on an hourly pay range as the prior tiered system. The new scale has four tiers that start with a daily rate of $80 to be paid to people with zero to six years of service. The second tier of $86 per day would be paid to aides with seven to 13 years of service. The third tier of $92 per day would be paid to those with 14 to 20 years of service. The fourth and final tier of $98 per day would be paid to people with 21 or more years of service. The district recently invited aides to meetings where they could talk directly to ESS representatives and obtain new information, Spielbauer said. We had 70 individuals show up. We are very pleased. She said the good turnout does not mean that the 70 aides will seek employment through ESS. But there is an incentive in place to encourage a turnover of current aides already familiar with Carlisle schools. If current aides file paperwork by June 30, their application for employment with ESS will proceed with minimal additional paperwork and their years of service with the district will definitely carry over, Spielbauer said. However, if current aides wait until after June 30, they will be treated as new employees with ESS and there would be more paperwork and processing involved. While years of service would be taken into consideration, it may or may not carry over to their ESS position. Under the prior tiered structure, the district would have saved about $600,000 in personnel costs next fiscal year, Spielbauer said. But under the new structure, the savings would be reduced to $550,000. To balance that loss in projected savings, the district would have to transfer $377,000 from the fund balance instead of the original recommendation of $327,000. Staffing cuts Aside from outsourcing aides, administrators are recommending the board cut six full-time teaching positions next year for a projected savings of $450,000. Four of the six positions would be in the elementary schools while two of the positions would be at the secondary school level. The district could cut five of the positions through attrition by not hiring replacements for teachers who either retire or resign. One of the six positions could involve a furlough. Spielbauer Thursday would not specify what positions could be eliminated, saying district administrators are processing student enrollment projections and course selection data to pinpoint the changes in coverage. School board members April 18 tabled a recommendation to cut German language instruction in the eighth grade next school year at the Lamberton and Wilson buildings. That proposal is now off the table pending the results of a comprehensive review of all curriculum programs by the superintendent and her administrative team. German language instruction will be offered next school year at the middle school level, Spielbauer said. The number of sections will hinge on student interest and the outcome of the annual enrollment and course selection review. Email Joseph Cress at jcress@cumberlink.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 5 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Department of the Army has scheduled June 15 as the start date to disinter the remains of six Carlisle Indian School students who died in the 1880s and 1890s and are believed to be buried in the Carlisle Barracks Post Cemetery. The notice of intended disinterment from the cemetery was published in the May 3 edition of the Federal Register. The Army National Military Cemeteries is honoring the requests of the closest living relatives of Ophelia Powless, aka Ophelia Powlas; Sophia Caulon, aka Sophy Coulon; Jamima Metoxen, aka Jemima Meloxen; Henry Jones, Alice Springer and Adam McCarty, aka Adam McCarthy. The Army will disinter, transfer custody, transport and reinter the remains in private cemeteries chosen by the families of the six students. This is the third consecutive year the Army has honored requests from families to repatriate students remains to tribal lands. Dickinson College has an ongoing project where Carlisle Indian School student records stored at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., are scanned into a digital resource center at Carlisleindian.dickinson.edu. Here is what is known about the six students whose remains may be exhumed in June: Sophy Coulon A member of the Oneida Nation, Coulon was 13 when she arrived at Carlisle Barracks from Wisconsin on March 23, 1888. From May 23, 1888, to Dec. 3, 1892, she participated in four Outings where Indian school students are sent to off-campus worksites for hands-on vocational training. She died on Jan. 19, 1893. The Indian Helper of Jan. 23 reported that Coulon had suffered from tuberculosis of the bladder and kidneys. The student publication described her as a nice, good, quiet girl who rested more quietly during the last few days. It was said her passing so resembled natural sleep that watchers did not realize her moment of death. Henry Jones A member of the Iowa Nation, Jones was a 16-year-old orphan when he arrived at Carlisle Barracks on Feb. 25, 1880. The arrival date on his student identification card conflicts with an April 1880 report in the student publication Eadle Keatah Toh. According to that source, Jones was one of eight students who had arrived March 2 from the Iowa, Sac and Fox tribes. He died on March 20, 1880, following an illness of 36 hours. An autopsy revealed Jones had a heart disease. Henry was a bright boy, in scholarship somewhat in advance of our highest class. His death cast a gloom over our usually happy community, the April report reads. Adam McCarty A member of the Modac Nation, McCarty was 17 when he arrived at Carlisle Barracks on Dec. 20, 1881. He participated in one Outing from April 16, 1882, to May 19, 1883. Two months later, on July 24, 1883, McCarty died of tuberculosis. Jemima Metoxen A member of the Oneida Nation, Metoxen was 16 when she arrived at Carlisle Barracks from Freedom, Wisconsin, on Sept. 11, 1903. She was not ill very long and died of spinal meningitis, according to the April 8, 1904, edition of the Red Man and Helper. School records put her date of death at April 6, 1904. Ophelia Powlas A member of the Oneida Nation, Powlas was a 15-year-old orphan when she arrived at Carlisle Barracks from Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Aug. 16, 1889. School records put her date of death at Feb. 1, 1891. Alice Springer A member of the Omaha Nation, Springer was 13 when she arrived at Carlisle Barracks on Aug. 19, 1882. She died of tuberculosis on Nov. 12, 1883. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and while she was anxious to get well, [she] was not afraid to die, the Morning Star, a student publication, reported in its November 1883 edition. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 4 Angry 3 Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 A Park Hills man is jailed after leaving the scene of a November crash in Washington County. Robert Radford Jr., 38, of Park Hills, has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, driving while revoked/suspended, possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor operating a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner involving an accident. His bond is set at $50,000. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol probable cause statement, on November 16, just after 2 p.m., a trooper was dispatched to the scene of an automobile accident at Highway 8 and Route AA in Washington County. Dispatch advised that a person driving a green Ford F-150 had left the scene of the accident on foot. On arrival at the crash, the officer observed a green Ford F-150 in the middle of Highway 8. The driver of a Dodge vehicle was still on the scene and advised the officer that he was driving eastbound on Highway 8 when the green Ford turned into the side of his vehicle. The report states that the man told the officer that a man got out of the green truck and fled the scene on foot walking south toward the saw mill. During an inventory of the truck, the officer located a plastic cigarette wrapper containing a white crystal substance in the driver side floor board. The truck was towed and the substance was packaged and sent to the crime lab for testing. After leaving the accident scene the trooper went into P and L grocery which is located near the crash scene. The report states that the officer saw a white male with a cut on his neck attempting to buy Milwaukees Best, which was the same brand of beer found left inside the green truck. The trooper asked the man what had happened to his neck and he stated, he didnt know, a tree limb must have hit it. The officer asked the man his name and he identified himself as Robert Radford. After obtaining surveillance videos and having the gas station attendant come in for a lineup, it was determined that Robert Radford Jr. had been the one driving the green truck prior to the accident, as he had previously been in the store to buy beer before the crash as well. Prior to the November accident, Radford had just been recently released from the Missouri Department of Corrections after serving a four-year sentence handed down in 2014 for resisting arrest out of Farmington that occurred in 2010. Radford also served a concurrent sentence for DWI in 2013 and had been on a suspended execution of sentence for a felony assault occurring in Park Hills in which he pleaded guilty in 2012. In addition, Radford served six years in 2007 for assault on a law enforcement officer and served a shock incarceration of 120 days for theft in 2005. Matt McFarland is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at 573-518-3616, or at mmcfarland@dailyjournalonline.com. Love 0 Funny 6 Wow 2 Sad 2 Angry 2 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. New motions were filed in the ongoing Terre Du Lac case requiring the case be continued to a future date. On April 29, a temporary restraining order (TRO) was granted against Terre Du Lac board members Cary Combs and Gary Keithley. Property owner Herman Reisner was the original petitioner of the order. Association board member Michael Tilley became the petitioner in the new case on May 3. Attorney R. Scott Reid filed a motion, on behalf of Combs and Keithley, to continue Thursdays scheduled evidentiary hearing in order to take depositions of Reisner and Tilley. According to court documents, depositions of Reisner and Tilley were taken on Thursday. According to the motion to continue, both respondents to the TRO vehemently deny all the allegations made by Tilley and Reisner. Combs, through his attorney, also filed a motion on Tuesday to preserve all financial and business records of the association. Included in this motion was that all video surveillance and audio recordings that concern this case be preserved by association staff. Another filing was made Tuesday by attorney Vonne Karraker on behalf of Tilley. This was an emergency motion to appoint additional board members. Since the TRO was granted, only three active board members are currently serving on the board of directors for Terre Du Lac. Tilley, Michael Miller, and Adam Hector comprise the three remaining members. Two board members resigned late last month. The original emergency order authorized these three remaining board members to take all actions necessary to unlock the association bank accounts, pay employee wages, and conduct the day-to-day and ordinary necessary business of the association. In Tilley's newly-filed emergency motion to appoint additional board members it stated that Miller failed and refused to fully comply with the provisions of the emergency order, under the mistaken belief that the court's order did not supersede the language of the association bylaws. Further, the motion stated that upon information and belief, Miller has violated the TRO by colluding with Combs to help Combs maintain his power on the board of directors and select a Combs supporter to serve on the board of directors for the association. The same motion goes on to state that Hector has remained largely uninvolved in the current crisis and has been unwilling to participate in voting to protect the interests of the association and its membership by fully complying with the emergency order. The motion goes on to claim that Miller and Hector have caused the association to incur unnecessary financial and other losses through their actions. The motion then states that Miller and Hector refuse to vote to retain the services of former association manager Lori Pope which had been ordered by the court pending a final judgment in this case. The motion concluded stating that Tilley believes the association can best conduct business and protect its staff and members if more persons were appointed to the board of directors who are not unable or unwilling to act and whose sense of duty is the association rather than the respondents or any one member of the board of directors. Tilley, through this order, wants to appoint former board members Tracey Wibbenmeyer and Robert Rinnell back to the board for the remainder of the year or until final judgment in this ongoing matter. Finally, a motion was filed Tuesday on behalf of Combs and Keithley in opposition to appoint new board members. The motion stated that the petitioners request to not only remove a democratically-elected board member and a board member whose position is guaranteed by the articles of the association bylaws but also asks the court to appoint members hand-picked by the petitioners. The motion then states that the petitioners, having failed to get their candidates elected in the prior election, believe they should be able to not only remove board members but also hand-pick their replacements before any discovery has been conducted, evidence has been heard, witnesses have been cross-examined, and before Combs and Keithley have been given a chance to defend themselves at a final trial. We are in the United States of America, not Russia, not China, the motion states. Lastly, this motion states that the petitioners have not cited any legal authority authorizing a court to appoint directors to the board of a private, member-based nonprofit corporation. It went on to state that the association bylaws provide the method for selecting replacement directors in the event of a board vacancy. The motions have not been heard or ruled on by the court. An evidentiary hearing where these motions will be reviewed, and all evidence will be presented, is set for May 23 at 1:30 p.m. in front Associate Circuit Judge Joseph Goff Jr. Bobby Radford is a reporter for the Daily Journal. He can be reached at 573-518-3628, or at bradford@dailyjournalonline.com. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DEAR READERS: I wish a very Happy Mother's Day to mothers everywhere -- birth mothers, adoptive and foster mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren, and dual-role dads. Orchids to all of you for the love you give each and every day. -- LOVE, ABBY DEAR ABBY: I have known "Charlotte" for 17 years. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding, and we talk and text regularly. I consider her one of my best friends. Charlotte has had a tough couple years and has sunk into a depression. We live on opposite sides of the country, so I don't see her in person often, but I can hear the change in our phone conversations. She even admits that she's in a depression. Recently, she told me she feels she no longer has a reason to live and has considered harming herself. Because I live so far away, I couldn't get to her so I could be there for her, but I called a mutual friend ("Sandy") who lives nearby and asked her to check on my friend. Charlotte didn't mention anything to Sandy about the way she was feeling or her thoughts of suicide and pretended like everything was OK. I know things are NOT OK, and I'm extremely worried that Charlotte may hurt herself in a moment of despair. She has a therapist she sees on occasion, and I have urged Charlotte to be honest with her about her feelings. Charlotte says she will, but I'm not sure if she actually does. How do I help her? Should I go visit her to show her she has friends who love and support her? Is there anything more I can do than encourage her to stick with counseling? -- WORRIED SICK IN INDIANA DEAR WORRIED: If you know the name of Charlotte's therapist, you could write the person a letter about your friend confiding to you that she feels she has no reason to live anymore and has considered harming herself. Because of privacy laws, the therapist may not be able to communicate with you, but at least she will be aware. Whether Charlotte was serious or just venting, this is something her therapist would be in a better position to help with than you are from a distance. DEAR ABBY: I am almost 50 and have huge regrets about a terrible decision I made in my late 20s. I was married to my high school sweetheart when an older married man came into my life. He told me everything I wanted to hear and showered me with all the attention I was missing from my husband. I became swept up in the fairy tale fantasy and hurt my husband, my true love, deeply. Of course, nothing the married man said was true. He never followed through on his promises. I knew the affair was wrong and it typically never works out, but I thought this was different and we'd live happily ever after. I try not to dwell on how differently my life would have turned out if I hadn't fallen starry-eyed in puppy love for that man. I only have myself to blame. Please warn your readers to not make the same mistake. Enjoy the life you have, especially when you are young. The grass is NOT greener on the other side. It may look better, but trust me, there's a lot of hidden weeds. -- WISED UP IN GEORGIA DEAR WISED UP: Having an affair is never a good idea. Yours taught you an important, hard-earned lesson. Thank you for wanting to share it with my readers. DEAR ABBY: My husband suffers from migraines and has never been happy in any job he's had. He has tried every available treatment for his migraines, to no avail. He still has them daily. I think they may be partly psychological. In the 10 years we've been married, he has had six different jobs. The longest one lasted three years but ended miserably. He went on sick leave because of his manager and eventually quit on bad terms. As soon as he doesn't like a person above him or a situation, his migraines get worse and he quits. He's now talking about leaving the job he got two months ago. He sees two different therapists to deal with these and other issues. Where do I draw the line between being a supportive wife and just wanting a stable life for our family? We have two young kids. I earn a good income and have always had stable jobs (more than five years per company). I started a new job six months ago that is very stressful, and this has been tough on me. Please give me some advice. -- MISERABLE IN MONTREAL DEAR MISERABLE: Because the stress of your marriage is now affecting you, it's time to make an appointment with a therapist for yourself. Whether your husband's migraines are real, psychosomatic or an excuse to run from an uncomfortable situation, I can't guess. You need an expert who is closer to home to help you figure this out. Please don't wait. You have my sympathy. DEAR ABBY: I am a widow who spends summers up north with my son and winters with my daughter down south. My problem is, a friend of my daughter is extremely rude and insulting to me. "Valerie" arrives at my daughter's without being invited, walks in and either makes a disparaging remark to me ("You still here?") or walks right past me with her nose in the air. My daughter says nothing. I have always tried to be pleasant to Valerie, but I'm tired of her rude behavior. I have excellent rapport with all of my daughter's other friends. Please advise as to how I should handle this. -- UNWELCOMED IN NEW YORK DEAR UNWELCOMED: I agree, Valerie's behavior is disrespectful and hostile. Express this to your (silent) daughter and ask how she feels about the way her friend behaves with you, and why she's allowed to drop in with no notice. Her answer may be enlightening. The next time the "friend" pops in and asks if you're "still here," speak up and tell her the length of your visit is none of her business and asking about it strikes you as rude. If you do, it may clear the air. DEAR ABBY: It's time someone publicized this. Chewing ice in your tea, coffee or soft drink is as rude as eating your food or cracking your gum with your mouth open. As I write this, I am sitting in a nice neighborhood coffee shop. The man next to me ordered an iced beverage, which he has been chomping through for the last 10 minutes. This is rude under any conditions, but magnified by the fact that some of us are going over work matters and trying to enjoy a coffee and muffin break. Moreover, it is not good for teeth. Even if the ice crunching habit were benign with regard to health, it's inconsiderate of those in earshot. -- BREAKING THE ICE DEAR BREAKING: Has it occurred to you and your co-workers to move to another table if the crunching annoys you? If it hasn't, I recommend it. DEAR ABBY: I recently got engaged, and my wedding is a year and a half away. My best friend, "Crystal," is going to be my maid of honor. I know everyone has different insecurities, so I'm letting my bridesmaids choose their own dresses as long as they are the right color. However, I'm worried about Crystal and her dress. She's larger than the other girls. I know she will want to lose weight for the wedding. She has been saying she wants to lose weight for some time. Unfortunately, she isn't committed, and she stress eats. I was thinking about having her come with me and buying a dress for her. While I'm trying to keep the dresses cheap, I know they can be expensive. Should I order the size Crystal thinks she will get down to? Current size? Bigger? I know it's usually better to order up because it's easier to make dresses smaller than larger. I don't know what to do and don't want to insult her. -- BAFFLED BRIDE DEAR BAFFLED BRIDE: The responsibility for choosing a dress that fits should be Crystal's, not yours. If you insert yourself into the process, and the dress is too small by the time the wedding rolls around, the blame may fall on you. If you suggest she buy something (in the right color) closer to the date of the wedding, the chances are better that it will fit. DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married 35 years, and I'm not sure how to respond to some recent developments in our relationship. Ever since our wedding, I have tried to persuade him to attend church with me, but he always declined, preferring instead to stay home and catch up on his sleep. Both of us are Protestants, so I don't think my denomination was an issue. However, when his older brother moved back to our area a few months ago, my husband decided to attend church services regularly with him and his family. On top of that, he now wants us to have separate Facebook accounts and separate email addresses. For the most part, I have kept my feelings to myself, but I am worried that my needs are no longer important to him. Do you think I have a reason to be concerned? -- WORRIED WIFE IN WICHITA DEAR WIFE: Yes, I do. Any drastic change in a spouse's behavior is cause for concern, and his sudden desire to separate his internet activity from yours is another red flag. Stop keeping your feelings to yourself and speak up. He may be doing something on Sunday mornings besides going to church with his brother. DEAR ABBY: I was convicted of a crime and did three years on a six-year sentence. My daughter was 2 when I was incarcerated. I was released last year and am currently on parole. I tried contacting my ex-wife about seeing our daughter and being a part of her life, but I only made things worse. Now she's trying to hide my girl from me. I'm trying my best, but she refuses to put me on child support. What do I do? -- TROUBLED FATHER DEAR TROUBLED: You may have to take your ex-wife to court. If you're able to afford it, seek advice from an attorney about your options. DEAR ABBY: My son bought me a car in 2012. I had no idea he was doing it. He traded my car in for this newer car. During the last five years this "gift" has been nothing but a sore spot. If I get a ding from a parking lot, it's my fault. If I let someone smoke in it, I'm unappreciative. It's always, "I do something to help you, and you're so ungrateful." I'm at the point of giving it back and riding a bus. What's the solution? -- AUTO-CHALLENGED MOM IN WEST VIRGINIA DEAR AUTO-CHALLENGED: The solution is to stand up for yourself. Your son appears to be using his "generosity" to badger you. If you haven't told him how his comments have made you feel, you should. Point out that you can't control what happens to the vehicle when you're not in it. And once a gift is given, it's the recipient's to do with as she wishes. If a friend lighting up in YOUR car doesn't bother you, you shouldn't have to apologize for it. As a last resort, consider trading the car in for one he has nothing to do with. DEAR ABBY: After 31 years of marriage, I divorced my husband last year. I was very unhappily married, and am glad to be moving forward in life. Our children suffered as well because of our marriage, and are only now beginning to make healthy choices. My problem is that people I knew ages ago have found me on social media and want to reconnect. I'm not ready for that. I don't want to discuss what's been happening for the last 32 years. I don't want to wave them off, but neither do I want to talk about my life. It would make them uncomfortable. I'm building a new life now, but it's still under construction. How do I respond to these well-meaning old friends? -- NOT READY IN THE SOUTH DEAR NOT READY: You do not have to reveal anything to these old acquaintances that you don't wish to. If they ask questions you feel are too personal or painful, all you have to say is you would rather not discuss it. Then change the subject. DEAR ABBY: My husband tosses and turns, snores, talks and sings in his sleep. In short, I cannot get my sleep when we're in the same bed. He insists that I sleep with him because "if I don't, it would create a rift in our marriage." When I tell him I love him but I need to get my sleep, he says that love is only a word for me if I don't act upon it by sleeping next to him. It has gotten so bad I am thinking of leaving him. Advice? -- ONLY A WORD IN OHIO DEAR ONLY A WORD: Rather than leave, schedule an appointment for both of you with your family physician. Because your "musical" husband is tone-deaf when he hears you need a solid night's sleep, let the doctor impress upon him how important sleep is for good mental and physical health. Many happily married couples sleep in separate beds -- and sometimes even separate rooms -- and have great relations both in and out of bed. When there are sleep problems, sleeping apart isn't a matter of rejection; it's common sense. DEAR ABBY: How old does a child have to be before she is able to choose a relative to live with? I'm the one my granddaughter wants to stay with. Her home life is in turmoil because of her parents' nasty divorce. Ever since her mother (my daughter) found out my granddaughter wants to live with me, she has forbidden her to talk to me, and me to contact her. Her mother is depressed and angry, but won't seek counseling. She doesn't talk to me unless it's to say ugly things. My granddaughter said her mother never smiles anymore. We are very close and this hurts my heart. She's a good girl and should be able to be happy. We live several hours away, and are more than willing to have her. She already has a room here, and our home is never happier than when she's visiting. We haven't spoken to her in months, and we really miss her. Her younger sibling gets most of the positive attention, while she receives mostly negative attention. I have seen this happen many times. She tries so hard to please her mom. I don't know what to do to help her. -- HEARTBROKEN IN OKLAHOMA DEAR HEARTBROKEN: It would have been helpful if you had mentioned why your daughter is angry with you and is preventing your grandchild from contacting you and vice versa. If she's in such bad shape that it is negatively affecting your granddaughter, your questions should be addressed to a lawyer. If your granddaughter is in her teens, she might be considered mature enough to ask to live with a relative other than her mother. If not, and her mother's hostility is affecting her schoolwork, a trusted teacher or counselor at school might be able to see she gets the emotional support she needs. DEAR ABBY: My husband is very outgoing. He loves chatting on the phone for hours, and talks with all the neighbors up and down the street. He's retired, so it's fine -- up to a point. We have a set time for dinner, which is 6:30, and he knows it. Invariably he'll be on the phone or up the street when it's close to dinner. I always remind him 10 to 15 minutes ahead, which gives him time to be here to eat, but he'll keep chatting until he's anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour late to dinner. I put time and effort into preparing my meals. I grow my own vegetables and think of creative things to fix. He always comments how great the meals are, so it's not that he doesn't like my food. If it's not eaten promptly, it's overcooked/mushy/wilted, etc., so I go ahead and eat if he's not here. I'd like him to be with me when I sit down at the table. I feel it's incredibly rude for him to be late. When I tell him that, he laughs like it's a big joke. Short of treating him like a 2-year-old and throwing his food away if he doesn't show up on time, I'm not sure what to do. Can you help? -- FED UP IN NAPA, CALIF. DEAR FED UP: I can't force your husband to the dinner table and neither can you. To toss his dinner into the garbage would be too overtly hostile and a waste of food. Try this: Tell him dinner time is 6:30, but prepare the food as if it's for 6:45 or 7. DEAR ABBY: I'm a 16-year-old girl who has started college early. I love my classes, and I'm glad to be here. The problem is, the dating culture here is huge. People go on dates all the time. I have been asked out several times, and I feel comfortable going, but I feel dishonest when I don't tell them that I'm 16. However, if I'm upfront about my age, the offer usually gets rescinded, and it becomes incredibly awkward. How can I have a fun college dating experience while still being truthful about my age? -- COLLEGE STUDENT IN UTAH DEAR COLLEGE STUDENT: The age of consent for a girl in Utah is 16. For a young man, it is 18. You shouldn't jump the gun and announce your age before getting to know someone. If you are asked, of course you shouldn't lie about it. However, I see no reason to volunteer the information when you are asked for a date. DEAR ABBY: I am a 32-year-old late-deafened adult. I have been deaf in my right ear my whole life, but lost my hearing in my left ear after a tumor was removed when I was 27. I guess they are right when they say we are never fully prepared to lose things we have taken for granted for so long. I still have trouble communicating with people. I have taken a few sign language classes and four lip-reading classes, but I often feel like I'm no longer part of normal society. My question is, shouldn't I have adjusted by now regarding how people see me, since I have been without hearing for so long? -- HEARING IMPAIRED DEAR HEARING IMPAIRED: I have been told that the most isolating disability is being unable to hear. Please do not burden yourself by feeling you "should" have adjusted faster than you have. There is no set timetable for adjusting to any disability. Because you feel stuck in the process, the Hearing Loss Association of America (hearingloss.org) may be helpful because it sponsors support groups in many states. Please check it out. DEAR ABBY: Do you think it is fair for me to do all the housework AND pick up dog doo-doo just because I moved into my sister's house with her and her family? They have five dogs and four cats. No one else bothers to do it. I do it to lessen the smell. When I try to say something, they say I am "causing problems." I don't have any animals of my own. -- POOPER SCOOPER DEAR P.S.: I agree that the task of picking up after an animal -- let alone nine of them -- isn't something most people look forward to. However, if you are living rent-free with your sister's family, perhaps you should consider your chores to be your contribution to the household. P.S. Because you mentioned that no one else cleans up the animal messes, consider finding more hygienic living arrangements as soon as it's feasible. DEAR ABBY: We have some friends who take a couple of expensive extended vacations each year. They go to Europe and take cruises. For the last four years, they have never once booked ground transportation from home to the airport and back. Instead, they rely on friends to take them to the airport. They have plenty of money. They are just too cheap to pay for a shuttle, cab or limo. They never offer to put gas in the car or pay for the parking. It is a 45-minute drive in heavy traffic. They are getting ready for another trip. What should I say when asked? Please give me your thoughts on their behavior. -- UNHAPPY ABOUT THIS IN GEORGIA DEAR UNHAPPY: These friends appear to be centered on themselves. Rather than fume about it, the next time you are asked to drive them to the airport, tell them you have a conflict and are unavailable. DEAR ABBY: I am a 47-year-old professional man who loves children, but never had any of my own. Consequently, I have never had to contend with the considerable cost of raising children. Many of my friends are parents, and I feel the urge to buy their kids nice presents I know they want, or that I never received when I was a child, e.g., a wonderful bike or train set. What's the protocol for giving an expensive gift (e.g., a saxophone that can cost $1,000) to non-related children without creating awkwardness or obligation? Naturally, I would always check with the parents first. (All of us are white-collar executives and employed, but no one is "filthy rich.") -- GIFT GIVER IN OAKLAND, CALIF. DEAR GIFT GIVER: The protocol is the one you are already observing, which is to have a conversation with the parents before buying expensive gifts for their children. And when you do, make clear that it is not your wish to cause awkwardness or a sense of obligation. DEAR ABBY: My brother-in-law found out I smoke marijuana. I have a medical card and some mental disabilities. Marijuana helps with my anxiety. Although we live near each other, my in-laws now say they don't want me in their homes. The stress this has put on my husband is unfair. His brother obviously has a problem with me. I never discuss marijuana with anyone and don't carry it around with me. I use it only in the privacy of my home. How should I expect my husband to handle holidays or even regular get-togethers? I really need help. -- UNFAIR IN NEVADA DEAR UNFAIR: Medical and recreational marijuana are legal for adults in the state of Nevada. I wish you had mentioned how your brother-in-law learned you are using it. That it is being used as an excuse to isolate you is cruel. How your husband chooses to handle further contact -- or lack of it -- with his relatives will be his personal decision. Not knowing how close they have been, I can't guess what his next step should be -- except to point out that his first loyalty should be to you. DEAR ABBY: I'm married to a beautiful woman, "Suzonne." We are bodybuilders and into fitness, so we are both quite muscular. Recently, my wife cut her hair short. It's a great look for her, and we both love the style. Unfortunately, some people have begun calling her "sir" at work and when she's out and about. Suzonne waits tables a couple of nights a week for extra income. Some of the customers have gone so far as to keep calling her "sir" after she has told them that she's female. This infuriates me because it's so disrespectful. I know it hurts my wife's feelings, although she has been super strong about it. It's plain when you look at Suzonne that she is a beautiful woman. How can she nip this in the bud before it starts to make her feel bad? I feel a strong need to defend her, and I don't want to get into a physical altercation with anyone over it. -- HURT FEELINGS IN FLORIDA DEAR HURT FEELINGS: Because your wife has a muscular build and a short haircut, it's possible some of the individuals who call her "sir" are making an honest mistake. However, for someone to persist after being informed that she is a woman is extremely rude. (It makes me wonder if the offender has a warped sense of humor or is threatened by her muscular appearance.) When it happens at work, Suzonne should ask her manager how the situation should be handled rather than allow it to continue. But under no circumstances should you get into a physical altercation because of it. Instead, on the home front, continue to reassure your wife that she's beautiful. DEAR ABBY: My husband refuses to memorize my cellphone number. He says as long as it's in his phone he doesn't need to. I feel he should know it so if he loses the phone or the battery goes dead, I can be reached. What do you think? -- LOGICAL IN KANSAS DEAR LOGICAL: Experience is the best teacher. I think you should stop arguing with your husband and let him suffer the consequences. An option might be for him to jot the number on a small piece of paper and keep it in his wallet. DEAR ABBY: My wife passed away two years ago at age 40 after a long bout with cancer. We had three children, ages 7 to 12. I am 44 and engaged now to a wonderful woman. We are planning to have a small wedding with fewer than 50 guests. While the kids and I are doing well, my late wife's mother, "Karen," is still grieving. She has a forceful personality and can be quite pushy. She lives nearby. We have not finalized the arrangements or sent out invitations. Karen has been asking if she and my former father-in-law are invited, but we haven't answered her yet. She says she's hurt because she feels we don't want her there. Is it proper etiquette to invite the parents of a deceased spouse to a remarriage? The only people she would know aside from us would be my parents, who need to bond with my fiancee's family who are coming from out of town. The kids seem to not care either way. If it were me, I'd feel awkward being there. Help! -- LOOKING TO THE FUTURE IN ILLINOIS DEAR LOOKING: Although your late wife is gone, her parents are still your children's grandparents and therefore should be treated as part of your family. While you might feel awkward if you were in their position, consider how hurt they will be if they are not included on the guest list. The decision whether to attend should be theirs to make. Welcome them and treat them with kindness. A wife can be "replaced," but a daughter cannot, which is why Karen is still grieving even though you have gone on with your life. DEAR ABBY: I need advice on how to deal with a friend/neighbor's messy, unkempt backyard. We are getting ready to put our house on the market, and I'm concerned their yard may be a deterrent to potential buyers. Their pool looks like a swamp, and various pieces of lawn furniture are strewn about the yard. Tables are turned upside down and random items are thrown about. They are friends of ours, but I have no clue how to broach such a sensitive topic without upsetting them. Please help. -- LIVING NEXT TO A SWAMP DEAR LIVING: Because those neighbors are friends, I assume they are aware that you are selling your home. If you live in an area that's prone to any dangerous mosquito-borne viruses, you would be doing them a favor to point out that their pool equipment needs fixing because still water makes an excellent breeding place for mosquitoes. As to the state of their yard, your real estate agent may have some suggestions about how to handle that. If you and your spouse volunteer to help your neighbors make it more attractive, they might be receptive. However, if they refuse and you live in a community with a neighborhood association that regulates how properties must look in order to preserve their value, consider bringing this to its attention. DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, "Hal," and I have been dating for a year and a half, living together for six months. I'm afraid he feels emasculated. Because I make more money than he does, a lot of the responsibility for paying the bills lands on me. We try to split things down the middle, but recent complications with his job have meant it doesn't always work out that way. I love Hal. I know he's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. I don't want money to be a dividing force, but I don't know what to say to make him feel better. This has been the elephant in the room for some time. Hal helps out with cooking and housework, and because of that, I don't mind putting a little more into the bills. I do not want this to be an issue further down the road. Any advice is appreciated. -- STUCK ON THIS IN VIRGINIA DEAR STUCK: The problem with elephants in the room is, the longer they are ignored, the larger the herd becomes. It's amazing that two important subjects -- sex and finances -- are such touchy ones to discuss. Choose a time when you and Hal are relaxed, and then bring up your concerns. Tell him how much you appreciate him in your life and the efforts he makes to make life easier for you, and that you don't want money issues to cause problems between the two of you. He may need to hear you say it. Then encourage him to express his feelings the way you have. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069 Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 HBs 1-13 which contains record funding for elementary and secondary education and stays within the required balanced state budget is now on its way to the governors desk for signing. This week the Missouri House and Senate gave final approval to the appropriations bills that make up the $29.7 billion state spending plan that provides funding to the states departments and programs. Bills "Truly Agreed and Finally Passed" HB 260 specifies that the court may require any person found guilty of chasing, pursuing, taking, transporting, killing, processing, or disposing of certain wildlife in violation of the Missouri Conservation Commission's rules and regulations to make restitution to the state. The moneys collected will be transferred to the State School Moneys Fund. Supporters say the wildlife in the state belongs to all Missourians and when poachers take wildlife illegally, they are stealing from the citizens of the state. Missouri has some of the lowest poaching fines in the country and this bill would increase the fines and reduce poaching. SB 196 authorizes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to award grants to preserve, protect, or restore historic county courthouses. Supporters say the funds for the county courthouses come from the Athletes and Entertainers Tax and while this is not a new program, they want to dedicate a portion for courthouses because of their historic significance. Supporters cited the historic significance, community development, tourism potential, and other positive impacts of restoring these buildings and their grounds. The bill also creates the Rock Island Trail State Park Endowment Fund in the state treasury to be administered by the Department of Natural Resources. SB 167 modifies the definition of "contractor", for purposes of public works construction bonds, to include persons and business entities that contract, provide, or arrange for construction services on a public works project for a non-governmental purpose when acting as a lessee, agent, designee, or representative of a public entity. The act exempts construction managers not-at-risk and construction managers who do not otherwise enter into contracts with contractors for the furnishing of labor, materials, or services to a public works project from the definition of "contractor." The act further requires that all contracts for public works in excess of $50,000 to be performed for a public entity's lessee, agent, designee, or representative on work for non-governmental purposes shall require contractors to furnish a bond. Supporters say the bill will help broaden work for non-governmental purposes. A contractor lien is a claim for payment made by a contractor or a subcontractor who has performed work on a property. Currently, contractors cannot file a lien on public projects or public property. This bill will allow contractors and subcontractors to acquire bonds to do private work on public land. Supporters also say that there is no recourse for contractors who work on public property. This bill will provide a recourse for contractors who put resources and material into projects in the event that the work could not be completed. Supporters want bonds for contractors and subcontractors so that they will be paid for their services and material. Lieutenant Governor's Senior Service Award The office of the Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe hosted its annual Senior Service Award on Monday, May 6th. Senior citizens are nominated based on their service and dedication to their communities. I had the honor of joining the Lt. Governor in recognizing Mr. Murphy Thomas of Farmington as one of the recipients of this award in recognition of his many years of service to our area and for his example of charity to others. There were over 60 senior citizens throughout the state who were recognized for their achievements. Last Friday, I was honored to be invited by Ste. Genevieve School Board Member Terry McDaniel to tour the Ste. Gen Elementary Schools. Wow, was I impressed! The staff, the teachers and the students are amazing! We are fortunate to have such outstanding schools in our district! I was hosted by Renee Yamnitz, Principal at Bloomsdale Elementary and Geri Diesel, Principal of Ste. Genevieve Elementary. What an Outstanding job they are doing with their schools! Thanks to all of them for their passion and service. I want to take this moment to say a Thank You to all Teachers and Retired Teachers in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week! If you have any questions regarding any state matters or legislation, please dont hesitate to contact email me at dale.wright@house.mo.gov or call 573-751-3455. It is an honor to serve as your State Representative. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 It is always nice to have visitors stop by my office at the Capitol. This week I was pleasantly surprised to have my cousin Mikki Ellington and her husband Todd stop by for a visit. If you have never visited our State Capitol I would encourage you to do so. It is a very beautiful building with a lot of history in it. I would love to show you around and take you of a tour of the famous Whispering Gallery. We are now down to 5 days left of the 2019 Legislative Session. Session ends on May 17 at 6:00 pm per the constitution. The building is busy as negotiations continue and aim to reach compromises that will help legislators get priority legislation across the finish line. A balanced state budget that contains record funding for elementary and secondary education is now on its way to the governors desk. This week the Missouri House and Senate gave final approval to the appropriations bills that make up the $29.7 billion state spending plan that provides funding to the states departments and programs. For the third consecutive year, the budget approved by the General Assembly fully funds the school foundation formula with a total of $3.94 billion in funding. The total represents an increase of more than $61 million and brings the amount of funding for K-12 public schools to its highest level in state history. The education budget also includes a $5 million increase for a total of $108 million in funding for transportation expenses for local school districts. Additionally, the budget includes a $3 million increase for the Parents as Teachers program. In total, funding for pre-K-12 education is increased by $116 million in the spending plan approved by the legislature. In the budget process, the General Assembly agreed to provide an additional $1 million in core funding for most of the states four-year colleges and universities. During the discussion on higher education funding, House members also fought to preserve language that prevents colleges and universities from offering in-state tuition to students with unlawful immigration status. The language was placed in the budget in 2015 in an effort to ensure taxpayer dollars are used only for students who are legal residents. While the Senate initially moved to remove the language, the House fought to keep it, and the two legislative bodies ultimately agreed to the House position. As a result, these students will continue to pay international tuition rates. The language in the budget will also continue to prohibit institutions of higher learning from providing these students with state-sponsored scholarships. The budget plan also makes it a priority to fund repairs for the states deteriorating transportation infrastructure. It includes critical funding that is part of a proposal to fix 250 bridges statewide. The budget contains $50 million in funding for the repairs, which would be used in conjunction with a $301 million bonding plan that still requires House approval and also requires the state to receive a sizable federal infrastructure grant. In the budget, House and Senate members also agreed to allocate $50 million in funding for a cost-sharing program that will allow the state transportation department to provide a 50/50 match to counties and municipalities to improve local roads and bridges. Other budget highlights include: Education: $300,00 for school safety grants across the state $1 million of spending approved to make improvements to the Missouri School for the Blind Funding of Missouri scholarships: The newly proposed workforce development scholarship, Fast Track, is funded at $10 million $500,000 increase for A+ Scholarships Nearly $1 million increase for Access Missouri Scholarships $19.5 million increase to colleges and universities for ongoing operations $18.9 million in funding for MoExcels higher education workforce development initiatives $10 million is appropriated for the translational precision medical center to be built at the University of Missouri Columbia $1.8 million will go to Missouri Southern State University to help expand healthcare and STEM programs $5.3 million increase to support adult high schools $1.1 million increase to restore prior year cuts to aid public libraries Infrastructure and Economic Development: As part of a larger compromise related to transportation spending, the General Assembly authorizes borrowing up to $301 million over a seven year period if enough federal INFRA grant funds are received to replace the I-70 bridge over the Missouri River at Rocheport (replacement costs projected at over $240 million) $10 million for major water reservoir projects $5 million in general revenue to match federal dollars for improving rural broadband infrastructure $347,338 to initiate a new plant industries program (industrial hemp) $17.35 million to fund the governor's One Start initiative for economic development and customized training $300,000 for the brand new Missouri Military Community Reinvestment Program The reorganization of the Department of Economic Development across DHE, DNR, DIFP, and lieutenant governor's office is transferred and funded $13.5 million of Volkswagen settlement funds appropriated to clean air projects and grants $10.4 million for port projects along Missouri rivers $10.8 million in road funds to MoDOT for flood-related expenses, plus $6 million to the Department of Public Safety for flood-related expenses Tourism funding is increased $4.7 million over FY19 funding Miscellaneous: $5 million for alternatives to jail program for pre-trial electronic monitoring that will save counties and the state millions in prisoner per diem costs $38.3 million appropriated as aid to counties to offset prison housing costs $58 million in rebased rates for developmental disability providers to improve access to services $1 million to start an Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) for autism $153,000 to fund the Time Critical Diagnosis Unit $15 million in savings generated by the consolidation of two prisons in Northwest Missouri Savings achieved from the prison consolidation will fund critically needed salary increases that will help recruit and retain Department of Corrections personnel $22 million of general revenue spending appropriated to pick up the loss of federal funds that previously supported critical mental health programs at certified community behavioral health clinics 1.5 percent rate increases to Medicaid providers (returning to FY17 reimbursement levels) $5.5 million appropriated to fund Missouris presidential primary $18 million in federal funds are appropriated for crime victims grants $1.1 million to open two juvenile advocacy offices (one that is specific to St. Louis, the second that will operate statewide out of Kansas City) inside Missouris public defender system As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you might have. As your Representative I am here to assist you however I can. I can be reached by email at Chris.Dinkins@house.mo.gov or by phone at 573-751-2112. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Missouri Department of Conservation reports 41 new positive test results for chronic wasting disease (CWD) have been confirmed following its sampling and testing of more than 32,000 free-ranging Missouri deer during its 2018-2019 disease-surveillance efforts. The 41 new positive test results bring Missouris total CWD detections to 116 since 2012. The new positives were from the following counties: Adair: 3 Crawford: 1 Franklin: 5 Jefferson: 1 Linn: 3 Macon: 8 Mercer: 1 Oregon: 5 Polk: 3 St. Clair: 2 Ste. Genevieve: 7 Stone: 1 Taney: 1 MDCs disease-surveillance efforts included collecting more than 20,000 tissue samples from hunter-harvested deer during its mandatory CWD sampling over the opening weekend of the fall firearms deer season and collecting more than 8,000 tissue samples from hunter-harvested deer through its statewide voluntary CWD sampling during the entire past deer season. The voluntary statewide effort was possible through a partnership with numerous meat processors and taxidermists who helped collect tissue samples for testing through MDC. MDC also collected tissue samples from a small number of road-killed deer and sick-looking deer reported to the Department over the past season. In addition, MDC worked with landowners around the state to manage CWD by removing additional deer from areas where CWD has been found. These efforts help minimize the spread of the disease to more deer in more areas. MDC collected about 2,200 tissue samples during these targeted culling efforts after the close of deer season. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/cwd under Post-Season Targeted Culling. Of the 41 new CWD positives, 15 were found through mandatory sampling; 12 through voluntary sampling; 12 through targeted culling; and 2 from road-killed, sick, or found dead deer. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/cwd under CWD in Missouri. These efforts would not be possible without the participation of thousands of deer hunters who brought their harvested deer to be sampled and tested, the help of more than 140 participating taxidermists and meat processors, and the participation of numerous landowners who worked with us on post-season targeted culling, said MDC Wildlife Disease Coordinator Jasmine Batten. THANK YOU! Batten noted that in new areas where CWD was found, the number of CWD positives was low, indicating the disease was likely recently introduced in those locations. Overall, where CWD occurs throughout the state, the number of infected deer remains low, which indicates that CWD is relatively rare in the state and we want to keep it that way, she said. If left unchecked, CWD could decrease the overall health of deer and numbers of deer in Missouri over time. MDC will again require mandatory sampling of deer harvested during the opening weekend of the fall firearms deer season, Nov. 16 and 17, in and around counties where the disease has been recently found. MDC will again also offer statewide voluntary CWD sampling during the entire fall and winter deer hunting season. More information on specific counties, sampling locations, and requirements will be published in MDCs 2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold starting in July. CWD is a deadly illness in white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family, called cervids. CWD is spread from deer to deer through direct contact and through contact with soil, food, and water that have been contaminated through feces, urine, saliva, or carcasses of infected deer. CWD kills all deer and other cervids it infects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends hunters in areas known to have CWD have their deer tested for the disease before consuming the meat and not eating meat from infected animals. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Missouri Department of Conservation and Mississippi Lime Company recently dropped off 1,860 pounds of venison to St. Vincent De Paul food pantries in Ste. Genevieve and Bloomsdale. As part of MDCs Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management efforts, after the close of deer season, MDC staff work with landowners in the affected areas on a voluntary basis to cull additional deer within an area of two miles of where recent cases of CWD had been found. This targeted culling effort helps limit the spread of CWD by removing potentially infected deer from the area. After testing results are back, venison harvested from CWD negative deer are either kept by the landowners or donated to Share the Harvest. The recent meat donation in Perry and Ste. Genevieve counties were from deer that tested negative for CWD during targeted culling efforts in the area. Matt Bowyer, MDCs southeast region wildlife supervisor, said one benefits of this management strategy is the donation of more than 1,860 pounds of venison to local food pantries to feed the hungry in these communities. Its always good to see neighbors supporting each other and we rely on those partnerships with local landowners to help us manage CWD, he said. Now that we have test results back, its an encouraging thing to see meat donated to people who need it. MLCO owns several hundred acres within the Ste. Genevieve targeted culling area and worked extensively with the conservation department's CWD efforts. MLCO works hard to be good stewards of the land and we strive to do everything with integrity, said Paul Arnold, MLCOs property manager. Were honored to help in the control of CWD and were happy to see so many negative test results come back; thats a lot of meat that were able to donate from deer harvested from our company land. Arnold said MLCO participates in several conservation related efforts with MDC, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and the World Bird Sanctuary. We looked at this partnership in CWD testing efforts as another way to contribute to conservation, to protect our natural resources and to support the community, Arnold said. Bowyer said other good news on the CWD front is that where CWD has been found in Missouri, the numbers of positives remain relatively low. The positives are still low overall and we remain committed to monitoring CWD and taking action to limit the spread, Bowyer said. Partnerships with private landowners, such as MLCO, are essential in those efforts. MDC will again require mandatory sampling of deer harvested during the opening weekend of the fall firearms deer season in and around counties where the disease was recently found. Information on specific counties, sampling locations, and requirements will be published in MDCs 2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, and online at mdc.mo.gov/cwd, starting in July. MDC will also offer voluntary CWD sampling during the entire fall and winter hunting season of deer harvested in and around counties where the disease was recently found. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend hunters in areas known to have CWD test their deer before consuming the meat. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Everyone eligible should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel or employment. Vaccination should be voluntary but those who don't get vaccinated should be frequently tested for COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel and employment. Both vaccination and testing should be voluntary and not required as a condition of long-distance travel or employment. I defer to the judgment of lawmakers as long as they base their decisions on a consensus of medical professionals. Vote View Results The attorney general and Minister of Justice, Abubacarr Tambadou, has reiterated President Barrows public moratorium that makes the application of the death penalty null and void, saying all the 22 death row inmates will serve life imprisonment instead. The attorney general acknowledged that the death penalty still exists in our laws but was adamant that the government calls for its total abolition, while hoping that it will be abolished when the new constitution comes into being. We all know that the president had declared a public moratorium on the application of the death penalty, so no one will be executed in this country under this government I can assure you of that, Tambadou said. He said by virtue of this, all of the death row inmates which totals 22 will serve life imprisonment instead. But furthermore, the president also [commuted] to life imprisonment all the death sentences that were issued by our courts, so there is no longer any person as in such; their life sentences have been [commuted] now. The courts can only apply the law as it is, not as it ought to be, so they are duty bound to apply sentences in certain situations, in certain crimes when accused persons are convicted of certain acts. The courts dont have discretion under a duty to impose the death penalty. When they do that, their sentences by virtue of the presidents commuting of all death sentences to life imprisonment, they also fall under the life imprisonment category. In its recent reports to the government of The Gambia on the state of human rights in the country, Amnesty International raised concerns over three people who are to be executed as per the rulings of the courts. But Justice Minister Tambadou went on to assure the public and all those concerned of the governments commitment to values of human rights; key among which includes right to life. | 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 Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde Iran Human Rights (IHR); May 9, 2019: Four prisoners were executed for drug-related charges at Arak prison on April 29, 2019. IHR can confirm the execution of four prisoners at Arak Central Prison for drug-related charges on April 29, 2019. The news first published by Javaneha Website and IHR could independently confirm it. The four executed prisoners have been identified as Hamidreza Hosseinkhani, 37; Majid Kazemi, 42; Mohammad Hemmati, 26; and Mohammad Davoudabadi, 26. A well-informed source told IHR, Mohammad Hemmati and Mohammad Davoudabadi were at the prison for one year. They were tried under the new Iranian anti-drug law. The new amendment to Iranian Anti-drug law which was enforced on November 14, 2017, includes a mechanism to limit the use of the death penalty and reduce the sentences of those sentenced to death or life imprisonment. The law was retroactive and could potentially save many prisoners lives after their case-review process. The amendment specifies that the death penalty should be limited to those who have been carrying or have used weapons while trafficking, sponsoring or organizing narco gangs and inducting children under the age of 18 or people with intellectual disabilities into such gangs. Those with a prior prison term of more than 15 years would also be excluded from the commutations under the amendment. IHRs Annual Report on the Death Penalty in Iran shows that the number of drug-related execution has been reduced from 230 in 2017 to 24 people in 2018. Of note, one of the executed men, Majid Kazemi, had spent more than 13 years in prison. None of the aforementioned executions has yet been announced by Iranian authorities. | 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 Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! "One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed, but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA A pair of physicians active in the health care reform movement will speak at the next City Club of Corvallis meeting. Portland anesthesiologist Samuel Metz and Mike Huntington, a retired radiation oncologist from Corvallis, will address the politics of health care reform and examine the differences between health care delivery in the United States and other countries. Both men have been involved in various organizations promoting health care reform, including the Mad as Hell Doctors, Physicians for a National Health Program and Health Care for All-Oregon. The event will take place at noon on Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church, 435 NW 21st St., Corvallis. There is no charge to attend, but lunch is available at a cost of $10 for City Club members or $15 for non-members. To reserve lunch, send an email to info@cityclubofcorvallis.org. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A 33-year-old Corvallis man has been sentenced to 10 days in jail, 30 days on a work crew and other sanctions after pleading guilty to wildlife crimes. According to a statement issued Friday by the Oregon State Police, the case began with a tip that Anthony Alan Coleman had killed two bull elk on the same day. Coleman was arrested in April 2018 after Oregon State Police fish and wildlife investigators served search warrants at his home. He was charged with unlawful possession of three bull elk, 11 buck deer and a bighorn sheep or parts thereof, as well as illegal possession of a short-barreled rifle. In a negotiated agreement with prosecutors, Coleman pleaded guilty in Benton County Circuit Court last month to two counts of taking, angling, hunting or trapping in violation of a wildlife law or rule and one count of attempted possession of a prohibited firearm. The remaining charges against him were dismissed. Coleman was sentenced on May 2 by Judge Locke Williams. In addition to serving 10 days in jail and 30 days on the county work crew, Coleman must complete three years probation, during which he may not participate in hunting, trapping or antler shed hunting activities. As part of the plea deal, his hunting privileges were suspended for eight years, he agreed to pay $20,400 in fines, fees and restitution, and he agreed to forfeit all seized rifles, bows and animal parts. Love 2 Funny 1 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 6 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Students attending Linn-Benton Community College with the hopes of transferring to Western Oregon University can now be assured that all of their credit hours will make the journey with them. The two schools inked a deal on Friday to enter into a degree partnership program that allows students to start their education at LBCC and finish their four-year degree at WOU by using financial aid offices at both institutions and without losing any of their creditsa common issue for students transferring from a two-year college to a four-year university. Essentially, students who begin at LBCC will be enrolled at WOU at the same time. According to the schools, students can live at the dorms at WOU while beginning work on their four-year degree and take classes at LBCC, completing their freshman and sophomore classes at community college prices. In an era of crushing student debt, and during a time when funding for Oregons higher education institutions is at risk, LBCC and WOU are getting creative, said Linn-Benton Community College President Greg Hamann, who was present at Fridays signing. Together, mapping a path that combines the strengths of both institutions means more students will get the opportunity to achieve their goals. The partnership was announced last month, adding to the degree partner programs already available through LBCC, including a similar partnership with Oregon State University. Many of our students are first-generation, and this partnership gives them the opportunity to earn a degree that will change their families future forever, said WOU president Rex Fuller. Thats the power of a public education. It is agreements like this that help make that success happen. Jessica Sandavol is enrolled at both LBCC and WOU. A social science major, she graduated from LBCC with an associate degree in criminal justice, and is currently working toward her bachelors degree at WOU. The degree partnership is really important because it will help to provide a clear pathway for students to transition to Western, said Sandavol. As a student, there is already so much going on, and this degree program will provide guidance they need so they will have one less thing to worry about. Its especially nice at WOU. The more manageable class sizes and campus makes it easier for students to navigate. Ben Cannon, executive director of Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Council, cited statewide data Friday, that shows that for students who start their education at a community college, the time to finishing their degree is often a full term longer due to classes that do not count toward their four-year degree. One of our biggest roles is to help coordinate higher education for the benefit of all Oregon students, said Cannon. This signing is a reflection of the commitment of President Fuller, President Hamann and their staff to create a pathway for students to ensure their success in higher education. The fact that LBCC and Western are offering this opportunity for students will help to ensure that the credits they take will count. Fuller previously noted in a statement announcing the partnership, This partnership represents a major step forward in how we seamlessly transfer students, while helping our state meet its goals for students earning college degrees. The faculty relationships and transfer pathways both schools have worked so tirelessly to create will ensure more students achieve the career-focused degrees they desire. Students interested in transferring to WOU are encouraged by the schools to apply for the Degree Partnership Program. For more information on applying, contact the LBCC Degree Partnership office at 541-917-4577. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 I am a retired newspaperman. I live in Poca, WV, with my wife of 44 years, Lou Ann. I grew up in Cleveland. Three kids. Grandfather. Report all errors to DonSurber@GMail.com At The Hill this morning, Alexis Simendinger referred to Trump's style of negotiating trade with China as "reality TV" trade discussions. Yesterday's comments by Trumpanzee, he wrote, "veered between hope that a deal was still possible and enthusiasm for what he called a U.S. 'alternative,' amounting to a period of tit-for-tat trade levies. The president said he might speak by phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping, after receiving what he called 'a beautiful letter' from him." By dawn here in California, the NY Times was reporting that Trump had "escalated his trade war with China on Friday morning, raising tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods and taking steps to tax nearly all of Chinas imports as punishment for what he said was Beijings attempt to 'renegotiate' a trade deal." Does his bullying and gaslighting work on China? "Trumps decision to proceed with the tariff increase came after a pivotal round of trade talks in Washington on Thursday night failed to produce an agreement to forestall the higher levies." Also this morning, Nutcase woke up and started tweeting his bullshit again , this time some nonsense straight from the reality show world inside his own jumbled head. An adult supervisor, immediately saw what he had done and deleted the tweet-- as well as another, which was then reposted with some changes-- and sent him to his room. Trump is roiling the stock markets and there are some worries-- worldwide-- that he is giving advance information to cronies to buy and sell stocks based on his tweeting. Anna Fifield, reporting for the Washington Post wrote that it's mostly about Trump and China trying to "save face." China is digging in for a new battle in its trade war with the United States, declaring Friday that it has no choice but to take necessary countermeasures against increased tariffs on its goods. The declaration was posted on the Chinese Commerce Ministrys website at 12:03 p.m. Beijing time-- exactly two minutes after the United States raised tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent as President Trump had threatened. The two sides will meet again Friday morning in Washington, but many economists and other experts see little prospect of a breakthrough any time soon. The level of antagonism and distrust between the U.S. and China, which has culminated in an all-out trade war, makes it difficult to envision a path out of the quagmire the two sides are now in, said Eswar Prasad, former head of the International Monetary Funds China division. The escalation could hardly have come at a worse time for President Xi Jinping and his ruling Communist Party. He will now have to find a way to forge a deal with the United States that he can sell as a victory at home-- at the same time as the party steels itself for June 4, the 30th anniversary of the protests that began in Tiananmen Square and left thousands dead across the country. The weeks ahead of us are very crucial. We have to pass that sensitive date, said one Chinese observer with close links to decision-makers in the party. Nothing can go wrong, there can be no bad news, he said on condition of anonymity to discuss delicate internal deliberations. Nerves are running so high that party organs are constantly being told to guard against color revolutions, the observer said, referring to the popular uprisings that toppled leaders in former Soviet states including Georgia and Ukraine. Everything is related to Chinas internal politics, he said. In the middle of this tense environment comes the surprise escalation in the trade war-- one that Trump has blamed on the Chinese side for seeking to revise key parts of their 150-page agreement at what was supposed to be the 11th hour. In all seven chapters of the draft deal, China had deleted its commitments to change laws to address U.S. concerns, Reuters reported. These included the theft of U.S. intellectual property and trade secrets, forced technology transfers, competition policy, access to financial services, and currency manipulation. That prompted Trump to publicly threaten on Twitter on Sunday to raise the tariffs. What Im seeing is a couple blinded by anger, fighting and pouring toxic words on one another: One side is threatening tariff hikes and the other talks about countermeasures, said Chen Fengying, a senior researcher at the China National Association for International Studies. After what Trump has said, it would be unlikely for China to sit back and accept the humiliation, she said. Trumps tweets caused Chinas leaders to gather at Zhongnanhai, the Communist Party headquarters in Beijing, on Monday to discuss whether Liu He, the vice president and lead negotiator, should still go to Washington this week. He did, having dinner with his counterparts just hours before the tariffs went up to 25 percent. Liu would not have made the trip if China didnt want to find a way to reach a deal, Chen said. The two sides are scheduled to resume talks Friday morning, but there is little optimism about them. I dont see a short term resolution in the making, said Paul Haenle, a former China director on the National Security Council who now runs the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center in Beijing. Its now become much more complicated to cut a deal because Trump has put a spotlight on all the things that the Chinese are most reluctant to give up, he said, citing intellectual property rights and forcing companies that operate in China to hand over their technology secrets. The higher tariffs apply only to goods that leave China from Friday onward, not to shipments already on their way to the United States. That gives the two sides a couple of weeks to work out a deal before tariffs actually take effect-- although that puts the agreement even closer to the June 4 anniversary of the 1989 protests. Chinas Commerce Ministry said China deeply regrets the U.S. decision to increase the tariffs. But it did not go into details about the countermeasures it would impose, triggering speculation that it was not ready. Chinese stock markets, after suffering big losses earlier in the week, actually gained on Friday. The Shanghai Composite Index rose 3.1 percent and the Shenzhen Component Index gained 4 percent. The prospect of higher tariffs is already concerning some exporters. Although sales to the U.S. make up only 10 percent of the total, I am worried, said July Lee, the owner of a factory in Shenzhen that makes LED-illuminated makeup mirrors. We will still suffer some losses, she said. Analysts are now waiting to see if Trump slaps duties on the remaining $325 billion worth of untaxed goods that China sends to the United States. That could make the trade war sufficiently painful to China to trigger compromise-- or to the United States, where consumers would face higher prices for goods like electronics. Some experts are concerned that the trade war will inflict significant direct and collateral damage on both sides, although this may not immediately be apparent given that the U.S. economy is performing well and the Chinese economy has not slowed down as quickly as expected. A deeper concern is that the trade war could morph into broader open economic warfare, affecting all aspects of the economic relationship between the two countries, said Prasad, who now teaches at Cornell University. Investment flows, business relationships, and even flows of tourists and students between the two countries could be adversely affected. The bus crashes into the mountain cliff. Photo by VnExpress. Seventeen people were injured as a bus crashed into a cliff in Thua Thien-Hue Province Saturday afternoon. One Korean, 14 Singaporeans and two Vietnamese were rushed to the Hue Central Hospital. Pham Nhu Hiep, director of the hospital, said one had suffered a spinal cord injury, one had a dislocated groin, one had a broken leg and another a radius fracture. The remaining patients had flesh wounds and were undergoing CT, X-Ray and ultrasound procedures for diagnosis. The patients are in stable condition, doctors said. The injured students were part of a group of 30 traveling in two buses to the Bach Ma National Park in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. The two Vietnamese injured were the driver and tour guide. The 24-seat bus crashed about one kilometer away from the national park's entrance as it headed downhill, at around 3 p.m. The front portion of the bus was badly crushed. Customers hide their faces as police raid the karaoke parlor in Long An Province and found them using drugs. Photo by VnExpress/Thuy Phuong A pre-dawn police raid on a karaoke parlor in Long An Province found 70 customers using banned drugs. Acting on complaints that the karaoke parlor run by MTV Young Music Company in Ben Luc Town was opening past midnight, dozens of police officers raided the facility and caught 70 customers high on drugs. The officers found many plastic bags containing white crystals looking like meth on the tables and several implements used to administer drugs. A quick test showed 70 people tested positive for drugs and were taken to local police station pending further investigation. While heroin has been the traditional hard-core drug used in Veitnam, synthetic drugs like methamphetamine have become more popular among young partygoers in recent years. Vietnamese police have recently intensified their crackdown on drug abuse at nightclubs and karaoke parlors across the country. Eighty people tested positive for banned substances in a bar police raided in the central city of Da Nang last week while their Ca Mau counterparts found 96 customers using banned drugs in a karaoke parlor last month. Despite having some of the worlds toughest drug laws, drug trafficking and use remain rampant in Vietnam. The country has become a key trafficking hub for narcotics in and around the "Golden Triangle," a lawless wedge of land straddling China, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar that dominates the Asian illegal drug markets. A pine tree in Lam Dong has been killed by herbicide. Photo by Vietnam News Agency Authorities in Lam Dong Province have started an investigation into the methodical destruction of more than 3,000 pine trees. Earlier this week the media had reported about the incident, allegedly since late April, in which trees were axed or drilled and then filled with a white liquid which seems to be a herbicide. They killed the thousands of trees on over 10 ha (25 acres) in Lam Ha District, 73 kilometers from Da Lat. Planted almost 20 years ago the area was home to large pine trees with a stem diameter of 25-40cm. The forest is surrounded by local coffee farms and crops. It was an attempt to clear land for cultivation, locals have speculated. An area of poisoned pine forest has turned to red in Lam Dong Province. Photo by Vietnam News Agency On Thursday Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told the Ministry of Public Security to "promptly find out and strictly handle the violation" and report to him before May 30. Local authorities have started a probe to find those responsible and devise a plan to replace the trees. The Central Highlands lost nearly 358,800 hectares (14 percent) of forests between 2008 and 2015, according to a report by the Central Highlands Steering Committee. Most trees were chopped down by illegal loggers or cleared to make way for cash crops, roads or hydropower plants. The countrys forests were disappearing so fast that PM Phuc ordered a total ban on clearing natural forests in 2016 to protect the remaining 2.25 million hectares. In the three years since there has been a decline in the deforestation, but illegal logging, transportation and processing of forest products continue to occur in several locations. Two men involved in a series of robberies targeting foreigners in Nha Trang. Photo by Khanh Hoa Television/Van Hai Three people are being investigated for robbery, mainly targeting foreigners, Nha Trang police announced Friday. Local media reports said Le Truong Sinh, 33, Nguyen Van Mai, 25 and Tu Thi Thanh Huong, 31, were arrested in the central coastal town on April 30 after police found their behavior suspicious. Initial findings are that the trio rode motorbikes on the streets of Nha Trang to rob foreigners of their belongings. In two most recent cases, they robbed smart phones from Chinese tourists. Huong, who is Sinhs wife, has been placed under house arrest because she is raising two small children, police said. Nha Trang is a well-known beach destination in Vietnam, attracting large numbers of backpackers as well as more affluent travelers, especially beach and seafood loving Chinese. In 2018, Nha Trang received more than 1.4 million Chinese tourists, up 56 percent from a year earlier, accounting for more than half of its international arrivals. Vietnam has become one of the earliest nations in the world to successfully test the 5G network, after the U.S., Australia, Japan and South Korea. Vietnams first 5G phone call was made Friday on the network of Viettel, the countrys largest telecommunications company. The trial call, made publicly with the participation of the Ministry of Information and Communications, showed that the speed of Viettel's 5G mobile network connections reached 1.5-1.7 Gigabits per second, far exceeding the theoretical limit of the 4G network and equivalent to the speed of optical cable. Viettel said it will expand the test to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the nations two biggest cities, and expects to launch the commercial service in 2020. The military-run company said it is looking at many pricing plans for commercial 5G services. Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung, who led Viettel earlier, said the event marked Vietnam as one of the earliest nations in the world to successfully test the 5G network, after the U.S., Australia, Japan and South Korea. "We all want to take the lead in the fourth industrial revolution and develop information and communications technology so that Vietnamese locals and businesses can compete in the global economy, and therefore, the earlier we launch the 5G service, the better," he said. Viettel became the first firm to receive permission to trial 5G services in January. It was followed by MobiFone. Last November, Hung said at a conference that Vietnam should test 5G in 2019 and ensure nationwide coverage by 2020. "Vietnam should be one of the first countries to launch the network, at least in Hanoi and HCMC," he had said. The country had been one of the last in Southeast Asia to roll out 4G services. 5G is the latest generation of mobile Internet connectivity, and should offer much faster speeds and more reliable connections on smartphones and other devices compared to the current 3G and 4G technologies. Swedish Crown Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree got an authentic Vietnamese street eating experience in Hanoi this week. Princess Desiree and her husband sat on plastic chairs and enjoyed a serving of southern beef noodles at an eatery in Alley 35, Kim Ma Thuong Street, Ba Dinh District. Swedish princess and her entourage at a the noodle stall in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. Its owners, Tran Minh Cuong and Dao Thanh Thuy, said the southern Vietnam vermicelli with grilled beef or bun bo nam bo has been served there for a decade. Besides the eaterys mainstay, which is grilled marinated beef, the dish the Swedish royal couple had also features some fresh vegetables like Vietnamese basil, lettuce and some pickled carrots. The dish is best enjoyed with a bowl of fish sauce with some crispy fried shallots that adds both taste and aroma. Cuong said that a week before the princess came to the stall, the Swedish embassy staff had passed by and set up two separate table rows for the Swedish delegation to have lunch. Otherwise, the shop still functioned like any normal working day during the visit. The crown princess, following the owners instructions, squeezed some lemon juice and a bit of chili sauce to her dish before diving in. She showed herself very adept at using chopsticks. The Swedish princess was in Vietnam May 6-8 to mark the 50th anniversary diplomatic relations between the two countries. A serving costs VND35,000 ($1.5). Photo acquired by VnExpress. The eatery, which offers parking space in its front yard, is popular among locals. Besides the beef noodle dish, it also serves bun thang and pho. Bun thang is a special kind of noodle soup comprised of rice vermicelli, thinly sliced chicken pieces, omelet, Vietnamese ham, mushrooms, and chopped fresh herbs. Pho noodle soup, with chicken or beef slices, is an iconic street dish in Vietnam. The shop opens from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day. The Swedish princesss visit continues a recent tradition of foreign VIPs trying Vietnamese street food. Former US President Barack Obama had a beer and a bowl of bun cha at an eatery in Hanoi along with the late celebrity chef Antony Bourdain, while Canadian Prime Minister enjoyed a cup of coffee on a Saigon sidewalk. Da Nang had Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull enjoying a banh mi at a local shop. A bun cha is a big bowl of savory, sweet and sour fish sauce with meatballs and thick pork slices served with a plate of rice vermicelli. Banh mi is a kind of sandwich that consists of a Vietnamese single-serving baguette filled with various savory ingredients. An Indonesian director who received death threats over his latest film warned against a return to authoritarianism on Friday, calling for more debate on LGBT+ issues. Garin Nugroho's "Memories of my Body," about a male dancer exploring his sexuality and gender identity, has won prestigious awards and been shown at international film festivals. But its release in Muslim majority Indonesia last month sparked an online backlash by religious conservatives that led to death threats as well as bans in some cities and districts. "If people ban films, even without watching the film ... it will kill the quality of human life, democratisation and cultural diversity," Nugroho said. "In Indonesia the LGBT+ issue ... it is time that we discussed this to bring about more understanding about cultural diversity," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Socially conservative attitudes prevail across Asia, and deep-rooted biases have hamstrung progress on gay rights. Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei ban sexual relationships between men, and Indonesia has seen an increase in raids targeting LGBT+ people in recent years. Homosexuality is not regulated by law in Indonesia, except in the conservative province of Aceh, but the Southeast Asian country has a growing number of bylaws targeting LGBT+ people. Indonesian President Joko Widodo picked Islamic cleric Ma'ruf Amin as his running mate for this year's presidential election - a move criticized by human rights groups who cited fatwas issued by Amin that condemned LGBT+ individuals. "Memories of My Body" was first screened a year ago at the Venice International Film Festival before being released nationwide in Indonesia in April. It tells the story of a boy growing up in rural Indonesia who joins a centre for lengger lanang - a traditional dance that is performed in pairs and in which men often take both male and female roles - depicting his efforts to explore his sexuality. Backlash An online petition that called for the film to be boycotted attracted 71,000 signatures and an influential group of clerics also criticised its release. The mayor of one city that banned it said the film "may influence people, especially the younger generation, to carry out and justify sexually deviant behaviour". "Social media users said the film would be a bad influence on the younger generation and not good for the moral attitude of young people," Nugroho said, adding that the backlash was bad for cultural diversity and a form of oppression. Nugroho began making documentaries in 1985 before moving onto feature films in 1991. He has directed 19 movies on themes ranging from Islamic radicalism to economic liberalism and communism. The 58-year-old is no stranger to controversy - six other films he has made on religion and the government of former President Suharto also drew criticism. But he said it was the first time cities had called for one of his films to be banned, comparing the rising influence of religion on Indonesian politics to the censorship and oppression the country experienced under Suharto. Following the backlash to the subject of his latest film, it is now only being screened at three cinemas in Jakarta. "It is an interesting issue and important issues must be present in Indonesian society to allow people to discuss them," he said, adding that audience feedback had been positive. "I always make films about sensitive issues ... if it interests me, then I make it," said Nugroho, whose next project will be a theatre production in Australia. Speaking at the Washington Conference on the Americas, Vice President Mike Pence addressed the ongoing struggle in Venezuela between dictatorship and democracy. Socialism has taken a heavy toll on the people of Venezuela, and it is time for Nicolas Maduro to go, said Vice President Pence: The Maduro regimes socialist policies have shrunk their economy by nearly half. It is remarkable to think that in what was once one of the wealthiest countries in our hemisphere, that 9 out of 10 people live in poverty. ... Thousands of Venezuelan children are starving at this very hour. And infants in hospitals across Venezuela are dying for lack of basic medical care. But the former Maduro regime threatens more than its own people. It also poses a danger to the peace and security of the region, warned Mr. Pence: Drug traffickers, criminal gangs, terrorist groups seek to destabilize the region and profit from the misery of the Venezuelan people every day. And while the Maduro regime has stood aside as millions of its own people have fled in desperation, its been more than eager to accept the aid and comfort of regimes in Iran, and Russia, and Cuba. The Iranian regime has been working with Maduro to establish a safe haven for its terrorist proxies. Vice President Pence warned that Hezbollah is working to extend its network throughout Venezuela, and from there, throughout the hemisphere. Russia, said Vice President Pence, is also seeking a foothold in the Western Hemisphere and has become Maduros biggest weapons supplier. But no one has done more to support the corrupt former Maduro regime than the Communist leaders of Cuba. Cuban agents control the levers of power in many government agencies, especially the military and intelligence services. Moreover, Cuba has robbed Venezuela of oil wealth, receiving, by some estimates, more than $35 billion worth of oil since 2005. In an effort to meet the growing humanitarian needs of the Venezuelan people, the U.S. has positioned more than 546 metric tons of food and supplies on the Venezuelan borders with Colombia, Curacao and Brazil for immediate distribution, but the former Maduro regime has not allowed it to enter. The United States, said Vice President Pence, reaffirms its commitment to the Venezuelan people and to its partners in the region. We will continue to stand with the people of Venezuela until Libertad (liberty) is restored. Everyone knows that the Transcontinental Railroad opened to through traffic with a huge gala ceremony heard round the world. One hundred and fifty years ago this week Central Pacific Railroad President Leland Stanford ceremonially drove the golden Last Spike into the track at Promontory Summit, Utah connecting both sections. To record the actual tapping of the nail into place, the hammer and spike had been wired to a nearby telegraph line so that each blow of the mallet would be heard as a click at stations nationwide. Legend has it that Stanford missed the spike on the first swing. As soon as the gold Last Spike had been taken out and replaced by an ordinary iron one, a message was transmitted by the operators to both the East Coast and West Coast that simply read, DONE. Travel across the country had been reduced from six months to slightly more than a week. Connecting the two shores together finalized the Manifest Destiny of the country and helped America become the powerhouse it is today. The idea of a railroad connecting the east and west was tossed around for decades within Washington, stalling at every chance and every administration. Only after California became a state in 1850 and the glamour of huge gold deposits contained therein was observed by a greedy Congress, did action begin. Up until that time there was no easy way to get to the West Coast. If you were daring, you could take the California Trail. If you were a sea lover you could take the six-month trip around Cape Horn and through the Straits of Magellan. If you were rally adventurous, you could even cut across the Isthmus of Panama, despite the banditos there. In the end, roughly half of Californias new settlers came by trail and the other half by sea but both took a long time. In February 1860, Iowa Representative Samuel Curtis introduced a bill to fund the trans-continental railroad. Unfortunately opposition from southern states who wanted a lower route killed the deal. After those states seceded from the Union in early 1861, the opposition was removed and Lincoln signed the Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 into law. It authorized creation of two companies, the Central Pacific in the west and the Union Pacific in the east, to build the line. The Act also settled the official width of the railroad. Up until that time, there were two primary standards for track gauge in the United States. Most northern railroads copied the English system of 4 feet 8 12 inches rail to rail, while southern states favored the exact 5 foot gauge. Bur, due to the Civil War, and the half empty seats in Congress, the English gauge became the standard to this day. To save money, the rails initially used were made of hardened iron having a flat bottom I-beam profile weighing about 20 pounds per foot. Although the Bessemer and open hearth furnace steel making processes were in operation by 1865, they were not used at first due to their higher cost. Eventually, however, steel rails won out because they were harder and lasted much longer, and at the same time, were easier to work with because they didnt flex as much. In the end, the Central Pacific, starting from Sacramento, laid down 690 miles of track, crossing the 7,000 foot Sierras in the process. By 1868 they had reached Reno, having spent five years blasting 11 tunnels in the hard granite mountains east of Donner Summit. Crafted painfully before dynamite became commonplace, the tunnels were built by drilling a series of holes in the rock face, filling them with black powder and detonating the assembly to break the rock free. Because the rock was so hard the average pace was only about a foot a day despite large crews working round the clock. The tunnel projects were a busy place with some workers drilling holes while others collected and removed the loosened rock after each explosion. Progress on the tunnels doubled when they started using the newly invented nitroglycerin often manufactured near the work place in what can be considered by some a booming business. When the Central Pacific joined the Humboldt River east of the sink, things became a little easier. Following that path they continued onto Wells and from there veered north into Utah and eventually Promontory Summit all within one year. The other railroad company, Union Pacific, had it a little easier. They started in Omaha, Nebraska, and proceeded rapidly due to the open terrain of the Great Plains. This changed, however, as the work entered the Indian-held lands of Wyoming where Native Americans saw the railroad as a violation of their treaties with the United States. Notwithstanding many violent skirmishes along the way the Union Pacific moved forward, being amply supplied by trains bringing all necessary material for the construction from eastern cities right up to the construction site. Wooden ties were placed on the track ballast and leveled to get ready for the rails. The rails, which weighed the most, were often kicked off the flatcars and carried by gangs of men to be placed down, measured for the correct gauge and nailed to the ties. The fishplates connecting the ends of the rails would be bolted on quickly, leaving space for thermal expansion, and the work moved forward at a rate of a mile or two per day depending on terrain. Water for the steam locomotives coming from the east was usually provided by wells, springs, or pipelines along the way. Fuel and water stops on the early system may have been as often as every 10 miles. These today form the basis of the little towns dotted along Route 80 today. The first transcontinental rail passengers arrived in the west terminus, Oakland on September 6, 1869. Gary Hanington is Professor Emeritus of physical science at Great Basin College and chief scientist at AHV. He can be reached at garyh@ahv.com or gary.hanington@gbcnv.edu. Gary Hanington is Professor Emeritus of physical science at Great Basin College and chief scientist at AHV. He can be reached at garyh@ahv.com or gary.hanington@gbcnv.edu. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 125 YEARS AGO May 5, 1894: A new road has been made by the stockmen, on the north side of the railroad track from Moleen to Osino, to take the place of the roads closed by the fencing of the track. The new road is a little rough, but after being used for a few months will be better than the old one. It is unlawful to catch trout in the Humboldt river or its tributaries between the first day of November and the first day of June. The church benches that were stored in the Mayhugh building have been removed to the old malt house on the hill. John Sibbold of Golconda, is going to try shipping horses to Glascow, Scotland, via Montreal. The freight runs up to $55 each. Phil Schillerstrom was in from South Fork yesterday to meet a brother and family from the East. They went home with him yesterday forenoon. 100 YEARS AGO May 5, 1919: Attorney Otto T. Williams has received a telegram from the attorney general that the state will take the entire issue of bonds pf $74,000 for the erection of the new grammar school. According to the state lays, that state has the right to come in and take the bonds at par, even though other bidders offer a higher price. It is reported that the Union Land & Cattle company ha purchased the Roy Roseberry ranch in Independence Valley, adjoining the Spanish ranch. With the purchase of this ranch the company now owns practically all of the big Independence Valley. May 9, 1919: The Elko County Red Cross canteen, at Elko and Montello, are the most active of any canteens between San Francisco and Ogden, and during the month of April fed 219,000 soldiers passing through on the trains. The women meet each train and supply the soldiers with hot coffee, sandwiches, doughnuts, cookies, pies, cigarettes, post cards, etc., absolutely free. Carl Prentice came in last evening from a fishing trip to the South Fork with a catch of 25, ranging all the way from 12 to 22 inches long. The largest of the catch was a rainbow, just a trifle over 22 inches, and weighing a strong five pounds. The fish are running up the streams now, and it is worth a persons time to see them shoot over the dams. 75 YEARS AGO May 5, 1944: The Arnold Mortuary , Inc. has been purchased by Mr. and Mrs. R.E. Burns, it was announced here this afternoon. In the future the organization will be known as the Burns Funeral Home. The Arnold Mortuary was established here in 1928 by Harold Arnold of Mountain City, who purchased the Keyser Undertaking parlors, then in existence. Mr. Burns has been manager of the mortuary since Sept. 1, 1936. Burns has been particularly active since arriving in Elko, being one of the first presidents of the Lions, and just completing a term as exalted ruler of the Elks lodge. Burns was instrumental in making numerous improvements at the local cemeteries, one being the establishing of a perpetual care plot for the Elks lodge. May 8, 1944: The Commercial hotel bar is closed today, for the first time since it was opened in 1902 or 03, according to Hobe Clinton, who recalls that Lew Bradley owned the hotel then, and added the saloon to the building, opening a large archway into the new section. A new tile floor is being added to the building and as a consequence everyone had to move out, including the boys who conduct the gambling games. Rumor has it that they are appending the week fishing. The entire room will be covered in the new tiling, the work to be entirely completed before the doors will be opened to the public. May 9, 1944: Mrs. John Oldham and daughter Kathleen are spending the month of May at the home of Mrs. Oldhams parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Myers, at their ranch home near Midas. Mr. and Mrs. Oldham sold their home in Elko prior to Mr. Oldhams induction into the services to Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Tauffer. Mrs. Oldham will enter summer school at the University of Nevada on June 5th preparatory to teaching this fall. May 10, 1944: The primary election at the Elko high school was held today with the following results: president James Wright, Robert Lynch; vice-president Milton Badt, Jr., Lorraine Paoletti, secretary, Dorothy Burner, June Davidson; treasurer Rosie Jayo, Alvin McQuistion. 50 YEARS AGO May 7, 1969: Elkos barely contested city election campaign came to an uneventful close yesterday as about half of the citys registered voters selected Dale Porter, Jr., and Adolph Lipparelli for positions on the city council. Porter, in his first try for public office, led the field of five candidates with 647 votes, unofficial vote total shows. Two-term veteran Adolph Lipparelli won the second seat with 608 votes. City Clerk Alice Geyer reported 1,374 Elkoans cast ballots in the Tuesday election, approximately 47 percent of the citys 2,914 registered voters. Crews began disassembling the United Airlines hanger at the Elko Airport Monday. The hanger will be moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, by its new owner, Harber Lazaros of Twin Falls. Preparation of the hanger for the move is expected to take from two to six weeks. United Airlines will construct temporary facilities for the handling of luggage previously sheltered by the hanger. May 9, 1969: The Elko County Fair Board has approved the bid of Poll Custom Sound Co., Salt Lake City, for installation of a new, permanent sound system at the Fairgrounds. Polls bid for a three-part system complete with cabling was $9,200. The system will be installed by opening date of the Elko Open Horse Show. The system includes a permanent public system for the arena and a paging system for all barn areas and an inter-com network for all fair offices. Also included is a portable unit for use at the Pep Rally and other events. 25 YEARS AGO May 7, 1994: Smiths Food and Drug Centers expects to open a supermarket in Elko on Aspen Way east of Mountain City Highway and south of Interstate 80. Smiths spokesman Shelly Thomas said, however, that the store wont be built until the spring of 1995. I do know its on the list for 1995 and in the early stages of the planning process, she said. Plans call for a 54,000-square foot building, one of the new smaller prototype stores. Smiths is based in Salt Lake City. Ground was broken yesterday at the intersection of 30th and Idaho Street for a new 31,00-square foot building that will house Good Morning Furniture. Construction is slated to begin Monday and the store should be completed by September, said owner Glen Guttry. We are out of room at the present location in the east end shopping center. Along with Good Morning Furniture, 4,400 square feet of the building will be for Inkleys. Vincent Joseph Juaristi, a long-time resident of Elko, has accepted a position in Washington D.C., at the Office of Housing and Urban Development. He will be coordinating efforts to create long-term business and information strategic plans for the organization. Recently Juaristi returned from Los Angeles who he oversaw a special congressional appropriation of $100 million to provide emergency relief to thousands of people in the aftermath of the Northridge earthquake. Juaristi is the son of Joe and Rosy Juaristi of Elko. Juaristii graduated from Elko High School in 1987 and earned his bachelors degree in business administration and finance in 1991 from the University of Utah. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 ELKO Barrick Gold Corp. hosted a community stakeholder reception Thursday evening in Elko, with CEO Mark Bristow and other company executives on hand to provide updates on the status of the joint venture between Barrick and Newmont Goldcorp Corp. Bristow said the venture was a classic case of the whole being more valuable than the sum of its parts. Nevada Gold Mines will have three Tier One gold mines: Barricks Cortez; the combination of Barricks Goldstrike and Newmont Goldcorps Carlin; and Barricks Turquoise Ridge with Newmont Goldcorps Twin Creeks. In addition, our Goldrush-Fourmile project has the potential to become the fourth, he said. It will be one of the worlds greatest gold mining operations and will create sustainable, long-term value for all its stakeholders, not least the State and people of Nevada. The company displayed a new logo for the operation, which will be called Nevada Gold Mines. Bristow announced that Greg Walker, currently head of operations for Barricks North American region, had been appointed as executive managing director. He said Walker will head a team representing a balanced combination of Barrick and Newmont Goldcorp executives with dynamic, energetic talent moving up into leadership positions. One area they will be focusing on is supply logistics. The importance of very effective supply chains is key for us, Bristow said. Weve looked at rails, warehousing. Nevada Gold Mines offices will be in the current Newmont building on Mountain City Highway, with Barrick staff moved out of the Barrick building down the road. Bristow said the joint venture will continue to employ all miners in their current positions until Jan. 1. We need time to set up the payroll, he said. We want people who are very committed to the community and come out for the long term. That philosophy applies to any charitable giving programs that are set up under the joint venture. One of the things that Ive always believed is that our community commitments are part of an investment into the community. They should make a difference, Bristow said. And weve got our own commitments, and Newmont has as well, and were going to be combining that and making sure that it goes further and reaches to more parts of the community. Were definitely not planning to cut back on our commitment to the community. Bristow said a congressional bill announced Thursday would have a devastating effect on the joint venture if it becomes law. The Hardrock Leasing and Reclamation Act of 2019, sponsored by Rep. Raul Grijalva , D-Ariz., and Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., would impose a 12.5 percent royalty on new hardrock mines. That will screw up this deal, Bristow told the Elko Daily. That will take away everything we want to unlock. Our job as businessmen should be making profits, he added. Legislators should understand that. That was how this country was built hardworking people delivering and paying their taxes. A 12.5 royalty on gold would be the highest in the world, he said. Work on putting together the joint venture will continue through the coming weeks. Nevada Gold Mines will be owned 61.5 percent by Barrick and 38.5 percent by Newmont Goldcorp. The operations making up the joint venture produced in excess of 4 million ounces of gold in 2018, which is more than double the next largest gold mining complex. Bristow also visited Elko in March to announce the joint venture. For more on Bristows second visit to Elko check back at elkodaily.com and pick up the Weekend Edition of the Elko Daily Free Press. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 10 Ukrsadvynprom has asked the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine to adapt the program of state support for horticulture for berry enterprises, as well as expand the list of wine making regions, Ukrsadvynprom members have said this at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine. "The markets of the United Arab Emirates and Singapore accept berries only in small packaging - 125 g. It is impossible to manually prepare large volumes of berries in packaging of 125 g each. Therefore, we need optical sorting and packing lines for blueberries. And it would be good if berry enterprises could claim compensation for purchasing sorting lines [as well as apple growing enterprises]," Taras Bashtanyk, the director general of Ukrainian Berries, said. According to him, berry enterprises also need chambers with an adjustable gas environment, which allow them to store berries without loss of quality for up to 45 days. So producers will be able to sell berries after the harvest season, when the price is more profitable. Now the volumes of refrigerators with adjustable gas environment, which are provided for by the state support program, are too large for berry enterprises. Bashtanyk also noted that, when exporting to remote markets, berry enterprises face logistical difficulties. Ukrsadvynprom unites more than 170 enterprises from different regions of Ukraine. Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelyan believes that the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air will open a subsidiary in Ukraine this year. "They are working. Again, this was announced by their leader, who met with President Petro Poroshenko last year. From our side, there is assistance, but this is only their decision, as well as implementation. I think they will open the Ukrainian subsidiary this year, as promised," he said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine. At the same time, Omelyan does not expect a large increase in the number of new airlines in 2019, but he is confident of an increase in the number of air routes to/from Ukraine. "We see that all the companies that are present in the market [and there are quite a lot of them] are expanding their network. I am frankly pleased with this, because it means that not only Ukrainians fly but also foreigners fly to Ukraine. So it is a very good indicator. Today our passenger traffic of Ukrainians and foreigners is divided fifty-fifty," the minister stressed. As reported, Wizz Air is considering the possibility of resuming the work of the Ukrainian subsidiary Wizz Air Ukraine in 2019, and also plans to invest $2.5 billion by 2025 to increase the Ukrainian fleet to 20 new Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft. Belarus is not planning to block Russian oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline, according to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. "Russia cannot fully replace this route [Druzhba]. Some say deliveries via Leningrad are possible. They are free to do that. However, the delivery of such amounts is impossible. And how much will it cost? No one says we will shut down transit. It [transit] is advantageous to us, as well," the state-run news agency BelTA quoted Lukashenko as saying during his visit to the Students' Village in Minsk on Saturday. "We have suspended repairs to prevent the situation with oil supply to Belarus and transit to Western Europe from exacerbating," he said. Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said he is ready to head the Ukrainian government again after the parliamentary election "I have an understanding of what to do next, and I could head the government. If the people of Ukraine decide that our team and I are worthy of representing their interests and accomplishing the tasks set by the public, I will be ready to head the government," Groysman told InterfaxUkraine in an interview. He noted the importance of forming a strong and united coalition after the election. "The government's effectiveness depends on how much it can rely on the parliamentary majority," Groysman said. Kyiv court turns down claim against language law bill it will be signed into law and published Kyiv's District Administrative Court has turned down a claim from NGO Institute of Legal Policy and Social Protection named after Iryna Berezhna to ban Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy from signing the law on the use of the Ukrainian language as the national language. "The District Administrative Court of the City of Kyiv, having considered the claim for a ban on signing and publishing the law of Ukraine on the Ukrainian language as the state language, has decided not to satisfy it," the court's press service said on Saturday. Ukraine's President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Ambassador of China to Ukraine Du Wei to discuss the development of cooperation between the countries. "We've talked about the development of cooperation and traditionally friendly relations between our countries. China's experience and investments are also important for Ukraine," Zelensky wrote on Twitter on Saturday. Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said it is inexpedient to conduct early parliamentary elections. "I think that it is necessary to form and keep certain canons. If it is determined that the elections are in October, then what is the point of moving them up to the end of July? Will this change something significantly? It is difficult for me to assess if it does. If the elections were a year later, maybe, but then government would not be able to work and this would be expedient. But now I don't see the expediency [of holding the early elections]. Some lawyers say that this is legally not quite right," Groysman told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency in an exclusive interview. Groysman said scheduled elections mean "this is normal," but there should be a reason for holding snap elections. "Both in the case of early and regular elections, the government will work approximately for the same period. But the snap elections will not bring stability," Groysman said. The prime minister said the decision to hold early elections is within the president's competence, and he does not know whether the head of state is going to exercise that right. Regarding financing of parliamentary elections, the prime minister said that in any case the government would act in accordance with the law. Ilya Kyva: The authorities want to postpone the investigation, so do not appoint an inauguration date Delaying the appointment of the date of the inauguration of the newly elected president by the current authorities is due to the desire to postpone the start of investigations against President Poroshenko and his entourage. The leader of the Socialist Party of Ukraine, Ilya Kyva, said it on the TV channel "NASH", the press service of the SPU informs on the official site of the party. "The criminals in the person of Poroshenko delay the commencement of their crimes. The criminal regime, being in the last convulsions, is trying not to allow us to investigate and bring to the clean water those, who destroyed our country with you for the last 5 years" he said. I.Kiva explained, that the confirmation of criminal activity of the authorities is a very low level of well-being of Ukrainians. "Who gave me the right to call the president a criminal? It was given by Ukrainian people, who are begging for today! The economy is ruined, agriculture is destroyed. We all got it under Poroshenko's rule. And today, this gang needs time to close the tracks of their crimes" he stressed. At the same time, the politician reminded, that the newly elected head of state received a record credit of trust of voters. "We are discussing the terms of inauguration, obtaining authority from the newly elected president and starting to fulfill his functions. But the day of the inauguration is the day of the fulfillment of our hopes, which we put on Zelensky, and this is confirmed by 73% of our votes, which is the greatest result in the history of the Independent Ukraine" said I.Kyva. Amid the ongoing verbal confrontation between Iranian and American officials, the Friday Prayer Imam in Isfahan told a congregation May 10 the U.S. aircraft career sent to the region can be destroyed by one missile. Earlier this week, the United States announced the deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln task force to the Middle East to confront possible new threats from Iran. Iranian officials reacted harshly to the U.S. move. Isfahans prayer leader Yusef Tabatabaei Nezhad, who is Supreme Leader Ali Khameneis representative in the city, also reacted to the tense situation telling worshipers, Their billion dollar naval force will be destroyed by one missile, and if they try to make a move, they will be threatened with dozens of missiles, because in such an event it wont be up to cautious officials, it would be up to our beloved leader. According to semi-official ISNA, Tabatabaei Nezhad added, We all stand behind our leader and enemies wont be able to do a damn thing. Other Friday Prayer leaders also in a coordinated manner condemned the U.S. move to dispatch an aircraft carrier to the region. Irans Lake Urmia has been greatly replenished and revived as a result of sustained and at times heavy rains in the past two months, with its water surpassing 5 billion cubic meters or 1.32 trillion U.S. gallons. An official in West Azerbaijan province told Tasnim news agency, the surface area of the lake has expanded to 3,180 square kilometers, or 1280 square miles. Only in the past one month the lake has expanded its surface area by more than 200 square kilometers. Lake Urmia, a salt lake, which once had a surface area of 5,000 square kilometers (almost 2,000sq miles) had shrank to just 700sq km in 2013. The reasons were both mismanagement by local and central governments and also a prolonged drought. But the winter-spring of 2018-19 proved to be at least a temporary end to long years of drought. Rains and floods inundated many parts of Iran in March and April and healthy precipitation continues in May. The same floods brought devastation to 26 provinces in Iran, and death and destruction to neighboring Afghanistan. In Iran alone the estimated damage is $10 billion. Situated in the mountains of northwest Iran, Lake Urmia is fed by 13 rivers and designated as a site of international importance under the UN Convention on Wetlands that was signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syria received its first foreign oil supplies for six months last week, with the arrival of two shipments including one from Iran, a source familiar with Iranian oil shipments said, easing the war-torn countrys fuel crisis. The oil was delivered in two tankers, one sent by Iran, the other by an unnamed businessman, the source added. Syria has suffered an acute fuel shortage this winter, with the government introducing rationing for gasoline and cooking gas and long queues building at petrol stations. President Bashar al-Assad, speaking in February, said the crisis was part of a siege imposed by governments that oppose him, including the United States, which has imposed sanctions that broadly prohibit trade with Damascus. Iran has been one of Assads closest allies throughout the war, helping him with military aid as well as cash, but it also faces sanctions that the United States has recently stepped up. Last month a pro-government Syrian newspaper, al-Watan, said the shortages had started after Iran had halted a credit line to Damascus, since then no oil shipments had arrived. The Iranian shipment that arrived last week was one of two expected from Iran, the source said. The source gave no further information on the identity or nationality of the businessman who had delivered the other shipment. Assad traveled to Tehran in February, meeting Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, and has received delegations of senior officials from both Iran and his other major ally Russia since then. The United States has warned of significant U.S. sanctions risks for parties involved in petroleum shipments to the Syrian government, and has detailed deceptive shipping practices used to deliver oil to Syria. Washington says its sanctions aim to isolate Syrias leadership and its supporters from the global financial and trade systems in response to atrocities, including use of chemical weapons. The government denies using such weapons. A top aide to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei says EU has two months to prevent the demise of the nuclear deal with Iran by operationalizing the European financial channel INSTEX set up to help Iran. Chairman of Iran's Strategic Council of Foreign Relations (SCFR) Kamal Kharrazi delivered the message while currently visiting France. According to a post on SCFR's Twitter page on Saturday May 11, Kharrazi warned his host, Marielle de Sarnez, the chairperson of the French Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee that EU should make up for the slow pace of its past measures in making INSTEX (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges) up and running. The establishment of INSTEX was announced on January 31, as a mechanism to facilitate trade with Iran in the face of U.S. sanctions. Kharrazi said that Iranians are pessimistic about Europe as Europeans have failed to fulfil their obligations under the nuclear agreement with Iran. According to the SCFR website, Ms. Sarnez at the meeting expressed concern over Iran's suspension of part of its obligations under the nuclear agreement, adding that she wants to know what Iran's demands are precisely. Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had also noted that Iran's statement on the suspension, which was issued on Wednesday, was "vague." In the statement Iran gave 60 days to Europe to facilitate Iran's oil exports and international banking which are sanctioned by the United States. European powers later rejected any ultimatum by Iran. Iran is calling on Europe to hasten its measures to make INSTEX operational while Tehran's failure to comply with international financial standards by June will bring enhanced scrutiny of European banks, and possibly punitive measures against Iran, which are now suspended. But the three European powers want INISTEX to meet norms for legitimate financing set by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force, even though Iran is not yet fully compliant with them, as it has repeatedly delayed adoption of laws demanded by FATF. But, U.S. Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Sigal Mandelker has said this would be hard for the Iranian side of INSTEX, with much of Irans economy both opaque and connected to institutions under U.S. sanctions such as the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The SCFR is a body organized by Iran's Supreme Leader's Office. It lacks any official executive power, but operates in parallel with the Rouhani administration's Foreign Ministry. Outspoken reformist MP Mahmoud Sadegii says some Iranian conservatives believe those who help the Islamic Republic circumvent U.S. sanctions are entitled to 20 to 30 percent share of the value of transactions. Sadeghi (Sadeqi) who is the chairman of the Transparency Committee of the Iranian Parliament (Majles) told the parliament's official news website, ICANA, on Saturday May 11 that giving away a percentage of the value of transactions in sanction-busting operations has become a normal practice in the Islamic Republic. Referring to part of Iranian hardliners who have supported sanction-busters and legitimized the unusual bribery practices particular under former ultraconservative President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the lawmaker added that some conservative figures have submitted to the financial corruption. Sadegii said: "These groups believe that it is impossible to run the country's affairs without resorting to financial corruption." In fact, Iran has been ranked as one of the most corrupt countries in the world by Transparency International. Cases such as Babak Zanjani who is in jail with a death sentence after helping the government repatriate billions of dollars of its oil revenues under sanctions for years, through money laundering in various countries, and the petrochemical company dossier which involves several regime insiders in the same kind of international money laundering practice are among the well-publicized cases that have been disclosed in courtrooms or in the press. Both Babak Zanjani, and the suspects in the Petrochemical companies have insisted in courtrooms that whatever they have done was part of their efforts to help the Islamic Republic. Oddly speaking in support of sanction-busters, Mohammad Javad Nobandegani, a member of the Majles National Security Committee has said that "rumors" about regime insiders benefitting from money laundering have made it harder for the "private sector" to come forward and help the government confront the sanctions. Speaking to IRGC-linked news agency Tasnim, Nobandegani said in mid-April, "These rumors and lies have negative implications. The resulting atmosphere after revelations about these cases makes it harder for the private sector to help the government in circumventing the sanctions." President Hassan Rouhani and his aides have repeatedly criticized those who have benefited from the sanctions in this way, without naming names. They described sanction-busters as individuals involved in the "sanctions business." Sadeghi has also said that the Rouhani administration has tried hard not to fall in the trap of financial corruption while confronting the sanctions, "but this can hardly be done," he admitted, adding that sanction-related corruption has become part of Iran's economic structure. He had also said in December that "Iran has fallen into the trap of corruption because of sanction-busting; and corruption leads to more corruption in the same way that poverty multiplies itself." A well-known conservative, former MP Ahmad Tavakoli has also said that the Iranian government is suffering from "systematic corruption" as anti-corruption organizations have also become more or less corrupt. Nevertheless, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and former Judiciary Chief Sadeqi Amoli-Larijani have denied the existence of systematic corruption in Iran without offering any counter-argument in the face of so much hard evidence including the two major cases mentioned above. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 22 times, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on May 11, Trend reports. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 Trend: Status quo established as a result of the occupation of the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan, is unsustainable and unacceptable, reads a statement of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Trend reports. May 12 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1994, according to the statement. The ceasefire in the conflict zone is explicitly connected with the cessation of all military activities, withdrawal of occupying forces, deployment of international observers, restoration of communications, return of displaced population and intensification of negotiation process for final settlement of the conflict, reads the statement. It means that ceasefire aims at the set of measures to be implemented serving the above mentioned goals. With other words, ceasefire does not only mean ending the exchange of fire, but also the attempts of consolidating the occupation of territories, entrenching and building up military positions, transferring military equipment and hardware, conducting large-scale military exercises, denying the return of IDPs to their homelands. During last 25 years since the establishment of ceasefire, the occupation of the one fifth of the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan resulted in the ethnic cleansing of the Azerbaijanis historically living in these territories still continues, the ministry said. The armed forces of Armenia continue their illegal presence in the Azerbaijani territories. The demands of the international community, including the resolutions of the UN Security Council, the main body responsible for international security, are rejected by Armenia. As it has been stated by international community, as well as the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair states, status quo established as a result of the occupation of the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan, is unsustainable and unacceptable. Ceasefire also affirms the intensification of the negotiations for cessation of the armed conflict, the ministry noted. It is clear that ceasefire is not the settlement of the conflict; it creates necessary conditions for urgent measures to be implemented on the way to the conflict settlement. However, throughout all these years, Armenia has consistently refused to engage in results oriented substantial negotiations on the conflict settlement and ignored the demands of international community to withdraw its occupying forces immediately, completely and unconditionally from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Armenia must drop its futile attempts to mislead its own people and wider international community, cease its policy of annexation and ethnic cleansing, comply with its international obligations and engage constructively in the soonest conflict settlement process, according to the statement. Ensuring the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of international borders of Azerbaijan, allowing the return of the forcibly expelled Azerbaijani population to the places of their permanent residence and promoting peaceful coexistence of Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of Nagorno-Karabakh region within the Republic of Azerbaijan will lay a solid foundation for restoring good neighborly relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and bringing peace, security and cooperation in the region, reads the statement. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend: The visit by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Azerbaijans Shusha city on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of its occupation contradicts international norms and impedes the peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijani MP Tahir Rzayev told Trend. He noted that Pashinyan and the former leadership of Armenia repeatedly violated these norms by visiting the occupied Azerbaijani territories. This is common practice for them, and a kind of means for gaining an image among the Armenian people, he said. Since 1988, those who have been in power in Armenia managed to retain their posts precisely because of these nationalistic ideas and occupation activities. Pashinyan follows the same path. Unfortunately, the international structures, in particular, the OSCE Minsk Group, do not express serious concern over illegal visits to the region, which is under Armenian occupation. Moreover, this indifference delays the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and creates conditions for the violation of stability in the region and start of a large-scale war in the future. Rzayev stressed that international organizations should take an irreconcilable attitude towards such cases in order to avoid escalation of the conflict. 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, May 11 Trend: The aviation, as well as technical and flight personnel of the Air Force of Azerbaijan, flew to the airbase in Konya to participate in the Anatolian Phoenix-2019 international search and rescue exercises that will start on May 13, Trend reports citing Azerbaijans Defense Ministry. Two Mi-35 and two Mi-17 helicopters will take part in the exercises that will last until May 24, said the ministry. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 Trend: Azerbaijans beekeeping farms, which did not receive subsidies in 2018, will receive them this year, Trend reports with reference to the countrys Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture held a regular meeting of the republican commission for issuing subsidies to individuals and legal entities involved in beekeeping, a representative of the ministry said. it was decided that a number of individuals and legal entities who submitted documents at the end of last year but did not receive subsidies because the identification of bee colonies was not completed, will receive them in the amount of 910,460 manats for 91,046 bee colonies in 2019. This decision will affect 4,507 beekeepers and beekeeping farms in 842 administrative territories, according to the ministry. The decision made at the meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture was forwarded to the Ministry of Finance and the State Center for Agriculture Development. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 Trend: Chinese delegation visited Kazakhstan within the framework of One Belt One Road initiative, Trend reports citing Kazakh media. The guests visited POSH Taraz, a wool processing factory. The delegation members stated that they are interested in raw material purchase, specifically in the purchase of sheep wool manufactured in Zhambyl District. Then the delegation visited Aivengo sewing factory. The factory manufactures sewing products that meet the international quality standards. The Chinese delegation was particularly interested in the products with Kazakh national ornament. The working visit ended with a memorandum signing that took place on the site of Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Zhambyl District. The parties plan to cooperate in order to help small and medium businesses to create joint ventures in the sphere of light industry, to increase the volume of exported products of light industries from Kazakhstan to China and vice versa, and to contribute to the reduction of the administrative barriers. Aidar Abdukadirov, Deputy Director of Regional Chamber of Entrepreneurship, indicated the goals and objectives of the cooperation. "The memorandum allows to effectively fulfill the tasks set up by the President on the industry development within the Economy of simple things as well as to plan and organize joint events in order to foster economic cooperation and to improve business relations between ventures of light industry," he said. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend: Azhazelnut, an Azerbaijani company, started exporting hazelnuts to Latvia in April 2019, a source at the company told Trend. According to the source, 21 tons of hazelnuts have been exported so far and further export volumes will depend on demand. Azhazelnut has been operating in Azerbaijan since 2002. The main tasks of the company are to ensure the production of high quality hazelnuts and strengthen the export potential of the country. Hazelnut production occupies a significant place in the economy of Azerbaijan. Several hazelnut varieties are cultivated in the country. Many of the country's hazelnut orchards are located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus in the Gakh, Zagatala and Balakan districts. In 2016, Ferrero, the world's largest buyer of hazelnuts, began to purchase a large number of hazelnut varieties grown in Azerbaijan. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkeys trade with Israel increased by $133.770 million and totaled at $1,595.932 million during the first quarter of 2019, Turkish Ministry of Trade told Trend. "Turkish exports to Israel for the first quarter of 2019 amounted to $1,089.849 million, and imports from Israel amounted to $506.083 million," the ministry said. It was noted that trade between Turkey and Israel increased by $76.975 million and amounted to $618.016 million in March 2019. "In March 2019, Turkish exports to Israel amounted to $453.726 million, while imports from Israel amounted to $164.290 million," the ministry said. The total turnover of Turkey in March 2019 amounted to $34.5 billion. Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 By Fakhri Vakilov - Trend: The Italian brand Carrera Jeans is considering launching its production of jeans in Uzbekistan, Trend reports with reference to Uztextileprom association. The parties agreed on cooperation following the results of the sixth meeting of the Uzbek-Italian Intergovernmental Working Group on trade, economic and industrial cooperation held in Italy. Imerio Tacchella, President of the Italian company Carrera Jeans, discussed the prospects for implementing an investment project to organize manufacturing of finished denim products under the Italian brand. Following the negotiations, an agreement was reached on the upcoming visit of the president and the technical group of the company to Uzbekistan in late May for a detailed discussion of conditions of the projects implementation, a spokesperson of Uztextileprom noted. Carrera Jeans is one of the oldest brands of denim clothing in Italy. It owns a textile factory in Tajikistan, where a wide range of denim products is produced. The Uzbek delegation also held talks with CEO of Camozzi Group Christian Locatelli, who is also the vice-president of the Italian Association of Textile Machinery Manufacturers ACIMIT. The meeting participants discussed possibilities to conduct training of Uzbek specialists in the latest technologies in spinning, weaving, knitting and finishing operations. As was noted, the Italian side is ready to [provide the training course and can present a training program for consideration. Following the negotiations, the parties agreed to organize the production of textile equipment with its further localization. The delegation of the Italian company is expected to visit Uzbekistan to discuss the terms of the project and sign of a memorandum of cooperation. --- Follow author on Twitter:@vakilovfaxri Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 By Elnur Baghishov Trend: Exports of Irans Ardabil Province increased by 124 percent last year (started on March 21, 2018), Ramin Sadeghi, head of Ardabil Industry, Mine and Trade Organization, told journalists, Trend reports referring to the organization's website. According to Sadeghi, the products of Ardabil Province were exported mainly to Azerbaijan, Iraq, Georgia, Russia and Turkmenistan. Sadeghi added that the main products exported from the province included potatoes, glass, iron and steel materials, rubber items and milk processing equipment. "In the past year, the value of the provincial exports of Ardabil reached $173 million," he said. Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 By Sara Israfilbayova - Trend: Over 62,000 tons of methanol was produced at the SOCAR Methanol LLC, the methanol plant of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, in the first quarter of 2019, a source in SOCAR told Trend. "A total of about 350,000 tons of methanol is planned to be produced this year," the source said. The source noted that last year, the plant produced over 230,000 tons of methanol. Production of methanol at Azerbaijans methanol plant, the only plant of this kind in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, started in January 2014. The annual capacity of the plant is 650,000-700,000 tons. SOCAR acquired the plant from the Aqrarkredit non-bank credit organization. The plant cost was estimated at $520 million. Follow the author on Twitter: @IsrafilbekovaS Baku, Azerbaijan, May 11 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Italys Saipem company has organized Medevac for 11 injured as a result of the explosion occurred on the Israfil Huseynov vessel in the Caspian Sea, the company told Trend May 11. They will be transferred to specialized hospitals of Turkey, Italy, France and UK. Three other less injured persons, who are able to travel independently, will fly out to their home countries with the passenger planes, said the company. On May 8 in the evening, an explosion occurred on the vessel Israfil Huseynov operated by Saipem for pipelaying in the Caspian Sea in the framework of the Shah Deniz II project. In the early hours of morning on May 9, the transportation to hospital of the fourteen people involved in the accident, all employees of the Saipem Group, was completed. The company said the incident was related to maintenance operations on an item of equipment during pipe-laying activities. Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 11 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov appointed ambassadors to Greece and Croatia, Trend reports referring to the corresponding presidential decrees. Berdimyrat Rejepow, who heads the diplomatic mission in Italy, has been appointed ambassador to Greece, while Annamammet Annayew, the Turkmen Ambassador to Romania, will now represent the interests of the country in Croatia as well. The diversification of energy sources connects the EU with Turkmenistan, which possesses some of the world's largest natural gas proven reserves. Among the promising areas of partnership are the construction, energy and gas processing sectors, and development of industrial, transport and social infrastructure. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 11 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved international documents signed on August 12, 2018 in Aktau, Kazakhstan during the Summit of the Heads of the Caspian littoral states, Trend reports referring to published approvals. They include two protocols regarding concerted actions by border agencies and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, as an addition to the agreement of November 18, 2010 on security cooperation in the Caspian Sea. A delegation of Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of delegations of Defense Ministries of the Caspian littoral states held recently in Astrakhan, Russia. The event participants discussed issues related to the implementation of the Agreement on the Prevention of Incidents in the Caspian Sea signed in Aktau, Kazakhstan in August last year following the Fifth Summit of the Heads of the Caspian littoral states. At the meeting, the parties confirmed the high level of trust between the fleets of the Caspian littoral states and expressed their readiness to discuss draft Agreement on Confidence Building Measures in the Caspian Sea in the future, the news report noted. The document is aimed at ensuring safety of navigation of military ships and flights of aircraft of the armed forces of the states of the Caspian region. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 11 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Turkmenistan has approved the Turkmen membership of the intergovernmental Turkmen-Japanese Committee for Economic Cooperation, Trend reports referring to the decree of the President of Turkmenistan. The document was signed "in order to implement the bilateral agreements reached between Turkmenistan and Japan, as well as to further develop cooperation between the two countries." It was reported earlier, business negotiations are planned to be held with Japanese companies in Ashgabat on May 23-24. The impulse to business partnership was given by the official visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Turkmenistan in October 2015, during which memoranda were signed in the areas of development of natural resources and the transport infrastructure of Turkmenistan. Agreements on a number of projects worth $18 billion were also concluded. Japan then expressed its desire to participate in projects to develop the industrial infrastructure of Turkmenistans biggest gas field Galkynysh. A number of major infrastructure projects have already been implemented with the participation of Japanese companies. They include a complex of ammonia and urea production plants in Mary Region, the Garabogazkarbamid plant and a polymer complex in the Balkan Region. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, May 11 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan has been ordered to conduct work on the preparation of a number of state documents, Trend reports referring to a decree issued by the President. These documents include the state budget, the main directions of socio-economic development and the investment program of Turkmenistan for 2020. The draft papers shall be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers by November 1, 2019. By June 1, 2019, calculation forms and guidelines for the preparation of the drafts should be sent to ministries, sectoral departments and the regional administration. According to the draft law on the State Budget of Turkmenistan for 2019 adopted by the 6th convocation Turkmen Parliament, budget revenues for 2019 will amount to 83,868.3 million Turkmenistan manats (TMT), and the same amount of expenditures is planned. The official rate of the Turkmen manat to $1 has remained at 3.50 Turkmen manats since January 2015. The revenue part of the budget is formed mainly due to such major sectors of production as oil and gas, chemical, electric power industry, and the construction sphere. The agro-industrial complex, the sphere of transportation and communications, the textile and food industries also will be further developed. Turkmenistan occupies one of the key positions in the region for the supply of natural gas which is exported to China and Russia. Gunmen attacked a hotel in Pakistans southwestern port city of Gwadar on Saturday and were battling security forces while helicopters circled overhead, officials said, Trend reports citing Reuters. One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media, told Reuters most guests had been evacuated from the five-star Pearl Continental Hotel but attackers appeared to have reached the first floor. Gwadar, which lies on the Arabian Sea, is a strategic port being developed as part of the $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is part of Chinas mammoth Belt and Road infrastructure project. Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove said there appeared to be casualties but there were no immediate details. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Balochistan is rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies, and several militant groups operate in the province, including the Pakistani Taliban group or Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army. Militants have shelled three inhabited localities in the Syrian regions of Latakia and Hama in the past 24 hours, Major General Viktor Kupchishin, chief of the Russian center for reconciliation of conflicting sides in Syria, told reporters, Trend reported citing TASS. "In the past 24 hours, the militants from the Idlib de-escalation zone attacked the settlements of Sheikh Hadi in Hama province, Akch Baer, Qalat Marza in Latakia province," he said at the briefing. Russian service members urge field commanders to stop provocations and join the cessation of hostilities agreement, the general added. Morocco's coast guards rescued 117 illegal immigrants from Sub-Saharan African countries in the Mediterranean, the Moroccan army said Saturday, Trend reports citing Xinhua. The migrants were on board three inflatable boats which ran into trouble in the Mediterranean sea, the army added. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Interior, 88,761 migrants were prevented from leaving Morocco in 2018. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Mainly clear. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mainly clear. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. The Algerian army on Saturday killed two terrorists in the northern province of Boumerdes, 55 km east of the capital Algiers, the defense ministry said. "As part of the fight against terrorism and following a search operation near the locality of Dellys ... an army unit killed two dangerous terrorists, and retrieved a Kalashnikov-type machine gun, two magazines and a grenade," said a ministry statement. The security situation in Algeria has remarkably improved in the last decade, but clashes between security forces and terrorist groups are still reported from time to time. Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has approved the transfer of $1.5 billion to build more than 80 miles (130 km)of barriers on the border with Mexico, U.S. officials said on Friday, including taking about $600 million from an account meant for Afghan security forces, Trend reported citing Reuters. The latest move was opposed by congressional Democrats, who also criticized a March transfer of $1 billion in military money to fund Republican President Donald Trumps wall. The funds were drawn from a variety of sources, including cost savings, programmatic changes and revised requirements, and therefore will have minimal impact on force readiness, Shanahan said in a statement. Shanahan said that the U.S. military had more than 4,000 service members on the border, along with 19 aircraft. All 10 Democrats on Senate appropriations subcommittees that handle defense, veterans affairs and related spending, wrote to Shanahan to oppose the decision. We are dismayed that the Department has chosen to prioritize a political campaign promise over the disaster relief needs of our service members, they said. A U.S. official said the latest transfer would include $604 million from funds for the Afghan security forces, which are struggling to hold territory against Taliban militants. The United States had appropriated $4.9 billion in support for those forces this year. The official said the money was taken from that account because they found savings in contracts. It took less money to meet the policy commitment than we thought, another U.S. official said, adding this was not the first time money had been reprogrammed from the account. The United States is in talks with the Taliban to end the 17-year-long war. U.S. and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their sixth round of peace talks on Thursday with some progress on a draft agreement for when foreign troops might withdraw. But there is concern that overstretched Afghan forces could crumble if U.S. troops leave. The remainder of the money will come from a chemical demilitarization program, a retirement account, funds for Pakistan and Air Force programs. Lawmakers have hinted they may respond by putting new restrictions on the Pentagons authority to move money around, as it has done in the past to deal with natural disasters. Immigration is a signature issue of Trumps presidency and re-election campaign. He declared a national emergency in order to redirect funding to build a border wall without Congress approval, and his fellow Republicans in Congress sustained his veto of legislation that would have stopped it. KYODO NEWS - May 11, 2019 - 07:44 | All, Japan Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga called Friday for an early resolution to the decades-old issue of North Korea's abduction of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s, saying it is a "global challenge." Speaking at an event at the U.N. headquarters in New York, he said the Japanese government has been injecting "maximum effort" to realize the return of all abductees "at the earliest possible timing." "We are at a crucial moment as family members age. We will not miss any opportunity to take bold action to achieve the earliest possible resolution," Suga said. Japan officially lists 17 citizens as abduction victims and suspects North Korea's involvement in many more disappearances. While five of the 17 were repatriated in 2002, Pyongyang maintains that eight -- including Megumi Yokota who was taken from Niigata Prefecture in 1977 at the age of 13 -- have died and the other four never entered the country. (Sakie Yokota (R) speaks to reporters at a photo exhibition of her daughter Megumi in November 2017) "Can you imagine the agony of the victims who have been waiting for over 40 years, far away from home, to be rescued, and the long suffering of families desperately waiting for their return?" Suga asked. Friday's event also brought together Megumi Yokota's younger brother Takuya, Koichiro Iizuka, a son of Yaeko Taguchi who was kidnapped from an unknown location in 1978 at the age of 22, and Fred Warmbier, father of Otto Warmbier, a University of Virginia student who died in 2017 following more than a year in detention in North Korea. Related coverage: Abductees' kin disappointed with lack of progress at Trump-Kim summit Abe urged to ensure Trump-Kim talks help resolve N. Korea abductions "We use this term 'Chairman Kim' and I swear it makes me sick, he is a criminal. We give him this status on the world stage and we call him a chairman, he should be called Criminal Kim," Warmbier said, referring to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Suga is on a three-day visit to Washington and New York through Saturday. In Washington, he met separately with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan and Vice President Mike Pence to reaffirm cooperation on North Korea and the abduction issue. He briefed Pompeo about Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's intention to hold talks with Kim -- without preconditions -- to try and resolve the abduction issue. During Friday's event, Suga explained Tokyo's position of pursuing a new relationship with Pyongyang once the abduction issue is resolved. "If North Korea chooses the right path, the country can draw a bright future for itself...Japan is prepared to break the shell of mutual distrust with North Korea and get off to a new start," he said. KYODO NEWS - May 11, 2019 - 21:23 | World, All, Japan Malaysia is in talks with Japan on sending blue-collar workers to the country under a new visa program that was launched in April, it was learned by Saturday from official sources. The two countries are aiming to strike a deal as early as July this year, when Malaysian Human Resources Minister M. Kulasegaran will visit Tokyo for the signing of a memorandum of cooperation. The memorandum is intended to provide a basic framework for information sharing for the recruitment of blue-collar workers in specified sectors to work in Japan, which is in need of more foreign workers due to a rapidly aging population and low birthrate. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to visit Japan later this month to discuss the details. Japan on April 1 implemented the visa system to bring in more foreign workers to the country, marking a major policy shift from its traditionally strict immigration rules. Foreigners with certain Japanese language and job skills can now apply for a resident status called Specified Skilled Worker No. 1, which grants working rights in 14 sectors, such as construction, farming and nursing care, for up to a total of five years. Related coverage: Japan grants 1st working visa under new system to 2 Cambodians 1st exam held in Japan for foreigners seeking new work visa Proficient laborers in two sectors -- construction and shipbuilding -- can further extend their stay by earning the Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 status. It allows holders to bring in family members and has no limit on the number of times they can renew their visa. So far, Japan has signed such MOCs with the Philippines, Nepal, Mongolia, Cambodia and Myanmar. It is still negotiating with China, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. Malaysia would be the 10th country to provide workers. "We are working with the Japanese government to formulate an MOC on sending workers to Japan as they have opened up 14 sectors to foreigners," a Malaysia government official familiar with the negotiations told Kyodo News. "We are hoping to sign it in Japan in July. It's in the final stages, hopefully it can be done," the official said. The two sides have not yet agreed on which sectors will be open to Malaysian workers, the official said, adding that the scheme could potentially open up 50,000 jobs in Japan for Malaysians. As to why Malaysia is attracted to the scheme, the official said that although the Malaysian government is making efforts for Malaysia to become a more advanced and highly skilled economy, it also believes the country in the meantime must support those willing to go abroad to earn a better salary temporarily. The official said that a small study that was done found that Malaysians are willing to upgrade their skills to join any sector open to them in the visa system, adding, "They are excited as the higher starting salary is a major draw." (File Photo) An official at the Japanese Embassy in Malaysia said that the Southeast Asian country full of friendly people who like Japan. "It would be great if they could work in Japan," the official said. According to data from the International Labor Organization, about 1.4 million Malaysians from among a total population of about 29 million people work abroad, the majority in neighboring Singapore and smaller numbers in Australia and the United States. Despite the prospects of higher salaries in Japan, there have been concerns recently about harsh working conditions of foreign trainees in Japan, with a government survey revealing problems such as being paid less than the minimum wage, the risk of accidents during training and some trainees committing suicide. To address fears of exploitation, the Japanese government has issued an ordinance requiring employers to pay wages equivalent to or higher than those of Japanese nationals. Their payment should be made directly to the workers' bank accounts so that the records will serve as evidence they are properly paid. Entities that want to hire foreign workers must clear requirements such as not allowing the involvement of brokers who collect large sums from foreigners seeking to work in Japan. Since Mother's Day, a celebration in India, is already on the way, we have decided to see how and where this beautiful day is celebrated in other parts of our world. 26 Russia In Russia, Mothers Day is officially celebrated since 1998 on the last Sunday of November. The purpose of the holiday - respect for the mothers and the expression of love and care for them. On this day, all mothers are congratulated and given gifts, flowers, and cards. 25 United States In the US, Americans celebrate this holiday with great enthusiasm and consider it one of the most important. Modern Mothers Day (second Sunday in May) is one of the national holidays. On this day, all the telephone lines are busy solely with congratulations from their beloved mothers. Shops and restaurants are torn to pieces in order to have time to fulfill the wishes of their guests. 24 United Kingdom In Britain, people celebrate Mother's Day on the fourth Sunday of Lent (which falls on the first Sunday of March). The holiday is known as Maternal Sunday. On this day, give gifts, sweets, and flowers to their mothers. The tradition of Maternal Sunday dates back to the 17th century. 23 France In France, Mother's Day is celebrated in order to increase the birth rate in the country and encourage women to become mothers. The holiday is celebrated on the last Sunday of May. He is now more commercial in nature and his tendency to celebrate is decreasing. 22 Australia Australians celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May, giving flowers and postcards to their mothers. There is also a tradition to wear carnations on this remarkable day - the color carnation means that the babys mother is full of life, and the white carnation is intended for the memory of deceased mothers. 21 India For India, the tradition of celebrating Mother's Day is relatively new and is gaining great popularity every year. Mother's Day in India is celebrated mainly in cities and urban areas according to the accepted American model and date of celebration. 20 Mexico Mother's Day was moved to Mexico from the United States in 1922 and quickly became a very popular holiday. Mother's Day in Mexico is celebrated on June 10th and includes great family gatherings, chants, including the singing of the traditional song Las Mananitas, a magnificent celebration, etc. 19 Israel In Israel, Mother's Day is celebrated 30 Shvat on the Jewish calendar, which falls between January 30 and March 1. Israel is one of the few countries where this tradition retains its original meaning without mass commercialization. This is not an official holiday. 18 Paraguay Paraguay is the only country where Mother's Day is celebrated on May 15 - the country's independence day. Despite the popularity of the Mother's Day holiday, these two holidays are still undivided. 17 New Zealand In New Zealand, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Although this event is not considered a public holiday, Mother's Day is a great day for locals who celebrate it, organizing picnics and giving gifts to mothers. 16 Ethiopia Mother's Day is a big holiday in Ethiopia and is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. The celebration usually includes large family gatherings and gatherings. Traditionally, daughters bring mums vegetables and cheese, and sons bring meat. 15 Canada In Canada, Mother's Day is the third most popular holiday after Christmas and Valentine's Day. The celebration is very similar to the celebration in the United States, but in Canada, Mother's Day is not a public holiday. Canadian mothers receive as gift cards, sweets, flowers, decorations, and gift certificates. 14 China Mother's Day is becoming increasingly popular in China. In this country, one of the main goals of the holiday was to create a festive mood for poor mothers caring for their families in the countryside. With the exception of a few cities, Mother's Day is still an unofficial holiday in China. 13 Belgium In Belgium, Mother's Day is celebrated on two different days. Most countries celebrate it on the second Sunday of May, but there are also many people who do it on 15 August. Known for its delicious chocolate, Belgium congratulates its mothers mainly with chocolate, pastries and other sweets. 12 Brazil Although not an official holiday, Mother's Day is a well-known event in Brazil, second only to Christmas. In this South American country, people gather in churches, where children pray for their mothers, and then celebrate, organizing a massive barbecue for everyone. 11 Indonesia Indonesia is the only country that celebrates Mother's Day on December 22. The original purpose of the festival was to celebrate the spirit of all Indonesian women, but these days the festival is dedicated only to mothers. They are presented with flowers and given a day off from household chores. 10 Germany During the Second World War on Mother's Day, German mothers were awarded medals (gold, silver or bronze, depending on the number of children rescued). Now the holiday is very similar to the holiday of other Western countries. Personalized postcards, flowers, and festive dishes are among the most popular gifts for German mothers. 9 Philippines In the Philippines, Mother's Day is officially celebrated every first Monday of December, along with Father's Day. On this day, Filipino mothers are given time to take care of themselves, to relax, go shopping, etc. All their duties and affairs fall on the shoulders of their adult children or husbands. 8 Romania Since 2010, Romania has officially celebrated Mother's Day on the first Sunday of May. Earlier, Mother's Day was celebrated on March 8 as part of International Women's Day (a relic of the communist era). Small children give mothers handmade gifts, while adults buy those flowers and sweets. 7 Thailand Mother's Day was moved to Thailand just recently and has not yet gained mass popularity in Western countries. Thais celebrate it on August 12, the birthday of the Thai Queen Sirikit. Fathers Day is celebrated in a similar way - on the birthday of kings. 6 Serbia In Serbia, Mother's Day is part of an important holiday that runs on three Sundays in a row in December. On the eve of Children's Day and after Father's Day, Mother's Day includes a tradition in which mothers are connected until they give treats and small gifts for their children. 5 Japan In Japan, Mother's Day has changed several times, but it is currently celebrated on the second Sunday of May. Japan is one of the countries where people wear carnations to honor their mothers, but besides this, the holiday is the same as in the Western world. 4 Czech Republic On the initiative of Alice Masaryk, the daughter of the first Czechoslovak president, Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1923 in former Czechoslovakia. On Friday, before the second Sunday of May, young children receive help from their teachers to make personalized cards and gifts for their mothers. 3 Argentina Argentina is the only country celebrating mother's day on the third Sunday of October. Initially, the holiday was celebrated on October 11, the day of the old liturgical celebration of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God, but after the holiday was postponed to January 1, Mothers Day was postponed to the third Sunday of October according to folk tradition. Argentine moms present treats and flowers as a sign of caring for their children. 2 Nepal In Nepal, Mother's Day is called Mata Tirtha Aunsi (means Pilgrimage of the Mothers of the New Moon ), and is celebrated on the last day of the month Baishah, located in April or May. Traditionally, Nepalis give gifts to their living mothers, and in order to honor the memory of the dead, they go on a pilgrimage. 1 Egypt As in other Arab countries, Mother's Day is celebrated in Egypt on March 21st on the first day of spring. Mother's Day is one of the most popular holidays in this country in North Africa. Restaurants, shops, and hotels operate in a holiday mode, often offering special discounts on this day. also read: A Mother post on his son score in exam going viral and will definitely warm your heart Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in the fifth century B.C. in what is now Nepal and northern India. He came to be called "the Buddha," which means "awakened one," after he experienced a profound realization of the nature of life, death, and existence. In English, the Buddha was said to be enlightened, although in Sanskrit it is "bodhi," or "awakened." Basic Teachings In spite of its emphasis on free inquiry, Buddhism might best be understood as a discipline and an exacting discipline at that. And although Buddhist teachings should not be accepted on blind faith, understanding what the Buddha taught is an important part of that discipline. The foundation of Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths: The truth of suffering ( "dukkha") The truth of the cause of suffering ( "samudaya") The truth of the end of suffering ( "nirhodha") The truth of the path that frees us from suffering ( "magga") also read Sikhism is different from Hinduism in these things By themselves, the truths don't seem like much. But beneath the truths are countless layers of teachings on the nature of existence, the self, life, and death, not to mention suffering. The point is not to just "believe in" the teachings, but to explore them, understand them, and test them against your own experience. It is the process of exploring, understanding, testing, and realizing that defines Buddhism. Diverse Schools of Buddhism About 2,000 years ago Buddhism divided into two major schools: Theravada and Mahayana. For centuries, Theravada has been the dominant form of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, (Myanmar) and Laos. Mahayana is dominant in China, Japan, Taiwan, Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, Korea, and Vietnam. In recent years, Mahayana also has gained many followers in India. Mahayana is further divided into many sub-schools, such as Pure Land and Theravada Buddhism. Vajrayana Buddhism, which is chiefly associated with Tibetan Buddhism, is sometimes described as a third major school. However, all schools of Vajrayana are also part of Mahayana. The two schools differ primarily in their understanding of a doctrine called "anatman" or "anatta." According to this doctrine, there is no "self" in the sense of a permanent, integral, autonomous being within an individual existence. Anatman is a difficult teaching to understand, but understanding it is essential to making sense of Buddhism. Basically, Theravada considers anatman to mean that an individual's ego or personality is a delusion. Once freed of this delusion, the individual can enjoy the bliss of Nirvana. Mahayana pushes anatman further. In Mahayana, all phenomena are void of intrinsic identity and take identity only in relation to other phenomena. There is neither reality nor unreality, only relativity. The Mahayana teaching is called "shunyata" or "emptiness." Wisdom, Compassion, Ethics It is said that wisdom and compassion are the two eyes of Buddhism. Wisdom, particularly in Mahayana Buddhism, refers to the realization of anatman or shunyata. There are two words translated as "compassion": "metta and "karuna." Metta is a benevolence toward all beings, without discrimination, that is free of selfish attachment. Karuna refers to active sympathy and gentle affection, a willingness to bear the pain of others, and possibly pity. Those who have perfected these virtues will respond to all circumstances correctly, according to Buddhist doctrine. Misconceptions About Buddhism There are two things most people think they know about Buddhismthat Buddhists believe in reincarnation and that all Buddhists are vegetarian. These two statements are not true, however. Buddhist teachings on rebirth are considerably different from what most people call "reincarnation." And although vegetarianism is encouraged, in many sects it is considered a personal choice, not a requirement. also read Time of your birth reveals about your future and Career; Know what is in your fate BATON ROUGE Many scientists today have embraced social media as tools to communicate their research and to engage broader audiences in scientific discovery and its outcomes. But the rise of the social media scientist has also led communicators and scholars to ask an important and often overlooked question: Do people trust the scientists who show up in their social media feeds? The answer may depend on how these scientists portray themselves, according to a new study conducted by researchers at LSU, University of Delaware, U.C. Berkeley and University of Toronto. The study, titled Using selfies to challenge public stereotypes of scientists, which was published today in PLOS ONE, reports that scientists who post selfies or self-portraits in their Instagram feeds foster trust and help change public stereotypes that scientists are competent but not warm. The study builds on seminal work by Princeton University social psychologist Susan Fiske suggesting that scientists have earned Americans respect but not their trust. Trust depends on two perceived characteristics of an individual or social group: competence and warmth. Perceptions of competence involve the belief that members of a particular social group are intelligent and have the skills to achieve their goals. Perceptions of warmth involve the belief that the members of this group also have benevolent goals, or that they are friendly, altruistic, honest and share common values with people outside of their group. Together, perceptions of competence and warmth determine all group stereotypes, including stereotypes of scientists. Scientists are famously competentpeople report were smart, curious, lab nerdsbut theyre silent about scientists more human qualities, Fiske said. While perceptions of both the competence and the warmth of members of a social group are important in determining trust and even action, it turns out that perceived warmth is more important. And, as Fiske showed in a study published in 2014 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Americans see scientists as competent but only as moderately warm. Scientists perceived warmth is on par with that of retail workers, bus drivers and construction workers but far below that of doctors, nurses and teachers. The researchers of the new PLOS ONE study launched the investigation into perceptions of scientist Instagrammers after being struck with the idea that the competence versus warmth stereotype of scientists may not be an insurmountable challenge given the power of social media to bring scientists and nonscientists together. Social media channels, like Instagram, provide an exciting opportunity for scientists to improve their public image, said co-author Becky Carmichael, LSU Communication across the Curriculum science coordinator. We wondered whether seeing the faces of friendly, honest scientists sharing glimpses of their everyday work in the science lab or field could help change the problematic stereotypes that scientists are competent but not warm. Instagram is also a place where people with different backgrounds and interests can come together and even get to know each other via common hashtags. K-12 teachers are using social media in the classroom to introduce young students to scientists online. This multimedia-rich interaction could help broader audiences get to know the friendly, sociable, fun and relatable scientist. To explore this idea, the team launched a research project popularly referred to as ScientistsWhoSelfie, based on the hashtag the researchers introduced to raise awareness about the project in an online crowdfunding campaign that raised more than $10,000. A few dozen scientists around the globe helped to develop a series of images for the project. The idea was to show research participants images published to one of four different Scientists of Instagram rotation-curation accounts and then to ask them questions about their perceptions of the scientists represented in these images as well as of scientists in general. Each participant was shown three types of images: a scientific setting or a piece of equipment such as a microscope, a bioreactor on the lab bench or a plant experiment set-up in a greenhouse with no humans in any of the images but with captions attributing the images to either male or female scientists by name; a smiling male scientist looking at the camera in the same scientific setting; or a smiling female scientist looking at the camera in the same scientific setting. A total of 1,620 U.S.-representative participants recruited online viewed these images in an online survey. People who saw images including a scientists smiling face, or scientist selfies, evaluated the scientists in the images and scientists in general as significantly warmer than people who saw control images or images of scientific environments or equipment that did not include a person. This perception of scientists as warm was especially prominent among people who saw images featuring a female scientists face, as female scientists in selfies were evaluated as significantly warmer than male scientists in selfies or science-only images. There was also a slight increase in the perceived competence of female scientists in selfies. Competence cues such as lab coats and equipment likely played a role in preserving the perceived competence of scientists in selfies. Seeing scientist selfies, but not images of scientific objects posted by scientists online, boosted perceptions that scientists are both competent and warm, said lead author LSU alumna Paige Jarreau, who is a former LSU science communication specialist and current director of social media and science communication at LifeOmic. We think this is because people who viewed science images with a scientists face in the picture began to see these scientist communicators on Instagram not as belonging to some unfamiliar group of stereotypically socially inept geniuses, but as individuals and even as everyday people with normal interests - people who, like us, enjoy taking selfies! Female scientists, in particular, when represented in substantial numbers and diversity, may cause viewers to re-evaluate stereotypical perceptions of who a scientist is. The team further found that seeing a series of female scientist selfies on Instagram significantly shifted gender-related science stereotypes, namely those that associate STEM fields with being male. However, they also found that people who saw female scientist selfies evaluated these scientists as significantly more attractive than male scientist selfies. This might help explain female scientists boosted warmth evaluations, as physical attractiveness is positively associated with perceived warmth. However, this could also be an indicator that viewers focused more on the physical appearance of female scientists than on male scientists. By extension, female scientists could be more unfairly evaluated for defying gender norms in their selfies, such as not smiling or appearing warm. In their PLOS ONE paper, the team writes that this possibility should be investigated further in future research. Future studies should explore how different types of selfies by scientists are evaluated by broader audiences and how scientists can best build relationships with these audiences, said Lance Porter, who is the director of the LSU Social Media Analysis & Creation Lab and the Doris Westmoreland Darden Distinguished Professor in the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication. But we believe that overall, scientists who use social media to humanize themselves are helping to foster transparency of science, public trust and interest in science. ### TWEET ME DISCLAIMER *COMMENTS, LINKS, AND CUT AND PASTE ARTICLES, ARE NOT ALL ENDORSED BY THE PUBLISHER. THIS BLOG claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed. MORE DISCLAIMERS This is a commercial free blog. Money is nice, but being able to speak my mind is better. "Real talk: Daniel Rubin has a great little piece up wherein he chats with The Field Negro, the Philly-based blogger who sharply ponders all things black on a daily basis. (Seriously, if youve never checked in with TFN, you should: Its author, Wayne Bennett, is a fantastic read who can cut through bullshit like a hot knife through butter, which is a far grosser analogy than I wanted to make, but there you have it.)" ~Philebrity~ "One of the most precocious and hilarious Black political minds on the net. Ive been a long-time fan!" ~Asad Malik~ "..While most of what he writes is tongue-in-cheek, his space is a safe house for candid discussions about race, especially in the comments section, where people of all colors meet." ~~Daniel Rubin, "The Philadelphia Inquirer"~~ "To white people, Bennett's musings are like kitchen-table talk from a kitchen they may otherwise never set foot in. To African Americans, he is part of a growing army of black Internet amateurs who have taken up the work once reserved for ministers and professional activists: the work of setting a black agenda, shaping black opinion and calling attention to the state of the nation's racial affairs." ~~Richard Fausset, "L.A. Times"~~~ ~Erik Hare, "The Twin Cities Daily Planet"~ "That's why I love the blog " Field Negro " so much. Field, as he's known to his fans, has the sense of reality that it takes to call out the ( CowPuckey ) of blame beating by those who are in positions of power and their lackeys. Because of his handle and his unabashed way of writing about racial issues, Field is often cited as a "Black blogger." What he is, however, is a first-class detector of blame deflection and an excellent student of history. If you want to write about the past and future of repression there's really no other perspective to take - which is why everyone should read Field."~Erik Hare, "The Twin Cities Daily Planet"~ 411 On The Field field negro Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Raised in the house, but field certified. Jamaica is the land of my birth, but I consider myself a citizen of the world. I currently practice law in the city of "brotherly love". View my complete profile "Half a century after Little Rock, the Montgomery bus boycott and the tumultuous dawn of the modern civil rights era, the new face of the movement is Facebook, MySpace and some 150 black blogs united in an Internet alliance they call the AfroSpear. Older, familiar leaders such as Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton and NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, are under challenge by a younger generation of bloggers known by such provocative screen names as Field Negro, thefreeslave and African American Political Pundit. And many of the newest struggles are being waged online." ~Howard Witt-The Chicago Tribune~ "I had no idea, for example, of the extent of the African-American blogging world out there and its collective powers of dissemination.But now, after reading thousands of anguished, thoughtful comments posted on these blogs reflecting on issues of persistent racial discrimination in the nation's schools and courtrooms, what's clear to me is that there's a new, "virtual" civil rights movement out there on the Internet that can reach more people in a few hours than all the protest marches, sit-ins and boycotts of the 1950s and 60s put together." ~Chicago Tribune Reporter, Howard Witt~ IF YOU ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO FLAUNT IT. Come visit my store on CafePress! WARSAW (Reuters) - Amazon said on Friday it was in talks with employees in Poland after unions threatened strike action, seeking higher pay in distribution centres. The move follow strikes this year in Spain and Germany, where workers demanded higher pay and better working conditions. "We continue to run our business as usual, while focusing on direct dialogue with our employees, which is the most effective way to quickly respond to their needs," Amazon said in a statement sent to Reuters via e-mail. On Thursday unions in Poland demanded Amazon nearly double its employees' pay, which stands at around 17.5-19.5 zlotys ($4.58-$5.10) per hour for a low-level position depending on the region, and improve working conditions. "Amazon has created more than 14,000 good jobs in Poland with very attractive pay on top of industry-leading benefits and skills training opportunities all in a modern, comfortable, and safe working environment," Amazon said. Around 1,000 of Amazon's workers in Poland are members of trade unions. "Amazon has not yet addressed our demands," Maria Malinowska of the Worker's Initiative union said on Friday. ($1 = 3.8224 zlotys) (Reporting by Alicja Ptak and Alan Charlish; Editing by Jan Harvey/Keith Weir) NEW YORK, May 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (the Company) (ARI) announced today that it will redeem all 6,900,000 issued and outstanding shares of its 8.00% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (the "Series C Preferred Stock") on June 10, 2019 (the "Redemption Date"). The shares of Series C Preferred Stock will be redeemed at the redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus a dividend in an amount of $0.2223 per share, representing all accumulated and unpaid dividends to, but not including, the Redemption Date. On the Redemption Date, dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock will cease to accrue. The notice of redemption will be mailed today to holders of record of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock. All of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock are held through The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation ("DTCC") and will be redeemed in accordance with DTCC's procedures. Questions relating to the notice of redemption should be directed to EQ Shareholder Services, the Company's redemption agent (the "Agent"), at (800) 468-9716. The address of the Agent is EQ Shareholder Services, Attn: Corporate Actions Department, 1110 Centre Pointe Curve, Suite 101, Mendota Heights, MN 55120. About Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (ARI) is a real estate investment trust that primarily originates, acquires, invests in and manages performing commercial real estate mortgage loans, subordinate financings and other commercial real estate-related debt investments. The Company is externally managed and advised by ACREFI Management, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and an indirect subsidiary of Apollo Global Management, LLC, a leading global alternative investment manager with approximately $303 billion of assets under management at March 31, 2019. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements as such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided by the same. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the Company's control. These forward-looking statements include information about possible or assumed future results of the Company's business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives. When used in this release, the words believe, expect, anticipate, estimate, plan, continue, intend, should, may or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: the return on equity; the yield on investments; the ability to borrow to finance assets; the Companys ability to deploy the proceeds of its capital raises or acquire its target assets; and risks associated with investing in real estate assets, including changes in business conditions and the general economy. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements, and other risks, uncertainties and factors are based on the Company's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of its future performance, taking into account all information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are not predictions of future events. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. CONTACT: Hilary Ginsberg Investor Relations (212) 822-0767 OMAHA, Neb. (AP) _ Boston Omaha Corp. (BOMN) on Friday reported a loss of $4.1 million in its first quarter. On a per-share basis, the Omaha, Nebraska-based company said it had a loss of 18 cents. The provider of real estate and business consulting services posted revenue of $9.1 million in the period. Boston Omaha shares have climbed 16% since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Friday, shares hit $27.06, a climb of 6% in the last 12 months. _____ This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on BOMN at https://www.zacks.com/ap/BOMN Lincolnshire, Ill., May 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CDW Corporation (CDW), a leading provider of technology solutions to business, government, education and healthcare, announced today that Collin B. Kebo, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will participate in a question and answer session at the J.P. Morgan 47th Annual Technology, Media and Communications Conference to be held at the Westin Boston Waterfront in Boston, Massachusetts on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 8:40 am ET/7:40 am CT. The session will be webcast live on http://investor.cdw.com . An archived copy of the webcast will be available for 180 days on the same website. About CDW CDW is a leading multi-brand technology solutions provider to business, government, education and healthcare organizations in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. A Fortune 500 company with multi-national capabilities, CDW was founded in 1984 and employs more than 9,000 coworkers. For the trailing twelve months ended March 31, 2019, the company generated Net sales over $16 billion. For more information about CDW, please visit www.CDW.com . Investor Inquiries Beth Coronelli Vice President, Investor Relations (847) 419-7524 Media Inquiries Sara Granack Vice President, Corporate Communications (847) 419-7411 CDWPR-FI BEIJING (Reuters) - Three main differences remain in the China-U.S. trade talks, including the removal of all the additional tariffs, Chinese state media said on Saturday, following the end of the latest round of negotiations in Washington. The ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily and the official Xinhua news agency said that in addition to the lifting of the additional tariffs, the differences centred on trade purchases and a "balanced" text to any trade deal. "China will never yield to the United States side's maximum pressure and will not compromise on matters of principle. China has made it clear to call for the elimination of all additional tariffs to resume normal bilateral trade," the People's Daily said. "China clearly requires that the trade procurement figures should be realistic; the text must be balanced and expressed in terms that are acceptable to the Chinese people and do not undermine the sovereignty and dignity of the country," it added. Xinhua, which reported the same three differences, said removing all the additional tariffs was the "common demand" of U.S. business and agriculture, and that both countries needed to show greater patience and perseverance to overcome the difficulties. U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the U.S. trade representative to start the process of raising tariffs on all remaining imports from China, with the value of products subject to new round of tariffs at approximately $300 billion. The United States had already escalated its tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods in the midst of last-ditch talks to rescue a trade deal. China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in Beijing, Vice Premier Liu He told Chinese state media in the United States on Friday, following a round of discussions in Washington which he described as "honest" and "constructive". (Reporting by Yawen Chen, Ben Blanchard and Ryan Woo; editing by Diane Craft and Leslie Adler) By Yawen Chen and David Lawder BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in Beijing, Vice Premier Liu He said as U.S. President Donald Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China. Liu voiced a measured optimism on reaching a deal, but said there were "issues of principle" on which China would not back down. "Negotiations have not broken down," Liu, China's chief negotiator in the talks, said in Washington on Friday, according to state television on Saturday. "Quite the opposite, I think small setbacks are normal and inevitable during the negotiations of both countries. Looking forward, we are still cautiously optimistic," Liu said. Liu's optimism was tempered by U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who told CNBC on Friday that there were no further talks with China planned "as of now." Trump wrote on Twitter on Saturday that he thinks China felt they were being "beaten so badly" in the recent negotiations that they may as well wait for the 2020 presidential election "to see if they could get lucky & have a Democrat win - in which case they would continue to rip-off the USA for $500 Billion a year." "The only problem is that they know I am going to win," Trump wrote on Twitter, "... and the deal will become far worse for them if it has to be negotiated in my second term. Would be wise for them to act now, but love collecting BIG TARIFFS!" The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods in the midst of last-ditch talks to rescue a trade deal. Trump had delayed the tariffs as negotiations between Washington and Beijing were progressing. On Friday, Trump issued orders for the tariff increase, saying China "broke the deal" by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations. China strongly opposes the latest U.S. tariff hike, and as a nation, has to respond to that, Liu told a small group of Chinese reporters in the video clip. "Right now, both sides have reached mutual understanding in many things, but frankly speaking, there are also differences. We think these differences are significant issues of principle," Liu said. "We absolutely cannot make concessions on such issues of principle." He added that talks would continue in Beijing, but gave no details. Underscoring a lack of progress in the talks, Trump ordered a further escalation of tariffs. Trump's move would subject about $300 billion worth of Chinese imports to punitive tariffs, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement on Friday. Lighthizer said a final decision has not been made on the new duties, which would come on top of an early Friday tariff rate increase, to 25% from 10%, on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. CHINA DETAILS DIFFERENCES Three differences remain between the two countries, according to China's account of the latest talks. One of those is over tariffs, Liu said, according to a transcript of the Q&A published by Phoenix, a Hong Kong-based television station that is close to Beijing. China believes that tariffs were the genesis of the trade dispute, and that if both sides wanted to reach an agreement, then all tariffs must be eliminated, Liu said. The second is about procurement, on which an initial consensus was reached between the leaders of the two countries in Argentina late last year. The two sides now have differing views on the volumes, Liu said. The third is over how balanced the text of the draft agreement should be, he said. "Every nation has its dignity, so the text ought to be balanced," Liu said. Sources told Reuters this week that China had deleted its commitments in the draft agreement that said it would change laws to resolve core complaints of the United States: theft of U.S. intellectual property and trade secrets; forced technology transfers; competition policy; access to financial services; and currency manipulation. Liu denied the accusations of China's reneging on promises, saying China thought it was normal to make changes before a final deal. Both sides had differing views on how to phrase it, he said. Liu said he hoped this issue would be resolved, so it was unnecessary to "over react" to that point. Similar to Liu, Chinese state media said China would not give in on its core interests. "China clearly requires that the trade procurement figures should be realistic; the text must be balanced and expressed in terms that are acceptable to the Chinese people and do not undermine the sovereignty and dignity of the country," the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily newspaper said in a commentary on Saturday. The trade war has weighed on the Chinese economy. When asked about domestic concerns over how the latest tariffs could further pressure the economy, Liu said he was optimistic about China's economy in the longer term, adding that it had entered an up-cycle after bottoming out somewhat last year. He said he believed the Chinese economy would maintain a stable and healthy trend despite some downward pressure, and that China had ample room for fiscal and monetary policy maneuvers. On Monday, hours after Trump said he intended to raise tariffs, the Chinese central bank cut the amount of reserves that some small and medium-sized banks need to hold, freeing up more funds for lending to cash-strapped firms. (Reporting by Yawen Chen and David Lawder; Additional reporting by Ryan Woo in Beijing; Lucia Mutikani in Washington; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Leslie Adler, Matthew Lewis and Daniel Wallis) FILE PHOTO: A sign of China's e-commerce company JD.com is seen at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Asia 2016 in Shanghai, China, May 12, 2016. REUTERS/Aly Song (Reuters) - Chinese e-commerce firm JD.com's revenues grew at their slowest pace on record in the first quarter as China's tech giants start to tap out their existing user bases, though its 21% expansion marginally beat analysts' forecasts. China's leading internet companies are trying to find fresh areas of growth after saturating the market for their core products and services, which has led to a hit on profitability as they invest in new sectors. JD.com, which operates chiefly as an online marketplace, most notably for consumer electronics, first achieved positive net income in early 2017, about three years after it listed. However, it has struggled to maintain profitability. Martin Bao, who tracks China's tech sector at ICBC International, said the company has exhausted its core base of shoppers in first-tier Chinese cities and has to find new customers in rural China. JD differentiates itself from rivals in China by operating an in-house logistics team and warehousing unit and carrying its own inventory. In contrast, rival Alibaba Group Holding Ltd outsources its logistics to third-party companies, though it owns stakes in many of them. Unlike JD, it makes money primarily via advertising, rather than commissions on sales. JD.com is undergoing a period of restructuring, with several high-level staff leaving the company in recent months. Current and former employees told Reuters that JD launched layoffs at all levels at the company, and that morale was low. In an earnings call on Friday, executives said the staff cuts had been "overinterpreted" and denied that there had been "massive layoffs" Meanwhile, a University of Minnesota student recently filed a civil lawsuit against JD.com chief executive officer Richard Liu, alleging he raped her. Liu, through his lawyers, has maintained his innocence. Liu holds 78% voting rights on JD.com's board, and board directors cannot achieve a quorum without him present at meetings. Liu's concentration of power, coupled with the high-level staff departures, has left some investors concerned about a possible leadership void at JD.com. Story continues On Wednesday, JD.com's ownership structure and staff exits became a trending topic on Chinese social media site Weibo. JD.com also said on Friday it would renew its strategic partnership with social media giant Tencent Holdings Ltd for three more years, starting in late May. The deal embeds a link to its e-commerce site in Tencent's chat app WeChat. It also said it has secured financing for its healthcare subsidiary JD Health with investors including CICC Capital and CPEChina Fund. Post financing, the unit is now valued at $7 billion. For the current quarter, JD expects to secure revenues of between 145 billion yuan and 150 billion yuan, the mid-point of which is above an average analysts' forecast of 145.69 billion yuan, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. Net income attributed to ordinary shareholders rose to 7.3 billion yuan in the first quarter, up from 1.5 billion yuan a year before. The company posted revenue of 121.1 billion yuan, narrowly beating analysts' estimate of 120.1 billion yuan. (Reporting by Sayanti Chakraborty in Bengaluru and Josh Horwitz in Shanghai; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Jan Harvey) Trucks carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) are seen at Sinopec's LNG terminal in Tianjin, China October 22, 2018. Picture taken October 22, 2018.REUTERS/Stringer/Files By Chen Aizhu and Florence Tan SINGAPORE (Reuters) - China Petrochemical Corp (Sinopec Group) and China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), the country's top state-owned refiners, are skipping Iranian oil purchases for loading in May after Washington ended sanction waivers to turn up pressure on Tehran, three people with knowledge of the matter said. The United States has not renewed any exemptions from sanctions on Iran, taking a tougher line than expected on the expiry of the waivers. The waivers were granted last November to buyers of Iranian oil. China is Iran's largest oil customer with imports of 475,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first quarter of this year, according to Chinese customs data. Two of the sources said Sinopec and CNPC have skipped bookings for cargoes loading in May as the companies were worried that taking oil from Iran could invoke U.S. sanctions and cut them out of the global financial system. A third source said Sinopec, who buys the majority of China's Iranian oil imports, does not wish to breach a long-term supply contract but has opted to suspend booking new cargoes for now due to the sanction worries. All of the people with knowledge of the matter requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic. Of the five supertankers that loaded Iranian crude in April for China, two have discharged, while another two are waiting off Ningbo and Zhoushan in eastern China to discharge, according to Refinitiv data and Refinitiv analyst Emma Li. A fifth tanker is heading to Shuidong in southern Guangdong province. The sources said they did not know how long the suspensions will last. Both Sinopec and CNPC declined to comment. The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) did not immediately respond to an email from Reuters seeking comment. The two firms took a similar move last October by skipping shipments for November, before Washington reimposed sanctions on Iran's oil exports to push the Islamic Republic to renegotiate a deal to stop its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and curb its regional influence. Story continues They later resumed bookings after the U.S. granted waivers to China and other seven global clients of Iranian oil, and purchased additional cargoes to make up the delayed shipments, according to the third source and trade flow data. "There are no nominations so far...but companies are trying to find some solution, such as offering to top up volumes in later months," said the source. Sinopec agreed in 2012 to lift an average of about 265,000 bpd oil from Iran in a long-term deal that expires end of 2019. While Beijing has criticized the unilateral U.S. sanctions on Iran and the end to the exemptions, companies are erring on the side of caution unless they receive a specific government mandate to keep ordering oil from Tehran, the first two sources said. CNPC, whose Iranian oil comes mostly from its investments at two Iranian oil fields, is also skipping imports for this month, said one of those sources. "For now it's just not worth the risks as the volume is very small in (the company's) overall purchases," said the source, adding that CNPC is entitled to lift an average of 2 million barrels, about 67,000 bpd, of oil from its investment a month. (Reporting by Chen Aizhu and Florence Tan; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell and Christian Schmollinger) Packets of fentanyl mostly in powder form and methamphetamine, which U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they seized from a truck crossing into Arizona from Mexico, is on display during a news conference at the Port of Nogales, Arizona, U.S., January 31, 2019. Handout via REUTERS (Corrects title of FBI official in 37th paragraph) By Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China has pledged to stem a flood of the synthetic opioid fentanyl onto America's streets, where it kills thousands of people a month, but U.S. security experts are skeptical about whether Beijing is willing, or even able, to follow through. Ten current and former U.S. officials, congressional sources and China and trade experts told Reuters in interviews that China cooperates only when it believes it will get something in return. In this case, several said, Beijing appears to have offered its help so that it could get the best deal possible from Washington in trade negotiations. "Will they enforce this, or is this just another gesture to be used to secure something they want?" said Robin Cleveland, vice chair of the congressional U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which monitors the national security impact of bilateral trade and economic ties. "I think they would hope to leverage it in some meaningful way in the context of trade talks," she said. Those trade talks ran into trouble this week with China backtracking on earlier commitments to change its laws in key areas, including intellectual property rights, trade secrets, forced technology transfers, access to financial services and currency manipulation, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing U.S. government and private-sector sources. U.S. President Donald Trump responded to China by vowing to raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent on Friday. Unless resolved in a new round of negotiations, the mounting tensions over trade could derail China's cooperation on fentanyl. "They are not going to do it, the record says, unless they get a trade deal, or we threaten them in the absence of a trade deal," said Derek Scissors, an expert on Sino-U.S. economic relations at the American Enterprise Institute think tank. Story continues "They can stop this if they want, but they won't unless they see a deal." An explosion in the use of fentanyl, an opioid painkiller 50 times more potent than heroin, and its analogues has driven the most devastating chapter of America's long-running opioid crisis, U.S. law enforcement agencies say, and China accounts for most of the fentanyl and fentanyl analogues seized. The United States recorded more than 28,000 synthetic opioid-related overdose deaths in 2017, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of them fentanyl-related. Chinese President Xi Jinping promised Trump at a summit in Argentina in December that Beijing would crack down on flows of all fentanyl-related substances. In April, China pledged that from May 1 it would expand the list of narcotics subject to state control to the more than 1,400 known fentanyl analogues, which have a slightly different chemical makeup but are all addictive and potentially deadly, as well as any new ones developed in the future. Fentanyl and all of its analogues are controlled substances subject to strict regulation in the United States. Speaking in Beijing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had implemented the change as promised starting from May 1, a move he said had been positively appraised by the United States. "I want to emphasize here that China keeps to its word," he told a daily news briefing. "At the same time, I would also like to point out that the root cause of the U.S. fentanyl problem is not in China." Asked whether there was a link between China's promised increased controls on fentanyl and trade talks with the United States, Geng said: "I don't know what person has such an imagination." China's Ministry of Public Security, National Health Commission and National Medical Products Administration the departments responsible for the new rules did not respond to requests for comment on this story. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. The regulatory change is supposed to shut down the operations of illicit producers and traffickers who advertise and sell fentanyl products on video websites including Google's YouTube and Vimeo, and on the Dark Web. They deliver the drugs to the U.S. market mainly in the mail, through express delivery services or trans-shipping them through Mexico and Canada. Trump hailed the agreement as a major advance in efforts to contain the opioid epidemic. Some U.S. officials who work directly with Chinese law enforcement agencies say they believe Beijing is committed to clamping down. "We see them as a partner we want to work with to effect that change of availability here in the U.S.," said Daniel Baldwin, a senior Drug Enforcement Administration official who was its top representative in Beijing from 2011-2014. The ruling Communist Party's newspaper, the China Daily, covered the plans to expand the controlled substances list last week under the headline, "China, U.S. join hands to fight fentanyl." But even Trump's attorney general, William Barr, has said it is too soon to claim victory. "Whether the Chinese ... actually deliver on it from an enforcement standpoint remains to be seen," Barr testified at a House of Representatives budget hearing in April. PAST FAILURES Beijing has reneged on pacts with Washington before, U.S. experts say. In 2017, the bulk of fentanyl seizures by U.S. Customs and Border Protection came from China, despite an agreement announced in September 2016 by the Obama administration on "enhanced measures" to fight trafficking to the United States. China later said it made no such agreement. China added fentanyl, 24 analogues and two precursors to its narcotics control list beginning in 2015, leading to a sharp reduction in those products. But manufacturers sidestepped the controls by synthesizing new analogues, some of them even more potent and deadly than the original. They will remain legal until China follows through on its promise to control all forms of fentanyl. U.S. law enforcement officials worry China will not be able to fully enforce this new crackdown either, even if it sticks to its promise to try. Its oversight of more than an estimated 400,000 producers and distributors inside vast chemical and pharmaceutical industries is notoriously weak and enforcement agencies are short of inspectors and weakened by corruption, the U.S. experts said. Fentanyl analogues are relatively easy to make and some producers create front companies to sell fentanyl to traffickers, U.S. experts say. Further, experts say, local Communist Party officials are under pressure to hit targets for economic growth and so are often reluctant to shut down any growing businesses, including pharmaceutical firms. Chinese Customs enforcement appears to be even weaker. Officials stopped fewer than a half dozen fentanyl-related shipments in 2016-2017 before they could be shipped out of China, according to Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, a co-chair of the U.S. Senate's Caucus on International Narcotics Control. U.S. officials have found Chinese inaction frustrating. "As sophisticated as China is in their intelligence services, I find it odd that they can't stem the flow of fentanyl from their country," Joshua Skule, the executive assistant director of the FBI's Intelligence Branch, told Reuters before Beijing announced it would control all fentanyl-related substances. China has provided the United States with information that aided in federal indictments of eight Chinese nationals for fentanyl trafficking since 2017. All of the suspects remain at large in China, however, according to a U.S. Congressional Research Service report in December 2018. "There are many, many laws on Chinese books that don't get enforced. It will turn out that enforcement is quite spotty," Scissors said. China's government is committed to making a difference on this case, however, says Daniel Baldwin, who served as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's top representative in Beijing for three years. "We see them as a partner we want to work with to effect that change of availability here in the U.S.," he said. A bipartisan group of senators has introduced a bill to empower Trump to sanction Chinese drug makers and others who knowingly sell synthetic opioids to traffickers. It also would create a commission to monitor flows of the substances from overseas. "We have to make sure they keep their word," said Republican Senator Tom Cotton, a co-sponsor of the legislation. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Editing by Kieran Murray and Sonya Hepinstall) By Amanda Becker CHILLICOTHE, OHIO, May 11 (Reuters) - At a veterans hall in the mostly white, working-class town of Chillicothe, Ohio, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke to about 200 people on Friday about her plans to fight the opioid epidemic, Washington corruption and economic inequality. Warren's decision to campaign in Ohio - a state President Donald Trump won by eight percentage points in 2016 - so soon in the Democratic presidential nominating battle is telling. Ohio does not host one of next year's early nominating contests. Yet there is growing consensus among Democrats that a nominee's ability to beat Trump in November 2020 is the number one priority - and Warren aims to convince voters there and elsewhere that she has broad enough appeal to do it. "I believe that if you're running for president of the United States you ought to be running for president of all the people and not just spend your time in a handful of so-called battleground states," Warren told reporters at an earlier stop on Friday in Kermit, West Virginia, a solidly Republican state. Party strategists and voters are divided over what type of candidate is best positioned to take on the president. Some believe it is critical to have a nominee who can win back the working-class, white voters who supported Barack Obama but then handed Trump victories in formerly blue states in the Midwest like Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Others say a candidate who can drive turnout by appealing to young, minority and first-time voters is the best path to the White House. Ed Rendell, a former Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, thinks moderate candidates like former Vice President Joe Biden or U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar would be best at wooing back working-class voters in the non-urban areas of his state. Warren's progressive policies she backs free college tuition, a wealth tax and Medicare-for-all healthcare make her an "easy target" for Trump to accuse her of being a socialist, Rendell said. Story continues But he agrees with other Democrats who say where candidates stand on the issues may not be the deciding factor for voters. "I've never seen voters more single-minded than on the issue of beating Donald Trump," Rendell said, adding he would work to win Pennsylvania for whoever emerges as the nominee. HIGH STAKES Recent opinion surveys show electability topping issues for many Democrats. In a Monmouth University poll of 987 likely Democratic primary voters conducted May 2-7 in New Hampshire, which hosts the second nominating contest, 68 percent said they would choose a candidate they did not agree with on most issues if the individual were a stronger candidate against Trump. Just 25 percent said they would pick the candidate they agreed with on most issues but who would have a hard time beating Trump. Forty-nine percent of Democrats in an Ipsos online poll of 960 adults taken April 29-30 said the ability to beat Trump in the general election is the most important factor in choosing a primary candidate, ahead of policies on healthcare, jobs and the environment. "Democrats view this not as a regular election but as an existential election for the country. The stakes are high. Each candidate is trying to show how they will take on Trump," said Ben LaBolt, a former spokesman for Obama's re-election campaign. Ideally, a candidate will emerge like Obama who can appeal to a wide swath of Democratic voters, he said. With just 3 percent of Democrats in the Ipsos poll picking Warren as the candidate most likely to beat Trump, the Massachusetts senator has work to do. Forty-six percent chose Biden as the strongest Trump opponent, and 25 percent said they did not know who was best positioned from the field of 22 Democrats running. Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper rejected the idea that only a moderate Democrat can make inroads there. As a roadmap, he pointed to Senator Sherrod Brown's re-election in 2018, when he won by a higher margin than in 2012 when Obama was on the ballot. Brown, like Warren, focuses on themes of income inequality and creating an economy that protects and benefits middle- and working-class households. Pepper said that economic message resonates in rural and suburban areas, even if other parts of a candidate's platform are more liberal than voters would typically support. "These are the places that responded to Donald Trump saying 'let's make America great again,'" Pepper said of Chillicothe. "A ticket that includes that kind of candidate like Sherrod Brown's did and can hold down losses in rural parts of the state and suburbs and energize our urban core that combination is the ticket that will win Ohio." In largely rural Ross County, where Warren met with voters on Friday, Trump got roughly two-thirds of the vote in 2016. But Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney, a Democrat, said the party should not count it out. "I told her Ross County is definitely in play in 2020 and Chillicothe is definitely in play in 2020 and the state of Ohio is a swing state in 2020, not a red state," Feeney said as he introduced Warren at her event. Retired teacher Kathleen Burgess, 70, was in the crowd. She said Warren's early call to impeach Trump pleased her as a progressive voter, but she thought Warren's economic policies also would appeal to swing voters in the state. "By advocating for free public college and healthcare, those are kitchen table issues for working-class people," Burgess said. (Reporting By Amanda Becker Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Steve Orlofsky) More companies are offering flexible work arrangements, including paternity leave and shortened work weeks, yet studies reveal that taking advantage of these benefits could hurt your chances of advancement. According to a recent study, parents who work part-time have a 21% chance of being promoted within the next three years. Full-time counterparts have a 45% chance, and the average mother waits two years longer for a promotion than the average father. The key to instituting change in the workplace is for top executives to lead by example. We live in a 24/7 working world, where smartphones and PCs act as digital leashes, making it harder than ever to strike a work/life balance. As a result, numerous companies are now instituting flexible work arrangements and paid time off, responding to numerous studies revealing that happy employees are more productive . Nevertheless, studies reveal that taking advantage of these perks could sabotage future wages, risk a promotion or worse chance a layoff. This puts parents in a particularly tough spot: prioritizing time with the kids or focusing on the means of providing for them. Trying to balance kids while working or opting out of the workforce for a little while can have severe career implications in terms of hiring prospects and future wages, says Kate Weisshaar , an assistant professor in the department of sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This is referred to as the "parenting penalty." This issue extends to a variety of workers in a variety of situations: those who wish to leave the office early to see their kid's school play or attend a parent/teacher conference; new parents who desire an extended maternity/paternity leave; part-timers, attempting to sufficiently bridge their duties to both their families and their employers; and those who go so far as to leave the job market for a few years to focus on their children during their formulative years. Story continues "In a lot of workplaces, there is an expectation from employers that employees devote themselves fully to work," said Weisshaar. "The expectation to work long hours, to be highly dedicated to work and to always be available can introduce challenges for parents, or any caregivers, who have other demands on their time besides work. So if employers are making promotion or hiring decisions based on these types of expectations and/or assumptions that parents can't or won't live up to expectations, then parents may be blocked from opportunities at work." More from At Work: Employee privacy is at stake as surveillance tech monitors workers 8 in 10 tech companies offer this fix to reduce gender bias Weisshaar says stay-at-home mothers and fathers face a huge disadvantage when trying to reenter the workforce more so than job applicants that were employed and laid off. Parents who temporarily exit the workforce to spend time with their children are only half as likely to get a job interview than those who have been laid off, she said. According to a recent study by Working Families, a U.K.-based charity that advocates for working parents, parents who work part-time have a 21% chance of being promoted within the next three years. Full-time counterparts have a 45% chance. And the average mother, the group says, waits two years longer for a promotion than the average father. The study was focused on the U.K., says Catherine Gregory, head of marketing and communications for Working Families, but the results translate across borders. "Eighty percent of parents we surveyed are working beyond their contracted hours," she says. "Part of that is poor job design, where employers are creating jobs that can't be completed in the time allocated. But it's also expected. Over half the people we spoke with said that's just part of their company culture. It's an expectation from their employer that they're supposed to be there and do extra work." Although many companies are trying to promote a more family-friendly atmosphere, the U.S. still lags far behind the rest of the world when it comes to paid family leave. A 2016 Pew Study found that American workers were the only one of 41 countries that did not have a mandate for paid leave for parents. (Estonia, meanwhile, offers an astonishing 87 weeks.) That not only affects parents of newborns but can cause problems as children get older and lead more active lives. "It's very challenging to find childcare or arrangements when children are young, and when they are older, there is an expectation that parents are highly involved in their children's lives, planning activities and camps and helping with homework," says Weisshaar. "The combination of high workplace expectations and these intense parenting expectations lead to high levels of work-family conflict." Unless high-level executives take the lead and prioritize family values, the odds may be against you. "If a male CEO takes paternity leave, that's huge," says Gregory. "That shows the entire company it's acceptable. Or even if that CEO takes a few hours off to go see their kid's school play. ... You have to feel like you're able to disconnect without it having an adverse effect on your job." Income's impact on the parenting penalty Parenting penalties vary from company to company, of course. Some have generous paid leave programs, but jobs held by low-income individuals tend to be the most restrictive. That's the finding of a 2010 study by the Center for American Progress and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. That report also found that low-income parents have the least workplace benefits and inconsistent schedules, forcing them to handle childcare on a piecemeal basis. Professionals in higher-paying jobs might have more benefits, but they were also the ones who felt the most pressure to dedicate themselves completely to their jobs if they wanted to advance. Most affected, though, was the "missing middle," a group that has stable jobs but rigid schedules, which leads to higher levels of frustration. "Americans in the middle have more power than the poor particularly if they are unionized but they, too, often face no-win work-family conflicts," say authors Joan C. Williams and Heather Boushey . "What middle-income families see is that they work hard harder than their parents did and have less to show for it." Achieving a solution against the odds So what's the solution? Many companies are offering more flexible work arrangements, including things like paternity leave or shortened work weeks, but some employees are afraid to take advantage of those benefits, thinking the lack of "face time" at the office will hurt their chances of advancement or make them more vulnerable should a company announce layoffs. If you feel unhappy and burnt out because your equilibrium is out of whack, there are ways to approach your boss to discuss some options. Remember, your employer has a lot invested in you in training and experience, and they don't want you to quit. So try to think about improving your work/life balance as being a benefit to your employer rather than a favor they would be doing for you and head in armed with examples of some major companies like Johnson & Johnson, Dell and Lockheed Martin that encourage work/life balance through flexible work and work-at-home options. Before scheduling a meeting with your boss, evaluate the responsibilities of your job and think about a plan. Then check with your HR department to see if they have a flex work or remote policy that they are not currently employing. Next, draft a proposal and set up a time to meet with your boss, preferably at a time when he or she is not stressed out. Finally, suggest a trial period so your boss can see firsthand how it will work. More From CNBC By Marta Nogueira RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazil's Vale said on Thursday that it plans to invest $2.5 billion over the next five years in technology that removes the need for tailings dams, the waste facilities responsible for two deadly mining disasters in the past four years. The funds will be mainly used to convert Vale's Carajas mining complex in northern Brazil to disposing of 100 percent of its tailings through dry processes, Vale's director of ferrous planning and development, Fabiano Carvalho Filho, said in an email response to questions from Reuters. Overall, the world's largest iron ore exporter is aiming to boost the use of so-called dry processing to 70 percent of its output by the end of 2023, from 60 percent today. Of the 17 processing lines of Plant 1 at Carajas, 11 are already dry and the remaining six wet lines will be converted by 2022, Carvalho Filho said. In addition, the funds will be used in two projects in Brazil's mining heartland of Minas Gerais, he said. One is a new processing complex for iron ore and the other is a previously operational mine which Vale is seeking to reactivate. Vale said the investment is not directly related to the Brumadinho disaster, which left 237 confirmed dead, or the 2015 collapse of another dam at the Samarco joint venture with BHP Group Ltd, that killed 19 others and also caused what is widely considered the worst environmental disaster in Brazil's history. The dry tailings spending plan is part of an existing program under which Vale has invested almost $17.5 billion over the last 10 years, Carvalho Filho said. (Reporting by Marta Nogueira; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) TAIPEI, May 10 (Reuters) - Terry Gou, chairman of Apple supplier Foxconn, will retain a seat on the company's proposed board, a source told Reuters on Friday, as he plans to run for Taiwan's presidential election. Gou announced last month that he would contest Taiwan's presidential election in January, seeking to represent the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party - a vote that comes after a period of increasing tension between Beijing and Taipei. Gou's election bid came after he told Reuters in April that he planned to step down from Foxconn to pave the way for younger talent to move up the company's ranks. It is not immediately clear whether Gou will resign from his role as chairman of the board. (Reporting by Yimou Lee in Taipei; editing by Louise Heavens) Global design and technology firm powers industry-leading chatbots and new SaaS products with Microsoft cloud infrastructure TORONTO, May 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IBI Group (IBG.TO) announced today that it will be using Microsoft Azure as part of its transformation to a technology-driven design firm, and the ongoing rollout of the firms Strategic Plan. IBI Group will be hosting two of its recently released software-as-a-service (SaaS) products on Azure. The firm has also developed a series of productivity chatbots in-house within the platform, taking advantage of Azures intelligence services, including the Microsoft AI Platform, Cognitive Services and Azure Machine Learning, as well as its hosting capabilities. The Azure platform provides a go-to-market channel for IBI Groups SaaS portfolio, and the Azure team offers an extensive global network of marketing and technical support. As one of the key pillars of IBI Groups Strategic Plan , the firm is applying technology and improved processes to its core professional consulting business. IBI Groups series of industry-leading chatbots, developed in-house by its Design Technology team, are designed to increase the efficiency and productivity of staff and allow them to focus more on project delivery and the creative quality of their work. Innovating within Azure, IBI Groups chatbot development team has scaled the Azure bot framework to the firms 2,600 staff through Microsoft Teams; leading the AEC industry in chatbot development and adoption. A second pillar of the firms strategic transformation centres on the launch of a suite of SaaS products that add revenue streams throughout the lifecycle of the assets the firm designs. Two of these recently launched products InForm by IBI Group and TravelIQ will be hosted in Microsoft. InForm is an asset management solution for the buildings and transportation sectors. TravelIQ, launched publicly today, is a traveller information solution for transportation agencies and private-sector clients. IBI Group is also using Azure in its highway tolling solutions to host customer self-service websites, and provide disaster recovery services to toll operators. Story continues Microsoft has been an important collaborator with us as we continue to lead the industry in the adoption of technology across all areas of our business, said Scott Stewart, IBI Group CEO. Using Microsoft Azure, both internally through our chatbot development team, and to bring our SaaS products to market, gives us a global framework of support and expertise and allows us to innovate at an accelerated pace. Suzanne Gagliese, Vice President One Commercial Partner, Microsoft Canada, said, We are pleased to be a part of IBIs technology transformation. Working with their chatbot development team has allowed us to innovate together in new ways and further explore the platforms capabilities. We look forward to continued collaboration and support of IBIs new product portfolio through Microsoft Azure. Microsoft is also part of the Smart City Sandbox , serving as technology provider. Conceived and developed by IBI Group, the Smart City Sandbox unites like-minded, public- and private-sector partners to foster innovative new products and solutions focused on improving the quality of life in urban environments. For more information or to speak with an IBI Group professional, please contact Julia Harper at Julia.harper@ibigroup.com or 647-330-4706. About IBI Group IBI Group Inc. (IBG.TO) is a globally integrated architecture, planning, engineering, and technology firm with over 2,600 professionals around the world. For more than 40 years, its dedicated professionals have helped clients create livable, sustainable, and advanced urban environments. IBI Group believes that cities must be designed with intelligent systems, sustainable buildings, efficient infrastructure, and a human touch. IBI Group is a lead partner of the Smart Cities Council North America. Follow us on Twitter @ibigroup and Instagram @ibi_group. Media Contact: Julia Harper, IBI Group julia.harper@ibigroup.com 1-416-596-1930 ext. 61187 or 1-647-330-4706 - By Grahamites Earlier this month, I made my eighth consecutive pilgrimmage to Omaha, Nebraska. This year, I signed up for Bob Miles' Berkshire System Summit for the first time. It was a great event and I highly recommend it to everyone who is attending future Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A)(NYSE:BRK.B) annual meetings. This year's speakers included Don Wurster from National Indemnity, Tony Nicely from GEICO, Bob Batt from Nebraska Furniture Mart and Ron Olson from Munger, Tolles & Olson. Below are my notes from Batt's presentation and question-and-answer session. Batt is the former executive vice president of Nebraska Furniture Mart and the grandson of Rose Blumkin. He began working for the company at age 14. Brief introduction of the history of Nebraska Furniture Mart After the depression, things got really tough. Blumkin had an idea to make money - selling furniture from her basement. Everyone in the family worked in the business and they all worked hard, even on weekends. The goal had always been to sell cheaper furniture. After founding, the business got bigger and bigger. During the 1940s, Blumkin came up with the idea of being all-inclusive, meaning the company would sell not just furniture, but also appliances and electronics, whereas most other furniture stores only sold furniture. One thing Nebraska Furniture Mark found out early is most decisions about home furnishings are made by women, so they tried very hard to cater to what they wanted. The company moved to an uptown location after World War II. After dominating the Nebraska market, it opened another store in Kansas City in 2003. Then, the company scouted places all over the country and settled on Dallas for the next store. Biggest change in the business The sourcing of products was the biggest change. Most of the sourcing was done in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Michigan. Today, most is from China. Globalization is here to stay. Batt went to China directly and formed buying groups with local retailers, getting a good selection and good price. Story continues Why retailers fail Sometimes retailers do things based on ego and forgot who their clients are. Nebraska Furniture Mart never forgot that customers are always number one. Batt's favorite quote from Sam Walton is: "If you don't take care of your customers, somebody else will." It's true in all businesses. The worst example is Sears (SHLDQ). The ego of the CEO ruined the company even before Eddie Lambert took over. It lost focus. When people go to department stores, research shows the number one thing they want is a clean restroom. The second thing they want is a clean environment and updated interiors (walls, etc). Sears flunked in both and so did J.C. Penney (JCP). Nebraska Furniture Mart tried to dominate in every section of the business it operates in. You always have to look out for what's going on, what other guys are doing. Why Dallas? How did you go about choosing the location in Dallas? Dallas has millions of people. There's no market dominator. It's a very fragmented market. Nebraska Furniture Mart's team went to 10 states and surveyed the economies of local cities and locations. Originally, St. Louis was the top choice, but local government wasn't receptive and they didn't understand the concept of the furniture. Batt said the main consideration in terms of location is "we don't want our customers to be hassled to come to see us." As such, the location needs to have major intersections and roadways that you can get in and out easily. In Dallas, the company looked at a few locations, but traffic problems couldn't accommodate the flow. Finally, they found a piece of land with nothing built on it and good traffic flow. The company also did a lot of negotiation with local government so it could build new intersections and new overpasses. It's easy to get into and there is plenty of free parking. But that's not enough. Retailers have to remove all the barriers to why people don't want to come. So, Nebraska Furniture Mart went around the world to look for the best practices. It found there are two things people don't like - waiting to pay money and waiting to pick up their products. So the company developed systems for faster payment processing and picking up merchandise. The company's representatives aslo studied at Disney University on how to deal with crowds, how to keep them happy and how to keep them entertained. They transferred what they learned from Disney to Nebraska Furniture Mart. The company also had to make sure it's extremely safe with security cameras and security guards. As a result of implementing these strategies, Nebraska Furniture Mark grabbed market share right away. Negotiations between Blumkin and Buffett Twenty years before the purchase, author Adam Smith was driving around Omaha with Warren Buffett (Trades, Portfolio) and they drove past the Nebraska Furniture Mart. Smith said it looked like an interesting place and asked Buffett why he hadn't bought it. Buffett said, "Someday I might." When Buffett decided to pursue buying the company, Blumkin was getting older and wanted continuity. The deal was a handshake deal. Blumkin told Buffett how much she was willing to sell for and he told her what price he wanted to pay, and they agreed on it. There was no audit, no inventory taking and no checking on the bank balance. The deal was closed in a few minutes. The family's involvement after being acquired by Berkshire One thing the family learned about Berkshire is its protocols. One protocol is don't ask about things that don't concern you. Focus on the mission of what the company does - selling goods and services. Never ask about anything outside of Nebraska Furniture Mart. Their job at Berkshire is to generate cash flow so its parent company can make better use of the cash. What changed after NFM was acquired? Were you thinking about buying other businesses? The retailer has no interest in growing faster than it already has. The limit to its growth is the talent pool - managers, truck drivers etc. When it opened the Kansas City store, 25% of the Omaha staff moved there. The same thing happened with the Dallas store. The company has to be careful in not growing for the sake of growth because its duty is not to cause Berkshire any headaches or embarrassment. How much of your focus is on foreign markets versus U.S. How has the current trade dispute affected your business? The trade war does no one any good. It will hurt both sides. They'd rather do good things. What Batt has learned in China is if you keep everyone working and producing and they have the basics of food, shelter and clothing and a chance at a decent life, they'll never go to war with the U.S. Trading with China will benefit American consumers and American businesses. What other retailers do you admire? Batt said you have to admire Walmart (WMT). He also admires Amazon (AMZN) after it started paying sales taxes. Ikea is a great company. One thing Batt doesn't like about Ikea is when you go in, there's one door and you have to go through their maze and come out from the exit. They try to control your behavior and what you see and do. The do-it-yourself model can be a turn-off for people who are not very good at tools, but they have a lot of things that work. Within Berkshire there are other furniture retailers. Do they share best practices? All four furniture retailers are very different. They always learn from each other every day. How do you make people feel special? You spend a lot of time and effort in understanding their needs. You make it friendly for them and deal with what they want. At Nebraska Furniture Mart, they always ask customers whether the products meet their needs, design, color and price points. They remodeled the store to make it nicer, friendly and keep it up to date. In terms of staff, Nebraska Furniture Mark has sales people who have worked for the company for more than 60 years. It always hires refugees because they make the best workers no matter where they are from because they are happy to be in America. The company hired them when they were young and they are still there. They started from the bottom level and moved all the way up. There's a great continuity in the team at every level. Blumkin had a favorite quote: "Nothing is forever." Things change and you have to have a continuity plan. Berkshire and its subsidiaries are very heavy in its continuity and succession plan. Not a Premium Member of GuruFocus? Sign up for a free 7-day trial here. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. The escalating conflict between the United States and Iran is a major trigger for oil prices, and it's not getting enough attention from investors, said energy expert John Kilduff. "The situation with Iran is just off the charts right now in terms of being red-hot," Kilduff, founding partner of Again Capital, said Thursday on CNBC's "Futures Now." From the Trump administration's increasingly hawkish position on Iran, to the U.S. military's recent involvement in the region, to newly instated U.S. sanctions on Iran's metal exports , "the potential for an incident ... [is] really, really high," Kilduff warned. "They are experiencing economic strangulation that would make any sort of normal country act out at some point," he said. "I think that's what's supporting this oil price. That's why it can't break down, because you are subject to coming in one morning with some kind of incident. I'm not saying a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz or something severe, but some kind of tit for tat that will spook this oil market to the upside in a big way." The key level Kilduff is watching is the now-infamous $60-a-barrel threshold. West Texas Intermediate oil prices have been unable to break below that level since they crossed above it in late March. "Just this week, we got as low as $60.04 and we bounced back up," Kilduff noted. "If you've been watching [oil prices] closely, they seem to be hanging out right around the $62 level, which is sort of the upside barrier. So, to the extent we can put in more time above that level, you're really looking at, I think, an upside run more than anything else in the short term." That could spell trouble for President Donald Trump , who has called numerous times for international oil producers to drive down the price of crude. But from an investor's perspective, Kilduff sees the necessary support levels in place for oil to tick higher, with Saudi Arabia and Iraq poised to fill the gap left by the now-sanctioned Iran. Story continues "Interestingly enough, though, the Saudis and the Iraqis have jacked up their prices to the Asian customers who have lost their Iranian barrels, so there's a stinginess there," Kilduff said. "The Saudis are not rushing to fill the gap like they did at the end of last year. So, again, another reason why these oil prices are somewhat supported right now." U.S. crude prices failed to hold above $62 on Thursday, settling at $61.70. They are down more than 6% from their 2019 high, but are still up nearly 36% year to date. Also on Thursday, Iran appeared to restart oil shipments to Syria, according to companies that track maritime tankers, following a Wednesday announcement by Iran's leaders that they would stop complying with certain facets of the 2015 nuclear deal. More From CNBC FILE PHOTO: The logo of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is seen outside their headquarters in Vienna, Austria December 7, 2018. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/File Photo By Rania El Gamal and Alex Lawler DUBAI/LONDON (Reuters) - OPEC is in the dark on the oil supply outlook for the second half of this year, with Iranian and Russian outages looking increasingly significant but Saudi Arabia reluctant to pump more due to fears of a price crash, sources in the organization said. An oil contamination forced Russia to halt flows along the Druzhba pipeline, a key conduit for crude into Eastern Europe and Germany, in April. The suspension left refiners scrambling to find supplies and its duration is unclear. Iran's oil exports are likely to drop further in May as the United States tightens the screw on Tehran's main source of income. Shipments from Venezuela, also under U.S. sanctions, could fall more in coming weeks. The dearth of information is a headache for OPEC and allies led by Russia, which gather in June to decide whether to renew a supply-cutting deal. A panel of ministers meets on May 19 in Saudi Arabia to discuss the market and make recommendations. Two delegates from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said the Russian outage, on top of Iranian and Venezuelan export losses, would be discussed at the Jeddah meeting and it seemed more than a short-term technical glitch. "It's potentially significant," one of the delegates said of the pipeline halt. Still, the delegate added, the price of Brent crude - close to $70 a barrel, down from a 2019 high of $75.60 last month - suggested traders saw no major risk of any shortage. Other OPEC sources said there were conflicting views on the significance of the Russian outage, and that the complexity of Russia's pipeline system meant the issue was not straightforward. "I'm not quite seeing the impact in terms of supply shortage," another OPEC delegate said. SUPPLY DROP Analysts at Citigroup saw the Russian export loss as enough to affect the balance between supply and demand. "While it is still difficult to assess the final impacts on balances, the severity of the problem could mean up to 400,000 bpd (barrels per day) of Russian exports could be pulled out of the market for longer than earlier anticipated," they wrote. That would further tighten the market, with OPEC signaling even before the Druzhba outage that demand would exceed supply by more than 800,000 bpd in the third quarter. Story continues (For a graphic on 'World oil market balance 2019' click https://tmsnrt.rs/2VBfVGG) A further cut by Russia would mean producers in the alliance known as OPEC+ exceed their pledged output reductions by an even greater margin. The full extent of the drop in Iranian exports this month remains to be seen. Tehran's biggest oil customer, China, has yet to say whether it will keep buying despite the U.S. decision to end waivers that had allowed limited Iranian exports. OPEC, Russia and other non-member producers are reducing output by 1.2 million bpd from Jan. 1 for six months, a deal designed to stop inventories building up and weakening prices. OPEC's agreed share of the cut is 800,000 bpd but its actual reduction is far larger due to the losses in Iran and Venezuela, which are exempt from voluntary reductions under the OPEC+ deal. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he called OPEC and the group's de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, and told them to lower oil prices. Riyadh, however, is reluctant to boost supply quickly and risk a price crash. On Wednesday, a Gulf source familiar with Saudi plans said the kingdom had received moderate crude-buying requests from countries that previously took Iranian oil, although production would stay under its OPEC+ quota in June. Iraq, another OPEC member able to raise output at short notice, said on Sunday it would not decide unilaterally on any production boost. (Additional reporting by Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Dale Hudson) NEWPORT NEWS, Va., May 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced today that James J. LaCroix has been named corporate director of HIIs Advanced Technologies Office in Newport, Rhode Island. He will report directly to John J. Donnelly, corporate vice president of advanced technologies. As the director of the Advanced Technologies Office, LaCroix is responsible for interaction and cooperation with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport Division, and with the Naval War College to strengthen HIIs ability to translate innovative ideas and technologies more quickly into operational capabilities for customers. This position also supports experimentation, exercises and analytic efforts through internal research and development across the company. Jim brings more than 35 years of leadership and technical expertise gained at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Donnelly said. His extensive experience with unmanned undersea vehicles and torpedo development provides him with a deep understanding of the challenges of integrating unmanned system technologies into the fleet. Jims knowledge of our customer and industry will add tremendous strength to our advanced technologies group, and we are very excited to have him join our team. A photo of LaCroix is available here: https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file/james-lacroix . LaCroix started his career at NUWC as a college intern in 1980. Upon graduation in 1983, he accepted a full-time position in NUWCs torpedo department, where he spent a majority of his career involved in all phases of the torpedo acquisition process, including developing acquisition and contractual documentation and the design, development and testing of torpedo programs. He also spent three years as a line supervisor of the unmanned undersea vehicle branch. For the last 10 years, he provided direct support to the Navys Undersea Weapons Program Office in a variety of torpedo acquisition roles. Story continues LaCroix earned bachelors and masters degrees in electrical engineering from Southeastern Massachusetts University (now University of Massachusetts Dartmouth). Huntington Ingalls Industries is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HIIs Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HIIs Technical Solutions division provides a wide range of professional services through its Fleet Support, Mission Driven Innovative Solutions, Nuclear & Environmental, and Oil & Gas groups. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs more than 40,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit: HII on the web: www.huntingtoningalls.com HII on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HuntingtonIngallsIndustries HII on Twitter: twitter.com/hiindustries Contact: Beci Brenton Beci.brenton@hii-co.com (202) 264-7143 By Hadeel Al Sayegh and Saeed Azhar DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, has indirectly invested in the $747 million initial public offering of mall operator Arabian Centres, sources familiar with the matter said. PIF has made the investment through institutional funds and will not have a direct stake in Arabian Centres, one of the sources said, although the investment represents strong government support for the IPO, a second source told Reuters. The IPO of Arabian Centres, majority-owned by Fawaz Alhokair Group, is the first in the kingdom under Rule 144a, which allows the sale of securities primarily to qualified institutional buyers in the United States. Saudi Arabia's PIF did not immediately comment on the investments and Arabian Centres declined to comment. In its sale offer, Arabian Centres had said public funds, private funds and discretionary portfolios were the main investors in the IPO, but had not disclosed any names. Saudi Arabia's $300 billion sovereign wealth fund is already a major player in the kingdom's stock market with stakes in some of the largest telecommunications, energy and banking players. Riyadh has been encouraging more family-owned companies to list in a bid to deepen its capital markets as part of reforms aimed at reducing its reliance on oil revenue. Institutional funds which the PIF invests in have also been active players and came to the stock market's rescue last year at the height of foreign selling after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in Istanbul. The Saudi stock market is up 13 percent so far this year, one of the best performing in the Middle East, as it entered global emerging market benchmarks such as the FTSE Russell emerging market index. (Reporting by Hadeel Al Sayegh and Saeed Azhar; Editing by Alexander Smith) FILE PHOTO: The logo of Samsung Electronics is seen at its office building in Seoul, South Korea, March 23, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji/File Photo SEOUL (Reuters) - A South Korean court said on Saturday it had approved warrants to arrest two senior officials at Samsung Electronics in relation to an alleged accounting fraud at the tech giant's biopharma affiliate. The Seoul Central District Court said in a statement it had granted warrants to arrest the officials suspected of destroying evidence in the case. Prosecutors accused the two Samsung Electronics officials of ordering employees at biopharmaceutical firm Samsung BioLogics to destroy internal documents, as authorities looked into an alleged violation of accounting rules at the BioLogics, according to local media reports. Samsung Electronics was not available for comment. In November, the country's financial watchdog said the biotech arm of Samsung Group intentionally breached accounting rules ahead of its 2016 listing and reported the case to prosecutors, which later launched a criminal investigation. The widening probe comes at an awkward time for the country's top conglomerate Samsung Group, as heir Jay Y.Lee is awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on bribery charges and politicians are calling for transparency in its governance. Samsung BioLogics has been touted as a new growth engine for the corporate empire that includes crown jewel Samsung Electronics amid a slowdown in the global smartphone market. Samsung Electronics is the second-biggest shareholder of BioLogics with a 31.5 percent stake. (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Mark Potter) By Shariq Khan and Sayanti Chakraborty (Reuters) - Chipmaker Texas Instruments said on Tuesday a slowdown in demand for microchips that started late last year may last a few more quarters. The warning from the company, often seen as a bellwether for a semiconductor industry, dragged its shares 3 percent lower to $113.88. "We have just completed our second quarter of year-on-year decline for TI... But typically, the industry would have 4 to 5 quarters of year-on-year declines before growth resumes," Chief Financial Officer Rafael Lizardi said in a conference call with analysts. "We are not trying to forecast the cycle, but simply offer some historical perspective." Chipmakers have been struggling with declining demand in China as its economy slows and manufacturers face the fallout of an ongoing trade dispute with the United States. Texas Instruments had signaled last quarter that the semiconductor cycle is on a downward turn after over 10 quarters of constant growth and that trade tensions could "impact the depth and duration of this cycle." In the reported quarter, revenue and profit were lower from a year earlier as demand continued to slow across most markets, but higher sales of chips that are powering the rollout of 5G telecom network helped TI beat Wall Street estimates. However, Lizardi said he expected the demand for the communication chips to be choppy in the future. Two Wall Street analysts said the growth in the communication unit has been masking the slowdown in TI's core businesses such as industrial and automotives, and that "is not sustainable". TI said it expects second-quarter revenue to be between $3.46 billion and $3.74 billion and earnings per share of between $1.12 per share and $1.32 per share. Analysts were expecting revenue of $3.67 billion and profit of $1.24 per share for the second-quarter, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. "The outlook is weaker than consensus, but not as bad as feared," said Hans Mosemann, analyst from Rosenblatt Securities. Story continues Revenue in the first quarter fell 5.1 percent to $3.59 billion, but beat analysts' average estimate of $3.48 billion. Net income fell to $1.22 billion, or $1.26 per share, for the quarter ended March 31 from $1.37 billion or $1.35 a share a year earlier. Excluding items, the company earned $1.22 per share to beat Wall Street expectation of $1.13 per share. (Reporting by Sayanti Chakraborty and Shariq Khan in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur) President Donald Trump on Friday claimed a victory of sorts in an ongoing trade war with China, asserting that his latest round of import tariffs on Chinese goods will force China to pay "$100 billion" to the U.S. Treasury. In fact, the burden of higher tariffs will fall on buyers of Chinese made products and, ultimately, American consumers. That could end up costing every American household about $800, according to estimates from Oxford Economics. President Donald Trump on Friday claimed a victory of sorts in an ongoing trade war with China, asserting that his latest round of import tariffs on Chinese goods will force China to pay "$100 billion" to the U.S. Treasury. Not only is Trump overstating the amount of those payments, he's apparently unaware of who pays customs duties. In fact, the burden of higher tariffs will fall on buyers of Chinese-made products and, ultimately, American consumers. That could end up costing every American household about $800 , according to estimates from Oxford Economics. U.S. and Chinese negotiators resumed trade talks Friday under increasing pressure after Trump raised tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods and Beijing promised to retaliate, escalating a trade battle that began last summer. Trump maintains the U.S. stands to gain from the latest escalation because of the added customs duties that will now flow to the U.S. Treasury. Tariffs are taxes imposed by the government while duties are what importers have to pay. The two are not equal. (tweet) While it's true that duties collected by the Customs Department go "directly to the U.S. Treasury," they are hardly "massive" in terms of the government's overall receipts. According to Treasury Department data, overall tariff revenue collected in the latest fiscal year on imports from China and the rest of the world is just a drop in the fiscal bucket. In the latest fiscal year, for example, just $41 billion or about 1% of the nearly $3.3 trillion in revenues raised by the federal government came from customs duties. Story continues Trump insists the new tariff revenues will amount to $100 billion, more than double the current annual level of customs duties. (tweet) Customs duties did increase substantially beginning last July, when the Trump administration's tariffs on China began to take hold. Since then, those revenues have been about $2.2 billion a month higher than the prior year. Trump has claimed that the U.S. will benefit from higher tariffs on Chinese goods because China will now have to pay higher duties to the U.S. Treasury. To be sure, a protracted period of higher tariffs on the wider list of Chinese goods would substantially boost the amount of customs duties paid to the Treasury. But that burden would be born by the importers, wholesalers and retailers who sell those goods and, ultimately, by U.S. consumers who buy them. It's difficult to estimate exactly how that burden would be shared. Some companies in the supply chain may choose to absorb some of the higher cost of importing Chinese goods to avoid passing along price increases that could hurt their market share. But Trump's higher tariffs on Chinese goods would dampen U.S. economic growth no matter who foots the bill. Economist Greg Daco at Oxford Economics estimates that the tariffs in place since last year depressed U.S. gross domestic product by about 0.1 percentage point this year. Trump on Friday boosted tariffs on $200 billion of imports from China from 10% to 25%, and if China retaliates, Daco estimates that will cut U.S. GDP by 0.3 percentage point next year, costing the U.S. economy about $62 billion. That comes to about $490 per U.S. household. The higher tariffs would push U.S. GDP below 2% and dampen employment growth by about 200,000 jobs, according to Daco's estimates. Trump issued a statement Friday afternoon saying the tariffs his administration imposed earlier that day "may or may not be removed" while trade talks continue. If the administration follows through on a threat to impose 25% tariffs on all remaining imports from China, and China retaliates, Daco estimates that the U.S. economy would lose about a half percent of GDP growth. That would cost each household close to $800, and lead to 360,000 fewer jobs being created, according to his estimates. More From CNBC The list of gun control ideas that Cory Booker unveiled yesterday includes that hoary favorite, a ban on "assault weapons," whatever those are. But it also included a less familiar proposal that would amount to a gun ban: "handgun microstamping." As the New Jersey senator and Democratic presidential contender explains, "Microstamping is technology that allows law enforcement to identify the source of ammunition used in crimes by making a shell casing traceable to the specific gun that fired the round." The problem is that such technology has not been developed yet in any practical and cost-effective form. So when Booker promises he will "fight to require that microstamping technology be incorporated into new models of semi-automatic handguns sold in the United States," he is actually promising a moratorium on new handgun models until that dream becomes a reality. ..... The Boston Beer Company (NYSE: SAM), brewer of Samuel Adams beer, and privately held Dogfish Head Brewery, maker of distinctive India Pale Ales (IPAs), announced Thursday that they will merge in a deal valued at $300 million in cash and stock. The combination will create "the most dynamic American-owned platform for craft beer and beyond," according to the press release. The new, larger company "will be better positioned to compete against the global beer conglomerates within the craft beer category that are 50- and 100-times its size, while still representing less than 2% of beer sold in the United States." Jim Koch of Boston Beer and Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head sitting at a table and holding their flagship beers. Jim Koch of Boston Beer and Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head with their flagship beers. Image source: Boston Beer. A match made in (beer) heaven The deal unites the second-largest (Boston Beer) and the 13th-largest (Dogfish Head) craft brewers in the U.S., according to information provided by the industry trade group The Brewers Association. The combined entity will be led by Boston Beer CEO Dave Burwick. The companies boast complementary product portfolios in the high-end beer and malt-brewed beverages categories. Boston Beer is the home of Samuel Adams Beer, Angry Orchard Hard Cider, and Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea. Dogfish Head is known for its IPAs and idiosyncratic flavors, as well as for the eclectic names given to its brews. These include "Possibly the Next Top Rated Beer on BeerAdvocate," "Smothered in Hugs," and "Beer for Breakfast." Honorable Mention goes to "Midas Touch Golden Elixir," which was created from the same ingredients found in "2,700-year-old drinking vessels from the tomb of King Midas." The deal is expected to close late in the second quarter of 2019. Dogfish Head's co-founder Sam Calagione and family will receive approximately 406,000 shares of Boston Beer stock based on a share price of $314.60, while financial investors in Dogfish Head will receive about $173 million in cash. Story continues Boston Beer expects that its current cash on hand and available line of credit will be "more than sufficient" to fund the cash portion of the agreement. The company expects the deal to be neutral to slightly accretive in 2019 and won't have a "material impact" on the company's earnings per share for the year. Since Sam Calagione and Mariah Calagione (Dogfish Head's other co-founder) have elected to take substantially all of their proceeds from the merger in the form of Boston Beer stock, they will collectively become the largest non-institutional shareholders after Boston Beer Co-founder and Chairman Jim Koch following the close of the transaction. Competing with big beer The deal comes during a time of upheaval and consolidation in the beer industry, with Big Beer gobbling up a growing number of craft brewers. The world's largest brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD), is just one example of the acquisitive ways of the biggest brewing companies. Over the past few years, AB InBev has been responsible for the following buyouts: Elysian Brewing of Seattle, Washington 10 Barrel Brewing of Bend, Oregon Breckenridge Brewery of Littleton, Colorado Blue Point Brewing of Long Island, New York Devil's Backbone Brewing Company of Roseland, Virginia Four Peaks Brewing Company of Tempe, Arizona Karbach Brewing Company of Houston, Texas Wicked Weed of Asheville, North Carolina By joining forces, Boston Beer and Dogfish Head will be better positioned to negotiate with the wholesale distributors that act as the go-betweens with retailers. David vs. Goliath In an interview, Jim Koch and Sam Calagione summed up why the merger was not only necessary, but why they believe it will succeed. "We kind of are two superheroes with complementary superpowers, but we're tiny little superheroes," Calagione posited. "We hope that people who care about Davids in a world of Goliaths recognize that." Koch chimed in: We're all small, and we are competing with these behemoths. To do that successfully, we need to join forces. Most mergers falter on values and founders not getting along. But I've known this guy for 20 years. We've brewed beer together. More From The Motley Fool Danny Vena has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Boston Beer. The Motley Fool recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. By Diane Bartz and Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. states filed a lawsuit accusing Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc of orchestrating a sweeping scheme with 19 other drug companies to inflate drug prices - sometimes by more than 1,000% - and stifle competition for generic drugs, state prosecutors said on Saturday. Soaring drug prices from both branded and generic manufacturers have sparked outrage and investigations in the United States. The criticism has come from across the political spectrum, from President Donald Trump, a Republican, to progressive Democrats including U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is running for president. The 20 drug companies engaged in illegal conspiracies to divide up the market for drugs to avoid competing and, in some cases, conspired to either prevent prices from dropping or to raise them, according to the complaint by 44 U.S. states, filed on Friday in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut. A representative of Teva USA, a unit of Israeli company Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, said it will fight the lawsuit. "The allegations in this new complaint, and in the litigation more generally, are just that allegations," it said in a statement. "Teva continues to review the issue internally and has not engaged in any conduct that would lead to civil or criminal liability." The 500-page lawsuit accuses the generic drug industry, which mainly sells medicines that are off patent and should be less expensive, of a long history of discreet agreements to ensure that companies that are supposedly competitors each get a "fair share." The situation worsened in 2012, the complaint said. "Apparently unsatisfied with the status quo of 'fair share' and the mere avoidance of price erosion, Teva and its co-conspirators embarked on one of the most egregious and damaging price-fixing conspiracies in the history of the United States," the complaint said. With Teva at the center of the conspiracy, the drug companies colluded to significantly raise prices on 86 medicines between July 2013 and January 2015, the complaint said. Story continues Representatives of Sandoz, another company named in the lawsuit, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The drugs included everything from tablets and capsules to creams and ointments to treat conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer, epilepsy and more, they said. In some instances, the coordinated price increases were more than 1,000 percent, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit also names 15 individuals as defendants who it said carried out the schemes on a day-to-day basis. "The level of corporate greed alleged in this multistate lawsuit is heartless and unconscionable," Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said in a statement. According to New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, more than half of the corporate defendants are based in New Jersey, and five of the individual defendants live in the state. The lawsuit seeks damages, civil penalties and actions by the court to restore competition to the generic drug market. Generic drugs can save drug buyers and taxpayers tens of billions of dollars a year because they are a lower-priced alternative to brand-name drugs. "Generic drugs were one of the few 'bargains' in the United States healthcare system," the lawsuit said. However, it added, "Prices for hundreds of generic drugs have risen while some have skyrocketed, without explanation, sparking outrage from politicians, payers and consumers across the country whose costs have doubled, tripled, or even increased 1,000% or more." As a result of the drug companies' conspiracies, it said, consumers and states paid "substantially inflated and anticompetitive prices for numerous generic pharmaceutical drugs" while the drug companies profited. The lawsuit filed on Friday is parallel to an action brought in December 2016 by the attorneys general of 45 states and the District of Columbia. That case was later expanded to include more than a dozen drugmakers. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington; Additional reporting by Ishita Palli in Bengaluru and Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Matthew Lewis) By Joshua Franklin, Aparajita Saxena and Heather Somerville (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc's conservative initial public offering could not keep its shares from sinking in their trading debut on Friday, fueling debate on Wall Street over whether the outcome of the most anticipated listing since Facebook Inc would weigh on other Silicon Valley unicorns. Uber considered going public for at least four years. Yet the ride-hailing company picked a week for its IPO plagued by market turbulence fueled by U.S.-China trade worries. Moreover, smaller rival Lyft Inc's shares plunged this week after its first earnings as a public company. Uber was the biggest of a group of Silicon Valley startups that have spent years raising money in private rounds at record prices. Many of these companies are now looking to follow with their own IPO. Some, like Uber and Lyft, are unprofitable. Workplace messaging company Slack Technologies Inc plans to hold an investor presentation on Monday in advance of its direct listing next month. Grocery and food delivery platform Postmates, WeWork owner The We Company and online mattress retailer Casper Sleep are among startups seeking to launch IPOs this year. "If a venture capital investor wants to burn cash they can do that as long as they want, but once you get to the public markets you have to show profitability or a path to it," said Jordan Stuart, a portfolio manager at Federated Kaufmann who often purchases companies' shares during an IPO. Uber's shares ended the day down 7.6% at $41.57, even as the S&P 500 reversed losses to end in positive territory. Only about a fifth of IPOs have ended their first day of trading in the red in the last two years, according to Dealogic data. Uber priced its IPO on Thursday at the low end of its targeted range, hoping that approach would spare it the trading plunge suffered by Lyft. Lyft ended down 6.9% on Friday, and is 28 percent below its IPO price. Still, the world's largest ride-hailing company appeared to generate more interest from mom-and-pop investors than Lyft. Retail investors at TD Ameritrade executed more trades in the first ten minutes of Uber's debut than in Lyft's first 2-1/2 hours. Uber had already lowered its valuation expectations twice in the last two months to address investor concerns over its mounting losses. While early-stage Uber investors such as Benchmark, Menlo Ventures, First Round Capital and Lowercase Capital made a killing in the IPO, some late-stage backers did not fare as well. Japan's SoftBank Group Corp <9984.T >, for example, invested in Uber in early 2018 at $48.77 per share. It also bought shares at a much lower price in a large secondary transaction. To be sure, other IPOs have traded well so far in 2019, including online scrapbook company Pinterest Inc, vegan burger maker Beyond Meat Inc and video-conferencing startup Zoom Video Communications Inc. But these were much smaller startups than Uber that did not execute as many frothy fundraising rounds. Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi, who was on the NYSE trading floor to mark the debut, tried to calm investors by pointing to the company's growth prospects and expansion plans. "My reaction (to the share price) is if we build and build well, shareholders will be rewarded. We're certainly not measuring our success over a day, it really is over the years," Khosrowshahi told Reuters. The IPO was a watershed moment for the decade-old company, which was started after its founders struggled to find a cab on a snowy night. Khosrowshahi was accompanied by a team of Uber officials at the NYSE to celebrate. Co-founder and former CEO Travis Kalanick, who resigned in 2017 under pressure from investors, was also seen on the trading floor. MARRED BY SCANDAL The company's road to IPO was marred by several hurdles including increased regulation in several countries and fights with its drivers over wages. Uber has also weathered controversies including revelations of a culture of sexism and bullying at Uber and U.S. Department of Justice investigations. After a series of embarrassments, Kalanick was forced to resign in 2017 by a group of investors. Uber then hired Khosrowshahi to lead the company. Uber has said it has the potential to grow not just in the cab hailing business, but also as a "superapp" to provide logistic services, such as grocery and food delivery, organizing freight transportation, and even financial services, much like Grab, its Southeast Asian counterpart. But market experts have struggled to find value in a company that has consistently posted losses, and warned that it may never be profitable. "The business is unprofitable, new entrants can enter the market, there is potential regulatory risk, and it is very price sensitive. What is there to like about this opportunity?" Robert Johnson, professor of finance at Heider College of Business, Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska said. (Reporting by Joshua Franklin in New York, Aparajita Saxena in Bangalore and Heather Somerville in San Francisco; Additional reporting by David Randall in New York and Sweta Singh in Bangalore; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) The earnings focus shifts to the Retail sector this week as traditional brick-and-mortar retailers come out with their quarterly results. Most of these stocks have struggled this year, with Macys (M) underperformance particularly notable. Macys shares are down -25.2% this year, lagging the S&P 500 indexs +14% gain. The stock has underperformed the Zacks Department Store industry as well as peers such as Nordstrom (JWN), as the year-to-date performance comparison chart below shows. The issues plaguing Macys outlook are longstanding and not new. These include the companys struggles with adjusting to the changed retail landscape characterized by consumer dollars steadily shifting to the online medium. Macys and other department stores have made good progress in recent years through their so-called omni-channel offerings that integrates the brick-and-mortar infrastructure with the digital offering. For Macys, store pickups accounted for 7% of total online sales in Q4, reflecting consumers growing embrace of the companys omni-channel capabilities. The challenge for Macys and other department stores is to hold onto their revenues and margins as they bring their operations in-line with the changed ground realities. But transitions are never smooth, easy or cheap. It is the inherent difficulties of this transition that explains the performance challenge facing Macys and other department store companies. Q1 estimates for Macys, which reports quarterly results before the markets open on Wednesday May 15th, have steadily come down. The company is expected to earn 36 cents on $5.5 billion in revenues, down -25% and -0.21% from the year-earlier period, respectively. The current 36 cents estimate is down from 37 cents a month back and 49 cents three months back. Given Macys recent underperformance and these lowered estimates, the bar is likely fairly low for the company to surprise to the upside. The stock was up in response to the last quarterly release on February 26th, which followed two back-to-back releases that pushed the stock lower. Story continues The other major retailer releasing results this week is Wal-Mart (WMT), which reports Thursday May 16th before the markets open. Wal-Marts travails are not as severe as Macys, but it is going through its own transition that requires active investments and that is weighing on its margins. The stock has lagged the market this year, up +9% vs. +14% for the S&P 500 index. Chinese online retailer Alibaba (BABA) is the major earnings release this year, as are Cisco (CSCO), Nvidia (NVDA) and Deere & Company (DE). In total, we have almost 250 companies releasing results this week, including 9 S&P 500 members. Q1 Earnings Season Scorecard (as of Friday, May 10th) We now have Q1 results from 450 S&P 500 members or 90% of the indexs total membership. Total earnings for these 450 companies are up +0.6% from the same period last year on +5% higher revenues, with 77.1% beating EPS estimates and 59.3% beating revenue estimates. The proportion of these companies beating both EPS and revenue estimates is 51.3%. Here are the three trends that are clearly visible this earnings season First , the growth challenge is very real. This is no surprise and has been well known for a while now, giving rise to the so-called earnings recession narrative. Regular readers know our views about the so-called earnings recession narrative this year. For reference, check out >>>> Earnings Recession Fears Are Exaggerated The comparison chart below puts the earnings and revenue growth pace for these 450 index members in historical context. This tough comparison on the growth front is due to the tax-cut boost to corporate profitability in 2018. The growth picture is expected to start improving in the second half of the year and accelerating into next year, with full-year 2020 earnings growth for the index reaching double digits after a +2% growth in 2019. The moderation in this years growth also reflects the deceleration in global economic growth. The global GDP growth picture appears to have stabilized and even started improving in China and some other parts, but the pace is nevertheless expected to be below what we experienced in the last two years. The bearish narrative is that we have reached the end of the economic cycle when growth inevitably turns south. Macroeconomic data doesnt support this narrative currently, but these things are hard to decipher in real time anyway. My reading of the economic tea leaves is a lot more favorable. While I acknowledge the weakness in Europe, the outlook for the U.S. economy continues to be positive, with growth modestly below the preceding years level, but still very stable. The stronger than expected Q1 GDP growth rate reconfirms this view, even though the elevated GDP growth reading benefited from a couple of lower quality drivers. And other key regions of the world, particularly China, are showing signs of green shoots. We will know either way as we move through the rest of this year, but my money is on continued growth. Second , driving the earnings growth challenge is widespread margin pressures across all major sectors. While the pace of revenue growth has come down as well, but the top-line deceleration is a lot less pronounced than is the case with earnings. Net margins for the 450 index members that have reported results are 12.1%, which compares to 12.6% for the same group of index members in the year-earlier period, as you can see in the comparison chart below. A big reason for this margin issue is the tough comparisons to last year when margins got a big boost from the tax-cut legislation. But some cyclical factors are at play as well, with many companies on the earnings calls complaining about rising material, transportation and payroll costs. Third, and most importantly, estimates for the current period (2019 Q2) have been coming down as companies have been reporting Q1 results and sharing their outlook for business trends. Total Q2 earnings for the S&P 500 index are expected to be down -1.4% from the same period last year on +4.5% higher revenues, with the growth pace steadily coming down in recent days. That said, the pace and magnitude of negative revisions to Q2 estimates is lower than what we had been seeing at the comparable period in the preceding quarters. The chart below shows the evolution of Q2 earnings growth expectations in recent weeks. Expectations for 2019 Q1 as a Whole Looking at Q1 as a whole, combining the actual results that have come out from the 450 S&P 500 members with estimates for the still-to-come companies, total earnings are expected to be down -0.1% from the same period last year on +5.1% higher revenues. Driving the expected Q1 earnings decline is broad-based margin pressures across all major sectors, with net margins for the index down 11.4% from 12% in the year-earlier quarter. Net margins are expected to be below the year-earlier period for 9 of the 16 sectors, including the Technology sector (more on Tech margins below). The table below shows the summary picture for 2019 Q1, contrasted with what was actually achieved in the preceding period. As you can see above, net margins for the index are expected to be 60 basis points below the year-earlier level, with margins notably weak in the all-important Technology sector, with 2019 Q1 net margins for 19% below the year-earlier periods 21.2% level. The chart below shows the sectors Q1 net margins picture in the context of where margins have come from and where they are expected to go. The chart below shows earnings and revenue growth expectations for 2019 Q1 (the blended growth picture) contrasted with what we had in the preceding four quarter and what is expected in the following three quarters. Expectations for 2019 Q2 and the following quarters will evolve further as the remaining companies report Q1 results and provide commentary about ground-level business conditions. We will be keeping a close eye on this revisions trend. For an in-depth look at the overall earnings picture and expectations for Q1, please check out our weekly Earnings Trends report >>>> Detailed Look at Q1 Earnings Season The Could Be the Fastest Way to Grow Wealth in 2019 Research indicates one sector is poised to deliver a crop of the best-performing stocks you'll find anywhere in the market. Breaking news in this space frequently creates quick double- and triple-digit profit opportunities. These companies are changing the world and owning their stocks could transform your portfolio in 2019 and beyond. Recent trades from this sector have generated +98%, +119% and +164% gains in as little as 1 month. Click here to see these breakthrough stocks now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Walmart Inc. (WMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Macy's, Inc. (M) : Free Stock Analysis Report Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Deere & Company (DE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research In a bid to gain needed urban support for their tax reform plan, Sens. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn and Mike Groene of North Platte huddled with school superintendents from Omaha, Lincoln and Millard on Thursday to discuss changes that address their concerns. That outreach will be followed this weekend by a road trip to Lexington, Kearney, Norfolk and Columbus to cement support for the comprehensive package that's designed to provide substantial property tax relief. Meanwhile, one-on-one meetings with senators continue. "A lot of legislators are looking at it," Linehan said Friday during a conference call with the news media. "A lot are undecided. It's a big package." Although no vote was taken on the proposal (LB289) during this week's first stage of legislative floor debate, Linehan will need to convince Speaker Jim Scheer of Norfolk that the bill conceivably could gain the support of at least 33 senators to break though a filibuster in order to return the measure to the agenda for a second round of debate. In addition to changes that would meet the needs of metro schools, Linehan said, an increase in the earned income tax credit may be added to the package to address the concerns of urban senators about the impact that a proposed half-cent increase in the state sales tax rate would have on low-income Nebraskans. "A lot of things may get done at the end," Linehan said. "This isn't like an easy bill," Groene said. Linehan is chairwoman of the Legislature's Revenue Committee and Groene is chairman of the Education Committee. While rural senators are strongly supportive of the property tax reduction measure, the fate of the bill now rests with 19 senators who hail from Lincoln or Omaha along with another six who live in the metropolitan Omaha complex. The Omaha, Lincoln and Millard school districts "have a lot of senators," Groene noted. The tax reform package constructed by the Revenue Committee would increase the state sales tax rate from 5.5% to 6%, boost the state cigarette tax from 64 cents to $1 a pack and eliminate two dozen sales tax exemptions, including those on candy, pop and bottled water. All of that $372 million in increased revenue would be dedicated to property tax reductions delivered through state aid to schools. Included in the bill is increased property tax levy authority for the Omaha Public Schools to help pay down a massive OPS pension shortfall. "It's very hard for Omaha to walk away from this," Linehan said. The alternative is a petition proposal already underway to sharply reduce property taxes, which may be on the 2020 general election ballot, Groene said. "Wait and see what happens; that could pass," he said. "The 3rd Congressional District (the vast swath of western and central Nebraska) would overwhelmingly support it." The ballot initiative proposal would adopt a constitutional amendment to provide a state income tax credit for 35% of local property taxes paid. "That's over a billion dollars," Linehan said. And enactment of that proposal would lead to "a devastating increase in taxes" or sharp reductions in spending support for state programs and services, she said. Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSDon. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Fremont Area Association of Retired School Personnel meeting was called together by Ruth Register on May 8 at St. James Episcopal Church. After a luncheon served by the church ladies, Tina Walker spoke to the group about the Keene library renovation. Sue Maly won the split the pot and Shirley Flanagan won the free lunch. After reviewing the minutes and treasurers report, both were approved by the membership. Wanda Samson reported on two new members who joined at the last meeting. Scheduling coordinator, Jan Kruse, reported that Kevin Kavan would speak to the group in September on what is being done to improve school security. Sally Ganem spoke about a donation to the scholarship fund. Norma Register reported on the holiday meals collection. Rosie Vogt collected volunteer hours from the membership. Register informed members of which items are still needed for veterans Christmas bags. Cathy Chapman passed around a signup sheet for volunteers to serve snacks for Habitat for Humanity. Nola Cox installed Samson to a new term as financial director of FAARSP. Wendy Brenner and Marta Calhoun will prepare the item for the Bridge holiday auction this year. Members were reminded to pick up membership books, send Register pictures of volunteer work they are doing and to get their nomination forms turned in to honor a member for their work. The deadline is June 1. Cox, Shirley Flanagan and Rhoda Holstein agreed to serve on the selection committee for the award. Marta Calhoun spoke to the group on the importance of giving blood to help people like her who have all types of blood diseases. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Karolin Henrriquez, 20, arrived in Fremont at age 17, after completing a long and trying journey from Honduras. She and her siblings had made the trip on their own, arriving in the United States hungry and finding places to stay in refugee sanctuaries before finally meeting up with their mother, who had come to work in Fremont some time earlier. The trip was challenging, Henrriquez told the Tribune through a translator. But the biggest challenge still lay before her: She would begin studying at Fremont High School, unfamiliar with the English language and balancing a full-time job to help support her family. Saturday, Henrriquezs journey through high school comes to a triumphant end, as she will join Fremont High Schools class of 2019 in collecting her high school diploma. Its an accomplishment that many told her she would never achieve, citing her age and her hefty work schedule, she said. But on Saturday, she proves them all wrong. It doesnt matter how hard academically school can be, she said, through a translator. Just keep on going and you will do it and be successful. Henrriquezs mother came to America in search of more economic opportunity for her family shortly after Henrriquezs father died in a car crash. Some time after, Henrriquez and her siblings followed, seeking to escape violence in their home country. In Fremont, Henrriquez encountered new challenges. She didnt speak English she recalls how even trying to purchase things became difficult, as shed be unable to understand how much certain items cost. When she first started high school here, she was shy and had difficulties communicating. She struggled with classes like geometry. Meanwhile, Henrriquez watched her mother struggle to pay the rent for their family of five, and she felt she needed to help. When she was 18, in her first year at Fremont High, she took a job at Southwark Metal Manufacturing doing metalwork. It was a laborious 40-hour per week job shed start after school at 3:30 p.m. and leave at 12:30 a.m. By the time shed showered and gotten everything ready for the next day, she often didnt go to sleep until as late as 2 a.m., having to wake up at 6:15 a.m. for school. She completed school assignments with what little time she could fit into lunch and other breaks. Shed often find herself drifting off during her first block of class shed splash some water in her face and keep going. It was really difficult to work and study, she said. The following year, she got a job with fewer hours at a Menards warehouse in Valley. And school got better as she became increasingly more familiar with English, she says. And while balancing her work could still be challenging, her teachers say they never noticed it impairing her work ethic or attentiveness. Until she told me she was working that many hours outside of school, I never would have believed it because she showed up with her hair done, makeup done and dressed beautifully, said Tina Cope, Henrriquezs English teacher this past year. Cope recalls how English was a particularly difficult class for Henrriquez, given the language barrier. But Cope describes Henrriquez as a hardworking student who never gave up, never got frustrated. For her thesis paper, she spent many many hours working outside of school just trying to make sure that she did it right, Cope said. She would ask questions. I mean, sometimes when kids have a language barrier, they dont like to ask questions, and she most definitely was not scared to ask for help at all. In school, Henrriquez found a home in her English Language Learning (ELL) classes, where she was surrounded by others who were in the same situation as her. She began to take advantages of other resources in the school to help with her assignments. Still, some, including those in her family, said that they doubted shed finish high school. She started to believe them some time earlier this year when her mother lost her job. Henrriquez found herself tempted to leave school in order to pursue more work hours in order to help out around the house. She ultimately decided to see it through, in part because of the role her mother played in encouraging her, telling her to do her best and to pursue whatever she wanted. Now, her mom is excited to see the her graduate, Henrriquez said. After graduation, Henrriquez hopes to pursue a career in nursing. When she was young, she remembers her father telling her that she would be the best doctor for him. And since then, its been a career shes always wanted to pursue. Shell begin that journey with a high school diploma in hand. Love 6 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District hosted the 2019 Spring Conservation Sensation on May 1 at Czechland Lake Recreation Area near Prague. Over 300 fifth- and sixth-grade students spent the day outdoors learning about natural resources through hands-on environmental education activities. Students attended from eight different elementary schools, including: North Bend Elementary, Bellwood Elementary, Logan View Elementary, Wahoo Middle School, St. John Nepomucene Catholic Grade School (Weston), St. Wenceslaus Catholic Grade School (Wahoo), St. Marys Catholic Grade School (David City) and David City Elementary. Lower Platte North NRD staff and volunteers provided sessions with topics focused on soil, water, forestry and wildlife. Guest presenters included: Papio-Missouri River NRD, NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service), Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, Nebraska Extension-Dodge County 4-H, Nebraska Extension-Saunders County 4-H, Newman Grove High School Shell Creek Watershed Monitoring Program students, and Wildlife Encounters. David City FFA members and Wahoo Public Middle School student council officers served as group leaders and guided students between sessions and activities. Students participated in eight different activity stations that provided experiences discovering conservation best practices, exploring lake ecosystems, casting and fishing, tree planting, drone demonstrations, learning about Nebraska wildlife, seeing owls up close, and participating in a predator and prey wildlife game. The day concluded with a Wildlife Encounters presentation, sponsored by JEO Consulting Inc. Wildlife Encounters introduced students to a variety of exotic animals and provided information on the species. Spring Conservation Sensation is held annually on the first Wednesday in May. The 2020 conservation sensation will mark the 30th anniversary for the event. Registration is open to any schools within Saunders, Butler, Colfax, Dodge, Boone, Madison and Platte counties. Registration for the 2020 Spring Conservation Sensation will open next spring. For more information, contact the Lower Platte North NRD Office at 402-443-4675. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Today American Red Cross blood drive, 7:30 a.m. to noon, Arlington City Auditorium. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767. HomeStore, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 701 E. Dodge St., Fremont. The HomeStore sells donated items at discounted prices. Proceeds support the mission of Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity. American Red Cross blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fremont Mall. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter Fremont Mall or contact Kyle Jensen at 402-910-0681. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, 136 N. Main St., Fremont. Midland University commencement, 10 a.m., Wikert Event Center, Fremont. Storytime, 11-11:30 a.m., Keene Memorial Library auditorium, 1030 N. Broad St., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous womens heart to heart group, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. DC Lynch Carnival, Fremont Mall. Coupons to the carnival can be found in the Fremont Tribune. Cedar Bluffs High School graduation, 2 p.m., Cedar Bluffs High School gym. Mead High School graduation, 2 p.m., Mead High School gym. Oakland-Craig High School graduation, 2 p.m., Oakland-Craig School gym. Yutan High School graduation, 2 p.m., Yutan High School gym. Teen Book Club, 2-3 p.m., Keene Memorial Library, Fremont. Spring plants and flowers, 2-3 p.m., Keene Memorial Library, Fremont. Fremont High School graduation, 3 p.m., Wikert Event Center, Midland University, Fremont. 150 Years in the Making, 4-5 p.m., Keene Memorial Library, Fremont. The program will tell the story of the driving of the Golden Spike event in Nebraska, which began the process of the Transcontinental Railroad. The railroad museum will be bringing railroad souvenirs for attendees to purchase if interested. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. Howells-Dodge High School graduation, 5 p.m., Howells-Dodge High School gym, Howells. Fremont Bergan High School graduation, 6:30 p.m., St. Patricks Catholic Church, Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Lie Is Dead Group, 8 p.m., Care Corps, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Sunday Alcoholics Anonymous Happy Sober Sunday Group, 9 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Seekers of Serenity Group, 10:30 a.m., Care Corps, 723 N. Broad St., Fremont. DC Lynch Carnival, Fremont Mall. Coupons to the carnival can be found in the Fremont Tribune. Logan View High School graduation, 2 p.m., Logan View High School gym, Hooper. North Bend Central High School graduation, 2 p.m., North Bend Central High School gym. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Education Building, west of the church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. Enter through the rear door. Alcoholics Anonymous Sunday speaker, 7:30 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Monday TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), 9 a.m., First United Methodist Church, 850 N. Broad St., Fremont. Weigh-ins begin at 8 a.m. Visitors (preteens, teens and adults male and female) are welcome. The first meeting is free. For more information, call Janet Bloemker at 402-721-8952. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 10 a.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, noon, Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Sisters and Survivors Support Group, noon, Dunklau Conference Room, Methodist Fremont Health. This support group meeting is for women on the cancer journey and beyond. Lunch is provided. DC Lynch Carnival, Fremont Mall. Coupons to the carnival can be found in the Fremont Tribune. Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, 5:15 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Celebrate Recovery, 6:30 p.m., Fremont Church of the Nazarene, 960 Johnson Road. Fremont Board of Education, 6:30 p.m., Main Street Education and Administration Building, 130 E. Ninth St., Fremont. The meeting is open to the public. Platte Valley Civil War Round Table, 6:30 p.m., Keene Memorial Library, Fremont. The public is invited. Fremont After 5 Christian Womens Club, 6:45 p.m., Midland University dining hall, Fremont. Narcotics Anonymous Freedom Works Group, 7 p.m., Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Education Building, west of the church, 1440 E. Military Ave., Fremont. Enter through the rear door. Alcoholics Anonymous 12x12 meeting, 8 p.m., Chapter 5 Club, Fremont. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 When you ask first and second-graders what they want to be when they grow up, you get answers ranging from firefighter to president and maybe Benefits for Thapa-led group concern leaders of the Maoist stream in unified communist party One of the senior-most leaders of the Maoist insurgents during the peoples warwhich ended in 2006Thapa has always been at the crucial decision-making level in the CPN (Maoist Centre) and also in the new party. A heated debate takes place every year around Christmas time. Its not about which relatives house you should visit for the holidays, its a topic with greater importance. Its a question everyone wants to know the answer to but cant seem to agree on. Is the 1988 film Die Hard, starring Bruce Willis, a Christmas movie? You voted: Graduations at colleges and universities are underway. Heres a look at the events. Air Force Academy Free tickets to this years U.S. Air Force Academy graduation May 30, featuring President Donald Trump as the keynote speaker, were distributed in less than 10 minutes last week to the public. About 1,000 seniors will graduate and become 2nd lieutenants. The ceremony starts at 9 a.m. at Falcon Stadium on base and lasts until 1:15 p.m. The Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to perform an air show at the conclusion. Trump bumped expected speaker Vice President Mike Pence, the White House announced last month. Hes likely to talk about plans for a separate Space Force. Typically, the president addresses graduating classes at military academies every four years in a rotation that includes the vice president, secretary of defense and secretary of each service. The academy graduation draws as many as 30,000 spectators when the president is the speaker. Those attending should be prepared for airport-like security checks and traffic congestion. Colorado College Colorado Colleges commencement is on a new day and requires tickets, which are not available to the public. The ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. May 19 at Tava Quad, formerly Armstrong Quad, and will be live streamed at https://www.coloradocollege.edu/live. Television and film star Oprah Winfrey had attended CCs graduation ceremony in 2017 and planned to be at CCs ceremony again this year, to support former students from her South African school, The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. Knowing that, CC President Jill Tiefenthaler asked Winfrey if she would deliver this years commencement address, said college spokeswoman Leslie Weddell. Winfrey agreed. In recent years, Winfrey has addressed graduating seniors at colleges throughout the nation where former students of her academy were graduating. The changing of the ceremony from the traditional Monday morning to Sunday morning is not due to Winfreys appearance, Weddell said. The move had been planned for years, she said, to better accommodate family and friends attending commencement and reduce the time they had to take off from work. Cascade Avenue will be closed at Cache la Poudre Street during the event. Pikes Peak Community College Pikes Peak Community College was the first in the region to hold commencement ceremonies this year. Of the 2,760 graduates, 690 walked during Saturdays event. Half earned an associate degree and half earned a program certificate. The youngest graduate was 15, as a result of concurrent enrollment programs that enable high school students to simultaneously take college courses, and the oldest was 73. Eleven percent of graduates were also high school students. About half of this years graduates are the first in their family to go to college, one-third are minorities and one quarter are affiliated with the military. Several students were honored during the ceremony: Monique Jentzen and Nicole Ceballos Basulto for Outstanding Student Leadership, Sharbel F. Dagher for Inspirational Achievement, Jordan Wright for Outstanding Service to the College and AjaDae Trent for Outstanding Service to the Community. Keynote speaker Jessie Pocock, executive director of Inside Out Youth Services, vice chair of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and PPCC graduate, talked about how her road to success started from a dead end. She lived on the streets and struggled with alcoholism and substance use after high school. Community and education changed the trajectory of her life, she said, crediting two PPCC professors with helping create that community. They were determined to make sure I didnt fail, she said. Their support helped me to discover the transformative power and freedom provided by education. After graduating from PPCC, she graduated with distinction from Colorado College in 2008 and was named the 2014 Graduate of the Year at UCCS, where she earned her master of public administration degree. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs UCCS will have two commencement ceremonies on Friday at The Broadmoor World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd. More than 1,000 students are expected to participate. Parking is free, and no tickets are required. The morning ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. for graduates of the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. The afternoon ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m., when the remaining UCCS schools will walk: College of Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences College of Business and Administration School of Public Affairs College of Education College of Engineering and Applied Science Two members of the Class of 1969 will return for their golden anniversary: Linda Case, a graduate of the College of Education, and Mark Swan, an engineering graduate, who worked for Colorado Springs Utilities for 31 years. As Swan is recognized as a golden graduate during the morning commencement ceremony, his son, Thaddeus, will earn his masters degree in applied geography. Contact the writer: 719-476-1656. Crisanta Duran posed a trivia challenge to her Facebook and Twitter followers in late April. What do Barack Obama, Beto ORourke and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have in common, she asked. A: They all challenged a Dem incumbent in a primary, Duran wrote, and then added: New energy in positions of power is healthy for our democracy. Im running for Congress because I believe it is time for a change. All three of the Democratic luminaries she named Obama, ORourke and Ocasio-Cortez at one point tried to send members of Congress packing, and two of them succeeded. The message was clear: Theres nothing unprecedented or outlandish about what Duran wants to do. The Denver Democrat, who wielded the gavel as speaker in the Colorado House of Representatives before term limits forced her retirement in January, wants voters to keep in mind the three brash stars of the modern Democratic Party when they consider her bid to unseat 12-term U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in Denvers 1st Congressional District. After laying the groundwork for months to run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Cory Gardner, Duran set political heads spinning when she announced in February she was instead mounting a primary challenge against DeGette, who has held the Denver-based seat since 1996. Duran is hardly alone. Since the turn of the century, members of Congress seeking re-election in Colorado have faced primary challengers 10 times. If Duran makes next Junes ballot, shell be the 11th. Its been nearly 50 years, however, since a primary challenger has toppled a congressional incumbent in Colorado. It happened twice in rapid succession during a chaotic period of political upheaval and realignment that bears some resemblance to our era though in neither case did the giant-slayer go on to Congress. Times change the recent flurry of primary challenges to Colorado congressional incumbents came after a decades-long stretch without any and political lightning can strike. But If history is any guide, Durans attempt to primary her way to a congressional seat isnt just rare in Colorado. It hasnt happened even once in living memory. First, though, lets take a look at the iconic challengers Duran invoked in her trivia question. Obama failed spectacularly when he tried to unseat U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush on Chicagos South Side in 2000, losing 2 to 1, but it turned out the young law professor had a future. Just four years later, he won a seat in the U.S. Senate and was elected to the first of his two terms as president four years after that. ORourke had better luck, at least at first. Six years after turning out an eight-term incumbent in an El Paso, Texas-based congressional district, he came up short in last years bid to defeat Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. , even while keeping it close and winning a reputation as an innovative and charismatic campaigner. But on the heels of that loss, after an introspective drive around the Southwest, ORourke joined the Democrats 2020 presidential primary and has been jumping up on countertops ever since. Ocasio-Cortez or AOC, as shes nearly universally known rocked the House last year when the bartender in her 20s upset 10-term U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley, the House Democratic caucus chair, in a heavily Democratic district based in the Bronx. In the few short months since shes taken office, the social media-savvy AOC has captivated audiences left and right, from Democrats thrilled by her aggressive push on progressive issues like the Green New Deal to Republicans more than happy to make the self-described Democratic Socialist the face of the opposition. Thats some heady company. Duran is the fourth Democrat to take on DeGette, following last years challenger Saira Rao, Charles Norris in 2016 and Ramona Martinez in 2002. DeGette, the senior member of the states delegation, isnt the only congressional Coloradan whos fended off primary challengers on the way to re-election in recent years. U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, a Cortez Republican, has had to get past primary challengers twice since he won the Western Slope-based 3rd Congressional District in 2010. The incumbent prevailed by wide margins over tea party upstarts David Cox in 2014 and Alex Beinstein in 2016. The reigning primary survivor in Colorado is U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn, who represents the Colorado Springs-based 5th Congressional District. Lamborn has only had a clear shot to the nomination once since winning the safely Republican seat after a bruising six-way primary in 2006. In his six bids for re-election since, Lamborn has faced primary opponents five times, including last year when four GOP challengers split 48 percent of the vote, leaving Lamborn with the nomination and an easy path to a seventh term. Other than DeGette, Lamborn and Tipton, though, only a handful of Colorados congressional incumbents have had to so much as break a sweat on their way to additional terms in Washington, D.C., in the modern political era. U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, to be sure, won a Democratic primary against former House Speaker Andrew Romanoff in 2010, a year after Bennet was appointed to finish Ken Salazars term earning an asterisk, because he was an incumbent but wasnt running for re-election. Bennet has won two full terms since then, while Romanoff lost a congressional race in 2016 and this year joined the throng of Democrats vying for Gardners seat. Before that, entire decades elapsed without a sitting member of Congress facing a primary in Colorado. In 1970, two of the states longest-serving and most powerful Democratic congressmen found themselves with primary challengers. Young anti-war attorney Craig Barnes denied 11-term U.S. Rep Byron Rogers re-election bid in Denvers 1st Congressional District, squeaking out a primary win by just 30 votes out of 54,406 cast. The primary laid bare vast rifts in the Democratic Party, paving the way for a win in the general election by Republican Mike McKevitt, who held the seat for a single term before losing it in 1972 to Democrat Pat Schroeder, DeGettes immediate predecessor. Political science professor Richard Perchlik, the young crusading mayor of Greeley, came at U.S. Rep. Wayne Aspinall from the left in 1970, trying to deny the venerable chairman of the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee a 12th term representing the 4th Congressional District. Running in opposition to the Vietnam War and entrenched special interests, Perchlik lost by a wide margin but softened up the conservative Aspinall, who had gained a reputation for mocking the nascent ecology movement. Two years later, Aspinall lost in a primary to environmentalist Alan Merson, but Merson lost the general election to liberal Republican Jim Johnson, who served four terms. (Johnson faced a primary challenge from the right in 1978 but easily prevailed over fellow Republican Dick Davis.) Barnes and Merson might not have landed in Congress after unseating the decades-long incumbents, but both made their marks. The same year he beat Rogers, Barnes founded Colorado Common Cause and was co-counsel on a landmark schools desegregation case that led to a U.S. Supreme Court decision requiring busing to integrate Denvers public schools. Hes also widely credited with introducing the sunshine and sunset concepts into Colorado law. After retiring to New Mexico, Barnes was named a Santa Fe Living Treasure in 2014, the year before he died. Merson was tapped as regional director of the new Environmental Protection Agency under President Jimmy Carter and later ran unsuccessfully on campaign finance reform platforms for Congress in New Mexico and for the Washington state supreme court. He died in 2005 following a late-life career in Washington and British Columbia as a Unitarian minister and volunteer prison chaplain. The next time Duran throws out a trivia question about new energy and the health of democracy, it might not have the same ring to it or pack the same punch but Trail Mix readers will be ready. What, she might ask, do Richard Perchlik, Craig Barnes and Alan Mercer have in common? A: They all challenged a Dem incumbent in a primary, and two of them succeeded. A Lakewood officer suffered minor injuries after a suspected DUI driver slammed into two police vehicles in the middle of a DUI traffic stop early Saturday morning. According to the Lakewood Police Department, two of their patrol vehicles were working a DUI stop about 3 a.m. just south of Wadsworth Boulevard and Morrison Road. Another vehicle smashed into the back of the patrol vehicles. Lakewood police said one patrol vehicle was unoccupied and the other had an officer and the suspect from the traffic stop inside. The officer and suspect in the patrol vehicle, as well as the driver of the vehicle that caused the accident, were all taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and have since been released, police said. Read more at 9News The family of a woman who died in October is threatening to sue El Paso County and the jails health care provider for $5 million, saying she would still be alive if the facilitys staff hadnt abandoned her in the middle of a medical crisis. Susan Cespedes cries for help went unheeded in the weeks leading up to her death, even though the jails medical team was aware that she suffered from diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure and other medical issues that could be deadly if untreated, her attorney said in a letter of claim that the county received last month. All this could have been prevented, her son Jonathan Cespedes told The Gazette. She had so much more in life to give. The threat of a multimillion dollar lawsuit comes as the Sheriffs Office struggles to address lapses by its medical contractor that county officials say have subjected the jails inmates to significant physical and psychological danger, according to documents obtained by The Gazette. A hepatitis A outbreak, which sheriffs officials say infected four inmates at the jail, began when an Armor Correctional Health Services employee didnt follow contagious disease protocols, the county informed the inmate medical contractor in an April 3 letter. There were other alleged blunders and missteps, too. Practitioner vacancies have gone unfilled and staff members havent been showing up for work. In one instance, a mistake by a nurse left an inmate without prescribed medications for 10 days this year, the county said in the letter, provided to The Gazette by the Sheriffs Office. After positive tests for hepatitis A in March, the Sheriffs Office worked with public health officials to administer more than 1,600 vaccinations to staff and inmates. The efforts cost nearly $100,000, according to the countys letter. Armor said in a statement that it is committed to serving the needs of all patients in its care and takes any claim or complaint very seriously. Hepatitis A is hard to control because people who are infected dont show symptoms right away, said company spokeswoman Melisa Mendez Chantres. Two inmates who entered the jail in recent months had hepatitis A before they were booked into the facility, Chantres said. The cases at the jail came as local public health officials grapple with a surge of the disease thats infected more than 40 people in the county. The county also stated that alarming Armor staffing deficiencies have put inmates in jeopardy in the April 3 letter to the company. The Sheriffs Office reviewed 30 weekdays in 2019 and found that, on average, six members were absent each day, wrote county Contracts and Procurement Division Manager Eileen Gonzales. On some dates, nearly a dozen employees were out, the countys letter says. However, Armor disputed that contention. The company attributed the staffing issues, in part, to a nationwide nursing shortage in an April 16 response to the county, also provided to The Gazette by the Sheriffs Office. Armor has recently hired additional employees for the jails health care team, including 11 nursing staff members, to help address the shortfalls, Senior Vice President Vickie Freeman said in the letter. At the countys request, the company later replaced Freeman so that the Sheriffs Office would no longer have to work with her, said sheriffs spokeswoman Jacqueline Kirby. County officials had complained in another letter to Armor that she was unprofessional and uncooperative in efforts to address the problems. There continue to be discussions with Armor, with one being as recent as yesterday, which included their Chief Executive Officer and Sheriff Elder, Kirby said in a Tuesday email. We are the largest jail in the State of Colorado and we remain committed to the health, wellbeing and security of the inmates at the El Paso County Jail. The Sheriffs Office is working with Michigan-based Health Management Associates to find out how the agency can work with community partners to improve health care for inmates, Kirby said. County commissioners have approved up to $85,000 to pay the consulting firm to conduct an assessment. The county hasnt pursued its legal right to terminate the contract with Armor, which has cost taxpayers more than $11 million since the Miami-based company replaced its past health care provider in summer 2017. Commissioners are set to meet with the County Attorneys Office on Tuesday to discuss the agreement in a closed-door session. Armor, like other for-profit players that dominate the correctional health care industry, has defended dozens of lawsuits nationwide alleging substandard care. The Gazette chronicled the claims that the company has put profit over patient care in a July 2017 article. The county jails transition to Armor led to a nearly 40 percent increase in the cost of providing inmate care. Sheriffs officials, however, assured that the switch would provide better care for inmates. But just months into the companys contract, an audit of the jail in fall 2018 highlighted a litany of lapses, including a backlog of medical requests that left more than 300 inmates without prompt access to medical care. Those problems, the company has said, were left over from its predecessor. The Sheriffs Office threatened Armor with a $100,000 fee for contract violations that fall, and the National Commission on Correctional Health Care warned it would yank the jails accreditation if the issues werent addressed. About a year into the new contract, the county again notified Armor, concerned that an inmate with large open wounds who needed to be taken to an area hospital hadnt been referred for transport. In a response, Armor said a nurse wasnt able to reach a doctor to discuss the situation but still directed the person to be taken to the hospital. As problems with the jails health care provider have proliferated, the Sheriffs Office has faced mounting liability. Last year, the county received a notice of intent to sue for nearly $400,000 from the family of a woman who gave birth into an isolation cell toilet after her calls for medical attention went ignored. In another claim letter, a man demanded up to $15 million from the Sheriffs Office after his leg had to be partially amputated when a dog bite he suffered during his arrest festered with gangrene while he was behind bars. The jails medical staff ignored red flags in the days leading up to the Oct. 18 death of 55-year-old Susan Cespedes, Denver attorney Dan Weiss alleged in the claim letter he sent to the county last month on her familys behalf. The El Paso County Coroners Office attributed her death to complications related to obesity and diabetes, including kidney failure, according to an autopsy report. Spokeswoman Kirby declined to comment on Cespedes death, saying the Sheriffs Office does not discuss ongoing legal matters. Armor, too, refused to comment on the specifics of the claim, citing patient confidentiality laws. Our sympathies are with the Cespedes family as they grieve the loss of their loved one, Chantres said. Cespedes was arrested about a month before she died on suspicion of a fugitive charge that was later dismissed by the 4th Judicial District Attorney, court records show. Weeks into her stay at the jail, her blood pressured plummeted to dangerously low levels, Weiss alleged. She struggled to eat. She told her son four days before she died that she was nauseous and vomiting, with sharp pains in her right side. When she complained to the jails medical staff, they only gave her ibuprofen, she said to Jonathan Cespedes during a phone call. By the time she was taken to the hospital, her organs were failing. Her body had gone into shock, according to the familys claim. She sounded like she was aching, but I didnt think she was going to pass away, said Jonathan Cespedes. Next thing you know, shes gone. Local magistrates and judges who deal with crime every day are largely in agreement when it comes to one of the underlying causes: El Paso County needs more inpatient treatment beds for those battling substance abuse. The push for more treatment options was a common theme at a gathering Friday at the Penrose House of the jurists who oversee the 4th Judicial Districts problem solving courts. Those courts are designed to include treatment for mental health and substance abuse in the criminal justice process so that defendants can get the support they need to stay out of trouble. We are one of the largest jurisdictions in the state, and we have a very, very small number of beds for inpatient treatment, said Magistrate Daphne Burlingame, who oversees the 4th Judicial Districts Recovery Court. That just has to increase for us to be able to do our jobs effectively, and not have to send people to Denver or Pueblo. Inpatient treatment is necessary for some participants in the Recovery Court, which serves about 180 felony offenders whose crimes were primarily motivated by their addictions, Burlingame said. But inpatient rehabs in Colorado Springs only accept private insurance or payment not Medicaid, the most common form of health insurance among those in Recovery Court, she said. So the court relies on the finite beds of other facilities along the Front Range that offset treatment costs with funds from the states Office of Behavioral Health, she said. Long waiting lists at those centers often leave patients without the high-level care they need for weeks, sometimes months. The dearth of local beds has become more acute as a national epidemic of opioid use and overdoses has intensified, said Magistrate Jami Vigil, who oversees the Family Treatment Drug Court. We have seen a huge shift in that drug of choice, Vigil told more than 100 people who attended the leadership summit. She said meth was the drug of choice when she first took over the courts docket in 2011. But now, more and more people in the program are addicted to heroin or prescription painkillers. The intense withdrawal symptoms of opioids can make inpatient treatment a near necessity for some addicts, Vigil said. Family Treatment Drug Court provides treatment and other support services for about 50 families who are involved in child welfare cases opened by the Department of Human Services. The program ensures that theres always one sober caregiver, allowing children to stay in their homes instead of being placed with a foster family or relative. Vigil estimates that the vast majority of the adults in the court require inpatient treatment for substance abuse at some point during the process. Many of them get doses of methadone, Vivitrol, or other drugs that can help them overcome their addiction . But such drugs are not administered at Resada, the Las Animas-based rehab where Family Treatment Drug Court participants go for inpatient treatment, Vigil told The Gazette. We have a huge gap in services in our community, she said. We dont have any good options here. Exacerbating the problem is a shortage of beds at the local detox center, a facility near the El Paso County jail where people with drug and alcohol addictions can safely sleep off their high, Vigil said. Th 20-bed center is a crucial resource for drug court participants who are chronic users, new to the programs or have relapsed, Burlingame and Vigil said. It can be the only alternative to jail, if a participant is intoxicated and doesnt have a friend or family member to stay with to sober up. Since the center reopened at a new location last month, its often been full, they said. On several occasions, the Family Treatment Drug Court has had all the paperwork ready to send someone to the facility, but learned at the eleventh hour that theres no room, Vigil said. Burlingame said shes tried to get four Recovery Court participants admitted into the center in the past few weeks, but only one got a bed. The detox center, which also takes in self-admissions and referrals from local law enforcement and hospitals, once operated at 40 beds during peak periods when it was managed by the county and located on the jails campus. The county passed the reins to Pueblo-based substance abuse treatment provider Crossroads Turning Points in late 2017. The new operator moved the center to Maxwell Street. Crossroads interim CEO, Charles Davis, told The Gazette just before the reopening that the organization hopes to make more beds available, when it has the money. Thats definitely the next on our priority list to see if we can get more funding to open additional beds, he said. At the time, Davis said that AspenPointe and Centura Health were providing some funding for the center. Client fees and Medicaid reimbursements would also help finance operations, he said. Davis couldnt be reached Friday. Crossroads and other providers and community organizations really are trying to meet the need for detox and other inpatient treatment services, Burlingame said. But the need is so great. Nepal signs agreement to procure rail sets from India According to Madhusudan Adhikari, secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the first set will arrive within three months and the other a month thereafter. A 48-year-old man who was found unconscious Thursday outside a Manitou Springs apartment and later died was brutally beaten and left to die in a kiddie pool filled with water, according to arrest affidavits. Freddie Joseph Crespo, 32, and John Robert Swinehart, 25 were arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder and first-degree assault in the killing of Jimmie Wayne Baker, 48. Crespos and Swineharts accounts to Manitou Springs police differed, but both claimed that Baker had tried to sexually assault Crespos girlfriend in their apartment at 601 Manitou Ave. while the pair was gone, the arrest affidavits say. According to Crespo, he found Baker touching his girlfriend and dragged him out to the front yard with Swineharts help. Crespo then told Baker he was no longer welcome at the house. He denied hitting Baker, telling police that bruises on his hands were from a fight earlier that night. However, the police officer who investigated the earlier fight spoke with Crespo then and didnt notice bruises on his hands, the affidavit says. Swinehart claims that he arrived back at the apartment with Crespo, and Crespos girlfriend told them that Baker, who was in the other room, had tried to rape her. Crespo then reportedly yanked Baker outside by his legs, punched him in the face, stomped on his chest and kicked him, according to the affidavit. Swinehart told police he struck Baker several times in the shoulder, telling him to wake up, as Crespo swung at him. After the beating, Crespo told Swinehart that he was going to end Baker and that he needed help tossing Baker into the pool, the affidavit states. The pair chucked Baker into the water. Crespos girlfriend, whom the Gazette is not naming because of the claim that she was a sexual-assault victim, told police she did not remember most of the evening, only that Crespo and Swinehart pulled Baker out of the bed. She also said she did not think she had been assaulted. Police were called by a neighbor who witnessed the altercation. First responders transported Baker to UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central about 12:30 a.m. He died about 15 hours later. Crespo and Swinehart initially were arrested on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault. The charges were upgraded after Baker died, and the Sheriffs Office took over the investigation. If the death is ruled a homicide, it would be the first in Manitou Springs since July 2013, when 56-year-old Jacqueline Knudson died in a domestic violence killing. It is a zoning problem that will soon happen to selected families living in some of Colorado Springs many R-1 single-family zoned neighborhoods. Mom, Dad and the kids will wake up to find a mini-Marriott, mini-Hilton or mini-Hyatt hotel under construction in their next-door neighbors backyard. If the family is really unlucky, there might be a similar small minihotel project on the other side of their home and one or two across the street as well. Under a new law under consideration by the City Council, there will be no limits on the number of small chain hotels that can be built in almost any R1 single-family zoned neighborhood in Colorado Springs. This grim future became reality when Marriott International announced recently that it is entering the new home-sharing and home-rental business to compete with Airbnb and similar internet companies. The council passed a law several months ago that legalized such short-term rentals (STRs) in R1 single-family zones throughout the city. The council placed no limits on the number of these commercial small hotels/motels that can be opened and operated in what were previously exclusively residential areas. With about 1.3 million hotel rooms available each night around the world, Marriott is the globes largest hotel company. It will create a home-rental platform on its website and list rooms available in cities throughout the world. Guests staying in such Marriott facilities in Colorado Springs R1 single-family zones will be able to redeem loyalty points and win free hotel stays and other valuable gifts. The points would be good at Sheraton and Ritz-Carlton hotels as well. This means for Colorado Springs homeowners that the short-term rental unit next door will not be controlled by a supposedly friendly neighbor but by a powerful and well-funded hotel chain with vast resources for promoting and filling the rooms each night with traveling strangers. The accessory dwelling unit (ADU) proposal under consideration by the council will mandate the conversion of R1 single-family zones into R2-two-family zones. If the backyard of a home is large enough, it can be the site of a completely new house that can be rented or subdivided and sold to a separate family or person. The new home will have to be somewhat smaller than the original home on the property. In those cases where there is insufficient land for a separate house on the lot, the original home can be expanded by adding a second story or knocking out a wall and creating a second dwelling unit that way. The city has stated firmly that all newly constructed ADUs can be rented or sold as short term rentals and thus would be available to Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt or any other hotel chain for their use. The proposed ADU law sets no rules for the design or painting of these new housing units in R1 single-family zones. The way we read the new law, the new units could be built to function like minihotels rather than private residences and be painted garish colors for advertising purposes. The theory behind the proposed ADU law is called densification. It seeks at final build-out to double the population density in R1 single-family neighborhoods by building new homes in backyards or in an expanded main dwelling unit. With the sharp increase in population will come an equally large increase in the number of automobiles, which ADU supporters hope will force more people to use mass transit rather than drive their own cars. The minihotels will bring additional automobiles into the neighborhood every night. We think the combination of the proposed ADU law with the existing short term rental law will make it impossible to keep our neighborhoods free of commercial uses (minihotels) and apartment buildings. We worry that speculators will begin buying single family homes in Colorado Springs, expanding them into apartments under the ADU law, and then merchandising them as minihotels under the STR law. R-1 single-family zoning was designed to keep traditional families parents with children living near the downtown areas of cities. We believe it is the neighborhoods close to downtown that will attract the most ADU and STR activity, thus driving traditional families to relocate in the more distant parts of the city. We see Broadmoor, Ivywild, the Mesa, the Old North End, Patty Jewett and Skyway as particularly vulnerable to the development of ADUs and STRs and thus most likely to lose traditional families to the suburbs. There is only one form of relief. Families that live in legal HOAs can have their board of directors ban both ADUs and short term rentals. Most legal HOAs are in the outskirts of Colorado Springs far from downtown. The council has canceled a work session on the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law originally scheduled for Monday. There will be a public hearing on the proposed ADU law at an unspecified date in late May. The council is scheduled to vote on the proposed ADU law in June. City Council will hold a work session on the proposed accessory dwelling unit law Monday, May 13, in Council Chambers at 1 P.M. The public can come and observe this meeting but may not participate. There will be a public hearing and a vote on the ADU proposal on Tuesday, May 28th. If you want to maintain single-family zoning in your neighborhood and keep ADUs out, you should send an e-mail to the council members to tell them that. Colorado College political scientists Tom Cronin and Bob Loevy both live in R1 single-family zones. A man accused of raping and killing a woman in Old Colorado City in 1988 when he was 15 years old is mentally fit to stand trial, a judge ruled on Friday. James Edward Papol, 46, who authorities say has been tied by DNA to the three-decade-old murder of Mary Lynn Vialpando, was ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation after he went without his antipsychotic medication for more than a week at the El Paso County jail in late February. Papols attorneys did not object Friday when 4th Judicial District Judge Robin Chittum deemed Papol mentally competent based on an assessment of him last month at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo. Hes back to who we knew him to be before, said defense lawyer Richard Bednarski, who requested that Papol be evaluated in March. At the time, Bednarski said Papols mental state had declined because he hadnt consistently been given the antipsychotic drug he takes to ease the symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In the six months after Papols September arrest, he was without his prescribed medication for four periods, each of which lasted days, jail records have shown. But those issues have since been addressed, Bednarski said on Friday. The jails health care contractor, Armor Correctional Health Services, has provided Papol with his medications since he returned to the jail last month after the evaluation at the Pueblo hospital, records show. Under a court order, the jail and its health care provider will continue to provide documentation showing that Papol is consistently given the drugs. Obviously, thats going to be the key going forward, Bednarski said. At the time of Papols arrest, he had been held in a maximum security wing at the Pueblo hospital for 16 years, his attorneys previously said in court. He had been receiving care there after being found not guilty by reason of insanity in a pair of robberies committed in 2002. Vialpando was beaten, raped and stabbed to death and left in an alley near 26th Street. The slaying was a mystery for decades, until a routine search by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation matched the DNA found on her body with Papols profile in a law enforcement database. The victims daughter, Coral Vialpando, sat in the courtroom for part of the hearing, holding a photo of her slain mother. Fourth Judicial District Attorney Dan May asked that Papol be ordered to enter a plea on Friday on the charges he faces for Vialpandos death. Those counts include three charges of first-degree murder, each under a different theory of how the crime unfolded. We have waited for 30 years. I dont know why we have to wait any longer, Cythnia Renkel, the slain womans sister, told the court. But Chittum agreed to give the defense more time before Papol enters a plea, setting arraignment for June 21. Douglas Mewes KANAWHA, IOWA - Douglas Mewes, 59, formerly of Kanawha, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the Iowa Specialty Hospital in Belmond. Memorial services for Douglas Mewes will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Kanawha United Methodist Church, 402 North Main Street in Kanawha, with Pastor Mark Heath officiating. Burial will be at Amsterdam Township Cemetery in Kanawha. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Ewing Funeral Home, 118 East Second Street in Kanawha, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. www.ewingfh.com, Ewing Funeral Home, 118 East Second Street, Kanawha, Iowa 50447, 641-762-3211 A majority of Iowa voters believe the special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election should be released in full to the public. But Iowans are more divided on whether they believe President Donald Trump has been truthful when talking about the investigation, and whether they think the report has cleared the president of all wrongdoing. All of this is according to a new poll of Iowa voters, conducted by the liberal-leaning Public Policy Polling. A majority of Iowa voters 53 percent said Special Counsel Robert Muellers full report should be released to the public, while 38 percent said the full report should not be released publicly. A partially redacted version has been released. "The survey we conducted shows that Iowa voters value transparency," Jim Williams, an analyst with Public Policy Polling, said in a statement. "A strong majority wants to see the entire report released, not just the redacted version put forward by Attorney General Barr. Iowans believe they have the right to know the entire truth." Speaking of the truth, Iowa voters are more split as to whether they think Trump has told the truth when discussing his campaigns ties to the Russians effort to influence the 2016 election. Five individuals tied to Trump or his campaign have pleaded guilty or been indicted in the special counsels investigation. In the poll, 47 percent of Iowa voters said they think Trump lied to the public about matters under investigation by Mueller, while 46 percent said they think Trump told the public the truth. More Iowa voters 50 percent of respondents in the poll said they do not believe Muellers report cleared Trump of all wrongdoing, while 43 percent said they do think the report completely cleared the president. The poll results were broken down by Iowa voters 2016 presidential preferences, and the results are not surprising: 83 percent of Trump voters said they think he has told the truth about the investigation, while 91 percent of Hillary Clinton voters said they think Trump has lied about the investigation. There are a few more Trump voters 13 percent who think the Mueller report did not clear him of all wrongdoing. And even more Trump voters 28 percent said they think the full report should be made public, according to the poll results. Iowa voters also are perfectly split on how they feel about Trumps job performance and whether they plan to support his re-election in 2020. When asked whether they approve or disapprove of Trumps job performance, Iowa voters responded with a perfect split at 49 percent apiece. And when asked whether, if the election were held today, they would vote for Trump or his Democratic opponent, Iowa voters were again perfectly split, this time at 48 percent apiece. Public Policy Polling surveyed 780 Iowa voters on April 29 and April 30. The polls margin of error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. The poll also tested the approval ratings of top Iowa elected officials: U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, as well as Gov. Kim Reynolds, all Republicans. Ernst, who is seeking a second term in 2020, has an approval rating well above water at 49 percent approval, with 40 percent disapproving. But when asked about next years election, poll respondents chose Ernst over a generic Democratic candidate by a narrower, 48-44 margin. Grassleys approval rating was 51/42, and Reynolds was at 47/39. National parties staffing up National Republicans are staffing up in Iowa in preparation for what promises to be competitive races for seats in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The Republican National Committee has made two hires in Iowa state communications director Preya Samsundar and Midwest region political director Stephanie Alexander. Democrats have assigned Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee regional press secretary Brooke Goren to handle Iowas U.S. House races. In addition to Ernsts re-election, all four of Iowas U.S. House races are expected to be competitive. All five races likely will attract significant attention from the national parties. Erin Murphy covers Iowa politics and government for Lee Enterprises. His email address is erin.murphy@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter at @ErinDMurphy. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg addressed the U.S. Congress last week. His remarks were full of proclamations of NATOs ongoing importance and the commitment of all and sundry to its existence. But my view, quietly shared by many but uttered by few, is that NATO is in fact the wrong alliance at the wrong time , and as a result, it will be replaced by a new structure. But this wont happen anytime soon. During times of general peace and prosperity, NATOs member states will be satisfied to keep the organization as it is. The motivation to replace it with something more useful will come from an international crisis so intense that institutions like NATO will disappear overnight and be succeeded by something that can better deal with the crisis. Since such an event wont arise in the foreseeable future, NATOs outdated structure will remain in place for now and it will continue to squander scarce resources on sustaining itself and to evade questions over its usefulness. Im not advocating a policy here; history generates policies on its own. I am merely trying to explain the process that is underway. The purpose of NATO, to protect the security of the Euro-American world, will not go away. But the instrument securing that purpose must evolve . NATOs Mission NATO was created with a single mission in mind: to prevent or defeat a Soviet invasion of Western Europe that could, if successful, lead to Soviet domination of the European Peninsula and achieve what neither Hitler nor Napoleon could accomplish. It would also bond Soviet natural resources and manpower to Western Europes industry and technology and thus, again as Napoleon and Hitler dreamt, change the global balance of power. Given that Europe and the United States had already lived through two world wars, the worst case scenario appeared to be quite plausible. Possibilities had turned into realities throughout the 20th century, so ignoring the possible was not an option. To counter a potential Soviet attack, two things were essential. First, that the United States be irrevocably committed to Europes defense. Second, that all relevant countries on the European Peninsula be equally irrevocably committed. The greatest threat apart from a Soviet invasion itself was that one or more members of this coalition would reverse their position and either declare neutrality or, at the last moment, opt out of war. To be a credible defense, a range of dissimilar and recently hostile countries had to be forged into a single, integrated military force. Each nation had its own operational responsibilities in the event of war, and appropriate equipment and trained troops carried out drills in endless war games. Belgium, for example, was tasked with certain missions that would be carried out the day prior to launching a strike. Germany was supposed to absorb the first blow in its center, while Britain would guard Hamburg and other ports against the Hamburg Grab, a scenario in which the Soviets would punch hard to seize the city and then initiate a negotiation. NATOs supreme allied commander in Europe, who was always an American, commanded troops belonging to sovereign states. The war plans NATOs Military Committee tasked him with implementing were built on ever more complex scenarios and possibilities. Frankly, the scenarios had become so baroque and so unlikely by the 1980s that the individual exercises became fragmented. For this command structure to work, the organization needed to trust that each member was willing and able to play its role. Each member state had to be relied upon to execute its part in the plan and to not pull a clever European diplomatic pirouette. It should be remembered that the one member the Europeans thought would be least reliable was the United States. Its task was to provide air and sea reinforcements for NATO forces fighting to hold territory as far east as possible. If that proved impossible, the U.S. was committed to defending Europe with tactical and even strategic nuclear weapons. French President Charles de Gaulle argued that the United States would not risk nuclear war to protect Europe. That was the piece of the war plan that was really uncertain. It would depend on a decision made by the U.S. president at the last possible minute and that decision was unpredictable because going nuclear would likely lead to annihilation, not stability. Nonetheless, the most important thing was not whether the Americans were prepared to fight a nuclear war or whether the French thought they would; it was that the Soviets believed it was possible. NATO was built for an extraordinary situation, one in which a third world war was reasonably possible. It was a world where Europe was split down the middle with forces on both sides able to view the others maneuvers through binoculars. It was a Europe that coalesced into a single geographical entity, a single political commitment, and a single military structure. If any part of it failed, Europe might succumb to Napoleons and Hitlers dream. NATO was built for this world and was indispensable to stabilizing the situation. A Changing Reality NATO essentially transferred the question of war and peace from its members national governments to its own military and political committees. Its command structure was headed by an American officer, who ultimately still listened to his superiors in Washington. It might sound like an unreasonable arrangement, but given the condition of Europe at the time, it wasnt. Olis unparliamentary remarks removed from the House record following Speakers directive Following the demand from Nepali Congress lawmakers, Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara directed officials from the Parliament Secretariat to remove the words used by Oli while answering the queries related to the governments policies and programmes. Grand Old Partisan salutes Byron Cutcheon, born in New Hampshire this day of 1836. He worked in a cotton mill as a child, then attended school and became a teacher. The studious youth graduated from the University of Michigan. Outbreak of civil war, Cutcheon resigned from a high school to enlist as lieutenant in the 20th Michigan Infantry. He would muster out as colonel of the 27th Michigan Infantry. He received the Medal of Honor for "conspicuous gallantry". Peace restored, Cutcheon studied law with his brother, a Republican speaker of the state house, and a Republican governor named him a railroad commissioner. He cast an electoral vote for the Grant/Colfax ticket. Subsequent positions included county prosecutor, local postmaster, and university regent. In 1882, he won the first of four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Later years, he wrote editorials for Detroit newspapers. Here is a Video Version of this article on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AnfKAEYwG1c 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" " " Many people think IBS is exacerbated by what they eat, but new research might prove them wrong. BSIP/UIG/Getty Images People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) will be happy to hear that researchers could be one step closer to finding a cause for the gastrointestinal disorder. A new study coordinated by the Karlinska Institutet in Sweden appears to demonstrate a link between genetic mutations and IBS. The link could help researchers find ways to improve IBS treatment plans. Advertisement Current treatments for IBS, which affects about 10 percent of the people in most countries, are only partly effective because they target the symptoms, not the cause. "People with IBS often connect their symptoms to certain foods, particularly fermentable carbohydrates," Mauro D'Amato of Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, lead author of the study said in a statement. That's why many IBS sufferers avoid eating certain foods. D'Amato and his team scientists from institutions across Europe and the United States looked at changes in the DNA of the sucrase-isomaltase (SI) gene, which tells the body to produce sucrase-isomaltase, an enzyme found in the intestinal tract. It helps break down the sugars sucrose and maltose. They knew that SI mutations sometimes cause hereditary forms of sucrose intolerance, which has similar symptoms of IBS, including diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. So they wanted to test a hypothesis that genetic changes in the breakdown of small carbohydrates from sugars and starches could raise someone's chances of having IBS. Their hypothesis was right. Of the 1,887 people in the study, those with IBS were twice as likely to have defective SI mutations as healthy participants. These findings could set the stage for future research in IBS, nutrition and genetics, and could lead to tailored treatments for IBS sufferers. Now That's Interesting Women comprise about two-thirds of people with IBS. The Helena Police Department is warning residents about a scam involving overcharging for dumpsters in the city. Helena Police posted on Facebook Thursday morning, explaining that an online dumpster rental company has been advertising as a local dumpster rental company. When someone calls the company, it then calls the city of Helena's Solid Waste Division to order the dumpster for the customer. The company is reportedly charging customers four times more than what it would have cost to just call the city directly. "Though likely not illegal, it has cost citizens hundreds of dollars more for the same service," the post said. "If you need to rent a roll-off dumpster, be sure you are using the City of Helena or Tri County Disposal, they are the only roll-off rental services available in the Helena area." Anyone looking to use a roll-off dumpster should call the City of Helena's Solid Waste Division at 406-447-8082 or Tri County Disposal at 406-227-6300. Love 0 Funny 3 Wow 1 Sad 1 Angry 3 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Ann Reeves Jarvisin really hated the idea of buying cards and other gifts for Mothers Day even though she founded the day to honor mothers and maternal bonds. Jarvisin started campaigning to recognize mothers in 1908 out of love for her own, who cared for Civil War soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Six years later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers. But later Jarvisin felt Hallmark and other companies had highjacked Mothers Day for profit. She thought people should hand-write letters of love and gratitude to their mothers instead of buying something. Even so, other countries and cultures have since adopted the U.S. secular idea of Mothers Day. But it wasnt by any means a novel idea. In fact, most major faith traditions have held similar celebrations or attitudes for centuries: Judaism: The 11th day of the Jewish month of Cheshvan honors the biblical matriarch Rachel. Unable to conceive for many years, Rachel became a symbol of hope, fertility and mercy as well as motherhood. In memory of her, Jewish schoolchildren craft gifts for their mothers on what has become an official Jewish Mothers Day. The 11th day of the Jewish month of Cheshvan honors the biblical matriarch Rachel. Unable to conceive for many years, Rachel became a symbol of hope, fertility and mercy as well as motherhood. In memory of her, Jewish schoolchildren craft gifts for their mothers on what has become an official Jewish Mothers Day. Roman Catholic: Mothers Day is strongly associated with revering Mary, the mother of Jesus. And in Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, special prayer services are held in honor of the Virgin Mary. Mothers Day is strongly associated with revering Mary, the mother of Jesus. And in Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, special prayer services are held in honor of the Virgin Mary. Church of England: Churchgoers in England and Ireland have been celebrating Mothering Sunday since the 16th century. It grew from the idea that people who normally worship at the nearest parish should return to their home or mother church once a year. Employers started giving domestic servants (some as young as 10) the day off to visit their home church and their mothers. Churchgoers in England and Ireland have been celebrating Mothering Sunday since the 16th century. It grew from the idea that people who normally worship at the nearest parish should return to their home or mother church once a year. Employers started giving domestic servants (some as young as 10) the day off to visit their home church and their mothers. Islam: Although Muslims dont have a formal Mothers Day, their faith requires them to spend time with and show gratitude and kindness to their mothers. Although Muslims dont have a formal Mothers Day, their faith requires them to spend time with and show gratitude and kindness to their mothers. Hinduism: Followers believe God creates, maintains and destroys the universe, but the power with which God performs this takes a female form. This power is worshiped as the Divine Mother. Thus Hindus are reverent to their mothers. When leaving or entering the house, children touch their mothers feet. Followers believe God creates, maintains and destroys the universe, but the power with which God performs this takes a female form. This power is worshiped as the Divine Mother. Thus Hindus are reverent to their mothers. When leaving or entering the house, children touch their mothers feet. Buddhism: Followers believe no one is more worthy of honor and respect than your mother. Mother is always mentioned first when referring to ones parents. McNeal is senior staff chaplain and coordinator for faith community relations at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center and Advocate Eureka Hospital. Contact her at christine.mcneal@advocatehealth.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Researchers who in 2015 correctly predicted where the Zika outbreak would strike in the U.S. say they think the country's next big measles outbreak is most likely to happen in Cook County. A research project spearheaded by Sahotra Sarkar, a University of Chicago-educated professor at the University of Texas at Austin, revealed the 25 counties most at-risk for a widespread measles outbreak, like those seen in Washington, Oregon and New York. Sarkar and his former student, Lauren Gardner of Johns Hopkins University, determined Cook County was the most at-risk for an outbreak. That's based largely on the number of airplane flights to Chicago from global destinations where parents increasingly don't have their children vaccinated, he said. "Cook County turns out to be as important as it is, mainly because of the presence of O'Hare Airport," Sarkar said. The study was published Thursday in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. The research took about six months to complete, using risk assessment models similar to one Sarkar and Gardner used when they determined Zika, a mosquito-carried virus that can cause serious birth defects, would first affect Texas and Florida when it emerged as a global threat to pregnant women. Rachel Rubin, a senior medical officer with the Cook County Health Department, wasn't surprised by the study's findings. The seven measles cases reported in Illinois this year may have stemmed from encounters with people who were infected overseas and traveled back to Illinois, she said, adding it's unknown if any cases were connected. "As we know O'Hare is a huge transfer point for travel within the United States, not to mention all of the international flights," she said. "I'm not surprised that their modeling would've predicted that Cook County and the city of Chicago would be such a hot spot." Rounding out the top 10 counties identified in the study as most at-risk for a measles outbreak are: Los Angeles; Miami-Dade; Queens, N.Y.; King, Wash.; Maricopa, Ariz.; Broward, Fla.; Clark, Nev.; Harris, Texas; and Honolulu. Since the 2015 work on Zika, Sarkar learned that a widely discredited former physician who claimed the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella can cause autism has relocated to Austin and gained a following. Sarkar did the measles study to warn people what could happen if they choose "conspiracy theories" over science. "It occurred to me that perhaps besides the vaccine resistance from people who bought into this false notion that the MMR vaccine has a link to autism ... the other crucial factor would be the volume of travel from countries outside the U.S. where there have been epidemics," including in European countries and the Philippines, Sarkar said. Sarkar points to what happened in Brooklyn in October, after unvaccinated children visited Israel during a monthslong measles outbreak. They returned to their community, made up mainly of ultra-Orthodox Jews, some of whom have chosen not to vaccinate their children with MMR because they believe the vaccine contains products forbidden from consumption. What followed was one of the nation's largest outbreaks, prompting New York's Rockland County to declare a state of emergency, banning unvaccinated children from visiting public places. The Illinois Department of Health recently announced it is working with the Illinois State Board of Education to conduct an in-depth analysis focusing on schools at risk for outbreaks. It also is taking steps to increase vaccination rates across the state. Despite that, the state health department does not make public statistics on "vaccine avoidance," Sarkar said. It isn't clear whether there are enclaves of families who refuse to vaccinate based on religious beliefs or because they distrust vaccine safety. "Estimated vaccination rates are low even though vaccination is mandatory and there are no nonmedical, nonreligious exemptions (allowed) in Illinois," Sarkar said. "If there are pockets of resistance in Cook County like there were in Brooklyn with the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, then there's a very serious worry." Rubin doesn't know of any particular enclaves where people avoid vaccines because of religious edicts. But she does sometimes encounter objections to vaccines. When that happens, she tries to be diplomatic in explaining their safety and efficacy. "It's a bad choice to refuse vaccination just because you feel that you don't want it, based on your own philosophical reasons," she said. Rubin and Dr. Tina Tan, an infectious disease specialist at Lurie Children's Hospital, said having a high vaccination rate is most important for people who are allergic to vaccines or suffer from an ailment that suppresses the immune system, making it impossible for those children to receive a vaccine. For measles, more than 95 percent of the population needs to be vaccinated to guard against measles ourbreaks. Sarkar said he now recommends infants get their first MMR vaccination at 6 months because of how many children remain unvaccinated in his area. The dose at 6 months may not be as effective as a dose given at 12 months, but when there's an outbreak, something is better than nothing, Sarkar said. Countries that are particularly dangerous, Sarkar said, include India, China, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines and a number of European countries. Those include Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France and Italy. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 DECATUR Jason Harbert was tired of hotels. The 27-year-old diagnostic cardiac sonography student at John A. Logan College in Carterville has been traveling nearly three hours to Decatur once a week so that he can complete work related to his degree at HSHS St. Marys Hospital. Looking for a homier option, Harbert turned to Airbnb, the website that allows people to rent out all or part of their property to strangers. Now he spends one night a week in properties that are typically near Millikin University, just a 10-minute drive to the hospital. I have my own space and a comfy bed, he said. They make sure youre taken care of. Harbert is part of a burgeoning short-term property rental industry, which brought in $121,000 for Macon County hosts last year, according to Airbnb data. As the concept exploded in popularity worldwide over the past decade, some cities have imposed regulations, taxes and even outright bans, but Decatur isnt among them. Unlike hotel guests, the 650 Airbnb renters last year paid no municipal taxes, and there are no regulations governing operation of the properties. Hosts say the short-term rentals allow them to make extra income and provide a service thats missing on the market for people like Harbert. Opponents say the lack of regulations and standardization means theres a risk involved. "You may have a review online but other than that, you're kind of going in blind," said Brandon Chappell, assistant general manager of Country Inn & Suites near Hickory Point Mall. Harbert said the hosts he has encountered have all been friendly and welcoming. He is a regular guest at the home of Kelly Gagnon, who has been renting out space through Airbnb since December. Gagnon, who owns a consulting business, travels frequently for work, and was even able to make her mortgage payment one month by renting out her house while she was in Belize. Another host is Chris Harrison, a real-estate agent who fielded several requests for short-term rental properties before he became an Airbnb host. "I have bought a few rental properties, and my intent was to do them as more of an executive type of higher-end rental," he said. "I think there's a need for it." Growing without regulations Airbnb was founded in 2008 in San Francisco when one of the founders put an air mattress on his floor and rented the room out as a bed and breakfast. The website allows for guests to rent a room, a whole apartment, a condo or unique lodging through an app or website. This option can be cheaper than the price of hotels in some circumstances, or more expensive, depending on the type of accommodation. There are over 14,000 tiny houses, over 4,000 castles and over 2,400 tree houses listed on Airbnb in more than 191 countries. There are options for every taste: Potato fanatics can also stay in a giant fake potato in Idaho for $200 a night, while one lucky winner will have the chance to stay under the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris. More than 8,000 Illinois residents share their homes as Airbnb hosts, earning approximately $5,000 each per year in supplemental income, according to Ben Breit, who handles Midwest public affairs for Airbnb. In Central Illinois, hosts earned a combined $4.2 million in supplemental income last year, with nearly 44,000 guest arrivals to the region, according to statistics Breit provided. Some turn to short-term rentals because theyre cheaper than hotels, while others prefer the atmosphere. For Harbert, it was both: Hotels were pricey and he found it difficult to study there. Hotel prices in Decatur range from $50 to $129, according to listings on Hotels.com. Rooms, houses and cabins available in Macon County found on Airbnb range in price from $23 to $300. Decatur hotel guests pay a 5.64 percent tax that is collected by the city. Proceeds go into its general fund, and some are given to the Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to help attract more people to the region. The tax doesnt include short-term rentals. Airbnb occupants do pay taxes to the state. Ride along: Drivers relish freedom as Uber, Lyft mark 2 years in Decatur DECATUR As an Uber and Lyft driver, Tammy Dunning spends nearly every day zooming around Decatur or Champaign taking passengers from one loc Cities including Chicago, Las Vegas and Philadelphia, have put certain regulations on Airbnb, such as the amount of days per year a host can lease their property. In Chicago, city leaders went a step further, creating a list of prohibited buildings whose residents are forbidden from renting space to tourists. In Berlin, Germany, the city must approve each spot for hosting Airbnb. Springfield in 2018 passed an ordinance to tax online travel companies. Decatur City Manager Scot Wrighton said it would up to the mayor and city council to impose any regulations or taxes, if they chose. The Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is 100 percent funded by the hotel use tax. Executive Director Teri Hammel said she does not dislike short-term rentals, but she wouldnt recommend them to visitors for several reasons. "We wouldn't want to take away from the hotel (business) to give someone an Airbnb," she said. The Airbnb site gives the relative location of a rental, but not its exact address until after the guest books his or her stay. Hammel said the bureau is uncomfortable recommending to guests a place to stay when the exact address is not listed. "The unknown is difficult for us," she said. "I would want to put the visitor's safety first." Brandon Chappell, assistant general manager of Country Inn & Suites, 5150 Hickory Point Frontage Rd, said Airbnb does pose competition, but said he does not "view them as a threat to (the hotel's) revenue." He said hotels can work with their rates and have leeway. Guests can end up getting a better deal using sites like Hotels.com, Travelocity and Expedia, which do not include Airbnb rentals, Chappell said. There are also the obvious risks of staying at the home of a stranger. "With hotels, you know what you're getting for the most part," he said. "When you go to these bigger (hotel chains), they have to run by the same standards across the board." Seeking financial independence For hosts like Harrison and Gagnon, the benefits of Airbnb include extra money and new acquaintances. Harrison got into the business first and suggested it to Gagnon, who runs a blog about her journey toward financial independence. She said she makes $800 to $900 a month through Airbnb. Her house isnt booked every night, but she has regular visitors, including Harbert. If guests are staying and she is unable to go home to change the sheets and clean, she will have her secretary help her out. Gagnon said Airbnb is easy to use, and she encourages anyone seeking supplemental income to give it a try. "I talk to women all the time who seem so trapped," she said, and they are trying to seek financial independence and stability. Harrison said hosting has been a positive experience. "I've met great people, interesting people, people from all over." Advice he has before deciding to open your home as a host is to stay in an Airbnb to see what the user experience is like. This way, a potential host can see if they would be comfortable renting the whole house or just a bedroom, Harrison said. "Ask (yourself) if you're comfortable with someone (in a) bedroom while you're sleeping in the other room," he said. When a host rents out an entire home like Harrison does, guests expect necessities like soap, trash bags, and other basic items, he said. To be extra welcoming, Harrison will leave coupons at the house for Lock, Stock & Barrel, Sloan's Calzones, University Dogs and other local places. "If you're thinking about (hosting), just do it," Gagnon said. Contact Kennedy Nolen at (217) 421-6985. Follow her on Twitter: @KNolenWrites Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Decatur schools open houses DECATUR Decatur School District will hold open houses to solicit ideas for improving the schools. Open houses will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Hope Academy, 955 N. Illinois St., and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 18. The district will have the architects' facilities plans available for public viewing, and district administrators will be on hand to answer questions and listen to ideas and comments. Siburt book re-released DECATUR Local author Ruth Siburt's first book, Dragon Charmer, is being republished 23 years after its initial release and used as a teaching tool to inspire young writers. Siburt, of Decatur, wrote the book as a result of telling a story to her then-7-year-old son, Matt. It was published by Royal Fireworks Press in 1996 and is again available on Amazon and iTunes. Literacy awards SPRINGFIELD Secretary of State Jesse White has named the winners of the 2019 Spotlight on Literacy awards for students and volunteers. The students were recognized for their hard work to improve their reading and learning skills in the face of obstacles. Telma Cardona, a student through Baby TALK at Richland Community College, was one of the winners. Veterans' education SPRINGFIELD State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, and state Rep. Dan Caulkins, R-Decatur, have reached an agreement with the University of Illinois to increase access for veterans. A committee has been formed at the university that includes University of Illinois Dean Cherylo Hanley-Maxwell and Naval ROTC commanding officer Capt. Anthony Corapi to study ways to make it easier for veterans to transfer credits they've already earned to the U of I and to receive credit for real-world work experience. Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Sunday, May 5 Fighting food allergies In 2011, Illinois became one of the first states to pass laws that allow or require schools to have epinephrine, which is injected in the case of life-threatening allergic reactions. Almost all states have followed. The legislation allows school nurses to give the drug to any student believed to be having a life-threatening allergic reaction, and allowing schools to keep extra epinephrine in stock. The law was later amended to allow any trained person at a school, not just school nurses, to administer the medication. The change was the result of Katelyn Carlson, 13, a seventh-grader in Chicago who died after an allergic reaction to peanuts at a school party. Schools have also adopted strict no-peanut zones. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that food allergies in children increased 18 percent between 1997 and 2007. One in 12 kids has a food allergy, according to a 2018 Northwestern University study. That's about two kids in every classroom, the study said. Monday, May 6 'Great Migration' exhibit unveiled Fans of the Oscar-winning movie "Green Book" will find a connection in the newest exhibit at the African-American Cultural and Genealogical Society of Illinois Museum. The travel guide by Victor Hugo Green, compiling safe spots for African-Americans to visit in the Deep South during the Jim Crow era, is part of the exhibit Headin for the Promised Land - The Great Migration created for the museum by Mount Zion High School's African-American Experience class. This is the seventh year that the class, taught by Rich Hansen, has created an addition for the museum often confronting harsh realities in the process. This class teaches you a lot about history you really wouldnt learn about in a regular history class, said student Colby Vahlkamp, who researched the Ku Klux Klan for the exhibit. Members of the class unveiled the exhibit Monday night after a program at Central United Methodist Church where they explained their work. Tuesday, May 7 Lawmakers vow DCFS changes Illinois lawmakers on Tuesday took aim at the state's Department of Children and Family Services, which has been haunted for decades by deaths wrought of abuse and neglect and is in the spotlight again following the beating death of a 5-year-old suburban Chicago boy with a long history of contact with the agency. The agency also this year has drawn scrutiny for its involvement with two other children who died, including a 2-year-old Decatur girl who police say died of starvation and neglect. Rep. Sara Feigenholtz stood with more than a dozen House and Senate members of a new child welfare reform caucus to propose legislation that would bolster checks and balances in the child welfare agency. Also Tuesday, Auditor General Frank Mautino issued a review of the agency's investigative practices from 2015 to 2017. It found that while abuse and neglect complaints jumped 11%, the DCFS hotline put callers into voicemail more than half the time, caseloads of investigators regularly exceeded limits set by a federal consent decree, and in more than three of five cases in which a child stayed with a family after an investigation, documentation did not exist to show proper social services were provided. Wednesday, May 8 United Way honors community People and organizations that work throughout the year to make Macon County a better place were recognized Wednesday for their efforts to support United Way of Decatur & Mid-Illinois. The nonprofit organization helps dozens of Decatur groups and social service agencies with the funds raised during its annual campaign. In October 2018, the local chapter announced a goal of $1.6 million. "Tonight is all about celebrating the awesome organizations that, year after year, help change the face of our community," Executive Director Debbie Bogle said. More than 100 people attended the annual meeting and award ceremony at the Decatur Club to celebrate individual and corporate contributions. In Macon County, funding raised is divided into five areas: adult education and job skills training; youth education; health; safety; and essential services and links for people who need to be connected with other programs. Thursday, May 9 Scovill Zoo train gaining steam Almost a year after crews began work on extending the Z.O.& O Express train's route through Scovill Zoo, officials on Thursday said the $2.2 million project is on track to be finished by the end of May. Clay Gerhard, director of operations for the Decatur Park District, said the additions to the train's route, which include an extended track and bridge that passes along the Lake Decatur shoreline, will need to be tested by state inspectors before riders will be welcomed aboard. "There's definitely some testing that'll take a week or two to work out," he said, adding the new track should be ready for the public by the first part of June. "But we're nearing the finish line." The Z.O.& O Express, which takes visitors on a one-mile narrated tour of the zoo, has been a staple at Scovill's eastside home since 1984. Talks of extending the train's ride started picking up steam after the Howard G. Buffett Foundation donated $2 million to the park district to complete the project. Friday, May 10 Electric vehicle fee hikes proposed A proposed hike in Illinois' annual registration fee for electric vehicles, from $17.50 to $1,000, is being called unfair by current EV owners, and a sales disincentive by manufacturers just as the new technology is beginning to gain broader traction. "It's outrageous," said Nicoletta Skarlatos, 56, of Chicago, who bought a Tesla Model S five years ago. "I thought Illinois was progressive and would want to encourage EV ownership." Aimed at raising money to make overdue road improvements across Illinois, the proposed legislation would also more than double the state's gas tax to 44 cents a gallon, and raise the registration fee for standard vehicles to $148, from $98, among other elements. But the kicker is a nearly 60-fold increase in the electric vehicle registration fee one that is sure to cause sticker shock across a nascent segment of the auto industry, which has depended on government incentives to entice early adopters. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SPRINGFIELD A bill that would require Illinois-headquartered corporations to include women and minorities on their boards of directors is now being considered in the Senate, where a committee chairwoman on Thursday suggested changes could be applied. House Bill 3394 stirred heated debate when it passed out of the House last month. In its original form, it would have required every publicly traded corporation that has its main executive headquarters in Illinois to have at least one African-American and one woman on its board of directors, and it would impose financial penalties on corporations that fail to comply. So far in the Senate, it has been expanded to include Latino representation as well, and it now provides that one person can serve to fill two or more categories. Speaking to the Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee, Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Cahokia, a sponsor of the bill in the Senate, said it is not intended to be punitive. The intent of it is to look at the disparities on these boards, he said. Women, who make up 50 percent of the population nationally, and I think 32 percent on corporate boards; African-Americans, who make up 13.4 percent nationally and only make up 6.3 percent on boards; and Latinos, who are 18.1 percent of the population nationally but they only make up 2.0 (percent) on boards. Belt cited studies showing that corporations with diverse boards of directors tend to outperform those that dont. The studies that Ive read, that Ive been reading, it really underscores the fact that diversity does well for businesses. The corporations that have diversity do well, they do better profit-wise, he said. Also testifying Thursday was Larry Ivory, president and CEO of the Illinois Black Chamber of Commerce, who said the bill would strengthen black communities, which in turn would help strengthen the entire state. For our members, we have a saying. If youre not at the table, then guess what. Youre on the menu, Ivory said. If were not sitting at corporate boards and having input, were on the menu. The bill is modeled after a law California enacted last year that requires all corporations headquartered there to have at least one woman on their boards. The bills House sponsor, Rep. Emmanuel "Chris" Welch, D-Hillside, said in a separate interview that he expanded on that concept by including ethnic minorities. If enacted into law, it would apply to any publicly traded corporation that is headquartered in Illinois, regardless of the state in which the original articles of incorporation were filed. It would also apply to any entity incorporated in Illinois, even if the business is headquartered elsewhere. But some legal scholars have said that raises a number of legal issues, including a principle known as the internal affairs doctrine, which generally holds that only one state can have authority to regulate the internal affairs of a corporation. Sen. John Mulroe, D-Chicago, raised the latter issue when he asked the question about corporations that might be organized in one state but have their corporate headquarters in another. That subject has come up and weve tried to address it in this bill, Belt said. If they file in Illinois, we would consider them also subject to the legislation that were pushing. Several members of the committee, including Chairwoman Laura Murphy, D-Des Plaines, said she agreed with the principle and the intent of the bill. But we have a lot of people that have expressed some concerns here that this bill really is not as inclusive as some would like it to be, Murphy said, because there are various groups that are left out of the discussion. Murphy suggested the bill might need further revision before it could gain enough support to pass the full Senate. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 " " A man in Harlem reads the latest edition of the New York Post on the evening of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963. I.C. Rapoport/Getty Images Handsome and charismatic, America's 35th president, John F. Kennedy, was making history: from his handling of the Cuban missile crisis and his visit to Berlin to his often contentious relationship with civil rights leaders. Tragically, though, his presidency was cut short by an assassin in Dallas in 1963, a murder that rocked the entire nation. Ever since, Kennedy's assassination has been the focus of many conspiracy theories, and recently, the U.S. government finally declassified more than 10,000 documents relating to the investigation. What do they divulge? Stuff They Don't Want You To Know's Matt Frederick, Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown discuss what's new, what's still conspiracy and everything in between in this episode of the podcast: Secrets Revealed? JFK in 2017. Advertisement On Nov. 22, 1963, three shots were fired on John F. Kennedy's motorcade as it drove slowly through Dealey Plaza, striking the president twice and then-Texas Gov. John Connally once. Thirty minutes later, Kennedy was declared dead, and the entire country plunged into grief and devastation. Only a few hours after the fatal shots were fired, Lee Harvey Oswald, an ex-Marine, was arrested in a movie theater where he fled after shooting Dallas police officer J. D. Tippit. By 7 o'clock that evening, Oswald was arraigned for officer Tippit's murder, and by the following day, he was arraigned for the assassination of the president. Then, shocking the nation anew, Oswald was shot and killed Nov. 24 by mobster Jack Ruby on live television while being transferred from the Dallas city jail to the county jail, sparking countless conspiracy theories, hardboiled noir novels and biopics about who did what, why and when. Fingers have been pointed at the mafia, Fidel Castro, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, FBI director J. Edgar Hoover and the CIA. And of course Oswald himself was posthumously put under the microscope as well. The Warren Commission officially declared that Oswald alone fired the fatal shots from the Texas Book Depository, but theories of a second shooter on the infamous grassy knoll, and a mass government or organized crime conspiracy continued to gain strength. So in 1992, Congress enacted a law mandating all assassination-related material related to JFK be released publicly to the National Archives and available for research by Oct. 26, 2017, to dispel the conspiracy theories for good. Although the FBI and CIA successfully managed to keep some of the most sensitive records classified, most of the 5 million pages are now available, and avid researchers are sifting through the mass of information. But are there any shocking revelations in these piles of papers, records, photos and artifacts? So far documents have confirmed theories that the CIA planned to hire a mobster to assassinate Castro, and that there was an "Operation Mongoose," designed to sabotage plane parts in Cuba. The files also reveal that the FBI received a death threat against Lee Harvey Oswald the day before his murder, and that Oswald communicated with a Russian KGB agent before Kennedy's assassination. In the sheaves of records, notes, memos and testimonies, the story of this administration and assassination could grow clearer or murkier than ever. Was Oswald a secret Russian agent? Was there another gunman on that grassy knoll? Get ready as Matt, Ben and Noel dig through the mounds of material, discuss what the new files reveal and what they don't and potentially put to bed one of the biggest conspiracy theories of the century. Listen in to hear what they discover. As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ On Wednesday, the Iranian government announced its intention to immediately limit its compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, setting the stage for a resumption of higher levels of uranium enrichment in 60 days if the other remaining signatories do not take adequate steps to provide Iran with economic benefits under the deal. Representatives of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, as well as the European Union, responded to this announcement by urging Tehran to reconsider, but made no apparent move to bow to the pressure. In recent months, Iran has criticized the EU and member states for an apparent failure to stand up to the US in the face of rising levels of economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Much of this criticism has focused on the establishment of the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (Instex), a joint venture of the UK, France, and Germany which is ostensibly designed to facilitate transactions with the Islamic Republic in defiance of the US sanctions. But although the mechanism was formally established earlier this year, it has yet to become active, and there are serious doubts about its practicality. There are problems for the function of Instex on both the Iranian and the European side. In the first place, Iranian compliance with the anti-money laundering standards of the Financial Action Task Force has been presented as a prerequisite for its operation, partly because such compliance would be expected of any financial institutions the mechanism relies on. But Tehran has not acknowledged this issue, even as a revised deadline for compliance looms at the end of next month. But regardless of whether Iran meets the new deadlines, Western financial institutions and those that have dealings with the American banking system will presumably remain wary of participating in the Instex scheme out of fear that they may come under penalty from the US. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stoked those concerns on Wednesday in a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, in which he insisted that the mechanism for transactions with Iran would not matter, as long as those transactions fell outside the scope of humanitarian exemptions written into US law. A day earlier, US Energy Secretary Rick Perry conveyed a more general warning to US allies and financial partners. The smart message for our friends and allies around the world is: dont do business with this people until they understand that there is a way to that you conduct yourself in the global community, he said in a CNBC interview that emphasized the American posture on display with the deployment of a US aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf in response to Iranian threats. While it remains unclear whether the European signatories to the JCPOA share Washingtons perception of the seriousness of those threats, their response to Irans ultimatum suggests agreement with the broader message about the regimes failure to conduct itself properly on the global stage. Accordingly, even as French President Emmanuel Macron insisted that it was imperative for the relevant parties to work toward preserving the JCPOA on Thursday, his recommendations focused on convincing the Islamic Republic to maintain its own commitments, rather than appeasing it with additional incentives for doing so. As the Associated Press reported, Macron continued to express disagreement with his American counterpart over the value of the nuclear deal while speaking to the press before an EU summit in Romania. But at the same time, Macron echoed Trumps sentiment concerning the need for a much more broad-ranging agreement that addresses Irans ongoing development of ballistic missiles and its destabilizing role in the surrounding region. An underlying unity of purpose was also essential to the message of the Pompeo-Hunt conference on Wednesday. The top American diplomat emphasized that the US and Britain were on the same side concerning the need to address Iranian threats and promote the Iranian peoples freedom from a repressive theocratic regime. Hunt said much the same thing, acknowledging that differences between the two countries were limited to a different approach on how best to achieve similar goals. All of this public commentary constitutes support for headlines like that in UPI which declared that the EU and the three European signatories to the JCPOA have rejected Irans demands concerning that agreement and the issue of US sanctions. That report quoted a joint statement by these three governments and one multinational body as saying, We reject any ultimatums and will assess Irans compliance on the basis of Irans performance regarding its nuclear-related commitments under the [nuclear deal] and the [Nonproliferation of Weapons Treaty]. In addition to teasing its possible withdrawal from the JCPOA 60 days after the announcement of its ultimatum, the Islamic Republic has also threatened that it may pull out of the nonproliferation treaty, as well. Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Araqchi suggested that such threats were features of a strategy to meet maximum pressure from the US with maximum resistance by the Iranian regime. But as the immediate European responses indicate, this strategy may put Tehran at risking the crucial support that it now enjoys among European partners. The specific details of those responses varied, but as Reuters reported on Wednesday, the French government has acknowledged the possibility of either unilateral French sanctions or collective sanctions by the entire EU if Iran ultimately reneges on the JCPOA. Agence France-Presse noted the following day that French army minister Florence Parly had reiterated this point, while the British Foreign Ministry spoke more vaguely but still warned the Islamic Republic of consequences for actions in defiance of international will. ICYMI: Here are our top stories from Saturday, May 11 Here are some of the top stories from The Kathmandu Post (May 11, 2019). MATTOON -- Staci Murbarger, LPN, was honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at Sarah Bush Lincoln on April 30. Murbarger was nominated for making a big impression on a patient at Charleston Family Practice. In her letter, the patient expressed her gratitude to Murbarger for going above and beyond to provide years of compassionate care. Staci has provided more than a decade of care to both my husband and myself and she has shown compassion and dedication with each appointment or health issue. No matter how long between appointments, she greets us as if we are friends, and I definitely feel the genuine compassion with the care she provides. Regardless of the issue at hand, Staci always follows through and is very knowledgeable with the logistics, medications, education on diseases, and wellness phone calls. Staci truly embodies the qualities of an extraordinary nurse who makes an enormous difference in the lives of her patients for years. If I was to provide only a single example, it would be from several years ago during an unexpected illness. Staci not only stayed with my husband and I while making expedited referrals and the scheduling of tests, but she arranged for us to see a specialist very quickly. Her actions eased some of our emotional burden at a critical time. Staci is an exceptional nurse and her years of caring and compassion have not gone unrecognized by her patients. Sarah Bush Lincoln has joined more than 2,700 healthcare facilities by becoming a DAISY Award hospital partner. During the award presentation, Murbarger received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a unique, hand-carved serpentine stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, entitled, A Healers Touch. The DAISY Award was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and families. Patients, visitors, nurses, physicians and other employees may nominate a deserving nurse for The Daisy Award and a nurse will be selected by SBLs DAISY committee every month to received this special honor. Nomination forms are located at www.sarahbush.org and at all SBL clinics and on patient floors. The forms can be submitted to any Sarah Bush Lincoln staff member, or sent via email to daisy@sblhs.org or mail to Sarah Bush Lincoln, DAISY Nursing Award, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, IL 61938. For more information, contact SBL DAISY coordinator, Jamie Easton, RN, at 217-238 -6255 or jeaston@sblhs.org. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 EFFINGHAM -- HSHS St. Anthonys Memorial Hospital recently awarded Joyce Boggs, RN, with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for the past quarter. Boggs was nominated by colleagues for her work as a preceptor for new nurses in the hospitals Women and Infants Center. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. Boggss nomination was by one of the nurses she trained, who shared, Each day that passed she would teach me something new. I would go home each night and wonder how I would ever be able to know everything that she did.Joyce would always remind me that every nurse and every doctor had their first day; that the skills they now possessed were not acquired overnight. She helped me slowly gain confidence in myself.New nurses need to be lifted up and supported and I can honestly say that Joyce is the reason I stuck it through those six hard months or orientation and the long first year on my own. Shes always just a message away and knows exactly what to say to help you through whatever problem you are dealing with. Joyce Boggs shared her reaction to being awarded the DAISY Award. I am very honored, and honestly a bit shocked. I never expected it, she said. I really enjoy precepting nurses, so it touching to be nominated by a nurse that I helped train. I love what I do and working with new nurses, so this award is just icing on the cake. Including Boggs, a total of eight dedicated nurses were also recognized for receiving individual nominations for this quarter. These other colleagues included: Sharon Bauer and Rita Habing (ICU); Scott Garner (Hospice); Christy Hunter, Cody Scott, Britiani Walker and Wendy Zinda (Home Health); and Abby Warden (Women and Infants Center). Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by the Reward and Recognition Committee at St. Anthonys to receive The DAISY Award. Each Honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as an "Extraordinary Nurse." The certificate reads: "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people." Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healers Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. Said Chief Nursing Officer Bobbi Kinkelaar, Its important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that. As an organization, we are extremely proud of our nurses. Nurses are heroes every day. Those we honored here today truly embody our four Core Values of Respect, Care, Competence and Joy in how they care for patients and their families, she said. Nominations for future DAISY Awards at St. Anthonys continue to be accepted. Patients and visitors are encouraged to share and submit their story of witnessing excellent and compassionate care from staff. The nomination forms can be downloaded on the home page of the hospitals web site at stanthonyshospital.org and clicking the DAISY nomination icon. Forms can also be downloaded and emailed to DAISY@hshs.org. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Coles County Council on Aging in partnership with Senior Education Ministries will host a Dine With A Doc Program, Friday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at your LifeSpan Center. Dine with a Doc is a free educational program that welcomes seniors to listen to a doctor present an educational topic and then have a question-and-answer period following the discussion. According to dinewithadoc.com, the program was designed to allow seniors to get out of their homes, fellowship with their peers, extend their financial resources, promote enhanced living, and educate them (from a preventative standpoint) with the goal of improving their quality of life and providing them with the resources and information to make an informed choice about their healthcare. Each month a doctor graciously donates their time in an effort to listen, hear, and answer your medical questions while sharing a meal with you. Various community businesses also participate by donating door prizes or provide a complimentary lunch for you to enjoy, so they can learn about ways they may help you as well. Mays Dine With A Doc will feature Dr. James Kohlmann, M.D. who will speak and answer your questions. Dr. Kohlmann will speak on the topic of Anterior Hip Replacement. Dr. Kohlmann attended the University of Illinois School of Medicine in Chicago. There, Kohlmann completed his internship and residency. Dr. Kohlmanns specialties include Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery. Reservations are required and can be made by calling your LifeSpan Center at 217-639-5150. Guests who need transportation may call Dial-A-Ride at 217-639-5196 or 1-800-500-5505 at least 2 days prior to the event. The LifeSpan Center is located at 11021 E. County Road 800N, Charleston. The telephone number is (217) 639-5150. The numbers for the programs are as follows: Coles County Telecare -- (217) 639-5166; Family Care Giver Resource Center -- (217) 639-5168 and Dial A Ride -- (217) 639-5169 or 1-800-500-5505. See you at your LifeSpan Center. Come join us each weekday at noon for Lunch at LifeSpan. Peace Meals are served Monday through Friday at a suggested donation of $3.50. To register, reserve a lunch or learn more, contact Peace Meal at (217) 348-1800. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Text messages released in indictment of officers An federal indictment against four St. Louis police officers in connection with the the beating of an undercover officer during a 2017 protest includes these text messages allegedly sent by some of the officers. Sept. 15, 2017 FROM ** to CHRISTOPHER MYERS: Hey we are both on the same arrest team. Are we meeting at 20th and Olive? CHRISTOPHER MYERS to **: I know right. Yes I guess so, lets whoop some ass DUSTIN BOONE to **: The more the merrier!!! Its gonna get IGNORANT tonight!! But its gonna be a lot of fun beating the hell out of these (expletive) once the sun goes down and nobody can tell us apart!!!! DUSTIN BOONE to ** Im on (Sgt **s) arrest team! Me and a BIG OL black dude r the guys that are hands on! No stick or shield.. just (expletive) people up when they dont act right! DUSTIN BOONE to ** Thats my dude today! Haha hes basically a thug thats on our side!!! Its he and I that just grab (expletive) and toss em around DUSTIN BOONE to ** We really need these (expletive) to start acting up so we can have some fun Sept. 16, 2017 DUSTIN BOONE to ** This (expletive) is crazy. But its (expletive) AWESOME too! Except for cops getting hurt. People of the streets got (EXPLETIVE) UP! Lol DUSTIN BOONE to ** R u guys in (South Patrol Division) prepping anything for the war tonight? Any mistake strikes that (Sgt. **) is gonna order? DUSTIN BOONE to ** Just deployed to U city.. u will see the REAL POLICE come in and clear these (expletive) REAL QUICK. We aint (expletive) w them tonight. Sept. 17, 2017 ** to DUSTIN BOONE You doing ok down there with the idiots? DUSTIN BOONE to ** Yeah. A lot of cops gettin hurt, but its still a blast beating people that deserve it. And Im not one of the people hurt, so Im still enjoying each night. Sept. 18, 2017 DUSTIN BOONE to ** We reloading these fools up on prisoner busses. As they got on we all said in unison OUR STREETS haha Sept. 20, 2017 DUSTIN BOONE to ** The problem is when they start acting like fools, we start beating the (expletive) out of everyone on the street after we give two warnings Sept. 23, 2017 DUSTIN BOONE to ** Did everyone see the protesters getting (EXPLETIVE) UP in the galleria???? That was awesome! Oct. 5, 2017 RANDY HAYES to DUSTIN BOONE: Its extremely frustrating, but youll eat yourself up inside if you dont just let it go and deal with it when it comes. And this one is easy because we both are good, going rogue does feel good, but Ive been elected to be the driver of a Tahoe, so if I get involved tonight, (expletive) has hit the fan. DUSTIN BOONE to RANDY HAYES: Well (expletive) DUSTIN BOONE to RANDY HAYES: LOL DUSTIN BOONE to RANDY HAYES: I should probably stay in check as well. RANDY HAYES to DUSTIN BOONE: Remember we are in south city. They support us but also cameras. So make sure you have an old white dude as a witness. From December 19th through December 26th we will be granting free access as a gift to our readers presented by Sarah Bush Lincoln WAUKEGAN More than 100 people gathered Friday along a chain-link fence outside a badly damaged Illinois silicone factory to remember four men who died in an explosion at the facility. The mourners at AB Specialty Silicones factory north of Chicago included friends, relatives and co-workers of the men whose bodies were pulled from the rubble over the last week after the May 3 blast. Four wreaths of white flowers were placed on stands while people hugged and cried. Those killed were Byron H. Biehn, 53, of Brighton Township, Wisconsin; Jeff Cummings, 57, of Kenosha, Wisconsin; Daniel Nicklas, 24, of Beach Park, Illinois; and Allen Stevens, 29, of Salem, Wisconsin. The Waukegan explosion is under investigation. Fire officials have said they believe it was the result of an accident in factory processes. Speakers on Friday included Waukegan's mayor, the city's fire chief and Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper, who said the service was about healing. But Cooper told those gathered, "I cannot lie, it's hard." General Manager Mac Penman, with his wife and family beside him, spoke first about the tragic accident. He said Friday was a day to honor those who had died and help in the healing process. This has been the hardest week in my life and for the AB family, he said. They were friends. They were family. And they are missed. At the end of Penmans tribute, he also promised to rebuild the factory. If we can build a place that they would be proud of, we should do it, Penman said to a round of applause. Waukegan city spokesman David Motley said the blast affected seven nearby buildings, whose owners were asked to complete independent structural analyses of the properties. "Unfortunately, not all of them are OK," Motley said. The Lake County News-Sun contributed to this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Mothers deserve more than a day every 12 months. Twenty-four hours isnt enough for such a daunting title with just three letters Mom. The website Salary.com calculates how much a mother would be paid if it were a paying gig: it works out to $143,102 a year in compensation for stay-at-home moms and $90,223 for working ones. That seems low for such an all-encompassing, 24/7 job. After all, what other job requires the diverse and demanding skills of judge, janitor, housekeeper, caregiver, teacher, grief counselor, fashion consultant, personal shopper, chauffeur, therapist, chef, tutor, event planner, academic adviser, dish washer, nutritionist, tailor, nurse, laundry manager, referee and (on really bad days) plumber all in one shift, and occasionally all at the same time? Moms are dozens of unofficial titles, many taken for granted. And, that's only for the first 18 years. Motherhood doesnt end when a son or daughter hits 18. It's a lifetime investment. For non-moms, the job can seem overwhelming, simultaneously requiring both spines of steel, open hearts and the emotional improv skills of a Second City performer. As the abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe is quoted as saying, Most mothers are instinctive philosophers. Or to put another way, to quote the jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes: Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall; a mothers secret hope outlives them all. Thats why moms get top billing above all others. Sure, dads and other family members do their part rearing families and keeping houses in order. And every family is a little different there are adopted families, mixed families, every other kind of family all with their own roles and dynamics, just as there are single moms, married moms, working moms and guardian moms who arent blood relatives. But by and large, there is one mom of the house, whether by birth or otherwise, who runs the show and has her hand on the controls. Theyre the ones juggling life in this hectic modern age. Theyre the ones with just the right tone, organizational skills and optimistic outlook to make this crazy world seem OK. That need doesnt go away when children become adults. The world needs moms. We all need them. Mary Towles Sasseen, of Henderson, Ky., gets credit for founding Mothers Day in the 1880s, although it seems curious it took that long for humans to realize we should recognize the everyday miracle that is motherhood. Society places so many unfair expectations on moms, along with countless sacrifices professional goals delayed, careers altered, dreams deferred. Moms carry the load, weather the storm and keep the faith. Every mom deserves to be honored this Mothers Day. And how should we show our appreciation? Flowers are nice. Cards never hurt. But a more appropriate gift might be five words that should be used liberally and frequently all year long: Thank you, I love you. Thank you for all you do, have done and will do, moms. Yours is a tough job. We cant imagine anyone else doing it. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Nebraska Crossing Outlets has landed a whale both literally and figuratively. The outlet mall near Gretna has announced that upscale trendy clothing brand Vineyard Vines will open a shop there July 1. Since grand opening, Vineyard Vines has been a target brand for both ownership and the 500,000 customers that have downloaded and regularly access the Nebraska Crossing shopping app, Johanna Boston, chief marketing officer of Nebraska Crossing Outlets, said in a news release. We are now within 3 or 4 new tenants of fulfilling our ambitious goal of bringing the best and top brands in the country to Nebraska. Vineyard Vines will sell mens, womens and childrens clothing in its 2,200-square-foot space at the outlet mall. It will be the first store in Nebraska for the company, which only has about 120 of its own stores. The closest one to the area is in Kansas City, Missouri. The brand, which is known for its whale logo, sells business casual and leisure wear. The company was founded in Marthas Vineyard in 1998 by two brothers. Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. To honor Jills memory and her passion for education, Moore and Obrist reached out to two former Lincoln Southeast teachers and mentors Rob McEntarffer, who now works for the Lincoln Public Schools District, and Brent Toalson, who is now principal at Southeast. They connected them with the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, where they received help in starting a scholarship fundraising page in memory of Savage. The page went live in late March. In less than two months, the page has acquired 29 donors and raised $4,890. According to Obrist, the goal is to raise enough funds to establish an endowed (permanent) annual scholarship in Savages name. To accomplish that, the friends need to raise $28,500 the magic number needed to establish a self-sustaining investment fund that will produce an annual scholarship without requiring additional donations. We are at 17.16% of our total fundraising goal, and we still have a long way to go," Obrist said. "Regardless of how much we raise, the foundation will help us create a scholarship in Jills name; but we are really hoping that we can make this a permanent scholarship, as opposed to a short-lived one. Either way, any money raised will go to Lincoln Southeast students in need to further their education. Those wishing to help can donate online at foundationforlps.org/for-jill (be sure to read Savages full biography, written by Obrist, to learn more about her life and accomplishments) or mail a check made out to the Foundation for LPS (with Jillian Savage memorial written in the memo line) to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, 5905 O St., Lincoln, NE 68510. For more information, contact Gary Reber at gary.reber@lps.org or 402-436-1612. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 One man was arrested and two were taken to the hospital after a shooting Friday night in Tecumseh, according to a news release from the Nebraska State Patrol. According to the release, three men attacked a Tecumseh resident at his home in the 700 block of North Fourth Street shortly before 11 p.m. About an hour before the incident, the residents of the home, 64-year-old Raymond Brown and 60-year-old Janet Brown, received multiple threatening phone calls from two past co-workers, 26-year-old Colton Bridgewater and 20-year-old Levi Bridgewater. At about 10:45 p.m, Colton and Levi Bridgewater, along with their father, 50-year-old Kenneth Bridgewater, went to the Browns' home. The Browns called 911 and told the Bridgewaters to leave, but they forced their way inside the home and began fighting with Raymond Brown. Both Raymond Brown and Kenneth Bridgewater were armed with handguns. During the fight, Brown shot both Colton and Levi Bridgewater, and after additional struggle, Kenneth Bridgewater went outside and continued to yell threats at Brown. An off-duty Nebraska Department of Correctional Services officer, who was not part of the incident, was nearby and responded to the scene and assisted in de-escalating the situation. 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. No figures are yet available for FEMA's public assistance grant program. "More than 300 (public assistance) projects have been requested," said Jodie Fawl, spokeswoman for the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. "Projects have begun to be written, but the deadline is May 20. We anticipate another 100 projects will be submitted." Early estimates indicate that individual and public losses in Nebraska may fall between $700 million and $1 billion, Fawl said. That's a figure that does not include agricultural losses. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has estimated $440 million in crop losses and $400 million in cattle losses. "This is an historic event and its costs will exceed that of all previous disasters in Nebraska," Fawl said. The Senate deadlock over disaster assistance legislation has been prompted by deep partisan divisions, fed at least in part by Trump's accusations that too much assistance is going to Puerto Rico. On April 1, he returned with Boyd County Attorney Brent Kelly. They could tell some of the carcasses had been buried, but they decided to get a court order allowing them to enter the property with a veterinarian. Wrede also inspected the propertys hay supply, and deemed much of it outdated, up to a couple of years old, and the remaining hay represented a one- or two-day supply. They searched the property April 8 and counted about 150 dead cows, calves and bulls, and nearly 700 live animals, according to court documents. Ten days later, a judge ordered the sheriffs office to seize and sell the surviving animals, with the proceeds paying for the sale, the care of the animals and, if any money was left over, to the owners. The Nebraska Brand Committee, Wrede and his hired hands got to work. It took more than a week and a half to collect all the cattle from the Schuman properties, and they found more dead animals as the days unfolded. It was busy, the sheriff said. We kind of put everything else on hold and thats all we did. The Lincoln Council for International Visitors (LCIV) hosted 11 journalists from the Near East and North Africa April 28 to May 2. They were here as part of the Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists, studying U.S. foreign policy. They were chosen by the U.S. Embassies in their countries for the U.S. Department of State. During their Lincoln stay, the visitors met with Gov. Pete Ricketts and Secretary of State Bob Evnen, observed the Nebraska Legislature in session and toured the State Capitol. Other meetings were with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Press Association and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications. The journalists toured the KLKN television station and were interviewed for segments on the evening news May 1. They also volunteered at the Food Bank of Lincoln. Social events included three dinners hosted by LCIVs member citizen diplomats and friends. A public reception was held at Embassy Suites April 30. Six additional visitors coming May 12-15 In response, it seems, the White House established a clear -- if nearly impossible -- standard: no credentials to any journalist who is not in the building on at least 90 out of the previous 180 days -- in other words, seven of every 10 workdays. The White House wouldn't provide numbers, but it appears most of the White House press corps didn't qualify for credentials under the new standard, including regulars for The Post and the Associated Press. The White House said it would grant exceptions for "senior journalists" who are "consistently engaged in covering the White House" and for those with "special circumstances." Though the culling properly eliminated some who no longer needed credentials, the victims hurt most were freelance camera operators and technicians who now could lose their livelihood. The White House, in rescinding my credentials, told me I had been in the building only seven times in the previous 180 days. (Two foot surgeries during that period kept me at home, though I never came close to the 90-day standard.) RACINE Ten thousand square feet of added space. That was the difference between Fischer USA, an employer of close to 70 people locally, staying in Racine or leaving it. On Friday, Fischer USA, 3715 Blue River Ave., celebrated the opening of its new east addition, which brought total space up to about 48,000 square feet. The company incorporated in Racine in 1941 and has never budged from its original site although it has expanded several times, said Ryan Brath, president and chief operating officer of the Switzerland-based company. The Racine operation is the companys only U.S. location. Fischer manufactures and rebuilds high-speed spindles. A spindle is the engine of a machine tool, Brath explained. Any bit that is cutting metal needs something behind it turning it. And the spindle is whats behind it, turning anything thats removing metal. Fischers customers include specialty industries, automotive, mold and die, and aerospace. Sixty percent of what we do in the U.S. is aerospace, Brath said. So, were very focused on Boeing out of this plant. High-speed spindles need a full rebuild every 5,000 to 10,000 hours of use, Brath said, and that work comprises about 60 percent of Fischer USAs revenues. New addition in use Fischer USA was able to expand when it was allowed to buy about 1 acre of city-owned Pierce Woods Park despite some opposition from citizens. Actual construction of the approximately $3.5 million addition started in August 2017, and manufacturing started there early last December, Brath said. We had about as many things, in a small project, as you could imagine happen did happen, he said. Those included weather delays and delays because of materials not arriving on time and a bit of contaminated soil which delayed the project another three weeks. But now the addition is essentially finished and in use, although a large part of it is still wide open for more machinery. One big advantage is provides, besides more space, is that the company was able to build in two large overhead cranes that move on tracks. Brath said Fischer which is currently hiring is planning to increase manufacturing; those operations are primarily to support the service side of the business. He expects to add a third shift at the beginning of next year. For the City of Racine, perhaps the greatest benefit from Fischer USAs addition is keeping the company in Racine. Without it, Brath said, Fischer would have been looking for a new home somewhere near Interstate 94. Overall, were really happy that were still in Racine, Brath said. That was the main objective with this whole thing. Overall, were really happy that were still in Racine. That was the main objective with this whole thing. Ryan Brath, president and chief operating officer of Fischer USA Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 2 The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. RACINE The Choral Arts Society (CAS) will present The Long and Winding Road, a concert featuring music of The Beatles, at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at EAA Chapter 838 Racine at Batten International Airport, 3333 N. Green Bay Road. The full chorus, plus strings, horns and rock ensemble will celebrate the 50th anniversary of this iconic Lennon and McCartney song. This anniversary has created a resurgence in the popularity of The Beatles. The audience will experience a magical mystery tour of hits in a wide range of styles and arrangements, including originals, acapella chorus and the full epic combination of more than 70 voices and instruments. CAS is bringing in special guest artists and local favorites Marvin Dykhuis and Mark Paffrath of Marvin and the Dogs, plus Hans Mayer (bass), John Traylor (drums), Shelley Dolf (percussion) and Randy Fisher (keys) in the rock combo. Other accomplished performers include Curt Hanrahan (winds), Pat Badger (trumpet), Chuck Barnes (trombone), Anne Heide and Nancy Maio (violin) and Michele Venturella (cello). Conductor and artistic director is James Schatzman. Lennon and McCartneys songwriting touches a range of moods and emotions. The evening will offer poignant ballads like Here, There, and Everywhere, fun and humorous ditties like Yellow Submarine and When Im Sixty-Four, and rock anthems like Hey Jude. Paffrath will interpret one of the most widely covered, best known and lyrically beautiful songs of all time, Yesterday. Putting this program together was so much fun, said Schatzman. The challenge was that it was almost impossible to pare down the list. The Beatles wrote hundreds of songs, and the number of truly great songs is astonishing when you look at all of them at one time. The groundbreaking Beatles changed the trajectory of rock and roll, adding classical, choral and world music elements. This innovative band changed how popular music was presented and recorded, and invented the stadium concert. The Beatles also made five movies during the same time period when they were recording albums. They sold 1.6 billion singles and 177 million albums in the United States alone. Their tunes have stood the test of time and can still be heard from coffee shops to concert halls and stadiums. The influence of The Beatles cannot be overestimated, Schatzman emphasized. They changed the entire popular music industry. They created close to 300 original songs, and some invited a more classical presentation. The diversity of sounds and styles is amazing. The Beatles were trail blazers, and nothing makes it more obvious than a retrospective like this. Album 1, released in 2000 on the 30th anniversary of the bands breakup, is still this centurys biggest-selling album worldwide. Advance tickets cost $15 for adults and $12 for seniors. Tickets cost $2 more at the door and student tickets cost $5. Advance tickets are available at Personal Touch Florists, online at www.choralartsonline.org, at the door or call CAS at 262-634-3250. The Choral Arts Society is in its 32nd season as a volunteer, auditioned, adult community chorus. CAS celebrates the human spirit through choral music. In an atmosphere of fellowship and collaboration, the CAS fosters creative talents of musicians and composers. The CAS partners with others who share its passion for artistic excellence. Funding for this program has been allocated from the Vonnie Jones and Maglona Jones Fund and the Unrestricted Fund within the Racine Community Foundation. This season was supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 MOUNT PLEASANT Maya Angelou once said: They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Linda Wohlgemuth, a practical nurse at Kenosha-based Froedert South, said the quote seemed particularly fitting for a ceremony recognizing 10 top nurses working in Racine County. Just by your presence you can make difference to a patient, a family member even physicians and the people that are directing you to do what you do at times, Wohlgemuth told those gathered for the event. We nurse for everyone, not just the patient. On Friday afternoon, The Journal Times recognized the 10 honorees, chosen by their peers and the public, at an awards ceremony at Meadowbrook Country Club, 2149 N. Green Bay Road. Journal Times Publisher Mark Lewis said the judges Vicki Hulback of Gateway Technical College, Bryan Lewis of UW-Parkside, Cheryl Peterson of Carthage College and Joan Wilk of UW-Milwaukee told him that choosing the top 10 out of the 70 nurses who were nominated had been challenging. Wohlgemuth noted that the 10 selected work with a variety of organizations in a variety of roles, including as nursing teachers, practical nurses and managers. But I think the recipients all share one common trait that is the intrinsic nature of nurses: To selflessly give of themselves and continually care for those around them, said Wohlgemuth. Youve dedicated your time and efforts, your resources and your skills to care for your patients and for the community. You assumed the seemingly impossible challenge of caring for the health and well being of your fellow man. The 2019 honorees are: Rachel Gage with Aurora Health Care Eunice Jones with Ridgewood Care Center Julie Maher with Carthage College Jennifer Meekma with Ascension Livings Lakeshore at Siena Gail Moretz with Oak Ridge Care Center in Union Grove Katie Olson with Ascension All Saints Nancy Rittgers with Ascension All Saints Amber Segura with Ascension All Saints Ashley Skendziel with My Choice Family Care Diane Skewes, a faith community nurse To learn more about these nurses, their biographies and backgrounds, see our Celebrating Nurses special section in Sundays Journal Times. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The week in photos (May 5 - 10) Its time to take a look back at some of the best shots captured last week by our photographers. MADISON The wait for the next Racine County register of deeds is over. On Friday, Gov. Tony Evers appointed Connie Cobb Madsen, a Democrat, to replace Tyson Fettes, who resigned in April in order to take a job in the private sector. With her impressive record of public service and her commitment to Racine County, I am confident that Connie Cobb Madsen will be an exceptional register of deeds, Evers said. She has the background and vision necessary to continue and expand upon the innovative, efficient work seen at the Racine County Register of Deeds Office. Madsen has two decades of experience in public service and local government, many of which were spent in Racine County. From 1993-2000, she worked in law enforcement, first as a deputy sheriff in the Racine County Sheriffs Office and later with the Racine Police Department as a patrol officer. From 2000-2011, Madsen served the Racine County District Attorneys Office as the program coordinator for the Victim Witness Assistance Program. Most recently, Madsen worked in various local government roles throughout rural Alabama. After returning to Racine in 2018, Madsen ran for Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court, but lost to Sam Christensen. Madsen was interviewed by Evers; at the conclusion of the interview the governor offered her the job and Madsen said that she graciously accepted. I felt that it was a position that I could do and felt that I could be of service to Racine County in that position and so I just threw my hat in felt that I was a good candidate for the position, Madsen said. Top county Republican officials, including Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, state Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, and Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, lobbied Evers to pick a Republican candidate for the post, considering Fettes was a Republican and had been unopposed for election in 2016. But throughout the process, Evers office maintained he would choose whomever he thought was most qualified for the position. Madsen said she needs to talk with Racine County Clerk Wendy Christensen to finalize the details of when she would start her new position. The register of deeds seat will next be up for election in 2020. Love 3 Funny 1 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 1 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. SOMERS The University of Wisconsin-Parkside on April 30 hosted Parkside Day, a 24-hour challenge for alumni and community members to give to and engage with the university. We chose to offer a challenge day as part of UW-Parksides fiftieth anniversary celebrations, and the community responded with so much enthusiasm, said J. Thomas Krimmel, associate chancellor for university development and alumni relations and a UW-Parkside class of 1972 graduate. We didnt know what to expect since it was UW-Parksides first giving day, but it was so successful that we plan to make it an annual event. Throughout the day, supporters also engaged with the university on social networks and on campus. Parkside Day featured a Parkside trivia contest and multiple social media challenges. Notably, the Parkside Day video was viewed by more than 14,000 people on Facebook. Parkside Days main focus was encouraging individuals to make online donations, which totaled more than $33,000 from more than 170 donors in the 24-hour period. This was well beyond our initial goal of 100 Parkside Day donors, which speaks to the commitment of our alumni and other community members to benefiting UW-Parkside, Krimmel said. We saw many alumni excited to get involved and pay it forward for future students. The funds raised primarily benefit the Future Focus Scholarship, which was created by the UW-Parkside Foundation in 2018 to provide need-based support to UW-Parkside students. UW-Parkside Foundation board members provided matching funds as an incentive for donations to the Future Focus Scholarship on Parkside Day. Local corporations like our anniversary sponsors Snap-on Incorporated and Johnson Financial Group led the way in investing in the Future Focus Scholarship at the 50 Years Gala, said Emily Lawrence, UW-Parkside Foundation president. Parkside Day was an opportunity to ask the whole community to join us in supporting students. The UW-Parkside Foundation board is committed to raising funds that make a critical difference for UW-Parkside students, and we thank donors for partnering with us to carry out this mission. Individuals interested in supporting the Future Focus Scholarship or other UW-Parkside initiatives can learn more and give online at www.uwp.edu/giving. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 TOWN OF NORWAY A parked Ford F-150 was pushed into a house after being hit by a Toyota SUV at about 1:50 p.m. Friday. The Toyota SUV was northbound on Highway 45, just south of the Milwaukee-Racine county line, when it ran off the road, hit a 45-mph speed limit sign, drove through the grass for about 50 feet, collided head-on with the unoccupied F-150 and pushed the truck back another 20 feet until it hit a home. The homeowner, Ken Williams, said he bought the truck at 5 p.m. Thursday, less than 22 hours before it was crashed into. He had not even gotten insurance on it yet. DOT, Traffic Commission working to improve safety at highways 11 and J RACINE COUNTY Traffic safety commissioners are trying to curb the high amount of crashes at the intersection of highways J and 11 that has b The trucks impact appears to have damaged the houses foundation, Williams said. Williams was not home when the crash occurred. He got back a few minutes after the crash to find multiple emergency vehicles in front of his home. The driver of the SUV was taken away in an ambulance, according to Williams. Racine County Sheriffs Office deputies on scene were not able to provide any additional information. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 2 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WAUKEGAN, Ill. More than 100 people gathered Friday along a chain-link fence outside a badly damaged Illinois silicone factory to remember four men who died in an explosion at the facility. The mourners at AB Specialty Silicones factory in Waukegan included friends, relatives and co-workers of the men whose bodies were pulled from the rubble over the last week after the May 3 blast. Four wreaths of white flowers were placed on stands while people hugged and cried. Those killed included Daniel Nicklas, 24, of Beach Park, Ill., and three Kenosha County residents: Byron H. Biehn, 53, of Brighton; Jeff Cummings, 57, of Kenosha; and Allen Stevens, 29, of Salem Lakes. The explosion is under investigation. Fire officials have said they believe it was the result of an accident in factory processes. Speakers on Friday included Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham, Fire Chief George Bridges Jr. and Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper, who said the service was about healing, but added: I cannot lie; its hard. Company General Manager Mac Penman said he plans to rebuild and reopen the facility. We have lost our friends and colleagues, Penman said. But the families have lost fathers, sons, husbands and brothers. Meanwhile, Waukegan city spokesman David Motley said the blast affected seven nearby buildings. The owners of the buildings have been asked to complete independent structural analyses of the properties. Unfortunately, not all of them are OK, Motley said. On Wednesday, U.S. Reps. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., and Brad Schneider, D-Ill., released a joint statement regarding the explosion. Steil represents Wisconsins 1st Congressional District, which includes Kenosha County, and Waukegan is in Illinois 10th Congressional District, which Schneider represents. The statement read: Our Kenosha and Waukegan communities are hurting. The terrible explosion that occurred on May 3 at AB Specialty Silicones factory claimed the lives of three individuals and a search is ongoing for one individual who remains missing. Our prayers are with the friends and families of Jeff Cummings, Byron Biehn, and Allen Stevens of Kenosha County. As we begin to learn more about that day and the heroic actions taken to save others, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by our first responders. Their prompt response helped extinguish the fire and save lives. Day in and day out, emergency professionals risk their lives to save others. In the coming days and weeks, we will work together to offer care to those affected by this tragedy, and support the work of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board to identify the cause of the disaster. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 - Australian couple shared a video of a taxi driver who tried to scam them - According to these travel vloggers, they have been travelling to the Philippines but they have always known Filipinos to be friendly - The couple was being charged by the driver because of their luggage PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed! A Filipino taxi driver went viral after he was exposed by two Austrian vloggers who said that the driver tried to scam them. They were from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City and rode the taxi to Legazpi Village in Makati City. Michael Holaschke and Anela Hrnic were the Australian vloggers who handle the Making it happen Vlog. In their vlog they shared a video where the taxi driver asked them to pay extra for their luggage. The driver also asked them to pay a high flat rate instead of the metered rate according to them. They opted to ride a taxi because they could not book a grab. While the taxi driver tried to make them pay extra, the couple explained that they know the law and they were not first timers. Holaschke also revealed that the driver aggressively tried to seize his phone when he learned that they were filming him. PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data! The driver even stopped the car because the couple did not give in to his demands. Using their own GPS navigation, they noticed that the driver tried to take detours. Hrnic told him to stop making detours. They were able to reach their destination but they were obviously displeased with the driver. Filipinos are the kindest, friendliest people that weve ever met and this is the first time in two years traveling to the Philippines that weve had [a] bad experience, said Holaschke. The Pinoy netizens condemned the taxi driver's rudeness. Here are some of their comments on the video uploaded on their Youtube channel. On behalf of the Filipino People we're so sorry... I really feel sorry... Thank you for trusting to us Filipino... God Bless you both... Our government take action about the incident. I watched you on our national news. Justice is serve. God speed. Update on this: All "White Taxi" franchise units, in which one of the taxis was involved, were banned from all Metro Manila airports effective immediately by the LTFRB. In behalf of all filipinos, we sincerely apologize for the mishap. Yes 1st to comment! I am a policeman did you get the info? Send it to me, i will teach that driver a lesson that he will never forget. Thank you for exposing this persisting problem. These kind of taxi drivers will never learn. I'm a silent fan and follower but this video made me sad and embarrassed at the same time. But big thanks for not generalizing us, Filipinos. that driver won't be able to drive anymore. Our govt. already revoked his driving license. Even we filipinos are experiencing this kind of abusive taxi driver asking for an additional charge thank you for giving him a punishment that he deserve We filipino people are apologizing for this kind of behavior keep safe mike and nelly POPULAR: Read more viral stories here Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! Tricky Questions: What Is Kulangot In English? | HumanMeter HumanMeter explores the streets of Metro Manila and tried asking funny and tricky questions. Find out more responses from the Pinoys we encounter. Click Play and enjoy. Source: KAMI.com.gh Arun III project, locals locked in land compensation dispute Speaking at an interaction organised by the Investment Board at the District Administration Office, struggle committee president Harka Singh Rai said locals were not against Arun III, but they would launch a protest if their demands were not met. Share Article Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord speaks during the JEDI Cloud Industry Day in Arlington, Va., on March 7, 2018. DoD photo by EJ Hersom. The F-35 program will likely experience both schedule delays and cost increases if Turkey is pushed out of the program, but the Pentagon is working on ways to mitigate the potential fallout in that event, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord said in a May 10 press conference. We see a potential slowing-down of some deliveries over the next two years if Turkey is voted out of the F-35 program, Lord said, as well as some potential cost impacts. But right now we believe we can minimize both of those and are working on refining them. She said the partners are very supportive of the US insistence that Turkey drop its plans to buy the Russian S400 Triumf air defense system and instead buy something that is NATO compliant. She said she met with the other JSF partners recently in Brussels, Belgium, at a conference of armaments directors, and they back the US approach. Turkey is a very good supplier on the F-35 program, Lord asserted, noting that partner countries are awarded F-35 supply chain contracts based on value. She said the Pentagon has been looking at alternative supply sources, but expressed hope that a deal can still be made with Turkey that would prevent its departure from the program. Turkeys planned purchase of the S400 has roiled both NATO and the JSF partnership, as the US has charged that Russian technicians would gain valuable insight in how to detect and track the F-35 if they were allowed to see the two systems function in close proximity. The Turkish government has rebuffed the US offer of the Patriot air defense system as a substitute for the S400, saying the Triumf sale and delivery is a done deal and the system will be delivered this summer. Lord declined to explain Turkeys objections to the Patriot, saying only, Were under discussions right now to replace the S400 with the Patriot. Turkey plans to buy 100 F-35s for its air force; the first two are already flying at Luke AFB, Ariz., which is the international training center for all operators of the F-35A version. President Trump is scheduled to visit Turkey and meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in July, it was announced last week. The two are expected to discuss a number of issues including trade, Middle East security, NATO, and areas of friction between the two countries, such as the S400 deal. The S400 could potentially be delivered during Trumps visit. Vice Adm. Mat Winter, the program executive officer for the F-35, in written testimony for the House Armed Services tactical aviation subcommittee last week, said the expected costs of the fighter may not justify going to a multiyear procurement when Lots 15, 16, and 17 come up for negotiation. The JSF partners will be collectively making a multiyear block buy in Lots 12, 13, and 14, and it was expected that the US would try to get in on it after full-rate production begins, as US law allows. Lord said she believes its premature to discuss Lots 15, 16, and 17, when negotiations are still underway for Lot 12. She expects to award a contract to Lockheed Martin for Lot 12 in the June-July timeframe. She offered that she meets with Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson on a monthly basis, and credited the company with working closely with the department, to really understand the cost drivers in the production line. Lord reported the Pentagon is getting better and better fidelity from that data, which, in turn, is allowing the Defense Department to construct incentive fees around the work thats being done to keep the number of aircraft coming off that line consistent with what we need to deliver each year. The Pentagon and Lockheed are working to drive costs out of the system, she said, and that will get easier with the economies of scale as the annual production rate rises. Asked if its still a goal to enter a multiyear procurement on the F-35, Lord answered, Im not sure I would call it a goal. Its under consideration. She said there are pluses and minuses to doing a multiyear procurement. Any decision I will make will be a data-driven decision, and right now, were still collecting data, she said. Lord said she does not believe the F-35 issue with Turkey is influencing other customers for US foreign military sales in the Middle East. Sales have declined in the last year, but Lord said, We are in a fairly complicated geo-political environment, and as a result, some sales will be questioned a little more within the interagency and Congress, but there is a pent-up demand, obviously. Nepal-India border sealed for 48 hours Nepal-India border in Parsa district has been sealed for 48 hours from Friday night in view of the Lok Sabha elections in the Indian state of Bihar. The city of La Crosse will spend another $160,000 on developing a plan to address lead contamination in the La Crosse River Marsh after a Thursday vote by the Common Council. The council also voted to approve a separation agreement with a La Crosse firefighter charged with possession of child pornography, ban smoking in city parks, rebid a project to build restrooms at La Crosse Municipal Harbor and put off voting on an ordinance limiting where food trucks can park. The council unanimously approved allocating $160,000 from the citys reserve fund to continue work on a remedial action options report required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The funds will go toward preparing a 3D computer model of the study area with sampling results, as well as evaluating four options for dealing with the lead and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAH, left in the marsh, according to consultant John Storlie. The lead and PAH is left over from the La Crosse Gun Club, which leased a portion of Myrick Park from 1929 to 1963. The club set up four trap-shooting stations to shoot targets over the marsh, leaving lead pellets and the remains of trap-shooting targets where they lay. A University of Wisconsin-La Crosse study funded with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant and support from UW-L and the state Department of Natural Resources presented to the city in early 2015 showed 50,000 lead pellets per square meter imbedded in the underwater soil, based on analysis of 400 surface soil samples and 33 core samples. According to the study, which was first presented to the board in February 2015, the soils on the west side had surface lead levels as high as 26,700 milligrams per kilogram, qualifying the area as contaminated. However, the study concluded a cleanup would cause more harm than good. The DNR, on the other hand, has instructed the city to address the contamination. Storlie, of Coulee Environmental Solutions, a division of The OS Group, was hired by the city in 2016 to gather data and develop the report for the DNR. He expects to finalize the report and submit it to the DNR this summer. Separation agreement The council unanimously approved a separation agreement with Francis Devine, a La Crosse Fire Department division chief who was charged in March with possession of child pornography. Devine, 52, will depart the city June 22 and agrees to take his remaining sick, vacation and personal days between Thursday and his last day of employment, according to the agreement. Devine also will not receive unemployment compensation and cannot be employed again by the city of La Crosse. Smoking ban The council voted 9-4 to prohibit smoking in public parks on the recommendation of city parks director Jay Odegaard. Odegaard said the prohibition would let the city avoid paying staff to spend 20 hours per week removing the cigarette butts, improve the air quality for kids playing in the park and keep cigarette butts out of the storm sewers. Itll be signed at all the different parks. Itll be enforced same as our no alcohol within 1,000 feet of playground structures or no camping or any other ordinances follow suit to the parks, Odegaard said. Council members Scott Neumeister, Christine Kahlow, Gary Padesky and Martin Gaul voted against the ban. Harbor bathrooms The council rejected bids for the restroom, shelter and shower facility at La Crosse Municipal Harbor after they came in over the $350,000 budget. Im working with the architect and the park department to rescope the project to get it back under the budget, city engineer Randy Turtenwald said. Food trucks The council voted to refer an ordinance that would restrict where food trucks can sell their food, requiring them to get permission to park within 150 feet of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Kahlow asked her fellow council members to hold off on making a decision, saying the committee discussion last week raised some questions in the community that need answering before it moves forward. Jourdan Vian can be reached at jvian@lacrossetribune.com or follow her on Twitter at @Jourdan_LCT. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. LANSING, Iowa When the Black Hawk Bridge connecting Lansing to De Soto, Wis., opened in 1931, some thought the new cantilever through-truss bridge over the Mississippi River would make La Crosses old wagon bridge obsolete. La Crosse with its 39,868 people will have to start a definite and enticing campaign to induce tourist traffic to pass through and stop in the city, city leaders said, according to the Feb. 8, 1931, edition of the La Crosse Tribune and Leader-Press. Then La Crosse replaced its old wagon bridge with a new crossing on Cass Street in 1939, after a fatal car crash demolished part of the old structure. Today, its the existing Black Hawk Bridge, also known as the Lansing bridge, thats about to become obsolete. The Iowa Department of Transportation is taking the lead on weighing four bridge replacement options against major repairs that would extend the useful life of the Black Hawk Bridge by 20 to 30 years maximum. Without intervention, the bridge will have to close by 2028. Daily traffic on the Black Hawk Bridge one of three Mississippi River crossings within the almost 70 miles from Prairie Du Chien to La Crosse and a critical route for local commuters averages about 1,910 vehicles, almost 400 fewer than projected in the original 1931 prospectus used to raise funds for the bridge. By comparison, 16,500 vehicles use the Cass Street bridge per day, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. While the Black Hawk Bridge might be best known for its 7.18% incline, which gives motorists a rollercoaster-like feel, its also a historic bridge eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. As an older bridge, the Lansing bridge wasnt built to accommodate todays traffic. At 25 feet wide, it has two 10-foot lanes and no shoulders. Traffic is closed to one lane when extra-wide trucks go through or the bridge requires repairs, and the bridge is off limits to cyclists and pedestrians. The Lansing bridge is also one of the trickier Mississippi River crossings to navigate from below. The bridge stretches about 650 feet over the main navigation channel where the river bends, short of the 770-feet span between piers now required by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has recorded six tow collisions with the bridge between 1987 and 1991, and the River Industry Action committee ranked the Black Hawk Bridge the 12th most difficult upper Mississippi River bridge to navigate in an 1991 survey, according to the 2004 DOT bridge replacement feasibility study. The new bridge would have a main span of at least 770 feet and be built wider to accommodate two 12-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders on either side, according to the DOTs 2018 bridge project display. Three of the four new bridge locations being considered by the DOT are within blocks from the current Ballou Street approach from the Iowa side, and would reuse the Big Slough Bridge over the back channels on the Wisconsin side. A fourth option that connects from downtown John Street, closer to more businesses and homes, would require a new slough bridge, but disturb fewer historic resources and archaeological sites. Possible bridge designs, developed during a 2004 feasibility study, include arch and simple span truss bridges (between $60 million and $70 million), a continuous truss bridge (between $70 million and $80 million), and a cable stay bridge (more than $80 million.) Because of the bridges historic value, the Iowa DOT is also considering a major rehabilitation at a cost of almost $30 million. This option, which would close the bridge to traffic for about a year and a half, would include replacing the stringers, floor beams, and deck, as well as stabilizing pier 3. The work would need to take place by 2024, and would extend the bridges remaining service life to 2048 at most. Because a new bridge will still need to be built, the DOT estimated the total cost to range between $107.7 million and $136.8 million. If the bridge were left as is until 2028, it would cost $125,000 each year to inspect, as opposed to $75,000 for a new bridge. Approximately $1 million would also be required to maintain the bridge until 2028, at which point the bridge would be closed. Either way, the current bridge could not be left as a bike or pedestrian walkway, the DOT said in its project display. Because of the anticipated cost, neither the Iowa or Wisconsin DOTs nor the city of Lansing would be able to maintain the condition of the bridge for continued use, even by only pedestrians or bicyclists. The DOT is conducting an environmental assessment to look at how each option affects factors including land use, wetlands and waterways, floodplains, wildlife, plants, noise and light emissions, and historic, architectural and archaeological resources. The findings will help the DOT narrow its options, said Krista Billhorn, Iowa DOT transportation planner. The environmental assessment will be shared in a public meeting held in June or July, Billhorn said, at which point the project will be open again to public comments. The community is very attached to this bridge, its very iconic, Billhorn said. Plans for a Lansing bridge date back to the turn of the 20th century at least, but it wasnt until 1916 that Congress granted the Interstate Bridge Company a charter to build one. Construction didnt take place until 1929 because of World War I. By then, the original charter had expired and a new contract was granted to the Iowa-Wisconsin Bridge Company. The bridge, named for Sauk leader Chief Black Hawk to commemorate the centennial of the nearby Bad Axe Massacre, was designed by chief engineer Melvin B. Stone of Minneapolis. It cost $75,000 to build, spanned 1,623 feet, and the original bridge floor was asphalt plank on treated timber supported by steel beams. When complete, the bridge will sustain a maximum load of 30 tons in transit, the La Crosse Tribune and Leader-Press reported ahead of the bridges June 17, 1931, opening. The bridge was reinforced in the 1950s during a $1.3 million rehabilitation project to handle heavier truck loads, after it closed in 1945 due to ice dam damage. Further strengthening of the bridge would be very challenging from a technical perspective, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. This bridge has a finite service life because of fatigue caused by the flexing of steel members under load. The bridge was closed for repairs after its 2011 inspection found cracks in the beams under the floor deck. This April, the bridge was closed to replace deck panels and repair other steel structures. Jennifer Lu is the La Crosse Tribune environmental reporter. You can reach her by phone at 608-791-8217 and by email jennifer.lu@lee.net. Love 4 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 4 Angry 2 Black Girls Continue to Disappear but Few Eyebrows Are Raised THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION CONTINUES ITS SERIES ON MISSING BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS. The epidemic of missing and mostly forgotten African American girls continues to spread throughout the United States. While the names change, the stories remain similar. Miah Gourdine, just 16-years-old, was headed to school on Tuesday, April 23, but when attendance was taken at Carolina Forest High School in Horry, South Carolina, Miah was marked absent. ADVERTISEMENT Whats worse, she never returned home. While authorities have speculated that because Miah is new to the area, she may have tried to return to her native New Jersey. However, thats no consolation for her family who havent a clue as to her whereabouts. When last seen, Miah was wearing blue jeans, a black and yellow shirt, black Puma sneakers and a clear fanny pack certainly not the sign of a runaway. Horry police have asked those with information to call 843-248-1520. One week earlier on Friday, April 12, in Washington, D.C., 15-year-old Aniyah Flythe was seen walking along the 300 block of Anacostia Road in the Southeast section of the city. Aniyah hasnt been seen since. Described by the Metropolitan Police Department as 5-feet-5-inches tall and 160 pounds, Aniyah has black hair and brown eyes and she was last seen wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and white glittery sneakers. ADVERTISEMENT Aniyah is now listed on the District of Columbias critical missing persons list and authorities are asking anyone with information to call 202-727-9099 or text 50411. Though they live hundreds of miles apart, Miah and Aniyah have joined the heartbreaking list of more than 75,000 African American girls whove gone missing. Officials at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said their CyperTipline has received more than 18.4 million reports, most of which led to apparent child sexual abuse images: online enticement (including sextortion), child sex trafficking and child sexual molestation. Recently, the nonprofit Black & Missing Foundation compiled statistics from the FBI which noted that in 2016 alone, 242,295 individuals of color were reported missing in the United States. A stunning 36.7 percent of those missing were Black teens under the age of 18. Daunting in the quest to find the girls is the continued lack of attention the missing receive particularly those who are black and missing. While mainstream media mostly ignores their plight, social media remains a buzz. In one of the many efforts to use the internet and social media to help locate the missing, the website blackgirlslost.com introduced another teen who disappeared: Hi, my name is Zaria Mccier and Im 17 years old. Have you seen me around the Conyers, Georgia area? I have been missing since April 3. Can you help? Authorities are asking anyone who might have information regarding Zarias disappearance to call 770-483-2200. As NNPA Newswire continues to report on the missing, readers and social media commenters have weighed in. The fact that there is such an imbalance in the media is horrible, I admit I was ignorant there was such an imbalance because the media is obviously biased, said Margaret Clark Turnbow in response to an early story in the missing girls series. Young people of any color should be regarded as our countrys most valuable resource, Turnbow said. Said another reader, James Stallworth: This is a major crisis for our communities, lets stay aware everybody. Please God, give us a clue as to where these babies are, said Annette Ross. Natalie Wilson, who co-founded the Black and Missing Foundation in 2008, said in a recent interview that many times when children of color are reported missing, theyre reported missing as a runaway. If youre classified as a runaway, you do not receive the Amber Alert or any type of media coverage. Even if they did run away, we need to help them within 24 to 48 hours, because many of them are lured into sex trafficking, Wilson said. We need to understand what are they running away from, and ultimately what are they running to. Were also finding that when people of color men and women are reported missing, theyre deemed to be involved with some type of criminal act, theyre stereotyped and their cases arent taken seriously, she said. While I'm at this weekend's Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival in Palm Springs, here's a look back at HELL'S HALF ACRE (1954), one of the films I saw last month at the Noir City Film Festival in Hollywood.HELL'S HALF ACRE was shown on the bottom half of the double bill with the very enjoyable PLAYGIRL (1954). Like PLAYGIRL, HELL'S HALF ACRE was shown in a terrific-looking digital print.HELL'S HALF ACRE stars Evelyn Keyes -- also seen at this year's fest in 99 RIVER STREET (1953) -- as Donna Williams, who flies to Hawaii to search for the husband of just a few days whom she believed had been killed at Pearl Harbor. Donna is tipped off that her husband might actually be alive when she hears a record with distinctive lines he'd written for her.The song was written by Chet Chester (Wendell Corey), a criminal turned nightclub owner currently under arrest for a murder actually committed by his girlfriend Sally ( Nancy Gates , who passed away just days previous to the screening). Sally, who is devoted to Chet, shot a man trying to blackmail him.Chet breaks out of prison when he learns that Sally has in turn been murdered, intent on finding her killer, and Donna finds herself mixed up in the mess as she had seen the murderer, Roger Kong (Philip Ahn), outside Sally's home the day she died. An elaborate cat-and-mouse game ensues, with Donna chasing Chet as he in turn pursues Kong; when Donna finally catches up with Chet, he insists he's never seen her before! A scar on Chet's face hints at why he might have decided not to return to Donna if he was truly on the Arizona when it was bombed. He's a bitter yet somewhat philosophical man who's lived a rough life but found a measure of happiness with Sally. Chet may regret what he did to Donna, as well as the son he never knew, but Donna clearly has no place in his current life -- not that he's expecting to live much longer anyway.The supporting cast is excellent, with several good roles for women. Elsa Lanchester offers comic relief as Donna's helpful taxicab driver, and the one and only Marie Windsor turns up as a woman married to a slob (Jesse White) but carrying on with Kong behind hubby's back.Keyes is properly spunky, determined to solve the mystery of her long-ago romance once and for all. Likewise memorable is Gates as Sally, a Eurasian woman whose beauty hides a steel core; she doesn't hesitate to pick up a gun and shoot someone threatening her lover.While not particularly flashy, Corey registers well as the mysterious Chet; it's an interesting part as the script, written by Steve Fisher, doesn't provide the kind of Donna-Chet reunion we're expecting at the outset. Chet will never return to Donna's life, and his final scene makes an impression.It's a moody film in an interesting setting, some of it shot on location in Hawaii. While not absolutely top drawer, I found it a unique and absorbing watch. HELL'S HALF ACRE was directed by John H. Auer and filmed in black and white by John L. Russell Jr. . The film runs 90 minutes. The supporting cast also includes Keye Luke, Robert Costa, Robert Shield, and Leonard Strong.HELL'S HALF ACRE is available on DVD and Blu-ray from Olive Films Photo: Alan K. Rode introduces HELL'S HALF ACRE at the Egyptian Theatre.Coming soon: Two more Noir City Hollywood reviews, THE MIDNIGHT STORY (1957) and MONKEY ON MY BACK (1957). Chandan Kumar Mandal is the environment and migration reporter for The Kathmandu Post, covering labour migration and governance, as well as climate change, natural disasters, and wildlife. Saturday, May 11, 2019 Call Me American: A Memior by Abdi Nor Iftin Abdi Nor Iftin first fell in love with America from afar. As a child, he learned English by listening to American pop and watching action films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. When U.S. marines landed in Mogadishu to take on the warlords, Abdi cheered the arrival of these Americans, who seemed as heroic as those of the movies. Sporting American clothes and dance moves, he became known around Mogadishu as Abdi American, but when the radical Islamist group al-Shabaab rose to power in 2006, it became dangerous to celebrate Western culture. Desperate to make a living, Abdi used his language skills to post secret dispatches, which found an audience of worldwide listeners. Eventually, though, Abdi was forced to flee to Kenya. In an amazing stroke of luck, Abdi won entrance to the U.S. in the annual visa lottery, though his route to America did not come easily. Parts of his story were first heard on the BBC World Service and This American Life. Now a proud resident of Maine, on the path to citizenship, Abdi Nor Iftins dramatic, deeply stirring memoir is truly a story for our time: a vivid reminder of why America still beckons to those looking to make a better life. The publisher, Penguin Random House, shares this recently published excerpt of the book. In the excerpt, Abdi describes the day that American troops arrives in Somalia to provide humanitarian aid during Operation Rescue Hope. I hope you have the chance to read through this inspiring moment of resilience and hope. Abdi grew up in Somalia, and fell in love with American culture through his exposure to pop music and action movies. Growing up during the Somali Civil War, he dreamed of escaping the violence around him by moving to America. Call Me American recounts Abdis journey from Somalia to a refugee camp in Kenya to (finally) the United States. KJ https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2019/05/from-teh-bookshelves-call-me-american-a-memior-by-abdi-nor-iftin.html Saturday, May 11, 2019 An attorney who had litigated a civil matter for more than a year after learning of his client's death has been suspended for 30 days based on a recommendation of the California State Bar Court Hearing Department. The underlying case involved a fire and an issue of insurance indemnification for the client. Respondent learned of Alfeo Matteis death in or about June 2016 after the Court of Appeal remanded the case but failed to inform the court or opposing counsel, as required by Sonoma County Superior Court Local Rule 4.1(A). Local Rule 4.1(A) states When a party to a case dies, the attorney for that party shall promptly serve and file a notice with the court. At the trial On April 7, 2017, the first day of trial, opposing counsel asked respondent why Alfeo Mattei was not on respondents witness list. Respondent did not respond to the question. On the morning of April 12, 2017, respondent and opposing counsel conferred with the judge in chambers. It was the third day of trial, but a jury had not been empaneled yet, as the court had been healing pre-trial motions. Opposing counsel commented on the fact that Alfeo Mattei had not been in court the last three days, and that he was not on respondents witness list. In the presence of the judge, opposing counsel asked respondent whether Alfeo Mattei was going to testify. Respondent did not respond to the question. During the lunch break on April 12, 2017, opposing counsel searched for information on the Internet and learned that Alfeo Mattei had died. When the court resumed after lunch, the court granted the Weilers motion to strike and ordered respondent to file a third amended cross complaint by April 27, 2017. The court vacated the trial dates. Opposing counsel then advised the court that Alfeo Mattie was dead. The court asked respondent if Mattei was dead, and respondent answered he has passed, yes. Sanctions were imposed by the court The court ordered respondent to pay a total of $31,160 in sanctions to the Weilers. Respondent failed to report the sanction order to the State Bar. The Sonoma County Superior Court reported the order to the State Bar on July 28, 2017. And On December 7, 2017, the court granted the Weilers second motion for summary judgment, finding that due to Alfeo Matteis death, respondent no longer had a basis to claim there was a triable issue of fact as to the intent of the parties with regard to the lease. On February 28, 2018, respondent appealed the motion for summary judgment. That appeal is still pending. (Mike Frisch) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2019/05/deathly-silence-gets-attorney-suspended.html In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask you enter in the text you see in the image below so we can confirm your identity as a human. Thank you very much for your cooperation. A new exhibition celebrating the life of actor Audrey Hepburn opened recently in Brussels, Belgium. The opening at the Espace Vanderborght museum marks the 90th anniversary of the movie stars birth in the Belgian capital. She died in 1993. Hepburns son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, organized the exhibit called Intimate Audrey. The collection includes hundreds of private and professional camera images, as well as objects from some of Hepburns films. Among these is the motor vehicle used in the 1953 movie Roman Holiday. Hepburn won an Academy Award for her performance in the film. Ferrer said he wanted to offer a more personal look of the life of the British actress. In her later life, Hepburn spent her time working with aid organizations. She also became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Childrens Fund. Her son told Reuters, She lived a humble life, a simple life, and maybe in there lies the key to why she is still so beloved today. Hepburn was born in 1929 in Brussels to a Dutch mother and a British father. She later moved to London for ballet training and later turned to acting. She appeared in the play Gigi in New York in 1951. She starred in a number of films in the 1950s and 1960s, including Breakfast at Tiffanys, Charade and My Fair Lady. Visitors can also view Hepburns writings and fashion drawings. Ferrer said one important feature of the exhibition was a reproduction of a cherry blossom tree. The tree is a tribute to his childhood home in Switzerland which his parents bought in 1963. He added, It is an unusual exhibition because it has been completely devoid of the Hollywood aspect of her career The museum show will close on August 25. Im Jonathan Evans. Jonathan Evans adapted this story for Learning English from a report by the Reuters news service. Caty Weaver was the editor. Editor's Note: Audrey Hepburn died in 1993. The original story contained incorrect information on the year of her death. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story devoid adj. completely without exhibition n. an event at which objects (such as works of art) are put out in a public space for people to look at : a public show of something fashion n. the prevailing style, as in dress, during a particular time humble adj. not proud; not thinking of yourself as better than other people key adj. important intimate adj. very personal or private Kurdish forces now hold about a quarter of Syria, ruling across the north and east of the country. Kurdish activists who previously could not protest without risking arrest now have printing presses, festivals and even television stations. The area even has what amounts to its own government. These changes have led neighboring states to fear separatism within their own Kurdish communities. Millions of Kurds live in Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iraq. The Turkish army has come across the border twice to push back the Kurdish YPG militia in northern Syria. And the Syrian government has also pledged to take back YPG territory. Syrian Kurdish leaders say they do not seek independence but instead want to keep some amount of autonomy. Education system Semira Haj Ali is a member of the political wing of the YPG. She leads education efforts in Kurdish controlled areas of northeast Syria. In the early days of Syrias conflict, Haj Ali and other activists tried introducing a Kurdish class. The Syrian government shut down the schools. Today, she heads an education group running thousands of schools. It has built a curriculum in Kurdish, Arabic and the Syriac dialect for students to learn their native language. We never imagined this. This was a dream, said Haj Ali, speaking about young students who have grown up learning Kurdish. With the parents and the students, we broke down the doors, she said. Months later, state employees returned. Of course, we will not go back to before 2011. We will not turn back, said Haj Ali. The Syrian government does not recognize the schools in the northeast, nor does it recognize the Kurdish administration. Relationship with Damascus and the PKK During the war in Syria, Kurdish fighters and Syrian government forces have rarely clashed. At times, they fought common enemies including Turkey-backed rebels. This relationship let the Syrian government hold onto part of Qamishli, including an airport that flies planes to the capital city of Damascus. It has allowed Kurdish leaders to make money from oil sold in government territory. And the self-run administration also issues documents to its own people. Still, attempts to negotiate a political deal with the Syrian government in Damascus have gone nowhere. The lack of a deal has caused concern among Kurdish leaders. They want to keep the gains they have made. They hope such a deal would help protect their region from attack by Turkey, which says the YPG is a branch of the Kurdish PKK movement. Critics also accuse the YPG of imposing its ideas in city councils that include Arabs and other ethnicities. At an education institute in the town of Amuda, the walls even have pictures of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. The PKK, labeled a terrorist organization by both the United States and Turkey, is fighting against the Turkish government. Some Kurdish people believe they have sacrificed too much to turn back now. Nujin Kali is a pre-school director. She said her husband, a YPG fighter, died so she could do her job. She added that he said, Im doing this for your childrens future for them to learn their language, for people not to lose their rights. Abdallah Shekho owns a bookstore in Qamishli. He noted the uncertainty of the situation in the area: God forbid, if there is an attack from the regime or another side, we will have to burn these books or bury them underground again. I'm John Russell. Ellen Francis reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story festival n. a special time or event when people gather to celebrate something autonomy n. the state of existing or acting separately from others activist n. a person who uses or supports strong actions (such as public protests) to help make changes in politics or society curriculum n. the courses that are taught by a school, college, etc. regime n. a particular government underground adv. located or occurring below the surface of the earth We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. Muqadas Ashraf was 16 years old when her parents forced her to marry a Chinese man who had come to Pakistan looking for a wife. Less than five months later, Muqadas is back in her home country and pregnant. She is seeking a divorce from a husband she says was abusive. Muqadas is one of hundreds of poor Christian girls trafficked to China. The market for wives has grown quickly in Pakistan since late last year, activists say. Sometimes, Christian clergy members help the traffickers in exchange for money. The clergy will find very poor parents and promise them wealth in return for their daughters. Parents receive several thousand dollars. They are told that their new sons-in-law are wealthy Chinese Christians. But most of the men are neither wealthy nor Christian. That information comes from several brides, their parents, an activist, church leaders and government officials, all of whom spoke to reporters with The Associated Press. Most girls do not agree to the marriages. Instead, they are forced into them. Once the girls arrive in China, they find themselves alone in rural areas. They may face abuse and be left without any way to communicate with family back home or the Chinese around them. 'Greed is really responsible...' Ijaz Alam Augustine is the human rights and minorities minister in Pakistans Punjab province. He told the AP, This is human smuggling. Greed is really responsible for these marriages ... I have met with some of these girls and they are very poor. Augustine accused the Chinese government and its embassy in Pakistan of ignoring the situation. He says they issue visas and other travel documents without asking questions. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied the accusation. It said China has zero acceptance of illegal marriage agencies. Human Rights Watch called on China and Pakistan to take action to end trafficking. It warned in an April 26 statement of increasing evidence that Pakistani women and girls are at risk of sexual slavery in China. This week, Pakistans Federal Investigation Agency took action. It arrested eight Chinese nationals and four Pakistanis in raids in Punjab province in connection with trafficking, Pakistans Geo TV reported. The agency said the raids followed a secret operation. The Chinese embassy said last month that China is cooperating with Pakistan to act against illegal trafficking centers. Officials said, both Chinese and Pakistani youths are victims of these illegal agents. Supply and demand Saleem Iqbal is a Pakistani Christian activist and a reporter with a small Christian station, Isaac TV. He said he first began to see increased numbers of Pakistani-Chinese marriages in October. Since then, an estimated 750 to 1,000 Pakistani girls have been married to Chinese men, he said. Pakistans small Christian community, centered in Punjab province, is an easy target. There are about 2.5 million Christians in the countrys majority Muslim population of 200 million. Christians are among Pakistans poorest people. They also have little political or social support. Parents in Pakistan often choose husbands for their daughters. A girls family must pay a dowry for her to marry. They also have to pay for the wedding celebration. Pakistani husbands and their families often mistreat new wives if their dowries are considered a small amount. But, it is different for marriages to Chinese men. The girls parents are given money, and the men pay all costs connected to getting married. Some of the men seeking wives are from among tens of thousands of Chinese workers living in Pakistan. They work on projects connected to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. This effort has strengthened ties between the two countries in recent years. Other men search directly for Pakistani wives from China. They present themselves as Christians, but church leaders involved in the deals do not ask for any proof of this. They pay on average $3,500 to $5,000, including payments to parents, church leaders and a dealer, said Iqbal. Iqbal has taken legal action in court to stop such marriages. He has also given shelter to runaway wives, some as young as 13. Muqadas mother, Nasreen, said she was promised about $5,000. She says she received nothing, however. I really believed I was giving her a chance at a better life and also a better life for us, Nasreen said. Priests and brokers Christian clergy leaders receive money from dealers to find brides for Chinese men, said Augustine. The provincial minorities minister is Christian, himself. Many of the clergy are from the new, small churches that are growing quickly in number in Pakistan. Gujranwala, a city north of Lahore, has been a special target of dealers. More than 100 local Christian women and girls have recently been married to Chinese nationals, Iqbal said. Clergyman Munch Morris said he knows a group of pastors in his neighborhood who work with a private Chinese marriage dealer. Among them, he said, is a leader at his church who tells church members that God is happy because these Chinese boys become Christians. Morris says the leader adds, They are helping the poor Christian girls. Morris opposes such marriages, calling them an insult. We know these marriages are all for the sake of money, he said. Pakistani and Chinese dealers work together in the trade. One leading dealer in Gujranwala is a Pakistani known only as Robinson. He refused to talk to the AP, but his wife told the AP that they organize business a Chinese marriage bureau in Islamabad. In China Muqadas said her husband claimed he was wealthy. However, when she arrived in China in early December, she found herself living in a small house, just one room and a bedroom. She said he rarely let her out of the house on her own. He forced her to undergo a series of medical tests. She later learned the tests were attempts to learn why she was not yet pregnant. On the day before Christmas, when she urged him to take her to church, he hit her and broke her phone, she said. I dont have the words to tell you how difficult the last month there was, Muqadas said. He threatened me. Finally, the man agreed to send Muqadas home, after her family said they would go to the police. Denial of abuse Muqadas and another young woman from the same neighborhood, Mahek Liaqat, said Robinson was the dealer in their marriages. Maheks report of her life in China was similar to Moqadas. Her husband was possessive, she said, and would not let her leave the house. In China, her husband, Li Tao, denied abusing Mahek. He said he was a Christian and worked for a state-owned Chinese company. He said he met Mahek through a Pakistani matchmaker introduced by a Chinese friend. Maheks family contacted their government for help to bring her back. Then, the police showed up at Lis home and he said they told him he was illegally holding a woman. Mahek returned home to Pakistan. Others, however, are unable to come back. Maheks grandfather Idriis Masih said he contacted the parents of several other Pakistani girls in China who wanted to return home. All the parents were poor and he said dismissed his attempts to persuade them to work for their daughters return. He said each told him, She is married now. It is her life. Im Caty Weaver. And I'm Ashley Thompson. The Associated Press reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story divorce - n. the ending of a marriage by a legal process bride - n. a woman who has just married or is about to be married greed - n. a selfish desire to have more of something (especially money) smuggling - v. to move (someone or something) from one country into another illegally and secretly dowry - n. money or property that a wife or wife's family gives to her husband when the wife and husband marry in some cultures sake - n. used in phrases with for to say that something is done for a particular purpose or to achieve a particular goal or result matchmaker - n. a person who tries to bring two people together so that they will marry each other From VOA Learning English, this is American Stories. Our story is called "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky." It was written by Stephen Crane. We will listen to the story in two parts. Today we will hear the first part of the story. The great train was rushing forward such steady dignity of motion that a glance from the window seemed simply to prove that the flatlands of Texas were pouring toward the east. A newly married pair had come on this train at San Antonio. The mans face was reddened from many days in the wind and sun. His roughened hands were continually moving over his new black clothes in a most nervous manner. From time to time he looked down respectfully at his suit. He sat with a hand on each knee, like a man waiting in a shop for a haircut. The glances he gave to other passengers were few and quick. The bride was not pretty, nor was she very young. She wore a dress of blue with many buttons. She continually turned her head to regard some part or other of her dress. It made her feel strange. One could tell that she had cooked and that she expected to cook, dutifully. The searching glances of some of the passengers as she had entered the car had brought the blood rushing to her face. Her uncomfortable expression was strange to see upon this plain face, which was usually calm and almost emotionless. They were evidently very happy. Ever been in a train like this before? he asked, smiling with delight. No, she answered, I never was. Its fine, isnt it? Great! After a while well go forward to the dining car and get a big dinner. Finest meal in the world. Costs a dollar. Oh, it does? cried the bride. A dollar? Oh, thats too much for us, isnt it, Jack? Not on this trip, at least, he answered bravely. Were going to enjoy ourselves. Later he explained to her about the trains. You see, its a thousand miles from one end of Texas to the other. The train runs straight across it, and only stops four times. He had the pride of an owner. He pointed out to her the beauty of the car they were riding in. And in truth her eyes opened wider as she observed the rich, sea-green cloth covering the seats, the shining silver and glass, the wood that shone darkly like the surface of a pool of oil. To the minds of the pair, their surroundings repeated the glory of their wedding that morning in San Antonio. This was the spirit of their new life, and the mans face in particular shone with a joy that made him appear foolish to certain passengers. In the minds of some, there was supposed to be something hugely funny in the pairs situation. We are due in Yellow Sky at 3:42, he said, looking tenderly into her eyes. Oh, are we? she said, as if she had not been aware of it. To show surprise at her husbands remark was part of her wifely duty. She took from a pocket a little silver watch. As she held it before her, and stared at it with a look of attention, the new husbands face shone. I bought it in San Antonio from a friend of mine, he told her proudly. Its 17 minutes past 12, she said, looking up at him with a happy expression which, nevertheless, showed a lack of experience in conversing with men. A passenger, observing her small nervousness, laughed to himself. At last they went to the dining car. The man serving their table happened to take pleasure in directing them through their meal. He viewed them with the manner of a fatherly guide, his face shining with kindness. But they did not understand his attentions. As they returned to their seats, they showed in their faces a sense of escape. It was evident that, as the distance from Yellow Sky grew shorter, the husband became more nervous. His red hands were even more noticeable. He was rather absent-minded and faraway when the bride leaned forward and spoke to him. As a matter of truth, Jack Potter was beginning to find his deed weighing upon him like a great stone. He, the town policeman of Yellow Sky, was a man known, liked, and feared in his community. He, an important person, had gone to San Antonio to meet a girl he believed he loved. And there he had actually married her without discussing any part of the matter with Yellow Sky. He was now bringing his bride to a sure-to-be-surprised town. Of course, people in Yellow Sky married as it pleased them. But Potters thoughts of his duty to his friends, or of their idea of his duty, made him feel he was sinful. He was guilty of a great and unusual crime. Face to face with this girl in San Antonio, he had leaped over all the social fences. At San Antonio he was like a man hidden in the dark. A knife to cut any friendly duty was easy to take in his hand in that distant city. But the hour of Yellow Sky, the hour of daylight, was approaching. He knew very well that his wedding was an important thing to the town. It could only be equaled by the burning of the new hotel. His friends could not forgive him, he felt. And now the train was hurrying him toward a scene of surprise, merriment, and blame. He glanced out of the window again. Yellow Sky had a kind of band, which played its horns and drums painfully, to the delight of the people. He laughed without heart as he thought of it. If the citizens could dream of his arrival with his bride, they would march the band at the station and accompany them, among cheers and laughter, to his house. He decided that he would use all methods of speed and cleverness in making the journey from the station to his house. Once safely at home, he would announce the news. Then he would not go among the citizens until theyd had time to master their emotions. The bride looked anxiously at him. Whats worrying you, Jack? He laughed. Im not worrying, girl. Im only thinking of Yellow Sky. She understood, and her face turned red again. They shared a sense of slight guilt that developed a finer tenderness. They looked at each other with eyes softly glowing. But Potter often laughed the same nervous laugh. The deep red color upon the brides face did not lessen. Were nearly there, he said. As the train began to slow, they moved forward in the car. The long line of cars moved into the station of Yellow Sky. The train has to get water here, said Potter, from a tight throat and face, as one announcing death. Before the train stopped, his eye had searched the station, and he was glad and surprised to see there was no one there except the station master. Come on, girl, said Potter with a thick voice. As he helped her down, they each laughed in a strained manner. He took her bag and told his wife to hold his arm. As they hurried away he saw that the station master had turned and was running toward them, waving his arms. Potter laughed, and sighed as he laughed, when he realized the first effect of his wedding upon Yellow Sky. He grasped his wifes arm firmly to his side and they hurried away. The California train was due at Yellow Sky in 21 minutes. There were six men in the Weary Gentleman Saloon. One was a salesman who talked a great deal and rapidly; three were Texans who did not care to talk at that time; and two were Mexican sheep farmers who did not usually talk in the saloon. The saloon-keepers dog lay in front of the door. His head was resting on his feet, and he glanced sleepily here and there with the ready watchfulness of a dog that is sometimes kicked. Across the sandy street were some bright green, grass spots, so wonderful in appearance next to burning sands in the hot sun. At the cooler side of the railroad station, a man without a coat sat in a chair leaned back against the building. He smoked his pipe. The waters of the Rio Grande river circled near the town, and beyond it could be seen great flatlands. Except for the busy salesman and his companions in the saloon, Yellow Sky was sleeping. The salesman leaned easily upon a table and told many tales with the confidence of a story teller who has found new listeners. He was interrupted by a young man who suddenly appeared in the open door. He cried, Scratchy Wilsons drunk, and has started to make trouble. The two Mexicans at once put down their glasses and disappeared through the rear door of the saloon. The salesman, not understanding the importance of the warning, jokingly answered, All right, old man. Suppose he has? Come in and have a drink anyhow. But the information had made such an apparent impression upon everyone in the room that the salesman was forced to see its importance. All had become instantly serious. Well, he said, filled with mystery, what is this? His three companions started to tell him, but the young man at the door stopped them. It means, my friend, he answered as he came into the saloon, that for the next two hours this town wont be very healthy. The saloon-keeper went to the door and locked it. Reaching out of the window, he pulled in heavy wooden boards, which covered the windows and locked there. The salesman was looking from one to another. What is this, anyhow? he cried. You dont mean there is going to be a gun-fight? Come back to American Stories next week for the second half of "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky" by Stephen Crane. Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. Do you enjoy movies about cowboys? Can you imagine a town like Yellow Sky? How do you think the people in Yellow Sky feel about Jack Potter? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. Teachers, view the lesson plan here. Try the listening quiz to see how well you understand Part One of the story. Quiz - The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky, Part One Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story aware - adj. knowing that something (such as a situation, condition, or problem) exists bride - n. a woman who has just married or is about to be married dignity - n. the quality of being worthy of honor or respect grasp - v. to take and hold (something) with your fingers, hands, etc. merriment - n. laughter and enjoyment saloon - n. a business where alcoholic drinks are served Teachers, here is a lesson plan for Part One of this story. The United States ordered new tariffs on Chinese goods Friday. The Trump administration increased taxes on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports from 10 percent to 25 percent. Chinese officials have said they will take action to answer the increase. The new tariffs took effect just hours before U.S. and Chinese officials started a second day of trade talks in Washington. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He met with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Also on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he was in no hurry to sign a trade deal with China. His comments appeared on the social media website Twitter. In a series of early morning tweets, Trump defended the tariff increase. He said he was in no rush to finalize a deal, adding that the U.S. economy would gain more from the tariffs than from any agreement. Tariffs will bring in FAR MORE wealth to our country than even adeal of the traditional kind, Trump said in one of the tweets. Trump has repeatedly suggested that China will pay the cost of the increased tariffs. But the Reuters news agency reports that U.S. businesses will pay them and likely pass them on to users of their products and services. The increasing tensions worry investors around the world. They fear the 10-month trade war between the worlds two largest economies could worsen. Trump has supported protectionist policies as part of his America First program. He has accused the Chinese of using unfair trade practices. We will continue to negotiate with China in the hopes that they do not again try to redo deal! said Trump. He has also accused the Chinese government of backing away from earlier promises it made during the past months of negotiating. Following the U.S. tariff increase, Chinas Commerce Ministry said it would take action, but failed to explain what that meant. The ministry said it hopes the United States can meet China halfway and resolve the issue through cooperation... No Greater Threat Under the latest U.S. action, U.S. Customs and Border Protection set a 25 percent tax on more than 5,700 kinds of products leaving China after 04:01 UTC on Friday. The new tax was not required on products shipped by sea from China before that time -- as long as they arrived at a U.S. port before June 1. Those products will be taxed the original 10 percent. This delay might create an unofficial window during which the U.S. and China can continue to negotiate, noted investment bank Goldman Sachs. Trump gave U.S. importers less than five days warning about his decision to increase the rate on $200 billion worth of products, He has also threatened to enact new tariffs on another $325 billion in Chinese imports. Investors worry that a worsening trade war could further damage a slowing worldwide economy. The higher tariffs could reduce U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 0.3 percent and Chinas by 0.8 percent in 2020, said Oxford Economics. There is no greater threat to world growth, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Friday. Many business groups have opposed the tariffs. They say the tariffs will lead to financial difficulties for American businesses, which will be forced to raise prices. Gary Shapiro is head of the Consumer Technology Association, a U.S. trade group. He said the tariffs would be paid by American consumers and businesses, not China, as Trump has claimed. Our industry supports more than 18 million U.S. jobs but raising tariffs will be disastrous, Shapiro said in a statement. It may take three or four months for Americans to realize they are paying higher prices, but all experts agree it will happen. Mats Harborn is president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. He warned that the U.S. and China are risking disaster. Im Dorothy Gundy. And I'm Susan Shand. The Reuters News Agency reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in this Story tariffs n. a tax on goods coming into or leaving a country retaliate v. to do something bad to someone who has hurt you or treated you badly consumer n. a person who buys things category n. a group of people or things that are similar in some way Gross Domestic Product (GDP) n. the value of all things produced in a country sector n. an area of an economy Go to any college or university in the United States and you will find most students carrying the same items: books, laptops, cell phones and their official school identification cards, or IDs. These small plastic cards do more than show the names and pictures of the students who own them. They also permit students to open the electronic locks to campus buildings and borrow books from school libraries. In recent years, some colleges and universities have added an additional use for ID cards: buying things. The schools enter into agreements with banks so students can link their cards to private financial accounts. This way, students can use their cards to pay for things like food on campus and school supplies. In other words, their IDs become debit cards. However, new research suggests that the way these card programs operate can harm students. Some students at risk to pay high fees Kaitlyn Vitez is the higher education campaign director for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, or PIRG. Her organization aims to use research to support and protect peoples financial interests. She told VOA that PIRG has been looking into agreements between schools and banks for several years. This April, the group released its latest findings. PIRG found that, overall, students with campus debit cards paid over $24 million in fees during the last contract year. For example, students may be charged fees if they use another bank to withdraw money. Or, they may be charged fees if they spend more money than they have in their bank accounts. Many international students face fees for using the cards to buy things from their home countries. Any large fee can create unexpected problems for students, says PIRGs Kaitlyn Vitez. And, she argues that banks do not make possible fees clear enough to students. But Vitezs biggest concern is whether some schools may urge students towards banks that may harm them financially. She notes that some banks pay colleges and universities for permission to advertise their debit card programs on campus. The advertising can appear to be part of official school programming, she says, and students may feel pushed towards opening accounts. PIRG also found a connection between schools with paid agreements and student fees. Students at schools that received money from banks ended up paying up to 2.3 times more than students at schools with unpaid agreements. One example is Wells Fargo Bank. In recent years, the company has been involved in several situations that were either illegal or very harmful for consumers. It also earned nearly $11.3 million in fee payments from students at the 24 schools it had paid agreements with last contract year. Vitez notes that many schools need financial support anywhere they can get it. But, she says, When schools are setting their students up for lifelong relationships with Wells Fargo, does that set students up for success? I would say no. What do the schools say? VOA contacted several of the schools in the latest PIRG study. Texas State University, where students paid over $1 million in fees last contract year, chose not to comment. So did Florida International University, where students paid over $1.3 million, and Virginia Commonwealth University, where students paid over $500,000. The University of Nevada, Reno, or UNR, started its paid agreement for a campus debit card program with Wells Fargo in 2005. Last contract year, UNR students paid over $700,000 in fees. The bank paid the school about $100,000. Penny Leathley is the campus card manager for UNR. She argues that the fact that over 9,000 students have campus debit cards shows that the program works well. To me thats a good program, said Leathley. That shows that many parents and their students want to be involved in it. She notes all banks have fees. And, she says, students can choose whether they want to use the Wells Fargo campus debit card program. If students are paying extra, Leathley suggests, they are likely using their cards for things beyond the free services the accounts offer. But Tanya Ladha argues irresponsible use is not the only explanation for why students face fees. She is the director of the Center for Financial Services Innovation, a non-profit consumer support group. Ladha claims that some students just do not have the information they need. To be sure, banks can give special permissions to parents to observe students debit card activities. And Wells Fargo Bank offers lessons on financial responsibility. In addition, workers at its on-campus bank speak several languages. But Ladha notes that some parents lack financial knowledge themselves. And few high schools require students to take financial education classes. As a result, a number of students know little or depend on what the banks tell them. What do the banks say? Wells Fargo is not the only bank to operate campus debit card programs. U.S. Bank collected nearly $300,000 in fees from its 36 partner colleges and universities last year. SunTrust Bank earned over $1 million from one school alone: Florida State University, where 93 percent of students have accounts. On the other hand, PNC Bank was able to earn $1.3 million in fees while keeping its average fee payments per student to nearly a third of what others charge. PNC representatives told VOA in an email the amount the company pays the schools is never directly tied to the amount of fees paid by student account holders. In April, Wells Fargo announced changes to its campus debit cards. The company said it would permit account holders to overdraft their accounts without a fee once a month. They can also withdraw money from another bank up to four times a month. Were proud of the fact that four out of five students that join us through the campus card program stay with us after they leave school, said Wells Fargo representative Jim Seitz. We maintain that relationship by providing high-quality service and great customer experiences. But Kaitlyn Vitez of U.S. PIRG argues that the best solution is for the government to limit paid agreements between banks and schools and ban aggressive advertising of debit cards on campus. All this information at the Department of Educations fingertips that theyre not looking into, and theres real harm being done to students, she said. Im Dorothy Gundy. And I'm John Russell. Quiz: US College Bank Cards Present High Fees for Students Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz Pete Musto reported this story for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. How much do you know about bank fees and other money issues? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story account(s) n. an arrangement in which a bank keeps a record of the money that a person puts in and takes out of the bank consumer(s) n. a person who buys goods and services overdraft v. to withdraw more money from an account than is available proud adj. very happy and pleased because of something you have done, something you own, someone you know or are related to aggressive adj. using forceful methods to succeed or to do something at (the Department of Educations) fingertips idm. easy to find or use Stylish foreign furniture invades Nepali homes Traders said a shortage of raw materials and skilled manpower was one of the reasons for low domestic supply and consequent rise in imports. Bruce Sams is no stranger to fighting for his life and fighting to save others lives. As a McMinnville firefighter, its right there in his j New inductees to National Honor Society OVERTON For many high school students it can feel like a never ending circle of assignments, events to go to, obligations to handled and responsibilities to take care. Honors nights, like the one held at Overton Public School on Tuesday seek to recognize students for all their hard work over the school year. Overton held their Honors Night and National Honor Society Induction on Tuesday, May 7. The evening began with a viewing of art, shop and Fellowship of Christian Student projects. Jaycee Wallace won the senior art award for her project, Blown Away. During the honors program, teachers handed out awards for science, business, music, math, social studies, Quiz Bowl, industrial tech., English, art, reading, Spanish, band, student council, etc. One award, Booster of the Year, presented by student council president Braden Kizer went to Amy Barnes. The Overton National Honors Society inducted new members as well. The new inductees included Rachel Ecklund, Haley Fleischman, Lexi Reil-Lux, Dusti Kiger and Rebecca Zeleski. Current members include Branden Kizer, Jaycee Wallace, Nathan Seberger, Morgan Suhr, Sam Banzhaf, Lillian Nelms, Melissa White, Megan Zulkoski, Morgan Wallace, Hailey Wagener, Breanna Wolfe, Austin Haussler and Ryan Johnson. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. 1. Yes. If a department head is doing a bad job and the city manager wont act, its needed. 2. Yes. Its a crucial safeguard against poor hiring decisions and conflicts of interest. 3. No. It would only muddle the leadership structure and damage employee morale. 4. No. It would make it harder to recruit and retain qualified city leaders at all levels. 5. Unsure. Council oversight may be good, but perhaps not to such a significant extent. Vote View Results Her fourth award and third gold was one she shared with colleagues Abigail Becker and Erik Lorenzsonn as hosts of The Madsplainers, the Cap Times local government podcast. Their pilot episode about how zoning works won in the audio long feature category. Lorenzsonn also won a bronze award in the best business story category for Add to cart, a piece about how technology is reshaping the experience of grocery shopping. Cap Times theater critic Lindsay Christians won a gold award in the best critical review category for a piece about Skeleton Crew, a play about Detroit factory workers staged in Madison by Forward Theater. Biden said when Trump claimed there were some very fine people on both sides those spreading violent racial hatred and those protesting against it in that moment I knew the threat to our nation was unlike any I had ever seen in my lifetime. Trumps response to Biden once again revealed his determination never to alienate the violent, un-American, white supremacists who have become an important part of his political base. In their terrifying night march onto the University of Virginia campus carrying torches, they didnt just chant Jews will not replace us! and Into the ovens! They also chanted: Hail Trump! Trump continues to mischaracterize those who descended upon Charlottesville. In an interview on right-wing radio, Trump declared: Many of those people were from the University of Virginia. They were from all around the neighborhood and the area There were a lot of good people in that group. No, there werent. Local residents were overwhelmingly the victims of that violent invasion including Heather Heyer, who was killed, and 19 others seriously injured when James Fields, Jr., a self-proclaimed neo-Nazi from Ohio, drove his speeding car into a crowd. RACINE Police said they are investigating the death of two people found dead in a home early Friday in the 2600 block of 19th Street as a potential murder/suicide. At 6:50 a.m. Friday, city police responded to the scene after a child called police indicating that shots were being fired inside the home, Sgt. Adam Malacara said during a press conference outside of Racine Police headquarters Friday afternoon. When police arrived, they discovered the bodies of two individuals a 30-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man. The two were an estranged couple, Malacara said. Police confirmed that after a preliminary investigation, the incident is being investigated as a possible murder/suicide. Two of the couples children were also found in the home. Malacara said the children are safe and uninjured. We are all very happy that the kids are safe, Malacara said. We worry about them. WILLIAMS BAY It was one of the darkest moments in Wisconsin history, and it resulted in one of the states most infamous criminal cases of the 1970s. And John O. Olson was right in the middle of things. Olson, an attorney from Walworth County, was a United States attorney who got the first federal conviction in the 1970 war-protest bombing of Sterling Hall at UW-Madison. Putting bomber Karleton Armstrong behind bars remained Olsons proudest professional achievement in a long and distinguished career. Those were tumultuous times, said his daughter, Sheree Olson Rogers. And he was a law-and-order kind of guy. Olson, who continued to practice law privately for 40 more years in Lake Geneva, died May 4 following a battle with Parkinsons disease. He was 82. Former law partner Dan Draper described Olson as a gifted litigator who won long-shot cases that often seemed like lost causes. He was an incredibly good lawyer, Draper said. He had a very big presence in the courtroom. Born in Whitewater, John Olmstead Olson graduated from Milton High School and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force just after the Korean War. He earned his law degree from UW-Madison in 1963 and served as district attorney in Taylor County, north of Madison. After an unsuccessful run for Wisconsin attorney general in 1966, he was appointed by President Richard Nixon in 1969 as U.S. attorney in the Western District of Wisconsin. One year later, UW student protests against the Vietnam War turned deadly when protesters detonated a bomb outside Sterling Hall, a campus building where researchers did work for the military. The blast killed researcher Robert Fassnacht and injured three other people. The first bomber captured was Karl Armstrong, whom Olson prosecuted, winning a conviction and a lengthy prison term. Armstrong was also convicted in Dane County Circuit Court in a case prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Michael Zaleski and Douglas Haag. He pleaded guilty to charges in both courts on the same day, Sept. 28, 1973. Armstrong ended up spending about seven years behind bars and before returning to Madison. Rogers, a high school freshman at the time, remembered her father spending long nights and weekends at the office, working to ensure that justice was served in the bombing case. That was a big time in our lives, she said. He was certainly passionate about investigating what happened and who was responsible. Two others Armstrongs brother, Dwight Armstrong, and David Fine were later charged, and a fourth, Leo Burt, remains a fugitive to this day. Olson stepped down from his U.S. attorneys appointment in 1974, and he and his family returned to Walworth County. He and his wife, Marjorie, had four children. The marriage ended in divorce, and he remarried. Living in Whitewater and later in Williams Bay, Olson was an active member of the Whitewater Lions Club. Fellow club member Bernie Tangney said Olson was a shrewd attorney who enjoyed relaxing with his Lions Club friends and being just one of the guys. He was a man who became successful, but hadnt forgotten his roots, Tangney said. While continuing his private law practice, Olson served on the Governors Commission on Crime and Law Enforcement and the advisory board to the State Crime Laboratory. In 2014, the Walworth County Board Association recognized him with a lifetime achievement award. His daughter said Olson talked later in the life about feeling proud of the Sterling Hall case. He thought about retiring many times, she said, but he continued practicing law as long as he could. In the end, she said, he wanted to be a lawyer. [Editor's note: This story has been updated to note that, while Olson prosecuted Karl Armstrong in federal court, two other attorneys -- Assistant Attorneys General Michael Zaleski and Douglas Haag -- obtained simultaneous convictions of Armstrong in Dane County Circuit Court.] A Janesville woman had two children in her vehicle during her third offense for operating while intoxicated Saturday, the Rock County Sheriff's Office said. Deputies investigated a disturbance in the 240 block of East Russel Road in Janesville Township. When police arrived, family members were confronting 42-year-old Jessica J. Tottestad for drinking and driving with children in the car. Nottestad had just arrived home after picking her two children up from school, according to Sherriff Troy Knudson. Deputies arrested Nottestad for third offense OWI with a passenger under 16, a felony in Wisconsin. She is being held in Rock County Jail until her initial court appearance. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Nicholas Ivy, who was in jail with Reeves and testified that Reeves confessed he shot Young, said Reeves had also said he changed his pants in the car after leaving the bar and before the shooting. Schwartz told jurors during his closing argument the case boiled down to shoddy police work that focused too intensely on Reeves to the exclusion of other possible suspects, a lack of forensic evidence tying Reeves to the shooting and prosecution witnesses, including Ivy, who repeatedly lied. Reeves testified Friday he had nothing to do with the shooting and wasnt at 7-Eleven when it happened. He said he didnt know Young or Lemon. Reeves said he had gone to Licaris that night with a woman, Mandolin Blevins, where he met up with Langlois. But he said he parted company with Langlois and went off on a series of errands, the purpose of which was to sell a photo printer one of several he had in his car to his friend, Roy Yoakum. During that time, Reeves testified, he changed his shirt but not his pants, so his girlfriend would not smell Blevins perfume on him. He contended cellphone records showing him calling Yoakum several times backed up his story. Referrals of unemployment insurance fraud cases for criminal prosecution grew sharply in the second half of Walkers eight-year tenure, state data show, even as the ranks of people filing jobless claims declined to record lows as the economy grew out of the Great Recession. Most commonly, such fraud involves claimants concealing information from the state, such as hours worked, that would reduce their benefits. In most cases, the department works to collect jobless benefit over-payments benefits that are clawed back from claimants if they later are deemed to have been ineligible for them as well as surcharge penalties. In a few more serious cases, DOJ or county district attorneys may prosecute fraud cases referred to them by the Department of Workforce Development, which administers the states unemployment insurance program. In a recent Wisconsin State Journal interview, Kaul said his approach to enforcing all criminal laws, including unemployment insurance fraud, is to focus on prosecutions (that) are directly addressing significant criminal activity and have a general deterrent effect. I think its important that we use our limited prosecutorial resources to focus on those more significant cases, Kaul said. Vincent, from the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, said he has grown frustrated with UW-Madisons refusal to spend more money on dairy research. That includes not filling positions or buying equipment needed for the CDRs $47 million addition that the state is helping finance. I look at the UW and I hope they want to be known as a dairy university, Vincent said. But theres this huge business school and all this other stuff there. And sometimes I wonder if dairy isnt quite as sexy for them as they would hope it to be. I mean, theres a lot of competing forces in terms of resources in the state. Mayer said UW System President Ray Cross has sent mixed signals about using state funding for the Dairy Innovation Hub since he was first made aware of the idea in 2017. While he has told dairy leaders and others that he understands the importance of the dairy industry to the state and the need to make a reinvestment, Cross has not put any of the Systems available state funds toward it, she said. In a statement, UW System spokesman Mark Pitsch said, President Cross worked closely with dairy leaders and lawmakers to help craft this legislation. He recognizes the importance of the dairy industry to the state of Wisconsin. Like his fellow right-wingers, Kemp claims that he is protecting the innocent and supporting the right to life. Thats just nonsense a travesty revealed by statistics showing a lack of concern not only for children who emerge from the womb but also for the mothers who would care for them. Many of the states rushing to outlaw abortions have miserably high rates of child poverty, child mortality and maternal mortality. The data rip away the professed concern for the innocent, the protestations of protection for children, the claims about the sanctity of life. Trumps success in packing the courts with ultraconservatives has merely emboldened the misogynists who have long bristled at the progress women have made toward full equality over the last several decades. They want nothing less than to reverse the advance of womens rights. Georgia is just one example of that glaring hypocrisy. The United States has the highest rate of maternal mortality deaths during pregnancy or childbirth or in the weeks just after in the developed world, and Georgia has the second-highest rate in the United States, according to USA Today, which conducted an extensive investigation into maternal mortality in this country. More women die in Georgia as a result of childbirth than in many developing countries. The U.S. Reciprocal Trade Act is just plain common sense. A recent Harvard-Harris poll indicated that over 80% of Americans support the bill, with support broadly dispersed across Republicans, independents and Democrats. In his 2019 State of the Union address, President Trump also urged Congress to pass the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). This is the proposed replacement for one of the worst trade deals in American history NAFTA. We believe the USMCA is a great deal not just for the men and women who work in our great factories, but also for all of those farmers who want to export more of their products. Once passed by Congress, the USMCA will ensure greater access to the market and lower barriers for our agricultural products in both Mexico and Canada. Of paramount importance to the dairy farmers of Wisconsin, the USMCA will eliminate Canadas unfair Class 6 and 7 milk pricing schemes. It will also open additional access for the full range of U.S. dairy products into Canada and impose new disciplines on Canadas supply management system. Our bottom line is this: President Trumps trade and economic policies are doing well. We want to hear from you about how to do better and, with the Wisconsin economy booming, this is a great time to pass the USMCA and do even more to put American workers on a level playing field. Duffy represents Wisconsins 7th Congressional District: duffy.house.gov. Navarro is assistant to the president for trade and manufacturing policy. An April 25 to May 1, 2018, survey by the Pew Research Center found that 55% of adults had a very or somewhat favorable view of labor unions, while only 33% have a very or somewhat unfavorable view of them. And when Pew followed up by noting the decline in union membership and asking whether that development has been mostly good or mostly bad for working people, 51% said mostly bad and 35% said mostly good. Trump surely will run on the economy, and a Democratic nominee who is too far to the left on the issue, such as Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders or Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, would make it easy for the president to argue that Democrats will drive the economy into a ditch. Biden should be more difficult to paint with that broad brush. But its difficult to believe that any Democrat is going to win the White House by focusing on the economy not with an April national unemployment rate of 3.6% and strong gross domestic product growth. No wonder 51% of respondents told the April 26 to May 1 NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll that they approved of Trumps handling of the economy. Unitarian Universalists consider beauty as a spiritual practice TWIN FALLS The public is welcome at the Magic Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the church, 160 Ninth Ave. E., Twin Falls. Artist Mark W. McGinnis will speak about how we experience beauty in both nature and visual art. He is a member of the Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. McGinnis message will focus on how to transform this common experience into a spiritual practice. A slide presentation will accompany the sermon. Unitarian Universalism honors the differing paths individuals travel. Congregations are places where people celebrate, support and challenge one another as they continue on their spiritual journeys. Unitarian Universalists covenant to affirm and promote: the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equality and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another. Newcomers of all religious paths, or none at all, are always welcome. Child care is available. The church is handicapped-accessible. Please park in the rear of the building or on the street in front or the side of the building. For more information, call Ken Whiting at 208-410-8904 or email mvuuf83301@yahoo.com or go to magicvalleyuu.org. Ascension holds ingathering for Voices Again Violence TWIN FALLS During the month of May, the Episcopal Church of the Ascension will gather items for Voices Against Violence. The group supports individuals and families who have experienced violence many having to flee their situation, leaving behind their home and possessions. VAV provides clothing, food boxes, counseling, support groups, legal advocacy and a shelter for those who have been impacted. Non-perishable food items, hygiene products and household items are suggested for donation. For a complete list of needed items, see the handout in the gathering area of the church. Ascension will celebrate Holy Communion at 9 a.m. Sunday at the church, 371 Eastland Drive N., with the Revs. Lauren and Rob Schoeck presiding. Child care for infants to five-year-olds will be available from 8:45 a.m. until after worship. A fellowship coffee hour will follow the service where Marty Beck, executive director of Paradise Point Episcopal Church Camp, will present information about the church camp in McCall. Living the Questions an adult video and discussion program will continue from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church, 209 Fifth Ave. N., Twin Falls. On Monday, Djembe Drumming with Robby Fox will meet from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m.. The fee is $10. If you need a drum supplied, call Paula at 208-961-1349. Bible Study will meet from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday to discuss the Bible readings and themes for the upcoming Sunday led by the Rev. Rob Schoeck. All are welcome for worship, study and fellowship at Ascension which is handicapped-accessible. For more information, call 208-733-1248 or go to episcopaltwinfalls.org. TIMES-NEWS Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 On May 21, 2019, we the residents of Minidoka County have the opportunity to vote for a local school bond for the Minidoka School District. I am a lifelong resident of Minidoka County. In fact, I am a third generation graduate of the Minidoka School District. My grandmother was a graduate of Heyburn High School. My mother, my wife and our three children all graduated from Minico High School. With that said, I am proud of the community I live in and the history of the Minidoka School District. Our family generation is even deeper than attending school in Minidoka County. My grandfather was the bus garage manager for several years and my great uncle was a principle in the Minidoka School District. Why do I share this bit of history with you? I share because I have benefitted from the education offered through the district. I would like to see our district continue to be a leader in the community. I have had the opportunity to work with our educators recently and have shared the vision for increasing programs to provide career paths for our students. As you look around our community, our economy has continually improved. We want students to know of the opportunities that exist right here in the community. In order to provide students with future growth options, our educators need the tools to train and teach. Part of these tools needed is the increase of building space. I have participated with the Minico Ag Advisory Committee in gaining an understanding of what is offered to students. I for one, always that that Ag and FFA classes were only for students planning to go into farming. I was wrong. Students enrolled in Ag classes can get credits for science, communication, and elective courses. Students who do not plan to go on to college can learn trades in welding, diesel mechanics, auto body repair, cabinet making, and many other skills. Minicos welding program has been so successful, three of their students recently competed in Weld Wars at CSI in Twin Falls and won first place. They also won $500.00 scholarships. These students also have job offers. This is great for our district and community. The unfortunate part is, our shops and trade classes are too small to continue offering competitive courses for the trades. As we move forward with progress, our schools need to progress as well. The lack of technology and infrastructure will cost more if we do not update now. As business professionals come to the community to look at expansion opportunities, they want to know about our educational system. If we are not moving forward with technology and infrastructure, they are turned away from accepting jobs, building new business and investing in our future. I encourage you to vote on May 21, 2019 in favor of the school bond for Minidoka County. Our future is in our youth and students. The investment in them is an investment for our future. Please contact the Minidoka School District Office if you have question. I am in favor of the future of our community and the Minidoka School Bond. Chet Jeppesen, a Minidoka County resident, is a workforce consultant at the Mini-Cassia office of the Idaho Department of Labor. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 1+ days ago What Should You Invest in During the New Year? Investing Strategies for 2022 Going into the new year, you may wonder what you should invest in: artificial intelligence, cyclical stocks, health care? A combination of these or something else entirely? It's a great question. Read Article A car that was reportedly stolen when a 4-year-old Texas girl on Amber alertMaleah Davisdisappeared late last week was found Thursday, May 9, in a suburban Houston parking lot, authorities said. A woman notified police when she spotted the gray Nissan Altima in a Missouri City parking lot off Highway 6. According to the Associated Press, Houston police Detective Kenneth Fregia said that the car was found unlocked and didnt appear to be damaged, and that detectives would go over it with a fine-toothed comb. According to KHOU11, police said they have found no evidence inside the car. Maleahs mother, Brittany Bowens, was at the scene as police conducted an initial search of the car. She could be seen crying and hitting her hands against the ground. Where is Maleah? Where is my baby? she tearfully yelled, according to KRTK. BREAKING: the silver Nissan Altima, reported stolen by Maleahs stepfather is found in Missouri City. Mother of the missing 4YO is on scene tearfully yelling Where is my baby? @abc13houston #FINDMALEAH #MaleahDavis pic.twitter.com/XnQOebw5D9 Shelley Childers (@shelleyabc13) May 9, 2019 Police said that Maleahs stepfather, Derion Vence, had told investigators that he was driving the car to the airport to pick up Bowens on the night of May 3, when he pulled over to check if it had a flat tire. Then, Vence said, men in a pickup truck pulled up, knocked him out and abducted him, Maleah and his 2-year-old son before eventually allowing him and the boy to go free, Houston police said according to AP. Vence initially reported Maleah missing after he showed up May 5 at a hospital in Sugar Land, which is next to Missouri City. He told police he had been in and out of consciousness over the previous 24 hours and had walked there after coming to a highway that runs through the region. But a Sugar Land police spokesman said Vences story changed several times, AP reported. Fregia said the cars tires appeared to be fine and that investigators have been searching for security footage that might show when and how the car arrived in the lot. Fregia added that Vence hasnt spoken with investigators since May 5, and that hed like to talk with Vence again. Police said they werent concerned with his whereabouts. Suspected Abuse Child Protective Services (CPS) has been monitoring the home where Maleah was living with Vence, Bowens, her grandmother, and her siblings for months, CPS spokeswoman Tiffani Butler said according to AP. In August 2018, Maleah and her 5- and 1-year-old brothers were removed from the home and placed in the care of relatives. Maleah was found with a head injury that eventually led to her having multiple brain surgeries, Butler said. Maleah was only taken to the hospital at the urging of her grandmother, who was at work at the time of Maleahs injury, court records uncovered by KHOU11 showed. The records also showed that doctors said the explanation that she fell off a chair didnt add up to what they saw, and they suspected abuse. The children were returned to the home in February but officially remained in state custody and were checked on by a caseworker each month, Butler said, according to AP. Mom, Stepdad Banned From Contact With All Their Children A court order has banned Vence and Bowens from having any contact with their children. Police announced a missing Amber alert for Maleah Davis of Houston, Texas, on May 5. The 4-year-old was last seen wearing a blue zip-up jacket, blue jeans, sneakers, and had a pink bow in her hair, police said. KHOU11 reported that an emergency hearing was held on early May 8. Mother & Father Vence to have no contact with the children, the court minutes read. It ordered Maleahs younger half-brother to stay with his paternal grandmother. Maleahs younger brother is now in the custody of his paternal aunt; if Maleah is found alive, she will also be under the same custody. The court order is the result of separate motions filed by Maleahs grandmother, Brenda Bowens, and the Department of Family and Protective Services, KHOU11 reported. The court did not place the kids with Brenda, but are allowing her to attend sibling visits. If youve seen Maleah, the silver Nissan or the blue pickup truck (photos as provided by police) please call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or @crimestophou at 713-222-TIPS. The Associated Press contributed to this report Jules Dupres Animals Crossing a Bridge, painted in the mid-19th century, hangs in the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, among the rest of a collection of antique art from the collection of copper king William A. Clark. But Dupres painting is the only one accompanied by a picture on an easel to its left, depicting a before version of the restored piece of art. This was the state of it when we recovered it, Curator Jeremy Canwell said. But we dont know why. The before image shows a dark painting that looks visibly dirty and has facing tissue used to prevent peeling paint plastered over it like packing tape. The painting itself, following a six-month restoration, is large and vivid, with bright blue sky, beautifully rendered farm animals and detailed landscapes; wildflowers, shrubs and varieties of grass poking through the underbrush. Thats part of the story of this collection, Canwell said of the two images side by side. This isnt a gift of a brand-new pickup truck with a bow on it in the driveway. It comes with bumps and scars, and people should be aware of that. The Dupre painting was one of eight paintings and a sculpture given to the MMAC by the now-closed Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C., which housed Clarks extensive art collection for around 90 years. None of the other pieces needed immediate restoration, though a handful were given new frames, Canwell said. Private funding from Suzanne and Bruce Crocker financed the Dupre restoration, which landed in the five figures and took a full six months. Dupres Animals Crossing a Bridge was by far in the worst shape, likely due to previous restoration jobs in the 1920s that used antiquated techniques. One method involved covering the front of the painting with canvas and flipping it over, then sanding the original canvas off the paint. A new canvas would be applied to the backside before flipping the whole thing back over and removing the front-side canvas: Voila! A restored painting. Canwell pointed out visible cracking in the white-painted sections of Animals Crossing a Bridge, which is common in white lead paint from the period. The cracking was exacerbated over repeated stretching, he surmised, eyeing the webbing patterns that pointed toward a corner. A lot of the problem lies in the white lead paint, he said. It just cracks in buckles, almost geologically. Seattle-based restorer Peter Malarkey completed the job in a careful and conservative manner, Canwell noted. Malarkey even drove the painting out instead of shipping it. On its return to Missoula, the painting went straight to the Art Attic to be reframed, in a modern Italian frame that neatly matches the antique aesthetic of the original, without weighing some 30 pounds. Then, on the wall to join its European brethren. Other paintings show their age, Canwell said, and some have the same cracked-paint issue as Animals Crossing a Bridge. The only other piece that really needs work at the moment, however is the Madonna and Child sculpture. While Malarkey was in Missoula, he worked on stabilizing the piece, by using a paintbrush to put glue into some large cracks. The glue, by the way, is made of sturgeon air bladders, Canwell happily pointed out. Its apparently ideal, he said, crediting Malarkey for his generosity and care. Its a very specific skill set, Canwell continued. And theres just a tremendous amount of judgement involved. But with the way Animals Crossing a Bridge turned out, with its bright, clear-eyed representation of the Oise River plains northeast of Paris, Canwell knew theyd found the right conservator. Our permanent collection largely, predominately, is made of work thats given to us, he said. But its not the same as other gifts. It comes with responsibility. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Bannack State Park is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitor center hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week May through September. The park is free for Montanans. The park fee for out-of-state vehicles is $6 per vehicle. For details on the scheduled events listed below, call 406-834-3413. Bannack Days This fun-packed event takes place July 20-21. It is a wonderful time for the whole family to visit Bannack and celebrate pioneer life and Bannack's glory days. Call 406-834-3413 or visit bannack.org for updated schedules. Living History Weekend Relive the excitement of the Gold Rush era in Montana at the annual Living History Weekend at Bannack State Park Sept. 19-22. The three-day event will depict the first 20 years of Bannacks history. Bannack Ghost Walks Do you want to have a haunting good time? This years ghost walks will be Oct. 25-26. (Call ahead for the exact dates). The Bannack Ghost Walks are live re-enactments of significant events throughout the history of Bannack. Tours Self-guided tours are offered year-round. Booklets are provided. Guided tours are available during the summer months and by special request. Gold panning: Available during the summer months. Saturdays in the Park: Every Saturday during summer months, a special program is held. The varied events might include music, star-gazing, poetry or lecture/demonstrations. Camping: Spend the night near the ghost town. Camping is available year-round. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Employers and job seekers gathered in the ballroom of the Clarion Inn Copper King Hotel & Convention Center Friday with one thing in mind: making connections. What brought them to the Copper King was a job fair hosted by the Butte Local Development Corp. and Headwaters RC&D. The fair was part of a series of talks, workshops, and showcases dubbed Economic Development Week. A national campaign similar to Infrastructure Week, the weeks lineup marked the first time the campaign has been formally observed in Montana. Butte-based nonprofit Career Futures Inc. was one of many presenters Friday. The state-funded nonprofit has an array of programs geared toward helping people in southwest Montana find stability through work. Through its free counseling and workshops, job seekers can get help with things like interview and resume-writing skills. Career Futures Assistant Director Sarah DeMoney said the organizations resources arent just for entry-level workers. Almost everyone could use resume-writing tips, she said, even people with established careers. Our door is open to anybody, said DeMoney. Pedro Guajardo is a stay-at-home dad who is looking to re-enter the workforce. Hes been away for about three years, during which time he's completed his master's in electrical engineering. Its about time to get back in (to the workforce), he said Friday. Job seeker Cy Briggs recently moved with his mother to Butte from White Sulfur Springs. Briggs said they had to unexpectedly leave their home and moved to Butte because of the community's affordable housing. For the time being, theyre staying in a hotel, and both are looking for work. Im currently out of a job, and so we figured this would be a good place to come, said Briggs when asked what brought him to the fair. Matt Edie, senior director of human resources for FCR, the company behind the new call center going up in the Butte Plaza Mall, was also on hand Friday. Throughout the day, Edie was introducing the company to job seekers and conducting pre-screening interviews. Some applicants were sent to FCRs location in the mall for a more in-depth interview, and five people were hired on the spot. Altogether, the company has hired over 60 people, Edie said. Another employer looking to fill empty positions was Montana Precision Products, a manufacturing facility located in the Montana Connections Business Development Park west of Butte that, among other things, fabricates parts for the aerospace industry. According to previous stories, the company has been growing to meet the demands of the aviation industry. To meet the demand, the company has instituted an in-house training program with the end goal of producing skilled welders. Andrea Moore, Montana Precision human resources generalist, said that in March of last year, the company had around 139 employees. As of Monday, it had 250. The company has a goal of reaching 271 by the end of the year. The company is also expanding physically, with plans to add on 35,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space. To spread the word about Montana Precision, the company has been doing outreach to find the next generation of welders, visiting high school vocational classes and hosting field trips for students from throughout the region. Moore said a job at Montana Precision can be a leg up for a recent high school graduate. If theyre confused, not sure where theyre going, and love and have a passion for welding, wed absolutely love to have them, said Moore. Cassandra Sunell, marketing director of the Butte Local Development Corp., said one of the biggest challenges Butte-Silver Bow may face in the years ahead is in the realm of workforce. As baby boomers retire, she said, Butte will need young people to fill in the gaps. However, some young people opt to leave the city, seeking opportunities elsewhere. Its a problem faced not just by Butte but by rural communities throughout the U.S. In order to retain young people, she said, it will be important to keep them educated about what opportunities exist in their hometown. Cole Mack is the special programs coordinator for Montana Registered Apprenticeship, an offshoot of the Montana Department of Labor that helps employers train employees through apprenticeship programs. Mack said workforce challenges are definitely on the minds of employers he works with, noting that shortages are anticipated to take place nationally in the years ahead in the healthcare and construction industries. Because of this, he said, some employers are turning toward apprenticeship programs so that they can turn almost-qualified employees into qualified ones. Theyre trying to start training people for those workforce vacancies, he said of the employers who are taking advantage of the organizations resources. As for Butte-Silver Bow Chief Executive Officer Dave Palmer, he said he hopes the BLDC and Headwaters will continue to host Economic Development Week in the years ahead, adding that hes proud the Mining City is the first community in Montana to formally observe the campaign. I think its fantastic. Were number one. We want to stay that way, he said. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Area students win math awards MISSOULA The University of Montana honored 50 high school juniors from across Montana for their outstanding math skills during a banquet this spring. Each student received a Montana High School Mathematics Award at the event and networked with UM math professors and students. The students were chosen for the award by their teachers. Area winners are: Anaconda High School: Kaitlyn Frank Butte Central Catholic School: Ashley York Butte High School: Grace Luoma, Kathryn Manson, Teagan Peters Granite High School in Philipsburg: Shiena Medrano, Scarlet Guilbert Imagine Butte to host etching class Imagine Butte Resource Center will have a class on plexiglass drypoint etching at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at 68 W. Park St. The image is made by physically scratching the plate with a steel needle. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to create their plate, and learn inking and printing techniques specific to drypoint. This workshop is open to all ages 10+ and skill levels. Attendees should come with an idea in mind for a postcard-sized print. Suggested donation is $15-20. Details: 406-299-3389 or email: imaginebutte@gmail.com. American Legion honors its members American Legion Auxiliary will be honoring Post #1 past commanders, past presidents and past auxiliary presidents Wednesday, May 15, in the American Legion hall. The names of those members will be read aloud in recognition of their service to our country. A chicken dinner, salads and cake will be served. The hall will open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30. Meetings will follow. United Way announces funding awards United Way of Butte and Anaconda has announced allocations worth $60,399 to 11 agencies that will provide 13 programs impacting approximately 4,000 citizens within the two communities. Program proposals were evaluated by nine community volunteers. The 2019 Agency Partners are Advocacy Program of Southwestern Montana, Anaconda Ministerial Project Care, Big Brothers Big Sisters Butte-Silver Bow, Inc., School-Based Mentoring Program, Community-Based Mentoring Program, Butte 4 Cs, Positive Parenting, Quality Early Care Counts, Butte Literacy Program, Inc., CCCS Inc. Discovery House, Copper Village Museum & Art Center, Young Peoples Open Theatre Project, Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming, PHABs Resident Council Senior Activities, Region IV Family Outreach-Butte & Anaconda, and Yes Youth Empowerment Services. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Months after Caressa Hardy was arrested in July 2017 at his home outside Frenchtown, anthropology teams from the University of Montana assisting law enforcement uncovered bone fragments from a femur, vertebrae, fingers and toes, and 11 teeth. Adjunct assistant UM anthropology professor Kirsten Green Mink testified as an expert for Missoula County prosecutors on Friday that the human remains found in a fire pit on Hardy's property were established as those from two different people. But the bone fragments, all weathered by a fire and several winters, were not capable of producing useful DNA, she said. Friday marked the end of the first week of Hardy's trial in Missoula County District Court, in which Hardy also known as Glenn Dibley is charged in the alleged March 2013 killings of Thomas Korjack and Robert Orozco at the home they all shared on Pond Road. The two men have not been seen since, although no remains have been positively identified as theirs. When Missoula County Deputy Forrest Merrill was called out to Hardy's property four years later on an unrelated report, he noticed the great lengths Hardy had taken to keep people out: a truck parked in the driveway with a mannequin inside, set up to look like the house was being watched; small trees draped across the driveway; motion detectors in the trees; padlocks on the front porch and a series of metal screen gate doors that were all secured with deadbolts, Merrill testified Friday. Hardy's defense has contended, as he reportedly told others in the past, that the security measures were for his daughter's safety. At the time, Hardy was under investigation for the killings. Karen Hardy, Hardy's former partner and mother of their three children, had gone into a police department in 2016 to report that she was there when Hardy fatally shot Korjack and Orozco. Missoula County Sheriff's Detective Glenville Kedie on Friday described the findings after authorities moved in on Hardy's property following his arrest on July 31, 2017. Why the arrest was made that day, after about a year of investigating the alleged killings, has not yet been described in court. Kedie commented on the video shown to jurors Friday, taken as authorities first spanned the wooded 10-acre property. The video put images to several items already described during the trial, including the window which Hardy is alleged to have shot out during the killings, the fencing he put up afterward, and the burn pit where investigators and the UM team found the remains. A second video showed teams entering a green trailer home on the property. There, in a space Kedie described as very cluttered, they found a .45-caliber Springfield Armory XD handgun, believed by prosecutors to be the murder weapon. Kedie also held for the jury a slab of drywall taken from a basement room of the house, where Korjack and Orozco allegedly were shot to death. After clearing each piece of furniture and clutter from the room, Kedie said investigators began inspecting the walls; particularly around the window, which Karen Hardy said had been shot out in the attack. A small imperfection on the drywall prompted detectives to pull the piece of the wall off, revealing a "pancaked" bullet on the floor behind the drywall. As law enforcement began their takeover of Hardy's property, Missoula County Sheriff's Detective Jared Cochran handed him the search warrant, outlining the details of the investigation that earned them the documentation to search the property. "The defendant did not seem to react to the allegations that he was being charged with the homicides," Cochran testified Friday. Hardy has not reacted to much of anything this week, writing a few notes as witnesses testified for the state. He mostly looked on as prosecutors played the conversations between himself and Karen Hardy, recorded by law enforcement in 2016. In those calls, Karen Hardy, who was sitting next to Cochran when she phoned Caressa Hardy, tried confronting him about the killings, but ultimately he hung up on her. They spoke again within a few days, talking about their daughter, Karen Hardy's living situation in South Dakota and how she was short on resources. He offered to help her out, if she came back to Frenchtown to watch their daughter while he went on an out-of-state trip to retrieve some cash owed to him. "How do I know I can trust you?" Karen asked him. "I have never had any desire to harm you or hurt you," Hardy responded. Karen Hardy's testimony earlier this week suggested Hardy killed Orozco and Korjack, who had been paying for nearly all the bills and necessities, because he believed Korjack was going to cut him off. She said she was in the room when Hardy began firing the gun, but his demeanor flipped "like a switch" when she pleaded with him not to kill her or her 4-month-old baby in her arms. "How do I know you're not trying to get me to kidnap us or something?" she contended on the phone call, growing more cautious. "Oh, my God, you're so funny," he responded, brushing her fears off. In August 2017, the FBI joined the effort to scour Hardy's property with two cadaver dogs and an evidence collection team of 15 people. Along with the bullet, gun, bones, documents and other evidence prosecutors say point to Hardy's guilt, a note was also found from Korjack, called "Doc" by some. The note was on a table next to Hardy's bed, still sitting there more than three years after Korjack and Orozco disappeared. Kedie recalled picking the note off the table and reading it: "You did not lose your home in Gillette, because you gained a home here. This is your home, too. Love, Doc." The trial continues next week. Prosecutors have yet to call witnesses related to the solicitation of murder charges filed against Hardy after two Missoula County jail inmates told law enforcement Hardy was trying to recruit someone to kill Karen Hardy. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking for ideas from the public as it considers future changes to fishing regulations. Anyone interested in Montanas fisheries may take on online survey at http://fwp.mt.gov/fish/publicComments/regsScoping.html and provide feedback or new ideas to FWP on potential issues or changes to fishing regulations. Montana reviews its fishing regulations every four years, and this survey is part of its initial scoping to solicit public comment. The survey is available until June 21 and tentative regulation proposals will go before the Fish and Wildlife Commission in August. FWP already is considering several changes: Allowing bow and arrow harvest of Chinook salmon from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 on Fort Peck Reservoir. Establishing no limit or mandatory harvest of northern pike and standardizing the daily walleye limit on the Missouri River from Holter Dam to Black Eagle Dam; Allowing single-point lures only on the middle, north and south forks of the Flathead River. Implementing a hoot owl restriction on the Ennis Dam to the mouth stretch of the Madison River that would prohibit fishing between 2 p.m. and midnight from July 1 through Aug. 31. Changing the largemouth and smallmouth bass limits on some waterbodies in the Western Fishing District. Requiring ice fishing shelters to be removed from the ice by at least March 1 in the Eastern Fishing District. I think at the global level we appreciate the agency going through this public comment process and think this survey is a great tool, said Clayton Elliot, conservation director for Montana Trout Unlimited. Eric Roberts, FWPs fisheries management bureau chief, explained the thinking behind some of the ideas. Allowing bow-fishing for salmon on Fort Peck came about through some requests from anglers, he said. On the blue-ribbon stretch of the Missouri River below Holter Dam, FWP is floating a pair of regulation changes. Roberts said that last year the agency received three angler-reported catches of northern pike near Cascade, and a limit focused on suppression is intended to stay ahead of the curve, he said. Biologists have seen an uptick in pike numbers upstream in Canyon Ferry, Hauser and Holter reservoirs and they are susceptible to flushing downstream, he added. A no-limit on walleye in the same stretch of river has also been a contentious issue for years, and FWP says it is considering restoring a limit. Walleye and trout have coexisted in Missouri for decades, with biologists believing that walleye have not greatly affected trout populations. Citing concerns about impacts to trout, the commission in 2011 went against FWP recommendations to institute the no-limit regulation a change that has caused considerable heartburn among walleye advocates. We definitely want to see a change on that and the problem that came about with that whole thing is it wasnt based on science and facts but politics, said Bob Gilbert, executive director of Walleyes Unlimited of Montana. The bottom line is walleye are a game fish, trout are a game fish, but theyre treating the two species differently, so lets treat a game fish like a game fish and treat everyone equally. Elliot said Trout Unlimited would also be keeping a close eye on what FWP proposes with walleye limits. For the Flathead River, FWP has seen a high incidence of hook scarring, including on native bull and cutthroat trout. The regulation change would eliminate treble hooks with the goal of reducing the handling of fish before release, Roberts said. Elliot applauded the proposal and says his organization appreciates FWP emphasizing the importance of management for native species in the Flathead. He also felt the Madison River hoot owl proposal had merit given a trend of high water temperatures that has virtually guaranteed angling restrictions in recent years. Reporter Tom Kuglin can be reached at 447-4076 @IR_TomKuglin Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Weve also met a couple times with the Scott County emergency management team, Strusz said. Well run our plan by them again when were all done, probably. Strusz said the district started in October with the state template as a guiding plan, and worked with an online consultant. The Pleasant Valley district includes parts of Bettendorf, Riverdaleand LeClaire, so multiple response teams need to be updated. We have to make sure when were done with all this that theyre a part of it, and they can review it and see if we forgot something, Strusz said. Strusz said the big focus was on active shooters, tornadoes and fires. Thats what youre going to see the most often" he said. "Hopefully, the active shooter you never see, but planning for that scenario is something you still have to do. While not yet enacted, Strusz said a holistic plan was required so students were safe, especially when some reactions are so automatic. By Benjamin Jumbe. Tooro Sub-region leaders have unanimously passed a resolution to endorse President Yoweri Museveni as their sole candidate for the NRM chairperson seat and their 2021 presidential candidate. The resolution was passed after an engagement between the President and the over 1,000 leaders in Fort Portal town. Reading the endorsement, Kamwenge District Chairman Aggrey Natuhamya said the decision was premised on the fact that President Museveni was time tested, experienced and had the right vision to take the country forward. The President used the lively engagement to rally the leaders from Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Bunyangabu and Kamwenge districts in the fight against household poverty. From December 19th through December 26th we will be granting free access as a gift to our readers presented by Napa County Farm Bureau 19342019 Carol Mae Hinrichs passed into her new life on May 7, 2019 at the age of 84 years young. Carol was born July 22, 1934 in Milwaukie, WI where she spent most of her youth. Carol was preceded in death by her husband Bert K. Hinrichs. Carol is survived by her two sons and their wives: Jay and Lori; John and Sandy. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Stephanie (Hinrichs) Baca and Steve Baca, Jay T. Hinrichs, Alicia and Guen Benjamin, Kahli and Joshua Grantz, Marisa Veys, Sarina (Hinrichs) Carnes and Steven Carnes. Carols great grandchildren are; Steven Baca, Shaelynn Baca (Craig), Adam Baca, Hailey Baca, Siena Baca, Jacob Grantz, Summer Grantz and Meyer Grantz. Carol is also survived by her special Wisconsin Family Dani and Cyndee and their families. She went back each Summer for the Wisconsin State Fair. Carol loved Hawaii and the Napa Valley. She loved socializing and making friends. Carol has many friends that were very dear to her heart. She appreciated greatly how much her friends were there for her and she expressed over and over how blessed she was by these wonderful people in her life. If asked how Carol was doing she would say Great. No matter what her trial was she would always say Great! Carol volunteered as a Candy Striper in her younger years, worked with her husband in their real estate company and worked in the tasting room at Conn Creek Winery. After she retired from the winery she volunteered at the Napa Valley Visitors Center and the Napa Valley Senior Center. She could tell you where EVERYTHING is located in Napa Valley. We joked with Carol that in Napa they think the Queen of the Valley is the hospital but we know who the Queen of the Valley is it is Carol Mae Hinrichs. She laughed. She always made sure she was presentable with her makeup, in-style fashion and jewelry. She was a very petite sweet but also a FORCE to be reckoned with. She believed and lived the power of positive thinking and left a huge legacy of how to face adversity with class and dignity. Carol will surely be missed by many. Please join us at a Hawaiian themed Celebration of Life for Carol held on Fathers Day, Sunday June 16 from 1-4 p.m. at the Meeting Room at the Hawthorn Village, 3663 Solano Avenue, Napa, CA 94558 In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to your local Humane Society in honor of Carol Mae Hinrichs who was an avid animal advocate. Ashley, a Napa mother of two, is the kind of person who carefully evaluates everything she uses, from a new vacuum to the type of sunscreen she applied when she was pregnant and the car seat she selected for her baby. Ive always been that way, said Ashley, who is in her early 30s. I do my research before I consume or buy something. So when it came time to vaccinate her children, Ashley took the same approach. And then she made a decision that many consider unpopular, or downright dangerous. Shes not vaccinating her children. At all. Vaccines are not one-size-fits-all, said Ashley. There are different risks for different children. (Because shes afraid her family may be harmed if people knew they dont vaccinate, the Register agreed not to use Ashleys real name). She doesnt consider herself an anti-vaxxer, said Ashley. I am not anti-vaccine as much as I am pro-choice. I believe everyone needs to make the decision that is best for their family. Her family falls along the spectrum of vaccine hesitancy, said Ashley. If vaccines were proven 100 percent safe, I would have no issues vaccinating my children. Its a decision that has impacted her relationship with her community, friends and family. When people find out theyre not vaccinating, Were ridiculed, were disrespected; we lose friends, jobs or worse, Ashley said. The decision not to vaccinate Choosing not to vaccinate wasnt something she originally planned, said Ashley. At first, I didnt think twice about vaccines, because I was vaccinated. However, when her husband was growing up, he did not receive all of his vaccinations. Ashley said she decided against vaccinations after spending many years researching the adverse reactions and complications. Her sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and others. In addition, the fact that vaccine manufacturers cant be held liable for vaccine injuries also concerns her. Her decision was prompted when she was pregnant with their first child. At that time, Ashley was offered a flu shot. After researching the effectiveness of the vaccine, the risks and ingredients of the shot, she declined. For me it didnt make sense, said Ashley. She also declined the Hepatitis B and DTaP shot (which immunizes against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough or pertussis) based on her concerns about adverse reactions and the vaccine ingredients. Ashley will not vaccinate her children for measles, mumps or rubella either. Shes read about severe reactions and even deaths as a result of the MMR vaccine, she said. I am not afraid of measles, said Ashley. To some parents that sounds ludicrous, she admitted, but I know how to treat my children. They are rarely sick, she noted. If they were to get the measles, well be uncomfortable for 10 days (but) I feel confident well move along. Ashley continues to decline other vaccinations for her family. When it comes time for kindergarten, she may homeschool her children or seek a medical exemption. California schools require children to be immunized. Ashley doesnt want vaccines to be mandated. Not being allowed to have a choice of what is being injected into your body, thats a scary thought. Shed also like to see more and different safety studies and new and improved standards for vaccine testing. I feel like all parents would agree more safety studies would be a good thing for all of us. A growing fear Ashley knows her choice not to vaccinate is controversial. She originally agreed to use her real name for this story. But after reading an April 30 opinion piece in the Washington Post titled Anti Vaxxers are dangerous. Make them face isolation, fines and arrest, Ashley changed her mind. In that opinion piece, author Juliette Kayyem wrote: In the same way we have created sex-offenders lists to protect our children, communities can inventory families that choose not to be vaccinated, notifying employers of these parents as well as neighbors who may choose not to expose their children. That call stoked Ashleys fears. I am afraid of being ostracized because parents are afraid of unvaccinated children, she said. Shes already been banned from visiting friends with young babies that havent been able to be vaccinated yet. She understands their decision, But I cant say it doesnt hurt, Ashley said. Ashley said the reason shes willing to speak out is because she wants to encourage a conversation to speak honestly and openly, about vaccines and choices. Megans story Ashley isnt alone in her decision not to vaccinate. Another Napa mother, Megan, doesnt vaccinate her children either. Megan said shes also been ridiculed and shamed for that choice. Shes afraid that if everyone knew of her decision people would personally attack my family, she said. The Register agreed not to use her real name for this story. Megan, who was vaccinated as a child, said she began to question vaccinations after her son had a bad reaction after one immunization. Megan recalled another family member who had weird food allergies that developed after she started vaccinations. When her pediatrician suggested the human papillomaviruses (HPV) vaccination for her older daughter, Megan researched the vaccine. The more I started looking into that vaccine there was just no way I was going to give that to her. At that point she stopped all vaccines, said Megan. I cant see injecting my child with these substances that have not been proven to be safe, she said. The fact that vaccine manufacturers cannot be held liable just blows my mind, said Megan. She also cited claims that some make about vaccines leading to or causing autism. I feel like parents are doing more research about what car seat they are putting their kids than what they are injecting into their kids bodies, said Megan. Megan also refuses the flu vaccine every year. I just feel that Im young and healthy enough that if I were to get the flu I would be able to fight it off just fine, said Megan. Her youngest child is very healthy, said Megan. Just because shes not getting immunized, doesnt mean she doesnt have natural immunity. The issue is so fraught that some in Megans own family dont know she doesnt vaccinate. Its not something I discuss, said Megan. If they knew, I would be ostracized and my kids would be ostracized. Especially my youngest, said Megan. At this point what they dont know isnt hurting them. When her younger child is old enough for kindergarten, Megan will seek a medical exemption. Im keeping an open mind to homeschooling or moving out of California because other states still have personal belief exemptions. Vaccinating would be her last choice. In that case she would only vaccinate using a delayed schedule, giving only one vaccine at a time and only the minimum required. Because those who dont vaccinate can be shunned, When I do find like-minded people like myself, its a relief, said Megan. Its so nice to know theres other people in my hometown that feel the same way. Theres a lot more than you think. The medical community speaks out The recent upsurge of measles has many parents and health care providers talking. As of May 3, there were 764 cases of measles confirmed in the U.S. This is the highest number of cases reported in the U.S. since measles was eliminated in this country in 2000. There are a number of pediatricians in Napa who wont accept families that arent vaccinated. Megan receives her medical care from Kaiser. We do not turn members away who are not vaccinated, said Dr. Randy Bergen, a pediatrician spokesperson from Kaiser Permanentes Diablo area. However, we are deeply committed to vaccines as a central part of keeping our members healthy. Our physicians and staff do our best to provide education and personalized consultation to our members about the critical value of vaccinations. Ashleys family receives medical care from OLE Health. OLE Health will see pediatric patients who have not been vaccinated or who are on alternative vaccine schedules, said Alicia Hardy, OLE Healths CEO. However, Its very clear through a robust body of medical literature and decades of scientific evidence that what is best for children is to be fully vaccinated, said Hardy. Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are effective. Vaccines save lives, quite simply. OLE Health advises providers to have compassionate conversations with parents to clear up misconceptions around vaccines, provide accurate information about the safety and importance of vaccines and strive over time to help parents make the decision to vaccinate their child, said Hardy. Vaccines are a safe and cost-effective way to prevent certain diseases, said Karen I. Relucio, M.D., Napa County chief public health officer. Part of the decision to vaccinate is not just to protect your own children but to protect other children as well, said Relucio. If you make the decision not to vaccinate, it doesnt just affect your child and your family. It can impact other people who cant get vaccinated, such as babies who arent old enough to get their first MMR vaccine dose, pregnant women, or people who have weakened immune systems, Relucio pointed out. Relucio noted that measles is not a mild disease. Measles can cause complications, even in healthy children, and cause serious illnesses requiring hospitalization, said Relucio. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 10 children with measles gets an ear infection, which can lead to deafness. One in 20 children with measles gets pneumonia and one in 1,000 develops brain swelling that can cause brain damage. One or two out of every 1,000 children who get measles will die. Were about to hit 1,000 cases in the U.S., said Relucio. Were going to start seeing complications. According to the World Health Organization, 110,000 people died from measles in 2017, mostly children under the age of 5. The last measles death in the US occurred in 2015. That being said, it is estimated that from 2000 to 2016, 20.4 million deaths were prevented globally. In addition, There is a terrible disease that results from measles, called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, said Relucio. This rare and fatal disease of the brain can develop seven to 10 years after someone is infected with the measles. Aside from measles, whooping cough, or pertussis, is another serious disease. Babies can and do die from whooping cough, said Relucio. Relucio said that vaccine reactions are rare. Getting the disease is much worse than the possibility of a serious adverse reaction, she said. According to a 2015 report from the National Institutes of Health, A person is far more likely to be seriously or fatally injured by a disease prevented by vaccines than by a vaccine itself. However, Relucio knows its hard to convince people who have made the decision to delay or deny vaccinations. Its important to do your own research and be informed but its also important to have that discussion with your physician as well, said Relucio. You may not have all the information, she said. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Through births, deaths, serious diseases, injuries, and cold and flu season nurses are there. The question What do nurses do? seems to have a simple answer: Nurses take care of people. But perhaps the better question is How? Nurses work as an advocate for patients. Nurses perform tests and check vital signs. Theyre record-keepers and care coordinators. Nurses promote wellness through nutrition and exercise and help patients understand their medications and treatment plans. Nurses help ease fears and provide support physically, emotionally, and spiritually to patients and their families. The primary role of any nurse is to provide safe and high-quality care, but they also work as educators. People dont know how to navigate healthcare, and were the translators, said Kim Brown Sims, chief nursing officer and chief patient care services officer for Queen of the Valley Medical Center. When a patient is admitted to the hospital, they are arguably experiencing one of the worst times in their lives, said Jessica Hernandez, a registered nurse who works in Critical Care at Queen of the Valley. These patients are vulnerable and sometimes without any family or friends to be at their bedside, Hernandez said. I take pride in knowing that I can be their advocate and their support system when they need it most. To honor the role of nurses throughout the country, National Nurses Week is celebrated every year May 6-12, on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. At Napa Valley College, nursing faculty will put on a breakfast for their students, and the campus will also offer blood pressure checks and other basic screenings to honor the nursing profession. While defining a nurses role may not be easy, the abundance of job opportunities nursing provides help make it one of the most popular career paths in America. According to the U.S. News and World Reports 25 Best Jobs of 2019, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and registered nurses are some of the best-paying and most widely available jobs in the country. The healthcare industry, as a whole, dominated the Best Jobs list, which also predicted continued growth and ample opportunities in the healthcare field. The realm of what a nurse can do is pretty endless at this point in time, said Janice Ankenmann, a certified critical care nurse and family nurse practitioner, who is also a nursing professor and the nursing program director at Napa Valley College. Theres plenty of job opportunities depending on your experience. Napa Valley College offers an associates degree in nursing and prepares its students to pass the California Board of Registered Nursing exam. The college admits 40 students per year to its nursing program. Last year, they received about 100 applications, Ankenmann said. Students who have completed all the prerequisite courses are admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis once every spring. The nursing program previously kept students on a waitlist, but the college did away with this system years ago after finding it was not benefiting students or the program. The nursing program takes two years to complete and costs approximately $5,500, which includes books, uniforms, and tuition. Students are still responsible for regular college tuition and fees, and the cost of the nursing program does not include transportation, parking, or living expenses. Nearly half of all students enrolled in Napa Valley Colleges nursing program are Napa natives. But the school has enrolled students from as far as Santa Rosa, Oakland, and Reno. Many of the schools graduates are offered job opportunities in Napa because it is where the students perform most of their clinical work during their studies, Ankenmann said. Students who want to choose a specialty in nursing such as pediatrics or critical care may do so after passing the Board exam. Many nurses learn their specialty during on-the-job training. Choosing a specialty is about understanding your own personality your strengths and weaknesses and what gives you the most internal gratification, Ankenmann said. The emergency room, for example, is the perfect environment for someone who enjoys adrenaline and can work under the pressure of a lot of people coming in and out the door, Ankenmann said. The intensive care unit is good for people who want a quieter, more controlled environment, where they work with only one or two patients at a time. The operating room is a good fit for someone who likes routine and working closely with a physician, Ankenmann said. Ankenmann has worked as a nurse for more than 40 years. She is a registered nurse who specializes in critical care and has worked at Queen of the Valley as a nurse/manager in the ICU as well as at hospitals in Florida and Southern California. Theres a picture of me at 3 or 5 years old in a nurses uniform with a bag and cape, Ankenmann said. I was indoctrinated at a very early age. I always knew I was going to be a nurse. I cant imagine doing anything else. Ankenmann is the daughter of a nurse. Her mothers friends, many of whom were more like family, also worked as nurses. As a child, Ankenmann learned the importance of washing her hands and keeping things clean and orderly. She also learned to put others before herself and to not pass judgment on any person good or bad. She remembers her mother wore a cape and cap to work. She worked as an Operating Room nurse, and Ankenmann recalls her mother having a glass syringe and a sharpening stone. Before disposable equipment became common practice, nurses and doctors were responsible for the sterilization and maintenance of tools, like syringes and needles. Things were very different back then, Ankenmann said. In addition to managing the nursing programs at Napa Valley College, Ankenmann also works as a part-time nurse practitioner. She said her passion for nursing extends beyond the parameters of her work life. Its not just your career, she said. It becomes part of who you are. Not for the weak of heart (or stomach) Lets face it: Nurses have to handle gross, nasty stuff. Most nurses interviewed for this story spoke frankly about bodily functions like blood, mucus, vomit, and, as one nurse put it, the squirts. We cant make this stuff up. There are horrific body fluids we have to deal with, Brown Sims said. Its part of who we are as humans, and it, too, washes off. Good hand hygiene is essential. Be prepared to change your scrubs, Brown Sims said. And put on your splash guards. While a sense of humor (and, perhaps, a strong stomach) help many nurses get through the day, some of the most important qualities for the profession are compassion, empathy, patience, and resilience. We care for people in their most vulnerable state, Brown Sims said. Every patient deserves tenderness, she said. Even with the best intentions, there are days like any other job when the challenges pile up and the work becomes draining. You can plan your whole day out perfectly, but stuff changes in a minute, said Jill Ford, a registered nurse, who works in Queen of the Valleys telemetry unit, which monitors patients heart function. Waiting for test results or facing a daunting diagnosis can bring a patients anxieties and fears to the forefront. Under such stressful circumstances, some patients are difficult to work with. When people dont feel well, theyre not always the nicest and kindest, Ford said. This is where compassion, empathy, and a calm demeanor play an important role, she said. A nurse needs to have awareness and be able not to take things personally when a patient expresses an emotion such as anger, said Claudia Provedor, a registered nurse and nurse supervisor for OLE Health. It is usually not a personal issue against the nurse, but probably involves many other factors of their (patients) life. Nyna Vo works as a psychiatric nurse in the Senior Behavioral Health unit at Adventist Health St. Helena, formerly known as St. Helena Hospital, and some of her patients have little to no insight into their own mental health. Some of the patients are non-compliant with their treatment, which can be detrimental to their well being, Vo said. Though working on a mental health unit can be rewarding, non-compliance is a big challenge when providing care as it can be mentally and emotionally draining. Despite the challenges, Vo said her favorite part of the job is building rapport with her patients. I think its a privilege to be able to work with a vulnerable population and to have them trust me with their care ... Vo said. Its rewarding and fulfilling to see the improvements and progress in patients on the Senior Behavioral Health Unit. Sacred moments Jill Ford became interested in nursing later in life, after her best friends mom was diagnosed with cancer and ended up in hospice care. She helped feed her ice chips and assisted whenever she could at her bedside. I felt compelled to help, Ford said. In Queen of the Valleys telemetry unit, Ford works with patients who need heart monitoring. With Napa being a small community, Ford said its not uncommon for patients to recognize her outside of the hospital, give her a hug, and say how much they appreciated her care. She describes these moments as one of the greatest joys of her career. Youre riding this roller coaster with them (patients), Ford said. Youre bonding with these people on a different level. Jonathan Garza, a registered nurse and the heart and vascular unit manager at Adventist Health St. Helena, was inspired to become a nurse during high school. His two older brothers were in nursing school, urging Garza to follow in their footsteps. Around that same time, my grandfather, who suffered from crippling Parkinsons disease, moved in with our family and I took care of him after school every day. I helped bathe him, I took him to the bathroom, helped him walk around the house as best he could, Garza said. His grandfather had also developed dementia. One night, as Garza was tucking him into bed, he grabbed his grandsons arm and told him how thankful he was for all of his help. That was a really special moment one Ive always kept close to my heart, Garza said. My grandpa passed just before the end of that school year, but the experience of caring for him stayed with me and ultimately informed my decision to apply to nursing school here in Napa Valley at Pacific Union College. Many nurses interviewed talked about the gifts or sacred moments they get to share with patients. Its the gift of other people, Ankenmann said. People share things with you. Its a significant reward to nursing. Before working in executive leadership at Queen of the Valley, Brown Sims worked with premature infants in a Neonatal ICU. She still receives cards, she said, from families thanking her for helping their children, who have now grown into adults. Im eternally grateful for those miracle moments, Brown Sims said. Every time a child was born, it was a miracle. I was blessed to be a part of that experience with a family. Like mother, like daughter Jessica Hernandez always had a strong desire to help others, but the admiration she had for her mother, who works as a labor and delivery nurse, was her biggest motivator. In my youth, she would come home and rejoice in what a wonderful, blessed night she had witnessing a baby being born into the world, Hernandez said. My mom was the utmost inspiration to me as I grew up. I saw her work ethic, commitment, determination, and most importantly her dedication to her patients. Her mother, Regina Orozco, always loved science, but as a mom to three young children, spending years in medical school was out of the question. Attending a nursing program was a much better fit. I absolutely love my career, Orozco said. Im glad I didnt choose to become a physician. Orozco has worked as a registered nurse for 15 years. She specializes in labor and delivery and currently works at the Kaiser hospital in Santa Rosa. Orozco is also a nursing professor at Napa Valley College, where she has worked for 12 years. Its funny, my whole life my mom told me to never become a nurse, Orozco said. Back then, a nurses role was to follow orders and do a lot of cleaning. Nurses werent expected to use critical thinking skills, Orozco said. Its grown into a profession, she said. Orozco is currently working on her Ph.D. at UC Davis, where she is studying Nursing Science and Healthcare Leadership with a focus on nursing education. As a labor and delivery nurse, Orozco said she enjoys the one-on-one connection with expectant moms and the positive difference she can make during their hospital stay. Some women are scared, either because its their first child, or their previous birthing experience was terrible, she said. Im here to keep you safe, Orozco said. Orozcos job does not end after a baby is born. Some mothers have difficulty breastfeeding. Some have emotional struggles or lack family support. As a nurse, Orozco said she works hard to provide the physical and emotional care women and their babies need. The goal, she said, is healthy mom, healthy baby. Hernandez remembers as a child joining her mother at work and admiring the rapport her mother had with patients. She made her job seem so effortless and her patients would look to her as if she had all the answers, and to me, she did have all the answers, Hernandez said. That is when I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps. About 10 years ago, Orozco suffered a serious medical problem that put her in the ICU. From the moment we got to the hospital, the nurses were at our side updating and explaining everything to my family and me, Hernandez said. They encouraged us to participate in her care, so we could give her the positive energy she needed to survive. Hernandez recalls the experience as overwhelming, but the uncertainties and fears her family faced were eased by the ICU staff. They were so calm, so organized, so smart they made their job seem effortless, and now I knew I wanted to take part in that area of specialty and be a nurse just like them, Hernandez said. Today, as a critical care nurse, Hernandez works alongside some of those same nurses who helped her mother. Becoming one of their colleagues, Hernandez said, is a privilege and honor. Social media and healthcare Before becoming a nurse at Queen of the Valley, Jill Ford worked in the hotel industry in Sonoma County for about 15 years and also spent about six years as a nanny. She credits her customer service experience and working closely with families as excellent preparation for nursing. It taught me how to manage a work environment, while also being in someones intimate space, Ford said, adding that shed be a different nurse if she hadnt gained those customer service skills first. Ford said that the future of healthcare should be more customer service-driven. Most people have a choice of where they receive healthcare, she said. People talk about their experiences, and that impacts how a community views an organization. In the social media world, people can tweet their experience at their bedside, she said. Every interaction with a patient or their family members has the potential to become a social media conversation, Brown Sims said. The public turns to social media even more than surfing the web now, she said. To enhance a patients experience, many in the nursing profession say they believe that nurses need to be given more decision-making power. One of the biggest challenges of the nursing profession, Orozco said, are the guidelines and restrictions that give nurses less autonomy. Its an awkward position for nurses when they have the professional knowledge to know what is right, but they dont actually have the authority to make those decisions, Orozco said. Brown Sims agreed that its important to give nurses a voice and allow them to share their knowledge especially if it can lead to better health outcomes. If you have experts, which all of our nurses are, give them an avenue: Is there a better way to do what were doing in a safe manner? she said. For hospital executives, Brown Sims said the key to success is to hire the best of the best and empower them. If you empower the frontline staff, you typically get better results, she said. Caring for the whole person Caring for the whole person is an expression often used in healthcare. But what does it mean? As you know, us humans are a complex species we are layered like onions! We all have mental, spiritual, and emotional needs beyond what our physical bodies need, said Garza at Adventist Health St. Helena. Garza has worked in the hospitals Heart and Vascular unit for more than 10 years. A patient admitted for atrial fibrillation or heart failure may need new medications or a procedure to restore their normal heart rhythm, and hospitals can provide those services very easily, Garza said. But making that human connection with these patients sitting with them, listening to their stories, praying with them, holding their hands that is how nurses care for the whole person, he said. The skills needed to care for the whole person often come with maturity and job experience, Brown Sims said. New nurses, particularly those who are younger and have grown up with technology, are more task-oriented more concerned with checking off the boxes than checking in with a patient on a more personal, emotional level, she said. Task-oriented, or transactional care, as Browns Sims calls it, is more likely to lead to burn-out, she said. But as new nurses mature in their profession, they often learn how to be more interactive with patients and how to create better relationships. It can be as simple as shaking hands and making eye contact, Brown Sims said. It gives the patient that immediate dignity and respect, she said. Garza agreed that nurses need to approach every patient with kindness and understanding because its never anyones best day when theyre hospitalized. Every person who comes in deserves compassion and caring, he said. Sometimes patients just want a listening ear to tell stories to. Others just need a squeeze of their hand or a kind smile. Editors note: First of a two-part series. The coopers work was not a minor thing in daily life. Wines, liquors, ciders, and beers were all held and aged in casks, and to some extent, they still are. William Bryant Logan, Oak: The Frame of Civilization Not far from Napa Valley, near the shoreline of Suisun Bay facing Mount Diablo, theres a wine barrel company with a corporate park address and a discreetly marked facade. The location conceals an age-old craft practiced behind its doors. But, according to the master cooper running the show, those doors are always open. At Tonnellerie O in Benicia, Quinn Roberts leads a team of coopers, building oak barrels that rank among the best produced by American cooperages. In some ways, the Napa native and his staff are setting a wine industry standard, not just with their barrels, but through a program to show how coopering and winemaking go hand-in-hand. Experienced at 48, Roberts is up to the task. He might be Americas only second-generation master cooper. Together with his now-retired father, Keith, the Roberts duo have demonstrated over nearly half a century that their craft is as integral to fine winemaking as almost anything that happens between budbreak and bottling. Barrels were made by hand in the old days, said the younger Roberts at Tonnellerie O on a recent morning. It was the only way it could be done. Hed just given a tour of the facility, then sat down in a conference room to talk about silviculture, or the growing and cultivation of trees, and the contemporary craft of cooperage. He also discussed the unique Master Cooper education program Tonnellerie O offers to its customers, which incorporates both disciplines. In the last 20 or 30 years, with all the advances in technology, barrels have become mass-produced, Roberts said. They have to be produced on an assembly line as efficiently as possible. So, being a master cooper has as much to do with understanding those processes and machines as it does with knowing how to use hand tools to build a barrel. A dozen craftsmen make up the Tonnellerie O assembly line. Under Roberts direction they mass-produce a little over 40 barrels per day, a fraction of their larger competitors output. Still, as a modern cooperage, hydraulics, computers, and even lasers are employed in the manufacture of its wine barrels. So are hammers, drivers, and sandpaper the hand tools of a coopers trade. Meanwhile, safety glasses and earplugs are just as indispensable. Contrasting its tranquil, glass-walled suites of offices, Tonnellerie Os production floor is a sawdusty, noisy place. And during the chilly morning visit, workers wore thick warehouse gloves: the high-ceilinged space was colder than a wine cave, and oak, like all wood, comes with splinters. But not all oak is created the same. Roberts started his tour next to several stacks of French oak staves, the long slats his coopers cut to size to construct the main body of a barrel (shorter staves are used to build the heads, the top and bottom portions). For a current work order, the wood had been milled by the Gauthier family, the cooperages go-to French supplier in the Loire Valley village of Mery-es-Bois. A subsequent order for American oak barrels would, Roberts expected, be made up of wood from Minnesota. Later, covering the basics of silviculture, he drew cross-sections of American and French oak logs on a whiteboard in the conference room to illustrate differences in the respective trees heartwood, the dense material growing a couple of layers under the bark. Such variations are a major factor for millers and coopers alike. The American species, Quercus alba, or white oak, is harder at its core than French oak. Conversely, the heartwood in Quercus petraea, from which French staves are milled, is slightly porous. This difference in the trees anatomies makes for a more laborious, and expensive, milling process in France. Its the main reason why American oak is less expensive than French, explained the master cooper. The rule of thumb is that even from a perfect log of French oak, because of its porosity, only about 20 percent of it can be turned into staves. With American oak, its double that, at least. So the raw material is much less expensive. For wineries that can afford it, the higher price of a French oak barrel is just a cost of doing business. Not all winemakers incorporate oak into their regimen, let alone new barrels or staves from France. But among those that do, a certain style of wine is the desired result: aromas and flavors from French barrel-aging are sweeter and often more integrated than they are in American oak-aged wines. Tonnellerie O customers seem to lean French. For 2018, Roberts noted that the sales ratio was about 60/40 French to American stave barrels. Regardless of the origin of the wood, however, his approach is the same. I think a lot of times people assume that because youre a cooper you like a lot of oak in your wine, and of course its better for me in the long term if people are using a lot of new oak. But really, in terms of style, I much prefer the restrained, subtle use of oak. Unless winery clients request it, Roberts and his coopers avoid making heavily toasted, high-impact barrels in favor of products that play a supporting role in the finished wine. [We] want the wood to complement and respect the fruit in the wine, rather than overwhelm it, he said. And, in fact, some of the new barrels that weve come up with in the past few years are designed with that in mind. During the 45-minute tour, he went from work station to station around the production floor, stopping to explain each part of the process. The toasting stepcharring the inside of a newly constructed barrel with controlled flames is of utmost relevance to his winemaker clients, since it will affect the aroma and flavor of the wine to be aged in the finished product. But before that most dramatic part of the whole process, as Roberts described it, a number of things happen, from the initial planing of the wood cutting the broad, top and bottom faces of the staves to jointing or cutting the edges of each piece so they fit together inside the barrel. Both take place in a sophisticated, two-phase machine called a stave jointer. Its a room-sized box with a conveyor chain that feeds the staves past different bladed tools, calibrated down to the millimeter for planing and jointing. In the past, before the invention of this machine, there were separate machines required to do each type of cutting. Its an amazing piece of equipment! Roberts exclaimed over the loud, sawing din. A cooper named Rodney manned the stave jointer, loading the uncut slats of wood onto the chain with practiced rhythm. Another cooper, Sergio, took Rodneys newly cut pieces and skillfully arranged them inside a pair of thick metal hoops into a barrel flower. The half-constructed oak vessel with outward-splaying staves at one end resembles a bouquet, hence the name. Their boss chuckled that they call it a rose in-house. I mean, barrel flower kind of makes sense to me because of the way the staves are arranged. The rose part is poetic license, I guess. A lead cooper named Alejandro runs the toasting room, where the all-important use of fire occurs. As Tonnellerie Os most experienced craftsman next to Roberts, himself he is charged with its most important jobs. What Sergio does is he kind of sets the table for tomorrows production. Hell fill this space with about 20 barrels. Roberts motioned to a set of unfinished vessels resting on the floor. And then Alejandro and his guys in the toasting room, they come in first every day. Theyre here at 5 in the morning, and they start pulling barrels in and begin the bending and the toasting. At 8:30 a.m., stepping off of the cold production floor and through the toasting rooms doorway was a bit like walking into a New York bakery on a winter morning. This is definitely the place to be, you know, until about June or July, he said. One reason why the guys start so early is that they want to put all these fires out before the hottest part of the day. So theyre typically finished by around 10 or 10:30. Every morning, Alejandro and his colleagues are given work orders for the number and types of barrels theyre going to produce that day. The different types are based on three factors: the wood selection, whether French or American oak; the size of the barrel, which in Tonnellerie Os production can range between 200 and 500 liters; and the toast level the cooperage is trying to create. So based on all these factors, Alejandro has a cookbook, Roberts added, picking up a three-ring binder filled with pages of written and visual instructions. For every barrel type and every toast level, hes given specific instructions about what to do. First, to create the familiar, curved shape, the barrel flowers are soaked with water, then heated from within using oak scraps burned in a metal cylinder called a brasero. Afterwards, the bouquet end is slowly bent into place on a floor-mounted device. The alternating water and heat soften the wood fibers and make them flexible so that we can bend them without breaking them, Roberts explained, though he confessed that happens most days, anyway. The barrels are flipped around to receive another pair of sturdy metal hoops, which are carefully hammered around the newly bent staves (these temporary truss hoops will be replaced after toasting with the more recognizable, shiny metal hoops that are fitted onto the finished product). Consulting the cookbook, Alejandro and his team stand the hollow barrels over the braseros, this time burning small, controlled fires with oak pieces specially seasoned for the toasting process. They follow the printed instructions to adjust the size and intensity of the fires, which, after 15 to 20 minutes, toast the insides of the barrels to the intended level. Roberts flipped to the page in the cookbook that corresponded to the barrel Alejandro was working on, a top-of-the-line French oak model with thin staves and medium-plus toast level. Given all these specifics, you want him to maintain the fire within this range so he doesnt let it get smaller than that he pointed to pictures of braseros extruding flames of different heights and he doesnt let it get bigger than that. He added that Alejandro controls the fire simply by putting in or taking out firewood. As with all of the other steps at the cooperage, however, there was nothing simple about it. Its tricky. Its really tricky, and thats why hes an expert. Experience is the key. As they went about their tasks, from cutting staves to the final steps of mounting the heads and sanding the finished barrels, the coopers at each station made it look deceptively easy. They all worked with the same focused economy of movement, hardly seeming to notice their boss. Roberts own expertise appeared second nature, and his commentary rang with authority. Back In the conference room, it raised the question: how did he acquire this knowledge? He considered the marked-up whiteboard. I didnt go to school for it. I just learned a lot from hanging around cooperages and forests. You know, spending time with our suppliers out in the forests when theyre looking at wood, its fascinating. This would include regular visits to Frances national forests, or forets domaniales. As part of Tonnellerie Os popular Master Cooper program, Roberts started taking some of their best winery clients to visit these forests in 2017. A lot of the forets domaniales are concentrated within about an hour to two-hour radius of Paris, he said. This is where you find its the most consistent source of the highest quality wood. They manage each parcel of the forest very carefully. Then he paused for a moment. But, pretty much, I learned most of what I know about cooperage from my dad. Considering Keith Roberts own career history and direct connection to one of Californias most famous wine families, his master cooper sons choice of profession makes sense. (To be continued in part two.) Armenian President congratulates Justin Trudeau Macron calls launch of the James Webb telescope a historic event Iran closes land border with neighboring countries due to omicron strain Ariane successfully launches with latest James Webb telescope Turkey and Azerbaijan Foreign Ministers discuss situation in South Caucasus Pashinyan congratulates Trudeau on his anniversary Flight to Yerevan cancelled due to plane engine fire Yerevan ex-mayor Marutyan submits letter of resignation from his city council seat Artsakh Prosecutor's Office: Chartar village resident killed by long-range shot by Azerbaijan 4 dead after Sri Lanka policeman opens fire on fellow officers Newly appointed Yerevan mayor takes oath of office At least 16 people die after boat full of migrants capsizes off Greece coast of Amirabdollahian: Iran Azerbaijan charted roadmap to further enhance ties Christmas Eve does not pass without incident for Biden 118 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia New mayor of Yerevan to swear in today Huge ichthyosaur fossil reveals new theories about evolution speed Rare walking fish spotted off Tasmania coast for first time in 22 years Rice-sized microchip placed under skin can become Covid vaccination passport Thailand authorities seize $30M of crystal methamphetamine hidden in boxing punch bags Newspaper: No contract signed with any lobbying organization since Makunts appointment as ambassador to US Newspaper: Armenia ex-President Kocharyan to also hold press conference Newspaper: Armenia authorities instruct but investigative body can no longer continue Armenia PM: There are no legal grounds for existence of enclaves Armen Ashotyan to Pashinyan: Real catastrophe took place when a nincompoop like you came to power in Armenia Armenia PM: Catastrophe took place in Karabakh negotiations in 2016 Armenia PM on first meeting held in '3+2' regional format Armenia PM on opening of communications Yerevan mayor's oath-taking ceremony to be held on Dec. 25 Putin to not call Biden on the phone to wish him a Merry Christmas Armenia PM on granting status of observer to Azerbaijan within Eurasian Economic Union Georgia Parliament Speaker resigns Armenia's Pashinyan: I refuse to discuss any issue related to the army publicly Armenia PM: If the Armenian-Turkish negotiations are a success, of course, there will be a meeting with Erdogan Earthquake hits Armenia-Georgia border zone Armenia PM: I returned from meeting in Sochi with a feeling of satisfaction Armenia PM says he will attend non-official summit of CIS countries, will have contact with Aliyev Armenia's Pashinyan: We returned the captured Azerbaijani servicemen without preconditions Azerbaijan to deploy special military detachments in Karabakh's Hadrut region Azerbaijan President is blatantly threatening Armenia again Armenia FM meets with members of ruling parliamentary faction Armenia PM giving press conference Armenian PM attends Requiem Service for wife of National Hero of Armenia Karen Demirtchyan Analyst clarifies what will disturb Turkey and Azerbaijan from opening so-called corridor via Armenia NEWS.am daily digest: 24.12.21 Republican Party of Armenia: Authorities are creating barrier between Diaspora and historic homeland with their policy Turkey, Qatar sign memorandum on joint management of Kabul International Airport Armenia ex-defense minister Davit Tonoyan to remain in custody Representatives of Azerbaijani and Armenian communities meet in Moscow for first time after Karabakh military conflict Dollar still losing value in Armenia Parliament vice-speaker receives American Chamber of Commerce in Armenia board chairman Republican Party spokesperson: Armenia authorities decided to smoothen ties with Turkey after defeat in war Armenia Health Ministry Legal Department head: Decision of Constitutional Court is ministry's victory MFA: Russia welcomes international efforts to normalize Armenian-Azerbaijani relations Armenia President receives group of parents of deceased servicemen Armenia Security Council holds session Iran FM: Tehran is ready to participate in next stage of negotiations with Saudi Arabia Zakharova on Armenia-Azerbaijan railway link: Substantive discussions continue on trilateral working group Kremlin: US may consult with Ankara over settlement of situation in Ukraine Zakharova: Moscow believes Ankara will take Russia's signals seriously Non-official meeting of leaders of CIS countries to be held on Dec. 28 Audit Chamber official: Armenia banks have misused state subsidies they received Armenia health, labor inspectorate to inspect 700 economic entities in 2022 Russia peacekeepers ensure safe travel of more than 2,000 people to, from Karabakh in one day Azerbaijan's Aliyev celebrates 60th birthday in occupied Armenian city of Hadrut Russia MFA: Not only Turkey ready to hold 3+3 regional consultative mechanism meeting Maria Zakharova wishes Yerevan and Baku peace and patience Valerie Pecresse posts comment on Facebook: I visited Armenia - France's fraternal country Putin, Aliyev confirm readiness to strengthen Russia-Azerbaijan strategic partnership Middle East Eye: Turkey encouraged by Armenia PM Pashinyan's reelection, aims to normalize relations Armenia government: Constitutional Court decision does not lift requirement for employees to submit PCR test result New program shall develop Armenia metrology Armenia opposition MP: Corridor is spoken of as established fact in Azerbaijan Armenia Constitutional Reform Council to include 2 representatives of international organizations Putin expresses Aliyev readiness to continue dialogue, joint work to strengthen regional stability, security 1 more person dies of coronavirus in Karabakh 135 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Lavrov: Involvement of Kiev in NATO poses serious risks, even large-scale conflict in Europe Newly elected Vanadzor city council first session not convened NATO to approach Russia borders in case of aggression against Ukraine STEPANAKERT. At the initiative of the Republic of Artsakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR MFA), a conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the agreement on the full cessation of fire and hostilities signed by Artsakh, Armenia, and Azerbaijan was held Friday in capital city Stepanakert. Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned from the Artsakh MFA that former co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group, Vladimir Kazimirov, also participated in the event as an honorary guest. Foreign Minister of the Republic of Artsakh, Masis Mayilian, delivered an address at the conference. In his speech, the Foreign Minister noted that the 25th anniversary of this agreement is a good opportunity to evaluate the event, as well as to summarize some results and outline the steps needed to strengthen the ceasefire and increase the effectiveness of the process of peaceful settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict. Noting the importance of this agreement on the full cessation of fire and hostilities, Masis Mayilian, in particular, stressed that the termless trilateral agreement of May 12, 1994 is, in fact, the only tangible achievement in the entire process of the conflict settlement, and which put an end to the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and transferred the conflict to the politico-diplomatic arena. Thus, conditions were created for the parties to focus their efforts on finding ways for the final settlement of the conflict through negotiations, supported by the international mediators. Mayilian stressed that the Artsakh party to this conflict had always adhered to the commitments assumed under the May 12, 1994 agreement, as well as had repeatedly come forward with initiatives on ensuring the irreversibility of the peace process. As an example, the FM noted the readiness of Artsakh authorities to provide the international mediators with the data of the video monitoring system on the situation on the border, adding that this system could become part of the international mechanism for monitoring the ceasefire. In this context, Masis Mayilian also noted the importance of implementation of the agreements that were reached at the summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg that were held after the war in April 2016. In his speech, the Artsakh FM also stressed the matter of the line of demarcation between the conflicting forces, and which the three parties had fixed as part of the ceasefire, and under the mediation of the Defense Ministry of Russia. Therefore, as per Mayilian, the implementation of the ceasefire agreement also means the restoration of the agreed ceasefire line, which was violated by Azerbaijan in April 2016. Masis Mayilian expressed a conviction that the combination and complementarity of the diplomatic and politico-military conditionsrestoration of direct trilateral negotiations, consolidation of the ceasefire, and ensuring the irreversibility of the peace processwill create the necessary preconditions for real progress in the process of peaceful settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict, and for ensuring lasting stability in the South Caucasus. By Ritah Kemigisa. The Uganda Young Democrats, the youth wing of the Democratic Party have endorsed Kyadondo East Member of Parliament Robert Kyagulanyi as their flag bearer in the 2021 presidential elections. Addressing journalists in Kampala this morning, the groups Secretary General Robert Mugambwa said Bobi Wine is the right candidate who represents the youth and their aspirations. He adds that as the young generation, a new leadership and change of government is all they desire. Mugambwa has meanwhile urged all political forces of change to unite for a common goal of ensuring peaceful transition. There was a large fire Saturday at the landfill of Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia. At 12:58pm, the 911 emergency hotline received a report that firefighters help was needed to extinguish the fire that had broken out at the Nubarashen landfill. Four fire and rescue squads were dispatched to the scene. The fire was put out at 4:07am. About 100 square meters of trash, however, was burned. One tractor and one water truck from Yerevan Municipality also participated in this firefighting. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan is visiting Gegharkunik Province on Saturday to participate in the business investment programs forum, entitled My Step for Gegharkunik Province. The event is held in the provincial capital of Gavar city. The PM is accompanied by the Minister of Economic Development and Investments, Tigran Khachatryan, and some other officials. Gegharkunik governor Gnel Sanosyan delivered opening remarks at the forum, and publicized the economic indicators that are recorded in the province. While traveling along the shores of Lake Sevan, a careful researcher can clearly record what historical phases our republic has gone through. Lake Sevan and its shores carry all the layers of the processes taking place in Armenia over the past 30 years. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday said this at the business investment programs forum, entitled My Step for Gegharkunik Province, which is held in the Gegharkunik provincial capital of Gavar city (PHOTOS). Our task is to make the coastal environment [the Lake] Sevan correspond to a good status, the PM said, since Lake Sevan has a great significance for the Republic of Armenia. He noted that environmental protection is of particular importance for new Armenia, and that the countrys compliance with the best international environmental standards is a priority. This requires a long-lasting, hard work from us, Pashinyan added, and we have enough will to carry out that work until the end. He said that ensuring equal conditions for all economic players is also a priority. Furthermore, Pashinyan urged Armenian businessmen, both in Armenia and abroad, who are interested in Armenia to come to the country and carry out economic activities in their homeland. Let all businessmen come to Armenia, get rich, and enrich the Republic of Armenia, the Premier said, in particular. Nikol Pashinyan added that the Armenian governments biggest challenge is to encourage the Armenian citizens, businessmen, and investors. A total of 110 businessmen are taking part in the aforesaid forum, and 72 of them have come to Armenia from abroad. STEPANAKERT. The adversary violated the ceasefire at the zone of contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces around 180 times, from May 5 to 11. During this time the Azerbaijan armed forces fired more than 3,300 shots toward the military positions of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR), and with various-caliber rifle weapons, the Artsakh Ministry of Defense (MOD) informed. But vanguard units of the Artsakh Defense Army primarily refrained from responding to the provocative actions of the adversary, and they took the steps needed to reliably safeguard their combat positions. Discussants in the conference that was convened in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR) capital city of Stepanakert, and which was devoted to the 25th anniversary of signing the agreement on ceasefire in the Karabakh conflict zone, have adopted a statement. May 12, 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Agreement on the full cessation of fire and hostilities in the Karabakh conflict zone concluded by Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), Azerbaijan and Armenia, the statement reads. This document remains so far the only considerable achievement in the conflict settlement process, which was made possible by the efforts of the Russian mediation mission led by Ambassador Vladimir Kazimirov who, since 1995, had also been a Co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group. The Russian Federation was the first to recognize Artsakh as one of the three parties to the conflict. This pragmatic approach, subsequently reflected in the documents of the OSCE Budapest Summit of 1994, allowed each of the parties to the conflict to directly represent its interests at the negotiations and to move from formal issues to substantive discussions, which ultimately ensured the signing of the Agreement on the full cessation of fire and hostilities. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the trilateral Agreement of May 12, 1994, initiated through the negotiations between Azerbaijan and Artsakh, which allowed to establish the term-less cessation of fire and hostilities, that threatened the entire South Caucasus region with calamity, and laid a solid foundation for finding a political solution to the conflict through negotiations. It serves as the best confirmation of the fact that for the effectiveness of the negotiation process the direct participation of Artsakh is necessary. Today, 25 years later, maintaining lasting peace in the Karabakh conflict zone remains topical. We believe that the achievement of this goal is impossible without the secure consolidation of the cease-fire and the implementation of confidence-building measures, which will allow to exclude the recurrence of the large-scale hostilities of April 2016 that claimed hundreds of lives on both sides. The algorithm of success is obvious - to restore the real, trilateral format of negotiations of 1994, to consistently strengthen the cease-fire regime, including through the implementation of the Vienna, St. Petersburg and Geneva Agreements of 2016 providing for the establishment of an international mechanism for investigating the ceasefire violations and increasing the number of the staff of the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office aimed at increasing its capacities on monitoring the situation on the Line of Contact. We, the participants of the conference, call on the parties, as well as the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen to exert every effort for preserving stability in the region, creating conditions for effective negotiations and establishing a constructive dialogue between the societies of the conflicting parties, as the further escalation of tensions poses a risk of a new war. It is necessary to demonstrate the political will in order to securely consolidate the ceasefire established 25 years ago and to transform it into full-fledged, comprehensive and lasting peace, which meets the vital interests of all the peoples of the South Caucasus. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has called on the Armenian side to have a constructive participation in the negotiations for resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as quickly as possible. Russian News Agency TASS reported this citing the Azerbaijan MFA statement on the 25th anniversary of signing the agreement on ceasefire in the Karabakh conflict zone. As per this statement, Armenia should fulfill its international obligations and have constructive participation in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. According to the statement, the ceasefire also envisages the withdrawal of the military force from the conflict zone, and not carrying out of activities that strengthen the occupation and hinder the return of internally displaced persons. Also the Azerbaijan MFA stated that the restoration of the countrys territorial integrity is the basis for the establishment of normal neighborly relations with Armenia, stable peace, and the ensuring of security in the region. STEPANAKERT. President of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic/NKR), Bako Sahakyan, on Saturday visited Kolkhozashen community of Martuni Region and attended the solemn opening of the memorial and museum commemorating the perished freedom-fighters. Also, the President handed high state awards to a group of Karabakh War veterans for their services rendered to the Homeland, and delivered remarks, Central Information Department of the Office of the Artsakh President informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. Sahakyan noted that the people of Kolkhozashen have always stood out by their patriotism and have actively been involved in the defense of the Homeland. Kolkhozashen is one of Artsakhs ancient residences with diligence, modesty, and commitment to the Homeland, and home has always been inherent to the people of Kolkhozashen, the Head of the State stressed in his remarks. You have a solid ground to take pride in your residence. Also, he asserted that this memorial will become a site of pilgrimage, both for Kolkhozashen and all people of Artsakh. Evoking Imagery of 9/11, IS-Aligned Group Threatens Attacks in "Heart" of America 10707 Westheimer Road. | Photos: Zumper Curious just how far your dollar goes in Westchase? According to Walk Score, this Houston neighborhood is somewhat walkable, is somewhat bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options. Data from rental site Zumper shows that the median rent for a one bedroom in Westchase is currently hovering around $920. So, what might you expect to find if you're on a budget of $1,200/month? Read on for a roundup of the latest rental listings, via Zumper. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 10777 Richmond Ave. Listed at $1,157/month, this 625-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom is located at 10777 Richmond Ave. In the unit, you can expect hardwood floors, in-unit laundry and a walk-in closet. The building features a swimming pool, a fitness center and garage parking. Good news for animal lovers: both dogs and cats are permitted here. (See the complete listing here.) 10707 Westheimer Road Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo over at 10707 Westheimer Road. It's listed for $1,150/month. When it comes to building amenities, expect garage parking, a swimming pool and a fitness center. In the unit, there are hardwood floors, a dishwasher and in-unit laundry. If you've got a pet, you'll be happy to learn that cats and dogs are allowed. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. (Take a gander at the complete listing here.) 3003 Seagler Road, #7520 Then there's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment at 3003 Seagler Road, #7520, that's going for $1,117/month. Pets are not welcome. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. (Take a look at the full listing here.) 9851 Meadowglen Lane Finally, check out this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment that's located at 9851 Meadowglen Lane. It's listed for $1,109/month. Story continues In the unit, you'll get in-unit laundry. If you've got a pet, you'll be happy to learn that cats and dogs are welcome. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. (See the complete listing here.) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. * Lawmakers scuffle and curse, one taken to hospital * Bill would allow extradition to mainland China * Latest flashpoint in tussle for control of ex-British colony (Adds Chinese and Hong Kong government responses) By James Pomfret and Jessie Pang HONG KONG, May 11 (Reuters) - Scuffles broke out in Hong Kong's legislature on Saturday between pro-democracy lawmakers and those loyal to Beijing over a proposed extradition law that will extend Beijing's powers over the China-ruled financial hub. One person was taken to hospital. The former British colony is trying to enact rules that would allow people accused of a crime, including foreigners, to be extradited from the city to countries without formal extradition agreements, including mainland China. Opponents fear the law would erode rights and legal protections in the free-wheeling financial hub that were guaranteed when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Tempers boiled over when pro-democracy lawmakers and the pro-Beijing majority tried to hold separate hearings on the bill. The democrats say the pro-China lawmakers breached rules in forming their own committee to try and ram through the legislation. Lawmakers clambered over tables, cursed and piled into each other as security personnel tried to maintain order. One pro-democracy lawmaker, Gary Fan, fell heavily and had to be stretchered to hospital. Several pro-Beijing lawmakers also fell, one needing a sling for his arm. "It's a sad day for Hong Kong," said pro-establishment lawmaker Elizabeth Quat. "We laughed at (scuffles in) Taiwan's legislature in the past, but Hong Kong's is even worse." The bill is the latest lightning rod for Hong Kong people worried about Beijing's powers over the city that was promised a high degree of autonomy under a "one country, two systems" formula when it returned to Chinese rule. More than 130,000 opponents of the bill marched against it two weeks ago, while several thousand gathered outside the legislature on Friday night to demand it be scrapped. Story continues Even Hong Kong's normally conservative business community has expressed opposition. The International Chamber of Commerce said the bill had "gross inadequacies." U.S. CONGRESS FRETS OVER CHINA REACH Hong Kong's Bar Association has said the law lacks sufficient safeguards for fair trial in mainland China. In the United States, a congressional commission said the law could extend China's "coercive reach" and create serious risks for U.S. security and business interests in Hong Kong. China rejected that saying Hong Kong affairs were an internal matter. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has insisted on the need for arrangements to extradite offenders to China and Taiwan, an island Beijing claims as its own, and other countries that do not have extradition treaties with the city. She has cited the case of a Hong Kong man who allegedly murdered his girlfriend in Taiwan last year, and who has since fled back to Hong Kong, as a major reason for rushing through the legislation with minimal public consultation. Yet Taiwan authorities have since said they opposed Hong Kong's extradition bill and will not agree to an ad hoc extradition arrangement for the murder suspect even if the bill passes. A spokesman for Hong Kong's authorities expressed "utmost regret" at the chaos in the legislature and urged lawmakers to "resume rational discussions." Chen Dong, deputy head of Beijing's main representative "Liaison office" in Hong Kong, said on Saturday the bill is needed to plug legal loopholes and "improve Hong Kong's legal reputation," according to the pro-Beijing Ta Kung Pao newspaper. Hong Kong's opposition democratic lawmakers hold less than a third of the seats in the legislature, meaning they cannot veto the bill when it goes to a final vote, possibly in the next few weeks. (Reporting by James Pomfret and Jessie Pang; Editing by Robert Birsel and Andrew Cawthorne) (Adds context) DUBAI, May 11 (Reuters) - Saudi security forces have killed some people during an operation in the predominantly Shi'ite eastern Al-Qatif region, Al-Hadath TV tweeted on Saturday. The oil-producing province is a regular flashpoint between the Sunni-dominated government and minority Shi'ites who complain of discrimination and marginalization. Saudi authorities deny mistreatment. The operation occurred on Tarout island, just off the city of Qatif, said the Saudi-owned TV station, giving no further details. Saudi security services regularly carry out operations in the area, with fatalities reported during operations in January and September, according to Saudi media. (Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) After going through something as life-altering as a car accident, the best thing you can get out of it is... Russian President Vladimir Putin among fellow Russians carrying portraits of their relatives, participants in World War II, during an Immortal Regiment memorial commemoration in Moscow, May 9, when Russia marked the 74th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. EPA-Yonhap The United States will continue to hold conversations with Russia on ways to move forward with North Korea's denuclearization, a senior U.S. official said Friday. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is due to travel to Russia next week for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on various issues including North Korea, the State Department official told reporters. The meetings follow North Korea's recent launch of short-range missiles, an apparent sign of Pyongyang's frustration with Washington over the stalled nuclear disarmament talks. The trip will also be an opportunity for Pompeo to hear about Putin's first summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Vladivostok last month. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives to meet Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, May 9, 2019, at the Department of State in Washington. AP-Yonhap (Adds comments by Teva, details of complaint, industry background on drug price increases) By Diane Bartz and Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON, May 11 (Reuters) - U.S. states filed a lawsuit accusing Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc of orchestrating a sweeping scheme with 19 other drug companies to inflate drug prices - sometimes by more than 1,000% - and stifle competition for generic drugs, state prosecutors said on Saturday. Soaring drug prices from both branded and generic manufacturers have sparked outrage and investigations in the United States. The criticism has come from across the political spectrum, from President Donald Trump, a Republican, to progressive Democrats including U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is running for president. The 20 drug companies engaged in illegal conspiracies to divide up the market for drugs to avoid competing and, in some cases, conspired to either prevent prices from dropping or to raise them, according to the complaint by 44 U.S. states, filed on Friday in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut. A representative of Teva USA, a unit of Israeli company Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, said it will fight the lawsuit. "The allegations in this new complaint, and in the litigation more generally, are just that allegations," it said in a statement. "Teva continues to review the issue internally and has not engaged in any conduct that would lead to civil or criminal liability." The 500-page lawsuit accuses the generic drug industry, which mainly sells medicines that are off patent and should be less expensive, of a long history of discreet agreements to ensure that companies that are supposedly competitors each get a "fair share." The situation worsened in 2012, the complaint said. "Apparently unsatisfied with the status quo of 'fair share' and the mere avoidance of price erosion, Teva and its co-conspirators embarked on one of the most egregious and damaging price-fixing conspiracies in the history of the United States," the complaint said. Story continues With Teva at the center of the conspiracy, the drug companies colluded to significantly raise prices on 86 medicines between July 2013 and January 2015, the complaint said. Representatives of Sandoz, another company named in the lawsuit, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The drugs included everything from tablets and capsules to creams and ointments to treat conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer, epilepsy and more, they said. In some instances, the coordinated price increases were more than 1,000 percent, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit also names 15 individuals as defendants who it said carried out the schemes on a day-to-day basis. "The level of corporate greed alleged in this multistate lawsuit is heartless and unconscionable," Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said in a statement. According to New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, more than half of the corporate defendants are based in New Jersey, and five of the individual defendants live in the state. The lawsuit seeks damages, civil penalties and actions by the court to restore competition to the generic drug market. Generic drugs can save drug buyers and taxpayers tens of billions of dollars a year because they are a lower-priced alternative to brand-name drugs. "Generic drugs were one of the few 'bargains' in the United States healthcare system," the lawsuit said. However, it added, "Prices for hundreds of generic drugs have risen while some have skyrocketed, without explanation, sparking outrage from politicians, payers and consumers across the country whose costs have doubled, tripled, or even increased 1,000% or more." As a result of the drug companies' conspiracies, it said, consumers and states paid "substantially inflated and anticompetitive prices for numerous generic pharmaceutical drugs" while the drug companies profited. The lawsuit filed on Friday is parallel to an action brought in December 2016 by the attorneys general of 45 states and the District of Columbia. That case was later expanded to include more than a dozen drugmakers. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington Additional reporting by Ishita Palli in Bengaluru and Nate Raymond in Boston Editing by Matthew Lewis) (Adds more Trump quotes and background) WASHINGTON, May 10 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he does not consider North Korea's recent launch of short-range ballistic missiles "a breach of trust." In an interview with Politico, Trump downplayed the missile tests by North Korea, calling them "very standard stuff." "They're short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no," Trump told Politico. North Korea fired two short-range missiles on Thursday, its second such test in less than a week. Trump said he might eventually lose faith in his friendly relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which he has previously described as "very strong." "I mean it's possible that at some point I will, but right now not at all," Trump said. On Thursday, Trump appeared to hold the door open for more talks with North Korea. "The relationship continues ... I know they want to negotiate, they're talking about negotiating. But I don't think they're ready to negotiate," he told reporters. The Pentagon said Thursday's launches consisted of multiple ballistic missiles that flew in excess of 300 km (185 miles) and landed in the ocean. (Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by David Alexander and Rosalba O'Brien) * Houthis start implementing stalled troop withdrawal deal * Hodeidah deal is crucial for relaunching talks to end war * U.N. coalition needs to verify Houthi redeployment * Saudi-backed government dismisses move as a "show" * Port is a lifeline for millions of starving Yemenis (Adds Houthi statement and the British ambassador's reaction) By Abduljabbar Zeyad HODEIDAH, Yemen, May 11 (Reuters) - Yemen's Houthi movement on Saturday started withdrawing forces from Saleef port in Hodeidah under a U.N.-sponsored deal stalled for months, a Reuters witness said, reviving hopes for peace efforts to end the four-year war. But a minister in the Yemeni government backed by Saudi Arabia dismissed the Iran-aligned Houthis' pullout as a "show" meant to "misinform the international community." The move, yet to be verified by the United Nations, is the first major step in implementing the pact reached last year by the government and the Houthis for a truce and troop withdrawal in Hodeidah, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis. U.N. teams were overseeing the Houthi redeployment in Saleef, used for grain, as other teams headed to the second port of Ras Isa, used for oil, to start implementing the withdrawal from there, according to the witness. A dozen trucks carrying Houthi fighters, armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and machine guns, departed from Saleef. Two ships were docked at the port and operations were running normally, said the witness who was at the facility. "The coast guards have taken over in Saleef," he said. "They and U.N. officials have started checking equipment at the port." The Houthis said their "unilateral step shows our commitment to implement the Hodeidah agreement and to achieving peace," after four years of fighting in the Arab nation. The group called on the U.N. to press the Saudi-led coalition to take "similar steps." However, Yemeni Information Minister Muammar al-Iryani told Reuters the pullout was "a flagrant show." Story continues "It's an attempt to misinform the international community ahead of a meeting of the U.N. Security Council" on Yemen, he said. "A group of (Houthi) militiamen left and they were replaced by others wearing coast guard police uniforms." The U.N. Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) has said the Houthis would make an "initial unilateral redeployment" from the ports between May 11 and May 14. It said the redeployment would enable the United Nations to take a leading role in supporting the local Red Sea Ports Authority in managing the ports and enhance U.N. checks on cargoes. It would also allow humanitarian corridors to be reopened. There has been no comment so far from the Saudi-led Sunni Muslim military coalition that has massed forces outside Houthi-held Hodeidah, which handles the bulk of Yemen's imports and aid supplies. Western allies, which supply arms and intelligence to the coalition, have pushed for an end to the war. The British ambassador to Yemen reacted sharply to the Yemeni government's skepticism about Houthi withdrawal. "The Yemeni cynics who criticize everything the other side does even if it is positive and who say the UN are naive seem to be saying the only solution is perpetual war in Yemen," Michael Aron said in a Twitter post. He said a U.N. presence in the ports would prevent arms smuggling. Hodeidah became the focus of the war last year when the coalition twice tried to seize its port to cut off the main supply line of the Houthis, whom they accuse of smuggling Iranian weapons, including missiles that have targeted Saudi cities. The group and Tehran deny the accusations. U.N. ASSESSMENT NEXT WEEK It was not clear if U.N. special envoy Martin Griffiths had secured agreement between the two sides over the main sticking point regarding which local authorities would control the ports and city under U.N. supervision after both sides withdraw. The coalition had disputed an earlier unilateral withdrawal by the Houthis from Hodeidah port in December, saying they had handed it over to coast guard members loyal to the group. A U.N. source told Reuters on Saturday that the RCC would announce its assessment of the Houthi redeployment next week. Under the first phase, the Houthis would pull back five km (three miles) from the ports over the next four days. Coalition forces, currently massed four km from Hodeidah port on the edges of the city, would retreat one km from "Kilo 8" and Saleh districts. In the second phase, both sides would pull troops 18 km outside the city and heavy weapons 30 km away. The United Nations secured the Hodeidah deal at peace talks in Sweden, the first in two years, to avert a full-scale assault on the port that risked triggering mass famine. The pact is also a trust-building step to pave the way for wider political negotiations to end the conflict, widely seen in the region as a proxy between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The alliance led by Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognized government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. The ceasefire in Hodeidah has largely held but the fighting escalated elsewhere in Yemen. On Saturday, the Houthis' Masirah TV channel said "enemy air bombing" killed six children and a woman, and injured 11 children and five women, in the southern province of al-Dhale. A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition didn't immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Abduljabbar Zeyad in Hodeidah, Mohammed Ghobari in Aden and Aziz El Yaakoubi in Dubai; Editing by Clelia Oziel and Stephen Powell) Tunis (AFP) - Around 60 migrants most of them from Bangladesh have died after their boat capsized in the Mediterranean Sea after it left Libya for Italy, the Tunisian Red Crescent said Saturday. Survivors told the Red Crescent the tragedy unfolded after some 75 people who had left Zuwara on the northwestern Libyan coast late Thursday on a large boat were transferred to a smaller one that sank off Tunisia. "The migrants were transferred into a smaller inflatable boat which was overloaded, and 10 minutes later it sank," Mongi Slim, a Red Crescent official in the southern Tunisian town of Zarzis, told AFP. Tunisian fishermen rescued 16 people and brought them to shore in Zarzis. The survivors said they spent eight hours trapped in the cold sea before they were spotted by the fishermen who alerted the Tunisian coastguard, Slim said. The bodies of three people were plucked out of the waters on Friday, the Tunisian defence ministry said. Survivors said the boat was heading to Italy and had on board only men, 51 from Bangladesh, as well as three Egyptians, several Moroccans, Chadians and other Africans. Fourteen Bangladeshi nationals, including a minor, were among the survivors, said the Red Crescent. "If the Tunisian fishermen hadn't seen them (migrants), there wouldn't have been any survivors and we would have never known about this" boat sinking, said Slim. Charity ships have plied the Mediterranean Sea to rescue migrants in large numbers but the number of rescue operations have dwindled as these vessels have come under fire, namely from the populist Italian government, over their action. Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has imposed a "closed ports" policy, refusing to allow migrants rescued at sea to enter his country. On Friday, however, more than 60 migrants disembarked in Italy after two boats which had left Libya faced difficulties at sea and needed assistance. The UN agency for refugees UNHCR called for stepped up search and rescue operations to avoid future tragedies in the Mediterranean, which it calls the "world's deadliest sea crossing". Story continues "Across the region we need to strengthen the capacity of search and rescue operations," said Vincent Cochetel, the agency's special envoy for the Mediterranean. "If we don't act now, we're almost certain to see more tragic events in the coming weeks and months," he warned. According to the UNHCR, the journey across the Mediterranean "is becoming increasingly fatal for those who risk it". "In the first four months of this year, one person has died (crossing the Mediterranean) for every three that have reached European shores, after departing from Libya," it said. Libya, which has been wracked by chaos since the 2011 uprising that killed veteran dictator Moamer Kadhafi, has long been a major transit route for migrants desperate to reach Europe. Seventy countries urged North Korea on Friday to scrap its nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and related programs, decrying the "undiminished threat" posed to world peace. Signatories included the United States and South Korea, as well as nations in Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe. Russia and China, supporters of Pyongyang, did not sign the document drafted by France. With two missile launches in a week, Pyongyang is walking a fine line between increasing pressure on the US and not derailing nuclear negotiations -- all while giving itself room to escalate, analysts say. According to a diplomatic source, about 15 countries asked to sign on to the request for North Korean disarmament after the new missile firings. The signatories "strongly deplore the grave and undiminished threat to regional and international peace and security posed by the ongoing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles programmes that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has developed," the text said. "We encourage the DPRK to avoid any provocation," it added. "We also call for the DPRK to continue discussions with the United States on denuclearization." Pyongyang fired two short-range missiles Thursday following an earlier drill on Saturday. The North had not launched any since November 2017, shortly before leader Kim Jong Un embarked on diplomatic overtures. Kim declared an end to the testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles during rapid rapprochement last year. Beirut (AFP) - UN-linked aid groups have suspended activities in parts of violence-plagued northwest Syria, where stepped up bombardment by the regime and Russia is jeopardising the safety of humanitarian workers. "As of 8 May, at least 16 humanitarian partners have suspended their operations in areas impacted by conflict," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA said Friday. The World Food Programme said it has suspended "deliveries to about 47,000 people in towns and villages... (that) have come under bombardment". Since late April, government forces have mounted a major bombardment of southern Idlib and neighbouring areas with Russian support. The uptick in air strikes and shelling on the region dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate has displaced 180,000 people between 29 April and 9 May, OCHA said. It has also affected 15 health facilities and 16 schools, it added. "Some organisations suspended activities as their premises were damaged, destroyed or rendered unsafe by the violence," OCHA said. "Others have suspended activities in order to keep their staff and beneficiaries safe, or because the beneficiary population has left," it added. OCHA said five humanitarian workers, including two health professionals, have been reportedly killed due to air strikes and shelling. WFP also said that some of its partners inside Idlib have been "displaced due to the violence, while a few others have sustained injuries". The northwestern part of Syria controlled by jihadists is made up of a large part of Idlib province, as well as adjacent parts of the Aleppo and Hama provinces. It has been protected from a massive regime offensive by a September deal inked by Damascus ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey. The region of some three million people has come under increasing bombardment since Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is dominated by jihadists from Al-Qaeda's former Syrian branch, took full control of it in the beginning of the year. Story continues Western powers are concerned that the Russia-backed Syrian government will launch a full-scale assault. On Friday, air strikes and shelling killed 10 civilians, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The civil war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011. Eat This, Not That! The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has surged worldwide in record timeit was only three weeks ago that the first case was identified in South Africa. Last week, it accounted for 73% of new COVID infections in the United States, according to the latest CDC data. It's highly contagiousscientists estimate it's twice as transmissible as the Delta variant, which itself was twice as transmissible as the original COIVD strainwhich calls for an abundance of caution. How do you know if you've been infect TIRANA (Reuters) - Albanian opposition protesters hurled petrol bombs at the entrance of Prime Minister Edi Rama's office on Saturday, after three months of demonstrations calling for him to quit over alleged election fraud and corruption. Chanting "We want a European Albania", the slogan of pro-democracy protests when the Balkan country dumped communism in 1990, they renewed the call they made since February for snap polls after their lawmakers also cut ties with parliament. Some protesters, including a group with masked faces, hurled petrol bombs, firecrackers and paint at the entrance of the government building and later at parliament. A dozen policemen and several protesters were hurt, police and reporters said. During a lull in the attacks at the premier's building, opposition Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha said they were "determined to keep waging a bigger and more resolute battle as long as the government was keeping Albania apart from Europe". "We are here with a mission, to liberate Albania from crime and corruption, to make Albania like the rest of Europe," Basha told a crowd of several thousand along the main boulevard. Recognizing progress, the European Commission recommended Albania start accession talks last year, but the European Council delayed the decision for this year in June as Albania overhauls its judiciary to flush out corrupt judges. Then the crowd moved near the parliament building where a group of protesters kept hurling petrol bombs and firecrackers, to which police responded with tear gas and water jets. After four hours, the crowd moved to the Tirana police precinct to protest the arrest of a Democratic party official. Calling the opposition's policies "blind", Rama said he was saddened to hear an opposition leader begging the government to quit, and their fire harmed not his government but the country. The European Union and the United States have called the government legitimate, and have urged the opposition to return to parliament and take part in local elections on June 30. "The opposition's stated objective to make Albanias democracy stronger runs counter to the violence currently being perpetrated by protesters," the United States Embassy said in a statement, condemning the violence and calling for restraint. (Reporting by Benet Koleka; Editing by Marguerita Choy) A security guard credited with capturing one of the suspects in this weeks Colorado school shooting fired his weapon inside the school, reports say. The rampage that left one student dead and eight people injured underscores new questions about the use of private guards in schools versus police. The STEM School Highlands Ranch outside Denver contracted with a security guard, a former Marine who has not been identified. He had stayed out of the public eye since Tuesday, when two suspects opened fire at the charter school. On Thursday, the Associated Press confirmed reports he had fired his weapon, citing a law enforcement official with knowledge of the case. The official did not address whether anyone was hit when the gun fired. "The actions of the people inside the building are still part of the open investigation," a spokesperson for the Douglas County Sheriff's Office said Friday. A student hero: Kendrick Castillo, killed in Colorado shooting, told his dad he would act if he saw gunman 11 days, 3 mass shootings, 3 heroes: What makes some risk their lives for others? Contracted security guards, who may be armed or unarmed, differ from school resource officers, who are sworn police officers with tactical training who spend time developing relationships with schools. Even experts in the field of school security are split on what kind of personnel leads to a "safer" school. School resource officers are "carefully selected and specifically trained," said Mo Canady, the executive director of the trade association for those officers. The group trains thousands of police officers in how to develop relationships with youth. "We want the gun to be in the right hands," Canady added. A police officer hugs his family after they were evacuated to the Northridge Recreation Center after a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch. Most schools don't have a school resource officer In reality, most public schools don't have a school resource officer. Only about 40% employ one, said Jeff Allison, a special advisor for the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. Story continues Other options for schools include hiring a retired law enforcement officer, creating an in-house school police department, contracting with off-duty police and paying them overtime to work during school hours, or asking school parents who are sworn officers to lend a hand. Ken Trump, a longtime school security expert, believes the best option is to have a trained, professional law enforcement officer in a school. "Police officers are trained to factor in that there's a much greater civilian population around them in a public setting where armed conflict might occur," said Trump, who is not related to the president. Both police and armed guards would have the authority to fire their guns in school during a life-threatening situation. But whether they should, Trump said, depends on the situation. "Armed officers, whether they are security or police, are required to follow use-of-force (guidance), where the force used by the officer is in proportion to the force being used by the assailant," Trump said. "Obviously, in the context of an active shooter in a school, deadly force may be necessary when the assailants are causing death or serious bodily injury." But Trump also acknowledged that even the best training cannot predict how people will respond in a life-threatening situation. For example, last year, the armed school resource officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, failed to charge into the school and apprehend the shooter that killed 17 students. "You dont know what their emotional response is going to be under stress," Trump said. 'Are you going to shoot that person?' At least three students have been hailed as heroes for disarming one of the suspects during Tuesdays shooting. One of them, Kendrick Castillo, was shot and killed during the struggle. A second, Joshua Jones, is recovering at home after being shot twice. Colorado school shooting: A 12-year-old grabbed a bat and 'was gonna go down fighting' The armed security guard at the school was employed by Boss High Level Protection, which was started by a SWAT team leader who responded to the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. The companys owner, Grant Whitus, told The Associated Press the guard ran to the area of the shootings and confronted one of the armed students in a hallway. He doesnt even realize how many lives he saved by stopping a school shooting, Whitus said Wednesday. An attorney for the guard, Robert Burk, said his client acted in the best interests of protecting the children at the school and helped resolve the situation without further bloodshed. Contracted private security firms work just fine for many schools, especially because they are cheaper and schools have more flexibility around scheduling their hours, said Sheldon Greenberg, a professor of public safety leadership at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. "People tend to think of contracted security as an ill-prepared rent-a-cop," he said. "Even if they are contracted security officers ... they can be pretty well-oriented. They may or may not be armed. There's a whole spectrum of examples." And, he said, there's a big misconception that any security person will stop a shooter. "In the best circumstances a police officer shoots accurately 27% of the time," said Greenberg, who is a former police officer. "Are you going to shoot that person with kids running around? Its not as simple as you think." Trevor Hughes contributed reporting from Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The Associated Press also contributed to this report. Education coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation does not provide editorial input. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'He doesn't even know how many lives he saved': Should private guards be used more in schools? It was meant to be a vigil for Kendrick Castillo, who was killed after he charged one of the two classmates who opened fire at his school in suburban Denver just the day before. But the gathering at a neighboring school Wednesday night quickly turned political. There were speeches by politicians and at least one activist from the gun control group Moms Demand Action. Some students from the STEM School Highlands Ranch, where nine students were shot Tuesday, reacted with anger, walking out in protest. There were chants of mental health and shouts of f-ck the media and f-ck this. One student, who later took the podium, said, We cant be used for a reason for gun control. We are people, not a statement. STEM School junior Fischer Argosino, who was at the vigil, told TIME the handling of the event was inappropriate and disrespectful. He said he resents the politicization of the students who had just lost a friend and experienced the trauma of yet another school shooting. We needed a time to mourn his passing and kind of process what happened. Because I would say it still doesnt feel real, Argosino said. The students anger during the vigil resulted in the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, whose affiliate student group Team Enough hosted the event, issuing an apology. Its a lesson that not all school shooting survivors are willing to quickly turn their grief into demands for gun control and political change like many students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Within a week of that shooting, which killed 17 last year, Parkland students marched on the Florida state capitol and told lawmakers, Weve had enough of thoughts and prayerswe are coming after every single one of you and demanding that you take action. "We've had enough of thoughts and prayers...we are coming after every single one of you and demanding that you take action, demanding that you make a change." - Delaney Tarr, Stoneman Douglas High School seniorhttps://t.co/aJp83G9ZG2 pic.twitter.com/VvJRT75RHm Dan Linden (@DanLinden) February 21, 2018 Joseph Eriqat, a STEM School senior who says Kendrick Castillo was one of his best friends, says the vigil left many of his classmates angry with the intense media scrutiny and the political messages from adults not connected to the school. Story continues I appreciate their sentiment, Eriqat said of his classmates. Im not happy that its being politicized so soon after the tragedy. This area of Colorado has experienced a great deal of suffering over gun violence in the last few decades. The STEM School is less than eight miles from Columbine High School, where 12 students and a teacher were killed by two students 20 years ago. The STEM School is 20 miles away from another Denver suburb, Aurora, Colo., where a gunman killed 12 and wounded dozens of others in a movie theater in 2012. But the STEM School is different from Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas school. Its a K-12 charter school geared toward math and science education. The two locations voter habits are also different. Parkland, Fla., is in a solidly Democrat-leaning area, whereas Douglas County, Colorado voted for President Donald Trump in 2016 by a nearly 20-point margin. Another difference between the anger in Colorado and the activism in Parkland was the role of the adults in the room, students tell TIME. In Florida last year, students led the conversation and many appeared happy to appear on camera to broadcast their grief and anger to the nation. STEM School students say they felt their home was hijacked by adults with an agenda. Many were also frustrated by some TV camera crews, who they felt were pursuing students too aggressively. We made it clear that we didnt want politics, and they used his death and victims for the wrong and unfair reasons, Noah Stickney, a former STEM student who now attends another school in the area, said. We know what politicians want, but this was about Kendrick and all who were there. We deserve a major apology, and they said the same things weve heard before about guns and shootings. Were teens and children, we shouldnt have to solve and deal with these problems. Vigil at HRHS took a strange turn. STEM students asked to speak, they grouped in the hallwaythen a parent said on the mic that the media forced the STEM students to leave. Students are now running away in tears. No one can figure out what media shes talking about pic.twitter.com/GOO9I4QNNz Ashley Michels (@ReporterAshley) May 9, 2019 A spokesperson for Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat who spoke at the vigil, said in a statement, That night should have been about Kendrick Castillo and the STEM School students. They are our focus and the event should have been set up to ensure their voices were fully heard. Following the public backlash, the Brady Campaign released a statement that said, in part: We are deeply sorry any part of this vigil did not provide the support, caring and sense of community we sought to foster and facilitate and which we know is so crucial to communities who suffer the trauma of gun violence. Argosino said that while he personally feels that the focus should be on mental health care, he recognizes there will ultimately be a conversation at the STEM School about gun control. But, he says, first he and the other students need time to process what happened, and to mourn their friend Kendrick. I was surprised that they were already talking about gun control and that whole political issue, Argosino says. So I knew that eventually wed get to that topic and that debate about gun control and mental health and all those things, but not so soon as the day after Kendricks passing. Correction, May 14 The original version of this story misstated Fischer Argosinos grade level. He is a junior, not a senior. When I recently found out that a friend was pregnant, I sat down to send her a congratulatory note and tried to think of turns of phrase I could use something with a bit more pizzazz than I hear youre procreating! But all the figures of speech that came to mind left me cold. Bun in the oven? Knocked up? Expecting? In a family way? They felt outdated, like the kind thing youd find on a cheesy apron or in some TV dialogue about a teenager who, tut-tut, would not be graduating with the rest of her high school class. What I sensed then was what I found to be true as I researched further: Common terms we use to describe pregnancy are laced with demeaning attitudes toward women. There are few human events as longstanding or consequential, yet widespread language we use to describe this phenomenon in all its glory and anxiety, all its pain and productivity is underwhelming. And mothers-to-be deserve better. Take knocked up. Since the 1500s, to knock a woman has meant to have sex with her, and the same word has been used to suggest a man is going to knock a child out of her. Many slang words for sex boil down to a man assailing a woman (consider: bang, hammer, tear off a piece, etc.), which is bad enough. But using that formula to describe pregnancy makes the woman sound more like a receptacle than an equal. Then theres bun in the oven. Its cute, sure. But its also stuffed with domestic undertones. The phrase took off in the wake of World War II, when women who had been working were expected to head back home, leaving the jobs to the men and tending to families instead. For decades, women were celebrated for getting pregnant and discouraged from pursuing careers. So its not surprising that bun in the oven places pregnant women in the kitchen. Terms like expecting and in a family way are more notable for what they dont say, operating as vague descriptors that gloss over a truth long considered unseemly: women have sex. In previous centuries, it was scandalous for pregnant women to appear in public. When they did, they might wear maternity corsets that squeezed their swelling bellies out of sight. While a euphemism like expecting is polite, it is also a reminder that womens sexuality, and the results of it, have been thought of as shameful. Story continues So what do we do? We can start by encouraging women to exert more influence over the language of pregnancy than theyve had in the past. To better understand the history at play, I went looking for every synonym for pregnant that I could find. With the help of resources like Greens Dictionary of Slang and The Dictionary of American Regional English, I collected more than a hundred, current and obsolete, and sent selections to some experts on pregnancy and language. Anne Curzan, a professor of English at the University of Michigan, pointed out an opportunity cost that each presented: Pregnancy is complicated. It can feel like a miracle or a mistake. And the words we use to describe it highlight certain aspects and viewpoints, at the expense of others. Language asks us to notice particular things, she says. Because men have had outsized influence on the language everyone uses, many phrases we use to describe pregnancy focus on less flattering things men have seen when looking at pregnant women. Rather than exalting this state of being, many emphasize the limitations of the condition, this condition we feel the need to manage and police and define for people, says Angela Garbes, author of Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy For example: Many of the words I found evoked the same spirit as knocked up, the objectifying viewpoint that a pregnant woman is damaged, lacking freedom or failing. These include phrases like banged up and jacked up, as well as descriptions like in a fix, up a tree and shot in the tail; figures of speech like shes out of circulation and shes gone and done it; as well as the more succinct bound, sewed up and poisoned. Others fell into the euphemism category (in a certain condition, that way), suggesting that pregnancys defining feature is being an embarrassment. More still like in a delicate condition and going to be confined painted pregnancy primarily as a disability. And a long list focused on the fact that a woman is getting larger, in ways that seem less like a celebration of growth than the product of men scrutinizing womens bodies. These include pooching out, gonna pop, as big as a barrel, getting broad in the hips, filling out her clothes and lumpy. We kind of submit, from a very early age, to the idea that mens perspectives are the most worth listening to, says Amanda Montell, author of Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language Theres no need to ban all the terms that popped into my head when I sat down to write that note. Words people use every day, like bulldozer, have far darker histories. But we can choose to use language that avoids limiting undertones. One obvious answer is to just say pregnant. Its neutral and physiologically clear. And whereas knocked up can describe something that is defeated or bankrupt, pregnant describes phenomena that are full of meaning and promise. Curzan says this is the word she turns to. We could, however, go beyond neutrality and embrace words that highlight more modern viewpoints about pregnancy. One option is to just have more fun, letting playfulness signal that this particular result of women having sex is no longer a taboo topic. Increasingly popular are joking abbrevs like preggo and preggers. There are also creative terms people used in the past that we might revive. In Illinois and Michigan, residents once described pregnancy as wearing the hatching jacket. In the United Kingdom, locals have referred to pregnancy as the Egyptian flu because someone who has caught it is going to be a mummy. Pregnant women have been imagined as infrastructure (got one in the hanger) and even kangaroos (a joey in the pouch). We could also place more emphasis on the progress a pregnant woman is making as she protects and nourishes a little human. Garbes, for one, likes the term gravid, which means heavy. It has a kind of gravitas that respects the labor a woman is doing each day of pregnancy, not just at the end, and for her sums up a defining feeling of pregnancy without getting snarky about body size. Other obscure items like in bloom, teeming and springing take a more romantic view of the growth than lumpy. There are also romantic terms like encarpous, a reference to festoons of fruit known as encarpa that are used as architectural flourishes. Its a transformative, powerful, life-giving thing that youre doing, says Garbes. Why cant you say youre bursting with life? Not every pregnant person feels like theyre in the midst of a miracle, of course. Some women have ambivalence and anxiety about pregnancy, but are too ashamed to acknowledge it out loud. If we expand the language we use to describe pregnancy, and move away from the old standbys, we have a chance to create a greater understanding and acceptance of the many ways pregnant people feel about the process theyre going through. The key is to let women reimagine the language for themselves. Zarzis (Tunisia) (AFP) - A Bangladeshi farmer watched dozens drown beside him in the Mediterranean before "God sent us the fishermen", who saved him from the cold waters and took him to Tunisia. Ahmed Bilal was one of 16 survivors of the shipwreck, in which an estimated 60 people died on Friday while trying to reach Italy. "I can't stop myself crying," said Bilal, who lost two younger relatives in the accident, from a Red Crescent emergency centre in the southern Tunisian coastal town of Zarzis. The 30-year-old said he began his journey to Europe six months ago, flying with three others to Dubai and onwards to Istanbul in Turkey. From there they took another flight to the Libyan capital Tripoli, Bilal said, where they joined around 80 other Bangladeshis and were held in a room in western Libya for three months. "I already thought I would die in Libya," he said. "We had food only once a day, sometimes less. There was one toilet for 80 people. We could not wash -- only our teeth -- and we were crying, begging for food." Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) estimates 6,000 migrants in Libya are being detained "in conditions that generally fall well below international standards". The situation has worsened since eastern commander Khalifa Haftar launched an offensive to take Tripoli last month, with more than 450 people killed due to fighting linked to that military campaign, according to the World Health Organization. - 'I have nothing now' - Bilal had no idea what he would face when he embarked on the journey from Bangladesh's Sylhet region, where he had seen villagers with relatives in Europe live a better life. After his family sold their land, the father of two paid a Bangladeshi smuggler nicknamed "Good Luck" around $7,000 (6,230 euros) to arrange the trip. "He said we would have a better life and we believed him. I am sure most of the people he sends die on the way", said Bilal. Story continues He and the other migrants left northwestern Libya on a large boat, before being transferred to a smaller one. Manzour Mohammed Metwella, an Egyptian who was on board, said the boat "started to sink almost immediately." "We swam all night," said the 21-year-old. Survivors said all the passengers were men, with 51 from Bangladesh, three Egyptians, several Moroccans, Chadians and other Africans. After seeing people drown in front of his eyes, Bilal said he "was losing hope myself, but God sent us the fishermen who saved us." The fishermen were able to rescue 14 Bangladeshis, one Moroccan, and the Egyptian Metwella. "If the Tunisian fishermen hadn't seen them, there wouldn't have been any survivors and we would have never known about this" boat sinking, said Mongi Slim from the Red Crescent. The survivors now have 60 days to decide whether to return home, seek asylum through the United Nations refugee agency, or try their luck in Tunisia. But there is no asylum law in Tunisia and residents are already facing high unemployment and overstretched public services. "We lost so much, I have nothing now," said Bilal, admitting he still wants to reach Europe to earn money. "But I don't want to go on the sea like this again, I am done with this risk." Humanitarian organisations have faced hostility from governments for running rescue missions in the Mediterranean. FRANKFURT, May 11 (Reuters) - Bayer said on Saturday it did not accept "unethical behavior" following a French investigation into a suspected file assembled by the German company's seed making unit Monsanto to influence various personalities in France. The French prosecutor said on Friday it had opened the probe after a complaint was filed by daily newspaper Le Monde. According to the newspaper and other French media, Monsanto built up a file of some 200 names that includes journalists and lawmakers in the hope of influencing their positions on pesticides. The file, Le Monde reported, dates from 2016 and was leaked by U.S public relations and marketing agency FleishmanHillard. In an emailed statement, Bayer declined to comment on the investigation, saying it did not know which documents the allegations referred to. "We stand for openness and a fair treatment of all interest groups. We do not accept any unethical behavior in our company," it said. "That applies obviously for the data privacy regulations in the respective countries as well." FleishmanHillard said on Friday it would investigate the allegations in Le Monde. The company will "examine the questions raised by certain media outlets about the lists of stakeholders that included publicly available information," it said in a statement. Bayer, which acquired Monsanto in a $63 billion deal last year, faces mounting litigations over its weedkiller Roundup, a systemic, broad-spectrum glyphosate-based herbicide. A U.S. jury in August 2018 found the company liable because Monsanto had not warned users of alleged cancer risks linked to Roundup. Bayer suffered a similar defeat over the weedkiller last month, while more than 13,000 plaintiffs are claiming damages. The company said last month it intended to defend itself in all lawsuits. (Reporting by Douglas Busvine in Frankfurt; Editing by Richard Lough and Clelia Oziel) NEWTON, Iowa (AP) Beto O'Rourke barreled into the 2020 presidential race with breakneck energy and a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants campaign style that saw him leap atop tables to address overflow crowds with the organic, off-the-cuff candor that had made him a Texas sensation. But since his mid-March campaign launch, the buzz surrounding the former congressman has evaporated. Competing in a massive field of Democratic White House hopefuls, O'Rourke has sagged in the polls. He's made few promises that resonated or produced headline-grabbing moments, instead driving around the country meeting with voters at mostly small events. In a tacit recognition that this approach isn't working, O'Rourke is planning to try again, taking a hands-on role in staging a "reintroduction" ahead of next month's premier Democratic presidential debate. As he finalizes his plans, O'Rourke has entered an intentional "quiet period" to build out campaign infrastructure, according to an adviser who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the campaign's strategy. That will end soon. O'Rourke plans to step up his national media appearances after skipping most of that kind of exposure in recent months. He is scheduled to appear on MSNBC's "Rachel Maddow Show" on Monday night and ABC's "The View" the next day. He's also set to offer more concrete policy plans on top issues. So far, he's issued just one, on climate change. O'Rourke acknowledges he's struggled to find his presidential campaign footing. "I think, in part, I was just trying to keep up when I first started out," he said after addressing about 40 people at a recent house party in Newton, Iowa. "I really feel like I've found my rhythm and my pace, and I just feel comfortable, and I feel like this is what I'm supposed to be doing." His top aides deny that a full reinvention or "Beto 2.0" is in the works. They note that O'Rourke plans to keep packing days with as many as half a dozen campaign events. He'll still venture into off-the-beaten path locales that include rural, heavily Republican areas. Those were the trademarks of his Senate campaign last fall, when he nearly toppled Republican Sen. Ted Cruz by visiting all of deep-red Texas' 254 counties. Story continues But his team also acknowledges that for all its excitement, O'Rourke's initial campaign launch exposed some disorganization. Assembling a campaign staff while the 2020 roadshow was already rollicking along simply wasn't sustainable. It took O'Rourke nearly two weeks after announcing his campaign to formally hire Jen O'Malley Dillon to run his team. She was the deputy campaign manager of Barack Obama's 2012 re-election bid and is only now moving to O'Rourke's headquarters in El Paso, Texas, after doing the job from Washington. O'Rourke added 16 staffers recently in Iowa, which holds the first presidential caucuses, but that's fewer than some other candidates have. In New Hampshire, which votes next, O'Rourke has yet to formally announce a state director or campaign staff, though he has informal organizers there. "It was a ready, fire, aim sort of trajectory," said Chris Lippincott, a Texas consultant who ran an outside political group opposing Cruz in 2018. Kathy Sullivan, a Democratic National Committee member from New Hampshire, noted that, after events, "If you don't have somebody with a clipboard taking names and addresses and phone numbers, you can lose contact with folks." Sullivan recently had lunch with O'Rourke in New Hampshire's capital, Concord, as part of a small women's group and "found him to be very sincere, very thoughtful." But she also said that his falling out of the 2020 spotlight helped boost another young, unorthodox candidate: Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana. The work to bolster the campaign has begun to stabilize things. Earlier this week, O'Rourke announced hiring Jeff Berman, a top delegate guru who helped Obama navigate the complicated process of locking up enough support to secure the Democratic presidential nomination. "It has been building up over time," O'Rourke said of his campaign apparatus. "I think we're getting better organized all the time." He maintains that it's still early. During his first trip to Iowa in March, O'Rourke focused on eastern counties that had supported Obama but went for Donald Trump in 2016. More recently, he sought out the relatively few Democrats in the state's rural southwest, trying to do the spade work as the country folk he's trying to woo might say to slowly grow lasting support. "With 21, maybe more, candidates on the horizon, this is going to be decided by a matter of a few hundred votes, maybe a few dozen votes," O'Rourke said after speaking at a former livestock auction space in Shenandoah, Iowa, that's been converted into a spiffy hall for weddings and parties. "So, every one of these conversations matters." One holdover from O'Rourke's do-it-yourself style in Texas is his insistence on driving himself between events, repeatedly climbing behind the wheel of rented Dodge Grand Caravans. Some campaign staffers see it as time that could be spent doing more productive or at least less potentially dangerous things, but O'Rourke's unfazed. "I can't just sit and ride," he's said by way of explanation. "I've got to be doing something." In the meantime, his staff has built schedules ensuring that O'Rourke gets to his multiple daily scheduled events on time capitalizing on his energy while being mindful not to keep demanding early state voters waiting, like he did when barnstorming across all 10 New Hampshire counties in 48 hours shortly after kicking off his campaign. O'Rourke takes questions from attendees at every stop and is quick enough on his feet to usually provide detailed answers before pivoting to his talking points. Marcia Fulton, a 78-year-old retired teacher and school administrator who saw O'Rourke at a restored train depot in Creston, Iowa, said she's not decided who she'll vote for yet, but he "was really impressive, more so than I expected." "He was prepared and that was a real question, given his youth," Fulton added. But O'Rourke also begins every stop with a rapid-fire, 20-minute stump speech decrying climate change, skyrocketing student loans and the Trump administration's immigration policies while promising to drastically expand health insurance coverage and insisting he can achieve bipartisan cooperation in Washington. It's too much for some. "He's going to have to slow down a bit," said Sandy Sothman, the co-vice chairwoman of the Cass County Democrats who watched O'Rourke speak at a sunny hillside park in Atlantic, Iowa. "When he gets going and talks about so many things at once, it becomes a little like, 'Is he riffing or what?'" HOUSTON (AP) The U.S. Border Patrol said Friday that it plans to open a second tent facility to detain migrants in South Texas next to one it opened last week. In a statement, the agency said the 500-person tent it opened in Donna, Texas, is already beyond capacity. The statement cited the large numbers of migrant parents and children crossing into the United States, many of them asylum seekers from Central America. Photos released by the Border Patrol show dozens of migrants sitting or lying on the grass outside a small, military-style tent with only Mylar sheets underneath them. Another photo inside a tent shows adults and children huddled underneath the shiny sheets. The agency said it's also detaining migrants in the secure entryways, or sally ports, of some of its stations. President Donald Trump's administration and immigration agencies argue they are facing a crisis. They have called for $4.5 billion in funding and for Congress to change laws that would allow agencies to detain migrant families longer and deport them more quickly. Immigration advocates have accused the Trump administration of wrongly depicting border crossings as a crisis and have called on the U.S. government not to detain asylum seekers. Unauthorized border crossings have surged since the start of this year. The Border Patrol said it made 98,977 apprehensions for crossing illegally in April, including 58,474 adults and children traveling together, encountering more than 100,000 people overall. In the Rio Grande Valley, the southernmost part of Texas, agents apprehend about 1,600 people daily. Border Patrol currently has more than 8,000 people detained in the sector, more than double its current capacity including the tent in Donna. Rodolfo Karisch, chief patrol agent for the Rio Grande Valley, said in the statement that the agency's resources "are beyond a breaking point and has put border security at risk." John-Michael Torres, a spokesman for the group La Union Del Pueblo Entero, said last week when the first tents opened in Donna and El Paso, Texas, that Trump was "using children and other vulnerable people to manufacture a crisis at the southern border." "The president cannot detain away the real humanitarian need of parents seeking safe ground and a future for their children," Torres said. Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - A Supreme Court judge has given Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro and the justice ministry five days to explain his decree granting millions of citizens the right to carry loaded weapons in public, which critics say is unconstitutional. Justice Rosa Weber's ruling on Friday came after an opposition political party, the Sustainability Network, challenged the constitutionality of Bolsonaro's decision. His order, signed on Tuesday, was "an abuse of regulatory power" and "contravened the spirit" of a 2003 disarmament statute that prohibited the carrying of weapons in public, according to a copy of the court documents provided to journalists. Meanwhile, documents circulating in Congress on Friday accused Bolsonaro of "going beyond" his presidential powers and described the decree as "illegal" after he gave those in a range of professions -- including politicians, journalists and truckers -- the right to carry guns, O Globo newspaper said Saturday. Bolsonaro, a former army captain, has defended the decree as honoring the result of a 2005 referendum in which nearly 64 percent of Brazilians rejected a law that included, among other things, a total ban on the sale of firearms. But experts warn the loosening of restrictions will fuel gun violence in a country which already has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Brazil recorded 64,000 murders in 2017 -- a rate of almost 31 per 100,000 inhabitants, or three times higher than the level the United Nations classifies as endemic violence. Faced with growing opposition to the decree, Bolsonaro said Friday: "If it is unconstitutional, it must cease to exist." But he later insisted it was not. The decree allows licensed gun owners to buy up to 5,000 rounds of ammunition a year, depending on the type of weapon, compared with the current limit of 50, as well as own up to four firearms, according to the Igarape Institute think tank in Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro, whose tough-on-crime rhetoric helped get him elected last year, has long spoken in favor of allowing people to carry guns on the streets. But that requires the support of Congress to change the law. Critics argue his decree breaches the constitution because it creates a new law, rather than modifying an existing one. LONDON (Reuters) - Theresa May's Conservative Party has fallen into fourth place in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections, well behind Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party which has more support than Britain's traditionally two biggest parties combined. According to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer newspaper, Farage's newly formed party is on 34% of the vote ahead of the May 23 election that is being held because Britain failed to leave the European Union as expected in March. The poll put Labour in second place on 21% while the prime minister's Conservatives are back in fourth on 11%. The pro-EU Liberal Democrats, the most popular party to explicitly call for a second referendum to reverse Brexit, are on 12%. Britain's two biggest parties endured a drubbing at the polls this month when voters expressed their frustration with the Brexit deadlock at local elections. Farage, whose former party UKIP is credited by many with forcing Britain's 2016 referendum on EU membership, launched his new party in April, threatening to take on Britain's political leaders who he accused of betraying the vote to leave. May has been forced to open talks with the opposition Labour Party to find a compromise on Brexit after lawmakers heavily rejected her EU withdrawal deal three times. Britain is now due to leave the bloc in October but with parliament split over the terms, it remains unclear how or whether it will. (Reporting by Kate Holton; Editing by Edmund Blair) PARIS (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron greeted three ex-hostages as they arrived on French soil Saturday, one day after a pre-dawn military operation freed them in Burkina Faso but cost the lives of two French special forces officers, as well as four "terrorists." The two French citizens, tourists Patrick Picque et Laurent Lassimouillas, as well as an unidentified South Korean national, arrived on the tarmac at Villacoublay military airport. The French tourists failed to return from a visit last week to the Pendjari National Park wildlife reserve in Benin, and their guide was discovered dead. Officials said the hostages and their captors were in transit in Burkina Faso and the kidnappers intended to take them to Mali. Macron, who attended their arrival in France alongside Defense Minister Florence Parly, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Francois Lecointre, didn't make a statement and will address the hostages' ordeal and the soldiers' deaths publicly next week. A military ceremony for the commandos is planned. A fourth hostage, an American woman, was also successfully rescued. It was not immediately known when and where the American and the South Korean were kidnapped. Parly had called the rescue "an operation of rare difficulty" that grew more complex with the discovery of the American and South Korean hostages being held with the French citizens. Earlier Saturday, Burkina Faso President Roch Kabore received the French and South Korean citizens in the presidential palace in the capital, Ouagadougou. Kabore tweeted Saturday he wished them a "safe return to their respective families." Macron has thanked authorities in Burkina Faso and Benin for their cooperation and promised them support in fighting terrorism. SAN FRANCISCO Californias 51-year-old state leader is fast earning himself a new moniker: Governor Dad. Gov. Gavin Newsom this week rolled out an updated $213 billion state budget that went heavy on supporting young families and children. The proposals include a tax credit for families with children under age 6, increased family leave to eight weeks from six weeks, and an elimination of sales tax on diapers and feminine products. Theres a deep agenda here and I hope youre hearing it, Newsom said Tuesday at a Sacramento press conference announcing the revised budget, standing alongside First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. An agenda on affordability, an agenda on the cost crisis and an agenda to support parents. Although Newsom, a father of four, campaigned on such promises, the bold proposals in his new Parents Agenda many of which were rejected by his two-term Democratic predecessor, Jerry Brown represent the kind of initiatives that could help the former San Francisco mayor position himself as a family-first presidential candidate for 2024. California Gov. Gavin Newsom gestures towards boxes of tampons and diapers after proposing to eliminate from the state sales tax on such products in his upcoming state budget during a news conference, Tuesday, May 7, in Sacramento. The tax cuts are part of a Parents Agenda Newsom is pursuing. He was accompanied by his wife, first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, center, Southern California Democratic Assemblywoman Monique Limon is at right. Paid leave: Divided Congress takes up an Ivanka Trump signature issue: paid family leave. Can they strike a deal? Just four months into the job, Newsom has already made national headlines with his opposition to President Trump on border issues as well as his executive order to halt all death row executions. Newsoms budgetary focus on the family is drawing cheers from advocates and like-minded lawmakers. It's also getting measured criticism from Republicans concerned about dipping into the states projected $21 billion surplus should the country be pitched into a recession. Of course we need to do all we can to help California families because of our high cost of living, but I shared former Gov. Browns concern about spending in years of surplus, says Assemblyman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia), who is vice chair of the budget committee. Obernolte points out that with some 70% of the states tax revenue coming from state income tax payments, Newsoms proposed tax credit of $1,000 per family with young children is quite expensive and would increase pressure on the budget in future years. Story continues Californias high state taxes and housing costs have contributed to a rising tide of inequality that has hit lower-income families hard. The state lost its top 10 ranking on WalletHubs annual scorecard of best states to raise a family earlier this year, falling in categories such as affordability, health care and crime. In this 2016 file photo, a man stands outside his tent on Division Street in San Francisco. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, outlined his plans in his proposed budget to spend $1.75 billion on housing in a state that is woefully short on units and $500 million on homelessness. In Newsom's first 100 days as governor, he's placed a moratorium on the death penalty, set aggressive goals to increase housing and battled with the Trump administration on immigration. Newsom campaigned last fall on the restoration of the California Dream. Among his other Parents Agenda proposals are fueling the states childcare program for eligible applicants with $80 million drawn from cannabis taxes; increasing the level of grants available to student-parents; and increasing spending on K-12 programs by $3 billion. The governors plan to boost maternity and paternity leave by 2 weeks, whose unknown cost is to be paid for by a reduction in the reserves currently required in the fund dedicated for the program, remains a far cry from the six months of leave he proposed in January. The focus on diapers and hygiene products acknowledges that many families are burdened by such costs, which can eat up a large percentage of a household budget. Diapers cost young families up to $1,200 a year and low-income families with young children spend 14% of after-tax income on diapers. California women spend $20 million annually in taxes on menstrual products, paying on average of $7 a month for 40 years. Democratic lawmakers, who currently have a super-majority in the state legislature, say the proposals are an overdue step in the right direction. For the first time in a while, we have a governor who can relate to the challenges of raising a family, says state senator Connie Leyva (D-Chino), chair of the California Legislative Womens Caucus. The group had failed to convince former Gov. Jerry Brown, now 81, who never had children, to embrace the bills supporting the elimination of a tax on diapers and tampons. California state senator Connie Leyva, at the lecturn, joins Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom at the governor's recent press conference to announced a revised budget that features a number of proposals aimed at young families and children. We have to decide as a state what we value, and if thats families, then we might as well spend some of the states budget to do things like help parents spend more time with their children after theyre born, says Leyva, who dismisses the argument that funds are better spent solely on K-12 education. If we dont get kids up and running under age 5, theyll never make it through K-12. Christine Stoner-Mertz, executive director of the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, seconds that notion of paying now to save later. She bases that opinion on her agencys interaction with struggling parents. The more help we can provide families early on, the more well save down the road when it comes to paying for mental health care and substance abuse issues, says Stoner-Mertz. So OK, maybe we hit a recession, but I dont think that means we dont do the right thing for kids and families now. Family focused non-profit Common Sense Media also applauded Newsoms family-conscious budget, noting the irony that the state with the fifth-largest economy in the world and haven for innovative technology companies is struggling with helping those on the lower end of the socioeconomic spectrum. Common Sense Media founder and CEO James P. Steyer applauds Gov. Gavin Newsom's new budget proposals that focus on young families and children. California, while having one of the strongest economies in the world, still rations funding to schools and communities, says Common Sense founder Jim Steyer. They only way to ensure that California continues to invest in our kids is to create long-term revenue streams that ensure healthy, robust futures for all families. The states legislature has until June 15 to pass the revised 2019-2020 budget. For budget vice chair Obernolte, there remain issues to be discussed. Ill want to take a closer look at where all this revenue is coming to pay for these programs, he says. In the end, conservatives and progressives have a difference of opinion on how prosperity is created. Follow USA TODAY national correspondent @marcodellacava Newsom heads to the border: California Gov. Gavin Newsom meets Salvadorans who tried to reach US Going green has a price:: Climate change tax for dining out? California restaurants add 1% fee to the bill This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California governor puts families first in budget, boosting leave and tax breaks 4214 N. 10th St., #6. | Photos: Zumper According to rental site Zumper, median rents for a one-bedroom in Encanto are hovering around $945, compared to a $975 one-bedroom median for Phoenix as a whole. So how does the low-end pricing on an Encanto rental look these days and what might you get for your money? We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments to find out what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find in the neighborhood, which, according to Walk Score ratings, is quite walkable, is quite bikeable and has good transit options. Read on for the cheapest listings available right now. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 3130 N. Seventh Ave. First, listed at $800/month, this 407-square-foot studio, located at 3130 N. Seventh Ave., is 31.7 percent less than the $1,171/month median rent for a studio in Encanto. In the unit, expect hardwood floors, a balcony, a walk-in closet and a dishwasher. Building amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness center, outdoor space and on-site laundry. Both cats and dogs are allowed. (See the complete listing here.) 4214 N. 10th St., #6 This studio apartment, situated at 4214 N. 10th St., #6, is also listed for $800/month for its 300 square feet of space. In the unit, look for hardwood floors, air conditioning and a dishwasher. The building boasts on-site laundry. When it comes to pets, both meows and barks are allowed. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. (See the complete listing here.) 1116 W. Indian School Road Then there's this 240-square-foot at 1116 W. Indian School Road, listed at $850/month. In the unit, anticipate a balcony, air conditioning and a walk-in closet. As for building amenities, the listing promises a swimming pool, a roof deck, outdoor space and on-site laundry. If you have a pet, you'll be happy to learn that cats and dogs are permitted. Story continues (See the listing here.) 1502 E. Osborn Road Check out this 520-square-foot studio at 1502 E. Osborn Road, also listed at $850/month. In the furnished unit, you'll have a balcony, a walk-in closet and a dishwasher. Building amenities include a swimming pool, a fitness center, outdoor space, garage parking and on-site laundry. For those with furry friends in tow, know that cats and dogs are welcome on this property. (Here's the listing.) 550 E. Earll Drive Finally, there's this 600-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom at 550 E. Earll Drive. It's being listed for $875/month. In the unit, you'll get hardwood floors, a walk-in closet and a dishwasher. The building features a swimming pool, a roof deck, outdoor space and on-site laundry. If you have a pet, you'll be happy to learn that cats and dogs are welcome. (Here's the full listing.) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Spending time in Sierra Oaks? Get to know this Sacramento neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Hawaiian restaurant to a boba spot. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Sierra Oaks, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results. 1. Zocalo Topping the list is Mexican spot Zocalo. Located at 466 Howe Ave., it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 366 reviews on Yelp. In addition to handcrafted and shaken margaritas, the restaurant serves up tacos and empanadas, alongside a brunch menu that features scrambled eggs mixed with house-ground chorizo, breakfast burritos and more. 2. Poke Noke Photo: poke noke/Yelp Next up is Hawaiian spot Poke Noke, which offers poke and more, situated at 2254 Fair Oaks Blvd. With 4.5 stars out of 346 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. When it comes to poke, diners may customize their dish with their choice of base, protein, sauce and toppings. The menu also includes additional bowl options, including one with ahi tuna, scallops and avocado. 3. Pearls Boba and Shaved Ice Photo: alex t./Yelp Pearls Boba and Shaved Ice, a spot to score desserts, tea and shaved ice, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 400 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2264 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite 102, to see for yourself. The eatery features boba pearls, which are made hourly from tapioca starch, and can be added into various milk teas, coffees and smoothies. Snacks like sweet potato fries, popcorn chicken and musubi (short-grain rice wrapped in salted seaweed) are also available. 4. Pieology Pizzeria Photo: pieology pizzeria/Yelp Finally, there's Pieology Pizzeria, a local favorite with four stars out of 123 reviews. Stop by 488 Howe Ave. to hit up the vegan and gluten-free spot, which offers pizza and more, next time you're in the neighborhood. At this create-your-own-pizza joint, customers may choose from a variety of crust, sauce, cheese, meat and topping options to create their pizzas. Specialty pizza pies like the zesty artichoke pizza, made with roasted red peppers, artichokes, red onion, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic herb butter and basil, are also on offer. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Clover Bakery & Cafe. | Photo: Kelly L./Yelp Visiting West San Jose, or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this San Jose neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from Japanese food to a doughnut shop. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in West San Jose, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results. 1. Clover Bakery & Cafe Photo: truc t./Yelp Topping the list is bakery and cafe Clover Bakery & Cafe. Located at 4342 Moorpark Ave., Suite A, it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 744 reviews on Yelp. This Japanese bakery serves sweet and savory baked goods, as well as Japanese specialties like onigiri, which are filled rice cakes wrapped in nori. 2. Ramen Tenma Photo: jaane f./Yelp Next up is Ramen Tenma, a spot to score ramen and noodles, situated at 487 Saratoga Ave. With four stars out of 435 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. 3. Pho Long Thinh Photo: jeff t./Yelp Vietnamese spot Pho Long Thinh, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 1080 Saratoga Ave., Suite 12, four stars out of 322 reviews. Pho Long Thinh slings steaming bowls of pho and serves an array of other Vietnamese specialties. 4. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Photo: john d./Yelp Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, an Asian fusion spot that offers ramen, noodles and more, is another high-traffic neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 2,975 Yelp reviews. Head over to 675 Saratoga Ave. to check out this local location of the popular, Japan-based ramen chain. 5. Rose Cafe & Donuts Photo: siobhan s./Yelp Check out Rose Cafe & Donuts, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 877 reviews on Yelp. You can find the breakfast and brunch spot, which offers doughnuts and sandwiches, at 994 Saratoga Ave. This popular breakfast spot offers up fresh doughnuts, breakfast burritos and other sweet and savory fare to get you going in the morning (or to give you a pick-me-up in the afternoon). This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! One of the best investments we can make is in our own knowledge and skill set. With that in mind, this article will work through how we can use Return On Equity (ROE) to better understand a business. By way of learning-by-doing, we'll look at ROE to gain a better understanding of China Everbright Greentech Limited (HKG:1257). Our data shows China Everbright Greentech has a return on equity of 14% for the last year. One way to conceptualize this, is that for each HK$1 of shareholders' equity it has, the company made HK$0.14 in profit. See our latest analysis for China Everbright Greentech How Do You Calculate Return On Equity? The formula for return on equity is: Return on Equity = Net Profit Shareholders' Equity Or for China Everbright Greentech: 14% = HK$1.3b HK$9.4b (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2018.) Most readers would understand what net profit is, but its worth explaining the concept of shareholders equity. It is all the money paid into the company from shareholders, plus any earnings retained. You can calculate shareholders' equity by subtracting the company's total liabilities from its total assets. What Does Return On Equity Signify? Return on Equity measures a company's 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, as a general rule, a high ROE is a good thing. Clearly, then, one can use ROE to compare different companies. Does China Everbright Greentech 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. 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, China Everbright Greentech has a better ROE than the average (7.7%) in the Renewable Energy industry. Story continues SEHK:1257 Past Revenue and Net Income, May 11th 2019 That is a good sign. We think a high ROE, alone, is usually enough to justify further research into a company. For example, I often check if insiders have been buying shares . How Does Debt Impact ROE? Companies usually need to invest money 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. Thus the use of debt can improve ROE, albeit along with extra risk in the case of stormy weather, metaphorically speaking. Combining China Everbright Greentech's Debt And Its 14% Return On Equity While China Everbright Greentech does have some debt, with debt to equity of just 0.64, we wouldn't say debt is excessive. Its very respectable ROE, combined with only modest debt, suggests the business is in good shape. Judicious use of debt to improve returns can certainly be a good thing, although it does elevate risk slightly and reduce future optionality. The Bottom Line On ROE 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. If two companies have the same ROE, then I would generally prefer the one with less debt. Having said that, while ROE is a useful indicator of business quality, you'll have to look at a whole range of factors to determine the right price to buy a stock. It is important to consider other factors, such as future profit growth -- and how much investment is required going forward. So you might want to take a peek at this data-rich interactive graph of 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. Thank you for reading. SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese police have seized more than 210,000 hard drives produced by a counterfeit ring that sold them as brand-name items from the likes of Hewlett Packard Enterprise and IBM, the Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday. China has vowed to get tough on counterfeiting and intellectual property theft but many brands still face the problem with a broad range of items from cosmetics to vehicles being copied. The theft of intellectual property is a major source of friction in a trade dispute with the United States. Police arrested 56 suspects at two factories and four offices in the cities of Nanjing, Beijing, Chongqing and Guangzhou, where the hard drives were made and sold, Xinhua said. Xinhua said the action against the counterfeiters was carried out late last year. It did not say why the news was only announced on Saturday but it came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all imports from China. The investigation into the fake hard drives began after Hewlett Packard filed a complaint, Nanjing police were reported as saying. Hewlett Packard did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside business hours. The suspects would buy cheap, old and discarded hard drives abroad, modify the data on them, repackage them and sell them at a 60% profit, the police said. Police had been shocked at the scale of the operation, in which hundreds of people were employed. (Reporting by Brenda Goh; Editing by Robert Birsel) BEIJING, May 11 (Reuters) - Three main differences remain in China-U.S. trade talks, including the removal of all the additional tariffs, China's official state news agency Xinhua said on Saturday. Another difference is on "realistic" trade purchases, Xinhua added. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Ryan Woo; editing by Diane Craft) (Reuters) - China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in Beijing, Vice Premier Liu He told Chinese state media in the United States on Friday, following a round of discussions in Washington which he described as "honest" and "constructive". The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods in the midst of last-ditch talks to rescue a trade deal. U.S. President Donald Trump issued orders for the tariff increase, saying China "broke the deal" by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations. "Negotiations have not broken down," Liu, China's chief negotiator in the talks, said in a video clip posted by China Central Television (CCTV) on its mobile app. "Quite the opposite, I think small setbacks are normal and inevitable during the negotiations of both countries. Looking forward, we are still cautiously optimistic." China strongly opposes the latest U.S. tariff hike, and as a nation, has to respond to that, Liu told a small group of Chinese reporters in the video clip. "Right now, both sides have reached mutual understanding in many things, but frankly speaking, there are also differences. We think these differences are significant principle issues," Liu said. "We absolutely cannot make concessions on such principle issues," Liu said, without giving details on what those issues were. Sources told Reuters this week that China had deleted its commitments in the draft agreement that said it would change laws to resolve core complaints of the United States: theft of U.S. intellectual property and trade secrets; forced technology transfers; competition policy; access to financial services; and currency manipulation. ECONOMY OPTIMISM Liu also said he was optimistic about China's economy in the longer term, adding that it had entered an up-cycle after bottoming out somewhat last year. Story continues He said he believed the Chinese economy would maintain a stable and healthy trend despite some downward pressure, and that China had ample room for fiscal and monetary policy manoeuvres. On Monday, hours after Trump said he intended to raise tariffs, the Chinese central bank cut the amount of reserves that some small and medium-sized banks need to hold, freeing up more funds for lending to cash-strapped firms. (Reporting by Yawen Chen and Ryan Woo in Beijing, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Ginko Restaurant. | Photo: Jaycee Z./Yelp Craving Japanese food? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Japanese spots around Cleveland, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture when cravings strike. 1. Ginko Restaurant Photo: jaycee z./Yelp Topping the list is Ginko Restaurant. Located at 2247 Professor Ave. in Tremont, the sushi bar and Japanese spot is the highest-rated Japanese restaurant in Cleveland, boasting 4.5 stars out of 272 reviews on Yelp. 2. Sapporo Sushi Photo: vy l./Yelp Gateway District's Sapporo Sushi, located at 1940 E. 6th St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the sushi bar, Japanese and Asian fusion spot four stars out of 49 reviews. 3. Otani Noodle Photo: otani noodle/Yelp Otani Noodle, a spot to score ramen and noodles located downtown, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 87 Yelp reviews. Head over to 234 Euclid Ave. to see for yourself. 4. Sung's House Photo: jake y./Yelp Downtown, check out Sung's House, which has earned four stars out of 81 reviews on Yelp. You can find the sushi bar and Korean and Japanese spot at 1507 Euclid Ave. 5. Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar Photo: marble rooms steaks and raw bar/Yelp And then there's Marble Room Steaks and Raw Bar, a downtown favorite with four stars out of 223 reviews. Stop by 623 Euclid Ave. to hit up the steakhouse and sushi bar, which offers seafood and more, next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! Today we'll evaluate BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX:BSL) to determine whether it could have potential as an investment idea. In particular, we'll 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, we'll go over how we calculate ROCE. Then we'll compare its ROCE to similar companies. Then we'll determine how its current liabilities are affecting its ROCE. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What is it? ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. In general, businesses with a higher ROCE are usually better quality. 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'. How Do You Calculate Return On Capital Employed? 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 BlueScope Steel: 0.18 = AU$1.6b (AU$11b - AU$2.5b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2018.) Therefore, BlueScope Steel has an ROCE of 18%. Check out our latest analysis for BlueScope Steel Does BlueScope Steel Have A Good ROCE? One way to assess ROCE is to compare similar companies. In our analysis, BlueScope Steel's ROCE is meaningfully higher than the 9.5% average in the Metals and Mining industry. We would consider this a positive, as it suggests it is using capital more effectively than other similar companies. Independently of how BlueScope Steel compares to its industry, its ROCE in absolute terms appears decent, and the company may be worthy of closer investigation. Story continues In our analysis, BlueScope Steel's ROCE appears to be 18%, compared to 3 years ago, when its ROCE was 3.4%. This makes us think about whether the company has been reinvesting shrewdly. ASX:BSL Past Revenue and Net Income, May 10th 2019 When considering ROCE, bear in mind that it reflects the past and does not necessarily predict the future. ROCE can be misleading for companies in cyclical industries, with returns looking impressive during the boom times, but very weak during the busts. ROCE is only a point-in-time measure. We note BlueScope Steel 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. What Are Current Liabilities, And How Do They Affect BlueScope Steel's ROCE? Current liabilities include invoices, such as supplier payments, short-term debt, or a tax bill, that 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 counteract this, we check if a company has high current liabilities, relative to its total assets. BlueScope Steel has total liabilities of AU$2.5b and total assets of AU$11b. 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 BlueScope Steel's ROCE With that in mind, BlueScope Steel's ROCE appears pretty good. BlueScope Steel shapes up well under this analysis, but it is far from the only business delivering excellent numbers . You might also want to check this free collection of companies delivering excellent earnings growth. 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. Thank you for reading. HAVANA (AP) Gay-rights activists organizing on social media held an unauthorized march Saturday down eight blocks of one of Havana's main thoroughfares before they were stopped by police. The march was the second by a non-governmental organization in Cuba in slightly more than a month. That's highly unusual in a country where the only legal civil society groups are de-facto arms of the Communist government. Any sort of unofficial march or demonstration has long been met with a swift and overwhelming police response. On April 7, more than 400 animal-lovers received an official permit and peacefully marched more than a mile through Havana, shouting slogans and waving signs calling for an end to animal cruelty. Saturday afternoon's gay-rights march received no such permit but police and plainclothes state-security agents allowed it to proceed from a gathering point in Havana's Central Park, along the Prado boulevard until it reached the Malecon, the capital's famous seaside promenade. A handful of marchers were arrested when they attempted to push through a massive police presence and continue onto the Malecon. "It was a complete success because we got so many people together despite all the expectations of government interference," said Raul Soublett, a 26-year-old gay rights activist. "It's historic." The march was organized largely using Cuba's new mobile internet, with gay-rights activists and groups of friends calling for a march over Facebook and WhatsApp after the main government-run gay rights organization, the Center for Sex Education, canceled a Saturday march. The government group known its Spanish acronym CENESEX said it was canceling its annual Conga Against Homophobia and Transphobia because unnamed groups were attempting "to distort the reality of Cuba and use our Conga to discredit, divide and substitute the true meaning of the event." In response, activists called for the Saturday gathering at 4 p.m. in Havana's Central Park, a plaza in the heart of the capital's historic center. Story continues Some gay-rights activists said online that police had tried to prevent them from leaving their homes Saturday with threats of unspecified repercussions. But more than 100 assembled and marched, chanting "It could be done!" and "Diverse Cuba!" and waving rainbow flags. "This is because we don't want to lose our rights to public space," said Lidia Romero, 49, who works in a private design store. "We're not here in opposition to anybody," Soublett said. Cuba repressed homosexuals in the decades after its 1959 revolution, sending many to forced-labor camps, but the government has since barred anti-gay discrimination and CENESEX, led by Mariela Castro, the daughter of Communist leader Raul Castro, has been internationally recognized for campaigning for gay rights. However, a CENESEX-endorsed push for gay marriage was removed from a constitutional reform this year after objections from many Cubans, including the country's growing ranks of evangelicals. CENESEX never clearly explained why it was cancelling the conga but said tensions with the Trump administration were a factor. The U.S. has recently tightened the embargo on Cuba as part of a push to topple the allied Venezuelan government, and the Cuban government typically cracks down on internal dissent when it feels threatened. Danny Baker speaking at his London home after he was fired by BBC Radio 5 Live for tweeting a joke about the Duke and Duchess of SussexOs son using a picture of a monkey. (Photo by Victoria Jones/PA Images via Getty Images) Danny Bakers tweet mocking the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby is being investigated by police. The broadcaster was sacked by the BBC after he tweeted a photo of a chimpanzee walking hand in hand with a man and woman, with the caption, "Royal baby leaves hospital." Danny Baker's tweet The post sparked fury on social media, with Baker branded racist for comparing Prince Harry and Meghan Markles baby to a primate. Read more: Radio host fired after tweeting photo comparing royal baby Archie to chimpanzee: 'Casual racism is alive and well' The 61-year-old deleted the tweet and apologised but it was not enough to save his job, and now police are involved after receiving a complaint. A Metropolitan Police spokesman told Sky News: "An allegation has been received by the Metropolitan Police Service on Thursday, 9 May in relation to a tweet published on the 8 May. "As is routine, the allegation will be reviewed and assessed by specialist officers." Yesterday Baker took to Twitter again, this time to issue a grovelling apology. A day after being fired from his role on BBC Radio Five Live, Baker posted a series of messages apologising for the outrage he had caused. Good morning, everyone. Following one of the worst days of my life I just want to formally apologise for the outrage I caused and explain how I got myself into this mess. I chose the wrong photo to illustrate a joke. Disastrously so. Danny Baker (@prodnose) May 10, 2019 He described the controversy as one of the worst days of my life and said he made a genuine, naive and catastrophic mistake. Read more: Danny Baker apologises for racist tweet about the Royal baby He said: "The picture in context as presented was obviously shamefully racist. It was never intended so - seriously who on earth would 'go there'? Anyway I am now paying the price for this crass & regrettable blunder and rightly so. Probably even this final word from me will extend the mania. ('Dog whistle' anyone?) I would like to thank friends on here for their kinder words and once again - I am so, so sorry. Story continues Anyway i am now paying the price for this crass & regrettable blunder and rightly so. Probably even this final word from me will extend the mania. ('Dog whistle' anyone?) I would like to thank friends on here for their kinder words and once again - I am so, so sorry. Danny Baker (@prodnose) May 10, 2019 In a statement announcing Baker had been fired, a BBC spokesman said: "This was a serious error of judgement and goes against the values we as a station aim to embody. "Danny's a brilliant broadcaster but will no longer be presenting a weekly show with us." On May 11, 1894, several thousand train workers started an unannounced strike at the Pullman Company in Illinois. Over the next few months, dozens of workers would die in strike-related violence, and the President and Supreme Court would finally become involved in the strikes outcome. The Pullman Company built and leased passenger train cars, thousands of which were in operation around the United States by 1893. George Pullman also built a planned community for his workers in Illinois, where workers enjoyed many amenities but were also financially dependent on the Pullman Company for their homes and utilities. After a severe depression in 1893, wages fell about 25 percent for the Pullman workers while living costs remained the same. The workers then sought out union representation. Former railroad worker Eugene V. Debs and his American Railway Union, which had won a strike earlier in 1894, became involved in the Pullman situation. The May 11 wildcat strike wasnt directly organized by the ARU, but Debs and the union quickly became involved in the strike as it escalated. In June 1894, the ARU called for a national boycott of Pullman cars by its union members, who managed the flow of railway traffic west of Chicago. The Pullman Company attempted to call Debs bluff, and by late June, at least 125,000 ARU members had walked off the job in support of the Pullman workers. Violence related to the strikes became an issue, as did U.S. mail delivery systems inability to operate in strike-affected regions. When Illinois governor John P. Altgeld refused to ask for federal troops to intercede in the strike, U.S. Attorney General Richard Olney, who had a close relationship with the railway industry, asked for the first-ever federal injunction to block a strike. However, the strikers mostly ignored the injunction, a court order which said they had to stop striking and return to work. President Grover Cleveland then sent about 2,000 troops to Illinois to enforce the injunction, and more violence ensued. Story continues Debs and other union leaders were arrested after the injunction was ignored. Debs eventually spent six months in jail on related charges and the ARU was broken up. Debs hired a former railroad attorney, Clarence Darrow, to represent him at trial. Debs and Darrow challenged the injunctions legality and Debss confinement, eventually appealing all the way to the Supreme Court. In 1895, a unanimous Court decided the case of In re Debs, holding that the federal government could issue a strike injunction as part of its role in regulating interstate commerce and in order to protect the general welfare of the people. In the exercise of those powers, the United States may remove everything put upon highways, natural or artificial, to obstruct the passage of interstate commerce, or the carrying of the mails, said Justice David Brewer. However, Brewer acknowledged the importance of the issue nationally and the effectiveness of Darrows arguments. A most earnest and eloquent appeal was made to us in eulogy of the heroic spirit of those who threw up their employment, and gave up their means of earning a livelihood, not in defense of their own rights, but in sympathy or and to assist others whom they believed to be wronged, Brewer wrote. But he added that the court and electoral systems were the best venues to settle such disputes. We yield to none in our admiration of any act of heroism or self-sacrifice, but we may be permitted to add that it is a lesson which cannot be learned too soon or too thoroughly that, under this government of and by the people, the means of redress of all wrongs are through the courts and at the ballot box, and that no wrong, real or fancied, carries with it legal warrant to invite as a means of redress the cooperation of a mob, with its accompanying acts of violence. After the Pullman strike and the Supreme Court decision, Debs and Darrow would remain prominent figures in the labor and legal fields into the twentieth century. Lille (France) (AFP) - The doctor of a Frenchman whose family has kept him alive in a vegetative state for a decade has informed them that he plans to take the patient off life support this month, lawyers said Saturday. Vincent Lambert, 42, was left a tetraplegic after a car accident in 2008, with doctors later determining his severe brain damage was irreversible. Lawyers for Lambert's parents, who are fighting to keep him alive, told AFP the doctor "would carry out his decision... sometime during the week of May 20." A French court backed the doctor's decision early this year, a ruling upheld last month by France's State Council which decides on the validity of laws and legal decisions. The case has bitterly divided Lambert's family during years of lawsuits and appeals. In 2014, doctors backed by Lambert's wife Rachel, five of his siblings and his nephew Francois, decided to stop his feed and water in line with France's passive euthanasia law. But his parents, practicing Catholics, and his half-brother and sister have fought the decision, saying Lambert's condition could improve with better treatment. Last week, the UN's committee on disabled rights asked France to suspend any decision on Lambert's fate while it studied the case. France's Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said France would answer the committee but was not under any legal requirement to abide by its request. The European Court of Human Rights has rejected a similar appeal by Lambert's parents. French law allows so-called "passive euthanasia" for seriously ill or injured patients with no chance of recovery, in which the means for keeping someone alive are cut off. Active euthanasia, by which a person deliberately causes a patient's death, is illegal in France despite recent efforts to ease legislation dealing with the terminally ill. Istanbul (AFP) - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insisted Saturday that he would not bow to international criticism over a controversial decision to re-run mayoral elections in Istanbul. "With God's permission, our people will not bow to threats and the pressure," Erdogan said, speaking in Turkey's biggest city and economic hub. The Turkish leader has come under heavy fire after the country's top election body last week annulled the results of the March 31 mayoral vote in Istanbul and ordered a re-run on June 23. The original vote was narrowly won by the opposition candidate, dealing the ruling AKP party its first defeat in the city, which has been controlled by the AKP and its predecessors for 25 years. But Erdogan alleged "serious corruption" in the count. The move has been widely condemned by Turkey's Western allies. The United States said that a "healthy democracy" with transparent elections was in Turkey's own interest, while Germany said the decision to annul the election was "not transparent, and incomprehensible to us". The Turkish leader said: "Those attempting to topple the elected Venezuelan head of state cannot talk about democracy," referring to President Nicolas Maduro. "Those who do not speak up against the Israeli terror cannot say anything about our struggle for rights," he added. 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. Chicago (AFP) - Racist demagogue and dangerous fundamentalist to some, heroic crusader for black rights to others, incendiary religious leader Louis Farrakhan is finding the audience for his message increasingly hard to reach. The head of the Nation of Islam -- barred for years from Britain and blocked from mainstream TV -- has been declared an undesirable by Facebook for his long record as an unrepentant merchant of anti-Semitism and homophobia. Farrakhan's black advocacy and mantra of self-reliance has lent him a measure of legitimacy over the years, bolstered by his role a quarter century ago in organizing the Million Man March that drew hundreds of thousands of African Americans to Washington. And while his continuing influence is undeniable, critics of the 86-year-old son of a Massachusetts seamstress point out that he has compared Jews to "termites," called Hitler a "great man" and claimed that the white race was created by an evil wizard. True to form, one of the most divisive political figures in modern American history reacted to his May 2 ouster from Facebook by casting himself as a victim silenced by powerful forces. "What have I done that you would hate me like that?" Farrakhan asked before an audience of more than 1,000 at Saint Sabina Church in Chicago on Thursday. Cheered on by the rapt congregation -- many of whom were members of the Nation of Islam -- he denied misogyny, homophobia and racism, telling the crowd: "I do not hate Jewish people. No one who is with me has ever committed a crime against the Jewish people." Farrakhan's supporters say his words have been twisted. "If they actually heard what he had to say and not listen to a soundbite it would be very helpful," said Enoch Muhammad, 40, a member of the Nation of Islam and founder of the community group Hip Hop Detoxx. - 'Most popular anti-Semite' - What hasn't been taken out of context is Farrakhan's claim that Jews played a key role in the slave trade and have systematically oppressed black people in the US. Story continues On Thursday night, he once again uttered the kind of statements that have gotten him in trouble, criticizing the influence of Jewish scriptural thinking on the Catholic Church. "It's this that they fear," he said, pointing to his mouth. "I don't have no army. I just know the truth. And I'm here to separate the good Jews from the Satanic Jews." In recent decades, his star has faded, but the current era of increasingly high-profile hate crimes may have finally caught up with Farrakhan. Last month, a teenage gunman who wrote a hate-filled manifesto online opened fire at a synagogue in Poway, California, killing a worshiper. Six months earlier, another man spouting anti-Semitic and white nationalist vitriol shot dead 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. "Farrakhan may be the most popular anti-Semite in the United States," said Oren Segal of the Anti-Defamation League, describing his group as Farrakhan's "biggest foil." "He often gets a pass for his vitriol, because of the way he's tried to present his standing within the community," Segal said. - 'Bold voice' - Born in 1930s New York as Louis Eugene Walcott, and brought up in Boston's fundamentalist Christian tradition, Farrakhan has been credited for bringing hope to African American communities. His followers have stood guard in neighborhoods against gang violence and ministered to convicts in prison who are disproportionately African American. And while former president Bill Clinton may have been criticized for sitting alongside Farrakhan at the televised funeral of Aretha Franklin last year, many younger Americans have no qualms about being associated with the preacher. As recently as April, he commanded a crowd while giving a speech in Los Angeles on the spot where popular rapper Nipsey Hussle was shot dead. "The enemy wants to keep this killing of one another going," he told the rapt crowd. "Because as long as we keep killing one another, he can maintain power in what we call the tyranny of white supremacy," he said. Misbahudeen Ahmed-Rufai, a Chicago-based history and African American studies professor at Malcolm X College, said Farrakhan's group speaks to "the pain that a lot of African Americans feel." Prominent figures that have come to Farrakhan's defense include hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg, who posted an angry Instagram video following Facebook's action asking his 31 million followers to post clips of Farrakhan's sermons. "Show what he really be talking about -- educating the truth. Can't ban all of us," Snoop Dogg said. Among Farrakhan's other supporters is Father Michael Pfleger -- the politically-active Chicago priest who invited Farrakhan to speak at his Saint Sabina church Thursday night. The public show of support gave Farrakhan a boost and led to a public rebuke of the priest from the Illinois Holocaust Museum. "Minister Farrakhan has been a bold voice against injustice done against black people in this country and his voice deserves and needs to be heard," Pfleger said. Facebook urgently needs to be broken up and Mark Zuckerberg is much too powerful, according to one of its co-founders. The company's boss has an influence "far beyond that of anyone else in the private sector or in government", Chris Hughes has written in a scathing new editoria, in which he calls Mr Zuckerberg's power "unprecedented and un-American". While Mr Zuckerberg remains a similarly human person to the one he was when the two met at the beginning of Facebook, "its his very humanity that makes his unchecked power so problematic", Mr Hughes wrote in the New York Times. "Mark is a good, kind person," he wrote. "But Im angry that his focus on growth led him to sacrifice security and civility for clicks." The editorial goes on to attack the various ways that Mr Zuckerberg has secured his power and found himself able to use that to fundamentally change the way the world works, with very little oversight. "He controls three core communications platforms Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp that billions of people use every day," Mr Hughes wrote. "Facebooks board works more like an advisory committee than an overseer, because Mark controls around 60 percent of voting shares. "Mark alone can decide how to configure Facebooks algorithms to determine what people see in their News Feeds, what privacy settings they can use and even which messages get delivered. He sets the rules for how to distinguish violent and incendiary speech from the merely offensive, and he can choose to shut down a competitor by acquiring, blocking or copying it." Mr Hughes admits that he and other members of the early Facebook team should have done more to ensure that the site couldn't be abused to "change our culture, influence elections and empower nationalist leaders". But he says that the only way to bring that power into check now might be for the government to intervene and break up Facebook. Recent attempts to constrain the power of the company do not go far enough, he wrote, and the only way to keep the domination of Facebook in check is to force it to stop having such a vast power over the internet. Story continues "We are a nation with a tradition of reining in monopolies, no matter how well intentioned the leaders of these companies may be," the article reads. "Marks power is unprecedented and un-American." Specifically, Mr Hughes argues that the company should be separated into different companies. The US government could also revoke the 2012 acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp so that they will return to functioning independently, he writes. The cost of breaking up Facebook would be next to zero for the government, and lots of people stand to gain economically, he said. A ban on short-term acquisitions would ensure that competitors, and the investors who take a bet on them, would have the space to flourish. Digital advertisers would suddenly have multiple companies vying for their dollars. In calling for such an intervention, Mr Hughes growing a number of voices in US politics who have argued that the only way to limit Facebook's power is to break it up. Politicians including Senator and presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren have called for more regulation on the social network, and has been joined by voices across the ideological spectrum, including Ted Cruz. A former journalist who worked for the Afghan parliament was shot and killed in Kabul on Saturday, an official said, in the latest brazen attack to rock Afghanistan's capital. Mena Mangal was well known in Kabul circles for her work presenting shows on several television networks, before she left journalism to become a cultural advisor to parliament. According to interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi, Mangal was gunned down in eastern Kabul in broad daylight. An investigation was under way, but he did not provide further details. No one immediately claimed responsibility for Mangal's death, and it was not immediately known why she had been targeted. Crime in Kabul has grown steadily worse in recent years, adding to the many stresses for residents in a city where terrorist attacks are a frequent occurrence. Prominent women's rights activist Wazhma Frogh said Mangal had recently written on social media that she felt her life was threatened. The plight of women in Afghanistan has been pulled into focus in recent months, as many in the war-torn country worry that hard-won rights for women will be lost if the US makes a peace deal with the Taliban. Despite advances since the Taliban's ouster in 2001, women in Afghanistan are still frequently marginalized. Afghanistan is also the world's deadliest place for journalists, who face many risks covering the conflict and who have sometimes been targeted for doing their job. NEW ORLEANS (AP) Two people have been injured after a fire broke out in a restaurant in New Orleans' tourist-heavy French Quarter. New Orleans Fire Department spokesman Louis Carrier says it happened just before 7 a.m. Saturday at the Oceana Grill. News outlets report two people were taken to an area hospital after complaining about smoke inhalation. Nearly two dozen fire units and more than 90 firefighters battled the flames before officials ruled the blaze under control around 10:45 a.m. The Copper Monkey Bar & Grill and Olde N'Awlins Cookery as well as several other nearby businesses were also affected. Fire Capt. Edwin Holmes says the damage is going to be extensive. A cause has not been determined. SOUTHPORT, England (AP) Tommy Fleetwood shrugged off the effects of a virus to move into contention to win the British Masters as a late stumble from Matt Wallace in the third round threw the European Tour event wide open on Saturday. After going 47 holes without dropping a shot, second-round leader Wallace bogeyed the 12th and ran up a double bogey on the 15th after his wayward drive hit a spectator on the head in shooting a 2-under 70. He was level in first place on 14-under 202 overall with Marcus Kinhult (68). Fleetwood, who is hosting the tournament at Hillside in his home town of Southport in northern England, said he struggled for energy and believes his son Frankie, who had tonsillitis last week, "has given me something." Still, the world No. 16 holed from 25 feet for an eagle on the 11th and also birdied Nos. 12, 14 and 17 to shoot a 68 and delight the sell-out crowd. Fleetwood was 11 under, three strokes off the lead alongside Robert MacIntyre (68). "It's not been ideal," Fleetwood said. "It's one of them things, just another challenge. I forgot my paracetamol in the bag so Clare (his wife) had to get me some on the 13th tee and that pretty much saved me on the way in. "Whatever happens, I'm going to be going out late on the back nine on Sunday and the crowd comes to watch that, which is great." Scotland's Richie Ramsay, seeking his first win for four years, was two shots off the pace after a 71. Wallace is still in a good position to claim a fifth European Tour title in just two years. "We are in great shape," he said. "It's not about winning it on Saturday. It's about putting yourself in good position, so looking forward to tomorrow now." ___ More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports If five-year plans are only as good as the level of execution behind them, then investors will be pleased to know that agricultural sciences powerhouse FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) delivered in the first quarter of 2019. The business grew revenue 8% year over year, which was well ahead of the midpoint of initial full-year guidance. It reduced selling, general, and administrative costs 5% from the year-ago period and increased spending on research and development nearly 10%. That all-around strength gave management the confidence to raise full-year 2019 guidance for several financial metrics. Here's what investors need to know about FMC's Q1 2019 operating performance, including an important update from the R&D pipeline. A dollar folded in the shape of an arrow, pointing up. Image source: Getty Images. By the numbers The year-over-year comparisons throughout 2018 were a little lopsided because $1.2 billion in assets acquired from DuPont didn't contribute until late 2017. The commodity-linked business reported revenue growth of 69% and EBITDA growth of 111% last year. Now that the assets have been integrated for a full year, investors will have to get used to growth rates in the mid-to-high single digits in 2019, although that's significantly higher than the global agricultural market average. Q1 2019 marked the sixth consecutive quarter that FMC outperformed the broader market. That trend should continue for the foreseeable future thanks to a balanced presence in major breadbaskets across the globe, strong brands, and product portfolios that serve a diverse range of crops. Here's how the latest year-over-year comparison stacks up: Metric Q1 2019 Q1 2018 Change (YOY) Revenue $1.19 billion $1.11 billion 8% Gross margin 45.7% 45.3% 40 basis points Selling, general, and administrative expenses $183.9 million $192.5 million (5%) R&D expenses $71.2 million $64.9 million 10% Income from continuing operations before income taxes $243.9 million $290.7 million (16%) Net income attributable to shareholders $215.7 million $267.2 million (19%) Adjusted EBITDA $343.4 million $329.5 million 4% Data source: FMC press release. YOY = year over year. Story continues The earnings decrease looks a little disappointing at first glance. Not even a 40% lower tax bill in the comparison period could drive earnings higher. However, the decrease in income can be largely explained by restructuring charges. The business recorded nearly $8 million in restructuring costs in Q1 2019, compared to a nearly $80 million restructuring benefit in the prior-year period. Back those out and the business delivered significant growth. The top-line growth is also impressive. FMC noted that it actually achieved organic growth of 14% (nine percentage points from higher sales volumes and five percentage points from price increases), but foreign currency exchange rates resulted in a 6% headwind. Nonetheless, investors should be encouraged that revenue growth occurred in all regions, headlined by a 30% growth rate (including foreign currency impact) in South America. Orange trees growing in rows. Image source: Getty Images. Looking ahead Management raised full-year 2019 guidance for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted earnings per share (EPS). After initially expecting year-over-year increases of 5%, 7%, and 8%, respectively, FMC now expects an extra 1% of absolute growth from 2018 for each metric. The small increases will be welcomed by investors and Wall Street analysts disappointed by the original guidance. Metric New Full-Year 2019 Guidance, Midpoint Full-Year 2018, Actual Year-Over-Year Change From Recast 2018 Results Revenue $4.55 billion $4.28 billion 6% Total adjusted EBITDA $1.2 billion $1.109 billion 8% Adjusted EPS $5.72 $5.23 9% Data source: Press release. More importantly, FMC spent a good deal of the Q&A portion of the first-quarter 2019 earnings conference call discussing its biologicals pipeline. Biologicals are next-generation plant health products comprising beneficial soil microbes that extend survival advantages to crops. That can include higher yields, drought tolerance, an increased ability to fight off pests without synthetic chemical pesticide applications, and even the ability to more efficiently uptake nutrients already present in the soil. Judging from the company's last analyst day, FMC seemed well behind competitors in the budding market opportunity. But management corrected some misconceptions among analysts (and myself). The business has six biological products in its R&D pipeline, significantly more than the one product disclosed in analyst day slides. It has increased investment in the area each year since 2013. And it even owns an R&D facility in Denmark solely focused on biologicals. Management said it will provide a detailed update on its R&D pipeline in Q2 2019 -- a ritual it aims to repeat in the second quarter of each year from now on. A solid start to the year Investors have to be pleased with the progress displayed in Q1 2019. FMC delivered growth in all major regions, kept expenses in check, poured capital into R&D, and increased full-year 2019 guidance across the board. Investors will want to keep an eye on operating income throughout the remainder of the year, while also making sure a lower tax bill isn't the sole reason for rising net income. Given the trajectory of key metrics, however, the business appears to be on solid footing. More From The Motley Fool Maxx Chatsko has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. By Guillaume Frouin NANTES, France, May 11 (Reuters) - French police fired tear gas in skirmishes with masked demonstrators in Lyon and Nantes on Saturday, the 26th straight weekend of "yellow vest" protests against President Emmanuel Macron and his economic reform agenda. In Nantes, black-hooded demonstrators on the fringes of a largely peaceful protest hurled bottles and smashed shop windows, while in Lyon tear gas swirled as police tried to funnel protesters away from the central Place Bellecour. Six months after the grassroot rebellion erupted over the high cost of living and Macron's perceived indifference toward the plight of working class France, the movement is losing momentum. Saturday's apparently low turnout nationwide will be a relief to Macron, little more than two weeks out from European elections. The far-right, polling neck-and-neck with Macron's party, is billing the vote as a referendum on his first two years in office. The prolonged unrest has forced the president into costly policy concessions and put the brakes on his reform timetable, including an overhaul of the pension system this year. With his authority challenged by the "yellow vests," Macron launched his fight back last month, promising after weeks of national debate to cut taxes and apologizing for his sometimes sharp tongue. Even so, in Nantes on Saturday, protesters said Macron's proposals did not go far enough and lacked detail. "The 'grand debate' was a smoke screen. Today they're smoking us out with tear gas," said one 43-year-old protester who identified himself as Mickael. "But we won't cave in. Yes we're fewer than at the start, but when the others come back, we'll still be here and we'll still be angry." Saturday's protest in Paris, which has seen some of the worst street violence in decades during the "yellow vest" uprising, was calm. In driving rain, protesters marched under umbrellas, waving placards reading "Macron, clear off." Protester numbers have dwindled from highs of over 300,000 nationwide at the peak in November to below 30,000 in recent weeks, according to government estimates. (Additional reporting by Cathering Lagrange in Lyon and Richard Lough in Paris; Writing by Richard Lough; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) By Douglas Busvine FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The leader of Germany's ruling Christian Democrats (CDU) and heir presumptive to Angela Merkel said she had no ambition to succeed her as chancellor until 2021 ahead of a major test of popularity at this month's European election. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who last December won a party leadership contest as Merkel - Europe's longest-serving leader - sets the stage for her gradual exit from politics, said she had no desire to accelerate the process. [nL8N1YC2NX] "The chancellor and the government are elected for a full term and citizens are right to expect that they take this mandate seriously," Kramp-Karrenbauer told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper in an interview. "Speaking for myself, I can rule out that I am working in my own interest for a change." Merkel, 64, has run Germany since 2005 but agreed to step down as CDU leader after losing votes in the 2017 general election to the far-right Alternative for Germany, which ran on an anti-immigration platform. Kramp-Karrenbauer, known as AKK for short, has since struggled to make an impression. Support for the CDU is running at around 30 percent ahead of the May 23 election to the European Parliament - less than Merkel's general election tally. "Fundamentally, the mood towards Europe is good. But European elections are always a reaction to the national situation - and this contributes to us not being seen very positively at the moment," said Kramp-Karrenbauer. The division of leadership roles had created room for speculation that there was a lack of harmony, she added: "That doesn't leave the party unaffected." Kramp-Karrenbauer said, however, that her relationship with Merkel is "very good, as ever". "Now that we're in an election campaign, on many days I speak with her more often than with my husband," she said. COALITION FRICTION While Merkel has yet to join campaigning for the European vote, Kramp-Karrenbauer also blamed the CDU's weak showing on the poor impression created by its fractious coalition government with the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). "We have a coalition that simply hasn't come together and doesn't find it easy to cooperate," she said. Weighing in on one issue where the two disagree, Kramp-Karrenbauer said it was high time to abolish an income tax surcharge imposed after unification three decades ago to fund financial support to ex-communist eastern Germany. Gridlock in Berlin, against the backdrop of a slowing economy, has fueled speculation that the coalition could fall apart well before the next general election. That would create a potential opening for Kramp-Karrenbauer, a former regional premier in the small western state of Saarland, to make an earlier bid to unite the roles of party leader and chancellor. She said, however, that she was working towards launching a new platform at the CDU's party conference in late 2020. Only then would the party choose its candidate to run for chancellor in the 2021 general election. (Reporting by Douglas Busvine; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne) Golden Saddle BBQ Steakhouse. | Photo: Ting W./Yelp Spending time in McClure Park? Get to know this Tulsa neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a place to sample barbecued meats to a spot to score classic liver and onions. Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in McClure Park, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results. 1. Leon's Smoke Shack BBQ Photo: steve a./Yelp Topping the list is Leon's Smoke Shack BBQ, a spot to score barbecue and more. Located at 601 S. Sheridan Road, it's the highest-rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 68 reviews on Yelp. Dinners are served with your choice of two sides and sliced bread. You can also order a "Little Bit of Everything," featuring a sampling of all available barbecued meats, such as beef brisket, pulled pork, ribs and sausage. 2. Admiral Grill Photo: shannon t./Yelp Next up is traditional American and Greek spot Admiral Grill, offering sandwiches and more, situated at 7842 E. Admiral Place. With 4.5 stars out of 26 reviews on Yelp, it's proven to be a local favorite. The menu offers gyros, burgers, cold sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, chili and more. Signature platters include fried shrimp and fish and chips. 3. Freeway Cafe Photo: cameron n./Yelp Freeway Cafe is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 465 S. Sheridan Road, four stars out of 44 reviews. The restaurant strives to provide "home-style cooking at its best." Breakfast dishes include the Freeway Sampler with two eggs, two bacon strips, two pork sausage links, two pieces of ham, hash browns and two buttermilk pancakes. Cafe classics include liver and onions and smothered steak, topped with tomatoes, onions, peppers and Swiss cheese. 4. Golden Saddle BBQ Steakhouse Photo: maggie t./Yelp Golden Saddle BBQ Steakhouse, a steakhouse and Mediterranean spot that offers barbecue and more, is another neighborhood go-to, with four stars out of 30 Yelp reviews. Head over to 6618 E. Admiral Place to see for yourself. Story continues Start with the fried mushrooms. Everyday salad bar specials include all-you-can-eat salad, served with lamb ribs and rice, eggplant parmesan, pork baby back ribs and more. Other dinner dishes offered are liver and onion, fried chicken, chicken-fried steak and ham steak. Top it off with a home-style cobbler. 5. Hero's Subs & Burgers Photo: johnny s./Yelp Check out Hero's Subs & Burgers, which has earned four stars out of 27 reviews on Yelp. You can find the spot to score sandwiches, burgers and salads at 6508 E. Admiral Place. Specials include a hamburger basket and a gyro basket. Takeout is also available. The business is closed on Sunday. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. By Gul Yousafzai QUETTA, Pakistan (Reuters) - Three gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in Pakistan's southwestern port city of Gwadar on Saturday, killing at least one guard and battling security forces inside, officials and the army said. Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove said most guests had been evacuated from the five-star Pearl Continental Hotel, which helicopters circled as fighting was underway. He said there were reports of casualties, but did not give details. The military said three gunmen killed a guard at the entrance to the hotel when they entered. Security forces had cordoned off the area and cornered the attackers in a staircase leading to the top floor, the military said in its statement Balochistan Liberation Army, a group fighting for greater autonomy in Pakistan's poorest province, claimed responsibility in an emailed statement. Gwadar is a strategic port on the Arabian Sea that is being developed as part of the $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is itself part of China's mammoth Belt and Road infrastructure project. The hotel, located on a hillside near the port, is used by foreign guests, including Chinese project staff, but there were none in the building at the time of the attack, Langove said. Pakistani officials have said the security forces were on alert for attacks during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which began in early May. Security across most of Pakistan has improved over recent years following a major crackdown after the country's worst attack, when some 150 people, most of them children, were killed in an attack on a school in the western city of Peshawar in 2014. But Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, remains an exception and there have been several attacks this year, with at least 14 people killed last month in an attack on buses travelling between the southern city of Karachi and Gwadar. The province is rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies, with several militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban group Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army and the Sunni group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. Saturday's incident follows a bombing this week that targeted police outside a major Sufi shrine in Lahore, in the north of Pakistan, that killed at least 10 people and wounded more than 20, officials said. (Reporting by Gul Yousafzai; Writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by Edmund Blair) At least one person has been killed after three gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in the southwestern Pakistani city of Gwadar, the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar Chinese infrastructure project, the military said Saturday. The gunmen shot dead a security guard at the entrance to the five-star Pearl Continental Hotel before entering, the army said. It was the second deadly attack to take place in a prominent Pakistani city this week. "Security forces have cordoned area. Guests safely evacuated. Terrorists encircled by security forces in staircase leading to top floor. Clearance Operation in progress," a military spokesman said. Earlier, Ziaullah Langu, the home minister for Balochistan province where Gwadar is located, told AFP four gunmen had "opened fire" on the hotel. "There are reports of a few people sustaining minor injuries," the minister said. Mohammad Aslam, the on-duty officer in Gwadar, said ambulances and rescue officers were waiting at a road leading to the hotel, and that he could hear gunfire but that the operation was coming to an end. "There were no Chinese or Pakistani guests in the hotel," he said, adding that only staff were present in the building, adding that at least three are believed to be injured. A Baloch separatist group, the Balochistan Liberation Army, claimed responsibility for the attack via Twitter. The Pearl Continental, part of Pakistan's largest five-star hotel chain, is the only luxury hotel in Gwadar, frequented by foreign and Pakistani business delegations as well as diplomats. It sits isolated on a ridge overlooking the Arabian Sea port city of Gwadar, formerly a small fishing village but now touted by officials as "the next Dubai" thanks to the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Part of China's Belt and Road initiative, CPEC seeks to connect the western Chinese province of Xinjiang with Gwadar, with the development of the port as the plan's flagship project. Story continues Gwadar will provide China with safer and more direct access to the oil-rich Middle East than the waterway trade route it currently uses through the narrow Malacca Straits. But it has also drawn its share of attacks, particularly from separatists who have long complained that residents of Pakistan's poorest and largest province do not receive a fair share of profits from its resources. - Rocked by insurgencies - The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) is one of a myriad of insurgent groups fighting in Balochistan, which has been rocked by separatist, Islamist and sectarian violence for years. The BLA has targeted Chinese workers in Pakistan multiple times, including during a brazen daylight attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi which killed four people in November last year. At the time, the BLA branded Beijing "an oppressor". Balochistan is tightly guarded by the Pakistani military, who have been targeting insurgents there since 2004. The army has been repeatedly accused by international rights groups of abuses there, but denies the allegations. Foreigners are rarely allowed to travel to the province without seeking special authorisation. Violence in Pakistan has dropped significantly since the country's deadliest-ever militant attack, an assault on a school in the northwestern city of Peshawar in 2014 that killed more than 150 people -- most of them children. But militants still retain the ability to carry out attacks, including in major urban centres and tightly-guarded targets, and analysts have long warned that Pakistan is yet to tackle the root causes of extremism. Earlier this week a suicide blast claimed by the Pakistani Taliban at one of the country's oldest and most popular Sufi shrines killed at least 12 people in the eastern city of Lahore. Harvey Weinstein's attorneys Ronald Sullivan, left, and Jose Baez, Jan. 25, 2019, in New York. BOSTON A Harvard Law School professor who became a lightning rod on the Ivy League campus for working on the legal defense team of Harvey Weinstein has been let go as a faculty dean. Neither Ronald Sullivan Jr. nor his wife, Stephanie Robinson, will continue as faculty deans of Harvard's Winthrop House when their terms end next month, the university said Saturday. Rakesh Khurana, dean of Harvard College, announced his decision in an email to residents of the school's Winthrop House, calling the situation "untenable" and saying it was "informed by a number of considerations." Sullivan has been under fire from students since January when he emerged as one of the attorneys representing Weinstein in the media mogul's upcoming trial where he faces multiple sex-crime charges. More: Harvard deans legal defense of Harvey Weinstein sparks controversy on campus But the controversy surrounding Sullivan who presides over the Winthrop House with Robinson who is also a Harvard law professor escalated further amid recent reports from the student-run Harvard Crimson newspaper about numerous complaints against the couple since 2016 about their handling of house affairs. "Over the last few weeks, students and staff have continued to communicate concerns about the climate in the Winthrop House to the college," Khurana said in the email. "The concerns expressed have been serious and numerous. "The actions that have been taken to improve the climate have been ineffective, and the noticeable lack of faculty dean presence during critical moments has further deteriorated the climate in the house. I have concluded that the situation in the house is untenable." Harvard has faculty deans to lead and reside at each of its 12 buildings that house undergraduate students. It's considered a powerful and prestigious position. Sullivan and Robinson were the first African Americans to serve as faculty deans at Harvard. Story continues In response to the university's decision, Sullivan and Robinson said they are "surprised and dismayed." "We believed the discussions we were having with high-level University representatives were progressing in a positive manner, but Harvard unilaterally ended those talks," the couple said in a joint statement. The couple added that they "will now take some time to process Harvards actions and consider our options. We are sorry that Harvards actions and the controversy surrounding us has contributed to the stress on Winthrop students at this already stressful time." Harvey Weinstein arrives at court on April 26, 2019 in New York, for a pre-trial hearing over sexual assault charges against him. Harvard's action does not change their status as law school professors. Khurana called the situation "regrettable" and said not renewing Sullivan and Robinson as faculty deans is a "very hard decision to make." He said he has long admired their "commitment to justice and civic engagement" and the "good work they have done" to support diversity in the house community. "This decision in no way lessens my gratitude to them for their contributions to the college," he said. Sullivan, a prominent defense attorney nationally, had garnered calls for removal from Winthrop residents and other Harvard students who objected to his work for Weinstein, whose alleged actions helped ignite the #MeToo movement. At organized protests in recent months, students held signs that read, Down with the Dean, Remove Sullivan and Harvards Legacy Ignoring Survivors. Sullivan had defended his work for Weinstein by touting due process for everyone, decrying the countrys long history of mob justice and arguing that its even more important that unpopular, vile, or undesirable defendants have their rights. Protesters said they acknowledge the constitutional right for everyone, even unpopular defendants, to have a legal defense. But they questioned Sullivans ability to simultaneously carry out a house dean position whose duties they said include being a protector of students and ensuring they feel comfortable sharing concerns. They accused Sullivan of dismissing their concerns. More: Harvard bans ex-professor Jorge Dominguez after finding 'unwelcome sexual conduct' spanned four decades Other concerns about Sullivan and Robinson apparently predated the Weinstein controversy. The Harvard Crimson reported this week that more than a dozen Winthrop tutors, students and staff have brought concerns about Sullivan and Robinson to Harvard administrators over the past three years. The complaints have involved questions about their leadership, a "revolving door" of staff administrators at the house, and "threats" to push out residents deemed as disloyal by Sullivan and Robinson. The trial for Weinstein, is tentatively set to begin in June. Amid protests earlier this year, Khurana had offered support for Sullivan's legal defense of Weinstein. I think a faculty member is given academic freedom to make decisions that are right for them, Khurana said in February. I also think that every individual is entitled to a vigorous defense. It's a cornerstone of our justice system. Sullivan also serves as director of the Harvard Criminal Justice Institute. He's no stranger to controversial legal clients, having represented former and now-deceased New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez defeat a double-murder charge. In another high-profile case, Sullivan represented the family of Michael Brown in reaching a $1.5 million settlement with the city of Ferguson, Missouri, following his shooting death in 2017. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Harvard professor out as dean amid backlash for representing Harvey Weinstein By Alex Dobuzinskis May 11 (Reuters) - A Harvard law professor who joined the legal team defending Hollywood mogul Harvard Weinstein against sexual assault charges will not be allowed to continue as dean of a residential house on campus, a university official said on Saturday. The Ivy League university's move to end the role of law professor Ronald Sullivan Jr and law school lecturer Stephanie Robinson, Sullivan's wife, at Winthrop House follows protests over his representation of Weinstein. Sullivan and Robinson in 2009 became the first African-American faculty deans in Harvard history when they took their positions at Winthrop House, one of several undergraduate residences at the Cambridge, Massachusetts, university. Their terms as faculty deans were scheduled to end on June 30. Harvard College Dean Rakesh Khurana said in a statement that he had decided not to keep them in their roles at Winthrop House beyond that date. "Over the last few weeks, students and staff have continued to communicate concerns about the climate in Winthrop House to the college," Khurana said. "The concerns expressed have been serious and numerous. The actions that have been taken to improve the climate have been ineffective, and the noticeable lack of faculty dean presence during critical moments has further deteriorated the climate in the house," Khurana said. Khurana has previously said Sullivan's decision to join Weinstein's legal team was a matter of academic freedom and that everyone is entitled to a vigorous legal defense. Sullivan and Robinson continue to hold their positions at Harvard Law School. Sullivan and Robinson said in a joint statement that they were "surprised and dismayed" by the decision. "We believed the discussions we were having with high level university representatives were progressing in a positive manner, but Harvard unilaterally ended those talks," they said. In January, a judge approved Weinstein's request to have Sullivan join his legal team. Story continues Prosecutors in New York accuse Weinstein, 67, of forcibly performing oral sex on a woman in 2006 and raping another woman in 2013. Weinstein faces five criminal charges, including rape, and could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. More than 70 women have accused Weinstein of sexual misconduct. He has denied all accusations and said any contact was consensual. Students at Winthrop House staged a sit-in this month to protest Sullivan's defense of Weinstein, according to a report at the time in the Harvard Crimson student newspaper. Students denounced Sullivan in other actions earlier this year. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Marguerita Choy) WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Attorneys for Robert Kraft wound down a three-day hearing Wednesday by arguing surveillance video capturing the New England Patriots owner inside a Florida massage spa should be suppressed in his prostitution case because a warrant allowing it should never have been granted. The judge in state court in South Florida didn't immediately issue a ruling, but he did order Kraft to appear later in the month at a hearing on whether both sides are ready for trial. Krafts' attorneys said the warrant had no instructions on how to protect innocent people, detectives didn't try to use less intrusive investigative methods and the lead detective was reckless in his statements in the warrant. "You had people looking at these videos who had no idea what they were doing ... none of the criteria made sense," said Kraft attorney William Burck. "That's not because they are bad people. They didn't have instructions. If you have no instructions, the warrant has to go." Prosecutors said the warrant was justified, and detectives testified that they switched to a different video feed if an innocent customer was getting a legitimate massage. Jupiter Police Detectives Danielle Hirsch and Troy Jenne, who monitored the surveillance video on tablets in real time, said they typically were able to spot whether customers were there for illicit sex acts or legitimate massages based on whether customers kept their underwear on or took it off upon entering the massage rooms. If the massages appeared legitimate, the detectives said they minimized the screens capturing that video feed and switched to watching other video feeds from four massage rooms. In several cases where lights in the massage room were turned off, no charges were filed against the patrons even though the detectives strongly suspected sex acts were going on, they said. Kraft's attorneys are trying to convince Judge Leonard Hanser that Jupiter detective Andrew Sharp illegally obtained a warrant to install hidden video cameras in the Palm Beach County, spa and Kraft's constitutional right to privacy was violated. Story continues Kraft was one of almost 300 men who were charged in February with paying for sex acts during police busts at 10 massage parlors that stretched from the Palm Beach area to Orlando. In one of those cases in a neighboring jurisdiction, a judge Wednesday ruled video surveillance from police busts at two massage parlors in Martin County can't be used in prosecuting prostitution charges against alleged patrons. Detectives didn't follow rules to minimize the surveillance of noncriminal activity in massage rooms at two spas there, said Judge Kathleen Roberts. The judge's decision in Martin County is independent of whatever the judge in neighboring Palm Beach County decides in Kraft's case. The hidden video surveillance captured innocent customers who were getting legitimate massages at the Martin County spas, Roberts said in her ruling. "Because of its highly intrusive nature, the requirements to curtail what can be captured must be scrutinized and high levels of responsibility must be met to avoid the intrusion on the activities of the innocent," the judge wrote. "These strict standards simply weren't met in this case." By James Pomfret and Jessie Pang HONG KONG, May 11 (Reuters) - Scuffles broke out in Hong Kong's legislature on Saturday between pro-democracy lawmakers and those loyal to Beijing over an extradition law that will extend Beijing's powers over the financial hub. One person was taken to hospital. The former British colony is trying to enact rules that would allow people accused of a crime, including foreigners, to be extradited from the city to countries without formal extradition agreements, including mainland China. Opponents fear the law would erode rights and legal protections in the free-wheeling financial hub - freedoms that were guaranteed when it returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Tempers boiled over when pro-democracy lawmakers and the pro-Beijing majority tried to hold separate hearings on the bill. Scuffles erupted and lawmakers clambered over tables, cursed one another and piled into each other as security personnel tried to maintain order. One pro-democracy lawmaker, Gary Fan, fell heavily and had to be stretchered off to hospital. Several pro-Beijing lawmakers also fell, with one appearing later with his arm in a sling. "It's a sad day for Hong Kong," said pro-establishment lawmaker Elizabeth Quat. "We laughed at Taiwan's legislature in the past, but Hong Kong's is even worse," she told reporters. The bill is the latest lightning rod for Hong Kong people worried about Beijing's powers over the city that was promised a high degree of autonomy under a "one country, two systems" formula when it returned to Chinese rule. More than 130,000 opponents of the bill marched against it two weeks ago, while several thousand gathered outside the legislature on Friday night to demand it be scrapped. Even Hong Kong's normally conservative business community has expressed opposition. The International Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said the bill had "gross inadequacies" and would put people at "risk of losing freedom, property and even their life in future on being surrendered." Story continues 'RISKS FOR U.S.' Hong Kong's Bar Association has said the law lacked sufficient safeguards for individuals to face a fair trial in mainland China and it noted difficulties in validating any evidence put forward by Chinese authorities. The United States weighed into the controversy this week when a U.S. congressional commission said the law could extend China's "coercive reach" and create serious risks for U.S. national security and economic interests in Hong Kong. The U.S. commission even said U.S. navy might have to stop visits to Hong Kong. China rejected the report saying Hong Kong affairs were an internal matter. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has insisted on the need for arrangements to extradite offenders to China and Taiwan, an island Beijing claims as its own, and other countries that don't have extradition treaties with the city. She has cited the case of a Hong Kong man who allegedly murdered his girlfriend in Taiwan last year, and who has since fled back to Hong Kong, as a major reason for rushing through the legislation with minimal public consultation. Yet Taiwan authorities have since said they opposed Hong Kong's extradition bill, and won't agree to an ad hoc extradition arrangement for the murder suspect even if the bill was passed. Hong Kong's opposition democratic lawmakers hold less than a third of the seats in the city's 70-seat legislature, meaning they can't veto the legislation when it goes to a final vote, possibly in weeks. "We will make use of all the rules of procedures to delay the legislation as much as we can," said Democrat Lam Cheuk-ting. Some activists have called for more street protests. (Reporting by James Pomfret and Jessie Pang Editing by Robert Birsel) HONG KONG (AP) A case of African swine fever has been detected in a Hong Kong slaughterhouse, prompting the culling of all 6,000 pigs at the facility. Secretary for Food and Health Sophia Chan said in a statement Friday that the incurable virus was found in a single pig imported from a farm in Guangdong province in mainland China, where the monthslong outbreak has devastated herds. Pork is China's staple meat and its price and availability is considered a matter of national concern. Shortfalls in supply have increased demand for pork from producers in the U.S., with whom China is locked in an increasingly acrimonious tariff battle. Chan said the culling was necessary so that "thorough cleansing and also disinfection could be conducted." Operations at the Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse would be suspended until the disinfection work is completed, she said. "We will enhance the surveillance and also testing of pigs, and currently we collect samples from pigs with ASF symptoms for testing, and in the future we will step up the sampling of other pigs for testing," Chan said. She said the territory's fresh pork supply would be reduced in the near future but there would still be a limited supply of live pigs available from another slaughterhouse. Unlike swine flu, African swine fever cannot be transmitted to humans and Chan said well-cooked pork is safe for consumption. Concerns about the spread of Africa swine fever to the U.S. recently led organizers to cancel the World Pork Expo scheduled for June in the state of Iowa. Denmark, meanwhile, has begun erecting a 70-kilometer (43.4-mile) fence along the German border to keep out wild boars in an attempt to prevent the spread of African swine fever, which could jeopardize the country's valuable pork industry. Russia has also been hit hard by African swine fever and some have speculated the Chinese outbreak may have originated among pigs from that country. By Thiam Ndiaga and Richard Lough OUAGADOUGOU/PARIS (Reuters) - Three hostages freed by French commandos from militants in Burkina Faso arrived in Paris on Saturday, expressing sorrow at the death of two French soldiers in the rescue operation. President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the hostages as they stepped off the French government jet less than 48 hours after French special forces stormed their captors' hideout in a daring night-time raid. Two Frenchmen kidnapped while on safari in Benin more than a week earlier, as well as an American woman and a South Korean woman who were being held with them, were liberated in the high-risk mission authorized by Macron. The American, who has not been identified, was being repatriated separately. "All our thoughts go to the families of the soldiers and to the soldiers who lost their lives to free us from this hell," Laurent Lassimouillas earlier told reporters as he met Burkinabe President Roch Kabore in Ouagadougou. The French government identified the two soldiers killed as Cedric de Pierrepont and Alain Bertoncello. Macron will lead a national tribute to the men, both officers in the naval special forces, at the Les Invalides military hospital and mausoleum in Paris on Tuesday. Lassimouillas also expressed regret over the death of the Beninese park guide, who was shot dead when the two tourists were kidnapped. ISLAMIST INSURGENCY French officials said on Friday it was not yet clear who had kidnapped them in Benin but that their captors planned to hand them over to an al Qaeda affiliate in neighboring Mali. Jihadist groups with links to al Qaeda and Islamic State have expanded their presence across West Africa's Sahel region, a strip of scrubland beneath the Sahara desert, in recent years and taken a number of Western hostages. France, the former colonial power in the region, intervened in Mali in 2013 to halt an advance by Islamist militants and has kept about 4,500 troops in the Sahel since then. "France's message to terrorists is clear: those who want to attack France, the French, should know that we will hunt them, we will find them, and we will kill them," Defence Minister Florence Parly said after joining Macron at the Villacoublay military airport outside Paris. France was doing all it could to secure the release of another French hostage, Sophie Petronin, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said. Gunmen kidnapped Petronin in December 2016 in the northern Malian city of Gao. (Reporting By Thiam Ndiaga in Ouagadougou, Aaron Ross in Dakar and Richard Lough in Paris; Editing by Stephen Powell) After a one-day break from heavy rain, water-logged Houston braced for another round of precipitation Saturday from a lingering storm system along the western Gulf of Mexico. The storm also has prompted Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards to declare a state of emergency because of the severe weather. Houston, which sits just above sea level, has faced several days of heavy rains on extremely saturated ground. Police rescued scores of stranded motorists since Thursday night from high water that even forced the shutdown of part of Interstate 10. The storm knocked out power to nearly 160,000 customers on Friday, while Bush Intercontinental Airport diverted more than 62 flights, the Houston Chronicle reports. A home along FM 1314 is surrounded by water after thunderstorms, Friday, May 10, 2019, in Porter, Texas. The Chronicle itself faced storm-related headaches, advising readers that delivery of the Saturday newspaper could be delayed because of the severe weather. "The safety of our newspaper carriers is of the utmost importance to us and we ask for your patience," the newspaper said on its website. The latest forecast set up another round of likely flash flooding from rain expected throughout the day. The threat of more rain also extended eastward along the Gulf Coast. "Portions of the south-central U.S. have been inundated with flooding rain, large hail and continuous lightning this week, and the threat is not yet over," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. In Louisiana, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened the Bonnet Carre Spillway on Friday for only the 14th time since it was built in 1927. The spillway, located about 12 miles west of New Orleans, allows floodwaters from the Mississippi River to flow into Lake Pontchartrain and eventually into the Gulf of Mexico. Corps Maj. Gen. Richard Kaiser said this has been the wettest period in 124 years, WAFB reports. This is not business as usual. This is the first time in the 90 year history of that structure that weve opened it twice in one year, he said. "So based on the weather conditions that existed here today and the excessive heavy rain that we experienced, we had no choice but to open the spillway today." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Houston braces for more flooding; Louisiana declares state of emergency (Fixes typographical error in headline) CAIRO, May 11 (Reuters) - Yemen's Houthi movement called on the United Nations on Saturday to press the Saudi-led coalition to implement the Hodeidah agreement, al-Masirah TV said, citing the movement's political office. The movement, which a Reuters witness said had started withdrawing from Saleef port in Hodeidah under a U.N.-sponsored deal, added that the Saudi-led forces should take "similar steps." The movement said its "unilateral step shows our commitment to implement the Hodeidah agreement and to achieving peace," after four years of fighting in the Arab nation. (Reporting by Hesham Hajali and Aziz El Yaakoubi Editing by Edmund Blair) Could the racing at Kansas look like this in the laps not immediately after restarts? (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley) KANSAS CITY, Kan. Is cool and tacky the new hot and slick? For years, drivers have welcomed tracks with hot pavement from the sun. Hotter asphalt means slicker asphalt. And when the asphalt is hot, drivers like to search for the best racing line to pass each other and go as fast as possible. In turn, many believed that races were more entertaining on tracks that were hot and slick. Now, as NASCAR has made a huge shift with its 2019 rules and drivers can run laps with fresh tires at intermediate tracks without having to lift off the throttle, hot and slick may be the enemy of finding speed. At the very least, Saturday nights race at Kansas is a good test of the idea that cooler is now better for racing quality in NASCAR. When you get to a night race it will bring the pack closer together, Joey Logano said. It used to be the other way around. When we were lifting a lot we wanted the track temperature to be hot and to rubber up a lot so that it would get really wide and we could move around and do all this stuff. Now you want it cooler so that you are more wide open and that is what brings the cars closer. NASCAR wants Cup Series cars closer together. It added downforce to the cars and cut horsepower on them while adding air displacement ducts at bigger tracks with the goal of preventing car(s) from getting too far away from one another and fostering more passing. So far, the cars have been closer together at tracks like Atlanta, Las Vegas and Texas. But the racing hasnt looked dramatically different. And drivers have complained about how turbulent air from cars ahead coupled with the added downforce has made passing more difficult instead of easier. The dirty air concerns were even voiced after Mondays race at Dover, where Kyle Busch (again) expressed his displeasure with the direction NASCAR has gone in the Cup Series. Cars were going over 15 MPH faster in the corners at Dover this year than they were in 2018 because of that added downforce. Story continues Thats where the potential track conditions at Kansas come into play. The high in Kansas City is expected to just crack 60 and the sun may not make an appearance all day. The track will be cool when the green flag flies. A year ago, thats not a recipe for a more entertaining race. Saturday night, it could be the type of race that NASCAR was hoping for when it designed the 2019 rules. Night races are the new day races, which sounds really strange to those who dont know the sport, Brad Keselowski said. Ive thought for a while there that the day races were much better than the night races and I think were going to see with these rules, in general, that the night races are going to be better than the day races. The 2018 All-Star Race became the basis for the 2019 rules because of previous night race conundrum. The All-Star Race run at night at Charlotte Motor Speedway had become a relatively boring affair and NASCAR tried something radical in cutting a ton of horsepower and adding downforce. It worked. The race was entertaining as the grippy Charlotte pavement allowed drivers to use multiple lanes. And it featured some wrecks too. There havent been many wrecks in 2019. The more grip the better when were going to be running wide open, its just going to be closer racing, Busch said Friday. I think we saw that years, years ago with IndyCar when they ran Kentucky and Kansas and Chicago and those places where they were just door-to-door three-wide the whole time. They just had way too much grip and not enough sense. Polesitter Kevin Harvick predicted a similar race to what happened in March at Texas. I think it is going to be very similar to Texas, Harvick said. I think you will see some wild restarts and I think you will see guys when they have to check up you will get a swarm of cars that catch you. I think for us the closing rate has been very good when you catch a draft off a car. I don't think it is going to be one big pack. You will see that for seven, eight or 10 laps on a restart like you did at Texas. You have multiple lanes here. Nick Bromberg is a writer for Yahoo Sports. More from Yahoo Sports: Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! This week we saw the Vertu Motors plc (LON:VTU) share price climb by 19%. But that doesn't change the fact that the returns over the last five years have been less than pleasing. You would have done a lot better buying an index fund, since the stock has dropped 34% in that half decade. Check out our latest analysis for Vertu Motors There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement. While the share price declined over five years, Vertu Motors actually managed to increase EPS by an average of 5.6% per year. Given the share price reaction, one might suspect that EPS is not a good guide to the business performance during the period (perhaps due to a one-off loss or gain). Or possibly, the market was previously very optimistic, so the stock has disappointed, despite improving EPS. Due to the lack of correlation between the EPS growth and the falling share price, it's worth taking a look at other metrics to try to understand the share price movement. In contrast to the share price, revenue has actually increased by 10% a year in the five year period. A more detailed examination of the revenue and earnings may or may not explain why the share price languishes; there could be an opportunity. The chart below shows how revenue and earnings have changed with time, (if you click on the chart you can see the actual values). AIM:VTU Income Statement, May 11th 2019 We like that insiders have been buying shares in the last twelve months. Even so, future earnings will be far more important to whether current shareholders make money. This free report showing analyst forecasts should help you form a view on Vertu Motors Story continues What About Dividends? When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. In the case of Vertu Motors, it has a TSR of -26% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. A Different Perspective While the broader market lost about 1.8% in the twelve months, Vertu Motors shareholders did even worse, losing 17% (even including dividends). Having said that, it's inevitable that some stocks will be oversold in a falling market. The key is to keep your eyes on the fundamental developments. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 5.8% per year over five years. We realise that Buffett has said investors should 'buy when there is blood on the streets', but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality businesses. If you want to research this stock further, the data on insider buying is an obvious place to start. You can click here to see who has been buying shares - and the price they paid. There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on GB exchanges. 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. Thank you for reading. Huong Sizzling Wok. | Photo: Candice G./Yelp Looking for a sublime Vietnamese meal near you? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Vietnamese restaurants around Indianapolis, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to fill the bill. 1. Pho 54 Photo: Ashley p./Yelp Topping the list is Crooked Creek's Pho 54, situated at 7280 Michigan Road. With four stars out of 148 reviews on Yelp, the Vietnamese restaurant has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a budget-friendly option. This eatery features both Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. Look out for fried potstickers, butter wings and beef egg rolls to start. Notable entrees include garlic shrimp with water chestnuts and mushrooms; Mongolian beef served with green onions; and the Chinese cashew chicken combo dinner, which includes a choice of soup and appetizer. 2. Sandra Rice & Noodle Photo: Sharon k./Yelp Sandra Rice & Noodle, located at 10625 Pendleton Pike, is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the low-priced Vietnamese spot, which offers noodles and more, four stars out of 147 reviews. Check out house specialties like the rice noodle beef with spiced herbs, bean sprouts and spicy fish; the sweet and sour soup with catfish, celery and pineapple; and the wonton egg noodle soup with pork, shrimp, onions and bean sprouts. Check out the website for a full line of offerings. 3. Huong Sizzling Wok Photo: Candice g./Yelp Last but not least, Huong Sizzling Wok, a Vietnamese and Chinese eatery that also offers bubble tea and more in Lafayette Square, is another cheap go-to, with four stars out of 91 Yelp reviews. Head over to 4351 Lafayette Road to see for yourself. Expect Chinese specialty dishes like General Tso's chicken with chicken and peppers in red sauce; hot pepper chicken with bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, onions and bamboo shoots; and Mongolian beef with green onions. Check out other menu options here. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Want to participate in a short research study? Help shape the future of investing tools and you could win a $250 gift card! We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. 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 Shentong Robot Education Group Company Limited (HKG:8206), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling. Do Insider Transactions Matter? It is perfectly legal for company insiders, including board members, to buy and sell stock in a company. However, rules govern insider transactions, and certain disclosures are required. Insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing. But it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. For example, a Harvard University study found that 'insider purchases earn abnormal returns of more than 6% per year.' Check out our latest analysis for Shentong Robot Education Group Shentong Robot Education Group Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In the last twelve months, the biggest single sale by an insider was when the , Shao Hui Yang, sold HK$701k worth of shares at a price of HK$0.35 per share. So we know that an insider sold shares at around the present share price of HK$0.35. While we don't usually like to see insider selling, it's more concerning if the sales take price at a lower price. We note that this sale took place at around the current price, so it isn't a major concern, though it's hardly a good sign. The only individual insider seller over the last year was Shao Hui Yang. The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! SEHK:8206 Recent Insider Trading, May 11th 2019 I will like Shentong Robot Education Group 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 Does Shentong Robot Education Group Boast High Insider Ownership? Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that Shentong Robot Education Group insiders own 30% of the company, worth about HK$199m. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment. So What Does This Data Suggest About Shentong Robot Education Group Insiders? It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Shentong Robot Education Group shares in the last quarter. While we feel good about high insider ownership of Shentong Robot Education Group, we can't say the same about the selling of shares. Along with insider transactions, I recommend checking if Shentong Robot Education Group is growing revenue. This free chart of historic revenue and earnings should make that easy. 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. Thank you for reading. DUBAI (Reuters) - President Hassan Rouhani called on Saturday for unity among Iran's political factions to overcome conditions which he said may be harder than those during the 1980s war with Iraq, state media reported, as the country faces tightening U.S. sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday urged Iran's leaders talk with him about giving up their nuclear program and said he could not rule out a military confrontation.U.S. Trump made the offer as he increased economic and military pressure on Iran, moving to cut off all Iranian oil exports this month while beefing up the U.S. Navy and Air Force presence in the Gulf. Washington also approved a new deployment of Patriot missiles to the Middle East, a U.S. official said on Friday. "Today, it cannot be said whether conditions are better or worse than the (1980-88) war period, but during the war we did not have a problem with our banks, oil sales or imports and exports, and there were only sanctions on arms purchases," Rouhani said, according to the state news agency IRNA. "The pressures by enemies is a war unprecedented in the history of our Islamic revolution... but I do not despair and have great hope for the future and believe that we can move past these difficult conditions provided that we are united," Rouhani told activists from various factions. Hardliners have criticized Rouhani after Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which Rouhani supported, and reimposed sanctions last year. The pragmatic president has also been abandoned by some of his moderate allies. Separately, a media court on Saturday suspended the weekly Seda (Voice), the semi-official news agency ISNA reported, after the reformist magazine published an issue that included articles warning about the possibility of war with the United States. "At the Crossroads of War and Peace, have moderates lost or will they again save Iran from war?" the main headline on the front page read against a photograph of U.S. Navy warships. On social media, hardliners attacked the magazine as "Trump's voice", suggesting its warning about the danger of war amounted to a call for talks with the United States, the Islamic Republic's arch enemy. "At the height of America's political, economic and media war against the Iranian nation, an Iranian publication supplements the enemy's media operations inside the country," the hardline-led news agency Fars wrote in a comment. Iran has dismissed the U.S. military build up as "psychological warfare" designed to intimidate it. (Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Marguerita Choy) By Fayaz Bukhari and Alasdair Pal NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR, India (Reuters) - Islamic State (IS) claimed for the first time that it has established a "province" in India, after a clash between militants and security forces in the contested Kashmir region killed a militant with alleged ties to the group. IS's Amaq News Agency late on Friday announced the new province, that it called "Wilayah of Hind", in a statement that also claimed IS inflicted casualties on Indian army soldiers in the town of Amshipora in the Shopian district of Kashmir. The IS statement corresponds with an Indian police statement on Friday that a militant called Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi was killed in an encounter in Shopian. IS's statement establishing the new province appears to be designed to bolster its standing after the group was driven from its self-styled "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria in April, where at one point it controlled thousands of miles of territory. IS has stepped up hit-and-run raids and suicide attacks, including taking responsibility for the Easter Sunday bombing in Sri Lanka that killed at least 253 people. "The establishment of a 'province' in a region where it has nothing resembling actual governance is absurd, but it should not be written off," said Rita Katz, director of the SITE Intel Group that tracks Islamic extremists. "The world may roll its eyes at these developments, but to jihadists in these vulnerable regions, these are significant gestures to help lay the groundwork in rebuilding the map of the IS 'caliphate'." Sofi had been involved in several militant groups in Kashmir for more than a decade before pledging allegiance to Islamic State, according to a military official on Saturday and an interview given by Sofi to a Srinagar-based magazine sympathetic to IS. He was suspected of several grenade attacks on security forces in the region, police and military sources said. Story continues "It was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire," a police spokesman said in the statement on Friday's encounter. The military official said it was possible that Sofi had been the only militant left in Kashmir associated with IS. Separatists have for decades fought an armed conflict against Indian rule in Muslim-majority Kashmir. The majority of these groups want independence for Kashmir or to join India's arch-rival Pakistan. They have not, like Islamic State, sought to establish an empire across the Muslim world. Nuclear powers India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir, and came to the brink of a third earlier this year after a suicide attack by a Pakistan-based militant group killed at least 40 paramilitary police in the Indian-controlled portion of the region. A spokesman for India's home ministry, which is responsible for security in Kashmir, did not respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Fayaz Bukhari in SRINAGAR and Alasdair Pal in NEW DELHI, additional reporting by Hesham Hajali in CAIRO; Edited by Martin Howell and Christian Schmollinger) Cyber security pioneer and crypto advocate, John McAfee, believes that the US government will soon act in order to silence me. I want you all to know that everything I have done, I have done for the cause of freedom. I want a world in which authorities discover crimes, not manufacture them. A free world, he told his almost one million Twitter followers this morning. McAfee is on the run from US authorities who earlier this year indicted him, his wife and four members of his staff for tax fraud. If I am physically silenced, my words will continue. I have, over the past two years, prepared over 2,000 short statements covering what I anticipate will happen. If my Twitter is shut down, these statements will be delivered to the press, one at a time. You will know it is me, he commented. And he added: Those who believe I am imagining all this: keep commuting to your offices, spend nine hours in a cubicle, commuting home. Five days a week. For 40 years. Getting your reality from TV, and your opinions from others. You cannot conceive of my life. McAfee went on to label the IRS, the SEC, the FBI and NSA festering pustules on the face of AmericaAre you angry yet? God Almighty I hope so. I pray for an angry oponent. Think you know where I am with your spyware and all? LMFAO! I am waiting to document, for the world, your corruption. To my government: you are not America not our country. You are the custodians of our country. You are servants of the people, who chose you to serve us. F****g act like it! he declared. Down with income tax! In an interview with Coin Rivet during March, McAfee claimed the world didnt need income tax. In fact, it would be abolished should his run for the White House be successful next year. In America, prior to the Civil War, we had no income tax we survived fine, he said. There are a thousand ways to vastly improve our country and our government with no taxes. Road use we have millions of miles of roads in America. What if we pay based on the use of the roads? Why should someone who never uses them have to pay the same as someone who does a million miles a year? That would generate enough revenue to pay for everything. And asked about his presidential campaign and the idea that, although he intends to run for office, he has no intention of being the President of the United States of America, he responded: It doesnt matter who is President. Think about it. Even when someone becomes President you lose all of your power you have thousands of little strings attached to you by members of your party, people whove donated and the power structure that already exists. The post John McAfee slams US authorities as government closes in appeared first on Coin Rivet. Paris (AFP) - Three hostages freed in Burkina Faso in a special forces raid in which two French soldiers died on Saturday arrived in France to be greeted by President Emmanuel Macron. The president and other top officials greeted Frenchmen Patrick Picque, 51, and Laurent Lassimouillas, 46, and a South Korean woman as they disembarked from the plane sent to fetch them at the Villacourblay military airport southwest of Paris. A South Korean embassy official was present to greet the unnamed third hostage. An American female hostage also freed in the nighttime rescue on Thursday was handed over to US officials in Burkina Faso. Addressing reporters at the airport Saturday, Lassimouillas admitted that he and Picque should have heeded the French foreign ministry's advice to avoid risky areas of Benin. "We certainly should have better taken into account the government's advice as well as the complexities of Africa," he said. "Our first thoughts go to the families of the soldiers who freed us from this hell." The two women were discovered during the raid and had apparently had been held by the captors for a month. French Defence Minister Florence Parly said earlier even Seoul and Washington did not appear to be aware the pair were in increasingly unstable Burkina Faso. Macron has announced plans for a national tribute on Tuesday to the soldiers, Cedric de Pierrepont and Alain Bertoncello, members of the elite Hubert squad of the French navy's special forces who carried out the raid. The rescue operation came after security forces tracked the kidnappers across the semi-desert expanses of Burkina Faso to a camp on the border with Mali. Officials feared the hostages were about to be handed over to the Macina Liberation Front (FLM), a jihadist group formed in 2015 that is aligned with Al-Qaeda in the region, which would have greatly reduced the chances of a rescue. "Macron's decision to meet the hostages goes hand in hand with his decision to honour the soldiers," the Elysee official told AFP. Story continues "Macron is president of all French citizens, even those who do reckless acts," he said. - 'Red zone' - Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Saturday Picque and Lassimouillas, who were seized on May 1, were in an area of Benin that France has long advised travellers to avoid. "The zone where our two citizens were has for some time now been considered a red zone, which means it's a zone where you shouldn't go, where you're taking significant risks if you do go," Le Drian told Europe 1 radio. The foreign ministry's travel advisory website lists the areas of northern Benin near the border with Burkina Faso as "Formally Discouraged," including the areas of Pendjari National Park where the two men were visiting when they disappeared. The disfigured body of their guide was found shortly after they were reported missing, along with their abandoned Toyota truck. Le Drian's revelations prompted some to criticise Macron's decision to personally welcome the tourists on Saturday. "The only fellow citizens who deserve the nation's tribute today are our two heroes... who died in combat to save foolhardy tourists!" Hubert Falco, the mayor of Toulon in southern France where the Hubert commando is based, said on Twitter. - 'Avoid sacrifices' - Although Benin has long been spared the unrest seen in Mali and Burkina Faso, French officials have warned for months that jihadist insurgents could extend their operations into the sparsely populated desert regions further south. "The threat is evolving and has become much more mobile, and now countries to the south of Mali have become targets," Le Drian said Saturday. "The greatest precautions must be taken in these regions to avoid these types of kidnappings, and avoid the sacrifices required by our soldiers," he said. France's Operation Barkhane counts some 4,500 troops deployed in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad to help local forces battle jihadist groups. The raid on the kidnappers was led by the elite Hubert commando unit of the French naval special forces, which was deployed to the Sahel at the end of March. They were assisted by Burkina and Benin authorities and by the United States, which provided intelligence and support. A total of 24 French soldiers have died in the region since 2013 when France intervened to drive back jihadist groups who had taken control of northern Mali. DOWNEY, Calif. (AP) The Latest on a car chase that ended with a shootout (all times local): 6:45 p.m. Police say a man wounded in a car chase shootout in Southern California is suspected of killing a liquor store owner days earlier. The man was dragged unmoving from the car on Friday afternoon after a chase that began in Downey. The Toyota Prius sped through streets near Los Angeles. At one point, the passenger leaned out of a window and shot at police. The car finally became trapped in traffic in nearby Vernon, where the man again opened fire and police riddled the car with bullets. A bloodied woman driver then surrendered but it took more than an hour before the man was seized. There's no word on his condition. Police say he's suspected of killing a Downey liquor store owner on Tuesday. There's no word on a motive. ___ 4:50 p.m. Authorities have pulled a motionless man from a car after an hour-long standoff following a chase and rolling shootout near Los Angeles. There's no word on his condition. An ambulance took the man to a hospital. The chase began about 3 p.m. in Downey. The Toyota Prius led police on a wild chase by freeway and surface street during which a passenger leaned halfway out of a window and blasted away at pursuers with a handgun. The gun was similar to one used to kill a liquor store clerk in Downey on Tuesday. The car finally was blocked by traffic on a street in nearby Vernon, where police riddled it with bullets. A bloodied woman driver then got out and surrendered. More than an hour later, sheriff's SWAT team deputies dragged the man from the car after first using a robot, flash-bang grenades and a dog. ___ 4:25 p.m. A standoff continues near Los Angeles after a car chase ended with a rolling shootout with pursuing police. The Toyota Prius led Downey police on a wild chase by freeway and surface street Friday afternoon. At one point, a passenger leaned out of a passenger window and fired at pursuers. The car finally was blocked in by traffic on a street, where police riddled it with bullets. Story continues A bloodied woman driver then got out and surrendered. The gunman remained inside the car. Los Angeles County sheriff's SWAT teams were called in and boxed in the car with armored vehicles before sending a robot to look through the open driver's door. There's no word on the suspect's condition. Video showed the passenger firing a long-barreled revolver. It appeared similar to a gun used to kill a liquor store owner on Tuesday in Downey. Details of what sparked the chase weren't immediately released. ___ 3:11 p.m. A wild car chase in the Los Angeles area has ended after a rolling shootout between a passenger and pursuing officers. Authorities chased the Toyota Prius Friday afternoon. The car sped through traffic, and at one point a man leaned out of a passenger window and shot at pursuers. The car finally came to a halt in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey, where the woman driver, who had blood on her shirt, surrendered. However, the passenger remains in the car. It's not immediately clear whether he was hit by gunfire because officers haven't approached the car. There was no immediate report on how the chase began. NEW YORK (AP) The Latest on President Donald Trump's attorney Rudy Giuliani and his plans to encourage investigations in Ukraine that he thinks would help Trump politically. (all times local): 1:05 a.m. Democrats denounced a plan by President Donald Trump's personal attorney to push Ukraine to open investigations that he hopes could benefit Trump politically, decrying it as an overt attempt to recruit foreign help to influence a U.S. election. But Rudy Giuliani late Friday said he does not plan to go to the Ukraine because of concerns about who he would be dealing with there. Giuliani told told Fox News Friday night that he "was not going to go because he thinks he would be quote "walking into a group of people that are enemies of the president ... in some cases enemies of the United States." His statement left many unanswered questions about what Giuliani might do about his Ukraine concerns. ___ 12:10 p.m. President Donald Trump's personal lawyer says he is urging Ukraine to open investigations that could benefit Trump politically in the United States. Rudy Giuliani used Twitter on Friday to explain his rationale for traveling to Kiev to push for two investigations. One is the origin of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference. The other is the involvement of 2020 rival Joe Biden's son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. Giuliani wrote to Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy to "explain to me why Biden shouldn't be investigated" and accused the Democrats of "interfering." Democrats rushed to denounce Giuliani. Rep. Jerrod Nadler said American politics were in "a sorry state" if the president's lawyer was seeking foreign interference. Giuliani's trip was first reported by The New York Times. Photo: Coalition on Homelessness/ Twitter I dont want any one of you to forget our names or forget our struggles, said Megan Roadkill Johnson at the 15th annual Coalition on Homelessness Mothers Day rally, held on the steps of City Hall on Thursday afternoon. Johnson introduced herself as the mother of two beautiful children. She's also one of dozens of San Francisco mothers who will be celebrating Mothers Day on Sunday without the security of stable housing. The image of homelessness in San Francisco is often of a single adult, sleeping on the street. But Thursdays speakers, all homeless mothers, want to challenge that perception. Many of the women who spoke at the rally live in shelters, cars, doubled-up in others homes, or in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units. While they may technically have a roof over their heads, they're still officially considered homeless by the city and could find themselves on the streets if these tenuous living situations are jeopardized. Photo: Sasha Perigo/Hoodline In 2017, 8% of San Franciscos homeless population were people living in families. But homeless families are less visible than single adults, because they are less likely to be unsheltered; 97% of homeless families are sleeping indoors. On any given day, there are over 2,500 children in the San Francisco Unified School District who lack stable housing. Homeless mothers here are living a nightmare every day and night, said speaker Sophia Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux and her three children have lived in a tent, a car and couch-surfed in San Francisco. She broke down in tears as she spoke, her fellow speakers embracing her. A woman who introduced herself only as Brenda spoke only Spanish, her words interpreted by a translator. I live with 10 people in a room in an SRO," she said. "The roof is going bad." Another mother, who speaks only Chinese, is struggling to support a family on a monthly income of less than $1000 a month. She lives with her husband and children in a single room in an SRO. Even affordable housing is no longer affordable to us, she said through a translator. Story continues Homeless mothers preparing for the rally at the Coalition on Homelessness offices. | Photo: Coalition on Homelessness/Twitter Thursday's Mother's Day rally falls just three weeks before the city budget is due. The Coalition on Homelessness, which sponsored the rally, is a member of the Homeless Emergency Services Provider Agency, or HESPA, which is pushing for $13.9 million of the city's $10 billion budget to be set aside for homeless services. HESPA estimates that this funding could house and stabilize an additional 4,000 families. HESPA has developed budget proposals for the City of San Francisco since 2012, during which time the city's homeless response system has received over $40 million in funding allocations. The Mayor's Office of Public Policy and Finance declined to comment on final budget decisions until the end of the month. Logo of jester cap with thought bubble. Image source: The Motley Fool. Manitowoc (NYSE: MTW) Q1 2019 Earnings Call May. 10, 2019, 10:00 a.m. ET Contents: Prepared Remarks Questions and Answers Call Participants Prepared Remarks: Operator Good day, everyone, and welcome to this Manitowoc first-quarter 2019 earnings conference call. Today's call is being recorded. At this time, for opening remarks and introductions, I would like to turn the call over to Ion Warner, vice president, marketing and investor relations of The Manitowoc Company. Please go ahead. Ion Warner -- Vice President, Marketing, and Investor Relations Thank you, and good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Manitowoc conference call to review the company's first-quarter 2019 performance and updated 2019 full-year business outlook, as outlined in last evening's press release. With me today are Barry Pennypacker, president and chief executive officer; and David Antoniuk, senior vice president and chief financial officer. Today's webcast includes a slide presentation, which can be found in the Investor Relations section of our website under Events and Presentations. We will be sure to reserve time for questions and answers after our prepared remarks. [Operator instructions] Please turn to Slide 2. Before we begin, please note our safe harbor statement in the material provided for this call. During today's call, forward-looking statements, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, are made based on the company's current assessment of its markets and its -- and other factors that affect its business. However, actual results could differ materially from any implied or actual projections due to one or more of the factors, among others, described in the company's latest SEC filings. More From The Motley Fool The Manitowoc Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other circumstances. And with that, please refer to Slide 3. And I will now turn the call over to Barry. Story continues Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Thanks, Ion, and welcome, everyone. Manitowoc had a great start to the year. The strong earnings performance was driven by sales growth of 8% and our eighth consecutive quarter of year-over-year adjusted EBITDA percentage improvement. This also marks our fourth consecutive quarter of positive adjusted DEPS, another significant milestone for Manitowoc. I'm very pleased that our LEAN transformation continues to drive improving financial results. However, we are always analyzing and identifying areas for improvement. While there was an inventory build for the first quarter, this was expected, and we are confident, as the year progresses, we will consume this build. Our top line results were driven by sales growth in North America and our aftermarket business. Gross margins improved 150 basis points year over year driven by increased sales volume, a favorable mix, coupled with the benefits of strategic pricing actions initiated in 2018. I'm extremely pleased with our progress, particularly with the growth in our aftermarket business. Our transformation to a higher-margin crane company using the principles of The Manitowoc Way continues to produce improving results. We are operating the business by aggressively managing costs, utilizing multiple sourcing strategies, outsourcing non-core activities and optimizing manufacturing capacity, to name just a few. As I am sure you're aware, additional tariffs on Chinese imports have been in the news the last few days. Like any industrial company, Manitowoc is not immune. However, I am proud to say that we have proactively partnered with our supply chain to ensure that any additional tariff impact to our financial results will be negligible. This quarter, I see a mixed picture of the demand within the crane market. On a positive note, the U.S. continues to perform very well with encouraging customer sentiment and steady project work. Rental utilization rates are strong primarily driven by strength in the energy and commercial construction end markets. We are encouraged to see used crane values continue to stabilize as well. Based on our first-quarter results and proven ability to deliver on our commitment, we're raising our outlook for the balance of 2019. David will provide more color on this shortly. In March, we completed the long-anticipated refinancing of our debt. The interest savings are substantial, and we have significantly increased our flexibility to deploy capital. While our preferred option is growth and increasing our recurring revenue as a percentage of sales, we are also pleased that our Board has authorized a $30 million stock repurchase program, allowing us to buy back our significantly undervalued stock. Rest assured, we will deploy our capital in the most efficient way to provide superior returns to our shareholders. We remain committed to our long-term goal of transferring -- transforming Manitowoc into a stand-alone crane company with double-digit margins. And with that, I'll turn the call over to David to walk us through our financial results and updated 2019 guidance. David Antoniuk -- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Thanks, Barry, and good morning, everyone. Let's move to Slide 4. I'd like to start off by discussing a transformative milestone for Manitowoc. As previously announced on March 25, we issued $300 million of 9% notes due April 1, 2026. In addition, we entered into a new ABL credit facility with an initial borrowing capacity of up to $275 million. We used the proceeds to retire our previous 12.75% $260 million 2021 notes and the domestic accounts receivable securitization program. As noted by Barry, this transaction significantly lowers our annual interest cost and provides us flexibility to execute our strategy of focusing on growth and shareholder return. The first step in this strategy was announced on Tuesday, with our board authorizing a $30 million share repurchase program. Our first-quarter results gave us a great start to the year. Net sales were $418 million, an increase of $32 million or 8% from a year ago. On a currency-neutral basis, sales increased $48 million or 12% year over year. Sales grew organically in the North American and European markets and were favorably impacted by the realization of global price increases from last year. First-quarter orders totaled $441 million and were in line with our expectations. On a currency-neutral basis, our first-quarter orders would be down 15% year over year. The decline in our year-over-year orders was primarily driven by a softening of commercial and residential construction demand in Europe and continued weakness in the Middle East. As I mentioned in the previous call, we did anticipate some orders moving out to Q2 because of the bauma trade show, and our April orders indicate that our assumptions were correct. Ending backlog increased $23 million from December 2018 to $694 million at March 31. Compared to the prior year, backlog decreased $63 million or 8%. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, backlog decreased $42 million or 6% year over year. The year-over-year backlog decline is primarily in the EURAF and MEAP business units partially offset by the increase in the Americas. Our non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA in the quarter was $30 million versus $17 million in the prior year, a 73% increase. The flow-through margin of 39% on the sales increase was stronger than our typical realization. This elevated level was primarily due to improved aftermarket margins, favorable mix, global pricing initiatives and cost reductions. We anticipate a flow-through rate of approximately 25% on incremental sales for the full year compared to 16% in the prior year. GAAP net loss in the quarter was $27 million or $0.75 per share as compared to a net loss of $10 million or $0.28 per share in the prior year. The first-quarter 2019 included a $25 million charge related to the refinancing of our credit facilities. Approximately $17 million of this charge represented the call premium on the redemption of the 2021 notes, and the remaining $8 million represented noncash charges for the write-off of deferred financing fees and the unamortized original issue discount on the 2021 notes. In addition, the first-quarter 2019 net loss included restructuring expenses of $4 million. This was predominantly related to head count reductions in the U.S. and Europe. Adjusting for these items, net income for the quarter was $3 million or $0.08 per share, an improvement of $7 million or $0.20 per share as compared to the first quarter of last year. Cash flows used by operating activities on a GAAP basis were $267 million for the quarter and $141 million on a non-GAAP basis. The use of cash in the quarter was driven by the termination of the domestic accounts receivable securitization program, effectively buying back $75 million of receivables, and an increase in inventory, which is consistent with historical seasonal working capital needs as we build inventory in anticipation of the upcoming construction season. As of March 31, our total liquidity was $270 million, which included cash on hand of $49 million. Turning to Slide 5. We are updating our full-year 2019 guidance as follows: revenue of approximately $1.9 billion to $1.975 billion; adjusted EBITDA of approximately $130 million to $150 million; depreciation of approximately $35 million to $37 million; restructuring expense of approximately $12 million to $15 million; interest expense of approximately $29 million to $33 million; income tax expense of approximately $12 million to $16 million, excluding discrete items; and capital expenditures of approximately $35 million for the year. With that, I will now turn the call back to Barry. Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Thank you, David. And let's move to Slide 6. Our goal is clear. We are committed to continuously improving shareholder value by executing on our key four strategic priorities, those being margin expansion, growth, innovation and velocity. I'd like to highlight the progress we are making on two of the strategic priorities: innovation and growth. First, innovation is the engine that delivers increasing value by providing solutions to meet diverse customer needs in different markets around the world. This was most evident at the bauma trade show in Munich, Germany last month. The contrast between bauma in 2016 and the last month was extraordinary. Three years ago, I heard from customers firsthand about the product quality and reliability challenges we faced. In addition, they told us that we were behind on our innovation pipeline versus the competition. In fact, customers wondered if Manitowoc would even survive the industry downturn. Fast forward three years, it was remarkable to hear from customers who value the swift and decisive actions we took to fix our quality while accelerating our velocity to bring new products to the market. Our product quality and reliability have demonstrably improved, and customers have taken notice, and we continue to build their confidence in the new Manitowoc. The six new products introduced at bauma showcased our continued investment in developing industry-leading products with great quality that deliver excellent total cost of ownership and provide a product portfolio to enable market share growth. Customer reception was exceptional at bauma, which is proof that the revolution is real at Manitowoc. For example, we introduced the Grove GMK5250XL, a new 250-ton all-terrain crane. With 3.5 meters more boom length and the strongest load capacities in the 5-axle crane segment, this crane gives customers additional reach, less rigging and the ability to command higher rental rates. On tower cranes, we introduced the Potain MDT 809, which, for the 40-ton max load and a tip load of nine tons at 80-meter jib length is the largest and strongest topless crane ever built by Manitowoc. A key benefit incorporated through the Voice of Customer process was ease of transport. This new crane can be shipped in 30% fewer containers than our other similarly sized crane, saving customers time and money and is twice as fast to assemble versus the competition. The first one of these cranes will soon be utilized in Washington, D.C. at a very challenging job site, but I'm confident that it will exceed our customer's expectations. Both of these market-leading products have the crane control system known as CCS, an industry-exclusive software that enables us the easier operator use, which drives higher crane productivity. Next, on growth. As we noted earlier, our new capital structure unlocks exciting new options for long-term profitable growth. To reach our stated goal of becoming the world's leading crane company, we now have the ability and flexibility to pursue acquisitions to grow Manitowoc in a number of ways and in an accelerated time frame. Our team is energized to begin writing the next chapter of the Manitowoc story. This next chapter must include meaningful growth to capture stable, recurring revenue streams that provide superior returns with a focus on parts and service. This quarter was a great start to 2019. Manitowoc continues to perform well, and our business is poised to keep delivering on our commitment as we execute our key priorities. On a final note, we're all aware of the unfortunate fire that struck the Notre Dame Cathedral in France last month. Our Potain tower crane brand originated in France and has a nearly 90-year history of excellence, supporting the global tower crane market, including France. As we previously announced, Manitowoc will provide tower cranes and related services in support of the reconstruction of one of the most emblematic works of French architecture. We are very proud to be a participant in the reconstruction of this cathedral. With that, operator, please open up the line for questions. Questions & Answers: Operator Thank you. [Operator instructions] We'll take our first question from Ann Duignan of JP Morgan. Ann Duignan -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Hi. Good morning, everyone. Barry, would you expand on your pursuit of acquisitions? Is that something that's going to be more aggressive going forward? And would you be looking for diversification of your portfolio by product or by geography? If you could just expand on that, that would be great. Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Yes. Ann, great question. As you know, when we spun off the foodservice, this was three years ago, we were stuck with an indenture that basically gave us zero flexibility. Now with this new refinancing, we have the ability to do acquisitions and deploy our cash in a much different way than we have in the past. As I said in the prepared remarks, if this journey that we're taking with regards to acquisition does not include a substantial portion of recurring revenue, then we're not enacting the strategy the way we need to. With 20% recurring revenue in a cyclical business, that is not necessarily a long-term design for success. So the acquisition strategy that we're enacting stays very close to the core, in the crane market, but really will be focused on how we can provide more parts and services and continue to build our revenue streams to weather the cycle. Ann Duignan -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst And theoretically, I agree with you that recurring revenue for a cyclical business is very important. So that's -- we will watch carefully, I guess. And then follow-up question, more technical. Just on days on hand, you had 145 days versus last year, 135 days. And I know you said you had anticipated building inventory, but that seems higher than we might have forecasted. So did you build more inventory? Were you not able to ship as much as you thought you could ship? If you could just give us a little bit more color on the inventory side, I'd appreciate it. And I'll leave it there. Thank you. David Antoniuk -- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Sure. Two primary drivers. One, last year, we didn't have pre-buy of engines for the Tier 5 transition that's happening in Europe, so we needed to do that for our GMK product line. And secondly, quite frankly, we have a lot more prototypes in our inventory as a result of all the product development. So if there are two major areas of driving the increase, I would say it's because of prototypes and the pre-buy of engines. And I am confident that as we analyze the balance of the inventory, it's really just the building of seasonal inventory to hit on the upcoming construction season. Ann Duignan -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst And any way to size the impact of the engines or the prototypes versus normal seasonal? David Antoniuk -- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Yes. Ann, this is David. I would just say, in general, it's to meet our needs. So from a size standpoint, it's a number that is big enough to be material but not an overly sizable number. Ann Duignan -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Thank you I appreciate the color. I'll get back in line. Operator We'll take our next question from Seth Weber of RBC Capital Markets. Seth Weber -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Hey. Good morning, guys. I'm just wondering if you could help frame for us the confidence in the raised revenue outlook against the lower backlog. I mean maybe just give us some idea of the impact of the bauma show, how successful was it. Would you expect bookings to be up year over year versus the $430 million or so from last year? I guess that's my first question. Thanks. Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Yes. I mean the bauma show is exactly as David had indicated in his prepared remarks. I mean it was reflected in our April orders. They were up substantially. We continue to evaluate where there is slowing. Everyone knows there is slowing in Europe, and we're evaluating that very handedly. But we are very confident that the incoming order rate that we're currently experiencing will definitely carry us throughout the year and not have any problem affecting our overall ability to deliver the guidance that we've just put forth. Seth Weber -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst OK. So you would expect orders to be up year to year versus 2Q '18? Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Yes. Seth Weber -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst OK. And then maybe just a question for Dave. The implied incremental margins kind of narrowing here as you go through the year, which seems -- I'm trying to foot that versus the improved pricing and mix commentary from the release. Is there something in the order book that's making you just less positive on the incremental margins going forward? Or what's going on there? Thanks. David Antoniuk -- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Yes. So Seth, I think Q1 was really a great quarter in terms of the items that were shipped from a product mix point of view and a couple of other items in there relative to the overall gain. So we've always said that incrementals should be 20% to 25% on a year-over-year basis. And when you categorize where we come out in 2019, it'd be 25%, 26% at the midpoint at that level. So we're looking at it over the whole year versus one quarter. And I would say that product mix is probably the biggest impact in the margin decline for the rest of the year. Seth Weber -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst So the mix is getting less rich as you go forward? Just so I'm understanding. Is that what you're saying? David Antoniuk -- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Correct. Seth Weber -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst OK. Is that a function of region or is it... David Antoniuk -- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer A little bit of both. It's both. It's regions and products. Seth Weber -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst OK. All right. I'll leave it there. Thank you very much, guys. Operator We'll take our next question from Mig Dobre with Baird. Mig Dobre -- Robert W. Baird and Company -- Analyst Good morning, guys, and nice job on on margins this quarter. I guess my question is back to bauma. Barry, can you give us a sense for how this trade show compared to prior trade shows from a demand perspective? Obviously, I understand the comment that you got from customers that your product seems to be improving, which is great. But how do you think demand shaped up? Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Our orders at bauma were up over '16. Mig Dobre -- Robert W. Baird and Company -- Analyst OK. And I'm kind of going back a few trade shows here. And it sort of looks to me, if I'm looking at my model, that oftentimes, you would see $150 million maybe even as much as $200 million worth of orders coming from a trade show like that. And obviously, I'm trying to pin you down here in getting more of a sense as to how big of a trade show this was. Can you help me here? Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer No. Nice try, but no. All I can say is that the number of units that we booked this year was up over the number of units that we booked in '16. And I think the product mix was -- what I would say is favorable. And again, I would also say that we are -- these orders that we have put on our books in April as a result of bauma are at higher prices also. Mig Dobre -- Robert W. Baird and Company -- Analyst OK. And then maybe last question for me. I'm sort of trying to understand how -- or what you're communicating here. You've got this $30 million buyback that you've announced. You're also raising guidance a little bit on the top line, and you talked about diversifying the business. So I'm trying to understand how you're thinking about your priorities at this point, especially given this buyback announcement, and some of the puts and takes on the macro. Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Yes. The buyback, again, I would say, is a confidence level in our Board that we will deploy our capital opportunistically in the best interest of our shareholders. That does not mean that as a result of that, that at noon today, when our blackout is lifted, we're going to go buy $30 million worth of our stock. We will certainly do that opportunistically because we do believe and we remain committed that we have the ability now to go after acquisitions that will finally prove to the industry that we know what we're doing. And we will enact a strategy that will allow us to continuously build our recurring revenue as we go through the cycle. And that, I hope, will be evident, certainly, within the next six months. And I think as we unveil that strategy and we continue to evolve it, I think the world will finally see that double-digit operating margins are in the future. Mig Dobre -- Robert W. Baird and Company -- Analyst OK. Just to clarify, though, when you're saying that we're -- it's going to be evident in the next six months, are you saying that you're -- something is imminent, and you're contemplating something here in terms of potential acquisition? Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Yes. Mig Dobre -- Robert W. Baird and Company -- Analyst OK. Thank you for taking my question. Operator We'll take our next question from Jamie Cook of Credit Suisse. Jamie Cook -- Credit Suisse -- Analyst Good morning. Nice quarter. I guess just following up on your commentary in terms of increasing your recurring earnings stream. I mean I think you said your aftermarket, which is more recurring, is 20% of sales. And at your Analyst Day, you targeted 25% of sales, and that probably seems right for a crane company. So I guess my question is like, one, is there a target in terms of recurring that you're -- is there a target percent of sales that you're trying to get to? And I don't understand how you could really get there without staying sort of core to the crane -- sorry, without getting outside of the crane business because structurally, I would just think aftermarket sales for a crane business is 25%. So that's my first question. And then second question, and sorry if I missed this, have you guys talked this year -- I know you talked about the cash flow dynamics in the quarter, but how do we think about sort of free cash flow for the year? Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Thank you, Jamie. Very good question. The answer to the first part of the question is we are absolutely convinced that we can raise this recurring revenue as a portion of our revenue stream to 25% to 30% range. Yes, you are correct that these cranes are designed to not fail. And the amount of spare parts that are necessary are a lot different than other businesses that have built-in consumables. However, what I will say is that crane uptime and crane availability through service is absolutely imperative as this industry evolves. And we want to make sure that we are at the forefront of being able to capture that service as a result of what we're seeing from our larger customers as we become closer and closer to them. And we look at the original cost of the crane. That's really, over time, only one-third of the total cost of ownership in the life of a crane. So 65% of the cost that an operator utilizes over the life of a crane is outside the original equipment cost. So we must, as we continue to evolve and become a premier stand-alone crane company, we must participate in that 65% of the pie, and that's exactly what our strategy is to do. And with regards to the second part, I'll let David answer that. David Antoniuk -- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer So Jamie, when we look at cash flow for the year, as you know, the one dynamic that's a little bit different is our accounts receivable securitization program that was in existence at the end of last year. Outstanding on that facility was $75 million. When we collapsed that facility into the new ABL facility, we, in essence, paid off that facility, which we show as a use of cash on our cash flow statement within the accounts receivable line, which is why there's such an increase in the receivable line. So adjusting for that, we would anticipate that our full-year cash flow from operating activities is probably going to be in the vicinity of $20 million to $30 million negative. Excluding that accounts receivable, of course, it would be positive. So that's kind of what we're targeting for the year. Jamie Cook -- Credit Suisse -- Analyst OK. Thank you. Operator We'll take our next question from Jerry Revich of Goldman Sachs. Ben Burud -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Good morning, everyone. This is Ben Burud on for Jerry. I just wanted to touch on orders a little bit more. So if we just think about orders and how they're trending year-to-date over last year, can you kind of give us a flavor for how those are looking maybe ex bauma? And obviously, that's a predominantly European trade show. Can you kind of give us a feel for how orders have shaped up in North America specifically as well? Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Yes. North America orders are up year over year. I mean we're continuing to grow in North America. The market is growing. There's a lot of activity in the Gulf Coast, which is driving future demand that we're in a very good position to start capturing. So as far as the Americas are concerned, I feel pretty strong that we're going to continue to see growth. I mean Europe, I mean, a lot of people sat on their checkbooks while they were at bauma, just waiting to see what would evolve over the next six months. There's so much uncertainty, as you know, with Brexit still out there, the yellow jackets in France and all the other things that are happening throughout the European Union, that there's not a high level of confidence. But that being said, I mean we took a good portion of tower orders, which -- for the European market, which indicates to me that our customers still believe that the construction activity in Europe is going to continue for the next few years anyway. Ben Burud -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Got it. And then can you give us an idea of how competitive intensity stacked up at bauma, both at the trade show and as well as maybe some color on recent transactions in the crane industry and how those have impacted the competitive environment? Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer The recent transactions haven't impacted the competitive environment at all. I think consolidation is always a good thing in an industry, and I think that will ultimately help the industry. I will say that competitive dynamics in the U.S. are exactly what we thought they would be. But in Europe, when there are signs of slowing demand, sometimes, people decide to do crazy things. And we've worked really hard, as you can see, over the last three years to get our standard margins to the point they're at that we're not going to participate in the silliness. So we'll continue to book orders that we know we can grow our margins in. And the ones that these guys want to chase for further plans, we'll let them chase it and do it. But we're going to have discipline throughout the cycle. Ben Burud -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Got it. Thank you. Operator Thank you. [Operator instructions] We'll take our next question from Steven Fisher of UBS. Steven Fisher -- UBS -- Analyst Thanks. Good morning. Wondering if you can just give us a little more detail on your view of the tariff impact. I know you said it's negligible. Maybe could you just talk a little bit about how you protected your procurement costs from here and then kind of a view on price versus cost for the rest of the year? Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer I'll talk about our strategy, and David can give you a little more color on the actual detail. But when this whole thing set out, I mean, two years ago, when Trump was elected, we knew this was going to happen. We had a very -- one portion of our product cost was severely impacted by the tariff. And we as well as others have gone to alternative sources that still have high quality, still have low cost and are not subject to the tariffs. So we have been changing our supply base. We have been moving production around the world. We've in-sourced some. We've outsourced some. But overall, we did the analysis in great detail. We see zero impact from the new tariffs in the U.S. And do you want to comment on the... David Antoniuk -- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Yes. Steve, I think we're looking at it from an incremental standpoint of what was already in the books and what was there. So as Barry indicated, a, number one, a lot of the items that we bought were already at the higher-level tariffs; and b, when we looked at our supply chain, we started working on our supply chain, understanding that this could be here for quite some time. So the next goal around that, that was just instituted early this morning is not going to have an effect on us to any material size. Steven Fisher -- UBS -- Analyst OK. That's helpful. And then if you could just comment a bit more on the North American market demand for cranes, in particular, what you're seeing, say, from industrial construction markets versus infrastructure versus building construction, kind of where you're seeing the markets have relative strength and what are the ones that are kind of relatively lagging. Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer I would say infrastructure's still lagging. As you know, there's a lot of renewed talk in D.C. about that from both parties, and we're anxiously awaiting the outcome of those decisions. And I think that will certainly be very good for our overall demand. But if you want to know where the strength in the U.S. market is, it comes down to one region, and that's the Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast, with all the LNG actions that are happening and pipeline that are happening, activities, there's going to be a strong need for, in particular, RT cranes over the next three to five years. Some of our customers that we talked to at bauma were upwards of 1,000 cranes short in their projection over the course of the next three years. So that bodes very well for us, particularly with the technology that we've introduced. There is shortage of trained operators. And when you look at our technology and with our CCS, it's much easier to understand and to learn than a manual system. So we're extremely encouraged by what we see in the Gulf Coast. Steven Fisher -- UBS -- Analyst Terrific. Thank you. Operator We'll take our next question from Seth Weber of RBC Capital Markets. Seth Weber -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Thanks for taking the follow up. Just Barry, last quarter, you mentioned you kind of [Inaudible] out some additional restructuring in Europe and elsewhere. Is there any updates there? Thanks. Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer As you can see, we spent $4 million in the first quarter, and our guidance was $14 million. So we've got $10 million more to spend, and I would say that's primarily going to be targeted at the European market. Seth Weber -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst OK. But nothing incremental to what you were thinking last quarter then? Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer Not at this point. Seth Weber -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst OK. Thank you. Operator Thank you. At this time, there are no further questions in the queue. I would like to turn the floor back over to Mr. Ion Warner for closing remarks. Ion Warner -- Vice President, Marketing, and Investor Relations Before we conclude today's call, please note that a replay of our first-quarter 2019 conference call will be available later this morning by accessing the investor relations section of our website at www.manitowoc.com. Thank you, everyone, for joining us today, and for your continuing interest in the Manitowoc Company. We look forward to speaking with you again next quarter. Have a good day, everyone. Duration: 39 minutes Call participants: Ion Warner -- Vice President, Marketing, and Investor Relations Barry Pennypacker -- President and Chief Executive Officer David Antoniuk -- Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ann Duignan -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Seth Weber -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Mig Dobre -- Robert W. Baird and Company -- Analyst Jamie Cook -- Credit Suisse -- Analyst Ben Burud -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Steven Fisher -- UBS -- Analyst More MTW analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability. Motley Fool Transcribing has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. WASHINGTON Sen. Martha McSally, who was sexually assaulted while serving in the Air Force, will push legislation to focus on criminalizing sexual harassment in the ranks and ensure that each military base has a lawyer who advocates for victims, she told USA TODAY in an interview. McSally, an Arizona Republican on the Armed Services Committee and retired Air Force attack plane pilot, also said she stands by the commanders' traditional role as the arbiter of prosecutions for sexual assault. That stance puts her at odds with fellow committee member Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. "Look, I appreciate her passion and advocacy on this issue over the years," McSally said. "But shes not served in the military. Theres a unique role of the commander that is so important for our military." In March, McSally revealed during a Senate hearing that she had been raped by a superior officer and that she felt re-victimized by Air Force officials who questioned her about it. She has gone on to push the military to establish a task force charged with recommending substantive changes to the way the military combats sexual assault. The time was ripe: last week, the Pentagon announced an estimated 20,500 troops had been sexually assaulted in 2018, a 38% increase compared with 2016. Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz.,at a Housing and Urban Affairs committee hearing on Feb. 26, 2019. McSally spoke with USA TODAY about the critical role of commanders in dealing with sexual assault, top recommendations from the task force and why she's best suited to lead Congress on dealing with sexual assault. Her defense of a commanders' prerogative to prosecute sexual assault cases puts her at odds with Gillibrand and on the same page as Pentagon leadership. In an op-ed in Thursday's USA TODAY, Elizabeth Van Winkle, who oversees the Pentagon's sexual assault prevention and response efforts, wrote that commanders make those decisions on the advice of lawyers and cannot overrule them without review by superior officers. Story continues "A commander standing in front of their force with the power to criminally charge them for not abiding by orders is an extremely powerful tool within the military," Van Winkle wrote. Gillibrand's staffs say the Pentagon has promised action on sexual assault for years but has not come close to its goal of "zero tolerance." "The senator has been proud to fight alongside retired military leaders and commanders plus so many brave survivors who know firsthand what needs to be done to fix this broken system," said her spokeswoman, Whitney Brennan. McSally disputed the notion that the increase in sexual assaults within the ranks is linked to commanders' authority to prosecute the cases. She advocates maintaining that authority and ensuring commanders have the best prosecutors and investigators advising them. "Its not going to fix the problem to strip commanders," McSally said. "In fact, I think it would exacerbate the problem because they would feel less accountable and less responsible." She also plans to propose legislation that would criminalize sexual harassment. Troops can be prosecuted for sexual harassment under the part of military law that governs good order and discipline. The recommendation to make it a specific crime is one of the top recommendations of the task force. The risk of assault increases when sexual harassment is tolerated. "Its a great idea to separate and specifically criminalize sexual harassment," McSally said. "It shows commitment to saying were not going to tolerate this. It also allows us to track those who have had any kind of punishment related to sexual harassment, potentially the early sign of somebody who has behavior thats on what they call the continuum of harm." Another recommendation to be included in her legislation would assign lawyers known as special victims counsels to every military base. Those lawyers advocate on the victims' behalf, she said, and having one at each installation would allow the lawyer to be on hand as soon as a report is made. McSally's acknowledgement that she was herself a victim of sexual assault in the military generated intense media interest and the attention of Air Force officials. She granted a few interviews but, for the most part, has kept a low profile and has not revealed the name of her assailant or where the attack occurred. Her first-hand experience, she said, gives her a unique perspective in the Senate. "Not only do I have 26 years of experience in the military and in the ninth class of women at the Air Force Academy, Ive been a commander myself," McSally said. "Im also a military sexual assault survivor myself. I dont come at my positions lightly. This is something I have personally experienced as a crime. "Ive seen where the system has failed in the past. Ive seen the impact of these crimes on our military. I think I bring the credibility and the passion and the experience to be able to lead on this issue and to hold our military accountable. Its not just lip service. Its actual action thats going to keep our men and women safe when they sign up to serve. And were going to hold people accountable for these crimes." Read more: Download the USA TODAY app This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sen. Martha McSally pushes to criminalize sexual harassment in military, add lawyers for victims WINDSOR, ENGLAND - MAY 08: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with their newborn son during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England. The Duchess of Sussex gave birth at 05:26 on Monday 06 May, 2019. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski - WPA Pool/Getty Images) Meghan Markle has been warned not to allow her father be part of Archies life - by his former wife. Markle and Prince Harry welcomed Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor last week, and his short life has already sparked huge public interest and controversy. Now Tom Markles ex wife, Roslyn Markle, has warned the happy couple about her ex-husband, saying he was an awful father with little interest in his own children. She advised Meghan against a reconciliation with her estranged father, or to allow him to be a proper grandad to the new royal. Read more: Radio host fired after tweeting photo comparing royal baby Archie to chimpanzee: 'Casual racism is alive and well' Talking to the Mirror, Rosly said: Knowing Tom as I do, Meghan would be a fool to have him in her life. LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (C) arrives with her mother Doria Ragland (L) and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex to host an event to mark the launch of a cookbook with recipes from a group of women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire at Kensington Palace on September 20, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Stansall - WPA Pool/Getty Images) While he portrays himself as a loving father, he was anything but to our two children during our marriage. It may sound cliche but a leopard doesn't change its spots. Repeatedly he has shown to Meghan he cannot be trusted. She must know that now. I speak not out of bitterness, my life moved on many years ago, but out of concern. Archie deserves to be brought up in a happy home, not in this vengeful situation that has been created. Tom was an awful father. What makes him think hed be a great grandfather to Archie? Roslyn was married to Markle between 1964 and 1975, having two children. He later married Doria Ragland, Meghans mother, in 1979, before they separated in 1989. Read more: Piers Morgan mocks Meghan Markle and Prince Harry for giving son Archie a 'white middle-class name' Roslyn revealed how she was struck by the tall, handsome man with a great sense of humour and charming smile, she met at a party in 1963. The couple were soon married with two children, and the cracks in the marriage began to show. Roslyn, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said: As I was no longer working, Toms paycheck was the only money coming in. But to him, his money was his and his alone. Whenever I asked for help to feed to kids or buy diapers, hed scream, Get a f*****g job and then laugh. I can still see the look in his face and how hed clench his teeth in anger. Although he was never violent, Tom would often lose his temper. MEXICO CITY, May 11 (Reuters) - Mexican police have arrested on manslaughter charges the owner of a Mexico City school that collapsed during a devastating 2017 earthquake, killing 19 children and seven adults, authorities said on Saturday. Ernestina Godoy, the attorney general of Mexico City, said officers had apprehended Monica Garcia, owner of the Enrique Rebsamen school, in a restaurant in the capital on Saturday morning after an anonymous tip-off. "We arrested her," Godoy told a news conference. "The crime is manslaughter," she said, noting that police searched dozens of houses over several months. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck central Mexico on Sept. 19, 2017 killed 355 people in the capital and the surrounding states. The school tragedy became one of the most powerful symbols of the quake's human cost. Authorities had issued a reward of 5 million pesos ($262,000) for information leading to Garcia's capture. Garcia could not immediately be reached for comment. Experts and witnesses told Reuters shortly after the quake that the school in southern Mexico City buckled under the weight of floors added over the years with scant steel support. ($1 = 19.0954 Mexican pesos) (Reporting by Dave Graham; editing by Grant McCool) 1600 N.E. First Ave., #1803. | Photos: Zumper Housing costs got you down? Though apartment hunting can be frustrating, there are deals to be had. So what does the low-end pricing on a rental in Downtown look like these days and what might you get for the price? According to Walk Score, the neighborhood is a "walker's paradise," is very bikeable and boasts excellent transit options. It also features median rents for a one bedroom that hover around $1,990, compared to a $1,900 one-bedroom median for Miami as a whole. A look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments in Downtown, via rental site Zumper, offers an overview of what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find in this Miami neighborhood. Take a look at the cheapest listings available right now, below. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 340 W. Flagler St. Listed at $1,350/month, this 350-square-foot studio apartment, located at 340 W. Flagler St., is 22.9 percent less than the $1,750/month median rent for a studio in Downtown. A swimming pool and a fitness center are listed as building amenities. (See the complete listing here.) 111 E. Flagler St., #703 This one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo, situated at 111 E. Flagler St., #703, is listed for $1,400/month for its 594 square feet of space. In the unit, anticipate concrete floors and high ceilings. A fitness center is listed as a building amenity. Pet owners, inquire elsewhere: this spot doesn't allow cats or dogs. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. (See the complete listing here.) 230 N.E. Fourth St., #206 Here's a studio apartment at 230 N.E. Fourth St., #206, which is going for $1,430/month. Building amenities include garage parking, a swimming pool and a fitness center. Neither cats nor dogs are permitted. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. Story continues (See the full listing here.) 1600 N.E. First Ave., #1803 Check out this 588-square-foot studio apartment at 1600 N.E. First Ave., #1803, listed at $1,500/month. Amenities offered in the building include assigned parking, outdoor space and a swimming pool. In the unit, look for air conditioning, tile flooring and a balcony. When it comes to pets, both meows and barks are permitted. (Here's the listing.) 600 N.E. First Ave. Over at 600 N.E. First Ave., there's this studio, going for $1,530/month. Building amenities include garage parking, a swimming pool and a fitness center. In the unit, you're promised air conditioning, in-unit laundry and a balcony. When it comes to pets, both meows and barks are welcome. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. (View the listing here.) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. 5252 Monroe Ave. | Photos: Zumper Housing costs got you down? Though apartment hunting can be frustrating, there are deals to be had. So what does the low-end pricing on a rental in Talmadge look like these days and what might you get for your money? According to Walk Score's assessment, the neighborhood is very walkable, is fairly bikeable and has good transit options. It also features median rents for a one-bedroom that hover around $1,550, compared to a $1,704 one-bedroom median for San Diego as a whole. A look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments in Talmadge, via rental site Zumper, yields a look at what price-conscious apartment seekers can expect to find in this San Diego neighborhood. Read on for the cheapest listings available right now. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 4522 Altadena Ave. First, listed at $1,250/month, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom, located at 4522 Altadena Ave., is 19.4 percent less than the $1,550/month median rent for a one bedroom in Talmadge. In the unit, look for hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances. The building boasts on-site management, assigned parking and on-site laundry. Pets are not permitted. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. (See the complete listing here.) 4477 Euclid Ave. Check out this 525-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom at 4477 Euclid Ave., listed at $1,325/month. In the unit, you'll get hardwood floors. The building boasts on-site laundry. Attention, cat owners: your kitty is allowed here. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee, but there is a $37.00 application fee. (Here's the listing.) 5252 Monroe Ave. Here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom at 5252 Monroe Ave., which, with 550 square feet, is going for $1,350/month. In the unit, expect hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and air conditioning. As for building amenities, you'll get assigned parking, on-site laundry and storage space. For those with furry friends in tow, pets are permitted. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental, but there is a $35 application fee. Story continues (Check out the listing here.) 4455 52nd St. Over at 4455 52nd St., there's this 638-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom, going for $1,450/month. In the unit, expect carpeted floors, stainless steel appliances and a ceiling fan. Building amenities include assigned parking and on-site laundry. Pet owners, take heed: cats and dogs are welcome. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. (View the listing here.) 4490 Collwood Blvd. Finally, at 4490 Collwood Blvd., you'll find this 750-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom that's also going for $1,450/month. In the unit, you'll get a dishwasher and a mix of carpeted and hardwood floors. A swimming pool, outdoor space and on-site laundry are listed as building amenities. Pets are permitted. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. (Check out the complete listing here.) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. 911 N. Orange Ave., #112. | Photos: Zumper According to rental site Zumper, median rents for a one bedroom in Central Business District are hovering around $1,320, compared to a $1,100 one-bedroom median for Orlando as a whole. So how does the low-end pricing on a Central Business District rental look these days and what might you get for your money? We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments to find out what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find in the neighborhood, which, according to Walk Score ratings, is moderately walkable, is convenient for biking and has good transit options. Take a look at the cheapest listings available right now, below. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 860 N. Orange Ave., #444 Listed at $975/month, this 600-square-foot studio residence, located at 860 N. Orange Ave., #444, is 29.4 percent less than the $1,382/month median rent for a studio in Central Business District. In the unit, you can expect carpeted floors and a balcony. Amenities offered in the building include a swimming pool, a fitness center and garage parking. Pets are not permitted. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. (See the complete listing here.) 151 E. Washington St., #524 This one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence, situated at 151 E. Washington St., #524, is listed for $1,050/month for its 556 square feet of space. In the unit, expect both air conditioning and central heating. The building offers garage parking, a swimming pool and a fitness center. Cats and dogs are not permitted. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. (See the complete listing here.) 911 N. Orange Ave., #112 Here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom living space at 911 N. Orange Ave., #112, which, at 647 square feet, is going for $1,150/month. In the unit, you'll get a mix of hardwood and carpeted floors. Building amenities include assigned parking, a swimming pool and a fitness center. Pets are not permitted. There's no leasing fee required for this rental, but there is a $75 application fee. Story continues (See the full listing here.) 692 N. Orange Ave. And here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment at 692 N. Orange Ave., which, with 588 square feet, is going for $1,319/month. The building features garage parking, a swimming pool and a fitness center. In the unit, expect air conditioning, in-unit laundry and balcony. If you've got a pet, you'll be happy to learn that cats and dogs are permitted. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. (Check out the listing here.) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. The unusual loaf of bread was full of crusts. (Timea Ganji/BBC) A woman was shocked to open her loaf of sliced Kingsmill bread to find it was full of crusts. The mother from Radcliffe-on-Tent in Nottinghamshire was left startled by the number of crusts when she opened the loaf of bread to make lunch for her children. Timea Ganji said: Its not funny first thing in the morning, when you have half an hour to get the kids to school and theres no time to get another loaf. Kingsmill has said they are looking into the issue and sent the mother a more conventional loaf. Bread is top of the list of our most wasted household food items. (GETTY) Speaking to the BBC, Ms Ganji said: It just looked like a normal loaf when we bought it. Because of the yellow packaging, you cant see it properly. You can see its sliced, but you couldnt see it is all just crusts. Read More on Yahoo News Demand for gluten-free communion in church rises as worshippers bring dietary requirements to mass Irish brown soda bread thats hearty and easy to make Then, in the morning, I just wanted some toast and to make sandwiches and I was just staring at it. I dont really understand how it can happen. A Kingsmill spokeswoman said the firm was investigating to find out how this particular collection of crusts found its way into Mrs Ganjis shopping. The UK is currently striving to reduce its annual 20 billion food waste bill and bread is one of the most wasted items in the chain. Around 44% of all bread is thrown away as people do not use it before it goes stale. In this article: The Washington Nationals reinstated outfielder Juan Soto from the 10-day injured list Saturday. Soto, who missed 10 games with back spasms, is batting .248 with six homers and 22 RBIs in 28 games. The 20-year-old reached base in 15 consecutive games (April 14-30) before going on the IL. In a corresponding move, the Nationals optioned infielder Jake Noll to Triple-A Fresno. Noll, 25, was 2-for-12 with two RBIs in eight games with Washington. --Field Level Media RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) A North Carolina legislator best known as the architect of the state's so-called bathroom bill three years ago is racking up contributions and endorsements as he runs in the repeat of a congressional race marred by a ballot fraud scandal . State Sen. Dan Bishop of Charlotte is a leading contender among 10 candidates in next week's GOP primary in the 9th Congressional District special election. The state elections board unanimously ordered the new election after Mark Harris, the Republican in last year's race against Democrat Dan McCready, used a political operative accused of improperly collecting mail-in ballots. Harris opted not to run again and McCready faces no primary opponent. Virtually alone on the political calendar this year, the special election is likely to draw national attention. As is Bishop's candidacy, if he wins the Republican primary. In 2016, Bishop sponsored House Bill 2, a law that voided a Charlotte ordinance expanding LGBT rights and prevented similar anti-discrimination rules anywhere else in the state. HB2 was nicknamed the "bathroom bill" because it also directed transgender people to use public bathrooms and showers that matched their birth sex. The measure grabbed national headlines and prompted boycotts by entertainers, governments and some businesses thinking about moving jobs to North Carolina. The Associated Press found in 2017 that the law cost the state more than $3.76 billion , primarily from businesses that decided to skip intended moves to North Carolina. Bishop said the pushback showed he's unafraid to stand up for what he believes. "It did the state no good to have that controversy, but it's an exhausted issue," Bishop said when entering the race in March. Bishop's stance drew staunch support from evangelical interest groups, who could represent a key constituency in the Tuesday primary, where low turnout is expected. Story continues The North Carolina Values Coalition, a lobbying group for conservative Christian issues, endorsed Bishop and said his leadership on HB2 brought "common sense back to our State by stopping the government from violating our religious freedoms." GOP political consultant Paul Shumaker, who is not involved with any of the 9th district candidates, said HB2 is likely to divide voters. "If you look at those that are supporters of HB2, that will create energy for Dan Bishop in a Republican primary," Shumaker said. "If you look at those who are opponents to it, that's going to create energy for Dan McCready in a general election against Dan Bishop if Dan Bishop is the nominee." The law was partially repealed in 2017 and now is barely on the radar of Republican voter Brandon Reeves. The 42-year-old car dealer from Waxhaw rates abortion, gun rights and lower taxes as his top issues. "To me, that's not an issue right now because there's no debate on it it's already been had," said Reeves, who is backing one of the other GOP candidates, Stony Rushing. "It's water under the bridge at this point. The pro-life issue is first and foremost to me." But Bishop knows HB2 remains his legacy. So in December, on the same day lawmakers voted to require primaries if a new 9th district election was ordered, he asked state analysts to study HB2's economic impact. The General Assembly's top economist reported back to Bishop in January that the state's overall economy didn't take much of a hit from HB2, while estimates by the AP and others counted specific business reversals. But the effect of any legislative change especially one in effect for only a year is impossible to measure in a $570 billion state economy affected by national and international influences, economist Barry Boardman wrote in response to Bishop. Nor was it possible to judge how much HB2 influenced choices by companies and event planners, Boardman wrote. Tourists didn't noticeably boycott the state as visitor spending rose 4% in 2016 and 2.8% in 2017, in line with the previous three years. The finding that tourists never shied away from visiting and spending in North Carolina, was notable, said Alex Tabarrok, an economist at George Mason University's libertarian Mercatus Center. But a better study would compare tourism revenues in neighboring states and look more closely at company location decisions, he said. "The effect could be small relative to the state economy and yet still have been significant," Tabarrok wrote in an email. Bishop said the analysis indicates that losses tallied by The AP and others "were fake news." GOP consultant Shumaker said he doubts the report would persuade anyone. "I think the report is completely irrelevant to the campaign," he said. "You've got a government report from the legislature that says it had a negligible impact compared to numerous news stories about major events being pulled from North Carolina during that time." ___ Follow Emery P. Dalesio on Twitter at http://twitter.com/emerydalesio . RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) A North Carolina legislator best known as the architect of the state's so-called bathroom bill three years ago is racking up contributions and endorsements as he runs in the repeat of a congressional race marred by a ballot fraud scandal. State Sen. Dan Bishop of Charlotte is a leading contender among 10 candidates in next week's GOP primary in the 9th Congressional District special election. Some voters say their choice doesn't depend on Bishop's sponsorship of a 2016 state law that prevented anti-discrimination rules protecting LGBT residents. GOP political consultant Paul Shumaker says Bishop's backing for House Bill 2 will help him in the Republican primary. Shumaker said the law's opponents will likely support Democrat Dan McCready in a general election if Dan Bishop is the GOP nominee. English comedian Freddie Starr. (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images) The owner of the pet involved in the infamous Freddie Starr ate my hamster headline has revealed what really happened, after the comedian recently died. The Sun story from 1986 is one of the most famous tabloid headlines of all time, cementing Starrs reputation as an unpredictably wild comedian. Freddie Starr ate my hamster Sun headline Now Louise Fox, the former model who owned the pet hamster, has revealed what really happened when Starr made a ham(ster) sandwich while staying at the Liverpool home she shared with her fiance. Read more: Russ Abbot leads tributes to comedian Freddie Starr Fox said: It was my hamster. It was a long, long time ago and its not the same story that was printed in the paper. The thing was it arrived in the paper five years after the event and it was all misconstrued. He had the hamster in the sandwich but nobody ever said he ate it. There was nobody more shocked than me when that headline came out. He had been working in Wythenshawe and we had all been late back and he was nearly always hungry. He would often say go and make me a butty and this particular time I said sod off go and make your own. So he just went and got two big slices of bread, doorstop things, and buttered them and when he sat down on the settee he had the hamster between them. He did bite into the bread, but not the hamster. I was upset because the hamster was covered in butter which took two days for it to lick off. Comedian Freddie Starr who celebrates his 52nd birthday on Tuesday 9 Januray, 1996. (Photo by David Jones - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images) The pair were good friends in the 1980s, and Starr would stay at the models house while touring the North West as he didnt like staying in hotels. Now she feels the time is right to spill the beans on one of the most infamous newspaper stories ever, after the 76-year-old was found dead in his Spanish home on Thursday. She said: Its sad about Freddie - we knew him very well. He use to come and stay with us and he was totally unpredictable and very energetic. You never knew what he was going to do next. We had brilliant times with him. He would stay with us when he was in Liverpool because he hated hotels. Story continues Read more: Bobby Davro thinks he's 'one of the last people to speak to' Freddie Starr Fox, whos stage name at the time was Lea La Selle, thinks the story was embellished by disgraced PR guru Max Clifford to help Starrs ailing career, something Fox was not happy about. She explained: Lea La Salle was my stage name back when I knew him and I was not always terribly happy with him in the years that followed about about what he said. Freddie Starr (left) and Max Clifford. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images) I was very bitter about it and dont think it did my career any good whatsoever. People would say I benefited hugely but I never did, but I think it may have rekindled his career. Max Clifford had a lot to do with that. I was modelling, doing all sorts of things like beauty contests in the 80s, and the publicity that arose from that story didnt help because it was a bit detrimental to me. Freddie Starr outside his home in Warwickshire after the CPS confirmed that he will not be charged as part of Operation Yewtree due to insufficient evidence. (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images) Despite the bitterness, Fox holds no hard feelings towards the comedian now, saying: He was not a bad lad really, and it was quite sad the way things came about. He lit a lot of peoples faces up and was probably the funniest person many people had ever met. But Im very sad for poor Freddie so it is all bitter sweet. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) For generations, Mexican-born Gustavo Brambila's family has worked in the wine industry of California's Napa Valley in some form. He went to college on a baseball scholarship but the passion of flowery aromas and crisp peach flavor remained in his soul and he eventually got a degree in fermentation sciences. His dream: His own vineyard. Brambila's story and others are the focus of "Harvest Season," a new PBS documentary examining the contributions of Mexican Americans in the wine industry of California's Napa Valley. The film, scheduled to begin airing Monday on most PBS stations as part of the Independent Lens series, shows how the Mexican Americans have shaped the industry as farmworkers and later vineyard owners in one of the richest wine regions in the world. Through the eyes of winemaker Gustavo Brambila, Mexican migrant worker Rene Reyes and wine entrepreneur Vanessa Robledo, the documentary shows how the California wine industry's most silent figures battle weather, climate change and wildfires. They speak of their families' deep roots with vineyards and how it shapes their dreams for the future. Director Bernardo Ruiz said he wanted his project to show that people of Mexican descent have been a part of U.S. history since its founding and winemaker is just one industry where this is evident. "From the outside, winemaking is very glamorous and it's very romanticized," Ruiz said. "What really drives it is really hard work." In California, those workers tend to be immigrants and Mexican Americans, he said. To be sure, Mexican Americans has played vital roles in the creation and development of vineyards in California, New Mexico and Arizona. But Lilia Soto, an American Studies professor at the University of Wyoming, who grew up in Napa, California, said Mexican Americans especially have been instrumental in the played formation of the Napa Valley as a tourist site by providing the labor and its family connections that go back generations. Story continues Those connections help tell the story of the U.S., Ruiz said. More where this is evident is with Vanessa Robledo. She's the granddaughter of a Mexican migrant worker who came to the U.S. through the Bracero Program a World War II-era program that sought to give temporary guest contracts to work in the fields. Her grandfather and father ended up in the vineyards. "My dad would always tell us, 'This is how our family will survive and it's our future,'" Robledo said. In the documentary, Robledo talks about being pushed out of the family vineyard business because she was female, then finding her own path in the industry. She guides workers harvesting grapes in the cool of night and walking through the vineyard during the day with a stunning background of rolling hills and distant mountains. Soto, who went to high school with Robledo, said such stories captured the essence of Mexican Napa as opposed to the tourism mecca Napa. "The film highlights a Napa that is often invisible to most visitors," Soto said. "These invisible people have always been here." ___ Russell Contreras is a member of The Associated Press' race and ethnicity team. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/russcontreras Lima (AFP) - Peru announced on Friday a two-week restriction to three important areas at Machu Picchu to prevent greater degradation to the iconic Inca citadel. From May 15-28, access to the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor and Intihuatana Stone will be strictly controlled at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the government said. "These measures are necessary to conserve Machu Picchu, given the evidence of deterioration" on stone surfaces caused by visitors to the three areas, the culture ministry said. Almost 6,000 visitors a day are permitted onto the 15th century site in two waves. The new plan will give tourists just three hours to visit the three emblematic areas. Authorities will evaluate the impact of the measures before applying new permanent rules from June 1. Machu Picchu, which means "old mountain" in the Quechua language indigenous to the area, is at the top of a lush mountain and was built during the reign of the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438-1471). It lies around 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the Andean city of Cusco, the old Inca capital in southeastern Peru. It was rediscovered in 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1983. Warsaw (AFP) - Several thousand nationalists rallied in Warsaw on Saturday against a US law on the restitution of Jewish properties seized during the Holocaust, an issue which has surfaced ahead of parliamentary elections later this year. Far-right supporters who marched from the prime minister's office to the US embassy waved banners reading "No to claims", "Shame" and "Stop 477". The latter refers to the US Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act which requires the US State Department to report to Congress on the progress of countries including Poland on the restitution of Jewish assets seized during World War Two and its aftermath. Pre-war Poland was a Jewish heartland, with a centuries-old community numbering some 3.2 million, or around 10 percent of the country's population at the time. Poland's governing right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party as well as the centrist and liberal opposition have downplayed the law signed by US President Donald Trump in May 2018, insisting that it will have no impact on Poland. But in the run-up to elections to the European Parliament late this month, an informal alliance of several far-right and nationalist parties and groups joined forces with a farmers' union to campaign against Jewish property restitution. One of its leaders, Robert Bakiewicz from the far-right National-Radical Camp (ONR) called the 447 law "a threat to Poland and its security since the Jewish organizations are claiming 300 billion dollars (267 billion euros)". Under the 447 law "the US president must support claims that are illegal, by virtue of the principles of our civilisation, properties without legal heirs belong to the state Treasury," said protester Marek Wawrzyszko. "This law is a gift to (Russian President) Vladimir Putin," he added, predicting that it will have a detrimental effect on Polish-US relations, which have improved under the Trump administration. The AGROunia farmers' union, which joined the march, maintains that farmers were worried about possible restitution claims on their land. The anti-establishment Kukiz'15 movement, which has 26 MPs, as well as an ultra-nationalist coalition set up for the elections to the European Parliament, have each drafted bills formally declaring that Poland will refuse to provide restitution on heirless property. By Karol Witenberg and Alan Charlish WARSAW, May 11 (Reuters) - Hundreds of far-right supporters marched in Warsaw on Saturday to protest against a U.S. law on the restitution of Jewish property seized during or after World War Two, an issue increasingly featuring in campaigns for upcoming Polish elections. Carrying placards with slogans including "Poland has no obligations" and "Holocaust hyenas," demonstrators marched from the prime minister's office to the U.S. embassy in central Warsaw. Poland was home to one of the world's biggest Jewish communities before it was almost entirely wiped out by Nazi German occupiers who set up death camps such as Auschwitz on Polish soil. Former owners and their descendents have been campaigning since the fall of communism in 1989 to be compensated for lost property, which was seized by Poland's authoritarian rulers but successive Polish administrations have lacked the money or determination to resolve the issue. The nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government has said that as a victim in World War Two Poland should not be saddled with any financial obligations. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki repeated that message at an election rally in the northern town of Mlawa on Saturday, state run news agency PAP reported. "We will not allow any damages to be paid to anyone because it is us who should get damages," PAP quoted him as saying. Poland will hold European parliament elections on May 26. Elections for its own parliament will take place in the autumn. The Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act, or Act 447, requires the U.S. Department of State to provide a report to Congress on the progress of dozens of countries that signed a declaration in 2009 on the restitution of assets seized during or following World War Two. The so-called Terezin declaration also includes provisions to give formerly Jewish-owned property with no heirs to Holocaust survivors in need of financial help or to support education on the subject. Story continues "There is no such law in the world that would sanction (restitution of heirless property) and the Americans want to force us to pay those damages which are simply illegitimate," said Adam Jureczek, a driver from the south-western region of Silesia. On a visit to Warsaw on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department's special envoy for monitoring and combating anti-Semitism, Elan Carr, said Act 447 only obliged the U.S. government to prepare a report on compliance with the Terezin declaration and it was up to Poland to decide how it would comply. Polish far-right supporters have said that the law could result in Jewish organizations demanding as much as $300 billion in compensation. More than 3 million of Poland's Jewish population of 3.2 million were killed during the Holocaust. The PiS party, which has been ahead in most polls for the European elections, has succeeded in building a broad coalition of conservative-minded voters, but critics have accused it of turning a blind eye to far-right extremism. Prior to Saturday's march, two anti-fascist activists wrote to Warsaw's local government warning of possible anti-Semitic hate speech at the protest, daily Gazeta Wyborcza reported. (Reporting by Karol Witenberg, Alan Charlish and Anna Wlodarzak-Semczuk, Editing by Justyna Pawlak and Clelia Oziel) Victims groups condemned the Pope Francis has decreed that all suspected cases of sex abuse and cover-ups by Catholic clergy must be reported to Church authorities, in what the Vatican portrayed as a muscular response to the scandals that have shattered faith in the Catholic Church around the world. But there is no obligation under the new rules to report sex abuse cases to the police and civil authorities, an omission that bitterly disappointed campaign groups, who argue that Catholic priests and bishops should not be considered above the law. Nor do the new rules carry sanctions or punishment for clergy who fail to report abuse cases to their superiors. The Pope issued a motu proprio a legal document drawn up under his personal authority which decrees that every Catholic diocese in the world must draw up reporting systems which will allow cases to be referred to Church authorities. Those systems must be in place by June next year. The crimes of sexual abuse offend Our Lord, cause physical, psychological and spiritual damage to the victims and harm the community of the faithful, the Pope wrote in the document. Insisting that much has already been accomplished, the Pope said the Catholic Church must continue to learn from the bitter lessons of the past. The rules apply not only to children who are molested or raped by priests, but to vulnerable adults a reference to scandals involving nuns who have been sexually exploited by male clergy. The measures stopped well short of victims demands that abusive priests should be reported to the police. Nothing has changed with regard to reporting cases to the civil authorities, said Marie Collins, an outspoken Irish victim of clerical sex abuse who was appointed by the Pope to a special commission on addressing the scandals but who resigned in protest at its lack of progress. And there are no consequences for clergy who dont report abuse. I have gone past being dispirited or depressed. The words change, but the actions dont. It seems as though the Vatican is going backwards, not forwards. Story continues A conference at the Vatican in February, which brought together nearly 200 bishops to discuss ways of combating sex abuse by clergy, had achieved nothing, Ms Collins said. The victims group BishopAccountability was also disappointed with the new decree. While it was encouraging that the law would protect whistleblowers and clarify reporting procedures, its not nearly enough, said the groups Anne Barrett Doyle. The edict has three serious weaknesses - it stipulates no penalties for those who ignore it, it mandates no transparency to the public, and it doesnt require the permanent removal of abusers from ministry, she said. Under the new law, it's still entirely possible for a bishop to punish a child-molesting priest with a slap on the wrist and to keep his name hidden from the public. This is not the bold action that's desperately needed. A law without penalties is not a law at all - its a suggestion. By refusing to make the reporting of cases to the police mandatory, the process will remain within the hierarchy of the Church. This means it will be managed by Church officials who already have proved to be secretive and protective of accused priests. Bishops watching bishops does not work, said Ms Barrett Doyle. The fate of a shuttered General Motors plant in Ohio remains very much up in the air even after a tweet from President Donald Trump heralded the potential sale of a factory he has shown an intense interest in saving. That's because the buyer is a fledgling electric vehicle maker that has never posted a profit, has only about 100 employees and warned this year that it might not have enough money to stay in business. What the potential deal does signal is the likely end of a half-century of car manufacturing for GM at its factory near Youngstown and continued uncertainty for a battered Rust Belt community that has seen plenty of empty promises. GM confirmed this past week that it's negotiating the sale of its massive assembly plant in Lordstown, where production ended in March as part of a major restructuring for the automaker. Cincinnati-based Workhorse Group intends to make a commercial electric pickup truck at the facility. Its only production plant is in Union City, Indiana, where it has built about 400 delivery trucks. It has started supplying UPS with electric vehicles and is one of five companies competing to land a $6 billion contract to make a new generation of mail trucks for the U.S. Postal Service. But there are major questions about its financial footing. Workhorse has poured most of its money into research and development, with limited sales, losing $36.5 million last year. It warned in its most recent quarterly filing that it didn't have enough money to pay for its operations through the first half of this year and needed additional financing to stay afloat. But the publicly traded company, whose stock soared after Trump's tweet , also said it believes it can raise enough money to keep going. Still, it doesn't yet appear to have backing like one of its competitors, Rivian, which just got a $500 million investment from Ford to develop a new electric vehicle. The plan Workhorse laid out this week is for it to be a minority investor in a new entity that would own the Lordstown plant. No other investors have been announced, and it's still looking for partners. Story continues GM spokesman Jim Cain said it was too early to tell whether the automaker would be one of them. GM sees the startup as a way to preserve the Lordstown plant and thinks Workhorse has the technology and a product to build there, Cain said. Tesla Inc. and other startup companies were small businesses at one time, he pointed out. If Workhorse does begin production there, it would likely start out with a few hundred workers, far less than the 4,500 people GM employed just two years ago before it began cutting shifts. Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan, whose district includes the plant, said a sale won't help GM workers in the area who would need to transfer if they want to keep their pension and benefits with the automaker. Any long-term job growth for the region would be years away, he said, but "it's better than the plant being empty." Trump has repeatedly called on GM to find another owner or reopen the plant, which is in an area of the state that will be important to him in the 2020 election and where he has promised a revival of manufacturing jobs. Some GM workers in Lordstown who have been holding out hope the automaker would reopen the factory with a new vehicle to build there were skeptical about the new plans. Since the area's steel mills began closing in the 1970s, investors have come into the Mahoning Valley pledging to build factories that would make blimps, commuter airplanes and a new version of the Studebaker, said Tim O'Hara, who worked at the Lordstown plant for 41 years. "Nothing ever came of it," he said. "We've been through this in the valley. We've had these false promises. We're kind of used to it, at least we should be." O'Hara, who is vice president of the United Auto Workers local at the plant, noted that any sale still needs to be negotiated during upcoming contract talks with the union, which still wants GM to stay and keep the plant open. "We're telling our members to hope for the best, prepare for the worst," he said. Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, who has called for GM to sell the plant if it doesn't intend to keep it running, said it was too early to celebrate because many details must still be worked out. "If things are not in place for this to happen," the governor said, "this would be very cruel to the workers and the people in Lordstown and the Mahoning Valley." ___ Seewer reported from Toledo, Ohio; Krisher reported from Detroit. Photos: Petfinder Interested in adopting a pet or just gazing at some adorable pups near you? There are dozens of deserving puppies up for adoption at animal shelters in and around Jacksonville. Animal shelters work hard to care for unhoused pets and connect them to loving homes. Hoodline used data from Petfinder to power this roundup of puppies currently available for adoption. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Details like pet availability, training, vaccinations and other features are based on data provided by Petfinder and may be subject to change; contact the shelter for the latest information. Otis, mixed breed Otis is a lovable male mixed breed puppy being cared for at Pit Sisters, Inc. Otis is the life of the party, and he gets along well with children, dogs and cats. He is already house-trained. Otis has all his shots. Read more about Otis on Petfinder. Sable, Labrador retriever and pit bull terrier mix Sable is a sweet female Labrador retriever and pit bull terrier puppy currently housed at Pet Rescue North Inc. She has all of her shots. Here's what Sable's friends at Pet Rescue North Inc. think of her: Read more about how to adopt Sable on Petfinder. Found abandoned, emaciated with patches of hair/skin gone and horrible bug bites. With the help of family and friends buying her good food, clean water and lots of love she is a beautiful thriving puppy again. She has had a dewormer and a 5-in-1, for which she needs the booster as of this week. Super fast learner. With treat training she knows: sit, come, her name, give me paw. Working on stay. Loves to play fetch with a water bottle, her toy or a stick. Very gentle, loving and loyal. She has a bit of a stubborn streak already, but it's cute and sassy at the same time. She deserves a good, safe and loving home. Itty Bitty, shepherd and boxer mix Itty Bitty is a female shepherd and boxer puppy in the care of Pet Rescue North Inc. She already has all of her shots. From Itty Bitty's current caretaker: Apply to adopt Itty Bitty today at Petfinder. Story continues Itty Bitty, her brother and sister were being sold on an "Offer Up" site and were very young and sickly. A nice lady bought them all and delivered them to rescue for care. We got them and cared for all of their needs. These pups will be up to date on vaccines and microchipped. Rescue pays to have them spayed and neutered at one of our veterinarians. Itty Bitty was only two pounds and 4-5 weeks old when we got her. She was born in early March. She is now 7 weeks old and weighs a good 5 pounds. We are told she is part German Shepherd and part Bulldog. Her growth is way behind for either of these breeds though and she will have a lot of catching up to even be a medium size pet. She is a strappy little pup though. Her favorite thing is to be rocked to sleep. Bubba Joe, Patterdale terrier and Labrador retriever mix Bubba Joe is a male Patterdale terrier and Labrador retriever puppy staying at Pet Rescue North Inc. He has all his shots. From Bubba Joe's current caretaker: Apply to adopt Bubba Joe today at Petfinder. Bubba Jo was born the early part of March and is now 6-7 weeks old. He is up to date on vaccinations, microchipped and will be neutered and given a rabies vaccine when he is 12 weeks old by one of our vets. You can take this little easy going fellow home at 8 weeks of age. He is very humble and non-imposing. We believe he is a patterdale terrier/lab mix. He will probably be a medium sized pet as he is a relatively small pup with medium length fur. He would make the best family pet and companion. Cherry, shepherd and boxer mix Cherry is a charming female shepherd and boxer puppy in the care of Pet Rescue North Inc. She is vaccinated. Here's what Cherry's friends at Pet Rescue North Inc. think of her: Read more about Cherry on Petfinder. This little 7 pound German shepherd/boxer is already 7 weeks old and got a rough start on live, but she is a survivor. She was being offered up for sale at 4 to 5 weeks of age. A nice lady bought them and gave them to rescue as she saw they had medical needs and were malnourished. Well, they have flourished and are doing great. Cherry is a feisty little girl and loves attention. She would make a good pet for an older boy or girl who has time and energy for a pup. Hercules, pit bull terrier and Australian cattle dog mix Hercules is a male pit bull terrier and Australian cattle dog puppy being cared for at Pet Rescue North Inc. His vaccinations are up to date. Notes from Hercules' caretakers: Read more about how to adopt Hercules on Petfinder. This little fellow was born the first week in January and will be ready to go home soon. Mom is a sweet 35-40 pound blue pit mix and is as lovable as they come. Two of the puppies have ticking coloration like that of a heeler and mom is the size of a heeler. These puppies should be super smart and are already well socialized. Freska, bull terrier and border collie mix Freska is a darling female bull terrier and border collie puppy in the care of Pet Rescue North Inc. Her vaccinations are already up to date. From Freska's current caretaker: Read more about Freska on Petfinder. Freska was taken from her mom at about four weeks. The young lady who took her started no positive training that a puppy should have. She was losing her place to live, so Freska was turned into PRN. Freska is energetic, loving and a sweet little love. Freska would benefit from some puppy classes to train her to listen. Not sure how she would be with cats since she thinks everything is a game. She is a little food possessive. She needs someone who will enjoy playing puppy games and showing her how to be a nice little lady. She snuggles and gives kisses. She probably would do good with another dog to play with and keep her occupied. She might be bored if she is alone. This story was created automatically using local animal shelter data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Photos: Petfinder Start your day off right by looking at some charming rabbits! There are dozens of rabbits up for adoption right here in Pittsburgh. Hoodline partnered with Petfinder, an online adoption site that lists more than 315,000 adoptable pets from nearly 14,000 animal shelters and rescue groups" to bring you this roundup of rabbits near you. Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Details like pet availability, training, vaccinations and other features are based on data provided by Petfinder and may be subject to change; contact the shelter for the latest information. Doob, lionhead rabbit Doob is a female lionhead rabbit being cared for at Rabbit Wranglers. Doob is looking for a dog-free family. She's already been spayed. Notes from Doob's caretakers: Apply to adopt Doob today at Petfinder. Doob is an energetic, curious and beautiful Lionhead. She has excellent litter-box habits and keeps herself and her area very tidy. Doob loves greens, Oxbow pellets and cardboard tubes stuffed with hay. She may do well alongside another rabbit companion, but has been nervous around dogs. Blue Belle, American rabbit Blue Belle is a winsome female American rabbit currently residing at Rabbit Wranglers. She's already been spayed. Blue Belle's current caretakers say: Apply to adopt Blue Belle today at Petfinder. Blue is one beautiful, nine-pound ball of "please love me." She loves to eat, but will gladly interrupt any meal for head pets. She simply melts into the floor and chatters her teeth. She uses her litter box reliably too. Her foster parents believe Blue would do very well in a home where she can have a large set-up or room to hop around and where she would become a loved part of the family. Lemmy, satin rabbit Lemmy is a male satin rabbit being kept at Rabbit Wranglers. Lemmy is looking for a home without small children. He's already been neutered. Here's what Lemmy's friends at Rabbit Wranglers think of him: Read more about Lemmy on Petfinder. Story continues Lemmy is a gorgeous, black satin rabbit. He came to Rabbit Wranglers to give him a much-needed break from shelter life and to help him resolve some behavior issues. We think he was not given a lot of chances to interact with people early in his life. As a result, he didnt realize how kind people can be. Lemmy has come such a long way since then! Remmie, rex guinea pig mix Remmie is a lovable female rex guinea pig mix currently housed at Humane Animal Rescue. Remmie would prefer a home without small children. Remmie is spayed. Remmie's current caretakers say: Read more about how to adopt Remmie on Petfinder. Remmie is a sweet, shy girl who is learning to come out of her shell and enjoy things. Remmie enjoys playing with toys that she can chew and toss around (especially cardboard boxes, tubes and stuffed animals). While Remmie is a bit unsure about her new environment, give her some time and love and you'll see her blossom into a curious and active girl, ready for adventure. Trooper, bunny rabbit mix Trooper is an adorable female bunny rabbit mix currently housed at The Foster Farm. She has all her shots. Trooper's current caretakers say: Read more about Trooper on Petfinder. Trooper and her siblings were an accidental litter, surrendered to us when the owner had to move. She is pretty human-friendly, but a quieter bun and prefers to lounge in the company of another bunny. Harriet, tan rabbit Harriet is a female tan rabbit currently residing at Rabbit Wranglers. She's already been spayed. Harriet is a special needs pet, so please inquire about her specific care requirements. Here's what Harriet's friends at Rabbit Wranglers think of her: Read more about Harriet on Petfinder. Harriet is a very active girl with lots of love to share. She was found roaming free and we suspect that experience has caused her tobe scared and distrustful. But, once you've earned her trust, she'll gladly join you on the couch for TV binge-watching. This story was created automatically using local animal shelter data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Any Toronto Raptors fans looking to bring a feline friend into their home are in luck. Toronto Animal Services has a number of cats available for adoption, and some are named after Raptors players. Aspiring cat owners have the opportunity to adopt the likes of Serge Ibaka, Spicy P (Pascal Siakam), Steady Freddy (Fred VanVleet), Meeks, or even Kawhi. Ayahna Lowry, named after Kyle Lowrys wife, is even an option. Marc Gasol, Danny Green and Chris Boucher have already found their forever homes. Theres still time to adopt before Sundays Game 7 between the Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers, so head to your local shelter and see if one of these whiskered pets is a good match for you and your family. Cats named after Toronto Raptors players are available for adoption. More Raptors coverage from Yahoo Sports And you thought that Democrats won the House out of fear Republicans would drop coverage of preexisting conditions. That they wanted to spend this Congress addressing the cost of prescription drugs, building roads and bridges, resolving the legal status of DACA recipients, expanding gun background checks. Dont be silly! Rashida Tlaib let spill the real Democratic agenda back in January, when she said they were going to impeach the motherf***er. Democrats have a problem. The base wants to impeach President Trump, ASAP, but the public does not. Indeed, Trumps approval rating is the highest its been in the Gallup survey, right around Obamas at this point in his term. The brute facts of public opinion suggest that the impeachment of Trump would look more like Bill Clintons trial than Richard Nixons. Not only would Trump remain in office; the backlash might deprive the Democrats of their 17-seat House majority. For months, Nancy Pelosis solution has been to walk right up to the line of impeachment without actually crossing it. Unleash committee chairmen to fire their subpoena cannons in every direction. Make unrealistic demands of Attorney General Barr. Have Swalwell and Lieu and the rest of the cable gang keep alive the conspiracy theory that the Trump campaign was in criminal cahoots with Russia. Drag out the process into next year, when a weakened and bedraggled Trump faces the eventual Democratic nominee. That way Pelosi gets the political benefits of impeachment without the costs. Its not working. Pelosis rhetoric has moved in the direction of Rashidas (minus the profanity). Shes gone from saying Trump isnt worth impeachment, to saying Trump is goading the Democrats into impeachment, to saying Trump is self-impeaching, if thats even a thing. She jokes about the jail cell in the basement of Congress, her Judiciary Committee has found Barr in contempt, and she shares Jerry Nadlers hysterical opinion that the United States is in the midst of a constitutional crisis because he cant read the grand-jury information of a report you can download for free. On the other side of the building, Chuck Schumer is accusing Mitch McConnell of aiding and abetting a crime that Robert Mueller could not bring himself to say actually happened. Story continues What changed? President Trumps preference for confrontation over consensus is part of the reason, but only a part. Congress and the president fight all the time. The reality is that impeachment talk is the only thing holding the Democrats together. Pelosis heralded agenda is a flop. Her party is divided on health care, on immigration, on abortion. Whatever legislation she does pass is destined to meet the Grim Reaper in the Senate. The two dozen 2020 candidates are uninspiring. Theres no war to defund. And the economic headlines are dynamite. Legal warfare against Trump obscures these weaknesses. Doesnt matter if no voter brings up Mueller outside the Beltway. Without teasing impeachment, no one would care about Democrats inside the Beltway. Two of three cable news channels are desperate for Trump scandals, real or imagined. The Democrats might as well give it to them. Or at least pretend to. In recent weeks the Democrats have turned into a bizarre version of the caricature of Trump they regularly denounce. They lambaste Trump for indulging in conspiracy theories, but the Russia investigation has become their Benghazi, a scandal too complicated and not quite substantive enough to inflame the public imagination. They went after Trump for the lock her up chants at his rallies but flirt with jailing both the attorney general and secretary of the Treasury, passed a New York state law directed at a single individual (forbidden in the Constitution as a bill of attainder), and speculate endlessly about how the president might one day end up behind bars. Pelosi says she worries Trump might not accept a loss in 2020 as Hillary Clinton says the election was stolen from her and the entire Democratic party indulges in the ludicrous fantasy that Stacey Abrams is the legitimate governor of a state she lost by more than 50,000 votes amid record minority turnout. This is not a serious party. It has abandoned policy for litigation, and common sense for fantasies of Medicare for All, Green New Deals, abortion after birth, and slavery reparations. The Democrats assume impeachment will be Trumps Watergate. It may well turn out to be their Waterloo. This column originally appeared in the Washington Free Beacon. More from National Review Hodeida (Yemen) (AFP) - The UN confirmed a withdrawal by Yemen's Huthi rebels from three Red Sea ports had begun Saturday, while a senior pro-government official accused the rebels of faking the pullout. The rebel pullback is a first step in implementing a hard-won ceasefire deal reached between Yemen's internationally-recognised government and the Iran-backed Huthi rebels late last year. "Yes, it has begun," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq, when AFP asked whether redeployment of Huthi troops was underway. Sources close to the Huthis said that the ports were handed over to coastguard personnel who were in charge before the rebels took over almost five years ago. An AFP photographer at Saleef port saw Huthi troops leave the facility, and men dressed in coastguard uniforms enter, adding that these movements were observed by the UN. But the govenor of Hodeida, Al-Hasan Taher, said the Huthis were merely reshuffling personnel. "The Huthis are staging a new ploy by handing over the ports of Hodeida, Saleef and Ras Issa to themselves without any monitoring by the United Nations and the government side," the government-appointed official said. UN envoy "Martin Griffiths wants to achieve victory even if the Huthis hand over (the ports) to themselves," Taher said. "This is totally rejected by us, and the agreement must be implemented in full, especially with regards to the identity of the troops that will take over from the Huthis," he added. Hodeida port is the main entry point for the bulk of Yemen's imports and humanitarian aid, serving as a lifeline to millions of civilians pushed to the brink of famine by more than four years of war. - UN to meet - The withdrawal of rebel forces is due to be completed by Tuesday, the head of the UN redeployment committee, General Michael Lollesgaard, said in a statement. The UN Security Council is due to hear a briefing on Hodeida on Wednesday. The head of the rebels' Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed Ali al-Huthi, pledged that fighters would start pulling back at 10:00 am (0700 GMT) in a bid to restart the stalled ceasefire deal with the government. Story continues He accused the government of delaying a parallel pullback from parts of the city of Hodeida that it had pledged to make under a December truce. "The (rebel) army and committees are withdrawing unilaterally as a result of the refusal of the countries of the US-British-Saudi-Emirati aggression and their allies to implement the accord," the rebel leader said on Twitter. The agreement last year in Sweden was hailed as a breakthrough that offered the best chance so far of ending the war in Yemen, where a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is fighting on the government's side. But although the fighting has largely stopped, there have been intermittent clashes and the promised redeployment of the warring parties away from the front lines has failed to materialise. Yemen's information minister demanded joint verification of the promised rebel withdrawal. "We... warn of attempts by the militia to mislead the international community and the (UN) Security Council before the next meeting," Moammer al-Eryani tweeted. He said any unilateral redeployment by the rebels without control and joint verification "cannot be accepted." - Untapped grain stocks - Nearly all goods pass through Hodeida and the main storage and distribution centre for imported grain lies in government-held territory on the city's outskirts. The silos of the Red Sea Mills currently contain some 51,000 tonnes of grain -- enough to feed 3.7 million people for a month -- but it has gone unused since the fighting forced the UN to withdraw its staff in September. The mills came under renewed fire on Thursday with two silos hit, one of them containing wheat, the UN said. The military coalition intervened in March 2015 when President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi fled into Saudi exile after the rebels took swathes of the country. Yemen's conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say. The fighting has triggered what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 24.1 million -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in need of aid. 655 Eden Park Drive. | Photos: Zumper Curious just how far your dollar goes in Cincinnati? We've rounded up the latest rental offerings via rental site Zumper to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to scoring a rental in Cincinnati if you're on a budget of $1,000/month. Take a look at the listings, below. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 655 Eden Park Drive (Walnut Hills) Listed at $999/month, this 660-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom is located at 655 Eden Park Drive. The unit offers in-unit laundry, hardwood floors and a walk-in closet. Building amenities include garage parking, a fitness center and secured entry. Pet owners, take heed: cats and dogs are welcome. According to Walk Score, this location is somewhat walkable, isn't particularly bikeable and has good transit options. (See the complete listing here.) 4960 Ridge Ave., #610 (Oakley) Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment situated at 4960 Ridge Ave., #610. It's listed for $995/month. In the unit, anticipate air conditioning and carpeted floors. Neither cats nor dogs are welcome. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. According to Walk Score, this location isn't very walkable, is somewhat bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options. (See the complete listing here.) 1435 Main St. (Over-The-Rhine) Check out this 500-square-foot studio that's located at 1435 Main St. It's also listed for $995/month. In the unit, you'll find hardwood floors and central heating and air conditioning. Pet lovers are in luck: cats and dogs are welcome. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. According to Walk Score, the surrounding area is extremely walkable, is convenient for biking and has excellent transit. (Check out the complete listing here.) Story continues 2101 Grandin Road (Hyde Park) Last but not least, located at 2101 Grandin Road, here's a 523-square-foot studio that's listed for $966/month. In the unit, you can expect a mix of hardwood and carpeted floors, in-unit laundry and a balcony. The building offers a fitness center, garage parking and a swimming pool. Good news for animal lovers: both dogs and cats are allowed here. According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is car-dependent, has some bike infrastructure and has a few nearby public transportation options. (See the complete listing here.) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. 3575 Linwood Ave., #3. | Photos: Zumper According to rental site Zumper, median rents for a one-bedroom in Cincinnati are hovering around $745. But how does the low-end pricing on a Cincinnati rental look these days and what might you get for your money? We took a look at local listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments to find out what budget-minded apartment seekers can expect to find. Read on for the cheapest listings available right now. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 2745 Harrison Ave. Listed at $575/month, there's this 593-square-foot with one bedroom and one bathroom at 2745 Harrison Ave. in Westwood. In the unit, expect a mix of hardwood and carpeted floors. When it comes to building amenities, expect assigned parking and on-site management. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee, but there is a $99 deposit. According to Walk Score's assessment, this location requires a car for most errands, isn't particularly bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options. (See the listing here.) 2888 Harrison Ave. Next up is this 545-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom, located at 2888 Harrison Ave. in Westwood and also listed for $575/month. The building features assigned parking and on-site management. In the unit, expect a balcony. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental, but there is a $99 deposit. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is moderately walkable, isn't particularly bikeable and has some transit options. (Here's the listing.) 2156 Karla Ave. And here's a one-bedroom, one-bathroom at 2156 Karla Ave. in South Fairmount, which, with 490 square feet, is going for $585/month. The building offers assigned parking. In the unit, anticipate carpeted floors. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee, but there is a $99 deposit. Story continues According to Walk Score, the surrounding area requires a car for most errands, has minimal bike infrastructure and has some transit options. (Check out the listing here.) 3820 Boudinot Ave. Listed at $599/month, this 510-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom is located at 3820 Boudinot Ave. in Westwood. The building offers assigned parking. In the unit, you'll find a balcony. Pets are not allowed. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental, but there is a $99 deposit. According to Walk Score's assessment, the area around this address requires a car for most errands, has minimal bike infrastructure and has a few nearby public transportation options. (Check out the complete listing here.) 3575 Linwood Ave., #3 Finally, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment at 3575 Linwood Ave., #3 in Mt. Lookout. It's being listed for $625/month. In the unit, look for central heating and air conditioning and hardwood flooring. Neither cats nor dogs are permitted. Amenities offered in the building include assigned parking and storage. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. Per Walk Score ratings, this location is car-dependent, is somewhat bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options. (Here's the full listing.) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. 2761 St. Johns Ave., #8. | Photos: Zumper Curious just how far your dollar goes in Jacksonville? We've rounded up the latest rental listings via rental site Zumper to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to scoring housing in Jacksonville with a budget of $900/month. Read on for the listings. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 2761 St. Johns Ave., #8 (Riverside) Listed at $900/month, this 833-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom condo is located at 2761 St. Johns Ave., #8. In the unit, you can anticipate air conditioning, hardwood flooring and stainless steel appliances. When it comes to building amenities, you'll get on-site laundry. Pets are not permitted. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is moderately walkable and has some bike infrastructure. (Take a look at the complete listing here.) 4540 Astral St. (Murray Hill) Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment situated at 4540 Astral St. It's also listed for $900/month for its 576 square feet of space. Unit amenities include both central heating and air conditioning, along with in-unit laundry. The building offers garage parking and storage space. Cats and dogs are not welcome. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. Walk Score indicates that the area around this address is somewhat walkable and is fairly bikeable. (Take a gander at the complete listing here.) 3919 Bell Tower Drive, #1 (San Jose) Here's an 845-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom residence at 3919 Bell Tower Drive, #1, that's going for $900/month. In the unit, you can expect tile floors and a patio. Amenities offered in the building include outdoor space, a swimming pool and a fitness center. Pets are not permitted. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. Story continues Per Walk Score ratings, this location is somewhat walkable and is relatively bikeable. (Check out the complete listing here.) 2900 Florida A1A (North Beach) Next, check out this 625-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom that's located at 2900 Florida A1A. It's listed for $900/month. The building features a roof deck, a fitness center and a swimming pool. In the unit, you'll find air conditioning, high ceilings and a balcony. For those with furry friends in tow, know that cats and dogs are welcome on this property. According to Walk Score, the surrounding area is car-dependent and is relatively bikeable. (Check out the complete listing here.) 653 Monument Road (Regency) Located at 653 Monument Road, here's a 629-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom that's listed for $900/month. The building offers storage space, secured entry and a swimming pool. In the unit, you can expect air conditioning, high ceilings and a fireplace. Good news for animal lovers: both dogs and cats are permitted here. According to Walk Score's assessment, the surrounding area is car-dependent and is relatively bikeable. (See the complete listing here.) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. 252 N. Lauderdale St. | Photos: Zumper Curious just how far your dollar goes in Memphis? We've rounded up the latest rental listings via rental site Zumper to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to scoring housing in Memphis if you've got $800/month earmarked for your rent. Take a peek at what rentals the city has to offer, below. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 175 Stonewall St. (Midtown) Listed at $795/month, this 515-square-foot studio is located at 175 Stonewall St. in Midtown. The building offers assigned parking in a gated, secure area. In the apartment, you'll get high ceilings, big closets and interior French doors. Luckily for pet owners, both dogs and cats are allowed, and there is a leash-free pet park adjacent to the building. There isn't a leasing fee associated with this rental. According to Walk Score, this location is quite walkable and is convenient for biking. (Take a look at the complete listing here.) 1387 Central Ave. (Midtown) Next, there's this studio located at 1387 Central Ave. in Midtown. It's listed for $795/month for its 605 square feet of space, and rent includes utilities. The apartment offers in-unit laundry, and building amenities include assigned, controlled access parking, a heated indoor swimming pool, a residents lounge and a 24-hour fitness center. Good news for animal lovers: both dogs and cats are welcome here. There's no leasing fee required for this rental. According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is somewhat walkable and is relatively bikeable. (Take a gander at the complete listing here.) 3605 Mynders Ave. (East Memphis-Colonial-Yorkshire) Next, check out this one-bedroom, one-bathroom that's located at 3605 Mynders Ave. It's listed for $750/month. In the unit, which is within walking distance of University of Memphis campus, you'll find a dishwasher as well as a full washer and dryer . Animals are not allowed. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. Story continues According to Walk Score, the area around this address is moderately walkable and is bikeable. (Check out the complete listing here.) 252 N. Lauderdale St. Next, there's this studio over at 252 N. Lauderdale St. It's listed for $720/month for its 470 square feet of space. In the unit, there are hardwood floors, a dishwasher, in-unit laundry, air conditioning and a balcony. Building amenities include an elevator, an outdoor space, a swimming pool and a fitness center. Pet owners are in luck: cats and dogs are welcome. Per Walk Score ratings, this location is quite walkable and is convenient for biking. (Take a gander at the complete listing here.) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. 1514 42nd St. | Photos: Zumper Curious just how far your dollar goes in Sacramento? We've rounded up the latest rental listings via rental site Zumper to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to locating a rental in Sacramento if you're on a budget of $1,400/month. Read on for the listings. (Note: prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 2711 E St., #6 (New Era Park) Listed at $1,400/month, this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is located at 2711 E St., #6. Assigned parking is listed as a building amenity. In the unit, the listing promises air conditioning, carpeted floors and in-unit laundry. Animals are not welcome. Per Walk Score ratings, the area around this address is somewhat walkable, is a "biker's paradise" and has a few nearby public transportation options. (Check out the complete listing here.) 1514 42nd St. (East Sacramento) Next, there's this studio spot situated at 1514 42nd St. It's listed for $1,395/month. The building boasts garage parking and on-site management. In the furnished unit, there is in-unit laundry. Pet owners, inquire elsewhere: this spot doesn't allow cats or dogs. The rental doesn't require a leasing fee. According to Walk Score's assessment, the surrounding area is somewhat walkable, is quite bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options. (See the complete listing here.) 3300 J St. (East Sacramento) Finally, check out this 900-square-foot one-bedroom, one-bathroom that's located at 3300 J St. It's also listed for $1,395/month. In the unit, you'll find hardwood floors, a walk-in closet and a balcony. When it comes to building amenities, expect garage parking and extra storage space. This spot allows cats. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. According to Walk Score's assessment, the surrounding area is quite walkable, is great for biking and has a few nearby public transportation options. (See the complete listing here.) This story was created automatically using local real estate data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez quietly made history on Friday, becoming the youngest woman to ever preside over the House of Representatives. The freshman congresswoman, a 29-year-old Democrat who represents New Yorks 14th congressional district, took up Speaker Nancy Pelosis chair and ran the chamber for about an hour, Reuters reported. Members of Congress who temporarily preside over the House (called serving as the speaker pro-tempore) are expected to maintain order and decorum and ensure that the House rules are followed. Members of the House majority periodically take turns presiding over the chamber during day-to-day business. On Friday, Ocasio-Cortez presided over a period known as special orders, a proceeding where individual congress members give speeches about a topic of their choice for up to 60 minutes. Although the session wasnt the most dramatic moment in congressional history, Ocasio-Cortez said that she still found it to be exciting. That was my first time presiding. And its exciting. Its certainly a view. I wish we could, I wish we were allowed to take photos, Ocasio-Cortez told reporters afterwards, according to Reuters. She later tweeted that she was grateful to her congressional district, and said that she viewed her position in congress as a sacred privilege + responsibility. Today I presided over the House floor for the first time. Every day here is a sacred privilege + responsibility entrusted to me by my community. I never forget that, and moments like these drive it home. Thank you to the people of NY14 + beyond. This House belongs to all of us. https://t.co/EPW5vP3lrP Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 10, 2019 Ocasio-Cortez has become a prominent voice for the partys progressive contingent since she became the youngest woman elected to Congress last fall, and has become well-known for her social media presence. She has advocated for taxing the wealthy and pushed for aggressive measures to combat climate change. Golden State Warriors center DeMarcus Cousins is "on course" to return from a partially torn quadriceps muscle sometime during the Western Conference Finals, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times. "Another reward for the victorious Warriors: League sources say that DeMarcus Cousins -- if he maintains his recent progress from a torn quad -- is on course to make a return to the Warriors' active roster during the Western Conference finals," Stein tweeted on Saturday after the Warriors eliminated the Houston Rockets with a 118-113 win in Game 6. Cousins said earlier this week that he anticipated returning for the Warriors, who lost star forward Kevin Durant to a right calf strain in Game 5. "For me, my goal is I ain't planning on sitting," Cousins told The Undefeated on Monday. "I don't know the reality of it. But for me, that is not what I'm planning on doing. ... It's definitely some type of bad movie. But I think it will have a very nice ending. Just wait for it." Cousins, a six-time All-Star who has started taking part in light shooting drills, tore the quad muscle in his left leg in Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers on April 15, but the injury did not require surgery. The Warriors announced then that Cousins would be sidelined indefinitely and would begin rehabilitation immediately, but he was not ruled out for the rest of the playoffs. "I was confident from the beginning once they told me the severity of it," Cousins said. "Talking to the doctors helped me understand the injury a little more. I started analyzing things and playing it out in my head. I'm going to take it day by day and work my (tail) off like I always do. ... "Obviously, I was (a) little more relieved that it wasn't anything catastrophic like I've dealt with before. It sucks to be injured anyway on top of that. The timing of it really (messed) me up the most. It's a part of this game, man. I'm not the first. I won't be the last." Story continues Cousins made his Warriors' debut on Jan. 18 against the Clippers. That came after almost a year of recuperating from a ruptured left Achilles tendon he suffered playing for the New Orleans Pelicans against the Houston Rockets on Jan. 26, 2018. He then was injured again while trying to run down a loose ball 3 1/2 minutes into the Warriors' eventual 135-131 playoff loss to the Clippers. --Field Level Media Following is a summary of current US domestic news briefs. Pentagon to transfer $1.5 billion to border wall from Afghan forces, other areas Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has approved the transfer of $1.5 billion to build more than 80 miles (130 km)of barriers on the border with Mexico, U.S. officials said on Friday, including taking about $600 million from an account meant for Afghan security forces. The latest move was opposed by congressional Democrats, who also criticized a March transfer of $1 billion in military money to fund Republican President Donald Trump's wall. A quarter of Americans don't trust Census on citizenship: Reuters/Ipsos poll The Trump administration has repeatedly assured Americans that it will not use data from a proposed citizenship question on the 2020 Census to target undocumented immigrants. But more than a quarter of Americans don't believe it, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. That skepticism could have serious implications for the accuracy of the decennial count, according to demographers, activists, local governments and corporations who say it will prompt millions of residents https://reut.rs/2uoFSNK to skip the survey out of fear their participation will result in deportation. 'Golden Spike' event marks 150th anniversary of Transcontinental Railroad Thousands of visitors, many of them train enthusiasts, are expected to crowd onto a remote bluff in northern Utah for a day of speeches, music and a historical re-enactment marking the 150th anniversary of the first U.S. Transcontinental Railroad. The three-day "Golden Spike" celebration opens on Friday at Promontory Summit, 66 miles (106 km) northwest of Salt Lake City, where the Central Pacific Railroad from the west was joined to the Union Pacific Railroad from the east on May 10, 1869. Exclusive: Philip Morris suspends social media campaign after Reuters exposes young 'influencers' Cigarette maker Philip Morris International Inc has suspended a global social media marketing campaign in response to Reuters inquiries into the companys use of young online personalities to sell its new "heated tobacco" device, including a 21-year-old woman in Russia. The company's internal "marketing standards" prohibit it from promoting tobacco products with youth-oriented celebrities or "models who are or appear to be under the age of 25." Story continues North Carolina man charged with 1985 murder of top Hollywood director A North Carolina man has been charged in the long-unsolved murder of a top Hollywood television director and world-class bridge player who was found slain at his Los Angeles home in 1985, prosecutors said on Friday. The arrest came after more than three decades of mystery surrounding the bludgeoning and strangulation death of Barry Crane, known for his work in the 1960s, '70s and '80s on such hit shows as "Dallas," "Mission: Impossible" and "Hawaii Five-O." Months before shooting, parent warned Colorado school could be next 'Columbine' Five months before Tuesday's deadly shooting at a Colorado school, a district official urged the school's director to investigate allegations of student bullying and violence by a parent who feared they could lead to the next "Columbine." In a Dec. 19 letter to the director of the STEM School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the district official said the anonymous parent raised "concerns about student violence due to a high-pressure environment" and referred to the massacre at a nearby school in 1999. Americans' support for impeaching Trump rises: Reuters/Ipsos poll The number of Americans who said President Donald Trump should be impeached rose 5 percentage points to 45 percent since mid-April, while more than half said multiple congressional probes of Trump interfered with important government business, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Thursday. The opinion poll, conducted on Monday, did not make clear whether investigation-fatigued Americans wanted House of Representatives Democrats to pull back on their probes or press forward aggressively and just get impeachment over with. Teens accused of deadly Colorado school shooting face charges next week The two Colorado teenagers accused of opening fire with handguns at their Denver-area charter school this week, killing one classmate and wounding eight others, are due to face formal charges in court next week, authorities said on Friday. Devon Erickson, 18, and Alec McKinney, 16, who was listed on the court docket by the name Maya Elizabeth McKinney but who identifies as male, were both arrested on suspicion of a single count of first-degree murder and 29 counts of attempted murder immediately after Tuesday's shooting. Lawyer for Nipsey Hussle's accused killer withdraws after threats Prominent defense attorney Chris Darden, a onetime member of the O.J. Simpson prosecution team who was representing the accused killer of Los Angeles rapper-activist Nipsey Hussle, withdrew from the case on Friday, citing threats against his family. Darden had been defending Eric Ronald Holder, 29, who pleaded not guilty on April 4 to charges of killing the Grammy Award-nominated rapper and was ordered held on $5 million bail. Parents of Illinois boy found in grave plead not guilty to murder The parents of a boy whose body was found wrapped in plastic near his Illinois home pleaded not guilty on Friday to murder and other charges stemming from his death, according to court documents. Joann Cunningham and Andrew Freund, the parents of 5-year-old Andrew "AJ" Freund, were arrested last month when police found his body in a shallow grave near his hometown of Crystal Lake. Following is a summary of current US domestic news briefs. Pentagon to transfer $1.5 billion to border wall from Afghan forces, other areas Acting U.S. Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has approved the transfer of $1.5 billion to build more than 80 miles (130 km)of barriers on the border with Mexico, U.S. officials said on Friday, including taking about $600 million from an account meant for Afghan security forces. The latest move was opposed by congressional Democrats, who also criticized a March transfer of $1 billion in military money to fund Republican President Donald Trump's wall. A quarter of Americans don't trust Census on citizenship: Reuters/Ipsos poll The Trump administration has repeatedly assured Americans that it will not use data from a proposed citizenship question on the 2020 Census to target undocumented immigrants. But more than a quarter of Americans don't believe it, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. That skepticism could have serious implications for the accuracy of the decennial count, according to demographers, activists, local governments and corporations who say it will prompt millions of residents https://reut.rs/2uoFSNK to skip the survey out of fear their participation will result in deportation. 'Golden Spike' event marks 150th anniversary of Transcontinental Railroad Thousands of visitors, many of them train enthusiasts, are expected to crowd onto a remote bluff in northern Utah for a day of speeches, music and a historical re-enactment marking the 150th anniversary of the first U.S. Transcontinental Railroad. The three-day "Golden Spike" celebration opens on Friday at Promontory Summit, 66 miles (106 km) northwest of Salt Lake City, where the Central Pacific Railroad from the west was joined to the Union Pacific Railroad from the east on May 10, 1869. North Carolina man charged with 1985 murder of top Hollywood director A North Carolina man has been charged in the long-unsolved murder of a top Hollywood television director and world-class bridge player who was found slain at his Los Angeles home in 1985, prosecutors said on Friday. The arrest came after more than three decades of mystery surrounding the bludgeoning and strangulation death of Barry Crane, known for his work in the 1960s, '70s and '80s on such hit shows as "Dallas," "Mission: Impossible" and "Hawaii Five-O." Story continues Months before shooting, parent warned Colorado school could be next 'Columbine' Five months before Tuesday's deadly shooting at a Colorado school, a district official urged the school's director to investigate allegations of student bullying and violence by a parent who feared they could lead to the next "Columbine." In a Dec. 19 letter to the director of the STEM School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, the district official said the anonymous parent raised "concerns about student violence due to a high-pressure environment" and referred to the massacre at a nearby school in 1999. Securing the U.S. middle class may depend on college. Does a degree still pay off? Even at the worst of the 2007 to 2009 recession the unemployment rate for college degree holders barely reached 5 percent, half of what the less educated faced and proof of the value of higher education. The rest of the story: student loans have topped $1.5 trillion, much of that accumulated in the last decade. That debt load may be eroding the well-documented returns to education and confounding the idea that college remains a sure path to the middle class, researchers at a Federal Reserve conference said this week. Americans' support for impeaching Trump rises: Reuters/Ipsos poll The number of Americans who said President Donald Trump should be impeached rose 5 percentage points to 45 percent since mid-April, while more than half said multiple congressional probes of Trump interfered with important government business, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Thursday. The opinion poll, conducted on Monday, did not make clear whether investigation-fatigued Americans wanted House of Representatives Democrats to pull back on their probes or press forward aggressively and just get impeachment over with. Teens accused of deadly Colorado school shooting face charges next week The two Colorado teenagers accused of opening fire with handguns at their Denver-area charter school this week, killing one classmate and wounding eight others, are due to face formal charges in court next week, authorities said on Friday. Devon Erickson, 18, and Alec McKinney, 16, who was listed on the court docket by the name Maya Elizabeth McKinney but who identifies as male, were both arrested on suspicion of a single count of first-degree murder and 29 counts of attempted murder immediately after Tuesday's shooting. Lawyer for Nipsey Hussle's accused killer withdraws after threats Prominent defense attorney Chris Darden, a onetime member of the O.J. Simpson prosecution team who was representing the accused killer of Los Angeles rapper-activist Nipsey Hussle, withdrew from the case on Friday, citing threats against his family. Darden had been defending Eric Ronald Holder, 29, who pleaded not guilty on April 4 to charges of killing the Grammy Award-nominated rapper and was ordered held on $5 million bail. Parents of Illinois boy found in grave plead not guilty to murder The parents of a boy whose body was found wrapped in plastic near his Illinois home pleaded not guilty on Friday to murder and other charges stemming from his death, according to court documents. Joann Cunningham and Andrew Freund, the parents of 5-year-old Andrew "AJ" Freund, were arrested last month when police found his body in a shallow grave near his hometown of Crystal Lake. Following is a summary of current world news briefs. Hostages freed in Burkina Faso offer condolences for fallen French commandos Hostages freed by French commandos from militants in Burkina Faso offered their condolences on Saturday to the families of the two French soldiers killed in the rescue operation. In a daring raid over the night of Thursday to Friday, French special forces liberated two Frenchmen kidnapped in neighboring Benin more than a week earlier as well as an American woman and a South Korean woman who were being held with them. UK's Labour vows to more than double youth minimum wage A future Labour government would more than double the minimum wage in Britain for workers under the age of 18 to 10 pounds an hour, its leader said on Saturday, stepping up his campaign over the cost of living. Jeremy Corbyn told a party gathering that employers should not be allowed to exploit younger workers and vowed to bring the salaries of those under 18 in line with the broader workforce. Magnitude 5.3 earthquake strikes near Iraq's Sulaimaniya: USGS A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck near the Iraqi Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya on Saturday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. Local medics said no injuries were reported and officials said there was no significant material damage. USGS said the quake occurred 71 km southeast of the city at a depth of 10 km. Britain's May should set resignation date next week: senior lawmaker British Prime Minister Theresa May should set a date for her departure next week when she meets leaders of an influential group of Conservative lawmakers to address her future, the group's chairman said on Saturday. Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, which can make or break party leaders, told BBC Radio that May had been asked to give "clarity" at next Wednesday's meeting after she failed to get her Brexit deal through parliament, leaving the government in a state of limbo. Story continues Malta rescues 85 migrants from sinking boat A Maltese patrol boat rescued a group of 85 migrants late on Friday night and will bring them to Malta on Saturday morning, the Armed Forces said. The migrants, believed to be from North and Eastern Africa, were in a sinking wooden boat, the army said. Taliban fighters double as reporters to wage Afghan digital war Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's chief spokesman and editor-in-chief of the insurgent group's daily news bulletin, starts every day by collecting reports of overnight fighting with U.S. and Afghan forces. Mujahid says he gets his team of writers to cross-check facts shared by some of the hardline Islamist groups fighters, who double as reporters in the 34 provinces across the country. The writers prepare press statements in five languages and gather footage and photographs shot on smartphones. Yemen's Houthis begin withdrawal from Hodeidah ports in boost to peace deal Yemen's Houthi movement on Saturday started withdrawing forces from Saleef port in Hodeidah under a U.N.-sponsored deal that had been stalled for months, a Reuters witness said, reviving hopes for peace efforts to end the four-year war. The move, which has yet to be verified by the U.N. and accepted by the Saudi-led coalition, is the first major step in implementing the pact reached last year by the Saudi-backed government and the Iran-aligned Houthis for a truce and troop withdrawal in Hodeidah, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis. ANC keeps power in South Africa but scandals cost it votes The African National Congress retained control of South Africa's parliament but its share of the vote fell, a rebuke from voters fed up with corruption scandals and racial inequalities that remain entrenched a generation after the party took power. Provisional results on Saturday showed the ruling party secured 57.51% of the votes in Wednesday's general election. The main opposition party Democratic Alliance (DA) picked up 20.76% and the leftist Economic Freedom Fighters garnered 10.79%, the Independent Electoral Commission said on its website. Islamic State claims 'province' in India for first time after clash in Kashmir Islamic State (IS) claimed for the first time that it has established a "province" in India, after a clash between militants and security forces in the contested Kashmir region killed a militant with alleged ties to the group. IS's Amaq News Agency late on Friday announced the new province, that it called "Wilayah of Hind," in a statement that also claimed IS inflicted casualties on Indian army soldiers in the town of Amshipora in the Shopian district of Kashmir. Hong Kong legislators brawl over contentious extradition law Scuffles broke out in Hong Kong's legislature on Saturday between pro-democracy lawmakers and those loyal to Beijing over an extradition law that will extend Beijing's powers over the financial hub. One person was taken to hospital. Charles Krupa/AP/Shutterstock As Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election was concluding, Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trumps personal attorney for the probe and other legal woes, landed a new client: the Kingdom of Bahrain. On Thursday, the former New York City mayor confirmed to The Daily Beast that his security and consulting firm, Giuliani Security and Safety, had officially secured a contract with the Gulf nations Ministry of Interior to help train their police force. They are contracting with my company to do security consulting for them, with specific emphasis on things that appear to be perpetrated by terroristsspecifically in regard to [alleged] terrorist acts perpetrated in large part by Iran or Iranian proxies, Giuliani said in an interview. Talks between Giulianis global security services company and the government in Bahrain began in August or September 2018, he said. They took place even as Giuliani was representing President Trump as the Mueller investigation was ongoing, and while he was serving as one of President Trumps more regular advisers and confidants. Giuliani is still working as the president's lawyer, even though the redacted Mueller report has been delivered to the Department of Justice and made public. While the Bahraini government was enlisting Giuliani for help with its police force, it was also attempting to influence Trump administration policy. Bahrain officially employs half a dozen lobbying and public-relations firms in the United States, according to the Justice Departments database of registered foreign agents. They work on issues ranging from counterterrorism efforts to trade and foreign investment promotion to more vaguely defined advocacy and public affairs initiatives. Specific goals in Washington, D.C., include stepping up military cooperation and an effort to win an exemption to Trump administration steel and aluminum tariffs. Bahrains Ministry of Interior did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Story continues Giuliani was spotted in Bahrain last December at a royal palace in Manama, meeting with the king of the critical U.S. ally in the Middle East. At the time, the Bahrain News Agency, a government-run news service, reported that Giuliani and King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa talked about Bahraini-U.S. relations, and characterized Trumps personal lawyer as the leader of a high-level US delegation. The New York Times reported on that visit in December, and indicated that Giuliani was seeking business with the Bahraini government. But the official establishment of that business relationship has not been previously reported. Asked by The Daily Beast if he and the king discussed Trump during their December photo op, Giuliani said, I cant recall, and insisted that the discussion was pretty strictly for us [to] train the police. Giuliani said that his firms official work with Bahrain doesnt involve any lobbying, and doesnt involve giving policy advice or legal work. I never discussed Bahrain with anybody in the [Trump] administration including the president, he said. [Our] contract has clauses in it that say no lobbying, no foreign representation I provide you a service. I dont get involved in trying to solve your problems with the U.S. government. Giuliani did not provide The Daily Beast with a copy of the contract as of press time. In his role as a member of President Trumps outside legal team, Giuliani isnt a government employee and thus not bound by laws that bar U.S. government officials (including White House attorneys) from simultaneously working for a foreign government. Still, the distinction hasnt stopped government ethicists and watchdogs from calling into question the virtue of Giulianis foreign work, and pursuit of work in several countries, as he holds such a close working and personal relationship with President Trump. Giuliani getting paid by a repressive foreign government while he acts as the presidents personal attorney and advisor looks really bad, said Brendan Fischer, the director of federal reforms at the Campaign Legal Center. Even if Giuliani's contract with Bahrain doesnt include lobbying, it is easy to imagine that the Bahraini government anticipates that giving money to the presidents close advisor is going to help Bahrain promote its interests inside the White House. Giulianis work for could raise additional eyebrows owing to the countrys highly-criticized human rights record, which has included brutally suppressing protesters and political opposition, allegations of torture committed by the police, and stripping activists of their citizenship. Asked about this track record, Giuliani said he views Bahrain as one of the more progressive Muslim countries, and that I actually think theyre one of the better Gulf countries on human rights, citing the number of women elected to parliament, for instance. Giulianis work abroad has been a commonand routinely controversialfeature of his time within Trumps inner sanctum. In addition to scoring a contract with Bahrain, the presidents lawyer has plans to travel to Ukraine on Sunday morning to help encourage investigators in the country to look into both the origins of the Mueller probe and dealings involving Joe Biden. As The New York Times reported, Giuliani has been actively seeking information on the involvement of Hunter Biden, the former vice presidents son, in an energy company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. In the Obama era, the former vice president had pushed for the ouster of a Ukrainian prosecutor whose office controlled the investigations of the company, on which Hunter Biden sat on the board. Giuliani, the president, and various sectors of conservative and pro-Trump media have framed this as the next big Democratic scandal to emerge in a presidential race, on par with Hillary Clintons emails. However, a Bloomberg story published this week said that a former Ukrainian official and official documents had presented a timeline that undercut the notion that Biden had intervened on his sons behalf. Im doing this as part of my role as the presidents lawyer to follow up on [leads], Giuliani told The Daily Beast. This is what a defense lawyer doesIm going after it like a hound dog. Trumps attorney also noted that hes been briefing the president on his progress, and that theyve had multiple conversations on the topic, though he wouldnt go into further detail. Giuliani did say that, based on their private chats, he believed he had the full blessing of President Trump to pursue this private investigationone now explicitly designed to yield potentially damaging information on one of the presidents a top 2020 challengers. The president has expressed the same level of interest in this that hes expressed in the Steele affidavit, he said. Im just trying to investigate this and trying to figure this all out. I dont have electronic surveillance, or a grand jury. Im having too much fun, Giuliani added, letting out a couple of chuckles. One day, Im gonna have to go back to boring lawyer work. Read more at The Daily Beast. Russiagate has always been a political narrative masquerading as a federal investigation. Its objective, plain and simple, has been twofold: first, to hamstring Donald Trumps capacity to press the agenda on which he ran (immigration enforcement, conservative judicial nominees, deregulation, and a military build-up, along with skepticism about military interventions, free trade, and NATO); and ultimately, to render him unelectable come autumn 2020. Thats it. Thats what FBI agent Peter Strzok so aptly called the insurance policy. Yes, of course, if some grievous misconduct had emerged, something so egregious that Beltway Republicans could chance the wrath of the Trump base by hopping aboard the impeachment train, Democrats might take a shot at removing the president. But that, as they say in the Green New Deal biz, was just aspirational. The real work in the here and now is hardball politics: Hem Trump in. Politicize the intelligence and law-enforcement apparatus. Signal to the public through intelligence leaks and suggestive official public statements that the president was suspected of conspiring with the Kremlin. Convince Trump that using the presidencys arsenal to fight back would just bolster the obstruction case against him. Sic a special counsel on him if he lashed out anyway. Use the investigation as a rationale for slow-walking Trump nominees and for refusing to deal with him on such critical issues as border enforcement. Drive his numbers down. Its working. It had to have been clear to investigators as of late 2017 that there was no collusion case against the president no proof of a conspiracy with the Kremlin to undermine the 2016 election. In September 2017, five months after Robert Mueller took over the Russia investigation, the Justice Department stopped seeking surveillance warrants i.e., it decided to stop peddling the Steele dossier to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. That means the government no longer stood behind the Clinton-campaign-sponsored opposition-research screed, which alleged based on anonymous Russian sources that there was a TrumpPutin conspiracy to undermine the election. Story continues In the months that followed, Mueller returned several indictments. His charges against two sets of Russians indicated that the Kremlin sought no collaboration with Americans; his charges against Trump associates had no connection to Russia. Notwithstanding the absence of proof, though, the collusion investigation continued for over a year, until late March 2019. Is it any wonder, then, that over 40 percent of Americans continue to believe the Trump campaign was in cahoots with Moscow even after the announcement that Mueller concluded there was no TrumpRussia conspiracy? This is an exquisitely planned political campaign. On CNN this week, Jim Comey, former director of the FBI i.e., of the nations domestic security service hinted that, the Mueller report notwithstanding, Russia may very well have leverage over the president. Last year, the former director was more expansively suggestive: The lurid dossier allegation about Trump in a Moscow hotel in 2013 with peeing prostitutes the claim Comey had dismissed as salacious and unverified in sworn Senate testimony might be true after all . . . he just cant say for sure. This is of a piece with former CIA director John Brennans unhinged tweeting since leaving office the nod-and-wink exploitation of his public trust; the implication that if only you knew what he knows from having had access to top-secret information, youd demand that Trump be removed from office. Access to sensitive law-enforcement information and classified intelligence is a trust. It is extended with the understanding that it wont be politicized or used to smear people. Abuse of this privilege mirrors the most objectionable aspect of the Mueller investigation: The abuse of the criminal-justice process converting it into a political weapon to smear a person the government has not charged with crimes. Understand: Congress does not need a prosecutable crime to impeach the president. If House Democrats believe the president has abused his powers so outrageously that he should be stripped of them, they have it within their power to file impeachment articles and trigger a trial in the Senate. Impeachment is a political process. It would be perfectly appropriate for all anti-Trump partisans to make the public case that the president should be removed from office. But the anti-Trump partisans are not going that route. They know theyd lose by a humiliating margin that would strengthen the president. Instead, they are perverting the criminal-justice process they claim Trump has obstructed. With the transparently eager cooperation of Muellers team, they intimate that the president could have been charged and would have been convicted. They suggest that, although not charged, he has not been exonerated, effectively imposing on him the burden to establish his innocence. I dont want the criminal-justice system to be the prism through which we conduct politics. But if you insist on evaluating the presidents conduct as a criminal-justice issue rather than a political impeachment issue, then he is entitled to the presumption of innocence. He is entitled to have the evidence discounted (indeed, it should have been concealed) unless and until he is formally charged. He is entitled to have the burden of proof imposed entirely on the government. For current and former officials who have been involved in the investigation to refrain from charging him, publicize the evidence, and then suggest he is guilty is a willful undermining of the justice process. That is, they are doing what they accuse Trump of doing. They are too smart not to know this. So there is only one conclusion to be drawn: This grandstanding has nothing to do with the law. The point has never been to make a prosecutable legal case against the president. Nor is it to pursue impeachment, though there will be plenty of talk about impeachment. The point is to place the tools of the criminal-justice process in the service of the Democrats 2020 political campaign. The Russia counterintelligence probe, based on the fraudulent projection of a Trump-Putin conspiracy, was always a pretext to conduct a criminal investigation despite the absence of a predicate crime. The criminal investigation, in turn, was always a pretext for congressional impeachment chatter. And the congressional impeachment chatter is a pretext for the real agenda: Making Trump an ineffective president now, and an un-reelectable president 18 months from now. They try to make it look like law. It has always been politics. More from National Review Southwest Airlines updated its family boarding policy after a same-sex Florida couple said they faced discrimination by a boarding agent two years ago. The policy now allows "two adults" to board together with children under 6 during family boarding, instead of "an adult." Here are other rules for other major U.S. carriers, as reported by Fort Myers News-Press, which is part of the USA TODAY Network. American Airlines American Airlines' website says families traveling with children under 2 years old can ask to board early at the gate. Children 2 and older are required to have their own seat, and children under 5 "can't travel alone under any circumstances," the website reads. More: Follow this checklist for traveling with kids to keep them safe and smiling Delta Air Lines Customers traveling with car seats and strollers are eligible for first class/Delta Premium Select boarding order, which is after preboarding and Delta One. A customer service representative said families are not split up during the boarding process, regardless of gender. United Airlines Families with children under the age of 2 are included in preboarding, according to the airlines' website. A media relations representative for United said the airline does not define what a family is. United's website says purchasing advance seat assignments is the best way for families to stay together on flights. "If you dont select your seats in advance, well do our best to find adjoining seats for your family on the same reservation in the cabin you booked a few days before your flight departs," the website reads. "However, available seats may be limited at that time and your family or group may be split." Alaska Airlines Families with children under the age of 2 are including in the preboarding group, according to the airline's website. JetBlue Airways Passengers flying with children in car seats or strollers can board before general boarding but after preboarding and flyers with elite rewards status, according to JetBlue's website. A JetBlue spokesperson said via email that both parents may board with children during the family boarding process. Story continues Spirit Airlines Derek Dombrowski, media relations manager for Spirit Airlines, said there is less urgency to get on board Spirit planes because the airline has assigned seating. "We provide family boarding at the beginning of the boarding process and have no requirements on gender or number of adults," Dombrowski said via email. "The child must be 2 years or younger." Frontier Airlines Families board directly after zone 1/priority boarding, according to Frontier Airlines' website. Allegiant Air Allegiant does not list a specific family boarding policy on its website, but those with car seats or strollers can preboard, said Allegiant spokesperson Sonya Padgett. "However, if a passenger requires extra time to board, we do everything we can to assist them," Padgett noted. "That includes welcoming them during preboarding." Hawaiian Airlines Families with children under 2 are eligible for pre-boarding, according to Hawaiian Airlines' website. Sun Country Airlines Kirsten Wenker, senior communications manager with the Sun Country, said families with infants or small children are invited to board early together. "We also announce at the gate that any families with children in different boarding zones should all board together," Wenker said via email. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: After Southwest Airlines family boarding policy change, here are policies on other airlines The husband of a British bride who died on her honeymoon in Sri Lanka will be kept in the country at least until a formal hearing on the death is held on Wednesday, police said. Khilan Chandaria is not under arrest or facing a charge, but has been stopped from leaving Sri Lanka since his wife Usheila Patel, 31, died on April 25. The bride died just six days after her wedding and two days after the couple checked into a hotel in the resort town of Galle, south of the capital Colombo. The couple's family has told British media that the newlyweds had suffered severe food poisoning. Chandaria, 33, was also taken ill. Police said an inquest hearing will be held on Wednesday when authorities expect toxicology reports ordered by a judicial medical officer. "Chief Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela ordered the government analyst to provide all the necessary reports for the hearing on May 15," a police official in Galle told AFP. The court was holding Chandaria's passport until the magistrate can rule on the cause of death, the police official added. "At the moment, the magistrate has given an open verdict," the officer said referring to term used when the cause and circumstances of a death are unclear. "The body is still in the custody of the judiciary and kept at the Karapitiya hospital morgue." The couple, from London, checked into the Amari Galle resort. Amari spokesman Russell Cool said the couple fell ill after eating, and initially declined medical treatment at a local hospital but asked for help a few hours later. "The couple consumed a light meal prepared by the hotel, as did other guests at the same time and who remain fine," he told AFP. "Also in their possession were other consumable items obtained from outside of the hotel and we have handed these items to the relevant authorities as part of their investigations." Chandaria could not be contacted immediately, but he has told the British media that both of them felt feverish and vomited blood after falling ill. They married on April 19 and arrived in Sri Lanka on April 23, just two days after the Easter bombings at three luxury hotels in Colombo and three churches where 258 people were killed. Wellington (AFP) - The ship at the centre of an environmental disaster near World-Heritage listed waters in the Solomon Islands was refloated Saturday after being stranded on a coral reef for more than three months. The MV Solomon Trader ran aground on February 5 while loading bauxite at Rennell Island, about 240 kilometres (149 miles) south of the capital Honiara. The 225-metre (740-foot) ship was carrying more than 700 tonnes of heavy fuel and leaked a huge amount of oil into the sea, sparking an international effort to contain the spill. "They have been trying to refloat the vessel since Thursday but because of low tide they have not been able to, until today", the chairman of the Solomons National Disaster Council, Melchior Mataki, told AFP. An oil slick more than six kilometres long has spread along the shoreline, destroying the livelihoods of islanders who rely on waters in the ecologically delicate region. Rennell Island is the largest raised coral atoll in the world and includes a UNESCO World Heritage site which extends kilometres out to sea. Authorities have said the site was not affected by the spill, although Mataki said a detailed environmental assessment will be undertaken now that the vessel is out of the way. "There is a preliminary report but the full report will be made known once assessments and investigation findings are compiled properly", he said, adding the government would likely seek compensation for environmental damage. The Australian government had sent salvage experts to assist the response and vowed to help the Solomons make sure those responsible for the spill are held to account. The Hong Kong-registered ship was chartered by Indonesian-based Bintan Mining and was loaded with almost 11,000 tonnes of bauxite at the time of the incident. Swarthmore College has banned Greek life after leaked documents showed one fraternity joked about sexual assault, made anti-LGBTQ remarks and harbored a rape attic in its house. Fraternities and sororities will no longer exist at the College, President Valerie Smith said in a statement Friday, adding, Exclusive, dues-paying social organizations no longer effectively meet the needs of our residential liberal arts environment. The decision follows the release of recommendations from the campus Task Force for Student Social Events and Community Standards, which warned of extremely disturbing misconduct at fraternities, and pushed for the school to stop leasing space to student organizations, calling it inequitable. Smith noted the leases would end, but that Kappa Alpha Theta, the suburban Philadelphia colleges only sorority, will be allowed to continue operating until the end of the spring 2022 semester. However, it is not allowed to bring in new members. Earlier this month, Phi Psi and Delta Upsilon, the only two fraternities at the school, both voluntarily disbanded shortly after Phi Psis leaked documents emerged. The damning 116 pages labeled minute meetings were written between 2013 and 2016 and were given anonymously to two campus publications The Phoenix and Voices. According to The Phoenix, the documents are secondhand recaps of Phi Psi members activities. The revelations sparked outrage among students who staged a sit-in within the organizations house last April. Allegations of racism were also leveled against the fraternity at that time. In a forward-looking end to her statement, Smith asked students to examine how we live up to the aspiration of inclusivity, listen to one another and reject division. Remain in difficult conversations, especially with those with whom we disagree, she said. This work will not be easy, but we will all be the better for it. BEIRUT (AP) Syrian government forces expanded their ground offensive in northwestern Syria, pushing Saturday into the last rebel stronghold and regaining control of a number of villages along its southern corner, activists and media said, despite calls for honoring a cease-fire put in place in September. The pro-government Military Media Center said that troops battled insurgent led by an al-Qaida-linked militant group out of Midan Ghazal village, which falls inside Idlib province. The government ground offensive has so far focused on areas at the southern edge of the rebel stronghold, in the Ghab plains and Hama province. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed troops gained new ground, but said all were in Hama province. The Observatory said government forces are now in control of nine villages forming an L shape at the far southern corner of the rebel stronghold. The villages include the strategic village of Kfar Nabuda and the elevated Qalaat Madiq, giving the government troops advantage over the insurgents. The insurgents launched a failed counteroffensive Friday, aiming to regain control of Kfar Nabudah. On Saturday, Al-Ikhbariya state TV broadcast from inside Kfar Nabudah to confirm the government forces have it under control. An unnamed Syrian army officer told the station the insurgents' counteroffensive included car bombs and suicide attacks. Al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham said it continued to launch missiles at the village and was fighting government troops elsewhere. Airstrikes on villages and towns inside Idlib continued. Fighting in the area, which began on April 30, has been the worst breach of a September cease-fire brokered by Russia and Turkey. Members of the U.N. Security Council urged a return to calm. "We urge all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian," a statement by 11 members of the council said. Russia, China, South Africa and Indonesia didn't support the statement. Over 150,000 people have been displaced by the latest wave of violence inside the enclave , which is home to 3 million people and spans most of Idlib province and part of Hama in the country's northwest corner. The World Food Program said the fighting forced it to suspend aid distribution to over 47,000 people. RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) A few thousand people gathered in the center of Rio de Janeiro Friday to protest against stiff budget cuts imposed by the administration of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro to Brazil's public education sector. Small protests have multiplied in recent days after the Education Ministry announced large budget cuts impacting all sectors of education from early childhood to post-graduate students. Officials say it is part of a wider mandatory effort from all ministries to slash public spending. Universities were hit by a 30% cut of their discretionary expenses, which includes among other things maintenance work and the payment of basic utilities, and future scholarships for master's and PhD students were suspended. The cuts triggered widespread criticism from worried university staff and education experts. Protesters were joined by Fernando Haddad, who ran in the last presidential race backed by the Workers' Party. Haddad was expected to speak at the event later Friday. Since his defeat, the former presidential candidate has rarely been seen participating in protests. Draper Associates founding partner Tim Draper is one of Bitcoins biggest fanboys, often on hand with an attention grabbing quote or two about the cryptocurrency. And he was at it again this week as Bitcoins price broke above $6,000, hitting its highest level since November last year. I am a believer that in four years, something like that, Bitcoin will be a 5% market share of the earth, he told Fox Business. It is a better currency. Its decentralised, open, its transparent. Everybody knows what happens on the blockchain, he added. Starbucks By 2022, people will routinely use Bitcoin in everyday transactions such as buying coffee at Starbucks, Draper claimed earlier this year. In a podcast interview on NBC Bay Areas Sand Hill Road, he said: Bitcoin is one of the greatest technological advances that humanity has ever seen and it can make a bigger change in society than any of us ever imagined. He added: I think when you go to Starbucks to buy a cup of coffee, and you try to pay with dollars, they will laugh at you because you are not using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencyIt will be like the old lady paying out with pennies. But if, as predicted by Draper, a single Bitcoin will be worth $250,000, how can it ever hope to cross over to the mainstream? Is that a problem? he responded. Thats a temporary problem. There is a market for Bitcoin right now. People are buying and selling it and they are buying and selling things and services with it. As it spreads, it will go up in value. And it is spreading. The post Tim Draper doubles down on open and transparent Bitcoin appeared first on Coin Rivet. Fifty years ago this month, one of the signature albums of the 1960s was released by the British rock band The Who. The recording was Tommy, and as a full-on rock opera, it cleared the skies for The Whos ascension to its place among the greatest and most enduring rock bands of all time. Coming in the year 1969, it was along with the Beatles Abbey Road, Led Zeppelins Led Zeppelin II, the Rolling Stones Let It Bleed, David Bowies Space Oddity, and King Crimsons In the Court of the Crimson King the ultimate expression of the upwardly surging creative arc that capped off the decade of the British Invasion. I was only two when Tommy was released, but with four older siblings, I was inundated with LPs of the golden era of rock music. As such, I have a vivid memory of the first time I perused one of my brothers vinyl collections, retreated to my turntable in my room, donned my headphones, and let the needle rest on the first popping groove of side one. For the next 75 minutes, through four sides of the double album, I was treated to a musical kaleidoscope. Beginning with the pounding Overture (complete with French horn) and the paradoxically soothing 1921, and winding its way through Tommys own vibration-land world and then his violent awakening from his fugue state to lead a movement tied to pinball and higher enlightenment, the album is a wonderfully wild ride. For those whove never listened to the album, Pete Townshend, The Whos hard-driving guitarist and composer of most of the bands material, tells the story of Tommy Walker. Heres the way I read it: Hes born while his father is off to war and presumed dead. But when Captain Walker unexpectedly returns in 1921 to find his wife with a lover, he kills the man. Tommy, just a boy, witnesses the murder, but his parents convince him he never saw or heard anything and will tell no one, and the traumatized boy slips into a self-induced deaf, dumb, and blind state. Story continues Fearing he will never know God, his parents try various remedies to snap him out of his mental isolation, but to no avail. As Tommy matures, he becomes renowned for his skill as a pinball player, feeling the vibrations that make him one with the machine, and gaining celebrity. In the process Tommy is abused by his perverted Uncle Ernie and sadistic Cousin Kevin and sent on a mind trip in an attempt to break his spell, courtesy of the sinister Acid Queen. A doctor tells his mother that Tommys ailment isnt physical but psychosomatic . . . all while she notices that her son stares at a mirror, which she sees as the key to his trance. She smashes it in frustration and Tommy comes out of his introverted state to discover he has a following through his pinball exploits. Now considered a guru, he leads a movement of enlightenment and eventually creates a holiday camp. But when he becomes too controlling, his followers ultimately reject him and Tommy retreats back into his deaf, dumb, and blind state. Yes, Tommy is very 1960s. Pinball competitions and psychedelic acid trips are not exactly hallmarks of todays world. But of course, what makes the album so timeless is the music. From great singles such as Pinball Wizard, Im Free, and The Acid Queen to the more intricate musical tapestry and recurring themes laid out in the five-minute overture, this is an album one can, and should, listen to front-to-back in one sitting. While hailed as a triumph by most critics upon its release, Tommy did have its detractors. Some found the theme overly twisted and its ideas of physical and sexual abuse and subjecting children to acid trips just too distasteful. Even at the ripe old age of 23, when he began work on the project, Pete Townshend was not a simple man. It should be noted that to compose songs for the two most disturbing parts of the opera, Cousin Kevin and Fiddle About, Townshend asked bassist John Entwistle to do the honors. Having been sent by his parents to live with a clinically insane grandmother for two years as a child, they brought up too many dark memories better left to his autobiography. Although all members of the band pitched in, Tommy is ultimately a work of Townshends creative genius. But, as with much of The Whos music, it took the right rhythm section in madcap drummer Keith Moon and renowned thunder-fingers bassist John Entwistle to make his demos come alive. And it is Roger Daltreys vocals that give the album serious power. So it all works. Still, Townshend was annoyed by what he thought was Tommys premature release, even as it overshot its April deadline. Feeling it was incomplete, hed intended to overdub some heavier distorted guitar to give certain songs more oomph; one can hear this vision come to fruition in The Whos live performances of the opera, especially in the incredible tour de force Live At Leeds (consistently ranked among the greatest live albums of all time). Although I respect Townshends vision, the musician in me is glad we have two very different presentations of Tommy Walkers story. There is the softer, more acoustically grounded studio version and the heavily distorted live Gibson SG ragers. But now Im just being selfish. So, 50 years old this month, Tommy still excites me and makes me shake my head in wonder at how a group of early twenty-somethings could put out such an exquisite piece of music. But that was par for the course for British rock in the late Sixties. They say they dont make em like they used to, and when it comes to Tommy, theyre right. More from National Review Alex Wong One of President Donald Trumps top allies on Capitol Hill expressed discomfort on Friday with Rudy Giulianis decision to travel to Ukraine in an attempt to dig up dirt on former Vice President Joe Biden. I dont know that he needs to go there and encourage that investigation. Theres plenty thats going on right now with regards to the Ukrainian involvement in a variety of aspects, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), told The Daily Beast. Mr. Giuliani going there, I dont know if that actually will speed up any investigation that has already started. I dont know that hes being helpful or hurtful. The investigation is going to go on at a pace that does not take into account his travel to Ukraine. The comments from Meadows represented a soft rebuke of the presidents lawyer. But it was a rebuke nonetheless, made all the more notable considering that the congressman counts himself among the top backers of the administration. Other congressional Republicans took a different approach to news that Giuliani was planning to travel to Ukraine in hopes of unearthing information on the origins of the Mueller probe and the involvement of Bidens son, Hunter, with an energy company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. Instead of weighing in on the efficacy of the presidents lawyer asking a foreign country for dirt on his potential opponent, they insisted theyd missed the story entirely. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), another Trump booster, told The Daily Beast he had not read the New York Times report on Giuliani, though he had read another Times storylast weeks report that the FBI sent an investigator posing as a private citizen to meet with Trump campaign officials during the 2016 race. Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said he too had not seen the Giuliani story and referred The Daily Beast to his office. As of press time, Hurds office did not say if he had since caught the story, or offered comment on it. Story continues According to the Times, Giuliani is making the trip to Ukraine in hopes of persuading the countrys incoming president to keep pursuing investigations opened by the previous administration and to gather intel on whether Joe Biden tried to push for the ouster of a prosecutor looking into the company on whose board Hunter Biden served. Bloomberg has reported that the timeline of the eventsand official documents pertaining to itundercut the idea that the former VP intervened on his sons behalf. Giuliani was upfront about the motivations for his trip and event acknowledged that it could be seen as ethically dubious. Somebody could say its improper, he told the Times. Im asking them to do an investigation that theyre doing already and that other people are telling them to stop. And Im going to give them reasons why they shouldnt stop it because that information will be very, very helpful to my client, and may turn out to be helpful to my government. While few Republicans were willing to question Giulianis decision to go to Ukraine, Democrats exhibited no such reservations. House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) said at an Axios event on Friday morning that the news just takes your breath away. Imagine in an ordinary world, the lawyer of the president going to a foreign power and trying to encourage them to investigate the family of a political opponent, said Schiff. He said some people might think it's improper. Arguably everyone thinks it's improper. But that's not stopping them. Read more at The Daily Beast. By Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON (Reuters) - China has pledged to stem a flood of the synthetic opioid fentanyl onto America's streets, where it kills thousands of people a month, but U.S. security experts are skeptical about whether Beijing is willing, or even able, to follow through. Ten current and former U.S. officials, congressional sources and China and trade experts told Reuters in interviews that China cooperates only when it believes it will get something in return. In this case, several said, Beijing appears to have offered its help so that it could get the best deal possible from Washington in trade negotiations. "Will they enforce this, or is this just another gesture to be used to secure something they want?" said Robin Cleveland, vice chair of the congressional U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, which monitors the national security impact of bilateral trade and economic ties. "I think they would hope to leverage it in some meaningful way in the context of trade talks," she said. Those trade talks ran into trouble this week with China backtracking on earlier commitments to change its laws in key areas, including intellectual property rights, trade secrets, forced technology transfers, access to financial services and currency manipulation, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing U.S. government and private-sector sources. U.S. President Donald Trump responded to China by vowing to raise tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods from 10 to 25 percent on Friday. Unless resolved in a new round of negotiations, the mounting tensions over trade could derail China's cooperation on fentanyl. "They are not going to do it, the record says, unless they get a trade deal, or we threaten them in the absence of a trade deal," said Derek Scissors, an expert on Sino-U.S. economic relations at the American Enterprise Institute think tank. "They can stop this if they want, but they won't unless they see a deal." An explosion in the use of fentanyl, an opioid painkiller 50 times more potent than heroin, and its analogues has driven the most devastating chapter of America's long-running opioid crisis, U.S. law enforcement agencies say, and China accounts for most of the fentanyl and fentanyl analogues seized. The United States recorded more than 28,000 synthetic opioid-related overdose deaths in 2017, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the majority of them fentanyl-related. Chinese President Xi Jinping promised Trump at a summit in Argentina in December that Beijing would crack down on flows of all fentanyl-related substances. In April, China pledged that from May 1 it would expand the list of narcotics subject to state control to the more than 1,400 known fentanyl analogues, which have a slightly different chemical makeup but are all addictive and potentially deadly, as well as any new ones developed in the future. Fentanyl and all of its analogues are controlled substances subject to strict regulation in the United States. Speaking in Beijing on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China had implemented the change as promised starting from May 1, a move he said had been positively appraised by the United States. "I want to emphasize here that China keeps to its word," he told a daily news briefing. "At the same time, I would also like to point out that the root cause of the U.S. fentanyl problem is not in China." Asked whether there was a link between China's promised increased controls on fentanyl and trade talks with the United States, Geng said: "I don't know what person has such an imagination." China's Ministry of Public Security, National Health Commission and National Medical Products Administration the departments responsible for the new rules did not respond to requests for comment on this story. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. The regulatory change is supposed to shut down the operations of illicit producers and traffickers who advertise and sell fentanyl products on video websites including Google's YouTube and Vimeo, and on the Dark Web. They deliver the drugs to the U.S. market mainly in the mail, through express delivery services or trans-shipping them through Mexico and Canada. Trump hailed the agreement as a major advance in efforts to contain the opioid epidemic. Some U.S. officials who work directly with Chinese law enforcement agencies say they believe Beijing is committed to clamping down. "We see them as a partner we want to work with to effect that change of availability here in the U.S.," said Daniel Baldwin, a senior Drug Enforcement Administration official who was its top representative in Beijing from 2011-2014. The ruling Communist Party's newspaper, the China Daily, covered the plans to expand the controlled substances list last week under the headline, "China, U.S. join hands to fight fentanyl." But even Trump's attorney general, William Barr, has said it is too soon to claim victory. "Whether the Chinese ... actually deliver on it from an enforcement standpoint remains to be seen," Barr testified at a House of Representatives budget hearing in April. PAST FAILURES Beijing has reneged on pacts with Washington before, U.S. experts say. In 2017, the bulk of fentanyl seizures by U.S. Customs and Border Protection came from China, despite an agreement announced in September 2016 by the Obama administration on "enhanced measures" to fight trafficking to the United States. China later said it made no such agreement. China added fentanyl, 24 analogues and two precursors to its narcotics control list beginning in 2015, leading to a sharp reduction in those products. But manufacturers sidestepped the controls by synthesizing new analogues, some of them even more potent and deadly than the original. They will remain legal until China follows through on its promise to control all forms of fentanyl. U.S. law enforcement officials worry China will not be able to fully enforce this new crackdown either, even if it sticks to its promise to try. Its oversight of more than an estimated 400,000 producers and distributors inside vast chemical and pharmaceutical industries is notoriously weak and enforcement agencies are short of inspectors and weakened by corruption, the U.S. experts said. Fentanyl analogues are relatively easy to make and some producers create front companies to sell fentanyl to traffickers, U.S. experts say. Further, experts say, local Communist Party officials are under pressure to hit targets for economic growth and so are often reluctant to shut down any growing businesses, including pharmaceutical firms. Chinese Customs enforcement appears to be even weaker. Officials stopped fewer than a half dozen fentanyl-related shipments in 2016-2017 before they could be shipped out of China, according to Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, a co-chair of the U.S. Senate's Caucus on International Narcotics Control. U.S. officials have found Chinese inaction frustrating. "As sophisticated as China is in their intelligence services, I find it odd that they can't stem the flow of fentanyl from their country," Joshua Skule, the executive assistant director of the FBI's Intelligence Branch, told Reuters before Beijing announced it would control all fentanyl-related substances. China has provided the United States with information that aided in federal indictments of eight Chinese nationals for fentanyl trafficking since 2017. All of the suspects remain at large in China, however, according to a U.S. Congressional Research Service report in December 2018. "There are many, many laws on Chinese books that don't get enforced. It will turn out that enforcement is quite spotty," Scissors said. China's government is committed to making a difference on this case, however, says Daniel Baldwin, who served as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's top representative in Beijing for three years. "We see them as a partner we want to work with to effect that change of availability here in the U.S.," he said. A bipartisan group of senators has introduced a bill to empower Trump to sanction Chinese drug makers and others who knowingly sell synthetic opioids to traffickers. It also would create a commission to monitor flows of the substances from overseas. "We have to make sure they keep their word," said Republican Senator Tom Cotton, a co-sponsor of the legislation. (The story corrects title of FBI official in 37th paragraph.) (Reporting by Jonathan Landay; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard in Beijing; Editing by Kieran Murray and Sonya Hepinstall) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he does not consider North Korea's recent launch of short-range ballistic missiles "a breach of trust." In an interview with Politico, Trump downplayed the missile tests by North Korea, calling them "very standard stuff." "They're short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no," Trump told Politico. North Korea fired two short-range missiles on Thursday, its second such test in less than a week. Trump said he might eventually lose faith in his friendly relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which he has previously described as "very strong." "I mean it's possible that at some point I will, but right now not at all," Trump said. On Thursday, Trump appeared to hold the door open for more talks with North Korea. "The relationship continues ... I know they want to negotiate, they're talking about negotiating. But I don't think they're ready to negotiate," he told reporters. The Pentagon said Thursday's launches consisted of multiple ballistic missiles that flew in excess of 300 km (185 miles) and landed in the ocean. (Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by David Alexander and Rosalba O'Brien) By Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A senior Democratic lawmaker has suggested fines of $25,000 a day for contempt on U.S. officials who stonewall congressional investigations of President Donald Trump and his administration. Expanding on an idea floated days ago by Democrats as a way of putting some teeth into various inquiries of Trump, his turbulent presidency, his family and his business interests, Representative Adam Schiff spoke in two interviews about reviving the "inherent contempt" power of Congress. "We would levy fines on those who are not cooperating," Schiff, the chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Intelligence Committee told Axios in an interview published on Friday. "You could fine someone $25,000 a day until they comply. You can do that. We're looking through the history and studying the law to make sure we're on solid ground," Schiff said. Democrats who control the House have confronted the Republican president and his administration for refusing to cooperate with at least six separate investigations. Republicans have accused Democrats of grandstanding for progressive voters, but even the Republican-controlled Senate Intelligence Committee has subpoenaed the president's son, Donald Trump Jr. Congress can subpoena testimony and documents, then enforce these formal requests by holding recalcitrant subpoena targets in contempt of Congress. At that point, legal options are less clear cut. Congress can ask federal prosecutors to take the matter to court, but legal experts have questioned the effectiveness of this option since prosecutors work for the Justice Department whose top official is appointed by Trump. Congress can go to court itself and ask a judge to step in, but this can be time consuming. Finally, opening an impeachment proceeding adds force to congressional inquiries, but Democratic leaders have been reluctant to take this rare step. Democrats instead are exploring inherent contempt, a dormant, extrajudicial power to arrest, detain and fine that Congress has not used since the 1930s. Schiff talked about reviving inherent contempt and imposing fines on The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC on Thursday. He said such a step by Congress "may be even quicker than the impeachment proceeding or the court proceeding." U.S. Attorney General William Barr, a Trump appointee, has been cited for contempt by the House Judiciary Committee for refusing to hand over an unredacted copy of the Mueller report on Russian election interference and any ties to the 2016 Trump campaign. The administration invoked executive privilege to keep the full Congress from seeing the report. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler raised inherent contempt as a possibility last week. Under inherent contempt, the House sergeant-at-arms can arrest and detain people. Democratic leaders have said they have no plans to revive that power. "It used to be we imprisoned people," Schiff said on MSNBC. "But we could also fine them $25,000 a day until they comply, or some other number." Exactly how that would work is uncertain. Some legal experts have said fines could be imposed, but that it might require passage of enabling legislation by Congress. Trump has openly vowed to fight congressional subpoenas and directed top officials not to comply. On Friday, Nadler said his panel had again issued a subpoena to former White House counsel Don McGahn and that lawmakers expect him to appear May 21 or face being cited for contempt, according to Fox News. (Reporting by Susan Heavey; additional reporting by David Morgan, Mark Hosenball, Sarah N. Lynch, Jan Wolfe and Richard Cowan; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Grant McCool) By Karen Freifeld (Reuters) - Huawei Technologies Co Ltd lawyer James Cole's prior work at the U.S. Department of Justice created conflicts of interest that should disqualify him from defending the Chinese company in a case of alleged bank fraud and sanctions violations, U.S. prosecutors said in a filing on Friday. Last week, the prosecutors filed a motion to disqualify Cole, who served as deputy attorney general, the No. 2 official at the Justice Department, between 2011 and 2015. But the motion was sealed and classified, and prosecutors did not make public the reasons behind the move. "There is a 'substantial risk' that Cole could use 'confidential factual information' obtained while serving as DAG to 'materially advance' Huawei's current defense strategy," the prosecutors said, according to a redacted copy of the U.S. motion filed on Friday in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, New York. Cole was not immediately available for comment. But in a statement Huawei said the U.S. wants to strip the company of counsel of its choice while concealing the facts on why. "The Justice Department's motion to disqualify Jim Cole makes a mockery of the adversarial process," the statement said. "The government has known since 2017 that Mr. Cole represented Huawei in this matter. Now, two years later, not only does the Justice Department seek to strip Huawei of counsel of its choice, but it does so while concealing from Huawei and the public virtually all of the facts on which it bases its motion." The case against Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, has ratcheted up tensions between Beijing and Washington as the world's top two economic powers try to negotiate a trade deal. The company's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, daughter of Huawei's founder, was arrested in Canada in December at the behest of U.S. authorities for her role in the alleged fraud. Meng has said she is innocent and is fighting extradition. Story continues In Friday's filing, U.S. prosecutors said Cole's representation of Huawei poses "irresolvable conflicts of interest." As deputy attorney general, Cole "personally supervised and participated in aspects of" an investigation that caused the conflicts, the prosecutors said in the filing. Details of that probe were redacted, but the filing said the Huawei prosecution is "substantially related" to the matter. The prosecutors said Cole possessed information from his government work related to his Huawei representation that he could not reveal, and this created the risk he would rely on the information in breach his duties to the Justice Department. Secondly, because the nature of the conflict is classified, the prosecutors said, Huawei cannot obtain enough information for them to waive any conflict. The case against Huawei and Meng accuses them of conspiring to defraud HSBC Holdings Plc and other banks by misrepresenting Huaweis relationship with Skycom Tech Co Ltd, a company that operated in Iran, putting the banks at risk of penalties for processing transactions that violated U.S. sanctions laws. Huawei has said Skycom was a local business partner. The United States maintains it was an unofficial subsidiary used to conceal Huaweis Iran business. U.S. authorities claim Huawei used Skycom to obtain embargoed U.S. goods, technology and services in Iran, and to move money via the international banking system. Last month, prosecutors said they planned to use information about Huawei in the case that was obtained through secret surveillance. Cole entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Huawei and its U.S. subsidiary in Brooklyn on March 14. (Reporting by Karen Freifeld; additional reporting by Brendan Pierson; editing by Bill Rigby, Leslie Adler, Cynthia Osterman and Alexandra Hudson) Uber Hits the Market Uber UBER shares finally hit the public markets today and investors were not thrilled to jump into the largest IPO of the year. The stock opened up on the New York Stock Exchange at $42, 6.6% below its IPO price of $45. UBER rallied above $44 temporarily, then broke back down to $41.60 where it closed the day, a 7.56% drop from the IPO price. Uber is the second ride-hailing IPO this year and investors are hesitant to buy this capital hemorrhaging firm after seeing the stock performance of Lyft LYFT over the past month. Lyfts IPO price was $72 and opened up to the public markets above $78 on the hype of the first ride-hailing application service opening up ownership to the public. Since its debut the stock has fallen 30% and continues to dive, being down 7.4% just today. Lyft, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Lyft, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Lyft, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Lyft, Inc. Quote Investors saw Lyfts IPO as a failure to price the security fairly. Investors are much more conservative when assessing the risk/reward balance with Uber. Ride Hailing Battle Both of these firms have a proliferating top line. Lyft has grown sales 150% annually since 2016 while Uber has been able to expand its sales by 71% annually over the same time frame. The issue lies with these companies operating losses, which have not improved. Uber is losing more than $3 billion annually in operations while Lyfts annually deficit has expanded to just under $1 billion in 2018 from the $692 million loss in 2016. The concern with these ride-hailing firms is whether or not they will ever be able to turn a profit. My theory is that this is going to be a race to the end of these companies capital. They are currently pricing these rides in a very competitive environment that is causing them to lose money on a lot of their trips. I ask my Uber/Lyft drivers from time to time how much they are making on this ride and it is typically more than what I am paying. Story continues This counter intuitive discrepancy is because they need to pay these drivers an appropriate amount to attract a sufficient number of drivers, knowing that there is competition between ride-hailing services for drivers. On the other side of the equation, the ride-hailing services need to price competitively to attract riders who are checking multiple services before choosing. This predatory pricing is going to bleed these firms dry until there is only one survivor. Other outcomes include price collusion where these firms decide to play fair and price rides where all firms involved could be profitable or possibly consolidation within the industry. If autonomous cars become commercially viable, that may be the saving grace of this niche industry. Uber Competitive Advantage Uber currently controls a majority of the market share for ride-hailing applications. As of March of this year, Uber controlled 69% of the market, while Lyft has captured 29%. Uber has the brand advantage. You always hear people say Im about to call an Uber or lets just Uber there, etc. even if they are actually using a different service like Lyft. Uber is also an international business operating in 63 countries which gives them a considerable advantage over other competitors. Their total addressable market is extensively larger than the solely domestic players. Uber has a broader portfolio of products than Lyfts pure-play strategy. Ubers portfolio includes UberEats (which I can admit to using at least once a weekend), Uber freight as well as e-bikes and e-scooters. Uber is also at the forefront of autonomous driving which will change the ride-hailing game. Uber is making a big bet on autonomous driving and hopes that it will be the future of the business. This would significantly cut variable costs and allow the company to reach profitability much quicker. This is all under the pretense that Uber can not only create a completely safe and reliable autonomous vehicle but that autonomous vehicles will be legalized in the United States for commercial use. Lyfts Recent Earnings Lyft released earnings on Tuesday of this week and reported its highest sales since inception combined with its worst quarterly loss. LYFT has fallen about 15% since this release and I expect this will continues. A large portion of that loss was due to the substantial increase in R&D spending, which I suspect is being put towards autonomous car development. R&D spending for Q1 was 6.5x the amount they had spent in the prior period. Regardless, even without the increase in R&D spending, this quarter still would have been their biggest loss. This illustrates an inability to scale properly. The more Lyft makes the more they lose, leading me to have very little confidence in their ability to ever be profitable. Take Away This battle between ride-hailing powerhouses, Lyft and Uber, may end up being a fight to the death. The predatory pricing that both firms have put into place is hemorrhaging their funding, and the firm with the largest bankroll is likely to be the victor. As of now, my bets are on Uber to be the survivor of the fittest. Both of these firms have a very similar trailing twelve-month price to sales, right above 7x. I am not sure how much more these stocks will fall before we find a fair value, but as an investor, I would wait until the dust and volatility settles before putting on a position. Biggest Tech Breakthrough in a Generation Be among the early investors in the new type of device that experts say could impact society as much as the discovery of electricity. Current technology will soon be outdated and replaced by these new devices. In the process, its expected to create 22 million jobs and generate $12.3 trillion in activity. A select few stocks could skyrocket the most as rollout accelerates for this new tech. Early investors could see gains similar to buying Microsoft in the 1990s. Zacks just-released special report reveals 7 stocks to watch. The report is only available for a limited time. See 7 breakthrough stocks now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Lyft, Inc. (LYFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Butembo (DR Congo) (AFP) - The UN special representative to DR Congo has blasted rumours that the world body was trying to cash in on an Ebola epidemic that has claimed more than 1,000 lives. Leila Zerrougui, head of the UN mission to the sprawling central African nation, on Friday visited the eastern city of Butembo where she slammed as "sheer madness" local speculation that "there is no illness, that they want to poison us because they are trying to cash in on us." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said additional resources were required to deal with the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some UN teams helping to fight the second deadliest Ebola outbreak on record after the epidemic that killed 11,300 people in West Africa in 2014-2016 have come under attack and even been killed. The epidemic has killed so far 1,105 people of 1,649 declared cases since last August in North Kivu province, where Butembo is located, according to latest official data. "We are here to work with the authorities but we are also here to say to the people that it is really incredible that those who have come to care for you can be attacked," Zerrougui said in comments reported by UN broadcaster Okapi radio. Last week, medics said they faced suspicion and hostility in some areas, especially after one of their vehicles was involved in a fatal crash in Butembo, in which a motorbike-taxi rider died. - Resistance to preventive measures - A violent response from the victims' colleagues led to all shops and commercial activity in the city grinding to a halt. The Ebola fightback had already been hampered by an uptick in insecurity and attacks on medical teams tackling the haemorrhagic fever amid resistance within some communities to preventative measures, care facilities and safe burials. DR Congo's health minister, Oly Ilunga, has warned that each time the teams are prevented doing their job there is a spike in the number of new Ebola cases and deaths. Story continues Last month also saw the killing of a Cameroonian doctor fighting Ebola in an attack on Butembo hospital. The World Health Organization had initially hoped a new vaccine might help to contain the outbreak. But in recent weeks senior WHO officials have conceded that insecurity, scarce financial resources and local politicians turning people against health workers had seriously undermined the containment effort. On Wednesday, attacks by armed assailants left a dozen people dead in Butembo, further undermining the fight against Ebola's spread. DR Congo anti-Ebola coordinator Justus Nsio insisted the attacks were the "isolated" work of insurgents and that he did not think "the whole community" was trying to undermine anti-Ebola operations. Several armed groups are active around Butembo and nearby Beni. On Thursday, the WHO said the outbreak response "continues to be hampered by insecurity," citing a May 3 attack on a burial team in Katwa and then and then the Butembo incidents over the following days. The USS Arlington is being deployed to the Middle East. (GETTY) The United States is sending a Patriot missile-defence system to the Middle East in response to a possible threat to US forces and interests in the region by Iran. The warship, USS Arlington, is set to join the USS Abraham Lincoln group in the Gulf at a time of escalating tensions between Tehran and the Donald Trump administration. The Patriot system is able to counter ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircrafts. The system is currently deployed in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. There have been escalating tensions between the US and Iran. (GETTY) Iran has dismissed the tensions and has described the deployment as psychological warfare. The Pentagon announced the move of the defence missile system amid concerns that Tehran could be planning an attack on US forces or interests in the region. US national security adviser John Bolton announced the warship was moving to the region due to troubling and escalatory indications and warnings. The Pentagon wrote in a statement: The Department of Defense continues to closely monitor the activities of the Iranian regime, their military and proxies. Due to operational security, we will not discuss timelines or location of forces. The United States does not seek conflict with Iran, but we are postured and ready to defend U.S. forces and interests in the region. Washington has recently tightened sanctions on Iran in a bid to reduce Tehrans crude exports to zero. < Washington (AFP) - The United States is deploying an amphibious assault ship and a Patriot missile battery to bolster an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers already sent to the Gulf, ratcheting up pressure Saturday on archfoe Iran. In response to alleged threats from Iran, the USS Arlington, which transports marines, amphibious vehicles, conventional landing craft and rotary aircraft, and the Patriot air defence system will join the Abraham Lincoln carrier group, the Pentagon announced Friday. The carrier and a B-52 bomber task force were ordered towards the Gulf, as Washington reiterated that intelligence reports suggested Iran was planning some sort of attack in the region. CENTCOM, the US forces for the Middle East and Afghanistan, said Friday on Twitter that the B-52 bombers arrived at the area of operations on May 8, without saying where they had landed. US President Donald Trump's national security advisor John Bolton has said the deployment aimed to send a "clear and unmistakable" message to Iran about any attack against the US or its partners in the region. Washington has not elaborated on the alleged threat, drawing criticism that it is overreacting and unnecessarily driving up tensions in the region. There was no immediate reaction from Tehran on the latest US moves, but earlier in the week it shrugged off the carrier deployment. "Bolton's statement is a clumsy use of an out-of-date event for psychological warfare," Iran's Supreme National Security Council spokesman Keyvan Khosravi said. The increasing tensions come as Tehran said Wednesday it had stopped respecting limits on its nuclear activities agreed under a 2015 deal with major powers. Iran said it was responding to the sweeping unilateral sanctions that Washington has re-imposed since it quit the agreement one year ago, which have dealt a severe blow to the Iranian economy. - US 'not seeking war' - The Pentagon, for its part, said the deployments were "in response to indications of heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations against US forces and our interests". Story continues "The Department of Defence continues to closely monitor the activities of the Iranian regime, their military and proxies," it said. "The United States does not seek conflict with Iran, but we are postured and ready to defend US forces and interests in the region." Amid the rising tensions, Trump said Thursday he was open to talks with Tehran's leadership. "What I would like to see with Iran, I would like to see them call me," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We don't want them to have nuclear weapons -- not much to ask," he said. In the latest of a series of escalating statements, however, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the same day threatened a "swift and decisive" US response to any attack by Iran. "Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve," he said, adding however: "We do not seek war." In May last year, Trump pulled the United States out of an agreement aimed at curtailing Iran's nuclear ambitions and reinstated unilateral economic sanctions. On Wednesday, President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would no longer implement parts of the deal and threatened to go further if the remaining members of the pact, including the European Union, failed to deliver sanctions relief to counterbalance Trump's renewed assault on the Iranian economy within 60 days. By Anthony Boadle PACARAIMA, Brazil (Reuters) - Venezuela reopened its border crossing to Brazil on Friday, after its closure for nearly three months forced desperate Venezuelans to use indigenous trails to smuggle food and basic goods or to flee their crisis-stricken homeland. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro closed the only formal crossing between the countries in February to block an opposition attempt to bring U.S. aid in from Brazil and Colombia. Opposition leader Juan Guaido has urged the military to oust Maduro, branding him a dictator, while the government in turn calls Guaido a puppet of Washington and a coup-monger. Venezuelan Economy Vice President Tareck El Aissami said on Friday the border was being reopened to restore development of the border economy for the benefit of both nations. Witnesses on both sides of the border said traffic started flowing again through customs posts mid-afternoon. The border's closure had driven hundreds of Venezuelans to bribe National Guard officials every day to make their way into Brazil along indigenous trails that cross the sun-baked savannah, according to interviews with two dozen migrants and two former National Guard officers. With roughly a quarter of Venezuela's 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance due to an economic meltdown, according to the United Nations, the illicit border crossings provided a lifeline for many in the border region. The migrants interviewed by Reuters said that Venezuelan National Guard soldiers had taken advantage of the border closure to collect 50 reais ($12.50) per car on the parallel crossings. The tariff was higher for vehicles coming back loaded with rice, flour and sugar, they said. Those without cash to pay the informal toll must take even longer paths, hauling their luggage on foot for up to six hours, in a desperate trek witnessed by Reuters. "Wearing Venezuelan uniforms, they brazenly demand money even to pass on foot. They're raking it in," said Yeral Garate, as he waited with five other hungry migrants for rice to cook in a pot over a wooden fire on a trail inside Brazil. Story continues Neither the Venezuelan government nor the National Guard, which runs border controls, replied to requests for comment. Maduro has in the past said that criticism of the military is linked to opposition efforts to tarnish the armed forces. More than 3.4 million Venezuelans have left the country since 2015 due to a political and economic crisis, according to the United Nations. Garate said that a lack of food and medicine, miserable wages and Maduro's "catastrophic" policies drove him to flee. He said he took a bus to the border from his hometown of Maturin in eastern Venezuela, and then walked 11 miles (18 km) over rolling scrubland to Brazil, with only the few possessions he could carry. The trip can be easier for those with the means. Hired drivers offer packages from Puerto Ordaz in southern Venezuela to the border town of Santa Elena de Uairen, 400 miles (640 km) to the south, and then across trails to Pacaraima - with border bribes included. A reservation for the Pemon indigenous tribe that straddles the border is crisscrossed with dirt tracks along which cars, jeeps, vans, pickups and motor bikes ferry migrants to Brazil and return with goods. NATIONAL GUARDS Two National Guard sergeants, who had recently deserted from their posts at the border, said that bribe taking was systematic there and that military officials would compete to be sent to the lucrative postings. "They charge 50 reais per car to access the trails and 100 reais for larger vehicles. People who bring back lots of goods also have to pay," one of the sergeants told Reuters in Brazil. The sergeant said he had defected because he disagreed with the way opposition protests were being repressed in Venezuela. Some six dozen Venezuelan military officers have defected across the border in recent weeks, according to the Brazilian army. Six National Guard soldiers questioned by Reuters in Brazil said that lucrative bribe taking by military officials at border crossings and other black market activity was one reason that many troops had ignored the opposition's call to unseat Maduro. All of the soldiers interviewed by Reuters requested not to be identified for fear of reprisals against their families. A spokesman for Guaido did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Corruption is one of the main complaints by ordinary Venezuelans, ranging from National Guard shakedowns at checkpoints across the country to allegations of money laundering and graft by senior military officials being investigated by courts in the United States. Maduro's government has said the cases are politically motivated. Pacaraima, a town of 12,000 inhabitants that has thrived on Venezuelan demand, was hit hard by the February border closure. Daily sales of roughly 5 million reais ($1.2 million) to Venezuelans fell overnight to about a fifth of that, said Joao Kleber Soares, head of the local chamber of commerce. As traffic flowed to the side-trails, however, business had almost returned to previous levels, Soares told Reuters in the bustling main street packed with Venezuelans loading up their vehicles with sacks of food, toilet paper and other goods. Soares and other entrepreneurs in Roraima state, which borders Venezuela, had pleaded with Venezuela to reopen the border and Roraima Senator Telmario Mota visited Caracas to urge Maduro to do so for business to recover. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle and Leonardo Benassatto; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Alistair Bell and James Dalgleish) A 20-year-old veteran was able to marry the love of his life hours before he he passed away from his battle with cancer. After joining the U.S. Army in July 2016, Tristan Laue was medically discharged just two years later when it was discovered he had a rare form of liver cancer, according to the Army Times. But Laue remained motivated to accomplish many more things, and even enrolled to study at the University of Northern Iowa. Laues health, however, continued to deteriorate as the disease progressed, and with his time seemingly running out, the former soldier remained determined to cross one other thing off his bucket list: proposing to his girlfriend, now Tianna Laue, on Easter Sunday, according to KWWL. Hes the love of my life, Tianna told the news station.. My mom said, Some people dont get what you two had in the amount of time Theyll be together for years and still not have the same connection that you guys did. After their engagement, the couples relatives and community came together to throw a ceremony in the familys backyard just a few days later on April 27. Just five hours after exchanging vows, Laue would pass away. Despite her sorrow, Tianna was happy she was able to enjoy even a brief time as husband and wife with her love. Make sure you tell people you love them because you never know when you wont be able to, said Tianna, who shares a birthday with Laue on May 11. RELATED VIDEO: Marcia Cross Is Sharing Her Anal Cancer Story in the Hopes of Ending the Stigma Laue was laid to rest on May 4 at Crosspoint Church in Waverly, Iowa. A GoFundMe page was recently set up by Laues former classmates to help pay tribute to the veteran with a memorial bench that would proudly display his name. Any funds leftover would be going to his family, organizers said. They have since raised more than $4,800 of their $5,000 goal from 111 donors. RELATED: Bride, 19, Marries Husband from Her Hospital Bed Just Days Before Dying The class of 2016 mourns our beloved classmate Tristin Laue, the donation pages description reads. Help us remember a great Chickasaw who brought laughter and kindness to us all! Before his death, the University of Northern Iowa presented Laue with a certificate of completion after his last semester, and called him officer material. A Vietnamese court has jailed two activists on charges of publishing damaging anti-state propaganda about the communist-run country, state media reported Saturday, the latest convictions under a hardline leadership intolerant of dissent. The women, Vu Thi Dung and Nguyen Thi Ngoc Suong, were sentenced Friday to six and five years respectively for posting videos and articles on Facebook against proposed special economic zones and a beefed up cybersecurity law, the People's Police newspaper reported. The court, in the country's south, found them both guilty of "making, hoarding and spreading propaganda information, documents and materials against the socialist republic of Vietnam". Both market vendors, the two women are the latest to face harsh blowback for publicly opposing the cybersecurity law, which would require internet companies to hand over user data and remove content if requested by the government. The proposed special economic zones are also deeply sensitive and sparked rare nationwide protests last year in which police stations and government offices were ransacked. Independent media is banned in Vietnam, with online posts, comments and critics strictly monitored and bloggers, activists and rights lawyers routinely jailed. The hardline leadership in charge since 2016 has been harsh on dissidents, with nearly 60 put behind bars last year according to an AFP tally. A Vietnamese activist who also criticised both the special economic zones and the cybersecurity law was sentenced to two years in prison in March for "abusing democratic freedoms". Critics say the draconian cyber law will be used to target online dissent, but it has yet to be implemented. The draft bill on economic zones also sparked an uproar as many in Vietnam believed it would grant incentives to Chinese companies. No mention of China was suggested in the legislation but officials put off passing the bill following the protests, which hit the capital Hanoi and the commercial hub Ho Chi Minh City. Dozens of demonstrators have been jailed since taking part. Gertrudes Batocabe never wanted to enter the Philippines' cutthroat politics, but after her husband was shot dead, allegedly by a rival in next week's midterm election, she felt bound to take his place. "It's not really automatic that the wife takes over, but in this case I cannot see my opponents sitting down (quitting)" she told AFP, holding back tears. "I have a lot of things to do for Rodel, for the people of Daraga," she said, referring to her husband and the central city where she is running for mayor. In taking over his candidacy, Batocabe was among at least half a dozen women standing in for their slain husbands this year -- a long tradition in the Philippines' notoriously deadly politics. Dozens of people, including candidates and their supporters, routinely get killed in the fierce competition for elected posts that are a source of wealth in a nation with deep poverty. Over 18,000 seats, ranging from local councils to the upper house Senate, are up for grabs when the nation's more than 61 million voters are called to cast ballots on Monday. One widow styled her campaign as a quest for justice for her husband, who was murdered last year after announcing plans to run for mayor in Trece Martires, a city south of Manila. "My name is Gemma Lubigan. I will take up the fight of Vice-Mayor Alex Lubigan," she told a cheering crowd at a recent campaign rally. A political rival, the sitting mayor of Trece Martires, was initially fingered as a suspect, but prosecutors have declined to file charges. Political widowhood reached its apogee in the Philippines in 1986, when Corazon Aquino took power after a bloodless popular revolt that toppled the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The upheaval was triggered by the 1983 assassination of her opposition leader husband Benigno Aquino at the hands of security forces loyal to Marcos, forcing her into politics. In the Philippines, widow candidates carry a powerful aura of suffering and perseverance that resonates with voters in the overwhelmingly Catholic nation, experts say. Story continues "It works especially in the Philippine context because widowhood has symbolic elements that are very much valued in politics," University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco told AFP. The Philippines also lacks a strong party system so family dynasties play a similar role, with wives called on to assume the clan's figurehead position after a slaying. - 'I'm careful' - Some of Asia's most powerful political families have been marked by the same phenomenon. India's Sonia Gandhi was pushed into politics after her husband, former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, was assassinated. Benazir Bhutto led Pakistan's return to democracy about a decade after her father was ousted as prime minister in a coup and subsequently executed. Political analyst Franco said the rise of the Philippine widows also marks a way into the nation's male-dominated political area. "Many of our female politicians, especially at the local level, are members of political dynasties," she added. Before Rodel's murder, the plan was for the Batocabes to groom their first-born son, a newly minted lawyer, to follow his father's footsteps into politics. But that changed after Rodel, who was an ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, was gunned down days before Christmas while handing out gifts to elderly and disabled Daraga residents. The incumbent mayor of Daraga is charged with orchestrating the killing, leaving Batocabe acutely aware of the risks she faces in running. "I'm careful, is the word, but I've been given so much protection by the president," she said, referring to an armed security detail. strs-cgm/jm/rox/ecl Yales British Art Center (BAC) in New Haven has the immensely gratifying William Hunter and the Anatomy of the Modern Museum show on view for a few more weeks. Hunter (17181783), a Scottish physician and teacher based in London, was one of the most discerning collectors and prominent intellectuals of his age. Its an art show and much more. Its a fascinating, complex exploration of medical history, since Hunter was a pioneer in obstetrics, surgery, and orthopedics. He collected the world fossils, Roman coins, rare books, specimens, exotic shells, and art by indigenous peoples and left his things to the University of Glasgow. The best traveled to Yale for the only American venue. Eclectic, scholarly, revelatory, and so accessible, the show is wonderful. Hunter taught medicine in London and was the royal familys doctor. He delivered royal babies and was a court confidant. That was his day job, but he was a giant in everything he did. He was insatiably curious, writing as a young man, My head is filled with a thousand things. This never changed, and it made for the abundance and range of objects he acquired. Here, the curators made a smart choice at the very beginning. Most would have done a more spartan installation, defined, and limited, by categories all the paintings in one place, all the exotic shells together. How boring. The show at the BAC starts with a cabinet of curiosities approach. A lovely Chardin from the 1630s, a bronze of a flayed nude exposing muscle groups, Roman coins, and a hefty mastodon tooth, shown together, get us into that packed head of his. It flows smoothly after that, mixing media with sensitivity and confidence. Its thrilling and stimulating, and we can, after a bit, imagine ourselves in Hunters classroom. He was, by the way, a charismatic teacher. The BAC show presents him as a humanist, wisely avoiding references to genius or branding Hunter as a distinctly Enlightenment figure. Scientific inquiry, risk-taking, and curiosity are human and, in the best of times, dynamic and transformative. Though there are plenty of fossils in the show, Hunter isnt treated as one. People like Hunter make any era a brilliant, better one. Story continues The flat art paintings, drawings, and prints is one expertly treated hook. How to reconcile his profession as a doctor with a small but various group of fine portraits, still lifes, mythological and religious things, and genre pictures, by many artists, is a trick. We know that Hunter was a man of taste, an establishment figure in London whod started life modestly in South Lanarkshire in Scotland, and a never-married workaholic for whom art was a hobby he pursued with the gusto of a vice. William Hunter, ca. 176465, Allan Ramsay. Oil on canvas. There is an intellectual thread. In the scenes of everyday life, among them a great Le Nain from 1635 and the Chardins, Hunter seemed absorbed with unguarded human expression, how the body and face moved when no one was looking. These pictures show common people unaccustomed to playacting. Theyre not conscious of anyones gaze, and the fruit-and-dead-critter still life by Frans Snyders from the 1660s shows subjects that are inert. The gorgeous Rubens bust of an old man from 1609 shows decay with age, and shows it with grandeur. Even the Rembrandt oil sketch, an Entombment of Jesus, shows a gleaming, shrouded dead body, mysterious, yes, but consonant with what made Hunter famous. Hunter was looking at bodies conveying mood. He was, after all, the leading anatomist of his age. Hunters landmark book, Anatomy of the Human Gravid Uterus, launches the most striking and the toughest part of the show. Hunter dissected his first body of a pregnant woman around 1750. Over a period of 20 years, he mapped the misunderstood uterus by dissecting 13 women who died during various stages of pregnancy. His polychrome plaster casts, drawings, prints, and medical equipment are on view. This section isnt for the faint of heart. The engraved plates from his book are visually riveting, and Im very rarely riveted. Their precision is relentless and can make the viewer queasy. At nine months, dead in the womb, the unborn baby is rendered with extraordinary attention to texture, light, and shade, with a bulging stomach, hands in a fist, and slicked, wet hair. Hunter invited the artist William Hogarth to watch the dissection. Hogarth marveled at the babys supreme, perfect snugness and wondered whether any artist could ever convey snugness as convincingly. The look is both intensely physical and miraculously perfect. Proof after letters for plate VI in William Hunter, The Anatomy of the Human Gravid Uterus (London, 1774), 1751. Robert Strange after Jan van Rymsdyk. Engraving on paper. These anatomical engravings are masterpieces of illustration. They are empirical and exact but demanded the good doctor make room for artistic license. Hunter and his engraver understood that the dead, much like the living, change by the minute. He cut and spliced the bodies, but then the artist did almost a cinematic cutting and splicing to make an instructive, truthful image. At the same time, theyre visually strange and sublime. The show treats the obvious intrusiveness at the core of Hunters technique in the context of the absence of consent on the part of the dissected women. A small section of work by living artists presents meditations on the origin of life, the nature of death, and what it means to be human. Some of these new works make visible the experiences of bodies that have been subjected to violence or marginalized due to race, gender, or sexual orientation. Its a clever touch. The wall text is vague enough so that anything can be read into it. Its visual vaccination, I suppose, against social-justice vigilantes who seem to rule Yale. I can only imagine the extent of internal debate at the BAC leading to this choice of objects and the interpretation. I dont fault the BAC for doing something I would usually find irrelevant. Theyre aware of their neighborhood. I think every exhibition, eventually, will begin with a prophylactic mea culpa for any offense caused. Its like in the old days, when honest shopkeepers paid protection money to the local thugs. In this section of contemporary art, Nate Lewiss work, a mix of photography, cut paper, ink, and wash, is really good. The three works on view start with Lewiss photographs of his body, cut and layered paper overlapping the photographs, and some wash to suggest dissection but also the external beauty of the body in contrast with its under-the-hood mechanical complexity. Hes a fine young artist and one of the curators many discoveries. I didnt look at Maya Vilass abstract stoneware uterus and vagina long enough to say what I feel about it. She explores race, identity, and gender through her experience as a queer black femme, as she notes. Sorry to betray my farm heritage, but what does that have to do with the price of eggs? Lets return to Hunter via one of the shows stars: Mary Toft. Scientific hoaxes happen even today, but hers was one for the ages. In Hunters youth, little was known of the physiology of pregnancy. Mary Toft, a young woman from Surrey, managed to persuade experts, including George Is physician, that shed given birth to 14 rabbits. More than a few artists, among them Hogarth, treated her story. After a comic spell of gullibility among the exalted, Toft, her country doctor, and her scheming mother-in-law were exposed as racketeers. Cunicularii, or The Wise Men of Godliman in Consultation, 1726. William Hogarth. Etching on paper (fold-out plate in book) Lets bunny-hop to today and the notion of settled science like, say, climate change. Hunter was among those who challenged the accepted wisdom the settled science that the earth was a mere 6,000 years old and that the last big bout of climate change occasioned Noahs boating party. Hed think anyone who thought science could be settled was a fool. He respected history, hence his collection of ancient coins and old manuscripts. Through polychromatic rocks and fossils, which few understood in his day, he saw the world as ever-evolving over thousands of generations. This was new. He was anything but hubristic. He understood that a big and diverse world didnt revolve around London or some claque of know-it-alls. Thats why he collected Indian, Oceanic, and Native American objects. He wasnt religious, as far as we know. He studied theology at the University of Glasgow as a very young man but then dropped it for medicine. He predates Darwins evolution theories by decades. Scientific understanding in his lifetime was changing quickly. That said, he was deeply skeptical of scientific fads and felt, by and large, that natures big changes ebbed and flowed beyond humanitys control. To think otherwise, he thought, amounted to fancy sophistry, as convincing as one, or 14, rabbits pulled from a magicians hat, much less from any part of a womans anatomy. The catalogue is impressive. Mungo Campbell, the curator from the Hunterian, wrote an important essay on Hunters bequest to the university, which led to one of the worlds first museums. Museum display, pedagogy, object care, and public access were only concepts then; and for the generation after his death, Hunters collection was very much a start-up or trial run for modern museology. Nathan Fliss essay situated the young Hunter in the scientific milieu of the early 18th century, where much fashionable thinking would seem medieval, no, bewitched by us today. Other essays, long and short, are very strong, too. This spring marks the retirement of Amy Meyers as the BACs director after 18 years. I knew each of the BACs directors since it opened in 1977. Growing up near New Haven, I had it for my local museum, a niche place since its anchor is British art but, in the 70s and 80s, more fun than the Yale Art Gallery across the street. Each director brought his or her unique touch. Meyers nicely bridged two worlds. The place under her leadership was scholarly but remarkably appealing to a general audience. She is an esteemed art historian but is rooted in American studies, where outside disciplines comfortably inform and enrich art. I think, in the case of the Hunter show, any woman who has ever been to a gynecologist or had a baby, and thats almost every woman, would have to find the show fascinating. Its also a kid-friendly show, with bugs, shells, feathers, axes, and body parts galore, though in the dissection part, Mom and Dad might have, as Ricky Ricardo would say, some splainin to do. She also brilliantly led the renovation of the BACs great Louis Kahn building. Yale is a center of modern architecture, with, among many outstanding buildings, Kahns first museum building, the Yale Art Gallery from 1953, and his last, the BACs building, which opened in 1977. Ive written a lot about museum architecture. The BAC project followed with divine precision the museum version of the Hippocratic Oath: Do no harm. During the renovation, everything mechanical was replaced. The buildings gorgeous, subtle interiors were refreshed. Meyers restored and reopened the Long Gallery, one of the countrys great art spaces. All was achieved without changing the cherished look and feel of the place. I did the same thing at the Addison Gallery when I was director. Like me, Meyers kept ego in check. Theres much to be said for her quiet, confident, respectful leadership. Such a rarity and blessing. More from National Review A victim of an alleged crypto Ponzi scheme has told mainstream media she is racked with guilt after her family lost 216,000. Jen McAdam, 48, invested in OneCoin after being promised astronomical returns (she had heard about one person making 3.5 million in a month for bringing people into the fold). And she also recruited family members, having been told that the currency was about to be put onto an independent exchange and was rapidly increasing in value. I remember buying my first package I was so excited and I thought I changed my familys life financially, McAdam told Metro. But shortly afterwards, she was informed that there was just too much money for the bank to work with and that there were safety concerns because Bitcoin had been hacked. Even though many years ago I worked in a bank I didnt question it, I dont know why. Maybe its the fear. McAdam was then branded a hater when recruiters thought she was asking too many questions. She was later told that OneCoin did not have a blockchain. The only thing determining its value was the company. She now runs a support group which has thousands of members who were victims. They have nothing left, its tearing families from their core, its ripping them apart, she comments. People have re-mortgaged houses, entered a lifetime of debt, life savings all gone and in the end all they have is worthless Ponzi tokens. If you have no knowledge, even the basic of understanding in this industry and youre thinking of investing, dont. Keep your money and run in the other direction. This is the end In March, a US District Attorney announced charges against those heading up OneCoin Konstantin Ignatov was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Manhattan US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said in a statement. Ignatovs sister Ruja, the founder of OneCoin, was charged with wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering. Story continues Berman said: As alleged, these defendants created a multi-billion-dollar cryptocurrency company based completely on lies and deceit. They promised big returns and minimal risk, but, as alleged, this business was a pyramid scheme based on smoke and mirrors more than zeroes and ones. Investors were victimised while the defendants got rich. Our office has a history of successfully targeting, arresting, and convicting financial fraudsters, and this case is no different. FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William Sweeney, Jr. claimed that OneCoin was a cryptocurrency existing only in the minds of its creators and their co-conspirators. Unlike authentic cryptocurrencies, which maintain records of their investors transaction history, it had no real value. It offered investors no method of tracing their money, and it could not be used to purchase anything. In fact, the only ones who stood to benefit from its existence were its founders and co-conspirators. Whether youre dealing with virtual currency or cold, hard cash, we urge the public to exercise due diligence with any investment, he stated. The post Worthless Ponzi tokens: OneCoin victim counts cost of lies and deceit appeared first on Coin Rivet. ADEN, May 11 (Reuters) - A minister in the Yemeni government backed by Saudi Arabia dismissed on Saturday the Houthi movement's pullout from the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah as a "show" meant to "disinform the international community." "What happened today is a flagrant show, a group of (Houthi) militiamen left (the city) and they were replaced by others wearing coast guard police uniforms," Information Minister Muammar al-Iryani told Reuters. The Houthis on Saturday started withdrawing forces from Saleef port in Hodeidah under a U.N.-sponsored deal that had been stalled for months, a Reuters witness said, reviving hopes for peace efforts to end the four-year war. "It's an attempt to disinform the international community," said Al-Iryani. (Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari; Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Catherine Evans) French car producer Peugeot Societe Anonyme (PSA) will launch in the second quarter (Q2) a new production factory, in Kenitra, 40 km to the north of capital city Rabat, with the first car to be unveiled as of July. PSA has pumped a total investment of MAD 6 billion ($620 million) into the project and has already begun staff recruitment. Upon inauguration, the factory will produce Peugeot 208-style cars. Peugeot targets the production of 20,000 units this year, 100,000 next year and 200,000 per year after the factory goes into full swing. The French firm is already present in the North African country that it entered in 2017 with the establishment of a pilot import center in Casablanca for Peugeot, Citroen, DS and Opel cars, as well as a research and development center. The cars produced in the Kenitra plant are destined for export to Africa and Middle East markets. UNICEF has welcomed the release Friday of 894 children, including 106 girls, from the ranks of an armed group called (the) Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria, and vowed to enroll them in reintegration programs to help them return to civilian life. Today, 894 children, including 106 girls, were released from the ranks of an armed group called (the) Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Maiduguri, north-east Nigeria as part of this groups commitment to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children, said UNICEF Spokesperson Christophe Boulierac. According to the UN agency, the children of the troubled region have borne the brunt of years of conflict, linked to an insurgency led by armed extremist opposition groups. They have been used by armed groups in combatant and non-combatant roles and witnessed death, killing and violence, UNICEF said in a statement, noting that the CJTF was formed in 2013 to protect communities and help the Nigerian military fight the separatists. Fridays mass-release in regional capital Maiduguri, follows the CJTFs commitment in September 2017 to end and prevent recruitment and use of children, as part of a UN-led action plan. In total, 1,727 children and young people have now been released by the CJTF, and UNICEF says that it has not recruited any more children since then. Between 2013 and 2017, the UN agency believes that more than 3,500 children have been recruited and used by non-state armed groups in northeast Nigeria. Others have been abducted, maimed, raped and killed, amid ongoing clashes, mass displacement and alarming levels of food insecurity, the UN agency said. The children and young people released today will benefit from reintegration programs to help them return to civilian life and seize new opportunities for their own development, Mr. Boulierac told journalists in Geneva. Without this support, many of the children released from armed groups struggle to fit into civilian life as most are not educated and have no vocational skills. At least 9,800 people formerly associated with armed groups, as well as vulnerable children in communities, have accessed rehabilitation services between 2017 and 2018, the UNICEF spokesperson added. Speaking in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, UNICEF Representative and Co-chair of the UN Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting on Grave Child Rights Violations (CTFMR) reaffirmed his commitment to liberating and helping youngsters caught up in the conflict. We cannot give up the fight for the children, as long as children are still affected by the fighting. We will continue until there is no child left in the ranks of all armed groups in Nigeria, he said. The UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, welcomed the release by the CJTF of the children who will begin a reintegration process that will enable them to fully regain their place into their communities. Mrs Gamba called on the CJTF to continue to take tangible measures to better protect children and to release all children from its ranks and finally put an end the recruitment and use of children, as per its commitment with the United Nations. Ms. Gamba also called on the international community to provide the necessary resources to UNICEF and its partners for the reintegration of these children, so they can benefit from comprehensive reintegration services. I thought they already cast Deathstroke? Reply Thread Link actually yeah how.....are they not bringing the other dude back? wrote him out of a contract? Reply Parent Thread Link dc isn't a universe anymore so they don't care lol Reply Parent Thread Link SPORTSMASTER PEACEMAKER POLKA DOT MAN my lord. Reply Thread Link Here for it Reply Thread Link How did James Gunn end up being the biggest winner in all this? He gets to direct Suicide Squad 2 and Guardians of the Galaxy 3 like... Reply Thread Link Oh Reply Thread Link lol damn Joe must be sitting at home wondering wtf is going on Reply Thread Link Welp, Poor Joe. lol Reply Thread Link As someone who only knows of Artemis and Sportsmaster through the YJ TV show,I would be here for that on the big screen Reply Thread Link Hft tho i truely cant understand this movie being popular unless youve been following the director drama or that die hard for DC. The general public will be like that movie came out yesterday and not bother. And especially bc this movie isnt related to the first, just give it a whole new title, suicide squad does not sound cool when saying it outloud Reply Thread Link No thank you. Reply Thread Link dc is a mess, i only care for wondy Reply Thread Link Didn't we already know this? Reply Thread Link I thought it was already confirmed he was playing Deadshot as a recast? Reply Thread Link I first thought this meant Michelle Williams went in blackface to some horse thing. Then I realized it was the real Michelle Williams and her possibly interacting with that racist mess white guy again, and I was doubly disappointed. Reply Thread Link "Real" Michelle Williams real name is tenitra and actress Michelle Williams was out first , starting in 1994. This is just like the two Vanessa Williams. Soul food movie Vanessa was supposed to use her middle initial R since soul food tv show Vanessa was in sag first. Reply Parent Thread Link no, just no Reply Thread Link I guess I'll just pray on it Reply Thread Link I still cant believe hes not mixed. Reply Thread Link Maybe that's what he wants you to believe Reply Parent Thread Link Shel Silverstein, his impact Reply Parent Thread Link vampireweekday that u Reply Parent Thread Link oh my gdo?????? like i should've figured considering he has a traditonally jewish suffix to his last name but that one author's photo on the back of where the sidewalk ends (i think?) made him look black omg Reply Parent Thread Expand Link He's the absolute worst and his family is even worse than that if that's possible. Reply Parent Thread Link He REALLY looks like a blackish man in the pic above Reply Parent Thread Link somebody's grandmomma is lying Reply Parent Thread Link he's rita ora's cousin so go figure. Reply Parent Thread Link Same for the longest I thought he was lightskinnded until she said he was white. And Im over here like Reply Parent Thread Link Rita Ora is shook. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link You in danger girl Reply Thread Link Omg Tenitra no please!! Please dont do it. We dont trust Chads!!! Ever. You deserve better! Reply Thread Link Im honestly not surprised. Reply Thread Link The Clampetts done pulled her back in. Reply Thread Link Can't help people who don't wanna help themselves Reply Thread Link Ugh Reply Thread Link Is she a singer? Reply Thread Link What's this from?? Reply Parent Thread Link Wasn't he abusive towards her? I don't remember the exact details, but something about him being verbally abusive. I really hope she is getting therapy and her therapist is advising her to put herself first. You can't stop someone from making a bad decision, you can only be there when they hopefully leave the situation. Reply Thread Link She was talking to him about how her experiences in the world were different than his because she's a black woman and he's a white man & it being something he needs to get/consider and he shut her down by insinuating that she needed to take her medication. Reply Parent Thread Link im a 41 year old virgin go ahead I can hold out haha Reply Parent Thread Link No one cares. Reply Parent Thread Link That's very impressive Reply Parent Thread Link lmao oh Duke Reply Parent Thread Link I'm so glad this is the first comment... Reply Parent Thread Link lmao Reply Thread Link Please stop feeding the narrative that women are providers and men are consumers of sex. Bribing men for equal rights with access to our bodies is not how feminism works. feminist next door (@emrazz) May 11, 2019 Reply Thread Link Using your body as a bargaining tool for rights and/ or respect really is the least feminist thing I can think of but Alyssa is not alone in having this mindset unfortunately. Reply Parent Thread Link exactly. i love this tweet. Reply Parent Thread Link other side of my mouth: "sex work is work!" Reply Parent Thread Link lmao mte Reply Parent Thread Link Ty for posting this. I had it ready to go in case it wasnt. Reply Parent Thread Link For real Reply Parent Thread Link Well said. Reply Parent Thread Link Thank You. Reply Parent Thread Link Amen sis. Reply Parent Thread Link Are lesbians exempt from this? Or do we need to stop for moral support? Reply Thread Link History shows that a #sexstrike is surprisingly effective. https://t.co/aQbW7RiWlR Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 11, 2019 I kind of rolled my eyes at first but sex strikes have an interesting history Reply Thread Link Sure sex strikes have a very interesting history... but I don't get at all how a sex strike would make sense in this specific context. Reply Parent Thread Link ty for posting this, I feel like most people dont realize sex strikes are a thing Reply Parent Thread Link I still can't believe we've got to a place where has-been 80s stars are our go-to activists and the US president is a former reality tv star. The end is nigh. Reply Parent Thread Link See you joke but I have serious fears. This world is getting more redic all the time Reply Parent Thread Expand Link eh. this presumes that saying no is enough to give women agency over their own bodies? which. i wish was true but we all know its not. using sex as a bargaining chip isnt a feasible way to stand up for reproductive rights. https://t.co/XbcnCv1UWW Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh) May 11, 2019 Reply Thread Link iirc the history of sex strikes is very much NOT white, but this one would be if alyssa was its leader Reply Parent Thread Link So the reasoning here is that a bunch of pro-choice activists are already having sex with a bunch of anti-choice people? Otherwise literally what would the point of this be. Reply Thread Link Thats a good point lol Reply Parent Thread Link Like, in the play Lysistrata, the women are withholding sex from their husbands and lovers because their husbands and lovers are the ones fighting the war. They're protesting against people who have the power to end the war. By and large, that wouldn't be the case in this context. Reply Parent Thread Link I dont see anti-choice women signing on, so what is the point? I know a lot of people are only interested in dating people with similar politics, which is why a lot of dating apps have a category for your political alignment Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm guessing a bunch of people are at least somewhat pro-choice but aren't doing anything to stop the GA anti-choice bill. The idea is that this'll compel them to do something. I'm not sure it will, though. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link There are also many men who identify as pro choice but are at best apathetic about reproductive rights, or at worst vote Republican for "economic reasons" Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lmao Reply Parent Thread Link lol omg Reply Parent Thread Link LMAO Reply Parent Thread Link LOL Reply Parent Thread Link Politicians only care about money, thats where you gotta hit them. Reply Thread Link Accurate Reply Parent Thread Link I forget she exists until she tweets something stupid, which is almost weekly. Reply Thread Link Yikes. Was about to say this sure as hell serves Lysistrata realness in the modern day but triple yikes @ all of this tone-deaf mess and of course, fuck Republicans further fanning the flame Reply Thread Link I decided to do a quick write-up about this today before I enjoy the rest of my weekend: I'm not here for @Alyssa_Milano's white feminist bullshit. via @WearYourVoice https://t.co/hwNKNtV7PC Lara Witt (@Femmefeministe) May 11, 2019 Reply Thread Link yes, i rt-ed thiswhole thread on my twitter Reply Parent Thread Link sex positive feminism is by no means perfect, but the racial aspect of it is so fascinating to me. i feel like a lot of conversations about it are very white-centric and don't take into account the complicated relationship woc (specifically black women) have with autonomy and sexuality. Reply Thread Link I learned about sex-positive feminism from Black women so it's always weird to me when it is referred to as "white feminism." Reply Parent Thread Link may I ask, what was the context? I'm just trying to learn lmao Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I saw her a few years ago at an open air arena while it was raining hard and it really enhanced the vibe. One of my heels broke mid concert & in a moment of drunken lunacy I just threw them both in a trash can and had to walk like a mile barefoot on wet gravel to the car. Reply Thread Link That sounds beautiful and very on brand for a Florence concert. I saw her in a huge open grassland at night and it was so heavenly! My friends and I thought she was so sweet (but the way she moans as she talks made us laugh so much). Reply Parent Thread Link i wanna see her live so bad. this song has been the best thing about the season this far tbh. also podrick surprised me with his voice! Reply Thread Link I love No Choir Reply Thread Link I haven't watched GOT in years but I love this Reply Thread Link her singing at the end and the audience dead silent made me cry lol usually there's always someone screaming before the end of a song Reply Thread Link Jenny of Oldstones is such a good song and her version is so beautiful. Reply Thread Link that performance of jenny made me tear up lol. her voice is just......i don't have words Reply Thread Link I've just been listening to this song over and over and over since it came out, it's soooooooo gooooood. I want more of this sort of thing from her, more mournful beautiful ghostly elevated folk Reply Thread Link i love this song but istg i keep hearing "jenny danced with her goat" esmeralda who?? Reply Thread Link This B wears fur Reply Thread Link I'm seeing her next Wednesday, omfg so excited Reply Thread Link bay area?? i was supposed to go to, but somethng else came up and i had to sell my ticket!! i am so sad Reply Parent Thread Link I neeeeeed to see her live the PRESENCE she has whew Reply Thread Link ugh I would have looooved to be there. I've been lucky enough to see her live six times and she's just spellbinding Reply Thread Link Business Association of Georgia members met with PM By Inga Kakulia Members of the Business Association of Georgia met with the Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze. The event was held at the Biltmore Hotel in Tbilisi.The acting president of the Business Association, Soso Pkhakadze, opened the discussion by thanking the Prime Minister and the attending members of the Parliament for cooperating and holding the meeting in this format. The newly appointed Minister of Economy, Natia Turnava, also attended.The meeting discussed the general state of the country's economy was discussed. The attendees reviewed the legislative initiatives that could help Georgia's economy to grow faster while creating new job opportunities:"We heard some interesting opinions from the private sector, that I think will become part of our legislative base. We all agree that the ongoing reforms and initiatives are an important step forward in making our economy more competitive and beneficial for every citizen of Georgia", noted the PM after the meeting.The education sector was also a subject of focus and the members of the Business association together with the prime minister discussed the involvement of the private sector in the field, specifically in vocational education."We are already cooperating with several companies and I am pleased that the private sector is fully ready to make more contributions to vocational education. Our goal is direct 6 percent of our economy, so a quarter of the budget, towards education. Besides, there is an expectation that the private sector will add 5 percent of the investments, resulting in the education sector taking up the dominant 11-12 percent share in our economy," said Mamuka Bakhtadze.Soso Pkhakadze, who is also the president of the 'Wissol Group' said that members of the private sector received all the answers."We say that there is a lack of staff, but on the other hand, there is a serious shortage of professional staff in this country and focusing on education is one of the most pragmatic and correct decisions everyone should talk about it openly"-said Soso Pkhakadze.Business Ombudsman, Irakli Lekvinidze, assessed the meeting with the prime minister and representatives of the Georgian Business Association as highly productive.According to him, proposals regarding various legislative initiatives were made."The meeting discussed the current issues in the energy sector and discussed the concerns related to the education sector as well as to tobacco regulation. There were specific offers. Even if there is a necessity of applying the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) to many regulations, I think this is a principle agreement to implement this process. Likewise, the issue of losses is still relevant, and it is common in every field. The conversation touched upon systemic issues as well as the specific ones", said the Business Ombudsman. I hope he gets more money than he's asking for. Bankrupt the motherfucker Reply Thread Link Get that money bitch! Reply Thread Link Cash in on that fucker. Reply Thread Link No. Thats why Ive suspected for a long time but theres a lot of drugs, a lot of alcohol, and not nearly enough sleep and proper nutrition going on. Because he looks so rough from photo to photo. Reply Parent Thread Link he's a white south african so I'm pretty sure he has British genes. Reply Parent Thread Link he tries to shape his play doh face every morning but can't make it exactly the same Reply Parent Thread Link The comments in the initial post about it were wild, it was the one time ontd was on Elons side (and predictably were dumb about it). Reply Thread Link Yeah that was truly fucking disgusting and baseless as hell Reply Parent Thread Link ? Shit now I have to go find this. Reply Parent Thread Link Should have clarified that its been deleted Reply Parent Thread Link Im not sure if this is what people are referring to, but basically in the post where Elon called the diver a pedo there were people agreeing with him because all white men who go to Thailand are apparently trying to scout trafficked women and children. Reply Parent Thread Link https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/112381258.html i dont think you're remembering the post right Reply Parent Thread Expand Link of course they would be on his side... Reply Parent Thread Link get that money Reply Thread Link Good, fuck him up, tired of seeing dumbass Redditors (i know, lol) going "WELL, MAYBE ELON HAS EVIDENCE" "HE'S A WHITE MAN IN THAILAND, WHAT ELSE WOULD HE BE" "I GUESS IT WASN'T SO BAD IF ELON DIDN'T GET SUED" (lol x2) Reply Thread Link >HE'S A WHITE MAN IN THAILAND, WHAT ELSE WOULD HE BE Well, a lot of them just told on themselves with *that* rhetoric. Reply Parent Thread Link Is Thailand a place pedophiles would want to live or vacation at? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yes why would a scuba diver want to go to Thailand, one of the worlds best places to go scuba diving. Its a complete mystery. Reply Parent Thread Link Ive been on the divers side since day one. It was so infuriating and egotistical that Elon musk thought he could get away with this. And he doubles down and thinks he can get away with it. And Im so glad that this guy went yeah I dont think so. There are some people who are just so fucking unlikable that what they look like, how much money they have, what could they do or do not do with it doesnt matter. Because they just fucking scream asshole dickhead so much. For a good 10 years that has been Elon musk to me. There were moments way in the past and I sure as hell cant think of what the fuck they are now where I would think that he had a good idea. But hes just such an unlikable prick. Zuckerberg is the same to me. Just screams biggest fucking asshole Reply Thread Link tech bros are the god damn worst. elon, zuck and jack are the absolute bottom of the barrel. it's insane how powerful these huge douchebags are. Reply Parent Thread Link Good. I hope he gets a lot more than $75,000. Fuck Elon. Reply Thread Link lmao i hate elon musk so much. i know that south african mid life crisis le epic bacon loser could vacuum his couch and find 75k in in the dustbag but still. hope he loses and that it burns. Reply Thread Link oh, if he loses it will burn him very badly. he's one of those people who just can't tolerate the idea that somebody would think he's not right about everything. Reply Parent Thread Link Fuuuck Elon. I had the misfortune of talking to one of his fans and he brushed it off so casually I couldnt believe it. Reply Thread Link Someone being an Elon fan is such a deal breaker lol Reply Parent Thread Link I hope he wins. What Elon said was straight up defamation, bleed him dry. Reply Thread Link It is his constitutional right to call a man a pedophile because that man insulted his dumbass submarine!!1!11! Reply Thread Link One of the refrains I often hear about the oil industry particularly on those focused-on shale and tight oil is that it collectively doesnt make any money. There have been many stories over the past few years about the ongoing negative free cash flow (FCF) problem among the shale producers. It is true that in recent years oil companies have collectively outspent their revenues. But two important issues are often overlooked in the stories about negative cash flow. First is the question of the reason cash flow is negative. To better understand this, lets talk about what cash flow actually represents. What is Free Cash Flow? FCF measures cash generated by a company in excess of its spending, including capital expenditures. There are some differences between how different analysts measure FCF, but I use the levered FCF definition from the S&P Global Market Intelligence database. This number is calculated by starting from net income, adding back depreciation and amortization (because those non-cash costs relate to historical expenditures), adjusting for impairments to oil and gas properties (those non-cash impairments are applied against net income but not cash flow) and then subtracting interest paid, changes in working capital and capex. This is a more accurate and comprehensive definition of cash flow than the one used by many, which is simply cash generated from operations minus capital expenditures. The Reasons for Negative Cash Flow It is true that capital expenditures are the main reason that FCF went deeply negative for so many companies in recent years. When oil prices were $100 a barrel, oil companies invested every penny they could get their hands on into producing more oil. There were no guarantees of how long the high prices would last, but its understandable why they were plowing all their cash back into their business. When oil prices plunged in 2014, many companies were caught off guard. Some were extremely leveraged and went bankrupt. All of them had to slash spending. And that leads to the second point that is frequently overlooked. Oil companies arent all operated in the same way. Some operate recklessly and with excessive leverage, while others are much more conservative. That is reflected in the individual results of these companies. Negative FCF, No Problem Some companies go for years without generating positive FCF. Diamondback Energy, for example is one of the largest pure shale/tight oil producers. They went public in 2012 and have never generated positive FCF. But that hasnt posed a problem, as their debt/EBITDA ratio is at a manageable 2.5. Further, Diamondback shares have risen by 470 percent since the companys 2012 initial public offering nearly five times the return of the S&P 500. Thus, despite years of negative FCF, Diamondbacks stock market performance leaves most of its peers in the dust. Related: STEO: Brent To Average $70 This Year Also consider Anadarko, which Chevron and Occidental are aggressively competing to acquire. In the past ten years, they have only generated FCF three times. But the company is viewed as an extremely attractive asset. The King of Cash Flow Then theres ConocoPhillips, which is active in the Eagle Ford, Bakken and Permian Basin. In recent years, COP has been the king of cash flow among the pure oil and gas producers. In the past ten years, ConocoPhillips has generated positive FCF seven times. They took a hit like most other producers in 2015, but the company responded with significant belt-tightening. The firm slashed its dividend, cut capital spending, and sold a number of assets. The result has been a steady improvement in the companys cash flow. In 2017 and 2018, ConocoPhillips generated $7.3 billion and $6.3 billion of FCF, respectively. The number fell in 2018 due to the divestment of assets. To put these numbers in perspective, only one other publicly traded oil and gas producer Canadian Natural Resources recorded more than $1 billion of FCF in either of those years. Among the ten largest oil and gas producers half have pretty consistently generated positive FCF since coming out of the 2014-2015 downturn. Joining ConocoPhillips in this group are EOG Resources, Canadian Natural Resources, Continental Resources, and Apache. I would add that all of the integrated supermajors have generated positive FCF over the past two years. Royal Dutch Shell generated a whopping $21.1 billion in FCF in 2018 after generating $10 billion in 2017. In total, the five supermajors generated $66 billion of FCF in 2018. Conclusion: Huge Improvements Since 2014 To put it all in perspective, there are still a number of oil companies that are outspending their revenues. But, there are also many companies that are consistently in the black, and the overall industry has made huge strides in recent years. Consider that in 2013, and with oil prices at $100 a barrel, the Top 20 oil and gas companies produced negative $10.9 billion in FCF. In 2014, that deficit ballooned to $-33.3 billion, but it has improved each year since. In 2018, and with an average West Texas Intermediate price that was $35 a barrel less than in 2013 those same companies generated $384 million in FCF. Thus, in the past four years these companies have shown an improvement in FCF of nearly $34 billion. As I explain to people, its not that the oil industry cant generate positive FCF. It certainly can. But many companies choose to aggressively reinvest in their business, at the expense of FCF. That philosophy has waned since the 2014 downturn, but it remains to be seen whether producers can maintain spending discipline as oil prices rise. By Robert Rapier More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential , independent , neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish from , mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely. Some other variants include: Austria -- Ombudsstelle Croatia -- pravobranitelji France -- mediateur/defenseur Germany -- Ombudspersonen Italy -- difensore Netherlands -- ombudspersoon Norway -- ombudet Poland -- Rzecznik Portugal -- provedor Russia -- Spain -- ombudsman organizacional Sweden -- studentombud A female senior lecturer (name withheld) in one of the tertiary institutions in Rivers State has given graphic details of her ordeals in the hands of kidnappers. She recounted how she was raped in the forest of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers and miraculously escaped from the kidnappers den. Amid tears, she told her horrific story on Friday at the 6 Division of Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt shortly after the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, handed over the three men who confessed to have kidnapped her to SARS. The victim, who was accompanied by her husband and a female relative, said: I was in my house in Port Harcourt on April 30, 2019. I was alone with my children and my husbands cousin. They were sleeping in the room. I was washing with machine at the balcony. Since it was around 8 p.m., there was a programme I always watched on Zee World. As I was washing my clothes, I was watching the programme. The main gate was locked, but the protector was open, since I had to go downstairs to get water. I was in the living room, when I noticed that the protector opened slightly. I was wondering, because if my husband returned from work, he would horn and I would have to go and open the main gate for him. I was wondering who was there. The other person who was supposed to come back from work was sleeping. The next thing I saw was the key to the main door opened. Then I saw two guys first, pointing a gun at me. One of them cocked the gun and he asked after my husband but I said he had not closed from work. He then angrily asked why he had not closed from work at that time. I told him I wouldnt know. He asked me to cooperate otherwise they would finish me, saying they were not playing with me. She went on: He asked of my ATM card and PIN. I gave him. He asked if I had money in the house I said no but I had gold, which could be sold for N50, 000 but they rejected it. One person took our television, another took the laptop. I was tying a wrapper with spaghetti top since I was in my house. They then asked me to follow them. One of them asked me to get a dress but they did not let me leave the living room. The dress I wore to school that day was on my rooms door. They brought it for me and I wore it. They asked of my cars key, I brought it out and I gave it to them. That was how they put me in my vehicle and as they were about to drive out, they found it difficult because of the space we share with our neighbour and they were hitting my neighbours fence. My neighbour came out and I said I was in trouble. Maybe he did not see me. The kidnappers put my head under the cars seat and they drove off. I did not know the direction they followed. We then got to a place that was not motorable. So, we had to come down. That was how we started the journey inside the bush. I asked them what I did but they did not respond. That day, they paid me salary. I told them to let me give them the salary that was transferred to me. One of them then gave me an account number, which I forwarded my salary N59, 000 to. As we were still going inside the bush, he called someone to confirm if the person had received the alert. We later saw river that got to my knees. The leader pulled his trousers but I had to carry my dress up. That night, we spent about two hours in the bush, just moving around and I was barefooted because they did not allow me to wear slippers, thereby giving me injuries. They later blindfolded me and we got to a place where they said that was where we would stay that night. I slept on bare ground in the open forest. The next morning, out of the two of them that followed me inside the bush, one of them left, remaining one who told me that if I did not cooperate with him, to allow him to sleep with me four other persons would come in the afternoon and they would have me. But if I allowed him to sleep with me, he would let me go. I told him I would not be able to do it. When I was still sitting on the floor, he masked himself with his dress and he raped me. Later in the afternoon, I stood there and I cried. If I shouted, I would not have received help. It was indeed a bush although I could hear the sound of passing vehicles. The woman added: When it rained heavily, we were all under the rain. I was completely wet. They removed their clothes and had only their boxer shorts. After the rain, they cleaned themselves and wore their clothes. That was the only dress I had and I could not go naked. I was so cold. Later in the day, another one came and he asked me if I would eat but I said I was not hungry. He said I should eat in order not to die in the forest. He said if I died, they would still collect the ransom. They later brought packed food: fried rice with two fried meat and sachet water with orange juice for me but I could not eat because I did not have appetite. I just managed to take the sachet water and the two pieces of meat. The elderly one that came seemed nicer. He said they would never rape their victims but I told him the other one had already raped me. He was surprised and went back to ask him. He confirmed raping me. He said in their culture, it was forbidden and that before they would let me go, they would do something. I told them I am a Christian and I would not be part of it. I said I had forgiven him and left him to God. He said when they got to our house and if they had seen N500, 000, they would not have carried me. He said teachers money (ransom) was N5 million, but if my husband could raise N3 million, they would let me go. Around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, they asked of what I would eat but I said I was not hungry but I asked them to call my people. They then called my husband, but he was calm and he said he had no money again since they had collected the over N100, 000 he had with the ATM card. READ ALSO: Kidnapped Daura District Head: FG confirms arrest of key suspects That was when I knew that they had collected the money. I begged them to let me go but they asked me to shut up, claiming that I was talking too much. When they noticed that I was very cold, they said they would take me to where I could warm myself. We then went further into the bush. In the place, it was like a shed with fire place. We slept on three benches overnight. Early the next morning, we left the place. As we were about changing location, one of them said he was not comfortable with where he was going and to go back to where we were. We then went back to where we were on Wednesday. While we were there, I had strength and I knew that members of my church were praying for me. I knew that my God would not let me down. I told God that after all my suffering, the kidnappers would not take the requested N3 million from my husband. They said my husband promised to call them before 12 noon on that day to drop the ransom. So, they were happy. One went to sleep, while the other took his phone and went away. I waited for a while, the one that went to make call was not coming. I did as if I wanted to urinate, the one that was sleeping did not ask me to come back. I saw it as an opportunity to escape. That was how I ran away. God helped me in the bush and I was following the sun but I was seriously injured and bleeding. I later came out of the bush and I saw a road. I did not know where I was. I was stopping vehicles but the dress I wore was so dirty. So, no vehicle was stopping for me. I then saw two guys in a vehicle, they helped me. The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday faulted the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for ignoring orders given by four High Court judges to stop the trial of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen before the tribunal. A three-man panel of the court, led by Justice Stephen Adah, held that, rather than closing its eyes to the valid and subsisting orders meant to restrain it, the only option opened to the CCT, when the orders were brought to his attention, was to have appealed. The panel, which delivered judgments in four interlocutory appeals filed by the ex-CJN, equally faulted the ex-parte order issued by the CCT, and on which President Buhari acted in suspending Onnoghen. The court noted that, since Onnoghen was not yet arraigned as at January 23, 2019 when the ex-parte order was issued, it was wrong for the prosecution to have stealthily gone behind him and his lawyers to obtain an order for his removal from office. Despite its observation, however, the court declined to set aside the order, noting that the ex-parte order was no longer of any use since the substantive trial has been concluded. It advised parties in the case to pursue the appeal in relation to the judgment in the substantive trial. The court also rejected the objections raised by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and held that the appeals were validly filed. It held that, as against the AGFs contention, anyone dissatisfied with any decision of the CCT, whether interlocutory or substantive, is not required to first, obtain the tribunals leave before filing an appeal. The three issues were mainly those the court resolved in favour of Onnoghen among the many issues he raised in the four appeals. The court noted that events have overtaken most of the reliefs sought in the appeals, and proceeded to dismissed them. Justice Adah read the lead judgment in the first appeal, marked CA/A/76C/2019, which challenged the competence of the ex-parte order granted the prosecution on January 23, 2019 and prayed that it be set aside. Justice Adah said it was wrong for the prosecution, to have gone back to the tribunal on January 23 to secretly obtain the order, having agreed with the other parties on the previous hearing date, for an adjournment to January 25. He noted that; The mode of securing the ex-parte order has raised some question. He further noted that the respondent (prosecution) went behind the appellants to obtain the ex-parte order after parties had joined issues in respect of a motion on notice earlier filed by the prosecution for the same purpose. Justice must not be shrouded in secrecy. The prosecution is expected to be transparent in carrying out its prosecutorial duties, Adah said. In declining the appellants prayer that the ex-parte order be set aside, Adah noted that the ex-parte order is spent having overtaken by events. Since the appeal cannot remain in court, it is hereby struck out. He advised any party in the case, who is dissatisfied with the final judgment of the CCT, to pursue his appeal in respect of the substantive case, since the trial has been concluded. Other members of the panel, Justice Tinuade Akomolafe-Wilson and Peter Ige agreed with the lead judgment. Justice Adah, who equally read the lead judgment in the second appeal marked: CA/A/114C/2019, dismissed it for not being improperly filed and therefore, incompetent. Continue on page 2 The Federal High Court in Lagos Friday vacated a bench warrant issued for two Akwa Ibom State commissioners and other officials. Justice Rilwan Aikawa had on March 1, 2019 ordered the arrest of Commissioner for Finance Nsikan Nkan and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Uwemedimo Nwoko. He also ordered the arrest of Akwa Ibom Accountant-General, Mfon Udomah and an account officer Margaret Thompson Ukpe. The bench warrant followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which said they were at large. They were named in a charge against Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Mr. Paul Usoro (SAN), who was accused of laundering N1.4billion state funds. But the officials, through their counsel Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), filed a March 4 application asking that the bench warrant be set aside. He argued the court had no jurisdiction over his clients as no charge was yet to be filed against them by the EFCC as they were not named as defendants. He noted that in February 2017, Akwa-Ibom government sued the EFCC at a Federal High Court in Uyo over the harassment of its officials by the anti-graft agency. Ozekhome alleged that despite a subsisting order asking the anti-graft agency to cease all action pending the conclusion of the case, the officials are still being harassed by the EFCC. The Attorney-General of Akwa-Ibom was the one personally conducting the Uyo case. The court later asked parties to stay all action pending the conclusion of the case. Initially the order was obeyed by the EFCC, but it later summersaulted and commenced a new wave of harassment of the officials. The Attorney-General later went physically to the Abuja office of the EFCC to lodge complaints but when nothing changed, contempt proceedings were commenced against EFCC, Ozekhome said. The SAN faulted EFCC for asking for his clients arrest when there was no record that they ignored lawful summons. While urging the court to vacate the bench warrant, Ozekhome undertook to ensure that the officials were available to answer to any charge that may be filed against them. Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo said in view of Ozekhomes undertaking, he would not oppose the application. Justice Aikawa consequently vacated the arrest warrant. Arguments on another motion by Governor Emmanuel Udom challenging the courts jurisdiction to entertain the case were taken. Udoms lawyer Dr. Charles Mekwunye said EFCC was wrong to name the governor in the charge since he still enjoys immunity as enshrined in Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution. Opposing the motion, Oyedepo said the courts power to hear and determine money laundering related offences against all persons is not in doubt. He insisted that Governor Udom is not a party to the case. Justice Aikawa adjourned until May 30 for ruling. EFCC alleged that Usoro conspired with others to commit the offence within the courts jurisdiction on May 14, 2016. He was alleged to have conspired to convert N1.4 billion, property of Akwa Ibom State Government, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful activity. The prosecution said the unlawful activity included criminal breach of trust, which contravened sections 15 (2), 15(3), and 18 (A) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011. Usoro pleaded not guilty. Tbilisi has 90 brand new buses By Tea Mariamidze The capital of Georgia, Tbilisi has welcomed 90 brand new MAN buses which are 10-meter long and are equipped with modern standard, built-in heating, air conditioning and ventilation, as well as information-sound systems, also, video monitoring systems, USB-chargers and Wi-Fi modems.The presentation of the buses was opened by the Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze in May.The number of seats is 27 in the new buses carrying up to 82 passengers in total. The transport is also adapted for the people with disabilities and use Euro 6 emission standard fuel.The Tbilisi City Hall defined 10 routes, where the new buses will be assigned. In the coming days they will appear on N85 and N95 routes. By the end of May, new green buses will replace the amortized yellow buses on the N50, N55 and N71 routes.The mayor said that in addition to these new 90 green buses, from late 2019 Georgian capital will have new, 8 meter long, 220 eco-friendly ISUZU model buses, which will substitute old yellow buses which are harmful for the environment.Kaladze noted that the project of renewing of the public transport is underway with the support of the Prime Minister, Mamuka Bakhtadze.When implementing such a large-scale project, if you do not have the support from the central government and the prime minister, you cannot do it, he said.In addition, the mayor said that next year the City Hall will buy 200 12-meter long buses out of which 100 will be electric ones and 100 will be operating on gas.Kaladze also mentioned Tbilisi metro project and noted that new carriages will be purchased in order to offer modern and fast transportation to the society.PM Bakhtadze also delivered a speech at the presentation. According to him, renewing the public transport is one of the main components of the government-initiated green policy.Public transport is one of the most important issues to Tbilisi's residents. Today, we have started taking far-reaching steps toward solving this problem once and for all, he said.The PM added that the government will increase the budget of the Tbilisi Municipality to replenish the metro rolling stock.I promise you that Tbilisi will be a genuinely European city, and we will make sure of that," Bakhtadze emphasized.Earlier this year Tbilisi Mayor said that in the frames of the bus replacement program, a total of 750 buses will be purchased which will replace the old buses completely and increase the total number of buses in the capital by 200 units. Three people have died and 200 houses destroyed, following a rainstorm in Misau Town in Bauchi State. The Information Officer of the Misau Local Government Council, Mr Usman Yerima, confirmed the development on Friday in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Yerima disclosed that the victims included two men and a teenage girl while 200 houses were destroyed during the fierce windstorm that was proceeded by heavy downpour. He said that most of the affected houses had their roofs blown off during the rain which lasted for over four hours. When contacted, the Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Kabiru Yusuf-Kobi, said that he was yet to get official reports from authorities of the council. We have heard of it and seen it on social media but we are yet to receive official report on the magnitude of the disaster. I will give you the exact situation reports by Tuesday when I might have returned from my official trip because we want to have the reports first, Yusuf-Kobi said. The Federal High Court in Lagos Friday heard that a former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd) authorised the transfer of N2.2billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro. Fayose is on trial for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million allegedly stolen from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through Obanikoro. A CBN senior official, Aliyu Mohammed, confirmed that payment mandates tendered before the court emanated from the CBNs payment section. According to him, they were with instructions to pay N200million and N2billion on different days in June 2014 into the Diamond Bank account of Sylvan McNamara from the ONSA. Obanikoro had admitted during his evidence when he testified for the EFCC that he controlled the account and that he was instructed to move the money to Fayose. Mohammed said the money was co-authorised by Dasuki and an NSA director S.A. Salisu, who were signatories to ONSAs CBN account. The witness said the payments followed the due process as done with accounts of government ministries and agencies. Under cross examination, the witness said the due diligence did not include ascertaining the purpose of payment or the legal status of the entity being paid. A stir was caused when a prosecution witness, Mr Adewale Aladegbola, who was led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said he did not move cash to Afao-Ekiti, Fayoses hometown. Aladegbola, a bullion van driver with Zenith Bank, Ado-Ekiti Branch till 2015, said he was asked to lie by the banks cash officer, Okemute Oputu. The witness said he drove two bullion vans, but that both were broken down the day it was alleged that a bullion van transported huge amounts of money to Fayoses residence. He said on April 16, 2015, the Zenith Bank bullion vans were grounded and there was no operation. Midway into the trial, Jacobs told Justice Mojisola Olatoregun that the witness was showing signs of being hostile from responses given so far. He said he would, therefore, need an adjournment to determine his next line of action. My Lord, from indications I am getting from responses from this witness, it looks as if this witness might become hostile as he is making statements absent from his extra-judicial statement in the proof of evidence, he said. Jacobs said he needed time to consider the nature of application to be made in the circumstance. I had no prior indication that the witness was going to change his mind. I want your lordship to adjourn this matter for me to make appropriate applications because he has cast aspersions on his cash officer, the SAN said. Jacobs said he would have declared the witness hostile immediately, but he had no necessary documents to prove that the witness was making contrary statements. He said he needed previous statements made by the witness to prove that he has turned hostile and to declare him as such. But, Fayoses lawyer Ola Olanipekun (SAN) said he was surprised the prosecuting counsel was making such a prayer. Witnesses are meant to say the truth and the fact that a witness is casting aspersions is no ground to seek adjournment. Continue on page 2 The Lagos State Ministry of Justice Friday introduced a cyber security toolkit, a free online resource that small businesses can use to significantly reduce their cyber risk and curtail cybercrime. The toolkit, which was developed in partnership with Mastercard, is expected to provide real-world tools and clear directions for taking immediate action for reducing cyber risk. It is a joint effort of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA), an international, cross-sector effort dedicated to eradicating cyber risk and improving the connected world. Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Lagos State, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN, who spoke at the launch in Lagos, described the toolkit as a great asset to small businesses. The major driving force for the deployment of the cyber security toolkit for small businesses in Lagos State is its apparent potential to reduce cybercrime, which in-turn has a significant impact on our collective gains as a Ministry that focuses on creating a crime free society, Kazeem said. He explained that the nature of cybercrime goes beyond national boundaries, hence, there is need for international initiative and concerted trans-border joint actions in fighting cybercrime and also providing bulwarks against its perpetration. The Silk noted that even though a business may be small, when it comes to cybercrime the risks are great. He urged businesses to access the GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit, by visiting https://gcatoolkit.org/smallbusiness or the website of Lagos State Ministry of Justicewww.lagosministryofjustice.org for a redirection to the GCA Website. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the GCA will also be conducting a series of webinars on how to protect your business from cybercrime. Details will be announced on Lagos MoJ website soon, Kazeem said. He added that it will be regularly updated with input from users, industry experts and public and private partners across the globe. The toolkit was first launched in New York and London on February 19, where its importance to Cybersecurity was praised by City of London Police Commissioner Ian Dyson; Manhattan District Attorney, Cyrus Vance, Jr. and Philip Reitinger, President and CEO of Global Cyber Alliance. Buhari and Tinubu President Muhammadu Buhari played host to Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the presidential villa in Abuja on Friday. Both men smiled as they broke their fast together. This is one of the few times the duo would be seen together publicly since the February 23 presidential election. Buhari was absent at the 11 Bola Tinubu Colloquium in Abuja in March while the APC national leader did not join the president when he inaugurated some projects in Lagos state in April. Although, their aides have repeatedly dismissed reports of feud between them, the pictures below give the indication that the top politicians are still in touch. The relentless search for the syndicate behind the distribution of a poisonous brand of cow hide delicacy, popularly called ponmo, finally yielded result last Saturday. Two weeks ago, The Nation had broken the story that poisonous ponmo was in circulation in Lagos. And, following the wide reactions it generated, the reporter went about the task of unravelling the syndicate behind the unwholesome business and how they normally delivered the poisonous item at a big warehouse in lgando area of the Lagos metropolis. Around 2:00pm penultimate Friday, the reporter had got a call from a dependable source who lived around College Road in lgando, alerting him to the arrival of a new consignment of the ponmo in question from Senegal, imported by some Lebanese businessmen and about to be offloaded at the usual warehouse in the vicinity, owned by one Mrs. Animashahun, an alleged major distributor of the item in the Southwest region. Pronto, the reporter proceeded to a hotel close to the said warehouse with a view to ascertaining the arrival of the consignment of ponmo. Behold, at exactly 1.45 am, the trailer that loaded the item was seen pulling up at the warehouse with some men engaged to offload the consignment into the warehouse at No. 9 College Road. The reporter would later find that after the first story on ponmo was published penultimate Saturday, Mrs. Animashahun, a big distributor of the item, who was very boastful and hostile to the reporter during his first visit to the warehouse, had gone back to the community leaders with his lawyer, begging that she should be given the chance to sell her poisonous item until August ending when she would relocate her shop. Seeing that her demand had met brick wall, she decided not to offload her consignment in the day time and chose to do so at the odd hours of the night when residents of the area must have slept. When the consignment of ponmo arrived in the wee hours of the said day, it was accompanied by about seven casual labourers who offloaded it into the warehouse. Animashahuns plan was to wait till the morning of the following Monday to inform her numerous customers to come for their goods. So after the offloading was completed around 3:00am on that Saturday, she simply retired home for a good rest. Unfortunately for her, she had barely settled down when some officials of the Ministries of Health and Agriculture got a tip-off that another consignment of poisonous ponmo had arrived the community. They immediately went into action, putting in place the necessary strategy to nab the major distributor of the poisonous substance. The Nation gathered that the operation, which lasted for about 10 hours before all the consignment could be removed, was a joint effort of the State Task Force, Igando Police Command and the Ministries of Health and Agriculture officials, who forced all their professionals out into the field to confiscate the poisonous substance. Shedding more light on the incident in a chat with our reporter, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, said immediately he got the tip-off from a concerned member of the public, he alerted all the relevant government agencies to be on the alert and get ready to move to the location. He said: As soon as we received the tip-off, members of the task force, the police and all our officers went into action and we arrested about six people. The consignment of poisonous ponmo was also confiscated. We are going to do a lab investigation on it. This is to assure the public that our team is on top of the matter and we are doing all we could to apprehend all members of the syndicate of this poisonous ponmo. People should be aware that this poisonous ponmo is processed for leather, but some people converted it into food for consumption, which is criminal. When you want to process ponmo for leather, there are some chemicals you use. One of them is slake lime otherwise known as calcium hydroxide, which is an alkaline chemical that is also Castro genic. Apart from this, they also use formalin, which is used in preserving dead bodies. All these are Castro genic. People should be very careful. If they see any ponmo that is excessively big, black and hard, they should be very careful in consuming such. Onasanya warned food vendors to be careful and vigilant. Anywhere they sight such ponmo, they should inform the Ministry of Agriculture or Health. This will assist us to arrest the situation. In recent times when people are talking about kidney failure, these are some of the things that cause it. Cancer is becoming problematic these days. We will not rest on our oars until we get to the root of the matter. We have also written a letter to the Quarantine Service. Anybody that is bringing such into the country should be properly investigated. Speaking in the same vein, the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Jide Idris, who spoke with The Nation on the phone concerning the seized item last Saturday, said since the first publication by The Nation on April 27, his men, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, went into action to save the state from imminent epidemic. The breakthrough was for the people, he said. As a government, we are accountable to the people and we are ready to let them know that we are going to be there for them. We got the notice from a reliable source and l alerted my people and the Ministry of Agriculture, and we all swooped into action. The people should be vigilant and be sure of the source of anything they are consuming. The government is not stopping the people from eating ponmo, but the source must be verified. Everything we are doing is for the protection of the people so that they will not be consuming poison instead of ponmo. Idris, however, appealed to the people not to see the action of government as discouraging them not to take ponmo, but to see it as a collective venture in order to get rid of the few bad elements in the society who because of money are selling poisonous food substances to the public That is the area the people should also assist the government and report any poisonous food substance to the ministry. We have alerted the public and we are taking all the necessary measures to make sure that the poisonous substance is not in the public market, he added. The confiscation Following the breakthrough, the Lagos State Government, in a press statement issued and signed by the Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, on Monday, said it was a huge success to nab some members of the syndicate. The statement reads: The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit and officers of the Nigeria Police Force, over the weekend seized 30 tonnes of animal hides and skin, popularly known as ponmo, presumed to be poisonous and unhealthy for human consumption, at a warehouse located at College Road in Igando area of Lagos State. According to the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau, the special operation, which led to the arrest of operators of the factory, was based on a tip-off by concerned members of the public who became suspicious of activities in the warehouse where offensive stench oozes out during the preservation of the consignment. Suarau explained that the activity of the illegal ponmo processing factory poses health and environmental hazards to the public and to the processors themselves. He stated that bonfire made with Jamaica rubber, which was also confiscated, in processing the ponmo, emits a thick toxin smoke which spreads within the complex and adjoining neighbourhood, adding that the smoke and the unhygienic way of processing the cow skin are harmful to human health. The statement added that six persons connected with the poisonous ponmo were arrested in the raid, stressing that they are now in police custody helping with ongoing investigation and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Suarau, while stating that investigation into the source of the poisonous Ponmo has since commenced, noted that the Ministry of Agriculture has set up a monitoring and investigation committee, headed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, to get the source of the poisonous Ponmo and dislodge factories and illegal abattoirs where they are being processed. This committee would work with relevant government agencies to fish out any other illegal Ponmo processing factory and illegal abattoir whose activities pose great danger to the public, he said. The commissioner appealed to relevant Federal Government agencies in charge of border patrol to step up activities to prevent entry of the poisonous products into the country. We will not rest on our oars to ensure that only hygienic meat and meat products are available in our abattoirs and market for human consumption. I, therefore, use this medium to warn operators of illegal abattoirs and Ponmo processing outlets to desist from their criminal activities or risk facing the full weight of the law, he warned. The commissioner also called on members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or sale of unwholesome foods and food products to the nearest local government office or the Ministry of Agriculture. Community explodes in joy The people of College Road will not forget in a hurry the year of agony during which Mrs. Animasahun reigned as the seller of poisonous ponmo in the area. When this reporter first visited the community early in April, the people were in a state of hopelessness and despair over the offensive odour that oozed out of Mrs. Animasahuns warehouse, otherwise known as Mama Ibejis ponmo ware house. Several steps were taken by the elders in the community to send Mama Ibeji (Animashahun) away from the vicinity but to no avail. She was powerful, well connected and stupendously rich until last Saturday when the Lagos State Government put an end to her illegal business. Today, the music has changed and so the dancing step. The people of College Road community are all smiles as they are no longer inhaling the offensive odour that was once their permanent companion. Speaking on behalf of the people in the community, the Chairman, Landlords Association, Alhaji Fatai Abioye, who was all smiles, thanked the state government for coming to their rescue at a critical time. Abioye, who noted that things had changed since The Nation carried the story on April 27, added: l did not know that there could be any force that could remove Mama Ibeji, not to talk of disappearing into thin air, he said. Perhaps if there is anybody that was happiest in the community over the development, it would be Mama Tope, a co-tenant with Mama Ibeji. The window of her room was directly opposite the ponmo warehouse. Mama Tope, who was singing and dancing when the reporter visited on Tuesday, said: l am the happiest person in this community today. Please help me thank government that they have taken away my sorrow. For the past one year, offensive odour has nearly sent me to my untimely grave if not because God loves me. According to her, each time she confronted the woman, it usually was a war, because she was very arrogant and ready to dress down anybody who complained about the offensive odour emanating from her ponmo warehouse. She lamented that Mama Ibeji once threatened her with juju, saying that eniyan le wa ninu oorun losan gangan ki otutu maa muu, meaning:You can be inside the sun during the hot weather and yet be feeling cold. I am an old woman with some of my grandchildren with me. We were always forced to close our windows and door every day, no matter how inconvenient. It was even worse during the dry season. All of us would be sweating like Christmas goat, but we could not open the window. It was such a bad experience l would not wish my enemy, not to talk of my friend, she regretted. Kingsley, another co-tenant, would also not forget in a hurry what he had passed through in the house in the last one year. If I tell you how many times l visited the hospital, you will not believe me. Whereas l had been living in the house for more than a year before this woman came with this offensive odour. He,however, thanks God that the travails, agony and mental torture have passed. I thank all of you that assisted us to see the end of this drama, he said. Speaking to The Nation on the implication of the poisonous ponmo in a city like Lagos, an epidemiologist, Dr. Lawrence Igbintade, challenged the state government to get to the root of the matter in order to avoid imminent danger. Consumption of a poisonous food which is very available to the people always is a looming danger that needs to be nipped in the bud, because by the time the crisis comes, it may be too devastating. There should be a comprehensive laboratory test to ascertain the amount of poisonous substance in the so-called ponmo. Igbintade, who commended the quick response of the state government, lamented that the porous nature of the nations borders has turned the country into a dumping ground for all sorts of junk foods and poisonous substances, which are dropped at our backyards in the name of importation. *** Former Chief Executive Officer of the defunct Oceanic Bank, Cecilia Ibru has accused the former Governor of the Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi of persecuting her because he thought she wanted his job. In an interview with Saturday Punch, Cecilia said Sanusi, now the Emir of Kano also ordered the withdrawal of her personal driver and security personnel. Responding to question on what could have caused competition between her and the then CBN governor, Cecilia Ibru said Sanusi thought she wanted his job. I was offered the position, but I said no she added. Explaining why she rejected the offer, she said: My husband was sick and I needed to be with him. That was the reason, and I didnt think much about it anymore. Remember I said I was planning to retire in March of the following year to go and stay with my husband. When he (Sanusi) was appointed, I congratulated him. He even told me at that time they had not given him a letter and I told him not to worry that it would come. The former bank CEO said she was persecuted as she described the experience as an envious fight. For me, they just wanted the banks. An envious fight does not end, but that is a big story that I would prefer to write about later. You find that when people knock you down, they dont expect you to get up again. So, when you get up, they have mixed feelings Explaining why she took bargain option during her trial, Ibru said it was not easy to plead that you are guilty when you know you are not. She added that her husband was sick at that time and she was tired of the whole thing. She said: I was tired of the whole thing. I thought to myself that why should I be fighting with my whole heart when there was an alternative, even though not a nice one; pleading that you are guilty when you know that you are not. You are pleading as if you are guilty and you are agreeing with whatever they wanted when you know you didnt do anything wrong. It wasnt easy; my husband was sick and I didnt want to be sick too. So, I decided to do what I had to do so I could be able to function. That was it. Recall that in 2010, a federal high court in Lagos convicted and sentenced Ibru to six months in prison on a three-count charge bordering on financial fraud. Bettie Jennifer, the wife of popular Ghanaian actor, Chris Attoh, has been shot dead while leaving her office in Maryland in the United States of America. She was shot in the head by the gunman on Friday evening around 5pm and was pronounced dead when police arrived at the scene of the crime. Bettie Jenifer, according to the report left the office in the 6300 block of Ivy Lane and was walking to her car when a man armed with a handgun approached her. When she tried to run away, the man followed her and fired at her multiple times, with at least one shot hitting her. The gunman then fled in a vehicle and is still wanted by the Maryland Police. Police described the suspect as a black male with a think build and black hair, wearing a dark shirt and pants. NEW: victim of tonights fatal shooting in Greenbelt identified as Bettie Jenifer (44) of Bowie, MD. Story below references her 2018 marriage to a famous actor from #Ghana @nbcwashington https://t.co/DMaqwVaedr Jackie Bensen (@jackiebensen) May 11, 2019 Chris Attoh and Bettie Jenifer married at a ceremony in Accra October 2018. This was shortly after divorcing his first wife, Nigerian actor DamiloIa Adegbite, with whom he has a son. Last week, Chris Attoh sparked speculation on social media that all was not well with his second marriage after he deleted all of Betties pictures from his social media pages. It was alleged that they had broken up but neither of the two has publicly confirmed or denied the story. Regina Daniels husband, Prince Chinedu (Ned) Nwoko has received a certificate of return to the House of Senates as Senator-elect. The lawyer and businessman received the certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) amidst jubilation by hundreds of his supporters who thronged the INEC premises. The ceremony was in line with an Abuja Federal High Court judgement which nullified the election of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and declared Prince Ned Nwoko winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta North senatorial primary. The lawyer and businessman would be representing the Anioma people in the Northern part of Delta state. Ned has been a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, he represented Aniocha North-South and Oshimili North-South. The billionaire took to his Instagram page to congratulate himself. He wrote: Emir of Kano and daughter Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje has been described as the worst curse to have happened to Kano by the Emir of Kanos daughter, Princess Fulani Shahida. The Princess took to social media to bare her mind over the creation of four additonal emirates. In the post which has been taken down but reposted by her sister, Princess Fulani Siddika, Shahida described Governor Ganduje as Kanos worst curse In yet another post, Shahida wrote The moment a king decides to restrict himself for fear of losing power, he dethrones himself Obviously in agreement with the whole post, Fulani Sidikka, wrote: I dont have anything more to say actually! My sister said it all GistReel Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim has replied the coded shade posted on Instagram by her ex lover,rapper iceberg slim who had accused her of being a cheater See her replies Recall that Iceberg Slim threw a shade at his ex, Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim. Taking to social media, Iceberg Slim shared the below picture which he [] Share this: Related Posts President Buhari has told graduates from Nigerian Universities that a university degree wont necessarily usher them into an El Dorado and its not a meal ticket. The President said this today May 10th at the 13th Convocation ceremony for the conferment of higher degrees, postgraduate diplomas and honorary degrees at the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, Anambra State. Represented at the occassion by the Minister of State for Education, Anthony Anwuka, President Buhari in his speech which was read by Anwuka, said; You are cautioned that university degrees do not usher you into an El Dorado. It rather equips you with the competence to grapple with the ever-changing challenges of life, of which youth unemployment is a vexatious part. The Federal Government will remain undaunted in tackling the challenges of youth unemployment and underemployment through a matrix of initiatives. Kindly Share this: Like this: Like Loading Share this: Related Share this: About Me Oscar Bartoli Washington, DC, United States Avvocato, giornalista pubblicista, collabora con molti media italiani. Risiede negli Stati Uniti dal 1994 e vive tra Washington D.C., Los Angeles e Bangalore (India). Consigliere comunale per il Partito Liberale a Palazzo Vecchio (Firenze) porta ancora addosso i segni delle percosse che i 'compagni' comunisti di allora gli hanno dato per essere andato a parlare nelle piazze dove comandava solo il PCI. Ha lavorato per molti anni nel gruppo SMI,leader europeo nel settore metalli non ferrosi, successivamente nell'IRI come responsabile dei contatti con i media e in seguito direttore IRI USA. Ha insegnato per dieci anni alla scuola di giornalismo della Luiss e per due anni alla Catholic University di Washington DC. Tiene un corso sulla comunicazione nel Master di Relazioni Internazionali dello IULM di Milano. Rotariano da decenni ha contribuito a creare due Club a Roma, e' stato presidente del Cassia Romana ed attualmente fa parte del Washington Rotary Club. Da giovane, per pagarsi gli studi ma, soprattutto, perche' gli piaceva, ha lavorato come chitarrista - cantante suonando nelle case del popolo, circoli cattolici, night clubs, radio e televisione. View my complete profile Da non perdere "Lei non sa chi sono io" Oscar Bartoli- Prefazione Romano Prodi- Editore Ciuffa "Ed anche questa e' America", di Oscar Bartoli - prefazione Walter Veltroni Editore Luiss University Press "Mezzogiorno di Fuoco: duello all'ultimo spot" di Oscar Bartoli - Editore goWare "W.D.C (sotto traccia)" di Oscar Bartoli, Editore Luca Betti "DC Undercover" (Scarith Books/New Academia Publishing 2013) "Massoneria@FQA-Elogio dell'Informazione e della Comunicazione" di Stefano Bisi e Oscar Bartoli. Editore Luca Betti Potus-Sutop (Leo Rasco-Oscar Bartoli) Kindle Amazon Blog Archive From Greg Swank, 12-4-2 You are about to read a list of 45 goals that found their way down the halls of our great Capitol back in 1963. As... " " A woman shows her "I Voted!" sticker after casting her ballot in-person for the 2020 U.S. presidential election in Chicago. KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images In an election season dominated by COVID-19, economic insecurity and, yes, partisan gridlock, there's one thing we all can agree on: Everybody in the U.S. loves getting an "I Voted!" sticker. Voting sticker selfies started going viral on Twitter and Instagram during the 2012 election, but the 2020 election sticker is different. Earning that "I Voted!" sticker is more a rite of passage something to prove you've voted in this truly historic election. There's even a guy in Jersey City, New Jersey, determined to send a sticker to every person who voted by mail. These things are no joke. But as random as stickers might seem, our obsession with them makes perfect sense to social science researchers who study voter turnout and what motivates people to go to the polls. Old-fashioned civic duty is definitely a strong incentive, but so is social status. Advertisement "Most people prefer others to see them as voters," says Stefano DellaVigna, an economics professor at the University of California Berkeley and author of the study "Voting to Tell Others," one of many fascinating studies proving that we vote, in part, because we want our friends and neighbors to know that we voted. His study notes that it's a long-established fact that 25 to 50 percent of nonvoters lie to pollsters when asked if they voted in the last election. "On its face, this indicates that people hate to admit to being nonvoters," says DellaVigna. "They face this trade-off between telling the truth and looking bad, or lying." It's one thing to lie to a stranger with a clipboard, but how much harder is it to lie to a friend or family member who asks if you voted? It's that expectation of being asked and the cost of lying to someone you know that could motivate an on-the-fence voter to go out and cast a ballot. DellaVigna calculates that the potential public shame of not voting is enough to boost voter participation by 2 to 3 percentage points. In a tight election, that could be huge. "A campaign would kill to get 2 to 3 percentage points," he says. How do "I Voted!" stickers play into all of this? DellaVigna says that when you slap a voting sticker on your chest, you're sending two clear messages to the other members of your social network. The first message, obviously, is that "I Voted!" You're essentially answering the question before it's even asked. The second message is implied, but just as strong. "If you see people wearing the sticker on election day," DellaVigna says, "you might think, 'Oh geez, my grandma is going to ask me whether I voted.' If you're on the fence, that might be enough to push you over." DellaVigna's study is not the only research that backs up the sneaky power of the "I Voted!" sticker. A landmark Swiss study back in 2005 studied voter participation before and after a new law allowing voting by mail. The Swiss government expected voter turnout to increase if voters were given the easier option of voting from home. Instead, voter turnout actually dropped, especially in smaller towns. "As long as poll-voting was the only option, there was an incentive (or pressure) to go to the polls only to be seen handing in the vote," wrote Patricia Funk, author of the Swiss study. "Since in small communities, people know each other better and gossip about who fulfills civic duties and who doesn't, the benefits of norm adherence were particularly high in this type of community." But when vote-by-mail became an option, the pressure to publicly vote decreased. People could just as easily lie and say they voted from home. Voting stickers have been around since 1986, but started to gain popularity during the tight 2000 Bush-Gore race with its disputed outcome. Social media has taken this colorful representation of voting to another level. Not every jurisdiction offers stickers; at 15 cents a pop, the cost adds up when ordering for thousands or millions. But it might be worth it if voter participation increases. Facebook experimented with a clickable "I Voted!" button with somewhat amazing results. In 2010, researchers from the University of California San Diego tested different versions of the button on 61 million Facebook. When Facebook users were shown six profile pics of friends who had already voted, they were 2.08 percent more likely to click the "I Voted!" button themselves, than those who just received the information encouraging voting but no pictures of friends. What's the take-home message? If we want to increase voter turnout in America among the lowest in developed countries maybe we just need to hand out more stickers. Gold stars wouldn't hurt either. Now That's Interesting After a 20-year ban on voting stickers in Chicago, voters finally got wristbands for the 2016 election. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Chicagoans voting in person will receive stickers for the 2020 election. Advertisement Originally Published: Nov 3, 2016 " " Melania Trump waves to the crowd at the end of her Monday, July 18, speech on the opening day of the 2016 Republican National Convention. Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post/Getty Images Viewers tuned in to this year's GOP national convention in Cleveland on Wednesday night got to witness unsuccessful presidential hopeful, Texas senator Ted Cruz, being booed off the stage after refusing to endorse nominee Donald Trump. It was a startling moment in some ways, the political version of Kanye West storming the 2009 Video Music Awards stage to grab the mike from winner Taylor Swift and argue that Beyonce's video was better. We're not used to seeing this sort of thing happen at the political conventions. In recent decades, the floor fights and smoke-filled rooms of yore have morphed into tightly-scripted, carefully stage-managed four-day infomercials designed to motivate the party's base, provide exposure to promising up-and-coming young stars, and most importantly to tell a clear, appealing story about the nominee that will persuade undecided voters. That narrative generally is built over several days by an array of speakers selected to introduce the themes the presidential candidate will pull together in a speech on the final night. Advertisement "Typically, you take the collection of prominent figures, mostly from within the party, explains Josh Pasek, an assistant professor of communication studies at the University of Michigan, who has studied the convention speaking process. "They showcase the ideas of the party and define who your candidate is and to a lesser degree, attack the opposing candidate." Convention planning begins long before primary and caucus voters actually have determined who the presidential nominee will be. But Pasek explains that the speaker list generally isn't finalized until late in the process, by which time the party's national committee has turned over most of the control over the convention to the presumptive nominee's campaign. "It's the nominee's convention," says another expert, Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics. "His campaign will have the final say." Traditionally, some of the speakers, particularly on an early night, are young elected officials or candidates for office fresh, appealing up-and-comers for whom a speaking slot is an audition on the national state, says Pasek. For example, in 2004 the Democrats picked an Illinois state senator named Barack Obama, who had just won a landslide victory in that state's U.S. Senate primary. Obama went on to dazzle the audience with his oratory, and raise his visibility in a way that helped make him a viable presidential candidate four years later. In 2012, similarly, the Republicans featured Nikki Haley, the first woman elected as governor in South Carolina. Slots also go to the party's most prominent politicians, and to unsuccessful presidential contenders who generally try to rally their supporters around the winner, in part by reminding them of the common enemy from the other party. In 2012, for example, failed presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty, the then- governor of Minnesota, spent most of his speech warning against the danger of giving four more years to Democratic incumbent Barack Obama, and then toward the end touted GOP nominee Mitt Romney as the man who could fix America's woes. There are usually a handful of celebrities thrown into the mix to draw attention and add variety. And the nominee's spouse Donald Trump's wife Melania, for example also customarily gets a speaking slot. "It humanizes the candidate," Pasek says. "You want the person to be seen not just as a political figure, but as someone you could like and identify with." This year, the humanizing-spouse speech didn't work out as planned, when most of the attention instead went to accusations that Mrs. Trump had lifted portions of her speech from Michelle Obama's 2008 text. That miscue, and Cruz's non-endorsement of Trump whose text wasn't provided to party officials until shortly before he took the podium, according to the Washington Post are among numerous miscues at the 2016 GOP convention, according to Pasek. Organizers also made a scheduling mistake that bumped one of the party's most prominent up-and-comers, Iowa senator Joni Ernst, out of TV prime time and left her speaking to a nearly empty arena. " " Retired Col. Eileen Collins, a former NASA astronaut, spoke at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Joe Raedle/Getty Images Pasek says that he expects the speakers at the 2016 Democratic convention in Philadelphia to hew more closely to the traditional guidelines, in part because in contrast to the flamboyant Trump, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton is a more conventional politician with a veteran staff. The scheduled speakers include predictable choices such as President Obama and his wife Michelle. Vermont senator and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, who will speak on Monday night, could provide some anxious moments for organizers, given his hard-fought race against Clinton for the nomination, and the aversion that some of his supporters still have toward the eventual winner. Even so, Sanders who belatedly endorsed Clinton isn't likely to steal the show the way that Cruz did. "My sense is that he's enough on the ball and sufficiently alarmed by the prospect of a Trump Presidency," Pasek says. "If he 'goes firebrand' against Trump, that actually could be effective." Ultimately, though, Sabato says that the most important orators on the convention lists are the two nominees themselves. "The only speech that actually lasts and matters is the nominee's on the final night," he says. Now That's Interesting Pasek says that although former president Bill Clinton will speak at the convention, he doesn't expect him to deliver the traditional humanizing spouse speech. "The idea of a First Man instead of a First Lady is probably still a little weird to people," he speculates. "My guess is that [daughter] Chelsea Clinton will deliver the humanizing speech." The unresolved trade dispute between the United States and China roils global financial markets episodically, but over the past year its escalation has sharply curtailed US farmers access to one of their biggest markets, exacerbating the pain they are feeling from already low commodity prices. Adding insult to injury, they say, is being offered a handout by US President Donald Trump, who tweeted on Friday that he would use the money raised via tariffs on China to purchase US$15 billion worth of agricultural products to help the farm sector. The purchased food would go towards humanitarian aid, Trump said. Agricultural economists and farmers note that such plans have been tried before with less than desirable results for both farmers and the nations receiving the food aid. Heres a handout to make you happy? That doesnt make us happy. We want our markets back, Bill Gordon, a fourth-generation farmer in Worthington, Minnesota, who is also vice-president of the American Soybean Association, said in a telephone interview. The markets are so low, we cannot even break even to pay our bills. Farmers are losing their farms every day. The suicide rate among farmers is at an all-time high. Minnesota farmer Bill Gordon It is not up to us to tell the president how to negotiate, but a handout from the government is not how I want to run my business, Gordon said. It took us 40 years to build these markets and while no trade deal is perfect, for the most part the agriculture trade with China was on the up and up, or mutually beneficial, he added. The increased tariffs came a day after Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He arrived in Washington for talks that had been seen as part of a possible final round of trade negotiations. Beijing almost immediately vowed to take the necessary countermeasures in response to the decision. Moreover, the trade talks ended early on Friday with no deal, with Chinese state media reporting that the trade delegation would be returning to Beijing later that day. Story continues US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters at noon that the talks had been constructive as he left the US trade representatives office, where the 11th round of talks took place. Trumps tweets left unclear what products the US government would purchase or whether it was a roundabout way of saying that the Market Facilitation Programme (MFP) that his administration started in mid-2018 would be extended. The MFP authorised up to US$12 billion in payments to US farmers particularly soybean farmers to help them cope with the retaliatory tariffs China placed on their crops as the trade dispute unfolded last year. According to the Office of the US Trade Representative, the US exported US$9.3 billion worth of agricultural products to China last year, the nations fourth largest agricultural export market, even with the tariffs, which began at midyear. Soybeans made up one-third of that total, at US$3.1 billion. No resolution as US-China trade war talks end Agricultural economist Scott Irwin, a professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, said in an interview that farmers were currently looking at losses per acre of US$50 to US$100 on planted corn and soybeans. That is without any government assistance, he said. Irwin believes the government will probably just hand out checks to farmers rather than purchase their crops. They are likely going to roll out that MFP and probably expand it because Trump believes he has plenty of money to cover any checks he is going to write the farmers, Irwin said. Every developed country in the world subsidises its ag sector, he said. We have an over 80-year history of doing that here in the US. If it is socialism, it is not new socialism. Farmers like Gordon stress they are simply looking to compete on a fair and level playing field, not seeking handouts during a time when prices for crops such as soybeans are down sharply. Soybeans are trading close to their lowest levels in a decade. What we want people to understand is that we dont want people to think we are complaining because we are not becoming super profitable, he said. Today, If I plant soybeans, Im guaranteed to lose US$65,000 on this planting. I have to find somewhere else that money just to get me back to zero. That is the real hurt right now. The markets are so low, we cannot even break even to pay our bills. Farmers are losing their farms every day. The suicide rate among farmers is at an all-time high, Gordon added. The outlook, however, on prices for soybeans is not particularly good, even though there were bumper crops for the past several years in the US and South America. On Friday the US Department of Agricultures global supply and demand estimates for May indicated that while the supply of soybeans was falling, prices would continue to erode, said agricultural economist Chad Hart at Iowa State University. Hart said that starting around 2013, the global supply of soybeans had been outstripping demand, leading to a fall in prices. The agriculture economy was struggling before this dispute but the dispute has exacerbated the reasons why it was down, he said. According to Agriculture Department estimates, there will likely be a decline of 400 million bushels of soybeans in the 2019-20 planting season to around 4.15 billion bushels in the United States. Even though supply is going down, demand is not strong enough to lift prices higher, Hart said. And the potential grain purchases to feed needy nations, as Trump suggested? Previous experience suggests that food aid to those markets is a double-edged sword. The American farmers caught in the US-China trade war crossfire Developing nations typically do not have the infrastructure in place for industrial size farming, and Irwin of the University of Illinois noted that the US government started to purchase agricultural commodities domestically to give as humanitarian aid starting in 1954 under president Dwight Eisenhower. What became known as the Food for Peace programme is run by the United States Agency for International Development. What Trump is suggesting is nothing new. The scale would be unprecedentedly large, he said. However, he said, the economic literature over decades has shown that if the goal is to support farm incomes because of low commodity prices, it is better to just write a check rather than buy and stockpile the grain. Otherwise, history showed, he said, you are literally then dumping the grains into local markets in less developed countries, bringing cheap foodstuffs that then harm the local farm production sector. More from South China Morning Post: This article Donald Trumps plan to buy US$15 billion of crops for humanitarian aid does not thrill farmers first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday urged his supporters to reject fear and maintain nationwide protests against President Nicolas Maduro, who has been ratcheting up pressure on the lawmaker since a failed military uprising. Some 1,500 to 2,000 people filled a square in an opposition-friendly part of eastern Caracas to hear Guaido, but that was far fewer than the several thousands who took part in earlier protests. Anti-Maduro rallies in other cities also appeared to be smaller than in previous weeks, based on photos and videos posted on social media. The smaller turnouts were seen as a sign of possibly waning interest -- or simply exhaustion -- after months of protests climaxed in a failed uprising April 30, leaving six people dead. "We are at a historic moment," Guaido told the crowd in Caracas, urging them not to give up their fight. "Either we are prisoners of fear, hopelessness and inaction... or else we continue to fill the streets with hope, with power, with confidence." Melquiades Rosales, a 42-year-old Guaido supporter at the Caracas rally, said he had expected a bigger turnout but added, "We may all be afraid of repression, but we cannot stay home." Guaido, who is recognized by more than 50 countries as Venezuela's interim president, has faced a series of setbacks. His deputy Edgar Zambrano was arrested by Maduro's SEBIN intelligence service and stands accused of "treason, conspiracy and civil rebellion," the Supreme Court said. Three other lawmakers have sought refuge in diplomatic facilities in Caracas, while one fled to neighboring Colombia. Guaido issued a call on Twitter late Friday for people to turn out Saturday and "take to the streets for our National Assembly... (and) for our brave lawmakers who are giving everything they have and for an entire nation that remains mobilized to win its freedom." Against a backdrop of spiraling economic crisis and grave shortages of food and medicine, Guaido and Maduro have been battling each other since early this year when the 35-year-old lawmaker, the head of the National Assembly, declared himself acting president. Guaido, who says Maduro rigged his own re-election last year, has repeatedly led street demonstrations and called on the military to turn their backs on Maduro, who retains key support from China and Russia. - CIA 'mole' - So far, the armed forces have remained in Maduro's corner, except for about 30 military personnel who heeded Guaido's call for an uprising last month. The attempt to unseat Maduro, the political heir of the late Hugo Chavez, proved abortive. On Friday, Maduro accused his sacked intelligence chief of being a CIA "mole" and the architect of the failed military uprising. "He was captured by the CIA a year ago and was working as a traitor, mole and infiltrator," Maduro said of Cristopher Figuera, who has defected to the opposition. Figuera and 55 other officers have been expelled from the Venezuelan armed forces. Zambrano -- who is being held in a military prison -- is one of 10 opposition lawmakers charged with treason for participating in the April 30 movement. One of the others, Luis Florido, announced in a video on Friday that he had fled to neighboring Colombia. Three others -- Richard Blanco, Mariela Magallanes and Americo De Grazia -- have sought refuge in the residences of the Argentine and Italian ambassadors in Caracas. Guaido said on Thursday the arrests were part of a bid by Maduro to dismantle the National Assembly legislature, Venezuela's sole opposition-controlled institution but one which had already been rendered powerless by the pro-Maduro Supreme Court. "The National Assembly was elected by popular vote. (The government) cannot dissolve it by persecuting lawmakers," said one protester in Caracas, Alexander Mendoza. - Uncertainty - The United States and the European Union have condemned the Maduro government's actions against opposition lawmakers. On Friday, Washington imposed sanctions on two shipping companies for delivering Venezuelan oil to ally Cuba. US President Donald Trump has said all options remain on the table, implying the possibility of military action. But in an interview with Portuguese television aired Saturday, Guaido said a foreign military intervention could happen only as a "last option." He told the crowd in Caracas, nonetheless, that he had asked his representative in Washington, Carlos Vecchio, to contact Admiral Craig Faller, commander of the US Southern Command, and "establish direct relations on matters of cooperation." Venezuela's navy on Friday denounced what it said was an incursion by a US Coast Guard vessel into its exclusive economic zone. "This is not a request (and) I am not asking for a favor," Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino said bluntly in a speech Saturday. "We demand that the American military authorities respect waters in our jurisdiction." The Legislative Council descended into unprecedented chaos on Saturday when the two rival camps clashed during a meeting on the contentious extradition bill, in what the government condemned as extremely disorderly and uncontrollable conditions. Both the pro-establishment and the pan-democratic camps later filed reports with police about the clash, which forced the meeting to adjourn and left a lawmaker hospitalised and at least three others claiming injuries. The clash broke out as the pro-democracy and pro-government camps called separate meetings of a Legco committee that scrutinises the bill, which would allow a case-by-case transfer of fugitives with jurisdictions Hong Kong lacks a formal extradition deal with, including mainland China and Taiwan. At the height of the tussles, scores of pan-democrats were seen trying to break through a cordon of pro-establishment camp lawmakers, who had surrounded 73-year-old Abraham Razack, the newly appointed presiding member of the bills committee. In a statement issued on Saturday night, the government regretted that the lawmakers had failed to elect a chairman of the committee after three meetings, and urged them to resume rational discussions and peaceful exchanges. The government expressed utmost regret over the extremely disorderly and uncontrollable conditions resulting in bodily injuries caused by serious disruptions [in the bills committee], it said, adding the event was unprecedented in the Legcos history. We are also gravely concerned that if this situation continues, it would have an adverse impact on the scrutiny of the bill in Legco, the statement read. Two senior mainland officials, Zhang Yong, vice-chairman of the Basic Law Committee of the mainlands top lawmaking body, and Chen Dong, deputy director of Beijings liaison office in Hong Kong, voiced their support of the bill on Saturday, saying the city should be a shopping paradise and not one for fugitives. Hong Kong officials have stressed the urgency of the bill to allow the transfer of local resident Chan Tong-kai, 20 wanted in Taiwan on suspicion of murdering his girlfriend last year. While the pro-establishment camp wants to fast-track the amendments, the pan-democrats are determined to halt the bill over fears that Hongkongers could be extradited to mainland China for political reasons. Story continues In a controversial move on Monday, Razack replaced James To Kun-sun, a democrat who had presided over the first two meetings, which were stalled by the pan-democrats filibustering. The pan-democrats disavowed Tos replacement and pressed ahead with their own meeting at 8.30am on Saturday, half an hour earlier than the one scheduled by their rivals in the same room. As soon as Razack appeared at Legco escorted by his allies shortly before 9am, the pan-democrats tried to stop him proceeding to the meeting room. A number of lawmakers fell to the ground as they pushed and shoved each other along the packed hallway. Abraham, please dont be remembered as a sinner! Wu Chi-wai, the Democratic Party chairman, shouted after Razack was ushered into the room. But the chaos continued inside, with NeoDemocrat lawmaker Gary Fan Kwok-wai falling to the ground after standing on a table, and appearing to have fainted. Pro-government lawmaker Junius Ho Kwan-yiu accused Fan of acting. I have never seen such a hostile situation in my 19 years here as a member of Legco Abraham Razack, legislator Stop acting and get up, Gary Fan! Ho said. In response, the Civic Party lawmaker Jeremy Tam Man-ho defended his colleague and called Ho cold-blooded. Fan was later taken to Queen Mary Hospital. Razack announced at 9.15am there would be a pause in meeting. There were further clashes after it resumed at 11.45am, before it was forced to adjourn at noon. Speaking after the meeting, Razack said he would continue to preside over future meetings until a chairman was elected. I have never seen such a hostile situation in my 19 years here as a member of Legco, Razack said. We couldnt continue the meeting at that moment as it had become dangerous. While Razack decided to reschedule the meeting for 8.30am on Tuesday, his rivals announced they would also convene one 15 minutes earlier on the same day and at the same venue. The Legco secretariat refused to confirm if security would be stepped up for the next meeting. Council Front lawmaker Claudia Mo Man-ching said the blame for the conflict between the camps lay squarely with Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor. Culprit No 1 is Carrie Lam, who tried so hard to push through this evil law, Mo said. Her goons and thugs at the legislature are trying to twist all the house rules thats what caused the chaotic situation this morning. Three pro-establishment camp lawmakers Ben Chan Han-pan, Elizabeth Quat and Alice Mak Mei-kuen said they would tell the police they were hurt during the scrum. Chan was later said to have injured his shoulder and needed to undergo observation for a week. Quat was said to be suffering from neck injuries while Mak hurt her right hand. The police also received a report from the pan-democrats during the meeting about Fan being assaulted. A spokesman said police would follow up on the two cases, which were classified as requests for police investigation. But he added Fan said he was unwell and could not assist with the inquiry for the time being. More from South China Morning Post: This article Hong Kong government condemns disorderly and uncontrollable conditions after Legco chaos halts meeting of committee reviewing extradition bill first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. MANILA, Philippines The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that the expected number of Filipino voters for the 2019 midterm national and local elections is more than 61 million. Latest Comelec data show there are 61,843,750 registered voters in the country and 1,822,173 Filipinos who have registered to vote from abroad. Among the 17 regions in the Philippines, Region 4A or Calabarzon has the highest number of registered voters with 8.67 million. Metro Manila is second with 7.07 million followed by Region 3 or Central Luzon with 6.83 million registered voters. These areas are called the most vote-rich regions because these comprise 11,419,415 of the total number of voters. While most of the vote-rich regions are in Luzon, the province with the highest number of voters is Cebu, which is in Central Visayas. For this election, Cebu has recorded 3,082,621 registered voters. It is followed by Cavite, Pangasinan, Laguna, Bulacan, Batangas, Rizal, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Quezon, Camarines Sur, and Isabela; Negros Occidental is also among the 17 vote-rich provinces with Iloilo, Leyte, Davao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur. Each of these provinces has more than one million registered voters for the 2019 polls or almost 28 million in total. As for vote-rich cities, Quezon City is the most voter populous city in the country with 1,330,118 while Manila came second with 1,065,149 registered voters. Davao City has 984,604, Caloocan has 719,447 while Cebu City has 709,608. Fifteen other vote-rich cities are Antipolo City in Rizal, Zamboanga City, Makati, Pasig, Taguig, Dasmarinas, Valenzuela City, Cagayan de Oro, Muntinlupa, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Bacolod, Calamba, Bacoor and General Santos City. In overseas, most of the Filipinos who registered to vote for this poll are from the Middle East and Africa with 887,744; followed by the Asia Pacific with 401,390; North and South America with 345,417 and in Europe with 187,624. Based on Comelec data, more than 18 million of registered voters are from the youth sector or the so-called Millennials and Generation Z, born in the mid-90s and early 2000s. Story continues While those born in the 1960s to the early 1980s or the Generation X comprise 19.91 million. Those aged 45 to 64 comprise 5,868,289 of the total registered voters while voters aged 65 and older amounted to more than 5.8 million. There are also more female voters (31,816,797) than males (30,026,953) this election. Based on voter turnout in the previous elections, not all registered voters were able to show up and cast their votes at their designated precincts. Comelec data show that in the last three elections, 2016 elections recorded the highest national voter turnout with 84 percent, 2013 with 77 percent and 2010 with 74 percent. The poll body has been urging Filipino voters to go out and exercise their right of suffrage in order to elect honest and deserving officials to achieve the change we want in the Philippines. (with details from Mon Jocson) The post Find Out: Number of Filipino registered voters for May 13 polls appeared first on UNTV News. Girls freed from the clutches of human traffickers worldwide are given shelter by nuns from the Talitha Kum network, which is marking its 10th anniversary with support from Pope Francis. "We have sisters who go into the streets, but also to refugee camps, schools, tea plantations, (and) prisons," the international network's coordinator, Sister Gabriella Bottani told AFP. "We can identify situations, do prevention work, offer help," she said. Efforts to help those trapped in prostitution are regularly lauded by the 82-year old pope. The Argentine choose an anti-trafficking Italian nun to write the Way of Cross meditations this Easter, with seasoned campaigner Eugenia Bonetti slamming public "indifference" as the main reason girls are still on the street. On Friday, Francis opened an exhibition at the Vatican of photographs by Lisa Kristine of the US, portraying nuns working with victims. Trafficking in women is "an octopus with many tentacles," said Sister Yvonne Clemence Bambara, who runs a rehabilitation centre in Burkina Faso. "We have to work together in many ways to overcome it and mitigate the consequences as much as possible," she added. - 'Rise up' - Many convents have been active in fighting prostitution since the 19th century. Their efforts were brought under one umbrella in 2009 with the creation of Talitha Kum -- Aramaic words from the bible that mean "Young girl, rise up". The network has hundreds of members in India, where sisters train young people in villages and slums to be vigilant and work together to find children who have been sold to pimps or abducted by traffickers. "If a child goes missing, we send the message out," Sister Prema Chowallur from Assam State in India told AFP by telephone. The nuns have different types of shelters ready for those determined to get off the streets, offering both first response care and help with reintegration into society. Sister Luisa Puglisi lives in just such a shelter in Valencia in Spain: "What matters most is our presence with them on a daily basis," she said. "Doing the dishes together, watching television... We give them something for free in a world where everything can be bought and sold". As well as helping those who want to denounce their captors, or return to their home countries, the nuns also raise awareness in societies that may be reluctant to acknowledge the problem. - From poorest to richest - In the US, Sister Jean Shafer -- who ran a shelter for six years -- publishes a monthly newsletter on the phenomenon that is widely read within the Catholic Church there. "We are able to talk with people of influence, money, education, to get them involved," she said. "We can mingle among the poorest of the poor and among the richest of the rich." In Australia, Sister Colleen Jackson spends one week a year meeting with lawmakers. "We are generally trusted: some victims will speak to sisters before law enforcement," she said. While many non-religious social workers appreciate their dedication, some worry about the Church's position on abortion. "We are all against abortion, but none of us will put a girl who has made that choice out on the street," Bottani said. Living with nuns does not necessarily come naturally to all of the girls, she admits, but she insists the human warmth and support they are offered means the world to many. "The most important things are captured in a look. How we look at them, how they look at us," Bottani said. Those concerned with climate change may soon feel less compunction about biting into a cheeseburger. Researchers have recently discovered that feeding cattle and other livestock a specific type of seaweedknown as Asparagopsis taxiformiscan dramatically reduce the massive amount of planet-warming methane such farm animals burp and fart into the atmosphere. Scientists from San Diego to Vietnam to Australia are now working overtime to figure out how to best cultivate the underwater plantwhich a growing number of private aquaculture companies are seeing as a potential cash cow. Whether motivated by profits or global warming, the race is on to patent recipes for growing the seaweed and then figuring out how to ramp up production. Global demand is expected to far outstrip the capacity to harvest the subtropical seaweed from the wild. In California alone there are 1.8 million dairy cows, with farmers of the greenhouse-gas spewing animals facing a state mandate to slash their methane emissions 40% by 2030. Experts also expect that agricultural businesses may adopt the practice regardless of government pressure in order to market themselves as more environmentally friendly. "Every time I talk about it, I get goosebumps," said Jennifer Smith, a marine biologist at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, who said she can envision the university spinning off a local start-up to help meet local demand for the seaweed. But first, she has to dial in the recipe. For several months, Smith has been experimenting in her lab with cultivating the seaweed to, among other things, maximize concentrations of bromoformthe compound that blocks the production of methane in cows, sheep, goats and other ruminant animals. "This is the sporophyte," she said at her lab in La Jolla, holding one of a dozen flasks filled with the red algae, dancing in aerated seawater. "In this case, the bubbles are not as vigorous, allowing these puff balls to get bigger. "By just manipulating nitrogen and phosphorous, we have already seen that we can double the concentrations of bromoform in just a week," she added. The red-colored sporophyte is one of several phases of Asparagopsis. The subtropical seaweed also has a more fleshy stage with long stalks and branches. Experts are currently debating in which stage to grow the seaweed. The practical considerations include not only the cost of cultivation but its carbon footprint. If growing the seaweed and shipping it to farms generates considerable amounts of greenhouse gas, the process could cancel out the benefits of reducing methane. Growing Asparagopsis as a sporophyte, for example, would likely require doing so in tanks of sterilized seawater to prevent contamination of the clingy plant material. That means using some form of energy to pump in air and nitrogen. As a result, some businesses are focusing on growing the more fleshy form of the plant in the ocean. "Some people are saying let's grow the sporophyte," Josh Goldman said from Southeast Asia. "That's not that hard to do, but the problem is it's going to be expensive. Our vision of this is the most scalable and lowest cost way is in the ocean, rather than in tanks or pods on land." Goldman is leading a project dubbed Greener Grazing for Australis Aquaculture, which grows ocean-farmed barramundi sea bass in Vietnam. The company also already grows a seaweed known as Kappaphycus alvarezii, a red algae used as a food additive to thicken or stabilize almond and coconut milk. Now it wants to cultivate Asparagopsis using nets of "seeded rope" that float several feet below the ocean surface. Goldman said the company hopes to have the process fully developed and in the patenting process by the end of the year. Then the company will not only start industrial-scale cultivation, but potentially sell the nets to other aquaculture businesses. "We've built the first ever seed bank for the species," he said, "and we've made a number of first significant breakthroughs. When you look at what's this going to add to the cost for a gallon of milk, I think ocean cultivation is going to be the solution long term." Still, that cost calculation doesn't necessarily take into account the greenhouse gas emissions from flying the seaweed halfway around the world. Growing the seaweed in close proximity to farming operations may require cultivation of the algae on land in tanks, especially because it only grows in subtropical waters. There's another practical consideration: What if cows don't like eating the seaweed? So far, all signs are positive. Ongoing research at UC Davis, following a study from the university published last year, has found feeding dairy cows just a small amount of the seaweed can cut methane from the animals by more than 50%. And an earlier trial from researchers in Australia has suggested that with the right levels of bromoform, methane emission from cattle and other livestock could essentially be wiped out. This would be a major breakthrough since methane is a greenhouse gas many times more potent than carbon dioxide, and livestock account for about 14.5% of climate-warming emissions worldwide, according to the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. However, scientists have said more research is needed before the seaweed can be widely used on farms. "We're in week seven of a six-month trial," said Ermias Kebreab, an animal science professor at UC Davis. "Last time, we figured out that it works over a short period of time, but we didn't know how long it would last." Specifically, Kebreab said his research is focused on determining whether the seaweed will have any harmful effects on the animals and if it will change the taste of milk or meat. There's also been some concern that the cows wouldn't like the flavor of the seaweed, but so far a little bit of molasses seems to do the trick. "If it works it's going to be huge demand," he said. "Right now, we're talking with the dairy industry, but we have to show that it really works before we really engage." All of this might not have happened without the efforts of Joan Salwen. After two decades as a business consultant for Fortune 500 companies, she took a fellowship in 2015 at Stanford University's Distinguished Careers Institute. Her grandfather raised cattle and sheep when she was growing up in eastern Iowa, and she was interested in exploring themes of sustainable agriculture. Shortly after getting to Stanford she read a little-known paper on the impacts of Asparagopsis on methane production authored by researchers at James Cook University in Australia and the government's research arm the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization. After enlisting experts to help her work through the technical aspects of the research, she was awestruck by the potential implications of the findings. "I knew right away that we needed to know whether this thing was effective on the reduction of gas and safe for animals and humans," she said. That's when she called up Kebreab at UC Davis. It turned out he was vaguely aware of the paper and interested in looking into the research. "I asked him if we could help give this thing a ride," Salwen said. "He said I was going to have to support his research financially, which was fine. But the other thing was we were going to have to source the seaweed." They eventually found a supplier in Australia that was willing to donate some wild harvested seaweed, and have since secured additional sources for roughly $100 a kilogram of dried seaweed. To fund the effort, Salwen has to date raised close to $1 million from a number of different organizations, including the Schmidt Family Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. Salwen said that while there's some competition to develop cultivation techniques of Asparagopsis, people are largely working together to share information and best practices. She said that those involved see significant room for many different players in what could be a massive new industry. "This will be like growing corn or soybeans," she said. "There will be a whole lot of people cultivating and building farms. It's not like anyone believes for a second that they could own the production market, so people are really collaborating." 2019 The San Diego Union-Tribune Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Pork is a staple of Chinese cuisine. Every day Hong Kong imports around 4,000 live pigs from China with only around 200 pigs coming from local farms in the crowded city Hong Kong will cull 6,000 pigs after African swine fever was detected in an animal at a slaughterhouse close to the border with China, the first case of the disease in the densely populated financial hub. "In order to minimise the risk of ASF virus spreading from the slaughterhouse, all pigs in Sheung Shui Slaughterhouse will be culled so that thorough cleansing and also disinfection could be conducted," Sophia Chan, Secretary of the city's Food and Health Department, said late Friday. She added that the pig detected with African swine fever was imported from a farm in the southern mainland Chinese province of Guangdong. Pork is a staple of Chinese cuisine. Every day Hong Kong imports around 4,000 live pigs from China with only around 200 pigs coming from local farms in the crowded city. After African swine fever spread across more than half of China's provinces last year, Hong Kong imposed import bans from any Chinese farms where the virus were detected. With some of the world's most densely populated streets, Hong Kong remains on high alert to diseases. In 2003, some 300 people died during an outbreak of severe acute respiratory disease (SARS). Chinese officials have said hundreds of thousands of pigs were culled in a bid to stop its spreadan effort that has also seen restrictions placed on moving pigs from affected areas. The virus is not dangerous to humans but is fatal to pigs and wild boar. Explore further China culls thousands of pigs as African swine fever spreads 2019 AFP In this Wednesday, May, 8, 2019 file photo, drivers for ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft hold a rally at a park near Los Angeles International Airport. Some drivers for ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft turned off their apps to protest what they say are declining wages as both companies rake in billions of dollars from investors. A fare war between Uber and Lyft has led to billions of dollars in losses for both ride-hailing companies as they fight for passengers and drivers. But in one way it has been good for investors who snatched up the newly public companies' stock: The losses have scared off the competition, giving the leaders a duopoly in almost every American city. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) A fare war between Uber and Lyft has led to billions of dollars in losses for both ride-hailing companies as they fight for passengers and drivers. But in one way it has been good for investors who snatched up the newly public companies' stock: The losses have scared off the competition, giving the leaders a duopoly in almost every American city. The two San Francisco companies have already lost a combined $13 billion. And with no clear road to profits ahead, no one else has much of an incentive to mount a challenge using the same model relying on people driving their own cars to pick up passengers that summon them on a smartphone app, said Susan Shaheen, co-director of the Transportation Sustainability Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley. Even if another rival dared enter the market, it would likely be difficult to raise enough money to pose a viable threat after Uber and Lyft spent the past decade pulling in billions of dollars from venture capitalists. And in the past six weeks, they raised an additional $10.4 billion in their recently completed initial public offerings of stock. "There's only a duopoly because both companies have enough capital to compete with each other and no one else does," said Gartner analyst Michael Ramsey. It's likely to remain that way until any of dozens of companies trying to create self-driving cars refines their technology so they can launch a network of robotic taxis that removes human drivers from the equation. That breakthrough could enable them to slash their fares below the prices currently being charged by Uber and Lyft. Google spin-off Waymo has made no secret of its intention to muscle its way into the ride-hailing market with a fleet of self-driving cars built on technology that it has been working on for the past decade. Waymo launched a ride-hailing service with robotic vans in the Phoenix area five months ago, but only 1,000 people are currently allowed to use it. Besides being on the leading edge of bringing robotic vehicles to market, Waymo also is backed by more money than Uber and Lyft have combined. Waymo is owned by Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc., which is sitting on $113 billion in cash. In its IPO document, Uber listed Waymo as a potential threat along with Tesla, General Motors' Cruise Automation and Apple. Lyft also cited Waymo and Apple among the companies that could undercut its position as the second largest ride-hailing service. But most experts believe it will still be many more years before self-driving car technology reaches the point that it can support a large fleet of robotaxis. Until then, the U.S. duopoly is likely to continue, giving Uber and Lyft the luxury of focusing on growth rather than turning a profit, analysts said. That means ride-hailing fares in the U.S. are likely to remain below the actual cost of providing the service, a boon for consumers. "These subsidies will continue as long as each company believes they will be gaining new customers by having a lower price," says Alejandro Ortiz, principal analyst at SharesPost. "The story now is growth, but growth is expensive." Eventually, though, investor pressure will mount on the companies to make money, and doing that almost certainly will require higher prices for their rides. On the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Friday, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi hinted that it will be three to five years before the company pivots to a focus on profit. That timetable hasn't been well received on Wall Street so far. Lyft's stock has fallen 29% below its IPO price of six weeks ago, and Uber flopped in its stock market debut Friday as its shares slipped by almost 8% percent. Markets with only one or two dominant players often create situations for companies to abuse their power or attempt to stifle competition. Regulators and legislators around the world argue that's already happened in many corners of technology, with Facebook having a seemingly impenetrable stronghold in social networking, Google dominating search and Amazon controlling a wide swath of online shopping. That has stirred calls to break up some of the companies, especially Facebook, whose own co-founder, Chris Hughes, recently argued his former company has become too powerful for society's good. For now, Uber and Lyft have been drawing upon all the money that they have raised from investors to keep prices relatively low, creating a barrier for smaller-scale competitors without the capital to sustain massive losses. Take Austin, Texas, for instance. In 2016, Uber and Lyft pulled out of the city after voters approved regulations on ride-hailing companies, including fingerprint background checks for drivers. Four competitors stepped in to give rides in tech-savvy Austin, including two local companies. But the following year, Texas legislators passed a looser state law that superseded Austin's, and Uber and Lyft came back. Shortly after their return, three of the competitors, Boston-based Fasten, locally owned GetMe and Phoenix-based Fare stopped operations, and the remaining one, nonprofit RideAustin, lost thousands of its riders. "It was a matter of a couple months and those three companies were gone," said Chris Simek, an associate research scientist with the Texas A&M University Transportation Institute, who co-authored a study of Uber and Lyft's impact on ride-hailing in Austin. Uber hasn't been as successful thwarting competition outside the U.S. It has waved a white flag during the past three years in Russia , China and parts of Southeast Asia by selling its services in those parts of the world to stronger rivals. Lyft has not expanded outside North America yet, so it faces few other competitors besides Uber in the U.S. Via has managed to carve out a niche by running a pooled ride system in New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, and it contracts to provide transit in about 70 cities worldwide. It competes most directly in New York, where Uber and Lyft also offer pooled services that transport multiple riders. Via specializes in carrying up to six passengers at a time, largely in vans, and is growing because it can do a more efficient job carrying more people, said spokeswoman Gabrielle McCaig. Still, the company is losing money as it invests in growing the business, she said. And so it remains, at least for now, that Uber and Lyft will occupy the ride-hailing industry's driver's seat. "It is hard to see a third or fourth player coming in at this point," said D.A. Davidson analyst Tom White. "I think we are looking at a duopoly in North America." 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. HUDSON FALLS Local dairy farmer John Dickinson talked with Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, at his Hudson Falls dairy on Friday about the new farm labor law currently being considered by the state legislature. We felt, as a business, that this was coming sooner or later, said Dickinson, who was joined by daughter Crystal Grimaldi and Michael Bittel, president of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. But the gravity of the situation we did not anticipate. We certainly feel like we are under attack as a dairy industry from all sides. Over the past month, the Farm Workers Fair Practices Act, effectively allowing unions on farms, has been gaining traction with farm worker activist groups like Farm Worker Justice protesting in Albany and other parts of the state. This bill, as it stands, would certainly drive many farms out of business, said Bittel of the chamber. Farmers are already struggling in New York State, as it ranks No. 1 in the most expensive states to farm (land, labor costs, insurance). This bill would drive many farms out of business with the escalating mandated costs. As the bill currently stands, the state labor law would be amended with the passage of this bill, giving farm laborers overtime pay after an eight-hour shift, workers compensation benefits and the right to join a union. But Dickinson said this does not fit into an agricultural model and could seriously affect smaller farms. Were a large producer and I think this regulation doesnt have significant implications for us, said Dickinson about the family-owned dairy, Ideal Dairy Farms in Hudson Falls. Ideal currently has about 2,500 cows and 30 full-time employees. But it is a considerable change for small producers. They are not structured to handle these changes. According to Woerner, who has been visiting many farms in her district, the model the bill uses is an industrial one and is not a good fit for the agricultural model. I dont think the Assembly is eager to take this up this year, she said. Were talking about an industry that has been in a down place to do this right now could be detrimental to New York agriculture as a whole. The problem, said Woerner, is that this bill follows an industrial model, but farming deals with live animals, crops and weather. This is not a path to success as it stands, and I could not support it, she said. Grimaldi mentioned that there are other industries, like law enforcement, that work longer days. The workers we have are all based on an 11-to-12 hour day, Grimaldi said. We are running two shifts with the milking staff working an 11-hour day. That gives them around 63 hours a week. And Dickinson added, We all work 12 hour days. Its just the culture, its a business and a lifestyle. Ideal Dairy Farms employees are paid between $40,000 and $65,000, plus housing, utilities and cable. Bittel said that if passed, the financial pressure of overtime after eight hours may lead to more automation and less hours for workers, if farmers are to stay in business. I have had long conversations with Saratoga apple producers and they said, we would have to schedule people for 35 hours and try to hire additional people, she said. People who want to work 60 hours will have to get a second job. Commodity prices are fixed; if you jack up labor costs, you have to make adjustments to manage costs. Assemblyman Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, said that versions of this bill have been coming up over the past 20 years, but they never gained a lot of traction. They are working on a razor-thin margin already, Stec said about farms. Farms face the challenges other businesses face. And then they are beholding to mother nature they are already teetering. This could finish some of them off. Stec said that from his experience, farms in this area treat their workers well and he has never had a farm worker come to him for help. Dickinson said that collective bargaining itself is not a problem for farmers, but a work stoppage could be a disaster. The work stoppage is an issue, he said. If all our workers did not want to milk our cows, were in trouble. Jackson Supervisor Jay Skellie, who farms 700 acres in Jackson, agrees that striking is a problem. If a farmer has a crop ready to pick and workers threaten to strike if they are not paid more, the farmer would have no choice, he said. They know the nature of the job; its not like a factory. If they go on strike, you cant turn the lights off until the strike ends, he said. Living creatures have to be cared for daily. If workers go on strike, are farmers going to be able to get animals fed, cleaned, milked? I worry about the animal, too. The farmers and legislators want workers treated fairly with good pay and days off, but they suggest modifications to the existing bill. These include provisions for work stoppage, longer shifts for planting and animal care, to name a few. According to Woerner, there will be a legislative roundtable for farmers to talk about their businesses at the end of the month. My hope is these farmers can impress those legislators with what their practices are as much as they have impressed me, she said. For the dairy industry, they have had a long, long stretch of lower milk prices and tariff constraints. That struggle is really felt, and I think they can tell that story. Kathleen Phalen-Tomaselli covers Washington County government and other county news and events. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. SARATOGA SPRINGS Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Anna Quindlen is funny, bold, sassy and refreshingly honest. And on Tuesday night at Skidmore College, this former New York Times reporter and opinion columnist bared it all. Or at least a big chunk of things. I became a reporter when I was 18, and I will consider myself a reporter even though I havent reported a story in a number of years, until the day I die, said Quindlen, during a Q&A session with Northeast Public Radios Joe Donahue for his Off the Shelf book show. I have never been prouder to be a reporter than Ive been for the last two years. Theyve really brought so much to the table of investigative reporting and digging deeper. Its just a pleasure for me to watch what some of my former colleagues do. The evening event, taped with an audience of 300 in partnership with Northshire Books and Skidmores Gender Studies program, highlighted Quindlens views on womens issues, the 2016 election, her own reporting career and her new book, Nanaville: Adventures in Grandparenting. Throughout her novels and essays, Quindlen has always written with such a generous spirit, said Rachael Person of Northshire Bookstore, introducing the speakers. Her level of honesty is both precious and very rare. A bit off script, Donohue opened the event with a slice of breaking news. Anna and I were up in the Green Room about four minutes ago and both our phones buzzed. We saw that the Times has Trumps tax returns, he said, the audience erupting into cheers and a few hoots and hollers. And so began an evenings discussion, meandering through a myriad of tales linking children, grandchildren, writing, news coverage, the president and politics. At times Quindlen confesses, professes, shares and sometimes breaks bad. AA posits you dont get sober until youve hit bottom. We have hit bottom, Quindlen said about America today. So maybe were going to stop drinking the Kool-Aid and lift ourselves out of this in 2020. I sure hope so. Career highlights Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Anna Quindlen was in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday night to talk politics, her career and more. Her works include the following novels: "Object Lessons" "One True Thing" "Black and Blue" "Blessings, Rise and Shine" "Every Last One" "Still Life with Bread Crumbs" "Millers Valley," and "Alternate Side." Her memoir, "Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake," published in 2012, was a No. 1 New York Times bestseller. Her book, "A Short Guide to a Happy Life," has sold more than a million copies. While a columnist at The New York Times she won the Pulitzer Prize and published two collections, "Living Out Loud" and "Thinking Out Loud." Her Newsweek columns were collected in "Loud and Clear." In talking about President Donald Trump, Quindlen said that people in her life were gobsmacked when he was elected. I voted in the Upper West Side, and there were little girls dancing in tutus wearing Nasty Woman T-shirts, she said, adding that everyone was preparing for the first woman president. In New York he was covered as a novelty act, she said about her earlier days working at The New York Post. The things that make someone a habitual topic of the serious news pages of New York, things like high level philanthropy, community leadership, chairing the board of a great hospital, Trump never did any of that ... he was an odd duck in terms of being engaged with the community. Donohue asked if Trumps 10,000 reported lies make a difference. I think there is a solid 20 percent of American people who will support Trump no matter what, she said. Some of them are bigots, some like the racial division that he foments. A lot of them are anti-immigrant. For any American to be anti-immigrant is incomprehensible to me, since every single person in this country is an immigrant except the Native American. From Quindlens view, the great deficit in America increasingly is local newspapers. One of the things I try to evangelize for around the country is support your local paper, because the truth is, politics doesnt start in Washington and it doesnt even start in Albany, she said. Politics starts with zoning boards and planning boards and boards of education. And those are the things that get covered by local newspapers. Still, what if a reader does not agree with the politics of their local paper, Donohue asked. Thats fine, as long as you understand the politics of your local newspaper ... I think its important to be skeptical and well informed. For example, from time to time I watch Fox News because I am a liberal feminist and its important for me to know what people who think I am the anti-Christ are saying, she said. Thats really important. I love Rachel Maddow, but she and I are kindred enough spirits, that thats like preaching to the converted. Would Quindlen ever return to reporting? I could never go back to being a reporter because of so many years as an opinion columnist. Nobody would believe me. And I dont want to go back to being a columnist. You dont want Anna Quindlen, said the 60-something writer, admitting that she still gets a thrill walking through a newsroom. I was 36 years old when I started that Op-ed page column and I was the only woman on the page. Thats who I want to read now. I want to read the 36-year-old Latina woman who has been places Ive never been and seen things Ive never seen. I want that fresh blood on the page. And with whats going on in Washington now, Quindlen admits she is not sure she would even know what to do. I am very data driven and logical and I like to live in the better angels of our nature as much as possible in my column, she said. I just dont know how to do that with whats going on in Washington today, its too devastating. Over the course of her career, Quindlens three children and now her two grandchildren have highlighted many of her stories and columns, including her newly released book, Nanaville. Still, life and family demands led to her resigning several times from her position at The New York Times, where she returned repeatedly. Im aces at leaving a good job, she said, laughing. Nonetheless, Quindlen believes her children and grandchildren have made her a better writer. They make me see the world again. The sad thing about becoming an adult is you become dull to all the mysteries and all the phenomenon, she said. You dont really look at a caterpillar anymore, or a fish catching the sunlight on its back, or the way the trees are that incredible apple green color this time of year. If youre with a little kid, they notice all of that and they talk about it and they ask about it and it makes you re-experience the world. Kathleen Phalen-Tomaselli covers Washington County government and other county news and events. Love 5 Funny 1 Wow 1 Sad 2 Angry 2 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. QUEENSBURY A New Jersey man who was arrested on drug charges in Queensbury last December was sentenced Wednesday to 4 years in state prison. Javier Soriano, 21, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, pleaded guilty last month to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance for a Dec. 28 arrest on the Northway. State Police stopped a vehicle he was in for a traffic violation, and police discovered unspecified narcotics during a search. Warren County Judge John Hall sentenced Soriano to 4 years in state prison, to be followed by 2 years on parole. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WHITEHALL The recent arrest of a Vermont man who was living at the Budget Inn on Route 4 has spurred locals to sign a petition aimed at Stopping the Budget Inn from Polluting Whitehall. Posted in several Whitehall businesses this week MacLeods Lumber, The Local Butcher Shop, Putortis Delicatessen and Joes Pizza the petition demands that Washington and Warren Counties stop sending sex offenders, drug addicts and other criminals to the motel and that the motel owners stop accepting such clientele. There are sex offenders and felons living in the motel, said Vicky Mattison, owner of Mattisons Sporting Goods, who took the petition to several of the businesses. After the last burglary spree, weve had it now. Mattisons business is located next door to the Budget Inn and she has been dealing with problems from the motel for years, she said. But the recent string of local burglaries was the last straw. Were not looking to shut it down, but we want it turned back to a motel, she said, adding that it could also be a place for Whitehall homeless or women and children fleeing domestic situations. According to Mattison, she has called New York Sen. Betty Littles office regarding the matter. And once the petitions are gathered, they plan to take them to the town board meeting, she said. The Post-Star made several calls to the motel on Friday afternoon, but an apparent phone malfunction disconnected the call. Additional calls went unanswered and messages were not returned. Last week, police arrested Coy A. Hill, 37, of Rutland, in connection with a string of recent burglaries, including The Local Butcher Shop and Maplewood Ice on Route 4 near the Budget Inn in Whitehall. At the time of his arrest at the Budget Inn, police found a loaded gun on a bed, meat in plastic bags, a cash register, the blank checks and keys from Maplewood Ice. Charged with two felony burglary counts for the Maplewood Ice and The Local Butcher Shop burglaries, felony criminal possession of a weapon and felony and misdemeanor criminal possession of stolen property, Hill also has burglary warrants in Rutland, State Police said. Still, Hills arrest is not the first incident at the infamous motel, known locally for its suspect clientele. According to the sex offender registry, there were nine registered sex offenders living at the motel on Saturday. Mattison said police are frequently called to the Route 4 location. If police had not made an arrest related to the burglaries, Mattison said she had intended to stay overnight at her shop to watch over the business that sells guns and other sporting equipment. Additionally, Mattison said she has been unable to rent the apartments over her shop since the most recent incident. Once they see its next to the Budget Inn, they dont want to live here now, she said. So now we cant even rent out our apartments. Kathleen Phalen-Tomaselli covers Washington County government and other county news and events. Love 0 Funny 3 Wow 1 Sad 2 Angry 4 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. FORT EDWARD A Vermont woman who was arrested earlier this year with a half-ounce of cocaine in Fort Ann has been sentenced to 4 years in state prison. Kari-Sue A. Smith, 34, of Center Rutland, pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony, for the Feb. 24 arrest following a traffic stop on Route 4 near Kelsey Pond Road. Troopers smelled marijuana, and a search led to the discovery of cocaine and more than 2 ounces of marijuana, police said. Police believed Smith picked up drugs in New York to sell in the Rutland, Vermont area. Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan sentenced Smith to 4 years in prison, to be followed by 2 years on parole. Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 2 Sad 2 Angry 3 U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, announced Thursday afternoon that the Fort Drum railhead has been included in the House version of next years Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill. Stefanik announced the railhead and an unmanned aerial vehicle hangar for Fort Drum were included in the House markup. It has not yet passed the Senate. The railhead project was not included in the requested appropriations submitted by the Army for next year, but it did top the list of unfunded projects the Army wanted to pursue if funding became available. First and foremost, I need to thank Secretary Esper and Major General (P) Piatt for their excellent advocacy for a top priority of mine Fort Drums Railhead, Stefanik was quoted as saying in a news release. Rapid deployment capability is one of the core features of Fort Drums critical role in our nations defense. Im proud to have led the charge in Congress to deliver this win for Fort Drum and the North Country. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., has also been a vocal supporter of the railhead project. Earlier this week, Sen. Schumers office announced he raised the issue during a recent meeting with Gen. James C. McConville, the nominee to be Army chief of staff. The nation depends on the Light Infantry Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division to rapidly deploy to crisis areas around the world to deter conflict before it happens, and to fight and win when needed, Gen. Brian J. Mennes, commanding general of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division, said in a statement to the Watertown Daily Times.This railhead project is an integral part of our power projection platform, enabling us to leave our bootprints wherever the mission requires. The $21 million improvement project would double the capacity of the railhead for loading and unloading. The railhead was first identified as lacking capacity in 2008. The post is currently unable to load and unload trains simultaneously, instead holding incoming trains in the town of Watertown rail yard, and cannot deploy within the 72-hour target. According to the post, the project would double the number of loading sides and ramps. Other issues, like limited storage, unpaved vehicle staging areas and cold weather limitations will also be addressed through the project. The UAV hangar was expected to be funded; the $23 million project includes the hangar, maintenance, airfield pavement and other requirements. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 It has never been easy to make a living from dairy farming, but with milk prices depressed for the fifth year in a row, many farms across the nation now are struggling merely to survive. Sadly, they often fail. Vermont has lost more than 400 dairy farms in the past 11 years, while nearly 700 farmers got out of the dairy business in Wisconsin last year alone. Ive been in this for over 40 years, and this is as bad as its ever been, Jacques Parent, who runs a large dairy operation in northwestern Vermont, told The Associated Press last month. Oversupply is the main reason milk prices have declined by nearly 40% over the past five years. Increased production has been driven in part by big corporate operations employing new technology that makes milking more efficient. At the same time, Americans per capita consumption of fluid milk has dropped nearly 10% over five years, extending a trend that stretches back nearly three decades. And in Wisconsin in 2012, then-Gov. Scott Walker pushed a program encouraging dairy farmers to ramp up production to 30 billion pounds of milk a year by 2020, overtaking California as the nations leading producer. That target was met by 2016, but farm advocacy groups say the resulting glut devastated the industry. More recently, the situation has been worsened by the Trump administrations imposition of tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum, which have drawn retaliatory tariffs from Mexico, Canada, Europe and China on American dairy products. And the administrations immigration policies are making it difficult for dairy farmers to get the labor they need. The 2018 farm bill includes an expanded insurance program that may provide modest help when it is rolled out next month. Under this dairy margin coverage, farmers pay premiums and receive payments when the gap between milk prices and feed prices reaches a certain level. Its appreciated, but its only a little Band-Aid, says Parent. Some American dairy farmers are looking north of the border for a sustainable model. At a two-day dairy summit held in Jay, Vermont, last month, a petition was circulated calling for a national milk supply management program, something that Canada created back in the 1960s, at another time of low prices. The idea is to limit the supply of certain commodities dairy, poultry and eggs to what Canadians are expected to consume, so that stable, predictable prices result. Farmers basically hold a license to produce up to a specified amount. The quotas prevent a market glut, and farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price, negotiated with processors, for their output. Canada also puts high tariffs on imports that exceed fixed quotas, something that has infuriated Trump, who promises that a new North American trade agreement will provide greater access to Canadian markets for American dairy products. That remains to be seen, and time is running short. Free-market economists argue that Canadians pay more than they otherwise would for dairy products, which hurts the poorest families most. But supporters of the system argue that consumers in New Zealand have not benefited from the countrys abandonment of its supply management system in the 1980s. Kara OConnor of the Wisconsin Farmers Union framed the issue this way at the Vermont summit: Were inviting people to consider whether consumers might pay a few cents more for a gallon of milk in exchange for saving hundreds of dairy farms per year and paying less in taxes for government dairy programs. Many communities value farms not only for what they produce but also for keeping land open and in use and for preserving a traditional if challenging way of life. The trade-off OConnor lays out is well worth considering. This editorial was published May 4 in the The Lebanon Valley News, Vermont. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Editor: Thank you to the League of Women Voters for hosting a candidate forum for the Saratoga Springs School BOE. This debate offered the community a chance to hear the candidates stance on a myriad of topics from the all-important issue of safety and security, to the increased use of vape products amongst students. Candidate Shaun Wiggins spoke knowledgeably on the need for smaller class sizes, citing studies as well as personal experience. Ed Cubanski highlighted the importance of support for our students early on. In addition, he advocated strongly for our teachers, recognizing that they are the backbone of our schools. Finally, Dean Kolligian demonstrated that his experience and dedicated commitment to our community make him an invaluable resource in terms of safety and security. Thanks again to the League of Women Voters! These three candidates have my vote on May 21 for BOE! Amy Baringer, Wilton Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Editor: I take issue with the letter printed May 8 regarding the No vote Rep. Stefanik made to the Save the Internet Act. Her no vote would allow Comcast et al to arbitrarily slow internet speeds or prohibit access to sites as they saw fit or allow different speeds for different customers. The writer does not provide any details to back up the reason for his stand. Indeed the internet is important to our everyday lives, and therefore equal access in most important. I will assume his statements are a direct result of watching Fox News. The reasoning is straight out of their playbook. For example: From Fox So Called News: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made the right move Thursday when it undid an Obama-era power grab commonly referred to as net neutrality, ending the agencys micro-management of the internet. The FCC action benefits consumers and ensures that the internet will be free from burdensome government control. By the way, this was not a Pelosi plan. (Another Faux News tactic.) This is entirely bogus. Net neutrality does not allow government control. It provides government regulation, assuring equal access to the internet; as it should be. Regulations are not government control, they are protections against corporate control. From the 1934 act: For the purpose of regulating interstate and foreign commerce in communication by wire and radio so as to make available, so far as possible, to all the people of the United States, without discrimination. The act of 1934 was to assure all citizens had equal access to communication services. I heartily disagree with Stefaniks stand on this issue, as did 231 U.S. representatives. Nick Partrick, Corinth Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 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 Emergency radio dispatchers are a lifeline. Whether they're dealing with a health emergency, an accident, an injury or a fire, dispatchers connect Quad-Citians in distress with a first responder who's ready to help. And over the past two weeks, as the Mississippi River swallowed large stretches of the Quad-Cities, those emergency communications were more critical than ever. As the infrastructure of some emergency 911 services nears its "end of life" and a new federal standard requires increased connectivity, leaders in Scott and Rock Island counties are collaborating to study one shared emergency radio system. After three years of planning, a proposed Quad-City P25 Radio Project, which would improve coverage and regional communication, is being introduced for approval to city councils, county boards and agencies across the bi-state area. "It is an upgrade of core public safety communications," said Rock Island Sheriff's Capt. Darren Hart, a steering committee member. "Equipment was at end of life and needed to be updated, and it just made sense for us to partner together to explore what a new P25 Radio System (looks like)." But before the estimated $17.6 million project moves forward, it requires approval from myriad governmental bodies, including the Scott Emergency Communications Center, or SECC, which provides consolidated dispatching in Scott County; the Scott County Board of Supervisors; the Rock Island County Board; and the Illinois cities it will serve. To date, it has been approved by the city councils in Milan, Rock Island, Silvis and East Moline. The Moline City Council has not yet voted on it. The agreements and other approvals in Scott County are needed before a contract with the vendor can be signed in early June. After that, it will take another 30 months for the system's design and installation. "It will be one system that will all work together," said Dave Donovan, director of both SECC and Scott County Emergency Management Agency, or EMA. "We're buying it together, but purchasing it separately so it will meet the letter of the law in both Iowa and Illinois." The new digital trunked radio system a system that shares a set of lines or frequencies would include more than $10 million in new infrastructure, including 12 new radio towers, new transmitting equipment, new switches and servers, and new software and computers at dispatch centers. The remaining $7.5 million investment would be for replacement radios for first responders police officers, firefighters, and worker with ambulance agencies and some public works departments. The majority of those costs, $5.4 million, will be needed in Scott County, where equipment has reached its end of life, Donovan said. Hart said under the proposal, the Illinois side would receive fewer radio units because some of the departments already have radios that will work on the P25 system, and others recently had purchased radios. Intergovernmental cooperation Almost three years ago, a 16-person steering committee led by SECC and the Rock Island County Emergency Telephone System Board, or ETSB began investigating the technical, operational, financial and political issues of building one radio system to serve the entire Quad-Cities. "There are a lot of moving parts, a lot of people involved, and a lot of opinions. And rightly so it's very important," said Tony Knobbe, who chairs both the Scott County Board and SECC board. Working with consultant Elert & Associates (now True North Consulting), the committee went through an extensive process to develop a request for proposal, or RFP, eventually hiring the vendor RACOM Corp. to design and build the system. Work is now underway to approve a final contract. The system will serve the following dispatch centers: SECC in Scott County; RICOMM, the city of Rock Island's dispatch center; the Rock Island County Sheriff's dispatch center; and QComm911, the recently consolidated 911 center, based at the Milan Municipal Building, that serves Moline, East Moline, Milan and Silvis. The committee has representation from regional governments, public safety agencies, emergency communications agencies and every public safety discipline in Scott and Rock Island counties. "Everybody knew their equipment was going to have to be replaced, so we started having the natural conversations. ... How can we cooperate together, build together?" said Bettendorf City Administrator Decker Ploehn, a committee member. On the Scott County side, discussions have been an outgrowth of SECC, with membership from the governments and agencies behind the creation of consolidated dispatching a decade ago. But in Rock Island County, there are still three dispatch centers that serve five cities and the county. "It's very exciting. It's perhaps the most compelling intergovernmental cooperation next to the (Interstate 74) bridge that we've ever had," Ploehn said. "But it's much deeper in the community because it affects every community, every police officer. ... What's really cool about this is the level of intergovernmental cooperation at all levels." P25 compliance The name for the Quad-City P25 Radio Project comes from Project 25, a new federal standard for digital mobile radio communications. The P25 standard, which applies to public safety organizations in North America, requires all digital radio communications equipment be interoperable, or have the ability to connect with one another. Put simply, Donovan said, "No matter what the manufacturer of the radio, if it's P25 (compliant), it's P25. The protocols are all the same so we can all talk to one another." In addition to improving communications among Quad-Cities emergency responders, he said, this system will guarantee that when a major disaster strikes such as a flood all local agencies will be able to have radio communications with federal and state agencies called in to assist. Milan Village Administrator Steve Seiver, who serves as ETSB chairman, said the new digital radio system will replace an aging, analog EDACS 800 MHz system that's owned and operated by RACOM and used by most agencies, excluding Rock Island County. "RACOM would still be the vendor that would sell us the system, but it would be owned by the public safety agencies of Rock Island and Scott County," he added. "We will own the towers and transmitters. ... But we won't be hiring in-house people to run the system RACOM will run it for us." Owning the system "allows us to control our own destinies," Ploehn said. When the new system is adopted, Rock Island County would become part of the shared network. The issue now for Rock Island County, Hart said, "is if I'm driving down the road next to a Rock Island city squad car, I can't go on the current radio system they have and talk to them." All the other agencies already are on the current RACOM network and can talk with one another, he said. Improved coverage Donovan said the placement of towers and transmitting equipment will be critical in improving coverage, particularly in "dead spots" in Scott and Rock Island counties. He added that better signal strength, additional towers and new technology will improve coverage across Scott County "and expand coverage to be more complete in Rock Island County." Seiver said the new system also will "penetrate better into hard-to-reach places, such as buildings, valleys and ravines. Right now, (the signal) can't go to Loud Thunder Park. You just don't get coverage." "It doesn't mean Iowa only will use its seven towers and Illinois will use its five towers," Seiver said. "You could be in downtown Moline and your radio is using the Bettendorf tower because that's the best coverage." In addition, the new system will connect to other P25 radio systems, including ISICS in Iowa and Starcom21 in Illinois, Seiver said. Princeton Police Chief Brian Carsten, who doubles as the McCausland police chief and works part time for Buffalo police, is hopeful but skeptical about getting improved radio coverage for his two ends of Scott County. "Princeton and Buffalo are probably the worst in the county," he said. "(The radios) have sometimes been a struggle," he said. His officers' radios are "constantly fighting between towers in LeClaire or Clinton. We're not missing calls, but there might be times I can't get dispatch or out to dispatch." Different approvals David Farmer, Scott County's budget and administrative services director, said both Iowa and Illinois hope to sign final contracts with RACOM by early June. In Iowa, the SECC board will sign the contract. Rock Island County will sign its own contract. Farmer, the lead finance person on the radio project, said the Scott County Board still has to approve the funding because SECC does not have bonding authority, "so the county board will ultimately issue debt." He said the project did not require a referendum because radio communications qualify as an essential purpose under Iowa Code. "We don't have a parallel organization (to SECC) in Rock Island County," Seiver said. "Scott County is one voice and has coordination with various (public safety) departments and departments in the county." So advancing the project on the Illinois side requires a web of intergovernmental approvals involving six parties, including five cities and the county, he said. "Rock Island County is the voice for all, but the funding model is the intergovernmental agreements," Seiver added. The agreements will be presented in the coming weeks to the Rock Island County Board. Seiver said the county will have a separate agreement with Scott County. "It's just an understanding with the Iowa side that we all have to 'play nice in the sandbox.' Our half of the system has to talk with your half of the system. Otherwise, we only have half a system." Hart said the agreement also is a commitment by both sides to maintain their infrastructure and equipment. Division of costs "A lot of time has been allocated to making sure the costs are properly divided for Iowa and Illinois," Farmer said, crediting True North Consulting (formerly Ellert & Associates) with its assistance. "We tried to break down costs based on tower sites. It was a 50-50 (split) if it was a piece of equipment shared by both states." Of the infrastructure costs, $6.4 million will be the Iowa side's responsibility, and $3.8 million will be Illinois' responsibility. In Scott County, the county's plan is to pay for the infrastructure portion by issuing bonds and refinancing the outstanding debt stemming from the creation of SECC. It will repay the new bonds with E911 funds collected through user fees of landline and cellphone customers. In addition, SECC will cover the operating costs using property taxes collected through the county's urban tax rate. The SECC board is expected to vote on the radio system at May 16 meetings. The difference in Illinois, Seiver said, is that Rock Island County will maintain a separate fund to cover the new system's costs, with each city paying its proportionate share based on population. "As cities, we've all pledged we will make our portions of the money available (as payments to RACOM) ... but the county will write the check on behalf of everyone." Farmer said the differences between states, counties and funding models were among the complexities. "They're on a per capita charge. We're on a property tax levy and a E911 surcharge in Iowa." New infrastructure, equipment Donovan, whose predecessor, SECC Director Denise Pavlik, helped spearhead the radio project, said the committee originally hoped the new radio infrastructure would be built and functioning by now. "We hoped now we'd be turning the switch on, but (the project) had more moving parts, more partners." From the time when the contracts are signed with RACOM, Donovan said, it will take about 30 months to do the final design and build-out. During that time, each side also may have to find sites for new towers. "We might not have to build seven new towers it could be we find an existing tower to lease space," he said, stressing they all have to work as a system. If one tower moves, it can impact all the others. At a meeting last month with Scott County first responders and community leaders, SECC Chair Knobbe said the equipment Scott County uses dates back to when SECC and consolidated dispatching began. "They're old. Literally, we're having to go to places like eBay to buy replacement parts." Donovan said much of that equipment is the transmission equipment at the towers. "It's equipment we don't own. We will own (the new equipment) in the future, which is a benefit." But for now, he said, repairs are the responsibility of RACOM, which must find replacement parts on secondary markets because manufacturers are no longer producing new parts for the existing equipment. Seiver said the region's current trunked radio system, in place since the early 1990s, will slowly be phased out in favor of the new P25 digital systems. "We're being forced to make a move, and we're making it very carefully," he said. "At some point, (the old system) gets turned off, and it will no longer work," he said. "We won't come in one day and not have communications. But we're on borrowed time." Best intentions Ploehn, who began his career in law enforcement, said the most critical benefit of moving to a single radio system "is everybody can talk to everybody." Streamlining also has brought economies of scale, including cost savings in equipment. "Everyone is making sure they're getting the best buck for their city," Ploehn said, adding "it's hard to think regionally when you're looking out for your city. It's a delicate dance. You've got to do both." But he credited the group with having "the best intentions to get the best radio system. ... It's so cool how everybody is coming together to make this work. It's so indicative of what it means to be a Quad-Citizen." In the meantime, Seiver said, the group "cannot make a mistake" with the new emergency communications because people's lives are at stake. We only have one shot at it, he said, and it has to last for decades." Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Gov. J.B. Pritzker is recommending the money be earmarked for making the states required payments into state pension systems. In his budget proposal in February, Pritzker originally suggested reducing those payments and stretching out the time for paying off the unfunded pension liabilities by another seven years. State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, however, noted in a separate statement that the state still faces a backlog of unpaid bills totaling more than $6 billion, and she has urged lawmakers to be cautious about expectations for continued revenue growth. HOUSE REPUBLICANS: One day after lawmakers learned the state collected $1.5 billion more in tax revenue than was expected in April, House Republican leadership argued Wednesday, that the good news is proof that new taxes are not needed to right the states financial ship. The numbers are clear, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) said at a Capitol news conference. We now have the money to balance the budget with no new taxes, no tax increases. There's no need to talk about raising taxes on bags, cigarettes, businesses or the middle class. And there is certainly no reason to be even considering a graduated tax. Three Moline Dreadnought automobiles built by Moline Automobile Company in East Moline entered the Glidden Tour reliability race in 1910. The tour started at Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 14 and wound its way to Chicago via Texas and Iowa. The cars were finished in a gray color in keeping with the dreadnought, as battleships were known then, according to Donald Paul and John Nikodym in their book Providing Power for a New Age -- The R & V Story. There were 26 cars in the race. Never was a more grueling grind imposed upon men or machine than this endurance contest of 2,850 miles, said the Dispatch on July 16, 1910. Pen cannot depict the fearful roads, the mucky, black swamps, mires, gullies, forests stumps, stones, sand, hills, streams, railroad bridges and stretches which were encountered. Sometimes driving on the railroad tracks was a better option. The speed to be driven according to the rules was 18 mph. Several cars dropped by the wayside, but not the Molines. At the end of the fifth day, over one-half of the entrants had withdrawn. According to The Dispatch, On the last night of the tour the contestants stayed at the Kimball House Hotel in Davenport, Iowa having driven there from Des Moines, Iowa." So please take a moment to join in helping our friends and neighbors in the Quad-Cities area to recover from the Flood of 2019 by donating generously at qccommunityfoundation.org. Cheers to great educators everywhere, and to United Township High School for finding a unique way to celebrate veteran teachers and encourage future ones during Teacher Appreciation Week. On Teacher Appreciation Day Tuesday, the school hosted its first-ever Letter of Intent Day for UTHS students entering the teaching field. The signing ceremony, borrowed from National Letter of Intent Days on which young athletes announce their college plans, was a wonderful way to elevate the profile of the young people who will soon be joining the ranks of an essential, noble, and too often underappreciated calling. The popular slogan, "If you can read this, thank a teacher," is certainly true as far as it goes. But, in fact, today's teachers are called on to do and be so much more than that. As UTHS Principal Mathew Wright put it Tuesday, There are few jobs on the planet that can have as much influence as being a teacher. Teaching is the profession that makes all other professions possible. Two missionary families representing the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod remain in Sri Lanka nearly three weeks after gruesome Easter Sunday bombings that killed at least 250 people attending Sri Lankan churches and staying in hotels, according to the Rev. Dr. Wilfred Karsten of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Moline. Karsten has made 20 trips to Sri Lanka since 1987, and Holy Cross has hosted several special Sri Lankan church officials and visitors during that time, he said. Karsten plans to make another trip to Sri Lanka in September unless the U.S. State Department "totally prohibits it," he said recently. "I began traveling to Sri Lanka when I was a pastor in Maryland," he said. "When I came to Holy Cross in 2006, they were supportive of my continued involvement, and they have contributed in many and various ways to the life of the people there. "Each year, our congregation provides school supplies at Christmas to between 500 and 700 children," he said. "We have supported scholarships for pastor's children, and helped individuals with health needs. One year we provided funds for a school to construct toilet facilities. As the Quad-Cities continue to deal with the aftermath of historic flooding, community groups continue to gather donations to assist those affected. Today, the Salvation Army opened its donation center, where people can pick up supplies, or donate them. The Donation Center, located at the former Office Max at NorthPark Mall, will run from Mondays-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through the month of May. "What we're looking for is cleaning supplies, dehumidifiers, fans, tools and materials used to clean up and do repairs to houses," Salvation Army Developmental Director Bill Horrell said in the center. "Toiletry items like toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoos, soaps, things like that. Small snack items." Those seeking goods should check in at the front desk. "They'll bring their drivers' license or their state ID, they have a bar code on the back. They scan that in and it captures their last name and the city that they're from," Horrell said. They'll get a tag with that information, and they'll be able to come back once a day to get more items. Those items will be limited, however, based on what the Salvation Army has in the warehouse. Other winners of the Pacem in Terris award are Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa, Desmond Tutu, Lech Walesa, Cesar Chavez and the Dali Lama. In 2016, LArche Clinton received the 12th annual Clinton Human Rights Commission Award from the Clinton Human Rights Commission. The award is an acknowledgement of persons/groups who embody the spirit of human rights." LArche Clinton currently serves 15 individuals with intellectual disabilities in three homes and three apartments. Some of these individuals have been part of the community since the 1970s and early 1980s. "Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together," Bormann wrote. "We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another." Vanier founded L'Arche in 1964 in response to the treatment that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities faced in institutions. LArche now includes more than 150 communities in 38 countries around the globe. Its more than 10,000 members welcome and celebrate people with intellectual disabilities, fostering growth and allowing everyone to share their talents and abilities. A Bettendorf man admitted Friday that he placed a syringe filled with heroin into a vein in the hand of a 23-year-old Davenport man on April 7, 2018. However, 38-year-old Michael Randy Spencer said Tyler Ekstrand himself pushed down the plunger on the syringe before he overdosed and died in Spencer's apartment. He made the admission during a hearing in Scott County District Court and pleaded guilty to one count of delivery of heroin, a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The plea is open, meaning prosecutors and the defense can make any recommendation when he is sentenced June 21. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors will dismiss an additional charge of conspiracy to deliver heroin. Michael Spencer was arrested in January; he remained in the Scott County Jail Friday. Michael Spencer is represented by attorney Joel Walker. He also dropped in wide-ranging nuggets such as no one gets "something for nothing"; that in 2018, Colorado had the No. 1 farm economy in the nation; and that he is not for demonizing Republicans or businesses. While regulations are needed, some are, indeed, red tape, he said. As for biography, he recounted how he grew up outside Philadelphia, that his mother was a child of the Depression and that his father died when he was eight years old. "My mother taught me that you cannot control what life throws at you, but you can control how you respond. That has been my North Star." After he was laid off from his job as a geologist during a dramatic downturn in the minerals industry in the mid-1980s, he and several others started a brew pub restaurant in a low-rent area of Denver. Known as the "lower downtown," the area has been revitalized and is sometimes now called "Lo Do." Bouyed by this experience, he ran for mayor and won. Working together with the largely Republican mayors of the suburbs traditional enemies of the generally Democratic-leaning Denver the group built a 122-mile fast transit system, he said. Brian Payne, emergency planner for Scott County's Emergency Management Agency, said Saturday that FEMA staffers will be in town "early next week" to meet with local officials and that "a lot of information will be available at the beginning of the week." While the approval of individual assistance is good news, the county still is waiting for approval for public assistance; that is, money that would help cities and the county with recovery expenses, Payne said. Scott County submitted a request on behalf of itself and every city in the county including Buffalo and those along the Wapsipinicon River, Payne said. "It is all-encompassing," he said of the request. If approved, this would provide money to governmental units for such things as road repair, sewers, mechanical equipment and building damage. Because of the presidential disaster declaration, Scott County residents are no longer eligible for the state of Iowa's assistance program, according to the news release from the governor's office. The Iowa Disaster Case Management Program is still available, though. More information about this can be found in the accompanying story or by going to www.iowacommunityaction.org. It should be astounding that Republicans want to investigate FBI officials a goal pressed during the Judiciary Committee debate by Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, for daring to do their jobs investigating the Trump campaign's potential Russian ties. But what's more astonishing is that we are no longer surprised that members of Trump's party would undercut work aimed at protecting our democracy from intrusion by a hostile foreign power in order to aggrandize a scam artist. His latest boast, by the way, is that he avoided taxes for "sport." With Republicans cheering on Trump's campaign to block Congress' access to witnesses and documents, House Democrats have fewer and fewer options short of impeachment to establish that the rule of law still exists. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hoping for a more decorous process. Ideally, the House would hold hearings and increase public awareness about the charges against Trump without having to rush the issue of whether the president should be removed. On Wednesday, she voiced her frustration over seeing this option strangled by Trump's witness gag-order. She even introduced a new phrase into the political lexicon during a Washington Post interview, saying the president was "becoming self-impeachable." Some might not like the idea of cops disguising themselves like this, but we're OK with it, and we think Iowa should consider it, too. We believe it's a good idea to continue driving home the message that safety should be our top concern when we are behind the wheel. Thumbs Up ... to the Quad-Cities Community Foundation and their allies for their efforts to raise money to help those who have been affected by the flooding that struck our community with such force this year. The Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund supports organizations that are helping people in Scott and Rock Island counties, and "every dollar donated will be used for needs here in the Quad Cities area," organizers say. (Disclosure: the Times is one of several companies and groups supporting this effort.) We have watched for weeks as flood fighters have pushed back the water and, where they couldn't, acted swiftly to try to contain the damage. But as we now watch the Mississippi River recede, all of us should be mindful that we are in the early stages of recovering from this disaster. A lot of work, and a lot of money, will be needed to restore our properties and our lives to where they were before this flood struck. We applaud the efforts of those who are beginning to raise this money, we wish them much success and we look forward to the wise and efficient use of the funds. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 After reading Don Erbsts letter on May 8th, I would like to thank you for letting your readers see how members of the Cult of Trump twist reality to fit their opinions. It was telling that Mr. Erbst used a quote from the Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. We are not going to change the minds of Trumps loyal followers because they are so brainwashed by the Hannity/Limbaugh type of conservative media. We can always count on the same reasons for their discontent. Words like 'far-left,' 'media bias,' Obama and Hillary Clinton are frequently used to express their perceived victimization. Trumps followers are unable to discuss the uncomfortable reality the country faces at this time in our history. We are under attack by foreign adversaries who would like nothing less than total destruction of our democratic way of life. The Republican Party is a willing or unwilling partner in this destruction. The Republicans in Congress are unwilling to do the hard work of protecting our voting systems from interference for the upcoming election in 2020. This is where the Republicans need to focus their energies. I certainly understand the hesitancy of Republicans to acknowledge Russian interference in the 2016 election, as it would call into question the legitimacy of the Trump presidency. As a financial advisor, I help people every day who are worried about preparing for retirement. They are worried they havent saved enough. They are worried about running out of money during a retirement that could last 20 years, 30 years or longer. Advisors can often help, but now more help is on the way. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, along with Senator Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, has introduced the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act (RESA) that will help retirement savers in Iowa and across the country. The bill will provide many more workers in Iowa and 700,000 more workers nationwide with access to a 401(k) or IRA. It also expands access to annuities that, like a traditional pension, can guarantee a stream of lifetime income. Senators Grassley and Wyden deserve praise for introducing legislation that will help retirement savers in Iowa and across the county. Congress needs to pass RESA. Barry Delp Davenport Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 LIVINGSTON, Mont. | When Malou Anderson-Ramirez, 37, was a child, her family rarely saw grizzly bears around their ranch, the Anderson Ranch, in the upper Tom Miner Basin. These days, caravans of tourists truck daily up the basin's dirt roads because, at certain times of year, the place offers the closest thing there is to a guarantee of seeing a Yellowstone grizzly in the wild. Probably you'll see a few. "We've been up here a long time and we've seen things change," said Anderson-Ramirez, who is the third generation of her family to ranch in the basin. Two years ago, her 92-year-old grandmother had to go into assisted living, she said, in part because a grizzly bear came into her house twice. To her, the reason for this particular change is clear: Climate change has contributed to a rapid die-off of white bark pine trees, the nuts of which provide a key, high-calorie food source for grizzly bears. With less of these high-elevation trees around, grizzlies have begun to range farther from the mountain strongholds of Yellowstone National Park, the Absarokas and the Gallatins in search of food. Many of them find it in the form of caraway roots, dug by the clawful in the Tom Miner, and in some cases livestock. Management removal for conflicts with livestock is the No. 1 cause of grizzly bear mortality in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Anderson-Ramirez said she thinks ranchers in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem because of their proximity to the park, because their land is used by many species as a migration corridor, because their land is home to threatened species like grizzlies have a "unique responsibility" to protect this landscape, to learn to ranch with large predators and wildlife around, to adapt as the landscape changes. These ranchers, too, she said, are an endangered species, and if they don't learn to adapt they, too, will disappear. In an effort to preserve the rural ranching way of life as well as the natural systems that sustain it and the basin's diversity of wildlife, Ramirez-Anderson and her sister-in-law Hilary Anderson formed the Tom Miner Basin Association in 2012. The association works on projects to promote "shared landscapes" where livestock and predators can coexist protect functioning ecosystems and offer financial assistance to ranchers looking to undertake such projects. "We believe in preserving functioning ecosystems already at work," she explained. "We are learning to learn from these ecosystems rather than trying to dominate them." Ranching, she said, has played a large and under-appreciated role in preserving the West's intact landscapes and, through the association, she hopes to help ranches adapt so they can continue to play this role. "For the layperson, they don't understand how important ranching is to open spaces," she said. "We ranchers have deep ties to the traditional rural way of life. And while a number of those traditions work well, a number of them don't work the way they used to." On the ground, the association's efforts mostly take the form of four programs: range riding, portable electric fencing and fladry, carcass management and wildlife tracking. Wildlife tracking means learning the behaviors of wildlife that frequent the ranch. Carcass management means disposing of dead livestock or at least moving it to a part of the ranch far from cattle. The point, said Anderson-Ramirez, is to not habituate predators to livestock. The range riding program, which has riders out with the herd and patrolling the ranch, helps ranchers find carcasses faster and, if the animal has been killed by a predator, it helps them get compensated for the loss by the state and federal governments. Range riding is also designed, Anderson-Ramirez said, to help "rekindle the wild herd instinct in cattle," by bunching the herd at dusk and dawn so they are less vulnerable to predators. Finally, electrified fladry basically rectangular red flags sewn to a strand of electric fencing is used to surround calving pastures to deter wolves and grizzlies. The Anderson Ranch has hung fladry around their calving grounds for the last eight years, with the help of the Park High FFA chapter for the last four years, and has seen 100% success, said Anderson-Ramirez they have not lost a single calf in that time. Predators are looking for babies, she said, and literally the year before they started using fladry they lost a calf. The Tom Miner Basin Association makes fladry available to area ranchers for free, courtesy of federal and state grants, the Natural Resources Defense Council and Defenders of Wildlife. "This is a gift, basically, given to us by people who really care about shared landscapes," said Anderson-Ramirez. Defenders of Wildlife, she said, will not only give fladry to ranchers for free, they'll come out and hang it for them, too. Fladry is hung 18 inches off the ground to encircle the calving ground and connected to a solar-charged battery. The flags alone, she said, are usually enough to deter wolves. "It's a human, rectangular, red shape and that's very disturbing to wildlife," she explained. "It's not a shape that occurs in nature." The key is to take it down as soon as possible, she said, so predators don't become habituated to it. "The moment that last calf is born you take it down," she said. However, the electric charge is needed to keep bears away, she said. "The idea started out as a wolf deference thing," said Shane Stender, the Park High FFA advisor who brings his FFA students up to the basin every year to help the Andersons hang fladry. "But due to the fact that the fence is electrified it deters bears as well, because no animal likes electricity." Stender said FFA decided to take students up to help hang the fladry because they thought it would be a good fit for an agriculture-based organization. A lot of his FFA participants, he said, are ranch and farm kids who are skeptical of predator deterrence efforts. "A lot of people are pro just shooting the wolves," he said. "I think it's a good option to take a step in deterring before other means are needed. So it has been a really good learning opportunity. It's been able to help students open their eyes a little bit and see different sides." You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Pennington County Commission approved three permits for a Croell Inc. limestone mine expansion Friday at the end of a seven-hour public meeting that included some bitter exchanges between the commission and opponents of the mine expansion. The vote in favor of each permit was 4-1. Voting yes on each permit were commissioners Deb Hadcock, Gary Drewes, Ron Rossknecht and Mark DiSanto. Voting no on each permit was Lloyd LaCroix, although he said, My no vote is just so its not a unanimous vote. About a dozen members of the public testified against the permits during the hearing, and DiSanto said their concerns were considered. We hear you, DiSanto said. Were going to monitor this. Croell Inc. sells redi-mix concrete and other associated products and services. It has been seeking permission for the past four years through several prior rounds of public proceedings and two lawsuits to expand the so-called Perli Pit Quarry. The turnoff to the quarry is 3.5 miles south of Rapid City along the west side of U.S. Highway 16, on a hill and curve between Bear Country USA and the Americas Founding Fathers Exhibit. Fridays County Commission hearing occurred two days after the Pennington County Planning Commission conducted its own five-hour hearing on the permits. The Planning Commission voted 5-2 in favor of the permits. The county commission had the final say, but the matter could still be influenced by litigation that is pending with the state Supreme Court. That litigation, brought by opponents of the mine expansion, challenges the validity of the countys mining regulations. About 50 people were in attendance at the beginning of Fridays hearing, although the crowd dwindled as the meeting dragged into the afternoon hours. Some members of the audience testified passionately and pointedly about their opposition to the mine. The meeting grew heated when audience member Sylvia Cox said the county commissioners sounded like advocates for Croell Inc. Youre in a hurry to try to get this permit approved for Croell before the Supreme Court rules, Cox said. Several commission members said they were offended by Coxs testimony, and sharp words were exchanged between them and Cox until the commission called a five-minute recess. The public testimony lasted most of the morning. After a brief lunch break, representatives of Croell Inc. spoke at length to the commission during the afternoon. Tom Brady, an attorney for the company, said the publics concerns would be taken into account. Croell has been listening, Brady said, and they will continue to listen. At both the Wednesday and Friday hearings, audience members many of them residing within a mile or two of the mine expressed concerns about the danger of increased truck traffic on busy Highway 16, about dust and noise from mining, about the mines potential impact on the quantity and quality of water in neighboring wells, and about the mines impact on the scenic beauty of the area. Officials from the state Department of Transportation pledged to work with Croell to mitigate the danger of increased truck traffic. Numerous options were discussed, including flashing signage indicating trucks entering the highway; adding acceleration and deceleration lanes for trucks; and requiring trucks to turn right out of the mine rather than left. Ultimately, however, no decisions were made, and the DOT said it will begin making those decisions now that the mine has permits. A traffic-related condition that was added to the permits Friday at the suggestion of DiSanto was a prohibition against hauling at the mine during the week of the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally. DiSanto also added a condition that before trucks leave the mine, any loose gravel on parts of the truck must be cleaned off to keep the gravel from falling on the highway. Those conditions were added to numerous other conditions already attached to the permits by the Planning Department and Planning Commission. Dust and noise concerns were met with assurances from Croell that the dust will be minimized in part with water from a well that Croell plans to drill and the noise will be mitigated to the extent possible by certified blast operators. In response to concerns that the mines well might draw down the water levels of other wells in the area, Croell said it has made arrangements to monitor a neighbors well. Concerns about scenic beauty were met with assurances by Croell that natural topography, trees, berms and required property-line setbacks would keep the mine from being visible to passing motorists. Prior to Croell's testimony Friday, Julie Schmitz Jensen, of Visit Rapid City, testified that the mine expansion will negatively impact tourism. "Its just not the right thing to do as the front door to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park and so many others," she said. Croell has purchased the Perli Pit Quarry, but prior to Croells ownership it was mined periodically by other entities since 1966. A total of 33.5 acres are already disturbed at the site and appear mostly unreclaimed. Croell wants to mine roughly another 70 acres during the next several decades, and the company plans to reclaim that land as it mines. Production at the mine by other operators averaged 22,153 tons of material per year over the past 35 years, according to the Planning Department. Croell anticipates mining 50,000 to 100,000 tons of material annually and sending seven to 16 trucks per day onto Highway 16 during hauling operations. After Fridays hearing, a Croell official said the company hopes to begin mining the Perli Pit in a few months. Contact Seth Tupper at seth.tupper@rapidcityjournal.com You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. If you enter the Western South Dakota Juvenile Services Center without a high school diploma, it's the facility's goal to put you on track to get one by the time you leave. Youth at the local juvenile detention center are required to either take the same core subjects as students in the Rapid City Area Schools or complete classes that prepare them for GED exams. They study in classrooms independently of one another for four hours every weekday, each one of them working on something different than whomever they sit beside. "You never get 10 kids in the same grade level," said Commander Joe Guttierez. The center at 3505 Cambell Street houses youth ages 10 to 21 who are facing criminal charges, awaiting entry to treatment programs, or who are serving sentences. Since 2016, it has contracted with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to accept federal detainees in addition to local ones. The center has capacity for 41 detainees and as of last week had 38. It costs Pennington County about $260 a day to house detainees at the center, compared to the $80 it costs at the county jail. Federal funding provides $495 per day per federal detainee, of which Guttierez said there about 20 at any given time. Guttierez said the average length of stay at the facility is about 16 days for local youth and six months for federal transfers. Juveniles are expected to keep up with their studies regardless of how long they'll be there. Title I-D Administrator Nicole Swigart said that the transcripts and schooling records of every detainee sent to the facility are used to gauge how their education can be continued. Course credits are offered by the Rapid City Area Schools. For juveniles already enrolled in the district, Swigart said the goal is for them to transition as seamlessly as possible back into the general classroom after their release. Those coming from outside the district, including federal detainees, can take whatever credits they earn at the center with them after they leave. If they complete the requisite 22 credits, they can even earn a diploma from Central High School. Most of the youth who graduate from the center come from the federal system, Swigart said. Each year, Guttierez said two to four youth receive either a diploma or an equivalency certificate at the center. One federal detainee, whose name could not be released, told the Rapid City Journal that he earned nearly every high school credit of his career at the center. He was brought here last year with only three to his name, all of which he said he obtained at a different facility in his home state. "He came in with very few credits and now he should be graduating next school year, said his teacher, Jenn McClain. "He has worked extremely hard," she continued, adding that he often takes his textbooks and schoolwork back to his room. Another juvenile was able to complete a college course at the center as well. Guttierez characterized teaching students who have been charged with or sentenced on serious offenses as challenging but rewarding. Because of the center's small class sizes and individualized lesson plans, he said that teachers are able to form strong relationships with their pupils. Swigart, who oversees the federal program that funds delinquent education for the school district and serves as the center's de facto principal, said she looks for teachers who have experience working with at-risk youth when hiring. Open-mindedness, she said, is another determinant for success. "Whatever actions the youth did to end up in [the Juvenile Services Center] should not be the lens by which their education is looked at," Swigart said. Three educators employed by Pennington County currently teach at the center. Swigart said federal funding provided to the school is set aside to pay for those positions at a total annual cost of about $200,000. One Rapid City school teacher works there as well, and special educators are brought in to work with students with disabilities as needed. Some might hold that juveniles at the center should not receive an education as form of punishment, but McClain said providing her students with one will better prepare them for life after incarceration and, hopefully, reduce their odds of re-offending. "Getting an education while you're locked up provides the students some success not only in the classroom and while they're in jail, but it's going to help them when they leave jail," she said. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Bear Aware educational trailer is coming to Hamilton, Montana on May 23 for an open house event. The Bitterroot National Forest Supervisors Office in Hamilton will be hosting the open house to provide bear awareness information to attendees. The free event will feature the Montana Bear Education Working Groups Bear Aware trailer, bear spray demonstrations, and a bear safety training session for the public. Were excited to bring the bear program to Hamilton and talk to folks in the area about how to be bear aware, said bear education coordinator Danielle Oyler. The Bitterroot Valley is an important place to be discussing bear safety, especially since we had a grizzly bear show up near Stevensville just last October and black bears are commonly seen here. The trailer includes a remote-controlled charging bear demonstration used to teach participants how to read bear behavior and deploy their bear spray. The trailer also includes an assortment of bear-resistant containers, three life-size bear mounts, skulls, and more. Experts will be on hand from 1-6 p.m. to answer questions and run demonstrations. Bear aware talks will be held at the event at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. The 25-minute talks cover prevention of bear encounters, how to respond to bear encounters, how to carry and use bear spray, and the opportunity to practice using bear spray with the charging bear simulation. Later in the evening, from 6-7:30 p.m., there will be a free in-depth bear safety lecture inside the Forest Service office. This presentation will cover bear biology, behavior, attractants, camping in bear country, preventing and handling bear encounters, and more. A can of bear spray will be given out as a door prize to a lucky winner. The Montana Bear Education Working Group is made up of Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Management Institute, and People & Carnivores. The Working Group supports bear outreach and education efforts across bear country in Montana. For more information, contact Danielle Oyler, education coordinator at Danielle.c.oyler@gmail.com or Sara Sylte, outreach specialist at ssylte@fs.fed.us and on www.facebook.com/mtbewg. The Bitterroot National Forest Supervisors Office is located at 1801 N. 1st St., in Hamilton, just north of Mildenberger Motors. They can be reached at 406-363-7100 or by visiting www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 An Anaconda man reported missing Wednesday afternoon was found dead later the same day on the trail to Heart Lake. No foul play is suspected in the death of Steve Bustinger, 54, according to Anaconda Police Chief Tim Barkell, but his body has been sent to the Montana State Crime Laboratory to determine his cause of death. Barkell said Bustinger's daughter reported him missing Wednesday around 2:45 p.m. She told police she hadn't seen her father since Saturday. Police went to Bustinger's house, knocked on the door, didn't get an answer, and noticed his truck was missing. His truck was found later that afternoon, parked at the locked gate that heads to Heart Lake. Officers and search and rescue got a key, opened the gate, and drove as far up as they could. They then hiked in another couple of miles until they found Bustinger's body. Barkell said the body was found about 6.5 miles from the gate. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed a bill to open up information about state legal settlements Friday, but issued an accompanying executive order implementing some of the bills objectives. House Bill 532, carried by Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, sought to require the state Department of Administration to disclose on a public website information about monetary settlements involving the state. The bill would also have forbidden nondisclosure agreements for state settlements except for claims involving minors and required records related to state settlements to be retained for 20 years instead of the current five. Mercers bill also called for state agencies to file quarterly reports monthly, prior to an amendment of all initial demands for damages, civil and administrative complaints, the entity where the complaint originated and requests for settlement negotiation. Alongside his veto, Bullock issued an executive order that says employee settlements are public information and that a portion of transparency.mt.gov, the states transparency portal, must be used to publish the date and dollar amounts of settlements along with the state agency where the original complaint was made, for at least three years. The agency in question must submit the required information to the Department of Administration within 30 days of settlement. It must then be published online within 60 days. The order affects all settlements after June 1. In the Friday veto letter, Bullock characterized his action as an unfortunate casualty of the decision by Republican leaders in the legislature to hold bills from my desk until the legislative session adjourns. I would have liked to return HB 532 with amendments and ultimately to sign it into law. In principle, I agree with many of the aims of the bill's sponsor, Bullock noted. I do not believe that the State of Montana should enter into confidential settlements, unless there is a compelling personal privacy interest. Bullock went on to write that Mercers bill superseded its goals of transparency, possibly requiring state employees to disclose information courts deem confidential. Mercers bill passed the House for the first time on a largely party-line 59-40 vote April 1 and met a similarly polarized reception in the Senate, where it passed its third reading vote 29-21 two weeks later. The House concurred with Senate amendments 58-39 on April 23 to send the bill to Bullocks office. The Associated Press reported in February that employees of Montana's executive branch agencies took in an average of about $650,000 in settlements each year between 2013 and 2017. That figure fell under $200,000 in 2018. As originally drafted, Mercers bill required that a description of the conduct that formed the basis of the claimant's allegations and settlement demand be published on the website along with date, agency and dollar amount. The Joint Select Committee for Settlement Accountability removed that provision in March. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF's stock was trading at $25.60 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, EWU stock has increased by 28.5% and is now trading at $32.90. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Seldom nowadays are we privy to real wit and wisdom offered in tandem by the same source (in response to reporter trickery, maybe?), which is why Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana is one of my favorite personalities. Sometimes the majority just means all of the fools are on the same side: he o The U.S. Department of Justice charged nine individuals connected to a hacking crew focused on identity theft and SIM swapping attacks. The U.S. DoJ announced charges against nine individuals, 6 members of a hacking group known as The Community and 3 former employees of mobile phone providers. The latter group helped the hackers to steal roughly $2.5 million worth of the cryptocurrency through SIM Swapping attacks. Six individuals connected to a hacking group known to its members as The Community were charged in a fifteen count indictment unsealed today with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. reads the press release published by the DoJ. In addition, a criminal complaint was unsealed charging three former employees of mobile phone providers with wire fraud in relation to the conspiracy. The alleged members of The Community hacker group are five Americans and an Irishman and have been charged with 15 criminal counts , including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The three former employees of mobile phone providers are Americans and have been charged in a criminal complaint with the wire fraud. Below the full list of defendants charged in the indictment: Conor Freeman, 20, of Dublin, Ireland Ricky Handschumacher, 25 of Pasco County, Florida Colton Jurisic, 20 of, Dubuque, Iowa Reyad Gafar Abbas, 19, of Rochester, New York Garrett Endicott, 21, of Warrensburg, Missouri Ryan Stevenson, 26, of West Haven, Connecticut Jarratt White, 22 of Tucson, Arizona (former mobile phone provider employee) Robert Jack, 22 of Tucson, Arizona (former mobile phone provider employee) Fendley Joseph, 28, of Murrietta, California (former mobile phone provider employee) In SIM swap frauds crooks are able to port the phone number of the victims to a new SIM card under their control. A SIM swap fraud is a type of fraud that overwhelms the additional security measures introduced by organizations to protect their customers. Attackers obtain victims information by launching a phishing campaign, or by purchasing them in the underground market. Crooks use the information gathered on the victims in the attempt to impersonate them in front of a telco operator and ask it to provide a new SIM to replace the old one that was lost or stolen. They can prove their identity by answering basic security questions and requesting the cancellation of the old SIM and the activation of a new one. Once obtained a new SIM, crooks can operate with the victims mobile account, intercepting or initiating calls, accessing SMSs (including authorizations codes sent by bank and cryptocurrency exchanges) and to authorize transactions. SIM Hijacking or SIM Swapping is an identity theft technique that exploits a common cyber-security weakness mobile phone numbers. This tactic enabled The Community to gain control of victims mobile phone number, resulting in the victims phone calls and short message service (SMS) messages being routed to devices controlled by The Community. continues the DoJ. According to the DoJ, SIM Hijacking was often facilitated by the employee of a mobile phone provider, in other cases the attack was accomplished by a member of The Community contacting a mobile phone providers customer serviceposing as the victimand requesting that the victims phone number be swapped to a SIM card under the control of the gang. The indictment confirms that the defendants executed seven SIM swapping attacks that resulted in the theft of victims funds from their cryptocurrency exchange wallets. Crooks transferred approximately $2.5 million worth of cryptocurrency to wallets under the control of the group. Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail . Meanwhile, an aggravated identity theft charge carries a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison. If convicted on the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each defendant faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charges of wire fraud each carry a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. continues concludes the DoJ. A conviction of aggravated identity theft in support of wire fraud carries a statutory maximum penalty of 2 years in prison to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed on the underlying count of wire fraud. In February, a 20-year-old college student that has stolen more than $5 million worth of cryptocurrency through SIM swapping attacks gets a 10 years jail sentence. Pierluigi Paganini ( SecurityAffairs SIM Swapping, Cybercrime) Share this... Linkedin Share this: Twitter Print LinkedIn Facebook More Tumblr Pocket Share On We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. By Terray Sylvester PROMONTORY, Utah (Reuters) - Connie Young Yu says that when her parents joined a delegation of fellow Chinese-Americans attending a 1969 event commemorating the centennial of the first U.S. Transcontinental Railroad, they were snubbed, upstaged by Hollywood star John Wayne. Now 50 years later, she and others descended from Chinese immigrants who built much of the cross-country rail line are looking forward to the 150th "Golden Spike" anniversary in Utah for rightful recognition they say is long overdue. "It's our connection to and participation in American society," Yu, 77, a board member of the Chinese Historical Society of America in San Francisco, told Reuters in a recent interview. A three-day anniversary celebration is set to open Friday at Promontory Summit, 66 miles (106 km) northwest of Salt Lake City, where the Central Pacific Railroad from the west was joined to the Union Pacific Railroad from the east on May 10, 1869. Organizers expect about 20,000 visitors and dignitaries for a day of speeches, music and a historical re-enactment of 1869's ceremonial driving of the original last spike, cast in 17.6-karat gold, connecting the finished 1,756-mile (2,826 km) rail line. The festivities also will feature full-size working replicas of the two steam engines seen facing each other, nose to nose, in an iconic photograph from that day, with crewmen crowded around the locomotives toasting the occasion with whiskey. TRANSFORMATIVE MOMENT Initiated during the Civil War and taking six years to complete, the railway's construction transformed America's Western frontier, accelerating Anglo-European settlement of the vast region and aligning it politically with the Union states of the North. It also hastened the demise of the Plains Indians, as well as the bison herds on which they depended. Yu's great-grandfather, Lee Wong Sang, was a foreman on the 19th-century project, for which railroad contractors recruited thousands of Chinese, mostly Cantonese-speaking laborers from China's Guangdong province. Story continues They made up the bulk of workers for the Central Pacific, or western, segment of the railway, laying track and carving railbeds over and through the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains. They uniformly worked longer hours for less pay than their white counterparts on the Union Pacific, and performed the most dangerous work. There were no power tools. Virtually all work was done by hand. Untold numbers - as many as 1,200 by some estimates - perished in blasting accidents, snowslides, falls and other mishaps. "We Cantonese feel a pride that our roots are in these hardworking people who built this great iron road that connected America," Yu said, adding she will be speaking for all immigrants when she addresses Friday's event on behalf of the Chinese-American delegation. "I feel that our biggest contribution would be for social justice, and to define what being an American is," she said. SNUBBED AND EXCLUDED At the 1969 ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the railroad's completion, Yu's father was then vice president of the historical society and her mother the only descendant of the railroad workers who was present. They traveled to Utah with the then-president of the historical society, Phil Choy, who was supposed to address the ceremony. Actor John Wayne ended up speaking in his place, Yu said. Karen Kwan, a Democrat in the Utah House of Representatives who helped organize this year's Golden Spike event, said plans for highlighting the contributions of Chinese immigrants was "righting a wrong." "Our names were not recorded by and large. We were not given the recognition that we should have been given," said Kwan, the first Chinese-American elected to Utah's legislature. "Asian-Americans as a whole are often thought of as perpetual foreigners." Yu acknowledged feeling "a bit nervous" in light of a resurgence in xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiments that echo a backlash against the Chinese following completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. That hostility led to passage of the federal Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, marking the first significant law restricting U.S. immigration. Remaining on the books until 1943, the exclusion laws drove many immigrants to alter their names and falsify family ties, playing a role in making it hard for Chinese-Americans to trace their roots, according to San Francisco-based historian Sue Lee. Other factors include a general lack of records listing individual Chinese workers by name and the fact that many returned to their homeland after the project ended, Lee said. Research organized by Stanford University has helped many overcome those obstacles in recent years, establishing a connection that for Chinese-Americans is equivalent to citizens of European descent who trace their heritage to the Mayflower, Lee said. "It's a cornerstone of Chinese-American history," she said. (Reporting by Terray Sylvester in Utah; writing and additional reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Three hostages freed in Burkina Faso in a special forces raid in which two French soldiers died on Saturday arrived in France to be greeted by President Emmanuel Macron. The president and other top officials greeted Frenchmen Patrick Picque, 51, and Laurent Lassimouillas, 46, and a South Korean woman as they disembarked from the plane sent to fetch them at the Villacourblay military airport southwest of Paris. A South Korean embassy official was present to greet the unnamed third hostage. An American female hostage also freed in the nighttime rescue on Thursday was handed over to US officials in Burkina Faso. Addressing reporters at the airport Saturday, Lassimouillas admitted that he and Picque should have heeded the French foreign ministry's advice to avoid risky areas of Benin. "We certainly should have better taken into account the government's advice as well as the complexities of Africa," he said. "Our first thoughts go to the families of the soldiers who freed us from this hell." The two women were discovered during the raid and had apparently had been held by the captors for a month. French Defence Minister Florence Parly said earlier even Seoul and Washington did not appear to be aware the pair were in increasingly unstable Burkina Faso. Macron has announced plans for a national tribute on Tuesday to the soldiers, Cedric de Pierrepont and Alain Bertoncello, members of the elite Hubert squad of the French navy's special forces who carried out the raid. The rescue operation came after security forces tracked the kidnappers across the semi-desert expanses of Burkina Faso to a camp on the border with Mali. Officials feared the hostages were about to be handed over to the Macina Liberation Front (FLM), a jihadist group formed in 2015 that is aligned with Al-Qaeda in the region, which would have greatly reduced the chances of a rescue. "Macron's decision to meet the hostages goes hand in hand with his decision to honour the soldiers," the Elysee official told AFP. "Macron is president of all French citizens, even those who do reckless acts," he said. - 'Red zone' - Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Saturday Picque and Lassimouillas, who were seized on May 1, were in an area of Benin that France has long advised travellers to avoid. "The zone where our two citizens were has for some time now been considered a red zone, which means it's a zone where you shouldn't go, where you're taking significant risks if you do go," Le Drian told Europe 1 radio. The foreign ministry's travel advisory website lists the areas of northern Benin near the border with Burkina Faso as "Formally Discouraged," including the areas of Pendjari National Park where the two men were visiting when they disappeared. The disfigured body of their guide was found shortly after they were reported missing, along with their abandoned Toyota truck. Le Drian's revelations prompted some to criticise Macron's decision to personally welcome the tourists on Saturday. "The only fellow citizens who deserve the nation's tribute today are our two heroes... who died in combat to save foolhardy tourists!" Hubert Falco, the mayor of Toulon in southern France where the Hubert commando is based, said on Twitter. - 'Avoid sacrifices' - Although Benin has long been spared the unrest seen in Mali and Burkina Faso, French officials have warned for months that jihadist insurgents could extend their operations into the sparsely populated desert regions further south. "The threat is evolving and has become much more mobile, and now countries to the south of Mali have become targets," Le Drian said Saturday. "The greatest precautions must be taken in these regions to avoid these types of kidnappings, and avoid the sacrifices required by our soldiers," he said. France's Operation Barkhane counts some 4,500 troops deployed in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad to help local forces battle jihadist groups. The raid on the kidnappers was led by the elite Hubert commando unit of the French naval special forces, which was deployed to the Sahel at the end of March. They were assisted by Burkina and Benin authorities and by the United States, which provided intelligence and support. A total of 24 French soldiers have died in the region since 2013 when France intervened to drive back jihadist groups who had taken control of northern Mali. Her abusers, a Singaporean couple, left Hartatik* with a deformed ear. (PHOTO: Video screencap) SINGAPORE Hartatik* was in her third month of employment in Singapore in 2017 when the Indonesian domestic worker began to experience constant physical abuse by her employers. Her ordeal coincided with the tumultuous phase of the married couples relationship, as the young Singaporeans struggled to look after a toddler and a two-month-old infant. The Lampung native, now 36, became a convenient punching bag. Frustrated with her husband, Hartatiks female employer took it out on her by attacking her limbs, sometimes with a pan, or stomping on her. A small mistake by Hartatik, such as preparing baby milk that was too hot, would set the employer off. In retaliation, scalding water would be poured on Hartatiks body. On occasions, the couple would use soiled baby diapers to hit her, leaving her face smeared with faeces. One particularly brutal incident left Hartatik with a deformed left ear. The couple had pulled and hit it repeatedly, leaving it swollen and infected. They brought her to a doctor a week later, where she was made to lie about her injuries. For the next three months, Hartatik endured daily torture before her female employer kicked her out of the house for an innocuous error. I can't stand the pain, remembering all these memories, the mother of a teenage boy told Yahoo News Singapore tearfully in Bahasa Indonesia. I wanted to run away but I was scared. Hartatiks case is another sad statistic of reported maid abuse in Singapore, where she was among the 253,800 foreign domestic workers (FDWs) living and working here as of December last year, up 23 per cent from 206,300 FDWs in 2011. Last year, 28 maid abuse cases were filed, the highest in five years, according to the State Courts. Between 2014 and last year, 107 cases were filed. In the same period, sentences were passed in 55 cases. In recent months, several cases of abused FDWs were in the media spotlight, including one described by the prosecution as arguably one of the worst of its kind in Singapore. Story continues The perpetrators, a married couple who were convicted two years ago for abusing an Indonesian maid, Fitriyah, had assaulted another helper from Myanmar and made her eat her own vomit. Last month, Chia Yun Ling, 43, was jailed for three years and 11 months and ordered to pay Moe Moe Than, $6,500 in compensation. Tay Wee Kiat, 41, was sentenced to two years jail and ordered to pay her $3,000 in compensation. In their earlier case involving Fitriyah, the couple appealed last year for their jail terms to be lowered. In a landmark decision, the High Court ruled that Tays original jail term of 28 months was manifestly inadequate and raised it to 43 months. Crucially, the High Court outlined a new sentencing framework for such cases, factoring in the emotional trauma that abused FDWs go through. (Screencap: supremecourt.gov.sg) Before these cases go to court, claims of abuse are first investigated by the police or the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Even so, it takes years before cases, if applicable, are heard in court. The ministry declined to respond to media queries on the number of claims of abuse it received and number of resolved cases last year. It also declined to comment on the number of ongoing investigations. Seeking sanctuary in shelters A number of abused FDWs, such as Hartatik, seek sanctuary in shelters while they assist in investigations and wait to be re-employed at an average of $450 to $600 monthly. Last year, over 1,170 FDWs were housed in shelters run by non-government organisations Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) and Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE). Both also run 24-hour help lines. Hartatik was one of 373 FDWs - a surge from 141 in 2017 - housed at CDEs shelter last year. Cases like hers, where physical abuse occurred, averaged about 13 per cent of over 2,400 cases - including hotline calls - that the CDE handled over the past three years, said executive director Shamsul Kamar. Meanwhile, HOME case manager Jaya Anil Kumar said that its shelter sees about 15 to 20 runaway cases per week, housing over 2,500 maids in the last three years. The top common complaint leading these women to seek shelter was overwork, according to a report by HOME and Liberty Shared released in January. Siti*, 25, an FDW from West Java, Indonesia, told Yahoo News Singapore that she had to work for 15 hours starting at 6am daily for her male employer in Singapore. Every night from 12 to 2am, she was forced to massage her employers legs and back before she could go to sleep. If I say I dont want to do it, he will threaten not to give me my salary. I also had to work at my employers siblings house every Sunday or Saturday, she said in a mix of halting English and Bahasa Indonesia. Siti, one of 800 who sought shelter at HOME last year, returned home to Indonesia in July. Shoes lining the racks at HOME's shelter, which is at an undisclosed location. (PHOTO: Wong Casandra/Yahoo News Singapore) The HOME-Liberty Shared report also called for the inclusion of domestic workers under the Employment Act (EA) to ensure that basic labour rights, such as working hours, sick leave, limits on overtime and notice periods, among others, are regulated. The workers exclusion from the Act leaves them highly vulnerable to abuse. Current provisions under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act are not equal to those under the EA and are too vaguely worded to offer reliable protection, it added. Laavanya Kathiravelu, an assistant professor at the Nanyang Technological Universitys School of Social Sciences, noted the existing recommendations under the Act for adequate rest are vague and not easily enforced as these workers work within private spaces. As such, the amount of rest they are given is typically left up to negotiations with employers. There is also a misguided perception that domestic work is not real work and this has led to workers not getting time off or enough rest, she said. Jaya stressed that more domestic workers - often untrained - increasingly undertake caregiving responsibilities for elderly patients, which often translates to round the clock care. In a written reply to a parliamentary question on Tuesday (7 May), the Ministry of Social and Family Development revealed that there were 34,200 working residents in Singapore, aged between 21 and 64, living with at least one elderly family member aged 65 and above and at least one young child aged below 13 as well as at least one FDW last year. One thing we would like to see is better matching of domestic workers to the right kinds of employers, said Jaya. Employment agencies have a part to play in that and employers should be forthcoming in the workers responsibilities. Shamsul urged the MOM to monitor employers whose FDWs seek constant transfers from. Such employers may need to be sent for counselling and deferred from hiring another FDW until the MOM has had an interview to ascertain that they are ready to hire again, he said. City Plaza, a popular gathering spot for Indonesian FDWs on their days off. One of CDE's three satellite offices is located on the second floor. (PHOTO: Wong Casandra/Yahoo News Singapore) Range of complaints by maids Other top complaints listed in the 2019 study include emotional abuse - such as verbal insults, intimidation and threats -, salary-related claims, illegal deployment and inadequate provision of food. In a 2017 report on food security, in which about 30 Indonesian domestic workers in Singapore were interviewed, Charlene Mohammed, a researcher at the University of Victoria, found that almost half went hungry regularly. Most involved in the study were forbidden to eat until after employers had eaten, she wrote in her report. They were often fed food that their employers had refused to eat, such as leftovers, stale or mouldy food, and biscuits. In March, armed with renewed optimism, Siti came back to Singapore to work for a second employer. Unfortunately, the Muslim was forced to consume pork by a Singaporean employer who eyed her every move at the dining table during their meals together. Ma'am says that there is only pork to eat. She gets angry if I dont eat it, said Siti. When her employer was not around, the close monitoring of Sitis movements was taken over by CCTVs installed everywhere in the house, including in the workers room. To prevent Siti from running away, her employer made her wear her clothes while keeping the formers belongings in a box inside the locked master room. Just three days into her employment, Siti ran away in tears and sought shelter at HOME for the second time. I couldnt take it anymore, she said. Charlene said that she had come across cases like Sitis, where workers were forced to consume food they are not comfortable with for religious reasons. The controlling of food consumption often results from the employers fear of losing status as the head of the household. Its a dehumanisation practice to keep workers at a lower status, she said. Such treatment, where laws are not flagrantly breached, can also affect the mental well-being of these workers, said Jaya. An Institute of Mental Health (IMH) spokesperson said that the institution sees FDWs from time to time who were admitted due to mental health issues or suicide attempts. IMH consultant Dr Jared Ng shared that FDWs often come from a background of adverse socio-economic conditions without support networks in a foreign country. So when abused, this often leaves them at a high risk of developing psychological issues, such as depression, or post-traumatic stress disorders, he added. These impairments can last a long time, even when they return home to their own countries of origin. In severe cases, they may develop thoughts of self-harm and suicide, said Dr Ng. A counselling room at HOME's shelter, which is at an undisclosed location. (PHOTO: Wong Casandra/Yahoo News Singapore) Called her a prostitute It only took two months into her job before things soured for Maruat*, 27, who started working for a foreign couple - her 4th employer in Singapore - in August last year. The domestic worker from Mizoram, India, had dropped off her employers son at his music school. She was supposed to return to fetch him after the classes were over. Unbeknownst to her, the school was closed that day. Left alone, the boy had to borrow a handphone from a stranger to call his mother. She (called back and) said I should not treat my son like a dog to be dropped off, Maruat told Yahoo News Singapore in English. Following the incident, her employer became prone to outbursts, sometimes, threatening to call the police on her, and other times, throwing a random object such a bag or a bowl at Maruat. All the time, I would apologise and say sorry, said the mother of a five-year-old boy. I wish she would talk to me nicely. I am a mother and a human being too. Maruats breaking point came when her employer insulted her by saying that she wanted to show off her sexy body to neighbours and that she was prostituting herself in Orchard for $10, in front of the couples children. Her employer then exposed herself to Maruat. I was very scared. She started removing her pajama bottoms and showed her underwear to me. She then opened up my shorts, said a visibly shaken Maruat. My employer said, If I want, I can do anything to you. This is my house. If I want to see, I can see. A maid agency seen at Lucky Plaza, a popular gathering spot for Filipino FDWs on their days off. Both CDE and HOME have satellite offices here. (PHOTO: Video screencap) Fined for no good reason Maria*, 31, was made to wash her Singaporean employers feet, several times a day, as well as help wear her socks and shoes. Whenever the Filipina made a small mistake, she would incur the wrath of her employer, who is in her 50s. Once, Maria was kicked in the chest. For three years, Maria and a fellow domestic worker woke and slept at the same time as her employer. Her days were erratic and could start at 4pm or 2am after a four-hour rest. One of her daily tasks was to mop the floor of her employers three-storey house 10 times, regardless of how clean it was. She will threaten that the whole house has (over 20) CCTVs so I cannot escape the job, said the mother of two young boys in English. Maria had $500 deducted from her salary by the employer for a faulty door just because she was the last to lock it. On another occasion, she was paid $200 less for allowing National Environment Agency (NEA) officers to do a routine check in the house. The officers had issued a fine to her employer for a violation due to the presence of mosquito larvae. Maria managed to get back over $1,000 that she was owed with the help of the CDE and the MOM. Her work permit and passport, which were withheld by her employer for the entire duration of her employment, were also returned. I never see them in three years, said Maria. I cried every day to myself. Its not good if I keep changing employers so I tried to shut the scoldings out. The withholding of personal belongings such as passports is often encouraged by agencies who advise employers to curb the movement of their domestic workers, said Prof Laavanya. The compulsory security bond has also caused some employers to develop paternalistic notions and view the FDWs as incapable of making their own decisions about their mobility or finances, she added. A maid agency at City Plaza, a popular gathering spot for Indonesian FDWs on their days off. One of CDE's three satellite offices is located on the second floor. (PHOTO: Wong Casandra/Yahoo News Singapore) Luck in Singapore ran out Hartatik and Maria are currently happy working with their new employers, who give them adequate rest and time off for interviews with the authorities pending investigations against their previous employers. During her 10-month stay at the CDE, Hartatik was slowly encouraged to go back to work. (If I stay) at CDE, I wont have any income for my children. Now that Im starting work again, I feel relieved, she said. Her wish now is for her abusers to receive a justified sentence. I hope no one else will receive the same fate as me, she added. The punishments for causing or allowing the death of or serious injury to vulnerable victims, including domestic helpers, have been enhanced, following the passing of the Criminal Law Reform Bill on Monday. Offenders, who commit the act or fail to protect the victim, can be jailed up to 20 years, fined, and/or caned. Such errant employers should also continue to be shamed in the media, said Prof Laavanya. Despite her ordeal, Maria plans to continue working in Singapore for the next decade to save up enough for her children - two boys aged 9 and 7 - and complete construction of a family house back in Camarines Sur, her hometown. Her current monthly salary in Singapore is about six times of what she would earn back home. I endured my former employers abuse because my happiness is my salary, she said. Maruat and Siti were not as lucky. The case against Maruats former employer, who was investigated for allegedly insulting her modesty, was dropped by the police. Left in limbo for six months at HOMEs shelter with no job, Maruat was made to return home early Friday, less than 40 hours after she found out about the surprising and unfair verdict. I have been to around seven interviews with potential employers. But with the time needed for investigations and my track record, they are wary of hiring me, she said. Why would they pick me? There are so many ladies with no problems queuing in the maid agencies. A painting done by a FDW who sought refuge at HOME's shelter, which is at an undisclosed location. (PHOTO: Wong Casandra/Yahoo News Singapore) I come from a poor family and I dont want my son to be a labourer. I can feed him (if I work in India) but I cant give him a future, she added. The various financial, language and immigration hurdles that these FDWs face in resolving their abuse cases could cause them to lose faith in the Singapore legal system, and accept less than satisfactory settlements of their civil claims or just drop their claims altogether, said June Lim, managing director of Eden Law Corporation. The FDWs always want to go home, the process can take up to three to four years to complete, they are traumatised by the abuse, and their families need the money. Poverty is the reason why they came to Singapore to work in the first place, said Lim, also an ambassador for Law Society Pro Bono Services. The sense of indifference that Maruat feels about Singapore now is a stark contrast to the excitement that she first felt when she saw a TV advertisement on job opportunities in Singapore back in Mizoram. While she has not ruled out a return to Singapore, she is planning to work as a domestic worker elsewhere. I feel like my luck here has run out, said an emotional Maruat. As for Siti, two days after her interview with Yahoo News Singapore in early April, she embarked on a flight back home to where her young twins, a pair of two-year-old boy and girl, were waiting for her in West Java. No police reports were filed against her employers. For me, this is the most painful and hardest thing I've ever experienced. Because not once but twice, I faced employers who were mean to me. I dont ever want to come back to Singapore, she said. *All names have been changed to protect their identities. Related stories: Parliament: Not beneficial to foreign domestic workers to be brought in for short-term help Paralegal jailed 10 months for breaking maid's fingers, causing bleeding in both eyes Woman jailed for pinching and punching maid, threatening her with knife Couple jailed for abusing Myanmar maid, ordered to pay compensation Woman who permanently disfigured maid with iron and pliers jailed 2 years 7 months Trial begins for maid accused of brutally murdering employer in Telok Kurau home PTT Philippines has allocated PHP500 million for capital expenditures this year to help finance the opening of an additional 30 gas stations, among other expansion plans. In a briefing Thursday, May 9, newly-appointed PTT Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thitiroj Rergsumran said they plan to have a little short of 200 stations nationwide by the end of this year. Last year we have 152. Now 162 and (we plan to open) 30 something stations more, he said. Rergsumran declined to give figures on how much it costs to establish each branch, noting that this depends on the location. During the same briefing, PTT Philippines Trading Corporation President and CEO Danny Alabado said they target to open more branches in Luzon and Cebu. We will open additional branches in regions where there are higher growth and high demand, he said. PTT is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thailands largest oil and gas company PTT Public Company Limited (PTTPLC). Rergsumran vowed to sustain the growth of the companys oil and non-oil businesses. We are confident that we can achieve our growth because of the strong support from our head office in Thailand, he said. The post PTT PH Sets P500-Million Capex for 2019 appeared first on Carmudi Philippines. When it comes to figuring out how to save money while traveling, theres no better collective wisdom to tap than our very own A-List. Travel + Leisures assemblage of the worlds top travel advisors offers a wellspring of travel tips and tricks, including how to get the best deals while planning trips. From tried-and-true suggestions, like reaping the benefits of shoulder season, to more under-the-radar insights, like booking longer stays for discounts, we sourced more than a dozen ways to make seeing the world easier on your wallet. Ahead, 14 A-List members share what to do to save money on your next vacation. Prioritize What's Important to You Prioritize! Budget for your priorities, whether thats convenience, great food, comfortable accommodations, or activities, and dont skimp on them. Then you can save money on all of the less important details buy food at a grocery store for a local picnic, stay in a backcountry refugio, or take the less desirable flight connections that are half the price. Once you know what makes an experience wonderful for you, its easy to save money because youre not wasting funds on everyone elses priorities that dont add a lot to your personal experience. Mary Curry, Adventure Life Alexander Spatari/Getty Images Travel in the Off or Shoulder Season Plan ahead. That gives you an edge because everyone is traveling, everyone sees the same Instagram pictures, and people have this right now mentality. They don't want to save up for 10 years and then take that dream vacation they want to live in the now because you never know what tomorrow might bring. I also personally love traveling in the shoulder season. Positano in October is so much more enjoyable than July. Go to Patagonia in March and youll have the place to yourself and save a considerable amount of money in the process. Consider shortening your trip, too, so you have a quality time versus quantity of time. Jim Augerinos, Perfect Honeymoons Travel in the off season! Peak season in certain destinations, like summer in Europe or winter in the Caribbean, have not only become extremely expensive, but are also so crowded that they cant be enjoyed as they should be. Locals tend to be more willing to share their hometowns with tourists during the quieter slow seasons rather than trying to power through the madness. The best hotels can be hundreds of dollars less per night than in the off season. (I've seen up to $1,000 per night less!) There are, of course, certain "no go" times: the heart of hurricane season in the Caribbean or the dead of winter in the Amalfi Coast or Greek isles, when much is closed. But shoulder season, when the weather is good but the crowds have either not yet arrived or just left, is heaven. Louisa Gehring, Gehring Travel Story continues Hotel rates in London soar from May through July. From early September to the end of February, however, they drop slightly. If colder temperatures dont bother you, January is the cheapest month to visit. Splurge on tea, save on lunch and dinner. Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea at a five-star hotel so you can miss out on lunch and have a lighter dinner. Most of Londons museums are free with an entry fee only required for some specific exhibitions. Soak up a citys atmosphere and ditch the car and travel on foot. Not only will you see more, spend less time in traffic, but youll also benefit from the walk! Nicola Butler, Noteworthy Go Where There's Good Currency Conversion Value Pick destinations that offer good currency conversion value. During high season in Santiago, Chile, for example, the cost per night in one of the five-star hotels is lower than a nice dinner for two in New York City. Amalia Lazarov, Travelicious Travel Location, Location, Location The saying Time is money, is true so when looking at hotels central to sightseeing, youll also want to think location, location, location. Pay a little more to stay where you can walk as many places as possible. The inexpensive Airbnb or budget hotel that involves spending 30 or more minutes navigating public transport just to get to a destination amounts to no savings in the long run. You spent a lot of money to get where youre going and youre likely only there for a few days. Do you really want to use up a big chunk of your time traveling to what you really came to see and do? Ellen LeCompte, LeCompte Travel Book as Early as Possible Book as early as possible. You can access early booking specials, lock in your preferred rooms in the smaller boutique hotels, and find unique experiences that are highly sought after. Cruises release schedules far ahead of time, as do allotments in lodges and properties around Southeast Asia. Aim to book at least 18 months in advance if you can. Jack Tydeman, Audley Travel Stay in Boutique Properties I always advise seeking out more cost-efficient charming boutique hotels rather than five-star luxury hotel operations. Sure, your hotel may not have multiple restaurants by famous chefs, the latest in luxury amenities, or endless room options, but youll instead gain attentiveness to detail, quaintness, and the fun personality that is normally associated with boutique accommodations. Also, bring your friends and family! The more people in your group, the easier it is to arrange discounts for your hotel stays. Jarrod Hobson, ATJ %image1 Get Off the Beaten Path For repeat visitors to Italy, you should explore the lesser-known regions. Italy has plenty of hidden gems that are not super popular and quite affordable. The Gargano region in Puglia, for instance, has a coastline that rivals the Amalfi Coast, and Bergamo, a city north of Milan, has a thriving culture scene. When you visit unknown parts of Italy, luxury hotels generally cost 30 percent less than they do in more touristy regions. Theres that, and the restaurants are more reasonably priced. Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio Italy in high season, for example, is expensive and crowded. So my first suggestion is to travel in cooler months, from November through March. Seaside hotels may be closed, but cities are vibrant, especially around the holidays when you only hear Italian being spoken in the streets. You might also consider booking longer stays or prepaying for them. Hotels give discounts if you stay four nights, and sometimes, they may charge for just three. Ive seen them give discounts as high as 20 percent. Finally, forget the bragging rights. Avoid Positano, Portofino, and Taormina. Rent a car and explore the smaller villages with names you can't pronounce. You will find friendly people, better deals, and a warmer welcome. Joyce Falcone, the Italian Concierge Use a Travel Advisor Always use a travel advisor. They know better than any traveler how to get the most value out of your vacation, not only through the best deals but through value-added amenities like on-property credits, complimentary food and beverages, and even unique experiences for their guests. At Valerie Wilson Travel, we offer a proprietary program called Suite Access, which guarantees a minimum of $200 on-property credit, along with a welcome amenity, complimentary WiFi, complimentary breakfast, and a free VIP experience or a customized local experience. It means even the shortest two-night stays become memorable and valuable. Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg, Valerie Wilson Travel In the online world we live in, it is true that you can book travel yourself but why would you want to? Working with a travel advisor brings added value to every trip. In addition to saving you the time and stress of planning, their global connections allows them to make you VIPs at luxury hotels, on cruise lines, on tours, and beyond. Working with an expert means youll enjoy everything from upgrades to complimentary breakfasts, resort credits to shipboard credits, backstage experiences, private sales, the very best service and treatment no matter where you travel. Susan Sparks, Points of Interest Travel Matt Anderson Photography/Getty Images Know What Places and Times to Avoid Know which destinations are best to avoid on the weekends or holidays to skirt price increases and crowds. I often strategically plan trips to particular areas to fall outside of busy times. For example, Hiroshima and the beautiful island of Miyajima are excellent places to visit in Japan but will be touristy on the weekends. I try to make trips to those spots fall mid-week. Staying on Miyajima is a very special experience, so booking far in advance helps you secure rooms in its small, charming accommodations. Tesia Smith, Audley Travel Go Local Find local spots to dine at. Not only will mom-and-pop places save you money on your next vacation, but theyll also allow for more opportunities for unique moments and cultural interactions. Some of the best memories are when meals are shared locally. Christina Turrini, Frosch Travel Officials from Plougastel-Daoulas, located in Brittany in northwestern France, are offering a reward to anyone able to decipher an ancient inscription carved on a stone. The stone and its inscription, which is believed to be centuries old, have remained a mystery to experts who are now calling on the public to assist in figuring out what it means. "There are people who tell us that it's Basque and others who say it's old Breton; but we still have not managed to decipher the text," mayor of Plougastel-Daoulas Dominique Cap told AFP. Now, authorities are calling on linguists, historians, students, academics, and anyone with an interest in cracking the message to decipher it for a prize of 2,000 euros (about $2,250). The message on the stone, which locals sometimes compare to the historic Rosetta Stone, can only be seen at low tide, when the waves of the Atlantic Ocean calm to allow the large-sized rock to appear. The rock is roughly equivalent to the size of a person and includes photos of a sailing boat and the dates that include 1786 and 1787 and the large inscription. French local councillor in charge of small heritage Michel Paugam poses on May 7, 2019 as he shows inscriptions composing indecipherable words on a rock in the Brittany village of Plougastel-Daoulas. | FRED TANNEAU/Getty Images According to AFP, parts of the inscription read, "ROC AR B... DRE AR GRIO SE EVELOH AR VIRIONES BAOAVEL... R I OBBIIE: BRISBVILAR... FROIK...AL," a message that has left officials in the area stumped. The city launched a national call with a 2000 euros reward to anyone able to solve the mystery of those inscriptions propably made during the 18th century. | FRED TANNEAU/Getty Images The dates do reveal some context, though. "These dates correspond more or less to the years that various artillery batteries protected Brest and notably Corbeau Fort, which is right next to it," Veronique Martin, who is running the competition, told the news agency. The public are invited to submit their suggestions through the end of November. Once entries are in, a jury will determine which response is the most plausible and award the prize. According to local French publication Le Parisien, more than a thousand emails have already come in, with those who are interested invited to contact veronique.martin@mairie-plougastel.fr. Research revealed that six in 10 of us feel we know very little about the final hours or life. [Photo: Getty] Death is one of the few inevitabilities of life. Yet, new research suggests that six in 10 British people know little or nothing about the final hours of their lives. Many of us learn about death through speaking to family and friends of watching TV, rather than from doctors or nurses. This sparked the researchers to launch a campaign aimed at making death a more acceptable topic of conversation. READ MORE: What makes us scared of dying? The Academy of Medical Sciences interviewed almost 1000 people face to face about the topic. One third of them refused to answer the questions about death, proving that its a difficult subject for many. Other countries have a more free-spirited attitude towards death with countries including Mexico, Thailand and China hosting day of the dead celebrations each year. Now, Prof Dame Lesley Fallowfield, a cancer psychologist at the University of Sussex, wants to encourage us to speak about death more openly. She suggests we consider creating a death plan in the way that many expectant parents create a birthing plan. READ MORE: The ultra-processed foods which could take years off your life She said: We all know that events sometimes supersede your wishes, but we can think it through and make it the best it can possibly be. Making a death plan shouldnt be seen as a macabre thing to do. As a result of our refusal to speak about death, many people do not spend the final weeks of their lives how they would have chosen. To encourage the conversation, the academy has opened a pop-up called The Departure Lounge in Lewisham shopping centre in south-east London. The pop-up aims to engage with people on the topic on death, with messages and questions written on suitcases all around the shop. READ MORE: Male model dies after collapsing on runway People have taken to Twitter to describe the installation as a great idea to encourage conversation. Different versions of the lounge will be popping up across the UK this summer. Confirmation Sunday Confirmation Sunday will be celebrated during the 10 a.m. worship service Sunday at Grace United Methodist Church , 1735 Morningside Ave. The 2018-2019 student confirmands have completed their course of study and will be received into full church membership. Junk in the Trunk Crescent Park United Methodist Church, 2826 Myrtle St., invites you to attend the first annual Junk in the Trunk fundraiser sale in the church parking lot at 9 a.m. Saturday. The church will have many items for sale, including craft items and baked goods. KQBQ will also be available with pulled pork sandwiches and briskets. LE MARS, Iowa -- A budding watercolorist, Abigail Tilberg, 14, likes to incorporate art into a history display. Emma DeRuyter, 13, thinks aesthetics counts when trying to persuade minds. Both Abigail, a Le Mars Community Middle School eighth-grader, and Emma, a Le Mars seventh-grader, won a district National History Day contest in Orange City, Iowa, and then the state contest in Des Moines. The girls will now compete in the national contest June 9-13 in College Park, Maryland. A nonprofit organization, National History Day encourages students in grades 6-12 to create research projects around a general theme. It's open to students across the United States as well as some countries in Asia and Central America. Nearly 700,000 kids participate in the National History Day competition. Projects can be done as a documentary film, paper, performance, website or presentation board. All must use primary and secondary resources, together with an annotated bibliography. The projects are then presented in front of a panel of judges. "The research required for the project is pretty intense," said Jakki Gamble, a Le Mars Middle School talented and gifted teacher. "I had 49 students competing in the district competition. That number dropped to 10 for the state competition." "It is very unusual to have two students from the same school representing the entire state," she added. Both Abigail and Emma have created 6-foot-tall presentation boards that convey both the triumph and tragedy behind a historical event. Abigail chose to focus her project on the New Deal, a series of programs and projects enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to get people back to work during the Great Depression. "That time period has always interested me," she said. "In addition to reading and researching the Great Depression, I actually interviewed people who were around during at the time." Many of Abigail's interview subjects were living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. "They were all interested in telling their personal stories," she said. "I learned more from (the interview subjects) than I could from a book. I wanted to tell about their lives and experiences through my presentation board." Emma chose the topic of polio as her historical subject. "I chose it because it is still a hot-button issue," she said. "People still campaign against vaccines despite a spread of measles in some parts of the country." For her interview subject, Emma interviewed a person who was diagnosed with polio as a child. She still experiences health issues as a result of the childhood polio. "When talking with real-life people, you can go much deeper into a subject," Emma said. "Plus you can show so much of that information on a presentation board." "A presentation board allows for a more artistic look," Abigail said. "It also looks prettier," Emma said. That's important to Emma, since her board will also be part of a National History Day display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., during the week of the competition. "I'm really excited about it," she said with a smile. "This is the first time I entered the National History Day contest. I didn't think I'd make it all the way to state, let alone the nationals. Knowing that my presentation is at the Smithsonian hasn't even sunk in yet." Luckily, Abigail is already an old pro. "This was third time that I competed in the state National History Day and my second at Nationals," she said. "My advice to Emma is to stay calm and have fun." While the first, second and third place finishers for the junior National History Day contest will pick up checks for $1,000, $500 and $250, respectively, both girls are in it for the experience, not the money. "It was a challenging project but I had fun doing it," Emma said. "It was something that was certainly worthwhile." Copyright 2019 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. SIOUX CITY -- As she finishes her long career at Briar Cliff University, Sister Shirley Fineran will have a prominent role in the college's commencement ceremony Saturday, carrying the Franciscan Cross to lead all academic and religious officials in the opening procession for the 280 graduates. Fineran, 74, knew from a young age that she wanted to use her Catholic faith to help others by becoming as a nun. She spent years training in the field, worked for 19 years at a Catholic Charities organization in the Chicago area, then has spent the last 28 years working as a BCU academic in the social work department and seeking to promote social justice in Siouxland. An item prominently posted in her office holds a quote from Jane Addams, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, who founded 19th century settlement houses in Chicago: "Progress is not automatic; the world grows better because people wish that it should, and make the right steps to make it better." "I love teaching here, I love what I do," Fineran said. "I know I have made a difference in students' lives, and I know I've made a difference in the community." That's been confirmed, she said, from talks with students: "The message I get is they know they are better today because of the challenging I did to them, to be all they could be." Laura Malcolm, a social work major from Sioux City who will graduate Saturday, had heard of Fineran on campus, and finally met her in 2017. "She is very well known. Sister really has a reputation in the community, so I came in with the impression that she was really strict," Malcolm said. Malcolm said Fineran was a very good instructor, "passionate" about social work and training Briar Cliff students for work in that field. "She expects a lot out of her students, but provides valuable resources and always makes us want to try harder," Malcolm said. During an interview in her third-floor Heelan Hall office, Fineran spoke fondly of the beautiful view of the campus she considers home. It was a place she first landed as a student in 1971, after growing up 70 miles east of Sioux City, in rural Deloit, near the tiny town of Boyer, Iowa. She grew up attending St. Martin's Catholic Church in Odebolt, and attended school in the area through her freshman year. At age 15 she left to finish her high school at Immaculate Conception Aspirancy in Dubuque, Iowa. "I knew I wanted to be a Sister. I decided I wanted to do that as a young girl," Fineran said. Graduating from ICA in 1962, she entered the convent of the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque, where after three years she exited, and became a teacher in the Catholic school system in Melrose Park, Illinois, just west of Chicago. After five years as a fifth grade teacher, Fineran wanted to veer into the social work field, so she came to Briar Cliff to become a student. "I loved it. It was a great time," she said of the semesters when getting her Briar Cliff degree in 1971. Fineran came back to work at the college as a half-time professor in 1991, and leaves as an assistant professor of social work and the director of field education. "My career has really been helping start new programs and services and empowering people to take it over," she said. "I've been gifted to begin a lot of programs that have helped a lot of people." She has enjoyed seeing how campus offerings have grown over nearly 30 years. "Briar Cliff is really diverse, a good mix of students --- in 1991, not so much," Fineran said. Briar Cliff President Rachelle Karstens said Fineran "made an indelible imprint on the Briar Cliff community" during her 28 years of work. "Her commitment to social justice, strong faith, and passion for helping others has immeasurably impacted the lives of our students, employees, and alumni. It is an understatement to say she will be missed on The Cliff," Karstens said. Fineran said she was proud to have had a hand in the founding of the Food Bank of Siouxland in Sioux City. She said social justice is an important piece of the Gospel and Catholic doctrine, and was also instilled even more deeply for her while working for Catholic Charities. Along with the vows of celibacy and obedience, Fineran took the vow of poverty. "I don't have a lot of money, but I do have time to give," she said. "I've always looked where the people are marginalized and sought to serve them." In spending time on promoting social justice, she went to national rallies promoting immigration issues. Fineran at times delved into supporting political candidates she liked, being "a proud Democrat," she said. Fineran would often turn up at Democratic presidential candidate campaign events, such as when Hillary Clinton made her first stop of the 2016 election cycle in Sioux City. She had first met Clinton in 1991 when Bill Clinton campaigned in Sioux City before winning the presidency in 1992. "I believe that we are in a very challenging time. Some of the public national figures that we see are inflaming people in a way, that bullying or putting people down is OK. That disturbs me in so many ways," Fineran said. She's not sad, but feels "great" to leave Briar Cliff, in part because Fineran knows her next act in life is already at hand. Fineran may be leaving the higher education profession, but is staying in the area, to carry out her three-year quest to launch Lila Mae's House. That effort will open a transitional housing option for victims of sex trafficking. "We are a space for healing," Fineran said. She said it is important to have a secret spot for Lily Mae's House, since women leaving sex trafficking seem to have a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, given the "deep trauma and control that traffickers have on their victims." "I really want to spend more time in prayer and reflection, and for time to spend on the last journey of my life," Fineran said. Copyright 2019 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 2019 SkS Weekly Climate Change & Global Warming News Roundup #19 Posted on 11 May 2019 by John Hartz A chronological listing of news articles posted on the Skeptical Science Facebook Page during the past week, i.e., Sun, May 5 through Sat, May 11, 2019 Editor's Pick Proposal to spend 25% of EU budget on climate change Schoolchildren have been protesting climate change inaction in recent months across Europe REUTERS Eight European countries have called for an ambitious strategy to tackle climate change and to spend a quarter of the entire EU budget on fighting it. The joint statement says the EU should have net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 "at the latest". It was signed by France, Belgium, Denmark, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. The group says their plan can "go hand in hand with prosperity" and "set an example for other countries to follow." The position paper comes ahead of a major summit of European leaders in the Romanian city of Sibiu, beginning on Thursday, which will discuss the future of Europe and the EU's strategy for the next five years. But not everyone is on board - there are 28 countries in the EU, and several of those absent from the joint position statement are significant players - including Germany. Proposal to spend 25% of EU budget on climate change, BBC News, May 8, 2019 Links posted on Facebook Sun May 5, 2019 Mon May 6, 2019 Tue May 7, 2019 Wed May 8, 2019 Thu May 9, 2019 Fri May 10, 2019 Sat May 11, 2019 Get More Slate Money Slate Plus members get extended, ad-free versions of our podcastsand much more. Sign up today. Join Slate Plus Subscribe to Slate Money Copy this link and add it in your podcast app. copy link copied! For detailed instructions, see our Slate Plus podcasts page. Listen to Slate Money via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. Its Slate Moneys fifth birthday! And one of the shows original hosts, Slates own Jordan Weissmann, has returned to celebrate. Felix, Anna, Emily, and Jordan discuss the China tariffs, long-term investing, and the Uber IPO and driver strikes. And in the Slate Plus segment: Trumps taxes. Email: slatemoney@slate.com Twitter: @felixsalmon, @Three_Guineas, @EmilyRPeck, @JHWeissmann Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. This week, The Gist, the daily news and culture podcast I host for Slate, turned 5 years old. To celebrate, my producers and I put out a special week of programming that culminated in this conversation with comedian and veteran writer-producer Larry Wilmore. Wilmore is the co-creator of HBOs Insecure and Grown-ish (the spinoff of the hit ABC show Black-ish, a program that he was also an executive producer for) and the host of the podcast Black on the Air. He joined me at Slates Brooklyn studio to discuss comedy, politics, and cultural criticism. Read a lightly edited transcript of our conversation, or listen to the full thing via the audio player below. You can also find The Gist via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play, or wherever you get your shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Pesca: You started your podcast in 2017? Larry Wilmore: Yeah. That was two years ago. Time flies. What was different abouthow were your expectations upended by the actual experience of doing the podcast? Well, its funny. I wasnt sure if I wanted to do a podcast or not. I really didnt know. After The Nightly Show went down, first of all, [I was] exhausted from producing a television show every day. Bill Simmons called and he said, Hey man, would you like to do a podcast? We went out to lunch. We really talked about it. It was his actual belief in me to do it, which kind of sold me on it. I thought, well, this is something that I can do, and I can still manage the other things that Im doing, and I can get out part of the expression that I had in the Nightly Show arena. Advertisement Advertisement I thought it would be nice to have that expression, and I love interviewing people. I didnt really get a chance to interview people much on The Nightly Show. It was always a discussion. My expectations were met, but that was fulfilled in a way that I hadnt even imagined, because I realized that in the conversations themselves I would find my point of view. I would discover things about the person that I didnt know, having an expectation going in and that sort of thing. Advertisement Lets go to Insecure and Black-ish. Is it easier [now] to get a hearing, a consideration, as a producer? You are black, so you are going to be a producer of black content, because thats who you are. Is that something that [the industry is] now desirous of, and before you had to knock on the door three extra times? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, I wouldnt say Im a producer of black content, but I like to be a producer of what I call content that isnt on the air currently. For instance, I just produced a show with Jessica Gao, who is a Chinese American writer. Its about her family. In my mind, this family isnt on television. Ive always pushed for, why cant somebody like me just do any kind of content? I have a lot of different projects. I have a project based on my love of magic that Im developing at Disney I love that. that has nothing to do with race or anything. Thats in its particular place, and Ill do that. You should be able to say I suck for anything that I do [laughter]. I have pushed for the ability to suck in anything, Mike, rather than just racial content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That will be the glorious day Believe me, I am succeeding one show at a time. where we could give you 1 stars based on the content of your character. Exactly. Correct. Not on the color of my skin. It sounds like you have a lot of female co-creators on this stuff. Yes. Thats another thing Ive always been passionate about. Women have always had the shorter end of the stick in the writing and creating fields. Ive always been supportive of that. I like working with young people and new voices and that kind of stuff. Im kind of in that mentorship position. You get to a certain age, Mike, and if you can accept that gracefully, then its really a cool thing. I love collaboration. I love bringing my OG, old-school knowledge into something, and then you get the YG stuff in there too. The mix of that is fun. Its really exciting. Advertisement Advertisement I wanted to ask you about an interesting article I read. Wesley Morris wrote this article about him being a critic and being in favor of art for the morally right reasons, as opposed to the artistically right reasons. I loved it. Then, when I read it back, I realized the case in point that he was pointing to was Insecure, which happens to be your show. He felt impinged upon as a critic. When you read reviews or know what the consensus is, its inflected by the morality of the message. Advertisement Heres the thing. Heres what reviewers have always done, which I have not liked: They always review with their version of what they like to see. Im like, motherfucker, this is the movie that I wrote. Review it for its merits. It just occurs in different ways. Advertisement In the 60s, after Pauline Kael and the way that she reviewed movies, people started reviewing movies for how much they thought they should be going against society or going against established moviemaking. If they werent taking chances in that, they werent worthy. That was a Pauline Kael type of movie. The new criticismnew is an important part of that. Very correct. Thats how movies were judged from that. Now, you have woke criticism. Which, to me, is another imposition of the critic on the thing theyre reviewing, which, to me, doesnt really belong in reviews. It belongs in an essay about something else. Yes. His [article] sounds like more of a discussion-in-a-barbershop type of thing too. Or discussing it with friends. He was talking about the dilemma of not wanting to trash it amongst friends because he wants to seem loyal to it, which is different. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right. He wasnt saying that he, as a Pulitzer Prizewinning critic, couldnt say or do whatever he wanted in the New York Times. He maybe wanted that dinner conversation to go a little more smoothly. Advertisement Advertisement I dont find that so much in media, to be honest with you. There may be a little bit of it. I found it more in politics with Obama. Black people did not like to hear criticism of Obama from black people. Tavis Smiley and Cornel West were almost excommunicated. They were in the Chappelle trade. Traded up. I dont even know what team they made it on at this point. They had to play two years in the Japanese League before coming back. Michael Eric Dyson, too, was another one. Advertisement Yes. I always tried to have my criticism with a sense of humor and everything, but I acknowledge that, as a fan, Im allowed to criticize the Lakers, but Im still a rabid Lakers fan. I know what that difference is. The very thing that, perhaps, a critic like Dyson would say, something like selling out a part of your community, thats the feature, not the bug. The fact that people, that white America, can identify with Barack Obama, thats maybe one of the things that they were most critical of. The pandering to white America. Advertisement Sometimes, I intuited the opposite. I felt a lot of liberal white America pandered to Obama and treated him with too much preciousness. Like hes some figure to not be messed with. We dont know how long this fragile butterfly, this Negro butterfly, is going to be around. Lets treat him well, with kid gloves. No, hes the president. Hes a Chicago politician, for Christs sake. As comedians, we should be able to criticize power no matter whos holding that power. I didnt like when comedians wouldnt have criticismsthat was the kind of criticisms that you should have for a president no matter whos in office. Advertisement Advertisement Right. Sometimes it occurs differently when you agree with them, but it should still exist. I do think this about Obama. He was not above criticism, but if you look atand this is in great comedyif you look at a lot of the comedy thats been aimed at the presidents during my lifetimeBush, Reagan, Clinton, Trumppersonal foibles played a huge role. Obama really did take that off the table. He did, and this is what Im sayingthis is the liberal preciousness to have him be perfect. To have him be the perfect messenger. Advertisement Advertisement You dont think he really gave comedians less fodder just in terms of personal failings? No, they were just scared. I think people were scared. For instance, Obama took way too fucking long to make a point. Advertisement Yes, he did. Way too long. Nobody made enough jokes about that. I did a joke, I remember, where I was like, if you just ask Obama what he had for breakfast, hed say Well, this morning, there was some sort of decorative plate just get to the point. Im fucking hungry over here. Whereas, Bush would have just said eggs. But it would have been French toast. Nobody made enough fun of his foibles. Sometimes SNL did like him wearing mom jeans. Thats funny. Thats an arrow at something about him that we can laugh at. But what they instead did was: They made jokes about his being black, which isnt a joke about himits a joke about a bigger thing that they can find humor in, but not about him. There werent enough jokes about him. I think because peopleits that preciousness, and people were just scared. [They felt] I dont want to make fun of the black guy because black people are going to come after me. Which, even if that is the case, as a comedian, you got to take that heat. Its like going after Beyonce. Youve got to be careful if youre going to do it. You better bring it. It better be really funny because the Beyhive is going to come after you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres no good way to do that. No, theres no good way. Arguably, its more dangerous to go after Beyonce than ObamaObama is only going to be in office, at the most, eight years. Its term-limited. Theres no constitutional prescription against Beyonce I like Key & Peeles anger translator because that was getting at truth Thats about being black. Well, thats why I asked you about it. I think that does get to a truth. It gets to a truth about blackness, not about Obama. About the kind of blackness he had to represent. But its a general point. Its a funny pointIm not saying its not funny, Im not saying its not a good observation, but its not about him. The one that they did that was closer to being about him, but was still a general point, was how he changes up his handshakes because Obama did do that. Advertisement He code-switched his handshakes. I did not know that. Yes. Now, code-switching is something that Obama does do. I mean, politicians do do that, but he does it in a funny way because of the handshake. Thats more about him. Once again, its comedy coming out of flattery of the person and not critique of the person, too. Advertisement Advertisement Do you think that comedy, sarcasm, parody has been at all a check on the Trump administration? I loved your conversation with [Malcom] Gladwell about this. I think it has been an escape valve, and it has been a pressure-release valve, but has it done anything to keep the excesses of the administration in check? My opinion on this is that it never does. Advertisement I think you may be right. Advertisement I dont think it ever has. I dont know an example where it has. I think maybe at the most there could be two examples where it could have hurt somebody. I would say [President] Gerald Ford. When SNL started making fun of him, he became a little more buffoonish than people had really seen him, and I think that hurt him against [President Jimmy] Carter, possibly. And I think Sarah Palin. When Tina Fey did her, I think people did view her as a little more buffoonish than they had before. I was at a convention when Sarah Palin was there, and it was amazing. She was a rock star. I was impressed. I was like, Man, you dont even think of McCain. This is who the candidate is, really. She actually was the candidate. Had she not stumbled, McCain might have been elected. That star power was pretty bright. Advertisement Advertisement I think Gladwells point was criticizing that portrayal for defanging her and making her seem more impotent or less dangerous. I know. I disagree with him on that. I think hes ascribing a purpose to comedy that isnt there. Thats his projection of what he thinks comedy should be. Sorry, Gladwell, comedy is designed to make people laugh. All that extra stuff, good for you that you found that, but thats not what its for. Nobody is in the writers room going, All right, guys. Weve got to get this bill passed with this joke. I dont know how this joke is going to get this bill passed. No one thinks like that. I always say activists should engage in activism. I always feel like thats why we have these words that are different. Comedy exists to be comic. I believe they serve different functions. Occasionally you have an outlier that does something different, but I dont believe that usually is the purpose of it. Its interesting, Mike. Whenever that is the purpose, the audience can kind of feel itI always felt like the audience was like, Thats trying to do too much. You can always sense that. Its usually the unintended consequence of something more than anything else, I think. Newly leaked documents have fueled two new reports over the weekend of allegations of irresponsible and potentially legally dubious spending by the National Rifle Association. The reports have also given further insight into the ugly infighting in the NRA leadership and into the precarious situation the organization has found itself in as it faces an investigation into possible financial wrongdoing. On Saturday, the Daily Beast reported that an anonymously leaked document appeared to show allegations by former NRA president Oliver North that the group was facing an existential threat in the form of legal bills. In the leaked confidential April memo dating to the week before he was dramatically ousted as president, North wrote that the NRA was being billed nearly $100,000 a day. North then pleaded for an audit of their payments to outside attorney Bill Brewer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As North contended, the fees could doom the NRA financially. Over the past year the organization had paid Brewer $18.5 million, he noted. North said he had appealed to CEO Wayne LaPierre directly to have an independent review of the law firms invoices, but LaPierre denied his requests. He also suggested that the NRA didnt properly manage the law firms work. NRA management told the Daily Beast that the allegations were inaccurate and suggested the leak was part of a smear campaign targeting LaPierre. (North, best known for his role in the Iran-Contra affair, was pushed out as president when LaPierre accused North of trying to use allegations of financial impropriety to extort him into resigning.) It is troubling and a bit pathetic that some people would resort to leaking information to advance their agendas, the new president, Carolyn Meadows, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Separately on Saturday, the Wall Street Journal reported on leaked documentsalso from letters North sent to the organizations board last monththat appeared to show that the advertising firm Ackerman McQueen helped pay for luxurious clothing and travel for LaPierre. According to the anonymously posted documents, LaPierre billed $39,000 for just one day of shopping at a clothing boutique at Beverly Hills. On another line, he charged $18,300 for a car and driver in Europe, and in another, $13,800 for a summer interns rent. The firm tallied up more than $542,000 in clothes, travel, and other expenses, much of which went into flights. North suggested the costs meant financial impropriety by LaPierre. The NRA has said the expenditures were justifiable for LaPierres work and public appearances. Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the NRA sued Ackerman McQueen for documents about its expenses, accusing it of failing to justify its billing. According to that lawsuit, North withheld information about his relationship with the firm. Advertisement Advertisement The problem with the allegations has to do with the NRAs status as a nonprofit. As the New Yorker reported last month when it looked into financial improprieties at the organization, its possible the group has violated New York states laws for nonprofits, which are meant to operate their finances with the best interest of their organization in mind and not for the benefit of any executives or board members. New York Attorney General Letitia James has opened an investigation into the NRAs finances and tax-exempt status. The NRA is chartered in New York, and James has the authority to punish the organization if she finds wrongdoing by forcing it to repay money or even dissolve the organization itself, though the latter is highly unlikely. The IRS is also investigating the NRA and may remove its tax exempt status as a nonprofita move that would dramatically undercut its ability to solicit money from wealthy donors. Meanwhile, the NRA is also facing scrutiny over the case of Maria Butina, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison for serving as a foreign agent. She was accused of attempting to infiltrate the NRA, and it was revealed she had befriended NRA officials and put them in contact with Kremlin officials. The NRA has turned over a number of documents to the Senate Intelligence Committee, but the committee has not yet released its findings in the investigation. An author based out of Washington is now facing the prospect of losing her book deal after sparking an intense wave of anger Friday when she tweeted out a photo of a black Metro employee eating her breakfast. When youre on your morning commute & see @wmata employee in UNIFORM eating on the train, Natasha Tynes, who is also a World Bank employee, tweeted out at 9 a.m. on Friday. I thought we were not allowed to eat on the train. This is unacceptable. Hope @wmata responds. When I asked the employee about this, her response was, worry about yourself. Advertisement The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority account, tagged in Tynes tweet, responded within an hour. Good morning Natasha. Thank you for catching this and helping us to make sure all Metro employees are held accountable. Can you confirm the time you were on the train, the direction you were headed and what line you were on? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tynes replied with the time and location. Thank you for responding, she added. Appreciate it. The anger on social media came immediately. Eating while Black, the University of New Hampshire professor Chanda Prescod-Weinstein commented. Thats literally someones life. Thats their job youre messing with. The writer Roxane Gay replied to Tynes tweet, which has since been deleted. We all complain on social media but you dont identify the person youre complaining about, in a photo no less, and try to get them fired, she wrote. What on earth? Others jumped in to warn Metro against taking action against the employee. Metro does ban smoking, drinking, and eating on the trains. Advertisement Advertisement And still others went to the Goodreads page for Tynes upcoming novel, They Called Me Wyatt, to give it a one-star rating. I didnt actually read the book one user wrote. I just came here to let any potential buyers know that Natasha Tynes, the author, attempted to have a black woman fired from her job. Another wrote, worry about yourself snitch. Many accused Tynes of participating in the kind of racism that has compelled a number of peoplemostly whiteto report black people for napping, canvassing, babysitting, grilling, mowing, staying in an Airbnb, and hanging out in a Starbucks. Tynes, who is Jordanian-American and has described herself as a minority writer, has not addressed the race elements of the criticism, but by Friday afternoon she had tweeted out a short apology. I apologize for a tweet I posted earlier today, which I have since deleted, she wrote on Twitter. I am truly sorry. Advertisement Advertisement Her critics on Twitter were not appeased. Natasha, what you did was so horrible you need to explain why you did it in paragraphs/pages, the journalist Yashar Ali wrote. Not bullet points and certainly not a tweet. Advertisement Advertisement The writer Nichole Perkins also suggested Tynes apology didnt suggest she understood why people were upset. Do you understand that you wanted her disciplined for not catering to your demands? she wrote. Some WOC solidarity you got there. Rare Birds Books, the publishing house that was set to distribute Tyness upcoming novel, announced by the evening that it had decided not to do so after all. Black women face a constant barrage of this kind of inappropriate behavior directed toward them and a constant policing of their bodies, the company wrote in a statement. We think this is unacceptable and have no desire to be involved with anyone who thinks its acceptable to jeopardize a persons safety and employment in this way. We are currently taking appropriate actions to cancel Ms. Tynes novel They Call Me Wyatt, within our distribution network, and are strongly urging Tynes publisher, California Coldblood, to consider other appropriate actions. California Coldblood also said in a statement it was aware of the incident. We do not condone her actions and hope Natasha learns from this experience that black women feel the effects of systemic racism the most and that we all have to be allies, not oppressors, the company said in a statement. As for the books publication, we are working with our distributor to take appropriate next steps. It remains unclear if the employee in the photo has faced any disciplinary actions from Metro. We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies , click here. The number of migrants reaching Spain dropped in the last three months thanks to Moroccos crackdown on migrant trafficking networks, said migration and border control director at Moroccos Interior Ministry Khalid Zerouali. Some 25,000 migration attempts were foiled between January 1 and May, Zerouali told Reuters in an interview. He denied claims in Spanish media that an agreement has been signed to readmit migrants rescued at sea, adding that this year no crossing attempt was registered on the borders of Ceuta and Melilla, two enclaves occupied by Spain in Northern Morocco. Authorities have also stepped up efforts to dismantle trafficking networks with the disbanding of 50 gangs this year, that is 63 percent more compared to the same period last year, Khalid Zerouali said. Meanwhile, authorities continue to control the import and sale of boats and other equipment that may be used for illegal migration purposes, he told Reuters. Spain saw nearly 60,000 people reach its shores irregularly in 2018, most from Morocco and West Africa. But sea arrivals plummeted in February and since then have remained at the lowest level in two years, Spanish statistics show. Last year, Morocco thwarted 89,000 illegal migration attempts to Europe highlighting mounting pressure due to crackdown on migrants in other parts of the southern Mediterranean. The EU said it will give 140 million to help Morocco tackle migration flows. Zerouali said that half that aid consists of equipment to help Morocco manage borders. Morocco, which has become a host country and not just a country of transit to Europe, is carrying on with its humanitarian policy based on migrants integration, which allowed the regularization of 54,000 migrants, mostly from Sub-Saharan Africa. StampOwl's Studio Blog is a personal hobby blog with the sole purpose of sharing paper crafting projects. I don't make use of any personal information shared in any comments or any third-party applications such as email subscription services. By commenting, you are giving consent for your name and/or a link to your Blogger profile being visible. StampOwl's Studio blog owner reserves the right to revise this policy statement as needed. Effective May 25, 2018 After stalking the dueling front-runners for most of the mile, Windmeredontmatter ($15.20) launched a late attack and stole the glory in the final stride on a rainy Friday night (May 10) at Truro Raceway. Shanghai B G established the lead from post two in the $1,675 Winners Over pacing feature ahead of insider Windmeredontmatter, with even-money favourite Distinctiv Rusty settling into third. Parked from the outside post seven, Catch Twenty Two proceeded to advance through a 29-second quarter to confront the early leader and he gained a slight advantage nearing the half-mile marker in :59.3. The top two continued to race down the backstretch past three-quarters in 1:28.2 with Distinctiv Rusty getting in on the action three-wide. Catch Twenty Two eventually pulled ahead turning for home and looked to be home free, but Windmeredontmatter surged late from his stalking position and caught that rival on the line. He prevailed in a neck decision, taking a new lifetime mark of 1:59.4 over the 'good' track for trainer and co-owner Alex Sutherland Jr. Sutherland shares ownership of the four-year-old Articulator gelding, who is a career winner of nine races, with Malcolm MacEachen of Port Hood, N.S. Ernest Laffin engineered the winning trip, which was part of a driving triple on the eight-race card for the horseman. Heartland Eclipse came on to take third-place honours ahead of Distinctiv Rusty and Shanghai B G. To view Friday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Friday Results - Truro Raceway. Three starts, three wins and Massachusetts native son Wings Of Royalty remains peerless at Plainridge Park this year. His latest conquest came on Friday afternoon (May 10) when he won the $16,000 Open Handicap Trot in handy fashion. Driver Shawn Gray floated Wings Of Royalty off the gate and settled in third briefly as Nows The Moment (Mike Stevenson) cut the quarter in :27.3. But Gray pulled out there and rolled to the front as the race passed in front of the stands. He cruised to the half unassaulted in :56.4 but then saw Only Passing Thru (Nick Graffam) to his flank as they hit the three-quarter pole. The race rounded the last bend and, at the head of the stretch, Wings Of Royalty was trotting between Only Passing Thru and Nows The Moment and both of them were drawing closer. But the race got to the wire before they got to him and Wings Of Royalty maintained his dominance, winning in 1:54.3, which was a new seasonal mark. The win was the fourth in nine starts this year for Wings Of Royalty ($3.20), who was bred in Massachusetts by his owner Ray Campbell Jr. John Di Stefano does the training. Wings Of Royalty is eligible to the $250,000 Spirit of Massachusetts Trot that will be held at Plainridge Park on Sunday (July 28). Twenty-four outstanding aged trotters have been nominated to this Grand Circuit event that makes its return to New Englands premier harness racing venue this summer. In the $12,000 conditioned trotting co-feature, Make It A Double (Matt Athearn) lived up to his name by winning his second consecutive race despite being parked out the whole mile to do it. After Lindy The Great (Patricio Ancora) took the lead, Make It A Double rolled up alongside and pushed the issue at every station. The two tripped the timers in :28, :56.4 and 1:25.2 before hitting the lane and dueling for another eighth of a mile. With both drivers vigorously urging their horses, it wasnt until deep stretch when Matty Ice got Make It A Double to the front and won by half a length in 1:54.4, which was also a new seasonal mark. Make It A Double ($5.80) is owned by William Phipps and is trained by Gretchen Athearn. Drew Campbell led all drivers for wins on Friday, making three trips to the winners enclosure. Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Monday (May 13) with post time set at 4 p.m. (Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts) After a disappointing effort a week ago in the Cutler Memorial, Fiftydallarbill rebounded in an easier spot Friday night at the Meadowlands, taking the featured $25,000 conditioned trot in a lifetime-best 1:51.3. The only trotter to go faster in 2019 was Atlanta, who went 1:50.4 on Monday at Miami Valley. In the Cutler, the Katricia Adams trainee was at the rail in sixth when he broke at the head of the stretch. He did finish sixth but was disqualified and placed 10th for interference. This time around, it was a far different story. Mission Accepted, the 4-5 favourite, was on the point at the half, and just after that split, Fiftydallarbill was popped out of the four-hole by Tim Tetrick to challenge. The four-year-old son of Swan For All-CR Dixie Chick inched his way toward the front around the far turn and wore down the leader nearing the wire, hitting the finish three-quarters of a length in front after trotting his final quarter in :26.3. Henderson Seelster was third. Fiftydallarbill, the 2017 Breeders Crown champion, returned $4.20 to his backers as he won for the 17th time in 38 career starts. He has earned $858,450 for his owner John Barnard. HAMBO STAYS PUT: The Hambletonian Society and the Meadowlands have signed an agreement that will keep the Hambletonian, Hambletonian Oaks and Hambletonian Maturity at the Big M through 2023. There will be a major change coming for the 2020 edition of the Hambo. Eliminations will be contested the week before the final. A LITTLE MORE: Andy Miller suffered a non-racing-related broken hand that will cost him a month on the sidelines. Scott Zeron pinch-hit for Miller, guiding a pair of winners for Andys wife, trainer Julie Miller. The 20-cent Can-Am Pick-4 took in just under $50,000 in action, and after a sequence that saw winners odds of 2-1, 7-2, 5-2 and 7-1, those who had tickets with the winning combination of 4-3-6-9 walked away with $134.36. One sharp player betting into the Ohio hub held the lone ticket that lasted seven legs in the 20-cent Survivor Pick-10 and cashed in for $8,536. After sweeping the Late Double, Tetrick had three winners on the night and now has 10 over the last three race cards. All-source handle was $2,298,689. Racing resumes Saturday at 7:15 p.m. (Meadowlands) The schedule for 'the Internets favourite harness racing handicapping show' North American Harness Update (NAHU), is set for Friday, May 10. Host Ray Cotolo will be joined by Mike Pribozie to provide live coverage of the Pick 4 from The Raceway at Western Fair District and the Meadowlands Racetrack. Along with the Pick 4 coverage, the three will preview the Can-Am Pick 4 -- averaging over $50,000 bet each week -- as well as the eliminations for the Confederation Cup, which will be contested on Sunday (May 12) at Flamboro Downs. The Hanover Hustler Russ Adams from Rosecroft Raceway will also come on to preview racing action from Rosecroft for Sunday, May 12 including their signature Pick 3. North American Harness Update airs Fridays from 9:00 - 11:00 pm (ET) on SRN One as well as on video livestream on Facebook Live, Periscope and YouTube, and can be accessed by archive via the YouTube page or from its website at nahupicks.com the day after it airs. (with files from North American Harness Update) In order to continue enjoying our site, we ask that you confirm your identity as a human. Thank you very much for your cooperation. No one man should have all that power? Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images With its ever-growing dominance of online retail, Amazon has long drawn accusations that it is a monopoly or at least a monopoly in waiting. When the company acquired Whole Foods last year, that scrutiny only intensified. But maybe monopoly isnt quite the right word for what Amazon is up to. Shaoul Sussman, a Fordham University law student, has a different perspective. In a paper for the Journal of Antitrust Enforcement and in a blog post on the ProMarket website, which have generated buzz in academic circles, he writes that Amazon may be throwing its weight around in a way that consumers might not immediately notice, but which will end up harming them nonetheless. Intelligencer spoke to him about his theory. Amazon has been famously unprofitable for the vast majority of its history, yet its one of the most valuable companies in the world, and has managed to keep consumer prices low. Youve written that to pull this off, the company may have been violating antitrust laws but not in an obvious way. Can you explain your thesis? I argue that for many years, Amazon was operating with a negative cash flow, which means that the firm was receiving less money than it was spending. But this business model, which shareholders and investors on Wall Street really love now, doesnt fit within the way antitrust regulation or law conceives of firms. Conservative antitrust theory has said that predatory pricing underpricing goods so that other firms cant compete is irrational and unsustainable, because shareholders will punish firms that are unprofitable. But with the rise of big unprofitable companies like Amazon and Uber, this kind of market-disciplining effect no longer exists. Traditional orthodox antitrust theory does not map onto current corporate reality. Also, when a firm operates with a negative cash flow, there is simply no way for us as outsiders to tell whether theyre spending money on fixed assets and R&D and legitimate investments in technology and innovation, or whether theyre using that money to subsidize products to consumers at below cost to corner the market. In other words, we just cant tell what a firm is doing when its spending more than its making. Given this reality, we need to reconsider the ways in which firms can recoup their losses. The traditional way of thinking suggests that it happens after the predatory activity is over, when a company corners the market and raises prices for consumers, creating a monopoly. But we see that companies can now sustain losses and grow and be successful for many years, which means that there might be also qualitative, and not only quantitative, changes in the costs of their services or products. In your paper, you also argue that Amazon might be concealing information about its expenses that would help shed light on this strategy. Concealing is kind of a nefarious word. But right now, theres no regulation that forces companies to disclose their cost structures to regulators. So, absent meaningful regulation, they can engage in certain kinds of activities without us really knowing that its taking place. We can only assume that it might be happening, but we have no conclusive evidence. And what are the possibly shady activities you theorize could be taking place? Theres this idea in antitrust law called monopsony. While a monopoly is aimed at the consumer market the people who buy the product downstream from the firm monopsony refers to what happens upstream, where the firm is sitting in the middle between the consumers and the suppliers or manufacturers. A classic example would be health insurance, which sits between me and you and the hospitals. When a company leverages its power upwards unlawfully, its engaging in monopsonistic activities. When Amazon lowered prices and offered unparalleled delivery services and fulfillment, it was absorbing costs on both sides of the equation. It was absorbing costs that consumers usually paid when they shopped at other websites, where you had to pay for your shipping and it would take five or seven days, not two or three. And it was also absorbing costs that vendors and suppliers usually pay when they interact with other companies similar to Amazon, like Walmart, or other e-commerce websites, like eBay. So how does Amazon recoup its losses? In my paper, I argue theres another option besides charging people more, and that is by charging the vendors and suppliers more for the same service it had been providing, squeezing the sellers and making a profit that way. There has been a trend over the last few years, and its accelerating now, of shifting people that were vendors of Amazon which means that they would sell their products directly to the company and it would then market and sell to us, the consumer to the Amazon marketplace, which is a place where sellers and consumers meet on the platform. When Amazon makes that shift, it shifts the cost of fulfillment onto the sellers. Talking to Amazon merchants, theyre really starting to hurt. And theyre facing a whole other series of problems. All the vendors and sellers that interact with Amazon have to sign a binding mandatory arbitration clause, which means that if they have any legal dispute with Amazon or even if they think that Amazon is violating trademark or copyright or tax laws, they have to arbitrate that issue with Amazon directly. This means that even if theyre suffering, their only meaningful way of vindicating their rights is in private, so we wouldnt know the outcome, or even if arbitration was happening. Even more egregious is that Amazon also tells them to waive their ability to file a class arbitration, where a number of vendors and merchants would come together against Amazon. Because of this, most merchants and sellers that are relatively small, which is the majority of companies that work with Amazon, simply cant bring claims against the company, because the amount of money necessary to do so is totally prohibitive. Youd really have to think about whether you want to go into bankruptcy to win whatever claim you have against Amazon. So then what is the best way to uncover this essential information about Amazons business model? The first and easiest step is to force Amazon, and other companies that are bleeding cash and experiencing significant growth, to file mandatory disclosures with the Federal Trade Commission regarding their costs, and allowing them and other government departments to investigate where the money is going. Theres also a state-law avenue legislators in places like California or New York could pass laws that allow merchants and lenders to bring claims against companies like Amazon because they deem those rights unwaivable. So, they make it that even if you sign the contract, that contract provision is not enforceable because thats a substantive right that you cannot waive. And the third way, which is something that a lot of state prosecutors that I had contact with are contemplating, is to launch attorney-general investigations into these claims, and see whats really going on. One reason I feel more optimistic about this path is that the merchants and sellers involved are sophisticated parties that have a lot experience with Amazon and they can really track the changes in its strategy. They also know what their own costs are for many of the services that they provide. When we think of a monopoly, we tend to think of a company that eventually raises prices on consumers, as you said, and which is often hated as a result. Companies like Amazon and Uber are different in large part because theyve kept prices low, theyre widely popular. So from a purely selfish perspective, why should customers care about monopsony? What harm is being done to them? This is a really important point, because harm to the consumer can occur in various ways. When we tell vendors and suppliers to bear the costs of shipping, were basically forcing them to operate with lower profit margins. Those lower profit margins in turn affect the quality of the products we purchase. If a vendor or seller doesnt make a meaningful profit because it has to comply with Amazons rules, theyre going to cut corners in other places, and the quality of the product the consumers receive is lowered. Its very important to note that monopsonistic claims are recognized by the most conservative judges, including even Brett Kavanaugh in a D.C. Circuit Court decision from 2017, who recognized the harm to consumers. We have a lot of experience from the health-care market and other markets where companies that had this monopsonistic dominance really reduced the quality of products that consumers received. We also now have indicators that these practices are affecting prices. If you have to sell on Amazon for the lowest price possible, but you also have to take into account all the costs that are associated with free shipping, it puts pressure on these vendors not to lower prices on other platforms they might be selling, because they know that they need to subsidize their activities on Amazon. So even in the narrowest scope, on prices, there might be an effect. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. In response to a federal directive that schools prohibit the aiding and abetting of sexual abuse, Longview School District is planning to add a new clause to its policy on sexual harassment of students. That clause will forbid district staff from providing recommendations for any employee who they know has engaged in a relationship with a student. It can be added to the policy only after the Longview School Board reviews the clause twice, then votes to adopt the changes. The U.S. Department of Education released a directive in June 2018, calling for an end to the abhorrent practice of school employees getting rehired at different schools after a case of sexual misconduct with a student. For too long, and too often, teachers or other school staff who have engaged in sexual misconduct with a student or minor at one school have been able to obtain employment at another school, without that other school ever learning of the prior misconduct, the directive reads. This sometimes occurs because someone from the employees prior school provides a recommendation that helps the employee obtain new employment. If a district does not have a policy specifically prohibiting such practices, it cannot receive federal funding through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, according to the directive. That act provides grants to districts that serve low-income students, as well as money for textbooks, library books, special education centers and scholarships. The Longview School Board will review the proposed clause for the first time at its Monday night meeting. The earliest the board can vote to adopt the changes is at its next regular meeting, which is currently scheduled for June 10. However, the board will vote to schedule a regular meeting for May 28 to replace a previously canceled meeting that fell on Memorial Day. Adding that meeting would allow the board to vote sooner on the adoption. Also Monday the board will: Vote to adopt new curriculum for Advanced Placement Spanish, high school earth and space science, middle school science and English language arts classes. The cost to adopt the recommended materials in all four areas is about $500,000. Hear a report about the districts special education programs. Hear proposed revisions for district policies on home and hospital instruction, student conduct and student discipline. Review three Center for Educational Effectiveness surveys that gauged staff, parent and student perceptions of the district in areas and traits commonly observed in successful schools. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Administrative Office on Lilac Street. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Bridgepoint Education, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides postsecondary education services in the United States. Its academic institutions, Ashford University and University of the Rockies, offer associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs in the disciplines of business, education, psychology, social sciences, and health sciences. The company offers its programs primarily through online; and at its campuses. As of December 31, 2017, its institutions offered approximately 1,200 courses and 80 degree programs; and had 45,730 students enrolled. The company was formerly known as TeleUniversity, Inc. and changed its name to Bridgepoint Education, Inc. in February 2004. Bridgepoint Education, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Read More American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. All rights reserved. 326 E 8th St #105, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 | U.S. Based Support Team at [email protected] | (844) 978-6257 MarketBeat does not provide personalized financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security. Our Accessibility Statement | Terms of Service | Do Not Sell My Information 2021 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see disclaimer. Fundamental company data provided by Zacks Investment Research. House Ways and Means Committee chairman Richard Neal, whos done asking nicely. Photo: J Scott Applewhite/AP/REX/Shutterstock Four days after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin informed him that he wasnt going to hand over Donald Trumps much-coveted tax records, House Ways and Means Committee chairman Richard Neal issued a formal subpoena for the documents from Mnuchin and IRS commissioner Charles Rettig. The deadline for compliance is next Friday, May 17. As Politico notes, its the next stage in a growing confrontation between Congress and the Trump administration on this and many other matters that will soon likely move to the federal courts: The move comes as the administration is defying subpoenas from other Democrats investigating the executive branch, with lawmakers now in the process of holding Attorney General William Barr in contempt of Congress for rejecting their demand for an unredacted version of Robert Muellers report on Russian interference in the 2016 election. If, as is widely expected, the administration rejects Neals subpoena as well, the next step for Democrats would likely be to sue for Trumps confidential filings in court. But even though its not going to change anything right now, a subpoena strengthens the Houses legal case, as the Washington Post observes: The subpoena could bolster Neals position in federal court because it will help him demonstrate he pursued all possible avenues to obtain the returns before filing a lawsuit against the administration, said Steve Rosenthal, a legal expert at the Tax Policy Center, a nonpartisan think tank. That, at least in theory, will make it less likely for the court to strike down his claim on procedural grounds. The administration is arguing that the entire inquiry is a violation of the presidents privacy rights. The subpoena does reach beyond the presidents personal taxes into those of his businesses, the Post reports: Neals subpoenas demand Mnuchin and Rettig turn over Trumps individual income tax returns, all administrative files, such as affidavits for those income tax returns, and income tax returns for a number of Trumps business holdings, such as the Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust, an umbrella entity that controls dozens of other businesses, such as the Mar-a-Lago club in Florida Some of Trumps critics are probably just guessing that the returns contain damaging or at least deeply embarrassing disclosures, given the lengths to which he has gone to cloak them. But others are so certain that the returns will reveal corrupt and perhaps criminal misconduct that any means of securing them including impeachment proceedings that would supply a clear legislative purpose for the demands are justified. At the very least, its one more straw in the hot wind of conflict between House Democrats and Trump. Robot enthusiasts were sending up cheers this month to the team advancing Atlas into an even more human-like walker through obstacles including a bunch of cinder blocks and a balance beam. They have turned Atlas into the very credible hulk, who wins the spotlight with its display of walking, which was recorded May 1. The video is "IHMC Atlas Autonomous Path Planning Across Narrow Terrain." Don't miss the key word "narrow." This is why the walk is being eyed as a big deal. Narrow terrain is difficult due to the need to do tricky cross-over steps, tricky, in that there is limited range of motion in the hip joint, said the video notes. There was "a small polygon of support when one foot is directly in front of the other." Unsurprisingly, viewer comments were in the superlatives, calling the walking excellent and amazing. One appreciative video watcher expanded, saying "This atlas design has got many things right...the design of the hips, elimination of the huge gap between the legs, its ability to now 'cat walk'. Very good indeed." Jerry Pratt, a senior research scientist at IHMC Robotics, was quoted by Peter Holley in The Washington Post. "If you think about everywhere a human go can go it's really incredible. We can climb mountains or go into caves or hike through snow or climb stairs." And why not: (1) the human foot is only about three to four inches wide; (2) relatively small, narrow feet allow us to move around tight obstacles, step over barriers, all while supporting a higher center of mass that boosts us far off the ground. The team had those moves around tight obstacles in mind for Atlas, the robot built by Boston Dynamics. The control, perception and planning algorithms were by IHMC Robotics. IHMC stands for Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, in Pensacola, Florida. (What's their claim to fame: research "pushing the envelope of what is possible in the domain of robotics." It is an interdisciplinary group with expertise in areas such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics and interface design.) The robot senses terrain with LIDAR and builds a map of planar regions, said the video notes. It walks across objects including suspended wooden planks and wobbly cinder blocks. I Programmer remarked that "the robot is making all the decisions about where and how to place its feet." The path-planning algorithm plans footsteps across the planar regions to a goal location, specified by an operator. The robot is about 50 percent successful over this type of terrain. What's next? The team has thoughts on how to raise the success rate. As for this Atlas in real-world settings, Kristin Houser in Futurism said the recent showing brought it a step closer to one day filling in for humans on dangerous missions. She added, "the goal is for the robot to serve as an avatar for humans in dangerous emergency scenarios or even as they explore Mars." Pratt had some interest,too, in imagining this Atlas as space explorer: "Perhaps the most intriguing setting for using bipedal humanoid robots is extraterrestrial. "When humans colonize other planets, Pratt said, one scenario involves sending remotely operated robots ahead to develop a habitat suitable for human beings. "Being able to send robots that look and move like us, Pratt said, would give scientists a major advantage." Explore further Bipedal Atlas is able to sort out where to step amidst messy rubble 2019 Science X Network Trumps stonewalling of Congress will only continue unless courts compel him to cooperate. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images Until recently, the debate among Democrats over impeachment was mostly a straightforward argument about the 2020 fallout over taking this drastic step to deal with a drastically dangerous president. Few impeachment supporters were under the illusion that the process would actually lead to the removal of Trump from office by the requisite two-thirds vote in a Republican-controlled Senate. But some thought impeachment might dramatize Trumps misconduct and energize Democratic voters. Others, notably Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerrold Nadler, disagreed, fearing that a doomed impeachment effort would take Democrats far off message in 2020 while psyching Trump supporters out of their skulls. The release of the redacted Mueller report, with its abundant evidence of presidential obstruction of justice, didnt change many minds among Democratic impeachment opponents, who may have concluded (as presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg put it) that Trump deserved impeachment, but still deemed it a politically dubious course of action this close to an election year. But Muellers clear indication that impeachment would be the only way to hold Trump accountable for his conduct provided another strong talking point for moving in that direction: that politics be damned, it was House Democrats constitutional responsibility to rein in this lawless president. This was the position, for example, of another 2020 presidential candidate, Elizabeth Warren. And now, as the Trump administration clearly signals its determination to stonewall the House by refusing to cooperate with investigations, release documents, or allow official testimony, theres a new argument for impeachment making the rounds: Its the only way to prevail in the inevitable legal fights between Trump and Congress over evidence of presidential misconduct, as Darren Samuelsohn and Josh Gerstein noted at Politico: Judges have repeatedly ruled that Congress has a greater claim to sensitive government documents and personal information when it can point to an ongoing legal matter, instead of just a congressional investigation or legislative debate. And impeachment would give lawmakers that legal matter the process is essentially a court procedure run by Congress where the House brings charges and the Senate holds the trial [L]egal experts and lawmakers across the ideological spectrum acknowledge that formally unleashing impeachment would bolster Democrats arguments that they deserve to see the presidents tax returns, interview senior officials, peruse special counsel Robert Muellers trove of evidence and see the details of Trumps personal dealings with foreign leaders. Indeed, impeachment might not only trump executive privilege in a court review of congressional subpoenas, but could also gives courts a solid reason to speed up hearings and appeals on the subject, much as the U.S. Supreme Court did in United States v. Nixon, the unanimous decision forcing that president to release tapes which included the famous smoking gun evidence of obstruction of justice. In that case, SCOTUS ruled just three weeks after oral argument subsequent to an expedited appeal from a district court. The question of timing is becoming central to Democrats dilemma. If their efforts to investigate Trump get perpetually snarled in the courts, the whole conflict could drag beyond the 2020 elections. And the political risks of impeachment may grow higher by the day as well. Many Democrats think Hillary Clinton erred grievously in 2016 by campaigning against Trumps character and ethics rather than promoting her own agenda for addressing the concerns the GOP demagogue was exploiting. Nothing would quite keep campaign 2020 more focused on Trumps character and ethics than ongoing impeachment proceedings. Public opinion offers no clear prescription. Around the time the Mueller report was released, pro-impeachment sentiment among Americans generally and Democrats specifically had been waning for a good while. Now theres at least one new poll showing support for impeachment rising again among both Democrats and independents. If, as Pelosi publicly suggests, Trump is goading Democrats into impeaching him, he may ultimately get his way as the House finds itself boxed out of any other approach. Already attitudes are hardening among House Democrats, as Jonathan Allen reports: Theres a deep concern, particularly among institutionalists, about the balance of power, said a senior aide to one moderate Democrat who noted that the administrations refusal to comply with subpoenas has angered some lawmakers who had been reluctant to escalate the fight. That is, the pace is speeding up even for most Democrats who have been reluctant to go down a path that could lead to impeachment. Should they become convinced that impeachment will give them the hammer to bust open Trumps lockbox of potentially fatal secrets, pressure for impeachment could finally overcome 2020 fears. Democrats may conclude that beating Trump in the court of public opinion requires a step down a very uncertain path. The OECD Observer online archive takes you on a journey through half a century of public policy and world progress. Since November 1962, the OECDs experts and leading guests offer insights on the questions facing our member countries with concise and authoritative analysis, and provide our audiences with an excellent opportunity to understand policy debates and consider solutions. Each edition of the OECD Observer reports on a core theme of the OECDs on-going work, from economics and society through governance, finance, and the environment, and articles are bolstered by tables and graphs. PINCKEYVILLE Brad Morgenstern has found a comfort level with his niche beef operation. His small herd of Texas Longhorns stands out among others in the region. After all, its impossible not to notice the difference between his cattle and most others grazing pastures in Perry County in southern Illinois. Then he began raising the breed about 10 years ago, when he was searching for a castrated steer. His neighbor who raised purebred Longhorns had one. Thats how it started, Morgenstern said. We didnt have brood cows, just steers. We fed them out for our own use. He began crossing Longhorns with Angus bulls. He keeps two bulls: an Angus and a Longhorn. All cows are bred; he doesnt utilize artificial insemination. The Longhorn breed has traits that appeal to Morgenstern. Calving ease is one. Its the only breed that can have a 50-pound calf that can become a 1-ton bull, he said. That characteristic came about during the breeds development in Texas, where feral animals roamed for centuries. In the wild, if they had birth problems, they died out, Morgenstern said. Also, theyre very lean, healthy animals. One thing I like about them is that theyre hardy. You just let them go and theyll take care of themselves. The animals are rotationally grazed on a fescue-clover pasture mix. The paddocks are about 2 acres, and the cattle are moved every day. Were not like most beef producers, Morgenstern said. We calve year-round and process year-round. His wife, Kathi, points out that Longhorns dont have as much marbling as other breeds. The purebred is so lean, you have to cook it differently, she said. Morgenstern decided to cross-breed the Longhorns with Angus because of the popularity of that breed. He uses direct marketing, selling the meat at some groceries. He also sells on demand to individuals. Its conception to consumer, he said. When we take our animals to get processed, most of our steaks are already sold before we come home. They get a mixture of pasture, hay and shelled corn. The corn is non-GMO because of the demand; Morgenstern sells to some retail outlets that cater to customers who favor organic products and those not genetically engineered. The steers do present some minor challenges when it comes to processing. One is the horns themselves. Not everybody will take our animals because they have horns, Morgenstern said. The horns on some animals can measure more than 70 inches end to end. The world record is well over 100 inches. His biggest challenge is finding a processor that provides consistent cuts. He has used several over the years. When people come here to buy our meat, they want it to be the same every time, Kathi said. Morgenstern added, When you take those animals to the processor, youre at their mercy. Nat Williams writes for Illinois Farmer Today, a Lee Enterprises sister publication of The Southern. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CARBONDALE Campus was alive Saturday at Southern Illinois University when thousands of families, friends and soon-to-be-graduates filed in for commencement. Black and maroon mortarboards, some painted, some bejeweled, marched in file into their seats at the arena and again up to the stage to be given official recognition of all they had achieved in their time at the university some a 4-year degree, some their masters and a few a Ph.D. You are now part of the SIU tradition of grit and resilience, SIUC Chancellor John Dunn told the morning group of graduates. He challenged them to look up, look forward and give back. Accept that change as part of growth is necessary, he told them. Among the distinguished graduates was SIU alum and civil rights fighter Charles Neblett. Neblett, who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in both Selma and Washington did not speak long but chose to sing to the class instead. When I was young I fought for freedom. When I was young, I fought the Klan, he sang. Alumni Association board member Drew Stoker welcomed the graduates to the Saluki family. And it is a big family, he added. Likely the biggest spectacle of the day was the honorary Ph.D. granted to SIU alum and distinguished funny woman Melissa McCarthy. McCarthy started at SIU in 1988 in fashion and left after two years to continue her studies in New York. This didnt last long, though. Within a week she had decided to shift her focus to comedy. This has seemed to work out for her. Talking to The Southern before her trip to Carbondale, McCarthy, whose husband Ben Falcone is a Carbondale native, remembered her time at SIU. Ironically I was in clothing and textiles and all of my friends were in the theater department, she said. She also discussed another irony not meeting her husband while in school at SIU but years later and thousands of miles away in California. Theres a pretty big irony that I left SIU and then, what was it ten years later, met Ben in an improv class, McCarthy said. Add to this that she spent a lot of time next to Falcones parents house while visiting the now venerable Lost Cross punk house. As to her change in careers, McCarthy said spending time in fashion has greatly informed her career as an actor. I think its kind of what started me thinking about what is a character, she said. McCarthy admitted she never finished college but was thrilled to finally get her degree from SIU. McCarthy and Falcone both hail from small towns McCarthy grew up in Plainfield and talked about the luxury of them. There might not be as many resources, but both said small towns offer a human connection bigger cities just dont. The couple live together with their family in Los Angeles, but certain things they still arent used to. Its weird we walk by so many people everyday we dont know, she said. I dont know that will ever fully seem normal. McCarhy said she looks back on her time growing up and coming of age in rural Illinois, both in Plainfield and in Carbondale, as tremendous moments in her development as an adult and a professional. She said she wishes more people could realize how special these types of places are. However, she also understands this kind of perspective can be hard. I just think having been there and left it .. you dont realize what you have until you leave it, McCarthy said. As the morning ceremony came to a close Saturday family gathered outside the arena to meet their graduates. Hugs, tears and selfie-taking were all on display. Alexis Simpson, who graduated with her bachelors in psychology and criminal justice, was honest about how she was feeling. I just want to go lay down, she said. However, she was also emotional at making such a big step in her life. When I crossed that stage, thats when I lost it, she said. She had just finished getting the tears off of her face. She and her two friends all planned to go back to school for advanced degrees before starting their careers. Marcia Miller stood next to Simpson and she said coming to SIU was a family tradition and something she wanted to continue. But Saturday, despite having just wrapped up one life milestone she was already looking down the road. Im just excited for the next step, Miller said. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Orangeburg native Maya Grace Slaughter has been named the South Carolina political director for Sen. Elizabeth Warrens presidential campaign. Slaughter recently completed her second year at the University of South Carolina School of Law. She received her bachelor of arts degree from Boston College where she studied political science with a concentration in Islamic civilizations and societies. Prior to beginning her study of law, she was selected from about 57,000 applicants for Teach for America to join a national teacher corps of graduates who teach two years in under-resourced public schools. Slaughter began her career in politics working as an aide for state Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, and volunteering for Democratic presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012. In 2016, she took a position with the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign in North Carolina as an organizer and then began work as the director of communications and policy development for the South Carolina House Democratic Caucus. She is a law school ambassador, recipient of the Best Oralist award in the Kate Bockman Memorial Moot Court Competition, a Jim Clyburn Political Fellow and a former representative of the class of 2020 for USCs Student Bar Association. Love 3 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 1 Four years ago, Jessica Tolbert would have been hard pressed to predict the accomplishments and experiences that awaited her when she enrolled at Claflin University. Tolbert, a native of Chattanooga, Tenn., heard about Claflin after meeting Mike Zeigler, the universitys director of admissions, at a college fair. She was so impressed with his presentation that, after conducting her own research, Tolbert made the decision to enroll at Claflin without a visit to Orangeburg. I just knew Claflin was the right place for me, Tolbert said. Now she will be among the candidates for graduation at Claflins sesquicentennial commencement at 11 a.m. Saturday in the South Atlantic Conference Seventh-day Adventist Convention Center, 514 Neeses Highway. Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, the universitys eighth president, will deliver the keynote address. Tolbert is earning a bachelors degree in biochemistry. She initially distinguished herself through her academic performance as a student in the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College. She later displayed her leadership capabilities when she was elected president of the Claflin University Student Government Association during the 2017-18 academic year. Serving as SGA president provided Tolbert insight for how to become an effective leader and the different perceptions of male versus female leaders. I learned that there is always room to grow when you hold a leadership position, Tolbert said. You have to evolve because issues and priorities can change. I also discovered that there is a double standard for women in leadership positions. We have to look the part at all times from the way we dress to how we interact with others. Our society still has a long way to go in accepting and respecting women who are in leadership roles. Although Tolbert was deeply immersed in student politics and other campus activities, she set her sights on study abroad opportunities. Tolbert received her first study abroad opportunity in June 2018 as a research assistant in the International Research Experience for Undergraduates coordinated by Syracuse University. The program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation, assigned Tolbert to research projects for the summer in Austria at Graz University. Tolbert joined investigators studying organic synthesis. When the program ended in August, Tolbert continued her study abroad odyssey by travelling to Kenya to participate in a student exchange initiative. Jessica and two other Claflin students spent the entire semester in Kenya, said Dr. Angela Peters, vice provost for academic programs at Claflin. The students were enrolled in mini-courses at Kenya International University-Africa that kept them on schedule to graduate in May. The exchange program was very successful and our students had a great experience. The officials at Kenya were so impressed that three students from Kenya are coming to Claflin for the 2019 fall semester. Tolbert said that travelling to two continents in the same year was so much more than what she expected. While in Europe I visited the Czech Republic, Italy, Hungary and United Kingdom. Then, going to Kenya after that was beyond anything I imagined would happen at Claflin, she said. Tolbert said that in addition to enhancing her knowledge as a researcher and navigating through the language and cultural diversity of two distinctly different continents, she discovered a lot about herself. "I found out what I can or what I am willing to handle," she said. "I gained a lot of confidence in myself. There really is the Claflin Confidence. There were many times when I was the only black person in an airport or restaurant. It made me realize how much we -- as blacks -- have to do in the world to truly become global citizens." Tolbert will attend Dartmouth College, where she will pursue a doctorate in chemistry. Eventually, she plans to launch a career in higher education as an administrator or faculty member. It is no coincidence that in choosing the Hanover, New Hampshire-based Ivy League institution, she is following the path of Tisdale, a Claflin graduate who earned a Ph.D. and master's degree in mathematics at Dartmouth. "Dr. Tisdale inspired me to think about Dartmouth," she said. "He was a math major and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) graduate who became a university president. If Dartmouth can produce someone like Dr. Tisdale, it was a place I had to consider. Tolbert represents the last graduating class during Tisdales 25-year tenure as president. Tisdale will retire on June 30. Tolbert also is a member of First Lady Alice Carson Tisdales final group of Honors College graduates from the program which bears her name. Mrs. Tisdale was appointed director of the Honors College in 1994. Honors College students will always have a very special relationship with Mrs. Tisdale, Tolbert said. She was very nurturing, but she gave us tough love when we needed it. She held us to very high standards and always encouraged us to strive for excellence in academics and as visionary leaders. We saw Mrs. Tisdale on a consistent basis and it was more like a family dynamic. It was awesome seeing the diversity of students doing all types of things international students from Nepal, Jamaica, Africa and from all over the U.S. We had to rely on each other to complete projects so we became very close. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 An Orangeburg man with multiple prior convictions for violent crimes will spend over a decade in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree burglary and domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. Micheal Obrian Gadson, 31, of 1865 Dellwood Drive was sentenced to 15 years in prison on April 22 by Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein. She gave him credit for having already served 402 days at the Orangeburg County Detention Center. As a result of his guilty pleas, prosecutors dismissed the charges of first-degree assault and battery and kidnapping. Gadsons charges stem from a Jan. 12, 2018 incident that took place on Dawsey Street in Cordova. A woman told deputies that Gadson became jealous when she caught a ride home with a Cordova man, according to a sheriffs office incident report. Gadson forced her to ride with him to the Cordova mans residence so he could confront him. The woman told Gadson that the man wasnt home, but he said theyd wait on the porch until the Cordova man returned home. Gadson began getting physically aggressive towards her, she said. When Gadson turned his back to light a cigarette, the woman took advantage of an unlocked door and ran inside the residence, locking the door behind her. Once inside, she grabbed a vase off of the kitchen counter, hid in a closet and called a family member for help. She then heard a loud noise and realized Gadson forced his way into the home, the report said. He found her in the closet and she hit him with the vase. She told deputies that Gadson pushed her into a window, which shattered the glass. She tried to protect herself as Gadson continued beating her throughout the residence, the incident report states. During the assault, she dropped her phone but managed to get out of the house through the broken window. She held onto a tree to prevent Gadson from pulling her away, the report said. She tried to jump a fence, but her pants were too tight due to being wet and muddy, so she took off her pants and shoes and got over, making it to safety at a friends house. Deputies caught up with Gadson two months later after a different woman called law enforcement alleging that Gadson assaulted her too. The woman reported on March 16, 2018 that Gadson initiated a verbal argument with her which turned physical. She told deputies that Gadson became upset with her because she confronted him about infidelity. The two had been in a relationship for about a month. She told deputies that Gadson pushed her to the ground, straddled her and began to strangle her while punching her with a closed fist in the face, according to an incident report. She told deputies that she screamed for help and her 13-year-old son attempted to push Gadson off of her. She said she struck Gadson in his back, leading him to get off of her. Deputies arrested Gadson the following day. Gadson has past convictions for violent crimes in Orangeburg County, including: A judge found him guilty of assault and battery at a bench trial on April 1, 2005. The judge sentenced him to a fine of $1,087.50 or 30 days in jail. On March 4, 2009, Gadson pleaded guilty to assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. A judge sentenced him to two years in prison, but gave him credit for time served. On Feb. 22, 2013, Gadson pleaded guilty to first-offense criminal domestic violence. A judge sentenced him to 30 days in jail. On Jan. 13, 2014, Gadson pleaded guilty to domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. A judge sentenced him to six years in prison, giving him credit for time he already served. Contact the writer: mbrown@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5545. Follow on Twitter: @MRBrownTandD Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 2 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Byron Brown, a native of Eutawville, has been named a summer scholar at the University of Utah. In a national pool of teacher applicants, he was one of 35 educators selected to participate in Manifest Destiny Reconsidered: The Utah Experience, which will be held July 7-12 at the Tanner Humanities Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. The summer program is a Landmarks of American Culture & History Workshop for School Teachers sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. This is Browns sixth time being named a summer scholar through the NEH. Brown previously worked and served as a summer scholar at the University of Kansas in 2008, Colgate University in 2009, the Library Company of Philadelphia in 2010, the State University of New York at Brockport in 2013 and Indiana-Purdue University in 2015. NEH recipients are expected to go back to their respective schools or communities to impart further knowledge and engage in discourse with students, colleagues and citizens about what they learned, according to Brown. He is the founder and organizer of the South Carolina Heritage and Humanities Festival in Eutawville. It was from earlier participation in the NEH teachers summer seminars that I conceived the idea to establish the yearly event, Brown said. Brown will receive a stipend for his participation in the summer workshop. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A Nigerian students path to New York City ran through Claflin University. Agbai Okoronkwo will soon travel to New York for a job with Goldman Sachs, a leader in global investment banking, securities and investment management. But first, he will be among the candidates for graduation at Claflins sesquicentennial commencement at 11 a.m. Saturday in the South Atlantic Conference Seventh-day Adventist Convention Center, 514 Neeses Highway. Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, the universitys eighth president, will deliver the keynote address. Tisdale will retire from Claflin after 25 years of leadership on June 30. Agbai is a member of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College. He will graduate with a bachelors degree in computer science with a minor in cybersecurity and a 3.87 grade point average. Before his matriculation at Claflin, Agbai graduated from Dority International Secondary School in Aba, Abai state in Nigeria. Dority International is listed as one of the countrys best private schools with rigorous entrance exams and long-standing records of high achievement on the African senior exam. Agbai headed to Claflin on the recommendation of a school counselor who knew about the university and its focus on global engagement. The word about Claflin is out in our country, he said. People know about this university and I wanted to be part of what is happening. Agbai, who speaks fluent English, French and Igbo, one of Nigerias three major languages, was initially a little lonesome and homesick. However, after meeting other international students, especially those from other African countries, that changed. As his comfort level increased, he focused his energy on his studies. His sophomore year, he received an internship with Survey Monkey. As a junior he interned with Goldman Sachs. Agbai is now headed to New York City for a full-time job with the company. He will work in internal audits and specifically look at cybersecurity and risk analysis. Agbai is passionate about both areas, which are major issues as individuals and companies worry about hacked data and personal information. The causes of these types of crimes and how they can be prevented will be one of my primary responsibilities, he said. Ive spent my time here not just learning what I was being taught, but doing additional research on cybersecurity and figuring out what role I can play. College has provided me the foundation that enabled me to do research on an issue. Ive tried to take advantage of all that was here at Claflin, so I am ready for my next steps. Dr. Cheryl Swainer, chair of the department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences, calls Agbai the full package. He has the intelligence, the looks, great interpersonal skills and is a natural-born leader, she said. He is a real go-getter and I expect him to be a leader in corporate America. He will go far. Swainer, who has contacts with Goldman Sachs, first invited the corporate giant to Claflin knowing the caliber of some of her students. I wanted them to partner with us and I wanted them to hire talented African-American students, she said. So why not start at Claflin? We help students fulfill their dreams. Thats who we are. Agbai is one of three Claflin students in this years graduating class who were offered jobs with Goldman Sachs. One student turned them down for an offer with Bank of America. While at Claflin, Agbai served as a member of the International Students Association, was a member and president of the campus chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, and a campus tutor in algebra, calculus and chemistry. He also placed second in Claflins first student research competition. Agbai was also part of a team from Claflin that qualified for the three-day Collegiate Palmetto Cyber Defense Competition, hosted by the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic and the South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications Electronic Association. His ultimate goal is to head back to Nigeria and open a boot camp to prepare students for positions with national and international companies. How long it might take to get this up and running, Im not sure, he said. For now, I want to make the connections, but I want to go back home and provide students with the technology skills they will need to function in this high-tech economy. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship. Lok Sabha election 2019: Voting for phase 7 of the Lok Sabha elections to be held in 59 parliamentary constituencies spread across 7 states and one Union Territory on May 19. All parliamentary constituencies in Bihar (8), Jharkhand (3), Madhya Pradesh (8), Punjab (13), West Bengal (9), Chandigarh (1), Uttar Pradesh (13) and Himachal Pradesh (4) will go for polling in the seventh phase. Haryana's Faridabad constituency will witness re-polling on May 19 after a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) polling agent was arrested for allegedly trying to influence voters at a booth. A video of the purported act had gone viral, prompting the Election Commission to order repoll. Also Read: General Election Polling 2019: How to vote, get polling booth details without voter ID card Over 10 crore voters to decide fate of 918 candidates in this phase of poll. And, around 1 lakh polling stations will be activated for smooth conduct of polls. Some of the key battles of the seventh phase polls are: Varanasi: All eyes will be on this constituency since this is PM Narendra Modi's home turf. He is being challenged by Congress' Ajay Rai and Mahagathbandhan's Shalini Yadav. Yadav is contesting on a Samajwadi Party (SP) ticket and has the backing of BSP and the RLD. Patna Sahib: Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha will be seen contesting against union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from here. Sinha had won this seat for the BJP in both 2009 and 2014. Sinha left the BJP after years of uneasy relationship with the party high command. In this election he is contesting on a Congress ticket. In 2014, Sinha had won with a margin of over 2.6 lakh votes. Chandigarh: BJP's Kirron Kher is seeking her re-election from this seat. In the 2014 general election, Kher defeated Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Gul Panag and Congress candidate Pawan Kumar Bansal. Bansal has represented this seat from 1999 to 2014. This time again Chandigarh will witness a triangular contest among Bansal from Coongress, Kher from BJP and Harmohan Dhawan from AAP. Gurdaspur: From the Gurdaspur seat, debutante Sunny Deol will take on Congress' Sunil Jakhar. Veteran actor Vinod Khanna had won this seat for the BJP in 2014. However, it was clinched by Congress' Sunil Jakhar in the by-election triggered by Khanna's demise in 2017 Lok Sabha Election 2019: Phase 2 voting on April 18; FAQs, polling on 95 seats The battle for a total of 543 seats had started with elections in 91 constituencies across 20 states on April 11. The final vote count will be done May 23 and seal the fate of Indian politics when it will be finally decided if the incumbent BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi secure another term in the office or the anti-incumbency factor swings the tide. We bring you the full schedule of the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with polling dates, elections results, constituencies' details and voting FAQs. Lok Sabha election 2019: Tripura records maximum 81.8% voter turnout; faulty EVMs delay polling in Andhra While 22 states and Union Territories will see single-phase polling in the Lok Sabha Elections 2019, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal will see polling in all seven phases. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha will see elections in four phases, Assam and Chhattisgarh in three phases, and Karnataka, Manipur, Tripura and Rajasthan in two phases. Also Read: Lok Sabha Election 2019 Live Updates: Phase 1 of polling for 91 seats starts; PM Modi urges people to vote The Election Commission recently announced that the total electorate registered is approximately 900 million, an increase of more than 84 million voters over the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Here's a ready reckoner on the voting dates in your state and constituency: Phase 1: April 11 Lok Sabha Elections 2019 Phase 1 will be held in 91 parliamentary constituencies spread across 20 states and Union Territories on April 11. Apart from one constituency each in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, Nagaland and Sikkim, here's a detailed list of places that will see voters queuing up on this date. Phase I Date of notification March 18 (Monday) Last date of filing nomination March 25 (Monday) Scrutiny of nominations March 26 (Tuesday) Polling date April 11 (Thursday) Result May 23 (Thursday) Phase 2: April 18 This phase of the Lok Sabha elections will be conducted in a total of 97 constituencies spread across 13 states. All parliamentary constituencies in Tamil Nadu (39 seats) and Puducherry (one seat) will go for polling in the second phase. The others on the list are: Karnataka (14 constituencies), Maharashtra (10), Uttar Pradesh (8), Assam (5), Bihar (5), Odisha (5), Chhattisgarh (3), West Bengal (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), and one constituency each from Manipur and Tripura. Phase II Date of notification March 19 (Tuesday) Last date of filing nomination March 26 (Tuesday) Scrutiny of nominations March 27 (Wednesday) Polling date April 18 (Thursday) Result May 23 (Thursday) Phase 3: April 23 Polling will be held in 115 seats spread across 14 states and Union Territories. All the seats in Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu will go for polling on April 23. The other states that will head for polling in this phase are: Karnataka (14 parliamentary constituencies), Maharashtra (14), Uttar Pradesh (10), Chhattisgarh (7), Odisha (6), West Bengal (5), Bihar (5), Assam (4) and Jammu and Kashmir (1). Phase III Date of notification March 28 (Thursday) Last date of filing nomination April 4 (Thursday) Scrutiny of nominations April 5 (Friday) Polling date April 23 (Tuesday) Result May 23 (Thursday) Phase 4: April 29 The Election Commission issued notification for phase four of Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday in which 71 seats across nine states will go to polls. While the process of filing nominations began Tuesday, the last date of filing papers is April 9. The scrutiny of papers will take place on April 10 and the last date of withdrawing from the electoral battle is April 12, the notification said. The states that will be voting in this phase are: Maharashtra (17 parliamentary constituencies), Rajasthan (13), Uttar Pradesh (13) and West Bengal (8), Madhya Pradesh (6), Odisha (6), Bihar (5), Jharkhand (3), and Jammu and Kashmir (1). Phase IV Date of notification April 2 (Tuesday) Last date of filing nomination April 9 (Tuesday) Scrutiny of nominations April 10 (Wednesday) Polling date April 29 (Monday) Result May 23 (Thursday) Phase 5: May 6 In this phase 51 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across seven states will go to vote: Uttar Pradesh (14 constituencies), Rajasthan (12), Madhya Pradesh (7), West Bengal (7), Bihar (5), Jharkhand (4) and Jammu and Kashmir (2). The Election Commission will issue a notification for this phase on April 10. The last date for filing nomination papers is April 18 and the scrutiny of papers will take place on April 20, India Today reported. Phase V Date of notification April 10 (Wednesday) Last date of filing nomination April 18 (Thursday) Scrutiny of nominations April 20 (Saturday) Polling date May 6 (Monday) Result May 23 (Thursday) Phase 6: May 12 The polling will be conducted in 59 parliamentary constituencies spread across seven states, namely Bihar (8 parliamentary constituencies), Haryana (10), Jharkhand (4), Madhya Pradesh (8), Uttar Pradesh (14), West Bengal (8) and Delhi-NCR (7). The last date for filing nomination papers is April 23 and the scrutiny of papers will take place on April 24. Phase VI Date of notification April 16 (Tuesday) Last date of filing nomination April 23 (Tuesday) Scrutiny of nominations April 24 (Wednesday) Polling date May 12 (Sunday) Result May 23 (Thursday) Phase 7: May 19 In the last phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2019, 59 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across eight states will vote: Bihar (8 parliamentary constituencies), Jharkhand (3), Madhya Pradesh (8), Punjab (13), West Bengal (9), Chandigarh (1), Uttar Pradesh (13) and Himachal Pradesh (4). The last date for filing nomination papers is April 29 and the scrutiny of papers will take place on April 30. Phase VII Date of notification April 22 (Monday) Last date of filing nomination April 29 (Monday) Scrutiny of nominations April 30 (Tuesday) Polling date May 19 (Sunday) Result May 23 (Thursday) Here's how to check your name on the voter's list, an FAQ: Step 1: Log on to the National Voter Services Portal's Electoral Search page (NVSP). Step 2: You can check your name on the voter's list by entering your details or by putting in your Electoral Photo ID Card (EPIC) number. In case you don't have Voter identity card Step 1: Log on to the NSVP Electoral Search page. Step 2: Click on search by details and put up your details, such as name, gender, age, Assembly Constituency, etc as mentioned on the page. Step 3: Based on your details, a result will pop up which will mean that your name is in the voter's list. In case, there is no pop-up, it means your name is probably missing on the voter's list. Are cell phones allowed inside the polling booth? As India votes for the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 18, a pertinent piece of information that voters must be aware of is if cell phones are allowed inside the polling booths. It is quite natural that voters would carry their mobile phones to the voting centres. However, one must be prepared and keep in mind that cell phones are not allowed inside the polling booth. Voters are allowed to carry mobile phones but they won't be allowed to use their devices in the polling booth. Voters should ideally not use their cell phones in 100 m radius of the polling booths. Mobile phones must be kept in silent mode or switched off. According to a circular issued by the Election Commission, "... cellular phones, cordless phones, etc. not to be allowed except officers on duty in the 100 meters of a polling station... during polling, presiding officers and other staff shall keep their mobile switched off in the polling station. If required, they can talk from outside the polling booth..." Election Commission News Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra on April 15 reviewed poll arrangements in specific constituencies of West Bengal and Tripura going to polls in Phase 2 and 3 of ongoing General Elections to Lok Sabha 2019. The review through video conferencing was held with general observers, police observers and expenditure observers deployed in Phase 2 and Phase 3 parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal namely the 3-Jalpaiguri, 4-Darjeeling, 5- Raiganj, 6- Balurghat, 7-Maldaha Uttar, 8-Maldaha Dakshin, 9-Jangipur and 11- Murshidabad in West Bengal and Phase 2 (final phase) of Tripura ie 2-Tripura East Parliamentary Constituency. Also Read: Lok Sabha elections 2019: Here's how to check your name on voter's list The "Lentille Terres Rouges" site has been abandoned since 1977. The project "Rout Lens" hopes to breathe new life into the site. Plans are afoot to establish a new district in Esch, between Rue d'Audun and Rue Barbourg, with homes, offices, shops, small businesses, restaurants, cafes, a central outside area and underground parking. The development will seek to maintain the historical value of the site. The "Rout Lens" development will be around 11 hectares large, creating a new public space with plenty of green spaces, bringing together commerce, work, and home life. In order to respect the industrial heritage of the area, certain old buildings will be integrated into the project rather than being torn down, such as the old turbine hall, the storage spaces, and the old stone wall along Rue d'Audun. The new district will establish a connection between the Place de la Resistance and Ellergronn. The project's effect on the surrounding environment is to be as small as possible, with building work to be minimal in areas with green spaces. Modern technology will be deployed to maintain resources such as energy and water. The project does not yet have a concrete time frame, with completion of the construction estimated to take around 15 years. The building work will take place in stages, with the area closest to the centre being developed ahead of the rest. Domingos Oliveira In the next instalment of this beloved series on RTL, Domingos Oliveira will enable readers to discover the ArcelorMittal site in Schifflange. About this series In this popular series, RTL photographer Domingos Oliveira takes you to hidden places, lesser known locations and buildings with an interesting story. 1) The first instalment captured the last moment of the agricultural centre in Mersch. 2) We then visited Zenningen Zoo, which was closed in the early 80s. 3) Our third trip took us to Hesperange's eery swimming pool which now looks like the setting for an apocalyptic film. 4) The fourth photo series targeted the veritable ghost town "Cite Syrdall." 5) We also visited the iconic cinema Ariston in Esch, which opened in 1962 and closed in 2016. The cinema's history is an eventful one - from erotic films to youth theatre. 6) In the sixth instalment, we took a trip down memory lane and revisited pictures of Luxembourg City's former "centre Aldringen," an underground parking lot and cultural hub that gave way to Centre Hamilius. 7) The seventh gallery in the series took us to Luxembourg's former police museum. 8) And in the 8th instalment we got to take a look at a cemetery for old fire engines. The structure is charred and black. The lawn is covered in ash and debris. You can taste the burn in the air. When the Mills Fire Department arrived at 11 p.m. Thursday, the flames were licking the upper limbs of the cottonwood trees in the front yard. The porch had been completely engulfed. Within 10 minutes, firefighters reduced the flames to smolders. It took 4 1/2 hours to completely extinguish the fire, but the first few minutes, when the most damage was done and where the potential for more damage existed, mattered most. The roof could have gave way and the whole building could have come down, Mills Fire Chief Justin Melin said. The one-story ranch house on Midwest Avenue, built in 1920 and maintained by the same family for more than 50 years, is unsalvageable but standing, Melin said. Nobody was hurt in the fire. The house was uninhabited save for the personal affects the owner stored there. Fire crews were at the house Friday morning, boarding up windows and looking for what might have started the blaze. The night before, when a Mills fire engine pulled up to the fire, it was the only engine on site. It arrived three minutes after departing the Mills fire station. Natrona County fire engine No. 13 left at the same time as Mills but arrived 10 minutes later. The countys engine No. 7 arrived five minutes after that. Casper Fire-EMS was called several minutes after the initial call and arrived at 11:10 p.m. On July 1, when the Mills Fire Department is reduced to administrative-only roles, the burden to respond to a fire like this will fall to the county, to Casper and to the areas other fire departments in Evansville and Bar Nunn. Area experts say the decision to eliminate Mills fire service will increase emergency response times across Natrona County and raise homeowners insurance rates for Mills residents. The decision The Mills Town Council voted at its April 24 meeting to lay off nine firefighters and eliminate the departments ability to respond to emergencies in the area, effective July 1. Mills Mayor Seth Coleman has called the decision a budgetary necessity. The fire department is the second-most expensive entity Mills funds, after the police department. Coleman has said in the past that the fire department has not been able to generate enough revenue, and the town has been spending 1-cent funds, which are intended for infrastructure projects, on firefighters salaries. As a way to illustrate the fire departments call volume, Coleman included a summary of the departments calls between July 2018 and April 2019 in a May 3 press release. That document lists 498 total calls in that span. According to Mills Fire Department records, the department has gone on 860 calls in that time frame. When asked about the discrepancy, Coleman said the numbers he used were only for calls in Mills. While the town is happy to render assistance wherever it can outside of Mills boundaries, thats not the primary function of the department and its not the necessary focus of the Town Council, Coleman wrote in an email to the Star-Tribune. Mills is and must be the focus for the Town Council and the towns fire department and emergency services. Coleman answered questions Friday via email because he said he did not have time for a phone interview before deadline. Some residents have questioned the timing of the decision to get rid of the fire department. In a previous interview with the Star-Tribune, Mills Fire Department union president Jeremy Todd said he believed the decision to eliminate the firefighting jobs was retaliation over union contract negotiations. He said the town presented the Mills professional firefighters association with a two-year contract in late March. When the union pushed back on one of the elements of the contract, he said Mills officials walked away from negotiations. If you present a contract, I assume you have the money to pay for that contract, he said at the time. He did say the union was informed of budgetary concerns, but said there was never any indication that the firefighters were at risk of losing their jobs. Coleman flatly denied the allegation. I would absolutely disagree with that, he said. Public input At the May 8 Mills Town Council meeting, residents spent two hours pleading with officials at town hall to keep the fire department. A line of people wanting to address the council stretched into the hallway. Many invoked life-or-death circumstances and some offered suggestions for how to fund the department, including holding fundraisers or considering a subscription-based ambulance service. Everybody who spoke at the meeting urged the Town Council to keep the fire department. In an email, Coleman told the Star-Tribune town officials are seriously considering all the suggestions made at that meeting. Coleman also told the Star-Tribune via email Mills Town Council is evaluating every option to fill the void losing the fire department will create. The Town is working on providing that there will be no lapse in emergency services and all avenues are and will be explored in order to do this, he wrote in the email. Coleman has declined to provide specifics on what those plans might entail but said at the last Town Council meeting it would be shortly. In the past, Coleman has said the plan is to contract with other fire departments in the area. Representatives of the countys other fire departments told the Star-Tribune nobody from the Mills government has contacted them to discuss options. Casper Fire Chief Thomas Solberg said given the circumstances, its unusual nobody has contacted him. If theyre talking July 1, thats not a lot of time to talk about both the fire and the EMS response, he said. Last year, Casper Fire-EMS responded to five calls in Mills, according to the departments records. Solberg said the Mills department usually doesnt need Caspers help, so they rarely step in. Without the Mills department, Solberg said its likely Casper would have to start picking up those calls. Caspers department is already running close to capacity, Solberg said. It would be a logistics issue and spill into the financial side as well, he said, adding it would not be sustainable for the areas fire departments to provide emergency aid in Mills without having some kind of concrete plan. Response times Every first responder the Star-Tribune spoke with said emergency response times across the county are almost certain to increase, though Coleman has said, both in public meetings and in interviews with the Star-Tribune, that town officials will ensure response times do not increase. Representatives from fire departments in the area said they dont see how response times wont increase. No way, no way, Natrona County Fire Service spokesman Matt Gacke said when asked if Mills would be able to maintain current response times. Not if they dont have a department. Gacke anticipates the county fire service filling much of the void if Mills isnt answering calls. Its going to raise our call volume tremendously, he said. That in turn will put more wear and tear on their engines and equipment and could result in the county not having enough staff to meet the increased demand. Evansville Fire-EMS Captain Corey Ramsey said it would take the Evansville department between seven and 10 minutes to respond to most calls in Mills, and those extra minutes could spell tragedy. Anything over 10 minutes would be detrimental for fire response, Ramsey said. The consequences could be severe for emergency medical response too, depending on what the medical emergency is, he said. Right now, Evansville Fire-EMS rarely takes calls in Mills, Ramsey said, but he anticipates that changing if the Mills department is cut. Ramsey said hes particularly concerned with how emergency medical response will be affected. Mills Fire Department provides one-third of Natrona Countys ambulance service. The other two services are Evansville, which has three ambulances and staffs two full-time, and Wyoming Medical Center, which has 10 ambulances and staffs three full-time. The county fire service, which will likely be first to respond to medical emergencies in Mills with no Mills Fire Department, does not have any ambulances. Gacke said all of the countys firefighters are certified paramedics and they have the capability to provide emergency care, but if they need to transport a patient to a hospital they have to wait for an ambulance to arrive. Thats one reason Mills backs up the county on calls, former Mills firefighter Jared Kelly said. The county fire service also works with Mills on most fire calls, because structure fires require that at least two engines are on the scene, Kelly said. The county fire department is going to have to wait even longer for that second engine to arrive or for EMS calls, he said. Katherine White, a registered nurse at the Wyoming Behavioral Institute, often makes calls to WMC for her patients. She said its not uncommon for the ambulances to get tied up on other calls because of their significant call volume. (WMC ambulances) always come, but its just a matter of when, she said. Since July 1, 2018, WMC has responded to 9,454 calls, according to WMC spokesperson Kristy Bleizeffer. Of those calls, 454 were for medical emergencies in Mills. Bleizeffer wrote in an email that losing the Mills Fire Department would put a strain on ambulance responses across the county. But, she said, WMC would still be able to provide adequate emergency services. Insurance Mills resident Kim Perez is worried about how the lack of a fire department will affect her insurance rates. She said her insurance provider told her that her homeowners insurance could triple with no fire department in the town. Theres no doubt it will go up, she said. Perezs whole family lives in Mills. Her mother has lived in the town all of her life, and her children recently bought homes in Mills too. Im freaking out here, she said. Mike Erickson, an insurance agent at the Sandy Widner Farmers Insurance Agency in Casper, said Perez is right. If they get rid of that fire station, its going to cost more in homeowners insurance, Erickson said. Thats the bottom line. Insurance companies determine homeowners insurance rates using protection classes. Properties are assigned protection classes using a number of criteria, proximity to emergency response being a significant factor. The ratings are on a scale from 1-10, 1 meaning youre the most protected. Erickson said if the Mills Fire Department is shut down, peoples protection classes could dramatically change. Every time you talk about jumping a protection class, even from 1 to 2, youre talking about a couple hundred dollars, he said. He couldnt predict how much peoples protection classes would change, though he said some of his more rural clients are rated at 10. He said it was feasible that some of Mills rural residents could have the same happen to them. He pulled one property as an example. The propertys protection class changed from 1 to 8, and their insurance went up $1,000 annually. He said he expects a lot of his clients to see similar changes. Mills residents asked Coleman at the last Town Council meeting if the decision regarding the department was final. When asked by the Star-Tribune, Coleman said via email, While time is rapidly advancing in this matter, it is never the case that a legislative body in a matter like this, if it is doing its job, will not consider new evidence and new options as they are presented to it and, if that information merits it, reconsider its prior actions. The next Town Council meeting is 7 p.m. May 22, and residents have said they plan to continue to lobby for the department at that meeting. Follow city reporter Morgan Hughes on Twitter @morganhwrites. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. JACKSON (WNE) Students breaking down into tears during public comment Wednesday night didnt dissuade the school board from voting 6-1 to cut sixth grade from Alta Elementary School. After hearing from students and their upset parents, the Teton County School District No. 1s Board of Trustees approved Superintendent Gillian Chapmans recommendation to eliminate the grade from Alta starting next year. Before the vote, sixth-graders living in Alta had three choices: Alta Elementary School, Teton Middle School in Driggs, Idaho, or Jackson Hole Middle School. Only chairwoman Betsy Carlin voted against trimming the grade. Parents were told of the recommendation April 26 and said during public comment that the decision felt rushed, a sentiment Carlin echoed. The vote capped a flurried few weeks of outcry in Alta. Parents wrote letters, students made posters and submitted a video and many families trekked over Teton Pass for this weeks meeting. Chapman told families at a community meeting in Alta last week that the basis for her recommendation was a decline in recent years from 65 students to 48 currently. The resulting low student-teacher ratios werent equitable compared to other small schools, she said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Welcome Guest! You Are Here: CHEYENNE The state is expecting a huge crowd July 10 for the opening of the renovated Capitol Building. And House Speaker Steve Harshman of Casper wants them to be able to see it all the Capitol restoration, the Capitol extension and the renovated Herschler Building. His idea is to have a few speeches with the ribbon-cutting on the steps of the Capitol Building and then open it up. Were going to get one chance to open this to the people so they can see where the $300 million went, Harshman said at a meeting of the Capitol Restoration Oversight Group recently. Reaction was mixed. The schedule, set up for guided tours, would need changing. Then there is the security problem and the risk of having people roaming around in areas where very, very valuable statues are located, committee members said. Harshman received support from Gov. Mark Gordon. I think youre onto something he said. But then he added, Having a free-for-all may be difficult. He said he would need to know about more staffing and the cost. Tony Ross of Cheyenne, president of the group, said the idea needs study. Hartman emphasized it was extremely important to open up the Capitol and environs because the legislators have been advertising it as public space from the beginning. Critics in and outside the Legislature have objected to the scope of the project and particularly the cost. Governors Freudenthal and Mead did not support the project. Ross and Phil Nicholas of Laramie, both former Senate Presidents, said from the beginning this was a legislative project. The legislators began salting money away for the renovation years ago. Harshman explained that he would like to have the various ceremonies in the historic Supreme Court, the House and the Senate be conducted consecutively so people can attend more than one. All the current and former living Wyoming Supreme Court justices are expected to attend the opening of the historic court inside the Capitol Building on July 10. Wyoming Public Television plans to film the events for production to be aired later. The filming will be shown continuously in the Capitol rooms. VISIT Cheyenne also plans to film the proceedings. The plans for July 9 include recognition of the employees during the day and an invitation-only event in the evening, when the statues will be unveiled. July 10 will be a full day, with the ceremonies, banks, food trucks and various speeches and concluding with fireworks at dark. A semi-army of volunteers will help out, most of them from the Cheyenne Frontier Days ranks. Also assisting are the Departments of Tourism and State Parks and Cultural Resources and the City of Cheyenne. Joan Barron is a former longtime capitol bureau reporter. Contact her at 307-632-2534 or jmbarron@bresnan.net. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Though not surprising, the data reported in the April 4 Tribune article, New Wyoming data shows high rates of depression in women before, during and after pregnancy, was a reminder of why organizations here in Natrona County will continue to focus efforts on providing support and resources to pregnant women, moms and babies. The article stated that Wyoming women who gave birth in 2017 reported high rates of depression before, during and after pregnancy, according to a new state report that also reveals the insurance and income-related issues facing mothers here. We know income stressors, along with a myriad of other factors, contribute to depression around pregnancy. The mothers health during and after pregnancy directly affects the health and well-being of her baby. Many organizations in the community recognize pregnancy and early childhood as critical times to intervene and ensure that mom and baby have all the support and interventions necessary to ensure the best possible mental and physical health. We want to recognize that although women in our county continue to struggle with depression and other stressors, there are many organizations available to help. The Natrona County Prevention Coalitions (NCPC) Family & Parenting Subcommittee organizes the Community Baby Shower every year to bring as many of these partners together so pregnant women and their families can access these resources all in one place. This years free event was April 13 at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming and attracted hundreds of visitors. Healthy Moms-Healthy Births, a local nonprofit, also hosts a website where visitors can access updated local resources for pregnancy and birth at healthymoms-healthybirths.org. The numerous resources on the website and highlighted at the Baby Shower include resources for treatment of depression and assistance with healthcare coverage during pregnancy. Just among our committee members, there are several opportunities for women and families to address mental health, insurance and other struggles during pregnancy. The Maternal Child Health team at Casper Natrona County Health Department provides free services provided by registered nurses that can be accessed by calling 307-235-9340. Parents as Teachers supports families through parenting and life from pregnancy through toddlers and can be reached at 307-237-9146. Finally, Central Wyoming Counseling offers mental health services that include pre- and postnatal depression treatment with a sliding scale payment option at 307-237-9583. Making sure families in our community get the best start possible is a huge but crucial task that cannot be achieved by one organization. The NCPC Family & Parenting Subcommittee always welcomes new members to help us with this vital work. If youd like more information or would like to support this work, contact Lisa Brown at 307-265-7366. The Natrona County Prevention Coalition works to prevent substance abuse and misuse by promoting healthy and positive choices. Family & Parenting Subcommittee members include Aimee Jolley, Healthy Moms-Healthy Births; Lisa Brown, Brittlynn Bulgrin, Felicia Cummings, Lindsey Hall, Sheena Hixson and Whitney Lamb, Mercer Family Resource Center; Kimberly Little, Casper-Natrona County Health Department; William Howell, Central Wyoming Counseling Center; Susan Buettgenback and Nicole Wilson, Parents As Teachers; Shauna Vanderlinden, Boys & Girls Club of Central Wyoming; and Zhanna Gallegos, Nicolaysen Art Museum. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Just so you know, Wyoming Game and Fish doesnt hate mountain goats. But the growth of the non-native critters in the Teton Range is posing a problem that has wildlife managers considering lethal measures. An aerial count this past winter found, for the first time, invasive mountain goats outnumbering native bighorn sheep. Wyoming Game and Fish biologist Aly Courtemanch counted 88 mountains goats to 81 bighorns. Some estimates put the goat numbers at 100. Grand Teton National Park is reviewing a plan it hopes to implement this year to remove the invaders mostly by catching them alive or possibly shooting the hard-to-catch goats. Why the bounty on mountain goats? Four of Wyomings native bighorn sheep populations have been given highest priority and wildlife managers hope to protect them from the threat of diseases from goats and domestic sheep where habitat overlaps. The other issue is that habitat in mountain country provides a limited amount of groceries that a small bighorn sheep herd cant afford to share. Where we think that issue really becomes significant is on winter ranges, said Doug McWhirter, Game and Fish wildlife management coordinator. In the Tetons, those winter ranges are very restricted, high elevation, wind-blown areas and they dont support a lot of mouths. Its a situation where although we like mountain goats, this is a situation where with these high-priority sheep herds were favoring bighorn sheep. We basically support the park service in the identification if this is an issue. Bighorn sheep once numbered in the millions across North America, but the population crashed in the early 1900s to several thousand due to diseases introduced by domestic sheep and by over-hunting. Now bighorns are mostly confined to remote mountainous areas across the West. The national park plans to protect the bighorns that fall within park boundaries and Game and Fish is backing it up by encouraging mountain goat hunting on the west side of the Tetons. What we are doing is we have created some new hunt areas in the Tetons and the Absarokas and initiated a whole new license type for mountain goats which allows us to much more liberally hunt those goats, McWhirter said. What we are looking to do is to minimize goat numbers in the Tetons. Game and Fish plans to issue 48 licenses to shoot goats west of the park this year. He said another native bighorn herd under encroachment by mountain goats is around the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park in the Absaroka Range. McWhirter said the bighorn herd in the Tetons is what we call the coordinative herd. Its a population that has never been extricated, never been supplemented. Its a native sheep herd and one of our highest priority herds. Besides the threat of disease, bighorns also face fragmented habitat and being pushed into higher elevations with poorer conditions. Courtemanch told a public open house meeting on goat management that avalanches are a major cause of death for bighorns occurring at a higher rate than predation, according to a WyoFile report of the meeting. That also brings up the pressure bighorns receive from backcountry skiers. A map of viable winter habitat south of Grand Teton National Park overlaid with skier and bighorn activity tracked by GPS devices on both groups showed few bighorns entered the skiers zone, according to research presented at the open house. The mountain goat expansion into the park was decades in the making but has ballooned in recent years. Local biologists believe the goats migrated into the Tetons from a group established in the 1960s and 1970s in the Snake River Range of Idaho east of Palisades Reservoir. The goats were introduced into the area to give Idaho hunters a new critter to chase. Thats the most likely source for the goats in the park, said Hollie Miyasaki, Idaho Department of Fish and Game bighorn sheep biologist. The goats were introduced into Idaho, they moved into Wyoming. Its probably likely that they moved from the Wyoming side north into the park. McWhirter said annual aerial goat counts conducted with Idaho Fish and Game puts estimates at 250 mountain goats in the Snake River Range and south of Teton Pass. Occasional goats were seen in the park during the 80s and 90s. But it wasnt until 2008, when it was actually documented that there were nannies with kids, McWhirter said. So that population was reproducing. So in the last 10 years, we basically go from a sporadic observation of a single goat to a hundred goats. Its a dramatic increase. Grand Teton National Park is reviewing public comment on its plan to remove mountain goats. Its next step is to publish findings and issue an environmental impact statement on its eradication plan. We probably wont be doing anything until late summer, said Denise Germann, park public information officer. McWhirter said Wyoming hunters have benefited from having mountain goats in the region south of Teton Pass. Its what we call the Palisades herd, and its one that we benefited from the transplant in Idaho, he said. Those goats moved into Wyoming and established a population and we began hunting them 20 years ago. The point Im trying to make is we do value those goats. We want to manage for a thriving goat population there for hunting and viewing opportunities. The issues for bighorn sheep dont exist there. We have to make it really clear, we dont hate mountain goats. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 It used to be so easy. Felisa, 35, built her life on the beauty of language. She spoke six of them, picking up new tongues as her family moved around the world. In Chile she absorbed Spanish. In Kazakhstan she force-fed herself vocabulary lessons, because learning Kazakh seemed like the only way to make friends. Along the way she collected pieces of Arabic and Russian. When she moved to Afghanistan to volunteer and study, it was only natural that she picked up Dari, the countrys Persian dialect. It sounded so poetic. All her life, Felisa used poetry to navigate a path through the world. She published her first poem before she was a teenager, and she never stopped writing. She loved the sharpness of short poems. The way so few words can hold such great meaning. When the Air Force deployed her back to Afghanistan, in 2010, poetry helped her make sense of the place. She climbed onto rooftops whenever she could, retreating up high to write about war and love and the space between them. But she was most valuable on the ground, where she built a presence that renowned general H.R. McMaster called extraordinary. Three people were injured in a shooting at a Circle K in midtown Tucson Friday night, an official confirmed on Saturday. At about 7 p.m., Tucson police officers were dispatched near North Tucson Boulevard and East Grant Road for reports of the shooting. They found several shell casings spread out on the property. A woman was one of the victims who suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the incident, said Officer Francisco Magos, a Tucson police spokesman. It appears at least two people exchanged gunfire at the scene, according to Magos. Friday's initial report said at least one person had suffered life-threatening injuries. No one has been detained as of 2 p.m. Saturday, Magos said. Detectives are determining if the shooting was gang-related. No further information has been released. Contact Star reporter Shaq Davis at 573-4218 or sdavis@tucson.com On Twitter: @ShaqDavis1 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The DEA did not identify Chavez, but his identity is known through earlier reporting by The Associated Press on the crisis involving fentanyl pills that are designed to look like prescription medicine. At the time of his death, Tucson police investigators said they believed that people at the party thought they were taking oxycodone, a much less powerful opioid. Lopez-Sanchez was initially arrested on state charges in connection with the Nov. 1 overdoses. The federal charge of supplying drugs resulting in the death of an individual carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life behind bars. Lopez-Sanchez also faces two counts related to the alleged importation of fentanyl from Mexico. Stamped with "M'' on one side and "30" on the other to make them look like legitimate oxycodone, the pills started showing up in Arizona in recent years as the Sinaloa cartel's newest drug product. The fentanyl that killed Chavez was among 1,000 pills sneaked through the border crossing last year in Nogales, Arizona, by a woman who was paid $200 to tote them and gave two to Chavez at the party, according to court documents. It's unknown if he took one or both. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Contact reporter Danyelle Khmara at dkhmara@tucson.com or 573-4223. On Twitter: @DanyelleKhmara Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Weve all had it happen: You hear about a book and go to your local library to find it, but dozens of people are ahead of you on the waitlist. She knows her five children one son died and her six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren are very proud of me they have told me so, though they would like her to slow down, Lopez says. Nancy Bissell Several restaurant-size cans of food are stacked on the floor of Nancy Bissells living room. Bissell, 79, is prepping for the first Saturday of the month, when she and one of her grandchildren, whom Bissell adopted in 2005, serve food to the homeless as part of the meal team Bissell formed when her granddaughter was in first grade. Most of the team, now in high school and beyond, show up to serve as part of a program Bissell helped initiate 36 years ago the Primavera Foundation. Bissell says she was inspired by her pastor, the late Rev. John C. Fowler from St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, to put her faith into action. Bissell and Gordon Packard, who died in September at age 81, saw a need to help the homeless. The two started St. Martins soup kitchen in Armory Park in 1982. The neighborhood, however, called the kitchen a nuisance and filed a lawsuit to shut it down. The Arizona Supreme Court sided with the neighborhood. Reporter Shaq is a public safety reporter and the Road Runner columnist, keeping readers up to date on transportation news. In 2017, he started as an apprentice and later worked part-time until graduating from the UA and being offered a full-time position in 2018. YWCA Southern Arizona CEO Kelly Fryer is stepping down after six years with the organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Fryer, who will leave the organization at the end of June, says she continues to have an eye on the Governors Office, a post she unsuccessfully pursued last fall, though she shied away from making an official declaration to run for any office on Friday. She did, however, make a commitment to continue promoting the YWCAs values in the political arena. Being at the YW has really been one of the highlights of my career, she said. Being able to be a part of a mission like the YWCAs and part of this organization that has this long legacy of social justice and racial justice and gender equity has been such an honor, but it has also really inspired me to step out into an even more public position and to really get engaged in public service, community service, at an even larger level. Fryer was a latecomer to the governors race last year, running on a platform of equity, inclusion and justice for all, putting human rights and the needs of people at the forefront. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East From December 19th through December 26th we will be granting free access as a gift to our readers presented by Copenhagen Imports Vietnams newest carrier Bamboo Airways on Friday launched inaugural flights for three new services connecting the northern port city of Hai Phong with the south-central, southern and Mekong Delta regions. The new flights, linking Hai Phong with the south-central province of Binh Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, operate with one round-trip flight per day. The inaugural Hai Phong - Ho Chi Minh City Bamboo Airways flight landed at Cat Bi International Airport from Tan Son Nhat International Airport on Friday morning, followed by a welcome ceremony attended by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. It takes one hour 35 minutes to fly between Hai Phong and Quy Nhon, two hours for Hai Phong Ho Chi Minh City, and two hours five minutes for the Hai Phong Can Tho service, according to Bamboo Airways. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (third right) attends the opening ceremony of new Bamboo Airways routes at Cat Bi International Airport, Hai Phong City on May 10, 2019. Photo: Tuan Phung / Tuoi Tre Tickets for the new routes are available at promotional prices starting from VND200,000 (US$8.6) for bookings made between May 10 and 16. The new services increase the total number of domestic routes of Bamboo Airways, which launched its first flight in January, to 20. The figure will continue to rise soon, with Vietnams newest air carrier now planning to launch new routes connecting Hai Phong with the central city of Da Nang and the southern island of Phu Quoc, as well as international destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul, and Siem Reapm according to Bamboo Airways general director Dang Tat Thang. Bamboo Airways conducted nearly 4,000 flights in the first four months of this year with an on-time performance rate of 92 percent, the highest among local carriers. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Military-run telecoms group Viettel announced Friday Vietnams first 5G call made using an OPPO smartphone during a test run in Hanoi. End-device connection speed was recorded at 1.5-1.7 Gigabits per second (Gbps), equivalent to that of commercial fiber optic cable and far surpassing the maximum theoretical speed of the 4G LTE network. Fridays event, joined by Communications Minister Nguyen Manh Hung and Technology Minister Chu Ngoc Anh, put Vietnam on the list of worlds first countries to successfully test 5G, Viettel said in a statement. Swedens telecoms giant Ericsson was Viettels key partner in implementing 5G in Vietnam. 5G, short for 5th Generation, is the latest generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. 5G will generate demands for the application of technology among the public, creating a boundless market for tech companies in Vietnam, Minister Hung said Friday. Delegates join a ceremony to launch Vietnams first 5G call by telecoms group Viettel in Hanoi on May 10, 2019. Video: T. Ha / Tuoi Tre Viettels first successful 5G call came less than four months after it was awarded a trial 5G license the first in Vietnam in January. The license allows Viettel to launch 5G services in two of Vietnams largest cities - Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City - on a trial basis, the ministry said. The company is not permitted to collect fees from its 5G users during the trial period, which will end on January 21, 2020. Wholly owned and run by the Vietnamese military, Viettel is the largest telecommunications company in the Southeast Asian nation with some 60 million subscribers in Vietnam and over 30 million users across 10 other countries - predominantly Asia and Africa. Vietnams 5G race is marred by underwhelming mobile data coverage, as less than 45 percent of the countrys 133.3 million active mobile users are using 3G or 4G data, according to statistics from the Vietnam National Telecommunications Administration. More than half of those who use mobile data in the Southeast Asian country are 4G subscribers as it costs the same as 3G while 4G-capable smartphones have become the industry standard. Viettel says it currently has nearly 17 million 4G subscribers more than all other mobile network carriers in Vietnam combined and is adding around one million users every month. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Your browser does not support the audio element. A group of Vietnamese men with a shared interest in sailing recently sailed along the coast of Vietnam in an effort to recreate and experience the sea migration of the ancient Vietnamese. The seven-member Bamboo Raft Team set sail on two bamboo rafts from central Vietnam en route to Vietnams southern region at the beginning of January. The groups sea journey started in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa and planned to stop at Phu Quoc Island off the coast Kien Giang Province. However, several difficulties forced them to cut their journey short, with Ben Tre Province being the final landing point. Do Nguyen Ai, the teams leader, sat down for an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper after the voyage to discuss the groups inspiration. Do Nguyen Ai, the leader of Bamboo Raft Team. Photo: Bamboo Raft Team Ai said their original idea came from a book by Tim Severin where he recounted his voyage across the Pacific Ocean, mostly using a bamboo raft, in 1994. In that book, Severin praised traditional Vietnamese bamboo rafts which inspired Ai to make a similar journey. We were motivated by how great our forefathers had been despite the undeveloped boat construction techniques during their time, he proudly told Tuoi Tre. Prior to their departure, the team researched ancient techniques of creating bamboo rafts and combined traditional methods with modern approaches in order to make vessels that would last the entire journey. They also contracted experienced boat makers in Thanh Hoa to build a bamboo raft using the same methods as their ancestors in order to compare how their updated raft fared against the traditional version. Surprisingly, the raft built using ancient techniques outshined the newer model - obvious proof that Tim Severins opinion of the ancient Vietnameses seafaring abilitities holds water. A photo of an old style bamboo raft (left) next to a modern raft. Photo: The Bamboo raft team Old style bamboo rafts are far safer than modern boats because the thousands of bamboo shoots they use enable them to float easily on the waters surface without the aid of technology. Each raft consists of three masts whose flexibly makes it easier for sailors to adjust their angles based on the direction of the wind, allowing the crew to keep their rafts from drifting off course, according to Ai. Thanks to the teams love and passion for sailing, they were able to make it to Ben Tre despite difficulties and hardship along the way. We took away valuable experience from the trip and hope its used to remind younger generations about the abilities of our elders, said the team leader. A close-up of an ancient bamboo raft. Photo: Bamboo Raft Team Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! HANOI, May 11: Nepal and Vietnam have forged consensus to strengthen bilateral relations and trade increment to new heights. In course of Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis official visit of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, different bilateral agreements were signed today. Agreements on Exemption of visa to diplomatic and official passport bearers and MoU on the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism between two governments were signed. Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shanker Das Bairagi and Ngyen Quoc Dung, representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, signed the agreements. Similarly, a letter of intent on negotiation on trade and an investment framework agreement was signed by secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Kedar Bahadur Adhikari and Deputy Minister of Industry of Viet Nam, Dang Aoang An. The signing ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in presence of Prime Ministers of Nepal and Vietnam. RSS Your browser does not support the audio element. Most visitors to Vietnam's famed Ha Long Bay opt for cruise views of the UNESCO heritage site but from Friday tourists can hop on a helicopter to see the area's famous karst rock formations from the skies. Nervous flyers beware. A pair of five-seater helicopters soared up to 300 metres (1,000 feet) to offer passengers aerial views of the limestone towers, cruise ships and the odd houseboat dotting Ha Long's green waters for the maiden flights on Friday. Helicopter manufacturer Bell said the trips, which start at US$125 for 12 minutes, were aimed at tapping into a growing number of tourists to Vietnam -- many from the world's second biggest economy. "With the Chinese economy growing, you're seeing more tourists come here," said David Sale, Bell's managing director for Asia-Pacific. The number of visitors to Vietnam grew nearly 20 percent last year, with one-third of the total coming from China. Domestic tourism is also booming among Vietnam's fast-growing middle class with expanding appetites -- and budgets -- for travel. Ha Long Bay is one of the country's top draws, with as many as 500 cruise ships in the bay every day and a newly-opened airport helping to funnel visitors into the area. But the tourist boom has also prompted environmental concerns in the once-pristine bay in Quang Ninh province, also home to home to rapid industrialisation. "We're under pressure from the coal industry, the urbanisation process, the arrival of more tourists and the population increase," said Le Minh Tan, deputy director of Quang Ninh's tourism department. He added that a waste-water management system is set to be rolled out soon to deal with sewage spewed out by cruise ships daily. "We're launching many programs in the area to ensure the environment of Ha Long is green and clean." With outbreaks of the African swine fever already reported in two of Ho Chi Minh Citys neighboring provinces, city officials are ramping up measures to prevent its spread. The highly contagious disease, which is incurable in pigs but harmless to humans, has spread rapidly across neighboring China since August 2018, and has been found in many areas of northern Vietnam earlier this year. In Dong Nai Province, outbreaks of the African swine fever were first reported on April 26 and has now spread to four communes in Trang Bom and Nhon Trach Districts. With a swine population of over two million, Dong Nai is Ho Chi Minh Citys largest pork supplier, accounting for nearly half of the southern metropolis daily pork consumption. On Thursday, the first cases of swine fever infection were discovered in Binh Phuoc Province, 120 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City, city leaders said at a Friday socio-economic meeting. Ho Chi Minh City consumes between 6,500 and 7,000 pigs daily, mostly sourced from other provinces including Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc. This increases risks of the disease spreading to the southern metropolis, especially with the unregulated operation of illegal slaughterhouses in these provinces, said Pham Khanh Phong Lan, who heads the citys food safety committee. Ho Chi Minh City has a swine population of nearly 280,000, according to the municipal Animal Health Department. Most of the family-raised animals are fed leftovers from local restaurants, which adds to the risk of contracting the African swine fever. Ho Chi Minh City deputy chairman Le Thanh Liem has demanded more inspections be conducted to prevent the disease spread. Local pig farms are also asked to switch to industrial pig food for safety reasons. 24/7 checkpoints have also been set up on key roads to prevent infected pigs from being transported into Ho Chi Minh City for consumption. Whichever area allows an African swine fever outbreak to occur will have its leader answer to the municipal administration, Liem said Friday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A Vietnamese lawmaker has proposed community service be used as punishment for drunk driving to deter violators following recent fatal accidents involving intoxicated drivers in the Southeast Asian country. Phung Quoc Hien, vice chairman of the lawmaking National Assembly, made the proposal at a meeting of the legislatures standing committee on Thursday. We should add community service as a punishment [for DUI crimes], Hien said. Violators might not be deterred by fines, but they will if we force them to do unpaid work such as dredging the To Lich River, Hien said, referring to a notoriously polluted river in Hanoi. The lawmaker also proposed permanently revoking driving license of those intoxicated drivers. Currently, drunk drivers in Vietnam face fines of up to VND18 million (US$770) if they are operating a car and up to VND3 million ($130) if they are riding a motorcycle. [The proposed punishment] does not goes against the 1930 UN Convention Concerning Forced or Compulsory Labor, as its not forced labor but community service aimed at educating violators, the legislatures chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said Thursday, showing support to the idea. Police officers carry out breath tests at a vehicle checkpoint in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: H.D. / Tuoi Tre The proposal has received overwhelming support from Vietnamese citizens. It should be a serious punishment that can last weeks or even months, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reader Tue Nghi writes in a comment. Another reader suggests forcing violators to wear safety vests with DUI violator written on them as a further shaming device. DUI has been in the media spotlight in Vietnam following multiple deadly accidents involving drunk drivers. Two women, both 43 years old, were fatally hit by a drunk driver in a Mercedes Benz at the entrance to the Kim Lien Underpass in Hanoi early May 1. The tragic accident came less than ten days after another drunk driver fatally crashed into a female street sweeper in the Vietnamese capital on April 22. On Facebook, users from across the country are joining a movement to condemn drunk drivers by adding photo frames to their profile pictures with messages such as Drunk driving is crime and Drink Dont Drive. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Holy hell, where did MotherFatherSon spring from? This 8 part series about a dysfunctional media family is written like it belongs on the stage: intense performances, scintillating dialogue and themes of power, corruption and the human condition. It comes from the pen of Tom Rob Smith (The Assassination of Gianni Versace, London Spy) and it is impossible not to feel like it is heavily influenced by the Murdoch dynasty. Richard Gere undertakes his first television lead as American newspaper baron Max Finch, who can make or break British Prime Ministers. He owns the National Reporter, a quality newspaper to contrast with his American tabloids. Son Caden (Billy Howle) is Editor living in his fathers shadow. He is continually seeking validation from his father, an emptiness which spirals out of control in addiction and anonymous sex. Kathryn (Helen McCrory) is the estranged wife to Max and mother of Caden. Regretful of her familys disintegration, she devotes time to a sheltered workshop, where she is drawn to unemployed Scott Ruskin (Joseph Mawle). But there are rival newspapers looking to create a scandal on their relationship in order to destroy Max. Meanwhile fired political journalist Maggie (Sinead Cusack) teams up with Nick Caplan (Paul Ready) as part of a dense sub-plot to also bring down her former employer. Look out too for Sarah Lancashire as the aspiring Leader of the Opposition, Angela Howard, who needs Maxs endorsement if she is to win government. The tug of war over Caden, by a manipulative father and a mother who was guiltily ripped from her young son, snaps by the end of the first episode. If Succession is like the Dallas version of the Murdochs, then MotherFatherSon is the House of Cards version. Tom Rob Smith brings a poisoned poetry to this screenplay from the moment Max quizzes the (Muslim) British Prime Minister Jahan Zakari (Danny Sapani) over his strange, pale shortbread. to Caden firing esteemed journalist Maggie telling her, You believed in this paper once, whereupon she replies, I believed in something. It just wasnt you. to a twisted sex scene between stark naked Caden and a hooker where he echoes his fathers demands, Dont tell me what you think I want to hear. Director James Kent imbues the piece with striking visuals and there are rare fade-to-blacks, more common in classic cinema than modern teleplays. But it is the performances that linger after the credits roll. Helen McRory (occasionally in flashback wigs) is stunning as the tormented mother, desperate to reconnect with a son she was forced to abandon. Gere brings strength to his corrupt puppetmaster while Billy Howle navigates the most complex of them all. Comparisons with Succession, starring Brian Cox as the media baron, are easily-made, but it is possible to love both children, at least until we are compelled Sophies Choice-like, to choose one over the other. MotherFatherSon is the slower burn of the two, but ultimately the classier offering. MotherFatherSon begins 8:30pm tonight on BBC First. Alibaba founder Jack Ma with kids at AliDay 2018. (Credit: Alibaba) Jack Ma, the founder and chairman of Chinas e-commerce giant Alibaba (BABA), has drawn controversy for his support on Chinas 996 work shift, saying working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for six days of the week is a blessing. Now besides his devotion to work, the outspoken billionaire wants employees to follow 669 in their personal life. Ma commented on 669 during Alibaba Group Holdings wedding that happens every year on Ali Day, May 10. What is 669? It refers to having sex six times in six days, and lasting as long as possible. (The number 9 represents long lasting in Chinese.) Hundreds of newly married Alibaba employees joined the ceremony at the companys headquarters in Hangzhou, China, where Ma acts as a wedding officiant and gives a speech. This years key message from the founder to newly-married employees is to have more kids. The first KPI of marriage is to have results. There must be products. What is the product? Have children, Ma said. There were 15 million newborns in China last year marking the lowest birth rate since 1961. For the past three decades, Beijing has imposed the one-child policy. Under pressure from a shrinking labor pool and ageing population, China relaxed the policy in 2016 by allowing couples to have more than one baby. But the easing of the regulation hasnt delivered immediate results. Many couples have opted not to have babies due to concerns including rising housing prices and access to high-quality education. In China, owning an apartment is usually seen as a prerequisite for getting married. In Hangzhou, Alibabas home turf, the average price for a two-bedroom apartment is $500,000. A low birthrate means China could be getting old before getting rich. As people over the age of 60 account for 18% of the countrys population, the demographic trend spells a major challenge for the countrys economy and Alibabas business, both heavily rely on consumption. ack Ma, chairman of Alibaba Group, witnesses a group wedding ceremony on May 9, 2014 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province of China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images) Children are good investments Story continues Ma said having kids is a better investment than buying houses nowadays. Marriage is not for the purpose of accumulating wealth, not for buying a house, not for buying a car, but for having a baby together, he told 102 couples in wedding dresses and suits. Always remember that everything could be others, could be fake. Only the child is the real thing. Have more children! Keeping an extremely low profile of his personal life, Ma, who is married and has one son, believes working hard and living well doesnt contradict each other. There are many roads to marriage, but there is one that everyone must go they are going to have children. When the sun is shining, you have to repair the roof. When you are young and strong, you have more children! Mas speech, coupled with jokes and puns on Alibabas product names, was applauded at the ceremony. But not everyone agrees with Mas philosophy. Working 996 shift while living a 669 life? Hes thinking too much. No one can handle that, one user commented on Weibo, Chinas Twitter-like social platform. Write to Krystal via krystalh@yahoofinance.com or follow her on Twitter. Read more: Amazon shuffles thousands of workers in its quest to revamp delivery Amazon to offer free one-day shipping to Prime members, will invest $800 million to get there Amazon eyes closed Sears stores for Whole Foods expansion 'Western Togoland' restorationists arrested for planning to proclaim a breakaway state in Ghanas Volta region are charged with treason.Ghanas Chronicle newspaper which reported the arrest of the seven suspects, all members of the Homeland Study Group Foundation, were rounded up in Ho, capital of the south-eastern Volta region last Sunday.The newspaper reports that the alleged secessionists who have a constitution, a national emblem and composed an anthem had been planning to declare the independence of the region on May 9.The online publication myjoyonline quotes a police statement claiming that that activities of the arrested persons included the recruitment of a militia-style force which was to form the core of their supposed countrys armed forces and police.Fabrications?That charge is frivolous and we are not training a militia or any kind of group they are mentioning, says George Nyakpo, secretary and public relations officer for the group.Nyako who spoke to RFI from a hidden location claims the police are just trying to fabricate stories to establish their infantile decisions. If they say we are training people, why didnt they arrest the people where the training is going on, the HSGFs spokesman wondered.He also claims that police arrested their leader in front of the Foundations office as he come out from a meeting. He wonders how an old man aged 85 and using a walking stick could go training militia-style people.Historical grievancesCharles Kormi Kudzodzi, who is the conscience of the Homeland Study Group Foundation, wants the 1956 plebiscite which facilitated the union between the British-mandated Togoland and the Gold Coast prior to Ghanas independence on March 6, 1957 to be revisited.Members of the Homeland Study Group Foundation argue that there has been no unionized constitution since then. The Foundations Secretary claims that over the years, they sent a series of letters to the government which they never responded to, adding that in the most recent they drew Accras attention to the need to sit down and discuss things they had come across which they didnt like. StalemateGeorge Nyako says they made it clear in the last missive that if the government failed to respond to their request, by May 9, which marked the 62nd anniversary of the plebiscite that led to the creation of the union, Accra should rule them out as part of Ghana.The Homeland Study Group Foundation which insists it can achieve Western Togolands restoration to its 1922 status, through a mass mobilization of her human and financial resources, lays claim to about 4 million core members drawn from across the so-description Tans-Volga Togoland. The territory presented by the restorationists as their homeland stretches from Kulungugu in Ghanas Upper East Region to Keta in the Southern Coast by the Atlantic Ocean covering a surface area of 34,600 square kilometers. 'Western Togoland' restorationists arrested for planning to proclaim a breakaway state in Ghanas Volta region are charged with treason. Ghanas Chronicle newspaper which reported the arrest of the seven suspects, all members of the Homeland Study Group Foundation, were rounded up in Ho, capital of the south-eastern Volta region last Sunday. The newspaper reports that the alleged secessionists who have a constitution, a national emblem and composed an anthem had been planning to declare the independence of the region on May 9. The online publication myjoyonline quotes a police statement claiming that that activities of the arrested persons included the recruitment of a militia-style force which was to form the core of their supposed countrys armed forces and police. Fabrications? That charge is frivolous and we are not training a militia or any kind of group they are mentioning, says George Nyakpo, secretary and public relations officer for the group. Nyako who spoke to RFI from a hidden location claims the police are just trying to fabricate stories to establish their infantile decisions. If they say we are training people, why didnt they arrest the people where the training is going on, the HSGFs spokesman wondered. He also claims that police arrested their leader in front of the Foundations office as he come out from a meeting. He wonders how an old man aged 85 and using a walking stick could go training militia-style people. Historical grievances Charles Kormi Kudzodzi, who is the conscience of the Homeland Study Group Foundation, wants the 1956 plebiscite which facilitated the union between the British-mandated Togoland and the Gold Coast prior to Ghanas independence on March 6, 1957 to be revisited. Members of the Homeland Study Group Foundation argue that there has been no unionized constitution since then. The Foundations Secretary claims that over the years, they sent a series of letters to the government which they never responded to, adding that in the most recent they drew Accras attention to the need to sit down and discuss things they had come across which they didnt like. Story continues Stalemate George Nyako says they made it clear in the last missive that if the government failed to respond to their request, by May 9, which marked the 62nd anniversary of the plebiscite that led to the creation of the union, Accra should rule them out as part of Ghana. The Homeland Study Group Foundation which insists it can achieve Western Togolands restoration to its 1922 status, through a mass mobilization of her human and financial resources, lays claim to about 4 million core members drawn from across the so-description Tans-Volga Togoland. The territory presented by the restorationists as their homeland stretches from Kulungugu in Ghanas Upper East Region to Keta in the Southern Coast by the Atlantic Ocean covering a surface area of 34,600 square kilometers. France is urging extreme caution for tourists in the southern Sahel following the kidnapping and rescue of two French nationals, who were freed in what the military described as a highly complex operation.Two French commandos were killed in the night-time raid to free the tourists, Patrick Picque and Laurent Lassimouillas, who had gone missing in a wildlife park in Benin on 1 May, before being taken to neighbouring Burkina Faso.An American and a South Korean were also rescued during the mission carried out with the help of elite troops from the regional Barkhane force while four kidnappers were killed.Speaking to French radio Saturday, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said jihadists were increasingly active in the region, and that the area where the rescue took place was considered a red zone. * Commando raid carried out to stop French hostages' transfer to militants in MaliThis is an area where we should not go, and where we take major risks if we do, Le Drian said. "The greatest precaution must be taken in these regions to prevent such abductions from taking place and to avoid the sacrifice of our soldiers."Le Drain advised tourists wishing to travel to the Sahel to read the Quai d'Orsays latest travel advice, which is regularly updated and which indicates the zones considered high risk, low risk and safe.Last chance for military to strikeIts understood the hostages were about to be transferred to Mali when they were freed.Frances army chief Francois Lecointre told reporters the rescue operation came on the back of a reconnaissance mission that returned vital information on the gang of six hostage-takers.When the gang stopped in northern Burkina Faso on Thursday night, the military considered this to be the final opportunity to intervene before the hostages were transferred to Islamist militants in Mali where a rescue operation would have been too risky."It was an extremely complex operation, with extremely demanding timings," Lecointre said. France is urging extreme caution for tourists in the southern Sahel following the kidnapping and rescue of two French nationals, who were freed in what the military described as a highly complex operation. Two French commandos were killed in the night-time raid to free the tourists, Patrick Picque and Laurent Lassimouillas, who had gone missing in a wildlife park in Benin on 1 May, before being taken to neighbouring Burkina Faso. An American and a South Korean were also rescued during the mission carried out with the help of elite troops from the regional Barkhane force while four kidnappers were killed. Speaking to French radio Saturday, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said jihadists were increasingly active in the region, and that the area where the rescue took place was considered a red zone. This is an area where we should not go, and where we take major risks if we do, Le Drian said. "The greatest precaution must be taken in these regions to prevent such abductions from taking place and to avoid the sacrifice of our soldiers." Le Drain advised tourists wishing to travel to the Sahel to read the Quai d'Orsays latest travel advice, which is regularly updated and which indicates the zones considered high risk, low risk and safe. Last chance for military to strike Its understood the hostages were about to be transferred to Mali when they were freed. Frances army chief Francois Lecointre told reporters the rescue operation came on the back of a reconnaissance mission that returned vital information on the gang of six hostage-takers. When the gang stopped in northern Burkina Faso on Thursday night, the military considered this to be the final opportunity to intervene before the hostages were transferred to Islamist militants in Mali where a rescue operation would have been too risky. "It was an extremely complex operation, with extremely demanding timings," Lecointre said. Four attackers have stormed a luxury hotel in Pakistan, shooting dead a security guard before being killed themselves after a lengthy stand-off. The attack happened at the Pearl Continental Hotel in the southwestern city of Gwadar. Before the deaths were confirmed, an army spokesman said: "The guests have been safely evacuated. The terrorists have been encircled by security forces in staircase leading to the top floor. A clearance operation is in progress." According to The Balochistan Post, at least 10 blasts were heard near the five-star hotel and there were initial reports that three attackers had entered the building. A senior security official later said: "All four terrorists have been killed." Gwadar lies about 435 miles south west of Quetta, Balochistan's capital, and the hotel is near the city's port. The city was built with Chinese help in recent years and its port is being developed as part of the $60bn (46bn) China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The hotel is used by many foreign guests, including dozens of Chinese people working on infrastructure projects. But Balochistan, one of Pakistan's largest and poorest provinces,has been plagued by ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies, with militants demanding a greater share of its natural gas and other resources. One of these groups is the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which has said it was behind the hotel attack. In a statement, the group released photos of the attackers. Officials in Pakistan said they were on high alert for attacks during Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims which began in early May. Saturday's incident comes after a bombing earlier this week targeting police outside a Sufi shrine in Lahore, in the north of Pakistan, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 20. The nine-year-old went viral after blurting out his appreciation for a performance of a Mozart piece in Boston. A US performing arts group has found the child who was literally wowed by a recent classical music concert. The Handel and Haydn Society had just finished a rendition of Mozarts Masonic Funeral at Bostons Symphony Hall in Massachusetts when a youngster blurted out: Wow! The group was so charmed that they launched a search for the Wow Child with the help of audio of the moment, captured by WCRB-FM. The child is nine-year-old Ronan Mattin, of New Hampshire, WGBH-FM reported. He attended the concert with his grandfather, Stephen. The power of classical music: https://t.co/f8pFGdawgU 99.5 WCRB, Classical Radio Boston (@995WCRB) May 9, 2019 Ronans grandmother had seen a report on TV which said the society was looking for the child. Stephen Mattin said Ronan is on the autism spectrum and expresses himself differently from other people. He said his grandson is a huge music fan. I had told several people because I thought it was a funny story, Stephen Mattin said. About how he was expressing his admiration for the performance and put everybody in stitches. Handel & Haydn president David Snead said he is setting up a Skype meeting with Ronan and Harry Christophers, the societys artistic director who was conducting the night of the performance. The society will invite Ronan and his family back to the venue in October, when the 2019-2020 season opens, for another Mozart performance conducted by Mr Christophers. Mr Snead called Sundays experience one of the most wonderful moments he has ever had in a concert hall. Several thousand nationalists rallied in Warsaw on Saturday against a US law on the restitution of Jewish properties seized during the Holocaust, fuelling concerns about anti-Semitism in the country. Far-right supporters who marched from the prime minister's office to the US embassy waved banners reading "No to claims", "Shame" and "Stop 477".The latter refers to the US Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act which requires the US State Department to report to Congress on the progress of countries including Poland on the restitution of Jewish assets seized during World War Two and its aftermath.The protest took place amid a dramatic rise in anti-Semitic hate speech in public life in Poland and it appeared to be one of the largest anti-Jewish street demonstrations in recent times. It also comes as far-right groups are gaining in popularity, pressuring the conservative government to move further to the right.'Biggest European anti-Jewish demonstration in recent years'Poland was a major victim of Nazi Germany during World War II and those protesting say it is not fair to ask Poland to compensate Jewish victims when Poland has never received adequate compensation from Germany."Why should we have to pay money today when nobody gives us anything?" said 22-year-old Kamil Wencwel. "Americans only think about Jewish and not Polish interests."The protesters shouted "no to claims!" and "This is Poland, not Polin," using the Hebrew word for Poland.Rafal Pankowski, a sociologist who heads the anti-extremist group Never Again, called the march "probably the biggest openly anti-Jewish street demonstration in Europe in recent years."One couple wore matching T-shirts reading "death to the enemies of the fatherland," while another man wore a shirt saying: "I will not apologise for Jedwabne" a massacre of Jews by their Polish neighbors in 1941 under the German occupation.Among those far-right politicians who led the march were Janusz Korwin-Mikke and Grzegorz Braun, who have joined forces in a far-right coalition standing in the elections to the European Parliament later this month. Stopping Jewish restitution claims has been one of their key priorities, along with fighting what they call pro-LGBT "propaganda." The movement is polling well amongst young Polish men.Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki echoed the feelings of the protesters at a campaign rally Saturday, saying that it is Poles who deserve compensation.Poland was the heartland of European Jewish life before the Holocaust, with most of the 3.3 million Polish Jews murdered by occupying Nazi German forces. Christian Poles were also targeted by the Germans, killed in massacres and in concentration camps.Looted property 'continues to benefit Polish economy'Many Poles to this day have a feeling that their suffering has not been adequately acknowledged by the world, while that of Jewish suffering in the Holocaust has, creating what has often been called a "competition of victimhood."Many of the properties of both Jews and non-Jews were destroyed during the war or were looted and later nationalised by the communist regime that followed.Protesters said paying compensation would ruin Poland's economy. But Jewish organisations, particularly the World Jewish Restitution Organisation, have been seeking compensation for Holocaust survivors and their families, consider compensation a matter of justice for a population that was subjected to genocide.Poland is the only European Union country that hasn't passed laws regulating the compensation of looted or national property, and the head of the WJRO, Gideon Taylor, noted Saturday that such property "continues to benefit the Polish economy."At least two US Confederate flags were visible at Saturday's protest, which began with a rally in front of the prime minister's office before the protesters walked to the US Embassy. Men in Native American headdress held a banner with a message pointing to what they see as US double standards: 'USA, Practice 447 at home. Return stolen lands to the descendants of native tribes."With pressure building on this issue, the US State Department's new envoy on anti-Semitism, Elan Carr, was in Warsaw this past week, telling leaders and media that the US is only urging Poland to fulfil a non-binding commitment it made in 2009 to act on the issue. He also said the US recognises that Poland was a victim of the war and is not dictating how Warsaw regulates compensation.(FRANCE 24 with AP and AFP) Several thousand nationalists rallied in Warsaw on Saturday against a US law on the restitution of Jewish properties seized during the Holocaust, fuelling concerns about anti-Semitism in the country. Far-right supporters who marched from the prime minister's office to the US embassy waved banners reading "No to claims", "Shame" and "Stop 477". The latter refers to the US Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (JUST) Act which requires the US State Department to report to Congress on the progress of countries including Poland on the restitution of Jewish assets seized during World War Two and its aftermath. The protest took place amid a dramatic rise in anti-Semitic hate speech in public life in Poland and it appeared to be one of the largest anti-Jewish street demonstrations in recent times. It also comes as far-right groups are gaining in popularity, pressuring the conservative government to move further to the right. 'Biggest European anti-Jewish demonstration in recent years' Poland was a major victim of Nazi Germany during World War II and those protesting say it is not fair to ask Poland to compensate Jewish victims when Poland has never received adequate compensation from Germany. "Why should we have to pay money today when nobody gives us anything?" said 22-year-old Kamil Wencwel. "Americans only think about Jewish and not Polish interests." The protesters shouted "no to claims!" and "This is Poland, not Polin," using the Hebrew word for Poland. Rafal Pankowski, a sociologist who heads the anti-extremist group Never Again, called the march "probably the biggest openly anti-Jewish street demonstration in Europe in recent years." One couple wore matching T-shirts reading "death to the enemies of the fatherland," while another man wore a shirt saying: "I will not apologise for Jedwabne" a massacre of Jews by their Polish neighbors in 1941 under the German occupation. Story continues Among those far-right politicians who led the march were Janusz Korwin-Mikke and Grzegorz Braun, who have joined forces in a far-right coalition standing in the elections to the European Parliament later this month. Stopping Jewish restitution claims has been one of their key priorities, along with fighting what they call pro-LGBT "propaganda." The movement is polling well amongst young Polish men. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki echoed the feelings of the protesters at a campaign rally Saturday, saying that it is Poles who deserve compensation. Poland was the heartland of European Jewish life before the Holocaust, with most of the 3.3 million Polish Jews murdered by occupying Nazi German forces. Christian Poles were also targeted by the Germans, killed in massacres and in concentration camps. Looted property 'continues to benefit Polish economy' Many Poles to this day have a feeling that their suffering has not been adequately acknowledged by the world, while that of Jewish suffering in the Holocaust has, creating what has often been called a "competition of victimhood." Many of the properties of both Jews and non-Jews were destroyed during the war or were looted and later nationalised by the communist regime that followed. Protesters said paying compensation would ruin Poland's economy. But Jewish organisations, particularly the World Jewish Restitution Organisation, have been seeking compensation for Holocaust survivors and their families, consider compensation a matter of justice for a population that was subjected to genocide. Poland is the only European Union country that hasn't passed laws regulating the compensation of looted or national property, and the head of the WJRO, Gideon Taylor, noted Saturday that such property "continues to benefit the Polish economy." At least two US Confederate flags were visible at Saturday's protest, which began with a rally in front of the prime minister's office before the protesters walked to the US Embassy. Men in Native American headdress held a banner with a message pointing to what they see as US double standards: 'USA, Practice 447 at home. Return stolen lands to the descendants of native tribes." With pressure building on this issue, the US State Department's new envoy on anti-Semitism, Elan Carr, was in Warsaw this past week, telling leaders and media that the US is only urging Poland to fulfil a non-binding commitment it made in 2009 to act on the issue. He also said the US recognises that Poland was a victim of the war and is not dictating how Warsaw regulates compensation. (FRANCE 24 with AP and AFP) Three foreign hostages, including two French citizens, will arrive in Paris on Saturday evening after their rescue by French special forces in Burkina Faso. Watch FRANCE 24's special edition for coverage of their return. Three ex-hostages -- including a South Korean citizen -- will arrive in Paris at 6pm French time (GMT +2), where they will be greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron and senior government and military officials.The French tourists, Patrick Picque, 51, and Lassimouillas, 46, disappeared during a tour of Pendjari National Park on May 1. The disfigured body of their guide was found shortly after they were reported missing, along with their abandoned Toyota truck.Intelligence agencies tracked their captors across the semi-desert terrain of eastern Burkina Faso, where it appeared they would soon cross the border into Mali. Macron gave the order for the night-time raid Thursday on the militants' camp, in which Picque and Lassimouillas were freed, along with an American woman and a South Korean woman.Click on the video player above to watch FRANCE 24's special report. Three foreign hostages, including two French citizens, will arrive in Paris on Saturday evening after their rescue by French special forces in Burkina Faso. Watch FRANCE 24's special edition for coverage of their return. Three ex-hostages -- including a South Korean citizen -- will arrive in Paris at 6pm French time (GMT +2), where they will be greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron and senior government and military officials. The French tourists, Patrick Picque, 51, and Lassimouillas, 46, disappeared during a tour of Pendjari National Park on May 1. The disfigured body of their guide was found shortly after they were reported missing, along with their abandoned Toyota truck. Intelligence agencies tracked their captors across the semi-desert terrain of eastern Burkina Faso, where it appeared they would soon cross the border into Mali. Macron gave the order for the night-time raid Thursday on the militants' camp, in which Picque and Lassimouillas were freed, along with an American woman and a South Korean woman. Click on the video player above to watch FRANCE 24's special report. Armed Police officers stand guard on London Bridge following the attack. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP) The fiance of a Canadian woman killed in the London Bridge terror attack told a man to stop filming after she was dragged under the wheels of a van, an inquest has heard. Social worker Christine Archibald, 30, suffered almost instantaneous death when she was hit by the rented vehicle on June 3, 2017 as she walked with Tyler Ferguson, the Old Bailey was told. She was one of eight people killed when Khuram Butt, 27, Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22, launched a van and knife rampage on London Bridge and in Borough Market. Bus driver Anton Sobanski said he returned to his vehicle in the aftermath of the attack to find the bottom deck deserted except for an empty pram, with passengers sheltering upstairs. The victims of the attack. Christine Archibald is top row left. (PA) He said: There was a man upstairs at the back and he was trying to film where Chrissy and someone I believe it was Tyler telling him stop filming. Ms Archibald and her fiance were walking across the bridge after the couple, who were living together in The Hague, Netherlands, went for dinner at a Thai restaurant during a weekend visit to the capital. Chrissy stopped out of nowhere, grabbed me close to give me a passionate kiss after telling me how much she loved me, he said in his evidence, which was read at the Old Bailey on Friday. He said earlier during an intense conversation she had told him to make up with his father because he could get hit by a bus tomorrow. The inquest heard how they switched sides moments before the attackers began targeting groups of pedestrians in their rented van. Mr Ferguson said he saw a man screaming as he ran down the road and heard the screeching of tyres as the vehicle approached from behind. I then noticed a really large white Transit van on the pavement hurtling towards us, he said. It was immediately clear this was an act of violence and not an accident. Mr Tyler said he heard a loud thud, adding: I then looked for Chrissy. She was no longer next to me. I realised she had been hit by the van. Story continues Hotel guests are evacuated following the attack (Yui Mok/PA via AP) CCTV footage played in court, which was described by counsel to the inquest Jonathan Hough QC as graphic and distressing, showed Ms Archibald being struck by the van on the third time it had mounted the 10cm curb. Mr Ferguson was seen to run after the van and crouch down over her body, which had been carried down the road under the chassis. He said: She was lying on her back, her dress had been ripped off by the van, so she was naked at this stage. Read more on Yahoo News UK: Ann Widdecombe says no-deal Brexit is 'nothing compared to sacrifice' of WW2 EU's Donald Tusk says there's a 30% chance of Brexit being cancelled Ukip MEP candidate Carl Benjamin investigated over Jess Phillips rape comments I remember looking down at her mangled body as she convulsed and released the physical life from her body. Mr Ferguson said he had to scoop out fragments of teeth to clear his fiances airway before performing CPR but saw blood come from her mouth as he tried to breathe into it. People lay flowers laid after a minute's silence on London Bridge to mark the one year anniversary of the attack (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) I knew in this moment she was dead, he said. Ms Archibald was one of eight people killed in the attack. The others were Xavier Thomas, 45, Alexandre Pigeard, 26, Sara Zelenak, 21, Kirsty Boden, 28, Sebastien Belanger, 36, James McMullan, 32, and Ignacio Echeverria, 39. The attackers, who wore fake explosive belts, were shot dead by police. Well, this week sure felt like the one that got away. I started out with every intention to be productive and and tackle some longer posts and projects. But technical glitches and other distractions pulled me off track, and Im still playing catch-up. A Peek Behind The Blogging Curtain First, thanks for your patience with the glitches. The blog was down for a while on Thursday. I couldnt even get into my dashboard to trouble-shoot. Fortunately, last year I signed up with a support team (chloedigital), that provides tech support, among other services. They were able to access my site on the back-end, clear the conflict, and get me back online. For those who arent bloggers, there are software add-ons called plugins, which do everything from managing comments (and flagging/deleting spam), to visual formatting, to interfacing with other entities that I rely on for statistics and information. Apparently one (or more) of these plugins ran into a conflict with other code/script that powers the blog, and poof! made the whole thing inaccessible. Tech issues (especially being offline) are very stressful, but having someone I can contact for help (and know theyll find and fix the issue) takes some of the panic out of it. Getting Back On The Fitness Track Ive kept up with my weekly Pilates sessions, and continue to notice improved strength. I can hold a plank position for almost a minute now, and a wall squat for almost two. Ive also noticed that my posture is much better, and my stomach (especially lower abdomen) is a little flatter. But I havent done as well with maintaining a regular exercise routine outside of that. I used to rely on daily 30+ minute walks with the dogs to get regular movement. But as theyve aged (and Byrons had back problems) their walks are now down to 10 minutes per day. My efforts to get daily exercise have been sporadic at best. Part of the problem is that Ive been resistant to setting a fixed schedule, but I think thats what its going to take. So Im blocking out 30-45 minutes every afternoon to either walk or engage in some other form of movement. My weekly Pilates session has become a habit, and I need to use the same strategy here. Lets Go For A Walk Turn on your JavaScript to view content Travel Ahead Just a little over 5 weeks until we travel to France and the UK! Well start off in Beaune in the Bourgogne region, then spend a few days in Paris, and finish up with a few days in London. Its still too early to decide what Im packing, as weather is anyones guess at this point. But I will be following my formula of 4 bottoms, 8-10 tops, plus outerwear and accessories. If youre planning a travel wardrobe, or looking for packing tips, do check out my Its set up so that you can filter by season and trip length to find the most relevant content. And Ive also highlighted some of my favorite travel clothing, shoes, and essentials; just scroll down. Do you maintain a regular exercise schedule? Bon weekend, and Happy Mothers Day to those who are celebrating! "General Hospital" is throwing a few surprises at the fans during May Sweeps. With Oscar dying just as Jordan needed a kidney, it was believed he would be her donor. On Wednesday, however, Dr. Kevin Collins indicated that he was a match, which suggests that he may be the one to save the police commissioner's life. Rebecca Budig is also scheduled to return to Port Charles. When she left her character told old Finn that she had miscarried their baby and he moved on with Anna. Now Hayden will come back with the child and cause friction in the romance with MS. Devane. This may be just what Robert desires because he is trying to break up the couple. Kevin may save Jordan's life Oscar's demise began at the same time Jordan's remaining kidney began to fail, which gave the impression that the teen would save her life. Since he passed away, nothing has been said about his being a donor, and on Wednesday's "GH " episode, Kevin revealed that he is a match. This does not indicate that he will indeed be the one whose organ is utilized but it certainly is looking that way. Soap Dirt suggests Dr. Collins may want to help the police commissioner to atone for his sins in releasing Ryan on Port Charles. Time is running out, and Jordan needs the operation ASAP. It would have been touching for Drew's best friend's son to be the donor, but all that really matters is that his wife's life is saved. Kevin being a match indicates that Ryan is also, which could actually bring a twist to the story. Perhaps the evil twin may finally be killed and "General Hospital" writers decide it will be is kidney, that Jordan must accept or face death. Rebecca Budig is back on 'GH' Soap Hub is reporting that "General Hospital" is bringing Rebecca Budig back as Hayden Barnes. Discuss this news on Eunomia The spoiler says this is a shock, but many viewers suspected she would return to Port Charles at some point Finn had to find out eventually that his child did not die, and he is a father. Ms. Barnes left town in 2017 and Finn was under the impression that she had miscarried their baby. Hayden will be returning to town with an almost two-year-old which will no doubt cause problems for her former fiancee and Anna. This will play right into Robert's hands because he has been trying to sabotage his ex-wife's relationship for a while now. Hayden will be able to do his dirty work for him, and Mr. Scorpio can keep his hands clean. Perhaps he is even the one who convinced her to come back to town. May Sweeps in Port Charles seems promising so be sure not to miss an episode of "General Hospital." Tune in weekday afternoons on ABC at 2:00 PM EST. Continue to look for updated spoiler alerts to find out in advance what will happen next with your favorite characters. When Calls the Heart fans could not have hoped for anything better than the two-night welcome back from the beloved Hallmark Channel drama set in the Northwest Territory. Sundays Heart of a Mountie at last introduced Kevin McGarry as Nathan Grant. It was Elizabeth Thornton (Erin Krakow) herself who summoned the courage and the good manners to properly introduce herself to the new Constable. In Monday night's May 6 installment, Surprise, everyone in Hope Valley is in high spirits for very different reasons. Futures seem bright and love is on full display, but not everyone is having an easy time making friends. Up from the ground Things were stirred and shaking in the cafe, and not just from Sheriff Bill Avery (Jack Wagner) and his clinking spoon against his cup. Hope Valley was apparently getting used to these tremors, because as Florence Blakely (Loretta Walsh) said, nothing good comes from them. Something good bubbled up early in the episode for Jesse (Aren Buchholz) and Clara (Eva Bourne) as they were preparing their property for a future home. Jesse was digging the well when a wondrous black liquid bubbled through the ground. It's oil-- we're gonna be rich! he exclaimed, twirling Clara with joy. Henry Gowen (Martin Cummins) soon tempered the youthful excitement. The businessman, who has been on both sides of the law, explained that more drilling would be needed to determine if a real oil reserve was there. That effort would cost thousands. Why does everything cost thousands? Jesse asked, like so many homeowners. Gowen sees an opportunity for his own future. He offers Jesse $1200 for the land, more than double what the future husband paid. Jesse talks to Clara and agrees to sell. In the meantime, Gowen proposes to the new saloon owner, Lucas Bouchard (Chris McNally) that he provides the capital to option portions of the property. Discuss this news on Eunomia When he compares the venture to the excitement of a high-stakes poker game, Bouchard finds it impossible to resist. Ladies night Rosemary Coulter (Pascale Hutton) tries yet another time to invite Elizabeth over for a get-together. The dutiful mother and teacher has missed five previous occasions. She agrees to make this one, but again, grading papers and getting sleep take precedence. Rosemary comes up with a spur of the moment idea to have Lee (Kavan Smith) babysit baby Jack, while she and Elizabeth share a ladies night of chat and confections. Lee is more than delighted to have this duty, and the delight of seeing Lincoln and Gunnar Taylor smile and coo, seemingly on cue as baby Jack, is the brightest sight for any When Calls the Heart fan. When Bill comes over, it doesn't take long for him to critique Lees childcare methods. Lee quips, Don't you have anything Sheriff-y to do? Bill asks, Don't you have another tree to cut down? Still, Lee compliments that Bill will be a fine judge (for the position that he has just been offered). In turn, Bill notes that Lee will make a fine father one day. Elizabeth and Rosemary find both men asleep and the baby in bed at the close of their evening. Thank you so much for watching @WCTH_TV with us #Hearties! Cant wait to tweet with you next weekend! @hallmarkchannel @SCHeartHome Erin Krakow (@erinkrakow) May 7, 2019 Love and adventure on the loose One of the topics of conversation for Elizabeth and Rosemary is the romance of Dr. Shepherd (Paul Greene) and Faith Carter (Andrea Brooks). When Elizabeth reveals that she, like the rest of the town, knows about their romance because they are terrible liars, Rosemary realizes that keeping the secret is pointless. The couple is finding it harder and harder to conceal their feelings. When they plan a trip to get an electrocardiograph machine, a blocked road means that they must camp overnight, without equipment. Faith shares a painful impasse between her and her father since the death of her mother, and it only draws the pair closer. The next evening in Hope Valley, Carson gives Faith a passionate kiss in front of every onlooker. No one is in the dark about their love now. Nathan Grant does seem to be in the dark about the whereabouts of his niece, Ally. The strong-willed and free-spirited girl is portrayed to a plum by Jaeda Lily Miller, who already has a roster of Hallmark movies to her credit. Ally introduces herself to the Sheriff before reading her uncle, and Bill Avery already know she's a handful. When she promises Nathan that she will go into school by herself, saying Give me this moment, she instead runs for the fishing pond, catching dinner for the night. When the new Mountie asks Elizabeth how his niece was that day, she has no idea who the child is, but she's willing to help find her. One of the people Ally encounters in town is Lucas Bouchard. She is trying to escape her uncles eyes when she dashes into the saloon. She tells Lucas that she much prefers adults to children since she has a hard time making friends. He tells her that he had the same problem until he learned to amaze them. Pulling out his deck of cards, he shows her a trick. She agrees to go back to school only if he shows her how it's done. He concedes. When Ally does indeed meet the real Mrs. Thornton, she pledges to be in school. During recess, on her first day, Elizabeth finds her demonstrating the trick for her classmates and taking coins, snacks, and whatever else they have in return. She takes the loot, and has a talk with Lucas about teaching gambling for minors. He explains that he only wanted to help Ally break the ice since he understood her feelings. Ally returns the booty, even though some has already been consumed. She is much sassier than she is kind. Hope Valley hasnt seen this kind of student, but she wont be a match for Elizabeth Thornton. Elizabeth also suggests that Nathan needs help to give stability to the child he loves. He counters that we're fine, but the facts speak for themselves. Nathan and Lucas are having trouble being friends, too. Nathan comes to the Queen of Hearts, and Lucas apologizes what happened with Ally. The new Mountie questions Bouchard about his motives for coming to Hope Valley, noting that it is filled with good people and fine opportunities. He declares that the business owner is not a good fit for the community. Lucas looks him right in the eyes, saying he's not going anywhere. These are surely not the last words between these gentlemen, and Elizabeth may learn more than she bargained for as When Calls the Heart carries on through Season 6, Season 7, and hopefully, many more. The sighting of an endangered Asiatic black bear in the DMZ has come as a surprise. It was captured on a video. The DMZ is a unique feature of the korean peninsula. It is a strip of land roughly 155 miles long and 2.5 miles wide, that runs across the peninsula. It divides the two Koreas and there are mechanisms to guard against any sort of encroachment. The DMZ came into being after the armistice was signed to end the 1950-53 Korean War. In view of the isolated nature of this piece of land, many Endangered Species of wildlife have made it their home. Authorities in South Korea predict there are hundreds of such animals in the area. The BBC reports that millions of visitors arrive every year to take in the sights and sounds of wildlife. Visitors usually arrive on the south side to watch the treasures of flora and fauna on the other side. Because of the recent thaw in the relationship between Seoul and Pyongyang, both sides are taking steps to have hiking trails in the DMZ. Seoul government plans to set up an "ecological tourism belt." South Korea's Ministry of Environment estimates there are thousands of animal and plant species in the zone. Endangered Asiatic Black Bear just discovered to be in the DMZ! https://t.co/3EMuhHiRjc Greg Brooks-English (@gbrooksenglish) May 10, 2019 The Asiatic black bear There had been reports of soldiers seeing the Asiatic black bear but there was no evidence. Therefore, South Korea installed cameras in strategic locations and captured the animal on video. From examining the photograph, they have been able to arrive at some details like its age, weight etcetera. The conclusion is it belongs to the species of the Asiatic black bears that roam in the DMZ. Endangered Asiatic black bear found in DMZ https://t.co/BzSbPvqjcZ via @NewsNowUK susanna minaheili (@FeluciSusanna) May 9, 2019 The BBC goes on to add that the DMZ is a veritable treasure house of a large variety of not only animals but also of migratory birds. Discuss this news on Eunomia An example is the red-crowned crane and black-faced spoonbill. Both are rare birds. The former with a population of just over 3000 is labeled as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The DMZ is more than a no-mans land According to CNN, the heavily guarded DMZ between North and South Korea is not just a no-mans land but is also a refuge for endangered animals and exotic birds. Since 2014, there have been unmanned cameras installed in the area. They are programmed to snap photos when they sense movement from a warm-blooded animal. As far as the Asiatic Black bears are concerned, authorities in South Korea designated them as an endangered animal in 1998 and have been trying to improve the count. The ministry wants to expand the study of ecology and biodiversity of the DMZ. It wants to evolve measures to preserve and manage wildlife in the region. The area had been out of bounds to humans for over six decades. That has come as a boon for preservation of the wildlife. Moldova held their most recent parliamentary election in February. The results were close. Some have called them inconclusive. Parliamentary politics have long been troublesome for the country. It has gone through seven prime ministers in the last ten years. There were various issues spotlighted during the campaign. Those concerned about social welfare and infrastructure largely voted for left-of-center parties. Conversely, voters concerned about corruption largely voted right-of-center. There was also a great deal of attention paid to potential international alliances. Balkan Insight reports that pro-European Union and pro-Russia sympathies are almost evenly split. Now, it seems that voters might have to choose all over again this year. Coalition negotiations have stalled In essence, three parties hold the balance of power following the election. The PSRM operates on a pro-Russian, socialist and nationalistic platform. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Moldova also espouses socialist views but is pro-European Union, rather than Russia. The third "party" is actually an alliance between two separate political parties, as World Politics Review reports. These are the Dignity and Truth Platform Party and the Party of Action and Solidarity. Combined, they have become known as ACUM. Their joint platform includes center-right, pro-EU and anti-corruption policies. Also winning seats in parliament was the conservative Sor Party. Notably, the Party of Communists failed to win any seats. It marks the first time since Moldova's independence from the Soviet Union that the party was shut out. Any combination of the PSRM, the Democratic Party or ACUM would secure enough seats to form a government. Discuss this news on Eunomia But their vastly different platforms have caused major problems in achieving such a goal. A deal between ACUM and the Democratic Party seemed unlikely from the start. Hostilities between the two sides are likely too much to overcome. Some progress had been made in negotiations between ACUM and the PSRM. However, this hit a major snag in April. Several PSRM members traveled to Moscow to meet with Russian officials. This renewed concerns for ACUM about the close ties between the PSRM and the Kremlin. There have been further issues dividing the parties involved. Likely most prominent is their differing policies for selecting the speaker of the parliament. ACUM wants significant reforms to reduce chances of corruption. The negotiation deadline is getting closer As things stand, all sides have until July 9 to come up with an agreement. If none is reached by then, a new election is likely to take place. Moldovan President Igor Dodon has indicated that it would take place in October or November. Possible delays could come at the hands of the Democratic Party. The party has been staunchly opposed to a new election and would likely go to court over it. After the election results, the party previously sought legal action for coalition negotiations to last 18 months. Nearly half of the transport BOT projects under the management of the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam (DFRV) report low revenue, with many of them incurring big losses. Of 57 BOT projects the agency is managing, 27 projects have more revenue and 26 have lower revenue than the contracts. There is no figure about the remaining four projects as they have just been put into operation. According to DFRVs director general Nguyen Van Huyen, in many cases, the real traffic is lower than estimated, so the toll collected is lower than expected. Besides, the tardiness in putting toll collection stations into operation and the allocation of vehicles to parallel routes are also behind the unsatisfactory revenue. Under the agreement signed between the Ministry of Transport and investors, the toll can be adjusted once every three years and the toll increased by 18 percent after approval from appropriate agencies. Dau Tu newspaper quoted Nguyen Nhat, Deputy Minister of Transport, as saying that some BOT projects are due to raise the toll as initially agreed, but the ministry still cannot accept the increase because ofproblems. The unsatisfactory business performance of some BOT projects has caused worries among commercial banks the lenders in the projects. The unsatisfactory business performance of some BOT projects has caused worries among commercial banks the lenders in the projects. A report of the State Bank showed that 32 percent of BOT projects which were completed and became operational have revenue from tolls lower than estimated, and the outstanding loans provided by banks to the projects are roughly VND43 trillion. This means that banks will see the bad debts increase. Experts repeatedly warned about the limited financial capability of BOT investors. Many of them have the capital accounting for 10-15 percent of the projects total capital and have to borrow the other 85-90 percent of capital needed from banks to implement projects. The supervision delegation of the National Assembly Standing Committee once warned of high risks. Banks use short-term capital to provide long-term, up to 20 year-term loans, thus incurring high risks. LienVIet Post Bank HCMC Branch has recently reported debt with mortgaged assets worth VND460 billion, including VND435 billion in principal and VND22 billion in interest. The mortgaged asset of the loan is the right to collect tolls at the BOT project that connects Vo Van Kiet Road and the HCMC-Trung Luong Highway. The bank said it has brought the case to District 1 Court to fulfill the debt payment. The project that connects Vo Van Kiet Road and HCMC-Trung Luong Highway, implemented under the BOT mode with the investment capital of VND1.55 trillion, kicked off in October 2015. The investor, Yen Khanh Production, Trade and Service Company, plans to implement the project within 20 months. RELATED NEWS The Ministry of Transports role in BOT toll collection Conflict of interest in BOT projects continues to be heady issue Kim Chi A new trend has emerged in Hanois office leasing market in the first three months of 2019 due to the declining supply in the city centre as well as the disadvantages in amenities and price. Leadvisors Tower, expected to be put into operation in the third quarter of 2019, is one of the few Grade A buildings in the west of Hanoi Hanois real estate market is now expanding from the centre, towards the neighbouring areas and new business centres. Tenants now prefer office buildings in the west of Hanoi. Rent up, occupancy down According to Savills Vietnams report on the Hanoi real estate market in the first quarter of 2019, the citys office leasing market is facing a scarcity in office space. After three years, only one new Grade A and three new Grade B projects have been rolled out into the market. The projects added a combined 81,000 square metres, bringing the total supply to 1.8 million sq.m, 4 per cent higher quarter-on-quarter. It is noteworthy that the central business district welcomed its first Grade A building in five years. There are currently no contiguous spaces in Grade A buildings in the west and the CBD, with the exception of the newly-launched Thai Square. In the first quarter of 2019, the average gross rent reached $20 per sq.m per month, increasing by 2 per cent quarter-on-quarter and 5 per cent year-on-year. Average occupancy declined by 2 percentage points quarter-on-quarter and 1 percentage point year-on-year to 92 per cent. It is forecasted that office demand will continue to rise in Hanoi. There are 6,339 newly-registered businesses in the city, surging by 16 per cent per annum, which will create additional demand for office-for-lease in the coming time. Decentralisation continues According to Savills, new supply of approximately 392,000sq.m is expected to enter until 2020. Tenants are moving from the old CBD (Hoan Kiem) to new business areas like Midtown and the west. Demand drivers include improved infrastructure such as Metro lines, increasing commercial and residential developments, as well as large affordable spaces. Districts with limited office supply considering the large number of workers include Thanh Xuan, Hai Ba Trung, Long Bien, Hadong, and Tay Ho. Research by other consulting and brokerage firms shows that there is not so great supply of high-quality and fully-equipped offices in the west. On the other hand, there is high availability but low demand for Grade B and Grade C offices. On Pham Van Dong Boulevard, from Thang Long Bridge to Mai Dich Flyover, no new Grade A office building has been rolled out apart from Leadvisors Tower. Located at 36 Pham Van Dong Boulevard, Leadvisors Tower is one of the few Grade A office projects highly appreciated by investors. According to the developer, Leadvisors Tower is one of the first Japanese-standard office buildings in Vietnam. The tower is expected to be put into operation in the third quarter of 2019. The project has recorded a healthy take-up rate so far with a good number of tenants having rented office space already. We would like to have a spacious, airy, and modern working space in the west but it is not easy to find an ideal place. Leadvisors Tower was one of the outstanding options given that there will be scarce supply of Grade A buildings in the west in the coming time, Mai Anh, a business owner said. VIR Although Vietnam has reported high growth in wood and wooden product exports in recent years, only 5% of the exported products were designed locally, stated Nguyen Quoc Khanh, chairman of HCMC Handicraft and Wood Industry Association. Nguyen Quoc Khanh (standing), chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of HCMC, speaks at the press conference. Only 5% of Vietnams wood exports are designed locally: At a press briefing on May 7 to introduce Vifa GU 2019, an exhibition on interior lifestyle, which will be held in Vietnam for the first time from May 16 to 19, Khanh noted that most of Vietnams wooden products are processed based on the available designs of foreign companies, rather than original design manufacturer (ODM) products. According to HAWA, domestic wood processing companies have overtaken foreign direct investment enterprises in terms of export revenue, and can compete fairly with foreign rivals to provide products to large corporations. However, local wood enterprises are weak in design and distribution. Despite high export growth, the added value of locally processed wooden products remains low, he said. Vietnamese wood brands remain unpopular in the global market though the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership has already come into force, expanding markets for Vietnams wooden products to Canada, Mexico and Peru. Vifa GU is expected to help improve the sectors ODM capacity. According to statistics from the General Department of Customs, Vietnam generated US$2.27 billion from wood and wooden product exports in the first half of the year, up 16.2% year-on-year. Vietnams wood and wooden products were mainly shipped to the United States and Japan. Last year, the revenue from wood and wooden products reached nearly US$9.4 billion, accounting for over 23% of the agriculture sectors total export turnover. The wood processing sector also enjoyed a trade surplus of over US$7 billion. The sector has set a target of US$10.8-11 billion in export revenue this year, a 16%-18% increase over 2018. Vifa GU, which will be held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in HCMC's District 7, is expected to attract nearly 100 exhibitors displaying their products, equipment and technology at some 500 booths. Nguyen Chanh Phuong, vice chairman and general secretary of HAWA, said Vifa GU is an important event for promoting the trade of wood and wooden products. Many interior businesses across the country will demonstrate the latest trends in interior design. The exhibition will also include eight specialized seminars on the modular housing, modern housing trends and Italian design styles. SGT Le Hoang Whenever information on infrastructures of a town gets leaked, even as a mere proposal of the government, real estate prices of that area would immediately go up. The public as well as real estate investors must keep their heads straight against rumors of this type. Many land parcels in Bao Loc district, Lam Dong province have been leveled and advertised to be in a favourale postion in the near futute to lure buyers In recent days, land prices have skyrocketed in many provinces, as investors are affected by uncertain news spread by real estate agents, convinced of a profitable outcome when they buy the lands near public structures that are planned to be built. Land prices in areas neighboring HCMC skyrocketed The Northwestern area of HCMC recently saw a rise in land prices, namely areas around district 12 and many areas along Highway 22. In particular, a front-street housing project called Shophouse project, announced by My Van Real Estate Company in An Suong crossroads, has seen the highest rate of VND103 million (US$4,402) a square meter. According to Sai Gon Giai Phong reporters, this development is merely due to the news that the construction of HCMC - Moc Bai (Tay Ninh province) Highway was discussed among the citys leaders. On the Eastside of town, lands prices also rose sharply after words got out that a meeting was held between city officials to discuss the Cat Lai bridge project connecting District 2 in HCMC with Nhon Trach District in Dong Nai province. The current price for residential land along Cat Lai Port and Dong Van Cong Street is VND25-40 million a square meter, and VND8-10 million a square meter on average in Nhon Trach district. Agricultural land price in the same area ranges from VND2.5-3 million a square meter. Around the Long Thanh airport project which covers an area of 100 square meters, each lot costs from VND 700 million to VND 1 billion. In Thuan An town, Binh Duong province, real estate prices skyrocketed when people heard that this town was to be promoted to provincial level. Most areas at the center of the town have their prices increased by 20- 40 percent. The current price ranges from VND27-40 million per square meter. At locations adjacent to supermarkets and industrial parks, the price is VND37 million per square meter. The prices of areas adjacent to the National Highway 13 increased to 150 percent after only a few months. In Tan An City, Long An province, a standard lot for residential use (5m wide, 20 - 30m long) costs from VND1-1.8 billion. Lands and pre-built houses in residential and urban projects can cost from VND 2.5-6 billion and still see a large number of buyers. In the districts of Ben Luc, Duc Hoa, and Can Giuoc, just to name a few, land prices still continue to rise. Even lots located in undesirable spots are suddenly being sought after due to rumors that lands in these districts, along with future major traffic projects such as the Ben Luc - Long Thanh highway, will be assigned to HCMCs territory. Land prices in many other provinces also skyrocketed In Lam Dong, the Ministry of Transport has just agreed to deploy the Dau Giay - Lien Khuong expressway with a total length of over 200 kilometers, starting at Dau Giay, Thong Nhat district (Dong Nai province) and ending at Prenn Pass, Da Lat city (Lam Dong province). The project has a capital investment of VND 65 trillion. Despite the news on the position of the expressway being unfixed, real estate investors have begun to promote areas that they speculate the highways to pass through, causing land prices around here to be raised. Being a coastal town with plenty of room for development, the Ba Ria - Vung Tau real estate market has experienced doubled the number of business dealings on lands. According to experts of Binh Dinh Real Estate Association, the price of lands in Quy Nhon City has become 5 times their actual value. The area with highest prices is currently lands facing streetfronts, with a starting price of VND200 250 million per square meter. In Nhon Ly beach commune, the land price in 2006 was only VND1 - 3 million per square meter with almost no potential buyers; now it is VND30 - 35 million per square meter. Since Lunar New Year, Da Nang city has continuously experienced price fever, especially in Golden Hills ecological urban area in Lien Chieu district. According to real estate consultants, the value of 125 per square meters of land is between VND28-30 million per square meter. Real estate agents, however, has boasted prices up to nearly VND5 billion per lot. Reasons for this are that the key projects in the area, such as Lien Chieu Port, Information Technology Park, and High-Tech Park are all being initiated. In Dien Ban town, Quang Nam province, news about the governments plan to launch plans for university complex, or the new Dien Nam - Dien Ngoc urban area has also become an opportunity for speculators to boast land prices. In Hue, the proposal of To Huu road project extending to Phu Bai airport was approved by the Thua Thien - Hue Provincial People's Committee in 2017. Though the project has not yet commenced, real estate agents have since exploited this info to boast land prices in zoned areas adjacent to the project, raising prices up to VND20 million per square meter. In northern provinces, the Van Don area in Quang Ninh has been the "focal point" of the real estate market. After the government requested for special economic zones to be constructed, Van Don real estate market soared. This flux temporarily cooled down around July 2016, when the Congress decided to delay the passing of Special Zone Law. However, the rush started again from the beginning of 2019, because a series of transport infrastructure works have been built, including Van Don international airport, and Ha Long - Van Don - Mong Cai international highway. Many more projects are also being planned, such as Van Don main road with a width of 58 meters, and the deep-water industrial port near Cai Bau island. Investors are at real risks during this real estate gold rush, especially ones investing in foundation lands. According to experts, after years of focusing on investing in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, the inner urban land budget of these areas has become very limited. Moreover, prolonged investment procedures also cause difficulties in supply. SGGP Thao Nhien [May 10, 2019] Fusion Secures $15MM Bridge Financing as it Continues to Review Strategic Options to Enhance Capital Structure NEW YORK, May 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Fusion (OTC-MKTS: FSNN), a leading provider of cloud services, announced today that it has entered into a bridge facility agreement (the "Agreement") with certain of its first lien lenders (together, the "Ad Hoc Lenders"). This new facility provides an injection of $15.0 million of new capital that will allow Fusion and its key stakeholders to continue to evaluate and pursue a strategic path that will best position the Company for the future. In addition, the Company has the right to request up to an additional $5.0 million under the facility. As previously disclosed, the Company is engaged in discussions with its first and second lien lenders and other stakeholders regarding strategic alternatives to enhance the Company's capital structure and best position its business for future growth. "This new agreement is a step forward for our business as it provides additional funding in the short-term to ensure that we can reach the best long-term solution for our business while enabling us to meet our commitments to our employees, customers, partners and suppliers. All options currently being considered will allow us to maintain our business operations without interruption while we work to achieve our financial goals. I am confident the steps we are taking now will position us well for years to come," said Matthew Rosen, Fusion's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Fusion is advised in this process by FTI Consulting and PJT Partners, Inc. as financial advisors and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as legal advisor. The Ad Hoc Lenders are advised by Greenhill and Co., LLC and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP. About Fusion Fusion, a leading provider of integrated cloud solutions to small, medium and large businesses, is the industry's Single Source for te Cloud. Fusion's advanced, proprietary cloud services platform enables the integration of leading edge solutions in the cloud, including cloud communications, contact center, cloud connectivity, and cloud computing. Fusion's innovative, yet proven cloud solutions lower our customers' cost of ownership, and deliver new levels of security, flexibility, scalability, and speed of deployment. For more information, please visit www.fusionconnect.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words "will," "believe," "intend," "expect," "may," "should," "anticipate," "could," "estimate," "plan," "predict," "project," "potential" or their negatives, other similar expressions or the statements that include those words, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: statements relating to the Company's ability to identify, evaluate and complete any alternative or transaction with respect to its capital structure and financial position and to refinance or restructure its indebtedness; the impact of the announcement of our review of such alternatives or transactions on our business, including on our financial and operating results, or on our employees, customers, partners and suppliers; our ability to meet the milestones set forth in the bridge facility; the potential need to seek bankruptcy protection; and our indebtedness and the significant amount of cash required to service our indebtedness. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, and the Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from future results, performance or achievements expressed in these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs, intentions and expectations. These statements are not guarantees or indicative of future performance, nor should any conclusions be drawn or assumptions be made as to any potential outcome of Company's discussions with its lenders or with respect to the capital Infusion. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither the Company nor any other person assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release. Fusion Contact Brian Coyne pr@fusionconnect.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fusion-secures-15mm-bridge-financing-as-it-continues-to-review-strategic-options-to-enhance-capital-structure-300848396.html SOURCE Fusion [ Back To SIP Trunking Home's Homepage ] US companies have an interest in Vietnams continued success and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi (AmCham) continues to support the governments efforts to grow the private sector, said AmCham Chair Natasha Ansell. Overview of the conference. US companies have invested billions of dollars here, integrating Vietnam into the global supply chain, creating quality jobs for Vietnamese workers, and opening new market for US goods and services, said Ansell at a conference discussing the future of the Vietnam-US commercial relationship held on May 10. Most importantly, our companies understand the link between business and society and do their best to conduct business in a way that creates both long-term economic and social value, she added. The conference, titled The 2019 US Vietnam Business Summit: Celebrating 25 years of trade and investment, was jointly hosted by AmCham, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Over 250 government and industry leaders from both countries attended the event to build on the current positive momentum in bilateral economic relationship and to address the many areas where inconsistencies, inefficiencies, and unfair practices persist. Attractive investment destination Attending the event, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung said the US Vietnam relations have grown comprehensively in all spheres, referring Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc being the first ASEAN leader to visit the US after President Donald Trump took office. Meanwhile, Trump was also the first US president to visit Vietnam twice during one presidential term. Vietnam considers the US top priority partner and expects to further this relation, focusing on trade, economy and investment, Dung added. As of present, the US is one of Vietnams largest trading partners, with bilateral trade value reaching US$60 billion in 2018, a 130-fold increase from US$450 million in 1004. Notably, US exports to Vietnam increased 40% in 2018. At a time of growing global uncertainties, Vietnam remains steadfast on integrating into global economy, particularly through the finalization of the EU Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the conclusion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Dung continued. With a population of over 90 million, of which the majority is at young age, coupled with the governments strong reform effort and improved status in the global community, Vietnam continues to be an attractive investment destination for foreign investors, Dung stressed. Dung emphasized the governments top agenda of building a facilitating state with greater transparency and integrity, focusing on serving enterprises and citizens. The government would do its utmost to create favorable conditions for foreign enterprises, especially US companies, to commit long-term business in Vietnam, he added. Sharing the same view, Charles Freeman, senior vice president for Asia at the USCC, said our members are very focused on Vietnam, and are optimistic about the potential for growth in this market. We continue to believe that the long-term goal for the US and Vietnam should be to have a free trade agreement between them, Freeman said. Chairman of VCCI Vu Tien Loc said sustainable development, reform and integration are the most important keywords in Vietnams development strategy. Vietnam is now aiming for a higher quality and more sustainable structure for investment and trade. On the journey to achieve this goal, the US is one of the most important partners of Vietnam. Vietnamese and US businesses are joining hands to implement potential projects in the fields of manufacturing, processing, green energy, aviation, digital technology, medical innovation and many other fields, Loc added. In the investment and trading cooperation between Vietnam and the US, large corporations in the global value chains play the leading role, but there are also very important roles of the micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), and start-ups, Loc continued. Hopefully, with the close cooperation with US businesses, Vietnam will not only have factories, but will also have an Asian Silicon Valley to help shape innovation of the future for Vietnam economy. According to Loc, Vietnam supports initiatives to upgrade a free trade framework between the two countries that benefits both sides, saying he expects the relations would continue to grow and prosper. Hanoitimes Nguyen Tung Vietnam and Sweden are commemorating 50 years of the diplomatic relations this year with a series of milestones made over the past five decades. Vietnamese Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree in Hanoi on May 6. Photo: VNA Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogberg said over the past half century Sweden has been Vietnams friend and partner, even in the most difficult times. The long-lasting and relationship has been built up on trust and mutual respect, said Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree. Local media reported that economist Pham Chi Lan, former member of the Vietnamese prime ministers advisory group, answered a question without any hesitance that its Sweden the best friend of Vietnam. She explained that true friend is the one who helps us courageously and with perseverance without asking for anything back, even during the most difficult time and Sweden is that kind of friend to Vietnam. She noted that her thought remains unchanged even today. From supporter... During the Vietnam War, over 2.7 million Swedes (one third of Swedens population at the time) took to the streets to gather signatures on a petition backed by all five political parties from the Conservatives to the Communists calling for the immediate end of bombings, Swedish Ambassador Pereric Hogberg said in a speech on the occasion of the 50th anniversary. Statue of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme set up at Vietnam National Hospital of Pediatrics in Hanoi, which was built with the support of Sweden. Photo: Dangcongsan Olof Palme, who later became a Swedish prime minister, was the first Western politician to speak out so clearly and so forcefully to protest the war. The reaction of the Swedes, among the most vocal and active opponents of the war in the West, was one of revulsion and shock, The Times reported. Their anger intensified shortly before Christmas 1972 with the news of the damage to a hospital in Hanoi that had been partly equipped by Sweden. That news was so shocking that Premier Olof Palme wrote out a statement that linked the American bombing with Nazi massacres in World War II. The premier said that it was not an instant reaction and he cant keep silent on this issue and wont be pressurized into silence, according to The Times. Many Swedes were strong opponents of the war with the depth of feeling depending largely on their age. Young people were active and vociferous, raising money for the liberation front in Vietnam and applauding Palmes position. to donor Swedish financial support to Vietnam for years. Photo: Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida) In 1969, Sweden was the first Western country to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam and official development cooperation (family planning project) commenced in 1970. Since the 1960s, Swedish humanitarian aid to Vietnam was channeled through the Swedish Save the Children, the Swedish Red Cross, and the Federation of Red Cross in Geneva. Swedish official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam been has maintained for 46 years and encompassed US$4 billion in todays monetary value. Sweden was the second largest ODA donor to Vietnam in the 1970s, the biggest in the 80s, and the fourth biggest in the 90s, according to statistics by the Swedish Embassy in Vietnam. Many works across Vietnam mark Swedens financial and technical support, including Uong Bi Hospital in the northern province of Quang Ninh (built in 1975), Vietnam National Childrens Hospital in Hanoi (built in 1974), and Bai Bang Paper Mill in the northern province of Phu Tho (built in 1974), electricity generation plant in Ho Chi Minh Citys Thu Duc in 1984, the building of Da Nhim Hydropower Plant in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong in 1986. The European nation continued its support to Vietnam in the Doi Moi (Reform) process with initial programs in poverty alleviation and hunger eradication and then with development projects mostly conducted by the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida). Swedish politicians, academics and experts shared knowledge and experiences that supported Vietnams own efforts in transforming towards a market economy, lifting millions of people out of poverty. After the bilateral development cooperation ended in 2013, Sweden still provides substantial assistance to the Vietnamese people through regional aid programs in the Mekong, and via the EUs and UNs respective aid budgets to Vietnam. Sweden was the first OECD member country to adopt a whole of government approach on equitable and sustainable global development that promotes international support to Vietnam for decades. The Swedish government granted support to different fields, typically health, education, forestry (including afforestation), electricity generation and supply, and administrative reforms in land, tax, and law. Sweden was the first bilateral donor in sectors such as local governance, judicial reform, media, transparency, anti-corruption, gender equality, LGBT-rights and sustainability. These values are pillars on which the Swedish society is built, said Pereric Hogberg. The Swedish aid targets economic growth, economic and social equity, economic and political independence, democratic development, gender equality, and sustainable use of natural resources and protection of the environment. The bond is still developing Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Pereric Hogberg. Photo: Swedish embassy Pereric Hogberg noted that the partnership is not only a government to government relation, but also between the two peoples. Over the years, thousands of Vietnamese have taken part in training programs in Sweden, studied at Swedish universities, worked for Swedish companies. Meanwhile, thousands of Swedes have lived and worked in Vietnam. In 2018, more than 50,000 Swedes visited Vietnam. In terms of multilateral, Sweden, with a clear and credible voice within the European Union and the United Nations, stands up for global values and principles, and work efficiently for a long-term sustainable development, including in Vietnam. Sweden and the Swedish people will always be a friend of Vietnam and the Vietnamese people yesterday, today and into our joint future, the ambassador noted./ Hanoitimes Linh Pham The Vietnam Sea and Island Week 2019 is scheduled to take place in the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu. At the working session Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Quy Kien had a working session with local authorities on May 10 to discuss about the event as well as the Action Month for the Environment and World Environment Day 2019. Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Duong Thanh Trung said the organisation of the aforesaid events will contribute to promoting the dissemination of the Party and States policies and laws on environmental protection and sea and island defence. The preparation for the events has been being carried out on progress, he said, adding that the province will map out more specific plans to ensure their success. At the working session, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment approved a draft plan for organising the events, which are due to take place in late May and early June 2019. Various activities will be held such as a launching ceremony in response to World Oceans Day and Environment Day, a workshop on investment for Vietnam sea brand, and a photo exhibition on environmental protection and economic development in the Mekong Delta. Other events include an international forum on the appropriate use of sea and island resources, a ceremony to kick off the construction of a waste treatment plant, a workshop on promoting the role of war veterans in raising public awareness of environmental protection. Bac Lieu province will also organise mangrove afforestation to prevent coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and protect the environment. Community-based environment activities such as designing, building and decorating playgrounds for children in new resettlement areas arranged for households living along protective forests and canals will be held as well as a youth programme to prevent plastic waste.-VNA Leaders of Can Tho and a Finnish delegation led by Ambassador Kari Kahiluoto on May 10 discussed issues regarding global climate change, thus pushing ahead with bilateral cooperation plans in waste management and energy solutions. Ambassador Kari Kahiluoto (left) and Dao Anh Dung, Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee (Source: baocantho.com.vn) At the working session in Can Tho, the Finnish officials cited a survey by non-governmental organisations revealing that Vietnam ranks fourth in the amount of waste discharged to rivers, after China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The rivers carry rubbish into the ocean, causing serious and lingering environmental pollution, they said, stressing the dangers of maritime plastic waste which takes hundreds of years to decompose. They also pointed out traditional waste treatment methods like burning or burying as factors behind soil and air pollution, as well as material wastefulness, and proposed complete waste treatment in order to turn garbage into valued products. Floating trash in rivers can be scooped up by nets installed at estuaries to stop it from entering the ocean, and then be collected and classified for subsequent treatments, they said. Dao Anh Dung, Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, said waste collection, classification, and treatment is a pressing issue facing the city, noting that the Finnish-proposed model matches the localitys desires. Representatives from the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment will coordinate with experts from Can Tho University to work with the Finnish side in this regard, he said. Can Tho wishes to partner with Finland in farm produce and seafood processing, high-tech agriculture, IT, and infrastructure development, Dung said, underlining his wish that these matters be further discussed by the two sides on the occasion of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) conference on climate change response toward sustainability in the city in June. According to the citys Department of External Affairs, Can Tho exported 93,900 USD worth of goods to Finland in 2018, mainly garment-textiles.VNA National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan hosted a reception in Hanoi on May 10 for Indian Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, who is also Chairman of the Rajya Sabha - the upper house of the Parliament of India. National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (R) and Indian Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, who is also Chairman of the Rajya Sabha - the upper house of the Parliament of India Ngan welcomed Naidus official visit to Vietnam and attendance at the United Nations Day of Vesak 2019, believing that the trip would help reinforce and strengthen political trust and solidarity between the States and people of Vietnam and India. The top legislator expressed her satisfaction at the growing relations between Vietnam and India over the past time, especially after the two countries leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016. Agreeing with Ngans opinions, Naidu said Vietnam and India have always supported each other at international forums and he pledged to continue close coordination and mutual assistance at multilateral forums, especially within the framework of the United Nations (UN). He promised to back each others efforts to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council with Vietnam running for the 2020-2021 tenure and India for the 2021-2022 tenure. Since 2016, the Vietnamese and Indian parliaments have in turn established friendship parliamentary groups in the respective countries, he added. Ngan said the relations between Vietnamese and Indian legislative bodies have been strengthened over the past years, making significant contributions to the enhancement of ties between two nations. She noted with pleasure that many leaders of foreign countries, including India, have been interested in and agreed to send high-ranking delegations to the Vesak Day 2019 in Vietnam, illustrating their support for the host country. The NA Chairwoman asked Naidu to promote the exchange of high-level visits between the two countries leaders through the Party, State, National Assembly and Government channels. She suggested boosting people-to-people exchanges and cooperation between ministries, sectors, localities and businesses while expanding joint investment projects and upholding the role of friendship associations and friendship parliamentary groups in each country. The two sides should increase consultations and sharing of information in addition to providing mutual support at multilateral forums and jointly making active contributions to the cooperation mechanisms of the ASEAN-India, the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the South-South Cooperation, along with the UN, regional and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms. At the meeting, the two leaders exchanged views on some issues of mutual concern such as the settlement of disputes in the East Sea through peaceful measures and in the spirit of respecting international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.-VNA The first meeting of the European Union-Vietnam Joint Committee for the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation (PCA) took place in Hanoi on May 10. At the meeting Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung and Director for Asia and Pacific in the European External Action Service (EEAS) Gunnar Wiegand co-chaired the event. Close to 80 delegates from Vietnams ministries and sectors as well as 40 representatives from the EEAS, the European Trade Commission, the EU delegation, and embassies of EU member countries in Vietnam participated in the meeting. The launch of the Joint Committee aims to speed up the implementation of the PCA, which took effect from October 1, 2016. Vietnam and the EU pledged to strengthen the overall cooperation through the bilateral comprehensive partnership and cooperation. At the meeting, the two sides highly evaluated the development of Vietnam-EU relations over the past three decades, emphasising their wishes to further deepen the bilateral cooperative ties in the fields of delegation exchanges, security-defence, trade-investment, law, justice, science-technology, clean energy, and agro-forestry-fishery. The EU extolled Vietnams socio-economic development achievements and position in the region and hoped to enhance coordination with the Southeast Asian country to promote ASEAN-EU ties. The EU also voiced its support for the maintenance of security and safety of navigation and aviation and law respecting in the East Sea. Enhancing the bilateral cooperation in global issues will contribute to peace and development in the region and the world, according to the EU side. The two sides affirmed to promote the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) in the coming weeks. The early implementation of the deals will help create a strong boost for business and investment ties as well as a strong wave of high-quality investment from both sides. Vietnam and the EU also discussed necessary procedures towards the ratification and effective implementation of basic conventions of the International Labour Organsiation (ILO). The two sides exchanged views on the bilateral development cooperation programme for the 2014-2020 period, and agreed to focus on the fields of rural electrification, effective use of energy, renewable energy development, climate change adaptation and sustainable development, judicial cooperation, public financial management and economic matters, human resources training, culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. They applauded the enforcement of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) between Vietnam and the EU from June 1, 2019. The EU recognised Vietnams efforts in reforming the legal framework to address issues related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The two sides also agreed to implement a mid-term review mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of the achieved results, actively contributing to the reinforcement of the bilateral comprehensive partnership and cooperation. They consented to hold the second meeting of the Joint Committee in Brussels, Belgium, in 2020.-VNA People passing Truong Chinh Street in Hanoi every day are used to a pile of trash in front of Alley 554 blocking traffic on one of the citys most congested roads. Solid waste treatment facilities to be examined Solid waste treatment remains questionable National standards on waste treatment technology needed A pile of rubbish on Truong Chinh Street in Hanoi blocks traffic. Photo kinhtedothi.vn The trash is dumped by local households and scrap from nearby construction sites. This example is just a drop in the ocean compared to the 6,500 tonnes of solid waste dumped in Hanoi each day. Dumping domestic waste on the streets is a common problem here. Instead of keeping garbage at home and waiting for waste trucks to pick it up, many people throw their trash in public areas near their houses, polluting the environment. According to the Viet Nam Environment Administration, about 25.5 million tonnes of domestic solid waste nationwide was discharged every year. Urban citizens dump about 38,000 tonnes of solid waste per day while people in rural areas throw 32,000 tonnes away. This huge amount of untreated solid waste had challenged major urban areas nationwide due to a lack of investment in rubbish dumps, environmental experts pointed out at a workshop on solid waste management this week held by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE). Hoang Van Thuc, deputy head of the Viet Nam Environment Administration, told Vietnam Television there were 50 solid waste treatment factories nationwide, and most of the remaining waste was buried. Among the big piles of trash dumped every day in big cities, about 85.5 per cent of waste was collected. The number in rural areas is only 40-55 per cent, he said. In many rural areas, dumps were located far from residential areas, and rubbish trucks found it difficult to reach remote mountainous areas, Thuc said. Although burning waste in small incinerators has been warned against by MONRE, it is still common in many rural and mountainous areas. In Van Ban District in northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, local residents spend their own money on incinerators to treat their daily waste. There are more than 1,000 small incinerators in the district. However, there are no emission treatment systems. Hoang Thi Men, a local in Hoa Mac Commune, told Vietnam Television that burning waste caused an unpleasant smell but residents did not know how to deal with it. Other localities like Ha Tinh, Quang Ngai and Vinh Phuc have waste treatment factories but the situation does not look much better. Local residents from Ky Tan Commune in Ha Tinh Province have been complaining that since the local waste treatment factory was put into operation, flies and mosquitoes had swarmed the area. Thuc from the Viet Nam Environment Administration said the problem was not waste treatment technology because the most advanced technologies had already been introduced in Vietnam. What needed to be put in place were facilities suitable for local conditions. Waste treatment budgets were allocated from provincial budgets. Many poor localities lacked the funds to invest in advanced technologies, he said. At the workshop, MONRE deputy minister Vo Tuan Nhan said Vietnam should prioritise selecting domestic solid waste treatment technologies in relevance to each locality, for example, garbage sorting, organic fertiliser composting and incinerators. Dong Phuoc An, deputy director of Hanois Construction Department, said the city would call for investment in waste-to-energy factories. By doing so, garbage sorting would be encouraged. Le Trung Tuan Anh, head of the solid waste management division under HCM Citys Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said the citys authorities were thinking about building more dumps and installing underground facilities. VNS The Duong Dong River, the main water supply for Phu Quoc Island in southern Kien Giang Province, has been reportedly suffered ecological death after being seriously polluted for years, according to Tuoi tre (Youth) newspaper. Phu Quoc's major river polluted severely Islands in Vietnam struggle to deal with mountains of waste A flycam image capturing the black water from Duong Dong River in southern Kien Giang Province's Phu Quoc Island flowing into the sea, polluting the beaches nearby. Photo thanhnien.vn The black smelly water has been flowing into the sea, polluting beaches nearby and scaring tourists away. Meanwhile, environmental authorities are still debating measures to clean up the river. Duong Dong River is 21.6 kilometres long, stretching across Phu Quoc Island from Da Bac River to Dinh Cau Estuary. Each day, hundreds of fishing vessels go in and out of Duong Dong Market, the largest seafood market in Duong Dong Town. Garbage, wastewater and scum oil discharged from fishing vessels have turned the river water black and smelly. The river is dead. No fish or shrimp can live in such water, Phu Tho Binh, who has been living on the island for 45 years told the newspaper. It used to be a clean river with many fish, he said. Phu Quoc Districts Department of Natural Resources and Environment blamed the problem on 10 years of pollution by more than 10,000 households and 300 establishments, mostly fish sauce production businesses, along the river. Most of the wastewater has been discharged directly into the river and polluted the water. The water becomes horrible in dry season when the amount of rain is low and fails to bring wastewater to the sea. Last month, mass fish deaths occurred at the areas of Duong To and Cua Duong communes. The department worked with local police and took the water samples for tests. Three fish sauce production businesses, namely Khai Hoan, Hong Viet 1 and Thanh Khoa, were found to have discharged untreated wastewater into the river, according to the department's test results. At Khai Hoan, the departments inspectors found the business discharged 10 cubic metres of wastewater per hour while the wastewater treatment system could only handle 7 cubic metres per day. Nguyen Trong Han, head of Suoi Da Hamlet in Duong To Commune, said fish deaths have happened since 2012, reducing the amount of fish living in the river considerably. The residents used to catch fish for meals, but now there were hardly any fish, he said. Two weeks ago, a flycam image capturing the black Duong Dong River stretching across Phu Quoc Island and flowing into the sea, blackening the surrounding beaches, stirred public concern. Many commented that the pollution must be solved as soon as possible as it affected the lives of local people and tourism. Polluted beaches would scare tourists away, they said. Solutions needed Phu Quoc Districts Department of Natural Resources and Environment suggested two solutions. It said it was necessary to pump seawater into the river to help clean the black water along the river and dredge mud on the riverbed to clean up the whole river. However, many experts said these measures could bring some risks such as salt intrusion along the river banks and negative impacts on the rivers ecological system. Moreover, dredging could lead to erosion and affect thousands of houses along the river banks. Pham Van Nghiep, vice chairman of Phu Quoc Districts Peoples Committee said the best solution was to move 300 enterprises into a separate zone equipped with wastewater treatment systems and to create land fund for households living along Duong Dong River, especially those in Duong Dong Town. The solution could reach to several thousands of billions of dong. Nghiep said the solution needed to be implemented step by step. The committee has submitted a project to collect wastewater from Duong Dong Town and send it to surrounding communes for treatment to the provincial Peoples Committee. If approved, the project would stop a large amount of untreated wastewater being released into the river. VNS A national strategy on developing technology firms has been announced at a recent forum organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). Below are some notable opinions at the forum. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaking at a forum on developing Vietnamese tech firms. (Photo: VGP) MIC Minister Nguyen Manh Hung: Developing tech firms is top priority The manufacturing and marketing activity of todays companies cannot be effective without using technology. Those employing technology to renovate their products, or the way products are made, and their business models will help reshape the world. Technology companies, either developing and manufacturing or providing technology as a service, are important factors in accelerating technological application throughout the entire economy and society. Therefore, developing Vietnamese tech firms must be a top priority. If we want to have such firms, the creation of a market may be the most importing task. The government will be the nations biggest spender. And if government spending focuses on domestically made technological products, it will make a considerable contribution, especially in the early stages of the birth of domestic technology firms. Digital transformation is taking place at a rapid pace on a national scale, in all fields, from enterprises to government and society, creating a huge market for Vietnamese digital firms. This year, Vietnam will announce its national digital transformation strategy, with the aim for a digital economy and society, forming a digital environment to facilitate innovations. Therefore, digital transformation is considered a precondition for widespread innovation. Be Group CEO Tran Thanh Hai: Joining hands to build a Vietnamese technological ecosystem With the birth of Be Group, we are following the sustainable path to build a digitally connected ecosystem. Through a series of services, we participate in solving specific transport and delivery problems along with the local government. Currently the start-up environment in Vietnam is growing strongly but a number of inconsistencies still remain, especially in the legal framework for services. Tech firms are developing fast, causing the legal framework to fall behind. The business rules applied to domestic start-up companies are relatively strict while some foreign firms competing directly with their Vietnamese rivals have yet to comply with domestic regulations, which has led to unfair competition. If no changes are made, Vietnam can hardly be in control of its technology-based economy. Therefore, Vietnamese tech firms should make serious and substantial investments so as not to be dependent on foreign technology. In the fourth industrial revolution, the most valuable technological asset is users data and it is the nations resource. Vietnamese firms need to take charge and the government needs to take control of this resource. We suggest that the government should create an environment for fair competition between domestic and foreign enterprises. Director of Northern Region of Haravan Pham Van Hai: Costs cut thanks to technological application The fourth industrial revolution is happening, and Vietnamese enterprises can either choose to be a part of it or stand outside and accept being discarded. With the organisation of this forum, the government has demonstrated that it attaches great importance to technology, considering it as a driver of economic growth. The business community has also seen the governments strong support so that they can be further motivated to develop new technological products for the domestic market and reach out to the international market. As an enterprise that creates and deploys technological products for other enterprises, Haravan fully supports and will be happy when the government has created all conditions, formulated policies and fine-tune the legal framework in order to help domestic enterprises to grow in the most conducive environment. VCCorp CEO Nguyen The Tan: Changing mindset, accepting new innovations An important question is how to create favourable conditions for technology-based products to develop. The largest hurdle remains in the imposition of the old way of thinking on new creative models. In Vietnam, tech firms still have to pay high corporate income tax in comparison with other countries, in addition to other policy obstacles. That is why many Vietnamese enterprises, which want to invest in technology and possess sufficient resources and strong determination, dare not to take action or have yet to embark at full speed. Therefore, we hope that after this forum there will be fundamental changes. I think digital content should be a key economic sector. The personal income tax must be regarded as a key tool to attract talents and reduce costs for enterprises. In addition, it is necessary to develop the domestic market by valuing domestic enterprises. Nhan Dan Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung has said that the ministry would soon force foreign firms like Facebook and Google, which earn big in Vietnam by providing advertising, to pay taxes. Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung. A number of foreign service providers in the Vietnamese digital advertising market do not comply with Vietnamese tax laws, Hung said at the National Forum on Developing Vietnam Technology Companies on May 9. Its unfair that foreign firms which earn up to 70% of advertising revenues on digital space paying no taxes whereas Vietnamese peers closely comply with tax obligations, Hung said, adding that this situation should not last longer. Hung was CEO of military-run telecom Viettel Group the largest telecommunications conglomerate in Vietnam with 76 million customers and among top 50 global telecom carriers. It consists of 20 subsidiary companies working in more than 10 countries all over the world. The group fetched VND234 trillion (US$10.2 billion) of revenues in 2018. Concerning the tax payment of foreign tech companies working in Vietnam, the Vietnamese government has considered imposing tax on ads posted on Facebook and Google but the issue remains on debate. Not only Vietnam but also some other Southeast Asian have failed to collect tax on ad revenues of Facebook and Google. Malaysia is the latest country to mull a draft law to tax Google and Facebook advertisements with an aim to combat fake news and protect local firms which are facing declining revenue on traditional media outlets, according to Techwireasia. Meanwhile, the European Union has proposed taxing tech giants between 1% and 5% of revenue based on where users are located, according to a draft Commision document seen by Reuters in 2018. Techwireasia reported that Facebook and Google currently pay a 5% value-added tax and a 5% corporate income tax on any revenue generated from their operations in Vietnam. However, the tax is usually paid by the advertisers in Vietnam as authorities withhold the tax from the sum due to the recipient, Google and Facebook, in this case, as the two tech giants refuse to foot the bill. Hanoitimes Linh Pham Vietnam needs to adjust the Support Program to Respond to Climate Change (SP-RCC) to better suit the current situation, Dr. Michael Parsons, policy adviser of Vietnams Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said. Dr. Michael Parsons, policy adviser of Vietnams Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Photo: Anh Kiet The need for adjustment to the SP-RCC comes as Vietnam has ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change and the implementation plan for this agreement, and has become a middle-income country, the policy adviser explained. Dr. Michael Parsons also cited report of the Climate Change Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) as saying that Vietnam's SP-RCC policy framework in 2016, 2017 and 2018 achieved good results. The policy framework includes legal documents which have been effectively implemented in management and coordination of climate change activities throughout the country. This has affirmed the desire of the Vietnamese government to improve the role and influence of policies related to climate change, Parsons said. At the workshop, development partner representatives from the World Bank (WB), the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also appreciated results of the Vietnamese governments SP-RCC policy framework in three years. They all agreed with the proposal to integrate the SP-RCC with the Paris Agreement compliance in the country and said that this is a right direction for Vietnam to continue to make real efforts in the period after 2020. The Vietnamese government has shown its effort and desire to implement its commitment to development partners on climate change, a WB representative highlighted, adding that the SP-RCC needs to be closely associated with the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the nationally determined contributions of Vietnam. He affirmed that the WB will keep supporting Vietnam to carry out the SP-RCC, and asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) and relevant sectors to clarify the responsibility of ministries, sectors, and localities in implementing the national strategies on climate change and green growth. Appreciating the active support of development partners in carrying out the SP-RCC, the MONREs Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh said that the SP-RCC has made important contributions to Vietnam's national target program in coping with climate change. Thanh pointed out the need to learn from the SP-RCCs execution experiences and further involve development partners, ministries, sectors, and localities. The deputy minister promised that the MONRE will report to the Vietnamese government on policy framework adjustment for the SP-RCC and related contents in the time ahead. Hanoitimes Anh Kiet Digital transformation entails digitizing business activities to generate data which could be used for specific business purposes and corporate governance. Phuong Trinh, the owner of a restaurant in HCMC, is checking his business on Grab and Now. She notes that orders from the two apps have become unsatisfactory and wants to identify the problems to adjust the food processing capacity and working schedule. At BVOT, a company that specializes in running business campaigns for automobile enterprises, officers dont stay after 6 pm and dont work on weekends. In order to apply the policy, all the operation stages must be digitized. Every day, officers take duties from the system and update their implementation process. The method has helped increase productivity. Tran Hong Ninh, CEO of BVOT, said he is trying a model which allows work from a distance. The money saved from office leasing will be used for a new wage policy. The number of digitized businesses in Vietnam is modest. This can be seen in the low revenue from IaaS (infrastructure as a service), the index used as meter to measure the digitalization capability of enterprises in one country. Digital transformation entails digitizing business activities to generate data which could be used for specific business purposes and corporate governance. Young businesses related to e-commerce are enterprises which have the highest demand for digital transformation. The high level of business digitalization is applying AI apps, i.e using data in a smarter and more effective way. In Vietnam, there are few reports about successful applications of AI in business. The number of digitized businesses in Vietnam is modest, according to Ho Tu Bao, a respected expert from John von Neumann Institute. This can be seen in the low revenue from IaaS (infrastructure as a service), the index used as meter to measure the digitalization capability of enterprises in one country. According to IDC, IaaS revenue in Vietnam was $31.2 million in 2017, or 1/3 of Thailands, and is expected to reach $100 million by 2020. It ranks above Laos and Cambodia only in Southeast Asia. There are many reasons that explain why Vietnams businesses still have not got used to digitalization, including the way of thinking and operating businesses. Bao commented that the success of businesses in digital transformation and AI application will heavily depend on leaders of businesses. The policies of the state also play an important role in accelerating the digital transformation. The US, China, UK and France all have set policies to accelerate the process and support the development of AI. Bao suggested giving tax preferences to enterprises successfully carrying out digital transformation. Pham Hong Phong, Managing Director of Oracle Vietnam, said on the Vietnam Economics Times that Southeast Asia in general and Vietnam in particular are fast becoming hubs of Industry 4.0 with companies working to incorporate digital and analytical technologies into their systems and processes. RELATED NEWS Vietnam on the verge of digital transformation How digitalization transforms Vietnam? Thanh Mai The historic Vo Nguyen Giap Cave in the central province of Quang Binh has opened for visitors. Vo Nguyen Giap Cave to open this year Quang Binh an attractive tourist destination in Central Vietnam The historic Vo Nguyen Giap Cave in the central province of Quang Binh has begun welcoming visitors. VNA/VNS Photo The cave, located in Ngan Thuy Commune in Le Thuy District, is named after General Vo Nguyen Giap (1911-2013), Vietnams legendary military leader. From 1971 to 1973, Giap stayed in the cave where he led military campaigns in southern Vietnam. The cave has stalactites which look like gold since they contain a large quantity of silica. The cave contains many other stalactite systems and small lakes. The Vo Nguyen Giap Cave is 40 kilometers to the southwest of Dong Hoi Town, the centre of Quang Binh Province. It can be visited as part of a day tour or a two-day, one-night tour. Quang Binh, often known as the kingdom of caves, is also home to the worlds largest cave, Son Doong Cave. The province welcomed 3.9 million visitors last year, an increase of 18 per cent over the same period last year. VNS Many coffee shops in HCM City have no smoking signs hanging everywhere, but people simply ignore them and light up. HCM CITY Many coffee shops in HCM City have no smoking signs hanging everywhere, but people simply ignore them and light up. We have to go and tell them to stop smoking to avoid the harmful influence [of the smoke] on us and our children, Phan Thi Minh Hoa, a local, said. Tran Thi Kim Xuan, also a city resident, said her husband was unable to give up smoking though she had talked about the harm it causes his health many times. Smokers do not see immediate harm to their health, so they are not scared, she told a forum on how to improve enforcement of the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms held yesterday by ang Cong San Viet Nam (Communist Party of Vietnam) online newspaper and the Vietnam Non-communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Alliance. Hoang Thi Thu Huong of the Ministry of Healths department of legal affairs said smoking remained commonplace at restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and other public places although the law bans smoking at many of these places. Smoking is a habit difficult to kick because it is addictive. The number of smokers in the country has decreased by less than 2 per cent after the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms took effect in May 2013. Viet Nam ranks among the worlds top 15 tobacco consuming countries, according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Huong said though many programmes had been organised to disseminate information about the law by various agencies, the rate of people around the country knowing about the risks of smoking and the existence of the law was very low. In HCM City, for instance, only 54 per cent know about them, according to its Department of Health. Huong said the National Strategy on Tobacco Control aimed to increase the rate to 90 per cent by 2020. Ngo Huy Toan of the Ministry of Information and Communication said it was not easy to fine violators of the law and so smoking did not decrease. Five people die due to tobacco every hour, four times the number of deaths due to traffic accidents. Globally, 7.1 million deaths are related to tobacco every year, including 900,000 caused by secondhand smoke. According to the American Cancer Society, smoke from the lighted end of a cigarette, pipe, cigar, or tobacco in a hookah has higher concentrations of cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) and is more toxic than mainstream smoke, or the smoke exhaled by a smoker. It also has smaller particles than mainstream smoke which make their way into the lungs and the bodys cells more easily. Secondhand smoke (SHS) is known to cause cancer. It has more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 70 that can cause cancer. SHS causes lung cancer even in people who have never smoked. According to Dr Vu Xuan Phu, deputy head of the National Lung Hospital, Viet Nam has 33 million secondhand smokers. More than 45 per cent of people aged 15 and above smoke, and most of the 17 million smokers are men. Exposure to smoke can lead to 25-30 diseases. Tobacco prices are very low and smoking is a trap to turn middle income people poor. Toan said media communication about these harms should be stepped up to persuade people to give up smoking and build a smoke- free environment. VNS DES MOINES (AP) A developer needs just one more City Council vote before he can implement proposed plans to transform a former Des Moines junior high school into an eclectic space featuring meeting rooms, restaurants, a bar and boutique hotel. Jeff Young, owner of We Can Build It, said he is hoping to invest up to $8 million to revamp the old Franklin Junior High school. The City Council is set to vote May 20 on Youngs request to rezone the 213,000-square-foot property from church and school use to a planned unit development, the Des Moines Register reported. The area has kind of dwindled a little bit, and theres buildings boarded up, Young said. I think, what were trying to do with Franklin, that neighborhood can become hopping again. Youngs plan embraces the buildings history. The hotel rooms would feature the original blackboards, intercoms and wall-mounted pencil sharpeners. The names of the bar and restaurant would reference education. The building would keep the junior high schools name. Supporters said they would like to see life injected back into the long-abandoned and underutilized building thats attracted crime in the past. From a neighborhood development perspective, Im really excited about the businesses that this will bring not only a place to go eat, but when my parents come visit, a hotel they can stay at, said Teva Dawson, who lives just a few blocks from the school and is assisting with project management. The entire thing will be a really fun experience. Critics cited concerns about excessive traffic, garbage and noise. Young said he plans to buy the unoccupied building across the street from the school that recently operated as the Mercy Franklin Center. Young added that he envisions stores on the ground floor retail and condos upstairs. If we cant figure out what to do with this building and get it rezoned, itll be another huge piece of property that sits empty with no plan moving forward, Dawson said. We feel like this is a really great way of activating it. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WATERLOO Rep. Abby Finkenauer, D-1st District, toured five minority-owned businesses in the Cedar Valley on Saturday. She started at El Patron in Waterloo and then went to Spellers True Value, Earths Beauty Supply, 2 Scoops and ending at Cottonwood Canyon in Cedar Falls. At Cottonwood Canyon, Finkenauer spoke with Ajeh Agbese of Catch A Ride or C.A.R. Services about being a minority business owner. It can be tough getting established, Agbese said. People often choose businesses that cost more. You almost have to prove yourself before people give you the business, Agbese said. Finkenauer presided over a portion of the congressional Small Business Committee hearing titled Honoring Our Nations Small Business Heroes last week. She wants to make sure small business leaders know about opportunities and programs on the local, state and federal level. One of things that we heard often was that there are programs available and some folks were able to access those and it helped them grow, and then others said there are issues with making sure that those programs are being connected to the community and that folks know that they even exist, Finkenauer said. Oftentime that connection to the folks that actually need them has been missing. She wants to work on getting small business owners familiar with beneficial programs so they stay in Iowa and dont move to other states. Low unemployment sounds great, but when youre back here and talking to folks in our community its oftentimes a different story, especially in our rural communities, she said. Youve got our farmers being hurt every single day because of a trade war started a year ago where there doesnt seem to be a real resolution coming anytime soon. During her conversation with Allen Speller at Spellers True Value she and Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart talked about programs like the Small Business Development Center. Finkenauer wanted to know what her Small Business Committee could do better to reach people like Speller. He suggested a program to help people develop after their brainstorming stage. You dont learn a lot of the ins and outs until youre in an actual business setting, Speller said. I heard all the stories about how East Fourth Street used to be a very economical area for the community, and Id like to build that back up. Id like to see that again. Speller also worked with a Goldman Sachs small businesses program out of Ames. It takes folks willing to come back home and invest in the community and start businesses where theyre needed, Finkenauer said. Love 5 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Corey Robin in The New Yorker: A sinking economy and rising fascism led the bookish teen-ager to communism. Hobsbawm began organizing against the Nazis and struggling through Marx. (When he was seventeen, he ruefully noted that he hadnt read enough Marx; by this time, Evans observes, he had consumed the first volume of Capital, The Poverty of Philosophy, The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon, and The Civil War in France.) Once the Nazis came to power, he moved to Britain. After receiving his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Cambridge and securing a teaching position at Birkbeck College, he came to lead a charmed life in London, where he attended parties hosted by the theatre critic Kenneth Tynan that featured A. J. Ayer, Robin Blackburn, and Liza Minnelli. But Interesting Times has a second, unintended meaning. Hobsbawm was obsessed with boredom; his experience of it appears at least twenty-seven times in Evanss biography. Were it not for Marx, Hobsbawm tells us, in a book of essays, he never would have developed any special interest in history. The subject was too dull. The British writer Adam Phillips describes boredom as that state of suspended anticipation in which things are started and nothing begins. More than a wish for excitement, boredom contains a longing for narrative, for engagement that warrants attention to the world. More here. Fairy Tales and Family Lore [I learned] pretty much everything, because Margaret Bragg was my mother and my father. When we left my dad, I was 6 years old and I had probably only known him a grand total of six months of my life. He was mostly absent. She was everything. She told me the stories that I went to sleep by; she would invent fairy tales not anything terrifying just foxes and possums and bears. And preachers. She would retell old, old stories from generations that had gone past, so if I heard a story, it was her or my grandma. She was everything. She fed me; she clothed me. Momma worked as a maid for other people so that I had school clothes. She had to be everything. It's really easy to talk about Mom. I never have to say the same thing twice because she continues to tell stories from 1959 and 1962 and 1968, and she continues to refresh her own narrative, as we say in the business. She just had a birthday and I made the mistake of saying, Happy 83rd birthday. She's 82. She said, For God's sake, don't make it any worse than it already is. Rick Bragg, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer and author of The Best Cook in the World: Tales from My Momma's Table Getty Images En espanol | For many Americans, having health insurance doesn't protect them from surprise medical bills that can add thousands of dollars to their out-of-pocket expenses. President Trump and a bipartisan group of Congress members say they want to protect consumers from such charges. Surprise fees from a doctor or hospital almost always stem from balance billing, a practice that occurs when someone gets care from a doctor, hospital or other medical facility that is not part of the patient's health insurance network. Insurance usually covers some of the out-of-network charges, but consumers are often asked to pay the difference between what was billed and what the insurance company paid. The surprise comes when a person gets care at an in-network hospital or provider, only to find out afterward that a specialist they saw or a test they received was not part of the same network, or when they are rushed in an emergency to a hospital not in their insurance plan's network. For example, at a White House event on Thursday, Drew Calver, a schoolteacher in Austin, Texas, said that when he had a heart attack two years ago, he was billed $110,000 for out-of-network charges his insurance didn't cover. And Paul Davis, a retired doctor from Finlay, Ohio, said his daughter, Liz, was balance billed $17,850 for a urine test after back surgery. A Kaiser Family Foundation poll on health care last month found that 50 percent of Americans believe protecting people from surprise medical bills should be a top priority for Congress, behind only lowering prescription drug costs and continuing the Affordable Care Act protections for people with preexisting conditions. Medicare and Medicaid limit balance billing, but most people in private health plans have no such protections. Unfortunately, there are times when an individual makes every effort to obtain affordable care under their insurance coverage but is surprised to receive a bill from a non-network provider whom they did not choose or were not given the opportunity to choose, AARP said in a letter this year to six U.S. senators working on legislation to combat this problem. AARP strongly supports your effort to protect consumers from expensive surprise medical bills when they believe they are appropriately seeking care from in-network facilities or during an emergency." AARP has also worked at the state level to support laws that prohibit providers from balance billing their patients. But even in states with balance billing protections, those laws don't apply to employees whose companies self-insure their health coverage meaning they use their own money to pay for medical services rather than buying insurance. And those arrangements cover about 61 percent of people with employer-based health coverage. According to a 2017 report in the journal Health Affairs, 20 percent of cases in emergency departments may lead to surprise bills. And a 2018 Yale University study found that 15 percent of U.S. hospitals have extremely high out-of-network billing rates. AARP has suggested that one way for consumers to make sure they are using in-network providers whenever possible is for the federal government to require better online and print directories of the providers and facilities covered under a patient's insurance plan. AARP has been very concerned about the reports of shortcomings of insurance plan provider directories, including their lack of availability, confusion as to which directory applies to which plan, outdated information, and lack of standardization among plan directors, AARP said in a 2018 letter on this issue. An administration fact sheet released after the White House event says that in emergency situations, patients should not be billed for costs not covered by their insurer and that for non-emergency scheduled care, patients should be informed about whether the providers treating them are in their insurance network and, if not, what additional costs they may face. The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope was successful however the journey to its observing position at Earth's Lagrange 2 point, some 1.5 million kilometers away continues. As the mission continues we'll provide updates as they happen. In the meantime you can watch a replay of the phenomenal and smooth launch. After leading Roncalli girls to title, Larson honored as coach of the year sports DEAR ABBY: I have known Charlotte for 17 years. She was a bridesmaid at my wedding, and we talk and text regularly. I consider her one of my best friends. Charlotte has had a tough couple years and has sunk into a depression. We live on opposite sides of the country, so I dont see her in person often, but I can hear the change in our phone conversations. She even admits that shes in a depression. Recently, she told me she feels she no longer has a reason to live and has considered harming herself. Because I live so far away, I couldnt get to her so I could be there for her, but I called a mutual friend (Sandy) who lives nearby and asked her to check on my friend. Charlotte didnt mention anything to Sandy about the way she was feeling or her thoughts of suicide and pretended like everything was OK. I know things are NOT OK, and Im extremely worried that Charlotte may hurt herself in a moment of despair. She has a therapist she sees on occasion, and I have urged Charlotte to be honest with her about her feelings. Charlotte says she will, but Im not sure if she actually does. How do I help her? Should I go visit her to show her she has friends who love and support her? Is there anything more I can do than encourage her to stick with counseling? WORRIED SICK IN INDIANA DEAR WORRIED: If you know the name of Charlottes therapist, you could write the person a letter about your friend confiding to you that she feels she has no reason to live anymore and has considered harming herself. Because of privacy laws, the therapist may not be able to communicate with you, but at least she will be aware. Whether Charlotte was serious or just venting, this is something her therapist would be in a better position to help with than you are from a distance. DEAR ABBY: I am almost 50 and have huge regrets about a terrible decision I made in my late 20s. I was married to my high school sweetheart when an older married man came into my life. He told me everything I wanted to hear and showered me with all the attention I was missing from my husband. I became swept up in the fairy tale fantasy and hurt my husband, my true love, deeply. Of course, nothing the married man said was true. He never followed through on his promises. I knew the affair was wrong and it typically never works out, but I thought this was different and wed live happily ever after. I try not to dwell on how differently my life would have turned out if I hadnt fallen starry-eyed in puppy love for that man. I only have myself to blame. Please warn your readers to not make the same mistake. Enjoy the life you have, especially when you are young. The grass is NOT greener on the other side. It may look better, but trust me, theres a lot of hidden weeds. WISED UP IN GEORGIA DEAR WISED UP: Having an affair is never a good idea. Yours taught you an important, hard-earned lesson. Thank you for wanting to share it with my readers. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. South Africa: Observers call 2019 elections free and fair Both local and observer missions from the continent have described the 2019 National and Provincial elections as free and fair. The observers have described Wednesdays Election Day as the most pivotal since the countrys dawn of democracy in 1994. The Electoral Commission of South Africa is set to announce the results of the 2019 elections this evening, as vote counting draws to completion. President of Maleta Motse Africa Community Authority, Micheal Kotsokoane, told SAnews on Saturday that as observers they were happy with the manner in which the elections have been conducted. The elections went well. We are satisfied with the manner in which the elections were conducted, he said, adding however that in future the IEC must deploy more observers. Chairperson of the African Marketing Global Empowerment and Projects, Alain Matundu, told SAnews they were pleased by the manner in which the elections were conducted. We congratulate the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for hosting these elections so well, Matundu said. Although there were incidences of intimidation and double voting in some voting stations, Matundu said he could confidently describe the elections as free and fair. He said they have learnt much from South Africa and that the country was an example for others. Matundu said the rights of those who chose not vote should also be respected. Respect the rights of those who did not vote. They were either undecided or not ready to vote. Their decision must be respected. South Africans must be proud of their country and their democracy and they must protect it, he said. Frank Assimbo, chairperson and founding member of the Congolese Diaspora for Nelson Mandela Legacy, said the IEC must be commended for a job well done. He said despite some incidences of intimidation at some voting stations the elections were well conducted. It is impossible to please everybody.There will always be those who would want to spoil the elections or the good work that the government is doing Most allegations or concerns raised were not substantiated, he said. CSIR Researcher, Dr Ndumiso Cingo, had earlier said they have confidence in the IEC and that according to their observation, everything went well. The IEC has a good track record of hosting the elections. They did well in the past and they have done it again, he said. The vote counting at the IECs results centre is nearing completion with just four voting districts outstanding as at lunchtime. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-05-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. HOUSTON In a story May 10 about a missing Houston girl, The Associated Press, relying on information provided by the police, misspelled the name of the man who told investigators that the girl had been abducted. His name is Derion Vence, not Darion Vence. A corrected version of the story is below: Missing girls mother says her ex-fiance may have harmed her The mother of a missing Texas girl says through a spokesman that she believes the man who reported the 4-year-old was abducted harmed the girl. HOUSTON The mother of a missing Texas girl said through a spokesman Friday that she believes the man who reported the 4-year-old was abducted harmed the girl. Authorities have been searching for Maleah Davis since Saturday, when Derion Vence told police she was taken by men in a pickup truck after he pulled over on a highway a week ago. Maleahs mother, Brittany Bowens, stood outside her apartment and sobbed Friday as Quanell X, a local civil rights activist, addressed reporters on her behalf. Quanell X made wide-ranging allegations against Vence, including that he had abused Maleah. He said Bowens acknowledges she should have brought the information to police earlier and now intends to. Vence and Bowens were recently in a fight and she broke off their engagement, Quanell X said. Authorities have previously described Vence as Maleahs stepfather. A Houston police spokesman declined to comment Friday. Quanell X did not respond to an email and phone message. Child Protective Services removed Maleah and her brothers from the home Vence and Bowens shared in August after the girl suffered a head wound, but the children were returned in February, according to an agency spokeswoman. Vence could not be reached for comment. A Houston homicide detective said Thursday that Vence had not spoken with investigators since last week. Vence told police Saturday that he was driving to the airport to pick up Bowens last Friday night when he pulled over to check if it had a flat tire, according to Houston police. Vence said men in a pickup truck then pulled up, knocked him out and abducted him, Maleah and his 2-year-old son before eventually allowing him and the boy to go free, police said. Vence reported this at a hospital in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land, which he said he walked to Saturday night after being in and out of consciousness for about 24 hours. Houston police, who are leading the investigation, have said they would like to speak with Vence but have not said he is a suspect or person of interest. A Sugar Land police spokesman told The Associated Press that Vences initial account changed several times and just didnt add up. Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal Less than a week after a 23-year-old University of New Mexico student was shot and killed outside a crowded club in the heart of Nob Hill making him the 26th person slain in Albuquerque this year city and state officials were quick to act. Mayor Tim Keller, Police Chief Michael Geier, UNM President Garnett Stokes, 2nd Judicial District Attorney Raul Torrez and other law enforcement officials held a news conference at the Safari Grill restaurant, across from the Nob Hill triangle substation, Friday morning to announce initiatives aimed at making the business district safer and reducing violent crime up and down the Central corridor. The initiatives include: Assigning an additional 50 New Mexico State Police officers from across the state to work out of Albuquerque, in addition to the seven already here. Giving UNM police access to the substation and having them coordinate patrols with Albuquerque Police Department officers. Expanding the hours of the Triangle Community Substation on Central and Dartmouth until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays after bars close. Stationing three bike patrol teams to work in Nob Hill during the day and three or four additional officers to patrol on Friday and Saturday nights. Working with the Fire Marshal and the New Mexico Registration and Licensing Department to crack down on issues relating to overcrowding and over-serving in bars that could contribute to late night violence. Using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network to match casings to guns used in shootings throughout the state. We understand the urgency of this moment, and I want to say to the people and businesses of Nob Hill that we are not giving up on Nob Hill, Keller said. No one is giving up on Nob Hill. We are increasing our efforts because we understand, especially because of the proximity to UNM, that Nob Hill is just as critical as any other part of our city. Although Nob Hill was the focus of Fridays meeting, data from the District Attorneys Office shows that shootings with injury or death are heavily concentrated elsewhere in the Southeast Area Command, with the majority occurring east of San Mateo. Chief Geier said the plan is to increase the presence of officers throughout the area and in the Southwest Area Command, where gun violence is also prevalent. The State Police officers will be stationed along Central, from UNM to Wyoming. The whole southeast is part of the initiative, he said. The Nob Hill area right now is the most visible because of the recent homicide, the business owners and their concerns. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham could not attend the news conference, but she said after a series of meetings throughout the week that she pledged the assistance of her administration, including State Police, the state Probation and Parole Division, and the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department. Violent crime in Albuquerque is a scourge, and we will attack the roots of that scourge with targeted deployments of manpower and resources, Lujan Grisham wrote in a news release. New Mexico residents must be free to have every expectation of safety in their homes and communities. Its our duty as a state to take every action we possibly can to realize that freedom, and Im proud to stand with our partners in Albuquerque in providing immediate, directed assistance. Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal More than 2,200 asylum-seeking migrants have come through Albuquerque in recent months, spending a few days in town before catching a bus or plane to meet sponsors in other parts of the country. But Charlene Pyskoty says even a short stopover is enough time to make a difference in their lives, which is why Bernalillo County is allocating up to $100,000 to fund support services. The money will expand an existing $580,000 contract with PB&J Family Services, a nonprofit organization that will offer crisis debriefing and other coping skills to children and parents seeking refuge in the U.S. Pyskoty, one of five elected county commissioners, said in announcing the funding on Friday that its hard to even imagine the events these kids have lived through. But as a professional mental health counselor, she said she understands the value of even a short-term intervention. I believe this in my heart that the most therapeutic thing is just making a connection with somebody who cares about them, somebody who is kind and compassionate and says Youre safe now. This is a safe place, Pyskoty said at a news conference. Federal immigration authorities have been busing the migrants to Albuquerque following processing at the border. Pyskoty said women with children account for 65% of the 2,200-plus who have arrived in Albuquerque thus far, and she stressed that they had already undergone formal processing. These are people who are definitely in our system, she said. Theyre not illegal immigrants. The $100,000 comes from the behavioral health tax county voters approved in 2014. The gross receipts tax yields about $21 million annually, and the county appropriates $3 million for reducing adverse childhood experiences. Not all ACE funding has been expended, enabling this one-time allocation to help asylum-seekers, said Margarita Chavez Sanchez, assistant director for the Behavioral Health Services Department. She said the expenditure aligns with the taxs purpose, which is to provide more mental and behavioral health services for adults and children in the Albuquerque and Bernalillo County area, according to the ballot question. The county joins the city of Albuquerque in allocating funds to help the asylum-seekers; the City Council earlier this week approved spending $250,000 to help support the faith-based and nonprofit community groups that have for months used donations and volunteers to temporarily shelter, feed and clothe the migrants passing through town. County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada said that those groups sought help from the county as well, which has the resources to help with the migrants psychological and emotional needs. The services could include crisis intervention, parenting classes or play dates away from the migrants temporarily shelters which may be hotels, churches or Expo New Mexico and other family bonding activities. PB&J does life-changing work, Quezada said, and it has experience working with the immigrant community. He said he knows that some people object to using public money to help the asylum-seekers but said spending this $100,000 would not infringe on other behavioral health initiatives, like those related to homelessness or addiction. Immigrants, he said, also pay gross receipts tax in the county and therefore contribute to the behavioral health fund. We believe were using the money responsibly, and we have the right to use it for the things that we think are important for Bernalillo County and our citizens, he said. Chavez Sanchez said participation in any PB&J assistance will be voluntary and that the county hopes to somehow gauge the effectiveness of the services, perhaps by asking those who partake to complete questionnaires. WOODSTOCK, Ill. Before a packed courtroom Friday in Woodstock, the parents of 5-year-old Andrew AJ Freund pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in the death of their son last month. Andrew Freund and JoAnn Cunningham, of Crystal Lake, each requested a jury trial. They could both face life in prison if convicted, said McHenry County Assistant States Attorney Rita Gara. On Thursday, the couple were indicted on a combined 41 criminal counts. Along with murder, they are accused of concealment of a body, aggravated domestic abuse of a child younger than 13 and other crimes. The indictment alleges that Freund and Cunningham beat AJ, committing great bodily harm. The charges also state the murder was accompanied by exceptionally brutal or heinous behavior indicative of wanton cruelty. Cunningham, 36, appeared first in court, accompanied by her attorney, Assistant Public Defender Rick Behof, and two Correctional Emergency Response Team officers wearing bulletproof vests. As one of the officers repeatedly scanned the room, Gara read the 20 counts in the indictment against her including three counts of murder and the possible sentencing ranges. The visibly pregnant Cunningham stood before Judge Robert Wilbrandt with her head down. Freund, 60, appeared next, with his attorney, special public defender Henry Sugden, and the two officers. The 21 counts against him, which were read by Gara, are the same as those against Cunningham, with an additional charge of disorderly conduct for allegedly making a false 911 call to report his son missing. AJ was found buried in a shallow grave six days after Freund made the 911 call on April 18, according to authorities. Three days earlier, authorities say, the boy had been beaten to death. His body was kept in the basement of the family home until two days later when Freund moved him and buried him in a field in Woodstock, authorities said. As Freund entered the courtroom, a woman attempted to hold up a picture of AJ but was quickly admonished by Wilbrandt and a court deputy. Along with charges in AJs death, each parent is also charged with aggravated domestic battery and aggravated battery in an alleged beating of AJ in March that authorities say was found video-recorded on Cunninghams cellphone. The indictment also includes charges of reckless conduct, unlawful restraint and child endangerment that allegedly occurred between Sept. 20, 2018, and April 17, 2019. The charges state that the parents caused or permitted AJ to be struck on or about his body. The couple is accused of repeatedly detain(ing) AJ in that (they) would place (AJ) in time outs for periods of multiple hours or longer. The indictment also states that if the parents are convicted and eventually freed from prison they each must register as violent offender(s) against youth under the Child Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registration Act. Authorities say that AJ was born with opiates in his system and grew up in a home that was the subject of several police calls and visits from Illinois Department of Children and Family Services workers. Sugden asked Wilbrandt to rule on his motion for a gag order, saying the case has had too much publicity. Cunninghams lawyers asked to join in on that motion. Wilbrandt said the motion Sugden filed was too broad. He suggested the attorney refile it. Sugden said he is asking that parties connected with the case, including lawyers, police and the FBI, not make statements outside of court. I will not grant the motion as it stands now, Wilbrandt said. I think its too broad. I want to balance the rights of the defendant and the publics rights under the First Amendment. Wilbrandt did grant Freunds motion for a psychological evaluation and two phone calls. Sugden also said in court Freund is not getting some prescribed medicines in the jail. Freund and Cunningham are scheduled back in court June 18 (Amanda Marrazzo is a freelance reporter.) 2019 Chicago Tribune Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. - PHOTOS (for help with images, contact 312-222-4194):FREUND CARACAS, Venezuela Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido is looking to jumpstart his movement to oust Nicolas Maduro in the wake of last weeks failed military uprising, promising to persevere in the face of a deepening crackdown. In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Guaido reiterated his willingness to consider inviting foreign troops to force Maduro from power, echoing the line from Washington that all options are on the table for dealing with Venezuelas rapidly-escalating crisis. He blamed the socialist leader for blocking all attempts to negotiate a solution and noted: The biggest obstacle to that is Maduro. The 35-year-old national assembly president, who the U.S. and some 50 other countries recognize as Venezuelas rightful leader, sat for the interview at his partys headquarters two days after the No. 2 leader in congress was jailed and as several other lawmakers took refuge in foreign embassies. All are facing arrest for joining Guaido and a small cadre of security forces in a military rebellion April 30 that was the closest the opposition has come in years to overthrowing Maduro. Yet, Guaido isnt showing signs of fatigue. He talks serenely and smiles widely when well-wishers huddle with him in prayer. While the Maduro government hasnt dared arrest him the U.S. has warned of severe consequences should he be harmed he said security forces who track his every move could kidnap him at any time. Meanwhile, his fellow activist wife and 2-year-old daughter have been living outside Venezuela for months. Theres a movement made up of a majority thats in the streets and thats not going to change no matter how much they hit us, he said. The one thing the dictatorship fears most is hope. But observers note the fresh-faced opposition leader may be running out of options. Phil Gunson, a senior analyst with the Crisis Group in Caracas, said that after the failed military rebellion, it seems unlikely that the U.S. will carry through on threats of military action. Hes in a bind, Gunson said. If the repression is going to continue at this level, its going to be difficult to keep up his campaign of mass mobilization because people are going to be too scared to go out on the streets. In the current stalemate, Gunson said negotiations are the oppositions best exit strategy. But demands that Maduro step aside as a precondition for talks are no longer a real possibility. They already played their best hand, he said, referring to the opposition. Nonetheless, Guaido said winning over the military is possible and requires greater outreach so that troops understand they wont be targeted if they flip. He said most top commanders and their troops already despise Maduro and are only feigning loyalty to him because they are under constant surveillance by Cuban and Venezuelan secret police. What keeps Maduro in power, and weve witnessed more openly in recent hours, is terror, Guaido said. Guaido, a previously unknown lawmaker, revived the flagging opposition movement when he declared himself interim president in January, accusing Maduro of breaking the constitutional order when he claimed victory in elections widely seen as lacking legitimacy after several opponents were barred from running. His humble roots and unpretentious speech have endeared him to struggling Venezuelans and managed to keep together an unruly opposition coalition frequently torn apart by battling egos and strategic differences. But old fractures are re-emerging as some blame prominent activist Leopoldo Lopez, who fled house arrest to stand alongside Guaido in the uprising, for overplaying his hand. After the putsch failed, Maduro ordered Lopezs arrest and the former Caracas area mayor fled to the Spanish ambassadors residence, where he is holed up. Lopez, who was arrested in 2014, is one of Venezuelas shrewdest political operators who even while in state custody worked behind the scenes to promote Guaidos rise when few Venezuelans had even heard of his name. But hes also been dogged by criticism that he overestimates his own strength and takes ill-advised risks. When pressed, Guaido refused to criticize his mentor, noting that this was not the time to focus on personal ambitions. Guaido said he is grateful for support from the U.S., which has slapped severe oil sanctions on Venezuela and sent several planeloads of aid to bordering countries as part of a failed opposition plan to open a humanitarian corridor. With delivery of that aid unlikely for now, he said hes willing to donate some of it to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is working with the Maduro government to distribute supplies. He said sanctions arent to blame for Venezuelas collapse, as the government contends, but are nonetheless succeeding in squeezing Maduros ability to buy support through corruption. Without hesitation theyve called Maduro what he is: a dictator, he said of the Trump administration. But as the impasse with Maduro has dragged on, Americas interest could begin to wane. Last week, Trump directly contradicted earlier statements by his own national security team that Russia has been propping up the socialist leader with military and financial support. Instead, the U.S. president said, Russian President Vladimir Putin was not involved and only wants positive things for Venezuela. Guaido downplayed Trumps comments, saying they were just a different way of reaching out to Russia. Meanwhile, he said he was encouraged by recent comments by Chinas government that it would step up its work with the EU and the international community to support political dialogue. Coming from Venezuelas biggest creditor and a Maduro ally, the remarks were seen as something of an endorsement for the International Contact Group, an EU-led initiative that is seeking to promote early elections something Maduro has steadfastly refused to consider. __ Follow Goodman on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APjoshgoodman AP writers Fabiola Sanchez in Caracas, Venezuela, and Christine Armario in Bogota, Colombia, contributed to this story. Should the Trump administrations ongoing discussions result in designating the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) a terrorist organization, it would harm Americas national security and destabilize Sunni Muslim countries, many of whom are presumed allies of the United States. Despite objections to such a designation from within the administration, President Donald Trump seems to have been persuaded by Egypts strongman Abdel Fattah al-Sisi during his recent visit to Washington to make this ill-advised policy. The decision to declare the MB a terrorist organization reflects an ignorance of the organizations history, ideology, deep roots in the Muslim world and impact on mainstream Muslim political activism globally. If the administrations goal is to separate radicals and extremists from mainstream Muslims, then pushing the MB into the radical camp by declaring it a terrorist organization is short-sighted and counterproductive. According to press reports, Egyptian strongman Sisi on his recent visit to the White House lobbied Trump to declare the MB a terrorist organization. Trump reportedly acquiesced to Sisis request because of his visceral attraction to dictators and because of his scant knowledge of the Muslim Brotherhood and Islamic politics in general. Since Sisi removed the MB-affiliated Egyptian president Muhammad Morsi from office in 2013, his regime began to target MB members mercilessly. Thousands were arrested illegally, tortured, put through sham trials and given harsh sentences, including the death penalty. Sisis policy directly contradicts his earlier thinking on the matter. He has done that despite his belief that domestic stability in Egypt could best be achieved through a partnership between the military and the Muslim Brotherhood. In the past six years, but especially since Trump came to office, Sisis anti-MB policies were often carried out in conjunction with the Saudi, UAE, and Bahraini regimes. They, too, declared the MB a terrorist organization and enacted draconian terrorism laws that they then used to silence the opposition in their respective countries. These regimes fear the MB because of its close connection with the people in Sunni majority countries, and the social, educational and medical services it provides. These autocrats primarily fear the MB because it speaks out for human rights, political participation and the rule of law. Unlike Sisis autocratic regime, the Muslim Brotherhood believes in gradual, peaceful political reform. Since the mid-1990s, the MB has been committed to effecting political reform through the ballot box, not the barrel of a gun. In the aftermath of the Arab Spring in 2011, the MB formed a political party, which won handily in the Egyptian legislative and presidential elections in 2012. Since its founding in 1928 in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood has become the face of community Islam across the Muslim world. Most, if not all, mainstream Sunni Islamic political parties across the globe from Turkey and Malaysia to Kuwait and Tunisia are grounded in MB ideology. Targeting the MB in the Trump White House has been the handiwork of national security adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Their deeply seated Islamophobia, Iranophobia and support for Sunni dictators drive their anti-MB posture. The personal relationships that Trump and his family, especially son-in-law Jared Kushner, have forged with selected Arab autocrats in Saudi Arabia and Egypt have led the administration to accept at face value the views of these autocrats on the terrorism of the MB. Sadly, by attacking the MB, the Trump administrations clear message to the Arab and Muslim worlds is that democratic politics does not matter. The Muslim Brotherhood is not a terrorist organization. Salafist groups such as al-Qaeda, the Islamic State and their affiliates across the globe, which Saudi Arabia supported for years, are the real terrorists. These groups continue to spout a radical, intolerant, narrow-minded ideology emanating from Saudi Islam, which has led some of its followers to attack synagogues and churches across the globe. The MB has not engaged in such violence. Instead, it has encouraged legally established political parties to engage in politics through elections and legislative compromises. If the White House decides to designate the MB a terrorist organization, most of these parties would become extremely reticent to engage with American diplomats, intelligence officers and other officials at U.S. embassies. Such a move will also alienate millions of mainstream Muslims and endanger American interests across the Muslim world. For all of these reasons, Trumps precipitous decision, taken on the advice of an Egyptian autocrat, would damage American national security irreparably. Emile Nakhleh is research professor and director of the Global and National Security Policy Institute at UNM. A longer version of this article was published on LobeLog. The last thing the world needs is more of Robert Muellers commentary, but Congress is determined to have him hold forth at a public hearing. Its not as though we dont already have the special counsels version of events. He mustered enormous investigat(iv)e resources and took two years to write a 400-page report that is available to the public and presumably carefully written although not necessarily carefully thought through. That should be enough for Mueller to stand on, and enough for Congress to make a decision to impeach or not impeach, or otherwise dispose of the matter as it sees fit. Instead, Mueller is going to be asked to expand on his already-expansive report that not only blew through Justice Department regulations, but inverted the long-standing burden of proof in the Anglo-American legal tradition. As a prosecutor, Muellers job his sole job, really was to decide whether or not the president was guilty of a crime. He declined to do this, choosing instead to write a nearly 200-page volume on obstruction cataloging what he found in the course of not making the only decision he was supposed to make. The relevant regulations say that at the conclusion of the special counsels work he or she shall provide the Attorney General with a confidential report explaining the prosecution or declination decisions reached by the Special Counsel. On obstruction, Mueller reached no such decision, and he didnt write a confidential report, either his report was clearly meant for public consumption. Besides that, hes a stickler for the rules. Muellers action, Jack Goldsmith of Harvard Law School writes at the website Lawfare, seems inconsistent with what the regulations tried to accomplish, which was to prevent extra-prosecutorial editorializing. Worse, as Trumps special counsel Emmet Flood set out in an excoriating letter, by stipulating that the evidence prevented him from conclusively determining that no criminal conduct occurred, Mueller stood the presumption of innocence on its head. By Muellers standard, the prosecutor doesnt have to prove guilt the target has to prove innocence. And if the target doesnt, he will be disparaged in a long-form quasi-indictment spelling out why hes not exonerated. If anyone not named Donald J. Trump were subjected to this new prosecutorial standard, it would occasion widespread comment and one hopes consternation. There is, no doubt, public value in Muellers report, but he wasnt supposed to be a free-floating ombudsman or truth commission. If Congress wanted to create one of those and charge it with running down every lead related to Trumps alleged obstruction, it could have. Under the regulations, though, the special counsel is only to exercise all investigative and prosecutorial functions of any United States Attorney. Now, Congress wants Mueller to compound the offense by speaking publicly. It doesnt want facts from him. They are already in the report. It wants opinions and sound bites, especially any embarrassing to the president. Congress wants him to spend a couple of high-profile hours further not exonerating the president. If Mueller had a proper understanding of his role, he would decline the congressional invitation and perhaps write a letter giving his version of events regarding his interactions with Attorney General William Barr, which became such a flashpoint last week. But the fact is Mueller and Congress have a symbiotic relationship. For two years, Mueller was acting as, in effect, the lead counsel for an impeachment inquiry bizarrely housed within the executive branch while Congress wants to use his moral authority as a crutch at a time when it is vulnerable to charges of partisan overreaching. This, too, is not supposed to be how the system works. But we are long beyond anyone caring. For a swath of the political world and much of the media, all that matters is Mueller not exonerate Trump, and the more, the better, in whatever format or forum. E-mail: comments.lowry@nationalreview.com. 2019 by King Features Syndicate. Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE A Chama School District bus driver was arrested Thursday after police say he raped a 7-year-old student on his bus. According to a news release from State Police on Friday, an initial investigation indicated that 66-year-old Stephen George Meek, known as Mr. Steve, assaulted the young girl after pulling over on U.S. 84 near TA Hill. She was the last student left on the bus after Meek had dropped off other students after school Wednesday. Court documents allege that Meek walked back to her seat on the bus and began pulling her clothes off. As she began to scream, according to the court filing, Meek kissed her on the mouth, licked her lips and continued to assault her. According to the court documents, a motorist who was identified as the mother of another child who rode the same bus earlier in the day saw the bus pull over and became concerned because she thought the girl was still on the bus and didnt see Meek in the drivers seat. When the motorist who knows the girls family turned around and pulled up behind the bus, Meek drove away. A short time later, the motorist saw the bus pull off the road a second time, the NMSP release states. The motorist stopped to check on the bus driver, and as the motorist got out of (the motorists) vehicle, Meek waved the motorist off and drove away. Court documents state that the motorist followed the bus to make sure she (the 7-year-old) was safe until the girl was dropped off. The child later told her grandparents at home that Meek had raped her, and a physical exam also indicated that the girl had been assaulted, according to the State Police release. The girl had a shocked look on her face when she got off the bus, her grandfather told police. Meek, of Tierra Amarilla, was booked into the Rio Arriba County jail Thursday on three charges: first-degree criminal sexual penetration, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and enticement of a child. The states online court records do not show any prior criminal charges against Meek. The 1st Judicial District Attorneys Office, which covers Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties, had filed a motion that Meek be held without bond until a pretrial detention hearing. The motion says, The State will prove by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community. A hearing has been set for Monday. Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal An unseasonable and wet weather system has dumped more than a foot of snow in some areas of the northern mountains, nearly 2 inches of rain in some parts of the state and record-low high temperatures in Albuquerque in the past couple of days. And the below-average temperatures and moisture wont be going away until the early part of next week. This is part of an El Nino pattern that is continuing into spring, National Weather Service meteorologist Sharon Sullivan said. Were (the Albuquerque area) off to the wettest start since 2007. The high temperature at the Albuquerque International Sunport was 51 degrees Friday, shattering the record for the lowest high temperature of 55 degrees for May 10 set in 1932. The temperature on the date in 2018 was 92 degrees. Highs in many parts of the state were in the 40s and 50s, with the exception of the southwestern region. Many areas were 20 to 30 degrees below normal, Sullivan said. Sullivan said precipitation was scattered throughout the state, but the heavier amounts of rain and snow fell across the northern part of New Mexico. The northern mountains were under a winter storm warning Friday, with the warning extended until this morning in some areas. By Friday afternoon, Angel Fire received 18 inches of snow. An area eight miles northeast of Arroyo received 17 inches, areas near Eagles Nest and Canon Plaza each received 10 inches. And the snowfall wasnt limited to the northern mountains. Parts of the Albuquerque area received as much as 2.5 inches of snow. A half-inch of snow fell in an area near Clovis, and a trace fell as far south as San Antonio in Socorro County. Although the last of the winter storm warnings are expected to expire this morning, Sullivan said there was still a chance of light accumulations in the higher elevations of the northern mountains through the weekend. The highest rainfall amount, 1.82 inches, was recorded in Tierra Amarilla, in northern New Mexico, and Sullivan said that precipitation may have been mixed with snow. A total of 1.59 inches was recorded north of Alcalde, 1.37 in Valdez, 1.18 in Los Alamos, 1.12 near Mills and 1.08 near Tucumcari. A lot of areas, like Taos, Grants and Pecos, received more than a half-inch, Sullivan said. Chaco Culture National Historical Park tweeted a rain photo and said the park received 10% of its annual average rainfall in one night on Thursday. The park, which averages eight inches of rainfall, received 0.85 inch of rain. Rainfall in the Albuquerque area ranged from 0.10 inch to 0.35 inch. A total of 2.76 inches of rain has been recorded so this year in Albuquerque, about a half-inch above normal. In 2007, 3.45 inches fell by this time of year. Showers and thunderstorms remain in the forecast for much of the state through the weekend. Temperatures will gradually climb but still remain below normal. The high in Albuquerque today is expected to be 65, and highs in the 60s are forecast through Monday. Wecks Restaurants is in the middle of a year-long giving back to the community fundraiser. For one Tuesday (or other weekday on holidays) of every month in 2019, Wecks has chosen a charitable or first responder organization to give back to. A total of 25% of all sales from all Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Los Lunas locations for that day will be donated. This month, Wecks will honor the military. On May 27, veterans and current military personnel will get a free meal at its restaurants. Military ID must be shown on checkout. Among the organizations Wecks will help this year include Ronald McDonald House Charities, Make-A-Wish New Mexico, Meals on Wheels, Heroes Walk Among Us and Toys for Tots. Since its beginning in July 1991, Wecks has grown to 14 restaurants around New Mexico with plans for a Las Cruces location opening this summer. We welcome suggestions for the daily Bright Spot. Send to newsroom@abqjournal.com. Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver this week rejected petitions aimed at overturning seven New Mexico laws, ranging from the creation of Indigenous Peoples Day to a ban on coyote-killing contests. In each case, Toulouse Oliver a Democrat and the states chief election officer said she couldnt authorize the collection of petition signatures because of technical problems with the paperwork, legal barriers or both. Five of the proposed petitions, she said, are barred by the state Constitutions prohibition on repealing laws that were enacted for public peace, health or safety. Toulouse Oliver cited technical problems for blocking the other two proposals, which aim to annul new laws allowing New Mexico State University to open a branch campus in Mexico and replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. The proposed petitions, she said, had type thats too small to read and failed to comply with legal requirements on the format of the petitions. Toulouse Oliver said she would reconsider the petitions if theyre refiled in the correct format. She said she hadnt made a decision on whether the petitions would comply with the constitutional prohibition on repealing laws for public peace, health or safety. The proposed petitions were filed last month by conservative-leaning groups in eastern New Mexico: the Eddy County Patriot Group and the Roosevelt County Patriot Group. The groups are planning to launch petition drives that would put perhaps dozens of newly enacted laws on the 2020 ballot for repeal. They submitted seven proposed petitions in late April. But they must secure approval from the secretary of state before they can circulate the petitions for signatures. And they would face a high bar the collection of 70,000 signatures, including a certain amount in different counties to secure a spot on the ballot. The bills targeted for repeal include: Prohibiting contests to kill coyotes. Barring counties from enacting local right-to-work ordinances. Creating confidential voting procedures for domestic violence victims. Allowing the establishment of fair chase rules in hunting and fishing. Creating wildlife corridors aimed at reducing vehicle collisions. NEW YORK Democrats denounced a plan by President Donald Trumps personal attorney to push Ukraine to open investigations that he hopes could benefit Trump politically, decrying it as an overt attempt to recruit foreign help to influence a U.S. election. But Rudy Giuliani late Friday said he does not plan to go to the Ukraine because of concerns about who he would be dealing with there. Ive decided Im not going to go to the Ukraine, Giuliani told Fox News Friday night. Im not going to go because I think Im walking into a group of people that are enemies of the president in some cases enemies of the United States, and in one case an already convicted person who has been found to be involved in assisting the Democrats with the 2016 election. His statement left many unanswered questions about what Giuliani might do about his Ukraine concerns. Earlier, Giuliani had said he would to travel to Kiev in the coming days to urge the Ukrainian government to conduct a pair of investigations: one on the origins of special counsel Robert Muellers recently concluded investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, the other on the involvement of former Vice President Joe Bidens son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. Giulianis plan had seemed poised to create an unprecedented moment, that of the lawyer of the president of the United States seeking foreign assistance in damaging his political rivals. To Democrats, it was a blatant evocation of Russias meddling on behalf of Trump when he defeated Hillary Clinton. Its stunning that the Trump administration is going down the same tragic path they did in 2016 seeking help from a foreign government again to influence an American presidential election. Its appalling, said Rep. Adam Schiff of California, who chairs the House intelligence committee. He said Trump allies were indicating, Were going to do everything short of whats downright criminal. Ethics dont matter. Patriotism doesnt matter.' Giuliani, a former New York City mayor who often acted as a smokescreen for Trump during the Mueller probe, pushed back against the criticism. Explain to me why Biden shouldnt be investigated if his son got millions from a Russian loving crooked Ukrainian oligarch while He was VP and point man for Ukraine, Giuliani tweeted at Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who criticized him. Ukrainians are investigating and your fellow Dems are interfering. Election is 17 months away. Lets answer it now. Giulianis trip, which was first reported by The New York Times, would have been the most high-profile effort yet by Republicans to call attention to growing talking points in conservative circles. They are trying to undermine the special counsels investigation, call into question the case against Paul Manafort, Trumps imprisoned former campaign chairman, and wound Biden, the early Democratic front-runner in the 2020 presidential race. Trump and Giuliani have urged scrutiny of Hunter Biden and have raised questions about whether the former vice president helped oust a Ukrainian prosecutor whose office was investigating the oligarch whose company paid his son. Some Trump allies have suggested they can tarnish Biden with questions about corruption, founded or not, much like they did to Clinton in 2016. Giuliani has said he updated the president about his findings on Ukraine, a nation deeply reliant on the Trump administration for U.S. military and financial aid. Im hearing its a major scandal, major problem, Trump said on Fox News recently. I hope for (Biden) it is fake news. I dont think it is. The Biden campaign has denied that the candidate or his son did anything improper. The president has also tried to push claims that Ukrainian officials tried to help Clinton by focusing attention on Manaforts business in Ukraine. That attention forced Manafort to resign from the campaign, and he was later convicted of financial crimes and sentenced to prison. Ukrainian officials have denied involvement, but Trump has latched onto the idea that Kiev colluded with Democrats and that the origins of Muellers probe were fraudulent. Meanwhile, the presidents re-election campaign distanced itself from Giulianis efforts, saying it had nothing to do with the lawyers inquiry. Giuliani himself downplayed, sort of, questions about whether what he was doing was inappropriate. Were not meddling in an election, were meddling in an investigation, which we have a right to do, Giuliani told The Times. Theres nothing illegal about it. Somebody could say its improper. But the whole episode could trigger uncomfortable questions about foreign entanglements for the White House, which is still grappling with the aftermath of the special counsel probe. Weve come to a very sorry state when it is considered OK for an American politician, never mind an attorney for the president, to go and seek foreign intervention in American politics, Rep. Jerrod Nadler, D-N.Y., the head of the House Judiciary Committee, said to CNN on Friday. Mueller did not conclude that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia and did not determine whether or not Trump obstructed justice. But House Democrats are pushing the inquiry further on a number of fronts, including issuing subpoenas for the probes witnesses and documents. Trump this week announced that he would invoke executive privilege to shield the material, certain to prompt a lengthy legal fight. Throughout the investigation, Giuliani attacked Muellers credibility and often tried to change the public discourse by advancing conspiracy theories about the special counsel or Democratic investigators. In the probes final days, he began to zero in on the possible Ukraine connection. ___ Follow Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@JonLemire ___ Padmananda Rama contributed reporting from Washington. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates A U.S. aircraft carrier strike group rushes toward the Persian Gulf. Decades-old B-52 bombers rumble down runways at desert air bases. The Pentagon, meanwhile, routes a Patriot missile battery and an amphibious supply ship to return to the region. These military deployments in the Persian Gulf, beginning with a sudden May 5 order from the White House citing still-unspecified threats from Iran, comes as Tehran has begun setting its own deadlines over its unraveling nuclear deal that President Donald Trump pulled America of out of a year ago. Yet even without these movements, the U.S. has maintained a vast network of bases across the Persian Gulf dating back to the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq. Allied Gulf Arab nations, many rich from oil reserves, equip their own forces with billions of dollars of American arms as well. Heres what military assets the U.S. has across the Persian Gulf, those it is now bringing in, and why America has maintained its long presence in the region. ___ UNRELENTING FORCE John Bolton, Trumps national security adviser, announced the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its strike group on May 5 over troubling and escalatory indications and warnings that still have not been specified. He warned Iran any attack would U.S. interests or allies would face unrelenting force. The Lincoln, which left the U.S. in April on a scheduled deployment, had planned to come to the Persian Gulf on its around-the-world trip to San Diego, California. Now it is steaming there earlier. Alongside the Lincoln are three destroyers, the USS Bainbridge, the USS Mason and the USS Nitze, as well as the guided-missile cruiser the USS Leyte Gulf and a Spanish frigate, the ESPS Mendez Nunez. Separately, B-52s from the 20th Bomb Squadron of Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana have landed in Qatar and elsewhere in southwest Asia possibly the United Arab Emirates in recent days. On Friday, the Pentagon announced it would be returning a Patriot missile battery to the wider Mideast, as well as sending the USS Arlington, an amphibious warship carrying U.S. Marines. The USS Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship carrying Marines and warplanes, just left the Persian Gulf and is nearby in the Arabian Sea. ___ U.S. BASES, PERSONNEL IN THE REGION The Persian Gulf hosts a series of major American military installations. The U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, which oversees the region, is based in Bahrain, an island nation off the coast of Saudi Arabia that is home to over 7,000 American troops. Kuwait hosts over 13,000 American troops and the U.S. Armys Central forward headquarters. Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is the largest port of call for the U.S. Navy outside of America. The UAE hosts 5,000 U.S. military personnel, many at Abu Dhabis Al Dhafra Air Base, where American drones and advanced F-35 jetfighters are stationed. The forward headquarters of the U.S. militarys Central Command is at Qatars sprawling Al Udeid Air Base, home to some 10,000 American troops. In Oman, the sultanate allows thousands of overflights and hundreds of landings a year, while also granting access to ports and its bases. Meanwhile, U.S. special forces personnel reportedly are on the ground in Yemen amid the Saudi-led war against the Houthi rebels. The U.S. also carries out a yearslong drone-strike campaign there targeting suspected members of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. ___ U.S. PRESENCE FROM THE CARTER DOCTRINE TO THE WAR YEARS During the Cold War, the U.S. pledged to defend its Persian Gulf allies from the Soviet Union. By the start of 1980, however, the region was in turmoil. The Islamic Revolution in Iran had thrown out the American-allied shah. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan sparked fear in the administration of President Jimmy Carter that Moscow could be within striking distance of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a third of all oil traded by sea now passes. The presidents eponymous Carter Doctrine emerged from that. It holds that the U.S. would use military force to defend its interests across the energy-rich Persian Gulf. But what would cement the U.S. presence in the region came in 1990, when Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded his oil-rich neighbor Kuwait. Defense agreements struck with Gulf Arab nations then grew into a series of major military installations across the region. The presence of American troops in Saudi Arabia, home to the Muslim worlds holiest sites, served as a chief complaint of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden ahead of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Those attacks led to the U.S. war in Afghanistan, which continues today over 17 years later. The 2003 invasion of Iraq and the chaos that followed, including the rise of the Islamic State group there and in Syria, only increased the importance the U.S. holds on its bases in the region. ___ THE VIEW FROM IRAN Irans Shiite theocracy long has looked at the presence of U.S. forces ringing its country with suspicion. One flash point is the Strait of Hormuz in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, which at its narrowest point is just 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide. The width of the shipping lane in either direction is only 3 kilometers (2 miles). The strait is viewed as an international transit route. American forces routinely travel through the area, despite sometimes-tense encounters with Irans Revolutionary Guard, a paramilitary force answerable only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. For its part, Iran compares the American presence to Tehran sending warships to the Gulf of Mexico. Breaking: Our Navy operates in yes, correct the Persian Gulf, not the Gulf of Mexico. Question is what US Navy doing 7,500 miles from home, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif once tweeted in 2017, attaching a map showing the distance between the two bodies of water. ___ Follow Jon Gambrell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jongambrellAP. Bryan Carmody, a freelance reporter in San Francisco, awoke Friday to the sounds of someone trying to break into his house. About 10 officers from the San Francisco Police Department were bashing the front gate of his Outer-Richmond home with a sledgehammer, he said. It was just after 8 oclock in the morning. Carmody called out and said he would let them into the house. The officers showed him a search warrant, and proceeded to go through his home from top to bottom he says with their guns drawn. They treated me like I was some kind of drug dealer, he said in an interview with The Washington Post. Carmody was being raided in connection with a criminal investigation. Two weeks before, police investigators showed up at his home to ask him, politely he says, to identify the source who provided him with a confidential police report about the February death of the citys public defender, Jeff Adachi. Carmody, who said he worked with three local television news stations on the story, declined. He wasnt about to give up his source on Friday either, despite the escalation not to the police, or two FBI agents in suits who questioned him about the case, he said. Im smart enough not to talk to federal agents, ever, Carmody said. I just kept saying, lawyer, lawyer, lawyer.' So he stayed handcuffed for the next six hours, he says a certificate of release he distributed from the police department says he was in custody from 8:22 a.m. until 1:55 p.m. as investigators searched his home, and then his office, where they found the report in a safe. A search warrant filed in the case notes that it was issued as police investigated stolen or embezzled property. Theres only two people on this planet who know who leaked this report me and the guy who leaked it, Carmody said. The raid on Carmodys home and office drew wide First Amendment-related attention in the Bay Area over the weekend. And it added a new twist to the intrigue that surrounded the death of Adachi, who had built up a high profile as a public defender in the 16 years hed held the office. The only elected public defender in California, Adachi was known as an watchdog on police misconduct. His death, on Feb. 22, at the age of 59, was attributed in early reports to a heart attack. Then more information came to light. On Feb. 24, ABC 7 published a story after it said it obtained a police report and photos about Adachis death, which included unflattering details about Adachis last hours. The story reported that he had been with a woman named Caterina not his wife and that he was found unresponsive in an apartment with an unmade bed, empty bottles of alcohol, cannabis gummies, and two syringes that may have been left by paramedics. The publication of those details, which did little to illuminate the nature of Adachis death and more to call into question his character, prompted some to wonder if the police department was retaliating against Adachi, even after his death. Its curious that were reading leaked details about another woman, the renting of an apartment, and entirely unnecessary mentions of alcohol, cannabis, and syringes, SFist noted at the time. Certainly the incident ought to be investigated, as any death should, but the information coming out makes it seem like Adachis decades-old battles with law enforcement on behalf of defendants and otherwise may continue even after his passing. Tim Redmond, the editor of the San Francisco news site 48 Hills, called the local coverage repugnant, noting how disliked Adachi was by many police officers in the city in a post he wrote at the time. Where do you supposed those came from? Why do you suppose they wound up with the sensation-driven TV stations? he wrote of the provenance of the police report. The photos have been widely publicized with no context at all. There are photos of an unmade bed a salacious innuendo with no relevance. Carmody declined to give specifics about the three outlets he had worked with on the story. A stringer in the parlance of TV news, Carmody occupies the small niche in the world of broadcast journalism that was satirized in the Hollywood film Nightcrawler. He works every night from about 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., where he chases news, like car crashes, crime scenes, disasters, weather stories, the release of a new video game anything that happens overnight, he says and then sells his services and materials he gathers to local stations for their morning broadcasts. His name is rarely included on the report or corresponding material, he said. His company, North Bay Television, run out of an office stocked with police scanners, computers, and a coffee machine downtown, employs three or four other people, down from a one-time peak of 10. Like all media, we are shrinking, he said. He said he has never paid any of his sources of information or material. Asked about tensions between the police department and Adachi, Carmody declined to comment on the politics of the case. I had no beef with him, I had no beef with anyone, Im just a journalist in the middle of this, he said. He said he believed he was being targeted because he was a freelancer, noting that details in the police report had appeared in other publications, like the San Francisco Chronicle. I dont think there was a police raid at the Chronicle with a sledge hammer yesterday, he said. A medical examiners report, which was released to the media in March, filled in more details about Adachis death. The office ruled his death an accident due to the effects of cocaine and alcohol combined with a preexisting heart condition it said Adachi had. The San Francisco Police Department defended the investigation on Saturday in a statement sent to local reporters. The citizens and leaders of the City of San Francisco have demanded a complete and thorough investigation into this leak, and this action represents a step in the process of investigating a potential case of obstruction of justice along with the illegal distribution of confidential police material, it said. FBI spokeswoman Katherine Zackel said that its agents did not participate in the execution of the search warrant but confirmed that they were present to interview Carmody. A law enforcement source said that Carmody was handcuffed for procedural issues related to multiple weapons in the house. Carmody said that he is the lawful owner of an unspecific number of guns. Carmody says his ability to work is now crippled by the seizure of his electronics. A search warrant and affidavit he distributed noted that police took at least at least four tablets, seven computers, 10 hard drives, a dozen phones, two cameras, reporters notebooks, and a thumb drive from his home. Hes started a GoFundMe to raise money to buy more equipment. Thomas Burke, a First Amendment lawyer in the Bay Area who represents Carmody, said that he believes the police overreached significantly. The appropriate thing was to issue a subpoena, not a search warrant, he said, noting the breadth of Carmodys material they had control over in all of this devices and notebooks. He said he wants to know whether the judges who signed the warrants were aware that they were for a reporters home and office. Carmody said he had never been pressured by law enforcement to give up a source before in 29 years of reporting, mentioning, as an example the leaked photographs from San Franciscos public transportation agency he recently acquired that exposed a safety issue with some trains. I am shocked at how far this has gone already, he said. Its already gotten way out of hand. CHICO, Calif. -- A Chico Police Officer was injured Friday night while trying to arrest a Chico man for being drunk in public on Abbott Circle. Chico Police said when officers tried to arrest 39-year-old David Boychuck, Boychuck ran off. One officer who tried to arrest Boychuck hit his head against a wall, receiving minor injuries. The injured officer called for emergency assistance, prompting several other police cars to show up. Boychuck is in a local hospital with minor injuries. Police said he will be booked into the Butte County Jail. He is facing charges including being drunk in public and resisting arrest. BNP Vice-Chairman Abdullah Al Noman speaking at a discussion organised on the occasion of historic Farakka Long March of Maulana Bhasani by Bhasani Anusari Parishad at the Jatiya Press Club on Saturday. CHICO, Calif. - Chico Unified School sites are getting portable trauma kits after a $3,500 donation. With a donation made by Golden Valley Bank, the district was able to purchase 165 emergency medical kits. The Chico Fire Department will work with school sites to provide "Stop the Bleed" training. "One of those tools I hope I never have to use, but should the occasion occur we will be grateful we have state of the art supplies," said Superintendent Kelly Staley. "I want to thank Golden Valley Dank CEO and President Mark Francis. It's very important to have these in our schools and for school safety," said Police Chief Mike O'Brien. The training program began in April 2013 after the first active shooter tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. We had a bit of a cool morning this morning despite yesterday's warm afternoon. With nice clear skies, we warmed up quickly today, with highs in the mid to upper 80s - that's about 10 degrees higher than mid-week. In fact, we're hitting the lower 90s this afternoon in some parts of the valley. The low-pressure storm system that brought mountain thunderstorms yesterday has moved into Southern California, though we may see a few storms south of Highway 50. With high-pressure building over the Pacific Northwest, the amped-up pressure gradient means increasing northerly winds this afternoon with gusts to 20 to 30 mph over the Valley. The Easterly flow means a chance for thunderstorms across the Sierra this weekend, though everywhere else is staying dry! The Delta breeze should increase again over the weekend. Plan on warm temperatures to continue through the weekend with Valley highs remaining in the low to mid 80s and low 90s closer to Redding. Early next week the high pressure moves eastward while a trough of low pressure develops over the Pacific. So, expect a dry and warm start to the work week before shifting to cooler, cloudier, and potentially wet weather. WEATHER APP: DOWNLOAD OUR WEATHER APP FOR LATEST UPDATES: iOS | Android WEATHER LINKS: 7 DAY: Redding forecast 7 DAY: Chico forecast WEATHER: Maps and radar PARADISE, Calif. - On May 9, PG&E's CEO toured Paradise with his team. Town council members say CEO Bill Johnson visited the burn scar and let them know why he took the job and his goal for the town. Council members also said the company is considering putting utilities underground. PG&E will have representatives at the May 22 town council meeting. REDDING, Calif. - Redding Police are investigating a suspicious death. At approximately 5:12 p.m. on Friday officers were dispatched to an island on the Sacramento River near Girvan Rd. A male subject located a deceased female family member on the island. Redding Police Investigators responded and took over the investigation. At this time, the cause of death is unknown and an autopsy will be scheduled at a later date. The male was interviewed and released. The scene was located in an isolated area and CHP - Northern Division Air Operations assisted in transporting officers to the island. This is an ongoing investigation and the name of the deceased is not being released at this time. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the Redding Police Department Investigations Division at (530) 225-4200. Three agencies from India won five Pencils at the second night of The One Club for Creativitys 46th annual One Show, the prestigious global awards competition celebrating excellence in creativity of ideas and quality of execution. Taproot Dentsu Mumbai won a Silver Pencil for Painted by Paint on behalf of Dulux Paints in Print & Outdoor, Craft - Art Direction. The agency was also awarded a Bronze Pencil for Dulux Paints Paint Flow in Print & Outdoor, Experiential & Installations - Single. J. Walter Thompson India Mumbai with J. Walter Thompson Amsterdam won two Bronze Pencils in Film, both for Blink Test on behalf of Jimmy Nelson Foundation. One Bronze was for Television & VOD - Long Form - Single, and the other was for Online Films & Video - Varying Length Campaign. The other Pencil winner from India on the night was Blink Digital Mumbai, who picked up a Bronze for Alexa, Play My Song on behalf of Amazon Echo in Interactive & Online, Online Advertising - Native Ads. Top global winners for the second night of The One Show 2019 The One Show 2019 Best in Show honours, recognising the single most outstanding work entered this year, went to Wieden+Kennedy Portland with Park Pictures Los Angeles and Joint Portland for Dream Crazy on behalf of Nike. This years top honors, based upon cumulative One Show Pencils and Merits won across all disciplines, are: Agency of the Year Wieden+Kennedy Portland Portland In-house Agency of the Year Spotify Network of the Year DDB Worldwide Creative Holding Company of the Year Omnicom Group Production Company of the Year MPC Client of the Year Nike Best of Discipline winners for the second night of The One Show were: The One Show 2019 special awards A jury of 10 leading global CMOs awarded the 2019 CMO Pencil to David Rubin, Chief Marketing Officer at The New York Times, as a result of their selecting The Truth Is Worth It as the worlds single most impactful idea on a brands business from the past year. The jury picked the work, by Droga5 New York, from among this years 20 highest-scoring entries including Best of Discipline winners, narrowly beating out Nike Dream Crazy by Wieden+Kennedy Portland. The prestigious One Show Penta Pencil, awarded to the agency and brand who together have created stellar creative work for the last five years, was presented adam&eveDDB London and client John Lewis & Partners London. The One Show Pencil is one of the highest accolades in the industry because it is one of the most difficult to win. For both nights of The One Show 2019, 569 Pencils were awarded: 180 Gold, 178 Silver and 211 Bronze. A total of 19,445 pieces were entered this year from 73 countries. This second night of The One Show was hosted by actor, comedian and writer Ben Schwartz, known for his roles on NBCs Parks and Recreation and Showtime's House of Lies. Schwartz is also the voice of Sonic in the upcoming film Sonic: The Hedgehog. The One Show awards are part The One Club for Creativitys Creative Week, May 6-10, 2019 in New York. The preeminent festival showcasing the intersection of advertising, innovation and creative thinking, Creative Week also includes the ADC 98th Annual Awards, two nights of The One Show, the dynamic Young Ones Education Festival, inspiring sessions with some of the biggest names in the industry at the Creative Summit and the exclusive Executive Creative Summit, open to a limited number of top-level leaders (founders, CCOs, managing partners). CERIZ, a French accessory brand for women has roped in Bollywoods current heartthrob, Sara Ali Khan as their brand ambassador. After a successful start to a brand-new innings in Bollywood, the 20-something-year-old rising starlet will be seen sporting the stylish collection of handbags by CERIZ. The beautiful actress recently did a photo-shoot for the brand for its Spring-Summer collection. CERIZ, a French-inspired high-fashion brand focusing on handbags and footwear, represents a modern woman, who is bold and glamorous, free-spirited yet rooted. Women can choose from a range of chic handbags to sling, clutches, backpacks, laptop bags. And footwear that ranges from high heels to casual & athleisure. I am very excited to endorse CERIZ. As a girl Ive always believed in simplicity, and Im cautious of ensuring that the brands I endorse are in line with my personality. Therefore, with a tag line like effortlessly glamorous a brand like CERIZ is a perfect fit for me. I truly believe it takes very little to be fashionable and the more authentic and truer to yourself you are, the more you stand out. CERIZ always has a myriad of trendy and stylish yet original and simple bags that complement any outfit!, commented Sara Ali Khan, Brand Ambassador, CERIZ, when asked about her association with the brand. CERIZ is present across more than 200 doors at Central, Shoppers Stop, Rocia, Inc5, Shoetree, Pantaloons, Brand Factory & other leading retail outlets in cities like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Surat, and many others! Their entire range is also Available Online at www.ceriz.com, along with many other e-commerce platforms like Myntra, Paytm, Amazon, Tatacliq and Koovs. Inspiring the world to explore for over a century, OnePlus, together with National Geographic will soon debut a special photography series in a magazine supplement, shot on a smartphone. The supplement issue Inspired by Nature will be released with the July edition of the National Geographic Magazine and feature stunning images of North America, all captured on the OnePlus 7 Pro smartphone. For the partnership, National Geographic handpicked three of its world-renowned photographers and sent them to explore the rugged beauty of North America. Andy Bardon, Carlton Ward Jr. and Krystle Wright documented their journeys via the newly launched OnePlus 7 Pro, using its triple-lens setup and UltraShot system to capture remarkable photos of the natural world from sprawling desert frontiers, to soaring mountain ranges, to the hidden realm of life underwater. The worlds destination for science, exploration and adventure, National Geographic is dedicated to challenging perceptions and empowering everyone to push the boundaries of discovery. As smartphone technology advances, more and more people now have the opportunity to document the world and its plethora of stunning nature beauty. The photography series demonstrates how anyone can be an explorer and capture their journey through the lens of a smartphone. Con Apostolopoulos, Senior Vice President, National Geographic Partners, Asia Pacific & the Middle East said, National Geographic has documented the stories of our planet for 130 years, providing audiences around the world with a window into the Earths breathtaking beauty. Were awed by the amazing pictures our photographers captured from their North American expedition with the OnePlus 7 Pro! In collaboration with OnePlus, National Geographic is proud to leverage the power and reach of our global media platforms to inspire everyone to get out, explore, and take their own spectacular photos. Pete Lau, Founder and CEO of OnePlus, said, With the OnePlus 7 Pro, I believe we have raised the bar in camera technology. With this association with National Geographic, we wanted to push the limits of what our camera is capable of and we believe that the professional National Geographic photographers did just that. We are very excited to showcase the results from this partnership and hope that our users will be as excited about the camera on the OnePlus 7 Pro as we are. Speaking about her experience on the shoot, National Geographic Photographer Krystle Wright said, With the OnePlus 7 Pro, you have a whole camera bag in your pocket which is what has allowed us to be able to shoot a whole issue on a smartphone. God almighty, I am having one HELL of a flashback to when 2010 when my then ten year old daughter leapt of the bus sobbing inconsolably while bruises formed on her body. Look at this beautiful little Wisconsin girl with the pigtails. Another girl on the bus, her seatmate, was "brutally biting" Miss Waldron. This other student also has a disability - and I place no blame on a child. Here's where I disagree - Dad calls for a bus aide, which seems to make sense. But.... I never want an aide on my daughter's bus. It's written into her IEP - NO BUS AIDE. Why? The bus aide was the perpetrator, spraining Bella's hand day after day. I place the blame on the bus driver in this Wisconsin case. He or she should have pulled over. Surely there was screaming. Autism vocalization is one thing. Screams of agony are UNMISTAKABLE. He should have pulled over. Autism is a scourge. For those who have it. For those of us who love them. IT IS A CURSE AND A SCOURGE. You don't like that statement? Go read another happy shiny horsehshit site. Kim ### GREEN BAY, Wisc. -- An elementary school student in Green Bay, Wisconsin, came home with bruises on her arm after being bitten by another student multiple times on the school bus, according to WBAY. Lillian Waldron, 10, goes to Langlade Elementary School. Her mother said she is developmentally delayed and cannot speak. When Waldron exited the bus Monday, she ran to her mother with tears in her eyes. Waldron was inconsolable, so her mother decided to calm her down by giving her a bath. That's when she noticed the bruises. Waldron's father said she sits directly behind the school bus driver in a bus with other students with special needs. "She can't tell them to stop. She couldn't get away, because she's in a five-point harness car seat. She just had to sit there and take it and the bus driver wasn't stopping," Waldron's mother said. All Green Bay Area Public Schools buses have video recording devices on them. The school district said it is now investigating the video. Waldron's parents said the school principal already watched the video and told them it was "gruesome and horrifying to look at." Read more if you can bear it here. Taliban fighters double as reporters to wage Afghan digital war Taliban walk as they celebrate ceasefire in Ghanikhel district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan. Reuters, Kabul : Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's chief spokesman and editor-in-chief of the insurgent group's daily news bulletin, starts every day by collecting reports of overnight fighting with U.S. and Afghan forces. Mujahid says he gets his team of writers to cross-check facts shared by some of the hardline Islamist groups fighters, who double as reporters in the 34 provinces across the country. The writers prepare press statements in five languages and gather footage and photographs shot on smartphones. The editor-in-chief then approves final drafts of the reports - highlighting the group's claimed victories in its war aimed at toppling the U.S.-backed Afghan government - before they are published by IT specialists based outside the country. While some Afghan journalists say its accuracy is patchy, and its opponents accuse it of spreading "fake news", the Taliban's slick media operation has emerged as a key weapon in the information war that often leaves the Western-backed government and its U.S. partners struggling to catch up. Last month, for example the Taliban was swift to deny involvement in a suicide attack on the communications ministry in Kabul later blamed on Islamic State, while information from the government was slower to emerge. Taliban spokesmen say they have also stepped up their outreach as the pace of direct talks between its negotiators and the United States on ending the war in Afghanistan has picked up in recent months. They are often quicker than U.S. officials to give their read-out from the talks - the sixth round of which wrapped up in Qatar on Thursday. "Whatever developments occur during the Doha talks, we share it with journalists," said Mujahid, adding that the messages were aimed at domestic and international audiences. Mujahid and his colleague Qari Yousaf Ahmadi, two Taliban spokesmen based in Afghanistan, say they are authorized to interact with journalists, issue statements and tweet. They generally respond to text or voice messages from Reuters correspondents based in Kabul within an hour. While their location cannot be verified, they use Afghan phone numbers to access WhatsApp. The names they use are pseudonyms assigned to them by the Taliban leadership. "We are not authorized to reveal our real names, the two pen names are used to retain uniformity," Mujahid, who has more than 42,000 Twitter followers, told Reuters in a telephone interview.. In 2011, the Taliban leadership started posting regularly on Twitter, a surprise move by the radical Islamist movement that once banned most forms of modern entertainment. They now communicate on messaging apps WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram in English, Pashto, Dari, Arabic and Urdu. "We understand the importance of spreading information about our jihad and our determination to re-establish the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan," said Mujahid, who says he draws a monthly salary of 14,000 Afghani ($180), plus $128 for internet and mobile expenses. "Now many diplomats from various countries seek an audience with our leaders and follow us on social media," he added. Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News N Augusta Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. All eyes turned to Alabama this week as lawmakers debated - and ultimately tabled - the nations strictest abortion bill. The law would make it a felony to perform an abortion at any stage of pregnancy. Fireworks erupted in the state senate after Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth quickly gaveled down a proposed amendment to exclude victims of rape or incest before lawmakers could vote or debate. The furor pushed the vote to Tuesday, May 14. It wasnt the first controversial moment from abortion debate. Earlier in the week, state Rep. John Rogers, D-Birmingham, uploaded a video to Twitter with his thoughts on the bill. So you kill them now or you kill them later. You bring them in the world unwanted, unloved, you send them to the electric chair. So, you kill them now or you kill them later, he said. The comments generated an immediate backlash from both sides of the aisle. Abortion wasnt the only issue on the legislative agenda. The state senate quickly passed a bill Thursday morning that would legalize medical marijuana. The bill now moves to the state house. If adopted, Alabama would become the 34th state to legalize medical marijuana. Friday afternoon, the Alabama Department of Health announced that an infant believed to be infected by measles actually tested negative for the highly contagious infection. The five-month-old showed several symptoms of the illness, and had been counted as a presumptive positive case before the results came back. Measles cases have been confirmed in 23 states and public health officials are urging parents to vaccinate children who may be behind on their shots. Tragedy struck Bluff Park when two teenagers plunged 150 feet off the side of a cliff after going off the road. Authorities later identified the victims as two Birmingham City Schools students, aged 15 and 17. A 19-year-old woman from Georgia slipped into rushing water Tuesday near Noccalula Falls in Gadsden. Rescue workers recovered her body downstream and pronounced her dead on the scene. Former Jefferson County Commissioner Chris McNair, the father of one of the girls killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, died this week at age 93. His funeral will be held in the same church where his daughter died. McNair leaves a complicated legacy that includes years of community leadership, but also a conviction for bribery. Meanwhile, in Mobile members of the public strongly oppose efforts to impose a $3 to $6 toll on a new I-10 bridge. Transportation officials have said they need the toll income to pay for the project, but residents claim the fees would impose a large economic burden on commuters. The funeral for one of the first black members of the Alabama Legislature will be held in the same church where his daughter died in a racist bombing in 1963, his family said Friday. A service for Chris McNair will be held May 17 at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. McNair's daughter, 11-year-old Denise McNair, was among four black girls killed when Ku Klux Klansmen bombed the church on Sept. 15, 1963. Lisa McNair, a surviving daughter, said her father planned his funeral and wanted it held at the church even though he wasn't a member. "I think (it was) because of the historical significance. Also, that church is large enough to hold a larger crowd," she said. Other members of the McNair family were members at 16th Street Baptist but left for another church in 1983, Lisa McNair said. The current leadership was "willing to work with us and very supportive" of McNair's desire to have his funeral there, she said. McNair became one of the first African-American members of Alabama's Legislature since Reconstruction when he was elected in 1973. He died Wednesday at age 93. The church, located in the heart of Birmingham's black business district, was a gathering spot for civil rights demonstrators. The bomb went off on a Sunday while worshippers were preparing for the morning service. Three KKK members were convicted years later in the deadly blast, and one remains imprisoned on a murder conviction. A Friday-night crash during a pursuit sent two Birmingham police officers and a motorist to the hospital. Earlier in the day, a car was stolen out of Huntsville and a lookout bulletin indicated the vehicle could be headed for Birmingham, said police spokesman Sgt. Johnny Williams. About 8 p.m., two West Precinct officers spotted a vehicle matching the description in the area of Tuscaloosa and Lomb avenues in southwest Birmingham. The officers began to pursue the suspect vehicle, traveling southbound on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive near Elmwood Cemetery. As they passed the cemetery, the suspect vehicle sped through the intersection of Dennison Avenue and MLK Drive.' It was there the police cruiser collided with a motorist in the intersection. Upon impact, the front of the police SUV burst in flames. Both officers and the motorist were taken to area hospitals with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. Williams said the suspect vehicle got away. A description of the vehicle has not been released. Aid groups suspended aid to Syria's embattled northwest At least16 humanitarian groups, including from the UN, have halted aid operations in parts of northwestern Syria where an uptick in regime and Russia bombardment is jeopardising their activities AFP, Beirut : UN-linked aid groups have suspended activities in parts of violence-plagued northwest Syria, where stepped up bombardment by the regime and Russia is jeopardising the safety of humanitarian workers. "As of 8 May, at least 16 humanitarian partners have suspended their operations in areas impacted by conflict," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA said Friday. The World Food Programme said it has suspended "deliveries to about 47,000 people in towns and villages... (that) have come under bombardment". Since late April, government forces have mounted a major bombardment of southern Idlib and neighbouring areas with Russian support. The uptick in air strikes and shelling on the region dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate has displaced 180,000 people between 29 April and 9 May, OCHA said. It has also affected 15 health facilities and 16 schools, it added. "Some organisations suspended activities as their premises were damaged, destroyed or rendered unsafe by the violence," OCHA said. "Others have suspended activities in order to keep their staff and beneficiaries safe, or because the beneficiary population has left," it added. OCHA said five humanitarian workers, including two health professionals, have been reportedly killed due to air strikes and shelling. WFP also said that some of its partners inside Idlib have been "displaced due to the violence, while a few others have sustained injuries". The northwestern part of Syria controlled by jihadists is made up of a large part of Idlib province, as well as adjacent parts of the Aleppo and Hama provinces. It has been protected from a massive regime offensive by a September deal inked by Damascus ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey. The region of some three million people has come under increasing bombardment since Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is dominated by jihadists from Al-Qaeda's former Syrian branch, took full control of it in the beginning of the year. Western powers are concerned that the Russia-backed Syrian government will launch a full-scale assault. On Friday, air strikes and shelling killed 10 civilians, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The civil war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it started with the brutal repression of anti-government protests in 2011. Bamboo poles being used to supply electricity violating rules in Khagrachhari Didarul Alam Raju, Khagrachhari : The Power Development Board (PDB) is allegedly using bamboo poles for supplying electricity in Khagrachhari District city violating existing rules. As per the rules, the PDB can give electricity connection from a standard pole to households at a maximum distance of 100 feet and the electricity cables have to be at least seven meters above the ground. But the rules are being violated in Rupnagar area in Khagrachhari city. Electricity is being supplied using bamboo poles to about more than 40 houses at Rupnagar. Moreover, many bamboo poles used for supplying electricity were found in a bad shape with power cables hanging just overhead at some points. Chandan Chowdhury, Sabuj Roy and Palash Dev, residents of Rupnagar area said that electricity was supplied in their village with bamboo poles pose risks to the local residents. They said although they had requested the PDB authorities several times to remove the bamboo poles but PDB is yet to take any step. The PDB had provided them electricity meters one year ago and they have been paying bills regularly, they added. Md. Masud, councilor of Khagrachhari Municipality said he had informed the matters to PDB authorities with a request to set standard electricity poles removing the bamboo poles. But PDB yet to settle the issue. He expresses deep concerned and said it might causes huge losses to life and properties during rainy reasons. When contacted, Khagrachhari PDB Chief Engineer Kamal Uddin admitted that supplying electricity using bamboo poles is a clear violation of existing rules. Replying to a query, he said the electricity supplier and user are both equal offenders. Effective measures will be taken in this regard as soon as possible. Amer Khayyat, accused of planning to blow up an Etihad Airlines flight, released on bail in Beirut, his lawyer says. The lawyer of an Australian-Lebanese dual citizen on trial in Beirut for an alleged plot to bring down a passenger plane says her client has been ordered to be released on bail by a Lebanese military court. Joceline Adib al-Rai, Amer Khayyats lawyer, said on Saturday the courts decision was delivered a day earlier. Prosecutors can still appeal his release. Lebanese authorities have held Khayyat in detention since 2017, accusing him of planning to blow up an Etihad Airlines flight that was supposed to travel from Sydney to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has been alleged that Khayyat attempted to smuggle an improvised explosive device onto the Abu Dhabi-bound flight but his luggage was rejected at a Sydney Airport check-in counter because it was too heavy. Australian police said he was unaware that he was carrying a bomb, disguised as a meat grinder, in his luggage, as he tried to check in at the airport. Amers brothers, Khaled Khayyat, 49, and Mahmoud Khayyat, 32, were later arrested in Sydney and charged with preparing for, or planning, a terrorist attack. They remain in custody in Sydney. During his trial in May last year, Amer Khayyat rejected the charges and broke down in tears as he faced a Lebanese military court in Beirut, insisting he was innocent. I am a nightclub man, a drugs man, he told the court. I didnt know anything. Another brother, Tareq Khayyat, an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) commander and Lebanese citizen, was arrested in Iraq in 2018, according to media reports. Police in Australia had alleged that the explosives used to make the bomb were sent to Sydney by air cargo from Turkey as part of a plot inspired and directed by ISIL, which police said was among the most sophisticated ever attempted in Australia. In February last year, Israel said it helped avert the plot to bring down the plane. In a speech in Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited his nations intelligence services with preventing an unimaginable slaughter. Australias Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton later confirmed that Israel was involved in uncovering the plot. Speaking to local radio station 2GB, Dutton said the Etihad flight was almost blown out of the sky. [It] would have resulted in hundreds of people losing their lives, so we are very grateful for the assistance Israel provided in that matter, Dutton added. Presidents executive order gives millions the right to carry firearms, but opponents slam the move as abuse of power. A Brazilian supreme court judge has given President Jair Bolsonaro and his justice ministry five days to respond to criticism that a recently signed gun decree has violated the countrys constitution. The May 7 presidential order would grant millions of citizens the right to carry loaded weapons in public. The directive from Justice Rosa Weber on Friday came after an opposition political party filed a petition with the Supreme Federal Tribunal court arguing the order, which is due to take effect in early June, was an abuse of regulatory power. The Sustainability Network party said it was up to Brazils Congress to legislate on the possession of firearms, according to a copy of the court documents. The petition also said the decree contravened the spirit of a 2003 disarmament statute, which prohibits citizens from carrying weapons in public and sets out other restrictions on weapon use. Bolsonaro has long opposed that statute and was part of the so-called bullet caucus when he served in Congress. His executive order loosened rules so that Brazilians could own up to four guns and would allow tax collectors, bus drivers, elected officials, lawyers and journalists, among others, to carry loaded guns in public without authorisation from the federal police. The decree also eased restrictions on gun imports and increased the amount of ammunition a person could buy, raising the yearly limit on purchases from 50 to 5,000 cartridges for permitted weapons and up to 1,000 cartridges for use in restricted weapons. More weapons, more deaths Bolsonaro, who swept to power in a highly divisive October election on a law-and-order platform that included easing restrictions on guns, on Wednesday called the order another step towards freedom and individual rights in our nation. In an apparent change of tack on Friday, the 64-year-old former army captain said that if the decree was deemed unconstitutional it should cease to exist, The Associated Press news agency reported. Hours later, however, he told a crowd in the southeasterly state of Parana that his administration would not [be] retreating in front of those that since forever have said they are security experts. The life of a good citizen has no price, Bolsonaro said. He has previously said that more guns will reduce violence in Brazil. 181007020716337 Critics, meanwhile, have been quick to denounce the new decree, arguing it could fuel an increase in violence in the worlds murder capital. Ilona Szabo de Carvalho, executive director of the Igarape Institute, a Rio de Janeiro-based think-tank, said the order was detrimental to the protection of society as a whole. We know that the more weapons in circulation, the more deaths from firearms, de Carvalho told Brazils Globo news. Nowhere in our constitution is it stated that we have a right to guns, it says we have a right to public security, she added. In 2017, 63,880 homicides were recorded throughout Brazil, making it the deadliest year in the countrys history, according to the Brazilian Forum of Public Security. Nearly 45,000 of those cases involved firearms. Two days of US-China trade talks end without a deal with Beijing pointing to sticking points about crucial principles. Chinas lead negotiator has said Beijing will not compromise on its principles as two days of trade talks between the United States and China have broken up with no agreement. Speaking on Friday after his meeting in Washington with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Chinas Vice President Liu He said the sticking points in the negotiations were about crucial matters regarding principle. But Liu told reporters the talks had been productive and said the two sides would meet again in Beijing at an unspecified date. 190510120108019 Negotiations have not broken down, but rather on the contrary, this is only a normal twist in the negotiations between the two countries. It is inevitable, Liu said. We have a consensus in lots of areas but to speak frankly there are areas we have differences on, and we believe these concern big principles. Liu pointed to three major areas of disagreement: whether to cancel all punitive tariffs when an agreement is reached, the exact size of Chinese purchases of US goods, and a balanced agreement text. Any country needs its own dignity, so the text must be balanced, he said. Liu and Chinas President Xi Jinping cannot be seen as giving in too much with trade concessions to the US in fear of triggering comparisons to past unequal treaties forced on China in the 19th and 20th centuries. Every country has important principles, and we will not make concessions on matters of principle, Liu said. Growing tariffs The development came shortly after US President Donald Trump more than doubled tariffs on $200bn in Chinese imports, raising them to 25 percent from 10 percent. The president ordered us to begin the process of raising tariffs on essentially all remaining imports from China, which are valued at approximately $300bn, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. They were not expected to go into effect for several months. Liu had warned earlier that Beijing must respond to any US tariffs. Trump continues to argue that tariffs could in some ways be preferable to reaching a trade deal. Tariffs will bring in FAR MORE wealth to our country than even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind, Trump wrote. Since last year, the US and China have exchanged tariffs on more than $360bn in two-way trade, weighing on both countries economies. Al Jazeeras Adrian Brown, reporting from Beijing, said there was pressure on both sides. There is pressure on Trump supporters who fill their homes with so many Chinese products, he said. But China is worried as well, because its economy is continuing to slow and President Xi Jinping is also aware that Trump has the support of the Democrats on this issue. Economists stress that duties are paid by US companies and consumers and result in higher prices, while farmers and manufacturers complain about the loss of markets for their exports due to retaliation from China and other targets of Trumps trade wrath. Trump began the standoff because of complaints about Chinese trade practices perceived as unfair. Washington is pressing China to change its policies on protections for intellectual property, as well as massive subsidies for state-owned firms, and to reduce a widening trade deficit. Houthis say their forces begin redeployment from Hodeidah province, as government dismisses move as a flagrant show. Yemens Houthi rebels have begun a long-delayed withdrawal of their forces from key ports in Hodeidah province, the group said, under the terms of a UN-brokered peace agreement aimed at ending the countrys four-year civil war. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the head of the Houthis Supreme Revolutionary Committee, said the pullout from Hodeidah as well as the Saleef and Ras Issa ports started at 10am local time (07:00GMT) on Saturday. The Houthi-run Al Masirah TV channel said United Nations observers were monitoring the troop redeployment which is expected to take four days in total. Reuters news agency, citing a witness, reported that UN teams were overseeing the Houthis departure from Saleef and Ras Issa. The Reuters witness said the Yemeni coastguard had taken command of operations at Saleef after a dozen trucks carrying Houthi fighters, armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and machine guns, departed from the port. A senior pro-government official, however, accused the Houthis of faking a pullout. The Houthis are staging a new ploy by handing over the ports of Hodeidah, Saleef and Ras Issa to themselves without any monitoring by the United Nations and the government side, provincial governor Al-Hasan Taher told AFP news agency. Moammar al-Eryani, information minister of Yemens internationally-recognised government, also dismissed the redeployment, alleging it was an attempt to disinform the international community. What happened today is a flagrant show, a group of [Houthi] militiamen left [the city] and they were replaced by others wearing coastguard police uniforms, al-Eryani told Reuters. Two-phase withdrawal The Houthis reported withdrawal came after the UN announced on Friday that the group had unilaterally agreed to pull out its forces from the three key ports as part of a first practical step on the ground towards fulfilling a pact agreed between Yemens warring factions in Sweden last December. The UN mission to support the peace deal said it will monitor the multi-step redeployment, adding that the move must be followed by the committed, transparent and sustained actions of the parties to fully deliver on their obligations. 190419120508897 Under the first phase, the Houthis are expected to pull back five kilometres from the three ports, while pro-government forces backed by a Saudi-UAE-led coalition and stationed four kilometres from Hodeidah port on the edges of the city are due to retreat one kilometre. Brigadier Mohammed al-Qaderi, the Houthi representative in a joint coordination team, said the group had implemented all obligations of the first phase and called on the UN to commit the pro-government forces to do the same, AFP reported. British Foreign Minister Jeremy Hunt welcomed the Houthi move. We appear to be approaching implementation of the mutual redeployment of forces a key step to ending this brutal war, he said in a tweet. Encouraging signs from the worst humanitarian crisis in the world with reports that Houthis beginning to withdraw (under UN supervision) from the Yemeni ports of Hodeidah, Saleef and Ras Issa. Vital this happens in full. pic.twitter.com/QEI1AdaW73 Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) May 11, 2019 A second phase of withdrawal is scheduled to follow in which both sides pull their troops 18km outside of Hodeidah and heavy weapons 30km away. Kurt Tjossem, the International Rescue Committees regional director for the Horn and East Africa, said in a statement it was crucial both phases of redeployment were verified and followed by sustained commitment by all parties to make good on their Stockholm obligations. Humanitarian crisis Once the Houthis withdraw, the UN mission said it will take a leading role in supporting the Red Sea Ports Corporation in managing the ports and enhance checks on cargoes. Humanitarian officials have long pleaded with Yemens warring sides to spare Hodeidah, which serves as the entry point for the bulk of Yemens commercial imports and a lifeline for vital aid supplies. But the peace deal has stalled since January amid deep mistrust among the parties in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people and triggered an economic collapse in the Arab worlds poorest nation, pushing millions of people to the brink of starvation. The coalition alleged the Houthis used Hodeidah as a landing point to smuggle weapons supplied by Iran into Yemen, a charge the group and Tehran have repeatedly denied. 190424193423672 Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf State Analytics, said the lack of trust between the two sides presented a huge problem to efforts aimed at ending the war. Words are very good but to develop a little bit of trust that could potentially pave the way to eventually solve this conflict is going to really require some actions, Cafiero told Al Jazeera. The conflict in Yemen, home to an estimated 28 million people, began with the 2014 takeover of the capital, Sanaa, by the Houthis, who toppled the internationally-recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Concerned by the rise of the rebel group, believed to be backed by Iran, the Saudi-UAE-led military coalition launched an intervention in 2015 in the form of a massive air campaign aimed at reinstalling Hadis government. The Houthis control the biggest urban centres while Hadis administration holds the southern port of Aden and a string of coastal towns. The USS Arlington and Patriot missiles join USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and an air force bomber task force. The US government has approved the deployment of a Patriot missile defence battery and another warship to the Middle East amid increasing tensions between the US and Iran. The USS Arlington, which transports marines, amphibious vehicles, and rotary aircraft, will join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group, which already passed through Egypts Suez Canal on Thursday, and is currently sailing in the Red Sea, according to CNN. The US says the deployments of military hardware to the region comes in response to heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations. The Patriot missile system is a defence mechanism against aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, and is currently deployed in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Acting Secretary of Defense has approved the movement of USS Arlington (LPD-24) and a Patriot battery to US Central Command (CENTCOM) as part of the commands original request for forces from earlier this week, a Pentagon statement said. USS Arlington is an amphibious transport dock carrying hundreds of Marines [Bebeto Matthews/AP] Manufactured by Raytheon, the Patriot is used by the US and several allied nations [File: EPA] Earlier in the week, a US air force bomber task force, including B-52 bombers, also arrived at the US airbase Al Udeid in Qatar, US Central Command said. The Department of Defense continues to closely monitor the activities of the Iranian regime, their military and proxies. Due to operational security, we will not discuss timelines or location of forces. The United States does not seek conflict with Iran, but we are postured and ready to defend US forces and interests in the region, the statement added. The B-52 is a long-range bomber designed and built by Boeing [File: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters] Iran has dismissed the moves as psychological warfare designed to intimidate it. In an advisory posted on Thursday, the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) said that since early May there had been an increased possibility of Iran or its regional proxies taking action against US and partner interests. These included, MARAD said, oil production infrastructure, after Tehran threatened to close the vital Strait of Hormuz chokepoint in the Arabian Gulf through which about a fifth of oil consumed globally passes. Iran or its proxies could respond by targeting commercial vessels, including oil tankers, or US military vessels in the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf, MARAD said. Reporting indicates heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations against US forces and interests. Rising tensions Tensions between Iran and the US have escalated sharply in recent weeks. The US unilaterally backed out of a 2015 nuclear pact in May 2018, effectively giving countries worldwide a year to stop buying Iranian oil or face US sanctions, which Washington says are aimed at completely choking off Iranian crude exports. Washington last month blacklisted Irans Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist group. US officials say they have detected indications that Iran could be preparing a military response. 190508204815694 Speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters news agency, officials say one of the pieces of intelligence indicated Iran had moved missiles on boats, with giving details of the claim. One of the officials said the particular missile observed was perhaps capable of launching from a small ship. The officials also noted growing concerns about the threat from Iran-backed militia in Iraq, which have long avoided any confrontation with US troops under the shared goal of defeating the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, or ISIS). Rhetoric has grown heated on both sides. Iranian news agency ISNA quoted Ayatollah Tabatabai-Nejad in the city of Isfahan as saying: Their billion dollar fleet can be destroyed with one missile. If they attempt any move, they will (face) dozens of missiles because at that time (government) officials wont be in charge to act cautiously, but instead things will be in the hands of our beloved leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei), he said on Friday. Thousands of Iranians took part in marches on Friday to support the governments decision to reduce limits on its nuclear programme. Iran has threatened to go further if other parties to the 2015 deal Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia fail to shield it from US sanctions. Iranian TV channels showed protesters marching after Friday prayers in Tehran and said similar marches had been held across Iran. Relatives of the killers say they did not know of their intentions, but not everyone believes them. A Sri Lankan court has given permission for DNA tests to be carried out on the remains of one of the suicide bombers involved in the Easter Sunday attacks, in order to confirm whether he was the suspected mastermind, Mohamed Zahran. Authorities will compare the DNA with that of Zahrans four-year-old daughter, who survived a raid on a safe house a week after the bombings. Al Jazeeras reports Minelle Fernandez from Kalmunai. Protesters say they want to meet with the military and sort out all contentious issues within 72 hours. Sudans military rulers have invited organisers of anti-government demonstrations to hold new talks on handing over power to a civilian administration, the protest movement said, after weeks of deadlock over the make-up of an interim governing body. The invitation on Saturday came days after Declaration of Freedom and Change Forces (DFCF), an umbrella group comprising several opposition parties and civil society groups, threatened to up the ante and launch a civil disobedience movement. Talks on the protesters key demand for a civilian-led authority to oversee the countrys transition remain at a stalemate, a month after the military removed President Omar al-Bashir in the face of mass protests. The DFCF wants a transitional body led by civilians to steer a four-year transition, while the ruling military council has indicated that it wants to retain overall control of any joint military and civilian sovereign body. In a statement on Saturday, the group said it received a call from the military council to resume negotiations. We have identified the points of contention with the military and decisive talks will revolve around them in each meeting, it said, adding: We want to hold the talks quickly and sort out all these points in 72 hours. 190509045925705 Last month, the protest movement handed plans to the military for an interim government structure, which outlined the duties of a transitional council, a cabinet and a 120-member legislature. The military council said it generally agreed with the proposal, but said it wants Islamic laws and local norms to guide the countrys new legal framework. We will stay here forever Meanwhile, thousands of protesters remain encamped outside army headquarters in the capital, Khartoum, vowing to force the generals to cede power just as they forced al-Bashir from office. Demonstrators began gathering at the army complex on April 6, seeking the militarys help in ending al-Bashirs 30-year rule. The military toppled the president in a palace coup on April 11, but replaced him with a council formed entirely of generals, prompting protesters to accuse it of trying to hijack their revolution. We want civilian rule or we will stay here forever, said protester Iman Hussein, a regular at the sit-in, which protesters have kept up through the daytime fasts observed by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan. The generals have offered several concessions to placate the protesters, including holding al-Bashir in Khartoums Kobar prison, arresting several of his lieutenants and promising to prosecute officers who killed protesters during the demonstrations against the former presidents government. But they have dragged their heels on the demand for a civilian-led transition. They are pressuring us with time, but we are pressuring them with our presence here, said protester Hussein. One of us has to win in the end, and it will be us. The United States and the African Union have called on the military to respect the will of the people and ensure a smooth transition of power. On Wednesday, US Deputy Secretary of State John J Sullivan spoke with General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who heads the military council, by telephone and backed the Sudanese peoples aspirations for a free, democratic and prosperous future. The US Department of State said Sullivan encouraged Burhan to reach an agreement with the protest movement and move expeditiously toward a civilian-led interim government. The military enjoys the support of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which have extended a $3bn credit line to shore up the Sudanese pound and fund imports of basic goods. Eighth round of talks ends without announcement of agreement; two sides to consult respective leaderships on next steps. The eighth round of negotiations between the United States and the Taliban ended on Monday in the Qatari capital, Doha, with the group indicating that a peace agreement will be finalised and an announcement made in the coming weeks. Following the conclusion of the talks that began on August 4, both sides said they would consult their respective leaderships on the next steps. Since last year, the two sides have held discussions over a potential agreement that is focused on four key issues: a Taliban guarantee that it will not allow foreign armed groups and fighters to use Afghanistan as a launchpad to conduct attacks outside the country; the complete withdrawal of US and NATO forces; an intra-Afghan dialogue; and a permanent ceasefire. A Taliban representative in Doha who is part of the negotiating team told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that a peace agreement was near, without providing further details. This round of talks has been very productive and we are near to an agreement that will be finalised and hopefully announced in the next coming weeks, he said. The Taliban, who was overthrown in 2001 by a US-led military coalition for sheltering al-Qaeda, the group blamed for the September 11, 2001 attacks in the US, has long demanded a complete withdrawal of foreign troops in order to end the occupation in Afghanistan. About 14,000 US troops and around 17,000 troops from 39 NATO allies and partner countries are in Afghanistan in a non-combative role. 190504203303668 Following the end of the eight round of negotiations, the US special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, announced that the talks focused on the technical details of the agreement. They were productive. I am on my way back to DC to consult on next steps, he said in a Twitter post. Analysts say peace has never been closer in Afghanistan since the talks between the US and the Taliban began in 2018. What has been agreed to so far in US-Taliban talks? Khalilzad, an Afghan-US diplomat who served as US ambassador to the United Nations (2007-2009), Iraq (2005-2007) and Afghanistan (2003-2005), is representing Washington in the Doha talks. The Taliban is represented by Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the chief of the groups political office in Doha, and cofounder Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who was released in October last year from a Pakistani prison. The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan has been a sticking point in the meetings between the two sides in Doha. The Taliban insists it will not commit to anything until the US announces a withdrawal timeline and wants the troops out of the country within months. The main part of the discussion is the withdrawal timeline and the technicalities of it, the Taliban representative told Al Jazeera on Tuesday. In June, during the seventh rounds of talks, both sides said there was an understanding on the withdrawal but the details, including a timeline, had not been worked out yet. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said during a trip to Afghanistans capital, Kabul, in June that the US was close to wrapping up the draft agreement with the Taliban on counterterrorism. He hoped a peace agreement could be reached by September 1. Despite the ongoing talks, the Taliban has continued to stage attacks that mainly target Afghan forces and government officials but have also resulted in civilian casualties. After the sixth round of talks in May, Khalilzad referred to the two sides slow but steady progress, while signalling a growing frustration with the fatal attacks in the country. The current pace of talks isnt sufficient when so much conflict rages and innocent people die. We need more and faster progress. Our proposal for all sides to reduce violence also remains on the table, he said. Raising hopes, Khalilzad tweeted on Sunday on the occasion of the Islamic celebration Eid AlAdha: I hope this is the last Eid where #Afghanistan is at war. I know Afghans yearn for peace. We stand with them and are working hard toward a lasting & honorable peace agreement and a sovereign Afghanistan which poses no threat to any other country. The Talibans message on the occasion expressed the hope that future celebrations would unfold without occupation, under an environment of permanent peace and unity. Why is the Afghan government excluded? The Taliban has long refused to negotiate with the Afghan government, which has repeatedly invited the group for talks with no success. Washington initially tried to get the Taliban to agree to talking with Kabul, too. But when the Taliban refused to do so, the US was left with no option but to enter into talks with it. The Taliban has given several reasons on why it is not willing to talk to the Afghan government. Since the Taliban was overthrown in 2001, the group maintains that the country has been occupied by foreign forces. It says the Kabul government has no real power and considers it a puppet regime. The group says any engagement with the government would grant it legitimacy. In July, however, dozens of high-profile Afghan politicians and civil society activists, including women, met the Taliban in Doha for a two-day intra-Afghan dialogue. These talks, sponsored by Qatar and Germany, ended with a call by both sides to reduce civilian casualties to zero. What could cause a peace deal to collapse? Dawood Azami, an academic and journalist who works as a multimedia editor at BBC World Service in London, said the lack of consensus in Kabul and the failure of the Afghan government to agree on the appointment of an inclusive team to negotiate with the Taliban would prove a major challenge and could result in a breakdown. I think the next phase of talks among the Afghans [generally termed as intra-Afghan dialogue] will prove more challenging than the first [US-Taliban talks]. 190402101100457 Peter Galbraith, a former US diplomat and ex-United Nations deputy special representative for Afghanistan, said if any peace deal was to happen, there would be several hurdles before it was implemented, which he felt was a sign of its possible collapse. The deal-breakers are the possibility of exceptionally violent and gruesome Taliban attacks; the refusal of Afghan government to go along; a refusal of the Tajiks and Hazaras to accept a deal [even if approved by President Ashraf Ghani]; and a Taliban belief that it can prevail militarily without a deal, he said. But the biggest deal-breaker may be an inability of the Taliban negotiators to get all the factions of the Taliban to follow any peace document that is signed. Galbraith said the determination by US President Donald Trumps administration to withdraw, regardless of the consequences, was probably the single most important factor in making a US-Taliban deal possible. Why is Taliban refusing calls for ceasefire? Intense fighting continues across the country even as the Taliban remains in talks with the US. The group now controls or holds influence over more Afghan territory than at any point since 2001. According to a report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), as of January 31 last year, 229 districts were under the Afghan governments control, which is about 56.3 percent of the total Afghan districts. On the other hand, 59 districts, approximately 14.5 percent of all, were under the Taliban control. The remaining 119 districts, about 29.2 percent, remain contested controlled by neither the Afghan government nor the rebels. As the peace talks are entering an important phase, the Taliban want to maximise their leverage and speak from a position of strength at the negotiating table, Azami, the academic, said. 190319095313414 In addition, the Taliban leadership is under pressure from their military commanders not to agree to a ceasefire before achieving a tangible goal. The armed group has also said on several occasions that there will be no ceasefire until a US troop withdrawal. When the loya jirga (grand council) in May called for an immediate ceasefire between the government and Taliban during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani agreed to a truce provided it was not one-sided. However, the Taliban rejected the call for a ceasefire, saying waging a war during Ramadan had even more rewards. In an interview with TOLOnews, Afghanistans largest private television station, Khalilzad said last month that any peace agreement with the Taliban would depend on the declaration of a permanent ceasefire and a commitment to end the war. If the Taliban insist on going back to the system they used to have, in my personal opinion it means the continuation of war, not peace, Khalilzad said. Moscow talks In February this year, a two-day conference was held in the Russian capital between the Taliban and prominent Afghan politicians in a bid to lay down a plan for ending the war. The meeting in Moscow was the first public contact in years between the Taliban and prominent Afghans, including Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan. But Ghani dismissed the Moscow talks, saying those attending carried no negotiating authority. In May, a delegation of Taliban negotiators, who met Afghan politicians in Moscow, said decent progress was made at the talks in the Russian capital but there was no breakthrough. The Islamic Emirate wants peace but the first step is to remove obstacles to peace and end the occupation of Afghanistan, the groups Baradar said, referring to the Taliban. What if the talks collapse? A UN released earlier this year said that 2018 saw the highest number of civilians killed in Afghanistans war than any other year on record. Civilian deaths jumped to 3,804 people killed, an 11 percent increased compared to the year before. The death toll included 927 children, while another 7,189 people were wounded, according to the UN figures, as suicide attacks and bombings wreaked havoc across Afghanistan. In another report released by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in May, Afghan and international forces, including NATO, killed more civilians in the first three months of this year than the Taliban or fighters from other armed groups. At least 305 civilians were killed by pro-government forces between January and March, with 52.5 percent of all deaths coming in that period. With the spike in violence, there is a growing desperation for peace among ordinary Afghans. If the talks collapse, fighting will further intensify and the Afghan people will suffer more, Azami said. The Taliban would try to increase their territorial control and put maximum pressure on the Afghan government by attempting to capture cities, including provincial capitals and taking control of major highways, he said. Azami said the Afghans and the rest of the world would have to deal with a possible security vacuum in which groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIL found fertile ground. Increased production of drugs and the overflow of refugees would pose serious challenges not only to Afghanistan but to the whole region and rest of the world, he said. US president says new set of tariffs on China may or may not be removed depending on future negotiations. US President Donald Trump said on Friday trade talks with China would continue even after Washington moved to increase tariffs on Chinese imports, avoiding the worst-case scenario of a complete breakdown in negotiations. Trumps remarks, which were made in a tweet, followed the end of talks in Washington between US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He. Over the course of the past two days, the United States and China have held candid and constructive conversations on the status of the trade relationship between both countries, Trump said, praising his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and saying the negotiations would carry on. In the meantime, the US has imposed Tariffs on China, which may or may not be removed depending on what happens with respect to future negotiations! the US president said. 190510120108019 US stock indexes, which opened sharply lower on Friday, reversed course and were in mostly positive territory in late afternoon trading in New York. Yields on US government debt also drifted higher after the end of the talks. Tariffs Earlier on Friday, the US increased its tariffs on $200bn in Chinese goods to 25 percent from 10 percent, rattling financial markets already worried the 10-month trade war between the worlds two largest economies could spiral out of control. China is expected to retaliate. Trump defended the tariff increase earlier on Friday and said he was in absolutely no rush to finalise a deal, adding that the US economy would gain more from the levies than any agreement. Despite Trumps insistence that China will absorb the cost of the tariffs, US businesses will pay them and likely pass them on to consumers. Consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of US economic activity. It may take three or four months for American shoppers to feel the pinch, but retailers will have little choice but to raise prices to cover the rising cost of imports before too long, economists and industry consultants say. 190509161601903 Trump, who has adopted protectionist policies as part of his America First agenda and railed against China for trade practices he labels unfair, has accused Beijing of reneging on commitments it made during months of negotiations. Following the US tariff increase, Chinas Commerce Ministry said it would take countermeasures but did not elaborate. China responded to Trumps tariffs last year with levies on a range of goods including soybeans and pork. China outlines three disagreements in US trade talks AFP, Beijing : China's top trade negotiator said more talks will be held with the United States as he revealed what Beijing considers the three main differences keeping the two sides from reaching a deal. Speaking to reporters in Washington on Friday, Vice Premier Liu He for the first time gave details on where the negotiations stood following two days of talks with US counterparts, with tariffs and how much China should import from America among the disagreements. "Negotiations have not broken down, but rather on the contrary, this is only a normal twist in the negotiations between the two countries, it is inevitable," Liu said. "Both sides agree they will meet again in Beijing in the future and keep pushing forward the negotiations," he said without giving a date. Since last year the United States and China have exchanged tariffs on more than $360 billion in two-way trade, gutting US agricultural exports to China and weighing on both countries' manufacturing sectors. Liu said the two days of talks in the US were "productive". "We have a consensus in lots of areas but to speak frankly there are areas we have differences on, and we believe these concern big principles," he said. First, the Chinese side believes all punitive tariffs must be cancelled if an agreement is reached, he said, indicating that it remained under discussion. Second, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump agreed to a preliminary figure for purchases of US goods when they declared a trade truce in Argentina last year, he said. "In the end, what is the figure? Now both sides have different views, we think this is a very serious thing that cannot be changed easily," he said. Third, the text of the agreement must be "balanced" between the two sides, he said, because "any country needs its own dignity." "We believe these are all big matters of principle, every country has important principles, and we will not make concessions on matters of principle." President Donald Trump, meanwhile, raised tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods and ordered officials to launch the process to impose custom duties on another $300 billion worth of imports - almost everything China ships to the US. The negotiations took a downward turn after Trump accused China of reneging on its commitments. "We believe before we reach a deal, any changes are natural, and inevitable in the whole process," Liu said. "We don't believe China has backtracked", he said, adding there were just differences on how to phrase the text of the agreement. Asked about the tariffs that hit $200 billion worth of Chinese goods on Friday, Liu said: "if the the US slaps on tariffs, we must respond." Noting China would exercise restraint, he added, "(we) don't want unlimited escalation". Liu compared the negotiations to a marathon: "When you get to the last stage it is comparatively the hardest stage, now we need to hold on, it is the darkness before dawn." Last year the escalating trade tensions with the US pummelled confidence and sent Chinese stock markets sliding about 30 percent. Liu, China's top economic official, said the country's economy was improving after bottoming out at the end of last year. "The most crucial issues are confidence and expectations," he said, "as long as we in our hearts have confidence, we will not be afraid of any difficulties." "Although there will be some pressure, I believe China's economy will continue to develop smoothly, healthily, in a good state," he said. China's monetary and fiscal policy has "ample room" to manoeuvre, Liu said. "We need to rationally approach this, China is not afraid, and the Chinese nation is not afraid," he said. Opinion poll shows Brexit Party may win more votes in the European elections than Conservatives and Labour combined. A new political party led by British eurosceptic Nigel Farage appears to be on course to scoop more support in elections for the European Parliament than the United Kingdoms two biggest parties combined, according to a new opinion poll. The Opinium survey, published by the UKs Guardian newspaper on Saturday, showed Farages Brexit party had 34 percent support ahead of the May 23 vote, which Britain must participate in after failing to leave the European Union as expected in March. Prime Minister Theresa Mays ruling Conservative Party was in fourth place with 11 percent. The main opposition Labour Party came in second place on 21 percent, while the pro-EU Liberal Democrats, the most popular party to explicitly call for a second referendum to reverse Brexit, were on 12 percent. Farage, a former leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), a key figure in forcing Britains 2016 referendum on EU membership, launched his Brexit Party in April. He said it would take on Britains political leaders, who he accused of betraying the vote to leave the 28-member EU. An analysis of several recent polls published by UK newspaper the Financial Times (FT) on Friday also put the Brexit Party in first position for the EU ballot, with 29 percent support. Labour was on 25 percent, the FT reported, 11 percent ahead of the Conservatives. Brexit impasse The two parties endured a drubbing at the polls earlier this month during local elections, with voters venting their fury over the UKs ongoing Brexit stalemate. Britain is mired in political chaos and it is still unclear whether, when or even if it will leave the EU. May has struggled to win parliaments backing for her divorce deal, which was brokered after months of arduous negotiations between London and Brussels. The EU has given the UK until October 31 to ratify a withdrawal agreement or crash out of the bloc without a deal. British legislators have already rejected Mays Brexit deal three times, however. A non-legally binding document on possible post-Brexit future relations between the UK and the EU has also been defeated twice. May has staged cross-party Brexit talks with the Labour Party in a bid to break the political impasse, but the attempts to forge a compromise have yet to bear fruit. The under-pressure PM has been asked to attend a meeting of legislators from her party on Wednesday, during which she is expected to set out a timetable for her resignation as she had already promised to step down if her Brexit deal is approved by parliament. Opposition leader Juan Guaido calls for nationwide rallies to protest against arrest of deputy speaker Edgar Zambrano. Venezuela is bracing for another day of nationwide protests following the arrest of Edgar Zambrano, a deputy speaker, and vice president of the opposition-majority National Assembly. This Saturday we will return to the streets to defend our National Assembly, opposition leader Juan Guaido wrote on Twitter. We will go out [to defend] our brave deputies that are giving it all for a country that will continue mobilising until freedom is achieved, he added. Zambrano is being held in preventive detention for the flagrant commission of the crimes of treason, conspiracy and civil rebellion, the Supreme Court said in a statement announcing the verdict of a lower court. The deputy was arrested by Maduros SEBIN intelligence service on Wednesday for supporting the revolt organised by US-backed Guaido. 190123205835912 Earlier last week, Guaido tried to spark a military uprising to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro, but there were no widespread defections among soldiers and the plan fizzled out. Maduro denounced it as a coup attempt. Maduro also accused his sacked intelligence chief of being a CIA mole and the architect of the failed move. He said General Cristopher Figuera was the one who orchestrated the coup detat by contacting a group of around 30 members of the armed forces who joined Guaidos mass demonstration. He was captured by the CIA a year ago and was working as a traitor, mole and infiltrator, Maduro said of Figuera, whose defection to the opposition saw him rewarded earlier this week by the US, which removed him from its sanctions list. Zambrano is one of 10 charged by the Supreme Court for participating in the April 30 uprising. He was transferred to the Caracas headquarters of the military police, Fort Tiuna, the court said. He was kidnapped by this government and taken illegally, Soley Zambrano, the deputys daughter, told Al Jazeera. They talk about treason? He has been defending democracy in Venezuela because the National Assembly is the only democratic institution left in Venezuela, she added. Move against Guaido One of the other charged politicians, Luis Florido, announced in a video on Friday that he had fled to neighbouring Colombia, sheltered from a regime that is willing to imprison deputies, he said. Three others Richard Blanco, Mariela Magallanes and Americo De Grazia have sought refuge in the Argentine and Italian embassies in Caracas. Zambranos lawyer Lilia Camejo denounced the procedure under which Zambrano, a civilian, was sent to a military prison, and said his rights had been violated. From the moment of the arrest, they have violated the deputys rights. We did not have access to the file, nor could we be appointed in his defence, Camejo told reporters. Guaido said on Thursday the arrests were part of a bid by Maduro to dismantle the National Assembly legislature, Venezuelas sole opposition-controlled institution but one which had already been rendered powerless by the pro-Maduro Supreme Court. If we can talk about a coup detat in Venezuela, here it is; the dismantling of the national parliament, Guaido told a news conference, accusing Maduros regime of state terrorism. The increase in regime repression may be a precursor to targeting Guaido himself, said Latin American analyst Risa Grais-Targow of Eurasia Group. Zambranos arrest may be a test to gauge the response of the international community before it moves against Guaido. His arrest on Wednesday night was dramatic. The politician commented on events live on Twitter as they unfolded. The 64-year-olds car was surrounded outside his Democratic Action Partys headquarters before it was towed, with him still inside, to the notorious Helicoide prison inside SEBIN headquarters. ANC remains in power with 57.5 percent of vote, but the outcome is its worst-ever showing at the polls. Cape Town, South Africa The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has won South Africas parliamentary elections with 57.5 percent of the vote, the electoral commission said, announcing the official results. Saturdays win assured a sixth straight term in power for the ANC. But the result was the worst-ever electoral showing for the party, which has ruled South Africa since the end of apartheid 25 years ago. Support for the ANC has steadily declined since it took a record 69 percent of the vote in 2004. This years electoral performance comes amid growing voter frustration over rampant corruption and high unemployment rates. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who replaced scandal-plagued Jacob Zuma last year, now faces the challenge of regaining public confidence in a party that remains beset with internal divisions and which oversaw a raft of economic crises in the country. Saturdays result, which gives the ANC 230 seats in the 400-member parliament, down from 249 in 2014, will renew pressure on Ramaphosa to decisively deal with cabinet ministers accused of corruption. In a victory speech in the northern city of Pretoria, Ramaphosa said the election confirmed freedom and democracy reign in South Africa. Our people have given all of the leaders of our country a firm mandate to build a better South Africa for all. Earlier in the day, Jessie Duarte, ANC deputy secretary-general, struck a more sombre tone, saying the party would move swiftly to counter corruption and increase economic growth. We need to correct our mistakes, she said, adding that the election showed voters want an ANC that is united, and in its unity remains true to the values and principles on which it was founded. Reduced majority George Mthembu, who voted for the ANC, said he cast his ballot for his children. I know what my vote means, the unemployed resident of Johannesburg said. Even if we are unhappy with the way things are now, I remember where we came from during apartheid, he said referring to the decades of white-minority rule in South Africa. But Marks Qhapelani, a taxi driver from Orange Grove in Johannesburg who cast his ballot for the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), said he wanted change. I always voted ANC, but I had to vote for something different, because nothing is going to change with the ANC in power, he said. You only see the ANC for elections, then well have nothing from them for the next five years. The DA won 20.77 percent of the vote, a two-percent dip from 2014. However, it maintained its grip on the Western Cape province, which includes the city of Cape Town. On Friday, Mmusi Maimane, the DA leader, said he was confident the party will continue to grow and do well in future votes. Give us until 2021 and 2024. We can demonstrate that we can hold all South Africans together, he said. Turned on by politics The results also showed significant gains for the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which, with almost 11 percent of the vote, polled about five percentage points higher than in its first election in 2014. The EFF is now the official opposition in three out of South Africas nine provinces. On the other side of the political spectrum, there were notable advances for the right-wing Freedom Front Plus, which took 10 seats in the parliament, up from four in the previous election. The final results, in number of seats in parliament for the parties who won seats, are displayed at the results ceremony at the Independent Electoral Commission Results Center in Pretoria [Ben Curtis/ AP] Despite a number of interruptions and claims of electoral fraud and insufficient ballot papers at certain voting stations across the country, international and domestic election observers have endorsed the elections as free and fair. Overall voter turnout stood at 65 percent, with more than half of eligible voters under 30 years of age failing to register to vote. Among those who did not cast their votes was Lesego Sidebe, who lives in Johannesburgs Alexandra township, where hundreds staged protests over crime and poor services in the lead up to the election. Im 25 and nothing has changed. So why should I vote? the unemployed young man said. They call us born frees, but I dont feel free. Sheila Meintjes, an associate professor of political studies at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, noted that the overall turnout was higher than in a number of recent elections in Western countries including the United States and the United Kingdom. This shows that were still a country that is turned on by politics, she told Al Jazeera. But the decline for ANC shows it cannot keep using its liberation credentials as an excuse, she added. Tumi Jonas, a 32-year-old academic based in Cape Town, who voted for the radical Black First Land First, one of a number of new small parties on the ballot, said the election had felt like an empty spectacle. This is my third time voting, and Ive never felt so despondent about the whole thing. Its just going to be more of the same. Im not feeling very hopeful about the future. I dont think our electoral system is really working for a lot of people, Jonas said. Mina Mangal was shot at close range by unknown assailants when she was on her way to work in Afghan capital. Unidentified attackers killed an adviser to the countrys parliament in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday, the government said. Mina Mangal was on her way to work at about 7:30 am local time (03:00GMT) when assailants shot her at close range, the countrys Ministry of Interior said in a statement. Nusrat Rahimi, the ministry spokesman, said the attackers fled the scene and police have launched an investigation. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the killing. Both the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or ISIS) and Taliban members regularly carry out attacks in the capital. Kabul police said it was unclear whether the killing was committed by one of those groups or if it was as a result of a personal dispute. The former TV presenter was a recognizable face to many Afghans in Kabul. In a social media post last week, Mangal said she had received death threats, but did not share details. Members of Afghan civil society groups have called for a robust investigation into Mangals killing and want the government to provide better safety for journalists. Afghanistan was named the deadliest country for journalists in 2018 by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). It said a total of 15 journalists and media workers were killed in a series of bombings that began early last year, with nine of them in a single day, on April 30. About the show A weekly programme that examines and dissects the worlds media, how they operate and the stories they cover. Watch The Listening Post every Saturday at 0830GMT Two killed in the Saudi city of Jizan while three die in a coalition air raid in Yemens Ajama. Laura Muir eyes more Birmingham glory at Grand Prix in August Laura Muir is hoping a return to Birmingham for the Grand Prix in August will be perfect preparation for the World Championships. The Scot, 26, has won two world indoor medals, British titles and broken national indoor records over 1000m and a mile in the city. This time, she will be competing outdoors at Alexander Stadium. "With Doha being in September, this marks the beginning of the final run into World Championships," she said. "So this year Birmingham is playing an even bigger role in my preparations." Muir, currently training at altitude in St Moritz, Switzerland, has not yet revealed what distance she will run at the Diamond League event. "With so many athletes trying to peak for Doha, this could mean some of the best athletes and best performances in Birmingham in recent years," the double European champion added. Are we stepping on the same rakes again -- in Venezuela? Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently tweeted My message to the Venezuelan people is clear: the United States stands firmly with you in your quest for freedom and democracy. He also confirmed that the military option is on the table. In other words, the U.S. is ready to liberate the Venezuelan people from themselves. For those who suffer historical amnesia, it is worth pointing out, that the Venezuelans had democratic elections and they have chosen socialism. Hugo Chavez was a socialist, and he ran on a socialist platform and got elected with wide popular support. So was his successor Nicolas Maduro. Whether the Venezuelans voted for socialist serfdom knowingly or they have been duped is irrelevant. If people are ignorant or complacent, they deserve the government they elect. As Barack Obama famously said, Elections have consequences. We have to be mindful, though, that every ism -- socialism, capitalism, fascism, etc. -- has its supporters and benefactors. Those who imagine themselves on the receiving end have every reason to think they will be better off with socialism. State bureaucracy, army, and police support the government that provides them with the benefits they would not have otherwise. The imposition of sanctions does not impact this segment of the population, but is making a gap between them and the rest of the people much wider. Any attempts to replace the regime by staged demonstrations and riots would likely fail. The existing political forces, embedded in the military and police are stronger and better organized than the opposition. If an order cannot be negotiated it will be imposed by force. Current events should not tilt the scale toward intervention without consideration of the impact on the ongoing political debate in this country. Given the Democratic Party's proclivities, interference with the Venezuelan affairs would provide the likes of Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and a host of other Democratic loons a propaganda coup blaming the U.S. for destroying the country of triumphant and prosperous socialism. In this context, evolution of thinking about how we approach socialism in the post-Soviet era internationally and domestically is required. If the United States could succeed in removing the Maduro regime, what would be the lesson for irresponsible voters? If they need fear no consequence -- other than a return to the prior status quo thanks to the assistance of American Marines -- wouldnt a recurrence of socialism there or somewhere else be possible, even probable? Military intervention may well turn into another unmitigated disaster costing American lives, and we would undoubtedly end up adopting Venezuela, pumping billions of taxpayers money into a futile effort to rebuild the failed nation. Even if socialist Venezuela burns down to the ground, it isnt worth the life of a single American Marine. The most pragmatic way to deal with Venezuelas socialist rule is to make it an example for those who take their liberty for granted. We need to remove all the sanctions and let Venezuela be an illustration of democratic socialism for all the left-wing lunatics willing to vote for it. Removal of sanctions would also address the United States legitimate concern regarding the growing influence of Russia and China in the region. The reason the Russians and Chinese support the regime is not ideological, but rather political and commercial. Russia, China, and Venezuela are on the same sanction list, which drives them into economic and political amalgamation. As a result of sanctions, Venezuela cannot sell its oil on the open markets, so the Russians and Chinese buy it at a discount, making healthy profits. They also see an opportunity in acquiring Venezuelas assets on a chip. Removal of sanctions would significantly diminish their interest in the country. Americas democratic aspirations for the region have been embraced by administrations of both parties. Unfortunately, security concerns and democracy have been in conflict. The United States has had a difficult time finding leaders who wouldnt use democracy as a means to achieve their own dominance and treat it as irrevocable. Venezuelans had democracy, but they failed to keep it -- and there is no reason to believe that Juan Guaidos rule would lead to the restoration of democratic principles. We all have to absorb the historical lessons that socialism cannot be defeated -- it self-destructs. Therefore, we should not interfere with socialism while it is in the process of destroying itself. Alexander G. Markovsky is a senior fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, a conservative think tank that examines national security, energy, risk-analysis and other public policy issues. He is the author of "Anatomy of a Bolshevik" and "Liberal Bolshevism: America Did Not Defeat Communism, She Adopted It. He is the owner and CEO of Litwin Management Services, LLC. He can be reached at info@litwinms.com Had Daniel Patrick Moynihan been around for today's politics, fellow New York Democratic politician Representative Hakeem Jeffries may well have provided the inspiration for his astute quote: "Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts." During the recent House Judiciary Committee hearing, Representative Jeffries asserted that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report showed that Moscow "artificially" placed President Donald Trump in the White House. As the House Democratic Caucus chair, and not said as some off-the-cuff remarks, Jeffries further insisted that "Russia interfered with our elections, attacked our democracy for the sole purpose of artificially placing someone at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue." Jeffries's contention flies in the face of the Mueller report's clear and unambiguous conclusion: yes, Russia did interfere in the election, but the investigation "did not find that the Trump campaign, or anyone associated with it, conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in these efforts, despite multiple efforts from Russian-affiliated individuals to assist the Trump campaign." Jeffries overlooks the fact that two years of intense investigation by a Mueller team of handpicked lawyers largely Democratic donors and Clinton-supporters did not return any findings supporting the charge of "collusion" (to the dismay of Democrats.) Had Congressman Jeffries approached his solemn congressional oversight duties with objectivity, impartiality, and an open mind, the idea of Russia "colluding" with Donald Trump and his campaign or even Russian support for Donald Trump would never have made any sense to him. Congressman Jeffries, like most Americans, must watch enough TV crime dramas to know that their favorite TV sleuths always seek to establish motive for a crime. Motive goes a long way to explain "who done it" and, more importantly, why. With Russia, TV's best would also have been at a loss to make a case against President Trump because there was never a persuasive explanation for collusion comporting with events and information tempered by a dose of perspective. What was Russia's motive, and what did the Russians stand to gain from colluding with Donald Trump? Russia could have achieved its objectives more easily and at less cost with the pliable globalist President Hillary Clinton. In reality, autocrats, dictators, and warlords around the world wanted the more malleable Hillary Clinton instead of the nationalistic and assertive Donald Trump who campaigned on, and then adopted, a more aggressive "America first" leadership approach to defense and foreign policy. That point is even more compelling, given the Trump administration's more uncompromising U.S. policy vis-a-vis Russia. Russia felt in the Trump administration's first year alone consequences of a more assertive United States. In November 2017, the U.S. approved the $10.5-billion sale of Patriot anti-missile systems to NATO ally Poland to counter perceived Russian aggression. In December, the U.S. authorized the transfer of anti-tank weapons to Ukraine to help that nation defend against Russian-backed separatists. U.S. troop presence in Eastern Europe was increased over Obama-era levels to bolster European defenses, while the U.S. imposed monetary sanctions targeting individual Russian actors and companies (rather than punishing that nation's sovereign debt.) Further, the Trump administration persisted in convincing U.S. NATO allies to increase defense spending. In even more direct confrontations, Russian mercenaries and other pro-Syrian regime forces attacking U.S. troops in Syria were killed, while U.S. opposition to Russian president Putin's largest geo-economic project, the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Europe, threatens to pinch billions of dollars in revenue from an energy-dependent Russian economy. Instead, Russia would fondly remember President Obama's secretary of state. Her inane "reset button" set the tone. Mr. Putin had surveyed the Hillary Clinton of Benghazi infamy and noted the facilitation of the transfer of large uranium assets to Russia. The U.S. obliged the Kremlin by removing missile defense systems from Central Europe and never did more than complain about Crimea's annexation. The Obama administration's fuzzy line-in-the-sand indecisiveness over Syrian chemical weapons made way for Russia's effective military intervention in Syria. President Putin surely approved of Mr. Obama's concessions to Iran on the nuclear deal, and it was President Obama who notably told former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev that Vladimir Putin should give him more "space" because after his election he would "have more flexibility." He had, in essence, passed out samples of what a Clinton administration would allow. In Hillary Clinton, Russia saw a candidate more interested in globalists' demands from Paris, Katowice, and Davos than tough issues like global proxy wars, Russian revanchism, nuclear proliferation, and NATO solidarity. Given the world's pre-election political and media consensus, a Clinton victory was almost assuredly a given inside the Kremlin. Albeit speculative, Vladimir Putin was probably just as surprised as CNN to wake up that November Wednesday morning in 2016 to learn the "impossible" had materialized. Did Russia interfere in the 2016 election by other means? That answer is assuredly "yes," but there was no organized scheme of coordination, conspiracy, or "collusion" with the Trump campaign. It wasn't necessary and would pay no dividends. Clinton was Russia's preferred candidate. So why would Russia interfere? Quite simply, to sow (more) discord and acrimony among the political parties and voters to undermine American government, society, and leadership. After the Trump victory, the Russian agitprop apparatus shifted to organizing anti-Trump demonstrations that American media all too obligingly covered. For all that, Kremlin actors likely exchanged high fives and fist bumps for their handiwork's amplified effects. You can bet they'll be back with more meddling in 2020. All 400-plus pages of the Mueller report redacted or not are now a historical document. The more important question now is, whom does Russia and whom do other global bad actors wish to see in the White House come 2020? Whom would Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping prefer to face in a stare-down with the stakes higher and the objectives being the Baltics, Central Asia, or the South China Sea? Which candidate does Iran or North Korea prefer to see in the White House? If our 2016 experience is prologue, such actors will both overtly and covertly default to the Democratic candidate. U.S. competitors and adversaries want to see us fiscally exhaust ourselves on social programs instead of defense and security. They hope we are more interested in Davos, Paris, and climate change than Russian adventurism. They seek the further breakdown of societal mores and law and order and will take pleasure in watching Americans further divided by identity politics, bathroom protocols, and political animus. One last, but not small, point for Congressman Jeffries and others. With Russian (and likely other) interference in the 2016 presidential election, one person was ultimately responsible for this nation's defense and security as "commander-in-chief." That was Barack Obama. With the known determined organized foreign interference, he ultimately failed in oath-sworn responsibilities to keep the nation's democratic processes secure and free from that interference. In any thorough and continued forensic untangling of relevant events, shouldn't Americans know more about what all really happened? For the future, if we can acknowledge it in objective, impartial, and even bipartisan ways, our national security apparatus can be more and better prepared to combat, and maybe prevent, any new foreign interference during the 2020 campaigns, election, and beyond. Chris J. Krisinger (colonel, USAF ret.) served in policy advisory positions for both the Pentagon and the State Department. He was a National Defense Fellow at Harvard University. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr. Happy Ramadan! The Democrats who control the House of Representatives celebrated the holy month of Muslims by inviting a hater to bless The People's House and its work. Imam Omar Suleiman, founder and president of the Dallas-based Yaqeen Institute, has not been shy about expressing his hateful opposition to both Israel and homosexuality, yet on Thursday, he was honored with the privilege of leading the House of Representatives in prayer prior to beginning the day's business. You can watch below Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduce him, and then the entirely inoffensive prayer he delivered, calling for unity: "We pray for peace, not war," he said. "Love not hate. Benevolence, not greed. Unity, not division. And we commit ourselves to not betraying our prayers with actions that contradict them. Let us be for truth, no matter who, or for is against it." So, what's the problem? The Jerusalem Post has collected a large number of examples of his hated for Israel: As the 2014 Gaza War broke out, Suleiman said on social media: "How befitting that the 3rd Intifada starts on the 27th night of Ramadan as worshippers are denied prayer in Masjid Al Aqsa." He ended his post with a prayer of sorts: "God willing on this blessed night as the 3rd Intifada begins, the beginning of the end of Zionism is here. May Allah help us overcome this monster, protect the innocent of the world, and accept the murdered as martyrs. ameen." During the war, Suleiman also denied that Hamas uses human shields in an attempt to stop the IDF from retaliating against rocket fire sent from Gaza into Israeli civilian communities. "If Hamas was using human shields, wouldn't the Palestinians say something about it?" he wrote. "Surprise, surprise: apparently the IDF was guilty even as they tried to convince the world that the reason why they couldn't stop massacring civilians was because of the use of human shields. This is disgusting... #FreePalestine #ICC4Israel" Also in 2014, Suleiman also made a comment on social media alluding to the antisemitic idea that Israel controls American foreign policy, claiming that it is the "51st state." There is quite a bit more. Read the whole thing. Then, there is his hatred of homosexuality. From Dominic Green of Spectator USA: Suleiman thinks homosexuality is a 'disease': 'When Allah describes homosexuality as a repugnant shameless sin and details his punishment of a people that practiced sodomy, how can anyone who believes in Allah not find it immoral? If as Muslims we don't take a clear stance on this, we will be forced to confirm and watch this disease destroy our children.' Homosexuality, Suleiman believes, is 'wrong', 'obviously harmful to society', and 'not natural, because of human reproduction and all the diseases and things of that sort that come as a result'. Muslims, he says, should try to cure homosexuals of 'that wrong idea or wrong practice'. Suleiman compares homosexual impulses and acts to bestiality and incest: 'Now what if someone says, "But what if someone is born that way, what is someone is a homosexual and they can't help that?" Then we would say that not every impulses is to be acted upon. OK? We don't allow bestiality. We don't allow incest.' Feminists might not be too happy with him, either: Suleiman wants to keep the sexes separate: 'Basically guys and girls cannot be friends You have to understand this, especially girls, OK? Suleiman threatens women by comparing the wrath of Allah to a father committing an honor killing: 'Allah doesn't just own 20 guns, Allah owns hell fire. So you'd better be careful. You're overstepping your bounds. Sisters, the same thing happens too, because you know what happens with a really jealous dad? He kills you and he kills the guy. You are offending Allah whenever you make yourself promiscuous or whenever you open yourself up to that relationship.' Rep. Lee Zeldin was among those expressing outrage: Totally unacceptable that @SpeakerPelosi had Omar Suleiman give the opening prayer yesterday in the House. He compares Israel to the Nazis & calls them terrorists, supports Muslim Brotherhood, incites violence calling for a Palestinian antifada & the end of zionism, etc. Bad call pic.twitter.com/bZakjQVwsJ Lee Zeldin (@RepLeeZeldin) May 10, 2019 Speaker Pelosi is reported to be looking into the matter. Ilhan Omar and Linda Sarsour, however, were delighted: Love is the way! Ramadan Kareem @omarsuleiman504, thank you for sharing this beautiful message with all of us today https://t.co/1TpKZGlbZx Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) May 10, 2019 A beautiful, moving, and timely prayer by Imam Omar Suleiman on the House floor today at the US Capitol. Born and raised in Louisiana, currently lives and preaches in Dallas, TX. #Ramadan #faith #solidarity #Islam pic.twitter.com/Irccf9JP0Z Linda Sarsour (@lsarsour) May 9, 2019 Imam Suleiman apparently was invited by Representative Eddie Bernice-Johnson: Eddie Bernice-Johnson praised him on Friday as someone who, in 'times of struggle', has 'time and again used his voice to call for peace & justice' Oddly enough, while supporters of Israel have spoken up, so far, I have not seen any response from homosexual groups or feminists. Image credit: YouTube screen grab. Marc Lamont Hill, the recently fired CNN contributor, will be the keynote speaker for a Christian Palestinian non-profit organization that promotes anti-Israel propaganda in churches in the West. Hill's termination at CNN followed a speech at the United Nations, where he used the anti-Israel eliminationist rhetoric "from the river to the sea." He will be the keynote speaker at Bright Stars of Bethlehem (BSB)'s 15th Anniversary Gala in Chicago on September 29. BSB was founded in 2004 by the Palestinian pastor Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb, who promotes anti-Israel views and seeks to delegitimize and demonize the Jewish state. In addition, Raheb plays a leading role in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement in Christian communities in the United States. BDS is a global campaign promoting various forms of boycott against Israel until it meets what the campaign describes as Israel's "obligations under international law." The campaign is organized and coordinated by the Palestinian BDS National Committee under the guise of human rights in order to delegitimize and destroy Israel. Raheb carries out campaigns in Christian communities with the aim of depicting the State of Israel as an apartheid state. He says Israel "has now assumed the role of Pharaoh" and calls for an end to American aid to Israel. In the wake of the fighting that erupted between Israel and Hamas on May 4 and 5, Raheb posted on his Facebook page a prayer request only for Gaza, ignoring the suffering of innocent Israeli citizens under the barrage of hundreds of rockets launched by Hamas from the Strip. Daniel Swindell described the duplicity of Raheb: "In 2017, two Druze-Israeli policemen were shot to death near the entrance to the Al-Aqsa Mosque. In response, Israel attempted to install some new metal detectors[.] ... However, the Palestinians held protests against the installations of these metal detectors. Raheb joined in these protests ... and declared that his visit to Al Aqsa was an 'unforgettable night ... demonstrating ... Christian-Muslim unity as a tool of creative resistance.'" Raheb promotes an upside-down worldview that condemns a democratic nation for protecting its citizens and sympathizes with the Islamic terrorist theocracy in Gaza and the kleptocratic Palestinian Authority that seek to destroy its neighbor. In an attempt to rewrite the history of Christianity and erase every memory of the Jewish people, Raheb ignores the Jewish roots of Christianity and emphasizes anachronistic historical narratives that could portray Jesus Christ as Palestinian. In a YouTube video, Raheb summed up the pro-Palestinian Christian narrative that works for his benefit in the West Bank, where Christians are a minority in a sea of Muslims. In that video, Raheb tried to obliterate the historical Jewish bond to the land of Israel and ignored the Old Testament's detailed narratives. He asserted in that video: "Unfortunately, Palestine has been occupied for most of the time. Remember, the first people to occupy Palestine were the Assyrians 722, then we had the Babylonians 587, then the Persian came, 538, all of this is B.C. OK? Then the Greeks, then the Romans, then the Byzantines, then the Arabs, then the Crusaders, then a few others, then the Ottomans, then the British...and then Israel." The most troubling part of Raheb's revisionism of the Jewish roots of Christianity is that such Christian Palestinian leaders bring this message to so many American churches without ever being confronted by the leaders of these Christian congregations. Meanwhile, Christians in the West Bank and Gaza are annihilated. Michael Oren, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, summed up this tragic reality in his Wall Street Journal article in 2012. He wrote that since the Hamas takeover of Gaza in 2007, half of the Christian community has fled. Christmas decorations and public displays of crucifixes are forbidden. In addition, the West Bank is hemorrhaging Christians. Once 15% of the population, they now make up less than 2%. Dexter Van Zile notes, "Because of his [Raheb's] ties and utility to the Palestinian Authority, Raheb has been able to build something of an empire [a college and two NGOs] in the West Bank," often described "the third largest private employer in Bethlehem." Van Zile adds, "Like all empires, Raheb's promotes a story that legitimizes its existence to itself and to its core constituents, which in this case are proponents of Israel's destruction in Palestinian society and anti-Zionist activists in North America and Europe." Hence, Raheb, in order to maintain his empire in the West Bank, needs the support of "Israel haters in Palestinian society" and the support of "Israel haters in the West" who "provide him with the funds he needs to maintain his empire financially," Van Zile concludes. Therefore, Raheb is using Marc Lamont Hill in order to raise funds for his institutions, and the Left is using him to justify its anti-Israeli narrative. Chicago-area Christian leaders should be aware of the false narrative of Palestinian Christian leaders like Raheb and their manipulative tactics for promoting BDS as well as fleecing Western churches. Hesham Shehab is the Illinois Associate of the Counter Islamist Grid. Image: Hannity via YouTube. Looks as if socialist Cuba is in for another of what its communist officials will euphemistically call "a special period." Here's the Associated Press report: The Cuban government announced Friday that it is launching widespread rationing of chicken, eggs, rice, beans, soap and other basic products in the face of a grave economic crisis. Commerce Minister Betsy Diaz Velazquez told the state-run Cuban News Agency that various forms of rationing would be employed in order to deal with shortages of staple foods. She blamed the hardening of the U.S. trade embargo by the Trump administration. Economists give equal or greater blame to a plunge in aid from Venezuela, where the collapse of the state-run oil company has led to a nearly two-thirds cut in shipments of subsidized fuel that Cuba used for power and to earn hard currency on the open market. The Cuban regime is yelling again about a U.S. 'embargo,' which is complete nonsense, given that not only is there no embargo, but even when there was one, it excluded food and medicine. A few communist officials engaged in acts such as dissident torture have earned themselves some U.S. sanctions of late. But that's hardly an embargo. In reality, the problem is money. The Cuban socialist regime imports nearly all its sustenance, which takes money $2 billion, according to the AP report. The communists in charge make all decisions about what is to be bought and brought into the country, and somehow they can't buy anything now. That's a function of the fact that the regime used to get a lot of money from the international sugar-daddy nations it needed to prop itself up, such as Russia at one time, and then Venezuela, whose oil earnings up until recently did the job. Not only has Cuba lost Russia as a big sponsor (there is reason to think Russia still helps a little), but it's lost Venezuela, which used to ship 100,000 barrels of oil daily to the communist regime, something the Castro dictatorship would then sell at full price on international markets. You didn't think the regime would use that oil to supply Cubans, did you? The Cubans have also lost Algeria, as I noted here. And they've lost once-socialist Brazil, noted there, too. While Russia and Venezuela get all the press, plenty of other players have been on hand to help keep the regime afloat and Uncle Sam tweaked. They're gone now. They've crashed out on their own, seen their dictatorships thrown out, or decided they don't want to annoy President Trump anymore. Which is a big problem for the ruling Castro family dictatorship. With no sugar daddies, they are sunk. And it's obvious they know this, given their assurances to the press that it won't be all that bad. And one can hope Cubans take inspiration from places such as Algeria and rise up to get rid of this failure. After all, why should any country need sugar daddies at all? Normal countries don't, and pre-communism Cuba didn't, but these guys do. It points to an even more fundamental problem: sustainability. The fact is that under communism, Cuba produces virtually nothing of value itself. The AP piece has some excellent quotes from ordinary Cubans showing that they do know what's really wrong: Manuel Ordonez, 43, who identified himself as a small business owner, said the new measures would do nothing to resolve Cuban's fundamental problems. "What the country needs to do is produce. Sufficient merchandise is what will lead to shorter lines," he said. What did Cuba do to its small businessowners once the Obama administration left power and there was no need to put on a Potemkin show of Havana Spring? Trashed them, of course, with taxes, driving them out of business, blaming them as hoarders and wreckers, jailing a few, confiscating the earnings of others, shaking still others down. It's been a hard, nasty, little reported slog for these tiny businesses, even as Cuba took great press for permitting them just a few years ago. The Cuban quoted was trying to tell the AP that Castro's on-again, off-again permit of free enterprise, even in tiny amounts, is what might make Cuba a normal country, and we all know that Cuba largely shut that down. Socialism wins, of course, but the people can't eat. Don't expect anyone in the Bernie Sanders orbit to think that one through. But it's obvious to the rest of us that sugar-daddy-free socialism cannot provide anything like a standard of living for people on its own merits, and now Cuba is going to get it. One can only hope this leads to an Algeria-intensity revolt on an utterly failed regime and an utterly failed economic model as the well deserved result. Image credit: Jorge Royan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. The mainstream media are making a big fuss about the Department of Housing and Urban Development's plan to extend public housing subsidies solely to families with legal or citizenship status. The New York Times version of this was so biased and contemptuous of U.S. citizens that I refuse to link it, but here is the Washington Post's less slanted version: Undocumented immigrants [sic] may no longer sign the leases of subsidized housing, even if their children are entitled to prorated benefits. Approximately 25,000 households, representing about 108,000 people, now living in subsidized housing have at least one ineligible member, according to the HUD analysis. Among these mixed-status households, 70 percent, or 76,000 people, are legally eligible for benefits of whom 55,000 are children, HUD says. The vast majority live in California, Texas and New York. The press is framing this as a heartless-to-children issue, but the problem is one of priorities in how federal resources are used. Should illegal parents get benefits because of their 55,000 kids when the homeless citizen parents of another 55,000 homeless children are left to huddle in the cold? Or even more pointedly, should illegal aliens who are financing second households back home be entitled to housing assistance here even as citizens don't get it? Second homes aren't exactly the purpose of a government program intended to help the impoverished. A look at the U.S. homeless figures from the National Alliance to End Homelessness pretty well provides the perspective that the press has ignored. Figures in the NGO's linked chart for 2018 show that there are 552,830 people who are homeless in America today. Of that total, 180,413 are identified as "people in families," and another 36,361 are identified as 'youth,' presumably runaways and throwaways. So pretty close to half of the homeless population would qualify for that same housing subsidization illegals are getting, and they can't get it. How many is that? Two hundred forty thousand or so, or twenty percent of the homeless population. So with a base figure of 55,000 (it would be more if the illegal parents are included we can assume one illegal parent per child), it means that about 20% to 40% of the U.S. homeless population could be helped if the illegal alien population were sent back home. That would presume that the homeless population is entirely composed of citizens and based on the chart by approximation, it likely is half the homeless population is white, and 40% of it is black. The Asian homeless population is near zero, and the Latino population, which would likely include a certain number of illegal aliens in an approximation, is just slightly overrepresented at 22%. Here's another thing: only about a fifth of the homeless population is classified as 'chronically homeless,' which is a population that is very difficult to help. It appears that 80% of the homeless population could be helped by housing subsidies. Well, they can't get them. Conclusion: Americans are being shut out, particularly African-Americans, who are grossly overrepresented at 40% of the homeless population. What's shocking, however, is that the housing subsidies are actually the federal financing of second homes for illegal aliens. They already have homes in their homelands. The housing they are getting here is for their second homes. How can we infer that? For starters, because of the remittances. Remittances are now approaching a quarter of Central America's GDP and top several billion dollars annually. They are used to finance remaining family members back home. Home? Yes, these illegal aliens have homes very few pull up stakes entirely and place all of their eggs in the 'America' basket, given that illegal immigration means the prospect of potential deportation. Legal immigrants often do it, but why would anyone do that as an illegal one? Unlike, say the average North Korean claiming asylum who has fled for his life and cut all ties to his homeland forever, these incoming migrants are coming here as a means to earn money to support households back in their home countries, and they intend to fly back and forth to them, which rather makes a mockery of the idea of 'asylum.' How can anyone who's supposedly full of 'credible fear of persecution' want to return to the scene of the supposed crime and bankroll it with remittances? According to the Wall Street Journal, a quarter of Honduran households get these remittances, and more than half the Honduran population in the U.S. is here illegally. And that's just one country the dynamic is repeated all through the region and beyond. Illegal migrants don't abandon their homes to get to the U.S.; they hold two homes almost comparable to Bernie Sanders, who's all in for having at least a couple of homes and that's fine and dandy, except that we return to the problem of allocation of resources. This is, after all, going on in an era of record blue-city homelessness. Those impoverished from it, cast out of housing by the Democrat-green-NIMBY industrial complex, continue to grow in numbers. Which brings us back to the Cher Axiom: I Understand Helping struggling Immigrants,but MY CITY (Los Angeles) ISNT TAKING CARE OF ITS OWN.WHAT ABOUT THE 50,000+Citizens WHO LIVE ON THE STREETS.PPL WHO LIVE BELOW POVERTY LINE,& HUNGRY? If My State Cant Take Care of Its Own(Many Are VETS)How Can it Take Care Of More Cher (@cher) April 14, 2019 ...and why is this housing-for-illegals issue an issue at all? Image credit: Twitter screen grab Did Marie Harf jump, or was she pushed? This news from the Daily Beast caught me by surprise: Marie Harf is stepping down from her post as a political commentator for Fox News Channel and co-host of Fox News Radios Benson and Harf a show co-hosted with Guy Benson to join Team [Seth] Moulton as deputy campaign manager for policy and communications, The Daily Beast confirmed. Harfs hire adds more foreign-policy credentials to the 40-year-old veterans early presidential campaign. Prior to becoming a talking head, she worked as a senior communications adviser to former Secretary of State John Kerry and at the CIA as a Middle East analyst. She also ran former President Barack Obamas national-security strategy during the 2012 election. If the name Seth Moulton is not familiar to you, he is a Massachusetts Democrat in the House of Representatives who is a declared candidate for president, having announced his candidacy on April 22 on Good Morning America: Moulton is such a long shot at this point that he does not even show up on the Real Clear Politics Average of polls in New Hampshire. But maybe Harf is getting in on the ground floor with a comer, whose appeal will grow over the months ahead before Democrats start caucusing and voting on their nominee. Nathaniel Rakich of 538.com sees him as a dark horse with a lot to recommend him: While Moulton might not yet be a household name, he fits neatly into a certain mold of 2020 candidate the young, ambitious U.S. representatives who feel their time has come. Like Tim Ryan, he has criticized Speaker Nancy Pelosi's leadership of the party; like Eric Swalwell, he toppled an incumbent to win his seat the first time; and like Tulsi Gabbard, he served in the military. But though he has little to lose by running, Moulton, like his colleagues, will have to overcome history not to mention several better-known candidates to win the nomination. One thing Moulton has in his favor is an impressive resume. A Marine Corps veteran with three Harvard degrees, Moulton served four tours in Iraq and won two medals for valor that he kept under wraps until the Boston Globe broke the story just before he was elected to Congress in 2014. Earlier that year, he had mounted a successful primary challenge against nine-term Rep. John Tierney, who enjoyed the support of major figures like Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren[.] ... Moulton has several assets that could make him a serious contender. He has reportedly already retained a team of several campaign staffers and advisers, and he has been working with prominent Democratic polling firm The Mellman Group. He is a strong fundraiser, having raised $10.9 million over the last three election cycles between his campaign and his political action committee, including at least $1.6 million before the 2014 primary. His PAC was active in 2018 and helped to elect other Democratic veterans and "next generation leaders," with Moulton campaigning for candidates in 16 states. Moulton and Harf may be aware of all the problems ahead for Joe Biden and figuring that the long knives of other contenders will sufficiently remind the public of his past positions that now are anathema to the Democrats' base, not to mention his corruption problems in China and Ukraine. I have no way of knowing whether Harf was finding a new gig because her Fox News perch was in danger. It is notable that the arrival of Donna Brazile as a Democrat opinion contributor may have cut down on the airtime available for Harf. And her departure now means that the radio show she co-hosted with Guy Benson desperately needs a new liberal foil if it is to survive. I've never been much impressed with Harf, but if Moulton turns out to rocket up the standings, I might revise my judgment. Photo credit: YouTube screen grab via The Hill. Craig Murray's recent article at ZeroHedge was subheaded, "Mueller is either a fool or deeply corrupt. I do not think he's a fool." Murray makes many good points about the weakness and dishonesty of the evidence presented in Mueller's recent report that WikiLeaks 2016 presidential campaignrelated publications were hacked and passed to them by Russian intelligence. But, unfortunately, Murray also makes two mistakes. First, Murray claims that some of the twelve Russians Mueller indicted on July 13, 2018 for hacking the DNC, "rather than simply being in absentia ... had representation in court to fight the charges. Mueller had to back down and ask for an immediate adjournment as soon as the case opened, while he fought to limit disclosure." But Murray is confusing Mueller's indictment of twelve Russians for hacking the DNC with his earlier February 2018 indictment of three Russian companies and thirteen individuals for election interference. The first indictment, for which one defendant, Concord Management, did show up to contest the charges, causing Mueller to engage in delaying tactics, had nothing to do with hacking. And, contrary to Murray's claim, none of the dozen Russians Mueller indicted five months later ever showed up in court. The confusion between the two indictments is easy to clear up. Unfortunately, Murray's other error was ubiquitous long before his article appeared. In virtually any skeptical discussion of the alleged Russian DNC hack, you are almost guaranteed to hear someone say, as Murray did: [F]ormer Technical Director of the NSA ... Bill Binney states that the download rates for the "hack" ... are at a speed 41 Megabytes per second that could not even nearly be attained remotely at the location: thus the information must have been downloaded to a local device, eg a memory stick. The link to an article by Bill Binney's organization, Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS), appears in Murray's original quote. But if you click it, you'll see that the files for which Binney and company's analysis shows the download speeds were too fast to have occurred over the internet were not released by WikiLeaks. They were released by Guccifer 2.0, someone who, two days after the DNC's tech firm CrowdStrike announced that the DNC had been hacked, claimed responsibility, explicitly attempted to link himself to WikiLeaks, and left obvious clues that he was a Russian spy, like placing the name of the founder of the Soviet Secret Police in the metadata of the files he released, none of which contained any damaging information about Hillary Clinton despite his claims to be working against her. The full story on Guccifer 2.0's emergence is long, and the fact that Mueller's report claims that he was a Russian spy working with WikiLeaks without mentioning any of the voluminous evidence that he couldn't possibly be is a damning indictment of Mueller's honesty. But Binney and company's analysis of the transfer speed for files released by Guccifer 2.0, contrary to the ubiquitous claim that Murray repeats, can't show anything about whether the DNC files were hacked. Indeed, as the person who originally analyzed Guccifer 2.0's files took pains to point out, an earlier transfer than the one that was too fast to have been done online can't even be ruled out. So, even with regard to Guccifer 2.0's releases, not much can be concluded by the information on their transfer speeds. Anyone interested in a complete evisceration of Mueller's conclusions on the Russian provenance of the DNC and Clinton Campaign emails published by WikiLeaks in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election should check out Adam Carter's exhaustive review of the Mueller Report's misrepresentations and omissions. But the oft-repeated claim that WikiLeaks' DNC publications were downloaded at a speed too fast to have been hacked is based on a confusion and has no merit whatsoever. Its continued repetition only serves to undermine all the legitimate reasons for concluding, as Murray does, that Mueller is either a fool or a villain. Michael Thau is a contributor at American Greatness and blogs at Aclearerpicture.net. Jacqueline keen on starring in Varun's Coolie No. 1? David Dhawan is set to remake Coolie No.1 with Varun Dhawan and Sara Ali Khan playing the lead roles. This will be the first time Varun and Sara will be seen together in a film and the audience is rather excited to watch this pair on the big screen. The film will release on May 1, 2020, and is ready to go on floors soon. However, the latest reports around the project suggest that actress Jacqueline Fernandez is eager to be a part of it. Though the main lead has already been finalized, Jacqueline is eying a supporting role in the film. Apparently, the role is of Sara's sister. Well, if that happens then Jacqueline will romance Varun again post the success of Judwaa 2 and we are excited to witness how that'll pan out. According to the original film, the lead actor finds himself in a chaotic space when both sisters seem interested in him. Keep watching the space for more on Bollywood. Marysville, CA (95901) Today Rain showers this evening with clearing overnight. Low 38F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Rain showers this evening with clearing overnight. Low 38F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%. As a UNICEF Celebrity Advocate, she pledged to keep every child alive at an event. New Delhi: Ahead of Mother's Day, Kareena Kapoor Khan, urged mothers across the nation to get their children immunised. As a UNICEF Celebrity Advocate, she pledged to keep every child alive at an event. The 38-year old actor also shared her experience of becoming a mother to enlighten all the young mothers. She said "When I delivered Taimur, the first thing I asked the doctor was that how do I protect him from Pneumonia, how do I protect him from the hundreds of diseases that I have been hearing of and when he presented me with the immunisation chart, I held on to it. I knew this is what it is going to take for my child to be alive." Also Read | Immunisation in India and the women behind it During the event, Kareena Kapoor Khan honoured radio jockeys for spreading awareness against child sexual abuse and routine immunisation. "It is great to see how so many radio jockeys across the nation worked tirelessly to educate, engage and spread the message of our campaign, to make people understand the importance of children's health, immunisation; especially to young mothers," she said. The actor is currently busy with her upcoming film 'Good News' which is set to release later this year. The director, Ali Abbas Zafar pays his tribute to Raj Kapoor's 'Mera Naam Joker' through his grand project Bharat. Mumbai: Salman Khan's circus shots in Bharat are inspired from the sequences on the lines of Dharmendras movie from the year, 1970. Bharat, the most anticipated movie of the year has a grand circus sequence with Salman Khan in a young and dazzling look. The director, Ali Abbas Zafar pays his tribute to Raj Kapoor's 'Mera Naam Joker' through his grand project Bharat. The director quoted, Our circus sequences are inspired from Raj saabs Mera Naam Joker. Our circus troupe is international, just like the one in the film. Dharmendra who was a part of the 1970 film, 'Mera Naam Joker' was acknowledged about Salmans homage to him and the legendary actor fondly expressed, Salman is like my third son (after Sunny and Bobby). He has always shown the greatest love not just for me, but also for my entire family. I am very fond of Salman. I am not surprised if he has modelled his character on me. He always says Im his role model, so nice of him. Salman Khan who is a huge fan of Dharmendra finds his way to pay his compliments to the veteran on and off-screen. The movie gave him a chance to do so and the actor has seized the opportunity with utmost reverence to the legend. Including stellar performers like Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Disha Patani, Tabu, and Sunil Grover, the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial boasts of an ensemble cast promising power-packed performances. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, 'Bharat' is produced by Atul Agnihotri's Reel Life Production Pvt. Ltd and Bhushan Kumar's T-Series is releasing on Eid, 2019. The incident took place on April 26 and the complaint was filed the next day. Nilanjan Roy has been charged under the POCSO Act. (Photo: Facebook) Kolkata: The BJPs Lok Sabha candidate for Diamond Harbour has been charged for allegedly sexually assaulting 17-year-old girl last month, reported NDTV. Nilanjan Roy has been charged under the POCSO Act. The incident took place on April 26 and the complaint was filed the next day. Ananya Chatterjee Chakrobarti, the chairperson of West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights said, A complaint was lodged at the Falta police station. Medical examination of the girl was done and her statement recorded, but the police did not arrest Roy. As soon as the Commission was informed about the incident, they wrote to the Election Commission to immediately arrest Roy. The state BJP Vice-President Jayprakash Majumdar, however, blamed the Trinamool Congress for a "false case." Majumdar said during primary investigation, police did not find a prima-facie case so they did not proceed. Now the TMC is using the Child Rights Commission, who has sent a letter to the EC to arrest him, which is beyond their jurisdiction," he added. The Election Commission is yet to take a decision in this case. Nilanjan Roy has been fielded against Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee from the seat. Diamond Harbour will go to polls on May 19. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analysis et al. Happy reading. Nawazuddin Siddiqui to feature in Akshay Kumar's Housefull 4 Akshay Kumar starrer, Housefull 4, will have a special guest and it's none other than Nawazuddin Siddiqui. When it comes to Nawaz, you can expect surprises and this one is certainly no exception. According to a report, the actor will star in a special song in the film. The entire cast comprising Akshay Kumar, Kriti Sanon, Riteish Deshmukh, Pooja Hegde, Kriti Kharbanda, Bobby Deol and Rana Dagubbati will feature in the song too.a Nawazuddin will make a special appearance in the song and will be shown as a Baba living in a den with 300 disciples. He will essay the role of an exorcist and will introduce an important twist in the plot according to the report. In the song, Nawaz will feature with the six actors and around 500 back-up dancers. Farhad Samji, the director, and his team have been working on the song for over two weeks and will film it by the month end. With Nawaz playing this unusual character, Housefull 4 just became even more interesting. The comedy is divided between two eras and has been shot mostly in the UK, and Rajasthan. Reportedly, father-daughter duo, Johnny Lever and Jamie Lever, will also be seen for the first time together. Reportedly, a huge set is being built at Mumbai's Filmcity for the song, which will be shot over five days and will be choreographed by Ganesh Acharya. Nawazuddin has several films lined up in the next two years. The actor will be seen in Raat Akeli Hai opposite Radhika Apte. He has also signed up for Bole Chudiyaan alongside Mouni Roy. Directed by Farhad Samji, Housefull 4 is slated to release on October 25. Banerjee said many saffron leaders were distributing cash under the protection of the Central forces to people to get votes. Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday alleged that BJP is using the hawala route to transfer money for distribution among the voters and law enforcing agencies are not taking any action in this regard. Training guns at BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh, Ms Banerjee said many saffron leaders were distributing cash under the protection of the Central forces to people to get votes. Addressing a party rally at Ashokenagar in North 24 Parganasshe said, You have seen that a BJP candidate was caught with a few crores of cash on Thursday. Even today I have heard hordes of cash are being transported in boxes in cars of those who enjoy Z-plus security cover provided by the Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force. Ms Banerjee alleged, The boxes of cash are being given to the miscreants who are asked to rig the votes. They are told to hold feasts with drinks for the poor people for few days. Is it an election? Those whom I am referring to can understand this certainly. When we get down from the helicopter, any poll official can click photo. There is no restriction. But why the press is not allowed to those places where Narendra Modi alights? Ms Banerjee said that a BJP candidate was even caught carrying crores a reference to the police seizing Rs 1.13 lakh from the vehicle of the saffron partys candidate and former IPS offficer Bharati Ghosh late on Thursday night at Pingla area in Bengals West Midnapore district. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh refuted Ms Banerjees allegations and maintained that the law would take its own course. When contacted, Mr Ghosh said, The police will file a case if she was caught. Everything will happen according to the law. Everyone has to face and follow the law. If she had the money beyond permissible limit, the police will take action. And she will have to respond legally if the police acts legally. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses etc all. Happy reading. The Congress quickly distanced itself from Pitroda, who is chief of Overseas Congress and an advisor to Rahul. 'We all have made our position very clear and that is the 1984 happenings were a terrible tragedy and should never have happened,' he said. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Friday his party colleague Sam Pitrodas comments on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots were completely "out of line" and he should apologise. Hua to hua (so what, they happened), Pitroda had said about the riots when journalists questioned him in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. The Congress quickly distanced itself from Pitroda, who is chief of Overseas Congress and an advisor to Rahul. "What Sam Pitroda has said is absolutely and completely out of line and is not appreciated. I will be communicating this to him directly. He must apologise for his comment," Gandhi said. He noted that the riots were a tragedy that had caused tremendous pain. Rahul said former prime minister Manmohan Singh and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi have apologised for the riots. "We all have made our position very clear and that is the 1984 happenings were a terrible tragedy and should never have happened," he said. Pitroda's remarks kicked up a major political storm with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that they reflected the "character and arrogance" of the Congress party. Pitroda, on his part, accused the BJP of twisting the three words in Hindi on the riots to "distort facts, divide us(Congress) and hide their failures" and said things of the past are not relevant in this election. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analysis et al. Happy reading. Pitrodas comment gave enough ammunition to the BJP in this crucial phase of elections where both Delhi and Punjab are going to polls. New Delhi: As the BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, slammed Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda on his comment on the 1984 Sikh riots, the Congress on Friday distanced itself from his remark and asked all party leaders to be careful and sensitive. Under attack, Mr Pitroda apologised for his hua toh hua remark, saying it was blown out of proportion because his Hindi is not good. I feel sorry that my remark was misrepresented, I apologise, he told reporters in Shimla, accusing the BJP of distorting the truth. Mr Pitroda had waded into a huge controversy when he said hua toh hua, roughly translated to so what on being questioned about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. My Hindi is not good, what I meant was jo hua vo bura hua (what happened was bad), I could not translate bura (bad) in my mind, said Mr Pitroda, a confidant of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Mr Pitrodas comment gave enough ammunition to the BJP in this crucial phase of elections where both Delhi and Punjab are going to polls. Slamming Mr Pitroda for his comment, the Prime Minister said at an election rally in Haryanas Rohtak, Hua so hua the three words that sum up Congress arrogance were uttered on Thursday by one of its most senior leaders. This leader is one of the closest people to the Gandhi family, he said, without naming Mr Pitroda. In a terse statement released on Friday, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, Violence and riots are unacceptable and unpardonable in our society. The Congress and its leadership have strived to ensure justice for 1984 riot victims. We continue to support the quest for justice and stern punishment for those found guilty in 1984 riots as also the subsequent acts of violence including the 2002 Gujarat riots. Any opinion remark made by any individual, including Sam Pitroda, is not the opinion of the Congress. We advise all leaders to be careful and sensitive, it said. Bringing the BJPs Bhopal candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur into the narrative, the Congress said, Lastly, unlike the BJP, which has decided to field a candidate charged with terror crimes and is being lauded as its face by none less than Narendra Modi himself, the Congress has shown the moral and political courage to punish people and leaders accused of violence/role in 1984. Mr Pitroda said on Friday, I have noticed how the BJP is again twisting three words from my interview to distort facts, divide us and hide their failures. Sad that they have nothing positive to offer. I acknowledged the pain of my Sikh brothers and sisters during difficult times in 1984 and deeply feel for the atrocities that happened. But these are things from past that are not really relevant to this election which is all about what did the Modi government do for the last five years. Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will never target a group of people based on creed, he said. Apart from the Prime Minister, Union minister Arun Jaitley also attacked Mr Pitroda. He said Mr Pritrodas reaction is reflective of the lack of remorse on the part of the Congress with respect to the 1984 genocide He asked whether the Congress president will oust his Guru, who rubbishes the genocide of Indias most patriotic community in 1984? Akali Dals Sukhbir Singh Badal said Mr Pitroda cruelly mocked Sikh sentiments with his remark which proves beyond doubt that it was (former PM) Rajiv Gandhi who ordered the massacre. Union minister Prakash Javadekar demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi for the comments. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses etc all. Happy reading. Pricing under Article 10 was not supposed to be discussed in public domain. The AG also made it clear that monitoring of the progress by PMO of the government-to-government process relating to Rafale deal could not be construed as interference or parallel negotiations by the Prime Ministers Office. (Representational image) New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday reserved its verdict in the petition seeking review of the December 14, 2018, judgment that had declined to order a CBI or a SIT probe into the alleged irregularities in the deal to procure 36 Rafale aircraft from the French company, Dassault aviation. A Bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and K.M. Joseph reserved orders after the conclusion of arguments from Prashant Bhushan, one of the petitioners, along with former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie, as well as attorney general K.K. Venugopal for the Centre. Mr Bhushan argued that the December 14 judgment proceeded on the wrong basis that the petitioners were seeking cancellation of the deal, failing to consider that the petitioners were actually praying for a court-monitored probe into the alleged irregularities and corruption in it. He drew the attention of the court to a document purported to be a note from the ministry of defence regarding eight last-minute changes that were approved by the Defence Acquisition Council. He argued that based on this document, the Cabinet Committee on Security met in September 2016 to drop standard clauses in the deal pertaining to use of undue influence, agents/agency commission and access to books of accounts of industrial suppliers, which are usually included in procurement deals to ensure transparency and probity. The fact that standard anti-corruption clauses were unusually dropped from the agreement by itself points to the need for criminal investigation, he argued. He said the benchmark price was fixed at 5 billion euros, but in the final deal the price increased by 55.6 per cent above the benchmark. The sovereign guarantee clause was dropped despite objections from members of the Indian negotiating team. He also submitted that around the time of the deal, Anil Ambani had met the French defence minister and had produced a film for his wife; Mr Ambani was also given a huge tax exemption. All these aspects require a probe to see if there was any quid pro quo in the offset partner selection, he argued. Rejecting the arguments, the attorney general urged the court not to venture into areas pertaining to defence deals as they cannot be easily subjected to judicial review. He said so far as the price is concerned, it is covered under Article 10 of the inter-government agreement. Pricing under Article 10 was not supposed to be discussed in public domain. When Justice K.M. Joseph asked why no action was taken as per the Lalithakumari decision on the petitioners complaint, the AG replied that no prima facie case was made out. On a query from Justice Joseph about lack of transfer of technology in Rafale deal, unlike previous deals, AG replied that the court cant decide technical aspects of the deal. When Justice Joseph wanted to know whether the concerns shared by three members who expressed dissent, the AG said there were further meetings and all the concerns by them were addressed and finally it was they who prepared a note for the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval. The AG also made it clear that monitoring of the progress by PMO of the government-to-government process relating to Rafale deal could not be construed as interference or parallel negotiations by the Prime Ministers Office. He said that access to all files, notings, letters etc. related to the deal, including pricing details, has been made available to the CAG who has given its report concluding that the price of 36 Rafale is 2.86 per cent lower than the audit aligned price, apart from additional benefits which would accrue because of change from firm and fixed pricing to non-firm price. As to the internal file noting wherein various views and legal advice rendered by different agencies at different stages of the procurement process have been reflected/recorded, it was submitted that these are incomplete file notings containing views expressed by various functionaries at different times and not the final decision of the competent authority of the Union government. Seeking dismissal of the review petition, the AG submitted that the waiver of sovereign/bank guarantee in government-to-government agreements/contracts is not unusual. He pointed out that in contracts concerning Russian Federation contracts signed with Rosoboron Export of Russia, the requirement of bank guarantees is waived off in view of the assurance provided through a Letter of Comfort from the government of the Russian Federation. Similarly, in foreign military sales (FMS) cases with the US government, no bank guarantee/sovereign guarantee is provided for contracts signed between the Government of India and the US government. The case was informed to the police on April 30 but no action was taken till May 7. Lucknow: Attacking the Congress government in Rajasthan over its failure to timely act on the rape case in Alwar, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party Mayawati said that the state government deliberately suppressed the news as elections were around. ANI qouted Mayawati as saying, The Congress government suppressed this incident till the end of election in Rajasthan to preserve their political benefits and threatened the family of the victim to keep quiet about it. The case was informed to the police on April 30 but the police didnt act on the same till May 7 when the first arrest was made. Mayawati, who had been the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has demanded the death penalty for the rapists. She wants the Supreme Court to intervene in the matter and bring the state administration to task. The incident happened on April 26 when the victim, a dalit and her husband were riding on a motorcycle. They were trapped by five other men who led them to a field. They thrashed the husband and raped the victim. They also robbed the couple of Rs 2,000/-. The accused, Mukesh Gurjar allegedly filmed the act in his camera. He asked money from the couple for not uploading the clip on social media. The victim's husband received a call from the accused asking for money to avoid ciculating the video online. It was then the family decided to file an FIR which they couldn't do at the Thanagazi police station. They went to the Alwar SP along with Thanagazi MLA Kanti Prasad. But no FIR was lodged on April 30 or May 1. The SP directed the local police station following which the local police asked the victim's husband to stay back as he would have been needed to identify the accused but no arrests were made. The family had credible information of the accused's location. But police didn't take any action citing elections. The FIR was lodged on May 2. The medical reports were completed on May 2 and 3 but no progress was made. Following this the video of sexual assault surfaced on social media. The family visited police station but were asked to go to Alwar as policemen were engaged with election duties. The first arrest was made on May 7, after three days of this episode after elections were conducted in Dausa. The administration blamed elections for the delay in action. After the matter created huge furore Alwar SP Rajeev Pachar was removed and the local Station House Officer was suspended. The government has ordered an inquiry by Jaipur Divisional Commissioner. Read: EC not strict against leaders using derogatory language for women: Mayawati Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the guilty wont be spared and the state will ensure that the trial is expedited. However, the BSP supremo was not convinced. She further said that the Congress behavior was unlikely to deliver justice. She said, Our party wants the Supreme Court to conduct the investigation. The Bharatiya Janata Party has also attacked the Congress for delay in action. BJP leader and Puri candidate Sambit Patra tweeted: In Congress Ruled Rajasthan for 7 days the cops sat on Dalit gangrape and waited for the polls to end .. If the same would have happened in a BJP ruled state,the gang of liberals would have unleashed their most scathing attack on Modi Is Lutyen extending its protection to Rahul? pic.twitter.com/CTtyxEFyqg Chowkidar Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) May 11, 2019 Rajasthan polled in two phases on April 29 and May 06. Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha blamed PM Modi for lowering the language of the political discourse. Speaking at a meet-the-press programme in Bhopal, the former Union finance minister also dismissed as a non-issue the controversy over the alleged misuse of INS Viraat by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. (File) Bhopal: Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha has claimed then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was set to dismiss Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister at the time, after the 2002 post-Godhra riots, but withheld the decision as Home Minister LK Advani had threatened to resign from the Cabinet on the issue. Speaking at a meet-the-press programme in Bhopal, the former Union finance minister also dismissed as a non-issue the controversy over the alleged misuse of INS Viraat by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. "After the communal riots in Gujarat, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had decided that then state chief minister Narendra Modi should resign. While going to the national executive committee meeting in Goa in 2002, Atal ji had made up his mind that the Gujarat government would be dismissed if Modi ji refused to resign," he claimed. "There was a meeting within the party. According to my information, Advani ji had opposed this (dismissing the Modi government) and he told Atal ji that if Modi ji is dismissed then he (Advani) would resign from the government. So, he (Vajpayee) withheld the decision and Modi ji continued," Sinha said. In reply to a query on PM Modi's allegation that late PM Rajiv Gandhi used INS Viraat as a "personal taxi", Sinha said these are non-issues and that former naval officers had already issued clarifications on it. "It is not as per the dignity of a prime minister to speak lies like this," Sinha said, adding the Lok Sabha polls were being fought on PM Modi government's performance and not on the country's history. "It is unfortunate that the issue of Pakistan is being raised in the elections. He hyphenated our country with Pakistan. Are we a country of Pakistan's category? There is no talk about China, which must be feeling happy with the Pakistan rhetoric," claimed the former foreign minister. "This is being done because China's mention doesn't generate a reaction like that of Pakistan does," he added. Accusing the PM Modi government of playing "mischief" with statistics, Sinha said GDP data during the previous UPA government was higher than during the current NDA government. "The next government will get a broken economy," the bureaucrat-turned-politician said. Sinha blamed PM Modi for lowering the language of the political discourse. "It is expected from a PM to use dignified language but this is not happening." He said the elections to the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat would determine the future course of the country, and whether it wanted to go for social harmony or social divide. Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh is pitted against the BJP's Pragya Singh Thakur, a 2008 Malegaon blast accused, in the Bhopal seat which will vote on May 12. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses etc all. Happy reading. Python patrols stalk Florida swamps to staunch marauding serpents. Rahill's patrols begin at night when he heads into the vast wetlands that occupy much of southern Florida and are full of alligators, mosquitos and, increasingly, pythons. (Photo: AP) Tallahassee: Along with the venomous lionfish, the Burmese python is perhaps the least welcome invasive species in Florida: lacking any natural predators, it has happily chomped its way through the state's wildlife. And that is why Tom Rahill spends his nights stalking through the Everglades trying to kill the snakes. "Make no mistake, this is a beautiful animal," said the 62-year-old, with a 10-foot (three-meter) python he had caught wrapped around his neck. "Look how gorgeous this critter is." "It doesn't belong here, though. It's throwing the whole ecosystem off," he told AFP. Rahill's patrols begin at night when he heads into the vast wetlands that occupy much of southern Florida and are full of alligators, mosquitos and, increasingly, pythons. Native to Southeast Asia, the Burmese pythons have become a plague in Florida. They first arrived most likely as pets toward the end of last century and then found their way to the Everglades, where they have flourished as if it were their natural habitat. Dogs, cats, raccoons, birds, squirrels, rabbits and even small alligators: all have fallen prey to the snakes. A 2015 study by the University of Florida and published by the Royal Society showed that in 11 months the serpents wiped out 77 per cent of a marsh rabbit population released into the Everglades for study. Rahill is one of 25 contractors hired by the Python Elimination Program, launched in 2017 by the South Florida Water Management District to "humanely euthanize" the constrictors. The contractors receive a bounty of $50 for a four-foot (1.2 meter) snake and another $25 for every foot longer than that. The snake Rahill carried round his neck had been caught "creeping along right down at the bottom of the levee," probably looking for a good spot to ambush its prey. Had he let the snake go, Rahill believes it would have laid as many as 30 eggs, almost all of which would hatch. "It's remarkable," he said. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a separate program that pays up to $200 for eradicating a nest of the exotic reptiles. Anne Gordon Vega, 60, spends her nights rounding up pythons for the FWC. "My boys think that I am such a tough cookie, but they are very proud of me," she said. She admits that her family finds her choice of evening activities unusual. "They're absolutely shocked that this is what I do at night while they're, you know, enjoying the comforts of air conditioning and Netflix, and I'm out here in the Everglades." Virgin Galactic moves to new a base, re-locating pilots and engineers, entering the 'home stretch' toward commercial space flights. Beth Moses, chief astronaut instructor, describes her flight into space while on stage with Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson (right), during an event announcing the company's move to New Mexico. (Photo: AP) Santa Fe: Billionaire Richard Branson is moving Virgin Galactic's winged passenger rocket and more than 100 employees from California to a remote commercial launch and landing facility in southern New Mexico, bringing his space-tourism dream a step closer to reality. Branson said Friday at a news conference that Virgin Galactic's development and testing programme has advanced enough to make the move to the custom-tailored hangar and runway at the taxpayer-financed Spaceport America facility near the town of Truth or Consequences. Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides said a small number of flight tests are pending. He declined to set a specific deadline for the first commercial flight. An interior cabin for the company's space rocket is being tested and pilots and engineers are among the employees relocating from California to New Mexico. The move to New Mexico puts the company in the "home stretch," Whitesides said. The manufacturing of the space vehicles by a sister enterprise, The Spaceship Company, will remain based in the community of Mojave, California. Taxpayers invested over USD 200 million in Spaceport America after Branson and then Governor Bill Richardson, a Democrat, pitched the plan for the facility, with Virgin Galactic as the anchor tenant. Virgin Galactic's spaceship development has taken far longer than expected and had a major setback when the company's first experimental craft broke apart during a 2014 test flight, killing the co-pilot. Branson thanked New Mexico politicians and residents for their patience over the past decade. He said he believes space tourism is likely to bring about profound change. "Our future success as a species rests on the planetary perspective. The perspective that we know comes sharply into focus when that planet is viewed from the black sky of space," Branson said. Branson described a vision of hotels in space and a network of spaceports allowing supersonic, transcontinental travel anywhere on earth within a few hours. He indicated, however, that building financial viability comes first. "We need the financial impetus to be able to do all that," he said. "If the space program is successful as I think ... then the sky is the limit." In February, a new version of Virgin Galactic's winged craft SpaceShipTwo soared at three times the speed of sound to an altitude of nearly 56 miles (99 kilometers) in a test flight over Southern California, as a crew member soaked in the experience. On Friday, that crew member, Beth Moses, recounted her voyage into weightlessness and the visual spectacle of pitch-black space and the earth below. "Everything is silent and still and you can unstrap and float about the cabin," she said. "Pictures do not do the view from space justice. ... I will be able to see it forever." The company's current spaceship doesn't launch from the ground. It is carried under a special plane to an altitude of about 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) before detaching and igniting its rocket engine. "Release is like freefall at an amusement park, except it keeps going," Moses said. "And then the rocket motor lights. Before you know it, you're supersonic." Space tourism has not been a complete novelty since millionaire US engineer Dennis Tito in 2001 paid USD 20 million to join a Russian space mission to the International Space Station. Branson's goal has been to "democratise" space by opening travel up to more and more people. The endeavour began in 2004 when Branson announced the founding of Virgin Galactic in the heady days after the flights of SpaceShipOne, the first privately financed manned spacecraft that made three flights into space. As many as 1,43,27,458 crore voters will decide the fate of 164 candidates. The Delhi police will deploy over 60,000 police personnel, including 47 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and 13,000 home guards to ensure smooth polling. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The high voltage poll campaigning on roads as well as on social media came to an end on Friday evening at 6.00 pm, 48 hours prior to the poll which is all set to be held on Sunday in the national capital. Further, loudspeakers used for political campaigning will also be turned off. As many as 1,43,27,458 crore voters in Delhi will decide the fate of 164 candidates, who are in the fray. It is being speculated that there is a triangular fight between BJP, Congress, and AAP. Out of the 2,700 locations in the national capital, 523 critical polling locations have been shortlisted by the Delhi police and ROs (returning officers). Based on the detailed intelligence analysis of threat perceptions and the sheer volume of voters, who are going to exercise their franchise, the Delhi police has put in place an extensive security apparatus to ensure safety on the polling day. The Delhi police will deploy over 60,000 police personnel, including 47 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and 13,000 home guards to ensure smooth polling. The Delhi Election Commission said that as many as 369 non-resident Indians (NRIs) will have the rights to exercise their franchise in the city on Sunday, but they have to bring their original passports. The campaigning will stop on Friday as the 48-hour silence period will start from 6.00 pm and stay till 6.00 pm on Sunday, said Ranbir Singh, the Delhi CEO (chief electoral officer). Special paramilitary forces will be deployed there besides webcasting and CCTV facilities. Micro-observers would also be there. We have made all arrangements for smooth polling, he said. No campaigning shall be allowed beyond the 6.00 pm limit, including on social media. All print ads need to be pre-certified for any publication in newspapers, he added. Recently, DCP Amulya Patnaik chaired a meeting of the senior police officers of the neighbouring states to ensure better coordination in the intelligence sharing and smooth movement of the poll-related material to the polling stations. He also instructed security forces to provide safe upkeep of the electronic voting machines (EVMs). The quick reaction teams (QRTs) and special weapon and tactic (SWAT) teams will be deployed along with the mounted police. The local police has been instructed to keep a tab on the movement of ruffians, knifers, bad characters (BCs), and people with past record of poll related violence, a senior police official said. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses etc all. Happy reading. Ambedkar wanted to introduce other changes, all of them relating to the inheritance rights of the women of the family. Introducing his Hindu Code Bill in 1948, BR Ambedkar described the primary issue that the bill addressed: inheritance. Hindu inheritance law came from two traditions, known as Mitakshara and Dayabhag. According to the former, the property of a Hindu male does not belong to himself. It belongs jointly to father, son, grandson and great grandson. All four have a birthright in the property. When one of these four dies, he does not leave this share to his heirs, but to the remaining three. This is the law that has evolved out of the tradition of joint families, and it comes from a time when the primary asset was land. It is difficult to partition such property when the family becomes nuclear, but because the property is jointly held, any of the four individuals can demand partition. In Dayabhag, the property of a Hindu male was held as his personal property and he had the absolute right to dispose of it as he chose (meaning that if his father and grandfather and his son were alive, they could not automatically take it over on his death). Ambedkar wanted the existing Dayabhag system to extend over all of India. Ambedkar wanted to introduce other changes, all of them relating to the inheritance rights of the women of the family. Readers may know that this bill was not passed and Ambedkar resigned. It did not pass because the Constituent Assembly was conservative. Its members had few problems with Ambedkars proposal that the Mitakshara system be ended and Dayabhag be extended all over India; the primary issue they had was with the idea of women inheriting more property rights. This was unacceptable to them. Their objections were that women were already in possession of their dowry; that women went into another household on marriage and could enjoy the property of that house also; and that if women were given these rights then landholdings would become smaller because they would be broken up. The reason that we Indians were still debating such basic things in 1948 was that for at least 90 years, there had been little reform in religious traditions. The British were not reformist after the Crown took over the rule of India from the East India Company in 1857. One of the causes of the Mutiny (according to a book by Sir Syed) was that Indians were reacting negatively to intrusion by British rulers into traditions. Sati had been abolished in 1829 and in 1850 there was legislation introduced to safeguard the property rights of individuals who had converted their religion. This was also the period in which there was a powerful anti-slavery movement in Britain and America and those in power felt that they should use their authority to introduce modernity to traditional cultures. After the massive violence of 1857, in which lakhs of people were killed, the British decided that they would leave Hindus and Muslims to do their own reforming. They did not want to touch upon issues that would be controversial, or would interfere with their primary objective of ruling India and controlling its economy. Untouchability was abolished only by the Congress through Article 17 of our constitution. Before that all through the 1920s, Hindus around India were acting violently to prevent Dalits from entering temples. It is this sort of conservatism that blocked the passage of Ambedkars inheritance reforms. The thing to note here is that it was a Congress Constituent Assembly. There was almost no presence of the party we know as the BJP in that assembly. Even in Jawaharlal Nehrus government, the limited Hindutva voice was represented by Syama Prasad Mookerjee (who founded Jana Sangh, which later became BJP) who became a Congressman to take office. We must recognise that despite this inherent conservatism among its MPs and legislators (who were reflecting the cultural conservatism of the society which they came from), the Congress was able to pass reform. This was entirely because it was a party that had a liberal vision and was led by a truly great individual, Nehru. Alone in South Asia, India has a secular and liberal constitution. Afghanistan and Pakistan are Islamic states where no non-Muslim can hold high office. Maldives is an Islamic state, too. Sri Lankas constitution gives primacy to Buddhism, Bangladeshs constitution opens with the phrase, Bismillah ir rehman ir rahim. Bhutans government and religion are both controlled by a Buddhist king. Till 2008 Nepal was a Hindu rashtra where executive authority came from a Kshatriya king, as prescribed in Manusmriti. Only India has been secular constitution-ally. Why? This is not because India is Hindu majority. Nepal is also Hindu majority. Nobody asked Indians as the British were leaving to vote on whether we wanted a Hindu rashtra or whether we should include religious aspects in our constitution. It is only because of the Congress that we became a secular republic. It will be interesting to see, as we enter a period where another political force has became dominant if not overwhelming, whether this legacy of Nehru and the Congress is sustained or we are taken in a new direction. Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor to head to Dubai soon Post wrapping up the Amritsar and London schedule, Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor are now heading to Dubai to shoot for the grand climax of Street Dancer 3D. Directed by choreographer-turned-director Remo D'Souza, Street Dancer 3D is the next part of his hit franchise ABCD. Remo has brought back the hit pair of ABCD 2, Varun and Shraddha, in Street Dancer 3D. Nora Fatehi is the new addition to the dance film. Remo D'Souza confirmed shooting the climax in Dubai, "Yes, we will be shooting in Dubai for a fortnight. It's the second last schedule of our film. The final one is in Mumbai. We are shooting a big song in the city for which rehearsals have begun. It will mostly be shot at indoor locations." After shooting in the underground streets of Dubai, the team will be back in Mumbai to complete the final schedule of the film. If you are following these stars on social media then you must be aware that over the last few days Varun, Shraddha and the dance crews have been prepping hard for the climax of the biggest dance film to be ever made in Bollywood. Produced by Bhushan Kumar, Street Dancer 3D is scheduled to release on November 8, 2019. Zuckerberg has been the sole leader of Facebook for its entire 15 years of existence. The petition called FireMarkZuckerberg on www.FireMarkZuckerberg.com has been launched by Fight for the Future which is s dedicated to protecting and expanding the Internets transformative power in peoples lives by creating civic campaigns that are engaging for millions of people. A petition has taken off that has just one objective forcing Facebooks CEO and founder, Mark Zuckerberg off Facebook, asking him to resign. The main reason the failure to keep the social media platform safe, private and secure. The petition called FireMarkZuckerberg on http://www.FireMarkZuckerberg.com has been launched by Fight for the Future which is s dedicated to protecting and expanding the Internets transformative power in peoples lives by creating civic campaigns that are engaging for millions of people. The petition website states that Facebook, the worlds largest social networking platform, has violated users privacy many-a-times and Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO and founder of the platform should step down immediately. While Zuckerberg has apologized over the goof-ups, the petition states that under his leadership, Facebook has violated billions of peoples basic rights apart from harvesting and abusing their personal data. Zuckerberg has been the sole leader of Facebook for its entire 15 years of existence. In that time, there has been no attempt to move away from a business model reliant on violating user privacy. Facebooks current business practices are fundamentally at odds with democracy and human rights, states the petition on FireMarkZuckerberg.com. There is no single silver bullet solution that will fix Facebook. But we can start by sending a clear message to its shareholders, corporate leadership, and the entire tech industry that we are fed up, and that no one should be immune from facing the consequences of their actions. Ousting Mark Zuckerberg is an important first step toward affecting real change, the site further added. Mark Zuckerberg presently holds around 60% shares in Facebook and it seems difficult for him to be asked to exit. He is also the CEO and board chairman at Facebook. The company is currently still growing and presently the most profitable ventures to date. The New York Times had a written piece which states that its time Facebook is broken up, reports MIT Technology Review, so that new data privacy rules and regulations can be put in place. With many mishaps and goof ups, Facebook has been playing around with the privacy and security of millions of people around the world. The biggest one to date is the case of Cambridge Analytica which collected data of more than 87 million Facebook users, without their consent. Facebook has allowed third-party companies scrape data off their platform for benefits, and Mark Zucker had accepted this and also apologized for the same. What also went against the social media platform was the claim that the said data mining also affected the Trump Election and Brexit Votes. However, the damage has already been done and there is no way it can be undone. A recent fine of $5 billion on Facebook does not seem enough to answer the big mistake. In September last year, Facebook admitted to 50 million users data being exposed to other parties, and later confirmed that same number to be more than 80 million. This alone was the biggest privacy breach in history. March 2019 was another fallback for the company which went on to declare that it had been storing more than 600 million users password in an insecure manner since 2012. Adding to the existing woes, the social platform also allowed Christchurch, New Zealand, shooter to livestream the attack which witnessed around 50 people being murdered. Facebook failed to take action and the feed was live for almost 20 minutes. Facebook, though a platform formed more than a decade ago for socializing with friends and family, is now a threat to society. Facebook can fuel voilence, (Facebook also admitted that it failed to stop violence in Myanmar), reports MIT. With so many issues related and caused by a single social networking platform, will the petition help users force Mark Zuckerberg to step down from Facebook? And even if this happens, will Facebook be a trust-worthy platform to share your personal data ahead? Will other social networking websites learn from this and ensure their users privacy is secure? According to evidence at the sentencing hearing, the patient died of respiratory depression due to the methadone prescribed by the accused. An Indian-origin doctor has been sentenced to nine years in prison by a US court for committing health care fraud and illegally distributing prescription painkillers. (Representational Image) New York: An Indian-origin doctor has been sentenced to nine years in prison by a US court for committing health care fraud and illegally distributing prescription painkillers. Pawan Kumar Jain, aged 66, a former physician, was sentenced in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release for unlawfully dispensing controlled substances and health care fraud, US Attorney John Anderson said. Jain previously entered guilty pleas in February 2016 to one count of unlawfully dispensing a controlled substance and one count of health care fraud. In his plea agreement, Jain admitted that he previously was licensed to practice medicine in the State of New Mexico and was registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe controlled substances, including pain medication. He admitted that for several years he operated a high-volume "pain management" practice in Las Cruces, and frequently performed only "cursory" examinations of his patients before prescribing narcotics to them without documenting any therapeutic benefit for those drugs in his records. He specifically admitted examining one patient in November 2009 and that he conducted only a superficial examination of the patient before writing him two prescriptions for methadone that were outside the usual course of medical practice and not for any legitimate medical purpose. Each prescription was for 270 tablets of 10 mg methadone. Jain further admitted that he committed health care fraud because he knew these unlawful prescriptions would be submitted to federal health insurance Medicare for payment and that he intended for Medicare to pay for the prescriptions. Jain also acknowledged that the patient died two days after filling the second methadone prescription. According to evidence at the sentencing hearing, the patient died of respiratory depression due to the methadone Jain prescribed. The New Mexico Medical Board suspended Jain's license in June 2012, and revoked his license in December 2012. Anderson said the US law enforcement agencies are committed to working to aggressively target and hold drug traffickers accountable - both those who distribute on the street, and those who traffic as physicians writing prescriptions for no legitimate medical purpose. "Doctors who betray our trust and put their own financial gain ahead of the well-being of their patients by prescribing narcotics without medical justification are directly fueling our nation's opioid crisis," he said. Special Agent in Charge Kyle Williamson of the DEA's El Paso Division said that Jain ignored the oath they take to treat and care for patients who come to them for help, and continued to overprescribe, which eventually resulted in the deaths of four patients. "His sentencing today will send a message to other doctors that they are not above the law and DEA will continue to forcefully pursue and hold them accountable." Trump, who has said that he and Kim have a good relationship, added that he might eventually lose faith in the North Korean leader. US President Donald Trump said Friday that North Korea's recent missile tests were not a 'breach of trust.' (Photo:AP) Washington: US President Donald Trump said Friday that North Korea's recent missile tests were not a "breach of trust." "They're short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no," he said in an interview with Politico. "These were short-range missiles and very standard stuff." Pyongyang fired two short-range missiles Thursday following an earlier drill on Saturday. The North had not launched any since November 2017, shortly before leader Kim Jong Un embarked on diplomatic overtures. Trump, who has said that he and Kim have a good relationship, added that he might eventually lose faith in the North Korean leader. "I mean it's possible that at some point I will, but right now not at all," he said. Kim declared an end to the testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles during a rapid rapprochement last year, paving the way for his first summit with Trump in Singapore in June. But a second summit between the two mercurial leaders in Hanoi in February broke up without a deal after they failed to agree on what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then Kim has accused Washington of acting in "bad faith", and given it until the end of the year to change its approach. In the past few moths, a slew of journalists, activists, and government opponents have faced threat of legal action for their online posts. Hinting at Pak spy agency ISI's involvement to falsely implicate citizens, Gul Bukhari, a columnist and sometime government critic who was briefly kidnapped by unidentified men last year, said the assault on social media was carefully organised and coordinated. (Representational Image) Islamabad: Pakistan's government and its spy agency ISI have started snooping on its own people. Threats, arrests, blocked accounts and restricted posts Big Brother is watching more closely than ever across Pakistan, as authorities accelerate efforts to censor social networks, further reducing an already shrunken space for dissent in Pakistan. In the past 18 months, a slew of journalists, activists, and government opponents both at home and overseas have faced intimidation or the threat of legal action for their online posts. Large-scale censorship is already rife among Pakistan's mainstream media, with the Committee to Protect Journalists noting last year that the military and ISI had "quietly but effectively" imposed strict limits on the scope of general news reporting throughout the country. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter were regarded as the last holdouts of dissenting voices, but now that has changed too. In February, Pakistan's authorities announced the creation of a new enforcement arm to root out social media users accused of spreading "hate speech and violence" as part of the crackdown. Hinting at Pak spy agency ISI's involvement to falsely implicate citizens, Gul Bukhari, a columnist and sometime government critic who was briefly kidnapped by unidentified men last year, said the assault on social media was carefully organised and coordinated. "It is the last frontier they try to conquer," Bukhari explained. - Silence dissent - Journalist Rizwan-ur-Rehman Razi was among the people targetted. He was arrested in February at home in Lahore for allegedly publishing "defamatory and obnoxious" content against the state. A few days earlier, he had criticised extra-judicial executions allegedly committed by the security forces, according to a copy of his tweets seen by international news agency AFP. Released after two nights, he has not tweeted since, and his old posts have been deleted. The net cast by the crackdown is a wide one, with Shahzad Ahmad, director of the digital security NGO Bytes for All, pointing to the increased harassment of civil rights activists, the political opposition, and bloggers. According to Annie Zaman, an expert on cyber-censorship in Pakistan, this is made possible by an all-encompassing 2016 law that prohibits online posts that are deemed to compromise state security or offend anything from "the glory of Islam" to non-defined notions of "decency and morality". "Because this law is vague, it gave more space to the authorities to censor online," Zaman said. Offenders can face up to 14 years in prison. Pakistan's military signalled its involvement in the campaign as early as June last year, when the spokesman of the ISI, Major General Asif Ghafoor, boasted of the capacity to monitor social media accounts during a televised press conference. In a clear warning, Ghafoor briefly showed an image of what appeared to be specific Twitter handles and names. Facebook and Twitter transparency reports show the crackdown was already well underway last year, with a huge spike in requests by the Pakistani government seeking to censor online activity. Facebook restricted more content in Pakistan than in any other country in the first six months of 2018, according to its transparency figures from that time period, which are the most recently available. The social media giant said it restricted the availability of 2,203 pieces of content in total a seven-fold jump from the previous six months. All but 87 of the items had been reported by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority "as allegedly violating local laws prohibiting blasphemy, anti-judiciary content, and condemnation of the country's independence," it said. The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority did not respond to requests for comment. - 'Overstepping boundaries' - Twitter figures for the same time period showed a similar trend, with requests to remove content from 3,004 accounts in Pakistan compared to 674 in the second half of 2017. A Twitter spokesman said the vast majority of the requests had come from the government, and stressed that the company had acquiesced to none of them. "The authorities are no longer hiding their agenda (or policy) to silence internet-mediated dissent," said Rabia Mehmood, a researcher for Amnesty International. "While the current censorship is exceptionally intense, over the years, one message has been consistent that criticism of policies of the Pakistan military will not be tolerated." Even those posting on social media from overseas have found themselves targeted. Twitter routinely sends out a notice to users notifying them when the company receives complaints that their posts have violated a country's laws. News agency AFP has found dozens of users who received such a message warning they had violated Pakistani laws including 11 who had tweeted from beyond Pakistan's borders, in countries such as Australia, the US and Canada. The requests represent "a government censor overstepping jurisdiction boundaries", said Jillian York, an expert at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), an American NGO. Hardeep Singh, 36, will be deported back to India at the end of his sentence. However, the accused denied the offences. Hardeep Singh, who pinned the woman passenger down on her seat during the flight, was sentenced to 12 months in jail at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on Thursday. (Photo: Facebook/ Greater Manchester Police) London: An Indian travelling to the UK on a tourist visa has been jailed for 12 months for carrying out a "prolonged" sexual assault on a young woman during a long-haul flight from Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year. Hardeep Singh, 36, will be deported back to India at the end of his sentence. Hardeep Singh, who pinned the woman passenger down on her seat during the flight, was sentenced to 12 months in jail at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester on Thursday. "From the outset of the flight, Singh's behaviour was despicable. After checking the woman was unaccompanied, he began to invade her personal space, pestering her and making unwanted physical contact, despite the passenger making it clear she did not want to engage him in conversation," said Detective Constable Catherine Evans of Greater Manchester Police's Airport Team. "Waiting until the woman and surrounding passengers were asleep, Singh subjected the woman to a prolonged sexual assault, forcibly restraining her when she tried to move away. Numbed with fear, it was only after she summoned the strength to overpower him that she was able to run away and raise the alarm," she said. The court heard that on February 23, the woman in her 20s was aboard the flight from Mumbai and Hardeep Singh was in the seat to one side of her, the officer said. He was visiting Britain on a six-month tourist visa. Upon boarding the aircraft in Mumbai, Hardeep Singh tried to engage the woman in conversation. She tried to be polite but began to feel uncomfortable and could not understand him as he did not speak English clearly, she said. While attempting to engage her in conversation during the course of the flight, Hardeep Singh asked her whether the woman sat on the other side of her was her mother and - while she was watching a film - removed her headphones and tried to talk to her again, the court was told. When she got up to use the facilities, Hardeep Singh refused to move aside so she could get to the aisle comfortably, forcing her to squeeze past him. After the lights on the aircraft were turned down, due to the time of the flight, the woman and the other passengers around her went to sleep under their blankets, the officer said. The woman woke to find Hardeep Singh sexually assaulting her. She tried to push him away but he persisted. Everyone else around her on the aircraft was asleep. She repeatedly told him to stop and tried to remove his hands. She attempted to move away but Hardeep Singh hooked her legs off the ground so she couldn't get up. She felt isolated and vulnerable as everyone else was asleep and she couldn't see any cabin crew around to help, the officer said. He also tried to kiss her, the court hearing was told. The assault lasted for around 15 minutes before she was able to struggle free and move to the back of the plane where she reported Hardeep Singh to a member of the cabin crew, the court was told. He was moved away from the woman for the remainder of the flight and cabin crew contacted local Manchester police, whose officers were waiting at the Manchester Airport when the plane landed. Hardeep Singh was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and initially denied the offences. "We're pleased with Thursday's sentence and hope the woman can move forward knowing that he's behind bars. We hope the courage of this woman and this positive court result encourages other victims to come forward and report incidents of sexual assault to police," the Detective Constable added. A total of 15 journalists were killed in a series of bombings that began early this year, with nine of them in a single day, as per reports. Mina Mangal, who had worked as a news presenter for three local TV networks, attacked by the gunmen on Sunday morning, reported Tolo News. (Photo: ANI) Kabul: An Afghanistan journalist and a cultural advisor to the Parliament was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the eastern part of Kabul on Sunday. Mina Mangal, who had worked as a news presenter for three local TV networks, attacked by the gunmen on Sunday morning, reported Tolo News. Police have initiated an investigation in the matter. According to a report, a total of 15 journalists were killed in a series of bombings that began early this year, with nine of them in a single day. Days Inn Wants to Pay You $10K to Be Its New Suntern You Can Get Paid $10,000 to Travel the World and Take Photos This Summer Do you remember last year when Days Inn by Wyndham announced that it was hiring someone to travel through the United States all summer and take photos for its social channels? Well in 2019, the hotel chain is hiring again, and this time youll need a passport. RELATED: Best Travel Destinations for Single Guys Days Inn is looking for a new Suntern someone with a passion for storytelling, photography and travel to visit his or her favorite summer destinations over a two week period and document their adventures for the hotel chain. But instead of staying within the 50 states, this time you get to take it internationally and get paid a cool $10,000 for your troubles. Its basically an internship, but a Sunternship. THIS IS WHAT YOU GET Other than a 10K payday, the lucky Suntern will get economy air tickets and accommodation for select locations in Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia; a $150 daily travel stipend; and a Wyndham Rewards diamond membership. You select the destinations and the content you produce on the trip will be published on DaysInn.com. At the end of it all youll get a glowing recommendation from a Days Inn by Wyndham executive if you complete the job, of course. And make no mistake this will be a job. The Sunternship lasts just two weeks in August and traveling to a bunch of international destinations over that period, producing content along the way, wont exactly be a holiday. HERES WHAT YOU NEED To apply, you must be at least 21 years old, have a valid U.S. passport and obviously be passionate about international travel, photography, social media and written storytelling. You also must take an original sunny photo and write 300 words about your dream destination and why you belong there this summer, emailing both to [email protected] before May 24. Simple, if not necessarily easy. RELATED: Relaxing Travel Guide "We're continually dreaming up ways to brighten guests' stays at our hotels, fueling their days when they're with us and their wanderlusts when they leave us," Patrick Breen, Days Inn by Wyndhams vice president of brand operations, said in a statement supplied to Travel and Leisure. "We believe everyone deserves a cultured, overseas experience." Godspeed, Suntern. You Might Also Dig: Minors jumping and bathing at the rotten waters of Buriganga River to get rid of excessive heat of the scorching sun taking risk of life. This photo was taken from Sadarghat area on Saturday. Sadly, a piece of footage that shows such an offroading trip for a Huracan Performante recently surfaced online. And when you think that this model is all about sticking to the road at high speed via active aero (the Italian automotive producer calls that ALA, which stands for Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva).We can see the 640 horsepower machine being pulled out of a ditch and it looks like the Lambo's got Britain wrapped all over it.Given the initial position of the car, one might be surprised to find it (more or less) in one piece. And seeing the Huracan Performante reaching the kind of offroading angles that a Lamborghini Urus would never be able to achieve might sound interesting for some, but, trust me, this shenanigan is not for the faint-hearted.The poor Lamborghini emerges full of the green stuff, with those who had set about to rescue it having to turn to manpower in order to properly bring the supercar back onto the road.Oh well, at least the situation of this Lamborghini Huracan Performante seems to be much less troubled than that of the example that crashed in London earlier this year. You know, the one that saw its driver attempting Launch Control in the middle of the city and failing to keep up with the car (hopefuly, this will serve as an example to all the amateur hooners out there). Palmdale, CA (93550) Today Windy. Periods of rain this evening. Then some breaks in the clouds overnight. Low 37F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. Tonight Windy. Periods of rain this evening. Then some breaks in the clouds overnight. Low 37F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph. The Cuban government announced on Friday it will begin rationing some food and other basic products as the nation copes with challenging economic circumstances, reports AP. Why this matters: Commerce Minister Betsy Diaz Velazquez attributes the shortage of rice, beans, chicken, affordable soap and other basic products to the the U.S. trade embargo executed by the Trump administration, but economists also blame the loss of aid from Venezuela, per AP. More expensive goods are not included in the rationing. Go deeper: Trump's tighter Cuba policies aim at Florida but could upset allies The New York Times recently interviewed farmers and agricultural leaders in Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska and North Dakota to gauge their responses to another round of U.S.-China trade negotiations ending without a deal. China has been a longtime buyer of Midwestern crops. What they're saying: Some farmers remain hopeful that a deal can be reached, but most have had to cut costs to cope like going without health insurance, delaying equipment purchases and crop sales, and scaling down livestock operations. Many people are just torn because people want to support the president of the United States. But its very stressful to be in the middle of these very challenging negotiations. Because youre the person who cant take hope to the banker to get his loans for operating. Nancy Johnson, executive director of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association By the numbers: The personal income of farmers in the U.S. declined by an annualized $11.8 billion between January and March, the biggest 1st quarter drop in 3 years. President Trump raised tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods from 10% to 25% on Friday, as he previously threatened to do. Go deeper: Trump's trade war: Where American workers are hit hardest Rudy Giuliani told Fox News on Friday night that he no longer plans to travel to Ukraine to ask Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the origins of the Mueller investigation and, separately, former Vice President Joe Biden's alleged intervention in Ukrainian politics on behalf of his son, CBS reports. What's new: Giuliani walked back what he previously described as lawfully "meddling in an investigation," and said on Friday he now thinks going to Ukraine would be "walking into a group of people that are enemies of the president ... in some cases enemies of the United States." House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff told Axios' Executive Editor Mike Allen Friday when he asked him about Rudy's plan: "The fact that he would be so open about it, boastful almost ... it takes your breath away." The backdrop: President Trump commented on possibly investigating Biden's alleged actions in Ukraine in an exclusive interview with Politico on Friday. Trump said it would be "appropriate" to discuss the issue with Attorney General Bill Barr, but said he hadn't done so yet. "It could be a very big situation," he added. Meanwhile, Giuliani has faced "withering attacks accusing him of seeking foreign assistance for President Trumps re-election campaign," the New York Times reports. Be smart: The New York Times, which broke the story on allegations of Ukrainian conflicts of interest against Biden, reports that "no evidence has surfaced that the former vice president intentionally tried to benefit his son by pressing for the prosecutor generals dismissal." Go deeper: A global helium shortage is forcing Party City to close 45 stores nationally, but it could also impact scientists and medical professionals who rely on the gas for equipment and research, reports NBC. Why it matters: Without helium, doctors wouldn't be able to give their patients noninvasive MRI scans, and scientists need chemical element to pressurize fuel tanks for space travel and satellite instruments, per USA Today. Some scientists are even suggesting a total ban on party balloons to help with the shortage. As for the inflated decorations, prices have been increasing steadily over the years and Party City has been putting the cost on customers, per NBC. Party City is currently negotiating a contract with a new helium supplier, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. The backdrop: Nearly 75% of the helium comes from sites in Qatar, Wyoming and Texas, per CNBC. However, Saudi Arabia imposed a blockade on Qatar that has forced the nation to stop all exports of the gas, and further strained access. After decades of neglect, U.S. infrastructure is cracking, sagging and exploding and pressure on old systems is growing as cities swell and the climate changes. What's happening: Utility companies, fearful of setting off more disasters like California's deadly wildfires, are hungrily buying up AI systems that can tell them which equipment is the next to rupture or go up in flames. California's three largest utility companies caused more than 2,000 fires in an approximately 3-year span, the L.A. Times reported in January. And gas-line explosions have killed hundreds and injured nearly 1,000 people in the past 2 decades. The ordinarily conservative utilities are throwing everything they can into reducing these risks, says Otto Lynch, an adviser to the Infrastructure Report Card, a study of U.S. infrastructure by the American Society of Civil Engineers. "You do not want to be the person responsible for taking down New York City." Now, a spate of new startups selling AI systems to predict oncoming equipment problems have found utilities eager customers. A company called VIA uses data from power company equipment inspections, smart meters and environmental factors to figure out if transformers are at risk of disaster. Urbint looks at previous gas problems, plus satellite imagery, soil and weather data, and planned digs near gas lines to map danger zones. Petasense supplies Silicon Valley Power in Santa Clara, California, with sensors that can detect malfunctions in power-generating equipment from minute changes in their vibration. The big picture: A confluence of 21st century shifts is endangering critical infrastructure. Extreme weather is increasingly frequent, with high winds bringing power outages, and soggy soil causing pipe corrosion and leaks. Fast-growing cities mean old infrastructure suddenly has to serve far more people than it was designed to and the construction booms rattle underground systems out of place. Electric cars and home solar panels are putting tremendous stress on transformers that weren't built for the load. Meanwhile, utility companies that need more employees to deal with this new reality are instead in danger of losing a quarter of their workforce to retirement in the next five years along with their decades of accumulated knowledge. Without a drastic intervention, the U.S. is set for a lot more California-scale disasters or, where conditions are not as tinderbox-like for massive outages, says Lynch. His infrastructure report card gave the energy sector a D+ in its most recent issue. For a company the size of California's PG&E, with many thousands of transformers scattered through an enormous area, "there literally aren't enough people to physically inspect equipment enough," says VIA cofounder Colin Gounden. They want to know: "How do I figure out what the highest risk factor are?" The penalty for neglect is stark. The PG&E tower that likely started the lethal Camp fire last year was 99 years old nearly a quarter-century past its "useful life." VIA has convinced a handful of utility companies around the world to sign up for its predictive software and pool their data together; Urbint says it has signed up four of the five largest U.S. gas utilities and expects to have more than half of all gas companies by the end of the year. But, but, but: Fancy analytics alone won't solve the energy sector's looming crisis. The American Society of Civil Engineers said in 2017 that the energy sector needs $177 billion in extra funding to get through the coming decade. What's next: The Trump Administration and Congress appear closer than ever to a $2 trillion infrastructure package but with weeks to go in negotiations, the outcome is uncertain, with big questions remaining on where the money will come from. Uber's IPO stalled out yesterday, stunning both Silicon Valley and Wall Street. Details: The ride-hail giant priced shares near the bottom of their range on Thursday night. They opened even lower on Friday morning before falling again by market close. In all, Uber lost nearly $6 billion in market cap in its first five hours as a public company. No, this is not normal for a highly anticipated IPO. Uber got hit by a confluence of negative events, some of which were outside of its control: The Dow was already down more than 300 points before Uber's first trade, due largely to President Trump's imposition of higher tariffs on Chinese imports. Stocks recovered later on, but investor sentiment was lousy during the time when an IPO would typically pop. Maybe Trump played the long revenge game on Uber, after it snubbed him just days into his presidency. The world is a vampire. North Korea. Iran. Venezuela. Pick your geopolitical poison. Uber went public at the end of the stock market's worst-performing week of 2019. Lyft already had investors running scared, having earlier in the week reported disappointing Q1 results and warning that 2019 would represent "peak losses." Ride-hail driver strikes on Wednesday didn't seem to have much impact on car availability, but they did raise awareness and prompted tweets from several presidential candidates. Unwelcome attention after Axios first reported that Uber founder and ex-CEO Travis Kalanick wanted to help ring the bell but was relegated to the NYSE floor by current CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. Kalanick watched the bell-ringing with his father from a side balcony before heading a block away to celebrate with early Uber colleagues at The Bailey Restaurant NYC. Uber and Lyft recently ramped up their rider discount offers, prompting overheard talk in the NYSE hallways about artificially-inflated numbers. The discounts could obviously continue, but that wouldn't help ride-hail get closer to profitability. Speaking of which... Uber loses more money than any other company to ever go public. It's the sort of thing that everyone ignores until they don't. Uber has argued that it's the next Amazon, which also spent years in the red without an apparent path to profitability. Investors either didn't agree, or figured they could wait for the numbers to improve. Or perhaps until Uber finds its own Amazon Web Services (flying taxis?). But, but, but: IPOs are just a moment in time, and Uber has still managed become a $76 billion company in less than a decade. Facebook gained just 23 cents on its IPO day before spending 15 months below its IPO price; now it's the world's fourth most valuable company. Uber's IPO ran into the perfect storm. Other money-losing unicorns and minotaurs will now watch closely to see if it can navigate into calmer waters, or if they need to begin scrambling for life vests. IB warns of Fidayeen attack on Buddha Purnima in West Bengal and Bangladesh: Security heightened India.com, New Delhi : The Central Intelligence Bureau on Friday warned of a possible fidayeen style attack by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) or Islamic State (ISIS) on the occasion of Buddha Purnima i.e. May 12, in West Bengal or Bangladesh. According to the IB, the attack could be carried out at a monastery or a temple. Following the alert issued by the IB, West Bengal has beefed up security across temples as well as monasteries in the state. Giving more details, the IB also said that the fidayeen could be impersonating a pregnant lady, entering a temple and carrying out the said attack. "We have received an alert. We have strengthened security outside the temples in the city as well as other parts of the state. We are taking no chances," said a senior official of West Bengal Police in Kolkata. "A similar alert was ignored by Sri Lanka authorities and we saw the number of casualties. We have immediately responded to this input and alerted all our officials to maintain highest level of alertness and preparedness to prevent any such attacks," added the officer. A fortnight ago, a message was released by the pro-ISIS telegram channels, warning of an attack in West Bengal or Bangladesh. The U.S. is deploying the USS Arlington, an amphibious transport ship, and a Patriot air defense system to U.S. Central Command in the Middle East, the Defense Department announced on Friday. What to watch: This decision is partially based on U.S. intelligence that says Iran has green-lit some proxy forces to "go after American military personnel and assets in the region," 3 U.S. officials told NBC. An anonymous defense official told the AP the same thing last Monday, saying Iran and its proxy forces were preparing to possibly attack U.S. forces in the region. "The United States does not seek conflict with Iran, but we are postured and ready to defend U.S. forces and interests in the region." DOD in a statement on Friday The backdrop: The U.S. deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force earlier this week to send "a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime" that attacks on U.S. interests or allies will be met with force. President Trump announced sanctions on Iran's iron, steel, aluminum and copper exports this week in an effort to curb any revenue that may be used for developing weapons, amid renewed tensions regarding the Iran nuclear deal. Go deeper: Trump's next moves to tank the Iranian economy What the chart shows: Follow each countrys age-structure from 2000 to 2050. The bars show the percentage of the population that falls into each 5-year age group. For instance, you can see Nigerias continuing baby boom in the longer bars at the base of its pyramid; China and Germany, however, have bulges in the 60-85 age ranges. Changing economic incentives, social expectations for women, and religious landscapes have upended the global age structure and we're only seeing the beginning. Between the lines: The developed world is having fewer babies, which means fewer working-age people to support the bulge of retiring and aging baby boomers. Meanwhile the population of Africa is surging. How we got here: Women's education: Better-educated women correlates with lower fertility rates and vice versa, according to Our World in Data. In poorer developing countries, women's education and opportunity outside of raising a family lags behind the richer world, resulting in more women bearing children than their developed-world counterparts. women's education and opportunity outside of raising a family lags behind the richer world, resulting in more women bearing children than their developed-world counterparts. "Women with choices lead the way to secularization," Eric Kaufmann, a demographer and politics professor at Birkbeck College, told Axios. way to secularization," Eric Kaufmann, a demographer and politics professor at Birkbeck College, told Axios. But for most of the rest of the world, fertility rates have been dropping since the 1960s as women have increasingly pursued higher education and found more opportunity in the workforce, says Richard Jackson of the Global Aging Institute. That opportunity continues to expand, further reducing the number of children born to women from the EU, the U.S., China or Japan, as well as delaying childbearing. Yes, but: Studies have found that in the U.S., women with the highest education beyond a bachelor's degree have higher fertility rates than women with only an undergraduate degree. This is probably a result of their greater financial stability as well as more opportunities to combine child-rearing with a career, according to Kaufmann. The bottom line: Child-rearing costs have skyrocketed in much of the developed world. The 2008 recession hit middle class families hard everywhere, and some traditional financial incentives to having multiple children are no longer relevant. By Trend Azhazelnut, an Azerbaijani company, started exporting hazelnuts to Latvia in April 2019, a source at the company told Trend. According to the source, 21 tons of hazelnuts have been exported so far and further export volumes will depend on demand. Azhazelnut has been operating in Azerbaijan since 2002. The main tasks of the company are to ensure the production of high quality hazelnuts and strengthen the export potential of the country. Hazelnut production occupies a significant place in the economy of Azerbaijan. Several hazelnut varieties are cultivated in the country. Many of the country's hazelnut orchards are located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus in the Gakh, Zagatala and Balakan districts. In 2016, Ferrero, the world's largest buyer of hazelnuts, began to purchase a large number of hazelnut varieties grown in Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijans beekeeping farms, which did not receive subsidies in 2018, will receive them this year, Trend reports with reference to the countrys Ministry of Agriculture. The Ministry of Agriculture held a regular meeting of the republican commission for issuing subsidies to individuals and legal entities involved in beekeeping, a representative of the ministry said. it was decided that a number of individuals and legal entities who submitted documents at the end of last year but did not receive subsidies because the identification of bee colonies was not completed, will receive them in the amount of 910,460 manats for 91,046 bee colonies in 2019. This decision will affect 4,507 beekeepers and beekeeping farms in 842 administrative territories, according to the ministry. The decision made at the meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture was forwarded to the Ministry of Finance and the State Center for Agriculture Development. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The only way to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the restoration of Azerbaijans territorial integrity, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy Mammad Ahmadzada said in an interview with Fanpage.it, Trend reports. He noted that 20 percent of the territory of Azerbaijan was occupied by Armenia. For all these years, unfortunately, the parties failed to achieve peace, he said. In order to resolve the conflict, the status quo needs to be changed. It is important that Armenia withdraws its troops from the occupied Azerbaijani territories. The only way to resolve this conflict is to restore the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Status quo established as a result of the occupation of the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan, is unsustainable and unacceptable, reads a statement of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Trend reports. May 12 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1994, according to the statement. The ceasefire in the conflict zone is explicitly connected with the cessation of all military activities, withdrawal of occupying forces, deployment of international observers, restoration of communications, return of displaced population and intensification of negotiation process for final settlement of the conflict, reads the statement. It means that ceasefire aims at the set of measures to be implemented serving the above mentioned goals. With other words, ceasefire does not only mean ending the exchange of fire, but also the attempts of consolidating the occupation of territories, entrenching and building up military positions, transferring military equipment and hardware, conducting large-scale military exercises, denying the return of IDPs to their homelands. During last 25 years since the establishment of ceasefire, the occupation of the one fifth of the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan resulted in the ethnic cleansing of the Azerbaijanis historically living in these territories still continues, the ministry said. The armed forces of Armenia continue their illegal presence in the Azerbaijani territories. The demands of the international community, including the resolutions of the UN Security Council, the main body responsible for international security, are rejected by Armenia. As it has been stated by international community, as well as the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair states, status quo established as a result of the occupation of the internationally recognized territories of Azerbaijan, is unsustainable and unacceptable. Ceasefire also affirms the intensification of the negotiations for cessation of the armed conflict, the ministry noted. It is clear that ceasefire is not the settlement of the conflict; it creates necessary conditions for urgent measures to be implemented on the way to the conflict settlement. However, throughout all these years, Armenia has consistently refused to engage in results oriented substantial negotiations on the conflict settlement and ignored the demands of international community to withdraw its occupying forces immediately, completely and unconditionally from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Armenia must drop its futile attempts to mislead its own people and wider international community, cease its policy of annexation and ethnic cleansing, comply with its international obligations and engage constructively in the soonest conflict settlement process, according to the statement. Ensuring the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of international borders of Azerbaijan, allowing the return of the forcibly expelled Azerbaijani population to the places of their permanent residence and promoting peaceful coexistence of Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of Nagorno-Karabakh region within the Republic of Azerbaijan will lay a solid foundation for restoring good neighborly relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and bringing peace, security and cooperation in the region, reads the statement. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Over 62,000 tons of methanol was produced at the SOCAR Methanol LLC, the methanol plant of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, in the first quarter of 2019, a source in SOCAR told Trend. "A total of about 350,000 tons of methanol is planned to be produced this year," the source said. The source noted that last year, the plant produced over 230,000 tons of methanol. Production of methanol at Azerbaijans methanol plant, the only plant of this kind in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, started in January 2014. The annual capacity of the plant is 650,000-700,000 tons. SOCAR acquired the plant from the Aqrarkredit non-bank credit organization. The plant cost was estimated at $520 million. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Italys Saipem company has organized Medevac for 11 injured as a result of the explosion occurred on the Israfil Huseynov vessel in the Caspian Sea, the company told Trend May 11. They will be transferred to specialized hospitals of Turkey, Italy, France and UK. Three other less injured persons, who are able to travel independently, will fly out to their home countries with the passenger planes, said the company. On May 8 in the evening, an explosion occurred on the vessel Israfil Huseynov operated by Saipem for pipelaying in the Caspian Sea in the framework of the Shah Deniz II project. In the early hours of morning on May 9, the transportation to hospital of the fourteen people involved in the accident, all employees of the Saipem Group, was completed. The company said the incident was related to maintenance operations on an item of equipment during pipe-laying activities. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) expects real GDP growth in Turkmenistan at 6.3 percent in 2019 and 6 percent in 2020, provided the external demand for gas remains favorable, Trend reports referring to the banks report published in May 2019. The resumption of gas exports to Russia following a three-year interruption is expected to improve growth prospects, according to the report. However, in the short term, growth will be weighed down by fiscal restraint, restricted access to foreign exchange except for priority projects, difficult business environment and limited FDI (foreign direct investment) inflows. Foreign exchange scarcity has remained severe in Turkmenistan, the report noted. According to a report by British Petroleum (BP), Turkmenistan ranks fourth in the world in terms of natural gas reserves and currently exports it to China and Iran. The country set a course for diversifying the local economy. The oil, gas, chemical, and building material industries are actively developing. The growth of the GDP of Turkmenistan in January-April 2019 made up 6.2 percent. The plan for the extraction of natural and associated gas over the past four months was fulfilled by 103.9 percent, oil refining by 105.1 percent, gasoline production by 110.5 percent, diesel fuel by 105.3 percent, polypropylene by 122.3 percent, lubricating oils - by 100 percent, liquefied gas - by 112.6 percent. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Turkeys trade with Israel increased by $133.770 million and totaled at $1,595.932 million during the first quarter of 2019, Turkish Ministry of Trade told Trend. "Turkish exports to Israel for the first quarter of 2019 amounted to $1,089.849 million, and imports from Israel amounted to $506.083 million," the ministry said. It was noted that trade between Turkey and Israel increased by $76.975 million and amounted to $618.016 million in March 2019. "In March 2019, Turkish exports to Israel amounted to $453.726 million, while imports from Israel amounted to $164.290 million," the ministry said. The total turnover of Turkey in March 2019 amounted to $34.5 billion. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz China, US to hold more trade talks as Trump ratchets up tariff threat Reuters, Beijing : China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in Beijing, Vice Premier Liu He said, as US President Donald Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China. Liu voiced a measured optimism on reaching a deal, but said there were "issues of principle" on which China would not back down. The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods in the midst of last-ditch talks to rescue a trade deal. Trump issued orders for the tariff increase, saying China "broke the deal" by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations. "Negotiations have not broken down," Liu, China's chief negotiator in the talks, said, according to state television. "Quite the opposite, I think small setbacks are normal and inevitable during the negotiations of both countries. Looking forward, we are still cautiously optimistic," Liu said. China strongly opposes the latest US tariff hike, and as a nation, has to respond to that, Liu told a small group of Chinese reporters in the video clip. "Right now, both sides have reached mutual understanding in many things, but frankly speaking, there are also differences. We think these differences are significant issues of principle," Liu said. "We absolutely cannot make concessions on such issues of principle." He added that talks would continue in Beijing, but gave no details. But underscoring a lack of progress in the talks, Trump ordered a further escalation of tariffs. Trump's move would subject about $300 billion worth of Chinese imports to punitive tariffs, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. Lighthizer said a final decision has not been made on the new duties, which would come on top of an early Friday tariff rate increase, to 25% from 10%, on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. Three differences remain between the two countries, according to China's account of the latest talks. One of those is over tariffs, Liu said, according to a transcript of the Q&A published by Phoenix, a Hong Kong-based television station that is close to Beijing. China believes that tariffs were the genesis of the trade dispute, and that if both sides wanted to reach an agreement, then all tariffs must be eliminated, Liu said. The second is about procurement, on which an initial consensus was reached between the leaders of the two countries in Argentina late last year. The two sides now have differing views on the volumes, Liu said. The third is over how balanced the text of the draft agreement should be, he said. "Every nation has its dignity, so the text ought to be balanced," Liu said. Sources told Reuters this week that China had deleted its commitments in the draft agreement that said it would change laws to resolve core complaints of the United States: theft of US intellectual property and trade secrets; forced technology transfers; competition policy; access to financial services; and currency manipulation. Liu denied the accusations of China's reneging on promises, saying China thought it was normal to make changes before a final deal. Both sides had differing views on how to phrase it, he said. Liu said he hoped this issue would be resolved, so it was unnecessary to "over react" to that point. Similar to Liu, Chinese state media said China would not give in on its core interests. "China clearly requires that the trade procurement figures should be realistic; the text must be balanced and expressed in terms that are acceptable to the Chinese people and do not undermine the sovereignty and dignity of the country," the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily said in a commentary on Saturday. The trade war has weighed on the Chinese economy. When asked about domestic concerns on how the latest tariffs could further pressure the economy, Liu said he was optimistic about China's economy in the longer term, adding that it had entered an up-cycle after bottoming out somewhat last year. He said he believed the Chinese economy would maintain a stable and healthy trend despite some downward pressure, and that China had ample room for fiscal and monetary policy manoeuvres. On Monday, hours after Trump said he intended to raise tariffs, the Chinese central bank cut the amount of reserves that some small and medium-sized banks need to hold, freeing up more funds for lending to cash-strapped firms. By Trend President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov appointed ambassadors to Greece and Croatia, Trendreports referring to the corresponding presidential decrees. Berdimyrat Rejepow, who heads the diplomatic mission in Italy, has been appointed ambassador to Greece, while Annamammet Annayew, the Turkmen Ambassador to Romania, will now represent the interests of the country in Croatia as well. The diversification of energy sources connects the EU with Turkmenistan, which possesses some of the world's largest natural gas proven reserves. Among the promising areas of partnership are the construction, energy and gas processing sectors, and development of industrial, transport and social infrastructure. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan has been ordered to conduct work on the preparation of a number of state documents, Trend reports referring to a decree issued by the President. These documents include the state budget, the main directions of socio-economic development and the investment program of Turkmenistan for 2020. The draft papers shall be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers by November 1, 2019. By June 1, 2019, calculation forms and guidelines for the preparation of the drafts should be sent to ministries, sectoral departments and the regional administration. According to the draft law on the State Budget of Turkmenistan for 2019 adopted by the 6th convocation Turkmen Parliament, budget revenues for 2019 will amount to 83,868.3 million Turkmenistan manats (TMT), and the same amount of expenditures is planned. The official rate of the Turkmen manat to $1 has remained at 3.50 Turkmen manats since January 2015. The revenue part of the budget is formed mainly due to such major sectors of production as oil and gas, chemical, electric power industry, and the construction sphere. The agro-industrial complex, the sphere of transportation and communications, the textile and food industries also will be further developed. Turkmenistan occupies one of the key positions in the region for the supply of natural gas which is exported to China and Russia. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved international documents signed on August 12, 2018 in Aktau, Kazakhstan during the Summit of the Heads of the Caspian littoral states, Trend reports referring to published approvals. They include two protocols regarding concerted actions by border agencies and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, as an addition to the agreement of November 18, 2010 on security cooperation in the Caspian Sea. A delegation of Turkmenistan took part in a meeting of delegations of Defense Ministries of the Caspian littoral states held recently in Astrakhan, Russia. The event participants discussed issues related to the implementation of the Agreement on the Prevention of Incidents in the Caspian Sea signed in Aktau, Kazakhstan in August last year following the Fifth Summit of the Heads of the Caspian littoral states. At the meeting, the parties confirmed the high level of trust between the fleets of the Caspian littoral states and expressed their readiness to discuss draft Agreement on Confidence Building Measures in the Caspian Sea in the future, the news report noted. The document is aimed at ensuring safety of navigation of military ships and flights of aircraft of the armed forces of the states of the Caspian region. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Exports of Irans Ardabil Province increased by 124 percent last year (started on March 21, 2018), Ramin Sadeghi, head of Ardabil Industry, Mine and Trade Organization, told journalists, Trend reports referring to the organization's website. According to Sadeghi, the products of Ardabil Province were exported mainly to Azerbaijan, Iraq, Georgia, Russia and Turkmenistan. Sadeghi added that the main products exported from the province included potatoes, glass, iron and steel materials, rubber items and milk processing equipment. "In the past year, the value of the provincial exports of Ardabil reached $173 million," he said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 2 Rohingya children die as hill collapses in Ukhia campe bdnews24.com : Two Rohingya children died after parts of a hill collapsed on them at a Ukhia refugee camp in Cox's Bazar. The incident occurred at camp No. 14 of Hakimparha at Balukhali, the largest settlement of refugees in the world, on Saturday. The victims, both 5 years old, are Mohammad Ismail Hossain Sohel, son of Mohammad Abdu Shukkur and Mohammad Rohan, son of Sadrul Amin, who reside at Block H of the camp. Parts of the hill collapsed when the children were playing next to it in the afternoon, Sub-Inspector Manjur Quader at Thaingkhali Tanjimarkhola police camp told bdnews24.com. The children were buried and died before the refugees could pull them out of the rubble, the SI said. He could not give more details of the incident. A police team was sent to the area, he added. File Photo: Rohingyas fleeing violence in Myanmar are building temporary residences on the Balukhali Hill in Cox's Bazar's Ukhia. Photo: Mostafigur Rahman File Photo: Rohingyas fleeing violence in Myanmar are building temporary residences on the Balukhali Hill in Cox's Bazar's Ukhia. Photo: Mostafigur Rahman Possible landslide in the hilly camps housing more than one million refugees in shanties is a huge concern for the authorities as the Rohingyas cut the hills and trees destroying environmental balance of the area after being forced out of Myanmar. Thousands of shallow tube-wells installed in Kutupalong and Balukhali camps for the refugees are threatening groundwater and fuelling risks of landslides. A total of 4,300 acres of hills and forests were cut down to make temporary shelters and facilities in Ukhia and Teknaf of Cox's Bazar, according to a UN report. Up to 4,000 acres of hilly lands in the Teknaf-Ukhia-Himchhari watershed area have been cleared of vegetation, it said. Bakersfield, CA (93308) Today Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 43F. SSW winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%.. Tonight Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 43F. SSW winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Something to Dish? Do you have a tip, question or recommendation on Bakersfield restaurants, trends or food news in general? Email thedish@bakersfield.com, and your input might wind up in a future column. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno has provided the following dates of service for Monsignor Craig Harrison: Timeline of accusations 1998: A man reported alleged abuse by Monsignor Craig Harrison to the Firebaugh Police Department. The man said the abuse occurred at St. Joseph Church in Firebaugh, where Harrison served as pastor from July 1, 1992 to June 30, 1999. 2002: The same accuser who reported abuse to Firebaugh police in 1998 came forward again to report it to the The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno. The diocese investigated, found it to be unsubstantiated and took no action. Also that year, the Bakersfield Police Department received an anonymous allegation of inappropriate contact by Harrison involving a group of teen juveniles but determined the claims to be unfounded. No one named in the 2002 letter could corroborate any of the allegations at the time, BPD said. The case was closed in May. April 12, 2019: A man contacted the diocese and reported that he was inappropriately touched by Harrison on three separate occasions while he was an altar boy at St. Joseph Church in Firebaugh. The victim, now an adult, was 16 or 17 years old at the time. However, a date when the incident happened was not given. April 25, 2019: The diocese announced the April 12 allegation publicly and placed Harrison on paid administrative leave. Later that day, another man contacted the diocese alleging "inappropriate behavior" when he was a minor at St. Patrick's Church in Merced in 1988. May 8, 2019: A man who grew up in Bakersfield and attended St. Francis Church reported to police that was sexually abused as a minor by Harrison seven to nine times over a four-year period starting in 1989. The man's report to police was confirmed by his attorney, Joseph George of Sacramento. Bakersfield Police spokesman Nathan McCauley said he could not confirm if the department received such a report. McCauley said: "In order to ensure a thorough and reliable inquiry with the best potential for resolution in the criminal justice system, the Bakersfield Police Department will only release information in active criminal investigations when necessary to further the investigation, when an arrest is made, or in the interest of public safety." BY THE NUMBERS Actions taken prior to a police shooting Suspects fired a gun at BPD officers 15 times. Suspects pointed a gun at officers 11 times 4 suspects were unarmed but pointed an object at officers. 1 suspect reached for a fake gun. 1 suspect reached for a real gun. 8 suspects were in vehicles. 1 suspect threw a knife at an officer. 5 suspects approached officers. 1 suspect ignored an officer's commands. 1 suspect held a fake gun. 2 suspects killed themselves. 7 suspects were shot while running from officers. (Note: One incident was unclear in the BPD's summary.) Two men, both alleging sexual abuse by Monsignor Craig Harrison when they were teenagers, are speaking out about their experiences, saying the Country United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Advertisment There were more new arrivals in Canada this year. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said this country met its target of granting 401,000 foreigners permanent residency in 2021 by focusing its efforts on temporary residents already in the country. Canada, which depends on immigration to drive its economy and support an aging population, saw new permanent residents falling over 45% to 185,000 in 2020, when borders were largely closed due to COVID-19. The majority of the new 401,000 permanent residents - a figure reached for the first time in more than a century - were already in Canada on temporary status. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has relied on immigration to boost the Canadian economy since coming to power in 2015, setting an annual target of about 1% of the country's population of nearly 38 million. The government has said it hopes to add 411,000 new permanent residents next year. Country Village Care owner Sara Richards holds a cake to be auctioned during the 2018 Celebrity Dessert Auction in Angleton. Proceeds from the event are donated to charities designated by Country Village residents The Sabine-Neches Waterway was fully closed to ship traffic for part of Friday and later opened to most vessels with speed restrictions after wind from Thursday nights storm caused several hazards in the shipping channel, including knocking a giant loading arm into the water. Captain Jackie Twomey, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, said the inclement weather was enough reason to restrict traffic, but the loading arms collapse around 2 a.m. Friday presented further danger to vessels headed upstream. We had to close the waterway in the vicinity of the arm due it its failure, since there was no way of knowing how dangerous it would be to passing ships, Twomey said Friday afternoon. We are now allowing some vessels to enter the waterway slowly, but are waiting for a survey before opening up traffic. Jefferson County Emergency Mike White helped provide aerial photos of the situation and coordinate assistance to the Coast Guard, as did Jefferson Countys Marine Safety Patrol. Officials had a third problem on their hands when they received reports that a dredge tender vessels tank had become unmoored and drifted away. Twomey said the vessel was removed without any pollution or injury. He said the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and local agencies were instrumental in assessing the situation. Farther downstream, near the mouth of the waterway, a fourth issue quietly cropped up near Sabine Pass. A giant floating lift made by Versabar used to remove and carry offshore drilling structures broke loose of its moorings in the early morning and drifted nearly two miles downstream before getting tangled up in the waterway. Good samaritans from Cheniere and Seabulk Towing helped stabilize the lift unit to prevent further drifting or damage. A barge attached to the Versabar wasnt so lucky. It drifted out into the Gulf of Mexico, where it was picked up and towed in by some assisting ships. Twomey said the lift unit was secured but wouldnt be returned to its moorings until later in the day when traffic had a chance to travel in and out of the waterway. As of Friday afternoon, there had been a line of nine vessels waiting to leave the waterway and about 10 waiting to enter. It really was unusual to have so many different situations going on at the same time, but we were also lucky in a way that there wasnt any oil spills or injuries, Twomey said. She said cooperation among all of the state, federal and local emergency and law enforcement agencies as well as the stakeholders in the waterway helped resolve a chaotic Friday in a relatively smooth manner. The incidents did disrupt schedules, but it was mostly business as usual at most of the area ports Friday. The Port of Beaumont was briefly on generator power after some outages but didnt report any serious damage to their facilities. Larry Kelley, port director and CEO at the Port of Port Arthur, had similar issues, with a longer wait time for power. Other than the internet being down, were pretty much normal around here, Kelley said. Mic Cowart, port manager for Sabine Pass Port Authority, said the port did have some minor damage, but they were still working as usual. Its mainly damage from the mooring, but we did have some crafts break their lines, Cowart said. Were in fairly good shape for the most part. On the labor front, longshoremen in Beaumont were able to complete their work orders as the delayed ships came in. Local 21 President Walter Mullens said the union was able to labor out as soon as ships came in, and had already loaded a grain ship as traffic started to move. The biggest problem was a tall vessel that was unable to come into the port because of the height of the water, but that is beyond our control, he said. Other than that, we are back to business as usual. More scattered storms are predicted through the rest of the weekend, but Twomey said hopefully most of the weak spots had already been identified and secured. We are optimistic about the coming days ahead, but we cant predict what will happen in the future, Twomey said. We just know we will be ready. jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/jdickjournalism Proud profession: Nursing Now Northern Ireland was launched this year as part of a global campaign aimed at raising the profile and status of nurses Nurses make a huge contribution to care and our society and I am so proud of the work they do, whether in the community, nursing homes, the independent sector, or within our hospitals. I know from my own nursing career the huge personal sacrifices nurses make, doing extra shifts, or changing off-duty at short notice so they can care for patients. That's what being a professional and a registered nurse means - ensuing the best outcomes for the people you provide care and treatment to. On International Nurses Day tomorrow, which is celebrated all over the world on Florence Nightingale's birthday, a founding leader of the profession, I want to say a very big thank you to our nurses, because I know how pressurised our profession is at the moment. We are working during very challenging and uncertain times. However, our nurses are tenacious and hard-working and they have my deep appreciation for that. I also want to say, bear with us. It will take a little longer to sort out our workforce challenges, but there is a plan and we will start to see the benefits of that soon. There is hope for the future and things will get better as we work together to transform the health and social care system in Northern Ireland. There are nursing shortages throughout the world - Northern Ireland is no exception. These shortages make working environments particularly challenging. Despite this, our nurses go the extra mile and do extraordinary things to make sure people are cared for to the best of their ability. As a nurse, every day is different; you're pushed to your limits, but you go home knowing you've made a difference. We've been investing heavily in undergraduate nurse training places and this year we'll see the first cohort of those additional places go on to the register. Next year, we will see that increase and the following year increase again. So, we're starting to see the fruits of our investment, which I hope will give optimism to those trying to deliver care across our settings. I look forward to many young, bright and ambitious men and women joining the nursing profession. Our new nurses have such an exciting career ahead of them, because so many future care services will be nurse-led. Nursing will continue to evolve, with early intervention being where the profession can have its biggest impact. Nurses are often the first and sometimes the only health professional that people see, and the quality of their initial assessment, care and treatment is vital. They are also part of their local community - sharing its culture, strengths and vulnerabilities. Therefore, nurses are ideally placed to deliver universal health for all. They are a voice to lead and to help shape and deliver effective interventions to meet the needs of patients, families and communities. Nursing is a dynamic, flexible and respected profession. It learns from its past to inform its future and it shapes itself to meet the needs of the population. I urge all nurses to grasp the opportunities that are being presented to us to lead transformational change and improve outcomes for the populations we serve. I was delighted that we launched Nursing Now Northern Ireland in January this year, which is a global campaign that aims to raise the profile and status of nurses. As part of our International Nurses Day celebration, nurses are working in partnership with our primary schools to promote nursing as a career with our children. I very much look forward to working with our children this year, who will be our future nurses. I am proud of our profession, have always been proud to be a nurse and proud of the work nurses do every day and the outcomes they achieve. Professor Charlotte McArdle is Northern Ireland's chief nursing officer Honestly, have you ever seen a new dad as seemingly happy as Prince Harry? Whatever about the lack of a public photocall with Harry, Meghan and baby Archie shortly after the birth there's no denying that the new dad, making a brief solo appearance last Monday, charmed the world with his very enthusiastic praise of his wife and childbearing women in general. Yet most touching of all was the nod to his late mum. Princess Diana's three siblings were among the very first people to hear about Baby Sussex's arrival. Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, and Earl Spencer were also mentioned as 'delighted' family members in the official royal announcement of the birth; a lovely way to keep the Spencers, and Diana, in his new life as a father. Prince William, of course, paid his own touching tribute to his mum when he named his daughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana back in 2015. Not that the princess, who died in 1997, has ever been that far from either Harry or William's thoughts. Harry in particular had an inimitable bond with his mother; with William marked from birth for special attention as a future king by senior royals, Diana is thought to have lavished a special sort of love and attention on 'the spare'. Harry and Diana also reportedly shared the same sense of mischief, the same cheeky sense of humour, and the same effortlessly easy way with people. Meghan's mother Doria Ragland has been a near-constant presence at the couple's Frogmore Cottage residence throughout Meghan's pregnancy, and was also reportedly present at the baby's birth. And it's safe to say that Archie, the Queen's eighth great-grandchild, won't be left wanting for attention or familial affection. Yet Harry has spent longer mourning the loss of his mother than he spent enjoying that special bond, and it's likely to make the next few weeks of this new adventure a bittersweet time for him. What would Diana have been like as a grandmother? There's no doubt that she would have been joyously proud of her two sons. Would she have embraced the joyous milestone in life? Would she have been hands-on with nappies and feeds? Would she have turned her new role as grandparent into a novel fashion statement, wheeling a Silver Cross buggy through Kensington? Or would she have insisted, like so many young at heart grannies, that words like 'grandma' or 'nana' be banned? Whether monarch or not, these are all questions that run through your head when you give birth to your first child, and your own mother is no longer around to witness it. The worst thing? They are questions for which the answers hang forever out of reach, destined always to be unknowable. I had over 20 years more with my own mother than Harry ever had with Diana - she died in 2011 when I was 33. Yet even at that, I was a little blindsided by the experience of becoming a mother, when my own wasn't around to see any of it. The one thing that you don't expect, amid the euphoria of giving birth and seeing your daughter for the first time, is the wound of parental grief to burst open afresh. A friend, also motherless, did warn me in advance of the birth that my emotions would be torn asunder, particularly if I had a daughter. And sure enough, I've thought about my mother more in the last few months than ever before. And, I'm sure as is the case for Harry, the loss feels more acute now than it has done for a long time. I gave birth in the same hospital where I had spent my first few days of life struggling to survive. Though my daughter was a very healthy nine pounds four ounces, I couldn't help thinking about how overwhelmed and scared my own mum would have felt after having me, her very ill, two pound, two ounce weakling. Did my mum wander these very hospital corridors at night, bedraggled and bleeding? Did she look out at of the hospital window from her post-natal ward bed and wish she were in the pub across the road, as I did? (Probably, knowing her). Much like Princess Diana, my mother is suspended in time, forever at the age of 61. Similarly, it's hard to envision her as a grandmother, even a trendy one. There wasn't even a remote possibility of me or my siblings becoming parents before she died. My brothers and I were footloose, fancy-free, fond of travelling, festivalling, partying and sucking the proverbial marrow out of life. When my mother died, we were all in our early 30s - settling down and into family life is what other people did. Besides, mum had spent so long bellowing out that time-honoured refrain at us when we were in our teens and 20s - 'Don't make me a granny!' - that I suppose we took it at face value. The closest I got to sensing how my mum would have reacted was when I told her sister - my aunt - that I was pregnant. "That'll put manners on you," she chuckled with something approaching relish. She probably knew as well as I did that I was about as maternal as a bag of sugar. What was coming next would be entertaining to bystanders at the very least. And like Harry, I delighted in having my mother's family involved. It felt like a way of keeping her close, and somehow having her involved. As they held and cooed over the baby, I'd search their faces for similarities to hers and wonder for a fleeting second what she might have looked like with a grandbabe in arms. When I brought my daughter home three months ago, we weren't shy of company. In fact, we spent weeks fielding daily visitors in a tight, busy rota. And there were plenty of people around to offer help. My partner's family are extremely hands on, willing to step up with childminding and with practical advice. His mum tells me about which of her babies was the screamer, and how she would settle them to sleep, and how she and others of the time survived without the Perfect Prep bottle-making machine (though God only knows how). It's heartening to see how my boyfriend's relationship with his mother seems to have taken on a whole new texture, and been infused with a new type of love and meaning. But it doesn't make me any less sad for myself that I'm missing out on that. Forget the free babysitting - not having a go-to person, for guilt-free, 5am calls about rashes or weird poo or ceaseless crying, is the real kicker. But there's nothing that makes a woman feel like a fearless, entirely capable mother than having that safety net kicked out from under her. It's only now I can understand the incredibly strong bond between and mother and child, and it blows my mind that I had someone in my life that was as protective and fiercely adoring of me as I am of my own daughter. It's humbling to know that someone went through that same thankless slog of feeds, changes, walks and cuddles, for me. And to know that she, as a new mum, also must have felt this pure, unbridled happiness at some point (possibly before we all learned to walk and talk and throw food). The one consolation that Harry can take from here on out is that nothing brings the surviving members of a family together like a new baby. I'd personally spent years being tormented to tears by my two younger brothers, but when they came into the Rotunda to meet their niece, their faces were filled with a mixture of love, pride and nervousness. I'd never known they were capable of being so affectionate or tender or downright capitulated by a tiny person. So if those rumours of a supposed rift between Harry and William, or their respective wives, are in any way true, the good news is that now that Baby Sussex is finally here, better times are ahead for all of them. As is often the way with parenting, it will almost certainly all come good in the end. Lucky Rosettans. Rosetta, the district at the top of the Ormeau Road whose population of scaffolders, bathroom fitters and bookies has moved up to Carryduff making way for broadcasters, lawyers and management consultants, has been transformed into a bijou quartier of tasteful interiors, gravel paths and clipped lawns. The new Rosettans are time-poor. They can afford to eat out and drink but are so busy working and earning all the money, they barely get out at all. Which is why they are so lucky to be in Rosetta. Everything good is on their doorstep, no need to wait for taxis or buses. Whats more, its all very chic and fashionable now. Bia Rebel, Root & Branch and Kaffe O are all impossibly on trend. Boosted by the more recent arrival of District, Al Gelato and La Taqueria its worth pausing a moment to see who was there in the first place. Who actually started all this Rosetta-is-the-new-Ballyhackamore, anyway? Well, in the beginning there was the Errigle, the Pavilion and lEtoile. I put all the rising house prices, Ted Baker slacks and Zara weekend wear firmly at their door. Two great pubs and a charming bring-your-own restaurant with the most interesting net curtains in Belfast were enough to sow the seeds of trend which would, some decades later, result in the creation of a part of Belfast that has become very desirable. In the centre-ground of the trendiness is a series of robust, quality, value for money restaurants such as Shed, Macau, Gaze and the Bengal Brasserie (the best Chinese takeaway up here, by the way, is the Golden Harvest you should try their dumplings). The stand out right now is Cafe Naz. Step forward Naga the formidable Bangladeshi chilli dish, kufta khazama meatballs and sallie lamb and a few others you wont find on every menu. Here is a modest north west Indian/Bengali/Bangladeshi restaurant of tiny proportions pumping out huge flavours and opening for many of us an exciting new chapter in curries. Its been there a few years now, of course, and I have visited many times but only recently did it become noticeably different. The adviser and I recently hit on the Cafe Naz again at a friends house who, beyond being able to cook, phoned Just Eat and a whole new world of deeply spiced and lush vegetarian curries featuring much spinach, caramelised onions and ladys fingers among others, and the lightest possible, most brittle poppadoms, opened up to us. Days later, we did a rerun in our house and everything from the railway favourite, chaat, to the hot chilli Naga lamb was an utter indulgence, sinful, addictive and designed for the very greedy. There is everything in Cafe Naz to keep the regular curry lover satisfied, particularly in the vast portions they serve up. But its the little sides where the real magic lies. The daal masala and Bombay aloo are vegetarian heaven with a depth of flavour and after taste which lingers (but doesnt repeat). Mixed vegetable bhagee and saag aloo are particularly interesting. The julienne dipped in light batter forms a crispy nest all crunchy texture and fresh veg within, the potato and spinach of the saag aloo salty, tangy and reassuringly softened by the potato. I love the small plates here which are still called starters and sides, but Cafe Naz now talks of tapas, although not in its takeaway menu. Theres still that little touch of class consciousness between those who sit in, and those who takeaway. So if youre a real Rosettan, youre going to book a table ahead and order the tapas. On closer inspection, these are chefs selection of lamb, chicken, king prawn and vegetables served with salad, it is designed to share which means a selection of tandoori starters and a side or two. This is an exceptional curry house and the fact that it has succeeded is a tribute to Rosetta whose residents now venture as far as the Holylands to get to Bo Tree Kitchen, the amazing Thai canteen in University Avenue: they know the difference between okay and quality, and Naz is firmly in the latter park. The bill Chicken pakora: 4.25 Chicken chaat: 4.25 Vegetable bhajee: 3.95 Naga lamb: 12.95 Butter chicken: 12.95 Total: 38.35 Samantha Porciello (35) from Whitehead with her son, Sonny (6) who has Asperger's Syndrome An autism charity has warned that services are at "breaking point" in Northern Ireland with one in 30 school children now identified as being autistic. New figures from the Department of Health show a significant rise over the last decade in school-aged children identified with autism. One local mother who has a son with Asperger's Syndrome also told the Belfast Telegraph a lack of support left many parents feeling depressed and isolated. The statistics were compiled from the Northern Ireland School Census and show 9,768 school-aged children have autism - out of a total of 30,000 individuals living with autism here. At 3.3% of all pupils in 2018/19, this is a 2.1% increase since 2008/09. Other figures show that those in urban areas are 1.5 times more likely to be affected compared to rural areas. Boys are also four times more likely to be diagnosed than girls, which is in line with international findings. Belfast has the highest rate overall, and the most deprived areas in the country have a 58% higher rate than the Northern Ireland average. Autism is a developmental disability which affects how a person communicates and relates to other people. As a spectrum condition, some people can live independent lives, while others need a lifetime of specialist support. Asperger's Syndrome is a similar condition to autism, it is less associated with learning disabilities but causes difficulties in social interaction. Autism NI CEO Kerry Boyd said the figures were "alarming", but not unexpected. "A report was commissioned by the NI Department of Education which warned of this 'autism wave' of diagnosis back in 2002 and this was the motivation for Autism NI's autism awareness lobby at Stormont which led to the establishment of the Autism Act (NI) in 2011," she said. "Therefore, it is extremely frustrating that because the NI Assembly is not functioning, autism is not getting the right level of attention that is so badly needed." The charity has now called for an urgent review as pressure on autism services was now at breaking point, with parents in some trust areas still waiting up to 18 months on an assessment with support services "few and far between". Autism NI say they are now stretched to full capacity as their family support service has seen a 40% increase in demand for advice and post-diagnosis support. The charity say all diagnosis should be made as early as possible, with a tailored intervention package for each child. They also demand mandatory autism training for all teachers and classroom assistants. Samantha Porciello (35) from Whitehead says she often felt overwhelmed in caring for her son, Sonny (6), who has Asperger's Syndrome. "Sonny's cognitive abilities are very high, but he struggles with his motor skills and regulating his emotions," she said. "That stops him having a good relationship with other children and he has panic attacks." She recalls one particularly difficult time when Sonny was in nursery school. "He had a sensory overload and would lash out," she said. "I remember crying that day and being told 'he's really naughty,' but he's not, he's just wired in a different way to typical kids. "I felt like a really bad mother and really alone, I didn't socialise with other parents. "I was really depressed and isolated, you get a diagnosis eventually but then nothing happens." She believes the government are far too resistant to invest in resources for autistic children in their healthcare and education. "It took me about four years to get a diagnosis from the health trust for Sonny, and I very much felt the attitude was 'that's that then'. "We got some information about courses, but autism isn't a one size fits all. Everyone is different. "The information on the courses was so generic and didn't apply to my life at all, so you would come home with a real sense of shame at being the parent of a child with autism." Ms Porciello said Autism NI had thrown her a lifeline with a home visit which helped her tailor care for Sonny. "They offered me emotional support and let me know I wasn't alone and helped me to stop beating myself up. "They really helped me to see the world through his eyes. All over my home now we have visuals that help him to do things like brush his teeth and get his energy out with exercises in the evening." She said life is now much easier and it makes financial sense for the government to offer more support. "The needs of a child with autism are so intense that parents get so depleted and depressed. Many are having to go to their doctors with depression or attend therapy. "So governments need to support parents before it becomes a crisis, otherwise it will end up costing even more money." Further information is available at www.autismni.org or by calling 028 9040 1729, option 3. By Trend Azhazelnut, an Azerbaijani company, started exporting hazelnuts to Latvia in April 2019, a source at the company told Trend. According to the source, 21 tons of hazelnuts have been exported so far and further export volumes will depend on demand. Azhazelnut has been operating in Azerbaijan since 2002. The main tasks of the company are to ensure the production of high quality hazelnuts and strengthen the export potential of the country. Hazelnut production occupies a significant place in the economy of Azerbaijan. Several hazelnut varieties are cultivated in the country. Many of the country's hazelnut orchards are located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus in the Gakh, Zagatala and Balakan districts. In 2016, Ferrero, the world's largest buyer of hazelnuts, began to purchase a large number of hazelnut varieties grown in Azerbaijan. The lead investigator of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains (ICLVR) has issued a fresh appeal for information on the whereabouts of the body of Captain Robert Nairac GC. The appeal comes in a video documentary made by soldiers' rights campaigner Alan Barry, called The Great Betrayal. Mr Barry is the founder of campaign group Justice for NI Veterans. Read More Captain Robert Nairac (29) was abducted by the IRA in south Armagh on May 15, 1977. He was then tortured and shot by his captors, and his body secreted in Ravensdale Forest, Co Louth. The Grenadier Guard, counted as one of the 'Disappeared', was posthumously awarded the George Cross for bravery. In the documentary, Geoff Knupfer, lead investigator of the ICLVR, appeals for information on his remains. "What we would love is for anybody who has any relevant information on the Nairac case - and I accept that there are probably few, if any, primary sources left, people who were directly involved," he said. "But there are certainly people who know what happened, and where Robert's remains are located. And we appeal to them - please do come forward." The investigator said information received by the ICLVR can only be used to recover and repatriate the remains. "It cannot be passed on to other organisations or law enforcement agencies - and it can't be used in a court of law." Last night Mr Barry told the Belfast Telegraph: "The IRA got to bury their dead. It's macabre that anyone would withhold information about where Captain Nairac's body is." Mr Barry said Captain Nairac's two elderly sisters should be allowed to bury their brother. "Everyone deserves a Christian burial: no one should be left in a shallow grave." The Great Betrayal can be seen at youtu.be/YlI3ztRmpvo 'The Air Accident Investigation Branch report says that the pilot was landing to the left of the runway centreline to avoid rutted ground to the right' (stock photo) A pilot and his passenger walked away unhurt from a disastrous landing in which their aircraft veered off the runway at a private airstrip at Aughrim, Co Down, crashed into a wall and ended up in a ditch. The 63-year-old pilot who had 545 hours of flying experience, has told crash investigators that he feels if he had asked for a fuller briefing about the airfield beforehand he would have been better informed about it and would not have underestimated the ground conditions on the day. The crash happened on the afternoon of February 2 this year, as the tiny two-seater 2006 built Skyranger Swift - reg G UPHI - owned by Charles Edward Walsh, of Ballylough Road in Castlewellan, and Mark Bingham Harper, from Brompton Court, Dromara, Dromore, was returning to the field from its second flight of the day. The Air Accident Investigation Branch report says that the pilot was landing to the left of the runway centreline to avoid rutted ground to the right. However, it continues: "The aircraft veered off the runway during the landing due to wet, sloping ground. "Despite applying corrective control inputs, he (the pilot) could not prevent the aircraft colliding with a boundary wall and coming to rest in a ditch." Thankfully both pilot and passenger were uninjured, but the plane was left with damage to the propeller, wings, engine and engine mounts, nosewheel. The crash report points out that at the time of the incident the surface of the runway was soft and wet from melted overnight frost. It continues: "As the aircraft touched down the pilot maintained some power to compensate for the upslope and to keep the nosewheel lightly loaded and prevent it from digging in. "As the landing roll continued, the ground to the left side of the runway started to slope away. The pilot noticed the aircraft veering to the left and responded by lowering the nose to increase steering authority and applying full right rudder. "It was at this point that the left main landing gear wheel may have caught a rut or depression, which caused the aircraft to swing rapidly to the left. "This motion caused the pilot to inadvertently increase the engine power, increasing the rate of turn. "By now the aircraft was fully off the runway where it struck a wall and sank into a ditch." The report says: "It is the opinion of the pilot that he should have requested a thorough briefing from the airstrip owner and walked the strip to assess its topography and features as he was relatively new to the airstrip. "He would then have been aware of the downslope to the runway's side and not underestimated the soft ground conditions and that most landings take place to the right of the centreline, hence the rutted surface." 'Outlining the details, the detective explained police conducted a search of a shed in Beragh and recovered a 60,000 Hitachi digger, a trailer and a 40ft low-loader' (stock photo) A Co Tyrone man has appeared in court on offences connected to ATM thefts in Omagh and Fermanagh, which are alleged to have been committed whilst on High Court bail for blackmail. Matthew Joseph McLean (29), from Glenpark Road, Gortin, faces four charges, three of which relate to May 9. These involve possessing and concealing criminal property as well as handling stolen properly, namely a low-loader. There is a further charge from February 14 in which McLean is alleged to have stolen an Ifor Williams trailer to the value of 2,000. A detective constable told Dungannon Magistrates Court she believed she could connect McLean to all charges. Outlining the details, the detective explained police conducted a search of a shed in Beragh and recovered a 60,000 Hitachi digger, a trailer and a 40ft low-loader. The digger was confirmed to have been stolen from premises in Eglish in February although it is not suspected of being used in any ATM thefts. However, the trailer and low-loader are believed to have been used in a raid in Omagh in February 14 and again in Irvinestown on March 23. The stolen trailer has been identified by the owner but while it has been established the low-loader is stolen, the owner has yet to be traced. The detective said the owner of the shed advised he leased it to McLean on April 9, and confirmed none of the items recovered were there prior to that date. McLean was arrested and during interview given opportunities to account for the items but made no comment replies to all. Objecting to bail the detective stated: "The owner of the shed is known to the defendant and police fear there may be interference as he has given statements. "In addition, in February 2017, the defendant was convicted of conspiracy to blackmail using violence to extort money. For that he received a suspended sentence. "He is also currently on High Court bail for other alleged blackmail matters using threat of violence to extort money. It should be noted these latest were alleged committed whilst on High Court bail." She added: "Police believe some items recovered are linked to ATM thefts in Omagh and Irvinestown. "We are aware of the impact these matters are having on the rural community." Under cross-examination by a defence lawyer the detective confirmed the only evidence currently against McLean is the two statements given by the shed owner, and there was no contract or agreement in place for the lease. The defence argued bail could be agreed as his client has abided by the High Court terms in respect of alleged blackmail without any breaches over a lengthy period. But District Judge John Meehan held whilst the evidence is at this stage circumstantial, there is a strong prosecution case. Throwing out the application, he said: "The defendant is a prolific offender and I refuse to grant bail." McLean will appear again by video-link at Omagh Magistrates Court on June 4. A Co Tyrone charity worker who was killed in a car crash in Central America last month, has been remembered as "a missionary of love, truth and justice" at a special memorial mass. Sally O'Neill Sanchez (68) originally from Dungannon, had dedicated her life to working with the poor until she died alongside three of her colleagues while on a working trip in Guatemala on April 7. She had played a prominent role in Trocaire for 37 years and following her retirement in 2015, continued to carry out volunteer work with prisoners and migrants in Honduras, where she lived. Irish president Michael D Higgins yesterday joined family members and friends at the memorial service for the mother-of-three in the chapel of Saint Patrick's College in Maynooth, Co Kildare. In his homily, Bishop John Kirby, a former chair of Trocaire, said Mrs Sanchez was not just a member of the overseas development agency, she was in many ways "an embodiment of its attitudes and ideals". "Sally had a very strong commitment to Catholic social teaching and to the mission of Trocaire," he said. "She did not tolerate half-measures. If you wanted to disagree with her, you had better have well considered arguments to support your view." The cleric stressed that the late Trocaire worker brought the organisation's ethos and mandate and "made it real for millions in Ireland who began to see poverty and disaster not as natural or inevitable but the results of decisions taken by the powerful and the wealthy". "She also lived that commitment herself and working for justice was a major aim for her." Bishop Kirby told the congregation that Mrs Sanchez was always very close to women in the many communities and villages where Trocaire worked. "Despite being retired from Trocaire for the past few years, she was still wearing herself in a life of care for others," he added. Plans for a peace centre at the site of the former Maze prison have been 'set aside' Plans for a peace centre at the site of the former Maze prison have been "set aside", its developers have confirmed. Terence Brannigan, chairman of the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation, said there were several factors behind the decision. An EU funding programme withdrew its offer of 18m for the Maze development following disagreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP. In 2013, former First Minister Peter Robinson stalled efforts to build the visitor attraction as part of redevelopment of the sprawling grounds which once housed the high-security jail. Read More Mr Brannigan said: "The Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Centre, which had been part of the original proposals for the site, has been recognised as a potential barrier due to a number of factors, including the withdrawal of EU funding and the lapsing of planning permission. "Given the inclusion or otherwise of any such facility is purely a matter for ministers, our board has set this element aside and focused on developing a much broader strategy to realise the full potential of the Maze/Long Kesh site." The prison near Lisburn housed paramilitary inmates during the Troubles, and was the scene of the republican hunger strikes in 1981 in which 10 died, including Bobby Sands. Unionists have expressed concern about the symbolism of building any peace centre there. Some likened it to creating a shrine to terrorism. Mr Brannigan said: "Our board remains convinced this location has incredible social, cultural and economic potential." He added: "It is our view the Maze has the transformational potential of acting as a catalyst for the delivery of around 800m investment and up to 14,000 high-quality, sustainable jobs. "For us not to seek to find a pragmatic way forward would be a dereliction of duty for a corporation charged with securing the regeneration of this strategically located site." Danny Kennedy, Ulster Unionist candidate for the European Parliament, publicised the decision around the peace centre. Mr Brannigan added: "The recent meeting with the Ulster Unionist Party delegation was the latest in a number of private political engagements where we shared the history, current position and a potential way forward for the Maze/Long Kesh site which takes cognisance of the location's varied history as well as the current political and economic context. "Our board remains convinced this location has incredible social, cultural and economic potential." Nurses in Northern Ireland are being exploited by health chiefs and may be forced to strike over pay and conditions, it has been warned. Director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Northern Ireland, Pat Cullen, said the profession is now in crisis after successive health ministers and civil servants ignored the college's warnings of a "perfect storm". The shortage of nurses is now so serious that patients face waits for bedpans, basic observations are not being carried out and dying patients are not getting proper care, she said. Read More Ms Cullen said staffing issues are being exacerbated by the disparity in pay between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland, meaning nurses are choosing to work in countries where they can earn more. The salary for newly qualified nurses in Northern Ireland stands at 22,795, while their counterparts in England and Wales earn 24,214 and this rises to 24,670 in Scotland. Meanwhile, nurses in the Republic of Ireland have recently negotiated a new pay deal, with nurses there starting out on 29,000 and rising to 42,000. The maximum a band-five nurse in Northern Ireland can earn is 29,300, regardless of how long they have been working. Ms Cullen said: "Perhaps it is because 92% of the workforce is female and it's regarded as okay to pay women less. Would it be tolerated in any other profession? I doubt it." She continued: "Now, there will be some people who will try to tell you that this is not a crisis. "They will claim, rightly, that every country in the world is struggling to train, recruit and retain the number of nurses they need to provide safe and effective care for patients. "They will try to suggest that, here in Northern Ireland, we are no worse off than any other country or region. That is debatable. "They may even state that, whilst we clearly need to build our nursing workforce, this is not a crisis. Well, let me tell you clearly, this is a crisis." Ms Cullen was speaking at a meeting in Antrim this week to gauge opinion from nursing staff and the public over the state of the health service. It comes as the RCN prepares to return to the negotiating table with health officials next month regarding the pay deal for 2019/20. Only one person at the event said they would not support strike action in the event a deal cannot be reached in the coming months. Ms Cullen said, in addition to pay disparity, nurses are becoming increasingly stressed and disillusioned by their working conditions. "Nurses describe patients having to wait for treatment and care, including having access to toilet and washing facilities, pain relief, and care such as action to prevent bed sores, ulcers and infections," she explained. "They talk about the observation of patients and their condition, with the recording of vital signs not being carried out to the level required. "Staff coming on shift are often asked to deliver care that has been left undone from the previous shift. Some nurses even report being unable to provide what they refer to as a 'good death' to a dying patient due to staffing shortages and a lack of time to be able to spend with individual patients." She continued: "We hear politicians talk about human rights but what about the human rights of the patients sitting on waiting lists year after year? "Who breaks the news to the patient and says, 'Sorry we brought you in this morning and prepared you for surgery but we don't have the theatre space or nurse to look after you, that you have to go back home but we might want you back tomorrow, so stay by your phone in case we call because if you don't answer you'll go to the bottom of the list again'? "Who tells the cancer patients their chemotherapy can't go ahead because there aren't enough nurses? It's the nurse who does it. "Nurses are being absolutely, totally, entirely exploited, but we've allowed ourselves to be exploited. "We will have to make a serious decision about the possibility of moving to total strike action, something no one wants to do and something the RCN has never done before, but we have to draw the line." A spokeswoman from the Department of Health said officials are taking a number of actions to address the nursing shortage, including an ongoing international recruitment campaign and investment to increase the number of training places. She continued: "Health and social care pay policy is a devolved issue. "We have made clear that UK-wide pay parity in health and social care would involve significant budgetary and pay policy issues that would require ministerial and cross-departmental decisions." Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe cast a spell on staff and guests at a Northern Ireland hotel as he stopped by for a spot of lunch. Radcliffe was yesterday described as a "gent and incredibly humble" as he happily chatted away with staff and other guests at the Belmont Hotel in Banbridge, Co Down. The 29-year-old actor even took time away from his lunch to pose for photos at the historic venue. Staff said the Hollywood A-lister had cast a spell on them during his visit, saying that it wasn't a usual Thursday afternoon for everyone at the Belmont. "He was an absolute gent and really humble. One of the nicest men you could meet," the hotel's marketing and events manager Julie-Ann Smart told the Belfast Telegraph. She said they had no idea he was visiting until he arrived for lunch on Thursday with a group of friends. "We know he has family in the area but we've no clue why he stopped by with us. "He was very obliging. He stopped and chatted with people and took photos. There was a real buzz and everyone was very happy. Hopefully he'll come back." Radcliffe has Ulster roots, with his late grandmother Elsie hailing from Banbridge. The star had been very close to his grandmother and made frequent visits to her at her Co Down home. She always said she was his number one fan. Daniel was born in west London, the son of Elsie's son Alan Radcliffe, a literary agent, and his wife Marcia, a casting agent. On Elsie's death over 10 years ago the actor was performing in Equus on Broadway in New York and dedicated a performance to her. He was aged 18 at the time and was also filming a Harry Potter movie when his grandmother died. Last month the star of stage and screen was in Australia to shoot an upcoming film, Escape from Pretoria, according to media reports. The movie is inspired by a real-life escape from the brutal Pretoria Central Prison in South Africa in 1979. It is set to tell the story of two white South Africans imprisoned in the notorious jail for working on behalf of the ANC. The man's body was found at a house in the Ailsbury Park area of Lurgan. Credit: Google Maps Police have launched an investigation following the sudden death of a man in Lurgan. They were called to the scene at a house in the Ailsbury Park area of the town on Saturday morning. A PSNI spokesperson said: "A post mortem is due to take place. There are no further details at this stage." Detectives investigating the murder of journalist Lyra McKee have searched the headquarters of the republican Saoradh organisation (Brian Lawless/PA). Detectives investigating the murder of journalist Lyra McKee have searched the headquarters of the republican Saoradh organisation. They seized items in the Chamberlain Street area of Londonderry, but there were no arrests. Inquiries are continuing, a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) statement said. Expand Close Miss McKee was a promising young Belfast author, 29, and was a bystander when she was shot in the head during rioting in Londonderry in April (Liam McBurney/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Miss McKee was a promising young Belfast author, 29, and was a bystander when she was shot in the head during rioting in Londonderry in April (Liam McBurney/PA) Miss McKee was a promising young Belfast author aged 29. She was a bystander when she was shot in the head during rioting in Londonderry on April 18. Saoradh means liberation in Irish, and it describes itself as a revolutionary Irish republican party. It has the support of the New IRA, which admitted responsibility for Miss McKees killing. She was standing next to a police vehicle in the Creggan estate when she was hit as a masked gunman fired towards police. Police believe the violence was orchestrated in response to an earlier search by officers to avoid imminent trouble associated with the anniversary of the Easter Rising. Detectives investigating the murder of Lyra McKee have carried out a number of searches in Chamberlain Street in Derry/Londonderry this morning. A number of items were seized during the search for further investigation. No arrests were made. Enquiries are continuing. Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) May 7, 2019 Several people have been arrested as part of the investigation into the murder. Miss McKees death sparked calls for fresh political negotiations at Stormont to break a powersharing impasse and deliver the resumption of devolution. Talks led by the British Government and involving the main Stormont parties began on Tuesday in response. A mural of the journalist has been painted in Belfast. The poignant image in the city centre was created by Dublin artist Emma Blake. Blake and 21 other artists blanketed most of Kent Street in new artwork over the bank holiday weekend as part of the annual Hit the North street art festival. Robert Flowerday was found dead in his home on Mill Road in Crumlin in January last year. A Co Antrim man is to stand trial next year accused of murdering a retired school teacher. Robert Flowerday was found dead in his home on Mill Road in Crumlin in January last year. Police called at the 64-year-old former maths teacher's house after a member of the public raised concerns. At Belfast Crown Court yesterday, defence lawyers for unemployed Michael Gerard Owens (35), of Lisburn Road, Glenavy, argued for a delay to his arraignment hearing on charges of murdering Mr Flowerday, and for two counts of burglary to be adjourned for a period. Defence counsel John McCrudden QC told Mr Justice Colton that the arraignment was not ready to proceed as they were "knee-deep in forensic material" including "complicated materials relating to DNA and blood distribution". He added: "We have effectively been on the case for the last 10 days and it was only the day before yesterday that we were able to consult with the defendant in prison. "We have a lot of material to investigate and I am inviting the court to fix a trial date." But prosecution barrister Michael Chambers objected to any delay in the hearing. He told the court the defendant should be "put on his plea and plead either guilty or not guilty" to the charges faced. Mr Chambers said: "The court should not allow the arraignment to be interrupted." Mr Justice Colton said he would accede to the defence request and adjourned the arraignment hearing for a short period. The trial is expected to last up to six weeks, with the judge setting a provisional start date for January 13 of next year. By Trend The visit of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to the occupied Azerbaijani territories is violation of international law, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov told reporters in Baku, Trend reports May 10. He said that this trip is a destructive step from the point of view of the negotiation process. This is contrary to the efforts made to conduct a constructive negotiation process and aimed at resolving the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, he noted. Azerbaijan condemns such trips. Khalafov stressed that the occupation of Azerbaijans territories by Armenia is beyond doubt. But, unfortunately, the standards in international relations dont allow calling each side by its name, he said. Having occupied Azerbaijani territories, Armenia violated international norms. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs make certain efforts to bring the conflict parties together so that the negotiation process continue. Therefore, Pashinyans trip against this background is an unwise step. 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. A mother who was brutally attacked by her husband just three days after giving birth to their daughter has spoken of her relief after he was jailed. Kerry Armstrong (35), a mother of two, was punched in the face and kicked on the head by Gary Peoples, and had to crouch to protect her newborn child. Yesterday Ms Armstrong, a playgroup leader from Langtry Court in east Belfast, said she could never forgive Peoples (40). Peoples admitted assaulting her causing her actual bodily harm and also pleaded guilty to assaulting her 13-year-old daughter in the same incident which occurred on October 2, 2017. Peoples, a printer worker from Clonduff Drive in Belfast, inflicted facial swelling and bruising on his wife and minor bruising to her daughter - his stepdaughter - during the assaults. After her husband was jailed for 20 months by Judge Elizabeth McCaffrey at Londonderry Crown Court, Ms Armstrong said she was relieved that the judicial system had worked for her. She encouraged anyone who was in a domestic violence situation to report it immediately. "I am glad that the judicial system has worked for me in this case," she said. "It has been quite a long time since this happened and it has been hard to get to this point. At times I just wanted to give up, but I was determined to go through with it on behalf of other women who have suffered and who are still suffering from the effects of domestic violence." Setting out the facts of the case, a prosecuting barrister said that three days after the birth of their daughter, Ms Armstrong and Peoples had an argument in the bedroom of their flat. Peoples punched her on the face and after she fell to the floor he then kicked her to the head. Seconds before the attack Ms Armstrong had her new born baby daughter in her arms. She crouched over the baby in order to protect her during the assault. When her 13-year-old daughter came into the bedroom, Peoples grabbed her and pushed her up against the bedroom wall. The prosecutor said Peoples initially prevented his wife from leaving their home but she eventually got out of the front door and drove to her mother's home, from where her brother reported the assaults to the police. Peoples was arrested but made a 'no comment' interview. The barrister said there were several aggravating factors in the case. She said Ms Armstrong was vulnerable, having just given birth three days earlier and she should have felt safe in her family home. The prosecutor said Peoples also kicked his wife on the head as she lay prone on the floor and he assaulted his stepdaughter. A defence barrister said Peoples accepted it was a terrible way for him to behave towards his wife so soon after she had given birth to their daughter. She said he was genuinely shameful and remorseful and he has not seen his daughter, who is now 18 months old, since the incident. The barrister said although there was no previous domestic violence history between the couple, their relationship was a difficult one. "There was a very short romance before the marriage," she said. "Tensions were at times running high and the defendant bottled things up. He did not deal with things appropriately and he snapped. "It was an out-of-character incident and one he will have to live with for the rest of his life." Judge McCaffrey said the contents of the victim impact statements made by Ms Armstrong and her daughter showed the impact the assaults have had on them. She described Peoples' actions as abhorrent and said society utterly rejected such offences. "The message must go out that people who commit such crimes will receive condign punishment," she said. Outside court, Ms Armstrong praised the support she has received. "I want to thank in particular Women's Aid in Belfast," she said. "Without their help and counselling and without the help of other domestic violence sufferers whom I have met and befriended I couldn't have gone through with it. "They gave me amazingly fantastic assistance. Until this happened to me I didn't really appreciate the extent of the levels of domestic violence in Northern Ireland. "Now I know and the women whom I now know who have been victims and who have come through it make me feel so humble," she added. PSNI investigating officer Inspector Johnstone said: ''At around 1.45pm it was reported that a motorcycle was involved in the incident'' A motorcyclist was killed in a one-vehicle road traffic collision at the Magherafelt Road area of Moneymore yesterday afternoon. He was named locally last night as David Brown, a firefighter from Magherafelt. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said they had dispatched a rapid response paramedic and emergency crew to the incident, as well as the Air Ambulance, but Mr Brown's life could not be saved. Local MLA Keith Buchanan offered his sympathies to Mr Brown's grieving family. "He came from a very well known and respected family in the local area. His loss will be felt very deeply. It's a dreadful shock." DUP councillors on Mid Ulster council also sent their condolences to Mr Brown's family circle. "So sorry to hear of a fatality at the accident this afternoon on the Moneymore Road, near the Carmean Road junction. Sincere sympathy to the family circle," they tweeted. PSNI investigating officer Inspector Johnstone said: "At around 1.45pm it was reported that a motorcycle was involved in the incident. "The Magherafelt Road has now re-opened following the collision. "Enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam footage available, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 630 10/5/19." According to PSNI statistics, yesterday's Moneymore fatality brings to 21 the number of people who have died on Northern Ireland's roads in 2019. The loss of two sisters in a matter of weeks because of drugs is "beyond words," mourners heard yesterday. Mother-of-five Geraldine McKay (28) was found dead in her Suffolk Road home in west Belfast last Saturday, May 4. Her funeral was held yesterday afternoon in St Michael The Archangel Church. The same west Belfast church had also held the funeral for Geraldine's older sister Bridget (30), who had four children, who was found in her flat in the New Lodge area on April 11. Family members comforted each other yesterday as they walked behind the funeral cortege. Expand Close Edward McKay (front right) carries his daughter's coffin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Edward McKay (front right) carries his daughter's coffin Read More Parish Priest Fr Ciaran Feeney led the service and expressed his condolences to the sisters' father, Edward, and the wider family. "The death of a young mother of 28 years of age is a terrible shock, but to be so soon, a matter of weeks after Bridget's death, is really beyond words," he said. The family had already suffered tragedy in the past after the death of their mother Catherine. "If we want to be present with Geraldine we simply have to pray for her. Because wherever God is Geraldine is, Bridget is, Catherine is," said Fr Feeney. The priest added that he hoped the family could take comfort in the many happy memories Geraldine had also left with them. "All the suffering that Geraldine has had to endure is gone," he said. "Those days, and I'm sure there have been many days in Geraldine's life, where there has been darkness and misery, where time stands still. Those days are gone. "When we think of Geraldine we have so man y good things to think about. Her beautiful smile, she was always funny. Expand Close Friends and family carry the coffin at Geraldine McKay's funeral / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Friends and family carry the coffin at Geraldine McKay's funeral "One of the wonderful things about Geraldine was that she never allowed the child inside her to die. "She always had a childlike quality in her. "If we are to hold on to any memory at all, it is the happiest we ever remember Geraldine being. Because that memory is a dim reflection of the happiness she now has." During the service, many of the family gave readings, including Geraldine and Bridget's sisters Kelly and Sinead. On Thursday, Sinead and her father's partner Claire Rea told the Belfast Telegraph there was an urgent need for greater support for addiction and mental health services. Sinead (18) said that her sisters had been "very caring and kind" towards them. "(People with addictions and mental health issues) want help, they want signed in, but they're turned away too often," she said. "There's usually a six-month wait. It shouldn't be like that - it should be straight away. "It can change a family and it destroys a family. You don't see the same person anymore." Her sister Claire called them "the loveliest, happiest girls" who became overwhelmed by their addictions. "We don't know the facts about how it started with them, but once it got a hold of them it wouldn't let go," she said. She urged others who struggle with addiction to reject drugs and seek help. "Once they start, their family can see them deteriorating in front of their eyes," she said. Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested for Addiction NI. If you, or anyone close to you, is affected by any of the issues in this article, contact the Samaritans free on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 A murder victim was among eight people police in Northern Ireland failed to warn about serious threats, a watchdog revealed. Father-of-two Conor McKee was shot dead in north Belfast in 2016. Police Ombudsman Dr Michael Maguire was asked to investigate concerns about how officers responded to information that people were under threat. His mother Margaret McKee told UTV: "The detective in charge of Conor's murder told my husband and I there had been a death threat made when Conor was in prison, and he had not been told about the death threat, and they had reported it to the Ombudsman." In November 2015, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable George Hamilton asked the Ombudsman to investigate concerns about how his officers responded to information that a number of people were under threat. Police had been aware of threats against two men shot in Belfast earlier in the year. An officer had incorrectly assessed both warnings as representing a low risk. This meant no protective measures were put in place and the men were given no advance warning before they were attacked. Police then reviewed other assessments made by the same officer. They checked a total of 20 spanning more than six months, finding another five in which he had wrongly assessed people. These threats were regraded, warnings issued to those affected and steps taken to ensure their protection. In January 2016, a man was shot dead in Belfast. Police had also known about a threat against this man. That had also been incorrectly assessed by the same officer, yet had not been picked up by the review of his work. The watchdog was unable to interview the officer as he was on medical leave during their investigation. They established that he had reached incorrect conclusions as he had failed to follow police procedures. Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney says progress has already been made in the talks aimed at restoring power-sharing at Stormont. Earlier this week the leaders of Northern Ireland's five main parties acknowledged mounting public impatience at a stalemate that has left the region without a functioning devolved government for more than two years. They held a short round-table meeting at Stormont House on Tuesday afternoon for the first exchanges of a new talks process initiated by the UK and Irish Governments. Read More During that meeting, Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley and Tanaiste Simon Coveney outlined the format for the latest bid to resolve the impasse. The process will involve agenda-setting and stock-taking meetings between the five leaders and two Governments at least once a week, with five working groups set up to focus on the detail of key disputes at the heart of the deadlock. Mr Coveney said yesterday that both Governments will do some "heavy lifting" to ensure progress in the talks "within weeks, not months". Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Coveney said: "There's been more than some movement and when positive things happen, it's important to recognise them. We started a formal talks process and on Wednesday, we had what's called a British-Irish intergovernmental conference here in London. "Yesterday and again today, we are seeing work streams, that all of the parties in Northern Ireland are part of." Mr Coveney said the killing of journalist Lyra McKee last month showed "what happens in a vacuum where politics isn't working", and that needs to be corrected. "There is an acceptance amongst all political parties in Northern Ireland - nationalist and unionists and neither - that they have an obligation to try and make this process work," he added. "The British and Irish Governments will work closely together to try and do some of the heavy lifting with the political parties that can change this within weeks, not months." Northern Ireland has been without a functioning government for more than two years, when the then Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness resigned over the DUP's handling of the botched RHI scheme. Since then, six previous talks initiatives to restore devolution have failed to find consensus on various sticking points, most notably the implementation of an Irish Language Act and legislation on same-sex marriage. The tone of Tuesday's preliminary meeting was understood to be more harmonious than the last gathering of the party leaders in the winter. Prime Minister Theresa May and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have already pledged their determination to work together to ensure the latest process "comes to a successful conclusion". The two leaders have said they will review progress on the fresh talks at the end of May. Former senator George Mitchell has called on Northern Ireland's politicians to summon up the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement in their efforts to reach a deal to restore power-sharing. The ex-US senator, who is due to visit Belfast and Dublin next week, would not be drawn on whether an independent chair was needed to drive the Stormont talks, and said that was a matter for the two governments. In an interview last night with the Belfast Telegraph and the Press Association, he also condemned the killing of journalist Lyra McKee. Read More "She had huge promise and potential and to have her life cut short in these circumstances was a real tragedy," he said. "I've said many, many times that violence is not the way to solve the problems of Northern Ireland, never has been, isn't now and will not be. Political differences can be resolved through democratic and peaceful means." Mr Mitchell, who chaired the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement, will on Monday receive an award for peace-building from CO3, the leadership organisation for the third sector. A fresh round of talks to restore devolution began at Stormont earlier this week. Mr Mitchell said: "My hope is that the current political leaders in Northern Ireland will be able to summon the same degree of courage and vision that their predecessors summoned 21 years ago when they did enter into the Good Friday Agreement." He said it would be "presumptuous of me as an outsider" to comment on whether an independent chair was needed to drive forward the talks as it was a matter purely for the people of Northern Ireland and the two governments. Mr Mitchell said it was important "not to be chained to the past" and to "view everything solely in the way it was". Rather, politicians should be primarily focused on the future. He urged local politicians to "at least get past this set of problems, move to the future, particularly in restoring self government to Northern Ireland". He said: "I think they are struggling in a complex social and political environment facing many of the same issues that are in the US, the UK, many of the European countries. "It isn't easy to be a political leader, particularly in a democratic society these days." However, the retired Senator stressed that politicians have an "obligation" to those who elected them. "So I am somewhat sympathetic to the problems they have, but I also think that nobody forced anyone to run for public office, and those who hold positions expend a lot of effort and money to get there, and once they are there they have some obligation to the people who elected them and the people who they serve, to try and deal with the issues," he said. "While I understand that these are hard issues, if you mention them against the complexity, difficulty and the prior violence of those who were dealing with issues in 1998, I think they certainly ought to be capable of resolution now, and in a way that moves society forward. "The political parties that are able to do that will benefit from it. I think the people of Ireland want to govern themselves, I don't think they want a permanent situation of an inactive Assembly and direct rule from Westminster." Asked if the White House should perhaps play a greater role in Northern Ireland affairs, Mr Mitchell said he hoped that President Trump was familiar with the issues and that he, or others in his administration, were keeping a careful watch on events and would make themselves available to help if needed. Nora Smith, chief executive of CO3, said her organisation wanted to honour Mr Mitchell and also to "take inspiration from him". "With no government in place and all the uncertainty and division that Brexit is causing, we need strong leaders to bring us together more than ever," she said. "When we look back at what Mr Mitchell played such a leading part in achieving, his extraordinary ability to bring people together seems even more remarkable. "We owe him a great debt of gratitude and we need leaders like that today." Police have issued a warning after reports of laser pens being pointed towards aircraft in Co Antrim. A total of four such incidents have been reported in Newtownabbey in the last week, with the latest taking place in the Jordanstown area on Friday night. PSNI Inspector McCarron said: Thankfully no one was injured or vision impaired as a result of this extremely dangerous and reckless behaviour. Not only is it an offence under the Air Navigation Order to endanger aircraft but it is highly irresponsible and dangerous. Lasers can cause temporary blindness and where pilots are concerned, this could result in a catastrophe and possibly lead to significant loss of life. "Those involved in this type of activity need to be mindful of the impact which their behaviour could have. Those involved could face charges of being in possession of a dangerous weapon. "If you use lasers in this way, you must be prepared to face the consequences." Earlier this year, a Ballymena man was charged after a laser pen was shone at a police helicopter as it hovered over the town. Police have confirmed that a woman in her 60s has died following a house fire in Co Down. Emergency services were called to the scene at a house on Ballymenoch Road in Holywood shortly before 4.30pm on Friday. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police can confirm that a woman in her 60s has died in a fire at a property on Ballymenoch Road in Holywood on Friday 10 May. "The cause of the fire, which was reported at around 4.30pm, has not yet been determined and will be subject to investigation, in liaison with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service." A Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "Appliances from Holywood and Knock Fire Stations attended the incident. "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus quickly brought the fire under control. Unfortunately a woman has lost her life in this tragic incident. "The thoughts and sympathies of all those in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are with her family and friends of the deceased. The cause of the fire is under investigation." Gordon Dunne, DUP MLA for North Down, said: "I am shocked and saddened to learn that a lady has died in a house fire in Holywood on Friday evening and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this lady at this time. "This house fire took place in a quiet residential area. I know the local community is also saddened by this tragic event." One of the two boys accused of murdering schoolgirl Ana Kriegel claimed that the other boy arranged to meet the 14-year-old in a park, a court has heard. He claimed that two teenage girls had said Ana "had a crush" on Boy A and that he, Boy B, was to tell him this. The Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard that in a statement given to gardai hours after Ana's body had been found, Boy B said he was "not happy" he had been involved in the incident. Ana's naked body was found in a derelict house in Lucan, Co Dublin days after she went missing in May last year. The two boys are standing trial accused of her murder. Boy A has pleaded not guilty to murder and sexual assault "involving serious violence" of the schoolgirl. Boy B has pleaded not guilty to murder. The boys cannot be identified because of their age. Detective Garda Gabriel Newton told the court that she and another Garda officer called at the home of Boy B a few hours after Ana's body was found. She told the court that the accused said an arrangement was made between Boy A and himself that he would call at Ana's home. Boy A, he claimed, asked him to bring Ana out to a local park. "He said he wanted to tell Ana he did not want to go out with her," Detective Newton said. "He said that [Boy A] didn't want to be seen with her. "[Boy B] said he was not happy he was involved in the incident after she had been found dead in the park." The detective also told the court that Boy B said Ana had showed him a picture of her tied up with tape at a house. When asked what she had been wearing on the day she disappeared, Boy B described her as wearing a "slutty top", black hoodie and a top. He also said he didn't see Boy A until the following evening when he discovered that Boy A had been attacked in the park. "[Boy B] thought maybe Ana beat up [Boy A] in the park," she added. Boy B told gardai that he was wearing black bottoms, runners and a grey top. Garda Newton had been tasked to investigate the alleged assault on Boy A on the day Ana disappeared. He claimed he was attacked by two men in the park between 5.30pm and 5.40pm. He said he was knocked to the ground, stomped on and kicked in the head. He said he was able to get off the ground and fight back. The incident was reported to gardai later that day by Boy A's father. Garda Newton asked Boy A if he could hand over the clothing he was wearing on the evening so a number of tests could be carried out. She said it was important to establish if any DNA, body fluids or fibres had been transferred to his clothing from the men who allegedly attacked him. The court heard that Boy A was willing to do so and that he had also made a comment that Ana had pushed him in the chest area that day. "It came out of nowhere. Nobody asked him about that. He just said it," she said. The trial continues. Wahed, the parent company of Wahed Invest, the first halal robo advisor in the US, said it is expanding its operations globally, providing access to Islamic value-based investing in over 130 countries including key markets across Nigeria, India, Pakistan and the Mena region. The platform was previously available only to US and UK communities. Wahed looks to change how the Muslim community participates in global financial markets by making investing accessible and ethically compliant for the 1.8 billion Muslims globally. For many Muslims, investing in line with their faith is more complex due to the exclusion of companies that obtain the bulk of their profits from interest, lending, gambling, hedging in silver or gold, insurance, pork, alcohol, tobacco, firearms and other activities deemed harmful or impermissible in Islam. The platform, which was launched in the US in 2017 and expanded into UK markets in 2018, has found that 84 per cent of its users are new to or only somewhat familiar with investing. The launch has been highly anticipated globally with over 40,000 interested users already on the waitlist for the international platform. Once signed-up, users can securely create an investment account within minutes with the help of facial recognition technology. Wahed will automatically suggest a portfolio for each user based on their risk profile, taking into account liquidity needs, investment goals and other criteria. The portfolio models are overseen by Waheds portfolio management professionals. Users can begin investing with as little as $100 while paying a fraction of traditional advisory fees. By utilizing fractional share trading, Wahed ensures that investors always have a diversified portfolio, regardless of their account size, thereby making investing efficient for investors from all walks of life. Current portfolio allocation options include investments into: Global stocks (Wahed S&P Shariah Fund for US clients) Emerging market stocks (Wahed S&P Dividend Growth Fund for US clients) Sukuk (Islamic bonds) Commodities (Gold) Junaid Wahedna, CEO and founder of Wahed Invest said: Our mission from day one has been to give access to ethical and efficient returns to the underserved investor. We are very proud to say that today, no matter where geographically an ethical investor is located, or what income demographic they fall under, they will have access to an investment portfolio that is free from usury, or any unethical constituent. This is an incredibly exciting time for Wahed. Since launching in the US and UK, our international waitlist just keeps on growing and were extremely pleased to finally on-board users from all over the world providing a much-needed solution. Our new international mobile app allows users to open their account in minutes, invest in low-cost diversified portfolios, and monitor their performance anytime and anywhere. In the trailing 12 months, the S&P 500 Shariah Index (which includes all Shariah-compliant constituents of the S&P 500) outperformed the S&P 500 Index by a fifth (16.3 per cent vs 13.5 per cent). In order to ensure all returns are halal, Wahed has a full-time Ethical Review Board, which undertakes a rigorous screening process and produces annual purification reports. As a result, Muslim and non-Muslim investors alike can now be completely confident that their portfolios are ethically sound. Wahed has also successfully received associate membership with the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), a not-for-profit organization that regulates and standardizes accounting, auditing and governance practices for the Islamic finance industry in line with international standards that comply with Islamic rules. The Wahed Invest platform is available immediately and can be accessed by downloading the mobile application available on the Android and IOS app stores. TradeArabia News Service A teenager has presented himself at a Dublin Garda station in connection with a fatal stabbing. An 18-year-old man died after being stabbed at Finsbury Park, in Dundrum at approximately 8.10pm on Friday night. The man presented himself at South Dublin Garda Station on Saturday and is assisting investigating gardai with their inquiries. It is understood that a number of people were in the vicinity at the time of the incident. Investigating officers are now following a definite line of inquiry, and say they are currently not considering any racial motive. A post-mortem examination was carried out by Deputy State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan on Saturday afternoon, and gardai were continuing to examine the scene of the incident on Saturday evening. Superintendent Martin McGonnell has requested privacy for the family of the deceased at this time and a family liaison officer has been appointed to help relatives. He expressed his thanks all the members of the public who have provided information in relation to this investigation and continues to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may have information to contact Dundrum Garda Station 01-666 5600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. Gavin Williamson has described Theresa Mays Brexit talks with Labour as a grave mistake. The former defence secretary, who was sacked over the Huawei leak, said pressing ahead with the talks will have fatal consequences. Writing in the Mail on Sunday, he labelled Mrs May as politically naive for going into fruitless negotiations which he claimed were bound to fail. Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May has come under fire from Gavin Williamson (Steve Parsons/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May has come under fire from Gavin Williamson (Steve Parsons/PA) The Tory MP for South Staffordshire said doing a deal with Labour on Brexit sounds so simple and so reasonable, but it is destined to fail. Even if Labour do a deal, break bread with the Prime Minister and announce that both parties have reached an agreement, it can only ever end in tears, he said. The Labour Party does not exist to help the Conservative Party. Jeremy Corbyn will do all he can to divide, disrupt and frustrate the Conservatives in the hope of bringing down the Government. His goal, and he has made no secret of it, is to bring about a general election. Even if we get to a point where Jeremy Corbyn agrees a deal with the Prime Minister, when it comes to detailed scrutiny of the votes, Labour will revert to form.Gavin Williamson MP Mr Williamson said the Prime Minister seemed oblivious to the fact many Tories believe she is negotiating with the enemy. There is a clue in their title: Her Majestys Official Opposition, he said. Their priority is to derail the Government. Even if we get to a point where Jeremy Corbyn agrees a deal with the Prime Minister, when it comes to detailed scrutiny of the votes, Labour will revert to form. Even if it passes the first few votes, it will fail later. Expand Close Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is facing pressure from his own MPs on Brexit. (Gareth Fuller/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn is facing pressure from his own MPs on Brexit. (Gareth Fuller/PA) The former Cabinet minister said there was a simple calculation that a deal could pass with the combined votes of Labour and Conservative MPs, but tough realities must be faced if the deal was far removed from expectations. Mr Williamson said this could mean Mrs May has support from less than half the Conservative MPs including those on the payroll. That would lead to knife-edge votes and a number of defeats due to up to 80 Labour rebels who want another referendum, he said, alongside SNP, Lib Dem and Change UK MPs who have pledged to vote against. He said: This is when Labour will finally kill it, if they have not done so already. Labour will be able to credibly say it is not what was originally agreed between them and the Prime Minister. It is politically naive to go down this route. Warning Mrs May she was turning her own supporters against her, Mr Williamson said that scenario should be avoided at all costs. He said: The Prime Minister needs to recognise that futile efforts to pull off this Labour deal are damaging us all. It is a grave mistake for any Prime Minister to fail to recognise when a plan will not work and it is fatal to press on regardless. We need to accept that these talks with Labour are fruitless and that not only will they not deliver the Brexit that people voted for, they are a betrayal of the direct instructions the people gave us in 2016 and 2017. The only way to deliver anything is by ensuring you have your own tribe and your own people with you 100% of the way.Gavin Williamson MP Urging Mrs May to make the right choice, the MP suggested new leadership was needed. We are now at a crossroads and it is imperative the Prime Minister makes the right choice, he said. In order to deliver Brexit, there has to be a clear-sighted determination of what you are wanting to deliver, as opposed to delivering the lowest common denominator. The only way to deliver anything is by ensuring you have your own tribe and your own people with you 100% of the way. This is what has to be delivered not doing a deal with Labour. A report found social media can have an impact on mental wellbeing (Dominic Lipinski/PA) A new group being set up by ministers will examine how body image impacts on young peoples mental wellbeing. The Scottish Governments new advisory group will identify steps to improve support and advice. It will include members from youth, third sector and equalities groups. We are striving for a society where people do not suffer because of concerns about body imageMental health minister Clare Haughey The announcement comes ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week organised by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) which this year focuses on body image. Mental health minister Clare Haughey said: From our recently published research, we know that body image is a concern for children and young people. We are striving for a society where people do not suffer because of concerns about body image, and where they do not feel pressured to live up to a false sense of perfection. Monday marks the start of Mental Health Awareness week and this years theme is body image. Ms Haughey will visit Girlguiding Scotland on Tuesday to find out how body image issues affect them. She will also announce the remit of the new advisory group. Now is the time to address these pressures head-on and we look forward to playing our full part in the new advisory groupJulie Cameron, MHF Scotland Denise Spence, chief executive of Girlguiding Scotland, said: This is a great chance for our members to share how negative body image is impacting the mental health of girls and young women in Scotland, and how the new advisory group will work to help improve support for young people. New data about the impact of body image on young peoples mental health will be published by MHF during Mental Health Awareness Week. Julie Cameron, head of programmes at MHF Scotland, added: Our research published this week highlights the huge impact that negative body image can have on the mental health of both adults and young people. Our report and survey uncovered evidence that both social media and online advertising are contributing to mental health problems for thousands of people across Scotland. Now is the time to address these pressures head-on and we look forward to playing our full part in the new advisory group. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage while on the European election campaign trail in Durham (Danny Lawson/PA) Theresa Mays Brexit deal is like a surrender document of a nation that has been defeated in war, Nigel Farage has told supporters. The Brexit Party leader was cheered by hundreds of people at a rally in Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, on Saturday afternoon which was also shown a preview of the partys new election broadcast. Mr Farage lambasted both the Tory government and the Labour leadership but made no mention of newspaper reports he left the scene of a collision between his chauffeur-driven car and another vehicle in Kent on Thursday. Mr Farage said: It (Brexit) hasnt happened partly because of the dishonest, duplicitous and utterly useless Prime Minister in Theresa May. No question, she is the worst Prime Minister in the history of this country, bar none. He told the rally that Mrs Mays deal would be a new EU treaty. Expand Close Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage during a walkabout in Sunderland (Danny Lawson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage during a walkabout in Sunderland (Danny Lawson/PA) A treaty that will cost us, for reasons Ive yet to understand, 39 billion, he said. A treaty that may well leave us trapped inside the EUs custom union in perpetuity. This treaty that she wants to put through is more like a surrender document of a nation that has been defeated in war. Mr Farage said: She has humiliated our country on the international stage and Ive had enough of it. The former Ukip leader told the North East audience they had also been betrayed by the London led Labour party and local MPs. He said: Those MPs look down upon you, they think youre morons, they tell you you didnt know what you voted for. Can I say on your behalf, and on behalf of leavers across all of the United Kingdom, to hell with you, we knew what we were voting for. Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe was cheered in the packed hall when she decried those patronising, snooty nincompoops who sit in their dinner parties and say poor dears, they didnt know what they were voting for. Expand Close Ann Widdecombe addressed a Brexit Party rally (Danny Lawson/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ann Widdecombe addressed a Brexit Party rally (Danny Lawson/PA) She said: We knew exactly what we were voting for. Miss Widdecombe said: The message of those local elections and the message of these European elections is really simply. Either those at Westminster let Britain leave or we make them leave. She said: If they dont take us out of the EU then, come the next general election, the Brexit Party will take over Westminster and take us out of the EU. Pub landlord Patrick Tranter told The Sun Mr Farages chauffeur-driven 44 crashed head-on with his Jaguar carrying his toddler son on Thursday morning. Mr Tranter said the Brexit Party leader didnt even bother to see if we were OK. A Brexit Party spokesman said: The car was in a non-fault accident. Nigel wasnt driving it. Nigel continued his journey in a different car. The driver did remain at the scene. The police did attend and details were exchanged. It was a minor shunt. Released French hostage Patrick Picque gets out of a plane to be welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron (Francois Guillot/Pool/AP) President Emmanuel Macron greeted three former hostages as they arrived on French soil, one day after a military operation freed them in Burkina Faso. The pre-dawn rescue cost the lives of two French special forces officers, as well as four terrorists. The two French citizens, tourists Patrick Picque and Laurent Lassimouillas, as well as an unidentified South Korean national, arrived at Villacoublay military airport. The French tourists failed to return from a visit last week to the Pendjari National Park wildlife reserve in Benin, and their guide was discovered dead. Expand Close French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, a South Korean hostage, French Defence Minister Florence Parly, and freed French hostage Laurent Lassimouillas walk on the tarmac at Villacoublays military airport (Francois Guillot/Pool/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, a South Korean hostage, French Defence Minister Florence Parly, and freed French hostage Laurent Lassimouillas walk on the tarmac at Villacoublays military airport (Francois Guillot/Pool/AP) Officials said the hostages and their captors were in transit in Burkina Faso and the kidnappers intended to take them to Mali. Mr Macron, who attended their arrival in France alongside Defence Minister Florence Parly, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Army Chief of Staff Francois Lecointre, did not make a statement and will address the hostages ordeal and the soldiers deaths publicly next week. A military ceremony for the commandos is planned. A fourth hostage, an American woman, was also successfully rescued. It was not immediately known when and where the American and the South Korean were kidnapped. Ms Parly called the rescue an operation of rare difficulty that grew more complex with the discovery of the American and South Korean hostages being held with the French citizens. Expand Close A freed South Korean hostage with French President Emmanuel Macron (Francois Guillot/Pool/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A freed South Korean hostage with French President Emmanuel Macron (Francois Guillot/Pool/AP) Earlier on Saturday, Burkina Faso President Roch Kabore received the French and South Korean citizens in the presidential palace in the capital, Ouagadougou. He tweeted on Saturday he wished them a safe return to their respective families. Mr Macron has thanked authorities in Burkina Faso and Benin for their cooperation and promised them support in fighting terrorism. A spotted seal splashes into the water after being released by officials near Dalian in northeastern China (Xinhua/AP) Animal rights groups have cheered the release of 37 spotted seal pups into the wild in northern China after they were rescued from traffickers. The Humane Society International said the pups were discovered three months ago by police in a shed on a remote farm in the northern city of Dalian, many of them starving and dying. Eight suspects were arrested in the operation. Expand Close A spotted seal sits in a cage before being released by officials into the sea near Dalian in north-eastern Chinas Liaoning province (Xinhua/AP) AP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A spotted seal sits in a cage before being released by officials into the sea near Dalian in north-eastern Chinas Liaoning province (Xinhua/AP) The group said the pups had been taken from the wild by traffickers for the aquarium industry and for display in commercial venues such as shops and restaurants. Another 29 pups died despite efforts to save them, having only been two weeks old when they were found and not yet weaned from their mothers. Once hunted for their use in traditional Chinese medicine, spotted seals are now a protected species in China. Expand Close Crowds cheered as the creatures were released (Xinhua/AP) AP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Crowds cheered as the creatures were released (Xinhua/AP) Peter Li of Humane Society International said: We are thrilled that our Chinese partner group, VShine, was able to send animal welfare observers to the release of these seal pups back to the wild. Sadly, Chinas growing obsession for keeping marine species like seals and turtles in captivity is fueling wildlife crime such as this, which causes immense animal suffering and loss of life. Thousands of supporters of Albanias centre-right opposition have protested in the capital Tirana, calling for the left-wing government to resign and for an early parliamentary election. The protesters clashed with police at several points and reporters saw some people injured. The protest began in front of the main government building in Tiranas Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard. Flares, firecrackers, Molotov cocktails and other projectiles were thrown. Police used tear gas when a group of protesters broke the police cordon and headed for the buildings entrance. After two hours, opposition leaders led the protesters, in smaller numbers, to the parliament building, where they continued to throw Molotov cocktails and firecrackers. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons, quickly clearing the main entrance area. Expand Close Riot police secured the area outside the Parliament (Hektor Pustina/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Riot police secured the area outside the Parliament (Hektor Pustina/AP) Ambulances were seen taking injured protesters away but there was no immediate information on numbers of casualties. President Ilir Meta called on protesters to avoid acts of violence and confrontation. Interior Minister Sander Lleshaj wrote on Twitter that democracy is not built with Molotovs, which aim at destroying Albania. But that is impossible! The opposition accuses Prime Minister Edi Ramas Cabinet of being corrupt and linked to organised crime, which the government denies. Opposition Democrats leader Lulzim Basha called on his supporters to continue the protest until Mr Rama resigns and a transitional cabinet is formed to take the country to an early election. We are determined there will be no election with Edi Rama, Mr Basha said. Mr Rama tweeted that he considered the protest violence as a sadness, adding that Albania is damaged. Expand Close Flames from a petrol bomb thrown towards a police line (Hektor Pustina/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Flames from a petrol bomb thrown towards a police line (Hektor Pustina/AP) The protest continued into the evening with no clear end in sight. Opposition lawmakers relinquished their seats in parliament in protest, though many have now been filled by other opposition candidates. The governing Socialists have 74 seats in the 140-seat parliament. In June, Albania expects an answer from the European Union on whether full membership negotiations will be launched, and also holds municipal elections. The protest is the fourth national demonstration since mid-February. Regular, smaller ones are held weekly across the country. The US will move a Patriot air defence missile system into the Middle East to counter threats from Iran, the Pentagon has said, reflecting ongoing concerns that Tehran may be planning to attack America forces or interests in the region. The US Defence Department released a statement about the move but provided no details. An official said the decision comes after intelligence showed that the Iranians have loaded military equipment and missiles on to small boats controlled by Irans Revolutionary Guard. Officials had said earlier this week that sending a Patriot missile defence system to the area was under discussion and was part of the initial request made by the Pentagons US Central Command. They said it took a few days to get final approval for the Patriot, a long-range, all-weather air defence system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. The US removed Patriot systems from Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan late last year. It was not clear if the system would go back to one of those countries. Expand Close Anti-US protests in Tehran (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Anti-US protests in Tehran (AP) US officials announced on Sunday that they would rush an aircraft carrier strike group and bombers to the region. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying ships have passed through the Suez Canal and are now in the Red Sea. Officials had initially indicated that the military moves were based in part on indications that Iran had moved short-range ballistic missiles on to small boats called dhows along its shore. Officials would not say if the intelligence showed that the boats have mobile launchers on them. But a notice to mariners in the region has warned of potential threats to commercial maritime traffic. John Bolton, the national security adviser, announced the initial moves on Sunday, citing troubling and escalatory indications and warnings but did not explain what they were. On Friday, a defence official said the Iranian threats also include potential attacks by Iranian proxies, such as Shia militias in Iraq. Several officials said they have not yet seen any tangible move by Iran in reaction to the US military shifts in the area. But they also noted there have been no attacks. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a quick visit on Tuesday to Baghdad to meet with top leaders and underscore Iraqs need to protect Americans in their country. The Pentagon also said on Friday that the USS Arlington, an amphibious transport ship, will move to the Middle East region earlier than planned. The ship is in Europe and will be replacing the USS McHenry, which is scheduled to leave. Beth Moses, chief astronaut instructor, describes her flight into space while on stage with Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson (Craig Fritz/AP) Sir Richard Branson is moving Virgin Galactics passenger rocket and more than 100 employees from California to a launch and landing facility in New Mexico, bringing his space tourism dream closer to reality. The billionaire businessman told a news conference that Virgin Galactics development and testing programme has advanced enough to make the move to the hangar and runway at the Spaceport America facility. Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides said a small number of flight tests are pending. He declined to set a specific deadline for the first commercial flight. An interior cabin for the companys space rocket is being tested, and pilots and engineers are among the employees relocating from California to New Mexico. The move to New Mexico puts the company in the home stretch, Mr Whitesides said. Expand Close Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson picks up New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham while the companys Kevin Prieto takes a selfie (Craig Fritz/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson picks up New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham while the companys Kevin Prieto takes a selfie (Craig Fritz/AP) The manufacturing of the space vehicles by a sister enterprise, The Spaceship Company, will remain based in the community of Mojave, California. Taxpayers invested over 200 million dollars in Spaceport America after Sir Richard and then governor Bill Richardson, a Democrat, pitched the plan for the facility, with Virgin Galactic as the anchor tenant. Virgin Galactics spaceship development has taken far longer than expected and had a major setback when the companys first experimental craft broke apart during a 2014 test flight, killing the co-pilot. Sir Richard thanked New Mexico politicians and residents for their patience over the past decade. He said he believes space tourism is likely to bring about profound change. Our future success as a species rests on the planetary perspective, Sir Richard said. The perspective that we know comes sharply into focus when that planet is viewed form the black sky of space. He described a vision of hotels in space and a network of spaceports allowing supersonic, transcontinental travel anywhere on earth within a few hours. He indicated, however, that building financial viability comes first. We need the financial impetus to be able to do all that, he said. If the space programme is successful as I think then the sky is the limit. In February, a new version of Virgin Galactics winged craft SpaceShipTwo soared at three times the speed of sound to an altitude of nearly 56 miles (99 kilometres) in a test flight over Southern California, as a crew member soaked in the experience. Expand Close Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson announces the companys move to New Mexico (Craig Fritz/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson announces the companys move to New Mexico (Craig Fritz/AP) On Friday, that crew member, Beth Moses, recounted her voyage into weightlessness and the visual spectacle of pitch-black space and the earth below. Everything is silent and still and you can unstrap and float about the cabin, she said. Pictures do not do the view from space justice. I will be able to see it forever. The companys current spaceship does not launch from the ground. It is carried under a special plane to an altitude of about 50,000 feet (15,240 metres) before detaching and igniting its rocket engine. Release is like freefall at an amusement park, except it keeps going, Ms Moses said. And then the rocket motor lights. Before you know it, youre supersonic. The craft coasts to the top of its climb before gradually descending to earth, stabilised by feathering technology in which twin tails rotate upward to increase drag on the way to a runway landing. Sir Richard previously has said he would like to make his first suborbital flight this year as one of the ventures first passengers on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20. But he made no mention of timelines on Friday. Pressed on the timeframe, Mr Whitesides said he anticipates the first commercial flight within a year. Three people with future space-flight reservations were in the audience. Theyve been patient too, Sir Richard said. Space is hard. Hundreds of potential customers have committed as much as 250,000 dollars up front for rides in Virgins six-passenger rocket, which is about the size of an executive jet. Dubai's Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) said it has awarded a contract worth Dh500 million ($121 million) for the Al Khawaneej Corridor Improvement Project. The project covers the construction of three main junctions at Al Khawneej and Al Amardi atreets and service roads extending 23 km. It will also link Al Awir and Al Khawaneej areas and improves accessibility to Airport Street, said a statement from RTA. The new project coincides with the concluding stages of Tripoli Street Improvement Project over a 12-km stretch linking the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, it stated. The project will alleviate tailbacks, improve access to Al Warqaa and Mirdif via Tripoli Street, and enhance the safety level of the entire corridor, it added. The project aims to accommodate the current and projected growth in the traffic volumes over the next years. It provides a direct link between Al Awir and Al Khawaneej to ease the movement of local residents in both directions," remarked Mattar Al Tayer, the director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA. "It will enhance the link between Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Emirates Roads, and cut the delay to just 45 seconds in this sector. It will also improve the traffic flow on Al Khawaneej and Al Amardi Roads, and reduce the delay time in the area from 120 to 60 seconds," he added. Al Khawaneej Corridor Project covers the construction of an underpass of three lanes in each direction on Al Khawaneej Street along with a surface signalised junction to streamline the traffic flow. The existing Roundabout at the intersection of Khawaneej-Amardi Roads will be upgraded to a signalised junction. According to RTA, the intersection of Al Amardi Street and Emirates Road will be improved through the construction of a flyover of 2-lanes in each direction crossing over Emirates Road in the direction of Al Awir. Additionally, a footbridge will be constructed on Al Khawaneej Street, near Arabian Centre to ease pedestrians movement, it added. "Service roads extending 23 km will also be constructed along Al Khawaneej and Al Amardi Streets, and three intersections with Algiers Street will be upgraded to signalised junctions. The project includes associated works such as rainwater drainage systems, traffic signs, road marking, and necessary protection works for road safety," explained Al Tayer. "The improvement of Al Khawaneej Corridor and Mushrif Park Project follows the opening of all phases of the Airport Street Improvement Project encompassing the improvement of four junctions at Al Rashidiya, Nad Al Hamar, Marrakech, and Casablanca," he noted. The project has significantly improved the traffic flow, saved transit time, and eased traffic congestion generated by overlapping vehicular traffic, he added.-TradeArabia News Service 'Many people will wonder if the punishment does indeed fit the crime, but it must always be remembered that judges are bound by sentencing guidelines and must take into account mitigating circumstances, such as early guilty pleas, co-operation with police and remorse, as well as aggravating factors such as intent and excessive violence' (stock photo) Today we carry a picture of a woman who was beaten up by her husband just three days after giving birth to their daughter. It is a graphic image showing the injuries she received when she was punched and kicked on the face. We make no apology for using the photograph for it is the face of domestic violence in Northern Ireland. Kerry Armstrong says she can never forgive her husband for the attack and it is easy to see why. Not only was she beaten but her 13-year-old daughter - her husband's stepdaughter - was also assaulted and suffered minor bruising. In the words of the judge, it was an abhorrent crime, and she jailed the attacker for 20 months. Many people will wonder if the punishment does indeed fit the crime, but it must always be remembered that judges are bound by sentencing guidelines and must take into account mitigating circumstances, such as early guilty pleas, co-operation with police and remorse, as well as aggravating factors such as intent and excessive violence. What everyone can agree is that Kerry showed great courage in going through with the prosecution of her husband. Many incidents of domestic violence or abuse are never reported. Kerry is grateful for the assistance she received from Women's Aid but she has also done a great service by showing other abused women that they can seek and obtain justice. Domestic abuse is a growing crime and in September last year police reported that the total number of known cases during the previous 12 months was 31,000. That is a shocking figure and includes all shades of abuse, from controlling a spouse or partner to actual violence. Women can now find out if a partner or spouse has any previous history of domestic violence through the Domestic Violence and Abuse Disclosure scheme. This is a welcome initiative which also allows relatives or friends to ask police to investigate if they feel their relation or friend is in danger. No woman should ever have to endure the thuggery directed at Kerry. Kendrick Castillo lost his life to save the lives of his classmates. When they spotted a classmate with a gun, three students at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Colorado felt a call to act. The teenagers jumped from their desks, not even thinking about the fact that they could lose their lives in the process. When they slammed the armed teenager against the wall, they struggled with him right before the shots were fired. Kendrick Castillo, who was one of the first to act was shot and killed in the process. His fellow classmates and now many around the country are calling him a hero. Kendrick went out as a hero, Brendan Bialy, a close friend of Castillo who was also involved in the scuffle said. He was a foot away from the shooter and instead of running the opposite direction he ran toward it. Authorities say that the actions of Castillo along with his two classmates Bialy and Joshua Jones minimized the bloodshed from the attack that ultimately wounded eight students. One of the injured was Jones who was shot twice according to a statement released by the family. Many questioned whether the shooting was inspired by the 1999 Columbine massacre given it happened just weeks after the shootings 20th anniversary and only miles away from Columbine High School. Investigators still havent offered an immediate motive. Castillos father had discussed with his son what to do if he was ever confronted by a gunman. You dont have to be the hero, John Castillo told NBC News when recalling his words to his son. But the younger Castillo rejected his fathers advice, telling his dad he wouldnt think twice about acting to save others if ever face-to-face with an armed intruder. You raised me this way. You raised me to be a good person. Thats what Im doing, John Castillo quoted his son saying. Thats exactly what he was a good person. A hero. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan (right) chats with his aide during an ASEAN Defense Ministers meeting in Manila, Oct. 23, 2017. Updated at 4:53 p.m. ET on 2019-05-16 Thai authorities on Friday denied knowledge about the possible extradition from Vietnam of three critics of Thailands monarchy and military junta, in response to claims from human rights groups that the men were being held in Bangkok. The Vietnamese government returned Thai citizens Chucheep Chivasut, Siam Theerawut (alias Comrade Khaoneaw Mamuang), and Kritsana Thapthai (alias Comrade Young Blood) to Thailand on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International (AI) said earlier Friday in separate statements. They based their information on reports from Thai media and a local NGO, the Thai Alliance for Human Rights. The three had been arrested in Hanoi for illegal entry and using fake travel documents as they tried to flee persecution from Thai authorities, New York-based HRW said. Thailands deputy prime minister responded to the claims. No, I havent seen any (official) reports. I heard from websites, Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters. The confirmation must come from the Foreign Ministry and special branch of police. BenarNews questioned Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Busadee Santipitaks about the trio. We have no knowledge, Busadee replied. Officials with Special Branch and the polices Crime Suppression Division could not be immediately reached for comment. The reported extradition of the three Thai dissidents occurred after Truong Duy Nhat, a blogger working for the Vietnamese Service of Radio Free Asia (RFA) a BenarNews sister service disappeared from a shopping mall near Bangkok in January. He had fled Vietnam in 2017 to escape arrest over his activism. In late March, RFAs Vietnamese Service confirmed that agents from Hanoi had taken Nhat back to Vietnam. That fueled suspicions that Thai authorities had cooperated in his abduction. The blogger was now in a jail cell in the Vietnamese capital, Nhats daughter told RFA. Lese-Majeste allegation Among the Thai dissidents, Chucheep Chivasut, better known as Lung (Uncle) Sanam Luang, is an avid supporter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was deposed in a coup in 2006 but continues to exert influence on Thai politics while in exile. A disc-jockey, Chucheep broadcast critical program against the military and the monarchy. He apparently fled to Laos after then-junta chief Prayuth Chan-o-cha toppled the government of Shinawatras sister, Yingluck, in May 2014, and vowed to eradicate anti-monarchists. Chucheeps program was last heard on Jan. 28, according to his YouTube channel record. Until then, he produced at least two broadcasts weekly. The Thai government should immediately disclose the whereabouts of three activists who were reportedly extradited from Hanoi to Bangkok, Human Rights Watch said. Thai authorities have not acknowledged their arrest and detention, raising grave concerns that they have become victims of enforced disappearance. Thai authorities previously accused the three of violating the kingdoms strict Lese-Majeste law that criminalizes royal defamation and carries a prison sentence of three to 15 years if convicted, according to HRW. The men were accused, Human Rights Watch said, of broadcasting anti-monarchy radio programs over the internet and mobilizing supporters of Chucheeps Organization for Thai Federation to wear black T-shirts while demonstrating in Bangkok and other provinces. Both Thailand and Vietnam refused knowledge in the matter which usually end up with someone missing or dead, Sunai Phasuk, HRW senior Thai researcher told BenarNews on Friday, adding Thailand had signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The mens alleged extradition took place less than a week after Thailand officially crowned 66-year-old King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (or Rama X), in an elaborate ceremony stretched over three days. His coronation unfolded soon before the Election Commission unveiled the latest set of results from the March 24 general election that appeared to put a pro-junta party on the verge of forming the first government after five years of military rule. Also on Friday, Amnesty International joined HRWs efforts to locate the three Thai activists. We call on Thai authorities to acknowledge whether they are in military or police custody and establish their whereabouts, said Minar Pimple, AIs senior director for global operations. If they are in state custody, we urge authorities to ensure that the three men are held in an official place of detention and have immediate access to independent lawyers, doctors and family members. We also call on authorities to either charge them with a recognizable criminal offense in line with international standards or release them from custody, and not penalize them for their exercise of the right to freedom of expression, he said. An earlier version of this story incorrectly reported that RFA had confirmed Thai authorities had cooperated in Nhat's abduction. Dubai Science Park (DSP) has signed a partnership agreement with 1792 Partners, a global advisory and venture firm focused on bridging the gap between health technology innovators in the UAE and the United States. The MoU promotes collaboration opportunities between the DSP and North American business ventures and will also, make it easier for American companies to gain a foothold in the growing Middle East and North Africa (Mena) regions. It was signed when Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI) and Dubai Exports led a high-level business mission to the state of California. Fahad Al Gergawi, the chief executive of Dubai FDI, said: "The UAEs global missions have the potential to create new opportunities to enhance the strong commercial and investment partnerships between Dubai and the US. We look forward to opening new channels for business opportunities through these missions by presenting and highlighting Dubais attractive investment incentives." Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, the managing director of Dubai Science Park, said: "As a growing business hub, DSP offers companies access to a wide range of offerings such as an easy business set up, a collaborative environment for networking opportunities as well as access to industry information. "This helps companies to grow from incubation through to purpose-built manufacturing or R&D facilities," stated Janahi, also the chairing member of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Taskforce of the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030. Al Gergawi headed the delegation with the support of the Consulate-General of the UAE in Los Angeles, the Trade and Commercial Office of the UAE Embassy in Washington and the US-UAE Business Council. The mission sought to promote the advantages available to companies looking to invest in and partner with Dubai in key sectors, such as technology, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, fast-moving consumer goods, life sciences and logistics. The UAE has been the largest trade partner of the US in the region for the past 10 years, an indicator of the strong trade ties between both countries. In 2018, total cross-border trade between the two countries exceeded $24.5 billion while US investments topped the table in Dubai, registering 37 per cent of total investments.-TradeArabia News Service Their passion for BGSU and their modesty about their many contributions is best summed up by a quotation from the couple that appears on plaques identifying the space. It reads, Of all the things that good luck has allowed us to do for BGSU, we have received much more than we ever gave." Their generosity to the University dates back more than two decades. Gifts include support for the construction of the new Bowen-Thompson Student Union, the establishment of the Thompson Scholarship in the Sidney Ribeau Presidents Leadership Academy and a military scholarship benefiting active duty service members and veterans. Robert Thompson served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Five years ago, they established the Thompson Scholarship Program for Working Families and agreed to greatly expand the program this year. The scholarship assists high-potential students from lower income families, who may not be able to afford higher education. BGSU embraces its responsibility to our donors and their philanthropic vision, said Pam Conlin, BGSU vice president for University Advancement. This transformational gift from the Thompsons ensures thousands of more students will have access to a world-class University and an education of value. The program is available for new freshmen, transfer students and continuing students. Students in the program receive a $5,000 annual scholarship from the Thompsons, which the University must match through additional fundraising efforts. BGSU also provides academic, financial and career counseling to ensure that students will be successful. This fall, more than 500 students will be part of the program, and plans are underway to expand the program to more than 1,000 students annually for future years. That growth is contingent upon the University meeting its goals, which include ensuring that 80% of the program participants graduate. In addition to performing well in the classroom, students in the program are also required to give back to their communities with a minimum of 20 hours of service each year. As a public university for the public good, we prepare our students to live meaningful and productive lives, Rogers said. The Thompsons have done more than their part. Now, its incumbent upon us to continually ensure a BGSU degree provides our students the ability to control their destiny and create a life on their own terms. The Bowen-Thompson Quadrangle is located on the west side of University Hall between McFall and Williams halls. Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced the successful implementation of its technological solutions at Aavin Dairy in Tamil Nadu, India. Aavin Dairy is a co-operative institution of the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Milk Producers Federation Limited (TCMPF) whose objective is to promote the economic development of the farming community by procurement of milk from villages, processing of milk and manufacturing of milk products, said a statement. Aavin recently implemented a smart manufacturing unit leveraging Schneider Electrics IoT enabled architecture- EcoStruxure for Food and Beverage, it said. Indias dairy industry is on a high growth path with a 15 per cent compounded annual growth (CAGR) expected over 2016-2020 and is set to outperform global production according to a report by Edelweiss. The country is expected to surpass the European Union to emerge as the largest dairy producer by 2020. Acknowledging the growth of the dairy sector in the country, the government of India has implemented the Central Scheme National Dairy Plan - Phase 1 during 2012-17 to improve productivity of dairy cooperatives. Investment by private players in the domestic dairy sector is also expected to further augment milk productivity. Automation and technology adoption are expected to be a critical piece in this upsurge. Schneider Electric believes that technology adoption plays a critical role in accelerating this growth with a focus on smart manufacturing processes to help in building efficiency and increasing the output volumes in the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry. This is being done through Schneider Electrics EcoStruxure for Food and Beverage that provides advanced digital technologies thereby enabling transparency, security, regulatory compliance and reliability. Keeping in line with this agenda, Aavin Dairy has recently deployed Schneider Electrics solution to improve productivity levels of its manufacturing unit. Schneider Electrics EcoStruxure Hybrid DCS is an edge solution which is a single automation system to engineer, operate, and maintain your entire infrastructure for a sustainable, productive and market-agile plant. It is a scalable and flexible system architecture for future capacity expansion, ensuring object-based programming using specific libraries for liquid food processing, and for easy maintenance and operation. Dr S Selvaraj, general manager, Aavin, said: We wanted to improve on the accuracy in milk processing and uniformity in end product quality as well as our plants operational efficiency, flexibility and scalability. EcoStruxure Hybrid DCS helped us achieve this while improving our operational efficiency by 50 per cent since all the data is monitored and visualised and turned into actionable insights. This has improved asset management and energy efficiency, further increasing processing capacity from 0.2 to 0.3 million litres per day and with the capacity to reach 0.5, Selvaraj added. The dairy industry is facing a series of challenges including limited monitoring affecting operational efficiency, lack of visibility on energy consumption, and scalability. Digital transformation with corresponding change in the business model provides new revenue and value-producing opportunities. In order to improve efficiencies and to ensure optimisation of production that can be safely processed, stored and delivered, the F&B supply chains need to be realigned and digitised. Latish Babu, head strategic customers and segments, Greater India Zone, said: To surpass EU levels of production and become the largest dairy producer by 2020, India needs strong business models and robust scalability in this industry. The change in consumer habits and marketplace is increasingly shaping the demands in the F&B segment and manufacturers are faced with challenges of producing competitive, profitable, safe and desirable products, he said. Schneider Electrics EcoStruxure aims at addressing these by powering the F&B including the dairy industry with advanced digital technologies that ensure transparency, security, regulatory compliance and reliability, he added. TradeArabia News Service Reciba en su email: noticias de ultima hora, analisis tecnicos o el cierre de mercado Email no valido Nombre requerido Recibira las informaciones mas relevantes del dia en tiempo real Que informacion desea recibir? Noticias de Ultima hora Boletin Cierre de Mercado Boletin analisis tecnico Boletin Fundsnews Debe seleccionar un tipo de boletin Acepto la Politica de privacidad Debe aceptar la politica de privacidad Responsable EMPRESAS DEL GRUPO WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Finalidad La remision de informacion, novedades y promociones Establecimiento o mantenimiento de Relaciones Comerciales. Legitimacion Consentimiento del interesado. Interes legitimo en el desarrollo de la relacion comercial Destinatario Empresas del Grupo WEB FINANCIAL GROUP Derechos Acceso, rectificacion, supresion, limitacion, oposicion y portabilidad Informacion adicional Politica de Privacidad de nuestra pagina Web + INFORMACION Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) has signed a partnership deal with Kazakhstan-based Ipravo, a business consultancy company, to represent the free zone in some Central Asia and East Europe countries. This is part of AFZs ambitious plans to promote its services in main markets across the world and attract more businesses by highlighting the myriad benefits of establishing a business in Ajman, said a statement. The agreement will help AFZ to promote its services to the Russian speaking nations and strengthen its presence there, it said. Ipravo will be the official representative of AFZ in Kazakhstan, Russia, Belorussia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kirgizstan and Azerbaijan, it added. AFZs sales director Majid Al Mulla and sales executive Leyla Sakhabiev signed the agreement with Ipravos chief executive officer and owner Vitalli Jeryasov. The newly-appointed company will participate in international events and exhibitions on behalf of AFZ, communicating the wealth of opportunities that the Emirate of Ajman can provide ambitious companies set on a growth trajectory. Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries boast many talented individuals with great vision, and AFZ wishes to take advantage of their requirement to execute growth plans in the Middle Eastern region. Through the partnership with Ipravo, an entity that understands their requirements and who can effectively communicate its compatibility, AFZ is in a very strong position to secure their confidence and their subsequent investment in Ajman, it stated. TradeArabia News Service Ajman Free Zone, AFZ, has signed a partnership deal with Ipravo, a Kazakhstan-based business consultancy company to represent AFZ in some central Asia and East Europe countries. The agreement is in line with AFZ's plans to promote its services in main markets across the world and attract more businesses by highlighting the myriad benefits of establishing a business in Ajman, said a statement from the company. The agreement will see AFZ promote its services to Russian language speaking nations and strengthen its presence there, it stated. Ipravo will be the official representative of AFZ in Kazakhstan, Russia, Belorussia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kirgizstan and Azerbaijan, remarked Sales Director Majid Al Mulla and Sales Executive Leyla Sakhabiev of Ajman Free Zone after signing the deal with Vitalli Jeryasov, the CEO and owner of Ipravo. The newly-appointed company will participate in international events and exhibitions on behalf of the free zone, communicating the wealth of opportunities that the Emirate of Ajman can provide ambitious companies set on a growth trajector, he added.-TradeArabia News Service Brandeis International Business School today announced the 16 finalists from the Boston International Round that will move forward in the inaugural Smart Fifty competition, an entrepreneurial competition looking to identify 50 startup companies from around the globe addressing Indias biggest socio-economic challenges. Together with TiE Boston, the worlds largest nonprofit network dedicated to helping startups grow, Brandeis International Business School partnered with IIM Calcutta Innovation Park and the Government of Indias Department of Science and Technology in the search of solutions to transform India. The competition focuses on aspiring and early-stage startups working on solutions in learning, sustainability, agriculture, health, FinTech and big data, and smart living. Indians have always been major players in the startup community in the U.S., and the recent emphasis on sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship-led growth in India provides an excellent opportunity for U.S.-based startups to expand into the Indian market, said Debarshi Nandy, associate professor and MSF program director at the International Business School. Brandeis International Business School recognizes the value of global innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit. Thats why we are proud to be partners in the inaugural Smart Fifty competition with a goal to promote entrepreneurship and spur innovation in order to address some of the biggest challenges in India. We are proud of all the applicants, and extend our congratulations to our 16 finalists, said Sharon Tolpin Topper, program director for the Smart Fifty Competition at Brandeis International Business School. The caliber of companies applying demonstrated the strength and breadth of Bostons innovation ecosystem which was instrumental in identifying the best companies for this competition. Sixteen startups from the Boston International Round which covered all companies located or associated with a university, incubator or accelerator outside of India and Asia are progressing to the Smart Fifty Boston Final Round and Demo Day, hosted by Brandeis International Business School and TiE Boston. Winners from the Boston Round will be flown to Kolkata (Calcutta) to present their solutions and vie for a spot in the finals in Delhi and $1.5 million in equity funding. The 16 global finalists include: Girls Health Champions , San Francisco, CA: Trains adolescent girls worldwide as peer health educators and health leaders in their schools and communities. Trains adolescent girls worldwide as peer health educators and health leaders in their schools and communities. India Health Link , Chicago, IL/Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: Bringing primary care to India via technology. Bringing primary care to India via technology. Khethworks , Cambridge, MA/Pune, Maharashtra, India: Gives small-plot farmers across the world control over their lives and livelihoods through affordable and high-quality technology. Gives small-plot farmers across the world control over their lives and livelihoods through affordable and high-quality technology. Nonspec , Lowell, MA: Provides affordable, adjustable prosthetic limb systems to all amputees. Provides affordable, adjustable prosthetic limb systems to all amputees. Orora Global , Boston, MA: For-profit social enterprise that provides rural and urban communities globally with access to reliable, renewable energy. For-profit social enterprise that provides rural and urban communities globally with access to reliable, renewable energy. ParkWise , New York, NY: Real-time street parking availability. Real-time street parking availability. PlenOptika , Boston, MA: Responds to the problem of low vision by enabling autorefraction easily, anywhere - without compromising quality. Responds to the problem of low vision by enabling autorefraction easily, anywhere - without compromising quality. Puffin Innovations , Boston, MA: Focused on Smart Assistive Technology that allows people with disabilities to lead more functional and meaningful lives. Focused on Smart Assistive Technology that allows people with disabilities to lead more functional and meaningful lives. Sensen , Cambridge, MA: Wireless, data-logging sensor platform. Wireless, data-logging sensor platform. Startupwind Santa Clara, CA: Social network for entrepreneurs, investors and advisors from premier schools. Social network for entrepreneurs, investors and advisors from premier schools. Sukriti , MassChallenge Israel/Delhi, India: Sustainable engineering initiatives and innovations. Sustainable engineering initiatives and innovations. Takachar , Cambridge, MA: Decentralized biomass conversion at source. Decentralized biomass conversion at source. TalaSecure, Mountain View, CA: Security solution that protects IoT devices end to end throughout the lifecycle of the device. Security solution that protects IoT devices end to end throughout the lifecycle of the device. Vata Verks , Arlington, MA: Non-invasive smart sensor that can monitor flow of water and natural gas to create high resolution flow data. Non-invasive smart sensor that can monitor flow of water and natural gas to create high resolution flow data. Village Industrial Power , Bradford, VT: Mobile power plant enables rural farmers to increase the value of their crops by up to 10x. Mobile power plant enables rural farmers to increase the value of their crops by up to 10x. Voatz, Boston, MA: Enables citizens to vote in all kinds of elections or voting events via a smartphone. The Smart Fifty Boston International Round and Demo Day is set for Feb. 9 at 2:00 6:30 p.m. at Brandeis International Business School. For more information about the event, visit: smartfiftybostonfinals.eventbrite.com. The event will also be broadcast on Facebook Live at www.facebook.com/brandeisibs. About Brandeis International Business School Brandeis International Business School, located in the Boston suburb of Waltham, Massachusetts welcomes students from throughout the United States and around the world into its innovative and diverse community. The current student body includes representatives from over 40 countries. About TiE Boston Founded by entrepreneurs who immigrated from the Indus region, we are uniquely positioned to champion inclusion in the innovation ecosystem, and welcome innovators and enthusiasts from all backgrounds. We have been operating for 20 years, and have an unparalleled network of successful, seasoned entrepreneurs who are deeply engaged and committed to giving back to the community by providing mentorship, tactical advice, and expertise to rising entrepreneurs. Brandeis International Business School announced it has received a $2.5 million gift to establish the Hassenfeld Family Innovation Center, which will build upon the universitys reputation as one of the nations leading research institutions by supporting faculty research while catalyzing innovation on campus. Pictured left is founding donor Alan Hassenfeld, Chairman, Executive Committee, Hasbro Inc. and Co-Chair, International Business School Board of Overseers. The Center will provide a platform for increased corporate outreach to innovative firms, provide new educational opportunities for Brandeis students, and leverage the experience of industry professionals to ensure that the societal impact of the universitys groundbreaking research is maximized. Internartional Business School Dean Bruce Magid, the Martin and Ahuva Gross Chair in Financial Markets and Institutions, announced the gift today during his remarks at the Massachusetts Trade and Investment Forum with Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. The Hassenfeld Center will also enhance efforts to bring Brandeis research and technology advances to commercial partners in sectors such as life sciences, clean energy and information technology. It will serve as a platform to identify potential relationships with like-minded academic institutions and corporations around the globe. Massachusetts is a world leader in innovation, including through the extraordinary contributions of our Brandeis faculty, staff and students, said Brandeis President Frederick M. Lawrence. We are grateful for this generous gift from the Hassenfeld family that will ensure that the cutting-edge research conducted on our campus continues to make the greatest possible impact across the world. The Hassenfeld familys deep connection to Brandeis extends back to the universitys earliest days, when Henry Hassenfeld, co-founder of the Hasbro toy company in Rhode Island, made a gift to Brandeis. His daughter-in-law Sylvia Hassenfeld, who died in August 2014, served on the Brandeis Board of Trustees from 1996 to 2014, a period during which the family funded the Sylvia Hassenfeld Scholarship, the Sylvia K. Hassenfeld Chair in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and the Hassenfeld Foundation Scholarship. Two of her children, Alan Hassenfeld and Ellen Hassenfeld Block, have continued the familys involvement with Brandeis. Alan, retired CEO of Hasbro, is co-chair of the Board of Overseers of the International Business School and established the Hassenfeld Emerging Markets Business Immersion Program at the business school. Ellen is a former member of the Board of Overseers at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management and created a fellowship to support students. The groundbreaking research happening at Brandeis presents an exceptional opportunity to fulfill the deepest values of our university changing the world through knowledge and action that serves the greater good, said Alan Hassenfeld, who serves as chair of Hassenfeld Family Initiatives. The Hassenfeld Center will be overseen by Provost Lisa Lynch, the Maurice B. Hexter Professor of Social and Economic Policy. She will facilitate collaboration between the Office of Technology Licensing (OTL) and Brandeis IBS. Rebecca Menapace, associate provost for innovation and executive director of OTL, will focus the center on scaling the infrastructure needed to facilitate technology development and commercialization across university departments. This gift enables us to build the critical bridge between academic and industry research, said Menapace. It will foster intellectual collaborations, create new robust partnerships externally and attract more sponsored research opportunities across our campus. Menapace brings both deep industry and academic experiences to this role as well as relationships in areas such as technology transfer, licensing and partnership development. She currently leads the Brandeis Virtual Incubator Sprout Grant Program which provides funds to make technology discoveries more attractive for licensing and commercial development. BROOKFIELD, N.S. - Nature photographers are gathering in a central Nova Scotia marsh this weekend capturing images of the latest bird species to fly off course and find itself in a foreign but nourishing location. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/5/2019 (959 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A glossy ibis is shown in Brookfield, N.S., in this recent handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO - Laurie Ann Quigley *MANDATORY CREDIT* BROOKFIELD, N.S. - Nature photographers are gathering in a central Nova Scotia marsh this weekend capturing images of the latest bird species to fly off course and find itself in a foreign but nourishing location. The glossy ibis is a wading bird that feeds on larval insects, amphibians and other creatures of the wetlands it can snag with its sickle-shaped beak. A sole member of the species has been spotted in wetlands in Brookfield, N.S., about 80 kilometres north of Halifax. David Currie, the president of the Nova Scotia Bird Society, said the bird is among the growing number of nomadic species being noted outside their usual range by birdwatchers, though he cautioned these are anecdotal observations. He said the glossy ibis's northern limit is usually near Portland, Maine, but it is now being sighted and photographed in the Maritimes, usually after storms or when the bird loses its way during migration. "It's very bittersweet. What we understand when we see these rare things is that they're here because of an accident," Currie said in an interview. "They've been disoriented ... and the other part of this is the major storms we're having, especially in the fall, when we're finding birds are swept away out to the ocean and only a fraction of them are making it back to shore." Currie, a veteran of four decades of birdwatching, said this time the latest ibis has landed in a highly accessible spot where observers can gather discreetly and follow its movements as it feasts in the marshlands. The 65-year-old birdwatcher, who first spotted an ibis in the province about two decades ago, said when the bird lands in Nova Scotia it is referred to as a "vagrant," as it's far from the group it usually roosts and associates with. Currie said gull-billed terns and black skimmers, also a kind of tern, are two other species normally not seen in the Maritimes that are being spotted in the region. When strong storms hit the northeast of Canada and the United States, Nova Scotia becomes a final refuge for some species, he said. "Anecdotally we're looking a far greater number of vagrant birds hitting the province in spring and the fall." Blair Greenan, a federal oceanographer who oversaw portions of a recent national report on climate change, said there is a slight northward shift in storm tracks being observed. However, he said, "it is doubtful that this is sufficient to explain the increase in these bird species that normally don't migrate to our region." "There is some evidence of an increase in the frequency of extreme storms in the fall for Atlantic Canada, but not for other seasons. This is consistent with observations of an increasing trend since the 1970s in North Atlantic hurricane activity. This could explain some of the fall birder observations," Greenan added in an email sent Saturday. Currie said he hopes that after feeding for a few more days the ibis will re-orient itself and find its way back across the Bay of Fundy to be with others of its species and find a mate. Photographers have been posting images of the bird flying and feeding, seemingly unconcerned by the cameras observing its every movement. Some of the more striking images show in detail the reddish-brown colours on the bird's outstretched neck as it glides in graceful flight. Follow (at)mtuttoncporg on Twitter. If you refugees want to be canadian citizens theres alot of work that can be done at my place! For starters the toilet could use a scrubbing, the shower and bath as well, The carppets need a good vaccuming, The lawn could be mowed too, The bills need to be payed,The mortage needs to be payed!, Theres a long list for you. After your all done ill give a big shiney nickle okay, now get started dont dottle! [sic] Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/5/2019 (960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. "If you refugees want to be canadian citizens theres alot of work that can be done at my place! For starters the toilet could use a scrubbing, the shower and bath as well, The carppets need a good vaccuming, The lawn could be mowed too, The bills need to be payed,The mortage needs to be payed!, Theres a long list for you. After your all done ill give a big shiney nickle okay, now get started dont dottle!" [sic] A brave anonymous opinion via the Sound Off inbox BRANDON SUN FILE People's Part of Canada Leader Maxime Bernier sits down for an interview with Brandon Sun Reporter Drew May at the Victoria Inn last month. Bernier's anti-immigrant and anti-refugee platform is problematic, argues Brandon Sun editor Matt Goerzen. (File) Between 1923 and 1930, approximately 20,000 Mennonite refugees entered Canada with the co-operation and aid of the Canadian government. These German-speaking men, women and children sought refuge from the Russian Revolution and civil war that took place following the end of the First World War. My grandparents were among them. My grandfather had medical training as a doctor in Moscow, and she was a farmers daughter. Both were fleeing persecution, and ended up finding refuge and peace on a farm in the small village of Blumenort now called Blumenort South along the U.S.-Canada border. Their first-born child, my uncle, was born on the boat that took them to Canadian shores. They faced mortal perils in their journey to leave Russian territory, some of them known to my family though I imagine many of them are not. No doubt, some of their experiences were too painful to recount to their children in any great detail if at all. Nevertheless, they made a new home for themselves and their children here in Canada, thanks both to the compassion of good-hearted Canadians and their own hard work and determination. Theirs is a story that has been repeated millions of times over, as refugees from around the world have come to this country to seek a better life, fleeing death and destruction at home. Heres a taste of that compassion, in a quote by MP Samuel Jacobs in the House of Commons on March 30, 1921: Jacobs spoke in favour of "those who are obliged to leave their own countries in Europe by reason of religious and social persecution. Now this country, it seems to me, should be the haven of rest for people of that kind, and we ought to have our doors wide open for all those who flee from persecution, social or otherwise, in European countries." Since then, Canadians have embraced peoples and religions from all nations, and in the process have created one of the most multicultural nations on the planet and one of the most peaceful. That is an accomplishment that we should all be proud of. But in recent years, it seems the harsher elements of our society have gained new bravery in espousing beliefs that most fair-minded people would be ashamed to utter in public. The yellow vest movement in Canada is only the latest example of this seeming race to the bottom of public discourse, as what may have initially been valid concerns by Canadians have been tarred with anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and racist dog-whistle politics. And these kinds of attitudes have seemingly gone more mainstream earlier this year an Ipsos poll suggested that more than half of Canadians strongly agree or tend to agree that Canada is "too welcoming to immigrants." It has seeped into our politics as men like Maxime Bernier attempt to use Canadas burgeoning immigration controversy for their own benefit. In Berniers case, he is promoting his new Peoples Party of Canada with an anti-immigrant and anti-refugee platform even as he says racists, anti-Semitic or Xenophobic positions are "not welcome" in his party. My grandparents were refugees to this country, with a different language and culture to what was then a largely Anglo-Saxon political class. They and others like them had a huge impact on Canadian society. And in turn, Canadian society had an enormous impact on them as well. It works both ways. The recent wave of Syrian refugees, too, will have a similar impact one already being felt here in Brandon and Westman. And as much as their presence has been felt, they have been similarly affected, as will their children. And that only makes us stronger as a nation, the glue that binds us together. Do we need to have strong immigration laws? Certainly. But they need to be fair and just not tainted with prejudice and ignorance. We need to be better than that as a nation. My concern is that were gradually losing sight of that as a sneering ignorance begins to assert itself. Matt Goerzen Update May 11: Kenneth (Robyn) Melia has been located safe and well. Gardai appeal for help to find missing 56-year-old in Dublin Gardai in Dublin are appealing for information in tracing the whereabouts of a 56-year-old in Dublin. Kenneth Melia, also known as Robyn Melia, has been missing since Monday, May 6, and was last seen at St James Hospital in Dublin. Kenneths/Robyn's family and gardai are concerned for her safety as she is under medical supervision. She is described as being approximately 5'3'', with black hair and green eyes. Anyone with information that may assist in locating her is asked to contact Kilmainham Garda Station on 01-666 9700, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line at 1800-666-111 or any garda station. Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of the Etihad Aviation Group, has launched scheduled freighter flights from its hub in Abu Dhabi to Singapores Changi International Airport. The weekly flights will continue to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, before returning to Abu Dhabi, reinforcing Etihads commitment to serve key logistics hubs in the Asia Pacific region, and offer onward connections through its strategically located Abu Dhabi hub, said a statement from the company. The new service meets customer demand for more freight capacity between Abu Dhabi and Singapore, and compliments the daily widebody passenger flights between the cities, it said. These are key markets for Etihad Cargo, and the opening of the direct route between Abu Dhabi and Changi International Airport supports strong economic and trade links between the cities, it added. In 2018, Etihad Cargo restructured its network and simplified its fleet to five Boeing 777 freighters, to focus on key trade lanes that benefit from Abu Dhabis globally-central location. Etihad has also increased cargo capacity in core markets including China, India and Vietnam, and todays addition of Singapore further strengthens the freighter network, it stated. TradeArabia News Service Gardai are seeking help from the public in locating the whereabouts of 44-year-old Tim Dennehy who is missing from his home in Ballyhea, Charleville, Cork. Tim was last seen in Cork City on April 24. Gardai are asking for the public's assistance in finding a missing man from Kerry. 52-year-old Dan Sheehy was last seen boarding the Tralee to Dublin train on Monday, April 29. Sinn Fein says the Health Minister needs to apologise over the latest outpatient waiting list figures. Over 550,000 people are now waiting for an outpatient appointment in hospitals across the country, according to the National Treatment Purchase Fund. A 53-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death after an Irish tradesman was killed in a horror crash in Sydney. Police allege that Francis Omigie was driving a Toyota Echo that changed lanes on the motorway and then stopped causing multiple collisions on the M4 motorway on Thursday morning. Francis Shanley, 36, from Bornacoola, Co Leitrim was killed when his car was hit by a beer truck in the pile-up involving eleven cars. Francis Omigie was arrested by police on Friday night and charged with dangerous driving causing death, negligent driving causing death, failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death and two counts of causing bodily harm by misconduct. Mr Omigie was refused bail when he appeared before Parramatta Bail court this morning. His lawyer Eiad Diyab told the court the accused had some mechanical problems and his intention was to change lanes to the left and unfortunately has resulted in a pile-up". He said Mr Omigie, who is originally from Nigeria, was very distressed by the crash. Magistrate George Zdenkowski refused bail on the basis of Mr Omigie allegedly failing to stop and offer assistance after the "horrific crash", and then seeking to evade police. Emergency services were called to the Church Street off-ramp of the M4 motorway at 5.50am on Thursday in response to reports of a multi-vehicle crash. Officers from Cumberland Police Area Command arrived to find 11 vehicles stopped at the crash site, and a 36-year-old Francis Shanley deceased after his pick-up was hit by a truck. Witnesses told officers the driver of another vehicle reported to be a Toyota Echo allegedly left the scene before speaking with police. Following inquiries by officers from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit, a 53-year-old man was arrested after attending St Marys Police Station at 6.15pm last night. Mr Shanley had been living in Australia for 10 years and was due to get married shortly to his Australian fiancee Broc Nicholson. His partner paid an emotional tribute to him on Facebook following the crash saying I love you forever and always. In a post, Ms Nicholson wrote: Most of you have heard the devastating news of our beautiful, strong head, lucky charm Irish boy Francis Shanley has sadly passed away today. He will be forever in our hearts and sadly missed. I thank you all for your love, support and messages of kind words. Going to be a long road ahead getting back on our feet. There will be a mass celebrated for Francis today at St Marys Star of the Sea Cathedral in Darwin. Kiki Bertens defeated defending champion Simona Halep 6-4 6-4 in the Madrid Open final to climb to number four in the world rankings. Halep, the winner in Madrid in 2016 and 2017, would have returned to the world number one spot with victory, but Bertens became the first woman to win the title without dropping a set. Four insurgents who attacked a hotel in Pakistan have been killed. The gunmen attacked the hotel, killing one security guard, with the majority of guests having been evacuated. The Pearl Continental hotel, situated in southwestern Pakistan, is the centre piece of a multi-billion dollar Chinese infrastructure project in the country. BBC reports that the Balochistan Liberation Army said it had carried out the attack to target Chinese and other foreign investors. Unidentified gunmen have shot and killed a female journalist and adviser to the country's parliament in the capital Kabul. Mena Mangal, a cultural adviser for the lower house of the parliament and former TV presenter, was killed when she was on her way to work Saturday morning, according to Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman for the interior ministry. Three heavily-armed militants on Saturday stormed a luxury hotel in Pakistan's port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, leading to a fierce gunbattle in which four persons including the attackers were killed, said media reports. The armed men entered the upscale Pearl Continental (PC) Hotel and opened random firing, reported BBC citing a senior police official. Local media said the fighters stormed the Pearl Continental hotel in Gwadar just before 5pm local time on Saturday. Firing was still ongoing at 8pm, the assistant superintendent of police in the city said. Security personnel cordoned off the area around the hotel, it stated. A spokesman for Pakistans military said a hotel security guard had been killed. All four of the terrorists have been killed, said a senior security official told the Associated Press. Security forces cornered the attackers in a staircase during the hours-long gunfight, the military said in its statement. Responsibility for the attack was claimed on Twitter by members of the Majeed Brigade of the Balochistan Liberation Organisation, a separatist group active in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Our fighters have carried out this attack on Chinese and other foreign investors, the group said. The same group claimed responsibility for an attack on the Chinese embassy in Karachi in November last year and another assault on Chinese engineers in the Baloch district of Chagai. Gwadar, a small city in Balochistan province, is the site of a large port under construction by a Chinese company as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a centrepiece project of Chinas Belt and Road infrastructure-building spree. Beijing has invested about $50 billion in the port and in road links between Gwadar and Chinas western Xinjiang province. The city of Gwadar, including its major hotels, is heavily guarded by the Pakistan army and paramilitary forces, it added. Property owners face steep rises in insurance premiums if their homes are heritage listed, and might have claims denied by their insurer. The warning from the peak body for the insurance industry comes as Sydney homeowners battle local councils over heritage orders they argue diminish the value of their property and have been imposed without their knowledge in an effort to thwart development. Sonja Morgan said she was faced with a 100 per cent hike in her insurance premium when her home was heritage listed. Credit:Nick Moir A spokeswoman for the Insurance Council of Australia said owners must advise insurers if a heritage listing is placed on their property during the term of a premium. This will ensure the property is covered in the event of a claim, she said. If the property is not covered with its new status of heritage a claim can be denied. The Sydney Writers' Festival, with its provocative banner theme, Lie to Me, recorded ticket sales of more than $1.2 million, as well as its third-highest number of paid attendances in the organisation's history. Running from April 29 to May 5, festival goers purchased more than 52,500 tickets from the main venues, higher than last year's ticket sales of 51,362, to listen to an ambitious program of 430 international and Australian writers. Forty events were sold out and a further 60 events were at 75 per cent capacity across the festival's 187 paid events. There were an additional 53 free events in Sydney city venues, 20 library events and 32 live and local venues across Australia that offered a mix of free and paid access. International writers of this year's Sydney Writer Festivals: Max Porter (left), Meg Wolitzer (centre) and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah (right) in Chippendale Credit:Kate Geraghty Revenues were slightly down from the $1.28 million recorded last year, but once all figures were collated, final takings were expected to "come close" to that of 2018, artistic director Michaela McGuire said. Friends and fans were quick to congratulate the couple, including Australian model Megan Gale who said: "Just the most beautiful news!!! Congratulations guys." Mr Wall also shared the happy photo on social media and said he "can't wait to meet our little girl". An excited Ms Hawkins made the announcement via Instagram on Friday and said: "I'm sooo happy to share with you some exciting news! Jake and I are expecting a baby girl!! We can't wait to meet her! Ms Hawkins, 35, who grew up in Newcastle and was named Miss Universe in 2004, married Mr Wall in Bali in 2013. In 2016, Ms Hawkins defended US President Donald Trump after a video of an exchange between the pair emerged. In the video, filmed in Sydney in 2011, Mr Trump made lewd comments about the model before leaning in for what appears to be a non-consensual kiss. At the time, Ms Hawkins said she would only reflect on how Mr Trump had treated her when she won the Miss Universe in 2004, which he then owned. "I've said it before, he has treated me with respect, and so has his family. Beyond that, what else am I going to comment on," she said. "That's not saying I agree with everything that's been happening ... but I am not going to sit here and throw negative comments out there, it's just not who I am. I don't like drama in my life so I try to stay away from that," she said. I have been to some truly epic parties around this city, country and planet over the years thanks to this job. Grand entrance ... Lady Gaga arrives at the Met Gala. Credit:AP I've found myself holding Liza Minnelli's ash tray out the back of a heaving marquee at Flemington as she sucked away on a Camel. I hobnobbed with Ivana Trump at a cocktail party in a swanky Park Avenue penthouse a few years back and dined at the Playboy Mansion with Hugh Hefner as he slurped on ice cream and jelly in his pyjamas. And there was that time I sipped champagne with Kylie Minogue and her mum in a Bellevue Hill garden overlooking Sydney Harbour and compared notes on growing gardenias and finding "Mr Right". But there are still a few party invitations I would dearly love to receive, and one to the Met Gala Ball in New York is definitely among them. On screen, actress Claudia Karvan, who is about to star in the second series of Australian comedy The Other Guy, is the picture of professionalism. On set in the Marrickville bar where filming takes place, just a few kilometres from her Redfern home, she is dressed in a mustard yellow Zara dress, hair and makeup immaculate. But like anyone who has to stand a lot at work, Karvan, who turns 47 next Sunday, is wearing sensible shoes: thongs. "Only 'the Karv' can pull that off and look great," jokes actress Harriet Dyer, who co-stars in the show alongside comedian and former Triple J breakfast host Matt Okine, who is the show's creator. Karvan, an actor and producer best known for her roles in TV series such as The Secret Life of Us, Newtons Law, Spirited, Love My Way and Doctor Doctor, met Okine while working on the Seven comedy, Orange Is the New Brown. Years of infighting, backstabbing and brutal politicking have turned federal Parliament into a spectacle like few others. But as with even the best dramas, where die-hards will obsess over every plot twist and character assassination, others will switch off and declare their ignorance. The consequences of the revolving door of political leadership are both the rise of hyper-partisanship and the electorates broader disinterest. With Labor and the Coalition governments casting aside prime ministers twice, voters cannot be blamed for feeling aggrieved or disengaged, as though the political class is more interested in itself than the national interest. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten campaigning last week. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Record pre-poll voting shows large sections of the electorate are decided and wont be swayed, and suggests they want the fuss to be over. With six days left, there is still time for the race to be won and lost. Voters in NSW need look no further back in history than Michael Daleys last-week implosion as state Labor leader to know these final moments can prove crucial. A string of social media scandals has claimed the scalps of several candidates across the political spectrum, only adding to the sense that parties who cannot vet their people should not be trusted to run a country. It is no wonder independents with high profiles and professional backgrounds are presenting a strong alternative, especially when speaking sensibly about action on climate change and other issues that voters care about but which remain long neglected in Canberra. Prime Minister Scott Morrison campaigns last week. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Prime Minister Scott Morrison launches the Liberal Party campaign today and has the chance to set the narrative for the last leg of the race. It is also the best chance Mr Morrison has of shedding his image as the accidental prime minister and offering a vision beyond stopping the boats and balancing the books. Until now, there has been a lack of substance to his pitch to remain in office. In the election campaign, the former advertising executive has come into his own, appearing more sure-footed and on message than in the early days of his as leader. With senior figures such as Julie Bishop leaving and staying out of the spotlight, and Tony Abbott campaigning hard locally in Warringah, Mr Morrison is running his own race. Perhaps he is saving the best for last, knowing this will be when voters are paying the most attention. His single-focus strategy needs some enhancement if he has a chance of pulling off victory. Labor, by contrast, has overwhelmed us with its vision and plans. The party presents itself as a viable alternative government, with bold policy announcements across a variety of sectors, but they carry some risk for the disadvantage they may cause to some sections of the electorate. It runs the risk of hubris should reality not conform with voter expectations. Eventually they got together in senior high school and married in 1990. They shared a love of films, music (Jenny likes Tina Arena, but not as much as her husband) and their faith. She suspected he was no ordinary spouse. "I always knew he'd do something," she says. "He's not one for settling for mediocrity, ever. I didn't know exactly what that would amount to, but I knew it would be an interesting life - and it has been that." Jenny and Scott Morrison decorating cakes on the election trail. Credit:Mick Tsikas Jenny was accepted into a costume and theatre design course at university, deferred, and then studied nursing instead. She managed a childcare centre, then worked in retail until her husband became prime minister, when she pressed pause on her career. Much of her energy during her 20s and 30s was focused on becoming pregnant, a struggle that became a "gut-wrenching" 14-year odyssey. "I so wanted to be a mum, it was the biggest dream for me," she says. "I remember the sadness I felt. I remember the despair that I felt. "Sometimes I handled it much better through that 14 years than other times. That's what faith does for me. I didn't give up. I believed it would happen. It got harder to believe sometimes, then I got back on board." At age 32, an IVF doctor told Jenny to give up trying. She took his advice for a while, until girlfriends encouraged her to get a second opinion. The second doctor diagnosed her with severe endometriosis, sent her into surgery, and, two years later, she fell pregnant naturally with Abbey, now 11. "It really was a miracle," she says. Two years after that, Lily was born. While Scott was travelling the country, popping in and out of their lives, Jenny built a life for herself and the girls. It was tough. "It can be lonely because you want adult company," she says. "It's tiring because there's no one else to hand the children over to when you just need a little break, and that can play havoc on your mind as well." Prime Minister Scott Morrison with his family at a Liberal Party rally. Credit:AAP Sometimes Scott's re-entry into the household was disruptive. "I hated it when [he'd] come home at 7.30. I'd think, 'That's when I'm getting them to bed,' " she says. "He'd been away from them and he missed them and he wanted to see them awake, but I'd be looking forward to that time of night when I just had a fraction of me time." As Scott's political career blossomed, politics began to intrude more on the family. When he was immigration minister, facing intense opposition to his hardline stance on boat arrivals, the Morrisons were given a security detail. The federal police arrived the day Jenny was throwing a Frozen birthday party, complete with trees and fake snow at the local Scout hall. "I had pine trees inside the hall, and I had Australian Federal Police outside," she says. She has found it difficult sometimes, but during the rough times, Scott "would stick to me like glue", she says. "And vice versa. We keep each other." Their friend, Lynelle Stewart, who has known both since they were children, and introduced them at the fateful Luna Park church outing, says the Morrisons have been "incredible in their resilience" through their challenges. "They really adore each other," she says. Loading Many people deeply disagree with the Prime Minister's stance on refugees, or with other views he has espoused over the years. Many personally dislike him as a result. Jenny has tried not to take that to heart. "You've got to have a really thick skin or be able to compartmentalise," she says. "I remind myself, I remind the girls, too, of who their father is. Those people haven't met my husband, they haven't had a conversation with him. He's a nice guy. He's genuine and he's fun." Mostly, Jenny and the girls were able to keep their lives separate from politics. That changed eight months ago when Malcolm Turnbull was overthrown in a messy coup. The country was surprised, and so was Jenny. "I think she was in a little bit of shock at the rapid change at first," says Stewart, who stayed with her that week and is looking after the girls during the election campaign. "She had to keep the girls as normal as possible. She did an amazing job." On the day their father became prime minister, Abbey and Lily's teachers called their classes together. "They said, 'This has happened to Abbey and Lily's dad ... this is where they come to school, this is their safe place, we treat Abbey and Lily with respect and they can come to school and feel comfortable here,' " Jenny says. "Beautiful." Fashion Week is a fine moment to make an entrance. This is the case whether youre an up and coming label or a more established brand which has never staged a full-on runway show. Emotive and impactful, a fashion show (all six to eight minutes of it) can be a powerful way to distil the essence of your brand. Or to put it another way, show off a little. US fashion designer Jonathan Simkhai is making his Australian Fashion week debut. Whats more, thanks to social media, images and footage snapped from the front row can instantly go viral, putting your brand on a global stage no matter which (of the many) fashion weeks around the world you show at. This is, in part, why LA-based (via New York City) fashion designer Jonathan Simkhai is choosing to make his Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia debut during this years event. Simkhai usually shows at New York Fashion Week. Mothers Day is bittersweet for women like Amanda Conroy who are navigating motherhood without one of their own. Its a huge hole in my heart, said Ms Conroy, who was newly pregnant when she lost her mother. Amanda Conroy with her toddler Augie. Amanda lost her own mother shortly before becoming a mother herself. Credit:Edwina Pickles Ms Conroy, from Bardwell Park in Sydney, is glad her mother lived to hear the news of her pregnancy, achieved after five years of fertility treatment. By then her mother was in her 80s, frail and in poor health, but still mentally sharp. I was able to hold her hand and tell her I was pregnant with the twins," Ms Conroy said. The joy in her eyes at seeing our dream come true was so important to me. Swisslog, a leading global provider of intralogistics automation solutions, said it is making big strides with the SAP EWM warehouse management system alongside its own SynQ software platform. The company recently secured three global projects with a combined value of over 17 million ($19.02 million), and a significant element of these involves SAP EWM integration, said a statement from the company. These orders were placed by Festo, an automation technology specialist from Germany to build a new, state-of-the-art logistics hub in Shanghai; Aqipa, a consumer electronics distributor from Austria who will use SAP EWM to control its AutoStore facility near Innsbruck; and Buhler, a Swiss technology company for its new Customer Service Hub in Switzerland, it said. All three cases call for a combination of the AutoStore compact storage system and SAP EWM. This will allow Swisslog to further cement its position as the worlds number-one AutoStore provider. Alain Kaddoum, general manager of Swisslog Middle East, said: We are delighted that our development of the standard AutoStore concept with SAP EWM offers real added value for our customers. The orders we have secured will allow us to demonstrate our SAP expertise in the market even further, he added. AutoStore is an automated storage and retrieval system, which uses radio-controlled, battery-powered robots who move along a grid on top of stacks of bins. The robots lift bins from the stacks and deliver them to the operator at the picking station, after which the robot returns the bin to storage. AutoStore is a giant leap toward making supply chain management more efficient as it offers a 50% increase in picking speed, a 60 per cent reduction in inventory storage footprint and a 90 per cent improvement in picking errors over non-automated distribution centres. SAP EWM is a highly standardized and efficient warehouse management system for manual and automated warehouse solutions with material flow functionality that allows the direct connection of PLC-level controls. The high level of standardisation minimises risk of error and failure rates in daily operations, resulting in a high degree of employee satisfaction and ensuring maximum throughput. Kaddoum said: At our company, we are dedicated to finding the most innovative solutions in logistics automation to improve our customers operations. Our solutions have provided our customers with significant improvements in logistics enabling optimal usage of the same space. In the Middle East, Swisslog has deployed its automated logistics solutions across multiple sectors including e-commerce, retail, food and beverage. Till date, the company has signed a total of seven large-scale projects in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait with a value of over $100 million, it stated. TradeArabia News Service I have for many years coveted long, straight hair worthy of a slow motion whip around to camera. I did try once in 1984 with my best friend KB. I think we got as far as laying my head on the ironing board with a piece of baking paper. The Afro gods intervened with a well-timed power shortage. I did eventually get my hair professionally straightened. For the next week, all I did was run my hands through my tamed locks. When I washed my hair the curls instantly returned, waiting as they had been for the alchemic properties of water to bring them back to life. Hair serves a practical purpose in keeping body parts warm and has an obvious forensic value in linking perpetrators to their crime. Once removed from the body, hair loses its beauty. Anonymous hairs in public sinks? Gross. Throughout Biblical passages, mythology and folklore, hair is used to symbolise human desire, frailty, identity and sexuality. Characters such Samson and Delilah, Goldilocks and Rapunzel are part of our westernised indoctrination into the symbolic value of hair. Cath Moore. Credit: I once heard an incredible WWII story about a Jewish couple on the run who made it into safe territory by crossing a fast flowing river. Unable to swim, the woman almost drowned until her desperate husband pulled her across by the hair. Chris Rock made a wonderful documentary called Good Hair which explores racial politics in America and why many successful women of colour still try to emanate Caucasian beauty by straightening their hair. Indeed the last time I saw Oprah with natural hair was when she was making a somewhat ironic statement about self-empowerment. Sydney businesswoman Marina Go was transfixed by social media last week watching the fantastic reaction to the story about Bill Shortens mother. The wonderful thing is it became a celebration of our mums, which is really lovely, Ms Go said. There was an overwhelming outpouring of love for mothers and stories about how their mothers were really clever and they missed out and couldn't go to university because the times meant they didnt have the opportunity. "You don't attack someone's mum or even if you don't mean to attack someone's mum, if mums get caught up as collateral damage the general public won't go for that." Marina Go in red, with her sons Lachlan (left) and Jackson (right) and mother Maria. Credit:Wolter Peeters The Daily Telegraph story attacked the Opposition Leader for speaking about the sacrifices his mother Ann made as a young woman without divulging that she completed a law degree later in life. The social media backlash resonated with Ms Go because it reflected her family history. One the first Saturday opening of the Archibald Prize exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW, Tony Costa's 2019 winning painting was in the main welcomed by the crowd. "It's nice to see a portrait that is not David Wenham - he seems to be in every year," said one anonymous visitor, before realising Tessa MacKays hyper-real portrait of the actor Through the looking glass, had won the Packing Room prize. Opening weekend crowd at the NSW Art Gallery viewing the Archibald Prize finalists and winner. Credit:Dean Sewell Patrick and Janet Batho, who had come from Canberra for the opening weekend, both agreed that it was nice to see a portrait of someone who is not so famous win first prize. "It's nice to see a picture of a normal person - not say a politician like Gladys Berejiklian," Mr Batho said. Sydney's famous Andrew Boy Charlton Pool will be open to "pooch pool parties" one day a year, following a decision passed on Monday night. In a unanimous decision, Sydney City Council passed a motion forwarded by Deputy Lord Mayor Linda Scott to allow for a "doggy pool party" for one day only on the final day of the summer swim season, at the famed harbourside pool. Pooch pool party people. From left to right: Sam Nolan, Colin Crowley with Rupert (dog), Matt Baker with Pepa (dog), Councillor Linda Scott with Tumshee (dog) and Nicola OHanlon with Towskey (dog). Credit:Dean Sewell Councillors moved to investigate options for the opening of the seasonal pool to dogs, upon confirmation from the NSW Department of Health that the activity is suitable, and safe and healthy for dogs - and subject to cleaning costs following the event. As the pool is usually cleaned when it closes for the winter season, this doesn't add any significant cleaning costs Councillor Scott said. A public housing tenant who discovered asbestos in her home says the Department of Housing is trying to get her to sign a document that would prevent her from taking legal action if she ever developed an asbestos-related illness. In February, a contractor came to replace tiles in Judith Rosales Gutierrezs bathroom, after a recurring problem with black mould. Ms Rosales Gutierrez was in the kitchen when she heard a loud bang and hurried to check he was OK. Judith Rosales Gutierrez says the Department of Housing is trying to get her to sign a document that would prevent her from taking legal action if she ever developed an asbestos-related illness. Credit:Joe Armao The contractor told her something was wrong and he needed to get other workers to help him, but did not mention hed discovered asbestos, she says. There are mischievous whispers among Labor types that they would quite like former prime minister and conservative tribalist Tony Abbott to keep his seat of Warringah next Saturday. In the event that they lose, and in the event he hangs on, you would want to pay for front row tickets to see how that plays out in their party room, one Labor MP remarked to The Sun-Herald this week. Illustration: Reg Lynch Credit: The electorate, which Abbott has held since 1994, has always been one of the countrys bluest. But Abbott is in grave danger of losing it to independent candidate Zali Steggall, who is polling strongly. Its possible Steggall was concocted in a laboratory by scientists experimenting with Abbott anti-matter: she is female, a believer in consensus, soft in style, impossible for him to muscle up against, and yet able to match him in terms of sporty prowess (she is a former Olympic skier) and intellect (she is a barrister). The number of young voters enrolled in the hotly contested electorate of Warringah has surged, challenging the blue-ribbon Liberal status of the seat held by former prime minister Tony Abbott. There has been a 20 per cent rise in the under-25 youth vote, from 8235 to 9918 voters, and a 25 per cent rise in the number of 18-19 year-old voters in the past decade, according to a Sun-Herald analysis of statistics from the Australian Electoral Commission. While the traditional blue-ribbon Liberal seat is known as a haven for retirees, the under-30s are a larger share of the electorate than people over 70. They are also a faster growing bloc of voters. Warringah voters Lara Dragasevich, 23, and Rory Sample, 25, feel Tony Abbott no longer represents the electorate. Credit:James Brickwood Under-30s accounted for 15.6 per cent of the electorate in 2009, but that grew to 16.4 per cent in 2019 - increasing their share of the electorate by almost 1 percentage point. By comparison, the over-70s group increased from 15.2 per cent to 15.6 per cent of the electorate. Quetta: Three gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in Pakistan's south-western port city of Gwadar on Saturday, killing at least one guard and battling security forces inside, officials and the army said. Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove said most guests had been evacuated from the five-star Pearl Continental Hotel, which helicopters circled as fighting was under way. A police officer comforts a man who lost a relative in suicide bomb attack earlier this week. Credit:AP Pakistan's prime minister condemned the deadly insurgent attack that took place a day earlier at a luxury hotel on the south-western coast, calling it an act of terrorism. In a statement early Sunday, Imran Khan praised the "initial response by security guards and security forces" for preventing greater loss of life. London: In the Enlightenment Gallery at the British Museum, a guide ushers her semi-circle of mostly American tourists around a pitted, weathered bark shield. She paints a vivid picture for them of an Australian Aboriginal tribes first experience of white visitors: Captain Cooks Endeavour 249 years ago. For them this was an extraordinary and terrifying event, she says. For them, white figures meant death. They had never heard gunfire imagine how terrifying is that. And one of them drops their shield. Venice: Fake news. Migration. Poverty. Global warming. Armed conflict. Political issues that light up the airwaves and social media are getting a very open airing at the 58th Venice Biennale contemporary art fair. A man looks the Aso Oke sculpture part of "Liberty" installation by artist Martin Puryear, at the Venice Biennale's US pavilion Credit:AP American curator Ralph Rugoff, director of London's Hayward Gallery, titled the main exhibition May You Live in Interesting Times. The title is itself an exemplary piece of fake news. It was delivered by a British lawmaker as an ancient Chinese curse as Europe hurled toward World War II. It was, in fact, made up. Yet, Rugoff notes, "it's had a presence in political discourse ever since." Hub71, a global tech hub driven by Mubadala in collaboration with Microsoft, SoftBank Vision Fund and Abu Dhabi Global Market announced that two new partners,Techstars and Starburst, will join Hub71 in Q4 of this year. Hub71 is a key initiative of the Abu Dhabi Governments Ghadan 21 economic acceleration program. The accelerators are aimed at maximizing success for start-ups from anywhere in the world. In addition to their unique mentorship-based 12-week programs, both accelerators bring direct access to funds, sector expertise and a global network of industry leaders. Mahmoud Adi, Head of Hub71, said: We want to position Abu Dhabi as a leading global city for ambitious founders seeking to set up and grow their technology companies. Hub71s mission is to remove regulatory roadblocks faced by start-ups. Additionally, were looking to build a global network of technology partners and investors around Hub71 founders to increase their chances of success. "Within the first month of launching Hub71, weve successfully tied two strong partnerships with global accelerators: Techstars, a mentorship-driven accelerator that offers funding and a worldwide network, and Starburst, the number one aerospace accelerator in the world," he stated. "Until we open for applications in September, well continue to double down on our efforts to offer the worlds fastest tech company setup and excel at supporting early and growing start-ups in every aspect of their business needs," he added. David Brown, Co-Founder, and Co-CEO of Techstars said: "Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed and we are excited at the prospect of working with Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, UAE to help grow and scale the startup community." "We have been active in the UAE through prior Techstars programs and welcome the opportunity to extend our global network of over 150 countries, over 10,000 mentors and over 300,000 alumni. Our expertise helping global founders through mentorship-driven 12-week programs provide product development training, pitch preparation workshops, demo days and investment. Hub71s dedication to building a culture of innovation aligns perfectly with Techstars mission to help entrepreneurs create businesses around the world," he added. As Abu Dhabi continues to build momentum around its aerospace ecosystem, including UAEs very own space agency founded in 2014, Hub71 partners with Starburst, the global-leading accelerator propelling innovation in the aerospace industry specializing in space, defense and aeronautics. Francois Chopard, Founder of Starburst said: Were excited to collaborate with Hub71 to bring the best aerospace start-ups to Abu Dhabi. Aerospace has been one of Abu Dhabis top priorities for the last twenty years, including the establishment of the UAE Space Agency." "Starburst will provide a three-month program for ten start-ups per year, including direct financing, world-class mentors from the aerospace industry and access to local financing. Abu Dhabi is the latest addition to our global network after having launched programs in Los Angeles, Montreal, Paris, Munich and Singapore. Since its creation in 2013, Starburst has accelerated more than 200 start-ups around the world" he stated. Plug and Play, a leading global accelerator and venture capital firm from Silicon Valley, is also proud to announce Hub71 as its regional headquarters. The Plug and Play Abu Dhabi Global Market partnership has built multi-industry corporate accelerator programs to support major enterprise and government partners engage with leading technology start-ups from all around the globe. Hub71 will nurture and host these meaningful collaborations, providing a home for global entrepreneurs looking to launch their Middle-East operations. Hub71 is working closely with Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to speed-track Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) applications further enhancing Hub71s value proposition to global start-ups and investors alike.-TradeArabia News Service Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently hosted a seminar at its premises which familiarised companies with regulatory requirements associated with the existing law governing volunteering activities in Dubai. The seminar was organised by the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network Community Engagement Task Force in collaboration with the Community Developing Authority (CDA). Ahmed Hassan Lootah, head of Volunteering Section, CDA, delivered an informative presentation on the Dubai volunteering law introduced in 2018 and provided an overview of the processes that companies should follow before involving employees in volunteering activities, including registration procedures volunteers and their projects through the Dubai Volunteer portal. Following the presentation, participants were given an opportunity to ask any volunteering related questions. Dr Belaid Rettab, senior director, Economic Research and Sustainable Business Development Sector, Dubai Chamber, said there has been heightened interest and more participation in volunteering initiatives within the business community, following the introduction of the volunteering law in Dubai in 2018. As more companies introduce corporate volunteering initiatives to support their CSR plans and stimulate positive engagement within their organisations, it is essential that they are fully informed of the rules and regulations that govern such activities, said Dr Rettab. He added that the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network Community Engagement Task Force would continue to play an active role in fostering a culture of volunteerism within the business community and encouraging companies to maximise their social impact. Huraiz Al Mur Bin Huraiz, CEO Social Care & Development Sector, CDA said: The percentage of the volunteering work in any society is an indicator on how this society is able to respond to economic and social changes smoothly, thus, we are keen to educate companies and individuals about the benefits of the programme, and about the volunteering law, that hugely encourages the volunteering work in Dubai. The Dubai Volunteer Law provided an umbrella for the volunteer work in the emirate, CDA is responsible to organize the volunteering work and to link all stakeholders, this includes the opportunities providers, the volunteers, and the volunteering groups, added Bin Huraiz. Established by the Chambers Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network serves as the focal point for the business community to share and exchange best practices in implementing CSR. The network provides an opportunity for local companies to network, learn, share experiences and constitute CSR leadership. TradeArabia News Service China for the first time made clear what it wants to see from the US in talks to end their trade war, laying bare the deep differences that still exist between the two sides. In a wide-ranging interview with Chinese media after talks in Washington ended Friday, Vice Premier Liu He said that in order to reach an agreement the US must remove all extra tariffs, set targets for Chinese purchases of goods in line with real demand, and ensure that the text of the deal is balanced to ensure the dignity of both nations. Lius three conditions underscore ... Cigarette maker Philip Morris International has suspended a global social media marketing campaign in response to Reuters inquiries into the companys use of young online personalities to sell its new "heated tobacco" device, including a 21-year-old woman in Russia. The company's internal "marketing standards" prohibit it from promoting tobacco products with youth-oriented celebrities or "models who are or appear to be under the age of 25." The company told Reuters of the decision late Friday, saying it had launched an internal investigation into ... German engineering giant Siemens plans to spin off its struggling gas and power unit to prepare it for a potential stock market listing next year. Meanwhile, Siemens will also cut over 10,000 jobs at its core divisions in a sweeping overhaul, reported Bloomberg. The division to be carved out comprises its oil and gas, conventional power generation, power transmission and related services businesses and will be listed by September 2020. Siemens' Gas and Power (GP) unit is to be "given complete independence and entrepreneurial freedom through a carve-out and a subsequent public listing", it said in a statement. Siemens pointed out that it will retain somewhat less than 50% of the new entity, which will include its 59% stake in Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, creating a company with $33.5 billion (30 billion euros) in business volume. Siemens aims to keep significant influence in what it called a powerful pure play in energy and electricity. The division has operations spanning oil and gas as well as conventional power generation and transmission, while Siemens Gamesa develops wind farms and makes renewable energy equipment. In separating out the unit, CEO Joe Kaeser is further chipping away at Siemens conglomerate structure. The executive previously brought the health-care division to market, merged the wind power unit with a Spanish competitor, and tried -- and failed -- to merge its train unit with French rival Alstom SA. The rail deal was blocked by European antitrust regulators. In addition to the structural revamp, Kaeser also unveiled job reductions at its core divisions to save about 2.2 billion euros by 2023. These include 4,900 cuts at digital industries, 3,000 at so-called smart infrastructure and 2,500 jobs at its central corporate unit. At the same time, Siemens plans to hire about 20,500 new employees, stated the report. The gas and power unit has been among the weakest of Siemenss divisions, reporting lower orders and profitability as utilities buy fewer large turbines amid a global shift to renewable energy. In separating out the GP unit, Siemens CEO Joe Kaeser is further chipping away at Siemenss conglomerate structure. The executive previously brought the health-care division to market, merged the wind power unit with a Spanish competitor, and tried - and failed - to merge its train unit with French rival Alstom SA. The rail deal was blocked by European antitrust regulators. According to him, Siemens would increasingly focus on digital industries and smart infrastructure as well as its health and mobility units under its Vision 2020+ strategy. Kaeser said the goal was "further sharpening Siemens' focus and making our businesses faster and more flexible". Key growth areas would include electric mobility infrastructure, distributed energy systems, smart buildings and energy storage, the company said. Kaeser has said repeatedly that more needs to be done to secure a future for the business. Siemens now aims to contribute its majority stake in the renewable energies company SGRE, currently at 59 per cent, to GP. However, the parent company plans to "remain a strong anchor shareholder in the new company". Its stake would be "initially somewhat less than 50 per cent and, for the foreseeable future, above the level of a blocking minority holding". Kaeser said the move will create a player in the energy and electricity sector "with a unique, integrated setup - an enterprise that encompasses the entire scope of the energy market like no other company". "Combining our portfolio for conventional power generation with power supply from renewable energies will enable us to fully meet customer demand," he said. "It will also allow us to provide an optimised and, when necessary, combined range of offerings from a single source." Its separation and planned listing is expected to form the bulk of Siemenss presentation to shareholders and analysts at a capital markets day on Wednesday, when the company also reports second-quarter earnings. "The decision on the carve-out of gas and power was anything but easy, said Juergen Kerner, who represents the IG Metall labor union on Siemenss supervisory board. The division is one of Siemenss core businesses, but a growth strategy under Siemens is still not feasible. There are many questions Alison Green is asked as a columnist who writes about workplace issues. There was the woman who wanted to know if she should attend couples therapy with her boss and the bosss boyfriend. (The boyfriend happened to be her father.) Another time she heard complaints about a janitor who cast a hex on her colleagues. But Green was taken aback recently when asked about her salary, a topic so fraught even she couldnt come up with a good answer. No one has ever asked me that, she said. I dont want to say. Many ... The Alia Bhatt-Vicky Kaushal starrer 'Raazi' completed one year today. Producer Karan Johar took to his Twitter handle to share a behind the scene video. "A film that swells our chest with pride. The love that #Raazi has gotten is a true testament to the hard work & love put into this cinematic experience! #1YearOfRaazi," he captioned the post. In the video, KJo shared his memories on the film. He said "I still remember the day I heard the brave story of Raazi. And when I realized that Meghna Gulzar [Writer-Director] was going to helm this beautiful project, I was even more excited." He also said Alia Bhatt's work in Raazi will always remain one of the finest moments in cinema. This was the first time Alia and Vicky worked together. The Meghna Gulzar-directorial earned approximately Rs 207 crore worldwide. The film's story is set against the backdrop of the Indo-Pak war in 1971, where an Indian girl (played by Alia) marries a Pakistani Army officer (Vicky Kaushal) to spy for her country. Alia will next share screen space with Ranbir Kapoor in Ayan Mukherji's dream project 'Brahmastra'. The film is scheduled to release in summer 2020. Whereas, Vicky Kaushal will be seen in Shoojit Sircar's 'Sardar Udham Singh', a biopic on the legendary freedom fighter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 13 people died on the spot and many others got injured when a bus trying to overtake a two-wheeler, lost its control and hit a tempo traveller in Veldhurthy on Saturday. "A private bus, on way to Bengaluru, tried to overtake a two-wheeler and lost its control. It rammed into the divider and hit a tempo traveller coming from the opposite direction," said Fakirappa, Superintendent of Police (SP), Kurnool. "The people travelling on the bus belonged to Jogulamba Gadwal district of Telangana and injured people have been admitted in Kurnool district hospital." Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolence to the families of the deceased and hoped for quick recovery of the injured. "The road accident in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool is deeply unfortunate. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover quickly," said PM Modi in a statement. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao also expressed his grief over the incident and ordered the Collector of Jogulamba Gadwal to extend all possible help to the injured people. Rescue process is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed the responsibility for the attack on Pearl Continental hotel here in which one security guard was shot dead. "We claim the responsibility of Gawadar attack on PC hotel. The attack is being carried out by our freedom fighters of Majeed Brigade of BLA," BLA tweeted its spokesperson Jeehand Baloch, as saying. Gunshots were heard as three armed gunmen stormed a private five-star hotel in Gwadar city of Balochistan on Saturday, Pakistan media reported. The security guard was shot dead when he tried to stop the armed men from entering the hotel building. Security forces have arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area, reported Dunya News. The attack on Pearl Continental, the only high-end hotel in Balochistan, reminds the deadly terror attack on two iconic five-star hotels in Mumbai -- Oberoi and Taj Mahal hotel -- on November 26, 2008. Firing inside the hotel is still underway as security forces are trying to neutralise the attackers, tweeted Pakistan journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah. All the foreign and local guests staying in the hotel have been safely evacuated, said Balochistan Information Minister Zahoor Buledi. Reports suggest that attackers are heavily armed and may be wearing suicide jackets. More details are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dissatisfied with not getting a ticket from the Congress party in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, former Delhi minister and Congress leader Raj Kumar Chauhan joined the BJP on Saturday. Chauhan formally joined the BJP in the presence of Delhi unit BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, Union Minister Vijay Goel and other senior leaders of the party. The 4-time MLA and former minister in Sheila Dikshit Cabinet, Chauhan was seeking ticket from North-West Delhi parliamentary constituency. While joining the ruling party at the Centre, Chauhan said that his ticket had got cleared by senior Congress leaders but was denied at the eleventh hour. "A ticket, cleared by the election board comprising top leaders of the party, got rejected and was given to somebody else," Chauhan told media persons after joining the BJP. The Congress party has fielded Delhi Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia from the North West Delhi constituency. On April 21, his supporters in the Congress party had also protested outside Congress president Rahul Gandhi's residence over the denial of ticket to Chauhan. All seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi are going to polls on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A fire broke out in the power car of New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express near Khantapada in Odisha on Saturday. No casualties or injuries have been reported so far. The fire was brought under control by the team of Odisha Fire and Disaster Response Academy. As a safety measure, the generator car was detached from the train. Further details are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French lawmakers on Friday approved a law aimed at outlining measures to restore, within the next five years, the famed Notre Dame Cathedral that sustained great damage in a fire last month. "We will rebuild Notre Dame de Paris... We will not confuse speed with haste. We must offer Notre Dame a restoration worthy of its splendour," Xinhua news agency quoted France's Culture Minister Franck Riester as saying. "At certain points, it is urgent to intervene, at others we will take the time to reflect. The current situation of Notre Dame imposes these two approaches and this law manages to reconcile them," he added. Rebuilding the 850-year-old French gothic architecture in five years is an "ambitious timeframe," Riester said, but "we want to move quickly. Some have accused us of wanting to move too quickly but the outpouring of generosity was very fast so we can and must respond, which is what we are doing." The law provides a legal framework for the donations to guarantee transparency. Till date, more than one billion euros (1.124 billion U.S. dollars) worth of donations have been received to restore and preserve the ancient monument and "to finance the training of professionals with the specific skills that will be required for the work," Xinhua reported. The law also outlines the creation of a public body that will allow the French government to override regulations on planning, environmental and heritage protection, and public tenders in order "to facilitate the achievement of restoration work as soon as possible and in satisfactory safety conditions." "There are very precise rules that apply to the restoration of heritage buildings and property, which are formalised in the code on cultural heritage and which correspond to France's excellence in this field," Riester said. On the night of April 15, the bells in the famous spire of the Cathedral had not yet rung by the time of the first fire alarm, at 6:21 p.m., but five minutes later. The bells had sounded at 6:04 p.m. to announce the regular Mass at 6:15 p.m, French authorities said. Nearly two-thirds of the roof of the 850-year-old French gothic architecture was severely damaged by the devastating fire. However, the cause of the fire has yet to be identified. The Cathedral, whose construction began in 1160 and continued over a century, has been a Heritage Site since 1991 and receives around 13 million visitors every year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the suspension order of doctor Kafeel Ahmad Khan, one of the accused in the death of infants at the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur in 2017. A Bench of Justice Sanjay Krishan Kaul and Justice Indira Banerjee dismissed the appeal filed by suspended paediatrician Khan against the Allahabad High Court's March 7 order. In its order passed on Friday, the top court while dismissing Khan's plea observed that he would continue to be paid suspension allowance as per law. It also made it clear that dismissal of this petition "will not be amount to any imprimatur of the findings recorded by the High Court". The Allahabad High Court in its March 7 order had observed that Khan's non-cooperation was the reason for delay in the disciplinary proceedings and while disposing of his petition against suspension order had directed the authorities to complete the proceedings within three months. On August 22, 2017, Khan was suspended from service following the deaths of about 60 infants in the hospital due to lack of oxygen, after oxygen suppliers cut off supply due to non-payment of dues by hospital. An FIR was registered against Khan under charges of attempt to commit culpable homicide, criminal breach of trust and criminal conspiracy. The additional charges of corruption and private practice have already been dropped during investigation for lack of evidence. It was alleged that the doctor was negligent in his duties, which resulted in a shortage of medical oxygen. Khan had claimed that he was made a scapegoat in BRD Medical College oxygen tragedy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 'Avengers One such question that is dividing Marvelites across the world is: Why did Cap choose Falcon and not Bucky to be the next Captain America? Stephen McFeely and Christopher Markus, the writer duo that has spent over a decade scripting and formulating the marvel cinematic universe explained the logic behind Captain America's ending scene and why it wasn't a difficult choice between the two. "When you look back at "The First Avenger" and realise why he (Steve Rogers) was chosen to be the first super soldier, it's about a certain purity at heart and certain inner heroism," explained Markus. He stated that while the audience has a soft spot for Bucky, the fact remains that Bucky had a dark past and is still recovering from it. On the other hand, Sam Wilson aka Falcon had an upper hand when it came to passing on Cap's responsibilities. "It's pretty hard to give it to Bucky. As much as we love him, he is on the dark path and is recovering from that. Sam really is a truly stand up guy. It wasn't a wildly difficult choice, certainly," Markus asserted. Meanwhile, McFeely insisted that passing on the shield to African-American character, pointed towards a better America. "Captain America has always represented the best of the idea of America, you know? And giving it to an African-American guy... it's great. Not patting ourselves on the back, I'm just saying that's pointing toward a better America," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dubais Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has announced 19 sustainability requirements that hotel establishments across the emirate will be mandated to comply with under new direction in line with the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative. The requirements have been laid out to support the emirates hotel establishments in their compliance with the Dubai Tourism hotel classification system, with the long-term objective of advancing sustainability performance across the sector. The 19 sustainability requirements have been developed to map out regulations for hotel establishments across all classifications to follow in order to support positive change within the industry. Through improvements to internal operations, hotel establishments will, in turn, advance the overall sustainability performance of the sector, further enhancing the competitiveness of Dubais tourism linked economy. The requirements cover a variety of areas including sustainable management approaches, performance metrics, energy, food and water management plans, guest education, employee training initiatives, the presence of sustainability committees within hotel establishments and corporate social responsibility programmes for local communities. To regulate compliance, Dubai Tourism will begin auditing the performance of the hotels after an 18-month progressive implementation period which will allow hotels to finalise their operations, with the exception of the Carbon Calculator tool, which came into effect as mandatory from January 2017. The DST team conducted a series of training sessions to increase awareness of the implementation of the sustainability requirements, successfully training 45 per cent of the industry to date, with further sessions planned throughout Q2. Yousuf Lootah, executive director Tourism Development & Investments, Dubai Tourism, said: As part of the efforts to transform Dubai into a leading sustainable tourism destination in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, 19 Sustainability Requirements for hotel establishments across various classifications have been launched by Dubai Tourism under the Dubai Sustainable Tourism initiative. The regulated guidelines will help promote energy conservation and efficiency, as well as encourage environmentally sustainable practices across the local tourism inventory." "Dubai Tourism has already hosted a number of sessions to train the industry on the newly launched sustainability requirements, supporting hotel establishments in improving their internal operations and giving them the opportunity to grow as green leaders within the community. Following the grace period, these guidelines will be enforced through a structured monitoring process and reporting mechanism to ascertain the outcome of the existing efforts and to quantify what more is required to reach the agreed targets, he said. In line with Dubais Carbon Abatement Strategy, issued by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, which commits to reducing carbon emissions by 16 per cent by 2021, the DST initiative works in partnership with its network of public and private sector stakeholders to position Dubai as one of the worlds leading sustainable tourism destinations. Through its ongoing programme dedicated to improving conservation of the emirates resources and reducing the carbon footprint of Dubais tourism industry, the 19 Sustainability Requirements cover the areas including sustainability management approach, compliance to government initiatives, employee training, guest education, energy management plan and many others. - TradeArabia News Service American reality star Kim Kardashian is the target of huge backlash from people involved in the prison reform movement who think she is getting too much credit for her '90-day Freedom Campaign' to free inmates with mild offences. Kim along with her two attorneys, Brittany K. Barnett and MiAngel Cody of The Decarceration Collective, launched a 90-day Freedom campaign aimed at releasing inmates with non-violent offences like low-level drug offence. Under the campaign, Kim was able to free 17 inmates, as TMZ reported. People from the prison reform movement are now coming up with comments against the star and her attorneys for receiving too much media coverage for being a star. Brittany K. Barnett, in a live chat with TMZ, talked about how people are dedicating their time to free non-offensive inmates. She puts the blame on media which is overlooking Kim's efforts. Barnett said people believe that Kim is getting the coverage just because she is star while her true efforts are not being reported. Barnett and MiAngel also took to social media to address the backlash and said, "We are two Black women lawyers. We do this for the CULTURE, the CAUSE, and the CODE." Kim, under the purview of the campaign, also sat with President Trump in the White House to discuss the same. She often deals with Jared Kushner, Senior Advisor to the President directly. After Kim launched the campaign to free the inmates, she was flooded with emails, letters, and social media messages. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hundreds of prisoners escaped from an Indonesian jail on Sumatra island after rioting and fire broke out on Saturday morning at the detention centre. The incident occurred after the police raided the Siak Sri Indrapura prison on Friday evening and found a female prisoner in possession of crystal methamphetamine. Following this, the authorities coordinated with the narcotics division of the Siak police to raid the entire penitentiary, reported The Jakarta Post. The rioting was triggered after a prison guard reportedly hit one of the inmates who was caught using the said drug. The angered prisoners set the guard's office on fire. In a massive manhunt by the authorities following the incident, around 110 prisoners have been recaptured, while an unknown number of others remain at large. "We'll check the number [of the prisoners who ran away] later. The officers are trying to negotiate with the other prisoners," said Inspector General Widodo Eko. Widodo claimed there were no casualties, but a police officer was hit by a rubber bullet during the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he might come from a low caste but he is "trying day and night to uplift each and every person from the lower caste and every poor person in the country." Claiming that the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) all through their campaign targeted him for coming from a "lower" caste, Prime Minister Modi said: "I might come from a low caste but I am trying day and night to uplift each and every person from the lower caste and every poor person in the country." Prime Minister Modi was addressing an election rally in favour of Union Minister Manoj Sinha, who is seeking re-election from this seat. Ghazipur goes to poll on May 19, the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha polling. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. Expressing his dismay over the Congress government in Rajasthan for allegedly burying Alwar gang rape case due to polls, Modi said: "You must have heard of the incident from Rajasthan's Alwar district in the past two-three days." "A Dalit girl was gang-raped by thugs. Instead of catching the accused the Congress government is trying to bury the case. This happened because there were elections in the state then. They delayed justice. This is the truth of Congress' justice," he said. "I also want to ask why the Congress 'darbaris are 'silent now. Why there is no candle march for Alwar's rape victim today. I want to ask the 'Award Wapsi' gang why are they silent when injustice has been caused to Alwar's daughter," he said. A woman was allegedly gang-raped by five men while her husband was beaten up in Thanagaji area of Alwar district in Rajasthan on April 26. The woman and her husband were on a bike, when about five men aged between 20-25 years, stopped them and took the couple to a deserted place. The husband was allegedly assaulted and tied up while the woman was gang-raped. The culprits, reportedly, also threatened the couple not to report the matter to the police or they would make the video public. Earlier addressing an election rally at Sonbhadra, Prime Minister Modi said: "SP-BSP, who first ruined UP, are now hugging each other to save themselves from falling apart. Those who wanted to send each other to jail now want to send them to the palace today." "The leaders of SP and BSP do not tell the people what is their policy for the nation. Whatever they talk about, abusing Modi is at the top of it. What will be their strategy to deal with terrorism -- Naamdar, Behen ji and Babua ji will not speak anything about this," he said. Arch-rivals in Uttar Pradesh -- SP and BSP -- have forged an alliance after the BJP swept Lok Polls in 2014 and registered landslide victory in Assembly elections of 2017. Reiterating his poll campaign for a 'strong government' at the Centre, Prime Minister Modi said: "When there is an adulterated government at the Centre, then security is put at stake. When there was a Third Front government, Samajwadi Party was in the Cabinet. What had they done to the country?" "Many people have written about this before. They have said that the adulterated government had destroyed had intelligence system. The country has to suffer for that. What third front government had done is nothing less than crime," he said. Calling the UPA government, which was in power from 2004 to 2014 as a "remotely controlled" government, Modi said: "After the government of Atal ji, the country saw such a weak government again, saw the government of such great people, who put the credibility of the country on the stake. Then remote-control government destroyed ten years of the country." The Prime Minister also underlined that India had tested its first nuclear test on this day 21 years ago. "21 years back on this day, India successfully carried out nuclear test - operation Shakti. I salute scientists who brought laurels to the country with hard work. This historical incident in 1998 proves what strong political willpower can do for security," he said. "India always had such ability but governments prior to Vajpayee government did not have the courage to take such decision. You can achieve this only if your priority is security. Only then can you have the courage to take a decision for the nuclear test," said Prime Minister Modi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Air Force on Friday received its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter at a Boeing production facility in Arizona, United States. Air Marshal AS Butola attended the handover ceremony on behalf of the Indian Air Force and accepted the first Apache, while representatives from the US government were also present. [{03b00596-7597-41d7-96fb-9f83a5064256:intradmin/Apache_2.jpg}] In September 2015, IAF had signed a contract with US Government and Boeing Limited for 22 Apache helicopters. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year. Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at training facilities in the US Army base of Fort Rucker, Alabama. These personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF. The addition of AH-64 E (I) Apache Guardian helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of IAF's helicopter fleet. It has been customized to suit the force's future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain with the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from the ground. The aircraft can transmit and receive battlefield pictures to and from the weapon systems through data networking making it a lethal acquisition. These helicopters will provide a significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and China on Friday agreed to work closely on the ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. The commitment came after Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun was on a visit to New Delhi, where he met Indian officials to discuss Afghanistan's current situation. The Chinese diplomat also met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. "Chinese Special Envoy Ambassador Deng Xijun today held discussions with Indian officials on the situation in Afghanistan, including peace and reconciliation efforts. He also called on Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale," Kumar wrote on his Twitter handle. "The two sides agreed to consult closely on the evolving situation in Afghanistan and carry forward the decision taken by the leadership of the two countries on joint cooperation in Afghanistan," read another tweet. In April last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met in Wuhan. During the meeting, the two leaders agreed to collaborate on Afghanistan's peace efforts in order to boost mutual trust between New Delhi and Beijing, following the 73-day standoff in Bhutan's Doklam plateau in 2017, which strained bilateral ties. The US has been leading efforts to pressurise the Taliban to lay down their arms and end the nearly two-decades-long civil war in Afghanistan. Both sides have participated in several rounds of meeting in Qatar in an effort to chalk out a peace agreement. On Tuesday, US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad held consultations with Indian government officials and other stakeholders, including External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi. Khalilzad, who was on a recent two-day visit to India, also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, and India's Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar, among others. During his meetings, Khalilzad welcomed India's support for the Afghan peace process, which "strengthens an emerging international consensus for peace efforts." He also recognised that many important contributions India has made to Afghanistan's development. India has been a key stakeholder in Afghanistan's peace and reconciliation process and has been pushing for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process. In November last year, India had participated in talks on 'Afghanistan peace process' in Moscow at a non-official level. India sent two former diplomats to the meeting, which was also attended by Taliban leaders even though New Delhi has a policy on not engaging with the terror group. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Students of the Government Degree College on Friday held a protest in Udhampur over 'rising examination and re-evaluation fee' among other demands."The students are protesting against Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University to show their resentment towards the poor result of the second semester as well as indifferent attitude of management towards them," Pardeep Jamwal Abvp Udhampur said while speaking to media persons here. In the wake of the protest, students boycotted their classes and reached the highway to seek the attention of the management. They raised slogans against the VC and blocked the road to restrict traffic movement. They demanded roll back the fee hike decision and probe by an independent agency to see why the result was very poor. "The university has no foolproof system to ensure transparent checking of examination papers. The result of this semester was very poor due to the casual attitude of the professors and management," a student claimed. The protest was called off after police reached the spot and pacified students. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Special Counsel Robert Mueller will not testify before the panel next week, said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler on Friday. He said that the committee is still discussing Mueller's testimony on his report on alleged Russian interference in 2016 presidential election, but hoped that the Special Counsel would make an appearance. "It won't be next week. We're negotiating now. We are talking with him and the Justice Department," The Hill quoted Nadler as saying while speaking to reporters. Asked about the reason, Nadler said that it "just has not developed." "He will come at some point. If it's necessary, we will subpoena him and he will come," he added. US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he would leave it up to Barr to decide whether Mueller should testify before the Congress. The matter pertains to Mueller being discontented earlier Barr over his handling of the investigation report, saying that he failed to "fully capture the context, nature, and substance" of his investigations' findings. The committee on Wednesday had voted to hold Barr in contempt of Congress, fuelling a simmering dispute between the Democrats and Republicans over Mueller's report. It had voted along party lines, 24 to 16. The Democrats, who have been critical of Attorney General William Barr's handling of Mueller's report, had sought to have the Special Counsel testify on May 15. They are keen to grill Mueller on his inquiry, especially the probe into possible obstruction of justice by Trump. Barr defended his handling of the case during a contentious Senate Judiciary Committee hearing recently, where he repeatedly denied accusations and insinuations by the Democrats that he had lied or misrepresented anything. Last month, Muller's report revealed that there was no criminal conspiracy between Russia and Trump's campaign during the 2016 polls. Although Mueller probed 10 instances of possible obstruction of justice by Trump, he did not make charges. Subsequently, Barr said that no obstruction charges would be carried out against Trump. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested a South African woman and seized 24.7-kilogram Pseudoephedrine drug from her possession at IGI Airport, Delhi. "The CISF Delhi Airport intercepted a South African lady suspected to be carrying contraband on May 9 early morning and informed NCB, Delhi about it. NCB Delhi reached and a total of 24.7 kg of Pseudoephedrine was seized from her luggage," said NCB. During interrogation, the officials found that the woman, who was a carrier, collected the contraband from a house in Greater Noida. "With sustained interrogation of the South African lady, good analysis of call records, call locations and some prompt investigation, NCB team located the house in Greater Noida where the South African lady (carrier) was kept and collected the contraband," read the NCB release. The NCB also seized Pseudoephedrine (1818 kilograms), a precursor used for the manufacture of Methamphetamine, and Cocaine (1.900 kg) from the house in Greater Noida. The agency is also questioning two Nigerians (a male and a female) who were found inside the house where the drug was seized. According to the agency, this is the biggest ever seizure of Pseudoephedrine (Ephedrine) in India outside factory premises as per the NCB records. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid the ongoing political slugfest over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on former PM Rajiv Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said he never used foul language for any of India's premiers, irrespective of their political affiliations. "I never use foul language for any Prime Minister irrespective of the political party they may belong to. Prime Minister, President are not individuals, they are institutions," Singh said at an election rally here. He appealed people to work towards strengthening the institutions of the President and the Prime Minister. He said, "It is the duty of every party and citizen to strengthen these institutions because if these institutions start weakening, democracy will weaken, and if democracy is weak then no power in the world can save the country from a partition." "I would not say that a party did nothing for the development of the country. Every party does something. It is just that their working styles are different," he further said. Singh's statements hold significance as the ruling BJP and Opposition Congress are engaged in a bitter war of words over PM Modi's comments against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Modi, over the past week, dubbed Gandhi as 'corrupt no 1' and accused him of using the Navy's warship INS Viraat for vacationing with his family and friends during his tenure as prime minister. Addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh on May 4, Modi hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying: "Your father was termed 'Mr Clean' by his courtiers, but his life ended as 'Bhrashtachari No 1' (corrupt no 1)." At another rally in Delhi, the Prime Minister claimed that INS Viraat was used as a "personal taxi" by Gandhi family for 10 days while they were vacationing at an island. Modi, apparently, hit back at Gandhi family to combat Congress' 'chowkidar chor hai' (the watchman is a thief) poll jibe, a reference to PM Modi who uses 'chowkidar' as a prefix to his name on social media platforms. Notably, Opposition leaders have been accusing Modi government of weakening the democratic institutions of the country. With the completion of five phases of Lok Sabha elections, a total of 118 seats will go to polls in the next two phases - May 12 and May 19 - of the seven-phase general election. Counting of votes will take place on May 23. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump said on Friday (local time) that North Korea's launch of recent short-range ballistic missiles was not "a breach of trust." In an interview with the Politico website, Trump said, "They are short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no." The US President further downplayed the missile tests by North Korea, calling, "These were short-range missiles and very standard stuff. Very standard." North Korea fired two short-range missiles on Thursday, second such test by the country in less than five days. The military drills, designed to bolster the nuclear-armed country's "various long-range strike means," was widely seen as a move to heap more pressure on Trump amid stalled nuclear talks between the two countries, The Japan Times reported. Trump added that he might eventually lose faith in his friendly relationship with Kim. "I mean it's possible that at some point I will, but right now not at all," he said. On Thursday, North Korea fired unidentified projectiles around 4:30 pm (local time) in the eastern direction from the Sino-ri area to the East Sea, which flew 420 kilometres and 270 km respectively, South Korean news agency Yonhap had reported. The launches would violate United Nations sanctions resolutions banning the use of ballistic missile technology by North Korea. On May 4, North Korea, following a similar drill, fired several rounds of unidentified short-range "projectiles" into the Sea of Japan that the U.S. later referred to as "rockets and missiles." Those launches were the country's first since November 2017. Nuclear talks between the US and North Korea have been stalled after Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ended the Hanoi meeting abruptly without reaching a deal due to large differences over the scope of North Korea's denuclearisation and offers of sanctions relief by the US. Shortly after the missile tests, Trump appeared to hold the door open for more talks with North Korea. "The relationship continues ... I know they want to negotiate, they're talking about negotiating. But I don't think they're ready to negotiate," The Voice of America quoted Trump as saying. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) German airline Lufthansa has launched its travel guides to select destinations around the world, providing unusual recommendations from the perspective of local experts on art, culture and the urban scene. Lufthansa City Guides for New York, Paris and London, with Vienna and Rome are expected to be released this fall, an airline statement said. These are complemented by the personal highlights of Lufthansa crew members that are an absolute must for short stays. The new Lufthansa travel guides are published by Callwey and priced at 18 euros ($20.2) each. They are also available as ebooks from all bookstores and online retailers. For the Lufthansa travel guide, author Marianne von Waldenfels met with influencers, celebrities and creative professionals, asking them about personal hot spots in their cities. In Paris, star author Marc Levy takes readers through the most beautiful neighbourhoods; for London, chef and bestselling author Yotam Ottolenghi provides restaurant suggestions, and fashion lover Olivia Palermo guides travellers through New Yorks shops. Each part of a city is introduced by different insiders and combined with the recommendations of Lufthansa crew members. The result is a stunning 120-page range of tips for cultural highlights, popular restaurants, bars and shops and places to explore away from the usual tourist routes. TradeArabia News Service President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended their wishes to the people of the country on the occasion of Technology Day. Highlighting the 1998 Pokhran Tests, the Prime Minister tweeted: "Greetings on Technology Day! We remember with immense pride the accomplishment of our scientists on this day in 1998. The hard work of our scientists has always ensured a stronger and safer India. May we continue leveraging the power of technology for progress." In a different tweet the Prime Minister went on to praise late former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his role in the success of the Pokhran tests. President Ram Nath Kovind while extending his wishes talked about India's commitment to using technology to accelerate the developmental process. He tweeted, "Greetings to our scientific community on National Technology Day, marking the anniversary of the Pokhran Tests of 1998. India is committed to using technology to accelerate the developmental process, and ensure a dignified existence for every citizen." India conducted Pokhran-II tests, a series of five nuclear bomb test explosions, in May 1998 at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. National Technology Day is observed every year on May 11 as a reminder of the anniversary of Pokhran-II tests. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit on Saturday accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of spreading rumours about her deteriorating health. Responding to rumours against her on various pages on a social media website, she pulled up at Kejriwal and said: "Brother @ArvindKejriwal, why are you spreading false rumours about my health? If you have no work, then come have food at my place. Oversee my health, have food and learn to fight an election without spreading rumours." Following her comment, a verbal battle ensued between the two political heavyweights on the micro-blogging website. Arvind Kejriwal, however, countered her claims and said: "When did I talk about your health? Never. My family has taught me to respect the elderly. May God give you good health and long life." "When you were going to abroad for your treatment, I came to your house to ask about your health, without you inviting me. Tell me when to come to your home to eat?" A day before the capital is slated to go to polls, various pages on Facebook are spreading rumours that Dikshit has been admitted to a hospital. They are also alleging that she has given her support to the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) North East Delhi candidate Dilip Pandey, who is contesting against her in the parliamentary constituency. An FIR was also filed against an unidentified person by a resident of Krishna Nagar, Narendra Jain, on Saturday after he received a call from the person saying that the Congress leader was admitted to the hospital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal on Friday said that he issued subpoenas to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig for six years of President Donald Trump's tax returns. Neal said that the subpoenas directed the concerned officials to send information in the matter to the House panel on May 17 by 5 pm (local time). "After reviewing the options available to me, and upon the advice of counsel, I issued subpoenas today to the Secretary of the Treasury and the Commissioner of the IRS for six years of personal and business returns," Neal said in a statement. "While I do not take this step lightly, I believe this action gives us the best opportunity to succeed and obtain the requested material. I sincerely hope that the Treasury Department will furnish the requested material in the next week so the committee can quickly begin its work," he added. The announcement comes after Mnuchin had rejected Neal's request on April 3 to make public Trump's personal and business tax returns between 2013 to 2018. After becoming a presidential candidate, Trump has refused to release any details of his tax returns. The Democrats suspect that the tax information could reveal evidence of wrongdoings by Trump. They have made tax information one of their top priorities after taking control of the House in January. On Monday, Mnuchin had turned down a request from the Democrats to make Trump's personal and business tax returns public."I am informing you now that the Department may not lawfully fulfil the Committee's request," Mnuchin wrote in his one-page letter. Mnuchin said that the request by the Democrats is "unprecedented" arguing that it raises "serious constitutional questions" that could have "dire consequences" for taxpayer privacy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) This season has been a year full of wonderful moments, wonderful moments altogether, and looking forward to games, says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. "A moment like this is worth more than silverware. This season has been a year full of wonderful moments, wonderful moments altogether. Looking forward to games, enjoying games and last Tuesday was like the icing on the cake so far. Wow. That's exactly the picture we want to draw for the outside world - this is Liverpool," Goal quoted Klopp, as saying. Klopp's comment comes after they reached the Champions League final after they defeated Barcelona in the semi-finals. However, Klopp while expressing his joy said that if people still judge him on not winning something in the past or in the future, then he cannot change that. "It's possible here. It's possible in this club and in this city with the people around. That's the picture. If that leads to silverware, then wonderful. But we cannot do more. If people judge me on not winning something in the past or winning something in the future, I cannot change that," Klopp said. Liverpool will face Tottenham in the Champions League final on June 2. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) final which is scheduled to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here on May 12, tight security arrangements have been made. The city police have deployed 500 police personnel and installed 220 cameras in and around the stadium to ensure foolproof security during the match. "Since the stadium's capacity is to accommodate 38,000 viewers and as this is the final match, there will be a lot of people. We will be deploying about 500 cops for crowd management, while making sure that all the rules are being followed by the public outside the stadium, at parking areas, and also on all the routes leading to Uppal stadium," Mahesh Bhagwat, Commissioner of police Rachakonda, said in a press conference. "The security in and around the stadium is also being firmed up. Special command and control centres have been set up to monitor CCTV footages and we have installed 220 cameras around the stadium. SHE teams and special party teams will also be making the rounds and to Monitor traffic 225 traffic polices have been deployed around the stadium and for parking 10 space are alloted. So there will be no problem for parking space and we request people to co-operate with them," he said. Chennai Super Kings is going to compete with Mumbai Indians for the IPL crown on May 12. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A leopard, which strayed into a house here on Friday, apparently in search of water, was captured by forest department officials and released into the Dudhwa Park, police said. Four people were also reportedly injured after the leopard attacked them. The leopard had entered the house after injuring four locals-- Ram Singh, Awadish, Anil and Ram Singhar. He had entered the village in search of water, forest officials said. Villagers allege that the officials from the forest department reached the spot after over two hours after they informed them. "We called and informed the forest department about the incident. But they reached here after two hours. In the meantime, the leopard attacked four persons, who have been injured in the incident," a villager said. Kartniyaghat Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Gyan Prakash said he had to call a seven-range forest officer to catch the leopard as local officers were unsuccessful in trapping the big cat. "A zoo official from Lucknow reached the spot and administered a tranquiliser shot after which the leopard lost consciousness and it taken out of the house. The leopard was released into Dudhwa Park," Kartniyaghat DFO told ANI. Soon after the incident, the injured people were rushed to a hospital for first-aid. Last month, a leopard was killed by irate villagers after it attacked and injured at least six persons in Bahraich. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said that the Jaipur Foot is one of the great scientific innovations from India that has transformed numerous lives across the Naidu, who is currently in Vietnam on a four-day official visit said this at the inauguration ceremony of Jaipur Foot Artificial Limb Fitment camp at the Indian Embassy here The camp was held under the 'India for Humanity' initiative launched to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. "Jaipur Foot is one of the great scientific innovations from India that has transformed numerous lives across the world," Naidu said in a statement. "It is an initiative that provides to the differently abled persons a sense of freedom and mobility, a sense of dignity and an ability to live life fully," he said. The Vice President further said the partnership between the Indian Government and Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the world's largest non -profit organisation for fitment of artificial limbs, is a partnership of "love and service". The iconic Jaipur Foot is lighter than all the other artificial limbs and has transformed the lives of thousands and helped them lead a life of dignity and become productive members of the community, he added. "It is a partnership for compassion. It is a partnership to honour the life of one of the greatest human beings of our generation, Mahatma Gandhi," Naidu said. He also expressed hope that many more such collaborative initiatives will be taken up by both the countries in the years to come. Earlier in the day, Naidu also paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi situated within the premises of Indian Embassy. He also paid tributes to Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. On Friday, the Vice President met his Vietnamese counterpart Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh and various other Vietnam leaders and expressed hope that countries would reach a consensus on "code of conduct in the South China Sea". In a joint press statement issued along with Dang, Naidu said that both India and Vietnam were fully committed to an open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture based on freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded economic activities and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the international law. Naidu's visit follows a series of high-level exchanges last year including the visits of Prime Minister (January 2018) and President (March 2018) of Vietnam to India. These exchanges have resulted in robust cooperation in several areas, have expanded defence and security ties, forged new economic and commercial linkages and deepened people-to-people engagement. The two sides share a common desire to promote peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shortly after being released from jail, whistleblower Chelsea Manning on Friday uploaded an online video for the first time in 10 months saying she will never cooperate with any grand juries. "I will not cooperate with any grand juries ever. Throughout the last decade, I have accepted full responsibility for my actions. Facing jail this week will not change the fact. Prosecutors deliberately place me in an impossible situation," Manning said in a video posted on Twitter. "The truth is that the government can construct no prison than to betray my own conscience and my principles," she added. Manning was released on Thursday from the Alexandria Detention Centre in Virginia where she was imprisoned for the last two months for refusing to testify before a grand jury regarding disclosure of military and diplomatic secrets to WikiLeaks and its founder Julian Assange in 2010. However, in a statement, her legal team said Manning could return to jail soon (next week) as her lawyers indicated that she would again refuse to testify in response to a separate subpoena. In the video, Manning started her speech by noting that she objects to grand juries "as a general principle." "Prosecutors run grand juries behind closed doors, and it's secret without a judge present. Therefore I declined to answer any questions. Based on my refusal to answer questions, district court judge Hilton ordered me held in contempt until the grand jury ended. Yesterday the grand jury expired and I left the Alexandria Detention Centre," the whistleblower said. Manning also noted that due to her post-surgery vulnerable state of health, she experienced additional issues from being in detention and "is now seeking treatment" for complications. "Jails and prisons exist as a dark stain on our society, with more people confined in the US than anywhere else in the During my time I spent 28 days in solitary confinement. A traumatic experience that I already endured for a year in prison before," Manning said. Manning said that the law "requires that civil contempt only be used to coerce witnesses to testify" and as she "can't be coerced" the contempt was "an additional punishment on top of the seven years" she has already served. "Several of my closest family friends and colleagues supported this fact. Our statements were filed in court. The government knows that I can't be coerced. About her upcoming visit to the court on May 16, Manning said, "When I arrive at the courthouse, this coming Thursday, what happened last time will occur again. I will not cooperate with this or any other grand jury." Manning, who had earlier served nearly seven years in prison for the massive leak, objected to the questioning in a court appearance in March that was apparently part of a continued effort by federal prosecutors investigating WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The whistleblower was subsequently held in contempt, and a federal appeals court rejected her argument for release -- that her rights were violated by the subpoena proceedings and the federal prosecutors purportedly seeking to entrap her -- in April. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP's spokesperson Sambit Patra on Saturday said that the article in the TIME magazine depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "divider in chief" was written by a Pakistani as they hate the Prime Minister because of surgical strikes and Balakot air strike on JeM terror camps. Addressing media persons here, Patra said: "The man who called Prime Minister Modi 'divider in chief' is a Pakistani citizen. They hate Narendra Modi because he did the surgical strikes and Balakot air strike on them." "Before 2014 Lok Sabha polls, articles were also written against PM Modi and the same thing is happening again," added Patra. The BJP leader said: "Prime Minister Modi is a unifier as he implemented Good and Services Tax (GST) which unifies 17 taxes." Hitting out at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, the BJP leader said, "Sidhu did not say anything on Sam Pitrod's remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots." "Sidhu has joined hands with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath who is also an accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots," he said. On Thursday, Pitroda had said that "if the 1984 riots happened, they happened. So what." Patra said: "Sidhu called Prime Minister Modi and BJP leaders 'kale angrez.' With this statement, he has insulted the people of India as Modi is loved by the whole India and vice versa." "Do not boast of your Italian colour. It will fade away after May 23," he said, while hitting out at Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi's Italian origin issue. Commenting on Sidhu comparing Prime Minister Modi with a bride who only makes noise with bangles but doesn't make enough chapattis, Patra said: "It exposes the sexist mentality of Congress. This is the new India. Women also do other important works. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 14 people were killed and four others injured when a speeding bus crashed into a multi-utility vehicle (MUV) on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru national highway near Veldurthi in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, police said. The bus, on its way from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, collided with the vehicle coming from the opposite direction. According to the police, to save a two-wheeler rider the bus driver hit the road divider and crashed into the MUV in the opposite lane. The victims hailed from the Jogulamba Gadwal district of Telangana. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao expressed shock over the loss of lives in the accident. He asked the district collector to ensure proper treatment to the injured admitted in Kurnool hospital. --IANS ms/kr/pcj (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hala Abu Dhabi, the destination and leisure management division of Etihad Airways, has been appointed the official travel and destination management partner for key events of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec). Under a strategic partnership between Adnec and Etihad Airways, Hala Abu Dhabi will provide travel services and holiday packages to visitors and exhibitors attending events held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Adnec takes part in major defence and security shows in different parts of the world throughout the year and this partnership will go a long way in streamlining travel procedures for such global outings, remarked Group CEO Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri after signing the deal with Hareb Almuhairy, Senior VP (Destination and Leisure Management) Etihad Airways. "The partnership is part of Adnecs strategy to step up collaboration with like-minded organisations to enhance the competitiveness of its annual and biennial events that deliver a significant impact on the economy of Abu Dhabi through drawing the participation of major exhibitors as well as thousands of experts, decision-makers, and visitors from across the globe," stated Al Dhaheri. Almuhairy said the meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions (Mice) business plays a significant role in empowering the UAEs economy and Hala Abu Dhabi is pleased to play its part in enabling growth in this sector."-TradeArabia News Service Just a day before polling in Delhi, the son of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate made a sensational allegation on Saturday, claiming that his father had paid Rs 6 crore to party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to get the ticket. The allegation was made by Uday, son of AAP's West Delhi candidate Balbir Singh Jakhar, while speaking to reporters here. Jakhar, however, refuted the claim and said that he was not in contact with his son since long. While speaking to the media, Uday alleged, "He (Jakhar) paid Rs 6 crore to (Arvind) Kejriwal for the ticket... My father told me that he paid the amount to Kejriwal." He went on to say, "The more shocking part is that Kejriwal, who was part of the anti-corruption movement, is so corrupt and taking money." Reacting to the claims, the West Delhi candidate of AAP told the media, "All the allegations against me are baseless. I have never met or interacted with my son in the recent past. This is an attempt to tarnish my image just before the polls." Jakhar added, "He (Uday) was born and brought up at his maternal grandparents house. I was divorced in 2009. We don't meet frequently. He calls me once in a month or so demanding things." He also said that Uday did not use the surname Jakhar and that he was not sure whether his son had passed the Class XII examination. Uday added that this was not the only thing he wanted to tell the world to clear his conscience. He alleged that his father was among those who tried to save Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, who was awarded life term by the Delhi High Court in a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. "My father also decided to represent Sajjan Kumar in court. He was paid huge amount to bail him out," Uday claimed. Uday insisted that he did not have affiliation with any political party and also that he had credible evidence that his father had paid for the ticket. --IANS nks/akk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Roshan Taneja, the man behind the treasure trove of talent in Bollywood including the likes of Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Jaya Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Shatrughan Sinha, is dead at 87. His students paid emotional tributes. "My father passed away last night (Friday) at 9.30 p.m. in his sleep at home after prolonged illness," the acting guru's son Rohit Taneja told IANS on Saturday morning. Roshan Taneja was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February this year. He is survived by his wife Mithika and sons Rohit and Rahul. His cremation was held at the electric crematorium in Santa Cruz West. It was attended by Anil, Govinda, Ratna Pathak Shah, Kanwaljit Singh and Gufi Paintal. Roshan Taneja's passion for acting took him to New York at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre to train under the famous Sanford Meisner & Sydney Pollack, who went on to become an Academy Award winning director. Known to many as the 'pioneer of method acting' in India, Roshan Taneja was held in high regard in the Hindi film industry. He had been training talent since the 1960s, first at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune and later at his private school in Mumbai, the Roshan Taneja School of Acting. At FTII, he founded the acting department in 1963. Shabana paid condolences, and tweeted: "He was my Guru at FTII and the only person whose feet I touched. I was privileged to be trained in acting by him." Actor Rakesh Bedi wrote: "A very sad day for me... I owe my career to him. Rest in peace." National Award-winning filmmaker Atanu Ghosh said that with Roshan Taneja, "ended an illustrious era spanning more than five decades". Among Bollywood's younger talent, Abhishek Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor have trained under the master actor. Anil said he "will forever be grateful and indebted to Roshan Taneja for his teachings and guidance". "I was extremely fortunate to have trained under him," he added. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah turned emotional. He told IANS: "What can I say about a man who held my hand and taught me how to walk? I can only reiterate the great love and gratitude I feel for him and always will. He needs his rest now. 'May the earth lie lightly upon you' Sir." Actress Poonam Dhillon said Roshan Taneja was "an institution way before acting schools popped up everywhere". "So many people who entered the industry went through the training and confidence building experience through his institute. His voice was the first thing which struck one as unique and I still remember Yash Chopraji put me through a short course in his acting school since I had absolutely no experience in acting," Poonam told IANS. She said it helped her get rid of some of her "shyness and inhibitions" and taught her the initial tools to face the camera. Actor Anupam Kher, who has his own acting institute, said Roshan Taneja was one of the finest acting teachers of India, and trained some of the finest actors at FTII and at his academy. "Will miss him". --IANS rb/nn/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Alwar, once a preferred destination in Rajasthan for foreign tourists, is seeing the number of visitors dwindling as the town now makes news for all wrong reasons, including cases of mob lynching, cow smuggling and gang-rapes. Statistics released by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) indicate a steep decline in foreign tourists visiting the town, known for its palaces, forts including the "haunted" Bhangarh, and the Sariska Tiger Reserve, in the last five years. While in 2014, 18,650 tourists visited Alwar, the number sharply went down to 10,654 in 2015 and touched new lows of 8,524 in 2016. However, in 2017, it rose a little to 12,296, due to the strenuous efforts of Rajasthan Tourism, but the numbers were still down, presenting a grim picture in terms of falling tourism revenue and hence, reduction in employment, a senior official, who wanted to remain unnamed, said. The fall in tourist numbers is seen as directly proportional to rising crime in the Alwar area where almost 400 cases of cow smuggling and over 600 arrests have been reported since 2015, according to police sources. But more than these, it were the three cases of mob lynching which kept away the tourists. In April 2017, Pehlu Khan, a dairy farmer from Haryana's Nuh district, was lynched by a group of 200 cow vigilantes on charges of cow smuggling. In November the same year, Ummar Khan, a dairy farmer in Ghatmika, was shot dead while he was bringing cows to his village after buying them in Alwar. The third case was reported on July 21, 2018 when Rakhbar Khan succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital after being beaten up by cow vigilantes on alleged charges of cow smuggling. Mahendra Singh, the director of HDM Travel -- one of Alwar's leading travel agencies, confirmed that the bookings have decreased ever since the crime incidents have risen. "Foreign tourists, who were once excited to visit Sariska, Bhangarh fort and the attractive step wells of Alwar, are now frightened to visit this belt. "I have seen how tourists cancelled their bookings after the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai. Out of my seven bookings of foreign travel groups, six were cancelled at that time. Now, with Alwar emerging as a 'crime capital', tourists come with similar fears in their minds and when they hear such cases, they take out the negative word of mouth which hampers the tourist numbers here," Singh said. On the recent gangrape issue, he said: "Such cases definitely traumatise the tourists, who visit India to tour and behold its beauty, but definitely not to have tensions in their minds." Alwar was again in the headlines for a string of rape cases which brought it a bad name. In the first case, a woman travelling with her husband was stopped, dragged to an isolated place and raped. The rapists also filmed the act and uploaded it on social media. In another case, the woman was drugged, abducted and raped in different villages before being dropped in Ajmer. In the third incident, the woman was raped in a government hospital by an ambulance driver. When asked if such cases could hamper tourism, tourist guide Balwant Soni said: "The Nirbhaya case in Delhi gave a wrong message about our national capital. It took me two days to convince my clients that they are safe here and nothing untoward will happen. Now, with three back-to-back rape cases being reported here, Alwar too will see tourist footfall dwindling." --IANS arc/vd/arm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After settling a bitter multi-billion dollar legal battle with Apple, the CEO of US-based chip-maker Qualcomm received a hefty bonus of $3.5 million. Qualcomm CEO Steve Mollenkopf received 40,794 shares of Qualcomm stock, which works out to just under $3,501,757 at Friday's closing price of $85.84, CNBC reported. In an official filing with the US-based Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the chip-maker noted that the entire executive team at Qualcomm received bonuses for settling the legal war with the iPhone-maker. The two tech giants locked horns in courts around the world over how much Qualcomm charges for the intellectual property inside of the chips that enable devices like the iPhone to connect to cellular networks. Apple settled the legal battle earlier in April at an undisclosed amount and as part of the deal agreed to use Qualcomm chips in its upcoming 5G-enabled iPhone, scheduled to be launched in 2020. However, the newly-granted shares further reinforce that Qualcomm believes the terms of the settlement were favourable, the report said. "In making these grants, the Compensation Committee considered the anticipated long-term stockholder value resulting from these agreements with one of the company's key customers," the report quoted Qualcomm as saying in the SEC filing. During Qualcomm's earnings report earlier in May, the company said it expected an additional revenue between $4.5 billion and $4.7 billion from a payment from Apple as part of the settlement. Qualcomm also plans to increase bonuses to its rank-and-file employees, Qualcomm CFO Dave Wise announced earlier in May. --IANS rp/mag/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Toning down its conditions, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has now said players seeking re-registration need not pay 50 per cent of the prize money they had earned playing in unrecognised tournaments. According to AICF, at the meeting of its central council held on March 23, it was decided that those players who are interested in re-registration should tender a written apology and give an undertaking that they will henceforth abide by the existing bye-laws/rules. The Indian chess body had recently said that its primary focus is not punishment but enforcing discipline and talent promotion. Keeping the time lapse, financial difficulty expressed by players and its primary objective in mind, the AICF said it has decided to change the player re-registration conditions. The AICF has kept in abeyance its rule that players should not participate in unrecognised tournaments and it is not being implemented. However, Gurpreet Pal Singh, one of the players banned by the AICF, told IANS on Saturday: "The Competition Commission of India (CCI) last year held that the undertaking prescribed by AICF for players' non-participation in events not authorised by the Indian chess body contravenes the provisions of the Competition Act." According to him, any condition that contravenes any law in the country is void ab-initio. Singh said earlier AICF had said players seeking re-registration have to deposit 50 per cent of the prize money earned playing in un-recognised tournaments in the 'Disabled Chess Players Fund'. He added that the AICF had banned him and three other players in 2010 while the rule asking for an undertaking by players on not playing in unrecognised tournaments was introduced in 2011. "The AICF should restore our global chess ratings (ELO ratings) and register us again. I cannot give an apology letter as it would result in forfeiting my rights against AICF for compensation for the loss of my chess career," Singh said. On July 12, 2018, the CCI held that the undertaking prescribed by the AICF for players regarding non-participation in events not authorised by it amounts to restraints that are in the nature of exclusive distribution and refusal to deal as defined in Section 3(f) and 3(4)(d) of the Competition Act 2002. The CCI also imposed a penalty of Rs 6,92,350 on the AICF for infringing on the provisions of Section 4 of the Act. The CCI said that non-compliance with such an undertaking will result in banning of players and removal of their Elo rating, create entry barriers, foreclose competition and restrict opportunities available to chess players. "The said restrictions are likely to have appreciable adverse effect on competition in terms of factors contained in Section 19 (3) of the Act. The Commission is, thus, of the view that AICF has contravened Sections 3(4)(c) and 3(4)(d) of the Act read with Section 3(1) of the Act," the CCI order said. The CCI order had also directed the AICF to establish the prejudice caused by a chess player before taking any disciplinary action against him and the disciplinary actions taken shall be proportional, fair and transparent. The disciplinary actions against the four players and other similar players shall be reviewed by the AICF on these lines, the CCI had ordered. The complaint against the AICF was filed by four chess players Hemant Sharma, Devendra Bajpai, Gurpreet Pal Singh and Karun Duggal alleging contravention of the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of the Competition Act. The players were banned by the AICF from playing in chess tournaments for the past several years and their ELO ratings were also withdrawn. One of the four players who had originally complained to the CCI -- Hemant Sharma -- was re-registered with the AICF in 2016. --IANS vj/bbh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day before Delhi goes to the polls in the penultimate phase of the general election, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday claimed to have seized the biggets-ever consignment of more than 1,800-kg of contraband drug pseudoephedrine -- used for manufacturing party drug methamphetamine -- outside the premises of a factory in Greater Noida and arrested three foreign nationals. The NCB also seized 2kg of cocaine. This is the biggest seizure of pseudoephedrine/ephedrine in India by any agency, said the NCB. According to a statement issued by the NCB, the worth of the seizure is yet to be determined. including two kg of Cocaine, generally referred to as party drug. On May 9, the CISF personnel at the Delhi Airport intercepted a South African woman, whom they suspected as a carrier of the contraband. The CISF alerted the NCB, Delhi. During the search of her luggage the NCB sleuths recovered a total of 24.7 kg of pseudoephedrine. During the interrogation of the woman, the NCB stumbled upon critical information about a large quantity of drugs hidden at a location in Noida. "Pseudoephedrine is a precursor used for the manufacture of Methamphetamine, a drug widely used in Europe and South East Asia", the NCB said in a release. The officials of the Delhi zonal unit of the NCB raided a house in Greater Noida, outside a factory, and recovered a total of 1,818 kg of pseudoephedrine and 1.9 kg of Cociane on May 10. "This is the biggest ever seizure of pseudoephedrine in India kept outside factory premises. As per our records, this is the highest ever seizure by any agency," said the NCB statement. Two Nigerians, a man and a woman, have been detained for questioning apart from the South African woman, who was arrested from the airport. The arrests have been made under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. --IANS ss/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Incidents of clashes between Trinamool Congress and BJP activists were reported from parts of West Bengal on Saturday, a day before the penultimate phase of Lok Sabha polls in the state. Activists of the two parties clashed in East Midnapore district's Egra after Trinamool supporters allegedly blocked state BJP President Dilip Ghosh's convoy and agitated, accusing him of continuing the election campaign well after the deadline. Local BJP leaders, however, claimed that Ghosh was returning after having lunch at a party activist's house in the area. Ghosh is contesting from the Midnapore Lok Sabha seat against Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha Member Manas Bhunia. The incident took place two days after Ghosh's car was attacked and vandalised by unidentified persons on its way back from the district Khejuri. BJP leader and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma was with Ghosh during that attack. A day before, Trinamool Congress and the saffron party workers had clashed during a meeting of former IPS officer and BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh in West Bengal's Paschim Midnapore district, police said. The police said two Trinamool workers were injured. But some unofficial sources said as many as 16 members belonging to the either party were injured in the clash on Friday evening. The former Superintendent of Police of Bengal's Jhargram district is taking on Bengali film star-cum-MP Deepak (Dev) Adhikari of the Trinamool Congress in the Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, which will go to polls on May 12. "BJP workers along with Ghosh had gathered at a religious place in Baikunthapur on Friday. They were distributing articles, like sari and caps, when Trinamool workers chased them and a clash broke out," said a police officer. An FIR had been lodged against unknown persons and the articles being distributed had been seized, the police said. A member of Asthal Nimbark Math, the religious place, said people had gathered for the evening prayers. But the situation became uneasy when Ghosh arrived around 7.40 p.m. "All those who abused us, damaged our cars and threw stones were set free by the police. When I told them I was hurt as a stone hit me in the head, the police just told me to sit inside," Ghosh alleged. --IANS mgr/ssp/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers clashed during a meeting of former IPS officer and BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh in West Bengal's Paschim Midnapore district, police said on Saturday. According to the police, two Trinamool workers got injured. But some unofficial sources said as many as 16 members belonging to the either party were injured in the clashes. Ghosh is taking on Bengali film star-cum-MP Deepak (Dev) Adhikari of the Trinamool Congress in the Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, which will go to the polls on May 12. "BJP workers along with Ghosh had gathered at a religious place in Baikunthapur on Friday. They were distributing articles, like sari and caps, when Trinamool workers chased them and a clash broke out," a police officer said. An FIR had been lodged against unknown persons and the articles being distributed had been seized, the police said. A member of Asthal Nimbark Math, the religious place, said people had gathered for the evening prayers. But the situation became uneasy when Ghosh arrived around 7.40 p.m. "All those who abused us, damaged our cars and pelted stones were set free by the police. When I told them I was hurt as a stone hit me at head, the police just told me to sit inside," Ghosh alleged. She said the 'people will give an appropriate answer' to all the injustice. --IANS bnd/ssp/pgh/pcj (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday questioned the silence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the allegations that he was paid Rs 6 crore by Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) West Delhi candidate Balbir Singh Jakhar for the Lok Sabha ticket. "Today Kejriwal cannot remain silent. He has to answer. He has been slapped many times and each time he blames the BJP, but the man who hits him turns out to be from his own party," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here. He was seeking reply on the sensational charge levelled by Jakhar's son Uday, who claimed that his father had paid Rs 6 crore to Kejriwal to get the ticket. Jakhar, however, refuted the claim and said that he was not in contact with his son since long. "The AAP has been exposed badly today. It has failed to fulfil its promises. Kejriwal didn't live up to his promises of providing free WiFi, CCTV cameras in buses and women's safety. And he is now selling AAP ticket for Rs 6 crore," Javadekar said. The BJP leader also questioned Kejriwal's silence on Congress leader Sam Pitroda's comments on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. On Thursday, Indian Oversees Congress chief Pitroda had brushed off the 1984 anti-Sikh riots by saying, "hua toh hua" (it just happened). --IANS bns/arm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid uncertainty over the impending results of the Lok Sabha elections with both the BJP and the Opposition claiming victory, the Congress has held informal talks with some regional parties outside the UPA so as to be able to muster the required numbers quickly if the situation so warrants. Congress leaders are hoping that the party will win close to 150 seats, which will make the task of government formation easy. "If we get 150 seats, we will definitely form the government. Nobody can stop us. There will be many parties willing to joins hands," a Congress leader said. According to sources in the Congress, there have been unofficial communications with the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and the YSR Congress Party, both of which are expected to do well in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, respectively. Communication channels have also been kept open with Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik through Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, sources said. While a senior party leader said that "nothing is concrete" so far, another Congress leader said "first wait for the results." A meeting of the Opposition parties is likely to be held after the last phase of polling on May 19, but ahead of counting of votes on May 23. It may be recalled here that the Congress took a quick decision to forge a post-poll alliance with the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) in Karnataka to keep the BJP out of power after the Assembly elections held last year, even though the BJP had emerged as the single largest party. The party is keen to act in a similar manner after the Lok Sabha polls in order to oust the BJP-led NDA government. While the Congress is assured of getting the support of its allies in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), including the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and DMK, it would need more to take a shot at power. Parties such as the TRS, the YSR Congress Party and the BJD seek to maintain equal distance from both the Congress and the BJP. They will have to be wooed if their support is required to cross the half-way mark. YSR Congress Party leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is keeping his cards close to his chest. Given that his rival in state and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu has aligned with the Congress at the national level, it will not be easy for YSR Congress Party to do the same. The situation is similar for TRS leader K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who has also made efforts to forge a federal front comprising non-BJP, non-Congress parties. However, Congress' promise of giving special category status to Andhra Pradesh could work in its favour in getting the support of the regional parties in that state. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) too has said that it would support Congress President Rahul Gandhi as the Prime Ministerial candidate if he supports the demand for full statehood status to Delhi. Apart from the outcome in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the post-poll equations will also be shaped by the performance of Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress leaders are confident that the party will do much better than 2014 when it won only 44 seats. They expect the party to make gains in states such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karanataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Assam, Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himchal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Delhi. According to the CVOTER-IANS tracker, the net approval rating of the Narendra Modi government has dropped 12 points between March 12 and April 12. The performance rating of the Central government had peaked in the days after the Balakot air strike on February 26, touching the highest level of 62.06 on March 7. After remaining in the 50s till March 22, the approval ratings had come down to 43.25 on April 12, a day after the first phase of polling was held for 91 Lok Sabha seats. While there has been speculation that no party will gain majority this time, most BJP leaders maintain that the party will perform better than 2014 when it worn 282 seats. --IANS ps/arm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Help India! By Nikhat Fatima, TwoCircles.net Dalit History Month began in 2015 inspired by the Black History month in the US. April is observed as the Dalit History Month which is also the month in which two great revolutionary Dalit leaders B.R. Ambedkar and Jyotirrao Phule were born. Dalit History Month was initiated to document the contribution of Dalits to history. Support TwoCircles TwoCircles.net has identified 2 women journalists who have braved all odds of caste based discrimination to contribute to the field of journalism through their brave work. One of them is Kavin Malar who was featured earlier and another journalist M Jeyarani who is featured in the 2nd part: Dark days of childhood Despite being the granddaughter of a celebrated politician, Jeyarani faced abuse and violence in her childhood and when she broke away from the four walls of her house she saw that the world outside was not very different from the confines of her house. There was much violence, caste oppression, and injustice but Jeyarani wanted to fight all this and give voice to those who were silenced in the name of caste. Jeyarani lost her parents when was young so she and her siblings were under the care of their maternal grandmother A.S.Ponnammal, the 7 time MLA, who owing to her busy political life put the girls under the care of their maternal uncle and other family members. But unfortunately they were subjected to violence and abuse and were kept locked in the house most of the time. Later they were enrolled in a hostel for some years. Today Jeyarani recalls childhood as a nightmarish phase of her life. When they went outdoors it was with their grandmother who commanded respect and loyalty because of her charisma and able leadership. The same respect and love was extended to the girls as well. So Jeyarani did not learn about caste and caste based discrimination despite living in Algampatti village where everyone was a Dalit. There were 2 sub castes of Dalits one dominant and the other subordinate. Jeyarani belonged to the dominant caste of Dalits. But at that time she did not know anything about caste. The domestic violence at home was becoming unbearable with each passing day as they were growing up. One day Jeyarani and her elder sister ran away from home. They approached the police and were put up in a shelter home while their 2 younger sisters were in hostels from where they did their schooling. Dabbling in journalism As a student Jeyarani had a flair for writing. She wrote poems and essays and won prizes for her writing skills. But her grandmother wanted her to become a doctor or an IAS officer. People appreciated her writing skills but no one ever suggested the idea of becoming a journalist. She had not even heard about journalism in school days. It was in college while she was also working in a human rights organisation, she learnt about journalism, human rights, gender equality, and various forms of discriminations. She was given the task of writing reports after talking to victims of violence and while writing these reports Jeyarani realised that she was not alone in her sufferings. The kinds of sufferings people narrated made her feel she was just a drop in the ocean. And seeing her detailed descriptive reports the people at the organisation suggested Jeya to pursue journalism. The idea that journalism provided one with opportunities to travel, meet new people, indulge in photography, write articles, read books, watch world movies appealed to Jeyarani and she made up her mind to become a journalist. After graduation Jeya joined Mass Communications and as a student of journalism Jeyarani walked down to abandoned villages where the oppressed people like the Dalits, the tribes, and Muslims lived. They showed her how unfairly this society was designed. She could see the layers of discrimination in the name of caste, religion and gender. Although grief, vulnerability, violence, poverty, and atrocity obliterated their lives, they rose up quickly every time with incomparable passion to fight back or simply to live their life peacefully. Even as a student Jeya wrote mostly on caste issues. But the Tamil media gave very little space for reports/ news on caste issue. Caste featured in their papers only when some cruelty or riot took away many lives. Jeya did not find a single journalist in the mainstream media who wrote exclusively on caste. So Jeyarani decided to become that journalist who would write on the caste atrocities and violence. Life Changing incident In 2nd year of college Jeyarani was an eyewitness to the Manjolai riots also referred to as Thamaribarani massacre. On 23rd July 1999, Dalit workers were going in a procession to the Tirunelveli collectorate to submit a memorandum demanding wage settlement for the tea plantation workers of Manjolai estate. But they were lathi charged and chased by the police. Some fell in the river and of them 17 labourers drowned to death. Jeya watched everything in horror and for many nights the cries of the people, women, old people and children from all directions; their pleas for mercy and for help; their questions even as they were being beaten all haunted her for many nights. This one incident taught her what injustice, inhumanity, discrimination, oppression, caste based violence, untouchability, exploitation is. She wrote about it in detail meeting the victims and taking their account in the lab journal denouncing this action of the government. A university student writing against the government that too in the universitys lab journal had become a great issue which led to an inquiry from the collector, followed by suspension order. But her professors and other students supported her and the suspension was revoked. And this was her first full-fledged reportage. Challenges With the determination to write about caste based oppression Jeya moved to Chennai. But nobody in the city was ready to even hear the word caste let alone write about it. All her ideas were rejected by the editorial board. And she was labelled as a trouble maker for suggesting these ideas. The only outlet was Dalit Murasu a Dalit publishing house. But Jeya wanted to write about Dalits and their struggles in the mainstream media. And when she was not given a chance she changed her job. The same thing was happening everywhere and with Jeya changing jobs often her career growth slid down and she was not earning much. In the 18 years she has been working as a journalist Jeyarani undeterredly wrote about caste, LGBT issues, women and childrens issues, human rights, environment and minorities issues. She is the first journalist to bring to light in the mainstream media about Arunthathiyar and Puthirai vannar communities that are sub castes in scheduled castes and the most downtrodden. The Arunthathiyar as per the varna system are compelled to manual scavenging, cleaning the septic tanks, public toilets, all with bare hands with no proper equipment, while risking their lives. While the Puthirai vannar communities are the washermen who collect clothes from the houses and wash them and for which they are paid with leftover food and nothing else. They are dominated even by the other Dalit sub castes being in the lowest rung of the caste ladder. After Jeyas report about these two castes where the people were treated as sub-humans came to light there was more awareness amongst the people about these people. Some movements and organisations had already picked up the cause of the scavengers but the Puthirai vannar (washermen) are still living in the same conditions even after 70 years of Independence of India. Inspirations Talking about her idols and whose lives have inspired her, Jeya says, Whoever works against caste to annihilate it are my idols. I can proudly name two people in Independent India and one in ancient India: Ambedkar, Periyar, and Buddha. Indians are separated by 6000 different castes. No two castes are equal here. If the sub-castes of Brahmins or caste Hindus or Dalits wont mingle with each other means how can we expect them to cross the border and amalgamate as one? The caste system was designed in such a way that we Indians as a nation or citizens could not come together and feel the oneness. It prevents our unity. Ambedkar and Periyar, our social doctors exposed the truth about the venomous triplets called Hinduism, Brahmanism, and caste system. For me they are the real fathers of India. Need Dalits in Media in Decision Making About the current situation of the media and the presence of Dalits in the mainstream media, Jeya feels, Indian media is the miniature of Indian society where caste decides everything. Dalits who enter into media with so much aspirations run away from it for various reasons. Before quitting we should not forget the fact that Dalits in media in decision making level is 0%. Her advice to Dalits who are in this field is, Quitting is like committing suicide. Whatever might be the situation do not give up. Learn like Ambedkar and fight for our rights in the media and society till we get it. We should stop chasing sensations as we have real problems to deal with. Write and act against caste. Keep on exposing it. Let us work till the democracy kept hidden in the loft comes to the land. Her works In her career as a writer and journalist, Jeyarani has written mostly about caste and its various manifestations of discrimination and violence such as: Jaathiyatravalin Kural (Voice of Casteless woman) Anthology of her articles on caste published in 2014 Ungal Manitham Jaathiyatratha? (Is Your Humanity Casteless?) Anthology of her articles on caste published in 2018 Ungal Kuzhanthai Yaarudaiyathu? ( Which of this is your child?) A book on social and mindful parenting (2019) Ethu Nadanthatho athu nandraga nadakkavillai (Whatever happened, happened not for good) Its a collection of articles on the contemporary social issues of Tamil Nadu (2019) Being a spirited person, Jeyarani has come a very long way from being a reporter whose articles were all rejected to now authoring books and winning accolades. M Jeyarani has donned many hats, from being a reporter to an editor, managing editor, correspondent for television channels, executive producer for a TV channel, senior editor, photojournalist, and documentary filmmaker on caste, environment and disasters like the indian Ocean tsunami. Her works have been recognised by many publishing houses and organisations. She was even featured as one of the 36 Prominent Women in India by India Today. Hope for the future Even though the constitution guarantees equal rights to all the citizens of India, many do not have equal social rights. Dr. B. R Ambedkar spoke about social democracy which is essential for all citizens to lead a dignified life. Jeyarani says, As a Journalist I wish to educate people that anything which divides them cannot be a nations culture. My writings will tell them caste is a heinous crime and to carry the feeling hatred right from childhood is a kind of mental illness. To act against caste is every Indians social responsibility and I will serve my social duty absolutely. A casteless society where there is only love and acceptance for fellow humans is her ideal society and what she hopes all human beings will strive for when they realise the futility of being bound in castes that only divide and isolate us. Jeyarani loves reading, writing, travelling and watching world movies. The best thing about her career is, she says, she gets to travel a lot and thus learn a lot. In Delhi, which goes to the polls on Sunday, voters have given mandate to one party in all seven seats, eight out of 16 times. Barring the 1967 and 1991 Lok Sabha polls, the party that bagged the maximum seats in Delhi also formed the government at the Centre. Since 1952, the city has witnessed 16 Lok Sabha polls and on Sunday will cast votes for the 17th Lok Sabha. In the first general elections in 1951, the Congress won two of the three Lok Sabha seats -- Delhi city, New Delhi and Outer Delhi -- and formed the government at the Centre as well. In the second Lok Sabha elections in 1957, the Congress won all the four seats -- Chandni Chowk, Delhi Sadar, New Delhi and Outer Delhi -- and came to power at the Centre as well. However, it lost the New Delhi seat in the by-election held in 1961 to the Jan Sangh. In the third Lok Sabha polls in 1962, the Congress won all the five seats -- Chandni Chowk, Delhi Sadar, Karol Bagh, New Delhi and Outer Delhi -- and was in power at the Centre. The trend changed in the fourth Lok Sabha in 1967 when East Delhi and South Delhi also became constituencies -- taking the total number of Lok Sabha seats to seven. Barring Outer Delhi, the Jan Sangh took all the seats, while the Congress was at the power at the Centre. It was repeated in 1991, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won four of the seven seats, but the Congress ruled the country. The trend of Congress bagging all seats and forming government at the Centre was repeated in 1971, 1984 and in 2009. In 1977 Lok Sabha elections, all the seven seats were bagged by the Janata Party, which also came to power at the Centre. In 1980 -- the seventh Lok Sabha polls, the Congress bagged six of the seven seats and came back to power at the Centre. BJP's senior leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee won the New Delhi seat. In 1996, 1998 and 1999, the voters favoured the BJP in Delhi as well as at the Centre. In 1996, the BJP won five of the seven seats, while it bagged six in 1998 and all the seven in 1999. In the 2004 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP shrank to one seat, while the Congress regained control of six seats and came back to power at the Centre. In 2014, BJP snatched both Delhi seats and the power at the Centre from the Congress, as it took all the seven seats in Delhi. The city elected MPs from three parties only in 1989 -- Tarif Singh of the Janata Dal won the Outer Delhi seat, while the Congress was elected in Chandni Chowk and East Delhi. Delhi Sadar, Karol Bagh, New Delhi and South Delhi elected the BJP. The BJP, with maximum seats in Delhi, was part of the National Front that formed the government headed by V.P. Singh in 1989. In the 2019 general elections, it's a triangular contest between Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party, the BJP in power at the Centre and the Congress. The results on May 23 will tell if the city still shows the way to the country for forming the government at Centre or if it changes the trend. (Nivedita Singh can be contacted at nivedita.singh@ians.in) --IANS nks/mag/pcj (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Yogesh Chander Deveshwar, whose goal was creating "Indian brands", successfully transformed ITC Ltd from being predominantly a cigarette-maker into a diversified conglomerate. Recognised around the world for creating an exemplary Indian enterprise, Deveshwar, as ITC Chairman for over two decades, led the company into a range of new businesses which took it to new highs. During his tenure as Executive Chairman, the company's revenues and profit before tax, along with returns to shareholders, rose manifold. Today, ITC is not only known for its leading cigarette brands - Classic, India Kings, and Gold Flake - but also for its Sunfeast range of cookies and biscuits, the Bingo! snacks and Aashirvaad staples and ready meals. Born in Lahore in February 1947, Deveshwar joined ITC in 1968 after studying at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and the Harvard Business School, and had a meteoric rise that saw him being appointed as a Director on its Board in 1984. He rose to become the Chief Executive and Chairman of the Board in 1996. While every ITC Chairman since the late 1960s had explored ways and means to diversify the company from its tobacco business portfolio, it was Deveshwar who ultimately made it happen. Business rationalisation and the diversification into the non-cigarette FMCG sector as well as information technology was not without its share of problems and challenges. British American Tobacco or BAT, which had a substantial share-holding in ITC, wanted the Indian company to stick to the tobacco business and looked at taking over majority control in ITC to realise its vision. Deveshwar was credited for successfully keeping British American Tobacco Company (BAT) from taking larger control of the company with the help of Life Insurance Corporation of India. This was not the only challenge that ITC was battling with when Deveshwar took charge of the company. ITC was facing a probe for alleged foreign exchange violations. The enforcement authorities used the powers vested under the FERA law to incarcerate 14 members of the then current and past management, including two past chairmen of the company, even before any substantial investigation had progressed. In fact, a retrospective excise demand of Rs 803 crore, was raised on the very first day Deveshwar assumed charge as Chairman & CEO, amounting to three times the annual profit, imperilling the company's financial stability. Deveshwar had a brief stint with Air India. He led the national carrier as its chairman and managing director between 1991 and 1994. In its stellar journey under Deveshwar, ITC has today emerged as one of India's fastest growing FMCG companies, the country's largest paperboards and packaging business, a globally acknowledged agri-business, and a leading hotel chain in India. The company's wholly-owned subsidiary, ITC Infotech India Ltd, is also a player of promise in the IT sector. The company's trailblazing rural initiative, the ITC e-Choupal eco-system - that was kicked off during Deveshwar's tenure - is acknowledged globally for empowering over four million farmers and is a case study at the Harvard Business School besides receiving several international and national awards. Deveshwar also worked out a succession plan in the organisation well before relinquishing his executive role. He shed his executive role in early 2017, handing over the reins of the company to Sanjiv Puri who became the managing director of ITC after taking over a board position in 2015. Puri is credited with building the FMCG business of ITC, a dream very close to Deveshwar that brings almost 60 per cent of revenue to the company now. After stepping down from his executive role, Deveshwar continued as Chairman in a non-executive capacity and also played the role of mentor to the executive management. ITC Managing Director Sanjiv Puri paid tribute to Deveshwar's visionary leadership and stress on inclusive growth. "Deveshwar passionately championed the cause for sustainable and inclusive growth and the transformative role businesses could play in creating larger societal value. This vision drove ITC to pursue business models that today support over six million livelihoods," he said. In a statement, industry chamber CII, where Deveshwar was president in 2005-06, said that he "leaves behind a notable legacy through his successful demonstration that sustainable business is indeed profitable and can maximise returns to all stakeholders. "He was the first Indian business leader in the post-liberalisation era who successfully demonstrated that companies could grow and succeed by mainstreaming sustainability or triple bottomline in their business." With his high stature in the corporate world, Deveshwar became a role model to many entrepreneurs and industrialists. Kolkata's business community, in particular, looked up to him, city-based Keventor Agro's CMD Mayank Jalan said. "The demise of a business icon like Y.C. Deveshwar is a huge loss for the industry. He was an inspiration for me. Kolkata's business community had deep respect for him, as he was instrumental in putting the city on the global business map," he said. Citing his relationship with ITC, Jalan said his company manufactures the 'Yippee' brand of noodles and confectionary items for them - in a partnership started and encouraged by Deveshwar himself. --IANS team/sn/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Salman Khan -- actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has worked with all of them on the big screen, but she feels most "privileged" to join creative forces with Irrfan Khan in "Angrezi Medium". Kareena will be playing a small yet significant role of a policewoman in "Angrezi Medium", a sequel to the 2017 film "Hindi Medium". Asked about how she is preparing for the role, Kareena told IANS here: "Oh God, I am super excited for this film. I have worked with all the Khans -- Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir and Saif. But for me, it is an honour and privilege to work with Irrfan Khan. "He is the pioneer, one of the finest actors among all the Khans if I may say, and he is the biggest Khan for me. So, I had to tick that box of acting with Irrfan Khan. I know it is a small role but that does not matter. I know I am too excited, and I am really looking forward to this one." The actress will start shooting for the film from May 15. It also features Radhika Madan and Pankaj Tripathi. Kareena has finished shooting the Akshay Kumar-starrer "Good News", which also stars Diljit Dosanjh. Talking of Diljit, he has not been shy about his admiration for international reality TV star Kylie Jenner, and recently made a song titled "Kylie+Kareena". Kareena, who worked with him in "Udta Punjab", feels overwhelmed. "Diljit wrote the song and I am humbled and touched. He is a fine actor, really. Our first outing was 'Udta Punjab', which was a serious and intense story. "That film was special but 'Good News' is different as it is slightly in the comedy zone. So, it is easy to watch. But we really have a good story," added the mother of 2-year-old Taimur Ali Khan, who is already a favourite among the paparazzi. While Kareena is "okay" with the attention that her son draws, she says what she dislikes is "when people call him a star". "He is not... he is the child of star parents. He has to be an achiever in the future. But for now, let him live free," she said. Kareena spoke to IANS on the sidelines of the 3rd edition of Radio4Child Award 2019, an initiative by Unicef. She says being a mother, such child care campaigns and initiatives are very close to her heart as she has realized how crucial the first two years of a child's life are. "The vaccination, breastfeeding for the first six months, setting a routine that makes a pattern of eating, sleeping and also the warmth of the mother...everything has to be in place. "When you are a new mother, you might be unaware of such things. But with these campaigns like #EveryChildAlive, we are creating more awareness on child care," added Unicef's Celebrity Advocate. (Arundhuti Banerjee can be contacted at arundhuti.b@ians.in) --IANS aru/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) If political sources in Rajasthan are to be believed, former chief minister Vasundhara Raje and chief minister Ashok Gehlot are working in ways that appear to help each other's political prospects. Raje's son Dushyant Singh, a sitting MP, is contesting from his home turf of Jhalawar-Baran seat for the fourth time while Gehlot's son, Vaibhav Gehlot, is the Congress party's Lok Sabha candidate for the Jodhpur seat. The sources said that the Congress party has fielded a relatively "weak candidate" in Pramod Sharma in Jhalawar. This selection was later also reportedly questioned by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. However, it being too late, there was no choice left but to go with the candidate, said a Congress worker. Sharma has links to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) student outfit Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) since 1992. In 1996, he was elected as Jhalawar Government College's union president. He was appointed state vice-president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha from 2006 to 2008. He was an active BJP worker till 2014 but quite following differences with Raje and joined former BJP leader Ghanshyam Tiwari's Deendayal Vahini. He joined the Congress in November last year before the Rajasthan assembly polls. The BJP has fielded sitting MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat from Jodhpur. Shekhawat had won the 2014 Lok Sabha elections by around four lakh votes after defeating the Congress party's Chandresh Kumari. Raje's differences with Shekhawat are well known. Soon after BJP's debacle in the 2018 by-polls, the party's central leadership removed BJP state president Ashok Parnami and had plans to appoint Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as state BJP president. However, Raje was unwilling and differences between state BJP leadership and central leadership came into the open as the State BJP president's position was left vacant for 76 days. Later, the former chief minister convinced the central leadership on appointing Madanlal Saini as state BJP president. The differences between Raje and Shekhawat have only grown since then. Prakash Javadekar was made Lok Sabha in charge for Rajasthan and he contacted grass roots workers to ensure right candidate selection. Had it been Raje, Shekhawat might not have been given the ticket on account of poor performance of Jodhpur in the Assembly elections. However, the central leadership trusts Shekhawat and he was given the ticket. A few BJP supporters had planned to dent Shekhwat's votes but RSS and BJP workers were well prepared to combat the attack. Meanwhile, Raje surprised her detractors when she participated in Amit Shah's roadshow in Jodhpur before the Lok Sabha elections. Sources said that she wants to maintain amicable relations with party leadership to ensure her son gets a ministerial berth if the NDA returns to power at the centre. "However, like two times earlier, this time too, it is difficult for Dushyant to get a plush seat in the ministry," said a BJP source. Meanwhile, former SP Pankaj Choudhary, who had been dismissed from service for marrying twice without divorcing his first wife, said, "I have worked with Ashok Gehlot as well as Vasundhara Raje for many years and have closely observed how they are working in connivance during their alternate tenures. They get the officers of their choice appointed to top positions to ensure there is no damage to either of the two even when they are in opposition. --IANS arc/am (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DMK President M.K. Stalin on Saturday condemned the ruling AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu for asking veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader R. Nallakannu to vacate the house where he was living. In a statement issued here, Stalin said Nallakannu (94) was living on rent in a house which belonged to Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB). As the TNHB wanted to implement a new plan there, it had sent notices to all the residents to vacate the premises following which Nallakannu recently shifted to another rented accommodation. Considering Nallakannu's age and his integrity in the public life, the state government should allot a house to him immediately, Stalin said. --IANS vj/arm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Hisar Lok Sabha seat on Sunday will witness an gripping fight of supremacy among Haryana's three bigwig political dynasties -- two belonging to the fourth generation and one to the third. Sitting Member of Parliament Dushyant Chautala, the great grandson of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal, is taking on bureaucrat-turned-politician Bijendra Singh, the great grandson of popular Haryana leader Sir Chhotu Ram, and greenhorn Bhavya Bishnoi, the grandson of former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal. While Bijendra is 46 years old, Dushyant is 31 and Bhavya 26. All three are multi-millionaires and highly educated, as per their election affidavit and declarations. While Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Bijendra Singh, son of Union Minister for Steel Birender Singh, quit the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) just ahead of the polls; Congress candidate Bhavya is son of Kuldeep Bishnoi who lost this seat in 2014 as a Haryana Janhit Congress candidate. Birender Singh had joined the BJP in 2014 after leading a revolt against then Congress Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. His wife Prem Lata is a BJP legislator from the Uchana Kalan assembly constituency in the Jind district. Dushyant, who won the 2014 elections as the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) candidate, is now representing the newly formed Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), which has a poll alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the state. Dushyant, the youngest MP in the outgoing Lok Sabha, parted ways with the INLD in December 2018 after a bitter split in the party and the Chautala family. Dushyant's father, Ajay Singh Chautala, is the elder son of INLD president and former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala, is contesting his first Lok Sabha elections after floating his own party. The results would be a semi-final for the future of his JJP as the Assembly elections are due later this year, political experts told IANS. The entry of Bhavya in the fray has made the contest interesting. He will most likely attract non-Jat voters as both his immediate rivals are Jats. "There was no pressure on me to join I took a call to become a politician," Bhavya told IANS. If elected, he would like to work for sportspersons and allow them better opportunities to hone their talent, Bhavya said. As per the caste mathematics, Jats are the dominant group and account for one-third of the total votes. Scheduled Caste voters number 23.66 per cent in the Hisar Lok Sabha seat that has nine Assembly constituencies. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the battle turned into a high-profile Jat-versus-non-Jat fight with 41 candidates in the fray, the highest in the state's 10 seats. The voter turnout was 76.23 per cent. In 2014, Dushyant (then INLD) received 494,478 votes (32 per cent), Kuldeep Bishnoi (Haryana Janhit Congress) 462,631 votes (30 per cent) and Sampat Singh 102,509 (6 per cent) votes. In 2009 and the 2011 by-elections, the Hisar seat was won by non-Jat candidates Bhajan Lal and Kuldeep Bishnoi, respectively, indicating a divide among Jats. The constituency boasts literacy rate of 72.22 per cent. (Vishal Gulati can be reached at vishal.g@ians.in) --IANS vg/pgh/pcj (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A total of 770 companies of central paramilitary forces are being deployed in West Bengal's tribal heartland as well as the seats in Junglemahal, once a hotbed of Maoists, where stringent security arrangements are in place to ensure fool-proof voting in the sixth phase Lok Sabha polls on Sunday, officials said. The Election Commission has already said plans were afoot to use satellite phones and drones in the Junglemahal region. Eight parliamentary constituencies - Tamluk, Kanthi, Ghatal, Jhargram (ST), Midnapore, Purulia, Bankura and Bishnupur (SC) - will vote in the penultimate round of the Lok Sabha polls from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Asked about special measures taken for Junglemahal area, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Basu said: "The security arrangements have been made as per the instructions of the Election Commission and sufficient armed forces have been deployed". Special Police Observer Vivek Dube had earlier mentioned that "770 companies of central forces has been deployed for 100 percent coverage of polling stations". A total of 743 companies will be used for guarding the booths and area domination. The remaining 27 companies will look after the strong room where EVMs are kept. As per the sources in the CEO office, the forces have been instructed to wear bulletproof jackets, helmets and carry sufficient ammunition. Though there has been no Maoist activity in the last few years, the commission feels it is a challenge to ensure maximum turnout and peaceful vote in these areas. Forces deployed in Junglemahal have been briefed not to move in vehicles to avoid improvised explosive device (IEDs). They have also been asked to check all the culverts - probable places of planting IEDs much before their movement, the source said. Senior sector officers are personally briefing the officers of the Quick Response Teams and CAPF officers about the sensitivity of the constituencies and previous reports of violence, attacks and intimidation of voters. --IANS bnd/ssp/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera on Saturday bid farewell to Manchester United after spending five seasons at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old sent his final goodbye through a video posted to the Premiere League side's Twitter account, reports Efe news. "There is red in my heart, I knew it from the first time I played here and in the moment that I started to wear it. A club with thousands of fans that respect and remember all players who give everything," Herrera said. "I felt special when I heard my name chanted. I felt proud when the fans decided I was part of this incredible history," he added. Herrera added that whenever he represented United, both in victory or defeat, and even when he was sidelined "I understood what this club means." "I am going to remember each of the almost 200 matches that I have played with this jersey. Because playing for the greatest club in England has been a true honour," the Spaniard concluded. Herrera joined Manchester United in 2014 and received the Sir Matt Busby award for the best United player of the year in the 2016-17 season. --IANS kk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several lawmakers were injured and one was taken to hospital as legislators clashed in Hong Kong Parliament on Saturday over planned changes to the law allowing suspects to be sent to the mainland for trial, according to a BBC report. Members of Parliament swore and jumped over tables to take control of microphones. Pro-democracy legislator Gary Fan collapsed and was carried out on a stretcher, while one pro-Beijing legislator was later seen with his arm in a sling. One pro-Beijing lawmaker called it "a sad day for Hong Kong". Critics believe the proposed change in the extradition law would erode Hong Kong's freedom. But authorities say they need to make the change to extradite a murder suspect to Taiwan. Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam earlier in 2019 announced plans to make changes to the law to extradite suspects to Taiwan, Macau or China, which triggered huge criticism. Anti-change members marched on the streets in April in the biggest rally since 2014's pro-democracy Umbrella Movement demonstrations. Pro-democracy lawmaker James To originally led the session on the controversial extradition bill, but he was replaced as the chairman earlier this week by supporters of the new law. Even the conservative business community has objected to the change. The International Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said the bill had "gross inadequacies", which could mean people risk "losing freedom, property and even their life". Under a policy known as "One Country, Two Systems", Hong Kong has a separate legal system to China. Beijing regained control over the former British colony in 1997 on the condition that it would allow the territory "a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs" for 50 years. Chris Patten, last British Governor of Hong Kong, in April had said the proposal was "an assault on Hong Kong's values, stability and security". --IANS mag/pcj (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saturday began a unilateral withdrawal from two strategic ports on the Red Sea coast in the country under a UN-sponsored agreement with the government. Al Masirah television, which is controlled by the Houthis, has announced that the withdrawal began in Saleef and Ras Isa ports, under the supervision of two UN teams, Efe news reported. The Houthi leadership also said that the rebel militia have handed over control of the two seaports to the Coast Guard. He said that "Houthi fighters without uniforms left on several pick-up trucks after Coast Guard personnel were deployed in the two ports". Saleef port is used to obtain foodgrains while Ras Isa is used for the import of fuel, and both are located in the province of Al-Hudaydah where a ceasefire has been in force since December 2018. The ceasefire agreement was brokered by the UN between the Houthis and Yemen President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. The retreat is being supervised by a joint UN team led by Lt. General Michael Lollesgaard. Lollesgaard said in a statement that the withdrawal is considered a first real step that must be accompanied with commitment, transparency and continued actions from both sides. He also stressed that the implementation of the agreement is essential to ensure access to humanitarian aid for millions of Yemenis as the ports are the main conduit for delivering basic goods and international aid to the Arab country. --IANS nis/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday praised the iconic Jaipur Foot and said it has transformed the lives of thousands across the world. Naidu was speaking at the Indian embassy in Vietnam capital Hanoi at an inauguration ceremony of the Jaipur Foot Artificial Limb Fitment Camp. The camp was being held under the 'India For Humanity' programme in the context of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. "The iconic Jaipur Foot is lighter than all the other artificial limbs and has transformed the lives of thousands and helped them lead a life of dignity and become productive members of the community," Naidu said. He appreciated the Indian government and said that the Jaipur Foot is an initiative that provides to the differently-abled persons a sense of freedom and mobility, a sense of dignity and an ability to live life fully. It is one of the great scientific innovations emerging out of India which has transformed and continues to transform numerous lives, the Vice President added. Naidu appreciated the partnership between the Indian government and Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS) -- the world's largest non-profit organisation -- and said this is a partnership of love, service and compassion. The Vice President is on a four-day visit to Vietnam. --IANS ak/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday exchanged greetings on the occasion of National Technology Day. Kovind, in his tweet, said: "Greetings to our scientific community on National Technology Day, marking the anniversary of the Pokhran Tests of 1998. India is committed to using technology to accelerate the developmental process, and ensure a dignified existence for every citizen." Modi tweeted: "Greetings on National Technology Day! We remember with immense pride the accomplishment of our scientists on this day in 1998. The hard work of our scientists has always ensured a stronger and safer India. May we continue leveraging the power of technology for national progress." Modi added: "The patriotism and farsightedness of Atal Ji and his team have a major role to play in the success of tests of 1998. Atal Ji's unwavering faith in our scientists proved valuable during that crucial time. It also demonstrated the difference a strong political leadership makes." The day holds a significant milestone in the history of country's technological innovations as India successfully tested nuclear bombs in Pokhran on May 11, 1998 and is commemorated every year by honouring the architects of such innovations. --IANS ak/pg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The latest round of trade talks between China and the US have ended without a deal as President Donald Trump raised tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports and signaled that he was prepared for a prolonged economic fight. Before the talks concluded on Friday evening, tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods were raised from 10 per cent to 25 per cent earlier at 12.01 a.m. Trump, who only weeks ago predicted a signing ceremony for an "epic" trade deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, reclaimed his stance of threatening Beijing and insisting his approach would help the American economy, The New York Times reported. In a series of tweets on Friday morning, Trump warned that he would tax nearly all of China's imports if the country continued to backtrack on a trade deal. "Tariffs will make our country much stronger, not weaker. Just sit back and watch," he said, adding that the Chinese "should not renegotiate deals with the US at the last minute". Later in the afternoon, Trump suggested that the ball was in Beijing's court, saying that "the US has imposed tariffs on China, which may or may not be removed depending on what happens with respect to future negotiations". Apart from raising tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, Trump also said that a process had begun to place the full 25 per cent duty on a further $325 billion worth of Chinese goods which could go into effect in a matter of weeks. In a statement on Friday evening, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer confirmed that Trump had "ordered us to begin the process of raising tariffs on essentially all remaining imports from China, which are valued at approximately $300 billion". Friday's talks were brief and focused mostly on the roots of the recent impasse. By early afternoon, the meeting had concluded and no further face-to-face negotiations were scheduled. Trump called the discussions "candid and constructive" and China's Vice Premier, Liu He said the talks went "fairly well". "Negotiations have not broken down," Liu told the media, while noting that China was unwilling to make concessions on "principle issues". "I come here facing pressure... That expresses China's greatest sincerity. And we want to resolve some of the differences we face honestly, confidently and rationally. I think there is hope." In response to the new tariffs, China has threatened to retaliate with its own "countermeasures", which include ending purchases of American farm goods and establishing other non-tariff barriers for companies trying to gain access to the Chinese market. Beijing and Washington have been locked in a bruising trade war since last July after Trump slapped an additional 25 per cent on an initial $50 billion worth of Chinese goods. Trump followed it through with another 10 per cent on an additional $200 billion in products in September. The Chinese hit back at the US by raising levies on American products worth $150 billion. It is the levies imposed in September 2018 by Trump which have been increased to 25 per cent from Friday. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP leader Mukul Roy on Saturday termed the allegation of molesting a minor girl against party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha candidate Nilanjan Roy "a conspiracy to malign" him. "It is a clear and heinous type of conspiracy to defame and malign the BJP candidate," he told media persons here According to the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR), the BJP candidate was allegedly involved in molesting a 17-year-old girl in South 24 Parganas district's Falta in West Bengal last month. "We have approached the CEO seeking immediate action against the said BJP candidate and they are looking into the matter," WBCPCR Chairperson Ananya Chakraborty said. Roy, however, accused the WBCPCR of being part of the conspiracy as the Commission members like Prasun Bhowmik and June Maliya have been seen campaigning for the ruling Trinamool Congress. He said the entire thing has been cooked up to defame the BJP candidate as the Trinamool nominee - Mamata Banerjee's nephew and sitting MP Abhishek Banerjee - is not in a good position as far as the polls are concerned. Asked about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's claim about a pen drive that can expose the BJP, Roy said: "She has no pen drive and it is simply a lie to mislead the people. She should apologise." Banerjee had earlier spoken about a pen drive on which she has some confidential information that can be shameful for the BJP. Meanwhile, BJP's Tamluk Lok Sabha candidate, Siddarth Naskar, accompanied by party workers held a sit-in outside the CEO's office demanding 100 per cent deployment of central forces. In a letter, they demanded action against some criminals who "are carrying on a reign of terror". Tamluk will vote in the sixth phase on May 12. --IANS bnd/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has said that North Korea's recent missile tests were not a "breach of trust". "They're short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no," Trump said in an interview with the Politico on Friday. "These were short-range missiles and very standard stuff. Very standard," he said. North Korea's second missile launch in five days on Thursday - part of what it said were military drills designed to bolster the nuclear-armed country's "various long-range strike means" - was widely seen as a move to put more pressure on Trump amid stalled nuclear talks with the US, The Japan Times reported on Saturday. Trump added that he might eventually lose faith in his friendly relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. "I mean it's possible that at some point I will, but right now not at all," he said. The Thursday launches, which the US and South Korean militaries acknowledged were short-range missiles that flew 420 and 270 km, would violate UN sanctions resolutions banning the use of ballistic missile technology by the North. Those weapons were believed to be versions of Russia's Iskander ballistic missile. Thursday's launches followed a similar drill led by Kim on May 4, when the North fired several rounds of unidentified short-range "projectiles" into the Sea of Japan that the US later referred to as "rockets and missiles". Prior to the two recent launches, the North's last known missile test came more than 500 days ago, when it test-fired a Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which experts believe is capable of striking much, if not all, of the continental US. Pyongyang in April 2018 had declared a "suspension" of nuclear and long-range missile launches. A short-range test would not violate its unilateral suspension. The second summit between Trump and Kim, held in Vietnam in February, collapsed without a deal due to large differences over the scope of North Korea's denuclearisation and potential sanctions relief by the US. Nuclear talks between the two countries have languished in the months since, with North Korea criticizing Washington's position in the negotiations and Kim setting an end-of-the-year deadline for progress. A senior North Korean official warned late in April of an "undesired consequence" if Washington does not adjust its policy by the deadline. In April, Kim said he is willing to meet with Trump for a third time if Washington comes to the table with the "correct posture" - but laid down his deadline "for a bold decision from the US". --IANS mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A NATO-led coalition forces' pilot-less aircraft struck a Taliban hideout in Afghanistan and killed 10 militants, police said on Saturday. The strike, which was conducted in Barmal district, killed 10 militants and destroyed a militants' vehicle, Xinhua news agency quoted policeman Shah Mohammad Aryan as saying. In a separate incident in Wardak province, a Taliban militant was killed while three were arrested. The security forces seized five motorcycles during the raid. The Taliban has not yet commented. --IANS nis/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The proposed Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) of the Congress is "evidence" of the failure of its earlier governments, senior BJP leader P. Muralidhar Rao said on Saturday, while targeting the 55 years of rule by the Nehru-Gandhi family. The BJP General Secretary also defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Corrupt Number 1" barb at late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, saying there was nothing wrong in highlighting any wrong done by the earlier governments. Talking to IANS, Rao said the Congress, instead of feeling peeved at the Prime Minister's comment, should debate whether or not any wrong had been done by its former Prime Minister. "The Congress is a party which believes in deceit. They have especially deceived the poor all along," he said. Referring to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's election promise of bringing NYAY scheme if the party comes to power, the BJP leader said it "is an evidence of the failure of their previous governments". He said during the 70 years of the post-Independence period, four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family ruled the country for most of it. "He (Rahul) has been compelled to give the slogan of 'NYAY'... What were you (Congress) doing during the 55 years of rule?... Now he says poverty will be eliminated. Then let him first say that the earlier rule by his party had failed," Rao said. The BJP leader said Rahul Gandhi, before talking about NYAY, should "accept that the rule by (Jawaharlal) Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi failed". On the controversy over the Prime Minister's "Bhrashtachari No.1" barb at Rajiv Gandhi and his reference to the aircraft carrier Viraat episode, Rao shot back: "If some wrong has been done by the earlier governments, will we not highlight it? Whatever we said, is it based on facts or not? Let us discuss that." He said when the Congress uses Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi for promotion, it should be ready to discuss their failings too. "Talk about Kashmir. Why is the country still suffering? We say because of Nehru, Nehru government and his policies. It happened during Nehru's tenure. Let us have a solution to it. Let Congress find a solution to it," he said. Posing a question to Rahul Gandhi, he said: "You are the President of the party formed by him and you want to escape responsibility?" Rao said whatever the PM and the BJP are saying is just the facts. "It (Viraat issue) is not something cooked up. These things were discussed even in those times and we are just highlighting those. You speak about Rajiv Gandhi's martyrdom and patriotism, then talk about this too." --IANS akk/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Career diplomat-turned-Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is roughing it out in Amritsar in his maiden electoral foray battling out the "outsider" tag, voter's apathy and internal strife in local party unit. In stark contrast to the high-profile contest in 2014 between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart Arun Jaitley and Punjab Congress spearhead Captain Amarinder Singh, the contest in the holy city is muted. Puri is up against Gurjeet Singh Aujla of the Congress, a relatively junior leader who won the 2017 Lok Sabha by-polls from the Amritsar seat which was vacated by Amarinder Singh after becoming the Chief Minister. Aujla was just a councillor before entering the Parliament two years ago and drives home his local connect with the people of Amritsar in his campaign speeches. At an election meeting in cramped Lahori Gate area in the heart of city on a blistering Friday afternoon, Aujla told the gathering that he was one of their own while Puri will never be seen again after the elections like Jaitley. "I am here with you. You have seen me, known me. I will fight your battles in Parliament," he said to the audience occupying seats choking the congested road. Puri is functioning out of his home in upmarket Shastri Nagar near Lawrence Road. Harinder Singh Khalsa, an MP from Fatehgarh Saheb is standing firmly with Puri after quitting the Aam Admi Party (AAP) and joining the BJP. An IFS batchmate of Puri, he has been camping in Amritsar along with several other supporters of the Union Minister who have come from outside. The local circles are abuzz about frictions in the state unit and the factors that may go against the Union Minister. The support from ally Akali Dal is missing and with its leaders like Ratan Singh Ajnala joining breakaway Taksali group, the support for Puri in the Assembly segment of Ajnala (one of the nine Assembly segments in Amritsar Lok Sabha seat) is expected to take a hit. Within the BJP, it's leader Rajender Mohan Singh Chinna who lost the by-polls with large margin to Aujla and there are reported frictions between local leader Shwet Malik and Anil Joshi who holds sway in Amritsar North. Puri's supporter are countering the "outsider" tag by emphasising that in "guru ki nagri" (Guru's city) Amritsar nobody is an outsider. They said that initial resistances have been sorted out and his campaign has gathered steam. They also remind the people about the "mistake" of defeating Jaitley as he went on to become the Union Finance Minister after losing from Amritsar and commanded immense powers. But Puri is already minister for Urban Development and will be able to work for the betterment of the city. He has given a vision for Amritsar which includes giving it a holy city status. Apart from Golden Temple, the city has Durgiana temple and Ram Tirath. For the people on the street, it is poll fatigue and general apathy. Aujla is a known face and Puri is still trying hard to break the ice. The issues are local. The closure of border trade has impacted around 40,000 traders. The fencing on the border is a major issue for the farmers who have fields beyond the fence. Aujla is credited with undertaking work for closing a waste drain on Atari-Amritsar highway causing major health hazard. For the Congress, Navjot Singh Sidhu, who once represented Amritsar, is missing in action. His wife, Navjot, also an area MLA, is also keeping a low profile. Seen with Aujla is state Education Minister Om Prakash Soni. What seems to be working for Aujla is his familiarity with the locals. --IANS gd/pg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After making the functionality to smartphones earlier, Google has now rolled out its podcast-focused search results for desktop browsers that would list playable podcasts for users to choose from. Announced at Google's I/O conference earlier this week, the feature would show users three most recent episodes that could be played directly in Google's web player on podcasts.google.co, The Verge reported on Friday. The web player, which was first spotted back in March, has a similar set of playback controls to the dedicated Google Podcasts app that launched on Android in 2018. "You can skip forwards and backwards, control playback speed, and if you're signed in with a Google Account then it should sync your playback across multiple devices," the report said. However, the interface only lets user browse episodes from a single podcast at a time, atleast as of now. Earlier in April, Apple also updated the web interface for Podcasts to allow it to play episodes directly on web, the report added. --IANS rp/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will hold a mega roadshow in Varanasi, the constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on May 15 for the party candidate Ajay Rai. The road show will begin from the city's Lanka area and will culminate at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Hectic preparations are on for the roadshow by Congress leaders. According to sources, party leaders from various states are expected to be present in the road show. The idea is to present the Congress as the main challenger to Modi in Varanasi and make the roadshow equivalent if not bigger than the one held by the Prime Minister when he filed his nomination papers on April 26. Congress candidate Rai, a five term MLA, in 2014 had failed to save his deposit in the election against Modi. This time, he is the main candidate against the Prime Minister. Samajwadi Party is now supporting Shalini Yadav after the nomination of dismissed Border Security Force trooper Tej Bahadur Yadav was cancelled. Varanasi goes to polls in the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 19. --IANS amita/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday took a dig at Narendra Modi over Time magazine describing the Prime Minister as "India's Divider in Chief" for his brazen attempts to divide India on the basis of caste and religion to further his political ambitions. Addressing a rally here in support of the Congress party's Gurdaspur candidate Sunil Jakhar, the Chief Minister contrasted Modi's poor international reputation, as endorsed by Time magazine, with the respect that leaders like Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and even Atal Bihari Vajpayee had earned for the nation at global forums such as the UN. The magazine showed what the international community thought of Modi, who had lowered India's prestige in the global arena, he added. Modi's shameful attempts to destroy the secular fabric of the country were a threat to its very existence, Amarinder said, exhorting the people to vote for the future and unity of India, whose diversity and secularism were its core strengths. India needs a government that can keep it united, not leaders like Modi who are out to destroy the nation's unity, he added. Modi, said the Chief Minister, had hit an all-time low with his speeches, which was a first for the country. The fight today is for saving the country, he said. Apologising for the delay in reaching Bhoa village near here in Gurdaspur district, which was the result of being denied permission to land in Pathankot on the petty instructions of the Modi government, the Chief Minister said these were the cheap tactics that the Prime Minister was resorting to in sheer panic in the face of the BJP's imminent defeat in these polls. Amarinder also lambasted Modi for trying to take credit for the Balakot air strikes, which was a victory not of the Prime Minister but the armed forces. The nation salutes the forces, who had been making unparalleled sacrifices over the years to defend the people of India and its borders, he added. By giving cross-border raids the new jargon of surgical strikes, Modi was misleading the people into believing that he had done something new or spectacular, when the fact was that there had been bigger such events in the past, including the 1971 war that divided Pakistan under Indira Gandhi, he added. Citing unemployment as the biggest problem in the state, particularly in the border districts, including Pathankot, the Chief Minister said he had been advocating development of industry along the border belt to generate jobs for the people of the region. Referring to the drugs problem, Amarinder said the ISI was pushing drugs into India and Punjab in order to destroy the youth here and strengthen its own hands. He again urged caution vis-a-vis the Kartarpur Corridor, while reiterating that the opening of the corridor would fulfil a long-cherished desire of devotees aspiring to visit the historic gurdwara, now in Pakistan. Earlier, sitting MP Sunil Jakhar also took a dig at his rival and BJP candidate Sunny Deol, saying while he may be adept at singing and dancing and pulling pumps out of the soil, he did not know anything about Gurdaspur or the problems of its people. Jakhar said just as he could not sing and dance, Sunny had no idea about or being an effective representative of the people. "I may not be able to entertain you but I will solve your problems by helping reopen sugar mills and setting up medical colleges," said Jakhar, urging the people to vote for the future of the country. The Gurdaspur constituency, which has 14,68,972 voters, has a high number of serving and retired defence personnel and the BJP is trying to woo them by using the 'fauji' image of Deol. Punjab will vote for its 13 seats on May 19. --IANS vg/pgh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress President Rahul Gandhi has told the Election Commission (EC) that he did not violate the Model Code of Conduct and asked it to maintain a fair, non-discriminatory and non-arbitrary attitude in dealing with complaints. The EC on May 1 had sent a show-cause notice to Gandhi for his speech in Madhya Pradesh's Sahadol on April 23 in which he alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has made a new rule under which the tribals can be shot at. Gandhi in response on Friday told the poll panel that his words, in Hindi, were used in a "free flow of a political speech" and there was no intention of "misleading, misrepresenting or stating false and non-existent facts". "The Model Code of Conduct should not be construed in an over-expansive manner against the letter and spirit of the brooding omnipresence of the Indian Constitution," he said. Claiming there was no violation of the poll code during his speech, the Congress President said he was targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policies and programmes. He said his remarks were part of a political speech criticizing BJP's "anti-tribal policies". Gandhi also requested the poll panel to dismiss the complaint against him and not initiate further action. He accused the BJP of filing the complaint only to distract him from campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections as he is the star campaigner of his party. Gandhi said elections are an expression of popular will and the "object of elections cannot be achieved" unless freedom of speech is permitted and the merits or demerits of a policy are exposed for the people to judge. He also cited a number of statements by BJP leaders, including Modi and party chief Amit Shah, in which some "objectionable" words were spoken while campaigning. --IANS ak/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has won the national election by winning 57.51 per cent of the votes, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced. The official results showed on Saturday that opposition party Democratic Alliance (DA) came second with 20.76 per cent while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) won 10.79 per cent, Xinhua reported. IEC Chairperson Glen Mashinini said that despite the record number of political parties that contested in the elections, only 14 parties would make into parliament. The ANC would return to the National Assembly with 230 seats, DA with 84 and EFF with 44 seats. The IEC said 97 per cent of sample voters found the elections free and fair while 97 per cent found the voting process easy. The IEC's Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said that South Africa's sixth democratic election were the most complex, highly contested one. "We've come through these elections as a stronger institution, a stronger country," he said. --IANS vin/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An aircraft of budget airline SpiceJet operating on Bengaluru-Delhi route had to be diverted to Nagpur on Saturday due to a technical issue. According to the airline, the aircraft made a normal landing at Nagpur airport. "SG flight 8720 operating Bangalore-Delhi was diverted to Nagpur due to a technical issue," the airline said in a statement. The airline added the passengers were ferried to Delhi from Nagpur on another aircraft. --IANS rv/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A six-year-old boy was attacked and killed by stray dogs while he was playing near his house in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, police said. The incident took place on Friday evening when the child was playing near his house in Sangam Colony. When he did not return home, his mother got worried and went out to search for him and found that stray dogs were clawing at him. While the mother was trying to save the boy, she also got injured but was successful in shooing away the dogs. But the child was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Awadhpuri Police Station in-charge M.L. Bhati told reporters that police is taking strict action on the complaint of the victim's family. She said that although there are strict rules regarding the killing of animals, we need to recognise that human life is more precious. --IANS hindi-mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Suniel Shetty says he has no intention to join politics. The "Hera Pheri" actor, who has strong views on socio-political issues, was asked if he would join politics in the near future while interacting with the media at an announcement of SQUATS, an online fitness community, here on Friday. He said: "If he wanted to join politics, I would have done it in my younger years." And added that he did not want to become one of those politicians wearing dentures unable to speak but still holding on to important political positions. Suniel feels that young and dynamic people should enter politics. "I feel you've got to be young and dynamic to be in politics. There are many young and dynamic politicians in our country and they easily adjust, but I don't have that ability. If anyone says negative things about me, then it stays with me for many years," he added. The 57-year-old actor said he prefers to manage the health porfolio. "If I were to become a politician and people from the opposition criticised me then I will not feel good. So, I stay away from these things. I prefer to be healthy and fit. I prefer to manage politics of health." Suniel's son Ahan Shetty is going to make his Hindi film debut in Milan Lutharia's "RX 100" along with Tara Sutaria. Asked about the kind of films he wants to see his son in, Suniel said: "I think Ahan will decide what kind of films he wants to do. I don't interfere in his career. People like Sajid Nadiadwala and Milan Luthria are his mentors. "I think he has got the best that there is in the industry and I feel if God blesses him then he will create a place for himself in the industry." Suneil will next appear in "Taanaji: The Unsung Warrior" along with Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan. --IANS iv/rb/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Saturday that Bollywood star Sunny Deol had come from Mumbai in search of a career in since his acting career was virtually over. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Deol from the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat, which, along with 12 other parliamentary constituencies in Punjab, will vote in the seventh and final phase of polling on May 19. Negating the prospect of Deol posing any threat to Sunil Jakhar, the Congress candidate and sitting MP from Gurdaspur, Amarinder Singh said that in sharp contrast to Jakhar, who had been working in every corner of the constituency for the past 18 months, the actor-turned-politician had no interest in the welfare of the people of Gurdaspur. "Sunny (Deol) has come from Mumbai in search of a career in since his acting career has virtually ended. The actor has no stake in Gurdaspur," Amarinder Singh said while addressing an election rally here. Pointing out that Deol was spending his time campaigning in Haryana and at other places even after being named the BJP candidate from Gurdaspur, the Punjab Chief Minister called it clear arrogance towards the voters and said that the actor will again show his face to the electorate only after the polls. Terming the Pulwama terror strike an act of cowardice, Amarinder Singh lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for seeking votes in the name of those who died in the attack and in the name of the Balakot air strike carried out by what Modi claimed to be "his" army. "It is not Modi's 'fauj' (army), but India's 'fauj' which has fought all the battles and made sacrifices," said ex-serviceman Amarinder Singh, who had participated in the 1965 India-Pakistan war. He also called Modi's attempt to take credit of the armed forces' valour abominable. "Nobody ever saw Indira Gandhi taking credit for dividing Pakistan in 1971. She gave full credit to the armed forces," Amarinder Singh said. Earlier, Jakhar also took a dig at Deol by saying that while the actor may be adept in singing and dancing and pulling hand pumps out of the ground, he knew nothing about Gurdaspur or the problems facing its people. Jakhar said that just as he could not sing and dance, Deol too had no idea about or how to be an effective representative of the people. "I may not be able to entertain you, but I will solve your problems by helping reopen sugar mills and setting up medical colleges," said Jakhar, as he urged people to vote for the future of the country. Jakhar had won the October 2017 by-election in Gurdaspur after he beat Swaran Salaria of the BJP by a margin of 1.92 lakh votes. The bypoll was necessitated following the death of sitting MP and actor Vinod Khanna of the BJP. The Gurdaspur constituency, which has 14,68,972 voters, has a high number of serving and retired defence personnel and many feel the BJP is trying to woo them by using Deol's 'fauji' image. --IANS vg/arm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a huge embarrassment to the Congress at an opposition protest meet here on Saturday, senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao clashed with another leader publicly and collapsed during a fight over a chair. Former member of Rajya Sabha Hanumantha Rao and Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesman M. Nagesh pushed each other on the dais in the presence of AICC General Secretary and in-charge of party affairs R.C. Khuntia and leaders of various opposition parties. The commotion broke out during a meeting organised by the opposition parties at Indira Park to protest goof-up by the Telangana Board of Intermediate Examination in results declared. Rao, who was holding the mike to invite leaders on the stage, took objection to Nagesh occupying a chair meant for Khuntia. A heated exchange ensued between the two and soon they started pushing each other even as other leaders tried to pacify them. In the melee, Nagesh collapsed on the ground. He stood up and pushed Rao, who too fell down leaving the leaders and other protestors in shock. Leaders of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and others intervened to bring the situation under control. Khuntia, state Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy and other senior leaders took a serious view of the incident. The day-long protest meeting was called by the Congress and other opposition parties over the bungling by the Board of Intermediate Education in the results of Intermediate (11th and 12th standard). The parties had also invited parents of 22 students who committed suicide over the failure in the exams. The opposition has blamed the government for the suicides and demanded compensation for their families. --IANS ms/pg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The opposition parties in Telangana on Saturday decided to meet President Ram Nath Kovind over the goof-up in the results of Intermediate examinations, which led to the suicide of at least 22 students since last month. At a day-long protest over the issue, leaders of the Congress and other opposition parties said that they would meet the President soon and make a representation, seeking justice for the students and their families. They alleged that the suicides by students were in fact murders by the state government. The leaders of Congress, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and other groups also demanded judicial probe into the goof-up by the Board of Intermediate (BIE) in the results of Intermediate examinations. Accusing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government of adopting anti-democratic policies, they said that such policies of the state government were leading to such incidents. They also demanded the dismissal of state Minister Jagdish Reddy for the massive bungling in processing the results. TJS leader M. Kodandaram threatened to intensify their protest if the state government failed to address the discrepancies in Intermediate examinations results. He said their main demand was compensation for the families of the students who ended their lives. Over nine lakh students had appeared in the Intermediate examinations for Class XI and Class XII in February-March. The results were declared on April 18. The students alleged large-scale discrepancies in the valuation of papers and processing of results. As many as 22 students committed suicide after the results were declared. Massive protests by the students, parents and opposition parties forced the government to order free re-verification of the answer sheets of all the students who failed to obtain pass marks. --IANS ms/arm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Apple CEO Tim Cook believes that a four-year degree is not really necessary to excel at coding and termed it an "old and traditional view". "I don't think a four year degree is necessary to be proficient at coding. I think that's an old, traditional view. What we found out is that if we can get coding in the early grades and have a progression of difficulty over the tenure of somebody's high school years, by the time you graduate kids like Liam, as an example of this, they're already writing apps that could be put on the App Store," TechCrunch quoted Cook as saying on Friday. Earlier this week, Cook visited Orlando, Florida and surprised a 16-year-old coder, Liam Rosenfeld, who is one of the 350 scholarship winners attending Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next month in San Jose, California, MacRumors reported. While in Florida, Cook also attended a conference that saw SAP and Apple announce an expanded partnership focused on new enterprise apps taking advantage of technologies like Machine Learning (ML) and Augmented Reality (AR). Cook believes that many businesses have still not adopted the technological advancements and are still using very old technologies but with more solutions from SAP and Apple, and tech-savvy employees of the future like Rosenfeld, that could change, the report added. --IANS rp/pg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Turkey's Personal Data Protection Authority has fined Facebook 1.65 million Turkish liras ($280,000) over data breach. About 300,000 users in Turkey may have been affected by the data breach that exposed their personal photos in September last year. According to the Turkish watchdog, Facebook failed to timely intervene to take proper technical and administrative measures during the 12-day existence of the bug last September. According to a statement from Facebook in December, the company had discovered a photo API bug that allowed third-party applications to access the photos of Facebook users, reports Xinhua news agency. At the time, Facebook said that the bug "might have exposed the non-public photos of 6.8 million users to around 1,500 apps built by 876 developers", reports ZDnet. The watchdog said it decided to fine the social network for failing to react in a timely manner and fix the bug, but also for neglecting to notify Turkish authorities of the incident. The Turkish watchdog is also investigating Facebook for a September 2018 data breach, when unknown hackers exploited three bugs to steal the personal details of 50 million users -- later adjusted to 30 million. In March, Facebook disclosed yet another security incident, admitting to storing hundreds of millions of users' passwords in plaintext, along with plaintext passwords for millions of Instagram accounts. In the US, Facebook is facing a hefty fine from the Federal Trade Commission over data privacy scandals. Facebook expects the fine to be in the range of $3-5 billion and has kept aside $3 billion in legal expenses related to the investigation. --IANS na/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan, has notified Congress that he intended to shift $1.5 billion that had been designated for the Afghanistan war and other projects to help pay for work on President Donald Trumps proposed border wall. The money from the Pentagon's other programmes will be the last that it moves to help build about 80 miles of fencing and barriers along the southern border, The New York Times quoted Shanahan as saying on Friday. The newest shift in funding is in addition to the $1 billion that the Defence Department transferred to wall construction in March from the Army's personnel budget. Shanahan insisted that the budget transfer would not affect "readiness" -- the military catchall term that refers to the ability of American troops to fight when called up. But some of the funds "did come from money we were under-running or saving or whatever, you know, terminology you want to use, from Afghanistan", he added. In a letter to Shanahan later on Friday, several Democratic senators sharply criticised the diversion of funds from the Afghan war effort. "Once again, the Department of Defence has ignored decades of precedent and cooperation with the Congress in carrying out a transfer of funds without regard to any consultation with the Appropriations Committee," said the letter. "We are dismayed that the department has chosen to prioritize a political campaign promise over the disaster relief needs of our service members." The Pentagon had planned to spend $4.9 billion in Afghanistan - primarily to support Afghan security forces who have struggled to hold parts of the country beyond Kabul from Taliban militants. American officials said that the $600 million that was being diverted to the border is coming from savings that officials found in contracts. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Fourteen people travelling in a jeep were killed when a speeding private bus collided with the vehicle in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh Saturday, police said. Another six passengers in the ill-fated jeep sustained injuries and have been hospitalised, police said. The victims, all related to each other, were identified as villagers of Ramavaram in Gadwal district of neighbouring Telangana state. They were returing home after attending a marriage when the mishap took place. Some passengers in the bus received minor injuries, police said. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and leader of the Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy expressed shock over the accident. Police said the luxury bus, proceeding from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, collided with the jeep that swerved into the other side of the highway in a bid to avoid a two-wheeler. As the bus was cruising at high speed, the impact of the collision was heavy and left 10 dead on the spot, police said. "The jeep was badly mangled and many other passengers were trapped inside.We have pulled out four injured passengers so far and shifted them to the government hospital in Kurnool for treatment," a senior police official said over phone. Police fear the toll could increase. Deputy Chief Minister (Home) N China Rajappa spoke to Kurnool district Superintendent of Police K Fakeerappa and enquired about the accident. He asked the SP to ensure better medical care to the injured passengers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three persons were Saturday arrested for allegedly assaulting a MNS worker in neighbouring Navi Mumbai's Panvel area on April 29 over a housing society dispute, police said. Hunt for six others who were also involved in the attack was underway, an official said, adding that all have been charged with attempt to murder. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Mumbai police team raided a factory in Nashik district and seized 35,000 kilogrammes of chloral hydrate used in making "synthetic" toddy, an official said Saturday. The official said the factory owner, Dilip Jadhav, was arrested in the raid carried out on Friday night, adding that the chemical seized was worth Rs 70 lakh. Chloral hydrate is a colourless solid with anti- convulsive properties that has use in the manufacture of sedative and hypnotical pharmaceutical drugs. While natural toddy is prepared from the alcoholic sap of coconut palms, the synthetic variety sees the use of chloral hydrate among other ingredients. The Nashik operation came on the back of an earlier seizure of two tonnes of chloral hydrate in Mumbai along with the arrest of three persons, an official said. Inspector Daya Nayak of Khar police station had led a team also comprising Aarey Colony police station personnel and carried out the raids. "A person identified as Prakash Gopwani, who deals in the chemical, was arrested in this connection in Malad last week. He revealed the location of the chloral hydrate factory in Nashik following which Mumbai police raided it," the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar Saturday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of dropping anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare like a "hot potato" after coming to power. A day ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in Delhi, Javadekar showed a purported video of Hazare, in which the activist claimed that Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal after coming to power has not once met him. Hazare, in the video, can also be heard saying that "power and money can make people do anything. Earlier (during the anti-corruption movement) he (Kejriwal) used to say that he will not take salary. His mind has distracted since he got power." The AAP emerged from Hazare's anti-corruption movement in 2011, but when they got power "they dropped Hazare like a hot potato", Javadekar alleged. In late 2012, Kejriwal and a number of other leaders of the movement announced the formation of the AAP to fight the 2013 Delhi assembly elections, but Hazare decided not to join them. Javadekar also sought an answer from Kejriwal on claims of AAP West Delhi candidate Balbir Singh Jakhar's son who said the AAP supremo sold the seat for Rs 6 crore to his father. "Today, the AAP and Kejriwal need to answer. His (Jakhar's) son has alleged that Rs 6 crore was paid for getting the ticket and similar charges were levelled during the Rajya Sabha elections.Kejriwal cannot remain silent, he has to answer," he said. The Union HRD minister also sought an apology from Kejriwal for blaming the BJP for an attack on him during a roadshow. "Everytime he (Kejriwal) gets attacked he blames the BJP, but it turns out that the man behind the attack comes from his own party. So these are the dramatics that he engages into.He should apologise to the BJP," he said. Javadekar also questioned the silence of Kejriwal over the recent controversy surrounding Congress leader Sam Pitroda's "so what" remark on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. "The whole country condemned the comments of Pitroda but he remains silent on the issue," he said. Javadekar was joined by Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari in attacking Kejriwal, who said he worries about the safety of Jakhar's son. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Pakistani lawyer who defended Aasia Bibi, a Christian woman freed from gallows by the Supreme Court in a high-profile blasphemy case last year, will defend couple on death row for similar charges, a media report said on Saturday. Advocate Saiful Malook will plead for the innocence of Christian couple, Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Masih, who was awarded death sentence by a district court in Punjab in April 2014 and also imposed a fine of Rs 100,000 each, the Express Tribune reported. Their appeal is pending in the Lahore High Court (LHC) and a hearing is likely to be fixed soon. Malook said that he has submitted his Vakalatnama in the LHC to plead the case of the couple, saying that he already met Kausar in Multan jail, the paper reported. Malook's decision to defend the young couple came days after Bibi left the country and reunited with her family in Canada. Bibi, a mother of four from Punjab province, was taken out of the Muslim-majority country after repeated death threats from religious extremists, following the quashing of her conviction for blasphemy last year. The 47-year-old mother of four was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. Kausar is also lodged in the same death cell, where Bibi was imprisoned before her acquittal in the blasphemy case last year. Malook who was offered citizenship by EU countries played down threats to his security. He said that he was working for human causes; therefore, he was not worried about his security. According to the complainant in the couple's case, he received an SMS containing blasphemous remarks while offering prayers at a mosque on July 18, 2013. He showed the SMS to his friends and thereafter approached his counsel for legal proceedings on the basis of the SMS. While sitting in the office of the council, he received five more SMS. When the counsel tried to contact the number, he (lawyer) also received three to four SMS on his mobile phone, the paper reported. The police claimed that both the convicts confessed to committing blasphemy. After the investigation, police in its report alleged the couple was involved in the commission of an offence and would face trial. Following the trial, the couple was convicted and awarded death sentence on April 4, 2014. However, the court's order was challenged by the couple on many grounds, the report said. Their appeal contends that the witnesses produced by the prosecution during the trial were related to the complainant and were inimical' towards them and their statements required independent corroboration which is lacking in this case. The convicted couple also claimed that about eight to nine months prior to the case, a minor quarrel took place between their children and of the neighbour's, who developed a grudge against them. Kausar was working at the Bishop Compound and the copy of her national identity card was available in the record of the Bishop Compound, where the neighbour was also working. They alleged that the neighbour succeeded in obtaining the copy of her NIC and purchased the SIM in her name and later misused that SIM and forwarded the alleged blasphemous SMS to the complainant, who was in collusion with their neighbour, the paper said. After the passage of five years, the appeal was fixed before the LHC division bench on February 7, but it was left over. It is learned that the matter will be relisted soon, the paper reported. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has said players seeking re-registration would be allowed to do so if they tender a written apology and give an undertaking that they would abide by the rules of the federation. The Central Council meeting held on March 23, 2019 decided that AICFs focus is not on punishment but on enforcing discipline and promoting talent. Considering the lapse of time, financial difficulty expressed by players, and the primary objectives of AICF, the Central Council has decided those players who are interested in re-registration with AICF should be permitted to re-register if they tender a written apology. Also, the players should give an undertaking that they would henceforth abide by the existing bye-laws/rules of the AICF, the federation said on its website. Meanwhile, Gurpreet Pal Singh, one of the players banned by the AICF, wondered why the federation was showing concern about the players now. "Why at this point of time... why is the AICF suddenly showing a lot of concern for the players," Singh, a former national junior champion, told PTI Saturday. He said the Competition Commission of India (CCI) last year held that the undertaking prescribed by AICF for players' non-participation in events not authorised by the Indian chess body contravenes the provisions of the Competition Act. Singh said the AICF had banned him and three other players in 2010 while the rule asking for an undertaking by players on not playing in unrecognised tournaments was introduced in 2011. "I was banned in 2010 along with three others for playing in unrecognised tournaments while the rule asking for an undertaking on not playing unrecognised tournaments was introduced in 2011. How can I be judge for my conduct in 2010 when the rule came a year later," he asked. He said the AICF should not seek apology from the players adding "why should I.. what wrong have I done. I haven't broken any law. " Singh also wanted the AICF to restore the chess ratings (ELO ratings) of himself and the other banned players and also register them again. On July 12, 2018, the CCI held that the undertaking prescribed by the AICF for players regarding non-participation in events not authorised by it amounts to restraints that are in the nature of exclusive distribution and refusal to deal as defined in Section 3(f) and 3(4)(d) of the Competition Act 2002. The CCI also imposed a penalty of Rs 6,92,350 on the AICF for infringing on the provisions of Section 4 of the Act. The CCI said non-compliance with such an undertaking would result in banning of players and removal of their Elo rating, create entry barriers, foreclose competition and restrict opportunities available to chess players. The complaint against AICF was filed by four chess players -- Gurpreet Singh, Karan Duggal, Devendra Bajpai and Hemant Sharma -- alleging contravention of the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of the Act. The players were banned by the AICF from playing in chess tournaments for the past several years and their ELO ratings were also withdrawn. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday held a roadshow here, a party stronghold which is witnessing a clash of titans with Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad locked in virtually a straight contest with Shatrughan Sinha, who seeks to retain the Patna Sahib seat on a Congress ticket. Shah arrived here after addressing a rally in Arrah Lok Sabha constituency where another Union minister, R K Singh, is seeking to retain his seat. The roadshow commenced from the Kadamuan locality of the city, a stone's throw from the ancestral house of Sinha, who quit the BJP last month, at about 6.30 p m. Perched atop an open vehicle with a saffron 'angavastram' around his neck, Shah was flanked by Prasad besides other senior BJP leaders like Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, Union minister Giriraj Singh and state minister Nand Kishore Yadav. The BJP leaders waved at crowds which greeted them with chants of 'Bharat Mata ki jai' and raised slogans in favour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. State BJP president Nityanand Rai stood behind Shah, carrying a mike, which he used to perk up the party workers marching on foot in the sweltering heat with slogans of 'Main bhi chowkidar'. People stood on both sides of the road, many of them carrying flags with the party's symbol - the lotus and some others holding aloft huge cutouts of the PM, as the procession moved at snail speed, criss-crossing narrow streets towards its final point near the historic Gandhi Maidan. Sinha, who won the seat in 2009 and 2014 on a BJP ticket, expressed displeasure over media reports quoting party sources that the starting point had been chosen to show the actor-turned-politician his place. "I am the Bihari Babu. The son of the soil. How much the people of Patna love me is evident from the fact that I won with the highest margin for any seat in Bihar. Their talks of showing me my aukaat and haisiyat (worth) will boomerang on them. The people will give them (BJP) a befitting reply on polling day," Sinha said. Earlier, at the rally in Arrah, Shah tore into the Congress for promising abolition of sedition law in its manifesto, and alleged that "they have been sympathetic towards those who chanted anti-India slogans in JNU and were put behind bars by Narendra Modi". "We reiterate that we will not allow any attempts to encourage secessionism in Kashmir, and Article 370 will be abrogated once we return to power," Shah said. Patna Sahib and Arrah go to polls on May 19 in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The African National Congress (ANC) has held onto power in South Africa, albeit with a reduced majority, while two parties to the right and left have increased their votes share as the General Election for the sixth National Assembly since Nelson Mandela assumed power in 1994 drew to a close Friday. The proportional representation system used in South Africa requires voters to choose a party to lead the country and Legislative Assemblies in its nine provinces, rather than specific President and Premiers respectively for these positions. There was consensus among analysts that the ANC gained the trust of the electorate because of the appointment of Cyril Ramaphosa as President early last year after Jacob Zuma was recalled from the position. This was despite earlier concerns that disillusionment with Zuma and his cabinet over rampant allegations of corruption and state capture would see voters choosing other parties. Besides being returned to the National Parliament with 58% of the votes cast, the ANC won the highest number of votes in all but one province, the Western Cape, where the Democratic Alliance (DA) retained its premiership. The previous opposition DA returned as the official opposition in Parliament with 28% of votes in its favour. But the rise of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by firebrand Julius Malema who formed the party after being ousted from the ANC; the mainly Zulu-supported Inkatha Freedom Party, led by 90-year-old Mangosuthu Buthelezi; and the Freedom Front Plus (FFP), which looks largely after the interests of the white minority, surprised analysts. These parties respectively took the next three top slots in the elections. "It looks like the theme in South Africa is the same as the theme worldwide - the growth of populism," said Felicity Duncan of Biznews. "Both the EFF and the FFP have fundamentally populist platforms, albeit from opposite sides of the political spectrum. "Both tend to trade in in-group rhetoric and simplified economic messaging - left-wing economic populism from the EFF, right-wing economic populism from the FFP. "This suggests that SA is not immune to the worldwide wave of populism," Duncan said. In a preliminary report on the 2019 election, former Nigerian president and head of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), Goodluck Jonathan, lauded the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for running a free and fair election, as did several other independent monitoring bodies. But the election was not without controversy, including reports of people finding ways of voting twice by removing the supposedly indelible ink marks on their thumbs which was supposed to disallow this. Police arrested 22 people who voted multiple times, citing this as a serious criminal offence. The IEC is also facing legal action from a group of parties from the 48 contesting the elections who secured minimal votes, claiming a range of irregularities. The allegations have been referred to the Statistician General for an independent technical assurance assessment, but is not expected to have any significant effect on the final outcome of the voting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Army has conducted a Court of Inquiry (CoI) against a senior Lt General for alleged corruption, breach of rules and misappropriation of government funds, official sources said. The Lt. Gen, posted in the national capital, was also involved in a court case relating to his promotion. The sources said the investigation is almost complete and the Lt. Gen is likely to face punitive action based on the findings of the CoI. They said the CoI was ordered against him by the Army headquarters following a series of complaints that he was involved in misappropriation of funds and even bought furniture, air conditioners and several other items for his personal use, breaching laid down financial norms. Considering the sensitivity of the issue, the CoI was conducted by a Principal Staff Officer of Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat, the sources said. The Army Chief has been adopting tough approach in dealing with cases of corruption, misconduct and breaching of rules. In his periodic internal notes to officers and jawans, Gen. Rawat has been cautioning them against any acts of misconduct. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : An Australian warship HMAS Toowoomba has docked at the Chennai port here as part of the Australia's commitment to promote regional maritime security and cooperation between the two countries. Toowoomba's six-day visit to the city follows the success of AUSINDEX 2019 which featured the largest-ever Australian defence force to visit India, a press release from the Australian Consulate said here. The visit of warships is in line with the 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper's placement of India at the 'front rank' of Australia's international partnerships. Toowoomba would participate in 'Exercise La Perouse' in the Bay of Bengal aiming to enhance interoperability, build partner capacity and strengthen the professional relationships with regional nations, the release said. The ship is commanded by Commander Mithcell Livingstone who is an alumnus of Indian Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He is heading a 184 officers on-board the ship. On the visit to Chennai, Livingstone said, "Our visit presents a great opportunity to further strengthen relations with our Indian Ocean neighbours soon after the success of AUSINDEX 2019 while enabling newly joined Junior Sailors their first opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Southern India". Australia and India have a shared commitment to safe and open access to the Indo-Pacific region, fostering trade and commerce. To assist the process, the government of Australia routinely commits a Royal Australian navy vessel and personnel to support the US-led combined maritime forces to defeat terrorism, prevent piracy, encourage regional cooperation and promote a safe maritime environment, the release said. Toowoomba would be here till May 15, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Sudan's capital Juba will ban all clubs and limit bar hours due to alleged "immoral acts" taking place in night spots, the presidency said Saturday. "Jubek state government has banned all the night clubs, bars and night music shows in Juba city," read a statement from the presidency. The governor of Juba, Augustino Jadalla Wani, said in a video posted on Facebook that while nightclubs would be shut, bars would have their hours limited to early evening, and would be forbidden from operating during the day. "Discos we ban it totally because what is happening there is really very dangerous for the future of this country," he said, adding that girls as young as 13-years old frequented these clubs. "We are serious and we are going to make sure discos are not working in this country." In addition, he said the capital would make it obligatory for couples checking into hotels to produce a marriage certificate. South Sudan is in its sixth year of civil war, with fighting largely halted since a September peace deal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A school teacher by profession, little did Sujata Khan know that she would have to move out of her cushy world among children and get airdropped into the grinding heat and dust of electioneering. She actively campaigned for her husband, the BJP candidate from Bishnupur Lok Sabha seat Saumitra Khan. Saumitra is probably the only candidate in the country who cannot enter his constituency to campaign, having barred by the court from the limits of Bankura district, within which his constituency Bishnupur is situated. The Calcutta High Court, as a condition for granting anticipatory bail in connection with some cases against him, had directed Saumitra not to enter Bankura district. The Supreme Court had allowed him to enter the district only on the day of filing nomination papers. Saumitra, who was elected as a Trinamool Congress MP in 2014, left the party in January 2019 to join the BJP. "I left the TMC since it has ceased to be a party of gentlemen," he said. He claimed to have been slapped with criminal cases the day after he joined the saffron party. Saumitra asked his wife Sujata, who has never been in before, to lead his election campaign. "My days started at 7 am with padyatras, public meetings and ended well-past midnight after talks with party leaders and workers about strategy and planning," Sujata said. She was seen walking through villages with folded hands, seeking blessings for her husband. The scorching sun with temperatures hovering around 42 degree Celsius has tanned her skin, but had little effect on her exuberance for seeing her husband sail through the battle on May 12, when the constituency goes to polls. "I have not seen my husband for some months now, but he keeps guiding me over the phone on where to go, whom to meet and the points on which to stress while speaking at public rallies," she told PTI. A posse of saffron party workers and supporters walked with her as minidor pick-up vans carried life-size photos of her husband. Saumitra claimed that his prospects of winning has increased manifold owing to his wife campaigning for him. "Because of her popularity, top TMC leaders including Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, Anubrata Mondal and others campaigned for their candidate in Bishnupur," he said. A primary school teacher in Kolkata, Sujata seemed to have adapted quite well to the nuances of within a short time. Asked how she coped with the new role, she said, "There is nothing more challenging than winning the hearts of people and nothing is harder than politics, I did have some anxiety about this in the beginning. "But I had the confidence that I will be able to win over the people who have showered me love and respect in the towns and villages where I went," she said. Sujata alleged that people were not allowed to vote in the 2018 West Bengal panchayat elections by the Trinamool Congress and claimed that this anger will be reflected in the Lok Sabha elections, when they hope to be able to exercise their franchise with better security under central forces. "This has been a blessing in disguise for us and is a big plus point for us," she said. Saumitra, who was then a TMC MP, claimed to have protested the district TMC leadership's designs to "intimidate opposition candidates and voters" in the panchayat elections. "But they did not heed my requests." TMC candidate Shyamal Santra, who has been propped up by party chief Mamata Banerjee, claimed that the BJP leaders are like migratory birds and would go away after the votes are over. Asked whether he considers the absence of the BJP candidate from the campaign as an advantage, he said that it does not matter who is campaigning and who not, as there are many candidates apart from him. Santra said that his wife Pritikana is also holding roadshows and meetings in his favour. "This is a very big constituency and family members need to participate in the campaign." Taking a dig at Santra's wife participating in campaign for her husband, Sujata said "seeing the huge response I am getting, he got his wife to address some meetings, but the attempt has flopped."Mintu Mondal, a local BJP leader in Onda Assembly constituency, said there is an atmosphere of fear given the panchayat poll experience. "If people can reach polling booths, they will give their answers in the EVMs," he said, adding if central forces are provided adequately, people will have more confidence. Mondal said that absence of Saumitra has not affected the morale of party workers. "In fact, Sujata is doing better," he said. At Chingani, a village in the middle of Joypur forest, Ismail Dalal said that it is not that Hindu votes will go to BJP and Muslim votes will go to TMC only. Denying any divide on religious lines, he said, "may be leaders say all these, but such feeling is not there among people." "We bathe in the same pond, our children go to the same school and we have tea in the same shop," said Kamal Hussain, a motor mechanic by profession. The CPI(M) has fielded Sunil Khan, a former MP from Durgapur from 1996 to 2009, following which the constituency was abolished following delimitation. Narayan Chandra Khan is the Congress candidate from Bishnupur. The seat was held by CPI(M) from 1971 to 2014, before which Congress represented the seat. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 'Siddaramaiah-for-CM' clamour within a section of the Congress in Karnataka has come in for ridicule from the JDS, its ruling coalition ally, and the opposition BJP. The JD(S) dubbed the campaign as an act of 'chamchagiri' (sycophancy) while the BJP called it anarchy within the Congress by Siddaramaiah and his four or five 'chelas' (supporters). Over the past few days, several Congress leaders, including ministers in the Kumaraswamy government, have pitched for Congress legislature party (CLP) leader Siddaramaiah becoming the CM again. Reacting to the statements of Home Minister M B Patil and a few others in this regard, JD(S) state president A H Vishwanath told reporters at Haveri Saturday that such remarks smack of 'chamchagiri'. Patil's statements gave rise to questions whether he was doing so to appease somebody or he was only toeing some standard line, the JDS leader said. "This is not sane. It does not make sense when a minister, who understands administration, who understands constitution, says Siddaramaiah is the next chief minister. What else to do when some people resort to 'chamchagiri' despite being ministers," Vishwanath said. On the other hand, BJP MLA and former deputy chief minister K S Eshwarappa accused Siddaramaiah of creating anarchy in Congress, and 'advised' the Congress leadership to suspend him. "Already, the Congress has reached a stage of being razed to the ground. If you dont take action it will lead to anarchy. Suspend Siddaramaiah and his four or five supporters. Demonstrate that you are a disciplined party," he said. The BJP leader said Siddaramaiah was daydreaming of becoming chief minister again. Patil recently made a pitch for Siddaramaiah "as chief minister again," but clarified the present coalition government under H D Kumaraswamy would complete its full term. Noting that many Congress leaders were pitching for making him Chief Minister out of "affection", Siddaramaiah Wednesday ruled out the possibility of any change in the top post held by Kumaraswamy. A stung JD(S) has termed the clamour "unreasonable" and ruled out Siddaramaiah becoming Chief Minister immediately. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday said that BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are looking at the state for votes as the party has fared badly in the last five phases of Lok Sabha polls. Modi is losing confidence as he is sure to lose the election, she said and urged the electorate not to vote for BJP. "Where will BJP get the numbers from ? In Uttar Pradesh, its count will reduce from 73 to 13 or 17. In other states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajashthan, Punjab and Odisha the party will draw a blank. Its seats will reduce in Madhya Pradesh also", Banerjee said at a public meeting here in support of Trinamool Congress candidate Nusrat Jahan. Urging voters not to vote for the saffron party, she said "We do not want BJP. Show the door to the party through votes. In Bengal, Trinamool Congress should win all the 42 seats which will help it to have some control in the formation of the new government at the Centre". She alleged that BJP, Congress and CPI(M) are of the same kind. "Some people are supporting BJP in the morning, Congress in the afternoon and CPI(M) in the night. So voting any of the three will be a waste. Vote for Trinamool Congress". Continuing her tirade against Modi, Banerjee said in the last parliamentary polls he had said a lot of things and became the prime minister. "But what work has he done in the last five years ?" The chief minister claimed that Trinamool Congress is the only party which has the "guts" to fight BJP. "BJP has kept the entire country petrified. Captured institutions like RBI, CBI, Income Tax and the ED. "Instead of giving food, shelter and clothing, BJP has dismatled the Planning Commission with Niti Aayog and shown how to create riots ... It started cow vigilantism and lynching syndicates", she said. Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have often attacked the TMC by accusing it of running 'syndicates raj'. Banerjee, a known critic of the BJP, alleged that prices had risen during its rule and is going to increase more after the elections. "Nathuram Godse (who killed Mahatama Gandhi) is now BJP's leader. They (BJP) have forgotten Netaji who gave the Jai Hind slogan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP staged sit-in protests across Uttarakhand on Saturday in protest against the "insensitive" remarks of Congress leader Sam Pitroda on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Pitroda, a close aide of Gandhi and Overseas Congress' head, on Thursday said, 'hua to hua' (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The BJP said Pitroda's comments showed the Congress has no regrets about the killing of thousands of innocent Sikhs. BJP workers chanting slogans gathered at the collectorate in all the district headquarters and staged a dharna to protest against Pitroda for his "insensitive" remarks, state BJP media in-charge Devendra Bhasin said. In Dehradun, BJP workers led by vice president Jyoti Prasad Gairola and Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi sat on a dharna at Gandhi Park demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi for his guru's "insensitive" remarks. "Pitroda's remarks are highly condemnable. Besides proving that the Congress was behind the riots, they also reflect that the party does not regret the massacre of thousands of innocent Sikhs. It is like rubbing salt into their wounds," Gairola said at the dharna venue. "The then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's remarks after the riots and the role of several Congress leaders in the riots are well known. The Congress tried its best to save those who had a hand in the riots. It even made one of them chief minister. Under Narendra Modi, some of the accused have landed behind the bars and the fight will go on till everyone guilty is brought to book," he said. Members of the Sikh community also held a demonstration in protest against Pitroda's remarks at Darshan Lal Chawk and later joined BJP leaders protesting at Gandhi Park, Bhasin said. Pitroda's statement is "reflective of the Congress's mindset and character", he said. The BJP will get the highest tally from the northeastern states, thus opening a new chapter in the history of electoral of northeast India, Union minister Jitendra Singh claimed on Saturday. This tally will get further added on by the seats to be won by BJP allies under the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), he said. Sharing his assessment of the voting trends, Singh, who has been the minister in-charge of the northeastern states for the last five years, recalled that in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP had won only eight out of 25 seats in these states, which included seven from Assam and one from Arunachal Pradesh. This time, however, he predicted that the jinx will break and the BJP will also record a decisive victory from states like Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur from where last time it did not get a single seat. The contribution of the northeastern states to the overall BJP tally in the Lok Sabha will not only mark a definite departure from the past trends, but also would make the eight northeastern states a major player in the country's national politics, said Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office. Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the incredible upsurge of the BJP in northeast, he said a continued micro-level focus of the government on the region, coupled with successful restructuring of organisation by BJP president Amit Shah have turned the tables in the favour of the BJP. As far as development in these states is concerned, Singh said there is, for example, a network of roads across the region and a double-gauge rail track being laid even in the states which had never seen a train before. Not only this, he said, Modi ensured closest possible bonding between the Centre and the northeastern states by rolling out a roster whereby eight union ministers would travel to northeast every fortnight which, in other words, meant that there was to be at least one union minister stationed in each of the eight states every 15 days. In addition, Singh said the personal appeal and charisma of Modi acted as a binding force for all segments of the society, tribes and sects in this peripheral region of the country. The results on May 23 will prove that the people of the northeastern region have, under the Modi government, totally mingled with the rest of India, the minister said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday held talks with Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on a wide range of issues and underscored the importance of strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations to ensure peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Naidu, who is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the 16th UN Day of Vesak Celebrations Sunday in Ha Nam province, reiterated during his talks with Phuc that cordial and friendly relations between India and Vietnam have been strengthened by bonds of Buddhism and Hinduism, according to an official statement. Referring to the growing cooperation between the two nations in different fields, he informed Phuc that India is ready to partner with Vietnam in satellite construction, both for civilian and non-civilian purposes. Naidu also assured him that India remains committed to extend cooperation in training and capacity building of Vietnam's defence forces. On bilateral trade, the vice president expressed confidence of achieving the target of USD 15 billion by 2020. Observing that Indian companies were increasingly looking to invest in emerging sectors like renewable energy and energy conservation, infrastructure, agriculture, agro-products, textiles, pharma and oil and gas, Naidu informed Phuc of India's commitment to address various issues related to market access and trade barriers. He also sought prime minister's personal intervention in facilitating the entry of Indian pharmaceutical products into Vietnam. Naidu assured Phuc that Indian companies can provide high-tech health systems and medicines for public health in Vietnam at an affordable cost. This will make health services more affordable and reduce the insurance burden on the Vietnam government, he added. Regarding oil and gas exploration in Vietnam, Naidu sought an extension of up to 10 years for ONGC Videsh Limited's (OVL) contract, which is due to expire in 2023. He said OVL has invested over USD 530 million in exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in Vietnam, and is exploring possibility of another gas discovery that may entail additional investment of around USD 136 million. Naidu also wanted extension of Production Sharing Contract by Petro Vietnam by two years. The vice president also reiterated India's support to Vietnam for the non-permanent membership of the UNSC for 2020-21. He thanked the country for its support to India to be a permanent member of an expanded UNSC. Naidu said India has strong interest in the Indo-Pacific region. India's approach and vision to Indo-Pacific is SAGAR -- Security and Growth for All in the Region, he added. Earlier, inaugurating a 'Jaipur Foot Artificial Limb Fitment Camp' at the Indian Embassy under 'India for Humanity' programme to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the vice president said the core philosophy of India from time immemorial has been to share and care. Stating that the iconic Jaipur Foot provided mobility, a sense of dignity and an ability to live life fully to the differently-abled, Naidu lauded Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti for providing the services free of charge. Earlier in the morning, the vice president visited Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and paid homage to the Vietnamese revolutionary leader. He also attended a gala dinner reception hosted by chairperson of National Assembly of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan at the National Convention Centre. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A six-year-old boy was mauled to death by a pack of stray dogs in the city, police said on Saturday. The incident took place on Friday evening in Shiv Sangam Nagar, police said. "Six stray dogs attacked the boy, Sanju Jatav, when he was playing on a ground near his house. His mother, who was nearby, raised an alarm and tried to shoo away the dogs. But the canines attacked her as well," Awadhpuri police inspector M L Bhati said. Sanju, who bled profusely as a result of the attack, was rushed to a hospital. However, he died on the way, he said. Local residents blamed the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the stray dog menace. Bhati said they have contacted the BMC officials, who have launched a drive against stray dogs on a large scale. In February 2018, eight stray dogs had mauled to death an 18-month child in Gautam Nagar area in the city. The child had been bitten over 200 times. After Friday's incident, Congress corporator Yogendra Chauhan said despite repeated complaints about the stray dog menace, the civic authorities were not doing enough. He alleged that corruption in the implementation of sterilisation of stray dogs was responsible for such incidents. When contacted, Municipal Commissioner B Vijay Dutta said lack of infrastructure was posing difficulties in curbing the menace. "We are going to upgrade the infrastructure, but this exercise takes time. Budgetary allocations have been enhanced to enhance the infrastructure. We are working on improving the network of dog shelters," he said. "During our attempts of controlling the population of stray dogs, we face objections from animal activists," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 200 citizens of Kazakhstan, among which 156 children were able to return to their homeland, after having travelled to Syria to join radical terrorist groups involved in that countrys 8-year-old civil war, New Europe reports. On my instructions, on 7-9 May, 231 Kazakh citizens were evacuated from Syria, including 156 children, mostly pre-school-aged children, 18 of them orphans. This large-scale humanitarian operation was a continuation of Operation Zhusan, which was successfully conducted by Kazakhstans First President Nursultan Nazarbayev in January of this year, the statement from Kazakh President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev read. Tokayev noted that all repatriated citizens had been rehabilitated, received medical, psychological and social aid, adding, We can already talk about the positive effect of this work. The women who returned in January of this year abandoned the radical past, got a job, and restored ties with their relatives. The children went to schools and kindergartens, Tokayev said. The Kazakh citizens who willingly left for the Middle East and Afghanistan with the intention of joining Islamic extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Nusra decided to take such the drastic step while under the influence of destructive false propaganda that has been spread by these, and other, terror organisations, Tokayev said, adding that now they are returning to Kazakhstan voluntarily in the hope of starting a new life. Kazakhstan confirms its commitment to combat terrorism, as well as to provide comprehensive assistance to citizens in difficult situations. The humanitarian operation will continue. None of our people will be left to the mercy of that type of fate, Tokayev said in the statement while expressing his gratitude to the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Committee and other government agencies, as well as Kazakhstans international partners who took part in the operation. In January, Kazakhstans security services were able to return 47 men, women, and children from the remaining combat zones in Syria. Many of those who returned to Kazakhstan were held hostage by terrorists and asked for help through their relatives. The majority of Kazakh citizens left for Syria and Iraq in 20122015. It is impossible to calculate the exact number of those who joined extremist groups as they usually travelled without documents and crossed up to four different internationally recognised borders before they reached areas controlled by Islamic extremists. According to the head of the department of National Security Committee of Kazakhstan, Bakhytbek Rakhymberdiyev, there are still about 380 Kazakh citizens in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria with them are approximately 400-500 children, some of which were lost after both parents were killed. Last autumn, the Foreign Ministry received unconfirmed information about Kazakh children in Syria whose parents died on the Afghan-Pakistan border in 2012. They (children) were illegally taken to conflict zones where they were held hostage by terrorists. Kazakhstan always supports its citizens, regardless of their location. We will continue to work to return children who are being held against their will in areas where combat is ongoing, Nazarbayev said in January shortly after 47 Kazakh citizens were returned home from war zones. A newly-wed British Indian man is stuck in Sri Lanka after his wife died from a mysterious illness at a hotel in the country on their honeymoon. Khilan Chandaria is being barred by the Sri Lankan authorities from leaving the country until an investigation into the death of his 31-year-old wife, Usheila Patel, is concluded. Chandaria, a 33-year-old phone shop owner from north-west London, has not been arrested or charged in connection with his wife's death but is not being permitted to return to his home in the UK. "I don't want to leave without her. I feel like the whole world is against me. It's been hard to do anything," Chandaria told the UK media from Sri Lanka. "I don't think the grieving process has really started yet," he said. The couple were married in London on April 19 before flying off on honeymoon four days later. They had been staying at the five-star beach resort called Amari in the southwestern coastal city of Galle in Sri Lanka. They were scheduled to fly to Maldives on the second leg of the honeymoon. But they both fell ill and were "feverish and vomiting blood" after consuming some food and drinks at the hotel. They were rushed to a hospital after they called for help to their hotel room. Patel was pronounced dead at the Karapitiya Hospital in Galle on April 25. "A post-mortem said she died from dehydration, obviously from vomiting," said Chandaria, who had also noticed a weird "smell" in their hotel room before the suspected food poisoning. "We are highly confident of our food safety standards," Amari Galle Sri Lanka said in a statement. While Chandaria had initially been free to leave Sri Lanka, he refused to leave until his wife's body has been released. He has now been banned from leaving until a government report into the death can be prepared. "I want to go home knowing my wife will be coming home too and say my last goodbyes," he said. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting a British man in Sri Lanka. Our consular staff have shared advice on bereavement abroad and are in contact with the Sri Lankan authorities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A BSF jawan allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle Saturday at Haldarpara area of West Bengal's Nadia district, near the India-Bangladesh border, a police officer said. NC Roy, a resident of Assam and personnel in 54 battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF), was found lying on the ground by fellow jawans near Gede border checkpoint with a bullet injury on his stomach, he said. Roy was immediately taken to Krishnaganj Rural Hospital, where the doctors declared him "brought dead", the officer said, adding that the body has been sent to a hospital in Shaktinagar area of the district for autopsy. According to a police sources, the 53-year-old jawan was suffering from mental depression. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CBIC Saturday termed "malicious and malafide" the attempts to connect the RTI reply regarding detention of an individual by customs officials at the Kolkata airport with that of detention of wife of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) debunked reports in regional media quoting an RTI which said that no incident involving Rujira Bandhopadhya alias Rujira Banerjee alias Rujira Naroola wife of Abhishek Banerjee at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (NSCBI Airport) has occurred at all. Abhishek Banerjee is nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The CBIC said Rujira Naroola was intercepted by customs officials in the intervening night of March 15-16, 2019, while passing through Green Channel at NSCBI Airport for checking. It said the RTI application, which media reports are quoting, dated March 22, sought information concerning detention of Jasmit Ahuja Banerjee (and not about Ms Rujira Naroola) in the night of March 16, 2019 or in early morning of March 17, 2019 (and not in the intervening night of March 15-16, 2019 when the incident described above occurred). "Accordingly, the reply of RTI was given with respect to the query on Jasmit Ahuja Banerjee. CBIC clarified that the RTI application dated March 22, 2019 filed with CPIO, Office of Commissioner of Customs, Airport Customs House, Kolkata, does not relate to the aforesaid incident involving Ms. Rujira Naroola. "All attempts being made to connect the RTI reply regarding one Ms. Jasmit Ahuja Banerjee with the aforesaid incident involving Ms. Rujira Naroola are malicious and malafide, the CBIC said. Naroola, was flying from Bangkok on Thai Airways with Ms. Menka Gambhir and refused to show her passports and get her bags scanned, when asked. "Naroola instead of cooperating started abusing and threatening Customs Officers with dire consequences. Subsequently, local police officers entered the restricted customs area demanding immediate release of the said two ladies without any checking, thereby obstructing discharge of statutory functions by Customs officers. The local police further demanded that their VIPs must be allowed to pass through Green Channel without checking, otherwise concerned customs Officers shall be arrested/detained, the CBIC said. Assistant Commissioner of Customs, NSCBI Airport had lodged a complaint dated March 22, 2019, reporting particulars of the aforesaid incident with Police Station NSCBI Airport, Kolkata. Writ Petition raising violation of fundamental rights of Customs officers and general public by obstruction caused by West Bengal Police in discharge of statutory functions by the Customs Officers is pending adjudication before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, the CBIC said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hollywood star Chris Pine is set to headline the cast of upcoming independent black ops action-thriller "Violence of Action". According to Variety, Tarik Saleh is directing the film from a script penned by J P Davis. The film is set to get into production later this year. Pine will play the role of a man who has been involuntarily discharged from the Marines and joins a paramilitary organisation in order to support his family. He travels to Poland with his team on a black ops mission to investigate a mysterious threat, but finds himself alone and hunted in Eastern Europe, where he must fight to stay alive and uncover the true motives of those who betrayed him. Thunder Road Films and 30West are attached as producers, while STXinternational is handling worldwide distribution. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A fresh row erupted on the eve of polling in Delhi after the son of AAP's West Delhi candidate Balbir Singh Jakhar on Saturday claimed that he paid Rs 6 crore to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to contest the Lok Sabha polls, but Jakhar denied it saying his son was lying and that they had estranged ties. Jakhar's son Uday claimed he had "credible evidence" to support his allegations and that he had chosen to speak out with it because of his "conscience". "An amateur politician getting a ticket was surprising at first. I brought it upon my conscience to question this. When I asked my father for assistance to pay for my education, he was unable to do so. He resisted and said he was going to use the money for his own political benefit," he claimed. Uday also claimed that his father was willing to pay the bail money for Yashpal Singh and Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, both convicts in cases related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Singh was handed capital punishment while Kumar was sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in the anti-Sikh pogrom in the aftermath of former prime minister India Gandhi's assassination. However, Jakhar, in a press conference, denied the allegations, saying his son was lying and he had never stayed with him. He said after his divorce, his son stayed with his maternal grandparents and the allegations might be "politically motivated". Jakhar said the custody of his son was with his first wife. He said he last talked to his son in December 2018, so his claim that he told him that he has given Rs 6 crore for the West Delhi ticket is false. He refused to comment on his son's claim on 1984 riots, saying he would answer everything on Monday when the 48-hour-long silence period prior to polling is lifted. He said the AAP would soon respond to all the allegations with proofs. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in a separate press conference backed Jakhar and said he is not in touch with his son from the first marriage. "Ten hours before the polls, a press conference is done by someone...This is being done so that a headline can be run 'AAP's ticket for six crore?' So that this headline can be given, the BJP has used the opportunity. The candidate is saying he did not buy any ticket and the party is saying they have not sold any ticket," Sisodia said. Meanwhile, the BJP sought an explantation from Kejriwal on the matter. "It is a very serious allegation and a response must be given by Kejriwal. On Jakhar's support to anti-Sikh riots convicts, Kejriwal should also respond to it. The AAP's corruption has been exposed and its true character has been revealed," senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said at a press conference. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari, who was present at the press conference, demanded that adequate security should be provided to Jakhar's son. As soon as Jakhar's press conference was about to start, three policemen entered the AAP headquarters at ITO and told AAP functionaries to stop the event, but they did not pay heed. After this, the cops tried to video record the proceedings but they were not allowed inside and the door was shut. A senior police officer said they came to know about the press conference, following which they went to the premises to caution AAP functionaries that they cannot hold a press conference during the 48-hour silence period prior to polling as it is a violation of the model code of conduct. The officer said they have informed the Election Commission (EC) about the developments. Delhi poll body is likely to direct the police to register an FIR against Jakhar, official sources said. Asserting that there was no violation of the poll code, the party said it had covered its symbol and had made no appeal to vote but just gave a clarification. The AAP also contended that the police should have brought an official order from the EC that the press conference cannot take place. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday launched a scathing attack on the opposition over a gangrape in Rajasthan's Alwar district, saying the crime was suppressed by the government there as the state was going to the polls. This is the truth of the nyay' (justice), he said, in an apparent jibe at the income support scheme Nyay promised by the opposition party if it comes to power. "The story of the gangrape of a Dalit daughter which took place two weeks ago is now coming out gradually, Modi said at an election rally here. Instead of arresting those involved in this heinous crime, Rajasthan's government and the police got busy in hiding it as they did not want it to come out before the polling was over," he said. "They wanted to suppress the news, save the accused for the sake of the vote bank," the prime minister said. The rape had provoked protests across Rajasthan after the victim's husband alleged that the police did not act quickly because of the elections. He claimed the woman was raped on April 26 and the police informed on April 30, but the FIR was filed only May 7. Rajasthan voted in the Lok Sabha polls in two phases on April 29 and May 6. "This is the truth of Congress nyay'. The Congress cannot give 'nyay' to either to the 'beti' or 'beta'. In the name of 'nyay', the Congress has always done injustice with the country," Modi said. "I want to ask the 'award wapsi gang' why they are silent now? Are they sleeping?" he asked. Earlier in the day, Bahujan Samaj Party supreme Mayawati made a similar charge against the Ashok Gehlot-led government in Rajasthan. She claimed the state government did not let the matter come to anyone's notice by "terrorising" the victim's family, till the polls were over in the state. Mayawati appealed that the Supreme Court should step in as the victim may not get justice under the present circumstances. ALSO READ: DMK demands doubling paramilitary personnel deployment for fair repolling The Rajasthan police later suspended a station house officer, shifted a superintendent of police and four policemen after reports about the delay in filing an FIR surfaced. Six men have been arrested in connection with the crime. Modi also kept up his attack on the Congress over Sam Pitroda's "hua to hua" (it happened, so what?) remark on the anti-Sikh riots in 1984, saying the comment reflected that party's "arrogance". His rally in Ghazipur was in support of BJP candidate and Union minister Manoj Sinha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the Congress government in Rajasthan of trying to suppress a Dalit woman's gangrape keeping the Lok Sabha elections in mind. The crime in Alwar provoked protests across the state after the woman's husband said she was raped on April 26 and the police informed on April 30, but the FIR was filed on May 7. "The Congress which is in power in Rajasthan has tried to suppress the of the gangrape of a Dalit woman due to the polls in that state," Modi said at an election meeting in Ghazipur in eastern UP. He had alleged the police did not act quickly because of the elections. Rajasthan voted in the Lok Sabha polls in two phases on April 29 and May 6. The prime minister said that the Congress cannot give 'nyay' (justice) to the daughters of the country, indirectly invoking the name of the income support scheme that the opposition party has promised to launch if voted to power. Modi brought up Congress leader Sam Pitroda's "hua to hua" (it happened, so what?) remark on anti-Sikh riots in 1984, saying it reflected that party's "arrogance". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress Saturday staged a protest here against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Governor Satya Pal Malik for their remarks on former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. "We have assembled here to express our anger over the insult to the former prime minister who laid down his life for the country 28 years ago. It is most unfortunate that the state governor has joined the vilification campaign of BJP and Modi," J-K Congress chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma told reporters. On Thursday, the governor had said in Srinagar that Rajiv Gandhi was not initially corrupt but, under the influence of some people, he got involved in the Bofors corruption case. During a rally in Uttar Pradesh on May 4, Modi had targeted Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, saying, "Your father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed Mr Clean by his courtiers, but his life ended as 'bhrashtachari' no 1 (corrupt number 1). Besides, Modi on Wednesday accused the Gandhi family of using warship INS Viraat as its "personal taxi" when Rajiv Gandhi was the prime minister. "Over the years, the BJP left no stone unturned to implicate him (Rajiv Gandhi) but nothing could be proved against him and he came out clean in the judicial process. But the BJP continued its vilification campaign against him and entire Gandhi family, till date which is abuse of judicial process and insult to the martyr, who got assassinated due to lack of foolproof security by then BJP supported government at the Centre," Sharma alleged. Criticising Malik for his remarks, state unit senior vice president Raman Bhalla said, "He made the statement to please his bosses in Delhi. It is better if he resigns from the constitutional post and work as a spokesperson of the BJP," he said. Sharma accused Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of bringing the election campaigning to the lowest level by using abusive language and hurling expletives on the opposition leaders, including former prime ministers. The agitated Congress leaders protested outside the party headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk and raised anti-BJP slogans. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Madhya Pradesh's former chief ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Digvijay Singh are up against each other in Rajgarh where they are spearheading the electioneering to redeem their 'raj' (rule) and 'garh' (bastion), respectively. The two former CMs have apparently taken the centre stage of the poll battle for the Rajgarh parliamentary seat, which is about 140 km north-west of Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal and located in the Malwa plateau along MP's border with Rajasthan. While Chouhan has staked his reputation to repeat the BJP ticket to his trusted man and sitting MP Rodmal Nagar despite opposition from the cadre, Singh has placed his bet on his trusted aide and local party leader Mona Sustani, the first lady candidate of the area for the electoral race to Delhi. Medicine businessman Alok Kumar, who has seen elections to this seat for three decades, says the candidates in the fray here are secondary to the two former chief ministers. "So, while Shivraj Chouhan is working to ensure and continue BJP's 'raj' or rule that began in 2014 here, Singh is determined to snatch this Congress stronghold from them to establish that this is the 'garh' or bastion of the Raghogarh royals. This is all about Rajgarh this time," he told PTI. The Rajgarh seat falls in the royal Raghogarh region of Congress leader Digvijay Singh and he himself had represented this seat twice in Parliament while his brother Laxman Singh won it five times on the Congress ticket and once as a BJP candidate. Nagar won this Congress bastion in 2014 by a margin of over two lakh votes. People largely attribute the win of the first-time candidate Nagar to the 'wave' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi prevailing across the country. Local BJP leaders, speaking anonymously, say Nagar was given the ticket despite objection of a large section of the party cadre and this was well informed to Chouhan. "However, what we understand is that the BJP had no better candidate than Nagar for this seat and also that Chouhan's view prevailed. We opposed Nagar's candidature as people felt that he had not done justice to the constituency in the last five years," the BJP leader said. Both the former CMs have put a good amount of their energy and strategy into the campaign for their chosen candidates. Praveen Namdeo, a local Congress leader, told the agency that Singh had accompanied Sustani when she filed her nomination and he and his son Jaivardhan have campaigned in the area for her. Sustani's family members are old Congress supporters and she is the daughter-in-law of two-time Congress MLA from the Rajgarh assembly seat, Gulab Singh Sustani. Despite Rajgarh and Bhopal voting on the same day-- May 12-- and Singh facing a daunting challenge in the state capital after BJP declared Pragya Singh Thakur as his opponent, the senior Congress leader and former CM has taken out time to personally seek votes for her and also supervise her election campaign sitting far away. Sustani herself admits that she is just the face and the election here is being contested by 'Raja sahab', as she refers to Digvijay Singh. "We will win both Rajgarh and Bhopal. In Rajgarh, the sitting MP has not done any work," Sustani, 50, says. The 58-year-old Nagar, like a number of other BJP candidates in the country, talks about securing votes for himself to ensure that Modi returns as prime minister after votes are counted on May 23. He also talks about the "clean and development-oriented work" done by Chouhan during his 15-year rule in MP that ended last year after the Congress formed government in the state after winning the assembly elections by a wafer-thin margin. Chouhan has not only held multiple public meetings for Nagar in the area, he also has tasked a special team to carry out the campaign for the sitting MP. The former CM is keeping a close eye on the developments in this seat as he does not want that a defeat here gives critics a handle to question his choice and that the seat again falls in the hands of the Congress and Digvijay Singh, the local BJP leader said. The former BJP CM also ensured that national president of the party Amit Shah held a rally in support of Nagar recently apart from state BJP chief Rakesh Singh and film actor and party candidate from Uttar Pradesh's Rampur, Jaya Prada, he said. "Sustani has an edge on the seat as not only she enjoys the support of the Digvijay Singh family and supporters but also the fact that she has been the working president of the party in Rajgarh and a member of the district panchayat body," Upendra Verma, a businessman, said. Singh has also asked Chief Minister Kamal Nath to hold a rally for Sustani before the campaign ends, a local Congress MLA said at the party office here. Rajgarh has about 15 lakh voters and out of its 8 assembly seats, the Congress won five, BJP two and one was won by an Independent in the polls held in November last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Saturday claimed to have made the country's highest seizure of over 1,800-kg pseudoephedrine kept outside a factory in Greater Noida and arrested three foreigners. The estimated value of the seized chemical, along with about 2 kg of party drugs Cocaine, is around Rs 25 crore, sources in the NCB said. The agency stumbled upon the record haul of the narcotics chemical and stimulant after the grilling of a South African woman who was arrested by them on May 9 from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport for allegedly carrying 24.7 kg of pseudoephedrine. The woman was first intercepted by the Central Industrial Security Force. "Pseudoephedrine is a precursor used for the manufacture of Methamphetamine, a drug widely used in Europe and South East Asia. "This is the biggest ever seizure of pseudoephedrine in India kept outside factory premises. As per our records, this is the highest ever seizure by any agency," a senior NCB officer said. Usually such large quantities are always found in factories and not in residential or commercial premises, he said. The woman's interrogation led the officials of the Delhi zonal unit of the NCB to a house in Greater Noida from where a total of 1,818 kg of pseudoephedrine and 1.9 kg of Cociane were seized on May 10, the official said. Two Nigerians, a man and a woman, have been arrested from the house apart from the South African apprehended earlier, they said. The arrests were made under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Antonov An-12 aircraft from Pakistans Karachi, airborne for Delhi, deviated from its scheduled path and entered the Indian airspace, the Indian Air Force said in a statement, The Indian Express reports. The aircraft was intercepted by IAF Air Defence aircraft and forced to land at Jaipur airfield.The aircraft entered the Indian airspace from an unscheduled point in north Gujarat, IAF statement said. The aircraft did not follow the authorized Air Traffic Services (ATS) route and was not responding to radio calls from Indian controlling agencies, a Defence Ministry statement said. It neither responded on international distress frequency nor to visual signals during interception, the statement added. The Ministry said that when the Air Force officials tried to challenge, the aircraft informed that it was a non-schedule aircraft airborne from Tbilisi (Georgia) for Delhi via Karachi. The Cuban government says it will begin rationing chicken, eggs, rice, beans, soap and other basic products in the face of a grave economic crisis. Commerce Minister Betsy Daz Velzquez told the state-run Cuban Agency Friday that various forms of rationing would be employed in order to deal with shortages of staple foods. She blamed the hardening of the US trade embargo by the Trump administration. Economists give equal or greater blame to a plunge in aid from Venezuela. Food stores in Cuba are government-run and sell products ranging from highly subsidized to wildly overpriced by global standards. She said chicken will now be sold in limited quantities, as will low-priced soap, eggs, rice, beans, lentils and sausages. High-priced goods appear to be unaffected, with the exception of chicken. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Police on Saturday intervened to stop a presser by AAP candidate Balbir Singh Jakhar, saying it was a violation of model code of conduct, but he went ahead with it after which the police informed the Election Commission. Defending his action, the AAP said its west Delhi candidate has not made an appeal for vote or displayed the party symbol at the press conference which was held only to issue clarification regarding a video being circulated in which Jakhar's son Uday claimed that his father paid Rs six crore to Arvind Kejriwal for contesting from the west Delhi seat. As soon as the press conference was about to start, three policemen entered the AAP headquarters at ITO and told AAP functionaries to stop the event but they did not pay heed. After this, the cops tried to video record the proceedings but they were not allowed inside and the door was shut. A senior police officer said they came to know about the press conference following which they went to the premises to caution AAP functionaries that they cannot hold a press conference during the 48-hour silence period prior to polling as it is a violation of the model code of conduct. The officer said they have informed the Election Commission (EC) about the developments. At the press conference, Jakhar denied his son's claim and said they had estranged ties. Angry with the police action, the Aam Aadmi Party alleged that BJP candidates too were holding press conferences and asked "why the same rules do not apply to all parties". Asserting that there was no violation of the code of conduct, the party said it had covered its symbol and had made no appeal to vote but just gave a clarification. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 21-year-old woman has alleged that she was gang raped by two of her neighbours in their house in northeast Delhi's Seelampur area, police said Saturday. The woman claimed that the incident took place on May 4. However, she has refused to undergo a medical examination, they said. In her complaint, she said that the culprits' mother and sister called her to their home where she was offered a drink. After consuming it, she lost consciousness and woke up in a nearby park, hours later, a senior police officer said. She felt pain in her private parts and rushed back home where she reported the matter to her uncle, who helped her approach the police, the officer said. A case has been registered based on the woman's statement, police said, adding they are probing the allegations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran actor Dharmendra Saturday sought people's support for his son and BJP candidate from Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat Sunny Deol, saying his victory in elections will be a win of the people of this constituency. Dharmendra, who arrived here Friday to campaign for his 59-year-old son, told reporters that he has come here to understand people's pain and to become the remedy. When pointed out that Congress candidate from the seat, Sunil Jakhar, had invited Deol to hold a debate with him on local issues, Dharmendra said "we have not come here to hold debates, but hear out people's pain". "Sunny cannot debate. Sunil has experience (of politics) and his father (Balram Jakhar) was also a politician. We have come from film industry. We have not come here for debate. We have come here to hear out the pain of people," he said. Dharmendra said Sunil Jakhar is like his son as he had good relations with his father and former Lok Sabha speaker Balram Jakhar. He said he had refused to contest against Balram Jakhar from Churu in Rajasthan in 2004 Lok Sabha polls. Dharmendra had then contested from Bikaner seat on BJP ticket. Dharmendra said he got emotional to see people supporting Sunny Deol on his first roadshow which he held after filling nomination papers for the Gurdaspur seat. "I was watching the roadshow of Sunny from Mumbai and there was a big crowd in the roadshow. I got emotional. I know people love us but I was surprised by seeing so much love," Dharmendra said. He said he had come here to do "heart-to-heart talk" with people. "I do not give speeches, I just talk to them. What is in a speech? I am not a politician," he said. Dharmendra further said he was once asked by the BJP to contest from Patiala seat, but he refused. "I told them that Amarinder Singh family loves me a lot and his wife (Preneet Kaur) is like my sister and told them that I will not contest from Patiala," he said. Sunil Jakhar won the seat in the 2017 bypoll, which was necessitated after the death of Vinod Khanna in April that year.The Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat had been represented by late actor Vinod Khanna four-times--1998, 1999, 2004 and 2014. All the 13 seats of Punjab will go to polls on May 19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On the eve of Lok Sabha polls in the national capital, Delhi Congress chief Sheila Dikshit and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal engaged in friendly banter on Twitter over the former's health. Dikshit asked Kejriwal why he is spreading rumours about her health. "Why are you spreading rumours about my health. If you have nothing to do, then come over and have food at my place. You can also see how my health is, have food and also learn to fight elections without spreading rumours," she tweeted in Hindi. A senior Congress leader said Dikshit posted the tweet after learning that volunteers of Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are spreading rumours in northeast Delhi that she is unable to actively take part in campaigning because of her health. Dikshit, a former three-time Delhi chief minister, is contesting the polls from North East Delhi seat. Kejriwal promptly denied having said anything about her health. "When did I say anything about your health? Never. My family has taught me to respect elders. I wish God gives you good health and a long life. When you were going abroad for treatment, I had come uninvited to your place to enquire about your health. When should I come to your place for having food?" he wrote on Twitter in Hindi. Dikshit is pitted against BJP's sitting MP Manoj Tiwari and AAP's Dilip Pandey. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Police has registered two FIRs in connection with complaints by the BJP and the Congress which have accused the AAP "of propagating false survey results through phone calls to voters". However, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said he was not aware about the matter. The Congress' Delhi unit had filed a complaint with the Election Commission as well as Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi on Friday alleging recorded phone calls are "being used to spread misinformation in an attempt to influence the electorate" . The complaint was filed by Romila Dhawan, the election agent of the party's northeast Delhi candidate and former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The Congress complaint did not name the AAP. However, in a press conference held on Saturday, the party's spokesperson accused the AAP of committing the act. The BJP filed a similar complaint with the Chief Electoral officer, Delhi accusing the AAP of propagating false survey results through phone calls to reporters. The two complaints were forwarded by the CEO, Delhi to Delhi Police's Election Cell which referred the matter to the Crime Branch. The Crime Branch registered two FIRs on the basis of the complaints and began investigation in the matter. Meanwhile, the CEO office has written to Congress asking it to specify whether is aware which party might be involved in this. According to the complaint by the Congress, members of the public have been receiving phone calls from various numbers which play an automated message about a purported survey. "The message names political parties and completely random and inexplicable percentages against their particulars. The message conveys that the result of the survey in which the receiver of the call has ostensibly participated is that AAP got 47 per cent, BJP 37 per cent and Congress 11 per cent votes," the complaint said. It said such calls are a clear violation of the Representation of People Act, 1951, and the Model Code of Conduct, and also violate the 48 hours campaigning prohibition. Delhi goes to polls on May 12 and will see a triangular fight between the BJP, Congress and the AAP on all the seven seats. The Crime Branch is already investigating another case where people had received calls claiming that their names had been deleted from the electoral rolls. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Farm activists have demanded immediate action against officials responsible for spreading seeds of BT brinjal and its genetically modified (GM) variants in the country. In a letter to the Ministry on Saturday, a group of farm activists demanded the government hold officials of Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) responsible for allegedly failing to implement decisions taken in 2010 with regard to confiscation and containment of banned seeds lying with the crop developer and state agriculture universities. "We demand the government immediately swing into action and fix liability on the crop developer and others responsible in a deterrent fashion so that this culture of impunity with regard to leaking of seeds and spreading of illegal cultivation of GMOs towards delivering a fait accompli be addressed decisively, by invoking sections 15, 16 and 17 of the Protection Act, 1986 (EPA)," it said. The activists also demanded the ministry to direct all state governments to conduct investigations regularly on aubergine cultivation in their respective states. "We demand the ministry now write to all state governments under the EPA 1986 Act as well as the 1989 rules related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and hazardous micro-organisms, activating the State Biotechnology Coordination Committees (SBCCs), asking them to take up time-bound investigations on brinjal cultivation in their respective states and ascertaining if illegal Bt brinjal cultivation is taking place. "The use of simple formats for data collection through frontline department officials and lateral flow strip test kits for preliminary field-level testing may be included in the instructions," it said. Recently, the members of Coalition of GM-free India had alleged Bt brinjal, a genetically modified food crop, was being grown and sold illegally in a farm in Haryana and they demanded immediate action against it by the state and central government. Representatives of the Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) had said that based on a tip-off, they picked up samples from the field of a farmer in Haryana's Fatehabad area and the crop tested positive for Bt Cry1Ac protein. Bt brinjal farming was banned in India in 2010 after it was recognised as hazardous to health and In its letter on Saturday, the farm activists demanded liability of GEAC officials and crop developer Mahyco be fixed. "For any illegal cultivation of Bt brinjal found in India, the crop/event developer should be held responsible as we demanded in 2010 itself, and it is clear that Mahyco and the two state agriculture universities have to be investigated immediately. "It can be assumed that these entities are not responsible only if other illegal seed supply chains are established firmly by Haryana government's investigations into the matter," the letter said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister Thawar Chand Gehlot Saturday condemned Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu's "kale angrez" (black Englishmen) remark targeted at the Modi government. Addressing an election rally here Friday night, Sidhu had asked people to defeat "kale angrez", in an apparent attempt to liken the Modi government to the British rule before independence. "Congress party has played a key role in the country's independence. It is the party of Maulana Azad and Mahatma Gandhi. They freed us from the whites. And now you Indorians, deliver the country from the black Englishmen...from the chowkidar thieves..." he had said. Talking to PTI, Gehlot said, "Sidhu's racist remark is condemnable. India is the biggest democracy in the world and there has never been discrimination among Indians on the basis of colour. But nowadays, Sidhu has been continuously giving irrelevant and malicious statements." "Once there was apartheid and fight between blacks and whites in South Africa. Now, this kind of tussle has come to an end in the world. Therefore, Sidhu's use of indecent words is absolutely inappropriate," Gehlot said. The Sangh Parivar's support base in Bhopal will be put to the test Sunday when BJP's Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur - a political novice - take on Congress stalwart Digvijay Singh in what is billed as one of the most interesting fights of this Lok Sabha polls. Hinduism vs Hindutva took centrestage in the poll campaign, putting development issues on the backburner. BJP's choice of Thakur to take on Singh, a former chief minister, has already underscored the saffron party's attempt to bring the Hindutva plank at the centrestage of polls in the high-profile constituency. And Thakur, on her part, has been claiming that she was tortured in police custody when under the UPA was in power at the behest of Singh, whom she has been calling anti-Hindu during her campaign. Arrested in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Thakur (48) was given a clean chit by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), but the trial court refused to discharge her from the case. The court dropped the charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against her, and she is now being tried under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. She was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in 2017. Interestingly Singh (72) roped in maverick Namdev Tyagi, popularly known as Computer Baba who emerged as a Hindu leader in Madhya Pradesh after the previous BJP government in the state accorded him minister of state status and appointed him on a panel to clean the Narmada. The self-styled god man, in the run-up to the assembly elections last year, parted ways with BJP and switched to Congress and campaigned for it. The Congress after coming to power after 15 years in Madhya Pradesh paid him back by appointing him chairman of a river trust. Tyagi, along with other ascetics, organised a yajana under the blazing sun for the Congress leader's victory on Tuesday here. Singh and his wife Amrita and took part in the yajana. Singh and Tyagi also led a road show in which the sadhus chanted 'Jai Shri Ram', demanding that Ram temple be built at Ayodhya at the earliest, much to the surprise of many. The sadhus criticised the BJP for going back on its promise on the Ram Temple construction. The election in Bhopal is being seen as a litmus test for the RSS which is believed to have played a key role in Thakur's selection to take on Singh, a vocal critic of the Sangh Parivar. "Thakur is a novice in whereas Digvijay Singh is a sharp politician," an RSS ideologue and BJP leader said. "She is just a deeply religious person. Thakur does not have any political experience or temperament. She is just a face. The May 12 election in Bhopal is in fact going to be a test for the RSS and the BJP," he added. Thakur was picked after former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union minister Uma Bharti expressed their reluctance to take on Singh, BJP insiders said. The BJP announced Thakur's candidature late, indicating prolonged deliberation in the party before it came out with the final choice. Thakur had a bumpy start to her campaigning. A day after she was fielded she made a controversial remark that she had cursed Maharashta ATS chief Hemant Karkare seeking his doom and five weeks later he was killed. Her remark drew nationwide condemnation, and put the BJP in a tight spot. Though she apologised for her remark, the EC reprimanded and barred her from campaigning for three days from May 2 for this statement as well as one on Babri Mosque demolition. Unfazed, she sang bhajans and offered prayers in famous temples of Bhopal to drive home the point to the electorate that she was deeply faithful. On the other hand, Digvijay Singh, known for raking up controversies in the past, concentrated on his electioneering and booth management. The Congress veteran did not speak on Karkare or the Ram temple issue, over which his rival had courted controversy. Though Bhopal has been a BJP bastion since 1989, the assembly elections held last November threw up a different picture, indicating that the Congress is slowly regaining its lost ground in the state capital. The Lok Sabha constituency consists of eight assembly segments, of which three were won by the Congress in the state polls - from just one in 2013. In 2014, the BJP had won the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat by a huge margin of 3,70,696 votes. Minority votes number 4.5 lakh out of around 18 lakh plus in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency and they will come into play, a BJP insider said. "We did not start of polarisation (in Bhopal). The Congress started it. MP Congress president and Chief Minister Kamal Nath had said Digvijay Singh's vote count starts with 3 lakh with Muslims votes," state BJP spokesman Rajnish Agrawal said. "Digvijay Singh has started saying 'I am a Hindu'. Who asked you if you are a Hindu? He started going to temples," he said. "That time, Sadhvi's name was not even announced. What narrative the Congress was trying to set," he asked. MP Congress spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi, however, denied Nath saying that Singh's vote count will start with 3 lakh votes. "Kamal Nathji had said that Digvijay Singhji will win the elections by more than 3 lakh votes. They (the BJP) think on communal lines so they have got it wrong," he said. "Thakur is no challenge to us. They did not find a candidate so they fielded her after Chouhan and Bharti refused to take on Digvijay Singh. Thakur has been made a scapegoat," the Congress leader said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Captain Harmanpreet Kaur struck a sensational half century as Supernovas clinched the Women's T20 Challenge title with a four-wicket win over Velocity in a dramatic summit clash here Saturday. Kaur (51) produced a late onslaught on the Velocity bowlers after the Supernovas made a heavy weather of a small chase of 122. The Supernovas overhauled the target off the last delivery of the run chase, reaching 125 for 6 from 20 overs. Coming out to bat in the 11th over at the team score of 53 for 2, the India T20 captain struck a quickfire 51 off 37 balls which was lashed with four boundaries and three sixes to take her side to the threshold of victory. The Supernovas needed seven from the final over but drama unfolded as Kaur was out in the second delivery which raised the visions of a Velocity win. But Lea Tahuhu (2 not out) and Radha Yadav (10 not out) kept their nerves to hit the required runs in a tense finish. The Supernovas struggled initially with the Velocity bowlers not allowing them score runs easily. Opener Chamari Atapattu was run out for 2 in the second over itself while going a third run but half centurion Jemimah Rodrigues (22) and Priya Punia (29) steadied the run chase with a 44-run stand for the second wicket. The runs were hard to come by with the Velocity bowlers stifling the Supernova batswomen. The Supernovas were dealt a blow as Rodrigues and Punia fell in consecutive deliveries to leave them in trouble. Rodrigues fell to Amelia Kerr who took the catch off her own bowling off the final delivery of the 10th over while Punia was dismissed by Vaidya in the first ball of the 11th over. The Supernovas were 53 for 2 at the halfway stage, needing 69 from 10 overs. Pressure began to pile on Supernova. Bangladesh bowler Jahanara Alam then removed Natalie Sciver (2) and Sophie Devine (3) in her consecutive overs (14th and 16th) to reduce Supernovas to 64 for 5 in the 16th over. The Supernovas needed 45 runs from the final five overs and Kaur showed why she is considered the premier batswoman in the country with a flurry of boundaries. She hit two fours off Jahanara Alam in the 16th over and followed it up with two sixes off Devika Vaidya in the 18th over to take her side near the victory target. Earlier, Supernovas produced a clinical bowling display to restrict Velocity to 121 for 6. Sent into bat, Velocity suffered a batting collapse as they were reduced to 37 for 5 in the eighth over before Amelia Kerr (36) and Sushma Verma (40 not out) stitched 71 runs in 10.5 overs for the sixth wicket to take their side to a respectable total. But for the superb late fightback by Kerr and Verma, Velocity would not have even crossed the 100-run mark. Wicketkeeper batswoman Verma top-scored for Velocity with a 32-ball 40 not out which was lashed with three fours and a six. Kerr, who holds the record of scoring highest individual runs (232 not out) in ODIs, hit 36 off 38 deliveries which had four boundaries in it. Velocity made a disastrous start, losing a wicket each in the first three overs to be reduced to 14 for 3. New Zealand pacewoman Lea Tahuhu swung the second ball of the innings away from Hayley Mathews who edged it to the keeper for a duck. Danielle Wyatt (0) went for a pre-meditated shot in the next over bowled by Anuja Patil but failed to connect with the ball due to a late drift and was stumped. Shafali Verma (0) hit the first four of the innings in the third over bowled by Tuhuhu who, however, had the last laugh by dismissing the batswoman the next delivery with Anuja Patil taking the catch. A brief period of recovery intervened with captain Mithali Raj (12) and Veda Krishnamurthy (8) stitching a 23-run partnership for the fourth wicket before both the batswomen fell in a heap in the space of four deliveries without addition of any run. It left the Velocity innings in a mess at 73 for 5 in the eighth over before Kerr and Verma rescued their side with a superb partnership. For Supernovas, Tuhuhu took two wickets for 21 runs while Patil, Devine and Poonam Yadav grabbed a wicket each. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Ukrainian heavy cargo plane, which was intercepted by the Indian Air Force, was allowed to continue its flight to New Delhi, Sputnik reported citing the Press Trust of India news agency. According to the Press Trust of India news agency, the pilots questioning and examination of the aircraft lasted for several hours. As nothing suspicious had been found, the plane was reportedly allowed to continue the flight. It still remains unknown why the An-12 has changed the flight path. Union minister and SAD candidate from Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency Harsimrat Kaur BadalSaturday accused the Punjab Police of refusing to take action against miscreants who tried to disrupt her poll rally here. Lashing out at the state police for "working at the behest" of the ruling Congress government, the Akali Dal leader said: "There is a total collapse of law and order in Bathinda." Claiming that her life was "endangered", Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that the Amarinder Singh government had "vitiated" the poll atmosphere in the state by not allowing her to enter Mandi Kalan village in Maur assembly segment on Saturday evening. She also alleged that her supporters in the village were locked up. "In direct contrast the miscreants who were adamant on disturbing my poll meeting were given a free hand and no attempt was made to rein them in," she claimed in a party release here. "All this happened despite prior information given to the Bathinda SSP about the Congress conspiracy to disturb her poll meetings. The police failed to act on this information and did not take any preventive action," she said. "The police officers also reached the village only one hour after I sat down on dharna on the GT road near Mandi Kalan village. I have told them to arrest the miscreants so that I can address the thousand strong people who are waiting to hear me," she claimed. The sitting MP from Bathinda constituency said she had also complained to the Election Commission. "I have told the EC that my democratic rights are being trampled upon by the Congress government which is desperate to ensure my loss and is using all foul means at its disposal to do this," she said. "I have urged the EC to immediately deploy paramilitary forces in Bathinda parliamentary constituency to ensure free and fair elections," she added. She further alleged that the police in Bathinda was taking orders from Congress leaders as well as the state government. "The Congress party is hell bent on striking fear in the minds of Akali workers to force them to refrain from campaigning for the SAD. Similarly the general public is also being brow beaten and told to vote for the Congress candidate by the civil and police administration," she claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telangana Home Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali Saturday urged External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to help the mother-in-law of a city man stabbed to death in the United Kingdom, travel to London. "I request your good self to kindly arrange to coordinate with the London Embassy in granting visa to Ayesha Sultana, mother-in-law of the deceased, at the earliest, on humanitarian grounds," he said in his letter. Ali said he has spoken to the family members, who informed him that Ayesha Sultana, mother-in-law of the deceased, planned to join them at London for moral support. Nadeem Uddin Hameed Mohammed (24) was stabbed to death in a supermarket parking area near London on May 10. He was living in south-west London with his parents and seven-month pregnant wife. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday came down heavily on the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh for raising questions on his caste, asserting that he belongs to the caste of all poor countrymen. Addressing an election rally here, Modi continued to attack the Congress over its leader Sam Pitroda's hua to hua (It happened, so what?) remark on the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. National security also figured prominently. Modi accused a previous coalition government of weakening the intelligence agencies and recalled that the Pokhran nuclear tests took place on this day 21 years back. "They have destroyed Uttar Pradesh and now the SP and the BJP have come together to save themselves from destruction, he said, calling their alliance mahamilawati or adulterated. They have started a new thing about my caste, he said, in an apparent reference to Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati's jibe that he is a farzi backward -- a fake OBC leader. I want to tell them that Modi belongs to just one caste - whatever caste the poor belong to, I belong to that caste," he said, listing the schemes that his government has launched for them. He claimed that the country's intelligence agencies suffered when a third front government, which included the Samajwadi Party, was in power at the Centre. "Our intelligence agencies were weakened by an earlier 'mahamilawati' government, but the (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee government set that right," he said. "Many people connected with our security and intelligence agencies have written a lot about this. They have written how they had made the intelligence network hollow and the country had to bear its consequences for long, he said. What the third front government did is in no way less than a crime," he said. "Whenever there is a 'mahamilawati' government in the country, it has threatened national security, he said. The prime minister hailed scientists for the successful Pokhran nuclear tests this day in 1998. "Twenty-one years back this day, India successfully carried out nuclear tests, Operation Shakti. I salute the scientists who brought laurels to the country with their hard work. This historic event in 1998 proves what strong political will can do for national security," he said. Referring to the Manmohan Singh term, he claimed the country got a weak government run by remote control after the one headed by Vajpayee. He said that government brought a bad name to the country. "So many scams took place but the Congress and its people had no remorse as their way of thinking is 'hua to hua'," he said making a fresh attack on the Congress for its leader Sam Pitroda's remarks. "It shows the character and mentality of the party, he said. The hua to hua' remark reflects the arrogance of the Congress," he said. Modi cited the Balakot air strikes against Pakistan as an example of what a bold government can accomplish. "This is the new India. Now India barges into the hideouts of terrorists and kills them," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday came down heavily on the opposition alliance in Uttar Pradesh for raising questions on his caste, asserting that he belongs to the caste of all poor countrymen. Addressing election rallies in Sonebhadra and nearby Ghazipur, Modi also kept up his attack the Congress over its leader Sam Pitroda's hua to hua (It happened, so what?) remark on the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. The prime minister also brought up national security, accusing a previous coalition government of weakening the intelligence agencies. He recalled the Pokhran nuclear tests 21 years ago this day. "They have destroyed Uttar Pradesh and now the SP and the BJP have come together to save themselves from destruction, he said, calling the opposition alliance mahamilawati or highly adulterated. They have started a new thing about my caste, he said, in an apparent reference to Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati's jibe that he is a farzi backward - a fake OBC leader. I want to tell them that Modi belongs to just one caste -- whatever caste the poor belong to, I belong to that caste," he said, listing the schemes that his government has launched for them. "The SP and the BSP have been attacking me on my caste, he said. I was born in a backward caste. I was born poor but worked relentlessly for removing poverty. To those asking for my caste certificate, my only caste is poverty." He charged that in the name of poverty and caste, these leaders amassed crores of rupees. I have been the longest serving CM of Gujarat. For the past five years, I have been PM. You can see my bank account and show me if there is any bungalow in my name, he said. Referring to the previous Manmohan Singh government, he said, So many scams took place but the Congress and its people had no remorse as their way of thinking is 'hua to hua'," he said, bringing up Pitroda's remark. "It shows the character and mentality of the party, he said. The 'hua to hua' remark reflects the arrogance of the Congress," he said. The Congress and its 'mahamilawati' friends have run country on three words -- their mantra is 'hua to hua', he said. "This is their arrogance. They think of themselves as kings and the people as their servants," he said. He claimed that the country's intelligence agencies suffered when a third front government, which included the Samajwadi Party, was in power at the Centre. "Our intelligence agencies were weakened by an earlier 'mahamilawati' government, but the Vajpayee government set that right," he said. "Many people connected with our security and intelligence agencies have written a lot about this. They have written how they had made the intelligence network hollow and the country had to bear its consequences for long, he said. What the third front government did is in no way less than a crime," he said. "Whenever there is a 'mahamilawati' government in the country, it has threatened national security, he said. The prime minister hailed scientists for the successful Pokhran nuclear tests this day in 1998. This historic event in 1998 proves what strong political will can do for national security," he said. Modi cited the Balakot air strikes against Pakistan as an example of what a bold government can accomplish. "This is the new India. Now India barges into the hideouts of terrorists and kills them," he said. In Ghazipur, where the BJP candidate is Union minister Manoj Sinha, the prime minister lauded the local people for sending their sons to the Army. He slammed Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy over an alleged remark about those joining the services. "In Karnataka, the leader whom the Congress made the CM, whose father was also once a PM, said that only those people who are poor, who don't have anything to eat go to serve in the Army. Isn't this an insult to our army? Modi said. The Congress, the SP or the BSP have so far condemned the statement showing that they don't respect our jawans, he claimed. He said the SP, the BSP and the Congress are concerned only about removing him from power. They only have dreams of becoming PM but have no vision," he said. On the backwardness of the Purvanchal region, he said, "The Congress has cheated the poor for generations, collected votes in the name of poverty and Ghazipur is a testimony of this." "The Congress, the SP and the BSP have always thought of their family's development and not that of the nation or the backward areas. Both Sonebhadra and Ghazipur go to polls in the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Indian-origin doctor has been sentenced to nine years in prison by a US court for committing health care fraud and illegally distributing prescription painkillers. Pawankumar Jain, 66, a former physician, was sentenced in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release for unlawfully dispensing controlled substances and health care fraud, US Attorney John Anderson said. Jain previously entered guilty pleas in February 2016 to one count of unlawfully dispensing a controlled substance and one count of health care fraud. In his plea agreement, Jain admitted that he previously was licensed to practice medicine in the State of New Mexico and was registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe controlled substances, including pain medication. He admitted that for several years he operated a high-volume pain management practice in Las Cruces, and frequently performed only cursory examinations of his patients before prescribing narcotics to them without documenting any therapeutic benefit for those drugs in his records. He specifically admitted examining one patient in November 2009 and that he conducted only a superficial examination of the patient before writing him two prescriptions for methadone that were outside the usual course of medical practice and not for any legitimate medical purpose. Each prescription was for 270 tablets of 10 mg methadone. Jain further admitted that he committed health care fraud because he knew these unlawful prescriptions would be submitted to federal health insurance Medicare for payment and that he intended for Medicare to pay for the prescriptions. Jain also acknowledged that the patient died two days after filling the second methadone prescription. According to evidence at the sentencing hearing, the patient died of respiratory depression due to the methadone Jain prescribed. The New Mexico Medical Board suspended Jain's license in June 2012, and revoked his license in December 2012. Anderson said US law enforcement agencies are committed to working to aggressively target and hold drug traffickers accountable both those who distribute on the street, and those who traffic as physicians writing prescriptions for no legitimate medical purpose. Doctors who betray our trust and put their own financial gain ahead of the well-being of their patients by prescribing narcotics without medical justification are directly fueling our nation's opioid crisis, he said. Special Agent in Charge Kyle Williamson of the DEA's El Paso Division said that Jain ignored the oath they take to treat and care for patients who come to them for help, and continued to overprescribe, which eventually resulted in the deaths of four patients. His sentencing today will send a message to other doctors that they are not above the law and DEA will continue to forcefully pursue and hold them accountable. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Progress under the affirmative action plan of the Chamber of Indian Industry for people from SC/ST communities was slow and results not too good, and the Centre should review it and take a call on whether there was need for reservations in the private sector, Milind Kamble, founder-chairman of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) said Saturday. Kamble, who was this week appointed chairperson of the Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Management Jammu, was here to attend the national executive council meeting of DICCI held at Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII). "Frankly speaking, though I am a member of the CII (Chamber of Indian Industry) National Council and co-chair of the CII's Affirmative Action Task Force, this (affirmative action) is not happening at the speed that it should have," he said. "A lot of things like buyer-seller meets and vendor development meets are happening. Traction has increased, but results have not been that good," Kamble told reporters. Kamble said the Union government should review the progress made under the "affirmative action commitment" of the industry and take a call on whether there is a need to provide reservation for members of the SC/ST community in the private sector. "(In 2006), the Indian industry had requested the government to not impose legislation on us, (saying it) will own the responsibility and will bring affirmative action. This should be reviewed, and after review, government will have to take a call (on reservation in private sector)," he said. The Indian industry had, in 2006, promised to work on the formula of "Four Es"- Employment, Employability, Education and Entrepreneurship among Dalit and tribal youth, said Kamble. He said the government has done much more than the Indian industry to accommodate the bottom of the pyramid in social and financial inclusion. He said, in 2015, the NDA government had made it mandatory for public sector units (PSUs) to procure 20 per cent materials, out of 20 per cent to be procured from SMEs, from firms belonging to those from the SC/ST communities, a policy that was introduced as a voluntary one by the UPA government in 2012. Financial support schemes like MUDRA Yojana, Stand-Up India, venture capital fund, tribal entrepreneurs fund, credit enhancement guarantee schemes have benefited entrepreneurs from the Dalit and tribal communities, he said. Procurement by central ministries, departments and PSUs from MSMEs owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs had grown manifold and stood at Rs 812 crore for financial year 2019-20, he said. DICCI has formed a district-level credit committee to review the government's MUDRA Yojana to ensure 23 per cent beneficiaries are from the SC/ST community, he said. Kamble said DICCI plans to have coordinators across 500 districts by 2020, from over 300 districts currently. The DICCI currently has a network of more than 10,000 entrepreneurs all over India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Islamic State terror group has claimed to have established a new "province" in India, the first of its kind announcement that came after clashes between militants and security forces in on May 10. The Arabic name of the new branch is "Wilayah of Hind" ( Province), the dreaded terror outfit, (also known as and ISIL), said through its Amaq News Agency. A senior police officer has rejected the claim. Rita Katz, director of the SITE Group that tracks Islamic extremists, said: " declares its new "Hind Province" while claiming clashes with Indian forces in Amshipora". "Of course, the establishment of a 'province' in a region where it has nothing resembling actual governance is absurd, but it should not be written off," she said on did not elaborate on the branch's geographical remit as it mentioned the name of its new branch in a low-key announcement. The announcement of the new branch is seen as part of ISIS' strategy to give the impression of strengthening its global affiliations following the territorial losses in the Such a strategy was highlighted by ISIS chief in the past. The brief ISIS statement of May 10 via the messaging app Telegram said that the Islamic State militants using machine guns had clashed with the Indian security forces in the village of Amshipora in Kashmir's district, killing or injuring a number of them. The statement, however, did not mention when the alleged clashes occurred. Media reports on May 10 said that one militant was killed in clashes with security forces in Kashmir's district. ISIS began claiming attacks against Indian security forces in since November 2017 without any branch affiliation. Prevously, ISIS attacks in Kashmir were linked to its so-called Khorasan Province branch, which was set up in 2015 to cover "Afghanistan, and nearby lands". Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Saturday attacked the SP and the BSP, claiming that the previous governments in the state did not provide an environment to celebrate festivals. "It was difficult to celebrate festivals like Janmashtmi and Durga Puja during previous governments due to anarchy and riots in festive season," he said. "We gave out a clear message to all that the place for 'gundas' is either in jail or in 'ram naam satya hai yatra' (funeral procession)," the chief minister said in a public meeting in Khorabar here. The governments of the Congress, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) were not concerned with development, whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi worked for women, the poor and farmers, Adityanath said. "Riots, anarchy, scams and corruption were features of their government. After independence, the benefits of welfare schemes didn't reach the poor, but now, they are reaching the people, thus people want Modiji once again as their prime minister," he said. Highlighting projects and works of the BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and at the Centre, the chief minister said he does not think any discussion is required on the development of Gorakhpur as it can be seen and felt. "We should understand the voice of the country, it is 'phir ek baar Modi sarkar (Modi government again)," he said. "Once again, I am saying that our government won't let anyone play with the lives of people, won't tolerate anarchy, and exploitation of the poor, businessmen and farmers," Adityanath said. The chief minister asked the people to take photos development works in Gorakhpur and post them on social media sites. "The opposition is trying to loot the country to benefit their families. The Congress did it for 55 years and the SP-BSP for 30 years.These people don't have projects and plans for the poor and downtrodden," Adityanath said in another rally at Pipraich here. He was campaigning for BJP's Gorakhpur Lok Sabha seat candidate and popular Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan. Canvassing for Domariyaganj candidate Jagdambika Pal in Siddhartnagar, the chief minister targeted the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh, saying that "previous state governments withdrew court cases of terrorists and played vote bank The so called alliance has lost its base and so in a state of restlessness, they are using foul language. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jammu and Kashmir Police Saturday constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the alleged rape of a minor girl in Bandipora district of the state, it said. An SIT comprising sub-divisional police officer Sumbal, station house officer Sumbal, and senior prosecuting officer has been constituted to investigate the entire case, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Bandipora, Rahul Malik said. The police have already arrested a person identified as Tahir Ahmad Mir, accused of raping the three-year-old girl in Sumbal area of north Kashmir's Bandipora district. The SSP said the age confirmation of the accused will be determined on the basis of scientific medical test to be conducted by a team of senior doctors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lenders of have asked state-owned NBCC Ltd to withdraw some clauses, like exemption from tax liability, that make its revised offer conditional and non-binding for acquiring the debt-ridden realty firm, sources said. Lenders wrote a letter to NBCC late on Friday regarding this matter, they said, adding that the public sector firm has been told to reply by May 13 as the lenders' meet has been fixed for May 14. Clarification has been sought in the backdrop of Jaypee Infratech's Interim Resolution Professional (IRP) Anuj Jain flagging to the lenders that NBCC's bid was conditional and non-binding. Jain has written to the Committee of Creditors (CoC) that NBCC's revised bid is conditional as the state-owned firm has stated that the plan will not be binding on it unless key relief measures such as extinguishing of income tax liability and a dispensation from seeking consent of YEIDA for any business transfer is granted, sources had said earlier. The CoC is considering NBCC's offer after it rejected Mumbai-based Suraksha Realty's bid on May 3 through voting process under the insolvency law. Earlier, the creditors' panel did not allow vote on NBCC's bid citing lack of approvals from the government departments. NBCC has now got all the necessary approvals. In the last CoC meet held on May 9, lenders had sought clarifications from NBCC on various relief measures and concessions proposed in its revised bid. It was decided in the meeting that lenders would seek written clarifications from NBCC. In its revised offer, NBCC has proposed infusion of Rs 200 crore equity capital, transfer of 950 acres of land worth Rs 5,000 crore to banks and completing construction of flats by July 2023 to settle an outstanding claim of Rs 23,723 crore of financial creditors. However, NBCC has put several conditions for the implementation of its plan, including a demand to extinguish an estimated income-tax liability of Rs 33,000 crore over a period of 30 years arising out of the transfer of land parcels from Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) to Jaypee Group. On these relief and concessions, the IRP pointed out that the insolvency process approved by the CoC in December last year provided that the resolution plans from potential bidders should be binding and non-conditional. Meanwhile, the court-mandated deadline for completing the resolution plan for Japyee Infratech ended on May 6 and the CoC has sought an extension of the deadline. The Allahabad bench of NCLT has posted the matter for hearing on May 21 and maintained status quo till then. Apart from NBCC, Adani Group has also shown interest to bid for and complete over 20,000 delayed flats in Noida. But creditors have not sought resolution plan from Adani so far Interestingly, Jaypee Group's promoters too have put in a bid, under Section 12A of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, to retain control of the company. In 2017, went into insolvency after NCLT admitted the application by an IDBI Bank-led consortium seeking resolution of the firm. During the first round of insolvency proceedings, the Rs 7,350 crore bid of Lakshdeep, part of Suraksha Group, was rejected by lenders as it was found to be substantially lower than the company's net worth and assets as well as the liquidation value. In October 2018, the IRP started a fresh initiative to revive Jaypee Infratech on the NCLT direction. Jaiprakash Associates Ltd (JAL), the promoter of Jaypee Infratech, had submitted Rs 750 crore in the registry of the Supreme Court for the refund to buyers and the amount is lying with NCLT. Japanese Foreign Minister has called for stepping up the peace treaty talks with Russia, TASS reported citing the NHK TV channel. "We would like to complete these talks as soon as possible given the old age of the former residents of the four northern islands [which is what Russias southern Kuril Islands are called in Japan - TASS]," Taro Kono said delivering a speech in the city of Sapporo on Hokkaido Island where he had arrived after a visit to Moscow. The Japanese top diplomat emphasized the need to determine various options that would satisfy both parties because otherwise it would be impossible for the two countries parliaments to ratify a peace treaty. Stranded due to bad weather, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was allowed to stay overnight in poll-bound Jind district on Friday by the Punjab and Haryana High Court after election officials refused to grant him permission citing the model code of conduct. The chief minister, whose chopper could not take off for Chandigarh from Sirsa due to inclement weather on Friday evening, decided to head to the state capital by road, but was stuck due to a dust storm Khattar then decided to make a night halt at a government guest house at Narwana in Jind, which lies in Sonepat constituency, but the Deputy-Commissioner-cum- Returning Officer orally informed an aide of the CM that he could not stay overnight there due to the poll code, Haryana's Advocate General Baldev Raj Mahajan said Saturday. An aide-de-camp (ADC) of Khattar immediately approached the high court. A bench of justices Rajiv Sharma and H S Sidhu took up the matter at around 10.30 pm, after an urgent hearing was sought. The court in its order late Friday night allowed the chief minister to stay overnight at Narwana while taking into account peculiar circumstances of the case, but made it clear this order shall not be treated as a precedent. The campaigning for the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana, which go to polls on May 12, ended 6 pm Friday. Mahajan said the Jind deputy commissioner, who is also the Returning Officer, had cited the Model Code of Conduct and reasoned that after the campaigning is over, ministers and MLAs cannot stay overnight in constituencies except where they are registered voters. Khattar's ADC approached the offices of Election Commission and State's chief electoral officer, but did not get any response, Mahajan said, adding after this they decided to approach the court. The chief minister had been campaigning in Mandi Dabwali in Sirsa, which is around 340 km from Chandigarh. After listening to the arguments, the court allowed chief minister to make an overnight halt at government rest house in Jind/Narwana, he said. The petitioner (Khattar's ADC) made a representation to the Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana, in the evening of May 10 as well as to the Election Commission of India. The extraordinary circumstances due to which Chief Minister could not fly from Mandi Dabwali to Chandigarh were mentioned. However, no response was received from them after which the high court was approached, Mahajan said. The plea mentioned that the chief minister was travelling from Mandi Dabwali to Chandigarh purely for non-political purpose. He was not indulging in any political activity/campaigning or influencing the voters or the elections in any manner whatsoever. In its brief order, the High Court bench while referring to the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, said there is no doubt, whatsoever, in our mind that these restrictions have been imposed by the Election Commission to strengthen the democracy and to hold the elections in a transparent and fair manner. However, going into peculiar circumstances that arose in this case, the bench said, It is a fit case, where the principle of lex non cogit ad impossibilia or in other words, law does not enforce impossibilities, would be attracted.. The respondents (Chief Electoral Officer and others) should have taken a common sense view by taking into consideration the entire facts and circumstances of the case, more particularly when all the facts were brought before the respondents. The court can take judicial notice of the fact that the weather had started packing up in the afternoon at Chandigarh. It would have been extremely difficult for the Chief Minister to travel distance of 340 km at one stretch, the bench said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The two French tourists rescued from their kidnappers in Burkina Faso this week were seized in an area of Benin that France has long advised travellers to avoid, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Saturday. "The zone where our two citizens were has for some time now been considered a red zone, which means it's a zone where you shouldn't go, where you're taking significant risks if you do go," Le Drian told Europe 1 radio. The foreign ministry's travel advisory website lists the areas of northern Benin near the border with Burkina Faso as "Formally Discouraged," including Pendjari National Park. It warns of "the presence of armed terrorist groups and the risk of kidnapping." The French tourists, Patrick Picque, 51, and Laurent Lassimouillas, 46, disappeared during a tour of Pendjari on May 1. The disfigured body of their guide was found shortly after they were reported missing, along with their abandoned Toyota truck. Intelligence agencies tracked their captors across the semi-desert terrain of eastern Burkina Faso, where it appeared they would soon cross the border into Mali. Officials feared the hostages would be handed over to the Macina Liberation Front (FLM), a jihadist group formed in 2015 that is aligned with Al-Qaeda in the region. French President Emmanuel Macron gave the order for the nighttime raid Thursday on the militants' camp, in which Picque and Lassimouillas were freed, along with an American woman and a South Korean woman. The French commandos were unaware of the presence of the two other hostages, officials said. Four of the six kidnappers were killed, but two French soldiers also died in the raid. Picque and Lassimouillas, along with the South Korean hostage who has not yet been identified, arrived in Ouagadougou on Saturday, where they were to meet with Burkina's President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, according to an AFP reporter at the presidential palace. "Our thoughts go out to the families of the soldiers, and to the soldiers who lost their lives in freeing us from this hell," Lassimouillas said in a brief statement. He and Picque are to return to Paris later Saturday, where Macron and Le Drian are to meet them at the Villacoublay military airport southwest of the capital. Although Benin has long been spared the unrest seen in Mali and Burkina Faso, French officials have warned that jihadist insurgents could extend their operations into the sparsely populated desert regions further south. "The threat is evolving and has become much more mobile, and now countries to the south of Mali have become targets," Le Drian said Saturday. "The greatest precautions must be taken in these regions to avoid these types of kidnappings, and avoid the sacrifices required by our soldiers," he said. France's Operation Barkhane counts some 4,500 troops deployed in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad to help local forces battle jihadist groups. The raid on the kidnappers was led by the elite Hubert commando unit of the French naval special forces, which was deployed to the Sahel at the end of March. They were assisted by Burkina and Benin authorities and by the United States, which provided intelligence and support. A total of 24 French soldiers have died in the region since 2013 when France intervened to drive back jihadist groups who had taken control of northern Mali. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actors Kristen Stewart and Tom Glnn-Carney are all set to star in Ben Foster's directorial debut based on the life and works of American author William Burroughs. Burroughs is regarded as one of the most prominent post-war novelists, along with fellow writers Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, who led the Beat Generation in the 1950s and '60s in an attempt to fight against the conventions of mainstream American life. The film explores the unusual love triangle between Burroughs (Foster), his charismatic muse, Joan Vollmer (Stewart), and a young, straight-laced American expatriate named Allerton (Glynn-Carney) who upends their lives to the extreme. Oren Moverman has penned the screenplay. The French production and distribution company, Celluloid Dreams has grabbed the international sales rights of the movie, which will be a part of the Cannes Film Festival market, reported Deadline. "Our film is kind of anti-beat. We meet our star crossed lovers in New York City, had to the Texas border, roar through the Amazon jungle. This film is al about love, sex and self discovery in all its lush, dark and often hilarious complexity," Foster said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A landmine explosion killed seven children and wounded two others in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said, as war ordnance again claimed civilian lives. The blast occurred in Ghazni province, south of the capital Kabul, when the children stepped on a landmine while playing near a main road, provincial spokesman Aref Noori told AFP. "The mine was planted by the Taliban on a main road to inflict casualties on security forces," he said. The Taliban did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The insurgents often use roadside bombs and landmines to target Afghan security forces, but the lethal weapons also inflict casualties on civilians. Amanullah Kamrani, a member of Ghazni provincial council, said the children were aged between seven and nine and at least four of them belonged to one family. Years of conflict have left Afghanistan strewn with landmines, unexploded mortars, rockets and homemade bombs -- and many are picked up by curious children. Last month, seven children were killed and 10 more wounded in the eastern province of Laghman when a mortar shell exploded while they were playing with it. According to the United Nations, 3,804 civilians -- including more than 900 children-- were killed in Afghanistan in 2018, with another 7,000 wounded. It was the deadliest year to date for civilians in Afghanistan's conflict. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Raise in fare, extension of CNG subsidy and better regulation of cab aggregators are the key demands of the city's auto-rickshaw drivers this election season. There are nearly over lakh auto-rickshaw drivers in the national capital and they have played a key role in canvassing for political parties --- be it wrapping political banners on the vehicle's rear portion or taking part in rallies and meetings. In the 2013 and 2015 Assembly polls, auto-rickshaw drivers could be seen across the city canvassing support for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with a section rooting for it. Even for the Lok Sabha polls, many of them allowed their vehicles to be used for promotional activities of political parties. Ram Sanjeevan, a 49-year-old driver from Burari, said the government had promised to revise the fare in April every year but that has not happened. "If they increase the fare regularly, we would not ask for more money from customers and will take genuine fare as per meter," Sanjeevan said. He, however, expressed satisfaction with the state government's schools and hospitals and said the AAP government have done good work in these two departments. Rajender Soni, General Secretary of Delhi Pradesh Auto Rickshaw Sangh, said they have four basic demands -- a subsidy of Rs 20 on CNG, taxis from other states should not take passengers from the national capital, regulating cab aggregators and policy on e-rickshaw that could determine their numbers. Sunil Gupta (44), a resident of Mayur Vihar Phase-3, said, "We have been affected by App-based taxis. They have taken away bulk of our passengers and the remaining have started opting for e-rickshaws. Earlier, we used to earn around Rs 900 to Rs 1,000 a day and now our earning has shrunk to Rs 400 to Rs 500. Sunil Kumar (45), another auto-rickshaw driver from Dabri, said the state government had promised auto stands across the national capital but not even a single stand has been built. An auto-rickshaw driver's income is also linked to other factors, besides the rising cost of CNG. "Spare parts have become expensive. Earlier, we used to pay Rs 5,000 for insurance which has now risen to Rs 8,000," Kumar said. Soni claimed the Centre had given them more benefits that the administration in the national capital. "The passing (certification) of new vehicles is now free of cost. Earlier, the authority used to charge around Rs 20,000 for commercial licence but now the Centre has passed an order that no commercial licence is needed for light vehicles like auto-rickshaw," he claimed. Sanjeevan and Gurcharan Singh, another auto driver, said the state government has weeded out middlemen from the transport authorities. This, they said, have helped them to carry out their work without bribes. Binod (38), another auto-rickshaw driver, said, "The state government has successfully removed the middlemen from the authorities, but there are many other aspects that need improvement. At least, they have shown the will." Delhi, having seven parliamentary constituencies, votes on May 12. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the district collectors to immediately start works under the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) in the drought-affected areas, and accord sanction to such works within three days. Fadnavis told the officials that the model code of conduct (MCC) was not applicable to drought-relief work as the Election Commission has given permission to it. "Therefore, no such works should be kept pending under the pretext of MCC," he said. The chief minister gave the instructions during a dialogue with collectors, sarpanchs (village heads) from different parts of the state through "audio bridge" technology on mobile phone from his official 'Varsha' residence here Friday. "Don't keep pending the proposals for starting works under EGS. Start the works by according immediate sanction to them," he told the collectors, while also asking them to submit the compliance report of these works. He asked the sarpanchs to conduct maximum water conservation works in their villages. Tehsildars should tally the demand for tankers in accordance with the population of the village and animal population of 2018, and see that water is supplied accordingly, the chief minister said. He asked the officials to immediately sanction the work of desilting ponds and tanks. Fadnavis asked the tehsildars to approve the work of desilting tanks and ponds under the 'Gaalmukta Dharan- Gaalyukta Shivar' (silt-free dams and silt-filled farms) scheme. "The hurdles in the way of fodder camps should be removed by the administration. Funds will soon be provided for skilled works under the EGS. The owners of the wells that have been acquired will be given additional compensation," he said. Fadanavis emphasised the need for undertaking water conservation works, and directed the officials to open fodder camps for cattle urgently on demand by the public. During the interaction, several sarpanchs brought to the CM's notice various problems like shortage of water and fodder. Taking cognisance of their complaints, the chief minister instructed the collectors and other officials to take corrective measures and submit the action-taken report. He directed the collectors to instruct the banks not to deduct the instalments of loan from the subsidy that the farmers were getting. Fadnavis has so far interacted with district administrations of Aurangabad, Jalna, Osmanabad, Beed, Parbhani, Ahmednagar, Solapur and Nashik. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 12-year-old boy, who was returning home from his school, drowned after he fell into a stream while crossing a wooden footbridge in this hilly district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Saturday. Farman Ali, a resident of Bhatoli-Bhalessa village, was a Class 2 student, they said. They said the body was fished out by the locals after other boys raised an alarm. "Due to rain, the wooden bridge, which had no side railing, had become slippery. At the middle of the bridge, he lost control on the slippery log and fell into the water," the officials said quoting the eye-witnesses. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A mob of 25 people have been booked for assaulting policemen who had gone to arrest a chain-snatcher in Bhiwandi township in Thane district, an official said Saturday. In the incident that happened in Mankoli area under Narpoli police station limits in the intervening night of May 8-9, several policemen suffered injuries, an official said. "The crowd that had caught the chain-snatcher, identified as Nilesh Bhoir, wanted the police to hand him over to them. While trying to stop the mob from taking Bhoir captive, a police team under PSI Manikrao Kathure was attacked with iron roads by some 25 people in the 150-strong crowd. The police vehicle was also vandalised," an official said. "The mob that attacked the police was led by Rishikesh Joshi and Suryaji Divekar and they have all been booked under various sections of the IPC for assaulting public servant on duty and rioting. No arrests have been made so far," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Robert Mueller, the US special counsel whose report on Russian election interference has shaken a divided Washington, will not testify before Congress next week, a top Democrat said Friday. House Judiciary Committee chairman Jerry Nadler had wanted Mueller to testify on May 15, but he said a date for the highly anticipated appearance before lawmakers remained under discussion. "It won't be next week," Nadler told reporters. "But we're negotiating with him, we're talking to him and the Justice Department." Nadler has said that the committee would subpoena Mueller if necessary, but expressed hope that such a step could be avoided. Nadler's comments came two days after his committee -- the panel empowered to initiate impeachment proceedings against a president -- voted along party lines to recommend that Attorney General William Barr be held in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over the unredacted Mueller report and its underlying evidence. Mueller has said that Barr, in his own four-page summary of the report, mischaracterized the nature and substance of the investigation's conclusions, which resulted in "public confusion" about the findings. That dispute, and Barr's refusal to provide the special counsel's full report, has intensified congressional interest in hearing from Mueller himself. Barr has said he does not object to Mueller testifying to lawmakers. President Donald Trump, whose campaign was accused by Democrats of colluding with Moscow, has flip-flopped on the issue. He has gone from saying he would not object to Mueller testifying, to tweeting on Sunday that "Bob Mueller should not testify." He reversed himself again Thursday, saying "I'm going to leave that up to our very great attorney general, and he'll make the decision on that. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump said Friday in an interview with Politico that North Korea's recent weapons tests were not a "breach of trust." "They're short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no," he said. "These were short-range missiles and very standard stuff. Very standard. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) It is totally groundless to say that Georgia may be deprived of visa liberalization, - Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze told journalists, InterPressNews reports. When asked about the danger of suspension of visa-free travel, the Prime Minister said that was not true. "Of course, this is not true, like many other things. When we talk about visa liberalization, when we talk about the Association Agreement with Europe, it's not anybodys achievement. This is an achievement of the Georgian state. We must take care of it and every citizen must feel responsibility when enjoying this very great benefit. Of course, the process is ongoing, and I want to once again reassure everyone that it is totally groundless to say that Georgia may be deprived of visa liberalization, the PM said. Girls freed from the clutches of human traffickers worldwide are given shelter by nuns from the Talitha Kum network, which is marking its 10th anniversary with support from Pope Francis. "We have sisters who go into the streets, but also to refugee camps, schools, tea plantations, (and) prisons," the international network's coordinator, Sister Gabriella Bottani told AFP. "We can identify situations, do prevention work, offer help," she said. Efforts to help those trapped in prostitution are regularly lauded by the 82-year old pope. The Argentine choose an anti-trafficking Italian nun to write the Way of Cross meditations this Easter, with seasoned campaigner Eugenia Bonetti slamming public "indifference" as the main reason girls are still on the street. On Friday, Francis opened an exhibition at the Vatican of photographs by Lisa Kristine of the US, portraying nuns working with victims. Trafficking in women is "an octopus with many tentacles," said Sister Yvonne Clemence Bambara, who runs a rehabilitation centre in Burkina Faso. "We have to work together in many ways to overcome it and mitigate the consequences as much as possible," she added. Many convents have been active in fighting prostitution since the 19th century. Their efforts were brought under one umbrella in 2009 with the creation of Talitha Kum -- Aramaic words from the bible that mean "Young girl, rise up". The network has hundreds of members in India, where sisters train young people in villages and slums to be vigilant and work together to find children who have been sold to pimps or abducted by traffickers. "If a child goes missing, we send the message out," Sister Prema Chowallur from Assam State in India told AFP by telephone. The nuns have different types of shelters ready for those determined to get off the streets, offering both first response care and help with reintegration into society. Sister Luisa Puglisi lives in just such a shelter in Valencia in Spain: "What matters most is our presence with them on a daily basis," she said. "Doing the dishes together, watching television... We give them something for free in a world where everything can be bought and sold". As well as helping those who want to denounce their captors, or return to their home countries, the nuns also raise awareness in societies that may be reluctant to acknowledge the problem. In the US, Sister Jean Shafer -- who ran a shelter for six years -- publishes a monthly newsletter on the phenomenon that is widely read within the Catholic Church there. "We are able to talk with people of influence, money, education, to get them involved," she said. "We can mingle among the poorest of the poor and among the richest of the rich." In Australia, Sister Colleen Jackson spends one week a year meeting with lawmakers. "We are generally trusted: some victims will speak to sisters before law enforcement," she said. While many non-religious social workers appreciate their dedication, some worry about the Church's position on abortion. "We are all against abortion, but none of us will put a girl who has made that choice out on the street," Bottani said. Living with nuns does not necessarily come naturally to all of the girls, she admits, but she insists the human warmth and support they are offered means the world to many. "The most important things are captured in a look. How we look at them, how they look at us," Bottani said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi Saturday reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the 2002 riots in Gujarat after he reportedly termed the anti-Sikh riots in 1984 as a 'horrendous genocide." Owaisi, in a tweet, said during his tenure as chief minister of Gujarat, Modi had failed in his constitutional duty to protect lives. "Sir @PMOIndia so where the 2002 pogrom which happened under your tenure as CM and you failed in your constitutional oath to protect human beings," Owaisi tweeted. Owaisi, who is seeking re-election from Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency, said that the accused in the cases won elections in 1984 & 2002. The AIMIM chief was referring to Modi's attack on Congress over party leader Sam Pitrodas "so what, it happened" comments on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Pitroda had accused the BJP of "distorting the truth" and said that things in the past were not relevant in this election. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) government has banned 11 organisations for having links with the proscribed outifts Jaamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), an official statement said Saturday. The decision to ban these organisations was taken during a meeting between Pakistan's Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ijaz Shah on Friday. After the February 14 Pulwama attack, in which 40 Indian security personnel were killed by a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM, Khan had said Islamabad would not spare any group involved in militancy or using Pakistani soil for any kind of terror activity against other countries. Pakistan's National Counter Authority (NACTA), which works under the Ministry of Interior, announced on its website that seven groups have been banned for their affiliation with the JuD, which was proscribed in March by the government. The organisation which have been proscribed are Al-Anfal Trust, Idara Khidmat-e-Khalaq, Al-Dawat ul Irshad, Mosques & Welfare Trust, Al-Medina Foundation, Mazz-Bin-Jabel Education Trust and Al-Hamad Trust, the statement said. All these groups are Lahore-based. Pakistan's Ministry of Interior took the action on the government's directive to speed up implementation of the National Action Plan of 2015 to eliminate militancy and extremism from the country's soil. Apart from the seven, Lahore-based Al-Fazal Foundation/Trust and Al-Easar Foundation were also banned for having links with the FIF, the NACTA said. ALSO READ: Meet Pakistani popcorn seller who viewed TV clips and built his own plane The FIF, like JuD, was also banned in March by the government. According to the NACTA, Bahawalpur-based Al-Rehmat Trust Organization and Karachi-based Al-Furqan Trust were also banned on Friday for having links with the JeM, which was banned in January 2002. Recently, the government announced to take control of more than 30,000 religious seminaries. The Pakistan government has banned 11 Lahore-based organisations for having links with proscribed outifts JeM led by global terrorist Masood Azhar, JuD of 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and the FIF. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Azhar was designated as a global terrorist by the United Nations on May 1. The JeM claimed responsibility for the Pulwama suicide attack that killed 40 CRPF soldiers and led to a spike in military tensions between India and Pakistan. Pakistan in February banned Saeed-led Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and its charity wing Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) amidst intense global pressure to rein in the militant groups. The decision to ban the 11 organisations was taken during a meeting between Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan and Interior Minister Ijaz Shah on Friday. After the February 14 Pulwama attack, in which 40 Indian security personnel were killed by a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM, Khan had said Islamabad would not spare any group involved in militancy or using Pakistani soil for any kind of terror activity against other countries. Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), which works under the Ministry of Interior, announced on its website that seven groups have been banned for their affiliation with the JuD, which was proscribed in March by the Pakistan government. The organisation which have been proscribed are Al-Anfal Trust, Idara Khidmat-e-Khalaq, Al-Dawat ul Irshad, Mosques & Welfare Trust, Al-Medina Foundation, Mazz-Bin-Jabel Education Trust and Al-Hamad Trust, the statement said. All these groups are Lahore-based. Pakistan's Ministry of Interior took the action on the government's directive to speed up implementation of the National Action Plan of 2015 to eliminate militancy and extremism from the country's soil. Apart from the seven, Lahore-based Al-Fazal Foundation/Trust and Al-Easar Foundation were also banned for having links with the FIF, the NACTA said. The FIF, like JuD, was also banned in March by the Pakistan government. According to the NACTA, Bahawalpur-based Al-Rehmat Trust Organization and Karachi-based Al-Furqan Trust were also banned on Friday for having links with the JeM, which was banned in January 2002. Recently, the government announced to take control of more than 30,000 religious seminaries. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese officials were cooperating with Pakistan after over 20 Chinese nationals and 15 of their local facilitators were arrested for their alleged involvement in arranging fake marriages of Pakistani women, removing their organs and forcing them into prostitution, an official said Saturday. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested more than 20 Chinese and several Pakistanis in more than a week-long crackdown after several media reports showed that Chinese were marrying local women to take them to China for prostitution. Some reports showed that women refusing to sexual exploitation were threatened to be killed for the sale of their organs. The Foreign Office (FO) said that the government of China had offered all possible cooperation on the issue. Both sides are closely coordinating their efforts. It said that a Chinese team visited Pakistan recently and held meetings with "our law enforcement officials". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan missions in China were closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible assistance to Pakistani citizens who may have any complaints on the issue. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security has launched an investigation on the issue. According to the probe, there is no forced prostitution or sale of human organs of Pakistani women who stay in China after marriage with Chinese nationals. "In light of the aforementioned statement, it is essential to avoid sensationalisation and report on sensitive matters only on the basis of established facts," the FO said. It underlined that Pakistan and China are 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners'. Friendship between the two countries enjoys strong public and institutional support in both countries. The FIA has made dozens of arrests of Chinese nationals in the Punjab province amid reports that hundreds of Pakistani women, many of them belonging to less privileged Christian families, have already been trafficked after being trapped into fake marriages. The agency has the record of some 95 girls who have travelled to China after marrying Chinese nationals. It said the Chinese gang would target poor families, mostly Christians, in different cities of Punjab. The Chinese men paid cash and gold ornaments to the Pakistani facilitators for marriage with Pakistani girls. Hundreds of Chinese have come to live in Pakistan in connection with various development work undertaken by the Chinese companies under the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid escalating tensions with Iran, the Pentagon has announced that it is deploying a warship and a Patriot air defence missile system in the Middle East to deter the threats of possible operations against US forces in the region by Tehran. The USS Arlington, which transports amphibious vehicles and aircraft, and the Patriot air defence system will join the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a B-52 bomber task force in the Middle East region in response to "indications of heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations against US forces and our interests, the Pentagon said Friday. The approval to deploy additional military asset against Iran has been done at the request of US Central Command, it said, adding that the Pentagon continues to closely monitor the activities of the Iranian regime, their military and proxies. The Pentagon said the US did not seek conflict with Iran, but that Washington was "ready to defend US forces and interests in the region". "The Department of Defense continues to closely monitor the activities of the Iranian regime," it said in a statement. "Due to operational security, we will not discuss timelines or location of forces, the Pentagon said. USS Arlington is a San Antonio-class ship that transports US marines, amphibious vehicles, conventional landing craft and rotary aircraft with the capability to support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions. It also provides a high-quality command and control capability and improved interoperability with our allies and partners in the region. A Patriot battery is a long-range, all-weather air defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Senator Jim Inhofe, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, welcomed the move. "By proactively moving the USS Arlington and a Patriot system to the region to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, the United States is sending Iran a clear message: stand down or we will stand up," he said. US President Donald Trump last year unilaterally withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal America and other nations had agreed with Iran in 2015. Under the accord, Iran had agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for sanctions relief. White House last month said it would end exemptions from sanctions for five countries - China, India, Japan, South Korea and Turkey - that were still buying Iranian oil. The US also blacklisted Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard Corps, designating it as a foreign terrorist group. Iran on Wednesday threatened to enrich its uranium stockpile closer to weapons-grade levels if Europe, China and Russia fail to deliver sanctions relief within 60 days. Early this week, US Central Command Commander General Kenneth McKenzie alleged that Iranian regime directly engages in far reaching terrorist activities. We know that the Iranian regime knows what our military capabilities are and we have a healthy respect for them. And that's good. And while they have avoided direct military conflict with the United States and our partners they have demonstrated the willingness and ability to attack our people, our interests and our friends and allies in the confusing, complex zone just short of armed conflict, he said. In his address to the Foundation of Defence and Democracies, McKenzie alleged that the Iranian regime has smuggled ballistic missiles into Yemen and assisted with their construction and deployment. And they're employed by the Hufis against the King of Saudi Arabia as well as against the United Arab Emirates, threatening US partners as well as Americans who live and work there. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president Amit Shah has slammed the Congress over its leader Sam Pitroda's "so what" remarks on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, saying they have "exposed" its mindset and asserted it is under the Narendra Modi government that culprits were punished and families of victims compensated. "Thousands of Sikhs were killed mercilessly. The then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi justified it. No one was punished. Manmohan Singh was made (by the Congress) to apologise. What Sam Pitroda has said exposes the Congress' mindset," he told PTI. On Thursday, Pitroda, had dismissed questions about 1984 riots, saying "hua to hua" (so what), triggering a political furore that led to Congress president Rahul Gandhi denouncing his comments followed by an apology from him on Friday. Shah spoke to PTI before Pitroda tendered the apology. The BJP president said several Congress governments at the Centre did little to go after those behind the communal violence and added that they were punished by the Modi government. The riots, which had left thousands of Sikhs dead, remain an emotive issue, especially in Delhi, which was the worst affected city, and Punjab, where the community live in very large numbers. The BJP has sought to corner the Congress over the carnage, as both Delhi and Punjab head for the Lok Sabha polls. Elections in the national capital will take place on Sunday and in Punjab on May 19. To a question about the BJP's controversial decision to field Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from Bhopal, Shah strongly defended the decision. He said she may be still an accused but the conspiracy she has been charged with has already been rejected by courts in other cases of terror in which right wing Hindutva elements were blamed. Accusing the Congress of manufacturing "fake Hindu terror" cases to defame Hindus for its "vote bank" politics, Shah said courts have already rejected the theory and the BJP's decision to field Thakur was the saffron party's "satyagrah" against the opposition party. Thakur has been pitted against veteran Congress leader Digvijay Singh. Targeting the Congress, Shah said people - allegedly linked to terrorist outfit LeT- arrested in Samjhauta train blast case were released by the UPA government and compensated as well, after investigators later claimed that Hindutva elements were behind the terror. A court, however, acquitted all accused, including Hindutva activist Swami Aseemanand. Shah expressed confidence that the BJP will win more than 282 seats it had won in 2014, saying its number of seats and victory margins will increase with the party set to do well in regions where it had been traditionally weak. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Saturday came down heavily on the opposition alliance and appealed to the people not to back the 'mahamilawati' alliance. "Our intelligence agencies were weakened by an earlier 'mahamilawati' government, (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee govt set that right," Modi said at a public meeting in Sonebhadra in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Greeting scientists for successful Pokhran nuclear tests on this day in 1998, the prime minister took the opportunity to slam the opposition parties. "After the accomplishment of the government led by then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a weak government was formed at the Centre," he said. Modi made a fresh attack on the for its leader Sam Pitroda's reported "hua toh hua" (So what, it happened) remark on the anti-Sikh riots. "It shows the character and mentality of the party," he said, adding that the remark reflect the "arrogance" of the Appealing to the electorate to back a bold government, the prime minister cited the example of the Balakot air strike and also listed out the achievements of his government during the past five years for the welfare of the poor. "Modi belongs to just one caste -- whatever caste the poor belongs to, I belong to that caste," he said. Political and business leaders paid heartfelt tributes to ITC Chairman Y C Deveshwar, who passed away Saturday morning after a brief illness, saying he leaves behind a rich legacy. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted: "Saddened by the death of Yogi C Deveshwar, Chairman ITC. Yogi excelled as a corporate professional and an entrepreneur and took his company to great heights. May God render peace to the departed soul & give to his family strength to bear this loss." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described him as a "giant in the corporate world". "Saddened at the passing away of Y C Deveshwar Ji. He was a giant in the corporate world. I have many memories of him as a distinguished captain of industry. Condolences to his family, his colleagues and his admirers," Banerjee said in a tweet. In a statement, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) expressed its condolences at the demise of Deveshwar, terming it a great loss for Indian industry. Deveshwar was the president of CII in 2005-06. "A titan and guiding luminary of Indian industry, Mr Deveshwar's commitment and passion for sustainable business was an inspiration for all. Mr Deveshwar's devotion to inclusive growth in India was laudable and he led by example," CII President Vikram Kirloskar said. As ITC Chairman, Deveshwar transformed the cigarette major into a diversified player with interests in FMCG, hospitality, IT and other sectors. "For me personally, Mr Deveshwar, Yogi to all, was a warm and generous leader who always found time to engage with all. We will deeply miss his erudite guidance and sage advice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time, Kirloskar said. In a tweet, Assocham President B K Goenka said he was a "tall leader of India Inc who immensely contributed to the industry and society". Deveshwar (72), who stepped down from executive role as chairman and CEO in 2017 but remained as a non-executive chairman, breathed his last at a private hospital in Gurugram. He joined ITC in 1968 and was appointed as a director on ITC's board on April 11, 1984. He rose to become its chief executive and chairman on January 1, 1996. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Political and business leaders paid heartfelt tributes to ITC Chairman Y C Deveshwar, who passed away Saturday morning after a brief illness, saying he leaves behind a rich legacy. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted: "Saddened by the death of Yogi C Deveshwar, Chairman ITC. Yogi excelled as a corporate professional and an entrepreneur and took his company to great heights. May God render peace to the departed soul & give to his family strength to bear this loss." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described him as a "giant in the corporate world". "Saddened at the passing away of Y C Deveshwar Ji. He was a giant in the corporate world. I have many memories of him as a distinguished captain of industry. Condolences to his family, his colleagues and his admirers," Banerjee said in a tweet. In a statement, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) expressed its condolences at the demise of Deveshwar, terming it a great loss for Indian industry. Deveshwar was the president of CII in 2005-06. "A titan and guiding luminary of Indian industry, Mr Deveshwar's commitment and passion for sustainable business was an inspiration for all. Mr Deveshwar's devotion to inclusive growth in India was laudable and he led by example," CII President Vikram Kirloskar said. As ITC Chairman, Deveshwar transformed the cigarette major into a diversified player with interests in FMCG, hospitality, IT and other sectors. "For me personally, Mr Deveshwar, Yogi to all, was a warm and generous leader who always found time to engage with all. We will deeply miss his erudite guidance and sage advice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time, Kirloskar said. In a tweet, Assocham President B K Goenka said he was a "tall leader of India Inc who immensely contributed to the industry and society". Chairman of RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, Sanjeev Goenka, said, "Yogi was a tall leader and a visionary. I have lost a friend. I am deeply saddened." Ambuja Neotia Group Chairman Harsh Neotia said Deveshwar was an extraordinary professional, who steered the company in "troubled times and diversified it from tobacco to FMCG and hospitality. He has been a family friend for two generations."Condoling his demise, Keventer Agro CMD Mayank Jalan credited Deveshwar for putting Kolkata on the global business map. "He built a great company like ITC and diversified it into so many areas, all with sustainable long-term business and social models," said CMD of Srei Infrastructure Finance Hemant Kanoria. Deveshwar (72), who stepped down from executive role as chairman and CEO in 2017 but remained as a non-executive chairman, breathed his last at a private hospital in Gurugram. He joined ITC in 1968 and was appointed as a director on ITC's board on April 11, 1984. He rose to become its chief executive and chairman on January 1, 1996. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US is sending a Patriot missile-defence system to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, BBC reports. A warship, USS Arlington, with amphibious vehicles and aircraft on board, will also join the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group in the Gulf. And US B-52 bombers have arrived at a base in Qatar, the Pentagon said. The US said the moves were a response to a possible threat to US forces in the region by Iran, without specifying. Iran dismissed the claim as nonsense. Tehran has described the deployments as "psychological warfare" aimed at intimidating the country. Iran has also suggested it may resume uranium enrichment nuclear activities. Eight Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh will go to polls on Sunday at the end of an acrimonious duel between the BJP and the Congress centred around farm loan waiver. MP Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said all preparations for the polls have been completed. In Bhopal, Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh is locked in a battle with BJP nominee and Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, while Congress general secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia is seeking re-election from the Guna seat. Union Minister Narendra Tomar, sitting MP from Gwalior, is seeking election from Morena Lok Sabha seat. Vidisha, once represented by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and newspaper baron Ramnath Goenka, also goes to polls on Sunday. Union Minister Sushma Swaraj, MP from Vidisha, opted out of electoral this time due to health reasons. Other seats which are going to polls are Bhind (SC), Gwalior, Sagar and Rajgarh. Of the eight seats, seven were won by the BJP in 2014. A total of 138 candidates, including 14 women, are in the fray for the eight Lok Sabha seats. There are 25 candidates in Morena, 18 each in Bhind and Gwalior, 13 in Guna, 10 in Sagar, 13 in Vidisha, 30 in Bhopal and 11 in Rajgarh, CEO Rao said. He said a total 18,141 polling booths have been set up for more than 1.44 crore voters, including 32,909 service electors, across these eight seats, adding that 45,053 security personnel have been deployed for the polls. Electioneering to these seats saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and Congress president Rahul Gandhi trading charges on farm loan waiver, riding on which the Congress had last year wrested power from the BJP in the state after 15 years. Modi and Shah claimed the Congress had cheated farmers, and instead of writing off their loans as it promised ahead of the Assembly polls last year, the Kamal Nath government was issuing debt recovery notices. In contrast, Congress chief Gandhi has maintained that his party had waived loans within 48 hours of coming to power, going on to claim that even former chief minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan's kin got loan waivers. This will be the third phase of polling in Madhya Pradesh, with the first and second phases having been held on April 29 and May 6. The last phase will be held on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23. In the 2014 national elections, the BJP had won 27 of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh. However, the Congress had later won the Ratlam seat in a bypoll, taking its tally to three in the state. The Congress, which wrested power from the BJP in Madhya Pradesh last year after a gap of 15 years, is optimistic of putting up a good show. The BJP, on its part, is equally upbeat claiming that a "strong Modi wave" would help it put up a stellar performance like 2014. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his Chhattisgarh counterpart and Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel, Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani also addressed rallies in the state ahead of the third phase of polling. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police have registered an offence against the chairman of a private university in Rajasthan, his bouncers and other staffers for allegedly assaulting and manhandling several students from Thane, an official said on Saturday. The incident had occurred on May 6 at the office of OPJS University chairman at Churu in Rajasthan, police said. Anil Prajapati (21), who is pursuing a diploma in pharmacy course from the university, has lodged a complaint against the chairman of OPJS University, Dr Joginder Singh, and others. As per the complaint, Prajapati and other students had taken admission for the pharmacy course in the university and attending classes in Deep Paramedical Organisation's NETT College at Kasarvadavali in Thane. "The students had given the first year examination at NETT College and cleared it. For the second year exam, the head of the college asked the students to go to Churu," a police officer said. Accordingly, Prajapati and around 150 other students went to the university in Churu on May 6 and met Joginder Singh at his office, who asked them to fill the exam forms, he said. "Singh later told the students that they have lost their two academic years. When the students questioned him about this, he lost his cool and hit Prajapati on his head with a cane, in which the latter suffered injuries," the officer said. Thereafter, Singh's bouncers and other officer staff manhandled other students and pushed them out of the office, he added. The complaint also said that when the students boarded the bus to return to Thane, the accused threw stones at it. Based on the complaint, Kapurbawdi police in Thane registered an offence against Singh and others under IPC sections 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 147 (rioting), among others. The case was then transferred to Kasarvadavali police station. "Investigation into the case is on. So far nobody has been arrested," police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said post-elections they would be ready to back any party, except the BJP, that supports full statehood for the national capital. The AAP national convenor, in an interview to PTI, said their only aim is to stop the Modi-Shah duo from coming back to power and for that they will support any party. "We will support those who grant full statehood to Delhi. Our only aim is to stop the Modi-Shah duo from coming back to power. We have absolutely no problem with whoever comes at the Centre," Kejriwal said. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has made the demand of full statehood for Delhi its poll plank. The party says that a slew of issues, including expansion of health and education infrastructure, remains unresolved as it does not lie in the hands of the Delhi government. Kejriwal claimed that people are "extremely happy" with the work of the AAP in Delhi, especially in the fields of education, health, water, electricity, road, sewage. "But the people of Delhi are also seeing how hurdles are being created in the work of the Delhi government because it is not a full state. People this time will vote to remove those hurdles from the path of the Delhi government," he said. The chief minister said once the demand of full statehood is realised, it would help in fast-tracking development works in the national capital. If Delhi gets full statehood, the city government would be able to deliver thousand times more than what it has done till now, he claimed. Kejriwal alleged that the BJP MPs are not "loyal" to the people of Delhi. "People in Delhi should think that if all the seven candidates of the BJP win then they will not be loyal to the people of the national capital. If tomorrow, metro fare rises your BJP MPs cannot raise their voices, they cannot raise their voice against sealing. AAP is Delhi's party so if something happens to the people of Delhi then AAP will raise voice for the rights of people in Parliament," he said. Kejriwal said the voice against the Centre's "wrong" policies could be raised only when Delhi MPs are from a different party than those in power in the Centre. People of Delhi would benefit more by electing AAP candidates as they can raise issues faced by city residents in Parliament more effectively than the national parties like the BJP and the Congress, he said. The chief minister claimed there is a "very strong" anti-incumbency against the BJP in Delhi as its MPs did nothing for the people here. The BJP had won all the Lok Sabha seats in Delhi in the 2014 general elections. Giving individual examples, Kejriwal said there is a lot of "negativity" against incumbent BJP MP from New Delhi Meenakshi Lekhi, who, he claimed has done nothing for the constituency. "She insulted the people of her constituency so people want to defeat her," he said. About Delhi BJP chief and its North East Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari, Kejriwal said, "He has done nothing except dancing and singing in the last four years." The works of Pravesh Sahib Singh Verma, who is an MP from West Delhi, is also being questioned by the people of his constituency, he claimed, adding that in South Delhi people are "tired of hooliganism" of BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri. The AAP national convener claimed that BJP candidate from North West Delhi seat Hansraj Hans would lose comprehensively. Appealing to the people to vote for ending the "obstructions created by the BJP-led central government", Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of not delivering any of the promises made by him in the run up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. "Modiji cannot say I built schools, hospitals, brought down electricity tariff, ensured drinking water supply. He failed in every sector. He has not delivered anything," he alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The DMK on Saturday demanded measures, including doubling the strength of paramilitary personnel, to ensure free and fair repolling in 13 polling stations in on May 19. The main opposition party's Organisation Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP, R S Bharathi, in a memorandum to Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo, sought doubling the paramilitary personnel deployment in all the polling booths that will go to the repolls. The DMK also wanted "arrangements to locate separate polling booths where Scheduled Caste people are residing, to enable them to cast their votes without fear and compulsion." It should be ensured the Scheduled Caste people voted freely without any "control," by any "political party agents," the senior leader said in the memorandum, which was also sent to the in In Dharmapuri Lok Sabha segment, it was alleged that agents of a political party had cast the voes of elderly people on April 18. The party also demanded steps like live video streaming and recording of poll process from its commencement till the sealing of EVMs and VVPATs. Appointing micro-observers in all booths, strict verification of voters' identity, replacing officials who were deployed on April 18 with new officers, preventing polling agents from contacting voters inside the polling centres were among the other demands. "Take all preventive measures to ensure free and fair bypolls without any kind of electoral malpractices," the party said. The had days ago announced repolls in 13 polling stations in On May 9, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo had cited votes of elderly people getting cast by party agents and mock poll data not being cleared before the start of election as among factors for ordering repoll. Three Thai activists in exile and accused of insulting the country's powerful monarchy have gone missing, rights groups and a family member said Saturday, as demands mount for answers on their whereabouts. The activists, Chucheep Chiwasut, who broadcasts political commentary online, and two colleagues, Siam Theerawut and Kritsana Tupthai, were arrested in Vietnam early this year and sent back to Thailand this week, according to rights groups. The mother of Siam, 34, said he was last heard from a few months ago. "He said he is fine, and talked about what he has eaten and places he has visited, but did not say where he was," Kanya Theerawut told AFP, adding she had visited police this week but was told there was no information available. "I want to know where my son is," she said. A senior official with Thailand's special branch police confirmed the three men were in Vietnam but had no information about the arrests. Thailand's deputy prime minister denied they were in Thai custody on Friday. Scores of dissidents, academics and pro-democracy activists have been pressed into self-exile since the junta seized power in a 2014 coup, in what analysts say is one of the biggest waves of political flight in Thailand's troubled recent history. The majority fled to neighbouring Laos and Cambodia to avoid charges and jail terms. But Chucheep, Siam and Kritsana moved from Laos following the disappearance of three other dissidents who had also sought shelter there. Two of those men were found in late December in the Mekong river with concrete stuffed into their stomachs. The government has denied any responsibility. Prosecutions under Thailand's lese-majeste law, which carries penalties of up to 15 years for insulting the wealthy monarchy, soared after the junta took over. But activists say the military has also stepped up its pursuit abroad. "The long arm of repression also reaches across the border as exiled dissidents have been pursued", said Sunai Phasuk, senior Thai expert for Human Rights Watch. "Nowhere is safe." Amnesty International has called on the Thai government to provide answers. Lese-majeste prosecutions within the country have fallen since newly-crowned Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn ascended the throne in 2016 following the death of his father Bhumibol Adulyadej. On Friday a prominent pro-democracy activist who was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for sharing an unflattering BBC profile of the king on Facebook was freed in a royal pardon a little more than a month shy of his sentence ending. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The SAD Saturday urged the Election Commission to declare the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency as hyper sensitive and demanded deployment of paramilitary forces to prevent the ruling Congress from using any "unfair means" to win the seat. The opposition party feared that the Congress could "misuse" police force to secure a win from the high profile seat. SAD's Harsimrat Kaur Badal is pitted against Gidderbaha MLA and Congress candidate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, AAP's Baljinder Kaur and Punjabi Ekta Party nominee Sukhpal Singh Khaira. In a letter to the chief election commissioner, SAD senior vice president Daljit Singh Cheema accused the Congress of working on its "common minimum goal" of defeating Harsimrat Badal by using "all types of unfair means". He claimed that the top leadership of the Punjab Congress, including Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and state Finance minister Manpreet Badal, were using unfair means to take revenge for their defeats as the CM's son Raninder Singh and Manpreet Badal lost to Harsimrat Badal in the 2009 and 2014 elections, respectively. "The local police are stopping SAD leaders and workers from even campaigning at the behest of ruling party," he alleged. Cheema claimed that Warring would bring his supporters to create ruckus on the polling and counting day. There are a total of 1,729 booths in the constituency, out of which 559 has been declared as sensitive by the district administration, he said. "If one-third booths are under the direct control of the state government then it definitely makes this constituency a fit case for deployment of paramilitary forces," he said. Cheema said the Punjab police was least expected to "act fairly" in the elections as it was "working under pressure" of the Congress. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia Saturday said severe financial irregularities were found during the audit of a private school in south Delhi. Sisodia, who is also the minister, said the private school, in question, has raised its fees, development charges and annual charges by 10 to 15 per cent without informing or taking permission from the government. The Delhi government had ordered an audit of seven years of the school's financial reords after receiving complaints from parents, he said. "Many things came out during the audit. The school has a surplus of Rs 30.85 crore and despite this, it are not paying teachers according to the Seventh Pay Commission," he said. The school has charged a surplus of Rs 2.09 crore for the 2018-19 session and we have ordered that the extra money be refunded to parents or adjusted in the fees that will be charged ahead, Sisodia said. He also said the school spent close to Rs 14.5 crore on buying a commercial plot in 2011 at Panchsheel Enclave and then constructing a building there. He said the rent from the building goes to the parent body which established the school. "They cannot be using the school fees for building a commercial property as it a violation of rules," Sisodia said. He also said an international school was opened on the same land. "It was said that a new building is being constructed since their building was old but a new building cannot be constructed with the money generated from school fees. However, the new building is of an international school and their teachers are getting salaries form the money being paid by the students of the old school. "The fees paid by the students of the international school is going to another account," Sisodia added. The deputy chief minister said the school has shown inflated bills of Rs 5.62 crore for housekeeping staff but there are no details available. He accused the school authorities of not paying teachers' gratuity or provident fund and spending Rs 62 lakh on publicity. Citing the Supreme Court appointed Duggal Committee's recommendations, he said a school can charge only registration fees, tuition fees and annual charges. "If they are providing any extra facilities, the fees is charged only from those students who are availing it. However, the school has been charging the students for swimming, skating, etc. In the name of orientation classes for parents, they are being being charged Rs 50,000 for an hour-long lecture," Sisodia said. He also alleged that the school had collected Rs 3.25 crore as caution money and the government has ordered that this amount be refunded to parents. No immediate reaction was available from the school authorities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP national president Amit Shah Saturday held a roadshow in the Bihar capital, a party stronghold which is witnessing a clash of titans with Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad locked in virtually a straight contest with Shatrughan Sinha, who seeks to retain the Patna Sahib seat on a Congress ticket. The roadshow commenced from the Kadamuan locality of the city, a stones throw from the ancestral house of Sinha, who quit the BJP last month, at about 6.30 p m. Perched atop an open vehicle with a saffron 'angavastram' around his neck, Shah was flanked by Prasad besides other senior BJP leaders like Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and waved at crowds which greeted him with chants of Bharat Mata ki jai and raised slogans in favor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. State BJP president Nityanand Rai stood behind Shah carrying a mike which he used to perk up the party workers marching on foot in the sweltering heat with slogans of Main bhi chowkidar. Flower petals were showered and garlands were thrown at the vehicle from all sides as the leaders responded with a wave and greeted the people with folded hands. People stood on both sides of the road, many of them carrying flags with the partys symbol the lotus - as the procession moved at snail speed criss-crossing narrow streets and covering a distance of about two kilometres towards its final point near the historic Gandhi Maidan. Earlier, Sinha had spoken to a couple of channels expressing displeasure over media reports quoting BJP sources that the starting point was chosen to show the actor-turned- politician his place. I am the Bihari Babu. The son of the soil. How much the people of Patna love me is evident from the fact that in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections I won with the highest margin for any seat in Bihar. Their talks of showing me my aukaat and haisiyat (worth) will boomerang on them. The people will give them (BJP) a befitting reply on polling day, Sinha said. Patna Sahib goes to the polls on May 19 in the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A shocking video has gone viral on social media showing a brown bear tumbling into a stream from a steep mountain ridge after being stoned by people in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting authorities to launch an operation to trace the animal. The eight-second video -- shared on Twitter by former director Tourism, Kashmir, Mehmood Shah - shows a brown bear being stoned by people in Drass area of Kargil district in Ladakh region of the state. The bear had climbed a steep mountain ridge after being chased by the people from the nearby village, but fell into a stream after losing balance as stones were thrown at the animal. The people could be heard cheering as the animal tumbled into the stream. The incident sparked outrage on the social media as several people, including former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, termed it heartbreaking and inhuman. "Heartbreaking & inhuman. Why invade their habitat in the first place?" Mehbooba wrote on Twitter while sharing the video clip. Several netizens have demanded that the people behind the stone throwing on the animal be identified and brought to book. After the incident came to the fore, the authorities have launched an operation to trace the bear and are also trying to identify the people involved in the act. Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary has ordered an inquiry and teams from the wildlife and other departments have been constituted to trace the brown bear. "An FIR has been registered," the DC said, adding they were also trying to identify the people who threw stones at the bear due to which it slipped into the stream and action would be taken against them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Saturday hit out at Karnataka BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa for his reported statement that the longevity of the coalition government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after the Lok Sabha poll results. Siddaramaiah said the BJP leaders were depressed after their "failed attempt" to topple the Congress-JDS coalition government by luring MLAs with cash and position. "The BJP should first explain from where did they get money. Which is this money? What should we call this black money? Has it been given by Narendra Modi or by Amit Shah or by Yeddyurappa himself?" Siddaramaiah said. Siddaramaiah reminded BJP that destabilising a coalition government by bribing the MLAs was not the opposition job. "Yeddyurappa and BJP have miserably failed in discharging duties as opposition party. This is not the first time Yeddyurappa is making such statements. When there is severe drought situation what is Yeddyurappa doing? Just saying 20 people will come to our fold!" Siddaramaiah said. Yeddyurappa had Friday indicated that the outcome of the Lok Sabha and assembly bypoll results would make it difficult for the coalition government to continue. He had expressed confidence about winning Kundgol and Chincholi assembly segments in the bypolls. The BJP leader reportedly claimed that over 20 Congress MLAs were not happy with the government and not ready to accept H D Kumaraswamy as Chief Minister anymore. Yeddyurappa, however, Saturday said what he meant to say was that there would be many changes in state after the BJP won the bypolls. "I never said that (20 congress mlas were set to take a stand). I only said there are many disgruntled MLAs in Congress, who can take any decision at any point in time. After we win the two seats there will be many changes in the state I only said let us wait and watch, Yeddyurappa clarified. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By WestKyStar & McLib Staff May. 10, 2019 | 09:44 PM | PADUCAH Jun 13, 7 - 8 pm Jean Ritchie, known as the "Mother of Folk" was a major contributor to the national revival of folk music across America during the second half of the 20th century. Her songs have been covered by artists including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris. Ritchie is portrayed by Rachel Lee Rogers of Versailles, KY. Rogers trained at Northern Kentucky University, Rutgers, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. Co-sponsored by The Friends of the Library. Evenings Upstairs - Barn Dances and Jamborees Across Kentucky Jul 11, 7 - 8 pm J.D. Wilkes discusses the history of the traditional "barn dance" and other musical get-togethers of Kentucky's past and present. Complete with a slideshow of his colorful photographs, this talk also features Wilkes' performance of Kentucky banjo tunes, harmonica playing, and a Q&A session. Co-sponsored by Kentucky Humanities an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. Evenings Upstairs - Kentucky Humanities Chautauqua presents Anne Shelby, as Aunt Molly Jackson, "Pistol Packin' Woman" Aug 22, 7 - 8 pm Aunt Molly's songs and stories take us back to the Eastern and Western Kentucky coalfields of the early 20th century. Co-sponsored by The Friends of the Library. Evenings Upstairs Governor Ned Breathitt: Class Act September 12 Led by Justice Bill Cunningham In the 20th Century, Kentucky had many great Governors. Perhaps none however possessed the courage and the class of West Kentuckian Ned Breathitt of Hopkinsville. Evenings Upstairs - Haunted People and Haunted Places Oct 24, 7 - 8 pm With Thomas Freese, Kentucky storyteller. Its the time of the year for spooky tales! Kentucky Storyteller & author Thomas Freese shares true tales from his travels around Kentucky. Evenings Upstairs - A History of Native Americans in Kentucky Nov 21, 7 - 8 pm Presented by A. Gwynn Henderson, UK archaeologist and member of the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission. In celebration of Kentucky Native American Heritage Month, Henderson will discuss the history of the diverse Native American peoples of Western Kentucky as told through objects, places, and documents. Evenings Upstairs - Pulling Back the Curtain on the Columbia: Past, Present, and Future Dec 5, 7 - 8 pm Learn about the art, architecture, and preservation of this iconic structure in a presentation led by Darlene Mazzone, Chair of the Paducah Art House Alliance. Joining her will be Landee Bryant, Executive Director of Maiden Alley Cinema and historian Randy Davis, who has made a lifelong study of the Columbia's past grandeur. For more information, contact Bobbie Wrinkle 270-442-2510 ext. 119 or email: bwrinkle@mclib.net. Upcoming McCracken County Public Library (McLib) Evenings Upstairs Series appeal to a variety of interests:Kentucky Humanities Chautauqua presents: Rachel Lee Rogers as Jean Ritchie, Damsel with a Dulcimer Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot has demanded a CBI probe into the death of a Dalit man in police custody in Madhya Pradesh last month. The man had allegedly died due to torture by police after being arrested for theft in Indore. In a letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, the Union Minister stated that it had come to his notice that 22-year-old Sanju Tipaniya was brutally tortured by the Gandhi Nagar police, despite claiming innocence. "The police have crossed all limits of brutality. They plucked out his nails with pliers, hit his legs with a hammer and gave him electric shocks following which he fainted," the minister said. "They poured water on him to bring him to his senses and when he gained consciousness, he was beaten up again... He was not even given water to drink. He battled for his life for three hours," Gehlot said while describing the torture meted out to him. He alleged that the young man's mother was also called to the police station and thrashed by the police leading to a fracture in her hand and leg. Even his brother was beaten up in front of villagers and he sustained injuries, Gehlot said, adding that it was important to ensure justice for the victim's family. "I view of the seriousness of the issue, I hope you will order a CBI inquiry into it," he wrote. Family members of the youth had alleged that he died due to torture by police personnel at the Gandhi Nagar police station. Superintendent of Police (West) Suraj Verma said Tipaniya was taken to a nearby hospital, from where he was shifted to the state-run Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital, but could not be saved. He said the Gandhi Nagar police station in-charge, Neeta Deyarwal, and four constables had been suspended. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats, which will vote in the last two phases of Lok Sabha polls, are again in the limelight as electoral battle intensifies in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh. The BJP had to bite the dust in the bypolls in these constituencies last year. While, the anti-BJP alliance would like to retain its grip over both the seats, the saffron party is looking to wrest them from the opposition. Their importance can be gauged from the fact that Gorakhpur was represented by Yogi Adityanath in Lok Sabha from 1998 to 2017, before he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, Phulpur was won for the first time by the BJP in 2019, when Keshav Prasad Maurya emerged victorious from the seat once represented by Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister. Maurya vacated the seat after he became the deputy chief minister of the state in 2017. However, this time, the giant killer in the Gorakhpur bypoll, Praveen Kumar Nishad, has switched over to the BJP, and he has been fielded from the Sant Kabir Nagar parliamentary constituency in eastern Uttar Pradesh. There are 14 candidates in the fray in Phulpur, which has 19.75 lakh voters, and 10 candidates are contesting in Gorakhpur, which has 19.54 lakh voters. The prominent candidates in Phulpur are Keshari Devi Patel from the BJP, Pandhari Yadav of the SP and Pankaj Patel of the Congress. In Gorakhpur, the fight is mainly among Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress, Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan of the BJP and Rambhual Nishad of the SP. Exuding confidence that the SP candidate will retain the seat, party spokesperson Rajpal Kashyap said, "Bypolls in Phulpur, Gorakhpur and Kairana changed the narrative of UP .. All these seats will definitely vote for mahagathbandhan whose aim is to herald a 'mahaparivartan' (grand change)." Rebutting SP's claims, state BJP media coordinator Rakesh Tripathi said, "It was the low polling percentage which led to BJP's defeat in the bypolls. However, in the past one year, a large number of first-time voters have become with the party. I am confident that both the BJP candidates will emerge as victorious." The opposition parties defeated the ruling BJP in three Lok Sabha bypolls last year in the state which sends 80 MPs to the Lower House of Parliament. In the Kairana Lok Sabha by-elections in May, the BJP lost to the joint opposition candidate, RLD's Tabassum Hasan. The seat had fallen vacant following the death of the BJP candidate Mriganka Singh's father Hukum Singh. Tabassum Hasan was supported by the Congress, the SP and the BSP. In March, the BJP lost the Lok Sabha bypolls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur. In the last parliamentary elections in 2014, the BJP had won 71 seats in the state, securing 42.63 per cent of the votes. BJP ally Apna Dal bagged two more. Samajwadi Party won five seats with a vote share of 22.35 per cent. The BSP did not win any seat while securing 19.77 per cent votes. The Congress registered wins on two UP seats in 2014, bagging 7.53 per cent of the votes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lankan authorities on Saturday announced a three-day deadline for public to inform and handover all illegal explosives to the nearest police station as part of a crackdown on suspects following the Easter Sunday bombings in which over 250 people were killed. The move came a week after authorities directed people to deposit swords and other sharp-edged weapons to the nearest police station, after police recovered swords and other weapons from mosques during search operations following the April 21 blasts in which over 250 people, including 44 foreigners 10 of whom were Indians, were killed and 500 others injured. "A three-day period has been announced from 6.00 a.m. today (Saturday) to inform and handover all illegal explosives material to the nearest police," Police spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara said. "Individuals in possession of such explosives should inform the nearest police station before 6.00 a.m. on Tuesday (May 14)," he added. On Saturday last, the Sri Lankan police asked the public to hand over swords and large knives to the nearest police station after a large haul of weapons, including swords, and camouflaged materials were recovered during searches of mosques and houses. On Monday, authorities extended by 48 hours the deadline for the public to surrender swords, daggers, sharp weapons and clothing similar to that of military uniforms. The move came after several people including politicians were arrested for possessing sharp-edged weapons like swords since the crackdown began to arrest the suspects and their network, following the Easter Sunday blasts. The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ). Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts. Sri Lanka has imposed a state of emergency since the attacks and given sweeping powers to soldiers and police to arrest and detain suspects for long periods. House-to-house searches are being carried out across the country looking for explosives and propaganda material of Islamic extremists. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The priest of a temple in Titwala in Thane district was Saturday booked for allegedly indulging in black magic, police said. Laljit Singh has been booked under relevant sections of Maharashtra Preventionand Eradication ofHuman Sacrificeand Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act,2013, a Kalyan taluka police station official said. "A devotee who used to visit the temple regularly has complained that the priest used to distribute items like cashew, nuts, vermilion and silver coins and claim to possess powers to carry out black magic," the official said. "The complainant was asked by the priest to not marry a particular girl but he went ahead and did so, angering the accused. The priest also threatened that she would not conceive as he had cast a black magic spell on her," he added. The official said a probe was underway and no arrests had been made so far. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Theresa May could be forced to set an exact date for her resignation as Conservative Party leader to make way for a new British Prime Minister in the coming days, a senior Tory MP has said. Sir Graham Brady, who chairs the influential backbench 1922 Committee of the Conservative Party, told the BBC that he expects a "clear understanding" of May's departure timetable once she has met the committee on Wednesday. "It would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding (of when she will leave) at the end of the meeting," said Brady. The 1922 Committee has asked for "clarity" about her plans for the future, and she "offered to come and meet with the executive", he said. May has already announced back in March that she would step down as British PM once the Brexit process has been finalised but the pressure from within her party has only mounted for her to actually name a specific end date for her tenure. On why the PM had so far been unwilling to set a date to step down, Brady said: I don't think it's about an intention for staying indefinitely as prime minister or leader of the Conservative Party. "I think the reticence is the concern that by promising to go on a certain timetable, it might make it less likely she would secure Parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement, rather than more likely." A massive backlash against the Conservatives from voters in local elections earlier this month and fears of a similar drubbing in the European Parliament elections on May 23 have led Tory MPs to intensify their efforts to remove May as leader. The UK was due to leave the European Union (EU) on March 29 but the deadline has now been pushed back to October 31 after Parliament has repeatedly rejected May's withdrawal agreement from the 28-member economic bloc. Cross-party talks with Opposition Labour Party are ongoing in an attempt to arrive at a consensus that could pass through the UK Parliament, and meanwhile May's leadership woes continue to dominate headlines. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP on Saturday slammed a Time magazine article, which called Prime Minister "divider in chief", as an attempt to malign Modi's image, accusing its author of pursuing Pakistan's agenda. BJP spokesperson told a press conference that article's author was a Pakistani and that nothing better can be expected from He also took a swipe at for retwitting the story. The piece, a sharp criticism of Modi's leadership, has been written by Aatish Taseer, son of Indian and late Pakistani politician and businessman Salmaan Taseer. Patra said several foreign magazines had written stories critical of Modi in 2014 as well. Calling the prime minister a unifier, the BJP spokesperson listed a number of welfare measures started by the to claim that the country was heading towards a new under his "reforming, performing and transforming" agenda. Patra also slammed for his barbs at Modi, accusing Sidhu of making racist and sexist remarks. Taking a swipe at Sidhu, Patra said he keeps making all sort of loose statements but has not spoken a word against Sam Pitroda's "so what" remarks on 1984 anti-sikh riots. Pitroda, a close aide of Gandhi and Overseas Congress' head, on Thursday said, 'hua to hua' (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala in Patra claimed Sidhu was targetting Modi at the behest of Chief Minister who, he alleged was also involved in the riots. Sidhu at a poll rally had asked people to defeat "kale angrez", in an apparent attempt to liken the to the British rule before independence. The Congress had also claimed that Modi was like a bride who makes noise from her bangles to give an impression that she was working hard but did not really work. Patra said these remarks showed the Congress' mindset. In a swipe at the opposition party over the Italian origin of its former Sonia Gandhi, he said the Congress should not be very arrogant about its Italian colour as this will disappear on May 23, when Lok Sabha poll results will be out. The TIME magazine has featured Prime Minister on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline and a secondary one that reads "Modi the Reformer" as the country enters the final phase of the mammoth general election. The American magazine's May 20, 2019 international editions - the Europe, and Africa, and South Pacific - feature the Modi cover story with the main headline "India's Divider in Chief" while the US edition has a cover story on Democrat Elizabeth Warren who is running for the in 2020. The article also said the opposition Congress party had little to offer other than the dynastic principle. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee Saturday said if party leader Madan Mitra can be arrested for "just a picture" with Saradha group founder Sudipta Sen, the prime minister should also be held for "posing" with fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. Mitra, a former transport minister of West Bengal, was released from custody on bail in September 2016, after spending over 21 months in jail in connection with the multi-crore Saradha chitfund scam. "If our leader and minister Madan Mitra can be arrested for just having a picture with Saradha scam boss Sudipta Sen, then why won't Prime Minister Narendra Modi be arrested for posing with fugitive businessman Nirav Modi?" he said at an election rally here. Banerjee was referring to a 2018 picture in which the prime minister was seen along with a number of business leaders, including Nirav Modi, in Davos. On Wednesday, a UK court denied bail to Nirav Modi for the third time, saying the fugitive diamond merchant who is the main accused in the Punjab National Bank fraud and money laundering case amounting to up to USD 2 billion, would fail to surrender. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Government jobs and financial compensation by the government have failed to heal the wounds of the kin of those who perished in the 2007 police firing during an anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram, as the more than a dozen families are still waiting for the perpetrators to be brought to book. Fourteen persons were killed in the firing on a demonstration against land acquisition on March 14, leading to a nationwide outrage and the 'suo motu' ordering a investigation. The incident altered the state political landscape, bringing an end to the 34-year-old Left regime and catapulting the firebrand supremo to power in in 2011. More than a decade later, the families are disenchanted with the TMC, accusing it promoting the accused police officers and sheltering the guilty CPI(M) workers. "The government gave us jobs, compensation. Some of the family members even got government jobs. But compensation and jobs won't either bring back my father or peace of mind," said Rabin Mondal, a local who whose father Badal Mondal was killed in the police firing. "What about justice, what about punishing the police officers and political leaders involved in the incident?" added Mondal, who has been visiting the martyrs memorial erected by the government in the village every day, since the last ten years. According to Bikas Das, cousin of Gobinda Das, who too was killed in the firing, none of the senior police officers were punished and some of the local CPI(M) leaders who were also behind the atrocities have either joined the ruling TMC or the main opposition BJP. "It was promised that the accused police personnel would be brought to book, but nothing happened. The accused senior police personnel were not even touched rather they got promotions after TMC came to power," Das claimed. "Senior CPI(M) leaders are also roaming free. We don't know whether we will get justice or not?" he added. Their views were corroborated by most of the family members of the 14 victims in the village. "We have read reports that the CBI's efforts to name the guilty police officers in the charge sheet were initially thwarted by TMC government. Later on they gave in," said a relative of Rakhal Giri who was killed in the police firing. "It has only helped TMC achieve its political goal. After getting power they were not bothered about justice," the relative added. The bloody agitation over land acquisition for a 14,000-acre chemical hub project by Indonesia's Salim Group which started in January 2007 led to the death of 14 people in police firing in March during the then Left Front government's rule. Riding on the anti-land acquisition protests, the TMC dislodged the 34-year-old Left Front government from Bengal. in East Midnapore district along with Singur in Hoogly district, were considered to be two pillars which laid the foundation of the TMC government led by Banerjee in 2011. Falling under the Tamluk Lok Sabha constituency, will go to polls on May 12 in the sixth phase of the ongoing general elections. Although there has been rapid development in the area under the TMC regime, the party's failure to punish the culprits even after eight years of coming to power has left the kin of the victims dejected. The victims of were not only hailed as heroes by TMC but the names of 14 people who were killed featured in all the party programs and rallies. After coming to power, the TMC gave Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the family members of those who lost their lives. Memorials were erected at many corners of Sonachura, Bhangabera, Tekhali villages in Nandigram and every year to commemorate the day garlanding of the busts takes place. But that does not seem to be enough in the face of seething anger among the relatives and locals, some whom cast their aspersions on the objective of the movement. "What did we get out of the anti-land acquisition movement? We were used as pawns in TMC's political fight. The people of Nandigram didn't get justice," said Haripada Mondal, a sharecropper who was part of the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee (BUPC) when it was formed in 2007 to protest against the land acquisition. The BUPC was backed by the After the TMC came to power most of BUPC's leaders joined the party. The ruling party, however, said that the law would take its own course and the state government does not have much say in the matter as it is being investigated by the "We understand the anger but the matter is before the court and it is being investigated by Our government has nothing to do with it," said Dibyendu Adhikari, TMC MP from Tamluk. He, however, declined to comment on the issue of state not taking action against guilty police officers. BJP state president accused the TMC government of not only betraying the people of Nandigram but the entire state by making false promises to come to power. "The TMC will get a befitting reply in this election," Ghosh said. The CPI (M) leadership, which has been facing people's wrath since Nandigram firing said the TMC's policies to misguide the masses has now come out in the open. "Be it Singur or Nandigram, the TMC has misled the masses just to achieve its political goals. But they can't just fool all the people all the time. The TMC will pay for misleading the masses," CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty 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.) Democrats denounced a plan by President Donald Trump's personal attorney to push Ukraine to open investigations that he hopes could benefit Trump politically, decrying it as an overt attempt to recruit foreign help to influence a US election. But Rudy Giuliani late Friday said he does not plan to go to the Ukraine because of concerns about who he would be dealing with there. "I've decided ... I'm not going to go to the Ukraine," Giuliani told Fox Friday night. "I'm not going to go because I think I'm walking into a group of people that are enemies of the president ... in some cases enemies of the United States, and in one case an already convicted person who has been found to be involved in assisting the Democrats with the 2016 election." His statement left many unanswered questions about what Giuliani might do about his Ukraine concerns. Earlier, Giuliani had said he would to travel to Kiev in the coming days to urge the Ukrainian government to conduct a pair of investigations: one on the origins of special counsel Robert Mueller's recently concluded investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, the other on the involvement of former Vice President Joe Biden's son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. Giuliani's plan had seemed poised to create an unprecedented moment, that of the lawyer of the president of the United States seeking foreign assistance in damaging his political rivals. To Democrats, it was a blatant evocation of Russia's meddling on behalf of Trump when he defeated Hillary Clinton. "It's stunning that the Trump administration is going down the same tragic path they did in 2016 seeking help from a foreign government again to influence an American presidential election. It's appalling," said Rep. Adam Schiff of California, who chairs the House intelligence committee. He said Trump allies were indicating, "'We're going to do everything short of what's downright criminal. Ethics don't matter. Patriotism doesn't matter.'" Giuliani, a former New York City mayor who often acted as a smokescreen for Trump during the Mueller probe, pushed back against the criticism. "Explain to me why Biden shouldn't be investigated if his son got millions from a Russian loving crooked Ukrainian oligarch while He was VP and point man for Ukraine," Giuliani tweeted at Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who criticized him. "Ukrainians are investigating and your fellow Dems are interfering. Election is 17 months away. Let's answer it now." Giuliani's trip, which was first reported by The New York Times, would have been the most high-profile effort yet by Republicans to call attention to growing talking points in conservative circles. They are trying to undermine the special counsel's investigation, call into question the case against Paul Manafort, Trump's imprisoned former campaign chairman, and wound Biden, the early Democratic front-runner in the 2020 presidential race. Trump and Giuliani have urged scrutiny of Hunter Biden and have raised questions about whether the former vice president helped oust a Ukrainian prosecutor whose office was investigating the oligarch whose company paid his son. Some Trump allies have suggested they can tarnish Biden with questions about corruption, founded or not, much like they did to Clinton in 2016. Giuliani has said he updated the president about his findings on Ukraine, a nation deeply reliant on the Trump administration for U.S. military and financial aid. "I'm hearing it's a major scandal, major problem," Trump said on Fox recently. "I hope for (Biden) it is fake I don't think it is." The Biden campaign has denied that the candidate or his son did anything improper. The president has also tried to push claims that Ukrainian officials tried to help Clinton by focusing attention on Manafort's business in Ukraine. That attention forced Manafort to resign from the campaign, and he was later convicted of financial crimes and sentenced to prison. Ukrainian officials have denied involvement, but Trump has latched onto the idea that Kiev "colluded" with Democrats and that the origins of Mueller's probe were fraudulent. Meanwhile, the president's re-election campaign distanced itself from Giuliani's efforts, saying it had nothing to do with the lawyer's inquiry. Giuliani himself downplayed, sort of, questions about whether what he was doing was inappropriate. "We're not meddling in an election, we're meddling in an investigation, which we have a right to do," Giuliani told The Times. "There's nothing illegal about it. Somebody could say it's improper." But the whole episode could trigger uncomfortable questions about foreign entanglements for the White House, which is still grappling with the aftermath of the special counsel probe. "We've come to a very sorry state when it is considered OK for an American politician, never mind an attorney for the president, to go and seek foreign intervention in American politics," Rep. Jerrod Nadler, D-N.Y., the head of the House Judiciary Committee, said to CNN on Friday. Mueller did not conclude that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia and did not determine whether or not Trump obstructed justice. But House Democrats are pushing the inquiry further on a number of fronts, including issuing subpoenas for the probe's witnesses and documents. Trump this week announced that he would invoke executive privilege to shield the material, certain to prompt a lengthy legal fight. Throughout the investigation, Giuliani attacked Mueller's credibility and often tried to change the public discourse by advancing conspiracy theories about the special counsel or Democratic investigators. In the probe's final days, he began to zero in on the possible Ukraine connection. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump ordered a tariff hike on almost all imports from China after the latest round of talks to end the trade war between the world's two largest economies ended on Friday without a deal even as Beijing said the negotiations have not broken down and it is cautiously optimistic to reach an agreement. Expected to further escalate the trade war between the US and China, Trump's latest move came less than a day after he ramped up punitive duties on USD 200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to 25 percent from 10 percent, and Beijing vowed to retaliate. The new increase applies to an even greater value of goods put at about USD 300 billion. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement that Trump had "ordered us to begin the process of raising tariffs on essentially all remaining imports from China." "Earlier today, at the direction of the President, the United States increased the level of tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on approximately USD 200 billion worth of Chinese imports," Lighthizer said. "The President also ordered us to begin the process of raising tariffs on essentially all remaining imports from China, which are valued at approximately USD 300 billion," he said. The process for public notice and comment will be published shortly in the Federal Register. "The details will be on the USTR website on Monday as we begin the process prior to a final decision on these tariffs," Lighthizer said. The latest Trump move came as China's top trade negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, on Friday concluded his two days of trade talks with the US team led by Lighthizer. The 11th round of talks in Washington ended Friday with no deal, but the Chinese vice premier said the negotiations have not broken down. "Negotiations have not broken down. Quite the opposite. I think they are normal. Small setbacks are inevitable in bilateral negotiations. Looking ahead, we are cautiously optimistic about the future, the Hong Kong based South China Morning Post quoted him as saying. "Both sides agree they will meet again in Beijing in the future and keep pushing forward the negotiations," he said without giving a date. In a series of tweets, Trump described the talks as candid and constructive, but indicated taking a tough approach against massive imbalance of trade with China. "Over the course of the past two days, the United States and China have held candid and constructive conversations on the status of the trade relationship between both countries," Trump said, praising his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and saying the negotiations would carry on. "In the meantime, the US has imposed Tariffs on China, which may or may not be removed depending on what happens with respect to future negotiations!" Trump said. He said tariffs will bring in "far more" wealth to the US than even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind. Trump said he is in no rush to conclude trade talks with China. "Talks with China continue in a very congenial manner - there is absolutely no need to rush - as Tariffs are NOW being paid to the United States by China of 25 percent on 250 Billion Dollars worth of goods & products. These massive payments go directly to the Treasury of the U.S....," he said. "We have lost 500 Billion Dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!" Trump said. In a transcript of the press interview published on the website of Phoenix Television, a Hong Kong-based broadcaster, Chinese Vice President Liu said there were several issues on which the two sides still disagreed. China believes tariffs are the starting point of the bilateral trade disputes. If a deal is to be reached, the tariffs should all be eliminated. This is the first point, Liu said. The second is related China's promise to buy more goods from the US, he said. "While an initial deal was reached when Chinese President Xi and US President Trump met in Argentina in December, the two sides now held different views on what had actually been agreed," Liu said. This is a very serious issue, he said, adding that the deal had to be both balanced and fair. "It was a matter of principle that the two sides were not only cooperative but also respectful of one another," Liu said. Liu said that the trade negotiators on both sides of the table had shown they were sincere in their efforts to tackle problems and resolve differences, but reaching a deal was not a short or easy process. Trump earlier justified the move by saying Beijing had delayed the process of reaching a trade deal by reneging on commitments it had made during months of negotiations. Chinese state media on Saturday took a defiant stance on Washington's latest efforts to increase the pressure on Beijing. China requires that all tariffs be eliminated to restore normal bilateral trade, People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party, said in a commentary. The trade procurement figures should be realistic, the text must be balanced and expressed in a way that is acceptable to the Chinese people and does not undermine the country's sovereignty and dignity, it said. Trump is demanding China to reduce the massive trade deficit which last year climbed to over USD 539 billion. He is also pressing for verifiable measures for protection of intellectual property rights (IPR), technology transfer and more access to American goods to Chinese markets. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Year's Eve still on in Times Square, but with smaller crowd A court in Jharkhand's Ramgarh district has convicted two men of raping a 15-year-old girl two years ago after taking her to Hyderabad. Ramgarh Additional District Judge (I) Babita Prasad convicted Suraj Barla (23) and Rajesh Munda (25) under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on Friday, Additional Public Prosecutor S K Shukla said. He said the court would pronounce the quantum of punishment on Monday, May 13. According to the FIR lodged at the Mandu police station of the district on August 4, 2017, the prime accused, Barla, and his relative Munda, took the minor to Hyderabad, on the pretext of taking her on a tour, in August that year. The minor, who hails from the same village under the Mandu block, was raped and cheated of Rs 65,000, Shukla said. The duo was arrested in Ranchi when they were returning from Hyderabad. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two men appeared in court on Saturday charged with rioting in the Northern Irish city of Londonderry on the night a journalist was shot dead. Paul McIntyre, 51, and Christopher Gillen, 38, both charged with riot and petrol bomb offences, were refused bail at Londonderry's magistrates' court. They were arrested on Thursday. They refused to stand and recognise the court on Saturday. McIntyre is also charged with the arson of a hijacked vehicle while Gillen is also charged with the arson and hijacking of a tipper truck. The prosecution alleges that both men are connected to the New IRA (Irish Republican Army) paramilitary group, which orchestrated the rioting on April 18 and has since claimed responsibility for the death of journalist Lyra McKee. The 29-year-old was shot in the head. A police detective told the court that footage from security cameras and mobile phones showed two masked men in identical clothing to the defendants leaving the hijacked tipper truck, carrying a crate of petrol bombs and deploying them at police officers. "Police believe these were the ring leaders, that's obvious from footage," the detective said. Judge Barney Mcelholm told the court: "All nationalism corrupts into fascism eventually, whether it's Irish nationalism or British or Polish nationalism. We've all seen where it ends up. "I have to bear in mind these gentlemen, there's no evidence either of them belong to any paramilitary organisation but they are a part of an organisation with a defined ideology." On the possibility of them being released from custody, he said: "There is no address anywhere in this city which would be suitable in this case, at any stage. I will refuse bail." The killing of McKee led to calls for politicians in Northern Ireland to agree to restore the province's power-sharing institutions. A breakdown of trust brought down the Northern Irish Assembly in January 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Saturday tore into the SP-BSP alliance by likening SP chief Akhilesh Yadav to Aurangzeb, who had imprisoned his father emperor Shahjahan. He said the "'mahamilawatis' are behaving like snakes, frogs and scorpions who come together during floods. In a tweet in Hindi, the chief minister said, "The one who dethroned his father, like Aurangzeb, joined hands with the sworn enemy. After May 23, they will again abuse each other. These 'mahamilavati' people are behaving today like scorpions, frogs and snakes which come together during floods." Adityanath, who addressed an election meeting in Ballia on Saturday, said in another tweet, "When I and (Narendra) Modiji put lock on the shops of 'Bua' (Mayawati) and 'Babua' (Akhilesh), they opened another counter to sell 'mahamilavati' goods and cheat the people. "This counter will also be closed by the people on May 23 and they will again abuse each other. So do not waste your votes. Think, understand and get involved in the setting up a new and strong India." Adityanath had earlier called Akhilesh 'goondon ka sartaj' (king of goons) and has often accused him of taking development works and extending basic facilities on caste and communal lines. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Police Saturday said some "vested interests" have been spreading rumours of people gathering at Amberpet here, where a law and order issue arose last Sunday, and warned that anyone trying to disturb the peace would be dealt with sternly as per law. "Some people with vested interests have been spreading rumours and fake in social media about gathering people at Amberpet," the Commissioner of Police said in a release. "Nounlawfulgathering shall be allowed at Amberpet, particularly in and around the areawhere there was a law and order situation last Sunday," it said. Anyone trying to disturb peace and tranquility would be dealt with severely as per the law, it said and requested the public to cooperate with them in maintaining peace. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar Saturday said Rahul Gandhi has asked Sam Pitroda to apologise for his remarks on the anti-Sikh riots, but the Congress president should tell what his party did to punish those guilty of the "genocide" when it was in power. Pitroda, a close aide of Gandhi on Thursday said 'hua to hua' (so what, it happened) about the 1984 riots, kicking up a political storm. "Gandhi has asked him (Pitroda) to apologise. He says (Gandhi) those guilty of genocide must be punished, you were in power for 20 years (since the incident) but you did nothing," he said. Gandhi on Friday said Congress leader Pitroda has said something completely "out of line" and should apologise for his remarks on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Pitroda on his part has accused the BJP of twisting the three words in Hindi on the riots to "distort facts, divide us (Congress) and hide their failures" and said things of the past are not relevant in this election. Javadekar also attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, saying her "oppressing tactics" continues on the people of the state. "Mamata continues with her oppressing tactics. But now our workers and voters are ready to face that and they stand firm though there is police atrocities. People now know that Mamata is going and the BJP is coming and the politics in the state would change. "One of our 'yuva morcha' worker who posted a caricature of Mamata on social media and was arrested. We condemn it," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Holding Rajiv Gandhi responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Himachal Pradesh BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti Saturday said Bharat Ratna conferred on the late prime minister must be withdrawn to heal the wounds of the Sikh community. Issuing a statement here, Satti claimed that over 5000 Sikhs were burnt alive in the country including the capital Delhi and Rajiv Gandhi had justified it by allegedly saying that when a big tree falls, the earth shakes. "This statement of Rajiv Gandhi instigated Congress workers to kill Sikhs and no case was registered against the killers at Rajiv's behest... if some honest police officers registered a few cases, the Congress ensured that the culprits were released," he said. "It was due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that senior Congress leader Sajjan Kumar got life sentence for killing Sikhs," the state Bharatiya Janata Party chief added. Satti slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi for appointing senior party leader Kamal Nath, who was "responsible" for the riots, as the chief minister of Madhya Pradesh. He also claimed that the recent 'Hua So Hua' remark by Congress leader Sam Pitroda had "rubbed salt on the injuries of the Sikhs". Pitroda, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi and Overseas Congress' head, on Thursday said, 'hua to hua' (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The previous Congress government committed a "crime" by conferring the highest civilian award on Rajiv Gandhi posthumously, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday said he won't step down and leave or be intimidated in crushing the terrorism from the country and those responsible for the April 21 bomb blasts, in which over 250 people were killed, would be brought to justice. Speaking at a public event in the eastern district of Ampara, he also said that after receiving the interim report on the lapses by the officials that led to the Easter Sunday blasts, he suspended the police chief and also replaced the Secreatry to the Defence Ministry. Over 250 people, including 44 foreigners 10 of whom were Indians, were killed and 500 others injured in the blasts in three churches and as many hotels on April 21. The Islamic State terror group claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ). Sri Lanka banned the NTJ and arrested over 100 people in connection with the blasts. A state of emergency was imposed in the country since the attacks and sweeping powers were given to soldiers and police to arrest and detain suspects for long periods. "I won't resign, I won't go home or be intimidated, I will not rest until I crush terrorism," he said addressing a public event in the eastern district of Ampara today. Attacking the Opposition deamding his resignation following the blasts, Sirisena said almost all European capitals were attacked by the ISIS terrorists but "people in those countries never asked their leaders to step down or resign." Sirisena came under sharp criticism for failing to prevent the terror attack by the NJT as the Minister of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief of the defence forces, despite receiving tip-off from Indian intelligence agencies. The lapse was also blamed on the power struggle within the government where Sirisena and prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe do not see eye to eye. Sirisena said that the security forces have almost crushed the threat from the Jihadists and asked the people to carry out their normal business. The President said he effected a revamp of the security establishment after the attacks and appointed a new secretary to the defense ministry in addition to suspending the police chief. The Committee, headed by a Supreme Court judge, is expected to submit a report next week, to fix the alleged negligence by the officials. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday said the world has now started saying the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is dangerous for democracy. "Today the world has started saying that the BJP is dangerous for democracy. The world's biggest magazine has written that these are the very people who have divided society," Yadav said, referring to the cover story of the Time magazine. "BJP people were talking about 'achhe din', which did not come. The very foundation of BJP is based on lies and hatred and the alliance will rock it," he said. Addressing rally for Ram Bhuwal Nishad, the alliance candidate from the prestigious Gorakhpur seat, Akhilesh said the BJP, which ran the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, has been wiped out off Uttar Pradesh by the people in the five phases of polling so far. "Polling in Gorakhpur is slated for the seventh phase. This is the phase of the alliance. I do not see BJP opening its account," he said. The SP president said the prime minister is charging the previous governments with encouraging terrorism and the Uttar Pradesh chief minister is also talking about the same. He wanted to know how can the government tackle terrorism, if the ruling party is scared of a dismissed jawan. "If they save the people from stray cattle that would be a big thing. Leave alone terrorism," he said, claiming in the past two-three months, 11 people had lost their lives in Lucknow in stray bull attacks. "There have been similar incidents in other parts of the state as well. The chief minister is responsible for it. For this, case needs to be lodged against the government," he said. Attacking Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth, Akhilesh said, "He is calling me 'goondon ka sartaj' (king of goons) but it seems that he has not seen the copy of cases against him and his Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. "If he can get a look at it, he will find that all those sitting here on the dias will together not have as many sections listed against their names in court cases as these two have." Referring to Suresh Thakur, alias Yodha, a Yogi Adityanath lookalike, Akhilesh said "I met this Yodha and brought him here for you all. He resembles him (Yogi) when seen from a distance. Next time, he (Yogi) will be out (of Gorakshpeeth) and he (Yodha) will be in." Clad in saffron robes, Yodha attracted huge crowds at Yadav's meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There are many sides to the debate around data localisation, or the Indian government's thrust to ensure that companies maintain data locally, within the borders of India. It will certainly increase the cost of doing business and compliance obligations for multinationals. Nevertheless, there are companies who aren't complaining - the technology firms who sell hardware, software and services as well as those who build datacentres. If you are to store every data locally, you could expect a huge upsurge in datacentre investments. Datacentre operators, which include NTT Com-Netmagic , CtrlS, ESDS, ST Telemedia and Sify, among others, appear bullish at the prospects. "With data localisation legislations, absolute localisation of data and its storage and processing of personal data will be mandatory. This will lead to growth in the consumption and provisioning of storage in datacentres," Ranganath Sadasiva, Director, Enterprise Solutions, at market research firm IDC India, says. ALSO READ: BT Buzz: Pepsi chickens out, should farmers rejoice? "While we are seeing organisations reacting cautiously and are developing a strategy to identify, handle data localisation needs, the datacentre service providers are working on planning capability and capacity to handle these requests. We expect that in the next 12-24 months, incremental and additional capacity building will happen in the market," he adds. Business Today spoke to two datacentre service providers: NTT Com-Netmagic and CtrlS. B.S. Rao, Vice President of Marketing at CtrlS Datacenters, says that in 2007, India's datacentre footprint was 1.7-1.9 million square feet. Of this, 50 per cent was on-premise (companies maintaining in-house datacentres) and the rest with third party operators. By 2010, the real estate footprint grew to 2.8 million square feet and by 2018, to 10.9 million square feet. "The split still remains 50:50. About five million square feet is with operators such as CtrlS, Netmagic, Sify etc. Now, we expect the market to grow to 30 million square feet by 2025. About 60 per cent would be with the operators and 40 per cent in-house," Rao predicts. ALSO READ: BT Buzz: Sluggish economy slows down auto sales to near eight-year low Data localisation will drive much of this growth. "It is going to bring back tons of data back to India," Rao predicts. For instance, earlier, an Australian bank with an Indian branch would have stored data in servers in Singapore. Now, they would be compelled to either rent a premise and build their server rooms in India or outsource to datacentre service providers. "Data localisation is going to encourage media, banking, insurance, manufacturing, e-commerce and retail companies to bring back the data to India in 18-24 months. The bill (Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018) is likely to be passed after the government is formed either in the first or second session of Parliament. It will be a reality in less than a year," Rao says. Netmagic states that digital data is estimated to increase from 40,000 petabytes in 2010 to about 2.3 million petabytes in 2020 - which is twice the global rate. "India is thus set to become the fifth-largest investor in the datacentre market by 2050. We are witnessing the maximum demand in Mumbai, from the global hyper-scalers. A lot of this can be attributed to the data localisation policy. Also, if your servers are in India, the roundtrip time for your customers to connect is faster. All these are definitely some good drivers for the business," Nitin Mishra, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer of NTT Com - Netmagic says. There are challenges in meeting this demand, nevertheless. India does not have the capacity that would be required. B.S. Rao of CtrlS Datacenters estimates the current available capacity at around 30-35 per cent. "So, of the 10.9 million square feet footprint, about 3.5 million may be available. The requirement could be three-four times this number if there is a rush of data back to India," he says. CtrlS is investing "a few thousand crores" in building five million square feet of additional capacity - two million in Mumbai, two million in Hyderabad, and one million in Chennai. These facilities would be up over the next 18-24 months. NTT Com-Netmagic has nine datacentres overall: five in Mumbai, two in Bangalore, and one each in Chennai and Noida. The datacentre in Mumbai is its biggest facility, spread over 3,00,000 square feet. "Going forward, we intend to expand our datacentre footprint with the establishment of large campuses in Mumbai and Chennai, in addition to exploring possibilities in Kolkata," Nitin Mishra says. "While choosing sites for datacentres, we have three criteria - the availability of power, fibre connectivity and local business. Kolkata is well-endowed with the first two and even if the volume of local business doesn't match that of Mumbai, it is large enough," Mishra adds. Ask Ranganath Sadasiva of IDC India and he lists a few challenges that operators in India would need to handle, beyond expanding on capacity. "We see vendors will have to prove their localised datacentre capabilities along with comprehensive 360-degree security, which will become a key factor for vendor evaluation and selection," he says. Sadasiva also sees skills as an important issue. "Additional skills like management across datacentre components, security and compliance to match the demand and complexity will become important for all players in this space," he adds. If the service providers manage to fix all the pieces in this puzzle, there could be gold in this data rush. ALSO READ: BT Buzz: India in a fix amidst US-Iran cross-fire over crude oil import, weighs limited options National carrier Air India Friday announced a 40% discount on flight tickets bought within three hours of flight departure. The airline in an attempt to provide respite to passengers reeling under sky-rocketing prices of air tickets slashed the prices to attract more fliers particularly after the shutting down of operations by Jet Airways. The decision was taken during a commercial review meeting by Air India Friday, the company said. It also said that the travellers can buy flight tickets from all outlets which include Air India's website, mobile app, and booking counters. The announcement will provide relief to travellers who book tickets for emergency travel and are often charged high prices. Also Read: Air India offers 'hefty discounts' on last-minute bookings "Such high prices are a deterrent and the national carrier has, therefore, decided that available seats within three hours of departure would be sold at a hefty discount, normally exceeding 40% of the selling price," a statement from Air India said. The decision was taken owing to a dip in the capacity intake of the aviation sector in recent months followed by the temporary shutdown of Jet Airways' operations and the grounding of Boeing 737 Max aircraft by SpiceJet. Also Read: Cash-strapped Air India forced to ground 20 planes These reasons pushed the flight prices upwards leading to the capacity reduction of airlines and the resultant effect on passengers' woes in March despite the peak summer travel season. According to Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) data, the 9% year-on-year passenger growth recorded in January 2019 at over 12.5 million passengers slumped to 5.6% in February and to 0.14% subsequently in March, as per a report in Livemint. Also Read: Air India loses Rs 300 crore in 2 months due to Pakistan's airspace restrictions ITC Managing Director (MD) Sanjiv Puri today bid adieu to company's longest serving Chairman YC Deveshwar on his passing away. Puri in his official statement, said that Deveshwar had passionately championed the cause for sustainable and inclusive growth as well as the transformative role businesses could play in creating larger societal value. This vision drove ITC to pursue business models that today support over 6 million livelihoods, many amongst the weakest in society. "Inspired by a patriotic fervour, manifest in his clarion call of 'Lets Put India First', he led ITC's strategic thrust to create an exemplary Indian enterprise dedicated to serving national priorities,' Puri said. YCD, as he was popularly called, headed the diversification of the conglomerate to an FMCG company. He received Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award in 2011. Deveshwar was also ranked the seventh best performing CEO in the world by the Harvard Business Review. Also Read: ITC Chairman YC Deveshwar passed away this morning, losing the battle with cancer Attributing ITC's successful transformation spread across business verticals to Deveshwar, Puri said, "Spearheading a journey of stellar growth that led the Harvard Business Review to rank him the 7th Best Performing CEO in the world, his leadership transformed ITC into a valuable and admired multi business conglomerate with a robust portfolio of front-ranking businesses in FMCG, Hotels, Paperboards & Paper, Packaging and Agri-Business." Also Read: ITC to enter dairy beverages market in India, eyes 5-10% market share in 1st year of operations He further said, "His Vision to make societal value creation a bedrock of corporate strategy also led ITC to become a global exemplar in sustainability and the only company in the world to be carbon positive, water positive and solid waste positive for over a decade." Puri said, Deveshwar's "superordinate vision to build an exemplary Indian enterprise, to serve national priorities, create the businesses of tomorrow, impeccable values and personal integrity, the width and depth of his strategic thinking and his compassionate conduct of business will continue to inspire us in the journey ahead." Also Read: ITC, Patanjali under lens for not passing on GST rate cuts to consumers First Apache Guardian helicopter was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force at Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA Friday. Air Marshal AS Butola, represented the Indian Air Force and accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility, representatives from US Government were also present. Also Read: IAF plane overruns runway at Mumbai airport; major tragedy averted IAF had signed a contract with US Government and M/s Boeing Ltd in Sep 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year. Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. These personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF. The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force's helicopter fleet. The helicopter has been customized to suit IAF's future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground. The ability of these helicopters, to transmit and receive the battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking makes it a lethal acquisition. These attack helicopters will provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces. Planning to get a degree in coding? Well, qualification might not be really necessary to learn the subject. That's the opinion of Apple CEO Tim Cook, who made the statement earlier this week while visiting an Apple Store in Orlando, Florida, to meet 16-year-old Liam Rosenfeld. Rosenfeld is one of the 350 scholarship winners who will be attending Apple's annual WWDC event next month. "I don't think a four year degree is necessary to be proficient at coding. I think that's an old, traditional view. What we found out is that if we can get coding in the early grades and have a progression of difficulty over the tenure of somebody's high school years, by the time you graduate kids like Liam, as an example of this, they're already writing apps that could be put on the App Store," TechCrunch quoted Cook as saying on Friday. Thrilled to meet the talented @liamrosenfeld in Orlando today. He's got a bright future ahead. See you at #WWDC19, Liam! https://t.co/aOOSJbtFjC Tim Cook (@tim_cook) May 7, 2019 During his Florida visit, Cook also attended a conference in which SAP and Apple announced a deal focusing on new enterprise apps taking advantage of technologies like Machine Learning (ML) and Augmented Reality (AR). Many businesses have not adopted technological advancements and still using very old technologies, according to Cook but with more solutions from SAP and Apple, and tech-savvy employees of the future like Rosenfeld, that could change, the report cited Apple CEO as saying. Edited by Aseem Thapliyal In a bid to speed up the divestment process national carrier Air India, the government has asked the airline to make 2018-19 financials for itself and its subsidiaries by the end of June. The government attempted to sell the debt-laden carrier in May last year but failed. In June, a committee led by Finance minister Arun Jaitley decided to scrap the stake-sale plan for the time being. Subsequently, the government decided to carry out additional fund infusion into the airline and pare debt by raising resources by selling land assets and other subsidiaries. Air India has a debt burden of around Rs 55,000 crore. Air India cuts last minute flight booking prices, declares 40% discount on tickets On April 1 this year, Nripendra Misra, the principal secretary to the prime minister held a meeting to discuss the matter regarding strategic disinvestment of Air India and its subsidiaries. "A meeting was held on April 1 under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary to PM in which it was, inter-alia, decided to speed up the process of disinvestment of AIATSL, AIESL and AASL," civil aviation secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola told Air India's Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Ashwani Lohani in a letter dated May 6. Air India Air Transport Services Limited (AIATSL), Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) and Airline Allied Services Limited (AASL) are subsidiaries of the national carrier. In order to proceed with disinvestment process of Air India and its subsidiaries, audited financials for 2018-19 will be required, Kharola told Lohani. "I would, therefore, request you to kindly get financials of Air India and its subsidiaries for the financial year 2018-19 finalised by end of June," Kharola said. Aviation secretary Kharola also said the accounts for 2018-19 should be prepared with "utmost caution to reflect the correct financial status" of the airline. They would form the "basis of bidding". Contingent liabilities must be thoroughly verified. Moreover, Kharola added that "account receivables" and "account payables" must be verified and confirmed from the other parties. "A physical verification of the inventories need to be done so as to ensure that the value of inventories shown on the balance sheet matches with the assets physically," Kharola told Lohani. The secretary also asked Air India CMD to prepare a list of all pending litigations. Ahead of sale of Air India, the Cabinet on February 28 had cleared setting up of a special purpose vehicle (SPV)-Air India Assets Holding Limited-to transfer Rs 29,464 crore worth loans of the national carrier and its four subsidiaries. The four subsidiaries which have been transferred to the SPV are AIATSL, AASL, AIESL and Hotel Corporation of India (HCI). Edited by Aseem Thapliyal With PTI inputs Private carrier GoAir has extended its scheme offering air tickets starting Rs 1,375 on domestic routes. Now, bookings under the sale can be made from May 10 to May 16, 2019. Earlier, bookings under the sale were made from May 3 to May 9, 2019. One can travel under the scheme till October 6, 2019. However, airfares vary according to several routes and on different dates. Flights under the scheme start from fare of Rs 1,375 for Bagdogra to Guwahati route to Rs 6,599 from Leh to Delhi. Fare for Lucknow to Delhi route stands at Rs 1399 under the scheme. Fares for Goa to Mumbai and Goa to Bengaluru stand at Rs 1,999. Fare for the Delhi to Jammu route too stands at Rs 1,999. One can travel from Ahmedabad to Jaipur at Rs 1499 and from Lucknow to Delhi at 1399. Fares for Kolkata to Patna route stand at Rs 1,899 under the scheme. The airline has also extended tenure of another discount scheme. It is offering tickets starting Rs 2,765 on domestic routes in a limited period sale. Bookings under the sale can be made from May 9 to May 15, 2019. Earlier, tickets under the scheme were booked from May 2 to May 8 this year. While fare for Guwahati to Hyderabad route stands at Rs 2,765, one can travel from Jaipur to Bengaluru at Rs 3,222. Fare for Jaipur to Bengaluru route stands at Rs 3,222 under the scheme. One can travel from Lucknow to Pune at Rs 3600. While travelling from Ahmedabad to Ranchi will cost you Rs 3,569, journey from Lucknow to Jaipur can be undertaken at Rs 3554. Edited by Aseem Thapliyal The officers and staff union of grounded carrier Jet Airways Friday sought Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' intervention in resolving the crisis being faced by over 22,000 employees of the company, who have not been paid since March. "Fadnavis has assured full support to work out a solution with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and civil aviation ministry after the last round of polling is completed and model code of conduct is withdrawn," president of the All India Jet Airways Officers and Staff Association and NCP law maker Kiran Pawaskar said in a statement. Earlier, he led a delegation of committee members to the CM's residence along with Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde and apprised Fadnavis of the hardships faced by the airline's 22,000 employees. "Jet Airways has ceased operations temporarily and this has affected the employment of over 22000 employees and the future of their families who are solely dependent on the emoluments arising of this employment," Pawaskar said. "This scenario entrusts a special duty on our CM for being the guardian of Maharashtra," he said. Fadnavis assured Pawaskar of the government's full cooperation to ensure justice is done to all employees of Jet Airways, the association said in the statement. Also Read: IL&FS Crisis: ICRA seeks help from external experts Also Read: ITC Chairman YC Deveshwar passed away this morning, losing the battle with cancer Also Read: Slowdown Blues: IDFC First Bank reports Rs 218 crore loss in Q4 Poetry is not dead. And its not just for stuffy intellectuals either. Poetry that children and people of all ages can read and enjoy is alive and well, thanks to Michael A. Lees new book of humorous poems titled Not Gonna Write Poems. This is a fun-to-read poetry book written by a physician turned poet, who is also a husband and father; so his rib-tickling poems address the lighter side of family issues like homework, sleepovers, the Boogey Monster, dads snoring, hiccups, and more. My purpose in writing this book is to make poetry enjoyable for all, explains Michael,I want children and their families to smile and laugh a lot when reading my book. Its whimsical style makes it great to read out loud. It was the late poet Shel Silverstein who inspired Michael to start writing poetry that everyone could relate to and appreciate. My family and I have always loved the poems/drawings of the famous poet/author Shel Silverstein, says Michael.We often read his poems to our daughter before putting her to bed. So thats how my poetry book began. But this isnt where the influence from Shel Silverstein ends because Michael (along with his daughter), also drew the illustrations for the book. My poetry book has many funny drawings, done by myself and my 10-year-old daughter, proudly adds Michael, that add to the humorous nature of the poems. Not Gonna Write Poems is a poetry book that is also in keeping with the spirit of National Poetry Month, celebrated every April throughout the schools and communities of the United States. National Poetry Month, which has grown to become the largest literary celebration in the world, was created by the Academy Of Poets in 1996. This is a month-long celebration which includes Poem In Your Pocket Day, poem sharing, open mic poetry readings, and creative writing workshops. And this is what Lees Not Gonna Write Poems is all about sharing the love of contemporary, relevant poetry and artwork that is not only relatable to the whole family but also enjoyable to read out loud. And to share poetry with one another and appreciate how poetry touches our lives is the focus of National Poetry Month. In fact, Not Gonna Write Poems may encourage your children to write poetry and draw pictures of their own! This is because reading and writing poems and drawing sketches is much more within the reach of the people who want to express themselves rather than the effort required to write a whole novel or paint a picture. And modern technology, like computer software and the internet, makes it even easier to create and share poetry and art. Even modern poets agree with this theory that poetry is experiencing a resurgence thanks to the internet. Rosemarie Dombroski, the inaugural poet laureate of Phoenix, explains the current interest in poetry this way: From Instagram to Twitter, slam poetry to poetry zines, poetry has risen from obscurity, and its making substantial contributions to the current of social activism within the art community and the community at large. The shorter length of poetry verses absolutely lends itself to the formats of Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Combine a short verse with a photo or simple artwork and you have a meme, the modern version of what Shel Silverstein accomplished using mechanical means. And as Michael A. Lee has proven, your poetry can be about anything - and it doesnt have to be somber, grim, or murkily written. In this excerpt from Not Gonna Write Poems Michael Lee writes poetry about something as simple as snoring, appropriately titled Ode to My Snore. Theres a sound so loud Coming out from my mouth, for which Im not proud. It only happens when Im deep in slumber. Why this foul noise emanates from me, I can only wonder. Blowing like a trumpet, It would disturb your tea with crumpets. It returns every night And puts my wifes rest in plight. To further understand why Michael Lees poetry is so appealing to its audience, it is important to look at a few of the poetic elements he incorporates into his poems for his readers to enjoy: The stanzas of Lees poetry are mainly four lines each, making them quatrains. These quatrains make it easy for these poems to be read to children out loud because they contain a complete thought, allowing for a pause where everyone can enjoy a good chuckle. The form or style of Lees poetry is generally descriptive, meaning he talks about the world around him. This is a world that his readers, including children, can identify with and laugh about. The real twist, however, is that when Lee writes an ode - it is about Dads snoring when odes are generally written about a serious subject and in an elevated style. The rhyming of Lees poetry is obvious and purposeful. While much of modern poetry does not necessarily rhyme, this is a book to be read aloud to children, so the rhyming adds to the quirkiness of the poetry, which makes it fun to read. Although poet Michael Lee rhymes many of his verses, he writes his poetry with an irregular meter. This is as opposed to writing with both an even meter and rhyming verses, which would have made the poems sing-song and monotonous much like nursery rhymes for very young children. However, the irregular meter, combined with the rhyming, is what makes Lees poems so pleasurable to read for children who are old enough to start appreciating modern poetry. Which makes Not Gonna Write Poems a great way to introduce poetry and art to your children, even if you have never had an appreciation for poetry yourself. This is because Not Gonna Write Poems is written by a parent with his child, so it is tailor-made for the family who wants to explore this literary genre without the intensity and obscurity of traditional or even experimental poetry that scares most people away from this type of literary work. Quite the opposite, Not Gonna Write Poems is a book of poetry that is all about seeing the humor of life around you. In this case, modern family life. And most importantly, if you are a parent who wants to introduce your child to poetry, Not Gonna Write Poems is the perfect place to start. You can find out more about Dr. Michael A. Lee's book of poetry entitled NOT GONNA WRITE POEMS on his website page, Mikeleethepoet.com. May 11, 2019 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario Parks Canada Agency In both the War of 1812 and the Upper Canada Rebellion, Black militia units established a tradition of military service that demonstrated the determination of Black people to fulfill the duties and defend the rights of British subjects in Canada. Today, Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, commemorated the national historic significance of Black Militia Units in Upper Canada, 1812-1850 on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Catherine McKenna. A special ceremony was held at Fort George National Historic Site to mark the occasion. Serving in numbers that were disproportionate to their percentage of the Canadian population, Black soldiers demonstrated their belief in the importance of Canada as a haven for former slaves. With the outbreak of the War of 1812, many militiamen of African descent joined integrated units. In August 1812, a segregated company (numbering 38 men at one point) was formed as a unit in the 1st Lincoln Militia and participated in the final charge at the Battle of Queenston Heights. In early 1813, the company became known by several different names, including the Colored Corps, and became part of Upper Canadas militia. Black militiamen also served in the Upper Canada Rebellion in 1837-38. Throughout the rebellion, the Black population in Upper Canada overwhelmingly supported the government as a result of the 1793 Act Against Slavery, which limited slavery in Upper Canada, along with the act which abolished slavery throughout the British Empire in 1834.These decisions had made Upper Canada a relatively safe refuge for those fleeing slavery in the American South. The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our countrys diverse heritage. The commemoration process is largely driven by public nominations and to date, more than 2,150 designations have been made. The Government of Canada is celebrating families with free admission to Parks Canadas places for youth 17 and under, and free admission for one year for new Canadian citizens, starting in 2018 and beyond. We invite Canadians to learn more about our history from lighthouses to battlefields, historic neighbourhoods to Indigenous contributions to Canada, there is an amazing array of places and stories to discover. A couple of weeks ago, on 25 April, researcher and writer Cynthia Sue Larson published a very interesting article on her online blog Reality Shifters in which she explains how she found out she had died in an alternate reality. According to Ms Larson, she experienced what has been called The Alive Again Phenomenon. One of the most astonishing types of reality shifts is the Alive Again phenomenon, in which someone is witnessed as being alive after having previously been reported dead, she said. And without a doubt, the most stunning type of Alive Again experience is one in which you yourself are the person that people heard had diedand this year was the first time I heard from someone reporting that I had diedfortunately to come back and be Alive Again!, she added. Ms Larson stated she first heard of her death when an Ontario resident called Steve Boucher sent her an e-mail telling her the terrible news. I watched your interview with Regina Meredith on Gaia TV and have been a fan of your work for a while now. Shortly after the interview with Regina, I decided to visit your Facebook page to learn more. Upon arriving at your Facebook page, I was greeted with a message from your husband stating that he regretted to inform us that you had passed away and that you had been ill for quite a while, said the mail sent by Mr Boucher. A month or so later, I noticed a new video of yours on YouTube and was amazed to see that it was a recent video. Then I started to notice more recent videos popping up on YouTube. It didnt take me long to realize that you were still alive!, it continued. Ms Larson affirmed she became seriously ill soon after the interview Mr Boucher mentions, and commented to her friends she thought she was close to death. I had been so ill in December 2016 that I commented to just a few closest friends and family that I felt Id been close to death, she expressed. To me, this incident is a great deal bigger than most all the other types of reality shifts I report in the monthly RealityShifters ezine. And I feel very grateful to Steve and all others who felt I might die and had an adverse emotional reaction to that possibility, Ms Larson wrote. Draw your own conclusions For more information: https://cynthiasuelarson.wordpress.com/2019/04/25/i-just-learned-i-died-in-another-reality/ Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. A Signal Mountain woman has been arrested after she was caught with marijuana, fentanyl, meth, heroin and pills. Sky Nichole Clark, 31, of 2047 Oak St., is facing multiple charges. In an incident early Friday, an officer said he saw a gold Honda Civic following too close, then slam on the brakes and make a sudden lane change. The officer made a stop and found Ms. Clark and her mother, Laura Clark, in the vehicle. It was found that Sky Clark did not have a valid driver's license. It had been suspended for narcotics possession through the state of Georgia. Ms. Clark said she did not have anything illegal in the car. A search turned up a baggie of marijuana with 2.3 grams. There was also 266 grams of ICE meth, black digital scales, a clear glass pipe, a fentanyl patch, baggies of heroin and various pills. Meghan Markle has dealt with an overwhelming amount of family drama, ever since the unveiling of her relationship with Prince Harry. Her half-sister, Samantha Markle, has been a particular thorn in Meghan Markles side and has at times waged open war with her through the press and tabloids. With Meghan Markle making front-page headlines following the arrival of her and Prince Harrys new baby, it seems like Samantha Markle might be finally trying to make amends for her past behavior, but is it too little, too late? The Markle family drama Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex | Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage Like many people all over the world, Meghan Markle is estranged from certain members of her family. These relatives include her father, Thomas Markle, and her half-sister Samantha Markle (they share the same father, but have different mothers). Meghan Markle is said to have been distant from these relatives for a number of years and mainly leans on her mother for support and company. However, once it was revealed that Meghan Markle was dating Prince Harry, her estranged relatives came out of the woodwork. Every Royal Family member is mentioned along with Grandma Doria Ragland saying that they are over joyed with the news. No mention of the Markle Family at all #RetributiontotheMarkleFamily #SamanthaMarkle. Betty Ann {;-)Monroe-Meyhive (@Mama2bigmen) May 6, 2019 Samantha Markle launched a press tirade against her sister, posting frequently on social media about how Meghan Markle is stuck-up, an opportunist, and only concerned with furthering her career. Samantha Markle has called Meghan Markle out for not contacting their father more than what she does and has even blamed the Duchess of Sussex for being the direct cause of Thomas Markles health problems. She is even rumored to be working on a tell-all book about Meghan Markle, release date unknown. Samantha Markle has called Meghan Markle names "Duchess of Sussex's sister also has high hopes for the royal baby". "the new child could be key to healing the rifts within the Markle family. You don't want to hear what I *really* think#SamanthaMarkle #BabySussex https://t.co/u5oZWsWvgk Scammy Markle (@SammyMarkle64) May 6, 2019 Samantha Markles relentless pursuit to drag her sister through the mud hasnt entirely worked out in her favor. To make matters even more complicated, Samantha Markle often backtracks on her statements and says that she would like to have a better relationship with her sister. These times of repentance are usually followed by another rant, and recent events were no exception. Recently, Samantha Markle spoke out during an interview with a British reporter and said that while shes very happy for her sister and Prince Harry, she believes it is time for Meghan Markle to reach out to distant family and extend the olive branch. She claimed that it is time for Markle to do the right thing, and make amends with the family that she has in the United States. The reporter didnt let Samantha Markle off the hook so easily and referred to the time that the older woman called Meghan Markle a Duch-ass in an interview. While Markle did say that she regretted saying that, she didnt actually seem terribly repentant. In fact, she blamed the name-calling on her past in broadcast radio, saying that shes always been a bit boisterous. Will they fix their relationship? SHADDUP #SamanthaMarkle. NOBODY WANTS TO HEAR IT. Meghan Markle's Half-Sister Has A Lot To Say About The Royal Baby https://t.co/2s0PJvjShi A M Grundy (@grundytv) May 9, 2019 At this point in time, Meghan Markle likely has too much on her plate to try and mend fences with Samantha Markle and the rest of her distant relatives. With the recent arrival of baby Archie Harrison, Markle will most definitely be focusing on the exhausting, intense days of new motherhood. As for Samantha Markle, its difficult to say whether she truly regrets how she has treated her sister over the past several years. While it is entirely possible that she is experiencing sadness as she watches the news reports featuring the glowing new family, she could also just be seeking attention and based on her past behavior, that is an entirely likely scenario. No matter what the future holds for the Markle family, hopefully, they will all find some way to peacefully co-exist whether that involves rekindling shaky relationships or moving forward on their own merits. Having a baby in spring is extra special for so many American moms. Thats because of a very significant day thats celebrated the second Sunday of May every yearMothers Day. The Duchess of Sussex gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Monday, May 6, 2019, and its an understatement to say that Mothers Day will be memorable for the new mom this year. Meghan Markle | Dominic Lipinski WPA Pool/Getty Images Of course, Mothers Day in the United Kingdom has already passed, and its celebrated much differently anyway. Known as Mothering Sunday, the Christian holiday falls on the third Sunday of Lent (this year it was on March 25) and was originally used for servants to return home and visit their families. The American tradition is completely secular and celebrated later in the spring season. Still, since all of Meghan Markles American friends will undoubtedly be wishing her a Happy Mothers Day this year, its worth wondering how exactly shell spend the holiday in 2019. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are marveling at new parenthood The couple may have only made one family appearance together since the birth of Archie Harrison, but even that brief encounter told fans so much about how things are going. For one thing, Prince Harry carried the newborn into the photo call rather than taking the more traditional approach of having Meghan hold him. This move sent a clear message to fans: Prince Harry is planning to be an involved father. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Dominic Lipinski WPA Pool/Getty Images And the new dad may have had to tear himself away from his family on Thursday for the official launch of the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, but he didnt miss one opportunity to gush about them. Sporting a shirt that said Daddy, the Duke of Sussex explained how quiet and well-behaved his son was even in his first days of life. The couple may entertain visitors at home Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be intensely private individuals, but theyre also quite excited to show off their son to friends and loved ones. There are photographs at Windsor Castle of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip beaming down at baby Archie while Meghan Markles mom Doria Ragland looks on. But even though these very important relatives have had a chance to see Archie Harrison, there are a few notable family members who havent visited with him yet. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, little Archies aunt and uncle, expressed their delight at the news of his birth. But theyve been busy with events all week and havent said they made it over to Frogmore cottage to meet him. This weekend could be the perfect time to do it. Also, the Prince of Wales was traveling the week Archie Harrison was born and said he was looking forward to meeting the baby when he and his wife, Camilla, returned to the country. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are in the newborn baby haze Anyone whos had a baby can tell you that those first few weeks are fraught with altered sleep schedules, constant feedings, and adjusting to a completely new way of life. Prince William quipped that his brother was being initiated into the Sleep Deprivation Society. It may not be a true holiday in Meghan Markles new home, but this Mothers Day is still going to be extremely special for her just the same. The Beatles album, Yesterday and Today, considered to be the rarest Beatles record in the world by musicologists is for sale. Fans of the Beatles can own a rare piece of the groups memorabilia if they have a few hundred thousand dollars to spare. Why is the record rare? This particular edition of Yesterday and Today features the Beatles holding cuts of meat and dismembered dolls. Its commonly referred to as the Butcher Edition. The record is rare because distribution came to a halt in 1966 making it hard to find and therefore, valuable. Another reason why the item is rare is because John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr all signed the record. Its widely regarded as the only original edition of an album three members of the band have ever signed, making the record even more valuable. The Butcher version of the album cover for The Beatles album Yesterday And Today which was released on June 14, 1966. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr. | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images There is no Beatles album in the world that compares with this one in terms of both rarity and value, Gary Hein, an expert on the Beatles told Caters News. This important, world-class pop culture piece would add significantly to any Beatles collector, art, pop culture or record collectors collection, Hein added. John Lennons personal copy up for sale The item for sale is Lennons personal copy of the record. He wrote a note on the album cover when he gifted it to Dave Morrell, an avid collector of Beatles memorabilia, in 1971. The handwritten note says, To Dave, from John Lennon, Dec. 7th, 1971. Before he gave the record to Morrell, Lennon had the item in his New York City apartment. Where will the record be up for auction? The record will be auctioned off at The Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool, England, according to the New York Post. How much is the album expected to make at auction? Juliens Auctions expects the rare item to go for anywhere from $160,000 to $180,000. Story behind the Butcher Edition Robert Whitaker, an Australian photographer, came up with the idea for the Butcher Edition cover. The 26-year-old photographer had a new concept for the Beatles when they showed up at his London studio on March 25, 1966. I got fed up with taking squeaky-clean pictures of the Beatles, and I thought Id revolutionize what pop idols are, Whitaker explained to author Jon Savage, according to Rolling Stone. Featuring the band with raw meat and dismembered dolls would surely shake up the way people viewed the Beatles. Photographer Robert Whitaker poses in front of his photographic exhibition during the events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Beatles 1966 visit to Tokyo at the Capitol Tokyu Hotel on July 1, 2006, in Tokyo, Japan. | Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images All over the world Id watched people worshiping like gods, four Beatles, he said. To me, they were just stock standard, normal people. But this emotion that fans poured on them made me wonder where Christianity was heading. Whitaker had a lot of history with the Beatles by the time he took the Butcher Edition image in 1966. Hed photographed them on many occasions, including at their historic Shea Stadium performance. Whitakers also responsible for another iconic image featuring one of the Beatles. He took the shot of Lennon with the dandelion over his eye. This has been quite the week for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. On Monday, May 6, 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby boy, together. Buckingham Palace announced the news shortly after the royal babys arrival and Prince Harry later made an appearance outside his family home, Frogmore Cottage to share more details about their son. One thing missing from the Duke of Sussexs announcement? The royal babys name. Thats the next bit, he told members of the press. Following the exciting day, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped out with their son for the first time as a family on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. The three posed for an official photocall in Windsor Castle. Shortly after the whirlwind introduction, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle finally revealed their sons name on Instagram. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are pleased to announce they have named their first born child: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the caption read. Its no secret that the babys name was a big shock especially to those who placed bets on named like Arthur, Alexander, Charles, and Philip. And while Archie certainly wasnt on the radar, betters were certainly onto something. The 1 thing betters got right about the royal babys name Ahead of Baby Archies arrival, many placed bets on popular family names most likely to be chosen by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. And while they certainly didnt have their sights on Archie, they did lean towards A names. According to Time and Ladbrokes, a British betting and gambling company, some of the most popular royal baby boy names were Alexander, Albert, Alfred, and Arthur. At the time the top contenders were first reported, Arthur had 5/1 offs, Alexander had 4/1, and Albert had 6/1 odds. Charles and Philip were also on the list and Spencer (in honor of Princess Dianas maiden name) soared after the birth announcement. Time has since updated their story, stating that Spencer earned 5/1 odds. However, Archie was nowhere near the top of the list. But, some did bet on the name. Time later reported that, according to Ladbrokes, 100 pounds were placed on Archie and around 60 people placed bets on it. In addition to the abundance of A names, betters also had Arthur on the top of their list of potential royal baby names. While the name isnt exactly what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose for their son, its close. After all, Archie is sometimes used as a nickname for Arthur. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | DOMINIC LIPINSKI/AFP/Getty Images Who is Archie Harrison named after? No one knows for sure why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle chose to name their son Archie. However, some believe that it could be a more subtle nod to the legendary King Arthur. As for Harrison? Thats also unclear. But, the name does translate to son of Harry, so that might have something to do with it. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! It may seem like a long time coming, but Jenelle Evanss firing still took some people by surprise. The troubled mother of three has seemingly faced nothing but problems since fans were first introduced to her on MTVs 16 and Pregnant. While Jenelles upheaval and wild antics certainly made for good television, at some point she became a liability and one that MTV could hardly afford to keep on the payroll. Now officially no longer a member of the Teen Mom franchise, her castmates are reacting to her departure on social media. What exactly are they saying? Leah Messer has all kinds of feelings about Jenelles departure Messer is an animal lover. In fact, her mother took to Twitter in the days following Nuggets death to let fans know that Leah has never been anything but kind to animals and had once taken in a pregnant stray dog and helped find its puppies homes. Messer, however, seems to be having a bit of a hard time with Jenelles departure. ANYONE that condones/contributes/doesnt PREVENT or STOP animal cruelty or the murder of an innocent animals life is SICK & I REFUSE to be affiliated with! I want to sympathize for my former cast mate but at this point I cant. ENOUGH is ENOUGH!!! https://t.co/6c6gFenjio Leah D. Messer (@TM2LeahDawn) May 7, 2019 The mother of three took to Twitter to tell her fans that she refuses to be affiliated with anyone who condones or contributes to animal cruelty. With that being said though, she notes that she wants to sympathize with Jenelle but cant make herself do it. All told, Leah seems pleased with Jenelles firing; after all, the troubled star did go directly back to her husband and has noted she wants to make her marriage work. Jeremy Calvert has thoughts, too Jeremy Calvert, who appeared on the show with his now ex-wife Leah Messer, has personally been mocked by David Eason, and he took to his Instagram story to share his thoughts on the news. Calvert linked to the story and quickly noted that reality was hitting hard in North Carolina tonight. His comment clearly calls out the fact that Jenelle was utterly shocked that MTV would part ways with her. After all, the production company that films Teen Mom 2 has given the troubled star multiple chances to make things right. They continued to shoot after she pulled a gun during a road rage incident, and they even tried to work around David Eason when he was no longer welcome on set. Calvert has mostly stayed out of the off-screen drama that tends to find Jenelle. This time, though, he clearly couldnt help himself. Randy Houska is concerned for the kids Houska, who is the father of Teen Mom 2 star Chelsea, has been outspoken about his disdain for David Eason. After news broke that he killed the familys dog, Houska took to Twitter to send out a series of tweets. The self-proclaimed member of the hot grandparents crew, not only suggested that the couples toddler was torturing the dog before its death, but he even drew a parallel between Eason and infamous serial killer, Jeffrey Dahmer. I certainly think it was far past due, and that they really drug their ass is doing it. But I worry for the kids, and since weve been in this for 10 years together, I worry about Jenelle Randy Houska (@PapaRandlicious) May 7, 2019 Houska however remains concerned for the well-being of the couples children. Evans is the mother of three children. She shares only one child with Eason. Houska replied to a tweet saying he thought MTV was too slow to act, but that he remains concerned for the couples children as well as Evans herself. He notes that while they havent always seen eye-to-eye, they have a long history. Essentially, Houskas problem is directly related to Eason. Mindhunter Season 2 should arrive on Netflix in August, nearly two years after the series premiered on Netflix. While the streaming service hasnt officially confirmed an August release date, executive producer Charlize Theron lets the news slip during a recent interview with Howard Stern. The show about a pair of FBI agents who interview serial killers in an attempt to discover what makes them tick and thus prevent future crimes was a big hit when it debuted in 2017. In the first season, agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) sit down with real-life killers Ed Kemper, Jerry Brudos, Richard Speck, and Montie Rissell. Now, fans are wondering which new killers and new cases will capture Ford and Tenchs attention in Season 2. Season 2 will cover the Atlanta Child Murders Netflix has been tight-lipped about what will happen in the next season of Mindhunter. But in an interview with Billboard, producer David Fincher mentioned the show would look at the Atlanta Child Murders. The Atlanta Child Murders were a series of killings that happened between 1979 and 1981. At least 29 children, teens, and young adults were murdered during that period, according to the FBI. The victims were all African-American. Wayne Williams was eventually convicted of two of the adult murders and linked to many of the deaths of the children. But not everyone is convinced that Williams committed all the crimes. Son of Sam and Charles Manson might also be in Season 2 Charles Manson in 1980 | Albert Foster/Mirrorpix/Getty Images Two other notorious criminals might also make an appearance in Season 2. In an interview with Vulture, John E. Douglas, the FBI agent on whom the Ford character is based, said that Son of Sam and Charles Manson would be in the next season of the show. Son of Sam, or David Berkowitz, killed six people and wounded seven others in New York City from 1976 to 1977. Initially, Berkowitz said a demonic dog ordered him to commit the crimes. Later, he claimed to be a member of a satanic cult. Charles Manson was a cult leader whose followers killed at least nine people in Southern California in 1969. Damon Herriman will reportedly play Manson on Mindhunter. The actor will play the same character in Quentin Tarantinos upcoming movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. As of now, its not clear whether Cameron Britton will return as Kemper, the California serial killer who develops an uneasy relationship with Ford. Nor has it been confirmed that Sonny Valicenti will reprise his role as Dennis Rader aka the BTK Killer in Season 2. Other serial killers who could appear in Mindhunter Ted Bundys image on a television screen |Getty Images / Bettmann / Contributor Unfortunately, there is no shortage of serial killers who could make an appearance in future seasons of Mindhunter. And Douglas, the criminal profiler whose book Mindhunter: Inside the FBIs Elite Serial Crime Unit, provides the basis for the series, interviewed some of the most infamous among them. In addition to killers like Kemper and Speck, Douglas sat down with Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy. Bundy even provided insight that helped the FBI apprehend Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer. Conversations with Gacy also helped the FBI learn more about the behavior of serial killers. Gacy had access to a telephone, Douglas recalled in a 1999 interview with the Chicago Tribune. He was calling me at Quantico (in Virginia). We used him as a training tool to basically show how a guy like Gacy was almost like a chameleon. How he could blend into society. During his time at the FBI, Douglas was also involved in investigating the Trailside Killer in Northern California and Robert Hansen, a baker in Alaska who murdered more than a dozen women in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Perhaps those killers will also become characters on upcoming seasons of the show. Read more: The Most Terrifying American Serial Killers of All Time (Including 3 Who Never Got Caught Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! By now, everyone is familiar with the stories regarding a feud between members of the royal family some may even be a bit tired of it at this point. Long story short: Prince William and Prince Harry are reportedly mad at each other. It would seem that every time we check for news updates about anything royal, there are new rumors about who is mad at who and why. It was speculated that the reason Harry and Meghan Markle decided to split from the royal household and make the move to Windsor was they werent getting along with William and Kate Middleton. As soon as one rumor was put to rest, another one began circulating. There were, and still are, so many stories and theories about a rift between royal family members, which may cause some fans to wonder why William and Harry didnt do more to end all of the negative talks. Why is it the princes didnt release a statement and put the speculation to rest? Are Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton feuding? Prince William | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images The news media went wild with stories saying Kate and Meghan were fighting. We heard many different versions of the story, everything ranging to the idea that Kate may be jealous of Meghan, or that Meghan was too demanding, even causing Kate to leave a dress fitting in tears. When Meghan and Harry announced their engagement, it seemed the world thought the Duchess of Cambridge and the soon to be Duchess of Sussex would become royal best friends. When this didnt happen, we began hearing nonstop chatter that there were problems behind palace doors. While there does not appear to be extreme tension between Meghan and Kate, they arent inseparable by any means either. Are Prince William and Prince Harry feuding? After the rumors of a feud between Kate and Meghan were played out as much as possible, the attention shifted to the royal brothers. The media began reporting the real rift was between William and Harry, saying that they werent on speaking terms and their relationship wasnt what it once was. Those stories seemed to die down pretty quickly, putting the attention back on Meghan and Kate. Are Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton on speaking terms? The two duchesses are absolutely on speaking terms. While they might not be two peas in a pod, mostly due to the fact they come from different backgrounds, have different groups of friends, and different outlooks on royal life, they certainly dont dislike each other. Kate even expressed her joy at the recent birth of Meghan and Harrys first son, Archie. Further proving there is no major tension between the sisters-in-law is the fact Kate and Prince William visited a very pregnant Meghan at Frogmore Cottage on Easter Sunday. They seemed genuinely happy for Meghan, and it was even said they brought housewarming gifts. What a wonderful gesture from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Why didnt Prince William and Prince Harry do more to end royal feud stories? While no one knows exactly why they didnt do more to put an end to the rumors, it may be because the truth actually lies somewhere in the middle. The two royal couples are not enemies by any stretch of the imagination. It is true that growing up, William and Harry were extremely close. However, now that they are both married with families, they dont spend as much time together. Meghan and Kate are cordial but run in different circles. The princes may have felt that it was better to leave things alone and let the rumors fade over time. Dont worry. Both princes have excellent communications teams to advise them on these matters. Important information You are currently not logged in to my.chemeurope.com . Your changes will in fact be stored however can be lost at all times. Yes, its beginning to look a lot like Christmaswhich, for many of us, feels like a rush into chaos. Celebrating Advent during this season slows us down and helps our hearts and minds be reoriented around the coming of Christ.Yes, its beginning to look a lot like Christmaswhich, for many of us, feels like a rush into chaos. Celebrating Advent during this season slows us down and helps our hearts and minds be reoriented around the coming of Christ. Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? J.D. Greear Answers Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear has said that while the Christian and Muslim ideas of God are irreconcilably different, its possible to work from some shared assumptions about God in missional conversations with Muslims. In a recent video posted on gospelcoaltion.com, Greear said that the response to the question, Are there multiple ways to God and does God receive the worship of Christians and Muslims alike, is, Absolutely not. Islam is a false way of salvation, the Breaking the Islam Code author emphasized. Islam presents salvation by works, and it outright denies several key things that Christianity teaches about God, like God being a Trinity and the personal nature of God and more. But because Muslims say they worship the God of Abraham, some missionaries have found it helpful to start with that observation and take the approach that Jesus did with the woman at the well in John 4, Greear said. Jesus essentially said, Who you think youre worshiping youre not actually worshiping, he explained. Jesus confronted a Samaritan woman who was worshiping wrongly and had wrong ideas about God. He didnt say, Youre worshiping a different God. He said, Youre attempting to worship the One Creator God the wrong way. And Ive heard people talk about using this approach to Muslims, and I think it has some merit. Missionaries on the field, Greear explained, seek to tell people that this God that we believe has created the world, has been speaking through the prophets, and has revealed himself fully in Jesus. He is a Trinity, he said. And Muhammad is not an accurate prophet of him. If somebody explains their statement in this way, I have less problems with them saying Christians and Muslims are attempting to worship the same God, but in two entirely different ways. According to LifeWay Researchs 2016 State of American Theology Study, two-thirds of Americans believe God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. That same year, Larycia Hawkins, a tenured associate professor of political science at Wheaton College, parted ways with the evangelical school after she declared Christians and Muslims worship the same God. The context was her decision to wear a Hijab during advent to show solidarity with Muslims. The incident sparked a debate among evangelicals about whether all religions worship the same God, and whether God accepts the worship of all religions. At the time, late theologian and former Muslim Nabeel Qureshi told The Christian Post that when it comes to the same god question, the Trinity makes all the difference We worship a triune God, he said. We're talking about a God who is a Father. The Bible says that over and over and over again that God is our Father. Now, we're talking about a God who is love 1 John 4. We're talking about a God who's willing to come into this world and, in fact, has come into this world many times both in theophanies in the Old Testament and then the incarnation in the New Testament. None of these things is the Islamic god, he continued. He's not willing to come into this world. He is not your father. Chapter five, verse 18, of the Quran makes that very clear God is not the father as does the whole chapter 112 of the Quran. And, he's certainly not Triune. Islam, he pointed out, will take certain Christian terms, such as Messiah, and give it a totally different semantic meaning while pretending as if its the same word. That's what's happening with this concept of God, Qureshi said. It'll say that it's the same God, but the semantic content behind the idea of the Islamic god is very different from the Christian, and in fact the Judeo-Christian view. Popular worship leader Steffany Gretzinger leaves Bethel Music after 10 years Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Known for leading thousands in corporate worship, Steffany Gretzinger announced that she will be leaving her home church, Bethel, where she spent the past decade per the Lords leading. The rumors are true. After 10 years, The Lord is sending us to Nashville, TN, Gretzinger recently shared on Instagram. Its been a long time coming, but we were in no way hurrying to leave this house, this home. The "Love Never Fails" co-writer became well known through making worship hits for Bethel Music, a worship ministry that organically formed as an extension of Bethel Church in Redding, California. Since its inception 10 years ago the worship group has grown from being a local church band to a global voice in worship music. Gretzinger led worship at Bethel until the end of April before moving to Nashville. Photos showed the songstress received the blessings of Senior Pastor Bill Johnson and the church's leadership. She revealed they prayed and prophesied over her and gave her flowers. I am reminded once more how lavishly God honors our obedience. Its not easy to leave THIS, but Jesus is the JOY ever set before me, and He is leading us out!!! We are SO excited!!! Gretzinger declared. The fire always falls on sacrifice, and these fathers and mothers that surround me have given more than the world will ever know. Heaven only knows. Thank you for not only GIVING me room, but for MAKING me room to dance. Know that I love you deeply, and my gratitude is great. The worship leader admitted that shes been crying many tears of gratitude in this season for the leadership shes had and will continue to have in Bethel. Transitioning VERY sure that I will always be a beloved daughter here, and that we will absolutely come back home as often as we can, she ended her emotional post. Gretzinger attended the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in 2008 and remained there until now. The church publicly acknowledged her transition as well. This past weekend we blessed and sent off Steffany Gretzinger, who with her family has felt the call of God to Nashville, Bethel Church wrote on social media on April 26. Steff, your faith to follow Jesus anywhere He takes you both in worship and in life has been a constant inspiration. You've demonstrated to a generation the freedom, joy, peace and purity that come when we abandon ourselves fully to Jesus. Your presence in Redding will be sorely missed, but we know that what you carry is too powerful for us to keep just for ourselves. We're excited to see how Nashville is going to be impacted by the power of God in you. Global family, we know you will miss her too! Gretzinger did not share details on what was next for her in Nashville but she shared on social media that her new home is another promise fulfilled. California Lawmaker Scraps Gay 'Conversion Therapy' Ban Bill, Won't Be Law This Year Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Legislation in California that sought to ban what is often derisively referred to as gay "conversion therapy" died Friday, as its main sponsor pulled it from consideration. The bill, AB 2943, declared therapy to help individuals with unwanted same-sex attraction overcome it to be a fraudulent business practice under the state's consumer fraud laws. The Sacramento Bee reported Friday that Evan Low, the Democrat assemblyman who introduced the bill, withdrew it and was abandoning pursuing it this year. The bill had been green lighted by both chambers of the state legislature but had to be voted on again by the Assembly to approve the final version. Low said he pulled it because of insufficient time and that additional discussion was needed. "The best policy is not made in a vacuum and in order to advance the strongest piece of legislation, the bill requires additional time to allow for an inclusive process not hampered by legislative deadlines," Low said in a statement Friday, the last day of the legislative session for 2018. "I believe we are on the side of the angels on this issue," Low said. "Having said that, in order to get it right, why wouldn't we want to engage in meaningful, thoughtful, transformational relationships and conversations?" Christian groups across the state and nation have vocally opposed the measure since it was first introduced earlier this year, calling it a threat to religious freedom. The bill was expected to easily pass the legislature and be signed by the governor. But amid massive public outcry, Low decided to delay moving the bill forward after meeting with clergy and others across the state on a listening tour. Meanwhile, religious liberty advocates have welcomed the news. "We are inexpressibly grateful to Assembly member Low for meeting personally with faith leaders over the last several months and sincerely listening to our concerns," said Jonathan Keller, president of the California Family Council, in a statement Friday. "Today is also a testament to the courageous counselors, ministry leaders, pastors, and OnceGay individuals who bravely shared their personal stories, ensuring that these vital perspectives were not overlooked in the legislative process." Curtis Schube, legal counsel with the Pennsylvania Family Institute, echoed the sentiment. "We are grateful that the California legislature has tabled this bill. Not only would a ban on counseling violate the constitutional rights of Californians, it would have been bad policy to limit individuals from obtaining services that they would find beneficial to their own lives," Schube said in a statement to The Christian Post on Friday. Low did not give any other reason for his decision to scrap the bill, but opponents believe it's possible he considered that the law wouldn't survive, given a recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court. Schube told CP in an earlier interview that if the bill was signed into law, it wouldn't likely last because it doesn't pass constitutional muster given a "profound shift in jurisprudence" spelled out in NIFLA v. Becerra, a recent Supreme Court decision in favor of a network of California crisis pregnancy centers. In the text of that decision, Justice Clarence Thomas cited two cases, Pickup v. Brown and King v. Governors of New Jersey, in which courts ruled that sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) laws were constitutional and that the speech of the counselor is not fully protected under the First Amendment since the speech is classified as professional "conduct." But in the NIFLA case, the federal appellate court had justified the requirement for centers to advertise abortion as "professional speech," just as other courts had done for SOCE laws in the Pickup and King cases. Thomas explained that certain appeals courts "have recognized 'professional speech' as a separate category of speech that is subject to different rules," but "speech is not unprotected merely because it is uttered by 'professionals.'" Schube thus concluded: "In doing so, the court also reopened the seemingly settled question as to whether SOCE bans are constitutional. This is a welcome surprise from a case originally thought to be limited only to pregnancy centers." Ex-LGBT Men, Women Say 'Boy Erased' Film Is 'Inaccurate,' Frames Christianity Unfairly Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Former LGBT-identified persons say God is moving in remarkable ways in the midst of cultural confusion surrounding sexuality and the misinformation pushed in films like "Boy Erased." "Boy Erased" is a coming-of-age drama based on Garrard Conley's 2016 memoir which traces the journey of a boy whose Baptist parents force him to participate in what is often derisively called "gay conversion therapy." Hopeless and trapped in sexual feelings he cannot escape, the boy seeks to force himself into a different sexual experience and underwent horrific treatments while in this particular program. The motion picture, which is now showing in theaters nationwide, features A-list Oscar-winning actors Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. Some say there the film's central message is misleading and frames the Christian faith unfairly, particularly regarding human sexuality. "[W]e don't think we've seen all that God offers for people questioning their sexuality. And we don't believe that Hollywood's representation of Christian faith is accurate," explained Ken Williams and Elizabeth Woning both of whom are former homosexuals and are featured in the recent book #Changed of the Redding, California-based Equipped to Love in an essay on their website about the movie. But to address this, a new model and approach to ministry is needed, they say, one that embraces and is not afraid of the process, which can be messy. "We don't have everything figured out, but we do know the craziness of blame and accusation needs to stop. We are resolved to walk humbly together, celebrating Jesus and His love, and pursuing all God has for us. We expect God to do incredible things." "The elephant in the room is change in one's sexual orientation. Since Scripture so clearly addresses sex, ordaining that sex take place only in marriage between a man and a woman, why wouldn't we expect God to shape our sexuality? He's obviously very concerned about it." Williams added in comments emailed to CP Thursday that he's grateful to know that a former director of an ex-gay ministry where in the movie it's depicted that the brutal therapies are shown to have occurred has said that such practices did not actually happen. "Fortunately, there are many life-giving and client-directed options today for personal ministry and counseling for those desiring to leave homosexuality. We just need to protect the rights of those who identify as LGBTQ to get whatever counseling they personally desire," Williams said. Gabriel Pagan, 25, who's a staff pastor at Love Revolution Church in Columbus, Georgia, concurs, telling The Christian Post in an interview Thursday that when he left homosexuality six years ago, the most difficult thing was not "leaving" per se but "facing the invitation to trust and be vulnerable again." "I was addicted to gay pornography and I had enough of random [sexual] encounters that I wasn't happy," Pagan recounted, noting that he was on the path to suicide if something did not change. "When I met Jesus it was through encounters of His manifest presence, visions, and prophetic words. The main thing He focused on was showing me how I was loved. He would remind me that I wasn't disgusting or dirty like I believed I was, and wouldn't really focus on sexuality but my heart. I believe that's because we both equally wanted something different and I took Him up in the offer of a new life." And despite oft-repeated narratives in mainstream media and culture about the church being a toxic place for people struggling with their sexuality, Pagan believes many are changing in how they approach the issue. Many congregations are realizing that it's not just "sensitive, rejected, or creative people" who experience same-sex attractions. "It's a lure into a life that's dead and is willing to take anyone. More people than I can imagine have dealt with it and it's not glamorous," he said. "With it being as widespread and as close to home as it is, I believe it's opened [Christians] up to our need for the power of God, love, and prayer instead of our moralistic models of 'don't do this and don't do that.'" Pagan and approximately 20 others will be testifying in Pershing Square in Los Angeles this weekend at an event called Freedom March, where men and women who once identified as gay, lesbian and transgender share how Jesus transformed their lives. "We need to find the gold in the individual. Not set the standard of relationship and how close we are willing to be by their sexual brokenness as if that is the extent of what they bring to the table. They've been identified by sex long enough they need to become sons and daughters of a family." He added: "What I see when I look at 'Boy Erased' is a label put on two different communities trying to walk our truth in the midst of pain." "It is divisive and doesn't seek the heart of both communities equally. The Church, and by church I mean real disciples and followers of Jesus Christ through the Word by the Holy Spirit, loves the broken. " The film is incomplete, Pagan believes, and it's going to "cause more of a bad taste in the mouths of both the Christian and LBGT communities because it doesn't bring us to a place of connection. It mentions a wound but no place for reconciliation." What is mental health, according to science and the Bible? Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment MIAMI BEACH, Fla. What does it mean to be mentally healthy? Dr. Curt Thompson and journalist Ana Marie Cox spoke about this question at a recent Faith Angle Forum. The Apostle Paul would relate to the current scientific understandings of the mind if he were alive today, Thompson said. Thompson is a psychiatrist and founder of Being Known, an organization that seeks to better understand the connection between neurobiology and Christian spirituality. He went to medical school for four years and psychiatry residency training for four years, and in all that time never had training, not even a single lecture, on mental health, he recalled with astonishment. "If you come to see a psychiatrist, you might hope to think the psychiatrist would know exactly what mental health is," he said. "But we're much more highly trained to identify pathology than we are trained to identify, 'what is mental health?' if we were to see that." We have a good sense of when the brain is not healthy, Thompson said, such as with depression or anxiety, but have difficulty understanding what it means to be mentally healthy. During the Q&A, Thompson explained it this way: "Like what is mental illness? Like who knows, right? I mean there's no scientific evidence that has studied what mental illness is and what it isn't. And in some respects, as we like to say, there are two kinds of people in the world: There are those of us who are screwed up and know it and those of us who are screwed up and don't. And everything else is just a matter of, you know, degree. There are different ways in which we can find ourselves in disintegrated states where there will be parts of our story that aren't being incorporated, aren't being included but that are having influence." To understand when a mind is flourishing, he continued, start with a definition of the mind, which is an "embodied and relational process that emerges from within and between brains whose task it is to regulate the flow of energy and information." Our mind is embodied, he explained, in that it encompasses our whole body, not just our brain. When we feel anxiety, for instance, we might feel it in our gut, not our head. And our minds function in relation to each other, not just within ourselves. The neurons in a newborn's brain don't start making the connections needed to survive until she interacts with other humans. These interactions involve a flow of energy, either within our bodies or between bodies via light or sound waves. This definition would make sense to Paul because he would say, "renewing people's minds is not just a figment of our imagination; it's not just an abstraction. It is deeply connected to our embodied experience. And those embodied experiences are deeply connected to interpersonal interactions," Thompson explained. In Romans 12:2, Paul wrote, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect" (NRSV). And in Ephesians 4:2224, he wrote, "You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (NRSV). A healthy mind, a mind that is flourishing, Thompson continued, is one that is "flexible, adaptive, coherent, energized, and stable." We obtain that sort of mind in community, according to the leading neuroscience research, Thompson explained. "It takes place most powerfully in the context in which you have multiple different people who are committed to being known along with allowing you to be known in the same way." And these discoveries are consistent with what is found in Scripture. "I'm really excited about what this neuroscience is telling us because it is telling us that there are ways in which the mind can change, ways in which it can be renewed. The fact that we have models for how this can be done in the context of communities is really exciting stuff for us," Thompson said. Thompson was joined on the panel by Ana Marie Cox, a columnist and host of the "With Friends Like These" podcast, who told her personal story about overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. After her third suicide attempt, Cox determined to seek help and found recovery in the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous. She has been sober for eight years. Cox explained why doing service work and being in community has been essential for her recovery. "I am so happy to be alive," she said. "I am so thrilled to be able to do service. I am ecstatic to show people who don't feel loved that they are loved. And I do that in part because it makes me believe that I'm loved. I can know that I am loved by the love I share with others because it took me a long time to believe that I was loveable, that anything could love me. But every time I'm able to love someone else, especially another addict or alcoholic, I can remember, oh, right, I can love this person; there's someone out there that loves me. "Ultimately, I believe my higher power loves me. Like that's my fallback. But it's also good to be in that community where we're loving each other as we are." During the Q&A, journalist Jon Ward asked about the belief in some Christian communities that mental health problems are simply a matter of not having enough faith. "In some respects, that's a product of modernity," Thompson answered. "That's a product of how we have a Cartesian dualism. It's not just about mental health or mental illness and faith. And our friend, Descartes, was the one who effectively began to help us separate these worlds in which we have faith over here and we have embodied empiric evidence over here as if these two things are now like separate universes. One of the beautiful things about quantum mechanics is that it's helping us recognize that those things are inseparable. ... "We come to believe that this thing called faith is different than this thing called science, which we have plenty of experience around this table, I'm sure, recognizing that those things are not different things." Faith Angle Form is an Ethics and Public Policy Center Program that brings journalists together to talk with experts about issues related to the intersection faith and culture. You can listen to the full April 2 Thompson and Cox panel, titled "Faith and Mental Health: Can Neuroscience Free the Soul?" at the Faith Angle Forum website. Mike Pence tells Liberty U. grads: It's fashionable to attack religious liberty Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Vice President Mike Pence warned about the attacks on religious liberty during his commencement address to Liberty University graduates on Saturday. Speaking at Libertys Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia, Pence said he believed its become acceptable and even fashionable to ridicule and discriminate against people of faith in the United States. It wasnt all that long ago that the last administration brought the full weight of the federal government against the Little Sisters of the Poor merely because that group of nuns refused to provide a health plan that violated their deeply held religious beliefs, said Pence, speaking about the nuns' refusal to pay for (directly or indirectly) abortions or birth control methods that could induce abortions. When my wife, Karen, returned to teach art at an elementary Christian school earlier this year, we faced harsh attacks by the media and the secular left. Pence then described how one reporter started a Twitter hashtag #exposeChristianschools to encourage people to share negative experiences attending Christian private schools. These attacks on Christian education are un-American, declared Pence, noting that the Trump administration has taken decisive action to protect religious liberty. I promise you, we will always stand up for the right of Americans to live, to learn, and to worship God according to the dictates of their conscience. Pence also touted the Trump administrations handling of the economy, telling the graduates that you picked a great time to graduate, because after two years of the leadership of President Donald Trump, jobs are coming back and America is back. You are entering a growing American economy, Pence said. The America that awaits your energies and ambitions is experiencing a new era of opportunity and optimism. Youre beginning your careers at a time when this economy is growing. And weve restored American stature at home and abroad. In March, Pence announced at the Conservative Political Action Conference that he would be giving the commencement address at Libertys graduation ceremony. It is great for us to be back at CPAC 2019, the largest gathering of conservatives anywhere in America, said Pence at the time. I also want to give a shoutout to all those great conservatives watching across the country, especially all of our friends joining us live from Lynchburg, Virginia, at Liberty University I'll see you in May. Saturdays address marked the second time Pence has spoken at Liberty. His first time was at a Convocation event on Oct. 12, 2016, when he was governor of Indiana. Liberty President Jerry Falwell Jr. gave introductory remarks for Pence, commending the vice president for his service and devotion to our country, nobility of character, and resilience. He serves our country with high distinction, dignity, and honor, defending Americas freedoms and principles, often under the unrelenting scrutiny of a hostile press, said Falwell. Pence was not the only member of the Trump administration to address the graduates. Dr. Ben Carson, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, also spoke. During his remarks, Carson also addressed the graduates, encouraging them to be courageous and to try and do different things despite possible popular opposition. Its particularly important in our county right now, because there are forces of political correctness that want you to shut up and not express what you believe, Carson said. We cannot allow our country to be deprived of the Judeo-Christian values that made it into a great nation. The commencement ceremony came amid allegations that Falwell had former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen intervene in 2015 to prevent personal photographs of him going public. According to a recorded conversation between Cohen and actor Tom Arnold that was reported on by The Washington Post and others, Cohen said the Falwells had a bunch of photographs they wanted to keep private. Cohen called the images ones usually kept between husband and wife. I was going to pay him and I was going to get the negatives and do an agreement where they turn over all technology that has the photographs or anything like that, any copies, said Cohen to Arnold, as reported by The Washington Post. I actually have one of the photos. Its terrible. For his part, Falwell denied the claim in an interview with conservative pundit Todd Starnes, declaring that there are no compromising or embarrassing photos of me. While we have a longstanding friendship with Michael Cohen, we never engaged or paid Cohen to represent us in any legal or other professional capacity, and Cohen did not ever resolve any legal matter on our behalf, Falwell told Starnes. Mike Pence: Ministers of the Gospel, Prayer Warriors Have Biggest Impact 'in the Life of a Nation' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Vice President Pence said Friday that other than Gold star military families, those who pray and minister the Gospel "are the greatest consequence in the life of a nation." In a speech to pastors and ministry leaders at the Watchmen on the Wall national briefing Friday at Hyatt Regency hotel on Capitol Hill, the vice president told hundreds of attendees that it was his and the president's conviction "that the pulpits that you stand at are of much greater consequence than any podium behind which he and I stand, so thank you for your service to the Gospel." Pence took time to recount several of the Trump administration's achievements in the past 15 months, mentioning his judicial appointments, including Neil Gorsuch on the Supreme Court, the 2017 executive order protecting religious liberty, and pledged to continue working toward the repeal of the Johnson amendment. He spoke of Trump's efforts to aid persecuted Christians and religious minorities overseas, noting how they had redirected government funds to USAID channels that had previously flowed through the United Nations. To enthusiastic applause he spoke of Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and relocate the U.S. embassy there. "I couldn't be more proud to serve as vice president to the most pro-life president in American history," Pence stressed, listing some of Trump's policies, including his move last week reinstating a Reagan-era rule restricting Title X funds from going to organizations that perform or refer women for abortions. "He and I have gotten to be very close. I mean, obviously we are a lot alike," he joked. "I get it. He's big city, I'm small town. He's very charismatic, interesting, memorable. I'm ... me. But we're alike in every way that matters," he said, describing some similarities in their upbringings. Pence recommended that the crowd check out David Brody's book, The Faith of Donald J. Trump: A Spiritual Biography, which explores the president's faith and spiritual heritage. "Other than a whole lot of zeros, President Trump and I have a whole lot in common. A lot of zeros," he said to laughter, referring to his boss' wealth. "Keep being watchmen and women on the wall," Pence said, "keep doing what you're doing. It's making a difference." He made a point to praise Gold star military families, which he had visited prior to his speech, saying: "I truly do believe that other than the service of those who wear the uniform of the United States, especially our cherished fallen, the ministries that you lead, the prayers that you pray, are the greatest consequence in the life of a nation." He recounted that it was 40 years ago this spring that he became a born-again believer, giving his life to Jesus at a Christian music festival in Wilmore, Kentucky. "I'm four decades into walking with the Lord, and [Family Research Council President] Tony [Perkins] will tell you, I've got a long way to go," he said, chuckling, "but of paramount importance is that you just continue. Continue to hold up the truth." He concluded: "This is a time of too much division in these United States. And whether it's in our crisis pregnancy center ministries or whether it's churches simply being the hands and feet of Christ. "Keep preaching the Good News. Keep preaching in season and out of season, as the Bible says. Always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that you have." Move of Holy Spirit coming to LGBT persons amid battle over Equality Act, therapy bans: pastor Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A move of God is afoot among those who once identified as LGBT, one pastor says, as laws prohibiting counseling for unwanted same-sex attraction and gender confusion are being considered. Ken Williams, co-founder of the Redding, California-based Equipped to Love explained in a phone interview with The Christian Post on Thursday that it felt like a threat was put forth last year in California with AB 2943, a bill that was ultimately withdrawn but would have banned therapies for persons with unwanted same-sex attraction or gender confusion by classifying them as "consumer fraud." What ended up happening, he said, was the sparking of a movement of people who once identified as LGBT but no longer do. "In the '80s, when I was struggling, there was no safe person for a gay person to come out to. But today, there is no safe place for a once-gay person to come out to because of the social narrative being that LBGTQ is something to celebrate and leaving that life is controversial," he explained. The bill caused concern among those who had quietly found resolution to their unwanted same-sex attraction and confusion about their sexual identities and were going on and living their lives, many in heterosexual marriages with children. Williams has been married to his wife for nearly 14 years and now has four children. "When this bill came forward all of us realized, 'Hey, we've got to come forward and go public and let the world know out there that there are different options that should be protected for people.' Because not everybody that is finding themselves with same-sex attraction or gender confusion is content to live that out, for many different reasons," he elaborated. "So all of a sudden there is this movement now of people who once identified as gay standing up and saying, 'Hey world, I actually do exist and please don't take away our rights.'" More broadly speaking, a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit is afoot, he believes. It's one that will be led by those who, due to the nature of their often painful journey with their sexuality, come to know God in the most intimate of ways. "God is definitely on the move and He is passionate," Williams said. "For me, having had life experience of same-sex attraction and homosexuality and leaving that and having to discover at a very deep level what were the root issues ... that culminated later in same-sex attraction. And having worked with as many people as I have that have left homosexuality behind, you come to realize that gender confusion and homosexuality is a relational issue, an intimacy disruption," he offered. "The gift of homosexuality, if you will, is that those who find themselves in an atmosphere where they can access God's presence ... they by default have to know God very intimately. The issue was an intimacy deficit so God can open up an intimacy in Him that satiates those needs that are deep within a person. The end state of that person, very often if not always, is a person who is very sold out in following Jesus and knowing the Father's love. " Williams was recently in Washington, D.C., to speak with congressional staffers about his concerns with the Equality Act that recently passed out of the House Judiciary Committee and will likely pass when it comes to a full floor vote. He explained in a Daily Signal podcast on Tuesday that during his teenage and college years he was "struggling every hour of every day with same-sex attraction," which for him was unwanted and then "had several different experiences and a relationship for a period of time that was homosexual." "If were going to call something the Equality Act, it sure would be great if it felt equal to all people. And so LGBTQ, the Q stands for queer or questioning. Well, questioning, OK, lets take that. So if someones questioning their sexual identity, shouldnt they be able to consider going down multiple paths if theyre questioning?" "I never wanted to have sex with men. Thats just the only people I was sexually attracted to. That probably doesnt seem like it makes any sense. But thats pretty common actually," he said. He noted that at various seasons in his life he was addicted to homosexual porn but has been free from it for the past 15 years. "We dont really plan our sexual desires. We find ourselves with our sexual desires. And when I found myself with mine at, I dont know, 13 or 14 years old, I realized to my shock one day, 'Wow, Im not like the other boys. Im sexually attracted to the boys. I feel like Im more like one of the girls,'" he added. When asked if he considers what he now does in ministry to be "conversion therapy" Williams replied that he does not. "And I know over 100 people that have left homosexuality and I dont know a single one of them that has ever experienced what people would say is conversion therapy, and they dont know of anyone who has either," he said. "Its this term that gets used in culture that all of us with life experience, we dont even know what youre talking about. That didnt happen to us. And in the movies that are out there, its very unfounded. So I have [seen] some things happen that were harmful to people. Im sure that there are some cases out there, but I dont personally know of any." Calif. approves new sex ed guidance; critics say it is too explicit, morally corrupt Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Californias Department of Education voted to approve a controversial guidance for sex education for elementary and middle school students despite protests by parents and others. Following hours of debate and public comments from both supporters and critics, as well as a protest attended by approximately 200 people, the California State Board of Education voted on Wednesday to approve the new guidance, which in part encourages public school teachers to discuss transgender identity with elementary school students and masturbation with middle school students. A major issue for many parents and groups like the California Family Council was the content of the newly approved books that the Board of Education wanted to make available for public school teachers. For example, one of the proposed books, titled S.E.X.: The All-You-Need-to-Know Sexuality Guide to Get You Through Your Teens and Twenties, features explicit descriptions of anal sex, bondage and other erotic activities. The book, along with a few others, was removed from the list in the guidance, State Board of Education member Feliza I. Ortiz-Licon said in response to the panic associated with them. Its important to know the board is not trying to ban books. Were not saying that the books are bad, stated Ortiz-Licon, as reported by the AP. But the removal will help avoid the misunderstanding that California is mandating the use of these books. In a statement posted Thursday on their Facebook page, the California Family Council denounced the vote result as despicable. What California government leaders have done is despicable and parents everywhere need to rise up to defend their children against the morally corrupting sex-ed the state government plans to push into our public schools, stated the conservative group. Others, including Michele McNutt, a registered nurse from Orange County, supported the new guidance as helpful in providing students with better information. Its critical to give students medically accurate, scientific, unbiased information about their health and their bodies so they can make the best decisions about how to keep themselves safe and protect their reproductive health, said McNutt, as reported by the Sacramento Bee. The younger grades also learn about healthy relationships, consent, and ways to interact with peers who might be different than they are. While the new guidance does not add new mandatory content, some teachers expressed concern at the hearing that it will be used to force them to teach items they personally oppose. Teachers are afraid they will be forced to teach concepts that go against their conscience, and use non-binary terms or else they could lose their jobs, stated Brenda Lebsack, a teacher at Santa Ana Unified, as reported by the Bee. Pa. legislator regrets harassing pro-life women and girls at abortion clinic Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Pennsylvania legislator expressed regret for his mistreatment of an elderly pro-life activist and two pro-life girls who were peacefully demonstrating outside an abortion clinic. Democratic Representative Brian Sims posted a video to his Twitter account on Tuesday responding to the outrage over his behavior. Rep. Sims began the video speaking well of the Planned Parenthood clinic where the incident took place and criticized the pro-life protesters who regularly demonstrate outside of the clinic, claiming they engage in slurs, attacks, and even racism. I know that two wrongs dont make a right. I can do better, and I will do better, for the women of Pennsylvania, stated Sims, whose video statement got over 1.7 million views by Thursday afternoon. Last week, Sims garnered controversy for his posting to social media a video of himself harassing an elderly woman who was praying outside of a Planned Parenthood facility in Philadelphia. They prey on young women, they use white privilege, & shame. Theyre racist, classist, bigots who NEED & DESERVE our righteous opposition. Push back, please, he tweeted on May 2. In April, Sims also confronted and filmed a woman and her two teenage daughters praying outside of the clinic, offering $100 to anyone who could identify them. Ashley Garecht, the mother of the teenagers, told Fox News pundit Tucker Carlson in an interview earlier this week that she was concerned for my girls. I was genuinely trying to enter into just a dialogue with him to try to bring the situation, calm it down a little bit and say to him on film we are really here just praying for these women and babies, said Garecht, as reported by Fox News. I never come to a clinic looking for a fight It's always just with peaceful, prayerful intent. Yes, I was concerned that he said multiple times that he wanted the identities of my daughters. Sims video addressing the response to his past actions was bashed by many, including the Daily Signal, which labeled it a non-apology and noted that Sims provided no evidence of the alleged racism and harassment from pro-life demonstrators. Sims didnt apologize to the pro-lifers he accosted in the video he posted on Tuesday. Instead, he expressed regret for his tactics, claimed the Daily Signal. Beth Baumann of Townhall.com labeled the Sims apology video pathetic and commended social media responses criticizing Sims for not even having the ability to say, I'm sorry. After conservatives pounced on Sims for his disgusting tactics, he took to Periscope, yet again, but this time to semi-kind-of apologize, added Baumann. Except he didn't really offer an apology at all. All he did was make an excuse for his behavior and say he didn't mean to embarrass Planned Parenthood. For their part, the pro-life group Live Action has called on Sims to resign from office, launching an online petition drive. We demand Rep. Sims resign from the Pennsylvania legislature for his unacceptable and disgusting conduct. His discrimination, harassment, and bullying of pro-lifers make him not fit for public office, stated Live Action. Live Action is also organizing "Pro-Life Rally Against Bullying" event at the Philadelphia Planned Parenthood facility on Friday, which more than 240 people have already RSVP'ed to on Facebook. Chick-fil-A to become 3rd largest fast-food chain in US sales amid growing popularity Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Chick-fil-A is set to become the third largest fast-food chain in the United States as their signature chicken sandwiches and waffle fries continue to soar in popularity. Over 50 years after opening the first restaurant in the Atlanta area, Chick-fil-A's sales numbers have risen significantly, bested only by McDonald's and Starbucks, according to food-service consultancy Technomic Inc, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The company remains privately-owned. Weve been pretty consistent in how, over multiple decades, were going to take it slow and steady, said Mark Moraitakis, a Chick-fil-A senior director, speaking of the companys growth. Its paid off for us. In the past 10 years, the restaurant's sales have tripled to $10.2 billion in 2018. The restaurant is especially popular among Christians in part because of the vision and values of the founding family. The restaurant chain has maintained over the years its policy of being closed on Sunday to honor the keeping of the Sabbath. The restaurant is also known for friendly customer service from staff. When customers say "thank you" to the employees they are trained to respond with "My pleasure." Chick-fil-A has approximately twice as many locations as they did in 2007, many of which are located in the South. "Each year since 2015, Chick-fil-A has been the top-rated fast-food restaurant on the American Customer Satisfaction Index, which considers factors such as staff courtesy and restaurant cleanliness," the WSJ noted. "Among limited-service U.S. restaurants that mainly serve chicken, Chick-fil-As market share rose to 33% last year from 18% in 2009, while the market share of Yum Brands Inc.s KFC chain fell to 15% from 29% in that time, according to data tracker Euromonitor." Chick-fil-As success has also reportedly lessened hamburger sales, according to consultants and industry executives. The company has continued to make headlines for its consistently good customer service but has also received negative press as it continues to draw the ire of liberal groups and politicians because of the stated views of the restaurant's owners and previous donations to groups that oppose same-sex marriage. In March, the city council of San Antonio, Texas, voted to bar the chain from opening in the city airport over what they called "anti-LGBT behavior." We hope they will experience for themselves that Chick-fil-A embraces all people, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, Chick-fil-A told CP in a statement, after it reached out to the city for a dialogue with the council. This was preceded by Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, rejecting a student body request to allow a Chick-fil-A restaurant on campus. The university claimed that the fast food companys views on LGBT issues have not sufficiently progressed enough. In response, one of the schools deans, Cynthia Newman of the College of Business who is a committed Christian, submitted her letter of resignation in February in protest the school's move. Chick-fil-As corporate values first came under fire in 2012, when its President Dan Cathy affirmed his stance in support of traditional marriage. In 2014, he said he regretted wading into the marriage debate. The fast-food company announced in July its plans to open its first location outside the U.S., in Toronto, Canada. Museum of the Bible to unveil world's longest illustrated Bible on National Mall Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., has announced its plan to unfold a facsimile of what is believed to the worlds longest illustrated Bible along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall. The Museum of the Bible said it will be the first to completely unveil the Wiedmann Bible in the U.S. on June 1. The Wiedmann Bible, completed in 2000, features a continuous illustrative narrative of the Old and New Testament in 3,333 images throughout 19 leporellos (accordion-style books). It was created by German artist Willy Wiedmann, known for his gallery in Stuttgart, over the span of 16 years. Unfolded, the work of art is believed to be nearly one mile long. June's complete unveiling will require at least 1,000 volunteers, the museum estimates. Museum of the Bible is honored to be part of this historic event, Museum of the Bible CEO Ken McKenzie said in a statement. The Wiedmann Bible exhibit is one of the most popular at the museum, and yet, you cant truly understand the artifacts uniqueness until you see just how long it is. I encourage everyone who is able to literally reach out their hands and join me in making history on June 1. Wiedmann, who died in 2013, did not have the opportunity to publish his work, according to the Wiedmann Bible website. Instead, Wiedmann stored his illustrations in the attic of his gallery. His son, Martin Wiedmann, found four aluminum boxes that contained the leporellos when he reopened his fathers gallery. Since then, the Wiedmann Bible is on its way to fulfill its mission: sharing the Bible with everyone through images, thus giving them a new way to access as well as an understanding of it, the website explains. The original Wiedmann Bible was presented for the first time in public in the German town of Stuttgart in 2015. The Museum of the Bible become the first entity in the U.S. to display the Wiedmann Bible when it opened up an exhibit last October. The exhibit is scheduled to run through September 2019. A mobile app has also been launched to give users access to his fathers Bible across the globe. For the price of $4.99, the app can be downloaded to give users an interactive visual narrative of the Wiedmann Bible. Since February 2018, the Wiedmann Bible has also been available in book form. King's College London launched last November the Visual Commentary on Scripture website, a $2 million project designed to allow people to visually comprehend the Bible through classic and contemporary works of art. With ongoing contributions, the project aims to eventually cover every book in the Christian Bible. Having opened in November 2017, the museum has featured a number of different temporary exhibits. In April, the Museum of the Bible announced that it will launch a year-long exhibition that will examine the often contentious relationship between science and the Bible over the course of history thanks to millions of dollars in grants received from the John Templeton Foundation. The exhibit looks to provide insight into six of the worlds most pressing questions: How did it all begin? What keeps the universe running? Are we different from animals? What are we made of? Where are we going? Are we alone? The exhibit also looks to refute myths that have emerged in the science-faith discussion debate. The new exhibit will open in the summer of 2020. Planned Parenthood accused of creating shell company to deceive residents about new clinic Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Black Christian leaders are accusing the nations largest abortion provider of using false pretenses to open a full-service abortion clinic in a neighborhood of Charlotte, North Carolina under the radar of concerned community members. In a news release shared with The Christian Post Thursday, the Douglass Leadership Institute and partners in the Charlotte Mecklenburg minority clergy community voiced concern with Planned Parenthoods plans to expand and relocate a clinic to the citys historic Cherry Hill neighborhood. No doubt aware that Charlotte residents would oppose Planned Parenthood targeting its communities and killing its children, the abortion behemoth inserted itself into the city quietly and deceptively, DLI Chairman Rev. Dean Nelson Nelson explained in a statement. It was reported earlier this month that Planned Parenthood South Atlantic is moving its Charlotte Health Center from Albemarle Road to a location in the historic Cherry Hill neighborhood, about a mile east of St. Patrick Cathedral. Although Charlotte already has other Planned Parenthood affiliates, those clinics only offer abortion referrals. According to the Charlotte Observer, the new facility in Cherry Hill will open next month and give Planned Parenthood the ability to conduct abortions in Charlotte for the first time in decades. DLI, a D.C.-based national education and public policy nonprofit dedicated to pro-life advocacy, free market principles, and limited government, asserts that Planned Parenthood deceptively infiltrated the Charlotte community under false pretenses. Planned Parenthoods plans were discovered by residents who did some digging into a contract filed with the state government under the name Secure Source, LLC, according to DLI. Listed as the companys CFO is Planned Parenthood executive Nancy Martin Long. The DLI release states that it wasnt until much later that Planned Parenthood confirmed plans for a new clinic to media. This deceptive and murky behavior is exactly what the nation has come to expect from the corrupt organization, explained Nelson, who is also the national outreach director for the Human Coalition, a pro-life nonprofit that operates women's care clinics throughout the United States. Charlotte deserves better. People of goodwill will not stand by and allow Planned Parenthood to brazenly normalize aborting children and exploiting women. We urge the ministerial community and community leaders that support children and families to oppose Planned Parenthoods expansion and to help inform women know that there is support available from community organizations and pregnancy support clinics like Human Coalition. CP reached out to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic for comment on claims that Secure Source, LLC was created to deceive community members about plans to open up the abortion clinic in Charlotte. A response is pending. Leslie Monet, who oversees the Family Life Campaign for the Church of God in Christ, one of the largest African-American-majority denominations in the United States, called upon the black community to oppose what she called an assault on our children and families. The expansion of the center is a part of a devastating strategy that Planned Parenthood is deploying, placing mega abortion facilities in urban communities that are within walking distance of minority neighborhoods throughout the country, she said in a statement. It is part of their operational strategy to place these abortion mills in our communities, and we will not tacitly accept being targeted in this manner. Nelson and other conservative African-American leaders have long been critical about the abortion industry as the number of abortions in the African-American community is disproportionately high. Although African-Americans make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population, black women comprise over 30 percent of the 1 million abortions conducted in the U.S. every year. In Mecklenburg County, that number is even higher, about 53.7 percent of the 3,890 abortions are for black women, according to DLI. Conservative black Christian leaders have often spoken out about the eugenic roots of Planned Parenthood, arguing that the organizations founder advocated for "black eugenics" and sought to "eliminate black births." In January, DLI called on the Department of Health and Human Services to abolish its Office of Population Affairs, claiming that the office is funding contraceptive programs responsible for a genocide in their communities. DLI in conjunction with the Georgia-based Restoration Project and the National Black Pro-Life Coalition released a report arguing that programs funded by the OPA are more concerned about population control than the side effects and diseases associated with forms of birth control given to them at womens clinics. Student govt at Texas Christian college votes to ban Chick-fil-A over LGBT record Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The student government of Trinity University, a private liberal arts college in Texas affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, has voted unanimously to ban food from fast-food restaurant chain Chick-fil-A for their record on LGBT issues. Chick-fil-A does not have a restaurant on the campus, but its food is made available on a rotating basis, typically once every two weeks, along with food from other restaurant chains at the Commons Food Court, the San Antonio Express-News reported. In a resolution adopted May 1, the student government association of the college cited Chick-fil-As donations to the Salvation Army, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Paul Anderson Youth Home, as well as its score of zero on the Washington-based Human Rights Campaigns 2015 Corporate Equality Index for failing to protect their LGBT+ employees from discrimination in the workplace. Chick-fil-a donated 1.8 million dollars to anti-LGBT+ organizations in 2017, such as the Paul Anderson Youth Home, the Salvation Army, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, according to their most recent available tax return, the resolution said. The sentiment displayed at the Speaking of Chick-Fil-A forum demonstrated that students disapprove of having Chick-fil-a on campus in Revolve, and would advocate for a comparable substitute that doesn't conflict with Trinitys values. The negative consequences of having Chick-fil-a on campus outweigh the desires of those who are in favor of keeping it on campus, it noted. Ty Tinker, student government president, told the San Antonio Express-News that the association decided to take up the issue after a lot of proactive folks, including PRIDE (Trinitys student LGBT group), came to student government and university administrators. The student government resolutions are nonbinding, Tinker said, noting that they are a way to make recommendations to school administrators. Discussions about the presence of Chick-fil-A at Trinity have been ongoing since the city council for San Antonio voted 6-4 to remove Chick-fil-A from a project at their airport. Isaiah Mitchell, president of the Trinity chapter of the Young Conservatives of Texas who gathered with other students at an off-campus event to protest the targeting of Chick-fil-A by the student government, argued that Chick-fil-A does not harm the LGBT community. The Salvation Army, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, these other organizations that Chick-fil-A supports, do not actually cause harm to the LGBT community, he said, noting that lobbying against the political goals of the LGBTQ left does not equate to actually harming. Manfred Wendt, a 2018 Trinity alum, told Campus Reform, "As an alumni of Trinity University and the Executive Director for YCT [Young Conservatives of Texas], I find the whole situation absurd. Political stunts pulled by the San Antonio City Council should not affect Trinity University's students. The Chick-fil-A situation is a perfect example of progressive slacktivism. "If having Chick-fil-a on campus was actually an issue, they should have started protesting in August. I hope that the board of trustees does the wise thing and chooses to ignore the SGA resolution as its unlikely anyone will care once students return to classes in the fall and the ban Chick-fil-a fad will go back into hibernation," Wendt added. Chick-fil-A was added to Trinitys food court rotation less than a year ago by Aramark, which has a five-year contract as the universitys food service vendor, San Antonio Express News reported. In a statement to the publication, Trinitys vice president for Strategic Communications, Tess Coody-Anders, said Aramark is taking the recommendation into consideration as part of a normal process this summer in which revolving food service vendors are evaluated for the next school year. The university does not contract directly with Chick-fil-A, but it has the final decision. Woman who tried to flush newborn baby boy in toilet at McDonalds gets no prison time Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A 27-year-old California woman who was charged with attempted murder after she tried to flush her newborn baby boy down the toilet of a McDonalds restaurant where she worked nearly two years ago will serve no time in prison. The woman, Sarah Jane Lockner, was sentenced to four years supervised probation and one year in county jail with credit for time served, SFGate reported. She had been in custody on $11 million bail. She was also ordered to complete parenting classes as part of a plea deal in January in which she admitted she tried to drown her son in the toilet in exchange for the dropping of the attempted murder charge. San Mateo County Dist. Atty. Steve Wagstaffe said Lockner was working at a McDonald's restaurant in Redwood City on Sept. 4, 2017, when she complained of stomach pain. Lockner was told by her boss to go home if she was in pain, and around 10 p.m. she clocked out but stayed in the bathroom. One of Lockners co-workers would later check on her in the bathroom and noticed blood on the floor. Lockner told the co-worker she was having a heavy menstrual cycle. When a second co-worker went into the bathroom, she looked over the stall divider and saw a newborn child in the toilet, Wagstaffe said. "There was a newborn baby boy in the toilet water," Wagstaffe told KTVU. "She had her hand on the baby boy's back pushing it into the water in an effort to kill it." Lockner begged her colleague not to call the police but that didn't happen. When police arrived at the restaurant they found Lockner with the newborn in her arms. The baby boy had no pulse and wasn't breathing. Officers performed CPR and rushed the boy to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto. Lockner allegedly told police that she had picked the baby up, wiped off his face, and placed him back in the toilet, face up, and denied trying to drown him. Along with the attempted murder charge, Lockner was also charged with felony child abuse and inflicting great bodily injury. The boy who went on to survive by the grace of God, said Wagstaffe, was reported to be in the care of his fathers aunt and named Adrian. There was also some discussion in family court about potentially reuniting Lockner, who has an older son, and her boyfriend, with Adrian. There have been discussions of whether (Lockner) would be able to be a mother again, Wagstaffe said. She has claimed she did not know she was pregnant with either of her sons, which Wagstaffe and her public defender, Jonathan McDougall, have looked into to assess her mental state. Santa Clara University law Professor Michelle Oberman who has studied mothers who did not know they were pregnant and either killed or attempted to kill their newborns said Lockners case was unusual because she experienced pregnancy before. There is something terrible going on in their minds, a disconnection from their body and marriage, and feeling a lack of control and to the point of not getting care, Oberman told the Palo Alto Daily Post. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Nearly twenty years ago, Chuck Colson told BreakPoint listeners the story of Gauvin Hughes McCullough. His parents, Sharon and Candace, in addition to being a same-sex couple, were also deaf. Being deaf was an important, if not the most important, part of their identity. It was so important, in fact, they did everything they could to maximize the chances that their child would also be deaf. They recruited a deaf friend as a sperm donor and hoped for what they saw as the best, which they got: a deaf son. Chucks commentary came to mind after I read a story at the BBCs website entitled Stop Trying to Heal Me. The author, BBC digital editor Damon Rose, begins by telling readers that From time to time, without warning or encouragement, I get approached in the street by Christians who tell me they want to pray for me to get my sight back. Now, going up to a total stranger, especially one who cannot see you approaching, and offering to pray for them then and there without getting to know them first could reasonably be called rude. The same would be true if you insisted on praying with someone who told you not to. If that were all Rose was trying to tell people, including well-meaning Christians, that would be fine. But he didnt stop there. Bad manners were the least of his concerns. What Rose objected to is the idea that anyone thinks that he needs to be fixed just as Jesus fixed disabled people in the Gospels. Those are his words, not mine. What the Bible calls healing, which in Greek can also mean salvation, he views as a form of denigration. Now if youre thinking, What about all the times the Bible tells us that Jesus was moved by compassion for the person He was healing? Well, then youre not reading the Bible through the proper modern lens. What matters most nowadays, apparently, is not what Jesus was feeling when He was moved to heal, but how it makes some contemporary readers feel when they read about those stories. Based on this new criteria, one theologian quoted by Rose suggests that Jesus was wrong to heal those with disabilities. Even worse, she claimed that the people Jesus healed were not really real characters or real people who have feelings and needs and personalities. Instead, they were simply opportunities for Jesus to show off His power. Now to be clear, this theologian quoted also argued that saints and martyrs such as Perpetua, Sergius, and Bacchus were transgender, so make of her statements what you will. Even so, another person Rose quotes defended Jesus healings by pointing out there was no welfare state in first century Palestine. Im not making that up. In her estimation, if Jesus were to see a blind man walking down the street today, He would not feel pity for him. Chuck pointed out years ago that the case of Gauvin McCullough is what Cornell West called the cultural politics of difference. Today, as we see in Roses articles, its more commonly known as identity politics. As with McCulloughs parents, Rose and those who agree with him are claiming that what makes them different from other people is what defines who they are. So to suggest, as in the case of cochlear implants for the deaf or divine healing for the blind, that things could be different, or even better, is a personal affront, or even worse. Its even been compared to genocide. How different this is than from being at peace with your or your loved ones disabilities. Think of Joni Erickson Tada or so many parents of children with special needs who see Gods hand at work in their circumstances. They would never regard Gods compassion or healing as alienating. They certainly would not let their pride get in the way of God relieving them or their loved one of their disability. Whatever our degree of brokenness or disability, none of us are whole. Not a single one of us. Thats why we should all welcome Gods grace and kindness, and why we should long for the day when God will make all things new in Christeven us. Download an audio MP3 here. Resources A World of His Own: The Sad Case of Gauvin Hughes McCullough, Chuck Colson | BreakPoint.org | April 9, 2002 Originally posted at Breakpoint. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment I am about to say something that I thought I would never say. I am embarrassed by modern evangelicalism. It has nothing to do with politics. It has nothing to do with theology. But it does have everything to do with human decency. Recently, Rachel Held Evans, a woman who is known for her progressive views and departure from the conservative evangelical form of Christianity, died at the tender age of 37. Evans left behind a loving husband and family. Apparently, Evans created a firestorm due to her opinions on social and theological matters, especially due to leftist political ideologies. She was considered by the Washington Post as the most polarizing woman in evangelicalism (Bailey, WP.com, 2015). Evans died after being placed in a medically induced coma following an allergic reaction to medication treating an infection. For those familiar with my writings, you know that I come from a conservative evangelical position. I am aligned with a conservative denomination and have gone to mostly, although not all, conservative schools. With that being said, I have found it atrocious how some individuals on the right have verbally assaulted Evans, even cheerfully contemplating her slate in hell. Some of the comments I read on social media made me ashamed to be aligned with conservative evangelicalism because of the distasteful and hate-filled rants that were posited. I read everything from how individuals gleefully delighted at the thought that she was burning in hell to how she was responsible for the youth of America straying from the faith. Is this what modern evangelical Christianity has come to? Didnt someone very important once say, love your enemies and pray for the ones persecuting you (Mt. 5:44, translation mine)? Whatever happened to the love that we are supposed to have even for others with whom we disagree? Is not the love that we possess in Christ supposed to transcend areas of disagreement? Society has most certainly lost its decency. But, unfortunately, the church is caught up in this spiral and is quickly losing its own sense of decency, too. We have become entrenched by the nuances and nuisances of living in a culture driven by social media. Decency has been lost in three areas. The loss of decency in political opinion. In my 40 plus years of life on planet earth, I have never seen a time where politics has become as polarizing as it now stands. It does not seem as if people from different political spectrums can sit down and discuss issues without the debate becoming hostile. Nearly no one is listening to the concerns of those on the other side. Furthermore, when is the last time that we stopped to pray for those on the other side of the political aisle? In my 40 plus years of life on planet earth, I have never seen a time where politics has become as polarizing as it now stands. It does not seem as if people from different political spectrums can sit down and discuss issues without the debate becoming hostile. Nearly no one is listening to the concerns of those on the other side. Furthermore, when is the last time that we stopped to pray for those on the other side of the political aisle? The loss of decency in social discourse. People have lost the ability to debate. Now, if you disagree with someone, you must barrage the person with insults and polemics. Rather than discussing the issues intelligently, now matters from a persons days in high school are mentioned. Its like grown adults are still stuck in their high school days. In fact, I believe people acted more mature in high school before the advent of social media than the way many grown adults behave on social media today. People have lost the ability to debate. Now, if you disagree with someone, you must barrage the person with insults and polemics. Rather than discussing the issues intelligently, now matters from a persons days in high school are mentioned. Its like grown adults are still stuck in their high school days. In fact, I believe people acted more mature in high school before the advent of social media than the way many grown adults behave on social media today. The loss of decency in theological convictions. We all have strong theological convictions. Evans did. Her convictions often clashed with my own. But again, are we willing to sit down and have an intelligent conversation with a person who holds different perspectives than we do? Are we not supposed to love and pray for those who hold different theological moorings? Isnt there greater power in prayer than posting petulant and obscene posts? Perhaps part of the issue is a matter of confirmation biasthat is, only listening to individuals who agree with you. Social media has increasingly made it possible for one to strengthen his or her beliefs no matter what perspective one has. Look long enough and I am sure you will find someone who possesses beliefs similar to your own. But the greater problem is a loss of love. If we as a church cannot mourn the loss of an individual without slamming her beliefs, then how do we expect to make an impact on culture? Why should we expect anyone to listen to our theological expositions on love and grace when we show none ourselves? Perhaps one of the reasons that people no longer attend church the way they had in times past is partly because we as a church have lost our first love. We have forgotten the importance of love. Remember, Jesus said, By this will all people know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (Jn. 13:35). This does not mean that we dont stand for whats right and for whats true. But if we do not express the truth in love, will people listen? Do people see the love of Christ in us by the statements we make online and offline? Oh, that we would once again regain our first love for God and for our fellow man! My heartfelt prayers go out to the family of Rachel Held Evans. Sources Sarah Pulliam Bailey, How Rachel Evans Became the Most Polarizing Woman in Evangelicalism, Washington Post.com (Apr. 16, 2015), retrieved May 6, 2019, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/04/16/how-rachel-held-evans-became-the-most-polarizing-woman-in-evangelicalism/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.5aae6d07a9a9 Unless otherwise noted, all Scriptural quotations are the authors own translation. 2019. BellatorChristi.com. Brian G. Chilton is the founder of BellatorChristi.com and is the host of The Bellator Christi Podcast. He received his Master of Divinity in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); and received certification in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. Brian is enrolled in the Ph.D. program in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University. Brian has been in the ministry for over 15 years and serves as a pastor in northwestern North Carolina. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Good mothers are such an amazing gift! What a truly brilliant invention by our Creator! And Mothers Day is just one important occasion to express our appreciation both to the mothers and to their Creator. Tragically, some self-appointed representatives of our Creator have misrepresented Biblical teaching and have inappropriately disrespected mothers even our first mother! In mature Bible interpretation, it is essential both (1) to get the text and translation right and (2) to apply the texts meaning coherently. Both are areas at risk when we approach the first chapters of Genesis. For example, the Lords purposes for both men and women are very strongly stated in Genesis 1:26-28. Both men and women are Gods children, made in Gods image, they are both made according to Gods likeness, and they are both called to be Gods personal stewards on earth. First, both men and women are Gods children so we are all called to Divine relationship. Second, both men and women are Gods image so we all can represent God as vital priests. Third, both men and women are made after Gods likeness so we all can reveal God as vibrant prophets. Fourth, both men and women are Gods personal stewards so we all can reign in nature in Gods behalf, as responsible kings and queens of the creation. Genesis 1:26-28 is the most ancient template for honoring women and men. We study the Scriptures and we participate in Church to worship and elevate God. Let us also release the Scriptures to speak clearly, elevating every human as Gods child, as Creators image, as the Lords likeness, and as personal stewards of the Divine. In anticipation of Mothers Day, we can actively help mothers to receive gladly their primal callings as the true children, images, likenesses, and personal stewards of the Almighty. Nevertheless, there are deep issues that negatively affect peoples interpretations of Genesis 3. For one thing, the text never says what some people want it to say. For example, the Lord never curses either the woman or the man. Only the evil snake and the ground get cursed while God still predicts rough times ahead for the woman and the man. Those rough times include pain in both child-bearing and child-raising. Another stated consequence of sin is that men would rule over women. This shift to mens tragic triumph at taking power over women was a natural consequence of our first ancestors tearing away the established moral fabric of daily, vibrant accountability while walking with the living God. That vibrant ethos was replaced by their own opportunistic human interpretations of their personal and private knowledge of good and evil. What a systemic downgrade of personal ethics! Mens sometimes authoritarian or tyrannical ruling over women was never Gods standard. However, when personal accountability to our Creator is disconnected, the terrible might makes right standard takes over. The consequence: For many centuries, churches and ministries have foolishly impoverished themselves by rejecting the leadership of women. One of the perverted arguments for this bad policy is the false claim that right after the fall of man and women, the Creator cursed women to be subservient to men. This error is simply corrected by recognizing the fact that Creator did not curse anyone. God cursed only the evil snake and the ground. Moreover, even if Creator had cursed all women, the awesome blood of Christ, poured out from the cross, still cancels all curses. In short, (1) there was no curse against women but even if there were a curse against women, (2) Jesus death for the sins of humanity introduces the Divine atonement that cancels all curses. Truly, thanks be to God! Let me report on a personal experience that vividly makes this essential point. Years ago I was leading a fruitful, growing Gospel ministry in a semi-rural area of America. At a crucial point I urged the all-male leadership to strengthen the ministry work even further through recognizing and additionally preparing gifted, skilled women to assist in the leadership. As I introduced this suggestion, I also reminded them of numerous Biblical examples of Godly female leaders. One male leader became quite angry at the very thought of women in leadership. He and I agreed to get together the next day. His entire argument for excluding women from ministry leadership was based on what he called the Genesis 3 divine curse against women. He and I talked at length about this Bible text for well over an hour. He was so very determined in his male chauvinist opinion! Nothing changed in his belief even when I clearly pointed out both that (1) there was no curse against women, and that (2) even if there were a curse Jesus transforming death for us cancels all curses. This mans strong resistance to good argument was a vivid model of the old saying, A person convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. Coming to realize that I could not change his mind, I silently prayed to God for wisdom. A radically different approach was needed. And mercifully the Lord immediately answered my prayer! Not to change the subject, I said to the man, but did I see a new tractor at your home? It looks like the tractor has a nice enclosed cab. He agreed and exuded a pleasant level of pride in his new tractor purchase. It helped equip him better for work in his part-time farming. He was employed full-time in a nearby chemistry lab, 9-5 every day. And does your tractors cab include a cushioned seat and a CD player? I inquired. Yes! he responded. I bought a tractor that is truly a joy to drive when I work in the field. Wonderful! And you certainly have disconnected the tractor cabs air conditioner, I added. What? Why would I ever do that? he quickly shot back. If you insist on your wrong interpretation of Genesis 3, then you would have to say that there was also a curse on men to work hard in the fields and eat bread in the sweat of their brow a curse that Jesus death for us presumably did not fix either, I pressed. He was stunned and speechless. Thank God! Mercifully, the blood of Jesus cancels all curses against men, too, even the made-up curses, I continued. And thank the Lord for the technology our Creator empowered for your tractor-cabs AC to make you comfortable, too. To be clear, there was no curse against either man or woman, and Gods amazing grace continues to empower men and women to overcome both real and pretended obstacles. Shall we be eternally grateful to the Lord? He smiled awkwardly and changed the subject. We then chatted for a while about our families. Soon after that, the ministry moved ahead to include women in leadership, without any objection. Please pray and work for the same result for other churches and ministries. Let us honor all the women and men all Gods children, images, likenesses, and personal stewards with fitting opportunities in Christian service and leadership. Those women and men will be uplifted, all will be helped, and our Creator will be truly honored. Cameroon pastor killed by military as violence against civilians continues in Anglophone crisis Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A pastor was allegedly shot and killed by military forces in Cameroon last month amid the ongoing violence in the countrys Anglophone regions. Pastor Keloh Elijah, a graduate of Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary in Ndu, was reported to have been killed during a military invasion in the Mfumte area where other people were also said to have been killed, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Christian Post this week. It is unclear at the moment how many were killed during the invasion in Mfumte. The pastors death comes as the government has cracked down on separatist activists in the English-speaking communities in the northwest and southwest parts of the country, areas that militant groups have self-proclaimed the Republic of Ambazonia. According to Efi Tembon, a ministry leader active in Bible translation efforts who is working to provide assistance to the pastors family, Elijah served at Bitu Baptist Church until March 6 and began ministering at Berean Baptist Church in Mfumte on March 30. On April 1, Elijah was said to have left for a missions trip to a nearby village. He returned about a week later on April 7, the day in which military forces allegedly descended on the area. Elijah reportedly returned home to greet his wife and six children. But he then left to go to church. It was around 8:30 a.m. when three gunshots were heard. Pastor Keloh had been shot by the military according to eyewitnesses, Tembon explained in an email. Many other people were killed in the area. The military has search and lotted homes and burnt down several houses. Because of this, the local community was forced to flee into the forest," he added. Some elderly people who could not flee were left behind. Many of the Bible translators fled into the forest. The majority of them have now crossed into Nigeria. Separatist demonstrators began protesting for autonomy in 2016 as they felt underrepresented in the majority-French-speaking central government. Violence escalated in the Anglophone communities in 2017, worsened considerably and has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands. The violence has also caused a delay in as many as 38 Bible translation projects in Cameroon. Tembon said that Elijahs wife and children are still in the forest. Tembon runs a ministry called the Oasis Network for Community Transformation, which is helping the pastor's family cross the border to Nigeria. The Cameroon government, a U.S., U.K. and France partner in the fight against terrorist group Boko Haram, has acted in a similar fashion to ISIS and Boko Haram if not worse, Oasis Network stressed in a report on the ongoing genocide in Cameroon. The Cameroon government has used its military to carry out terrorist acts, genocide and crimes against humanity in Southern Cameroons. Such crimes, the network stated, include beheadings, torture, mass arrests, sexual violence, public executions, the burning of homes and villages and also the burning alive of people. The network also accused the government of deliberately arming minority Mbororo (a subgroup of Fulani) people to go against the local population. As many as 215 villages and towns have been impacted by the conflict in the regions, according to Tembon. An April 15 report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs explains that as many as 4 million people are affected by the conflict in Cameroon with over 1.3 million in need. "Violence against civilians in North-West and South-West regions continues to have a serious impact on livelihoods and generate acute humanitarian needs," the report reads. "The rainy session is making access to goods and services even more difficult for both IDPs and local population, for those internally displaced who are hiding in the forest." Last year, it was estimated that at least 2,000 people had been killed in the conflict with over 200,000 people being displaced amid reports of military forces turning churches into military barracks. "The number of displaced people just keeps increasing and the military invade villages every day," Tembon said. According to Tembon, updated estimates suggest that as many as 2,015 villages and towns have been burned or destroyed as the government has "escalated the burnings in the last months." "Mfumte area has a few villages and all have been affected," Tembon explained. In April, Human Rights Watch reported on a deadly military attack in the northwest region village of Meluf that took place three days before the invasion in Mfumte. Five civilian men, including one with a mental disability, were said to have been killed. Three mutilated bodies were later discovered, one of which was decapitated. One resident reported that soldiers stormed into his home, killed his uncle and shot his aunt. "Based on interviews with 10 witnesses and residents and review of video and photographic sources, Human Rights Watch found that the victims were either executed or shot as they attempted to flee when the security forces raided their neighborhood, located near an armed separatists camp," the report reads. Last November, Bishop Andrew Nkea described in a media interview an attack on a church by soldiers in the southwest that killed priest Cosmas Omboto Ondari. He described other instances in which civilians have been shot in front of churches. "We are seeing deaths every day and nobody is being charged," he said. This week, Human Rights Watch reported that Cameroonian authorities have also tortured and held incommunicado detainees at a detention center in the capital of Yaounde. The rights group noted that the government has detained and tortured alleged members of armed separatist groups and terrorist groups like Boko Haram at the facility since at least 2014. Since the beginning of the Anglophone crisis in 2016, security forces have arrested or held incommunicado hundreds of people. Many people have been held for several months, and some have not re-emerged. Local human rights organizations estimate that nearly 1,000 people have been arrested since late 2016, of whom 340 were released following two presidential decrees, in August 2017 and December 2018, the report reads. Many have been charged under the 2014 counterterrorism law, which uses an extremely broad definition of terrorism that could be used to restrict fundamental rights and freedoms and enables the government to try civilians unlawfully in military courts. People found guilty of terrorism under the 2014 law can face the death penalty. HRW documented 26 cases of incommunicado detentions and enforced disappearances at the detention center in Yaounde. Of the people HRW interviewed, only three said they were former separatist fighters while the rest said they were civilians. All 26 detainees, including two women and an 18-month-old child, were held incommunicado at the SED between January 2018 and January 2019, many for several months, without any contact with family, friends, or legal counsel, HRW reports. As violence continues between separatists and government forces, civilians have been caught in the crossfire. In addition to the killing of Pastor Elijah, American missionary Charles Wesco was killed last October in front of his wife and son while driving near the town of Bamenda in Cameroon's northwest English-speaking region. Wesco is the brother of Republican Indiana State Rep. Tim Wesco. His death was acknowledged by Republican Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb. Cameroonian Defense Minister Joseph Beti Assomo blamed "terrorists" for the crime but separatist supporters claimed that the military was behind the attack. The government released further details about Wesco's death last November. Rome opens up exorcism course to all major Christian faiths to fight rising demonic forces Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment For the first time in 14 years, the Roman Catholic Church has opened up its annual exorcism class in Rome to all major Christian faiths in a bid to stem the rising tide of demonic forces around the world. The idea is to help each other, to establish best practices if you will, Father Pedro Barrajon, 61, one of the organizers of the 14th edition of the Course on Exorcism and Prayer of Liberation, taking place at the Pontifical University of Regina Apostolorum, told the Telegraph. This is the first time that different denominations have come together to compare their experiences on exorcisms. The one week course which is taught in Italian at a cost of approximately $450 is being held May 6- 11. It is described as the first course in the world that proposes careful academic and interdisciplinary research of exorcisms. Expelling the devil goes back to the earliest origins of the Christian Church, Barrajon said. The Catholic rite is very structured, whereas some of the other churches are more creative, they don't use a precise format. More than 241 people, both lay and religious, from more than 40 countries signed up for the course this year, Crux Now reported. I'm here to understand the Catholic perspective. We are fighting the same enemy in the name of the Lord, even if there are some parts of the Anglican Church that have lost belief in Satan, course participant Benjamin McEntire, a Protestant priest from Alaska, said. They all agree that growing secularization has led to a proliferation of satanic groups, especially among young people through social media. Many young people display a certain attraction and interest toward themes tied to esotericism, magic, the occult, Satanism, witchcraft, vampirism and contact with a presumed supernatural world, Italian Professor Giuseppe Ferrari, founder and secretary of the Social and Religious Research and Information Group, said during his introductory speech at the event. Some end up accepting as spiritual leaders these characters who, while proposing a flawed liberty and false freedom, only aim at taking hold of their existence, he explained. While critics of the course have argued that the study of exorcism has no place in modern society, organizers of the event have emphasized a multidisciplinary approach to exorcism that tackles psychology, medicine, law, sociology and criminology in order to help students better understand the changing dynamics and reality of Satanism. This view [that exorcisms has no place in modern society] not only displays ignorance and a restricted view of reality, but underlines the conditioning by ideologies that tag as superstition everything that eludes their preconstructed schemes, Ferrari said of critics. Indeed, a report in The Christian Post last fall highlighted the astronomical growth of self-identified witches in the U.S. Ahead of the first annual Christian witches convention in Salem, Massachusetts, in April, internationally recognized Prophet Calvin Witcherargued that Jesus was a sorcerer and the Bible is really a book of magic. Some believe that this return to exorcism and prayer of liberation is derived from a distancing from God, Barrajon told journalists. Ferrari explained that efforts are now underway to assess the number of exorcists in the United States, Canada, England, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Switzerland and monitor the number of requests they receive for exorcisms and prayers of liberation. We dont yet have a reliable number, he said but he believes that many people who believe they are demon possessed may also be suffering from psychological issues. Woman in Poland faces prison for showing Mary and Jesus with rainbow halos Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A 51-year-old woman is now facing up to two years in prison in Poland for offending religious feelings among the countrys devout Catholic community by putting up posters of the celebrated Black Madonna showing the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus with rainbow halos. The woman was identified in a CNN report as human rights activist Elzbieta Podlesna. Local police allege in a statement that a priest in the city of Plock reported that on the night of April 26-27, materials with the desecrated image of Our Lady of Czestochowa, popularly known as the Black Madonna, were found around the city glued to portable toilets, rubbish bins and other areas. An investigation was conducted which led police to Podlesna, who they discovered during the initial investigation had traveled abroad. As soon as she returned to Poland, police got a search warrant for her apartment in Warsaw. They also searched Podlesnas car and found several posters with the desecrated image of the Black Madonna. She was arrested and charged after that for "offending religious beliefs," after which she was released. It should be emphasized that the police officers carried out their statutory duties while performing activities in this matter. Submission of a crime notification, as it was done in this case, obliges officers to take such actions. The detention time was limited only to the execution of procedural acts, after which the woman was released, a translated version of the statement said. We would like to emphasize once again that the Police would behave in the same way in the case of notification of a crime concerning offending religious feelings of followers of any other religion. An example of such actions by the police officers was a quick reaction to the events that took place in Pruchnik or in the case of desecration of the mosque in 2014. There is no and will not be allowed to insult religious feelings in our country. Police in such cases will always take actions defined by law, authorities added. In an interview with TVN24 Tuesday, Podlesna said she did not attack religion with the posters. This is certainly not an attack on religion, certainly not an attack on faith, this is not a form of attack, she said. How can you attack anyone using a picture? Lets be serious. Her lawyer, Radoslaw Baszuk, told CNN that while his client has not admitted to committing the crime that does not mean that she did not deny participation in this event." The Black Madonna resides in the Jasna Gora monastery, one of the holiest shrines in Poland and the posters have sparked massive outcry around the country. "No whim of freedom and 'tolerance' gives anyone the right to offend the feelings of believers," Polish Interior Minister Joachim Brudzinski said on Twitter. In a statement Monday, Amnesty Internationals regional Europe researcher, Barbora Cernusakova, raised concern about Podlesnas arrest. We are extremely concerned to hear that Elzbieta Podlesna, a Polish human rights activist, was arrested and detained for several hours on spurious charges yesterday upon her return to Poland from a trip to Belgium and the Netherlands with Amnesty International, she said. The organization further called on Polish authorities to avoid targeting peaceful protesters. "Having, creating or distributing posters such as these should not be a crime. Everyone has a right to express themselves we are all protected under the right to freedom of expression," Amnesty argued. Given the lack of evidence of a crime here, we can only see that Elzbieta has been detained for her peaceful activism. Amnesty International calls on the Polish authorities to stop harassing peaceful protesters and activists in Poland, including by arbitrarily arresting people who stand up for their rights. Restricting activists from freely expressing their views in the country is unlawful and must stop immediately." March for Life UK challenges hearts and minds on abortion Pro-lifers braved the unpredictable weather in London on Saturday to take their message about the sanctity of life to Westminster. Parliament Square in front of the House of Commons was packed for the annual March for Life UK, which took place this year under the theme of "Irreplaceable", reflecting the uniqueness of each baby. The march was joined by Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster John Wilson, who said that protecting the unborn was essential "if we care for our common humanity". "Friends, we're becoming increasingly aware of the danger of climate change and so we desire to become better stewards of creation by caring for the earth," he said. "We do this authentically only if at the same time we are stewards of human life. "If we work for the extinction of life, we are not working for the beauty of creation." Antonia Tully, of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, said that the fight for policy change in Parliament could only be won if there was a change in attitude towards abortion in society. "We will not change the law in Westminster until we change hearts and minds up and down the country," she said, adding, "The devastation that abortion causes women is something we cannot ignore." March for Life has been taking place in the UK each year since 2012. Last year was the first time that the march was held in London after starting out in Birmingham. Keynote speakers this year included abortion survivor Melissa Ohden and Jennifer Christie, who kept her baby after becoming pregnant as the result of a brutal rape. Ms Ohden told the crowds: "I am standing here with you today as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a Master's level prepared social worker, and yes, as an abortion survivor. You would never tell by looking at me today, but 41 years ago, I survived a 'failed' saline infusion abortion. "In my work as the founder of The Abortion Survivors Network, I have had contact with 286 other abortion survivors, including five from the UK, four of whom are still alive today. "Despite the miracle of my survival, the doctor's prognosis for my life was initially very poor. My adoptive parents were told that I would suffer from multiple disabilities throughout my life. However, here I am today, perfectly healthy. "Whether I had lived with the expected disabilities or not, my life still deserved to be protected and respected, I still was worthy of the love that my family freely offered. President of Culture of Life Africa Obianuju Ekeocha said: "I am here to lament about the human rights issue of our time. Abortion in this country has been legal now for more than 50 years and has taken the lives of more than nine million people. "We are all gathered here today in this special venue because we have come to raise our voices to this parliament, because this parliament has it wrong." March for Life UK said the turnout on the day was in the thousands. Speaking to Christian Today ahead of this year's march, co-director Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, said the theme of "Irreplaceable" was a reminder "that each human being from the moment of his or her conception is a unique individual that cannot be replaced by any other human being". She said that the March for Life was about changing attitudes and not just the law. "We make no secret of the fact that we would love abortion to be illegal since a civilised country should not support the killing of it's own children but clearly more than that is needed," she said. "We need to make abortion unthinkable and for there to be sufficient support and encouragement for mothers/couples so that children aren't thought of as burdens and for adoption to be presented in a more positive light." Sierra Leone: the most dangerous place in the world to give birth Anyone walking through Trafalgar Square over the next week will be struck by the sight of 150 baby grows hanging outside St Martin-in-the-Fields Church. The baby grows have been donated by mothers from all walks of life, including MPs, broadcasters, actresses, bloggers and faith leaders as a statement of solidarity with mothers in Sierra Leone. The installation has been placed outside the church to draw attention to the high maternal death rate in Sierra Leone. Tragically, women there are 150 times more likely to die in childbirth than those in the UK, making it the most dangerous place in the world to give birth. According to Christian Aid figures, for every 100,000 live births in Sierra Leone, 1,360 women die. This is compared to just nine women in the UK. The high maternal death rate in Sierra Leone was compounded by the outbreak of Ebola in 2014, which killed 10 per cent of the country's healthcare workers. In the last five years, an estimated 15,000 mothers have died during childbirth. Christian Aid said that repayments towards debt that accrued during the Ebola outbreak have added to the crisis by forcing the country to divert money away from improving healthcare services. It is campaigning for this debt to be dropped. The installation has been set up at the church as part of Christian Aid Week, which officially begins on Sunday and is the biggest annual fundraiser for the development agency. Priest and broadcaster Kate Bottley has joined MPs Luciana Berger, Jo Swinson, Seema Kennedy and Alison Thewliss among others in donating baby grows to the project. At the end of Christian Aid Week, the baby grows will be donated to families in need. Christian Aid's media & PR lead Chine McDonald said: "Pregnancy and birth can be an anxious time no matter where in the world you live. "But as the world celebrates the birth of a new royal baby, let's spare a thought for the women of Sierra Leone for whom pregnancy and childbirth can be a particularly terrifying time due to the country's extremely high maternal death rate." To find out how to get involved in Christian Aid Week or to donate, visit caweek.org or call 08080 006 006, or text 'GIVE ' to 70040 to give 5.* *You will be charged 5 plus your standard network rate. Christian Aid will receive 4.88 of your donation. By texting, you are agreeing for Christian Aid to phone or text you to tell you about our work and how you can help. If you wish to donate and not hear from us again, text GIVE NO to 70040. For more info call 020 7620 4444. Students are increasingly turning to religious leaders for mental health support High rates of mental ill health among students, including some tragic cases of suicide, have highlighted the vulnerability of many young people facing the pressures of higher education while away from home for the first time. University leaders have affirmed their commitment to strengthening student support, and counselling services are busier than ever. But one resource is often overlooked: chaplaincy. Chaplains are representatives of religion or belief organisations who work within universities to support the religious and pastoral needs of the communities. In our recently published study, Kristin Aune, Jeremy Law and I, mapped and examined the work of university chaplains across the UK's universities. The results reveal an aspect of university life that is rarely acknowledged and one that challenges the image of the university as a space where the pursuit of knowledge leaves no place for religion. Indeed, our findings reveal how chaplaincy is an integral part of campus life within many universities. Growth and diversification There are at least 1,000 chaplains working in universities across the UK, representing all the major faiths as well as humanism. But it wasn't always this way. Before the 1960s, higher education chaplaincy was mainly confined to the ancient universities like Oxford or Cambridge, who appointed Anglican clergy as chaplains to their colleges. By the mid-1980s, most universities had an Anglican chaplain. Chaplaincy originated as a Christian tradition, based around the placement of clergy in non-parish ministry. Historically, chaplains have been appointed to serve senior officials like monarchs or bishops or in public institutions such as prisons, hospitals, schools, universities and the armed forces. The appointed religious officials most often representatives of the established Church of England served the spiritual and pastoral needs of these institutional bodies and those within them. As the religious diversity of the UK has grown, so its universities have sought to serve the needs of other faiths, including Jewish, Muslim and Hindu students. Chaplaincy teams have expanded into a range of specialist support. More recently, humanist chaplains have become increasingly popular. A subsidy for student support? Our research found that each year, university chaplains contribute around 4.5m of volunteer labour to the higher education sector. Volunteer university chaplains which make up over 40% of the total give around 3,500 hours of free labour each week. Provision varies widely across the sector, both in the number of chaplains appointed and the facilities available to them. And in many universities, chaplaincy work has expanded into "multi-faith" provision which includes prayer spaces, interfaith dialogue and relationship building with local religious communities. But while part of chaplains' role is the facilitation of religious practice among students of faith, it is not the most important part. Chaplains spend the largest portion of their time on pastoral activities. This includes one-to-one support and counselling for students and sometimes for staff as well. Our research found that this support is not confined to students of faith, but is extended to and received by a cross-section of individuals, of all faiths and none. Our findings also show that many chaplains see their role as serving the entire institution of the university, rather than simply those with whom they share a faith. This includes offering support to socially marginalised students or those in crisis, but it also involves building relationships and community across university departments. Some university managers see chaplains as especially valuable colleagues because they offer a view that takes account of staff and students across the institution and beyond, rather than one confined by a specific department or set of professional relationships. As one commented to us: I think we have been a much more open and accepting university because our chaplain has brought that wider community and has taught tolerance and respect. This positive institutional profile is reflected in how chaplains describe the work they do. Half of those we surveyed had generated increased university support or investment in their work during the previous 12 months. And just under half had contributed to changes in organisational practice. Some professional support departments at universities have also begun to work collaboratively with chaplains to ensure students get the support they need. The secular university It's clear, then, that chaplains do a huge amount of varied work for universities, which makes a major difference to the lives of students. And this demand for pastoral support is likely to increase with rising levels of mental health and pastoral problems within the student population. But it's important to remember chaplaincy is subsidised massively by religious organisations. So while university education is often presumed to be a major driver of secularisation the process whereby religion becomes less socially significant it may well be that, over time, universities will come to rely on religious representatives even more to deliver the support needed by their students. Mathew Guest, Professor in the Sociology of Religion, Durham University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The end is nigh: what extinction has to do with our evangelism Did you hear the news? In 12 years time the world could come to an end. Rising sea levels, coastal flooding, crop failures, carbon in the atmosphere will cause the earths temperature to rise by up to 7 degrees with all the problems arising from that. No this was not Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old eco-activist who also argues that we have 12 years nor is it the UN's latest extinction report which suggests that one million species could become extinct. This was an apocalyptic report from 1989 but the year 2000 came and went and the prophesied end times did not occur. Of course as Christians we are well aware of fringe (and sometimes not so fringe) elements of the Christian movement, predicting the end of the world and telling us all to buy our cans of beans and head for the hills. Although if it's the end of the world why do people sell books and make money for a non-existent future? But today's apocalyptic doom-mongers are the prophets of climate change, which leads me to ask: what about climate change? What should the Christian attitude be? Firstly, we should not be denying climate change. The fact that some political and ideological groups may be using climate change to further their agenda does not negate the fact of climate change. It is happening but the causes and effects of it are a lot more complex. Christians, unless they are climate scientists, are in no position to pronounce as though we were experts. Secondly, we must not allow our eschatology (theology of the end) to prevent us from fulfilling the creation mandate to be good stewards of the good earth in the present. After preaching in a church in the Southern US and citing Revelation 11:18 where the Lord says the time has come "for destroying those who destroy the earth", I was approached by a somewhat belligerent man who asked me if I was "a tree hugging communist!" I owned up to the communist bit, forgetting that irony is not always understood! A discussion then ensued in which he said that the environment didn't matter because "it was all going to be burned up anyway". I informed him since that was the case, he would surely not mind if I came round later that evening and burned his house and cars! End of discussion. Thirdly we should not become adherents of the new/old pagan religion of Mother earth. From a Christian perspective we were the original environmentalists. We don't believe that the earth is God, but we do believe that God commands us to take care of this world that he created. I remember at Live Aid, Freddie Mercury singing an astonishing lyric: "If there's a God up above, a God of love; then what must he think, of the mess that we've made, of the world that he created." Indeed. However, believing that we are commanded to take care of the earth is different from believing that the earth is God, or Mother, or Gaia. Fourthly, we must see the panic and hysteria around the Extinction Rebellion as an opportunity to bring the light of the Gospel into the dark despair of the world. Greta Thunberg is in my view a terrified child prophetess of the new religion. "I don't want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic. I want you to feel the fear I feel every day." But panic is not an appropriate response and filling people with fear about an impending doom is a recipe for disaster. Either they think they can do nothing and become depressed and in despair. Or they think they can do everything and become pawns in the political games of those who use fear and hubris as weapons. Our society might just be waking up to what the church has taught for 2,000 years this world will have an end and history does have a purpose. Ironically, a society which has sought to deny sin for decades is now coming to realise that sin exists and it has cosmic consequences. The suggestion is that we can make atonement for our sins by changing our ways. My fear is that this particular form of eco-redemption will mainly be at the expense of the poor the rich will benefit from the renewables industry and the poor will pay the higher prices. The rich will continue to fly (even in order to attend a demonstration against flying!) but the poor will be priced out of their holidays. The Christian story of redemption through Christ is so much grander and bigger than redeeming the earth by not buying a plastic bag! And that's why finally we must have hope, in the biblical sense. A sure and certain hope. The creation groans; the creation is subjected to frustration; "in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. " (See Romans 8:19-21 NIV). We are looking for the promised renewal of the earth, not its destruction. As I was preparing to write this I read the following from Lloyd Jones' commentary on Romans 13 perhaps this is a good way to finish. "If you merely look at this world, you might end in depression, but the Christian never does. 'For here we have no continuing city', says the writer to the Hebrews (Hebrews 13:14). It is all right, the door is open, this world is not all there is." We live in The Shadowlands, the reality of a renewed heavens and earth is yet to be. This does not mean that we don't care for this earth. Precisely the opposite. We care for it all the more not out of desperation but out of hope. And we point our fellow citizens to the one who is the guarantee of that hope. Don't panic. Look to Christ. David Robertson is a minister in the Free Church of Scotland. He blogs at www.theweeflea.com Why be offended by something you don't believe? If I had a penny for every time someone posted or shared something offensive to Christians on social media, I'd have a lot of pennies. The news lately has been bombarded with different points on the topic of Australian rugby player, Israel Folau and his controversial Instagram post. The post was a strict warning of what he believes awaits sinners and those who don't repent, but also highlights God's love for everyone. There have been arguments made for the harsh truths of the post possibly offending some and being too blunt for social media, but the idea that someone could be offended by something that they don't believe in makes very little sense. Inclusion or delusion With Folau's job and career on the line it's probably worth mentioning that it would be 'real' discrimination to fire him based on his religious beliefs, no matter how vocal he is. It's also interesting that his post might be considered hate speech or an infringement on religious freedom laws - this is dangerous territory for freedom of speech for every Australian. Politics aside, Israel's post is no different to a public figure sharing global warming posts in the hope that someone hears the message. In the same sense, not everyone believes in global warming and those who don't are generally not offended by people who tell them we're all going to die in 20 years, because it simply means nothing to them. Rugby Australia hopes to promote inclusion by excluding Folau, but if RA hopes to avoid taking a position in religious or political arguments then they ought to exclude all sponsors and affiliations who endorse any sort of political agenda, right? Wouldn't that fix everything? Whoever acknowledges me... For a public figure to profess their beliefs on social media to an audience of almost half a million-plus, whatever publicity his post got him, is sadly uncommon and it isn't hard to see why. Something to notice about Folau's post is that it isn't anything that hasn't already been addressed in the Bible itself, to back this up, Folau quoted Galatians 5:19-21 KJV in the caption. His post isn't introducing any new or radical ideas to be contested by Christians or the public, this information is open to everyone whether they have Instagram or not. To be offended by this post, one would have to recognise the authority of God, his existence and the weight of sin, or it would mean nothing to the non-believer. Also worth mentioning is this isn't his first post declaring his faith and sharing the word of God, people only seem to be offended when it suits them. Folau is undoubtedly a fearless follower of God and will see the benefits of his faithfulness. Matthew chapter 10 verse 32 says: "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." For the not-yet-saved reader, in regards to the truth in Folau's post, it's important to know that Christians only despise the sin, not the sinner. Courtesy of Press Service International The stepfather of 4-year-old Maleah Davis, the last person to see her before her disappearance a week ago, was taken into custody Saturday and charged with tampering with evidence the first major break in a case that has confounded both the public and authorities. Derion Vence, 26, was arrested by the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitives Task Force at a relative's home in Sugar Land without incident. He is charged with "tampering with evidence-human corpse," but police said no remains had been recovered as of Saturday evening. A Houston Police Department spokesman said blood evidence obtained from Vence's apartment has been linked to Maleah. Vence made his first court appearance Saturday evening before Judge DaSean Jones in the 180th District Court. His bail was set at $1 million, according to Harris County court records. STAY INFORMED: Get all the news you need to know to start your day, delivered to your inbox Vence had been missing since he reported Maleah's disappearance and police were "actively searching" for him. As recently as five days ago, investigators did not consider Vence a suspect or a person of interest in Maleah's disappearance, though Houston police Sgt. Mark Holbrook told reporters Monday that there were "a lot of blanks" in his story. Vence told police that he pulled over to check a flat tire around 9 p.m. last Friday while driving to Bush Intercontinental Airport to pick up Bowens, who had been out of state for funeral. He said he was with Maleah and his 1-year-old son when three men approached him and knocked him unconscious, near Interstate 69 and Greens Road. He claimed he blacked out until 6 p.m. Saturday. When he awoke, he was in Sugar Land with the boy, but Maleah was gone, he told police. He said he walked to Houston Methodist Hospital four hours later and reported the girl missing and the Nissan Altima he was driving stolen. Police revealed Saturday surveillance video shows someone in that Nissan Altima dropped Vence off at the Methodist Sugar Land Hospital on May 5. That car was recovered in a Missouri City parking lot Thursday morning, police said. A laundry basket was found in the trunk, along with a gas can, confirming information released by Brittany Bowens, Maleah's mother, on Friday. Community activist Quanell X, speaking on behalf of Bowens on Friday, said Bowens saw a surveillance video that showed Vence walking out of his apartment with bleach, a laundry basket and a black bag that she believes contained the girl's body. Bowens believes that Maleah's disappearance was triggered by a confrontation she had with Vence the day before her trip, Quanell X said. She asked Vence about nude photos he allegedly sent to another person, and he "snapped." NEW CLUES IN CASE: Car involved in missing 4-year-old Maleah Davis case has been found Bowens also described severe bruising on the little girl's leg on at least one occasion, as well as suspicions she had been molested by Vence. Court documents show that the girl's grandmother, Brenda Bowens, tried having Maleah and her two siblings placed in her home rather than in foster care during a Child Protective Services investigation that began last August. Maleah was taken into state custody after suffering an unexplained head injury, which was reported as an allegation of physical abuse and neglectful supervision. Brittany Bowens told her mother that Maleah had "fallen from a tall chair to a marble table" but was fine. During a second hospital visit after the fall, she had a procedure that required half of her skull to be removed. She had also been hospitalized on July 10, 2018, after vomiting with small amounts of blood, according to court records. Authorities are still searching for Maleah, though the heavy rains in the Houston area the last two days have delayed the efforts. Staff writer Samantha Ketterer contributed reporting. Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled the suspect's first name. Houston police initially spelled it Darion but now say it is Derion. nick.powell@chron.com When Malcolm and Mary Ellen Maupin received word Wednesday that their sons remains may have been located after 20 years, they were overcome by mixed emotions. Malcolm said he is grateful that Kent has finally been found, but angry that he had to find out from a newspaper reporter. Kent Maupin, 20, and Mark Brashier, 21, joined about 20 others from Pasadena on a weekend in early September, 1979 to dive in Jacobs Well near San Marcos. Though still young, Kent had been diving since he was 12 years old, was a certified dive instructor and a very experienced scuba diver for his age. Apparently, however, age may have contributed to Kents death as he and his friend, with the confidence of youth, ventured beyond the realm of safety. Maupin and Brashier arrived at the campground around 11:30 p.m. on Sept, 9, determined to make a dive while others were settling into their campsite for the night. According to those who were there that weekend, the two boys were not alone in the well at the time, and were seen by other divers going into the dangerous fourth chamber. The first chamber of the well drops straight down approximately 25 feet. The second descends another 35 feet, and the third chamber slopes gently down, narrowing to a depth of 75 feet. At the end of the third chamber is an opening, leading to the fourth chamber. At the time, the entrance to that chamber was only about 18 inches wide and about 15 feet long. Several who had previously entered the fourth chamber had not returned alive. Around midnight that night, the two young men were seen at the entrance to the chamber, backing into the opening and pulling their tanks behind them. Joe Moye, a diver who said he was stunned to witness the scene, remembered that the two had no backup lights and no safety line. In a Texas Monthly report from 1980, Moye said he flashed his light back and forth, trying to get Brashiers attention, who had gone in last, but Brashier would not look up at him. Moye remained submerged as long as he could, hoping the two divers would come back out, but finally ran out of air and was forced to head for the surface. He said at that time, he knew the boys were dead. Sarah Cargill, an employee at the Pasadena Citizen, was at Jacobs Well with her family that weekend and said she remembered getting the news that Maupin and Brashier had not surfaced. It was just horrible, she said. We had been on other dives with Kent and knew his family, and we just couldnt believe it had happened. Cargill said while her family came back to Pasadena the next morning, the Maupins made the trip to the river and waited desperately for the recovery of their sons body. Kents parents stood on the banks of that river for a week, waiting for his remains to be brought up, she said. Over a week later, after extensive effort, the recovery work was called off when entry into the corridor was proven to be impassable. Don Dibble, one of the main recovery divers on the case, was seriously injured in his attempt to locate the remains. At that time, Malcolm said he didnt want anyone else injured in order to find his son. I didnt want them to continue trying to get to him, the elder Maupin said. I told Don I was afraid somebody else might get hurt or even die, and I just didnt want that to happen. Dibble later went back to the well with a team of divers and cemented a grate over the lower portion of the cave to prevent anyone from entering the dangerous area. Ten years after the fatal accident, most of the remains of Brashier were discovered, but Maupin was never found. Now, almost exactly 21 years later, Kent will finally be laid to rest and his family can receive the closure they have sought for all these years. Closure is such an over-used word, said Mary Ellen Maupin, but thats the only way to describe the relief Kents father and I feel now that Kent has been found. Wade Parham, with the San Marcos Area Recovery Team (SMART) who discovered the remains on a routine mapping expedition, said Maupins remains were happened on by the divers and were easily discovered. He also said, whether removed or washed away, the grate placed over the area by Dibble is no longer there. The owner of the property has declared the well off-limits, Parham said. He also said he would prosecute anyone trespassing on the property, but the well is still accessible and remains a danger. It is not a place for recreational diving and, in my opinion, should have a grate placed over it. Sitting in their Pasadena home where Kent and his sister, Pamela, were raised, the elder Maupins are surrounded by seashells and other nautical reminders of their years scuba diving as a family. Award-winning, underwater photographs taken by their son line the walls along with Kents Eagle Scout Award and diving certificates. His voice cracking with emotion, Malcolm said, Its so hard to relive it after so long. I wish I had been there that night. Our family went on a lot of dives together over the years, and I never would have let him go in there. I might still have a son if I had been there. Or, I might have lost a son and a husband, Mary Ellen quickly countered. Daddy was Kents favorite diving partner, but there is no way to know what would have happened if things had been different. The Maupins are awaiting final word from the San Marcos Medical Examiner to determine that the remains are, in fact, their son. After that, they say, they can finally bury the past and spend the rest of their years enjoying memories of their son, Kent. Houston Public Workss Transportation and Drainage Operations has inspected the sinkhole on Hamblen Road and will begin work on it this week. In an email Friday, the departments Director of Communications Alanna Reed said crews arrived on site last week to complete an evaluation of the damage. The sinkhole is at the 1600 block of Hamblen Road near Redbud Lane and appeared 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. The roadway has been completely washed away and will need to be reconstructed, she said. Houston Public Works hopes to have a contractor by next week, and it may take up to two months to complete the work. Reed said that the contractor, once on-site, will be able to determine the repair costs. Councilmember Dave Martin was also present during HPWs inspection, Reed said. In the meantime, this section of the road will be impassable. Kingwood resident Eloise Hilarides lived near the sinkhole. On Tuesday evening she recorded videos of a burst water pipe underneath that section of the road and firefighters assessing the geyser. Water was shut off Wednesday after the sinkhole appeared just a few doors down from her. Its been an adventure, I guess, Hilarides said. Houston Police Department Officer Felipe Flores was on-site to make sure no one would fall into the sinkhole in Kingwood near the 1600 block of Hamblen Road. He said there is a possibility that it will expand. Residents can call Houston 311 at 713-837-0311 to report areas with high water, debris, blockages, and other flood-related issues. nguyen.le@chron.com Andrew Mitcham was elected the new mayor of Jersey Village, and as the successor to Justin Ray he said he wants to keep the recent goals of Jersey Village moving forward. Mitcham was elected mayor on May 4 after running unopposed. Along with Mitcham, council members Bobby Warren and Greg Holden were reelected to their position on council alongside new council member Drew Wasson. Wasson was appointed by city council on May 6 to fill in Mitchams previous role as a council member since 2015 and a role on the comprehensive planning council in 2016. Mitcham said he intends to continue plans for Jersey Village that have been progressing, including the recently announced Village Center breaking ground this summer. He said plans include more flood mitigation and construction in the near future. The 43-acre Village Center will be a mixed-use development including multi-family housing, a new city hall, retail, restaurants, an amphitheater. Mitcham said the project will take about three years to complete. With Village Center were looking at announcing our main tenants in the development starting in June or July, he said. Well start getting letters of intent and will be able to announce those exciting tenants coming up pretty soon. Its about a 36-month construction project. Its raw land so we have to clear it, put in streets, some pedestrian improvements and build it. Mitcham also said the city plans to move forward on flood mitigation and has designs for the project. Jersey Village is also raising home elevations to combat flooding, with the first round of 18 homes occurring in July, he said. Design should be finished here in May or June and then well wait for the green light to put those out to bid from FEMA, Mitcham said. With flood mitigation, Im expecting to have this project bid and those contracts awarded by the end of the summer. A lot of that is dependent on federal grant funding. We do have to wait on FEMA to review those plans. As for Wasson, Mitcham said he and other council members appointed him as a member to keep the vision consistent across the board. The council selected Drew Wasson because wanted to keep a person on council who had the same vision that I have, he said, I feel like its still a collaborative council. We dont agree 100% on everything but we have a good team that discusses the facts, looks at the facts and tries to come up with the best outcome for the city. As a resident of Jersey Village since third grade and a Cy-Fair ISD graduate, Mitcham said he wants to make the city a place his children will want to start their families Its an honor to represent my hometown as mayor and Im going to my very best to make everyone proud, he said. We want to preserve what makes Jersey Village the great place that it already is, but we have to look down the road and realize that communities our age hit a point where they have to adapt and compete with newer communities. chevall.pryce@chron.com Conroe has approved a $2 million contract with Houston-based Garver in a 4-1 vote to serve as the construction project manager for the new Conroe Central Wastewater Treatment Plant just south of the city. Councilman Duane Ham was the nay vote. Tommy Woolley, director of capital projects and transportation for the city, told the council during its workshop Wednesday the plant is the largest project the city has done. The construction management is a professional service that uses specialized, project management techniques to oversee the planning, design, and construction of a project, from its beginning to its end. We will very comfortable with Garver, Woolley said. According to information from the city, Garvers responsibility will be to attend the pre-construction meeting, attend progress meetings, review the contractors progress payment requests, coordinate the review of submittals and RFIs, review the contractors progress schedule, maintain and provide record drawings, provide full-time inspection services, review and prepare change orders for the citys review, prepare punch list and final project close out documents and review the contractors completion request and release of retainage. Following a discussion by the council regarding the cost, Garver presented a revised contract during the councils regular meeting Thursday lowering its price from $2.2 million to $2 million. Councilman Seth Gibson asked for the future for the council to have more oversight on such large contracts before seeing for approval. I think in the future we need to do a little more work before we finally see it here dais, he said. Mayor Pro Tem Duke Coon, who asked for the contract to be revisited during the council workshop resulting in the price reduction, agrees. Oversight from the body is important, he said. Duke thanked Garver officials for their effort to revise the contract. We appreciate your willingness to work with the city of Conroe, Coon said. cdominguez@hcnonline.com The mother of missing 4-year-old Maleah Davis is blaming her common-law husband for the girls disappearance, alleging he might have retaliated after a fight and accusing him of past abuse. Community activist Quanell X dropped the accusations on Friday, speaking on behalf of Maleahs mother Brittany Bowens. He said Bowens has seen a surveillance video that apparently shows the girls stepfather walking out of his apartment with bleach, a laundry container and a black bag she believes contained the girls body. Theres a lot that hasnt come out, thats for sure, he said Friday. Its just a sad story. Houston Police Department officials declined to comment on what evidence they might have, or corroborate whether Bowens was meeting with HPD officers Friday to discuss the video, which a neighbor apparently caught from their home. Were not confirming anything at this point, police spokesman Victor Senties said. WHAT WE KNOW: Everything we know about the disappearance of 4-year-old Maleah Davis Stepfather Darion Vence hasnt been found since he reported Maleahs disappearance, police said Thursday. They were actively searching for him but didnt know if he was missing. Theyve said they dont consider him a suspect or person of interest in the case. He told police that he pulled over to check a flat tire around 9 p.m. last Friday while driving to Bush Intercontinental Airport to pick up Bowens. He said he was with Maleah and his 1-year-old son when three men approached him and knocked him unconscious, near Interstate 69 and Greens Road. He said he blacked out until 6 p.m. Saturday. When he awoke, he was in Sugar Land with the boy, but Maleah was gone, he said. He sought medical attention four hours later and reported the girl missing and the Nissan Altima he was driving stolen. That car was found in a Missouri City parking lot Thursday morning, police said. In the video, Vence was seen the morning after Bowens went to Massachusetts for her fathers funeral carrying two bottles of bleach, a large laundry container and a black bag stuffed inside, Quanell X said. Bowens believes that Maleahs disappearance was triggered by a confrontation she had with Vence the day before her trip, Quanell X said. She asked Vence about nude photos he allegedly sent to another person, and he snapped. He took it out on Maleah, possibly because of indications that he physically and sexually abused the girl, who has special needs, Quanell X said. She described severe bruising on the little girls leg on at least one occasion, as well as suspicions she had been molested. It was out of fear and out of being threatened by Mr. Darion that she covered up physical abuse of Maleah that the stepfather was doing, the activist said. For some reason, she was unwilling to tell everything she knew about him. And I think the mother has a twisted love for the man. Court documents show that the girls grandmother, Brenda Bowens, tried having Maleah and her two siblings placed in her home rather than in foster care during a Child Protective Services investigation that began last August. MISSOURI CITY: Car involved in missing 4-year-old Maleah Davis case has been found Maleah was taken into state custody after suffering an unexplained head injury, which was reported as an allegation of physical abuse and neglectful supervision. Brittany Bowens told her mother that Maleah had fallen from a tall chair to a marble table but was fine. During a second hospital visit after the fall, she had a procedure that required half of her skull to be removed. She had also been hospitalized on July 10, 2018, after vomiting with small amounts of blood, according to court records. Police and Texas EquuSearch continue searching for Maleah. samantha.ketterer@chron.com Twitter.com/sam_kett The Harris County Precinct 4 Constables Office held a grand opening for their new substation equipped with boats for aid during flooding on May 10, the same week that Harris County sustained inches of heavy rainfall. On Friday, the Pct. 4 Constables Office opened the Harris County Water Control Improvement District 110 Substation at 20122 Holzwarth Road in Spring with a ribbon cutting and dozens of Harris County citizens supporting the event. The substation, created in conjunction with WCID 110 will have a focus on high water rescue situations, Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman said. Herman said Pct. 4 has been looking into opening a substation in the area for three years to place all emergency high water equipment at this location including rescue boats in the back of the building. He said the idea came from Pct. 4 Chief Deputy Donald Stewart. This will be the eighth substation the Pct. 4 Constables Office has built, Herman said. It is exactly in the middle of the 522 square miles that we patrol in Pct. 4, Herman said. We started looking at the area that is going to be booming, anticipating higher crimes and things of that nature and it was the Cypresswood/(I-45) corridor It's ironic that we just had two recent events and here we are 12 hours away from what happened last night and we're opening this office. Jerry Strickland, director of WCID, said the substation will soon have a generator on site so deputies can fully function during weather events. Hopefully we can find a way to staff it every day so a normal citizen can walk in, knock on a window, buzz somebody so somebody can come and talk to (deputies), he said. We're proud of this. We're very proud of it. Water boards catch a lot of rocks thrown at them for not spending money. Folks, you're standing on $1.7 million. Herman thanked Lowes and Home Depot staff present at the event for helping Pct. 4 acquire the property. Pct 4. judges Lincoln Goodwin and Laryssa Korduba were at the event showing support as well as Jack Cagle, Harris County Pct. 4 Commissioner. Cagle expressed his excitement for the new station. When Harvey hit I was having meetings with Constable Herman in the lobby of the church that we converted into the emergency station to help serve the public, he said. Now that we have a location that's like this, that should be high enough and dry enough to where we can continue to serve the public with our communications intact and our people intact. Cagle specifically congratulated the WCID for researching the project and working with Pct. 4 Constable Precinct. You're not only making a difference for yourselves, you're making a difference for the whole precinct, he said. chevall.pryce@chron.com Rep. Liz Cheney has spent only six months as a senior House leader, winning rave reviews from fellow Republicans. Now she's suddenly facing a dilemma over whether to take her talents to the other side of the Capitol. The decision - whether to continue her quick ascent in the House leadership or instead seek to succeed retiring Wyoming Sen. Mike Enzi next year - is not only momentous for Cheney, but it's one her entire party is watching closely. The daughter of former Vice President Richard Cheney, as the Republican Conference chairwoman, is one of only a handful of GOP women who have risen in the highest ranks of Washington politics and might credibly appear on a national ticket in the near future. And while she has stood squarely behind the populist policies of President Donald Trump, Liz Cheney has also forged a profile focused on a strong national defense and muscular foreign policy - leading some Republicans to see her as a figure who could, after Trump's departure from the public stage, bring the party back to its hawkish roots. Cheney "represents what normal people think of as a statesman, voice and presence for the future of the party," said Mary Matalin, the veteran GOP consultant and a family confidant. "Liz has that rare policy-political 'leader gene.' . . . She could go in any direction." Cheney, a 52-year-old mother of five, is not shedding any light on her thinking in the immediate aftermath of Enzi's surprise decision not to seek a fifth term. She declined an interview request and brushed off questions about her future at a news conference this week. Ruling nothing out, she instead pivoted immediately into the blunt, focused messaging that has won her fans across the Republican firmament. "We really are at the opening phases of a huge ideological battle in this nation, and it's one that Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in the House have clearly come down on the side of socialism," she said, adding: "I don't have any announcements to make beyond that." Still, the outlines of her choice are clear. Staying in the House would maintain a Cheney family tradition - her father represented the state's at-large district for a decade, rising to minority whip before leaving Congress to serve as defense secretary - and give her an excellent opportunity to someday become the first Republican female speaker. But Cheney has eyed the Senate before, launching an abbreviated primary run against Enzi in 2014, and it's the rare politician who prefers running every two years to every six years. Crossing the Capitol would also give Cheney, who served as a senior State Department official in the George W. Bush administration, a more prominent platform on national security. Her profile would undoubtedly exceed her status as the junior senator from the nation's least populous state. Another fact of political life: Not since Rep. James Garfield, R-Ohio, won election in 1880 has a sitting member of the House been elected president. "She is on a shortlist of Republicans you can say with assurance will be at the top at some point, whether it's in the House, the Senate or the White House," said Josh Holmes, a former top aide to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. "She's got a really unique set of skills and knows how to use them. My sense is that she is, at some point, going to be leading everything in D.C. It's just a matter of from what perch." Cheney has plenty of time to decide - Wyoming's filing deadline is a year away - and aides say she wants to be respectful of Enzi's retirement announcement as she deliberates. But potential rivals for the Republican nomination - which is tantamount to election in Wyoming, particularly in a presidential election year - may not be so patient, and Republicans expect Cheney to make her intentions known well before the end of the year. "She's terrific, and she'll make a decision and make an announcement when she feels the time is appropriate," said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. Her predecessor in the House - former Rep. Cynthia Lummis, who has a base in the southeastern part of the state - is reportedly pondering a run, while former Gov. Matt Mead and businessman Foster Friess could also join the race. Should Cheney decide to run for Senate, it would pose a twin headache for House Republicans. Under House GOP rules, she would have to immediately resign as conference chairwoman - the No. 3 post - upon seeking statewide office, sparking a potentially divisive leadership race in the middle of a presidential campaign cycle. More worrisome to some Republicans, that would also mean losing the only woman in the House GOP leadership and one of its most effective messengers. "I want to keep her here. We have big plans for Liz. The country has big plans for Liz," said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., the ranking member of the House Budget Committee and a close friend. "That's the selfish part of me. The more selfless part of me is, she needs to make the decision based on where she believes she can make the difference. And I don't care where she is, she's going to make a huge difference." Cheney's blunt, no-nonsense approach - and her aversion to identity politics - was on display last week as she led a news conference honoring Gold Star families ahead of Mother's Day. Standing behind a podium emblazoned with the phrase "SECURITY MATTERS," she criticized those who draw a narrow definition of "women's issues." "We should never presume that national security is not a women's issue," Cheney declared to the cameras, with a half-dozen House colleagues and White House counselor Kellyanne Conway beside her. "We aren't going to only talk about certain issues when it comes to women. We don't, on our side of the aisle, believe in that." Adding to her sharp words highlighting national security matters and decrying the doings of left-wing Democrats, she has also emerged as a fierce critic of anti-Semitism and bigotry. She was among the first Republicans to call for sanctions for Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, after he made comments sympathetic to white nationalism, but most of her fire has been trained at Democrats - particularly freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., whose criticism of Israel has veered into offensive territory for many lawmakers. On Friday, after Omar took a swipe at Cheney on Twitter, Cheney fired back by calling Omar "an anti-Semitic Socialist who slanders US troops and carries water for Hamas and Maduro," a reference to the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. That hair-trigger has won her fans on her party's right flank. "She doesn't take any guff from anyone, and she does it in a smart, witty way that's upbeat," said Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., a member of the House Freedom Caucus. "And so if she chooses to run for Senate, she's going to win. And if she chooses to stay here and go up the ranks of leadership, I think she's going to succeed in that, too." Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, questioned this week whether Cheney faced much of a dilemma given that there's no guarantee that Republicans regain the House majority in 2020 while the Senate GOP is in better shape. "I mean, being GOP conference chair in the minority versus being a senator? Pretty easy call for me," he said. But one Republican, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss factors weighing on Cheney's thinking, said it was not a foregone conclusion that she would leave the House, saying she's "getting to like it more than she thought she would." "I don't think it's an uncomfortable place for her as it has been for many, but if she has national ambitions, the House is incompatible with that," the person said. "At the age and the trajectory and the pedigree that Liz Cheney has, I think you have to look seriously at the national stage. And if that's what you're looking at, the Senate would make a lot more sense." Multiple Republicans all said that these are all considerations that Cheney knows well, and they note that there is probably not a lot that anyone who is not in her own family - including McConnell or other Republican leaders - can say to swing her one way or the other. "We're not guidance counselors here in high school trying to help somebody figure out what's next," said Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., the conference vice chairman. "I think her family's been around for a little bit in the political arena." - - - The Washington Post's Paul Kane and Erica Werner contributed to this report. LUBBOCK The husband of death row inmate Darlie Routier said Friday that he and his wife are divorcing to move on from the "limbo" they've been in since her arrest and conviction for killing one of their sons. Darin Routier told The Associated Press that the decision to divorce was mutual and "very difficult," and that he still believes his wife is innocent. His attorney filed the divorce papers Wednesday in Lubbock, where he lives with their youngest son, Drake, who is 15. "It doesn't change the fact that we still believe what we believe," he said. "You have to separate the tragedy from the marriage. Do you know anyone who would have waited 15 years? So it doesn't change anything." Darlie Routier, 40, was convicted in 1997 of killing the couple's middle child, 5-year-old Damon, the year before. She also was charged with killing Damon's 6-year-old brother, Devon, but was not tried for the death. Darlie Routier contends that an unidentified intruder killed the boys and stabbed her in their home in Rowlett, a suburb of Dallas. But prosecutors portrayed her during her trial as selfish and materialistic, and contended that she killed Damon to rid herself of a financial burden. The court filing cites a "conflict of personalities" between the Routiers, but Darlie Routier's mother, Darlie Kee, said her daughter and Darin still love one another and that the wording is typical for a divorce petition. "It's as general as it can be," she said. "This has ruined their marriage, so we can thank the state for that. It's been very hard on all of us, because she's innocent. It's just time for him to try to move on and try to find some kind of happiness. You cannot repair the marriage because of the distance all these years." The Routiers met in Lubbock when Darlie was a teenager and Darin was the assistant manager of a restaurant, and they dated for several years before marrying in 1988. They settled in the Dallas area, where Darin Routier's business testing circuit boards became successful a few years later. The couple spent the newfound money - as much as $500,000 a year - on a Jaguar, cabin-cruiser, vacations and an upscale home replete with a fountain in the front yard and hot tub in back. But with the new purchases came hefty bills, and by May 1996 the Routiers owed $10,000 in back taxes, $12,000 on credit cards and two months of mortgage payments. Darin Routier said his wife is appealing her conviction. She is one of 10 women on death row in Gatesville, which is between Dallas and Austin. The petition states that Darin Routier believes agreements will be reached on division of the couple's estate and provisions "for conservatorship, possession of, access to, and support of" Drake. "They love Drake and Drake is first," Kee said. Darin Routier said neither he nor his wife plans to remarry. "At some point you have to move on past the point of limbo you've been living in," he said. "It's not necessarily something that you want but it's something that you have to." With at least two dozen women staring at her - all of them wearing long, platinum wigs and Daenerys Targaryen attire actress Emilia Clarke told a near-capacity crowd at Comicpalooza a story about standing on a toilet in a museum restroom receiving a call from her agent about an audition for Game of Thrones. Clarke was the headliner at this years Comicpalooza, nifty timing as the Thrones panel with her co-star Nathalie Emmanuel fell one day before the shows penultimate episode. Both told tales of their struggles to get jobs in film. I was incredibly unemployed, Clarke said. Emmanuel said, I was working retail, with a mortgage, paying the bills. I phoned my agent about the show. Never heard of it dragons this sounds ridiculous. When Emmanuels agent called to tell her she got the job, the actor thought shed landed a TV commercial. Both expressed a bittersweet feeling about the shows end. Neither sees the episodes in advance. So when Emmanuels Missandei lost her head last week, Clarke didnt know it was coming at that moment. I thought, Oh, the credits will roll in a minute oh no, its THAT ONE. They described an instant friendship that arose as they began working together on a show where the male-centric storyline has evolved over eight seasons. Both will likely find future work offers pouring in. In Clarkes case, the visit to Houston also brought with it a chance to see the Rockets - a losing effort by the home team at a game also attended by Houston native Beyonce Knowles. The queen was in the building, Clarke said, adding that her pre-shoot playlists throughout Game of Thrones have been greatly informed by Beyonces music. As for the rest of Comicpalooza, it continues to operate as an efficient convention with some expansion and a continuation of features that work. The north side of the George R. Brown Convention Center was once something of a dead zone, where the event would host races between Doctor Who Daleks. Now its a hive of gaming activity, a low hum and a high glow emanating from the room. The vendor floor continues to be a draw with artists and comic book writers selling their wares. Its not an easy event to work: Like TK-421, it can be challenging to cover the event and stay at ones post. Louisiana native Danny Allains art greets many convention goers the moment the enter the showroom floor. He uses India ink to draw a skeletal structure - say the inside of a shark or a human hand inside a Kermit the Frog puppet - and paints water color over it. It was an experiment, he said. Watercolor, you cant really control. It. You let it dry and it does what it does. So the bones were a way to control it just a little. I was just throwing darts to see what would stick. Vehicles were on display, as usual: Speed Racers car, the A-Teams van. Various Game of Thrones iron thrones were made available for photo ops. One booth was occupied by the Knights of the Drunk Watch. Motto: We drink and we watch things. WEBTOON had a strong presence on the floor and a strong audience all day. The company provides a digital publishing platform for graphic storytellers. It built a strong readership in Japan and Korea before launching in the States five years ago. WEBTOON currently has 55 million monthly readers. The company offers space to fledgling artists with the hopes of building a readership that can grow into the tends of thousands and then beyond. Successful artists on the platform are offered contracts. Leeanne Krecic, who writes the Lets Play comic under the name Mongie, drew a long line of fans Saturday afternoon. The Kansas City natives road to being a comics author ran through years of spirit-crushing work in IT, helping other people make lots of money. Two years ago she left her job and debuted Lets Play through WEBTOONs Discovery program, and quickly found her readership growing by a few thousand and then tens of thousands each week. Shes now one of the companys Top 5 most-read artists. I dont take any of it for granted, she said. And I appreciate the readers who are there. Theres enough (expletive) in the world to bring people down. If I can make them laugh, or just feel outside of it all for two or five or 20 minutes, thats enough for me, Junepurrr is another rising artist on the platform who turned down working a numbers job to make art. She graduated from University of Houston with a masters in accounting and took an internship where she found herself drawing more than interning. Id stare at spreadsheets, she said. I knew if I didnt at least try to do this, Id be looking at them the rest of my life. She also went through the Discovery program starting in May 2017 with her series Sub Zero and now has between 70,000 and 80,000 readers each week. Many of them were lined up inside the convention center. And those are the sorts of stories that make the event such a magical one. People trading spreadsheets for art. Fans making costumes from materials found around the house. Bobby Edge of the Houston Brick Club spent 80 or so hours creating an Alamo from LEGOs, taking pieces from all sorts of sets: His Mexican soldiers were built in part from old pirate LEGO sets. Some of the Texans were pilfered from a Lord of the Rings set. Overall, the crowd represented all corners of fan culture, with billowing capes and clinging spandex. There were lots of Game of Thrones fans, including a family of four in different character guises, as well as an Arya Stark bearing her fairly new two-bladed dragonglass spear. There were Doctors and Daleks, Padawan and Jedi, Mulder and Scully, a bunch of Jon Snows and even more Daenerys Targaryens. Thrones actor Emmanuel was talking about her character at a panel, but she couldve been talking about this event, where space exists for all worlds, an approach centered on being kind and meeting people where theyre at. Weather forecasters have placed Houston, parts of Harris County and nearby counties along the Gulf Coast under a flash flood watch through 7 p.m. Saturday, as rain began falling early afternoon on areas hit by heavy rainfall during the week. BREAKING NEWS UPDATES: Get your Houston breaking news alerts, delivered to your inbox Showers and thunderstorms continued to hit coastal counties Saturday afternoon, while spreading into the Houston area and prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flood advisory here through 4:15 p.m. Streets, small streams and low-lying areas in Houston and surrounding towns face the threat of floods, according to the advisory. The area at risk stretches southwest into parts of Brazoria, Fort Bend, Matagorda and Wharton counties. STORM AFTERMATH: Heavy rain,flooding hail pummeled Houston-area A separate flood advisory issued shortly before 2:30 p.m. warned of similar impacts in northeast Harris County and neighboring counties to the east. Northwest Harris County is outside the area at risk of flash floods, according to the weather service. The flood watch area takes in Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston and Liberty counties, along with parts of Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery and several others. Storms were generally heading east and northeast, according to the weather service's radar. Shortly before noon, the weather service issued a flood advisory through 1:45 p.m. for Galveston Island, extending to the coast of Brazoria County at Drum Bay. The weather service further warned that flooding could hit an area north of Lake Houston, including part of Kingwood, through 8:30 p.m. The East Fork of the San Jacinto River could see minor flooding around New Caney, according to the warning released Saturday morning. Floods could impact streets and highways, and additionally hit homes and structures if flooding worsens, according to a tweet from the weather service. The area at risk of flooding includes the point where Harris, Montgomery and Liberty counties intersect, with affected areas in each county. Meanwhile, Harris County will likely see half an inch to an inch of rain between 7 a.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday, according to the weather service. Two to three inches may fall in Galveston, while isolated areas may see five inches, though it was not clear which areas are at risk for that amount of rain. A barge collision in the Houston Ship Channel Friday also left a gasoline-like odor over parts of east Harris County. The weather service said the strongest odor would cover areas including Clear Lake, Kemah, League City and Webster through 6 a.m., though several people reported continuing odor past 9:30 a.m. Sheriff's deputies are searching for a suspect who they say fatally shot a man behind a gas station in north Harris County early Saturday morning. Officials responded shortly before 4 a.m. to reports of a man lying in a gas station parking lot off the Eastex Freeway near Aldine Bender Road, several miles south of Humble. BEREA, Ohio -- In keeping with the Berea City School Districts commitment to keeping the public informed, Superintendent Mike Sheppard, as well as high school and elementary school construction project managers, provided a Progress as Promised update on May 1. Sheppard reviewed the overall project timeline, from bond issue passage in 2016 to current activities under way at the two job sites. In addition, he recapped completed renovations that transformed the former junior high to a grades 5-8 middle school. Big Creek Elementary School also received facility upgrades, as did the swimming pool at the middle school. Panzica Construction is leading efforts at the new high school in Berea, and C.T. Taylor Construction is overseeing work at the new elementary school in Brook Park. Mark Panzica told the audience, which was comprised of approximately 40 residents, he presently has more than 100 field workers on the high school site. The buildings are going up, and masonry has begun on some of them. He added his company has been meeting with nearby residents "to understand their concerns and to try to address them." "We're doing our best to control the mud and the traffic," Panzica said, noting 15-20 semi-truck deliveries occur each day. "As of right now, things are on schedule, on budget and going well." Matt Collier, senior project manager for C.T. Taylor, said the elementary school is on track for a revised August 2020 opening after weather conditions delayed the original January 2020 date. A beam signing has taken place, and the students' signatures have become a permanent part of the new Brook Park building's infrastructure. Overhead framing has begun, with mechanical and duct work, HVAC and piping in progress. "You will see brick veneer is going on and after that, the windows will go it," Collier explained. "We're on budget, with not too many surprises over there." The new high schools two-story academic wings are slated for student occupancy in August 2020, followed three months later by the opening of the auditorium and gymnasium. The 2020-21 district configuration ultimately will consist of grades 9-12 at the high school, grades 5-8 at the middle school and three elementary schools, Sheppard said. AVON LAKE, Ohio Health spas have become popular in recent years for the purposes of relaxation, recuperation and even refocusing ones life. Lotus Yoga & Health will be opening with a red ribbon cutting ceremony in Avon Lake at 2 p.m., Friday, May 17. The owner, Rajina Thompson, said she believes she has found a unique fit for her business because she believes her ideal customer is one who desires healing in an indulgent spa and that describes the potential customers in Avon Lake in her opinion. Thompson said she has identified Avon Lake as such a community because it is a place where people better themselves through strength training (both mental and physical), relaxation, and bliss which is the fundamental mission of my business. Ted Esborn, Avon Lakes economic development director, said The City of Avon Lake is excited about the new wellness business that is located in a dynamic group of businesses on Avon Belden Road close to Pin Oak Parkway. Lotus Yoga & Health Spa will be a new next-door neighbor to CCM Beauty and Spa salon, which also had a ribbon cutting as a new business just last October. Lotus Yoga & Health Spa has found a great location with lots of foot traffic, said Esborn. Rajinas business is just a couple doors down from the BMV (License Bureau) and Feniks Frozen Custard, noted Esborn, which gives her exposure to new potential customers every day. We look forward to working with this new Avon Lake small business. Services at Lotus Yoga & Health include all styles of yoga, reiki, hot lava wrap, steamy lotus and massage. For more information call Lotus Yoga & Health at 440-225-4330 or visit https://www.lotusyogaandhealthspa.com. MAYFIELD, Ohio -- Drivers who regularly use Wilson Mills Road, east of S.O.M. Center Road, should begin planning alternate routes as road work there will soon be taking place. It is one of a few road projects slated for this summer. The stretch of Wilson Mills Road from S.O.M. Center Road (Rt. 91) east to River Road (Rt. 174) in Gates Mills will be closed for repairs and resurfacing from May 20 to Aug. 2. Only local traffic will be permitted during the closure. Detours will be posted. Chagrin Valley Paving will perform the Wilson Mills resurfacing work at a total cost of $1.844 million. Local traffic will be maintained for residents living on Wilson Mills Road, or on adjacent side streets. Motorists should expect delays when traveling through the work zone and should use alternate routes as much as possible. The project will include the milling of the existing asphalt surface, the addition of paved shoulders where no curbs exist, pavement repairs as needed, and softening of the curve between Village Trails and Echo Drive. Also, reshaping roadside ditches, replacing the existing asphalt walk with a five-feet-wide walkway, and resurfacing the roadway. Where the engineer determines that driveway culvert pipes are deteriorated, the pipes will be replaced, along with corresponding driveway aprons. Affected residents will be contacted in advance of any driveway apron work. Also planned in Mayfield Village this summer is maintenance work on White and Highland roads. Chagrin Valley Paving was again tabbed to resurface White Road, west of North Commons Boulevard to the Willoughby Hills line, and to perform full-depth pavement repairs at various locations on Highland Road. The cost of this project is $278,519. The maintenance work on White and Highland roads is also expected to begin the week of May 20 and be completed within 30 days. Traffic will be maintained on White and Highland roads, but delays should be expected. Residents are also encouraged to avoid the area when possible. Crews on both projects will be working from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with Saturday hours as needed. Work is weather dependent, and delays may occur. Residents with questions can call village Engineer Tom Cappello at 216-731-6255, or Service Director Doug Metzung at 440-442-5506. Residents can also check the Mayfield Village website for updated information. Regarding the restructuring of Ohios congressional districts (House Dems to GOP: Start preparing for redistricting, May 9), why not let the people decide? Information on the population of Ohios 88 counties should be made available and individuals and groups could submit proposals dividing the existing population by 16, with the emphasis being on geographic and numeric common sense -- e.g., each county should be in one district. Im sure the proposals would be more equitable than what we have now. Bill Snorteland, Lakewood CLEVELAND, Ohio A 36-year-old military veteran who died after hanging himself in the Cuyahoga County Jail was identified on Saturday. Nicholas Colbert of Cleveland died Friday at MetroHealth, according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner. Colbert was booked into the jail on Wednesday after being arrested by Maple Heights police and charged with fourth-degree felony drug possession, according to court records. His bond was set at $1,500 Wednesday after his initial appearance in Garfield Heights Municipal Court. Court records say he was scheduled for an early disposition hearing Monday in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Previous story: Cuyahoga County inmate hanged himself; was combat veteran arrested for drug possession The medical examiner has not made an official ruling on his death, but three sources told Cleveland.com that he hanged himself. Colberts death is the first at the jail in 2019. Eight people died in Cuyahoga County custody in 2018, sparking scrutiny of all levels at the jail. The Ohio Attorney Generals Office is conducting an on-going criminal investigation into civil rights violations at the jail that has so far netted indictments of seven corrections officers, the former warden and the former jail director. And the U.S. Marshals Service in November found possible civil rights violations and inhumane conditions at the jail, including medical and mental health access for inmates. Cleveland Municipal Judge Michael Nelson has called for a consent decree that would enjoin the county in a mandatory reform agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice with the oversight of a federal judge. A civil lawsuit filed in December on behalf of inmates also calls for a similar consent decree. Four of the eight deaths in 2018 came by suicide and attempted suicides at the jail tripled from 23 in 2016 to 69 in 2018, according to county records. CLEVELAND, Ohio Nicholas Colbert struggled with heroin addiction in the decade or so since he left the National Guard. His family members, distraught over his addiction, hoped hed land in jail to keep him from what his mother feared was an inevitable overdose. When Colbert was arrested on Tuesday by Maple Heights police on a fourth-degree felony drug possession charge, his mother Laura Colbert was happy her son was no longer on the street, where he continued to chase his addiction. Colbert, however, died Friday at the Cuyahoga County Jail, a few hours after he was moved to a special cluster of cells specifically for veterans. Previous Coverage Cuyahoga County officials have not yet said how Colbert died, but three sources told cleveland.com that Colbert hanged himself in the jail. The Cuyahoga County Sheriff is investigating Colberts death. Colbert at the time was being held in the jail on $1,500 bond. I expected to lose him out there, but I didnt expect to lose him in jail, Colberts mother Laura Colbert said. It was the one place I wanted him to be so he could be alive. Colberts death came at a time of intense scrutiny over conditions at the jail and treatment of inmates. Eight inmates died in 2018 and Colberts death is the first in 2019. The Ohio Attorney Generals Office and FBI are conducting investigations into civil rights violations at the jail and a Cleveland judge has called for a consent decree that would enjoin in a mandatory reform would enjoin the county in a mandatory reform agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice with the oversight of a federal judge. A civil lawsuit filed in December on behalf of inmates also calls for a similar consent decree. Colberts mother and two brothers twin Jeremy and younger brother Danny all said they were awaiting answers to help explain his death. Thats just not my brother, Danny Colbert said. He had been through a lot, but it wasnt like him to be that low to do that. I thought that jail would be the best place for him so he didnt die in the streets. I thought he was safe but I guess not. Colbert was an out-going person with a slew of friends, his family said. He loved poetry, Danny Colbert said. He also loved spending time writing rap lyrics and used his free time and money to buy studio time to record songs, including some about fighting his heroin addiction, his mother said. He was a really good person, but the drugs got him got him in the end, Danny Colbert said. I always looked up to him for going overseas with the National Guard. He was a real caring and good person until drugs got a hold of him. Colbert grew in Akrons Ellet neighborhood and graduated from LifeSkills in Akron. His mother struggled with drug addiction. Laura Colbert said her son helped her get clean in 2004 while awaiting the birth of Nicholas Colberts first of four daughters. When his first daughter was arriving, I was on crack, Laura Colbert said. I was excited about my first grandchild and I told him I couldnt wait to have her for the weekends. He said she couldnt stay with me until I got clean. Thats what helped me get clean 15 years ago. After his daughter was born, Nicholas Colbert enlisted in the National Guard in order to provide to a better life for his daughter and first wife, who he married in 2007, his family said. He was twice deployed overseas, including to Egypt for about a year. His family members said he never spoke about his time overseas, but excitedly shared photos of his trip to see the Egyptian pyramids and the Red Sea. Once he returned from his tour overseas and his time at the National Guard ended, Nicholas Colbert started using heroin, his family said. They were unsure exactly why, but said both he and his wife were addicts. She died of an overdose in 2013. His struggle with heroin marked the remainder of his life, his family said. He overdosed at least three times, each time being revived by the heroin overdose antidote Narcan, his mother said. Colbert lost custody of his children, who are between the ages of 14 and 1. Several times, his family said, he either sought rehabilitation on his own or was court-ordered to do so. Hed seem to be doing well for a while, but would ultimately revert back to using. In 2015, for example, he pleaded guilty in a felony theft case. He was allowed to enter a treatment in lieu of conviction program. He re-married in 2018, but continued struggling with heroin. About a month ago, he called asking for help, his brother Jeremy said. Jeremy said he picked him up in Cleveland and drove him back to his home in Akron, bought him dinner, got him clean clothes and a haircut. I tried to show him what a happy life looked like, said Jeremy Colbert, who is the father of three. I tried to encourage down the right path. He tried to steal some money from me, so I took him back to Cleveland. That wasnt my brother doing that. That was the drugs. Somewhere down the line he just needed that drug more than anything. The upstate New York man accused of threatening "to assault and murder U.S. Reps. Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington was stabbed in his jail cell while awaiting trial, authorities said Thursday (May 9). Jailers told police that Carlos Bayon, 63, sustained three wounds to the top of his head and others on his left arm and right hand. The stabbing happened April 11 at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center in Youngstown, but the privately run detention site did report it to Youngstown police until Tuesday, detective Sgt. Mike Cox of the Youngstown Police Department said. Bayon is being held at the center pending trial in U.S. District Court in Buffalo, New York. The motive for the stabbing was not immediately clear. Just two weeks ago, Bayon asked the federal court to move him closer to Buffalo for medical treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, according to court records. Cox said Northeast Ohio Correctional staff filed a Youngstown police report relating that Bayon was asleep in his bunk when he felt a sharp pain in his arm, then was punched to the floor, beaten and stabbed. He pressed an intercom button for help and was taken to a hospital. Jail staff found a metal shank in the cell. Bayons cellmate was identified as the assailant. Jailers found a metal shank in their cell. Both Bayon and his cellmate were being held at the Northeast Ohio Correctional Center under authority of the U.S. Marshals Service, Cox said. The agency handles inmates awaiting trial throughout the federal court system. Neither the Marshals Service nor the detention center would comment on the assault. Bayon, who lived in Grand Island, New York, is under indictment in Buffalo on charges of leaving menacing voicemail messages for Scalise, an Old Jefferson resident who is the No. 2 Republican in the House, and Rodgers, formerly the No. 3 Republican. Hes pleaded not guilty. A grand jury charged Bayon on Aug. 9 with two counts each of retaliating against a federal official and transmitting threats in interstate commerce, via his mobile phone in the Buffalo area to Scalises Hammond office and McMorris Spokane office. Authorities say they also found 200 rounds of ammunition and receipts for two guns when they searched Bayons home, as well as 17 books about explosives, false identities, disguises, circumventing security systems, gun silencers and computer hacking. . . . . . . . Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and education plus other odds and ends. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1. In a whiplash-fast turnabout, the Ohio Houses Republican caucus has become pro-environment. Sort of. Meanwhile, in a huge plus for constructive government in Ohio, the House, led by Republican Speaker Larry Householder, is demonstrating it can reach bipartisan consensus on important legislation. Republicans hold 59 of the Houses seats (not counting two GOP vacancies). Democrats hold 37 seats (not counting one Democratic vacancy). On Thursday, the House voted 85-9 to pass its version of Ohios proposed two-year budget. That was the first broad bipartisan roll-call on a House-proposed operating budget since 2007, when the tally was 97-0. (The House speaker then was Republican Jon Husted, now Ohios lieutenant governor.) As for the environment, House Republicans helped block a bid last year by their fellow Republican, then-Gov. John Kasich, to clamp down on factory farm pollution in western Ohios Maumee valley. The Maumee River forms the largest watershed in the Great Lakes basin. If the Maumees dirty, Lake Eries dirty. And if Eries dirty, Toledoans have to drink bottled water, as they did in August 2014, when blue-green algae produced a toxin, microcystin, in the lake, source of the citys drinking water. Still, some House Republicans in mid-2018 (complete coincidence, an election year) seemingly reckoned the cost-benefit trade-off between, say, a 2,000-head feedlot and a city of 280,000 people, and apparently decided livestock should have precedence over voters. But the budget the House passed Thursday includes $86 million over two years for Republican Gov. Mike DeWines H2O water-quality initiative whose goals include protecting Lake Erie. Thats a huge plus for Ohioans. Still, old reflexes die hard. A House budget amendment attempts to undercut a Lake Erie Bill of Rights that Toledo voters, aiming to protect the lake, approved on Feb. 26. You have to wonder: If a public utility, not the people of Ohio, owned Ohios portion of Lake Erie, wouldnt the legislature long ago have given the lake the protection it needs? Prompting that question is this: Many House Republicans seem to have become converts to the cause of clean air. Now pending is House Bill 6. The bill would require Ohio electricity customers to bail out the Perry and Davis-Besse nuclear power plants. Given the ever-cheaper cost of juice generated by natural gas, Perry and Davis-Besse cant compete on price. Yet the two nuclear plants are said, by HB 6 fans, to be Ohios largest [sources] of carbon-free energy. As HB 6 now stands, Ohio electricity customers statewide (residential, commercial, industrial) would pay an extra monthly charge to subsidize the Perry and Davis-Besse plants so they can keep generating power. Residential consumers would pay 50 cents a month extra in 2020; from 2021 on, theyd pay $2.50 a month. The nuclear plants were built and managed by units of whats now Akrons FirstEnergy Corp. An amendment slipped into the budget the House passed Thursday would help Ohio Edison, a FirstEnergy unit, maximize profits. Testifying on behalf of the Ohio Consumers Counsel, heres how former General Assembly member Jeff Jacobson described the amendment: [It] would protect FirstEnergy from refunding significantly excessive monopoly profits to a million Ohio Edison customers. A FirstEnergy spokesman told cleveland.com and The Columbus Dispatch the company complies with Ohios excessive earnings test and the amendment would provide FirstEnergy utilities more flexibility to allocate investments which benefits our customers." Coincidentally, session after session, no matter which party runs the show, the General Assembly has failed to repeal an outrageous Ohio law (upheld by Ohios Supreme Court) that forbids courts and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio from ordering utilities to refund previously approved rates even if those rates are later overturned. That longstanding law, the high court said in 2014, [prohibits] customers from obtaining refunds of excessive [utility] rates that may be reversed on appeal. Then-Justice Paul E. Pfeifer, a Bucyrus Republican, wrote that it is unconscionable that a public utility in that particular case, American Electric Powers Ohio units should be able to retain $368 million that it collected from consumers based on assumptions that are unjustified. But five years later, thats still the law of Ohio because the legislature hasnt changed it. Thomas Suddes, a member of the editorial board, writes from Athens. To reach Thomas Suddes: tsuddes@cleveland.com, 216-999-4689 Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Follow option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. Wall Street on Monday should expect to see China's retaliation to higher tariffs from the United States. But the Chinese have done a great deal to limit foreign competition in the country, and that could prove problematic for them in the trade war, CNBC's Jim Cramer said Friday. "In short, despite what you may have heard from myriad talking heads ... the Chinese government's got a weak hand," the "Mad Money" host said. "They just don't have the cards to hurt our economy as much as we can hurt theirs. By the way, that's been the whole premise of Trump's trade war: China has more to lose than we do." Apple, Boeing and Caterpillar are three names that have been harmed by the prolonged trade war. Still, Boeing has a large backlog, China only makes up 5% of Caterpillar sales, and there's no way the People's Republic can put Apple out of business, Cramer said. "So I believe the sell-off we've been dealing with could now peter out. Listen, we've gotten the tariff increase and we have the Uber IPO over with. That's certainly the sense I got from the end of today," he said. "Remember, hell week the week I've been the most worried about all year because of all this new supply is officially over." Cramer's game plan Hell week culminated with Uber's "total thud" of a debut and an increase of tariffs on products shipped from China, which was the last thing that markets wanted to see, Cramer said. Many investors thought the ride-hailing company, in the most anticipated IPO of the year, would make a red-hot debut on the New York Stock Exchange, but the share price fluttered to about a $41 close after raising more than $8 billion on its $45 offering price. In broader trading, U.S. equities rebounded after initially selling off when tariffs on Chinese imports were hiked to 25% from 10%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 114 points, the gained 0.37% and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.8%. "We made it through hell week," the host said. "And now that we've made it to the other side, we can finally start talking about earnings and interest rates again, not just tariffs and the Uber deal. And I bet that means the market will attempt to stabilize at these new lower but oversold levels." Click here to see what Cramer's looking forward to in the week ahead Ready for battle US President Donald Trump (R) speaks during a trade meeting with China's Vice Premier Liu He (C) in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 4, 2019. Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images The Trump administration a year ago began sending American businesses a clear-cut message to get out of China, Cramer said. Despite another round of tariff increases Friday and a new episode in tense U.S.-China trade relations, many companies heard the message loud and clear. "Nearly everyone in the business community saw this coming. They've talked about it endlessly, and they've made a lot of the necessary adjustments," the host said. "You know who's been caught off guard? The pundits, and that's why the market could ultimately rally on what you would've expected ... to be a really ugly day." Read more here Nothin' but a G thing Sanjay Poonen, COO, VMware Scott Mlyn | CNBC Cramer suggested Friday that investors add three more 5G plays to their basket of stocks, given the current state of the market. "In a confusing market, you should always be ready to fall back on your favorite long-term themes, and right now the 5G buildout is one of the best," the host said. "And VMWare, Silicon Labs and Marvell Tech are now three more great ways to play it." At the end of April, Cramer listed Qualcomm, Skyworks Solutions, Broadcom, and Xilinx among the best chipmakers to benefit from the rollout of the fifth generation of wireless technology. He also recommends Nokia and Ericsson as a play on telecommunications infrastructure. On the networking equipment front, Cisco Systems has exposure to the space, Cramer said. A slew of other phone and technology companies will spend billions of dollars in coming years on the 5G buildout that is expected to offer faster download speeds and cellular connections that match that of Wi-Fi, he noted. Even after a week of extreme market volatility, stocks that have multi-year growth themes are names worth gobbling up, he added. "We're going back to the 5G well because, well, it's just such a great story and there are just so many different ways to play it," he said. "These are exactly the kinds of stocks that are worth buying into a market-wide moment of weakness, like we had today, and while the worst of the latest decline may be behind us, know that hell week's over, there's always gonna be another sell-off." Find out Cramer's newest 5G plays here Chatter that matters Robert Locascio, CEO of LivePerson. Adam Jeffery | CNBC LivePerson CEO Robert Locascio explained that, although artificial intelligence is changing the fabric of call centers, bots are enabling people to benefit monetarily from the new technologies. He explained how the conversational commerce company's Maven platform allows former call center workers, such as one woman in the Dominican Republic, to create a bot, own it, and deploy it themselves. She was able to sell millions of dollars worth of grills, Locascio said. "She was empowered to basically create that bot, deploy it, and change her life," he said. "She's doubled her salary. And that's the power of this thing." Catch the full interview with Cramer here A chat with NFL coach John Harbaugh Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh on the sidelines during the NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Doug Murray | Icon Sportswire | Getty Images Earlier this week, Cramer had the chance to talk with Baltimore Ravens coach. The "Mad Money" host asked the Super Bowl XLVII champion what three words epitomize his coaching. Passion, relentlessness, and relationships, Harbaugh responded. "You've gotta care about people," he said. "When you think about it though, team first, right? If nobody cares who gets the credit, how can we accomplish. Maybe that's kind of a lesson in our country we could take to heart, you know, and get some things accomplished." Catch the interview in full here Cramer's lightning round: Balance sheets determine my cannabis picks The erectile dysfunction market isn't as lucrative as it once was, but that hasn't mattered much to Pfizer. The New York-based pharmaceutical giant is holding a strong share in the ED drug marketplace even as competition from generic drugmakers consumes sales of its once-blockbuster male libido treatment, Viagra. The medication, originally developed with the intention of treating high blood pressure in adults, became a hit for males struggling in the bedroom and Pfizer when it was introduced to the U.S. market in 1998. In its first quarter, Viagra brought a total of $400 million in revenue for Pfizer and would later produce annual sales of about $1.8 billion. An estimated 1 in 10 men are affected by erectile dysfunction, or ED, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Viagra was the first noninvasive treatment for male impotency and opened up a previously undiscussed dialogue between men and their doctors about sexual health. Nearly 21 years later, sales of the brand-name drug have dropped. Pfizer lost exclusive rights to the drug in December 2017, bringing with it a flood of generic versions. U.S. sales of "the little blue pill" declined 73% year over year in 2018 from $789 million to $217 million, Pfizer said in its fourth-quarter earnings report, as generics entered the market. Panoramic Images | Getty Images Private equity has taken center stage in active investing, and that means the stock market and its investors could face more challenges especially in a recession. The transition is already underway and according to asset manager AllianceBernstein, won't be ending soon. In a note to clients this week, the firm outlined an upcoming decade in which the "main expression of active investing" is in private markets. Analysts say this shift introduces potential problems. Liquidity could dry up in public markets, causing more volatility. And retail investors may have fewer high-growth opportunities as companies easily raise money privately, opting out of listing on exchanges. Alternative assets are off limits unless you're a qualified, or accredited investor. "It throws a spotlight on the resilience of the liquidity of public markets and even questions the point of a public stock market," Bernstein senior analyst Inigo Fraser-Jenkins said in a note to clients this week. "Soon, active investing is going to be mainly in private markets." The switch is mostly the result of relatively low returns from conventional investments like stocks, bonds, or cash. Instead, those managing pension or endowment money are turning to "alternative" investments private equity, venture capital or hedge funds. "Given the momentum behind this reallocation, we think we may never again see a situation where the bulk of active risk is taken in public markets," Fraser-Jenkins said. Private equity "dry powder," a term for the industry's stockpile of cash, is at historic highs at almost $1.1 trillion last year, according to Preqin Private Equity and Bernstein analysis. At the same time, the amount of publicly listed companies is shrinking, and the U.S. public market is shrinking compared to the rest of the world. Source: AllianceBernstein Losing liquidity As the money shifts to private equity, one implication is that major stock indexes will become increasingly subject to large swings in prices. Endowments and pension funds have to meet certain liabilities and raise cash occasionally. But some private equity investments have as much as a 10-year lockup period, said Quadratic Capital Chief Investment Officer Nancy Davis. "It means more volatility in the public market because you can't get out of these private vehicles you can't buy and sell them when you need to raise money," Davis told CNBC in a phone interview. The risk of volatility is higher in the next economic downturn, she said. "During the next recession or period when assets are not going straight up these institutional investors are going to need to raise money somewhere and it's going to be a public market because that's going to be the only thing they can sell right now," Davis said. The CBOE volatility index Wall Street's so-called "Fear Index" spiked this week ahead of a Friday trade deadline even though it has been mostly lower this year. The VIX is down 24% since January. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink warned against too much allocation into alternative investments at a conference in Boston this week. The CEO said that investors may be over-allocating to alternatives as liquidity dwindles, Bloomberg reported. "That doesn't mean having more alternatives is bad it may be perfectly good," Fink said, according to the report. "Let's be clear that with alternatives you're trading liquidity for more return." Valuations But the alternatives aren't available to everyone. The average investor can't get exposure to high-growth companies until they list on public exchanges. While they may be invested through a mutual fund or pension, traders may have fewer opportunities to get in early. "It becomes hard for public equity investors to access that early high-growth stage of companies," AllianceBernstein's Fraser-Jenkins said. "This should be a concern for policymakers, as the public equity market allows for democratized access to investment vehicles in a way that private assets do not." In a lot of cases, companies have almost no need to go public. They can gin up money relatively easily in private markets and survive for years without capital from stock markets. By staying private they also avoid some regulatory scrutiny and of course, the scrutiny of shareholders. In 2012, the JOBS Act raised the threshold of private shareholders from 500 to 2,000. This allows companies to stay private until they reach that limit. As a result, the average age of companies going public has increased. Uber for example, spent a decade as a private company before heading for a listing debut on the New York Stock Exchange this week. And for investors who can get in to the private markets, there's the problem of lofty valuations. For instance, ride-hailing company Lyft had a market capitalization of $15.6 billion this week after starting out around $22 billion the day it listed. Its last private valuation was $15.1 billion, according to Pitchbook. The stock is down 30% since listing in March. "You have to question valuations in the private market when you have some IPOs like Lyft," Davis said. "They typically have 180-day lockup periods the fact that the securities are trading down when by nature there's scarcity is not a healthy sign." To be sure, AllianceBernstein said this rotation into private investments won't reach a peak for many years. As for the public equity market, its sheer size $70 trillion versus $5 trillion for private equity will ensure it's not completely disregarded, according to the firm. Rising fees Dyson, a British manufacturer best known for vacuums, fans, air purifiers and hand dryers, could add electric vehicles to its product portfolio, the company confirmed this week, releasing images of new patents it has received. "We've been researching motors, batteries, aerodynamics, vision systems and robotics for 22 years. Now the time is right to bring all our knowledge and experience together into one big project an electric car," founder and CEO Sir James Dyson said in a statement on the company's website. The UK firm has been dropping hints of its interest in electric vehicles since mid-decade, last November revealing plans to set up an assembly line in Singapore, with Dyson indicating the project will cost around $2.7 billion to bring to market. The patent images, among other things, show what looks like a three-row crossover-utility vehicle that follows the latest industry approach to electric vehicle design, with its battery pack and motors mounted below the floorboards. But while the patents "provide a glimpse" of what the company is working on, the Dyson founder wrote that they "don't reveal what our vehicle will really look like or give any specifics around what it will do." Launched in 1991, Dyson Ltd. today offers a broad array of products, mostly consumer household goods like the vacuums and fans that are widely advertised. But Dyson has done little to hide his interest in getting into the auto industry. In 2015, he underscored his commitment with the purchase of Michigan-based Sakti3, a start-up that was developing a new type of battery known as solid state. Proponents contend the technology could offer significant advantages over the more familiar lithium-ion technology in widespread use today by boosting range and reducing charge times, particular pluses for electric vehicles, but also useful for the cordless appliances Dyson has been shifting towards. Questions about the vehicle program cropped up last year when Dyson wrote off 46 million, or about $60 million, of its 58 million investment in the University of Michigan spin-off due to problems with the technology. But it subsequently announced new details that made it clear the automotive venture was moving forward. That included word that it would build an assembly plant in Singapore, which the company now says will be complete next year. "Singapore has a comparatively high cost base, but also great technology expertise and focus," CEO Jim Rowan told employees in a letter last November. "It is therefore the right place to make high quality technology loaded machines, and the right place to make our electric vehicle." The founder's latest e-mail revealed that the project is centered at the old RAF base at Hullavington Airport, 2.5 hours west of London and employees about 500 workers, though with testing set to accelerate next month, that job count is expected to grow. "Our bespoke automotive development site at Hullavington, UK is a 200m investment in the Dyson electric car. It's 517 acres house restored hangars, with some of the most advanced Research, Design and Development (RDD) labs in the world," the company says on its website. Dyson said the patent filings reveal an "androgynous vehicle," rather than a specific product under development. But he did offer a few hints at what is coming. "Signicantly, many of our competitors base their electric vehicles on existing formats and adapt them for electric propulsion systems," Dyson wrote in an email to employees. "Such an approach is cost eective, however, it tends to miss opportunities for mass-reduction and aerodynamic improvements which would improve the energy eciency of the vehicle. Another approach has been to focus on smaller vehicles, as this generally keeps the mass of the vehicle low which can extend driving range. However, the size and ride comfort of such vehicles tends to limit their attractiveness and utility." Referencing the patent renderings, Dyson did note that the basic shape, a bit lower than today's typical SUV and CUV, would reduce aerodynamic drag while "the long wheel base could be employed, increasing the driving range and enabling a larger cabin capacity." Based on comments James Dyson has made over the last year and reports in various news outlets, the expectation is that three vehicles are in various stages of development, company officials indicating production should launch by 2021. They have offered no details on pricing nor where they plan to launch the product line, though Dyson is expected to set up its own dealer network. The outspoken company founder has, meanwhile, taken a publicly proactive position in support of a proposal now being studied by Britain's government that would eliminate the sale of all new gas and diesel vehicles. The original concept set a target date of 2040 but British regulators have begun considering the option of pushing that up to 2035. Dyson, for his part, would like the ban to go into effect in 2030. Similar measures are under study in a number of countries, including China, India, Germany and France. In Norway, where electric vehicles currently account for more than half of the new car market, a ban has already been approved. Such a move would improve the odds that start-ups like Dyson could carve out a market niche, though traditional automakers like Daimler AG, General Motors and Volkswagen, are intent on reclaiming market dominance. That said, the arrival of upstart Tesla has shown the potential for new entrants, of which plenty more are looking to launch, such as Rivian and Faraday Future. There is also Apple, the technology giant working on its own vehicle program, though it has sent a number of conflicting signals about what it is developing in recent years. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has forcefully dismissed growing calls for regulators to break up the social media company, arguing that Facebook's size allows it to invest billions of dollars in security every year. Zuckerberg, in an interview with French broadcaster France 2, was responding to an op-ed written by Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, who said Zuckerberg had acquired 'unprecendented and un-American' power. Hughes joined politicians, such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren, in calling for regulators to break up Facebook. "My main reaction is that what he's proposing we do isn't going to do anything to help," Zuckerberg told France 2 in a heavily dubbed interview that was published Friday. In his op-ed in The New York Times, Hughes said he came to his position in the wake of the 2016 election, in which Russia used Facebook as a platform to wage a disinformation campaign, and the Cambridge Analytica data scandal. But Zuckerberg, who was in France to meet with President Emmanuel Macron, argued that Facebook's size is actually a benefit to users and the security of democracy. "If what you care about is democracy and elections, then you want a company like us to invest billions of dollars a year, like we are, in building up really advanced tools to fight election interference," Zuckerberg said. "Our budget for safety this year is bigger than the whole revenue of our company was when we went public earlier this decade," he said "A lot of that is because we've been able to build a successful business that can now support that." Facebook faces growing scrutiny from regulators and politicians both in the U.S. and abroad. The Federal Trade Commission launched an investigation into the social media company after the Cambridge Analytica data scandal, probing whether Facebook violated a 2011 agreement to gain users' explicit consent for their data to be shared. Facebook recently disclosed that it took a $3 billion charge due to the FTC's inquiry and estimated the final charge could amount to $5 billion. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who is running for the Democratic 2020 presidential nomination, laid out a proposal in March to implement "structural changes" to the tech sector, including breaking up Amazon, Facebook and Google. U.S. states filed a lawsuit accusing Teva Pharmaceuticals USA of orchestrating a sweeping scheme with 19 other drug companies to inflate drug prices sometimes by more than 1,000% and stifle competition for generic drugs, state prosecutors said on Saturday. Soaring drug prices from both branded and generic manufacturers have sparked outrage and investigations in the United States. The criticism has come from across the political spectrum, from President Donald Trump, a Republican, to progressive Democrats including U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who is running for president. The 20 drug companies engaged in illegal conspiracies to divide up the market for drugs to avoid competing and, in some cases, conspired to either prevent prices from dropping or to raise them, according to the complaint by 44 U.S. states, filed on Friday in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut. A representative of Teva USA, a unit of Israeli company Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, said it will fight the lawsuit. "The allegations in this new complaint, and in the litigation more generally, are just that allegations," it said in a statement. "Teva continues to review the issue internally and has not engaged in any conduct that would lead to civil or criminal liability." The 500-page lawsuit accuses the generic drug industry, which mainly sells medicines that are off patent and should be less expensive, of a long history of discreet agreements to ensure that companies that are supposedly competitors each get a "fair share." The situation worsened in 2012, the complaint said. "Apparently unsatisfied with the status quo of 'fair share' and the mere avoidance of price erosion, Teva and its co-conspirators embarked on one of the most egregious and damaging price-fixing conspiracies in the history of the United States," the complaint said. With Teva at the center of the conspiracy, the drug companies colluded to significantly raise prices on 86 medicines between July 2013 and January 2015, the complaint said. Representatives of Sandoz, another company named in the lawsuit, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The drugs included everything from tablets and capsules to creams and ointments to treat conditions including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer, epilepsy and more, they said. In some instances, the coordinated price increases were more than 1,000 percent, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit also names 15 individuals as defendants who it said carried out the schemes on a day-to-day basis. "The level of corporate greed alleged in this multistate lawsuit is heartless and unconscionable," Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said in a statement. According to New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, more than half of the corporate defendants are based in New Jersey, and five of the individual defendants live in the state. The lawsuit seeks damages, civil penalties and actions by the court to restore competition to the generic drug market. Generic drugs can save drug buyers and taxpayers tens of billions of dollars a year because they are a lower-priced alternative to brand-name drugs. "Generic drugs were one of the few 'bargains' in the United States healthcare system," the lawsuit said. However, it added, "Prices for hundreds of generic drugs have risen while some have skyrocketed, without explanation, sparking outrage from politicians, payers and consumers across the country whose costs have doubled, tripled, or even increased 1,000% or more." As a result of the drug companies' conspiracies, it said, consumers and states paid "substantially inflated and anticompetitive prices for numerous generic pharmaceutical drugs" while the drug companies profited. The lawsuit filed on Friday is parallel to an action brought in December 2016 by the attorneys general of 45 states and the District of Columbia. That case was later expanded to include more than a dozen drugmakers. The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form John Penrose: Why railways should be more like airlines and how passengers would gain if they were John Penrose is MP for Weston-super-Mare and a former Cabinet Office Minister. Theres just the faintest whiff of new thinking in our railways. A breath of cool air on a passengers cheek that might, just possibly, herald a wind of change. And its coming, improbably, from the next-door sector of airlines. The Rail Delivery Group, a big-shot industry trade association, has just suggested a more transparent, simpler to use, modern system of tickets and fares that wouldnt look out of place in the departure lounge at Gatwick or Heathrow. And a former airline boss, Keith Williams, has been tasked by Government to review how to modernise the entire rail industry as well. He could be an inspired choice by Transport Ministers, because change is desperately needed. The last few years have brought misery for Southern Rail passengers on a service crippled by strikes, timetable meltdowns on Northwestern and Thameslink and, as the cherry on the cake, the East Coast Mainline franchise collapse. The number of extra passenger journeys that have been crammed onto a Victorian-era network over the last 20 years is genuinely impressive, but now the system is creaking badly. If it were an airline, youd take your business elsewhere. But the problem is that we cant take our business elsewhere. Unlike air travel, theres only one train company on most routes. Its weird, really. If Heathrow or Gatwick only let us fly to Paris or Rome on one airline, even though it was often delayed or cancelled, or overbooked, or too expensive, wed be outraged. Wed demand a choice, so we werent at the mercy of a single airlines planes. So why not trains too? Why shouldnt we have a choice of companies providing different types of service between Cardiff and London, or Penzance, or Glasgow? If we think its normal and right to choose between different airlines when we fly, why not rail firms when we take a train too? And, it turns out, whats normal for airlines is better for passengers too. Giving passengers a choice of different airlines puts us in charge, because we can switch to a different one thats cheaper, or more reliable, or less strike-prone, whenever we want. And the same thing happens in the very few places where theres a choice of train companies too. On those routes, if passengers dont like a particular train companys service, then they dont have to wait ten years for the next franchise to be signed; therell be a different firms train along in a few minutes instead. It forces train companies to raise their game immediately, and perform better every day, because they cant take us for granted when things go wrong. The effects are startling. Routes with a choice of train company have services which are far less brittle, because no single company can dictate the entire timetable. Fares tend to rise more slowly. There are fewer delays and less overcrowding. Franchises stop collapsing, because train companies dont need them to run services anymore. Rail firms experiment more creatively with new routes which passengers arent getting at the moment. And if one firm is crippled by strikes, you and I can still get to work on another firms trains. It isnt just rail firms that would be revolutionised by thinking like airlines. Network Rail could start thinking like Gatwick or Heathrow too. Airports earn money from lots of different airlines which use their runways, and Network Rail could do the same for train companies that use its tracks, treating rail stations like local airports, and auctioning track usage like runway takeoff slots. The auctions would transform Network Rails approach. For the first time ever, theyd know the real value of each track slot. And theyd have a huge incentive to create more capacity, building or managing more of the most valuable track-space by targeting cash for improvements where customers value it most. Auctions would be simpler and less bureaucratic too. Current franchise documents are a dripping roast for lawyers fees, with hundreds of pages of highly complex technical and legal specifications down, sometimes, to the design of seat upholstery. All of which could be replaced by a few pages of standards for safety, rolling stock performance, passenger comfort and, errr, not much more. So rail has a chance to learn more lessons from air travel than just ticketing and fares. And, as a former airline boss, Keith Williams could be the most effective teacher. Lets see how strongly those winds of change will blow. 100% Website publisac.ca uses latest and advanced technologies like: Boostrap. It is very popular on the web, it's within the 1 million most visited websites of the world at position 452109 by Alexa. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 63188 bytes (61.71 kb uncompressed) and 11986 bytes (11.71 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-04-22, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media BRIDGEPORT A victim was unconscious when she was taken to a city hospital early Saturday morning after being hit by a vehicle. It happened around 2:45 a.m. at the intersection of Washington and Highland avenues, according to police spokesman Terron Jones. The intersection is near the Greene Homes apartment complex. HARTFORD Clergy from across Connecticut came to Hartford on Friday to make a passionate pitch to legislators to resist backing the legalization of recreational marijuana. While bills calling for legalization have made it through various committees, none have been called for a vote or even a debate on the House or Senate floor. And the clock is ticking toward the end of the legislative session at midnight, June 5. The group of clergy on Friday urged legislators to resist the temptation or promised dollars that legalization would bring to the cash-starved state, stating that the cost of legalization would far outweigh the benefit. One of those legislators was Rep. Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, who was in attendance at the press conference and has been a consistent voice against legalization. This has to do with quality of life and other social impacts, Candelora said. Connecticut is going in the wrong direction with legalization and I hope we are able to stop it this session. No Republican in either the House or Senate has said they would support legalizing recreational marijuana, but those votes wouldnt be needed if all or even a vast majority of the Democrats in the House and Senate voted to legalize. But those votes at least right now dont seem to be there, even though recent polls have indicated that a majority of Connecticut residents favor legalization. And the clergy in attendance at Fridays press conference mean to keep it that way. Dont let big money mess with our kids, said Abraham Hernandez, pastor for the Second Star of David Christian Church in New Haven. Hernandez also urged legislators to not fall for the rhetoric theyve heard from some proponents that legalization would address the issue of minorities being arrested as a higher rate than caucasians. That rhetoric really stirs us, Hernandez said. Our residents are being misled and its just not right. Also imploring the legislators to just say no was the Rev. Carl McCluster, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Bridgeport. I wear a tie every day but I took my tie off today because its time for a fight, McCluster said. McCluster said he was ready to fight the thugs who have come into our community, into our state, to advocate for activities to destroy our youth. McCluster said he might be on the streets today if he didnt straighten himself out after at age 16 some of my friends enticed me to try marijuana. McCluster said the high from pot wasnt enough for him so he moved on to harder drugs, a concern he said he has for youth today if marijuana is legalized in Connecticut. He also said he cant stomach the argument that if marijuana is legalized that some money should be spent on funding drug addiction programs. So were going to get the money from marijuana and were going to use part of it to treat the problem that the money creates, McCluster said incredulously. That doesnt make sense to me. A bill which passed the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee last week by a vote of 29-21 would establish a state gross receipts tax of 6.35 percent on retail cannabis sales for adult use and a 3 percent local sales tax on retail sales. All of the state tax revenue would be deposited into the Community Development Corporation Trust Fund to pay for things like early literacy education and community development corporations that focus on improving the lives of people living in economically distressed and underserved communities. Local tax funds would go to the localities where the retail sales occurred. An amendment was attached to the bill stipulating that an unspecified amount of funding taken in from legalization would be set aside to treat mental health and addiction issues in all of the states communities. Proponents stress that the amendment was put into place to ensure some of the money is spent on helping with such services only when and if recreational marijuana is legalized. WESTPORT A Westport schools maintenance employee is facing stalking charges after allegedly recording students with his cellphone. On April 2, school resource officer Ed Wooldridge reportedly spotted 52-year-old Paul Telep recording students, particularly a female student, with his work cellphone in the Staples High School cafeteria. Wooldridge confronted the Stratford resident about the incident and notified school officials, police said. Staples administrators later confiscated the phone, as it was property of the school system. A forensic search of the phone conducted by Westport detectives revealed Telep had deleted seven videos. The videos all featured the same female student recorded on different dates/times, including the incident in which Telep was observed by School Resource Officer Woolridge, police said. The student and her mother were notified, and the student said she was unaware she had been recorded, according to the police. An arrest warrant application for Telep was submitted and later granted. On May 7, Telep turned himself in at police headquarters on the outstanding warrant and was charged with third-degree stalking. He was released after posting $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Norwalk on May 16. lteixeira@ctpost.com No Shelton High School staffers will face criminal charges after a six-week investigation, according to local law enforcement. There will be no criminal arrests in this case, said Shelton Police Lt. Robert Kozlowsky Friday. The case is now closed. The Shelton police department began investigating Principal Beth Smith and Assistant Principal John Skerritt in late March after police were called to the high school on an incident involving two students. Shelton Police Chief Shawn Sequeira said the department was attempting to determine if school personnel were following the proper protocols and procedures, in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes, when dealing with potentially criminal situations. In response, school Superintendent Dr. Chris Clouet placed Smith on paid administrative leave. Skerritt assumed the interim principal role until he was also placed on paid administrative leave in early April by Clouet after it was learned that Skerritt was also under investigation in the case. We are delighted that no charges have been filed, said Clouet. Clouet said the Board of Education and administration have already begun looking into the status of Smith and Skerritt internally but offered no further comment, saying this remains a personnel matter. Kozlowsky would not comment on the alleged incident involving the two students which sparked this investigation, saying only that the police department found no criminal wrongdoing and expected that the school system and law enforcement would continue to have a good working relationship. The police department and the school system have had a long, positive relationship, and the department looks forward to continuing to work together in a positive way, said Kozlowsky. When asked about the length of the investigation, Kozlowsky said the department never puts a time frame on such cases, instead taking as long as necessary to complete a thorough review of the situation. We believe in doing a complete investigation, said Kozlowsky, and that can take time. FAIRFIELD After a police incident that involved her black son took place during Fairfield Universitys Clam Jam event, Amanda Hanson is hoping that an organized protest at Sherman Green Saturday noon will help unite and educate the community about diversity and racial disparity. Tomorrow Im hoping that we can come together as a community, look at the diversity (in our town) and instead of being afraid of what seems different, instead we get closer and we get to know each other and celebrate the diversity in this town, Hanson, a Fairfield Beach Road resident, said. On April 27, Hansons son, Naquan Oliver, a 20-year-old black Fairfield University student, was involved in an incident with Fairfield police during the Clam Jam event on Penfield Beach. Fairfield police, in a press release issued Friday morning, said that Oliver was intoxicated and was evaluated at a medical tent at the beach event in April. Oliver, police said, became unruly and belligerent towards staff and police officers during that evaluation and Fairfield University Dean of Students William Johnson escorted the student from the beach. When Oliver entered a driveway on the beachside reportedly his home police approached him and Oliver stated that he lived in that home. Officers asked for his identification which had an address from a different street in town. Hanson confirmed this account, saying her sons identification had an address from a previous residence in town. Shortly after the April 27 incident, Hanson wrote about it on Facebook. Last week my 20-year-old black son was almost arrested for trespassing on our property! They (Fairfield Police) accused him of not living at our home. They would have NEVER grabbed him and pushed him up against the fence if he was white, Hanson wrote. Oliver, in an interview Friday, said he had been intoxicated and would be attending the Saturday event in hopes of engaging in dialogue with others in town. I went to high school here ... and I felt very accepted at Ludlowe High School which is not diverse at all but everyone accepted me for who I was, Oliver said. Its so weird to have those two different views with going to high school and having this situation happen. Police stated that the officers involved acted properly and never raised their voices, never stuck or used any force on the subject, and never had any intention of arresting him. He was never searched or patted down. The women took her sons hand (sic) and escorted him into the home. The entire event lasted less than 3 minutes, police said. Police Chief Chris Lyddy confirmed that none of the police officers involved in this incident were wearing body cameras and that on May 3 he had visited Hanson and Oliver at their residence to engage in conversation. Police added that that racism played no part in this encounter whatsoever and that the incident was entirely caused by the intoxicated behavior of the student. The protest organized for Saturday at noon at Sherman Green has the goal of exposing the underbelly of racism in our town, ask for accountability from everyone (and) move to actionable solutions. Lyddy and First Selectman Mike Tetreau have confirmed they would attend the Saturday event in the hopes that the town can engage in a meaningful discussion about diversity and racial disparity. We want to make sure that were doing the right thing, Tetreau said. I dont want this to be divisive and if all we do is argue about what happened or didnt happen, I dont think that helps the community move forward. Tetreau said that he was contemplating restarting a community conversation initiative as in years past after he listens to people at Saturdays event. We can always improve, were looking for how we can improve in every area and (it can be through) communication with residents, Tetreau said. Hanson, following a phone conversation with Lyddy, said she was interested in bringing Undoing Racism a workshop by The Peoples Institute for Survival and Beyond to the Fairfield police department in an effort of solidarity. I think (Lyddy) too wants to do this right, Hanson said. What Im doing tomorrow with hundreds of people in attendance is more productive and useful for our town in the long-term. humberto.juarez@hearstmediact.com I like to say that I have the best job in Washington, D.C. heck, maybe the entire world. I love my organization, our mission and the mission of our members. But not everyone feels this way about their job, and that probably rings more true the farther down in your ranks you go. How can you keep your employees no matter what stage of their career theyre in excited about their job? And how can you do this before motivation is lost? Leadership guru Dan Rockwell shares four questions leaders can ask to energize employees: What is your contribution? Its important that all employees feel appreciated for the work they contribute to your organization. Part of that is managers recognizing their efforts, and another part is them recognizing it themselves. What are you great at? Reflecting on and acknowledging our own strengths are important for self-confidence. Its also a great booster to hear your manager share where they think your strengths lie. To further capitalize on these, make sure youre creating an environment that encourages personal and professional development. Our own Bruce Siwy and Eric Kieta talk about their true-crime cases in Return To View: The Roundtable One of the great enigmas of our times is why some 20 politicians think that they can win the Democratic nomination to run for president of the United States. Their motivation is so unclear to me that I can only guess at the reasons why they do it. I suppose some are recalling the time their mothers told them that they could rise to the highest position in the land. Others believe that Donald Trump is so bad that anyone could beat him (wrong!), while still others believe that if they run, even if they have no chance of winning, they will get their names out there. That school of thinking involves the convoluted belief that if your name is being mentioned as a presidential candidate, your ratings in whatever political job you have at the time will rise. I think Mario Cuomo benefited when his name was bandied about as a potential presidential candidate. In fact, Cuomo senior went to great lengths to make that happen, culminating with the famous running of a plane on the tarmac on the eve of the nomination period for the New Hampshire primary. I got so suckered into that one that I made a fool of myself on The Today Show, predicting that he was running. When I called him to tell him of my national prediction, he softly suggested, You shouldnt have done that. Hey, anyone has the right to throw their hat in the ring. In so doing, they are offering an opportunity to all those who might want to influence politics to get on the inside and make out like a bandit. That could work for a candidate who may be a senator looking to fill their campaign coffers. Lets remember that in politics, its all about money. Some of these politicians are really not running for president, but for vice president. Take the problematic case of Kirsten Gillibrand, the junior senator from New York who has really been working the hustings. Despite all her efforts, she is not being taken seriously. She is polling somewhere between 0 and 1 percent among Democrats who support her candidacy. ZERO! Thats incredible. I have asked Andrew Cuomo and Chuck Schumer about her candidacy, and they very wisely keep their mouths shut. Lets remember how she got to be senator. The senior senator, Chuck Schumer, and former senator, Republican Al DAmato, supported her candidacy. They leaned on temporary Gov. David Paterson to appoint her. I always felt that DAmato did it because of close family connections with Gillibrand and Schumer didnt want the other New York senator to be giving him a run for primacy in Washington. We were told at the time that Gillibrand, who had been the model of a fairly conservative upstate member of Congress, should evolve to a more progressive senator. That she did. Among other positions, she took on a strong me-too position and was among the very first to call for the resignation of Sen. Al Franken, something that has hurt her among many men and women. I hear from those folks quite often. So why is Gillibrand risking looking like a fool? I suspect that if the eventual winner of the primary is male, he will certainly be looking for a woman as his running mate. So it is possible that Gillibrand believes that if she pursues the nomination, she will be the veep choice. That way, if she runs with one of the octogenarians, Bernie or Joe, she could end up on top after one term. I think that whoever the candidate is for president on the Democratic side turns out to be, they should add a woman of color to the ticket. Based on what we have seen so far, that would Kamala Harris, who is both bright and tough. Sunday Freeman columnist Alan Chartock is a professor emeritus at the State University of New York, publisher of the Legislative Gazette and CEO of the WAMC Northeast Public Radio Network. Readers can email him at alan@wamc.org. COATESVILLE-Chester County Commissioners and county staff, Coatesville City Council officials, and leaders of Maternal & Child Health Consortium (MCHC) met at the Coatesville Library on Wednesday to introduce Coatesville Community Connections, an enhanced service for Coatesville residents looking for crucial social service resources. Coatesville Community Connections, funded by the Chester County Department of Human Services, will be staffed by Community Connector Damaris Pagan, Information and Referral staff member for Maternal & Child Health Consortium. The new Coatesville Library location allows extended office hours for the Community Connections service including some evenings and Saturdays. Pagan, who is also fluent in Spanish, said her role is to help clients in the community access programs for services such as rental assistance, utilities and setting up doctors appointments. She said she is looking forward to working with all kinds of people in the community to help with their needs and get them connected to the right path. Chester County is pleased to partner with MCHC on this project. Community Connections is a great investment that will help residents of Coatesville who need crucial services, but who dont always know how to find them, said County Commissioners Chair Michelle Kichline. Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone noted, We are always looking at ways to combine funding, expertise and services in order to provide the best programs that we can to all county residents. Community Connections is a great example of this, bringing together MCHC, the Coatesville Library and staff from our Department of Human Services to make the most of our resources for those living in Coatesville. Through Community Connections, MCHC works with county agencies in the Coatesville area, helping to expedite needed services for residents from basic needs like food, clothing and shelter to transportation information, health insurance and CHIP, SNAP, mental health services, drug and alcohol services and utility and rental assistance. Resources are available for both English and Spanish-speaking families. There are so many services available in Chester County for those who need them, but when someone is in need and doesnt know where to go, it can be overwhelming, said Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell. Damaris and staff at MCHC can help individuals navigate the system with minimal delay, and can also provide resources that families can tap into either from home or at the Coatesville Library to continue to find help when needed. The Coatesville Community Connections office is located in the Coatesville Area Public Library, 501 E. Lincoln Highway in Coatesville. Office hours are Mondays and Thursdays 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To contact the office by phone call 484-378-4030. There is a tradition among boy bands that each troupe contains one member who serves no obvious purpose. He doesnt sing, doesnt dance very well and never seems to speak. He just lurks moodily on the sidelines looking as lifeless as a gargoyle. Theres a touch of this about Guy Verhofstadt. Hes the wily Eurocrat you often see on telly chuckling away with Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker and Michel Barnier, but you dont know who he is or what hes actually there for other than to look mildly sinister. Until this week, that is, when the former Belgian prime minister was the star turn of a BBC documentary detailing the past two years of Brexit negotiations. And what a chilling piece of work he turns out to be. One would think after the political ripples the programme has caused that any party with even a smidgen of self-respect would have given this overtly jumped-up creature a wide berth yesterday. Guy Verhofstadt, pictured with Sir Vince Cable, is the wily Eurocrat you often see on telly chuckling away with Donald Tusk, Jean-Claude Juncker and Michel Barnier, but you dont know who he is or what hes actually there for other than to look mildly sinister So it is perhaps a sign of how desperate the Liberal Democrats are that they gave Verhofstadt the sort of welcome usually reserved for iffy overseas royalty. Sir Vince Cable was out on the stump for the Lib Dems European elections campaign. The setting was leafy Camden, north London, in a chi-chi square where, according to online property experts Zoopla, even a modest semi will set you back a trifling 3million. Welcome to metropolitan elite central. The Lib Dems have adopted the slogan B******s to Brexit a phrase that barely befits university politics, far less a supposedly serious political party. How such a priggish and cerebral man as Sir Vince signed off on this is anyones guess. As he loitered in the sunshine awaiting his guest, Sir Vince appeared sheepish about how Verhofstadt and his aides had spoken about Theresa May in the BBC documentary. I would rather we treated the British Prime Minister in a properly respectful way, he murmured. Verhofstadt pulled up shortly before 10am in a flashy bus with tinted windows. Shame. Id rather hoped he might arrive, James Bond-style, in his beautiful Aston Martin DB2 which he likes to enter in vintage car races, but it has a nasty habit of breaking down. He disembarked with an entourage bigger than Beyonces, flashing a gap-toothed smile. Sir Vince had put a suit on but our European hero went for a dress-down Friday look: open-necked shirt, geography teachers cardie, Jurgen Klopp specs. The crowd cheered and whooped and waved their orange placards. One excitable dear planted a smacker on Guys chops. Fortunately she appeared to suffer no ill side effects. It is perhaps a sign of how desperate the Liberal Democrats are that they gave Guy Verhofstadt the sort of welcome usually reserved for iffy overseas royalty Verhofstadt had come to town, he announced, to support the Liberal Democrats in their fight to overturn Brexit. He told the crowd Britains decision to leave the EU has done far more damage than has ever been predicted. More cheers. We want to show by coming here that were sending a message to the continent to say never repeat Brexit again. How he was going to do this, other than by backing the party polling in fourth place in the EU elections, was not entirely clear.Asked if he felt his presence might be seen as foreign interference, Guy shook his head: This is Europe. I dont think that for European elections it is interference. This answer didnt sound entirely satisfactory. How British people vote is surely none of his business. Someone asked if he regretted making a claim in the documentary that Mrs Mays chief Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins widely regarded as rampantly pro-EU asked him for a Belgian passport. It was a funny joke, he guffawed. Where is your British sense of humour? I hope that in Brexit you dont lose that. To use an old Spike Milligan line, the Verhofstadt sense of humour is obviously no laughing matter. Afterwards, he and his new friend Sir Vince went canvassing. This consisted of knocking on one door belonging to a man who intends to vote for the Liberal Democrats. Then Monsieur Verhofstadt hopped back on his bus and made his escape. A few more of these trips to London and even ardent Remainers will be begging to leave the EU. Dressed head to toe in black with a silk top hat as she strides across the moors, Suranne Jones cuts yet another formidable figure in her latest TV incarnation. The real-life Anne Lister, polymath, industrialist, avid explorer and one of the most remarkable women of the 19th century, is the inspiration for major new eight-part BBC drama Gentleman Jack and she's a world away from the vengeful GP Suranne portrayed in two series of acclaimed thriller Doctor Foster, which kept the nation gripped in 2015 and 2017. Created by Happy Valley and Last Tango In Halifax's Sally Wainwright, the series tells the story of the fearless and charismatic landowner who was mockingly nicknamed Gentleman Jack by locals in Halifax, West Yorkshire, near to her home, because of her masculine appearance and interest in women. But Anne was determined to explore her sexuality, come what may, in a society that had no language to define her. Suranne Jones as Anne Lister. She was a polymath, industrialist, avid explorer and one of the most remarkable women of the 19th century, and is the inspiration for major new eight-part BBC drama Gentleman Jack So determined was she that she developed an elaborate code for her diaries which stretch to 24 major volumes and 4 million words parts of which have been deciphered for the first time for this series. Her diaries documented her lesbian relationships, her extensive travels and her efforts to transform the fortunes of her faded ancestral estate, Shibden Hall in West Yorkshire. The series follows her life and loves and her attempts to marry her long-term girlfriend, a plan that was unthinkable in early-19th-century Britain. We first meet Anne in 1832 when she's 41 and already a force of nature before inheriting Shibden Hall and 400 acres of land from her aunt in 1836. This legacy enabled her to become an astute businesswoman in what was very much a man's world. She took a hands-on approach to the estate, opened a profitable colliery and fought off her male rivals' dirty tricks. 'I'm certainly in love with Anne Lister. I can't say how inspiring she is,' says Suranne, who turns 41 herself this summer. 'I've done a lot of shows, and if you know my work I'm sure you'll know it can be quite dark. Created by Happy Valley and Last Tango In Halifax's Sally Wainwright, the series tells the story of the fearless and charismatic landowner who was mockingly nicknamed Gentleman Jack (right, played by Jones) by locals in Halifax, West Yorkshire, near to her home, because of her masculine appearance and interest in women. The shows sees her romance with Ann Walker (left, played by Sophie Rundle) 'But playing Anne was uplifting because it's about having the right to be who you are, regardless of your sexuality.' With two masculine-looking curls rolled tightly either side of her severe centre parting, a grey waistcoat, stiff white collars and grey silk cravat, Suranne looks every inch the part of daunting Anne, even during a break from filming on the set today. 'I talk a lot when I'm nervous and in front of people, but I'm quite a shy person really. 'I think that Anne Lister can teach us all a lesson or two though. 'I want to be a bit more like her, and she kind of teaches you how to do that. 'I remember one actress on set said to me, 'You should be more like Anne Lister because it suits you.' And I think she's right. Lister's diaries documented her lesbian relationships, her extensive travels and her efforts to transform the fortunes of her faded ancestral estate, Shibden Hall in West Yorkshire. The series follows her life and loves and her attempts to marry her long-term girlfriend, a plan that was unthinkable in early-19th-century Britain. Pictured: Suranne Jones as Anne Lister 'After eight months spent filming in Yorkshire, I came out the other end feeling braver. 'It's a lesson in courage, in being authentic, having a voice and using it, standing up for yourself. 'With gender, she just challenged that, even back then. 'I've even started a diary as well, which is something I never thought I'd do.' Will we be decoding that in 200 years then? "No, it's really boring," laughs Suranne, who has a three-year-old son with her husband Laurence Akers, a freelance scriptwriter and former magazine editor. 'But every now and then you hear something juicy and think, 'Oh, I'll write that about this person.' From an early age, Anne enjoyed love affairs with fellow schoolgirls and then other women, despite the prejudices of the time. At the start of the series, she's just returned home to Halifax after a well-to-do woman she was courting let her down. Anne is devastated, but in 1832 she meets wealthy local heiress Ann Walker (played by Sophie Rundle), who she decides to marry. We see her declaring, 'I was born like this, why should I compromise myself?' She went on to 'marry' Walker on Easter Sunday 1834 at Holy Trinity Church, York, considered to be the first lesbian marriage in Britain. In reality, the pair had exchanged rings long before going to church and the ceremony consisted of them taking communion together. A plaque at the church records that Anne 'celebrated marital commitment, without legal recognition, to Ann Walker'. 'Women often slept in the same bed as friends, and Anne Lister could exploit that,' explains Sally Wainwright, who grew up near Shibden Hall and became fascinated with its most famous daughter more than 20 years ago. With two masculine-looking curls rolled tightly either side of her severe centre parting, a grey waistcoat, stiff white collars and grey silk cravat, Suranne looks every inch the part of daunting Anne (pictured on set) 'She was actually able to get a lot closer to a woman than she would have been able to if she'd been a man.' Suranne agrees. 'She loved women, and she loved sex. The pool of women she could choose from was quite small because she had to be very careful. 'The women she had affairs or dalliances with often went on to marry men, perhaps for love or to keep up appearances or for money. 'There's a joyfulness about her love of women, yet there's such sadness when her heart is broken and it gets broken a lot. 'But each time she puts on a layer of armour, which is what her clothes helped her to do. 'She's very blokeish because, at 41, she's built up this look it's like her riding look, so it's not like she's dressing like a man particularly, although the top half is very male. At the start of the series, she's just returned home to Halifax after a well-to-do woman she was courting let her down. Anne (left) is devastated, but in 1832 she meets wealthy local heiress Ann Walker (right, played by Sophie Rundle), who she decides to marry 'It was emotional armour. She's so imposing that I suddenly started to hold myself differently. 'She got married in 1834 and her diaries talk about her wife, so she absolutely knew that's what she wanted,' Suranne continues. 'The word lesbian didn't exist then, there was no community, there was no blueprint for what she was doing, she was just being herself because that's what, she says, nature intended. She could only love the fairer sex.' As with her other roles Suranne did much research, but she was helped on this job by an 'intimacy co-ordinator' someone hired to carefully choreograph sex scenes and work with actors and directors on physical touch. 'As well as helping us to sculpt the sex scenes, the positions, she's there to support the actors. 'So we were able to talk about every aspect of Anne's physical relationship with Ann Walker without any embarrassment,' says Suranne. 'It just liberated us all.' As with her other roles Suranne did much research, but she was helped on this job by an 'intimacy co-ordinator' someone hired to carefully choreograph sex scenes and work with actors and directors on physical touch Anne had several quirky mannerisms including suppressing her Yorkshire accent because she was something of a snob and striding purposefully everywhere she went. 'It's quite a physical transformation, as even her walk is fast and strident. 'Sally would say, "Walk quicker", so I was always knackered by take four! 'Then you've got this top hat whooshing around, bringing energy into the scenes, it just gives it a life that's very different to the period.' The series was filmed in Anne Lister's real ancestral home, Shibden Hall, the first time filming has been allowed there. 'Every day, even when we were working long hours and I still had lines to learn, I just had to take a step back and think, "I can't actually believe they let us into her house to film." It blows your mind,' says Suranne. The drama only covers two years of Anne Lister's tragically short life she died of a fever in 1840, aged 49 so there's scope for a second series, although nothing has been confirmed yet. 'There are some really exciting places to go if we did get another series,' says Sally. 'I don't want to spoil the end of this one, but it's when things really start to take off.' Ascot races in 1958, and an incongruous group led by a Russian Jewish immigrant and his family head towards the royal enclosure. There are attempts to turn them away before it becomes clear that they are, indeed, on the guest list and are allowed into the inner sanctum. And so starts Summer Of Rockets, an intriguing tale of Cold War subterfuge, right-wing plots and family angst written by Stephen Poliakoff, the man behind recent Second World War spy drama Close To The Enemy, and boasting a top-notch cast including Keeley Hawes, Timothy Spall and Toby Stephens. Set during one summer amid a world of debutante balls, country houses and the fear of Russians dropping nuclear bombs on us, it centres on Samuel Petrukhin (Toby Stephens), an emigre inventor of bespoke hearing aids who finds himself at the heart of an espionage ring. Summer Of Rockets, is the intriguing tale of Cold War subterfuge, right-wing plots and family angst written by Stephen Poliakoff, the man behind recent Second World War spy drama Close To The Enemy, and boasting a top-notch cast including Keeley Hawes, Timothy Spall and Toby Stephens. Samuel (right, played by Stephens) has a son that goes missing. This attracts the attention of the aristocratic Kathleen (Hawes, left) Samuel, a larger-than-life character who wants nothing more than to fit into British high society while constantly being belittled for being both a Jew and a foreigner, is based on Poliakoff's own father. He's ostentatious he has a chauffeur despite living in a suburban semi, he wants his daughter to be a debutante and sends his son to a top school but he's also a kind soul who treats his employees well. 'Stephen has created this character out of the kernels of his own family story,' says Toby. 'Samuel is an immigrant, but he wants to be more English than the English. 'Over the course of the show you see how he has this over-reaching idea of himself, but then he comes to realise who he really is, and what he should be proud of. 'Stephen's father did in fact service Winston Churchill's hearing aids, and was stopped from doing that for a period of time. 'They never got to the bottom of it, but years later some secret papers were released and sent to Stephen. 'They said that there had been suspicion that his father was a Russian spy. Timothy Spall as Lord Arthur Wallington, a member of the establishment and leader of a right-wing plot 'Even though his family had fled from the Communists, the paranoia at the time was so intense that they actually feared he could be bugging Winston Churchill's hearing aid. 'He also invented, with Stephen's grandfather, a paging device and Stephen has used this to bring in a story about a far-right-wing plan to 'take back' the running of the country from the government. The plotters are interested in Samuel because they want to use his pagers.' Samuel has a grown-up daughter Hannah and a young son Sasha, and at Ascot Sasha goes missing. This attracts the attention of the aristocratic Kathleen Shaw (Keeley Hawes), who's married to war hero-turned Tory MP Richard Shaw (Linus Roache). The couple have a reason for needing help from this stranger, and so a friendship of sorts begins between the families. While they appear to be the perfect loving couple, there's plenty of unhappiness behind closed doors for the Shaw family. Lily Sacofsky as Hannah Petrukhin, Samuel's daughter and the sister of Sasha, who goes missing at Ascot races Richard is still suffering the after-effects of the war while Kathleen, too, is hiding a dark secret. 'Kathleen is a woman of her time,' says Keeley. 'She lives for her husband in this perfect home with her perfect life and wonderful son in the countryside. But she's hiding this awful secret and she needs help. 'When she befriends Samuel it's partly for her own devices, because she thinks he can help her. 'She never suspects he might have his own motive for getting close to her and her family.' Samuel's new friendship attracts the attention of MI5, who are worried about the right-wing plot (this is based on the real-life story of a coup attempt after the Suez crisis). They decide they can use him to find out more about a plot they believe Richard Shaw is involved in, which is being led by Lord Arthur Wallington (Timothy Spall), a member of the Establishment. 'Richard is a complex guy,' says Linus, the son of Coronation Street legend Bill Roache. 'He's a great believer in the Empire and the idea that to save it we need to do some drastic things. 'He's an extremist, a loyalist and patriotic. He's also charming, he has this devil-may-care attitude which masks a darkness. 'Richard has this infatuation with Lord Wallington, a Svengali kind of character who's leading the plot. Richard joins in because he wants to belong to something it's almost like he wishes he was back at war because at least then life was black and white.' A thread of anti-semitism runs through the story, once again taken from Stephen's own experience. 'The terrible thing about the anti-semitism in the 50s was it was so close to the revelation of the Holocaust, but powerful people, supposedly knowledgeable, were parading their anti-semitism,' he says. 'It's a huge issue at the moment, and I never thought it would come back in my lifetime in the way it has.' Filmed last summer, just a few months after Russian spies poisoned former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, it also feels particularly relevant, as it's set against the backdrop of Britain testing its first hydrogen bomb and the Russians beating the Americans in the first phase of the space race. Pictured: Keeley Hawes in the show Filmed last summer, just a few months after Russian spies poisoned former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal in Salisbury, it also feels particularly relevant, as it's set against the backdrop of Britain testing its first hydrogen bomb and the Russians beating the Americans in the first phase of the space race. 'We have echoes of it now,' says Stephen. 'Twitches of the Cold War coming back after the Salisbury poisoning, and also the idea that they interfered with democracy. 'As a child I remember the fear of nuclear war was so strong, these images of the Russians parading their missiles on TV. 'By then a lot of the population had a TV and they saw these images. 'As someone who's partly Russian, it's tragic to see them treated as the enemy again. 'There's a bit of a return to the Cold War and that's not a happy development.' A teacher who tragically lost her daughter in a car accident and her colleague who put herself through college while raising two sons were surprised with a trip to New York City for much-deserved makeovers in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. Susan Thompson, a fifth-grade teacher at Grimmer Middle School in Schererville, Indiana, nominated her fellow educators Donna Spivak, 56, and Michelle Calhoun, 36, to get ambush makeover on the Today show Thursday because they go above and beyond the call of duty. 'They are two of the most positive people I've taught with over the years,' Susan explained, recalling how Donna carried on with such grace after losing her daughter Christina 15 years ago. Scroll down for video Beautiful: Teachers Donna Spivak (left) and Michelle Calhoun (right) received ambush makeovers on the Today show Thursday in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week Shocked: Today fashion expert Jill Martin traveled to Schererville, Indiana, to surprise Donna, 56, and Michelle, 36, at Grimmer Middle School 'With Michelle, she has been a single mom for many years now to her two wonderful sons,' the teacher added. Tragedy: Donna lost her daughter Christina in a car accident 15 years ago 'She put her career on hold for a little bit. She went into education later in life. She worked really hard to put herself through college.' Susan said she wanted to show Donna and Michelle just how much their families, students, and co-workers love them. Today fashion expert Jill Martin flew to Indiana to personally deliver the good news with the help of their students. The teachers didn't know what to think when they were brought into the cafeteria, which was filled with their pupils. It was there that Susan shared they were headed to the Big Apple for joint makeovers on the Today show because of all of their hard work over the years. Overcoming adversity: Michelle is a single mother-of-two who put herself through college later in life so she could become a teacher Well-deserved: Susan Thompson nominated her fellow teachers to get ambush makeover on the Today show because they go above and beyond the call of duty Touching moment: 'They are two of the most positive people I've taught with over the years,' Susan said before telling them they were headed to New York City 'I'm thrilled. I'll be rocking it, kids,' Donna joked, earning herself plenty of laughs from her students. The teachers' co-workers Susan, Jennifer, and Kristen headed to New York City with them along with Donna's daughter Sarah and her husband James and Michelle's son Anthony. Keeping with the theme, the group sat in school desks while waiting for Donna and Michelle to debut their new looks. Donna was first up, and she had a bright smile on her face as she did a dramatic walk down the catwalk. Stunning: Donna looked stunning in a navy blue off-the-shoulder dress by Marina Bulatkina and red statement earrings when she stepped on stage New 'do: Celebrity hairstylist Louis Licari explained that Donna's hair was so blonde before that it almost looked gray. He made it slightly darker before it was cut and dried straight Stunned: Donna and Michelle's families and co-workers shrieked when they saw their new looks for the first time There were plenty of shrieks and jaw drops when her family and co-workers saw her dramatic transformation. 'Oh my gosh!' Donna screamed when she turned around and saw her new look for the first time. The mom looked stunning in a navy blue off-the-shoulder dress by Marina Bulatkina and red statement earrings that peeked out from underneath her blonde hair. Celebrity hairstylist Louis Licari explained that her hair was so blonde before that it almost looked gray. He made it slightly darker while keeping the ends lighter. Donna was also given a haircut, and her curly locks were dried straight for her big reveal. Looking good: Michelle was decked out in a sleek white blazer from Ann Taylor, which she wore over a flatter black tank and straight-leg jeans Subtle change: Louis explained that Michelle's hair was 'dense and dark,' so he lightened it a bit before it was cut into a wavy lob So sweet: Michelle loved her new look so much she started to tear up, prompting Donna to walk over and give her a hug When it was time for Michelle to come out, she joined the rest of the group, and before long, they were ooh-ing and aww-ing over her transformation. Michelle was decked out in a sleek white blazer from Ann Taylor, which she wore over a flatter black tank and straight-leg jeans. The chic outfit was accessorized with a long statement necklace with a tassel and hot pink heels. Louis explained that her hair was 'dense and dark,' so he lightened it a bit before it was cut into a wavy lob. The mother-of-two loved the look so much she started to cry when she looked in the mirror for the first time. The emotional moment got even sweeter when Donna opened her arms and brought her in for a hug. Princess Charlene of Monaco cut a stylish figure as she attended the international Saint Devote Rugby Tournament with her husband and twin children today. She, the reigning monarch and their four-year-old children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, all appeared in good spirits as they sat back to enjoy the ninth edition of the annual games at the Stade Louis II. The tournament, which was held in collaboration with the Princess Charlene Foundation, saw hundreds of spectators take to the stadium, located in the Fontvieille district of Monaco, to watch the 17-team tournament Princess Charlene of Monaco (pictured) cut a stylish figure as she attended the international Saint Devote Rugby Tournament with husband and twin children today Prince Albert II of Monaco sits in a balcony with his twin children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella as he prepares to watch the international Saint Devote Rugby Tournament The famous royal waves to crowds at the Stade Louis II in the Fontvieille district of Monaco as he stands with his wife Princess Charlene The proud father smiles as his children grab hold of a rugby ball at the iconic stadium in Monaco The prince (left), his wife Princess Charlene (centre) and her brother Gareth Wittstock (right), welcome the American team to the stadium Princess Charlene, opted for a casual look as she sported a slick black leather jacket and a pair of beige trousers. Prince Albert donned a dapper navy blue striped suit with a yellow lining around his collar as he enjoyed a family day out at the prestigious games organised by the Monegasque Federation of Rugby. The couple appeared in good spirits as they welcomed the 17 teams and cheered on the start of the prestigious games at the iconic stadium. Not wanting to look too dissimilar to her father, Princess Gabriella was seen wearing a smart blue striped blazer, similar to that of the monarch, while Prince Jacques sported a sleeveless puffer jacket and white top. The event, which began at 8.45 am, will bring together 17 teams from Abu Dhabi, Andorra, Dubai, England, France, Georgia, Italy, Mauritius, Monaco, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the U.S. Prince Jacques (left) and Princess Gabriella (right) watch the tournament commence from their balcony Prince Albert sits down to welcome the 17 teams set to play at the international rugby tournament Princess Charlene of Monaco and her son Prince Jacques watch the teams take to the pitch Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Gareth Wittstock shake the hands of the South Africa team at the Sainte Devote Rugby Tournament in Monaco The royals cheer on the young Americans team as they walk past the prince with their national flag Prince Albert enjoys a family day out at the international Saint Devote Rugby Tournament The royal sighting comes more than a month after the prince was seen celebrating his 61st birthday in photographs shared on Instagram. The photographs, which showed the proud father enjoy a mouth-watering chocolate cake with his two young children and wife, saw the father appear in high spirits as he sat down for a special day with his family. Princess Charlene later took to Instagram to share the special moment with a message reading 'Happy Birthday' followed by a cake, a heart and a balloon emoji. The famous royal, who is the son of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, married Charlene Wittstock, a former Olympic swimmer from South Africa, in 2011 before welcoming his twins into the world in 2014. Prince Albert also has two older children, son Eric Alexandre Stephane and daughter Jazmin Grace Rotolo, from previous relationships. The famous prince claps from his balcony as the tournament commences in Monaco The royal dons a dapper navy blue suit and blue shirt as he waves to the spectators in the stadium Prince Albert cuts a stylish figure as he sits down to welcome the teams with his children On Thursday, President Trump insinuated that he would throw his weight behind the Florida governor's proposed plan to help keep drug prices lower by importing medications from other countries. It might be good for prices, but with recent reports of fake foreign drugs and widespread contamination in blockbuster medications manufactured abroad, it's not clear the drugs themselves will be good for patients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for its part, has warned against that plan, arguing that cities and states that have imported drugs from Canada have wound up with 'misbranded' and 'unapproved' drugs. And generic blood pressure medications produced in China have exposed millions of Americans to carcinogenic chemicals - suggesting the FDA's warnings could have merit. Still, Americans are paying about four times as much for their drugs as Canadians are. One policy expert says that as long as the US federal government refuses to set prices, drug prices will continue to escalate, in spite of Trump's declaration of war on Big Pharma and programs to fight it (whatever they may be). Speaking at the White House on Thursday (pictured), Trump threw his support behind Florida's proposal to import cheaper drugs from Canada - but an expert says that plan has been tried and failed in Massachusetts For some brand name prescription drugs, US consumers pay as much as 7,000 percent more than people in countries like the UK, Canada and Japan. During the 2016 campaign and throughout his presidency, Donald Trump has promised to send drug prices into a veritable free-fall. That hasn't happened, and accomplishing it is difficult, to say the least. For starters, the government - whether headed up by Trump or anyone else - doesn't control US drug prices. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises the National Health Service and the two tightly regulate whether drugs are priced according to their effectiveness, though the government doesn't directly set prices for brand name drugs. In the US, drug prices are determined by a complicated private dance between drug companies, health insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers that liaise between them. The US Department of Health and Human Services - the umbrella under which federally subsidized insurance sits - isn't invited to that table, so there are three private entities arguing over the drug prices with no one representing the public. 'Who are the ones really causing this pricing?' wonders Rosemary Gibson, a JAMA Internal Medicine editor and author of China Rx: Exposing the Risks of America's Dependence on China for Medicine. 'I found a the lack of transparency on pricing to be a very deep black hole, and that's not acceptable.' Canada's government does directly set prices, limiting how much any drug company can make on sales there. All of that means that a drug company gets a hard cut-off for their earnings potential coming out of Canada. We may allow states to buy drugs in other countries if we can buy them for a lesser price, substantially less price, and that is going to be very unique President Donald Trump But in the US, such a company can make their case that their research and development has gotten more expensive, or their drug has improved, and push its price upward in the often closed-door price negotiations. In an effort to circumnavigate the US system, Florida passed a a bill last month that would permit its citizens to import certain prescription drugs, directly, from Canada, where they are more affordable. The state's governor, Ron DeSantis, is expected to sign the bill. President Trump seized on Florida's idea at the White House Thursday as an appealing pathway to his promised drug price slashing. 'We may allow states to buy drugs in other countries if we can buy them for a lesser price, substantially less price, and that is going to be very unique,' he said. 'But we will allow them to go to other countries because the drug companies have treated us very, very unfairly, and the rules and restrictions within our country have been absolutely atrocious.' Several other states, including Colorado, have introduced similar bills. But we've been here before - or at least on Massachusetts city has, back in 2007. Former Mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts, Michael Albano, set up a program by which municipal workers there could buy drugs from just across the border. It didn't last long, because pharmacies there claimed they received threats from drug companies, saying they would throttle distribution, they told 60 Minutes. A few years prior to that, GlaxoSmithKline made similar threats against Canadian pharmacies selling across borders, according to the Wall Street Journal. And it isn't clear that anything has changed in the last decade that would incentivize these countries to act any other way. In fact, some - including Senator Bernie Sanders - have argued that the FDA's adamant warnings against the dangers of contaminated, fraudulent or unapproved drugs just gives these companies a credible reason for threatening foreign pharmacies that sell to the US. The FDA warned in February that CanaRx was selling 'unapproved, misbranded and unsafe' medications to the US. Some questioned the FDA's motives and whether it was being played by Big Pharma. On the other hand, sometimes drugs made abroad really are dangerous. Look at the recall of blood pressure medications. There was a 30 percent increase in price because [after the recalls] there wasn't enough valsartan to go around Rosemary Gibson, author of China Rx Millions of Americans have been exposed, in recent months, to carcinogens that were the byproduct of the way Chinese manufacturers were producing them. As the supply chain for drugs has become international, the FDA has had to start inspecting manufacturers around the world, but they're at a disadvantage doing so because the plants are often warned ahead of time and the agency's authority is limited in those countries. 'That is another reason that prices go up: because of poor quality,' says Gibson. 'Look at the recall of blood pressure medications. There was a 30 percent increase in price because [after the recalls] there wasn't enough valsartan to go around.' Generic drugs can be made by any company, so Chinese manufacturers are in a 'race to the bottom,' to make and sell the largest amount of the drugs made most cheaply, says Gibson. And they can and will do exactly that better and faster than any other country on Earth, Gibson says, which gives them powerful control over the worldwide drug market. She's documented this influence over penicillin. 'Chinese companies got together and dumped product penicillin on the global market and it drove out all the US, European and even Indian [companies],' Gibson said. Then competitors were out of business, and the 'cartel' of Chinese companies could hike the price again, Gibson says. The US remains legally fairly powerless to stop this - or any of the vicious cycles driving up drug prices. 'I think it's very hard for the government to move because there are a lot of actors that will stop anything in its tracks,' says Gibson. 'There is no one advocating or the American consumer for insuring we have high quality medicines, especially those made in countries with high quality producers. 'No one is advocating to bring manufacturing back to the US where we could pay fair prices, not [have] a race to the bottom.' Thousands of prostate cancer patients could be spared the side effects of radiotherapy thanks to a revolutionary gel which protects organs from radiation. NHS bosses are so impressed by the hydrogel treatment that they have provided funding for 1,000 men to receive it over the next year. The Daily Mail is campaigning for an urgent improvement of prostate cancer treatments and diagnosis, which are years behind other diseases such as breast cancer. Some 15,000 men with prostate cancer receive radiotherapy every year nearly a third of the 47,000 diagnosed in Britain annually. Thousands of prostate cancer patients could be spared the side effects of radiotherapy thanks to a revolutionary gel which protects organs from radiation. The hydrogel is injected before treatment starts, providing a cushion behind the prostate during radiotherapy (stock image) Radiotherapy is a highly effective way to treat the cancer, particularly if it is given at an early stage of the disease, when it permanently eradicates 60 per cent of tumours. However, because surrounding organs are radiated at the same time it can involve long-term side effects, including impotence and bowel problems. The hydrogel made mostly of water is injected before treatment starts, providing a cushion behind the prostate during radiotherapy. This reduces the amount of radiation that can pass through the prostate and damage other organs, reducing the risk of life-changing side effects such as rectal pain, bleeding and diarrhoea. In studies, the gel has reduced side effects by over 70 per cent. Afterwards the gel is absorbed by the body, breaking down completely after about six months. Using the gel also allows doctors to safely increase the dose of radiotherapy they can give increasing the chance it will succeed. Doctors believe the treatment which privately costs 4,500 should be given to all men receiving radiotherapy. But initially they say two groups should be prioritised those who have received failed radiotherapy in the past, and those whose prostates are of a shape which makes it hard to avoid radiating neighbouring organs. These groups make up about 10 per cent of radiotherapy patients or 1,500 a year. The gel reduces the amount of radiation passing through the prostate and damage other organs, reducing the risk of side effects such as rectal pain, bleeding and diarrhoea. NHS chief Simon Stevens called it another step forward in world-class cancer care (stock image) Simon Stevens, chief executive of the NHS, called the treatment another step forward in world-class cancer care. Professor Amit Bahl, of University Hospitals Bristol, who has already used the hydrogel treatment on 14 men, said: New technology is important it gives men the confidence that not only are we doing our best to treat the cancer, but also that we are protecting their long-term quality of life. The use of the hydrogel has been funded through a fast-track scheme for new treatments in the NHS, called the Innovation and Technology Payment. This sees hospital trusts ask a company to provide the treatment and NHS England billed centrally cutting down on the red tape which slows down the introduction of so many treatments. Heather Blake, of Prostate Cancer UK, said: While radiotherapy is very effective at treating cancer, it can also cause side effects... we welcome any proven innovations that will help reduce these, and are pleased to see the NHS taking action to make sure they reach men as soon as possible. At just six millimetres long, the Asian tiger mosquito might not sound like much of a threat to Britains public health. Not only is it minute but, as its name suggests, its natural habitat is thousands of miles away in the warmer climes of the southern hemisphere. So why is this tiny creature, which gets its name from its exotically striped back and legs, now regarded by some leading experts as one of the biggest threats to the nations health in decades? Thanks to climate change, this bug has travelled so far north that it is now flourishing in parts of South East England. Colonies of the Asian Tiger mosquito, pictured here, has established colonies in the south of England although small numbers of the potentially dangerous bug have been found as far north as Merseyside Small numbers have even been discovered in Merseyside. Last summer was the joint hottest on record for the UK as a whole, and the hottest ever for England, with temperatures climbing above 35C. And if trends continue, some experts fear the Asian tiger also known as Aedes albopictus will eventually populate much of the country. Alarm bells are ringing because a bite from an infected mosquito like this can transmit deadly tropical diseases such as Zika virus, dengue fever and an illness called chikungunya, which can cause joint pain, headaches and nose bleeds. Last month, Professor Chris Whitty, a chief scientific adviser on public health issues for the Department of Health, warned MPs that the presence of the tiny insect here is strong evidence that we face a potential outbreak of Zika. The virus is a huge concern, causing flu-like symptoms in most adults but triggering severe birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected. The Asian tiger, it must be said, has a lower capacity for transmitting disease than its close cousin Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, which was responsible for the recent Zika outbreak in South America. Nevertheless, the World Health Organisation has said there is strong scientific consensus that Zika can also cause Guillain- Barre, a rare neurological syndrome that leads to temporary paralysis in adults. The only hope, warned Prof Whitty, is that scientists can create a vaccine before an epidemic strikes the UK. Europe has it... and trucks bring it here Last month, a study from scientists at Liverpool University warned that almost all of England and Wales could be populated by the disease-carrying Asian tiger mosquito in the next few decades if global warming continues at its current rate. The species is already well established in parts of Europe, and the WHO warns that the likelihood that Zika virus will spread in countries where Aedes mosquitoes are present is high or moderate. Its possible that travellers infected in countries where Zika is more common the Pacific region, South and Central America, the Caribbean, Africa and parts of South East Asia could return and be bitten by an Asian tiger. That insect could then transmit the Zika virus to others. The Tiger mosquito, pictured, is rapidly spreading disease across Europe Currently France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland are considered a moderate risk for Zika. Cases of flu-like dengue, also spread by mosquitoes, were reported in France and Spain last year. Similarly, outbreaks of chikungunya with symptoms including fever, joint pain and bleeding gums have been reported in several European nations, including more than 600 cases in Italy. So what of Britain? In recent years the Asian tiger has been discovered at truck stops and service stations along motorways such as the M20 from Dover to London imported from Europe on lorries and settling along motorway arteries. Because they thrive in stagnant water, the insects are being accidentally brought into the UK in cargoes of used tyres, potted plants and anything else that allows water to pool easily. Whats more, the eggs they lay are not just drought-resistant but can undergo a process called diapause, where their development is suspended if weather conditions are unfavourable for survival. This means they can survive Britains cold winters until the increasingly warm summer months, when they can hatch. Researcher Soren Metelmann, from Liverpools Institute of Infection and Global Health, warned: For now, only some small areas in South East England seem to be suitable [for Asian tiger mosquitoes], but future scenarios suggest that it could become established over almost all of England and Wales. The return of some deadly enemies its not just the Asian tiger mosquito that threatens to wreak havoc on Britains health with dangerous tropical diseases. In Kent, another invasive mosquito is threatening to bring further unpleasant surprises. Culex modestus largely disappeared from Britain in the 1940s. Now it is reappearing in large numbers in the Thames Marshes in Kent and Essex, according to an investigation last year by Public Health England. This is a worry because Culex modestus is known to transmit West Nile disease, an infection that, in severe cases, can cause coma, seizures and paralysis. While no human infections have so far occurred in the UK, West Nile virus has already been discovered in the corpses of British wild birds and, most worryingly, in farm chickens. Biologists warn that it is a comparatively small step for a Culex modestus mosquito to feed on a virus-carrying farm chicken and then bite and infect a farmworker. Malaria was once common in the UK but the last recorded case of someone contracting it in this country was in 1950, when infected soldiers returning to the UK from malaria-hit zones were bitten by local species capable of transmitting the bug. These mosquitoes then passed it on to other people when they bit them. Potentially deadly mosquitoes have been found as far north as Merseyside, pictured But there are still about 1,600 cases a year of imported malaria in UK travellers returning from infected areas of the world. In the battle against rising sea levels, some local authorities are promoting the reintroduction of wetlands by allowing the sea walls to collapse. The idea is that the wetlands can absorb batterings by coastal storms more resiliently than man-made sea walls. But, says Matthew Baylis, professor of veterinary epidemiology at Liverpool University, this policy could pave the way for the return of malaria a disease that kills more than 400,000 people globally every year. Prof Baylis says: Reintroducing wetlands creates the right environment for mosquito species that spread malaria. There are believed to be at least five species of mosquito still in the UK that are capable of spreading the infection. Higher temperatures, coupled with marshland habitat, allow the mosquitoes to thrive. The malaria parasites, which grow inside the mosquitoes, also need high temperatures to multiply. At the moment, our summers are probably too cool for significant transmission to take place, Prof Baylis told The Mail on Sunday. But in an exceptionally warm summer, we could definitely see that happening in future. Epidemic could be 'overwhelming' Grim warnings from experts are finally prompting Government action. In March, Health Minister Nicola Blackwood announced up to 56 million funding for research into the biggest challenges facing public health: climate change, air pollution, antimicrobial resistance and new pandemics, with the projects due to start in 2020. Dr Nick Watts, executive director of Lancet Countdown, a research collaboration between 24 international institutions that monitors relationships between health and climate change, warns: Its crucial to talk about new infectious diseases now. If we are not prepared, with the right treatments to hand and with the right people trained, then any of these new infections can very quickly go from just a couple of cases to something that spreads very rapidly and overwhelms us. The big question... How long do we have? The presence of disease-carrying mosquitoes in Britain is not in itself enough for tropical infections to thrive. It depends on many other factors, such as the viruses and parasites ability to replicate and survive in their new environment. Some experts say it could take 30 to 40 years for those conditions to materialise. But others warn that it could be much sooner. One factor that could speed their arrival is the rate at which viruses such as Zika become more virulent in response to climate change. This healthcare worker in Malawi is preparing a malaria vaccine for a child in the Mitundu Community Hospital in Lilongwe A report last year in the journal Nature Climate Change warned that warmer weather is encouraging viruses to evolve rapidly, enabling them to become significantly more infectious and more able to resist drug therapies. For example, for more than 50 years Zika was a mild disease that caused only sporadic outbreaks until it suddenly affected tens of thousands of people across South and Central America with severe symptoms not seen before. One alarming theory is that Zika like West Nile virus and chikungunya has undergone genetic mutations that are allowing it to spread far and wide. Perhaps even as far as the UK. Arthritis, dementia, osteoporosis just some of the illnesses we tend to associate with being elderly, and conditions most of us need not worry about until we reach our twilight years. Traditionally, cataracts have always fallen into that category too. But leading British eye specialists are reporting a worrying increase in the number of cataract cases among people in their 40s and 50s a good 20 years or more before they usually develop. Cataracts are caused when proteins in the lens of the eye start to clump together, leading to clouding of the eyes. Leading British eye specialists are reporting a worrying increase in the number of cataract cases among people in their 40s and 50s a good 20 years or more before they usually develop Cataracts are caused when proteins in the lens of the eye start to clump together, leading to clouding of the eyes About 2.5 million people aged 65 and over in England and Wales are thought to have some form of vision impairment caused by them. But while the average age of patients undergoing cataract surgery (where an artificial lens is used to replace the diseased one) is still 76, doctors are reporting anecdotal evidence of patients developing problems much earlier in life. There is no doubt more people in their 40s and 50s are undergoing cataract surgery than in the past, says Professor David Gartry, consultant ophthalmologist at Moorfields Hospital in London, one of the countrys leading eye-care centres. Prof Gartry, who has performed about 15,000 cataract surgeries over his 30-year career, adds: A man I recently saw was in his 40s and fit and healthy. He had been referred to me by an optician because he was having problems driving at night. Bright lights from traffic bothered him, and he told me he was seeing halos around street lamps. These are classic early symptoms of cataracts, and tests revealed signs of them in both of his eyes. Although he didnt need an operation straight away, he will do within about five years as the condition is progressive. A 2015 audit by Optegra Eye Health Care, which carries out eye surgery privately, found that a fifth of cataract enquiries were from people in their 40s and 50s. So whats causing this largely age-related condition to strike much earlier? One disturbing theory is that Britains epidemic of type 2 diabetes may be partly to blame, endangering the eyesight of millions of Britons with the disease. Diabetes is already associated with a high risk of blindness. But this is usually in the context of the type 1 version, which affects about 400,000 people in the UK. These patients can develop a blinding condition called retinopathy, where the retina at the back of the eye is damaged by the effects of the disease on circulation. But the numbers that could be affected by cataracts are much greater as type 2 diabetes rates have doubled in the past 20 years, due largely to the surge in obesity. In the UK, one person in ten over the age of 40 a staggering 4.7 million in total has the disease. Dan Howarth, head of care at the charity Diabetes UK, says: Diabetes is one of the key risk factors that can result in developing cataracts' Dan Howarth, head of care at the charity Diabetes UK, says: Diabetes is one of the key risk factors that can result in developing cataracts. In fact, people with diabetes double their risk of developing cataracts and may develop them earlier in life. This is because people who have higher blood sugar, as in diabetes, also have higher sugar concentrations in the other fluids of their bodies, including the aqueous humour, the jelly-like substance inside the eye. This can lead to the formation of a cataract. A 2014 investigation by scientists at Capital Medical University in Beijing pooled data from eight studies, involving more than 20,000 patients, on type 2 diabetes and the risk of cataracts, to try to reach a firm conclusion on the dangers. It found that the risk of cataracts was up to 68 per cent greater in type 2 patients compared to volunteers without the condition. Jaswinder Kalsi, 61, a mother- of-three from Hayes in Middlesex, had cataract surgery in her right eye in 2016. She was first diagnosed in her early 40s, and had suffered type 2 diabetes since her 20s. She says: I was shocked when I was diagnosed with a cataract so young. My eyesight gradually got worse until it was like looking through net curtains. Surgery helped, but her vision is still reduced and Jaswinder has stopped driving at night. Diabetes may not be the only modern risk factor driving up cataract rates sunlight could be a danger too. Scientists at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, published a study in 2014 showing that UVA rays from the sun triggered harmful reactions in the lenses of the eye, known as protein glycation, leading to cloudiness. Some professionals such as airline pilots suffer disproportionately from cataracts because of chronic exposure to UV rays. And a 2016 study by the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills, California, found that owners of left-hand-drive vehicles were more at risk of cataracts in their left eye than their right. The reason? Windscreens on most cars are impregnated with a chemical that protects against UVA exposure, but side windows often arent. More recently, experts at the University of Minnesota studied nearly 45,000 indoor workers and found those exposed to the highest levels of UV light through windows were 16 per cent more likely to need cataract surgery than workers of the same age exposed to less light. Prof Gartry questions whether sunlight is a major factor in younger people but recommends wearing UV-protecting sunglasses in direct summer sunshine. He says the apparent rise in middle-aged cataracts could be because patients are more aware of surgery and less tolerant of visual imperfections than in the past, and points out that surgeons threshold for when they decide to carry out surgery has gone down. Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. Mrs S.D. writes: The county court at Staines found in my favour in an action against Booking.com and the company was ordered to pay me 702 within 14 days. That was last November and to date Booking.com has failed to honour this judgment. I have contacted them numerous times by email and sent a letter to chief executive Gillian Tans which was signed for when it was delivered. It is so frustrating that Booking.com can ignore not only individuals, but the legal system and a court judgment as well. Ruling: Gillian Tans is boss of Amsterdam-based Booking.com In June, last year you used Booking.com to reserve a room at a hotel in Rugen, Germany, where you planned to celebrate your wedding anniversary. Although you had a 'no smoking' room, there was a distinct smell of smoke and when you opened a window you found you were directly above a cafe and cigarette smoke was wafting upwards. The weather was hot and the room had no air conditioning, but opening the windows was out of the question. As you put it: 'We were so close to the cafe customers we could almost have had a conversation with them.' This was not exactly the 'panoramic view' offered by Booking.com. The hotel manager was sympathetic and when you found a different hotel he agreed not to charge you and you informed Booking.com. However, when you got home you found more than 600 had been collected from your credit card. When you complained, Booking.com quoted its terms and conditions which say: 'If you do not show up at the booking and you do not cancel beforehand, the property is liable to charge you the full reservation amount'. Booking.com headquarters in Amsterdam But this sidesteps the fact that you did show up and does nothing to address the real problems. You sued Booking.com, which failed to file any defence, and the company was told to pay you 702, including costs. It ignored this too, so you went back to court and paid a further 60 for a European Enforcement Order valid throughout the EU that you could send to Booking.com's head office in Amsterdam. This says: 'The judgment will be recognised and enforced in another member state without the need for a declaration of enforceability and without any possibility of opposing its recognition.' In plain English, this meant that Booking.com could not appeal to any local court. The decision of the judge in Staines was binding. But still Booking.com failed to pay up. When I contacted the company I was quickly told that 'customer services know nothing about this'. I did wonder why customer services might be involved in a court case, but I provided them with a copy of the original court order and the follow-up EU order as well. Booking.com then told me: 'In the rare and unfortunate instance that a customer might show up at a property and it does not meet their expectations, our customer service team are available to investigate, support and advocate on their behalf and we are refunding this customer in full.' There was no explanation to say why your complaint was not investigated at the time, nor did Booking.com say why it had offered no defence in court and ignored you repeatedly. I am pleased it has now seen sense, though I note that the company only says it will give you a full refund, without setting a figure. Obviously, if all that lands in your bank account is the amount taken from your credit card, with nothing for the court costs, that would not be respecting the judgment of the court. I hope you receive the full 762, but if not, just let me know. One call ends months trying for tax refund Ms C.A. writes: I am retired and on the basic State pension, topped up with benefits, so I do not pay income tax. I received a Payment Protection Insurance repayment, but Revenue & Customs deducted 380 from the interest. I have been trying to reclaim this and have phoned several times and filled in three claim forms, but the tax office cannot find any record of my employment. I retired in 2011. It also says it cannot trace my investments. I do not have any. When you gave me the details of the hoops you have had to jump through so far, I sensed your mounting frustration at the Revenue's inability to deal with a claim from someone who simply was not in their system already. I asked staff at the Revenue head office to step in. They called you and took all the necessary details over the phone, taking 15 minutes to bring an end to months of correspondence. After one call from the taxman, you now have your 380. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TS or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. From secret affairs with crime lords to private diaries detailing her double life, the Lawyer X scandal is rolling on with intriguing new twists and turns almost daily. But seven weeks into the Royal Commission into Victoria Police's handling of informers, a clearer picture is emerging of what actually drove Nicola Gobbo - aka Lawyer X - to become a secret police informant and rat on her high-profile underworld clients. From starting out as a reluctant informant, it appears Ms Gobbo eventually revelled in her double life, throwing a lavish party for a well-known drug cook and picking up the $17,000 bill. And then there was spiderweb of 'unusual' relationships with both detectives and crooks. Lawyer Nicola Gobbo noted that she had been intimidated by police to act as an informer after she was caught with drugs as a law student in the 1990s. She went onto inform on scores of criminals and brought on a royal commission Information provided by Ms Gobbo to police helped send a swag of underworld figures to jail, including major drug traffickers Pasquale Barbaro, Rob Karam, John Higgs, Tony Mokbel and his brother Milad. Carl Williams also pleaded guilty to four murders on her advice before being murdered in Barwon Prison in 2010. But those convictions are now in doubt as the royal commission examines their legality - raising the prospect some of the nation's most notorious criminals could soon walk free. The blonde-haired lawyer is on the record claiming she turned on her criminal clients because of her utter disdain for crooks like Mokbel. But diary notes disclosed at the royal commission reveal she may have been pressured by police to become an informant. Diary notes suggest she was pressured by police to become an informant Nicola Gobbo said she despised drug lord Tony Mokbel, but she has been accused of helping him flee the country and later helping to catch him. Mokbel has appealed a drug conviction amid claims his lawyer set him up The notes suggest police threatened to expose a drug charge from her university days and ruin her legal career unless she started working for them. Ms Gobbo had her first real run-in with the law in 1995 when she tried to help police nab her drug-dealing boyfriend after she was caught with drugs as a law student. The royal commission heard this week how the charge came back to haunt her a few years later when officers pressured Ms Gobbo, then a young solicitor, over information on her employer, who they believed was laundering money. Two detectives from the now disbanded drug squad told the lawyer there was an investigation into her employer and that 'mud sticks and she should get a raincoat soon'. Ms Gobbos diary records state that at a meeting in 1998 the detectives used her previous drug conviction as leverage to get her to inform on her boss. 'Solicitor 1 is a crook should be in jail but if not at least not practicing law,' she noted in her diary. 'Happy to protect me for my assistance re: particular files.' Nicola Gobbo in 2008 after her car was torched in South Melbourne. Drug lord Tony Mokbel later tried to blackmail her with allegations of a sex tape, she claimed If the lawyer felt hard done by then, police reports over the years suggest her attitude to informing changed. Nicola Gobbo's greatest informant hits 1. Rob Karam, John Higgs, Pasquale Barbaro and 33 co-accused for the largest ever seizure of ecstasy in the world. The drugs came into Australia in tomato tins. 2. Tony Mokbel's brothers Horty Mokbel and Milad Mokbel. 3. David Ilic was arrested in 2013 after police raided a Port Melbourne Kennards storage facility and discovered $3,735,890 in cash as well as kilograms of cocaine, methmphetamines and ecstasy. 4. Joe Mannella (and Karam) for the multiple seizures of hundreds of kilos of cocaine and other drugs that were not the subject of charges, but were intercepted and seized by Australian Customs. 5. Faruk Orman (for the murder of Victor Pierce) 6. Mick Gatto and the infamous Carlton crew. The crew consisted of convicted criminals including Alphonse Gangitano, Mario Condello and Graham Kinniburgh - all whom were killed during Melbourne's gangland war. Advertisement The royal commission has painted a picture of the lawyer wallowing in her dealings with society's lowest, partying with them and raising the eyebrows of senior detectives who acted as her handlers. One senior officer went so far as to say the lawyer had a relationship with Mokbel that was outside 'the normal lawyer-client relationship and extended beyond business hours'. The drug lord would later blackmail her over an alleged sex tape, the royal commission heard. An information report stated Ms Gobbo feared Mokbel would spread false rumours that she had slept with him, took drugs with him, laundered money (and) passed on sensitive ethical standards division documents. In a series of revelations, the royal commission has uncovered Ms Gobbo was told days after Mokbel made his infamous escape from justice that he was 'OK' after she met up with his de facto Danielle McGuire. 'Danielle McGuire is in touch with Tony Mokbel and is ultra paranoid, would only mouth the words, He is OK,' a police information report made on March 29, 2006, stated. Mokbel is believed to have fled his trial, over charges of importing 3kg of cocaine, after hearing he was to be charged with two gangland murders. Nicola Gobbo and Tony Mokbel outside the Melbourne Magistrates' Court back when the pair were on good terms. Ms Gobbo later informed on Mokbel and helped bring down his drug empire Melbourne identity Mick Gatto (left) and Nicola Gobbo. Ms Gobbo had a falling out with the Carlton Crew boss as word got around that she had been snitching on her clients He has since claimed Ms Gobbo advised him to flee. Ms Gobbo, who was acting for Mokbel at the time, told Victoria Police an Australian Federal Police agent informed her he was going to be charged with murder. Police information reports would later show Ms Gobbo worked with them to find the criminal-in-hiding. '(Gobbo) brought up irony of situation, in that (she) currently very happy to have TM out of (her) life, but is attempting to ascertain info that may locate him,' one report stated. Mokbel, despite his suspicions, had no idea his lawyer was a registered informer who then helped police to track him down in Athens. She further briefed her police handlers on his strategies to avoid extradition. Ms Gobbo was rumoured to be involved in more than one unusual relationship in the early 2000s - the height of her snitching game - including one with former detective Paul Dale, who was charged with murder. If at first she was sucked in to becoming a snitch, the successful lawyer appeared to somewhat enjoy the lifestyle. Police reports show at one stage she threw a lavish birthday party for Australias most sought-after drug cook so police could spy on the guests. The party, at the former Wheat restaurant in the heart of Melbournes legal precinct drew 150 guests including some of the gangland eras biggest drug traffickers. She supposedly covered most of the $17,000 bill herself. But the party was always going to end badly for the lawyer, and when police asked her to give evidence against Paul Dale - someone she had been snitching on - the party was over. She sued Victoria Police and was paid out millions. In a letter to force command, Ms Gobbo claimed she had began working for them in mid 2003. It was later revealed police actually registered her as an informer while she was still a law student at the University of Melbourne in 1995. She went onto work undercover for police until 2009. Tony Mokbel's ex Danielle McGuire allegedly told Nicole Gobbo Mokbel was 'OK' after he fled the country amid fears he was going to be charged with several gangland murders Commissioner Margaret McMurdo is investigating the extent to which hundreds of cases including the convictions of some of Victoria's most notorious criminals may have been tainted by the use of Ms Gobbo as an informer. This month, the Supreme Court of Appeal told Victoria Police to make Mokbel a priority as it searches through thousands of documents relating to tips they received from Ms Gobbo. The Court of Appeal is considering Mokbel's application for leave to challenge his drug trafficking conviction on the basis of her informer role. It is also looking at applications by two of Ms Gobbo's other former clients, Rob Karam and Zlate Cvetanovski - both Mokbel associates. The Court of Appeal has declared that an application for leave to appeal by Mokbel cannot be heard until all documents relating to his case are filed. Mokbel's lawyer Richard Maidment, QC, said in addition to an appeal against conviction he was also considering a petition for mercy from the court, but that could not proceed without documents from police. Court president Chris Maxwell said the cases bear directly on public confidence in the criminal justice system. Mokbel, 53, was attacked in Victoria's maximum security Barwon Prison by two fellow inmates on February 11, leaving him fighting for life. He and Karam each have decades remaining on respective 30 and 35-year jail sentences for drug trafficking. Cvetanovski has just over a year remaining on his 11-year sentence. As more about Ms Gobbo's legal affairs become public, so have stories about her personal life. Since being exposed as 'Lawyer X', drug dealer Richard Barkho has publicly outed himself as the current partner of Ms Gobbo and the father of her two children. He is currently serving a minimum five-year jail term at Loddon Prison, in central Victoria, where prison authorities have concerns for his safety due to his relationship with Ms Gobbo. Richard Barkho exposed himself as the father of Nicola Gobbo's children when he tried to use his relationship with her to get out of jail earlier. He was serving time for drug dealing Barkho tried to use his relationship with Ms Gobbo to earn him an early release from jail. But two Court of Appeal judges dismissed his bid for a reduced sentence, finding his relationship with Ms Gobbo did not change his circumstances when he was jailed, because he did not disclose their relationship at the time. Mr Gobbo had been living a quiet life in inner suburban Melbourne before her identity was exposed. She has not been seen in public since. The royal commission continues. Billy Hill brought himself out of poverty through a 50-year career of crime Sitting in the National Archives at Kew is a fascinating reference to Billy Hill - 'The Boss of Britain's Underworld', the only record of an East End gangster who used the Second World War to build a criminal empire. Incredibly elusive for much of his criminal career, the London mob boss died old and wealthy, after mentoring two of Britain's most well-known underworld figures. Now, the proverbial 'King of Soho' has been brought back to life in new film Once Upon a Time in London. Born in 1911, Hill was born to a poor Irish mother but was soon to realise his wider family lay among the criminal fraternity. Gangster William 'Billy' Hill (pictured on his return from Australia where he was refused entry) went from being a teenage thief to one of the largest players in London's criminal underworld Moscow Road in Bayswater, West London where gangster Billy Hill lived He started adult life as a burglar, but soon graduated to robbery and smash-and-grab raids. The chaos of the Second World War allowed him to prosper, but the success of his activities caused consternation within the Scotland Yard. Hill went on to mentor the Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, eventually handing over his criminal empire to them as he moved abroad. He established himself as a serious criminal figure during the war, profiteering from the black market. This involved supplying forged IDs to deserters, providing black products such as petrol and food. He even moved in on the West End along with his rival Jack 'Spot' Comer. Jack 'Spot' Comer (pictured with his wife Rita Comer) was a rival to Hill before they began working together. When Comer's racket in the East End began to wane in power, Hill took advantage and usurped his rival In the late 1940s he served his final prison sentence, and with Spot's power in the East End racketeering business waning following a failed raid on Heathrow Airport, he took control of much of London. Instead of actively participating in criminal raids from then on, he would plan them and demand a share of the proceeds. In 1952, he masterminded a post van robbery which made 10million in modern money. This raid was later used as the template for the Great Train Robbery. It is believed Hill was receiving information from a large number of serving Metropolitan Police officers which led to Home Secretary Gwilym Lloyd George to authorise a wire tap on his phone. The phone tapping led to Hill's barrister Patrick Marrinan being disbarred after it emerged he had obstructed justice in a case of Hill's associates Ironically, the recordings did not result in any prosecution against Hill - but they were used to have his barrister Patrick Marrinan disbarred after it had emerged he had obstructed justice in a trial of two of Hill's gangland associates. The phone tapping led to a national scandal - with questions raised in parliament - including one by Barbara Castle MP in July 1957 which asked if the considerable costs of the operation led to an increase in call charges. The government refused to divulge the information, prompting an angry response from the Labour MP. Mrs Castle told the House: 'Is it not a fact that a special room has been opened in London by the Post Office for the tapping of telephones, where there is tape recording machinery installed at considerable cost and where Post Office engineers are involved in the maintaining of these tapping services? 'Therefore, cannot it be deduced that a considerable part of the increase in telephone charges is due to the increase in telephone tapping?' Hill, at the time a household name, was known for his sense of dress and ruthless nature. He was a constant figure on the Soho social scene and known as a bookmaker. As well as controlling on-course bookmaking, members of his gang would regularly rip-off those in Lord Lucan's social circle in John Aspinall's Clermont Club in Mayfair. After cases of phone tapping by the Metropolitan Police, Hill felt the heat and withdrew from active involvement in robberies. He helped to mentor rising criminal gangster Ronnie and Reggie Kray (pictured), and promised he would step back when they built their empire In the meantime, Hill had been cultivating the up and coming Kray twins, helping them build the foundations for their empire at which point he promised he would step away. Having felt the heat of the government and Met Police in the phone-tapping scandal, Hill did step back, taking his wife Gypsy to their home in Tangier, Morocco. Reggie Kray would later say of Hill: 'He stands alone and there will never be another Billy Hill.' Hill died aged 72 in 1984 after going into retirement on the French Riviera with wife Gypsy. He left very little trace of his 50-year criminal career except in an autobiography He would also be among the first of the crime bosses to set up a base near Marbella, Spain, eventually attracting so many of the British gang leaders that it earned the nickname Costa Del Crime. The pair lived out their lives on the Mediterranean coast, with Gyp running a nightclub in Tangier, and mixing with the likes of Picasso, Diana Dors and Aristotle Onassis on the French Riviera. But for Hill it could said his greatest achievement, unattained by most gang leaders, was to die wealthy aged 72 in 1984. He left virtually no trace of his career except for his autobiography. Gyp eventually returned to the UK, declined all interviews and died in 2004. Once Upon a Time in London was released in cinemas on April 19 Chobani yogurt is stepping up to pay off the school lunch debts of low-income families with students in a Rhode Island city in the wake of news that those students would be given jelly sandwiches instead of a hot meal. On May 5, Rhode Island's Warick Public Schools revealed the controversial news that it would start giving students sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches instead of hot meals until their school lunch balance amounts were paid off or a payment plan was set up. Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya tweeted Thursday that as a parent, the news broke his heart. Access to nutritious food should be a right, not a privilege, he said. Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya tweeted Thursday that his company would be donating money to pay off low-income family student lunch bills in Warwick, Rhode Island Ulukaya said that access to nutritious food should be a right, not a privilege Warwick Mayor Joseph Solomon thanked Chobani for 'being an advocate for our children' In a video accompanying his tweet, Ulukaya said, 'No child should be facing anything like this. I know it breaks our heart, it breaks many peoples heart. And we need to step up. Well take care of this schools bill because everybody at Chobani was heartbroken. And theyre stepping up and theyre going to do something about it.' He went on to say, 'But its just a small one. We need everywhere, everywhere around the country to eliminate this for all, forever.' The office of Warwick Mayor Joseph Solomon said Friday that it is now coordinating with Chobani to accept nearly $50,000 the amount owed by low-income families with children the Warwick Public Schools system. Chobani was but one of the businesses and organizations that offered to donate money to the district, officials said. Chobani's donation comes just days after Warwick Public Schools announced that it would offer students with lunch balances sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches (like the above) instead of hot meals until they paid off their lunch bills Warwick Public Schools had said it was owed $77,000 and couldn't assume more debt, sparking the decision to cut back on hot meals unless lunch bills were paid off Ulukaya tweeted Thursday that as a parent, the school lunch news broke his heart In addition to paying off most of the owed lunch money balances, Chobani also intends to donate yogurt to the Warwick public schools Solomon thanked Chobani for 'being an advocate for our children' on his Facebook page. Warwick Public Schools had said it was owed $77,000 and couldn't assume more debt, sparking a public backlash and upsetting the mayor, who asked the school committee to reconsider. It later reversed the decision. The district includes 19 schools. About 1,650 students owed money as of last Friday, and about 70% of those students are not enrolled in the program for free or reduced price lunches, according to the school committee. The mayor's office is trying to plan an event to accept the donation formally, spokeswoman Courtney Marciano said, and there has been an outpouring of support from across the country. School leaders are working with attorneys on a way to accept donations to help settle lunch debt, after a local restaurant owner said the district twice turned down his offer to donate $4,000, school board Chairwoman Karen Bachus said. Leaders are trying to find a balance between being fiscally responsible and ensuring all students get a healthy, nutritious lunch, she said. Chobani, based in Norwich, New York, said the company is also looking to donate yogurt to the schools, a spokesman said. 'For every child, access to naturally nutritious and delicious food should be a right, not a privilege,' Ulukaya said in statement obtained by CNN. 'When our children are strong, our families are stronger. And when our families are strong, our communities are stronger. Business can and must do its part to solve the hunger crisis in America and do its part in the communities they call home.' Solomon and state Rep. Joseph Shekarchi, majority leader of the Rhode Island House, said they want to work with Chobani to bring attention to food insecurity among students nationally. According to NBC 10 News, local businesses have also started collecting money to help pay off the student lunch debts, including Mike and Gels Pizza in Warwick, and Gels Kitchen in West Warwick. Several GoFundMe fundraisers have also sprung up, including two which have already collected more than a combined $103,000. An auction of hundreds of gifts and souvenirs from royals, presidents, popes and celebrities collected by former prime minister Harold Wilson has topped 200,000. Collectors from all over the world came to bid on items including Wilson's pipes, his famous Gannex raincoat and even his novelty HP Sauce bottle. Bidders fought tooth and nail for the items, with hundreds of lots tripling or quadrupling their estimates, Derbyshire-based auction house Hansons said. Harold Wilson and his wife Mary, pictured in 1974 - Lady Wilson left more than 2million in her will and an auction has been held for many of her husband's possessions Harold Wilson's beloved pipe, a Comoys Leonardo, sold for 320 at the auction in Bishton Hall in Staffordshire The collection of 700 items, from the estate of Lady Wilson who died last year aged 102, was initially expected to raise around 65,000. A watercolour by the Prince of Wales sold for 10,500 at the sale in Bishton Hall in Little Haywood, Staffordshire believed to be a world record-breaking price. An order of service and an invitation to Sir Winston Churchill's funeral reached 4,500 from an original estimate of 200. A vase given to Wilson by Pope Paul VI reached 4,700 from an estimate of 1,500 while a collection of photos gifted to Wilson by US president Lyndon B Johnson sold for 3,400. Among the 700 items auctioned was a water colour by Prince Charles with a handwritten latter which he gifted to Lady Wilson A raincoat owned by the former prime minister featured among the lot which reached 200,000, well above the 65,000 estimate Lady Wilson died last year aged 102, having nursed her husband in his ill health until his death in 1995 A novelty bottle of HP Sauce was sold at the auction with the label: 'Personal bottle for the Rt. Hon. Harold Wilson, MP' Even Christmas cards from the royals were snapped up, with one from the Queen and Prince Philip tripling estimates to reach 170. Jim Spencer, Hansons' associate director, said: 'It was a privilege to catalogue this collection. Seven van loads of material were waiting for me. It was like a 50,000-piece jigsaw. 'It was an unprecedented sale. Everything was kept over the years, every gift or signed book or presentation album of photographs. The future prime minister fought and won his first election in 1945 in the constituency of Ormskirk in the Labour landslide and he kept the official poll result among his prized possessions A school essay dated February 1934 titled Perfectly Monstrous was one of the draws in the auction Wilson, who served as prime minister from 1964 to 1970 and from 1974 to 1976, kept a framed photograph of a meeting with the Queen British Prime Minister Harold Wilson (left) meets with French President Charles de Gaulle at the Elysee Palace in Paris in 1967 'I don't think a prime minister's entire life has come up for auction like this before. But here it was, gifts from presidents, photographs, letters, Christmas cards, everything.' He added: 'I kept finding things. I had to check every scrap of paper. Wilson dominated my dreams. To see it all come to fruition in this phenomenally successful sale has been the highlight of my career.' Mr Wilson, who was born in Huddersfield, served as prime minister from 1964 to 1970 and from 1974 to 1976. He died in 1995 aged 79. Federal prosecutors said Friday they want to meet with once-underage victims of wealthy financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before deciding whether to throw out a decade-old non-prosecution agreement that allowed him to avoid severe penalties for his crimes. Prosecutors said in court filings that victim input is essential in deciding how to proceed in the long-running case. The filings came after U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra ruled in February that prosecutors in the office of then-Miami U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta violated a victims' rights law by not disclosing the Epstein non-prosecution agreement to them. Acosta, who is now President Donald Trump's labor secretary, has defended the agreement as proper after it was criticized by Democrats and victim advocates. Jeffrey Epstein, the billionaire financier, is seen in New York City earlier this year The 2008 deal ended a federal investigation that could have landed Epstein in prison for life, instead allowing him to plead guilty to lesser state charges that resulted in a 13-month jail sentence, required financial settlements to dozens of victims and that he register as a sex offender. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jill Steinberg and Nathan Kitchens - both from the Atlanta U.S. attorney's office, which was chosen in March by the Justice Department to take over the case - said in court papers that they need at least 60 days to talk with victims before a decision is made on whether to tear up the Epstein deal. 'The victims' views and concerns are critical to inform the government's recommendation of an appropriate remedy, particularly given the sensitive nature of the crime at issue,' the prosecutors wrote. Attorneys for two victims, identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, countered that prosecutors should be required to announce a proposed remedy for violating their rights to be informed of the Epstein agreement. They have previously said they want the Epstein deal voided, which could again expose him to federal prosecution. 'The government should go first,' lawyers Brad Edwards and Jack Scarola wrote in their filing. Prosecutors want to meet with Epstein's once-underage victims before deciding whether to throw out a non-prosecution agreement that allowed him to avoid potentially severe penalties. Two of the victims - Virginia Roberts (left) and Michelle Licata (right) - are seen above 'After more than 10 years of litigation, the government's suggestion that it should postpone explaining its proposed remedy is a transparent effort to do nothing but cause further delay.' Both sides proposed lengthy schedules for future court filings and action. It will be up to Judge Marra to decide what happens next, but it could take months to resolve. Epstein, 66, is a wealthy hedge fund manager who once counted as friends former President Bill Clinton, Great Britain's Prince Andrew and Donald Trump, his former Palm Beach, Florida, neighbor. Court documents show Epstein had a Palm Beach mansion where at least 40 underage girls were brought for what turned into sexual encounters. Authorities say he had female fixers who would look for suitable girls, some local and others recruited from Eastern Europe and other parts of the world. Epstein also has a home in New York City, a ranch in New Mexico and a private Caribbean island. Some of the girls were brought to those places as well, court documents show. by Shafique Khokhar The Rev. Naveed Azam leads the Assembly of God Church in the Christian colony of Ghaziabad. The criminals left no signature or other signs of recognition. For Catholics, it is a "clear sign that religious minorities are targeted because they are vulnerable". Karachi (AsiaNews) - "Pay 5 million rupees or pay with 50 graves": This is the death threat delivered to a pastor of the Christian colony of Ghaziabad, district of Orangi Town, near Karachi. In the letter the criminals warn the reverend not to press charges or report the incident to the police. However, the recipient of the intimidating act decided to report the fact after consulting with the older pastors. The news of the death threat has become viral on social media. The complaint was filed against unknown persons. The letter, addressed to the Rev. Naveed Azam, was delivered on May 1st at the Assembly of God Church. Here every morning at 6 am, the pastor, who lives in the town of Baldia (about 10 km away), conducts the prayer. After the usual service, he noticed an envelope deposited near the shoe rack, he opened it and was shocked by what it contained. The letter (photo 3) contains the threat of death, in addition to the 10-day deadline to handover the money. Shocked and worried, he decided not to give in to intimidation. Rev. Naveed says that "the police have arranged to put two officers on guard during the prayers, in addition to a van that patrols during the day. For the night instead, it is the young people of the church who are keeping watch and protecting the place of worship and the faithful who live all around . Then he adds: "People have been really brave, they haven't taken the slightest step backwards. On the contrary, they are united in prayer for the protection of the church and also for those who have sent threats and those who are involved in terrorist activities ". According to Kashif Javes, a member of the Catholic archdiocese of Karachi, "even if we do not know who is behind the threatening letter, the whole story is a sign that religious minorities are targeted because they are vulnerable and scared. The threat to a minority church is a clear message that the culprits know that minorities are an easy target of persecution, and pay the sums required out of fear ". Father Anthony, pastor of the Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd, says: "All this goes against religious freedom. We ask the provincial and federal governments to take note of these inhumane activities and secure minorities ". Judith Clark, who entered prison in 1981 as a former member of the Weather Underground domestic terrorism group, walked free on Friday as a 69-year-old woman acclaimed for her work behind bars with service dogs, AIDS patients and inmates with babies. Clark made her initial report to her parole officer after leaving prison, state corrections spokesman Thomas Mailey said. Clark will live in Manhattan. She will 'be closely supervised to ensure her full compliance with all of the conditions of her parole,' Mailey said. Clark, sentenced to 75-years-to-life for her role as getaway driver in a deadly 1981 Brink's heist in suburban New York City, became eligible for parole after Gov. Andrew Cuomo granted her clemency in 2016. Judith Clark, 69, walked out of jail on Friday decades after being sentenced to 75 years to life for her role in the 1981 $1.6 million armored truck robbery Former Weather Underground member Judith Clark is handcuffed as she is escorted into Rockland County Courthouse in New City, New York on November 24, 1981. Clark became eligible for parole consideration after Gov. Andrew Cuomo granted her clemency in 2016, citing her many achievements in prison Police stand at the scene of a Brinks armored truck robbery in Nanuet, NY, where multiple Nyack officers and a Brinks guard were killed on October 21, 1981 (From left to right) Brink's guard Peter Paige and Nyack police officers Edward O'Grady and Waverly Brown were shot dead during the 1981 heist in Nanuet, NY Cuomo praised Clark as a model prisoner. Supporters said she embodied the prison system's ideals as an institution of rehabilitation rather than retribution. But some law enforcement officials, politicians and families of victims opposed her release. The $1.6 million armored truck robbery led to the shooting deaths of Brink's guard Peter Paige and Nyack police officers Edward O'Grady and Waverly Brown. 'While this is a wonderful day for Judy Clark and her family, she recognizes that news of her release may cause upset to the victims' families and wants to express her ongoing concern for these communities,' Clark's family said in a prepared statement. 'She plans to live her life outside, as she did inside, in atonement for the harm she caused.' In a 2-1 decision on April 17 granting her release, the parole board noted that Clark's original life sentence was ordered in part because of her 'unrepentant behavior and refusal of counsel.' The board said she had since disavowed her anarchist political views and apologized to the community and her victims. People gather in front of the Rockland County Courthouse to express their objection to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo commuting the sentence of Judith Clark in New City, NY on January 4, 2017 John Hanchar, nephew of slain police Sgt. Edward O'Grady, holds up a sign asking New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to call him during a rally in New City, NY on January 4, 2017 The board listed Clark's numerous achievements in prison, including earning a master's degree, training service dogs for veterans and law enforcement, founding an AIDS education program, securing a college program for inmates and working in a prison nursery mentoring new mothers. The dissenting board member cited the violence of the crime, the impact on the families of the slain officers and guard and Clark's involvement in the revolutionary May 19th Communist Organization that was founded by members of the Weather Underground and Black Liberation Army in the late 70s. In addition to the Brink's robbery, May 19th committed a series of bombings at government and military buildings. Her lawyers said Clark will live with a friend in New York City and work for Hour Children, an organization that helps incarcerated women and their children rejoin the community. Not everyone is pleased about Clark's release. Twitter user ChaseFor28 was angry about Clark's release on Friday Twitter user Charles called Clark a 'Radical left-wing terrorist' and said her early release was a 'miscarriage of justice' After the parole board's decision was announced in April, John Hanchar, nephew of the late Police Sgt. Edward O'Grady, said he can't forgive Gov. Cuomo for ignoring the families of the victims. 'He never reached out to us. Instead, he treated us like some kind of nuisance not worth his time,' said Hanchar, a Clarkstown Police Department sergeant, told the New York Post. 'To him, the three dead men were just an afterthought.' Others police supporters took to Twitter Friday to share their disdain for Clark and Cuomo. Twitter user ChaseFor28 called Clark's release, 'a f*ckin slap in the face to every cop.' Another Twitter user named Charles called Clark a 'terrorist' and said her release was a 'miscarriage of justice' Clark supporter Robin Hall recalled playing with the former radical when the two of them were children, saying he's glad she's finally been released from prison 'Andrew Cuomo is spitting on the grave of the 3 dead victims who've had to live with the unimaginable pain of losing their loved ones for over 40 years,' he said in his tweet. Others argued Clark is a changed woman who has paid her debt to society. Twitter user Robin Clark said he and Clark played together as children and that he's followed her 'ups and downs with the parole board for several years.' 'I'm so glad she's out,' he tweeted. Theresa May will not set a resignation date because she says it would make passing her Brexit deal impossible, according to reports. Setting a definite date could see the Prime Minister's Brexiteer critics hold out for her departure, rather than backing her deal for the UK to leave the EU. But chairman of the 1922 Committee of Conservative backbenchers Sir Graham Brady is still insisting Mrs May sets a leaving date when she meets with his executive team next Thursday, the Sun reported. Sir Graham Brady is still insisting Mrs May sets a leaving date when she meets with his executive team next Thursday Increasing pressure on the Prime Minister, Sir Graham said it 'would be strange' if Mrs May did not comply, telling BBC Radio 4's Week in Westminster: 'I don't think it's about an intention for staying indefinitely as Prime Minister or leader of the Conservative Party. 'I think the reticence is the concern that by promising to go on a certain timetable, it might make it less likely she would secure Parliamentary approval for the Withdrawal Agreement, rather than more likely.' Sir Graham said that the 1922 executive has asked the Prime Minister for clarity, and she has offered to meet with them. 'It would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding at the end of the meeting,' he said. Sir Graham said the 1922 executive had asked a question, and 'she's coming, I assume, to answer it'. So far Mrs May has rebuffed demands to set out a timetable for her departure from No 10 as pressure from Tory MPs has grown for her to make way for a new leader - as she tries to engage with the Labour Party to find a compromise on Brexit. Sir Graham has warned Mrs May that she would be making a 'catastrophic mistake' if she conceded ground to Jeremy Corbyn in Brexit talks Sir Graham has warned Mrs May that she would be making a 'catastrophic mistake' if she conceded ground to Jeremy Corbyn in Brexit talks. The senior Tory backbencher said a deal that includes a customs union would have 'unthinkable consequences' and allow 'dangerous extremists' in the Labour party closer to Number 10. Writing in the Telegraph, Mr Brady had said: 'The temptation for the government now to do whatever is necessary to secure some kind of Brexit agreement is obvious but it must be resisted. 'To reach an agreement with Labour that locked the United Kingdom into the customs union might pull in enough Labour votes to allow an agreement to limp over the line. The Brexit Party was set to win 30 per cent in the European Parliament elections, according to a previous survey by YouGov for the Times 'But the price could be a catastrophic split in the Conservative party and at a time when the Opposition is led by dangerous extremists, the consequences for our country would be unthinkable.' In a swipe at Tory infighting Jeremy Corbyn has said: 'It's difficult negotiating with a disintegrating government with Cabinet ministers jockeying for the succession, rather than working for an agreement.' Sir Graham has already made clear Mrs May had not offered any further clarity about her future - but would meet the committee's 18-strong executive next week amid fury over the party's worst local elections performance in 24 years. He suggested she could make a final effort to get her Brexit deal through Parliament before the European elections, when the party is expected to suffer even heavier losses - as Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party storms ahead in a number of polls. This is the terrifying moment a rolling shootout breaks out between a passenger in a Toyota Prius and pursuing officers in California. The wild car chase in the Los Angeles area started after the shooter opened fire on police on Friday afternoon on the busy 710 Freeway. As the car sped through traffic a man leaned out of a passenger window and shot at his pursuers. The shocking video shows a hail of bullets coming from the Prius during the high-speed chase. A wild car chase in the Los Angeles area has ended after a rolling shootout between a passenger and pursuing officers Authorities chased the Toyota Prius Friday afternoon. The car sped through traffic, and at one point a man leaned out of a passenger window and shot at pursuers The car finally was blocked in by traffic on a street, where police riddled it with bullets The car finally came to a halt in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey, where the woman driver, who had blood on her shirt, surrendered Los Angeles County sheriff's SWAT teams were called in and boxed in the car with armored vehicles before sending a robot to look through the open driver's door Video showed the passenger firing a long-barreled revolver. It appeared similar to a gun used to kill a liquor store owner on Tuesday in Downey Footage posted online by @vaaLerriee showed the Prius speeding past her vehicle, followed by a number of police cars. She wrote: 'hey guys i almost died today!!!' The vehicle can be seen weaving in and out of traffic in an attempt to evade capture. The shooter wildly swings his gun around outside his vehicle on the busy road. At one point the driver is forced to slow down due to traffic and appears to try and squeeze through lanes before making a turn and speeding off again. The passenger can be seen clearly holding the gun inside the car throughout the incident. The car is eventually brought to a stop by traffic as police cars line up behind them and riddle it with bullets before a woman emerges from the driver's seat. Convenience store worker Gurpreet Singh, 44, was shot and killed on Tuesday It finally came to a halt in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey, where the woman driver, who had blood on her shirt, surrendered. However, the passenger remained in the car. It was not immediately clear whether he was hit by gunfire but after 45 minutes two armored SWAT vehicles pulled up alongside the vehicle and pulled him from the car and he is now in custody. There was no immediate report on how the chase began. Police say the passenger is wanted in connection to a shooting death of a convenience store worker earlier this week, NBC reports. Gurpreet Singh, 44, was killed on Tuesday at ASL Liquor and Market. He was working alone at the time of his death. Security footage from incident, which resulted in Singh's death, showed two men running in the opposite direction from the market. Security footage from incident which resulted in Singh's death was released by police Authorities pulled the motionless man from a car after an hour-long standoff following a chase and rolling shootout near Los Angeles. There's no word on his condition. An ambulance took the man to a hospital. Video showed the passenger firing a long-barreled revolver. The gun was similar to one used to kill liquor store clerk Singh in Downey on Tuesday. The reason Peter Dutton left the police force 20 years ago has always been cloaked in mystery. Court documents have revealed the Home Affairs Minister resigned following a horror car crash which left him afraid to drive. The federal minister currently has a huge battle on his hands to retain his seat of Dickson in Brisbane's outskirts against Labor rival Ali France. But the political opponents have a lot more in common than meets the eye as Ms France was also badly injured in a car accident, in which she lost part of her left leg. Prior to entering politics Mr Dutton was employed by the Queensland Police Force for almost a decade. Court documents have uncovered the real reason why Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton (pictured) left the Queensland Police Force He has previously claimed that he left the force in 1999 to study at university and work in the family business. But old court documents uncovered by the ABC have revealed the controversial minister actually resigned from the force after he was badly injured during a police pursuit involving an escaped prisoner on Brisbane's outskirts. He resigned from the force the following year due to low confidence in driving, the court documents stated. In August 1998, Detective Senior Constable Dutton, then 27, was sitting in an unmarked patrol vehicle outside a fast food outlet in the Brisbane suburb of Goodna when he noticed an escaped prisoner leave the in a Holden Commodore. The officer was instructed to pursue the vehicle, which was driven erratically for several kilometres before turning off into an unpaved road and made a sharp turn. Mr Dutton's police car was thrown onto its side after hitting a concrete edge. He was taken to hospital suffering concussion, laceration, bruises, abrasions, along with as injuries to his cervical and thoracic spine, right shoulder and left knee. A young Peter Dutton (pictured right) in the Queensland Police Force for almost a decade before he was injuring during a police pursuit of an escaped prisoner Mr Dutton suffered a series of health issues as a result of the the incident, including headaches and back pain and resigned from the police force 10 months later, court documents state. The following year, Mr Dutton pursued the matter in court, seeking at least $250,000 from the insurance company of the escaped prisoner. The defence solicitor noted in 2003 Mr Dutton's 'significant changes' to employment and personal circumstances' and the claim was eventually discontinued. It's unknown whether Mr Dutton received any compensation. Peter Dutton could lose his seat of Dickson to Labor rival Ali France (pictured) on May 18 During his policing career, Mr Dutton also worked in the National Crime Authority as a detective in the Drug and Sex Offenders Squads in the suburbs of Brisbane. In his maiden speech in parliament in 2001, Mr Dutton said he'd witnessed 'the best and the worst that society has to offer' during his time in the force. 'I have seen the wonderful, kind nature of people willing to offer any assistance to those in their worst hour, and I have seen the sickening behaviour displayed by people who, frankly, barely justify their existence,' he said. 'I am proud of the fact that I had a distinguished career in the police service and that that service saw me perform duties all over the great state of Queensland.' After he resigned from the force, Peter Dutton pursued the matter in court, seeking $250,000 from the insurance company of the escaped prisoner. The claim was later discontinued Mr Dutton has one thing in common with his Labor rival, former journalist and communications professional Ms France. She too was injured in a car accident in 2011 which resulted her having a leg amputated. Mr Dutton was recently forced to apologise after he accused his rival of using her disability as 'an excuse' to not move into the electorate. Mr Dutton, who defeated Labor frontbencher Cheryl Kernot to win the seat in 2001 now holds his seat by just 1.6 per cent. He lost the Liberal Party's leadership battle to Scott Morrison last August but recently received the support of former prime minister John Howard, who wrote a letter to voters. The Cuban government will implement increased rationing of staple grocery items in the face of extensive food shortages, which the government blame on Donald Trump's trade sanctions. The country's Commerce Minister Betsy Diaz Velazquez announced on Friday that chicken, eggs, rice, beans, soap and other basic products will all be rationed in the communist country. She outlined the grave food situation in Cuba in an interview with the state-run Cuban News Agency, saying the country had produced 900,000 fewer eggs than the 5.7 million needed daily to satisfy national demand. The country has also failed to meet its production of pork by hundreds of tonnes, according to the Commerce Minister. The Cuban government will implement widespread rationing of staple grocery items in the face of extensive food shortages Cubans waiting in line to buy chicken at a government-run grocery store in Havana, Cuba last month 'We're calling for calm,' Velazquez said. She tried to reassure citizens in some fashion by reiterating there would be no rationing of cooking oil. She said: 'It's not a product that will be absent from the market in any way.' Velazquez blamed increased U.S. trade sanctions under Donald Trump for the country's current inability to make up for the country's shortfall in food production, however many economists place a greater amount of blame on decreased aid from Venezuela. The collapse of Venezuela's state oil company has led to a two-thirds cut in subsidised fuel shipments to Cuba, which the country uses as a commodity to facilitate international trade. The country's government blames U.S. trade sanctions for the increased rationing, however some economists say it is due to decreased aid from Venezuela People shop for food in Havana shortly after increased rationing was announced on basic goods Cuba imports about two-thirds of its food at a cost of more than 1.5 billion, with shortages quickly causing long supermarket lines. In recent months, a growing number of products have started to go missing for days or weeks at a time, and long lines have sprung up within minutes of the appearance of scarce products like chicken or flour. Many shoppers find themselves still standing in line when the products run out, a problem the government has been blaming on 'hoarders.' Havana shopping centres have been given orders by the country's government to limit powdered milk to four packets per person, sausages to four packs per person and peas to five packets per person. The Cuban government often blames hoarding for the country's intermittent food shortages Havana shopping centres have been given orders by the country's government to limit powdered milk to four packets per person, sausages to four packs per person and peas to five packets per person Chicken will now be sold in limited quantities in every type of store - with cheaper chicken limited to 11 pounds per purchase and the more expensive variety capped at two packages per purchase. Low-priced soap, rice, bean, peas and eggs will now only be sold in limited quantities per person and controlled through the national system of ration books. One shopper at a Havana super market said the rations were the correct decision by the government. 'The country's going through a tough moment,' 56-year-old tobacco-factory worker Lazara Garcia said. In this Oct. 9, 2009 file photo, an employee works in a government food store with empty shelves in Havana, Cuba 'This is the right response - without this, there'll be hoarders. 'I just got out of work and I was able to buy hot dogs.' However, business owner Manuel Ordonez, 43, said the measures would do little to solve the country's problems. 'What the country needs to do is produce,' he said. 'Sufficient merchandise is what will lead to shorter lines.' Missing four-year-old Maleah Davis' mother has accused her ex-fiance, the last person to see the girl, of being abusive and said he was suspiciously cleaning the family's apartment with bleach on the morning of her disappearance. Community activist Quanell X made an 'urgent statement' on behalf of Brittany Bowens at a press conference on Friday in Houston as the desperate search for her daughter continues. Bowens' former fiance Darion Vence told police she was abducted by three men who attacked him on the side of the highway on May 3. Quanell revealed that Vence and Bowens had recently gotten into a fight and broken off their engagement. 'On the day that Brittany left to be with her sick father - her dying father - to be with family, there was a huge fight between her and him,' Quanell said, according to ABC7. 'She confronted him about being gay. He was hurt, he was angry, he was upset. She told him she was giving back his ring and that she was not going to marry him. 'I believe that caused him to snap in anger.' Scroll down for video Community activist Quanell X made an 'urgent statement' on behalf of Brittany Bowens at a press conference on Friday in Houston as the desperate search for her daughter Maleah Davis continues. He alleged that Bowens' former fiance Darion Vence, the last person to see Maleah alive, may have been abusing her Maleah has been missing since May 3 when her stepfather, Vence, claimed they were attacked in his car by three men who abducted the four-year-old Quanell added: 'There were times where (Vence) would say (Maleah) was at day care, but he would bring her back, not drop her off at day care, but bring her back home with him. There is reason to believe, based on what I know now, there's issues of him possibly molesting young Maleah.' He said Bowens had never reported any suspicions about abuse to authorities. Quanell also mentioned that Vence had told Bowens he was cleaning the apartment on the morning of the alleged kidnapping. 'She didn't understand why he would be cleaning up the apartment,' Quanell said. 'But he went and bought an extra bottle of Clorox and came back.' A surveillance photo shows a man identified as Vence leaving the family's apartment with a laundry basket and black garbage bag inside. Vence is seen leaving the family's apartment with a black trash bag on the day Maleah went missing. He allegedly told Bowens that he was cleaning Another surveillance photo shows Vence entering the hospital with his one-year-old son the day after the alleged kidnapping Both Bowens and Vence were banned from having contact with their children under a court order issued Thursday, just as the car used in the abduction was recovered from a shopping center in Missouri City. Vence claimed that the car was stolen by Maleah's 'kidnappers' Friday night as they were on their way to pick up the four-year-old's mother. He allegedly told investigators that he pulled over to check if the car had a flat tire when three men in a pickup truck pulled up, knocked him out and took the girl. Authorities said Vence reported the abduction at a hospital on Saturday night and explained that he had been in and out of consciousness over the previous 24 hours. Vence is seen above with a head wound he claimed to have suffered at the hand's of Maleah's kidnappers Surveillance video showed him arriving at Sugar Land Methodist Hospital with his son in his arms. Doug Adolph, a spokesman for the Sugar Land Police Department, told DailyMail.com on Wednesday: 'During our initial interview that he provided, his story changed several times, some of what he described didn't add up.' He had visible injuries and officers say 'something clearly happened to him'. Investigators said a woman spotted the gray Nissan Altima in the parking lot and reported it to police, Houston police Detective Kenneth Fregia said during a news conference. He said the car was found unlocked and didn't appear to be damaged, and that detectives would go over it 'with a fine-toothed comb'. Bowens was at the scene as police conducted an initial search of the car. She was seen crying and hitting her hands against the ground. The silver Nissan Vence was driving when the alleged attack took place was found on Thursday at a shopping center in Missouri City, Texas, off Highway 6 Vence is pictured with Maleah (left) and two of his other children Last year, Maleah was removed from her family home along with her two brothers over allegations that she had been abused. She had suffered a head injury and was sent to live with a relative for six months but in February this year, was allowed to return home to her mother Authorities said they cannot find Vence but they aren't concerned about his whereabouts. Detective Fregia declined to call Vence a person of interest in the case, and he has not been arrested. Last year, Maleah was removed from her family home along with her two brothers over allegations that she had been abused, according to CNN. Maleah had suffered a head injury and was sent to live with a relative for six months but in February this year, was allowed to return home to her mother but she was back in the hospital for brain surgery in March. Police say it was to treat a healing injury and that they cannot share more information. Child services were meant to check up on the family once a month afterwards. It is unclear if that was done. Bowens, insisted on Monday that she hurt her head by falling. She says she had been on a trip to Massachusetts when her child disappeared, though it remains unclear what the journey was for. Maleah's biological father also demanded answers about his daughter's disappearance this week. Craig Davis, Maleah's father, said Tuesday that he's 'not putting the blame on anybody'. 'I just need the questions that aren't answered to be answered. There are so many unanswered questions. 'It's not for the police to answer them for me. It's not for the news to answer them for me. It's for Darion to answer for me,' Davis told ABC 13. Anyone with information on Maleah's whereabouts is urged to contact HPD at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Thomas Markle's ex-wife has spoken out about her relationship with him for the first time and made a series of sensational claims about how he treated her. Roslyn Markle, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, urged Meghan not to let Thomas into her new son Archie's life. She accused him of cheating on her multiple times and treating her extremely poorly and shouting verbal abuse at her, reports the Mirror. All claims Thomas Markle denies. Mrs Markle claims that Thomas was an 'awful father' who spent days at a time away from the family home while sleeping with other women. Thomas Markle's ex-wife Roslyn, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, urged Meghan not to let Thomas into her new son Archie's life She accused Thomas, pictured days before Meghan gave birth, of cheating on her multiple times and treating her extremely poorly and shouting verbal abuse at her She claims that while he was never violent, he would go on foul-mouthed tirades, Mrs Markle added: 'He would scream, "f*** you", "f*** off," "leave me the f*** alone", or "get the f*** out of here". Everything was f***. He called me a f****** c*** a lot.' Meghan and Prince Harry welcomed their first child Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor on Monday. The duchess, 37, has reportedly not spoken to her father since before her wedding in May, having fallen out after he repeatedly spoke to the press about their relationship. Mrs Markle has spoken out to warn Meghan against letting him back into her life. She told the Mirror: 'Repeatedly he has shown to Meghan he cannot be trusted. She must know that now. I speak not out of bitterness, my life moved on many years ago, but out of concern. 'Archie deserves to be brought up in a happy home, not in this vengeful situation that has been created. Tom was an awful father. What makes him think he'd be a great grandfather to Archie?' She claims that at one point he abandoned the family with his parents to go live a 'single life' in Chicago. When he returned for them - after his parents asked him to - they reportedly moved back in together but nothing changed. She alleges that he would come home 'smelling of women', and at one point even slept with one of her relatives while they were still married. Meghan and Prince Harry welcomed their first child Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor on Monday The duchess, 37, has reportedly not spoken to her father since before her wedding in May, having fallen out after he repeatedly spoke to the press about their relationship Thomas told the Mirror: 'These accusations about my relationship more than 40 years ago with my first wife are not valid. None of them. If you have questions ask my children. 'Take note that both Samantha and Tom Jr. left their mother and came to live with me because of her numerous bad habits and abuse. 'I have up until this moment never said a bad word about Roslyn but I must defend myself.' The news comes as Mrs Markle revealed Thomas has never met two of his grandchildren - aged 34 and 32 - despite his statement welcoming Archie on Monday. She added: 'Tom was an awful father. What makes him think he'd be a great grandfather to Archie?' Pictured: Meghan and Prince Harry with Meghan's mother Doria as they introduce their newborn to the Queen and Prince Philip She told DailyMail.com that his youngest granddaughter Noel Rasmussen, 21, has only met him three times and has limited phone contact. Thomas, 74, has also never met Ashleigh Hale, 34, and her brother Chris, 32, whose mother is Samantha Markle, the Duchess of Sussex's high-profile - but estranged - half-sister. And he has sporadic phone and email contact with his grandchildren by Thomas Jr. - Thomas III, 27, and marijuana farmer and part-time reality star Tyler, 26, Roslyn told DailyMail.com: 'Yes, [Baby Sussex] is his grandchild but considering that he's got five others that he doesn't really have a relationship with Two of them he's never even seen. 'He's never met Ashleigh and Christopher [Hale], and Noel [Rasmussen] he doesn't talk to. She hasn't really had any connection with him apart from the few times they've talked on the phone.' Of the new baby, she added: 'It's wonderful news. Babies are a sheer delight. I wish Meghan and Harry well and I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures like the rest of the world.' Leonard Olsen, 70, of Lakeland, Florida, was arrested Tuesday afternoon and later charged with misdemeanor reckless driving An elderly Florida man who said he was having problems with his wife was caught on video Tuesday standing through the sunroof of his white Cadillac sedan as it sped down a local highway. Leonard Olsen, 70, of Lakeland, Florida, was arrested after the Tuesday afternoon incident, according to ABC Action News. An off-duty Hillsborough County sheriff deputy shot the video of Olsen's bizarre and dangerous behavior while driving next to him on Interstate 4 near Lakeland before alerting the state highway patrol. The video shows Olsen standing through his vehicle's sunroof with his arms spread wide, deliberately or inadvertently mimicking an iconic scene from 'Titanic.' The off-duty deputy said he clocked Olsen traveling as fast as 100mph around 2.30 pm before he suddenly slowing down to 40mph during the dangerous trip, according to WTSP. Scroll down for video An off-duty Hillsborough County sheriff deputy shot video of Olsen's bizarre and dangerous behavior Tuesday afternoon while riding by him in another vehicle on Interstate 4 near Lakeland, Florida before alerting the state highway patrol The video shows Olsen standing through his vehicle's sunroof with his arms spread wide, deliberately or inadvertently mimicking an iconic scene from 'Titanic' Olsen was pulled over by highway patrolman on US 98. Sworn affidavits obtained by WTSP show he told investigators he was acting out because '[My] wife treats me like a servant and she's the mistress and I'm tired of this s---.' Olsen also told highway patrolmen he would rather 'go to jail then go back home,' according to a report. He initially denied performing the reckless stunt on the highway, saying he didn't 'know about that,' WTSP said, quoting from the arrest report. But when Troopers showed the elderly man video of him sitting on top of his sunroof while his car was barreling down the highway, they said Olsen admitted the man in the video was him before noting that the car was in cruise control. Olsen later told investigators the man in the video was him and that he left the car in cruise control before performing his dangerous stunt because he 'thought it would be a nice way to praise God for a minute,' according to reports 'The car drives itself and has a gigantic computer in it. I thought it would be a nice way to praise God for a minute and I thought it would be nice at the time and that's what I did,' Olsen said according to the report. Olsen is now charged with misdemeanor reckless driving. This isn't the first time Olsen has been in trouble with the law. In 2017, he was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm in public, records show. The father of American college student Otto Warmbier, who died soon after being sent home from North Korea in a vegetative state, said Friday that Kim Jong Un should be called 'criminal Kim' not 'chairman Kim,' which 'makes me sick.' Fred Warmbier labelled the North Korean leader 'a criminal and a murderer', saying that 'every member of his regime is a thug'. Warmbier Sr. told a U.N. symposium promoting international cooperation on abductions that calling the North Korean leader 'chairman' gives him status on the world stage. He urged the world's nations not 'to coddle' Kim but 'to stand up to North Korea', adding: 'If we're afraid to tell the truth of who we're dealing with we don't stand a chance of making a difference.' The devastated dad said the truth is that North Korea's leader is telling his people that they have to limit rations to 300 grams per day - the equivalent of five slices of white bread while 'at the same time he's begging for food from the (U.N.) World Food Program'. Warmbier said the Dutch government in February seized 90,000 bottles of vodka heading to Pyongyang - a violation of U.N. sanctions - at the same time 'he is systematically starving the people of North Korea'. Fred Warmbier, right, and Cindy Warmbier, parents of Otto Warmbier, pictured in 2018. Fred Warmbier labelled North Korean leader Kim Jong Un 'a criminal and a murderer', saying that 'every member of his regime is a thug' Fred Warmbier told a U.N. symposium promoting international cooperation on abductions that calling the North Korean leader 'chairman' gives him status on the world stage American student Otto Warmbier cries while speaking to reporters in Pyongyang, North Korea in 2016 and right, in June 2017, in a vegetative state while being carried off an airplane at Lunken Airport in Cincinnati 'It doesn't mean we can't engage them,' Warmbier stressed. 'It doesn't mean there can't be dialogue. But when we treat them for who they are then we'll be able to make a difference here. But until we do that, this is going to be a continued repeat.' Otto Warmbier, a University of Virginia student from suburban Cincinnati, was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in early 2016 for allegedly stealing a propaganda poster. His parents say he was tortured and he died days after being returned in a vegetative state in June 2017. He mysteriously fell into a coma following the 2016 sightseeing trip gone wrong. An Ohio coroner said Warmbier died from a lack of oxygen and blood to the brain. Pyongyang blamed botulism and ingestion of a sleeping pill and dismissed torture claims. Months after Obama left office, North Korea agreed to release the student, who arrived home in a vegetative state, to the Trump administrative. Fred Warmbier urged the world's nations not 'to coddle' Kim but 'to stand up to North Korea' Warmbier traveled to North Korea from China while completing a study abroad program in Hong Kong at the end of 2015, as part of a tour group that included ten other Americans. The group celebrated New Year's Eve in Pyongyang, and at some point during the stay, Warmbier allegedly took down a propaganda poster from the wall of his hotel that he planned to take home as a souvenir. He was arrested at Pyongyang airport shortly after, before tearfully confessing on North Korean television six weeks into his detention that he had taken the poster. A court sentenced Warmbier to 15 years in prison with hard labor for his confessed crime. It wasn't until Trump took office that the U.S. secured Warmbier's release, in June of 2017. North Korean officials claimed several days prior to his return that he'd come down with food-borne botulism that he fought off with a sleeping pill. Experts in the U.S. could find no such evidence, although they said they could not rule it out, and determined that he'd most likely experienced a trauma that led to oxygen deprivation in his brain. After his death, Pyongyang claimed that it had been wrongly accused in a 'smear campaign' and Warmbier's treatment in prison had been nothing but 'humanitarian.' Trump claimed in 2017, after Warmbier's release, that the boy had been 'tortured beyond belief' and belittled North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as Little Rocket Man. The U.S. passed legislation barring Americans from traveling to North Korea after the student's death, and led a United Nations charge to introduce hefty sanctions on Pyongyang for its illicit nuclear program. But by early 2018, the relationship between the U.S. and North Korea began to change when Kim extended an olive branch to the South when the neighboring democracy hosted that year's Winter Olympics. In the final photographs of Otto Warmbier before he was imprisoned by North Korean officials and brutalized into a coma, the 22-year-old is seen laughing with his new friends during their tour and enjoying the culture which would later cost him his life The University of Virginia student smiles to have his photo taken in front of bronze statues of Kim Jong Un and Kim Jong II before his arrest and death By that summer Trump and Kim were exchanging private letters. They met in person for the first time in Singapore in June of 2018 after Trump hosted a North Korean delegation at the White House for talks on nuclear disarmament. The leaders have continued to converse through letters that Trump says turned he and Kim into great friends. Asked in Hanoi about the message, in the context of Warmbier's death, Trump said, 'I know the Warmbier family very well. I think they're an incredible family. What happened is horrible. I really believe something very bad happened to him, and I don't think that the top leadership knew about it.' During the U.N meeting Friday, relatives of abductees from Japan, Thailand and the U.S. whose loved ones are believed to be held in North Korea pleaded for their return. The brother of American student David Sneddon, who is from Utah and disappeared in China in 2004, said the family has collected evidence that he was abducted to North Korea. James Sneddon said 'David is a victim and abductee of North Korea's callous, cruel and inhuman regime.' 'I want my brother released, and able to choose how he lives, independent and free,' James Sneddon said. 'It's time to release David. ... It's past time.' The American student, center, is escorted at the Supreme Court in Pyongyang in 2016 Banjong Panchoi said his aunt, Anocha Panchoi who is from Thailand, was abducted by North Korean agents in Macao in 1978 and the family isn't sure she's still alive. But 'our family still has hope that one day she will come back,' he said. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshide Suga, the minister in charge of the abduction issue, said as many 'as 17 people have been officially recognized as abductees by the government of Japan' and 'there are more than 800 people for whom the possibility of abduction by North Korea cannot be ruled out.' Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, said in addition to Japanese and South Koreans taken by North Korea, there are at least 25 other foreign citizens from China, France, Guinea, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Macao, Netherlands, Romania, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States that been abducted. 'Our ultimate goal is the get the abductees back as soon as possible,' he said. When Joann Johnsons dog Livia fell desperately ill, she was told her pet needed a life-saving blood transplant. And Romeo, the Staffordshire bull terrier, was more than yappy to help. His anonymous donation helped save the life of the other dog and now the two pets have met for the first time. A Staffordshire bull terrier named Romeo (pictured) has provided a life-saving blood transplant that helped saved the life of the other dog - a Spanish podenco named Livia Mrs Johnson, a secretary from south-east London, said: Im so grateful. Every time I look at Romeo I think, theres a part of him inside my Livia. The Spanish podenco was referred to the Queen Mother Hospital for Small Animals near Potters Bar in Hertfordshire with internal bleeding. After two transfusions and a ten-day spell in care she was ready to go home. I had no idea dogs could donate blood, said Mrs Johnson. I was amazed. For the first time donor dog Romeo has met Livia, the pooch whose life he helped save thanks to his donation. Romeos owner Steph Hartley, a postwoman from Hertfordshire, said: Its so nice to meet a dog hes helped. It makes me feel so proud When told the name of the donor dog, she was determined to say thanks and arranged a meeting. Romeos owner Steph Hartley, a postwoman from Hertfordshire, said: Its so nice to meet a dog hes helped. It makes me feel so proud. Romeo, seven, is fed on Natures Menu raw food and his rare blood type negative has been used to help 32 dogs. On Tuesday, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a six week abortion ban into law as hed long promised. The bill, slated to go into effect in January 2020, includes a far-reaching provision declaring unborn children are a class of living, distinct person. The new law effectively criminalizes with penalties including life in prison and death any woman who seeks an abortion or even one who miscarries in the state. By Thursday, production companies agreeing not to do business in George included Duplass Brothers Production, and The Wire creators Blown Deadlines Production. I cant ask any female member of any film production with which I am involved to so marginalize themselves or compromise their inalienable authority over their own bodies, David Simon tweeted. Killer Films (Boys Dont Cry, Carol, Party Monster, Colette) CEO Christine Vacho also tweeted that her company will no longer consider Georgia as a viable shooting location until this ridiculous law is overturned. Actress Alyssa Milano released a statement Thursday saying that she will not return to Netflixs Insatiable for a third season if the shows filming does not move to a different state. I have to be there for another month but you can be sure I will fight tooth and nail to move Insatiable to a state that will protect our rights, Milano said. And if it doesnt move to another state, I will not be able to return to the show if we are blessed with a third season. This is my leverage. I will use it for the betterment of society and our great country, she added. Netflix itself has remained silent on the boycott and is currently filming more projects in the state than any other company, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. When reached for comment a Netflix representative told Rolling Stone it is following a statement from the MPAA, which said that it was monitoring the situation in Georgia. Film and television production in Georgia supports more than 92,000 jobs and brings significant economic benefits to communities and families. It is important to remember that similar legislation has been attempted in other states, and has either been enjoined by the courts or currently being challenged, the MPAA said in a statement. The outcome in Georgia will also be determined through the legal process. We will continue to monitor developments. The statement seems to hope that the ACLU or another legal advocate will swoop in to contest the law before it goes into effect in January so film companies will not have to break current contracts with the state which will cost them millions of dollars. The entertainment entertainment industry, brought an estimated $2.7 billion to the state of Gerogia in 2018 while filming some 455 productions there. Over the years, I have been a fierce critic of Prince Charles. Yet now an inquiry has damned him over his misguided backing for a bishop exposed as a serial paedophile, I find myself in the unusual position of being his defender. Peter Ball, the former Bishop of Gloucester, was convicted in 2015 of abusing 18 boys and young men. By then, he had been a friend of Charles for more than 20 years despite Ball having been cautioned by the police in 1993 for gross indecency and resigning from the Church in disgrace. Prince Charles and Peter Ball are pictured in 1992. Ball, the former Bishop of Gloucester, was convicted in 2015 of abusing 18 boys and young men. To his credit, a mortified Charles has spoken of his deep regret that he was deceived by Ball over so many years Charles saw him regularly and corresponded with him, telling him he was the victim of monstrous wrongs and giving him money. The bishop prayed with the Prince at Highgrove and became Charless long-term mentor. The Prince claimed that he never realised Balls 1993 caution carried an admission of guilt. But that seems naive, particularly for a future head of the Church of England. Peter Ball was a well-known figure in the church at the time of his 1992 arrest, for eschewing ecclesiastical robes, dressing as a monk, and sleeping on the floor And yet still I defend him. Because I, too, was taken in for years by a notorious paedophile called Rolf Harris. I was his friend for 16 years. He came to my parties, sent me cards and cartoons. I went to his shows with my mum and dad, who also got to know him, and we were treated like VIPs, welcomed with his great bear hugs. And to my shame, I stuck by Rolf when he was accused of child abuse. I was utterly convinced of his innocence at first and said so in this newspaper. Only when I saw all the evidence did the scales fall from my eyes. Today, I realise he used me, even groomed me, to ingratiate himself into my group of friends and fellow journalists who might be useful to him. Just as Bishop Ball targeted Charles. Some will say Charles was complicit in an Establishment cover-up. But any criminal psychologist will tell you that a serial sex offender grooms those they believe will protect them and give them cover, just as they groom their victims. Think of Jimmy Savile, a friend to royals and prime ministers. I am convinced Charles was a pawn in Balls vile game. So, too, were many others from Archbishop Carey, who allowed Ball to return to his duties after his 1993 caution, to senior judges and politicians. To his credit, a mortified Charles has spoken of his deep regret that he was deceived by Ball over so many years. Like me, he has learned to his great cost that you can be too trusting and that even the canniest of us can be duped by evil men. And to my shame, I stuck by Rolf when he was accused of child abuse. I was utterly convinced of his innocence at first and said so in this newspaper. Only when I saw all the evidence did the scales fall from my eyes Cover up, Sharon The irrepressible Sharon Stone reprises this 1992 Basic Instinct no-knickers pose for the cover of Vogue. In another snap she is age-defyingly, magnificently topless. Brave woman. Yet, at 61, she might take the lead from other women who are actually working in Hollywood: Meryl Streep, 69, Diane Keaton, 73, Mary Steenburgen, 66 they all keep their clothes on. The irrepressible Sharon Stone reprises this 1992 Basic Instinct no-knickers pose for the cover of Vogue. In another snap she is age-defyingly, magnificently topless. Brave woman The original bunga bunga girl Keen to do right by the lesbian community, producers of Suranne Joness new drama Gentleman Jack hired an intimacy director to get the sex scenes right. Jones plays promiscuous Anne Lister, who is described as a pioneer of gender fluidity. All jolly good, but its based on Listers encrypted 1830s diaries, decoded years after her death going to Italy, apparently, means full sex. And that was long before former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconis debauched bunga bunga parties! Keen to do right by the lesbian community, producers of Suranne Joness new drama Gentleman Jack hired an intimacy director to get the sex scenes right Shame of a chimp and a chump Veteran wide-boy radio presenter Danny Baker says he wouldnt have been fired so quickly if he were one of the BBCs more clubbable broadcasters. He may have a point. No one who posts a picture of a couple leading a fully-dressed chimp down the steps days after Meghan and Harrys baby Archie was born, with the caption Royal baby leaves hospital, could join any club wed want to be members of. David Beckham has been banned from driving for using his mobile phone in the car. His lawyer said it would deprive his children of the joy of dad doing the school run. True. But it will prevent other peoples kids being hit by a reckless oaf more intent on his phone than their safety. That knighthood Becks believes is his right just took a back seat again. How delightful to see Meghan, hitherto always impeccably turned out, resembling an ordinary new mum tired, no attempt to disguise her post-baby bump, but with a beatific smile. Yet the image that endeared her most to me was the close-up of her hands touching Archies little head. A hasty manicure with uneven polish and uncut cuticles it was perfectly imperfect. Meanwhile, Harry says the joy of having a child brought back the pain of losing his mother, Diana. I hope it also causes Meghan to think about her estranged father. Harry can do nothing about his mum, but Meghan could still make a lifetime of memories with her dad. How delightful to see Meghan, hitherto always impeccably turned out, resembling an ordinary new mum tired, no attempt to disguise her post-baby bump, but with a beatific smile Ahmad's real joy Like millions of other Spurs fans, I was dancing deliriously after Lucas Moura scored the winning goal in the 96th minute of extra time to send the team into the Champions League final. Social media was awash with videos of kids dancing around their living rooms. The next day, the BBC ran a clip of a five-year-old Afghan boy dancing with joy, and I assumed he was also a Tottenham supporter. It turned out Ahmad had lost his leg in the war at eight months old and was celebrating his new prosthetic limb. Rather puts things in perspective. Westminster Wars In the six months running up to our revised scheduled exit from the EU, MPs will have spent half that time on holiday, including an extra 11-day Whitsun recess theyve just been given. Only the Tories will be working flat out on how to get rid of Theresa May. Since 2016, two Tory PMs and two Defence Secretaries have vowed to end the witch-hunt of Armed Forces veterans. Now Penny Mordaunt, declares it is her priority as the new Defence Secretary. Good intentions but, once again, I fear its just weasel words. Ambitious Amber Rudd tells her leadership rivals to stop parading their wives in their campaigns. Chief rival Boris Johnson wont worry he hasnt got a wife to parade any more. And his squeeze Carrie Symonds, 30, is hardly a vote winner in Tory heartlands, engagement ring or not. Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch attended New Yorks Met Gala revealing his eco-friendly suit was made of bamboo fabric and a shirt of peace silk. No worms, its claimed, were harmed in its production. Such a self-satisfied celebrity is vegan Ben that, if he were made of chocolate, hed eat himself. But only if it was originally sourced, dairy-free and 85 per cent cacao. Surely the most shocking thing about Madonna attempting to go incognito at an airport was not her faux burka but that she was wearing Birkenstocks, the sandals of the living dead. The finale of Line Of Duty was the most watched show on TV this year. Adrian Dunbar turned out not to be the bent copper H. For his millions of love-swooned followers, a spoiler alert. He is not a haggard cop beaten down by duty but, in real life, slim, handsome, charming and erudite, as I discovered last Sunday morning sitting with him on the sofa drinking coffee alas not my sofa, but in the green room of BBCs Andrew Marr Show. Mother of Jesus, hes a keeper! Among the items auctioned in the 1 million sale at Christies on the 40th anniversary of Mrs Thatcher becoming Prime Minister were her two Bibles and a hymn book. They fetched 4,375. Daughter Carol must have her reasons for flogging off her mothers things, but it bewilders me. I have all Mums seven battered tiny Bibles dating back to her childhood. I wouldnt sell them for 1 million. It's the Royal Mint's job to churn out shiny new coins. But it has now emerged that for the whole of 2017, the institution did not produce a single 20p or 2 piece. The public flooded the high street with coins dug out after the introduction of the new 12-sided 1 coin that same year. Following a publicity campaign, millions of households raided piggy banks, jam jars and looked down the backs of sofas in a hunt for coins before shops stopped accepting the old round 1. Millions of households raided piggy banks in 2017 following the introduction of the new 12-sided 1 coin As a result, they uncovered enough other coins particularly 20p and 2 denominations so that no more were needed in 2017. The previous year, 213million 20p pieces were produced as well as millions of 2 coins. Only once in 1986 has the 20p piece not been produced since it was first introduced in 1982. The 2 coin had been minted every year since 1997. A Royal Mint spokesman said: 'The quantities of UK coins the Royal Mint is asked to produce each year varies according to UK demand for specific denominations at the time. Only once in 1986 has the 20p piece not been produced since it was first introduced in 1982 'This, together with the ongoing decline in the number of cash transactions in the UK each year, means that the UK Banks and Post Office may not request every denomination every year.' The Mint, based in South Wales, did not cut 5p and 10p pieces at times in the 1970s and 1980s, and the old pound and larger 50p were not minted in some years during the 1990s. The model whose pet was at the centre of the 'Freddie Starr Ate My Hamster' headline has spoken about what really happened. Louise Fox, known by her stage name Lea La Salle, discussed the 1986 incident following the recent death of the comedian, 76, at his home in the Costa del Sol, Spain. The 56-year-old, who lives in Desford, Leicestershire, explained to The Mirror the event happened five years before it made the paper which was by then exaggerated. She said that he had been working in Wythenshawe, near Manchester, and would often stay at the home she shared with her fiance in Aigburth, Liverpool while touring the north west. Louise Fox (left) said that Freddie Starr (right) buttered two big slices of bread with the hamster between them. Ms Fox added: 'He did bite into the bread, but not the hamster. I was upset because the hamster was covered in butter which took two days for it to lick off' She added that he would often ask her to make him a sandwich, but on this occasion she told him to make his own. 'So he just went and got two big slices of bread, doorstop things, and buttered them and when he sat down on the settee he had the hamster between them. 'He did bite into the bread, but not the hamster. I was upset because the hamster was covered in butter which took two days for it to lick off.' Ms Fox said the hamster, named Supersonic, was in the sandwich but he never ate it and added that no one was as shocked as she was when the headline hit newsstands. She told the publication the story was planted in the paper by disgraced PR agent Max Clifford in a bid to raise Starr's profile during his career rut in the 80s She told the publication the story was planted in the paper by disgraced PR agent Max Clifford in a bid to raise Starr's profile during his career rut in the 80s. Starr later dismissed the claims in his 2001 autobiography Unwrapped, saying: 'I have never eaten or even nibbled a live hamster, gerbil, guinea pig, mouse, shrew, vole or any other small mammal'. While the 'Freddie Starr Ate My Hamster' boosted Freddy's profile again, Ms Fox said it was 'detrimental' to her modelling career 'I was modelling, doing all sorts of things like beauty contests in the 80s, and the publicity that arose from that story didnt help because it was a bit detrimental to me.' Boris Johnson last night accused Jeremy Corbyn of being medieval for indulging anti-Semites in Labour. In another thinly-veiled leadership pitch, Mr Johnson painted his optimistic vision for the future of Britain at a sold-out event in Aberdeen. He warned that a second Brexit referendum would threaten the Union while calling on the Tories to crush both Nigel Farages Brexit Party and Mr Corbyn. In another thinly-veiled leadership pitch, Mr Johnson painted his optimistic vision for the future of Britain at a sold-out event in Aberdeen (pictured: Johnson at Aberdeen Airport) In a swipe at the Prime Minister, who is currently holding talks with Labour over Brexit, he said it was utterly perverse to contemplate remaining in a customs union with the EU. And he warned that the Tories must deliver Brexit in order to stamp out Mr Farages party. He said: We must push their grinning heads down firmly, shut the box and close the lid and the only way to do that is to come out of the EU. In an upbeat address, he told the audience that Mr Corbyns indulgence of anti-Semitism was frankly medieval, and added: You can tell by the drubbing he got in last weeks council elections he actually went backwards. He was one of Princess Dianas favourite designers, creating more than 70 of her gowns, including her wedding trousseau and her peach silk going-away outfit. But David Sassoon, who ran the fashion label Belville Sassoon, has now revealed that one of the most famous dresses he created for Diana was not designed by him but by the princess. Mr Sassoon made the white gown that the princess teamed with the Queen Marys Lover Knot Tiara for the 1981 State Opening of Parliament, from one of Dianas own sketches. Speaking in a new Channel 5 documentary, Secrets of the Royal Wardrobe, screened tonight (Saturday), he said: We were asked to design a very important dress for the State Opening of Parliament. A drawing of the gown Princess Diana wore at the 1981 State Opening of Parliament, which was made by David Sassoon Princess Diana sent us a sketch of what she thought the dress should look like. So we re-drew the dress and worked out practically how it was going to work. She then sent me a charming letter saying it was exactly what she wanted. Dear David, she wrote on September 17 that year. How terribly clever of you to draw the exact thing I wanted! Could the back be the same pattern as the front? Many thanks for redoing the sketch. Its (sic) going to look lovely Im sure. Everyone up here went wild about the long white dress! Yours very sincerely Diana It was the only time that she ever independently designed a dress that she would like us to have made, added Mr Sassoon. It had a satin bodice, white organza embroidered with little silver trees dotted all over it on the actual puff sleeves. I didnt think it was one of the most successful dresses we have ever made for her. I dont think she felt in the long run it was quite as good as it could have been. That was her one and only effort. She never designed a dress again. Diana leaving the 1981 State Opening of Parliament, where she wore the white dress she helped design Mr Sassoon, 86, first met Diana when her mother, Frances Shand Kydd took her into the Belville Sassoon studio, in Knightsbridge, south west London, in the run-up to her wedding. She had previously been into the shop, which he ran with Belinda Bellville, a few days before her engagement announcement but walked out again after the vendeuse suggested she might be more at home at Harrods. Diana wrote this letter to David Sassoon about the dress she would later wear at the 1981 opening Her mother brought her into us to have a trousseau made, he said. She had previously come in and there was a disaster with the vendeuse. She chose about ten dresses and her mother paid for them. I was thrilled she asked us to design her going-away outfit although I was disappointed we didnt do her wedding dress. After the wedding Diana sent him a piece of wedding cake - he still has the box amongst a treasure trove of sketches and letters from her. But sadly he no longer has her sketch. I stupidly threw her sketch away after I had redrawn it, he admitted. At the time I suppose it was torn out of a notebook she had scribbled on. Secrets of the Royal Wardrobe is screened at 9pm tonight (Saturday) on Channel 5. A Sydney distiller has created the ultimate drink for true blue Australians - a gin that tastes like Vegemite on hot buttered toast. Archie Rose master distiller Dave Withers decided to try out the flavours as an experiment and was delighted when end result was delicious. ArchieMite was made from a mixture of distilled ingredients including yeast-extract, 25 kilograms of Pepe Saya butter and 15 kilograms of Sonoma sourdough. Mr Withers recommends adding the spirit to a Bloody Mary or an Espresso Martini which adds a moreish savoury taste. ArchieMite achieves its mitey taste by using a combination of yeast-extract, 25 kilograms of Pepe Saya butter and 15 kilograms of Sonoma sourdough Mr Withers had experimented with many flavours in the past and thought it would be fun to try Vegemite. 'It started out as a joke,' Mr Withers told The Sydney Morning Herald. 'Most distillers go through a phase that I describe as the ''can we distill that?" phase.' 'We've distilled some pretty mental things in the part, some of which didn't work and some of which have been amazing.' The iconic Australian snack was turned into a spirit by Archie Rose master distiller, Dave Withers (pictured), who did it as an experiment Archie Rose Distilling Co. state the new spirit 'has a big, mitey character at the front followed by biscuity, bready notes.' 'On the palate, you're given a combination of all three-elements coming together - buttery, almost warm, crisp-edged toast with that umami-rich, savoury mite flavour.' Mr Withers recommended having the spirit alongside Sonoma bread, Pepe Saya butter and spreads. 'It's lots of fun,' Mr Withers said to BroadSheet. 'It sits in this weird but interesting place. Trying to describe how it tastes is like trying to describe the colour blue. 'If you like that savoury flavour of yeast-extract spreads, you'll really enjoy it.' A bottle of ArchieMite is priced at $79.00AU and is available for a limited time. An article of 12 April reported on claims carried by the Sun newspaper that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had banned employees from using a car park adjacent to Frogmore Cottage. Since publication, we have been informed that the Duke and Duchess played no part in the decision to partially close the car park. We are happy to make this clear and the article has been removed from MailOnline. If you wish to report an inaccuracy, please email corrections@mailonsunday.co.uk. To make a formal complaint under IPSO rules go to www.mailonsunday.co.uk/readerseditor. You can also write to Readers Editor, Mail on Sunday, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or contact IPSO directly at ipso.co.uk The wife of Topshop owner Sir Philip Green has reportedly forked out an estimated 190,000 for an ultra-rare bottle of red wine. Tina Green bought the 1869 bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild at a charity auction amid the ongoing crisis at her husbands retail empire. She previously courted controversy when she took delivery of a 100million super yacht in 2016 while her husbands former department store BHS was collapsing. Tina Green (pictured), the wife of Topshop owner Sir Philip Green, has reportedly forked out an estimated 190,000 for a bottle of Chateau Lafite Rothschild at a charity auction Sir Philip was accused of abandoning the BHS pension fund after selling the chain for 1 to former bankrupt Dominic Chappell in 2015. He eventually paid 363million to rescue the fund. Now his wife has made the extravagant red wine purchase at a charity auction as he battles to save his Arcadia group, owner of Topshop and Dorothy Perkins. The donation came courtesy of Ariane de Rothschild, 53, president of the executive committee of Edmond de Rothschild Group. The money will go to cancer charity EORTC, The Evening Standard reported. Sir Philip Green is undergoing a crisis in his retail empire Arcadia has been forced to consider a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), an agreement used by struggling high street businesses to negotiate rent cuts, to save the group. The company has been struggling against the rapid growth of online shopping. Sir Philip, 67, wants to close around 50 stores and seek rent reductions on the others in a bid to avoid mass closures and job losses. He faces a multi-million pound rent bill in a June. He has pledged 50million for the overhaul but furious landlords have demanded more. If he fails to get a deal, he is likely to start an immediate sale process. The tycoon is also battling a 300million pension black hole at Arcadia Group, according to the latest figures. Retailers are battling against a High Street slowdown which saw more than 50,000 shopping jobs lost last year alone as consumers switched to online giants such as Amazon instead. Casualties of the slump have included Debenhams and House of Fraser, which have both been rescued from administration. Even stalwarts such as John Lewis and Marks & Spencer have seen their profits hit. Arcadia declined to comment. Advertisement Multiple vessels crashed in the Houston Ship Channel Friday afternoon, spilling huge quantities of a toxic gasoline product and forcing the partial closure of the commercial waterway. A 755-foot tanker collided with a tugboat pushing two barges near Bayport, Texas, around 3.30pm, capsizing one of the barges and damaging another, authorities said. The U.S. Coast Guard has set up an incident command and reported no injuries Friday night. Scroll down for video A 755-foot tanker collided with a tugboat pushing two barges near Bayport, Texas, around 3:30 p.m., capsizing one of the barges and damaging another Each barge was carrying an estimated 25,000 barrels of reformate, and the Coast Guard said in a statement that an unknown volume of the gasoline product spilled. Reformate is colorless, flammable and toxic to touch, inhale or ingest. Fire and oil spill response boats were at the site of the collision, and air monitoring was being conducted along the shoreline. Residents in the coastal community of League City could smell a strong odor of gasoline Friday night but air monitors did not detect chemicals in the air, the city said in a statement. The U.S. Coast Guard has set up an incident command and reported no injuries Friday night Each barge was carrying an estimated 25,000 barrels of reformate, and the Coast Guard said that an unknown volume of the gasoline product spilled The National Weather Service said the smell of gas could carry several miles inland. 'Here is an estimate of where the gasoline-like odor from the barge collision may reach overnight (midnight to 6 am),' they said in the post. 'The stronger order will be mainly east of I-45 from near Webster to Bayport.' The Texas Commision on Environment Quality stated that they had deployed teams of contractors to 'conduct air monitoring ' in support of the Coast Guard. The National Weather Service said the smell of gas could carry several miles inland For Uber the ring of the opening bell on Friday marked the day the ride-hailing giant looked to pick up passengers as a newly public company. It was a momentous occasion for the outfit, which started back in 2009 and ended the day with a valuation of $76billion on an undiluted basis. Uber is the 10th U.S. IPO since the 2008 financial crisis to raise at least $3 billion - and the first of that group to suffer a price drop in its opening session. The company's IPO was the largest of the year and the most anticipated since Facebook's public debut in 2012. But it was not CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who stood proudly alongside other company officials on a balcony above the New York Stock Exchange, who had the honor of signalling the start of trading. Nor was it founder Travis Kalanick, who reportedly asked to join them for the opening bell but was told he could not after leaving the company in 2017 over its 'bro-like' culture. That fell to Austin Geidt, 34, a graduate and former drug addict who cold emailed her in way in to become Uber's fourth employee in 2010. While Khosrowshahi posed for selfies and controversial co-founder Travis Kalanick and other Uber officials and employees stood on the trading floor it was Geidt who was handed the important task of ringing the bell. Uber Technologies Inc. CEO Dara Khosrowshah (C) stands alongside Austin Geidt (in red) as she rings the opening bell of the trading session on the New York Stock Exchange Austin Geidt is a Berkeley graduate and former drug addict who cold emailed her in way in to become Uber's fourth employee in 2010. She started life at the company as an intern Giedt, who has filled several roles during her time with the company, is now head of strategy for Uber's Advanced Technologies Group, which works on autonomous vehicles. But she started life there as an intern and tweeted in 2015 to mark her five-year anniversary of working at the company: 'To all you interns, keep ya heads up.' Giedt stood beaming in a red dress and surrounded by Uber drivers from around the world and other Uber executives at the NYSE. But it hasn't always been smooth sailing for the University of California at Berkeley graduate. She has been open about her battle with drug addiction, telling Fortune in 2015: 'I had a drug addiction. I got sober. I'm 10 years sober. I was in a really dark place.' Aged 19 the businesswoman said she 'got into trouble' but was able to get clean and has been since she was 20. Speaking four years ago she said: 'I spent a few years just getting back to basics.' Giedt then returned to college, graduating when she was 25 but admits she 'felt behind' as a intern at that age, adding: 'I was a sober 25 year old senior. But it was so important to get that part of my life right so I could get the rest of my life right. 'And then right after I finished school, I applied to Uber.' Ryan Graves, Uber's CEO at the time, told her to create a presentation about herself and Giedt landed a role at the company which saw her work as an intern handing out flyers to cold-calling potential drivers. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, back to camera, hugs Austin at the opening bell ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange, as his company makes its initial public offering It hasn't always been smooth sailing for the University of California at Berkeley graduate She said: 'I immersed myself at Uber. But I am also able to step back considerably. 'I love what we do, but I also have perspective on what's really important to me. 'I'm so proud of the work my team has done at Uber and of the work I've done at Uber. But it's not the proudest thing I've done, right? I'm more proud of being sober. 'There were four of us when I started and I'm so direct, that they knew within a month of me being there,' she says. 'It's such an important part of my story.' Then in 2017 Uber investor Shervin Pishevar was accused of sexual assault and harassment by six women. One of those he allegedly groped was Geidt, who was head of Uber's global expansion at the time, during a holiday party in 2014. Sources claim the then-40-year-old investor placed his hand on a then 30-year-old Geidt's leg and moved his hand up her dress, forcing her to move away. Pishevar, the co-founder and managing director of Sherpa Capital, denied the allegations, and insisted that he and Geidt maintained 'a friendly, professional relationship', after the alleged incident. Uber shares never rose above the opening price on Friday during the company's IPO Geidt declined to comment on the allegations at the time, which were made by her colleagues regarding Pishevar. It is not known how much equity she owns and therefore how much she made in today's trading. But for Giedt, one of the most powerful women in Silicon Valley, she believes hers is more a story about hope above all else. 'For me, it's more of a hopeful story,' she says. 'I think Uber has been great for me.' 'If I had the chance to go back change anything about my journey I wouldn't.' How much key executives and investors made in Uber IPO Matt Cohler Matt Cohler Early investor whose firm Benchmark holds 11 per cent of Uber's stock, making him the biggest individual shareholder Cohler's 150 million shares are now worth $6.15 billion. He is a legend in Silicon Valley and was one of the first employees at Facebook. Cohler has helped launch LinkedIn. The New Yorker, who once tried his hand at being a saxophonist and now lives with his Norwegian lawyer wife Pia Oien Cohler in San Francisco, made the Forbes The Midas List of top tech Investors in 2019, coming in at number 77. Travis Kalanick Travis Kalanick Uber's co-founder and former CEO. His shares are now worth $4.8billion. Kalanick departed the company in disgrace after a spate of scandals surrounding the company's culture. He was the public face of the ultra-competitive, no-holds barred environment where employees say sexual harassment, sexism, racism and homophobia were tolerated so long as profits were rising. He had his own mishaps. One embarrassing moment was when an email he sent to staff was leaked. In it, he asked staff not to have sex with each other at a party and said anyone who threw up or 'puked', in his words, would be charged $200. He was forced out as the result of a lengthy law-firm investigation which exposed the aforementioned culture. Garrett Camp Co-founder Garrett Camp Garrett Camp invented Uber. It was his idea in 2008 that launched the company. He stood to make $3.7billion from Friday's IPO but with the lower than expected result, got $3.36billion He teamed up with Kalanick who, as the more aggressive out of the two, got it off the ground. Camp, according to other Uber employees, has an aversion to confrontation and stays largely out of the fire. They say his biggest mistake is giving Kalanick too much power in the early days of the company. H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan Managing director of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, H.E. Yasir Al-Rumayyan was one of the later investors. His 73million shares, by the end of closing, pocketed him $2.9billion, It does not, however, give him a return on his investment. In 2016, he invested $3.5billion in the company - an astronomical amount. It remains to be seen how the bank will fare by the end of the day. The investment proposed a wave of moral dilemmas and questions surrounding Saudi Arabia's ties to Silicon Valley. Complicating matters is its enormous, $45million investment in SoftBank's Vision Fund, the world's largest VC fund which is behind a plethora of tech start-ups. Ryan Graves Ryan Graves Uber's first employee and former CEO, currently a board member. His shares 33.2million shares are now worth $1.36billion. Graves was hired in 2010 as CEO and later became president then SVP of then Global Operations. Graves resigned in 2017, two months after Kalanick was ousted following the reshuffle and investigation. Dara Khosrowshahi He is now on the board of directors and is also the founder and CEO of SaltWater Capital which is a family office, incubation, and investment firm. Dara Khosrowshahi Khosrowshahi was brought in after Kalanick's departure to become CEO. He was previously the CEO of Expedia and his 196,000 shares are worth $8million. Khosrowshahi inherited a wave of scandals and problems from Kalanick. Jeff Bezos Last August, he said of the position: 'I didn't get into this expecting an easy ride. It's been just as challenging as I expected.' Jeff Bezos The Amazon CEO was due to make $400million when the share price was put at $45 which means works out to a stake of around 8.8million shares. At $42 a pop, he would have made closer to $364million which means he made his money back 121 times after personally sinking $3million int o it. Arianna Huffington Bezos is already the world's richest man with a net worth of close to $155billion. The IPO tops up his gargantuan wealth. $400million ownership represents a 0.58 percent stake in the company at $82billion. Arianna Huffington Huffington Post founder is an Uber board member. She has 22,000 shares which, at $41 a share, gives her a stake of $900,000. She was drafted in while the company was in crisis to serve on its board and add an 'emotional intelligence' to the operation. Advertisement After Sleepy Joe, Crazy Bernie, Pocahontas, Little Marco, Lying Ted and Low energy Jeb, there's a new nickname in President Trumps arsenal, directed at South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Alfred E. Neuman cannot become president of the United States, Trump told Politico when asked if he sees Buttigieg as a serious threat to his 2020 re-election. Alfred E. Neuman is the boyish cartoon character on the cover of the humor magazine Mad. President Trump called South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg (left) 'Alfred E. Neuman'. Neuman (right) is the mascot of the longrunning Mad magazine Trump (seen above with First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Friday) has mocked Buttigieg before When Buttigieg was told of Trumps remark, he responded by taking a dig at the presidents advanced age, saying: I had to Google that ... I guess its a generational thing. Buttigieg, the openly gay Democrat, has received increased attention in recent weeks as his presidential campaign has surged from nowhere. However, Trump apparently wants to belittle Buttigieg for his youthful appearance. The South Bend mayor is just 37 years of age, while the president is nearly twice as old - 72. And Buttigieg has a point. Alfred E. Neuman, who is also known as the 'idiot kid,' first appeared on a magazine cover in 1954. Mad Magazine reached the peak of its popularity in the 1960s and 70s, when it became influential in satirizing U.S. pop culture while cementing its status as a commercial success with a cult audience. The magazine, founded by editor Harvey Kurtzman and publisher William Gaines, debuted as a comic book in 1952, then switched to magazine format three years later. Mad is still published on a bimonthly basis. Since 1952, it has put out more than 550 regular issues in addition to reprint specials, original-material paperback books, reprint compilations, and other projects. Buttigieg is the son of an immigrant from Malta, the small Mediterranean archipelago just south of Italy. A former Rhodes scholar who attended Oxford and Harvard, Buttigieg was a naval intelligence officer who served in Vietnam. In 2011, he was elected mayor of South Bend Trump has mocked Buttigieg before. During a rally in Panama City, Florida, on Wednesday, the president scoffed at the notion that Buttigieg could hold his own in high-stakes international negotiations. He's got a great chance, doesn't he? He'll be great, Trump said sarcastically of Buttigieg. He'll be great representing us against President Xi of China. That'll be great. I want to be in that room, I wanna watch that one. Trump then remarks about the pronunciation of Buttigiegs name. We have a young man, Buttigieg. Boot-edge-edge. They say edge-edge, Trump said. Buttigieg is the son of an immigrant from Malta, the small Mediterranean archipelago just south of Italy. A former Rhodes scholar who attended Oxford and Harvard, Buttigieg was a naval intelligence officer who served in Afghanistan. In 2011, he was elected mayor of South Bend. While Buttigieg's campaign has surged, former Vice President Joe Biden (above) has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the race for the Democratic nomination It appears that Trump is getting ready to do battle with Biden. The president tweeted on Friday: Looks to me like its going to be SleepyCreepy Joe over Crazy Bernie. Everyone else is fading fast! Buttigieg is one of more than 20 candidates in the race for the Democratic nomination. Public opinion polls shows, however, that Buttigieg and the other candidates have a long way to go to catch up to former Vice President Joe Biden, who has emerged as the clear frontrunner. It appears that Trump is getting ready to do battle with Biden. The president tweeted on Friday: Looks to me like its going to be SleepyCreepy Joe over Crazy Bernie. Everyone else is fading fast! The creepy dig is a reference to the several women who have accused Biden of touching them to the point where they felt uncomfortable. AFL legend Adam Goodes has been spotted with his heavily pregnant wife Natalie Croker strolling along Bondi Beach. The former Sydney Swans star and the mother-to-be looked relaxed as they made the most of Sydney's sunshine on Friday. The pair, who are expecting their first child in July, wore activewear as they walked along the famous beach. AFL legend Adam Goodes has been spotted with his heavily pregnant wife Natalie Croker strolling along Bondi Beach Goodes carried a drink bottle as the pair made the most of Sydney's sunshine on Friday Croker wore Nike shoes with a purple shirt and a pink jumper as she walked along the boardwalk Goodes even took a dip int he sea as Croker watched on from the shore. The retired two-time Sydney Swans premiership champion announced the pregnancy in February. The couple previously said they have opted not to find out the gender of the baby because they want it to be a surprise. The passionate Aboriginal affairs advocate has vowed to pass on the pride for his indigenous heritage to his children. The pair looked relax, both wearing sunglasses, as they made the most of the sunshine Goodes took a quick dip in the water as his wife watched on from shore The dad-to-be was enjoying the quieter beach as temperatures have been dropping in the city The pair, who are expecting their first child in July, were married in a small ceremony in 2016 'So the most exciting thing for me is from day one this baby is going to know it's an Aboriginal person and is connected to the longest living culture in the world, which is something I didn't have when I was growing up,' Goodes told GQ. 'Every opportunity we can we'll be giving him or her an indigenous experience, teaching him or her about what it means to be aboriginal. For me as a father, I feel I have a role to play to instill that culture, as well as discipline and having fun.' The couple secretly tied the knot in front of 20 guests in 2016, just six months after Goodes popped the question to his long time partner. The couple didn't publicise their exchanging of 'I dos' because they wanted it to be 'special.' The retired two-time Sydney Swans premiership champion announced the pregnancy in February The couple are not finding out the sex of the baby, opting instead for it to be a surprise 'We are not finding out the sex. It's going to be a surprise,' Goodes, pictured with his wife, said Adam Goodes said he looks forward to fatherhood and the challenges that come with it Although the ceremony itself was small, the couple hosted an extravagant wedding celebration with dozens of loved ones two months later at Carriageworks in Sydney. The North Bondi couple dated for two years before getting engaged in April 2016. Adam, who was named Australian of the year in 2014, previously described their nuptials as a 'magical' and 'emotional'. Goodes played 372 games and booted 464 goals for the Swans until his retirement in 2015. A Queensland bar has been labelled 'un-Australian' after a musician claimed he was refused entry because he has a mullet. Eamon Sandwith, lead vocalist and bass player for Australian punk rock band The Chats, said he was turned away from Brisbane's Ric's Bar because of his haircut. The bar responded claiming Sandwith's allegations were false and they do not have a ban on mullets. Eamon Sandwith, (pictured right) lead vocalist and bass player for Australian punk rock band The Chats, said he was turned away from Brisbane's Ric's Bar because of his haircut. Mr Sandwith took to The Chat's Facebook page to make a post about the alleged banning Mr Sandwith took to The Chat's Facebook page to make a post about the alleged banning. 'How does my haircut suggest I'm going to hit someone? I've never even been in a fight,' Mr Sandwith said. 'Prejudice starts with bull**** like this and leads to venues refusing entry to people for all sorts of stupid reasons. 'Furthermore, after initially asking why this rule exists on the Ric's Facebook page, my post was removed by Ric's after no explanation was offered. 'If Ric's staff and management continue to enforce this, generalisation and stereotypes will continue to plague Brisbane, and ultimately Australia.' 'How does my haircut suggest I'm going to hit someone? I've never even been in a fight,' Mr Sandwith said Fans of The Chats showed support for the band and said Ric's Bar should not ban an iconic Australian hairstyle Fans of The Chats showed support for the band and said Ric's Bar should not ban an iconic Australian hairstyle. One commenter said: 'That's f***ing bullshit and un-Australian.' 'Seen more blokes punch on at Ric's with man buns than mullets,' another commenter said. 'That's very unStrayan, in fact, if I remember correctly it was part of my citizenship test, to respect everyone's right to have or not have and to believe in mullets,' one commented joked. Ric's Bar responded to the allegations on their Facebook page and claimed Mr Sandwith's claims were false Ric's Bar responded to the allegations on their Facebook page and claimed Mr Sandwith's claims were false. 'Despite what some people have been saying of late, we do not have a "no mullet" policy. We allow all hairstyles as long as the person is dressed accordingly to venue standards,' Ric's Bar said on their Facebook page. 'What Eamon and The Chats have failed to explain is that he has been permitted entry into the venue multiple times, including several times over this past weekend. 'The only time Eamon has been asked to leave the venue was due to behaviour that goes against our venue guidelines. Overall though, we have never had a problem with Eamon.' A father whose four children and ex-wife were killed by their grandfather one-year ago says members of his tight-knit community treat him as if he was involved in the tragic murder-suicide. Peter Miles, 61, shot dead his grandchildren, Taye, 13, Rylan, 12, Ayre, 10 and eight-year-old Kayden, their mother Katrina and his wife Cynda, before turning the gun on himself at the family farm in Osmington, Western Australia, on May 11 2018. On the first anniversary of the tragedy, Katrina's ex-husband Aaron Cockman, 41, is in the process of clearing his name, The Australian reported. Aaron Cockman (pictured) whose four children were killed by their grandfather one-year ago says members of his tight-knit community treat him as if he was involved in the tragic murder-suicide Peter Miles (second from left in suit and blue tie) killed his wife, Cynda, (back right), his daughter Katrina Miles (left in red dress) and her four children aged from eight to 13 (pictured) before shooting himself The bereaved father has written to the WA coroner after he was contacted ahead of an inquest into his children's deaths. 'I'm sad to have to say this but I think it's important for me to be able to clear my name too,' he wrote this month. The skilled carpenter explained he has been under pressure over the year due to the secrecy of the Family Court proceedings and people getting the 'wrong idea' about what happened. 'People who don't know me have come to their own conclusions and sometimes made these views public,' he said. The murder of Mr Cockman's family was the worst mass shooting Australia has seen since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre in Tasmania which led to mass gun reform. Mr Cockman had planned to scatter his children's ashes at Gnarabup Beach on Saturday but decided he wanted to keep them with their mother's. The bereaved father has written to the WA coroner after he was contacted ahead of an inquest into his children's deaths Mr Cockman's marriage with Katrina broke up in the middle (second from right) of 2014 His marriage with Katrina broke up in the middle of 2014 and a bitter custody battle meant Mr Cockman became distanced from his father-in-law, who was once considered a friend. Amid the mounting legal fees, Miles was understood to be in a deep depression, compounded by financial woes and a shortage of work, when he killed his family. A month before the murder-suicide, Mr Cockman was on Facebook accused of stalking and harassing by Katrina but the court allowed supervised visits and he was given favourable reports. One-week before the family's death, Mr Cockman went to the cinemas to watch the new Avengers movie with his children and estranged wife. Mr Cockman said all he ever wanted to do was spend time with his children. He says there should be an open formal inquest for 'everyone's sake' to develop widespread understanding of what happened. A bitter custody battle with his estranged right (right) meant Mr Cockman became distanced from his father-in-law (centre), who was once considered a friend 'It was such a big event that it affected not just me and my family but the whole community and to some extent the whole country,' he wrote to the coroner about the tragedy. A decision will be made by the WA Coroner's Court in the coming weeks. Mr Cockman has found strength through helping children reunite with their family and others with the separation process. Mr Cockman set-up the aaron4kids foundation, in conjunction with For Kids Sake, which campaigns for support and more mediation before a custody battle is taken before the courts. Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Former White House counsel Don McGahn twice declined to publicly state that he believed President Trump did not obstruct justice, it has been reported. White House officials were hoping that McGahn, who gave statements to special counsel Robert Mueller, would say publicly that the president never obstructed justice, according to The New York Times. McGahns refusal to publicly back Trump reportedly angered the president, who has long considered the former White House counsels cooperation with Mueller as an act of disloyalty, according to the Times. Trump reportedly asked his aides to reach out to McGahns lawyer, William Burck, before the Mueller report was released publicly on April 18. Former White House Counsel Don McGahn (above) declined to publicly issue a statement supporting President Trump's assertion that he did not obstruct justice The White House obtained a copy before the Justice Department released it to the public. White House lawyers noticed that the report did not mention the fact that McGahn told investigators that he did not believe the president obstructed justice. McGahns lawyer, Burck, told White House lawyers earlier this year that his client told Muellers investigators that he didnt think Trump ever obstructed justice. We did not perceive it as any kind of threat or something sinister, Burck told the Times. It was a request, professionally and cordially made. But after the report was released, the public learned of steps that Trump took to impede the Mueller investigation. That was when McGahn decided not to release a statement backing the president. The Mueller report revealed that Trump ordered McGahn to fire the special counsel. But rather than follow through on the order, McGahn threatened to resign, which forced Trump to back down. After the Times reported on Trumps attempts to fire Mueller in January 2018, the president asked McGahn to release a statement denying the story, but he refused. Trump also pressured McGahn to talk to then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the hope he would un-recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller probe. The president has long been angered by McGahn's extensive cooperation with Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his investigators looking into alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia But McGahn refused. McGahns actions in standing up to the president led Trump to believe that the then-White House counsel was leaking to the press in order to make himself look good. The White House believes that a statement from McGahn in support of the presidents contention that he did not obstruct justice would help Trump politically as he is coming under increasing pressure from Democrats on the Hill. Congressional Democrats, faced with blanket opposition to their oversight probes by Trump, are considering more contempt citations against administration officials who defy their subpoenas, a leading Democrat said on Friday. U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said lawmakers may bundle numerous contempt citations from different committees into a single resolution that the full House of Representatives could then vote on. There obviously are going to have to be, perhaps from our committee and certainly from other committees, other contempt citations to enforce subpoenas, Nadler told reporters. Asked about bundling citations together, the New York Democrat replied: Its a great idea. In fact, I suggested it ... It just makes sense, to spend as little floor time as possible, to group them together. McGahn testified before Mueller's (above) investigators for some 30 hours and provided key bits of information about Trump's alleged attempts to impede the investigation A consolidated contempt vote is among options Democrats are considering in response to Trumps stonewalling of congressional investigations into his presidency and business investments. Another option is reviving Congresss inherent contempt authority. Some Democrats say that would allow lawmakers to fine uncooperative officials up to $25,000 per day. Some Democrats are also calling for impeachment proceedings against recalcitrant Trump Cabinet members. Nadler said Congress faces the unprecedented situation in which the administration is essentially stonewalling all subpoenas weve never had this before in American history, so far as I know. His committee on Wednesday voted to recommend that the full House bring a contempt of Congress citation against Attorney General William Barr for defying a committee subpoena that seeks the unredacted Mueller report and underlying material. The vote came just hours after the White House blocked the reports disclosure by invoking the legal principle of executive privilege. But the judiciary committee chairman also sent a letter to Barr on Friday, offering to resume negotiations for the Mueller material while the contempt citation awaits a vote by the full House. My staff is ready, willing and able to meet with your staff in an effort to achieve a suitable compromise, the letter said. Nadler told reporters that the House Intelligence Committee would soon hold a contempt vote. Other Democratic lawmakers have suggested action against Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for refusing to turn over Trumps tax returns. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, the New York Democrat, plans to hold McGahn in contempt if he does not appear before the panel under subpoena on May 21 He also reiterated plans to hold McGahn in contempt if he does not show up to testify before the panel under subpoena on May 21. He knows that if he doesnt testify on the 21st without a court order, which he wont get, hell be subject to a contempt citation, the chairman said. Nadlers committee is continuing to negotiate for Mueller, author of the report on Trump and Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, to testify before he leaves the Justice Department in coming weeks. Hopefully he will come in. It wont be next week, Nadler said. If necessary, we will subpoena him and he will come. The House Judiciary panel has not set a date for Mueller to testify, but lawmakers had spoken tentatively about May 15. The panel is still negotiating with Mueller and the Justice Department. It was unclear where negotiations stood on Friday. Barr has said he has no objection to Mueller testifying. But Trump has tweeted that Mueller should not testify. The Justice Department told the House committee that Mueller is expected to leave his post in a matter of weeks, according to Nadler, who rejected the idea that there might a benefit to the special counsel testifying as a private citizen. Is there a benefit? No! He may prefer to do that because hes then more free from the instructions of the Department of Justice, the chairman said. Nathan Edwin Parry, 34, of Salt Lake City was charged with first degree murder and second degree felony obstruction of justice Friday in the October death of his girlfriend A Utah man who told police his girlfriend died while the two were having 'aggressive sex' was charged with her murder on Friday. Nathan Edwin Parry, 34, was booked on first degree murder charges and second degree felony obstruction of justice charges on Thursday, according to Deseret News. He was held at Salt Lake County Jail after a $1 million warrant was issued for his arrest. A lengthy police investigation concluded that Parry deliberately killed his lover Rebecca 'Becky' Michelle Sullivan, 41, on October 21. Authorities said Parry called 911 that night and told the dispatcher the two had 'placed restraints' around each other's necks during their alleged sexual encounter before both of them lost consciousness. Emergency responders who arrived at the scene found Sullivan in cardiac arrest, according to charging documents obtained by Deseret News. Rebecca Michelle Sullivan, 41, was found dying from 'full cardiac arrest' on October 21. Authorities say Parry, Sullivan's alleged boyfriend, told a 911 dispatcher the two had 'placed restraints' on each other during an 'aggressive sex' session before both lost consciousness Authorities said Parry changed his story, claiming he and Sullivan (pictured) attempted suicide together, after doctors said Parry's initial claims didn't match Sullivan's injuries When emergency room doctors said Sullivan's injuries couldn't have been inflicted the way Parry claimed they were, police said he changed his story and 'stated that he and Ms. Sullivan were trying to commit suicide together but he had to cut them down,' prosecutors said in their charging documents, according to Deseret News. Investigators learned later that Parry also called his ex-wife that night and told her 'Rebecca is dead. He claimed Sullivan had 'hung herself right in front of me,' court documents indicated. During a November 9 police interview, Parry said when he and Sullivan hanged themselves together, he used his feet to grab a pair of scissors that were sitting on a drawer and cut them both down. Sullivan (pictured) was a teacher at West High School in Salt Lake City 'Parry stated he lied to 911 and said he was 'ridiculously' drunk and terrified,' authorities wrote in their charges. Detectives eventually determined the scissors Parry claimed he grabbed were more than 9 feet away from where he claimed he and Sullivan were hanging and he couldn't have reached them with his feet the way he initially suggested. 'Parry's multiple explanations were inconsistent with the evidence with the reconstruction. The reported explanations of how the injuries occurred were inconsistent with autopsy findings,' authorities wrote in their report. Sullivan was a teacher at West High School in Salt Lake City. Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was shocked to find a note from a man who said he supports both her and President Donald Trump outside of her office on Capitol Hill. The Democrat from New York shared a photo of the note to Twitter on Friday evening, writing: 'About an hour ago, I was walking out of my office for the day. There was a man what I believe was his teenage son hanging a small sign they made outside my office (we let people leave well wishes on our wall). Astonishingly, his sign read: "Trump supporters for Ocasio-Cortez."' Ocasio-Cortez approached the man and introduced herself, at which point they shook hands and he said he wanted to show his support. The freshman rep said she struggled to find a response, writing in the Twitter thread: 'I wanted to honor his positivity, yet respectfully find a way to ask, "How?" 'I somehow got it out: "With all respect sir, how do you... manage to support both of us at the same time?"' 'This is what he said: "I've been saying for years that climate change is our most important crisis. Youre one of the only ones who's been willing to be decisive on it,"' Ocasio-Cortez wrote. 'Then he said, "I like you. I can tell that you are genuine and fighting for us. You're real and you get it." I thanked him and his family from the bottom of my heart.' Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted a photo of a surprising note she found outside her office on Friday from a man who said he supports both her and President Donald Trump The freshman rep from New York and far-left Democrat said she was astonished to hear that someone could agree with both her and the Republican president despite their starkly-opposed views on many, if not most, political topics After summarizing the interaction, Ocasio-Cortez stated: 'All of this is to say dont let any politician, no matter the party, lecture you about what is "possible" or "electable." Don't ever let a politician imply that working people are "less-than" or "uneducated" - aka that they are the ones in the way of solving the climate crisis. She continued: 'The forces getting in the way of solving our climate crisis are politicians themselves + lobbyists. It is the willingness to bend to corporate power - the same ones that use coal miners' plights for a tax break, yet refuse to pay for those same miners' healthcare for black lung. 'If you don't understand this man's sign - or don't approach it with a desire to - then you do not understand this political moment. The same folks who said Trump was impossible in 2016 are the same ones lecturing on whats "electable" in 2020. Don't buy it. Vote your values.' Within hours the thread had received more than 5,000 retweets and 39,000 likes. Several people replied to the thread expressing their doubts that the interaction was real given the two politicians' starkly-opposed stances on almost every issue. However, many others said they weren't surprised given that both Trump and Ocasio-Cortez are anti-establishment. 'The common ground here is the unwillingness to accept business as usual,' one user wrote. 'One can only hope that in time that can become a foundation that becomes consensus.' Ocasio-Cortez' Twitter thread is seen in-full below. Donald Trump said he would slap fresh tariffs on Chinese goods on Friday as trade talks between the Washington and Beijing ended without a deal. However, China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in the near future, according to Vice Premier Liu He, who said he was optimistic on reaching an agreement, but said there were 'issues of principle' on which China would not back down. Meanwhile, President Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China by hiking levies on $200billion worth of Chinese goods - an attempt to rescue a trade deal. Trump issued orders for the tariff increase, saying China 'broke the deal' by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations. 'Negotiations have not broken down,' Liu, Chinas chief negotiator in the talks, said, according to state television. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He (left) bids farewell to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin (center) and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer (right) in Washington, DC, on Friday 'Quite the opposite, I think small setbacks are normal and inevitable during the negotiations of both countries. Looking forward, we are still cautiously optimistic,' Liu said. China strongly opposes the latest U.S. tariff hike, and as a nation, has to respond to that, Liu told a small group of Chinese reporters in the video clip. 'Right now, both sides have reached mutual understanding in many things, but frankly speaking, there are also differences. We think these differences are significant issues of principle,' Liu said. 'We absolutely cannot make concessions on such issues of principle.' He added that talks would continue in Beijing, but gave no details. But underscoring a lack of progress in the talks, Trump ordered a further escalation of tariffs. Trumps move would subject about $300billion worth of Chinese imports to punitive tariffs, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. Lighthizer said a final decision has not been made on the new duties, which would come on top of an early Friday tariff rate increase, to 25% from 10%, on $200billion worth of Chinese imports. Three differences remain between the two countries, according to Chinas account of the latest talks. One of those is over tariffs, Liu said, according to a transcript of the Q&A published by Phoenix, a Hong Kong-based television station that is close to Beijing. China believes that tariffs were the genesis of the trade dispute, and that if both sides wanted to reach an agreement, then all tariffs must be eliminated, Liu said. The second is about procurement, on which an initial consensus was reached between the leaders of the two countries in Argentina late last year. The two sides now have differing views on the volumes, Liu said. The third is over how balanced the text of the draft agreement should be, he said. 'Every nation has its dignity, so the text ought to be balanced,' Liu said. President Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China after talks on a new trade deal ended with no agreement Sources told Reuters this week that China had deleted its commitments in the draft agreement that said it would change laws to resolve core complaints of the United States: theft of U.S. intellectual property and trade secrets; forced technology transfers; competition policy; access to financial services; and currency manipulation. Liu denied the accusations of Chinas reneging on promises, saying China thought it was normal to make changes before a final deal. Both sides had differing views on how to phrase it, he said. Liu said he hoped this issue would be resolved, so it was unnecessary to 'over react' to that point. Similar to Liu, Chinese state media said China would not give in on its core interests. 'China clearly requires that the trade procurement figures should be realistic; the text must be balanced and expressed in terms that are acceptable to the Chinese people and do not undermine the sovereignty and dignity of the country,' the ruling Communist Partys official Peoples Daily said in a commentary on Saturday. The trade war has weighed on the Chinese economy. When asked about domestic concerns on how the latest tariffs could further pressure the economy, Liu said he was optimistic about Chinas economy in the longer term, adding that it had entered an up-cycle after bottoming out somewhat last year. He said he believed the Chinese economy would maintain a stable and healthy trend despite some downward pressure, and that China had ample room for fiscal and monetary policy maneuvers. On Monday, hours after Trump said he intended to raise tariffs, the Chinese central bank cut the amount of reserves that some small and medium-sized banks need to hold, freeing up more funds for lending to cash-strapped firms. A Sydney woman accused of fatally hitting a cyclist and reversing over him only realised she had struck someone when she watched the news two days later, a court has heard. Vonny Ho allegedly ran into cyclist Raymond Rawiri, 66, from Neutral Bay, while driving in her Toyota Corolla through the back streets of Lidcombe shortly before 5pm on Tuesday. The 47-year-old woman is accused of then reversing over the wreckage and driving away, leaving Mr Rawiri to die at the scene. Vonny Ho (pictured) allegedly ran into cyclist Raymond Rawiri, 66, from Neutral Bay, while driving in her Toyota Corolla through the back streets of Lidcombe shortly before 5pm on Tuesday Vonny Ho allegedly ran into cyclist Raymond Rawiri, 66, from Neutral Bay, while driving in her Toyota Corolla through the back streets of Lidcombe shortly before 5pm on Tuesday Ho, who works for a shipping company, was arrested on Friday afternoon after she turned up at Auburn police station. She was charged with failing to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing death, and both dangerous and negligent driving causing death. In Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, police prosecutor Sergeant Scott Thomson opposed bail, noting Ho was facing 'quite a serious allegation' and took days to surrender. 'Police allege she has purposefully reversed back over the cyclist before failing to stop at the accident,' he said. But the bail application from Ho's lawyer, Frank Ngo, was granted, with a $10,000 surety posted through her husband and on the condition she will report to police twice a week. Mr Ngo said his client, an Australian citizen who has lived here since 2003, only noticed 'that she was the driver of the vehicle' after watching the news on Thursday night. 'The following morning she approached me and we went to Auburn,' the lawyer said. 'We say that there is no failure to assist.' He said bail was required due to the financial hardship Ho's family would suffer without her income and due to the 'lengthy period' until a trial date. The 47-year-old woman is accused of then reversing over the wreckage and driving away, leaving Mr Rawiri to die at the scene Outside court, Ho's husband - flanked by Mr Ngo - said his wife thought she had hit 'just a metal pole' and heard 'a metal noise'. 'We really don't know that this (was) a human being that she hit,' Effendy Chang told reporters. 'The road is very bright so she just took a left turn and when she hit something she tried to find a safe place to stop,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'Then when she reversed she looked left and right and then she (drove away).' He said the family watched Seven News on Thursday night and realised Ho had been involved. 'Check the CCTV, she's not like "oh I have to run because I did something wrong",' Mr Chang said. Ho's matter was adjourned to Burwood Local Court on May 16. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will be hoping his campaign hasn't entered its dog days as he sought out some puppy love on the campaign trail. Mr Shorten snuggled up to trainee dogs at Guide Dogs Victoria Melbourne on Saturday to remind voters of his $2 million pledge to the centre. The Labor leader has promised the generous sum of money will be used to upgrade the organisation's ageing campus in Kew, if his party wins the May 18 election. 'Every day that one of your animals works with a person ... what you are doing is you are removing the barriers so that people with disability can have an equal go,' he told some of the volunteer puppy raisers. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten (pictured with NSW senator Kristina Keneally) will be hoping his campaign hasn't entered its dog days as he sought out some puppy love on the campaign trail Mr Shorten snuggled up to trainee dogs at Guide Dogs Victoria Melbourne on Saturday to remind voters of his $2 million pledge to the centre 'If not every Australian starts with a fair go, it's our job to help bring them up to that standard.' The new training facility and accommodation for blind people learning to work with their new guide dogs will be the world's first fully accessible sensory campus. It will use lighting, scent, technology, Braille and other tactile features to aid learning for people with low vision or blindness. The centre is in the seat of Kooyong held by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg with a safe 12.8 per cent margin. Despite this, Mr Shorten labelled it and neighbouring Higgins, where the Liberals have a 7.4 per cent margin against the Greens, as 'marginal seats'. 'I want to be clear, this is a very close election but we are making every post a winner as best we can,' he said. His 'bus captain', NSW senator Kristina Keneally, predicted the 'negative, nasty, lying campaign' from the Liberals would only get worse as the election enters its final week. 'They've tried every other scare campaign, they're trying every other desperate tactic ... and I bet my bottom dollar this week it's going to be a lying scare campaign when it comes to negative gearing,' Ms Keneally said. Mr Shorten also addressed a rally for supporters of the ABC, guaranteeing the national broadcaster would have its funding boosted under a Labor government. 'We'll make sure that B1 never has to walk alone,' he declared, referring to a lone man at the back of the crowd dressed as one of the Bananas in Pyjamas. If it wins power, Labor will start discussions with the ABC's management about moving funding to a five-year basis instead of the current three years. Mr Shorten also promised to give $40 million to the ABC and $20 million to SBS to boost the amount of Australian content and stories the public broadcasters screen. Despite this, Mr Shorten labelled it and neighbouring Higgins, where the Liberals have a 7.4 per cent margin against the Greens, as 'marginal seats' Freddie Starr's body may face a pauper's burial after his carer admitted she could not afford to bury him in Spain and his family have not yet requested he be repatriated back to Britain. Nelly Georgieva, 47, says the late comic, who died at his Costa Del Sol apartment on Thursday, is still in a hospital mortuary in Malaga and revealed none of his family have been in touch to talk through funeral arrangements nor request his body. The live-in carer and close friend of Starr said she has now been left to settle thousands of Euros worth in unpaid medical bills. Carer and friend of Freddie Starr Nelly Georgieva, 47, says she has now been left to settle thousands of Euros worth in unpaid medical bills The live-in carer said that the late comic, who died at his Costa Del Sol apartment on Thursday, is still in a hospital mortuary in Malaga Freddie Starr died at his Costa Del Sol apartment on Thursday and a post-mortem revealed he had died of heart disease A tearful Ms Georgieva said: 'I only have my savings, I don't have the money to bury him here. Although I believe this is what Freddie would have wanted because he always felt a little hurt that the British public had turned against him in the later years. 'I would prefer him to stay in Spain because it would mean I'd get to visit his grave more and pay my respects.' Ms Georgieva told the Mirror: 'It would be terrible if Freddie ends up being buried in a paupers grave. 'I dont want to see that happen but Im worried if I tried to do something about it his relatives would object.' Under Spanish law if a body is not claimed, town hall officials take over and perform a pauper's burial. Ms Georgieva said: 'The problem is that I have little money at the moment. I've a thick wad of unpaid medical receipts and hospital bills in the apartment I need to pay off somehow and it totals several thousands of Euros. 'I haven't heard from any of his family back in Britain so I've no idea if they want to expatriate him back home. 'Nobody has called since he died. I don't even know if they have contacted the British Consulate in Malaga.' Ms Georgieva would accompany 76-year-old Starr to the Express California and Oasis bars every day for coffee. Locals said that he would pop in as many as three time a day but added they had not seen him there for at least a year because of his ill health. Ms Georgieva said Starr had been suffering from poor health after being hospitalised just before Christmas and said that his 60-a-day cigarette habit had not helped. Ms Georgieva would accompany Starr to the Express California and Oasis bars in Spain Starr was found dead at his Costa Del Sol home on Thursday this week and documents have revealed that he was in huge debt The carer said she would prefer Starr's body remain in Spain because it would mean she would be able to visit his grave Ms Georgieva said Starr's finances had been drained in recent years and that he owed thousands of pounds in unpaid water bills and community fees at the complex where he lived. Speaking yesterday from the two-bedroom apartment she shared with Starr she said: 'He didn't have a lot of money in the end, he was very careful with his finances. 'Last year I found out that he hadn't been paying the electricity for three years and had racked up a bill of between 1500 and 2000Euros. In the end I had to pay it from my own money. 'I also found out that he owed thousands in unpaid water bills and service charges. A Man stopped me recently and shouted that Freddie hadn't paid for this, hadn't paid for that. Apart from a pension, I don't think he had any more cash.' Recalling their last hours together, she said: 'It was a normal day, I made both of us a cup of tea and then I made him an omelette and a fresh tomato sandwich . 'He was sitting down on the sofa watching Fox News on TV, the cat was on his lap. Freddie Starr's house in Mijas, near Fuengirola, southern Spain. The 76-year-old was discovered dead on the floor of the townhouse Starr spent his final days talking to his pet cat Charlie (pictured) and listening to Roy Orbison records before he was found dead on the floor of his Costa Del Sol home, his Bulgarian carer said 'He smoked quite heavily, I told him 'you have to quit otherwise it'll kill you' but he never paid any attention. 'I left about quarter to two to go to the supermarket and the chemists. When I came back about an hour later, he was slumped on the floor by the sofa. 'I went over to check on him and knew straight away that he'd gone. I think it was a heart attack. 'The police and ambulance arrived moments later and took his body away. 'I'm devastated because to me he was such a kind man who made me laugh every day.' Mother of one Ms Georgieva said that his health had deteriorated particularly over the last six months and he struggled to walk far because of his asthma. She continued: 'He hadn't been in the best of health, he'd had a quadruple bypass and had serious problems with his asthma. 'Twice in the last four years I had to call an ambulance for him when he was in a bad way and struggling to breathe. The last time was just before Christmas. I was really worried about him and said 'what am I going to do if you die? Who do I call? 'But he just laughed and said 'I'm not going to die'. Starr, right, and left, photographed at home with his second wife, Sandy, in 1974 who he married at the height of his fame. The couple had three children together 'He never spoke about his family much, I knew that he'd been married several times and had many children but nobody ever came to visit him. 'To be honest I'm not even sure if some of them even knew where he was. 'Whenever I asked him about them he'd change the subject.' The carer's comments come after Starr's friend Jim Davidson revealed the comic had 'threatened to kill himself by eating concrete' following his arrests on child sex allegations. The revelation from Mr Davidson came as it was found that the Liverpool-born star 'faced being made homeless' over a huge debt to the woman he lost a libel case against over sex abuse claims. Chain smoking Starr, who had five failed marriages, was said to have become a 'recluse' in recent months following years of ill health, and was rarely seen by neighbours in his residential complex (pictured) Police sources said there was nothing to suggest the death was suspicious. Right: Starr pictured at a restaurant in Marbella, Spain in 2015 where he lived for several years before his death, and left, on the Des O'Connor Tonight show in the 80s Public Spanish documents show lawyers acting for Karin Ward secured an interim charging order in January 2017 on the Costa townhouse where he died for 380,000 plus almost 115,000 in interest. Mr Davidson, 65, revealed that the legal case had left Starr 'broken' and that his career had ended in a 'sad way'. Speaking to The Sun, he said: 'He told them he was going to kill himself and that he was going to eat concrete. 'I asked him what they did when he said that and he said, 'They kept me in a cell for 14 hours while I had a psychiatric assessment'.' Starr was found dead in his Costa del Dol home on Thursday and documents revealed that a freezing order had been approved by a court in the resort of Fuengirola. Friend Jim Davidson revealed that the comic had 'threatened to kill himself by eating concrete' following his arrests on child sex allegations This gave Ms Ward the chance to recoup some of the costs from the defamation case Starr lost at at the High Court in July 2015 after he sought damages for alleged slander and libel over her claims he groped her as a 15-year-old. And she moved a step closer to getting Starr's one-bed home forcibly sold at auction a year later with a local land registry office certification. The fallen comic fled to Spain after his libel case loss without paying any of the money he owed, but invested part of the proceeds from the sale of a 700,000 home into property in Spain. A well-placed source said: 'Starr was definitely at risk of losing his Spanish home and being turfed out on the streets. 'No date had been set for an auction but the ball was definitely rolling. The sale of the house would not have settled the entire debt Starr owed Ms Ward but it would have eaten into a chunk of it. 'It's pretty shocking to think a man who was such a household name in his early career could have ended up on the streets.' Starr, who bought his home in the hills above Mijas Costa after leaving a nearby property he moved to following his flight from the UK, spent the last three years of his life as a virtual reclusive in the pokey 500 square foot townhouse. Mr Davidson further highlighted Starr's fall from grace and spoke about how Starr had been mortified after seeing a recording of himself singing karaoke. He added: 'I've been out there a few times and people have told me, 'We see your mate Freddie Starr singing cabaret in the karaoke bars'. 'It was a sad way to end a career for someone who I thought was Britain's greatest entertainer.' Mr Davidson had also been arrested following during Operation Yewtree and added that Starr had never been a ladies' man. 'It was a surprise to us all with Yewtree. Freddie never was a ladies' man. 'I think he was lonely in Spain. He was bothered by the stigma attached to it all. 'On the surface, his way of dealing with that was humour and being awkward and being out of the box. 'But deep down inside it was killing him it was eating him up. 'I survived Yewtree, but he didn't. I think it really broke him. He was overwhelmed by it all.' The former I'm A Celebrity star sold up and left the UK after losing a 1 million libel case against Karin Ward, then 57. She claimed he had put his hand up her skirt when she was a teenager, before callously dismissing her as a 'a###less wonder.' He sued her for libel after she gave interviews saying she was 'horribly, horribly humiliated' by the fallen comic. A High Court judge ruled Miss Ward was telling the truth and dismissed the case in July 2015. A sushi shop worker has been awarded $12,500 after she was denied her already approved annual leave and then unfairly fired for 'insulting her elders'. Sarah Beaney had worked at Raw Sushi in Wellington in New Zealand for five years before she was asked to cancel her Christmas holiday just two days prior to taking the leave because the shop was 'too busy'. According to the Employment Relations Authority judgement Ms Beaney had asked for one week off in December 2017 and a second week off in February 2018. When shop owners Hyun Ji Kim and Jin Ho Nam asked Ms Beaney to decrease her days off during the festive season Ms Beaney agreed on one condition. (File picture) Sarah Beaney was an employee at Raw Sushi in Wellington in New Zealand for five years before she was asked to cancel her Christmas holiday She asked for her time off in February to remain the same and asked for further time off during Easter, stuff.co.nz reported. But when she was due to take her February holiday Ms Beaney claimed she was told not to take the leave because the shop was 'too busy' - even though she had already made the arrangements for the leave. The Raw Sushi employers also demanded she did not take her pre-agreed Easter holiday off, Ms Beaney claimed. Mr Nam rebuffed Ms Beaney's claims and stated he had just asked her to postpone her leave and described her refusal as 'not pleasant'. But when Ms Beaney returned to work after her time off she was met with a frosty atmosphere. Mr Nam's wife, Ms Kim, refused to talk to her or acknowledge her. (File picture) The Employment Relations Authority judgement found Ms Beaney had been unfairly dismissed by Raw Sushi Ms Beaney said she was made to feel uncomfortable and sought her mother Jan Teikamata's advice. Ms Teikamata later went into the shop to ask about the animosity towards her daughter. Mr Nam described Ms Beaney and her mother's behaviour as disruptive and argued Ms Kim had been offended by Ms Beaney's refusal to reduce her annual leave because in her culture elders were not disagreed with. Mr Nam then asked Ms Beaney not to come into work, a request she ignored, and when she arrived her offered her a new employment agreement. But on the final page of the new agreement, which was due to commence the next day, it claimed Ms Beaney was wrong for involving her mother and stated she needed to apologise for leaving the shop without permission when she was upset. (File picture) Raw Sushi to pay out $12,500 in compensation and a further $71.56 for filing fees In late March Ms Beaney received a letter claiming she had not given customers required information and was asked to do so in the future. But just under one week later Ms Nam dismissed Ms Beaney via a written letter. The letter thanked Ms Beaney for her time as an employee and said the employer was 'very sorry'. It also claimed Ms Beaney had been dismissed because of a loss of trust in the working relationship which had also adversely impacted the working environment. The Employment Relations Authority refuted Mr Nam's dismissal claims and found the firing was actually due to Ms Beaney's decision to take time off. It stated she was entitled to take leave and no evidence supported Mr Nam's claim she had behaved inappropriately. The body found Ms Beaney was not fairly dismissed and ordered Raw Sushi to pay out $12,500 in compensation and a further $71.56 for filing fees. An Australian boot maker is facing financial ruin after describing his shoes as Ugg boots. Eddie Oygur lost a huge court case on Friday as an American court ruled that a US company owns the right to the name. A jury in Chicago found Mr Oygur's business, Sydney-based Australian Leather, wilfully infringed a trademark law by selling his shoes branded Ugg in the US. The name Ugg is registered to California-based Deckers Outdoor. After a four-day trial, Mr Oygur was ordered to pay Deckers statutory damages of $US450,000 and he may face an order to pay millions more in legal costs. Sydney-based ugg boot business Australian Leather wilfully infringed a trademark registered to California-based retailer Deckers Outdoor by the shoes online to customers in the US Ugg boot-maker Eddie Oygur (pictured) has suffered a loss of $643,000 after a legal fight with the US company Deckers generates more than $US1 billion in annual sales from its UGG brands. Mr Oygur argued 'ugg' is a generic term originating in Australia from the 1960s surfing community. 'It has been a cruel blow,' Australian lawyer and former senator Nick Xenophon, who is in Chicago supporting Mr Oygur, told AAP. 'Everything he has worked for in Australia for over 40 years has come to this.' Deckers acquired the UGG Australia trademark in 1995 in over 130 countries, including China and Europe. The word ugg became a registered brand in the US since the 1980s by Australian entrepreneur Brian Smith. Mr Smith sold the trademark to Deckers. 'Deckers' products have been widely accepted by the public and are enormously popular, as demonstrated by over $1 billion in annual UGG sales,' Deckers wrote in its complaint to the US District Court. 'The UGG Trademark is a famous mark.' The lawsuit first started in 2016 when a customer in North America bought Australian Leather footwear through the company's website for $1,200. The ugg boot-maker, based in western Sydney, sold 12 pairs of boots to the US between 2014 and 2016. Mr Oygur, the founder of the family business, has been making and selling ugg boots since the early 1990s. He had been involved in the sheepskin industry for 35 years. 'Ugg boots are a quintessentially Australian product - the product and name were invented here,' Australian Leather wrote in an open letter when the lawsuit began. 'This form of legal bullying has already forced other companies to stop exporting ugg boots and in another case from even using the words ugg boots.' Mr Xenophon said Mr Oygur was 'devastated and defiant' after the verdict and hoped the Australian public, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor Leader Bill Shorten backed the businessman's plan to appeal. 'It is not just a devastating blow for Eddie Oygur and Australia, it is a devastating blow for Australian jobs,' Mr Xenophon said. Deckers acquired the UGG Australia trademark in 1995 but Mr Oygur said the term 'ugg' has been a generic Australian term since the 1960s 'The term ugg should never have been trademarked. 'It is a generic term that should have been protected by Australian governments in the past. 'As disappointing as the verdict is, what has been incredibly disappointing is the Australian government has failed to stand up for Eddie by providing him the legal assistance he deserves to fight this case. 'Eddie and his tiny company have been doing this all on their own.' AAP has reached out to Deckers for comment. Sir Philip Green should be stripped of his knighthood because he's a 'dinosaur', according to retail guru Mary Portas. The former Topshop display manager, 58, was speaking at a magazine event on Friday when she blasted the tycoon for a string of sexual harassment and racist scandals. When asked whether the 66-year-old should be stripped of his honorary title, she replied: 'Yes'. Retail guru Mary Portas (pictured) has said Sir Philip Green should be stripped of his knighthood following a spate of sexual harassment and racist allegations Her condemnation of Green comes months after she described him as a 'bully stuck in the eighties'. Speaking in November, she said: '[He's] caught up in an Eighties culture and thinking "What have I done wrong?"' 'Nobodys kept Philip Green in check. There is this hierarchical system of "I own the business, therefore you are not going to write that s***, or take that off my shopfloor, or I can call you sweetheart".' Sir Philip Green (with wife Tina and daughter Chloe) is a dinosaur stuck in the eighties, Portas said Portas worked as Topshop's display manager during the 1980s, before Sir Philip bought Arcadia in 2002. During her time at Topshop, she worked with former senior executive Jane Shepherdson, who described Sir Philip as a 'bully' after the scandal emerged. Portas' comments come after a spate of sexual harassment and racial misconduct allegations against the tycoon were made public. Green allegedly groped a female executive mocked a male employee's dreadlocks and dragged woman around in a headlock - and silenced them with settlements and non disclosure agreements. Details of the allegations against Sir Philip involving five employees were revealed by The Telegraph after his legal action against the paper ended at the High Court. It was reported that the Arcadia boss paid out millions in settlements with staff members, who include a senior female executive who was allegedly called a 'naughty girl' by Sir Philip. Sir Philip was accused of groping female members of staff and silencing them with Non Disclosure Agreements He allegedly kissed her face on a number of occasions, slapped her bottom and made comments about her weight. Sir Philip also allegedly drew attention to the dreadlocks of a senior male executive in front of other staff, and referred to him 'throwing spears in the jungle'. And it was reported he was told not to come any closer by a woman whose face he is said to have grabbed, allegedly dragged another senior female staff member around in a headlock and allegedly smashed a male staff member's mobile phone in an aggressive dressing down. In March, the body in charge of removing honours has said for the first time that it was examining a request to strip Sir Philip Green of his knighthood In all five cases, the employees had agreed to keep the details of their complaints confidential under NDAs. Sir Philip obtained the injunction, but he dropped it because it was 'pointless' after he was named in Parliament as the businessman behind an injunction against the newspaper. In March, the body in charge of removing honours has said for the first time that it was examining a request to strip Sir Philip Green of his knighthood. A mother who hasn't been seen in four nights and was believed to be lost in freezing bushland may have never made it to the start of the hike, police say. Perth woman Lorjie Tonguia Bautista, 38, was last seen by herself when she left to climb Bluff Knoll in WA's Stirling Ranges at 4am on Tuesday. The emergency search for Ms Bautista continued on Saturday, including police personnel, SES volunteers and tracker dogs. However, police now say they may have been searching in the wrong area as she wasn't seen at Bluff Knoll on Tuesday morning and didn't sign the visitor register. Perth woman Lorjie Tonguia Bautista (pictured), 38, was last seen by herself when she left to climb Bluff Knoll in WA's Stirling Ranges at 4am on Tuesday The emergency operation searching for Ms Bautista continued on Saturday, including police personnel, SES volunteers and tracker dogs While staff at nearby Stirling Ranges Retreat say they heard Ms Bautista leave for the hike, no one saw her make it to the location, 7News reported. A retreat employee found her unattended Subaru hatchback at the Bluff Knoll car park after Ms Bautista's concerned husband called them. Great Southern Police District Office Senior Inspector Alex Ryan said nothing is being ruled out as the investigation is continuing. 'At this point in time, our effort is directed to the search here and that's our primary focus,' Inspector Ryan said. In addition to the emergency personnell looking for Ms Bautista, her husband and 15-year-old daughter joined the search party on Saturday. Ms Bautista's husband, Anand, said he and his family have hopes they'll find her soon. 'I have a feeling she's still alive,' he said. There are 'grave concerns' for her safety, as emergency personnell scoured the wilderness and dense bushland around the Knoll. The area experienced freezing temperatures on Friday night. Ms Bautista told her family she was going to climb Bluff Knoll during her time off work. She checked out of Stirling Range Retreat where she was staying early on Tuesday. A police helicopter using thermal imaging, civilian aircraft, dozens of police officers and SES volunteers and a tracker dog are scouring the cold wilderness for her. There are 'grave concerns' for her as police (pictured) and the State Emergency Service (SES) scour the wilderness Ms Bautista (pictured) told her family she was going to climb Bluff Knoll during her time off work. Her concerned husband called the retreat to investigate Great Southern Police Senior Inspector Alex Ryan said they 'have grave concerns for her welfare'. 'Overnight temperatures are pretty low so we're concerned about that in relation to her welfare,' he tole The West Australian. 'But the terrain is particularly difficult. It's precipitous and very hard to search.' They have also set up 'defined search areas' from the top of the mountain to the bottom that are being combed on foot. Bluff Knoll is one of the few places with regular snowfall in Western Australia. While the search continues, Bluff Knoll Road, the carpark at the trail and the walking track are going to stay closed. A police helicopter using thermal imaging, civilian aircraft, dozens of police officers and SES volunteers and a tracker dog are scouring the cold wilderness for her 'Our search at Bluff Knoll is continuing. The following photo shows the terrain being searched,' WA Police captioned the photo on Facebook A temperature of -0.5C was recorded at the Stirling South weather station at the base of the mountain at 6am on Friday. The peak of the mountain would have been much colder because of the higher altitude and wind-chill factor. It is the highest peak of the Stirling Ranges in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. At 1,099 metres tall, it is the 13th tallest peak in all of Australia. Ms Bautista has a slim build, is 157cm tall and has olive skin with black hair. She was last seen wearing a grey jumper, black jacket, blue jeans and red and black runners. Anyone with information of her whereabouts are urged to contact police on 131 444. Privately educated children are being edged out of places at Oxford and Cambridge by 'social engineering' as the universities drive to take on more state pupils, parents claim. Anthony Wallersteiner, head of the 12,000-a-term Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, said the plans to improve opportunities for underrepresented groups caused a fall in Oxbridge places for private school pupils. He said these children's parents are arguing it is social engineering and positive discrimination. Private school parents have claimed their children are being phased out of Oxford and Cambridge (pictured) by 'social engineering' Anthony Wallersteiner, head of Stowe School, Buckinghamshire, said parents have raised concerns of positive discrimination Dr Wallersteiner told the Times: 'There's a much more concerted effort by admissions tutors to drive down the number of places given to independent schools and redress the balance and to put in contextual details.' Barnaby Lenon, who was the headteacher at Harrow, north London, until 2011, and is currently chairman of the Independent Schools Council, added: 'Independent schools report that their marginal candidates no longer tend to get in to Cambridge but their good candidates are as successful as ever.' He said it should not be assumed a child is from a wealthy background based on what school they went to. Dr Wallersteiner's comments mark the first time a leading headteacher has revealed parents' concerns. Dr Wallersteiner (pictured) claimed drive to increase state school educated places at Oxbridge had caused a fall in places for private school pupils The headteacher, who is of Jewish descent, also claimed criticism of the elite and private schools was similar to antisemitism. He said: 'The rise of populists and polemicists has created a micro-industry in bashing private schools.' He added: 'It was relatively easy for Hitler and his henchmen to suggest that the Jewish minority was over-represented in key professions: medicine, law, teaching and the creative industries. 'Privately educated pupils in the UK are also being accused of dominating the top jobs and stifling social mobility... it is all too facile to stereotype groups and ignore the fact that lawyers, doctors, writers and politicians are individuals.' Boarding fees at Stowe School cost around 12,697-a-term, with its website describing the school as 'unique' and in 'the most sublime setting'. Reacting to Dr Wallersteiner's comments, a spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: 'Tasteless Holocaust analogies do not belong in the debate about education in this country.' He added: 'Nazi propaganda against Jews was used to generate public support not only for exclusion from education but also for brutal beatings, boycotts, degradation and eventually the mass murder of six million Jewish men, women and children.' Dr Wallersteiner's comments mark the first time a leading headteacher has revealed parents' concerns . He is head at Stowe, a co-educational boarding school in Buckinghamshire (pictured) When assessing candidates, universities look into a person's background - including what school they went to, their gender and ethnicity. Oxford and Cambridge have accepted fewer privately educated British pupils over the past few years following a drive by the government to promote state education. Cambridge saw a rise in British state-educated pupils between 2013 and 2017, up from 61.4 per cent to 64.1 per cent, with Oxford seeing numbers rise from 56.8 per cent to 58.2 per cent. Analysis by social mobility charity The Sutton Trust published in December showed eight private schools sent 1,310 pupils to Oxbridge over three years, while over the same period, 2,894 other schools sent just 1,220 students between them. A Cambridge University spokesman said the university was 'committed to playing its part in facilitating social mobility'. An Oxford University spokesman added: 'We are committed to broadening participation in higher education and building an inclusive, vibrant Oxford.' And Labour MP David Lammy tweeted: 'A 1.4 per cent rise in five years in state school kids getting into Oxbridge and the parents of private school kids fear social engineering! Is the Times having a laugh? That's 40 kids per one college.' Violent clashes broke out in Hong Kong's parliament today as politicians were whipped up into a fury over proposals that would supposedly concede more powers to China. Chaotic scenes saw politicians grabbing rival party members by the collar and shoving them to the ground, culminating in a mass scuffle inside the chamber. Security guards were forced to hold back the brawling legislators in a bid to end the scrap that saw one unconscious lawmaker carried out on a stretcher. The parliament plunged into pandemonium following disagreements between members of the pro-democracy and pro-Beijing camps. Wu Chi-wai, the Democratic Party chairman, with his sleeves rolled up, lunges towards some of his Hong Kong parliamentary colleagues before two security guards drag him back seemingly screaming Violent clashes broke out in Hong Kong's parliament today as politicians were whipped up into a fury over proposals that would supposedly concede more powers to China The tussle also saw paramedics rush to the chamber to tend to Gary Fan Kwok-wai of the Neo Democrat party who had fainted during the clamor Chaotic scenes saw politicians grabbing rival party members by the collar and shoving them to the ground, culminating in a mass scuffle inside the chamber This dispute focused on an amendment due to be voted on by lawmakers which would make it easier to extradite criminal suspects to mainland China. But these proposals have come under fire from pro-democracy politicians who argue that it would erode Hong Kong's judicial independence that is supposed to be guaranteed under the 'one country, two systems' agreed framework. Before the bill is put before the parliament, it is meant to be scrutinised by a committee, however, both camps claim that one of their members is the legitimate chair of this committee. And when the pro-Beijing side attempted to oust pro-democrat James To Kun-sun with their Abraham Shek, uproar ensued and the scrap started. This dispute focused on an amendment due to be voted on by lawmakers which would make it easier to extradite criminal suspects to mainland China (Gary Fan fainted during the chaos) The parliament plunged into pandemonium following disagreements between members of the pro-democracy and pro-Beijing camps Wu Chi-wai (centre) shouted 'don't be a sinner for a thousand years! Don't sell out Hong Kong' to a pro-Beijing party politician Pro-democracy legislators and their opponents had scheduled rival meetings on the same topic in the same Legislative Council meeting room starting just 30 minutes apart. Wu Chi-wai, the Democratic Party chairman who tried to stop Shek from presiding over the meeting, shouted at him, saying 'Don't be a sinner for a thousand years! Don't sell out Hong Kong.' Photographs from the chamber show Wu, with his sleeves rolled up, lunge towards some of his parliamentary colleagues before two security guards drag him back seemingly screaming. The tussle also saw paramedics rush to the chamber to tend to Gary Fan Kwok-wai of the Neo Democrat party who had fainted during the clamor. The scuffle came just weeks after a Hong Kong court handed down prison sentences of up to 16 months to eight leaders of massive 2014 pro-democracy protests on public nuisance charges. Pro-democracy lawmaker Eddie Chu scuffles with pro-Beijing lawmakers at Legislative Council in Hong Kong Pro-democracy legislators and their opponents had scheduled rival meetings on the same topic in the same Legislative Council meeting room (pictured) starting just 30 minutes apart When the pro-Beijing side attempted to oust pro-democrat James To Kun-sun with their Abraham Shek, uproar ensued and the scrap started The scuffle came just weeks after a Hong Kong court handed down prison sentences of up to 16 months to eight leaders of massive 2014 pro-democracy protests on public nuisance charges The harsh sentences were seen as an effort by the Hong Kong government to draw a line under the protests amid pressure from Beijing. Tens of thousands of people marched against the extradition law amendments in Hong Kong last month and numerous legal, professional and human rights organizations have voiced their opposition. They warn the amendments would undermine not just Hong Kong's legal independence but also its attractiveness as a center for international business. Hong Kong's Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung said Friday the government would 'further explain the proposed fugitive law change to the public,' according to the government's press office. 'Some citizens and overseas organizations might have misunderstandings about the proposed law amendments,' Cheung said. Senior members of the royal family have still not met the newest arrival, five days after his birth. Prince Charles and Camilla, along with William and Kate have not been to visit the first child of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, baby Archie Harrison. The seventh-in-line to the throne was born at 5.26am on Monday, and it had been hinted that grandfather Charles and wife Camilla would call in on Meghan and Harry today, after returning from their trip to Germany. The couple are now set to visit next week, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge not far behind. Neither Prince Charles and Camilla nor William and Kate have met baby Archie Harrison yet Baby Archie Harrison (pictured above) was born earlier this week and is seventh-in-line to the throne Speaking to The Sun, Clarence House said Charles and Camilla would visit in the coming days, while a spokesperson for the Sussex's said William and Kate were in the diary to stop by at Frogmore Cottage. MailOnline contacted Kensington Palace, but they had no comment to make at this time. Earlier this week Prince William, 36, said both he and Kate, 37, 'couldn't wait to meet their nephew'. The Queen, Prince Philip and Meghan's mother Doria Ragland were the first to meet the new arrival Elsewhere ex-rugby star Mike Tindall, has said he believes that Harry will be a good father, especially when it come to nappy changing duties. Mr Tindall, 40, has two daughters with Princess Anne's daughter Zara Phillips and said: ' I think he will be a good dad'. The Queen was the first member of the royal family to be introduced to the baby, along with Prince Philip and Meghan Markle's mother, Doria Ragland. Harry and Meghan have chosen not to give their son a courtesy title. However, a royal decree made over 100 years ago by the Queen's grandfather George V in 1917, means that Archie will automatically gain HRH status, as will all grandchildren on the direct male line of the sovereign. Lib Dem leader Vince Cable claims that Theresa May's deputy revealed to him in a meeting that a second Brexit referendum could be imminent as secret 'planning' in the Government is already underway. Mr Cable said that David Lidington has mulled over the 'perfectly practical' idea. The Twickenham MP said he left a Thursday morning meeting with fellow remainer Heidi Allen and Lidington feeling sure that there are secret plans in place. Britain's leader of the Liberal Democrats, Vince Cable poses with the party's campaign flyers Cable, whose slogan is 'B******* To Brexit', told The Sun: 'He was perfectly straight he set out the Government's political position on it. 'And you have heard Theresa May say ad nauseam what a terrible idea it is.' The 76-year-old added that it was 'very clear' the government are considering the idea. But not only that, they are actually doing 'a lot of practical planning in case it happens,' he added. 'David (Lidington) acknowledged that it was perfectly practical - it could be done within realistic time scales.' Britain's Minister for the Cabinet Office David Lidington with Britain's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Karen Bradley Mr Cable said that Mr Lidington and the cabinet are however, opposed to the idea of a second referendum, fearing 'it wouldn't produce a decisive outcome'. Ms Allen said that Mr Lidington had been 'putting a lot of thought into the mechanics and legislative process for a People's Vote.' The Cabinet Office were forced to deny the claims, with a spokesman saying: 'The Government does not support a second referendum and is not preparing to hold one.' A source from the cabinet told The Sun that the idea of another vote is 'wishful thinking'. Change UK MP Heidi Allen speaks during a People's Vote Remain rally for the European elections Meanwhile, Boris Johnson told a crowd in Aberdeen last night that ministers had indeed 'canvassed the idea' of a second vote but asserted that it would 'undermine' the 2014 Indyref in Scotland. He said that those pushing for a second vote are threatening the very 'concept of Britain' as a union. He said: 'They are doing the work of the SNP and they are threatening the union. And let us be in no doubt the damage the nationalists would do. 'They would not only destroy the oldest and most successful political union in the world, they would destroy the very concept of Britain.' Australia is the best market in the world for cocaine and meth and is being targeted by Mexican cartels, the US Drug Enforcement Administration has warned. It has been previously been reported that the Sinaloa Cartel, formerly led by Mexican drug lord El Chapo, is the largest illegal drug supplier to Australia. And now the DEA has now warned that Australia is the most attractive market for drug lords because its distance from the suppliers means prices are so high. Scroll down for video Australia's ties to Mexican cartels were exposed after 1.7 tonnes of ice with a street value of $1.3 billion were bound to the country from the US Australia is the best market in the world for cocaine and meth and is being targeted by Mexican cartels, the US Drug Enforcement Administration has warned 'If you were to ask any significant trafficker what is the best market for meth and coke in the world, they would say Australia and New Zealand,' DEA Pacific attache Kevin Merkel told NZME. 'The same people that are pumping drugs out to the United States are the same ones pumping out drugs here. 'If they see potential to make more money, they're going to do it.' Australia's ties to Mexican cartels were exposed after 1.7 tonnes of ice with a street value of $1.3 billion were bound to the country from the US in February. The record-breaking drug haul was concealed in metal boxes labelled as loudspeakers - and six people were arrested after it was found. The tsunami of ice was initially seized at the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex in mid-January, along with 55.9 pounds of cocaine and 11.5 pounds of heroin. Australian Federal Police (AFP), the US Department of Homeland Security and the DEA found links between Mexican cartels and Australian bikie gangs. The record-breaking drug haul for the United States and Australia were concealed in metal boxes labelled as loudspeakers, with six people arrested Australian Federal Police (AFP), the US Department of Homeland Security and the DEA found links between Mexican cartels and Australian bikie gangs A total of 500 kilograms of various illicit drugs were about to be flown to Australia via a cartel's secret airline, according to undercover agents from the DEA, 7News reported. The planes are usually small jets and twin propeller planes. 'This is a serious warning, we now believe the Mexican cartels are actively targeting Australia,' AFP Assistant Commissioner Bruce Hill said. Mr Hill said the Mexican cartel, which he didn't name, was 'the most powerful and violent drug trafficking syndicates in the world'. El Chapo initially targeted Australia as a profitable market for drugs, where wholesaled cocaine can sell up to $250,000 in comparison to $US2,500. The Sinaloa Cartel and Australian outlaw motorcycle gangs are known to secretly mark packaged drugs with a code only the two parties can understand. Students are being put off studying languages for GCSE and A-Level because the exams are disproportionately difficult and marked too harshly, academics have warned. In a letter to the Guardian, 152 language specialists from 36 universities claimed England's exams regulator Ofqual is in danger of killing off modern languages because pupils are deterred by undue levels of stress. They say that GCSE languages are marked around half a grade more harshly than other subjects, demoralising students and making them less inclined to continue their studies to A-level or university. More than 150 language experts from 36 universities signed a letter to the Guardian arguing that students are put off studying languages for GCSE and A-Level because the exams are disproportionately difficult The letter also argues that although the decline in language studies is well documented, its link with the difficulty of the exams is largely ignored. 'Ofqual is killing off the subject in schools and universities by ignoring the evidence,' the letter says, according to the Guardian. 'Exams that are in some cases more difficult than first-year university language exams; severe and unreliable grading; and assessment statistics that take inadequate account of native speaker participation these have long been critical in driving demoralised learners and teachers out of the subject.' 'Where's the incentive to choose a language if you're systematically made to feel rubbish at it?' Katrin Kohl, professor of German at the University of Oxford, added: 'If the exams make students race through too many difficult texts and do too many tasks in the time available, and the grades are lower than they'd get in other subjects, that ultimately impacts negatively on every aspect of their learner experience and competence as linguists.' Since 2004, when modern languages were made non-compulsory, GCSE entries in those subjects have dropped by 48 per cent, the Guardian reported. The academics say those studying languages are deterred from continuing them to A-level or university by undue levels of stress Although Spanish entries increased by 55 per cent, French was down 62 per cent and German 65 per cent. This left just 46 per cent of English pupils taking a modern language for GCSE in 2018 - a long way off the government's target of 75 per cent by 2022. At A-level, there were 5,000 fewer French entries in 2018 than 2010 - a drop of more than a third, while German was down 45 per cent. According to the Guardian, this has in turn led to a 12 per cent drop since 2013 in the number of pupils going on to study langues at UK universities. And with the low uptake particularly pronounced among those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, many experts worry that languages are fast becoming an elite option. Ofqual ruled in November 2018 that there was not a 'sufficiently compelling case' to adjust modern languages' grade boundaries bring them into line with other subjects in terms of difficulty. In the letter to the Guardian, the 152 signatories say Ofqual must take action. Language GCSE entries have fallen by 48 per cent in the last 15 years - with French down by 62 per cent and German down 65 per cent 'This time, Ofqual must listen,' it reads. '[We] call on Ofqual to urgently adjust grade boundaries and implement proper quality control for MFL (modern foreign languages) exams. No rescue mission can otherwise stop learners voting with their feet.' Suzanne O'Farrell, a modern languages consultant for the Association of School and College Leaders, told the Guardian: 'We can't have confidence in the grading of MFL at GCSE whilst this harsh grading exists. 'A pupil should have the right to expect that they will not be judged more harshly in languages than in other subjects.' An Ofqual spokesperson said it was conducting a 'comprehensive review of grading standards in GCSE French, German and Spanish' and consulting with subject experts on the matter, but added that it is primarily concerned with ensuring standards are maintained year on year. 'We are looking at statistical evidence, contextual data, including the numbers taking the subjects, and the quality of students' work through looking at how GCSE grades relate to the common European framework of reference for languages (CEFR) to see if there is compelling case for an adjustment to grading standards in these subjects,' the spokesperson told the Guardian. Ofqual's report is due for release in the autumn. Advertisement The Queen was joined by new dad Harry and Prince Philip for the evening pageant after presenting the best trooper awards alongside the King of Bahrain at the Windsor Horse Show today. The 93-year-old monarch changed into a mint green dress with a silver jacket as she was accompanied by the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Harry wore a sharp navy suit while the Duke of Edinburgh chose a forest green overcoat with a pair of grey trousers and brown shoes. This year's 90-minute Royal Windsor Horse Show Pageant will feature music, the Household Cavalry, artists and dancers, and marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria. It aims to bring together memorable events from the Victorian era, as the participants of the theatrical performance recreate 19th century Britain. Earlier in the day, Her Majesty opted for a stylish light pink check coat with a matching hat and sunglasses as she chatted to Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. As one of her favourite equestrian events of the year, held in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, Her Majesty beamed with joy as she presented the best turned out trooper awards. The Queen and Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa also presented the Kingdom of Bahrain stakes trophy together. The Queen wore a light pink check and matching hat with a feather in it as she chatted to the King of Bahrain today Her Majesty and Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa presented the Kingdom of Bahrain stakes trophy during the Royal Windsor Horse Show The Queen ditched her raincoat and scarf from earlier in the day to present the rosettes today (pictured) The Duke of Sussex also joined the Queen as the attended the Pageant at the Royal Windsor Horse Show today Prince Harry, whose son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on Monday, was seen smiling at his grandmother today The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh changed outfits for the pageant event in the evening The Duke of Sussex looked dapper in a navy suit, just days after the birth of his first son Archie Harrison on Monday The Queen was all smiles as she made her way to the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Berkshire this morning, wrapped up in a raincoat and headscarf The annual show is just a short distance from Windsor Castle and the monarch drove herself to the event in her black Range Rover Prince Philip arrived later on, but was reduced to the passenger seat after giving up his driving licence earlier this year He was driven down to join the Queen mid-morning. In January, he overturned his Range Rover after crashing into another car near the Sandringham estate She couldn't wipe the smile from her face as the horses galloped close to the wooden canopy she was using to keep dry The Queen beamed with joy as she watched one of her favourite equestrian events of the year in the private grounds of Windsor Castle this morning The Queen made three outfit changes today, as she wrapped up in a raincoat and headscarf to watch the action in Berkshire this morning, just days after the arrival of her eighth great-grandchild. She had ditched her formal attire and braced herself for the threat of rain in a collared khaki trench-coat, matching gloves and a green silk headscarf with delicate patterns on it. The monarch drove herself to the event in her black Range Rover and mingled with other spectators while taking in the action. Her husband Prince Philip, 97, arrived in the passenger seat after giving up his driving licence earlier this year following a collision with another car near the Sandringham estate that saw his Land Rover overturned. The annual equestrian spectacular sees competitors taking part in a range of events from show jumping to dressage, along with displays from The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery and DAKS Pony Club. The Queen didn't let a bit of rainfall dampen her spirits, and instead took shelter underneath a wooden hut to take in the action. The five-day event is now in its 76th year and attracts well-heeled visitors from all over the world. It sees competitors taking part in a range of events from show jumping to dressage, along with displays from The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery and DAKS Pony Club - and is the only occasion on which members of the public are able to enjoy the palace grounds. Yesterday the monarch looked in great spirits as she entertained the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, alongside her son Prince Andrew. Flanked by aides, the 93-year-old monarch took shelter and watched on as the horses galloped around the private grounds of Windsor Castle Roger Campbell flies through a deep puddle with his four horses while competing in the 'Land Rover driving marathon' during the fourth day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show The Queen was kept dry and didn't let a bit of rain dampen her spirit as she mingled with others under a wooden canopy She smiles and chats with others while taking in the action. She's believed to have attended the show every single year since it began as a wartime fundraising event back in 1943 The monarch came prepared for the weather in a collared green trench-coat and one of her matching signature headscarves The Queen took a second to used one of her signature headscarves and wipe something from her eye during the show The wooden hut is put in place by a digger this morning before the Queen arrived and watched the show from inside. It's not clear if she asked for it to put there specifically The two royal families enjoy a warm relationship, and King Hamad is a regular fixture at the event, where Saturday's King Cup is named after him. He shares a passion for all things equestrian with the Queen, and gave her two prized Arabian horses from his stables as a present in 2013, with her returning the favour with the gift of one of her own horses in 2017. Bahrain and Britain's royal families get along well and have spent time together in the past. At the end of March the Duke of York, Sarah Ferguson and their eldest daughter Beatrice went to the Grand Prix in Bahrain. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of York and the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, carefully watched the endurance phase at the Royal Windsor Horse Show this afternoon Prince Andrew and the King of Bahrain, pictured together, were spotted enjoying themselves during the horse show today The Queen, the King of Bahrain and the Duke of York shared a laugh while watching the endurance phase of the trials today. The two royal families enjoy a warm relationship and Saturday's King Cup is named after Hamad Queen Elizabeth, pictured with the King of Bahrain, changed into a dark coat with pearl buttons for the afternoon's events The family were put up by the Crown Prince of Bahrain at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, where suites start at 900 a night, from Friday. They also spent an all-expenses-paid VIP day at the race. Also in attendance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show today was Princess Anne, who looked smart in a grey skirt suit, teamed with a turquoise silk shirt and a gold horse brooch. Last year, the event fell exactly a week before the royal residence hosted the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In the driving seat! The Queen drove herself in her Land Rover as she arrived at one of her favourite events of the year, the Royal Windsor Horse Show The Queen is believed to have attended every single year since it began as a wartime fundraising event back in 1943. The event is intrinsically linked with the royal family; both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh competed at it during their younger years, with Prince Philip entering the Carriage Driving at Royal Windsor Horse Show for 30 years, winning it just once in 1982. In more recent years, the Queen has watched many of her own horses take part in the showing class competitions. Stunned rangers have discovered dozens of crocodiles lurking in a sewerage system scavenging for food. Alarmed workers at the at Darwin and Palmerston treatment facility in the Northern Territory have spotted reptiles in the drains over the past two weeks. A small crocodile was seen at the Palmerston facility on Wednesday while a 1.8metre croc was earlier spotted at the Leanyer Sanderson Wastewater Stabilisation Ponds. (File picture) Stunned rangers have discovered dozens of crocodiles lurking in a sewerage system scavenging for food The distinct sewerage smell is believed to have attracted the crocodiles to the area because they associate the smell with dead animals they would be able to devour. 'They think "my god there must be food here",' Professor Graham Webb told The Northern Territory News. 'They need to get access to freshwater. They can live in saltwater but it takes a lot of energy. 'Sources of freshwater along the coast always attract crocs,' he said. Professor Webb insisted the hungry crocodiles wouldn't be looking for humans to munch on as they'd be more preoccupied with other animals attracted to the pond. A spokesperson for Power and Water said park and wildlife rangers had been using crocodile traps in a bid to capture any of the reptiles roaming in the pond. No crocodiles are believed to have been caught recently. The spokesperson reiterated Professor Webb's opinion that the crocodiles had been attracted to the pond because of the possibility there would be food in the pond for them to eat. The spokesperson also noted that members of the public were no longer allowed to access the site due to safety concerns. Workers at the site, which is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, remain 'vigilant' and have taken the necessary precautions in regards to crocodiles, the spokesperson added. An 87-year-old woman and her widowed friend were 'left on the verge of a mental breakdown' after their 4,000 holiday to Benidorm was ruined by constant noise, paint fumes and cold food. Betty Rickerby, 87, from Old Swan, Liverpool, and her friend Barbara Molloy, 75, hoped to spend a month enjoying the sun in Benidorm, Spain, after Mrs Molloy's husband died last year. Instead, they were taken to a hotel where construction crews roamed the ground at all hours, food was served cold and heavy paint fumes ran thick through the air. Betty Rickerby (right), 87, and widow Barbara Molloy (left), claim their 4,000 holiday to Benidorm, Spain, was ruined by ongoing construction work at their hotel. Above: the pair on their first day of the holiday Mrs Rickerby, who has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, had arranged the holiday with Mrs Molloy to help her relax, but instead she arrived to find a cement mixer parked outside the front of the hotel. She said: 'As soon as I pulled up all I could see was the cement mixer and cranes. 'I told the driver he must have made a mistake, but he hadn't, this was the hotel. Straight away I went to the rep and said I wasn't happy.' Dust sheets were also laid on the floor outside Mrs Rickerby's room. The pair had been told before the trip that there was some work being done near to the hotel, but this came five days after they had paid more than 4,000 upfront between them for the holiday. Mrs Rickerby added: 'I told them at the time I wasn't too happy about construction 'We were there for a month, I complained from day one onward and they only moved us in the last week.' The pair arrived to find a cement mixer parked outside the front of the hotel. They said food was served cold and heavy paint fumes ran thick through the air Mrs Molloy was livid, and said: 'I didn't pay all this money to come away with Saga to have to microwave my food. 'My husband died last September. This was supposed to be a relaxing holiday, a chance to take a breath.' The pair said they had to deal with noise every day from seven in the morning until six at night. However, Saga deny this claim, saying a member of staff who was sent to the hotel found the noise could not be heard inside. Eventually the stress, dust and paint fumes, got to Mrs Rickerby, who already has breathing difficulties because of her condition. She said: 'I just couldn't breathe. In the end I went to the pharmacy but was sent straight to a walk-in centre. The pair said they had to deal with noise every day from seven in the morning until six at night and there were dust sheets outside of Mrs Rickerby's room 'They ended up giving me medication to help me, I just couldn't catch my breath.' After their repeated complaints, the two were moved to a different hotel, but not before being given another thing to worry about. Mrs Molloy said: 'One of the reps said to me "you'll probably have to pay, I know someone that paid 800 to move". 'I said I can assure you I'll be paying Saga no more than I've already given them.' The two friends said the hotel they were moved to was of a much better quality, giving the pair a much happier final week abroad. Saga, the company responsible for the holiday said: 'We are sorry to read of our guests' disappointment. Mrs Rickerby said she complained about the state of the hotel on the first day of the holiday, but that the pair were only moved in their last week 'Mrs Rickerby raised her concerns with our resort team at which point arrangements were made for Mrs Rickerby and her friend to move to an alternative nearby hotel, the cost of which was waived as a gesture of goodwill. 'We would like to assure you and Mrs Rickerby that the health and safety of our customers is of utmost importance to us and all properties used by Saga are subject to our own health and safety standard assessments prior to our first departures. 'These are often more stringent than the local requirements and therefore ensure that we can provide the safest holidays possible.' Despite the disappointment, Mrs Rickerby and Mrs Molloy are planning to return to sunny Benidorm, in the Costa Blanca region of Spain, in the near future The pensioners have not been put off going on holiday, and are even planning a return to Benidorm in the near future. Mrs Rickerby said: 'After all of this, maybe I can relax and try and get my sparkle back.' Mrs Molloy added: 'When you get to our age, it's better to just try and laugh these things off.' A paedophile science teacher who kept a sickening photo hoard of children stripping - which he assembled by posing online as a teenage girl - has been jailed. Alaric Bristow, 31, tricked more than 200 school pupils aged 13 to 15 into performing sex attacks by flirting with them on social media using a fake profile. Many of the victims were his own students and featured among the thousands of indecent images stored on his laptop that were used for the sex offender's own gratification. The twisted teacher, from Coventry, West Midlands, even made a horrific powerpoint presentation of the 'trophies' he had collected. Alaric Bristow, 31, tricked more than 200 school pupils aged 13 to 15 into performing sex attacks by flirting with them on social media using a fake profile. He has been ordered to serve at least two-thirds of his five-year sentence in prison and will be on the sex offender's register for life Bristow pleaded guilty to 12 charges of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, nine of making indecent images of children and one of having prohibited images. He has been ordered to serve at least two-thirds of his five-year sentence in prison and will be on the sex offender's register for life. Judge Peter Cooke told Bristow that he abused his position of trust by living a 'dark secret double life' He told Warwick Crown Court on Friday: 'The offending has been rightly described as a campaign to get over 200 boys to display themselves to you over the internet. 'To achieve this, you created false profiles of teenage girls and furnished them with images intended to be seductive, and you sent requests of what you wanted them to do. 'A very large proportion of those lads were your pupils, you being a teacher at the time. 'You didn't just watch, you stored the images and catalogued them for your own sexual gratification. 'You were, unknown to them, recording what they were doing, and you kept a record of how compliant particular boys were and how much further enjoyment you were likely to get from them. 'When they thought they were flirting with a girl their own age, they were being recorded and lusted over by one of their own teachers, a man they were supposed to be able to trust. 'You were leading a double life, imparting knowledge during the day, but leading a dark secret life at night. 'I am satisfied there is a significant risk that you will commit further specified offences in the future and cause serious harm to members of the public, most likely young people.' West Midlands Police snared Bristow at his home, where he lived with his mum and brothers, last September after receiving information of suspicious internet activity. West Midlands Police snared Bristow at his home, where he lived with his mum and brothers, last September after receiving information of suspicious internet activity His laptop and a hard drive were seized, and officers were gobsmacked to find a a mammoth amount of indecent images and the method he had used to obtain them. Bristow had targeted a total of 213 boys aged between 13 and 15, including at schools where he taught science. He created a series of fake profiles of teenage girls, using images he had downloaded from the web, and tricked the youngsters into exposing themselves. Bristow kept meticulous records of the names of the boys, the false profiles he used when contacting them, and the images sent and received. Evil Bristow admitted creating the fake profiles to get images and movies of the boys, but insisted he had never met or had any intention to have physical contact with any of his victims. John O'Higgins, prosecuting, praised police for the 'enormous investigation' involving 20 specialist officers at one stage to trace all the boys involved. Detective Constable Ian Russell, from West Midlands Police's Online Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said: 'Bristow created folders and spreadsheets on his laptop in order to keep track of his numerous fake profiles and his large number of contacts, detailing the different stages of each 'relationship'. 'Even after his initial arrest, Bristow could not abstain from his deviant behaviour and breached his bail conditions by obtaining a laptop and accessing the internet to continue offending. 'More than 1,000 images were found to have been stored. 'As a school teacher he was in a position of trust and should have known the devastating emotional effect this type of abuse can have on young people. 'I would like to thank those who have been brave enough to speak to us for their help in securing this sentence and also the partnership agencies for their collaborative support.' Advertisement Armed police with machine guns guarded a mosque targeted during the Christchurch terror attack as Muslims celebrated Ramadan. Worshipers entering the Al Noor Mosque were greeted by armed officers during iftar, the evening meal, on Saturday. It is the mosque where 42 people were gunned down in a horrific terror attack on March 15 in New Zealand's worst peacetime mass shooting. Another seven were killed at Linwood Mosque and two died later in Christchurch hospital from injuries, bringing the total number of casualties to 51. Scroll down for video Armed police (pictured) with machine guns guarded a mosque targeted during the Christchurch terror attack as Muslims celebrate Ramadan A young worshiper (pictured) gives a high-five to a police officer guarding the mosque entrance of Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch on Saturday Armed officers were on high alert as worshipers walked into the mosque to break their daily Ramadan fast. A young child gave an officer a high-five as they walked through the gates of the mosque. 'This is your home and you should have been safe here,' read a sign outside of the mosque door. The mosque is still adorned with flowers and messages from people mourning the attack in its aftermath. Officers guarded the mosque, which is still adorned with flowers and messages from people mourning the attack A father and his daughter (pictured) break their fast together with the evening meal called iftar Worshipers break their fast when they hear the call to prayer for the evening prayer (pictured) Muslims around the world are fasting from sunrise to sunset to celebrate the holiest month of Ramadan. Worshipers break their fast when they hear the call to prayer for the evening prayer. The evening meal Iftar translates to 'break fast'. Plates with dates, cakes, pastries and fruit and glasses of juice were set up for congregants to help themselves. Worshipers gather around plates with dates, cakes, fruit and bananas and glasses of juice set up for congregants to help themselves Al Noor shooting survivor Taj Mohammad Kamra (pictured) shows a photo of himself and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern After breaking the fast with fruit, savoury food like curry and rice was available What is Ramadan? Ramadan is considered to be the holiest month by Muslims, when the Koran, the Islamic holy book, was revealed to prophet Muhammad. Depending on moon sighting, or hilal, the month will start this year on Monday, May 6 and will continue for 30 days until June 4. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for Muslims. No food or drink is consumed during daylight hours. Advertisement Ramadan began on May 6 and will continue through to June 4. Baitul Muqeet Mosque imam Shafiq ur Rehman told NZME security at mosques will be at 'unprecedented levels' this year to ensure worshippers can focus on prayer. 'Where there was a feeling of insecurity after the events of Christchurch, I hope the believers ... will feel more secure with the presence of the armed police at the mosque gates and they can be more focused in prayer.' Armed police have been guarding mosques throughout the country since the terror attack. They will continue to guard mosques throughout the duration of Ramadan. A spike in numbers of people visiting mosques has been predicted as people want to show solidarity with Muslims since the attacks. A New Zealand police spokeswoman said for operational reasons they not be go into specific deployment and security information. However, she said they would continue to have staff at potential risk sites where appropriate, carrying out a range of security and visibility measures. 'These sites may include churches, synagogues, mosques and major events,' she said. 'This is your home and you should have been safe here,' read a sign (pictured) outside of the mosque door Armed police have been guarding mosques throughout the country since the terror attack and will continue to guard mosques throughout the duration of Ramadan A Florida woman who underwent a Brazilian butt lift died in a hospital soon after the procedure. At approximately 11.13am on Friday, the Miami Dade Police Department said they received a call about a woman in distress at Mia Aesthetics. Danea Plasencia, 28, was developing complications after she underwent the operation, her family explained to NBC Miami. Scroll down for video Danea Plasencia, 28, was developing complications after she had undergone the operation at Mia Aesthetics Mia Aesthetics is located on Southwest 72nd Street 'Then they moved her body to the stretcher, and all of a sudden, she became blue,' said her grandfather, Marcio C. Ferez. She was rushed to Baptist Hospital but died once there. Police are now investigating her death. 'Then they moved her body to the stretcher, and all of a sudden, she became blue,' said her grandfather, Marcio C. Fere Plasencia had just celebrated her 28th birthday. The mother of three leaves behind children ages nine, five and one. Mia Aesthetics released a statement offering their condolences to her family. 'Throughout our years of operations and thousands of procedures performed, this is the first and only fatality we have endured,' the statement stated. 'Our team is devastated by this tragedy and feels that each and every one of our patients is part of our family. We strive to provide the most advanced plastic surgery treatment for our patients. 'Each of our surgeons is board-certified or board-eligible by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and we are constantly evaluating our practices to ensure our patients receive the safest and best care. She was rushed to Baptist Hospital but died once there. Police are now investigating her death Plasencia had just celebrated her 28th birthday. The mother of three leaves behind children ages nine, five and one. 'Despite these practices, serious surgery comes with the risk of rare, unintended and tragic results. We are fully dedicated to investigating why today's tragedy occurred. We will be fully transparent with our patients and with the public as more details emerge.' With a Brazilian butt lift, fat is taken from various parts of the body and put with the buttocks. Plansencia's cousin shared that she almost died from a butt augmentation and had been hospitalized for two months. Plansencia's cousin (right) shared that she almost died from a butt augmentation and had been hospitalized for two months 'When you go to a plastic surgery place, they tell you very superficially what the consequences might be, but that goes very fast and quick under the radar and all these wonderful things are said to you, and you're willing to pay all this money, but you don't really realize that you're putting your life on the line,' Jennifer Perez explained. The mother's death is the latest of at least 12 women who have passed in South Florida in recent years. A recent study found that people are 20 times more likely to die after a butt lift surgery than any other surgery. A recent bill passed in Senate, 732, makes it much easier to revoke a doctor's license in the case of injury or death as a result of surgery. Rudy Giuliani announced late on Friday night that he had canceled a trip to Kiev in which he planned to urge the newly elected Ukrainian president to press ahead with a probe into Democrat rival Joe Biden's son, Hunter. Trump's lawyer had announced plans to meet Volodymyr Zelensky, the comedian-turned-president-elect due to take office on June 3, with the intention of persuading him to investigate the origins of the Robert Mueller case, as well as Hunter Biden's connections to a Ukrainian oligarch-owned gas company. Both investigations would have served to benefit Trump ahead of the 2020 campaign, but Giuliani announced his U-turn apparently amid fears he was meeting with Democrat supporting officials. Democrats denounced a plan by Donald Trump's personal attorney to push Ukraine to open investigations that he hopes could benefit Trump politically, decrying it as an overt attempt to recruit foreign help to influence a U.S. election. Rudy Giuliani said Friday night that he would not go to the Ukraine because of concerns about who he would be dealing with there 'I've decided... I'm not going to go to the Ukraine,' Giuliani told Fox News. 'I'm not going to go because I think I'm walking into a group of people that are enemies of the president... in some cases enemies of the United States, and in one case an already convicted person who has been found to be involved in assisting the Democrats with the 2016 election.' The first investigation, Giuliani had hoped to push for was on the origins of special counsel Robert Mueller's recently concluded investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The second was on the involvement of former Vice President Joe Biden's son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. Giuliani's plan had seemed poised to create an unprecedented moment, that of the lawyer of the president of the United States seeking foreign assistance in damaging his political rivals. To Democrats, it was a blatant evocation of Russia's meddling on behalf of Trump when he defeated Hillary Clinton. The first, on the origins of special counsel Robert Mueller's recently concluded investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, the other on the involvement of former Vice President Joe Biden's son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch (Joe Biden pictured) 'It's stunning that the Trump administration is going down the same tragic path they did in 2016 seeking help from a foreign government again to influence an American presidential election. It's appalling,' said Rep. Adam Schiff of California, who chairs the House intelligence committee. He said Trump allies were indicating: 'We're going to do everything short of what's downright criminal. Ethics don't matter. Patriotism doesn't matter.' Giuliani, a former New York City mayor who often acted as a smokescreen for Trump during the Mueller probe, pushed back against the criticism. 'Explain to me why Biden shouldn't be investigated if his son got millions from a Russian loving crooked Ukrainian oligarch while he was VP and point man for Ukraine,' Giuliani tweeted at Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who criticized him. 'Ukrainians are investigating and your fellow Dems are interfering. Election is 17 months away. Let's answer it now.' Giuliani's trip, which was first reported by The New York Times, would have been the most high-profile effort yet by Republicans to call attention to growing talking points in conservative circles. Trump and Giuliani have urged scrutiny of Hunter Biden and have raised questions about whether the former vice president helped oust a Ukrainian prosecutor whose office was investigating the oligarch whose company paid his son. Some Trump allies have suggested they can tarnish Biden with questions about corruption, founded or not, much like they did to Clinton in 2016. Giuliani has said he updated the president about his findings on Ukraine, a nation deeply reliant on the Trump administration for U.S. military and financial aid. 'I'm hearing it's a major scandal, major problem,' Trump said on Fox News recently. 'I hope for (Biden) it is fake news. I don't think it is.' The Biden campaign has denied that the candidate or his son did anything improper. The president has also tried to push claims that Ukrainian officials tried to help Clinton by focusing attention on Manafort's business in Ukraine. That attention forced Manafort to resign from the campaign, and he was later convicted of financial crimes and sentenced to prison. Ukrainian officials have denied involvement, but Trump has latched onto the idea that Kiev 'colluded' with Democrats and that the origins of Mueller's probe were fraudulent. Meanwhile, the president's re-election campaign distanced itself from Giuliani's efforts, saying it had nothing to do with the lawyer's inquiry. Giuliani himself downplayed, sort of, questions about whether what he was doing was inappropriate. 'We're not meddling in an election, we're meddling in an investigation, which we have a right to do,' Giuliani told The Times. 'There's nothing illegal about it. Somebody could say it's improper.' But the whole episode could trigger uncomfortable questions about foreign entanglements for the White House, which is still grappling with the aftermath of the special counsel probe. 'We've come to a very sorry state when it is considered OK for an American politician, never mind an attorney for the president, to go and seek foreign intervention in American politics,' Rep. Jerrod Nadler, D-N.Y., the head of the House Judiciary Committee, said to CNN on Friday. Mueller did not conclude that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia and did not determine whether or not Trump obstructed justice. But House Democrats are pushing the inquiry further on a number of fronts, including issuing subpoenas for the probe's witnesses and documents. Trump this week announced that he would invoke executive privilege to shield the material, certain to prompt a lengthy legal fight. Throughout the investigation, Giuliani attacked Mueller's credibility and often tried to change the public discourse by advancing conspiracy theories about the special counsel or Democratic investigators. I n the probe's final days, he began to zero in on the possible Ukraine connection. Layne Chesney, 16, died on Friday morning A girl who suffered third-degree burns over 90 per cent of her body, has died more than a year after the horror bonfire accident that injured her. Layne Chesney died on Friday morning from organ failure after a string of hospitalizations in in Fort Pierce, Florida. She was 16. 'Layne was called home today by our creator. She fought a hard battle right until the end- never wanting to quit- because quitting was not in her nature,' her loved ones wrote in a post on Facebook. 'We are heart broken, but remain always grateful that she was a part of our lives and world- we just wish it had been for a lot longer with us here on Earth.' Layne was just 14 when, on New Year's Eve 2017, she threw gasoline on a bonfire, not realizing how dangerous it would be. Layne was 14 when, on New Year's Eve 2017, she threw gasoline on a bonfire, not realizing how dangerous it would be Layne, a youth softball star beloved by her many friends, fought to survive Doctors gave her just a 1 per cent chance of surviving, and warned her parents that she would likely not live through the night. But Layne, a youth softball star beloved by her many friends, fought to survive. Support and encouragement had poured in from from other burn victims and compassionate souls across the country. 'I'm very, very, very grateful for all the prayers and cards that people send me,' Layne told the Treasure Coast Palm in December. 'I don't know any of them, but they still send me cards and encourage me and they keep me going.' On New Year's Eve 2017, Layne threw gasoline on a bonfire, not realizing the danger Youth softball star Layne Chesney died on Friday morning from organ failure after a string of hospitalizations in in Fort Pierce, Florida. She was 16 'I'm just proud to have been her mom,' said Layne's mother Leigh Ann Wirz Chesney For first year after the fire, Layne was treated at Kendall Regional Medical Center in Miami. Family members say they began to notice Layne declining earlier this year, struggling both emotionally and physically. On January 18, Layne was transferred to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Galveston, Texas, which specializes in burn patients, for more extensive treatment. Layne's mother says that her organs failed after multiple infections. 'I'm just proud to have been her mom,' mother Leigh Ann Wirz Chesney told the Palm. 'I hope she will give me the strength to learn how to live without her.' Pierre Esber (pictured) said women who want one of the highest-paying jobs in local parliament need to quit their moaning A Labor councillor has criticised women for complaining about inequality in the workplace and told them to start applying for jobs. Pierre Esber, a councillor in Parramatta in Sydney's west, said women who want one of the highest-paying jobs in local parliament need to quit their moaning and apply. The position of Parramatta Council CEO pays more than both the Australian prime minister and NSW premier and is currently open. Mr Esber told The Daily Telegraph that women who don't get the job can't complain about gender inequality, as he claims the recruitment process is free of bias. 'Women are always out there complaining that they do not get a fair go and that they do not get paid well,' the councillor said. 'I call upon all eligible women to apply and look forward to working with the best person for the job.' A Labor councillor has critiqued women for complaining about inequality in the workplace and to start applying for jobs (stock image) State president of the Australian Local Government Women's Association, Cassandra Coleman, said Mr Esber's comments were 'concerning'. State president of the Australian Local Government Women's Association, Cassandra Coleman (pictured), said Mr Esber's comments were 'concerning' During Mr Stapleton's application process last year, only two women applied out for the role, which had a total of 70 applicants. Mr Esber said the applicants were diverse, including a former councillor, lobster farmer and restaurant owner all gunning for the tole. However, he said he's eager to see more than just two females apply for the job and insists gender bias is not evident at the western Sydney council. 'Some of them have tried to hide behind the fact that they are a woman, saying that is the reason why they didn't get the job,' he said. According to the Australian Local Government Women's Association, of the 128 CEOs and general managers in NSW local councils, just 14-20 per cent are women. A Florida woman discovered a mystery carcass on her property, which has sent social media all abuzz trying to solve the mystery of what kind of dead animal it is. Kelly Garrahan, of Titusville, Florida, told Click Orlando that her boyfriend was out on her five-acre property, looking for the dog, when he found the unidentified creature's corpse in the yard. Unable to figure out what kind of an animal it had been, she turned to Facebook for help identifying the deflated, shriveled up, browned, grisly and gristly carcass. Kelly Garrahan's boyfriend found this terrifying carcass on her five-acre property, so she turned to social media and authorities for help identifying it Suggestions ranged from a coyote and dog to an alligator, Komodo dragon and possum As seen in a slew of Garrahan's photos, the animal has a thick and long tail, a tooth-filled snout, finger-like appendages and claws and an elongated torso. It measures about two to three feet long. 'It's body, it doesn't even look like something I've ever seen,' Garrahan told Click Orlando. 'I just want to know what it was, I'm new around her and I was like I don't know what kind of animals Titusville has,' she added. In a Facebook post, she asked: 'I found this in my yard... has anyone seen this thing before or know what it could be?' Social media users had a variety of suggestions for what the gristly carcass could've been The creature measures between two to three feet and has finger-like appendages and claws More fanciful explanations for what the creature might be included chupacabra, swamp ape, 'clearly a dinosaur' and '100% an alien' Kelly said that she had never seen an animal that resembled the carcass and was new to the area so she wasn't sure what sort of animals were native to Titusville, Florida The question prompted a slew of responses ranging from a dog to an alligator, coyote, otter, Komodo dragon and monitor lizard. Some more fantastical answers included chupacabra, swamp ape, 'clearly a dinosaur' and '100% an alien.' Garrahan said she sent the photos to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for an expert opinion. The organization responded that the creature was just a mundane opossum. Whatever the animal actually is, Garrahan said that it smells so much that she now avoids the area and wants someone to come and remove it. It's unclear how long the animal had been rotting away on her property. Garrahan said on Facebook that because her property is so large, she doesn't travel to the back of it every day. Emmanuel Macron greeted three hostages rescued from a Burkina Faso militant camp as they arrived in Paris today as they paid tribute to the two French special forces commandos who died 'freeing them from hell'. The French president spoke to the hostages as they disembarked from the plane sent to fetch them at the Villacourblay military airport south west of Paris. Earlier today, Frenchmen Laurent Lassimouillas and Patrick Picque and an unidentified South Korean woman spoke on the steps of Kosyam Presidential Palace in Ouagadougou. They hailed the sacrifice made by naval officers Cedric de Pierrepont and Alain Bertoncello who were killed during the military operation. Mr Lassimouillas said: 'All our thoughts go to the families of the soldiers and to the soldiers who lost their lives to free us from this hell. Emmanuel Macron welcomed freed French hostages Patrick Picque (centre) and French Laurent Lassimouillas (second from left) as they arrived back in Paris today Macron was seen walking alongside freed hostage Laurent Lassimouillas (second from left) this afternoon In their first appearance since being freed in the early hours of Friday, Frenchmen Laurent Lassimouillas (first row third from left) and Patrick Picque (far left) and an unidentified South Korean (send from left) woman spoke on the steps of Kosyam Presidential Palace in Ouagadougou (Foreign Minister Alpha Barry with microphone) Laurent Lassimouillas paid tribute to the two French special forces commandos who died trying to save them from 'hell' 'We wanted to present our condolences right away to those families because we feel ambivalent about everything that happened to us.' An American woman who had been kidnapped was also liberated by the commandos, but is already being flown back to the United States. Lassimouillas also expressed regret over the death of the Beninese park guide, who was killed when the French two tourists were snatched while on safari in northern Benin before being bundled across the border into Burkina Faso. The men, both music teachers, are expected to travel back to France on Sunday. French officials said on Friday that it was not yet clear who had kidnapped them in Benin but described their captors in Burkina Faso as 'terrorists' who planned to hand them over to an al Qaeda affiliate in neighbouring Mali. Today, the three freed hostages still in the west African country met with President Roch Kabor. Today, the three freed hostages still in the west African country met with President Roch Kabor Mr Lassimouillas said: 'All our thoughts go to the families of the soldiers and to the soldiers who lost their lives to free us from this hell' After their meeting with the President of Burkina Faso, the hostages are all expected to be welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at a military airport outside Paris later today The operation took place in a bid to free two French tourists, Patrick Picque and Laurent Lassimouillas, who had disappeared in the remote Pendjari National Park in Benin on May 1. A statement from the Elysees Palace about the hostage raid said: 'Their liberation was made possible by a military operation led by French forces overnight from Thursday to Friday in northern Burkina Faso. 'During the operation two soldiers were killed in action, Cedric de Pierrepont and Alain Bertoncello, both petty officers under the command of special operations.' South Korea's ambassador in Paris was unable to comment on the identity of the freed Korean national. 'We do not have detailed information, but we are in close contact with French authorities. I can't say anything now,' Jongmoon Choi said. The operation took place in a bid to free two French tourists, Patrick Picque and Laurent Lassimouillas (pictured), who had disappeared in Benin, West Africa in May 1 French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences for the two soldiers killed in the overnight operation (Pictured, Burkina Faso in West Africa) The two fallen French soldiers were identified as special forces officers Cedric de Pierrepont and Alain Bertoncello in a statement from the Elysee Palace The US embassy in Paris was unavailable for comment. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences for the two soldiers killed in the overnight operation. '[The] president wants to congratulate the French armed forces for the liberation of the hostages, and includes everyone who worked alongside them,' a statement from the presidency said. 'He bows with emotion and solemnity before the sacrifice of our two soldiers who gave their lives to save those of our citizens.' Admiral Christophe Prazuck, chief of staff of the French navy, said he admired the soldiers' courage. He said yesterday: 'Cedric de Pierrepont and Alain Bertoncello, of Commando Hubert, died last night in battle in a hostage release operation. I admire their courage, I share the pain of their families and their loved ones.' The two French tourists were kidnapped during a safari at the the remote Pendjari National Park in Benin (Pictured) and their local guide found dead Pierrepont finished first in 47 of his basic training courses and reached the commando stage a year-and-a-half later, the navy said. He won four medals and was a decorated 'combat swimmer' and gained accolades for operations in Sahel and Lebanon. Bertoncello also won medals for swimming and took part in operations in the Seychelles and Qatar. In a separate statement, Defence Minister Florence Parly thanked authorities in Benin and Burkina Faso, as well as the United States for its 'precious support' in the operation. Neither statement indicated who was holding the tourists or the identity of the other two people who were released. Islamic extremists have become increasingly active in Burkina Faso, raising worries the militants could be infiltrating northern Benin and neighboring Togo as well. Sixteen migrants, including two children, were intercepted by the Border Force as they made their way across the Channel in a small boat. The group of 12 men, two women and the children were seen in the early hours of this morning and are believed to be Iranian and Iraqi nationals. French authorities then alerted the UK Border Force, who stopped the boat before it reached Kent shores. Sixteen migrants, including two children, were intercepted by the Border Force as they made their way across the Channel in a small boat (File photo) The group were transferred to a cutter vessel before being brought to Dover and they have been transferred to immigration officers for interview. It comes after a series of attempts by groups of migrants and refugees to reach British shores. At least 538 people, including about 40 children, have crossed the Channel in small boats since November 3, 2018. In April, 21 migrants, including a one-year-old child, were rescued from the Channel after leaving France in two boats. Seven of them, including the children, were suffering from hypothermia and were taken to hospital. After being rescued, the group were handed back to French authorities. In March, 18 migrants - including a family with two young children - arrived in two separate incidents off the Kent coast. In April, 21 migrants, including a one-year-old child, were rescued from the Channel after leaving France in two boats Seven of them, including the children, were suffering from hypothermia and were taken to hospital In December, Home Secretary Sajid Javid declared a 'major incident' and ordered two Border Force boats to be redeployed to the Channel in an effort to deal with attempted crossings. The vast majority of migrants making the potentially lethal crossing have used Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) powered by an outboard engine to make the crossing. It is not known at this stage what type of boat was used in the attempt today. Speaking about today's incident, a Home Office spokesman said: 'Anyone crossing the Channel in a small boat is taking a huge risk with their life and the lives of their children. 'Since the Home Secretary declared a major incident in December we have agreed a joint action plan with France and increased activity out of the Joint Coordination and Information Centre in Calais. 'It is an established principle that those in need of protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.' Advertisement These creepy pictures show the depths of a 16th century tomb which allow members of the general public to come face to face with the dead. The Capuchin Catacombs hold 8,000 corpses as well as around 1,252 mummies and is open to the public, for those who feel like spending their day walking amongst the unknown. The tombs in Italy outgrew the original cemetery it was held at in the 16th century, which resulted in monks excavating the crypts below. In 1599 monks in the Palermo area of Sicily are said to have mummified a priest called Silvestro of Gubbio, placing him into the catacombs. Palermo's Capuchin monastery outgrew its original cemetery in the 16th century and monks began to excavate crypts below it. Picture above shows what looks to be a woman and a man, the man wearing a necktie and the woman wearing a bonnet This disturbing photo shows a small child in a coffin with a silver cross emblazoned on the top. The child still has hair and it wearing a golden bow on top of her head Lines of corpses decorate the walls in the tombs. Palermo's Capuchin monastery outgrew its original cemetery in the 16th century The tombs have now been transformed into a museum and local monks in the area now do guided tours for people looking to experience something a little bit different An expert uses a torch to inspect one of the mummies which is sat in a coffin across from another. Over time, Sicily is set to reveal a real research laboratory on mummification Burials at the catacombs stopped in the 1920s and the space is now a museum run by monks in the area. However, tourists are banned from snapping images of the area, as they trail around the underground tombs. Pictures from inside the tombs show the variation of the rates of decomposition of the mummies. Some still had teeth, hair and skin, while other seems to be crumbling to pieces. Other startling images show a person in a top hat and dress, while another stands next to them wearing what appears to be a gown. The corpse also has long hair. Another disturbing picture shows a small child wrapped in a shawl with a golden bow on top of her head. Strange images from the tombs show mummies dressed in complete outfits. Such as this one where one mummy is wearinga jacket and trousers The cemetary was officially closed by civil order in 1880. Pictured above are six different mummies, the skulls are all visible and one on the left hand side can be seen wearing striped trousers The last burials are from the 1920s. The picture above shows mummified corpses stacked up on shelves with one being central to the alcove of the wall The cemetery has now become a sort of museum. The picture above shows what looks to be a mother and child. The mother is wearing a dress and a bonnet while the child also wears a bonnet and a shawl around her arms The museum is filled with the forgotten dead. This picture shows how tightly they were packed into the walls with them being led both vertically and horizontally Mummies can be seen lined up along the walls and around podiums, as well as lead in tombs. In order to secure a place in the tombs, those who wanted to be buried, would have to request a space before they died. It was said to have been a sign of status to have been displayed and the bodies would have a place in the tombs as long as the family paid. Mummification is an ancient tradition which has been favoured by those living in Sicily, with the Catacombs being prime examples of this. Due to the areas interest and history, the Italian region is set to launch a research laboratory specifically on the practice of mummification. This images shows one corpse wearing a top hat, while the other one wears a floral dress and a lace head ensemble The corpses are now watched over by a group of monks. This corpse seems to have been left in a military style outfit, and some curled hair can be seen poking out of a hat These three mummies were stood up next to each other. The one in the middle still had finger nails. While the one on the left hand side still had a full set of teeth This pictures shows 19 mummies with four separate skulls being stacked on small alcoves at the very top of the wall. Some appear to be wearing ropes around their necks with tags on them At least three gunmen have attacked a five-star hotel in Gwadar in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Armed militants shot dead a guard as they stormed the exclusive Pearl Continental compound where they are believed to be holed up in a staircase surrounded by security forces. The Balochistan Liberation Army, a terrorist group fighting for autonomy in the south-west of the country, has claimed responsibility for the attack which they say was plotted to hit back at 'Chinese and foreign investment'. Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langu said there appeared to be casualties but the extent of the bloodshed is not yet clear. Local media outlets are reporting that armed militants stormed the exclusive Pearl Continental (stock image) The Pearl Continental is the only luxury hotel in Gwadar, formerly a small fishing village in Balochistan which is mired in ethnic and sectarian infighting He said the 'majority' of guests had been evacuated and the security forces are battling back the militants. 'There are reports of a few people sustaining minor injuries,' he added. Mohammad Aslam, the on-duty officer in Gwadar, said he could hear gunfire but that the operation was coming to an end. 'There were no Chinese or Pakistani guests in the hotel', he said, adding that only staff were present in the building. Balochistan is mired in ethnic and sectarian infighting and is rife with militants including the Pakistani Taliban group, Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army. The Pearl Continental is the only luxury hotel in Gwadar, formerly a small fishing village, and is where foreign and Pakistani business delegations as well as diplomats stay when visiting the city. It sits isolated on a ridge overlooking the Gwadar port, which is the flagship project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Balochistan Liberation Army, a terrorist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack The mammoth $60bn construction project seeks to connect the western Chinese province of Xinjiang with Gwadar, on the Arabian Sea. It includes a 244-mile highway from Peshawar to Karachi scheduled to be completed this year, a new highway, airport and hospital at Gwadar port. The port will provide China with safer and more direct access to the oil-rich Middle East than the waterway trade route it currently uses through the narrow Malacca Straits. But it has also drawn its share of attacks, particularly from separatists who have long complained that residents do not receive a fair share of profits from the province's resources. A climber in his 50s has died while scaling Ireland's highest mountain. The man fell to his death on Carrauntoohill in the McGillycuddy Reeks in County Kerry at around midday today. He is believed to be from Ireland and had been hiking in the hills before he fell a considerable distance, Rte reported. A climber in his 50s has fallen to his death while scaling Carrauntoohil in County Kerry - Ireland's highest peak The Kerry Mountain Rescue Team along with helicopter from the Coast Guard based at Shannon were deployed, but were both unable to access the point where the man had fallen. The accident happened close to Hag's Glen, a popular route to the summit of Carrauntoohill. Gardai are investigating the death, a Garda spokeswoman told the Irish Times. 'The man appears to have fallen, no other person was involved,' she said. Democrats in Washington DC city government and in Congress have accused Donald Trump of attempting to hijack Fourth of July celebrations on the National Mall for partisan purposes. Trump announced in February that he was planning 'one of the biggest gatherings in the history of Washington DC' at the Lincoln Memorial for Independence Day, to include 'an address by your favorite President, me!' Now city officials are grousing about plans to move the fireworks launch site from alongside the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool to a barge in the Potomac, and Democrats fear the event will become a campaign-style rally. 'It's not about any one person, it's about 'We, the people.' And if the president moves to make this about him, I think he will find the American public disappointed and angered by it,' said Rep. Betty McCollum, a Democrat from Minnesota, in an interview with the Washington Post. Trump, seen at a rally this week, announced in February that he was planning 'one of the biggest gatherings in the history of Washington DC' at the Lincoln Memorial for July 4 Trump plans to move the fireworks launch site from near the Lincoln Memorial refelcting pool, where they are seen last year, to a barge in the Potomac River Trump's plans for the event appear to be the latest iteration of his failed proposal for a military parade in DC. After witnessing a military parade in Paris for Bastille Day in 2017, Trump became enthusiastic about holding a similar event in the U.S. and pressed the Pentagon to plan a parade for Veteran's Day. But costs for the proposal ballooned, and the plan collapsed in August. Trump blamed city officials in Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser's administration for blocking the parade. As Trump turned his attention to the National Mall's annual fireworks display, he became obsessed with the minutia of the planning and tasked Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt with personally overseeing the event, administration aides told the Post. Rep. Betty McCollum (left), a Democrat from Minnesota, and officials in the administration of DC's Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser are complaining about Trump's plans 'I think the president is excited about the idea, and we're working hard on it, and I think it could be very, very meaningful,' Bernhardt told the newspaper. 'The president loves the idea, as probably all Americans do, of celebrating America on the Fourth of July, or thereabouts,' he said. The Mall celebration has been broadcast live on television since 1947, and draws hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. No president has personally taken part in the Mall festivities in recent memory, typically watching the fireworks from the White House instead. A DC city official in Bowser's administration said that the city is worried about plans to move the location of the fireworks, and for Trump to speak at the Lincoln Memorial. Fireworks illuminate the National Mall in celebration of Independence Day last year. City officials are worried that changes to the event could increase the cost 'We have a lot of people come to the Fourth of July. Logistically, over the years, the kinks have been worked out,' the official said. 'We don't want to throw off what already works.' Secretary Bernhardt said that moving the fireworks launch site from near the reflecting pool to a barge in the Potomac would free up a significant amount of space for visitors. Typically, a large area around the reflecting pool is closed off for over a week prior to the event, cutting off access to one of the most popular sites on the Mall. 'And we might even have some more surprises in store for the public, very very soon,' Bernhardt said. Supermarket giant Woolworths has introduced scales at self-service checkouts to stop thefts and incorrectly scanned items. The scales, similar to the ones already used to weigh fruit and vegetables, will measure other items to ensure the weight corresponds with what is being scanned. The new installation aims to avoid customers from making scanning mistakes, deliberately charging items for a cheaper price or stealing. Woolworths have introduced weighing scales at checkouts across stores in Australia 'Self-serve check-outs are really popular and the vast majority of customers have no trouble scanning the right items,' a Woolworths spokesman told the Herald Sun. 'From time to time, we see customers scan the wrong items, so we've turned on weigh scales to help shoppers validate the right items are going through.' Seven per cent of shoppers had deliberately stolen an item without scanning it, according to a 2018 Canstar Blue survey. Nine per cent said they had scanned an item as a cheaper product. The addition comes after Woolworths and Coles installed tablet-sized cameras at self-service checkouts to combat thefts. The new anti-theft methods include installing a CCTV system which films customers as they scan their items, playing it back to them in real-time to make them feel as thought they are being watched. The drastic measure comes as retails thefts in Australia reach more than $9.3 billion every year. Clive Palmer's dream of building a full-sized replica of the Titanic could cost him $1billion while sacked mine workers are still waiting for their pay. The Australian billionaire announced the plans to build a replica for $500million in 2012 - but paused the project in 2015 when he was short of cash. Designer Fredrick Johansson said that since then the cost of building a ship had soared. Clive Palmer's (pictured) dream of building a full-sized replica of the Titanic could cost him $1billion, while sacked mine workers still wait for their pay 'Some of the biggest ships now cost $1 billion each. This is a smaller ship but a rather complex project so it's very difficult to say. We haven't started a detailed cost analysis,' the designer told The Courier Mail. He said the most expensive aspect of the design would be making it an exact replica of the original Titanic - and ensuring it was safe. Mr Johansson also said that Mr Palmer had never missed a payment to the replica designers. 'We haven't had any problems with them. They have been very smooth in that respect. They have been a good client,' he said. Meanwhile, Mr Palmer owes $7million to workers at his failed Queensland Nickel company, who have waited three years for their full entitlements. The furious former workers say they should be paid before the billionaire invests any more money into the luxury liner. Mr Palmer made his money in mining, owning Mineralogy and Queensland Nickel before the refinery collapsed in 2016 and he owed $300million to creditors. Taxpayers were forced to stump up for entitlements for 800 workers after the collapse. The Australian billionaire first announced the plans in 2012, but it wasn't until last year that he confirmed the construction of the replica had resumed after a financial setback (pictured, the original Titanic) In April, Mr Palmer promised to pay back the workers, saying $7million would be available to them through a trust managed by a solicitor. But Maurice Blackburn employment lawyer Giri Sivaraman said only one worker had been paid. 'The workers... simply don't trust his promises. They feel betrayed and angry,' Mr Sivaraman said. 'It also seems particularly cruel to tell workers the money is there but it won't be paid until after the election.' Mr Palmer has also spent about $60million on an extensive advertising campaign, bombarding potential voters with text messages and TV ads ahead of the election on May 18. Mr Palmer owes $7million to workers at his failed Queensland Nickel company, who have waited three years for their full entitlements Mr Palmer is worth about $1.8billion according to Forbes, and is ranked 20th on the Australian Rich List. He was a member of the Liberal National Party in Queensland until he formed his own party, the Palmer United Party, in 2013. He was voted into parliament after an extensive advertising campaign but two of his senators - Jacqui Lambie and Glenn Lazarus - defected from the party. Mr Palmer was caught sleeping during Question Time in the House of Representatives in 2014 and was criticised for often being absent from parliament, only attending 54 per cent of sitting days. He chose not to stand for re-election in 2016 and de-registered the party a year later, before reforming it as the United Australia Party in 2018. A new blood test for breast cancer created by the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute could be set to replace current screening methods. The test developed in Melbourne will be used to screen 18,000 Australian women diagnosed with cancer each year to see if their disease has returned. It was developed by Associate Professor Alexander Dobrovic and works by checking for DNA specifically related to tumours in the patient's blood. Premier Denis Napthine, Olivia Newton-John and John Brumby ONJCRI Chairman during the Official opening of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Institute in 2014 A new breast cancer test created by the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute could be set to replace current screening methods with a blood test The test will go to clinical trial within the next three years, according to the Daily Telegraph. Patients will likely take the blood test every three months with the amount of cancer specific DNA found directly correlating to the seriousness of the disease. If trialled successfully, the technology could potentially replace mammograms and be used for early detection. 'There is the potential to modify this to be used in early detection,' Professor Dobrovic said. Professor Dobrovic is said to also assisting in developing the blood test process for discovering melanoma. He said the technology could be useful for other types of cancer. Associate Professor Alexander Dobrovic developed the test that will check for DNA specifically related to tumours in the patient's blood Patients have welcomed the idea of the simple test such as cancer sufferer Kath Sroka who had a tumour growing for 12 months before it was discovered. 'I think it would be a game changer. If you were able to test for DNA you'd be able to test faster and do it more frequently and not wait for a year,' she said. She said the test that could be taken at any local health centre would be much more convenient and give her peace of mind. If trialled successful the technology is said to potentially replace mammograms and be used for early detection The project was given a $385,000 grant from the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The recent funding is apart of the foundation's $9.2m commitment towards zero deaths from breast cancer. The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute was set up by the Greece actor who recently announced she was suffering her third bout of cancer. Gerald Corrigan (pictured) was shot 22 days ago outside his isolated bungalow in North Wales. He has died in hospital A pensioner who was shot with a crossbow while trying to fix a satellite dish on his rural home has died in hospital of 'horrendous injuries'. Gerald Corrigan was hit by the bolt 22 days ago outside his isolated bungalow near Holyhead, Anglesey, North Wales. The projectile travelled through a significant part of the 74-year-old's upper body, narrowly missed his heart and then passed through his right arm. DCI Brian Kearney said in a statement today: 'This is a truly shocking case and our thoughts are with Gerald's family and friends at this very sad time.' He added: 'The family continue to be supported by Specially Trained Family Liaison Officers.' Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident but no one is believed to have been arrested. Mr Corrigan suffered 'horrendous injuries' but was able to stagger into his house and phone for an ambulance just after midnight. Police were called at 2.45am on April 19 after doctors at Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital in Bangor discovered the projectile. The 74-year-old was outside his bungalow-style home (pictured) trying to fix a faulty satellite dish in the early hours of April 19 The police outside the property - they appealed for anyone who might have footage of the incident but said it was an extremely remote location Hospital staff told officers their patient had sustained injuries consistent with being shot with a crossbow. Police appealed for anyone with any private CCTV in the area to contact them. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Kearney from North Wales Police said after the shooting: 'The property in in an extremely remote location near to the junction of Porthdafarch Road and Plas Road. The satellite dish Gerald Corrigan was adjusting when he was shot with the crossbow bolt near South Stack Road Holyhead 'He was outside his home as he was attempting to fix a satellite dish when he was hit. 'He managed to make his way into his home where the alarm was raised at 00:34hrs and colleagues from the Welsh Ambulance Service transported him to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor where he remains in a critical condition. 'We are appealing to anybody who may have been in the vicinity of South Stack Road between 6pm yesterday evening (Thursday 18) and 4am today to come forward. 'We are also keen on speaking to anybody who may live in or around that area and who may have private CCTV, or anybody who may have travelled along South Stack Road who may have dash cam footage. He was rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd hospital in Bangor after calling for an ambulance. Staff phoned the police to say he had injuries consistent with a crossbow shooting Police appealed for information about the 'highly unusual' incident in the remote location last month 'We are in the early stages of our investigation and are working hard to establish the circumstances behind this incident. A number of enquiries are underway involving detectives from CID, the local policing teams and Crime Scene Investigation. 'North West Wales remains one of the safest places in the UK. This is a highly unusual incident for this area and we are determined to find whoever was responsible for this as a matter of urgency.' Anybody who may be able to assist the investigation is asked to contact officers at Llangefni CID on 101 or via the live webchat quoting reference number X052857. Contact can also be made with Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111. Dylan Wade Schwenk, 27, was arrested after the woman he allegedly fatally shot named him before she died at the hospital An Oklahoma woman named the man who fatally shot her just before she died at the hospital. Brandi Alden, 38, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was at her apartment when she was shot Thursday at about 10.25pm. She was taken to the hospital where she named her alleged shooter Dylan Wade Schwenk, 27 to a patrol officer before she died, according to The Oklahoman. Police then got a warrant to arrest Schwenk, also of Oklahoma City, based on complaints of first-degree murder, robbery with a firearm and felon in possession of a firearm. He was then arrested Friday afternoon following a foot chase with police. Two witnesses to the shooting were said to have named Schwenk in the shooting, as well. The witnesses claimed that he had run into Alden's apartment, demanded that they give 'it' to him, before firing his gun. One of his bullets hit Alden, who was heard yelling, 'No Dylan. Stop Dylan,' according to police. Brandi Alden (above), 38, died after she was allegedly shot in the chest and arm while she was inside her Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, apartment after Schwenk entered it on Thursday night Oklahoma City Police are seen above at the crime scene investigating on Thursday night Witnesses said they saw Schwenk (pictured) run into Alden's apartment, demand she give 'it' to them and then fire his gun at her. Schwenk was sentenced to five years in prison for drug distribution charges in 2013 Police had previously said that the victim, Alden, was alone in her apartment when she answered her door after hearing a knock, at which point two men entered and shot her in the chest and arm, News On 6 reported. The men were said to have driven away in a white SUV after the shooting. It's unclear what Alden and Schwenk's relationship was, although it was reported that they had been arrested together in the early morning of March 28, according to police. They were said to have been in Alden's car when she was stopped for having a faded paper tag. They were then taken into custody on active warrants, although it's unclear what the warrants had been issued for. Court records obtained by The Oklahoman indicated that Schwenk has a history of larceny and burglary charges, as well as additional felonies, and had been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of drug distribution in 2013. Schwenk is being held without bond according to an Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office records search. A man who brutally attacked his stepdaughter and his wife just days after she had given birth to their daughter has been jailed for 20 months. Kerry Armstrong shielded her newborn baby during the horrifying assault by crouching over her as Gary Peoples, 40, kicked and punched Ms Armstrong in the head. Seconds before the assault, which occurred in October 2017 at their Belfast home, Ms Armstrong had been holding the three-day old little girl. Play group leader Kerry Armstrong, from Belfast, was attacked by her husband at their home just three days after she gave birth to their daughter and left with two black eyes, severe swelling and bruising The play group leader was left with two black eyes and severe swelling and bruising on other parts of her face. When Ms Armstrong's 13-year-old daughter entered the room, Peoples grabbed her and pushed her against a wall. The printer worker admitted attacking his wife and stepdaughter during the same incident at the Crown Court in Derry and was jailed by Judge Elizabeth McCaffrey. Ms Armstrong said she will never forgive her husband and is relieved that the judicial system did its job in this instance by putting him behind bars, Belfast Live reported. Speaking after her husband was jailed, she added: 'It has been quite a long time since this happened and it has been hard to get to this point. 'At times I just wanted to give up but I was determined to go through with it on behalf of other women who have suffered and who are still suffering from the effects of domestic violence. Kerry Armstrong said she would never forgive her husband but she is glad the ordeal is now over 'I want to thank in particular Women's Aid in Belfast. Without their help and counselling and without the help of other domestic violence sufferers whom I have met and befriended I couldn't have gone through with it. 'They gave me amazingly fantastic assistance. Until this happened to me I didn't really appreciate the extent of the levels of domestic violence in Northern Ireland. 'Now I know and the women whom I now know who have been victims and who have come through it make me feel so humble.' Ms Armstrong encouraged any victims of domestic violence to immediately seek help from the authorities. The prosecutor told Judge McCaffrey that Ms Amstrong and Peoples had argued in the bedroom of their flat on October 2 2017, three days after the birth of their daughter. Kerry Armstrong's husband Gary Peoples was sentenced to 20 months in jail at a court in Derry after he admitting attacking her and her 13-year-old daughter Peoples punched her in the face and kicked her in the head after she fell to the ground, the judge heard. The prosecutor said Peoples had initially tried to stop Ms Armstrong from leaving the flat, but she escaped and drove to her mother's home. Her brother then reported the assaults to the police. A defence barrister said Peoples was ashamed and remorseful, adding that he had not seen his daughter, who is now 18 months, since the attack. The barrister argued that there was no previous domestic violence history between the couple and that their relationship had been strained. 'There was a very short romance before the marriage. Both parties brought their own children from previous relationships to the table,' Belfast Live quotes the defence barrister as saying. 'It was the meshing of two families which raised issues about relationships between the respective children and step children. 'Tensions were at times running high and the defendant bottled things up. He did not deal with things appropriately and he snapped. 'It was an out of character incident and one he will have to live with for the rest of his life.' Judge McCaffrey said the victim impact statements of Ms Armstrong and her daughter shows the devastating impact of the assaults, which she described as 'abhorrent' 'The message must go out that people who commit such crimes will receive condign punishment,' she said. A man accused of stalking a woman before sneaking into her home and stabbing her to death while she slept had allegedly written the victim's name down on a 'kill list' months earlier. The list had been in the hands of the police at least twice before the murder, it has been claimed. But officers reportedly failed to act on the information because the unidentified suspect had only been deemed a 'moderate risk'. (File picture) Officers from both the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Police Transport Command (PTC) had come across the homicidal note prior to the murder, it's been claimed Officers from both the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Police Transport Command (PTC) reportedly came across the note which named the mother-of-one as a target when they stopped the suspect on two different occasions. The woman, who had previously claimed the suspect had spent months stalking her, had also shared her concerns about the suspect on social media. She also claimed to have reported the man to police last year, but no record of the complaint has been found. Sadly the woman's concerns proved to be true, as months later she was found dead in her home, in a regional area of New South Wales. The notepad, in which the 'kill list' was written on, was also allegedly found at the scene, The Daily Telegraph reported. The accused killer was arrested three days later and was charged with the murder. It was only during the investigation into the alleged murder that officers realised the man had slipped through the net not once, but twice. (File picture) A police insider claimed an AFP officer had seen the man acting suspiciously near to a government building in late 2017 A police insider claimed an AFP officer had seen the man acting suspiciously near to a government building in late 2017. It's understood at the time he was in possession of the notepad which documented the alleged 'kill list'. The female victim's name is believed to be on the list alongside that of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Opposition leader Bill Shorten. But the man was only deemed a moderate risk by the AFP's Fixated Threat Assessment Team, who evaluated him based on a standard checklist. The AFP failed to share details of the incident with the state police, the publication reported. The female victim's name is believed to be on the 'kill list' alongside that of former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Opposition leader Bill Shorten (pictured)as well as numerous other names Authorities reportedly scuppered a second chance to apprehend the man when he came to the attention of PTC. Just weeks later PTC officers searched the man on a train and found the same alleged notepad. But although the officer is understood to have kept a record of the encounter and flagged the list on an internal system the names were not passed on. Having flown under the radar twice, it's alleged the man seized his opportunity eight months later, and snuck into the woman's home and stabbed her to death. Just one day after the brutal murder police came to the conclusion that they had already seen the alleged 'kill list'. 'The names on that list should've been forwarded on, don't bother doing the job if it's only half done,' a source said. The man in question has since been charged with murder but has not yet entered a plea. The suspect is due to appear in court at the end of May. San Francisco is moving ahead with a proposal for an 'IPO tax' on stock-based compensation to raise funds for the city. Board of Supervisors member Gordon Mar announced the proposal on Thursday in front of San Francisco's city hall, with two other members of the 11-person board speaking in support. The proposal would increase the city tax on stock based compensation to 1.5 per cent, from the current rate of 0.38 per cent, and would be retroactive to any company that went public from the date of the proposal, including Uber which launched on the New York Stock Exchange on Friday. Mar estimates that the tax would bring in $100million to $200million in the first two years, he told the Wall Street Journal. Board of Supervisors member Gordon Mar announced the proposal on Thursday in front of San Francisco's city hall Mar wants to use the funds for housing, transportation and health programs to support low - and moderate-income workers. The board will likely vote on the proposal in the coming weeks. San Francisco Mayor London Breed has not yet announced her position on the new tax. If it passes the board, the tax would be put before San Francisco's citizens for a vote in November. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce has spoken out against the idea, saying start-ups would simply leave the city before they go public. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and co-founder Garrett Camp take a selfie on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) during the company's IPO in New York on Friday 'The term IPO tax is entirely misleading,' the business organization told the Journal. 'It's a head fake to voters while the Board of Supervisors seeks to tax the broader business community.' In November, voters approved a separate tax on large corporations to raise money to assist the citys homeless population. San Francisco is currently one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, and economists estimate that the influx of wealth from the recent Uber and Lyft IPOs will only continue to drive up housing prices. A publishing house has announced that it will be dropping an author's book after she took to Twitter on Friday to blast a black Metro rail worker for eating on the train. Natasha Tynes, author of novel 'They Call Me Wyatt', shared her annoyance that a black woman dressed in a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority uniform was eating on the train during her commute. 'When you're on your morning commute & see @wmata employee in UNIFORM eating on the train,' she said in the now deleted post, along with a photo of the employee. Natasha Tynes shared her annoyance with a black woman dressed in a Washington MTA uniform was eating on the train during her commute on Friday 'I thought we were not allowed to eat on the train,' she continued. 'This is unacceptable. Hope @wmata responds. When I asked the employee about this, her response was 'worry about yourself.' @unsuckdcmetro' MTA responded to Tynes' post and asked her to inform them where the train was headed. 'Thank you for catching this and helping us to make sure all Metro employees are held accountable,' they added. The author informed them that the train was headed to Glenmont on the Red Line at approximately 9am. MTA responded to Tynes' post and asked her to inform them where the train was headed Twitter soon became inundated with vicious critiques of the author's post, with many calling her out for going after a black woman who was minding her own business and not bothering anyone. 'Funny that your pinned tweet is about being a 'minority' writer and using that as a basis to sell your book yet you saw another minority person eating and you wanted to ruin their livelihood,' actress Kelechi Okafor asserted. 'You're a trash individual.' The sentiment was shared by journalist Ernest Owens, who added: '"People of color" like Natasha Tynes is the reason why I make it a point to directly name Black people within the spectrum, because there is anti-Blackness within people of color in totality. POC solidarity is often upheld by Black people, but not maintained by others within.' 'Wow @NatashaTynes, you're a f**king snitch,' stated a professor Chanda Prescod-Weinstein. One user reworked Tynes' book to read: 'They Called Me Snitch.' Twitter soon became inundated with vicious critiques of the author's post, with many calling her out for going after a black woman who was minding her own business and not bothering anyone Tyne, who has since made her tweets protected, took to her Twitter to offer an apology. It was lackluster at best. 'I apologize for a tweet I posted earlier today, which I have since deleted. I am truly sorry,' she said. But the damage had already been done, as PR/marketing firm Rare Bird shared a statement on Twitter voicing their disdain with the author's actions. 'Black women face a constant barrage of this kind of inappropriate behavior directed toward them and a constant policing of their bodies,' Rare Bird stated in a statement on Friday. Tyne, who has since made her tweets protected, took to her Twitter to offer an apology. It was lackluster at best 'We think this is unacceptable and have no desire to be involved with anyone who thinks it's acceptable to jeopardize a person's safety and employment in this way. 'We are currently taking appropriate actions to cancel Ms. Tynes' novel, They Call Me Wyatt, within our distribution network, and are strongly urging Tynes' publisher, California Coldblood, to consider other appropriate actions.' California Coldblood soon followed suit and posted their own statement, that said: 'We do not condone her actions and hope Natasha learns from this experience that black women feel the effects of systematic racism the most and that we have to be allies, not oppressors. 'As for the book's publication, we are working with our distributor to take appropriate next steps.' But the damage had already been done, as PR/marketing firm Rare Bird shared a statement on Twitter voicing their disdain with the author's actions California Coldblood - her publisher - soon followed suit and posted their own statement condemning her actions Folks felt that the news was adequate considering Tyne had attempted to impact the woman's job. 'God is real....leave people TF alone @NatashaTynes,' declared one user. 'Now you over there looking ashy, publisher dropped you, money bout to be funny, and weird. All because you allowed your proximity to whiteness make you think that being an a*****e is ok. Let that simmer in your spirit.' 'They Call Me Wyatt' is expected to be released on June 11. Folks felt that the news was adequate considering Tyne had attempted to impact the woman's job Alyssa Milano has called for all women to go on a 'sex strike' until a controversial anti-abortion law in Georgia has been repealed. Milano, 46, who was instrumental in the #MeToo movement, called on her vast social media following to abstain from sex until the restrictive abortion law - dubbed the 'heartbeat bill' - is overturned. The heartbeat bill makes it illegal for women to have an abortion after a heartbeat has been detected in the womb - which is typically at the six week mark. Milano, 46, who was instrumental in the #MeToo movement, called on her vast social media following to abstain from sex until the restrictive abortion law - dubbed the 'heartbeat bill' - is overturned The actress hit out against the bill on Twitter, urging women to abstain until they have 'bodily autonomy back'. She wrote: 'Our reproductive rights are being erased. Until women have legal control over our own bodies we just cannot risk pregnancy.' 'JOIN ME by not having sex until we get bodily autonomy back. I'm calling for a #SexStrike. Pass it on.' The tweet has garnered a lot of attention with over 17,000 likes and 14,000 replies, causing the hashtag to trend on the social media platform Saturday. The reaction to her unorthodox proposition received mixed feedback. 'Please stop feeding the narrative that women are providers and men are consumers of sex,' one person tweeted. 'Bribing men for equal rights with access to our bodies is not how feminism works.' 'This makes it seem like sex is something women do as a favor to men; it also furthers the misogynist theory that women should be shamed for liking sex at all,' another said. 'Sorry, @Alyssa_Milano, but I hate this.' 'Isn't this called abstinence? And isn't this exactly what conservatives wanted?' The other states that have similar laws are Ohio, Mississippi, Kentucky, Iowa and North Dakota. The Georgia law takes effect in January. Madeleine McCann's parents say they are 'never going to give up' the search for their daughter in a poignant tribute to mark her 16th birthday today. Kate and Gerry wrote 'Happy 16th Birthday, Madeleine!' on the official Find Maddie Campaign Facebook page. The message accompanies a cherished last photo of her as a three-year-old, smiling under a wide-brimmed sun hat. A green and yellow ribbon symbolises hope, strength and solidarity beneath the picture. Madeleine McCann's parents Kate and Gerry are set to mark her 16th birthday with a low-key party Maddie's parents wrote 'Happy 16th Birthday, Madeleine!' on the official Find Maddie Campaign Facebook page The post reads: 'We love you and were waiting for you and were never going to give up.' Their gesture comes after it was revealed Kate had laid presents in Maddie's bedroom, hoping one day she will be back home to open them. Her family are set to mark her birthday with a low-key party and a commemorative cake her siblings will blow out for her. Former GP Kate, 51, now a medical worker, has carefully chosen gifts to reflect the milestone - as she has done every year since she vanished in 2007. She has placed them alongside messages of support in her daughter's pretty pink bedroom at their home in Rothley, Leicestershire, which is believed to have remained untouched since she was abducted. With no evidence Maddie is dead, the family remain hopeful that eventually she will return home and open them. Ahead of the significant birthday, they declared: 'She should be here and we should be celebrating with her.' The McCanns will blow out candles on a commemorative cake for the milestone birthday on Sunday At Sunday's gathering, Kate and eminent heart doctor husband Gerry, 50, will pray for their daughter's safe return. Along with their 14-year-old twins Sean and Amelie, they will also blow out candles on a commemorative cake for her. A family friend said: 'Kate and Gerry are planning a get together with a few friends and family to remember Madeleine on her very special birthday. 'There will be prayers and quiet reflection but also a cake and presents to mark her turning 16, a significant age. 'It's a poignant time for the family and comes just days after the 12th anniversary but they remain hopeful and vow to never to give up the search.' Kate has previously spoken about Maddie's birthday - her toughest day on the calendar and 'a difficult time because that's when you really feel her absence'. She revealed: 'I do all the present buying. I think about what age she is and buy something that, whenever we find her, will still be appropriate so there's a lot of thought goes into it.' Maddie's great uncle Brian Kennedy said: 'It would be lovely to have a real celebration one day. We never lose hope.' In a poignant message posted on the anniversary of her disappearance nine days ago, Kate and Gerry shared their heartache that Maddie would soon be turning 16. The couple wrote on social media: 'The months and years roll by too quickly; Madeleine will be sixteen this month. Maddie disappeared 12 years ago after being left sleeping alone with her younger twin siblings at their holiday apartment in the Algarve's Praia da Luz Kate has previously spoken about Maddie's birthday - her toughest day on the calendar and 'a difficult time because that's when you really feel her absence' 'It's impossible to put into words just how that makes us feel. There is comfort and reassurance though in knowing that the investigation continues and many people around the world remain vigilant.' Anguished Kate still spends precious moments each day in Maddie's bedroom which still has 'shocking pink walls and stars on the ceiling', and where her dolls and teddies are on display, along with an ever growing number of presents. She said she could never ignore Maddie's birthday and the family 'still celebrates her being part of our lives'. Kate told BBC's Panorama to mark the milestone decade anniversary in 2017: 'I couldn't not, she's still our daughter, she'll always be our daughter.' She added: 'Everything's the same and there are photographs all around the house. Whether it be a birthday, family occasion or even an achievement that is when you really feel her absence.' Maddie was snatched after being left sleeping alone with her younger twin siblings at their holiday apartment in the Algarve's Praia da Luz. At the time, her parents were dining with friends at a nearby resort tapas restaurant. She was discovered missing from her bed by her horrified mother shortly before 10pm. Detectives believe she was stolen by child traffickers, sex fiends or during a burglary gone wrong and are understood to be closing in on a suspect. Scotland Yard are still chasing 'two final lines of inquiry' with an extra 300,000 funding set to be pledged by the Home Office to keep their Operation Grange investigation going until the end of March next year. This lion looks less like a king of the jungle and more like a modern pop star thanks to one perfectly-timed picture. Talib Abdullah Almarri, 41, captured the hilarious moment while on safari at the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Luscious locks appear to flow from the reclined lioness's head creating a beehive hairdo - similar to the signature style of the late pop star, Amy Winehouse. Talib Abdullah Almarri, 41, captured the hilarious moment while on safari at the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya A male lion with luscious locks bows his head behind a casually reclined lioness to create the perfect beehive hairdo. After Mr Almarri captured the perfect shot it seems the lions caught on to what he was doing and the male lion looks away while the lioness bares her teeth In actuality, the hairstyle was created as a male lion with long tresses bowed his head directly behind the lioness. Mr Almarri, a networking analyst from Saudi Arabia, said he had hoped he would be able to capture an image like this while he watched the two creatures interact. He said: 'When I saw the lion playing with lioness, I just imagined this frame in my mind before shooting- at the time I was ready with my camera. 'I think it's really funny.' After Mr Almarri captured the perfect shot it seems the lions caught on to what he was doing. The male lion appears to bashfully look away as though he is camera shy while the lioness bares her teeth at the camera. Uber's IPO is being called the worst ever by at least one measure, after the company's investors suffered higher dollar losses in the first day than in any other float in the U.S. Uber's stock plunged 7.6 per cent on the first day of trading on Friday, wiping about $6.3billion from the company's initial valuation of $82billion at the $45-per-share offering price. Other large companies have plunged more in percentage terms on the first day of trading - for instance ZTO Express, whose share price dropped 15 per cent on the first day of trading when in launched with a $14.3billion valuation in 2016. But the sheer scale of Uber's valuation means that that the raw dollar losses are the biggest ever, at least on paper. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi (second from right) and co-founder Ryan Graves (right) ring a bell on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange to mark the first trade The investors that bought in at Uber's $45 offering price logged a total of $618million in paper losses Friday, noted IPO watcher Jay Ritter of the University of Florida told Fortune. He said is the the worst dollar loss for a US IPO going back through 1975, excluding foreign stock listing in the country via American Depository Shares. Many initial investors will likely hang on to their shares and may still turn a profit if the share price rises, it should be noted. In terms of the share price drop, Uber's IPO ranks as the ninth worst first day performer of all time, according to DealLogic. Only about a fifth of IPOs have ended their first day of trading in the red in the last two years, according to Dealogic data. Uber's road to IPO was marred by several hurdles including increased regulation in several countries and fights with its drivers over wages. Uber's shares dropped 7.62% on Friday, the ninth worst first day plunge in history. But total dollar losses were likely the biggest ever due to the company's high valuation Uber has also weathered controversies including revelations of a culture of sexism and bullying at Uber and U.S. Department of Justice investigations. After a series of embarrassments, Kalanick was forced to resign in 2017 by a group of investors. Uber then hired Khosrowshahi to lead the company. Uber has said it has the potential to grow not just in the cab hailing business, but also as a 'superapp' to provide logistic services, such as grocery and food delivery, organizing freight transportation, and even financial services, much like Grab, its Southeast Asian counterpart. But market experts have struggled to find value in a company that has consistently posted losses, and warned that it may never be profitable. 'The business is unprofitable, new entrants can enter the market, there is potential regulatory risk, and it is very price sensitive,' said Robert Johnson, professor of finance at Heider College of Business, Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska said. He added: 'What is there to like about this opportunity?' Venezuela has been hit by more violent protests this week after President Nicolas Maduro locked up the deputy of the opposition leader Juan Guaido in a military prison. Edgar Zambrano, deputy speaker of the opposition-majority National Assembly, is being held in preventive detention for 'the flagrant commission of the crimes of treason, conspiracy and civil rebellion'. Zambrano was arrested by Maduro's intelligence service in dramatic circumstances on Wednesday for supporting the April 30 revolt organized by US-backed opponent Guaido. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, who many have recognised as the country's rightful ruler, takes part in a rally against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas today Opposition deputy Edgar Zambrano was detained by Venezuelan intelligence agents this week and has been locked up in a military prison Maduro also accused his sacked intelligence chief General Christopher Figuera of being a CIA 'mole' and the architect of the failed military uprising. He said General Figuera was 'the one who orchestrated the coup d'etat' by contacting the group of around 30 members of the armed forces who joined Guaido's mass demonstration. Maduro said: 'He was captured by the CIA a year ago and was working as a traitor, mole and infiltrator.' Figuera's defection to the opposition saw him rewarded earlier this week by the US by removing him from their sanctions list. The latest regime actions ratcheted up tensions ahead of a national demonstration Guaido called for on Saturday to reject measures taken by the Supreme Court against opposition lawmakers. Zambrano is one of 10 charged by the Supreme Court for participating in the April 30 movement. Supporters of Juan Guaido take part in a rally in support of the Venezuelan National Assembly President Nicolas Maduro (pictured) has accused his sacked intelligence chief General Christopher Figuera of being a CIA 'mole' and the architect of the failed military uprising He was transferred to the Caracas headquarters of the military police, Fort Tiuna, the court said. One of the other charged lawmakers, Luis Florido, announced in a video on Friday that he had fled to neighboring Colombia, 'sheltered from a regime that is willing to imprison deputies,' he said. Three others - Richard Blanco, Mariela Magallanes and Americo De Grazia - have sought refuge in the Argentine and Italian embassies in Caracas. Zambrano's lawyer Lilia Camejo denounced the procedure under which Zambrano, a civilian, was sent to a military prison, and said his rights had been violated. Camejo said: 'From the moment of the arrest, they have violated the deputy's rights. We did not have access to the file, nor could we be appointed in his defense.' Guaido today vowed to reject measures taken by the Supreme Court against opposition lawmakers Luis Florido, another charged lawmaker, announced in a video on Friday that he had fled to neighboring Colombia to shelter from Maduro's regime Protesters rallying behind the self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido waving banners declaring their support for the constitution and not a dictatorship Guaido said on Thursday the arrests were part of a bid by Maduro to dismantle the National Assembly legislature, Venezuela's sole opposition-controlled institution but one which had already been rendered powerless by the pro-Maduro Supreme Court. 'If we can talk about a coup d'etat in Venezuela, here it is: the dismantling of the national parliament,' Guaido told a news conference, accusing Maduro's regime of 'state terrorism.' The increase in regime repression 'may be a precursor' to targeting Guaido himself, said Latin American analyst Risa Grais-Targow of Eurasia Group. 'Zambrano's arrest may be a test to gauge the response of the international community before it moves against Guaido.' His arrest on Wednesday night was both bizarre and dramatic. The lawmaker commented on events live on Twitter as they unfolded. The 64-year-old's car was surrounded outside his Democratic Action Party's headquarters before it was towed, with him still inside, to the notorious Helicoide prison inside SEBIN headquarters. Guaido said on Thursday the arrests were part of a bid by Maduro to dismantle the National Assembly legislature, Venezuela's sole opposition-controlled institution Venezuela was plunged into turmoil in January when Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority Guaido's latest attempt to undermine armed forces support for the embattled Maduro fizzled out after two days of clashes between protesters and the security services that left several people dead. Venezuela was plunged into turmoil in January when Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro's authority. He has since been recognized by more than 50 countries as he steps up the pressure to oust Maduro, whom he considers illegitimate after 2018 elections widely seen as fraudulent. But through months of crisis, Maduro - supported by China, Russia and his armed forces - has stood firm. Moises Rendon, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said: 'The existing external and internal pressures have not been enough to convince Maduro and his inner circle to negotiate their exit ramp. What happens next in Venezuela is highly uncertain.' Separately on Friday, Venezuela announced it was re-opening its land border with Brazil after Maduro ordered it shut in February, frustrating Guaido's attempt to bring stockpiled mostly-US humanitarian aid across the border. Vice President Tareck El Aissami said the frontier with Brazil was 'once again restored,' and maritime links with the Caribbean island of Aruba were also reopened. However, the border with Colombia and links with other parts of the former Dutch Antilles - closed at the same time on Maduro's orders - will remain shut, El Aissami said. Venezuela has suffered more than four years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicine. The United Nations says a quarter of its 30 million population are in urgent need of aid, and more than 2.7 million have fled the deprivation. Advertisement French police fired tear gas during skirmishes with masked demonstrators in Lyon and Nantes today - the 26th consecutive weekend of 'yellow vest' protests against President Emmanuel Macron and his economic reform agenda. In Nantes, black-hooded demonstrators on the fringes of a largely peaceful protest hurled bottles and smashed shop windows, while in Lyon tear gas swirled as police tried to funnel protesters away from the central Place Bellecour. Six months after the grassroots rebellion erupted over the high cost of living and Macron's perceived indifference toward the plight of working class France, the movement is reportedly losing momentum. Police used tear gas on protesters in Lyon, where 5,000 people were expected to turn out for a protest entitled Act 26: Against the privatisation of our public goods Plain clothes police officers arrest a protester during a demonstration in Nantes today. While there were incidents of violence there was a noticeable decline in activists Yellow vest numbers reportedly dwindled today on the 26th consecutive weekend of protests, marking exactly half a year since the unrest began last November However, today's protest in Lyon, entitled Act 26: Against the privatisation of our public goods, saw as many as 3,000 protesters according to AFP. The interior ministry estimated that by midday there were already 2,700 protesters demonstrating across France. A lower turnout would have been a relief for Macron, little more than two weeks out from European elections. The far-right, polling neck-and-neck with Macron's party, is billing the vote as a referendum on his first two years in office. The prolonged unrest has forced the president into costly policy concessions and put the brakes on his reform timetable, including an overhaul of the pension system this year. A French gendarme kicks back a tear gas canister during a Yellow Vest protest in Nantes Police and protesters stand in tear gas smoke during the protests today in Lyon. The interior ministry estimated that 2,700 people had turned up to protest across the entire country as of midday Yellow vest protesters hold up French flags as well as flags in their signature colour in Bellecourt Square in Lyon Riot police are seen moving an electric scooter out of the way during the protests in Lyon. The ongoing protests will come as no relief to President Macron with little more than two weeks away from European elections With his authority challenged by the yellow vests, Macron launched his fight back last month, vowing after weeks of national debate to cut taxes and apologising for his occasionally sharp tongue. He promised 17billion to boost wages and allow for tax cuts for France's low earners. Even so, in Nantes today, protesters said Macron's proposals did not go far enough and lacked detail. 'The 'grand debate' was a smoke screen. Today they're smoking us out with tear gas,' said one 43-year-old protester who identified himself as Mickael. A protester holds orange smoke bombs up during the demonstration in Nantes A yellow vest supporter holds a French flag during today's rainy protest in Paris. President Macron was last month forced to promise wage boosts and lower taxes for France's low earners following the persistent protests Protesters help a woman in a wheelchair while they try to protect themselves from tear gas during a demonstration in Nantes A protester holds a white flag while standing next to a riot police officer during a demonstration in Paris today. Macron promised 17billion would go towards boosting wages of those with low income in France 'But we won't cave in. Yes we're fewer than at the start, but when the others come back, we'll still be here and we'll still be angry.' Today's protest in Paris, which has seen some of the worst street violence in decades during the 'yellow vest' uprising, was calm. In driving rain, protesters marched under umbrellas, waving placards reading 'Macron, clear off'. Protester numbers have dwindled from highs of over 300,000 nationwide at the peak in November to below 30,000 in recent weeks, according to government estimates. French correspondent John Lichfield told The Local: 'By my own observation, the yellow vest movement is definitely fading. 'It will carry on out of stubbornness but it is no longer a credible threat to Macron or French democratic institutions.' Plain clothes police officers arrest a protester in Nantes while he is locked in a grip on the ground A yellow vest supporter in Nantes holds a sign that reads: 'Demonstrating is my right'. One protester, Mickael, said: 'Yes we're fewer than at the start, but when the others come back, we'll still be here and we'll still be angry' A protester in Nantes talks to a passerby while resting on his bike that carries a sign calling for an RIC - Citizens' Initiated Referendum Jodie Foster's estranged father died penniless following a battle with Alzheimer's Disease, just a few miles from the Oscar winning actresses' $15million Hollywood mansion. Lucius Fisher Foster III, a 94-year-old former Second World War fighter pilot, who died October 8, 2016, survived on $166 a week until his death following a long battle with the degenerative brain condition. Foster died at his one-bedroom apartment in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, which he shared with his most recent wife Madeline Leon, located not far from the lavish Beverley Hills mansion his daughter sold for a cool $14.9million earlier this month. Lucius Fisher Foster III, a 94-year-old former Second World War fighter pilot, who died October 8, 2016, survived on $166 a week until his death following a long battle with the degenerative brain condition In 2011, at the age of 89, he made national news after scamming $100,000 out of poor and elderly people for deposits on homes that never existed According to his death certificate, he died from cardiopulmonary arrest and Alzheimer's Disease, the Sun Online reported. Jodie and her father remained estranged for much of her life, after Lucius walked out on Evelyn Ella Almond shortly after the birth of the actress. He in turn claimed the divorce was because Evelyn was a lesbian, and they have separated and gotten back together to have another child - Jodie. Lucius was also a hands-off parent with his other children - Jodie's sisters Cindy and Connie, half-sister Amy and elder brother Buddy. In 2011, at the age of 89, he made national news after scamming $100,000 out of poor and elderly people for deposits on homes that never existed. He was sentenced to seven years in prison although her served only two. Upon his release, he told reporters he had been alienated from his daughter for more than 15 years and bemoaned his $166 a week income. Foster died at his one-bedroom apartment in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, which he shared with his most recent wife Madeline Leon, located not far from the lavish Beverley Hills mansion his daughter sold for a cool $14.9million earlier this month Foster died at his one-bedroom apartment in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, which he shared with his most recent wife Madeline Leon, located not far from the lavish Beverley Hills mansion his daughter sold for a cool $14.9million earlier this month Before his death, the former fighter pilot lived at the Noho Senior Arts Colony, a housing complex for over 62s from the film and art industry. He is believed to have turned his life around and even begun writing poetry. Jodie's mother Evelyn, now 89, suffers from dementia. In 2013, Jodie paid touching tribute to her mother when collecting a Golden Globe award. Speaking after picking up the Lifetime Achievement Award, she said: 'Mom, I know you're inside those blue eyes somewhere and that there are so many things you won't understand tonight. 'But this is the only important one to take in: I love you, I love you, I love you.' A teenager was stabbed to death as he walked home from evening prayers at mosque in Dublin. Azzam Raguragui, 18, was 'set on by a gang of thugs' while walking through Finsbury Park, Dundrum, at around 8.10pm last night. He was rushed to St James's Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after. Azzam Raguragui, 18, was stabbed to death last night at 8.10pm while walking through Finsbury Park, Dundrum He was rushed to St James's hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after. Police have now launched a murder investigation Tributes have flooded in for Azzam, known affectionately to friends as Azzi, as his loved ones come to terms with their loss. According to the Irish Mirror, a spokesman for the Irish Sufi Foundation said: 'Just received the devastating and heartbreaking news that our young brother Azzam was set on by a gang of thugs and stabbed to death in a Dundrum park last night.' A murder investigation has been opened by the Irish Garda Police. According to the Irish Times, a male teenager has presented himself to police officers in relation to the case and is helping with ongoing inquiries. Detectives do not believe the attack was racially motivated. Azzam's family are holding a special prayer memorial at the Sufi Mosque on Talbot Street in Dublin tonight Azzam was stabbed while walking through Finsbury Park, Dundrum, on his way home from evening prayers at a local mosque According to the Irish Times , a male teenager has presented himself to police officers in relation to the case and is helping with ongoing inquiries A postmortem is currently being carried out by Deputy State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan. One of Azzam's friends posted a tribute on Facebook to say: 'We all remember Azzam's beautiful character and smile, we were also comforted with the fact that his Father and Mother were pleased with him and in that alone there is a glad tiding.' Special prayers in his memory are being held tonight at the Sufi Mosque on Talbot Street in Dublin. Sadiq Khan has said Donald Trump is 'not in the same class' as previous presidents who were granted state visits just weeks before he is set to touch down in the UK. The London Mayor reignited his feud with Trump yesterday, saying that while we should have a 'close relationship' with the U.S., there should not be a state banquet. Speaking on LBC radio, he said: 'History tells us only two presidents have had a state visit. I think President Trump is certainly not in the same class as those two.' George W. Bush visited the UK in 2003, and Barack Obama made the trip in 2011. He also blasted the American leader for his treatment of women, saying it gives a 'green light' to sex pests, and added he would refuse to attend a state banquet. Sadiq Khan has said Donald Trump is 'not in the same class' as previous presidents just weeks before his state visit to the UK Speaking on LBC radio, he said: 'History tells us only two presidents have had a state visit. I think President Trump is certainly not in the same class as those two.' Pictured: Donald Trump and Theresa May at Chequers during his UK visit last year Sadiq Khan allowed a 'Trump Blimp' portraying the president as a baby, to fly over London during the American leader's 2018 visit Mr Khan, who allowed a 'Trump Blimp' portraying the president as a baby to fly in London during the president's visit last summer, was asked about Trump's treatment of women during the show. He replied: 'The impression is given you can get away with it, it's like a get out of jail card. 'There's a boasting and bragging, it's almost a green light for others to behave badly.' And he urged Theresa May to tell the president when she disagrees with his behaviour. 'We're their closest mates, that give us a responsibility to call people out,' the London mayor said. 'We should say to President Trump when he's here - listen, we may have a special relationship, we may agree on most things but I think you're wrong on A, B, C, D, E. 'The Prime Minister has an opportunity to meet President Trump and she can use the opportunity to call him out on some of these things.' The stormy relationship between the American leader and the London Mayor ran into fresh trouble last July when Mr Trump accused him of failing to stop a wave of terror attacks. And Mr Khan was criticised for letting an offensive blimp depicting the US President as a baby fly over Parliament Square when Mr Trump was on his controversial visit. But speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show at the time, Mr Khan defended giving the green light to the controversial protest saying he was not going to curb free speech. He was quizzed over whether he thinks Mr Trump has launched a volley of attacks on him because he is Muslim. Mr Khan said: 'That's for President Trump... I didn't start this feud, it takes two to tango. He is the president who tweets about me voluntarily.' He said that while he does not personally think Mr Trump is racist, he can understand why others do after he reweeted fake anti-Muslim propaganda posted by the far-right group Britain First. He said: 'When you amplify messages of hate, when you use the language that President Trump does in relation to immigrants, infestation is I think the word he used, (you) can understand why people draw the conclusion that he's racist.' Drake now owns a massive Boeing 767 cargo plane - despite once rapping about the dangers of climate change on the polar ice caps. The 'Trophies' rapper unveiled his new possession on Instagram Friday and the aircraft features his OVO owl symbol, along with the moniker 'Air Drake.' OVO stands for Drake's company - October's Very Own - and for his record label OVO sound. The 'Trophies' rapper unveiled his new possession on Instagram Friday and the aircraft features his OVO owl symbol, along with the moniker 'Air Drake.' The 32-year-old Grammy winner took viewers on a quick tour of the plane's interior. Inside the plane are luxury gold and brown sofas adorned with gold walls. 'And all the cops are still hangin' out at the doughnut shops,' he says in the song. 'Talkin' 'bout how the weather's changin. The ice is meltin' as if the world is endin.' 'No rental, no timeshare, no co-owners,' he proudly boasts as he shows off his new plane. In the clip, Drake also pays homage to CargoJet's President and CEO Ajay Virmani. He stated: 'That guy made it happen right there, that's the man.' The unveiling of the plane comes after news broke that Drake had partnered with the Canadian company. 'No rental, no timeshare, no co-owners,' he proudly boasts as he shows off his new plane The 32-year-old Grammy winner took viewers on a quick tour of the plane's interior. Inside the plane are posh gold and milk chocolate brown sofas adorned with gold walls In his song 'Heat of the Moment' he makes reference to climate change and specifically the melting of the ice cap, seemingly dissing his future purchase 'We are very excited to partner with Drake as our ambassador and assisting him with his logistical needs and requirements,' Virmani said in the statement. 'We have had a lengthy relationship with Drake and this partnership has grown organically between both parties. Cargojet and Drake are both great Canadian successes, we are thrilled to be partnering together.' Airways magazine puts the massive plane at approximately $185million - and that is without the customization. But the new plane does seem to go against a brief moment when the rapper appeared to warn on the dangers of climate change. In his song 'Heat of the Moment' he makes reference to climate change and specifically the melting of the ice cap. 'And all the cops are still hangin' out at the doughnut shops,' he says in the song. 'Talkin' 'bout how the weather's changin. The ice is meltin' as if the world is endin.' While the song is about his relationship with a woman, it is clear he was thinking about the impending chaos that would come with climate change. Now it seems he's aiding in the process. Boeing admitted knowledge of a fault in cockpit safety alert system a year before but did not disclose the information to airlines or safety regulators Several lawsuits placed against Boeing for two plane crashes in five months The amount of money Boeing might have to pay families of 737 Max crash victims could depend on one disturbing factor - How long the passengers spent knowing they were plunging to their deaths. The series of lawsuits that could exceed $1 billion shoot even higher if evidence shows Boeing knew about flaws in the planes before the tragedies happened. Two flights on the Boeing 737 Max planes crashed within six months of each other, killing all on board Members of Indonesia Search and Rescue Agency conduct a search for the wreckage of the downed Lion Air plane which crashed in the waters of Karawang Bay with 189 people on board A Lion Air flight from Jakarta, Indonesia and Depati Amir Airport crashed into the sea 12 minutes after takeoff, claiming 189 lives in October 2018. And in March, an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa Bole Airport flying to Nairobi, Kenya crashed six minutes after takeoff, killing 157 aboard. The Ethiopian disaster led to the worldwide grounding of the 737 Max, which accounts for around a third of Boeing's operating profit. While the precise causes of the crashes are still being determined, it is believed preliminary evidence is raising the liability risk for Boeing. Family members cry at the scene where the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 157 on board, near Bishoftu, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Workers gather at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight crash near Bishoftu, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in March 2019 to collect the wreckage. All 737 Max planes were grounded following the second disaster in six months Reports are believed to show the pilots of both aircraft struggled for several minutes to regain control of the diving planes as they reached speeds of almost 600 miles an hour Reports are believed to show the pilots of both aircraft struggled for several minutes to regain control of the diving planes as they reached speeds of almost 600 miles an hour. The evidence suggests the victims knew their fate, some of the family's lawyers have argued. 'The bottom line is Boeings exposure is much more substantial than in any other case that Ive been a part of in my quarter-century of representing families,' aviation lawyer Brian Alexander told Bloomberg. 'You get into "What did you know and when did you know it".' The family of Samya Stumo, 24, a health-care analyst killed in the Ethiopian crash, filed a lawsuit against Boeing in Chicago, where the company has their headquarters. Relatives of passengers of a crashed Lion Air jet check through personal belongings retrieved from the waters where the airplane is believed to have crashed, at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia The lawsuit alleges negligence, as well as failure to warn and civil conspiracy. Another 30 relatives have now taken action against the company on behalf of the deceased. The measure is only one part of the extremely complex legal fight, in which families could also claim damages for grief, sorrow, loss of companionship and even future paychecks. It comes as Boeing admitted to knowing about a technical problem with its 737 Max 'cockpit safety alert' a year before the two aircrafts crashed. Lawyer Frank M. Pitre from Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy speaks in relation to a lawsuit regarding the crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Samya Stumo's mother Nadia Milleron becomes emotional during a news conference in which the family announced a lawsuit against Boeing. It is believed they were the first American family to take legal action, and are now one of 30 victims relatives who have sued Boeing The feature was designed to warn pilots when a key sensor might be providing incorrect information about the pitch of the planes nose. But within months of the planes debut in 2017 engineers realised that the sensor warning light only worked when airlines also bought a separate, optional feature - but did not disclose the concerns to airlines or safety regulators. The sensors malfunctioned during the flight in Indonesia. It is not clear whether having the warning light would have prevented either crash. Boeings disclosure raised fresh questions about the companys candour with regulators and airline customers. A spokesman for the American Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the agency was notified of the non-working warning light in November, after a Lion Air 737 Max crashed on October 29. He said FAA experts determined that the non-working cockpit indicator presented a low risk. However, Boeings timely or earlier communication with (airlines) would have helped to reduce or eliminate possible confusion, the spokesman said in a statement. Nearly 400 Max jets were grounded at airlines worldwide in mid-March after the Ethiopia crash. It is believed some defendants are offering cash settlements to victims families in exchange for a pledge not to pursue legal claims. Some families in Indonesia have been approached by Lion Air with an offer of more than 1 billion rupiahs ($90,000), according to plaintiffs attorney Brian Kabateck, who provided a copy of the release form. The average annual income in the country is about $3,400. A suave silver fox steps out of the exclusive New York hotel where Meghan Markle had her baby shower, followed discreetly by a far younger, stunning blonde a few feet behind. This is the first-ever picture of Lady Kitty Spencer with her fashion tycoon boyfriend, Michael Lewis who at 60 is more than twice her age. Last August, The Mail on Sunday first revealed the relationship between Lady Kitty, the 28-year-old niece of Princess Diana, and the owner of the Whistles high street chain. This is the first-ever picture of Lady Kitty Spencer with her fashion tycoon boyfriend, Michael Lewis who at 60 is more than twice her age But the pair have remained coy about their romance ever since. Even as they left The Mark Hotel in Manhattan on Thursday, the society couple apparently tried to avoid being spotted together by carefully orchestrating their exit. He came out first and waited on the sidewalk; only when their cab arrived did she emerge to join him, and the pair were whisked away. Lady Kitty has been branded the naughty niece for her regular appearances on the London party circuit alongside the cast of Made In Chelsea a lifestyle she proudly documents on social media. She was previously in a four-year relationship with another older man, property magnate Niccolo Barattieri di San Pietro, 48, who left her in 2017 and began a romance with Liz Hurley, 53. Last August, The Mail on Sunday first revealed the relationship between Lady Kitty, the 28-year-old niece of Princess Diana, and the owner of the Whistles high street chain Lady Kittys new beau, Mr Lewis, is six years older than her father, Earl Spencer. An onlooker in New York told The Mail on Sunday: As they left, Michael was lingering by the front door, with Kitty inside. Once Michael spotted their Uber, Kitty came out. Both kept their heads down and walked quickly to the car. Chosen by the Duchess of Sussex for her lavish baby shower in February, The Mark is now one of the most fashionable hotels in the world. Its penthouse costs 50,000 a night, making it the most expensive in the US. But money is almost no object for South African-born Mr Lewis, who is worth 80 million. The divorced father of three children all in their 30s owns a 19 million Central London mansion where Lady Kitty has also been spotted. A teenage boy has been stabbed in broad daylight near a school in East London. The boy, believed to be 14, was rushed to hospital after police raced to the scene at 4.10pm today on North Countess Road in Walthamstow. A crime scene is still in place nearby the Roger Ascham school. The boy, believed to be 14 years old, was rushed to hospital after police raced to the scene at 4.10pm today on North Countess Road in Walthamstow (pictured) The boy is reportedly not in a life threatening condition. According to The Sun, Scotland Yard said: 'Police were called at approximately 16:10hrs on Saturday, 11 May to reports of a male stabbed in North Countess Road, E17. 'Officers, London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance all attended the scene. 'The male believed aged 14 has been taken to an east London hospital for treatment; his condition is not life threatening. 'A crime scene remains in place. No arrests; enquiries continue.' There have been at least 27 fatal stabbings in London so far this year and roughly a 60 per cent increase in the amount of people under the age of 20 who are admitted to hospital with stab wounds in the last five years. We had survived the war. We were going home. In those final weeks before leaving Afghanistan, my comrades and I were inseparable. We knew that once we arrived back in the UK, things would not be the same again. We would always be friends, but the bonds would be looser. Our relationships would be concerned with talk about rugby and women, not life and death. We knew this, and we feared it. Like lovers on a summer holiday, our affair was finite. And so we spent every minute of our final days at Camp Bastion in each others presence, basking in that unspoken comradeship. Like several of my mates, I had volunteered to stay on with our sister battalion for a second tour. The idea of never being in conflict again left me feeling hollow. The request was approved, then overturned. I felt sick with jealousy of the soldiers who would be involved and sick with hate for the men who had denied my wish. Geraint Jones, pictured: 'Like several of my mates, I had volunteered to stay on with our sister battalion for a second tour. The idea of never being in conflict again left me feeling hollow' I hate them still. More so than the enemy. At least with the Taliban, I knew where I stood. The day we landed on British soil in February 2010, we were taken by bus to our camp. Many families were waiting. Id told mine not to come. Theyd see me soon enough. We formed ranks outside the camp and marched through the gates behind a Warrior armoured vehicle, the assembled families clapping, smiling and crying. I felt no such relief, or elation. My war was over and for the first time in years I could see no future tours. There was now a timetable in place bringing an end to operations in Afghanistan. No further opportunities to pull the trigger and become the soldier that I had always longed to be. I collected my car keys from the guardroom and drove home to Wales. I was bitter, angry and lost. Most of what happened at the beginning of my return home is a blur to me now. I cant remember if I was an idiot from the moment I landed back in the UK, or if it took time for that egg to hatch. I do remember my first night out with civilian friends. One of them asked if I had lost comrades, and I tried to tell him about Private Brown, who had died after a Taliban IED (improvised explosive device) detonated beneath our Warrior. Id been the first one to get to him. The conversation didnt go well. It was the first time Id tried to speak about it in any depth and with the words came tears. Geraint Jones, pictured on patrol in Afghanistan, said: 'I had volunteered to stay on with our sister battalion for a second tour. The idea of never being in conflict again left me feeling hollow' One of my friends noticed and made a joke. I threw a glass at his face and left. Walking alone in town, I came across a friend whod been a Para. He was known for trouble, and was barred from most of the pubs and clubs. Ill get you in, I promised, and did. But we had barely walked up the clubs stairs and on to the dancefloor when someone bumped hard into my friend and gave him a dirty look. I didnt wait to see what happened next. I just hit the guy. A second later there was a bouncers arm round my throat. Im sorry, I told him, and meant it. Im sorry. Im not certain what happened next. At some point I found myself tucked behind a row of bins, crying uncontrollably. Against my wishes, someone called my mum. She arrived to collect me and I knew at that point that I had failed. I had failed as a man. I was still the toddler who cried for his mother when he fell down. When the drink and the tears had cleared my system, I simply felt hollow. I knew what I was. Weak and pathetic. And angry about so many things. The people at home, for one. I was angry because they didnt understand the reality of the situation in Afghanistan, or they simply didnt care. I was angry at the Government and the Army. Things were not going well in Afghanistan. I knew that people had died in vain, or due to poor decision-making and equipment. But more often than not, my anger was directed at myself. I was angry that I hadnt done more on tour. I was angry that I felt apathetic about being home. Sometimes my family were the ones to suffer my rage. Sometimes they were the ones I was trying to protect. A honked horn at my mother when she was driving would see me fly out of the car door, telling the other driver to get out of the car and fight. Royal Marines from 42 Commando Mortar Troop, carrying out a night fire mission using 'Illume' rounds in Now Zad, Afghanistan The need to shoot before the enemy did had leaked into every aspect of my life. In the months following my return to the UK, I was argumentative, violent and unpredictable. In the spring of 2011, I left the Army for good. After fighting a war, I had no interest in spending the rest of my life on exercises. Instead, I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a writer, trying my hand at screenplays. Without considering such issues as budget or cash forecast, I rented a holiday property in Malibu, California. It was beautiful. The weather was beautiful and the women were beautiful. I was earning good money as a private security contractor. It should have been everything I wanted. Except that it wasnt. The feeling had come over me slowly, like a glacier, but by the end of 2012 I was fully submerged under the ice, firmly in the grip of depression. With no idea how to proceed, I reached out to the constant saviour of the lost and the pained. At the age of 29, I turned to drugs and that crutch eventually became an addiction. I had become one of those people my parents warned me about. The type of person they promised me would be excommunicated from the family should I ever fall so low. Face-covered militants who they say are members of the Taliban, pose with RPG and AK47, in Zabul province, southern of Kabul, Afghanistan in 2006 Well, Mum and Dad, I fell. I fell hard. Coke. MDMA. Weed. Ketamine. Alcohol dont kid yourself that booze is not a drug. I made a friend in Malibu who smoked drugs by day and snorted them at night. He was successful very successful and perhaps I didnt see the danger. But I did see the opportunity to feel something. To overcome the nagging malaise that was telling me that I would never experience highs like I had done in combat. I didnt become an addict straight away. For the most part, alcohol had been doing a perfectly good job of drowning out the noise: the feelings that could quickly pull me down into depression. And what were those feelings? Of course, there were the vivid images of Brown. And the knowledge that other comrades had died. There was the sense that I was drifting, devoid of purpose now my short combat career had come to an end. I missed my friends but, above all, my depression came from the fact that I hated myself. I hated myself because I was often staying in Malibu and had a steady stream of beautiful women interested in me, and what was I doing? Feeling sorry for myself. It felt like a betrayal of Brown, and all my comrades, living or dead. When I left the Army in 2011, I had worked my way through the women of my home town of Wrexham like the flu. But by the spring of 2014, when I was in the US, I had almost given up on taking girls home not because of any enlightened attitude about casual sex, but because most of the time I failed to perform. My self-loathing had reached the point where a gorgeous woman could be throwing herself at me and I would convince myself that I was unworthy. Youre weak and pathetic. If you were a man you wouldnt be thinking this way. Browns death wouldnt bother you. None of it would bother you. Youre no soldier. Such was the track that played inside my mind. It convinced me that I was nothing but a burden on those that mattered to me. Finally I realised that drugs were not the only option open to me. There was suicide. There are worse places for a breakdown than Ibiza, right? Which is what happened to me in the June of 2016. Long since unable to afford my long vacations in California, I was back in my mothers home in the UK. Ibiza offered the promise of cheap flights and readily available drugs. Geraint Jones (pictured), said: 'In the spring of 2011, I left the Army for good. After fighting a war, I had no interest in spending the rest of my life on exercises' It was the day before my flight that I heard the news that Corporal Bailey, a comrade from Afghanistan, had killed himself. Slit his own throat. What drives a man to do that? I knew Bailey was troubled. In Iraq, he had tried and failed to save the life of his best friend. I thought back to Afghanistan, where he had helped me with Browns grievous injuries. Bailey had quietly told me at the time that Brown wouldnt pull through, hoping to prepare me for the worst. I hadnt listened, and I was wrong. Brown died. Now, after a long fight with heroin that came from the same fields where we had fought, Bailey was gone, too. It shook me. It shook me harder than I could ever have imagined. After that I thought about suicide daily. I knew that veterans who killed themselves often did it years after they had stopped fighting. A few years ago, it had never entered my mind. Now, unless I clouded my thoughts with drugs, it was ever-present. When my friends left Ibiza to go home, I stayed on, begging, borrowing and stealing so that I could get my hands on whatever drug was cheapest. My days were spent alone, drifting in and out of a tranquillised stupor. In my lucid moments, I thought only of death. I knew that, worse than doing wrong by myself, I had done wrong by my friends and family. My parents had worked hard to provide me with love and money and sent me off to university, and here I was, a pathetic druggy who couldnt even muster up the decency to kill himself. And even if I did, I knew that my death would scar my family. Possibly break my mother. I would be dead, but no less a burden. I would hang around my familys neck for life, dragging them down with me. A year earlier, a comrade from the Territorial Army had died of wounds sustained in Afghanistan. Affectionately known as Pudding, this warrior had faced surgery after surgery with the same bravery as hed faced the enemy. He had fought for his life, and here I was, waving the white flag on my own. My cowardice made me sick. Suddenly I knew I had to do something. I stayed in Ibiza until my money ran out completely. There was no other option now. I did not want to die like Bailey, and so I would go home. I had hit rock bottom, and I would beg for help. It was the kind of meal I would usually wolf down in moments at home. But instead, I simply looked at my plate. The reason wasnt the company. I couldnt have asked for better. To my left was my long-suffering mother, as strong as Mrs Thatcher, as kind as Mother Teresa. To my right was my youngest brother, best friend and comic. So why was I looking at the knife in my hand and thinking about ramming it into my own throat? I didnt want that thought, but it wouldnt leave me. I was as blessed as it was possible to be, and in a moment that should have been nothing but joy I could only think of killing myself. Shame and sadness overcame me. I tried to speak, to join in the conversation, but all that came out was a choke. I knew then that I was about to be overwhelmed, and so I moved quickly away from the table, touching my mum on the shoulder to let her know the reason why. She understood it wasnt the first time this had happened. I went upstairs into the darkness, closing the door to the landing and sitting back against it. In the black, I cried. The day of my therapy sessions with NHS Veterans Wales quite often ended like this not a surprise, as the whole point was to dig out and talk about uncomfortable memories. But today I had been left feeling entirely devoid of hope. I had by now been officially diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Why havent you tried antidepressants? the doctor had asked me. Because I dont want to get addicted to them, I told him, hearing the irony in every word. The doc explained that they would take the edge of my anxiety in public places. Less anxiety = less desire to drink. Less drink = no drugs. No drugs = less depression. Less depression = fewer suicidal thoughts. It sounded like a pretty straightforward formula. In the end, though, it wasnt pills that saved me. I survived because of family, friends, counselling and comrades. Mark, my therapist from NHS Veterans Wales, is a big part of the reason Im still here today, and why Im now able to work full-time as a successful author. It was Mark who taught me new ways to process thoughts. Ways to challenge my brain when it was refusing to switch out of war-fighting mode. I look after my body, too. As a soldier, I was outdoors much of the time, and recently Ive made the effort to reconnect with nature forests, beaches and mountains and take in the detail. Marvel at life. Run and walk. Think of how small my problems are in the context of the planet. If this sounds like hippy hocus-pocus, then maybe it is, but it works. On days when I have been outdoors AND hit the gym, my mind is bulletproof. I hope at least one veteran will benefit from reading about my experiences. The road out of darkness is not an easy one. But if you wanted life to be easy, you wouldnt have become a soldier, would you? So march on for your family and comrades. Keep fighting your battles, and stare down your demons with the same ferocity as you showed the enemy. Like me, you will be glad that you did. Theresa May was last night facing intense pressure to scrap her planned Brexit deal with Jeremy Corbyn after sacked Cabinet Minister Gavin Williamson launched a devastating attack on her betrayal. Mr Williamson fired as Defence Secretary after Mrs May blamed him for a security leak uses an incendiary article in todays Mail on Sunday to condemn the proposed cross-party accord as a grave mistake and naive. The attack came as: A poll put Nigel Farages Brexit Party on 34 per cent for the European elections more than Labour (21 per cent) and the Conservatives (11 per cent) combined; Mrs May prepared for a high noon meeting with Tory backbenchers demanding a timetable for her departure; The Prime Minister was warned she faces a Cabinet walkout if she strikes a compromise with the Labour leader which would keep the UK in a customs union after leaving the EU; Labour sources claimed the talks were close to collapse, and Liam Fox ordered his Trade Department to restart planning for No Deal; Treasury Chief Secretary Liz Truss said the Tories faced annihilation if they chose the wrong leader to succeed Mrs May. Former Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, pictured with MP Scott Mann, says, devastatingly, that even if Labour does agree a deal it can only end in tears Mr Williamsons powerful remarks his first public intervention on the Brexit impasse since leaving the Cabinet reveal the groundswell of opposition to Mrs Mays plan in her own party. He describes the talks as destined to fail, and says that even if Labour does agree a deal, it can only end in tears. Mr Williamson said: These talks are a betrayal of the direct instructions the people gave us in 2016 and 2017. His warning has been echoed by International Trade Secretary Dr Fox, who has told friends that if Mrs May signs up to a customs arrangement which jeopardises his ability to strike deals with non-EU countries, he could walk out of the Cabinet. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt are all said to be of a similar mind. Despite the mounting opposition, a defiant Mrs May is determined to push ahead. The Government will hold a full session of talks with Labour tomorrow, during which it will formally table its offer on customs arrangements and protections for workers rights. Officials will also discuss the proposed changes with the EU, and take legal advice on how to incorporate them into the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, for which Mrs May is desperately hoping to win Commons approval before the European elections on May 23. As the Tory Partys all-powerful Chief Whip, Gavin Williamson boasted an encyclopedic knowledge of its ever-shifting factions. The former Defence Secretary has now applied that cold logic to the Prime Ministers attempts to strike an accord with Labour to win Commons support for her Brexit deal and concluded it is futile. Writing exclusively in The Mail on Sunday today, Mr Williamson says, devastatingly, that even if Labour does agree a deal it can only end in tears. Mr Williamson, who was sacked from the Government after an inquiry concluded that he had leaked information to the Daily Telegraph about plans to give Chinese firm Huawei a role in the UKs 5G network, writes: The Prime Minister needs to understand that she now is seen by many in the Conservative Party as negotiating with the enemy. The Conservative Party will not march through the lobbies with the Prime Minister to back any old agreement, especially if it is far removed from the Brexit that was promised. This leaves us with a series of knife-edge votes, at which the Government will likely suffer a number of defeats. He added: The Prime Minister needs to understand that she now is seen by many in the Conservative Party as negotiating with the enemy' He adds: It is politically naive to go down this route. [Mrs May] needs to recognise that futile efforts to pull off this Labour deal are damaging us all.' Pictured: Jeremy Corbyn on Thursday He adds: It is politically naive to go down this route. [Mrs May] needs to recognise that futile efforts to pull off this Labour deal are damaging us all. It is a grave mistake for any Prime Minister to fail to recognise when a plan will not work, and it is fatal to press on regardless. Which Cabinet Minister's wife is backing the Brexit Party? A senior Cabinet Minister has boasted that even his own wife will be voting for Nigel Farage at the European elections this month. The Brexit Party are tipped to sweep to victory in the poll, in a major blow to the Tories who are haemorrhaging support to the new group led by the Leave stalwart. The Cabinet Minister was overheard joking to friends last week: Theres only one person still voting Tory in my house, and its not my wife. Last night Mr Farage told The Mail on Sunday: She is not alone the rebellion within the Conservative Party is going wholesale. Separately, another Minister told this newspaper: My entire local association is voting for the Brexit Party, including my chairman. Its going to be a monstering. Polls show that the Brexit Party have overtaken Labour and the Tories amid fury over the delay to Brexit. Last night, bookies Betfair Exchange predicted the Tories could even be overtaken by the Lib Dems and slump to fourth place. The Brexit Party are 2-9 favourites to take most seats, with Labour in second at 5-1. Most recent polling has shown the Brexit Party garners more than 30 per cent of the vote, with the Tories in the low teens. Advertisement But Mrs May remains defiant. The Government will hold a full session of talks with Labour tomorrow, during which it will formally table its offer on customs arrangements and protections for workers rights and the environment. Officials will also discuss the proposed changes with the European Union, and take legal advice on how to incorporate them into the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, for which Mrs May is desperately hoping to win Commons approval before the European Parliament elections on May 23. She is also facing intense pressure from within her Cabinet if she strikes a compromise with Jeremy Corbyn which would keep the UK in a customs union after leaving the EU. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, a former loyalist, has told friends that a customs union would be a red line for him. His stance has been echoed by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt. Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers, said he expected Brexit talks with Labour to peter out within days. He told the BBC: If the customs union is agreed without a second referendum then half the Labour Party wont vote for whatever comes through regardless. And if a customs union is agreed then most of the Conservative Party isnt going to support it. I suspect it will peter out in the next few days without any significant conclusion. But a Government source said: If the Bill had passed, we would have left the EU already. And because Parliament has made it clear it wont accept No Deal, the only way to leave and deliver on the referendum is with a deal. Theresa May is also facing intense pressure from within her Cabinet if she strikes a compromise with the Labour leader which would keep the UK in a customs union after leaving the EU An ally of Mrs May said: The Prime Minister has done everything conceivable to deliver Brexit and even announced she would step down after phase one of the talks in order to get a deal over the line. She remains focused on delivering Brexit as soon as possible so that we have left the EU by the summer. A spokesman for Dr Fox said: Liam is applying all his energies to ensuring that we dont enter a customs union. He has not had any discussions with other Cabinet members about walking out. He has made clear that he intends to stay around the Cabinet table to ensure that Brexit is delivered. Last night, the scale of Mrs Mays difficulties was highlighted by an Opinium poll which put Nigel Far-ages Brexit Party on 21 per cent in national voting, only one per cent behind the Conservatives on 22, with Labour on 28. Among European election voters, the Brexit Party was on 34 per cent more than the combined vote of Labour on 21 and the Tories on 11, indicating that support for the Conservatives has collapsed amid the Brexit uncertainty. Adam Drummond, head of political polling at Opinium, said: The fact that a party that is less than six months old is now vying with the governing party for second place is remarkable. The Lib Dems perform the best of any of the openly anti-Brexit parties, one point ahead of the Tories on 12 per cent. Mrs May is also close to losing her lead over Mr Corbyn as to who voters regard as the best Prime Minister. Her lead has dropped from four points to just one. GAVIN WILLIAMSON: A Brexit deal with Labour can only end in tears Brexit must happen. MPs need to deliver the referendum result and honour our promise to the electorate in 2017. It is tempting to think the easiest way to achieve this is to sit across the table from the Labour Party, do a deal and deliver Brexit. It sounds so simple and so reasonable, but it is destined to fail. Even if Labour do a deal, break bread with the Prime Minister and announce that both parties have reached an agreement, it can only ever end in tears. Why do I say this? Coming from a Labour-voting family, I grew up with a clear understanding of the tribal nature of Labour politics. The Labour Party does not exist to help the Conservative Party. Jeremy Corbyn will do all he can to divide, disrupt and frustrate the Conservatives in the hope of bringing down the Government. His goal, and he has made no secret of it, is to bring about a General Election. Jeremy Corbyn will do all he can to divide, disrupt and frustrate the Conservatives in the hope of bringing down the Government, says Gavin Williamson The Prime Minister needs to understand that she now is seen by many in the Conservative Party as negotiating with the enemy. There is a clue in their title: Her Majestys Official Opposition. Their priority is to derail the Government. When push comes to shove, the Labour Party will do all they can to cause the Government to fail. MPs have dinner with Gove... for 43! By Harry Cole, Deputy Political Editor for the Mail on Sunday With a dozen candidates jostling to become Prime Minister, Westminster is awash with dinner invitations for MPs as warring camps try to butter up supporters. But an invitation from Michael Goves team has left a bitter taste in the mouths of some Tories. Treasury Minister Mel Stride, a key lieutenant on the Gove campaign, has been hosting cocktails, three courses and wine bashes at his home in Pimlico for Conservative MPs, where Mr Gove has pitched for their support. However, Mr Stride texted attendees his bank account details and asked them to stump up 43 each to pay for the events. Its not the worlds greatest charm offensive, one rival camp pointed out, but then he is a bean-counter by day. However, a source hit back: MPs have always been asked in advance to contribute if they come. Last night, Mr Goves allies insisted that the dinners were actually for a Tory dining club called Deep Blue, set up by Mr Stride in 2011, rather than part of a campaign, and that leadership rival Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt had even attended one such event. However, one MP claimed that Deep Blue has been a Gove front for months. Mr Gove is currently locked in a battle with Health Secretary Matt Hancock to win over the backing of moderate Tories. Last night, Mr Hancock received a surprising endorsement from former Labour frontbencher Michael Dugher, who took to Twitter to claim: I defy anyone in Labour not to fear a Matt Hancock led Conservative Party. Advertisement Even if we get to a point where Jeremy Corbyn agrees a deal with the Prime Minister, when it comes to detailed scrutiny of the votes, Labour will revert to form. It will be an almost unprecedented challenge to guide the necessary legislation through the House of Commons. Even if it passes the first few votes, it will fail later. The initial thinking is that combining Labour and Conservative forces will easily pass any legislation, but there are some tough realities. Numbers mean everything in the House of Commons. The Conservative Party will not march through the lobbies with the Prime Minister to back any old agreement, especially if it is far removed from the Brexit that was promised. If she is able to gain the support of the bulk of the Conservative parliamentary party, she will be doing exceptionally well, but in reality we could end up with a situation where she goes through the lobbies with less than half the Conservative MPs. The only people on whom she can depend are those on the payroll. We then turn to Labour. Labour are as divided on the issue of Brexit as the Conservatives. There could potentially be up to 80 Labour MPs who are so committed to a second referendum, a so-called Peoples Vote, that they will vote against any deal agreed by the Labour front bench. The Liberal Democrats, SNP and Change UK will all be voting against any deal she puts forward, because what they want is not to facilitate our exit from the EU, but to ensure that we stay. This leaves us with a series of knife-edge votes, at which the Government will likely suffer a number of defeats. Even if an agreement is voted through, by the time it has gone through both the House of Commons and House of Lords, it will be a very different bill to what was first proposed. This is when Labour will finally kill it, if they have not done so already. Labour will be able to credibly say it is not what was originally agreed between them and the Prime Minister. It is politically naive to go down this route. It will struggle to deliver the numbers for votes and it separates the Prime Minister from her own parliamentary party. And importantly, it has frustrated many of the people who voted Conservative in the 2017 General Election. Labour are as divided on the issue of Brexit as the Conservatives, says Gavin Williamson This creates enormous problems for the future and is something that should be avoided at all costs. The nation is expecting us to deliver Brexit and to move on. The Prime Minister needs to recognise that futile efforts to pull off this Labour deal are damaging us all. May's frustrated chief of staff 'rants about his bloody job' Theresa May's most senior aide ranted do you think I want to do this bloody job any longer than I have to? when quizzed about how long it would be before the PM quits No 10, MPs claim. They say that during a Downing Street meeting, chief of staff Gavin Barwell snapped over repeated calls for his boss to throw in the towel. One MP said: He just came out with it. It was a very awkward moment. The wheels are really coming off over there. But a source close to Mr Barwell denied the claims, calling them categorically untrue. Mrs May faces a fresh attempt to oust her on Thursday, with a make-or-break address to the 1922 Committee. Advertisement It is a grave mistake for any Prime Minister to fail to recognise when a plan will not work and it is fatal to press on regardless. It is vital that imagination and boldness are now deployed, accepting that these Labour talks, which have gone on for weeks, are never going to provide the solution to the problem the Prime Minister faces. The Conservative Party needs to be the party that delivers on its promises. If it is able to do this, it will flourish and be the party that voters know they can trust. We need to accept that these talks with Labour are fruitless and that not only will they not deliver the Brexit that people voted for, they are a betrayal of the direct instructions the people gave us in 2016 and 2017. We are now at a crossroads and it is imperative the Prime Minister makes the right choice. In order to deliver Brexit, there has to be a clear-sighted determination of what you are wanting to deliver, as opposed to delivering the lowest common denominator. The only way to deliver anything is by ensuring you have your own tribe and your own people with you 100 per cent of the way. This is what has to be delivered not doing a deal with Labour. Brexit Party will win more votes than Labour and Conservatives COMBINED in European elections - and would be nearly neck-and-neck with the Tories in a General Election, poll reveal The Brexit Party is slated to win 34% of the vote in upcoming European elections Labour is on 21% and the Tories are predicted to win just 11% of the vote The data, from Opinium, also puts Labour first on 28% for a General Election This is ahead of Conservatives on 22%, with the Brexit Party third on 21% The Brexit Party will earn more votes than Labour and the Conservatives combined in the European Parliament elections, a new poll claims. Nigel Farage's new party is slated to be a formidable force in May's upcoming ballot, predicted to score 34 per cent of the vote - compared to Labour's 21 per cent and the Tories' 11 per cent, according to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer. The strongest force among the anti-Brexit parties appears to be the Liberal Democrats, who are slated to win just 12 per cent of votes - one point ahead of Theresa May's party. The Greens would score just eight per cent in the European elections, followed by UKIP and the SNP on four per cent and Change UK on just three per cent, the data says. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage while on the European Election campaign trail in Durham The new data, from Opinium, predicts the Brexit Party will earn more votes than the Labour Party and the Tories combined in the European elections The new poll also marks Labour as the most popular choice in the event of a general election - with Mr Corbyn's party predicted to win 28 per cent of the vote, followed by the Conservatives on 22 per cent and the Brexit Party on 21 per cent. Depending on how the votes were distributed, this could see another hung parliament, with deals between party leaders being made to form a coalition government - or a minority government being formed, with no party having an overall majority. Nigel Farage has said that his new party would 'break the two-party system', claiming that 'millions of people would give up on' the two major parties if Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn reached a Brexit deal. Appearing at a rally today while campaigning in Sunderland, Mr Farage told his supporters that Mrs May's Brexit deal is 'like a surrender document of a nation that has been defeated in war'. The same poll also found that 28% of voters would back Jeremy Corbyn's party in a General Election, ahead of Theresa May's Conservatives on 22% - with the Brexit Party in third with 21% Mr Farage met with former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe and spoke at a party event at the 2000-seat Rainton Meadows Arena in Houghton this afternoon Mr Farage met with former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe and spoke at a party event at the 2,000-seat Rainton Meadows Arena in Houghton this afternoon, and was cheered by hundreds of people at the rally where he lambasted both the Tory government and the Labour leadership. Mr Farage said: 'It (Brexit) hasn't happened partly because of the dishonest, duplicitous and utterly useless Prime Minister in Theresa May. 'No question, she is the worst Prime Minister in the history of this country, bar none.' He told the rally Mrs May's deal would be a new EU treaty 'that will cost us, for reasons I've yet to understand, 39 billion... a treaty that may well leave us trapped inside the EU's custom union in perpetuity'. He added: 'This treaty that she wants to put through is more like a surrender document of a nation that has been defeated in war.' 'She has humiliated our country on the international stage and I've had enough of it. ' Pictured: Nigel Farage during his walkabout while on the European Election campaign trail in Durham Two weeks ago Mr Farage's party was tied with Jeremy Corbyn's on 28 per cent, but a campaign of rallies across the country - often targeting traditionally Labour-voting areas in northern England - seems to be growing more and more support for the former UKIP leader. Adam Drummond, head of political polling at Opinium, said Mr Farage was capitalising on a clear pro-Brexit position, whilst Remain supporters are forced to choose between several parties - although 57 per cent would like to see a pro-Remain alliance. He said: 'On the European elections, while the question of which party Brexit voters should back was settled some time ago, the equivalent for Remain voters is still ambiguous. 'The picture is most stark when we split out Leave and Remain voters - while 63 per cent of Leavers say they will vote for the Brexit Party in the European elections, the most popular party among Remainers (still Labour) only has 31 per cent versus 22 per cent for the Lib Dems and 14 per cent for the Greens. The two main parties, Labour and the Conservatives, continue to drop votes, with Labour falling five points and the Tories four in the last fortnight (pictured: Mr Farage in Houghton le Spring) 'Interestingly, Brexit voters have deserted the Tories to such an extent that the Conservatives actually have a higher share of the European vote among Remainers (12 per cent) than among Leavers (11 per cent).' Meanwhile, voting intentions for the Westminster elections show the Brexit Party would also be snapping at the Tories' heels in a general election. Labour is out in front with 28 per cent support, followed by the Tories on 22 per cent, the survey shows, but the Brexit Party is just behind on 21 per cent. Mr Drummond said it was 'remarkable' the new party could be on the cusp of overtaking the party of government. Nigel Farage, pictured left eating a fruitcake in Sunderland, tweeted the figures out, saying: 'Accurate or not, these are great numbers and out movement for democracy is gathering pace' Although Mr Drummond cautioned the European election in less than two weeks could be 'bleeding into' and 'inflating' the Westminster results, he said the level of support was still notable. 'It would be reasonable to assume that this would fall back in an actual general election campaign, but the fact a party that is less than six months old is now vying with the governing party for second place is remarkable,' he said. 'The Tories' reliance on Leave voters seemed sensible in the aftermath of the referendum. 'But raising expectations of the kind of deal the UK could get and using the phrase 'no deal is better than a bad deal' so relentlessly was always going to open the party up to this kind of challenge once those expectations could not be met.' Pictured: Nigel Farage during a rally while on the European Election campaign trail in Durham The two main parties, Labour and the Conservatives, continue to drop votes, with Labour falling five points and the Tories four in the last fortnight. But the Brexit Party and the Liberal Democrats are reaping the rewards of public frustration and are both on the up, with the former rising five points and the latter four - taking the Lib Dems to fourth place with 11 per cent. The Brexit Party's Twitter page has repeatedly posted a clip of Labour peer Andrew Adonis speaking on LBC, saying: 'If you're a Brexiteer, I hope you won't vote for the Labour Party because the Labour Party is moving increasingly against Brexit'. Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Mrs May last week made a desperate appeal to Jeremy Corbyn to 'do a deal' to help push through her Brexit deal - offering concessions to Labour on policies such as a customs union, angering Leavers within her own party. Eurosceptics reacted with fury to the plan for a so-called 'customs framework' or 'customs arrangement', describing it as 'abject surrender'. This latest poll appears to show a dissatisfaction with both Labour and the Tories, who suffered losses in the local elections earlier this month. The poll will likely add to the pressure that is rising within Mrs May's party for her to set a departure date. The Prime Minister is set to meet with the executive of the Conservative backbencher 1922 Committee next week, where it is thought the PM and her MPs will come to an 'understanding' as to when she will leave No 10. The Opinium poll featured data from 2,004 people, taken online between May 8 and May 10. It is the idyllic Home Counties village renowned for entertaining illustrious guests, including two of Englands most celebrated Monarchs. Tucked away in the Hertfordshire countryside, Little Hadham hosted both Elizabeth I and William III, who stayed at nearby Hadham Hall, a magnificent manor house, during their travels around the country. But for the past three weeks, the village a collection of thatched cottages and multi-million-pound mansions on the banks of the River Ash has hosted guests who have not exactly been welcomed with open arms. EYESORE: The caravan park on the edge of Little Hadham was built in just four days. Left: One of the static caravans being delivered and, right, the travellers start to put up fence posts On Good Friday, a large group of travellers arrived at Little Hadham, shattering its tranquillity and causing anger among villagers who fear their peaceful rural haven is now threatened by a permanent caravan site. In an astonishingly slick operation, contractors paid by the travellers poured 2,000 tons of hardcore on to a field on the edge of the village and, in just four days over Easter, transformed it into an ugly caravan park. Caravans continued to arrive until last weekend. The site is now occupied by ten families who yesterday told The Mail on Sunday defiantly that they will have to be dragged off the land. The drama in Little Hadham, with a population of just over 1,000 people, is a vivid example of how the quiet serenity of a village, which has hardly changed for centuries, can be upturned in a matter of hours and how residents are powerless to stop it. The travellers have bought the land but did not secure planning permission before they began building fences and laying the hardstanding on which they parked more than 20 caravans and mobile homes. After their abrupt arrival, the council served an injunction banning any more building at the site but villagers complain that it has been flouted. People were spotted on the site erecting fence posts. The council have imposed a ban on anymore construction work being done on the site, as the travellers are currently applying for retrospective planning permission To their mounting frustration, police have not enforced the injunction because they say it is a civil, rather than a criminal, matter. Little Hadham was once the home of 1970s folk rock group Fairport Convention. It is now popular with wealthy professionals wanting a peaceful location within striking distance of the capital. The village is a ten-minute drive from the M11 and three miles from Bishops Stortford, with its 40-minute rail connection to London. On the edge of the village is Silver Leys Polo Club, believed to be Englands oldest, where teams from across the country will next weekend gather to compete in the Blue Ribbon Cup. Porsches, Range Rovers and Bentleys are parked outside the 50 or so homes in the village, which are each worth more than 1 million. One area of the village, called Westland Green, is known locally as Millionaires Row and residents include judges, bankers, company bosses and former West Ham and England defender Matthew Upson. Two travellers knocked on the door of one resident, claiming they were about to bring through a heavy piece of plant machinery. They asked the resident to move a car to make space in the road. The resident agreed, only to find that the heavy plant machinery was actually a static caravan on the back of a lorry It was near this exclusive enclave that the calm of what should have been a relaxing start to the Easter weekend was shattered by the noise of belching diesel engines. At 8.30am on Good Friday, three 20-ton lorries rumbled on to a nearby field next to Chapel Lane. It was the first that many in the village knew about the site being sold quite legitimately to travellers. Land Registry records show that the land was purchased in November for 95,000 by Donna Bull, of Plaistow, East London. She could not be contacted for comment. A contractor for the lorry company told one astonished resident they were planning to make 30 deliveries of hardcore to the field that day. Locals stood in the lane and watched gobsmacked as the trucks delivered around 2,000 tons of the building material, turning the field into something resembling a car park. Although initially blindsided by the travellers sudden arrival, East Hertfordshire District Council had by Saturday obtained an injunction banning any more building at the site. The council, however, says the travellers have not complied with the terms of the injunction and the work is believed to have continued until Easter Monday. Tucked away in the Hertfordshire countryside, Little Hadham hosted both Elizabeth I and William III, who stayed at nearby Hadham Hall, a magnificent manor house, during their travels around the country As the drama unfolded, two travellers knocked on the door of one resident, claiming they were about to bring through a heavy piece of plant machinery. They asked the resident to move a car to make space in the road. The resident agreed, only to find that the heavy plant machinery was actually a static caravan on the back of a lorry. The travellers have now lodged a planning application with the council for permission to build the caravan park, which would allow ten mobile homes and ten touring caravans. But residents have lodged passionate objections to the scheme, which have been published on the councils website. The use of this land is agricultural and should remain as such, said Carol Riley, who lives in Chapel Lane. The travellers site will have a massive impact on house prices. Jenni Curtis, who grew up in Little Hadham but was forced to move to Suffolk because it was too expensive, said: I had to leave my whole family behind and all my friends who I have grown up with, as I couldnt afford to live in Hertfordshire. So it infuriates me that a group of people can buy the land from someone and then submit an application, and find a way around all the legalities and planning processes to make fools of everyone. For some families, the episode shows how travellers are apparently able to flout rules that others follow faithfully. The rest of us law-abiding citizens have to go through due process and abide by decisions, said Rachel Law, from the nearby village of Puckeridge. Seeking retrospective planning permission is a joke. Meanwhile, Tony Pressland, 59, who has lived in the village for 16 years, told The Mail on Sunday: I applied to the council to have a mobile home on my land so I could move in my elderly mother to look after her, but they wouldnt allow it. But these travellers can ride roughshod and break all sorts of regulations without anything happening. Hertfordshire Constabulary has told planners that it is neither opposing nor supporting the planning application. I can find no trace of any incidents of crime that can be attributed to this proposed development, said Mark Montgomery, the forces so-called crime prevention design adviser. However, there has been a marked rise in the fear of crime within the locality since the applicants moved into the area. At the 16th Century Nags Head pub in Little Hadham on Friday night, there was only one topic of conversation among the regulars at the bar. For the moment were all holding our breath, waiting to see what happens, said one person who asked not to be named. Were a normal village and dont expect things like this to happen. In contrast, his companion praised the travellers for their audacity. I think fair play to them. If I suddenly built something in a field the council would be there straight away. However, because they stick together they know they cant be touched. This week, eight children from the encampment will join Little Hadham Primary School. One parent of a child at the school, which has 140 pupils, voiced fears that the additional intake will have an impact on teaching. On its website, the school states that it is committed to developing the values of respect, honesty and equality and teachers are determined to make the new children feel welcome. Keith Hutt, the chairman of the governors, said more teaching staff had been recruited and that the school would benefit from the new pupils. There will be challenges but we will temporarily take on more classroom assistants to help out, he said. We are very pleased to welcome these children. This is not a very diverse community and I think these children will bring a refreshing change to the school. They will not be turning up en masse on Monday we will stagger their arrival over three days. Last week, The Mail on Sunday was given the first tour of the encampment, which is home to about 50 travellers. As well as about 25 caravans, many of them brand new, the site is home to new cars and a trampoline. The travellers are renting portable lavatories which are serviced regularly, and have hired a skip. Some rubbish has been burned at the site. Father-of-five Tommy was defiant and made clear that the travellers were determined to make the site their home. When we get planning permission, we are going to tarmac the whole field, he said. We want to get water and electricity we want to put up lights and gates. This place will look better than the millionaires homes up the road. We dont want to raise our children at the side of a road. Wherever we go, we get moved on. We want our children to be registered with GPs and learn how to read and write in schools. We have pregnant women who will need to give birth soon in hospital. It is better that we are here than in a school field or park. His comments will raise fears that the people of Little Hadham could face years of legal battles. We spent our last pounds to raise the money to buy this land and we are not going to leave we will need to be dragged off, Tommy added. East Hertfordshire District Council said: The council is doing everything it can, through legal procedures, to stop unauthorised works taking place. We will continue work to get the situation resolved. Police need more money to tackle chronic and corrosive organised crime that kills more Britons than terrorism, wars and natural disasters combined, according to a damning report. In a stark assessment, the National Crime Agency (NCA) will this week admit the activities of criminal gangs is leading to the wholesale undermining of the economy. And by exploiting new technologies such as bitcoins, encryption software and the Dark Web, crime lords are increasingly able to remotely sell drugs, peddle child pornography, move money and hack companies in the UK. The National Crime Agency (NCA) will this week admit the activities of criminal gangs is leading to the wholesale undermining of the economy The NCA received an additional 48 million for extra officers last year, but director general Lynne Owens will call for more funding. Serious and organised crime is chronic and corrosive and the message needs to be heard by everyone, she will say. People should understand that serious and organised crime kills more of our citizens every year than terrorism, war and natural disasters combined. Against a backdrop of globalisation, extremism, and technological advances, serious and organised crime is changing fast, and law enforcement needs significant new investment. By exploiting new technologies such as bitcoins, encryption software and the Dark Web, crime lords are increasingly able to remotely sell drugs, peddle child pornography, move money and hack companies in the UK According to Home Office figures, organised crime costs the UK economy 37 billion. The NCA estimates that there are 4,600 criminal gangs and networks currently operating across Britain. Its National Strategic Assessment, which is due to be published on Tuesday, will state: Improvements in networks across the world mean criminals can increasingly carry out activity that impacts the UK from anywhere in the world. Kyle Chrisley (in 2014) was reportedly arrested in Oklahoma on a drug charge last week and was revealed to have an open warrant for his arrest in Georgia Chrisley Knows Best star Todd Chrisley's eldest son was reportedly arrested in Oklahoma on drug charges and is wanted for allegedly threatening his wife. TMZ reported that Kyle Chrisley was arrested and booked into Okmulgee County Jail in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, last week on a charge of felony possession of methamphetamine. During his arrest, police apparently discovered that there was also an open warrant for his arrest in Dekalb County, Georgia, which appeared to be tied to death threats that Kyle's estranged wife, Alexus Chrisley, claimed he made against her in January. In an affidavit, which was obtained by TMZ, Alexus said that Kyle had threatened to kill her in a text message. Kyle was said to have been arrested on a charge of felony possession of methamphetamine and booked into jail (pictured in 2014) Police then discovered that he had an open arrest warrant in Georgia, stemming from accusations that he'd threatened the life of his estrange wife, Alexis Chrisley (pictured in 2014) '[N]ot before I end you,' Kyle allegedly wrote. 'Im going to the streets I will get my s**t and take care of this problem with you because if I'm not with you nobody will be. Bye Alexus.' Alexus claimed to have responded by stating that he was making a threat against her life, to which he supposedly responded, 'yes :Lexi it was. Goodbye.' The affidavit also mentioned that there was a text message that indicated drug use and showed Kyle pointing a weapon at his own head. A Georgia judge reportedly signed a warrant for Kyle's arrest based on this information. In 2014, Todd Chrisley revealed on Twitter that Kyle is bipolar and 'he will struggle for life.' Kyle (in pink sweater) appeared in the first season of Chrisley Knows Best alongside his father and siblings. He is Todd Chrisley's (in blue) son from his first marriage It's unclear whether Kyle (right) is still in custody. He does not appear in public jail records Kyle, who is Todd's son from his first marriage, appeared in the first season of the hit USA series, Chrisley Knows Best. He was rumored to have been involved with drugs during the taping of the show and then entered rehab when the series was beginning to air, according to Cheatsheet. It's unclear whether Kyle is still in custody, although he does not appear in a search of publicly available Okmulgee County Jail records. In 2014, Radar reported that police in Anderson County, South Carolina, were seeking 'public assistance' in finding Kyle after an alleged incident that occurred in February 2013. He was arrested in May 2014. During that incident, Kyle allegedly hit his common law wife, Angela Johnson, and threatened her sister with a knife. Johnson is the mother of Kyle's daughter, Chloe. Former MI6 boss Sir Richard Dearlove has warned Chinese telecoms giant Huawei could disrupt national security in a crisis if it was allowed to help build new, high-speed internet infrastructure. The ex spy chief also warned against taking mobile phones to China over fears they could be hacked. In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, Sir Richard who worked at MI6 for 38 years has slammed the Governments decision to allow Huawei to take part in the construction of Britains new ultra-fast 5G internet network. In extreme scenarios, he suggested, Huaweis involvement in building the network, which will allow consumers to download films on their phones in seconds and enable the development of sophisticated technologies like self-driving cars and artificial intelligence, could lead to security risks. Former MI6 boss Sir Richard Dearlove (pictured) has warned Chinese telecoms giant Huawei could disrupt national security [It could mean] you lose control of your robots as it were, maybe, to a foreign power, he said. In a crisis, they might be able to disrupt our national security communications. It emerged last month that Theresa May was prepared to allow Huawei to supply non-core technology for 5G, which could include antennae and other network components. The news emerged through a highly controversial leak that led to the sacking of Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson. Earlier this year, Australia banned Huawei from taking part in the construction of its own 5G network. Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, last week blasted the UKs plans to allow the firm to do so here claiming it would allow China to control the internet of the future and divide Western alliances through bits and bytes. Sir Richard, who worked across the world as a frontline MI6 officer before rising to lead the organisation, warned Huawei could be ordered by the Chinese state to insert secret chips into 5G infrastructure that could be triggered to disrupt British technology. He said Huaweis insistence it is independent of the Chinese government was irrelevant. Huawei have been banned from taking part in constructing 5G networks in the US and Australia, but no such ban was implemented in the UK He added: Its a significant strategic company in the Peoples Republic of China and if the Communist leadership of China says to Huawei at some point, jump, the response is: Well, yes, how high do you want us to jump? Its not: No. He added that China was very aggressive in its intelligence gathering and even warned Britons against taking their normal phones on trips there. Sir Richard said: If you go to China and youre an important businessman, and you take the phone you normally use and the iPad that you normally use, the likelihood is that the Chinese will take an interest in that equipment and, as it were, log it against future usefulness. If Im going to China, I would not take my normal iPad or my normal iPhone. Id just take a throwaway phone. Gavin Williamson was sacked from his position as Defence Secretary for allegedly leaking information about Huawei's future involvement in the UK's 5G network A Government spokesman said: Huaweis current presence in the UK is subject to detailed, formal oversight, and we have strict controls for how Huawei is deployed. It is not in any sensitive networks including those of the Government. A Huawei spokesman denied the firm would act to damage the UK. He cited a recent speech in which company founder Ren Zhengfei said: Huawei is an independent business, we are committed to be on the side of our customers when it comes to cyber security and protecting privacy. We will never harm any nation or individual. Ex-MI6 chief warns bosses: Take a mobile phone to China at your own risk I worked behind the Iron Curtain for a period of almost four years, living under scrutiny and surveillance, with microphones in my house and being followed around all the time. These are not words one would usually expect to hear at the AGM of a small listed company. But not many firms can boast a former head of the Secret Intelligence Service as their chairman. Sir Richard Dearlove is renowned as the man who headed up MI6 during a critical period in the history of this country at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and the commencement of the controversial War On Terror. Sir Richard was head of MI6 during the 9/11 terrorist attacks and at the start of the War On Terror After 38 years in the service many of which were spent in frontline positions Dearlove left the organisation in 2004. But rather than slinking away into an anonymous retirement, the 74-year-old has gone on to build his name in the worlds of business and academia. Today, he is a director of US oil and gas firm Kosmos Energy and chairs insurance firm Ascot Underwriting, the University of London and Crossword Cybersecurity, a start-up that recently listed on the London Stock Exchange. Its his work at Crossword that means Dearlove spent last Thursday hosting investors in the drab offices of a City of London law firm a far cry from operating behind the Iron Curtain in Prague. Crossword remains a minnow valued at around 24 million following a sharp increase in its share price in the months since it moved its listing to the LSE from rival small stock exchange Nex but Dearlove is confident it can exploit a fast-growing market. The firm, which has 35 employees, acts as an incubator by turning university research into marketable cyber security products for businesses. Its main product is Rizikon, a tool that allows firms to analyse their IT systems and ensure they are sufficiently protected against cyber threats. Sir Richard has been involved in cybersecurity in the university and private sectors since leaving MI6 The markets potentially huge, he says. Serious cyber security is relatively young. A lot of companies havent taken it very seriously there have been quite a number of significant security accidents, and therefore people are much more focused on it. Dearlove is rarely interviewed but his political voice has grown louder in recent months. He is pro-Brexit and favours a No Deal over Theresa Mays Withdrawal Agreement, which he fears could damage our national standing in security. This week, he is set to propel himself into the centre of a brewing political row surrounding Chinese telecoms company Huawei and its potential role in the development of new 5G technology in the UK. Dearlove has written the foreword for a report by the Henry Jackson Society, a think-tank that will warn Huaweis involvement could pose a national security risk. Sir Richard wrote a report for the Henry Jackson Society saying that the Chinese Communist Party under Xi Jinping (pictured) may try to hack into the UK's 5G network through Huawei It first emerged last month via a controversial leak that led to the sacking of Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson that the Government had chosen to allow Huawei to supply non-core technology for 5G, which could include antennae and other network components. The new technology is an upgrade to 4G and 3G, which provide internet connections to mobile phones. 5G promises to offer ultra-fast internet, which could enable people to download films, for instance, on their phones within seconds. The network could also be used to enable self-driving cars to operate, using live maps and traffic updates, and lead to new, advanced forms of artificial intelligence. Dearlove is deeply concerned about the potential involvement of Huawei, fearing the company could be forced to do the bidding of its home nation. At best, this could mean intelligence gathering. At worst, it could effectively mean taking control of British technological infrastructure. This is an issue of national security, so it has pretty profound implications, he says. Im, in common with a number of others, strongly opposed to allowing Huawei a significant role in the UKs 5G systems. Huawei has been present in the UK for 18 years and has 1,600 employees here. But Dearlove insists that controlling Huawei risk at the 4G level is only marginally relevant to controlling Huawei risk at the 5G level. Sir Richard said British citizens should be concerned as China is 'very aggressive' in its intelligence gathering He fears, for instance, that Huawei could potentially insert secret chips into infrastructure that could go undetected but be triggered to disrupt technology at a later date. He says: You lose control of your robots as it were, maybe, to a foreign power. In a crisis, they might be able to disrupt our national security communications. In defence of Huawei, supporters point out the firm is independent of the nations government. But Dearlove dismisses this as irrelevant. Its a significant strategic company in the Peoples Republic of China and if the Communist leadership of China says to Huawei at some point, jump, the response is: Well, yes, how high do you want us to jump? Its not: No. He adds that even if the UK and China remain on friendly terms, British citizens should still be concerned. Dearlove says China is very aggressive in its intelligence gathering, and so will use their technology to collect intelligence on the UK. He also has a stark warning for anyone planning to visit China, particularly if they have secrets to hide. If you go to China and youre an important businessman, and you take the phone that you normally use and you take the iPad that you normally use, the likelihood is that the Chinese will take an interest in that equipment and, as it were, log it against future usefulness. Whether they do anything with that might depend on who you are and what you do. But if Im going to China, I would not take my normal iPad or my normal iPhone. Id just take a throwaway phone so I could throw the chip away afterwards. Such warnings might be written off as mad paranoia if they came from anybody else. But Dearlove, an intelligence veteran, commands respect when it comes to security issues. And its this same experience that has enabled him to move seamlessly into the business world. One issue that still exercises Dearlove is the inaccurate portrayal of the secret services in popular culture. The James Bond series of films, he says, is a prime example. He says the thrillers written by John Le Carre and Alan Judd provide a much more honest picture about what life in MI6 was like. In stark contrast to the womanising 007, Dearlove has been happily married for more than 50 years and dismisses the macho image of MI6 portrayed in the films. It wasnt a chauvinist environment at all. Women have an important role to play in espionage and security, and always have done. So would a female James Bond a proposal that has raised eyebrows among some Bond fans help redress the balance? If theres a capable person to do it, it doesnt matter whether a man or a woman, they should get the job. The Queen has sparked a diplomatic row after refusing to allow the bones of a stolen Ethiopian prince buried in the grounds of Windsor Castle to be repatriated. Prince Alemayehu was brought to England after his father, Emperor Tewodros II, killed himself as British forces stormed his mountain-top palace in northern Ethiopia in 1868. The orphaned seven-year-old was adored by Queen Victoria but died in England aged 18 and was buried in catacombs next to St Georges Chapel in Windsor. The Ethiopian government demanded the return of his remains 12 years ago and has grown increasingly frustrated at being rebuffed by Buckingham Palace. Prince Alemayehu was brought to England after his father, Emperor Tewodros II, killed himself as British forces stormed his mountain-top palace in northern Ethiopia in 1868 Last night Fesseha Shawel Gebre, Ethiopias ambassador to London, urged the Queen to consider how she would feel if one of her deceased relatives was buried in a foreign land. Would she happily lie in bed every day, go to sleep, having one of her Royal Family members buried somewhere, taken as prisoner of war? he asked. I think she wouldnt. The Ethiopian government has vowed to repeat its demand at every meeting its ministers have with their British counterparts. Even 140 years after his death, the story of Alemayehu retains huge importance in Ethiopia. In 1868, a British force invaded Ethiopia after Tewodros took the British consul and several missionaries hostage. After his army was destroyed and his fortress captured, the Emperor shot himself. According to British accounts, he instructed his wife to ensure their son should be taken to Britain after the battle, though Mr Fesseha claims the boy was stolen. In England the prince, whose mother died of illness soon after the battle, was introduced to Queen Victoria who described him as a pretty, polite, graceful boy. He later enrolled at Sandhurst. He was buried in catacombs next to St Georges Chapel (pictured) in Windsor, Berkshire In 1879, he died, probably of tuberculosis. Following a request from Victoria, he was interred in catacombs near the chapel where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married last year. In 2007, the Ethiopian government wrote to the Queen requesting the return of his body so he could be buried beside his father. Had he not been taken, had he not lost his father, he would have been the next king of Ethiopia, said Mr Fesseha. The Queen on Saturday at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Windsor According to the embassy, a letter from the Queens private secretary explained that, while the Queen sympathised, there were concerns about disturbing the remains of others buried alongside him. It is understood more than 40 bodies were buried in the catacombs between 1845 to 1887 and, according to Palace sources, it would be impossible to identify and exhume the body without disturbing the sacred space. Mr Fesseha said: I dont think they have forgotten where they put it. There is a record. In March, the National Army Museum in Chelsea returned two locks of hair cut from the head of Tewodros after his defeat. Mr Fesseha said: We are extremely friendly governments, so what is the reason to keep Prince Alemayehus body in the UK? A Palace spokesman said: We are aware of this sensitive and complex issue and have communicated with the Ethiopian government over a number of years. The Foreign Office declined to comment. A high school senior in Georgia has graduated with a perfect attendance record, more than a decade after he promised his dying sister that he would never miss a day of class. Alex Kunda, 17, received the honor at Brunswick High School on Friday, with his proud parents shedding tears at their son's devotion to their late daughter's memory. Kunda just four-years-old when he made the vow to his older sibling, Miranda, shortly before she passed away in 2006. Miranda suffered from autoimmune hepatitis, and never missed a day of school in spite of her debilitating illness. Alex Kunda graduated from Georgia's Brunswick High School on Friday with a perfect attendance record Kunda made the promise to his sister Miranda (pictured) before her death in 2006 She was posthumously awarded with a perfect attendance certificate following her death at the end of first grade. Kunda took to the stage to receive the honor in place of his sister - and took up the mantel when he began his own school journey the following year. He told CBS on Friday: 'This was the one promise I remembered making to her [Miranda]. And I can't make any more promises to her in person, anymore. So the one promise I did make, I was going to keep it.' With the average school year consisting of around 180 days, Kunda attended approximately 2340 days of class without having any time off. At one point, his parents worried that he was putting too much pressure on himself to keep the vow. They even asked him to cut class in fourth grade so that they could take him to Disney World in Florida - but he declined. Taking to the stage on Friday to receive his award, Kunda told CBS that Miranda was the only person on his mind. 'I was thinking about her the entire time. I was like, "I did this for you"', he smiled. Kunda is pictured receiving his perfect attendance award at Brunswick High School on Friday Authorities in Curacao say that 17 crew members and 11 passengers must stay aboard a ship owned by the Church of Scientology that was quarantined at the Dutch Caribbean island following a confirmed case of measles. Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth said Saturday that the group is required to stay on the 440-feet Freewinds ship until May 13 because they are still at risk of contracting measles after a female crew member was diagnosed with the disease. He said the remaining crew members and passengers, which totaled more than 300, are free to leave the ship that has been quarantined in Curacao for a week and are not a threat to anyone. Authorities in Curacao say that 17 crew members and 11 passengers must stay aboard a ship owned by the Church of Scientology that was quarantined at the Dutch Caribbean island following a confirmed case of measles Church officials have not returned messages for comment. The ship was previously quarantined in St. Lucia. The 440ft Freewinds ship had previously been quarantined in St Lucia after a crew member was diagnosed with measles. Authorities said she arrived in Curacao on April 17 and visited a doctor on April 22 for cold symptoms. A blood sample was taken and sent to nearby Aruba, where officials confirmed it was measles on April 29, a day after the ship had departed for St Lucia. Curacao health officials then alerted authorities in St Lucia. The former cruise ship returned to its home port of Curacao early on Saturday. Dr Gerstenbluth said the decision to release passengers and crew members will be made after consulting health officials in the Netherlands and the Pan American Health Organisation. Measles has affected more than 700 people in 22 US states this year, with federal officials saying the resurgence is driven by misinformation about vaccines. Symptoms include a runny nose, fever and a red-spotted rash. Most people recover but measles can lead to pneumonia, brain swelling and even death in some cases. So unfair! Corbyn, mocked up as Harry Enfields Kevin the Teenager, plans to buy young peoples votes with your taxes Jeremy Corbyn has been accused of trying to bribe teenagers to support Labour by pledging to extend its plans for a 10-an-hour minimum wage to 16-year-old school leavers. Tory MPs described the move as a blatant attempt to entrench the partys dominance among young voters at the expense of the taxpayer. Tory MP Nigel Adams hit out: Why not throw in a free iPad and free Spotify subscription? Mr Corbyn pledged to abolish the youth rate, which currently pays the under-18s a minimum wage of 4.35 per hour, compared with the adult rate of 8.21, by 2020. Under a Labour government, all workers aged 16 and older would receive a baseline rate of 10, Mr Corbyn said. Labour has previously pledged to legislate to reduce the voting age to 16 if it wins power adding a further 1.35 million voters to the electorate. More than two-thirds of under-24s who turn out to vote are Corbyn-backers; electoral experts calculate that moving the voting age to 16 would cost the Tories at least 30 seats at subsequent elections. Critics immediately raised questions about how the plan could be applied without causing a spike in youth unemployment as firms recoil from the cost of hiring young staff unless taxpayers are forced to fund it directly through working tax credits. Mr Corbyn said that the 10-an-hour rate will be nothing less than life-changing for young workers, who would earn 2,500 more each year Mr Corbyn said that the 10-an-hour rate will be nothing less than life-changing for young workers, who would earn 2,500 more each year. He told a gathering of young Labour activists: Equal pay for equal work is hardly a controversial idea, so why are we discriminating against young people? You dont get a discount at the shops for being under 18. But if the person serving you on the other side of the counter is young, they could be on half the wage of their colleagues. Its time to end this discrimination. Young peoples work should be properly valued, not exploited by employers to cut their wage bill. McDonnell threat to FTSE firms which are not green enough Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has sent shockwaves through big businesses by warning that they will be delisted from the London Stock Exchange if they fail to take adequate steps to tackle climate change. Mr McDonnell said a Labour government would address the climate emergency facing the planet by weeding out UK-listed firms who were not taking it seriously. His remarks, in an interview with The Guardian, come after The Mail on Sunday revealed last month that Mr McDonnell was directly involved in a civil disobedience campaign against Britains high street banks. He is helping to whip up a wave of climate change protests by the hard-Left Momentum group, involving demonstrations and sit-ins at dozens of branches. And he told activists that a Labour government would make climate change the defining criterion of its investment decisions. Mr McDonnell said in his interview: Weve got to signal now that were being serious about tackling climate change. Were now going to discuss how we can insert tackling climate change as one of the criteria for listing on the London stock market. Asked whether he would delist firms who had not put plans in place to tackle the issue, Mr McDonnell replied: Yes. He said that Labour would form a red-green government to push Britain towards a low-carbon economy. Advertisement Labours Peter Dowd, the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: Weve got to have a system that reflects the needs of small businesses, but also has to reflect the needs of the people they employ, whether they are 16 or 60. But economists immediately raised the alarm bells, with the respected Institute For Fiscal Studies director Paul Johnson saying that he was concerned the really dramatic plan could cost jobs. Clearly, the risk, given the choice between doubling the wages youre currently paying 16 and 17-year-olds or not employing them at all, is you will have fewer 16 and 17-year-olds in work, he told the BBC. And the free-market Institute Of Economic Affairs think-tank said that Labours announcement had plucked pay increases out of the air. Its spokesman, Professor Len Shackleton, added: This would mean doubling the pay of young people who understandably have fewer skills and less experience than older colleagues. Such a rate hike could raise youth unemployment to levels comparable with those in continental Europe... the consequences for employment are likely to be grim. And the Confederation of British Industry added: Youth rates play an important role in helping to reduce youth unemployment and should be retained. The Federation Of Small Businesses also slammed the proposal saying: It doesnt sound like its been thought through at all. Conservative Party Vice-Chairman Chris Philp said: The last Labour government saw the number of young people without a job rise to almost one million and Jeremy Corbyns reckless approach to the economy would see the next generation saddled with higher levels of debt and higher taxes. You cant trust Labour on the economy or on their promises to young people. Now you pay for Bercow to show off in US By Harry Cole DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR John Bercow will fly to the US next week to boost his global profile at taxpayers expense, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. The controversial House of Commons Speaker, who has abandoned his plan to step down this summer, will visit US capital Washington DC to deliver a speech about his role in Brexit. Mr Bercow has enraged the Government and former Conservative colleagues who accuse him of ripping up ancient Commons rules in a bid to stop Britain leaving the EU. But his stewarding of tense Brexit showdowns has also earned him an international acclaim after videos of him shouting his trademark order, order at rowdy MPs delighted foreign media. Mr Bercows team last night said the interest in the Brexit debates is global and insisted he would not be demanding a fee for his speech but admitted the costs of flights and hotels will come from the public purse. John Bercow will fly to the US next week to boost his global profile at taxpayers expense, The Mail on Sunday can reveal They confirmed he will address think-tank the Brookings Institution about the parliamentary process and his role as Speaker in a formal capacity and will also address America Evolution, a group that celebrates US democracy, on his trip. But critics claim the trip is designed to line up lucrative speaking engagements when he finally steps down as Speaker after ten years in the job. It is understood that the trip had originally been planned for the Easter recess but the continued Brexit deadlock in the Commons meant it had to be delayed. It will now take place during the Whitsun break from May 23 to June 4. Mr Bercow said he would step down after Britains planned exit day on March 29 but when that was delayed, his departure date was also pushed back. As The MoS revealed, he was persuaded to stay in the job by Remain-backing MPs to help thwart Brexit. In November, he declared a 6,000 all-expenses paid trip to Hong Kong as part of his unpaid second job as Chancellor of the University of Essex. But insiders claim that Mr Bercow is particularly keen for publicity in the US, with one eye on his future career. A speaking agent said: He will have a good couple of months on the speaking circuit on the back of his anti-Trump and Brexit stuff but he will have to move quickly as your shelf life is very short in that world. The industry expert added that Mr Bercow would probably be snapped up by the Harry Walker Agency, whose clients include Barack Obama, or the Washington Speakers Agency, which has signed up former PM Tony Blair. Last night Tory MP James Duddridge urged the Speaker to resign. He said: The umpire cannot be a player, so if he wants to pontificate on Brexit he needs stand down. And fellow Conservative David Morris added: After perverting the course of Brexit, now John Bercow looks to be gearing up to feather his nest on the back of it. John Bercow will fly to the US next week to boost his global profile at taxpayers expense, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. The controversial House of Commons Speaker, who has abandoned his plan to step down this summer, will visit US capital Washington DC to deliver a speech about his role in Brexit. Mr Bercow has enraged the Government and former Conservative colleagues who accuse him of ripping up ancient Commons rules in a bid to stop Britain leaving the EU. John Bercow will fly to the US next week to boost his global profile at taxpayers expense, The Mail on Sunday can reveal But his stewarding of tense Brexit showdowns has also earned him an international acclaim after videos of him shouting his trademark order, order at rowdy MPs delighted foreign media. Mr Bercows team last night said the interest in the Brexit debates is global and insisted he would not be demanding a fee for his speech but admitted the costs of flights and hotels will come from the public purse. They confirmed he will address think-tank the Brookings Institution about the parliamentary process and his role as Speaker in a formal capacity and will also address America Evolution, a group that celebrates US democracy, on his trip. But critics claim the trip is designed to line up lucrative speaking engagements when he finally steps down as Speaker after ten years in the job. It is understood that the trip had originally been planned for the Easter recess but the continued Brexit deadlock in the Commons meant it had to be delayed. It will now take place during the Whitsun break from May 23 to June 4. Mr Bercow said he would step down after Britains planned exit day on March 29 but when that was delayed, his departure date was also pushed back. As The MoS revealed, he was persuaded to stay in the job by Remain-backing MPs to help thwart Brexit. In November, he declared a 6,000 all-expenses paid trip to Hong Kong as part of his unpaid second job as Chancellor of the University of Essex. Last night Tory MP James Duddridge urged the Speaker to resign. He said: The umpire cannot be a player, so if he wants to pontificate on Brexit he needs stand down. But insiders claim that Mr Bercow is particularly keen for publicity in the US, with one eye on his future career. A speaking agent said: He will have a good couple of months on the speaking circuit on the back of his anti-Trump and Brexit stuff but he will have to move quickly as your shelf life is very short in that world. The industry expert added that Mr Bercow would probably be snapped up by the Harry Walker Agency, whose clients include Barack Obama, or the Washington Speakers Agency, which has signed up former PM Tony Blair. Last night Tory MP James Duddridge urged the Speaker to resign. He said: The umpire cannot be a player, so if he wants to pontificate on Brexit he needs stand down. And fellow Conservative David Morris added: After perverting the course of Brexit, now John Bercow looks to be gearing up to feather his nest on the back of it. Advertisement Trekking through jungles, snorkelling in a lagoon and lounging on the beach with a cocktail - they were all high on our 'things-to-do' check list as we set off for Thailand on a cold winter morning. But as we strapped ourselves into our plane seats, along with our 20-month-old daughter, the thought did cross my mind - maybe I should have done all this as a teenage backpacker rather than a first-time parent? Could we really enjoy the best this fabulous South East Asian country has to offer with our toddler in tow? The answer, it turned out, was an unequivocal 'yes' - and it was far easier than we thought thanks to memorable stays at the Nai Harn in Phuket and the dusit D2 in Krabi. We had flown into the country on Thai Airways before making our way to our first stop, the Nai Harn, Phuket's only member of elite Leading Hotels of the World group, overlooking a sweeping bay of the same name. Sundowner: The Reflections bar at Nai Harn in Phuket, Thailand, is the perfect place to sip on a cocktail or a glass from the hotel's expertly assembled wine list The hotel enjoys a magnificent position looking out across turquoise seas and the sandy Nai Harn beach - perfect for families The hotel also features magnificent restaurants, including the Rock Salt where guests can enjoy cocktails, beautiful seafood platters and Thai delicacies all just yards away from the beach Room with a view: Guests can look forward to epic views looking out over the Nai Harn beach and nearby islands - all from the comfort of a comfortable outdoor bed Any pangs of regret my wife and I had about not doing Thailand on the cheap as students were quickly swept away as we explored our Grand Ocean View Room and walked out onto a private terrace with what must surely be one of the finest views in Phuket. No expense is spared in the fixtures and fittings and we were told some rooms feature a button specifically for ordering Champagne. But with the luxury comes an extremely family friendly atmosphere. Staff go out of their way to make sure parents with young children have what they need for a comfortable trip. They are happy to set up a parasol on the glorious sandy beach below and provide towels for the day while the swimming pool features a shallow section for toddlers. Our little one spent hours splashing around in the pool and in the evening, with conditions a little cooler, we moved to the beach - fresh fruit smoothies in hand - to watch the sun go down. Stunning displays of pink flowers surround the pool, where staff are only too happy to serve up drinks or set up parasols Julian's little one spent hours splashing around in the pool and in the evening, with conditions a little cooler, they moved to the beach - fresh fruit smoothies in hand - to watch the sun go down The bars and restaurants at the luxurious Nai Harn hotel all enjoy spectacular views looking out over the bay No expense is spared in the fixtures and fittings and Julia was told some rooms feature a button specifically for ordering Champagne The hotel also features magnificent restaurants, including the Rock Salt where we enjoyed cocktails, a beautiful seafood platter and Thai delicacies all just yards away from the beach. Chefs at the hotel cure their own meats and make their own cheese while the wine list was drawn up by international expert James Suckling. Breakfast is an event in itself, with a dizzying area of options and plenty of space meaning there was no undignified scramble for the buffet. For a dreamy sundowner, guests head to the Nai Harn's sprawling infinity-edged rooftop bar, Reflections. As well as cocktails, the area also features the Han-Sha sushi bar where dishes are prepared in front of you. After an unforgettable stay at the Nai Harn, it was time for our second destination - Krabi to the south. Rather than brave public transport or sea transport, we opted for the comfort of a taxi transfer. Before long we had arrived at our next hotel, the dusitD2 in the coastal tourist hotspot of Ao Nang. The 173-room hotel is under 20 miles from Krabi International Airport, tucked away in lush jungle greenery on a hillside, yet within easy walking distance to the sweeping town beach and close to shops and restaurants. It has been entirely refurbished and updated and is a rebrand of the previous Vogue Resort and Spa Vogue Resort. Our room on the top floor had superb views looking out over the towering, craggy limestone cliffs that define the area. The 173-room dusitD2 in the coastal tourist hotspot of Ao Nang is just under 20 miles from Krabi International Airport The newly opened hotel has everything you need for a comfortable family stay - a great restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool with a separate children's pool, a fitness centre, a spa and a children's playground The hotel is tucked away in lush jungle greenery on a hillside, yet within easy walking distance to the sweeping town beach and close to shops and restaurants The hotel has been entirely refurbished and updated and is a rebrand of the previous Vogue Resort and Spa Vogue Resort Within ten minutes, you can find yourself setting sail on an adventure to tropical islands, looking for monkeys along forest trails, kayaking over turquoise seas or even rock climbing on some of the jagged cliffs TRAVEL FACTS Rates at the Nai Harn start from about 184 for a Deluxe Ocean View Room. Rating: Rooms at the dusit D2 Ao Nang in Krabi can be booked by clicking here. Rating: Flights to Chiang Mai via Bangkok are available through Thai Airways, which recently celebrated 45 years operating in the UK. Rating key: one star poor; two stars ok; three stars good; four stars very good; five stars - exceptional. Advertisement The newly opened hotel has everything you need for a comfortable family stay - a great restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool with a separate children's pool, a fitness centre, a spa and a children's playground. But the trump card for this well-run and friendly hotel is its location. Within ten minutes, you can find yourself setting sail on an adventure to tropical islands, looking for monkeys along forest trails, kayaking over turquoise seas or even rock climbing on some of the jagged cliffs. On one day, we zoomed around the coast to glorious Railay beach - accessible only by boat - and spent a day lounging on the pristine crescent of sand in the bay. We also hired one of the area's iconic long-tail boats and took a day trip to Hong Island - a tiny paradise island with a blissful lagoon, ample shade, great snorkelling and a nature trail. Back on the mainland, the hotel's in-house tour desk also arranged for us to visit local hot springs - a cascading network of waterfalls leading to pools with bath-like temperatures hidden in dense jungle. Another day trip took us to the stunning Emerald Pools. Our little girl was mesmerised as we explored the huge web of turquoise pools and towering tropical trees along the jungle path. Our trip may not have been a backpacking odyssey - more a family adventure. But one thing was for sure, we had definitely ticked off that holiday check-list. Advertisement Gozitans (as they are called) are well-schooled in accepting their lot. The rest of Malta thinks we still live in caves, a grandmother in the capital Victoria (so named after our former queen, who, unlike her great-great-granddaughter, never actually made it here) tells me. In fact, they live mainly in two or three-storey houses (nothing higher is allowed) in villages that, over the years, have competed to build bigger and better churches, and those churches remain places of worship rather than reminders of a spiritual hinterland. Perfect mooring: Pictures is the car-less island of Comino, between Gozo and Malta You might not know this about Gozo... 1. Gozo is the second largest of 21 islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. 2. Its nickname is Isle of Calypso because of its association with Calypso, the nymph from Homers Odyssey who held Odysseus captive for many years. 3. The islands population is 37,000 (out of Maltas total of 475,000) and the capital has two opera houses. 4. You can catch a 20-minute ferry from Mgarr harbour on Gozo to the car-less island of Comino, between Gozo and Malta. The white sand beaches and famous Blue Lagoon are great for a day trip. 5. The Ggantija temples are older than Egypts pyramids. They date from as far back as 5,500 years ago and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site; entrance costs 7.75 (heritagemalta.org). 6. The island is almost nine miles long and four-and-a-half miles wide with many excellent walking paths. See islandofgozo.org for details of routes. Advertisement Some 90 per cent of Gozitans go to church on a Sunday and each community has its own patron saint. Families live close to each other to help with looking after their young children, and in three days we dont see one policeman or encounter any unpleasantness apart from some gesticulation when I momentarily forget that they drive on the same side of the road as us. Oh, and a glass of good local wine costs 3.50. Now, that is attractive. Throw in almost year-round sunshine, two or three decent beaches, plenty of unpretentious restaurants, an arresting history, superb diving, rock-climbing and a pace of life that makes mainland Malta seem fast and furious and its no wonder people like Valerie have decamped here from Liverpool. I came for a day and fell in love with the place, says Valerie, who now works in the gift shop at Ta Cenc hotel near Sannat. Mind you, coming just for the day is one of the big issues. Some locals would like another 10,000 people to be living here permanently as a means of encouraging the young to stay and set up businesses. They also say the central Maltese government is not doing nearly enough to bolster the Gozo economy. Ta Cenc is listed as one of two five-star hotels on Gozo (the other is the Kempinski), but its nothing of the kind. Water sight: The deep blue hole at the world famous Azure Window on Gozo island A-list visitor: Angelina Jolie, who made her 2015 film By The Sea on the island Instead, its a quiet place to stay in cottage-like rooms dotted around two swimming pools (one of which is just for grown-ups), with a spa that wont win awards but ask for a strong massage and thats exactly what you get. Its worth hiring a guide for half a day, not least to learn how proud Gozitans are of their island. Certainly, they have a right to be proud of the Citadel in Victoria, which is like a mini Mdina (Maltas ancient capital), with massive fortifications (dating back to the Bronze Age or even earlier) enclosing the splendid cathedral built between 1697 and 1711. And no one can sniff at the Ggantija Temples (3600-3200 BC), which put Stonehenge in its place when it comes to longevity. They arent the prettiest archaeological discovery, but their existence is explained both succinctly and romantically in the visitors centre, not least the legend that they were built by a giantess who ate broad beans that made her so strong she could carry her baby in one arm and a megalith in the other. Gozo is like Malta was 30 years ago is the refrain we hear half a dozen times. The people are friendly, its easy to get around, and what it lacks in sophistication is made up for by its authenticity. But, my goodness, some of the apartment buildings at the two main seaside villages Xlendi and Marsalforn are ugly. Even so, Xlendi has a certain charm and the place to eat is Ic-Cima, a family-run establishment with a huge roof terrace overlooking the bay. Another excellent restaurant at the other end of the island is Ta Philip in Mgarr, where impresario Philip Spiteri offers wonderfully fresh nosh and wines from his own vineyard. Our favourite spot on the island by some distance is the little cove of Mgarr Ix Xini, where Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filmed By The Sea. Its perfect for swimming and the lane leading to it is so narrow that it deters buses. Theres talk of building a tunnel between Gozo and Malta. It might make commercial sense, but it could also change Gozo irrevocably. For us tourists who shy away from the hoards, that would be a shame. Sitting in the Fishermans Wife restaurant, eating a dressed crab fresh from the North Sea, I was suddenly chilled to the bone. There, loping along Whitbys empty beach, was a huge, lone dog. For a split second, I thought it was Dracula. In Bram Stokers 1897 classic, Count Dracula lands at Whitby on a shipwrecked schooner, the Demeter, thirsting for blood. The crew are all dead, including the captain, found lashed to the wheel. The only survivor is an immense dog. Gothic splendour: The ruins of Whitby Abbey overlooking the North Yorkshire coast As soon as the Demeter touched the shore, the dog leapt out on to the sand and headed straight for the steep cliff below the church of St Marys. The dog is Dracula in disguise. The dog I saw was, in fact, racing towards its owner and, thank goodness, it didnt morph into a blood-sucking, coffin-dwelling, Transylvanian mass murderer. There are echoes of Bram Stoker everywhere in Whitby. He stayed in the charming Royal Crescent (at number 6), just round the corner from my comfortable B&B, the Riviera Guesthouse. The Riviera, a tall, classical house, has epic sea views. I watched out of my bedroom bay window for hours as darkness fell over the waves, which then lulled me to sleep. Whitby still has a Gothic feel to it, with Goths, clad in black, wandering around town. I strolled past two in their 60s, in matching, sweeping capes, walking their dog along Khyber Pass, a street leading up from the harbour. Whitbys most splendid Gothic spot is its abbey, which sits on the headland above the town. Despite being bashed up by Henry VIII and a stray German bomb in 1914 its soaring arches still survive, yards from the cliff edge and St Marys Church, just above the beach where the canine Dracula made his landing. English Heritage has recently completed a fine refurbishment of its museum in the 17th-century country house that sits in the shadow of the abbey. It was at the Synod of Whitby in 664 AD that King Oswiu of Northumbria said he would follow the southern Christian customs of Rome, rather than the northern Christian customs followed by Irish monks on the Scottish island of Iona. The Riviera Guesthouse, is a 'comfortable' B&B with 'epic' sea views, says Harry Mount In the Whitby Abbey museum are the earliest three-dimensional Anglo-Saxon crosses ever found in Britain from around 700 AD, just after the Synod. There is an extremely early fragment of Anglo-Saxon stained glass; jewellery made of that familiar black jet; and the 12th-century Abbots Book, written in Latin and Anglo-Saxon a real rarity, giving the details of the abbeys landholdings. The explorer Captain James Cook, murdered in Hawaii 240 years ago, remains the towns favourite son. He began his career as a merchant apprentice there. His statue gazes out to sea from West Cliff, and he figures prominently in Whitby Museum in Pannett Park. Also very much worth seeing is the Captain Cook Memorial Museum a beautifully elegant, mid-18th-century house where Cook lodged from 1746-49. The most stirring exhibits are the 16th-century maps showing great gaps in the Pacific in the places yet to be discovered by Cook. You might say it was Cook who really put Whitby on the map, too until a mammoth dog with a manic bloodlust landed on the beach in 1897. Sailing along the mighty Danube is one of the worlds great river journeys and on this exclusive trip you will enjoy all its historic and cultural highlights while also meeting one of the worlds most famous reporters. BBC legend John Simpson will join you as you sail between Vienna and Budapest on your premium CroisiEurope river boat, with all your meals and drinks on board already included in the price. In Vienna, John will give a fascinating talk and Q&A about his life and extraordinary career, sharing brilliant stories and insights from his decades covering wars and revolutions around the world. Magnificent: The Hungarian Parliament Building on the banks of the Danube in Budapest YOUR ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Vienna and board MS Vivaldi Day 2 Vienna and John Simpson talk and Q&A Day 3 Budapest and book signing Day 4 Bratislava Day 5 Vienna and return to the UK Advertisement Each booking will also receive a copy of Johns gripping new thriller, Moscow, Midnight, his first novel in 35 years, which he will be happy to sign for you at a special book signing in Budapest. John has seen the Hungarian capital transformed since the fall of communism and, armed with his expert insights, you will have plenty of time to discover the city for yourself. You will then sail to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where you can explore the beautiful and historic old town. Fascinating guided excursions of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava are all included in what promises to be unique and unforgettable adventure along the Danube. John says: Over more than 30 years as a foreign correspondent and editor for the BBC, I have been fortunate to have witnessed at first hand many of the seismic events that shaped the modern world. I look forward to sharing some of these unforgettable experiences and my own insights as we sail together between two of Europes great cities, Vienna and Budapest. OUR SPECIAL GUEST You will be joined by John Simpson (above) As the BBCs World Affairs Editor, John Simpson CBE has enjoyed a remarkable career flying into Tehran with the returning Ayatollah Khomeini during 1979s Iranian Revolution and dodging bullets in 1989s Tiananmen Square massacre. John, right, was also one of the first reporters to enter Afghanistan in 2001, when he crossed the border disguised in a burka. His books include Dispatches From The Barricades: An Eyewitness Account Of The Revolutions That Shook The World, and We Chose To Speak Of War And Strife: The World Of The Foreign Correspondent. Advertisement REASONS TO BOOK Meet John Simpson One of the greatest journalists of his generation, John Simpson joined the BBC in 1966, has reported from 140 countries, including 42 war zones, interviewed at least 200 leaders and been awarded three Baftas and an Emmy. You will be there to hear his private talk in Vienna, as he recounts how some of the countries you will be visiting freed themselves from communism, and the part he played in the demise of the infamous dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in neighbouring Romania. You will also have the chance to ask John your own burning ques-tions following his talk and for him to sign your complimentary copy of his new novel, Moscow, Midnight, at a special book signing event where youll get to meet him one-on-one. Sail in style on MS Vivaldi MS Vivaldi, a premium-class ship in CroisiEuropes impressive European fleet, boasts comfortable cabins with picture windows, a panoramic lounge, bar and sundeck. The restaurant serves delicious French food and all your meals and drinks on board are included. Free tours of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava Your superb five-day itinerary includes free guided excursions to all three stunning European capitals en route. Your trip starts in magnificent Vienna, famous for its stunning baroque architecture and for being the home of great composers such as Beethoven, Mozart and Strauss. In Budapest, known as the Pearl of the Danube, you can visit the historic Hungarian Parliament Building and Buda Castle, and bathe in the famous Gellert Baths. In Bratislava, you can explore its pedestrian-only old quarter with its beautiful palaces, churches and squares. WHAT'S INCLUDED? John Simpson's spy thriller, Moscow Midnight Return flights, taxes and transfers (regional airports available at a supplement). Four-nights full-board accommodation on MS Vivaldi, including drinks with meals and at the bar. Return transfers to and from the ship. Exclusive talk, Q&A and book-signing with John Simpson as detailed in the itinerary online. Copy of John Simpsons Moscow, Midnight (one per booking). Guided tours of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava. On board activities as detailed in the itinerary online. Free wi-fi in lounge and bar, and all port fees. HOW TO BOOK The dates: March 16-20, 2020. The price: From 1,199pp* for five days. Call 0203 9930 708 quoting reference MOS JOHN SIMPSON. To find out more, visit mailtravel.co.uk/johnsimpson. Terms and conditions: * Based on two sharing an entry-level cabin. Single supplement applies. Subject to availability. Timings of Johns events are subject to change and there may be slight alterations to the itinerary due to operational restrictions. Drinks on board are included in the price, with the exception of premium wines and spirits, for which there is a charge. This trip is ATOL protected. This trip is operated by Jetline and is exclusive to Mail Travel and select publications. For full Ts&Cs, visit mailtravel.co.uk/johnsimpson. Advertisement Advertisement Gulp. Captain Mike Blythe, British Airways Flight Technical and Training Manager for the Airbus A380 and A350 is sitting next to me. Take a deep breath, he says. Why? Because Im about to take a British Airways Airbus A350 down one of London Heathrows runways and take-off for the very first time. Ted prepares to take off in a British Airways A350 for the first time - eyes forward, hand on the thrust levers... Captain Blythe calmly tells me that as we go down the runway I'll need to use the rudder pedals to steer. He says: You use a little bit of left rudder to go left and a little bit of right rudder to go right. Have a wiggle as you go down, Im sure youll get the hang of it by the time we get to the end of the runway. Gulp. So, take-off technique, continues Captain Blythe. Have one hand on the thrust levers, the other hand on the stick. And what youre going to do when I say rotate at around 145 knots [166mph] is just pull back gently on the stick. The amount required, he says, pointing to the Primary Flight Display (PFD) screen in front of me [thats the one with the horizon youve seen in the movies], is about seven degrees. I give it a trial run, moving the joystick back with my left hand until the readout says seven degrees. If you bring it to around there, thatll be enough to get you going and the nose will start to come up, he says. Next, a quick lesson on thrust. Im told that Ill need to move the levers, which are to my right on a central console, forward to spool the engines up, to a position marked T - and then two clicks forward to get us hurtling. Ready to go? says Captain Blythe. I just laugh. Nervously. Captain Blythe is no mood to hang around. He disengages the parking brake and issues a final bit of advice: Look out ahead and keep it straight. I move the thrust levers forward a bit. Nothing happens. Plane sailing? Ted is all smiles as he relaxes in the captain's seat, which can be moved up and down and back and forth using buttons at the side Ted's trainers: Captain Mike Blythe, British Airways Flight Technical and Training Manager for the Airbus A380 and A350 (left), and Senior First Officer Ilkka Tahvanainen (British Airways A380 and A350 Project Pilot) A bit more. Ok, now were moving and I can hear the engines whirring loudly. Were veering slightly right. Bit of left rudder will keep you straight. Go through to set your power, says Captain Blythe. I push the thrust levers forward right to maximum power which is one click too far, so Captain Blythe quickly pulls it back and says were good, were good. No, no, no, I say, as we veer left. Captain Blythe steps in and uses his rudder pedals to keep the enormous A350 straight. Were seriously moving now. The corrections keep coming: Keep looking towards the end of the runway, just small bits of pressure on the rudder pedals to keep it straight. Thats good now. Little bit of right rudder. An electronic voice blurts V1 and Captain Blythe says ok, rotate, start to bring the nose up. And I do. And... wow. Were airborne. So has British Airways started a new cavalier approach to pilot training, risking the lives of hundreds by putting MailOnline journalists at the controls? Of course not. Im in a simulator. The visual system on the simulators is controlled by three angled projectors, which create a computer-generated image spanning 180 degrees with full depth perception But its no ordinary simulator. Its a full-motion multi-million-pound machine at BAs Flight Training Centre at the airlines new Global Learning Academy near Heathrow. A simulator so realistic that its Zero Flight Time approved, which means an experienced pilot can go straight from qualifying in a simulator to flying a real aircraft carrying customers. The visual system on the simulators is controlled by three angled projectors, which create a computer-generated image spanning 180 degrees with full depth perception. Pilots can simulate different weather conditions, events and scenarios, which allow them to prepare for every conceivable situation. They can also programme different airports around the globe to practice taking off and landing. The graphics arent photo-real but theyre real enough. And the weather conditions they simulate cant go to Hollywood extremes. They cant simulate flying through a tornado for instance. (Yes, I ask the question.) But theyre extreme enough. And whats more, it really moves around. I will find this out during a rather rough landing I make... Being in one is an experience I know will forever be seared into my memory. Even simply arriving at the BA Flight Training Centre is jaw-dropping. I walk from dreary Hatton Cross Tube station, up a nondescript road and then right past a parked-up BA Boeing 777 and a BA Boeing 747. And inside the BA operations base theres an A380 outside a hangar, just yards from the path to the training centre. Not a bad commute. The training centre houses 16 flight simulators, which are lined up in a row. Theres something a bit War Of The Worlds about them, as they are all on huge legs and look like they could, at any moment, stomp off through the walls. BA is keen to show MailOnline just how amazing its training facility is. I am duly amazed. The A350 simulator is right at the very end of the walkway and Captain Blythe and Senior First Officer Ilkka Tahvanainen (British Airways A380 and A350 Project Pilot), who will be doing the programming, are waiting outside. Im nervous. Why? Its because, like everybody else, Ive imagined how I would get on at the controls of an airliner for the first time. In the simulators pilots can simulate different weather conditions, events and scenarios, which allow them to prepare for every conceivable situation. Pictured is the entrance to the Global Learning Academy Could I land one? Could I get one airborne? Now Im about to find out what would happen with me at the controls. The fantasy is about to get a reality check because these machines are incredibly realistic. Let me just underscore this. They are nothing like a computer game. Being in the A350 simulator is exactly like being in a real A350 cockpit. After we enter I plonk myself down in the captains seat on the left well, why not? - and Captain Blythe gives me a quick intro to the aircraft. The aforementioned Primary Flight Display is pointed out. This, explains Captain Blythe, has an artificial horizon, with a brown area representing the ground, a blue area the sky and yellow lines that represent the wings of the aircraft. Next to that is the navigation display, with compass points across the top and a graphic of the aircraft in the middle. The panel above this, Captain Blythe refers to as the automatics - all the buttons for the autopilot. Screens in the middle of the console, meanwhile, can be rotated to show the wheels, the fuel system, the electrics and the hydraulics and so forth. Theres also an electronic flight bag display, which shows all manner of information, including runway maps. All Airbus cockpits are very similar, which makes training pilots transferring from one Airbus type to another that bit easier. My first task is to move my seat into the correct position. It must be optimal. To achieve this you have to position the seat, using buttons to the side that move it forwards and backwards and up and down, so that a little white ball on the overhead panel appears directly behind a little red ball. Once the white ball is eclipsed by the red ball in your line of sight, you know youre in a perfect position. Winging it: Here Ted is banking the aircraft to the 'south coast of England' - and learning that commercial aircraft rarely bank more than 30 degrees Next, I need to adjust the rudder pedals, which are used - unless something goes horribly wrong mid-flight, says Captain Blythe - to steer the aircraft down the runway. I have to release them with a little lever and they come swinging towards me. I then pull a lever and push the rudder pedals away from me to a comfortable distance. Then I need to adjust the armrest to my left to make sure my left hand is in the optimal position for another key bit of kit the joystick (or just the stick, as Captain Blythe says). This is used to make the plane fly up and down pushing forward makes the nose go down and pulling back makes it go up and roll left and right once its airborne. The joystick has a trigger on it that, no, doesnt fire missiles, but allows the pilot to talk to air traffic control (ATC). And theres a red button to the side that selects the autopilot. The next step is to fasten the seat belt. And here I fail miserably, which is a little embarrassing. I end up needing help clipping it in. The pilots are strapped in four ways, from the sides over the lap, over the shoulders and over the groin. I struggle with the clasps. Captain Blythe says that the simulators are so realistic that sometimes even he has to pinch himself Captain Blythe explains that commercial aircraft normally descend to airports on a three-degree glide slope It looks so easy in the movies! I exclaim. Senior First Officer Tahvanainen tells me at this point that the sim has lifted itself about three feet up from where it was when I walked on. I hadnt felt a thing. My A350 I notice, looking out of the window, is sitting on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport. Bizarrely, just to the left of a graphic representation of the flight sim building were in. Captain Blythe says: Right, the first thing well do, is taxi onto the runway. And then once were on the runway I'll give you a quick chat about how to get airborne. And once were airborne I'll give you a quick lesson about how to get on the ground again. Just like that. Steering on the ground is done using a little wheel a tiller by the joystick. It turns the nose wheel, which is beneath the cockpit. There's something a bit War of the Worlds about the row of flight simulators... writes Ted It's no more than the size of a small adult hand and it feels astonishing to me that such a big object is manoeuvred with such a small device. But this is true of every aspect of the flight. I would soon learn that of all the steering devices, this one is the most sensitive. On with the business of rolling the aircraft to the runway. Im told to follow a yellow line round to the left to two flashing lights, which mark the holding point for runway 27R. Im told that ATC would no doubt then let us straight onto the runway. I feel so nervous, I exclaim. My brain is beginning to be convinced that this is a real flight deck. Captain Blythe tells me to pull up the park brake lever to my right and turn it to off. Off it goes. He says that sometimes with a bit of residual thrust the aircraft will start moving at this point, but it doesnt. Here Ted is applying a bit of thrust to get the aircraft moving towards the runway Im told to move the thrust levers in the centre console panel forward about a centimetre to spool up the engines a bit. I can hear the engines now and we move forward. I squeeze the tiller round to the left and round the A350 goes. My pulse, it has to be said, is racing. Oh wow, I exclaim. A word here for any wannabe Airbus pilots the taxiing tiller is extremely sensitive. Ever played Out Run on an arcade machine? A bit more sensitive than that. It feels fast, I say. Even though were really just rumbling gently along. SFO Tahvanainen tells me to move the thrust levers to zero, explaining that itll now taxi on its residual thrust. I veer a bit to the left and right but reach the marker lights at the edge of the runway without any drama. Im told to bring the aircraft to a stop by putting my feet on the rudder pedals and pushing them to the very top, where theres a bar. And then to squeeze my toes forward. Check on finals, says Captain Blythe, looking both ways down the runway. No one there. We can line up. At this point, with the pressure off the rudder pedals, the aircraft starts moving again, on idle thrust. Engineers work on one of the flight simulators. They are in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Captain Blythe says that whether this happens depends on weight and conditions. I then get my excuses in for the steering, explaining that I'm right-handed. And so, therefore, the thrust control will be spot on. Getting her in position is a mite tricky. Its a bit like putting a car into a tight parking space. You have to slightly overshoot then turn very sharply. I make a slight hash of it and swing around past the centre line, but I'm told we can just trundle forward and line up a tiny bit further along. The steering takes quite a lot of getting used to, says Captain Blythe. And here we are, back at the moment of take-off. Watching the video later I notice how tense I look. Before we power down 27R Ive pretty much accepted that its real. Captain Blythe says that sometimes even he has to pinch himself. And that the pilots that train on it get completely absorbed. After we leave the ground I have to reduce the thrust one click to climb power. With everything stable, its time to have a go at just doing some flying. Captain Blythe suggests I do a turn to the left to head off down to the south coast. Typically, he says, wed go to 25, sometimes 30 degrees bank. The first British Airways A350s will enter service in July. They operate with a fly-by-wire system I go from 20 to 30 and the simulator banks accordingly. Thats about as steep a turn as we get in a commercial jet, adds Captain Blythe. The plane operates with a fly-by-wire system. So if you push the joystick to the left, the plane goes left and continues to do so even if you let go of the joystick. It certainly keeps you on your toes. I then test the A350's flight protections. Im told to bank left as hard as I can, beyond 30 degrees. I try but the onboard computer wont let me and corrects it, reducing the banking. A warning alarm sounds as I let go of the stick. These are the safety protections that are built in that make our operating environment safer, says Captain Blythe. He then suggests I try pitching right up by pulling right back on the stick. We start climbing at a very healthy 6,000ft per minute - but were slowing down. However, the computer wont let us stall. The more I pull on the stick, the harder it becomes. Its fun being up here. But now its time to get on the ground. SFO Tahvanainen watches Ted at the controls. He is able to put the aircraft practically anywhere in the world at the flick of a switch - and play god with the weather Permit me one more gulp. Captain Blythe talks me through whats going to happen. Think you could land an airliner? Well, heres how you do it. Just make sure you have a training captain sitting next to you. Were doing 250 knots (287mph) and descending now at 2,000ft per minute and weve got idle thrust set. This, says Captain Blythe, is a fairly typical descent profile. He continues. To go down fast pilots can put up panels on the wings called spoilers, which create drag and make the rate of descent quicker. These are activated using a lever on the central console that I have to push down and pull back. The plane starts rumbling. I also push the nose down. The descent is now 3,000ft per minute. Ted gets to perform a 'go around', when pilots pull up and go around for another go at the landing. For instance if turbulence is too strong or an aircraft hasnt vacated the runway quickly enough in front of them Captain Blythe sets up the final approach so I have the minimum amount to do to get the plane down. He activates the autopilot and inputs the correct heading and vertical speed as we fly over central London. The radio altimeter says 2,500, which means we're 2,500 feet above the ground, a bit lower than a commercial aircraft on approach would normally be at this point. Its show time. Captain Blythe explains that hes set everything up so that the aircraft will lock onto a runway centre line at Heathrow and start to go down a glide path, with the autopilot tracking us in. Well intercept a three-degree glide, he says. We normally make an approach on a three-degree glide slope. Nice and gentle. Next the flaps. These are the bits of flight control services, says Captain Blythe, that come off the back of the wing and change the aerofoil shape and allow us to fly slower. So I move to flaps 2, using a lever to my right. Captain Blythe points out that next to the runway now clearly visible to the left, are four lights, glowing red. Theyre a visual guide for pilots and set to three degrees so that when incoming planes are on the correct three-degree glide, two of them turn white. I move the flaps to flaps 3. Then I put the wheels down, by using a lever on the instrument panel with a little mini wheel at the top. A bit of humour from the Airbus engineers. Down come the wheels, with a clunk. Then we go to the last stage of flaps. Were locked onto the Heathrow ILS, the instrument landing system, which takes us down on the magic three-degree slope. Ted's final landing on runway 27R. At 40ft above the ground thrust goes to zero and the pilot pulls back slightly on the stick And no sweaty palms just yet, because the autopilot is doing everything for us. Which is great, says Captain Blythe. But not for long! Sweaty palms. Now Captain Blythe truly shines and shows just why hes one of BAs top trainers. He teaches me how to bring the aircraft safely down with 1,500 feet of descent to go. He asks me to look at the PFD and note how the aircraft is about 2.5 to three degrees nose up. He says that at 1,000ft the radio altimeter will start reading out our altitude. Youll hear it, he says, read out 100, 50, 40, 30... When you hear 40, he says, close the thrust levers and gently, with the stick, pull back. Probably less than you did for the take-off. Youre only going to come up two degrees, maybe, in pitch. So its a very small movement. And keep it straight. No rudder till youre on the runway. And if you keep the little square over the cross [on the PFD known as the flight director] its going to fly you down. Deep breath. Captain Blythe shows Ted the 'automatics' panel. The buttons on this configure the autopilot I take the autopilot off with two clicks of the red button on the stick. A little beep tells me that Im now in charge. As we come in I mention that I can see cars below. Its just nerves. Im trying to pretend Im relaxed. Captain Blythe tells me to nudge the stick to the left to bring us on to the centre line. Then to the right. The radio altimeter says one hundred above. Cripes. There we go, were nicely back on the centre line, says Captain Blythe. Just keep it wings level. Fifty, forty... Thrust to zero, pull back. A voice says dual input, meaning that Captain Blythe is just tweaking our touch-down. But were down. The real thing: An A350 pictured at an air show in Russia in 2015. Ted can confirm that it's a thrill to fly THE BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIGHT TRAINING CENTRE British Airways Flight Training Centre at the airlines new Global Learning Academy near Heathrow has 16 full-motion flight simulators covering every Airbus and Boeing aircraft type in the British Airways fleet. British Airways near 4,500 pilots, as well as flight crew from dozens of other UK and international airlines, are trained on the state-of-the-art simulators, which are in use 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Pilots can simulate different weather conditions, events and scenarios, which allow them to prepare for every conceivable situation. They can also programme different airports to practice taking off and landing at different locations around the globe. British Airways pilots are put through their paces on the simulators every six months to test their flying skills to the limit. Maintenance for the simulators is provided round the clock by a dedicated and highly experienced engineering team. The visual system on the simulators is controlled by three angled projectors, which create a computer-generated image spanning 180 degrees and has full depth perception. The Flight Simulators are designed to feel just like the real thing. They are Zero Flight Time approved, which means an experienced pilot can go straight from qualifying in a simulator to flying a real aircraft carrying customers. Entering a British Airways flight simulator is the closest you can get to the cockpit of a commercial jet at altitude. British Airways began training its pilots on flight simulators at its Heathrow flight training centre in the late 1950s. Advertisement As we hurtle down the runway I have to hit the right rudder pretty hard and then I momentarily forget how to brake Squeeze the toes forward on the pedals. Ah, yes. And we come to a standstill. Ladies and gentlemen, you may now use your phones but please keep your seat belts fastened. After this, Im given another three goes at landing including one go around. This is when pilots pull up and go around for another go at the landing. For instance if turbulence is too strong or an aircraft hasnt vacated the runway quickly enough in front of them. While this always looks dramatic to the observer, there's no drama whatsoever in the cockpit. I descend on autopilot amid forks of lightning and merely push the thrust forward just before touch-down, which activates the go-around mode. Full power isnt used though. Instead, pilots tend to go one click back on the thrusters so it doesnt seem quite as fearsome to passengers, who may not be used to this procedure. And what of my other two landings? Well, one is a bit rough and as we touch down there is a big jolt. But Captain Blythe charitably tells me hes been involved in worse. And for this one, we use Airbuss groovy brake to vacate system, which applies just the right amount of braking to bring the aircraft to taxiing speed at the exit of choice. My third landing is actually rather good even if I say so myself. In fact, its so smooth that my trainers immediately tell me they didnt do a thing to help me. It has been thrilling to be a BA A350 pilot for an hour and fascinating to experience first-hand the realism of the simulator. Every click and clunk has been the genuine article. And as for Captain Blythe, I can offer these thoughts BAs A350s start flying from July and its pilots will have been trained by a world-class training captain. So if youre lucky enough to be on one in the near future, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. Youre in the best of hands. Travelling is rarely stress-free. But thanks to a new breed of clever carry-ons and backpacks, luggage-related anxiety could be a thing of the past. Suitcases and bags now feature everything from in-built electronic scales to integrated shelving systems and motorised wheels. Even Meghan is a fan. The Duchess of Sussex is said to have given all 17 guests at her New York baby shower in February aluminium suitcases from Away, which come with a hidden laundry bag, 360-degree spinner wheels and USB phone chargers. These clever carry-ons wont make your luggage lighter, but theyre sure to make travelling less arduous. HOP ON BOARD Modobag, 1,150 (modobag.com) Modobag is the world's first motorised carry-on and you can ride on it through the airport The suitcase also comes with two USB ports and a padded compartment for laptops This is the worlds first motorised carry-on. The rideable suitcase features a steering handle, throttle, foot rests and brake and travels indoor at speeds up to 4mph for up to six miles at any one time. The company claims it can get travellers that weigh up to 18st to their destination three times faster than the average airport walking speed. If the embarrassment of riding the suitcase in the airport becomes too much, the carry-on can be pulled like a traditional case. It also comes with two USB ports and a crush resistant padded compartment for laptops. Its available in the UK from next month. ZIPPER-LESS LUGGAGE The Aluminum Carry-On (above) features an 'unbreakable' polycarbonate shell The Aluminum Carry-On, 420 (arloskye.com) This fashionable suitcase has no finicky outer zips and is, instead, sealed with two sturdy combination locks. It is made up of an unbreakable polycarbonate shell with an aluminum frame and a germ- fighting anti-microbial interior lining. It also comes with whisper-quiet wheels, leather handles, an interior compression system and super-fast removable phone chargers. PERSONAL ASSISTANT M5, 320, horizn-studios.co.uk This high-end suitcase comes with one-years access to a personal travel assistant website called Horizn GO. It enables members to book curated trips and provides perks, such as tickets, to sold-out events and complimentary breakfast, late check-outs and room upgrades at 2,000 hotels worldwide. The bag comes in eight colours, including marine green and blue vega, and features a one-click removable phone charger, 360-degree spinner wheels and an aerospace-grade polycarbonate hard shell, so theres no risk of belongings getting crushed. MEGHANS MUST-HAVE The Bigger Carry On, 245, awaytravel.com The Bigger Carry On which Meghan reportedly gave as a gift to her baby shower girlfriends comes in ten colours including pink, blue and green. It features a polycarbonate shell, ejectable phone charger, a combination lock, 360-degree spinner wheels, interior compression system and a hidden laundry bag. The bags can also be personalised with a leather luggage tag engraved with initials. TRUNK THAT TRACKS Aerolite Self Weighing 4-Wheel Suitcase, 62.49, leekes.co.uk Trying to balance a jam-packed suitcase on weighing scales is no fun. But this clever carry-on solves the problem. Featuring a built-in, no-lift weighing scale on the top carry handle, travellers are able to continually check the weight as they pack. The suitcase is made from a durable lightweight hard shell and also features 360-degree spinner wheels. HANDY CLOSET The Carry On Closet 2.0, 170, solgaard.co Neat freak: The Carry-On Closet features an integrated shelving system, which compresses items into the suitcase and can store enough clothes for a five-day trip If youre an organised packer, then this is the suitcase for you. The Carry-On Closet features an integrated shelving system, which compresses items into the suitcase and can store enough clothes for a five-day trip: five T-shirts, a pair of shoes, a jumper, a pair of jeans, and socks and underwear for each day. The bags polycarbonate shell means its virtually indestructible (the firm claims you can sit and jump on it) and it comes with a three-digit combination lock and USB charging port. PACKS LIKE A SUITCASE Setout Backpack, 153, tortugabackpacks.com The Setout Backpack (above) features laptop and tablet sleeves, enough room for clothes for a week, lockable zippers and hip belt pockets for boarding passes and passports Rather than packing from the top like a traditional backpack, often resulting in a jumbled mess of belongings, this bag is loaded from the front just like a suitcase. You then zip it up and carry it like a rucksack. It features laptop and tablet sleeves, enough room for clothes for a week, lockable zippers and hip belt pockets for boarding passes and passport. EASY ON THE WALLET Rock Smart-Lite Carry On, 64.95, rockluggage.com A good option for those on a budget, the Smart-Lite suitcase is made from ultra-lightweight materials. The bag comes in five bright colours and features eight easy-glide wheels, plus an integrated USB port to charge up your phone or tablet. POCKETS FOR EVERYTHING Nomatic 40L travel bag, 206.99, nomatic.com If you prefer to carry your luggage on your back rather than pull, a clever rucksack could be more suitable. This travel bag has compartments for everything, including a laundry bag, book pocket, laptop pocket, shirt organiser, shoe compartment, water bottle pocket, valuables pocket, underwear compartment and toiletries bag. Finding planning that perfect holiday a hassle? The Holiday Guru is here to help. This week Taiwan, budget hotels in Australia and holidays that cater to an interest in Greek mythology are the hot topics. Q A recent TV programme about Taiwan made me interested in the fascinating island. How can I plan a trip? Mr M. W. Belton, Birkenhead. Want a cheap trip to Taiwan? Try Regent Holidays or Travel Republic A selective Asia organises tailor-made holidays. Direct return flights (13 hours, 45 minutes) are from about 700. With three-star hotels, an eight-night circular tour is from 3,000pp, taking in Taipei, the bustling capital (home to the brilliant National Palace Museum), the rugged east coast, Kenting National Park and the remote temples of Alishan (01273 760 001, selectiveasia.com). For cheaper trips, try Regent Holidays (01174 536455, regent-holidays.co.uk) or Travel Republic (020 8974 7200, travelrepublic.co.uk). Q We are flying to Australia, but will spend a few days in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. Will our visa for Australia still be valid? Diane, Edinburgh. A Yes, as long as the visa dates are correct (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas). Q IS there a good budget hotel chain in Australia? C. Throp, Pudsey, W. Yorks. A Ibis has more than 50 hotels in Australia (ibis.accorhotels.com). Rates are from 53. Also try Adina (adinahotels.com.au), Travelodge (travelodge.com.au) and Holiday Inn Express (ihg.com). Q My sons, aged 11 and 14, are fascinated by Greek mythology. Can you please recommend a holiday that caters for their interest? Sian Argyle, via email. A How about a few days in Athens? As well as the Acropolis, theres the Temple of Zeus, the National Archaeological Museum and the Temple of Hephaestus. Golden oldie: There is a smorgasbord of interesting sights in Athens for those who are interested in Greek mythology Return Ryanair flights cost from 159 in July (ryanair.com). Stay at Wyndham Grand Athens (wyndhamhotels.com) for about 100. Further information is at greekgodsandgoddesses.net. WERE HERE TO HELP If you need advice, the Holiday Guru is here to answer your questions and provide tips for your precious time off. Send questions to: holidayplanner@dailymail.co.uk or write to Daily Mail Travel, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT and include your contact details. We will do our best to answer your queries. Please do not send in any original documents. We look forward to hearing from you. The annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show is getting a major makeover. The lavish event, featuring some of the world's top models strutting in its signature lingerie, will no longer air on network television amid plummeting television ratings and increased criticism. In a memo sent to employees, L Brands Chairman and Chief Executive Les Wexner said he 'decided to re-think the traditional Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Going forward we don't believe network television is the right fit.' Major move: Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will no longer air on network television in the wake a drop in ratings and increased criticism (Jasmine Tookes walking the runway during the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show) 'For the past few months, we've said that we are taking a fresh look at every aspect of our business from merchandising, marketing and brand positioning, to our real estate portfolio, digital business and cost structure,' Wexner wrote, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. 'Fashion is a business of change. We must evolve and change to grow.' Instead, Wexner said the company will focus the rest of the year on developing exciting and dynamic content and a new kind of event 'in ways that will push the boundaries of fashion in the global digital age.' Transforming: In a memo to employees, Chief Executive Les Wexner said he decided to 're-think the traditional Victoria's Secret Fashion Show,' and that 'going forward we don't believe network television is the right fit (Alessandra Ambrosio L and Bella Hadid R) Plaid's enough: Gigi Hadid walked the 2018 Victoria's Secret Fahion Show in a quirky plaid outfit Here she comes: Candice Swanepoel worked the 2017 VS Fashion Show runway The annual event has attracted hundreds of celebrities, high-profile entertainers and performers each year. It's also helped boost the careers of a slew of supermodels like Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bunchen, Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima all of which were part of the exclusive Victoria's Secret Angels. The show started as a webcast in 1999 and then made transition to network television on ABC in 2001. It aired on CBS much of its history before switching back to ABC last year, which saw the one-hour show hit a new ratings low of 3.3 million total viewers; the program had a robust 10.4 million at its ratings height in 2011. Catwalk queen: Gisele Bundchen, pictured in 2005, was among the supermodels involved in the show's history Supermodel struts: 'We are taking a fresh look at every aspect of our business,' Wexner added ; Adriana Lima, pictured in 2001, was a major star on the catwalk The VSFS has faced increased backlash over the years. Some critics have called the televised production pornographic, while others described it as outright commercialism and an infomercial. No fines were ever imposed by the FCC, but ABC went as far as to blur the screen on models wearing particular sheer lingerie. More recently chief marketing officer of L Brands, Ed Razek, faced backlash when he said he didn't think the show should include transgender models during an interview with Vogue last year. He would go on to apologize and say he would 'absolutely cast a transgender model.' Sales of the company's bras have also dipped in recent years, posting a 3% decline in comparable sales in the 2018 holiday quarter which typically sees a sales boost. She knows how to work tricky trends both correctly and well. And on Friday, Mila Kunis stepped out in Los Angeles, casually clad in a double denim look. The mother-of-two kept warm against the cool breeze in a shearling-lined coat paired with a set of dark skinny jeans. Stylish yet comfortable: On Friday, Mila Kunis, 35, stepped out in Los Angeles, casually clad in a double denim look Mila, 35, layered her jacket over a gray T-shirt. The former That '70s Show star capped off her casual look with a set of black sneakers. The Ukrainian star looked to let her natural beauty shine through as she appeared to wear very minimal make-up. Layering up: The mother-of-two kept warm against the cool breeze in a shearling-lined jacket paired with a set of dark skinny jeans Since July 2015, Mila has been married to her That 70s Show co-star, Ashton Kutcher, 41. The began dating in April 2012. The duo are parents to daughter Wyatt born in 2014, and son Dimitri, born in 2016. Prior to their relationship, Mila was in a long-term relationship with Macaulay Culkin from 2002 until winter 2010. Her publicist revealed their split in January 2011. Ashton was married to ex-wife Demi Moore from September 2005 until November 2013, when their divorced was finalized Beautiful: The Ukrainian star looked to let her natural beauty shine through as she appeared to wear very minimal make-up She and Ashton met when she was just 14. The duo played love interests on their show, yet never felt anything for the other. 'Yep, in the show (we kissed), with no feelings whatsoever,' she began, in an interview with comedian Marc Maron, according to Today. 'It's the weirdest story that nobody believes, but it's the god's honest truth. There was nothing there, and it was like ... whatever.' The two eventually fell for each other, but did not date. 'We never dated. Let me be clear, Ash and I hooked up. Literally, I did a movie called Friends With Benefits, he did a movie that was very similar, No Strings Attached. We lived our movies out.' Gillian Anderson was left visibly shaken after a man approached her car and banged on the window as she left the Noel Coward Theatre on Friday evening. The actress, 50, was rushed out of the venue by security who flanked her on either side while she entered her car following her latest performance of All About Eve. Once the X Files star was inside the vehicle, an unknown man walked up and hit the window with his hands before being dragged away by a bodyguard. Unsettled: Gillian Anderson was left shaken following her latest performance in All About Eve on Friday after a man approached her car As he banged on the window, the man appeared to be saying something to Gillian but was stopped as a guard ran up and restrained him. The actress could be seen looking in the opposite direction and avoiding eye contact as the person tried to get her attention during the incident. MailOnline have contacted Gillian's representatives for comment. Traumatic: When the X Files star was inside the vehicle, an unknown man walked up and banged on the window before being dragged away by a bodyguard Trying to get her attention: As he banged on the window, the man appeared to be saying something to Gillian Protected: Prior to the incident, Gillian was seen being flanked by two bodyguards as she headed to her car The actress is currently joining Lily to tread the boards in new stage adaptation of the 1950s classic All About Eve. Gillian plays legendary Broadway star Margo Channing, whose career is threatened by her number one fan Eve, portrayed by Lily. As ruthless and ambitious as she is beautiful, Eve has to contend with cynical theatre columnist Addison DeWitt on her rise to the top. Meanwhile, Gillian recently reflected on how her latest role struck a chord with her because she feared she would be 'forgotten' as she aged. Stopping him: A guard ran up to the man and restrained him Moving in quickly: Gillian's security team were quick to stop the man in his tracks Calling out: The man could be seen shouting out at Gillian Looking away: The actress could be seen looking in the opposite direction and avoiding eye contact as the person tried to get her attention during the incident The actress said ageing was 'completely traumatic' as she mourned the death of her youth in a recent interview with British VOGUE magazine. She told the publication: 'Theres a sense of being forgotten as you age, of becoming invisible when your currency has no value anymore. 'If you watch yourself on film, there is a certain point you see yourselfchange. Its arresting. It can either be completely traumatic or something that instigates a shift of consciousness towards thinking about whats important. Performance: Gillian is currently joining Lily to tread the boards in new stage adaptation of the 1950s classic All About Eve Getting up close: The man could be seen with his face up close against the glass Getting ready to go: Gillian seemed keen to make her way home 'But you have to go through that trauma first, to mourn.' Gillian's role hit a nerve with her because her character Margo begins to fade into the background as new rising star Eve takes on the parts she would have got. The X Files star has big shoes to fill as she takes over from screen legend Davis, while co-star Lily James' role was played by Anne Baxter in the original film. Done for the night: After putting on a great show, Gillian was ready to get back Chic: The actress wore an all-black suit as she departed the theatre Helping hand: Bodyguards were close at hand to assist Gillian if anything took place Attention to detail: Gillian carried her personal items in a black handbag that complemented her ensemble Stylish: The actresses blonde hair was slicked back into a Pompadour style All About Eve received a total of 14 Academy Award nominations, winning six Oscars in total including Best Film, and remains the only film in history to receive four female acting nods. Directed and written by Belgian experimental artist Ivo van Hove, the play features music by PJ Harvey, set and lighting by Jan Versweyveld, costume design by An DHuys and sound design from Tom Gibbons. Completing the cast in the highly anticipated production are Monica Dolan, Ian Drysdale, Tsion Habte, Jessie Mei Li, Julian Ovenden, Sheila Reid, Rhashan Stone, Stanley Townsend and Philip Voyzey. Instagram star Tammy Hembrow is known for her sensational curves, which she regularly showcases on social media. But on Saturday, the 25-year-old star came under fire for curves of a different kind in a racy Instagram snap. Flaunting her toned midriff in a white bralette and matching trousers on a balcony in Miami, the star was accused of a Photoshop fail as she pushed her windswept pink hair out of her face. Can YOU see what's wrong with this photo? Instagram bikini model Tammy Hembrow, 25, got mercilessly mocked by fans who accused her of a clumsy Photoshop fail on Saturday Eagle-eyed fans were drawn away from the star's sizzling washboard abs to the side of the snap, which saw a seemingly-curved truck. One fan was quick to call the star out on the photo: 'Gurl, that truck lookin a little wonky.' Another fan added: 'Why is the roof of that truck so mangled?' 'Gurl, that truck lookin a little wonky': A number of fans called out the 'mangled' looking roof of the truck - but it got a mixed response from the star's fans The comments continued thick and fast, with another fan of the stunner writing: 'Lamo, the truck roof, yikes.' Tammy, however, did have some supporters, with one die-hard fan saying it was the natural curve of the balcony's glass. '[It is] because you're looking through curves glass obviously?' before adding the hashtag #refraction. A person in the racy snap also appeared to be duplicated, with it attracting less attention from the social media star's fans. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Tammy for comment on this story. Optical illusion: A number of fans pointed out the curved roof of a truck pictured, while a person appeared to be duplicated in the background of the snap This isn't the first time Tammy has been accused of 'photoshopping' her racy snaps, with fans noticing an abnormality back in January. Eagle-eyed fans pointed out that the tiling on either side of the beauty, who was posed beside a pool, was strangely curved. In the photo, Tammy sits on a low-sitting tiled wall, flanked on either side by the clear water of a pristine pool. Strange? The 24-year-old lashed out after eagle-eyed fans noticed that the tiling on either side of the beauty was strangely curved She wears a skimpy pink bikini, arm raised and fondling her blonde hair, showing off her famous figure. But the tiling leading up to the blondes's hips and derriere appears strangely curved, leading to speculation that some digital wizardry was involved. One person wrote: 'I love the hell outta her but why are the tiles so bent?' while another commented: 'Photoshop Level 3000'. Others asked if the photo was 'edited' due to the curvature of the tiles. Hard work! Tammy is known to work hard on her fit physique, and recently discussed her workout routine in Women Fitness magazine Tammy hit back at the speculation in the caption alongside the photo, writing: 'Before another person comments on how the tiles are 'Photoshopped' plz take another look and realise the tiles curve because they curve into what I'm sitting on She added: 'Lol it's literally how the pool is. I post plenty of vids of my bod if u wanna check up on it.' Tammy is known to work hard on her fit physique, and recently discussed her workout routine in Women Fitness magazine. Appearing on the cover of the publication, the fitness fanatic revealed her workout philosophy is: 'slow and steady wins the race.' She landed her first big international gig with lingerie giant Victoria's Secret, walking in their show for the first time last year. And Alannah Walton, 18, revealed that she now takes a more relaxed approach when it comes to prepping for big runway shows. 'I used to make sure I was in the gym every day and my skin was 100 per cent my focus. Now it's 80 per cent focus. I try and keep it more relaxed now,' she told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday. 'I try to put less pressure on myself': Victoria's Secret model Alannah Walton, 18, (pictured) said she no longer spends hours in the gym every day to prepare for runway shows. Pictured: 2018 Victoria's Secret Show in New York City The blonde beauty explained that walking for Victoria's Secret has given her the confidence she needed in what is an infamously superficial industry. 'I know who I am as a person and I know what I stand for now,' she said. 'Someone's opinion of you can obviously affect your judgement of yourself. I now have that confidence from within.' 'I used to make sure I was in the gym every day and my skin was 100 per cent my focus. Now it's 80 per cent focus. I try and keep it more relaxed now,' she told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday Last year, she told Daily Mail Australia how incredibly grateful she was to take to the runway with more seasoned models. 'It rarely ever happens,' Alannah said, of booking the lingerie giant's annual show as her first international gig. 'I'm so grateful to have been chosen by Victoria's Secret for my first international casting... the amount of people that are about to see me on the runway,' Alannah gushed. Blessed: Last year, she told Daily Mail Australia how incredibly grateful she was to take to the runway with more seasoned models The IMG model, who only relocated to New York from Australia, one week before castings, went on to describe the experiencing of meeting the Victoria's Secret Angels for the first time. 'When I went to the second call back, I walked in and saw all of the big names. Girls I've looked up to my whole life. It definitely made me a little more nervous because I know how hard they try, and I know the level of their careers,' Alannah said. 'However once I booked the show, I knew that deep down there was a reason for me being in the show and that I deserved it. I'm so excited to be on the level of the girls I've looked up to my whole life,' she added. She is one of Britain's most critically acclaimed actresses. And Naomie Harris looked every inch the film star as she was joined by Natalie Dormer and a host of other famous faces at a dinner celebrating the ABB Formula E Monaco E-Prix aboard a private yacht on Friday. The Moonlight star, 42, donned a black sleeveless dress with a thigh-high leg slit and a purple shimmering embellishment. Guest: Naomie Harris looked every inch the film star at a dinner celebrating the ABB Formula E Monaco E-Prix aboard a private yacht on Friday She added height to her frame with a pair of heels and accessorised with a diamond necklace and matching bracelet. Joining her was former Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer, 37. The pair looked in high spirits as they posed for a snap together, with Natalie wearing a long-sleeved black dress with a pleated finish. Also at the event was model David Gandy, 39, actor Luke Evans, 40, and Toby Huntington Whiteley, the younger brother of model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 28. Pals: Joining her was former Game of Thrones star Natalie Dormer who wore a long-sleeved black dress with Maria Black earrings Fast and Furious actor Rick Yune was another guest at the luxurious bash. Naomie recently revealed she's glad Phoebe Waller-Bridge is on hand to write Bond 25 as she'll 'ramp-up' the representation of women in the spy thriller. Speaking at the GQ Hereos Summit, she said: 'Phoebe Waller-Bridge is going to ramp up the female perspective on Bond 25. 'The Bond of old, his days are numbered,' she concluded, suggesting that the writer will shake up what's come to be expected of the character. Party: Also at the event was model David Gandy and actors Luke Evans and Rick Yune Style: The Moonlight star donned a black sleeveless dress with a thigh-high leg slit and a purple shimmering embellishment Group: Luke Evans sported a navy blazer with a striped top and camel trousers for the evening Dapper: Rick Yuna cut a casual figure in a black blazer with a navy shirt and matching jeans Event: Natalie posed for a snap alongside fellow guests Oliver Cheshire, Colin Dack and Tony Huntington-Whiteley alongside Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag Naomie is set to reprise her role as Eve Moneypenny in the flick, which will also mark the final time Daniel Craig takes on the role of James Bond. Phoebe has consistently impressed with her writing talent, with her shows Fleabag and Killing Eve taking the world by storm in recent years. The latest film sees Bond living a tranquil live in Jamaica after leaving active service before Felix turns up asking for help in a mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist. The fierce mission turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. Oscar winner and Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek has been brought on board to play the villain in the upcoming film. Blonde beauties: Tamara Beckwith and Valeria Mazza posed on deck Emmerdale's Maya Stepney looks set to unleash her fury on teen lover Jacob Gallagher when she discovers his secret betrayal next week. The villainous character, portrayed by Louisa Clein, is currently on the run with Jacob (Joe Warren-Plant) after their shock affair was exposed. But as the two plan their new lives together, Maya discovers Jacob's secret plan with step-dad David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) after he begins to develop a conscience over their actions. Angry: Emmerdale's Maya Stepney looks set to unleash her fury on teen lover Jacob Gallagher when she discovers his secret betrayal next week Next week, the couple plan their future in Newcastle after being hauled up in a hotel together. But as Maya heads out for supplies, Jacob receives a phone call from a worried David, who has been left panic-stricken after being notified that the teen hadn't shown up for his GCSE exam. Apologising for his harsh words he said after discovering the affair, David begs Jacob to meet up so they can discuss things face-to-face. Still feeling guilty about the whole situation, Jacob agrees - but will that be a decision he may come to regret? Shock: The villainous character, portrayed by Louisa Clein, is currently on the run with Jacob (Joe Warren-Plant) after their shock affair was exposed Jacob in danger? Desperate to appease his manipulative older girlfriend, Jacob smashes up his mobile phone, thus cutting off any contact with his family Maya soon discovers his secret plan and is left seething with rage. Desperate to appease his manipulative older girlfriend, Jacob smashes up his mobile phone, thus cutting off any contact with his family. Happy with the result, Maya pulls him into a hug and smiles sinisterly, but the reality of his actions soon begin to sink in. With everything to lose if the police catch up with her, how far will Maya go to ensure she doesn't meet her downfall? Still alive: The action follows an explosive flashback episode on Tuesday night, in which fans learned that Maya had survived her explosive showdown with Leyla Harding The action follows an explosive flashback episode on Tuesday night, in which fans learned that Maya had survived her explosive showdown with Leyla Harding, and was hiding in a hotel after Jacob came to rescue her. After calling Jacob, he came to her rescue before the pair journeyed to a hotel, as the entire episode consisted of flashbacks from the fateful night out two weeks earlier. On the run: Happy with the result, Maya pulls him into a hug and smiles sinisterly, but the reality of his actions soon begin to sink in At odds: After Maya was rescued by Jacob, she appeared to be plotting her escape, after soap bosses teased she would get her comeuppance for the crime It's about time! It comes as Jacob's dad David finally learned the truth about his son's abuse, as he finds out the teen failed to turn up for his GCSE exams Jacob's family thought he is in Portugal visiting his former stepmother Alicia, but as he returned home, David (Matthew Wolfenden) finally learned the truth about his son's abuse. Emmerdale continues weekdays at 7pm on ITV. Wrong: Her abuse was exposed last month when she and Jacob are caught kissing outside the nightclub She's the daughter of showbusiness legends Patti and Bert Newton, husband to former Olympic swimmer Matt Welsh and a doting mother-of-five. And Lauren Newton, 40, has revealed the surprising advice that her famous mother gave her and Matt on raising a family. According to Lauren, Patti said that a family needs one stay-at-home parent to be successful. The perfect mix: Lauren Newton, 40, (right) has revealed her famous mother Patti (left)has taught her and Matt how to balance their busy work and personal lives (Lauren's children Monty, Eva and Lola pictured left to right) 'It doesn't work if both of us are busy. Mum taught me someone had to make that choice - they couldn't both be off chasing their dreams,' she told BW Magazine. Newton currently fronts the Mumcation campaign by Crown Metropol Melbourne which encourages mothers to step away from their parenting responsibilities. 'I've taken on a bit of work recently, but I'm mindful that it won't take me away for too long and it has to be something that fits in with my family life,' she added. More the merrier: The Newtons welcomed their fifth child Perla (centre being held by Lauren) in January Doting grandpa! Bert, 80, smiles as he poses with four of his beloved grandchildren The Newtons welcomed their fifth child Perla in January - joining sons Sam, 11, and Monty, three, and daughters Eva, nine, and Lola, seven. Lauren, who is known for presenting advertorials on Channel Nine's Mornings with Kerri-Anne, also mentioned that Lola and Monty are already showing off their showbiz genes to Bert, 80, by playing entertaining games with him. Earlier this month, Patti, 74, Lauren, Eva and Lola looked every bit the happy family as they enjoyed the opening night of Barnum The Circus Musical. Balancing act: 'It doesn't work if both of us are busy. Mum taught me someone had to make that choice - they couldn't both be off chasing their dreams,' Lauren (right with Matt in 2009) said Patti stunned in a chic ensemble consisting of a gorgeous velvet coat in a bronze leopard print. Lauren, meanwhile, flashed a smile wearing black pants, a black blouse and a multi coloured bomber jacket on top. Eva wore an eye-catching leopard-print fur coast while Lola sported a pink jacket and a cute floral dress. They have become quite close after their nuptials were only a few weeks apart. And Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas looked like a tight family unit as they were spotted in New York City on Friday. Priyanka, 36, and Nick, 26, held hands as Sophie, 23, and Joe, 28, followed their lead during the afternoon Big Apple outing. Family affair: Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas looked like a tight family unit as they were spotted in New York City on Friday Daring to impress, Priyanka commanded attention as she wore a plunging purple gown that highlighted her ample cleavage. Her trademark raven tresses were left long and loose as they cascaded over her shoulders with a part in the middle. Sophie gave a leggy display as she wore a simple white shirt dress that cut high on her toned thighs. Meanwhile, Priyanka thought Joe and Sophie surprise Las Vegas wedding last week was 'on brand' for the carefree couple. Follow the leader: Priyanka, 36, and Nick, 26, held hands as Sophie, 23, and Joe, 28, followed their lead during the afternoon Big Apple outing Impressive: Daring to impress, Priyanka commanded attention as she wore a plunging purple gown that highlighted her ample cleavage 'That was so fun. It was so fun! It's like, trust them to do that,' the actress spilled during an interview with Access on Wednesday. And she revealed her cute nickname for the newlyweds: 'And it's so Jophie, I call them Jophie. That is Jophie!' The impromptu ceremony took place after the Billboard Awards in Las Vegas on May 1st at Chapel L'Amour inside A Little White Wedding Chapel. Hair story: Her trademark raven tresses were left long and loose as they cascaded over her shoulders with a part in the middle Leggy lady: Sophie gave a leggy display as she wore a simple white shirt dress that cut high on her toned thighs with a pair of white trainers and socks by MOTHER It was officiated by an Elvis Presley impersonator and cost $600. 'It was really funny. We were at the Billboards. Joe I think had this idea that he wanted to do this. But we were at the Billboards and he had these little black cards that we all got,' Priyanka continued. 'We were randomly inviting our friends, like people that we met. We were like, 'alright, we're going to set up this wedding now, we're going to the chapel right from here, and please arrive, please arrive.' On brand: Meanwhile, Priyanka thought Joe and Sophie surprise Las Vegas wedding last week was 'on brand' for the carefree couple Details: It was officiated by an Elvis Presley impersonator and cost $600 Quad squad: The couples looked happy to be with each other Married bliss: The couple got married in a lavish wedding in India 'We had Diplo, Khalid, they were really sweet, they arrived. Diplo Instagram Live-d the whole thing, it was awesome,' she added. In the clips, Joe, 29, is seen waiting at the altar before Sophie, 23, enters and walks down the aisle in a white veil and jumpsuit and gold Gucci mules. The celebrity couple, who started dating in 2016, and announced their engagement in October 2017, tied the knot in front of loved ones and fellow Billboard Music awards attendees. Sister-in-laws: The fun loving gals laughed together after their event Newlywed bliss: Joe and Sophie looked loved up as they held each other's hands In one clip, Sophie repeats the words: 'I thee wed.... and I love you... and I thank God He gave me you.' Other notable couples who have eloped at the same Vegas venue include Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow, Paul Newman & JoAnn Woodward and Rita Hayworth & Dick Haymes. Sophie, who has played Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones for eight seasons, confirmed she was dating Joe in January 2017, when she shared an Instagram picture of the Camp Rock star smoking a cigar while on a boat. Good times: 'That was so fun. It was so fun! It's like, trust them to do that,' the 36-year-old gorgeous actress spilled during an interview about the nuptials that took place after the Billboard Awards in Las Vegas on May 1st at Chapel L'Amour Quick plan: 'It was really funny. We were at the Billboards. Joe I think had this idea that he wanted to do this. But we were at the Billboards and he had these little black cards that we all got,' Priyanka continued Joe, Nick and brother Kevin meanwhile have graced three separate covers of Wonderland magazine for the currently available summer issue. The brothers all wore Fendi for their cover shoots for the magazine. They spoke in an article about their journey as a trio, recent reunion and the challenges they've faced. Vows: In one clip, Sophie repeats the words: 'I thee wed.... and I love you... and I thank God He gave me you' They married in an intimate ceremony last year at their $1.125million property on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. And on Saturday, former Olympic swimmer Lisa Curry celebrated her one-year wedding anniversary with her Elvis impersonator husband Mark Tabone. Lisa, 56, shared a cute photo from their special day as the pair posed for a loved-up photo on a vintage convertible. Scroll down for video Loved-up: On Saturday former Olympic swimmer Lisa Curry (left) celebrated her one-year wedding anniversary with her Elvis impersonator husband Mark Tabone (right) 'One year anniversary today and more in love than ever ... my beautiful husband I love you,' she wrote in the gushing post. Lisa looked every bit the beautiful bride in a pink wedding gown in the throwback photo, with her bridal headpiece flowing back over the car's bonnet. Mark, meanwhile, wore a dashing black suit and waistcoat - accentuated with an open-neck white shirt and a white flower on his lapel. Their wedding was a star-studded affair, with Bachelor in Paradise couple Keira Maguire and Jarrod Woodgate in attendance. Happy couple: Their wedding this time last year (pictured) was a star-studded affair, with Bachelor in Paradise couple Keira Maguire and Jarrod Woodgate in attendance Glowing: Lisa looked every bit the beautiful bride in a pink wedding gown as she walked out on her wedding day with her son Jett Kenny Cute pair: Lisa, who was previously married to former Ironman Grant Kenny, and Mark first confirmed their relationship in 2015 Model and former Miss Universe Australia Tegan Martin and comedian Julia Morris were also guests at the wedding. The newlywed pair then jetted off to India for their romantic honeymoon, showing their love in a touching snap of them at the Taj Mahal. Since the happy day, the pair have been quick to share their love for each other. Mr and Mrs: Since the happy day, the pair have been quick to share their love for each other Last month was no exception as Lisa declared 'Oh how I love this man' in a heartwarming Instagram post. 'Do you tell your man or your girl you love them ... randomly ... when they are least expecting it?' she wrote on April 25. Lisa and Mark first confirmed their relationship in 2015. Lisa was previously married to former Ironman Grant Kenny - with whom she shares three children. Sophie Turner has finally revealed the truth about Game Of Thrones' hilarious coffee cup blunder, as she stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday. The actress, 24, admitted she wasn't responsible for the on-screen gaffe which saw a takeaway coffee cup appear in a scene from Sunday's episode of the HBO series. Sophie's outing also came after she recently tied the knot with singer Joe Jonas in a surprise Las Vegas ceremony. At last! Sophie Turner has finally revealed the truth about Game Of Thrones' hilarious coffee cup blunder, as she stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday Oops! Fans were left in hysterics when they spotted a takeaway coffee cup in a scene from the HBO fantasy epic on Sunday Sophie was grilled about the blunder after husband Joe made a surprise video call during the show, demanding to know the truth about the mistake. The video message was set up by host Jimmy Fallon as a burning question from one of her 'biggest fans' - who was then revealed to be Joe. After appearing on-screen, the hitmaker played coy as he asked his wife: 'Hi Sophie! I'm Joe Jonas and I'm your biggest fan!' Reveal the truth: Sophie cut a chic figure in a red jumpsuit as she made the late night appearance, where Jimmy revealed he had a question from one of her 'biggest fans' Burning question: The fan was then revealed to be her new husband Joe Jonas, who demanded to know the culprit of the coffee gaffe Look at this: Pointing to a photograph of the scene, Sophie insisted it must have been her co-star Emilia Clarke, as she was sat alongside the cup Playful: The actress quipped: 'Well... look who is right by the cup... obviously it was Emilia [Clarke]' After pointing to a photo of the cup, Sophie quipped: 'Well... look who is right by the cup... obviously it was Emilia [Clarke].' Sophie also spoke about her surprise marriage to Joe during her late night appearance, as the couple had stunned fans by exchanging vows at the Billboard Awards in Las Vegas on May 1st at Chapel L'Amour inside A Little White Wedding Chapel. As Jimmy mentioned Sophie's wedding at the beginning of the interview, she excitedly punched the air in triumph. The service was officiated by an Elvis Presley impersonator and cost just $600. Elated: During her late night appearance, Sophie also punched the air in triumph after Jimmy spoke about her surprise wedding to Joe in Las Vegas Screen star: The British TV star was on the show to also promote her role in X Men Dark Phoenix, which is released in the US on June 7 The celebrity couple, who started dating in 2016, announced their engagement in October 2017, and it has been reported they are still planning a lavish wedding in France. Jimmy also showed a picture of the cute couple from the 2019 Met Gala on Monday as they dressed alike in glittering ensembles for this year's theme of 'camp'. 'I kept finding glitter in my bellybutton,' Sophie joked. Sophie's appearance came after Emilia herself sent fans into a tailspin as she appeared to hint she might be responsible for the on-screen cup gaffe. Taking to Instagram, the actress 32, referenced the editing blunder by sharing a snap of herself holding a similar looking cup while on set with co-stars Peter Dinklage and Jason Momoa. Look at that! Sophie's appearance came after Emilia herself sent fans into a tailspin as she appeared to hint she might be responsible for the on-screen cup gaffe My cup runneth over: The cup bore more than a passing resemblance to the one that was erroneously left in shot during Sunday's episode Was it her? Game Of Thrones fans had previously joked that it was Sophie Turner's character Sansa Stark who was responsible for the gaffe Captioning the image, she wrote: 'Did I just stumble upon the truth here?! The cup bearer does not drinketh the Starbucks tea...' With Momoa also present on set the actress was quick to mention that her former screen husband - who was killed off during the show's first season - would not be making an unexpected return for the finale. 'oh and this aint a spoiler just a lost wanderer coming home for a mid filming cuppa...' she added. Scheming all along: Taking to Twitter to share hilarious memes, they joked that Sansa was the 'real coffee cup culprit' and had set Daenerys up Game Of Thrones fans had previously joked that it was Sophie's character Sansa Stark who was responsible for the gaffe. Sharing an image of herself beside Lyanna Mormont star Bella Ramsey, Sophie was seen holding a coffee cup that seemed to match the offending item. Taking to Twitter to share hilarious memes, they joked that Sansa was the 'real coffee cup culprit' and had set Daenerys up. Now you see it: Game Of Thrones bosses have ordered the coffee cup that made a surprise appearance in a scene from the most recent episode be edited out for streaming and catch-up Jokes: The official GOT Twitter poked fun at the blunder by tweeting - 'News from Winterfell. The latte that appeared in the episode was a mistake. Daenerys had ordered an herbal tea' Game Of Thrones bosses have since ordered the coffee cup be edited out for streaming and catch-up. It will now no longer appear in the episode when watched on services such as HBO Go, Sky, Now TV or when it's released on DVD. The official GOT Twitter poked fun at the blunder by tweeting: 'News from Winterfell. The latte that appeared in the episode was a mistake. Daenerys had ordered an herbal tea.' Fans were left in hysterics on Sunday night when they spotted the gaffe, and flooded Twitter with a sea of hilarious memes. There's bean a mistake: The hilarious GIFs appeared to be never-ending following Sunday night's episode Jon and Daenerys appeared oblivious to the cup, placed on one of the hall's long trestle-tables, as their raucous celebrations kicked off the episode. But the gaffe was not lost on eagle-eyed viewers, who promptly expressed their disbelief on social media. Taking to Twitter, one wrote: 'So this is where we're at now! A Starbucks cup!' While another joked: 'If thats Danys Starbucks coffee I feel bad for the barista who has to write her name on the cup.... hand must be cramping.' Twitter is coming: The comments were inevitably followed by a flurry of hilarious memes 'I missed the story arc where dany discovers pumpkin spice lattes,' wrote a third. Another fan dismissed claims that the cup had been Photoshopped onto the scene for comical effect, writing: 'It isnt I just rewatched the scene on hbo now is that a candle or something wtf.' (sic) The blunder comes as season eight gears up for a dramatic climax at Kings Landing over the course of its final two episodes. Game of Thrones continues on HBO in the US, and is screened simultaneously at 2 AM on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK, on Sunday night. Gigi Hadid should start thinking of new passwords. The 24-year-old star's Twitter account on Friday was hacked, and the hacker flooded the feed with a series of racist tweets. Among the shocking and racially-charged tweets included the phrase, 'Yall n***** on some other s***,' 'I wish Germany won WWII' and the statement 'Hitler did nothing wrong.' The latest: The Twitter account of Gigi Hadid, 24, was hacked on Friday and the hacker flooded the feed with a series of racist tweets The A-list model subsequently took to Instagram to clear up any confusion, writing, 'Hope it goes without saying ... my Twitter was hacked.' The hacker also posted a link to a separate account inviting followers to a 'meet and greet,' and got political with the message, 'I'm voting for @realDonaldTrump best president ever. (The latter statement might have been a dead giveaway to those in the know, as Hadid has past been outspoken about her opposition to Trump's immigration polices - including his efforts to institute a travel ban, and the policy calling for separating parents and their children at the border.) Late Friday, Hadid's Twitter account was all cleaned up, and the 5ft10 catwalk queen was appreciative of her followers not making any assumptions. 'Secured my Twitter, folks. Thanks for rallying for me,' she said. 'Joke's on the hacker ... I don't use Twitter DM's.' Hoax: The hacker posted a number of shocking and racially-charged tweets Clearing things up: The A-list model subsequently took to Instagram to clear up any confusion, writing, 'Hope it goes without saying ... my Twitter was hacked' All worked out: Hadid's Twitter account was later cleaned up, and the 5ft10 catwalk queen was appreciative of her followers not making any assumptions Aside from hacker hoaxes, the model has past been outspoken when entangled in controversial incidents linked to racism accusations. In February of 2017, she was seen in an Instagram Stories clip pulling her eyes back while holding up a cookie in the shape of Buddha. She subsequently issued an apology over the post on the popular Chinese social networking site Weibo. 'It hurts me to hurt anyone,' she said. 'I want you all to know that it was never my intent to offend anyone through my actions and I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt or felt let down by me.' Gigi said she has the 'utmost respect and love for the people of China' and cherished her past visits there. Past: Hadid apologized after a clip in February of 2017 when she was seen in an Instagram Stories clip squinting while holding up a cookie in the shape of Buddha Clearing things up: In May of 2018, she issued an apology after some said her Vogue Italia cover, shot by fashion photographer Steven Klein, resembled blackface In May of 2018, she issued an apology after some said her Vogue Italia cover, shot by fashion photographer Steven Klein, resembled blackface. Gigi explained: 'The bronzing and photoshop is a style that S Klein has done for many years and I believe was what was expected from the shoot (to show me in a different way creatively). BUT, although I understand what Vogue Italia's intentions were, it was not executed correctly, and the concerns that have been brought up are valid.' She told her fans 'that things would have been different if my control of my situation was different,' offering an apology over the misunderstanding. 'Regardless, I want to apologize because my intention is never to diminish those concerns or take opportunities away from anyone else, and I hope this can be an example to other magazines and teams in the future. The sister of celebs Bella and Anwar Hadid had a banner outing earlier this week as she made a splash at the Met Gala, donning a head-to-toe metallic catsuit from Michael Kors with a matching cap from designer Stephen Jones. She claimed on Friday her 'desperate' ex-boyfriend Dan Webb has been secretly inundating her with calls begging to see her again. But on Saturday Jessika Power took a step back from the very public fallout of her Married At First Sight relationship as she visited a nail salon in her pyjamas. Her Melbourne trip also comes after Dan passionately kissed model Vanessa Sierra on Thursday. Scroll down for video Treat yourself: On Saturday Jessika Power took a step back from the very public fallout of her Married At First Sight relationship with Dan Webb as she visited a nail salon in her pyjamas Wearing a pink top and striped bottoms, the aspiring model, 27, tied her back using a red scrunchie and walked out towards her car in black slip-on sandals. She looked somewhat downcast as she wore a pair of black sunglasses to complete her casual look, while holding a black clutch in her left hand. Once at the salon, Jessika was in higher spirits and appeared to be enjoying a conversation as a member of staff attended to her nails. Relaxing: Jessika was in high spirits at the salon and appeared to be enjoying a conversation as a member of staff attended to her nails More downcast: The aspiring model, 27, looked slightly more glum as she tied her back using a red scrunchie and walked out towards her car in black slip-on sandals Understated: She wore a pair of black sunglasses to complete her casual look, while holding a black clutch in her left hand The former reality star also passed the time on her phone - and at one point seemed to use the device to film a selfie video of herself. Her night-time attire-themed jaunt comes after Dan sent a clear message to Jessika this week as he packed on the PDA with French-Australian starlet Vanessa. Dan, 35, proved he'd well and truly moved on from Jessika as he passionately kissed a bikini-clad Vanessa, 24, during a steamy boat trip on the Gold Coast. Autumnal scene: Jessika is used to wearing eye-catching lingerie ensembles but on Saturday went for a more simple look Context: Her Melbourne trip comes after Dan passionately kissed model Vanessa Sierra on Thursday Former flame: Jessika hit back on Friday when she shared screenshots of 12 calls from someone saved on her phone as 'Dan' with Daily Mail Australia Dan and Vanessa didn't seem to care who was watching as they kissed and canoodled on the boat's sunroof. Jessika hit back on Friday when she shared screenshots of 12 calls from someone saved on her phone as 'Dan' with Daily Mail Australia. Alongside the screenshot showing calls with 'Dan', Jessika also offered a screenshot of a text message which she claimed is from him. In it, she writes: 'Tell your mate Telv [Williams] I never said he was trying to call me and to stop using me name to keep relevant he's an embarrassment to himself.' Dan replies: 'Call me,' to which she fires back, 'Definitely not.' Dan then asks, 'U can't have an adult convo?' and Jessika replies, 'You aren't an adult. You're scum.' The Married At First Sight pair started a relationship on season six of the show after they both controversially left their respective 'husband' and 'wife' to be together. They met at drama school NIDA and have been friends ever since. And on Thursday, actors Hugo Weaving and Keith Robinson looked to be catching up on old times. The pair dressed casually and enjoyed a bite to eat at Sydney's Rushcutters Bay Park. Long-time friends: Actors Hugo Weaving (back) and Keith Robinson enjoyed a casual outing at Sydney's Rushcutters Bay Park on Thursday Hugo, 59, layered up in a navy shirt, light wash jeans and a darker denim jacket on top. He added brown suede boots to the look and concealed his gaze behind tinted sunglasses. Enjoying the crisp air, Hugo pushed Keith around in his wheelchair, as they made their way to a cafe in the park. Casual: Hugo, 59, wore a navy shirt, light wash jeans, a darker denim jacket on top and brown suede boots Coordinating style: Hugo, who has starred in Lord of the Rings and Captain American, concealed his gaze behind tinted sunglasses Mannerisms: At one stage, Hugo placed his hands in his pockets and appeared to be deep in thought Keith, 55, wore a mustard top, an abstract dress shirt left undone, loose-fit pants and brown slippers. The theatre star added aviator sunglasses, a burgundy linen scarf and a trendy white fedora. The pals no doubt had plenty to talk about, having studied drama at NIDA in the eighties. They go way back: Hugo and Keith have been friends since the eighties, having both studied drama at NIDA Attire: Keith, 55, wore a mustard top, an abstract dress shirt undone, loose-fit pants and brown slippers Details: Keith added aviator sunglasses, a burgundy linen scarf and trendy fedora Following their graduation, the pair went on to perform with Sydney's Belvoir Theatre. Keith's acting career was put on hold in 2006 when he was diagnosed with rare autoimmune disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The condition, which causes rapid-onset muscle weakness, has seen Keith in a wheelchair ever since. Diagnosis: Keith's acting career was put on hold in 2006 when he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome Loss of movement: The condition, which causes rapid-onset muscle weakness, has seen Keith in a wheelchair ever since Working up an appetite: During the outing, the pair enjoyed a bite to eat at a cafe He returned to the stage in August 2016 for Belvoir Theatre's production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in August 2016, Keith said that he never imagined ever acting again. 'It's taken me a long time to even feel OK about being seen in a wheelchair, let alone act again - just in terms of my identity or my masculinity,' he said at the time. 'I wanted to carry around a sign saying 'I'm Not Sick'. I feel fine, I'm just knobbled, not disabled,' Keith added. She put on a glamorous display during the Met Gala in NYC earlier this week. But Irina Shayk, 33, opted for a low-key look when she popped out to grab a smoothie in Santa Monica, California, on Friday. The model showed off her slim frame in a pair of grey sport leggings and a Jean Paul Gautier printed sweater. Casual: Irina Shayk, 33, opted for a low-key look of grey leggings and a jumper when she popped out to grab a smoothie in Santa Monica, California, on Friday Continuing to be causally-clad she stepped out in a pair of box fresh white trainers. Irina covered her make-up free face in a pair of black sunglasses and adorned her ears with gold hooped ear rings. Flaunting her phenomenal bone structure, the Russian native pulled her hair off her face in a slick ponytail. Irina's time running errands is worlds away from her wowing at one of the most highly anticipated fashion events on the celebrity calendar earlier in the week - the Met Gala. Sporty: The flawless model showed off her slim frame in a pair of grey sport leggins and a sweater printed with the designer name Jean Paul Gautier on the front Laid-back: Continuing to be causally-clad she stepped out in a pair of box fresh white trainers Bradley Cooper's girlfriend upped the glamour as she attended the fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in a fitted ensemble, which had a plunging neckline and elaborate jewellery to show off a glimpse of her cleavage. Giving her look an operatic vibe, Irina's ensemble had elaborately puffy sleeves that matched her full length gloves to add a chic touch to her ensemble. Her brunette locks were slicked back into a dramatic ponytail, and she wore light touches of make-up to highlight her natural beauty. Stunning: Bradley Cooper's girlfriend upped the glamour as she attended the fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on Monday Chic: Giving her look an operatic vibe, Irina's ensemble had elaborately puffy sleeves that matched her full length gloves to add a chic touch to her ensemble Irina, who was without her beau at the event, was sure to turn heads as she posed up a storm on the pink carpet in black sandals, proving why she is one of the most sough after models in the world. Bradley and Irina first began dating in 2015 after meeting at the Met Gala that May, with the actor moving into the model's apartment in New York City in November of that year. They welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Lea De Seine, in March 2017 in Los Angeles. Tommy Little has shown his softer side. The Hit Network radio host arranged the most amazing surprise for a 13cabs driver in time for Mother's Day this Sunday. In footage shared to the station's social media pages on Friday, the 34-year-old reunited Dhruv with his mother Peenu, who lives in India. How sweet! Hit Network radio host Tommy Little [far back], 34, arranged for a 13cabs driver to be reunited with his mother, in time for Mother's Day on Sunday In the video, Tommy greeted Dhruv at the airport, with the cab driver assuming he was was there to transport the comedian. However Dhruv was lost for words when it was revealed Tommy had in fact arranged for his mother Peenu to fly to Australia from India. Peenu, who lives three hours north of New Delhi, explained to Tommy how Dhruv is a 'mummy's boy' and finds the separation very difficult. Emotional: Taxi driver Dhruv was at a loss for words when he arrived at the airport only to be reunited with his mother Peenu, who lives in India Dhruv's wife Renu echoed the same thoughts, revealing how her husband would 'cry like a baby' while away from his mother. Dressed in his signature check work shirt and trousers, Dhruv walked towards his mother inside the terminal and embraced her tightly. Mother and son shed tears, having reunited in time for Mother's Day on Sunday. Sweet embrace: Mother and son embraced inside the terminal and shed tears 'We thought we'd surprise you and give you the best Mother's Day ever,' a heartfelt Tommy told Dhruv. Fans of the radio station were quick to praise Tommy for his efforts, with one writing on Facebook: 'This is the best thing ever!' Tommy began his career as a stand-up comedian in Melbourne, and by 2014 had joined the panel on Channel Ten's The Project. He also co-hosts a weekday radio show on the Hit Network with Carrie Bickmore. It was put on hold last year during the presenter's break from television while he entered rehab. And Ant McPartlin appeared in very good spirits as he returns to his TV roles and shot scenes for his new DNA Journey show with Declan Donnelly in New York City earlier this month. The Geordie presenter, 43, put on a giddy display with his co-host, 43, as they grabbed a coffee in the popular American city. Filming: Ant McPartlin appeared in very good spirits as he returns to his TV roles and shot scenes for his new DNA Journey show with Declan Donnelly in NYC earlier this month While Ant was later spotted puffing on his vape as he took a break from filming scenes with Dec and made a phonecall, no doubt to his girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett. The duo were seen walking the streets of the city's Lower East Side as they later spoke to a man who appeared to give them a picture of their family tree. Ant looked stylish for the filming scenes in a pair of denim jeans, a grey and red chequered shirt and a blue blazer style coat. Meanwhile Dec looked equally as dapper in a pair of dark jeans, a white shirt and a navy jumper over the top. Fun times: The Geordie presenter, 43, put on a giddy display with his co-host, 43, as they grabbed a coffee in the popular American city Break time: While Ant was later spotted puffing on his vape as he took a break from filming scenes with Dec and made a phonecall, no doubt to his girlfriend Anne-Marie Corbett NYC: The duo were seen walking the streets of the city's Lower East Side as they later spoke to a man who appeared to give them a picture of their family tree Filming for Ant and Dec's DNA Journey was put on hold in 2018 after Ant stepped down from all his TV commitments following a drink drive incident which saw him fined 86,000, a rehab stint and his divorce from ex-wife Lisa Armstrong. At the time, a source told MailOnline: 'The show has been put on hold whilst Ant steps down from his TV work - not because it features scenes of drinking.' Ant had filmed the ancestry show with long-standing TV partner Dec, on location in Ireland prior to the car crash in March 2018. Stylish: Ant looked stylish for the filming scenes in a pair of denim jeans, a grey and red chequered shirt and a blue blazer style coat Dapper: Meanwhile Dec looked equally as dapper in a pair of dark jeans, a white shirt and a navy jumper over the top Put on hold: Filming for Ant and Dec's DNA Journey was put on hold in 2018 after Ant stepped down from all his TV commitments following a drink drive incident Tough 2018: The incident saw him fined 86,000, a rehab stint and his divorce from ex-wife Lisa Armstrong The pair are understood to have traced their own family trees back to Country Leitrim, where they visited Irish pubs in Wynnes Bar in Drumkeeran and Frank Davitts bar Drumshanbo. However, after putting the difficult year behind him and his rehab stint, Ant looked happy and healthy as he returned to the filming duties with Dec in New York City earlier this month. It is believed that the 90-minute programme will look into both Ant and Dec's family tree with scenes taking place in both Ireland and New York City. Source: At the time, a source told MailOnline: 'The show has been put on hold whilst Ant steps down from his TV work - not because it features scenes of drinking.' Jetsetters: Ant had filmed the ancestry show with long-standing TV partner Dec, on location in Ireland prior to the car crash in March 2018 The show is set to air in Autumn, with ITV chief Kevin Lygo telling Digital Spy: 'They test their DNA then go and find relatives they didn't know about. 'It's not just, "Ghengis Khan was your great great grandfather", it's this village here in Ireland contains relatives you don't know about from just two generations back.' Ant also made a return to Britain's Got Talent earlier this year, leaving his fans in tears over his return to the television screen. He's back: However, after putting the difficult year behind him and his rehab stint, Ant looked happy and healthy as he returned to the filming duties with Dec in NYC earlier this month She often stuns on glamorous red carpets with her daring ensembles. But Charlotte McKinney opted for a more reserved look on Friday as she attended the annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The Baywatch bombshell, 25, dazzled in a glittering gold gown as she walked the orange carpet at the fundraiser dedicated to the treatment and 'ultimate cure' of multiple sclerosis. Demure: Charlotte McKinney, 25, opted for a reserved look on Friday as she attended the annual Race to Erase MS Gala at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles Her gorgeous mini dress featured a demure Sabrina neckline with three-quarter sleeves and a long sash draping from her hip. Charlotte paired the sheer gown with black ankle-strap heels with gold detailing on the toe, selected by stylist Siena Montesano. The model wore her sleek golden locks curled gently around her shoulders and opted for a smoky eye for the occasion. Gorgeous: The Baywatch bombshell dazzled in a glittering gold gown as she walked the orange carpet at the fundraiser Glam: Charlotte's gorgeous mini dress featured a demure Sabrina neckline with three-quarter sleeves and a long sash draping from her hip Charlotte was joined at the event, which raises cash for the The Center Without Walls scheme, by Rumer Willis, 30, and Delilah Belle Hamlin, 20. Kris Jenner, 63, was also spotted arriving at the coveted gala with her beau Corey Gamble. In March, Charlotte paid a visit to sunny Fiji where she joined an amazing cast to star in the remake of Fantasy Island. Golden: The model wore her sleek golden locks curled gently around her shoulders and opted for a smoky eye for the occasion New project: In March, Charlotte paid a visit to sunny Fiji where she joined an amazing cast to star in the remake of Fantasy Island Also, the model-turn-actress revealed she had signed with Select Model Management in London so she will be spending more time in the UK this year. Recently, Charlotte admitted her picture-perfect Instagram profile isn't a true reflection of what her life really is like. The social media influencer has garnered the attention of 1,400,000 admirers with her montage of racy swimwear snaps. Stylish: Charlotte paired the sheer gown with black ankle-strap heels with gold detailing on the toe, selected by stylist Siena Montesano Guests: Charlotte was joined at the event, which raises cash for the The Center Without Walls scheme, by Rumer Willis (left) and Delilah Belle Hamlin (right) She told Marie Claire in February: 'Social media is an interesting part of life, and it's not all it looks like from the outside. 'Instagram is just an outlet to exude this image of what you deem as a perfect life. 'Just because someone has a following, doesnt mean they are successful or happy. Instagram, sadly, doesnt do the justice of showing all the hard work in your career.' With many supermarkets encouraging consumers to cut down on plastic, some shoppers are getting very creative. None more than rapper Jesse Sunset, who has found a novel way to save the environment - by using an old Louis Vuitton shopping bag to carry his groceries. The 30-year-old re-purposed the designer paper bag, which once held pricey leather goods, at his local supermarket in Hollywood, California, with a video of the mundane chore going viral on Instagram. That's thrifty! Rapper Jesse Sunset (pictured) recycled a Louis Vuitton shopping bag to carry his groceries and the 'hack' went viral last week Several popular Instagram accounts, including the VFiles, LouisVuittonClub, ThisIsScala and many others, shared the amusing clip, with the luxury hack wracking up hundreds of thousands of views. In the viral video, Jesse, who is known for his quirky YouTube hits such as Surf With A Knife and Fosters in My Starbucks, loads up the iconic shopper tote with a bread stick and some deli products. The Australian-American dual citizen looks suitably relaxed in a pair of neon pink Gucci shorts and a white tank top. Saving the planet! In the viral video, Jesse, who is known for quirky YouTube hits such as Surf With A Knife, loads up the iconic shopper tote with a long bread roll and some deli products Pro-tip! Several popular Instagram accounts shared the amusing clip, wracking up hundreds of thousands of views for the luxury hack The shopping trip comes after the blonde performer used his wife Ashley as a 'weed tray'. In a photo shared to Instagram last month, the gold-toothed rapper handled marijuana while bikini-clad Ashley, 22, posed on all fours in front of him. 'She's my own personal weed tray,' Jesse captioned the photo. Handy! It comes after the blonde performer used his wife Ashley as a 'weed tray'. In a photo shared to Instagram last month, the gold-toothed rapper handled marijuana while bikini-clad Ashley, 22, (pictured) posed on all fours in front of him Happily ever after! Jesse announced he married Ashley in a Las Vegas chapel in December last year. He wore a Louis Vuitton velour tracksuit on his special day Needing some encouragement? Jesse had told his followers that if he received 100 comments on an Instagram post, he and Ashley would 'actually get married' in Las Vegas The state of California, where Jesse has lived for several years, legalised the recreational use of marijuana on January 1, 2018. In December, Jesse announced that he and Ashley had married at a 24-hour wedding chapel in Las Vegas. Jesse is the son of respected Australian journalist Terry Willesee. Britain's Got Talent hopeful Colin Thackery has vowed to win the show so he can honour his late wife Joan three years after her death. Speaking to The Mirror, the Chelsea pensioner, 89, said he wants to perform in front of The Queen, after spending 25 years serving in the 45th Regiment of the Royal Artillery. Colin's audition will also be a surprise reunion with judge David Walliams, as a source exclusively told MailOnline that pair briefly met last year. Determined: Britain's Got Talent hopeful Colin Thackery has vowed to win the show so he can perform in front of the Queen Sweet: The Chelsea Pensioner, 89, told The Mirror his late wife Joan would be 'delighted' to see him take to the stage. She passed away three years ago after more than 60 years of marriage Colin served in the Royal Artillery for 25 years and went to war in Korea just two weeks after marrying Joan. The war hero lost some of his hearing after coming under attack, but has continued to sing well into his later years, and is the oldest contestant to audition this series. When asked what his wife would think of his audition, Colin said: 'Joan had a very good alto voice. In fact, we both sang together in an operatic society. She would have been highly critical, if I'd done anything wrong. 'She was a typical northern girl, they don't say a lot, but they think a lot. But she would have been delighted.' Proud: Colin is the oldest contestant to audition for BGT this series, and still continues to sing despite losing some of his hearing during his time in armed forces Heroic: The war hero served in the Royal Artillery for 25 years and went to war in Korea just two weeks after marrying Joan A source has also told MailOnline that fans will see David Walliams' surprise as Colin take to the stage, as the pair briefly met last year. They said; 'David had no knowledge of Colin auditioning prior to him appearing on stage, he had met Colin and had a brief chat whilst researching for his book. 'David was delighted to see Colin and was blown away by his voice, he had no idea he could sing.' Fancy seeing you here! A source has also told MailOnline that fans will see David Walliams' surprise as Colin take to the stage, as the pair briefly met last year (above) Determined: The veteran said he would 'die happy' if he won the chance to perform for Her Majesty, after spending 25 years serving her David visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea to speak to the Chelsea Pensioners in August 2018 as part of research for his book, and even posted the meeting on Twitter. Colin had two children and four grandchildren with Joan, and they lived together in Norwich until her death The veteran - who now lives at the Royal Hospital Chelsea with the Chelsea Pensioners - added: 'I served her for 25 years, I'd love to sing to [The Queen]. If I did, I would die happy.' Elated: Of course it remains to be seen whether the judges will give Colin the long-awaited four yeses Unusual: Also set to appear on the show is 71-year-old Russell T Bird, whose performance it seems will spark some interest from Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon Superstars: Teen group Chapter 13 will hope to become the nation's next big boy band Also set to appear on the show is 71-year-old Russell T Bird, whose performance it seems will spark some interest from Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. Brotherhood will offer yet more scares to an already spooky series, while Chapter 13 will hope to become the nation's next big boy band. The Kronos Girls will display some showstopping moves, while Ben Hart will offer some extra mystique to the auditions. Britain's Got Talent continues on Saturday 11th May at 8pm on ITV. Spooky: Ben Hart will offer some extra mystique to the auditions, while Brotherhood continue the run of scary performances this series The World's Hottest Grandma has amassed more than 140,000 fans on Instagram thanks to her raunchy photos. But now Gina Stewart claims that she's been 'shadow-banned' by the social media giant. The ban is believed to be the result of a change in Instagram's community guidelines in order to crack down on 'inappropriate' and 'sexually suggestive' content. 'It's a form of censorship!' The World's Hottest Grandma Gina Stewart, 48, claims to have been shadow-banned by Instagram Instead of permanently removing somebody from a website, some social media users believe a shadow-ban still allows them to post freely, but makes their content and profile harder to find. It's believed that a shadow-banned account on Instagram won't appear in any searches unless the entire username is typed in, nor will the account appear in any hashtag searches. Instagram has in the past denied the existence of shadow-bans. 'Instagram has targeted my account': Believing she's been the victim of a shadow-ban, Gina took to Instagram to share a fiery post defending herself Believing that she is the victim of a shadow-ban, Gina took to Instagram to share a fiery post defending herself against what she sees as unjust censorship. 'This is something that not many people know about but it's a form of censorship,' she wrote. 'Instagram has targeted my account, my account has followed the guidelines and the Instagram rules,' she continued. 'My account is tasteful and artistic, glamorous and reflects that older woman can be beautiful. Life is not over once you turn 40.' Free the nan: 'My account is tasteful and artistic, glamorous and reflects that older woman can be beautiful,' Gina told her fans. ' Life is not over once you turn 40' The mother-of-four then pointed out that she's generated traffic for the social media site thanks to her celebrity profile in the mainstream media, on top of raising money and awareness for charitable causes. 'I have generated a lot of traffic for Instagram over the past year throughout world press. I have raised money for cancer research, raised thousands and helped Jared Allen's Home For Wounded Warriors.' She continued: 'I have also personally raised money for my sick friend who suffered a stroke and couldn't cover the bills or look after her young teenage boys.' Doing good? 'I have generated a lot of traffic for Instagram over the past year throughout world press,' the blonde boasted Gina entered the modelling world early last year by competing in a competition for Maxim magazine in a bid to win a cash prize to help her best friend. 'I'm just hoping to raise awareness for stroke victims,' she told Daily Mail Australia at the time. Shadow-banning has been a hot topic in the media since last year, when U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Twitter was shadow-banning prominent Republicans. She's currently starring as Ann Deever in the star-studded production of All My Sons. And Jenna Coleman took some time out of her hectic schedule to appear on Graham Norton's BBC Radio 2 on Saturday. The Victoria star, 33, looked effortlessly chic in a blue plisse dotted ruffle skirt with a black long-sleeved top. Busy bee: Jenna Coleman took some time out of her hectic schedule to appear on Graham Norton's BBC Radio 2 on Saturday She layered the ensemble with a biscuit coloured floor-length tailored coat with a ruffled neckline. Jenna finished her look with white trainers, a black Gucci belt and orange coloured sunglasses. The Cry actress styled her brunette locks into a blow-dried hairdo, she added a slick of make-up. Jenna is currently starring as Ann Deever in the star-studded production of All My Sons at The Old Vic theatre in London. Chic: The Victoria star, 33, looked effortlessly chic in a blue plisse dotted ruffle skirt with a black long-sleeved top Details: She layered the ensemble with a biscuit coloured floor-length tailored coat with a ruffled neckline The actress is performing alongside Sally Field, Bill Pullman and Colin Morgan. The play is based on a true story about a businessman who caused the deaths of 21 pilots when his firm sold faulty engines to the air force. Jenna stars in the play alongside Sally and Bill, who play husband and wife Kate and Joe Keller, and Colin as their son Chris. Chic: Jenna finished her look with white trainers, a black Gucci belt and orange coloured sunglasses A week ago, the cast all joined together for an after party following the opening night held at the Ham Yard Hotel in London. The final performance of All My Sons will take place at the Old Vic Theatre on June 8. Patrick Marmion for the Daily Mail gave it three stars out of five, adding: 'It has a harrowing sense of its characters going to hell in a handcart. For an audience, it can feel like were going to need to buckle up if were to make it home for Horlicks. Play: Jenna is currently starring as Ann Deever in the star-studded production of All My Sons at The Old Vic theatre in London (pictured) 'Im not sure I ever felt much troubled by Jeremy Herrins stellar new production featuring Sally Field, Jenna Coleman, Bill Pullman and Colin Morgan. 'Each of these impressive actors seems capable of delivering a mighty performance but equally there are times when they feel like they are doing their own private turn.' All My Sons continues at the The Old Vic, London. She has starred as Arya Stark in Game of Thrones since she was 12 years old. And Maisie Williams was spotted puffing on a vape on Tuesday as she moved on from her childhood role with new film project The Owners. The New Mutants star, 22, looked far from her best-known character as she arrived on set in a green Ford Fiesta ahead of filming scenes for the 1990s-inspired thriller. New project: Maisie Williams was spotted puffing on a vape on Tuesday as she moved on from her childhood role with new film project The Owners Maisie wore an oversized, light wash denim jacket and off-white cargo trousers as she waited to be called onto the rural set in the UK. The actress also carried a red velvet-look backpack as she debuted a new strawberry-blonde hair colour for the Julius Berg-directed flick. She was later seen speaking through the window of a mud-splattered red car ahead of a scene in which she appeared in conversation with another actress. Touch-up: The New Mutants star, 22, looked far from her best-known character as she arrived on set in a green Ford Fiesta ahead of filming scenes for the 1990s-inspired thriller Back to work: Maisie wore an oversized, light wash denim jacket and off-white cargo trousers as she waited to be called onto the rural set in the UK Maisie will star as Mary in the film, which is based on a comic - Une Nuit de Pleine Lune - by Belgian artist Hermann Huppen, BBC America reported. The Owners follows childhood friends Nathan and Terry, who are talked into robbing the isolated home of an elderly doctor and his wife by a dangerous new friend. Maisie's character Mary is the girlfriend of Nathan - the sole voice of reason in the ill-fated plan - who is left fighting for her life in a game of cat and mouse when the owners suddenly return home. Tired? The actress also carried a red velvet-look backpack as she debuted a new strawberry-blonde hair colour for the Julius Berg-directed flick Action! Maisie was later seen speaking through the window of a mud-splattered red car ahead of a scene in which she appeared in conversation with another actress Character: Maisie will star as Mary in The Owners, which is based on a comic, Une Nuit de Pleine Lune (Night of the Full Moon), by Belgian artist Hermann Huppen Also starring in the psychological thriller are Sylvester McCoy, Rita Tushingham, Ian Kenney, Andrew Ellis and Jake Curran. Maisie's appearance on set comes after the Earlyman star revealed she had to wear a 'strap' across her chest to 'reverse puberty' whilst filming Game of Thrones. The actress explained that growing up on the HBO series came with it's own challenges. Most notably, the star admitted when she hit puberty she had to wear an uncomfortable strap to keep her chest flat whilst her character was 'pretending to be a boy'. Plot: The Owners follows childhood friends Nathan and Terry, who are talked into robbing the isolated home of an elderly doctor and his wife by a dangerous new friend Danger: Maisie's character Mary is the girlfriend of Nathan, who is left fighting for her life in a game of cat and mouse when the owners suddenly return home Co-stars: Also starring in the psychological thriller are Sylvester McCoy, Rita Tushingham, Ian Kenney, Andrew Ellis and Jake Curran She told US show 60 Minutes: 'I mean, there was a few seasons in the middle where I had to wear, like ... like, a strap just to reverse puberty for the first few years while Arya was pretending to be a boy.' But after a while, Maisie, who has been on the show since it's premiere in 2011, outgrew the garment and so producers gave her a 'chubby belly' to even out her frame, and she says the whole process didn't 'feel good'. She added: 'And then it got to the point where the strap was no longer working. So, I was about 15, right, and he gave me, like, this little, chubby belly. So it would, like, even out the playing field quite. Past role: Maisie's appearance on set comes after the Earlyman star revealed she had to wear a 'strap' across her chest to 'reverse puberty' whilst filming Game of Thrones Game of Thrones: The actress explained that growing up on the HBO series came with it's own challenges She said: 'I mean, there was a few seasons in the middle where I had to wear, like ... like, a strap just to reverse puberty for the first few years while Arya was pretending to be a boy' 'And then ... yeah, I was about 15 years old. Like, I kinda just want a boyfriend, honestly. I don't wanna wear this. This doesn't feel good.' Now that Maisie's character has 'evolved', she no longer has to wear the uncomfortable additions to her costume. She told host Anderson Cooper: 'Yeah, but I think for the most part, we were allowed... our characters to evolve. 'I remember, I guess, like, season season six is when Arya gets her new costume, I think. And I remember I walked into my trailer one morning and there was a little bra and it was very exciting. I was like, I don't have to wear the strap anymore.' Evolved: Now that Maisie's character has 'evolved', she no longer has to wear the uncomfortable additions to her costume On set: Maisie speaks to another actress on set ahead of filming a scene for thriller The Owners She's the high-flying catwalk star who has gone on to land a string of Hollywood roles. But Jessica Gomes wasn't always the model student according to her mother, Pay Yuen. Speaking to this weekend's Sunday Telegraph, she revealed she had been 'having a problem' with her daughter at school. 'I got calls from teachers saying she was disrespectful!' In an interview on Saturday, Jessica Gomes' mother claimed the model was a rebellious student and a 'problem at school' 'I would often get phone calls from the teachers saying, "Jess is disrespectful and is always talking",' Pay admitted. 'I remember once when she was in high school I got a phone call from the teacher complaining about her and I said, "this is Jess, what do you want me to do? I know my daughter, I live with her".' The model has always been open about her admiration for her mother, who graduated as a registered nurse at 63. Inspiring: The 30-year-old said she had been inspired by her mother's unrelenting drive (Jess and her mother are pictured with Kanye West) And back in 2016, Jessica claimed her mother's unrelenting drive inspired her to pursue a career in movies. 'My mum has always been my biggest supporter,' she said. 'Even when I said I am going to focus more on film, she said "yes, you could win an Oscar and really be a trailblazer for Asian actors out there".' 'You are my rock': At the age of 63, Pay Yuen graduated from university as a registered nurse The David Jones ambassador has in the past told of the challenges of being brought up in Perth as a mixed race child, saying there 'weren't many other Eurasian' girls in her peer group at the time. Meanwhile, Jessica's mother once has described her pride for her daughter, recalling when she left home for New York to pursue a modelling career when she was just 17. In an interview with Perth Now she said: 'In the earlier stages, our family never stopped worrying about her... [but] we are very proud of her.' He's set to marry his Vanderpump Rules co-star Brittany Cartwright this summer. And ahead of the nuptials, Jax Taylor indulged in not one but two Bachelor parties over the past few days, with more nights in Miami still to come. The 39-year-old commissioned The Hollywood Roosevelt as the home base for the soiree and shared the whole experience with his 905K followers. Scroll down for video Back for more! Jax Taylor revealed that he 'couldn't remember' what had happened during his bachelor bender with Lance Bass, as he partied with his boys ahead of wedding to to Brittany Cartwright 'Thank you to all my friends that could make it out to my LA bachelor party, what an epic epic night from what I can remember, saw so many faces last night, its amazing how many great guys I have met in LA in the last 15 years!!' he captioned the post. 'Been through hell and back with all of you and I love you all so much, you are my brothers and you always will be!!! Missing a few, but I know they wanted to be here, so we decided to do another one in Miami for those guys!!! ( like we needed an excuse to go to Miami).' 'I love you all and now I need a new liver!!!' he continued. Sending his thanks: 'Thank you to all my friends that could make it out to my LA bachelor party, what an epic epic night from what I can remember, saw so many faces last night, its amazing how many great guys I have met in LA in the last 15 years!!' he captioned the post Look who's here! Among his mates that came out was Lance Bass Big night: One shot saw many dollar bills left all over the ground With videos showcasing the decor, including a sign reading 'Same Vagina Forever' and blow up female dolls, he also gave his pals a shutout for their 'attention to detail'. 'Thanks for putting Golden Girls on for me last night when I went to bed, who ever did that. Attention to detail, thats why I fricking love you guys!!!' Speaking with E! News, Jax dished on some of the activities they got up to. 'We had a blast last night- round two is tonight!' he said on Friday. 'We went around town in a party bus, I have the best friends a guy could ask for. I'm lucky... Miami is next for my friends that couldn't make it. Can't wait!' Joining in on the bender was Lance Bass, who took to Instagram to pose with the groom-to-be. Time to party! Joining in on the bender was Lance Bass, who took to Instagram to pose with the groom-to-be Dressed to impress: In the boy's hotel room there were blow up dolls who appeared to be wearing sneakers The next day: The kitchen saw endless amounts of bottles and cups Not toe self: A sign reading 'Same Vagina Forever' was also displayed above his bed 'Yes I got Jax boob candles for his bachelor party,' he wrote. And it appears to have been a good night for the boys, with the reality star taking a selfie wearing shades in the morning. 'What happened last night!!! #jaxdiditwright next up Miami round two!!!' he captioned. He also showcased the entire pool area filled with empty bottles and red plastic cups. Friday saw boss Lisa Vanderpump dish on Jax and said she hoped he stayed faithful to ladylove Brittany. Seeing the sights: The boys took a party bus around Los Angeles Rest and recover: It appeared as though Jax's friends all enjoyed a sleep in on Friday Thoughtful friends: A cake was delivered with a play on a Men's Health cover 'I hope [he'll stay faithful]. I really do,' she said. 'Who knows if anyone is going to stay faithful, but I think he realizes how lucky he is,' she told Us Weekly. Over the past seven years, many of Jax's storylines have involved his party boy ways and wild accusations. Lisa added that she believed he was out of his playboy era and doing better than ever. Brittany added: 'I see him every single day making efforts and he's completely changed the way he treats me, the way he talks to me, the way he listens to me. Every single thing about our relationship is better.' 'I know how much he's wanting the wedding and how much he's wanting to marry me, how much effort he's putting into the wedding, just as much as me. Jax and Brittany got engaged in June 2018 and are preparing for an upcoming Summer wedding. Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong will reportedly have an awkward reunion at the TV BAFTA Awards on Sunday night. The make-up artist, 42, and the presenter, 43, are both nominated for awards, and The Sun reported on Saturday that they could face each other on the red carpet. Ant, who is now dating their former PA Anne-Marie Corbett, and his stage partner Declan Donnelly are up for two awards for Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, while Lisa's show Strictly Come Dancing has also been given a nod. Split: Ant McPartlin and his ex-wife Lisa Armstrong will reportedly have an awkward reunion at the TV BAFTA Awards on Sunday night (pictured at the awards together in 2015) According to the publication, Lisa is expected to attend the awards show in order to support the programme, which is up for Best Television Programme against Saturday Night Takeaway, Britains Got Talent, and Michael McIntyres Big Show. MailOnline has contacted Lisa's representatives for comment. Lisa was granted a divorce from the Britain's Got Talent presenter during a 30-second hearing at the Central Family Court in October last year. The I'm a Celeb host and his teenage sweetheart had been together for 23 years and married in 2006 but announced the end of their marriage in January last year. Possible: Lisa was granted a divorce from the Britain's Got Talent presenter during a 30-second hearing at the Central Family Court in October last year (Lisa, pictured at the BAFTAs Craft Awards last month) Nominated: Ant and Declan Donnelly are up for two awards for Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, while Lisa's show Strictly Come Dancing has also been given a nod The former flames first met in Newcastle in 1994 before exchanging vows at a stunning country house in Buckinghamshire, in 2006. Following their split, it was revealed that Ant was dating former PA and mother-of-two Anne-Marie Corbett, 42. Speaking at the time about his new relationship Ant told The Sun: 'Anne-Marie honestly is the fundamental reason for the great change in my life. 'She's been my rock. She's a beautiful soul. We're very happy.' Happier times: The I'm a Celeb host and his teenage sweetheart had been together for 23 years and married in 2006 but announced the end of their marriage in January last year Moving on: Following their split, it was revealed that Ant was dating former PA and mother-of-two Anne-Marie Corbett, 42 Meanwhile, Ant's BGT co-stars have told of their delight at 'the family' being back together as the presenter returns for the new series. The star took a step back from his work commitments following his arrest for drink-driving in March last year, and his presenting partner Dec hosted the live Britain's Got Talent shows alone. Judge Alesha Dixon said of Ant's return: 'It's been like getting the family back together, it just feels normal. We've been working together for so long now that when we're together it just feels right.' Ant and Dec are celebrating 30 years of working together this year after first appearing on TV screens in teen drama Byker Grove. George R. R. Martin confessed to feeling 'a little sad' that there aren't more seasons of Game Of Thrones to faithfully adapt his A Song Of Ice And Fire series in full. The author, 70, spoke candidly about his thoughts on the series coming to an end in an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine in April, which was published after the first two episodes of the eighth season were released. And the creative mind behind the fantasy juggernaut told the publication that he'd have preferred it if the show did 'it exactly the way [he] did', but understood that the showrunners and actors couldn't be expected to sign on to a show for that long. Emotional: George R. R. Martin admitted he felt 'a little sad' Game Of Thrones won't have more seasons to faithfully adapt his A Song Of Ice And Fire series, in an interview released in April He explained: 'You know, its complex. Im a little sad, actually. I wish we had a few more seasons. But I understand. 'Dave [Benioff] and Dan [Weiss] are gonna go on to do other things, and Im sure some of the actors were signed up for like seven or eight years, and they would like to go on and take other roles.' While he admitted he wasn't 'angry or anything like that', George did explain that having his prose adapted for the small screen has sometimes been 'traumatic' due to conflicting creative visions that resulted in 'a lot of conflict'. George went on to add: 'The series has been not completely faithful. Otherwise, it would have to run another five seasons.' Sad farewell: The creative mind behind the fantasy juggernaut said he'd have preferred it if the show did 'it exactly the way [he] did', but understood the reason behind it ending The author is currently working on the sixth book in the series titled The Winds Of Winter, which will then be followed by the franchise's final novel A Dream Of Spring. But that's not all, as George is also on hand to assist HBO with their many spin-off shows, which will follow a wide range of different stories and periods from his books. Earlier this month he admitted the subscription-only channel is planning to capitalise on the shows enormous popularity by developing a handful of shows set within the sprawling Game Of Thrones universe. 'We have had five different Game Of Thrones successor shows in development (I mislike the term "spinoffs") at HBO, and three of them are still moving forward nicely,' he told fans in a personal blog post. High hopes: George went on to add, 'The series has been not completely faithful. Otherwise, it would have to run another five seasons' 'The one I am not supposed to call The Long Night will be shooting later this year, and two other shows remain in the script stage, but are edging closer.' While the author was careful not to reveal plot details, he did admit his latest book, a complete chronological history of the show's fictional House Targaryen, might offer some clues. 'What are they about? I cannot say,' he wrote. 'But maybe some of you should pick up a copy of Fire And Blood and come up with your own theories.' Game of Thrones continues on HBO in the US, and is screened simultaneously at 2 AM on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK, on Sunday night. Britain's Got Talent was subject to fixing claims by fans, after magic act Brotherhood performed a dangerous act on Saturday's edition of the show. The tantalisingly intense act saw the group of masked men ask co-host Declan Donnelly to place a sword underneath one of four empty carton boxes which they would then fall onto. They then asked judge Simon Cowell to pick three envelopes at random to decide which numbered box the trio would jump onto. Britain's Got Talent: Brotherhood sparked fix claims with sword performance... as viewers insisted Declan Donnelly and judges REHEARSED in advance of Saturday's performance During the heart-racing performance, the magicians jumped onto the fourth, third and first box one at a time, and luckily came out unscathed. After seeing them perform, Simon joked: 'Next time how about we have two boxes and David do it and I choose the boxes.' While Amanda Holden told them: 'As a dangerous concept i think it was a really thrilling act.' Intense: During the heart-racing performance, the magicians jumped onto the fourth, third and first box one at a time, and luckily came out unscathed While Alesha Dixon added: 'It was very different and I'd like to see more.' They did then reveal that the sword was under the second box the whole time, and received four yeses from the judges. Despite being heaped with praise by the judges, fans of the show were sceptical that the act wasn't staged. Not convinced: While they did then reveal that the sword was under the second box the whole time, fans of the show were sceptical that the act wasn't staged One user blasted: 'You reckon DEC gave them a little signal so they didn't DIE.' While another said: 'That's it Dec..act like you never did this in rehearsal. Good lad!' One user took a more rational approach as they wrote: 'These acts are the most fun to watch but let's face it, it it's made tv, nothing will go wrong.' Another explained: 'basic slight of hand trick dressed up as death defying illusion. Watch his hands as he picks out the numbers.' Advertisement They made their first public outing as a couple in recent weeks. And Sienna Miller and Lucas Zwirner were the couple to watch as they led the way for the stars - including Tilda Swinton and Monica Bellucci - at the masked ball, in Venice on Saturday. The actress, 37, was simply divine in a dramatic beige cloak and enchanting ballgown when she arrived at the party with her beau, 28, in tow. Perfect pairing: Sienna Miller, 37, looked magical in a showstopping gown and cloak as she joined her boyfriend Lucas Zwirner, 28, at star-studded masked ball in Venice on Saturday Sienna looked extraordinary in the sandy coloured dress which was embossed with a shimmering pattern on the bodice. In line with the masked ball's tradition, the lovebirds held up matching black masks which were propped up on sticks. Sienna's golden curls spilled out from under the hood of her cloak and she applied glossy touches of make-up to her naturally pretty features. Hide and seek: In line with the masked ball's tradition, the lovebirds held up matching black masks which were propped up on sticks Stop and stare: Sienna looked extraordinary in the sandy coloured dress which was embossed with a shimmering pattern on the bodice Stars descended on the Grand Canal as they made a beeline for Venice's Baroque 17th-century Palazzo Labia where the event was being hosted. The likes of Tilda, Monica and her beau Nicolas Lefebvre were among the A-list guests. Dior and the Venetian Heritage Foundation were throwing the charity dinner and masked ball to mark the opening of the Biennale in Venice. She's simply stunning: Sienna's golden curls spilled out from under the hood of her cloak and she applied glossy touches of make-up Fabulous fun: Stars descended on the Grand Canal as they made a beeline for Venice's Baroque 17th-century Palazzo Labia where the event was being hosted Happy in love: Their romance has gone from strength to strength since they went public with their relationship in January earlier this year Inside the masked ball, A-list guests were wined and dined as they watched a fashion spectacle put on by Dior. A fan inscribed with a quote from the designer was laid out at each place and a dozen lemons were scattered across the dining tables. Recently, Sienna and Lucas made their first public outing as a couple during their romantic break in Venice. Among the crowd: Sparks flew when the couple first crossed paths for the first time when they were introduced to each other through mutual friends Go way back: It's not known exactly when Sienna and Lucas began dating, he was the star's date when she attended her ex Tom Sturridge's birthday party last year Guests only: Dior and the Venetian Heritage Foundation were throwing the charity dinner and masked ball to mark the opening of the Biennale in Venice Their romance has gone from strength to strength since they went public with their relationship in January earlier this year. Sparks flew when the couple first crossed paths for the first time when they were introduced to each other through mutual friends. It's not known exactly when Sienna and Lucas began dating, he was the star's date when she attended her ex Tom Sturridge's birthday party last year. Quite the pair: Lucas didn't let his ladylove down on the style stakes as he held his masks close to his face on arrival at the bash Beaming beauty: The actress was the picture of happiness in the company of her art gallery beau while they mingled with the stars of the night The big reveal: The West End star pulled back her cloak's hood to reveal her cascading curls and pretty features In the mood: Sienna pouted as she posed for a snap with a fellow guest at the Dior party Travelling in style: Sienna delicately lifted the hem of her billowing gown as she made her journey to the event via boat Exes Sienna and Tom have remained on good terms as they continued to co-parent their six-year-old daughter Marlowe three years on from their split. Last year, Sienna gushed to Harper's Bazaar that Tom was her 'best friend in the entire world' and they often stay together to spend mutual time with their little girl. They first started dating in 2011 but their romance came to an end in 2015 after just four years together. Slave to fashion: Inside the masked ball, A-list guests were wined and dined as they watched a fashionable spectacle put on by Dior Impressive: A fan inscribed with a quote from the designer was laid out at each place and a dozen lemons were scattered across the dining tables Ready to party: Monica Bellucci proudly walked alongside boyfriend Nicolas Lefebvre as they arrived at the star-studded masked ball in Venice on Saturday You shall go to the ball: The actress, 54, looked vampish in a billowing black cape, while her artist beau, 36, looked equally dashing in his dark ensemble Caught on camera: Under her flowing cape, Monica appeared to be wearing a floral patterned cream gown, which she teamed with pretty green earrings Vampish: The Bram Stoker's Dracula star left allowed her brunette locks to flow loosely in the wind while she added smokey eyes and a coral lip to her glam look Handsome: Meanwhile, the French artist and set designer cut a dapper figure in a velvet black jacket, which he teamed with a crisp white shirt and black trousers All aboard: After stopping for photographs with fans, the pair were seen getting into a boat as they continued their journey Happy couple: Monica and Nicolas are thought to have been dating since May 2017, four years after her split from ex-husband Vincent Cassell Sienna also famously dated Jude Law on/off from 2003; the actor issued a public apology to her after having an affair with his children's nanny. Now she's found love again with Lucas, who currently oversees 25 book releases a year as editorial director of David Zwirner Books. Sienna has paved a successful acting career starring in the likes of Layer Cake, American Sniper and Alfie. Event: Tilda Swinton looked every inch the film star as she attended a masked ball in Venice on Saturday Romance: The actress, 58, attended the event with her partner, artist Sandro Kopp, 41, who she has been in a relationship with since 2004 Fashion: Tilda wore a baby pink knee-length jacket which she paired with a matching pleated skirt Career: It's been a busy year already for Tilda, as she has already had two films hit the screen, including the record-shattering Avengers: Endgame She's one of Britain's most critically acclaimed actresses. And Tilda Swinton looked every inch the film star as she attended a masked ball in Venice on Saturday, held in dedication to the 18th-century Venetian artist Giambattista Tiepolo. The actress, 58, attended the event with her partner, artist Sandro Kopp, 41, who she has been in a relationship with since 2004. Event: Tilda Swinton looked every inch the film star as she attended a masked ball in Venice on Saturday Tilda wore a baby pink knee-length jacket which she paired with a matching pleated skirt, adding height to her frame with a pair of heels. Sandro donned an Elizabethan era-inspired outfit with large, ruffled sleeves, a large collar and knee-length pink socks. It's been a busy year already for Tilda, as she has already had two films hit the screen, including the record-shattering Avengers: Endgame. The Souvenir premiered at Sundance back in January and is set to make a wider release across the United States on May 17. Romance: The actress, 58, attended the event with her partner, artist Sandro Kopp, 41, who she has been in a relationship with since 2004 Fashion: Tilda wore a baby pink knee-length jacket which she paired with a matching pleated skirt Career: It's been a busy year already for Tilda, as she has already had two films hit the screen, including the record-shattering Avengers: Endgame She is also set to appear in The Dead Don't Die with Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Selenda Gomez, and a host of others. The Souvenir is directed by British filmmaker Julia Hogg and Tilda and Honor play mother and daughter in the romantic drama that premiered at Sundance in January and opens in theatres on May 17. Tilda has successfully juggled independent films with more mainstream Hollywood fare over the course of her three decades-long career. She's appeared in such high profile movies as Vanilla Sky, Constantine, Michael Clayton, The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy and the Marvel superhero films Dr. Strange and Avengers: Endgame. She has also starred in acclaimed lower budget films including The Deep End, Thumbsucker, Broken Flowers and We Need To Talk About Kevin. Louis Theroux has spoken of his regret that he once considered prolific sex offender Jimmy Savile to be a likeable person. Reflecting on his relationship with Savile, which was forged when making the documentary When Louis Met Jimmy in 2000, and the subsequent revelations about the DJs crimes, Theroux, 48, tells todays Desert Island Discs: There is something very conflicting about reading about crimes and predatory activity while also knowing that this was someone you sort of quite liked and trying to square that in your own mind. I remained in contact with him a little bit after I made the first programme. I am still a bit confused about how I was able to sort of experience him as a somewhat likeable person in the year or two after making it. Louis Theroux has spoken of his regret that he once considered prolific sex offender Jimmy Savile to be a likeable person Theroux was criticised for only briefly addressing in the documentary widespread rumours that Savile might be a paedophile. When asked why he always said that he hated children, Savile replied: Obviously I dont hate them Its easier for me as a single man to say I dont like children because that puts a lot of salacious tabloid people off the hunt. Following Saviles death in 2011, it emerged that he had preyed on 500 victims. Theroux, who defends his decision to make a second documentary about Savile in 2016, says he felt scapegoated. On occasion I felt I saw people, in a human way, trying to protect themselves and again I saw people in a sort of understandable way looking to cast blame, he says. Louis Theroux appearing on Desert Island Discs. Desert Island Discs is on BBC Radio 4 today at 11.15am I dont necessarily mean at work, I mean generally throughout society. When you have experience of people doing things that are nakedly self-interested and unkind, that darkens your view of the world a tiny bit. The father of three also reflects on his upbringing, and likens life as Westminster School, which he attended, to the San Quentin maximum security prison in California where he made a documentary. There is something about a lot of males in a confined space, something about the improvised physical fabric which is all higgledy-piggledy, he says. And then, I hesitate to say this, a certain level of situational homosexuality which I think is relatively common, definitely in prison and to an extent in all-male boarding schools. Desert Island Discs is on BBC Radio 4 today at 11.15am. The suspicious death of a man in a Brisbane suburb has sparked a police investigation. A 42-year-old man was taken to hospital after emergency services were called to a unit on Osborne Road at Mitchelton just before midday on Saturday. He died shortly after arriving at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Queensland Police say. A crime scene has been established and detectives have been investigating his death, which is believed to be suspicious. At this stage the cause of his death is unknown, police say. The death of a man, who was found in a Brisbane unit and taken to hospital where he later died, has been labelled suspicious by Queensland police. A 42-year-old man was taken to hospital after emergency services were called to a unit on Osborne Road at Mitchelton just before midday on Saturday. He died shortly after arriving at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, police say. A crime scene has been established and detectives have begun investigating his death, which is believed to be suspicious. The cause of the man's death is not known at this stage, police say. The first law passed after the upcoming federal election would lock in extra tax cuts proposed by the coalition, if Scott Morrison wins the poll. The prime minister has laid out his legislative priorities for Australia's next parliament, with shoring up promised tax relief topping the list. "It is your money and you should get to keep more of what you earn," he says. Security measures also rank highly in the Liberal-National team's plans, with the coalition eager to pass a law that would delay people who have been fighting abroad with terrorist links from returning to Australia. Making it easier to strip foreign fighters of their Australian citizenship is also a priority. A spate of bills locking in funding promised in last month's federal budget would also be addressed quickly. They include $528 million for a royal commission into violence against people with a disability, $737 million for more mental health services over seven years and $525 million to upgrade the nation's vocational education system. Farmers would also get some attention, through stronger laws to protect them from trespassing by animal activists, and the locking-in of a proposed drought relief fund. The prime minister, who will begin Sunday in Sydney, has also unveiled a plan to crack down on social media trolls, bringing penalties for poor behaviour on the web more in line with those for offline crime. Under the measures, people found guilty of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence would be jailed for up to five years, instead of three. New offences would also be created, capturing people who provide electronic services to facilitate dealings with child abuse material, and those who groom third parties using the post or a carriage service, to procure children for sexual activity. 'No one should be subjected to vile abuse and harassment whether they are in the online or offline world," Mr Morrison said. The leader spent Saturday in the seat of Forde in Brisbane's south, which Liberal National Party member Bert van Manen has held since 2010. He pledged $100 million in extra cash for health services and spoke with young families about Labor's proposed reforms to housing tax breaks, telling them they would be worse off under the changes. Mr Morrison also dismissed the suggestion that he should have acted differently in a debate with Labor rival Bill Shorten on Friday. Mr Shorten accused the prime minister of being a "space invader" during a heated discussion over the opposition's tax proposals,, when the two got too close for Mr Shorten's comfort. "I was simply trying encourage him to tell the truth and to look me in the eye and tell me the truth and he couldn't do that either," Mr Morrison said. Labor will try to seize the limelight with its official campaign launch, where Bill Shorten will make his pitch for better health services, as Scott Morrison pushes the coalition's legislative agenda of taxes and national security. Mr Shorten is expected to talk about his own experience being a worried parent in a hospital emergency waiting room as he unveils the party's final health policy, a $500 million commitment for emergency department upgrades and more doctors and nurses to staff them. "Most parents know what that's like, and every parent fears it. There's nothing more nerve-wracking, exhausting or dispiriting," he said ahead of the official campaign launch, being held in Brisbane. Labor says its promises to Australians on health care add up to $8 billion more than what the Morrison government has on offer. This includes $2.8 billion in extra funding to hospitals, $2.4 billion for free dental care for pensioners, and $2.3 billion to extend the range of cancer-related services covered by Medicare. Prime Minister Scott Morrison was also talking health on Saturday, spruiking a $100 million boost to hospital services in southeast Queensland, including a stand-alone urgent care service at Logan Hospital. But on Sunday he will lay out his legislative priorities should the coalition be re-elected on May 18, putting tax cuts at the top of his agenda. "It is your money and you should get to keep more of what you earn," he says. Measures to deal with foreign fighters, trespassing animal activists, and online trolls also rank highly. And Mr Morrison would want to move quickly to lock in his April budget, delivered just nine days ahead of him calling the election. While both leaders have already held campaign rallies, the Labor launch on Sunday is the first of the major set pieces for the election. Deputy leader Tanya Plibersek and Senate leader Penny Wong will also make speeches, and former prime ministers Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard will all attend. Mr Shorten will head into it with a bounce after narrowly winning the second leaders' debate, also in Brisbane, on Friday night - making it two from two. The prime minister on Saturday dismissed the suggestion that he should have acted differently in that debate. Mr Shorten accused him of being a "space invader" during a heated discussion over the opposition's tax proposals, when the pair got too close for the Labor leader's comfort. "I was simply trying to encourage him to tell the truth and to look me in the eye and tell me the truth and he couldn't do that either," Mr Morrison said. Australian investors are more concerned about the US-China trade dispute than the federal election. CommSec chief economist Craig James said the election campaign is being watched closely but none of the policy announcements have been significant enough to move the broader financial market. A clear election result would be expected to boost the Australian sharemarket, but Mr James noted the US-China trade talks are dominating market attention globally. "It's more the resolution of the uncertainty that sees markets start to move higher in the days after an election," he told AAP. "We do know that the US-China trade negotiations are the big driver of global markets and are having an influence here in Australia." AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver also believed the usual post-election bounce for shares may not play out this year. Dr Oliver said Australian stocks have taken their cue from global markets in the lead-up to the election, overshadowing any nervousness about a possible change in government. "It may well be the case that any reaction to a change in government, if there is one, would actually occur after the election," he told AAP. "If Labor were to win you might actually see the nervousness kick in. You may not get that post-election rally that we often see." Dr Oliver said Labor's tax policies such as proposed changes to franking credits, capital gains tax and negative gearing would be the main reason for any nervousness among investors. While the polls have narrowed, economists said the composition of the Senate will be key to whether Labor or a returned coalition can get their policies passed into law. "I think what is very, very clear to investors and traders is that it doesn't really matter what party wins the lower house, the state of the upper house is going to be all-important as to whether any measures actually go through or not," Mr James said. RBC Capital Markets chief economist Su-Lin Ong said neither major party is likely to control the Senate, and even a Labor/Greens block will probably need several additional crossbenchers to pass legislation. "The coalition may struggle to pass expansions to the latter stages of their personal income tax agenda, just as Labor may not be able to pass its franking credits and housing-related taxation policies without some watering down," she said in a research note. "Ultimately, factors beyond the control of either major party will probably exert far more influence on Australian dollar markets over the next few weeks, including how US-China trade talks continue to play out and key Australian labour market data." Australians Joshua Ralph and Catriona Bisset were among the biggest beneficiaries as Kenya made an unlikely tactical blunder at the world relays in Japan. The mixed 2x2x400m was one of two events added to the program for the fourth edition of the world relays and it seemed a perfect fit for Kenya, so long a global powerhouse in middle-distance running. Five of the seven finalists - including Australia - chose to have their female runner contest the the first and third legs on Saturday night. But Kenya elected to begin with Collins Kipruto, leaving female runner Eglay Nalyanya to run the last lap. She was mowed down in the final straight by several of the male runners, including Ralph, as Australia claimed second spot. To add insult to injury, Kenya were later disqualified, with the United States team of Ce'Aira Brown and Donavan Brazier crossing the line first. "I thought the Kenyan and the PNG runner went out way too hard," said Ralph, who overcame a bout of food poisoning that had him vomiting for much of the afternoon. "They were feeling more like a 400 than an 800. "We said in the last couple of days there will be some big countries that roll that first lap too quick and that's exactly what happened. "We ran a smart race and we weren't far off the win." The result continued a remarkable rise to prominence for the 25-year-old Bisset, who seemingly came from nowhere to win the national 800m title in April. "It's pretty amazing for my first international competition," said the Melbourne University student. "I feel like I could do it again; I'm so pumped. "I wish I'd attacked it even earlier. I was just a little afraid of cooking it too early because it's such an unknown competition." The other final decided on Saturday was also an unusual affair. The Australian team of Brianna Beahan, Nicholas Hough, Celeste Mucci and Nick Andrews scraped into the four-team mixed shuttle hurdles decider despite finishing last in their heat. They were seemingly guaranteed a top-three finish when Jamaica pulled out before the final, only for Beahan to get the Australians disqualified after breaking at the start. The star-studded United States lineup of Christina Clemons, Freddie Crittenden, Sharika Nelvis and Devon Allen went on to win in convincing style against Japan, the only other team still standing. Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne on Wednesday after his father's historic abdication Emperor Naruhito urged Japan to work together for world peace as he made his first public appearance Saturday in front of a cheering, flag-waving crowd of tens of thousands. "I sincerely wish that our country, hand-in-hand with foreign countries, seeks world peace and further development," said the 59-year-old Naruhito, who ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne Wednesday. Japan's 126th emperor wore a morning coat to make the brief appearance on a glass-covered balcony of the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo, along with other adult royals including Empress Masako. Masako donned an elegant yellow, long-sleeved dress with a matching hat and pearl necklace. Emperor and empress emeritus, Akihito and Michiko, did not join their children as they have decided to withdraw from official duties after their three-decade reign. Akihito, 85, was the first Japanese emperor to abdicate in more than two centuries. The royal family were scheduled to make a total of six appearances throughout the day, with some 50,000 people gathered before the main gate of the palace before the first one, according to national broadcaster NHK. More elaborate festivities are planned for October 22 when he and Masako will appear in traditional robes for a palace ceremony before parading through the streets of Tokyo to be congratulated by a host of world leaders and royals. Mmusi Maimane, the leader of South Africa's main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, tells supporters next week's general election is a chance to bring change after 25 years of disappointing ANC rule The leader of South Africa's main opposition party urged voters Saturday to give "change a chance" in next week's general election after 25 years of ANC rule. "Let us be brave and give change a chance," Mmusi Maimane told more than 10,000 Democratic Alliance supporters at Dobsonville stadium in Soweto. South Africans go to the polls on Wednesday in one of the most competitive national elections since the first multi-racial vote in 1994. Nelson Mandelas African National Congress, which led the struggle to end apartheid, has won every election since then. But addressing his final and biggest rally before the vote, Maimane said it was time for change as the country battles corruption, poverty and high unemployment. "Today the choice is between fear and bravery. If South Africans were not brave, I bet you apartheid would still be in place. "We are brave and we are going to show courage and hope for change in this election". He slammed the ANC for degenerating from "leaders in the struggle for freedom" to those who now "stand directly in the way of freedom". "They were once our liberators but today we need to be liberated from them," Mainame told the cheering crowd in his home township. A sea of blue-clad supporters packed the stadium for a liberal group that has struggled to shed its image as a party for middle-class whites. The DA has hammered away on the ANC's failure to deliver Mandela's dream of a prosperous and equal South Africa. Donald Mlangeni, 28, said in the last election in 2014 he had voted for the ANC, but now he will go with the DA. "We are going to put an end to corruption," he said, complaining that he struggles to get access to such basics as water at his house. "I think the DA will bring change. At least let's give them a chance". Ketsie Kobedi, 67, echoed a view driven by disappointment with the ANC that things were actually better under white rule. "We want to go back to the white people era when things were in order. We don't trust the ANC because of corruption," she said. Indonesian authorities sink an impounded Vietnamese fishing boat at Datuk island,on May 4, 2019. Indonesia began sinking dozens of impounded foreign boats Saturday to deter illegal fishing in its waters, a week after a naval vessel clashed with a Vietnamese coastguard near the South China Sea. Up to 51 foreign boats -- including from Vietnam, Malaysia and China -- will be scuttled at several different locations over the next two weeks, officials said. Over a dozen were scuttled Saturday near Pontianak, in West Kalimantan province. Fisheries minister Susi Pudjiastuti said the action was necessary to warn neighbouring countries that Indonesia was serious about fighting illegal fishing. "There's no other way," she said. "This is actually the most beautiful solution for our nation, but yes, it's scary for other countries." She said Indonesia suffered great economic loss from lax regulations that gave leeway for foreign boats to fish in Indonesian waters. Since president Joko Widodo took office in 2014, hundreds of captured foreign fishing vessels have been sunk -- more than half from Vietnam. The practice was suspended for several months, but has resumed since last week when a Vietnamese coastguard boat rammed an Indonesian navy ship attempting to seize an illegal trawler. A dozen fishermen were detained and remain in Indonesian custody. "If we don't act firm, they will be even more daring. I believe these collisions will get worse one day, this will escalate," Pudjiastuti said. Jakarta claims the area in the southernmost reaches of the South China Sea as its exclusive economic zone and two years ago changed its name to the North Natuna Sea in a bid to show sovereignty. More recently, it inaugurated a new military base in the chain of several hundred small islands to beef up defences. The moves prompted criticism from Beijing, whose claims in the sea overlap Indonesia's around the remote Natuna Islands. str-dsa\fox Western powers call the PKK 'terrorists' Three Turkish soldiers died Saturday in a mortar attack by Kurdish rebels launched from Iraqi territory, the Turkish defence ministry said. "Three of our brothers in arms died as martyrs after mortar fire from northern Iraq by terrorists," the ministry said, in reference to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) group. A fourth soldier was wounded, it said in a statement. The attack targeted a military base in the border province of Hakkari, the ministry said, adding that the Turkish army had responded with aerial bombardments and artillery fire. The PKK, branded a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984. The conflict has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The PKK's deployment in northern Iraq has been a constant source of tension between Baghdad and Ankara, with Turkey pressing Iraq to play a bigger role in fighting the group. The defence ministry also said that another Turkish soldier had been killed Saturday in northern Syria by the People's Protection Units (YPG), a Kurdish militia closely allied with the PKK. Unlike the PKK, however, the YPG has the backing of Western powers in its fight against the Islamic State group. Cyclone Fani, one of the biggest to hit India in years, tore into Odisha Friday, leaving a trail of devastation across the coastal state of 46 million people UN and other experts Saturday praised India for its early warning systems and rapid evacuation of more than 1 million people, which they said helped minimise loss of life from a deadly cyclone that battered its eastern coast. Cyclone Fani, one of the biggest to hit India in years, tore into Odisha Friday, leaving a trail of devastation across the coastal state of 46 million people before swinging towards Bangladesh. In 1999 the same state was hit by a devastating 30-hour super-cyclone that saw a storm surge sweep 20 kilometres inland. Unprepared for the scale of the diaster, authorities struggled to evacuate the stricken population and some 10,000 people were killed. This time, improved forecasting models, public awareness campaigns and well-drilled evacuation plans -- backed up by an army of responders and volunteers -- has seen Odisha's inhabitants spared the worst of Fani's fury. Only twelve people have been killed by the cyclone in India -- which escaped being hit by a major storm surge -- and at least 160 injured, local media reported. Emergency workers are now focussing on restoring damaged infrastructure, including power and telecom lines, and clearing roads As soon as it became clear this week that Fani was on course to hit Odisha, emergency teams began the mammoth task of evacuating those living in low-lying regions, moving 1.2 million residents away from danger areas and in to temporary shelters. Alerts asking residents to stay indoors and follow the dos and don'ts were issued repeatedly on TV and radio, and broadcast through loudspeakers in public places. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) praised the government's "effective" evacuation, saying it had "saved many lives". - New weather models - The state government in Odisha along with national disaster response teams and volunteers have worked in tandem to carry out evacuations and set up safe shelters. Workers have been equipped with satellite phones and inflatable boats along with food and medicines to distribute in the storm's aftermath. Debris is cleared away from the train tracks at the damaged railway station in Puri in the eastern Indian state of Odisha Some 7,000 kitchens catering to 9,000 shelters have been set up, thanks to an army of 45,000 volunteers. Emergency workers are now focussing on restoring damaged infrastructure, including power and telecom lines, and clearing roads. Mahesh Palawat, the vice-president of meteorology at private forecaster Skymet, said the early warnings had been vital in allowing authorities to plan in advance. "From April 25 onwards we (the Indian Meteorological Department and Skymet) had been monitoring the track and intensity of the cyclone continuously, what time it would make landfall and the probable points of landfall," Palawat told AFP. Numerical models, adopted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in 2014 to supplement the more traditional statistical modelling, allowed forecasters to track Fani's progress and wind profiles in the upper atmosphere. Improved forecasting models helped authorities track Fani's progress and plan their response Denis McClean, a spokesperson for UNISDR, said "the almost pinpoint accuracy" of the early warnings from the IMD had enabled the authorities to "conduct a well-targeted evacuation plan." Social media users also lauded the Indian authorities for averting a mass human disaster, despite the fact that a densely populated region was in the eye of the storm. "Credit goes to #India authorities for their aggressive pre-impact response, including massive evacuations," wrote Josh Morgerman, a US-based cyclone expert. A woman carries flowers to offer before the mass funeral to bury 81 coffins containing newly discoverd remains of 84,437 victims of the 1994 genocide in the mass grave at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial, suburb of the capital Kigali, on May 4, 2019. The remains of nearly 85,000 people murdered in Rwanda's genocide were laid to rest on May 4 in a sombre ceremony in Kigali, a quarter of a century after the slaughter The remains of nearly 85,000 people murdered in Rwanda's genocide were laid to rest Saturday in a sombre ceremony in Kigali, a quarter of a century after the slaughter. Mourners sobbed as 81 white coffins containing the remains of 84,437 victims of the 1994 mass killings were buried at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial in the capital. They were among more than 800,000 people, mostly Tutsis, massacred over 100 days by Hutu extremists and militia forces determined to eradicate the Tutsi minority in Rwanda. Rwanda begins 100 days of mourning every April 7 -- the day the genocide began. But this year has witnessed particular commemorations to mark the 25th anniversary. "Commemorating the genocide against the Tutsi is every Rwandans responsibility -- and so is giving them a decent burial," said Justice Minister Johnston Busingye at the mass burial. Some mourners broke down wailing as survivors spoke of the pain of losing their loved ones so brutally. A number were escorted from the funeral by ushers. Emanuel Nduwayezu said the discovery meant he finally had somewhere to come each April 7 and lay a wreath in memory of his murdered family. "Right now I am very happy because I have buried my dad, my sister and her children, and my in-law. Twenty-five years have passed and I had not known where they were," he told AFP. "Everyday I was thinking and getting confused (about) where my dad was but now I found him and I have a buried him." The remains of those interred on Saturday were only found early last year, when 143 pits containing thousands of bone and clothing fragments were discovered beneath homes on the outskirts of Kigali. Those exhumed for burial on Saturday came from just 43 such pits -- leaving 100 more to go. A painstaking effort was undertaken so that family members could identify their loved ones by their teeth, clothing and other markings. They join 11,000 other victims already laid to rest at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial. - Grim discovery - Jean-Pierre Dusingizemungu, who heads Ibuka, an umbrella organisation for genocide survivors, said a landlord from the area revealed the location of the graves only after he was threatened with arrest. More pits were later found when a man, tasked in 1994 with dumping corpses, came forward with new information. Dusingizemungu said it was likely those living on the graves knew what lay beneath their homes. "It is unfortunate that... these perpetrators, now free, never bothered to reveal to bereaved families the location of these grave sites, so they could get closure," he said. Clementine Ingabire was the sole survivor from her extended family of 23 who were massacred in the frenzy. Seven of her relatives were identified from the pits, their remains scattered among the coffins. But at least they were granted a dignified burial, she said. Just seven at the time, Ingabire remains incredulous she made it out alive. "Despite the fact that most people were very cruel, there were those who took risks to save others," the 32-year-old said. "I was saved by a Hutu woman who was a good friend to my mother. She saw me running and grabbed me... that's how I survived." The ethnic bloodshed ended on July 4 when mainly Tutsi rebels entered Kigali, chasing the genocidal killers out of Rwanda. The rebel general was Paul Kagame, who became Rwanda's president and has remained in power ever since. Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and sang the Palestinian anthem in the town of Umm al-Fahm Thousands of Arabs rallied in Israel on Thursday to mark the 1948 Nakba, or "catastrophe", which left hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by the war accompanying the birth of the Jewish state. As Israeli Jews celebrated Independence Day, Israeli Arabs and Palestinians from annexed east Jerusalem protested at the site of a Palestinian village that was demolished in the war. Under the slogan "Your Independence Day is our Nakba", demonstrators gathered near the northern Israeli Arab town of Umm al-Fahm where they held Palestinian flags and sang the Palestinian anthem. Israel celebrated its founding holiday on Thursday, in accordance with the Hebrew calendar. By international reckoning the 1948 declaration of independence fell on May 14 that year. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were expelled in the fighting and millions of their descendants now scattered around the world demand the right to return to their historic homes. Israel says such a demographic change would mean its end as the Jewish state. Israeli Arabs, who make up around 17.5 percent of Israel's population, are Palestinians who remained on their land in 1948. They are largely supportive of the Palestinian cause. "The commemoration of the Nakba has gained exceptional importance this year, with the need to confront and thwart the American deal of the century," said Ayman Odeh, an Arab member of Israel's parliament. His comments at the rally referred to a much-touted peace plan from Washington, which Palestinians expect will fall far short of their key demands. The Palestinian leadership has boycotted Washington over a series of moves -- including recognising the bitterly disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital -- and says it can no longer trust the United States as a broker. TOKYO (AP) - Japan's Emperor Naruhito greeted the public Saturday for the first time since his succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace. Naruhito ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne on Wednesday, a day after his 85-year-old father, Akihito, abdicated. From a balcony overlooking the palace ground, Naruhito thanked throngs of well-wishers for congratulating him. "I am deeply grateful and pleased that I am receiving celebration from you all today," said Naruhito, wearing a formal suit and standing next to his wife, Empress Masako. "I wish for your health and happiness, and sincerely hope that our country pursues world peace hand in hand with other countries and will develop further." As he waved from the balcony, where he was accompanied by other members of his royal family, the spectators cheered, took photos and waved Japanese flags. Akihito, who became the emperor emeritus, and his wife Michiko, were not present to avoid concerns about interference with the serving emperor. Naruhito was scheduled to make balcony appearances several more times through the evening to greet many more people still waiting in long lines outside the palace. More than 140,000 people came to celebrate, the Imperial Household Agency said. Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, left, waves with Empress Masako, right, to well-wishers from the balcony during his first public appearance with his imperial families at Imperial Palace Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace(Fumine Tsutabayashi/Kyodo News via AP) The 59-year-old new emperor is a historian who studied at Oxford. He is the first emperor born after World War II and the first who has studied overseas. Naruhito, at his May 1 succession ceremony, pledged to emulate his father in seeking peace and staying close to the people. Akihito took the throne in 1989 and devoted his career to making amends for a war fought in his father's name while bringing the aloof monarchy closer to the people. His era was the first in Japan's modern history without war. Emperors under Japan's postwar constitution are given only a symbolic status without political power. The nation celebrated the imperial succession prompted by retirement rather than death. Still, there has been a lack of discussion about maintaining the monarchy's male-only succession rules and other paternalistic traditions. Naruhito's wife, a Harvard-educated former diplomat, is still recovering from stress-induced mental conditions that she developed about 15 years ago after facing pressure to produce a male heir soon after giving birth to their daughter Aiko, now 17. Naruhito's succession leaves only two younger male heirs in line for the throne, his 53-year-old younger brother Fumihito and 12-year-old nephew Hisahito. Adding to the issue, the family faces a declining royal population because female royals are stripped of their status when they marry commoners. ___ Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, second from right, waves with Empress Masako, right, Crown Prince Akishino, second from left, and Crown Princess Kiko, left, to well-wishers from the balcony during his first public appearance with his imperial families at Imperial Palace Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, left, delivers a speech, accompanied by Empress Masako, right, to well-wishers from the balcony during his first public appearance with his imperial families at Imperial Palace Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Japan's new Emperor Naruhito, left, waves with Empress Masako, right, to well-wishers from the balcony during his first public appearance with his imperial families at Imperial Palace Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Well-wishers wave Japanese flags during new Emperor Naruhito's first public appearance with his imperial families at Imperial Palace Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito greeted the public Saturday for the first time since his succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace.(AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Well-wishers greet Japan's new Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako from the balcony during his first public appearance with his imperial families at Imperial Palace Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Well-wishers wait as they visit the Imperial Palace for Emperor Naruhito's public appearance in Tokyo, Saturday, May 4, 2019. Japan's Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace.(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) Visitors are escorted by police officers to see Japan's new Emperor Naruhito prior to his first public appearance with his imperial families at Imperial Palace Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Visitors are escorted by police officers to see Japan's new Emperor Naruhito prior to his first public appearance with his imperial families at Imperial Palace Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Well-wishers cross a bridge as they visit the Imperial Palace for the Empeor Naruhito's public appearance in Tokyo, Saturday, May 4, 2019. Japan's Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace.(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) Well-wishers cross a bridge as they visit the Imperial Palace for Emperor Naruhito's public appearance in Tokyo, Saturday, May 4, 2019. Japan's Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace.(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) Well-wishers cross a bridge as they visit the Imperial Palace for Emperor Naruhito's public appearance in Tokyo, Saturday, May 4, 2019. Japan's Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace. Police officers, bottom, are on a boat for security. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) Well-wishers cross a bridge as they visit the Imperial Palace for Emperor Naruhito's public appearance in Tokyo, Saturday, May 4, 2019. Japan's Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace.(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) Well-wishers wait as they visit the Imperial Palace for Emperor Naruhito's public appearance in Tokyo, Saturday, May 4, 2019. Japan's Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace.(AP Photo/Koji Sasahara) Visitors are escorted by police officers to see Japan's new Emperor Naruhito prior to his first public appearance with his imperial families at Imperial Palace Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Visitors wave Japanese flags as they wait to see Japan's new Emperor Naruhito delivering his first public appearance with his imperial families at Imperial Palace Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Well-wishers cross a bridge as they visit the Imperial Palace for Emperor Naruhito's public appearance in Tokyo, Saturday, May 4, 2019. Japan's Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace.(Fumine Tsutabayashi/Kyodo News via AP) Well-wishers visit Imperial Palace for Emperor Naruhito's first public appearance with his imperial families Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace.(Muneyuki Tomari/Kyodo News via AP) Well-wishers visit Imperial Palace for Emperor Naruhito's first public appearance Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Tokyo. Emperor Naruhito has greeted to the public for the first time after his May 1 succession, expressing hope for Japan to keep pursuing peace.(Muneyuki Tomari/Kyodo News via AP) The royal guard walk into outside Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, May 4, 2019. After a more than a decade of political strife, including a military coup and a contentious election less than two months ago, the people of Thailand are witnessing this weekend the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn in a centuries-old royal tradition that last happened seven decades ago. (AP photo/Sakchai Lalit) KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - Taliban insurgents killed seven Afghan policemen after storming security checkpoints overnight in western Badghis province, a provincial official said Saturday. Mohammad Naser Nazari, a provincial councilman, said three other security forces were wounded late Friday during the attack in Qadis district. The Taliban did not comment on the attack. The Afghan defense ministry also said Saturday that 43 militants from the Islamic state group, including foreign fighters, were killed in two separate coalition airstrikes during the night in coordination with Afghan forces. The statement said the airstrikes targeted IS in eastern Kunar province's Chapadara district and killed several Pakistani and Uzbek nationals. Among those killed was a prominent Uzbek militant leader identified in the statement as Ismail, who had previously cooperated with the al-Qaeda terrorist network but had recently joined IS. Both the Taliban and IS are active in eastern Afghanistan, especially in Kunar and neighboring Nangarhar provinces, which border Pakistan. In eastern Ghani province, dozens of people carried eight bodies to the governor's office in a protest Saturday, saying the dead were civilians killed during military operations. The governor's spokesman, Arif Noori, confirmed that at least five civilians had been killed Friday night by Afghan and international forces, which were conducting operations against the Taliban in three areas in the province. Noori said 22 Taliban fighters were killed, including their group leader. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied reports the group's fighters were killed. He said several civilians were killed and wounded during the operations by Afghan and coalition forces in Ghazni. The Taliban carry out near-daily attacks on Afghan forces, and despite ongoing peace talks with the U.S., the insurgent group refuses to stop fighting until U.S. and NATO troops withdraw. In August last year the insurgents overran parts of Ghazni, leading to days of intense fighting before they were driven out. Ghazni was the only one of Afghanistan's 34 provinces where parliamentary elections did not take place in October. Voting there has been postponed for a year, according to the Election commission plan both presidential and parliamentary elections will take place on September 28 in the province. DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) - A mammoth preparation exercise that included the evacuation of more than 1 million people appears to have spared India a devastating death toll from one of the biggest storms in decades, though the full extent of the damage was yet to be known, officials said Saturday. Cyclone Fani packed winds of 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour when it made landfall in eastern Odisha state on Friday, equivalent in strength to a Category 4 hurricane, said Mohammad Heidarzadei, an expert on cyclones at Brunel University of London. As of late Saturday, India's National Disaster Response Force director S.N. Pradhan said three people had been killed, though the storm smashed thatched-roof huts, uprooted trees and power lines, ripped the roof off a medical college and sprayed the emptied coastline with debris. "The precautions that have been taken should be continued," Pradhan said. Officials cautioned that the death toll could rise as communications were restored. Fani crossed over India's West Bengal state and moved northeast toward Bangladesh on Saturday, weakening from a severe cyclonic storm to a cyclonic storm. Corrugated sheets used as roofing lie scattered after Cyclone Fani made landfall in the area in Penthakata fishing village of Puri, in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, Saturday, May 4, 2019. A mammoth preparation exercise that included the evacuation of more than 1 million people appears to have spared India a devastating death toll from one of the biggest storms in decades, though the full extent of the damage was yet to be known, officials said Saturday. (AP Photo) At least a dozen people had been confirmed killed in Bangladesh as the cyclone hovered over the country's southwestern coast early Saturday, delivering battering rain storms. Lightening killed at least six people, local newspapers and TV reported. However, the death toll had not increased by Saturday afternoon, suggesting effective preparedness in Bangladesh as well. Bad weather from the storm system was projected to affect around 100 million people in South Asia, from India's distant Andaman Islands to Mount Everest in Nepal. The relatively low casualty count demonstrates much improved disaster readiness in India since 1999, when a "super" cyclone killed around 10,000 people and devastated large parts of Odisha. "In the event of such a major calamity like this - where Odisha was hit by close to a super-cyclone - instead of being a tragedy of humongous proportion, we are in the process of restoring critical infrastructure. That is the transformation that Odisha has had," the state's top government official, Naveen Patnaik, said in a statement. India's disaster response agency said authorities were working "on war footing" to restore power and communications, and clear roads of debris. Widespread power outages, damaged water supplies and roads blocked by fallen trees and power lines made transport around the affected area difficult, officials said. Pravat Ranjan Mohapatra, the deputy relief commissioner at Odisha's emergency center, said his phone line and internet were down for most of Saturday. "Earlier we were not able to connect with authorities for infrastructure damage, how many houses are damaged or how many people have died or were injured," he said. According to the Press Trust of India, one victim was a teenager killed by a falling tree in the district of Puri, a popular tourist area in Odisha. Another woman was killed while fetching water when she was struck by flying debris loosened from a concrete structure. Another woman, age 65, died after a suspected heart attack at a cyclone shelter, PTI reported. ___ Associated Press reporter Chonchui Ngashangva contributed from New Delhi. Locals stand by damage made by Cyclone Fani in the Penthakata fishing village of Puri, in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, Saturday, May 4, 2019. A mammoth preparation exercise that included the evacuation of more than 1 million people appears to have spared India a devastating death toll from one of the biggest storms in decades, though the full extent of the damage was yet to be known, officials said Saturday. (AP Photo) Commuters ride past damage caused by Cyclone Fani in the Penthakata fishing village of Puri, in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, Saturday, May 4, 2019. A mammoth preparation exercise that included the evacuation of more than 1 million people appears to have spared India a devastating death toll from one of the biggest storms in decades, though the full extent of the damage was yet to be known, officials said Saturday. (AP Photo) Locals clean up damage made by Cyclone Fani in the Penthakata fishing village of Puri, in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, Saturday, May 4, 2019. A mammoth preparation exercise that included the evacuation of more than 1 million people appears to have spared India a devastating death toll from one of the biggest storms in decades, though the full extent of the damage was yet to be known, officials said Saturday. (AP Photo) Children sit on a boat damaged by Cyclone Fani in the Penthakata fishing village of Puri, in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, Saturday, May 4, 2019. A mammoth preparation exercise that included the evacuation of more than 1 million people appears to have spared India a devastating death toll from one of the biggest storms in decades, though the full extent of the damage was yet to be known, officials said Saturday. (AP Photo) JOHANNESBURG (AP) - At 24, Abetse Mashigo was born a year after South Africa's brutal apartheid system was dismantled. Yet she still feels frustrated by what she sees as continued economic inequality for its people. And that will be on her mind as she and others vote May 8 to elect a president and parliament. "South Africa is a great country, but it has many shortfalls," Mashigo said, flicking her dreadlocks back with a flourish . "Seeing the spectrum of both wealthy and poor, it's a constant everyday struggle." Many of the country's young voters never directly experienced apartheid's racial oppression and segregation that was ended in 1994 under South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela, and his African National Congress. But they and others say they want to see more drastic change, and leaders of opposition parties are hoping to win their support. Mashigo said she is angered by apartheid's legacy, which keeps many blacks in poverty. She said she's impatient for change, and that's why she backs the Economic Freedom Fighters, known as the EFF, one of the three main parties among dozens vying for power in the election. "I'm part of the Red Sea," she said, jokingly referring to the bright red clothing worn by supporters of the opposition party. "I like the EFF because it is radical and different. It's rebellious, and I like that." In this April 27, 2019, photo, Abetse Mashigo, left, and her father Thamsanqa pose for a photograph in their home near Johannesburg. Abetse Mashigo, 24, was born a year after South Africa's brutal apartheid system was dismantled, yet she still feels frustrated by what she sees as continued economic inequality for its people. Thamsanqa shares many of her beliefs but has a more cautious approach, saying he is still undecided which party will get his vote May 8 to elect a president and parliament. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell) The party has pledged to seize white-owned land without compensation and nationalize mines and banks. Mashigo's 59-year-old father, Thamsanqa, watches with pride as his daughter voices her outspoken opinions. He shares many of her beliefs but has a more cautious approach, saying he is still undecided which party will get his vote. Many older South Africans among the 26 million eligible voters still support for the ANC, which has governed for a quarter-century. But they also say they are disgusted by widespread corruption blamed on the party. President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to root out corruption in the country. A former trade union representative, he came to power in February 2018 after Jacob Zuma resigned amid mounting scandals. The elections are taking place amid growing pessimism. About 64% of South Africans are dissatisfied with the country's democracy, an increase from 34% who described themselves as unhappy in 2013, according to a Pew Research poll released Friday. "I have voted in every election (since blacks could vote) and I'm not going to miss this one," Thamsanqa Mashigo said. "I've never had doubts in my mind about who to vote for, but this time ... I'm still deciding. ... There is doubt in my mind." He described a "frightening" life under apartheid, when "people disappeared. I think some families even today don't know what happened to their loved ones." When apartheid ended, "we were really excited about that. ... We had a black government and Mandela was president. That was progress! ... We said freedom at last was arriving in our lifetime!" Mashigo, who works in information technology, said he is now disappointed with the ANC. "The gap between black and white has just grown bigger and bigger. And by 25 years, I expect it to be much better. The gap should have closed, not totally, but at least be on the right track," he said, adding that the ANC should have focused on education and health care. Like his daughter, he complained about rampant corruption and the high unemployment rate of 27%. Unemployment is an even more pressing among the young, with nearly 40% of those under 34 without jobs, according to the government's Stats SA. Although disillusioned with the ANC, Mashigo is suspicious of the Economic Freedom Fighters that his daughter supports. He said he doesn't trust the EFF's firebrand leader Julius Malema because "he was caught with his hands in the cookie jar." Malema was kicked out of the ANC after allegations of corruption surfaced. "These guys are disgruntled, that's all," Mashigo added. Nor is he convinced by the other major opposition party, the Democratic Alliance. It was started by white liberals but has attracted considerable black support, winning control of city councils in Cape Town and Johannesburg. It now has a black leader, Mmusi Maimane. "I don't think he controls the party the way a leader should control his party," Mashigo said, leaving him still undecided about how to vote. There are 5.6 million registered voters between the ages of 18 to 29, nearly one-fifth of those eligible to cast ballots. They could boost support for the Economic Freedom Fighters, which got about 6% of the vote in the 2014 election and is widely expected to improve on that number. "These elections are exciting for young voters," said Lwazi Khoza, a 22-year-old university student and project manager for YouthLab, a youth advocacy group. "The EFF are appealing to many young voters. The EFF leaders present themselves as rebellious and non-conformist," she said. Khoza, who will be finishing her degree this year, said many young voters want change. "As a young black woman living in post-apartheid South Africa, I am frustrated by the slow pace of change. Yes, things have improved since the apartheid days, but not enough. Things have become stagnant," she said. "Are we free? Really? Or are we still being held down because of the past?" she said. "We cannot say we are on an equal playing field, educationally or economically. That's why many young voters want to see change." Makhumo Kwathi, an unemployed 25-year-old who lives with her parents in Soweto, Johannesburg's largest black township, said she is looking forward to voting. "I want my voice to be heard," Kwathi said. "To be quite honest, I'm not going to vote for the ANC, because the ANC has been giving us all these false hopes till now. ... All these scandals ... Now we can see where our money is going. The ANC is promising us the opposite of what they have been doing." Kwathi, a high school graduate who is looking for work as a bank teller, would not say which party she will vote for but said she wants a new government that will create more jobs. "I want to see change. More youth need to be employed," she said. "How can we, the youth, be the future of the country when we are unemployed? How can we go forward as a country?" ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa FILE - In this May 1, 2019, file photo, supporters of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, hold up an election poster of leader Julius Malema during a May Day Rally in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. The EFF is one of the three main parties among dozens vying for power in the May 8 election. The party has campaigned on vows to seize white-owned land without compensation and nationalize the mines and banks. (AP Photo/Mujahid Safodien, File) FILE - In this May 1, 2019, file photo, Julius Malema, leader for Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) speaks at a May Day rally in Alexandra Township in Johannesburg, South Africa. EFF is one of the three main parties among dozens vying for power in the May 8 election. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File) In this April 30, 2019, photo, an array of election posters from various political parties are displayed on poles in Pretoria, South Africa. As the country's May 8 election approaches, political observers are watching younger voters who say they are eager to end the country's continued economic inequality. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) In this photo taken Wednesday, April 17, 2019, a woman attaches an election poster from the ruling African National Congress Party to a shack in Soweto, in Johannesburg. Many of the country's young voters never directly experienced apartheid's racial oppression and segregation that was ended in 1994 under South Africa's first black president, Nelson Mandela, and his ANC. But they and others say they want to see more drastic change, and leaders of opposition parties are hoping to win their support. (AP Photo/Mujahid Safodien) FILE - In this Jan 12, 2019, file photo, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, center, greets supporters at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, during the African National Congress party's 107th anniversary celebrations. As South Africa's May 8 election approaches, political observers are watching younger voters, who say they are eager to end the country's continued economic inequality. (AP Photo/File) FILE - In this Jan 12, 2019, file photo, members of the ruling African National Congress gather at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa. Many older South Africans among the 26 million eligible voters still support the ANC, which has governed for a quarter-century. (AP Photo/File) In this April 30, 2019, photo, a woman passes a pedestrian bridge with election posters from the ruling African National Congress party and the Economic Freedom Party, in red, near Johannesburg. As the country's May 8 election approaches, political observers are watching younger voters, who say they are eager to end the country's continued economic inequality. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) FILE - In this April 18, 2019, file photo, leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance party and presidential hopeful Mmusi Maimane addresses foreign correspondents at a briefing in Johannesburg. The Democratic Alliance party was started by white liberals but has attracted considerable black support, winning control of city councils in Cape Town and Johannesburg. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell, File) JOHANNESBURG (AP) - More than 1,000 deaths have now been confirmed in eastern Congo's Ebola outbreak, the second-worst in history behind the West African one in 2014-16 that killed more than 11,300 people. Attacks on health workers are badly complicating efforts to contain one of the world's most notorious diseases. At least 85 have been wounded or killed since January. Here's a look at why the outbreak is especially challenging, even as a promising experimental vaccine is being used widely for the first time. Nervous health experts watch as the virus spreads in a dense, highly mobile population near the border with Uganda and Rwanda. "An under-resourced operation creates a very real risk of an international spread of Ebola," Nicole Fassina with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said Saturday. A $54 million funding gap exists, the World Health Organization says. ___ WHAT IS EBOLA? Ebola is a virus that can spread quickly and can be fatal in up to 90% of cases. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain and at times internal and external bleeding and can start to occur between two and 21 days from infection, according to WHO. FILE - In this Saturday, June 2, 2018 file photo, a health worker checks the temperature of people disembarking from a plane at the airport in Kinshasa, Congo. The World Health Organization says Ebola deaths in Congo's latest outbreak are expected to exceed 1,000 later on Friday, May 3, 2019. WHO's emergencies chief made the announcement at a news conference in Geneva. The Ebola outbreak that was declared in eastern Congo in August is already the second deadliest outbreak in history, and efforts to control it have been complicated by a volatile security situation and deep community mistrust. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick, File) At least 1,529 confirmed and probable Ebola cases have been reported in this outbreak declared in August, with 1,008 deaths. The virus is most often spread by close contact with bodily fluids of people exhibiting symptoms and with objects such as sheets that have been contaminated. Health care workers are often at risk, and burial practices that call for close contact with victims can spread the disease. While there is no licensed treatment for Ebola, early care such as rehydration and treatment of other symptoms helps to improve survival chances. Experimental treatments have been given to some patients in this outbreak but their effect is yet to be fully studied. An experimental Ebola vaccine has been effective, and WHO says a second one might be introduced. Congo's health ministry says more than 110,000 people have been vaccinated, but some including health workers have refused it. ___ WHY IS THIS OUTBREAK UNIQUE? Health workers call this the first Ebola outbreak to occur in what is essentially a war zone. Dozens of rebel groups are active in Congo's northeast, killing hundreds of people in recent years. Attacks have led to a traumatized population that can be wary of outsiders. Some residents question why so much attention and money is spent on Ebola, a disease not seen in this part of Congo until now, instead of other deadly diseases such as malaria. Amid rumors and misunderstandings, health workers struggle to explain the importance of safe burials and other preventative measures. One out of four people interviewed in eastern Congo a month after the outbreak began wrongly believed Ebola wasn't real . Some people have fled, or attacked health workers. An epidemiologist with WHO was shot dead last month and some doctors threatened to go on strike indefinitely if health workers are attacked again. The attacks have led to spikes in cases and hurt the painstaking work of tracing contacts of infected people. More than 12,000 people are tracked per day, WHO says. And yet many new cases are unconnected with known ones and many people are dying at home. ___ HOW LONG WILL THIS OUTBREAK LAST? It's hard to say. Some health experts once predicted that the outbreak would end within six months' time. As complications keep appearing, the time frame is pushed back. The chair of WHO's expert committee that unanimously decided last month - for a second time - that the outbreak is not yet a global emergency has said experts were "moderately optimistic" the outbreak could be contained within a "foreseeable time." ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) - Islamic State militants on Saturday killed at least nine soldiers in an attack on a training camp for the self-styled Libyan National Army in the country's southwestern desert, officials said. The militants drove their vehicles into the recently established training camp and clashed with guards near an air base seized earlier this year by the LNA, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter, in the town of Sabha, the officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to media. The medical center in Sabha confirmed the death toll. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, saying at least 16 soldiers were killed or wounded. Sabha is 650 kilometers (400 miles) south of the capital, Tripoli, where Hifter's forces are currently fighting to take control of the city from militias affiliated with a weak U.N.-supported government. Libyans hold a demonstration at Martyrs' Square against military operations by forces loyal to Field Marshal Khalifa Hifter in Tripoli, Libya, Friday, May 3, 2019. (AP Photo/Hazem Ahmed) The U.N. humanitarian agency said Friday that the month-long assault on Tripoli has displaced nearly 55,000 people. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, said that at least 23 civilians have been killed since the LNA launched the offensive to take Tripoli on April 5. The World Health Organization said the toll as of Thursday was 392 dead, including combatants and civilians. It said at least 1,936 were wounded. The battle for Tripoli could ignite a civil war on the scale of the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Since Gahdafi's ouster, Libya has been governed by rival authorities in the east and in Tripoli, in the west, each backed by various militias and armed groups fighting over resources and territory. Hifter, who in recent years has been battling Islamic extremists and other militias across eastern Libya, says he is determined to restore stability to the North African country. His opponents view him as an aspiring autocrat and fear a return to one-man rule. LONDON (AP) - Britain's governing Conservative Party said Saturday that it is ready to compromise to secure a Brexit deal after suffering its worst result in local elections for more than 20 years. In contests for local authorities across England, the party lost about 1,300 seats, a quarter of its total, as voters punished the government for the U.K's Brexit impasse. The opposition Labour Party also suffered losses as voters switched to smaller parties and independent candidates. Almost three years after Britain voted to leave the European Union, the date and terms of Brexit remain uncertain following months of gridlock in Parliament. Many Conservatives blame Prime Minister Theresa May for failing to deliver Brexit and want her to quit. This week's electoral drubbing increased pressure on May, who was heckled at a Conservative event Friday by a party member shouting "Why don't you resign? We don't want you." Both the Conservatives and Labour said the message coming from voters was: Get on with Brexit. The parties plan more meetings next week to try to agree on departure terms that could win the support of Parliament. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May attends the Welsh Conservative party conference at Llangollen, Wales, Friday May 3, 2019. Britain's main Conservative and Labour parties took a hammering in local elections as Brexit-weary voters expressed frustration over the country's stalled departure from the European Union.(Aaron Chown/PA via AP) Talks so far have become stuck on divisions between the Conservatives and Labour over how close an economic relationship to seek with the EU after Brexit. Labour says the U.K. should remain in a customs union with the bloc to avoid barriers to trade. The government wants a looser relationship with the EU that would let Britain strike new trade deals around the world. Environment Secretary Matt Hancock said he remained skeptical about a customs union, but the government needed "to be in the mood for compromise." "The mood of the nation is get on, deliver Brexit and then move on," he told the BBC. Others argue that the message coming from voters is more complex. The local elections saw a big surge for the anti-Brexit Liberal Democrats and the Greens, parties that support a new referendum with the option of remaining in the EU. Labour lawmaker Lisa Nandy said both main parties had suffered because voters were "losing faith with the system as a whole." "People are really, really frustrated about Brexit, but the major frustration comes from the perceived inability of the two major parties - including Labour - to get our act together and start dealing with the very many and real problems people have got," she said. The Conservatives and Labour are bracing for worse results in May 23 elections for the European Parliament, where they face opposition from new forces on the political scene - the anti-EU Brexit Party and the pro-European Change UK. CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ, Spain (AP) - The chosen few get out of bed at dawn on May 2 to start preparations for what is the most important date in the calendar in the town of Caravaca de la Cruz, in southeastern Spain. Amid yawns, but with plenty of enthusiasm, they take their time plaiting the mane and tail of their horse. Then they toss over it a caparison, or cloak, which has been embroidered by hand over the previous year. These are the men picked to represent their troupe in the annual fiesta called "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses. "For a lot of people the Running of the Wine Horses is one day a year. For me, it's all 365 days," says Antonio Torres, as he braids Rociero, a Spanish pure breed. At 7 a.m., fires are lighted to announce to locals and tourists that the festivities are about to begin. Thousands of people gather on the slopes of the town's Knights Templar castle, where the tradition is played out. In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, a troupe and their richly decorated horse make their way amid the crowd during the "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) Nobody knows how much of the story behind the event is fact, how much myth. Part of the mixed Moorish and Christian celebrations that are so typical of Spain, the Running of the Wine Horses recalls the perilous horse ride with which the Templars purportedly broke the Muslim siege of the local castle by bringing in provisions, in the middle of the 13th century. The rules of the modern competition are simple. Four men in black pants, white shirts and red scarves run alongside their horse, hanging onto it for dear life as it gallops up the steep dirt road to the castle, covering 80 meters (88 yards) as crowds press in and then part to make way. Some men trip and fall, others can't keep up with the sprint. Some horses are jumpy and hard to control. Some of the young men in the race are gripped by nerves. Minor injuries are not uncommon. Standing on a platform with a microphone in hand, Jose Antonio "Zaram" - known as the voice of the "Caballos del Vino" - announces to the crowd "Caballo en carrera" (Horse on the track). All four men have to reach the top to stand a chance of winning the title and the admiration of the people. Participating in the event is a family tradition, and troupes are longtime rivals. "Coming first is something that is impossible to put into words. It's a feeling that anyone from Caravaca de la Cruz dreams of from a young age," says Juan Antonio Sanchez, a member of the "Terry" troupe alongside Torres. There are 58 runs this year, and it is the penultimate one that produces the winner: the "Calimocho" troupe with its mare Buleria. In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, members of the "Terry" troupe and their richly decorated horse Rociero make their way amid the crowd during the "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, Antonio Torres braids the tail of Rociero, a Spanish pure breed that he hopes can win the competition for best cloak during the annual fiesta called "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, Antonio Torres and Niky Alcazar braid the mane of Rociero, a Spanish pure breed that they hope can win the competition for best cloak during the annual fiesta called "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, Juan Antonio Sanchez prepares ornaments for Rociero, a Spanish pure breed during the annual fiesta called "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, members of the troupe "Terry," dress Rociero, a Spanish pure breed during the annual fiesta called "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. Part of the mixed Moorish and Christian celebrations which are so typical of Spain, the Running of the Wine Horses recalls the perilous horse ride with which the Templars broke the Muslim siege of the local castle by bringing in provisions, purportedly in the middle of the 13th century. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, a member of the troupe "Terry," holds a valuable caparison, or cloak, which was embroidered by hand over the previous year, to be used as dress for Rociero, a Spanish pure breed during the annual fiesta called "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, Antonio Torres, center, and Juan Antonio Sanchez, right, look at Rociero, a Spanish pure breed that they hope can win the competition for best cloak during the annual fiesta called "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, Rociero, a Spanish pure breed and contestant for best cloak during the annual fiesta called "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. At the Running of the Wine Horses in southeast Spain, men dash alongside their richly decorated horses up to the local castle. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, detail of an embroidered cloak atop Rociero, a Spanish pure breed and contestant for best cloak during the annual fiesta called "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, a troupe and their richly decorated horse make their way amid the crowd during the "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, a horse and entrant of "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses, wait in downtown for the start of the competition in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The rules of the competition are simple. Four men in black trousers, white shirts and red scarves run alongside their horse, hanging on to it for dear life as it gallops up the steep dirt road to the castle, covering 80 meters as crowds press in and then part to make way. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, troupes race during the "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, a troupe try to control their richly decorated horse during the "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, a troupe and their richly decorated horse make their way amid the crowd during the "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, a troupe and their richly decorated horse make their way amid the crowd during the "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, a troupe falls down while their horse make its way amid the crowd during the "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, a troupe falls celebrates their timing race during the "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. The annual fiesta is said to date from the 13th century when the Knights Templar broke a siege. The colorful spectacle draws thousands of tourists. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) In this Thursday, May 2, 2019 photo, a member of the troupe falls down during the "Los Caballos del Vino," usually translated as the Running of the Wine Horses in Caravaca de la Cruz, southeast Spain. Four men in black trousers, white shirts and red scarves run alongside their horse, hanging on to it for dear life as it gallops up the steep dirt road to the castle, covering 80 meters as crowds press in and then part to make way. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency says President Hassan Rouhani's brother has been sentenced to an unspecified prison term for corruption. ISNA said Saturday that Hossein Fereidoun, a close confidante of the president, will be able to appeal the verdict. The financial misconduct charges date back to 2016, and were brought by hard-liners who dominate the country's judiciary. Rouhani, a relative moderate within Iran's political system, changed his surname decades ago. Fereidoun's trial began in February, and he's been free on bail since spending a night in prison in 2017. He had played a role as part of the team that negotiated Iran's 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers. Iran has in the past jailed allies of former presidents for similar charges. Xem them (Construction) - On December 3, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Construction held a conference to appraise the General Plan for Construction Project of Cao Bang Border Gate Economic Zone to 2040. ... Tin bai cuoi cung Khong con du lieu e load BEIRUT (AP) - Syrian government bombardment of rebel-held areas in the country's northwest has killed and wounded dozens and forced thousands to flee their homes, further endangering an eight-month truce in the last major rebel stronghold, opposition activists said Saturday. The recent escalation of violence is the most serious in Idlib province and nearby areas since Russia and Turkey negotiated a cease-fire in September. The shaky truce had averted a major government offensive on the last major rebel stronghold in Syria. On Saturday, government forces were sending new reinforcements toward Idlib, including tanks, armored personnel carriers and hundreds of troops. Over the past weeks, government forces have bombarded rebel-held areas while al-Qaida-linked militants attacked army positions around Idlib killing more than two dozen troops and pro-government gunmen over the past week. "The command's orders were given to bring these big reinforcements to respond to violations," a Syrian officer who asked that his name not be made public told The Associated Press. "We are waiting for orders to begin a military operation, God willing, soon." The opposition's Syrian Civil Defense said 22 civilians have been killed and more than 60 wounded in airstrikes and shelling since Friday morning. This photo provided by the Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows smoke rises after Syrian government and Russian airstrikes hit the town of al-Habeet, southern Idlib, Syria, Friday, May 3, 2019. Syrian state media and activists are reporting a wave of government and Russian airstrikes, including indiscriminate barrel bombs, on the rebel-held enclave in northwestern Syria where a seven-month truce is teetering under a violent escalation. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP) The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, reported more than 115 strikes against rebel-held areas on Saturday alone. It said six civilians were killed on Saturday raising to 67 the number of civilians and insurgents killed since Tuesday when the government began its new campaign. Syria's state news agency SANA reported that government forces targeted positions of the al-Qaida-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the most powerful group in Idlib. In violence in other parts of northern Syria, Turkey's defense ministry announced one Turkish soldier was killed and one lightly wounded in northwestern village of Tel Rifaat when Syrian Kurdish fighters shot at Turkish troops. The ministry said Turkish troops launched a counter-attack. The attack was believed to have been carried out by the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units, or YPG, which Turkey considers a terrorist organization with links to Kurdish insurgency inside Turkey. The attack came days after YPG militants carried out an attack in a Turkish-controlled region in northern Syria killing a soldier and wounding three others. 2016. ____ Associated Press writer Zeynep Bilginsoy contributed to this report from Istanbul. NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) - The Maid of the Mist boats that bring tourists to the base of Niagara Falls are going electric. The company on Friday announced plans to launch two zero-emission passenger vessels during the coming tourist season. The boats will be powered by high-capacity battery packs. The new vessels are expected to go into service in mid-September and replace the existing diesel-engine vessels that will operate on the lower Niagara River until then. The Swiss technology company ABB is supplying the lithium-ion battery packs and an onshore charging system. The batteries will be recharged for seven minutes after each trip. The Maid of the Mist first launched in 1846. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) - Police in Sri Lanka have requested members of the public hand over swords or other large knives to the nearest police stations after hundreds of such blades were discovered in Mosques and homes during searches in the aftermath of Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks. Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said Saturday that those possessing knives used for day-to-day legal purposes need not hand them over. In addition to illegal blades, Gunasekara said searches uncovered large amounts of camouflaged materials similar to those worn by the military. He said those too needed to be handed over to police on Saturday and Sunday. More than 250 people were killed and hundreds were wounded when Islamic extremist suicide bombers attacked three churches and three tourist hotels in Sri Lanka on April 21. TOKYO (AP) - Japan's child population has declined for the 38th year in a row and is now at a record low, the government said Saturday. The number of children younger than 15 in Japan stood at 15.22 million as of April 1, down 180,000, or 1.2%, from last year, the Statistics Bureau said. It's the lowest since comparable data became available in 1950. The data were released ahead of Children's Day on May 5. Japan's birthrate has remained low amid a lack of support for working women, who continue to face the burden of homemaking and other traditional roles, as well as excessively long working hours and high education costs. With children making up just 12.1% of its total population, Japan ranks lowest among countries with a population exceeding 40 million, followed by South Korea at 12.9% and Italy and Germany at 13.4%, according to the Statistics Bureau figures. As of 2017, Japanese women on average gave birth to 1.43 children during their lifetimes. That compares with nearly 1.8 in the U.S. and Britain. According to the latest government statistics, the number of births in 2018 fell to 921,000, the lowest since Japan began recording such statistics in 1899. Japan's total population fell by 448,000 people, a record decline, to 126 million. Japan's population is forecast to fall below 100 million by 2050, barring a huge influx of immigrants. Japan last month started allowing more foreign workers to ease a labor crunch. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said aging and the low birth rate are a national crisis. He's promised labor and other reforms to help alleviate the burden on families that discourage couples from having more children. Longer life spans in Japan have added to rising costs for elderly care and social security. Conservative lawmakers in Abe's government have at times blamed the elderly or childless for long-term demographic trends. Gaffe-prone Finance Minister Taro Aso earlier this year had to apologize for saying childless people are to blame for Japan's rising social security costs and declining population. ___ Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Indonesian authorities resumed their tough stance against illegal fishing in the country's waters by sinking 51 foreign ships Saturday, as the government ramps up efforts to exert greater control over its vast maritime territory. The seized ships were sunk at five ports across the archipelago, which has some of the world's richest fishing grounds, the Maritime and Fisheries Ministry said in a statement. The seized vessels sunk included 38 Vietnamese-flagged ships, 6 Malaysian, 2 Chinese and 1 Filipino. The rest were foreign-owned ships using Indonesian flag. Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti said in a speech that the illegal boats were a threat to the local fishing industry. Their operators are frequently perpetrators of modern day slavery. "This crime of illegal fishing in our waters was out of mind," Pudjiastuti said. "We can't tolerate anymore." Saturday's events were carried out in a low-key fashion compared with previous occasions, when boats were blown to pieces and their destruction broadcast live. Workers flood the cargo bay of a Vietnamese-flagged boats with water to sink it in the waters off Datuk Island, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, Saturday, May 4, 2019. Authorities sank 51 foreign fishing boats caught operating illegally in the Indonesian waters as it resumed its tough stance against poaching in the country. (AP Photos/William Pasaribu) A video taken off Datuk island in West Kalimantan province and released by the ministry showed Pudjiastuti and other fishery officers scrambling to an adjacent boat from a sinking vessel that had been filled with sand and flooded. She clapped her hands when she saw several ships successfully sunk. The move came a week after an Indonesian navy patrol ship was rammed by two Vietnamese coast guard ships after intercepting a boat it says was fishing illegally in its waters. The Vietnamese claimed that the area was Vietnamese waters. Indonesia detained 12 Vietnamese fishermen from the boat, which sank in last Saturday's clash, and they are being held at a naval base on Natuna island. Indonesian government says it has sunk more than 500 illegal fishing vessels since October 2014, many with explosives. Last year, the ministry sunk 125 mostly foreign vessels, included 86 Vietnamese-flagged ships, 20 Malaysian and 14 from the Philippines. Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, claims a huge exclusive economic zone, which is frequently penetrated by foreign fishing vessels. Its northerly reaches are regarded by China as its traditional fishing grounds despite their distance from the Chinese mainland. WASHINGTON (AP) - The "no-collusion" chorus sang loudly this past week, with President Donald Trump in full-throated roar and even Russian President Vladimir Putin chiming in. The upshot: substantial misrepresentations of what the special counsel's Russia investigation actually found. A review of recent rhetoric from Trump and his associates on Russia and more, with Putin in the mix: RUSSIA INVESTIGATION PUTIN on special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation: "A mountain gave birth to a mouse." - remarks Tuesday, echoed in a phone call with Trump on Friday. THE FACTS: Some might say this is a mouse that roared. In this May 3, 2019, photo, President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) The investigation produced charges against nearly three dozen people, among them senior Trump campaign operatives and 25 Russians, as it shed light on a brazen Russian assault on the American political system. The investigation did not establish a criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia and it reached no conclusion on whether Trump obstructed justice. Yet it described his campaign as eager to exploit the release of hacked Democratic emails to hurt rival Hillary Clinton and it exposed lies by Trump aides aimed at covering up their Russia-related contacts. The Russians caught up in the investigation were charged either with hacking into Democratic accounts or orchestrating a social media campaign to spread disinformation on the internet. ___ TRUMP: "The Mueller Report strongly stated that there was No Collusion with Russia (of course) and, in fact, they were rebuffed ... at every turn in attempts to gain access." - tweets Thursday. ATTORNEY GENERAL WILLIAM BARR: "The evidence is now that the president was falsely accused of colluding with the Russians and accused of being treasonous. ... Two years of his administration have been dominated by allegations that have now been proven false." - Senate hearing Wednesday. SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM, R-S.C., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee: "Mr. Mueller and his team concluded there was no collusion." - Senate hearing. THE FACTS: This refrain about the Mueller report stating there was no collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign is wrong. Trump's assertion that his campaign denied all access to Russians is false. The Mueller report and other scrutiny revealed a multitude of meetings with Russians. Among them: Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting with a Russian lawyer who had promised dirt on Clinton. On collusion, Mueller said he did not assess whether that occurred because it is not a legal term. He looked into a potential criminal conspiracy between Russia and the Trump campaign and said the investigation did not collect sufficient evidence to establish criminal charges on that front. Mueller noted some Trump campaign officials had declined to testify under the 5th Amendment or had provided false or incomplete testimony, making it difficult to get a complete picture of what happened during the 2016 campaign. The special counsel wrote that he "cannot rule out the possibility" that unavailable information could have cast a different light on the investigation's findings. ___ BARR, speaking of Trump: "He fully cooperated." - Senate hearing. THE FACTS: It's highly questionable to say Trump was fully cooperative in the Russia investigation. Trump declined to sit for an interview with Mueller's team, gave written answers that investigators described as "inadequate" and "incomplete," said more than 30 times that he could not remember something he was asked about in writing, and - according to the report - tried to get aides to fire Mueller or otherwise shut or limit the inquiry. In the end, the Mueller report found no criminal conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia but left open the question of whether Trump obstructed justice. ___ GRAHAM: "As to obstruction of justice, Mr. Mueller left it to Mr. Barr to decide after two years, and all this time. He said, 'Mr. Barr, you decide.' Mr. Barr did." - Senate hearing. THE FACTS: Not true. Mueller did not ask Barr to rule on whether Trump's efforts to undermine the special counsel's Russia investigation had obstructed justice. According to the report, Mueller's team declined to make a prosecutorial judgment on whether to charge partly because of a Justice Department legal opinion that said sitting presidents shouldn't be indicted. As a result, the report factually laid out instances in which Trump might have obstructed justice, specifically leaving it open for Congress to take up the matter or for prosecutors to do so once Trump leaves office. Barr wrote in a March 24 letter that he ultimately decided, as attorney general, that the evidence developed by Mueller was "not sufficient" to establish, for the purposes of prosecution, that Trump committed obstruction of justice. Barr subsequently acknowledged that he had not talked directly to Mueller about making that ruling and did not know whether Mueller agreed with him. ___ VENEZUELA TRUMP says Putin "is not looking at all to get involved in Venezuela, other than he'd like to see something positive happen for Venezuela." - remarks to reporters Friday after speaking with Putin on the phone. THE FACTS: Putin is already deeply involved in Venezuela as U.S.-supported Juan Guaido, opposition leader of the National Assembly, challenges President Nicolas Maduro's embattled government. Russia has a political, military and economic alliance with Venezuela over many years and is helping to support Maduro's hold on power. The Russians have provided Venezuela with substantial assistance, including an air defense system and help circumventing U.S. sanctions on its oil industry. "Russia is now so deeply invested in the Maduro regime that the only realistic option is to double down," said Alexander Gabuev of the Carnegie Moscow Center. ___ NATO TRUMP: "We're getting ripped off on military, NATO. I'm all for NATO. But you know, we're paying for almost 100 percent of defending Europe." - Wisconsin rally on April 27. THE FACTS: The U.S. is not paying "almost 100 percent" the cost of defending Europe. NATO does have a shared budget to which each member makes contributions based on the size of its economy. The United States, with the biggest economy, pays the biggest share, about 22 percent. Four European members - Germany, France, Britain and Italy - combined pay nearly 44 percent of the total. The money, about $3 billion, runs NATO's headquarters and covers certain other civilian and military costs. Defending Europe involves far more than that fund. The primary cost of doing so would come from each member country's military budget, as the alliance operates under a mutual defense treaty. The U.S. is the largest military spender but others in the alliance obviously have armed forces, too. The notion that almost all costs would fall to the U.S. is false. In fact, NATO's Article 5, calling for allies to act if one is attacked, has only been invoked once, and it was on behalf of the U.S., after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. ___ ECONOMY TRUMP: "We just did 3.2 ... 3.2 is a number that they haven't hit in 14 years." - interview Wednesday with Fox Business News. THE FACTS: First-quarter growth of 3.2% in the gross domestic product is nowhere close to the best in 14 years, by any measure. It's only the best since last year, surpassed in the second and third quarters with rates of 4.2% and 3.4% respectively. Perhaps he meant to say it was the best first-quarter growth in 14 years. But that's not right, either. It's the best in four years. The economy grew by 3.3% in the first quarter of 2015. So President Barack Obama has a better first-quarter record than Trump to date. ___ TRUMP: "Wages are rising fastest for the lowest-income Americans." - Wisconsin rally on April 27. THE FACTS: This is true, though he's claiming credit for a trend that predates his presidency. Some of the gains also reflect higher minimum wages passed at the state and local level; the Trump administration opposes an increase to the federal minimum wage. With the unemployment rate at 3.6 %, the lowest since December 1969, employers are struggling to fill jobs. Despite all the talk of robots and automation, thousands of restaurants, warehouses, and retail stores still need workers. They are offering higher wages and have pushed up pay for the lowest-paid one-quarter of workers more quickly than for everyone else since 2015. In March, the poorest 25% saw their paychecks increase 4.4% from a year earlier, compared with 3% for the richest one quarter. ___ Associated Press writers Christopher Rugaber, Eric Tucker, Lolita C. Baldor and Lynn Berry contributed to this report. ___ Find AP Fact Checks at http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactCheck Attorney General William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the Russia report by special counsel Robert Mueller on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., gives an opening statement before swearing-in Attorney General William Barr to testify, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 1, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the Easter service in the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow, Russia, Sunday, April 28, 2019. Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 28. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko) LONDON (AP) - The leak of details from a secret U.K. government discussion about Chinese telecommunications company Huawei doesn't amount to a crime, London's Metropolitan Police force said Saturday. Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said he was satisfied the disclosure from a National Security Council meeting did not violate the Official Secrets Act. "No crime has been committed, and this is not a matter for the police," Basu said. The government launched an investigation after news reports came out saying the security council agreed, against the advice of the United States, to let Huawei participate in aspects of Britain's new 5G wireless communications network. Opposition politicians had also called for police to investigate the leak. Prime Minister Theresa May fired Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson on Wednesday, saying there was "compelling evidence" he was to blame for the leak. Williamson strongly denied responsibility and said a police investigation would exonerate him. FILE - In this Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 file photo, Britain's Defence Minister Gavin Williamson stands in the main chamber during a gathering of NATO defence ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels. British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson has been fired Wednesday, May 1, 2019 after an investigation into leaks from a secret government meeting about Chinese telecoms firm Huawei. Prime Minister Theresa May's office says May has "lost confidence" in Williamson. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, file) Responding to the conclusion of Metropolitan Police, Williamson said he was the victim of a "shabby and discredited witch hunt" and called for a "full and impartial" investigation. The United States has lobbied allies such as Britain to exclude Huawei from all 5G networks, claiming the Chinese government could force the company to give it backdoor access to data on its networks. PULASKI, Pa. (AP) - Animal welfare authorities say almost 50 dogs have been removed from a western Pennsylvania home where another 10 dogs were found dead. The Humane Society of Mercer County says the 47 living dogs were found during a Friday night raid on a home in Shenango Township. An official called it "probably one of the hardest calls we've ever been on." Humane society officer Courtney Ivan said about 14 of the dogs were in crates and the rest were running free throughout the house. Officials said humane officers had to use hazardous materials suits inside because of the large amount of feces. Ivan says none of the living dogs was emaciated, but none had received veterinary care and several were pregnant. NEW CARLISLE, Ohio (AP) - A photojournalist shot by a sheriff's deputy while preparing to photograph a late-night traffic stop has settled a federal civil rights lawsuit against the deputy and a central Ohio county. The Springfield News-Sun reports Andrew Grimm says he's glad about this week's settlement and plans to move from Clark County, where he's lived much of his life. Grimm wouldn't provide the settlement amount. Grimm had gone into New Carlisle in September 2017 to photograph a lightning storm and was about to photograph a traffic stop when Clark County Deputy Jacob Shaw shot him. Shaw's body camera recorded him telling Grimm, whom he knew, that he thought Grimm had a gun. The Clark County Sheriff's Office says the settlement is satisfactory to both parties. A grand jury cleared Shaw of wrongdoing. ___ Information from: Springfield News-Sun, http://www.springfieldnewssun.com NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - Cyprus' foreign ministry says Turkey's bid to drill for natural gas in waters where the island nation has exclusive economic rights is a "flagrant violation" of its sovereignty under international law. The ministry in a statement on Saturday says the bid shows Turkey's "real intentions" of undermining efforts to restart talks aimed at reunifying the ethnically divided country. The ministry says Cyprus, a European Union member, is taking "all necessary measures" to deal with the situation. EU Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini is expressing the bloc's "grave concern" over Turkey's intention to drill inside Cyprus' exclusive economic zone. Mogherini says the EU urgently calls on Turkey to show restraint, respect Cyprus' sovereign rights and refrain from any illegal action to which the bloc "will respond appropriately in full solidarity" with Cyprus. CHICAGO (AP) - A 90-year-old great-grandfather is about make history by becoming the oldest student to earn a bachelor's degree from Northeastern Illinois University since the school started keeping records in 1962. Bob Dwyer, a great-grandfather, Army veteran and retired widower, will graduate with a degree in interdisciplinary studies on Monday. "Education is always a plus and we can never have too much of it," Dwyer told the Chicago Tribune. Daniel Milsky, a professor who taught Dwyer philosophy last fall, said he believes his other students benefited from having someone in the course with more life experience. Dwyer was born in Chicago in 1928. Dwyer said he enlisted in the Army in 1946, just eight days after his high school graduation, and served stateside for a year and a half. By 1948, he was enrolled in Wright College, where he met his wife, Peggy. She went on to graduate, but he dropped out to start working. He said he never anticipated it would take him over half a century more to receive his degree. The couple was married in 1956 until her death in 2010. University student Bob Dwyer, 90, stands in the library at Northeastern Illinois University, Wednesday, April 24, 2019 in Chicago. Dwyer will make history Monday, May 6 when he graduates and becomes the school's oldest student to receive his bachelor's degree since the school started keeping such records in 1962. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune via AP) He chose to attend Northeastern Illinois University after Peggy's death, partly because enrolling helped him through the grieving process. He settled upon majoring in interdisciplinary studies because it gave him an opportunity to take courses in a variety of subjects. John Ross, another one of his instructors at Northeastern, said some of the older students, in their 30s and 40s, appreciated Dwyer because he reinforced their own decisions to return to college at an older age. Ross noted that some of the 18- to 22-year-olds also found Dwyer a source of inspiration. "Obviously Bob doesn't need this for a career, he just loves knowledge and education for its own sake," he said. Dwyer intends to slow down after he graduates. "I'm in the twilight of my life, I have to recognize that," he said. "I'm going to sit back and relax for a while. School has been a 24/7 endeavor." ___ Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com Bob Dwyer, 90, chats with students and staff at Northeastern Illinois University, Wednesday, April 24, 2019. Dwyer will make history Monday when he graduates from Northeastern Illinois University, becoming the school's oldest student to receive his bachelor's degree since the school started keeping such records in 1962. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune via AP) ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Growing up, Ben Masters worked on West Texas ranches along the border where he developed a love for the outdoors and wildlife. The experience eventually led him to study wildlife biology and to become a filmmaker. But his interests shifted after the election of President Donald Trump and Trump's insistence that the U.S. erect a wall along the entire U.S.-Mexico border. Masters' new documentary examining the diverse wildlife and landscape of the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border debuted this week at select theaters nationwide and on iTunes. "The River and The Wall" follows five people, including Masters, who take a 60-day journey along the Rio Grande from El Paso to Brownsville, Texas. They travel by foot, mountain bike, canoe and horseback to document the natural physical barriers that already exist along the 1,200-mile (1,931 kilometer) border. They also film wildlife and talk to U.S.-Mexico border residents who see the region as one and who oppose plans to build a wall in rural, isolated areas. Director Ben Masters said he got the idea for the film after getting frustrated over how the border region and the debate over immigration were being portrayed in media. "A lot of things that have happened (in) my life have been near the border," Masters said. "I wanted to go and see it personally before it's potentially changed forever by a wall." In this December, 2017 photo released by Fin and Fur Films, filmmaker Ben Masters rides horseback in the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border in Big Bend National Park, Texas. The new documentary, "The River and The Wall," released Friday, May 3, 2019, examines the diverse wildlife and landscape of the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border amid the political pressure to erect a border wall. (Fin and Fur Films via AP) What could transform? Centuries-old ecosystems, the migration of wildlife and human and economic relationship built over decades - all are at stake, Masters said. And a border wall wouldn't just affect the Texas-Mexico border but the borderlands in New Mexico, Arizona and California that exist amid fragile ecological makeups. Producer Hillary Pierce said few people think of how a wall about change border life and she felt a cinematic trip to a region rarely explored would add another dimension to the debate. Viewers will see how existing walls, sometimes a mile (1.6 kilometer) from the border have hurt private farmers and ranchers. "This is a virtual visit to the border," Pierce said. "It's a chance for people to see it for themselves." The crew gathered footage while canoeing through dangerous rapids, pointing cameras at bighorn sheep and camping in the darkness. Drones and helicopter took images from the sky but most was shot from the ground. The U.S. Border Patrol assisted in giving the crew access to chained-off border land and agents were helpful. Pierce said the project took place before the Trump administration's controversial child separation migrant policy. Among those on the journey are Brazilian-born filmmaker Filipe DeAndrade and Guatemalan American outdoor guide Austin Alvarado. Both came from immigrant families who lived in the country illegally - DeAndrade also lived in the country illegally for a time - and travel along the border while thinking of the journey to the U.S. their own families took. Still, most of the time, the travelers were turning their cameras to the view around them and contemplating if they were viewing something about to undergo dramatic alteration. "It was such a treat to have this experience," Masters said. "It's a shame that we may be one of the last to do so." ___ Russell Contreras is a member of The Associated Press' race and ethnicity team. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/russcontreras In this December 2017 photo released by Fin and Fur Films, a group of filmmakers and wildlife photographers ride horseback in Big Bend National Park, Texas, near the U.S.-Mexico border. The new documentary, "The River and The Wall," released Friday, May 3, 2019, examines the diverse wildlife and landscape of the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Fin and Fur Films via AP) In this January, 2018 photo released by Fin and Fur Films, a group of filmmakers and wildlife photographers cycle along the border wall near the U.S.-Mexico border south of Big Bend National Park, Texas. This portion of the wall is within the U.S., some distance from the actual border. The new documentary, "The River and The Wall," released Friday, May 3, 2019, examines the diverse wildlife and landscape of the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Fin and Fur Films via AP) This December 2018 photo released by Fin and Fur Films shows guide Austin Alvarado paddling through Boquillas Canyon in Big Bend National Park, Texas, with filmmakers and wildlife photographers near the U.S.-Mexico border. The new documentary, "The River and The Wall," released Friday, May 3, 2019, examines the diverse wildlife and landscape of the Rio Grande along the U.S.-Mexico border. (Fin and Fur Films via AP) EDMOND, Okla. (AP) - More than 100 people marched in the rain to protest the fatal shooting of a naked, unarmed teenager by police in the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond. The group marched about a half mile (0.8 kilometer) Friday from the school attended by 17-year-old Isaiah Lewis to the Edmond Police Department during a rally arranged by the Oklahoma City chapter of Black Lives Matter. Police have said Sgt. Milo Box and officer Denton Scherman spotted Lewis running naked on Monday and followed him into a home he broke into. They say he fought with the officers and a stun gun failed to subdue him. Rev. T. Sheri Dickerson, director of Black Lives Matter OKC, said police failed to respond appropriately to a boy who was in "some type of impaired state." People march to the Edmond Police Department during a Black Lives Matter protest rally honoring the life of Isaiah Lewis in Edmond, Okla., Friday, May 3, 2019. Police in the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond said that Isaiah Lewis, a naked 17-year-old high school student was not armed when he was fatally shot by police after breaking into a home.(Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman via AP) A protestor holds a sign at the Edmond Police Department during a Black Lives Matter protest rally honoring the life of Isaiah Lewis in Edmond, Okla., Friday, May 3, 2019. Police in the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond said that Isaiah Lewis, a naked 17-year-old high school student was not armed when he was fatally shot by police after breaking into a home.(Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman via AP) Vicki Lewis, mother of Isaiah Lewis, speaks to the crowd during a Black Lives Matter protest rally on the steps of the Edmond Police Department in Edmond, Okla., Friday, May 3, 2019. Police in the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond said that Isaiah Lewis, a naked 17-year-old high school student was not armed when he was fatally shot by police after breaking into a home.(Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman via AP) People listen to speakers at the Edmond Police Department during a Black Lives Matter protest rally honoring the Life of Isaiah Lewis in Edmond, Okla., Friday, May 3, 2019. Police in the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond said that Isaiah Lewis, a naked 17-year-old high school student was not armed when he was fatally shot by police after breaking into a home.(Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman via AP) People listen to speakers at the Edmond Police Department during a Black Lives Matter protest rally honoring the Life of Isaiah Lewis in Edmond, Okla., Friday, May 3, 2019. Police in the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond said that Isaiah Lewis, a naked 17-year-old high school student was not armed when he was fatally shot by police after breaking into a home.(Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman via AP) People pray at the Edmond Police Department during a Black Lives Matter protest rally honoring the life of Isaiah Lewis in Edmond, Okla., Friday, May 3, 2019. Police in the Oklahoma City suburb of Edmond said that Isaiah Lewis, a naked 17-year-old high school student was not armed when he was fatally shot by police after breaking into a home.(Sarah Phipps/The Oklahoman via AP) MIAMI (AP) - Forget the dystopian future of science fiction stories, where Skynet endoskeletons stomp on dry human bones or people slumbering in fluid-filled pods serve as living batteries. Electronic music producer and DJ Steve Aoki imagines a future where humans live in harmony with technology, and he's sharing that vision in a new comic book series called "Neon Future." Although science fiction narratives commonly depict cybernetic machines turning on their human masters, as in "The Terminator" or "The Matrix," Aoki doesn't buy it. "A general plot is that technology is destroying humanity," Aoki said. "The robots are going to make us their slaves, or the human species is going to be exterminated by technology. But in this case, we are going to become augmented. ... We use technology for the good. It's a different kind of story." "Neon Future " is set roughly 30 years from now in a United States that has outlawed advanced technology. A civil war is brewing between people who have integrated technology into their bodies and those who have not. The resistance movement, Neon Future, is led by a longhaired, bearded, Asian-American man named Kita Sovee - whose name happens to be an anagram of Steve Aoki. The series follows an anti-tech crusader who dies and is resurrected by a technology developed by Aoki's character. "I believe that technology will merge with us," Aoki said. "I believe that at the end of the day, we will all become the robots. We will become cyborg beings where we can have superhuman qualities with the technology." Steve Aoki talks to a fan during a comic book signing of his new "Neon Future" comic book series at Multiverse Corps. Comics on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Miami. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Aoki said he liked the idea of having a character in the comic who's loosely based on him but not the primary protagonist. With two sides at war, Kita Sovee fights for a third way - a path of coexistence. "He's the kind of the character that I would strive to become," Aoki said. Aoki came up with the term Neon Future in 2014. He's used it in the title of three of his five studio albums, with "Neon Future" IV set to release later this year. "Neon Future as a concept deserved an illustrative storytelling piece," Aoki said. "A piece that can paint the picture of what the Neon Future really means." Aoki said he grew up reading Marvel comics, like Punisher, Wolverine, X-Men and Spider-Man. "Before I got into music even, comics were my go-to," Aoki said. He was also a huge fan of Japanese animated films like "Ghost in the Shell," and even joined an anime club in college. "I'm obsessed with future science technologies," Aoki said. "Before I was a science fiction guy, I was a comic book guy. That's where imagination comes from." "Neon Future" is the first comic series produced by Impact Theory. Founder and CEO Tom Bilyeu said Aoki and his team were clear that they didn't want a series about a fictionalized version of Aoki going on adventures in some high-tech fantasy world or a marketing tool to promote his musical career. The top priority was creating a story that would appeal to comic fans. "They did not want to be beholden to Steve's image as a person, the way that people think about him," Bilyeu said. "We thought of him as an actor. Imagine if Steve Aoki were cast as this character Kita Sovee." Bilyeu was doing research and preparing to interview Aoki for a web series in 2017 when he realized Aoki shared his sense of "techno-optimism" and concluded Aoki might be the perfect partner. "I realized that in real life he plans to be cryogenically frozen when he dies," Bilyeu said. "And I just thought that was so incredible, and I have a personal obsession with the possibility of living forever." He eventually pitched the idea of creating a comic book world around Aoki's "Neon Future" album series and then met with award-winning comic writer Jim Krueger to help bring their ideas to life. Krueger, who's worked for DC and Marvel, said he initially expected just to give Bilyeu an overview of the comic industry. "And then it just became fun from there," Krueger said. "He started telling me about his ideas. I started telling him about my ideas, and it was kind of like, all business aside, really just two creators coming together and having the fun of beginning to create together." The group is committed to an initial six-issue story arc with plans for at least two more six-issue arcs, depending on its success. "I hope there's appetite for it," Bilyeu said. Apparently there is. The first issue, which debuted last year, sold out at stores, he said. "Neon Future" is available at Comixology and Impact Theory's official website . The stories are being written so that each six-issue arc will eventually be released as a graphic novel, Krueger said. Bilyeu said he could imagine exploring other characters, and even adapting the material for a live-action television series or film. "The more we work on it, the bigger the world gets," Bilyeu said. Steve Aoki sits for a portrait during a comic book signing of his new comic book series "Neon Future" at Multiverse Corps. Comics on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Miami. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) A large group of fans gather to get autographs from Steve Aoki during a comic book signing of his new "Neon Future" comic book series at Multiverse Corps. Comics on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Miami. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Steve Aoki holds and signs his comic book during a signing of his new "Neon Future" comic book series at Multiverse Corps. Comics on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Miami. Aoki imagines a future where humans live in harmony with technology. The story is set roughly 30 years from now in a United States that has outlawed advanced technology. A civil war is brewing between people who have integrated technology into their bodies and those who have not. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Steve Aoki, left, and Tom Bilyeu, right, sit for a portrait during a comic book signing of his new comic book series "Neon Future" at Multiverse Corps. Comics on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Miami. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Steve Aoki, center, gestures to his fans as he enters a comic book signing of his new "Neon Future" comic book series at Multiverse Corps. Comics on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Miami. Aoki imagines a future where humans live in harmony with technology. The story is set roughly 30 years from now in a United States that has outlawed advanced technology. A civil war is brewing between people who have integrated technology into their bodies and those who have not. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) A copy of Steve Aoki's new comic book "Neon Future" is seen at his signing at Multiverse Corps. Comics on Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Miami. Aoki imagines a future where humans live in harmony with technology. The story is set roughly 30 years from now in a United States that has outlawed advanced technology. A civil war is brewing between people who have integrated technology into their bodies and those who have not. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) This image provided by Steve Aoki shows a scene from his comic book "Neon Future." The graphic novel is set roughly 30 years from now in a United States that has outlawed advanced technology. A civil war is brewing between people who have integrated technology into their bodies and those who have not. The resistance movement, Neon Future, is led by a longhaired, bearded, Asian-American man named Kita Sovee, an anagram of Steve Aoki. (Steve Aoki via AP) ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The top Republican in the Minnesota Senate, who helped defeat a proposed ban on so-called gay conversion therapy for minors, sent his daughter to a therapist opposed to gay relationships after suspecting she had a same-sex attraction when she was a teenager, the Star Tribune reported Friday. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, a conservative Christian from Nisswa, led his caucus in voting down a Democratic proposal May 1 against the practice of trying to turn gay people straight. "I cry over this issue," he told the newspaper , choking up during an interview. Genna Gazelka, 30, who uses the pronoun "they" and now identifies as bi-gender, recalled being sent to a therapist who decried same-sex relations. The therapist was Marcus Bachmann, the husband of former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, a fiery conservative Christian who ran for president in 2012 "This is harassment and it is tantamount to what could be said of torture or sexual torture," Genna Gazelka said of conversion therapy. Genna Gazelka, who decided to go public because of the vote, also expressed hope that the ban will pass and, eventually, a family relationship that had become strained by their differences will be fully repaired. In this Friday, May 3, 2019 photo, Genna Gazelka is seen at their apartment in Duluth, Minn. Gazelka, who now identifies as bi-gender and uses the pronoun "they," is speaking out against their father's, Minnesota state Sen. Paul Gazelka's efforts to derail a ban on conversion therapy in the state. Genna say's they were put through conversion therapy with Marcus Bachmann after coming out as a lesbian as a teen. (Mark Vancleave/Star Tribune via AP) Paul Gazelka acknowledged sending his child to therapy, but said it was for healing, not for sexual identity conversion. Now he said he's working to find a compromise that would ban coercive therapy techniques on children while preserving the right of therapists and pastors to speak freely with their patients, particularly those who say they are struggling with an unwanted same-sex attraction. Some GOP senators threatened during the debate to vote down their own health and human services budget bill if the conversion ban was attached to it, while others still want to see the ban enacted this year. The majority leader has now turned to Sen. Scott Jensen to find a compromise that eluded them before. Jensen, a physician and Charka Republican, said his lesbian daughter helped change the views he learned growing up in a small, traditional town. But his patients are an even bigger influence on his thinking. He said he's seen teens and adults struggle with depression, sometimes deciding to end their own lives. Sen. Scott Dibble, an openly gay Minneapolis Democrat who authorized the amendment that was defeated, said he feels momentum. "Something very powerful is happening," Dibble said. "Hearts are being shifted and moved. Minds are being changed." ___ Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com A charter plane carrying 143 people has ended up in a Florida river at the end of a runway, though no critical injuries or deaths were reported. The Boeing 737 slid off the runway and into the St Johns River after arriving at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, with 136 passengers and seven aircrew on board. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office posted on Twitter that a marine unit responded to assist. The plane is in shallow water and not submerged. Everyone on the plane is alive and accounted for, the agency posted, with 21 adults transported to local hospitals in good condition. A photo posted by deputies shows a Miami Air International logo on the plane. Captain Michael Connor, the commanding officer of NAS Jacksonville, said during a news conference that passengers were a mix of civilian and military personnel. Some were staying in the area, while others were set to fly on to other parts of the country. #JSO Marine Unit was called to assist @NASJax_ in reference to a commercial airplane in shallow water. The plane was not submerged. Every person is alive and accounted for. pic.twitter.com/4n1Fyu5nTS Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) May 4, 2019 While the crash certainly was not ideal, Capt Connor acknowledged that it could have been much worse. I think it is a miracle, he said. We could be talking about a different story this evening. It is not known how long it will take to remove the plane from the river, but Capt Connor said the landing gear appeared to be resting on the river bed, making it unlikely for the aircraft to float away. Base Commander Captain Mike Connor said it was a miracle no-one was seriously harmed (AP) He said crews began working to contain any jet fuel leaks almost immediately after securing the passengers safety. Liz Torres told the Florida Times-Union that she heard what sounded like a gunshot on Friday night from her home in Orange Park, about five miles south of NAS Jacksonville. She then drove down to a Target car park where police and firefighters were staging to find out more. Ive never seen anything like this, she said. Ironically, our Special Operations team trained for an incident like this today with the marine units. THEJFRD (@THEJFRD) May 4, 2019 The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department posted on Twitter that approximately 90 personnel responded to the scene, adding that the departments special operations team had trained with marine units for a similar incident earlier on Friday. Navy security and emergency response personnel were on the scene and monitoring the situation, with family members who were expecting the arrival of passengers instructed to stand by. Officials did not immediately say what caused the plane to leave the runway. Capt Connor said National Transportation Safety Board investigators are already on their way. Thailands King Maha Vajiralongkorn has been officially crowned in an elaborate centuries-old royal tradition last seen seven decades ago. The coronation represents a renewal of the monarchys power after the October 2016 death of Vajiralongkorns revered father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It also comes amid more than a decade of political strife, including a 2014 military coup and a contentious election less than two months ago. The 66-year-old Vajiralongkorn served as king for more than two years since he assumed the throne. On Saturday, he took the crown from the chief Brahmin, a Hindu priest who has played a guiding part in the mixed Buddhist-Hindu ceremony, during a televised ritual from the Grand Palace. The 200-year-old, 16lb heavy crown was handed to the king, known as Rama X, as part of the third and final rite of the coronation ceremony, the presentation of royal regalia. King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida (Thai TV/AP) Earlier, the king wore a simple white robe as he entered a small pavilion where he was briefly showered with water from several holy rivers and ponds and other sources. Other water was poured on him from old royal water vessels. The rite, known as the Royal Purification Ceremony, was accompanied by music from drums, conch shells and other instruments. Outside the palace, artillery was fired in a salute to the monarch. This ceremony is significant to Thailand because the monarchy is a very important institution of our country and is the soul of our nation, said Naowarat Buakluan, a 41-year-old civil servant. If you ask why the ceremony is being held this year when his majesty has already ascended the throne, its because this is the right moment. Previously we Thais were mourning the loss of our beloved late king. Well-wishers hold portraits of Thailands King Maha Vajiralongkorn outside Grand Palace (Sakchai Lalit/AP) Vajiralongkorn inherits a nation in political turmoil, with the powerful army entrenched in government for five years after staging a coup in 2014. An election held in March has been widely seen as rigged through convoluted election laws to favour the military and its preferred candidate, Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the coup and has headed the government since then. Vajiralongkorn has tightened control over royal institutions and what amounts to political privileges. He surprised the countrys ruling junta when, to ensure his royal powers, he requested changes to a new constitution that had already been approved in a referendum. They acquiesced. The powers he acquired centralise royal authority in his hands and make explicit his right to intervene in government affairs, especially in times of political crisis. Thai officers stand outside Grand Palace in Bangkok (Sakchai Lalit/AP) After the coronation, the king will receive members of the royal family, the privy council and cabinet, among other senior officials, who will pay their respects. Afterwards he will visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to announce he is the royal defender of Buddhism. The days events end with a ceremony of the Assumption of the Royal Residence, a symbolic palace housewarming. On Sunday, there will be a 4.3-mile royal procession involving 343 men, some of them carrying the king through old Bangkok in an ornately decorated palanquin, allowing Thais to pay homage to their new king. Monday will see the king greet the public from the balcony of the Grand Palace in the late afternoon and then hold a reception for the diplomatic corps. Government welfare policy on the rape clause is a not an easy one for Conservatives to deal with, a leading Scottish Tory said. Brian Whittle, the sport and wellbeing spokesman for the Conservatives in Holyrood, said great marketing by opposition parties had seen them use the policy to attack the Government. Labour shadow Scottish secretary Lesley Laird insisted it was absolutely shameful that Conservatives, including Ruth Davidson, support the despicable Tory rape clause. But speaking at a fringe event at the Scottish Conservative Aberdeen conference, Mr Whittle argued it was legitimate to debate the limits that should be put on benefit payments. Join @EstherMcVey1 @RossThomson_MP Bill Grant MP and @BrianWhittle at our @ScotTories Conference fringe on 4 May! Find out more https://t.co/rsZzIdJDe5 pic.twitter.com/qga6mfmYxj Blue Collar Conservatism (@bluecollartory_) April 29, 2019 He said: The thing about the rape clause, and I think it is fair to say the opposition have grasped hold of that and are driving that really hard into us, the thing is this, were looking at a system where the question is, should there be an upper limit on social benefits, and thats a debate that has to happen and its a very legitimate debate We think there should be a limit to what social security payments should be, and if we agree to what social security payments should be, you would accept there have to be exemptions to that. Brian Whittle (Andrew Milligan/PA) He added that if the party had not included an exemption to the policy which limits to two the number of children for which families can claim tax credits they would have been massively criticised. But Mr Whittle said Tories were getting beaten for doing that, when the actual debate is around social security benefits, should there be an upper limit, what it should be, and if there isnt an upper limit how does that encourage people to go back into work. He continued: Its not an easy one for Conservatives to get round, and Ive been beaten for that as well. But there is a legitimate debate to be had here that is not being had. Alison Thewliss MP, SNP, said: Brian Whittles comments are not only offensive, theyre totally heartless. He seems to be in total denial about the hardship and misery his own party is causing. The rape clause is not a political invention its an utterly horrific policy of the Tory government, which has forced families across Scotland and the UK into poverty. Ruth Davidson has made her pitch to be Scotlands next first minister pledging to bring about a blue collar revolution that would get the country on the right track. Despite the next Holyrood elections being two years away in May 2021, the Scottish Tory leader said the choice voters would face then would be between another SNP government led by Nicola Sturgeon banging on about independence and a Conservative administration that would offer a brighter horizon. Ms Davidson pledged a new approach to vocational education and plans to ensure teenagers stay in education until at least 18 or otherwise take up a structured apprenticeship or training place if they want to go in work. She also said the greatest service we can do to our nation would be bringing down the curtain on 14 of SNP grudge and grievance. Closing the Scottish Conservative conference in Aberdeen, Ms Davidson said: As first minister, I wont use every engagement with the UK Government as a chance to sow division. Ill use it as a chance to deliver better government for the people who live here. And Ill make a firm guarantee now: If I am elected Scotlands next first minister, there will be no more constitutional games and no more referenda. Weve had enough to last a lifetime. Ruth Davidson made her return to frontline politics (Jane Barlow/PA) We can't see the potential of another generation go unfulfilled. These are the people who should demand our attention.#SCC19 pic.twitter.com/e2eqkENrAv Scottish Conservatives (@ScotTories) May 4, 2019 The speech marked her return to frontline politics after going on maternity leave. She told Tory party activists: Im back because I want to put Scotlands constitutional division aside, to allow the country to come back together again. I want us to become the largest party in 2021 so we can see all the effort and hours and manpower the current nationalist administration puts into Indyref2 being put into improving our schools, growing our economy and supporting our services. Im back because I want us to build a better Scotland right here, right now. That election is still two years away but today its time we fire the starting gun on the campaign. Cabinet ministers place more importance on the next Tory leadership contest than Brexit, Sir Keir Starmer has claimed, in a swipe at the Foreign Secretarys warning that a customs union would not be a long-term solution. The shadow Brexit secretary said Jeremy Hunts comments provided yet more evidence that many in the Cabinet believe the most important thing right now is the race to be Theresa Mays successor. This is yet more evidence that for many in the Cabinet the most important thing right now is the next Tory leadership contest. https://t.co/Rle3i8fz5a Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 4, 2019 Sir Keir made the remarks in response to an interview with the Press Association in which Mr Hunt said he had never believed that a customs union is a long-term solution. The Labour frontbencher tweeted: This is yet more evidence that for many in the Cabinet the most important thing right now is the next Tory leadership contest. As discussions continue between the Government and the Labour Party, the Foreign Secretary said it was still possible that the UK would not have to take part in the European elections in three weeks time. He warned that the outcome would not be pretty for both parties if they had to participate in the polls and said the cross-party talks could yield a deal in the next week. And Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said a deal between Labour and the Tories could be done in the new few days, telling reporters at her partys conference in Aberdeen: We are getting closer and closer. Theres not that much between the two parties as I understand it from people in the room. Speaking in Nairobi, Kenya, on the last leg of his week-long African visit, Mr Hunt said there would need to be a very high degree of statesmanship on both sides in the discussions. We have an adversarial system in Westminster and its in our DNA not to co-operate with each other. But I think the glimmer of hope we have in this situation is that both Conservative core voters and Labour core voters want Brexit sorted, and both would be extremely angry with the party they voted for if we had another general election without Brexit being delivered. He added: This is a very exceptional time and there are substantively difficult issues, but I dont think its impossible. Asked if he would support a customs union compromise as part of the discussions, Mr Hunt said: Ive never believed that a customs union is a long-term solution because how could you expect the EU, for example, to stand up for the rights of Scotch whisky distillers if they were negotiating a trade deal with the United States or Japan, even though the UK had absolutely no say in that trade deal? Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt visits Kibera in western Nairobi (Harriet Line/PA) Theres no example anywhere in the world where a large economy like the UK the fifth largest in the world subcontracts the negotiation of its trade deals. But I think that what Labour really want when they talk about a customs union is the benefits of a customs union: friction-less trade, to facilitate issues around the border in Northern Ireland and manufacture and supply chains, and we want that too. So, if we can find a solution that delivers the benefits of the customs union without signing up to the current arrangements, then I think there will be potential. He said that while he supported the Prime Ministers deal, there may be things that can be done to make it more acceptable to Labour without compromising on the things that we think are essential. Mr Hunt warned that if politicians do not resolve Brexit then they will have failed as a political class in doing what Labour and the Tories promised at the last general election. Jeremy Hunt speaking alongside Kenyan foreign minister Monica Juma at a press conference in Nairobi (Harriet Line/PA) He also said it was still not impossible to pass the Withdrawal Act before May 22. That is what we are all desperately hoping for because its not going to be pretty for any of the big parties if we have to fight these elections. If we dont have the Withdrawal Act in law by May 22, that is what will happen. Elsewhere, Environment Secretary Michael Gove issued a renewed plea for MPs to back Mrs Mays deal. In a speech to the Scottish Conservatives conference, Mr Gove said: It enables us to leave the EU while safeguarding essential interests and liberating us to enjoy new opportunities. Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, said her party will consider comments made by former DUP health minister Jim Wells about the partys first openly-gay candidate. Mrs Foster said the DUP will look at bad behaviour from party members after the local elections are concluded. Alison Bennington was elected to the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council on Friday. Although she received warm congratulations from many of her party colleagues, Mr Wells said his former leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, would be aghast. The DUPs founder once led a campaign to, in his words, Save Ulster from Sodomy and prevent the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Mr Wells, who makes his opposition to same-sex marriage widely known, claimed that DUP voters feel very concerned about the decision to run Ms Bennington as a candidate. Arlene Foster said the DUP will look at `bad behaviour from party members after the local elections are concluded (Steve Parsons/PA) Mrs Foster said he should not have made those comments to the media. Speaking in Omagh she said: (Jim) should have been coming through the normal routes, through the party, if he had concerns about those issues. We will look at all of those issues after the election. We will be looking at vote management schemes, we will be looking at where we did very well and we will be looking at bad behaviour as well. Asked whether Mr Wells would remain a party member, she said: Im not going to pre-judge any process if it were to happen, I think its wrong to do that. You have to allow due process to take its course, so we will have to wait and see what happens. She added that she was delighted to see Ms Benningtons success. Her and Phillip Brett had a very strong performance, Mrs Foster added. We were trying to get the third seat in that area but didnt quite make it but its there for looking at again the next time round. They performed very strongly. A leak of information from a top-secret meeting of the National Security Council about Chinese tech giant Huawei did not amount to a criminal offence, the Metropolitan Police has said. Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said he had spoken to the Cabinet Office regarding the nature of the material discussed in the meeting, but was satisfied that the details disclosed to the media did not contain information that would breach the Official Secrets Act. He said: I have considered all the information available to me and I have taken legal advice. I am satisfied that the disclosure did not amount to a criminal offence, either under the Official Secrets Act or Misconduct in a Public Office. No crime has been committed and this is not a matter for the police. Leaked reports of a meeting of the National Security Council last month suggested that Theresa May had cleared Huawei to be involved in non-core elements of the 5G network, such as antennae. According to reports in the Daily Telegraph, Mrs May overruled five ministers who expressed concern that the companys involvement might provide a route for Chinese spying and undermine allies confidence in the security of UK communications. Gavin Williamson was sacked as defence secretary (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Gavin Williamson was later sacked as defence secretary after the PM said there was compelling evidence he was behind the leak something he denies. In a statement, Mr Basu, head of the Mets Specialist Operations, added: Any organisation has the right to conduct an internal investigation into conduct in the workplace. It is not a matter for the police unless a crime is alleged. At no time have the police been provided with evidence by the Cabinet Office that a crime has been committed nor has it been suggested that a Gateway process would be required to enable that determination to be made. No crime has been alleged by the owner of the material and I am clear that the leak did not cause damage to the public interest at a level at which it would be necessary to engage misconduct in a public office. It would be inappropriate to carry out a police investigation in these circumstances. Opposition parties had called on Mrs May to refer the matter to the police for a criminal investigation, after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said Scotland Yard would not launch an inquiry unless the case is referred to them by the Government. Mr Williamson himself has said he would welcome a police probe, which he believed would absolutely exonerate him. But Cabinet Office minister David Lidington told MPs on Thursday there was no plan to pass information from its leak inquiry to police, and said the Prime Minister regarded it as closed. It was understood the information leaked from the meeting was not judged by Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill to be of a classification level that would require a criminal investigation. The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party said she will consider comments made by former health minister Jim Wells about the partys first openly gay councillor in Northern Ireland. Arlene Foster said her party will look at a number of issues including bad behaviour by party members after the Northern Ireland local elections have concluded. It comes after Mr Wells said his former leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, would be aghast at the decision to run gay DUP candidate Alison Bennington. The DUPs founder once led a campaign to, in his words, Save Ulster from Sodomy and prevent the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Mrs Foster said Mr Wells should not have made those comments to the media. (Jim) should have been coming through the normal routes, through the party, if he had concerns about those issues, she said. We will look at all of those issues after the election. We will be looking a vote management schemes, we will be looking at where we did very well and we will be looking at bad behaviour as well. Independent republican councillor Gary Donnelly topped the poll in a Moor DEA of Derry City and Strabane District Council. He is considered to be one of the public faces of the dissident republicanism in Northern Ireland. Mr Donnellys election comes just weeks after dissident republicans murdered journalist Lyra McKee during disturbances in Londonderry. The DUPs first openly gay candidate, Alison Bennington, who has won a seat at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council (Dave Pettard/PA) It sparked outrage across the world as well as a swell of criticism for dissident republican terrorism in Northern Ireland. Mr Donnelly topped the poll in The Moor DEA with 1,374 first-preference votes, just over the quota of 1,292 votes. Counting continues across Northern Ireland following the local government elections. Around a third of the 462 seats will be filled today before the final make-up of the regions 11 councils can be revealed. Counting of ballots at Coleraine Leisure centre in County Londonderry (Niall Carson/PA) The first day of the count saw gains for the DUP and the centralist Alliance Party, while the Ulster Unionists suffered some losses. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said his party had had a very good day. I am delighted with some of our results west of the Bann, we are taking extra new seats in places where we havent done before, and pleased that a lot of our sitting councillors have been returned, but we have also got some very good fresh blood coming through, he said. At the start of Saturdays count, the DUP were leading the pack with 81 seats, ahead of Sinn Fein on 74, the UUP on 57, the SDLP on 42 and Alliance on 36. Later, a former Sinn Fein MP who resigned after angering relatives of 10 Protestants shot dead in a sectarian massacre will discover later whether he has won a council seat. Barry McElduff is standing for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in the local government poll. He stepped down last year after an outcry prompted by him posting a video of himself balancing a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head. Former West Tyrone MP Barry McElduff will find out whether he has been elected to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. (Niall Carson/PA) It was put on his Twitter account on the anniversary of the Kingsmills atrocity. Ten workmen were shot dead by republicans in Co Armagh on January 5 1976. The contest was dominated by early gains in the greater Belfast area for the Alliance Party and Green Party, solid performances from Sinn Fein and the DUP and a slump in support for the Ulster Unionists. Of the smaller parties, the Progressive Unionists suffered a blow in Belfast with the loss of Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston while People Before Profit gained a seat with Fiona Ferguson. It's a new day for People Before Profit. And it's a new voice for Socialist politics in this city. Fiona Ferguson has defied the odds and taken a seat in Oldpark. An incredible achievement. Things are about to shake up on Belfast City Council! pic.twitter.com/et6zjGAxvI South Belfast PBP (@sbelfastpbp) May 3, 2019 The son of a prison officer shot dead by dissident republicans in 2012 was also elected for the DUP. Kyle Blacks father David died following a motorway drive-by shooting. Kyle Black, son of murdered prison officer David Black, celebrating with his girlfriend Adele Bradley, after winning a council seat in Mid Ulster (Handout/PA) In Ards and North Down Council, Tom Smith, deselected as a DUP councillor after he voted to light up a council building in rainbow colours, retained his seat as an independent. In Londonderry in the far west, the nationalist SDLPs Mary Durkan was elected. The barrister is the sister of Stormont Assembly member Mark H Durkan. The north-west city also saw Anne McCloskey become the first candidate from the anti-abortion all-Ireland Aontu party to be elected. Counting in the local government elections at Belfast City Hall (Rebecca Black/PA) In Belfast, Ulster Unionist councillor Sonia Copeland dedicated her victory to community worker, Ian Ogle, who was stabbed to death on a street in East Belfast in January. In Antrim and Newtownabbey a former DUP mayor was returned with an increased vote following his recent conviction for drink-driving. Thomas Hogg served a five-month suspension from the council earlier this year. He is one of two councillors to be re-elected after a drink-driving conviction. Alliance councillor Patrick Brown topped the poll at the Rowallane district electoral area in the Newry, Mourne and Down council. He was caught riding his motorbike while under the influence of alcohol in 2017. DUP councillor Thomas Hogg who was convicted of drink-driving has won back his council seat with an increased vote (Rebecca Black/PA) Mr Hogg said: I am overwhelmed to have been elected with 999 votes my largest ever. The council election is being conducted by single transferable vote, a proportional representation system. A fresh bid to restore Stormonts moribund powersharing institutions is to begin next week following the fatal shooting of journalist Lyra McKee, 29, by dissident republicans in Londonderry in April. The last Democratic Unionist/Sinn Fein-led powersharing coalition imploded amid a row about a botched renewable energy scheme. The rift between the erstwhile partners-in-government subsequently widened to take in disputes over the Irish language, same-sex marriage and the legacy of the Troubles. A total of 819 candidates are standing for 462 available seats across 11 council areas in Northern Ireland. Murdered journalist Lyra McKee has been remembered during a May Day parade in Belfast. A special tribute was paid to Ms McKee as the parade assembled at Writers Square beside St Annes Cathedral where last month Prime Minister Theresa May and Irish president Michael D Higgins were among those who attended her funeral. The parade was led by a new banner declaring: Workers Rights are Human Rights, in tribute to Ms McKee as well as all workers facing violence and intimidation. As the procession made its way around Belfast for the annual event, members of the NUJ stepped out and stood in front of Belfast City Hall to remember Ms McKee. Proud to carry the @NUJofficial banner for Belfast branch at todays May Day march in Belfast. #lyramckee remembered by all those present pic.twitter.com/MSBWYvGBCp Brian Pelan (@BrianPelan) May 4, 2019 Members of all the trade unions taking part in the parade joined the NUJ in applauding Ms McKee. NUJ Irish Secretary Seamus Dooley said she was remembered with applause because she was someone who was bright and vibrant. Members of the NUJ paused at Belfast City Hall during the May Day parade in Belfast to remember murdered journalist Lyra McKee. (Rebecca Black/PA) The theme of the parade this year is workers rights are human rights. Lyra was denied the most fundamental right of all, which was the right to life, he said. We decided on applause because we felt it was wrong in the first instance to salute Lyra in silence. She was someone who was bright and vibrant. She was important to the trade union movement, she was important to the LGBT+ movement and she was important as a worker and as a force for good within the community. This is a community celebration so it was entirely appropriate that we should celebrate it within the wider context of May Day. Owen Reidy, assistant general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, said it was all the more poignant with the recent callous murder of Lyra McKee. On #WorldPressFreedomDay we also remember those journalists who have lost their lives, including our colleague Lyra McKee who was shot dead in Derry, Northern Ireland two weeks ago. #WPFD2019 https://t.co/MaexMEzysv #WeStandWithLyra pic.twitter.com/qRmlGpdgX4 English PEN (@englishpen) May 3, 2019 Her pointless murder is a reminder that we cannot take the peace process for granted and her life and murder must not be in vain, he said. It also motivates us in the trade union movement, as the largest truly cross-community civic society group in Northern Ireland, to stand up for peace, pluralism and diversity and all that is good about our society. He went on to urged the political leadership in Northern Ireland to agree to restore devolution after almost two years of Stormont not functioning. Workers in both the public and private sectors are missing out on decisions which are legally dependent upon the signature of devolved ministers but morally overdue and causing real hardship to workers who need pay rises and decent working environments, and not excuses, he said. That is why the trade union movement has been calling for a representative forum of Social Dialogue for Northern Ireland whereby we can seek to mitigate the harsh edges of Brexit and propose practical and realistic evidence-based policy solutions to the problems our society and economy faces. We therefore come together today representing the interests and hopes of the 200,000 workers and their families in Northern Ireland and we remember Lyra and demand that this society moves forward to a more stable, just and civilised place. Independent republican councillor Gary Donnelly has topped the poll in a Derry ward weeks after the dissident republican murder of journalist Lyra McKee. Mr Donnelly is considered to be one of the public faces of dissident republicanism in Northern Ireland. He polled 1,374 first-preference votes in the Moor district electoral area (DEA) of Derry City and Strabane District Council. He was first elected to the council as an independent in 2014. Mr Donnellys re-election came as Ms McKee, who was shot dead during disturbances in Derry, was remembered during a May Day parade in Belfast. Her murder sparked outrage across the world as well as a swell of criticism for dissident republican terrorism in Northern Ireland. Gary Donnelly topped the poll in a Derry ward where journalist Lyra McKee was murdered (PA) Mr Donnelly said she died because of a reckless act. Writing on his Facebook page, he said: This is wrong and my thoughts like the thoughts of this entire community are with her loved ones. I would plead with those behind this attack to desist from any further attacks and seriously consider the consequences of their action. Revulsion at her death has galvanised a new bid for political agreement at Stormont following criticism of the stalemate from a Catholic priest. Demands for action from Father Martin Magill and Ms McKees sister Nichola Corner during her funeral in Belfast spurred the UK Government into a renewed effort to restore Stormont powersharing, due to begin next week. On Saturday, members from the NUJ paid a special tribute to Ms McKee at Belfast City Hall as the parade made its way through the city. Werner Herzog has described The Mandalorian as a phenomenal achievement after joining the cast of the streaming series set in the Star Wars universe. Herzog told the Associated Press he is likely to appear in two or three episodes of Jon Favreaus series as a character in whom you cannot trust. The series, starring Pedro Pascal, Gina Carano and Carl Weathers, is set to premiere in November with the launch of the new Disney Plus streaming service. The famed 76-year-old German writer, director and actor admitted he has never seen a Star Wars movie. Ive seen some trailers. Ive seen some excerpts here and there. And I know about the whole franchise and about the toys for the kids and so its all a new mythology. Herzog said he was impressed by the practical, real-world approach of The Mandalorian, whose directors include Taika Waititi and Bryce Dallas Howard. Werner Herzog (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) Why isn't anyone talking about that weird IRON-MANdolorian helmet. pic.twitter.com/3Enpb5Pd15 Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) March 24, 2019 The series is set in the aftermath of The Return Of The Jedi, five years after the Rebellions victory. Mandalorian was filmed not like all the other Star Wars or other big event films green screen, green screen everywhere and the camera motion-control moving there, Herzog said. All of a sudden you have a phenomenal step forward. As an actor, you see the entire planet on which you are. You see the landscape. The camera, that could even be hand-held and move in between us, sees the same landscape. Its not green screen and artificiality. It brings movie-making back where it should be. Its a phenomenal, phenomenal achievement. Herzog was interviewed while promoting his new documentary Meeting Gorbachev. A leak of information from a top-secret meeting of the National Security Council about Chinese tech giant Huawei which cost Gavin Williamson his job did not amount to a criminal offence, the Metropolitan Police has said. Mr Williamson, who was sacked as defence secretary over his alleged involvement in the disclosure, was among those to call for a criminal investigation, which he believed would absolutely exonerate him. But Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said he was satisfied that the details disclosed to the media did not contain information that would breach the Official Secrets Act. He said he had spoken to the Cabinet Office regarding the nature of the material discussed in the meeting and had taken legal advice. I am satisfied that the disclosure did not amount to a criminal offence, either under the Official Secrets Act or Misconduct in a Public Office. No crime has been committed and this is not a matter for the police, Mr Basu said in a statement. Any organisation has the right to conduct an internal investigation into conduct in the workplace. It is not a matter for the police unless a crime is alleged. At no time have the police been provided with evidence by the Cabinet Office that a crime has been committed nor has it been suggested that a Gateway process would be required to enable that determination to be made. Leaked reports of a meeting of the NSC last month suggested Mrs May had cleared Huawei to be involved in "non-core" elements of the 5G network (Steve Parsons/PA) No crime has been alleged by the owner of the material and I am clear that the leak did not cause damage to the public interest at a level at which it would be necessary to engage misconduct in a public office. It would be inappropriate to carry out a police investigation in these circumstances. Opposition parties had called on Mrs May to refer the matter to the police for a criminal investigation, after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said Scotland Yard would not launch an inquiry unless the case is referred to them by the Government. Leaked reports of a meeting of the National Security Council last month suggested that Theresa May had cleared Huawei to be involved in non-core elements of the 5G network, such as antennae. A letter written by Prime Minister Theresa May to Gavin Williamson (Downing Street/PA) According to reports in the Daily Telegraph, Mrs May overruled five ministers who expressed concern that the companys involvement might provide a route for Chinese spying and undermine allies confidence in the security of UK communications. The PM told ITV News on Friday: I did take a difficult decision. This was not about what was leaked, it was about where it was leaked from. It was the importance of the question of trust around that National Security Council table. Asked if she was convinced Mr Williamson was responsible for the leak of information about the NSC meeting, Mrs May said: I took the decision that I did. That was the right decision. A chartered jet carrying 143 people from the US military base in Cuba tried to land in a thunderstorm in north Florida and ended up in the river next to Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Authorities said everyone on board emerged without critical injuries, climbing on to the wings to be rescued. The Boeing 737 arriving from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with 136 passengers and seven crew on board came to a stop in shallow water in St Johns River. Everyone on board was alive and accounted for, Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said, with 21 adults taken to local hospitals in good condition. 21 adults transported to local hospitals by @JFRDJAX. All listed in good condition, no critical injuries. Over 80 @JFRDJAX members responded. AMAZING response and work @JFRD! #Teamwork https://t.co/WKdlygail4 Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) May 4, 2019 Marine units from the sheriffs department and Jacksonville Fire Rescue along with first responders from the naval air station helped passengers and crew to safety. Captain Michael Connor, commanding officer of NAS Jacksonville, said those on board were a mix of civilian and military personnel, and that while some were staying in the area, others planned to fly on to other parts of the country. I think it is a miracle, he said. We could be talking about a different story this evening. Several pets were on the plane and their status was not immediately clear. A navy statement early on Saturday offered hearts and prayers to their owners, and said safety issues prevented rescuers from immediately retrieving the animals. Many people are asking about the pets aboard the aircraft that skidded off the runway into the St. Johns River last night at NAS Jacksonvilee. Unfortunately, they have not been retrieved yet due to safety... https://t.co/iWh2irgkPs NAS Jacksonville (@NASJax_) May 4, 2019 It was not clear what went wrong. Boeing said on Friday night that it was aware of an incident in Jacksonville and are gathering information. The Federal Aviation Administration was referring media inquiries to NAS Jacksonville. Air station officials said investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have been dispatched to determine what happened. A photo posted by deputies shows a Miami Air International logo on the plane. Authorities work at the scene (Jacksonville Sheriffs Office/AP} It was not known how long it would take to remove the plane from the river, but Mr Connor said the landing gear appeared to be resting on the river bed, making it unlikely that the aircraft would float away. He said crews began working to contain any jet fuel leaks almost immediately after securing the passengers safety. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department posted on Twitter that approximately 90 personnel responded to the scene, adding that the departments special operations team had trained with marine units for a similar incident earlier on Friday. Navy security and emergency response personnel were also on the scene, the navy release said. Ruth Davidson has made her pitch to be Scotlands next first minister, pledging to bring about a blue-collar revolution that would get the country on the right track. Despite the next Holyrood elections being two years away in May 2021, the Scottish Tory leader said the choice voters would face would be between another SNP government led by Nicola Sturgeon banging on about independence and a Conservative administration that would offer a brighter horizon. Ms Davidson pledged a new approach to vocational education and plans to ensure teenagers stay in education until at least 18, or take up a structured apprenticeship or training place if they want to go into work. The Tories want the 10,000 youngsters who leave school every year and take a job with no training, or who have no job at all, to be able to carry on with their education or learn new skills, with a future Tory administration pledging between 20 million and 60 million to help make this happen. In her speech she said the greatest service we can do to our nation would be bringing down the curtain on 14 years of SNP grudge and grievance. Closing the Scottish Conservative conference in Aberdeen, Ms Davidson said: As first minister, I wont use every engagement with the UK Government as a chance to sow division. Ill use it as a chance to deliver better government for the people who live here. Ruth Davidson fired the starting gun on her bid to become Scotlands next first minister. (Jane Barlow/PA) And Ill make a firm guarantee now: If I am elected Scotlands next first minister, there will be no more constitutional games and no more referenda. Weve had enough to last a lifetime. We can't see the potential of another generation go unfulfilled. These are the people who should demand our attention.#SCC19 pic.twitter.com/e2eqkENrAv Scottish Conservatives (@ScotTories) May 4, 2019 The speech marked her return to frontline politics after going on maternity leave, and she told activists: Im back because I want to put Scotlands constitutional division aside, to allow the country to come back together again. Im back because I want us to build a better Scotland right here, right now. That election is still two years away but today its time we fire the starting gun on the campaign. With Ms Sturgeon having declared her desire to hold another independence referendum within the next two years, the Scottish Tory leader was clear about saying no to another referendum. But she stressed that was because she wanted to deal, front and centre, with the very real issues affecting our country. Here are the policies announced in Ruth's speech to #SCC19 that will help bring Scotland back together: A New Economic Strategy for Scotland A Scottish Exporting Institute Investment Hubs in the Rest of the UK Economic Growth Fund Reformed Enterprise Agencies 1/2 Scottish Conservatives (@ScotTories) May 4, 2019 The bulk of her speech was about the policies the Tories could bring in if she achieves her goal of ousting Ms Sturgeon. She outlined plans for a new skills participation age of 18, ending the current system which allows children to finish education when they are 16. Ms Davidson said she wanted it to be the law that everybody up until the age of 18 has to either go to college or university, or if they want to start work, its through a structured apprenticeship or a traineeship. As part of a sea change in culture in vocational education, she argued for junior colleges to be set up to provide more opportunities for those who choose not to go to university. Ms Davidson also promised a lifelong skills guarantee that could help workers of all ages to retrain or improve their skills to help their careers. What we need is nothing short of a blue-collar revolution. And a government led by me would deliver on it. On the economy, she pledged the Tories would start by untangling the bureaucracy thats spread like Japanese knotweed under this SNP Government. Outstanding speech by @RuthDavidsonMSP. Setting out our @ScotTories vision to grow the Scottish economy, transform the life chances of Scotlands young people, restore our public services, and end 14 years of SNP grudge and grievance. #SCC19 pic.twitter.com/5aNeF4opYN Miles Briggs MSP (@Miles4Lothian) May 4, 2019 In addition there would be a new economic growth fund to support those looking to invest in Scotland, as well as the establishment of a Scottish exporting institute. With the world facing the massive challenge of climate change, she said Scotland could be at the forefront of the new clean energy revolution of the future too, adding that her government would work to encourage technologies such as hydrogen power. Countries like Australia are already investing millions in developing hydrogen as a replacement for natural gas, she said. Its zero emissions, you can make it from water using renewable electricity, you can store it and then export it to neighbouring countries. Well why not us too? You cant trust a word @RuthDavidsonMSP says today. Heres what she really thinks pic.twitter.com/OciYsrdBDo Scottish Labour (@ScottishLabour) May 4, 2019 But SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: Ruth Davidson is, just like her boss Theresa May, running scared of democracy. Support for independence is on the rise, and the Tories can see that, which is what lies behind their utterly undemocratic move to block the people of Scotland having a say on their future. Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said the Tory had been silent about how the reforms she promised would be funded. Mr Gray said: Labour is committed to lifelong learning, but the most urgent reform our education system needs is more funding we have over 3,000 fewer teachers under the SNP but Ruth Davidson wont ask the richest to pay their fair share to deliver it. In fact, Ruth Davidson was silent on how she plans to pay for her plans. Robbers have stolen a safe containing a five-figure sum of money from a mans home after bursting in and threatening him. Police believe the robbery in Galston, Ayrshire, may have been a pre-planned, targeted attack. The group of men entered the property on Shields Road at around 2.15pm on Friday. One of the men threatened the 66-year-old victim while the others stole the safe, which contained a five-figure sum. Police Scotland is appealing for information after a 66 year-old man was robbed at an address in Galston yesterday afternoon. https://t.co/XXuxGORkZ5 pic.twitter.com/aCNTz62rIS Ayrshire Police (@AyrshirePolice) May 4, 2019 The men then made off in a silver coloured Lexus GS300 vehicle, which had a broken rear windscreen, heading towards the centre of Galston. Police are appealing for information about the incident. Police are appealing for information about the robbery (Joe Giddens/PA) Detective Sergeant Ewan Bell, at Kilmarnock Police Office, said: Although the man was not physically injured, this robbery was a terrifying experience for him to have to go through and he has been left shaken. Nobody should be afraid in their own home and it is vital that we find the men responsible for this incredibly callous and forceful crime. Our officers are currently going through CCTV and making door to door enquiries, however we are appealing for the wider public who may have any information that can help us to get in touch. We believe that the man we have described may have been in the area in the days leading up to the robbery and that it was a pre-planned, targeted attack. Do you remember hearing or seeing anything in the area prior to the incident taking place, or did you see the vehicle described driving away from the area? We know the area was busy with people at the time, think back, you may have information that did not seem like anything at the time, but now you know a robbery took place, may now seem significant. The men are described as a group of four of five, with one wearing a grey balaclava. One of the men is described as 5ft 10ins, of stocky build with pale skin, stubble and short cropped blonde or red hair. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Police via 101, quoting incident number 2010 of Friday May 3, 2019 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained. Protests against LGBT education in schools are part of an organised campaign across the country, a union has heard. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) annual conference in Telford was told national demonstrations were being held by opponents of children being taught about same-sex relationships. Conference unanimously passed a motion calling on the national executive to work with appropriate bodies to develop and lobby for more robust policy and support for schools. As @PaulWhiteman6 updates #NAHTConf delegates about progress in Birmingham and other areas that have seen protests against teaching equalities, read our letter from @DamianHinds @educationgovuk https://t.co/BWsAAuRyDu NAHT (@NAHTnews) May 4, 2019 Dave Woods, a member of the NAHT national executive, said head teachers in Ealing, west London, had been sent a number of emails and requests for withdrawal from parents. He said: One head reported 20 parents surrounding him and demanding an on-the-spot meeting. Another one said a request for withdrawal had gone from two children to 80 in six weeks. This is happening across the country. It is an organised campaign. Relationships are for everybody. We dont consult on maths, we dont consult on English, we dont consult on any subject, we dont need to consult on relationships. Earlier on Saturday Ofsted chief Amanda Spielman said it was unacceptable for teachers and schools to be intimidated. She also said it would be a huge step backwards if schools became reluctant to teach about diversity in Britain. Amanda Spielman (Ofsted/PA) Ms Spielman said: The Equality Act is designed to enforce a number of different rights. And of course, there are places where these different rights can bump into each other. One clear tension exists in places where equality between the sexes comes second to religious belief and cultural preferences. Another tension arises between religious belief and relationships education in the context of LGBT issues. And what were talking about here is not sex education. Its just a simple understanding that, just as families worship differently, they also love and marry differently. The chief inspector of schools added: But as a result, were seeing protests at school gates and children being withdrawn from schools. Conference heard the demonstrations were worrying on a number of fronts including their effect on community cohesion and the impact on schools and children. Ms Spielman said: Clearly, its unacceptable to intimidate schools and to intimidate teachers who are trying to do whats asked of them under the law. Three new subjects relationships education from primary school, relationships and sex education at secondary school, and health education for all ages will form part of the school curriculum in England from 2020. Primary school children will not learn about sexual relationships, but will learn about having respect for all kinds of people in an age-appropriate way. Where a maintained primary school chooses to teach aspects of sex education, the school must set this out in its policy and consult parents on what is to be covered. Thank you to @NAHTnews for the invitation to the conference in Telford yesterday. Read my speech herehttps://t.co/ychWJYlj7c pic.twitter.com/LbCgAxJlAG Damian Hinds (@DamianHinds) May 4, 2019 Addressing the NAHT conference, Education Secretary Damian Hinds called on protesters to stop, and instead engage in dialogue. He said: No child should have to walk past a protest to go to school, and no teacher should have to walk past a protest to go to school. It is right that there is dialogue, we want schools to consult with parents. Ultimately there is no veto over what is taught in schools. That is head teachers domain. I call on people to not be protesting talking by all means, but not protesting because it is not good for those children, and it is not good for your fellow professionals. The man who took a legal challenge to Europe to change the law on homosexuality in Northern Ireland has lost his council seat. Jeffrey Dudgeon (Ulster Unionist Party) had been running to defend his seat in the Balmoral DEA of Belfast. He received 660 votes at the first stage of the count and was unable to gain enough transfers from other candidates to stay in the race. In what has been a disastrous election for his party in Belfast, Mr Dudgeon was eliminated on the third stage of the count, following a recount of that stage. In 1981, Mr Dudgeon took a case to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing the law that criminalised male homosexuality contravened the European Convention on Human Rights. The court ruled in his favour and the law in Northern Ireland was changed, bringing the region into line with the rest of the UK. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have fired scores of rockets into southern Israel, wounding at least two Israeli civilians and triggering retaliatory air strikes and tank fire against militant targets and shattering a month-long lull in violence. Israeli officials said a 50-year-old woman was severely wounded by rocket fire, while a teenage boy was slightly hurt as he ran for cover. Gazas Health Ministry said a 22-year-old Palestinian man was killed by an Israeli air strike, and 13 other Palestinians were wounded. Israeli police said a house in the coastal city of Ashkelon was damaged. Israeli citizens look at the damage caused by a rocket fired from Gaza into the city of Ashkelon (Tsafrir Abayov/AP) The outbreak of fighting came as leaders from Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, and the smaller armed faction Islamic Jihad were in Egypt for talks with mediators aimed at restoring a fraying ceasefire. Hamas leaders have hoped the recent calm would pave the way for a deeper, longer-term ceasefire. Tensions have been rising in recent days amid allegations from Hamas that Israel has been delaying implementation of last months ceasefire understandings. Air raid sirens sounded in southern Israeli throughout the day. By late afternoon, the military said 150 rockets had been fired into Israel. It said dozens of rockets were intercepted by its Iron Dome rocket-defence system and that roads near the Gaza border were closed to civilian traffic. Israeli police said they had dispatched bomb disposal experts to the south to deal with projectiles that landed in open areas. Damage in the southern Israeli city Kiryat Gat (Ariel Schalit/AP) The army said its chief of staff, Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi, convened an emergency session with senior security officials to discuss the situation. Later, it said it had hit 30 targets in Gaza, including what it said were five Hamas military compounds and several Islamic Jihad compounds. COGAT, the Israeli defence body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, said it was closing the fishing zone off Gazas coast and sealing Israels two land crossings with Gaza. The crossings are used by Palestinian medical patients to enter and exit the territory, and provide the main entry for cargo into the blockaded territory. The European Unions ambassador to Israel, Emanuele Giaufret, sharply criticised the rocket attacks, saying firing indiscriminately against civilians (is) unacceptable. Islamic Jihad, a smaller Iranian-backed militant group that sometimes acts independently of Hamas, threatened to fire longer range rockets towards Israels heartland. Israel and Egypt have maintained a crippling blockade on Gaza since Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007. The sides are bitter enemies and have fought three wars and engaged in numerous smaller flare-ups of violence. Following heavy fighting in late March, Israel agreed to ease the blockade in exchange for a halt to rocket fire. This included expanding a fishing zone off Gazas coast, increasing imports into Gaza and allowing the Gulf state of Qatar to deliver aid to cash-strapped Gaza. But like previous Egyptian-mediated agreements, those understandings have shown signs of unravelling in recent days. A former MP who resigned after angering relatives of 10 Protestants shot dead in a sectarian massacre has won a council seat in the Northern Ireland local elections. Barry McElduff was forced to resign his Westminster seat last year amid an outcry after he posted a video of himself balancing a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head. It was posted on his Twitter account on the anniversary of the Kingsmill atrocity, which saw 10 workmen shot dead by republicans in Co Armagh on January 5, 1976. The Co Tyrone man was elected to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on the fourth count. Newly elected councillor Barry McElduff - who was forced to resign as Sinn Fein MP after angering relatives of the Kingsmill massacre - said he wants to move forward with dignity and integrity. pic.twitter.com/PuZzk7NHRr Cate McCurry (@CateMcCurry) May 4, 2019 Mr McElduff and his supporters did not celebrate when it was officially confirmed. DUP leader Arlene Foster said she does not believe Mr McElduff has recognised the hurt and pain he caused to victims in Northern Ireland. Former West Tyrone MP Barry McElduff (Niall Carson/PA) Meanwhile, the son of murdered Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane was elected to Belfast City Council. John Finucane was elected on the first count of the Castle DEA which encompasses parts of north Belfast with 1,650 votes, just behind the Alliance Partys Nuala McAllister, who attracted 1,787 votes. He previously ran for office in the 2017 Westminster election in North Belfast and won 19,159 votes, finishing second behind DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds. Pat Finucane was shot dead by loyalists at the age of 39 in front of his wife and three children in 1989. The Ulster Unionist Party has suffered a number of high profile causalities, including Jeffrey Dudgeon who lost his council seat in the Balmoral DEA of Belfast. In what has been a disastrous election for his party in Belfast, Mr Dudgeon was eliminated on the third stage of the count. In 1981, Mr Dudgeon took a legal challenge to Europe to change the law on homosexuality in Northern Ireland. The court ruled in his favour and the law in Northern Ireland was changed, bringing the region into line with the rest of the UK. In further controversy, Mrs Foster said she will consider comments made by former health minister Jim Wells about the DUPs first openly gay councillor in Northern Ireland. The leader said her party will look at a number of issues including bad behaviour by members after the Northern Ireland local elections have concluded. It comes after Mr Wells said his former leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, would be aghast at the decision to run gay DUP candidate Alison Bennington. The DUPs founder once led a campaign to, in his words, Save Ulster from Sodomy and prevent the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Mrs Foster said Mr Wells should not have made those comments to the media. The DUPs first openly gay candidate, Alison Bennington, who has won a seat at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council (Dave Pettard/PA) (Jim) should have been coming through the normal routes, through the party, if he had concerns about those issues, she said. We will look at all of those issues after the election. We will be looking at vote management schemes, we will be looking at where we did very well and we will be looking at bad behaviour as well. Independent republican councillor Gary Donnelly topped the poll in a Moor DEA of Derry City and Strabane District Council. He is considered to be one of the public faces of dissident republicanism in Northern Ireland. Mr Donnellys election comes just weeks after dissident republicans murdered journalist Lyra McKee during disturbances in Londonderry. It sparked outrage across the world as well as a swell of criticism for dissident republican terrorism in Northern Ireland. Mr Donnelly topped the poll in The Moor DEA with 1,374 first-preference votes, just over the quota of 1,292 votes. Counting continues across Northern Ireland following the local government elections. Counting of ballots at Coleraine Leisure centre in County Londonderry (Niall Carson/PA) The first day of the count saw gains for the DUP and the centralist Alliance Party, while the Ulster Unionists suffered some losses. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said his party had had a very good day. I am delighted with some of our results west of the Bann, we are taking extra new seats in places where we havent done before, and pleased that a lot of our sitting councillors have been returned, but we have also got some very good fresh blood coming through, he said. The contest was dominated by early gains in the greater Belfast area for the Alliance Party and Green Party, solid performances from Sinn Fein and the DUP and a slump in support for the Ulster Unionists. Of the smaller parties, the Progressive Unionists suffered a blow in Belfast with the loss of Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston while People Before Profit gained a seat with Fiona Ferguson. It's a new day for People Before Profit. And it's a new voice for Socialist politics in this city. Fiona Ferguson has defied the odds and taken a seat in Oldpark. An incredible achievement. Things are about to shake up on Belfast City Council! pic.twitter.com/et6zjGAxvI South Belfast PBP (@sbelfastpbp) May 3, 2019 The son of a prison officer shot dead by dissident republicans in 2012 was also elected for the DUP. Kyle Blacks father David died following a motorway drive-by shooting. Kyle Black, son of murdered prison officer David Black, celebrating with his girlfriend Adele Bradley, after winning a council seat in Mid Ulster (Handout/PA) In Ards and North Down Council, Tom Smith, deselected as a DUP councillor after he voted to light up a council building in rainbow colours, retained his seat as an independent. In Londonderry in the far west, the nationalist SDLPs Mary Durkan was elected. The barrister is the sister of Stormont Assembly member Mark H Durkan. The north-west city also saw Anne McCloskey become the first candidate from the anti-abortion all-Ireland Aontu party to be elected. Counting in the local government elections at Belfast City Hall (Rebecca Black/PA) In Belfast, Ulster Unionist councillor Sonia Copeland dedicated her victory to community worker Ian Ogle, who was stabbed to death on a street in East Belfast in January. In Antrim and Newtownabbey, a former DUP mayor was returned with an increased vote following his recent conviction for drink-driving. Thomas Hogg served a five-month suspension from the council earlier this year. He is one of two councillors to be re-elected after a drink-driving conviction. Alliance councillor Patrick Brown topped the poll at the Rowallane district electoral area in the Newry, Mourne and Down council. He was caught riding his motorbike while under the influence of alcohol in 2017. DUP councillor Thomas Hogg, who was convicted of drink-driving, has won back his council seat with an increased vote (Rebecca Black/PA) The council election is being conducted by single transferable vote, a proportional representation system. A fresh bid to restore Stormonts moribund powersharing institutions is to begin next week. The last Democratic Unionist/Sinn Fein-led coalition imploded amid a row about a botched renewable energy scheme. The rift between the erstwhile partners-in-government subsequently widened to take in disputes over the Irish language, same-sex marriage and the legacy of the Troubles. A total of 819 candidates are standing for 462 available seats across 11 council areas in Northern Ireland. By Amanda Becker CHILLICOTHE, OHIO, May 11 (Reuters) - At a veterans hall in the mostly white, working-class town of Chillicothe, Ohio, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke to about 200 people on Friday about her plans to fight the opioid epidemic, Washington corruption and economic inequality. Warren's decision to campaign in Ohio - a state President Donald Trump won by eight percentage points in 2016 - so soon in the Democratic presidential nominating battle is telling. Ohio does not host one of next year's early nominating contests. Yet there is growing consensus among Democrats that a nominee's ability to beat Trump in November 2020 is the number one priority - and Warren aims to convince voters there and elsewhere that she has broad enough appeal to do it. "I believe that if you're running for president of the United States you ought to be running for president of all the people and not just spend your time in a handful of so-called battleground states," Warren told reporters at an earlier stop on Friday in Kermit, West Virginia, a solidly Republican state. Party strategists and voters are divided over what type of candidate is best positioned to take on the president. Some believe it is critical to have a nominee who can win back the working-class, white voters who supported Barack Obama but then handed Trump victories in formerly blue states in the Midwest like Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Others say a candidate who can drive turnout by appealing to young, minority and first-time voters is the best path to the White House. Ed Rendell, a former Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, thinks moderate candidates like former Vice President Joe Biden or U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar would be best at wooing back working-class voters in the non-urban areas of his state. Warren's progressive policies - she backs free college tuition, a wealth tax and Medicare-for-all healthcare - make her an "easy target" for Trump to accuse her of being a socialist, Rendell said. But he agrees with other Democrats who say where candidates stand on the issues may not be the deciding factor for voters. "I've never seen voters more single-minded than on the issue of beating Donald Trump," Rendell said, adding he would work to win Pennsylvania for whoever emerges as the nominee. HIGH STAKES Recent opinion surveys show electability topping issues for many Democrats. In a Monmouth University poll of 987 likely Democratic primary voters conducted May 2-7 in New Hampshire, which hosts the second nominating contest, 68 percent said they would choose a candidate they did not agree with on most issues if the individual were a stronger candidate against Trump. Just 25 percent said they would pick the candidate they agreed with on most issues but who would have a hard time beating Trump. Forty-nine percent of Democrats in an Ipsos online poll of 960 adults taken April 29-30 said the ability to beat Trump in the general election is the most important factor in choosing a primary candidate, ahead of policies on healthcare, jobs and the environment. "Democrats view this not as a regular election but as an existential election for the country. The stakes are high. Each candidate is trying to show how they will take on Trump," said Ben LaBolt, a former spokesman for Obama's re-election campaign. Ideally, a candidate will emerge like Obama who can appeal to a wide swath of Democratic voters, he said. With just 3 percent of Democrats in the Ipsos poll picking Warren as the candidate most likely to beat Trump, the Massachusetts senator has work to do. Forty-six percent chose Biden as the strongest Trump opponent, and 25 percent said they did not know who was best positioned from the field of 22 Democrats running. Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper rejected the idea that only a moderate Democrat can make inroads there. As a roadmap, he pointed to Senator Sherrod Brown's re-election in 2018, when he won by a higher margin than in 2012 when Obama was on the ballot. Brown, like Warren, focuses on themes of income inequality and creating an economy that protects and benefits middle- and working-class households. Pepper said that economic message resonates in rural and suburban areas, even if other parts of a candidate's platform are more liberal than voters would typically support. "These are the places that responded to Donald Trump saying 'let's make America great again,'" Pepper said of Chillicothe. "A ticket that includes that kind of candidate like Sherrod Brown's did and can hold down losses in rural parts of the state and suburbs and energize our urban core - that combination is the ticket that will win Ohio." In largely rural Ross County, where Warren met with voters on Friday, Trump got roughly two-thirds of the vote in 2016. But Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney, a Democrat, said the party should not count it out. "I told her Ross County is definitely in play in 2020 and Chillicothe is definitely in play in 2020 and the state of Ohio is a swing state in 2020, not a red state," Feeney said as he introduced Warren at her event. Retired teacher Kathleen Burgess, 70, was in the crowd. She said Warren's early call to impeach Trump pleased her as a progressive voter, but she thought Warren's economic policies also would appeal to swing voters in the state. "By advocating for free public college and healthcare, those are kitchen table issues for working-class people," Burgess said. (Reporting By Amanda Becker Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Steve Orlofsky) Exchange Income Corporation engages in aerospace and aviation services and equipment, and manufacturing businesses worldwide. It operates through two segments, Aerospace & Aviation, and Manufacturing. The Aerospace & Aviation segment offers scheduled airline and charter services, and emergency medical services to communities located in Manitoba, Ontario, and Nunavut, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. It also provides after-market aircraft, engines, and component parts to regional airline operators; designs, modifies, maintains, and operates custom sensor equipped aircraft; and offers maritime surveillance and support services in Canada, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. In addition, this segment provides pilot flight training services. The Manufacturing segment manufactures window wall systems primarily used in high-rise multi-family residential projects; stainless steel tanks, vessels, and processing equipment; heavy duty pressure washing and steam systems, commercial water recycling systems, and custom tanks for the transportation of oil, gasoline, and water products; precision parts and components primarily used in the aerospace and defense sector; electrical and control systems integrator focused on the agricultural material handling; and precision sheet metal and tubular products. This segment also focuses on the engineering, design, manufacture, and construction of communication infrastructure, as well as provision of technical services. Exchange Income Corporation is headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada. Read More The Most Extensive and Reliable Source of Information Related to the Mexican Drugs Cartels. You will not find this level of coverage anywhere else, join us! Send information, pictures or videos, you remain 100% anonymous. Envia fotos, videos, notas, enlaces o informacion todo 100% Anonimo. Borderland Beat? We love to have you in our team, send Sol Prendido or HEARST an email! Want to be a contributor or citizen reporter forBorderland Beat?We love to have you in our team, sendoran email! WARNING: Posts may contain strong violent material, discretion is advised. COMMENTS: We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. Novan, Inc., a clinical development-stage biotechnology company, provides nitric oxide-based therapies to treat dermatological and oncovirus-mediated diseases. Its clinical stage dermatology drug candidates include SB204, a topical monotherapy for the treatment of acne vulgaris; SB206, a topical anti-viral gel for the treatment of viral skin infections; SB208, a topical broad-spectrum anti-fungal gel for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin and nails, including athlete's foot and fungal nail infections; and SB414, a topical cream-based gel product candidate for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. The company also develops SB207, an anti-viral product candidate for the treatment of external genital warts; WH602, a nitric oxide-containing intravaginal gel to treat high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV); WH504, a non-gel formulation product candidate to treat high-risk HPV; and SB019 for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Novan, Inc. has a license agreement with Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; and a strategic alliance with Orion Corporation. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina. Read More Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes food products primarily in Canada and the United States. It operates in two segments, Specialty Foods and Premium Food Distribution. The company provides meat products and snacks, deli products, beef jerky and halal, sandwiches, pastries, specialty and gourmet products, salads and kettle products, entrees, panini, wraps, subs, hamburgers, burgers, muffins, breads, pastas, and baking and sushi products, as well as processed meat products. It is also involved in the distribution of food products, including meat, seafood, and halal food products, as well as operation of retail/convenience store and concessionary, and provision of food and seafood processing services. The company operates under the brand names of Harvest Meats, Hempler's, Grimm's Fine Foods, Piller's, Freybe, Isernio's, Expresco, SJ Fine Foods, McSweeney's, Made Rite, Fletcher's, Deli Chef, Belmont Meats, Conte Foods, SK Food Group, Oven Pride, Hygaard, Quality Fast Foods, HQ Fine Foods, Creekside Custom Foods, Stuyver's Bread, Bread Garden Express, Audrey's Patisserie, Duso's, Gourmet Chef, Island City Baking, Skilcor, Leadbetter's, Mclean Meats, Buddy's Kitchen, Raybern's, Partner's Crackers, Shaw Bakers, Oberto, Concord Meats, Country Prime Meats, The Meat Factory, and Golden Valley Farms. It serves chains and large format retailers, independent and specialty retailers, foodservice operators, foodservice distributors, and other food manufacturers and food brokers. The company was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Richmond, Canada. Read More Petrus Resources Ltd., an energy company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and exploitation of oil and gas development assets in western Canada. It primarily explores for natural gas, natural gas liquids, and crude oil and condensate. The company primarily holds an average 51% working interest in the Ferrier/Strachan area comprise 43,159 net acres, which include 29,219 net acres of undeveloped and 13,940 net acres of developed land located in west central Alberta near the town of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. It also has an average of 64% working interest in the Thorsby/Pembina area consisting of 69,042 net acres of land covering 22,135 net acres of undeveloped land and 46,907 net acres of developed land located in the southwest of Edmonton, Alberta; and an average of 50% working interest in the Foothills area that consists of 30,748 net acres of undeveloped land and 6,687 net acres of developed land located northwest of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Petrus Resources Ltd. is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Rayonier Advanced Materials, Inc. engages in the production and sale of cellulose products, which is a natural polymer commonly used in the production of cell phone and computer screens, filters, and pharmaceuticals. It operates through the following segments: High Purity Cellulose, Forest Products, Paperboard, Pulp and Newsprint, and Corporate. The High Purity Cellulose segment manufacture and market high purity cellulose, which is sold as either cellulose specialties or commodity products in U.S., Canda, and France. The Forest Products segment manufacture and market construction-grade lumber in North America through seven sawmills located in Canada. The Paperboard segment comprises paperboard products. The Pulp and Newsprint segment involves in the production of pulp and newsprint in Canada. The Corporate segment consists senior management, accounting, information systems, human resources, treasury, tax, and legal administrative functions that provide support services to the operating business units. The company was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of 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.. The following companies are subsidiares of Accenture: (Accenture Endustriyel Yazlm Cozumleri Limited Sirketi), 2nd Road, ?What If!, ?What If! China Holdings Limited, ?What If! Holdings Limited, ?What If! Limited, ACN Consulting Co Ltd, AD.Dialeto (Digital Agency acquired by Accenture), AGS Business and Technology Services Limited, AIG Shared Services Business Processing Inc, ASM Research Inc., ASM Research LLC, ATAN, Accenture (Botswana) (Proprietary) Limited, Accenture (China) Co. Ltd., Accenture (Shenzhen) Technology Co. Ltd., Accenture (South Africa) Pty Ltd, Accenture (UK) Limited, Accenture 2 Business Process Services S.A., Accenture 2 LLC, Accenture A/S, Accenture AB, Accenture AG, Accenture AS, Accenture Africa Pty Ltd, Accenture Agencia Interativa Ltda, Accenture Australia Holding B.V., Accenture Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, Accenture Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture B.V., Accenture BPM Operations Support Services S.A., Accenture BPM S.C.R.L., Accenture BPS Services S.p. z o.o., Accenture Branch Holdings B.V., Accenture Bulgaria EOOD, Accenture Business Services for Utilities Inc, Accenture Business Services of British Columbia Limited Partnership, Accenture Business and Technology Services LLC, Accenture C.A., Accenture Canada Holdings Inc, Accenture Capital Designated Activity Company, Accenture Capital Inc, Accenture Central Europe B.V., Accenture Chile Asesorias y Servicios Ltda, Accenture Cloud Services GmbH, Accenture Cloud Software Solutions Limited, Accenture Cloud Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Accenture Cloud Solutions LLC, Accenture Cloud Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Co Ltd, Accenture Co. Ltd, Accenture Communications Infrastructure Solutions Ltd, Accenture Company Ltd, Accenture Consulting Pty Ltd, Accenture Consulting Services Ltd Tanzania, Accenture Consultores de Gestao S.A., Accenture Consultoria de Industria e Consumo Ltda, Accenture Consultoria de Recursos Naturais Ltda, Accenture Credit Services LLC, Accenture Customer Services Distribution SASU, Accenture Customer Services Ltd, Accenture Danismanlik Limited Sirketi, Accenture Defined Benefit Pension Plan Trustees Limited, Accenture Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Limited, Accenture Delivery Poland S.p. z o.o., Accenture Dienstleistungen GmbH, Accenture Digital Holdings GmbH, Accenture East Africa Limited, Accenture Ecuador S.A., Accenture Egypt LLC, Accenture Enterprise Development (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Accenture Federal Services LLC, Accenture Finance II Limited, Accenture Finance Limited, Accenture Finance and Accounting BPO Services S.p.A., Accenture Finance and Accounting Services S.r.l., Accenture Financial Advanced Solution & Technology S.r.l., Accenture Flex LLC, Accenture GP LLC, Accenture Global Capital Designated Activity Company, Accenture Global Engagements Limited, Accenture Global Holdings Limited, Accenture Global Services Limited, Accenture Global Solutions Limited, Accenture GmbH, Accenture HR Services S.p.A., Accenture Healthcare Processing Inc, Accenture Holding Brasil Ltda, Accenture Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Accenture Holdings (Iberia) S.L., Accenture Holdings B.V., Accenture Holdings France SASU, Accenture Hungary Holdings Kft, Accenture Inc, Accenture Industrial Software Limited Liability Company, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions Kft, Accenture Industrial Software Solutions SA, Accenture Insurance Services B.V., Accenture Insurance Services LLC, Accenture International B.V., Accenture International LLC, Accenture International Limited, Accenture Japan Ltd, Accenture Korea B.V., Accenture LLC, Accenture LLP, Accenture Lanka (Private) Ltd, Accenture Limited, Accenture Lithuania UAB, Accenture Ltd, Accenture Ltda, Accenture Maghreb S.a.r.l., Accenture Managed Services SRL, Accenture Management GmbH, Accenture Marketing Services LLC, Accenture Marketing Services Limited, Accenture Middle East B.V., Accenture Minority I B.V., Accenture Mozambique Limitada, Accenture Mzansi Pty Ltd, Accenture NV/SA, Accenture NZ Limited, Accenture Nova Scotia Unlimited Liability Co., Accenture OOO, Accenture Operations GmbH, Accenture Operations S.p. z o.o., Accenture Operations Services Private Limited, Accenture Operations Services Sdn Bhd, Accenture Outsourcing S.r.l., Accenture Outsourcing Services S.A., Accenture Oy, Accenture Panama Inc, Accenture Participations B.V., Accenture Participations II Limited, Accenture Peru SRL, Accenture Post Trade Processing SASU, Accenture Post-Trade Processing Limited, Accenture Process (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Pte Ltd, Accenture Puerto Rico LLC, Accenture Qiyun Technology (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd, Accenture S.C., Accenture S.L., Accenture S.R.L., Accenture S.p. z o.o., Accenture S.p.A., Accenture SASU, Accenture SG Services Pte Ltd, Accenture SRL, Accenture Saudi Arabia Limited, Accenture Sdn Bhd, Accenture Service Center SRL, Accenture Services (Mauritius) Ltd, Accenture Services AB, Accenture Services AG, Accenture Services AS, Accenture Services GmbH, Accenture Services Morocco SA, Accenture Services Oy, Accenture Services Pty Ltd, Accenture Services S.p. z o.o., Accenture Services SRL, Accenture Services and Technology S.r.l., Accenture Services s.r.o., Accenture Single Member S.A. Organization Information Technology & Business Development, Accenture Solutions Co. Ltd, Accenture Solutions Private Limited, Accenture Solutions Pte Ltd, Accenture Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Solutions S.p. z o.o, Accenture Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture State Healthcare Services LLC, Accenture Sub II Inc, Accenture Sub III Inc, Accenture Sub LLC, Accenture Systems Integration Limited, Accenture Sarl, Accenture Tanacsado Kolatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Accenture Technology Solutions (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (HK) Co. Ltd., Accenture Technology Solutions (Thailand) Co. Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions - Solucoes Informaticas Integradas S.A., Accenture Technology Solutions GmbH, Accenture Technology Solutions Oy, Accenture Technology Solutions Pty Ltd, Accenture Technology Solutions S.A. de C.V., Accenture Technology Solutions S.r.l., Accenture Technology Solutions SASU, Accenture Technology Solutions SRL, Accenture Technology Solutions Sdn Bhd, Accenture Technology Solutions Slovakia s.r.o., Accenture Technology Ventures B.V., Accenture Technology Ventures SPRL, Accenture Tecnologia Consultoria y Outsourcing S.A., Accenture Uruguay SRL, Accenture Vietnam Co. Limited, Accenture Zambia Limited, Accenture do Brasil Ltda, Accenture plc, Accenture s.r.o., Acceria, Acquity Group, Adaptly LLC, Adaptly UK Limited, AddVal Technology, Adqptly, Advantium Inc., Advoco, Agilex Technologies Inc., Allen International, AlphaBeta Advisors, Altevie Technologies S.r.l., Altima, Altima (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Altima Asia Ltd, Altitude, Altitude LLC, Altius Consulting Limited, Altius Data Solutions Private Limited, Analytics 8 LP, Analytics 8 Pty Ltd, Analytics8, Aorui Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Apis, Apis Group Pty Ltd, Appaloosa Technology SASU, AppsPro, Arca, Arca Ingenieros y Consultoria S.L., Arca Telecom S.L., Ariba - BPO, Arismore, Artio People (Payroll) Pty Ltd, Artio People Pty Ltd, Aspiro Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Automation Partners Pty Ltd, Avanade (Guangzhou) Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd., Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc, Avanade Consulting Poland S.p. z o.o., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Limited, Avanade Europe Services Limited, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SASU, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade Inc, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy S.r.l., Avanade Japan KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Middle East Limited, Avanade Netherlands B.V., Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland S.p. z o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain S.L., Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Limited, Avanade do Brasil Ltda, Avanade Osterreich GmbH, Avenai, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCS Consulting, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BENEXT, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing Zhidao Future Consulting Co. Ltd, Benext, Berico Technologies LLC, Bionic, Bionic Solution LLC, Blue Horseshoe, Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Bow & Arrow, Bow & Arrow Limited, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, Byte Prophecy Private Limited, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CS Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd, CS Technology (UK) Limited, CS Technology Group LLC, CS Technology LLC, CadenceQuest Inc., Callisto Integration Europe B.V., Callisto Integration Europe Limited, Callisto Integration LLC, Callisto Integration Ltd, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc, Certus Solutions Consulting Services Limited, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cirrus Connect Australia Pty Ltd, Cirrus Connect Limited, Cirruseo, Clarity Insights, Clearhead, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas Japan G.K., Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Limited, Cloudeasier SAS, Cloudpoint Limited, Cloudsherpas Inc, Cloudworks, Cloudworks Consulting Services Inc, Cloudworks Technology LLC, Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda, Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda, Context Information Security, Context Information Security LLC, Context Information Security Limited, CoreCompete LLC, CoreCompete Limited, CoreCompete Private Limited, Corliant Inc., Creative Drive LLC, Creative Drive US LLC, CreativeDrive, CreativeDrive Digital Content Services (Shenzhen) Co Ltd., CreativeDrive EMEA Limited, CreativeDrive Singapore Pte Ltd, CreativeDrive UK Group Limited, Cutting Edge Solutions Limited, Cygni AB, Cygni Norrsken AB, Cygni Stockholm AB, Cygni Syd AB, Cygni Vast AB, Cygni Ost AB, Cygni Ostersund AB, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Limited, DI Futures Corporation, Data Essential SARL, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings LLC, Decora Marketplace LLC, Decorado Marketplace Ltda-EPP, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digital Results Group LLC, Double Digit Limitada, Double Digit Pty SA, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Limited, Duck Creek Technologies, ESR Labs, ESR Labs AG, EdenOne Solutions Limited, Edenhouse ERP Holdings Limited, Edenhouse Solutions Limited, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting LP, End to End Analytics LLC, End-to-End Analytics, Endorphin Medici (M) Sdn Bhd, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Limited, EnergyQuote JHA, Enimbos, Enimbos Global Services S.L., Enkitec, Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions LLC, Enterprise System Partners, Enterprise System Partners B.V., Enterprise System Partners Bilisim Danismanlik Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Enterprise System Partners Global Corporation, Enterprise System Partners Limited, Enthusian Pty Ltd, Entropia, Entropia (M) Sdn Bhd, Entropia Holdings Pte Ltd, Entropia Intercraft Sdn Bhd, Epylon, Espedia S.r.l., Ethica Consulting Group, Ethica Consulting S.p.A., Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Experity, Exton Consulting, Exton Consulting Spain Strategy&Management S.L., Exton Germany GmbH, Exton International SAS, Exton Italia S.r.l., Exton SAS, FGM LLC, Fairway Technologies Inc, Farah BidCo Limited, Farah MidCo Limited, Farah Topco Limited, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Formicary, Fruendo S.r.l., FusionX, Future State Consulting LLC, FutureMove (Beijing) Automotive Technology Co. Ltd., FutureMove Automotive, FutureMove Automotive Co. Ltd., GRA Supply Chain Pty Ltd, Gagel Group S de R.L. de C.V., Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gevity, Gren utvikling AS, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., HRC Retail Advisory, Hagberg Consulting Group, Hahntel Ltda, Halo Partners LLC, Hamilton Holding Company S.A, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Happen GP Limited, Happen Limited, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl A/S, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn Bhd, IBB Consulting, ICM.S S.r.l., IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INSITUM, IQSP Consulting LLC, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Icon Integration (NZ) Limited, Icon Integration Pty Ltd, Imagine Broadband (USA) Limited, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Imaginea Technologies LLC, Industrie IT (Hong Kong) Ltd, Industrie IT (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Industrie IT Group Pty Ltd, Industrie IT Pty Ltd, Industrie&Co, Infinity Works Consulting Limited, Infinity Works Holdings Limited, Infinity Works Management Limited, Infinity Works Midco Limited, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Innotec International EAD, Innotec International S.p. z.o.o., Innotec Marketing GmbH, Innotec Marketing International Ireland Limited, Innotec- Marketing Spain S.L, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., International Biometric Group LLC, International Biometric Group UK Limited, Intrepid, Intrepid Futureworks Sdn Bhd, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Technology Ltd, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, ItSafer Continuity Services S.L., JKD Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, K Comms Group Limited, KSC Studio LLC, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Limited, Kogentix Singapore Pte Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon US LLC, LEXTA, LINKBYNET, LINKBYNET Indian Ocean (L.I.O) Ltd, LabAnswer, Lexta GmbH, Lexta UK Limited, Lien par le reseau Inc, Lien par le reseau infrastructures Inc, Lin Bo (Shanghai) Network Technology Co. Ltd., Link By Net SAS, Link By Net SRL, Link By Net Vietnam Company Limited, Linkbynet East Asia Ltd, Linkbynet Singapore Pte Ltd., Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, Lumenup S.A., MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte Ltd, Mackevision UK Limited, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd, Maihiro, Matter, Maud Corp Pty Ltd, Maxamine International, Measuretek LLC, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing LLC, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mistral Wind Operations Servicos Empresariais Unipessoal Lda., MobGen, Mortgage Cadence LLC, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, Mudano Limited, Myrtle Consulting Group LLC, N3 (Dalian) Business Consulting Co. Ltd., N3 Brazil Consultoria em Marketing Ltda, N3 Germany GmbH, N3 LLC, N3 North America LLC, N3 Results Australia Pty Ltd, N3 Results Ireland Limited, N3 Results Japan G.K., N3 Results Limited, N3 Results Malaysia Sdn Bhd, N3 Results Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., N3 Results S.A.S., N3 Results Singapore Pte Ltd, N3 Results Unipessoal Lda, NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., Nell'Armonia Israel Ltd, Nell'Armonia SAS, Nell'Participation SAS, NellArmonia, Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda, New Energy Group, News Imaging LLC, NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage Pte Ltd, Northstream, Novetta Holdings LLC, Novetta LLC, Novetta Solutions LLC, Novetta Topco LLC, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Olikka Pty Ltd, Openmind, Openmind S.r..l., Openminded, Openminded SAS, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium AG, Orbium Consulting Limited, Orbium Inc., Orbium Ltd, Orbium Pte Ltd, Orbium Pty Ltd, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PLM Systems S.r.l, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, PacificLink Group, Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production A/S, Pegasus Production K/S, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pollux Automation Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pollux Canada Inc, Pollux S.A.S., Pollux USA LLC, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Limited, Pramati Technologies Europe Limited, Pramati Technologies Private Limited, Presence of IT Workforce Management North America LLC, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Limited, Procurian Inc., Prof. Homburg GmbH, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co. Ltd., RBCP Fund 1-A Vapor Blocker LLC, RBCP Platform Vapor Blocker I LLC, REPL Consulting LLC, REPL Consulting Limited, REPL Digital Limited, REPL Group K.K., REPL Group Pty Ltd, REPL Group Worldwide Limited, REPL Pte Ltd, REPL Software Limited, REPL Technology Limited, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Root LLC, Rothco, Rothco Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SALT Solutions GmbH, SEC Servizi, SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Salt Solutions, Sandbox Studio LLC, Sapling Bidco Limited, Sapling Midco Limited, Sapling Topco Limited, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Search Technologies BPO Inc, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Securiview SAS, Sentelis, Sentor Managed Secuirty Services AB, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Seven Seas Business Ventures LLC, Shackleton, Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton S.L.U., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., SigInt Technologies LLC, Silveo, Silveo Consulting India Private Limited, Simian Pty Ltd, SinnerSchrader, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, Sirvart S.A., Sistemes Consulting S.L., Skylink SAS, Soltians Limited, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Somers Ventures Ireland Limited, Somers Ventures LLC, Spacelink SAS, Storm Digital, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Synership LLC, Systor AG, TXF LLC, TargetST8, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Ltd, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Tquila, Trivadis, Trivadis Austria GmbH, Trivadis Denmark AS, Trivadis Germany GmbH, Trivadis Holding AG, Trivadis Partner AG, Trivadis Services AG, Trivadis Services SRL, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Vector Acquisition Company LLC, Vector Topco LLC, Verax Solutions, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd, Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd, Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, WaveStrike LLC, White Cliffs Consulting LLC, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wise Partners SAS, Wolox, Wolox Colombia S.A.S, Wolox LLC, Wolox Mexico S.R.L de C.V., Wolox S.A., Wolox SpA, Workforce Insight, Workforce Insight LLC, Yesler, Yesler LLC, Yesler Limited, Yesler Singapore Pte Ltd, Zag, Zag Australia Pty Ltd, Zag Limited, Zag USA LLC, Zebra Worldwide Australia Pty Ltd, Zebra Worldwide Group Limited, Zebra Worldwide Media Pty Ltd, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines Inc, Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc, Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, solid-serVision.com GmbH, and umlaut. There is not enough analysis data for American Shared Hospital Services. 4.0 Community Rank Outperform Votes American Shared Hospital Services has received 70 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes American Shared Hospital Services has received 48 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment American Shared Hospital Services has received 59.32% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about American Shared Hospital Services and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe AMS will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe AMS will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next Athabasca Oil Corporation engages in the exploration, development, and production of light and thermal oil resource plays in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin in Alberta, Canada. The company operates in Light Oil and Thermal Oil divisions. Its principal properties are in the Greater Placid and Greater Kaybob areas near the Town of Fox Creek in northwestern Alberta; and the Leismer and Hangingstone projects located in the Athabasca region of northeastern Alberta. The company produces light oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; and bitumen from sand and carbonate rock formations. As of December 31, 2020, it held approximately 1,208,000 net acres of mineral resource leases, licenses, and permits, which include approximately 608,000 net acres of oil sands leases and permits in the Athabasca region of northeastern Alberta and approximately 357,265 net acres of petroleum and natural gas leases in northwestern Alberta with approximately 242,000 net acres; and had an interest in approximately 269 gross wells of crude oil and natural gas. The company was formerly known as Athabasca Oil Sands Corp. and changed its name to Athabasca Oil Corporation in May 2012. Athabasca Oil Corporation was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More There is not enough analysis data for Bluebird Merchant Ventures. 4.4 Community Rank Outperform Votes Bluebird Merchant Ventures has received 73 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Bluebird Merchant Ventures has received 38 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Bluebird Merchant Ventures has received 65.77% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Bluebird Merchant Ventures and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe BMV will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe BMV will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd. engages in the acquisition of businesses and assets in the insurance, financial services and related sectors. It operates through the following segments: HG Global/BAM, NSM, Kudu, and Other Operations. The HG Global/BAM segment refers to White Mountains' investment in HG Global Limited, and the consolidated results of Build America Mutual Assurance Company (BAM). The NSM segment is a full-service managing general underwriting agency (MGU) and program administrator for specialty property and casualty insurance. The Kudu Segment provides capital solutions for boutique asset managers for a variety of purposes including generational ownership transfers, management buyouts, acquisition and growth finance and legacy partner liquidity. The Other Operations segment comprises of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary, WM Capital, its wholly-owned investment management subsidiary, WM Advisors, and its other intermediate holding companies, as well as certain consolidated and unconsolidated private capital and other investments. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Hanover, NH. Read More Buckeye Partners, L.P. owns and operates liquid petroleum products pipelines in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Domestic Pipelines & Terminals, Global Marine Terminals, and Merchant Services. The Domestic Pipelines & Terminals segment transports liquid petroleum products, including gasoline, jet fuel, and various distillates. This segment also provides crude oil services, including train loading/unloading, storage, and throughput; and turn-key operations and maintenance, asset development, and construction services for third-party pipeline, terminal, and energy assets, as well as operates and/or maintains third-party pipelines. It owns and operates approximately 6,000 miles of pipeline located primarily in the northeastern and upper midwestern portions of the United States, and services 100 delivery locations; 110 active terminals that provide bulk storage and throughput services with aggregate storage capacity of 55 million barrels; and 2 underground propane storage caverns. The Global Marine Terminals segment provides marine accessible bulk storage and blending, rail and truck rack loading/unloading, and petroleum processing services located primarily in the East Coast and Gulf Coast regions of the United States, as well as in the Caribbean. This segment owns and operates seven liquid petroleum products and crude oil terminals. The Merchant Services segment is involved in the wholesale distribution of refined petroleum products, including gasoline, natural gas liquids, propane, ethanol, and biodiesel, as well as petroleum distillates, such as heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, and fuel oil. This segment also provides fuel oil supply, butane, and distribution services. Buckeye GP LLC serves as the general partner of the company. Buckeye Partners, L.P. was founded in 1886 and is based in Houston, Texas. Read More American Electric Power Co., Inc. engages in the business of generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. It operates through the following segments: Vertically Integrated Utilities, Transmission & Distribution Utilities, AEP Transmission Holdco and Generation & Marketing. The Vertically Integrated Utilities segment engages in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity for sale to retail and wholesale customers through assets owned and operated by its subsidiaries. The Transmission & Distribution Utilities segment engages in the business of transmission and distribution of electricity for sale to retail and wholesale customers through assets owned and operated by its subsidiaries. The AEP Transmission Holdco segment engages in the development, construction and operation of transmission facilities through investments in its wholly-owned transmission subsidiaries and joint ventures. The Generation & Marketing segment engages in non-regulated generation and marketing, risk management and retail activities. The company was founded on December 20, 1906 and is headquartered in Columbus, OH. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Cummins: Anvl, Apollo FC Holdings Ltd., Atlantis Acquisitionco Canada Corporation, Atlantis Holdco UK Limited, Brammo, CIFC Worldwide Partner C.V., CMI Africa Holdings BV, CMI CGT Holdings LLC, CMI Canada Financing Ltd., CMI Canada LP, CMI Foreign Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings B.V., CMI Global Equity Holdings C.V., CMI Global Holdings B.V., CMI Global Partner 2 C.V., CMI Global Partners B.V., CMI Group Holdings B.V., CMI Group Holdings Cooperatief U.A., CMI International Finance Partner 1 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 2 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 3 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 4 LLC, CMI International Finance Partner 5 LLC, CMI Mexico LLC, CMI Netherlands Holdings B.V., CMI PGI Holdings LLC, CMI PGI International Holdings LLC, CMI Turkish Holdings B.V., CMI UK Finance LP, CMI UK Financing LP, Cherry Island Renewable Energy LLC, Consolidated Diesel Company, Consolidated Diesel Inc., Consolidated Diesel of North Carolina Inc., Cummins (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Cummins (Xiangyang) Machining Co. Ltd., Cummins Africa Middle East (Pty) Ltd., Cummins Afrique de l'Ouest, Cummins Americas Inc., Cummins Angola Lda., Cummins Argentina-Servicios Mineros S.A., Cummins Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Cummins Aust Technologies Pty. Ltd., Cummins BLR LLC, Cummins Battery Systems North America LLC, Cummins Belgium N.V., Cummins Botswana (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins Brasil Ltda., Cummins Burkina Faso SARL, Cummins CDC Holding Inc., Cummins CV Member LLC, Cummins Canada ULC, Cummins Caribbean LLC, Cummins Center of Excellence Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Centroamerica Holding S.de R.L., Cummins Child Development Center Inc., Cummins Colombia S.A.S., Cummins Comercializadora S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Corporation, Cummins Cote d'Ivoire SARL, Cummins Czech Republic s.r.o., Cummins Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Diesel International Ltd., Cummins Distribution Holdco Inc., Cummins EMEA Holdings Limited, Cummins East Asia Research & Development Co. Ltd., Cummins Eastern Marine Inc., Cummins Electrified Power Europe Ltd., Cummins Electrified Power NA Inc., Cummins Emission Solutions (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Emission Solutions Inc., Cummins Empresas Filantropicas, Cummins Energetica Ltda., Cummins Engine (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine (Shanghai) Trading & Services Co. Ltd., Cummins Engine Holding Company Inc., Cummins Engine IP Inc., Cummins Engine Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Engine Venture Corporation, Cummins Enterprise LLC, Cummins Filtration (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtration GmbH, Cummins Filtration IP Inc., Cummins Filtration Inc., Cummins Filtration International Corp., Cummins Filtration Ltd., Cummins Filtration SARL, Cummins Filtration Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cummins Filtros Ltda., Cummins Franchise Holdco LLC, Cummins Fuel Systems (Wuhan) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies Americas Inc., Cummins Generator Technologies Germany GmbH, Cummins Generator Technologies India Private Ltd., Cummins Generator Technologies Italy SRL, Cummins Generator Technologies Limited, Cummins Generator Technologies Romania S.A., Cummins Generator Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd., Cummins Ghana Limited, Cummins Ghana Mining Limited, Cummins Global Financing LP, Cummins Global Technologies LLP, Cummins Grupo Comercial Y. de Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Grupo Industrial S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Holland B.V., Cummins Hong Kong Ltd., Cummins India Ltd., Cummins Intellectual Property Inc., Cummins International Finance LLC, Cummins International Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Cummins International Holdings LLC, Cummins Italia S.P.A., Cummins Japan Ltd., Cummins Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins LLC Member Inc., Cummins Ltd., Cummins Maroc SARL, Cummins Middle East FZE, Cummins Mining Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Mobility Services Inc., Cummins Mongolia Investment LLC, Cummins Mozambique Ltda., Cummins NV, Cummins Namibia Engine Sales and Service PTY LTD, Cummins Natural Gas Engines Inc., Cummins New Zealand Limited, Cummins Nigeria Ltd., Cummins Norte de Colombia S.A.S., Cummins North Africa Regional Office SARL, Cummins Norway AS, Cummins PGI Holdings Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (China) Co. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (S) Pte. Ltd., Cummins Power Generation (U.K.) Limited, Cummins Power Generation Deutschland GmbH, Cummins Power Generation Inc., Cummins Power Generation Limited, Cummins PowerGen IP Inc., Cummins Research and Technology India Private Ltd., Cummins Romania Srl, Cummins S. de R.L. de C.V., Cummins Sales and Service Korea Co. Ltd., Cummins Sales and Service Philippines Inc., Cummins Sales and Service Private Limited, Cummins Sales and Service Sdn. Bhd., Cummins Sales and Service Singapore Pte. Ltd., Cummins Sinai ve Otomotiv Urunleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Cummins South Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Cummins South Pacific Pty. Limited, Cummins Southern Plains LLC, Cummins Spain S.L., Cummins Sweden AB, Cummins Technologies India, Cummins Trade Receivables LLC, Cummins Turbo Technologies Limited, Cummins Turkey Motor Guc Sistemleri Sats Servis Limited Sirketi, Cummins U.K. Holdings Ltd., Cummins U.K. Pension Plan Trustee Ltd., Cummins UK Global Holdings Ltd., Cummins UK Holdings LLC, Cummins Vendas e Servicos de Motores e Geradores Ltda., Cummins Venture Corporation, Cummins West Africa Limited, Cummins West Balkans d.o.o. Nova Pasova, Cummins XBorder Operations (Pty) Ltd, Cummins Zambia Ltd., Cummins Zimbabwe Pvt. Ltd., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Costa Rica S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica El Salvador S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Guatemala Ltda., Distribuidora Cummins Centroamerica Honduras S.de R.L., Distribuidora Cummins S.A., Distribuidora Cummins Sucursal Paraguay SRL, Distribuidora Cummins de Panama S. de R.L., Dynamo Insurance Company Inc., Efficient Drivetrains, Efficient Drivetrains (Beijing) New Power Technology Co. Ltd., Efficient Drivetrains (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Hilite International, Hydrogenics, Hydrogenics Corporation, Hydrogenics Europe N.V., Hydrogenics GmbH, Hydrogenics Holding GmbH, Hydrogenics USA Inc., Markon Engineering Company Ltd., Nelson Burgess Ltd., Nelson Industries, Newage Engineers GmbH, Newage Ltd. (U.K.), Newage Machine Tools Ltd., OOO Cummins, Petbow Limited, Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) B.V., Power Group International (Overseas Holdings) Ltd., Power Group International Ltd., Quickstart Energy Projects SpA, Shanghai Cummins Trade Co. Ltd., TOO Cummins, Taiwan Cummins Sales & Services Co. Ltd., Worldwide Partner CV Member LLC, Wuxi Cummins Turbo Technologies Co. Ltd., Wuxi New Energy Automotive Technologies Co. Ltd., and ZED Connect Inc.. thyssenkrupp AG operates in the areas of automotive technology, industrial components, plant technology, marine systems, steel, and materials services in Germany, the United States, China, and internationally. The company's Automotive Technology segment develops and manufactures components and systems and automated production systems for the automotive industry. Its Industrial Components segment manufactures and sells forged components and system solutions for the resource, construction, and mobility sectors; and slewing rings, antifriction bearings, and seamless rolled rings for the wind energy and construction machinery sectors. The company's Plant Technology segment builds plants for the chemical, cement, and mining industries. Its Marine Systems segment provides systems in the submarine and surface ship building, as well as in the field of maritime electronics and security technology. The company's Materials Services segment distributes materials and offers technical services for the production and manufacturing sectors. Its Steel Europe segment provides flat carbon steel products, intelligent material solutions, and finished parts. thyssenkrupp AG was founded in 1811 and is headquartered in Essen, Germany. Read More 7 Wall Street equities research analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for Element Fleet Management in the last year. There are currently 4 hold ratings and 3 buy ratings for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street equities research analysts is that investors should "hold" Element Fleet Management stock. A hold rating indicates that analysts believe investors should maintain any existing positions they have in ELEEF, but not buy additional shares or sell existing shares. View analyst ratings for Element Fleet Management or view top-rated stocks. Hannover RAck SE, together with its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance products and services worldwide. It operates through Property & Casualty Reinsurance, and Life & Health Reinsurance segments. The Property & Casualty Reinsurance segment offers specialty lines comprising marine, aviation, facultative and direct business, credit, surety, and political risks reinsurance products; and treaty, catastrophe XL, and structured reinsurance, as well as insurance-linked securities. This segment also provides risk solutions for agricultural, livestock, and bloodstock businesses; aviation and space business; and marine and offshore energy business. The Life & Health Reinsurance segment offers group and individual credit life, enhanced annuities, group life and health, and Sharia-compliant Takaful reinsurance products. This segment also provides risk solutions in the areas of critical illness, disability, health, longevity, long term care, and mortality and morbidity, as well as underwriting services. In addition, it offers various financial solutions, including new-business financing; monetization of embedded value; reserve and solvency relief; and divestiture of non-core businesses. The company was formerly known as Hannover RAckversicherung AG and changed its name to Hannover RAck SE in March 2013. The company was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Hanover, Germany. Hannover RAck SE is a subsidiary of Talanx AG. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise: 3Com International Inc., 3PAR Inc., Apogee, Aruba Networks Inc., Aruba Networks International Cayman, Aruba Networks International Limited, BlueData Software, Cloud Cruiser, Cloud Technology Partners, Cloud Technology Partners Inc., Compaq Computer (Mauritius), Compaq Trademark B.V., Cray, Cray Inc., EDS World Corporation (Far East) LLC, EYP Mission Critical Facilities Inc., H3C Holdings Limited, HP Enterprise Services Australia Pty Ltd, HP Financial Services (Australia) Pty Limited, HP Financial Services (Chile) Limitada, HP Financial Services (Japan) K.K., HP Financial Services Arrendamento Mercantil S.A., HP Financial Services Company (Korea), HP Financial Services International Holdings Company, HPE Government LLC, HPFS Global Holdings I LLC, HPFS Global Holdings II LLC, HPFS Rental S.R.L., Hangzhou H3C Technologies Co. Ltd, Hewlett Packard Caribe BV LLC, Hewlett Packard Colombia Ltda., Hewlett Packard Enterprise (China) Co. Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise B.V., Hewlett Packard Enterprise B.V. Amstelveen Meyrin Branch, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Canada Co., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Canada Co. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Canada Cie, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Costa Rica Limitada, Hewlett Packard Enterprise GlobalSoft Private Limited, Hewlett Packard Enterprise India Private Limited, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Ireland Limited, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Luxembourg SCA, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Polska sp. z o.o., Hewlett Packard Pathfinder LLC, Hewlett Packard Taiwan Ltd., Hewlett-Packard (Israel) Ltd., Hewlett-Packard (M) Sdn. Bhd., Hewlett-Packard (Nigeria) Limited, Hewlett-Packard (Schweiz) GmbH, Hewlett-Packard (Tanzania) Limited, Hewlett-Packard (Thailand) Limited, Hewlett-Packard ApS, Hewlett-Packard Argentina S.R.L., Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Australia Pty Ltd, Hewlett-Packard Belgium SPRL/BVBA, Hewlett-Packard Bermuda Enterprises LLC, Hewlett-Packard Brasil Ltda., Hewlett-Packard Bulgaria EOOD, Hewlett-Packard Caribe B.V., Hewlett-Packard Caribe Y Andina B.V. LLC, Hewlett-Packard Chile Comercial Limitada, Hewlett-Packard Cyprus Ltd, Hewlett-Packard Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Hewlett-Packard Egypt Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Financial Services (India) Private Limited, Hewlett-Packard Financial Services Canada Company, Hewlett-Packard Financial Services Company, Hewlett-Packard France SAS, Hewlett-Packard G1 SPV (Cayman) Company, Hewlett-Packard Gesellschaft mbH, Hewlett-Packard Ghana Limited, Hewlett-Packard GmbH, Hewlett-Packard Guatemala Limitada, Hewlett-Packard HK SAR Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Hellas EPE, Hewlett-Packard Holdings Ltd., Hewlett-Packard International Bank Designated Activity Company, Hewlett-Packard International Bank Public Limited Company, Hewlett-Packard International Sarl, Hewlett-Packard Italiana S.r.l., Hewlett-Packard Japan Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Korea Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Leasing Limited, Hewlett-Packard Limited, Hewlett-Packard Luxembourg Enterprises LLC, Hewlett-Packard Macau Limited, Hewlett-Packard Manufacturing Ltd, Hewlett-Packard Marigalante Ltd., Hewlett-Packard Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Hewlett-Packard Middle East FZ-LLC, Hewlett-Packard Mocambique Limitada - Sociedada em Liquidacao, Hewlett-Packard Nederland B.V., Hewlett-Packard New Zealand, Hewlett-Packard Norge AS, Hewlett-Packard OY, Hewlett-Packard Operations Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Hewlett-Packard Peru S.R.L., Hewlett-Packard Philippines Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Portugal Lda., Hewlett-Packard SARL, Hewlett-Packard SIA, Hewlett-Packard Servicios Espana S.L., Hewlett-Packard Singapore (Sales) Pte. Ltd., Hewlett-Packard South Africa (Proprietary) Limited, Hewlett-Packard Sverige AB, Hewlett-Packard Technology Center Inc., Hewlett-Packard Teknoloji Cozumleri Limited Sirketi, Hewlett-Packard The Hague B.V., Hewlett-Packard Venezuela S.R.L., Hewlett-Packard Vision Limited, Hewlett-Packard d.o.o., Hewlett-Packard s.r.o., Limited Liability Company Hewlett Packard Enterprise, MapR Technologies, New H3C Technologies Co. Ltd., Niara Inc., Nimble Storage, Nimble Storage Inc., Nimble Storage Israel Ltd, Nimble Storage Japan GK, Nimble Storage UK Limited, Plexxi, RedPixie, SGI (Silicon Graphics), Sapphire Holding Co, Scytale, Shanghai Hewlett-Packard Co. Ltd., Silver Peak, SimpliVity, Sinope Holding B.V., Trilead, UAB ES Hague Lietuva, and Unis Huashan Technologies Co. Limited. The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen Coding GmbH, Allen France SAS, Alpine Automation Limited, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Holdings Inc., Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Arylux Hungary Elektromechanikus Alkatreszgyarto Kft, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix (Suzhou) Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Holdings Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel (Ireland) Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Buell Industries Inc., CAPMAX Logistica S.A. de C.V., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS (Australia) Pty Limited, CS (Finance) Europe S.a.r.l., CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, CSMTS LLC, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures (Australasia) S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur (Shanghai) Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Dorbyl U.K. (Holdings) Limited, Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO (Holding) AG, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elga Skandinavian AS, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, FEG Investments L.L.C., Fasver, Filtertek, Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech (Taicang) Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart (Japan) K.K., Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart Foster Belgium, Hobart International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW (China) Investment Company Limited, ITW (Deutschland) GmbH, ITW (EU) Holdings Ltd., ITW (European) Finance Co. Ltd., ITW (European) Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW (European) Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW (Ningbo) Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Alpha Sarl, ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components (Chongqing) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components (Langfang) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium, ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS (UK) Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Contamination Control (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Delta Sarl, ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.A., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Finance Designated Activity Company, ITW Finance Europe S.A., ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW France Finance Alpha S.A.S., ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments II Inc., ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics (Thailand) Ltd., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Italy S.R.L. in liquidazione, ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings UK, ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW Hungary Finance Beta Kft, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Finance Srl, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lombard Holdings Inc., ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW M FILMS II LLC, ITW MH LLC, ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology (China) Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Plastic (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Philippines Holdings LLC, ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Spraytec, ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Ideal Molding Technologies LLC, Illinois Tool Works (Chile) Limitada, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Norway AS, Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron (Shanghai) Ltd., Instron (Thailand) Limited, Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Holdings Limited, Instron International Limited, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, International Leasing Company LLC, International Truss Systems Proprietary Limited, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kester Components (M) Sdn. Bhd., Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems (Canada) Inc., Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MOA Enterprises Inc, Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, Norden Olje AB, North Star Imaging Europe, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited (Enping), Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Penta Dnepr LLC, Penta Sever OOO, Penta Volga OOO, Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., Ramset Fasteners (Hong Kong) Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco (Nederland) B.V., Simco Japan Inc., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Taiwan) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes BVBA, Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek (China) Limited, Teknek (Japan) Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V.B.A., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta (Guangzhou) Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Vesta Global Limited, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, ZF TRW (Engineered Fasteners and Components), and Zip-Pak International B.V.. iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA ETF's stock was trading at $59.53 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, USMV shares have increased by 33.8% and is now trading at $79.67. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Conagra Brands, Inc. engages in the manufacture and sale of processed and packaged foods. It operates through the following segments: Grocery and Snacks; Refrigerated and Frozen; International; and Foodservice. The Grocery and Snacks segment includes branded, shelf stable food products sold in various retail channels in the United States. The Refrigerated and Frozen segment comprises branded, temperature controlled food products sold in various retail channels in the United States. The International segment consists branded food products, in various temperature states, sold in various retail and foodservice channels outside of the United States. The Foodservice segment focuses in the branded and customized food products, including meals, entrees, sauces, and a variety of custom-manufactured culinary products packaged for sale to restaurants and other foodservice establishments in the United States. The company was founded by Alva Kinney and Frank Little in 1919 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL. Read More Kingswood Holdings Limited engages in the investment management and financial planning business in the United Kingdom. The company provides wealth planning, and advisory services, including asset protection, pensions, tax and succession, and estate planning, as well as private and institutional management, and corporate solutions. It also offers managed, personal, and bespoke portfolio services; and cash management and foreign exchange services. The company serves individuals, family-offices, charities, trusts, institutions, and corporations. The company was formerly known as European Wealth Group Limited and changed its name to Kingswood Holdings Limited in September 2018. European Wealth Group Limited was incorporated in 1997 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More LEG Immobilien AG operates as an integrated property company in Germany. It rents apartments, commercial units, and garages and parking spaces; and purchases and sells property portfolios. The company also offers property management and location development services; and housing industry services, as well as IT services for third parties. In addition, it generates electricity and heat. As of December 31, 2020, the company's portfolio consisted of 144,530 residential units; 1,346 commercial units; and 39,205 garages and parking spaces in North Rhine-Westphalia. LEG Immobilien AG was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Moody's: Administracion de Calificadoras S.A. de C.V., BlackBox Logic, Bureau van Dijk EP DMCC, Bureau van Dijk Editions Electroniques S.A.S., Bureau van Dijk Editions Electroniques SRL, Bureau van Dijk Editions Electroniques Sarl, Bureau van Dijk Edizioni Elettroniche S.p.a, Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing AB, Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing ApS, Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing B.V., Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing Beijing Co. Ltd., Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing GmbH, Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing Hong Kong Limited, Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing Inc., Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing K.K., Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing LLC, Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing Ltd., Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing Pte. Ltd., Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing Pty. Ltd., Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing S.A. de C.V., Bureau van Dijk Electronic Publishing Unipessoal Lda., Bureau van Dijk Electroniq Publishing S.A. (Pty) Ltd, Bureau van Dijk Publicaciones Electronicas S.A., Bureau van Dijk Publicacao Eletronica Ltda., DVBS Inc., Equilibrium (Chile) Holding SpA, Ethical Investment Research Services (EIRIS) Limited, Fermat International SA, Four Twenty Seven, Four Twenty Seven France SAS, Four Twenty Seven Inc., GGYAXIS Inc., Gilliland Gold Young Consulting Inc., ICRA Lanka Limited, ICRA Limited, ICRA Nepal Limited, ICRA Online Limited, KIS Pricing Inc., Korea Investors Service, Korea Investors Service Inc., Lewtan Technologies Inc., MIS Asset Holdings Inc., MIS Quality Management Corp., MIS Support Center Private Limited, MIS Support Services CR Sociedad de Responsabilidad Ltda., Midroog Ltd., Moody's (China) Limited, Moody's (Japan) K.K., Moody's (UK) Limited, Moody's America Latina Ltda., Moody's Analytics (DIFC) Limited, Moody's Analytics (India) Private Limited, Moody's Analytics (Malaysia) Sdn.Bhd., Moody's Analytics (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Moody's Analytics Australia Pty. Ltd., Moody's Analytics Canada Inc., Moody's Analytics Czech Republic s.r.o., Moody's Analytics Deutschland GmbH, Moody's Analytics Global Education (Canada) Inc., Moody's Analytics Holdings (UK) Limited, Moody's Analytics Hong Kong Ltd., Moody's Analytics International Licensing Gmbh, Moody's Analytics Ireland Limited, Moody's Analytics Japan K.K., Moody's Analytics Knowledge Services (Jersey) Limited, Moody's Analytics Knowledge Services (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Moody's Analytics Knowledge Services Holdings (Mauritius) Limited, Moody's Analytics Knowledge Services Research (Mauritius) Limited, Moody's Analytics Korea Co. Ltd, Moody's Analytics SAS, Moody's Analytics Singapore Pte Ltd., Moody's Analytics Technical Services (Hong Kong) Ltd., Moody's Analytics Technical Services (UK) Limited, Moody's Analytics UK Limited, Moody's Analytics do Brazil Solucoes para Gerenciamento de Risco de Credito Ltda, Moody's Asia Pacific Limited, Moody's Asia-Pacific Group (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Moody's Canada Inc., Moody's Canada LP, Moody's China (B.V.I.) Limited, Moody's Company Holdings (BVI) I Limited, Moody's Company Hong Kong Limited, Moody's Credit Ratings (China) Limited, Moody's Deutschland GmbH, Moody's EMEA Financing (Cyprus) Limited, Moody's EMEA Holdings Limited, Moody's Eastern Europe LLC, Moody's Equilibrium I (BVI) Holding Corporation, Moody's Equilibrium II (BVI) Holding Corporation, Moody's Finance (BVI) Limited, Moody's Financing (BVI) Limited, Moody's Financing (Cyprus) Limited, Moody's France SAS, Moody's Group (BVI) Limited, Moody's Group (Holdings) Unlimited, Moody's Group Australia Pty Ltd, Moody's Group Cyprus Limited, Moody's Group Deutschland GmbH, Moody's Group Finance Limited, Moody's Group France SAS, Moody's Group Holdings (BVI) Limited, Moody's Group Japan G.K., Moody's Group NL B.V., Moody's Group UK Limited, Moody's Holdings (B.V.I.) Limited, Moody's Holdings Limited, Moody's Holdings NL B.V., Moody's Indonesia (B.V.I) Limited, Moody's Information Consulting (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Moody's International (UK) Limited, Moody's International Holdings (Cyprus) Limited, Moody's Investment Company India Private Limited, Moody's Investors Service (BVI) Limited, Moody's Investors Service (Beijing) Ltd., Moody's Investors Service (Korea) Inc., Moody's Investors Service (Nordics) AB, Moody's Investors Service Cyprus Limited, Moody's Investors Service EMEA Limited, Moody's Investors Service Espana S.A., Moody's Investors Service Hong Kong Limited, Moody's Investors Service India Private Limited, Moody's Investors Service Limited, Moody's Investors Service Middle East Limited, Moody's Investors Service Pty Limited, Moody's Investors Service Singapore Pte. Ltd., Moody's Investors Service South Africa (Pty) Limited, Moody's Israel Holdings Inc., Moody's Italia S.r.l., Moody's Latin America Agente de Calificacion de Riesgo S.A., Moody's Latin America Holding Corp., Moody's Lithuania UAB, Moody's Local PA Calificadora de Riesgo S.A., Moody's Local PE Clasificadora de Riesgo S.A, Moody's Mauritius Holdings Limited, Moody's Risk Assessments Limited, Moody's SF Japan K.K., Moody's Shared Services India Private Limited, Moody's Shared Services UK Limited, Moody's Singapore Pte Ltd, Moody's South Africa (B.V.I.) Ltd., Moody's de Mexico S.A. de C.V. I.C.V, Moodys Advisors Inc., Moodys Analytics Inc., Moodys Analytics Knowledge Services Solutions (US) Inc., Moodys Analytics Solutions LLC, Moodys Assurance Company Inc., Moodys Assureco Inc., Moodys Capital Markets Research Inc., Moodys Group Holdings Inc., Moodys Holdings LLC, Moodys International LLC, Moodys Investors Service Inc., Moodys Overseas Holdings Inc., Moodys Risk Assessments Holdings LLC, Moodys Risk Assessments Inc., Moodys Shared Services Inc., Nile 1 Limited, Nile 2 Limited, Nile 3 Limited, Nile 4 Limited, Nile 5 Limited, Omega Performance, Omega Performance Corp./S.C.C. A Rendement Omega, Omega Performance Corporation, Omega Performance Corporation Pty. Limited, Omega Performance NZ Limited, Omega Performance Pte. Ltd., PT ICRA Indonesia, Pragati Development Consulting Services Limited, RBA International, Reis, Reis Inc., Reis Services LLC, Risk First (Holdings) Limited, Risk First (IP) Limited, Risk First Enterprise Limited, Risk First Group Limited, Risk First Inc., Risk First Limited, Risk First Management Services Limited, Skyval Holdings LLP, Skyval Limited, The Moodys Foundation, Vigeo, Vigeo Belgium NV, Vigeo Eiris, Vigeo Eiris Canada Inc., Vigeo Eiris Chile SpA, Vigeo Eiris Hong Kong Limited, Vigeo Eiris USA LLC, Vigeo Group, Vigeo Italia S.r.l, Yellow Maple Holding B.V., Yellow Maple I B.V., Yellow Maple II B.V., and Zephus Ltd.. The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 211 E. Russell Road LLC, Air-Relief, Belliss & Morcom Brasil, Belliss and Morcom, Boardwalk Enterprises, Charm Merger Sub Inc., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Canada, CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir Holman Ltd, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., CompAir UK Ltd, CompAir USA, Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Emco Wheaton, Emco Wheaton GmbH Branch, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton UK, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Propriety Limited (South Africa), GD Aria Holdings #2 Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First UK Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings, GD Global Holdings II, GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Ltd., Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Ltd. - US Branch, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Ltd., Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Ltd. - US Branch, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SA, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Services Ltd, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Hoffman, Gardner Denver Holdings, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica, Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd. Branch, Gardner Denver International, Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Intl Ltd Middle East Regional Rep Office, Gardner Denver Investments, Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan, Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd, Gardner Denver Ltd, Gardner Denver Ltd South Africa, Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd. Branch (Ireland), Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co, Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oberdorfer Pumps, Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Petroleum Pumps, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia, Gardner Denver SudAmerica S.r.l., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas, Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH, Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver UK, Gardner Denver Water Jetting Systems, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, Indonesia Foreign Trade Representative Office, LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MP Pumps Inc., Mako Compressors, Nash, Nash Elmo, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Robuschi, Rotary Compression Technologies, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Syltone, TCM Investments, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, TODO AB, Tamrotor Marine Compressors AS, Thomas Industries, Thomas Industries Inc., Tri-Continent Scientific, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, and Zinsser NA. Schaeffler AG, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells precision components and systems for automotive and industrial applications in Europe, the Americas, China, and the Asia Pacific. The company's Automotive OEM division offers engine systems, including rolling bearing solutions, belt and chain drive products, valve train components, and systems for variable valve trains; and transmission systems, such as torsion and vibration dampers, clutches and double clutch systems, torque converters, CVT components, lightweight differentials, bearing solutions, and synchronizing and gearshift components. This division also provides chassis systems comprising wheel bearings, bearing solutions, steering components, electromechanical actuators for roll stabilizers, and power-assisted steering systems; and hybrid and electrical drive systems that include hybrid modules, electrical axle drives, and electrical wheel hub drives. Its Automotive Aftermarket division offers repair solutions for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, and tractors, as well as supporting services. The company's Industrial division provides components and systems. This division serves customers in the mobility, energy and raw materials, production machinery, aerospace, and industrial distribution. It has a strategic partnership with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The company was formerly known as INA Beteiligungsgesellschaft mit beschrAnkter Haftung and changed its name to Schaeffler AG in October 2014. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Schaeffler AG is a subsidiary of IHO Verwaltungs GmbH. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Caterpillar: Advanced Tri-Gen Power Systems LLC, Anchor Coupling Inc., Asia Power Systems (Tianjin) Ltd., AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd., Banco Caterpillar S.A., Berg Propulsion International Pte Ltd., Bucyrus, Bucyrus Australia Surface Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Holdings Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Limited, Bucyrus International (Chile) Limitada, Bucyrus International (Peru) S.A., Bucyrus Mining Australia Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Mining China LLC, Bucyrus UK Limited, Cat Rental Kyushu LLC, Caterpillar (Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar (China) Financial Leasing Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Machinery Components Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (HK) Limited, Caterpillar (Huainan) Machinery Service Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Langfang) Mining Equipment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Luxembourg) Investment Co. S.a r.l., Caterpillar (NI) Limited, Caterpillar (Newberry) LLC, Caterpillar (Qingzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Logistics Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar (U.K.) Limited, Caterpillar (Wujiang) Ltd., Caterpillar (Xuzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Zhengzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar Acquisition Holding Corp., Caterpillar Americas C.V., Caterpillar Americas Co., Caterpillar Americas Funding Inc., Caterpillar Americas Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Asia Limited, Caterpillar Asia Pacific L.P., Caterpillar Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Asset Intelligence LLC, Caterpillar Belgium S.A., Caterpillar Brasil Comercio de Maquinas e Pecas Ltda., Caterpillar Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Brazil LLC, Caterpillar Castings Kiel GmbH, Caterpillar Centro de Formacion S.L., Caterpillar China Limited, Caterpillar Commercial Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Commercial LLC, Caterpillar Commercial Northern Europe Limited, Caterpillar Commercial S.A., Caterpillar Commercial S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Commercial Services S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Communications LLC, Caterpillar Corporativo Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Cote DIvoire, Caterpillar Credito S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., Caterpillar DC Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Digital Services & Solutions SARL, Caterpillar Distribution International LLC, Caterpillar Distribution Services Europe B.V.B.A., Caterpillar East Real Estate Holding Ltd., Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH, Caterpillar Energy Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions S.A., Caterpillar Energy System Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Engine Systems Inc., Caterpillar Equipos Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Eurasia LLC, Caterpillar FS (QFC) LLC, Caterpillar Finance France S.A., Caterpillar Finance Kabushiki Kaisha, Caterpillar Financial Acquisition Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Aftermarket Solutions Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Australia Leasing Pty Limited, Caterpillar Financial Australia Limited, Caterpillar Financial Commercial Account Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Corporacion Financiera S.A. E.F.C., Caterpillar Financial Dealer Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Funding Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Caterpillar Financial Leasing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial New Zealand Limited, Caterpillar Financial Nordic Services AB, Caterpillar Financial Nova Scotia Corporation, Caterpillar Financial OOO, Caterpillar Financial Receivables Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Renting S.A., Caterpillar Financial SARL, Caterpillar Financial Services (Dubai) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services (Ireland) plc, Caterpillar Financial Services (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Argentina S.A., Caterpillar Financial Services Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Financial Services CR s.r.o., Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Services GmbH, Caterpillar Financial Services India Private Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Leasing ULC, Caterpillar Financial Services Limited Les Services Financiers Caterpillar Limitee, Caterpillar Financial Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Caterpillar Financial Services Netherlands B.V., Caterpillar Financial Services Norway AS, Caterpillar Financial Services Philippines Inc., Caterpillar Financial Services Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Limited, Caterpillar Financial UK Acquisition Funding Partners, Caterpillar Financial Ukraine LLC, Caterpillar Fluid Systems S.r.l., Caterpillar Fomento Comercial Ltda., Caterpillar Forest Products Inc., Caterpillar France S.A.S., Caterpillar GB L.L.C., Caterpillar Global Investments S.a r.l., Caterpillar Global Mining America LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Equipamentos De Mineracao do Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Expanded Products Pty Ltd, Caterpillar Global Mining Germany Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining HMS GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong AFC Manufacturing Holding Co. Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Global Mining SARL, Caterpillar Global Mining U.S. Parts LLC, Caterpillar Global Services LLC, Caterpillar Group Services S.A., Caterpillar Holding (France) S.A.S., Caterpillar Holding Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Holdings Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Hungary Components Manufacturing Ltd., Caterpillar Hydraulics Italia S.r.l., Caterpillar IPX LLC, Caterpillar IRB LLC, Caterpillar Impact Products Limited, Caterpillar India Private Limited, Caterpillar Industrial Inc., Caterpillar Industrias Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Industries (Pty) Ltd, Caterpillar Insurance Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Insurance Company, Caterpillar Insurance Holdings Inc., Caterpillar Insurance Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Finance Designated Activity Company, Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg I S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg II S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Product SARL, Caterpillar International Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Services del Peru S.A., Caterpillar Investment Limited, Caterpillar Investment One SARL, Caterpillar Investment Two SARL, Caterpillar Investments, Caterpillar Japan LLC, Caterpillar Latin America Services S.R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Panama S. de R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Servicios de Chile Limitada, Caterpillar Latin America Support Services S. DE R.L., Caterpillar Leasing (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar Leasing Chile S.A., Caterpillar Leasing GmbH (Leipzig), Caterpillar Leasing Operativo Limitada, Caterpillar Life Insurance Company, Caterpillar Logistics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Logistics (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Logistics Inc., Caterpillar Logistics ML Services France S.A.S., Caterpillar Logistics Services China Limited, Caterpillar Luxembourg Group S.ar.l., Caterpillar Luxembourg LLC, Caterpillar Luxembourg S.a r.l., Caterpillar Machinery Nantong Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence, Caterpillar Marine Power UK Limited, Caterpillar Marine Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Maroc SARL, Caterpillar Materiels Routiers SAS, Caterpillar Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Mexico S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Mining Canada ULC, Caterpillar Mining Chile Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Motoren (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG, Caterpillar Motoren Henstedt-Ulzburg GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Rostock GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Verwaltungs-GmbH, Caterpillar Netherlands Holding B.V., Caterpillar North America C.V., Caterpillar Operator Training Ltd., Caterpillar Overseas Credit Corporation SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Investment Holding SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Limited, Caterpillar Overseas SARL, Caterpillar Panama Services S.A., Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Caterpillar Paving Products Xuzhou Ltd., Caterpillar Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Power Generation Systems (Bangladesh) Limited, Caterpillar Power Generation Systems L.L.C., Caterpillar Power Systems Inc., Caterpillar Power Ventures International Ltd., Caterpillar Precision Seals Korea, Caterpillar Prodotti Stradali S.r.l., Caterpillar Product Services Corporation, Caterpillar Propulsion AB, Caterpillar Propulsion International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Italy S.R.L., Caterpillar Propulsion Namibia (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar Propulsion Production AB, Caterpillar Propulsion Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Singapore Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar R&D Center (China) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe LLC, Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe Servicios S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Drivetrain LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Renting France S.A.S., Caterpillar Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar SARL, Caterpillar Services Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Servizi Italia Srl, Caterpillar Shrewsbury Limited, Caterpillar Skinningrove Limited, Caterpillar Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd., Caterpillar Special Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Switchgear Americas LLC, Caterpillar Switchgear Holding Inc., Caterpillar Tianjin Ltd., Caterpillar Torreon S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Tosno L.L.C., Caterpillar Transmissions France S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Tunneling Canada Holdings Ltd., Caterpillar Tunnelling Canada Corporation, Caterpillar Tunnelling Europe Limited, Caterpillar UK Employee Trust Limited, Caterpillar UK Engines Company Limited, Caterpillar UK Group Limited, Caterpillar UK Holdings Limited, Caterpillar Undercarriage (Xuzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Used Equipment Services Inc., Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., Caterpillar Work Tools B.V., Caterpillar Work Tools Inc., Caterpillar World Trading Corporation, Caterpillar Xuzhou, Caterpillar of Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar of Canada Corporation, Caterpillar of Delaware Inc., Centre de Distribution de Wallonie SPRL, CleanAir Systems, Downer Freight Rail, ECM Railway Evolution Romania s.r.l., ECM S.p.A., EDC European Excavator Design Center GmbH, EMC Holding Corp., EMD International Holdings Inc., ERA Information & Entertainment (BVI) Limited, ERA Mining Machinery Limited, Electro-Motive Diesel Limited, Electro-Motive Locomotive Technologies LLC, Electro-Motive Technical Consulting Co. (Beijing) Ltd., Energy Services International Limited, Equipos de Acuna S.A. de C.V., Eurenov S.A.S., F. G. Wilson (Proprietary) Limited, F. Perkins Limited, FG Wilson (Engineering) Limited, GB Holdco (China) Inc., GFCM Comercial Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., GFCM Servicios S.A. de C.V., Gremada Industries - Assets, Hong Kong Siwei Holdings Limited, Inmobiliaria Conek S.A. de C.V., JCS Co., Kemper Valve & Fittings Corp., Leo Inc., Locomotive Demand Power Pty Ltd., Locomotoras Progress Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Lovat, M2M Data Corporation, MGE Equipamentos & Servicos Ferroviarios, MWM, MWM Austria GmbH, MWM Benelux B.V., MWM Energy Australia Pty Ltd, MWM France S.A.S, MWM Real Estate GmbH, MaK Americas Inc., MaK Americas Inc. (Canada), Magnum Power Products LLC, Marble, Maschinenbau Kiel GmbH, Mec-Track S.r.l., Metalmark Financial Services Limited, Motoren Steffens GmbH, Nippon Caterpillar LLC, P. T. Solar Services Indonesia, PT Caterpillar Finance Indonesia, PT. Bucyrus Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia Batam, PT. Caterpillar Remanufacturing Indonesia, Perkins Engines, Perkins Engines (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, Perkins Engines Group Limited, Perkins Engines Inc., Perkins Group Limited, Perkins Holdings Limited LLC, Perkins India Private Limited, Perkins International Inc., Perkins Japan LLC, Perkins Limited, Perkins Machinery (Changshu) Co. Ltd., Perkins Motores do Brasil Ltda., Perkins Power Systems Technology (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines LLC, Perkins Small Engines Limited, Perkins Technology Inc., Progress Metal Reclamation Company, Progress Rail Arabia Limited Company, Progress Rail Australia Pty Ltd, Progress Rail Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Equipamentos e Servicos Ferroviarios do Brasil Ltda., Progress Rail Equipment Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Holdings Inc., Progress Rail Innovations Private Limited, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems GmbH, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems S.r.l., Progress Rail International Corp., Progress Rail Leasing Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Progress Rail Locomotivas (do Brasil) Ltda., Progress Rail Locomotive Canada Co., Progress Rail Locomotive Chile SpA, Progress Rail Locomotive Inc., Progress Rail Maintenance de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Progress Rail Manufacturing Corporation, Progress Rail Raceland Corporation, Progress Rail Rocklin Corporation, Progress Rail SA Proprietary Limited, Progress Rail Services Corporation, Progress Rail Services Holdings Corp., Progress Rail Services LLC, Progress Rail Services UK Limited, Progress Rail Switching Services LLC, Progress Rail Transcanada Corporation, Progress Rail Welding Corporation, Progress Rail Wildwood LLC, Progress Rail de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pyroban Group, Pyroban Group, Pyrrha Investments B.V., Pyrrha Investments Limited, S&L Railroad LLC, SCM Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., SPL Software Alliance LLC, Sabre Engines, Servicios de Turbinas Solar S. de R.L. de C.V., Shandong SEM Machinery Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines (Beijing) Trading Services Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines (Thailand) Ltd., Solar Turbines CIS Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Canada Ltd./Ltee., Solar Turbines Central Asia Limited Liability Partnership, Solar Turbines EAME s.r.o., Solar Turbines Egypt Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Europe S.A., Solar Turbines India Private Limited, Solar Turbines International Company, Solar Turbines Italy S.R.L., Solar Turbines Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Solar Turbines Middle East Limited, Solar Turbines New Zealand Limited, Solar Turbines Saudi Arabia Limited, Solar Turbines Services Company, Solar Turbines Services Nigeria Limited, Solar Turbines Services of Argentina S.R.L., Solar Turbines Switzerland Sagl, Solar Turbines Trinidad & Tobago Limited, Solar Turbines West-Africa SARL, Tangshan DBT Machinery Co. Ltd., Tecnologia Modificada S.A. de C.V., Towmotor Corporation, Traction & Mining Motor Repairs Pty Ltd, Turbinas Solar S.A. de C.V., Turbinas Solar de Colombia S.A., Turbinas Solar de Venezuela C.A., Turbo Tecnologia de Reparaciones S.A. de C.V., Turbomach, Turbomach Endustriyel Gaz Turbinleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited, Turbomach France SARL, Turbomach GmbH, Turbomach Netherlands B.V., Turbomach Pakistan (Private) Limited, Turbomach S.A. Unipersonal, Turbomach Sp. Z o.o., Turner Powertrain Systems Limited, UK Hose Assembly Limited, Underground Imaging Technologies Inc, United Industries LLC, VALA Inc., Vasky Energy Ltd., Wealdstone Engineering, Weir - Oil & Gas Division, West Virginia Auto Shredding Inc., Western Gear Machinery LLC, Wetland Sustainability Fund I LLC, Williams Technologies, Yard Club, Zhengzhou Siwei Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Sales Co. Ltd., and okyo Rental Ltd.. Victoria Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, evaluation, and exploration of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. Its principal property is 100% owned Dublin Gulch property, which hosts the Eagle Gold deposit covering an area of approximately 555 square kilometers located in central Yukon, Canada. The company was formerly known as Victoria Resource Corporation and changed its name to Victoria Gold Corp. in July 2008. Victoria Gold Corp. was founded in 1981 and is based in Toronto, Canada. Read More Genworth Financial, Inc. is a financial services company, which engages in the provision of insurance, wealth management, investment and financial solutions. It operates through the following segments: U.S. Mortgage Insurance, Australia Mortgage Insurance, U.S. Life Insurance, and Runoff. The U.S. Mortgage Insurance segment offers mortgage insurance products predominantly insuring prime-based, individually underwritten residential mortgage loans. The Australia Mortgage Insurance segment offers flow mortgage insurance and selectively provides bulk mortgage insurance that aids in the sale of mortgages to the capital markets and helps lenders manage capital and risk. The U.S. Life Insurance segment offers long-term care insurance products as well as service traditional life insurance and fixed annuity products in the United States. The Runoff segment includes the results of non-strategic products which are no longer actively sold but continue to service its existing blocks of business. Its non-strategic products primarily include variable annuity, variable life insurance, institutional, corporate-owned life insurance and other accident and health insurance products. The company was fo Read More "To not do what we've been doing for 20-something years, to have that taken away from us last year, you love something this much, once you have it back in your hands, you love it, you cherish it, protect it that much more. So I just want to put a guitar around my shoulders and stand out in stage center and say, 'Let's go.'" Acuff asked if the division has data on how many items are confiscated. Not that weve collected or that Ive seen, King said. My sense is that they are everywhere. King said the appearance of JUULs and other products makes it more difficult for school staff to catch someone in the act of smoking. His presentation included photos of the products. It looks exactly like a jump drive, a data unit that many of our students use, King said. Its reasonable that a staff member would see that and not expect that it was a JUUL at all. They would expect a student doing exactly what they were supposed to be doing. The Food and Drug Administration said last year that the use of e-cigarettes among teenagers is an epidemic and that it has worked to curb youth access to flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. The agency has launched a public information campaign to spread the word about the danger of these products and the risk of addiction. STANARDSVILLE When the Greene County Board of Supervisors voted in late February to close the countys afterschool care program, effective the last day of the 2018-19 school year, the community was concerned. The program has been operated by the county since 1990. When the county made the decision to close the afterschool program, it really did cause some panic in parents and concerns about where their children would go, said Greene schools Superintendent Andrea Whitmarsh. While we do have some private providers, there are just not enough locations to handle all the kids who need afterschool care. Once the board voted to end the program, Whitmarsh said she began trying to find a solution. I personally reached out to folks in other divisions to see what they do, she said. Wed hoped someone would come to us with a great proposal, but that didnt happen. We then reached out to the Piedmont Family YMCA to see if there was interest there. Piedmont Family YMCA is headquartered in Charlottesville but operates throughout the region. In a previous role, Ramasubramanian ran the National Science Foundations Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship project, which aims to develop graduate and doctoral students for interdisciplinary research careers. A marker of success in the program, he found, was having the physical space to bring people from disparate disciplines together. In that program, one thing the program directors and I would ask is where the students from public policy, psychology and public health would work together, he said. He saw how even a temporary trailer at the University of Alaska, for example, could become a place that students used all the time to develop their work. That really cemented the idea that if its a neutral ground and all people there have the intention and mindset and willingness to listen to difficult points of view, you can really get things done, he said. At this time it does not appear suspicious in nature, Sgt. Rick Garletts of the state police said in an email. Four adults were taken to Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington for injuries sustained in the explosion and subsequent fire. Two of them were then transferred to the trauma department at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and another was taken to a hospital outside the Carilion network, a spokeswoman for the Roanoke-based health care system said. The fourth was treated at the Lexington hospital and released. Police and rescue officials were still working late Friday to determine if anyone else was in the building. The convenience store next to the gas pumps was totally consumed by flames when crews arrived, Ramsey said. There were no fire hydrants in the rural community, so firefighters drew water from the nearby Chalk Mine Run. But there was little they could do at that point. Not a lot, Ramsey said when asked what remained of the structure. Ramsey could not say where the blast originated or where the victims were found. Its a little too soon for that, he said. Congratulations to several local public high schools for notable placements compared with other state schools in a new ranking system that measures academics. U.S. News & World Report vastly expanded its evaluation this year to include 17,000 public high schools across the country, compared with the 2,700 schools reviewed in 2018. The magazine assessed statistics on reading and math proficiency; reading and math performance; performance rates by underserved student; college curriculum breadth; graduation rates; and college readiness. When compared with other schools in Virginia, Western Albemarle High School ranked the highest locally, at No. 42. Charlottesville checked in at No. 72. Albemarle ranked No. 137, and Monticello was No. 184. (Murray High, an Albemarle County charter school, was in the bottom 25 percent.) The commonwealth has 323 public high schools. Hong Kong: Govt regrets LegCo melee The Government has expressed regret over the extremely disorderly and uncontrollable condition resulting in bodily injuries caused by serious disruptions in Bills Committee meeting procedures in the Legislative Council. The meeting on the Fugitive Offenders & Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 was convened by legislator Abraham Shek today with the LegCo House Committees authorisation. The Government noted LegCo has failed after so many meetings to elect a chairman for the Bills Committee on the amendment bill ever since it decided to set up the committee. Adding that today's unpleasant event is unprecedented in the history of the Legislative Council, the Government said it is gravely concerned that if the situation continues, it would have an adverse impact on the scrutiny of the bill. It urged legislators to resume rational discussion with mutual respect so that the council could restore its normal operation and scrutinise legislative proposals in a pragmatic manner. This story has been published on: 2019-05-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. A person briefed on the matter said the SEC served its first formal subpoena on VW in January 2017 and issued a formal Wells notice in June 2018. (Photo: File) A federal judge on Friday sharply questioned the US Securities and Exchange Commission on the timing of its civil suit filed in March accusing Volkswagen AG of defrauding investors and demanded the agency explain its rationale. Volkswagen was caught using illegal software to cheat US pollution tests in 2015, triggering a global backlash against diesel vehicles that has so far cost it 29 billion euros. At a status conference on Friday in San Francisco, US District Judge Charles Breyer questioned the SECs lateness in suing VW more than two years after the company settled the Justice Departments criminal probe, pleading guilty to three felonies and paying dollar 4.3 billion in penalties. My basic question is what took you so long, Breyer said, adding he was totally mystified why the SEC waited until 2019. A person briefed on the matter said the SEC served its first formal subpoena on VW in January 2017 and issued a formal Wells notice in June 2018. I want to remind you that the symbol of the SEC is the symbol right up there, of the eagle. Its not a carrion hawk that simply descends when everything is all over and sees what it can get from the defendant, Breyer said. Daniel Hayes, a lawyer for the SEC, told Breyer the agency moved as quickly as we could and added there were settlement negotiations that did not result in a deal. We opened an investigation, we conducted an investigation that specifically focused on whether there were violations of the security fraud. That takes time, Hayes said. Breyer directed the SEC to explain by July precisely when the agency learned of the factual allegations and to file a declaration detailing its reasoning for waiting until March of this year to file this complaint. Regulators and investors argue VW should have informed them sooner about the scope of the scandal, while VW says it was not clear it would face billions of dollars in fines and penalties as others had paid out much lower sums. VW issued more than dollar 13 billion in bonds and asset-backed securities in US markets at a time when senior executives knew that more than 500,000 US diesel vehicles grossly exceeded legal vehicle emissions limits, the SEC complaint says. Volkswagen reaped hundreds of millions of dollars by issuing the securities at more attractive rates for the company, the SEC said. The SEC suit also named former Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn, seeking to bar him from serving as an officer or director of a public US company. VW has said the SEC complaint is legally and factually flawed, and Volkswagen will contest it vigorously. Gurugram: ITC Chairman and one of Indias longest serving coprporte bosses, Yogesh Chander Deveshwar passed away in Gurugram on Saturday at the age of 72. He was suffering from a prolonged illness. Deveshwar was born on February 4, 1947 in Lahore, Pakistan. He completed his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from the India nInstitute of Technology, Delhi in 1968. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He was appointed on the board of the company in 1984 and took the charge of company as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on January 1, 1996. After serving as ITCs CEO for over two decades, Deveshwar handed over the charge to Sanjiv Puri to take the role of the conglomerates Non- Executive Chairman. He remained in this office at the time of his death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death. He tweeted to share his thoughts. Shri YC Deveshwar made a strong contribution to Indian industry. His efforts helped ITC become a professionally-run Indian company with a global footprint. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the ITC group in this hour of grief. Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 11, 2019 Deveshwar had earlier served as the Chairman of the Society and Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata and also as a Director on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India. He also headed Air India as its Chairman and Managing Director between 1991 and 1994. Deveshwar endeavored to ensure that ITC remains an Indian company despite its British roots. He also transformed the company from just a tobacco brand to lifestyle, FMCG, stationery, hospitality, agriculture and information technology. Deveshwar held many illustrious positions in his career. For his distinguished services, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011 by the Government of India. Deveshwar is survived by his wife, son and a daughter. Shraddha Srinath, last seen in K 13 in a power packed role, teams up now with Vishal for his upcoming flick, which is a sequel to his earlier hit Irumbu Thirai, a cybercrime thriller. Shraddha Srinath Vishal has had a troubled time for the past few days with the release of his latest movie Ayogya, (which was mired in financial constraints) getting postponed from May 10. Now with issues sorted out, the film hit the marquee on Saturday, May 11. The actor was away in Turkey for long shooting schedule of his upcoming movie with Sundar C, where he romances two heroines Tamannah and Aishwarya Lakshmi (who is from Mollywood). Post his return, despite his pressing issues with Nadigar Sangam and TFPC, the tall actor has quickly moved on to the shoot of Irumbu Thirai 2, directed by debutant Anand. The part 1 of Irumbu Thirai was directed by PS Mithran, who is presently busy with a Sivakarthikeyan film titled Hero. Actor Naga Shaurya, who has been quite successful at charming the audience with his acting skills, is about to unravel another one of his hidden talents to the people. The actors next film Ashwatthama was formally launched in the city on Saturday. With debutant Teja in the directors seat, the film will feature Mehreen Kaur in the female lead role. Apart from playing the lead role, we have learnt that Shaurya is also the brain behind the script. I have even co-written Chalo to a major extent. I was part of its script development sessions. And while I couldnt work on the script for Narthanasala, I realised that Ashwatthamas concept was in alignment with my thought process and so, I resolved to pen its script by myself, he explained. While Shaurya didnt open up about his role in the movie, he revealed, Its fiction, and most of it is set to be shot in Vizag. Conceptually, the film replicates Ashwatthamas fearless questioning of Draupadis Vastraharan, and is essentially about a man who fearlessly questions anything that he might find unjust or inappropriate." FALLS TOWNSHIP >> The Falls Township Board of Supervisors took steps to create more than 500 new jobs on Dec. 20. The board approved a minor subdivision and lot line change for Stalwart Equities, the developer of a large-scale warehouse planned for more than 95 acres along the Delaware River. The companys sketch plan, which the board reviewed last year, called... A woman walks past the wreck of the 'Barca Nostra' fishing boat, which sank in the Mediterranean Sea in 2015 with 700 migrants on board, displayed at the 58th Biennale of Arts exhibition in Venice, Italy. (Photo: AP) Venice: Fake news. Migration. Poverty. Global warming. Armed conflict. Political issues that light up the airwaves and social media are getting a very open airing at the 58th Venice Biennale contemporary art fair, like so much laundry hung out to dry in the lagoon breeze. American curator Ralph Rugoff, director of London's Hayward Gallery, titled the main exhibition "May You Live in Interesting Times," which opens Saturday and runs through till Nov 24. The title is itself an exemplary piece of fake news, delivered by a British lawmaker as Europe hurled toward World War II as an ancient Chinese curse. It was, in fact, made up. Yet, Rugoff notes, "it's had a presence in political discourse ever since." Rugoff says contemporary art is particularly effective at unpacking the present-day spectre of never-ending crises, by revealing complexity, ambiguity and conflicting emotions in a way that more traditional media often do not. "Where do we have a space in our culture where this part of being human is given a place? It really exists in contemporary art," Rugoff said on a preview walk through the main exhibit, split between the Biennale's two main venues, in the leafy Giardini and the former Arsenale shipyard. Many of the 79 artists invited to participate in the main exhibition make very literal references to present-day woes. Swiss artist Christoph Buechel transported a hulking smugglers' ship where 700 migrants perished in April 2015 to the edge of the Arsenale, exposing to viewers the gaping holes in the hull that caused it to sink in the Mediterranean. Chinese collaborators Sun Yuan and Peng Yu constructed a robot that mechanically spreads a blood-like substance evenly around. The impact of drug violence is portrayed in Teresa Margolles' razor wire-topped concrete wall "Muro Ciudad Juarez." Zhanna Kadyrova of Ukraine used old tiles to create pieces of laundry that are hung outside the central pavilion, which Rugoff says serves as a reminder that while inside the building "there is a lot of heavy thinking and challenging art," ordinary life continues just outside, in the narrow Venetian alleyways where everyday flapping laundry is show of its own. By juxtaposing art to provide comment on worldly events, Rugoff wants to create conversations and the Giardini Central Pavilion emits a vapour suggestive in a very literal way of thought processes, which in turn casts a veil of fog over the pavilion's facade, "questioning the authority of that institution." In a Biennale that puts a real emphasis on the interactive experience of art, mist has emerged a major artistic medium across the sprawling exhibition, which extends into 90 national pavilions and manifold collateral events. Israeli artist Aya Ben Ron has created a field hospital to treat social ills from domestic abuse to racism to occupation, which forces hurried visitors to slow down, take a number and wait their turn. Australian artist Angelica Mesiti uses film to examine ways citizens can assemble and communicate against the backdrop of fragile democracy. And American Martin Puryear explores liberty through a series of clear, declarative sculptures and installations that are a rebuke against racism and testosterone-driven power. Beyond the Biennale, Marina Abramovic of Serbia asks whether empathy created in a virtual reality experience can motivate action against climate change. The French pavilion also emits vapour, meant to create a dreamlike environment for the journey proposed by 41-year-old artist Laure Prouvost, only the third woman to represent France at the Biennale. Mist is also put to effective use inside the Indian Pavilion, which is a thematic tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the 150th anniversary of his birth. Artist Jitish Kallat projects a 1939 letter written by Gandhi to Adolf Hitler, appealing to him to prevent war and addressing him as "friend." Kallat said the "Dear friend" salutation projects Gandhi's message across time "and asks the reader to rethink what they ... can do to save the world from going to a savage state." Ghana also is making its Biennale debut, one of only six African nations participating. The pavilion was designed by architect David Adjaye as a series of interconnected units that form a whole, recalling West African dwellings, while the late Okwui Enwezor, the 2015 Biennale curator who died in March, served as an adviser. It features all newly commissioned works, from sculpture, to film and photography, which will travel to Ghana after the Biennale for show. "Things like this, I guess, is a form of self-politics. It is a way of representing your culture in a way other than political and economic. We have so many pluralistic expressions, so many ways of being in Ghana, but often so often in the outside world, you just get one, and very often it is negative. This is very much how we represent ourselves to the world in all our plurality, in all our diversity, in all our different layers," said curator Nana Oforiatta Ayim. Four of the five suspects in the Alwar gangrape case have been arrested while the city SP has been shunted out and an SHO suspended in the wake of the April 26 incident in which police have been accused of delaying action on the pretext of poll preparations. (Representational Image) Jaipur/Alwar: Four of the five suspects in the Alwar gangrape case have been arrested while the city SP has been shunted out and an SHO suspended in the wake of the April 26 incident in which police have been accused of delaying action on the pretext of poll preparations. The husband of the rape survivor claimed that he had approached the Thanagazi police station SHO and the SP with his complaint, but he was asked to wait as they were busy with the elections. He alleged that an FIR was lodged only on 2 May. As the case came into light, Jaipur Inspector General S Segathir said on Wednesday four people have been arrested and 14 police teams pressed into service to nab the remaining accused. Those arrested were identified as Indraraj Gurjar, Ashok and Mukesh and Mahesh Gurjar, the officer said, adding that Mukesh had also recorded the crime and uploaded the video on social media. Mahesh Gurjar was arrested on Wednesday night, the police said. On Tuesday night, the Rajasthan government removed Alwar Superintendent of Police Rajiv Pachar and put him under the Awaiting Posting Order status, citing administrative reasons. SHO of the Thanagazi police station Sardar Singh was also suspended and four policemen were taken off active duty. The state government has released an interim relief of Rs 4.12 lakh for the survivor as per the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Meanwhile, locals took out a protest march in Thanagazi town demanding arrest of all the accused. Protests were also held in Dausa, Jaipur and Churu demanding death penalty for the culprits. On 26 April, the accused stopped the couple's motorcycle on Thanagaji-Alwar road and beat the husband. They stripped the couple and raped the woman in front of her husband. One of accused also shot a video. The survivor's husband alleged that the police officers did not pay heed to his request for action against the culprits. "The incident occurred on 26 April. This all happened for nearly three hours. Initially we kept quiet, but when the accused called me demanding money for not circulating the video, I went to the SP office and gave him a complaint. "He sent me to the SHO of Thanagaji police station where the SHO received the complaint but the FIR was not lodged," the survivor's husband told PTI. He claimed that the SHO took him to the scene of the crime on the same day and later asked him to go. "Next day, I called the SHO but he said that policemen were busy in election. When I called the SP, he also gave the same response. I was asked to wait till elections are over. The FIR was lodged on May 2," he said. Narrating the ordeal, he said, "One of the accused called me and demanded money on 30 April. He said that the video will be circulated on WhatsApp if I did not give them money. My younger brother told about this to the SP but nothing happened and on May 4, the video was circulated". "We suffered unexplainable nightmare on 26 April. When the video was circulated among locals, our dignity was completely lost and when I told this to the police, their reaction was also disappointing," he said. The survivor has also claimed that he had given the phone numbers of the accused to the police but they delayed taking action. When the matter was highlighted on Tuesday, the Congress government faced severe criticism from opposition BJP and others. Police said Gurjar and Kailash were arrested till Tuesday night and Mukesh was placed under arrest on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the state government on Wednesday seeking a report in the matter within six weeks. Taking cognisance of media reports, the NHRC issued the notice to the chief secretary and the DGP. The Opposition BJP has accused the government of deliberately hiding the case for political reasons during elections, a charge which the ruling Congress has rejected and said that stern action against the accused will be taken. "This is a very serious and shameful incident. The government kept it hidden due to political reasons during elections. The party will be holding a demonstration at all the district headquarters on Thursday," state BJP president Madan Lal Saini said. BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Kirori Lal Meena demanded the resignation of the chief minister and also a CBI inquiry into the matter. Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said that stern action against the culprits will be taken and the matter should not be politicised. Elections were held to 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan in two rounds on 29 April and 6 May. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses et all. Happy reading. The three burqa women allegedly surrounded Sasikala, when she felt someone pulling her back. Though the accused managed to cut the chain, the victim came to know about it and raised the alarm. (Representional Image) Chennai: Three burqa-clad women were caught red-handed while stealing a gold chain from another woman on an MTC bus in Chromepet on Thursday night. The accused were identified as Priya ( 25), Shankammal(28) and Abhurami(25) all hailing from Nagercoil, police said. The victim Sasikala( 37) of Nemilichery in Chromepet on Thursday night boarded an MTC bus route number 66 heading towards Poonamallee. Police said the bus was crowded. The three burqa women allegedly surrounded Sasikala, when she felt someone pulling her back. Though the accused managed to cut the chain, the victim came to know about it and raised the alarm. The incident happened when the bus was travelling near the Shankar Nagar police station. They were handed over to the police. Shankar Nagar police registered a case and arrested the three women and recovered a three sovereign chain from them. Further investigations are underway. Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar said Vinod had burgled 14 houses after his release in the Hyderabad and Rachakonda police commissionerates. Hyderabad: An engineering dropout who took to burgling houses was arrested by the East Task Force who police who seized gold and silver ornaments worth Rs 22 lakh from him. Police said the accused, Nenavath Vinod Kumar, had been jailed under the Preventive Detention Act twice in 2015 and 2017. Though previous offenders are monitored, Vinod, a native of Amangal mandal and resident of Balapur in Ranga Reddy district, went off the radar after his release in September last year. Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar said Vinod had burgled 14 houses after his release in the Hyderabad and Rachakonda police commissionerates. Vinod sold some ornaments to Madan Kumar, owner of Neha Jewellers in Vadodara, Gujarat. He said Vinod had discontinued his BTech from AVN Engineering College, Ibrahimpatnam, and took to burglary. Task Force additional DCP S. Chaitanya Kumar said Vinod was arrested on a tip-off. A total of 53.4 tolas of gold ornaments, one kg of silver ornaments worth `22 lakh was recovered from him. Vivek Kumar Pande, a graduate owning a private jobs placement firm in U.P. had allegedly promised jobs to seven persons here, promising them fancy salaries, but did not deliver. Coimbatore: A youth said to be from Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) has been tactfully arrested by the Coimbatore police on a charge of cheating several youth with false promises of jobs, sources said on Friday. Vivek Kumar Pande, a graduate owning a private jobs placement firm in U.P. had allegedly promised jobs to seven persons here, promising them fancy salaries, but did not deliver. Pande got the initial contacts, thanks to a Facebook friendship he struck with a 26-year-old woman graduate Aarthi, of Erode Veerappan Chathiram, who also runs an employment placement firm in Coimbatore. Police said Pande, on gaining Aarathis confidence, requested her to refer a few South Indian candidates for private jobs in North India. She had referred seven persons, all graduates looking for jobs. Pande, promising them jobs, asked each of them to pay an initial sum through net banking, which came to Rs 4.25 lakh. After collecting the money, Pande went silent. The job-hunters approached Aarathi in a bid to get their money back. When she lodged a complaint with the city crime branch, they suggested that she talk to Pande in a friendly way and persuade him to come to Coimbatore for sight-seeing. As suggested by the police, Aarthi went by their plan and when Vivek Kumar Pande came to Coimbatore recently, police arrested him on charges of cheating and lodged him in Coimbatore central prison after producing him in a local court. On Friday, the Dharmapuri child line workers with the support of social welfare department staff and the local police rescued a minor girl given in marriage to her relative groom. (Representional Image) Dharmapuri: Two women including a government staff were brutally beaten up by an angry mob for rescuing a 17-year-old girl, a victim of early marriage, in Pavalathur village in Pennagaram block in Dharmapuri district. On Friday, the Dharmapuri child line workers with the support of social welfare department staff and the local police rescued a minor girl given in marriage to her relative groom. As the child line workers were returning to Dharmapuri town with the rescued victim in a state-run bus, a mob followed them, accosted the bus, gained entry into it and attempted to take back the girl with them. The two child line female volunteers, Ms Vaitheeswari and Ms. Saroja, were beaten up brutally in the process and were admitted to the government hospital here for severe injuries. A case has been registered at Athiyamankottai police station and investigations are on including to trace the poor minor girls whereabouts. 'The Congress government suppressed the matter of gang rape for their politics,' Mayawati said. (Phoro: File) Lucknow: Continuing bitter criticism of the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday alleged that the party's government in Rajasthan attempted to suppress the case of gang-rape with a Dalit woman in Alwar till elections in the state. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also lashed out at the Election Commission stating that they are not taking appropriate action against politicians using derogatory language against women. "The Election Commission is not taking appropriate and strict action against the big and small leaders of some political parties, who are using filthy, derogatory and abusive language against women," said Mayawati told ANI. She added that the Supreme Court should take suo-moto cognizance of such matters and give strict punishment to leaders who cross the limit so as to set an example for the future. Accusing the Rajasthan government the gang rape of Dalit girl for political gains, she said, " The Congress government suppressed the matter of gang rape for their politics. They didn't let it come to fore till elections were over and even threatened the victim's family. Our party had to struggle given the very little action Congress government took in the case." The BSP leader said her party believes the victim will not get justice under the Congress regime and demanded a Supreme Court inquiry along with a death penalty for culprits. "Supreme Court should take suo-moto cognizance and hear it in a fast track manner. All accused should be given death penalty and state government, police, and administration should also be held accountable for the delay and given strict punishment," said Mayawati. A woman was allegedly gang-raped by five men while her husband was beaten up in Thanagaji area of Alwar district in Rajasthan on April 26. A video was also shot by an alleged accused. Without naming Bhim Army, she alleged that few organizations running in the name of Bhim Rao Ambedkar are doing politics of vested interest and are serving the BJP and Congress. "Our workers and party members should be very careful about such organizations which are running in the name of Ambedkar movement but are not concerned with Dalits and are only worried about their bread and butter," she said. "In Uttar Pradesh, one such organization is running in the name of Bhim movement. This organization sometimes serves the interest of Congress while sometimes they serve the interest of BJP. They asked for votes for Congress in Bharatpur Lok Sabha Constituency in Rajasthan and after elections went to Jaipur at the behest of BJP to raise the matter of Alwar gang rape," Mayawati said. Air Marshal AS Butola represented IAF and accepted the first Apache. Representatives from the US government were also present. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) New Delhi: The first Apache Guardian attack helicopter was formally handed over to the Indian Air force at its production facility in Arizona; the Indian air Force tweeted on Saturday. India has signed a contract with the United States for 22 of these choppers. Air Marshal AS Butola represented IAF and accepted the first Apache. Representatives from the US government were also present. Indian Air Force receives its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter at its production facility in Arizona, in the US. India has signed a contract with the US, for 22 of these choppers. pic.twitter.com/YjJmVcpqqk ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2019 According to IAF, The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground. The ability of these helicopters to transmit and receive battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking, makes it a lethal acquisition. #ApacheInduction: First AH-64E (I) Apache Guardian helicopter was formally handed over to the IAF at Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, USA on 10 May 19. Air Mshl AS Butola, represented the IAF & accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility. pic.twitter.com/FzA0IfRine Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 11, 2019 In a Facebook post, the Indian Air Force said these attack helicopters would provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July. India has already bought the Chinook transport helicopter, made by Boeing, from the US. Kochi mayor Soumini Jain (right) launches the logo of Never Me campaign in the presence of former member of Womens Commision Prof. Monamma Kokad in Kochi on Friday KOCHI: After the #MeToo campaign that exposed the high and mighty who sexually harassed women shook the world, it's now time for another one: Never Me. The campaign, initiated by former member of the Kerala State Women's Commission Prof. Monamma Kokad, aims at bringing down the incidence of sexual assault against women. Providing proper training in self-defence is one of the tools that the campaign advocates. "The initiative is in response to the #MeToo campaign which helped several sexual harassment victims to speak out. The Never Me campaign tries to encourage women to realise the importance of the phrase 'I will never be a victim, I am my own protector, I will lead myself," said Prof. Kokkad. "The Me Too campaign allows victims to come forward and open up while the Never Me initiative attempts to ensure that there are no victims of sexual assault. The campaign will be launched in primary school, followed by high schools and colleges. Training will be given to girls by a group of women teachers and NGO volunteers," she said. Kochi mayor Soumini Jain launched the campaign logo in Kochi on Friday. Launching the logo, the mayor said women must be given awareness and training to prevent them from being victims of assault. "Training must be conducted in every school and it should be included as part of school syllabus," she said. Mumbai: Have you missed any news today? Here are the top national, international headlines of the day. Andhra bus accident: Fourteen people travelling in a jeep were killed when a speeding private bus collided with the vehicle in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh Saturday. Another six passengers in the ill-fated jeep sustained injuries and have been hospitalised, police said. Read: Andhra Pradesh: 14 Killed, several injured after bus collides with jeep Terror attack on Pak hotel: At least three heavily-armed militants on Saturday stormed a five-star hotel in Pakistan's port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, leading to a shootout with security personnel, police said. A guard at the entrance challenged them after which the terrorists opened fire and killed him, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. Read: Terrorists storm 5-star hotel in Pakistan's Gwadar port, 1 killed AAP seeks apology from Gambhir: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday sent a legal notice to BJP candidate from East Delhi Gautam Gambhir, seeking apology for his tweet against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Read: AAP sends legal notice to Gambhir, seeks apology for tweets on Kejriwal Mamata dares PM Modi to harm her: Launching a ferocius attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday claimed that his "death knell" has started tolling. Read: 'Kill, slit my throat, send to jail, yet I will speak against you': Mamata to Modi AAPs candidate son unfolds controversy: Aam Aadmi Partys West Delhi candidate, Balbir Singh Jakhar's son Uday Jakhar said that his father joined politics about three months ago and had given Rs 6 crore for the ticket. Read: My dad paid Rs 6 cr to Kejriwal for ticket: AAP's West Delhi candidate son Brawl between Congress leaders in Telangana: A scuffle broke out between Congress leaders V Hanumantha Rao and Nagesh Mudhiraj during a protest held here on Saturday by opposition parties, against the alleged goof-up of the state government in the intermediate results of Telangana state board. Read: Telangana: Two Cong leaders get into scuffle during exam result protest; see video N Chandrababu Naidus dig at Modi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu fired a fresh salvo against Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming that he is a person who can "kill or bring back dead political leaders" into politics for his political gains. Read: Modi can kill or bring back dead leaders for political gain: Andhra CM Mamata face on Priyanka Chopra's MET Gala look: Priyanka Sharma, a West Bengal BJP youth leader, has been arrested for posting a meme mocking West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her Facebook timeline on May 9.Sharma superimposed Mamatas face on Priyanka Chopras MET Gala 2019 look. Later, she was arrested and produced in Howrah Court. Read: Bengal BJP leader held for pasting Mamata face on Priyanka Chopra's MET Gala look Oops moments in 2019 polls: The world's largest democratic exercise did not limit itself to the usual fiery rhetoric, chopper-hopping campaign trails or unabashed mud-slinging at each other. There were shoes, slaps, snakes and more to add more flavour to these unbearably long elections. Read: What are India polls without a few snakes, slaps and kisses? Alwar rape case: Attacking the Congress government in Rajasthan over its failure to timely act on the rape case in Alwar, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party Mayawati said that the state government deliberately suppressed the news as elections were around. Read: Mayawati blames Rajashtan's ruling Cong for delayed action on Alwar rape Indias first Apache Guardian attack helicopter: The first Apache Guardian attack helicopter was formally handed over to the Indian Air force at its production facility in Arizona; the Indian air Force tweeted on Saturday. India has signed a contract with the United States for 22 of these choppers. Read: IAF gets its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter at USs Boeing plant Pakistan eyeing closely on social networks censor: Pakistan's government and its spy agency ISI have started snooping on its own people. Threats, arrests, blocked accounts and restricted posts Big Brother is watching more closely than ever across Pakistan, as authorities accelerate efforts to censor social networks, further reducing an already shrunken space for dissent in Pakistan. Read: To curb social media, Pakistan's ISI spies on its own citizens TIME Magazine: The BJP on Saturday slammed a Time magazine article, which called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "divider in chief", as an attempt to malign Modi's image, accusing its author of pursuing Pakistan's agenda. Read: He is Pakistani, wants to malign Modi's image: BJP slams author of 'divider in chief' Jet Airways crisis: Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways has submitted a bid for a stake in Indias Jet Airways, the unit of State Bank of India (SBI) overseeing the sale of the stricken airline said on Friday. A flight steward of Jet Airways stands next to a banner during a protest demanding to "save Jet Airways" in New Delhi, India, April 18, 2019. Read: Etihad submits bid for Jet Airways, eyes minority stake Namrata Shirodkar shuts down hater with this epic reply: Mahesh Babu's wife and former actress Namrata Shirodkar shared a selfie with her hubby to congratulate him for the success of Maharshi. However, a social media user trolled her for a de-glam look. Read: Mahesh Babu's wife Namrata slams troller for criticising her pic with 'Maharshi' star Amravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu fired a fresh salvo against Prime Minister Narendra Modi claiming that he is a person who can "kill or bring back dead political leaders" into politics for his political gains. "PM Modi is trying to preach righteousness to us. But he is a person who brought dead political leaders into politics and even overthrown political families' leaders for his political gains. He has already used the Defence department and the Indian Army. He even does not hesitate to bring religious wars, and even kills politicians for his political gains," Naidu wrote on his Twitter handle on Friday. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief also hit out at the Election Commission of India (ECI) for working under the direction of the BJP. "Our Protest is not against the EC, it is against discrimination by the bureaucrats as the EC is being biased to PM Modi and Amit Shah when it comes to Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation." Naidu further slammed the EC for refusing opposition's appeal for 50 per cent voter-verified paper audit trails(VVPATs). "All major opposition parties had urged EC to count 50 per cent of VVPATs but the election body is refusing it. What is the relation between PM Modi and EC? Whenever we raised questions about the counting of VVPATs, Modi got scared and EC also stood against it," his tweet said. The Chief Minister also cornered the Prime Minister for not defending democracy. "On May 23, people will reject Narendra Modi and his team for killing democracy throughout the country. People will welcome a new Prime Minister who can defend democracy." The Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to be held in seven phases. The first five phases were held on April 11, 19, 23, 29 and May 6. The rest two phases will be held on May 12 and 19. The counting of votes will be done on May 23. In the rural areas, the BMI increased by 2.1 kg/m2 in both women and men and in cities 1.3 kg/m2 in women and 1.6 kg/m2 in men. (Representional Image) Hyderabad: A new study has found that the body weight of people in rural Andhra Pradesh is rising. The mean body mass index of the respondents grew by +2.6 kg/m2, the third highest among Indian states. Kerala and West Bengal topped the chart, the mean BMI growing by +3.8 kg/m2 and +2.6 kg/m2, respectively. A lower increase was observed in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The study was carried out by the Imperial College, London, to which the Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition contributed data from India. The researchers examined the BMI of more than 112 million adults across urban and rural areas of 200 countries, involving a network of more than 1,000 researchers. It was found that between 1985 and 2017, the BMI rose by an average of 2 kg/m2 in women and 2.2 kg/m2 in men globally, equivalent to each person gaining 5-6 kg. In the rural areas, the BMI increased by 2.1 kg/m2 in both women and men and in cities 1.3 kg/m2 in women and 1.6 kg/m2 in men. In India, the study found the mean BMI to be 16.5 kg/m2 in the rural areas which increased to 18.5kg/m2 in 2012. Explaining the trend, Dr A. Laxmaiah, head of NINs public health and nutrition division, said, Rural areas have seen shifts towards higher income, better infrastructure and more mechanised agriculture, all of which bring numerous health benefits but also lead to lower energy expenditure and more spending on low quality processed food.. Dr R. Hemalatha, Director, ICMR-NIN added, Consumption of low-quality calories that lack in nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, milk is the major driver of overweight/obesity and stunting and anaemia. Sounthirajan Kumarasamy, the engineer from Coimbatore, said, the engine that he has designed is unique and it uses hydrogen as fuel source and releases oxygen. (Photo: ANI twitter) Coimbatore: A mechanical engineer from Tamil Nadu has invented an eco-friendly engine that runs on distilled water. Sounthirajan Kumarasamy, the engineer from Coimbatore, said, the engine that he has designed is unique and it uses hydrogen as fuel source and releases oxygen. "It took me 10 years to develop this engine. It is the first-of-its-kind invention in the world. It uses hydrogen as the fuel source and releases oxygen," the engineer told news agency ANI. Mr Kumarasamy said the engine will be introduced in Japan in a few days. He is hopeful of introducing it in India too. Sounthirajan Kumarasamy said it took him it took him 10 years to develop the engine. "My dream is to introduce this engine in India. I knocked on all the doors of the administrators but could not get a positive response. So I approached the Japan government and got the opportunity. This engine will be introduced in Japan in the coming days," he said. The world's largest democratic exercise did not limit itself to the usual fiery rhetoric, chopper-hopping campaign trails or unabashed mud-slinging at each other. (Photo: File) Mumbai: The world's largest democratic exercise did not limit itself to the usual fiery rhetoric, chopper-hopping campaign trails or unabashed mud-slinging at each other. There were shoes, slaps, snakes and more to add more flavour to these unbearably long elections. Lets take a look at these oops moments. Congress compares Game of Thrones cast with BJP: On April 16, the Congress first salvo coincided with the release of drama-filled, fantasy series Game of Thrones final season. A tweet by the party superimposed top BJP leaders faces on the GoT cast, making fun of the ruling party. Read: Congress appropriates Game of Thrones cast to bash BJP Photo: INCIndia | Twitter Man hurls shoe at BJP leaders during a press conference: No polls are complete without a few flying shoes. During a press conference on April 18, a shoe was hurled at BJP leaders Bhupendra Yadav and G V L Narsimha Rao. The shoe-thrower identified himself as a doctor by profession. If he had been a javelin thrower, the shoe would have found its subject Read: Watch: Man hurls shoes at BJP MP GVL Narasimha during press conference Congress leader Hardik Patel gets slapped: On April 19, Congress leader Hardik Patel was slapped by an unidentified man while addressing a poll rally in a village in Gujarat's Surendranagar district. Hardik was not agile enough to duck, and faced the full wrath of his detractor. Read: Video: Congress leader Hardik Patel slapped at poll rally in Gujarat Photo: File An unusual voter in Kannur: The animal kingdom was also curious to know who votes for whom in the Kannur constituency. A snake was found cosy inside a VVPAT machine in a booth at Mayyil Kandakkai. Poll staff threw a fit but nobody was hurt. Read: Snake inside VVPAT machine holds up polling in Kannur Hilarious response by Modi bhakt to Digvijay Singh: During an election rally on April 23, Congress leader and former two-time Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh tried something but miserably failed. He asked the crowd if they had got the Rs 15 lakh that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised. He invited a youth on stage to share his views on this and was expecting a favourable response. Little did he know that the young man was a bhakt. He promptly grabbed the mike and praised the surgical strikes to high heaven, while Diggy Raja was left sputtering. Read: Watch: Young Modi bhakt gives hilarious response to Diggys query in election rally Brother-sister moment while campaigning: On April 27, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who were on the campaign trail for the Lok Sabha polls, met each other at the Kanpur airport in Uttar Pradesh and shared a few light-hearted moments. Posting a video of their meeting on Facebook, Rahul Gandhi wrote: "Was nice meeting Priyanka at Kanpur Airport! We're headed to different meetings in UP." Read: Watch: Rahul Gandhi explains what it means to be a good brother Photo: File "Let me tell you what it means to be a good brother. What it means is that I am doing these massive long flights and I am going in a little helicopter squeezed up. And she is doing short flights and going in a big helicopter," he said in the video, with Priyanka Gandhi laughing and saying "that is not true". The two also posed for photographs with pilots and the airport ground staff. Uma Bharti bows and touches Pragya Thakur's feet: No hard feelings here! BJPs Uma Bharti didnt get a ticket this time and was replaced by Pragya Thakur in Bhopal. She took it sportingly but both may have overdone it a bit. On April 29, when the two met, Pragya cried and Uma bowed to her and touched her feet! Read: Video: BJPs ex-Bhopal MP Uma Bharti has emotional meet with Pragya Photo: File Priyanka Gandhi plays with snakes during the campaign Priyanka may have charmed the electorate in eastern Uttar Pradesh but she tried her luck on snakes too. During hectic electioneering on May 2, Priyanka met snake charmers in Raebareli constituency and boldly held up a reptile. After chit-chatting with snake charmers at the village, she even played with the snakes much to the amusement of onlookers. Read: Watch: Priyanka Gandhi playing with snake in her hand, says 'it's fine' Photo: ANI | Twitter Arvind Kejriwal slapped during a roadshow: Nobody gets tired of slapping Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. It happens to him again and again. This time it was on May 4 during a roadshow when a man climbed on to his vehicle and found his cheek. Poor Kejriwal couldnt get out of the way. Read: Watch: Man slaps Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in roadshow Photo: ANI | Twitter A woman kisses BJP's Sunny Deol during a roadshow: It was kisses for debutant politician Sunny Deol and not slaps. On May 10, a woman kissed Sunny Deol, BJP's candidate from Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat, during his roadshow in Batala, Punjab. Read: Watch: Woman kisses Sunny Deol during roadshow in Punjab The woman climbed on the Deol's vehicle to kiss him on cheeks. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analysis et al. Happy reading. BJP president Amit Shah with Sushil Kumar Modi and partys Patna Sahib candidate Ravi Shankar Prasad during a roadshow in Patna on Saturday. (PTI) Patna: After a tough contest in six phases, it appears that NDA and grand alliance are locked in a neck to neck fight in the remaining last two phases of polls. Stakes are high for the BJP in the seventh phase as the partys veteran leader Ravi Shankar Prasad has been pitted against his former colleague and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha in Patna Sahib Constituency. On Saturday BJP Chief Amit Shah flanked by the partys nominee for the Patna Sahib constituency held a massive roadshow and urged people to vote for the NDA. Be sure that the NDA will be in a better position this time and Narendra Modi will return as Prime Minister after the polls. As far as Patna Sahib is concerned our partys candidate Ravi Shankar Prasad is going to win this time, BJP Chief Amit Shah said. Shatrughan Sinha had quit the BJP and joined the Congress earlier this year after he was sidelined in the party. Patna Sahib is considered a BJPs fort as it has five out of six MLAs in the constituency. However, political analysts are of the opinion that caste factor may also play a decisive role in the constituency as both the leaders belong to upper caste Kayastha community. Patna Sahib is seen as a traditional Kayastha seat where the caste has around 25 percent voter base. According to political analysts here, the Patna Sahib constituency has traditionally seen a fight between BJP and Congress. In 2014 Shatrughan Sinha had won elections by defeating Congress nominee Kunal Singh, a veteran Bhojpuri film actor by a record margin of 2,65,805 votes. He had bagged 4, 85,905 votes while Kunal Singh, a Congress nominee had secured 2, 20,100 votes. BJP leaders said that people were upset with Shatrughan Sinha due to his absence from Patna Sahib Constituency after winning 2009 elections. He, however, managed to overcome public anger and won 2014 Lok Sabha elections by a record margin due to massive Modi wave in the country. The visuals circulated by the media showed the man entering the security gate at Majestic (Nadaprabhu Kempegowda) Metro Station and being stopped by the security personnel. Bengaluru: The city police on Saturday put to rest speculations about the second 'suspicious' man who refused to enter the Majestic metro station after the door frame metal detector beeped and he had to beat a hasty retreat. While the police had earlier identified one person named Riyas Ahmed (49) and cleared the air about him being 'suspicious', they have now tracked the other 'suspicious' person Sajid Khan (38), hailing from Rajasthan. He had refused to enter the station after the metal detector beeped aloud and he fled, creating a scare among other passengers. The four teams formed by city Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar tracked Khan at R.T. Nagar, who according to police had come to the city to collect zakat donations from people. Khan told police that he had never seen metro train and was eager to take a ride. He visited the metro station from East Gate and while passing through metal detector, he heard a loud beep. Khan panicked and immediately left the station. As he walked away hurriedly, people got suspicious, the police said. The police said the metal detector beeped as it had detected an amulet on his waist and a few coins in his pocket. While the police clarified that there was nothing suspicious about Khan, they have detained him for further questioning. Meanwhile the police are investigating who shared the CCTV footage to the media without verifying with the police and created panic in the city. It was criticised by the Election Commission and non-governmental organisations as being opaque for keeping the names of donors secret from the public. Hyderabad: In April, Hyderabads SBI branches sold electoral bonds worth Rs 338.07 crore. Polling in the two Telugu states was held on April 11, so it is being surmised that a certain share of the bonds was raised for the BJP or the Congress. Hyderabad registered the fourth largest donation to political parties through electoral bonds after Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi. In reply to a query filed under the RTI Act, the Reserve Bank of India stated that in March the donors, who remained unnamed, paid political parties Rs 1,365.69 crore through electoral bonds. This figure shot up by 65 per cent to Rs 2,256.37 crore in April, when the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections began, taking the total to 3,622 crore in two months. The electoral bonds scheme which was introduced by the Narendra Modi government in January last year was purportedly aimed at bringing transparency into political donations and cleaning up black money. It was criticised by the Election Commission and non-governmental organisations as being opaque for keeping the names of donors secret from the public. The data can only be accessed by the government of the day. A similar pattern of increasing political donations was seen in Hyderabad last year when Assembly elections were held in December. Data showed that between March and November last year, `290.50 crore was donated through the bonds. The highest amount came in October. It was also observed that a month or two before the Lok Sabha elections, the highest amount of anonymous political funding through electoral bonds was raised. Said Mr Jagdeep Chhoka, who had filed a petition seeking a stay on the sale of electoral bonds: The purchase of electoral bonds for large amounts during the election months indicates that a lot of money is being pumped into the electioneering. However, as it has been pointed out, including by the Election Commission in its affidavit to the Supreme Court, bonds purchases do not bring any transparency to the electoral funding. A matter of fact, these bonds have removed whatever semblance of transparency was there in political funding. For Pragya Singh Thakur, the BJPs controversial candidate from Bhopal, the 2019 Lok Sabha election is a dharm-yudh to uphold Hindutva. Talking with SHASHI BHUSHAN, Ms Thakur said that she is contesting the polls to restore the glory of the Hindu dharma and the saffron colour against all anti-national forces. Joining politics and contesting the election is your personal or the partys decision? In the current scenario, society is witnessing a politics of votebanks and I am fighting to end this menace. Congress always divided the society for political benefits. I want to end this votebank politics. The Hindu religion, which aspires for the welfare of all, can never be clubbed with terrorism. Sanatan Dharma, which professed universal brotherhood, was under the conspiracy to appease a section of society branded Bhagwa Aatankwad (Saffron Terror) which needed to be fought. Digvijay (Singh) was the principal conspirator who sought to defame Hindu religion by fanning the saffron terror conspiracy. The moment he was fielded, angry people came to me with requests to contest elections against him. The party too thought that I should contest. Is the Congress candidate and former chief minister Digvijay Singh the sole reason for your entry into electoral politics? I am waging a dharm-yudh against those who maligned Sanatan Dharma by coming out with the term Bhagwa Aatankwad or Hindu terror, with the sole purpose of diverting attention from other terror acts linked to a particular section of the society. Digvijay Singh with others in the UPA gover-nment conspired and coined the word Bhagwa Aatank-wad. To justify its vote bank politics, the Congress dragg-ed me and others to establish its narrative of Hindu terror and sent me to jail. In prison, they tortured me under the garb of law and atrocities were meted out to me despite being a woman. Those who conspired to malign Sanatan Dharma and Hindutva by coining the term Saffron Terror have acted as anti-nationals. Its a dharm-yudh to uphold Hindutva. My struggle is not an individuals fight. I am not contesting the polls to take revenge. This is a dharm-yudh to ensure that no woman is ever tortured illegally. One has to lead the dharm-yudh and I am just a medium among many to uphold Hindutva. This is a battle for national consciousness. Its a fight to restore the glory of the Hindu dharm and the saffron colour against all anti-nationalist forces who are working hard and overtime to divide the society and the country. What do you have to say about your tormentors? I have personally forgiven those who tortured me and made me suffer in jail. I am contesting the elections to ensure that no woman faces the atrocities I suffered illegally in jail. Opposition parties are raising questions over your candidature for the Lok Sabha polls and are saying a terror accused should not have contested elections. Your comments. There was no evidence against me and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had given a clean chit to me. Those who divided the country by coining Bhagwa Aatankwad or members of the tukde-tukde gang are also contesting the polls. And see, they are questioning me when they have no case against me. I was framed in a planned way by people in power. People are awake and aware and reject those involved in dividing our country. Several leaders, whom you mention as tukde tukde gang members, are campaigning in Bhopal against you. Are they hurting your winning prospects? I do not see them as any challenge to me. People know about their realities and they will be finished on their own. I condemn the comment made by Sitaram Yechury and its unfortunate that he does not know anything about Indian culture or values. Our culture exists due to these religious texts. They only talk about dividing the country against the spirit of these religious texts. While the main poll plank of the BJP is development, you are talking about Hindutva. Do you think both can go together? Hindutva and development are synonymous. Hindutva talks about Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (All become happy) and this objective will be achieved only through development. It is wrong to say that the two are opposites or different and do not go together. In fact, Hindutva and development guide us in one direction. What is your vision for Bhopal? A clean Bhopal, security for women and conservation of lakes are some of my top priorities. Bhopal is known for its lakes and Congress members encroached upon these lakes. But I will make them free of encroachment. Bhopal will be made a green city. We have plans for job creation to end unemployment also. We will work to make Bhopal a happy city where there will be no signs of depression. New Delhi: A day before voting for 59 seats in the penultimate phase of general election, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that the BJP, RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have hatred towards his family, but he does not harbour the same feelings for the Prime Minister. He also took a dig at Mr Modis style of governance, saying the Prime Minister has taught him how not to run a country. With post-poll talks on his mind, the Congress president reached out to Bahujan Samaj Partys critical chief, Mayawati, and praised her saying, I love and respect her contribution to the nation. While acknowledging that there is a political divide between the Congress and the BSP, Mr Gandhi said he regards Ms Mayawati as a symbol of the nation. She has sent a message to the country. I respect her, I love her. For political fight, the Congress party will have to fight for ideology, Mr Gandhi said in an interview to a TV channel on the sidelines of a rally in Shujalpur in Madhya Pradesh. Claiming that he always learns from people and his political rivals, Mr Gandhi said, I have learnt from Modiji, how not to run a country. If you govern the country without listening to anybody then the country cannot function properly. Commenting on Mr Modis remarks on him and his family, Mr Gandhi said that the Prime Minister has personal hatred towards him. Lucknow: Continuing bitter criticism of the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday alleged that the partys government in Rajasthan attempted to suppress the case of gang-rape with a Dalit woman in Alwar till elections in the state. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also lashed out at the election commission stating that they are not taking appropriate action against politicians using derogatory language against women. The election commission is not taking appropriate and strict action against the big and small leaders of some political parties, who are using filthy, derogatory and abusive language against women, the BSP chief said. She added that the Supreme Court should take suo-moto cognizance of such matters and give strict punishment to leaders who cross the limit so as to set an example for the future. Accusing the Rajasthan government of suppressing the gang rape of Dalit girl for political gains, she said, The Congress government suppressed the matter of gang rape for their politics. They didnt let it come to fore till elections were over and even threatened the victims family. Our party had to struggle given the very little action Congress government took in the case. The BSP leader said her party believes the victim will not get justice under the Congress regime and demanded a SC inquiry along with a death penalty for culprits. The Supreme Court should take suo-moto cognizance and hear it in a fast track manner. All accused should be given death penalty and state government, police, and administration should also be held accountable for the delay and given strict punishment, Ms Mayawati said. A woman was allegedly gang-raped by five men while her husband was beaten up in Thanagaji area of Alwar district in Rajasthan on April 26. A video footage was also shot by an alleged accused. Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 9:16AM Modern art master and leading figure of the Surrealist movement, Salvador Dali passed away over 30 years ago. The Spanish artist had himself cryogenically frozen hoping that science of the future and technology could bring him back. Dali believed that the world needs geniuses and artists and feared 'the loss of Dali.' Sadly, science isn't at a point were we can revive the dead, but technology can at least fool us into believing that we can. Using Deepfakes technology (which gained notoriety by superimposing celebrity faces onto porn actors'), Artificial Intelligence, old footage and voice recordings of Salvador Dali as well as an actor to serve as a motion-capture subject, Dali is indeed back. Appearing inside a mirror to greet guests at the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Dali AI interacts with guests with over 45 mins of new footage. The conversations are random so no two guests get the same facetime experience with the master surrealist. Guest who have experienced this close encounter say it is truly surreal and very real at the same time. The kicker is the final trick. Dali whips out a smartphone and invites guests to take a selfie, which is then sent via text. Both impressive and immersive, this sort of application of technology may get a lot of us excited. Before we get deluded into thinking that this will bring back Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci, and other great masters. Consider that Dali was a true fame seeker and because of his eccentric nature, was photographed and filmed more than most artists. You might get Warhol, or Basquiat, or even Picasso provided their estates allow it. Salavador Dali would have likely gotten a kick out of this. The man was ahead of his time. He was a filmmaker, he dabbled in steroscopic photography, and even had hologram installations. Sadly, the technology wasn't there yet when he was in his prime, but painters paint to seek immortality. I think he would have really liked this and even put on a good show for his fans. Bhopal: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said he would defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi with pyar ki jhappi (hug with love). Addressing an election meeting at Amjore under Dhar Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh, Mr Gandhi said that BJP, RSS and Mr Modi had hatred for him and his family. He (Mr Modi) talks with hatred and anger about my grandmother, and my great grandmother. But, I go and give him a hug, he said. You are a Prime Minister. You must shun hatred and work with love, he said, adding, I will conquer them (Mr Modi, BJP and RSS) with love. The more he (Mr Modi) hates me and Congress, the more number of times I will give him pyar ki jhappi. Mr Gandhi also dared the PM to join him a debate on corruption, demonetization, Goods and Sales Tax (GST) and farm crisis. He said Mr Modi talked about nationalism and Pulwama attack, but skipped Rafale deal issue in his speeches. He said the ongoing elections were witnessing an ideological clash between BJP-RSS and progressive forces in the country. Congress is fighting against an ideology that is a threat to Constitution, he added. Mr Gandhi said demonetization and GST have derailed the economy of the country. He said Congress if returned to power at the Centre would simplify GST to serve the interest of business people. He said the Nyay yojana promising Rs 72,000 per annum to the poor, mulled by his party would put economy of the country back on rail, besides uplifting the poor. New Delhi: After Congress overseas department head, Sam Pitroda, it was Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu who came under fire from the BJP on Saturday for his racist and sexist remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ruling party claimed that the Congress leaders remarks shows its mindset. Campigining against the BJP in Indore on Friday, the actor-turned politician, Mr Sidhu had called Mr Modi a bride who pretends to work and also asked the voters to free the country from the rule of kale angrez (black britishers). Congress is the party of Mahatama Gandhi and Maulana Azad. This is the party that freed the country from the rule of Britishers...now free the country from the rule of black Britishers and chowkidars. Do not underestimate the power of your vote, Mr Sidhu said at a rally in Indore. Slamming the Congress star campaigner, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said while Mr Sidhu keeps making all sort of loose statements, he has not spoken a word against Mr Pitrodas so what if it happened remarks on the 1984 anti-sikh riots. Mr Pitrodas remarks on Thursday had created a major political furore with the Congress president Rahul Gandhi himself asking him to apologise for his comment. Mr Patra also claimed that Mr Sidhu targeted the PM at Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Naths behest alleging that he was also involved in the anti-Sinkh riots. Taking on Mr Sidhu for his sexist remark, the BJP leader said Sidhu ji had earlier said that when Michelle Obama enters the kitchen of the White House to make bread, she will be surprised to note that some items are from Lucknow. He thinks even Michelle Obama is good enough just for making bread...This is new India. Here women dont just exist to make bread at home, but carry the country forward. Mr Sidhu had said that Mr Modi was like a bride who makes noise from her bangles to give an impression that she was working hard. Claimng that Mr Sidhu had exposed mindset of the Congress after he called Indians black Britishers, Mr Patra said, PM Modi may not be fair but has a heart of gold. and quoted lines from a Bollywood song Kale hain toh kya hua dilwale hain. Mr Patra also slammed the Time magazine for its cover calling Mr Modi as Indias divider-in-chief. He said it was an attempt to malign the PMs image and accused its author of pursuing Pakistans agenda. Calling Mr Modi a unifier, the BJP leader listed a number of welfare measures started by the Modi government to claim that the country was heading towards a new India under his reforming, performing and transforming agenda. Parents too have failed to be friends with their children, says the officer. He urged the parents not to allow walls to crop up between them and their wards. Chennai: Should parents keep a tab on their wards using the social media? Though the topic is debatable, going by the incidents of crimes involving teens, in some cases boys without exception, there should be some restrictions, argue experts. A majority of the parents fail to monitor their teens social media. Though it has several good aspects, social media is not safe, especially for women, say cyber crime experts. Using social media is ones freedom but it is not completely safe, especially for women. Soon after installing an app we are permitting those apps to accesses our location, gallery etcChrome browser helps manage employee activity in the cloud. These clouds are interconnected to your gallery so anyone can access your photos. Deactivating clouds will reduce 90 per cent of risks. But, avoiding contact with an unknown person is safe, avers a senior police officer in the cyber crime branch, here. Parents too have failed to be friends with their children, says the officer. He urged the parents not to allow walls to crop up between them and their wards. His concern is not without reason. With the increasing penetration of cellphones and data pack, almost everyone is hooked on to their mobile phones. Once one steps into the cyber territory, there is no such thing as privacy or personal space for one, as each move that we do with the mobile, may emerge as a threat. For instance, morphing the pictures of girls and posting them on the social media with the girls personal number, is the latest technological intimidation several girls or even women face. We cannot say it is happening only for girls even boys have been affected in the guise of love affair or marriage. Sometimes our fear of failure or getting depicted in poor light, may turn out to to be an advantage of our tormentor. Though the police department and particularly the cyber crime branch, are there to help you, one should sense the threat and nip it in the bud, the officer said. The best way to stave off the predators is to block the contact and avoid befriending strangers on social media, he advises. Says physiatrist Dr. Shuba Charles, Todays technology makes the generation gap wider. Parents cant imagine the suffering the child undergoes and she/he is e terrified to utter the truth. Under such circumstances, the affected person should take help from their peers. The implant is attached to the skin with an adhesive and it remains for three months. Depending on the outcome, the implant is repeated or dispensed with. Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram is among six centres where the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare plans to launch its pilot project for naltrexone implant to wean tipplers away from hazardous drinking. National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences will train experts at the Government Mental Health Centre in Peoorkada, which will emerge as the nodal centre for treatment and training in the state. Health Minister K. K. Sailaja told DC that Dr Rakesh Lal, who heads the AIIMS treatment centre, discussed the project with her this week and explained the relevance of the implant as against other forms of administration of the drug. She has sought a detailed report on the implementation as it involves meticulous monitoring and follow-up of those lining up for treatment. When contacted, Dr Lal said the next step is obtaining the clearance from the Drug Controller General of India. He had discussed with Kerala officials aspects of ethical approval, as mandated of each collaborating centre. Thiruvananthapuram has been chosen for the pilot project because of the States high liquor consumption, at over 8 litres per person per year. This is above the national annual average alcohol consumption, which is 5.7 litres per person per year. Naltrexone is being used to treat alcohol and opioid craving. A daily dose of the drug is recommended for those willing for the detox. Yet it has been shown that some of those on the detox regimen, after going dry for a few weeks, become overconfident and start taking a peg or two; inevitably they relapse. The naltrexone implant addresses this problem as it automatically releases the drug to curb the craving; one is likely to skip the tablet occasionally. The implant is attached to the skin with an adhesive and it remains for three months. Depending on the outcome, the implant is repeated or dispensed with. The implant is a guarantee against slippage. The tippler remaining off alcohol for six months at a stretch helps him kick the habit, says Dr Rakesh Lal. Dr T Sagar, the superintendent at the Government Mental Health Centre, said the current treatment modality is to give anti-craving drugs such as disulfiram and acamprosate. But the disadvantage is the high rate of relapse as many skip taking the drug regularly. The new implant a sure shot against alcohol-dependency and the facility here would give the 150-year-old asylum-turned-hospital-turned health centre to graduate into a research centre. This is remarkable because all other implant centres elsewhere in the country are medical colleges. New Delhi: As India goes for sixth and penultimate round of voting, the Election Commission of India (EC) faces severe criticism from political parties, and on social media for being biased. While ECI offered no comments to allegations of bias against it, former chief election commissioner S.Y. Qureshi said it is unfortunate that instead of political parties being in dock for violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC), it is the ECI that is facing the heat. According to the ECI website, between March 10, 2019 when the Lok Sabha poll dates were announced till May 9, 2019, a total of 501 complaints for violations of MCC were registered. Out of these the ECI has decided on 257 cases while 184 are pending and 60 have been dropped. The ECI has been laregly facing criticism for going soft on the ruling party and alleged violations of MCC by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. For instance, the ECI came under major criticism when it suspended Karnataka-cadre IAS officer Mr Mohammed Mohsin for searching Mr Modis helicopter in Sambalpur in Orissa as part of his election duty. The ECI defended itself by saying that checking of the PMs helicopter was not in accordance with the ECI guidelines as SPG protectees are exempt from such checking. However, the ECI could not explain what was wrong in a random check since Mr Modi was campaigning for his party at that time. In fact, similar searches were carried out on Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaiks helicopter in Rourkela and Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Sambalpur by the ECI flying squad. All ECI officials had to offer was no comments to the allegations of bias towards the ruling party. However, former CEC Mr Qureshi felt that such a situation could have been well avoided. It is painful to see that the political parties and its leaders are violating the MCC, and instead of they being in the dock, it is the ECI which is at the recivign end, Mr Qureshi said. Among the other top cases for which the ECI was criticised was giving a clean chit to Mr Modis address to the nation on the issue of A-SAT missile test. Former election commission officials said that in such circumstances it is usually the officials of the particular department or the scientists would have broken the news instead of PM who is leading his party in the elections and is among the main campaigners. The main poll body has also been facing flak for giving back-to-back clean chits to Mr Modi for his controversial comments in the rallies and his regualr use of defence forces feat and Balakot air strikes in his election rallies. In one of his rallies held in Chitradurga, Mr Modi had exhorted first-time voters to dedicate their votes for the security forces despite ECI advisories issued on March 9 and March 19 asking political leaders to refrain from using photographs of defence personnel or using their action for political propaganda. The ECI cleanchit to PM came amidst a dissent from one of the Election Commissioners, Mr Ashok Lavasa who had made objections with regard to speeches having references to defence forces and involving communal tone. Former PM Late Aatal Bihari Vajpayee at the Pokhran Test Range after the tests. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Twenty one summers ago, when the nation was battling heat, another battle was unfolding in the desert of Rajasthan. More than 100 scientists, engineers and defense personnel were endeavouring to make India a nuclear state. Their efforts materialised and India successfully conducted five nuclear explosions, three on May 11 and two on May 13 in 1998, at the Indian Armys Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. These tests are also known as Pokhran II tests. Pokhran I test was under Operation Smiling Buddha in which one nuclear bomb was tested on May 18, 1974 at the same location. Post the tests in 1998, India was declared a full-fledged nuclear state. President Ram Nath Kovind took to Twitter to convey his wishes to the scientific community as the day is also celebrated as National Technology Day. Greetings to our scientific community on National Technology Day, marking the anniversary of the Pokhran Tests of 1998. India is committed to using technology to accelerate the developmental process, and ensure a dignified existence for every citizen #PresidentKovind President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 11, 2019 PM Narendra Modi also hailed the then government headed by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for the courage shown to undertake these tests. He also congratulated the scientists for their efforts. The patriotism and farsightedness of Atal Ji and his team have a major role to play in the success of tests of 1998. Atal Jis unwavering faith in our scientists proved valuable during that crucial time. It also demonstrated the difference a strong political leadership makes. Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 11, 2019 Operation Shakti, as it was codenamed, was Indias secret mission to conduct nuclear tests near the dessert town of Pokhran in Rajasthan. The mission was headed by Late Dr A P J Abdul Kalam who was in Defence Research and Development Organisation. The team comprised Dr Anil Kakodkar, the then chief of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Dr R Chidambaram who headed the team from Department of Atomic Energy. The preparations for the tests were done maintaining utmost secrecy as the government feared the intervention of the United States (US) and others affecting the work as happened in the past. Post the success of these tests, the US admitted to have faulted in not anticipating them and called it its intelligence failure. The reason India did not declare itself a nuclear state post the 1974 test was its apprehension to face sanctions which it did face after the 1998 tests but India braved its way to declare itself a nuclear state. The disclosure was made by two Nigerian nationals who were arrested by the Delhi unit of the NCB from whom 1,900 kg of cocaine and 1,818 kg of pseudophedrine chemical were seized on Saturday. Hyderabad: Hair dye, one of the oldest known beauty preparations, has become an ingredient in the preparation of fake narcotic substances. The fake drug is being passed off as heroin. The use of hair dye along with other substances gives that genuine look and smell to the fake substance. Not only is the hair dye-based mixture deadly for its users, who get the desired high, it also fetches easy money for peddlers. The disclosure about hair dye being used as an ingredient was made by two Nigerian nationals who were arrested by the Delhi unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) from whom 1,900 kg of cocaine and 1,818 kg of pseudophedrine chemical were seized on Saturday. NCB officials, who themselves were taken aback when they learnt about the use of hair dye in the preparation of fake narcotics, said that the use of this new ingredient was a cause for worry. They suspected that many drug peddlers across the country, especially foreigners, had come up with this new deadly combo to make fake narcotics. NCB sources told Deccan Chronicle, The drug dealers are using hair dye along with different types of chemicals and selling it to users. It is a lethal combination and the users are unaware that the substance they are hooked on contains hair dye powder. The chemicals in hair dye may include ammonia, ethanolamine, sodium carbonate, hydogen peroxide, p-phenylenediamine, toluene diamines, naphthylamine. Some of the heavy metals in hair colouring agents may include lead, mercury, silver, bismuth, and arsenic, the sources said. Hundreds of different types of chemicals are available freely in the market and those involved in the drug trade are randomly picking them up, mixing them with hair dye and passing it off as genuine heroin and making easy money. Drug peddlers are known to experiment with different substances and chemicals but hair dye is something new, an NCB official said. Asked if mixing hair dye gives a high, sources, quoting disclosures made by the Nigerian nationals, said that it adds to the pungent smell which genuine narcotics have and gives it the right kind of look and feel. This makes it impossible for users to say whether it is genuine narcotic or a fake. Since hair dye and chemicals come cheap and easily available, the drug peddlers are increasingly pushing these type of combinations in the markets to make easy money. Genuine heroin or cocaine is costly but making fakes by using all these substances works out cheap and is easy, they said. When contacted, zonal director of the New Delhi unit of NCB Madho Singh confirmed that the accused were using hair dye in their preparations. Besides cocaine and pseudoephedrine, we seized 138 kgs of different substances and most of it is hair dye, he said. Mangaluru: It could be mistaken for a playground or a wide mud road , but in reality it is a dry stream bed, one of many in the coastal districts of the state, where several rivers and rivulets have dried up in the absence of rain. The river Netravathi, which is usually in full flow in Uppinangady and Kadeshivalaya, is thin in most stretches and has lost its flow overall. The scene is similar at the foothills of the Western Ghats, where instead of water in the river Netravathi, you find boulders and rocks. The situation is so bad that the government has already declared all taluks of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi drought-hit. Environmentalists blame the neglect of the places where the rivers origin and their catchment areas in the Western Ghats for the water crisis in the coastal districts of Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. All the three districts are facing a water shortage. The Western Ghats are dotted with homestays and resorts and many estates are illegally expanding their boundaries. All this is being done at the cost of the forests and rivers. Government projects like the Yettinahole, check-dams, hydel power projects, roads and tourism are mainly responsible for the drying up of the rivers, says Mr Dinesh Holla, convener of Sahyadri Sanchaya. With the rivers drying up early, forest fires have been reported in the ghats a few times already, he notes. Due to the fires the plants and grass have been burnt to the root and will not regenerate during the monsoon. In the absence of vegetation the rain water will not percolate into the ground and result in scarcity again next year, he warns. Huballi: Contrary to his diktat to party colleagues against issuing statements about longevity of the coalition government, state BJP president B.S. Yeddyurappa Friday said more than 20 Congress legislators, "unhappy" with functioning of the state government, could take a decision on quitting the party at anytime, and expressed confidence about forming a new government soon after announcement of results of Lok Sabha polls on May 23. He told the media here: "We already have a strength of 104 MLAs in the Legislative Assembly. A victory in both constituencies where by-elections will be held on May 19 (Chincholi and Kundagol) will increase the tally to 106. Independent MLAs will offer a helping hand to the BJP to form the government. Over 20 unhappy legislators of Congress may take any decision any time. Let us wait and watch. The former chief minister said his party would not launch Operation Kamala to wean away legislators belonging to the ruling coalition as infighting among leaders of JD (S) and Congress would reach a peak immediately after announcement of results of general elections. Besides, prominent leaders of both parties would suffer a setback in Lok Sabha polls, a development which would add to the woes of coalition partners, he added. Meanwhile, KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao ridiculed the claims of Mr Yeddyurappa about disgruntled Congress legislators. "I agree that Mr Yeddyurappa is a good agitator, but he has greed for power. He will suffer a setback again this time", he added even as water resources minister D K Shivakumar claimed that his party was in touch with all 222 MLAs. Ramesh calls meet In a significant development, former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi held a secret meeting with opponents of his brother and minister Satish Jarkiholi from Yamakanamaradi as he had set sight on the constituency now represented by his sibling. Several BJP leaders of the local unit attended the meeting. While discussing the strategy about strengthening the BJP in Yamakanamaradi, he reportedly told these leaders that four Congress legislators would jump ship along with him, post May 23, and that the coalition government would collapse with their exit. Yadav also alleged that 'red cards' were being issued only to Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party leaders and workers and accused the BJP of conspiring to scare people against voting. (Photo: PTI | File) Lucknow: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav Saturday accused the Congress of spreading rumours about the SP-BSP alliance and said he has faith in workers of both the parties that they will not pay heed to them. "Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Samajwadi Party is assisting other parties and is not with the BSP and now we have come to know that the Congress is also spreading similar rumours," Yadav told reporters here. "I want to say the SP-BSP alliance is strong. It is my appeal to the workers of both the parties to remain alert. We have faith in SP workers, the leadership and workers of the BSP that they will pay no heed to them," he said. The SP chief said both the BJP and the Congress were the same in spreading rumours. Referring to the language being used by BJP leaders in electioneering, he said such words should not be used. "Our Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says that others are the chiefs of 'goondas', but the biggest criminal of Bihar Rajan Tiwari is made to join the BJP clandestinely in Lucknow," he said. Yadav also alleged that 'red cards' were being issued only to Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party leaders and workers and accused the BJP of conspiring to scare people against voting. "Will red cards be issued to SP-BSP only? Is everyone in the BJP clean, is there no one with a criminal background who was issued a red card?" he asked. While addressing a public meeting two days ago Siddaramaiah flayed Jadhav, saying a 'traitor' alone would ditch the party, which is like a mother. (Photo: File) Bengaluru: Attacked time and again over shifting loyalty from JD(S) to Congress, former chief Minister Siddaramaiah Saturday clarified that he was expelled from that party by the former prime minister and its supremo H D Deve Gowda. "They (BJP) ask why Siddaramaiah quit JD(S) and joined Congress. I did not quit JD(S).. I was expelled. You must know the truth.. I was expelled from the JD(S) by Mr Deve Gowda for my AHINDA activities. Now you know, I believe," Siddaramaiah told reporters at Kalaburagi. AHINDA in Kannada stands for minorities, backward castes and Dalits. The senior Congress leader was canvassing for party candidate Subhash Rathod, contesting the bypoll from Chincholi assembly constituency. The Chincholi seat fell vacant after disgruntled Congress MLA Umesh Jadhav resigned from the assembly to join the Bharatiya Janata Party and contested the Lok Sabha election from Gulbarga where he had a direct fight with Congress stalwart Mallikarjun Kharge. The BJP gave the ticket to Jadhav's son Avinash Jadhav to contest from Chincholi Assembly constituency, where the election is due on May 19. While addressing a public meeting two days ago Siddaramaiah flayed Jadhav, saying a "traitor" alone would ditch the party, which is like a mother. In retaliation, BJP MLA and former deputy chief minister R Ashok had sought to know why Siddaramaiah quit the JD(S) and joined the Congress. To this, Siddaramaiah said Ashok knew nothing as there were lots of dissimilarities between Umesh Jadhav quitting the Congress and joining the BJP and him leaving the JD(S) and joining the grand old party. The comparison was "improper," he added. Tejashwi Yadav also stated that the BJP president Amit Shah's road show would not make a big difference as people are against BJP's anti-reservation decisions. (Photo: PTI) Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday said after five phases of polling it was clear that NDA was defeated and the conflict between Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the reason behind its failure in Bihar. "Five of the seven phases of the elections are over and NDA is finished. On 23 May, Bhajpa Gayi (BJP is gone). There is an internal conflict in the NDA, especially in Bihar. Nitish Kumar asks his own party leaders to say that he will be the Prime Minister. Kumar and Modi both are greedy and that is why there is a lack of trust in their coalition," Tejashwi told reporters here. He also stated that the BJP president Amit Shah's road show would not make a big difference as people are against BJP's anti-reservation decisions. "I want Amit Shah to answer why the central government removed the sub-quota reservation for OBC's, the Kushwahas, Dangi, Patel and Ahirs. Paltu Chacha (Nitish Kumar) on the other hand says that nobody can end reservations. There is a big difference between their words and their actions. The people need an answer in this road show," Tejashwi said. He also said Kumar had wronged the para teachers by not allowing them equal pay for equal work in the state and he would correct this when RJD forms government in the state. "Nitish does not want equal pay for equal work to be given to the para-teachers and thus they opposed their demands. That is why the teachers are going to strike, they are angry with the state government. When we come to power we will try to fulfil their demands," he said. Around 3.5 lakh para-teachers in Bihar were stunned by the Supreme Court decision, dated May 9, which stated that Bihar government's stand of not providing a salary on the same scale of permanent teachers was correct. The para-teachers had earlier won a battle in the High Court, but the Supreme Court verdict set aside the lower court's order. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analysis et al. Happy reading. The piece, sharp criticism of Modi's leadership, has been written by Aatish Taseer, son of Indian journalist Tavleen Singh and late Pakistani politician and businessman Salmaan Taseer. (Photo: Twitter) New Delhi: The BJP on Saturday slammed a Time magazine article, which called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "divider in chief", as an attempt to malign Modi's image, accusing its author of pursuing Pakistan's agenda. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told a press conference that article's author was a Pakistani and that nothing better can be expected from Pakistan. He also took a swipe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for retwitting the story. The piece, sharp criticism of Modi's leadership, has been written by Aatish Taseer, son of Indian journalist Tavleen Singh and late Pakistani politician and businessman Salmaan Taseer. Patra said several foreign magazines had written stories critical of Modi in 2014 as well. Calling the prime minister a unifier, the BJP spokesperson listed a number of welfare measures started by the Modi government to claim that the country was heading towards a new India under his "reforming, performing and transforming" agenda. Patra also slammed Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for his barbs at Modi, accusing Sidhu of making racist and sexist remarks. Taking a swipe at Sidhu, Patra said he keeps making all sort of loose statements but has not spoken a word against Congress leader Sam Pitroda's "so what" remarks on 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Pitroda, a close aide of Gandhi and Overseas Congress' head, on Thursday said, 'hua to hua' (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Patra claimed Sidhu was targetting Modi at the behest of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath who, he alleged was also involved in the riots. Sidhu at a poll rally had asked people to defeat "kale angrez", in an apparent attempt to liken the Modi government to the British rule before independence. The Congress leader had also claimed that Modi was like a bride who makes noise from her bangles to give the impression that she was working hard but did not really work. Patra said these remarks showed the Congress' mindset. In a swipe at the opposition party over the Italian origin of its former president Sonia Gandhi, he said the Congress should not be very arrogant about its Italian colour as this will disappear on May 23, when Lok Sabha poll results will be out. The TIME magazine has featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline and a secondary one that reads "Modi the Reformer" as the country enters the final phase of the mammoth general election. The American magazine's May 20, 2019 international editions - the Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia and South Pacific - feature the Modi cover story with the main headline "India's Divider in Chief" while the US edition has a cover story on Democrat Elizabeth Warren who is running for the White House in 2020. The article also said the opposition Congress party had little to offer other than the dynastic principle. Rohtas: Amid the ongoing political slugfest over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on former PM Rajiv Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said he never used foul language for any of India's premiers, irrespective of their political affiliations. "I never use foul language for any Prime Minister irrespective of the political party they may belong to. Prime Minister, President are not individuals, they are institutions," Singh said at an election rally here. He appealed people to work towards strengthening the institutions of the President and the Prime Minister. He said, "It is the duty of every party and citizen to strengthen these institutions because if these institutions start weakening, democracy will weaken, and if democracy is weak then no power in the world can save the country from a partition." "I would not say that a party did nothing for the development of the country. Every party does something. It is just that their working styles are different," he further said. Singh's statements hold significance as the ruling BJP and Opposition Congress are engaged in a bitter war of words over PM Modi's comments against former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Modi, over the past week, dubbed Gandhi as 'corrupt no 1' and accused him of using the Navy's warship INS Viraat for vacationing with his family and friends during his tenure as prime minister. Addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh on May 4, Modi hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi saying: "Your father was termed 'Mr Clean' by his courtiers, but his life ended as 'Bhrashtachari No 1' (corrupt no 1)." At another rally in Delhi, the Prime Minister claimed that INS Viraat was used as a "personal taxi" by Gandhi family for 10 days while they were vacationing at an island. Modi, apparently, hit back at Gandhi family to combat Congress' "chowkidar chor hai" (the watchman is a thief) poll jibe, a reference to PM Modi who uses 'chowkidar' as a prefix to his name on social media platforms. Notably, Opposition leaders have been accusing Modi government of weakening the democratic institutions of the country. With the completion of five phases of Lok Sabha elections, a total of 118 seats will go to polls in the next two phases - May 12 and May 19 - of the seven-phase general election. Speaking at a meet-the-press programme in Bhopal, the former Union finance minister also dismissed as a non-issue the controversy over the alleged misuse of INS Viraat by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. (File) Bhopal: Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha has claimed then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was set to dismiss Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister at the time, after the 2002 post-Godhra riots, but withheld the decision as Home Minister LK Advani had threatened to resign from the Cabinet on the issue. Speaking at a meet-the-press programme in Bhopal, the former Union finance minister also dismissed as a non-issue the controversy over the alleged misuse of INS Viraat by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. "After the communal riots in Gujarat, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had decided that then state chief minister Narendra Modi should resign. While going to the national executive committee meeting in Goa in 2002, Atal ji had made up his mind that the Gujarat government would be dismissed if Modi ji refused to resign," he claimed. "There was a meeting within the party. According to my information, Advani ji had opposed this (dismissing the Modi government) and he told Atal ji that if Modi ji is dismissed then he (Advani) would resign from the government. So, he (Vajpayee) withheld the decision and Modi ji continued," Sinha said. In reply to a query on PM Modi's allegation that late PM Rajiv Gandhi used INS Viraat as a "personal taxi", Sinha said these are non-issues and that former naval officers had already issued clarifications on it. "It is not as per the dignity of a prime minister to speak lies like this," Sinha said, adding the Lok Sabha polls were being fought on PM Modi government's performance and not on the country's history. "It is unfortunate that the issue of Pakistan is being raised in the elections. He hyphenated our country with Pakistan. Are we a country of Pakistan's category? There is no talk about China, which must be feeling happy with the Pakistan rhetoric," claimed the former foreign minister. "This is being done because China's mention doesn't generate a reaction like that of Pakistan does," he added. Accusing the PM Modi government of playing "mischief" with statistics, Sinha said GDP data during the previous UPA government was higher than during the current NDA government. "The next government will get a broken economy," the bureaucrat-turned-politician said. Sinha blamed PM Modi for lowering the language of the political discourse. "It is expected from a PM to use dignified language but this is not happening." He said the elections to the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat would determine the future course of the country, and whether it wanted to go for social harmony or social divide. Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh is pitted against the BJP's Pragya Singh Thakur, a 2008 Malegaon blast accused, in the Bhopal seat which will vote on May 12. Keep yourself updated on Lok Sabha Elections 2019 with our round-the-clock coverage -- breaking news, updates, analyses et all. Happy reading. During the discussion on Friday, both Chamling and Zhaohui called for an efficient mechanism to ensure smooth flow of goods along the trade route. (Photo: PTI) Gangtok: China's ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui, who was here for a day, called on Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling at his official residence to discuss trade along the Nathula corridor among other issues of economic cooperation between the two countries. The two dignitaries talked about the common areas of concern, which, if addressed, could improve border trade between Sikkim and Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), an official release issued by state's Information and Public Relations Department said. During the discussion on Friday, both Chamling and Zhaohui called for an efficient mechanism to ensure smooth flow of goods along the trade route, it said. The Chinese diplomat suggested that increasing the hours of trade and the number of business days could facilitate the traders on the two sides. He also stressed on development of Nathula as a dry port to increase the volume of trade. Chamling, on his part, said a bus service between Gangtok and Lhasa could strengthen economy and boost tourism prospects on both the sides. According to the release, Chamling also expressed his desire to visit China to gain insights on various issues. He also assured Zhaohui that he will take up his suggestions with the Centre. Chennai: Tamil Nadu Congress president K S Alagiri has invited TMC chief G K Vasan to return to the parent Congress party while reminding him that his late father Moopanar had quit the Congress to launch the TMC only in protest against PV Narasimha Rao forging alliance with the AIADMK. How could Vasan now team up with the same AIADMK and with the saffron BJP, asked Alagiri and said the Congress is the natural home for the TMC chief. The AICC leadership would warmly welcome Vasan and his TMC into the party fold, the TNCC chief said. He was responding to a report in a Tamil newspaper that claimed that Vasan was keen on returning to the Congress party and had in fact gone to New Delhi to negotiate his 'home-coming'. Vasan dismissed Alagiri's invitation to return to the Congress, slamming him for taking seriously a newspaper's "irresponsible and malicious" report that claimed he (Vasan) was negotiating return to the parent party. "We are comfortable with our independent identity and functional freedom. We are presently focused on building up the TMC as even stronger, with main focus and strategy aimed at winning a significant number of seats in the coming local body polls and the Assembly elections when they take place", Vasan told DC, firmly ruling out going back to the Congress. Vasan said the TMC had been taking up people's issues over the last four years and campaigning for solutions by agitating independently, not tying up with the other parties. "People and parties, who are jealous of the TMC's growth from town to village level, are spreading this sort of falsehood", he said. Referring to Alagiri faulting him for aligning with the AIADMK and the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections as well as the by-elections for 22 Assembly seats, Vasan said, "I had made clear in media interactions as well as campaign rallies that the TMC is deeply committed to ensuring national security and we are convinced that only the BJP is capable of delivering on this". Hyderabad: Party chiefs in six states K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Naveen Patnaik, Mamata Banerjee, Mayawati and Akhilesh Yadav are sitting on a possible 185 seats or one-third of the Lok Sabha. As per the analysis of Telangana state Chief Minister and TRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao, the Congress prospects are bleak in Odisha where the BJP is emerging as the main Opposition party. Mr Patnaik will certainly not go with the BJP after the elections and would opt to support the Congress to weaken the BJP. In Uttar Pradesh, despite the alliance with the Congress falling through, the SP-BSP grouping will move towards the party after the elections. In Andhra Pradesh, it is worth mentioning that in a recent interview YSR Congress chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had said that he had forgiven the Congress and claimed that he had no feelings of vengeance against the party. Mr Rao explained to his party leaders that in such circumstances the six parties working together would emerge as a game changer in the post-poll scenario, a source said. Sources quoted Mr Rao as saying that Ms Banerjee was not so keen on Mr Rahul Gandhi becoming the Prime Minister. That is why she was very categorical with AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu when he met her recently with regard to a meeting of Opposition parties that they should wait for the election results. Andhra Pradesh has 25 Lok Sabha seats, Telangana 17, Uttar Pradesh 80, Odisha 21, and West Bengal 42, totalling 185. In the 2014 elections, the BJP had won 71 seats in UP but the SP-BSP alliance would prevent a repeat. Mr Rao visualises that if the Congress and its UPA partners look for a alternative leader for Prime Minister other than Mr Gandhi, given the way the numbers pan out, the SP-BSP combine may project the name of Ms Mayawati for PM. VIJAYAWADA: The Telugu Desam leadership is unable to figure out the voting trends in the April 11 Lok Sabha elections during its analyses at review meetings. TD president and AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is fuming at TD leaders for either skipping the meetings or neglecting to submit reports. The TD high command had directed candidates and leaders to attend review meetings and submit reports about booth-level voting trends and the chances of the party in every constituency. According to sources, many leaders feel that there is no use of holding the review meetings now as the results will be declared only on May 23. They feel the meetings should be conducted after the results as the high command would then get a chance to review the situation thoroughly about cross-voting, covert activity and other reasons in places where the party lost. Earlier, Mr Naidu conducted an election trend review on Rajahmundry Parliament constituency and its seven Assembly segments. TD leaders of Anaparthi constituency alleged that East Godavari TD leader and former MLC Boddu Bhaskara Rama Rao worked against the party and colluded with the YSRC. Another TD leader, Mr Adireddy Appa Rao, alleged that Rajahmundry Municipal Corporation Mayor P. Rajani Sesha Sai worked against TD candidates. TD leaders at Kovvur said that the party expected Jana Sena candidates could split the YSRC votes by Jana Sena candidates, but Mr Pawan Kalyans party actually split the TDs votes. They also claimed that illegal sand mining, selling sand at high rates despite the free sand policy, MRP violation in the selling of liquor and corruption had an effect on the voters. Mr Naidu became angry over the absence of Srikakulam TD legislator G. Lakshmi Devi and other leaders from the constituency. He said that if Ms Lakshmi was unable to attend the meeting due to the death of her father, she should have sent other leaders with the reports. Mr Naidu changed his earlier claim of the TD winning 150 seats out of 175 in the Assembly. After conducting a few reviews, he has brought down the figure to 110 seats. A TD leader said that a few candidates, who were tense due to the bitter experience they faced in the elections, were reluctant to attend the review meetings and face the anger of Mr Naidu after reporting the truth. He said that some leaders who attended the meetings were trying to please Mr Naidu by claiming victory, though by a smaller margin. He said that according to sources, the TD candidates and leaders were preparing to leave the party if the results show that it has performed poorly. Hence Mr Naidu and others should concentrate on protecting the cadres instead of punishing them in the name of poll reviews or retrospection, he said. Bengaluru: The chorus for another term at the helm for CLP leader Siddaramaiah was a calculated move by the Kuruba strongman's camp-followers to keep Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy under check. Home minister, M.B. Patil, Chikkaballapur legislator Dr K. Sudhakar and many other Congress MLAs expressed their views that Mr Siddaramaiah should get another term as Chief Minister as he has the potential to lead the state. Mr Siddaramaiah, however, silenced them saying the CM's post was not vacant so the question of him taking over as CM would not arise. Sources in the state government said when Mr Kumaraswamy vetoed suggestions of Mr Siddaramaiah and transferred two senior officials from plum posts, the latter was livid and within a week, this campaign was launched. To make matters worse, Mr Kumaraswamy went ahead and posted out officials from the city much to the chagrin of some ministers and several Congress legislators. The upshot: Congress legislators launched the "Siddaramaiah-for-CM" campaign despite knowing well that central leaders would not heed their pleas till completion of counting of votes polled in Lok Sabha elections. Sources said earlier too Mr Kumaraswamy had rubbed leaders of Congress the wrong way. The JD (S) leader knew that he was indispensible and therefore took decisions, antagonizing these Congress leaders. Recently, four JD (S) legislators went to meet Mr Kumaraswamy at a hotel. However, the chief minister reportedly made them to wait for four hours and finally, they returned empty handed, sources said adding that more JD (S) legislators were disillusioned with Mr Kumaraswamy's style of functioning. The actions of the United States in at least two parts of the world aimed at enforcement of its nuclear policy has led to increasing tensions. The message from the US may be clear about its doctrine allowing weapons only for states that are its allies or those it does not consider as threats to itself or its friends. This is not a view shared readily by North Korea, which remains a bugbear despite engagement in face to face talks at the highest level twice. On the second occasion the talks broke down as Kim was unwilling to disengage all his nuclear assets, some of which are stored underground. Even before the seizing of North Korea's second biggest coal carrier,Wise Honest,was announced last week, North Korea had begun testing the first of three new missiles, only short range and not of the ICBM type that may threaten America but can reach ally South Korea or Japan. Amid rising tensions with Iran, the US is sending a Patriot missile defence system to the Middle East, besides more warships and B-52 bombers. Retaliating in this psychological warfare, Iran has made it clear that it will resile from the nuclear deal and hold on to its enriched uranium and heavy water instead of selling them to other countries. America's allies may argue that such one-sided deals, while being very far from perfect, at least guarantee regional stability. The pressuring of the likes of Iran and North Korea may please the US's current hawkish stance but the world is far from being at ease. In vino veritas they say The idiot truths of the loosened tongue Regrets will flood the sober day For all the lyrics left unsung. From Bowl, Id Rather Bowl by Bachchoo What would Samuel Johnson, inventor of English dictionaries, confronted with the latest lexical inventions have made of words like Google, download or even computer? What would he have made of the answer I am good when he asked how some teenager was? The standard riposte of the linguistically orthodox today is I asked after your health, not your moral quality! Perhaps orthodox should be replaced by reactionary, because language evolves and those, like myself, who refuse to adapt, can justifiably be labelled thus. For instance, gentle reader, I would never use the words awesome or humungous and admit I have never understood the adjective cheesy. I know that Americans say my bad to mean they were wrong about something but its ignorant and ugly as when Donald Trump says bigly. Yes I know, language evolves and the arbiters of usage, compilers of dictionaries agree as they overhaul them each year adding new words and weeding out the unused dead. Some omissions appear to be political. The Oxford University Press has removed from its Junior Dictionary, aimed at the youngest reader, the words aisle, bishop, chapel, empire and monarch. Behind their omission is the compilers assumption that junior readers either wont come across these words or perhaps they believe that they shouldnt come across them. What then of the young reader of history? No empires? No monarchs? The said junior may not need to know what a bishop or a chapel is but they will, in todays world, come across aisles in cinemas or even on an aeroplane (sorry, is that word not in the dictionary anymore?) Some words deserve this obsolescence. Websters dictionary recently removed frulescent, hodad, snolygoster and nephoscope. I dont suppose, gentle reader, that you, like myself, dont know what these words mean or in what context they were used but they sound fun. Perhaps they should be used one last time in these pages thus: I was examining this frulescent snolygoster with my nephoscope and concluded that it should be boiled and eaten at Hodad! Geddit? Words are not immortal. Those above died naturally and some are deservedly put to death. I havent checked in the dictionary but in contemporary usage we have abolished, for instance, what popular argot calls the N word. The phrase is popular in journalism. The insulting British epithet, the shortening of the perfectly proud word Pakistani is known as the P word. So also, in some self-conscious journals, though not as yet in the spoken exchanges of every level of UK society, there are F words for the sexually explicit and C words for the female anatomical. It cant be a matter for argument that some insulting words, even when in their social and historical context were not meant as such, should be relegated to the dustbin of history. My grandmother and her Parsi matron friends would, for instance, refer to all Hindu servant maids, whatever these womens names happened to be, as Ganga. It became not a proper noun in their usage, but a common noun for all Hindu women who cooked or washed or did other services in their households. And it was thus with the poor Christian girls who came to do menial jobs in the middle-class houses of western Indian cities. My grandmother and her associates referred to them as that Mary. The young ladys name may have been Immaculata or anything else, but in her subservient state she was referred to as the Mary. Yes, gentle reader, I am ashamed on behalf of grandmothers ignorant, discriminatory Parsi perceptions and language but plead now that times have changed. My mother and her generation, without analysis or any thought for the condemnation of their racist connotations, abandoned these terms. The women who served their households were afforded the dignity of their own names. I began the column, gentle reader, with an insistence that I dont and wont lapse in my speech or writing into current Americanisms. Some writers, even in India, (I shall name no names!) find American English alluring and adopt, however clumsily, the idioms and catchphrases of the argot of the black American ghetto. This is historically pathetic as even an authoritative source such as the Cambridge University department of language studies contends that in 50 years or so the majority of English speakers in the world will be Indians. They go on to say that Indian English will, through the usage of millions, be the dominant form of the language. So prepone will enter the Oxford dictionary. And the word recuse, which I heard for the first time when my friend Tarun Tejpal, accused of a heinous crime for which he has not yet been tried, used it in a press release, will also become popular usage. Thats all good. What gives me pause is some translations from Indian languages into English. For instance the Hindi verb rakhna can in English mean to put down or to keep. Too often I have read he keeps the phone down on the table. So also, when as children we played our rock and roll records at a high volume, our grandfather, whose snooze we may have disturbed, would come in and say in Gujarati, but using the English word jaraa slow karideo, meaning make it softer. My cousin, translating literally from the Parsi Gujarati often says I know my blame is coming! Will these literal translations enter the Oxford dictionaries of the future? What about the ambivalent translation of the Hindustani word bandh as both close and switch off as in baththi bandh karo? I once, in her presence heard Benazir Bhutto say that before a failed terrorist attack on her they were closing the lights. Why were they closing the lights? she asked. At its peak in 2014, ISIS controlled an estimated 100,000 sq. km in the Syrian-Iraqi swathes, with another 10,000 sq. km globally through its affiliates in Libya, Egypt, Yemen, the Philippines, etc. Today it has shrunk to a total landmass of approximately 1,500 sq. km of besieged, fast-shrinking and splintered pockets. The multiple victors in the battles against ISIS have now shifted focus to fighting amongst themselves, with the Iranian Revolutionary Forces getting designated as a terrorist organisation by the US, the Arab sheikhdom-supported militias have turned on the Bashar Al-Assad-led Syrian Forces-Hezbollah combine, while the Turks are back to attacking the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG). Amidst the ensuing chaos and far away from the ISIS-epicentre, a meticulously planned, executed and coordinated terror strike hit Sri Lanka, only to be claimed by ISIS as its handiwork. Irrespective of the conclusive evidence to ascertain the quantum of support by the core ISIS in the Middle Eastern deserts and urban-ruins, the Sri Lankan governments assertion of a foreign hand and the inspiration-value of the Islamic State in such global terror attacks are undeniable. A video showing the allegiance of the suicide bombers in Sri Lanka to ISIS Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has happened at other instances of terror strikes across the world. The centrality-of-inspiration and decentrality-of-operations is the leitmotif of common religio-moral wars, as personified by the earlier avatar of the Osama-Al Qaida model, which was later replaced by the Abu Bakr-ISIS template. A very important component of the Osama-Al Qaida fade-away, besides its physical destruction, was the systematic religio-moral-deligitimisation, initiated by the Arab countries; post the wake-up call of the Arab Spring. Unlike the relative unity displayed amongst regional and Western nations to delegitimise the Osama-Al Qaida construct, the premature distractions and sparring over the ruins of the territorial rout of Abu Bakr-ISIS is starkly different this time. The Middle East has always been a region of intrigues, checks-and-balances and insincere posturing that belies the reality behind the proclaimed passions. For all its public anti-Israeli posturing, the Arab leaders and their militias are singularly training their guns on the number one enemy of Israel i.e. Iran and its affiliates. The America-Israeli-Arab-Turkish quad has hurriedly relegated the idea of ISIS to the backburner, and even attempted to incredulously link the Iranian regime to ISIS, when ground realities suggest otherwise. The historically suppressed angst-ire-faultlines in the region typically needs a government funnelled vent, a face and a nomenclature that was earlier afforded by the fear of Osama-Al Qaida on which the Sheikhdoms had displayed a rare, internally driven and confessional effort. Whereas the Abu Bakr-ISIS realm benefits from a flurry of irrelevant contexts and urgencies that have propped up to redraw the new narrative from nuclearising Saudi, ostracising Qatar, justifying Houthi-crackdowns, U-turns with the Taliban, etc., whilst selectively deploying the lever of religio-moral delegitimisation only for Iran. This, when none of the recent terror attacks across the globe have been traced back to Iran, and instead have their material, spiritual and inspirational wherewithal within the sanctified precincts of the sheikhdoms, itself. Soon the ISIS caliphate may not have the financial, material and territorial resources to sustain itself, let alone those inspired groups in heterogeneous places like Sri Lanka. However, without dousing the ideological, emotional and philosophical pull of the caliphate and its portents from the collective conscience and imagination of the aggrieved ummah, terror strikes like Sri Lanka will always loom. Iran cannot, and should not, replace Abu Bakr-ISIS as the necessary regional enemy as the enemy lurks within the Arab framework which has forever contextualised the imminence of Samuel Huntingtons Clash of Civilisations. The civilisational clash if any, is within the feudal-medieval mindset within the Arabian leadership that sanctions the public execution of 37 in a day, without any punitive international outrage. Such state-sponsored bloodshed numbs the senses and normalises religious extremism, which can then be appropriated and extended by terrorists to justify any terror attack in the name of faith. While a historical analyses and detailed fact-finding of the genealogical reasons will never be fully allowed, for it would expose all regional and Western powers, some degree of internal introspection and state-sponsored delegitimisation of ISIS is still pending, instead of conveniently tagging Tehran as terror sponsors. The task of delegitimising ISIS is a collective necessity, requiring all the A rab sovereign resources, be it in the form of religious/clerical edicts, societal inclusivity that disowns sectarian divides, and the platforming of genuine societal concerns. Normalising relations with Iran will only expedite the downfall of revisionist tendencies and inspirations, as opposed to burying the hatchet with the likes of the Taliban or ignoring the idea of ISIS a lesson that neither the US understood after patronising Afghan mujahedeens in the 1980s, nor the Arab Sheikhs understood while exporting Wahhabism across the world. The Sri Lanka terror attack reiterates the real problem area, again. Like the 9/11 perpetrators, the terrorists in the Sri Lankan attack were not ignorant, illiterate or financially desperate they were just convinced of the righteousness and religio-moral sanctification of their terror act. The writer is a retired lieutenant-general and a former lieutenant-governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry Trumps move would subject about dollar 300 billion worth of Chinese imports to punitive tariffs, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. (Photo: File) BEIJING/WASHINGTON- China and the United States have agreed to hold more trade talks in Beijing, Vice Premier Liu He said, as US President Donald Trump ordered his trade chief to begin the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining imports from China. Liu voiced a measured optimism on reaching a deal, but said there were issues of principle on which China would not back down. The United States escalated a tariff war with China on Friday by hiking levies on dollar 200 billion worth of Chinese goods in the midst of last-ditch talks to rescue a trade deal. Trump issued orders for the tariff increase, saying China broke the deal by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations. Negotiations have not broken down, Liu, Chinas chief negotiator in the talks, said, according to state television. Quite the opposite, I think small setbacks are normal and inevitable during the negotiations of both countries. Looking forward, we are still cautiously optimistic, Liu said. China strongly opposes the latest US tariff hike, and as a nation, has to respond to that, Liu told a small group of Chinese reporters in the video clip. Right now, both sides have reached mutual understanding in many things, but frankly speaking, there are also differences. We think these differences are significant issues of principle, Liu said. We absolutely cannot make concessions on such issues of principle. He added that talks would continue in Beijing, but gave no details. But underscoring a lack of progress in the talks, Trump ordered a further escalation of tariffs. Trumps move would subject about dollar 300 billion worth of Chinese imports to punitive tariffs, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement. Lighthizer said a final decision has not been made on the new duties, which would come on top of an early Friday tariff rate increase, to 25% from 10%, on dollar 200 billion worth of Chinese imports. Three differences remain between the two countries, according to Chinas account of the latest talks. One of those is over tariffs, Liu said, according to a transcript of the Q&A published by Phoenix, a Hong Kong-based television station that is close to Beijing. China believes that tariffs were the genesis of the trade dispute, and that if both sides wanted to reach an agreement, then all tariffs must be eliminated, Liu said. The second is about procurement, on which an initial consensus was reached between the leaders of the two countries in Argentina late last year. The two sides now have differing views on the volumes, Liu said. The third is over how balanced the text of the draft agreement should be, he said. Every nation has its dignity, so the text ought to be balanced, Liu said. Sources told Reuters this week that China had deleted its commitments in the draft agreement that said it would change laws to resolve core complaints of the United States: theft of US intellectual property and trade secrets; forced technology transfers; competition policy; access to financial services; and currency manipulation. Liu denied the accusations of Chinas reneging on promises, saying China thought it was normal to make changes before a final deal. Both sides had differing views on how to phrase it, he said. Similar to Liu, Chinese state media said China would not give in on its core interests. China clearly requires that the trade procurement figures should be realistic; the text must be balanced and expressed in terms that are acceptable to the Chinese people and do not undermine the sovereignty and dignity of the country, the ruling Communist Partys official Peoples Daily said in a commentary on Saturday. The trade war has weighed on the Chinese economy. When asked about domestic concerns on how the latest tariffs could further pressure the economy, Liu said he was optimistic about Chinas economy in the longer term, adding that it had entered an up-cycle after bottoming out somewhat last year. He said he believed the Chinese economy would maintain a stable and healthy trend despite some downward pressure, and that China had ample room for fiscal and monetary policy manoeuvres. On Monday, hours after Trump said he intended to raise tariffs, the Chinese central bank cut the amount of reserves that some small and medium-sized banks need to hold, freeing up more funds for lending to cash-strapped firms. US President Donald Trump said Friday that North Korea's recent missile tests were not a 'breach of trust.' (Photo:AP) Washington: US President Donald Trump said Friday that North Korea's recent missile tests were not a "breach of trust." "They're short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no," he said in an interview with Politico. "These were short-range missiles and very standard stuff." Also Read: Trump says, 'nobody's happy' about North Korea's missile launch Pyongyang fired two short-range missiles Thursday following an earlier drill on Saturday. The North had not launched any since November 2017, shortly before leader Kim Jong Un embarked on diplomatic overtures. Trump, who has said that he and Kim have a good relationship, added that he might eventually lose faith in the North Korean leader. "I mean it's possible that at some point I will, but right now not at all," he said. Kim declared an end to the testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles during a rapid rapprochement last year, paving the way for his first summit with Trump in Singapore in June. But a second summit between the two mercurial leaders in Hanoi in February broke up without a deal after they failed to agree on what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then Kim has accused Washington of acting in "bad faith", and given it until the end of the year to change its approach. A handout picture released by the US NAVY on December 24, 2018, shows the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24). (Photo - AFP) Washington: Amid escalating tensions with Iran, the Pentagon has announced that it is deploying a warship and a Patriot air defence missile system in the Middle East to deter the threats of possible operations against US forces in the region by Tehran. The USS Arlington, which transports amphibious vehicles and aircraft, and the Patriot air defence system will join the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a B-52 bomber task force in the Middle East region in response to indications of heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations against US forces and our interests, the Pentagon said on Friday. The approval to deploy additional military asset against Iran has been done at the request of US Central Command, it said, adding that the Pentagon continues to closely monitor the activities of the Iranian regime, their military and proxies. The Pentagon said the US did not seek conflict with Iran, but that Washington was ready to defend US forces and interests in the region. The Department of Defense continues to closely monitor the activities of the Iranian regime, it said in a statement. Due to operational security, we will not discuss timelines or location of forces, the Pentagon said. USS Arlington is a San Antonio-class ship that transports US marines, amphibious vehicles, conventional landing craft and rotary aircraft with the capability to support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions. It also provides a high-quality command and control capability and improved interoperability with allies and partners in the region. A Patriot battery is a long-range, all-weather air defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. Senator Jim Inhofe, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, welcomed the move. By proactively moving the USS Arlington and a Patriot system to the region to join the USS Abraham Lincoln, the United States is sending Iran a clear message: stand down or we will stand up, he said. US President Donald Trump last year unilaterally withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal America and other nations had agreed with Iran in 2015. Under the accord, Iran had agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for sanctions relief. White House last month said it would end exemptions from sanctions for five countries China, India, Japan, South Korea and Turkey that were still buying Iranian oil. Iran on Wednesday threatened to enrich its uranium stockpile closer to weapons-grade levels if Europe, China and Russia fail to deliver sanctions relief within 60 days. The hotel, frequented by business and leisure travellers, is located on the Koh-e-Batil hill, south of West Bay on Fish Harbour road in Gwadar. (Photo: ANI twitter) Karachi: At least three heavily-armed militants on Saturday stormed a five-star hotel in Pakistan's port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, leading to a shootout with security personnel, police said. Additional police force, anti-terrorism force and army are all present at the Peal Continental (PC) Hotel to handle the situation, Dawn news quoted Gwadar Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Bangulzai as saying. Three terrorists attempted a forced entry into the hotel. A guard at the entrance challenged them after which the terrorists opened fire and killed him, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. A gunbattle between the militants and the navy and army soldiers was underway, the police said. The hotel, frequented by business as well as leisure travellers, is located on the Koh-e-Batil hill, south of West Bay on Fish Harbour road in Gwadar. Frontier Corps personnel have cordoned off the hotel. All foreign and local guests staying at the hotel have been safely evacuated, Express Tribune quoted Balochistan Information Minister Zahoor Buledi as saying. China is investing heavily in Balochistan under the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "At around 4:50 pm (local time) we got reports that there are two to there armed men in PC Hotel," SHO Bangulzai said. So far, no group took responsibility of the attack. "Two to three gunmen had first fired at and then entered the hotel," Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohsin Hassan Butt said, adding that "95 per cent of the hotel has been evacuated". "A clearance operation was going on," a spokesman of the army said. The provincial police chief further said that "the attackers may have come in a boat to launch the attack". Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani condemned "the terrorists attack" on PC Hotel, and instructed the authorities to "ensure the safety of all inside the hotel", Dawn news reported. He called for a "well planned and strong action against the terrorists", adding that he is "in touch with police and local administration" regarding the situation. Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, is Pakistan's largest and poorest province, rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies. On April 18, unidentified gunmen donning uniforms of paramilitary soldiers massacred at least 14 passengers, including Pakistan Navy personnel, after forcing them to disembark from buses on a highway in Balochistan. The CPEC, launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. Hinting at Pak spy agency ISI's involvement to falsely implicate citizens, Gul Bukhari, a columnist and sometime government critic who was briefly kidnapped by unidentified men last year, said the assault on social media was carefully organised and coordinated. (Representational Image) Islamabad: Pakistan's government and its spy agency ISI have started snooping on its own people. Threats, arrests, blocked accounts and restricted posts Big Brother is watching more closely than ever across Pakistan, as authorities accelerate efforts to censor social networks, further reducing an already shrunken space for dissent in Pakistan. In the past 18 months, a slew of journalists, activists, and government opponents both at home and overseas have faced intimidation or the threat of legal action for their online posts. Large-scale censorship is already rife among Pakistan's mainstream media, with the Committee to Protect Journalists noting last year that the military and ISI had "quietly but effectively" imposed strict limits on the scope of general news reporting throughout the country. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter were regarded as the last holdouts of dissenting voices, but now that has changed too. In February, Pakistan's authorities announced the creation of a new enforcement arm to root out social media users accused of spreading "hate speech and violence" as part of the crackdown. Hinting at Pak spy agency ISI's involvement to falsely implicate citizens, Gul Bukhari, a columnist and sometime government critic who was briefly kidnapped by unidentified men last year, said the assault on social media was carefully organised and coordinated. "It is the last frontier they try to conquer," Bukhari explained. - Silence dissent - Journalist Rizwan-ur-Rehman Razi was among the people targetted. He was arrested in February at home in Lahore for allegedly publishing "defamatory and obnoxious" content against the state. A few days earlier, he had criticised extra-judicial executions allegedly committed by the security forces, according to a copy of his tweets seen by international news agency AFP. Released after two nights, he has not tweeted since, and his old posts have been deleted. The net cast by the crackdown is a wide one, with Shahzad Ahmad, director of the digital security NGO Bytes for All, pointing to the increased harassment of civil rights activists, the political opposition, and bloggers. According to Annie Zaman, an expert on cyber-censorship in Pakistan, this is made possible by an all-encompassing 2016 law that prohibits online posts that are deemed to compromise state security or offend anything from "the glory of Islam" to non-defined notions of "decency and morality". "Because this law is vague, it gave more space to the authorities to censor online," Zaman said. Offenders can face up to 14 years in prison. Pakistan's military signalled its involvement in the campaign as early as June last year, when the spokesman of the ISI, Major General Asif Ghafoor, boasted of the capacity to monitor social media accounts during a televised press conference. In a clear warning, Ghafoor briefly showed an image of what appeared to be specific Twitter handles and names. Facebook and Twitter transparency reports show the crackdown was already well underway last year, with a huge spike in requests by the Pakistani government seeking to censor online activity. Facebook restricted more content in Pakistan than in any other country in the first six months of 2018, according to its transparency figures from that time period, which are the most recently available. The social media giant said it restricted the availability of 2,203 pieces of content in total a seven-fold jump from the previous six months. All but 87 of the items had been reported by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority "as allegedly violating local laws prohibiting blasphemy, anti-judiciary content, and condemnation of the country's independence," it said. The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority did not respond to requests for comment. - 'Overstepping boundaries' - Twitter figures for the same time period showed a similar trend, with requests to remove content from 3,004 accounts in Pakistan compared to 674 in the second half of 2017. A Twitter spokesman said the vast majority of the requests had come from the government, and stressed that the company had acquiesced to none of them. "The authorities are no longer hiding their agenda (or policy) to silence internet-mediated dissent," said Rabia Mehmood, a researcher for Amnesty International. "While the current censorship is exceptionally intense, over the years, one message has been consistent that criticism of policies of the Pakistan military will not be tolerated." Even those posting on social media from overseas have found themselves targeted. Twitter routinely sends out a notice to users notifying them when the company receives complaints that their posts have violated a country's laws. News agency AFP has found dozens of users who received such a message warning they had violated Pakistani laws including 11 who had tweeted from beyond Pakistan's borders, in countries such as Australia, the US and Canada. The requests represent "a government censor overstepping jurisdiction boundaries", said Jillian York, an expert at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), an American NGO. A picture taken on March 8, 2019 shows a general view of the five-star Pearl Continental hotel located in Gwadar, Pakistan. (Photo - AFP) Islamabad: At least four persons were killed on Saturday after three gunmen stormed a five-star hotel in Pakistans Gwadar city, the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, military said. The gunmen shot dead a security guard at the entrance to the hotel. Security forces have cordoned the area. Guests safely evacuated. Terrorists encircled by security forces in staircase leading to top floor. Clearance operation in progress, a military spokesman said. Earlier, the provincial home minister Ziaullah Langu said four gunmen had opened fire on the hotel. There are reports of a few people sustaining minor injuries, the minister said. Mohammed Aslam, the on-duty officer in Gwadar, said ambulances and rescue officers were waiting at a road leading to the hotel, and that he could hear gunfire but that the operation was coming to an end. There were no Chinese or Pakistani guests in the hotel, he said, adding that only staff were present in the building. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Heavy contingents of police and security forces soon reached the area and started an operation. Reports also said that the terrorists are heavily armed. They have rocket launchers and may be wearing suicide jackets. Balochistan information Minister Zahoor Balidi said all persons inside the hotel have been safely evacuated. The Pearl Continental is the only luxury hotel in Gwadar, formerly a small fishing village, and where business delegations as well as diplomats stay when visiting the city. The sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal will be held under heavy security on Sunday with more than 740 companies of Central forces deployed across eight poll-bound constituencies in four districts. According to sources in the Election Commission (EC), while 713 companies of Central forces will be deployed to man polling booths, while 40 companies will guard the strong rooms. This will cover nearly all the 15,428 polling booths in the poll-bound constituencies. According to government sources, elaborate security arrangement has been made in the poll-bound constituencies located in the Jangal Mahal region once affected by Maoists, comprising of forest areas in the districts of Bankura, West Medinipur, Jhargram and Purulia. According to EC sources, 547 quick action teams (QAT) headed by company commanders and an additional 108 QATs will be deployed. Government sources revealed that the Central force deployed in Jangal Mahal area have been instructed to be careful and to check all the culverts and probable places of planting IEDs. The fate of 83 candidates in the constituencies of Tamluk, Kanthi, Ghatal, Jhargram (ST), Medinipur, Purulia, Bankura, Bishnupur (SC) will be decided by 1,33,69,749 voters. It will be a four-way contest between the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the BJP, the Congress and the Forward Bloc. The fate of veteran TMC MP Sisir Adhikari and its celebrity candidate Dev will be decided in this phase. The BJP has made considerable inroads in tribal-dominated Jhargram and Purulia with a large number of seats in the two districts. The party bagged 42% gram panchayat seats in Jhargram and 33% of the seats in Purulia. Beautiful landscapes, cows grazing on lush Alpine meadows, chocolates, cheese and panoramic train rides. These are some of the conventional symbols that are associated with Switzerland. So, it is little wonder that the country is a favourite with tourists. On a recent visit to the land of Helvetia, I realised that there is much more to explore in the country that is beyond the obvious. The multifaceted land offers several unusual sights spanning history, culture, religion, gastronomy and more. The Tibet Museum in Gruyeres, located in the canton of Fribourg, is one such hidden gem. This medieval town is known for its eponymous variety of semi-hard yellow cheese that has a characteristic nutty flavour. An eclectic historical quarter, cobbled pathways, fountains and endearing storefronts lend the town an inimitable charm. The Tibet Museum is a distinctive attraction considering the fact that Switzerland is primarily a Christian country. Founded by the Alain Bordier Foundation, the museum was opened in 2009. A passionate collector, Alain Bordier has personally curated the collection at the museum, which is the result of his hard work from the last 25-30 years. Stained glass panels of thechapel of St Joseph. It houses the Tibet Museum. Photos by author Having visited India several times, Bordier visited Ladakh (also called Little Tibet) during the 1980s, which proved to be a turning point in his life. Propelled by an inner force, he developed an interest for Buddhist art and philosophy and immersed himself in researching on the subject starting with Buddhist sculptures and paintings. With Buddhisms profound influence on his life, he undertook several expeditions to Tibet and visited temples and monasteries. Almost all the objects collected by him have a ritualistic significance and have been made in Tibet and the surrounding countries including India and Nepal. Unique setting Another feature that sets the museum apart is the fact that it is housed within the chapel of St Joseph, which has been renovated for this purpose. The building was originally used for the purpose of running a home for deaf and mute children. Built with a high ceiling, wooden flooring and intricate panels of stained-glass featuring images of Jesus and Mary, the ambience within the museum is serene. There are also paintings and frescoes of saints like St Pancras, the healer and protector of herds, as well as of St Francis of Assisi. An ode to religious unity and the spirit of open-mindedness, indeed! Bright paintings of thangkas and other Buddhist art that adorn the dark-hued walls complement the setting. Glass cases that are illuminated have been built on both sides of the wall to display the exhibits. Apart from the focused illumination on the objects, the lighting is otherwise subdued, and this creates a magical yet surreal feeling as piped, meditative music plays in the background. There are soothing vibes as one walks through the museum admiring the 300-odd objects on display. The exhibits in the museum include paintings, sculptures, drawings, religious and ritualistic instruments dating from the 6th to the 18th centuries. While many of them belong to Tibet, some of them are from other Himalayan regions like India, Nepal, Swat and Burma. The statues on display are made from varying materials like brass, copper and wood. Some of them also have silver inlaid work. The exquisite wooden statue of Mahasri Tara, with a blissful expression and hands depicted in the position of Dharmachakra mudra, is a picture of serenity. The painting on the carved wood is ornate. The other statues of the eighth Karmapa, the Mahakala (or the Great Black One) and Vajrayogini are insightful. The collection includes daggers, prayer bells, conch shells, lamps and prayer beads. There are Gawu boxes, too, and the Vajra (Dorje), which is arguably the most important symbol in Tibetan Buddhism. It is symbolic of innate strength akin to a diamond, and the power of enlightenment like the impact of the thunderbolt. Bright art The museum also has a vast collection of thangkas, the name given to the traditional Tibetan Buddhist paintings executed on fabrics like cotton or silk. Many of them are of distemper on cotton and the one depicting the Buddha Vajradhara i.e. Buddha sitting crossed-legged surrounded by monks holding the vajra, as well as the one depicting the life events of Lord Buddha are particularly beautiful. The latter has Lord Buddha surrounded by his two favourite disciples, Satriputra and Maudgalyayana, and the painting has 34 vignettes, each of which depict a major event or milestone in the Lords life. There is detailed literature on each of the pieces on display and visitors are handed this booklet during their visit. There is a small souvenir section in the museum that offers books on Buddhist philosophy and art. The family of a woman murdered in Chester nearly 40 years ago is taking exception to rapper and TV cop Ice-T getting involved in an appeals process for one of her convicted killers. Hes not only misinformed, but I dont even know how he got involved, said John Kaisner, a former Chester police officer and husband of victim Emily Leos niece, Theresa Kaisner. For a guy that started out making the big living hes making now by rapping kill cops, I have no respect for him anyhow, but he has no basis in this case. Ice-T, best known now for his role as Detective Fin Tutuola on NBCs Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is a longtime rapper who previously fronted the metal band Body Count, famous for their song Cop Killer. He released a video earlier this week calling on Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun Copeland to allow DNA testing in the case of Leroy Evans, a Chester man currently serving a life sentence for the 1980 murder of Avon Lady Emily Leo. All he is fighting for is DNA testing, but they refuse to test, even despite another man confessing to it, Ice-T said in a video message uploaded by theblast.com Wednesday. So, come on, D.A., you know Im not a real cop, I just play one on TV. But I think this man after 39 years in prison whatever the crime might be he deserves at least to get that DNA test so he can clear himself. Evans was convicted at trial on first-degree murder charges for the Nov. 11, 1980 beating that caused Leos fatal injuries. His conviction rested largely on the testimony of another man also currently serving a life sentence for the murder, Anthony Jones. Jones testified at trial in 1981 that it was Evans idea to lure Leo into the house in the 3000 block of West 11th Street under the pretense of buying Avon products. He said Evans choked Leo with a clothesline in the kitchen and beat her about the head with an iron before Jones put her into a trashcan and took her to a nearby vacant lot. A truck driver called police after seeing Jones throwing rocks at Leos near-lifeless body. Jones ran off but was arrested later that same day. Leo remained in critical condition at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland until her death Nov. 28. Jones, who was 17 at the time, made a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty and name his alleged accomplice in order to avoid the death penalty. Jones testimony that Evans hatched the plan and carried out the attack was the only thing linking him to the murder, according to Evans defense attorney, Mike Malloy. Evans, now 61, was 24 years old when he was sentenced to life in prison for Leos murder. He maintained throughout the trial that he was innocent and had been at home repairing a dresser at the time, but did admit to stealing some clothes from Joness home and burning them. Evans has long appealed his conviction with the help of a large contingent of friends and family who claim he is incapable of committing murder. Jones also provided a statement to defense attorney Mike Malloy exonerating Evans from taking any part in Leos death. Malloy has moved in recent years to have DNA testing conducted on the clothesline and some of her personal effects. He contended that if Evans DNA was not present, it raises the possibility that Jones is telling the truth. Assistant District Attorney William Toal III argued at a hearing in 2017 that the relief being sought is well outside the statute of limitations for Evans case and that there are no new facts that would justify reopening the investigation. One defense witness also testified that the absence of Evans DNA on the rope would not rule out that he had touched it due to the length of time since the crime, as well as collection and evidence storage techniques available in 1980 that were not designed to protect DNA evidence. Back then, we didnt know enough about DNA to preserve it, to go to the extra lengths we do now to preserve it, said Kaisner. Our DNA was all over the place. (The evidence) was in the cold, it was in a wet basement, it was in the heat. It degraded. It was just touched by everybody and everything. James Wright, an attorney who was representing Jones in another matter, also previously said Jones does not stand by his statement to Malloy and does not intend to testify at any future proceedings for Evans. Delaware County Common Pleas Court Judge James Bradley denied Malloys request for DNA testing in October and Malloy appealed to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. Briefs are due in that appeal June 21, according to online records. Democratic District Attorney candidate Jack Stollsteimer began pressing Copeland to open up DNA testing in the case earlier this year, arguing that it is clear some reasonable doubt might now exist. In a recent letter to the Delco Times, Kaisner questioned the motives behind Stollsteimer backing DNA testing in the case and called it a political stunt that is clearly at odds with established court decisions and case law, as well as basic common sense. But Stollsteimer, a former assistant district attorney and assistant U.S. attorney, said Friday that DNA testing is just the first step in taking a deeper look at Evans conviction. After reviewing the evidence with two former assistant district attorneys, a former homicide detective and Malloy, Stollsteimer said serious questions still remain as to Evans guilt. I appreciate the familys sentiment, but the reality is this conviction rests entirely on Joness testimony, Stollsteimer said. Hes recanted that testimony and I think we need to get to the truth. If (Evans) DNA is on that rope, case closed. If its not on rope, then it leads to a series of other questions about whether his conviction is proper. Stollsteimer said Jones provided additional missing pieces of the narrative in his statement to Malloy that might be useful in deciphering the truth, including a lack of blood at the scene where Leo was allegedly bludgeoned by an iron and where the piece of line used to strangle her came from. Stollsteimer noted Jones originally testified Evans had the cord in his pocket, though there might be testimony available from an officer that it matched a clothesline behind the house. If there is any additional evidence to that fact that was not presented to the jury or anything else that would shake Joness original testimony Stollsteimer said it should be the prosecutors duty to take a second look. We have a responsibility to seek justice for all, he said. Thats everybody in our society, whether they are people being investigated or people being incarcerated, and for whom there might be some possibility theyve been unjustly prosecuted. The facts of this case cry out for there to be whatever inquiry is needed, just to be sure the conviction is correct. Copeland, a registered Republican who was appointed to fill the remainder of former D.A. Jack Whelans unexpired term when he became a Common Pleas judge in January 2018, is running for a full term this year. Copeland campaign spokesman Pete Peterson noted that Evans has had competent legal representation through a litany of appeals and that while the district attorney has supported the use of DNA testing in certain cases, this is not one of them. DNA testing did not result in his conviction in 1981 and, given the circumstances under which evidence was collected and stored, no DNA test will exonerate Leroy Evans for his role in the brutal murder, said Peterson. Continued debate about DNA testing that would serve no value only re-victimizes the family of Emily Leo. Kaisner said Friday that there has been a lifetime of trauma for his wifes family following the murder. He had to identify Leo at the hospital and said it was the worst thing he had ever seen in service to his community or country. Her death killed the family, he said. While there is a lot to the case, Kaisner noted Jones has given previous recantations before, only to withdraw them, and Evans has admitted to destroying evidence, making him at the very least an accomplice. Looking back at what I know about the case, what Ive seen and what I know personally about it, I do believe Evans was complicit in the murder, Kaisner said. Whether he burnt clothes or whatever else he did, he might as well have choked her to death himself if he did that. In his own letter to the Times Friday, Malloy said he understands the frustrations of everyone involved, but suggested Stollsteimers position should speak to the concerns of both families. Hes not asking that they just open the gates and let Leroy walk out of jail tomorrow, said Malloy. Hes merely stating that, after hes reviewed the case, there are facts that are difficult to reconcile with the guilty verdict and the specific facts and evidence in the case, and for those reasons he is simply asking to open up an investigation A thorough investigation may show that Leroy is guilty or it may show that an innocent man has been in jail for almost 40 years. Both families should just want the peace that comes from knowing the truth. Iran made news this week when U.S. intelligence received information that Iran had moved short-range ballistic missiles by boat in waters off its shores. The U.S. responded by sending an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers. Dana Summers Last week, Facebook banned a number of individuals it viewed as dangerous. Some cheered this move and others had their qualms. Lisa Benson Joe Biden remains the Democratic frontrunner for the 2020 presidential election, despite some who are concerned with his storied past and his current age of 76. Dan Wasserman Other Democrats kept themselves busy by "covering" the White House. Walt Handelsman In economic news, the Trump administration announced new tariffs against Chinese companies. Scott Stantis Dana Summers Lisa Benson And finally, with Mother's Day coming up, it's good to remember to give thanks to all moms out there. Bill Bramhall PARIS France welcomed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to Paris on Friday with the threat of sweeping new regulations against his social media behemoth and Zuckerberg himself called that proposal a good thing. With his company under fire on multiple fronts, Zuckerberg came to France to show that Facebook is working hard to limit violent extremism and hate speech shared online. But a group of French regulators and experts who spent weeks inside Facebook facilities in Paris, Dublin and Barcelona as part of a pilot cooperation project say the company still isn't working hard enough on that front and governments need to step in. Zuckerberg's visit came amid concerns about hate speech and disinformation around this month's May 23-26 European Parliament elections, which are taking place in all of the European Union's 28 nations. Just before Zuckerberg met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, the 10 officials released a report calling for laws allowing the French government to investigate and fine social networks that don't take responsibility for the content that makes them money. The regulators recommended legally requiring a "duty of care" for big social networks, meaning they should moderate hate speech published on their platforms. The regulators say any new law should respect freedom of expression, but did not explain how Facebook should balance those responsibilities in practice. To an average user, the problem seems intractable. Mass shootings are being live-streamed and online mobs are spreading rumors that lead to deadly violence. Facebook is even inadvertently creating celebratory videos using extremist content and auto-generating business pages for the likes of Islamic State militants and al-Qaida. The French government wants the legislation to serve as a model for a Europe-wide management of social networks and Zuckerberg does, too. "We can make progress on enforcing the rules, but at some level the question of what speech should be acceptable and what is harmful needs to be defined by regulation, by thoughtful governments that have a robust democratic process," Zuckerberg told reporters after meeting with Macron at the Elysee presidential palace. The ideas about better regulation stemmed from a pilot project between Facebook and France, and Zuckerberg said he's "encouraged and optimistic" about the result. He said France's proposals are preferable to the mass control in authoritarian countries. Other Facebook executives also praised the French ideas as better for companies like Facebook than tougher legislation in countries like Germany and Australia. Germany introduced a law in 2017 requiring social media companies to censor extremist content such as hate speech or face big fines while Australia passed legislation in April that could result in social media executives being imprisoned if they don't quickly remove violent content. The French proposals still lacked crucial details and need to go through a legislative process. "It's going to be hard for us, there are going to be things in there we disagree with, that's natural," Zuckerberg said. "But in order for people to trust the internet overall and over time, there needs to be the right regulation put in place." The French officials praised Facebook for hiring more people and using artificial intelligence to track down and crack down on dangerous content. But they said Facebook didn't provide the French officials enough information about its algorithms to judge whether they were working, and that a "lack of transparency ... justifies an intervention of public authorities." The regulators acknowledged that their research didn't address violent content shared on private chat groups or encrypted apps, or on groups like 4chan or 8chan, where criminals, extremists and those concerned about privacy are increasingly turning to communicate. Facebook said Zuckerberg was in France as part of meetings around Europe to discuss future regulation of the internet. Next week, the leaders of France and New Zealand will meet tech leaders in Paris for a summit seeking to ban acts of violent extremism and terrorism from being shown online. Facebook has faced multiple challenges over privacy and security lapses and accusations of endangering democracy and it came under criticism this week from its own co-founder, Chris Hughes. Hughes said in a New York Times opinion piece that it's time to break up Facebook. He says Zuckerberg has turned the social media giant into an innovation-suffocating monopoly and lamented the company's "slow response to Russian agents, violent rhetoric and fake news." ___ Kelvin Chan in London contributed. STRASBURG, Colorado When Utah celebrated the 150th anniversary of the driving of the golden spike that marked the completion of the transcontinetal railroad, the cheering section was pretty much statewide. But in a tiny Colorado town not so much. Some people there tend to think the whole thing in Utah is a historical fraud. In fact, they have their own museum dedicated to that point of view. In Utah, every schoolkid knows the first transcontinental railroad was linked by the driving of the golden spike at Promontory on May 10, 1869. But at Strasburg High School, 30 miles east of the Denver airport, history teacher Cliff Smith recently told his students: "There was no transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, when the golden spike was driven." Instead, Smith often teaches about a different date. Aug. 15, 1870. "At 2:53 p.m., the rails met at a place just east of here," Smith told his students. In his Strasburg-centric countertheory of the first transcontinental railroad, Smith says the honors rightfully belong to Strasburg, about 500 miles east-southeast of Promontory. "All those monuments there! We have our own monuments," Smith said to the class. He is prone to calling Utah's claim-to-fame a hoax or fake news, although usually with a bit of gentle humor in his tone. "It's a fraud, yes, hah, hah, hah," he said. His theory is based on a little-known point about the railroad that was completed in Utah: It had a gap in the rails hundreds of miles to the east of Utah. That's because in 1869 there still was not a railroad bridge across the Missouri River at Omaha. A passenger on the Union Pacific needed a boat ride right in the middle of a coast-to-coast journey. The trains would be ferried across the river or driven across the frozen river during winter. According to Smith's version of history, a true transcontinental railroad was finally completed at Strasburg in 1870. That's because a railroad line that crossed the Missouri on a bridge at Kansas City was completed at a site just east of Strasburg, creating one continuous set of rails running from coast to coast. "As soon as those rails were joined, they went on to Denver and the first transcontinental railroad was joined," Smith said to his history class. The linkup site near Strasburg was called Comanche Crossing. For decades, Smith has maintained the Comanche Crossing Museum filled with railroad memorabilia and evidence in support of the Strasburg theory. Naturally, it follows that Strasburg will have its own sesquicentennial celebration on August 15, 2020. In fact, a centennial celebration in 1970 drew 5,000 people to Strasburg. President Richard M. Nixon even sent a letter to Strasburg expressing gratitude for the "hardy pioneers who one century ago tied this country together by rail." That letter is now "Exhibit No. 1" in support of Smith's retelling of history. Union Pacific also supported the 1970 celebration, but the company's support for Utah's claim is unshakably attached to the historical record. "The first transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, as ordered by President Abraham Lincoln," said Kristen South, the railroad's director of corporate communications. Railroad officials and most historians argue that the ferry across the Missouri in 1869 and 1870 was simply a piece of the first transcontinental railroad and that no one in that era would have questioned Utah's bragging rights. "It was very common to go by ferry," South said, "and that was considered part of the rail transportation." Smith admits his case rests on a technicality. But he wants his students to feel pride in their hometown, which they do. "Our history is what makes us who we are," said student Cody Smith. "It's what made this town develop the way it did." Smith is good-natured about his historical dispute. He agrees that Utah, too, has a right to be proud. "Yes, there should be a celebration in Utah," Smith said. "But don't forget us, hah, hah." SANDY Launching a veteran-focused nonprofit was something Ninzel Rasmuson had contemplated for years. The Army National Guard vet wanted a way to help her brothers and sisters in arms who faced emotional trauma and needed support to navigate the world away from their military service. Today, she is executive director of Honor365 an organization dedicated to recognizing the lives and sacrifices of military veterans and first responders. Running such an enterprise successfully requires planning, determination and a network of resources that can help the organization accomplish its mission of honoring veterans, she explained. Rasmuson was among scores of attendees Friday at the Utah Veteran Owned Business Conference hosted by the Salt Lake Chamber. The annual event was established five years ago to aid veteran entrepreneurs, their family members and former military-turned-business owners in getting connected with the resources they need to help them be successful in the local marketplace. "What I hope to get (from this event) is the current trends in business," she said. "It's also an opportunity to connect with other veterans and professionals in the field that have a vested interest in what we do as veterans. That's really important." Conference attendees heard from local experts regarding topics including starting and growing a business, procuring government contracts, accessing funding, and finding available local and national resources, explained Cory Pearson, director of veterans services for the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs. Participants also had a chance for face-to-face interaction with people who can aid in the process of making lasting connections in the local business sector, he added. "So if someone wants to learn about branding, marketing or funding, (the resources) are here and they are able to sit with them and discuss these matters and it helps them, in the end, be successful," he said. He noted that the "straight talk" manner in which military veterans are used to conversing is something they appreciate when meeting with fellow veteran business people. "Being able to access your brothers and sisters who were your 'battle buddies' one day and now they're your 'battle buddies' in business, you're able to have conversations to see what worked (for them) and what didn't work to be more successful in business," Pearson said. He noted that being an entrepreneur is challenging and many fail at first, but using the principles learned in the military can help veterans achieve success when others might be deterred. Melissa Sullivan, a Gold Star spouse whose late husband was an Army Special Forces member, attended the conference to become better informed about the world of business and to make connections for the future. She said her previous experience as a paramedic helps her to remain composed in stressful environments, but information from the conference would improve her business knowledge. "It provides a network and resources of what's out there," she said. "It helps me understand that people start from the ground up and really build businesses up to success (from there)." As associate director of the nonprofit Honor365, Sullivan said her big takeaway was learning about the importance of proper bookkeeping procedures for the success of any small enterprise, she said. "Getting a good accountant is key," she said. She also appreciates being able to work in recognition of veterans like her spouse and first responders who give their lives in service of others. "(For me), happiness is service," Sullivan said. Utah had almost 19,000 veteran-owned businesses in 2012, said Salt Lake Chamber President and CEO Derek Miller, "a number that has certainly increased" since then. We recognize how important it is for our states prosperity to support and grow our local veteran-owned businesses, whether it is demonstrating how to apply the skills they've learned in the military to the marketplace, providing opportunities to network with other veteran-owned businesses or connecting them with available resources, he said. While in uniform, military members develop "genuine camaraderie" with their fellow service members that doesn't end upon separation, said Brian Garrett, chairman of the Salt Lake Chambers Military Affairs Committee. Similar principles follow as veterans transition to business, he added. "One of the primary reasons we hold this conference exclusively for veterans is to provide a forum where this companionship can continue, as well as provide them access to resources and tools designed specifically for them and their experiences, he said. If I gave you a pop quiz on recent current events, I bet you'd do pretty well, thanks to a 24-hour cable news cycle, late night talk shows, social media and popular culture. You undoubtedly know that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their first child this week. You can likely go into some detail about the Mueller report. You probably have an opinion of Attorney General William Barr. But what would you say if I asked you the following multiple choice question? When it comes to President Obama's drone wars, President Trump has: A. Ended them B. Continued them C. Escalated them You're forgiven for not knowing the answer. It's C. This administration has not only surpassed the previous one's drone strike volume overseas, it has made the drone wars even more secretive, if that's possible. We can cobble together some reporting on the numbers, but finding exact figures on drone strikes in the Trump administration is difficult. More on that in a minute. According to a 2018 report in The Daily Beast, Obama launched 186 drone strikes in Yemen, Somalia and Pakistan during his first two years in office. In Trump's first two years, he launched 238. The Trump administration has carried out 176 strikes in Yemen in just two years, compared with 154 there during all eight years of Obama's tenure, according to a count by The Associated Press and the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. Experts also say drone strikes under President Trump have surged in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. And, as was the case during Obama's presidency, these strikes have resulted in untold numbers of civilian casualties. According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, U.S. drone strikes in Afghanistan killed more than 150 civilians in the first nine months of 2018. Amnesty International reports drones have killed at least 14 civilians in Somalia since 2017. As of January of this year, U.S. drone strikes fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria have killed at least 1,257 civilians, according to the Pentagon, and a monitoring group, Airwars, estimates the number to be as great as 7,500. That you might not be aware of what should be a startling and deeply troubling escalation in unaccountable remote-control warfare by the U.S. is both by design and default. For one, the Obama administration paved the way for popularizing and normalizing drone wars, which also included the extrajudicial killing of U.S. citizens, first by hiding it, then by begrudgingly acknowledging it, and then by pretending to meaningfully constrain it. Obama eventually put in place arcane requirements to issue public reports on civilian death tolls (but just in certain military theaters), to limit targets to high-level militants (again, in certain battlefields), and require interagency approval (also only for certain targets). Trump has peeled back all of those requirements because, well, he can. We now know more than we did about U.S. drone wars when Obama first took office, but less than when he left. You can also blame cowardly, partisan politics for hearing little from lawmakers about these escalations. Republicans, of course, no longer criticize these sorts of things even if they subscribe to Trump's Obama-rebuking, "America First" isolationism. And Democrats who might take issue with unaccountable wars and civilian deaths know to do so they'd have to acknowledge Obama's role in the mess, and so...Trump's tax returns it is. You can't, however, blame the media for this one. Refreshingly, many mainstream outlets have been reporting on this escalation for months if not years. From Foreign Policy to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal to Fox News, The Washington Post to CNN, the issue is getting coverage. Whether Americans care or not is another story. De-escalating our involvement even shadow or unmanned in overseas conflicts was something that many Trump critics and supporters were welcoming, especially abroad. One CBC headline from 2016 read, "Drone King Barack Obama will not be missed." Another, from The Guardian: "At least President Trump would ground the drones." It was all wishful thinking. HEBER CITY No one was injured Saturday morning when a train, the former "Heber Creeper," left the tracks near 650 South and 800 West around 10 a.m. Heber City police spokeswoman Tammy Thacker said the derailment was likely caused by a failed switching mechanism on the historic rail line. Thacker said the incident was minor and the first of any kind affecting the railroad this year. No passengers were injured in the incident, she reported. Thacker wasn't able to offer an estimate of how long repairs will take following the mishap. The scenic tour-focused Heber Valley Railroad can trace its roots back to freight and passenger service that operated from the late 1800s through the late 1960s carrying freight and passengers from Heber City down Provo Canyon to the Wasatch Front. SALT LAKE CITY Anyone trying to call the downtown offices of the Utah Republican Party in the week since the election of a new leadership teamcouldn't get through because the phone bill hadn't been paid. "It's worse than we anticipated, just the volume of debt," Utah GOP Vice Chairman Aaron Starks said shortly before the first meeting Friday of the leaders elected by delegates as the "Fresh Start" slate at the May 4 state party convention. Utah GOP Chairman Derek Brown said the phones should be turned back on "hopefully any moment" and fundraising is already underway to pay off a pile of bills that add up to $100,000. "What's happening here at the party is we are literally turning everything back on and saying, 'We're open for business,'" Brown said as Starks, along with the party's treasurer, Michael Bird, and secretary, Kendra Seeley, laughed. The debt accumulated as contributions to the state's dominant political party dried up during a yearslong battle with the state over a controversial election law known as SB54 that changed the candidate nomination process. The legal fight ended earlier this year when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the party's appeal of losses at federal district court in Salt Lake City and the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. But the infighting that had plagued the party since the law was passed in 2014 didn't let up, pitting a faction of the GOP's governing State Central Committee against the former chairman, Rob Anderson. Anderson chose not to seek another two-year term. Losses in key races in last year's election were blamed in part on a lack of party support for the GOP candidates, including in the 4th Congressional District, where Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, narrowly beat two-term incumbent Mia Love. Add in a six-figure debt, and delegates were ready for something different. They decisively rejected candidates for party leadership positions seen as fueling what has been described as a civil war within the GOP in favor of choices with the backing of some of the state's top elected officials, including Gov. Gary Herbert. "They made their voices heard last Saturday," Starks said Friday of the more than 2,000 delegates from around the state attending the convention. "I think the evidence was almost shocking to a lot of us, how ready the state is for a fresh start." Some of the friction between party leadership and the State Central Committee will be eased thanks to a significant turnover in the committee membership that's still underway as county party conventions continue through the summer. Brown said the law allows Republicans to gather voter signatures for a place on the primary ballot so past attempts to punish them for not sticking to the party's traditional caucus and convention system isn't the answer. Instead, he said, the party's system needs to be promoted so candidates see it a tool that will help them win election. Brown, a former state lawmaker, cited the "solider" delegates who campaigned for him in his Sandy district. "The caucus system is what made me a good candidate," Brown said. "So I think that's our message to candidates, is that the caucus system is not a hurdle you try and overcome, it is a tool that strengthens you and helps you win." Seeley, a former chairwoman of the Carbon County Republican Party, said Republicans in rural areas of Utah are excited to see new state leadership that includes someone from off the Wasatch Front. "While the party's been in disarray up here, we've been working really hard to flip Carbon County from the Democrat county that it was to a Republican county. We just put our head down and focused on our job," Seeley said. That's something the state party now needs to do, she said. "We really had to work hard as a county party to win elections and I think at the state level, we've got to get back to winning elections as well and making sure that's our focus," Seeley said. "Keeping our eye on the ball." That means getting those bills paid so the attention can shift to the looming 2020 elections that will include a March 3 Super Tuesday presidential primary as well as a possible rematch between McAdams and Love and slew of other races. Bird, who ran unopposed for party treasurer, expressed confidence that it won't take long. "I think it's safe to say we have some catching up to do. It's nothing we can't handle shortly," he said. "When Derek and the team in general was elected, people saw the vision that he had and immediately started donating." Brown said the goal is to settle the debt within a month. He said the day after the state party convention, five former big-money donors to the Utah GOP called to say they were ready to start giving again. Starks said the renewed interest is about more than money. "There seems to be, fundraising aside, a new energy about the organization that hasn't existed for a while. So beyond fundraising, I know all of us have received emails and my phone has rung for five days," he said. "People want to get involved." Tutorials Over 90 free tutorials including quilts, quilt blocks, tips, choosing fabric, organization, bags, pillows, and table runners. Tutorials grouped by Category Quilt Tutorials Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com Continue Reading Baby Quilt & Gift Tutorials Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com Continue Reading Seasonal Project Tutorials and Patterns Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com Continue Reading Quilt Blocks + Quilt Making Tips & Tricks Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com Continue Reading Tutorials - Sewing for your Home Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com Continue Reading Bag Tutorials Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com Continue Reading Machine Quilting Tutorials from your Home Machine Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com Continue Reading Quilting Organization & Inspiration Tips Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com Continue Reading Sewing Room Organization + Quilting Supplies | Diary of a Quilter - a quilt blog Photo Credit: www.diaryofaquilter.com Continue Reading Having trouble opening the links on this page? Here is a link to the old Tutorials Page. Back in February, it was reported that the CCI was investigating complaints against Google for abuse of the Android platforms dominance. It looks like India will be joining the European Union in investigating Google for allegedly abusing the dominant position of Android to block competition. Sources have told Reuters that in mid-April, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) decided to launch a full probe into the complaint. The report notes that the probe will be complete in about a year, and executives from the company would likely be summoned before the CCI. Back in February, the same publication had reported that the CCI had received complaints and was said to be investigating. Reuters also notes in its report that the precise details of the complaint against Google could not be determined, but the sources say that it is similar to the one filed against the company in Europe. In that case, the regulators had complained that Google forced manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome browser, as well as its app store on Android devices, which gave it an unfair advantage. If found guilty, the CCI can impose a penalty of up to 10% of the companys three-year annual average turnover. Back in July last year, Google was fined around $5 billion by the EU antitrust regulators for abusing its Android platform. The fine resulted in Google changing its policies in the EU and the company then said that it would start charging a fee for the Google Play store and allow smartphone makers to use other versions of Android. This isnt the first time Google has had a run in with the CCI. last year, Google was fined Rs 136.86 Crore for abuse of its dominance and biased search practices in India. Caoimhe McBrearty is this years winner of the County Donegal Eason Spelling Bee Final. Caoimhe (pictured above), who is a pupil at Saint Patrick's National School, Lifford, came out on top after stiff competition from her 23 fellow spelling enthusiasts and will go on to compete in the Ulster Provincial Spelling Bee in May. Caoimhe loves to read David Walliams books. Now in its ninth year, the Eason Spelling Bee is the very definition of fun for school kids, encouraging them to read more, expand their vocabulary and fall in love with literacy. Brendan Corbett, Group Head of Marketing at Eason, said: Were now in the ninth year of the Eason Spelling Bee and were incredibly proud to see it going from strength to strength annually. Each year, the children involved continue to impress us with their level of spelling skill and its wonderful to see schools across the country continuing to support this competition." Along with the prestigious title of Eason Spelling Bee 2019 Champion, the winning speller will also take home a collection of books for their school library, worth 7,500 as well as a personal collection of books worth 500. This year, 900 schools around Ireland will take part in the nationwide contest. Eason are partnering with Today FM for a fourth year and, in early summer, presenter Alison Curtis will host the Provincial and All Ireland Spelling Bee Finals. Keep up-to-date with all the 2019 Spelling Bee buzz on www.easons.com/spellingbee and @easons #EasonSpellingBee Thousands of people were up before dawn this morning to prepare to take part in Darkness into Light walks across Donegal, Ireland and across the world. From small villages such as Carrick in south west Donegal, to our islands such as Tory and to larger towns like Letterkenny and Donegal town, the story was the same as people arrived, some alone, some with friends and family, all keen to participate. The walks raise awareness and necessary funds for mental health and suicide prevention. The start of the Darkness into Light 5k in Bundoran on Saturday morning Picture: Thomas Gallagher Starting in the darkest hours of this morning at 4.15am, close to 200,000 walkers across Ireland and throughout the world started a journey into hope as part of Pietas annual flagship fundraiser, Darkness Into Light, proudly supported by Electric Ireland. Jackie Spratt, Kyra and Shay McNulty taking part in the Darkness into Light 5k in Bundoran on Saturday morning Picture: Thomas Gallagher Darkness Into Light has become global movement against suicide taking place in 202 venues across 19 countries in 5 continents, as people come together to remove the stigma around suicide and self-harm and spread the power of hope in Ireland and around the globe. It was an inspirational morning in Donegal town as close to 1,000 people joined together welcoming in the dawn at the annual Darkness into Light walk. Oisin Kane, Palo and Men Law taking part in the Darkness into Light 5k in Bundoran on Saturday morning Picture: Thomas Gallagher All funds raised through Darkness Into Light will support Pieta to deliver its counselling, therapy and bereavement services across its 15 centres in Ireland, operate its 24-hour suicide helpline (1800 247 247) and contributes to the Resilience Academy programme which supports youth mental health in schools. Since opening its doors 13 years ago, Pieta supported 40,000 people who were at the point of suicidal crisis and/or engaging in self-harm. Speaking on this mornings events, Elaine Austin, CEO, Pieta said: Darkness Into Light unites us as people, from rural communities to major cities, across the globe, in a spirit of comfort and compassion to give and build hope. It connects us all, creating the energy for change, in which suicidal thoughts, self-harm and stigma can be replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance. "It is vital for the delivery of our services and for raising awareness. We are so thankful to have had [insert participant numbers] people walking with us today from Darkness Into Light. I want to thank our volunteers, our supporters, our partner Electric Ireland and all the participants for their involvement in this years event. However, the journey continues beyond the finish line of the walk. It is vital that we continue to build hope. Electric Ireland has supported Darkness Into Light and walked alongside Pieta for the past seven years to bring hope into the homes of our customers, staff and communities across Ireland that have been affected by suicide. Commenting on the long-term partnership between Electric Ireland and Pieta, Marguerite Sayers, Executive Director, ESB said: Electric Ireland has proudly supported Darkness Into Light since 2013, helping Pieta to grow the event from 20 venues to a global movement across 202 locations. Darkness Into Light is a true demonstration of the power of hope as people come together to offer support and solidarity to those who have been impacted by suicide; and todays event was as moving and powerful as ever. Darkness Into Light is vital for fundraising and for raising awareness on the issue of suicide. If you didnt get a chance to support you can still donate; visit www.darknessintolight.ie *Send us more photos, we will feature them here in further posts Its not the years in your life that count, its the life in your years, was the message at the launch of the Bealtaine Festival which took place on the 8th of May at the Donegal Waterbus on the Donegal town pier. Bealtaine Festival which is in its 22nd year celebrates art and creativity. It is a unique collaboration across generations and features older people as artists, performers, organisers and audience members. Be our guest is the theme for this years festival and this was certainly on show at the launch as the audience enjoyed the scenery of Donegal Bay from the Donegal Waterbus and were entertained by the comedy storytelling of the Makey Uppers. When speaking about Bealtaine, Festival co-ordinator Rita Chapman said The events taking place throughout the county during May will have something for everybody including; Image therapy in Central library; a showing of the film The Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society at the Regional Cultural Centre Letterkenny; Artist Workshops with artist Ann Quinn at Habinteg Housing Association in Lifford and a drumming and percussion workshop in Milford Library. The festival is also highlighting getting active this year by partnering with Ballyshannon, Aura, and Finn Valley leisure centres to give discounted activities to the over 55s. The Donegal Bealtaine festival is proudly organised by Donegal County Council Culture Division and is one of our most important events of the year. Its just one part of our ongoing work towards providing an age-friendly service to this growing section of our community said County Librarian Eileen Burgess at the launch. This years festival has 95 events taking place all over the county and brochures are available from local libraries, Theatres, and cultural venues. For more information or to book a place at an event contact your local library at 074 91 53900 or go to www.donegalibrary.ie for more details. Populist calls for end of Reserve bank Power to the People is the platform of the Populist Party of the United States, said national party chairman Robert Weems at a Rotary Club luncheon yesterday, yet he asked, What has happened to this country? What happens when the treasonable element is at the top, asked Weems, warning that our nations moral fiber is being challenged to extremes. He said the Populist Party proposes that taxpayers exercise their moral and legal right to repudiate the entire federal debt, since it is money created out of thin air by the privately owned Federal Reserve System of banks. Of Reagan, Weems, who voted for Reagan, said, You cant build a movement of the people by being tied in with the super rich. Jackson County Floridan, Thursday, May 17, 1984 Crime Stopper Police departments caution the public against hiding keys to homes and/or vehicles in common places such as under welcome mats and tire wells. Mr. Jones case is an unsolved murder case, Watkins said. During the investigation it was determined Jones was walking down the street in the 500 block of West Powell Street when he was shot and killed by an unknown suspect. At this time there are no witnesses to crime. Thats why we are now offering a reward in this case. We want to see this case solved not only for Mr. Jones and his family, but for entire community. If anyone has any information regarding the murder of Mr. Jones, you are asked to contact law enforcement. This family is deserves to have this case solved for their loved one, so now is the time to provide information. From December 19th through December 26th we will be granting free access as a gift to our readers presented by Eye Center South & Vision Center South The gambling debate in Alabama always falls along two paths that never meet, despite the arguments being hurled from one path to another. The first path is about human freedom. Many of those that support the expansion of gambling in Alabama believe that residents should have the right to gamble if they choose. After all, residents have the right to engage in other potentially abusive activities including smoking and drinking alcohol. The state doesnt force residents across the border to grab a beer. So, why should residents have to cross the border for the lottery or other types of gambling? The second path is about money. Residents generally loathe tax increases of any kind. Many who support the expansion of gambling in Alabama may never purchase a lottery ticket or punch buttons on a video terminal, but believe the state would benefit from the additional revenue generated. The first argument holds more weight than the second. Maybe Alabama residents should have the right to plunk a few dollars on the lottery if they so choose, but it probably wont result in a noticeable difference economically. I tried to reach U.S. Rep. Martha Roby to make a comment about her performance during Judiciary Committee hearings on May 8. I phoned her office on that day around 12:16 p.m. and spoke calmly and politely to voice my concerns. Imagine my surprise when her Washington office hung up on me. Is that the way an American citizen should be treated by a Representative of Congress? Does Roby deserve another term if that's the way her office conducts itself? I ask the readers to consider this behavior in 2020. If our representatives refuse to listen to us, the American people, then what does that say about our democracy? Is it really a government by the people? Under Roby, I think not. Blog Archive June 2021 (1) May 2021 (77) April 2021 (77) March 2021 (82) February 2021 (68) January 2021 (64) December 2020 (67) November 2020 (66) October 2020 (66) September 2020 (67) August 2020 (74) July 2020 (83) June 2020 (92) May 2020 (86) April 2020 (104) March 2020 (105) February 2020 (74) January 2020 (75) December 2019 (75) November 2019 (70) October 2019 (89) September 2019 (69) August 2019 (81) July 2019 (77) June 2019 (73) May 2019 (110) April 2019 (110) March 2019 (102) February 2019 (85) January 2019 (123) December 2018 (116) November 2018 (112) October 2018 (121) September 2018 (107) August 2018 (150) July 2018 (163) June 2018 (190) May 2018 (145) April 2018 (112) March 2018 (124) February 2018 (113) January 2018 (164) December 2017 (150) November 2017 (144) October 2017 (169) September 2017 (171) August 2017 (135) July 2017 (131) June 2017 (147) May 2017 (160) April 2017 (138) March 2017 (156) February 2017 (143) January 2017 (203) December 2016 (208) November 2016 (185) October 2016 (173) September 2016 (194) August 2016 (232) July 2016 (225) June 2016 (238) May 2016 (231) April 2016 (215) March 2016 (246) February 2016 (226) January 2016 (252) December 2015 (230) November 2015 (250) October 2015 (234) September 2015 (222) August 2015 (253) July 2015 (275) June 2015 (279) May 2015 (223) April 2015 (226) March 2015 (243) February 2015 (258) January 2015 (281) December 2014 (292) November 2014 (296) October 2014 (413) September 2014 (472) August 2014 (506) July 2014 (483) June 2014 (488) May 2014 (512) April 2014 (497) March 2014 (531) February 2014 (482) January 2014 (535) December 2013 (482) November 2013 (441) October 2013 (416) September 2013 (491) August 2013 (521) July 2013 (491) June 2013 (470) May 2013 (457) April 2013 (426) March 2013 (420) February 2013 (414) January 2013 (489) December 2012 (433) November 2012 (504) October 2012 (469) September 2012 (430) August 2012 (427) July 2012 (360) June 2012 (336) May 2012 (362) April 2012 (322) March 2012 (263) February 2012 (224) January 2012 (291) December 2011 (295) November 2011 (325) October 2011 (330) September 2011 (319) August 2011 (333) July 2011 (318) June 2011 (387) May 2011 (373) April 2011 (389) March 2011 (375) February 2011 (335) January 2011 (400) December 2010 (445) November 2010 (395) October 2010 (312) September 2010 (262) August 2010 (277) July 2010 (323) June 2010 (386) May 2010 (360) April 2010 (333) March 2010 (351) February 2010 (336) January 2010 (384) December 2009 (353) November 2009 (300) October 2009 (308) September 2009 (350) August 2009 (298) July 2009 (255) June 2009 (203) May 2009 (193) April 2009 (186) March 2009 (197) February 2009 (173) January 2009 (148) December 2008 (181) November 2008 (197) October 2008 (236) September 2008 (304) August 2008 (314) July 2008 (273) June 2008 (27) May 2008 (1) April 2008 (6) October 2007 (1) May 2007 (1) April 2007 (6) March 2007 (2) February 2007 (1) October 2006 (1) September 2006 (1) August 2006 (4) July 2006 (4) June 2006 (1) July 2005 (1) May 2005 (2) March 2005 (1) June 2004 (2) May 2004 (1) April 2004 (4) March 2004 (2) February 2004 (2) July 2003 (2) June 2003 (5) Witness appeal after van stolen Police are appealing for information after a van was stolen in the capital. A Grey Fiat Doblo small van, was stolen from Brunswick road between the hours of 9pm on Wednesday , and 7.30am on Thursday. The vehicle was later found in the car park behind the Pulrose Youth and Community Centre. Officers would like to speak with anybody in the area of Brunswick road, and Heather Crescent who saw any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area. San Antonio-based NuStar Energy said Friday that its selling its crude oil storage facility in the Caribbean for $250 million after terminating the lease of its largest tenant Venezuelas state-owned oil company to comply with U.S. sanctions against the South American nation. The pipeline operator disclosed the sale to private equity firm ProStar Capital as part as its first quarter earnings announcement. NuStar, a master limited partnership, reported a net loss of $278 million in the three-month period ending March 31, compared with a first-quarter profit of $126 million a year ago. The loss resulted from a $328 million noncash write-down of the Caribbean facility, which is on the tiny island nation of St. Eustatius. RELATED: San Antonio's NuStar Energy posts $206 million gain a year after restructuring In an interview, NuStar President and CEO Brad Barron said the sale would allow the company to continue to focus on expanding operations. Itll invest the $250 million in projects in the booming Permian Basin in West Texas and elsewhere in North America or pay off company debt. NuStar has $3.3 billion in debt, which is about four times its capital. The terminal, with a storage capacity of 14.4 million gallons, is two-thirds empty since NuStar officials canceled their contract with Petroleos de Venezuela SA, at the end of February as part of the Trump administrations sanctions. The facility is the main business on the island, which is home to 4,000 people. The sale of St. Eustatius eliminates an underperforming asset, allowing (NuStar) to focus on its growth initiatives, Stifel analyst Selman Akyol said in a note Friday after the companys announcement. Units of NuStar closed at $28.42 Friday, up almost 7.8 percent. . First quarter results also included a one-time gain of $79 million, which the company received from insurers for damage at the St. Eustatius terminal caused by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Excluding the write-down and insurance gains, NuStar officials said, adjusted net earnings were $50.5 million for the first quarter. The sale of the terminal is expected to close in the second quarter. When it is complete, NuStars operations will be strictly in North America the U.S., Canada and Mexico. NuStar sold its European operations in November 2017. Barron said the St. Eustatius facility has gone through several lives. RELATED: San Antonio's NuStar Energy income skyrockets on hurricane insurance money In its heyday, it was very profitable as a ... facility bringing Saudi crude to be refined in the U.S, he said. As the U.S. has moved from net importer to net exporter of crude oil because of the shale boom, he said, the trade flows have changed. Barron said the Caribbean has an oversupply of available crude oil storage and that the facility will have more use to ProStar, which will use most of the storage for its own crude supplies, with less reliance on third-party contracts. Barron said it was unfortunate NuStar had to terminate its relationship with Petroleos de Venezuela. We have had a long business relationship, he said. Their relationship, however, has been rough in recent years as the Venezuelan oil company has struggled with financial problems because of government turmoil, leading to late rent payments. Last year, NuStar temporarily barred the oil company from using its facilities. Randy.diamond@express-news.net The Texas General Generals Office wants to fine Valero Energy Company $1.3 million in connection with a environmental incident that contaminated Corpus Christis water supply and left residents without water for drinking, bathing and cooking for nearly four days. San Antonio-based Valero disclosed the proposed penalty in a May 7 first quarter financial statement stating We have received a letter and draft Agreed Final Judgment from the Texas AG related to a contaminated water backflow incident that occurred at the Valero Corpus Christi Asphalt Plant. The draft Agreed Final Judgment assesses proposed penalties in the amount of $1,300,000. We are working with the Texas AG to resolve this matter. When the original incident happened back in 2016, Valero blamed We have received a letter and draft Agreed Final Judgment from the Texas AG related to a contaminated water backflow incident that occurred at the Valero Corpus Christi Asphalt Plant. The draft Agreed Final Judgment assesses proposed penalties in the amount of $1,300,000. We are working with the Texas AG to resolve this matter. Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) and Solano County Department of Resource Management Certified Unified Program Agency (Solano County) (Benicia Refinery). We have received multiple Violation Notices (VNs) issued by the BAAQMD related to an upset of the Flue Gas Scrubber (FGS) at our Benicia Refinery. In the aggregate, we reasonably believe penalties for these VNs may be in excess of $100,000. We are working with the BAAQMD to resolve these VNs. We have also received a draft Consent Order (Docket AEO-2019-103) from Solano County related to the FGS incident. The draft Consent Order assesses proposed penalties of $242,840. We are working with Solano County to resolve this matter. BAAQMD (Benicia Refinery). In our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, we reported that we had multiple outstanding VNs issued by the BAAQMD. These VNs are for various alleged air regulation and air permit violations at our Benicia Refinery and asphalt plant. We continue to work with the BAAQMD to resolve these VNs. Attorney General of the State of Texas (Texas AG) (Corpus Christi Asphalt Plant). We have received a letter and draft Agreed Final Judgment from the Texas AG related to a contaminated water backflow incident that occurred at the Valero Corpus Christi Asphalt Plant. The draft Agreed Final Judgment assesses proposed penalties in the amount of $1,300,000. We are working with the Texas AG to resolve this matter. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) (Corpus Christi Refinery). We have received a proposed Agreed Order from the TCEQ in the amount of $167,550, for inspection and permit violations related to third party tanks located at our Corpus Christi Refinery t hat we operate. We are working with the TCEQ to resolve this matter. Twenty-eight. Thats the number Marta Pelaez asked the audience to focus on at Fridays fundraising luncheon for the Battered Women and Childrens Shelter. After citing several whimsical examples there are 28 dominoes in a standard set, for example she got to the grim reality: Thats the number of people who died from domestic violence last year in Bexar County. Most of (the victims) were mothers, said Pelaez, president and CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services, which operates the shelter. At least three times that number of children (were) orphaned, she said. Weve got to get the number 28 to zero. The 18th annual Honoring Mothers Luncheon took place amid heightened local attention on family violence, for several reasons. For one, there has been an alarming rise in such deaths in Bexar County they have nearly tripled since 2015. A rash of deaths this year prompted local womens advocates to stage vigils for victims across the city. On ExpressNews.com: Advocates take to the street to protest family violence Another factor: Mayoral candidate Greg Brockhouse has two police reports of domestic violence in his past; one in 2006, involving an ex-wife, and another in 2009, filed by his current wife. Brockhouse, a city councilman, has denied the allegations and wasnt charged in either case. In a hard-fought mayoral campaign, there has been little public discussion of the reports. Brockhouse, who is challenging Mayor Ron Nirenberg in a June 8 runoff, threatened to walk out of an April 17 candidates debate sponsored by the Rivard Report if he was asked about the allegations. The debate moderators did not ask him about the reports. The subject also went unmentioned during a May 2 debate sponsored by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and aired live on KLRN-TV. Asked about the omission afterward, chamber president Richard Perez said domestic violence was not a business issue. Perez apologized after the comment sparked heated criticism from City Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales and others. The day before Fridays Honoring Mothers Luncheon, Gonzales and Councilman Manny Pelaez called on city leaders to come up with a comprehensive plan to address domestic abuse and help survivors, along with money to pay for it. Three other council members have signed on to the proposal. Gonzales said theyd like to see the city increase spending by at least 20 percent for agencies that work on domestic violence. The city currently gives about $21 million to those and related agencies, she said. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio council members want to boost funding for domestic violence In her luncheon speech, Marta Pelaez, who is Councilman Pelaezs mother, said progress has been made in confronting domestic violence law enforcement and other groups now work more closely together, a bill to allow victims to break a housing lease for their own safety likely will become law and police are receiving better training. But, she added, the changes came too late for the 28 dead. We couldnt save them, said Pelaez, whose nonprofit provided shelter and services to more than 3,300 women and children last year. The agency also provided services to men who abuse and abusers are overwhelmingly men, she said. During the luncheon, Pelaez was shown on video interviewing Felix Gonzalez, a graduate of her groups Batterers Intervention and Prevention Program. I carried around so much guilt, shame and resentment, he said. That turned into fear, which became anger. I had to man up and realize what I had learned was wrong. Brockhouses name wasnt mentioned from the lectern Friday, nor was Perez, the chamber president. On ExpressNews.com: Chamber official apologizes about domestic violence remark Pelaez saying she was going off-script referred to Perez only obliquely, noting that her shelter indeed was a business, one she hopes will go out of business one day. Manny Pelaez who for decades worked as an attorney for the battered womens shelter spoke briefly. Domestic violence is very much a business issue, the councilman said. One in three women in San Antonio experiences domestic violence, he said. Were talking about loss of morale and huge losses in productivity. Were talking about workplace violence, where an abuser shows up to kill his wife. Were talking about health care costs and turnover. Frankly, we should have been talking about all this a long time ago. Melissa Fletcher Stoeltje is a general assignment reporter covering breaking news, cultural trends and interesting people and goings-on around San Antonio and Bexar County, as well as all across South Texas. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | mstoeltje@express-news.net | Twitter: @mstoeltje Luz Abbenante was ecstatic when she clambered up the metal steps of a yellow bulldozer at the entrance of the RockIT Into the Future Science Festival at Mission County Park. The 7-year-olds eyes darted across the dials on the dashboard. She flicked switches. She jabbed her fingers at several buttons. As gray clouds appeared overhead, her mother, Rita Abbenante, 39, watched Luz as she scampered across the cab with her brother, Gian, 9. Abbenante said Luzs interest in the huge earthmover fell in line with her fascination with science. She said Luz is still mulling over whether she wants to be a scientist, animal doctor or dinosaur bone digger. We try to expose them to things they do not see every day, Abbenante said of her childrens romp on the Touch-A-Truck exhibit. We want to open their eyes to opportunities we didnt have. On Saturday, Girls Inc. of San Antonio hosted its 13th annual festival that exposes science, technology, engineering and math exploration to young girls. The free event, sponsored by USAA, featured 35 exhibitors, hands-on experiments and robots. Organizers said more than 2,000 guests attended last years festival. Lea Rosenauer, president/CEO of Girls Inc., said the festival welcomed girls, who sometimes are not encouraged to tear things apart and put things back together. Our mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold, she said. This event shows the community that science is everywhere and that girls can do anything they want to do. A sweeping rain shower spurred the crowd to run and take cover at the USAA Pavilion. Hands-on science exhibits lined the walls, from the back to the stage, where wispy white smoke spewed from beakers. Young girls wearing plastic hard hats watched a mad scientist, clad in a white lab coat, as she changed the color of liquids and sparked flames. There were tables where guests could learn to code and make elephant toothpaste. Volunteers such as Nicole Taylor from USAA and daughter Addy helped with STEM exhibits that included a vortex cannon experiment and a neutral buoyancy challenge. At a small wooden platform, Addy, a sixth grader, explained to guests how she made a battery travel through a metal coil. Taylor, 36, said science has played a big role in her family and that she wants her daughter to continue that legacy. Addy nodded and said she wants to be an astrophysicist. Vincent T. Davis is a reporter in the Greater San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | vtdavis@express-news.net | Twitter: @vincentdavis The federal government has rejected the citys request to spend $500,000 on air conditioners for public housing, jeopardizing the installation of window units in roughly 800 apartments before sweltering summer temperatures arrive. The denial represents one-third of $1.5 million earmarked to provide air conditioning in 2,400 apartments managed by the San Antonio Housing Authority . Under the agreement, SAHA pitched in $500,000; another $500,000 came from private donors; and the city pledged the remaining $500,000. We havent given up on our commitment to be a funding partner in the project, said San Antonio Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni. We are going to reassess some other funding opportunities that we have to make sure we come up with $500,000. RELATED: 'It's been a blessing': SAHA begins installing AC in housing without it Zanoni said he couldnt discuss those options publicly. HUD blocked the citys initial request because it proposed to pay for the window units using federal grant money, which HUD said needed to be used for permanent upgrades. Even though the appliances are installed with heavy-duty fastenings such as tamper-proof screws, HUD doesnt consider them permanently affixed, Zanoni said. HUD officials could not be reached Friday afternoon. San Antonio officials opted for window units because they are far cheaper and quicker to install than other types of air conditioners. SAHA started installing them early this month, with a goal to finish the job by June 30. But completion of the project is dependent on HUD approving the citys funding request, said SAHA spokesman Michael Reyes. While we are disappointed in HUDs decision .... we plan on continuing the initiative to provide heat relief for our elderly and disabled residents and families first, said Reyes. SAHA oversees 6,137 public-housing units, roughly 40 percent of which are uncooled unless tenants purchase and install the appliances themselves. Hundreds of those apartments were built in the 1930s and 1940s, decades before air conditioning was widely available. RELATED: 'I suffered the whole year': Thousands of San Antonio public housing units lack air conditioning But even today, HUD doesnt mandate air conditioning in housing subsidized by federal tax dollars. It doesnt provide funding for the appliances and generally discourages local housing authorities from installing them, unless electricity costs are paid for by tenants. The SAHA apartments without air conditioning make up one-quarter of all uncooled homes an estimated 9,600 in the San Antonio metropolitan area, according to census estimates. According to SAHA, families living in public housing earn on average $9,700 each year, well below the federal poverty level and the citys median income of $49,700. Marina Starleaf Riker is an investigative reporter for the San Antonio Express-News with extensive experience covering affordable housing, inequality and disaster recovery. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | marina.riker@express-news.net | Twitter: @MarinaStarleaf The Mexican state of Tamaulipas has filed suit to reclaim South Texas property it says was purchased with some of the millions of dollars allegedly stolen by one of its former governors. The lawsuit, filed in April in Cameron County, accuses Tomas Yarrington Ruvalcaba, governor from 1999-2005, and a Mexican contractor, Fernando Cano, of using Texas real estate to hide money that Yarrington obtained from a bribery scheme that defrauded Tamaulipas, which borders the Lone Star State. On ExpressNews.com: Yarrington tale included a dumped body, pricey houses, drug trafficking Yarrington and Cano were indicted in Brownsville in 2012, accused of a raft of federal conspiracy charges centered on laundering millions of dollars in real estate in San Antonio and South Texas. Yarrington is awaiting trial; Cano is a fugitive wanted on an arrest warrant. Tamaulipas wants a judgment declaring that tracts comprising a shopping center called Plaza Tikun in Brownsville were bought with stolen funds. The state hired Mexican firms that partnered with Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss PLLC, an international fraud and asset recovery law firm based in New York and Washington, to identify the property. The U.S. firm filed the suit and seeks authority to seize the tracts, auction them and return the funds to the Tamaulipas treasury. The shopping center land was purchased in December 2012 in the name of Canos ex-wife, Zonia de Pau, and is worth at least $1.26 million, according to the lawsuit. Related: Mexicos PRI aiming to cut ties with ex-governor indicted in Texas The new government of Tamaulipas is committed to taking all measures to stamp out corruption and return the proceeds of corruption to the people from whom they have been stolen, said Adam Kaufmann, lead lawyer and partner at the firm. There are many ways that the United States courts can be used in a proactive way to trace and seize ill-gotten assets. The people of the State of Tamaulipas, and the victims of corruption everywhere, deserve no less. Edwin Jones, a managing partner of Plaza Tikun who is married to Canos ex-wife, said in a brief interview Friday that they have not been served with the lawsuit. He denied the shopping center was purchased with funds stolen from Tamaulipas. Thats a bunch of lies, Jones said, when provided a summary of the allegations. Everything is false. Jones said he would speak with his wife and their lawyers before the pair decides how to proceed. Related: Accused cartel front man has business in S.A. The suit said Cano was the chief executive officer and co-owner of a construction firm in Tamaulipas that received millions of dollars worth of public works contracts during Yarringtons term as governor. Cano, in turn, kicked back some of the money to Yarrington, directly and indirectly, the suit alleges. The payments included ranches and other real estate in Mexico that Cano acquired for Yarrington using front names, and he also moved money to U.S. banks and used it to purchase property in Texas, according to the lawsuit. On ExpressNews.com: Ex-Mexican governor's resort condo sold for $640K U.S. federal prosecutors have already gone after various properties they claim were tied to Yarrington through straw buyers, including some in San Antonio and in the Rio Grande Valley, and seized them through a process known as civil forfeiture. Plaza Tikun is not among the properties previously identified in those filings. But there were plenty of others. In 2013, the feds auctioned off Yarringtons South Padre Island condo for $640,000 after it was forfeited because he did not respond to the suit. They even seized and auctioned houses that were in the name of Yarringtons alleged girlfriend, a former Texas State University professor. Related: Texas State professor's property targeted by feds In San Antonio, the feds seized 46 acres in La Cantera, near Six Flags, from a former Tamaulipas government official, San Antonio resident Alberto Berlanga Bolado, who said he obtained it in a business deal with Cano. The case ended in a settlement in 2016 in which Berlanga sold the property for $7 million to a North Texas developer. The feds got $1 million from the sale total, while $3.2 million went to a bank that financed Berlangas initial purchase from Cano. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio land once tied to indicted Mexican ex-governor sells for $7 million Yarrington and Cano were indicted in Brownsville in 2012 on federal charges of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to make false statements to federally insured U.S. banks. Yarrington is also charged with a conspiracy to violate the Controlled Substances Act, two counts of bank fraud charges and conspiracy to structure currency transactions at a domestic financial institution, while Cano is also charged with three counts of bank fraud. The Tamaulipas lawsuit said Cano bought the Plaza Tikun tracts six months after he was indicted, but put them in the name of Zonia de Pau. Related: Yarrington, former Mexican governor, has been extradited from Italy to Texas Yarrington was extradited from Italy to Texas in April 2018 and is facing trial later this year. Messages seeking comment were left Friday by phone and email for his lawyers. Attorney Jason Berland with Lewis Baach Kaufmann Middlemiss said the current governor of Tamaulipas, Francisco Garcia Cabeza de Vaca, is leading that state's efforts to recover the allegedly stolen assets as part of his vows to root out corruption. His administration hired the law firm of Garcia Alcocer y Asociados, S.C. and the consulting firm Accuracy Legal and Consulting, both leading asset recovery firms in Mexico. They have partnered with the U.S. law firm. Berland said non-U.S. government efforts to recover assets, like the civil action his firm is pursuing on behalf of Tamaulipas, have netted mixed results. In some cases, owners contest the lawsuits on grounds that the properties in question were purchased with legitimate funds. In others, the owners dont put up a fight for various reasons. Theres a lot of different factors especially if the target owner is a fugitive from justice, Berland said. Guillermo Contreras covers federal courts in San Antonio and international legal issues. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | gcontreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland AUSTIN The Texas Historical Commission took action on two key issues Friday, supporting separate groups of advocates who want to expand the $450 million Alamo redevelopment project to include history before and after the famed 1836 battle. The commission declared a large part of the Alamo grounds a historic cemetery, adding weight to Native Americans insistence that their early history be recognized in the redevelopment. Commissioners also approved an added layer of protection for the 1921 Woolworth building, naming it a state antiquities landmark. Its the site of one of several local lunch counters that were peacefully integrated in 1960, putting San Antonio in a national spotlight during the U.S. civil rights movement. The building on Alamo Plaza has been threatened with demolition as part of the Alamo makeover. The historic cemetery designation means Native American history is more likely to be included in the new interpretation of the area. Ramon Vasquez, executive director of the American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions, said hell soon ask the commission for a historic marker at the site. There were real humans that contributed to San Antonio that are buried there, Vasquez said. There are many descendants that live in San Antonio. Its not only the fallen Alamo heroes whose legacy is tied to the site. Well before it became the Shrine of Texas Liberty, the Spanish mission and surrounding area was home to many Native Americans and other ancestors of modern Texans. Church records document more than 1,000 burials in the 1700s at the Mission San Antonio de Valero, which later became the fort known as the Alamo. The designation takes on added importance because a major feature of the plaza makeover is a roughly 20-inch lowering of the surface in the historic plaza to serve as an open, outdoor interpretive area that will complement a new museum. Workers will have to be extra vigilant now about uncovering human remains when that excavation takes place. This kind of highlights the fact that as work continues in that area, well have to be particularly cautious and careful that human remains could be encountered and will have to be appropriately dealt with, Commissioner Jim Bruseth said after the vote. In approving the historic cemetery designation, the commission threaded between two competing proposals. The Texas General Land Office had requested the designation only for the iconic Alamo church, while the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation had sought a larger designation for more of the city-owned Alamo Plaza and the state-owned Alamo grounds, as well as the church. Raymond Hernandez, cultural preservationist with the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation, told the 15-member state commission Friday that the group is not opposed to the Alamo project, but viewed the Land Offices decision to submit its own cemetery proposal as a slap in the face. I think what were witnessing now is how our history is really going to be treated, Vasquez said after the meeting. We do see (the cemetery designation) as a victory. But were not jumping for joy. In approving neither request, but rather setting its own boundaries for the cemetery designation, the commissions staff chose lines that were more appropriate than either, said Mark Wolfe, the commissions executive director. These have been characterized as competing nominations. I dont see it that way, he said, adding that his staff determined the rectangular area the commission approved includes the vast majority of discoveries that have been made or substantiated. The area approved unanimously encompasses the church, Long Barrack and other western portions of the state complex, and the eastern half of the citys Alamo Plaza. That area does not include city streets, but is roughly bounded by Houston Street to the north; a line extending from Crockett Street to the south; a north-south line projecting from the east end of the church to the east; and Alamo Street to the west. Wolfe emphasized that the designation is honorary and isnt equivalent to the abandoned cemetery designation under the states Health and Safety Code. The honorary designation is an acknowledgment that the area is worthy of recognition, he said, noting the designated area someday could be expanded as warranted by new discoveries and research. To address concerns over the handling of any remains that are uncovered during the projects excavation, the Land Office has formed a six-member Alamo Mission Archaeology Advisory Committee, with representatives from federally recognized tribes to help develop a human remains treatment plan, as recommended by the historical commission. The panel is made up of cultural and preservation experts from the Mescalero Apache, Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma, Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas, Caddo Nation of Oklahoma, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma. Karina Erickson, communications director with the Land Office, said the agency was pleased with the cemetery designation, even though it extended beyond the church. Were not upset about this being expanded, she said. This just gives us another opportunity to further enhance our programming and talk about what the story of the Alamo mission is. The Alamo Trust, a nonprofit under contract with the Land Office to run the battle site, initially said in a January letter that there wasnt a cemetery on the grounds. Land Office officials have said the letter referred to an abandoned cemetery, as defined in the Health and Safety Code, and has been misunderstood. Frankly, we all know this is a very unique application, Jeff Gordon, general counsel with the Land Office, told commissioners. Anyone whos been there knows that there are no markers, headstones, grave markers on the site, which indicate the presence of a cemetery. We recognize burials did occur, inside and outside the church, he said. We certainly dont dispute that. But over the course, frankly, unfortunately, with 300 years of history, the city of San Antonio has grown up around it. Woolworths History was made again at the site in 1960, when the lunch counter at Woolworths was among those quietly, peacefully integrated. It was March 16, a Wednesday morning. In the face of threats of demonstrations on March 17, religious and business leaders met and agreed to a quiet and orderly policy of no discrimination. But theres no sign anywhere in the plaza that indicates the national civil rights history made by African-Americans that day. Vasquez and the San Antonio Conservation Society are among those who want that to change and are actively pursuing ways to ensure that history is included in the Alamo overhaul project. The Woolworth building already had city landmark status and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The request to have the building declared a state antiquities landmark, approved unanimously, was made by the society. The designation doesnt prohibit changes to the building, but any future alterations would have to be considered by the commission. It is the best possible outcome, said Susan Beavin, conservation society president. It does not mean it couldnt be demolished. Its not 100 percent protection, but its another layer. The decision came three days after the society unveiled what it called a compromise plan to incorporate the building into the design of a new museum. Its not to say this is the only option, Beavin said of the conservations proposal. But its just to say, Why would you not use this great opportunity to include the African-American experience, and for the tourism as well, rather than just stop with the Alamo? Tell the whole Alamo Plaza story. Scott Huddleston covers Bexar County government and the Alamo for the San Antonio Express-News. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | shuddleston@express-news.net | Twitter: @shuddlestonSA EAGLE PASS Frantic and shouting, Border Patrol agents rescued a group of migrants whose inflatable rafts tipped them into the rain-swollen Rio Grande on Friday afternoon. Grab the bag! Grab the bag! one agent yelled, referring to the rescue device at the end of a rope used to pull the migrants to shore. Five of the nine migrants were children. They all began to scream. One agent jumped into the river to save a 7-year-old boy, who had separated from his float and was going under in the swift current. The dramatic rescue came days after a raft capsized at night and tossed another group of migrants into this stretch of the river. A 10-year-old boy drowned and three others are missing. RELATED: Tent city opens to deal with crush of asylum seekers Border Patrol officials said agents are regularly witnessing these dangerous crossings on the normally placid Rio Grande, now swollen by abundant rain and releases from the Amistad Reservoir. Thats every day. Thats multiple times a day. It really is a humanitarian crisis, said Bryan Kemmet, agent in charge of the Eagle Pass Border Patrol station. Now Playing: Border Patrol officials said agents are regularly witnessing these dangerous crossings on the normally placid Rio Grande, now swollen by abundant rain and releases from the Amistad Reservoir. Video: Silvia Foster-Frau Agents have performed 370 rescues seven months into the fiscal year in this sector, compared with 31 at this point in the previous year. Nearly all of the rescues have been in the river. Its because of the river but not necessarily because the river is high. Its more the sheer number of people coming across, and also the makeup of them, said Brady Waikel, assistant chief patrol agent and spokesman for the Del Rio Sector. Its the fact that were dealing with family units and higher numbers of young kids that we have before. Its a vulnerable population. More than 200,000 migrants were apprehended on the U.S.-Mexico border in the last two months, an influx that has overwhelmed agents and facilities used to process asylum seekers. Thousands are trying to swim or float across the Rio Grande every day. The Border Patrol said it generally doesnt intervene to pick up migrants in the river unless someone is in distress or at high risk. Im not doing it justice when I tell you its absolutely raging, said Kemmet. The Border Patrol doesnt even put vessels out at night, he said, for the safety of its agents. Nearby, an agent asked a 17-year-old girl who was rescued: Are you OK? She nodded as she coughed and sputtered in the grass, breathing fast from the trauma. Soaking wet, she sat down and leaned on a tree. RELATED: Migrants who were allowed to stay now targeted for deportation People dont want to wait. Youve got smugglers, youve got guides on the other sides encouraging them, telling them Get on this little floaty, and youll be okay. Well, they get on this little floaty, and they realize thats the wrong decision, Kemmet said. He said agents use megaphones and tell migrants not to cross the river, that its too dangerous and that they should try going through a legal port of entry. The most popular river-crossing paths for migrants are near two pedestrian bridges in Eagle Pass. They still do it, though. Why? I dont know, Kemmet said. Is it desperation? I dont know, I cant speak to what they say and what theyre doing. But I do know that were trying. A mother and two children were also in the group rescued Friday. One child was 2, the other 4. They floated on a small raft together. The agents had pulled the children onto the river bank first. They were crying in fear, waiting for their mother to appear. Two agents pulled on the yellow rescue rope, and then grabbed onto her arm as she emerged. She sat on the grass with her children and gathered them into her arms. sfosterfrau@express-news.net | @SilviaElenaFF It was the last meeting of Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalezs child abuse and domestic violence class at the University of Texas at San Antonios Downtown Campus, and its 32 students were closing out the semester with video project presentations. The goal of each video was to raise awareness of the issue, its victims and the ramifications on society, the economy and childrens welfare. The videos zeroed in on one overriding message: Bexar County has a serious domestic violence problem that permeates every religious, ethnic and socioeconomic segment of society. The judges students, some just days away from graduation, could school us about a problem that has become an issue in the mayoral runoff election. The issue of domestic violence has yet to be adequately addressed during an election cycle in which a fast-food chain has managed to get more traction. Incumbent Mayor Ron Nirenberg and City Councilman Greg Brockhouse will face off in the June 8 runoff. Early voting begins May 28. Domestic violence did get some attention this week when two City Council members Shirley Gonzales in District 5 and Manny Pelaez in District 8 announced their support for more funding and the development of a comprehensive plan to address domestic violence in San Antonio. It was a good signal to voters that they need to pay attention to this issue, one that is more important than whether Chick-Fil-A was or wasnt given a fair shake in its pursuit of an airport concession contract. Religious freedom in San Antonio isnt as overarching a problem as is domestic violence. Nor did the LGBTQ community, in this instance, necessarily need protection from a company that has supported an agenda against same-sex marriage. Altogether it was a cluster of misspent political capital. The only winner of the Chick-Fil-A/LGBTQ episode appears to be District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino, who fended off an army of challengers to win re-election. Trevino spoke out strongly against Chick-Fil-A, citing the companys history of donating to faith-based organizations that oppose same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, segments of San Antonios conservative faith community appear more riled by what they view as a threat to religious freedom. That issue has masqueraded for an anti-LGBTQ agenda, exposed during the City Councils vote on a non-discrimination ordinance. That same community, one that vows allegiance to family values, has remained virtually silent about domestic violence, probably because that communitys preferred mayoral candidate is Brockhouse, a preachers son and a Catholic convert. Brockhouse has twice been accused of domestic violence, once by his second wife and then by his third and current wife. Like Brockhouse, his wife has refused to speak of it. He was never arrested, nor were charges filed. But as a public figure, an accounting will eventually arrive. Also troubling is that a 2009 police report involving Brockhouse has disappeared from the public record, inexplicably expunged even as news media hold copies of that report. Several of the citys evangelical megachurches took a pass on commenting about the issue to voters. The Rev. Les Hollon, senior pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, was brave enough to take a call. Hes not a one-issue voter and disagreed with the councils decision to exclude Chick-Fil-A as a potential vendor at the San Antonio airport. Hollon also said he doesnt know about the specifics of the domestic violence allegations against Brockhouse and cant form a conclusion about it, but he fiercely condemned domestic violence. Like the rest of us, Hollon wants to hold people accountable for such a permissive crime. Hes not alone in not knowing more specifics. Still, what we do know about Brockhouses domestic life begs for explanation, especially given that hes known for his aggressive manner and fiery temperament on the council dais. All of this is exacerbated by Brockhouses troubling ties to law-enforcement and firefighter unions, especially given that its members are routinely called into domestic-violence situations. The Rev. Fredricc Gerard Brock of The Message Church, a small Baptist congregation, has studied the intersection of church and violence. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, his church highlighted the issue. He, too, questions why some congregations are quick to jump on the religious-freedom bandwagon yet demure on a far more important family-values issue. He theorizes communities of faith are uncomfortable with the issue because it requires we address some of our own inequities on the subject before addressing it more broadly. It keeps San Antonio families in danger and in denial. One things for sure, the Chick-Fil-A flap, which has nothing to do with whos the better candidate for mayor, has overshadowed a real problem and the always important issues of truth and character. Elaine Ayala is a columnist covering San Antonio and Bexar County. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | eayala@express-news.net | Twitter: @ElaineAyala To an unhealthy degree, electoral politics is governed by a simple Catch-22: In order to get voters, you have to convince them that you already have voters. In order to become electable, you first must demonstrate electability. We saw that play out on the national level in January 2008, when Barack Obama pulled off an upset win over Hillary Clinton in the Iowa caucuses. That victory helped convince African-American voters in South Carolina that Obama had a legitimate shot at becoming the nations first black president. Prior to Iowa, Clinton enjoyed the support of a majority of African-American Democrats. Within a month of Obamas Iowa breakthrough, however, he opened up a 2-1 national lead over Clinton among African-Americans. This Catch-22 should work to Councilman Greg Brockhouses advantage in his June 8 mayoral runoff against incumbent Ron Nirenberg. After all, one of the big challenges Brockhouse faced in the first round of this campaign was convincing San Antonio voters that he had a real chance, that his candidacy amounted to something more than a three-month protest statement against Nirenberg. By finishing only 3 percentage points behind Nirenberg, Brockhouse exceeded expectations and answered the viability question. Political optimism is contagious, and Brockhouse has it right now. Two years ago, we saw the same dynamic for Nirenberg. In the first round of that race, Nirenberg finished within 5 percentage points of then-Mayor Ivy Taylor. Almost instantly, you could sense a surge of pro-Nirenberg enthusiasm from political progressives who resented Taylor for opposing the citys 2013 nondiscrimination ordinance and attributing generational poverty to broken people who are not in relationship with their Creator. A week after election day, former Mayor Julian Castro endorsed Nirenberg and went block-walking with him on the West Side. Nirenberg won the runoff by more than 9,000 votes. Given Brockhouses momentum, and Nirenbergs inability to close the deal in a race with only one major opponent, its easy to see the runoff as Brockhouses to lose. Brockhouse also is helped by the fact that one of the three council runoffs is in District 6, the district he represents and one that he carried by 1,675 votes in the first round. (The other two districts with council runoffs Districts 2 and 4 are close to a wash.) Brockhouses newly established viability, however, cuts both ways. While it will encourage some voters to jump on the Brockhouse bandwagon, it also could scare some political progressives who stayed home in the first round and with an 11 percent turnout rate, a lot of people stayed home to back Nirenberg in the runoff. Some potential Nirenberg supporters didnt vote in the first round because they wrongly assumed the mayor had the election locked up. Others were so lukewarm about Nirenberg that they couldnt motivate themselves to participate in the election. This speaks to the way that Nirenberg tends to frustrate people on both ends of the political spectrum. Consider the way he handled the issue of paid sick leave. An alliance spearheaded by the Texas Organizing Project gathered enough petition signatures last year to put a paid-sick-leave initiative on the November 2018 ballot. Nirenberg worried that paid sick leaves presence on the ballot would complicate his efforts to defeat three proposed charter amendments from the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association, so he joined the council in passing its own paid-sick-leave ordinance. That irritated some members of the business community. Last month, Nirenberg voted against Councilman Rey Saldanas motion urging the city to defend its paid sick leave ordinance against state legislation that would nullify it. That irritated TOP, which did not make an endorsement in the first round of the campaign. This lack of enthusiasm for Nirenberg helps to explain why John Velasquez, a clinical psychologist focused on increasing awareness of mental-health issues, managed to siphon off 1,643 votes in the first round. (Two years ago, Velasquez received only 383 votes.) Now, the choice is unmistakably stark. The prospect of a Mayor Brockhouse is a very real one and that prospect carries the baggage of two domestic violence incidents involving Brockhouse as well as concerns about the challengers close associations with the police and fire unions. It also carries Brockhouses reluctance to use the power of city government to address issues such as housing displacement or climate change. Its beyond dispute that Brockhouses candidacy is for real. The question is whether his demonstrated electability will do a better job of motivating people to vote for him or against him. Gilbert Garcia is a columnist covering the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470 Photo: File Stephanie Mundle, Owner, Woven Birth Services The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce has moved its Business Excellence Awards from March to October. The popular event will now be on Oct. 18. It was decided to shift the annual Business Excellence Awards from March to Oct. 18 as a way of creating additional awareness for Small Business Week. Small business is at the heart of the economy, and the Business Excellence Awards will celebrate those entrepreneurs who are taking risks, creating opportunities and contributing to the community, said chamber general manager Dione Chambers. The nomination period for the awards will now begin in June, a month earlier than in previous years, and this will not only generate additional excitement about nominating businesses, but it will expand the profile of our sponsors. The chamber staff start the process with online nominations from the public. From there, nominees complete a business profile, which goes to a judging committee. The judges picks the three finalists and then the winners. The awards are coveted by merchants as a badge of honour. You can email Dan Proulx for more information at [email protected]. By the time Janice Dotson-Stephens died in the Bexar County Jail, after days had turned into weeks, and weeks into months, and meal after meal had been refused, she had lost 136 pounds. She had been jailed in July for criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. Because of her obvious mental health issues, she was placed in the jails infirmary, where doctors, nurses and social workers noted her erratic and abusive behavior and her refusal to eat. She also refused treatment, even though medical staff knew of her diagnoses for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, as well as hypertension. She weighed 290 pounds at intake in July and 154 pounds at death in December. She lost almost a pound a day while waiting in jail. Staff noted meal refusals more than 100 times, medical records show. The stomach is empty, her autopsy report noted, concluding she died from an enlarged heart, but contributing to death is schizoaffective disorder. Dotson-Stephens death sparked national attention but not because of the poor handling of her mental health. The outrage mostly centered around her low bond. For example, the bond was featured prominently in the first sentence of a CNN story: A woman held on a $300 bond for five months died Friday in a Texas jail, and the 61-year-olds family was unaware she had been arrested until it was time for them to collect the body. And it made for a provocative headline in The Root, an online magazine with a black focus: Black Grandmother Who Could Have Been Freed for $30 Died After Spending the Last 150 Days of Her Life in Jail. As unjust and egregious as her incarceration and bond were, this was never a story about the inequities of cash bail. It was always a story about mental health, and our failure to treat and understand it even when its right before our eyes. Even in the aftermath of her death, we failed to truly see it. Thats clear from her weight loss, just as its clear from medical notes describing her mental illness. Not only would Dotson-Stephens refuse meals, but sometimes she would lie on her bunk with a blanket over her head. She talked to herself. She hallucinated. She refused treatment and she refused to go to court. She refused personal recognizance bonds, meaning the $300 bond was irrelevant. She was often abusive to staff. One medical note describes her as Loud, curt, vile, uncooperative, eccentric. I dont need no doctor... You go rot in hell, she said, according to a fairly typical note from July. And so she languished in jail for months when she should have been immediately transferred to the San Antonio State Hospital for treatment. Under the Sandra Bland Act, the Bexar County Sheriffs Office could have notified a magistrate about Dotson-Stephens mental health at any time. Why didnt that happen? Perhaps that question will be answered in the ongoing federal lawsuit the family has filed against the Bexar County Sheriffs Office, other county departments, the city of San Antonio and University Health System. None of these entities would comment about Dotson-Stephens death or the lawsuit with one exception. Quite frankly, I dont blame them for the lawsuit, said Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, who oversees Commissioners Court. I dont think we handled it right. But many people have blamed the family for suing. You can see this in online comments from December articles where readers questioned how Dotson-Stephens adult children could lose track of their mother for months, why the family didnt pay the bond, or why they would rely on the criminal justice system for mental health. After all, she was arrested in July at her husbands apartment complex. How could the family not know she was in jail or intervene? Answers to these questions can be found in the familys past, thanks to extended interviews with two of her adult children. Dotson-Stephens was from San Antonio. She had four children three daughters and a son. Her youngest daughter was murdered in 2001. She and her kids frequently moved from housing project to housing project. Victoria Courts. Sutton Homes. Lincoln Heights Courts. Nothing ever stuck. Her kids cooked meals and took each other to school. They paid the bills and managed affairs. And once there was a semblance of routine, they would move again or their mother would disappear. It was kind of organized chaos, said her daughter Michelle Dotson, a high school counselor who now lives in the Houston area. As small children, all of this organized chaos seemed normal. But that changed in 1982 when Dotson-Stephens burned her sons stomach with a table leg. She told me I was possessed with the devil and all this good stuff here, and she had me pray and read the Bible, and all this good stuff, and then she said she was going to exorcise a demon out of me, and then she heated up a (metal) table leg, said Ronald Dotson, who lives in Seguin and has a trucking business. He was 9 years old when it happened and still bears the scar. Child Protective Services would intervene, but it was the first moment when her kids understood something was not right. Once I got older and realized and fully understood what was going on, I forgave her a long time ago for that, he said. It wasnt her. Both adult children said when their mother was medicated, she was stable and loving. She had a raunchy sense of humor, sort of in the style of Richard Pryor. They shared memories of hanging out as a family and listening to music together. There were good times, they said. But her mental health loomed over everything. Sometimes she would lie in bed and refuse to speak or eat the very behaviors outlined in those medical notes from jail. Sometimes she would leave the house. She would ride the bus all day and night, Michelle Dotson said, or be gone for days and weeks. Even in recent years, they would set her up with an apartment, and then she would just leave. When we did find her, we couldnt make her get in the car. We couldnt make her do anything because she has rights, Ronald Dotson said. All we could do is bring her a blanket and sit with her. This is a crucial point worth lingering over. Their mother had rights. Unless she was a danger to herself or others, she could not be committed to treatment. And because her children did not have power of attorney something they said Dotson-Stephens refused to give them they had almost no recourse. A civil commitment takes a court order and thats a justifiably high bar, but there is something of a workaround. Law enforcement can commit someone through a short-term emergency detention, which can lead to a court order; thats the process the family came to rely on. When she was in jail, it was so much easier to get her into a mental institution, Michelle Dotson said. When she was out on the street, oh, my God, it was virtually impossible. Police reports show this. In March 2014, San Antonio police took Dotson-Stephens to a hospital after finding her lying on the ground naked in an apartment. She would attempt to kick and hit the officers as they tried to clothe her. In September 2017, police were called to an apartment complex where they found Dotson-Stephens speaking to Anthony who was an African black god and she loves him. She was threatening others at the apartment complex, so the officer took her to University Hospital for treatment. Thats what the family expected when police were called to Mount Zion Sheltering Arms Apartments on the East Side where her husband, Reginald Stephens, lives and found Dotson-Stephens agitated and upset. Dotson-Stephens demanded the officer take her to jail, and so he did. The family has said Dotson-Stephens father, who has power of attorney, contacted the jail to locate her. But her father is elderly, and its unclear if he navigated the phone system correctly. On this point, Ronald Dotson said he is consumed with regret. Hes a trucker, and not personally making that call eats at him on those long drives I beat myself up about it, he said. For years, they managed their mothers mental illness and in some ways became accustomed to her long disappearances. In some ways, the burden of this care fractured the family, Michelle Dotson said. Sometimes we didnt get to communicate as siblings the way we probably should have, she said. Its a mental game for yourself when you are dealing with somebody with mental illness. But such family dynamics are separate from the system. Theres no evidence Dotson-Stephens court-appointed attorney ever visited her while she was in jail. A psychiatric evaluation appears to have been lost. And as the days turned to months, Dotson-Stephens continued to refuse meals and treatment. Leslie Sachanowicz, an attorney for the family, has said Dotson-Stephens was ignored to death in the jail. But she should never should have been there. The charge was criminal trespass, but her crime was mental illness. For how many is this the system? jbrodesky@express-news.net Many Texans are unaware that three federally recognized Indian tribes call Texas their home the Traditional Kickapoo Tribe of Texas in Eagle Pass, the Ysleta del sur Pueblo in El Paso and our tribe, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas near Livingston. When it comes to gaming, though, the three tribes are treated differently by state officials. Since 1996, the Kickapoo Tribe has offered electronic bingo at its Lucky Eagle facility without interference from the state. The Kickapoo operate their facility pursuant to a gaming ordinance approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission, or NIGC, the federal agency authorized to oversee Indian gaming under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, or IGRA. Although the NIGC has approved gaming ordinances for both our tribe and the Pueblo, the Texas attorney general has elected to spend millions of taxpayer dollars in an effort to prevent our tribe and the Pueblo from offering the same bingo games as the Kickapoo Tribe. To bring an end to this unequal treatment, to stop the needless spending of tax dollars in protracted litigation and to protect well-paying Texas jobs, our U.S. representative, Brian Babin, has introduced the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act of 2019, or HR 759. This bill, which is a mere 19 words in length, clarifies that our tribe and the Pueblo are permitted to offer bingo under IGRA, just as the Kickapoo have for the past 23 years. HR 759 enjoys bipartisan support, with its 24 co-sponsors evenly divided among Republicans and Democrats. In fact, 11 of Rep. Babins fellow Texans are counted among the bills co-sponsors. Our Naskila Gaming facility is an alcohol-free venue offering electronic bingo that is making a positive impact not only for our tribe but also for our neighbors in Deep East Texas. At Naskila, our tribe employs 385 individuals, with more than 70 percent employees coming from outside of our tribal membership. These are well-paying jobs with excellent health care and retirement benefits, benefits that both tribal and nontribal employees report are being offered to them for the first times in their careers. In addition to these jobs, more than 200 indirect jobs have been created in industries that service the guests who travel to our region to visit Naskila. Moreover, last year the Texas Forest Country Partnership commissioned an independent economic study that determined Naskila is responsible for contributing nearly $140 million annually to the economy of Deep East Texas. It is fair to say that these are jobs and economic contributions to our region that do not exist but for Naskila. Naskila Gaming enjoys overwhelming support from the local governments, business and community leaders. Nearly 30 municipalities, county commissioners courts, chambers of commerce and local business have passed resolutions calling for the passage of HR 759. Our tribe is grateful and humbled by all the support we have received from our neighbors in Deep East Texas. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe now asks that you consider joining us in the effort to pass HR 759, thereby protecting the jobs and economic contributions created for our region by Naskila Gaming. If you are willing to help, please let your representatives and senators know that you support the passage of HR 759, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act of 2019. You can contact them through the www.supportactribe.com website. Our tribe has been in Texas since the 1870s and served as guides for Gen. Sam Houstons army and assisted Texans fleeing Santa Anna during the Runaway Scrape. We take pride in our contributions to the history of Texas and look forward to continuing to have a positive impact in Deep East Texas. The passage of HR 759 will ensure that we can do so. Cecilia Flores is the tribal council chairperson of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. An investigation into whether the president of the United States committed treason has devolved into a squabble over Attorney General Bill Barrs brief letter saying that he didnt. Weve gone from Donald Trump allegedly betraying the nation to Bill Barr allegedly betraying the nation, from potential Trump impeachment to potential Barr impeachment. Barrs offense, of course, is writing a quick letter summarizing the top-line conclusions of the Mueller report. Ever since, hes been the focus of conspiracy theories and the target of smears. The anti-Barr fury reached a new level with the news that Robert Mueller wrote him a letter complaining about the summary. Not since the Zimmermann telegram has a missive so exercised Washington, at least the segment of it thats been in a perpetual lather of outrage since November 2016. Lets be clear: If Barr wanted to cover for Trump, he could have crimped the Mueller probe, sat on the report or redacted the report into meaninglessness. He did none of the above. No one can claim his summary of findings was inaccurate. According to Barr, even Mueller conceded as much in a phone call. Mueller instead complained about the press coverage of the Barr summary, which isnt, strictly speaking, the attorney generals responsibility. Barrs conduct is defensible on its own terms. He wanted to get the basic verdict out because the investigation had so roiled our national life, especially the possibility that there was collusion with the Russians. When Mueller came back to him with a request for release of the summaries from the report, Barr declined because he didnt want to get into piecemeal releases when the full report would soon be available. Thats what makes the controversy so nonsensical. Barr went further than required by the regulations to release the entirety of the report, letting everyone decide for themselves. What else was he supposed to do? Of course, Barrs summary letter inevitably lacked the narrative force and details of the 400-page report, but we know that because he released the report. The notion that Barr was deceptive in congressional testimony is similarly absurd. In an exchange with Sen. Chris Van Hollen last month, he was asked if Mueller supported his conclusion, meaning his judgment that the president didnt obstruct justice. Barr accurately said he didnt know. Rep. Charlie Crist asked Barr if he knew what Mueller officials anonymously complaining about his letter were referring to. Barr said he didnt (he presumably hadnt talked to these anonymous officials), but volunteered that they probably wanted more information out. Ultimately, the firestorm over Barrs letter is a misdirection, and hes a scapegoat. If Robert Mueller wanted to recommend charging Trump with obstruction of justice, he could have done so. Instead, he punted, and now he or people around him is upset that the Barr letter accurately stated his convoluted not-guilty/not-exonerated bottom line. As for the Democrats, if they disagree with Barrs conclusion that Trump didnt commit a chargeable crime, it is fully within their power to impeach the president for abuse of power. Democrats still want someone else to do their work for them. First, they wanted Mueller to blow Trump out of the water, and now they want Barr to adopt a frankly adversarial posture toward the president. Barr is not the one distorting procedure or norms here. Its the Mueller team that declined to make a call on whether Trump had committed a crime (the job we ordinarily ask prosecutors to do), yet cataloged his conduct in a quasi-indictment written for public consumption (which prosecutors arent supposed to do) and, now we know, cared very much about the media narrative around its report (a public relations or partisan question, not a legal one). That Barr and his letter are the focus of such political and media ire is a symptom of the lunacy of this era, rather than anything rotten in his Department of Justice. comments.lowry@nationalreview.com There are roughly eight million plant and animal species in the world. One of them homo sapiens may soon wipe out a million of the rest. And were just getting started. Thats the depressing bottom line from a comprehensive new United Nations report on biodiversity. Species are going extinct at a rate unmatched in human history and the die-off is accelerating. It sounds melodramatic to say that were killing the planet, but thats what the scientific evidence tells us. And ignorant, short-sighted leadership makes optimistic scenarios elusive. Species extinction is one of those problems whose vast scale, in space and time, makes it difficult to comprehend, let alone address globally. As any paleontologist can tell you, species appear and disappear naturally at a gradual rate with no human intervention. And in the 3.5 billion-year history of life on earth, there have been five abrupt mass extinctions when more than three-quarters of all living species were quickly wiped out. The most recent came 66 million years ago, when an asteroid strike is believed to have killed off the dinosaurs. If there are intelligent observers 66 million years from now, their scientists may conclude that the sixth mass extinction was caused by us and that we saw what we were doing but lacked the wisdom and courage to stop ourselves. The next species to go extinct may be some scruffy weedlike plant or weird little insect that youve never heard of. But that weed may synthesize a chemical that acts as a magic bullet against certain deadly cancers, or that insect may control the population of some other insect that harbors a plaguelike virus. Well never know. Theyll be gone. Amphibians, marine mammals and corals are critically endangered, the report says. If you dream of a trip to see the Great Barrier Reef, I wouldnt put it off. A summary of the report by the UN-sponsored Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services was released Monday in Paris, culminating years of work by leading environmental scientists around the globe. Its findings will be widely noted and lamented; its recommendations, I fear, widely ignored. For once, human-induced climate change is not the most egregious cause of a slow-motion global catastrophe. The primary cause of accelerating species loss, according to the report, is rapid change in patterns of land- and sea-usage. Farming, fishing, logging, mining and other activities are changing in many cases, deeply scarring the natural world. We knew that, of course. Sea captains have told us about the enormous patch of plastic trash floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Satellite photos chart the ongoing destruction of the Amazon rain forest. The report states that over 85 percent of the worlds wetlands have been eliminated over the past three centuries. The amount of land designated as urban has doubled since 1992. Malthusian predictions that rapid population growth would lead to scarcity and famine have proved spectacularly wrong. The global middle class has ballooned, while the percentage of humans living in extreme poverty has shrunk to levels never dreamed of. But all that economic growth has put an unprecedented strain on the natural world, and scientists can only sketch the ultimate consequences. In effect, we are running a fateful experiment with our one and only planet and theres no chance of a do-over. I have enormous faith in human ingenuity. But it needs to be accompanied by some basic common sense. One example: Of the worlds 7.5 billion people, nearly 5 billion have mobile phones. The incredible spread of that one technology greatly boosts global connectivity, creativity and happiness and also creates enormous quantities of manufacturing waste and discardable plastic. We need to keep expanding access to this life-changing technology. But we need to find cleaner, more sustainable ways of doing so. Whether were talking about species loss or climate change, whether were considering the smog that shrouds Beijing and New Delhi or the fracking fluids being pumped into the ground in Appalachia, at some point were going to realize that development that fails to take sustainability into account is not a step forward. Its a step into the unknown, and potentially a step toward disaster. The question isnt if we come to this realization and begin to act accordingly, but when. The new UN report says that for up to a million species, many of which we havent even identified and studied, our enlightenment may come too late. We can only hope there is still time to save the one we call our own. eugenerobinson@washpost.com A move in the state Senate to bar moving the Alamo Cenotaph to a site of prominence 500 feet away should simply die in the House. And it certainly had no place as an amendment in a larger bill about Confederate monuments, one that sparked a debate that laid bare the raw emotions still existing 154 years after the the end of the war that also ended slavery in the U.S. Emotion also surrounds the Cenotaph, but moving it is entirely a different issue from removing Confederate statues from public sight. The bill by Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, would make the removal, relocation or altering of Confederate monuments on state property far more difficult somehow doing this while never mentioning Confederate monuments, referring instead to historic markers. This is called sophistry. The bill is clearly about Confederate monuments and should have said so. Another section requires supermajority votes in local governing boards that are considering moving historical monuments. So, not only sophistry is involved here; the Legislature is again trying to subvert local control. But heres the specific issue: Moving and repairing is not the same as removal. The Cenotaph will be relocated, but to a site that carries as much reverence as its present site just northwest of the Alamo chapel. It would move 500 feet south as a practical matter part of a what still will be reimagined Alamo grounds. And the General Land Office says that the ban on altering historic monuments on state property (Alamo Plaza is actually city property leased to the state) would prevent the needed repairs to the Centotaph, including correcting 47 historical inaccuracies on the structure. There are separate bills dealing with the Cenotaph and they, at least, unabashedly say so (though, they, too, do not merit approval). But heres the particular danger of folding in the Cenotaph a memorial to the Alamos fallen defenders into this larger bill about Confederate monuments. It will now be conflated with that issue, with all the emotion surrounding whether these Confederate monuments gloss over or excuse the cause of the Civil War slavery or celebrate the soldiers who fought in a war that would have preserved that institution. Any meaningful debate about the Cenotaph any debate about a move vs. removal will be drowned out because of this larger issue. Any discussion about the inconsistency of why the Legislature should feel free to micromanage the process that resulted in the Alamo master plan will be subsumed. Why is this proposal inconsistent? Because the master plan grew from a process in which the state through the General Land Office was already heavily involved. It partnered with the city of San Antonio and the private Alamo Endowment to shepherd the master plan through a rigorous and transparent public vetting. The Cenotaph needs to move so that the telling of the sites original footprints history can be more accurately accomplished. But any meaningful discussion of that will be a casualty of the emotions roiled by what has been a rancorous debate on the causes of the Civil War and whether people who fought for the Confederacy should be honored. Whatever your thoughts on that issue, those are entirely separate issues from moving the Cenotaph. The House should either remove the Cenotaph amendment or reject the bill altogether and turn away all other measures that interfere with or prevent moving the monument. Re: Americans told to fear immigrants; facts say otherwise, Opinion, April 28: I would like to ask Alex Piquero whether he has conducted or knows of any research on the effects that the thousands of immigrants who enter our country illegally daily are having on the indigent who live along the southern border. They rely on charity services, such as food banks and shelters, to survive. These overburdens on charitable safety nets such as the Salvation Army, Catholic services and food banks are even being felt in San Antonio. The decrease or loss of these services to indigent legal residents as a result of the influx of illegal immigrants entering the U.S. is criminal! There is no way this should be allowed. Legal entry into the U.S. has to be required of all immigrants regardless of the reasons they might have for wanting to enter this great country. Edward Esparza Public schools funded Re: What couldve been, Your Turn, May 3: The letter writer believes the $202 million for charter schools should be given to public schools. That amount has been already given to the public school system. She should be more concerned and wondering what the system did with its amount. Superintendents are often teachers, yet they get enormous salaries to control money. Get real. Start attending school board meetings and ask how board members justify failing schools as a reason for increases in pay to everyone except teachers. Philip McKeon, Converse Preserve clean rivers There are few places in Texas that have clean rivers with no environmental concerns. Clean, clear spring-fed water. The Nueces River Basin, whose headwaters begin in Edwards, Real, Kerr, Bandera, Kinney, Uvalde and Medina counties, remains pristine. This same water feeds into the protected Edwards Aquifer, yet it remains unprotected. Unprotected means that developers can receive permits to dump treated wastewater into low nutrient creeks. It is left up to generational landowners to defend the fragile karst ecosystem that makes the Texas Hill Country so beautiful. We cant do it alone! In Tarpley, we are fighting a permit to discharge treated wastewater into a little creek. We need your help in our fight and your help in getting Rep. Tracy Kings HB 817 out of the House Natural Resource Committee onto the Texas House floor for a vote. We need to keep our Texas Hill Country pristine for our children and grandchildren. Margo Denke, Tarpley Abuse of power Re: Family feuds with constable, Front Page, May 1: The actions of the constable and chief deputy on Easter Sunday are unacceptable and should be considered abuse of office. Not only did the constable attempt to intimidate a county employee, but she did intimidate a resident into paying a fee for security that was greatly inflated and, when the money ran out, she had one of her deputies tell the family to leave. Let it be noted that no elected county official owns any county property. Also let it be noted that the constable and chief deputy were acting in the capacity of their office, as they were both in full uniform. Mike Grant Facts dont matter I need some help here. President Donald Trump orders Don McGahn to tell Rod Rosenstein to fire Robert Mueller, but he refuses. This gets into the press and Trump denies that he ever made such a request. Later, McGahn tells the Mueller committee under oath that the story is true not fake news. Once the report is released, Attorney General William Barr summarizes the report by saying there was no collusion or obstruction of justice. Its the no obstruction of justice part I need explained. In Volume 2 of the report, it says that while the report does not conclude that the president committed a crime, it does not exonerate him. Yet earlier, it says that the president failed to get Mueller fired largely because the persons who surrounded the president declined to carry out or accede to his requests. In other words, his intent was to get Mueller fired, but his intention was foiled. So, no harm, no foul? Its like if I tried to burn down my neighbors house, but was prevented from doing so, I should face no charges. Really? My conclusion: Facts dont matter. People will believe what they want to believe. Carl Lloyd The sooner, the better Re: Erasing history, Your Turn, April 25: James Woolums apparently doesnt understand the dark period that the Civil War represents when terrorists tried to break apart our republic so they could continue to subjugate over 25 percent of their population with slavery. Hopefully, not many of us are proud of this terrible stain on our country. Unfortunately, even though the anarchists were defeated and slavery was abolished, an institutional form of slavery enabled the continued subjugation of our fellow human beings through Jim Crow laws and a segregational mindset by using an educational, economic and societal suppression that has continued through present times. The removal of the Confederate statue from Travis Park was simply eradicating one more reminder that gives credibility to the fact that Confederate soldiers were not fighting for their country, they were fighting to tear this country/our country apart so they could continue the heinous practice of slavery. The sooner we can remove all vestiges of discrimination and segregation in our society, the better off we will all be. Jeffrey Hall BRIDGEPORT The last thing I wanted was to become the subject of a story. But I spent Friday morning answering questions from fellow Connecticut journalists. They wanted to know what happened the night before when I was detained and nearly charged by police while doing my job. Ive worked for the Connecticut Post as a breaking news reporter since April 2017. My first major story was the fatal, police shooting of 15-year-old Jayson Negron on May 9, 2017. Ive covered just about every incident related to it since then. Thursday night, during a protest for Negron on the two-year anniversary of his death, 11 people were arrested people Ive come to know over the last two years. I was detained. I was not officially arrested, according to Bridgeport officials, because I was not charged. Tell that to the bruises on my wrists from handcuffs. Earlier that day, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., I covered the protest and memorial for Negron. Around 8 p.m., things took a turn. There was a confrontation between police and protesters. I grabbed my notebook and rushed to the scene, getting there about 8:20 p.m. Protesters were back on the street, holding hands in a circle and singing. Soon after, police walked onto Fairfield Avenue and stood together in a line across the two lanes of traffic, facing those gathered for Negron. The road had been shut down to traffic for several hours. I was facing the direction of the officers when an unknown glass item was thrown toward police. I didnt see who threw it. All I know is that it came from the direction of where protesters were standing. Police told them they had five minutes to clear off the street. When time was up, the officers started to walk toward the protesters, shouting Off the street! Standing on the sidewalk, filming well within my rights I thought I was about to capture footage of protesters being arrested. Instead, I filmed myself getting handcuffed as I yelled out that I was on a public sidewalk and a member of the press. Later, the officer who handcuffed me said he hadnt realized I was media. I was patted down on Fairfield Avenue, put into a police cruiser and taken to booking. I wasnt brought in right away, since a protester was being processed. In the minutes I had to myself in the cruiser while the officer stood outside, I managed to get my phone out of my pocket and used the Hey Siri feature to call Matt DeRienzo, the vice president of news and digital content for Hearst Connecticut Media. It was nearly 9 p.m. He told me hed make some calls and figure out what was going on. In booking, I was taken into an office by a deputy chief and two officers, where I was told Id be released on a written promise to appear meaning I would be charged. I was never told what the charge would be. Foolishly, I didnt ask. I expected it would all be explained later. At that point I was able to make some supervised phone calls to my editors on speakerphone. After the calls, the handcuffs were removed. I was taken to another area of booking, where I was more thoroughly patted down. My belongings were taken and written down on a prisoner inventory sheet before being put into a bag and sealed. A few minutes later, I was all set to be processed. Instead, I was told I was un-arrested and would be escorted out of booking. It was around 9:30 p.m. I was escorted out and headed right for my newsroom. Looking back at what happened, Im frustrated to know that there might not have been anything I could have done to prevent it other than not showing up and doing my job. Despite official statements indicating I was wearing plain clothes, its worth noting that members of the media dont often wear uniforms. Thursday night, I was dressed similarly to how Ive been dressed covering other protests and at crime scenes in Bridgeport and Ive never been detained before. When I was cuffed, I was wearing the press badge I wear every day Im at work with a photo of me, my name and Hearst Connecticut Media group on it. What I know now is that I never want to hear about this happening to another reporter. I hope this incident gets more than just headlines and stories that fade after a few days. I hope it gets more people to talk about freedom of press, and about the need for police to respect everyones rights. Photo: The Canadian Press For the second time in a month, an airline is suspending routes out of Kelowna International Airport. YLW officials confirmed Friday that Air Transat will not be offering its usual flights to Puerto Vallarta and Cancun this winter due to aircraft availability and performance. Because of the stage length of that aircraft, from Cancun in particular, there are significant load restrictions on that aircraft, YLW air service development manager Phillip Elchitz said. The (Boeing) 737-800 has 189 seats, but Air Transat can only carry 114 passengers from Cancun into Kelowna because of the stage length and the headwinds and the performance of that aircraft. WestJet suspended non-stop flights between Kelowna and Toronto earlier this month due to the grounding of its 13 Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. That route is expected to resume in early July. For more on this story, visit Okanagan Edge. GREENWICH The head of the Greenwich Housing Authority is totally disappointed that its request for over $450,000 in block grant funds for kitchen renovations at the Wilbur Peck housing complex was turned down. This is something that would provide for a better way of life for our residents. Thats our mission, GHAs Board Chairman Sam Romeo said Friday. The CDBG Committee votes yearly on the towns allocations from the Community Development Block Grant. It passes those recommendations on to First Selectman Peter Tesei, who can approve or change how the money is distributed in Greenwich. After its request was not included in the committees recommendations, the Housing Authority appealed to Tesei to reallocate $450,500 to help pay for renovations to 110 kitchens at Wilbur Peck. But Thursday, Tesei turned back that request and accepted the committees recommendations for allocating the $1.2 million that the town is projected to receive from the grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. But Romeo said it was wrong that funds have been allocated for out-of-town agencies when the Housing Authority is focused on providing for the most vulnerable people in Greenwich. Theyre really thumbing their nose at them through this decision, and someone needs to speak up for the residents, he said. Thats what the committee should be supporting. Funds were allocated for Inspirica, the Child Guidance Center and Pacific House, nonprofits that are located in Stamford. But the committee said the agencies provide services, such as help for the homeless, that are not duplicated in Greenwich. Its a matter of priorities, Romeo said, saying that the money should have gone to local needs, particularly since the Housing Authority had returned $420,000 to the CDBG Committee that was allocated for a project that never went forward. But CDBG Committee Chair Alexis Voulgaris said it is an erroneous assumption to think the funds would be reallocated to the agency that returned it. Giving the money back is part of a HUD mandate, and it goes back into the block grant pool, Voulgaris said. No one gets to go to the front of the queue. Everyone is treated equally and has a fair shake. Last month, Voulgaris said that giving money to the Housing Authority for the kitchens project could have put the entire block grant program at risk for Greenwich. The Housing Authority once had more than $700,000 in unspent funds from other projects dating to 2015, she said, pointing out that HUD mandates a specific time period for spending the funds. Voulgaris said that if block grant money was not spent down properly, HUD could basically remove funding from us. Tyler Fairbairn, the towns community development director, confirmed that. While more than half of that money has been documented as spent, Fairbairn said there is still $248,605 in undrawn funds for a Housing Authority project at McKinney Terrace from 2016 and 2017. Adding more money to that could jeopardize the towns funding from HUD, he said. At Thursdays Board of Selectmen meeting, Tesei cited this in deciding to stick with the committees allocations. But Greenwich Housing Authority Executive Director Tony Johnson disputed that the town risked losing money, and said the project at McKinney Terrace, which involved exterior work, was delayed during the winter. On Friday, Romeo repeated the importance of renovating the kitchens, which date to the 1950s, when Wilbur Peck was built. He said the committee may not be not fully aware of how desperately needed the repairs are. At last months public hearing, Romeo said the kitchens need electrical work, new plumbing and new appliances. On Thursday, Tesei suggested the kitchen project could be done in stages, starting this year with money on hand and doing the rest next year when the Housing Authority could apply for a 2020 federal block grant. Voulgaris said that was a rational and fair solution especially since the Housing Authority has raised $1.2 million for the projected $1.6 million project. But Romeo said that was not practical. You cant solicit bids for a major project like this unless you have all the funding, Romeo said. And even if we could do that, how would we decide who gets a new kitchen now and who has to wait? Should we do a random lottery? Should we pick some people and not others? ... Its ridiculous that money is being sent for out of town projects when we have a need right here. Johnson said the housing authority would find other ways to fund the kitchen work and not wait for next years block grant. Were not going to wait on them, he said. Were going to do what we can do to help our residents. Johnson, like Romeo, also questioned the use of block grant money for Stamford organizations as well as other allocations in Greenwich. They would rather give money to help fix the hole in the ground at Bush-Holley House instead of helping the residents of Wilbur Peck, Johnson said, referring to the $63,686 allocation to help improve handicap accessibility at the Greenwich Historical Society. They were able to raise millions of dollars privately for that project, and now they come to the town for more? We cant go to the town for money, but we can try to get this federal money to help people with housing. Voulgaris called it very, very poor form to criticize spending on other nonprofits. Fairbairn rejected the idea that the committee isnt aware of the problems with the kitchens. He and Voulgaris said it was not about the merits of the kitchen project but a matter of proper management of the block grant. The reason they are doing this is because it is a way to deflect blame that they refuse to accept for failing to spend their prior-year grants in a timely manner, Fairbairn said. Ultimately, Fairbairn said he, Voulgaris and Tesei sent a letter to the Housing Authority on the issue. They are an important CDBG partner, and we hope that they continue to apply for funding, Fairbairn said. But before doing so, they should spend down the money they already have, which is more than any single applicant was awarded in 2019. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Kareena Kapoor again gets emotional for RK Studio & praises Ranbir Kapoor; Here's why | FilmiBeat Kareena Kapoor Khan believes the legacy of her family banner, R K Studios, which was recently sold to a realty firm, is not limited to a piece of land. Realty firm Godrej Properties last week announced that it has acquired the iconic R K Studios' land in Chembur, Mumbai, where it would develop mixed-use project housing luxury flats and retail space. When asked about the development, Kareena told reporters, "The legacy of RK has already been taken ahead with girls like Karisma and I. Now we have Ranbir." "Through our work and performances, the legacy is being taken ahead. Hopefully, our kids will also take it ahead," she added. The Indian Film and Television Director's Association (IFTDA) recently appealed to the realtor to build a Raj Kapoor Museum, its founder, on the site of the studio. Raj Kapoor built the studio in 1948 and directed and produced several projects under its banner over the next few decades, the last one being Rishi Kapoor's "Aa Ab Laut Chalen" in 1999. Kareena will next be seen opposite Akshay Kumar in "Good News", which is slated to release on December 27. "We have four amazing actors Akshay Kumar, Diljit Dosanjh, Kiara Advani, and me. People should expect a fun ride. "Our film is releasing maybe after one week or two weeks after 'Dabangg 3'. But there can't be any comparison between the two films, they both are different from one another," Kareena said on the sidelines of third edition of UNICEF-AROI Radio4Child awards. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 10, 2019) - GoldSpot Discoveries Corp. (TSXV: SPOT) (the "Company" or "Goldspot") announces that the Nova Scotia Securities Commission has issued a failure-to-file cease trade order (the "Order") as a result of the Company's delay in the filing of its interim financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related certifications (the "Interim Financial Materials") for the three and nine-month period ended February 28, 2019. The delay is attributable to its recently completed reverse takeover of GoldSpot Discoveries Inc. and the Company's recent decision to change its year end from May 31 to December 31. Subsequently, there was a delay in filing the necessary notice of change within the requisite period to allow the GoldSpot to forego the filing of the Interim Financial Materials for the period ended February 28, 2019. The Order will remain in effect until the Company files the Interim Financial Materials. Based on work completed to-date, GoldSpot anticipates that the Interim Financial Materials for the nine-month period ended February 28, 2019 will be filed shortly. Binh Quach, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, commented: "We apologize and understand that this oversight will cause an inconvenience to our existing and prospective shareholders and we appreciate everyone's patience and understanding while we take all necessary and immediate action to see that it is resolved expeditiously." The Company confirms that there is no other material information relating to its affairs that has not been generally disclosed. About GoldSpot Discoveries Corp. GoldSpot is a technology company that leverages machine learning to reduce capital risk, while working to increase efficiencies and success rates in resource exploration and investment. GoldSpot combines proprietary technology with traditional domain expertise, offering a front-to-back service solution to its partners. GoldSpot's solutions target big data problems, making full use of historically unutilized data to better comprehend resource property potential. GoldSpot has developed a monetization strategy into multiple verticals of the mining and investment industry, including service offerings, staking and royalty acquisition, and the development of its own artificial-intelligence driven trading platform. For further information please contact: Denis Laviolette, President, CEO and Director GoldSpot Discoveries Corp. 647-992-9837 Cautionary Statement on Forward -Looking Information Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, uncertainty over the outcome of any litigious matters, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, statements regarding exploration results and exploration plans. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/44731 One of the longest-serving corporate heads in Indian history with over two decades at the helm at ITC, Yogesh Chander Deveshwar joined ITC in 1968. Y C Deveshwar, the longest-serving chairman of the ITC group, died on Saturday after a brief illness at a private hospital in Gurugram. He was 72-years-old. He is survived by his wife and two children. ITC Chairman YC Deveshwar passes away at the age of 72. He was one of Indias longest-serving corporate chiefs with over two decades at the helm as the executive chairman & chief executive officer at ITC till February 4, 2017 https://t.co/giCixZccij CNBC-TV18 News (@CNBCTV18News) May 11, 2019 Deveshwar, who stepped down from an executive role in 2017, remained as a chairman in a non-executive capacity. In 2016, ITCs board had strongly urged Deveshwar to continue as CEO, but he wanted the company to have a younger leader, a Reuters report said. One of the longest-serving corporate heads in Indian history with over two decades at the helm at ITC, Yogesh Chander Deveshwar joined ITC in 1968. He assumed office as Executive Chairman in January, 1996. When Deveshwar took charge at the helm in the mid-90's, ITC was confronted with formidable challenges with diversification efforts either failing or languishing. The company's revenue was less than Rs 5,200 crore and Profit Before Tax (PBT) was Rs 452 crore. He led the transformation of ITC known mostly as a cigarette maker to a diversified group with presence ranging from FMCG, hospitality, paperboard and packaging, IT and agri business. In 1990's, Deveshwar proved his mettle as a smart businessman, when he staved off British American Tobacco company's takeover attempt. Under his stewardship, the company also created several world-class Indian brands in the FMCG space. Under him, ITC launched e-Choupal in 2000, an initiative to link directly with rural farmers via the Internet for procurement of agricultural and aquaculture products like soybeans, wheat, coffee, and prawns, according to a PTI report. The board decided to extend tenure of non-executive chairman YC Deveshwar by another two years from 2020 to 2022 so that he could continue to mentor the senior management given the increasing size and complexity of the organisation", said a report in the Business Standard. Sanjiv Puri is the current CEO and MD of the company. He said, "Deveshwar passionately championed the cause for sustainable and inclusive growth and the transformative role businesses could play in creating larger societal value. This vision drove ITC to pursue business models that today supports over 6 million livelihoods, many amongst the weakest in society. "His superordinate vision to build an exemplary Indian enterprise, to serve national priorities, create the businesses of tomorrow, impeccable values and personal integrity, the width and depth of his strategic thinking and his compassionate conduct of business will continue to inspire us in the journey ahead. In this hour of immense sadness, our hearts go out to his family, wife Bharti Deveshwar, children Gaurav and Garima and to their families to whom we offer our sincerest condolences." Between 1991 and 1994, Deveshwar led Air India as Chairman and Managing Director. He is an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and Harvard Business School. Conferred the Padma Bhushan, he was also ranked as the 7th Best Performing CEO in the world by the Harvard Business Review. He also served as a Director on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India and as a member of the National Foundation for Corporate Governance. --With agency inputs By April Joyner and Noel Randewich (Reuters) - A week of worsening fears on Wall Street leading up to Washington's increase on tariffs on Chinese goods has taken a toll on stocks that rely heavily on global trade. With U.S. By April Joyner and Noel Randewich (Reuters) - A week of worsening fears on Wall Street leading up to Washington's increase on tariffs on Chinese goods has taken a toll on stocks that rely heavily on global trade. With U.S. President Trump saying he is in no hurry to sign a deal with China, the United States raised its tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods to 25% from 10% on Friday, rattling financial markets already worried the 10-month trade war between the world's two largest economies could spiral out of control. China's Commerce Ministry has said it would take countermeasures against the increase in U.S. tariffs. "Investors have been getting a little less bullish over the last week or so, and if China does decide to retaliate with tariffs, that's when sentiment can take a dive," said Matt Watson, portfolio manager at James Advantage Funds in Alpha, Ohio. For a graphic on U.S.-China tariff war and the S&P 500, click: https://tmsnrt.rs/2WA1LWX After Trump said last Sunday he was reversing a decision he made in February to keep tariffs at 10%, Wall Street descended from record highs reached at the start of the month. Although the S&P 500 rose on Friday after more upbeat comments on trade from Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the index ended the week 2.17% lower. Trade-sensitive stocks were bogged down after having outperformed for most of 2019. For a graphic on China-exposed stocks under pressure, click: https://tmsnrt.rs/2LxxNla Shares of semiconductor companies, the U.S. sector that relies more than any other on China for its revenue, turned sharply lower this week, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index down 5.8% since Sunday and slashing its year-to-date gain to 28%. For a graphic on Chip rally cut short, click: https://tmsnrt.rs/2Ww7yN0 The so-called FAANG tech group, volatile stocks that have fuelled a large part of Wall Street's rally in recent years, have also mostly underperformed as trade fears worsened, with shares of Netflix Inc and Apple Inc both down more than 6% for the week. For a graphic on FAANG underperforms, click: https://tmsnrt.rs/2WCDjnF Shares of industrial and materials companies, dependent upon global economic growth to boost their revenue, also underperformed. DowDuPont Inc shares tumbled 9.8% while Boeing Co shares dropped 5.8%. For a graphic on Materials and industrials underperform, click: https://tmsnrt.rs/2LBsYYc (Reporting by Noel Randewich and April Joyner; additional reporting by David Randall; editing by Alden Bentley, Rosalba O'Brien and Jonathan Oatis) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Joshua Franklin, Aparajita Saxena and Heather Somerville (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc's conservative initial public offering could not keep its shares from sinking in their trading debut on Friday, fuelling debate on Wall Street over whether the outcome of the most anticipated listing since Facebook Inc would weigh on other Silicon Valley unicorns. Uber considered going public for at least four years. By Joshua Franklin, Aparajita Saxena and Heather Somerville (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc's conservative initial public offering could not keep its shares from sinking in their trading debut on Friday, fuelling debate on Wall Street over whether the outcome of the most anticipated listing since Facebook Inc would weigh on other Silicon Valley unicorns. Uber considered going public for at least four years. Yet the ride-hailing company picked a week for its IPO plagued by market turbulence fuelled by U.S.-China trade worries. Moreover, smaller rival Lyft Inc's shares plunged this week after its first earnings as a public company. Uber was the biggest of a group of Silicon Valley startups that have spent years raising money in private rounds at record prices. Many of these companies are now looking to follow with their own IPO. Some, like Uber and Lyft, are unprofitable. Workplace messaging company Slack Technologies Inc plans to hold an investor presentation on Monday in advance of its direct listing next month. Grocery and food delivery platform Postmates, WeWork owner The We Company and online mattress retailer Casper Sleep are among startups seeking to launch IPOs this year. "If a venture capital investor wants to burn cash they can do that as long as they want, but once you get to the public markets you have to show profitability or a path to it," said Jordan Stuart, a portfolio manager at Federated Kaufmann who often purchases companies' shares during an IPO. Uber's shares ended the day down 7.6% at $41.57, even as the S&P 500 reversed losses to end in positive territory. Only about a fifth of IPOs have ended their first day of trading in the red in the last two years, according to Dealogic data. Uber priced its IPO on Thursday at the low end of its targeted range, hoping that approach would spare it the trading plunge suffered by Lyft. Lyft ended down 6.9% on Friday, and is 28 percent below its IPO price. Still, the world's largest ride-hailing company appeared to generate more interest from mom-and-pop investors than Lyft. Retail investors at TD Ameritrade executed more trades in the first ten minutes of Uber's debut than in Lyft's first 2-1/2 hours. Uber had already lowered its valuation expectations twice in the last two months to address investor concerns over its mounting losses. While early-stage Uber investors such as Benchmark, Menlo Ventures, First Round Capital and Lowercase Capital made a killing in the IPO, some late-stage backers did not fare as well. Japan's SoftBank Group Corp, for example, invested in Uber in early 2018 at $48.77 per share. It also bought shares at a much lower price in a large secondary transaction. To be sure, other IPOs have traded well so far in 2019, including online scrapbook company Pinterest Inc, vegan burger maker Beyond Meat Inc and video-conferencing startup Zoom Video Communications Inc. But these were much smaller startups than Uber that did not execute as many frothy fundraising rounds. Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi, who was on the NYSE trading floor to mark the debut, tried to calm investors by pointing to the company's growth prospects and expansion plans. "My reaction (to the share price) is if we build and build well, shareholders will be rewarded. We're certainly not measuring our success over a day, it really is over the years," Khosrowshahi told Reuters. The IPO was a watershed moment for the decade-old company, which was started after its founders struggled to find a cab on a snowy night. Khosrowshahi was accompanied by a team of Uber officials at the NYSE to celebrate. Co-founder and former CEO Travis Kalanick, who resigned in 2017 under pressure from investors, was also seen on the trading floor. MARRED BY SCANDAL The company's road to IPO was marred by several hurdles including increased regulation in several countries and fights with its drivers over wages. Uber has also weathered controversies including revelations of a culture of sexism and bullying at Uber and U.S. Department of Justice investigations. After a series of embarrassments, Kalanick was forced to resign in 2017 by a group of investors. Uber then hired Khosrowshahi to lead the company. Uber has said it has the potential to grow not just in the cab hailing business, but also as a "superapp" to provide logistic services, such as grocery and food delivery, organising freight transportation, and even financial services, much like Grab, its Southeast Asian counterpart. But market experts have struggled to find value in a company that has consistently posted losses, and warned that it may never be profitable. "The business is unprofitable, new entrants can enter the market, there is potential regulatory risk, and it is very price sensitive. What is there to like about this opportunity?" Robert Johnson, professor of finance at Heider College of Business, Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska said. (Reporting by Joshua Franklin in New York, Aparajita Saxena in Bangalore and Heather Somerville in San Francisco; Additional reporting by David Randall in New York and Sweta Singh in Bangalore; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Photo: Contributed Women in Trades students at Okanagan College joined forces with elementary school kids to build bat houses and a "bee hotel." Students at Peter Greer Elementary stepped out of the classroom for a day to learn about conservation. Together, they built four bat houses with nurseries, and one large bee pollinator hotel, which will be placed in green space around the school. Our Grade 4-6 students have been spending a lot of time outside focusing on ecological literacy, says Clint Maltais, a teacher at Peter Greer. The kids are really passionate about animals and wanted to do something that would actually help the environment. We knew we needed help. The tradeswomen helped the kids build the structures. This is a great opportunity for the WITT students to be mentors, and to apply what theyve learned so far in the program, says the college's Nancy Darling. Its empowering for these women to share their skills and build confidence that they can take those skills forward into the workplace. The kids were all amazing to work with and eager to learn, said Women in Trades student Amanda Gilbank. Its great to be able to teach them to build something that is helping the environment and then watching how proud they become when they see what theyve built. Voting might just be as simple as pushing a button, but every vote brings us closer to electing a government representative of the people. When it comes down to it, voting might just be as simple as pushing a button, but every vote brings us closer to electing a government representative of the people. With a campaign that hopes to stir Indian nationals into acting responsibly and voting, media conglomerate Network18 launched the campaign - Button Dabao, Desh Banao. In this next episode, Marya Shakil travelled all the way to Bhopal to take stock of what the general public thought of this years electoral process. But what did they think about all this focus on voter turnout and the controversy around the EVM issue? Did they believe that the massive shift to more women voters and a large section of young first-time voters will have a positive effect on deciding the next government or is the womens vote insignificant? Hear it all by checking out the video below. Button Dabao Desh Banao is a Network18 initiative, presented by RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, urging every Indian to VOTE in the ongoing general elections. Follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ButtonDabaoDeshBanao. This is a partnered post. CNN-News18s Bhupendra Chaubey in Kolkata discusses the issues affecting West Bengal politics. As the final stage of voting winds down, Delhi, Bhopal, Azamgarh and Bengal gear up for a last two phases that has everyone in the country watching and waiting impatiently. Campaigning is reaching a fevered pitch as parties make their final plays to win the heart of voters. Urging citizens to go out and make their vote count, the RP - Sanjiv Goenka Group and Network18s Button Dabao, Desh Banao is fervently rallying for maximum voter participation ever. In this episode, CNN-News18s Bhupendra Chaubey in Kolkata discusses the issues affecting West Bengal politics with author Saira Shah Halim, film-maker Anindita Sarbadhicari, commentator Kishore Bhimani, educationist Ujjwal Chaudhary, advocate Touseef Ahmed Khan, and lawyer & activist Nazia Elahi Khan. The conversation promises to be fiery and action-packed. Watch the video below to see who comes out on top and what the experts think lies in store for us. Button Dabao Desh Banao is a Network18 initiative, presented by RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, urging every Indian to VOTE in the ongoing general elections. Follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ButtonDabaoDeshBanao. This is a partnered post. Gujarat farmers are protesting poor compensation for their land and alleged irregularities in the state government's acquisition process. Editor's Note: A network of 60 reporters set off across India to test the idea of development as it is experienced on the ground. Their brief: Use your mobile phone to record the impact of 120 key policy decisions on everyday life; what works, what doesn't and why; what can be done better and what should be done differently. Their findings straight and raw from the ground will be combined in this series, Elections on the Go, over a course of 100 days. Read more articles from the series here *** Gandhinagar: In Gujarat, over 6,000 farmers and their families are facing the prospect of displacement and losing their fertile land to development projects. Over 5,000 hectares of fertile farmland is slated to be acquired for government projects, affecting farmers in south Gujarat. But farmers aren't going quietly. Rather, they're protesting poor compensation for their land and alleged irregularities in the state government's acquisition process. The big-ticket projects include the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), the Vadodara Mumbai Expressway (VME), the bullet train project and the proposed Bharatmala project. In 2010, Prakashchandra Desai lost about a quarter acre of his farm to the National Highway 48, which passes near his farm in Amodpore village in Navsari district. Now, he's about to lose a similar amount of land, in the middle of his farm to the bullet train the pet project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the first of many high-speed rail projects in the country. "The bullet train map shows my farm in the route. The project officials have tried to visit my farm several times to take measurements, but I've not allowed them in. I want to know about the land compensation first. I am surprised that after almost two years of the project being launched, they are yet to decide on land compensation," said Desai. He and around 40 farmers in eight villages of Navsari have not allowed government officials to survey their land, but officials from the National High-Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRC) managed to gain access to some farms in other villages through the district administration. Modi and the Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe laid the foundation for the Rs 1.1 lakh crore bullet train project in Sabarmati, Ahmedabad on 14 September, 2017. The high-speed train will ferry passengers between Ahmedabad and Mumbai in a record two hours, travelling at 320 kmph. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2022 and was made possible through a soft loan of Rs 88,000 crore from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA). The rest of the cost of the project has to be borne by Gujarat and Maharashtra. The 508 kilometre rail route will cut through over 1,000 hectares of land in Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Around 350 kilometres of the corridor passes through eight districts in Gujarat: Ahmedabad, Kheda, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Navsari and Valsad. According to the NHSRC, the total land to be acquired for the project is 1002.6 hectares in Gujarat alone. The corporation acquired the first parcel of land in rural Vadodara in the last week of November 2018 from Savitaben, a Gujarati NRI based in Germany. The deadline set by the NHSRC to acquire land for the project was 31 December, 2018, but due to farmer protests in south Gujarat and Maharashtra, this process is yet to be completed. For land acquisition, the NHSRC has taken into account the provisions of the central governments Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, and Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Gujarat Amendment) Act, 2016. According to the Act, any land acquisition process by the State must begin with a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) of the project and have the consent of at least 70 percent of the affected population. Gujarats 2016 amendment to the Act did away with the clauses on consent and mandatory SIA for certain types of projects, including those relating to social infrastructure and industrial corridors. The NHSRC started the land acquisition process under the amended Act by serving notices to project-affected persons in all districts. Under the Act, once a notice is published in the official gazette, two local newspapers and in the offices of the panchayats or municipalities, land-owners must be given at least 60 days to file any objections to the acquisition of their plots. "We notified 196 villages of the SIA exemption under the amendment of 2016 and these villages have also been given preliminary notification under the 10-11(A) of the Act. We have issued a final notification to 121 villages for the land acquisition," said a revenue department official. According to the official, 71,40,722 hectares of land needs to be acquired in 197 villages in Gujarat. However, the NHSRC spokesperson Sushma Gaur said the total land to be acquired in Gujarat is 1002.6 hectares. "Of the total land required, so far 434.79 hectares has been acquired, that is 35 percent," said Gaur. According to JICA guidelines for any project to receive loans, a proper procedure of land survey, SIA and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) need to be carried out. "No such procedures have been followed. Such provisions are also present in the 2013 Act, but the 2016 amendment by the Gujarat government did away with that. We have challenged this amendment in the Gujarat High Court," said Jayesh Patel, president, Khedut Samaj Gujarat (KSG). Through KSG, 250 farmers have filed petitions in the Gujarat High Court with more than 1,100 affidavits opposing the land acquisition. The KSG, in coordination with Adivasi Ekta Parishad and Maharashtra's Kastakari Sangaathan and Shetkari Sangathan, is protesting against the bullet train project's land acquisition. "The final hearing on the case was in February-end and now the court's decision is awaited," said Patel. "The decision was expected in March. I wonder why the court has not come out with it yet.'' According to Patel, around 2,500 families will be affected by this project. Prafull Bhatt, a farmer in Karjan Block in Vadodara, stands to lose land in all of the above mentioned development projects. "I've lost a little less than two acres in the VME project and a little over an acre for the DFC one. The bullet train project will take away another piece of my land," he said. Bhatt owns three farms in Handod village and Karjan tehsil of Vadodara. "There are vast differences in the compensation given despite my farms being located a few hundred metres apart. The DFC paid me Rs 36,000 per bigha and a total of Rs 60,000 for the land acquired, while the expressway is paying a little more. The maximum rates being offered is for the bullet train project. One thing's for certain, farmers are being exploited," Bhat said. The DFC stretch of 60 to 70 metres runs parallel to the NHSR route and is just 500 metres away. Bhatt claimed that when Modi was the chief minister, he sold government wastelands (infertile land) at Rs 400 per square metre: that's Rs 10 lakh per bigha to the DFC. The DFC Corporation India Ltd, which is responsible for the project, acquired 2,121.66 hectares of private land in Gujarat for the corridor between Mumbai and Delhi. "The government has fixed different rates for themselves and for the farmers. The government land rates are exceedingly high, nearly 500 times or a thousand-fold of the Jantri rates. These rates are decided by the evaluation committee comprising the district collector, deputy collector, agriculture experts and government officials," explained Patel. "In 2009-2010, in Lakhtana village, the government sold its own land at the rate of Rs 1.23 lakh per bigha to the DFC, while in the same village, farmers were paid at the prevailing Jantri rates of Rs 2,200 per bigha by the DFC. That too because the land was near an urban area, otherwise they would have not been offered even that. We have obtained all this data from the Gujarat government through RTI and have submitted this information to the Gujarat High Court in our affidavit," added Patel. There are discrepancies even in the data regarding how many trees would be felled as part of the bullet train project. The NHSRC data places the figure at 37,394 trees on the 508 kilometre stretch, of which 25,270 trees are on private land between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The KSG group disputes this claim. "We did a survey of the trees that would be felled as part of the land acquisition and found that in just two districts, Navsari and Valsad, there were over 1.5 lakh mango and chickoo trees, apart from other kinds. We have shared this with the high court, " said Darshan Naik, a panchayat member in Surat, and an advocate working with KSG. Besides farming, several families are faced with the prospect of displacement due to the bullet train project. Of the 14,884 affected households, around 35 percent fall in the vulnerable category. Of the vulnerable 5,262 households, 39 percent are from the Schedule Tribe (ST) community, 17 percent are women-headed households and 17 percent are from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. Around 14 percent are Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Parvatiben Jaisinghbhai Makwana's house is one of the six or seven homes (or Falia, a group of houses of the Scheduled Caste communities) in Amodpore village in Navsari that would be razed for this project. She claimed that the project caused the death of her husband Jaisinghbhai Makwana, a BJP panchayat member. She said, "My husband died due to the tension of losing our house to the project. My husband worked in Kuwait to build this house. With him gone, at this age, where will I go?" Another affected villager, Kamleshkumar Dashadiya, from Kathor, Surat shared that he built his house two years ago using money lent by friends and relatives. "We spent around Rs 22 to 25 lakh to renovate our house and now we are being told this house will be razed for the bullet train project. We don't want to go anywhere," Dashadiya said. Dashadiya's family is dependent on the income earned by his son, Rachit (25), who runs a shop, which will also be razed, as it falls in the route of the train project. "JICA guidelines for Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) have been ignored by the NHSRC and the government. None of the procedures have been followed. While in their report, the NHSRC shows that there is no gap between what is being done by the government and what is outlined by JICA, which is totally bogus," claimed Siddharth Desai, a farmer leading the KSG protest in Navsari. JICA guidelines state that involuntary resettlement should be avoided and compensation or assistance should be provided prior to any displacement. A Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) should be prepared for large-scale involuntary resettlement and this should be communicated to affected persons and they need to be consulted in the planning, implementing and monitoring phases of the resettlement plan. It also stipulates the need for an appropriate and accessible Grievance Redressal mechanism. For now, farmers in Gujarat and Maharashtra are waiting for the Gujarat High Court ruling. The author is a Gandhinagar-based freelance-writer and a member of 101Reporters Islamic State claimed for the first time that it has established a province in India, after a clash between militants and security forces in Kashmir. New Delhi: Islamic State claimed for the first time that it has established a province in India, after a clash between militants and security forces in the state of Jammu and Kashmir killed a militant with alleged ties to the group. Islamic State's Amaq News Agency late on Friday announced the new province, that it called Wilayah of Hind, in a statement that also claimed Islamic State inflicted casualties on Indian Army soldiers in the town of Amshipora in the Shopian district of Kashmir. The Islamic State statement corresponds with an Indian police statement on Friday that a militant called Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi was killed in an encounter in Shopian. Islamic State's statement establishing the new province appears to be designed to bolster its standing after the group was driven from its self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria in April, where at one point it controlled thousands of miles of territory. Islamic State has stepped up hit-and-run raids and suicide attacks, including taking responsibility for the Easter Sunday bombing in Sri Lanka that killed at least 253 people. The establishment of a province in a region where it has nothing resembling actual governance is absurd, but it should not be written off, said Rita Katz, director of the SITE Intel Group that tracks Islamic extremists. The world may roll its eyes at these developments, but to jihadists in these vulnerable regions, these are significant gestures to help lay the groundwork in rebuilding the map of the IS caliphate. Sofi had been involved in several militant groups in Kashmir for more than a decade before pledging allegiance to Islamic State, according to a military official on Saturday and an interview given by Sofi to a Srinagar-based magazine sympathetic to Islamic State. He was suspected of several grenade attacks on security forces in the region, police and military sources said. It was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire, a police spokesman said in the statement on Fridays encounter. The military official said it was possible that Sofi had been the only militant left in Kashmir associated with Islamic State. Separatists have for decades fought an armed conflict against Indian rule in Muslim-majority Kashmir. The majority of these groups want independence for Kashmir or to join Indias arch-rival Pakistan. They have not, like Islamic State, sought to establish an empire across the Muslim world. Nuclear powers India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir, and came to the brink of a third earlier this year after a suicide attack by a Pakistan-based militant group killed at least 40 paramilitary police in the Indian-controlled portion of the region. A spokesman for Indias home ministry, which is responsible for security in Kashmir, did not respond to a request for comment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will address public rallies at the two of the 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh that will go to polls on 19 May. On Friday evening campaigning for the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections, that is going to take place on 12 May came to an end. And with this, the focus of the political parties and their star campaigners will shift to the constituencies that will go to polls in the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections, which will take place on 19 May. Some high-profile constituency that will go to polls in the seventh phase includes Patna Sahib (Bihar), Chandigarh, Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Amritsar (Punjab), Gorakhpur, Ghazipur, and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday will address public rallies at the two of the 13 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh that will go to polls on 19 May. Modi will address rallies at Robertsganj and Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister Manoj Sinha is the incumbent MP from Ghazipur. He was also elected from the same constituency in 1999 elections. Afzal Ansari who is contesting on Gathbandhan (BSP-SP alliance) ticket won the seat in 2004 on Samajwadi Party ticket. Congress candidate is Ajit Pratap Kushwaha. Ghazipur, situated in East Uttar Pradesh, has a sizable population of upper caste groups like Bhumihars, Kayasthas, Brahmins and Thakurs all of them coming under the umbrella of Upper Castes. Moreover, Yadavs, Muslims and Khushwahas are also found in such numbers that can swing the election in anyones favour. Apart from Ghazipur, Modi will also address a rally at Robertsganj where the incumbent MP is Chhotelal from BJP. Congress President Rahul Gandhi will address three rallies in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. He will address rallies at Shajapur, Amjhera, District Dhar and Khargone. BJP President, Amit Shah will address rallies at Pakur in Jharkhand and Kaimur and Bhojpur in Bihar. He will also lead a roadshow in Patna that will start from St. Severin's School, Kadam Kuan to Gandhi Maidan. Contest in Patna is between Bollywood actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha, who has been associated with BJP for about three decades but quit the party last month and joined the Congress. Sinha is a two-term BJP Lok Sabha member from Patna Sahib but was dropped by BJP this time and BJP decided to field Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the seat. Sinha has been given ticket by Congress. Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat is considered one of the safest seats for BJP in India especially after the last delimitation of seats in 2008 which made it an urban seat, with a predominant upper caste Kayasth population. Also, the contest this time is tough as boththe Congress and BJP candidate belongs to the same Kayastha community, which has the numbers to influence the election outcomes. Out of the six Assembly seats that is part of Patna Lok Sabha constituency five of them have BJP MLAs and one has an RJD legislator. The contest in Patna will be closely observed and Amit Shah roadshow is also expected to raise the political temperature in the capital city of Bihar. The Election Commission has launched a Voter Helpline app, the 1950 voter helpline and nvsp.in to help voters check their polling station and contact details of booth level, electoral registration officers and district officers. Around 90 crore people are eligible to vote in the seven-phase Lok Sabha Election 2019 that begun on 11 April, which is nearly the combined population of the whole of Europe and Brazil. About 432 million of these voters are women. With a view to ensure a smooth Lok Sabha election and Assembly elections (Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh), the Election Commission of India strengthened its toll-free voter helpline 1950 in February 2019 making it easy for voters to get authentic information about their voter registration. Voters enrolled in the electoral roll can check details of their personal information, polling station where they have to go to vote on polling day and contact details of booth-level officers, electoral registration officers and district election officers by using the voter helpline mobile app, or by visiting the nvsp.in portal or by calling 1950 helpline. Electors can also call the helpline to register any election-related complaint between 8 am and 8 pm in Hindi or English on all working days. The callers identity is kept anonymous. Services through SMS can also be availed by citizens by sending SMS without any cost to 1950. Here is the list of services that can be availed on SMS and the format to send SMS to 1950: To check your details in the electoral roll: Send an SMS in the format spacespace<0> (for reply in English) or <1> (for reply in the regional language) To get address of polling station where you are needed to to cast vote: SEND an SMS in the format: space To fetch the contact details of Booth Level Officers, Electoral Registration Officers and District Election Officers: Send an SMS in the format space Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot has demanded a CBI probe into the death of a Dalit man in police custody in Madhya Pradesh last month. New Delhi: Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot has demanded a CBI probe into the death of a Dalit man in police custody in Madhya Pradesh last month. The man had allegedly died due to torture by police after being arrested for theft in Indore. In a letter to Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, the Union Minister stated that it had come to his notice that 22-year-old Sanju Tipaniya was brutally tortured by the Gandhi Nagar police, despite claiming innocence. "The police have crossed all limits of brutality. They plucked out his nails with pliers, hit his legs with a hammer and gave him electric shocks following which he fainted," the minister said. "They poured water on him to bring him to his senses and when he gained consciousness, he was beaten up again... He was not even given water to drink. He battled for his life for three hours," Gehlot said while describing the torture meted out to him. He alleged that the young man's mother was also called to the police station and thrashed by the police leading to a fracture in her hand and leg. Even his brother was beaten up in front of villagers and he sustained injuries, Gehlot said, adding that it was important to ensure justice for the victim's family. "In view of the seriousness of the issue, I hope you will order a CBI inquiry into it," he wrote. Family members of the youth had alleged that he died due to torture by police personnel at the Gandhi Nagar police station. Superintendent of Police (West) Suraj Verma said Tipaniya was taken to a nearby hospital, from where he was shifted to the state-run Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital, but could not be saved. He said the Gandhi Nagar police station in-charge, Neeta Deyarwal, and four constables had been suspended. Aatish is a London-based author/ journalist who is the son of Indian journalist Tavleen Singh and Pakistani politician Salman Taseer, who was assassinated for his vocal criticism of Pakistan's notorious blasphemy law Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson Sambit Patra on Saturday lashed out at a journalist who authored an anti-Narendra Modi article in TIME magazine, and also hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi with the same brickbat. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Patra said: "The man who called Modi divider-in-chief is a Pakistani man, he is a Pakistani citizen. You all know what Pakistan is like. They hate Narendra Modi because he did the two surgical strikes on them. What else is there to say? But Rahul Gandhi is tweeting about it." Patra's caustic comments were directed at author and journalist Aatish Taseer, who wrote this month's TIME magazine's cover story titled India's Divider-in-Chief. This title pertains to the article in the magazine with the headline "Can the World's Largest Democracy Endure Another Five Years of a Modi Government?" The article is heavily critical of the prime minister, who, it states, has created "an atmosphere of poisonous religious nationalism in India." The write-up also compares former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's idea of secularism with the prevailing social "stress" under Modi who "demonstrated no desire to foster brotherly feelings between Hindus and Muslims," the article read. Besides, the article also recalled the Gujarat riots of 2002. However, Patra issued a strong rebuttal to the arguments made in the article in his presser. He also penned an op-ed in today's (11 May) The Indian Express, titled Under cover of a story, where he argued that the TIME article was a heavily biased take on Modi's performance in the last five years. "There is a crucial word missing from the rambling lead article in TIME magazine, which purports to be an analysis of five years of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government. The missing word is 'corruption'. Any balanced report would have mentioned, even if it was only grudgingly, that one of the most important reasons for Narendra Modis victory in 2014 was the pervasive corruption that had become synonymous with Congress rule between 2004 and 2014, bolstered by smaller parties who picked up their share, through a voiceless Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who paid the price of his office with silence. You can rest assured that if there had been even an iota of credible evidence of corruption against Modi or his ministers, it would have dominated the diatribe that has been published under the guise of journalism by TIME." However, Patra's claim that Rahul was tweeting about the article seems to be unfounded as we did not find any reference to the article on the Congress president's Twitter feed. It is, however, possible that an earlier tweet on the subject may now have been retracted. Meanwhile, Aatish's report sparked a debate on Twitter, with 5,100 comments on his tweet promoting the article at the time of writing this article. His Wikipedia page too was mangled "with the intention to vandalise the page and ruin the reputation of the person the article is about." A look at the edit history of the page shows the article was edited around 78 times on 10 May, the day the article was released. Many of the reverts to previous versions cite "removing fake information" as the reason for edit. This is unusual activity for the page, as seen from the fact that before 10 May, the article was last edited in January this year. Also, Wikipedia moderators have now made the page 'protected' due to persistent disruptive editing, which means that further changes to the page's content will only reflect after due moderation and review. The page has now been restored. Wikipedia is an open source encyclopedia allowing anyone to edit any unprotected page and improve articles immediately for all readers. Aatish is a London-based author/ journalist who is the son of Indian journalist Tavleen Singh and Pakistani politician Salman Taseer, who was assassinated for his vocal criticism of Pakistan's notorious blasphemy law. He was killed after he openly supported pardon for Pakistani christian woman Asia Bibi, who was recently granted refuge in Canada. Photo: Jon Manchester Tolko's head office in Vernon A fibre shortage has forced the permanent closure of Tolko's Quesnel sawmill and a shift reduction at its Kelowna operation. Vernon-based Tolko Industries announced the moves Friday. The Quest Wood sawmill in Quesnel will be permanently shuttered, and Tolko's Kelowna mill will see a reduction from two shifts to one. This is a difficult but necessary decision, CEO Brad Thorlakson said in a press release. Quest Wood has been part of the Tolko family since 1981 and Kelowna since 2004 when we acquired Riverside Forest Products. Unfortunately, we do not have enough economic fibre to keep all of our British Columbia mills running efficiently and productively. We knew that (annual allowable cut) reductions were coming in British Columbia due to the devastation caused by the mountain pine beetle epidemic. The curtailments announced today are sooner than anticipated due to uneconomic log costs, weak lumber markets, and the catastrophic impacts of wildfires. Thorlakson said HR teams are on site and will be providing support to employees at both mills. This is a business decision and does not reflect on the commitment or work of our employees at these two operations. They have made significant contributions to Tolko over many years, and we are grateful for their efforts," he said. We will be working with a number of agencies to help people transition to new employment, and we will do everything we can to provide opportunities at other Tolko divisions to minimize the impact on employees and their families. Remaining Tolko divisions will continue operating on regular schedules. The Quest Wood closure process will begin Aug. 2, affecting about 150 employees. The reduction in shifting at the Kelowna mill is effective July 12 and will impact 90 employees. The decisions will remove 250 million board feet from Tolkos production in B.C. Pitched as the first-ever biography of NTR in English, K Chandrahas and K Lakshminarayanas NTR, A Biographyruns over a mammoth 600 pages and barely leaves anything about the iconic star behind. Reading the biography of NTR, the moniker by which Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, the legendary Telugu matinee idol turned politician was better known, amid a general election makes it a far more interesting exercise. Pitched as the first-ever biography of NTR in English, K Chandrahas and K Lakshminarayanas NTR, A Biography (CLS Publishers) runs over a mammoth 600 pages and barely leaves anything about the iconic star behind. It begins with NTRs family history (the actor was adopted within his own family where he was brought up by two women in a fashion similar to the character he portrayed 17 times onscreen, Lord Krishna), follows the career that saw him become one of Indias biggest film stars ever and dedicates a significant portion to the public figure who served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for seven years over three terms. NTR was not the first film actor to become a chief minister in India. By the time he decided to foray into public life, MG Ramachandran, the Tamil superstar, had been the CM of Tamil Nadu for almost five years but it wouldnt be wrong to suggest that it was NTR who left a more significant impact in terms of a political career. NTR considered MGR a close friend they even shared the same make-up man, Pithambaram and he sought advice from MGR as well when he was toying with the idea of launching a political party. A large part of NTRs political life, much like his existence and his public persona, had to do with the concept of identity. It was quite early on in his acting career that NTR laid the foundation of what would late become the springboard for politics. NTR tried to develop his distinctive style both in front as well as behind the camera where he tirelessly advocated Andhra Pradeshs distinct cultural identity and continually distinguished it from the erstwhile Madras State with which it was often associated. A major factor in the shaping of brand NTR were the roles that he essayed. He played nearly every important god including Krishna and Ram, and in fact, even Karna as the hero in Daana Veera Soora Karna (1977) at a time when such interpretation was not conventional. In fact, he played all three roles in that film: Karna, Duryodhana, and Krishna. With NTR, the fine line separating reality and myth blurred. Legend has it that during the shooting of Mayabazar (1957), which was the first hit to feature NTR as Krishna, when he appeared on the set as Lord Krishna the entire studio come to a standstill. Crew members rushed to touch his feet; some even offered the aarti and NTR blessed them. Considering that half of Indias present populace was just two when NTR died in 1996, it wouldnt be surprising that many might have little or no idea of who he was. Moreover, NTR belonged to an era sans an all-pervasive social media and the world was too big to exist within a mobile phone and unfortunate as it is, the current crop of non-Telugu film aficionados, also, wouldnt know much about him when compared with a Kamal Haasan, Nagarjuna, Mahesh Babu or Prabhas. In that aspect, NTR, A Biography not only fills the blanks but also offers a fantastic insight into the intrinsic relationship between films and politics that prevails south of Vindhyas. The book is peppered with insightful nuggets that reveal the person behind the larger than life image of NTR he always referred to himself in the royal plural, he hated newspapers to the extent of making it a virtue not to read them, and he rarely lost his shirt in public; and also the adulation that his fans had for him an anonymous transporter referred to as Chowdary offered 40 trucks to ferry around fans for NTRs first public rally for no cost and didnt even hang around to meet his idol. Written by a former IRS officer (Chandrahas) and an ex-IAS officer (Lakshminarayana), who also served under NTR when he was the CM between 1984-89, the book benefits immensely from the access they might have enjoyed. This might be the reason why there is a protracted focus on NTR, the politician, as opposed to NTR, the superstar. For history buffs, the book describes in great detail how the Congress party, first under Indira Gandhi and later Rajiv Gandhi, treated the local heavyweights, often insulting them in full public view, and how this apathy towards the Telugu people pushed NTR to stand up for his people. No one gave NTR and his political outfit, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), an outside chance to make a dent in state politics. Even NTR did not push his son in law, N Chandrababu Naidu, who was a rising star in state Congress party along with the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy or YSR, to join his party as he was not sure of the future. What NTR did was nothing short of epoch-making he traversed nearly 75,000 km across the state in a refurbished 1940 Chevrolet convertible that he called Chaitanya Ratham (chariot of awakening) and mobilised the entire state of undivided Andhra Pradesh. The TDP won 202 out of the 294 state assembly seats, and NTR went on to become the first non-Congress CM of Andhra Pradesh. As a side note, NTRs victory was the first election that future psephologist Pranoy Roy got wrong. NTR achieved a lot in terms of governance but the social changes that he ushered had more considerable significance, and the one that stood out was the successful modification of the Hindu-Succession-Act that gave equal default property inheritance rights for women. Later, NTR also became the propelling force for the United Front that formed the government at the Centre under VP Singh in 1989. NTR died in January 1996, barely four months after his son in law, Chandrababu Naidu, led a coup to oust him from the post of CM. NTR, A Biography is a weighty tome. When it comes to reading long books, the reader, like EM Forster noted, usually overpraises to convince others and oneself that they have not wasted their time. The book is not bereft of problems and some of them could be off-putting. For starters, the writing could have been edited as well as structured better. Some of the chapters are just half a page and needlessly break the flow, but the thing that could nag the reader the most is the occurrence of grammatical errors. Irrespective of it all, the book is a must-read. Much before the Lok Sabha election, the Opposition parties in Kerala had expressed fear of widespread attempt by LDF to rig the election. Much before the Lok Sabha election, the Opposition parties in Kerala had expressed fear of widespread attempt by ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) to rig the election. Much of this fear is coming true, with evidence of various kinds of election malpractices emerging after the election. The latest is the official confirmation of foul play in the distribution of postal ballots to police officials deployed for election duty outside their constituencies. The allegation was that the CPM-backed Kerala Police Association (KPA) had en masse collected postal ballots to be distributed to the policemen to vote in favour of the ruling front candidates during the election on 23 April across the state. The fraud came to light when an audio clip of a former KPA leader urging fellow men to collect the postal ballots of the cops surfaced on social media last week. The police postal ballots constitute a significant number of 25,000 votes and can influence the result in a few constituencies where the victory margin is usually low. A preliminary investigation by state intelligence chief Vinod Kumar found that at least three members of the police constabulary had tried to gather the postal ballots from colleagues to help the LDF. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the KPA had collected postal ballots of those owing allegiance to other parties also by adopting arm-twisting tactics such as threats of transfer. State Director General of Police Loknath Behra, who initially maintained everything was hunky dory, was forced to act only after Chief Electoral Officer Teekaram Meena took a tough stand. On his direction, he suspended one of the three officials and has directed the Crime Branch to conduct a comprehensive investigation to find out the extent of the fraud. Congress, which leads the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), is not satisfied by the CB probe. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Mullappally Ramachandran has termed the probe by a state agency a part of an attempt by the police chief to save the higher ups involved in the manipulation and demanded a judicial inquiry. He said that the police chief was trying to limit the probe to a few policemen in the lower ranks by handing over the investigation to the Crime Branch. It is difficult to believe that junior officers themselves have committed this serious fraud. They have certainly acted on the direction of higher ups. The CB will not dare to touch them, Mullappally said while stressing the need for a probe by an independent agency. Congress leaders believe that the top brass themselves had prepared the ground for the intervention of the association in the postal ballots by changing the previous system, in which the policemen on poll duty were allowed to collect the ballot papers themselves and return them after casting their vote to the polling officer directly in sealed covers. However, this time, the DGP routed the process through nodal officers appointed by him. The Opposition leader had pointed out the possibility for manipulation in the new arrangement before the polls and asked the police chief to revert to the old system. When his plea was ignored, the Opposition had taken up the issue with the Election Commission, who directed the DGP to ensure that the system was not misused. Behra had promised a fair deal. The promise, however, turned out to be empty. The UDF has now demanded cancellation of the postal votes of all policemen and a fresh voting. The CEO is awaiting the final investigation report to take a decision on the demand. He has asked the DGP to submit the report by 15 May so that he can order a fresh polling if required before the counting of votes on 23 May. But the CEOs job does not end here. Meena is yet to take a call on the complaint by a section of the civil officials who were deputed on poll duty that they were denied postal ballots despite repeated reminders. The officials have formed a group to push the case. He has also not taken cognizance of the Congress' charge regarding a conspiracy hatched by the CPM in collusion with government officials to manipulate the voters list. AICC general secretary and former chief minister Oommen Chandy has alleged that the CPM had tried to manipulate the mandate by removing at least 10 lakh voters favouring the UDF. Chandy said that the CPM-led government had facilitated the malpractice much before the declaration of the elections by using officials owing allegiance to the ruling front. He has pointed out the sharp decline in the number of voters between the 2016 Assembly polls and 2019 Lok Sabha election to substantiate his allegation. The Election Commission had registered 5.5 lakh new voters belonging to 18-19 age group after 2018 alone. However, the final voters' list showed an increase of only 1.32 lakh voters. The growth from the 2014 Lok Sabha polls to 2016 Assembly elections was 17.5 lakh. This shows that the growth of voters in this election is not proportionate as found in previous elections, said Chandy. He said that this anomaly was because of removal of pro-UDF voters from the electoral list throughout the state. The name of a person from the voters' list can be removed only with his consent, but in this case, it was done without following the due procedure, he added. The former chief minister has demanded a high-level probe into the manipulation and action against the concerned officials. The party candidates in some constituencies had also alleged an attempt by the CPM to garner these votes by getting fake voter ID cards issued to the party supporters. The Congress candidate in Attingal had alleged before the election that more than 1.12 lakh people in his constituency had received more than one voter ID card. He had even presented copies of the voters list from various booths in the constituency, in which multiple entries with different election ID numbers were included to the Election Commission and the district collector. Cases of electoral malpractices started tumbling out after a TV channel telecast webcasting footage of bogus voting by CPM workers in a booth at Pilathara under the Kasargod constituency. While cases have been registered against seven persons, including three UDF leaders who have cast bogus votes on the basis of the webcasting footage, several other cases of bogus voting in booths where there were no web cameras are still being verified. Though cases of bogus voting were reported in previous elections, this is perhaps the first time that the state is witnessing a coordinated attempt to rig the election on a massive scale. If the Election Commission does not address the complaints, the state is going to see a flurry of election cases after the counting of votes. Voters who haven't received their voter slip can check their name on the electoral roll and download their photo voter slip from the portal nvsp.in. Voting for the seven-phase Lok Sabha Election 2019 in India began on 11 April, with Phase 7 scheduled for Sunday, 19 May. There are nearly 90 crore people registered as voters, of which 1.5 crore are between the ages of 18 and 19. But before exercising their franchise, voters must check if their names have appeared in the voters' list, and download the voter slip, which needs to be presented along with a photo identity card at your polling station to vote in the upcoming election. If your name does not appear in the voters' list, the polling booth officials will not allow you to cast your vote. Usually, voter slips (which serve as proof that your name exists in the electoral roll) are made available to voters' by various political parties. But what if you haven't received yours yet? The Election Commission offers voters the facility to check their name on the electoral roll and download their photo voter slip from the portal nvsp.in. Every voter is required to carry their photo voter slip along with their voter identification card (also known as Electors Photo Identity Card or EPIC or Voter's ID) that is issued by the Election Commission of India (EC) or other approved photo identity proofs. Here are the steps to download your voter slip: Step 1. Visit the official website of the National Voter Services Portal's - nvsp.in Step 2. Click on 'Search Your Name in Electoral Roll' option Step 3. Fill in your credentials Step 4. Press the 'search' button Step 5. Your name will appear at the bottom of the page Step 6. Click on view details and the page will be directed to your voter slip. Step 7. Click on Print Voter Information' at the bottom of your voter slip and take a print out. In case your name does not appear after the first three steps, it is likely that you are not eligible to vote in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. The ongoing election is being held for 543 seats at nearly 10 lakh polling booths across the country, while the counting of votes will take place on 23 May. Full details of timing, schedule and list of constituencies is available here. Click here for complete coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2019 Click here for complete coverage of Assembly Elections 2019 Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats, which will vote in the last two phases of Lok Sabha polls, are again in the limelight as electoral battle intensifies in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow: Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats, which will vote in the last two phases of Lok Sabha polls, are again in the limelight as electoral battle intensifies in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh. The BJP had to bite the dust in the bypolls in these constituencies last year. While the anti-BJP alliance is keen on retaining its grip over both the seats, the saffron party is looking to wrest them from the Opposition. Their importance can be gauged from the fact that Gorakhpur was represented by Yogi Adityanath in the Lok Sabha from 1998 to 2017, before he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Similarly, Phulpur was won for the first time by the BJP in 2014, when Keshav Prasad Maurya emerged victorious from the seat once represented by Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister. Maurya vacated the seat after he became the deputy chief minister of the state in 2017. However, this time, the giant killer in the Gorakhpur bypoll, Praveen Kumar Nishad, has switched over to the BJP, and he has been fielded from the Sant Kabir Nagar parliamentary constituency in eastern Uttar Pradesh. There are 14 candidates in the fray in Phulpur, which has 19.75 lakh voters, and 10 candidates are contesting in Gorakhpur, which has 19.54 lakh voters. The prominent candidates in Phulpur are Keshari Devi Patel from the BJP, Pandhari Yadav of the Samajwadi Party and Pankaj Patel of the Congress. In Gorakhpur, the fight is mainly among Madhusudan Tripathi of the Congress, Ravindra Shyamnarayan Shukla alias Ravi Kishan of the BJP and Rambhual Nishad of the SP. Exuding confidence that the SP candidate will retain the seat, party spokesperson Rajpal Kashyap said, "Bypolls in Phulpur, Gorakhpur and Kairana changed the narrative of Uttar Pradesh politics... All these seats will definitely vote for mahagathbandhan whose aim is to herald a 'mahaparivartan' (grand change)." Rebutting SP's claims, state BJP media coordinator Rakesh Tripathi said, "It was the low polling percentage which led to BJP's defeat in the bypolls. However, in the past one year, a large number of first-time voters have become associated with the party. I am confident that both the BJP candidates will emerge as victorious." The opposition parties defeated the ruling BJP in three Lok Sabha bypolls last year in the state which sends 80 MPs to the Lower House of Parliament. In the Kairana Lok Sabha by-elections in May last year, the BJP lost to the joint Opposition candidate, RLD's Tabassum Hasan. The seat had fallen vacant following the death of the BJP candidate Mriganka Singh's father Hukum Singh. Tabassum Hasan was supported by the Congress, the SP and the BSP. In March, the BJP lost the Lok Sabha bypolls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur. In the last parliamentary elections in 2014, the BJP had won 71 seats in the state, securing 42.63 percent of the votes. BJP ally Apna Dal bagged two more. The Samajwadi Party had won five seats with a vote share of 22.35 percent. The BSP did not win any seat but secured 19.77 percent votes. The Congress registered wins on two UP seats in 2014, bagging 7.53 percent of the votes. For many young Muslims in Bhopal, the prospect of Pragya Thakurs victory is almost unthinkable. They simply cannot understand how people can vote for her. Editor's note: This is a multi-part political diary that features interviews with and observations about young voters in Madhya Pradesh Its a few minutes before sunset at Iqbal Maidan in old Bhopal, where a crowd of Muslim men has gathered. It's the time to end the days fasting, and a big iftar dinner is about to begin at the square, with the setting sun casting a fading orange glow on the medieval-era havelis surrounding the maidan. Glasses of yellow pineapple sharbat are making their way to the tables, and young boys are keenly eyeing the khajoor (dates) set in front of each chair with an intense gaze. This reporter spoke to several people at the ground about the Lok Sabha election in the constituency, where the BJP has fielded self-styled Hindu saint and Malegaon bomb blast-accused Pragya Thakur against the Congress' candidate, former chief minister Digvijaya Singh. This election is a clash of two polar opposites. Singh led the state for ten years from 1993 to 2003, when his government was defeated by another godwoman, the BJPs Uma Bharti. The states middle class remembers tenure by its frequent power cuts, low economic growth, and crumbling infrastructure. After leaving office, Singh developed a reputation for being the "Muslim face" of the Congress party when he began championing the term "saffron terror" and called the 26/11 terrorist attacks in Mumbai an RSS conspiracy, even writing a book on the subject. Thakur first emerged on the national spotlight for her alleged involvement in the 2008 Malegaon bomb blasts. Although she has not been convicted, she is currently out on bail for health reasons. Since her candidature was announced, she has made a series of controversial statements, the most prominent being that she prayed for the death of the investigating officer in the case, Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad Chief Hemant Karkare, who was killed in the 26/11 attacks. Thakur has replaced the low-profile sitting Member of Parliament, Alok Sanjar, who won the seat for the BJP with a 63 percent of the vote in 2014. The last time the Congress won the seat was in the aftermath of Indira Gandhis assassination in 1984. As the BJP has won the seat on all occasions since that election, the constituency is considered a saffron bastion. But it is important to remember that more than a quarter of the population of Bhopal 26 percent is Muslim. The men at the iftar dinner were puzzled at Pragya Thakurs nomination. They viewed it as being totally contrary to Prime Minister Modis pitch of sabka saath, sabka vikas, believing that her statements imply that she only cares about one segment of the population, Hindus. Her position is all about promoting Hindus. She does not care about anybody else, a 27-year-old Muslim carpenter told me. "Nobody with an education or a sense of humanity would vote for her," he added. I countered him, telling him that many dont view the contest as a fight between Pragya Thakur and Digvijaya Singh, but as between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, in which they would select Modi. But he did not buy my explanation, asking why Thakur was given a ticket, if it were really a Modi versus Rahul contest. The BJP could have renominated Sanjar or found another moderate politician to take his place, he said. Another young man, an unemployed engineer, told me that he was focusing on the qualifications of the two candidates, and that Singh came out on top. He has a plan to provide jobs for young people. He has the education required to take the country forward. We do not know about Pragyas education. Is she even a graduate? And around town, Digvijaya Singhs campaign billboards either focus on providing employment for the states youth, or on promoting the Congress partys NYAY promise of providing Rs. 72,000 a year to 20 percent of the poorest families. BJP billboards largely focus on Prime Minister Modi, taking credit for fighting terrorism, with Pragya Thakur not always featured on them. The BJP and its allies are trying to present Thakur as a victim of Hindu-bashing. In their eyes, she is the most pro-Hindu candidate, and the only person capable of taking on the most anti-Hindu politician. Digvijaya Singh, aware of the carefully laid trap set by the RSS, has not taken the bait. After undertaking a six-month-long Narmada Yatra last year and having spent considerable time temple-hopping after his nomination was announced, Singh joined prominent Hindu guru Computer Baba and countless other sadhus at a maha yagna organised for his victory in Bhopal on Tuesday. After a brief stint as a Minister-of-State rank member of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, Computer Baba has become a sharp critic of the BJP, chastising the party for failing to build a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He has since turned into a star campaigner for the Congress party, both in the 2018 state Assembly elections and the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. When I mentioned Computer Babas bonhomie with Singh with Muslims in old Bhopal, they dismissed any of his perceived pro-Hindu leanings as being mere campaign rhetoric which he would need to win election. If we look at his track record, Digvijaya Singh will win, and he will take all of Bhopal forward. For many of these young Muslims, the prospect of Pragya Thakurs victory is almost unthinkable. They simply cannot understand how people can vote for her, even if they intend to reelect the prime minister. Reuters PARIS (Reuters) - Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg hailed on Friday France's efforts to regulate hateful content online as a model for the European Union after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. "I'm encouraged and optimistic about the regulatory framework that will be put in place," Zuckerberg told reporters at Facebook's Paris headquarters. "It's going to be hard for us, and there's going to be things in there that we disagree with. That's natural." "But in order for people to trust the internet overall and overtime, there needs to be the right regulation put in place," he said. "And I think the best way for that to get put in place is by governments like this one that are being thoughtful and diligent about how to do this." A report commissioned by Macron published earlier on Friday recommends increasing oversight over the world's largest social media network and allowing an independent regulator to police the efforts of large tech companies to deal with hate speech. "Hopefully this can become a model, not just a national model for France but can be worked into a framework across the EU overall as the new (European) parliament comes into place," Zuckerberg said in Paris. It comes after Facebook has been heavily criticised by politicians and the public for its failure to more rapidly remove footage of the March shooting attack in Christchurch, New Zealand from its network. Fifty people were killed in the assault, with footage of it circulating online for days. (Reporting by Mathieu Rosemain; writing by Michel Rose; Editing by Leigh Thomas) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Reuters Indias antitrust watchdog has ordered an investigation into Alphabet Incs unit Google for allegedly abusing the dominant position of its popular Android mobile operating system to block rivals, two sources aware of the matter told Reuters. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) last year started looking into the complaint, which is similar to one Google faced in Europe that resulted in a 4.34 billion euro ($5 billion) fine on the company, Reuters reported in February. In mid-April, the CCI decided there was merit in the accusations made in the complaint and ordered its investigation unit to launch a full probe, one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. That decision, which was confirmed by the second source, has not been previously reported and the order calling the full investigation was not made public. It is a strong case for the CCI, given the EU precedent, said the first source. The CCI has (preliminarily) found Google abused its dominant position. The probe would be completed in about a year and Google executives would likely be summoned to appear before the CCI in coming months, the source said. The CCI did not respond to a request for comment. A Google spokesman said Android has enabled millions of Indians to connect to the internet by making mobile devices more affordable. Google looked forward to working with the CCI to demonstrate how Android has led to more competition and innovation, not less, the spokesman said in a statement. Reuters could not establish who filed the complaint, which involves more than one person. Unfair advantage The precise details of the complaint against Google in India could not be determined, but sources have told Reuters it is on the exact same lines as the case filed against the company in Europe. In the EU case, regulators said Google forced manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and its Chrome browser, together with its Google Play app store, on Android devices, giving it an unfair advantage. Google has appealed the order but, in a bid to quell EU antitrust concerns, last month said its Android device users in Europe would be able to choose rival browsers and search engines. Once a user downloads a rival search app, it also prompts them to change their default search engine in their Google Chrome browser, if they so wish. Android, used by device makers for free, features on about 88 percent of the worlds smartphones. In India, about 99 percent of the smartphones sold this year used the platform, Counterpoint Research estimates. It remains possible that the CCIs investigations unit could clear Google of any wrongdoing. The amount of fine that can be imposed on Google if the CCI rules against it was not immediately clear. The Indian regulator has powers to impose a penalty of up to 10% of the relevant turnover of a company in the last three financial years if it is found to have abused its dominant position. In that case, Googles earnings linked to its web browser and search engine could be considered to assess the fine, New Delhi-based antitrust lawyer Gautam Shahi said. Google does not disclose its India earnings from its web browser or search engine. They can either change their conduct in India voluntarily or let CCI investigate. A voluntary change in conduct may have an impact on the quantum of penalty if its imposed, said Shahi. The Indian investigation, however, is not the only antitrust trouble for the Mountain View, California-based company in its key market. Last year, the CCI imposed a fine of 1.36 billion rupees ($19.46 million) on Google for search bias and abuse of its dominant position. It also found Google had put its commercial flight search function in a prominent position on the search results page. Google appealed against that order, saying the ruling could cause it "irreparable" harm and reputational loss. Some armed militants stormed a five-star hotel in Pakistan's port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, police said. Karachi: Three heavily-armed militants on Saturday stormed a luxury hotel in Pakistan's port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, leading to a fierce gunbattle in which four persons including the attackers were killed, police said. The armed men entered the upscale Pearl Continental (PC) Hotel and opened random firing, a senior police official said. They shot dead a guard at the entrance, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. A shootout between the militants and the security forces broke out at the hotel as the anti-terrorism force, the Army and the Frontier Corps were called in, Gwadar Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Bangulzai said. Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langov said that all the three attackers were killed by the security forces. He said that some of the guests in the hotel were also injured but their number was not immediately known. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility of the attack which it said was carried out by the militants linked with its Majeed Brigade group. Locals said several gunshots were heard after the terrorists entered the luxury hotel. Gwadar port is one of the focal points of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with many Chinese workers from other provinces of Pakistan working at the port. The hotel, frequented by business as well as leisure travellers, is located on the Koh-e-Batil hill, south of West Bay on Fish Harbour road in Gwadar. All foreign and local guests staying at the hotel had been safely evacuated, Express Tribune quoted Balochistan Information Minister Zahoor Buledi as saying. "At around 4:50 pm (local time) we got reports that there are two to there armed men in PC Hotel," SHO Bangulzai said. "Two to three gunmen had first fired at and then entered the hotel," Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohsin Hassan Butt said. "A clearance operation was going on," a spokesman of the army said. The provincial police chief further said that "the attackers may have come in a boat to launch the attack". Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani condemned "the terrorists attack" on PC Hotel, and instructed the authorities to "ensure the safety of all inside the hotel", Dawn News reported. He called for a "well planned and strong action against the terrorists", adding that he is "in touch with police and local administration" regarding the situation. Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, is Pakistan's largest and poorest province, rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies. On April 18, unidentified gunmen donning uniforms of paramilitary soldiers massacred at least 14 passengers, including Pakistan Navy personnel, after forcing them to disembark from buses on a highway in Balochistan. China is investing heavily in Balochistan under the CPEC. The CPEC, launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. The BLA is one of the most-organised terrorist group of Baloch nationalists fighting against security forces. The group was also involved in the terrorist attack at the Chinese consulate in Karachi last year. London: A newly-wed British Indian man is stuck in Sri Lanka after his wife died from a mysterious illness at a hotel in the country on their honeymoon. Khilan Chandaria is being barred by the Sri Lankan authorities from leaving the country until an investigation into the death of his 31-year-old wife, Usheila Patel, is concluded. Chandaria, a 33-year-old phone shop owner from north-west London, has not been arrested or charged in connection with his wife's death but is not being permitted to return to his home in the UK. "I don't want to leave without her. I feel like the whole world is against me. It's been hard to do anything," Chandaria told the UK media from Sri Lanka. "I don't think the grieving process has really started yet," he said. The couple were married in London on 19 April before flying off on honeymoon four days later. They had been staying at the five-star beach resort called Amari in the southwestern coastal city of Galle in Sri Lanka. They were scheduled to fly to Maldives on the second leg of the honeymoon. But they both fell ill and were "feverish and vomiting blood" after consuming some food and drinks at the hotel. They were rushed to a hospital after they called for help to their hotel room.Patel was pronounced dead at the Karapitiya Hospital in Galle on 25 April. "A post-mortem said she died from dehydration, obviously from vomiting," said Chandaria, who had also noticed a weird "smell" in their hotel room before the suspected food poisoning. "We are highly confident of our food safety standards," Amari Galle Sri Lanka said in a statement. While Chandaria had initially been free to leave Sri Lanka, he refused to leave until his wife's body has been released. He has now been banned from leaving until a government report into the death can be prepared. "I want to go home knowing my wife will be coming home too and say my last goodbyes," he said. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting a British man in Sri Lanka. Our consular staff have shared advice on bereavement abroad and are in contact with the Sri Lankan authorities." ISTANBUL (Reuters) - (This story corrects date of Russian defence minister comment in 7th paragraph) Turkey's defence minister said Syrian government forces need to halt attacks in northwestern Syria, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported on Friday. Syria's army, backed by Russian air power, launched ground operations this week against the southern flank of a rebel zone consisting of Idlib and parts of adjacent provinces. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Syrian forces should return to territories agreed in an international deal in Kazakhstan to reduce hostilities and casualties. ISTANBUL (Reuters) - (This story corrects date of Russian defence minister comment in 7th paragraph) Turkey's defence minister said Syrian government forces need to halt attacks in northwestern Syria, state-owned Anadolu Agency reported on Friday. Syria's army, backed by Russian air power, launched ground operations this week against the southern flank of a rebel zone consisting of Idlib and parts of adjacent provinces. Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Syrian forces should return to territories agreed in an international deal in Kazakhstan to reduce hostilities and casualties. "Humanitarian problems grow each day and it is increasingly showing a tendency to turn into a catastrophe," he said. Akar also said the attacks pose a threat to the security of Turkey's observation posts in the northwest, where Turkey carries out patrols. "We expect Russia to take effective and determined measures to make regime forces stop their attacks on the south of Idlib and immediately return to the borders set by the Astana agreement," Akar said, referring to the Kazakh capital by its previous name. On Thursday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin said the operation was a reaction to terrorists in the area, and was being carried out "in coordination with our Turkish partners," TASS news agency reported. The United Nations Security Council was briefed behind closed doors on Friday on the situation in northwest Syria. Afterward, 11 the 15 members - including the United States, France and Britain - jointly condemned the killing of civilians and warned of a possible humanitarian catastrophe in Idlib. "We are alarmed by the displacement of over 150,000 persons as well as the targeting of population centres and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools," Belgian U.N. Ambassador Marc Pecsteen de Buytswerve told reporters on behalf of the 11 members. (Reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun, Tuvan Gumrukcu and Sarah Dadouch; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations; Editing by Dominic Evans and Toby Chopra) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Photo: Twitter Opposition Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson says he wants to be part of a probe of high gasoline prices by British Columbia's independent energy regulator. Wilkinson says he's applied to participate as an intervener in any examination to identify factors impacting gasoline prices in the province. Premier John Horgan asked the B.C. Utilities Commission to investigate why gasoline in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island is so much more expensive than the rest of the country. A date and terms for an investigation have not been set but David Morton, chairman of the utilities commission, says in a statement the regulator is interested in conducting a fair, transparent and inclusive process to identify the factors impacting the price of gasoline. Wilkinson says in a letter to Morton he encourages a review that includes examinations of provincial taxes and any connections between the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project and fuel supplies. Horgan's letter says BCUC is a trusted and respected regulator and has the ability to conduct detailed hearings that will provide residents with necessary evidence and recommendations for the best path forward. In the course of his 66 years, Cyril Ramaphosa has experienced the poverty of Soweto, jail for fighting apartheid, trade union activism, fabulous wealth and now the taste of election victory. Johannesburg: In the course of his 66 years, Cyril Ramaphosa has experienced the poverty of Soweto, jail for fighting apartheid, trade union activism, fabulous wealth and now the taste of election victory. Ramaphosa, who became president last year through internal ANC politics, won a popular mandate as the country's leader, opening the latest chapter of a career intertwined with the birth of modern South Africa. When Nelson Mandela walked out of jail in 1990, a youthful Ramaphosa was standing beside him as the world looked on. It soon became clear that Mandela saw him as a protege, and Ramaphosa went on to lead talks to end white-minority rule and to help write the new constitution. But after missing out on becoming Mandela's successor as president, he instead became a hugely wealthy businessman through stakes in McDonalds, Coca-Cola and in the mining and telecommunications sectors. In 2012, his image was badly tarnished when police killed 34 striking workers at the Marikana platinum mine, operated by London-listed Lonmin, where he was then a non-executive director. Ramaphosa had called for a crackdown on the strikers, whom he accused of "dastardly criminal" behaviour. He returned to politics to become Jacob Zuma's vice president in 2014, often drawing criticism for failing to speak out against corruption and government mismanagement. Renowned for his patience and strategic thinking, Ramaphosa narrowly beat off pro-Zuma rivals to take over the leadership of the ANC in 2017 and then claim the presidency when Zuma was forced out last year. Ramaphosa, who is relaxed and quietly spoken in public, enjoys a broad support base that crosses some of South Africa's sharp racial and class divides. But he still faces strong opposition from factions within the ANC, and his renowned guile and backroom skills will be needed in the years ahead. "We have made mistakes but we have been sorry about those mistakes and we are saying our people should reinvest their confidence in us," Ramaphosa said as he voted, delivering a rebuke to the Zuma era of ANC government. 'New generation' Ramaphosa was born on 17 November, 1952 in Johannesburg's Soweto township a centre of the anti-apartheid struggle to a police sergeant and a domestic worker. He took up activism while studying law in the 1970s, and spent 11 months in solitary confinement. Mandela once described Ramaphosa as one of the most gifted leaders of the "new generation", the young campaigners who filled the void left by their jailed elders. After studying, Ramaphosa turned to trade unionism one of the few legal ways of protesting against the white-minority regime. He founded the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982 which grew to have 3,00,000 members and led massive strikes in 1987 that shook the foundations of white rule. Ramaphosa's destiny seemed pre-ordained. But in 1999, his hopes of winning the top job were dashed when he failed to clinch the nomination of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to succeed Mandela. Ramaphosa bowed out of politics and became one of the richest businessmen on the continent reaching number 42 on the Forbes list of Africa's wealthiest people in 2015 with a net worth of $450 million (400 million euros). He developed an expensive hobby as a breeder of rare cattle, and owns several farms. Ramaphosa returned to the political fray in 2012 when he was elected to the ANC's number two post. Two years later, he became deputy president of the nation. Seen as a pro-business moderate, Ramaphosa has seldom been the target of direct graft accusations himself but his political ambivalence and vast wealth have led to criticism. Mmusi Maimane, leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance party, said Ramaphosa's acquiescence made him "at best a silent deputy president, and at worst a complicit one". Ramaphosa has four children with his second wife Tshepo Motsepe, a doctor, who is the sister of fellow tycoon Patrice Motsepe. Ramaphosa's mastery of political strategy came to a climax last year. He gradually side-lined Zuma's backers and finally forced his resignation. "Ramaphosa has no association with any of the corruption scandals that have plagued South Africa," wrote his biographer Ray Hartley in "The Man Who Would Be King". "But the years he spent at Zuma's side, playing the 'inside game' suggest he is more comfortable as a powerful insider than as a radical reformer." By Richard Lough and Sophie Louet PARIS (Reuters) - French commandos rescued four foreign hostages including two French citizens from a militant group in Burkina Faso, France's military said on Friday, adding that two of the elite soldiers were killed in the night-time operation. French special forces carried out the raid under cover of dark over the night of Thursday-Friday, supported by U.S. intelligence and troops from France's Barkhane operation deployed in the Sahel region to counter Islamist militants. By Richard Lough and Sophie Louet PARIS (Reuters) - French commandos rescued four foreign hostages including two French citizens from a militant group in Burkina Faso, France's military said on Friday, adding that two of the elite soldiers were killed in the night-time operation. French special forces carried out the raid under cover of dark over the night of Thursday-Friday, supported by U.S. intelligence and troops from France's Barkhane operation deployed in the Sahel region to counter Islamist militants. All four hostages were safe, President Emmanuel Macron's office said, adding that a U.S. woman and a South Korean woman were also freed in the covert operation. "The precise and determined actions of French soldiers allowed us to take out the kidnappers while protecting the lives of the hostages," France's army chief Francois Lecointre told a news conference, describing the militant group as "terrorists". Four kidnappers were killed and two escaped, he said. "Those who attack France and the French know that we will spare no effort to track them and take them out. We will never abandon our citizens," Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly told reporters. The French forces had not been aware of the presence of the U.S. and South Korean hostages ahead of the operation and they had been held for 28 days, Lecointre said. "We were not aware of their presence ... the American will be repatriated separately," Parly said. "The contacts (with those countries) show that these countries were not necessarily aware of their presence." A spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department said the United States was grateful for the successful recovery of the hostages, including a U.S. citizen, and offered condolences to the families of the two solders killed. "The successful operation demonstrates the importance of our historic alliance with France. We reaffirm our solidarity with the people of Burkina Faso and Benin in the face of these threats," she said. France, the former colonial power in the region, intervened in Mali in 2013 against Islamist militants then occupying Mali's north and has since kept about 4,500 troops in the Sahel. The region has seen a spike in violence by militants linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State in past years, highlighting the difficulty international partners face in restoring stability. France's defence ministry identified the fallen soldiers as two elite naval commandos. Burkina Faso's President Roch Kabore hailed the hostages' release and offered condolences to the soldiers' families. "The joint military intervention that allowed us to achieve these results shows our common engagement in fighting against the forces of evil," Kabore said in a Facebook post. SPREADING INSTABILITY The two French tourists were kidnapped on May 1 in Benin's Pendjari National Park, which lies on Benin's northern frontier with Burkina Faso. Their safari guide was found dead, his body riddled with bullets, and their vehicle burned. The French government had warned its citizens against travelling to parts of Benin near the Burkina Faso border because of the risk of kidnapping. Swathes of northern and eastern Burkina Faso have been overrun by militants, leaving the government struggling to assert authority and forcing over 100,000 residents to flee. In February, Burkina Faso said militants were increasingly active in West Africa and instability in the Sahel was spreading to coastal countries such as Benin and Ivory Coast. Led by France, Western powers have also provided funding and weapons to a regional force made up of soldiers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania to combat jihadists. But the so-called G5 force has been hobbled by delays in disbursing the money and poor coordination between the five countries, while insecurity has escalated in the border region between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. (Additional reporting by John Irish and Michel Rose in Paris and David Brunnstrom in Washington; Editing by William Maclean and James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The prosecution alleges that both men are connected to the New IRA (Irish Republican Army) paramilitary group, which orchestrated the rioting on April 18 and has since claimed responsibility for the death of journalist Lyra McKee. London: Two men appeared in court on Saturday charged with rioting in the Northern Irish city of Londonderry on the night a journalist was shot dead. Paul McIntyre, 51, and Christopher Gillen, 38, both charged with riot and petrol bomb offences, were refused bail at Londonderry's magistrates' court. They were arrested on Thursday. They refused to stand and recognise the court on Saturday. McIntyre is also charged with the arson of a hijacked vehicle while Gillen is also charged with the arson and hijacking of a tipper truck. The prosecution alleges that both men are connected to the New IRA (Irish Republican Army) paramilitary group, which orchestrated the rioting on 18 April and has since claimed responsibility for the death of journalist Lyra McKee. The 29-year-old was shot in the head. A police detective told the court that footage from security cameras and mobile phones showed two masked men in identical clothing to the defendants leaving the hijacked tipper truck, carrying a crate of petrol bombs and deploying them at police officers. "Police believe these were the ring leaders, that's obvious from footage," the detective said. Judge Barney Mcelholm told the court: "All nationalism corrupts into fascism eventually, whether it's Irish nationalism or British or Polish nationalism. We've all seen where it ends up. "I have to bear in mind these gentlemen, there's no evidence either of them belong to any paramilitary organisation but they are a part of an organisation with a defined ideology." On the possibility of them being released from custody, he said: "There is no address anywhere in this city which would be suitable in this case, at any stage. I will refuse bail." The killing of McKee led to calls for politicians in Northern Ireland to agree to restore the province's power-sharing institutions. A breakdown of trust brought down the Northern Irish Assembly in January 2017. By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - Around 180 countries reached a deal on Friday that aims to sharply reduce the amount of plastic that gets washed into the world's oceans, the United Nations said. They agreed to amend the Basel Convention to make global trade in plastic waste more transparent and better regulated, while also ensuring that its management is safer for human health and the environment. 'Im proud that this week in Geneva, parties to the Basel Convention have reached agreement on a legally-binding, globally-reaching mechanism for managing plastic waste,' Rolph Payet, executive secretary at U.N. By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - Around 180 countries reached a deal on Friday that aims to sharply reduce the amount of plastic that gets washed into the world's oceans, the United Nations said. They agreed to amend the Basel Convention to make global trade in plastic waste more transparent and better regulated, while also ensuring that its management is safer for human health and the environment. "Im proud that this week in Geneva, parties to the Basel Convention have reached agreement on a legally-binding, globally-reaching mechanism for managing plastic waste," Rolph Payet, executive secretary at U.N. Environment for the Basel, Rotterdam & Stockholm Conventions, said in a statement. "Pollution from plastic waste, acknowledged as a major environmental problem of global concern, has reached epidemic proportions with an estimated 100 million tonnes of plastic now found in the oceans, 80-90% of which comes from land-based sources," the statement said. Payet said the negotiations, which began 11 days ago and brought together 1,400 delegates, had gone much further than anticipated. Officials attributed the progress partly to growing public awareness worldwide - reinforced by documentary films by British naturalist David Attenborough and others - of the dangers of plastic pollution to marine life. Marco Lambertini, director general of environmental charity WWF International, said that for too long wealthy countries had abdicated responsibility for enormous quantities of plastic waste and that the new accord was a highly welcome step towards redressing the imbalance and restoring some accountability. "However, it only goes part of the way. What we - and the planet - need is a comprehensive treaty to tackle the global plastic crisis," he added. "DEAD ALBATROSS CHICKS" Payet said the new rules should have a significant impact on ocean pollution and ensure that plastics "do not end up where they should not end up". Paul Rose, expedition leader for the National Geographic Pristine Seas Expeditions, said he believed changing public opinion worldwide about plastic pollution had played a positive role in the negotiations. "It was those iconic images of the dead albatross chicks on the Pacific Islands with their stomachs open and all recognisable plastic items inside it, and most recently, it's been when we discovered the nano-particles do cross the blood-brain barrier, and we were able to prove that plastic is in us," Rose said. An online petition entitled "Stop dumping plastic in paradise!" has attracted almost a million signatures in the past week. The new rules will take a year to come into force. But Payet said the signatory countries had said they did not want any delay, adding that the plan was to "hit the ground running". (Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Gareth Jones) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. worth paying multiplex prices for worth a look, but wait for DVD, unless your favorite actor is in it give it a miss my reaction under consideration my reaction under gag order for now not yet seen by me Photo: The Canadian Press Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, left, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford, arrive to testify at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the defense budget, Wednesday May 8, 2019, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan is making his second trip to the U.S.-Mexican border to highlight what President Donald Trump calls a national emergency, after freeing up $1.5 billion more in Pentagon money to support wall construction. Shanahan was flying to the Texas border town of McAllen on Saturday with the acting chief of Homeland Security Department, Kevin McAleenan, for a trip that demonstrates Shanahan's attention to border security, a top Trump priority, amid questions from some in Congress about whether the border mission is an appropriate and wise use of military resources. As a prelude to the trip, the White House on Thursday announced that Trump intends to nominate Shanahan as defence secretary, ending months of speculation about Pentagon leadership. He has served in an interim capacity since Jan. 1, an unprecedented period of uncertainty at the helm of the Pentagon. Shanahan has supported the use of active-duty troops, in addition to the National Guard, to bolster Customs and Border Protection efforts to handle surging numbers of Central American migrants seeking to cross the border. But recently he has hinted at impatience with the lack of a long-term strategy for ensuring border security, which is the responsibility of DHS. In congressional testimony May 1, Shanahan said he and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have been considering the question of how long the military will be needed at the border and how best it can support that need. "The question he and I are trying to answer," Shanahan said, "is, how long will we be at the border." He added, "We really need to get back to our primary missions and continue to generate readiness" to undertake conventional military operations. On May 3, Shanahan told reporters that the border crisis had developed more quickly than anyone had anticipated, putting extra pressure on DHS. "I don't think anybody thought it would be this bad, the situation would deteriorate like it has, and that distress would be as high on those front-line (DHS) employees," he said. This past week, Shanahan told Congress there are 4,364 military troops on the border, including active-duty and National Guard. They are erecting barriers, providing logistics and transportation service and other activities in support of CPB. The troops are prohibited from performing law enforcement duties. Many Democrats, including Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, have questioned the use of active-duty troops on the border. "The longer the Southwest border mission continues, the line of demarcation starts to blur in terms of where we're drawing a line saying this is not a military responsibility, this is law enforcement, immigration, internal security responsibility," Durbin said at a recent hearing. On Friday, Shanahan announced he was transferring $1.5 billion from numerous defence projects, including $604 million originally intended for use in support of Afghan security forces, to a Pentagon counterdrug fund that will help finance construction of barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border. That is in addition to $1 billion the Pentagon transferred for wall construction in March. The backdrop to Shanahan's trip is his pending nomination. Shanahan has served as the acting secretary since Jan. 1, when Trump elevated him from deputy secretary to replace Jim Mattis, who resigned in December. The White House has never explained why it took Trump so long to decide to nominate Shanahan, a former Boeing Co. executive. Trump himself has said he likes to keep Cabinet members in an acting status because gives him more flexibility, although it also frustrates the Senate's efforts to exercise its constitutional role of providing advice and consent. In March, the Defence Department's inspector general investigated accusations that Shanahan had shown favouritism toward Boeing during his time as deputy defence secretary, while disparaging Boeing competitors. The investigation appeared to stall his nomination, but the internal watchdog wrapped up the inquiry in April and cleared Shanahan of any wrongdoing. Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha has claimed then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was set to dismiss Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister at the time, after the 2002 post-Godhra riots, but withheld the decision as Home Minister LK Advani had threatened to resign from the Cabinet on the issue. Speaking at a meet-the-press programme in Bhopal, the former Union finance minister also dismissed as a non-issue the controversy over the alleged misuse of INS Viraat by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. "After the communal riots in Gujarat, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had decided that then state chief minister Narendra Modi should resign. While going to the national executive committee meeting in Goa in 2002, Atal ji had made up his mind that the Gujarat government would be dismissed if Modi ji refused to resign," he claimed. "There was a meeting within the party. According to my information, Advani ji had opposed this (dismissing the Modi government) and he told Atal ji that if Modi ji is dismissed then he (Advani) would resign from the government. So, he (Vajpayee) withheld the decision and Modi ji continued," Mr Sinha said. In reply to a query on PM Modi's allegation that late PM Rajiv Gandhi used INS Viraat as a "personal taxi", Mr Sinha said these are non-issues and that former naval officers had already issued clarifications on it. "It is not as per the dignity of a prime minister to speak lies like this," Mr Sinha said, adding the Lok Sabha polls were being fought on PM Modi government's performance and not on the country's history. "It is unfortunate that the issue of Pakistan is being raised in the elections. He hyphenated our country with Pakistan. Are we a country of Pakistan's category? There is no talk about China, which must be feeling happy with the Pakistan rhetoric," claimed the former foreign minister.a "This is being done because China's mention doesn't generate a reaction like that of Pakistan does," he added. Accusing the PM Modi government of playing "mischief" with statistics, Mr Sinha said GDP data during the previous UPA government was higher than during the current NDA government. "The next government will get a broken economy," the bureaucrat-turned-politician said. Mr Sinha blamed PM Modi for lowering the language of the political discourse. "It is expected from a PM to use dignified language but this is not happening." He said the elections to the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat would determine the future course of country, and whether it wanted to go for social harmony or social divide. Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh is pitted against the BJP's Pragya Singh Thakur, a 2008 Malegaon blast accused, in the Bhopal seat which will vote on May 12. -PTI We are just a few days away from OnePlus 7 smartphone series launch, and we cant keep calm. Ahead of its launch, we have been treated with some amazing photos from biggies like National Geographic and Netflix, showcasing the full potential of OnePlus 7 Pro camera! With huge improvements expected to be made on the devices hardware, software, and camera specs, it looks like the OnePlus 7 Pro just might be a perfect competitor against the latest premium outing. Netflix has partnered with OnePlus in an attempt to deliver an incredible Netflix viewing experience on the much awaited OnePlus 7 Pro. This tie-up comes based on the common philosophy of a community and member-first approach. Having said that, the HDR10 supported display of OnePlus 7 Pro will set new standards in mobile viewing of content. Celebrating this association, Netflix has released two posters shot on OnePlus 7 Pro from their much-awaited original series Sacred Games Season 2. The stunning posters capture the iconic intensity of the two most loved Sacred Games characters Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan) and Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). Netflix has also released a behind-the-scenes video, also shot on the OnePlus 7 Pro. Through incredible devices like the OnePlus 7 Pro, consumers increasingly are able to enjoy an amazing viewing experience on Netflix. We are thrilled to celebrate the epic fandom of Sacred Games with posters and a behind-the-scenes video shot on the OnePlus 7 Pro, said Jerome Bigio, Director-Partner Marketing, APAC, Netflix. However, this doesnt end here! National Geographic Magazine, revealed its first-ever cover for the upcoming special edition, shot on the OnePlus 7 Pro. This special edition titled as Inspired by Nature is a compilation of three National Geographic photographers journeys across North America. Stated for July 2019 release and available globally, all images of the special edition magazine will be shot on the OnePlus 7 Pro. To explore the cameras capabilities, the National Geographic team handpicked three world-renowned photographers Andy Bardon, Carlton Ward Jr. and Krystle Wright for an expedition to capture the rugged beauty of North America through the lens of the OnePlus 7 Pro. On her experience on the shoot, Krystle Wright, National Geographic Photographer, said, With the OnePlus 7 Pro, you have a whole camera bag in your pocket which is what has allowed us to be able to shoot a whole magazine issue on a smartphone. OnePlus has started OnePlus 7 Pro pre-bookings on Amazon.in and offers 6 months free one-time screen replacement for all pre-bookings. The OnePlus 7 series will launch in simultaneous launch events in New York, London and Bengaluru on May 14. For those who wont be able to attend the launch, OnePlus will let you witness the event through the live streaming link here starting 8:15 PM IST on May 14th. Brooks said that theyve looked at other cities to see if theyre leaning into their history or pushing it away. Charleston, he said, is emphasizing its Old South charm, while Providence, R.I., which went through a period where it had a reputation for mobsters, is taking a fresh, forward-looking approach. Were trying to take a balanced approach, he said. We havent narrowed it down. We want to find the right balance so its not Williamsburg, or that Fredericksburg was established yesterday. Jan Eckert said that one reason the city wants to brand itself is to help with economic development, and wanted to know if HUB Collective was thinking of how it would position the city to compete regionally, statewide or nationally. She said that there will be a lot of renewed interest in Virginia because of Amazons plans to build a headquarters in Northern Virginia. Guibord said that they have been focused mainly on the region, since most data suggests that people relocate within a 50-mile radius. Brooks added that people decide where to live based on quality of life, not where jobs are located. That, in turn, is causing businesses to locate where their workforce is. The first thing I hear from my peers when I tell them I want to be a teacher is, Youre not going to make any money, Powell said, adding that the potential student loan debt is crippling. Kaine said the salary issue is important. Though teacher pay isnt part of federal government policy, he said he is working on a longer-term issue that could affect teacher salaries. It involves ensuring that the federal government pay 40 percent of the cost of educating a child with disabilities, which it promised to do under the 1975 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In reality, the federal government pays less than half of that amount, according to the National Council on Disability. Having the government pay the full 40 percent would free up dollars for school divisions that could go towards teacher salaries, Kaine said. Other roundtable participants said teachers have too many burdens placed on them because of state and federal mandates. Retention is more and more of a challenge because of the demands placed on our teachers, School Board Chairwoman Patricia Healy said. And it seems its getting harder. At this time it does not appear suspicious in nature, State Police Sgt. Rick Garletts said in an email. Four adults were taken to Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington for injuries sustained in the explosion and subsequent fire. Two of them were then transferred to the trauma department at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and another was taken to a hospital outside the Carilion network, a spokeswoman for the Roanoke-based health care system said. The fourth was treated at the Lexington hospital and released. Police and rescue officials were still working late Friday to determine if anyone else was in the building. The convenience store next to the gas pumps was totally consumed by flames when crews arrived, Ramsey said. There were no fire hydrants in the rural community, so firefighters drew water from the nearby Chalk Mine Run. But there was little they could do at that point. Not a lot, Ramsey said when asked what remained of the structure. Ramsey could not say where the blast originated or where the victims were found. Its a little too soon for that, he said. The Philomath City Council plans to meet at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall. The agenda includes time for a public hearing on the citys proposed uses of state revenue sharing funds. The meeting will also include a presentation on Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) solutions for public services by Sal Peralta and Tim Nesbitt; annual Oregon Liquor Control Commission license renewals; a memorandum of understanding between the Oregon Regional Accelerator and Innovation Network and the eight-city collaborative; a vote on a resolution to adopt a building permit program investigative fee; and a vote on a resolution to support PERS reform. Routine business will also be a part of the meeting, including time for visitor comments and departmental reports. The mayor is scheduled to issue proclamations for Police Week and Public Works Week. The city council also plans to go into executive session under state statue to discuss real property transactions. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Around 2 p.m. Friday, the back upstairs corner of the Calapooia Center, where the Santiam Restaurant is tucked between a conference room and a staircase, was fairly quiet. An occasional chorus of Yes, Chef generated by a troop of students in tall white hats and checkered pants was the only distinguishable noise. But an hour later, that quiet chorus grew into a thunderous symphony of pots and pans, hopes and dreams as five students battled it out for the title of Copper Chef during the 13th annual Linn-Benton Community College Copper Chef Competition. Second-year students in the schools culinary program rushed into the kitchen across the hall from the Santiam Restaurant around 2:30 p.m., were given a box full of ingredients and told to make two dishes, an appetizer and a first course within 90 minutes. Within minutes, runners were darting between student chefs and the kitchen filled with the smell of maple bacon, oysters, duck and Cap'n Crunch cereal the mystery ingredient. Ive been amazed at the things they come up with, said Stacy Lebar, an instructional specialist at LBCC. Ive been with them since the first day of their first year until now so, its been amazing. The competition mirrors the format of the TV cooking show Chopped," in which chefs cook one round and judges score their plates. Judges for Friday's event included Lisa Hunter of Valley Catering, Conor Koller, the executive chef for Del Alma in Corvallis, Annie Baker, a private chef from Portland, and Jennifer Beaumont, director of hospitality for the Corvallis Knights. Baker, who graduated from the LBCC culinary program herself and participated in the Copper Chef competition, said it was going well as she sat to taste and judge the first round, which included an oyster shooter trio, miso soup with Cap'n Crunch crusted pork belly and white wine and oyster soup. Student chefs were given a runner and no other guidance other what ingredients were off limits. Everything in the box had to be used in some way but they could supplement with other ingredients as long as they werent made beforehand. Curry paste, for example, was out of the question but beet powder was fair game. Going into the competition, student chef Chris Fabbi said he was excited. I think Im pretty good at coming up with stuff on the fly, he said before learning what the ingredients were. After encountering the box, he presented smoked oysters topped with fire roasted peppers stuffed with Camembert Cap'n Crunch and delicate squash with fresh basil and learned quickly that 90 minutes meant 90 minutes when he was unable to plate his first course meal. Chris couldnt win the competition but I said he could finish his dish if he wanted to and he did, Lebar said. Tony Franco, who grew up watching his parents cook and developed a love of flavor, did finish in time, presenting pan-seared duck with sage brown butter, grilled herbed delicate squash and a Parisian potato, tomato and pepper confit that stole the show, beating out fellow student chefs Fabbi, Trystan Nguyen, Isaiah Weeks and Tirrah Garofallou. Franco, who said sauces were his favorite thing to cook, but opted for a different route for his main course, won a $300 Italian-made copper pan and bragging rights. They create amazing things, Lebar said. We cant tell them how to cook something; they consistently, every year, make amazing things. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A community workshop on downtown Corvallis safety and livability has been set for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, May 13, at the First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison Ave. The event will be facilitated by Ari Basil-Wagner of Great Oregon Behavioral Health Inc. Basil-Wagner has been working with the Housing Opportunities Action Council since September under a contract being paid for by the city of Corvallis and Benton County. Those wishing to RSVP for the event can do so to awagner@gobhi.org. The council, which has been working on the city-county 10-year plan to address homelessness, is in the process of being converted to a new entity, the Housing, Opportunity, Planning and Equity Council (HOPE). The new group, which will be organized as a Benton County advisory committee under county jurisdiction, is tentatively set to start meeting in August or September. Mondays workshop is focused on downtown Corvallis. Future workshops will seek input regarding other parts of the county. In other meetings: Saturday The League of Women Voters of Corvallis is hosting a forum on the legislative session at 10 a.m. at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave. Invited to participate are state Sen. Sara Gelser of Corvallis, state Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis of Albany, state Rep. Dan Rayfield of Corvallis and state Rep. Mike Nearman of Independence. Monday The Corvallis Climate Action Advisory Board subcommittee working on integration with other city plans meets at 2 p.m. at New Morning Bakery, 219 NW Second St. The Benton County Food Service Advisory Committee will meet from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Sunset Building, 4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis. The Corvallis Land Development Code Audit Departmental Advisory Committee meets at 6 p.m. at the Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 SW Madison Ave. This is the fourth and final meeting for this piece of the project. The focus of the session will be to review audit topic areas and discuss a preliminary schedule for land development code amendments. The overall initiative is expected to continue through 2023. The Philomath City Council meets at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 980 Applegate St. Councilors will hold a public hearing on state revenue sharing, review annual Oregon Liquor Control Commission renewals, act on a resolution on Public Employee Retirement System reform and adopt a building permit program investigative fee. Tuesday The Benton County Board of Commissioners will hold a goal-setting work session from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Depot Suites Meeting Room, 700 SW Washington Ave. The agenda includes a 60-minute executive session to discuss labor negotiations with the deputies union. The Linn County Board of Commissioners meets at 9:30 a.m. at the Linn County Courthouse, 300 SW Fourth Ave. in Albany. Commissioners will discuss bids and other facets of the Little Rock Creek Bridge project. The Albany Arts Commission meets at 2:30 p.m. in the Calapooia Room at City Hall, 333 Broadalbin St. SW. The Corvallis Budget Commission meets at 6 p.m. at the downtown fire station, 400 NW Harrison Blvd. and will hold a public hearing on the 2019-20 spending plan. This will be the only opportunity for residents to provide feedback to the commission, which plans to deliberate on the budget at its May 23 meeting. Residents also will be able to comment when the City Council holds its public hearing on the budget on June 17. The Albany Budget Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall and will continue its deliberations on the 2019-20 spending plan. The Corvallis Historic Resources Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Madison room. Commissioners have scheduled two hearings, one that seeks to revise plans for new construction near the corner of Northwest Harrison Boulevard and Arnold Way, and the other to replace a roof scupper at Hawley Hall at Oregon State University. Wednesday The Linn County Board of Commissioners meets at 9 a.m. at the courthouse to hear and discuss reports from Rick Partipilo, Linn Countys environmental health program manager. The Corvallis Housing and Community Development Advisory Board meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Madison room and will discuss the status of task force recommendations on housing. The Albany Development Code Amendments Task Force meets at noon at Fire Station 11, 611 Lyon St. SE and will review draft code amendments. The Central Albany Revitalization Area Board meets at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall and will discuss the Wells Fargo site development and sale process. Immediately following the session the Albany Revitalization Agency will meet. The Corvallis Land Development Hearings Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at the downtown fire station. On the agenda for the three-person subset of the Planning Commission is a public hearing on a request for variations from city setback rules on a project at 2833 NW Arnold Way. The Corvallis Arts and Culture Advisory Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Department, 1310 SW Avery Park Drive. The board will review public art policy provisions and discuss the recent vandalism at The Arts Center. The Philomath City Budget Committee and Urban Renewal Agency Budget Committee meet at 6 p.m. at City Hall to conduct department reviews and approve the budget and tax rate. A meeting to kick off a downtown parking study for Albany is at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Courtroom at City Hall. To be discussed are the scope of the review, an initial inventory and assessment, guiding principles, a meeting schedule and next steps. Thursday The Albany City Tree Commission meets at 3 p.m. in the Calapooia Room at City Hall. The Albany Airport Advisory Commission meets at 3:30 p.m. in the Santiam Room at City Hall. Friday The Corvallis City Legislative Committee meets at 4 p.m. at City Hall, 501 SW Madison Ave. Contact reporter James Day at jim.day@gazettetimes.com or 541-758-9542. Follow at Twitter.com/jameshday or gazettetimes.com/blogs/jim-day. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Muslims in Oregon and throughout the worlds 1.8 billion Muslim population are observing Ramadan, which began on May 6. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which occurs about 11 days earlier each year. Therefore, over a period of 33 years, this 11-day difference makes Muslims, anywhere in the world, fast equally during the year, long days or short, hot or cold. Fasting is an obligatory act for every healthy adult. People who are not healthy are allowed to break their fast and make up later for the days they missed. This includes women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, and those who are sick or traveling. Elderly people and those with chronic diseases, who cannot fast at all, must feed a poor person for each day of Ramadan. Fasting has been practiced by other faiths. Anyone can fast; however, fasting by Muslims has the following characteristics: 1. Timing: obligatory fasting is performed in Ramadan only (except for Ramadan makeup). Obviously, there is voluntary fasting during certain days of the year. 2. Methodology: Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking or marital sexual engagement from dawn to dusk. Before dawn, a light meal called Suhoor is served. At sunset, they break their fasting by having a main meal called Iftar, which brings together family members and sometimes relatives and friends. 3. Objective: for Muslims, fasting represents a significant experience in their faith. It is a personal act aimed at obedience to Allah and seeking the right perception of Him. Muslims look at Ramadan as: A month of joy and blessing, not a month of starvation and unwelcome self-denial, as some might think. It is the month in which the Quran (the Muslim holy book) was revealed. A time of inner reflection and pure adherence to Allah's divine order. A reminder to refrain from forbidden deeds and immoral behavior. A time for a body-mind-spirit purification to control desire and temptation. A way to feel poverty and to cultivate empathy for others. A way to build a character and healthy body and mind needed for creative thoughts. A period of gaining self-discipline and courage to overcome any hardship with enthusiasm and determination. A way to promote social cohesion based on love, devotion, equality, humility and patience. Fasting during Ramadan brings the community together into one act and one feeling. All Muslims, regardless of color, gender or economic status, come together for this collective worship. They do it sincerely for Allah and Allah only there is no authority to check whether a person is fasting or not. Thus, fasting may be thought of as a test of faith and honesty. It is truly a wonderful annual event full of positives. The end of Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims emerging enriched and strengthened, both physically and morally. They start their celebration by attending a special collective "Eid" prayer held in the morning. They congratulate one another for completing their fast and extend greetings even to those with whom they are in dispute, starting a new page of love and respect. Ramadan helps Muslims experience a renewal of life, and fills them with a revitalized sense of honesty and enthusiasm to work diligently and acknowledge their responsibility toward others. Dr. A.Y. Lafi is a published poet, educator, and engineer who worked for 25 years for Oregon State University, General Electric, Chicago Bridge & Iron, and Westinghouse. His writings have appeared in a variety of publications nationally and internationally. Love 7 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 A high-profile effort by Oregon State University to add more on-campus housing goes before the Corvallis Planning Commission on Wednesday. The university is seeking to modify the development and open space allocations in three of its nine sectors. (The campus master plan divides the campus into nine sectors; each sector has minimum open space requirements and a maximum square footage for development.) To facilitate its campus housing plans, OSU wants to move 95,000 square feet of development space from Sector B, in the center of campus, to Sector D on the east end of Lower Campus near the intersection of Ninth Street and Monroe Avenue. The university also wants to shift 10,000 square feet of open space from Sector D. City approval is required for such modifications, which will be the subject of a 7 p.m. Planning Commission public hearing at the downtown fire station, 400 NW Harrison Blvd. The hearing only concerns the narrow issue of the sector changes, but if the application is approved, OSU plans to move ahead with a new dorm that would house upper-division and graduate students. No development plans are part of the sector proposal, but OSU officials have discussed elements of the plan with neighbors and the City Council. Those plans call for two dormitory buildings that would house approximately 290 students. One building would occupy the Ninth Street frontage between Monroe and Madison, with the second an L-shaped structure that would be anchored at the corner of Madison and 11th. The university also would provide parking on the site as per an interim parking development agreement with the city. OSU is required to build 66 spaces on the Lower Campus site and establish 14 more elsewhere. The debate over the parking rules required two council meetings. All of which would seem to suggest that Wednesday's hearing could be contentious. Representatives of the Central Park Neighborhood Association, which earlier participated in three neighborhood meetings with OSU officials and their consultants, sent a strongly worded letter to the Planning Commission urging denial of the sector swap. In a letter signed by association President Courtney Cloyd, the group criticized OSU for its process and (a lack of) community and public involvement, called the open space allocations extreme and unreasonable and says OSUs arguments that the proposed location is the only possible site are not convincing. We believe the lack of transparency in this case has resulted in a seriously flawed project proposal, which should be returned to OSU for reconsideration, Cloyd wrote in a passage that was highlighted in bold type. We suggest that OSU restart the process of decision-making regarding the location of this dormitory using a full and transparent public process. Central Park-area residents have expressed concerns at the sheer volume of student housing that has gone up in their neighborhood: 308 bedrooms at 7th Street Station (opened 2012) and 112 bedrooms at the site of the old Gazette-Times building (opened 2017). Plus, the massive Washington Yards complex under construction at Seventh Street and Western Boulevard will add 630 bedrooms and a 500-vehicle parking garage when it opens in the fall of 2020. Add in the OSU dorm and that adds up to nearly 1,350 rooms with the ancillary parking, traffic and general livability challenges. There is a lot of building fatigue around here, Cloyd told OSU officials at an April 24 neighborhood gathering at the Depot Suites Meeting Room. OSU, meanwhile, notes in its application that one of the recommendations of the 2012-2014 OSU-city collaboration was that the university needed to provide more on-campus housing to limit collateral damage in the neighborhoods. In 2013 OSU began requiring freshmen to live on campus. The university used a similar sector swap to the one currently being reviewed to carve out space for the 289-student Tebeau Hall dorm, which opened in the fall of 2017 near Washington Way. In addition, a recent housing study of Corvallis conducted by the Brailsford and Dunlavy consulting firm found an unmet need for 1,000 more beds on campus. OSUs application calls the Ninth/Monroe site an ideal location, noting its proximity to city and university services as well as transportation options. Contact reporter James Day at jim.day@gazettetimes.com or 541-758-9542. Follow at Twitter.com/jameshday or gazettetimes.com/blogs/jim-day. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 4 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Taoist meditation group: The group will meet at 9 a.m. Sunday at the First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op north store, 2855 NW Grant Ave. in Corvallis. The event features Taoist Quiet Sitting meditation, also known as Preserving the Light of the One. Information: docneedlestcm@gmail.com. Communion celebrated: Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 2650 NW Highland Drive in Corvallis, will share God's Word and Holy Communion at 9 a.m. Sunday. Pastor Eric Bohlmann's sermon topic will delve into celebrating the joy of the resurrection. Fellowship and refreshments follow the service. The multigenerational Sunday school will start at 10:30, and continues a verse-by-verse study of the Gospel of Luke. Information: 541-753-2816 or www.svlc-corvallis.org. Meaning discussed: The 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday at First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe Ave. in Corvallis, will include discussion of "Meaning Making." Scripture to be discussed will include excerpts from Genesis 6-8. Baha'i devotions and discussion: Handmaidens of the Lord" is set for 9:45 a.m. Sunday at 5006 SW Hollyhock Circle, Corvallis. As women assume their equal role in society, we recall the prophecy in the book of Revelation: On each side of the river stood the tree of life And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. The leaves represent women. This Mothers Day, we will honor women in history who played a role in the spiritual development of humanity. All are welcome. Women's gathering: After 5 Connection, affiliated with Stonecroft, will present "Wonderland Tea Party" at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Serendipity, 638 S. Main St. in Lebanon. Barbara Brown, former owner of Mrs. B's Tea in Lebanon, will speak on the history of one of the world's favorite beverages. Lois Williams of Lacey, Washington, will share her experiences with map reading before GPS, and the lessons she learned. Moriah Winn will play the violin and sing. Winn recently returned from performing at Carnegie Hall with the North Albany Middle School Choir and Band. Cost is $10, which includes dinner; no credit cards. Reservations: 541-258-6414 or nancypinzino@comcast.net. Centering Prayer: A Christian Centering Prayer group will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Marys Catholic Church, 706 SW Ellsworth St. in Albany. Centering Prayer is a receptive practice of silent prayer in which Gods presence can be experienced within. This nonverbal method of prayer is not meant to replace other types of prayer but rather adds depth of meaning as practitioners slowly learn to rest in God. Those attending are asked to enter by the side door on Ninth Street. Information: livinggreen@comcast.net. Writers' conference: The spring conference of Oregon Christian Writers is set for 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 18 at First Baptist Church, 3550 Fox Meadow Road in Eugene. The event is open to writers of all genres and levels. Chris Fabry, award-winning author and radio personality, will present the keynote speech on the theme Unwrapping Your Bigger Story. Afternoon workshops will cover fiction, nonfiction, essays, self-editing, marketing, critique and public speaking. To view the days schedule and register, visit http://oregonchristianwriters.org/spring-2019/. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Clean Energy Jobs Bill (House Bill 2020) has been a decade in the making. This legislation will put a cap on greenhouse gas emissions for the largest polluters in Oregon and invest money generated from cap revenues into more clean energy opportunities, while also providing security for communities most impacted by climate change in our state. Transitioning from a polluting economy dependent on fossil fuels is what we need now. There is no time to wait, to push it off for later. Greenhouse gas emissions must be rapidly reduced in the next decade, and Oregon can champion the way. Naysayers include those on the Joint Committee for Carbon Reduction, including Rep. David Brock Smith, who argues that Oregons contributions to reducing emissions will appear miniscule on a global level. Lets expand our thinking. Why pass any legislation in Oregon -- if we always compare our efforts to the global level impact, of course our efforts will seem small. But small is better than nothing. Thousands of youth across Oregon who know that future generations do not have the benefit of waiting around when it comes to climate change. Right now, HB 2020 is sitting in committee, and it needs to get to the floor for a vote. With just two months left in the legislative session, we need to express our desire to see this bill passed into law. Let your senator, representative, and those on the Ways and Means Committee know that Oregonians want the Clean Energy Jobs bill passed! Erin Kanzig Philomath (May 1) Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Anti-occupation movement Power Is in Unity starts patrolling in Davit Gareji from today - GeorgianJournal Flipkart Big Shopping Days sale offers on high-end smartphones Features oi-Harish Kumar There's been very good news for some users who keep longing to have premium smartphones. And it is- they can obtain them from Flipkart at incredibly greater discounts and deals. The Big shopping day sale is also all about purchasing some new gadgets and other wares at a relieving deal. The offers given by Flipkart on such devices are really cool. While purchasing them, you will get no cost EMI option, greater exchange and cashback offers, extra better amount of money as a discount, 10% off with HDFC Bank Credit/Debit cards, and an extra 5% off with Axis Bank Buzz Credit card. The users seek 1-year additional warranty covering that cover defects & software issues. This E-commerce platform provides complete mobile protection- that recovers broken screen, theft, liquid damage, hardware or software issue. The users will also get a brand warranty of 1 year on these devices and 6 months for gadgets. Some famous handsets that you can obtain from the list below include- Oppo F11 Pro, Vivo V15 Pro, Vivo V11 Pro, Poco F1, and Galaxy Note 9. Oppo F11 Pro (MRP: Rs 28,990, Discount Price: Rs 24,990) Buy This offer on Flipkart Key Specs 6.5-inch (2340 1080 pixels) Full HD+ 19:5:9 aspect ratio display with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection Octa Core MediaTek Helio P70 12nm processor with 900MHz ARM Mali-G72 MP3 GPU 6GB RAM 64GB storage expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD Android 9.0 (Pie) with ColorOS 6.0 Hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano / microSD) 48MP rear camera and 5MP secondary camera 16MP front-facing camera Dual 4G VoLTE 4000mAh battery Vivo V15 Pro (MRP: Rs 32,990, Discount Price: Rs 28,990) Buy This offer on Flipkart Key Specs 6.39-inch (2340 1080 pixels) Full HD+ 19.5:9 aspect ratio Super AMOLED 2GHz Octa-Core Snapdragon 675 64-bit 11nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 612 GPU 6GB RAM 128GB storage expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD Android 9.0 (Pie) with Funtouch OS 9 Dual SIM (nano + nano) 48 MP + 5MP + 8MP rear camera 32MP front-facing camera Dual 4G VoLTE 3700mAh battery Vivo V11 Pro (MRP: Rs 28,990, Discount Price: Rs 23,990) Buy This offer on Flipkart Key Specs 6.41-inch (1080 x 2340 pixels) Full HD+ Super AMOLED 19.5:9 aspect ratio display Octa-Core Snapdragon 660 14nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 512 GPU 6GB RAM 64GB storage expandable memory up to 256GB with microSD Dual SIM Funtouch OS 4.5 based on Android 8.1 (Oreo) 12MP Dual PD rear camera and secondary 5MP camera 25MP front-facing camera Dual 4G VoLTE 3,400mAh battery with fast charging Poco F1 (Special Discounts) Buy This offer on Flipkart Key Specs 6.18 Inch FHD+ IPS LCD Touchscreen Display 2.8GHz Octa-Core Snapdragon 845 Processor 6GB RAM With 64GB ROM Hybride Dual SIM 12MP + 5MP Rear Camera 20MP Front Camera IR Face Unlock Dual 4G VoLTE WiFi Bluetooth 5 LE 4000 MAh Battery Samsung Galaxy Note 9 (Special Discounts) Buy This offer on Flipkart Key Specs 6.4-inch Quad HD+ (2960 1440 pixels) Super AMOLED Infinity display with 516ppi, Corning Gorilla Glass protection Octa-Core Samsung Exynos 9 Series 9810 processor with Mali G72MP18 GPU 6GB LPDDR4x RAM with 128GB storage / 8GB LPDDR4x RAM with 512GB storage (UFS 2.1) expandable memory up to 512GB with microSD Android 8.1 (Oreo) Single / Hybrid Dual SIM (nano + nano / microSD) 12MP primary rear camera and 12MP secondary rear camera 8MP auto focus front-facing camera 4G VoLTE 4000mAh battery Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Huawei P Smart Z, companys first pop-up selfie camera phone coming to India soon News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Huawei P Smart Z could be headed to India to compete against Oppo F11 Pro and Vivo V15 Pro. Earlier this week, Huawei announced the P Smart Z smartphone in the Spanish and Italian markets. At the time of its launch, there was no information regarding the global availability of this smartphone. Now, it looks like the device is headed to India soon. As per a report by 91mobiles citing a trusted industry source, Huawei is in plans to launch this new smartphone in India soon. The report does not divulge any other information regarding the availability of the new Huawei smartphone in the country. But we can expect to witness more details in the coming weeks. Huawei P Smart Z specifications To recap, the Huawei P Smart Z was unveiled with a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels. As there is a pop-up camera, the device has an all-screen design that looks premium. At its core, this smartphone flaunts the company's mid-range HiSilicon Kirin 710 SoC teamed up with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage space, which can be expanded up to 512GB using a microSD card. The smartphone runs EMUI 9.0 based on Android 9 Pie. For imaging, it comes with dual rear cameras comprising a 16MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture and a 2MP depth sensor. The selfie camera housed in the pop-up mechanism is a 16MP sensor. The Huawei P Smart Z is bundled with connectivity features such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 4G LTE and a USB Type-C port. Also, there is a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor on this device and a capacious 4000mAh battery. Competition in India Given that the Huawei P Smart Z is listed on the Amazon Italy website for 279 euros (approx. Rs. 22,000), we can expect it to be priced similarly in the Indian market as well. Notably, the device carries the credits of being the first Huawei smartphone to feature a pop-up selfie camera. So, we can expect it to compete against the lists of other such smartphones including Oppo F11 Pro and Vivo V15 Pro available in the same price range. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications OnePlus claims these pictures are shot on OnePlus 7 Pro's triple-lens camera News oi-Rohit Arora OnePlus has teamed up with National Geographic Channel and Netflix to promote its upcoming OnePlus 7 smartphones After Netflix, OnePlus has now teamed up with National Geographic Channel to promote the upcoming OnePlus 7 series smartphones across the globe. As per the reports, the duo has worked together to create a special photography series (shot on OnePlus 7 Pro) to be showcased in upcoming magazine supplement of National Geographic Channel. The pictures shot in the supplement issue "Inspired by Nature" are said to be captured on OnePlus 7 Pro by three world-renowned photographers handpicked by National Geographic Channel. Scheduled to release in the month of July 2019, the supplement issue will feature scenic images of North America, all captured on the OnePlus 7 Pro's triple-lens camera setup, which is the highlight feature of the smartphone. Below are the said pictures to be shot on OnePlus 7 Pro. For the partnership, National Geographic handpicked three of its world-renowned photographers Andy Bardon, Carlton Ward Jr. and Krystle Wright. The photographers were given the upcoming OnePlus 7 Pro to capture the scenic beauty of North America. The above camera samples show some good detailing and color exposure. Notably, OnePlus devices have always faced criticism in the camera department. Even the company's previous top-of-the line OnePlus 6T struggled to match the likes of Samsung, Google and Huawei handsets in the camera performance. We managed to capture some good shots by OnePlus 6T; however the camera performance was still not as par with premium flagships from Huawei, Samsung and Google. Things might get changed with the launch of OnePlus 7 series smartphones. OnePlus 7 Pro is touted as the company's best-ever camera smartphone till date. The smartphone will offer a triple-lens camera setup and will feature 'UltraShot' mode to capture detailed images. If the above landscape pictures are not tweaked in any third-party softwares, we might finally get to see a good camera hardware on a OnePlus handset. Pete Lau, Founder and CEO of OnePlus also seems very much positive for the camera performance of the upcoming OnePlus 7 Pro. He said, "With the OnePlus 7 Pro, I believe we have raised the bar in camera technology. With this association with National Geographic, we wanted to push the limits of what our camera is capable of and we believe that the professional National Geographic photographers did just that. We are very excited to showcase the results from this partnership and hope that our users will be as excited about the camera on the OnePlus 7 Pro as we are." As we are getting closer to the launch date of OnePlus 7 series smartphones, more and more camera samples shot from the flagship OnePlus 7 Pro are making their way to the internet. Just yesterday OnePlus announced that the smartphone maker has teamed up with popular streaming application Netflix to unveil the fist look of the much anticipated series- Scared Games 2. The above two posters releaed by Netflix from Sacred Games 2 are said to be shot on OnePlus 7 Pro. The posters captured on the OnePlus 7 Pro feature the lead characters of the series- Sacred Games such as Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan) and Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). It will be worth seeing how good is the real-life camera performance of OnePlus 7 Pro. It is high-time OnePlus give a handset that can actually take on camera-focused smartphones from other manufactureres. OnePlus 7 Series is slated for a launch on May 14,2019 in Bangalore India. Stay tuned on more updates on OnePlus 7 series smartphones. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Idea Rs. 999, Rs. 1,999 long-term prepaid plans introduced News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Idea has introduced two new long-term plans for select users. Recently, Vodafone introduced two long-term prepaid plans priced at Rs. 999 and Rs. 1,999. Now, the other telco in the merger has replicated these two plans for its subscribers in the country. Well, Idea has also introduced similar plans priced at Rs. 999 and Rs. 1,999 that are valid for a year. As per a TelecomTalk report, similar to what Vodafone did last month, Idea has also launched these plans only for the subscribers in select circles as of now. While the data, voice calling and SMS benefits are similar to those offered by Vodafone, the latter provides free subscription to Vodafone Play service. Idea Rs. 999 prepaid plan Firstly, the Idea Rs. 999 prepaid plan offers 12GB of data for the entire validity period of 365 days, 100 SMS per day and unlimited voice calling benefits including local and roaming. Similar to the Rs. 999 plan from Vodafone, this one is valid only for the Punjab circle. Idea Rs. 1,999 prepaid plan The Rs. 1,999 prepaid plan from the telco offers 100 SMS per day, 1.5GB of 2G/3G/4G data per day and unlimited local, STD and roaming calls for a period of 365 days. So, the overall data benefit is 547.5GB for a year. This plan is live for the subscribers in Kerala as yet. For now, there is no word from the telecom operator regarding when these long-term plans will be launched for all the subscribers as open market plans. Idea Citi Bank offer Recently, Idea came up with a unique offer in partnership with Citi Bank. Going by the same, subscribers can avail voice calling and data benefits for a year. To avail this offer, subscribers have to apply for a Citi Bank credit card on the Idea website and spend Rs. 4,000 in 30 days of receiving the card. Then, they will get 1.5GB data per day and unlimited voice calling benefits for a period of 365 days. Notably, this offer is applicable only to the prepaid subscribers of Idea and not for Vodafone users for now. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd [BSHIC] Bohai Shipyard Huludao, China 4043'N 12100'E Nuclear-powered attack and ballistic-missile submarines are built at the Huladao shipyard. As one of the principal enterprises subsidiary to China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, Bohai Shipyard was a large factory engaged in shipbuilding, repairing, steel structure processing, metallurgy equipment and large hydroelectric equipment fabrication and also the official research base for important technical equipment. The shipyard borders on the northern coast of Bohai Gulf and the famous Huludao Port is located in the center of the yard. China's nuclear powered submarines were built at Huludao Naval Base and Shipyard in the northern Bohai Gulf. The first Xia-class SSBN was launched in April 1981, and deployed in January 1989 to the Jianggezhuang Submarine Base [aka Qingdao / Ch'ing-tao], where the nuclear warheads for the JL-1 SLBM are reportedly stored. Chinese media reported in early 2017 that the Bohai shipyard built a large new shipyard plant and ancillary facilities. Due to the construction of the large-span steel girder structure, it required advanced building technology, which some called the new era of "mega-projects". According to media reports, the plant took just less than one year to finish construction. Russia has such a large-span steel structure plant, but now it is inactive. By some reports, Russia said to recover this plant would need at least 3-5 years. China built a new plant in less than 1 year, Russia night need 3-5 years to recover. United States reconnaissance satellites cannot find details of the construction of nuclear submarines at this facility. Previously China built Type 091 attack submarines and Type 092 strategic nuclear submarines with open dock assembly construction mode. This used only one dock, assembling one nuclear submarine at a time. In this way, the specific number of submarines will be exposed, and US military reconnaissance satellite spying was easy. China is now the world's leading builder of nuclear powered submarines and has the capacity to build at least four boats simultaneously. State-owned Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (BSHIC) located at Huludao Port in southwestern Liaoning Province on the northern coast of the Bohai Gulf, has built a new plant and ancillary facilities to "mass produce nuclear submarines." State media revealed BSHIC will build the lead ships in China's newest class of nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) -- the Type 096 -- and the newest class of nuclear attack submarine (SSN) -- the Type 095. The world's largest nuclear submarine factory will provide a leap in China's nuclear submarine construction ability. This plant was completed in 2017, meaning that from 2017 onwards, the Chinese Navy had the potential to accelerate its own nuclear submarine construction program and production speed. The plant, which is specially prepared for the new production of nuclear submarines is about two nuclear submarines in length. From the length it can accommodate two Xia or Shang nuclear submarines. Nuclear submarine construction order is first completed module are built, then sectional construction takes place, with sections finally entering the Assembly hall. Col Vinayak Bhat (retd) is a Military Intelligence veteran of the Indian Army with vast experience of satellite imagery analysis. He has worked as a Chinese interpreter and is a specialist on PLA and Pakistans armed forces. He tweets @rajfortyseven. He noted in October 2017 that when the shipbuilding heavy industry built the Type 094 "Jin" strategic nuclear submarine around 2005, it felt the need for a larger construction site. However, limited to funds, there is no large-scale expansion, only in 2007-2013 in the plant area for reclamation. However, with the advancement of the construction of the oceanic navy and the availability of funds, the nuclear submarine related projects of the Barrier Heavy Industry were further developed. The new facility on the east side of the barge heavy industry began construction in 2015, and by the middle of 2016, new facilities began to emerge. In the observation of the satellite images, there were some components that may belong to the new submarine. One of them may be that the segment width of the casing is about 16.5 meters. This may mean that the new submarine is more than 16.5 meters wide, and it is probably the 096 strategic nuclear submarine that can carry 24 "Julang"-3 intercontinental ballistic missiles. The width of 16.5 meters plus the turtle's back of 4 meters makes the submarine enough to accommodate almost all of the existing "Dongfeng" series of ballistic missiles in China. This could be a ruse, as making a few parts and laying them out in plain view of satellites isn't standard when building nuclear submarines. Either someone made a big mistake or they deliberately left those parts there to be photographed. One of the huge assembly workshops has a specification of about 285 meters x 130 meters and covers an area of 40,000 square meters. The overall scale is comparable to the No. 42 workshop of nuclear submarines such as the "Borei" manufactured by the Russian North Machinery Manufacturing Plant. There are 3 passages in the workshop, all with double-beam double-beam gantry cranes up to 9 meters wide, which means it can carry huge objects. On the back of the assembly shop there is another large workshop measuring 200 m x 170 m, which is likely to be used to build submarine sections. A transfer chute is provided between the two workshops, which can be conveniently used to transport the produced segmented modules to the assembly location. The new facilities accelerated the production of Chinese nuclear submarines by six times; the new facilities have also enabled the yard to have the ability to build six nuclear submarines at the same time; The space also allows workers and equipment to operate in severe weather conditions at the same time, and can avoid the observatiosn of the construction of nuclear submarines by other countries' satellites. By 2019 the exterior structures of the facility appeared substantially complete, although construction of interiors evidently continued. Several sizeable ancillary buildings that were not foreshadowed in earlier imagery had appeared. Of particular note is the building directly adjacent to the south of the main assembly hall, which appears to be slightly greater in size that one of the six main hall assembly bays. One of the abiding puzzles of this complex has been the question of just how they proposed to get the boats into the water. If the logic of the analogous [though much smaller] American facility of General Dynamics Electric Boat had been followed, modules would have entered the main construction hall from the West [the left in the imagery], and been extruded into the water to the East, [the right in the imagery]. Such a capability is not in evidence. It had been previously suggested that the dry docks to the West of this complex might be used, and this appears to be the case. A finished submarine would exit the main assembly hall, and be placed into the smaller parallel building for final finishing. It would then proceed the distance to the dry dock for entering the water. It cannot be over-emphasized that the main assembly hall, considered as General Dynamics Electric Boat with Chinese characteristics, is really quite huge, roughly three times the floor space of the Land-Level Submarine Construction Facility (LLSCF) has an annual production capacity of 3 nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs). The main assembly hall at Huludao can accommodate six boats simultaneously, versus two at Electric Boat. The implicit production capacity of some combination of at least half a dozen boats [some mix of Type 096 SSBN and Type 095 Sui SSN ] is food for thought. A build rate of four attack submarines per year would result in a Chinese fleet that would numerically rival, if nor surpass, that of the United States by the early 2030s. Operator location facility dimensions years Meyer-Verf Papenburg shop 6 504 x 150 x 70 m 2008 Sevmash Severodvinsk workshop 55 436 x 130 x 55 m min 70s ChSZ Nikolaev - 400 x x m Meyer-Verf Pepenburg shop 6 380 x 150 x 70 m 2001 Meyer-Verf Papenburg workshop 5 360 x 150 x 60 m 1990s Volksverft Stralsund - 300 x 108 x 74 m 1996 Sevmash Severodvinsk workshop 50 302 x 44 x 40 m 1939 Bohai Huludoa 285 x 130 x 50 m 2019 ? Electric Boat Groton, CT LLSCF 150 x 85 x 50 m 1977 Newport News Newport News, VA MOF 140 x 100 x 30 m 1986 The inventory of large enclosed shipbuilding workshops around the world is a fruitbasket. The Huludao and Electric Boat assembly halls are final assembly facilities for large modules that are fabricated in other buildings. The Soviet era workshops #50 and #55 at Sevrodovinsk provided for traditional piecework shipbuilding, and included under one roof almost a full cycle of shipbuilding production, production of shafts, pipelines, screws, and processing of titanium, manufacturing technical products for engineering, metallurgy, oil and gas and other industries, based on its Design Bureau. Recently, however, modular techniques appear to have been adopted at Sevrodovinsk. The July 2017 US Navy report to Congress on the submarine industrial base and the viability of producing additional attack submarines explicated the extent to which the floor space of the final assembly hall is not the long pole in the tent for annual shipbuilding rates. the report concluded that building a steady cadence of two Virginia-class Submarines [VCS] per year during the procurement years of the COLUMBIA Class SSBNs was achievable. New facilities at all three yards were in various stages of planning and completion, and remain on track to support the existing programs of record. But existing facility footprint used for VCS would no longer be able to be reprposed and consumed by COLUMBIA. GDEB's Quonset Point facility would need to accelerate and increase its module construction and outfitting facilities, GDEB's Groton facilities would require approximately an additional 275,000 Sq. Ft. of building space in two facilities, and HII-NNS would require procurement of an additional automated fixture as well as approximately 495,000 Sq. Ft. of associated building and assembly space. Submarine Building at Bohai Shipyard The Bohai shipyard was established in 1954 and is located in Huludao, on the northern coast of the Bohai Gulf. The first submarine to be commissioned from this yard in 1987 was the PLAN's first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), the Type 092 Xia-class. This boat is a modified version of the PLAN's first-generational design of a nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN), the Type 091 Han-class. In 1997-98 the Bohai shipyard began construction of a new class of SSN, the Type 093 Shang-class. It has been reported that by late July or early August of 2004 the Bohai shipyard began construction on a replacement for the SSBN Xia-class; the improved SSBN being built is labeled the Jin-class. According to estimates by the US Department of Defense, the SSN Shang-class became operational in 2005-06, and the SSBN Jin-class will become operational 2010 [possibly as soon as 2080] respectively. This shipyard is in the process of building two new nuclear submarines for PLAN and based on very limited recent production experience, it is projected that the Bohai shipyard is producing approximately one SSN every three years and one SSBN every two years [this seems a bit rapid]. Once various problems get worked out and sea trials prove the operational capability of these submarines, the production levels could be further increased, producing more boats in less time, according to PLAN requirements. Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd [BSHIC], the former Bohai Shipyard, is one of biggest assembly shipbuilding enterprises under China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC). BSHIC is a modern large coastal comprehensive factory in China for shipbuilding, ship repairing, steel structure processing, metallurgic equipment and large hydropower, nuclear power equipment fabricating and also the official research base for localizing the important technical equipment. BSHIC has the biggest block fabrication associated workshop of China. The length is 991.8m,the square is 118,000m2. The workshop includes Flat Section Shop, Curved Section Shop and Combined Section Shop. Block fabrications from steel plate cutting, processing to preliminary assembly, sectional assembly are all longitudinally performed in the workshop. The workshop is equipped with stiffener NC plasma cutting lines, block panel production lines and 76 sets advanced equipments, such as NC plasma cutting machines, cranes, oil Presses etc. BSHIC is situated on the northern coast of Bohai Gulf, north to BEIDAIHE Beach and Shanhaiguan Great Wall (No.1 Pass Under Heaven), east to Xingcheng Ancient City. The famous Huludao Port is located in its center. BSHIC covers an area of 3,600,000m2, possesses the total asset of RMB 1.64155 Billion. BSHIC has various kinds of advanced facilities, such as China largest Seven-section covered berths, two 300,000DWT class dry dock, a 150,000DWT class semi-dock building berth, a 50,000DWT class flooding dock etc. BSHIC is capable of building various ships up to 400,000DWT in compliance with the rules and the regulations of all major international classification societies, such as CCS, DNV, BV, ABS, LR, NK, etc. The annual shipbuilding capacity can reach 4,000,000DWT. BSHIC was certified as National Enterprise Technical Center in 2002. BSHIC has also established a good quality control system which approved by China Xinshida Quality System Certification Body in accordance with ISO9001:2000. In 2003, the Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS) of BSHIC has approved by China Academy of Safety Science & Technology. Since 2004 BSHIC has been keeping the honor of the National Client Satisfied Enterprise. BSHIC was listed at No. 66 in China Top 500 Machinery Enterprises in 2007 improved from No. 105 in 2005. BSHIC was also awarded as National Credit Enterprise in 2006 and Most Influential Enterprise in 2007. China Enterprise Association and China Entrepreneur Association have both evaluated BSHIC as China Excellent Enterprise in 2008. The Second National Civilized Unit in 2009. The Ten Famous Metal Shipping Industrial of China and also award as China Construction of Manufacture Information Outstanding of The Year in 2010. BSHIC was listed at Top 20 in China the Seventh Top 500 Industry Enterprises in 2011. Established in 1954, the yard covers 4,500,000 m2. The yard has various kinds of advanced equipment, such as the seven-span type indoor shipbuilding berth [the largest in China], outdoor berths covering more than 20,000 m2 as the extension of the indoor ones, a unique 40,000 ton-class dual-stage water-filled drydock, the largest indoor bridge cranes in China which have the combined lifting capacity of 640 ton by two cranes joint operation, and the 260 m ?50 m semi-dock berth (100,000 tonnage class) with 480 tons of gantry crane capacity where could built various vessel up to 150,000 DWT. Bohai Shipyard was conferred the ISO9002 certificate of in 1994. Since 1994 the yard has engaged in the international shipbuilding market and contracted with various owners in the world, such as Germany, USA, Singapore and Canada etc. for building 28,200 DWT log/bulk carriers; 29,000 DWT multi-purpose bulk carriers; 35,000 DWT product oil tankers and so on. Sales volume in terms of the foreign currency is about one hundred million United States Dollars per year. The yard has been awarded the enterprise honor of AAA class every year since being authorized to export vessels to foreign customers in 1996. The military products developed and fabricated by the yard have been awarded two medals of the National Science and Technology Advanced Special Prize. The yard had developed and built more than 140 vessels by 2000. Among them, the first river-sea shallow draft 10,000DWT coal carrier in China was awarded the National Science and Technology Advanced Prize; the first 35,000 DWT shallow draft economical bulk carrier was awarded the special grade prize of the essential technical facilities awarded by the State Council; the 35,000 DWT product oil tanker was evaluated as the National Class New Product. The shipyard has expanded into non-marine products, including metallurgy, electric power, railroad and chemical engineering markets. The yard has built a hot blast-furnace and a 250 ton converter for Bao Steel, along with the rotor core for a 300,000 kW hydraulic turbine generator and the platreating reactor of the hot steel wall with production of 800,000 tons per year. The yard has attained the license of design and fabricating pressure vessels of Class I, Class II and Class III. The Liaoning Shipbuilding Group, formed in late 1997, includes Bohai Shipyard, Dalian Shipyard and Dalian New Shipyard. In April 1997 the State Planning Commission approved the construction of a shipbuilding facility for vessels of 100,000-dwt at the Bohai Shipyard. At a cost almost $24 million, when completed at the end of 1998 it was able to build 2.5 ships annually. In June 1997 Sembawang Corp. [SembCorp] and Jurong Shipyard Ltd. (JSL) merged, creating one of the world's largest ship repair groups. SembCorp's ship repair and conversion assets include Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore, as well as a 50 percent stake in Bohai Shipyard in Tianjin, China, and a 65 percent stake in PT Karimun Shipyard. In early 1998 Bohai Shipyard announced that it had cut 500 employees, about 10 percent of its personnel. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CALGARY, Alberta, May 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northview Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust (Northview) (TSX:NVU.UN), announced today the voting results from their annual general meeting of unitholders held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in Calgary, Alberta. A total of 39,524,814 Trust Units and Special Voting Units (Units) were represented at the meeting, being 60.82% of Northviews issued and outstanding Units. Unitholders voted in favour of all matters brought before the meeting, including the election of all of the trustee nominees. Detailed results of the election of trustees are provided below: Trustee Nominee Votes For Votes Withheld Scott Thon 39,462,765 (99.86%) 54,299 (0.14%) Todd R. Cook 39,011,930 (98.69%) 505,134 (1.31%) Daniel Drimmer 37,443,093 (94.64%) 2,073,971 (5.36%) Kevin Grayston 39,376,025 (99.64%) 141,039 (0.36%) Dennis J. Hoffman 38,655,548 (97.82%) 861,516 (2.18%) Christine McGinley 39,447,149 (99.82%) 69,915 (0.18%) Terrance L. McKibbon 39,391,716 (99.68%) 125,348 (0.32%) Valery Zamuner 39,456,669 (99.84%) 60,395 (0.16%) At the meeting, unitholders also voted on two additional items of business: the appointment of KPMG LLP as auditors of Northview for the ensuing year and the authorization of the trustees to fix the remuneration payable to the auditors; and on an advisory basis and not to diminish the role and responsibility of the Board of Trustees, approving the approach to executive compensation. Votes For Votes Withheld or Against Appointment of Auditors 39,435,900 (99.79%) 81,164 (0.21%) Executive Compensation 37,561,054 (95.03%) 1,963,760 (4.97%) CORPORATE PROFILE Northview is one of Canada's largest publicly traded multi-family REITs with a portfolio of approximately 27,000 residential units and 1.2 million square feet of commercial space in over 60 markets across eight provinces and two territories. Northview's well-diversified portfolio includes markets characterized by expanding populations and growing economies, which provides Northview the means to deliver stable and growing profitability and distributions to Unitholders of Northview over time. Northview currently trades on the TSX under the ticker symbol: NVU.UN. Additional information concerning Northview is available at www.sedar.com or www.northviewreit.com . Northview Apartment Real Estate Investment Trust Mr. Todd Cook President and Chief Executive Officer (403) 531-0720 Mr. Travis Beatty Chief Financial Officer (403) 531-0720 Mr. Leslie Veiner Chief Operating Officer (403) 531-0720 High Point, N.C., May 11, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HIGH POINT, N.C., May 11, 2019 Dr. Michio Kaku, physicist and co-founder of String Field Theory, told 1,100 High Point University graduates and 10,000 friends and family members today that he believes a fourth wave of innovation is near, if it hasnt already begun. Im a scientist, said Kaku during todays HPUs Commencement ceremony. We say that the origin - the engine - of progress is science and technology. But science comes in waves. The question for today is, What is the fourth wave of wealth generation? Kaku said. If the first wave was steam power, if the second wave was electricity, if the third wave was computers, what is the engine driving jobs, the economy and your future? What is the fourth wave? I say its a combination of artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and biotechnology. Kaku is a bestselling author and popularizer of science who regularly appears on BBC and the Discovery Channel. His Commencement address comes during a time when HPUs science majors in biology, chemistry and physics are growing, and the new Wanek School of Natural Sciences is scheduled to open in August. He told HPU graduates that the timing of it all is beneficial for their future. We are witnessing a new era of science and technology, and you are among the winners! Kaku said. Every revolution has winners and losers. You are among the winners because youre graduating from this great university. Youre embarking upon one of the greatest adventures in your life. You have the vision, the vitality and the imagination to seize the initiative. When it comes to predicting the future, which many people often ask Kaku to do, he quoted the great western philosopher, Yogi Berra in noting that Predictions are hard to do, especially when its about the future. But he still went on to offer his insight to the audience. In the future, when you want to get online, you will put on your contact lenses, and you will blink, and you will be online, said Kaku. The internet will be everywhere and nowhere, including your contact lens Medicine will be turned upside-down in the future. You will swallow a pill. In that pill, there's a chip with a magnet and a camera. It photographs your stomach. It performs operations inside your body. And, yes, we will grow organs of the body. Today, from your own cells, so there's no rejection mechanism, we can grow skin, bone, cartilage, noses, ears, blood vessels. We can grow bladders. We can grow entire windpipes. The next organ to be grown -- we haven't done it yet -- the next organ to be grown in the laboratory from your own cells is the liver. As class president, Emmi Esker, who double majored in sales and marketing and is from Cleveland, Ohio, offered a word of greeting to her classmates. I studied in South Africa the summer before entering High Point, said Esker while looking out at the graduates on Roberts lawn. While there, I learned a beautiful South African concept called ubuntu that means, I am because you are. Parents, as your student walks across this stage and into the next chapter of their life, know that it is through your love and support that they have made it here today. They are because you are. Esker encouraged her classmates to go into the future by remembering all the blessings they received during their time at HPU and sharing them. Today, let us focus on being grateful for the generosity of others, said Esker. But tomorrow and every day after, let us focus on being generous to all those we encounter. Lets live in a way that all of those we meet along our journey towards greatness will be able to sincerely say about us: ubuntu, I am because you are. As is tradition at HPUs graduation, a bald eagle soared over the graduates at the end of the ceremony to symbolize the ideals of free enterprise, independence and the ability to pursue new opportunities in America. And every graduate received a blanket after the ceremony to give to their mothers in honor of Mothers Day. Graduates also received a powerful Senior Send-Off from HPU President Nido Qubein on May 10, who encouraged them to plant seeds of greatness throughout their lifes journey by turning dreams into actions. Graduates, to truly find success in life and to frame it with significance, you must go from being an optimist to an 'actionist,' said Qubein during his address to the Class of 2019. The goodness in this world happens because somebody acts on it. We cant just be dreamers. Ideas are a dime a dozen. We can have more ideas by noon every day than we can act on in a lifetime. We arent looking for ideas. We are looking for a way to carry out that plan. Be an actionist. Attachments Across the country, there are millions of nurses united by a deep desire to care for others in their greatest times of need. They are the compassionate faces at the bedside and the healing hands who work tirelessly to ensure that each patient receives safe, quality care. This year, Sovah Health joined the American Nurses Association and numerous health care organizations across the country to celebrate National Nurses Week (May 6-12). During this week, the hospital honored nurses and the job they do in creating a safe and comfortable environment. Established in 1954, National Nurses Week recognizes nurses and their strong commitment to and fervent compassion for their patients. The annual recognition first honored the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingales service and leadership during the Crimean War. The week-long celebration ends on Nightingales birthday, May 12. Sovah Healths nursing staff celebrated Florence Nightingale Day: Back to the Basics on Wednesday by dressing in traditional white uniforms complete with their white nursing caps. The Rev. Cory Young was present for a blessing of the hands and Danville Mayor Alonzo Jones presented a proclamation. Nurses are a vital part of our healthcare system, said Jacquelyn Wilkerson, market chief nursing officer of Sovah Health. It has been an honor to show our appreciation to the heartbeat of our hospital and let them know that they are amazing and what they do daily matters. With more than 4 million nurses practicing nationwide, they comprise the largest segment of the health care workforce and represent one of the fastest growing professions in the country. They are providers of hospital, in-office, home-based and long-term care and often work long hours to care for their patients. Inmate Jerrod Irv-Low Washington went from nonresponsive to responsive three times early Friday before he ultimately died after a nearly year-long stint in jail, the Danville Sheriffs Office reported. This marks the second inmate to die in the Danville City Jail this year. A deputy was on patrol near one of the jails dormitories around 3:15 a.m. Friday when they heard noise other inmates banging on the door to draw attention to the unresponsive man in the bed area, Danville Sheriff Mike Mondul said. A deputy makes the rounds twice every hour. Friday, one stumbled on the 37-year-old Washington. The other inmates making noise helped the deputy find Washington faster, Mondul said. Inmates typically alert deputies to other inmates pressing medical issues. It is a community within those cell blocks and within those dorms, Mondul said. They tend to look after one another, so when something is wrong they let us know they flag the camera, they make noise to alert us. The jails emergency medical technician started CPR, aided by a deputy. Washington came to three separate times before rescue crews arrived and he was transferred to the hospital, according to the incident report. He died at 8:30 a.m. in Sovah Health-Danvilles critical care unit. Washington had been in jail since July 11, 2018, and had recently been sentenced to more than six years on charges of drug dealing and forgery, the sheriffs office reported. According to court documents, he sold heroin to an undercover informant in December 2017. He pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing a controlled substance in January and was sentenced in February. The jails first fatality this year was Raymond Lea Massey, 53 of Danville, who died in January while serving a two-and-a-half year sentence. The Roanoke Medical Examiners Office determined Massey died of sepsis, heart abscess and acute pneumonia. His death was ruled natural. Massey had notable health issues when he was incarcerated, and Washington was being treated for serious pre-existing medical issues while in jail, Mondul said. Mondul said he could not disclose what those medical issues were. Washingtons body will be taken to the Roanoke Medical Examiners Office for an autopsy to determine his cause of death, the sheriffs office reported. The autopsy, I think, will tell us a lot, Mondul said. And even though they are on different sides of the bars, Mondul said, jail staff are affected by an inmates death. Many of them get to know some of those incarcerated with some even talking about their families. We are sorry for the family, Mondul said. James Whitlow reports for the Danville Register & Bee. Contact him at jwhitlow@registerbee.com or (434) 791-7983. The Virginia State Police on Thursday unveiled a portrait of a smiling trooper Lucas B. Dowell that will hang in a memorial gallery along with pictures of the 65 other men and women who have died in the line of duty. Dowell, 28, was killed Feb. 4 while executing a search warrant on a home in Cumberland County just north of Farmville. Dowell was part of a state police tactical team assisting the Piedmont Regional Drug and Gang Task Force with a search of the home. As the team entered, a man inside shot at them, striking Dowell. The tactical team returned fire and fatally wounded the man. Dowell was taken to Southside Community Hospital in Farmville, where he died. He had been living in Lynchburg and was from Chilhowie, and he had become a trooper in 2014. Dowell was survived by his parents and a sister, who attended Thursday's ceremony at state police headquarters in Chesterfield County. State Sen. Bill Carrico, a former state trooper from Grayson County who knows the family well, gave the keynote address. The dedication of the portrait was part of an annual memorial service the state police have for all fallen officers. After the ceremony, Dowell's portrait was hung among the others in the Colonel C.W. Woodson Jr. Memorial Gallery located within the Virginia State Police Academy in Chesterfield. PULASKI A wrongful death lawsuit filed after 5-year-old Noah Thomas drowned in a septic tank was settled this week with a $200,000 insurance payment to his parents and sister. An order entered Wednesday in Pulaski County Circuit Court resolved the last legal case connected to the boy's March 2015 death, which drew national attention due to its unsettling circumstances. Tim Kirtner, a Pulaski attorney representing Paul Thomas, Noah's father, did not respond to request for comment on the settlement. William Wallace, a Roanoke attorney who defended Gary and Sharon Meadows, who were the owners of the property where Noah died and the remaining defendants in the wrongful death lawsuit, said Friday that they remain devastated by the boy's death. "Gary and Sharon Meadows are about the nicest people you could ever meet. It was not right that they be sued in this tragic case," Wallace said. The order ending the case said that the Meadows admitted no liability for Noah's death. Wallace said he thought the Meadows would have been exonerated if the 4-day jury trial scheduled for July had gone forward but decided to avoid going through the minutiae of the case again. "This episode was an immense tragedy for a lot of people and they are glad to have the case behind them," Wallace said. Noah disappeared from his family's rented mobile home while his mother napped. He was found after a four-day search when law enforcement officers drained a septic tank located just feet from the residence's door. The septic tank's lid had not been fastened down. The boy's cause of death was determined to be drowning, with hypothermia a contributing factor. An array of criminal and civil court proceedings followed. On the criminal side, Noah's parents, Ashley White and Thomas, both were convicted of two counts of child abuse and neglect. White also was convicted of child abuse and neglect leading to a death, but that conviction was reversed on appeal. The prosecution's argument was not that the parents did anything to directly harm Noah but that the situation particularly the unfastened septic tank lid so close to their home constituted neglect. On the civil side, Thomas sued landlords the Meadows and the maker of the septic tank lid, saying they caused Noah's death and asking for $5.3 million. Tuf-tite, the company that made the lid, was released from the case in 2017 after pointing out that installation had not be carried out according to directions. The plastic lid had the words "danger" and "do not enter" embossed on it and also arrows labeled "safety screw" pointing to holes that were to be used to secure it. According to Thomas' lawsuit, the septic tank and lid were installed in 2002 and Gary Meadows carried out repairs on the system in 2014. The order that ended the wrongful death lawsuit said that the Meadows' insurer, Virginia Farm Bureau, would pay $200,000. Of that amount, Thomas' two attorneys would receive $83,069 in fees and costs, the order said. Thomas, White and Noah's infant sister are each to receive $38,976, the order said. The sister, who is in the custody of relatives, will have her money held by an annuity company chosen by her guardian ad litem until she turns 18. Virginia Farm Bureau also will have to pay the guardian ad litem, attorney Robin Kegley of Wytheville, $150 per hour for her work, the order said. Music first became important to me when I was a middle school kid and discovered I liked to sing. Later, when I learned to play guitar, singing and playing became mainstays of my life. But aside from singing in school ensembles (where I was able to fake my way through reading music), Ive never had any formal music training and am mostly self-taught. But now with YouTube and online music instruction sites, we musicians professional, aspirational and of all ages have access to a huge array of resources to up our game.On their own, young people are definitely tapping into these sites to learn, create and share music. And its helping many of them find the musical inspiration they need. Ive written here previously about some of the impacts digital tools are having on K-12 visual art instruction. Young artists are finding online resources to help them learn and share and the same is true with young musicians. Theyre mostly doing this outside of school.Recognizing how schools traditional music programs are missing the needs of many students, some inspired teachers wanting to bridge that gap have embraced digital tools in their classrooms.In a 2018 Education Week article , a Georgia elementary music teacher describes how his students use iPads to record, arrange and mix original songs using Apples GarageBand app, and how his kids are not just performers, theyre also creators.I believe its this creation aspect thats most empowering for young people. I understand the complaint that digital musical tools synthesizers, music sampling and the like allow players to take shortcuts and not really develop their chops on an instrument. However, these tools are also helping kids who might not otherwise find inroads to making music, allowing them to approach and appreciate music in different ways. Thats got to be a good thing.For young people wanting to learn to play a musical instrument or learn composition, production, songwriting or other music skills from a teacher to whom they otherwise might not have access, online courses are filling a void.From The Hechinger Report , I learned of a panel discussion held at the recent ASU GSV X Summit in San Diego. The session, "Striking the Right Note The Democratization of Music Learning ," brought together three individuals representing different players in the online music instruction world: Berklee College of Music, TakeLessons.com, and Appassio.The panelists outlined the ways theyre each approaching the needs of their focus audiences. Their three methods are good examples of how the online music instruction world is shaping up for learners at various skill levels looking for either group or private instruction, and at a range of costs.The Berklee College of Music, a prestigious Boston-based institution with a jazz and contemporary music focus, has gone into virtual courses in a big way with their Berklee Online program serving over 10,000 students. Berklee has a range of offerings, from free YouTube instructional videos and MOOCs (massive open online course) for fledgling students, to full bachelor and master degree programs for those with the skills, drive and funds.Aimed primarily at beginners, TakeLessons.com offers both private music lessons with online instructors (and face-to-face lessons in some locales) as well as small real-time live group instruction. One-to-one online instruction fees vary based on the instructor and the length and number of sessions purchased. For $20 per month a student can participate in an instructor-led group class. Appassio.com is a European-based company started by a classical pianist that pairs teachers with interested students for private online music and art instruction at rates set by the teachers.With these and the many other online opportunities available to young people outside of school, the question becomes how schools can leverage these resources to help their students. Individual music lessons provide the best of personalized learning with teachers giving students instruction, feedback and encouragement. However, few schools have the resources to offer such one-on-one lessons for their students.Middle- and upper-income families have been able to provide their kids with private music lessons, but families in lower socio-economic strata have not. Even if the lessons are free or inexpensive, these same families may not have adequate Internet access, devices or musical instruments needed for their kids to take online music classes.It would therefore be interesting to see how schools could partner with a provider like TakeLessons.com, help kids get access to musical instruments, and offer up time during the school day or in afterschool sessions to get students tapped into music instruction of their own choosing.School music classes remain a valuable asset to students. But some schools are either cutting back on these programs or stretching their teachers too thin to have any real impact. And in middle and high school, when music becomes an elective course, traditional music classes arent matching the interests of many students. So the opportunities presented by online instruction, especially if leveraged and supported by schools, have the potential to teach and inspire a new generation of young musicians. Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen does not believe that Formula 1 can produce the sort of shocks that the UEFA Champions League has done in the past few days. On Tuesday, Liverpool overturned a 3-0 deficit to progress to the final of the competition against Barcelona. On Wednesday night, Tottenham Hotspur replicated their Premier League rivals and scored a final minute goal to overturn another three-goal deficit to beat Ajax. Verstappen said he was supporting Dutch club Ajax, who were knocked out by Spurs: "I was having dinner and I was just following it on my phone. I thought OK, that's in my pocket. "The final few seconds was a bit dramatic, between Ajax and Tottenham. The other one I was flying but when I landed I saw the result. I'm a PSV fan but still I would have liked Ajax to win. I mean, I'm not crying, like some of my friends. "Some of my friends were very emotional after the game. One didn't respond for an hour when I said to him 'bad luck'. He came back to em and said he was not feeling too well, I'm not that devastated but it would have been great for Ajax to be in the final." When asked if Formula 1 could produce that level of drama, Verstappen said: "You can't. It's basically like being three laps down and suddenly the guy wins the race. It's just a dfferent sport, different things can happen, the emotion as well. It's like one that game is decisive for the rest of the championship. It's different: we are doing 21 rounds." Follow GPblog now on Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook! Ferrari will not supply a test car to Pirelli for the development of 18-inch tyres for 2021. Earlier, we claimed that the three teams that have agreed to supply test cars to Pirelli this year are Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault. But Pirelli's Mario Isola said in Barcelona that the three teams are in fact Mercedes, McLaren and Renault. "It was our choice not to participate," Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto said. "We are short on time and the resources for the programme so we decided simply not to take part in this test in 2019 but we are preparing ourselves to do it in 2020," he added. Kevin Magnussen doubts Haas has solved its tyre problem. However, the American team looks highly competitive in Spain, but it is believed that is because the abrasive Barcelona surface 'turns on' the Pirelli tyres. Elsewhere, Haas is struggling massively to make the 2019 Pirellis work. "It looks better here, but I'm not sure we know why," Magnussen said. "The car works here, but I don't think our problems are solved. "Our goal is to be the fourth best team, but McLaren also looked fast today. It will be interesting," he told BT newspaper. Haas could have been even faster in Barcelona, if Ferrari had made its new engine specification available to the team and fellow customer Alfa Romeo. "We'll get it when we get it," Magnussen said. Team boss Gunther Steiner told Ekstra Bladet newspaper: "As it looks right now, we will put it in the cars either in Monaco or Canada." Toto Wolff has rubbished speculation that he is eyeing Chase Carey's job at the top of Formula 1. Reports this week said the Mercedes boss was lining up to replace Carey as F1 CEO, even though Ferrari could apparently veto that move. "Certainly the veto right is something important for Ferrari but also important for F1 overall," Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto said when asked about the veto in Barcelona. "It's not only protecting us but also all the teams against maybe some decisions which could be against the spirit or the interest of the teams." But when asked about the speculation in Barcelona, Wolff denied that he is thinking about replacing Carey. "I could not take my job seriously if I participated in such speculation," he told Kronen Zeitung newspaper. "A journalist has written a funny story which is full of speculation," Wolff added. "But I am still at Mercedes for a long time and have a great task to lead this team. It's fun and not something I want to change," he said. Wolff denied that rumours of his departure from Mercedes could be fuelled by the impending arrival of Ola Kallenius as the new Daimler CEO. He insists that Kallenius has "Formula 1 at heart", even if he has said that he wants the Daimler brands to have a greener image. "We generate a huge amount of media, so nobody questions it," said Wolff when asked if Mercedes could be thinking of stepping away from Formula 1. ITM Power announced the extension of its UK hydrogen refueling collaboration agreement with Shell, which was originally announced on 10 September 2015. The new agreement will run until 2024, and covers the refueling of all types of hydrogen vehicles; from passenger cars to commercial vehicles, including buses, trucks, trains and ships. Currently ITM Power operates two hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) at Shell service stations at both Shell Cobham on the M25 and Shell Beaconsfield on the M40. Four further HRS are funded. The HRS at Shell Gatwick is under construction and will be opened later this year; Shell Derby will also follow in 2019, with two further London stations also planned. The UK hydrogen refueling station network has been jointly funded by the UKs Office for Low Emission Vehicles and the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. Nigeria will contribute 46% of sub-Saharan Africas total crude production from planned and announced projects (greenfield projects) in 2025, according to GlobalData. The companys report: H1 2019 Production and Capital Expenditure Outlook for Key Planned Upstream Projects in Sub-Saharan Africa Nigeria Dominates Crude Production and Capex Outlook finds that besides crude production, Nigeria will also contribute 25% of sub-Saharan Africas total natural gas production from planned and announced projects in 2025. Nigeria leads sub-Saharan Africa with crude and condensate production of 1,046,940 barrels per day (bpd) in 2025. Angola follows Nigeria with production of 422,652 bpd in 2025. Nigeria and Angola together will contribute around 65% of total crude production in 2025. Uganda, Congo Republic and Chad are the next biggest contributors, with around 15% of sub-Saharan Africas total crude and condensate production from planned and announced projects. In sub-Saharan Africa, a total of 70 crude and natural gas projects are expected to start operations during 20192025. Among these, 18 represent the number of planned projects with identified development plans and 52 represent the number of early-stage announced projects that are undergoing conceptual studies and that are expected to get approved for development. In terms of number of planned oil and gas projects, Nigeria also leads among countries with eight projects, followed by Mozambique and Chad with two projects each. In terms of announced projects, Nigeria once again leads with 21 projects, followed by Angola with seven projects. Officers responded at 4:20 p.m. to the 1900 block of Kersey Street for a report of a shooting. They found shell casings in the area, but no victims, police said in a news release. Officers learned that two people who had been shot went to Cone Hospital for treatment of injuries not considered life-threatening. Dubbed "Black Mama's Bail Out," the name is a bit of a misnomer. The group is focused on caregivers, regardless of gender. "Were talking about anyone who takes care of people, that includes older people, children, people who are trans," Crippen said. "People who are transgender because of the way our society is set up they end up taking care of each other," she explained. The group has had trouble determining transgender people who may need the group's help because Guilford County does not recognize their gender, Crippen said. The group meets with potential recipients beforehand to see if they want their help and to find out what their needs will be when they get out. We have to get their permission," Crippen said. "A lot of times, (the jail) is the only place that they can get medical care. Also, people get very nervous about people coming to bail them out that they dont know. The initiative comes amid a growing movement among criminal justice groups to overhaul bail systems that critics say favor the wealthy and punish the poor, while clogging local jails with people yet to be convicted of a crime. GREENSBORO A million times they've been this close, but today is different. Theyre side by side in the wooden frame of a house that's about to be raised during Habitat for Humanitys inaugural Women Build event. Mother of four Cheryl Hairston is smiling broadly under the morning sun with her only daughter, 22-year-old Christianna, next to her. "Were mostly moms and we know how important it is to have decent, safe and affordable housing," Hairston would later say about the women gathered from all over. For Christianna, its been a different view of her mom than the one she had growing up. "As a child, you see your mom as mom. She's taking me to dance classes and school, feeding us, taking care of us," Christianna said. "Now that I'm older, I'm getting to know her as a businesswoman, as a person trying to make the world a better place. As someone people respect." Hairston and other women around the world are being celebrated Sunday for being in the lives of young people as a parental figure. Mother's Day is also a reminder of just how many roles women have. GREENSBORO A woman died early Saturday morning after her vehicle collided with a piece of construction equipment on Interstate 73. At 1:53 a.m., Stephanie Escobar Scales was driving a 2016 Nissan Altima southbound on the interstate and entered a closed work zone area with ongoing construction, according to police. There, she colided with the equipment. As a result, she suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead by Guilford County EMS Personnel. A construction worker, Cody Dunham of Callao, Missouri, who was working on the equipment when struck, suffered minor injuries, was treated and released at the scene. The collision is being investigated by the Greensboro Police Department Crash Reconstruction Unit. Before this, it had been 10 days since the last fatal collision happened in Greensboro. Yeas: U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, both R-N.C.Senate Vote 2: Export-Import Bank: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Kimberly A. Reed to serve as president of the U.S. Export-Import Bank for a term ending in January 2021. Reed, formerly the president of the International Food Information Council Foundation, also ran a community development financing fund at the Treasury Department and was a counsel to several House committees from 1997 to 2004. The vote on Wednesday, May 8, was 79-17. Yeas: Burr, Tillis Export-Import Bank board: The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Spencer Bachus III to serve as a board member on the U.S. Export-Import Bank for a term ending in January 2023. Bachus was a House member representing an Alabama district from 1993 to 2015. The vote on Wednesday, May 8, was 72-22. Yeas: Burr, Tillis Much of the unreported money stemmed from an elderly customer, who paid more than $1.5 million for lawn care over four years, the Justice Department said. The failure of the United States and China to reach agreement Friday on a comprehensive trade deal raises the possibility that President Donald Trump's favorite negotiating tool - high tariffs on imported goods - may be hardening into a permanent feature of the U.S. economy. Two days of talks ended Friday with no sign of the agreement that both governments once had predicted would be achieved by this point. After parting company with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin pronounced the latest discussions "constructive" but declined to elaborate. Less than 12 hours earlier, U.S. tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese goods had increased to 25% from 10%, in a sign of the president's waning patience with the negotiations. Trump, who has started the process of imposing tariffs on all remaining U.S. imports of Chinese goods, also issued a flurry of tweets embracing tariffs as his preferred economic policy and hinting that the China levies might linger. "The relationship between President Xi and myself remains a very strong one, and conversations . . . into the future will continue. In the meantime, the United States has imposed Tariffs on China, which may or may not be removed depending on what happens with respect to future negotiations!" the president tweeted. Trump's enthusiasm for tariffs has been no secret since his calls during his presidential campaign for a 45% tariff on everything Americans buy from China. But his focus on tariffs is a striking departure from the policies pursued by his Democratic and Republican predecessors - especially if he proceeds with his threat to apply tariffs to all $540 billion of annual U.S. purchases from China. "Tariffs will bring in FAR MORE wealth to our Country than even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind," he said in an earlier tweet, adding that raising taxes on imports was "much easier and quicker to do." Since launching his tariff wars in January 2018 with a levy on washing machines, Trump has wielded his tariff club over solar panels and industrial metals, and in a bid for new trading arrangements with China, Canada, Mexico and the European Union. None of the tariffs that the president has imposed have been removed. Trump's refusal to lift tariffs on steel and aluminum imported from Mexico and Canada has sparked a revolt among Senate Republicans, who are refusing to approve his new North American trade deal until he lifts those tariffs. Opposition has been especially pronounced among senators representing farm states that have been hurt by Mexico's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. Along with more tariffs on Chinese goods, Trump also is considering raising import taxes on automobiles and a variety of products from the EU. Completing the administrative process involved in levying tariffs on the remaining Chinese goods could take months. But the president is drawing closer to a choice between a major escalation of his tariff campaign - one that risks enormous economic and political fallout - and a disappointing outcome at the bargaining table. "We're in a very different spot than we were just a week ago," said Carla Hills, who was a U.S. trade representative under President George H.W. Bush. "Tariffs are not a good trade negotiating tool." The president's claim that the tariff bill is paid by countries on whose products levies are imposed has been criticized by economists associated with both parties. Several studies have shown that the financial impact of the U.S. tariffs imposed over the past year has fallen almost entirely on American consumers and businesses. "Raising tariffs will be disastrous. The tariffs already in place have cost the American technology sector about $1 billion more a month since October," said Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Technology Association. "That can be life or death for small businesses and start-ups that can't absorb the added costs." Trump's promise to overhaul U.S. trade agreements was a major element in his appeal to voters in industrial states in the Midwest, which suffered major job losses that many voters blame on unfair foreign competition. The president's most recent tariff moves against China have pushed what is known as "the weighted-average applied U.S. tariff rate" - once among the lowest in the world - to just over 4%, higher than the Chinese, Russian and Turkish figures, according to Deutsche Bank. Trump's muscular approach cheered his protectionist supporters. "While Pres. #Trump placed tariffs on China, r econ has boomed: 3.6% unemployment rate, 3.2% inc in avg hourly earnings, & GDP +3.2%," tweeted Dan DiMicco, a former chief executive of the steel company Nucor. Trump, who monitors the stock market and economic data closely, regards a strong economy as a key selling point for his reelection. The president's hard-line stance this week helped to rebut criticism that he "sold out cheaply" to China, said one veteran trade lawyer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to comment freely. Administration officials, too, link the president's protectionist stance to the economy's surprisingly robust growth. "There's no question that some of the trade policies helped in the GDP number," Mnuchin told reporters Monday. For the president, the danger is that the economy's current strength could ebb. Activity in the manufacturing sector, which has prospered under Trump, is slowing from last summer's peak. In April, the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing survey fell to its lowest point since October 2016. "The latest escalation in trade negotiations with China threatens to exacerbate the slowdown. Threats have been made, and if tariffs are increased it will kick a sector that is already on the decline," Bank of America Merrill Lynch economists wrote in a research note Friday. Companies now must plan for tariffs that persist for months or years. In the crosshairs: retailers that typically import holiday merchandise over the summer, and energy and auto companies that fear losing additional sales in China and the ability to ship U.S.-built cars there. "Trump certainly says that tariffs are a good outcome for the country, which is nuts for U.S. consumers," said Michael Smart, a managing director at Washington-based Rock Creek Global Advisors and a former international trade counsel to the Senate Finance Committee. "If I'm a business person and I've got customers or operations in China, I have to assume at least the current level of tariffs will be in place indefinitely." Smaller and midsize companies, meanwhile, are even harder-hit because they cannot absorb the higher costs as easily and do not have the scale to negotiate with alternative suppliers in places such as Vietnam, Taiwan or Mexico. Clifton Broumand, the owner of Man & Machine, in Landover, Maryland, once hosted former president George W. Bush on a visit to promote made-in-America manufacturing. Now, the keyboard and computer products maker is eyeing a move abroad to escape tariffs on some of the parts his company gets from China. "If Trump goes the whole way and puts tariffs on all Chinese imports, I wouldn't be able to bring anything into our country to sell around the world. I'd have to manufacture in China. Does that make any sense? Not to me," said Broumand. "I agree with Trump that we need to go after China, but I just think his method is totally wrong." For nearly a century, American presidents have worked to reduce federal taxes on imported goods so that consumers could enjoy less-expensive products and manufacturers could benefit from cheaper parts. Spurred by the role that high tariffs played in exacerbating the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the 1934 Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act, which inaugurated the effort to reduce trade barriers, according to Dartmouth College economics professor Douglas Irwin, the author of a definitive history of U.S. trade policy. If the president does tax all imports from China, the move would be a historic shift. "Where we are is worse than where we were a week ago," said William Reinsch, a trade expert at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. "The tariffs are clearly going to be around for longer than we thought and at a higher level than we thought." STAMFORD A New York City fashion blogger with a taste for the luxurious logged her second arrest for allegedly stealing a womans identity, this time of a Stamford resident. Police said she purchased a high-end purse and tried to buy two very expensive watches with the stolen identity. Shaniqua Jordan, 32, of Brooklyn, was extradited from New York City and charged with third-degree larceny, four counts of illegal use of a credit card, forgery, criminal attempt at first and second-degree larceny and three counts of identity theft. She was released after posting a $25,000 court-appearance bond. According to her six-page arrest affidavit, the case began in March 2017 when a Stamford woman reported to police that someone had made multiple purchases on her debit card while opening additional accounts without her knowledge or permission. The woman said from March 15 to March 27 someone had tried to make $54,000 in fraudulent purchases and $3,300 worth of purchases had gone through. The purchases that had gone through involved Uber and Amtrak rides as well as a $2,754 charged to Net-A-Porter for an Yves Saint Laurent shoulder bag. Two expensive purchases that she allegedly tried to make were declined for a $17,300 Rolex watch from a high-end watch seller and another $16,750 Rolex from a New York City jeweler, the arrest warrant said. Looking into the purchases, Financial Crimes officer Michael Stempien was able to trace the purchases to Jordan. After looking her up, he discovered she was a fashion blogger for her simplicitystyle website and had been arrested for pulling the same type of crime against a woman in Falls Township, Pennsylvania. Jordan executed an elaborate scheme during the same time in March 2017 when she purchased an $18,000 Rolex watch from a California company and asked that it be sent to a Falls Township address, the affidavit said. The company questioned the purchase and contacted Falls Township police, who convinced them to send a empty box to the FedEX facility where the purchaser requested the watch be sent, the affidavit said. When Jordan arrived at the facility and presented a license in the identity victims name, she was arrested. According to her affidavit in the Stamford case, records showed that the Yves Sain Laurent shoulder bag purchased from Net-A-Porter was actually sent to the Stamford womans actual address. But because police say Jordan opened a fraudulent UPS account in the Stamford womans name, she was able to find out exactly when it was delivered and once there, the bag was stolen. It should be noted that on Jordans blog Instagram page on 3/05/17 a photo was posted depicting a white Yves Saint Lauren purse that looks identical to the the purse that was purchased with (the victims) information from the NET-A-PORTER site, the affidavit said. That purchase (with the Stamford womans identification) would have come after the photo was taken but shows the suspect was aware of the item. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com NEWTOWN A new book by the trauma team leader who guided the Sandy Hook response says every town needs a mental health recovery plan like the one built here in the upheaval of grief. Its a road map that outlines the lessons we learned with the takeaway that in the wake of so many tragedies, Sandy Hook gives us a better understanding of whats important to focus on, said Melissa Glaser, a psychotherapist whose new book, Healing a Community, recounts the 21 months that she directed the federally funded Newtown Recovery and Resiliency Team. The book, which identifies the complications and institutional barriers that set back recovery and multiplied Newtowns trauma over the slaying of 26 first-graders and educators at Sandy Hook School, comes at a time of heightened awareness about the deep reaches of mass shootings on communities. The high-profile suicide of a Sandy Hook father who lost his daughter in the 2012 massacre, and the suicides of two teenagers who attended the Florida high school where 17 students and staff were killed in 2018, made national headlines last week. The suicide of Jeremy Richman ended the story of a man who had turned his grief into good by advancing research about the roots of violence in the brain. His wife, Jennifer Hensel, said he succumbed to a grief he could not escape. Glasers book, which is written for clinicians, also comes at a time when local leaders are assessing the recovery effort in Newtown, where a four-person center for townwide health and wellness was established after federal funding ran out for Glasers trauma team in 2016. Nelba Marquez-Greene, whose daughter was among the children murdered at Sandy Hook School, said last week that well-meaning people still dont understand the depth of grief families of loss suffer in Sandy Hook. Everyone wants so desperately for you to be okay that you can never, ever say youre not, Marquez-Greene tweeted. This culture is grief averse and our victim support service structure sucks. Newtowns top elected leader said a community wellness survey is being conducted to gauge where mental health services are working and where more resources are needed. The town also is interviewing candidates for a new administrator, whose duties will include overseeing the Newtown Center for Support and Wellness, which replaced the federal trauma team. Newtowns wellness The successor agency we have now took some of the lessons we learned from the recovery and resiliency team, said Dan Rosenthal, Newtowns First Selectman. But we are always in the business of constant improvement because people change, and because if we ever said there was nothing more we could do, that would be frightening. Glasers book, which came out in mid-February, treats the lessons learned here as cautionary tales in the hope that other communities confronting a tragedy can anticipate the obstacles and maximize recovery. Among the biggest obstacles Glaser discusses are complications caused by media scrutiny, the young age of the victims, the brutality of the crime, the polarity of the political debate about guns, and conspiracy extremists. Glaser also revisits the pain, anger and despair that the massacre brought to Newtown, while documenting the healing, compassion and hope families embraced, in part because of the six-member trauma team. In doing so, Glaser had to balance the need to obscure certain details to preserve confidentiality with the need to reveal as much detail as possible to be a useful case study that other communities could duplicate. We were very careful not to expose anybody, Glaser said of the risk she took by writing the book. We knew there was a lot of valuable information that was important to share. Pat Llodra, the former First Selectman, who led the towns recovery before, during and after the trauma teams work in Newtown, said she had only read excerpts from Glasers book. This was unchartered territory and trauma with deep emotional pain, Llodra said last week. Mrs. Glaser brought skills and professionalism to the work of the recovery and resiliency team, and I will be forever grateful to her for the efforts she put forth for our town. A case study Glasers book devotes nearly a whole chapter to describing the effect local politics had on the trauma teams effort to reach as many of Newtowns 28,000 people as possible with the message that help was available. Glaser did so, she said, not to point fingers and even less to suggest that political leaders were willfully resisting professional help. Rather, Glaser said, her intent was to prevent leaders in other communities unfortunate enough to be in a situation such as Newtowns from needlessly setting back treatment efforts by setting unreasonable timetables for recovery. Leaders need to build trauma recovery plans that last 10 to 15 years, Glaser said. Leaders also need to understand what recovery looks like, she said. Recovery from a complicated trauma such as Sandy Hook is not a return to normal, Glaser writes, but a return to life that is not dominated by post-traumatic stress symptoms. Glaser notes school administrators in Newtown were slow to recognize the need teachers had for more recovery services than they were being offered. Mary Ann Jacob, who was an assistant librarian the day the gunman shot his way into Sandy Hook School, agreed with Glasers assessment. Services were blocked for us by people who were not in the building that day, Jacob said. (Administrators) had an obligation to engage the people in the building and find out our needs, and they dropped the ball. Teachers did eventually receive extra services, at the urging of Glaser. Llodra said Newtowns administration put great heart in trying to respond to the many challenges and issues that arose through the trauma. One benefit of retrospective vision is acknowledging that some other decisions and choices could have been made which might have better served the recovery process, Llodra said. Glasers book follows similar efforts by leaders in town to distill lessons from the Sandy Hook massacre to make classrooms safer and to manage post-traumatic stress in police departments after mass shootings. Former schools Superintendent Joe Erardi delivered a report to the state in 2016, for example, that called for better early identification of students with mental illness and for social and emotional learning curriculum. Similarly, former police Chief Michael Kehoe contributed to a 2016 U.S. Department of Justice manual about lessons from the Sandy Hook massacre called Preparing for the Unimaginable. Glaser said she hopes no one in charge of recovery after a community tragedy has to face her dilemma again. I didnt have a roadmap, she said. There was nothing to help me. rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342 About one year after students across America walked out of school to protest gun violence, the Connecticut Supreme Court dealt a stunning blow to the gun industry by ruling that families of those killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School could proceed with a lawsuit against Remington, the company that made the gun used to kill their loved ones. The families argue that Remington violated Connecticuts unfair trade practices act with an unlawful marketing campaign to sell civilians assault weapons the company promoted for offensive, military-style missions, lauding their military-proven performance and touting them as the ultimate combat weapons system. It remains to be seen whether a jury will ultimately agree that such ads helped prompt the Sandy Hook shooter to use the weapon for the purpose it was designed for killing large numbers of people in a short amount of time. But, crucially, the decision means the families can have their day in court and a chance to persuade a jury. Thats how our civil justice system works when it comes to unscrupulous marketing whether its guns or tobacco and drug companies lying about whether cigarettes or opioids are addictive. Given the toll of gun violence in America nearly 40,000 deaths and more than 100,000 non-fatal shootings per year scrutiny of gun industry advertising and the role it plays in fueling that violence is welcome. And its not without precedent. During the 1990s, as the industry promoted irresponsible and dangerous conduct that put kids at risk, academics and advocates petitioned the Federal Trade Commission to intervene. One egregious ad from Beretta that caught their ire depicted an unlocked pistol on a bedside table, next to a photo of a mom and two kids, and urged gun buyers to Tip the odds in your favor. Other similar ads also depicted unlocked guns in the nightstand, despite the clear danger to children when loaded guns are left unattended. The complaints to the FTC got the industrys attention and curbed the most egregious ads promoting irresponsible gun storage. But questionable advertising tactics continue today, and before the Connecticut Supreme Courts decision, the industry showed all signs of believing it could operate with impunity. Besides selling the tacti-cool vision of civilians aping military combat techniques, the industry touts guns as the simple and only solution for safety in a dangerous world. These ads suggest that if someone just buys the right gun and ammo, she can protect herself and her family, at home or on the go, just as well as an army ranger or experienced police officer. Notably absent from gun industry ads is any information about the challenges of using a gun for self-defense under the stressful conditions of armed confrontation challenges that can lead even trained law enforcement in gunfights to miss their mark more than 80 percent of the time. And nowhere to be found in gun industry ads are acknowledgments of well-established social science showing that the presence of a gun in the home is associated with significantly increased risks of suicide, intimate partner homicide and unintentional shooting. Omitting this data from advertisements promotes the industrys bottom line, which depends on convincing more people to buy and carry guns, and to believe that firearms in the home make it more safe, not less. That social science disproves the industrys big lie is evidently not enough. A generation ago more than half of all Americans believed having a gun in the home made it less safe, but today more than 60 percent of Americans believe guns make a home safer twice as many as think they increase risk. Parallel to the misinformation campaign it wages with misleading ads are the gun industrys efforts to block research that shows the truth about gun violence. After a landmark 1993 study found that having a handgun in the home tripled the risk that someone would be killed there, the gun lobby scrambled to scuttle further research and convinced Congress to enact restrictions on gun research that have blocked federal research for more than two decades. Fortunately, an unprecedented coalition of doctors and public health experts has teamed up this year in a concerted push to provide meaningful federal support for gun violence research. And the state Supreme Court decision opened the door to using our civil justice system to police the worst abuses in firearm marketing and the most deceptive gun advertisements. The gun lobbys survival rides on promoting the illusion that our safety depends on carrying guns wherever we go, and keeping unlocked, loaded guns at the ready in our homes. Now, regulators and victims of gun violence have a tool to hold gun companies accountable when they promote those myths through unethical, illegal advertising. Its time to hold the gun industry accountable for its lies. Adam Skaggs is chief counsel at Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, which urged the Connecticut Supreme Court to allow the families false advertising claims to proceed. It's still unclear how much of HTC's smartphone making division was left after Google's acquisition of assets and employees, and the company seems to lately be focusing a lot more on its VR efforts. Back in July of last year it decided to exit the Indian smartphone market, and it might do the same in China soon. According to a new report, the company's devices are no longer for sale on JD.com or Tmall. HTC's official Weibo account says this came after careful consideration of its long-term business strategy for the Chinese market. For now it's still selling handsets through its own official store as well as the VIVE flagship physical store in Shenzhen. However, the former doesn't have devices such as the U11 or U11+ in stock anymore, so it may not be long until that gets shuttered too. While not confirmed yet, this could be just the first step in a full retreat from China. HTC is clearly downsizing its smartphone related operations. This can be inferred from the very small number of phones it's launched in the past year or so, how late it is with updates to Android 9 Pie, and of course the availability of its products that is becoming more and more limited in some places. For what it's worth, it doesn't look like the company is ready to fully call it quits when it comes to mobile across the world. It's working on the successor to the Exodus blockchain smartphone, if nothing else, as well as a 5G mobile smart hub that will be on sale in North America, Europe, and Australia soon. Source (in Chinese) | Via Haiti - FLASH : The Senate confirms the new date for the General Policy statement Following the postponement "Sine die" of the ratification session of the General Policy scheduled for Thursday, May 9 in the Senate, https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27678-haiti-flash-statement-of-general-policy-postponed-sine-die.html , Carl Murat Cantave the Speaker of the Senate confirms that the session of Presentation of the General Policy statement of Premie minister named Jean Michel Lapin, is set for Sunday, May 12, 2019, at 11:00 am In addition, the Bureau of the National Assembly represented by Senator Carl Murat Cantave, Speaker of the National Assembly and Deputy Gary Bodeau, Vice-President of the National Assembly, informs the senators and deputies of the 50th Legislature that, in accordance with Articles 92.2, 98 and 98.1 of the Constitution in force, the Closing Session of the First Ordinary Session of the 2019 Legislative Year will be held in the National Assembly on Monday, May 13, 2019, at the Legislative Palace, at 3:00 pm HL/ HaitiLibe Haiti - News : Zapping... Youri Latortue and Velina Charlier denounce Senator oLatortue and Velina Charlier, a very involved Petrochallenger, deplore the request of the deputies of the majority group seeking the impeachment of the members of the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Dispute (CSC/CA) front the High Court of Justice, denouncing an initiative of the Executive against the holding of the trial PetroCaribe See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-27694-haiti-politic-deputiues-call-for-indictment-of-members-of-the-csc.html Ouanaminthe : Waste Management Project The Ouanaminthe Town Hall and representatives of the commune's civil society laid the groundwork for the community platform for the Solid Waste Management project and discussed the terms of reference. Arrival of petroleum products A new cargo of fuel arrived in Thor on Thursday, May 9, 2019, carrying 32,000 barrels of diesel and 6,000 barrels of kerosene. Closing of 16th International Conference of Central Banks Jean Baden Dubois, the Governor of the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH) closed on May 8, 2019, the 2nd day of the 16th International Conference of Directors of Central Bank of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Presentations on banknote security criteria, payment system supervision and Fintech product development in the region were the focus of this conference, which focused on "Banking Operations : Confronting the Challenges of the Future Together". Reopening of Savanette Health Center Thursday, May 9, 2019 marked the reopening of the Savanette/Pignon Health Center by the Departmental Directorate North of the Ministry of Public Health. Closed since May 16, 2019, the renovation work was done in collaboration with the town hall of the area and with the financial support of the Cares to Communities (C2C). Opportunities for agritourism This week Marie Christine Stephenson, Minister of Tourism accompanied by her Cabinet and Managing Director Andy Durosier, met with officials of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to discuss the existing opportunities in agritourism. HL/ HaitiLibre By William Schwartz | Published on 2019/05/10 Following the release of the black box footage of the traffic accident that killed Han Ji-sung, experts have been analyzing the footage and offering insight. One such expert is lawyer Han Moon-cheol, who appears on the SBS news program 'Man in Black Box'. He has made a Youtube video discussing the footage and has also appeared on the cable news channel YTN to share his findings. Advertisement In regards to the accident Han Moon-cheol noted many suspicious inconsistencies with the story given by Han Ji-sung's husband. He noted how odd it was that the car was stopped in the middle of the road rather than the side. Also, Han Ji-sung is leaning on the back of the car. None of this behavior makes sense if the purpose of the stop was for the husband to urinate, or even just for them to get out and do stretching. The timing is also at odds. The husband can be seen leaving the car after Han Ji-sung is already outside of it, leaning on the back. Han Moon-cheol also expressed doubts that the husband did not hear the taxi, as it would have been loud, particularly at impact. Han Moon-cheol predicted a long investigation would be necessary given the inconsistencies between the husband's testimony to police and the physical evidence. He claims that he did not know why his wife left the car, and said that while he had been drinking he did not know if Han Ji-sung was inebriated. It remains unconfirmed where the couple were before the accident, or who was driving the car. An official police report of the accident is expected in two weeks. Written by William Schwartz 'The bags were recovered and returned in a saleable condition.' (stock photo) A mother-of-two caught shoplifting designer handbags worth more than 2,000 had been taking drugs since the age of 12, a court has heard. Nicola Garland (39) had been a "functioning addict" for 20 years before her problem escal- ated after her partner's death. Judge Bryan Smyth adjourned the case to a date later this month for a probation report. Garland, of Rossmore Avenue, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to theft. Dublin District Court heard the incident happened at TK Maxx in the Ilac Centre last September 18. A garda sergeant said Garland entered the store at 6pm and stole 10 designer bags worth a total of 2,641. Coping She passed all points of payment and was stopped by security. The bags were recovered and returned in a saleable condition. Separately, Garland went to Boots in the Jervis Centre last April 8 and stole 614 worth of cosmetics. She was stopped as she left the store. Garland had begun taking drugs at a very young age, her solicitor Caroline Egan said. She had been a functioning addict, managing at home and paying her bills. However, her partner died three years ago and,, since then, she was not coping and "things have escalated", Ms Egan said. Garland was already in custody when her case came before the court. When she went into prison she "wasn't looking well" and was quite ill. She was now doing better, Ms Egan said. Conor Freeman has been arrested after US authorities alleged he stole $2m in cryptocurrencies This is the 20-year-old Dublin man who could face more than 100 years in a US prison for allegedly stealing more than $2m (1.78m) in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies online. Conor Freeman was arrested at his home in Glenageary, Dun Laoghaire, on Thursday on foot of a warrant issued by US authorities. He is sought on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud and four counts of aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft. If convicted in the US, he is facing up to 108 years in prison. Yesterday, sources close to Mr Freeman told the Herald "he had never been in trouble in his life" and his innocent family was "completely shocked" when it was alleged 15 gardai called to the home in a dawn raid. Targets US authorities allege members of an online group calling itself The Community conspired to "hack numerous targets" with the objective of stealing Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies between February and May last year. The others are resident in the US. According to a warrant issued by the US Department of Justice, authorities have identified four attacks in which Mr Freeman allegedly participated that resulted in the theft of cryptocurrency valued at $2,187,977 (1,947,573). US authorities state they planned to arrest Mr Freeman and seven others on Thursday. They requested that Mr Freeman be arrested by gardai on the same date as his alleged co-conspirators because once he learned of their arrests, they alleged, he would destroy evidence and potentially flee, according to the warrant. Detective Sergeant Jim Kirwan, of the garda extradition unit, told the High Court on Thursday that he arrested Mr Freeman at his home address at around 8am and showed him an original warrant. Details of the arrest are being published now. When asked whether he knew about the allegations, Mr Freeman said "I do", according to Det Sgt Kirwan. Mr Justice Donald Binchy remanded Mr Freeman in custody to appear before the High Court on May 22, when an application for bail is expected to be made. The extradition warrant states Mr Freeman and five others were indicted by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud and aiding and abetting aggravated identity theft on April 18, 2019. Members of The Community allegedly specialised in a technique called "Sim Hijacking" or "Sim Swapping", according to the warrant. This technique involves stealing identities by compromising a target's mobile phone provider or gaining control of the target's mobile phone number, it adds. Once these individuals controlled a target's mobile phone number, they leveraged it to compromise the target's email and other online accounts. The goal was to eventually gain control - and steal - the target's cryptocurrency, the warrant states. In May 2018, a member of 'The Community' involved in the attacks was arrested in the Eastern District of Michigan. This individual cooperated with US authorities, who gained access to his computers, including records of online chats between this subject and others. A young man died last night after being stabbed in south Dublin. Gardai have begun a murder investigation into the death of the 19-year- old who suffered stab wounds in Finsbury Park, Dundrum. It is understood the incident happened at about 8.10pm yesterday. The teenager was treated at the scene by emergency services and was rushed to St James's Hospital. However, despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead a short time later. The vicinity of the park was sealed off pending a garda forensic examination and an incident room has been established at Dundrum Garda Station. Churchtown councillor Shay Brennan expressed his shock at last night's tragedy. "To hear that such a young man lost his life in such a violent way is absolutely devastating," he said. Prayers "No one had ever expected something like this to happen. "My thoughts and prayers go to this young man's family." Dundrum councillor Brian Murphy told the Herald that violent attacks are unheard of in the locality. "I'm just completely shocked that someone so young has died like this," he said. "It's very tragic, and while we wait for the details and circumstances of this crime to emerge, I can only offer my thoughts and sympathies to this young man's family and friends. "I'm sure the community will be there to support his family during this very sad time." Investigating gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information to contact Dundrum Garda Station 01-666 5600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. No arrests have yet been made. If You Go What: The Vineyard church services When: Each Saturday at 11 a.m. Where: The Vineyard at Washington College Academy, 116 Doak Lane, Limestone, Tenn. Info: 423-773-9803 Web, audio and video: https://vineyardjc.com LIMESTONE, Tenn. Deep within the heart of Washington College Academy, which dates to 1780, rests a King James Version Bible. Just inside the colleges former auditorium, a small and twisted horn rests upon a table on Wednesday afternoon. Thats a rams horn, said Matthew Miller, the trumpet of God. Miller, 43, pastors The Vineyard. Formerly of and hopeful about a return to Johnson City, the Christian church trumpeted services at Washington College Academy for the first time last Saturday. You read that correctly; church services at The Vineyard commence each Saturday in the college at 11 a.m., as opposed to traditional Sunday meetings. Im just as Christian as the next Baptist, Miller said in reference to he and the nondenominational church he founded with his wife. We had our first service in July 2011. We started in my house. By the grace of God, theres people still coming. Attendees find a rarity. The Vineyard keeps the Sabbath. As detailed in Exodus 20:8-11, believers are to remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. Thats the fourth commandment, Keep the Sabbath day holy. Consult a calendar. Sunday marks the first day of the week; Saturday denotes the seventh day, the Sabbath. Consequently I have church on Saturday, Miller said. You can go to church on any day of the week, but the Sabbath is still important to God and his people. Its not a point of contention. Its just what we do. But a handful of churches in the region adhere to early biblical tradition as such. Theres one on Kingsport, another in Johnson City. Greeneville, too. Were modeling our church after the first century, Miller said. Were modeling our lives after Jesus. Things we do are a little bit different. For instance, The Vineyard does not celebrate Christmas or Easter. In that as well as services on Saturday, they bear distinct resemblance to the Jewish faith and synagogues. I take the Bible seriously. Im only going to do what Jesus did, Miller said. I was raised celebrating Christmas as a kid. There was nothing to compare with waking up on Christmas morning. Yet Miller and his family do not herald Christmas in their home. Visit them on Christmas Eve, and neither eyes nor nose will catch sight or sniff of a Christmas tree. For good reason, Miller said. Jesus was born during the Feast of Tabernacles, he said. Thats usually in September. This year, the Feast of Tabernacles begins Sunday, Oct. 13 and concludes Sunday, Oct. 20. We put out manger scenes. We have church for eight days at a campground, Miller said. We give presents. Kids play during the day, and we have church at night. Well sing Christmas songs, Joy to the World, Away in a Manger. Thereby punctuates the most glaring differences of Christianity as practiced at The Vineyard as compared to most churches in the Christian faith. Instead of Christmas and Easter, we do Hanukah and Passover, the holidays that Jesus would have done, Miller said. I stopped celebrating Christmas when I found out that Jesus wasnt born on Christmas. In John chapter 10, Jesus celebrated Hanukah. Its called the Festival of Lights. Christmas is called the Festival of Lights. Miller hopes to institute a series of plans in the near future. For one, Miller and The Vineyard pair with Pastor Scott Hillman and River of Praise fellowship to provide church services at Washington College Academy. For another, they are in the process of opening a Christian school, ACTS Biblical Training Center. Plans at the moment are for the school to operate on site at the former college. Were here to launch a Bible college, Miller said. In June 2018, we had our first meeting. By September, we were meeting with the board (of Washington College Academy). About a month ago, we got the keys and a five-year lease to start the Bible college. Theyll start slow yet soon. Were looking at the fall semester, when we hope to begin with an agriculture course, Miller said. By May or June of next year, were hoping to start Bible classes. In the interim, Miller seeks a building and perhaps accompanying land on which to either move into or build as the future home of The Vineyard. He said the church has no debt, but they maintain a surplus of vision and hope. We are in transition, he said. The Lord hasnt given us our next step. We need about 6,000 to 10,000 square feet in a building. We were in an old Food Lion before we moved here. So for now, The Vineyard designates Washington College Academy as home. Step inside to see a large expanse: high ceilings, 100-year-old hardwood floors, extensive stage. Musical instruments on stage range from a guitar to a selection of drums. On Saturdays, Miller stands in the center, where he preaches from a platform in front of the stage. To the rear of the space and to the right, technology percolates during each service. Computer equipment in concert with sound devices, cameras, and a Wi-Fi connection allows The Vineyards services to transmit over the internet. Weve had people watch from all over the United States and all over the world, Miller said. Last week, that cyber audience joined a packed house of about 250 people as The Vineyard began the latest installment of its journey. En route, theyve battled misperception based upon their keeping the Sabbath. Criticism lobbed, opinions stated, beliefs entrenched Miller and The Vineyard carry forth undeterred as Christians. We preach the same gospel Jesus saves, Miller said. The Sabbath is not just for the Jewish people. Its for Christians, too. Tom Netherland is a freelance writer. He may be reached at features@bristolnews.com. The grant is part of $580,000 in competitive STEM grants awarded to 161 schools across TVAs seven-state service territory. Ginger Christian, principal, said the grant will help in the schools efforts to inspire and motivate students to consider coding, robotics, science engineering labs and career exploration for students. She also said the school plans to add five classes focusing on coding, digital arts and scientific inquiry. MENDOTA, Va. -- A Mendota man was arraigned today on three counts of capital murder, concealing a dead body and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Washington County Virginia authorities have arrested James Wright as part of an ongoing investigation, according to court records. He was arraigned by a Washington County court clerk. Multiple agencies are investigating at a home on Mendota Road as well as along the North Fork of the Holston River. Sheriff Fred Newman declined to release any details about the case, and said the investigation is ongoing. Newman said the investigation began 14 days ago. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. It was not yet known Friday whether any bodies had been found. A Sheriffs Office spokesman confirmed that authorities were searching the river. Additional details about the case may be released today, he said. The Virginia State Police is one of the agencies assisting in the investigation, according to VSP spokeswoman Corinne Geller, who declined to release any additional details. During arraignment, Wright was given a court-appointed attorney, Barry Proctor, who is certified to handle capital cases, which can involve the death penalty. Its always a tragedy when things like this happen, Proctor told the Bristol Herald Courier in a phone interview late Friday. Proctor, who has handled about 30 capital cases in his career, said he had not yet received any information about the case except the list of charges. The attorney said Wright has been charged with three counts of capital murder in the deaths of three females within the last three years. Under communication, the report finds that Ballad Health, the Local Advisory Council and TDH staff have all received criticism for ineffective communication with the public. Many of those complaints are related to a controversial November 2018 Ballad announcement regarding changes to its perinatal care network, plans to close the neonatal intensive care unit at Holston Valley Hospital and downgrade the Kingsports hospitals Level I trauma center. The report makes a series of recommendations, and many of them focus on communications, including one directly related to the November announcement. TDH agrees that Ballad has not been successful in educating the public on the types of care that will be provided in its local hospital after trauma center consolidations are completed, the report states. It recommends that it consider assisting Ballad in educating the public on the types of care that their local hospital can provide and in better informing and engaging the public on future proposed changes in health care delivery. The report also notes the state has not always received what it regards as adequate advance notice of major decisions made by Ballad Health. A machete-wielding man attacked two people along the Appalachian Trail in Southwest Virginia, authorities said Saturday. Early in the morning, two hikers reported to the Bland County Sheriffs Office that there was a man with a machete assaulting people in Wythe County, according to a news release from Wythe County Sheriffs Office Major Anthony Cline. There was a male and female injured in the assaults, the release states. One of the individuals may have been assaulted on the Smyth County portion of the trail. Smyth County Sheriff Chip Shuler confirmed his office was assisting in the investigation. The extent of injuries was not known Saturday. Wythe County Sheriff Keith Dunagan said his tactical team arrived on the trail in the wee hours of Saturday morning to search the area after law enforcement received emergency cell phone signals from someone on the trail. Dunagan said investigators knew the suspect to be accompanied by a dog. Around 3 a.m. while they were talking to a group of campers, investigators noticed a dog come running out of the woods and were able to follow it to its owner. Thousands of Sullivan County students paid to preserve their heritage in 1985, when they donated their pocket money to move and restore an old school building that once housed their parents and grandparents. The Hicks School building, which sat on Dry Branch Road in Chinquapin Grove, opened in 1891. The tiny, white school featured the traditional bell in the front of the building and served as the only means of education for the countys students for more than 50 years. After the school was shuttered in 1947, the building sat dormant and began to fall apart. The door to the tiny one-room schoolhouse was missing, and the paint started to peel from the walls. The school housed seven grades and featured wooden benches and desks in neat rows, old maps of Tennessee adorned the walls and stacks of readers sat on the teachers desk. There was also a painted coffee can full of chalk and rags to erase the board, and a coal or wood stove was used to heat the school in the days before electricity. When Tennessee launched the Homecoming 86 celebration to encourage communities to rediscover their heritage, many students felt the building held a historic value for their families and wanted to preserve its remnants. Meritus enacts surge plan, pauses COVID antibody therapy Our projections now show that in the coming weeks, we could reach record levels of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Maryland," said Gov. Larry Hogan. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11) An official from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said on Saturday that the poll body's online precinct finder was not yet ready before it was shared with the public. Speaking to CNN Philippines, COMELEC Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said, "Somebody leaked it when it's not yet tested. Somehow, the link was uploaded you know how Filipinos are so creative. We have not yet announced the official website for the precinct finder, whatever you have now is not it." On Friday, COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez tweeted, "The #precinctfinder is up. #VoterEd #NLE2019." His post included a link to the precinct finder hosted on the gov.ph website. As of posting time, the link was still active, however it could not process data to let a voter know where his or her polling place would be. The link on the official website of the COMELEC is empty as of this writing. Guanzon said they would let people know the final precinct finder on Saturday after being approved by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). "Once we've uploaded in our website, it's sure that's the one you should test, you should follow," she said. Guanzon added they would let people know within the day if the link is ready. Guanzon reiterated the links making the rounds were not the COMELEC's. Once the official links are up, she said, there will be an information drive to be led by Jimenez. In the meantime, Guanzon advised voters to go to polling places early to see where their respective precincts would be. "The best way is really to go early. Now voting will start Monday at six o'clock in the morning and will end at six o'clock in the evening," she said. No need to worry over SD cards On the issue of the corrupted secured digital (SD) cards, Guanzon said they were already being replaced and would be finished within the day. On Friday, the COMELEC said over 600 corrupted SD cards needed replacing. Three days before the polls, the COMELEC said it received reports that around 686 of 85,769 secure digital cards have been corrupted. Jimenez however allayed fears over the corrupted SD cards, saying the poll body has over 50,000 such storage devices as part of its buffer stock. The SD cards are used to store the encrypted image of the ballots fed inside the vote counting machines on election day. A mural was started Sunday and completed Monday night on the side of the Hickory Downtown Development Association building by local teenagers of the Hickory Youth Council. Two clasped hands and the word together painted on the buildings west wall can be seen by passersby heading east on First Avenue NE just before First Street NE. Images of hearts, handprints, pencils and a treble clef are scattered across the sky-blue wall as depictions of what brings youth and people together, says Terra Vardell, owner of Eye Can See Arts studio. Vardell helped the teens execute the project. This mural is designed by the Hickory Youth Council to present an image of togetherness against violence, Vardell said. Vardell said the council is creating a website with resources like a suicide hotline, an uplifting music playlist and more for troubled youth, which is painted on the wall. The hashtag #ColorHkyTogether is painted on the wall as well. We encourage the public to come and visit, take their photo with the mural and hashtag it, Vardell said. An unveiling is scheduled for June 7 at 5:30 p.m. Bollywood is booming with star kids as several actors and celebrities embraced motherhood in recent years. While actor Surveen Chawla is the latest entrant into the starry mommies club with the birth of her baby girl Eva, here are some of the young mothers from the film industry who are busy bringing up babies and ruling over Bollywood. Kareena Kapoor is well aware that her son Taimur is the most popular kid in India and just like any other mother, calls him the most stylish man alive. However, the actor remains concerned about him being under constant media glare and had even said during one of her interviews that the paparazzi should rather shift their focus to something else. Kareena Kapoor Khan arrives with son, Taimur, to cast her vote at a polling booth in Mumbai on April 29, 2019. (Photo: IANS) (IANS) Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is a doting mom to seven-year-old Aaradhya, who is often seen accompanying her to events. Actor Neha Dhupia returned to work within days of the birth of her baby girl, Mehr. The former Miss India is currently juggling between her new chat show, BFFs and the reality show, Roadies: Real Heroes, where she is one of the gang leaders. Actor Sunny Leone had been successfully juggling between her biopic - Karenjit Kaur - The Untold Story of Sunny Leone and her South film, Veeramadevi in which she plays the titular role of a female warrior. When she welcomed her sons: Asher and Noah via surrogacy, she was already mother to adopted daughter Nisha who joined them a year before the arrival of her twins. The actor has just started hosting the 11th season of reality show, Splitsvilla and continues to enjoy both her professional life and motherhood. Producer Ekta Kapoor welcomed her baby boy via surrogacy in January this year and named him Ravie Kapoor, after the original name of her father Jeetendra. While these are just a few, there are many more star moms who continue to enjoy motherhood along with their tiny tots. Shahid Kapoors wife Mira Rajput spreads joy on Instagram by sharing cute antics of their kids: Misha and Zain. Shah Rukh Khans entrepreneur wife Gauri Khan remains busy bringing up son AbRam while also looking after her interior design business. There are also quite a few adorable mother-daughter duos including Esha Deol and daughter Radhya, Asin and daughter Arin and Soha Ali Khan and daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu. Asin and her daughter Arin. Follow @htshowbiz for more I dont usually give such stupid headlines or write on topics that sound silly to begin with (actually, I do. Sorry) But thoda out of the box thinking banta hai nahi sometimes? You see, I recently wrote a post about loving yourself, and much to my good luck, it went down really well with the readers. So many of you wrote back with a pledge to love only yourself that I got seriously worried about the population growth of our country. I couldnt think of anything sensible to write this week (dare you to say whats new). But then I remembered today is Mothers Day. So I decided to recall something I had written on Mom and her rishtedaars, some time back. While the whole world goes all mush on this day, my mom is likely to come after me with a stick for this. But look at the kind of risks Im willing to take, just so I have a different take than others. Anyway, the origin of these ramblings is a mail that a girl had written to me. I have six maternal uncles and three aunts. Sometimes all of them visit our place, together, when there is some occasion. My mom fusses over them so much that I cant tell you. Even if I want to study in my room, Im expected to sit and chat with them and their families, and run errands. Can you please help? And please, please dont write my name or mom would kill me, read the mail. Okay fine, if you insist, I wont write your name, Preeti, though I dont see any reason why your mother should kill you if your nana-nani loved and reproduced at such frequency. Im thinking of ways to help. But before I go on, let me state a clear disclaimer. Nothing that I write in this column pertains to my moms relatives. Nothing. If you are reading this, Ma, be known that in the interest of truth, and my ultimate safety, I am prepared to randomly repeat this disclaimer after every few sentences in the write-up. Coming back to the point, we all have rishtedaars of all kinds, shapes and sizes, in our lives. But there are none to beat moms relatives. Ask your dad and his long sigh will tell you if Im right. Mothers, actually, are the nicest of Gods creations and they bring all the sweetness and tolerance into this world. So what if this sweetness is slightly more when it comes to her side of the family? (Statutory disclaimer: Not applicable to my mom, at all). A woman leaves her home to settle into a new house and nurture it. Its obvious that her heart would go out to those she grew up with. Woh aur baat hai that this going out of the heart sometimes translates in going out the way when it comes to socialising with them. A friend of mine often cribs, My mom is otherwise quite penny-wise but when it comes to buying gifts for her side of relatives on occasions, suddenly all restrictions vanish. (Statutory disclaimer: My mom does not, ever). Another one says, Mom talks to her sister almost every day. My mausi knows which exams Ive flunked and how many hours I spend on the Internet everyday. Shes always ready with advice, sometimes sarcastic comments, about my life, my career, what subjects I should choose and when I should get married. Arrey, yaar its no big deal. All relatives in India are born advisers, whether from your moms side or dads side. Someday, youll also do this to someone. Till then, heres what I have to advise. 1. Thank God that you at least have relatives: Many dont. We are still in a generation when you at least know what a chacha, mausi, bua or mama means. At the rate young couples are opting for a single child or no kids, the next generation wont even know what these words mean. As irritated as you may sometimes get when the uncles and aunts drop in, do remember that the cool, firang friends you may have made on the Internet envy Indian families for the warmth and the way siblings, cousins and relatives connect. Its simply a case of counting your blessings. Sometimes we forget to. 2. Understand your moms psyche: A sociologist friend once told me that there are deep-rooted reasons behind why a married woman, in the Indian set-up or universally, is instinctively protective or soft towards her own relatives. Traditionally, from the time a marriage alliance is fixed, the girls side subconsciously behaves subservient to the guys family always trying to ensure that ladke waale should not get upset, should be well taken care of, etc. The bride, in this case, your mother (Disclaimer: not mine, surely), throughout her life afterwards, makes subconscious attempts to make up for it. She wants her parents, her siblings to feel important and loved. And hence, sometimes the fuss, which is so normal in fact, justified. If you see any sense in the above theory, I can safely tell you that its mine and I have no sociologist friend. Otherwise, please think that these experts are crazy. They have a theory for any nonsense. 3. Finally, a word for the parents, especially mothers: (Disclaimer: Not mine. Ma, why are you even reading this? Its not about you, trust me. I love you). Always remember, maam, that no child, teenager or grown-up person likes it when reminded in front of relatives that he/she should greet them with respect. If you wont keep harping namaste karo or touch their feet or the favourite of the Punjabis beta, aunty se theek se milo, perhaps your kids would greet your relatives more warmly on their own. Im sure you didnt enjoy being told when you were young. Also, it never helps to point out the flaws of your children in front of your relatives. Even if the poor relative tries to give a well-meaning advice (they mostly do), he/she becomes a villain in your childs eyes. Discipline your children in private, let the mama-mausis pamper them. Theyll soon start looking forward to the relatives visits. You can thank me then, for the advice. I do accept cash, with a heavy heart. Sonal Kalra is trying to decode the meaning of the phrase theek se milo. Shes going to attempt something on her relatives. She may not be left with any, afterwards. Mail your sympathies to her at sonal.kalra@hindustantimes.com, facebook.com/sonalkalraofficial. Follow on Twitter @sonalkalra. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Let me begin with an admission. Im only a layman and I have no legal training whatsoever. Im also not conversant with the procedures of the Supreme Court and how enquiries against sitting judges must be conducted. But that said and done, theres a lot about the way the Supreme Court handled allegations of sexual harassment levelled at the Chief Justice (CJI) that perturbs me. It throws into question the Chief Justices exoneration. Indeed it makes me ask: was this justice or a charade? Let me share my concerns with you. First, when a junior employee accuses her topmost boss of sexual harassment, the enquiry committee set up must surely be seen to be independent of both sides? It must also ensure fairness and equality in the very unequal circumstances of this case. But was that really achieved when three sitting judges of the Supreme Court were chosen to do the job? Remember, they are colleagues of the Chief Justice. No wonder the complainant felt intimidated in their presence. Second, when questioned by three Supreme Court judges, in a matter where her dignity and integrity are at stake, its not surprising the complainant wanted the assistance of a lawyer. Yet this was denied on the grounds that the in-house procedure did not permit it. But does that matter? Frankly, the in-house procedure is not cast in stone. To begin with, it does not encompass allegations against the Chief Justice. It was adapted for this purpose. In which case, you could further tweak it to permit the complainant legal assistance. In fact, if you believe what the complainant stated in her press release, theres a lot more that was disturbing about the way the Supreme Court enquiry was conducted. She was orally instructed not to share the proceedings with her lawyer. She was not given a copy of her statement recorded on April 26 and 29 and there was no video or audio recordings of the proceedings even though she requested this. Finally, if shes correct, she asked for but was denied details about the procedure the committee would follow. This raises a simple question: Why? What she was asking for was not just straightforward but fairly easily achieved. It would have given her comfort and reassurance without incurring either cost or inconvenience. It seemed perverse, if not bloody-minded, to refuse. Yet thats what the committee did. Finally, after the complainant decided to withdraw from the committees proceedings it continued without her. Again, this raised in my mind a simple question: how can you enquire into allegations I have made about sexual harassment without listening, fully and fairly, to what I have to say? You can hardly enquire, leave aside come to a conclusion, without my active participation. Unless, of course, you feel what I have to say is either irrelevant or untrue. Now the inescapable truth is this is possibly the worst crisis our Supreme Court has ever faced. Its also its greatest test. This means that not only must the procedure followed be fair but it must be seen to be so. I dont think that was the case and, therefore, the committees exoneration of the Chief Justice only raises questions, it doesnt resolve the matter. And that is a sad judgement on our top court. Karan Thapar is author of Devils Advocate: The Untold Story The views expressed are personal SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The battle for 2019 is in its last lap. Between May 19, the last phase of voting and day of release of exit poll numbers, and May 23, when the counting will happen, we will be deluged with predictions and theories. None of the methods, which are used to arrive at such conclusions, is infallible. Looking at historical data is useful to understand long-term political trends, but they are of little use in predicting a watershed election such as 2014. Reportage can always end up overemphasising or underestimating the local versus macro contradictions in an election. And last but not least is the classic problem posed by the conversion of vote share into seat share in a first-past-the-post system. For example, with exactly the same levels of vote share, the 2014 and 2019 seat shares in Uttar Pradesh may well be drastically different because of the alliance of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Even with these caveats in place, though, it is possible to arrive at three macro predictions regarding the two major national parties and non-Congress and non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parties. The Congress will bounce back from what appeared to be a terminal decline after the 2014 debacle. The BJP, irrespective of its seat tally, will have expanded into regions where it has not had much traction on its own until now. And the regional parties will increasingly come under pressure to shed their go solo approach to politics even in their strongholds. In the six states Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat which saw a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP in 2014, the BJP won 97 of 100 Lok Sabha seats. This overwhelming victory led to the BJP embarking on the mission of making a Congress-Mukt Bharat. This slogan has not even been used once in the 2019 campaign. Heres why. Post-2014, anti-incumbency has been the most important factor in assembly elections in these states. The BJP wrested Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh from the Congress, while the Congress defeated the BJP in the key Hindi belt states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Even in Gujarat, Narendra Modis home state, the Congress managed to make a big dent in the BJPs 2012 tally. The seat share of the Congress and the BJP notwithstanding, the Congress-Mukt Bharat story of 2014 is unlikely to repeat itself in 2019 in these states. This is the most important achievement for the Congress after its 2014 debacle. A Congress/United Progressive Alliance (UPA) revival in direct contest states and possible setbacks from the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh can make a significant dent in the BJP tally when compared to 2014. Even if such reverses were to happen, it will be wrong to interpret these as signs of long-term reverses for the BJP. The BJP will still end up as the single largest party in the Lok Sabha. Even a repeat of the 2004 outcome will not take the Congress ahead of the BJP. The biggest reason being that the Congress does not have the Andhra Pradesh advantage it had in 2004 and 2009. The other long-term advance for the BJP in 2019 will be the gains it will make in the eastern states of West Bengal and Odisha. Irrespective of the actual number of seats it gets in these two states, it is well set to significantly increase its vote share and establish itself as the main challenger to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). This means that the BJP will be the default beneficiary of anti-incumbency in both these states in the future. The rise of the BJP as the new dominant force of Indian politics has also led to a significant change in the behaviour of non-Congress and non-BJP parties. The biggest proof of this is the coming together of the erstwhile adversaries, SP-BSP in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh is not the only such state. In Karnataka, the Janata Dal (Secular) has tied up with the Congress, its traditional rival. In Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has come back into an alliance after having contested separately in 2014. The Nationalist Congress Party-Congress and the BJP-Shiv Sena contested separately in the Maharashtra assembly elections which were held months after the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. These alliances have been restored in 2019. If the BJP were to increase its footprint in West Bengal and Odisha, even the BJD and the TMC might have to contemplate striking alliances with the Congress and the Left in their respective states. Andhra Pradesh is the only major state which is witnessing a contest between two regional players (the Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress Party) fighting without any alliances. Even the Aam Aadmi Party, which came into being fighting against the Congress, tried to forge an alliance with it in Delhi. To conclude, one can say that unless 2019 throws up a surprise in favour of the Congress, like 2014 was in favour the BJP, Narendra Modi and his party will continue to remain the central axis of Indias political wheel in the foreseeable future. letters@hindustantimes.com SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A customs superintendent at the Delhi international airport has been suspended following allegations of misconduct with two foreign women passengers. Custom officials said the officer had allegedly taken the passengers, travelling separately, to his office without the presence of women officers, which is against the rules. The department is also probing allegations of sexual assault against the same officer after they received an email from a Delhi resident who alleged that a woman was raped, sexually harassed and molested by the officer on May 3. The alleged incidents took place on May 3. The two women have, however, not filed any complaint. Officials said the department has made attempts to contact the women to request them to file a complaint. Additional commissioner of customs at the Delhi airport, Amandeep Singh, said the officer was suspended on May 4 and a departmental enquiry was ordered against him. The officer has been suspended for not following the protocol of questioning women passengers in the presence of women officers. We have also come across allegations of sexual assault but we are yet to get evidence, Singh said. Custom officials said that the email had been sent to the office of the revenue secretary, under the ministry of finance, on Wednesday. They have now asked the sender of the email to join the investigation. HT has a copy of this complaint. Officers said they received a tip-off on May 3 by customs officers who were in the terminal at the time. Some officials reported to the commissioner, customs, that the superintendent had taken two women passengers at different times to his office without the presence of any female officer. A senior customs officer, who did not wish to be named, said other officers who were working in the same shift were questioned and CCTV footage was also checked. Our investigation revealed that on May 3, around 1.30am, a woman passenger from Turkmenistan who had landed at the Delhi airport was stopped by the superintendent, who asked the woman to cooperate for a detailed frisking on suspicion of smuggling. She was found carrying a gold chain. The superintendent was then seen taking the woman to his office, the officer said. The CCTV footage purportedly shows the woman was inside the room for about an hour, the officer said. Around 7.30am the same day, the same officer stopped a woman from Uzbekistan and took her to his room, the officer added. Another officer, privy to the probe, said when the department tried to contact the two women, only the woman from Turkmenistan could be reached. The Uzbek woman had left the country. We recorded the statement of the woman from Turkmenistan. She confirmed being in the room for 40 minutes and that there was no female officer. She added that she was later allowed to leave with the gold chain. When asked whether any sexual assault took place, the woman neither confirmed nor denied it, the officer said, adding they have requested to woman to file a complaint. A senior officer added that efforts were on to trace the Uzbek woman. When contacted, the superintendent said the complaint against him is not true. It was a fake complaint. Let me tell you that my suspension has also been revoked, he told HT. Singh, however said the superintendent in question is still under suspension and departmental enquiry is in process. Sarvjot Singh Bansal, one of the three students who secured top position in Punjab board class 12 examinations, was welcomed like a celebrity in his school on Saturday. Overjoyed students of his Class lifted Sarvjot on their shoulders, took selfies with him and entered the school gate dancing. Students, teachers and principal of Shalimar Model Senior Secondary School, Guru Angad Colony, Ludhiana danced on beats of dhol, honoured him with garland and gave him their blessings for scoring 445 out of 450 or 98.89% marks in the PSEB Class 12 examinations. Sarvjot is son of Heera Singh who works as a labourer (makes machine parts) in a private factory. His mother Manjit Kaur is a teacher in a private board affiliated school in the state. After the results were declared, Sarvjot said, I was not expecting to top in the state, but this is a big achievement and I am glad that I have made my parents, teachers and school proud. Sarvjot who is a commerce student, wants to become a businessman and has keen interest in e-commerce. I am very fond of computers and want to pursue a career in this field, he said. His favourite subject is accounts and he believes in self study. Sarvjot also said that he wanted to buy a computer, but due to financial constraints in family, this still remains a dream. The credit of this score goes to my parents and teachers who have motivated me throughout the year. I have studied with a lot of dedication and finally my hard work paid off, said Sarvjot after he knew about his result. I have given one hour to every subject daily and always revise the lessons daily, he said. He had bagged eighth rank in the state in the Class 10 board exams by securing 97.5% marks. Three students have scored 98.89% marks each and share the top position in the Class board 12 exams in the state. The three toppers are Sarvjot Singh Bansal from commerce stream, Aman from humanities and Muskan Soni from science stream. They are toppers from their streams as well. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON At least 15 persons of a marriage party were killed and five others received injuries when a multi-utility vehicle (MUV) which they were travelling in rammed a private bus at Veldurthi in Andhra Pradeshs Kurnool district on the Hyderabad-Bengaluru national highway (NH-44) on Saturday evening, the police said. The victims belonged to Ramavaram village of Vaddepalli block of Telanganas Jogulama Gadwal district. They were returning to their village after attending a function in Kurnool district, when the driver of the vehicle (Toofan model, an MUV) lost control of the steering while trying to avoid hitting a motor bike at Veldurthi crossroads. The vehicle jumped over the divider and rammed a private bus belonging to SRS Travels, travelling from Hyderabad to Manipal in Karnataka. There were at least 20 persons in the vehicle, all belonging to the same village. It is not exactly known whether they all belong to the same family or not, a police official told the local reporters. While 13 of them were crushed to death instantly, two others succumbed while being retrieved from the vehicle. Another five persons were being shifted to Kurnool government hospital when the reports last came in. Their condition is said to be very critical. The police said some passengers in the bus also received injuries due to the impact of the accident, but were out of danger. The accident happened due to over-speeding by the Toofan vehicle, the police said. Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao conveyed his condolences to the members of the bereaved families. The chief minister instructed the district collector of Jogulamba Gadwal to provide better treatment to the injured who were admitted in Kurnool hospital. YSR Congress party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock over the incident and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Police officials failed to follow several rules in investigating a case of gang rape against a Dalit woman in Rajasthans Alwar, a preliminary inquiry by the department has found. The 19-year-old woman was allegedly raped in front of her husband by five men, who filmed the crime and later circulated the video on social media. The incident occurred on April 26 after the men waylaid the couple and beat up the husband before taking turns to rape the woman. The victims family has said the local police did not register a case for days although a complaint was lodged on April 29. An FIR was finally registered on May 2 under the Indian Penal Code and Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Rajasthan government removed Alwars superintendent of police Rajeev Pachar and suspended Thanagazi police station in charge Sardar Singh for their alleged negligence in handling the case. Five other police officers have been also been transferred. Also read: One of 5 men who gang-raped Alwar woman held The initial inquiry conducted by police headquarters has found that Pachar didnt follow the provisions of the Rajasthan Police Manual of Departmental Instructions, which provide guidelines for handling special report cases. Any case registered under sections of the SC/ST act comes under the category of special report case. Pachar did not take the cognizance of the case on the same day when the complainants met him. He should have asked for the immediate report from the station house officer but he didnt, a senior police official said on the condition of anonymity. The SP also failed to register the written details of the case with the designated Special Report Cell, which handles special cases, and gave verbal orders without the mandatory recording of the victims complaint. Rules say special report cases must be recorded in the crime digest of the concerned police station by the SP or additional SP. In the Alwar gang-rape case, the SP didnt ensure that the record was entered in the crime digest of the police station on April 30 when the complainants met him and the FIR was registered two days after his verbal orders, the senior policeman quoted above said. The senior official also said Pachar didnt review the factual position of the case and instead of taking immediate action he just gave verbal orders. The circle officer was not sent to the spot immediately. In special report cases, the SP has to ensure that the circle officer is sent to the spot immediately after the complaint but here this rule was not followed. Pachar came to know about the incidence on April 30 but the DSP came to know about it on May 3. Pachar also didnt initiate action against the then Thanagazi police station in-charge Sardar Singh, who had refused to register a case after the incident. SHO Sardar Singh, according to the preliminary inquiry, didnt file an FIR immediately but accused the victim of registering a fake case without any prior investigation or fact-finding. Another shortcoming was that in such crime cases, the major evidence is semen, sweat, minor hairs, minor injury marks on genitals etc. But here the SHO lodged the case six days after the incident and medical examination of the victim was also conducted after seven days. So there are many possibilities of evidence getting destroyed, the police officer said. The inquiry has found that Singh was at fault because he lodged a complaint only on May 2 despite the verbal instructions of Pachar on April 30. Director general of police (DGP) Kapil Garg admitted the police officers failed to follow the rules to be adhered to in such cases. In special report case, a report should be immediately issued to the circle officer. To verify this point further, a deputy inspector general rank officer from police headquarters is doing enquiry in this case, Garg said. When asked whether a case under section 166(A) and section 4 of the SC/ST Act would be lodged against Pachar and Singh, Garg said, After the outcome of the final inquiry, the further course of action would be decided. The state coordinator of Human Rights Law Network Tarachand Verma, who met the victim also said crucial evidence was destroyed as there was a delay in conducting the medical examination of the victim. According to section 166(A), whoever, being a public servant, fails to record any information given to him in relation to cognizable offences such as acid attack, rape, use of criminal force against women, sexual exploitation, insult to modesty of women, can be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months, but which may extend to two years, and shall also be liable to fine, Verma, who is also a lawyer, said. Police have arrested six accused identified as Chhote Lal Gurjar, Hansraj Gurjar, Mahesh Gurjar, Indraj Gurjar, Ashok Gurjar and Mukesh Gurjar. The Congress-led government has been under fire from the opposition BJP after a spate of rape and abduction cases in the last one month. The Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the Congress government of hiding the Alwar gang-rape case, saying it feared a political fallout during the ongoing elections. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also asked the Ashok Gehlot-led government earlier this week to reply within six weeks on its slow response in the case. Acting tough against cases of corruption, the Indian Army has carried out a Court of Inquiry into allegations of corruption against a senior Lieutenant General for misuse of government funds. A Court of Inquiry was ordered by the Army Headquarters under a senior Lieutenant General to probe the corruption charges against the officer after complaints were received that he had misused government funds for buying equipment worth over Rs 10 lakh for personal use, senior government sources told ANI here. As per allegations, the officer had used government funds meant for the institutions under him for buying air conditioners, furniture and other things for his personal use in an unauthorised manner, they said. As soon as the complaints reached the headquarters, a high-level Court of Inquiry headed by a Principal Staff Officer of Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat was ordered. PSOs are the senior most Lt Gens in the Army posted at the headquarters for assisting the Army Chief in day to day functioning of the force. Since the inquiry is against a Lt Gen, the members in it are also of the rank of Lt Gen.The presiding officer of the Court of Inquiry has completed the probe and has already briefed the Army Chief about it, the sources said. It is learnt that the Court of inquiry has recommended disciplinary action against the officer. Ever since Gen Bipin Rawat has taken over as the Chief of the Indian Army, he has clearly told officers and personnel that there would be no tolerance against moral turpitude and financial corruption in the force. Several officers have also been dismissed from service and retired without pension after they were indicted in cases of corruption and moral turpitude. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Cairn Oil & Gas, an arm of non-resident Indian businessman Anil Agarwals London-based resources company Vedanta, has secured the Centres approval to proceed with an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for oil and gas exploration at 116 sites in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry . In a communication sent to Vedanta on Friday, the Union ministry of environment said it had cleared the proposed EIA for both offshore and onshore exploration in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry. Puducherry chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Saturday said the Congress government of the Union Territory will not allow Vedanta to carry out the exercise. We will not allow any work by Vedanta which is bound to affect the people and agriculture as well as coastal fishing besides the environment, Narayanasamy told reporters. According to the proposal submitted by Vedanta, the EIA would require appraisal drilling and seismic survey of an exploration block covering 1,794 sq km along the Bay of Bengal. Of this, the area in Puducherry accounts for only 2 sq km and the sea portion is spread over 1,654 sq km. This development comes in the backdrop of a backlash against Vedanta in Tamil Nadu, where its copper smelter, Sterlite, in Thoothukudi has been closed since May 2018 over alleged environmental pollution caused by the plant. State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has been facing resistance to its exploration activities in the Cauvery delta, which covers 1.1 million hectares of fertile agricultural land. Farmers in the region are apprehensive about losing their livelihood. In Neduvasal, Pudukottai districst, hydrocarbon exploration has been suspended following a prolonged agitation by the locals. In both instances, opposition parties backed the agitations. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and other opposition parties have said they would halt oil and gas explorations in Tamil Nadu in their manifestos for the Lok Sabha polls. OS Manian, Tamil Nadu minister for handlooms and a veteran of the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, said: It has been our consistent stand not to allow any project that is detrimental to peoples livelihood and the environment.... In its communique to Vedanta, the environment ministry listed 32 conditions which the company has to meet. The clearance for the EIA comes a month after Vedanta submitted a proposal on April 5. A memorandum on the project was signed in October. S Ramadoss, a senior functionary of the Tamilaga Cauvery Farmers Association, said: Allowing Vedanta to carry out exploration for gas and oil would affect the fragile coastal ecology and environment.... Two senior Congress leaders, one of them a former Rajya Sabha member, rained blows on each other on a public dais in Hyderabad on Saturday, landing the party leadership in an embarrassing situation. The incident happened at Dharna Chowk near Indira Park, right in front of All India Congress Committee general secretary in-charge of Telangana Rama Chandra Khuntia and leaders of other opposition parties, who had assembled there to stage a dharna in protest against the irregularities in the release of Intermediate (Class 11 and 12) examination results recently. The opposition parties have been staging protests individually and together for the last three weeks. On Saturday, they called for a joint protest. Former Rajya Sabha member V Hanumantha Rao, who also held the post of Pradesh Congress Committee president in the combined Andhra Pradesh in the past, was addressing the gathering at the protest rally, when Khuntia arrived at the dais. Rao asked another senior Congress leader Nagesh Mudiraj, who is presently PCC official spokesman, to vacate the seat for Khuntia. This angered Mudiraj, who shouted at Rao and refused to get up. This led to altercation between the two leaders, who freely used foul words against each other. An agitated Rao slapped and pushed Mudiraj from the dais and the latter immediately got up and pushed the former MP down the dais. Both of them rained blows on each other, even as other leaders intervened and separated them. Yet, they continued exchanging blows and foul words and pushed each other. The ugly brawl was caught on the cameras of the electronic media who came there to cover the incident while several onlookers filmed the episode on their mobiles and posted it on the social media. Communist Party of India state secretary Chada Venkata Reddy, Telugu Desam Party state president L Ramana, Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) leader professor M Kodandaram and others immediately brought the situation under control by taking Mudiraj away from the dais. It is a very ugly incident. The Congress leaders should settle their internal issues, if any, on their party platforms but, not in public, Venkat Reddy said. The leaders later announced that only one representative from every party should be present on the stage. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A week after Cyclone Fani ripped through coastal Odisha affecting 1.5 crore people, more than a million people in Puri and Bhubaneswar continued to languish in the sweltering summer heat, waiting for power supply to be restored, even as the state government struggles in the aftermath of one of the worst cyclones in the history of the coastal state. Around 1.5 lakh kilometres of power lines were wrenched away by 250 kmph-strong winds on the morning of May 3. The gales caused extensive damage to the power infrastructure in Puri, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Jajpur districts and snapped 5030 km of 33 KV lines, 38613 km of 11 KV lines and 79485 km of LT lines. Besides, 5 towers of 400 KV capacity, 27 towers of 220 KV capacity, 21 towers of 130 KV capacity and 64304 distribution transformers have been damaged in the cyclone as have four grids of 220 KV capacity that distribute power in and around Bhubaneswar and 4 grids of 132 KV capacity in Puri, Nimapada, Mancheswar and Ransinghpur. The state government has mounted massive restoration efforts, but the challenge is proving to be herculean. The damage to power infrastructure has been so great that even under normal circumstances, it would have taken months to restore power. But we are working on a war footing with 7000 power technicians from neighbouring states, state energy secretary Hemant Sharma said. A central team led by the union power secretary is scheduled to visit Odisha on Monday to assess the damage caused to the power infrastructure in the state. Another team of the Ministry of Home Affairs will also visit the state next week. People of the state resorted to disruptions in several cyclone-affected districts. In Chopada gram panchayat of Jagatsinghpur district, hundreds of people blocked the Cuttack-Paradip road in the morning, demanding resumption of power supply. In Bhubaneswar, locals staged a road blockade near the Lingaraj Temple square to demand the same. In the Samantarapur area of the city, local people blocked traffic on the NH-16 while in Nayapalli, angry locals created a ruckus at the Central Electricity Supply Utility of Orissa (CESU) office, to demand the restoration of electricity in the area. How long can we wait? The IAS officers and the ministers are enjoying their AC rooms while we are getting roasted in the summer. Why did the government promise that power supply would resume in more than 80 per cent of Bhubaneswar? asked an angry Narahari Panda in Bhubaneswar. In Bhubaneswar, the CESU has so far been able to provide power to just about 40 per cent of its 4.5 lakh consumers, though the government on its Twitter handle claimed that over 60 per cent has been covered. Why is the government lying about power supply resumption? In Jaydev Vihar, there is no power as yet, but the government claims the opposite. I spent the last three days in a hotel. Can the government give an exact date by when people will get electricity? demanded Samarjit Mohanty, an interior decorator consultant of Bhubaneswar. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 50 units of which are doing a commendable job in Odisha since Cyclone Fani made landfall, has deployed almost all its forces to help in restoring power. Its director general Satya Narayan Pradhan said that 15 gas cutters and 5 high-end plasma cutters have been ordered from Kolkata to cut iron and concrete structures. We expect normalcy to be restored in Bhubaneswar by May 15, while in Puri, it may take around 10 days for restoration work to be executed completely, Pradhan said. People also expressed their anger over irregularities in the distribution of relief material by blocking the Bhubaneswar-Puri road near Satasankha in Pipili. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader KV Singhdeo on Saturday met Special Relief Commissioner, Bishnupada Sethi. Singhdeo alleged that relief material and cooked/dry food are not being given to people in the Satyabadi area of Puri district. He also alleged that only people with ration cards were receiving aid. In Pritipur village, under the Binjharpur tehsil of Jajpur district, people allegedly abused a lady Revenue Inspector (RI) and thrashed a peon, while the RI was assessing the damage caused by Cyclone Fani. The villagers were reportedly angry over alleged irregularities in the distribution of relief material. Meanwhile, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik on Saturday launched a Rebuild Odisha portal (http://rebuild.odisha.gov.in ), where people can donate funds for restoration and rehabilitation of the states cyclone-affected areas. The portal has photos of damaged school buildings with an estimate of the cost of rebuilding the same. Officials said the cyclone has also destroyed 1.4 million trees worth 537 crore. Of these, 9 lakh trees in forests like the Puri-Balukhand wildlife sanctuary on the Puri-Konark marine drive bore the brunt of the cyclone. However, the famous Nandankanan Zoo that suffered major damage will reopen for visitors from May 21. The state government said that banking services in the Cyclone Fani-hit districts will be normalized by May 13. At least 15 mobile ATM counters in Puri and 10 in Bhubaneswar will be started from Monday. Banks have been asked to replicate the Kerala flood- model with some modifications for providing loans with minimum documentation. The Railways, which had cancelled around 600 daily trains before Cyclone Fanis landfall, has so far restored over 150 connections. Railway officials said that normal train services from Puri would be resumed by May 12 though the complete restoration of Puris damaged railway station may take upto 3 months. The world famous Sun Temple in Konark will be thrown open to visitors by Tuesday, as it has not suffered any structural damage. Archaeological Survey of India director-general, Usha Sharma, who is now in Odisha said all necessary repair work of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri will be undertaken on a war-footing and completed before the Rath Yatra scheduled in July. The Konark temple scaffolding, which was erected to facilitate the cleaning of the temples upper levels by chemicals, is being repaired, Sharma said. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said it was difficult for Hindus to celebrate festivals like Janmashtami and Durga Puja under previous governments when hooliganism, lawlessness and anarchy were very high. Anarchy has no place in this government and those exploiting businessmen and the common people will either be jailed or will have to be ready for Ram Nam Satya Hai (the mantra chanted during cremation), Adityanath said at a public meeting in Khorabar in Gorakhpur, which goes to polls in the seventh and final phase on May 19. At another rally in support of BJP candidate Ravi Kishan, he described the SP-BSP alliance as unholy and a symbol of corruption and dishonesty. Even before the final phase of election a blame game had started in the alliance, he said, adding that they will put the onus of defeat on each other after May 23. This alliance is not going to continue for long, he said. He said Samajwadi Party rebel and Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party-Lohia chief Shivpal Yadav was among those most upset with the alliance. Shivpal Yadav says he has no sisters, then how does Akhilesh get a bua (BSP chief Mayawati), the chief minister said. He also attacked Congress eastern UP in charge Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for her recent admittance that the party had fielded weak candidates on some seats to cut the BJPs votes. Two years ago, we had heard about muhnochwa and this party has come up with vote katwas. You need to teach a lesson to the vote katwa (vote-cutter party), the chief minister said. Muhnochwa is a mysterious person who had created panic in the city by scratching faces of people and disappearing in the dark a few years ago. The chief minister blamed the Samajwadi Party for closing down sugar mills of the region. He also accused the BSP of selling closed factories of east UP at throwaway prices and added that farmers will teach the alliance a lesson. Elephant-lovers have won the final round before Thrissur Pooram, Keralas biggest cultural pageant. As before, celebrity one-eyed jumbo, Thechikottukavu Ramachandran, affectionately called Raman, will be present at the opening of the Vadakumnathan Temples southern gate to inaugurate the festival on Sunday. Raman was banned from the ceremony by the Chief Wildlife Warden after the bull elephant ran amok, killing two and injuring seven others, when firecrackers exploded at a house-warming ceremony in the temple town of Guruvayoor in February. Earlier too, Raman had killed 11 persons and gored two other elephants, leading to two six-month bans on public appearances by the jumbo imposed by the Kerala High Court. But elephant owners and Ramans fans alike had threatened to boycott Pooram altogether, if Raman is left out of the festival, during which caparisoned elephants are a chief attraction. Having burnt its fingers on the Sabarimala issue, the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government was also eager to solve the elephantine problem, more so since Sangh Parivar activists, too, launched Save Raman, an online campaign to whip up support for the popular pachyderm. After the Kerala High Court had on Friday refused to entertain a plea to lift the ban and left the decision to experts, a committee examined Raman and on Saturday gave a go-ahead but with conditions: that Ramans owners, a temple trust in Thrissurs Peramangalam, be held responsible for any mishaps during the festival and a 10 meter-tall barricade is erected around the animal. People will not be allowed to crowd or greet Raman, who will be displayed for only an hour on Sunday. There are to be four mahouts with him. A total of 90 elephants will take take part in the week-long festivities, with 3.22 meter-tall Raman the tallest captive tusker in India and second tallest in Asia performing the vilambaram (opening) ceremony. BSP chief Mayawati has called for the hanging of the guilty in the Alwar gang rape case in Rajasthan and said the Supreme Court should act against the Congress government in Rajasthan and the states police. The guilty in Alwar gang-rape case should be hanged till death. Supreme Court should take action against the Congress government, police and the administration in the state. This matter is not just related to Dalits but all women, ANI quoted her as saying on Saturday. She also complained that the Election Commission was not taking action against those makiing derogatory remarks against women. Watch | Alwar gang rape case: Mayawati demands death penalty for accused The Election Commission is not taking appropriate action against political leaders who are making derogatory remarks against women, during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, she said. The case of gang rape came to the fore in Alwar where a Dalit woman alleged that she was gang raped by five men in front of her husband. The couple were travelling on a bike and were waylaid by five men who beat up the husband and also made a video of the crime and circulated it on social media. The incident occurred on April 26 but a case was registered on May 2 as the victim was being threatened by the accused. Police have arrested all six accused -- Indra Raj Gurjar, Mahesh Gurjar, Ashok Gurjar, Hansraj Gurjar, Chhote Lal Gurjar and Mukesh Gurjar -- on charges of gang rape and filming the crime. On Tuesday, Director General of Police Kapil Garg denied that the police was trying to hide the crimes or shield the culprits. The Rajasthan government had come under fire from the opposition BJP after a spate of rape and abduction cases in the last one month. The BJP had accused the Congress government of hiding the Alwar gang rape case. State BJP president Madanlal Saini said the crime was hidden for 11 days because the government feared a political fallout during the ongoing elections. On Friday, National SC/ST Commission Vice Chairman L Murgan recommended that an FIR be registered against police officers whose alleged negligence led to delay in action in the Alwar gang rape case. Murgan along with Commission secretary Pritam Singh, Rajasthan Chief Secretary D B Gupta and DGP Kapil Garg held a meeting in Alwar to review the progress in the case, which has triggered wide-spread outrage in Rajasthan. I have asked that negligent police officers should be booked under section 4 of SC/ST Act, charge sheet should be filed within 15 days and the case should be monitored on a daily basis. The family has demanded government job. I have asked the district magistrate to see how it can be provided, Murgan told reporters in Alwar after the meeting, PTI reported. The victims husband had claimed that he had approached the police on April 26 after the incident, but an FIR was filed on May 2. He had alleged that the police did not take action saying that they were busy with elections. On Tuesday night, the Rajasthan government removed Alwar Superintendent of Police Rajiv Pachar and suspended SHO of the Thanagazi police station Sardar Singh while four policemen were taken off active duty. The victims family submitted a memorandum for speedy trial, compensation and government job. The Commission has also asked the state government to check how the victims husband can be provided compensation under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, he added. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that the culprits will not be spared and speedy trial will be ensured. He said that the state government will make arrangements that an FIR can be filed at the Superintendent of Police (SP) office itself if the SHO concerned does not file the first information report and investigate complaints. We are going to take an important decision that if an SHO doesnt file FIR then there will be a provision that FIR can be filed at SP office and it will be monitored why the FIR was not filed at the police station concerned and action will be taken.Steps will be taken so that crime rate reduces in the state, Gehlot told reporters in Jaipur. according to PTI. He said that a committee has been constituted to investigate the matter and lapses that occurred. Three incidents of rape have been reported from parts of Alwar district in the last fortnight. (With inputs from ANI and PTI) Pre-monsoon rainfall has been 21% below the long-period average (LPA) of 82.5mm between March 1 and May 8, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). North-west India, with a rain deficit of 37%, and peninsular India, with a shortfall of 39%, bore the brunt. Rainfall triggered by cyclone Fani earlier this month managed to bridge the deficit in central, east and north-east India, which have now recorded normal pre-monsoon rains, according to data put out by IMD in its weather status report released on Friday. Central India has experienced 15% surplus rain over the LPA, mainly due to showers in the past one week. Even so, extreme heat waves in most parts of India would mean large swathes of the country will remain dry before sowing begins in June for the Kharif crop with the onset of the south-west monsoon, which is critical in India, where nearly half the population is dependent on farming and 60% of the net-sown area does not have any form of irrigation. Millions of farmers wait for the rains to begin summer sowing of major crops, such as rice, sugar, cotton, coarse cereals and oilseeds. Half of Indias farm output comes from summer crops dependent on these rains. Many parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are facing a drought-like situation despite the 2018 south-west monsoon bringing ample rainfall, experts said. Also read: Dust storm, light rain may lower temperature over the weekend The water level in big dams this year is 10-15% less than previous years despite many of the regions receiving good rainfall last year, said Himanshu Thakkar, coordinator of the South Asia Network on Dams, Rivers and People. According to figures released by the Central Water Commission on Friday, 91 of the major reservoirs across the country are holding an average of 25% of their capacity. Concerns of a weak monsoon this year have been fanned by a lingering El Nino, a weather phenomenon characterised by warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean that is associated with poor rainfall and more episodes of heat waves in the subcontinent. An update by private weather forecaster Skymet Weather said on Thursday that after tapering down slightly during April, El Nino indices have risen again in the last two weeks although the increase has been marginal. During the beginning of monsoon, there is a 60% chance of El Nino conditions remaining steady. This is why we are expecting monsoon rain to be below normal in June and then gradually becoming normal in the latter part of July and August, said Mahesh Palawat, vice president (meteorology and climate change), Skymet Weather. Deficient pre-monsoon rains and a weak beginning to the monsoon could have an impact on summer crop sowing, which may be compounded by deficient rainfall. For a bountiful crop, the rains also need to be evenly distributed across regions. Robust summer rains, which account for 70% of Indias total annual rainfall, spur rural spending on most items and increases demand in other sectors of the economy. Rural sales, for instance, account for about 48% of all motorcycles and 44% of television sets sold annually if the monsoon is normal. Also read: Heat wave conditions prevail in North India Officials at IMD, however, said concerns about El Nino are premature. El Nino conditions have definitely not gone up. June onwards, it will move towards neutral El Nino conditions. We dont expect El Nino to amplify. At the most, there will be a sluggish start to the monsoon but it will not be detrimental in any way, said KG Ramesh, IMDs director general. Last month was marked by heat waves in many parts of the country, including eastern Uttar Pradesh, western Rajasthan, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Vidarbha, and Telangana. Some northern parts of the country also recorded extremely high temperatures. For example, Una in Himachal Pradesh recorded 41.7 degrees C on Friday; Sundernagar, also in Himachal Pradesh recorded 37.6 degrees C, Dehradun in Uttarakhand was at 38.7 degree C. The highest maximum temperature this summer recorded till now has been at Brahmagiri in Vidarbha on May 2 at 46.4 degrees C. Heat wave in central India, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh is expected in May which is the peak summer season... We have noticed that the temperature in the foothills of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are also 3 to 4 degrees above normal. Temperatures also increase before a western disturbance approaches, said Charan Singh, senior scientist at IMD. Due to an approaching western disturbance (WD) and moisture incursion from Arabian Sea, scattered rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in north-west India and north India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, on Sunday. The heat wave will abate. There will be scattered rainfall in northwest India till May 17. But it is unlikely to compensate for the deficient pre-monsoon showers over the country, added Palawat. Islamic State (IS) claimed for the first time that it has established a province in India, after a clash between militants and security forces in Kashmir killed a militant with alleged ties to the group. ISs Amaq News Agency late on Friday announced the new province, that it called Wilayah of Hind (province in India), in a statement that also claimed IS inflicted casualties on Indian Army soldiers in the town of Amshipora in the Shopian district of Kashmir. The IS statement corresponds with a police statement on Friday that a militant called Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi was killed in an encounter in Shopian. The statement establishing the new province appears to be designed to bolster its standing after the group was driven from its self-styled caliphate in Iraq and Syria in April, where at one point it controlled thousands of miles of territory. IS has stepped up suicide attacks, including the Easter bombing in Sri Lanka that killed at least 253 people. The establishment of a province in a region where it has nothing resembling actual governance is absurd, but it should not be written off, said Rita Katz, director of SITE Intel Group that tracks Islamic extremists. The world may roll its eyes at these developments, but to jihadists in these vulnerable regions, these are significant gestures to help lay the groundwork in rebuilding the map of the IS caliphate. Sofi had been involved in several militant groups in Kashmir for more than a decade before pledging allegiance to Islamic State, according to a military official on Saturday A spokesman for Union home ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The Supreme Court on Friday referred to a larger bench the issue of whether a lower court has the power to summon additional accused even after having decided a criminal case against the others involved. The apex courts verdict came on a plea filed by former AAP leader and the then Leader of Opposition of Punjab Sukhpal Singh Khaira challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court verdict which had dismissed his plea to quash summons by a court in Fazilka in a 2015 trans-border drug smuggling case. Khaira is currently the president of the Punjab Ekta party and is contesting the general elections from the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency. A Supreme Court bench of justices N.V. Ramana and Mohan M. Shantanagoudar observed while disposing the matter that we feel that it would be appropriate to place the same for consideration before a larger Bench. The bench considered the opinion that that, power under Section 319, Cr.P.C being extraordinary in nature, the trial courts should be cautious while summoning accused to avoid complexities and to ensure fair trial. We must remind ourselves that, timely disposal of the matters furthers the interest of justice, the bench sais and directed the registry to place these matters before the Chief Justice of India for constitution of a Bench of appropriate strength for considering the aforesaid questions. The bench framed the three questions include, whether the trial court has the power under Section 319 of CrPC for summoning additional accused when the trial with respect to other co accused has ended and the judgment of conviction rendered on the same date before pronouncing the summoning order. The larger bench would also decide whether the trial court has the power under Section 319 of the CrPC for summoning additional accused when the trial in respect of certain other absconding accused (whose presence is subsequently secured) is ongoing/pending, having been bifurcated from the main trial. The larger bench would also decide that third, what are the guidelines that the competent court must follow while exercising power under Section 319 Cr.P.C. The defense counsel contended that the power under Section 319 (1) CrPC can be exercised at any time after the filing of the charge sheet and before the pronouncement of the judgment. In the present case, the aforesaid summoning order passed after the order of conviction is in clear breach of the principles laid down by the apex court in a previous verdict. The state counsel submitted that application for summoning additional accused was filed and heard during the pendency of the trial, and the order was thereafter reserved. On November 17, 2017, the Punjab and Haryana high court dismissed Khairas plea challenging the lower court order after which he approached the Supreme Court. In December 2017, the Supreme Court stayed the trial courts proceedings and granted relief to Khaira who was then the leader of opposition in the Punjab assembly. Those already convicted were arrested by the police on March 9, 2015, along with two kg of heroin, 24 gold biscuits, a country-made pistol, two Pakistani SIM cards and an SUV; they were sentenced to jail for terms varying between three to 20 years on October 31, 2017. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced Rs 1,600 crore package for livelihood support for farmers, fishermen and women self help group members of the state affected by cyclone Fani. Patnaik said farmers would get agriculture input subsidy of Rs 6,800 per hectare of land in non-irrigated areas, Rs 13,500 per hectare of land in areas under assured irrigation and Rs 18,000 per hectare for all types of perennial crops. The cyclone has affected crops in over 1 lakh hectare area. As per the package, an incentive of Rs 15,000 per farmer will be provided to each betelvine farmers. Similarly, an amount of Rs 40,000 per unit will be given to each mushroom farmer for construction of shade net or thatched structure. For banana farmers, an incentive of Rs 25,000 per hectare will be provided. The package came a day before an inter-ministerial team from Delhi lands in Odisha to assess the damages caused by cyclone Fani. An inter-ministerial central team-led by Ministry of Home Affairs joint secretary Vivek Bhardwaj will reach Odisha on May 12 evening to conduct field inspection of the affected areas between May 13 and May 15. Also Read | Cyclone Fani survivors block road in Odisha to protest lack of electricity Besides, compensation will be provided towards loss of animals at the rate of Rs 30,000 per milch cow and buffalo, Rs 25,000 per draught animal and Rs 3,000 per goat. Officials said more than 4,200 small and large domesticated animals have been killed due to the cyclone. Financial assistance of Rs 12,000 per hectare will be provided to fish farmers. For fishermen, Rs 40,000 will be given for new Fibre Reinforced Plastic boats and Rs 20,000 for fishing nets. Incidentally, the package did not have anything for thousands of poultry farmers and fishermen who have lost their boats to the cyclone. Over 3.45 million of poultry birds have died in the cyclone. Also Read| Cyclone Fani: Odisha stares at ecological crisis The package also included seed money of Rs 10,000 for each of the affected women Self Help Groups. Community Investment Fund at the rate of Rs 1 lakh per women Self Help Group will be provided. An amount of Rs 50,000 will be provided to women Self Help Groups that produce Take Home Ration. Meanwhile, union petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan tweeted that the inter-ministerial team from Delhi is being sent even before the Odisha State Government submitted the required memorandum. An exception has been made for the first time in this regard so that the Central team can gather first hand idea on the extent of damage caused by the cyclone. tweeted Pradhan. A young man who was allegedly injured when police fired to break up a communal clash in southern Assams Hailakandi, succumbed to his injuries on Friday evening at Silchar Medical College Hospital (SMCH). the hospitals Superintendent said. Ten people with bullet injuries were brought in. One of them succumbed to his injuries, the Superintendent of Silchar Medical College and Hospital said Saturday. The person who died had a bullet injury in his abdomen, he said. Some of the others who have bullet wounds have been hit in the upper part of their bodies, below the neck while others have been hit on the legs, he said. Akbar Ali, the incharge of the Ghungoor Police outpost near the Silchar Medical College and Hospital also said one man succumbed to bullet injuries. Clashes had broken out Friday between members of two communities when some people protested against prayers being held on a road in front of a mosque, officials said. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has ordered an inquiry into the incident by additional chief secretary Rajiv Bora and directed the administration to take strict action to quell violence. Sonowal also ordered Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Mukesh Agrawal to visit Hailakandi. In a statement, Sonowal called on the people to maintain peace and harmony and promised strong action against perpetrators. The district administration has sought the Armys help to maintain peace. Curfew was imposed in the town shortly after the clashes. Following emergency like situation curfew has been imposed by the district administration a statement by the district administration said. Later in the evening, the curfew was extended to the entire district till 7 pm May 12. Hailakandis Superintendent of Police Mohneesh Mishra confirmed the police firing at the mob. We had no option but to open fire. The mob was extremely violent. The stone pelting was unrelenting and it was a grave danger to the security of the personnel. First we fired in the air and then we were forced to fire at them, he said. Ainul Haq Chaudhary, an official of the Assam Police posted at the SK Roy Civil Hospital in Hailakandi said 19 people injured in the clashes including eight with bullet injuries were brought to the hospital. He said eight people were referred to the Silchar Medical College and Hospital, 35 km away. There was no estimate of the total number of people injured as officials claimed they were busy trying to bring the situation under control after clashes which erupted during the Friday prayers. When asked for the total number of injured in the clashes, Deputy Commissioner Kerthi Jalli refused to comment. I have every right to say I do not want to comment, she said. Misbah ul Alam Laskar, a local who was present at the mosque said the police opened fire on people and claimed that those who had come to offer prayers were attacked unprovoked by members of another community. Anwar Hussain Laskar, MLA from Hailakandi blamed the police. If it were not for police inaction this would not have happened. They did not take timely action, he said adding the police station is merely 100 metres from the mosque. Islamabad has blinked first in the staring battle along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border between India and Pakistan. Under sustained pressure from India, Pakistan has offered to de-escalate tensions along the LoC . The offer to India was made by the Pakistani military through the institutionalised military channels of communication between the two sides, a senior official in the Indian security establishment said on condition of anonymity. The Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two countries are regularly in touch and HT learns that the offer may have come during such an interaction. Pakistan has offered to remove its Special Service Group (SSG) the special forces of Pakistan from the LoC and even suggested a moratorium on the artillery fire from both sides, a report sent to the Prime Ministers Office said. HT has seen a copy of the report. After the Pulwama suicide car bomb attack by a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist on February 26, which left 40 troopers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) dead and led to the subsequent air strikes by the Indian Air Force on Jaishs training camp at Balakot in Pakistan, Islamabad moved special forces and troops along the LoC and the border and maintained a precautionary deployment. Indias pressure on Pakistan was not just along the border, but diplomatic as well. With the US, UK, and France backing India, China agreed to remove its so-called technical hold on declaring Maulana Masood Azhar, the emir of JeM, a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council. Simultaneously, India is also pushing the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF), a global body that watches money laundering and terror funding, to blacklist Pakistan. In the report, the Indian Army has said that there have been no infiltration attempts, and no attempt to (carry out) cross border tactical action since the Pulwama terror attack. Interestingly, terror launch pads along the LoC, from which terrorists infiltrate India are empty. Terror infrastructure in close vicinity of the LoC has been temporarily closed due to overall pressure being maintained on Pakistan, the Indian Army added in the report. The thinning out of terror launch pads were reported from active areas like Poonch and Rajouri as well, a senior defence ministry official said, asking not to be identified because he is not authorized to speak to the media. These are clear on-ground signals from Pakistan for de-escalation. Recently, when formations along the LoC also repaired bunkers --an annual feature to prepare for the monsoons-- the Pakistan army didnt interfere, the official added. The government had warned the Indian Army and especially the Corps Commanders to take adequate precautions to prevent cross-border raids by the Pakistani army after the Pulwama suicide attack. And, while the Indian Air Force was planning air strikes, the Indian Army reinforced its positions along the border and adopted an aggressive posture all along the LoC and the international border. There were over 100 instances when artillery was used, the official said and added that the use of artillery has considerably reduced now. Pakistan army positions along the border from where Border Action Teams could be launched into India were especially targeted. In the initial days, several Pakistan Army positions were destroyed, and we have not allowed them to rebuild or these positions, a second senior official in the ministry of defence said on condition of anonymity. Fleeting panic seized air traffic control officials at New Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport this week when pieces of an aircrafts tyre were found on one of its three runways. An Air India plane was stopped from landing and asked to go around as the runway was cleared and the pilots of six aircraft that had taken off minutes earlier were contacted and asked to take precautions when they landed at their destinations just in case the pieces had come off one of their tyres. Heat and harsh landings could lead to wear and tear of the outer part of a plane tyre and if a part of it falls off at take off, the pilot must be informed so that he can take precautions while landing at the destination, experts said. Minutes after the pieces were discovered on Wednesday, the aircraft was identified as an Air India Boeing, whose pilot landed the aircraft safely at its destination, Rome, people aware of the incident said. It was around 1:50 pm when the crew of AI-078 (Bhubaneswar-Delhi) informed the airport operator and the ATC about finding pieces of a plane tyre on runway 29, the longest in India. Also read: Air India offers hefty discounts on last-minute bookings Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), which operates the Delhi airport, carried out an inspection of the pieces and the runway was closed for around 15 minutes, the people cited above said on condition of anonymity. AI 381, which was next to land, was asked to carry out a go around procedure as it was already approaching the runway. After the go around, it landed on another runway. Simultaneously, the control room was asked to check the last few departures from that runway, said an ATC official, requesting anonymity. The control room identified six flights, five of Air India and one of Vistara, that had departed in the previous 20 minutes. AI-123 to Rome, UK-812 to Jammu, AI-471 to Udaipur, AI-167 to Stockholm, AI-9809 to Gorakhpur and AI-544 to Hyderabad were contacted to give information for precautionary landing. In the meantime, apron control had coordinated with the airlines to come and verify the tyre pieces, said a Delhi airport official. An Air India engineering team confirmed that the tyre pieces belonged to one of the airlines Boeing 787s and that the aircraft had departed for Rome. The pilot of that flight was informed and it made a safe landing. Also read: Age gap between pilots led to Air India Express plane ending up in open drain Decapping can take place anytime, although heat is one of the contributory factors. But if a pilot is warned about it before landing, there is no risk, said Mohan Ranganathan, an aviation safety expert. According to an Air India official, the Rome bound flight was late by around 35 minutes. After the landing, an engineering team examined the aircraft. Such incidents have taken place in the past too. In March 2015, an Oman Air flight survived a scare when the planes tyre burst on landing at Delhi airport. In September 2015, an Air India flight to Bagdogra had to return back to Delhi, following a suspected tyre burst. And in October 2017, a runway at Delhi airport was closed for 86 minutes as a chartered plane was stuck on the tarmac following tyre burst. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Saturday accused the Congress of hushing up an alleged gangrape in Rajasthans Alwar until polling had been held in the constituency, launching a broadside in separate election rallies in Uttar Pradesh where some areas are yet to vote. The crime in Alwar led to protests across the state after the womans husband said she was raped on April 26 and the police were informed on April 30, but a first information report (FIR) was filed only on May 7. Rajasthan voted in the Lok Sabha polls in two phases, on April 29 and May 6. The Congress which is in power in Rajasthan has tried to suppress the news of the gangrape of a Dalit woman due to the polls in that state, Modi said at an election meeting in Ghazipur in eastern UP. The prime minister said the Congress cannot give nyay (justice) to the daughters of the country, indirectly invoking the name of the income support scheme that the opposition party has promised to launch for the poorest of the poor if voted to power. A Rajasthan Congress spokesperson denied the allegations and said the negligence was on the part of police officials. Nobody is suppressing the matter. There was some negligence from the side of police. We have taken action against them, said Archana Sharma, who added that the government had brought in new initiatives to help rape victims. Modi also brought up Congress leader Sam Pitrodas hua toh hua (if it happened, it happened) remark on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, saying it reflected that partys arrogance. Pitroda apologised and Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the remark was out of line. Speaking at a rally in Lucknow, Mayawati too said the Congress government in Rajasthan had suppressed news of the Alwar incident to serve its political interests. The BSP chief said the Supreme Court should take cognizance of the incident and the main accused should be given capital punishment. The top court should take strict action against the Congress government in Rajasthan and the police administration for suppressing the incident and intimidating the victim, she said. The incident in Alwar led to the removal of the district police chief, the local police station in-charge and five policemen, and the state government said a senior bureaucrat would investigate allegations of inaction and compile a report this month. Police arrested the six suspects named by the woman on May 9. On April 26, the woman and her husband were travelling on a motorcycle when the accused, who were on two motorcycles, stopped them on the Thanagazi-Alwar bypass and took them to an isolated place off the road. They allegedly beat the husband and raped the woman in front of him, threatening them with dire consequences. One of the suspects filmed the assault on his phone. In a report sent to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Rajasthan police said a case was registered on May 2 but did not mention the date when the woman approached the superintendent of police with her complaint. HT has a copy of the report. According to the family of the gang rape survivor, the woman went to the Alwar SPs office on April 30. Alwar SP Rajeev Pachar was removed on May 7 and the Thana Gazi SHO Sardar Singh suspended for their alleged laxity in the case. A protest was staged in Alwar on Saturday against the alleged delay in police action in the. The protest was led by BJP Rajya Sabha member Kirorilal Meena. A large number of people gathered in front of a temple and blocked traffic at Roopvaas Gate in the city. (with agency inputs) In the countrys biggest ever narcotics seizure, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Thursday recovered 1,818kg of pseudoephedrine from a house in Greater Noida and arrested two Nigerian nationals, and one South African national. Officers said that the house, which belongs to an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was being used as a drug-manufacturing unit. The approximate value of the seized drugs are estimated to be more than Rs1,000 crore. Madhav Singh, zonal director, NCB, said the seizure is Indias biggest-ever narcotics haul and the worlds largest pseudoephedrine seizure in the past three years. According to NCB officials, on Thursday morning following a tip off, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) intercepted a 31-year-old woman passenger, Nomsa Lutalo, from South Africa, at Delhis Indira Gandhi International airport. The woman was to board a flight to Johannesburg via Dubai. On checking her bags, they found 24.7kg pseudoephedrine from her bags. On questioning, the woman said she had been handed the consignment in Greater Noida by two people from Nigeria. She said she was asked to carry the same to Johannesburg and was promised good money in exchange, Singh said. Based on Lutalos interrogation, an NCB team conducted a raid at the identified premise in Sector P4 of Greater Noida the same day. A man, Henry Ideofor (35) and a woman, Chimando Okora (30) were living in the house. Both are from Nigeria. During searches, we found several canisters and boxes in the house, containing 1,818kg of pseudoephedrine. We also recovered 1.9kg cocaine, Singh said. He said that pseudoephedrine is a precursor used for manufacturing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The export of pseudoephedrine requires a no-objection certificate from the narcotics commissioner. The UN Convention Against the Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988, identifies 23 precursors that need to be controlled. Pseudoephedrine is one of them, the officer said. During questioning, the Nigerian nationals told officials that they bought the chemical from various illicit sources and were storing it to manufacture drugs. They also used to manufacture fake heroin and transport it out of the country, illegally. They claim to have also distributed the drugs in Delhi-NCR. The precursor and manufactured drugs were mostly sent to countries in Africa, the two said, Singh said. Ideofor and Okora told officials they had taken the house on rent and had been living there since 2015. Investigations revealed that the house belongs to Devendra PN Pandey, an IPS officer posted with the UP Polices Economic Offences Wing in Lucknow. When contacted, Pandey said he had rented out the house through a property dealer and was unaware of the activities going on there. I had no knowledge of the drug business being run from my house. I have not even received any rent for the past year and had made complaint to the circle officer against the two Nigerian nationals. The rent agreement also clearly mentions that the residents will be responsible for any illegal activity, he said. Pandey said he had bought the property for Rs7.2 lakh in 2000. A SpiceJet flight from Bengaluru to Delhi with 152 passengers on-board made an emergency landing at Nagpur airport at 1.30 am following a technical snag. Arvind Guglani, a passenger said that the flight was supposed to take off from Bengaluru on Friday at 10 pm but it took off at 11.30. But at around 12.30 am, the flight was diverted to Nagpur for an emergency landing. SpiceJet authorities said that the flight was made an emergency landing at Nagpur because of fuel tank gate problem. We were kept inside the flight till 5.30 am and later we were allowed to go outside the plane at Nagpur. All the passengers were later served with tea and poha (rice puff) in the morning, Guglani said. A SpiceJet spokesperson, confirming the incident, said the passengers were put on an alternate plane, a Jet Airways aircraft that it had acquired at 9.15 am. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday likened Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who had imprisoned his father Shah Jahan. He also tore into the SP-Bahujan Samaj Party-Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance, saying the mahamilawatis were behaving like snakes, frogs and scorpions who came together during floods. The one who dethroned his father, like Aurangzeb, joined hands with the sworn enemy. After May 23, they will again abuse each other. These mahamilavati people are behaving like scorpions, frogs and snakes which come together during floods, he tweeted. This is the first time Adityanath has drawn the Aurangzeb parallel to take a swipe at Akhilesh. The parallel was first drawn during the Yadav family feud between Akhilesh and his uncle, Shivpal Yadav, over control of the Party in August 2016. Both Adityanath and Akhilesh were in Gorakhpur on Saturday, campaigning for their party candidates. At a rally in Pipraich, Akhilesh urged the people to vote for the SP-BSP-RLD alliance. Those who have launched the Swachhta Abhiyan will be swept out of Uttar Pradesh, he said. Referring to a Time magazine cover story on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, One of the worlds credible news magazines has said that the BJP is a threat to democracy... The alliance has decided to shake BJPs foundation, which is based on hate and lies. Reacting to Adityanaths tweet, SP spokesperson Abdul Hafiz Gandhi said: Mahagathbandhan is there to oust people like you who are enemies of peace and tranquillity... You are there to decimate the idea of India. Delhi is all set to witness a triangular contest in the 2019 general elections. The political fight between the Aam Admi Party (AAP) and the Congress is not particularly ideological. The AAP and the Congress had prolonged, but unsuccessful, negotiations in an attempt to arrive at an alliance against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The fact that such an attempt was made shows that both the AAP and Congress expect the BJP to gain from a division of opposition votes. The BJP won all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi in the 2014 elections. In 2009, it was the Congress which won all seats in the national capital. However, victory margins in six out of seven parliamentary constituencies (PCs) came down between 2009 and 2014. The median victory margin in Delhi came down from 24.6% of total votes polled in 2009 to 13.9% in 2014. Because delimitation changed parliamentary constituencies boundaries in 2008, previous victory margins cannot be compared at the constituency level. The Congress had a vote share of 15% in 2014, which is just above the median victory margin. This means that the Congress essentially played a spoiler for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which could not win a seat despite getting 33% of the popular vote. Whether or not 2019 will be a repeat of the 2014 story, meaning the BJP wins most or even all seats despite a significantly less vote share than the AAP and the Congress combined is the biggest question around the Delhi elections. This will only be known on May 23 when the results are out. However, two other points are worth highlighting regarding the political contest in Delhi. Also Watch: LS polls | BJP vs Congress vs AAP: Whos ahead in race for 7 Delhi seats? The BJP got its highest ever all-India vote share (31%) in the 2014 elections. However, its 2014 vote share in Delhi (46.4%) was less than what it received in the 1996, 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha elections. In other states where the BJP won at least 90% of the seats Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in 2014, its vote share was above the 50% mark. The BJP has not been able to replicate its 2014 performance in terms of vote share in the 2015 assembly elections and 2017 Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections. To be sure, the BJP did make a recovery between the 2015 and 2017 elections. It is likely that, unlike in 2014, the BJP could face some amount of anti-incumbency in Delhi. This could lead to a reduction in its 2014 vote share. Between 1999 and 2004, the BJPs vote share had come down by 10 percentage points in Delhi. If something similar were to happen, the contest could really open up in some of the constituencies. However, if the BJPs vote share reduction were to accompany a revival in Congress support at the cost of the AAP, even a reduced vote share might not have an adverse effect on the BJPs seat prospects. To be sure, the BJP has been claiming that there is pro-incumbency rather than anti-incumbency in these elections. This could increase the BJPs vote share and increase the likelihood of the party winning all seven seats once again. The AAP, which swept the 2015 assembly elections, is fighting the 2019 battle from an entirely state-focused perspective. It has made full statehood its biggest poll plank and is attacking the Narendra Modi government for reneging on this promise. Politically speaking, this is a big risk. It could make the party entirely irrelevant in the macro picture of the 2019 contest. However, if this clicks, and the party is able to even make a small dent in the 2014 vote shares of the Congress and the BJP, Delhi could throw a surprise in favour of the AAP. The Congress, even in its negotiations with the AAP, had made an open offer of contesting three seats while giving four to AAP. This suggests that the Congress accepts itself to be the third force in the national capital. The question is whether the electorate also shares the same assessment about the party. This could be the biggest X-factor in the 2019 elections in the national capital. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON At a time when the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are locked in a bitter verbal war over former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, his daughter and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said some people are raking up futile issues to dodge questions on income, jobs and farm crisis, without naming any leader from the ruling party. In an interview with Shashi Shekhar, the Congress in-charge of east Uttar Pradesh said the people knew her family, and her father well, and that she trusted their understanding. She also said that no leader from the Congress spoke negatively or contributed to an increasingly vitiated political campaign. Edited excerpts: Lets begin with your entry into active politics. For a long time, you took on the responsibility of Amethi and Rae Bareli . During this time, the workers demanded you be given a big responsibility. And a few months ago, you took on such a responsibility in the organisation. Is there any special reason for stepping into politics before the elections? The special reason is this: I had the thought that at a time this countrys democracy, our Constitution and institutions are under attack, sitting at home and not coming to politics will be cowardly, and I cannot live with this cowardice. Also Read | Pact with Congress would be same as allying with BJP: Arvind Kejriwal As the partys general secretary, you have the responsibility of eastern Uttar Pradesh but you also visited Gandhinagar, Silchar and Wayanad. Now with the elections in the final stages, will you take the responsibility of more campaigns in other states? If the party wants, I will definitely go. So far, I have limited myself to UP, because the work here is so much, and the responsibilities so much more. With the elections in eastern UP going on, all the candidates wanted that I should go to their constituencies to campaign. There is a shortage of time, but I am trying my best to go to as many constituencies as possible. If there is time, I will definitely go. Also Watch | Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Big fights to watch out for in Phase 6 of voting People within the party believe you are a bit late in coming to active politics. During the UP assembly elections, Prashant Kishor had proposed making you a face of the elections. Dont you think that if you had stepped in politics then, the picture today would be a different one? Yes, I agree that when Congress president Rahul Gandhi suggested that I take responsibility as the partys general secretary or the state president for UP, I declined the proposal. I was mistaken at that time. But people learn only from their experiences. So I learnt from mine and when the president reiterated it now, I decided it is time. I thought that it was a mistake then, but now I will take up the responsibility. What are the Congresss prospects in Uttar Pradesh? In quite a few seats, we are fighting with a lot of strength. We have good candidates, and that has excited the partys workers and they are wholeheartedly engaged. In any organisation, when there are deficiencies, then one cannot do away with those altogether, but within the party there is an endeavour to fight this together. Are we talking to the chief ministerial candidate on behalf of the Congress in the next assembly elections? I am the general secretary of the organisation. I have come here to strengthen the party. When I have neither greed nor wish, how can I speak of the chief ministers post? Also Read | Modi factor isnt what it was in 14, its a liability in some seats: Digvijaya Singh Political analysts say with the Congress firmly fighting these elections in UP, the effect on the prospects of the SP-BSP (Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party) combine will be negative, strengthening the BJP. That is not true. We are firmly contesting the elections, but none of our candidates is harming the Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance). We have given tickets to candidates who are, in fact, harming the BJP. After the Karnataka elections, there was the idea of a big collective effort against the BJP, and that the Congress would lead the effort. But in Delhi, West Bengal and UP, the Congress could not firm up coalitions. Does this affect the prospects of the Opposition? See, if we all fought unitedly, for instance in Uttar Pradesh, it was quite possible that the BJP would have been reduced to 5-10 seats. This is also true for other states. Fighting together always makes the fight more robust, but every party has its own compulsions in different states, and has workers to answer to. So, those who have made these decisions, would have put their thought to it. In states where the Congress is in alliances, like in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Bihar and Jharkhand, the partys scope is limited. What is the strategy to strengthen the organisation from the grassroots? For the state elections, the party will have to fight alone on the ground. The organisation will have to strengthen itself upwards from the blocks in these states. Loyal and dedicated workers must be empowered, and those whose representation remains less within the organisation will have to be increased. Only then will the party strengthen itself organisationally and fight in alone in state elections. Dont you think that in order to ensure electoral success for itself in the future, it is necessary for the Congress to contest as many seats as possible in all the states? In large states like UP and Bihar, there is a dearth of young party workers. In a country of young people, how do you plan to fight this dilemma? All my efforts after these elections will be invested in ensuring that more young people join the organisation. You are right when you say that the future of this country is in the hands of the youth, and unless they are fully represented within the party, new leadership will not be seen, and without that the party cannot be strengthened. Nyay (Nyunatam Aay Yojana), farmers distress and joblessness are the main poll planks of the Congress, and the partys strategy in these elections is centred around Nyay. Will this be a game changer? If so, how? Nyay is a scheme which can prove to be a game changer, because today, the farmers, the poor and unemployed youth are totally oppressed and suffering. For them, government support systems have weakened, which included schemes for farmers, like MNREGA {Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act}. At such a time if they can get a basic income and basic support, through which a family can rise above poverty, then at least it is a start. They can hope for development. That is why this plan will prove to be a game changer. The BJP knows this and that is why it has deliberately preached that, in Nyay, the burden of tax will fall on the middle class. This is totally untrue and I want to clarify that no such burden will fall on the middle class. Nyay will undo all the injustice that has been done with the poor, farmers, women and youth in the last five years. The BJP is making nationalism a poll issue. Will Congresss poll plank be able to face the BJPs nationalism narrative? We are also talking about nationalism. In the BJPs brand of nationalism, people have no significance. We are saying that listen to the people of the nation to the voice of the farmers, the youth, the soldiers, the workers, and of the women. All of these together make what nationalism is. We work for the people by listening to them. The BJPs nationalism starts with (Prime Minister Narendra) Modis name, and ends with it. Thats the reason why they use humiliating phases like Modis army. The BJP is accusing the Congress of speaking the language of Pakistan, and attempting to test the Congresss nationalist credentials. What is your opinion on this? Every BJP leader talks about Pakistan in each of his speeches, while every Congress leader talks about Hindustan, talks about the issues within Hindustan, and about the problems of the youth. They talk about the problems of farmers, of women, and of the poor. This is the answer to this question. In response to the Congresss Chowkidar Chor Hai slogan, the BJP launched a Main Bhi Chowkidar campaign. You gave a new twist to this debate by saying that only the rich have watchmen. Will this benefit you? A farmer in western UP had told me this, and see, the public understands the truth well. This thought has emerged from the minds of the people and this is the truth. Watchmen work for the rich, not for the poor. The government is also investigating cases against your husband Robert Vadra. You are standing firmly with him. Do you feel scared? Not at all. There is always a crowd around your election campaign, and workers remain excited. What do you feel when you look at the crowd, responsibility or pride? Responsibility. There is no pride in this. In this, there is a sense of responsibility and the feeling that people are sending their love to me, and this leads to responsibility. When people love you, you have to be responsible for them. People see the image of (former prime minister) Indira Gandhi in you. Does it make it easy for you to reach people or increases the challenges? There are two things: It is my honour that people see her in me, but my responsibilities increase because of that. Congress president Rahul Gandhi calls you his best friend Do you discuss politics with him? Have you ever had differences on any issue? We are siblings, and there are many issues we do not agree on. Then there are many issues on which we are totally united. It is very natural in the relationship between a sister and a brother. I have always said that my brother is a friend who always speaks the truth to me and sometimes his truth may sound bitter to me. But I have always seen that whenever I ask him for any advice, he speaks the truth and that advice always benefits me. I learn from him. Indira Gandhi had once said that a mother in politics has to do double the work at home. You are now in active politics, do you think so too? Yes, it is absolutely true that a mothers work doubles. This is not only true for women who are active in politics, but for women in any profession. A professional woman has to handle both the household, the family and her profession. You have seen your grandmother and then you mother in active politics. Any such experience you remember because of their preoccupation which has led you to keep your children away from it? The violence that I experienced in my childhood, when my grandmother and then my father were killed, changed my life significantly and had a great effect on me. I want to keep my children away from such form of violence and always wanted them to lead a simple and normal life. I wanted their personal lives to remain away from the glare of politics till the time they reached the age where they were able to understand it completely. In the Lok Sabha elections, if Congress emerges as the largest party in the opposition, then as a sister, would you want your brother to take charge of the Prime Ministers post? As a sister, I would like to see my brother happy. I wish that he gets whatever he needs for his happiness and for him to feel complete. I wish for his success. You speak both Hindi and English with equal ease. What led you to your hold on language? In our childhood, everyone spoke to us in Hindi. Rahul and I spoke to each other in Hindi during our childhood. Till the time my children went to school, I spoke to them in Hindi. The schools principal told me that I should talk to them in English, because they could not understand the language, and thats when I started speaking to them in English. My grandmother had a rule that the household will speak in Hindi when we eat, so that my mothers Hindi could get better. In your personal time, what is the one thing you do? As soon as theres some spare time, I start cleaning the house. I clean the kitchen, and the books that are lying around, and then I fold the clothes. This is the first thing I do in my free time. (This is an English translation of Priyanka Gandhi Vadras Hindi interview given to Hindustan.) PM Modi takes a dig at Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy PM Modi says, HDKs comment was derogatory and it is an insult towards the armed forces. PM Modi says, Congress cannot do NYAY with neither the daughter of the nation, nor the sons of the nation. PM Modi says award-wapsi gang has shied away from standing up for the Dalit girl who has been raped in Alwar. PM Modi slams Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot over Alwar gang rape. PM Modi says, Rajasthan police and state government were busy covering this incident in a bid to hide their mistakes in law and order. Poverty is my caste: PM Modi PM Modi says that he has been the longest serving CM in Gujarat and has a been PM since last 5 years but there is not a single property listed against him. Congress, SP, BSP run by the hua toh hua governance model: PM Modi PM Modi says, Congress is steeped in hubris, and it believes it can enslave the common Indian man. He takes Sam Pitrodas comment on 1984 anti-Sikh riots and says that this has Congress attitude whenever they were in power. PM Modi starts his address in Ghazipur, UP. Ghazipur goes to vote in the 6th phase of the polls. My caste is that of the poor of the country: PM Modi The people of the Mahamilawat recently started picking on my caste, I want to tell them that I belong too the caste of the poor of the country, said PM Narendra Modi while addressing a rally in Uttar Pradeshs Robertsganj. I provided housing, water facilities, and gas facilities to the poor because I belong to them, he added. Enemies have become friends to oust me: PM Modi The SP and BSP are the ones who in the past wanted to send each other to jail are now making plans to send each other to palaces, said PM Modi in Robertsganj. Previous govts approach to problems was hua to hua: PM Modi The approach of previous governments approach to problems has been hua to hua said PM Modi while addressing a poll rally in Uttar Pradeshs Robertsganj. Not a single vote should go waste: Delhis oldest voter Delhis oldest voter, 111-year old Bachan Singh will cast his vote tomorrow in the 6th phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2019. He says, not a single vote should go waste. Only love can defeat hatred: Rahul Gandhi I want to tell the PM that hatred cant defeat hatred, only love can. So, the more he criticises us, the more number of hugs we are going to return as a gesture of love, said Rahul Gandhi while concluding his rally in Madhya Pradeshs Shajapur. PM is not supposed to direct nation, people are: Rahul Gandhi in MP The Prime Minister is supposed to listen to the people of the country. The PM is not supposed to direct the nation instead the people are the one who take a nation forward, said Rahul Gandhi in Madhya Pradesh. Nyay will remonetise the Indian economy: Rahul Gandhi Nyay will remonetise the Indian economy. It will jump-start the economic engine of the country, said Rahul Gandhi in Madhya Pradesh. PM didnt discuss demonetisation, GST with anyone: Rahul Gandhi The Prime Minister didnt discuss the idea of demonetisation and GST with anyone. Had he even asked a shopkeeper whether note ban would be a good idea, he would have refused, said Rahul Gandhi in Madhya Pradeshs Shajapur. PM keeps targeting my family: Rahul Gandhi PM Modi is full of anger, he keeps targeting my father, grandmother and grandfather. He spreads hatred while I hug him back and try to spread love, said Rahul Gandhi in Madhya Pradesh. PM doesnt say acche din aayenge now: Rahul Gandhi In his speeches, Narendra Modi doesnt now say that acche din aenge, and he doesnt talk about employment anymore, said Rahul Gandhi while addressing a poll rally in Madhya Pradeshs Shajapur. Sunny Deol holds roadshow in Gurdaspur Actor-turned-politician and BJP candidate from Gurdaspur Sunny Deol on Saturday held a road show in the parliamentary constituency. The 13 Lok Sabha seats of the state will undergo polling in the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2019 on May 19. Poll preparations underway in Jharkhand for Phase 6 Preparations are underway in Jharkhands Dhanbad for sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections on Sunday. Four parliamentary constituencies in the state will go to polls tomorrow. Rahul Gandhi set to address poll rally in Madhya Pradesh Congress national president Rahul Gandhi will shortly address a poll rally in Madhya Pradeshs Shajapur. EC not taking action against leaders making derogatory remarks against women: Mayawati The Election Commission is not taking appropriate action against political leaders who are making derogatory remarks against women, during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, reported news agency ANI. She might not contest any more Lok Sabha elections, but Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, 76, remains the biggest draw at the BJP city office in Indores Jaora Compound. Hundreds of people, mostly men, jostle to meet her and click selfies even as other senior BJP leaders hardly have any visitors in their rooms. Mahajan greets all her fans warmly but also reminds most of them about their duty in the ongoing elections. Dont think I am sitting idle just because I decided not to contest the poll. I meet many people, hold daily meetings with smaller units of the party and spend hours in this office. If I spot anyone without any work, I promptly assign him or her some task, said Mahajan, laughing. Last month, the eight-term parliamentarian wrote an open letter questioning the BJPs hesitation in announcing its Indore candidate and declared that she would not contest the Lok Sabha polls. On Friday, there was no ring of frustration in her tone as she credited the BJP for her success -- they recognized my work and gave me a chance and said that after she became Speaker, she had almost made up her mind not to fight any more elections. I told the party brass that I dont want to contest. But they always used to say accha dekhenge or baad mein dekhenge, she said. With Mahajan stepping out of the poll fray, the BJP has given the Indore ticket to her trusted aide, Shankar Lalwani. Lalwani is the BJPs only Sindhi candidate in the 2019 general election. Mahajan is the second woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha after Meira Kumar and her tenure saw significant disruptions in parliament as well as the passage of landmark legislations. She says she looks back at her term as an example of what a common Indian woman can achieve. I, too, was a housewife like many common Indian women. I had no special talent in politics. I was working in some mahila mandal (BJPs women cell). My husband was an advocate and in-laws were in hosiery business. Without any political background, someone like me has reached such a height in public life. This shows if a common woman stands firm, she can do miracles, Mahajan said. And how did she maintain her cool in parliament amid acrimony between the ruling party and the Opposition? Oh, she said, with a smile. See, I am also a mother. A woman has to manage her in-laws in her sasural and also raise her children. If she has two children, it doesnt mean both will have the same taste or temperament. But a mother can handle them without beating them. By nature, I am cool. I also used to think that their (oppositions) protests are not against me but against the ruling side. But Mahajan, who was unanimously elected to the top post in the House, admitted, If an opposition party sits quietly, it cant be an opposition party. They also have to raise their issues. Her problem in running the House, however, lay elsewhere. In her own words, Mahajan found it difficult to negotiate with opposition parties as the non-National NDA space was full of diverse parties with no natural leader. Someone had 44 MPs (Congress), someone else had 37 (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) while another had 34 MPs. So, each party felt as if it is the main party in the Opposition space. My biggest dilemma was: who should I talk to? Thankfully, I had known most of these leaders. When we were in the Opposition, we maintained a good rapport with leaders of the ruling side, she said. Her aides narrate a story of her grand-daughter, an ardent fan of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, asking Mahajan to introduce her to Priyanka Gandhi. As Priyanka Gandhi was not in active politics at that time, Mahajan tried to find a way to fulfil her grand-daughters wish. So, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, along with her family members, were invited for tea to the Speakers House and the little one got her chance to interact with Priyanka Gandhi. The decision of Mahajan Tai to her admirers to withdraw from electoral politics has drawn mixed responses. Kishore Singh, an Indore-based entrepreneur, said, Tai is an integral part of Indore. Its sad that she is not contesting the poll but it in no way diminishes her image. But Akshay, a cab driver, had a different take. Everyone must gracefully retire after a certain age and allow newcomers to take over. I think it is a good decision for both Tai and the party, he said. Despite her decision, the election heat has not escaped Indores favourite woman. Yet, she is hesitant to evaluate Congress president Rahul Gandhi. I dont know if I should be saying this, but I think Rahul needs more gravitas as the leader of the oldest Indian party. He is learning, I think. As she swings between Hindi and chaste Marathi to greet visitors, Sumitra Mahajan shows that while she may have withdrawn from electoral politics, she isnt done with public life yet. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON This week, Delhi pulsated with the final and the most intense stage of campaigning for Phase 6 of Lok Sabha elections . On Wednesday, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi held a roadshow in the sweltering afternoon heat near the bleak shanties of Zero Pushta, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the BJP addressed a rally that same evening in the historic Ramlila Maidan. Here are brief sketches of some citizens whose lives were momentarily touched by these two events. Deepak Baghel, the happy man with one last dream The 30-year-old tempo driver is not a Delhiwalla. Therefore, he will not be casting his vote in the city tomorrow. Even so, he came all the way from Ballabgarh in Haryana to attend the Prime Ministers rally in Ramlila Maidan. A Narendra Modi devotee, he is sitting in an open rickshaw decked with BJP symbols. One of his cheeks is painted with the national flag; the other has the word Modi artistically painted in blue. The gentle-mannered man patiently explains that Im very happy in my life and my happiness will be complete if my last dream becomes true. Mr Baghel wants a daughter. I have two sons but need a girl, too. The driver says this yearning was borne out of Modijis insistence on the importance of the girl child. Picking up a poster of the Prime Minister from his rickshaw, the gentleman addresses himself to the image as if he is personally talking to the Prime Minister. Modiji, remember you once told us that a family is incomplete without a daughter! Turning to his interlocutor, he talks of the duty of every man to have a girl child because the world cannot continue without women... and because I took somebodys daughter for my wife, it is my duty to give back the world a daughter. Waiting to enter the rally ground, Mr Baghel has come all the way to the capital to thank Narendra Modiji for his tapasya to the nation. Kamal, the beautifier sans hope Priyanka Gandhis road show is scheduled to begin in an hour from Jagpravesh Chandra Hospital. Kamal, a 35-year-old sweeper with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), is beautifying the area by lining the road with white choona. The suns direct glare is unforgiving. The very air seems to be on the boil and the mans shovel is feeling as hot on touch as a frying pan on fire. But he isnt bothered. Neither about the heat, nor about the politics, he reveals. His mind is instead drifting towards Muskan, his daughter. She is in Class 12 and nothing has changed in my circumstances since the time she was born. Kamal describes himself as kachha, implying that he has been working with the municipality for 18 years as just a temporary employee with no employment benefits. Kamal feels his life has been wasted so badly that it is like not having lived at all. Can Muskan do better than him? He isnt sure. Mewa Lal, the mast ice cream walla The ice-cream seller is walking around the perimeter of the Ramlila Maidan hoping to get business from the crowd that is becoming bigger by the minute to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His ice-creams, made in a small factory in east Delhis Shahdara, are packed in his makeshift thermacol ice pack. I havent sold a single ice-cream since the morning, he says matter-of-factly, though he has been walking about the rally ground for an hour. A migrant from Uttar Pradesh, Mr Lal isnt very worried though. Im mast my parents are dead, I dont have a wife or children, and so I dont have to feed anybody but myself. He already has about three hundred rupees he managed to save from the previous weeks earnings and even if I dont get to earn a single rupee today, I can still afford my dinner in the dhaba. Mr Lal isnt hopeful about the evening and is planning to soon begin the long walk back to his home in Shahdara. Muhammed Fayaz, the nervous onlooker The 46-year-old silai master hurt his finger while fixing the Congress partys flag on an electric pole at Brahmapuri Pulia. Mr Fayaz however isnt a party worker, but just a supporter. Waiting for Priyanka Gandhis road show to begin, he says he has never before seen the Congress scion in person. There has been a buzz since yesterday when the police, he says, knocked on each home lining the road shows scheduled route to note down our identities and mobile numbers. At the moment it is however so hot that he has decided to cool heels in his office, a small room stacked with cooking gas burners. Shaking his head, he confesses to having given up the tailory in order to check out if chulha repairing can be more lucrative. The gentleman is however more concerned with the elections. Im so nervous. Can you tell which way the [political] wind is blowing? He says he is unable to eat properly as if whatever will happen on May 23 might directly affect my jigar and fefre (liver and lungs). Im getting headaches. I dont feel hungry. Im not sure if the result will match my ummeedein (hope). Vimlesh, the believer An endless number of packed buses are stopping one after another by the Ramlila Maidan. A large number of people are flocking towards the rally ground to watch Prime Minister Modi. There is money to be made amid all this hullabaloo, believes papad seller Vimlesh. Carrying a huge basket filled with the snacks, he has concluded that chances of a better earning are higher inside the ground. Since the cops, wont let him in with the straw basket, he is trying for an opportunity to climb the fence while nobodys looking. No success so far, he says with a nervous laughter. But Vimlesh also wants to see the Prime Minister. You know my condition is very bad. My family lives in a jhuggi in our village in Bihar. But I believe Modiji can change our lives. I think if he tries hard he cannot only provide better housing in the village but can also help me get a pucca house in Delhi. To live well in Delhi is my dream. Vicky, the man with no time for politics This 35-year-old mans job is to keep the Brahmapuri drains free of clogged garbage. A staffer with the municipality, he is assigned to clean up a part of the route through which Priyanka Gandhis roadshow is to pass. Vickys mind, however, is preoccupied with problems that perhaps even the Prime Minister might not be able to solve. I had a squabble with (wife) Neetu some days ago and she went away to her brothers place with (daughter) Rishika. Despite his entreaties, the morose-looking man despairs, his wife is not prepared to return. Im left completely alone... my parents have passed away and now I have nobody at home. Then there are practical concerns to the domestic drama. Neetu would ensure my breakfast was on time. Now I have to prepare it myself because of which Im often reporting late to work. Vicky realises that people are very worked up about the elections but for him there is a greater crisis at home. Two-time Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh is locked in an electoral battle with Pragya Thakur of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Since 1984, Congress hasnt won from Bhopal. Vinod Sharma spoke to Digvijaya Singh in the middle of his campaign. Excerpts: What political point are you trying to make by contesting from Bhopal? Theres no question of scoring a political point. As a dedicated soldier of the Congress party, I was asked by my leader to contest. So Im contesting. Its as simple as that. How confident are you of wining the seat the BJP has held for three decades? I like challenges. In 1984-85, I contested from Rajgarh, which also was never won by Congress since 1952. Ive taken a round of the constituency where BJP won five assembly segments and the Congress three in the state polls in 2018. How would you rate your chances on a scale of ten? Nine point five.... From the BJP-RSS side, your rival, Pragya Thakur, is someone who embodies the ideology of Hindutva. Theyre trying to juxtapose her persona to what youve come to represent; especially your stance against so-called Hindu terror. I didnt choose my opponent. Its the BJP that chose their best candidate although she was never in the BJP. Obviously, there was no other competent BJP leader in here to contest against me. They had to import a leader with baggage... Insofar as the choice (of Pragya) is concerned, the perception is that she may like to incite hardcore religious fundamentalism to polarise Hindus and Muslims. Thats their primary strategy; in fact, the only strategy they have. Whats your counter to their strategy in these elections? I dont talk about their agenda. I talk about what ails Bhopal, what I can do for Bhopal, whats my vision for Bhopal. Ive incorporated all that in my vision document. Will it be right to say that the way your campaign progresses in Bhopal could be a microcosm of the way Congresss campaign progresses in Madhya Pradesh? Each seat has its characteristics. For instance, you cannot compare Sidhi with Bhopal or Morena with Sidhi... Are you saying theres no common narrative? Not even the Narendra Modi factor? To some extent, yes. But the Modi factor isnt what it used to be in 2014. Its a liability now in some constituencies. How many of the 29 seats in the state can your party win and will Bhopal be one among them? Bhopal certainly will be one among them. Id place Congresss tally between 12 and 16 seats. What makes you that optimistic when Congress regime in MP appears afflicted by early anti-incumbency? The loan waver promise to the farmers hasnt been fully met. Theres palpable resentment against it on ground. There is no anti-incumbency at all. As for the farmers loan write-off, the process has started. Of the 5.5 million farmers, loans of 2.2 million have been waived. A Congress delegation took to former CM, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the whole list of beneficiaries of the loan waiver scheme. The benefit has reached 40% farmers who have a bank account. I dont see very many top leaders of your party coming here to campaign for you. Why is it so? Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Rahul ji and Priyanka ji are not coming but others are coming. From what Ive gathered, your fight isnt as much against Pragya Thakur as its against Narendra Modi and Shivraj SIngh Chouhan. Do you agree? Thats what they want to project. But in a parliamentary democracy, both matter: the candidate and the party. Were not in a presidential system of governance that Modi is pitted against Digvijaya Singh. Its Pragya Thakur against me in Bhopal. Pragya Thakurs is an emotive appeal. Youre there as one who had ruled the state as CM from 1993 to 2003. You claim to know Bhopal better than your opponent. What are the salient points on which people must vote for you and not Pragya? Because of my experience, my performance, my accessibility and knowledge of the area. Two former BJP CMs, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Uma Bharti, have campaigned against you... Yes. I wish they had contested against me. You think youd have defeated them? Yes, hopefully yes... Does that make Pragyas candidature a cakewalk for you... I dont say its a cakewalk. Shivraj wouldve been a much stronger candidate. Uma Bharti Id say wouldve been an even more difficult opponent. Be that as it may, the core support base of BJP and RSS will support Pragya. Are you serious? The talk in the city is that a section of the local BJP is secretly helping you. I dont think you have the right information. BJP leaders are working for Pragya. Theyre doing their best. If Modi comes here to campaign, would it make a qualitative difference against you? I dont think itll make any difference. People know me too well. Now the people of India also know him fairly well. But the BJPs slogan here is Pragya ko jitwao, Modi ki sarkar banwao (make Pragya win to have Modi government again). The whole campaign of BJP is Modi versus the rest. It doesnt bother us because it happened earlier also (in state polls). What are the issues on which you expect Bhopal to finally vote? People, by and large, want to see the city grow and be recognised internationally for its natural habitat, history and heritage. Its centrally located and should connect other major cities of India. Wed try to create a huge logistics hub here for e-commerce for transportation across the country of goods that are ordered. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday sent out a legal notice to the Bharatiya Janata Party and its candidate from East Delhi Gautam Gambhir over two defamatory tweets. In the defamation notice, Arvind Kejriwal listed two tweets that Gautam Gambhir had posted on Twitter on May 9. In his tweets, Gautam Gambhir was reacting to the circulation of a derogatory pamphlet allegedly circulated against his rival and AAP candidate from East Delhi Atishi. The AAP had accused the BJP and Gambhir of having circulated the derogatory pamphlet. Kejriwals defamation notice comes after Gautam Gambhir sent out defamation notices to the Delhi chief minister and his deputy Manish sisodia and Atishi asking them to withdraw their charges against him and tender an unconditional apology or face legal action. In his tweet, Gambhir wrote that he abhors your act of outraging a womans modesty. In a subsequent tweet, he had written, I feel ashamed to have a CM like @ArvindKejriwal. The defamation notice lists Gambhirs tweets as being in violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The notice also asks Gambhir to tender an apology or face legal action. Earlier, Gambhir had stepped up the offensive against the Aam Aadmi Party and had claimed that if the party can prove that he had any links to the derogatory pamphlet, he would hang himself in public. Gambhir said that if AAP fails to prove the allegations, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal should quit politics. Meanwhile, the BJP backed Gambhir and hit out at both the AAP and Atishi. Earlier, she played caste card and now she is playing woman card, Delhi BJP vice president Shazia Ilmi said in a press conference. Union minister Vijay Goel said that the BJP does not support the language of the pamphlet and questioned why the AAP did not file any police complaint in this regard. Levelling allegations without proof is petty politics. The AAP has targeted Gambhir because he is winning the polls from East Delhi, Goel said. More than 1.43 crore electors will exercise their franchise on May 12, Sunday, as the national capital goes to polls to elect representatives to its seven Lok Sabha seats, Delhis chief electoral officer (CEO) Ranbir Singh said. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the conduct of elections across 2,700 polling locations housing 13,819 polling booths. Of these, 17 are pink poll booths to be manned only by women while one in South Delhis Madangir will be manned by persons with disabilities (PwD) , Singh said. We have made arrangements for free and fair elections. Around 1, 44,270 staff will be on duty across all polling locations. For security, 47 companies of paramilitary forces comprising around 77,000 personnel will be deployed across the city. This is in addition to the around 60,000 police personnel, who will be on duty, the Delhi CEO said. The state election office has identified 523 critical polling locations where vigil will be stepped up and security will be heightened. WATCH: LS polls | BJP vs Congress vs AAP: Whos ahead in race for 7 Delhi seats? New Delhi constituency, which has most VIPs coming to cast their votes, has the highest number of critical polling locations identified at 120, followed by 100 in South Delhi, 80 in North East, 67 in Chandni Chowk, 62 in East, 50 in West and 44 in North West, officials said. We are exercising all precautions to ensure even the smallest aggravating factors. Security will be stepped up in these places. The locations have been identified by the micro observers along with Delhi Police based on the intensity of the political contest, said Singh. A total of 25,146 electronic voting machines (EVMs) will be used along with 13819 voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPATs), which allows electors to double-check their vote. Two ballot units will be used in each constituency except for East Delhi, where only one unit will be used, as it has only 11 candidates, the CEO said. Of the total 1.43 crore voters, 78,73,022 are male and 64,42,762 are female while 699 are third gender voters.The number of overseas electors stands at 40 while count of service voters is 11,005. On Sunday, voting will begin from 7 am and will continue till 6pm. Delhi Metro will start its services at 4am on Sunday, with trains running at an interval of 30 minutes. Normal services will resume from 6am. Two days before the national capital votes in the Lok Sabha elections, Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday that after an initial twinge of regret about an alliance between AAP and the Congress not working out, he now feels it is better off without a seat-sharing deal in the city. The Congress had offered to contest three of Delhis seven Lok Sabha seats, leaving four to the AAP, which wanted the alliance extended to Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh as well . More than two months of on-again, off-again negotiations between the two parties ended in failure, turning the electoral battle in Delhi into a triangular contest between the AAP, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won all seven seats in 2014. Also Watch: LS polls | BJP vs Congress vs AAP: Whos ahead in race for 7 Delhi seats? Also Read: Better off fighting Delhi polls alone, says Arvind Kejriwal on Congress tie-up In an interview with Hindustan Times, Kejriwal said that with the Congress not standing a chance of winning a single seat in the Capital, an alliance would have been like giving three seats to the BJP. It would have amounted to having an alliance between the AAP and the BJP rather than the AAP and the Congress. The second option was to contest all seven seats and try to win them all. Now, it looks like the second option is better, he said. The alliance was meant to be a one-off tie-up aimed at defeating the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections, said Kejriwal. He adding that it would have had no bearing on the Delhi assembly polls, which are just nine months away. The AAP came into existence raising the issue of the Congress indulging in corruption. It was this one time we needed to come together... to defeat the ModiShah partnership, he said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah. TargetingPrimeMinister Modi, Kejriwal said the PM had no achievements to show and was seeking votes on fake nationalism, which is dangerous for the country. I hope people see (through) this. They should go beyond the illusion, he said. Kejriwal added that his support to the party forming the government at the Centre will be on the condition that it agrees to full statehood for Delhi, which is the AAPs central poll plank. Other than Modi-Shah, whoever forms the government at the Centre, if they need the AAPs support, then our condition will be that of full statehood to Delhi, he said. On the issue of sealing commercial units for non-compliance with building norms in a Supreme Court- ordered drive, Kejriwal blamed the Delhi Development Authority, which reports to the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs. Traders were not indulging in smuggling or theft. These are all technical defaults. Why should Delhis traders face the brunt of DDAs mistakes, he asked. He agreed that fighting air pollution, which is now a health emergency, cannot be conditional to Delhi getting full statehood. He also admitted that sprucing up public transport, an important measure to improve the air quality of the city, was taking more time than what had been anticipated. It cannot happen in two days. There were so many obstacles that were raised in our projects. But this year a lot of new buses will start rolling out on Delhis roads, he said. The CM said he was hopeful that in the next three years, the Delhi government will be able to show some real tangible control over pollution. The constant inflow of people into the national capital, Kejriwal said, was a big challenge for the Delhi government. In such a situation, how do I plan for the people who are living in Delhi? For how many people do I plan? Asked about his governments tumultuous relations with the citys bureaucrats, Kejriwal said he was not here to make any relationship with an MLA or bureaucrat. Everyone has a job and they should do it, he said. Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitrodas hua toh hua (so what if it happened) remark on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots kicked up a storm on Friday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the party, saying it showed the character, mentality and intentions of the Congress. Modi, who addressed poll rallies in Punjab and Haryana on the last day of campaigning for the sixth phase, said the three-word response of the Congress leader summed up the partys stance on the brutal killings of the Sikhs in 1984, reflecting its arrogance. Modi said thousands of Sikhs were killed, their shops were set ablaze and livelihoods were destroyed, but the Congress had now closed the chapter with just three words. Do you know who this leader (Pitroda) is? He is very close to the Gandhi family. This leader was very good friend of Rajiv Gandhi and guru of Congress naamdar (dynast) president, he said, tearing into the party. Modi also appealed to Punjabis to give him the mandate to punish the guilty of 1984 riots. His attack on the Congress leadership came a day after Pitroda said: 84 mein hua toh hua. The controversial remark not only left the Congress leaders red-faced, but also provided political ammunition to its rivals, particularly the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) that is battling disaffection among the Sikhs on the sacrilege issue, to corner the party. SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal and his wife, Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, while terming the comment as disgraceful, asked chief minister Amarinder Singh to show his guts and take a stand against the Gandhi family. BJP and Akali workers also staged a protest near Congress chief Rahul Gandhis residence in Delhi. Pitroda apologised for his statement, but accused the BJP of twisting his words. I acknowledge the pain of my Sikh brothers and sisters during difficult times in 1984 and deeply feel for the atrocities that happened. What I meant was move on, he told a news agency. His apology came after the Congress scurried to distance itself from the comment. Taking strong exception, Amarinder, while expressing total disagreement, termed the statement as shocking. The 1984 riots were a big tragedy. If some individual leaders were allegedly involved in the riots, they should be punished as per law, he said. Mothers day is the celebration surrounding the role of the mother in the family. It is to honour maternal bonds, motherhood and role of mothers in the society. It is usually celebrated on different dates around the world in the months of March and May. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in India which falls on May 12 this year. The modern celebration began in the United States, however, it does not coincide with every culture in the world which have their own traditions to celebrate this day. Mothers Day celebrations began in 1908 when Anna Jarvis had a memorial for her mother in St. Andrews Methodist Church in West Virginia which now has the International Mothers Day Shrine. Anna Jarvis wanted to commemorate Mothers Day as a recognized holiday, to her mother Ann Reese Jarvis who was a peace activist. Ann Jarvis took care of soldiers on both sides of the American Civil war and created Mothers Day work clubs to address public health issues. Anna Jarvis wanted to honour her mother as she believed that a mother is the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world. Mothers Day is celebrated differently throughout the world. A general celebration includes honouring your mother by making her feel special through gifts, cake cutting, handmade cards or other surprises. Here are some ideas to surprise your mom. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter A newly-wed British Indian man is stuck in Sri Lanka after his wife died from a mysterious illness at a hotel in the country on their honeymoon. Khilan Chandaria is being barred by the Sri Lankan authorities from leaving the country until an investigation into the death of his 31-year-old wife, Usheila Patel, is concluded. Chandaria, a 33-year-old phone shop owner from north-west London, has not been arrested or charged in connection with his wifes death but is not being permitted to return to his home in the UK. I dont want to leave without her. I feel like the whole world is against me. Its been hard to do anything, Chandaria told the UK media from Sri Lanka. I dont think the grieving process has really started yet, he said. The couple was married in London on April 19 before flying off on honeymoon four days later. They had been staying at the five-star beach resort called Amari in the southwestern coastal city of Galle in Sri Lanka. They were scheduled to fly to Maldives on the second leg of the honeymoon. But they both fell ill and were feverish and vomiting blood after consuming some food and drinks at the hotel. They were rushed to a hospital after they called for help to their hotel room. Patel was pronounced dead at the Karapitiya Hospital in Galle on April 25. A post-mortem said she died from dehydration, obviously from vomiting, said Chandaria, who had also noticed a weird smell in their hotel room before the suspected food poisoning. We are highly confident of our food safety standards, Amari Galle Sri Lanka said in a statement. While Chandaria had initially been free to leave Sri Lanka, he refused to leave until his wifes body has been released. He has now been banned from leaving until a government report into the death can be prepared. I want to go home knowing my wife will be coming home too and say my last goodbyes, he said. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: We are supporting a British man in Sri Lanka. Our consular staff have shared advice on bereavement abroad and are in contact with the Sri Lankan authorities. Five people including a soldier were killed after gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in the southwestern Pakistani city of Gwadar, the centrepiece of a multi-billion dollar Chinese infrastructure project, the military said Sunday. The soldier was among security forces who rushed to the five-star Pearl Continental Hotel after the attack on Saturday. During the attack 5 individuals got Shaheed (martyred) including 4 hotel employees and a Pakistan Navy soldier, the military said in a statement. One of the hotel staff killed was a security guard shot at the entrance. Six others were injured including four security service officers and two hotel staff members. The military said all three terrorists had been killed. Local police had earlier claimed there had been four attackers. A Baloch separatist group, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), claimed responsibility for the attack via Twitter. Prime minister Imran Khan said the attack was a bid to sabotage prosperity. Such attempts especially in Balochistan are an effort to sabotage our economic projects and prosperity. We shall not allow these agendas to succeed, Khan said in a statement issued by his office. The Chinese embassy in Islamabad also strongly condemned the incident. - The next Dubai- The Pearl Continental, part of Pakistans largest five-star hotel chain, is the only luxury hotel in Gwadar, frequented by foreign and Pakistani business delegations as well as diplomats. It sits isolated on a ridge overlooking the Arabian Sea port city that was formerly a small fishing village, but now touted by officials as the next Dubai thanks to the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Part of Chinas Belt and Road initiative, CPEC seeks to connect the western Chinese province of Xinjiang with Gwadar, with the development of the port as the plans flagship project. Gwadar will provide China with safer and more direct access to the oil-rich Middle East than the waterway trade route it currently uses through the narrow Malacca Straits. But it has also drawn its share of attacks -- particularly from separatists who have long complained that residents of Pakistans poorest and largest province do not receive a fair share of profits from its resources. The BLA has targeted Chinese workers in Pakistan multiple times, including during a brazen daylight attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi which killed four people in November last year. At the time, the BLA branded Beijing an oppressor. Balochistan is tightly guarded by the Pakistani military, who have been targeting insurgents there since 2004. The army has been repeatedly accused by international rights groups of abuses there, but denies all allegations. The attack was the second deadly attack in a prominent Pakistan city this week, after a suicide blast claimed by the Pakistani Taliban at one of the countrys oldest and most popular Sufi shrines killed at least 12 people in the eastern city of Lahore. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. 50 Cent revolutionized the rap game and although he'll always be known as a rapper, Fif's made some big moves in television and film in recent times. These days, Fif's been focused a lot more on television. It was announced a few days ago that Power would be coming to an end after season six but Fofty's already readying his next project. After teasing several shows on his Instagram page, the title of his new show has been revealed. 50 Cent previously revealed that he's producing a show about the story of Isaac Wright Jr., a former prisoner who was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison. The show is set to be titled, For Life which Variety confirmed earlier today. ABC has picked up the series for their 2019-2020 season. The show is described as "a serialized legal and family drama inspired by the life of Isaac Wright, Jr. about a prisoner who becomes a lawyer, litigating cases for other inmates while fighting to overturn his own life sentence for a crime he didnt commit." Fif is set to serve as an executive producer on the show which he created alongside Hank Steinberg. Isaac Wright Jr. will also serve as an executive producer. The show stars Nicholas Pinnock, Indira Varma, Joy Bryant, Glenn Fleshler, Dorian Missick, Tyla Harris, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Boris McGiver. The "Fashion Nova X Cardi B Collection" launch was the place to be in Hollywood earlier this week as celebrities gathered to celebrate the rapper's line with the online retailer. One of the many familiar faces at the event was Dennis Graham, rapper Drake's father, who took a few minutes to speak with PEOPLE about his son's introduction into fatherhood. Drake and French adult film star-turned-professional visual artist Sophie Brussaux welcomed their son Adonis into the world a year and a half ago, and since that time the Scorpion rapper has done his best to keep his firstborn out of the limelight. There have been memes, jokes, and jabs about Drake's parenting abilities since it was made public that he's a parent, but Graham assures PEOPLE that his son is doing a wonderful job. Cassidy Sparrow/Getty Images "This is brand new," Graham said. "The baby is only 17 months. He hasnt had a lot of time [with him], but the baby loves him...Ive seen them interact together, and its beautiful." Graham was asked if he offered Drake any parenting advice, but the proud father said Drake was doing just fine on his own. He didnt need it. Hes got love in his heart. Back in October 2018, the rapper shared a few details about his little boy on LeBron James' HBO series The Shop saying, [He has] crazy blue eyes baby blue eyes. Hes already in the pool shooting the basketball...Im just excited, Drake also shared that he's drawing from all of the things Ive learned from and through my father and the incredible things Ive learned through my mother about patience, about unconditional love. On Friday, Christopher Darden, the attorney representing Nipsey Hussle's alleged killer Eric Holder, announced that he filed a motion to withdraw from the case. In a statement, Darden said that the threats against himself and his family weren't worth the risk, so he made the decision to not continue as Holder's counsel. Following the announcement, Darden later spoke with TMZ on FaceTime about the news, saying the intimidating tactics reminded him of the time he worked as a prosecutor in the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial. "Well you know it's the same old things," the attorney told TMZ. "It's 1995 all over again, except this time, some folks are upset that I should represent a probable mentally ill African American man charged with murder. I received threats. My family...my children have been harassed and threatened. It's really outrageous. I'm really kind of sick of it. I don't know when people are gonna realize I'm already battle tested." "I don't play that," he continued. "It doesn't interfere with what I do. I continue to practice law and represent my clients to the best of my ability. But you have these people that are saying these things and really creating security issues for me and my family." He added, "Nobody can bully me. No one can bully me when it comes to representing my clients and doing what I think is right. I'm a lawyer sworn to uphold the Constitution. It's what I do every day, and included in the Constitution it's the Sixth Amendment: the right of every man charged with a crime the counsel of his choice." "A lot of us are missing the point," Darden said. "When we look at [Nipsey's] death, it is agonizing and painful for all of us. And it was for me. I was posting things about it before I even represented Mr. Holder. If everyone thought that this is not a death that should be in vain, that there is a lesson that should come from it, a movement that should start as a result from it, then that movement ought to include getting rid of the guns. Getting rid of the killers. Getting the guns and the killers off the street of South Los Angeles. And I don't hear that. I hear a lot of wasted rhetoric about Holder's lawyer." Meanwhile, ABC World News Tonight shared a new video clip of Holder in court as the judge approved Darden's motion. They wrote, "NEW LAWYER: Eric Holder, the man accused of murdering rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle, appeared in court in Los Angeles, where a judge granted Holders lawyer Christopher Dardens request to withdraw from the case and appoint a public defender; Holder remains behind bars on $5 million dollar bail and is expected back in court next month." Recent reports by Philly.com reveal an inspiring story of perseverance. Philadephia man, Hassan Bennett, was previously incarcerated for 13 years, after being accused of shooting a friend over a dice game back in 2006. Witnesses who had given their statements to the police later recanted, alleging that the detectives' underling the case convinced them to make up lies. Through the entirety of his time away, Bennett fought for his freedom via four trials over a dozen years. SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP/Getty Images As he remained focused on the task, the 36-year-old spent all his allocated time reading up on the law. Bennett shared with Philly: "I stayed in the [prison] law library. I read every book I got my hands on, whether it was law work or history, he said. And I would practice and review other lawyers writings, then I would write. My biggest hurdle was overcoming the naysayers and the myths." Finally, the jailed man chose to represent himself and did so in his prison uniform. With a mandatory life sentence hanging in the balance, the jury tied to the case found Bennett's points strong enough to grant his acquittal after an 81-minute deliberation. The now freedman hopes to continue within the field of law and dedicate his life to helping "other people that are innocent and help other people understand their rights, especially people from my neighborhood. So, I have a lot of work to do." [Via] Last week, two suspected shooters killed eight people in an attack on Denver, Colorado's STEM School Highlands Ranch. One of the students who lost his life was 18-year-old Kendrick Castillo, a young man who had hopes of one day becoming an engineer. Unfortunately, his life was cut short after Castillo reportedly lunged at one of the shooters in an effort to save his classmatesmany that he considered to be like family. As Castillo's story has made headlines, the teenage robotics enthusiast has been hailed a hero. Kodak Black has also heard of Castillo's valiant effort and according to The Blast, he wants to pay for the family's funeral expenses to alleviate any financial burdens. Kodak's attorney sent a message to the family that reads: "First let me tell you words cannot describe my sorrow for your situation. You raised an amazing young man that did an amazing thing. I know that those words cannot provide as much comfort as you and your wife deserve. I have a client that wished me to reach out and extend an offer for him to pay for any and all funeral expenses, as well as establish a scholarship in his name. Your son truly represents the inherent good in people. Again, I am sorry for your loss. Kodak reportedly also wants to set aside $10,000 for an annual scholarship in Castillo's name. The money will be given to "a student going to college wanting to study in the science and engineering areas." The rapper recently dished out $12,500 to help 14-year-old Paige Cook purchase notebooks for her campaign as she wanted to make sure everyone in her school's low-income district had supplies for their classes. The rapper has often helped those in need. Last year, he donated $10K toward early childhood education. Months later, he visited Paradise Childcare in Broward County, Florida and delivered presents while dressed up as Santa Claus. He even donated $5K for the business' Christmas party. Castillo's family has yet to respond to Kodak's offer, but The Blast says he understands that they're taking time to grieve the loss of their loved one. It wasn't supposed to go down this way for Naira Marley and Zlatan on the week "Am I Yahoo Boy" hit the intercontinental scene with a running start. The two Afrobeats up-and-comers are facing criminal charges that are so far removed from the realities depicted in their music. According to the Nigerian press, Feez Fashola (Naira Marley) and Temidayo Omoniyi (Zlatan), were arrested on Friday due to their alleged connection to a money laundering scheme. They also stand accused of committing internet fraud, although it's uncertain in what capacity they offered their services to the other schemers. Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission claims they are in possession of "unspecified" items that linking both Marley and Zlatan to the web of cybercrime. "At the point of arrest, the Commission found and recovered a number of items, including laptops from the suspects. They have so far volunteered useful information about their involvement in the alleged criminal activities, even as investigations continue, reads the statement issued by the EFCC. Whatever the case may be, "Am I a Yahoo Boy" is here to stay, having already proven itself to be a lethal number on the London club scene after just under a week in circulation. Peep the video and hit us with your thoughts. [Via] Quotable Lyrics: See me see trouble Am I a yahoo boy? E ra mi egba mi o Shey mo jo omo yahoo Emi o mo Sars Sars temi mo is Sarz on the beat Olopa kole mu wa, Tani sars fe mulo ni bi. - Naira Marley Pua Magasiva, a 38-year-old actor best known for his portrayal of "The Red Wind Ranger" in Power Rangers Ninja Storm, was found unresponsive in his home early Saturday morning. New Zealand authorities responded to a distress call issued by an unknown informant, who upon discovering his lifeless pronounced him dead on the spot. According to the mandated police report, no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death," are readily apparent at this point in time. Phil Walter/Getty Images After serving as "Shane Clarke" on the Power Rangers' spinoff Ninja Storm in 2003, Magasiva would go onto to enjoy a celebrated career on Shortland Street, one of New Zealand's most popular television programs in the past decade or so. "We are all absolutely devastated at the tragic news regarding Pua Magasiva," Shortland Street's production company (South Pacific) posted on social media after learning of his passing. "Pua was a much-loved member of the South Pacific Pictures' family for many years and our hearts and thoughts go out to Pua's family at this time." Magasiva's Power Rangers' co-star Jason Chan, paid respect to his fallen comrade in an adjoining Facebook post. "Incredibly sad to hear that one of our ranger family is gone. It will never be the same again. PUA you will be so dearly missed. You were the center of energy on set and off. Always laughing, giggling and involved in practical jokes." At the present moment, authorities remain tight-lipped with regards to the cause of death. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11) President Rodrigo Duterte admitted that there have been extrajudicial killings in Davao City for a long time. Duterte said this as he explained how his hometown transformed into the city that it is today. Davao is in the forefront and only because we decided nga gisabot ko ninyo. Kay niadto pa man nang extrajudicial killing [that you have to understand me because extrajudicial killing has been going on for a long time,] he said during the miting de avance of his local political party, Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod last Friday. Duterte said only Davaoenos understand why the killings had to happen. Ang wa makaantos nganha, dili ang mga taga-Davao, mga pari, kay nakasabot sila. Kung dili, katong mga obispo nga naa sa mga elitista sa Manila, he said. [Translation: The people who cant stomach it are not from Davao because those who are from Davao would understand. But the ones who cant understand are the bishops and the elitists in Manila.] Duterte said in September that his only sin are extrajudicial killings. The government has repeatedly denied that it has sanctioned or supports extrajudicial killings in relation to its campaign against illegal drugs. Human rights groups differ, saying the war on drugs has resulted in tens of thousands of extrajudicial killings. In November, three policemen were convicted for murdering 17-year-old student Kian delos Santos during a drug sting. As Davao City mayor, Duterte faced a probe by the Commission on Human Rights, then led by now-detained Senator Leila de Lima, for his alleged use of hitmen in his campaign against criminality. Duterte is facing a preliminary examination for alleged crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court in connection with his deadly drug war, which has claimed the lives of more than 5,000 suspected drug personalities, according to government figures. While there is no clear-cut definition of extrajudicial killings, Malacanang in October 2017 said it still follows the operational guidelines of Administrative Order No. 35, which created an inter-agency committee on extralegal killings in 2012. Under this order, a killing is considered extrajudicial when "the victim was targeted and killed because of the actual or perceived membership, advocacy, or profession." CNN Philippines Senior Correspondent Ina Andolong contributed to this report. Itll become good news for writers, people who come up with fantasy, Lee said. Weve had the end of The Avengers and now the end of Game of Thrones. Two major worlds of fantasy flickering out. What else will we have to distract ourselves in this very dire time? The oilfield services company Weatherford International has entered into an agreement with its top creditors that will allow the company to file for a "prepackaged" Chapter 11 bankruptcy after more than four years without making a profit. Weatherford said late Friday that the company had reached an agreement with creditors that hold 62 percent of a type of debt known as unsecured senior notes. Although not backed by company assets, unsecured senior notes have greater seniority and pay higher amounts of interest than other forms of debt. The agreement allows the Swiss company, which has principal operations in Houston, to shed $5.8 billion of its $7.6 billion in long-term debt in exchange for 99 percent of the stock in the reorganized company. The agreement also provides the company with $1.75 billion in fresh credit and loans. Weatherford expects to implement the agreement through a "prepackaged" Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in the United States and similar proceedings in Ireland. In a statement, Weatherford CEO Mark McCollum said high levels of debt hinder the company's ability to invest in growth and prevent it from completing a Feb. 2018 transformation plan. The agreement, he said, would improve the company's balance sheet without interrupting operations, vendors, customers and employees. "We expect a restructuring will provide us with improved liquidity and greater financial stability and flexibility to make investments to enhance our platform while we continue to invest in the resources necessary for our business to grow," McCollum said. "We are confident that these steps will allow us to continue our transformation journey and position Weatherford for long-term success." Financial Woes: Weatherford postpones release of first quarter results Weatherford was originally supposed to release its first quarter earnings and host a conference call for investors early Wednesday morning. But the company abruptly canceled the investors calls on Tuesday and postponed the release of its first quarter results until Friday. The company reported a $481 million loss in the first quarter, widening from $242 million loss from the same period in 2018. Revenues slipped to $1.35 billion of revenue during the first quarter from $1.42 billion a year earlier. In a late Friday afternoon filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Weatherford painted a dismal financial during the first quarter and a bleak outlook for the rest of the year. Among other factors, the company attributed the year-over-year declines to weak energy sector conditions in Canada, weather-related disruptions in the United States, Europe and Russia as well as project startup costs and an unfavorable impact from foreign exchange in Argentina. Weatherford has not made a profit since the third quarter of 2014. With a bleak outlook for demand during the rest of 2019, the company reported that it is supplementing its operations with cash from investing and financing activities. These uncertainties have impacted our company in several ways, including the retention of our key personnel, access to debt and equity credit at suitable terms, our level of working capital and our ability to execute within our targeted timing on our transformation, Weatherford officials wrote. Service Sector: Weatherford proposes reverse stock split to prevent delisting The first quarter results and SEC filing come less than two weeks after the company's board of directors released a ballot asking stockholders to approve a reverse stock split plan to prevent the company from being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. Under the proposed 1-for-20 ratio, the roughly 1 billion outstanding shares of Weatherford stock would be reduced to just over 50 million shares increasing the remaining stock's value. Weatherford's stock has been trading below $1 per share since Nov. 13. New York Stock Exchange officials issued a delisting warning in December and gave Weatherford six months to improve its dismal stock performance. Weatherfords stock closed at 37 cents a share Friday. Fuel Fix: Get energy news sent directly to your inbox Founded in Texas, Weatherford is one of the largest oilfield service companies in the world. The global company had 67,000 employees at the beginning of 2014 but today, it employs around 26,500 people in 80 nations. The company has seven locations in Texas, including four in the Houston area. The company posted a $2.8 billion loss on $5.7 billion of revenue in 2018. Under a transformation plan released in Feb. 2018, the company has sold off its non-core assets and now focuses on drilling equipment and digital services. sergio.chapa@chron.com @SergioChapa on Twitter Japan is pushing the limits of rail travel as it begins testing the fastest-ever shinkansen bullet train, capable of speeds of as much as 400 kilometers (249 miles) per hour. Called the Alfa-X, the train is scheduled to go into service in 2030. Rail company JR East plans to operate it at 360 kilometers per hour. That would make it 10 kph faster than China's Fuxing Hao, which links Beijing and Shanghai and has the same top speed. To cope with massive wind resistance when entering tunnels, the Alfa-X's first car will mostly be a sleek nose, measuring 22 meters (72 feet). With just three windows, there looks to be hardly any space, if at all, for passengers in the front. Painted in metallic silver with green stripes, the 10-car bullet train begins test runs Friday between the cities of Aomori and Sendai at night, to be conducted over three years. Japan's bullet trains, which made their debut in the same year as the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, have become a symbol of the country's focus on efficiency and reliability. Shinkansens are rarely late, even though they depart Tokyo Station every few minutes for Osaka, Kyoto and other destinations across the archipelago, making them a viable alternative to air travel. The Alfa-X is a key part of a plan to offer faster services to Sapporo, the biggest city on the northernmost island of Hokkaido. HOUSTON-TO-DALLAS BULLET TRAIN: High-speed rail proposed from Houston to Dallas raises hopes and doubts "The development of the next-generation shinkansen is based on the key concepts of superior performance, a high level of comfort, a superior operating environment and innovative maintenance," East Japan Railway Co., better known as JR East, said in a statement. Although the Alfa-X holds the title of the world's fastest train right now, it may already be dethroned by the time it goes into service. That's because a new maglev line is being built between Tokyo and Nagoya with operations starting in 2027. Traveling mostly through deep tunnels, the magnetically levitated train will travel at a top speed of 505 kilometers per hour, cutting the time between the two cities to 40 minutes, from the current 110 minutes. --- Five Things to Know About the Alfa-X --Stopping is just as important. The new bullet train will have air brakes on the roof and also use magnetic plates near the rails to slow down, in addition to conventional brakes. --The train will have dampers and air suspension to keep it stable when traversing curves, maintaining its balance and comfort for passengers. --Alfa-X stands for "Advanced Labs for Frontline Activity in rail eXperimentation." --The new train is based on JR's E5 platform, which already operates on major routes in Japan. --JR East will link data between the train, control center, maintenance facilities and staff to monitor performance and keep the trains operating at optimal levels. State Rep. Jonathan Stickland, a Republican from Tarrant County, went on a tirade this week against Dr. Peter Hotez, a professor at Baylor College of Medicine who used his Twitter account to share statistics from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services about the growing number of unvaccinated students in Texas. Stickland, first elected in 2012, had a busy week that also included announcing his decision to leave the shrinking House Freedom Caucus and getting his first bill passed in the Texas House to ban red-light cameras. He overshadowed his own accomplishments, however, with his concurrent Twitter tirade. The data Hotez relayed shows that the number of students claiming conscientious exemptions has more than quadrupled over the past decade, with 64,176 unvaccinated students now among Texas 5.5 million schoolchildren. In addition to having ominous implications for public health, Hotez observed, those numbers tell us something about our public policy debates. Proponents of the vaccine choice movement have been given a sympathetic hearing by a number of state legislators and local officials, and the results of that are now measurable. Were currently in the midst of a nationwide measles outbreak, even though the Centers for Disease Control declared in 2000 that measles had been eliminated from the United States. Children of Texas have been placed in harm's way for the financial gain of special & outside interest groups, Hotez said. But Stickland, an advocate for vaccine choice, lashed out at Hotez. Do our state a favor and mind your own business. Parental rights mean more to us than your self enriching science, he tweeted. Hotez, who serves as dean of Baylors National School of Tropical Medicine and develops neglected disease vaccines, objected to the personal attack. So Stickland reiterated it. Make the case for your sorcery to consumers on your own dime. Like every other business. the Republican retorted. Quit using the heavy hand of government to make your business profitable through mandates and immunity. Its disgusting. Nonsense like this helps explain why many Americans take such a low view of vaccine skeptics. Vaccines arent sorcery, obviously. They provide an individual immunity against a disease by stimulating the production of the antibodies which would otherwise only be stimulated by exposure to the disease. If most of the people in a community have been vaccinated against a particular disease, or survived a bout with it, the community as a whole achieves herd immunity. Although Stickland may be baffled by the concept of immunization, most vaccine skeptics arent. They're typically convinced that vaccines can cause serious harm, even though they do confer immunity against specific diseases. Parents who refuse to vaccinate their children may be underestimating the risk theyre taking, because they - like most Americans dont have any firsthand experiences with diseases like measles, mumps, or whooping cough. Hotez was right to raise concerns about the growth of this movement, though. Texans who share those concerns should remember that most vaccine skeptics arent as stupid, for lack of a better word, as Sticklands tirade suggests; theyre taking a calculated risk, informed by the fact that we all know vaccines work. Area colleges and universities are rescheduling commencement exercises and monitoring weather ahead of weekend ceremonies because severe weather continues in the forecasts for southeast Texas. Houston Community College was one of the first to announce Thursday that it would heed weather warnings by rescheduling its Saturday ceremony for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. next Friday, May 17 at NRG Stadium. HCC apologizes for any inconvenience, but the safety of its students is its number one concern, the release read. University of Houston, which closed its campuses Friday and Saturday, including UH at Sugar Land, announced that its weekend commencement ceremonies are postponed due to unsafe road conditions and continued threat for severe weather and will be rescheduled for next week. More information will be available via the UHs Emergency Alert system. RELATED: Flash flooding, hail strike Houston area The Lone Star College system, which closed its colleges Friday, also announced that all but one of its ceremonies held Friday and Saturday would continue as planned. LSC-Tomballs Saturday ceremony was rescheduled after its location, the Faithbridge Church Klein Campus in Spring, was closed through Saturday due to weather conditions. The graduation has been rescheduled at the church for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25, according to a release from the college. We realize this new day falls on Memorial Day weekend, but it is the soonest we could get back into our venue, Lone Star Colleges website read. San Jacinto Colleges originally scheduled Saturday commencement has also been postponed until Friday, May 17 at 7 p.m. at its original location, NRG Stadium. Other universities are moving forward with commencements as scheduled, but with caution. Prairie View A&M University has moved its Saturday commencement exercises at Panther Stadium indoors to the William Billy J. Nicks Building, also known as the Baby Dome. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. The weekend commencements at Rice University and at Texas Womans University-Houston Center will continue as planned. A spokeswoman for Texas A&M University in College Station did not immediately respond to requests from the Houston Chronicle about its commencements, but nothing on the university website indicates changes have been made. The rescheduled commencements come after the National Weather Service issued a continuous flash flood watch for the entire Southeast Texas region starting 1 p.m. Thursday and continuing through Saturday night. The weather services Storm Prediction Center also forecasts a slight risk of severe storms in nearly all southeast Texas counties, accompanied by strong wind, hail and isolated tornadoes. The alerts follow the overnight storms Tuesday to Wednesday, which dumped 10 to 12 inches of rain on isolated parts of Harris and Fort Bend counties, causing flooding in some areas. Staff writer Julian Gill contributed to this report. brittany.britto@chron.com twitter.com/brittanybritto Landmarks Illinois celebrated its seventh and largest fundraiser at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago on March 7, with more than 500 patrons in attendance. Leslie Hindman, John W. McCarter Jr. and Target Corp. were named "Legendary Landmarks." When applying for college, Anna Conner said Baylor University was a top choice for her. She grew up heavily in the church, but as a gay young woman, things proved complicated. The church wasnt accepting of the LGBTQ community. Can I be gay and Christian? Will God love me? Am I going to hell? Theres always those questions, Conner said. She began to feel disconnected from her church, she said. But when she saw Baylors beautiful campus and the people who worked and attended, she felt hope. Maybe if I came here, I could find some reconciliation and have my heart there (in the church) again, she thought. Conner, from Houston and now a junior at Baylor, joined the club Gamma Alpha Upsilon, formerly known as the Sexuality Identity Forum, a LGBTQ student group on campus where she found community and solace. But the same feeling of nonacceptance she felt at her church growing up followed her to Baylor. RELATED: Baylor LGBT group to students: Come join us The private Baptist university has refused to recognize Gamma Alpha Upsilon, or GAY in Greek letters, as an official student group since its inception in 2011. Baylors human sexuality policy states that it is expected that Baylor students will not participate in advocacy groups which promote understandings of sexuality that are contrary to biblical teaching, which include heterosexual sex outside of marriage and homosexual behavior. Not being recognized as a student group prevents Gamma Alpha Upsilon from certain privileges, including the opportunity to advertise events on campus, reserve university spaces for meetings, or to receive funding through the student government. But now Conner, who is vice president of the group, and her counterparts are fighting for recognition with some help. More than 3,000 Baylor University alumni, students, staff and former faculty signed a growing petition addressed to university officials supporting the groups fight to be recognized. Some renowned alumni, including Hal Wingo, one of the founding editors of People magazine, and more than 100 ministers have shown their support. The Rev. Brett Younger, a Baylor alum and minister at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., who also signed the petition, said openness and inclusion are central to being both Baptist and Christian. But university President Linda A. Livingstone, said Baylor officials are still debating that idea. In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Livingstone said student groups have to go through a process to be considered for approval and adhere to university guidelines. RELATED: Baylor drops longstanding ban on homosexual acts The main question for us at Baylor that were really focused on is how we can provide a caring community for all of our students and do it so they have a healthy environment, in which they can continue their education and to be successful while ensuring that we see through to our Christian mission and our Baptist heritage, Livingstone said. Thats what were focused on and thats what were always thinking to do with our all populations on campus, she said. Double standard? Micki Grimland, a Houston therapist and 75 Baylor alumna, said the hope is to awaken university officials and regents and to show solidarity with students. We are a thorn in [Baylors] side, Grimland, who came out as gay in midlife, said of Baylors LGBTQ alumni. Please quit pretending that Christian and gay cannot go in the same category, she said. There are all sorts of Christians around the world that are gay. The alumni petition and outreach to the university was launched after Baylor Young Americans for Freedom, a student group that books conservative speakers on campus, scheduled controversial religious right "Daily Wire" writer Matt Walsh on campus. The group advertised his appearance with a flyer displaying Walshs book title The Unholy Trinity: Blocking the Lefts Assault on Life, Marriage, and Gender, a rainbow flag (a popular symbol of the LGBTQ community) and a hammer and sickle, a symbol more recently associated with Marxism, according to Zachary Miller, a sophomore and chairman for Baylor Young Americans for Freedom. Conner said Gamma Alpha Upsilon members couldnt fathom how the university approved the official student groups flyers and speaker. Miller said the flyers could have been done better, and said that the ones that werent torn down by offended students, were replaced by new flyers featuring just head shots of Walsh and his book title once the group found out students were offended. Despite the tension on campus, Livingstone classified the ordeal as a sign that were at a healthy university where people can vigorously discuss issues that they have strong perspective on, particularly in the context of a Christian university. But some students say dialogue is happening in spite of Baylor and that many on campus are not as vocal in fear of getting in trouble with Baylor. Alumni have said many current faculty who identify as gay or queer are closeted and silent about their sexuality in fear of losing their jobs, and many are scared to speak out. Mark Osler, a former tenured law professor at Baylor, attested to this. I felt ashamed that I hadnt spoken out when I was working there about this, Osler said of how Baylor treated its LGBTQ students. I mean, I should have, but there is a culture of fear of discussing it. Equality sought On May 4, Gamma Alpha Upsilon requested, by letter, to meet with Baylors Board of Regents at the boards May 15-17 meeting to discuss their issues and application. A university spokesperson indicated the letter had been received, but declined to comment further. In an email obtained by the Houston Chronicle, Joel Allison, chairman of Baylors Board of Regents, declined to meet with students, stating that as a private institution, the board does not allow outside groups to address the Regents in such a manner. Allison also said the groups application is being processed, but advised the students to meet with the Division of Student Life the same department that has denied them for the past several years and ultimately approved the fliers by the conservative activism group. Kevin Jackson, the vice president for student life, was unavailable for comment, according to a university spokesperson. Conner said the universitys response has been discouraging, fearing that it will turn into a vicious cycle that continues to point to the colleges policies. Clare Kenny, director of youth engagement of GLAAD, a LGBTQ-support organization formerly known as the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said the type of treatment displayed at Baylor is not uncommon. But by students advocating for themselves on behalf of community, theyre showing community who they are as leaders and they are really advocating for an accepting campus and university, she said. Elizabeth Benton, the president of Gamma Alpha Upsilon at Baylor, said the group wants just one thing. We just want equality on campus, she said. We just want to be able to exist. brittany.britto@chron.com twitter.com/brittanybritto Heavy rains this week caused thousands of gallons of water with raw sewage to overflow in at least three area cities, including Houston. Some areas in Harris County have seen more than 14 inches of rain in the past seven days, with more heavy rainfall expected to hit the region this weekend. A sewer spill of domestic wastewater mixed with storm water was reported Friday morning on Milam Street and Washington Avenue near the University of Houston Downtown, leading to an overflow of nearly 150,000 gallons between 9 a.m. and close to 2 p.m., according to Alanna Reed, director of communications for Houstons public works department. Thirty miles to the east, Baytown experienced several overflows this week due to runoff filling manholes. Black Duck Bay had eight manholes overflow for a total of about 470,000 gallons in two separate incidents, while another 276,150 gallons overflowed from Burnett Bay on Thursday. And in Pearland, officials reported that about 654,000 gallons of wastewater from domestic uses overflowed one manhole inside the Barry Rose Water Reclamation Facility and at four manholes outside the facility, which led to a drainage ditch that flows out to Clear Creek near Barry Rose and Pearland Parkway. More Information See More Collapse The overflows didnt affect the cities drinking water, officials said. In Houston, officials advise those with private drinking-water supply wells located within a half-mile of the spill to only use water that has been distilled or boiled for all personal uses. The water of city of Houston water customers is safe and doesnt have to be boiled. Overflows can happen either when debris or grease blocks the pipes or due to rainwater that inundates the system, which is what happened this week, said Frank Simoneaux, Baytowns director of public works. We had a high-intensity storm, it rained very hard for a few hours, we had flooding in the streets and had manholes taking in a lot of rainwater, so the flow got to be too much for the system and it caused an overflow, he said. Once the rainwater gets mixed into the pipes, it all becomes contaminated; even though its diluted, its still wastewater, he said. Its not safe to discharge it straight to the environment, it needs to be treated. Aging, deteriorating infrastructure is one of the contributing factors to a sewer overflow, especially during wet weather. Heavy rains may lead to an overflow in a range of circumstances, but many rain-related overflows relate back to aging infrastructure much in need of repairs, wrote Kirsten Schlemmer, legal director for Bayou City Waterkeeper, an advocacy group. The group sued the city of Houston last fall for more than 9,300 violations of its wastewater permits. Too much rainfall can pass through the ground into a leaky sanitary sewer in need of repairs, and because the sewer was not intended to hold rainfall in the first place, it backs up. Or sewers and pumps may be too small relative to the area they serve for example, when a sewer system is built for a smaller community that then explodes in population, she said. Much of the countrys sewage collection infrastructure is between 30 and 100 years old, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The longer sewer-collection system problems go unresolved, the more serious they become, placing vital public assets at risk of further degradation, posing an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment, damaging public and private property, and impacting state and local economies, the federal agency explains on its website. The Environmental Protection Agency has long been concerned that Houstons cracked, clogged or flooded sewer pipes spill waste into the yards and streets hundreds of times each year, which contaminate local streams and violate the Clean Water Act. Simoneaux said Baytown is investing in replacing pipes and installing more expensive watertight manhole lids to prevent future overflows. They also participate in the Texas Commission on Environmental Qualitys sanitary sewer overflow initiative, which includes annual progress reports and milestones completed. The number of overflows that the city experienced has decreased from 570 in 2015 to 186 in 2018, he said. So far this year, theyve had 56. While it can also vary depending on how wet the year was, Simoneaux attributes part of that decline to the measures the city has taken. About 1,200 reports of sanitary-sewer overflows were reported to the TCEQ from Harris County in 2018 including 138 in May . With some exemptions, entities are generally required to report unauthorized discharges and overflows within 24 hours. The agency couldnt provide this weeks figures. In Pearland, city officials said equipment in the Barry Rose Water Reclamation Facility collection system failed as a result of flooding. The plant has below-ground pumps to move the wastewater into the plant, and all of the pumps had been underwater and not functioning since 11:30 p.m. Tuesday , according to a news release. Emergency pumps were ordered at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. The plant has been back online since then and the spill has stopped. The affected area is Clear Creek south of Barry Rose, but officials anticipated contaminants to dissipate quickly due to elevated creek levels from the storm. City staff is monitoring the situation and testing water upstream and downstream and reporting results to TCEQ. In addition, any wastewater on the street has been neutralized, removed, and returned to the treatment plant, the release said. As a precaution, Baytown officials ask that the public avoid all contact with waste material, soil, or water in the area potentially affected by the spill. Those who purchase water from a public water supply in Baytown may contact their water supply distributor to determine if the water is safe for personal use. If the public comes into contact with waste material, soil or water potentially affected by the spill, city officials recommend they bathe and wash clothes thoroughly as soon as possible Perla.Trevizo@chron.com Texas voters will go to the ballot in November to decide whether to bankroll another $3 billion in the states war on cancer, after the Legislature passed a resolution Friday calling for a referendum on the program. Voter passage would extend the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which was created in 2009 with the goal of developing cures and therapies for the devastating disease, estimated to kill some 41,000 Texans a year. The agency provides more cancer funding than any governmental body outside the National Cancer Institute. Texas is a leader in cancer research and prevention and this is due to the groundbreaking work of CPRIT, state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, co-sponsor of the resolution, said in a statement after vote. I was proud to pass legislation creating CPRIT in 2007, and I am excited to see what innovations CPRIT-funded research develops in future. In a statement, Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, sponsor of the House resolution, called Fridays action a milestone for all Texans. Zerwas added that CPRIT is on the brink of changing the landscape of cancer treatment, but said much more needs to be done in the prevention and research of cancer and urged voters to make cancer history and approve the constitutional amendment this November. The Senate voted 31-0 to approve the measure a month after the House voted 130-15 in favor of it. The measure, which does not require the signature of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, amends the Texas constitution to authorize another $3 billion in general obligation bonds. The program has greatly benefited Houston institutions, which have received nearly $1.25 billion of the $2.25 billion awarded thus far, more than any other area in Texas. That includes $86.45 million in prevention grants, $228.4 million in commercialization grants and $920.61 million in academic research grants. The lions share has gone to MD Anderson Cancer Center (nearly $422 million) and Baylor College of Medicine (nearly $285 million). Both applauded the news Friday. CPRIT has played a key role in furthering our mission to end cancer and we are grateful to the Legislature for getting us one step closer to 10 more years of funding opportunities, said MD Anderson Dr. Peter Pisters. This important source of funding has been absolutely crucial for us to attract top researchers and educators, to support life-saving research and to enhance prevention efforts to eliminate cancer. Dr. Kent Osborne, director of Baylors cancer center, called the possibility CPRIT will be renewed very exciting, He noted that agency funding enhanced the centers research efforts and infrastructure, recruitment of new faculty, founding of new biotech companies, service to thousands of Texans and creation of thousands of jobs, all helpful in the center winning NCI comprehensive cancer center designation in 2015. The agency, which would wind down in 2023 without a renewal, has overcome scandal that threatened its existence. Mismanagement and improprieties discovered in three grants totaling $56 million between May 2012 and January 2013 caused top elected officials then to shut the program down for 10 months and pull its funding from the state budget. The money was restored at the 11th hour, but only after passage of a reform bill that removed its governing board and installed more stringent safeguards. Rebooted after the scandal, CPRIT changed priorities, placing more emphasis on rare cancers, particularly pediatric, and efforts to commercialize the research. There have no incidents since. The resolution does not specify the extension period, but it is presumed to be 10 years, the same length of time voters approved in 2007. The agency aims to allocate about $300 million of the $3 billion every year. CPRIT officials credit the funding for the luring of 166 researchers and their labs, including 2018 Nobel Laureate Jim Allison, who came from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to MD Anderson on an agency recruitment grant. In legislative materials, CPRIT also touts screenings that have detected more than 14,000 cancer precursors; clinical trials that have enrolled more than 13,000 patients; and product development work thats attracted another $1.75 billion in venture capital investments. Funding the agency by bonds isnt cheap. According to a fiscal note accompanying the resolution, the initial issuance of new bonds would cost an additional $246 million from fiscal year 2020 through 2024. The annual debt service on previously issued CPRIT bonds cost the state $120 million in the current fiscal year. The agency is also asking for the Legislature for about $164 million in bridge money to maintain grant program services through 2021. That request is still being negotiated as part of ongoing budget discussions. The passage of the CPRIT measure also was hailed by American Cancer Societys Texas chapter, which said in a statement that the vote shows an understanding of a recent poll that found the vast majority of respondents believe it is important for the state to remain a national leader in cancer research and prevention; and officials at CPRIT, who had stressed the need to continue the agencys momentum. We are making enormous progress in advancing the understanding of cancer science, accelerating potential cures and prevention strategies, and transforming the cancer landscape in Texas, CPRIT Executive Director Wayne Roberts said in a statement. The Legislatures passage of HJR 12 is strong endorsement to continue CPRITs mission, he said. The outcome now rests in the hands of Texas voters. todd.ackerman@chron.com twitter.com/chronmed A long-discussed idea for a third reservoir to prevent extreme Hurricane Harvey-level flooding in beleaguered neighborhoods along Cypress Creek might not be the flood mitigation panacea it was conceived as, according to a Rice University study. After tens of thousands of homes flooded in the watersheds of Cypress Creek and the Addicks and Barker reservoirs during Harvey in 2017, regional planners revived an idea originally conceived nearly 80 years ago by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers a third reservoir to supplement the capacity of Addicks and Barker in the event of a major flood. But the study by Rice Universitys Severe Storm Prediction, Education, and Evacuation from Disasters (SSPEED) Center revealed the difficulties in attempting to eliminate flooding in the Cypress Creek watershed, which covers over 300 square miles in northwest Harris County and features over 250 miles of open streams. The conclusion is that no there is not some plan for an upstream reservoir to solve the midstream problems, said Christof Spieler, project manager for the Greater Houston Flood Mitigation Consortium, which commissioned the study. Existing development in the middle and lower portions of the Cypress Creek watershed which includes over 400,000 residents means there is little available land to develop as detention ponds or reservoirs. The cost of buying out existing property in the watershed could be prohibitive, and any flood control solution would require preventing new development there. The natural topography of the Cypress Creek watershed also presents unique challenges. When the watershed floods, it inundates different parts of the region at different times, with the middle portion flooded first, followed by delayed flooding from the upper watershed. That first set of flooding thats caused by the rain falling in the middle watershed is actually worse than the flooding that comes from the water upstream, Spieler said, adding that the middle watershed is the area with the most existing development. The staggered flood runoff means that mitigation measures would be needed along the entirety of Cypress Creek to fully address the flooding problems. Other alternative solutions includes channel improvements or a possible tunnel in the lower and middle watershed. Harris County Flood Control District has allocated some funds for such projects in the $2.5 billion bond passed last August. The study also concluded that the remaining undeveloped land in the Cypress Creek area should be protected against development, specifically the Katy Prairie west of Houston, where vegetation and wetlands provide flood protection. Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle, whose northwest Harris County precinct includes areas likely to be affected by any future flood mitigation effort, believes that prairie land could be a significant component of a future reservoir. Cagle has long advocated for the Dutch flood control concept known as make room for the river, which essentially would pay farmers in the Katy Prairie for the right to flood their lands in the event of major rain, thereby providing a natural fertilizer for crop production. Decades ago, when the Katy Prairie area was still largely undeveloped, flood waters used to stand for months, Cagle said. Its not really called the third reservoir in that context because you dont have a big reservoir, Cagle said. You basically have a very wide levee system and you put the Katy Prairie into its natural state whenever you have a high water event. Instant Analysis Text HOUSTON to 77453 to get premium breaking news alerts from HoustonChronicle.com by text | Sign up to receive breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. See More Collapse Spieler added that preserving agricultural land as a mitigation strategy is a somewhat new school of thought that would require additional study. One challenge, he noted, is that the Cypress Creek watershed is very flat, so the natural storage area is not well defined. You end up having to build some very long levees to be able to (store floodwater), Spieler said. The Greater Houston Flood Consortium will hold a public event at Rice University presenting the findings from the Cypress Creek study at a symposium on May 14. The event is free and open to the public. nick.powell@chron.com Harvest of pain A pistol-packing contractor lured workers from Mexico to labor in farms across the U.S. Beaten, poisoned and nearly killed, Juan Jimenez Luna escaped and tried to fight back. Harvest of pain A pistol-packing contractor lured workers from Mexico to labor in farms across the U.S. Beaten, poisoned and nearly killed, Juan Jimenez Luna escaped and tried to fight back. Juan Jimenez Luna crossed the Rio Grande on an inner tube, drawn by the promise of a $600-a-week job driving a tractor. Instead, he found himself picking vegetables for less than $30 a day and worked to the limits of endurance. His boss, a man named Salvador Hernandez, oversaw a crew of migrant workers. He hired them in Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley. Then he drove them across the country and shuffled them from farm to farm and state to state: Mississippi, Florida and up the Eastern Seaboard. They traveled in old school buses so crowded that some of the workers sat on the floor. Lunch breaks were rare, as were days off. Those who defied Hernandez were sometimes beaten. The injured were often left to suffer. Yet no one fled. At night, the crew shared floor space in cramped quarters infested with rats and cockroaches. By day, Hernandez pushed them ruthlessly beneath the summer sun, brandishing a pistol at those who slowed down, according to workers' accounts and court records. Hernandez kept a gun in plain view in his lap when workers came to collect their pay, according to the court case and worker interviews. He often withheld their wages, and he threatened to call immigration authorities if any dared to complain. Ripped Off: About the series The San Antonio Express-News analyzed more than two decades of federal and state data on labor investigations of various industries, including agriculture. Among the findings: Laws protecting farmworker labor rights are rarely enforced. In Texas, only 10% of the agricultural industry investigations resulted in recovery of back wages, and some companies have been investigated more than a hundred times. Part 1: Immigrant who sued, won back pay now in hiding for his life It took Jimenez Luna three years to muster the courage to escape. By then, he was picking sweet corn in central New York. With help from a grassroots labor organization, he fled to San Antonio, where he had relatives. He and three other laborers filed a civil complaint in federal court and, in 2013, won a $2.45 million judgment for back wages against Hernandez, the labor boss wife and his brother. A judge found that Hernandez and his relatives had failed to pay the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, violated federal protections for migrant farmworkers, and engaged in forced labor and human trafficking. In a separate criminal case, Hernandez pleaded guilty to employing unauthorized immigrants and spent a year in federal prison. Six years later, Jimenez Luna said he hasnt seen a penny from the civil judgment. Hernandez said he has no ability to pay because lawyers took all of his money and assets. The case illustrates how migrant farmworkers are routinely abused and denied minimum wages and overtime pay in an industry that operates with little federal and state oversight. Hernandez, in an interview, said he did not know Jimenez Luna and the other workers were undocumented. He denied committing any of the physical abuse and other wrongdoing described in the civil lawsuit. He said it was his employer, Sunrise Labor Corp., that neglected to pay Jimenez Luna and the other laborers. I have always worked under a company, and the company is the one that pays, said Hernandez, 57, who now lives in Belle Glade, Fla., and continues to employ migrant farmworkers. He recruits many of them in Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley. Florida-based Sunrise Labor is one of several companies established by Thomas C. Holt Jr. to serve as middlemen between farmers and farm labor contractors. Sunrise Labor, originally a defendant in the civil case, reached an out-of-court settlement with Jimenez Luna and the other workers for an undisclosed sum. Since 1995, Holt and his partners, Russell Reaves and James Shannon McNeill, have founded or managed at least 10 farm labor contracting corporations, Florida records show. Hernandez and his brother still run their business and renew their farm labor contractor licenses annually with the U.S. Department of Labor. They still work for Holt and McNeill. The Labor Departments Wage and Hour Division has conducted more than 18,000 investigations of the industry, with South Texas as a primary focus. Six of the 10 U.S. ZIP codes with the most investigations over the last 20 years are in Hidalgo County, a national nexus for farm labor contractors, including Hernandez. But enforcement largely stops there. More than half 58.6 percent of investigations across all industries in Texas from 2002 to 2017 succeeded in recovering back wages. But only 7.5 percent of the farm labor investigations in Texas recovered back pay. In Florida, just 14 percent did. When it comes to recovering back wages for workers, its not happening at all, said Roman Ramos, a former migrant farmworker and veteran paralegal with Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. I primarily deal with foreign workers; and, when weve been lucky, the DOL has gone in and investigated. But when it comes to recovering back wages, nothing happens. It is a black hole. Farmworkers who harvest the crops and endure substandard living conditions as they are trucked to fields around the country are shortchanged in an industry that was valued at $61 billion in 2016. That same year, the National Agricultural Workers Survey found that more than half of all migrant farmworker families were living below the poverty line with a poverty rate almost four times the national average. The Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a nationally recognized farmworker rights organization in Florida, estimates that a farmworker would need to pick 2 tons of tomatoes in a 10-hour workday to make minimum wage. It said the average salary for a migrant farmworker in 2012 was between $10,000 and $12,499 a year, well below the minimum wage of about $15,000 a year. Making matters worse, workers are frequently idled by injuries. They are paid only when they work in the fields and only rarely receive workers' compensation. The rate of on-the-job deaths for migrant farmworkers is six times the national average, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many of these workers are recruited in South Texas by farm labor contractors like Hernandez. Produce growers often large companies that control the crop production from seed planting to supermarket delivery outsource seasonal harvesting to the contractors. The workers are usually Hispanic and often undocumented. They typically migrate from farm to farm and pick crops by hand. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act requiring a minimum wage applies to all workers, including undocumented immigrants. Growers and supermarkets set the price per basket. Contractors typically cut corners to increase their profits. I think that, generally speaking, the agricultural industry is built off of sub-minimum wages, said Daniela Dwyer, managing attorney for the Farmworker Program at Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. Especially in the places where you are very near the border and have a constant influx of immigrant labor who, for various, compelling reasons are not in a position to really argue. Its the fear, said Mario Galvan, a recently retired outreach worker with the Texas Workforce Commission. Workers are afraid to speak out against an employer for fear of retaliation. Hidalgo County has the most farm labor contractors of any county in the U.S. outside Californias Central Valley, according to Department of Labor records. More than 81 percent of all registered farm labor contractors recruit out of Texas, Florida or California. Growers work with Texas farm labor contractors because historically thats where the labor force has been, said Dwyer. Nearly all the contractors in Florida, he said, are run by families who one or two generations back were Texans that migrated over to Florida. Dwyer said growers who hire farm labor contractors could require them to pay minimum wage. But she said that rarely happens. The ethical grower is not going to stay in business for very long. Like most farm labor contractors, Hernandez entered the industry as a farmworker and worked his way up. Born in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Hernandez made his way to Texas in his teens and started working as a migrant farmworker, harvesting crops on the circuit from Florida to Illinois. In the early 1990s, he moved to Belle Glade, and after a few years was working as a farm labor contractor, recruiting workers for Holt. He worked for one of Tommy Holts companies, said McNeill, who identified himself as a silent partner in Sunrise Labor. (Holt) had several companies. Im not sure which one it was. Along the way, Hernandez compiled a record of citations and crimes. In 1989, he was cited for a DUI in Texas. In 1994, he was charged with assault in Iowa. In 1995, he pleaded no contest to two counts of battery in Belle Glade. In 2007, operating as a farm labor contractor, he pleaded guilty to pulling a handgun and threatening an employee and his son who had come to his home to collect a paycheck. Hernandez recruited Jimenez Luna in 2006 in Tamaulipas, Mexico, making promises about high-paying easy work. He promised to pay the smuggling fees and said Jimenez Luna could pay him back on his own schedule. Hernandez connected Jimenez Luna with a coyote, who handed him and 14 other migrants over to an associate to get them across the Rio Grande. They were taken to a hotel in Harlingen, where they waited until arrangements could be made to bring them through a Border Patrol checkpoint in a van headed for Florida. Jimenez Luna, who was 24 at the time, worked on a crew of 35 to 40. Some were from Texas and Florida, but the majority were undocumented Mexicans, indebted to Hernandez for the coyote fees and banned from working off their debt with anyone else, according to civil and criminal court records in cases filed against Hernandez by the U.S. government, Jimenez Luna, and three other farmworkers. LISTEN: Data reporter Luke Whyte breaks down his data-driven investigation into the systemic exploitation of migrant workers on U.S. farms. on the EN-Depth podcast. The labor performed by Mr. Hernandez and other farmworkers involves backbreaking work in often unforgiving weather for low pay, Hernandezs lawyer wrote in a court document, work which few but those with ambition and little alternative such as undocumented workers are willing to perform. Threats were common. Listen, with me theres no problem, Hernandez would tell his workers, according to Jimenez Luna. Any bastard that wants to leave, no big deal, let him go. But I know where all his family live, and if he doesnt pay me, I know how his people will pay me. Jimenez Luna went deeper into debt as Hernandez charged him $150 a month to live in a two-bedroom trailer with 12 other workers and no functioning bathroom. Rats and cockroaches moved through holes in the floor and roof. You were sleeping and you could feel them running across you, he said. Many workers were never sure how much they owed Hernandez. He would pay them different amounts at different times, sometimes withholding wages when he thought someone was slacking off. According to court records, he always had a handgun in his lap when he paid workers their wages. A husband and wife team up to harvest onions near Hidalgo. A husband and wife team up to harvest onions near Hidalgo. Photo: Bob Owen /Staff Photogrpaher Photo: Bob Owen /Staff Photogrpaher Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Tricked and brutalized, farmworkers face a battle for their pay, rights 1 / 18 Back to Gallery Workers traveled from Florida to Georgia, then to Mississippi and finally to New York. Hernandez would walk the fields while they worked, brandishing his handgun and sometimes shooting birds from the trees. Workers were not permitted to take breaks, even in extreme heat. On occasion, clean water was unavailable. When workers were tired, Hernandez would threaten to beat them. He once threatened to kill a worker who had stopped, according to court records. Hernandez was quiet, but at the same time aggressive, Jimenez Luna said. If a worker made a mistake, hed grab an ear of corn and grab your hand and then beat you. It was very painful. In Mississippi, temperatures rose to triple digits in the summer of 2008, Jimenez Luna said. Still Hernandez did not permit breaks. Pesticides were sprayed while the workers picked corn. It was there that I fell sick, said Jimenez Luna. I began to vomit, and then the cramps began, diarrhea and very strong cramps. He lost his hearing, then his vision blurred, he said. But they didnt take me to the hospital, he said. It wasnt until around 6 p.m. when theyd gone back to the trailers that one of Hernandezs supervisors became worried. Youre going to die, youre going to die, he kept saying, Jimenez Luna recalls. Jimenez Luna was permitted to drive himself to the hospital. His tongue swelled and he was having trouble breathing. Doctors put him on an IV drip. Hospital records show he was suffering from dehydration and exposure to poisonous chemicals. The next morning, another migrant worker from Texas who spoke English arrived. She said the doctor told her: Another hour and (Jimenez Luna) would have been dead. Hernandez arrived at the hospital around 9 the next morning. After talking with the doctor, he pulled the IV from Jimenez Lunas arm and took him back to the farm to work, Jimenez Luna said. I leave the hospital and about 2 or 3 days later, Jimenez Luna said, I start bleeding from the nose, but a ton of blood. It was as if I opened the tap. My friend said to me, Leave the job, leave it. You are going to die. But Jimenez Luna was afraid theyd kill his mother. He kept working. In 2008, Holt registered Sunrise Labor at his home address in Wellington, Fla., and hired Hernandez. Holt and McNeill, his partner in Sunrise Labor, are from respected farming families. In 2014, the McNeills won the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year award. In 2010, Holts mother won Florida Department of Agricultures Woman of the Year in Agriculture award. Besides managing farm labor contractors through Sunrise Labor, Holt managed his fathers company, Twin H Farms, which raises crops in Belle Glade and in Georgia. Twin H Farms is a partner in SM Jones, a company that packages and transports corn for four partner farms in Florida, Ohio and New York. Holts father is president of SM Jones, according to Florida records. Through Sunrise Labor and his other businesses, Holt has repeatedly hired Hernandez to provide labor to harvest crops. Holts third partner in Sunrise Labor was Russell Reaves of Cape Coral. Reaves has set up at least 10 staffing, payroll and cash advance companies catering to farm labor contractors since 1995, according to state records. He handled Sunrise Labors payroll and contractor license verification through one of his companies Your Corporate Office Labor Corp. McNeill said he was unaware of Hernandezs history of wage theft and other alleged abuses. Holt and Reaves did not respond to requests for comment. In July 2009, still working for Sunrise Labor, Hernandez bused Jimenez Luna and his other workers to Turek Farms, an SM Jones partner farm in central New York. There, they joined a group of 120 workers. It was there in New York that they closed the gate, Jimenez Luna said, locking the workers inside. He said the contractors told workers: Anyone who comes to ask you something or anything is looking for information. They are from the government. They are from immigration. They are police. Be careful. They will take you away. It was at Turek Farms that Jimenez Luna met a doctoral student from Cornell University in Ithica, N.Y., who was volunteering for a church group. I started talking with her and she started to tell me the rights of the worker here in the U.S., Jimenez Luna said. She gave me confidence. Jimenez Luna would sneak away from the farm at night to meet with her at a cemetery. Theyd hide among the trees and talk. The Workers Center of Central New York got involved and with the groups help, Jimenez Luna fled. Soon after, two other workers made similar escapes. The workers contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which opened an investigation into Hernandez that led to criminal charges in April 2012. Three months later, the Workers Centers attorneys filed a civil suit on the workers' behalf in federal court against Sunrise Labor and the Hernandez family. With the doctoral candidates help, Jimenez Luna traveled to San Antonio and started over. He lived in a small apartment off Bandera Road and paid rent by doing landscaping. He was advised by his attorney to be vigilant. Two men were believed to have been hired to kill him and, one day, a man showed up at his mothers home in Mexico. Were going to find your son, Jimenez Luna said the man told his mother. Theyll put him in a black plastic bag and feed him to the alligators. Im just waiting for my boss to give me the signal to come kill you. It was the first of many threats against her. For Jimenez Luna, putting my family in danger was the worst part. My mother, every time we spoke, we had to be one or two hours on the phone because she was crying, crying, crying because of the threats. In 2012, Hernandez pleaded guilty to criminal charges related to hiring at least 10 people he knew to be unauthorized aliens between 2008 and 2009. He spent one year and a day in prison. In 2010, before the civil lawsuit was filed, Tommy Holt transferred ownership of Sunrise Labor to Reaves and Your Corporate Office Labor Corp in Cape Coral, Fla. Consequently, his name was never mentioned in the lawsuit, nor was McNeills. Reaves and Sunrise Labor settled the civil lawsuit by paying the four plaintiffs an undisclosed amount. They were not held liable for the $2.45 million judgment owed by the Hernandez family. Dwyer and Ramos, the Rio Grande Legal Aid officials, said its common for agricultural corporations to avoid culpability because of their complex business structures. The mentality of the industry has been to try and build these layers of protections, Ramos said. It used to be that paychecks came from growers, Ramos said. In that situation, if the workers didnt make minimum wage, its not going to fall on the farm labor contractor, it is going to fall on the employer. So, more and more the industry says, Well, you know what? This year, were going to do it a little different: Im going to throw in a little more, but you pay the workers. You can even use my accountant. Agricultural corporations have the power to make sure their contractors follow the law, Dwyer said. Yet the problem remains respective of who the crew leader is. So its really their business model. Today, Salvador and brother Francisco Hernandez live in Bella Glade and still hold registered farm-labor contractor licenses with the Department of Labor and the state of Florida. They still work for Holt and McNeill, according to Hernandez, hiring workers and transporting them to harvests up and down the East Coast. Your Corporate Office Labor Corp. went out of business, as did Your Corporate Office Labor II, according to state documents. A company called Your Corporate Office Labor III is still in operation, with Reaves as president. Jimenez Luna now lives in the Rio Grande Valley. He hauls produce for a trucking company. Luke Whyte is a data reporter on the San Antonio Express-News' investigative team. A native of Scotland, he went to high school in Maine and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Saint Michael's College in Vermont. He has been a data engineer, web developer and freelance writer. He was a data journalism fellow at the Texas Tribune before joining the Express-News in 2017. Read him on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | lwhyte@express-news.net | Twitter: @lukewhyte Design by Joy-Marie Scott. A version of this article will appear in print on May 12, 2019, on Page A1 of the San Antonio Express-News. | Today's Paper Subscribe Real news. Real trust. Real community. Subscribe to the San Antonio Express-News to support quality local journalism. With the memory of a heated 2018 election cycle still fresh, Texas House Republicans and Democrats were divided this week over how to treat third-party candidates who have the potential to siphon votes from the major parties. A bill passed Friday with mostly Republican support would make it easier for third parties like the Green Party, whose voters often overlap with Democrats, to get their candidates on the ballot in 2020. The Libertarian Party, often seen as Republicans competition, already meets current requirements. Texas makes the process for third parties to enter races difficult as it is. First, a party must either hold a convention with total attendance equal to 1 percent of the total votes cast for governor in the last election or gather the signatures of that many people who did not vote in a primary that year. That means to get on the ballot in 2020, a party would need more than 83,000 signatures. In order to keep that automatic ballot access, at least one candidate running for statewide office must win at least 5% of the vote in the previous election. The bill passed Friday, House Bill 2504, sponsored by Rep. Drew Springer, R-Muenster, included an amendment that would eliminate the convention and petition requirement if a candidate received 2% of the vote in the last five general elections. The bill also requires that candidates either pay a filing fee or submit a petition to run for election. Springer said his bill was about fairness and giving lesser-known parties a chance to promote their candidates. We shouldnt be afraid of having more candidates for people to choose from, Springer said. Having the possibility to have more candidates and more messages I think is a good thing. The bill next goes to the Senate for approval; however it may end up one of the hundreds that go unheard as lawmakers rush to pass bills before their May 27 deadline. There is no Senate version of the bill. The Libertarian Party gained access to the ballot in 2020 after a candidate earned 25 percent of the vote in a race for a judgeship on the Court of Criminal Appeals last year. But the Green Party lost ballot access in 2016 after it fell short of the 5 percent threshold. The party did not mobilize a large enough petition effort in 2018 to get back on the ballot for the last election. Wesson Gaige, co-chair of the Green Party of Texas, was cautiously optimistic about the bills passage on Friday knowing that it still needs Senate approval. If it does pass, Gaige said we will be running Green candidates who uphold planet over profit, people over profit and peace over profit. State Rep. Chris Turner, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, said he opposed the bill because Springer added the 2% requirement in a last-minute amendment without enough time for members to consider it. This wasnt discussed, it wasnt debated, it wasnt even described to membership, and the body was deprived of having that discussion, Turner said. The discussion Friday was a 180-degree turn from Wednesday when Rep. Mayes Middleton, R-Wallisville, proposed a bill that would have made it harder for third party candidates to run. His House Bill 4416 would have raised the threshold to 10% of the total vote in the last general election. Middleton, who did not respond to a request for comment, decided not to push the bill after it became clear he lacked the votes. Its a mixed bill from a third-party standpoint, said Wes Benedict, former executive director for the Libertarian Party of Texas. While the lower threshold would help Libertarian and Green Party candidates stay on the ballot, Benedict said the fee requirement will hurt the parties. He said the filing fee helps pay for primary elections, in which third party candidates generally dont participate because of the high barrier to entry. The Libertarian Party would likely challenge that fee in court should the bill pass, he added. I think Republicans and Democrats should have been focusing on other issues, Benedict said, other than how to mistreat third parties. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana hosted its largest fundraiser to date at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers on April 20, with more than 900 in attendance. The ninth annual Big Mac Under Glass event was a masquerade ball that featured stilt walkers, contortionists, live-action painters and a mask contest. "A few sharp victories, some conspicuous acts of personal bravery on the Patriot side and a colorful entry into the capital . . . We shall expect the first victory about the middle of July." Those immortal words of advice were given to William Boot, the accidental foreign correspondent who is the hero of Evelyn Waugh's novel "Scoop." They came from the fictional newspaper proprietor, Lord Copper, who wasn't too worried about which side were really "patriots"; he just wanted a happy and rapid end. Waugh's novel satirized the British press of the 1930s, their empty sensationalism and their disdain for reality. A similar spirit pervades the making of American foreign policy today. To see what I mean, look again at the extraordinary story published in The Post on Wednesday, describing President Donald Trump's loss of confidence in his administration's policy in Venezuela. Since January, the president has been happy to play along with his national security adviser, John Bolton, and his secretary of state, Mike Pompeo; together they persuaded him to recognize Juan Guaido, president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, as the rightful president of Venezuela. But after Guaido failed recently to bring the Venezuelan army over to his side, it seems the American president, like Lord Copper, began to lose patience. Now, according to The Post, he praises Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a "tough cookie," he suspects Bolton is trying to drag him into a war and he is persuaded by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the foreign statesman he most admires, that the United States should not "get involved" in Venezuela, except maybe to offer some humanitarian aid. Never mind that Russia has extensive military contacts in Venezuela, or that the Russian army conducted joint exercises in December with the Venezuelan army, precisely the people who refuse now to abandon a regime that has driven the country into poverty and despair. Trump accepts Putin's version of events partly because he admires the Russian president, partly because he is ignorant, and mostly because the story has dragged on too long, the victory hasn't arrived and there is no "colorful entry into the capital" to show on the evening news. This impatience has consequences. All over the world, the Trump administration is pursuing a range of policies: tweeting insults at Maduro, negotiating with a defiant North Korea, sending a small fleet of warships to the Persian Gulf to intimidate Iran. But the speed with which the president always sours on these efforts means they can never be part of any discernible strategy. Certainly they don't reflect any coherent philosophy. Is the United States still in favor of promoting democracy, as some of the proponents of the Venezuela policy claim? Is the United States in the business of courting dictators, which is the essence of the North Korea policy? Does the United States want to flaunt its strength and make other countries afraid, which seems to be the point of the Persian Gulf fleet? Or is the United States now "isolationist," which is why the administration is keeping silent about a new Russian offensive in Syria, the early stages of which Trump pushed back against in 2017? A handful of sycophants are still trying to knit all of these different policies into some kind of coherent argument - it's all about "America First," didn't you know? - but the truth is that the United States is now in thrall to a president who will trash any of his employees' initiatives if they don't produce "wins" for his core television audience. North Korea has been hastily forgotten; the same fate awaits Venezuela and, if nothing happens, Iran. U.S. administrations have always had short attention spans, and the U.S. government has never had much of an appetite for drawn-out conflicts. But this administration has the attention span of a bored, petulant, channel-surfing septuagenarian looking for something juicy to watch on his extra-large screen. In other words, this administration has the attention span of a gnat. Even in the best of times, the United States' ability to influence events in faraway places is limited. The tools we have, from soft power and diplomacy to sanctions and bombing campaigns, are never guaranteed to succeed. The best strategies take years, even decades, to achieve anything at all: The Cold War was won, in part, thanks to small investments in the journalism of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty, all of which would have looked like a waste of money in the 1960s, or even the 1980s. But successive administrations kept them up because they were part of a larger plan, and an international orientation that was accepted by Democrats and Republicans alike. Now there is no plan; there is only whim and instinct. There is no international orientation either, just a series of hasty unplanned, unexamined decisions, followed by Twitter tantrums. A wise administration would have tempered expectations for "victories" in Venezuela, North Korea and Iran from the beginning. But this is an administration whose ethos belongs to a Waugh novel, not the complicated 21st-century world. Its time leaders working for us in Washington put the survival of our government before short-term partisan advantage. All of us, from here to the White House to Capitol Hill and back across this big, divided nation, must find our courage. There is no longer any denying that America is in the early stages of a constitutional crisis. It sounds scary. Its not unfamiliar. Nor is it without remedy. Our system of government rests upon a tricky and not always well-defined balance of powers between Congress, the White House and the judiciary. The Constitution created that structure in 1789, and over the centuries the intense push and pull between the three branches has proven part of its genius. Our system bends. Withthe sole exception of the Civil War, it has not broken. It can certainly survive the current conflict between the White House and Capitol Hill. But that will require something Americans dont see very often: our leaders acting on principle rather than personal and partisan gain. We had an example of this Thursday that caught nearly everyone by surprise. The Republican chairman of Senate Intelligence Committee issued a subpoena to Donald Trump, Jr.. The subpoena compels the presidents eldest son to testify before Congress, likely to address inconsistent testimony he gave before.. Its a tough stance on the part of the chairman, Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., the kind of party-blind decision well need to restore confidence in government. Trump, Jr. should tell the committee what it wants to know. Its a simple and obvious choice, but unlikely given how quickly his father railed against Burrs decision. More damagingly, other GOP senators, especially those facing election in 2020, joined in to question Burr and protect Trump. Unfortunately, that included Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. John Cornyn, both Texas Republicans. The Mueller report has concluded no collusion, and Barr said no obstruction. Whats the deal? Why is this continuing on? Cornyn told Politico Thursday. Cornyn knows better. Attorney General William Barrs conclusions arent the last word, especially since some of his own words to Congress have been less than truthful. And if the Trumps have nothing to hide, whats the big deal with answering questions? Cornyn is a former Texas Supreme Court justice and a former Texas attorney general, and unlike Cruz, hes a member of Burrs intelligence committee. Other members did what Cornyn should have, and defended the chairmans choice. Both Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., and Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., urged Don Jr. to comply. The reason for the subpoena is clear: Don Jr.s previous testimony about his fathers plans to build a Trump hotel in Moscow doesnt appear to square with evidence contained in the Mueller report. The committeewhose inquiry is focused on national securityhas every reason to question him again. At its root, the crisis stems from Congress swelling insistence that the Trump administration turn over documents, testimony and even the presidents taxes. On Friday afternoon, Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass, of the House Committee on Ways and Means, subpoenaed the Treasury Department and the IRS after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin refused to turn over Trumps tax returns. In one of the most vigorous challenges to congressional authority since Watergate, Trump has made audacious, after-the-fact assertions of executive privilege and appears determined to stonewall Congress long enough to get to the 2020 election. Congress is right to seek the records and to compel the testimony. There is nothing in the Constitution that shields the presidents taxes from scrutiny. Nor should executive privilege allow Trump to keep any part of a report into whether he has abused his office or broken the law secret. Congress must decide whether Trump or any of his high-level aides should be impeached. Both the president and the Congress must use discretion in deciding whether to assert their rights in each particular case. Even if Trump believes he could make a legal case to prevent his son from testifying against his will and its highly unlikely such a position would prevail he should choose transparency and encourage the testimony. Surely, everyone agrees that Congress has the right to know whether sworn testimony in a national security inquiry was truthful or not. Democrats should tread carefully, too. The House Judiciary Committee voted Wednesday to urge the full House to hold Barr in contempt for refusing to provide Congress with an unedited copy of the Mueller report. It marked the second time in our history that an attorney general was held in contempt. The last time came just seven years ago when Republicans voted to hold then Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt for ignoring a subpoena seeking records related to the Fast and Furious scandal. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday the full House will vote on that recommendation in time. Democrats should review history carefully. Holder did not resign over the contempt charge, and President Obama declined to have him prosecuted. When in 2013 a small group led by Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, and other Texas lawmakers mounted an effort to impeach Holder, their effort backfired. Democrats should expect Trump to be equally protective of his attorney general. For now, Pelosi has sounded the right notes. She said Thursday that impeachment is one of the very most divisive things you can do, and pledged to proceed carefully. Thats good advice for the president and his supporters. Its good advice for voters watching with mounting anxiety. America has been here before, more times than wed like to admit. Well get through this, too. But well need brave leaders who put principle above party and voters committed to holding the reckless partisans to account. On Facebook, as parts of Houston were flooding and the forecast called for more rain, I asked how Hurricane Harvey changed their reaction to floods. Here, lightly edited, are some of their responses. Lisa Gray Lisa McFarland: I shift into hunker-in-place mode at the first notice of flood warnings, in a slightly obsessive way. Randy Smith: Growing up in Houston, flooding kinda became something you expect and got used too until I was so severely affected. I lost my home in Houston and had to move. Now, I live on a hill outside of Houston in the country because I feel safer from floods. But I still get an uneasy feeling and am on edge whenever storms bring potential flooding, even though I know we are safe where we are. Brian Cweren: I keep sandbags on hand and put them out sooner than later. Leah Lax: Someone talk about the dogs! Mine was fine in storms until Harvey now every storm means dealing all night with a terrified animal. Ive been asking around, and a lot of dog owners tell me the same. Somehow, my Gracies recurring terror brings those awful days back every time. Jaime Gonzalez Santana I changed jobs to be more active in working with others to meet Houston's many resiliency challenges like flooding (but also climate change, biodiversity loss, air quality, urban heat, etc. all of which are intersected). Rick Roederer: Yep, I moved to the Hill Country. I enjoy the weather report more now, watching you all. David Proler: I partake in spending hundreds of dollars in food, vino and vodka and just hunker down. Melissa Noriega: We need to think, educate and help each other as a region. No one is coming (to quote Angela Blanchards wisdom), and we need to deal with our business ourselves. We need a flood response at the human level, not just the concrete level, an infrastructure that stays in place and ready. The feds and the state treat each of these as a one-off and make us start over each time. We lose all the expertise and support. It takes months and years to get folks what they need, even as there are lots of resources. Henry Tony Hodges: I live in Katy. My house did not flood, but my insurance went up $200! John Baker: Hurricane Harvey was the third hurricane to cause damage to my house in Bridge Cty, Texas. I repaired the house one last time, sold it, and moved to Delaware. Eddie Cortes: Since Allison, I cannot stand it when some girl says, I love the rain. Cyndi Martin Lawrence: [During Harvey] my poor niece was one of the ones in Friendswood who were rescued on the news. She told me this morning she is having major anxiety with fear of flooding. Debora Morris: Im beginning to dread any kind of rain event. We still havent cleaned up entirely from Ike. It angers me that developers are still allowed to build in low-lying areas. Olga Luiza Dentzien-Keller: I worry about my friends who flooded and are likely to flood again. And I take the turn around, dont drown warning seriously. Scott R. Furtwengler: Now when storms like this are forecast, I map out my route home from work so that I don't have to drive through underpasses or low-lying areas. Ruth E. Cornelius: I notice that we have more flooding, widespread, more often. I look out my windows or open door more often to check if its flooding on my cross streets. Michael Hart: I'm still surprised at all the frequent flooding. Not what I was used to in Arkansas. I'm more prepared not just stockpiling stuff but knowing in advance how to deal with it. I am also more discouraged about doing business in Houston. Businesses almost recover and then there is yet another one. Kenny Browning: I now check the drain channels next to my house from my neighbors houses to make sure they are not plugged so water will not back up into my home like during Harvey. Larissa Lindsay: Im having to be more sympathetic to friends who flooded during Harvey, understanding that the threat of potentially flooding rains is an emotional trigger. They may be having a lot more anxiety than others, and I need to understand a meltdown may happen over minor disruptions. Cindy Clifford: It changed the way I feel about rain. I used to love the sound of it at night at home. Now, it just scares me. Carrie Tatro is a freelance writer based in Atlanta, GA, who has been on board with HowStuffWorks since January 2018. She holds a bachelors degree in English Lit with a minor in journalism from Georgia State University. A seminary drop-out, her favorite theologians are Flannery OConnor, David Sedaris and Alan Watts, who nailed it when he said, Trying to define yourself is like trying to bite your own teeth. Carrie worked as a technical writer in Communications at the Georgia Tech Research Institute for several years before moving on to pursue her passion for books. She became the manager and buyer for a large collectible bookstore where she honed her skills and went on to enjoy 15 years as an independent bookseller, specializing in rare and out of print books. Carrie lives with her husband, George, and a mellow Harrier hound named Rosie, in an old house full of books, folk art and second-hand furniture. She enjoys trail walking and is learning to play the ukulele. ADVERTISE Hypebot & MusicThinkTank With the internet and digital technologies driving rapid change within the music industry, articles about new releases and who has been hired and fired are no longer enough. Our up to the minute industry news alongside insightful commentary helps our readers sift through the rumors and developments to find the information they need to keep their businesses moving forward. Hypebot is read daily by more than 30,000 music industry professionals including executives and senior staff of music related tech firms, internet based music sites, every major label group and most indies as well as many managers, artists and members of the live music community: Contact us for the latesst stats, ad rates and sponosorship opportunites. We also offer combined rates with MusicThinkTank. Pianist Mitsuko Uchida stands as one of the leading Mozarteans of our day, and her performance of the composers Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466, underscored the sense of wonder and discovery she characteristically brings to his music. Muti set the stage by emphasizing the hushed drama of the concertos opening pages, the CSO strings showing a welcome tenderness of timbre. The Chicago Tribune detailed in a front-page story last May how the gun used in Sotos shooting was traced to a group of weapons traffickers who had bought the weapon in Kentucky a little more than a month earlier. The gun was bought off of Armslist.com, a controversial website that helps buyers and sellers of weapons find each other without requiring them to register, provide proof of identity or undergo background checks, according to prosecutors. As the Arkansas bill worked its way through the Legislature, it sparked demonstrations and complaints from businesses owners who said it could hurt the economy. Wal-Mart, the retail giant with Arkansas headquarters, and technology companies like Apple have opposed the Arkansas measure. Imperial Valley News Center President Donald J. Trump is Protecting the Homeland and the World from Global Health Security Threats Washington, DC - "We must protect the American people, the homeland, and our great American way of life." ~ President Donald J. Trump PROTECTING AGAINST GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY THREATS: President Donald J. Trump is taking action to protect America and our partners from infectious disease threats. Today, the Trump Administration is releasing its Global Health Security Strategy (Strategy), the first full-fledged strategy of its kind. The Strategy defines the actions the Administration will take to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate. The Strategy adopts a whole-of-government approach to health security by leveraging the strengths of many different Federal departments, agencies, and funding streams. Combating biological threats and pandemics are a cornerstone of President Donald J. Trumps National Security Strategy. President Trump released the National Biodefense Strategy in September 2018 to prepare for and combat biological threats. STRENGTHENING GLOBAL HEALTH SECURITY CAPACITIES: The United States is working to help ensure that partner countries can respond to health security threats. The United States is working with international partners to help improve the worlds ability to stop and contain infectious disease outbreaks before they spread between countries. Under our new Strategy, the United States will work to ensure that every partner country has a plan to achieve self-reliance in the critical area of health security. The Administration strongly supports the Global Health Security Agenda as a mechanism to accelerate progress addressing infectious disease threats. Nations, international organizations, and the private sector established the Global Health Security Agenda, laying out specific targets to reduce infectious disease threats. The Global Health Security Agenda was first launched in 2014 and re-affirmed in 2018. The United States supports the use of the World Health Organizations Joint External Evaluation process to help implement the International Health Regulations. Using this process, the United States will assist our international partners to help improve their performance in priority areas. We will encourage countries to strengthen their technical capacities and will support select partner countries in areas such as emergency preparedness and disease surveillance. INCREASING INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT: The United States is creating a safer world by utilizing collective global action to combat global health security threats. Vice President Pence After Touring R&J Johnson Farms Glyndon, Minnesota - Vice President Pence After Touring R&J Johnson Farms: THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all for being here. And I especially would you all join me in thanking R&J Johnson Farms? (Applause.) Thank you all for coming out and really putting a face not just for Minnesota, but for America on the importance of agriculture, the challenges that American agriculture is facing today, and the vital importance of expanded trade to the vitality of the American family farm. The stories that Ive heard today, I hear as I travel all across the country. America is prospering today. Great news over the last week: 5.8 million jobs created over the last two and half years. More Americans working today than ever before in our nations history. For the first time ever in the last year, there are more Americans looking there are more Americans excuse me, theres more job openings in this country than there are Americans looking for work. That has actually never happened before the last year. And I believe its a testament to the progress that President Trump has made, working with the Congress where weve cut taxes, weve cut federal red tape. We eliminated the Waters of the USA rule. We stood by private property rights. Weve expanded American energy. But President Trump and I believe that expanded trade is absolutely vital to the success of the United States of America in the city and on the farm. And we are fighting for trade deals that are more fair and more free and more reciprocal. And as we speak today, a delegation from China has arrived in Washington, D.C., for the latest negotiations. And I want to assure all of you, particularly those of you in soybeans, who export to China and understand that were working literally hour by hour to reach an agreement with China. The President and I remain hopeful that well be able to reach an agreement, but were going to continue to stand firm. Were going to continue to stand firm for putting American jobs, American farmers, and American workers first to reset that trading relationship with China that is so out of balance in so many different ways. But the good news is, weve got a trade deal done with Mexico and Canada. Its the USMCA. The President has done his job. And Im here to say it is time for Congress to do their job and approve the USMCA this year. (Applause.) As we heard from these farmers, the USMCA is a huge improvement on NAFTA. We all remember the North American Free Trade Agreement enacted in the mid-1990s. Its impact on manufacturing in places like Minnesota and Indiana did not benefit American workers broadly. And the new USMCA really puts American jobs and American workers first. It levels the playing field. It removes the unintentional incentives in the last deal for companies to leave our country, and particularly go south of the border. But with regard to agriculture, theres no question and Ray and I were talking about it; many of us were the USMCA is a win for American farmers. Its a win for Minnesota. And it is time for Congress to act and approve the USMCA. Okay? Im here in this district because this district is really emblematic of all thats best about American agriculture. In fact, it reminds me an awful lot of home, back in Southern Indiana. We grow a lot of the same things and we we enjoy the same quality of life and communities as you do here in Minnesota. But Im also here because Congressman Collin Peterson is a vitally important leader in the Congress of the United States. You know, before I was Vice President, before I was Governor of Indiana, I was a member of Congress for 12 years. I actually served on the Agriculture Committee with Congressman Peterson. Hes a good man. And hes now the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. And Im here to call on Congressman Collin Peterson, who supports the USMCA, to call on Speaker Pelosi and tell her to bring the USMCA to the floor and bring it to the floor soon. We really do believe that if Speaker Pelosi puts the USMCA on the floor of the House of Representatives, itll pass. It is a win for American farmers. Its a win for American workers, American manufacturing, and jobs. But its absolutely imperative that the Democratic leadership in the Congress act to move the USMCA to the floor. And so I wanted to come here to Minnesota, and particularly to my friend Collin Petersons district, to encourage him to tell his leadership in the House the time has come to vote on the USMCA and give Minnesota agriculture, the people of Minnesota, and the people of America a great, great victory. Okay? You with me? (Applause.) So, with that, thank you all again. Thank you all for being here. Id be happy to take a question or two. Q Whats your reaction to what you heard today? Obviously, it is kind of like being back in your home district and talking with your neighbors, but are you hearing some of those same stories, some of the same concerns? THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, I really am. I mean, the reality is, as Congress as Congress delays in considering the USMCA, many family farms are struggling. I mean, you heard about the prices today. We hear that all across the country the lack of certainty in our trading relationship with our partners to the north and to the south is impacting real world choices that family farms are making here in Minnesota and across the country. And its the reason why the President and I feel such an urgency about this. We drove hard on the USMCA, we drove for a deal that would really level the playing field, not just for manufacturing, but also for agriculture in this country. And we secured that deal. Were particularly proud of the progress that weve made on dairy with our neighbors to the north. We you know, there were some inequities for dairy farmers in this part of the country. And you all recognize that and understand that. And those have all been addressed to our neighbors in Canada, but we really do believe that the time has come for us to act and to act now. And again, I want to emphasize: Congressman Collin Peterson is my friend. I served on the Agriculture Committee with him. I know the people of this district appreciate him and appreciate his leadership. And I just I want you all to know that Congressman Peterson is in a unique position, as Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, to carry the urgency that I heard today to the Democratic leadership in the Congress and get them to act. If Speaker Pelosi puts the USMCA on the floor of the Congress, itll pass and well pass it out of the Senate, and well create real opportunities for certainty in our trading relationship here in North America. And, in the midst of all of that, well continue to work continue to work a free, fair, reciprocal deal with China, which is so important to agriculture as well. Q Why did you choose to come here to Glyndon? Of all places, why Glyndon, Minnesota? THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, Ray and JoLyn invited me. (Laughter.) Im delighted to be here. No, I really do believe that Glyndon and this part of Minnesota are really emblematic of the heart of American agriculture. This is a great, great region a great region of the country. But to hear these stories, to listen to the families who are here most of which have off-farm income; to hear about the challenges of input costs; and particularly to hear what theyre hearing from their neighbors and friends its going to make it its going to give me a better opportunity to go back, as I engage with people on Capitol Hill, and tell the story of the real-world impacts here. I mean, the truth is, for everything thats happening good in this country I mean, more Americans working than ever before, 5.8 million new jobs created, the stock market is soaring for many people on the farm across this country, this is a challenging time. And its challenging because of the uncertainty around our trading relationships with Mexico and Canada. But Congress can fix that. Congress can enact the USMCA. And once we do that, we believe its going to have an almost immediate impact on agricultural prices, on commodity prices. Its going to help the bottom line of all these family famers. And its that real-world story that I came here to hear. Q Thanks for commenting. If the China trade deal takes longer than you anticipate, would you guys consider implementing a second trade assistance program this year? THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, let me say again, the Chinese delegation has arrived in Washington, D.C. Those negotiations are ongoing. But as President Trump has made clear, were prepared to continue to expand on the tariffs that weve implemented because things have to change in our relationship with China. I mean, China, today, is fully half of our international trade deficit, and that doesnt even account for issues like the intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and, frankly, all the things that really work against American workers in the city and on the farm. So were going to take a strong stand. Were going to make it clear to them: We believe were in a strong position either way, but were going to continue to drive forward. And if we have to go the tariffs route if we have to expand tariffs to reset the balance in our relationship you can be very confident that President Trump and I and our entire administration are going to look for ways to provide additional support to American farmers that would be impacted by the negotiations or uncertainty in our relationship with China. And those discussions have already taken place. Q So to be clear: Will there be an additional payment for farmers? And, if so, when can we know more about that? When are you expecting us to know a little bit clearer path forward? THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, I look, I think we are day-to-day in our negotiations with China right now. I think the President said earlier today that were hoping and hoping that theyre coming to make a deal. And that would have an immediate impact on the need for additional support or subsidies for American farmers. But make no mistake about it, we have already had preliminary discussions in the White House for additional support for farmers if this impasse with China continues. But the important thing to remember here is the USMCA is already negotiated. Its done. And all Congress needs to do is put the USMCA on for on the floor for a vote. And we believe it will pass. And its the reason why I came here, to my friend Congressman Collin Petersons district, to say: As Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, the people of Minnesota, the people of America would do well if Congressman Collin Peterson told Nancy Pelosi to put the USMCA on the floor. Well pass it, and well have a brand new trade deal with the United States, Mexico, and Canada that will be a win for American farmers and American workers. Q Do you think that theyre not voting on it because they think it will pass or because they think it wont pass? Do you think Collin Peterson hasnt made that clear? And do you think that has more to with other kinds of tariffs issues that you might have some control over? THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well you know, I was in Congress for 12 years and you know, I dont make a habit on speculating about why Congress is hesitating to act, okay? I know weve got the USMCA done. There were retaliatory tariffs that were put into place following some strong action the President has taken on steel and aluminum in this country. All of those discussions are taking place. What I can assure you and I can assure Congressman Peterson and every member of Congress is that we believe there is a way forward here to approve the USMCA and deal with all of these issues in a way that puts American jobs and American workers first. Q Do you think hes already applied as much pressure as he can? THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, I would it would be a good question for you to ask him. (Laughter.) I but what I would tell you is were grateful that Congressman Collin Peterson is supporting the USMCA. Q Did you invite him here with you? THE VICE PRESIDENT: But I believe its absolutely essential that Congressman Peterson, who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, carry the message of agriculture here in Minnesota and across America to the Democrat leadership in the House and say: American agriculture and America need Congress to vote on the USMCA. Thanks, all. Thank you, everybody. After racking up the citys highest-ever parking ticket tab, Jennifer Fitzgerald will only have to pay a small fraction of what she owed the city of Chicago. In her lawsuit that was dismissed Aug. 12, Fitzgerald said Brandon Preveau, her former boyfriend, left a purple 1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo car registered in her name in an employee OHare International Airport parking lot for three years. During that time, the car was ticketed continuously and, when Fitzgerald didnt show up to court, the fines increased exponentially, city law department spokesman Roderick Drew said. Advertisement Under agreements reached recently by Fitzgerald, Preveau and the city, Fitzgerald will pay just less than $4,500 of the nearly $106,000 that she owed and Preveau will pay her the amount of the down payment, which is about $1,600. Fitzgerald will pay the rest off over the next three years, with monthly payments of $78. The lawsuit stated that Preveau bought the car from Fitzgeralds uncle, who signed the title of the car over to Fitzgerald. Preveau worked at OHare and drove the car to work regularly, according to the suit. On Nov. 17, 2009, it said, the car was ticketed for the first time for being an abandoned vehicle, but wasnt removed until the city towed it in October 2012, nearly three years later. Advertisement Fitzgerald said in April that she had been unable to access the car because it was in an employee lot. She also said she had given her spare set of keys to Preveau when he lost his. Tickets went beyond the car being abandoned in the lot. Fitzgerald was also ticketed multiple times for improperly tinted windows, not having the proper city sticker, expired plates or registration, cracked or missing windows and broken lamps, according to the lawsuit. In all, 678 tickets were placed on the car without it ever being towed, according to the complaint. While the vehicle in the OHare lot accrued more than $100,000 in parking tickets, Fitzgerald also had several thousand dollars of parking violations on another vehicle that was in her name, Drew said. Drew said the city had made efforts to settle the tab before it went to court, for about the same $4,500 amount, but Fitzgerald declined. Parties came together and worked out a reasonable resolution to this situation, Drew said. By following the terms of the settlement, at the end of this three year period Ms. Fitzgerald will be able to resolve the debts, receive her drivers license which she could not have with all of these tickets hanging over her head and she can move on with her life. @ellenjeanhirst President Donald J. Trump Is Cutting Off Funds the Iranian Regime Uses to Support Its Destructive Activities Around the World Washington, DC - "We call on the regime to abandon its nuclear ambitions, change its destructive behavior, respect the rights of its people, and return in good faith to the negotiating table." ~President Donald J. Trump ONE YEAR LATER: One year after withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, President Donald J. Trump continues to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its malign activity. One year ago, President Trump withdrew from the fatally flawed, one-sided Iran deal and began the process of reimposing sanctions on the terror-sponsoring regime. Today, President Trump is imposing additional sanctions on Irans metal sectors. These sanctions are being imposed on Irans iron, steel, aluminum, and copper sectors. With this action, the United States has now imposed sanctions on Irans top three exports oil, petrochemicals, and metals. The Administration is imposing tougher sanctions on Iran than ever before because the regime continues to engage in destructive and destabilizing activities. The regime has maintained its nuclear ambitions and continues to develop its ballistic missile capabilities and support terrorism. The United States will aggressively enforce its sanctions, and those who continue to engage in sanctionable activity involving Iran will face severe consequences. WORST DEAL EVER NEGOTIATED: The Iran deal was a disastrous one-sided deal that failed to end Irans nuclear program and the full range of the regimes malign activity. President Trump withdrew from the Iran deal because it failed to protect American national security interests and enabled Tehrans malign behavior. The Iran deal left Iran with future pathways to pursue nuclear weapons. The regime was allowed to preserve its nuclear infrastructure, keep enriching uranium, and continue research and development. The deal included incomplete mechanisms for inspections and verification. The extensive nuclear archive exposed by Israel proves Tehran pursued nuclear weapons and secretly preserved its blueprints and database to do so. The deal failed to address Irans wide range of malign activities, including its global terrorist campaign, unjust detention of Americans, ballistic missile development, and more. The regime received an influx of cash because of sanctions relief that it has used to engage in and support terrorism and to destabilize the Middle East. MAXIMUM PRESSURE CAMPAIGN: President Trump launched a strategy to address the totality of Irans malign activities and ensure Iran is never allowed to develop nuclear weapons. IWTC San Diego Holds International Maritime Intelligence Course Graduation San Diego, California - Nine students from Barbados, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Suriname, and Taiwan graduated from the International Maritime Intelligence Course (IMIC) at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) San Diego, May 3. IMIC is an unclassified course designed to provide foundational intelligence training to international junior officers in the equivalent grade of O1-O4. Upon completion, trainees should be able to provide intelligence support to naval operations and planning in both afloat and ashore environments. Additionally, the U.S. State Department coordinates with IWTC San Diego to highlight American culture via field trips around Southern California during the students time in the U.S. This was a very positive experience, and will build our capability in intelligence and building scenarios, remarked Lt. Mohammed Al Hamdan of the Royal Saudi Navy. Working with students from other countries was also good, and it was great for us to experience the culture of the U.S. and California. This was the first time that a student from Barbados attended this course, so I came in with a very open mind and tried to learn as much as I could, added Lt. Troy Bridgeman from the Barbados Defense Force. I will try to enhance my day-to-day routine as well as the products we create to support our command. More than 25 students, primarily international intelligence officers, graduate from the three-week course each year. My favorite part about teaching IMIC is that Im learning about multiple countries at the same time, said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Melinda Galang, who instructs IMIC at IWTC San Diego. Students in the course are a blank canvas since course content is brand new to them, so theres immense development as it pertains to the students grasp of maritime domain awareness. IWTC San Diego, as part of the Center for Information Warfare Training, provides a continuum of training to Navy and joint service personnel that prepares them to conduct information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations. With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT is recognized as Naval Education and Training Commands top learning center for the past three years. Training over 21,000 students every year, CIWT delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community. Vice President Pence at the Federalist Societys Seventh Annual Executive Branch Review Conference Washington, DC - Vice President Pence at the Federalist Societys Seventh Annual Executive Branch Review Conference: THE VICE PRESIDENT: Well, thank you all for that very warm welcome. And thank you to Leonard Leo not only for that overly generous introduction, but I want to thank Leonard for his tireless work over the last few years. Our administration and the nation owe you a debt of gratitude. Would you all join me in thanking Leonard Leo (applause) the Vice President of the Federalist Society, for all hes done for America? To Gene Meyer, to Dean Reuter, and distinguished guests: It really is an honor to join so many so many of you who are part of this remarkable organization with an extraordinary history thats impacting the life of the law and the life of our nation each and every day. Thank you for inviting us to the Federalist Societys Seventh Annual Executive Branch Review Conference. Its an honor to be with all of you. And I want to welcome some of you back to Washington, D.C. Though many of you work here, I always think of what President Kennedy said in describing our nations capital those of you that are just visiting. He said Washington, D.C. is a place that combines southern efficiency with northern charm. (Laughter.) But I expect you have found this to be an enormously important day, hearing from key members, general counsels of administration branches, as well as the Chief of Staff of the White House earlier today. And, mentioning people in our administration, allow me to bring greetings from a friend of mine and a great admirer of the Federalist Society and a tireless defender of the Constitution of the United States of America. I bring greetings from the 45th President of the United States of America, President Donald Trump. (Applause.) The President is on Air Force One as we speak. Hes headed out to Florida and will be at a rally a little bit later today. But I did mention to him at our Cabinet meeting earlier today that I was speaking to members of the Federalist Society, and he was very excited about that. (Laughter.) Hes a great admirer of all of you. And I expect and Ill reflect a bit on the record of the last two and a half years. Its obvious how much we admire the men and women of the Federalist Society. You know, its amazing to think the Federalist Society was founded nearly 40 years ago by a handful of law students who felt alienated by the dominance of liberalism on their campuses, and they simply wanted to take a stand for the principles of limited government embodied in our Constitution and give them a fair hearing in the courts and in the law. In fact, when I was elected to Congress, back in the year 2000, I actually followed in the Congress one of the founders of the Federalist Society. He is a great Hoosier. Hes a source of great pride. Would you join me in welcoming one of the founders of the Federalist Society 40 years ago? The honorable David McIntosh is with us here today. (Applause.) Great job, David. Go ahead, stand up. Well, from those backbench law students complaining four decades ago, since then, its remarkable to think what the Federalist Society has done. You fought to reorient the American legal system toward its original principles: that the state exists to preserve freedom [and] that the separation of government powers is central to our Constitution, and that it is emphatically the province and duty of the judiciary to say what the law is, not what it should be. (Applause.) The Federalist Society has stood on constitutional principle. And, really, youve achieved incredible success. The Federalist Society, Im told, actually helps educate more than 10,000 students at every accredited law school in America. Your Lawyers Division includes more than 65,000 legal professionals across the country. Its truly remarkable. And today, your members serve in positions all across the federal government, serving in the United States Congress, in district courts and courts of appeals. And five of the nine justices of the Supreme Court of the United States are or have been members of the Federalist Society. (Applause.) What began as a small group scattered throughout a few law schools has become a powerful movement grounded in the principles of the American founding, leading the fight for constitutional principles that always made America great before and are making America great again. And I promise you, you have no greater friend in that fight than President Donald Trump. (Applause.) You know, and make no mistake about it: The President and I both know the American people have stood with him, and in large part because hes a man of his word and he kept his promises to cut taxes, roll back regulations, and rebuild our military. And this President has kept his promise to nominate strong conservatives to our federal courts at every level. (Applause.) True. I mean, we all remember that morning in February of 2016 when news broke of the passing of the late and great Justice Antonin Scalia. He was a lion of the law who, nearly four decades ago, actually helped found the Federalist Society. In 1986, my second favorite President, Ronald Reagan (laughter) appointed him to serve on the Supreme Court, where he wrote hundreds of opinions, building the case for a renewed focus on what the Constitution actually says and not just what judges might like it to say. Before Justice Scalia, this approach wasnt popular. In fact, he once claimed, in his words, that, quote, This is such a minority positionthat on occasion Im asked, Justice Scalia, when did you first become an originalist? as though it [was] some kind of weird affliction that seizes people. (Laughter.) But today, Justice Scalias legal reasoning is alive and well, and the men and women here at the Federalist Society are proof that the legacy of Justice Antonin Scalia lives on in the law in this nation. (Applause.) And President Trump understood in his time as a candidate, in his time in private life, and time as a President the role that Justice Scalia has played in our nations highest court. And the President made history when, with your help, he released several lists of distinguished men and women that he promised to choose to fill who would who would represent the legacy and fill the seat of the late, great Justice Scalia. And since Election Day, Im pleased to report we didnt just fill that seat. This President has actually appointed more than 100 men and women to our federal courts, including more circuit court judges than any President in American history. And they are all conservatives (applause) who are committed to the principles enshrined in the Constitution of the United States. And that doesnt even count the two judges that this President chose for the Supreme Court of the United States. Ive gotten to know both of them. I had the great privilege of participating in the process where the President was interviewing finalists and candidates. But the two men that he appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States are extraordinary conservatives who will uphold the God-given liberties enshrined our Constitution. America and our Constitution are better today with Justice Neil Gorsuch and Justice Brett Kavanaugh on the highest court in the land. (Applause.) So weve made great progress, but were going to keep right on working. Earlier today, the United States, Im pleased to report, confirmed another one of President Trumps nominees to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Joseph Bianco is the 103rd federal judge confirmed to the bench, and hes a member of the Federalist Society. (Applause.) So, the Federalist Society is making a difference for our Constitution and our nation. And I couldnt be more proud to be with all of you today. But were here today, I know, to discuss the focus of this years Executive Branch Conference: regulatory reform. In the Federalist Papers, James Madison wrote that the and I quote accumulation of all powers, legislative [and] executive and judicial[is] the very definition of tyranny. As weve seen all too often, federal agencies in the modern era frequently have exerted just that type of control. But Im proud to say, under President Trumps leadership, we have taken decisive action, and the days of excessive regulations from Washington, D.C. are coming to an end. (Applause.) In fact, Im pleased to report weve cut more federal red tape in our first two years than any administration in American history. We exceeded a goal that we set at the very beginning of our administration. In fact, when he was a candidate, the President promised the American people that we would repeal two federal regulations for every new federal rule put in the Code of Federal Regulations. But we didnt do that. We actually, as of last year, have cut 12 federal regulations for every new federal rule put on the books. (Applause.) Were rolling back red tape at a historic level, and its made a real difference in our economy. As youve heard here today, and you all have reflected on, you know that has real impact on jobs and opportunities. Since Election Day, our administration has actually delivered, by most estimates, about $33 billion in regulatory savings for businesses large and small all across America. And thats meant higher wages. Its meant more jobs and more opportunities for Americans. And the truth is, as you look at the agenda of this administration of historic tax relief, unleashing American energy, and fighting for more free and fair and reciprocal trade its been the regulatory relief that actually has been a capstone of all of that. As I travel around the country, I hear I hear business leaders tell me every single day that while the tax cuts made a difference, the regulatory relief made just as much a difference. And because of the leadership that the President has provided, and the support that we had from Republican majorities, the American economy is booming. (Applause.) Its true. Since Election Day, businesses large and small have created 5.8 million new jobs. Just last week, we announced more than 260,000 jobs were created in the month of April alone, exceeding expectations by all the experts and extending the longest streak of consecutive months of job growth ever. The unemployment rate, as of last Friday, hit a nearly 50-year low, and today there are more Americans working than ever before in the history of the United States. (Applause.) In fact, I was just in a Cabinet meeting and I heard a statistic confirmed that, for the 13th straight month, there are more job openings today than there are Americans looking for work. Its remarkable. Its the longest streak in American history. But also, it had actually never happened before since those labor statistics were accumulated. I mean, it wouldnt come as any surprise to members of the Federalist Society that when you let people keep more of what they earn, when you lift the heavy hand of government off of free enterprise, when you make efforts for better and fairer trade and exchange on an international basis, and you lower the cost of energy, you take three steps back and Americans know what to do with freedom, they create prosperity like the world has never seen before. (Applause.) True. But for all that weve accomplished with the support of all of you in this room, thats just what President Trump likes to call a good start. Its true. Because we understand that slashing red tape, rolling back the heavy hand of the administrative state, is about more than just economic growth. President Trumps agenda is simple. Its about freedom. The freedom to live, to work, to start a business, to worship, to live out your life according to the dictates of your conscience. Its the American agenda. Thats why, since day one, this President has fought to defend the freedom of the American people from, in his words, government coercion, domination, and control. We stopped the last administrations effort to force employers to provide health insurance plans that violated their pro-life principles, and we expanded and strengthened a religious and moral exemption to the HHS mandate so all Americans can live out their faith in freedom without fear. (Applause.) Working with the Department of Labor, weve taken action to make it easier for small businesses to offer health insurance to their employees through association health plans. Another example: The VA has removed unnecessary regulations to expand veterans access to telehealth services so that those who have served in the uniform of the Armed Forces of the United States can get the real-time, world-class healthcare they deserve. The EPA (applause) thank you. You can applaud those fine men and women. They deserve it. (Applause.) The EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers are working to undo the damage of the last administrations Waters of the USA. It was a rule that literally had farmers and homeowners all across the country concerned about the loss of basic private property rights. And were were cutting the federal red tape that slows down the deployment of new technologies like the 5G wireless networks. Weve had remarkable success rolling back the heavy hand of government, and the Federalist Society has been with us every step of the way. And the President and I are truly grateful for your steadfast support. Unfortunately, as youve no doubt reflected on today, the kind of government control that our Founders were concerned about is too often exerted by the administrative state in this country. And its been emerging in recent years in the federal judiciary in the form of nationwide injunctions. These orders are issued by federal district court judges on a broad range of issues from national security to immigration, from border security to healthcare reform. And these orders prevent the entire Executive Branch from enforcing a statute, a regulation, or a policy on a nationwide basis. And they apply everywhere, to everyone, granting relief even to those who are not parties to a case. As Justice Thomas wrote last year in a decision upholding President Trumps ability to enforce our immigration laws against nationwide injunctions, Justice Thomas said nationwide injunctions, in his words, take a toll on the federal court system preventing legal questions from percolating [and] encouraging forum shopping, and making every case a national emergency for the courts andthe Executive Branch. Its remarkable to think a Supreme Court justice has to convince four of their colleagues to uphold a nationwide injunction, but a single district court judge can issue one, effectively preventing the duly elected President of the United States from fulfilling what he believes is a constitutional duty. This obstruction at the district level is unprecedented. Studies show that theres not a single example of a nationwide injunction in the first 175 years of our nations history. Although we received some good news last night that the Ninth Circuit stayed an injunction to allow our administration to continue our remain in Mexico policy, addressing the crisis at our southern border, the truth is, our administration has been unfairly hit with more nationwide injunctions than the first 40 American presidents combined. Nationwide injunctions issued by federal judges prevent the Executive Branch from acting, compromising our national security by obstructing the lawful ability of the President to stop threats to the homeland, where he sees them. These injunctions undermine the rule of law and the separation of powers that are central to our nations founding, that lie at the very heart of our Constitution. And so I say to all those gathered here, for the sake of our liberty, our security, our prosperity, and the separation of powers: This era of judicial activism must come to an end. (Applause.) The Supreme Court of the United States must clarify that district judges can decide no more than the cases before them. And its imperative that we restore the historic tradition that district judges do not set policy for the whole nation. In the days ahead, our administration will seek opportunities to put this very question before the Supreme Court to ensure that decisions affecting every American are made either by those elected to represent the American people or by the highest court in the land. (Applause.) So thank you again for allowing me to join you here today in this remarkable time in the life of our nation. And thank you for the role that all the members of the Federalist Society have played in the progress that were making the progress were making in this economy, the progress were making in our courts, and the progress that were making as we rebuild our military and make the strongest military in the history of the world stronger still. And the truth of the matter is, were advancing an agenda of freedom for the American people. And the Federalist Society has played a critical role in advancing that agenda. But just know were just getting started. Were going to continue to lean on each and every one of you, guided by your example and as you are guided by the wisdom of our Founders to continue, to make this country great and strong and prosperous as it was always intended to be. But we cant keep winning if we dont keep fighting. But the truth is, we live in a time when freedom itself, in so many ways, is under assault. Today, leading liberals mock the First Amendment freedoms of millions of Americans across the country. They reject the right to life, many arguing for late-term abortion and even some defending infanticide. Under the guise of whats known as the Green New Deal and Medicare for All, liberals are fighting for more regulation and government control of our daily lives. And increasingly, every day, we see Democrats at the national level and around the country advocate a failed economic system that impoverished hundreds of millions around the world and robbed the liberty of generations. I truly do believe that the choice before us has never been clearer and the stakes have never been higher. It really is a choice between government coercion and control and a socialist vision for America, and freedom and free markets and the principles of limited government. Its really a choice between freedom and socialism. And its important that the leaders gathered here, as you return to your homes, return to your practices and your work you help tell the story not just of what weve accomplished, but of the choice our country faces in the days ahead, and that you do what Federalist Society members have always done, and that is talk about the principles that have made this country great. You know, it was freedom, not socialism, that gave us the most prosperous economy in the history of the world. It was freedom, not socialism, that ended slavery, won two world wars, and stands today as a beacon of hope for all the world. It was freedom, not socialism, thats moving us beyond the prejudices of the past to create a more perfect union and extend the blessings of liberty to every American, regardless of race or creed or color. And it was freedom, not socialism, that gave us the highest quality of life, the cleanest environment on Earth, and improved the health and wellbeing of millions around the world. You know, what Medicare for All really means is quality healthcare for none. (Laughter.) And the only thing green about the Green New Deal is how much green its going to cost all of us if they ever sign it into law. (Laughter.) Margaret Thatcher probably said it best: The trouble with Socialism is [you] eventually run out of other peoples money. (Laughter.) You know, I say to you from my heart: The moment America becomes a socialist country is the moment America ceases to be America. And so, as President Trump said in his State of the Union Address, so we must say from this day and every day forward: America will never be a socialist country. (Applause.) Well, this is our charge; this is our challenge: to reject the Lefts plans for more government and more government control, and continue fighting continue fighting for the agenda that President Trump brought to the White House, that Republican majorities have stood shoulder to shoulder with him on, and all of you have stood in partnership with us: a pro-growth, pro-freedom agenda. And we know it wont be easy. But Thomas Paine wrote, eloquently, and I quote, The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. And then he went on to say these words that I find myself reflecting on often. Thomas Paine said, Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods, and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated. And I want to promise you President Trump and I are ready for the fight. (Applause.) And were ready to stand with you, to stand and fight for freedom. Well fight alongside the Federalist Society to keep on building, keep on growing, and keep on strengthening America. We cant do it alone. So, as I said, I want you to do your part. Talk to your colleagues and your friends not just Federalist Society lawyers, but all your colleagues. Talk to your clients people leading businesses large and small about how far we have come as a country in just two and half short years and how far we can go if we continue to strengthen the foundation underneath this nation with courts that are committed to a strict constructionist philosophy and fealty to the Constitution. Tell them that this President and this administration are fighting for all of the liberties they hold dear. And, in a word, do just like those words on the Liberty Bell say. I was very moved, Leonard, when you mentioned my visit to the Liberty Bell because it was already in the speech. (Laughter.) Ill never forget, I walked up to that Liberty Bell in Philadelphia when I was at that Federalist Society then. And I did look for those ancient words that were inscribed around it. Its where the Liberty Bell gets its name. Proclaim liberty throughout all the land [and] unto all the inhabitants thereof. That was a charge to early Americans, and its a charge for each and every one of us. President Reagan said, memorably, Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. So we got to go tell the story. Its not going to be enough for us just to win the next election; we have to win the next generation. (Applause.) And we win it by explaining the principles of our nations founding, explaining the genius of our Founders, and letting this generation know that those ideals all still work and theyre witnessing them being put into practice again in our courts, in our economy, and our nation. But its been great to be with all of you today. I know youve had a long day, and I appreciate the invitation to join you. But I want to tell you, looking out at all of you, I leave here today with renewed confidence that with your continued support, with President Donald Trump in the White House, with conservatives in our courts at every level all across this nation, with the support of the American people behind the ideals that we hold dear, and with Gods help, we will make America safe again. We will make America prosperous again. We will strengthen the foundations upon which this nation was built as never before. And to borrow a phrase (laughter) we will make America great again. Thanks everybody. (Applause.) God bless you all. And God bless America. President Donald J. Trump Approves a Disaster Declaration for the Federated States of Micronesia Washington, DC - On Tuesday, May 7, 2019, President Donald J. Trump declared a disaster under the Compact of Free Association between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia, as amended, due to damage resulting from Typhoon Wutip during February 19 to February 23, 2019. The Presidents action makes Federal funding available for emergency relief and reconstruction assistance to the Federated States of Micronesia in accordance with Public Law 108-188, as amended, including Article X of the Federal Programs and Services Agreement to the Compact of Free Association. Federated States of Micronesia President Peter M. Christian requested a disaster declaration on April 17, 2019. The United States Agency for International Development will coordinate United States Government disaster assistance efforts in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia. Romania, U.S. Conduct Close Air Support Exercise Ionian Sea - The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and components of its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, along with the U.S. Air Force 603rd Air Control Squadron, completed a close air support (CAS) exercise with Romanian partners, May 3-5. The CAS involved coordination with U.S. Air Force tankers for in-flight refueling and Romanian joint terminal air controllers (JTACs), a ground-control support entity, to complete a roughly 700-nautical mile training exercise. The strategic mission is to engage and strengthen our partnerships with countries around the Black Sea, said Cmdr. David Dartez, commanding officer of the Fist of the Fleet, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 25, one of the nine squadrons of CVW-7. This shows our capacity to operate freely with our allies to complete our mission of fostering security and stability in the region. The exercise required substantial bilateral cooperation, including coordination with Romanian ground control to assist with refueling logistics and ensure airspace access. This is among the first missions weve executed with Romania, said Lt. Gerard Anderson, a pilot with VFA-25 and the coordination lead of the exercise. Theyre one of our allies, and its beneficial to integrate with different countries to show the world what were capable of. Using Romanian JTACs enhanced the squadrons targeting capabilities, increasing readiness and lethality. A major focus of Abraham Lincoln CSGs mission in its deployment, enhancing interoperability among allies was a key element of the exercise. Exercises like this strengthen defense capabilities against any potential threats in the European theater, Anderson said. Our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance is a critical tool for maintaining security and stability in the region; this demonstration builds competence and confidence in our ability to do just that. Romania became a member of NATO March 29, 2004. NATO marked its 70th anniversary April 4 this year. Beginning April 9, Romania hosted NATOs largest medical training exercise, which lasted six days and involved 38 nations, almost the entirety of NATOs member states. Abraham Lincolns CSG is deployed in support of maritime security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th, U.S. 6th and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of operation. With the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as the flagship, deployed strike group assets include staffs, ships and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group 12, Destroyer Squadron 2, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and CVW-7; as well as the Alvaro de Bazan-class frigate ESPS Mendez Nunez (F 104). Every once in a while, one organization or another will rate the airlines. Sometimes, it seems like the same story over and over. Often enough, it's Southwest Airlines topping the list within the U.S. -- although as I wrote earlier, there was a recent crack in that armor. Now, there's a new study out ranking 72 of the top airlines all over the world, and I think a lot of passengers will be truly surprised at what U.S. airline ranked tops in North America, and second in the entire world. That airline is American Airlines. I think that may be a bit of a surprise some passengers. My colleague Chris Matyszczyk recently reported on American as the airline whose own senior vice president of sales, marketing and loyalty believes it has no brand purpose. But let's set that aside, and focus on the study. It comes from AirHelp, a company that specializes in helping airline passengers whose flights are delayed in Europe get compensation under a European Union regulation called EC 261. We're talking $700 here. (Quick aside: I'm a bit of an evangelist on this, because I learned of the existence of EC 261 literally one day after the three-year statute of limitations expired for a badly delayed flight my wife and I were on from Rome. In short, you should read this so you don't make my bad mistake.) Anyway, given AirHelp's business, the three criteria it used to judge airlines make sense. They include: On-time performance (33.33 percent). "We count any flight that departed within 15 minutes of its published departure time, and arrived within 15 minutes of its published arrival time as an on-time flight." (33.33 percent). "We count any flight that departed within 15 minutes of its published departure time, and arrived within 15 minutes of its published arrival time as an on-time flight." Service quality (33.33 percent). "[W]e ran hundreds of surveys where we asked over 40 thousand people in more than 40 countries for their opinions." (33.33 percent). "[W]e ran hundreds of surveys where we asked over 40 thousand people in more than 40 countries for their opinions." Claim processing (33.33 percent). "We have unique insight into this with our own data on how well airlines process their customers' claims for compensation." Using those criteria, here's how the airlines ranked: Qatar Airways American Airlines Aeromexico SAS Scandinavian Airlines Qantas LATAM Airlines WestJet Luxair Austrian Airlines Emirates United came in 16th, and Delta was 17th. Southwest wasn't on the list at all; I'm assuming it would have been difficult to include them because AirHelp is focused on the European regulation, and Southwest doesn't fly to Europe. Now, if I were a more cynical person, I might stop to scratch my head over the fact that these rankings basically seem to order airlines by how likely they are to wind up paying claims to AirHelp's customers. I might also note that given the third criteria, an airline has to have had done enough things to cause customers to have claims in the first place -- if you want to rank them by how quickly and easily they pony up. But no matter. I'd rather just let American Airlines bask in the glory of its fine showing: Second in the world, and at the top of a pile of airlines that "put customers first [and] come out ahead," as AirHelp put it in a press release. Sure enough, when I asked American for comment, they took a little pride in their achievements: "We are proud of our 130,000 team members who ensure the safe transportation of more than 500,000 customers each day," the company said. "In 2019, running the safest and most reliable operation in our history is one of our top focus areas, as we continue to improve and modernize the customer experience." How's this for a trend? First Uber, then Facebook. Now, Google. Because when a giant tech company develops a reputation for violating users' trust or not respecting their privacy, you can rest assured it will eventually spin 180 degrees, and insist that it now wants to become a paragon of the virtues it was once accused of spurning. We saw it after Travis Kalanick left Uber, when, in advance of its initial public offering, the company tried to make building trust with users its number-one priority. We saw it earlier this year, when Mark Zuckerberg announced, first via a 3,000-word Facebook post, that he wanted to lead Facebook toward prioritizing privacy, security, and small-group communication. Now, we're seeing it with Google. And some people are saying there's a really big catch. In a series of sweeping announcements on Tuesday, Google announced it's unveiling new privacy tools that would, if they lived up to the hype, let users restrict how companies track their online activities and compile and sell their personal data. "We think privacy is for everyone -- not just for the few. We want to do more to stay ahead of constantly evolving user expectations," Google CEO Sundar Pichai said. Among the specific items on the list (aptly summarized by the New York Times): letting users search and navigate on Google Maps in "incognito mode"; allowing them to watch YouTube videos and search for information on Google in the same "incognito mode"; giving users an option to automatically delete their web or app activity after either three months or 18 months; making it easier for users to delete information they've shared, perhaps inadvertently, like location data in maps (less than a year ago, Google was accused of tracking people's location data in Maps, even when they explicitly chose not to allow that); giving users on Android a way to limit how much location data they share with app providers; and perhaps the biggest item on the list, letting users limit the use of tracking cookies on Chrome, which could completely undermine the creepiest parts of the digital advertising model, where your most minor online behaviors become fodder for more targeted ads. It all sounds pretty good, right? But some analysts looking at this say Google is playing a fascinatingly effective game of looking like it's giving customers useful privacy controls -- but doing so in a way that not only doesn't hurt Google's business, but actually hurts its smaller competitors. "I suspect they saw the writing on the wall," Fatemeh Khatibloo, a vice president and principal analyst at Forrester told the Times. " I don't think this affects their business at all. So why shouldn't they do these things to give the impression of more privacy?" I wrote about one such example earlier this week, in advance of the Google Developer Conference. The restrictions on tracking cookies, for example, could decimate some of Google's smaller competitors--in an industry that was estimated to be worth $129 billion this year. But the changes -- which Google reportedly worked on for six years -- are not expected to have any significant effect at all on Google's own advertising business -- which was a $30.7 billion revenue stream for the company (link is a .pdf) in the first three months of this year, according to data released by Google's parent company, Alphabet, last month. Now we'll know. Or, at least, the Brits will. Getty Images Absurdly Driven looks at the world of business with a skeptical eye and a firmly rooted tongue in cheek. I have slightly less interest in how people chill than in how they Netflix. Many of my friends seem to follow the same process as we do in our house. This involves scrolling around, clueless to how Netflix's menus work, desperate to find something that we might want to watch. Occasionally, it works. Occasionally, it takes more than 45 minutes, a frustrated visit to Amazon Prime and then back to Netflix. Our latest Netflix discovery is a show called Huge In France, which, depending on the twistedness-level of your humor, you might enjoy too. Many have found it odd, over the years, that Netflix has always been shy about informing the world -- and especially money types -- about how many people actually watch its shows. And which shows people watch. Which seems something of a significant omission. Netflix thinks that by offering a vast bundle, you won't think about such mundane things as ratings. It doesn't care so much what you watch, as long as you subscribe. Yet, under pressure from the exigencies of human reality, the company has just released its first-ever weekly Top 10 list, so that you can at least compare your habits with strangers and perhaps even find inspiration. As Variety reports, the list is currently limited to the U.K. Viewers there can now enjoy lists of the Overall Most-Watched Shows, Most-Watched Series, Most-Watched Movies and even Most-Watched Incomprehensible Things That We Just Put On Here To Confuse You. I may have made that last one up. Still, for both viewers and those who want to understand Netflix's business a little better, it's a start in knowing which tastes the streaming service panders to most. Even if you still won't know how many actual people watched any specific show. Few might be surprised that the most popular program of all in the U.K. is David Attenborough's Our Planet series. More than a few eyebrows might tilt toward Heaven on learning that the most popular movie is The Perfect Date. You'll still be yearning for a definition of watched. Netflix says for an oeuvre to count in its counting, a viewer has to have watched at least 70 percent of it. However, the actual numbers of viewers are still a mystery. For a long time, Netflix has traded on an enormous amount of goodwill from its customers. Yet as the likes of Disney begin to creep toward its business, Netflix surely knows that it has to secure that goodwill for the long-term. Clearly, Reed Hastings' company hopes that these new lists are something customers want. (I think they do.) The company says the U.K. is its test market and, one imagines, that if this works -- it's unclear exactly how streamers will be served the lists -- then it will surely be expanded to all parts. It has to be better than the emails I constantly get from Netflix. They almost always recommend movies or series neither I nor my wife would ever want to see, even if we were stuck in an elevated yurt with only Netflix for company. It's always worth expanding the way you communicate with customers, so that they can get a better picture of who you are and what you offer. And, indeed, of who your fellow customers are. What is the Conservative Party for? That is the question that successive generations of Tory leaders have had to confront since the party first emerged as a coherent entity under Sir Robert Peel in the 1840s. That was in the aftermath of the Great Reform Act of 1832 which expanded suffrage for the first time and the internecine animosity precipitated by the repeal of the Corn Laws. From the first, the Conservative Party was an alliance of mutual interests between very different social groups. The aristocracy, inspired by a past that made them landed, joined forces with the merchant class who foresaw a moneyed future. Together, they could propel the economic and social changes demanded by the coming of the railways, the emergence of (what we would call) consumerism, the displacement of populations from the countryside to the towns, and the rise of Empire. GOING UP Harry and Meghan have named their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor (Chris Allerton/Sussex Royal) Royal baby The Duchess of Sussex gave birth to a baby boy on Monday 6 May. The announcement was made on the couples recently launched Instagram account. We are pleased to announce that their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on 6 May 2019, the statement reads. Their Royal Highnesses son weighs 7lbs 3oz. On Wednesday, the couple introduced their son to the world for the first time during a photocall. Speaking in St Georges Hall at Windsor Castle ahead of the photos release, Harry held their two-day-old child as Meghan said: Its magic, its pretty amazing. I have the two best guys in the world so Im really happy. He has the sweetest temperament, hes really calm. Later that day, Meghan and Harry announced the name of their son: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. New research has since predicted that Archie is likely to become one of the most popular names in the UK by 2022. Katie Perry attended fashions hottest event wearing a chandelier-inspired outfit (Getty) Met Gala On Monday 6 May, the most elite members of the fashion industry took to the pink carpet for the Met Gala 2019. This year, the theme was Camp: Notes on Fashion, prompting an array of headline-grabbing ensembles from the events guests. Co-chair Lady Gaga arrived at the Gala in a hot pink Brandon Maxwell gown before unveiling a further three outfits including a strapless black dress, a hot-pink dress ensemble, and a matching set of black underwear and bejewelled fishnet tights. Elsewhere, Zendaya turned a classic fairytale into reality by dressing up as Cinderella, while Billy Porter arrived on the pink carpet on a litter carried by six shirtless men and dressed in a custom sun god ensemble, created by The Blonds. Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas also made their first public appearance since their Las Vegas wedding wearing matching 1980s-inspired outfits by Louis Vuitton. Check out the best dressed from the Met Gala 2019 here. Symone Lu and Lucy Knell star in Primarks spring-summer campaign (Primark) Model diversity Primark was praised on social media this week for featuring a model with a missing tooth in its spring/summer campaign. The high street clothing brand posted a photo of two models, Symone Lu and Lucy Knell, wearing its latest swimwear range on Instagram on Monday alongside the caption: Vaycay season is upon us, and were leaving our cares behind! Lu, who is wearing a black bikini and yellow crocheted beach dress, is photographed smiling at the camera with her tongue out, revealing her missing central incisor. Shoppers applauded Primark for promoting diversity by choosing to include a model with an imperfect smile. Good to see @primark having real people as models so my kids dont grow up thinking they have to look a certain way, one person commented on Instagram. Another added: Such an inspiration! Ive felt so conscious of my teeth, just recently got braces due to gapping! She looks gorgeous proud of her and Primark. H&Ms new collab features logo-heavy T-shirts and 1980s floral prints (H&M) (H&M) H&M x Stranger Things H&M is launching a clothing range inspired by hit Netflix series Stranger Things. The high street brands capsule collection comes ahead of the programmes highly-anticipated third season, which will air later this summer, and consists of swimwear, clothing and poolside accessories. H&Ms offering is logo-heavy with Hawkins Pool emblazoned across T-shirts, swimsuits and trunks and features a playful assortment of nostalgic floral prints in homage to the 1980s vibe that characterises Stranger Things. Other standout pieces include a Stranger Things visor, beach towel and floral print Cuban-style shirt. Get a first look at the entire collection, which will be available in-store and online from 23 May, here. The Nike Pro Hijab is one of the hottest fashion products in the world (Nike) Hijabs Nikes Pro Hijab has been named one of the hottest fashion products in the world right now by global fashion search platform Lyst. The product ranks seventh in Lysts quarterly index behind a number of luxury high-fashion items, including Alexander McQueens oversized sole sneakers (first), Pradas stud-embellished headband (second) and Jacqeumus Le Chiquito bag (third). Morgane Le Caer of Lyst tells The Independent that although it may feel reductive to label a hijab a hot fashion product given its religious significance, the fact that it has made its way onto the report means it is one of the most in-demand fashion items across the globe, which she describes as exciting and important. This is reflective of the many socio-cultural changes that have been impacting the fashion industry, Le Caer adds. There is a real need and ever-growing demand for more inclusive fashion. A totally inclusive approach to representation in design and marketing is essential for both customers and brands. Find out which other products made Lysts report based on the shopping behaviours of more than 5 million people here. GOING DOWN 5 Live presenter Danny Baker claimed his tweet about the royal baby was an idiotic mistake (Rex) Danny Baker Radio host Danny Baker has been fired by the BBC after posting a racist tweet about the royal baby. The 5 Live presenter, 61, was accused of racism after seemingly mocking the Duchess of Sussexs heritage in a now deleted post that featured an image of two people holding hands with a chimp dressed in a suit alongside the caption: Royal baby leaves hospital. Bakers tweet received a huge backlash on social media with many calling for him to be let go by the BBC. Danny Baker should be given today to resign and clear his desk. If he is still there at 16:59 @bbc MUST FIRE HIM! Im disgusted by the hate and racism inherent in his tweet. Unforgivable, one person tweeted. He confirmed his firing from the station on Twitter, writing: Just got fired from @bbc5live. The broadcaster, who called the tweet an idiotic mistake, later insisted he was not racist in an interview with Sky News. A BBC spokesperson said: This was a serious error of judgment and goes against the values we as a station aim to embody. Dannys a brilliant broadcaster but will no longer be presenting a weekly show with us. Festival organisers are calling for a ban on single-use tents (Getty/iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Festival tents This week, festival organisers called for a ban on single-use tents in a bid to help tackle plastic pollution. The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) an organisation that represents and empowers independent UK festivals like Shambala, Boomtown and Boardmasters urged retailers to stop marketing and selling tents as single-use items. It also called on festivalgoers to take their tents home with them at the end of the event. The initiative follows a report published by the AIF in 2018 which found that while 93 per cent of festivals had ditched plastic straws and 40 per cent have banned the sale of drinks in single-use plastic on-site, abandoned tents remain a real problem with 10 per cent of people attending festivals leaving their tent behind a figure it estimates is the equivalent to 875 tons of plastic waste. We call upon major retailers to stop marketing and selling tents and other camping items as essentially single-use, and profiting from disposable culture, said Paul Reed, CEO of the AIF. The message here is not buy a more expensive tent festival audiences can take positive action and reduce their carbon footprint simply by taking their tent home and reusing it, ensuring that it doesnt become a single-use item this summer. Amy Schumer has called for fans to boycott Wendys (Getty) (Getty Images) Wendys Amy Schumer urged fans to boycott Wendys this week, amid claims the American fast food chain does not provide its farmworkers with adequate protection. The call to action came after Chance The Rapper tweeted asking the restaurant to bring back its spicy chicken nuggets. Two days later, Wendys announced it was reinstalling the nuggets back to its menu, following Chance The Rappers plea. While many fans of the fast food chain rejoiced in the news, comedian Schumer responded by highlighting Wendys alleged refusal to protect farmworker women. Hey! We love @chancetherapper and hate to be the ones to tell him that Wendys is the only fast food chain refusing to protect farmworker women from sexual assault and rape in the fields. This is true. Please read that sentence again, the comedian wrote on Instagram. Message for the people in charge: instead of spicy nuggets, we want food that is harvested with dignity NOT violence. Schumer ended the caption by imploring Wendys to join the Coalition of Immokalee Workers Fair Food Programme, and asked fans to boycott the company. Wendys has since issued a response, stating that all of its suppliers must follow the companys Supplier Code of Conduct, which includes requirements to human rights and labour practices. Wet wipes are made out of polyester and contain millions of microfibres (Getty/iStock) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Wet wipes Health food firm Holland and Barrett has announced that it will no longer sell disposable wet wipes in a bid to encourage customers to be more sustainable. Described as a problem product by sustainability campaigners because of the damage they cause to water systems, wet wipes are mostly made out of polyester and contain millions of microfibres. As a result, the high street retailer has said it will remove the 34 products in its wet wipe range in 800 stores in the UK and Ireland. Instead it will sell sustainable, multi-use alternatives, such as cotton pads and exfoliating mitts. There is a growing awareness of how much our current throwaway culture is damaging our oceans, beaches and rivers, said the companys head of beauty, Joanne Cooke. We want to encourage our customers to think about what they currently throw away and encourage them to swap to more sustainable alternatives. The quickest way for us all to make a positive impact on the world we live in is to choose to spend our money on more sustainable products. There are a variety of eco-friendly alternatives to wet wipes that are just as easy, efficient, and safe to skin. So it was Vrdolyak who took over the meeting. Afterward, Washington claimed that anything the council did after he banged his gavel was illegal, but by then Vrdolyak had given council committee chairmanships to his and Burkes supporters. Traditionally, Chicago mayors have kept a tight grip on those appointments, much as medieval kings would bestow duchies on their loyalists. Its like the sound of a large piece of wood being smacked hard on to water. Not the sharp, narrow crack of a rifle, but something heavier, flatter. Howard Garrett immediately knows what it is. Thats a whale, he says, hurrying to the balcony. It was slapping its tail. And those are blows exhalations. There are several. Those blows had different sounds. For the past four decades, Garrett has been monitoring the killer whales of the Puget Sound with rare intensity. He and his half-brother, Ken Balcomb, are among scores of naturalists, some paid, most volunteers, who track the precise movement of the creatures on a daily, or even hourly, basis. They have assigned them numbers, plotted matrilineal relationships of different pods, mourned the death of an individual, and celebrated that most glorious rarity the successful birth of a new calf. Police have launched an investigation into Danny Bakers tweet about the Duke and Duchess of Sussexs baby, which resulted in the DJ losing his job. Baker was sacked from BBC Radio 5 Live after sharing a photograph featuring a chimpanzee alongside the caption: Royal baby leaves hospital. The tweet was posted on Wednesday, the same day Harry and Meghan appeared for the first time in public with their newborn son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Scotland Yard said the force had received an allegation in relation to a tweet posted on 8 May. An allegation has been received by the Metropolitan Police Service on Thursday May 9 in relation to a tweet published on May 8, the Met said. Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Show all 21 1 /21 Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child PA Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their baby son, who was born on Monday morning, during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in Berkshire Dominic Lipinski/PA Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/PA Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/PA Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their baby son, who was born on Monday morning, during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in Berkshire Dominic Lipinski/PA Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/PA Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/PA Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/PA Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/Reuters Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/PA Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP Royal baby photos: First pictures of Meghan and Harry's child Dominic Lipinski/AP As is routine, the allegation will be reviewed and assessed by specialist officers. On Friday, Baker said he wanted to formally apologise for the outrage I caused following one of the worst days of my life. He said: I chose the wrong photo to illustrate a joke. Disastrously so. In attempting to lampoon privilege and the news cycle I went to a file of goofy pictures and saw the chimp dressed as a Lord and thought, Thats the one! Had I kept searching I might have chosen General Tom Thumb or even a baby in a crown. But I didnt. God knows I wish had. Minutes later I was alerted by followers that this royal baby was of course mixed race and waves of panic and revulsion washed over me. Following a backlash and accusations of racism, he deleted the post and apologised. On Thursday, Baker, 61, insisted he was no downbeat racist wretch after he was sacked for what his bosses described as a serious error of judgment. He went on to attack BBC chiefs for their handling of the situation and said he was trying to make a point about class. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events But, speaking to journalists outside his London home, he said it was weaselly for the BBC to chuck us under the bus. He revealed that he ended his lecture from his bosses with two very old fashioned Anglo-Saxon words. Additional reporting by PA Graffiti threatening to execute people helping the police investigation into Lyra McKees murder has appeared in Derry, a court heard. Informers will be executed, read one message sprayed metres away from where the 29-year-old journalist was shot dead during riots last month. A judge cited the threats while refusing two men accused of involvement in the violence bail on Saturday. Paul McIntyre, 51, of Ballymagowan Park in Creggan, is charged with riot, petrol bomb offences and arson of a hijacked vehicle. Christopher Gillen, 38, of Balbane Pass, is charged with riot, petrol bomb offences and the arson and the hijacking of a tipper truck. Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots Show all 21 1 /21 Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots A burning car in Creggan, Derry after petrol bombs were thrown at police during riots in Northern Ireland PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots Armed police at the scene of unrest PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots Petrol bombs being thrown at police PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots Belfast Journalist Lyra McKee was killed during the riots. Police Service of Northern Ireland said that McKee was allegedly shot while reporting on clashes with dissident republican rioters EPA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots The scene on Fanad Drive the following day PA Violence erupts in Northern Ireland as journalist killed during riots PA Both men, who were arrested on Thursday, refused to stand in Derry magistrates court and recognise its authority. District judge Barney McElholm said he had concerns about witnesses being prevented from coming forward. Were all aware of the disgraceful graffiti in Creggan that warned off anyone talking to police, whoever did that, did these two men a great disservice, he said. There is no address anywhere in this city which would be suitable in this case, at any stage. I will refuse bail. A police officer had told the court of concerns that both men may attempt to intimidate witnesses, or attempt to leave the country if they received bail. Street signs were painted with a picture of a rat and the message: Informers will be shot. IRA, while others said: RUC informers: They will forget about you, we wont. IRA. Another slogan claimed the IRA was here to stay following changes to pro-IRA murals during a wave of condemnation following Ms McKees death. New pro-IRA grafitti appeared near where journalist Lyra McKee was killed in Creggan, Derry (Aoife Moore/PA ) (Aoife Moore/PA Wire) One wall that was changed to call the republican terrorist group done in the aftermath of the shooting was altered to read: New IRA arent done. Undefeated army 2019. Unfinished revolution. The New IRA claimed responsibility for attacks on police in Derrys Creggan district on 18 April, but said the shooting of Ms McKee who was standing next to a police vehicle was an accident. The terrorist group claimed it was responding to an incursion by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which said it was conducting searches to prevent violence during commemorations for the Easter Rising. Prosecutors allege that Mr MyIntyre and Mr Gillen are connected to the New IRA, and that it orchestrated rioting that led up to Ms McKees death on 18 April. All nationalism corrupts into fascism eventually whether its Irish nationalism or British or Polish nationalism weve all seen where it ends up, Judge McElholm told the court. I have to bear in mind these gentlemen, theres no evidence either of them belonging to any paramilitary organisation but they are a part of an organisation with a defined ideology. New pro-IRA grafitti appeared near where journalist Lyra McKee was killed in Creggan, Derry (Aoife Moore/PA) A PSNI detective told the court that an MTV documentary crew, who were filming in Derry with presenter Reggie Yates, caught the two defendants on camera on the day Ms McKee was killed. They were allegedly seen in the offices of republican group Saoradh that afternoon, speaking in the company of members. Police claim footage taken from CCTV and mobile phones later showed two masked men, in identical clothing and footwear to the defendants, exiting a hijacked tipper truck, carrying a crate of petrol bombs and throwing them at police. Police believe these were the ringleaders, thats obvious from footage, the detective told the court. Amid the unrest, a masked gunman fired shots in the direction of police and struck Ms McKee, who died of her injuries in hospital. Police say more than 140 people have come forward with mobile phone or social media footage and a 10,000 reward has been offered by charity Crimestoppers for anyone with information that leads to an arrest over the death of Ms McKee. An 18-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy, who were arrested on the same day as the defendants, have been released without charge. Additional reporting by PA A major Conservative donor has defected to Nigel Farages Brexit Party, donating 200,000 to the upstart outfit just as it has surged into first place in the polls. The City financier Jeremy Hosking, who is reportedly worth more than 330m, has confirmed he had switched allegiance to the new party, which has soared to 29 per cent in a Financial Times analysis of various polls ahead of the European elections. A new Opinium poll released on Saturday for The Observer put the Brexit Party at 34 per cent. Mr Hosking has previously given substantial sums to the Conservative Party, including 350,000 to several Tory candidates in the 2017 election and 1.7m to Vote Leave during the 2016 referendum. But now he has deserted the governing party and switched his loyalty and chequebook to the newly founded Brexit Party, led by Mr Farage. Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures Nigel Farage speaks at the launch of his new Brexit Party's campaign for the European elections Reuters Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures Brexit Party candidate Annunziata Rees-Mogg, sister of Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, speaks at the launch AFP/Getty Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures A supporter waits for Farage to speak AFP/Getty Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures Supporters wait for Farage to speak AFP/Getty Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures Farage's socks Reuters Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures Farage and prospective candidate Annunziata Rees-Mogg wait at the launch AFP/Getty Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures Supporters listen as Farage speaks AFP/Getty Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures Free T-shirts for all attendees AFP/Getty Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures Posters on the seats for supporters of the Brexit Party AFP/Getty Farage launches his new Brexit Party: in pictures A safety sign is pictured AFP/Getty The businessman told The Daily Telegraph he knew of three or four other Tory donors who were also planning to give similar size sums to the Brexit Party. I have given 200,000, and urge all who wish to see a proper Conservative Party in Britain to support the BP as much as they can, he told the newspaper. If the Conservatives insist on diluting Brexit, what hope is there on other issues where a robust Conservative position needs to be advocated? Mr Hosking also made a mock apology to the politically correct Brexit reversal conspiracy for being a British citizen and taxpayer, rather than a Russian oligarch. I look at Nigel Farage and I see a political leader who is the only person in a leadership position who has been telling us the truth for 25 years, he said. Theresa May has seen her partys fortunes plummet ever since she failed to pass her Brexit deal by the original deadline in March. Lincoln man asks Nigel Farage if he's been to prison during Brexit Party walkabout In April Mr Farage launched his new party and has now seen its support climb higher and higher, mostly at the expense of the Tories and his former party, Ukip. The latest polls for the European elections, which take place on 23 May, have the Brexit Party on 29 per cent, garnering more than double the support of the Conservative Party, which is on 14 per cent. If the polls are accurate, the Tories are set to receive the lowest ever share of the vote at a national election for a governing party in British history. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Hosking said Conservative voters were angry at the government and felt they had been duped by Mrs May over Brexit. One of the reasons the anger is much bigger than the Conservative Party anticipates is this fact that everyone has been taken for fools ... They cant get out of this one. The David Cameron video of him promising to do exactly what we voted and Theresa Mays no deal is better than a bad deal are both shameless lies. London mayor Sadiq Khan has round-the-clock police protection after receiving a deluge of death threats. The measure was taken after City Hall referred 17 cases to the police in a three-month period last year; 237 threats were made on social media. The 48-year-old Labour politician, who was MP for Tooting before succeeding Boris Johnson as London mayor, revealed that the name-calling, trolling and threats to terrorism had intensified since the 2016 Brexit referendum. Mr Khan, a practising Muslim, told The Times magazine: It cant be right that one of the consequences of me being the mayor of London and a Muslim in public life is that I have police protection. The referendum campaign allowed things to come to the surface and normalised things that should not be normalised. 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 Mr Khan said that due to a nationwide rise in racial and religious attacks, he feared the name-calling could lead to the situation where Jo Cox is murdered or a terrorist can come to London and try to divide communities. The mayor previously told The Independent he was concerned that Brexit would cause a spike in hate crime mirroring that following the 2016 EU referendum. He has been personally targeted by right-wing activists and anti-Islam groups including the UK yellow vests and Britain First, who hold him responsible for rising violent crime and other grievances. Extremists frequently post doctored images of Mr Khan and racist memes on social media, while the Finsbury Park terrorist attacked him in a suicide note written before he ploughed a van into Muslims in 2017. Darren Osborne told his trial that it would have been like winning the lottery to murder Mr Khan, if he had been able to reach the protest that was his original target. Earlier this year, Mr Khan told The Independent the vitriol came from a small minority of people who use social media to articulate their hatred towards me and added: The key thing is to not allow haters to succeed by letting it affect you. Its distressing for friends and family but there are more of those that are decent than are horrible and nasty. In September, a balloon depicting Mr Khan was flown above parliament, after being crowdfunded by people angered by a previous stunt targeting Donald Trump during the US presidents visit. Criticism from right-wing pundits appears to have filtered up to the White House, with Mr Trump accusing Mr Khan of doing a very bad job on crime and terrorism and attacking him on Twitter in the aftermath of the London Bridge attack. Mr Khan previously demanded action from social media firms to tackle hate speech, warning that the level of abuse he regularly received could deter other people from minority backgrounds from entering politics. Sadiq Khan condemns Trumps 'preposterous' remarks suggesting he and immigration caused increased crime After reading out tweets including death threats and racist abuse in March 2018, he said: I could go on and on, but I wont. I dont read these out to be portrayed as a victim or to ask for sympathy. But ask yourself this what happens when young boys and girls from minority backgrounds see this kind of thing on their timelines or experience it themselves? During the 2016 mayoral elections, Mr Khans rival Zac Goldsmith was widely condemned following his attempt to secure a victory by waging a campaign accused of exploiting anti-Muslim prejudices. Mr Khan, who was born in south London to a British Pakistani family, received a record number of votes to become London mayor and said his election showed that London has chosen hope over fear, and unity over division. Sajid Javid has hit out at critics on both the far right and left who use his race and religion to attack his politics. The home secretary, who has previously spoken of being the victim of racist attacks and called a P***, said he had come to expect abuse over his Muslim background. Speaking to Nick Robinson's Political Thinking podcast, Mr Javid said he was abused on social media every day. I get it from the far-left, including lots of Asians, who would say hes not brown enough, the Conservative MP added. I get it from the right, and the far-right in particular, saying hes too brown. Those critics have got a lot in common they dont like me because of my colour. Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Show all 9 1 /9 Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Boris Johnson Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson has long been hopeful, he previously stood in the leadership contest that followed the Brexit vote and has at many times since been thought to be maneuvering himself towards the goal. He remains a darling of the party's right wing, particularly those in the ERG, and is the most popular choice among Tory voters but his leadership bid would be fiercely opposed by many MPs PA Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Michael Gove Environment secretary Michael Gove is another member who has long wanted to be leader. He has lately been known for rousing his party in the commons, his recent speeches on the Brexit deal and Labour's no confidence motion have overshadowed the Prime Minister's. He has been loyal to the Prime Minister, partly to shed his reputation as a backstabber who abandoned Boris Johnson to stand against him in the 2016 leadership election Getty Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Dominic Raab Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab has emerged as a favourite to be the Brexiteer candidate in a contest to succeed to Ms May. He displayed a grip on detail in his role as Brexit secretary. When asked recently if he would like to become prime minister he replied "never say never" Getty Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Rory Stewart International development secretary Rory Stewart is pitching himself as the sensible candidate, promising to rule out both a second referendum and a no-deal Brexit. He was only recently promoted to the cabinet, previously serving as prisons minister, where he caught headlines with a pledge to resign if he could not reduce levels of violence within a year PA Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Esther McVey The former work and pensions secretary announced that she will be standing for the leadership when May leaves. McVey is the first to explicitly state that she intends to stand. She resigned from the cabinet in protest over May's Brexit deal AFP/Getty Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Sajid Javid Home secretary Sajid Javid is said to have a plan in place for a leadership race. He made headlines over Christmas when he declared that people smuggling over the English channel was a "major incident" and more recently when he revoked the citizenship of ISIS bride Shamima Begum. Son of a bus driver, he wants the Conservatives to be seen as the party of social mobility PA Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Jeremy Hunt Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt was recently thought to be the favourite in the event of a leadership race as he could sell himself as the man to unite the party. Critics worry that his long stint as health secretary could return to haunt him at a general election. He has reportedly been holding meetings with Tory MPs over breakfast to promote his leadership PA Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Andrea Leadsom Following the Prime Minister's second defeat over her Brexit deal, Leader of the house Andrea Leadsom hosted a dinner party at which "leadership was the only topic of conversation", The Times heard. Leadsom ran against Theresa May in the 2016 leadership election before dropping out, allowing May to become Prime Minister AFP/Getty Who could succeed Theresa May as Conservative leader? Priti Patel Former international development secretary Priti Patel is thought to be positioning herself as a contender. One MP told The Independent "she knows she's from the right of the party, the part which is going to choose the next leader, so she's reminding everyone she's there." Patel left the government late in 2017 after it emerged that she had held undisclosed meetings with Israeli officials PA They believe, whether theyre coming from the far-left or the far-right, that someones colour, faith or background should define who they are rather than the content of their character. That is something that sadly Ive got used to. I dont like it, I try to fight it more broadly in terms of the work I do. Mr Javid, who is widely expected to be a contender for the Tory leadership when Theresa May steps down, said he was not "defined" by his racial and religious background. Asked whether the UK was ready for a Muslim prime minister, he replied: I think in Britain, anyone who is capable regardless if theyre Muslim, Hindu, any religion or no religion, can be prime minister there are some forces that wouldnt like that but I think the forces against them are much stronger. He spoke as it emerged that Sadiq Khan, the Labour mayor of London, has 24-hour police protection because of online death threats. Mr Khan, who is also from a Pakistani background, said name-calling, trolling and threats to terrorism had intensified since the 2016 EU referendum. Police revealed this week that MPs are suffering unprecedented levels of threats and abuse. Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Neil Basu, the head of UK counterterror policing, said there was a very clear pattern of misogyny and racism driving abuse against politicians including Jess Phillips, Anna Soubry and Diane Abbott. Commissioner Cressida Dick told parliaments human rights committee polarised opinion on Brexit and other issues was having an impact on protest activity. Jess Phillips: I cried in street over 'enormous weight' of years of online abuse She admitted officers were too passive when dealing with UK yellow vest protesters in December and January, but have now stepped up operations around the Houses of Parliament. No politician, whichever party theyre in, should have to take abuse for standing up for what they believe in, Mr Javid said. Theresa May is poised to set out the timetable for her departure within days, according to the powerful leader of Tory backbenchers. The prime minister promised restive Conservative MPs that she would leave Downing Street once the first phase of Brexit had been delivered, but the delay to Britains departure from the EU has thrown her future into doubt. Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory MPs, said Ms May would meet with its executive on Thursday after they demanded clarity on her plans. He told BBC Radio 4s Week in Westminster: Shes offered to come and meet with the executive, and it would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding at the end of the meeting. We have asked a question. Shes coming, I assume, to answer it. Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Show all 30 1 /30 Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Pro-Brexit leave the European Union supporters attend a rally in Parliament Square after the final leg of the "March to Leave" in London AP Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit The protest march which started on March 16 in Sunderland, north east England, finished on what was the original date for Brexit to happen before the recent extension Reuters Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit AP Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Reuters Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit PA Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Reuters Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit EPA Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A Brexit supporter sips a can of Stella in protests outside of the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Dedicated anti-Brexit campaigner Steve Bray and likewise pro-Brexit campaigner Joseph Afrane go head to head near the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A pro-Brexit marching band in Parliament Square Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Remain supporters wave EU flags from a bus in Parliament Square PA Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A Brexit supporter shouts slogans outside parliament EPA Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A Brexit supporter protests outside parliament Reuters Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A Brexit supporter protests outside of the Houses of Parliament Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Brexit supporters protest outside of the Houses of Parliament REUTERS Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A pro-Brexit flag is waved in Parliament Square AP Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit The March to Leave nears the Houses of Parliament Reuters Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A Brexit protester holds a sign outside parliament EPA Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Brexit supporters carry the coffin of democracy AFP/Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Brexit supporters march outside parliament AFP/Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Brexit supporters take part in the March to Leave protest in London PA Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Brexit supporters protest outside parliament AFP/Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A Brexit supporter holds a sign outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A man holds satirical paintings of politicians Reuters Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit An pro-Brexit float on the March to Leave march in London Reuters Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit Far-right activist Tommy Robinson addresses protesters outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A Brexit supporter outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A Tommy Robinson supporter arrives at the Houses of Parliament Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A jogger gestures rudely at a Brexit supporter outside of the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Opposing protesters flock to parliament on would be date of Brexit A Brexit supporter outside the Houses of Parliament PA Sir Graham said he believed Ms May was worried that setting a resignation date could derail efforts to get her Brexit deal through parliament. He said: I dont think its about an intention for staying indefinitely as prime minister or leader of the Conservative Party. I think the reticence is the concern that by promising to go on a certain timetable, it might make it less likely she would secure parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement, rather than more likely. Ms May has so far refused to say when she will stand down, telling MPs that the Brexit chaos was not an issue about me when directly challenged at prime ministers questions. The prime minister has also been under renewed pressure to quit after the Tories suffered record losses at the recent local elections. Recommended PM risks Tory wrath as European election leaflet targets Brexit rebels It comes as Tory leadership hopefuls were openly jockeying for position, with cabinet ministers Rory Stewart and Andrea Leadsom, and former work and pensions secretary Esther McVey, all declaring they would stand. A string of senior Conservatives are also on manoeuvres, including Sajid Javid, Dominic Raab, Matthew Hancock and Boris Johnson. Sir Graham, who has chaired the 1922 Committee since 2010, refused to rule out standing for the leadership. Pressed on the issue, he said: It would take an awful lot of people to persuade me. Im not sure many people are straining at the leash at the moment to take on what is an extraordinarily difficult situation. He also warned that the cross-party Brexit talks with Labour were destined to peter out within days without agreement. I find it very hard to see how that route can lead to any sensible resolution, Sir Graham said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events If the customs union is agreed without a second referendum then half the Labour Party wont vote for whatever comes through regardless, and if a customs union is agreed then most of the Conservative Party isnt going to support it. So, I cant see that is a very productive route to follow, and I may be wrong, but I suspect it will peter out in the next few days without having come to any significant conclusion. Downing Street said the prime minister would stick to her promise to quit as Tory leader once her Brexit deal had been passed by parliament. A No 10 source said: The PM made a very generous and bold offer to the 1922 Committee a few weeks ago that she would see through phase one of the Brexit process and she would leave and open up for new leadership for phase two. Supermodel Gigi Hadid has distanced herself from a series of racist and antisemitic messages after her Twitter account was apparently hacked. The 24-year-old stars timeline was flooded with offensive posts on Friday night after a security breach. Among the racially-charged tweets included the phrases I wish Germany won WWII and the statement Hitler did nothing wrong. The hacker used the word n****r several times and also called Donald Trump the best president ever. In a bid to convince her 9.2million followers she was responsible, the hacker shared a purported Twitter direct message exchange between Ms Hadid and Kendall Jenner dating back to June 2013. Culture news in pictures Show all 33 1 /33 Culture news in pictures Culture news in pictures 30 September 2016 An employee hangs works of art with "Grand Teatro" by Marino Marini (R) and bronze sculpture "Sfera N.3" by Arnaldo Pomodoro seen ahead of a Contemporary Art auction on 7 October, at Sotheby's in London REUTERS Culture news in pictures 29 September 2016 Street art by Portuguese artist Odeith is seen in Dresden, during an exhibition "Magic City - art of the streets" AFP/Getty Images Culture news in pictures 28 September 2016 Dancers attend a photocall for the new "THE ONE Grand Show" at Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin, Germany REUTERS Culture news in pictures 28 September 2016 With an array of thrift store china, humorous souvenirs and handmade tile adorning its walls and floors, the Mosaic Tile House in Venice stands as a monument to two decades of artistic collaboration between Cheri Pann and husband Gonzalo Duran REUTERS Culture news in pictures 27 September 2016 A gallery assistant poses amongst work by Anthea Hamilton from her nominated show "Lichen! Libido!(London!) Chastity!" at a preview of the Turner Prize in London REUTERS Culture news in pictures 27 September 2016 A technician wearing virtual reality glasses checks his installation in three British public telephone booths, set up outside the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, Netherlands. The installation allows visitors a 3-D look into the museum which has twenty-two paintings belonging to the British Royal Collection, on loan for an exhibit from 29 September 2016 till 8 January 2017 AP Culture news in pictures 26 September 2016 An Indian artist dressed as Hindu god Shiva performs on a chariot as he participates in a religious procession 'Ravan ki Barat' held to mark the forthcoming Dussehra festival in Allahabad AFP/Getty Images Culture news in pictures 26 September 2016 Jean-Michel Basquiat's 'Air Power', 1984, is displayed at the Bowie/Collector media preview at Sotheby's in New York AFP/Getty Culture news in pictures 25 September 2016 A woman looks at an untitled painting by Albert Oehlen during the opening of an exhibition of works by German artists Georg Baselitz and Albert Oehlen in Reutlingen, Germany. The exhibition runs at the Kunstverein (art society) Reutlingen until 15 January 2017 EPA Culture news in pictures 24 September 2016 Fan BingBing (C) attends the closing ceremony of the 64th San Sebastian Film Festival at Kursaal in San Sebastian, Spain Getty Images Culture news in pictures 23 September 2016 A view of the artwork 'You Are Metamorphosing' (1964) as part of the exhibition 'Retrospektive' of Japanese artist Tetsumi Kudo at Fridericianum in Kassel, Germany. The exhibition runs from 25 September 2016 to 1 January 2017 EPA Culture news in pictures 22 September 2016 Jo Applin from the Courtauld Institute of Art looks at Green Tilework in Live Flesh by Adriana Vareja, which features in a new exhibition, Flesh, at York Art Gallery. The new exhibition features works by Degas, Chardin, Francis Bacon and Sarah Lucas, showing how flesh has been portrayed by artists over the last 600 years PA Culture news in pictures 21 September 2016 Performers Sean Atkins and Sally Miller standing in for the characters played by Asa Butterfield and Ella Purnell during a photocall for Tim Burton's "Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children" at Potters Field Park in London Getty Images Culture news in pictures 20 September 2016 A detail from the blanket 'Alpine Cattle Drive' from 1926 by artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner is displayed at the 'Hamburger Bahnhof - Museum for Contemporary Arts' in Berlin. The exhibition named 'Ernst Ludwig Kirchner - Hieroglyphen' showing the complete collection of Berlin's Nationalgallerie works of the German artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and will run from 23 September 2016 until 26 February 2017 AP Culture news in pictures 20 September 2016 A man looks at portrait photos by US photographer Bruce Gilden in the exhibition 'Masters of Photography' at the photokina in Cologne, Germany. The trade fair on photography, photokina, schowcases some 1,000 exhibitors from 40 countries and runs from 20 to 25 September. The event also features various photo exhibitions EPA Culture news in pictures 20 September 2016 A woman looks at 'Blue Poles', 1952 by Jackson Pollock during a photocall at the Royal Academy of Arts, London PA Culture news in pictures 19 September 2016 Art installation The Refusal of Time, a collaboration with Philip Miller, Catherine Meyburgh and Peter Galison, which features as part of the William Kentridge exhibition Thick Time, showing from 21 September to 15 January at the Whitechapel Gallery in London PA Culture news in pictures 18 September 2016 Artists creating one off designs at the Mm6 Maison Margiela presentation during London Fashion Week Spring/Summer collections 2017 in London Getty Images Culture news in pictures 18 September 2016 Bethenny Frankel attends the special screening of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" to celebrate the 25th Anniversary Edition release on Blu-Ray and DVD in New York City Getty Images for Walt Disney Stu Culture news in pictures 17 September 2016 Visitors attend the 2016 Oktoberfest beer festival at Theresienwiese in Munich, Germany Getty Images Culture news in pictures 16 September 2016 Visitors looks at British artist Damien Hirst work of art 'The Incomplete Truth', during the 13th Yalta Annual Meeting entitled 'The World, Europe and Ukraine: storms of changes', organised by the Yalta European Strategy (YES) in partnership with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation at the Mystetsky Arsenal Art Center in Kiev AP Culture news in pictures 16 September 2016 Tracey Emin's "My Bed" is exhibited at the Tate Liverpool as part of the exhibition Tracey Emin And William Blake In Focus, which highlights surprising links between the two artists Getty Images Culture news in pictures 15 September 2016 Musician Dave Grohl (L) joins musician Tom Morello of Prophets of Rage onstage at the Forum in Inglewood, California Getty Images Culture news in pictures 14 September 2016 Model feebee poses as part of art installation "Narcissism : Dazzle room" made by artist Shigeki Matsuyama at rooms33 fashion and design exhibition in Tokyo. Matsuyama's installation features a strong contrast of black and white, which he learned from dazzle camouflage used mainly in World War I AP Culture news in pictures 13 September 2016 Visitors look at artworks by Chinese painter Cui Ruzhuo during the exhibition 'Glossiness of Uncarved Jade' held at the exhibition hall 'Manezh' in St. Petersburg, Russia. More than 200 paintings by the Chinese artist are presented until 25 September EPA Culture news in pictures 12 September 2016 A visitor looks at Raphael's painting 'Extase de Sainte Cecile', 1515, from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence during the opening of a Raphael exhibition at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow, Russia. The first Russian exhibition of the works of the Italian Renaissance artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino includes eight paintings and three drawings which come from Italy. Th exhibit opens to the public from 13 September to 11 December EPA Culture news in pictures 11 September 2016 Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd perform during Otis Redding 75th Birthday Celebration - Rehearsals at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia Getty Images for Otis Redding 75 Culture news in pictures 10 September 2016 Sakari Oramo conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Chorus and the BBC Singers at the Last Night of the Proms 2016 at the Royal Albert Hall in London PA Culture news in pictures 9 September 2016 A visitor walks past a piece entitled "Fruitcake" by Joana Vasconcelo, during the Beyond Limits selling exhibition at Chatsworth House near Bakewell REUTERS Culture news in pictures 8 September 2016 A sculpture of a crescent standing on the 2,140 meters high mountain 'Freiheit' (German for 'freedom'), in the Alpstein region of the Appenzell alps, eastern Switzerland. The sculpture is lighted during the nights by means of solar panels. The 38-year-old Swiss artist and atheist Christian Meier set the crescent on the peak to start a debate on the meaning of religious symbols - as summit crosses - on mountains. 'Because so many peaks have crosses on them, it struck me as a great idea to put up an equally absurd contrast'. 'Naturally I wanted to provoke in a fun way. But it goes beyond that. The actions of an artist should be food for thought, both visually and in content' EPA Culture news in pictures Culture news in pictures Culture news in pictures A number of the tweets also asked her followers to follow another user, @grinchsquad13. Although the tweets have since been deleted and Ms Hadid was able to regain control of her account, she used her Instagram to clear up any confusion, writing, Hope it goes without saying ... my Twitter was hacked. Gigi made sure to clear up any confusion about the offensive tweets shared on her verified Twitter account. (Gigi Hadid/Instagram) She also thanked her fans for not calling her character into question. Thanks for rallying for me, she said. Jokes on the hacker ... I dont use Twitter DMs. Although this proved to be a hoax, this is not the first time the model has been faced with a racist controversy. In February 2017, Ms Hadid was accused of racism after a video shared on Instagram Stories showed her pulling her eyes back while holding up a cookie in the shape of Buddha. She subsequently issued an apology over the post on the popular Chinese social networking site Weibo. It hurts me to hurt anyone. I want you all to know that it was never my intent to offend anyone through my actions and I sincerely apologise to those who were hurt or felt let down by me, she said at the time. As insulin prices soar to new heights, some Americans have decided to cross the Canadian border to obtain cheaper medication. People from Minnesota who are part of the #Insulin4All initiative organised a "Caravan to Canada", driving five hours to purchase insulin for $30 (23) a vial rather than the $300 they would pay in the US. Nicole Smith-Holt, whose son Alec Raeshawn Smith had type 1 diabetes and died as he could not afford insulin after becoming too old to use his parents' insurance, told The Independent she accompanied the group in his memory. She said: My trip to Canada was in memory of Alec. If I had known that it was perfectly legal to purchase and bring back to the US, I would have made the trip two years ago when he had no insurance and was facing a bill of $1,300 (1,000) a month for insulin and supplies. Insulin, a hormone type 1 diabetics need to survive, is what regulates blood sugar and converts glucose to a form of usable energy for the human body. The decade that changed medicine Show all 10 1 /10 The decade that changed medicine The decade that changed medicine 269676.bin Reuters The decade that changed medicine 269935.bin Getty Images The decade that changed medicine 269936.bin Getty Images The decade that changed medicine 269937.bin Getty Images The decade that changed medicine 269938.bin Getty Images The decade that changed medicine 269939.bin Getty Images The decade that changed medicine 269940.bin Getty Images The decade that changed medicine 269941.bin Getty Images The decade that changed medicine 269942.bin Reuters The decade that changed medicine 269943.bin Getty Images Quinn Nystrom, one of the women involved with Caravan to Canada, told CBC: I almost felt walking out of that pharmacy like I was robbing the pharmacy. I just couldnt believe it. On their journey, Ms Nystrom was concerned about Border Patrol agents confiscating her prescription or the bottles of insulin she and the others involved had obtained, but the group ran into no problems. Insulin prices in the US have skyrocketed, but the phenomenon does not exist in Canada where the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board restricts how much a company can charge for patented medicines. Recommended Trump picks man who tripled price of insulin to regulate drug firms Currently there are 26 #Insulin4all state chapters who serve as volunteer grassroots advocates taking action at the state and federal levels. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Ms Holt-Smith added: A trip to any other country to make that purchase would have saved his life and would have been completely affordable and absolutely legal. Unfortunately I was under the impression that it was not legal and it would be confiscated. "I would like to let people know that this is an option, if they cant afford their life-sustaining medications here in the US and if they have a passport and the ability to travel outside the US they should consider this. She said she believed her son would have survived if the US market were better regulated. Overcrowding at Border Patrol stations in South Texas has become so acute in recent days that US authorities have taken the rare step of using aircraft to relocate migrants to other areas of the border simply to begin processing them, according to three Homeland Security officials. The first flight left McAllen, Texas, on Friday, transferring detainees to Border Patrol facilities in Del Rio, Texas. There are daily flights scheduled for the next several days, with two planned for Tuesday, according to officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the operations. The flights are conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but the detainees remain in the custody of Border Patrol, officials said. Though ICE routinely uses aircraft to move detainees among its detention facilities, it is very unusual for Border Patrol to fly recent arrivals from one part of the border to another to perform routine booking procedures. Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Show all 14 1 /14 Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Immigrant children, many of whom are separated form their parents, are housed in Texas' tent city Reuters Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border A two-year-old Honduran asylum seeker cries as her mother is searched and detained near the US-Mexico border Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Undocumented migrants ride on the top of a freight train referred to as the beast, or La Bestia Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border A cage inside a US Customs and Border Protection detention facility in Texas Reuters Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border US Border Patrol Academy All new agents must complete a months-long training course at the New Mexico facility before assuming their posts at Border Patrol stations, mostly along the US-Mexico border Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border US-Mexico border fence A group of young men walk along the Mexican side of the US-Mexico border fence in a remote area of the Sonoran Desert Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border US-Mexico border fence in the US Man looks through US-Mexico border fence into the US in Tijuana, Mexico Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border US-Mexico border fence US Border Patrol agent Sal De Leon stands near a section of the US-Mexico border fence while stopping on patrol on in La Joya, Texas Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border US Border Patrol Academy US Border Patrol instructor yells at trainees after their initial arrival to the academy Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Memorial service in Guatemala Families attend a memorial service for two boys who were kidnapped and killed in San Juan Sacatepequez, Guatemala. Crime drives emigration from Guatemala to the United States, as families seek refuge from the danger Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Arrests on the border Undocumented immigrants comfort each other after being caught by Border Patrol agents near the US-Mexico border Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Detention holding facility A boy from Honduras watches a movie at a detention facility run by the US Border Patrol Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Mexican farm workers Mexican migrant workers harvest organic parsley at Grant Family Farms in Wellington, Colorado Getty Undocumented immigration across the US-Mexico border Mexican family in Arizona A Mexican immigrant family sits in the living room of their rented home in Tuscon, Arizona. The family that Arizona's new tough immigrant law had created a climate of fear in the immigrant community. Getty Homeland Security officials requested the aircraft because Border Patrol urgently needs to move single adults out of the lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. The agency is scrambling to make room for the large volume of families and children who have come across the border in dramatically higher numbers in the past several days, officials said. One official said the US government has resorted to using aircraft because all available buses were already in use and authorities needed every available transportation option. This is the worst I have ever seen it, by far, said one veteran Border Patrol agent in South Texas who was not authorised to speak to reporters. The number of people taken into custody along the Mexico border has exceeded 5,500 each day for several days in a row, and Border Patrol currently has more than 17,500 people in holding cells and tent sites set up in parking lots outside stations, officials said. That is a 30 percent increase from late March, when authorities said border agents and infrastructure had hit the breaking point. Tents have been set up in the parking lots outside Border Patrol stations in the lower Rio Grande Valley cities of McAllen, Brownsville and Rio Grande City to ease overcrowding. Emergency tents for families also have been erected in El Paso and at Camp Donna, a military site in the Rio Grande Valley. To alleviate overcrowding in holding cells, Border Patrol in recent weeks has begun releasing migrants directly from its custody, instead of waiting for ICE to pick them up and either detain or release them. But the sheer volume of people coming across the border in the past several days has swamped the agencys ability to process families and children, so holding cells are filling with single adults because they are a lesser priority. Border Patrol will use the flights to transfer some of those adults to Del Rio, where facilities are less overcrowded, instead of having to conduct releases, officials said. Each flight costs $16,000 (12,300) and can transport about 135 adults. Trump compares US-Mexico border to Disneyland and calls end to family separations a disaster Homeland Security officials view the direct release of single adults as a red line, because they say that demographic group has the most potential to be deterred by enforcement efforts. Carla Provost, the chief of Border Patrol, told lawmakers on Wednesday that authorities would lose control of the border if they had to begin releasing single adults, because that group is the only remaining demographic that can be detained and quickly deported. My greatest concern is that we will no longer be able to deliver consequences and we will lose control of the border, Ms Provost told members of a Senate Homeland Security panel. Adults who arrive with children typically are released from custody after a few days with an appointment to see an immigration judge because US courts have limited the amount of time minors can be held in immigration jails. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials say this model which President Trump decries as catch and release is to blame for the border surge. Authorities detained 109,144 migrants along the Mexico border last month, the highest total since 2007. More than 60% of those taken into custody were families or children. Acting Homeland Security secretary Kevin McAleenan and acting Defence secretary Patrick Shanahan plan to travel to the Rio Grande Valley on Saturday to visit the McAllen border station to call for a whole of government approach to addressing the crisis, according to a DHS statement. The Washington Post Teresa Todd pulled over one recent night on a dark West Texas highway to help three young Central American migrants who had flagged her down. Ms Todd - an elected official, government lawyer and single mother in a desert border region near Big Bend National Park - said she went into total mum mode when she saw the three siblings, one of whom appeared to be very ill. Struggling to communicate using her broken Spanish, Ms Todd told the three young people to get out of the cold and into her car. She was phoning and texting friends for help when a sheriffs deputy drove up, followed soon by the Border Patrol. They asked me to step behind my car, and the supervisor came and started Mirandising me, said Ms Todd, referring to being read her Miranda rights. The US-Mexico border: where the drugs war has soaked the ground blood red Show all 4 1 /4 The US-Mexico border: where the drugs war has soaked the ground blood red The US-Mexico border: where the drugs war has soaked the ground blood red 338460.bin AP The US-Mexico border: where the drugs war has soaked the ground blood red 338459.bin Reuters The US-Mexico border: where the drugs war has soaked the ground blood red 338458.bin Reuters The US-Mexico border: where the drugs war has soaked the ground blood red 338457.bin AFP/Getty Images And then he says that I could be found guilty of transporting illegal aliens, and Im, like, What are you talking about? Ms Todd spent 45 minutes in a holding cell that night. Federal agents obtained a search warrant to examine her phone, and she became the focus of an investigation that could lead to federal criminal charges. Recommended Humanitarian workers charged for distributing water in Arizona As the Trump administration moves on multiple fronts to shut down illegal border crossings, it has also stepped up punitive measures targeting private citizens who provide compassionate help to migrants good Samaritan aid that is often intended to save lives along a border that runs through hundreds of miles of remote terrain that can be brutally unforgiving. Earlier this year, federal agents raided the home of a volunteer who provides meals, housing and other aid to migrants in the Texas border city of Brownsville. In Arizona, four volunteers with No More Deaths, a nonprofit based in Tucson, were convicted on misdemeanour criminal charges after leaving water and canned food for migrants hiking through the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. Five other volunteers also faced charges, including one felony case now pending in US District Court in Tucson. I honestly dont feel like I ever did anything wrong: I stopped to help some kids, said Ms Todd, 53, who serves as both the city attorney of Marfa, Texas, and the county attorney of Jeff Davis County, an elected position. Its been pretty transformative for me, to be perfectly honest. To have devoted my life to public service, and then to be Mirandised, detained and investigated as if Im a human smuggler. The whole thing was really, really, very surreal. It was like a Twilight Zone. 'These are desperate people!' Republican Geraldo Rivera gives criticises migrant caravan coverage on Fox News Federal agents at the border in some cases work closely with non-profit shelters and volunteers to co-ordinate housing and transportation logistics for migrants in border cities who have recently been released from Border Patrol custody. But often, volunteers who aid illegal border crossers before they are in custody are treated far differently. For Ms Todd, it started at about 10pm on 27 February, just outside the funky desert community of Marfa. Ms Todd was busy that night: she had attended a planning and zoning meeting at Marfa City Hall, had a late dinner at the Hotel Saint George and was driving back home to nearby Fort Davis. Trump compares US-Mexico border to Disneyland and calls end to family separations a disaster Suddenly, a young man in a white shirt ran out of a ditch and started waving at her. I have two teenage boys, Todd said. I have a 17-year-old and a 15-year-old, and he looks about the same size as my 15-year-old son, and so I literally think, oh my God, its like this kid on the side of the road. I turn around and go back, because I cant leave a kid on the side of the road. He was a bit older than a teenager, she learned, as he and his siblings started telling her what had happened. They were originally from El Salvador - Carlos, 22, his brother, Francisco, 20, and their sister, Esmeralda, 18. Recommended US judge strikes down restrictiveTrump administration asylum policies They had fled their home country years ago and were living with an aunt in Guatemala. Worsening gang violence forced them to leave two of Carlos friends were murdered, and a gang leader wanted Esmeralda to be his girlfriend, according to court documents. The trio headed for the United States and crossed the US-Mexico border in a remote stretch of desert with a group of migrants and smugglers. But Esmeralda became sick and had trouble keeping up. The others in the group pushed ahead, but her brothers stayed by her side. The three of them became lost as they hiked north, and they ran out of food and water, according to statements they provided to the federal public defenders office. Esmeraldas condition had worsened by the time they flagged down Todd. I can tell she needs immediate medical attention, Ms Todd recalled. Shes having a really hard time walking. She had the siblings get in her car and started to contact friends - one who works for a refugee services non-profit and another who is a lawyer for the Border Patrol. Moments later, a sheriffs deputy from neighbouring Presidio County pulled up behind her, lights flashing. The deputy and Ms Todd know one another, but he was immediately suspicious, she said, asking whether she thought the migrants backpacks smelled like dope. The deputy alerted Border Patrol, whose agents read Ms Todd her rights. Armed vigilantes 'illegally' detain hundreds of migrants on US border Ms Todd, who routinely puts misdemeanour lawbreakers behind bars as a county attorney, was put in a holding cell at a nearby Border Patrol station. Her purse and other personal items were confiscated. Days later, back at work at Marfa City Hall, she was visited at her office by an agent with federal Homeland Security Investigations and a Texas Ranger. The federal agent handed her a search warrant for her phone, and she surrendered it. One of the friends she had texted that night told Ms Todd that agents had also questioned her and examined her phone. Ms Todd has not been charged with a crime, though the three migrants from El Salvador were held for some time as material witnesses, suggesting that federal prosecutors were contemplating using them in a criminal case against her. They are now in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in El Paso and could face deportation. All three remain in ICE custody pending disposition of their immigration cases, an ICE spokesperson said in a statement. A spokesperson for the Border Patrol said the incident remains an active case, but declined further comment, as did the US attorneys office. The episode has both angered and perplexed Ms Todd and her friends and co-workers in Jeff Davis County. William Kitts, the Jeff Davis sheriff and a county government colleague of Ms Todds, said numerous residents have assisted migrants, providing them with water or giving them a ride to his office. None have been prosecuted, and Mr Kitts said Ms Todd shouldnt be tried, either. The sheriff said he believes that Esmeralda would have died had Ms Todd not stopped to help her. Trump administration 'denied Muslim detainees green card application after Border Patrol fed him pork for days' According to court records, she was taken by Border Patrol agents to Big Bend Regional Medical Centre in Alpine, Texas, and was treated for four days for starvation, dehydration, infected wounds from cactus spines and rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure. Harbouring is a big jump for them to make in my book, Mr Kitts said of the threatened criminal charges against Ms Todd. Theres a human component to this. Well let Congress and the politicians fight it out, but if somebodys hungry or thirsty or needs some help, were going to help them. Kenneth Magidson, who served as the top federal prosecutor in Houston and in the South Texas border region from 2011 to 2017, said the government has begun taking a harsher approach to prosecuting such cases since Donald Trump took office. Providing drinks of water or someone needs immediate medical assistance and you take them to a hospital - youre stretching it, he said. You have to look at the entire context of the case. Was it at the persons house? Were they spending the night? Its more than just giving somebody on the side of the road some water. Ms Todd said she plans to work with her congressional representatives on legislation exempting good Samaritans from federal prosecution. There is something bigger at stake than just me here, because this does send a message to try to chill people from helping others, she said. One day last week, she received one good surprise: the authorities returned her iPhone. They took it at 11:30 in the morning and said I would have it back by 3 in the afternoon, 5 at the latest, she said. And 53 days later, I got my phone back. The New York Times A Kentucky judge has struck down a law that prohibited a method of abortion commonly used in the second trimester, saying the measure would create a sustainable obstacle to a womans right to choose. US district judge Joseph McKinley Jr ruled on Friday that the states law violated a womans constitutional right to privacy. The law, aimed at halting dilation-and-evacuation (D&E) terminations, was found to unduly burden women seeking abortions. The states lawyers argued that the law would still allow use of D&E, but only after doctors used other methods to induce fetal death. Abortion providers breaking the law would be guilty of a felony but patients would not face prosecution. The judge the legislation would require women seeking a second-trimester abortion at and after 15 weeks to endure a medically unnecessary and invasive procedure that may increase the duration of an otherwise one-day standard D&E abortion. Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Show all 23 1 /23 Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of an expected ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions An abortion rights activist holds placards outside of the US Supreme Court before the Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. The US Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Texas law placing a raft of restrictions on abortion clinics, handing a major victory to the "pro-choice" camp in the country's most important ruling on the divisive issue in a generation. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Pro-life activists pray on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Texas abortion provider Amy Hagstrom-Miller looks on as Nancy Northup, President of The Center for Reproductive Rights speaks to the media outside of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions An abortion rights activist holds placards outside of the US Supreme Court before the Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. The US Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Texas law placing a raft of restrictions on abortion clinics, handing a major victory to the "pro-choice" camp in the country's most important ruling on the divisive issue in a generation. Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Texas abortion provider Amy Hagstrom-Miller wipes a tear as she walks down the steps of the United States Supreme Court with Nancy Northup, President of The Center for Reproductive Rights on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Abortion rights activists Morgan Hopkins of Boston, left, and Alison Turkos of New York City, celebrate on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 27: Abortion rights activists Morgan Hopkins of Boston, left, and Alison Turkos of New York City, celebrate on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. (Photo by Pete Marovich/Getty Images) Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activist Morgan Hopkins of Boston, celebrates on the steps of the United States Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down one of the nation's toughest restrictions on abortion, a Texas law that women's groups said would have forced more than three-quarters of the state's clinics to close. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists embrace after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of a ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. / AFP / MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. / AFP / MANDEL NGAN (Photo credit should read MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists embrace after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Pro-choice activist, Alissa Manzoeillo, of Washington, D.C. waits for rulings in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. A ruling is expected in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, a Texas case the places restrictions on abortion clinics, as well as rulings in the former Virginia Governor's corruption case and a gun rights case. Pete Marovich/Getty Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists cheer after the US Supreme Court struck down a Texas law placing restrictions on abortion clinics, outside of the Supreme Court on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. In a case with far-reaching implications for millions of women across the United States, the court ruled 5-3 to strike down measures which activists say have forced more than half of Texas's abortion clinics to close. Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of an expected ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. AFP/Getty Images Supreme Court strikes down abortion restrictions Abortion rights activists hold placards outside of the US Supreme Court ahead of an expected ruling on abortion clinic restrictions on June 27, 2016 in Washington, DC. AFP/Getty Images Judge McKinley wrote: If the act goes into effect, standard D&E abortions will no longer be performed in the commonwealth due to ethical and legal concerns regarding compliance with the law. He noted that under the provision women would lose the right to obtain a pre-viability abortion anywhere in the commonwealth of Kentucky after 15 weeks. Judge McKinleys decision was celebrated by abortion access advocates and the American Civil Liberties Union. An ACLU lawyer, Alexa Kolbi-Molinas said it affirms that health, not politics, will guide important medical decisions about pregnancy. The D&E procedure was used in 537 of 3,312 abortions in Kentucky in 2016, according to state statistics. Kentucky's governor Matt Bevin said he would appeal the decision, which came as a wave of restrictive abortion laws known as "heartbeat bills" swept the southern US. These bills, which restrict abortion beyond the point of a detectable foetal heartbeat at roughly six weeks, are effectively backdoor abortion bans as many women do not know they are pregnant at that point. Many states, including Georgia, Ohio, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi have attempted to introduce some form of heartbeat bill. Some celebrities have vowed to boycott work in Georgia due to its recent passage of such a law. Others, like Jordan Peele, have reportedly said they will continue working in the state, but donate fees to the ACLU. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Others the new wave of anti-abortion legislation. For pro-life folks, these are huge victories, said Sue Liebel, who serves as a state director for the Susan B Anthony List, an anti-choice group. And I think theyre indicative of the momentum and excitement and the hope thats happening with changes in the Supreme Court and having such a pro-life president. Additional reporting by AP Beto ORourke is reportedly planning to relaunch his 2020 presidential bid less than two months after his record-breaking campaign launch. Mr ORourke won the highest first-day donation haul by a presidential candidate in history since surpassed by Joe Biden but early enthusiasm for his campaign has evaporated as he faded from view in a crowded field of Democratic candidates. In an acknowledgement that his campaign is stalling, the former Texas congressman is said to be planning a reintroduction ahead of next months Democratic presidential debate. However, his top aides have denied a full reinvention is being prepared and maintained the trademarks of his recent Senate campaign against senator Ted Cruz would remain. The Texas Senate race saw Mr ORourke become one of the stars of the 2018 midterms, due to his high-energy campaigning style and willingness to visit rural, heavily-Republican counties. The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Show all 25 1 /25 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Bernie Sanders The Vermont senator has launched a second bid for president after losing out to Hilary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primaries. He is running on a similar platform of democratic socialist reform Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Joe Biden The former vice president recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well and has since maintained a front runner status in national polling EPA The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts senator is a progressive Democrat, and a major supporter of regulating Wall Street Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Amy Klobuchar Klobuchar is a Minnesota senator who earned praise for her contribution to the Brett Kavanaugh hearings Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Michael Bloomberg Michael Bloomberg, a late addition to the 2020 race, announced his candidacy after months of speculation in November. He has launched a massive ad-buying campaign and issued an apology for the controversial "stop and frisk" programme that adversely impacted minority communities in New York City when he was mayor Getty Images The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but has faced tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Pete Buttigieg The centrist Indiana mayor and war veteran would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Deval Patrick The former Massachusetts governor launched a late 2020 candidacy and received very little reception. With just a few short months until the first voters flock to the polls, the former governor is running as a centrist and believes he can unite the party's various voting blocs AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Beto O'Rourke The former Texas congressman formally launched his bid for the presidency in March. He ran on a progressive platform, stating that the US is driven by "gross differences in opportunity and outcome" AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kamala Harris The former California attorney general was 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 AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Bill De Blasio The New York mayor announced his bid on 16 May 2019. He emerged in 2013 as a leading voice in the left wing of his party but struggled to build a national profile and has suffered a number of political setbacks in his time as mayor AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Steve Bullock The Montana governor announced his bid on 14 May. He stated "We need to defeat Donald Trump in 2020 and defeat the corrupt system that lets campaign money drown out the people's voice, so we can finally make good on the promise of a fair shot for everyone." He also highlighted the fact that he won the governor's seat in a red [Republican] state Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has focused on restoring kindness and civility in American politics throughout his campaign, though he has failed to secure the same level of support and fundraising as several other senators running for the White House in 2020 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam said he intended 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 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017 AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Andrew Yang The entrepreneur announced his presidential candidacy by pledging that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: 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 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual adviser has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Eric Swalwell One of the younger candidates, Swalwell has served on multiple committees in the House of Representatives. He intended to make gun control central to his campaign but dropped out after his team said it was clear there was no path to victory Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Seth Moulton A Massachusetts congressman, Moulton is a former US soldier who is best known for trying to stop Nancy Pelosi from becoming speaker of the house. He dropped out of the race after not polling well in key states Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Jay Inslee Inslee has been governor of Washington since 2013. His bid was centred around climate change AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Hickenlooper The former governor of Colorado aimed to sell himself as an effective leader who was open to compromise, but failed to make a splash on the national stage Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tim Ryan Ohio representative Tim Ryan ran on a campaign that hinged on his working class roots, though his messaging did not appear to resonate with voters Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tom Steyer Democratic presidential hopeful billionaire and philanthropist Tom Steyer is a longtime Democratic donor AFP/Getty He earned around 12 per cent support in polls for CNN and Quinnipiac University following the launch, putting him among the strongest Democratic candidates behind early frontrunners Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders. By the end of April, he was seeing around 6 per cent support in the same polls. "I think, in part, I was just trying to keep up when I first started out," Mr ORourke reportedly admitted at a recent event in Newton, Iowa. "I really feel like I've found my rhythm and my pace, and I just feel comfortable, and I feel like this is what I'm supposed to be doing." The supposed Beto 2.0 campaign is expected to see Mr ORourke significantly increase his national media appearances, starting with an appearance on ABCs The View on Tuesday, and produce more concrete policy proposals on major issues. So far, he has issued one clear proposal an ambitious $5tn (3.85tn) plan for investment to tackle climate change. Mr ORourke has spent the last few months building up his campaigns infrastructure, according to an advisor who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity. He has hired Jen O'Malley Dillon, the deputy campaign manager of Barack Obamas 2012 re-election bid, to run his team and added 16 staffers in Iowa, which holds the influential first presidential caucuses. Earlier this week, he also announced the hiring of Jeff Berman, a top delegate strategist who worked on Mr Obama and Hillary Clintons presidential campaigns. However, Mr ORourke is still yet to announce a state director or campaign staff for New Hampshire, the second state to vote in the primary, which may cause problems with organising and keeping track of potential voters. Beto O'Rourke kicks off 2020 campaign with liberal focus "If you don't have somebody with a clipboard taking names and addresses and phone numbers, you can lose contact with folks," explained Kathy Sullivan, a Democratic National Committee member from New Hampshire. "It has been building up over time," Mr O'Rourke said of his campaign apparatus. "I think we're getting better organised all the time." Yet, as his polling numbers have slumped, other Democratic candidates have emerged as media favourites, such as Pete Buttigieg, mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who saw a surge in support last month. Although Mr ORourke rapid-fire approach to campaigning served him well in 2018, when he cut Mr Cruzs 16-percentage-point lead to 2.6 points, there are concerns that it may not work in a national campaign. "He's going to have to slow down a bit," said Sandy Sothman, the co-vice chairwoman of the Cass County Democrats who watched him speak at a sunny hillside park in Atlantic, Iowa. "When he gets going and talks about so many things at once, it becomes a little like, 'Is he riffing or what?"' The former congressman still insists on driving himself between events, sometimes to the disapproval of campaign staff, and has kept a busy schedule with multiple events a day. Nevertheless, some voters have been impressed by his hands-on approach. Marcia Fulton, a retired teacher and school administrator who met him at a restored train depot in Creston, Iowa, said she had not decided who she would vote for yet, but said Mr ORourke "was really impressive, more so than I expected." "He was prepared and that was a real question, given his youth," she added. Agencies contributed to this report US president Donald Trump has said he thinks it would be appropriate for him to talk to attorney general William Barr about opening an investigation into Joe Biden, the current frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination. In an interview with Politico, Mr Trump said he and Mr Barr had not considered an inquiry into his potential 2020 election opponent but he did not rule it out either, saying certainly it would be an appropriate thing to discuss. Certainly it is a very big issue and well see what happens, the president told the website. I have not spoken to him about it. Would I speak to him about it? I havent thought of that. I mean, youre asking me a question I just havent thought of. The suggestion that Mr Trump would contemplate directing his Justice Department to investigate Mr Biden drew condemnation from some legal experts, who said the idea smacked of an abuse of power. The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Show all 25 1 /25 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Bernie Sanders The Vermont senator has launched a second bid for president after losing out to Hilary Clinton in the 2016 Democratic primaries. He is running on a similar platform of democratic socialist reform Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Joe Biden The former vice president recently faced scrutiny for inappropriate touching of women, but was thought to deal with the criticism well and has since maintained a front runner status in national polling EPA The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts senator is a progressive Democrat, and a major supporter of regulating Wall Street Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Amy Klobuchar Klobuchar is a Minnesota senator who earned praise for her contribution to the Brett Kavanaugh hearings Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Michael Bloomberg Michael Bloomberg, a late addition to the 2020 race, announced his candidacy after months of speculation in November. He has launched a massive ad-buying campaign and issued an apology for the controversial "stop and frisk" programme that adversely impacted minority communities in New York City when he was mayor Getty Images The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 Tulsi Gabbard The Hawaii congresswoman announced her candidacy in January, but has faced tough questions on her past comments on LGBT+ rights and her stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Pete Buttigieg The centrist Indiana mayor and war veteran would be the first openly LGBT+ president in American history Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Deval Patrick The former Massachusetts governor launched a late 2020 candidacy and received very little reception. With just a few short months until the first voters flock to the polls, the former governor is running as a centrist and believes he can unite the party's various voting blocs AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Beto O'Rourke The former Texas congressman formally launched his bid for the presidency in March. He ran on a progressive platform, stating that the US is driven by "gross differences in opportunity and outcome" AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kamala Harris The former California attorney general was 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 AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Bill De Blasio The New York mayor announced his bid on 16 May 2019. He emerged in 2013 as a leading voice in the left wing of his party but struggled to build a national profile and has suffered a number of political setbacks in his time as mayor AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Steve Bullock The Montana governor announced his bid on 14 May. He stated "We need to defeat Donald Trump in 2020 and defeat the corrupt system that lets campaign money drown out the people's voice, so we can finally make good on the promise of a fair shot for everyone." He also highlighted the fact that he won the governor's seat in a red [Republican] state Reuters The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Cory Booker The New Jersey Senator has focused on restoring kindness and civility in American politics throughout his campaign, though he has failed to secure the same level of support and fundraising as several other senators running for the White House in 2020 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Wayne Messam Mayor of the city of Miramar in the Miami metropolitan area, Wayne Messam said he intended 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 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Kirsten Gillibrand The New York Senator formally announced her presidential bid in January, saying that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Delaney The Maryland congressman was the first to launch his bid for presidency, making the announcement in 2017 AP The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Andrew Yang The entrepreneur announced his presidential candidacy by pledging that he would introduce a universal basic income of $1,000 a month to every American over the age of 18 Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: 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 The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Marianne Williamson The author and spiritual adviser has announced her intention to run for president. She had previously run for congress as an independent in 2014 but was unsuccessful Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Eric Swalwell One of the younger candidates, Swalwell has served on multiple committees in the House of Representatives. He intended to make gun control central to his campaign but dropped out after his team said it was clear there was no path to victory Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Seth Moulton A Massachusetts congressman, Moulton is a former US soldier who is best known for trying to stop Nancy Pelosi from becoming speaker of the house. He dropped out of the race after not polling well in key states Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Jay Inslee Inslee has been governor of Washington since 2013. His bid was centred around climate change AFP/Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: John Hickenlooper The former governor of Colorado aimed to sell himself as an effective leader who was open to compromise, but failed to make a splash on the national stage Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tim Ryan Ohio representative Tim Ryan ran on a campaign that hinged on his working class roots, though his messaging did not appear to resonate with voters Getty The Democrat challengers to Trump in 2020 DROPPED OUT: Tom Steyer Democratic presidential hopeful billionaire and philanthropist Tom Steyer is a longtime Democratic donor AFP/Getty Does anyone doubt that this could have catastrophic consequences for democratic and electoral legitimacy? tweeted Susan Hennessey, executive editor of legal website Lawfare. Yet we seem to be hurtling towards this possibility with no one, certainly not congressional Republicans, drawing the line. In the Politico interview, Mr Trump weighed the idea of an investigation into Mr Biden in response to allegations that the former vice president had inappropriate interactions with the Ukrainian government while his son Hunter Biden was working for a gas company run by one of the countrys oligarchs. Recommended Any shred of credibility William Barr still had is now gone There is no evidence that Mr Bidens conduct was improper and at least one expert has said the accusations did not hold up. Yet that didnt stop Mr Trump from saying it could be a very big situation for Mr Biden. Because hes a Democrat its about 1/100 the size of the fact that if he were a Republican, it would be a lot bigger, he told Politico. Mr Trumps personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, also said on Friday that he had been travelling to Kiev to urge Ukrainian officials to open an investigation of their own. Explain to me why Biden shouldnt be investigated, Mr Giuliani said, responding to criticism from Democrat senator Chris Murphy. Some on the left have seized on the presidents comments, saying they bolster Democrats case for impeachment. Harvard Law School professor Laurence Tribe argued Mr Trump is all but certain to abuse his powers as president to undermine the campaign of whoever his opponent turns out to be. Nancy Pelosi: Donald Trump is almost self-impeaching by refusing subpoenas and protecting Mueller report Longtime Democratic adviser Ronald Klain warned: If he can do this to Joe Biden, he can do this to any other Democrat. If he can do this to any Democrat, he can do this to any Republican in Trumps way. If he can do this any political rival, he can do this to any American. Mr Trumps comments come the week after William Barr appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee and seemed to stumble over his answer to questions from Kamala Harris about Trump-directed investigations. Ms Harris asked Mr Barr whether the president or any other White House official had ever suggested that he open an investigation into someone. After an exchange, the attorney general told Ms Harris: I dont know. The Washington Post Juan Guaido, Venezuelas opposition leader, has instructed his Washington envoy to meet with Pentagon officials to cooperate on a solution to the countrys political turmoil. The 35-year-old declared himself the nations legitimate leader in January and has been attempting to oust embattle president Nicolas Maduro, with US backing. We have instructed our ambassador Carlos Vecchio to meet immediately ... with the Southern Command and its admiral to establish a direct relationship, he said at a rally in Saturday. We have said from the beginning that we will use all the resources at our disposal to build pressure. The US Southern Command said in a tweet on Thursday that it was prepared to discuss how to support the future role of Venezuelan armed force leaders who restore constitutional order in the country. Venezuela aid protests: Civilians demand food and medicine Show all 5 1 /5 Venezuela aid protests: Civilians demand food and medicine Venezuela aid protests: Civilians demand food and medicine Demonstrators push a bus that was torched during clashes with the Bolivarian National Guard AP Venezuela aid protests: Civilians demand food and medicine Demonstrators are seen through the cracked windshield of a torched bus AP Venezuela aid protests: Civilians demand food and medicine A woman moves away from the flames of a burning bus AP Venezuela aid protests: Civilians demand food and medicine A bus that was torched during clashes with the Bolivarian National Guard AP Venezuela aid protests: Civilians demand food and medicine Demonstrators push away a bus that was torched during clashes AP When invited by [Juan Guaido] & the legitimate govt of Venezuela, I look forward to discussing how we can support the future role of those [Venezuelan naval] leaders who make the right decision, the body said. The command has not responded to Mr Guaidos latest claims. Vladimir Padrino, Venezuelas defence minister, said a US coast guard ship had entered the countrys territorial waters on Saturday, a move he said the Maduro administration would not accept. A Southern Command spokesperson had said on Friday that a US coast guard vessel would be conducting a counterdrug detection and monitoring mission in international waters on 9 May. Trump administration officials have repeatedly said all options are on the table to remove Mr Maduro, who has accused the US of trying to orchestrate a coup. Mr Guaido has used the same language. Mr Guaido alleges that the presidents re-election last year was fraudulent. But the 35-year-old is under increasing pressure in Caracas, where he led an unsuccessful military uprising against Mr Maduro on 30 April. He declared himself the countrys legitimate president in January, backed by the US and 50 other nations, but has been unable to remove Mr Maduro or win the backing of Venezuelas military leaders. Edgar Zambrano, the opposition leaders deputy, was towed to prison while sitting in his car on Thursday. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Other lawmakers have left Caracas for foreign embassies, fearing a crackdown in the wake of the failed rebellion. Mr Guaido claimed the countrys first vice president had been kidnapped, in a post on Twitter. We live in dictatorship, he said at Saturdays rally. We dont have the option to stay at home waiting, but to keep demanding our rights in the streets. Earlier this week Mr Guaido told an Italian newspaper that he would probably accept a US military intervention in Venezuela. Additional reporting by agencies At least one person has been killed after gunmen stormed a luxury hotel in the Pakistan port city of Gwadar. Security forces battled four militants armed with rifles and grenades inside the five-star Pearl Continental after they attacked the building on Saturday afternoon. Officials said all four were shot dead. Most guests at the hotel popular with foreign tourists and business people were evacuated, but a security guard was shot and killed. Police said two other people had been wounded. It was unclear how many had been injured in total. Gwadar which is undergoing a vast transformation as part of the $60bn China Pakistan Economic Corridor lies in the restive province of Balochistan. 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 separatist Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, saying that it was targeting Chinese investors. Giving details of the incident, Pakistans military said in a statement that the gunmen had killed the guard at the entrance to the hotel when they arrived at 4.50pm local time. Recommended Suicide bomb attack near Sufi shrine in Pakistan kills at least 10 It said that responding security forces had managed to evacuate most guests, cordon off the hotel and corner the attackers in a staircase. By late Saturday afternoon, the incident appeared to have been brought to a close with a senior security official telling Associated Press: All four of the terrorists have been killed. The hotel itself sits on a hilltop overlooking Gwadars port, which has been built by China over the past decade and is the terminus point of a vast developing road, rail and pipe network between the two countries. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The attack comes just weeks after 14 people, including 11 military personnel, were killed by separatist gunmen who stormed a bus in the nearby town of Ormara. Four years ago, after a large shipping vessel carrying around 800 migrants sank in the Mediterranean, Carlotta Sami, a spokeswoman for the United Nations refugee agency, waited at a port to meet the few rescued survivors. The memory of their faces, their wide and shocked eyes, and the way the ship looked when it was finally recovered from the sea, will always be with me, she said. And now this boat is here in Venice at the Biennale, and it will be seen by the world. The boat embarked from Libya and sunk after it crashed into a Portuguese vessel that was attempting to help the migrants on board, many of whom stuck in the boats hold, where they drowned. It was a nightmarish disaster. Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily. Hundreds of bodies were later recovered; others never were. The identities of some of those who died on board remain unknown. A little over a year after it sank, authorities recovered remnants of the ship. And this year, Swiss Icelandic artist Christoph Buchel brought the massive ship to Venice, where its now on display at the Venice Biennale, the large, contemporary art fair that will likely be visited by hundreds of thousands of people over the next few months. Mr Buchel calls the project Barca Nostra, or Our Boat. Displaying the ship, a news release about the project said, opens up the possibility of actively using the collective shipwreck Barca Nostra as a vehicle of significant sociopolitical, ethical, and historical importance. Recommended Finding hope in the darkest moments of the refugee crisis But seeing the boat propped up as part of an art exhibition left Ms Sami with mixed feelings. She was in Venice this week for the opening of another exhibit, one organised by UNHCR that features the work of refugee artists. On Friday, the same day Ms Sami visited the ship in Venice and stood before it, taking in its size and reflecting on those who died when it sunk, another boat carrying migrants capsized in the Mediterranean, this time off the coast of Tunisia. Dozens of people are believed to have died. I feel this cannot be considered a relic of the past, she said of the ship on display in Venice. Today, a new shipwreck is telling us that that boat is our present. The ships presence at the biennale came after two tragedies: first, the shipwreck itself, and later, the death of Sebastiano Tusa, an Italian marine archaeologist who was killed when Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashed en route from Addis Ababa to Nairobi in March, killing everyone on board. Giovanni Angileri, chief of staff of the Sicilian cultural heritage department, told CNN that Mr Tusa, who also served as a cultural heritage councillor for Sicily, was passionate about ensuring the boat be displayed to the public, and said that after the biennale, the boat will become an open-air museum in Augusta, Italy. The last note [Mr Tusa] sent me was about the project, Mr Angileri told CNN. It is a very important project, that boat is the symbol both of the human tragedy and of the political crisis that the migrant flow is causing to all of Europe. More than a million migrants and refugees reached Europe by crossing the Mediterranean in 2015. Refugee crisis: More than 500 migrants rescued in single day in Mediterranean Sea Last year, just more than 116,000 made it, but the rate of death on the journey increased. In 2015, one person died for every 269 who arrived safely on European shores. Last year, one died for every 51 safe arrivals. The boats display in Venice, if even for the purpose of raising awareness about the plight of migrants at sea, left some feeling somewhat uneasy. As Philip Kennicott, art and architecture critic for The Washington Post, put it: I feel like the lives of those who died here need to be disentangled from this magnificent carnival of visual consumption. I try to do it this way, he wrote. As a light rain falls, I put down my umbrella and look up at the underside of the wooden deck and imagine that this is the last thing I will ever see. The Washington Post Yemens Houthi rebels said they are beginning a unilateral withdrawal from Hodeidah, a move which could save a fractured peace deal and end the fighting. The bulk of food and humanitarian aid to the war-torn country comes through the lifeline port, which over the past year has become the front line of the war between the rebels and the Gulf-backed Yemeni government. The fighting had strangled the flow of aid to millions who are on the brink of famine. A witness told the Reuters news agency that Houthi forces had started leaving the port. The information is yet to be confirmed by the United Nations (UN). A deal brokered by the UN in Sweden in December stipulated a retraction of all forces from three key Red Sea ports as the first step to a longer comprehensive peace agreement. Brutal effects of Yemeni war Show all 12 1 /12 Brutal effects of Yemeni war Brutal effects of Yemeni war Yemen organised by the UAE's National Media Council shows a Yemeni woman holding a child diagnosed with malnutrition at a hospital in the southeastern port city of Mukalla, the capital Hadramawt province AFP/Getty Images Brutal effects of Yemeni war Mohamed, 2, is treated for Malnutrition in Mukalla, the capital Hadramawt province, Yemen Bel Trew Brutal effects of Yemeni war a trip in Yemen organised by the UAE's National Media Council (NMC) shows a Yemeni woman holding a child diagnosed with malnutrition at a hospital in the southeastern port city of Mukalla, the capital Hadramawt province. AFP/Getty Images Brutal effects of Yemeni war UAE's National Media Council (NMC) shows a Yemeni woman sitting next to a child diagnosed with malnutrition at a hospital in the southeastern port city of Mukalla, the capital Hadramawt province. AFP/Getty Brutal effects of Yemeni war AFP/Getty Images Brutal effects of Yemeni war Mohamed, 2, is treated for Malnutrition in Mukalla, the capital Hadramawt province, Yemen Bel Trew Brutal effects of Yemeni war A Yemeni child suffering from malnutrition is weighed at a hospital in the northern district of Abs, in Yemen's Hajjah province AFP/Getty Images Brutal effects of Yemeni war A Yemeni child suffering from malnutrition awaits treatment at a hospital in the northern district of Abs, in Yemen's Hajjah province AFP/Getty Images Brutal effects of Yemeni war A Yemeni child suffering from malnutrition awaits treatment at a hospital in the northern district of Abs, in Yemen's Hajjah province AFP/Getty Images Brutal effects of Yemeni war Yemeni nurses weigh a malnourished child at a hospital in the northern district of Yemen's Hajjah province AFP/Getty Images Brutal effects of Yemeni war A Yemeni woman carries a malnourished child as she waits during food distribution in the province of Hodeida AFP/Getty Brutal effects of Yemeni war AFP/Getty Images But until Saturday, neither side had moved. In a major breakthrough, Mohammed al-Houthi, the head of the rebels Supreme Revolutionary Committee, confirmed his fighters would start pulling back at 10am from Hodeidah port, Saleef port, used for grain, and Ras Isa, used for oil. The Houthi leader said the rebels had been forced to act unilaterally after the Saudi-backed government repeatedly delayed a parallel withdrawal from parts of the city The [rebel] army and committees are withdrawing unilaterally as a result of the refusal of the countries of the US-British-Saudi-Emirati aggression and their allies to implement the [Stockholm] accord, the rebel leader said on Twitter. The United Nations had first announced the withdrawal late on Friday, saying it marked the first step to a comprehensive peace plan brokered last year outside Stockholm. General Michael Lollesgaard, the head of the UN redeployment committee, said the withdrawal of rebel forces will be completed by Tuesday. He said a UN observer mission he would lead would monitor the movement of forces. Moammar al-Eryani, the information minister of Yemens internationally recognised government, welcomed the UN announcement but warned the rebels might be trying to mislead the world. We welcome any measures towards the implementation of the Sweden agreement on redeployment in ports in Hodeida province and warn of attempts by the militia to mislead the international community and the (UN) Security Council before the next meeting, Mr Eryani tweeted. He said any unilateral redeployment by the rebels without control and joint verification cannot be accepted. Rebel fighters in Hodeidah in December, after the ceasefire was announced (AFP/Getty) Yemen has been ripped apart by a devastating five-year civil war which erupted in late 2014 when the Iran-backed Shia rebels seized control of the country, ousting recognised president Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies, including the UAE, launched a bombing campaign in March to reinstate Mr Hadi. There has been little hope of an end to the fighting, which sparked the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. More than 80 per cent of the country relies on aid while over 13 million, or nearly half the population, are on the brink of famine. Video shows damaged buildings and homes in Yemen village hit by Saudi-led coalition airstrikes The UN reported last month that if the fighting continues, the death toll will soar to a quarter of a million by the end of the year, with over half being children under the age of five. More than 100 children die every day from hunger. Peace negotiations have centred on the handling of Hodeidah. Attempts by the UN to get both sides to pull troops out of the process have stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress. Until recently fighting has raged in the southwestern province of Taiz. The more the Conservative Party obsesses over Theresa Mays future, the more it seems to be focusing on the wrong issue. She has fended off questions about when she might stand down so far, and she has asked to speak to representatives of her partys MPs on Thursday to explain herself. As we report today, Sir Graham Brady, the genial figure struggling to be impartial at the head of the mob with the pitchforks, said: We have asked a question. Shes coming, I assume, to answer it. It is true that the prime minister has handled the central task of her administration badly. So much so that Donald Tusk, the president of the European Union, said this week there was a 30 per cent chance of Brexit not happening. Yesterday, Guy Verhofstadt, the European parliament Brexit coordinator, said I dont know when asked if the UK would actually leave. It might be argued, then, that The Independent should support the prime minister and encourage her in her excellent work in failing to take Britain out of the EU. However, as there is no evidence that an alternative Conservative leader could do a more effective job in delivering Brexit, there is no pressing need to take a view except to point out that a leadership contest now would be a distraction from the real issues facing the country. Brexit is obviously important, but it seems clearer now that the only way it will be resolved is through a fresh referendum. This is no longer a matter of supporters of EU membership, such as The Independent, trying to frustrate Brexit. The Leave movement has crashed its own project. By failing to unite behind the prime ministers withdrawal agreement it has prevented the UK from leaving. There is no majority either in parliament or in the country for a no-deal Brexit, which is what the candidates in a Conservative leadership contest are likely to advocate. Therefore, it seems that a majority in the House of Commons must eventually come round, one way or another, to giving the people a final say on the Brexit question. It is encouraging that David Lidington, the prime ministers deputy, appears to have given some thought to the practicalities of a referendum, as we also report today. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Meanwhile, there are more urgent issues for the government to address, and The Independent is constantly trying to draw attention to them. Climate change; housing; the health service, including mental health care and care of the elderly; and prisons. All of these need sustained, creative ministerial attention; and instead they have all benefited from fitful fine words and piecemeal good intentions. And what have we heard from the candidates to succeed Ms May? A penny off the rate of income tax from Dominic Raab and bluff and bluster from The Daily Telegraphs well-paid colour writer. A Conservative leadership contest is not the answer to the countrys problems. Theresa May might as well stay in office and use her remaining time to make a late start, at least, on tackling the real burning injustices of which she once spoke so well. This was proposed by Josh Blacker several years ago, but sometimes the wheels of the trivia list machine turn exceedingly slowly. He suggested Post-It Notes, which came about when 3M (originally the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company) was trying to invent a new strong glue. Here are 10 more. 1. Cornflakes, 1894. Will and John Kellogg, Seventh-day Adventists, experimented with producing vegetarian food in 1894. Having allowed some wheat to go stale, they tried rolling it flat and baking it. It was popular, and they tried it with maize, which was even better. Nominated by Paul A Davies. 2. Cellophane, 1900. Jacques Brandenberger, a Swiss chemist, was trying to make a waterproof tablecloth and sprayed a coating onto fabric. This was too stiff but the coating peeled off and he had a new idea. Thanks to Graham Sutton. 3. Penicillin, 1928. Suggested by Lesley Smith, Andrew Denny and Harris. Arthur Jarman wrote to say: My mothers brother, Merlin Pryce, found the petri dish where a mould had killed the bacteria. He drew Alexander Flemings attention to it. The spore is thought to have come in through an open window in the lab. Pryce became Professor of Pathology at Saint Marys Hospital, Paddington. An appeal to the High Court of Pedantry from Rob Hutton that this was a discovery not an invention was dismissed. All inventions are discoveries. 4. Antabuse, or disulfiram, 1937. Used to vulcanise rubber, making it more durable. A factory doctor in the US noted it made workers feel sick if they drank, so it was developed as a treatment for alcoholism. Thanks to Alan Robertson. Recommended Top 10 literary characters to whom politicians are often compared 5. Teflon, 1938. Contrary to popular belief it had nothing to do with the US space programme, said Alan Beattie. Polytetrafluoroethylene was discovered by Roy Plunkett while trying to make a new refrigerant. The gas in a pressure bottle seemed to disappear. He found when he sawed the bottle in half its interior was coated with a waxy white, slippery material. 6. Slinky, 1943. Invented by Richard James, a naval engineer, when he dropped a loose spring he was using to stabilise instruments aboard ships and watched it walk. After it became a bestselling toy, his wife filed for divorce and he slunk off to become an evangelical missionary in Bolivia. Thanks to Lee Budgie Barnett and David McClure. 7. Microwave oven, 1945. The heating effect of a high-power microwave beam was discovered by Percy Spencer, an American self-taught engineer. Employed by Raytheon at the time, he noticed that microwaves from an active radar set he was working on started to melt a chocolate bar in his pocket. Another from Paul A Davies. 8. WD-40, 1953. Water Displacement, 40th formula. Developed, presumably after 39 attempts, by the Rocket Chemical Company in San Diego to keep moisture from rusting the outer skin of the Atlas missile. Thanks to Nigel Moore. 9. Liquid Paper, 1953. Invented by Bette Nesmith Graham, mother of Mike Nesmith of the Monkees. She was an artist and thought of bottling white paint to correct typing mistakes. Nominated by Simon Fanshawe, Alun Price and Andrew Stuttaford. 10. Jacuzzi, 1963. Candido Jacuzzi invented the Jacuzzi whirlpool bath as therapy for his 15-month-old son, who was born with rheumatoid arthritis. Nominated by Allan Holloway. There is always one: Will Gore, who nominated the Liberal Democrats. Sometimes, there are two: Patrick Kidd, who suggested Prime Minister Jeremy Corbyn. Lots of good nominations this week. Next week: Ridiculous populisms, or peoplesisms, after the Morning Star called for a Peoples Boycott of the European elections. Coming soon: Songs about rain by Scottish bands, such as Happy When It Rains, by Jesus and Mary Chain. Your suggestions please, and ideas for future Top 10s, to me on Twitter, or by email to top10@independent.co.uk A male teenager has today presented himself at a garda station in south Dublin and is assisting gardai with their investigation into a fatal stabbing last night. The tragic teenager who died has been identified locally as Azzam Raguragui (18). He was from Dundrum. Expand Expand Previous Next Close Azzam Raguragui Victim in Dundrum stabbing From Dundrum / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Azzam Raguragui Victim in Dundrum stabbing From Dundrum Gardai have launched an investigation into the murder of the 18-year-old who suffered stab wounds in Finsbury Park, Dundrum. Investigating gardai say they are now following a definite line of inquiry and are not considering any racial motive in the stabbing. Superintendent Martin McGonnell has requested privacy for the family of the deceased at this time and a family liaison officer has been appointed to the family. The incident occurred at about 8.10pm yesterday evening. The teen was treated at the scene by emergency services and rushed to St James's Hospital. It's believed he sustained injuries to his chest. But despite efforts to save him, Azzam was pronounced dead a short time later. It's understood the young man is from the Drundrum area. No arrests have yet been made. It's understood gardai have spoken to a number of youths who were at the scene, and are still working to establish the identity of other individuals who were there. The vicinity of the park was sealed off pending a Garda forensic examination and an incident room has been established at Dundrum garda station. The tragedy happened in close proximity to the former Notre Dame secondary school in Churchtown, currently being used by the Ballinteer Educate Together Secondary School which is using the premises while it awaits planning permission for a new school building. It's understood tensions had been building in recent days about some rowdy activities of teenage boys in the quite residential park. The park is on a walking route between Churchtown and Dundrum. The park has been used by children playing and for dog walking for decades. Local Fianna Fail Councillor Shay Brennan, who grew up in Finsbury Park in Churchtown, said today local people had complained a number of times to gardai in recent weeks of gatherings of teenage boys in the local green area. Gardai on several recent occasions went to the area following reports of rowdy activity. "To hear that such a young man lost his life in such a violent way is absolutely devastating," Cllr Brennan said. "In recent times, members of the public have expressed concerns about antisocial activity in this area. There has been heightened trouble there and neighbours had been reporting this to the guards over the last couple of evenings. "However, no one had ever expected something like this to happen. "Regardless of the circumstances, my thoughts and prayers go to this young man's family," he said. Dundrum Cllr Brian Murphy told the Irish Independent that violent attacks are unheard of in the locality. "I'm completely shocked that someone so young had died like this," he said. "It's very tragic and while we wait for the details and circumstances of this crime to emerge, I can only offer my thoughts and sympathies to this young man's family and friends. "I'm sure the community will be there to support his family during this very sad time," he said. Investigating gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information to contact Dundrum garda station on 01-666 5600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. European Parliament Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt has joined the Liberal Democrats on the campaign trail, saying they offer an "alternative to nationalism". Mr Verhofstadt joined Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable canvassing in London yesterday as he predicted a Remain surge in upcoming European Parliament elections. Mr Verhofstadt insisted his presence was not foreign interference in the UK's elections as he was "a Lib Dem" and backing the party because it opposed Brexit. Mr Cable said he was campaigning to combat "ugly populism". Mr Verhofstadt said: "I think it's important to show that the European liberals and democrats support Vince Cable. "Support the Lib Dems in this difficult fight in Britain, in these European elections. "Secondly, we want to show by coming here a message to the continent to say never repeat Brexit again. "I'm a Lib Dem. It's natural that people are looking to the Lib Dems when it comes to European elections. "We want to be the alternative for nationalism and popularism. "What I think is [that] there will be a huge support for Remain." Meanwhile, France has warned that it will not accept "repeated" extensions of the Brexit deadline beyond October 31, amid deadlock in the UK over the deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May. "We must not get sucked into repeated extensions, that's for sure," a French presidential adviser said yesterday. The adviser told the Reuters news agency: "Our message is clear: a solution must have been found by October 31." The senior official did not categorically rule out a further extension, and expressed hope that talks between the UK government and the opposition Labour Party would provide a workable majority for Mrs May to get her deal through parliament. "Maybe European elections will serve as a shock to reach a trans-partisan deal," they added. As an EU member state France has a veto over any extension to Article 50, though in practice the leaders on the European Council have tended to find a mid-point compromise when faced with dissenting voices. Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron was thought to be responsible for the length of the current extension to October 31: following the summit officials in the room reported that most other member states wanted an even longer delay until March 2020, or would have had no objection to one. Mr Macron was said to be pushing for an even shorter extension of a matter of weeks, but ultimately met the other member states in the middle to approve the Halloween deadline. EU leaders are mostly taking a holiday from Brexit at the moment, avoiding discussion of Britain's departure at a meeting in the city of Sibiu, Romania, which took place this week. They are, however, expected to return to the issue at a long-scheduled June meeting of the European Council, where a limited appraisal of the situation is expected to be held. It is understood that other member states also have concerns about a further extension past October, because of the uncertainty it would put upon the EU. EU officials have said the UK would have to have a good reason for another delay. However, behind the scenes in Brussels, preparations are already being made for a further delay - including the redrafting of technical parts of the withdrawal agreement to include flexible dates rather than set deadlines. Staff members are seen at the booth of Nestle promoting its baby food and NAN infant formula products at a maternity and baby industry fair in Beijing, China July 25, 2013. Picture taken July 25, 2013. REUTERS/Stringer Nestle plans to launch a new line of baby formula in China this year under an existing brand, targeted at smaller cities, as the worlds largest packaged food company tries to lengthen its lead in the worlds biggest baby milk market. The new line, discussed exclusively with Reuters, will focus on smaller provincial cities, often in Chinas western provinces, where greater shipping distances and lower incomes can make some imported brand goods unaffordable, though wealth there is growing. Producers of many consumer staples such as soft drinks and soap had to seek growth in the less-profitable provincial cities years ago, as Chinas richer eastern markets matured. But the baby milk units of Nestle, Frances Danone and Reckitt Benckiser enjoyed years of prosperity mainly just targeting parents in big cities like Shanghai and Beijing, banking on their appetite for ever-pricier premium formulas and foreign brands following a domestic 2008 tainted milk scandal. Slowing growth has now made geographic expansion crucial, and new distribution models have made it easier. The big catch, however, is the intense competition and logistical hurdles they will encounter in Chinas $25 billion baby formula market as they run up against local players who dominate in the smaller cities - challenges that mirror those faced by Western brands across Chinas consumer goods sector. Liu Yufeng, a 23-year-old small business owner from Baoding city, in central Hebei province, chooses a brand made by Chinese company Bright Dairy to feed her 2-year-old daughter. She told Reuters she leans toward local brands because she feels they are more affordable and suitable for her babys make-up. She is not alone. Some 55 percent of respondents in a survey by the User Research Institute of BabyTree, Chinas leading parenting website operator, said domestic brands better understood Chinese consumers. This reflects a broader trend that indicates local brands are gaining traction among consumers in China, said Wang Lei, head of the institute. Chinese retail sales of baby formula grew 9 percent last year, according to Euromonitor International. That is down from nearly 17 percent growth in 2014, the year after China relaxed its one-child policy. Yet the scale of the country, with more than 15 million births last year, and consumers preoccupation with quality, means it is still by far the worlds most important market for baby formula. FOREIGN VS LOCAL When Zhang Yanyan, a 36-year-old civil servant from Zibo city in the central province of Shandong, needs to formula feed her 8-month-old baby, she uses a version of German brand Bebivita. I buy foreign-made infant formula, but not ones that are original imports. Given that the make-up of Chinese children is different to foreign children, Ive chosen to buy foreign-made infant formula aimed at Chinese children, she said. That balance of international brand trust and local tailoring is what Nestle is aiming for with its new line. It will come under the umbrella of one of its three existing Chinese brands - Illuma, S-26 and NAN - but will be marketed differently, Thierry Philardeau, head of its infant nutrition business, said in an interview. He did not give details but noted that adaptations in distribution and marketing would make the sub-brand more appropriate for its target audience. Marketers and other businesses unofficially classify Chinas cities into tiers based on differences in business opportunity, infrastructure, population size, income level and consumer behavior and sophistication. The major metropolises of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen are traditionally seen as Tier 1 cities, with the following tiers made up of smaller, fast-growing cities that still boast of millions of inhabitants. Such lower-tier cities, accounted for 47 percent of the baby formula market 15 years ago, Nestles Philardeau said, but 73 percent today. People have more money to spend there and are catching up with the rest of China, he said. But because of different consumer demographics, he said the tone of the new lines marketing would be simpler, though the products quality and sophistication would be comparable. They are ready to pay a high price, but they need a more consumer-friendly communication, slightly less scientific, simpler, he said. Sub-brands are a common tactic used by marketers to take advantage of the cachet of a premium brand while selling something more affordable. In China, they are often used in lower-tier cities or rural areas, along with smaller package sizes, to make products that are more affordable. Nestles new range, which will include products for babies of various ages, will be made at factories in China, though the company did not say where the milk would come from. Because of consumers unique concerns around safety and quality, baby formula is much more expensive in China than in Europe. One 800 g (28 ozs) can of baby formula in China tends to cost north of $30, while a similar can costs $13 in Britain. Adam Xu, a partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants in Shanghai, said though willingness to pay high prices for baby formula was universal in China, the growth of quality national players - encouraged by the government - was making life harder for premium Western brands. LOCAL CHAMPIONS Chinese formula makers, which include Feihe International, China Mengniu Dairy and Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group, have grown stronger, amid a host of marketplace shifts including government registration requirements implemented last year that dramatically reduced the number of brands on the market. At the same time, investments by domestic players in premium brands and special formulations are helping to overcome safety concerns, said analysts at Citi Research. They predict Chinese brands could reach 53 percent market share by 2022, up from 40 percent in 2015. That is because in an overall market expected to grow about 7 percent, they see domestic brands growing 11 percent and foreign brands growing only 4 percent. Yili Group, Chinas largest dairy company and maker of the fifth-largest baby formula brand, told Reuters it was working on various fronts to improve its product offering through more scientific research, as well as its route to market using big data, artificial intelligence and real-time analysis. LETTING OTHERS DRIVE Multinational consumer goods companies have historically employed their own sales forces in China to service retailers, a model that is inefficient for smaller cities, said Derek Deng, a partner at management consultants Bain & Co in Shanghai. It works fine in Tier 1, 2 cities because the density of sales is high, Deng said. But when you go into lower-tier cities, you are facing a lot of difficulties. That is why local players tend to use third-party distributors, he said, noting that foreign firms were following suit, forming partnerships with big distributors and online players such as Alibaba and JD.com Inc. Analysts see Nestle as having the best distribution potential of its peers, since its massive scale means it has a range of goods to sell and with which to fill trucks headed for distant locales. The Swiss firm generated 7 billion Swiss francs ($6.87 billion) of sales in greater China last year, nearly 8 percent of its total, selling everything from Nescafe coffee to Yinlu peanut milk. Nonetheless, it needs to adapt. Philardeau said Nestle was also boosting its presence on online platforms such as Alibaba. Partnerships with online players have allowed British rival Reckitt Benckiser to enter 250 new Chinese cities in less than a year, compared with the more than 18 months it might have taken to enter 100 with its traditional feet-on-the-ground model. A deal with JD.com sees the e-commerce giant deliver Reckitts goods to specialist mom-and-baby stores, where parents can pick them up, within 24 hours. The hazards of farming were brought home to John Skehan this time last year when both he and his father, John Snr, were involved in farm accidents on the same day at the family's 121-acre holding in Kilmeaden in Co Waterford. "I broke an arm when I got a kick from a heifer in the milking parlour and had to be taken to hospital for an operation," says John Jnr (25), who farms in partnership with his father. "On the same day my father, who was with the vet who was injecting the bull, was also kicked. The bull got agitated and kicked him in the head. He was bleeding from the forehead, but didn't have to go to hospital. "The local doctor stitched him up and everything was okay." It was a salutary lesson about the dangers of farming and one which he will not forget. The Skehans run a herd of 70 British Friesians and send their milk to Glanbia for a current price of 30.5c/l, which John Jnr describes as poor. "Glanbia are at the bottom of the price league at the moment, in the relegation zone," he quips. John did his advanced dairy studies at Kildalton and was working off-farm with the Lidl supermarket group before he came back to Kilmeadan to work with his father. He has two older sisters: Jackie (27) is a manager with Lidl and Louise (29) works with Apple. John believes the returns from farming are not great when you consider the amount of hours involved in running a dairy enterprise especially when compared to a good nine to five job, but he stresses that he is in farming for the long term. That said, he doesn't any immediate plans to expand the herd. "There was a time we had pigs and were thinking of expanding that but we didn't. And now you have all the big pig producers moaning about prices," says John about the general volatility of prices in all agricultural sectors. He has firm views about the current CAP reform negotiations in Brussels. "It should be reformed and designed to benefit actual active farmers as distinct from armchair farmers - it's the working farmers who should benefit," he stresses. He would also like to see the retirement package for farmers reviewed so that younger farmers could be brought into farm management sooner rather than later. Off farm, his main interests are cycling and Macra, and he is soon to take up banjo playing. His sister Jackie gifted him the instrument and he is now arranging lessons from a trusted local music teacher. While at school in the De La Salle in Waterford he was a keen cyclist and won an All Ireland team medal with the Carrick Wheelers club of Sean Kelly fame. His arm injury, which still affects him by "swelling up from time to time" has curtailed the cycling, but he intends to be back on the road soon and is a big fan of the new Waterford Greenway. "I've done the stretch from Waterford city to Kilmacthomas and it is a great idea," he says. In conversation with Ken Whelan Aer Lingus has been given the go-ahead by its owner IAG to order planes for extra flights to new and existing destinations in the US and Canada, Willie Walsh has revealed. The chief executive of IAG said its board gave the green light to Aer Lingus for further transatlantic expansion after a presentation yesterday by the Irish airline's new CEO Sean Doyle. IAG owns British Airways, Iberia and low-cost transatlantic brand Level, as well as Aer Lingus. The bulk of new Aer Lingus routes are likely to be from Dublin, an increasingly busy hub channelling UK and European travellers to the US while avoiding Heathrow, Mr Walsh said. The new planes are likely to be delivered between 2021 and 2023 and will be in addition to eight Airbus A321 LR jets already on order, he said. In the European market, he said he had seen no evidence of Brexit affecting bookings or traveller behaviour. IAG was "very comfortable" with its own Brexit preparations, he added. Meanwhile, the aviation veteran says the industry will "learn the lessons" of two crashes of Boeing's 737 Max aircraft in Indonesia and Ethiopia that killed 346 people. The crashes were "clearly a major tragedy" - but the aviation sector will respond. "The industry will learn the lessons," he said, after announcing financial results for the first three months of this year. None of IAG's airlines use the Boeing 737 Max. Aer Lingus uses planes made by Airbus, although BA uses some Boeing models. Mr Walsh was a pilot before becoming head of Aer Lingus and later IAG. He said he had flown a simulation of Boeing's 737 Max last week, including updated safety features, and was confident the planes are safe. "I would have no hesitation getting on board a 737 Max when it comes back into service," he said. He thinks that will happen later this year. STOCKBROKER Campbell O'Connor has been fined 280,000 by the Central Bank for breaching money laundering and terrorist financing rules. There were five breaches of the rules, with an original fine of 400,000 reduced to 280,000 because the firm agreed a settlement. The company has already said it plans to close down in June, citing "the ever-increasing complexity of doing business in a changing regulatory landscape which does not favour smaller firms". The Central Bank said it probed the Dublin stockbroker after a themed inspection. The inspection identified failings in the firm's anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism framework. The breaches of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 included a failure to conduct an appropriate money laundering risk assessment. It also included the failure to monitor and scrutinise customer transactions. Staff were not trained to identify suspicious transactions, the Central Bank said. There was also a failure to ensure arrangements were in place with third parties whom the firm relied on to conduct customer due diligence measures on the firm's customers. Central Bank director of enforcement and anti-money laundering Seana Cunningham said: "This is the first enforcement action taken against a stockbroker for breaches of the CJA [Criminal Justice Act] 2010, and is a timely reminder to the wider financial services sector that anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism compliance is, and will remain, a key priority for the Central Bank." Campbell O'Connor's anti-money laundering framework was not fit for purpose for a six-year period. Ms Cunningham said: "The investigation found that the firm failed to assess key risks facing its business. For example, the firm failed to undertake any assessment of terrorist financing risk at all." She said the firm placed too much reliance on personal knowledge of its customers in assessing risk. Ms Cunningham said the role of financial service providers in detecting and reporting in this area is "vital in safeguarding the financial services sector from criminal and terrorist activity". Who is Eoghan McCabe, the tech entrepreneur who apologised for "poor judgment" relating to behaviour with female staff this week? The 34-year-old Dubliner is one of Ireland's most successful entrepreneurs, inside or outside the tech industry. Intercom, the software company he has jointly built with co-founders Des Traynor, Ciaran Lee and David Barrett, is namechecked in Silicon Valley as an industry standard, something very few tech firms anywhere in the world attain. It creates customer service products for companies, like help desk platforms, live online agent chats and marketing automation. Mr McCabe's big break came when he persuaded Twitter co-founder Biz Stone to invest after meeting for a pint of Guinness. From there, things have exploded. The company has raised 200m at a valuation of 1bn, with a stock market flotation talked about by industry analysts. It has star backers and star board members, such as industry legend Mary Meeker. Intercom is also a maverick in that its main product development happens in its huge Dublin office, leaving sales and marketing to its Silicon Valley headquarters. This is a reverse of what normally happens with other huge tech companies (like 20bn firm Stripe run by Limerick's Collison brothers) that make it on the global stage. Mr McCabe is based in the company's California office while the firm's other co-founders work from Dublin. He is described by colleagues as creative and driven. However, he has previously recounted how running a startup is all-consuming, with little respite. "The concept of work-life balance doesn't even usefully describe the way I live my life," he previously told the Irish Independent. "There isn't a separating line any more, it's all blended in. I mean, this is my life. "I love it and it's very fulfilling and I wouldn't rather do anything else but it's not going to be sustainable for decades. It requires a lot. Life gets put on the backburner." Last week, the US online tech news company 'The Information' published a lengthy article highlighting complaints against Mr McCabe from a number of female staff at the company. The company's board has initiated a review of the matter. A previous investigation within the company cleared Mr McCabe of wrongdoing. "In the early years of the company I demonstrated some poor judgment," Mr McCabe said in a statement. "I apologised at the time and have matured as a person and a CEO since then. I'm proud of the respectful culture we've built, and have long believed that people do their best work when they feel truly happy and safe. I fully support the independent review into these matters and our HR practices." One senior female executive released a statement in support of Mr McCabe. "Eoghan is an exceptional leader who is visionary and strategic, as well as kind, genuine and transparent," said Karen Peacock, the chief operating officer of Intercom. "He has built a culture that respects and empowers all people, which is one of the reasons I joined the company." The United States escalated a tariff war with China yesterday by hiking levies on $200bn worth of Chinese goods amid last-ditch talks to rescue a trade deal, as US President Donald Trump signalled that talks could drag on beyond this week. In a series of early morning tweets, Mr Trump defended his decision to raise tariffs, saying there was no need to rush into a deal and adding that the American economy would be boosted more by the levies than by an eventual deal. But even as Beijing threatened retaliation, negotiators agreed to stay at the table in Washington for a second day, keeping alive hopes of a deal that would remove a major threat to the global economy. Mr Trump, who has adopted protectionist policies as part of his "America First" agenda, issued orders for the tariff increase, saying China "broke the deal" by reneging on earlier commitments made during months of negotiations. China's Commerce Ministry said it would take countermeasures, so far without elaborating. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin talked for 90 minutes on Thursday and resumed efforts yesterday to rescue a deal that could end a 10-month trade war between the world's two largest economies. China's Commerce Ministry said negotiations were continuing, and that it "hopes the United States can meet China halfway, make joint efforts, and resolve the issue through cooperation and consultation." With negotiations in progress, US Customs and Border Protection imposed a 25pc duty on more than 5,700 categories of products leaving China after midnight Washington time yesterday. Seaborne cargoes shipped from China before midnight were not subject to the new tax as long as they arrived in the United States prior to June 1. Those cargoes will be charged the original 10pc rate. "This delay might create an unofficial window during which the US and China can continue to negotiate," investment bank Goldman Sachs wrote, adding that it was a "somewhat positive sign" that talks were continuing. Mr Trump gave US importers less than five days notice about his decision to increase the rate on the $200bn category of goods, which now matches the rate on a prior $50bn category of Chinese machinery and technology goods. He has also threatened to impose new tariffs soon. Global stocks gained slightly after Washington moved forward with the tariff hike, reflecting some hope that a trade deal could still be brokered. But a major world index looked set for its worst week since December. "There is no greater threat to world growth," French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said yesterday. The added levy could reduce US gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.3pc and China's by 0.8pc in 2020, consultancy Oxford Economics said. "A quarter of our members have exports to the US that were already affected by these ridiculous tariffs," said Mats Harborn, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. "Pushing rates to 25pc will prove extremely damaging to those companies, and the collateral damage will ripple around the globe. "European companies are watching aghast as the US and China play Russian roulette with the world economy." In April 2018, when Mr Trump's tariffs were still largely just threats, China's Commerce Ministry responded to his escalatory tweets by declaring that the two sides could not conduct negotiations "under these conditions". But more than a year later, Liu was in Washington trying to save the deal even as Mr Trump warned that the United States would start "paperwork" on another $325bn in Chinese imports, after raising tariffs on $250bn of Chinese goods. "I think the Chinese in the end will want to keep negotiations going. The question is: 'where do they go for retaliation?'" said James Green, a senior adviser at McLarty Associates who until August was the top USTR official at the embassy in Beijing. Mr Green expected China to increase non-tariff barriers on US companies, such as delaying regulatory approvals, as it could not hit the same amount of imported US goods with higher tariffs. The biggest Chinese sector affected by the latest tariff increase is a $20bn-plus category of internet modems, routers and other data transmission devices, followed by about $12bn worth of printed circuit boards used in a vast array of US-made products. Furniture, lighting products, auto parts, vacuum cleaners and building materials are also high on the list of products subject to higher duties. Just hours after the US move, which will add pressure on an already slowing Chinese economy, China's central bank said it was fully able to cope with any external uncertainty. Reuters The Welsh writer Rachel Trezise is fretting about her latest play, Cotton Fingers, arriving in Ireland. "It feels like I've dipped my pen in someone else's blood," she admits, when we meet in a rehearsal room in the National Theatre of Wales. "It feels like it should be an Irish writer tackling this subject. But it was sort of an accident." Cotton Fingers is a one-woman show about a young woman travelling from Belfast to Cardiff to get an abortion. Trezise wrote it after the National Theatre of Wales commissioned five writers to make a new piece of work to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the National Health Service (NHS). "I didn't want to do a nice 'the NHS saved my life' story," she admits. "So I thought I would do something on abortion - and that very week, the NHS had started funding abortions for Northern Irish women if they travelled over." The monologue tells the story of Aoife, a young, working-class Catholic woman who finds herself alone in a Cardiff abortion clinic, after making the type of journey that more than 900 real-life Northern Irish women make each year. "I wanted to write about women caring for each other in the NHS," says Trezise. "I was thinking about nurses and the silent pact that women have where things are implicitly understood. And that linked in with how there had been generations of Northern Irish women who had had abortions but had never told their daughter or their granddaughter - how all these women had to go through it alone." So, even though Trezise isn't Northern Irish, her project ended up being about that part of the United Kingdom that is so often overlooked - in art, in the media, in politics. The 40-year-old had visited Belfast only once before, back in the late 1990s, when she was studying in Limerick as part of an exchange programme with her Welsh university. At the time, Ireland's conservatism had shocked her. "When I went to Limerick, I realised that divorce had only been legal for two years. I thought, 'What is this place?'" she recalls. "I'd open up Elle magazine and all the abortion information had been scratched out at the back." Twenty years on, she relied on her memories of that time as well as newspaper reports to write a play that is deeply moving and unapologetically political. There is one line in the piece that she took directly from a report she read about Northern Irish women travelling for terminations: "Rich people have abortions. Poor people have to have kids." She wanted to explore how this is an issue that intersects with class. "It's more difficult for working-class women," she says plainly. Trezise grew up "very poor, very working-class" in the Rhondda Valley, a part of South Wales that was devastated by the collapse of the mining industry. Her mother, who worked as a cleaner, brought her up "mostly by herself". Trezise was abused by a stepfather, an ordeal that informed her debut novel, In and Out of the Goldfish Bowl, published when she was just 24. She had grown up in a house without any books and she didn't see a play until she was an adult and had become a well-respected novelist. But she had always loved reading at school and was particularly moved when she studied Maya Angelou's memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. "It was the first book I ever read about sexual abuse. I thought, 'Oh somebody has written about it. Maybe I can write about it'." Her second book, a collection of short stories called Fresh Apples won the Dylan Thomas Prize, which at the time was worth 60,000. It opened doors, with London publishers calling and theatres commissioning her to write plays. She never left Wales, however, and she and her welder husband live in the same area in which she grew up. She writes every day from 6am to 4pm, taking a half-hour break to eat her lunch in front of a daily BBC politics show. To help pay the bills, she takes on occasional editing and teaching work. Video of the Day Trezise, like almost everyone else, has been won over by the Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls and sees its prominence as almost serendipitous. "Weirdly, when I started writing Cotton Fingers, the first series of Derry Girls was airing," she says. "And I thought that was strange - because usually there's very little about Northern Ireland." She thinks Derry Girls is doing a great job of educating British people about the reality of life in 1990s Derry and wonders if Cotton Fingers can do something similar. "I am sure there are people in Britain who don't understand how many Irish women come over to have an abortion." Louisa Harland, who plays Orla in Derry Girls, was cast in the first production of Cotton Fingers last summer and Amy Molloy takes on the role this year, when the show arrives in Dublin and Northern Ireland, just as we mark the one-year anniversary of the abortion referendum. The referendum result is included in Cotton Fingers, with Aoife remarking: "The referendum in the South started us talking." There is a suggestion of hope but it quickly evaporates, as she realises that any momentum for change has been occluded by the problems that Brexit has wrought on Northern Ireland. "Maybe we're second-class citizens," Aoife thinks. "Maybe the Troubles never went away." Trezise is saddened by what's happening on Northern Ireland - by the way it seems to have been neglected by British politicians, by the way women there still don't have access to safe and legal abortion. "Northern Ireland is stuck with the worst rights of all of us," she says. Watching Cotton Fingers performed for the first time was a moving experience, she says. "I didn't realise how emotional it was until I first saw it performed on stage. I cried. I thought, 'Oh, you can't cry at your own work.' But I was looking around and other people were crying, too." It is an undeniably affecting piece, a play that asks us to look at how far we've come while forcing us to acknowledge that there is significant work to be done. Trezise is a modest person, almost timid in her responses, and she is circumspect when asked what Cotton Fingers can do to encourage change in Northern Ireland. "I can't say categorically that theatre does help but you would hope that it does," she says. "You would hope that people start talking to each other, that they'll be more inclined to have those discussions." Cotton Fingers is a moving, spirited monologue. It should start a much-needed dialogue. 'Cotton Fingers' is at The MAC, Belfast, May 22-23; The Playhouse, Derry, May 24-25; Samuel Beckett Theatre, Dublin, May 29-31 and the Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray on June 1 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11) Authorities found in two separate raids of the homes of mayoralty bets in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Norte days ahead of the midterm polls 5.9 million in cash, a grenade, various firearms and ammunition. Jupiter Abulog, a candidate for mayor in Rosario town in Agusan del Sur, was arrested Saturday for violating the gun ban after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) found in his home an unregistered M16 rifle, six .45 caliber pistols, a .40 caliber pistol and various ammunition. Meanwhile, in San Francisco town in Surigao del Norte, CIDG operatives found Friday 1,000 bills amounting to 5.9 million bearing the name of the towns mayor, Guia Plaza-Sabanal, who is running for reelection. Along with this, they also found sample ballots, a short white envelope bearing Plaza-Sabanals name and a list of voters with precinct numbers. Authorities said they also found in Plaza-Sabanals home a fragmentation grenade, an unregistered .38 caliber revolver and ammunition, which CIDG operatives discovered in a black sling bag left by a man who fled the mayors home as authorities entered it. Local radio station RPN DKXS reported that she denied ownership of the firearms found in her home, saying that those were just left at the back of her house by one of her supporters who was gone before CIDG operatives arrived. However, Plaza-Sabanal did not comment on the nearly P6 million in cash found in her home. Meanwhile, 10 people believed to be goons of San Benito, Surigao del Norte Mayor Rushford Dedumo, who is now running for vice mayor, were arrested Saturday following an operation of the army and the police, according to RPN DKXS. Authorities also confiscated several firearms from the men. CNN Philippines Correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report. Patrick Quirke deliberately spread rumours about a Polish national being involved in the disappearance of Bobby Ryan in a calculated bid to divert attention, gardai believe. A senior Garda source indicated that while detectives had heard rumours of a Polish national somehow being involved, there was absolutely no evidence whatsoever to support it. "As far as we are concerned the person who killed Mr Ryan is behind bars," he said. "Justice has been done and, certainly in my view, the jury got it right." Gardai also believe that Mr Ryan's Citroen van was deliberately abandoned near the sprawling Bansha Woods in Tipperary in a bid to waste both time and resources of gardai and search volunteers. The Central Criminal Court trial heard that Quirke (50) told one of his farm workers he had heard a rumour about east European nationals being involved in the disappearance of Bobby Ryan. One young man on a farm work experience placement said Quirke told him in February 2013 that Mr Ryan had been the victim of "a Polish group". Mr Ryan's daughter Michelle has also spoken out to dismiss speculation about a Polish national being involved. "I don't believe it," she said. The young woman, who delivered a moving victim impact statement before Quirke received his life sentence, warned about the dangers of rumours being spread. However, she said she remains convinced that Quirke must have had help of some description. "I believe there is more than one behind it," she said. The Tipperary Garda source said it was believed such rumours about a Polish national were totally without foundation - though by coincidence a Pole, who had been living in Tipperary and east Limerick, returned to his native country in the 2011-2013 period. He later took his own life. Gardai never had an opportunity to speak with the man about the rumours which had somehow targeted him. "There was nothing more than rumour in respect of the Polish national," the source said. "There was no forensic evidence, no eye-witness sightings near the scene and, as far as we were able to determine, there was no connection whatsoever with Mr Ryan. Or the defendant, for that matter." The Pole is understood to have suffered from depression throughout his life and was unhappy and homesick in Ireland. Quirke, now prisoner number 107243 in Mountjoy Prison, has commenced a life sentence after being convicted of the murder of his love rival, Tipperary quarry worker and part-time DJ Bobby Ryan. Mr Ryan, also known by his DJ moniker 'Mr Moonlight', was murdered and his body dumped in a run-off pit on the farm that Quirke was operating on a lease basis. His body was only found almost two years after his disappearance. The Central Criminal Court jury convicted Quirke of murder on a 10-2 majority verdict after finding he killed the father of two in a fit of jealousy and greed. The jury had deliberated for almost 21 hours. Quirke had an affair with Mary Lowry, who was the widow of his wife's brother, and was envious of Ms Lowry's budding relationship with Mr Ryan. He was also worried about losing control of the Lowry farm, which he had operated since 2008-09. Quirke's murder trial, which began in January, now ranks as the longest running in the history of the State. It also emerged during legal argument in Quirke's trial that he had displayed an interest in previous high-profile Irish murder cases. Quirke had conducted detailed internet searches. He had also researched rates of decomposition of human bodies, as well as Garda forensic and DNA sampling techniques. The jury was not told that Quirke had visited an internet blog with the title: 'Why Joe O'Reilly thought he had committed the perfect murder'. The blog was written about the notorious killing of Rachel O'Reilly by her husband, Joe, in north Dublin in October 2004. Quirke also researched articles on Siobhan Kearney, murdered by her husband Brian in February 2006. Another internet search involved Jo Jo Dullard, who went missing in 1995 and whose killer has never been found. The jury was not told that, on the hard-drive of Quirke's computer, audio recordings were found of him engaged in intimate activity with Mary Lowry. There was also an audio recording of him with his wife, Imelda. Quirke, who has already signalled that he will appeal his conviction, has been described as a model inmate in Mountjoy. He has been assigned future work in the kitchen and bakery of the prison. However, he will be transferred to the Midlands Prison in Laois once suitable space becomes available. A Pensioner has been charged in connection with the seizure of 2.5m worth of drugs at a house in Co Meath. (stock photo) A Pensioner has been charged in connection with the seizure of 2.5m worth of drugs at a house in Co Meath. Cancer sufferer Ronald Gordon (70) was refused bail when he appeared in Dublin District Court on drugs charges. Mr Gordon, with an address at Gaywood Avenue, in Kirkby, Liverpool, is charged with possession of cannabis and cocaine with intent to sell or supply at Sarsfieldstown in Gormanston, Co Meath. Garda Brian Fahy told Judge Grainne Malone the accused made no reply to the charges after caution at Ashbourne garda station and was handed copies of the charge sheets. Gda Fahy said he had "serious objections" to bail. He said a four-bedroomed house at Sarsfieldstown was searched under warrant on May 8 while the accused was present. Cannabis and cocaine with an estimated value of 2.5m was located. The accused was a UK national with no ties to this jurisdiction and was "only renting the property in Gormanston". Applying for bail, defence solicitor Michael French said the accused was presumed innocent. He said Mr Gordon had suffered from medical issues. The accused was interviewed six times and denied all knowledge of the drugs and having "any part" in the allegations, Mr French said. He told the court he believed the charges were "premature". The judge said she had to have regard to the amount of drugs seized. Remanding Mr Gordon in custody to Cloverhill District Court on May 17, she directed he receive all necessary medical attention and granted free legal aid. Paul McIntyre, 51, with an address in Ballymagowan Park, in the Creggan area of the city, leaving Derry Magistrates Court Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire Two men charged with rioting offences in Derry the night a journalist was shot and killed have been refused bail. Paul McIntyre, 51, with an address in Ballymagowan Park in the Creggan area of the city, has been charged with riot, petrol bomb offences and arson of a hijacked vehicle. Expand Close Christopher Gillen, 38, from Balbane Pass, leaving Derry Magistrates court after he charged with riot, petrol bomb offences and the arson and hijacking of a tipper truck Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Christopher Gillen, 38, from Balbane Pass, leaving Derry Magistrates court after he charged with riot, petrol bomb offences and the arson and hijacking of a tipper truck Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire Christopher Gillen, 38, from Balbane Pass, has been charged with riot, petrol bomb offences and the arson and hijacking of a tipper truck. Both men, who were arrested on Thursday, appeared together in front of District Judge Barney Mcelholm, but refused to stand and recognise the court when called on Saturday morning. Expand Close A new mural of Lyra McKee in Belfast city centre. Photo: David Young/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A new mural of Lyra McKee in Belfast city centre. Photo: David Young/PA Wire The prosecution alleges that both men are connected to the paramilitary group the New IRA, who orchestrated a night of rioting on April 18 in the Creggan area of the city. The New IRA have since claimed responsibility for the death of Lyra McKee in a letter released to media. A PSNI detective told the court that footage seized from an MTV documentary crew who, along with presenter Reggie Yates, were filming in the city on April 18, both in the offices of dissident republican linked group Saoradh that afternoon, and later during the unrest in Creggan, provided police with the evidence they allege links both men to the charges. The PSNI say footage from MTV taken in the Saoradh office, located in Junior McDaid House, shows both men clearly and speaking in the company with other Saoradh members. The police also claim footage taken from CCTV and mobile phones, later supplied to police by witnesses, shows two masked men in identical clothing and footwear to the defendants exiting the hijacked tipper truck and later carrying a crate of petrol bombs along Fanad Drive, and later deploying them at police. The detective added: "Police believe these were the ring leaders, that's obvious from footage." The officer added he had concerns that both men may attempt to interfere with or intimidate witnesses, or attempt to leave the country if they received bail. In the weeks following Ms McKee's murder, graffiti was sprayed in Creggan warning the community against helping police with their enquiries. The message "Informers will be executed" was painted along the wall of a local community centre, and posters of rats were erected on local speed signs. Judge Mcelholm told the court that he also had concerns about witnesses being prevented from coming forward. "We're all aware of the disgraceful graffiti in Creggan that warned off anyone talking to police, whoever did that, did these two men a great disservice," he said. "I'd be inclined to agree with Father Joe Gormley (local priest who annointed Ms McKee after her death), in what happens when you get people who are blinded by ideology. "All nationalism corrupts into fascism eventually whether it's Irish nationalism or British or Polish nationalism. We've all seen where it ends up. "I have to bear in mind these gentlemen, there's no evidence either of them belong to any paramilitary organisation but they are a part of an organisation with a defined ideology. "There is no address anywhere in this city which would be suitable in this case, at any stage. I will refuse bail." The murder of Ms McKee has sparked a major police investigation, amid huge public outrage. On the afternoon of April 18, after a police search of a residence in the Creggan area, a riot broke out which saw missiles including petrol bombs thrown at police officers, before a Ford Transit Tipper was set alight. Amid the unrest, a masked gunman fired shots in the direction of police and struck 29-year-old journalist Lyra McKee, who later died in hospital. Police say more than 140 people have come forward with mobile phone or social media footage and a 10,000 reward has been offered by charity Crimestoppers for anyone with information that leads to an arrest in the death of Ms McKee. Murderer Patrick Quirke deliberately spread rumours about a Polish man being involved in the disappearance of Bobby Ryan in a calculated bid to divert attention, gardai believe. A senior Garda source indicated that while detectives had heard rumours of a Polish national somehow being involved, there was absolutely no evidence whatsoever to support it. "As far as we are concerned the person who killed Mr Ryan is behind bars," he said. "Justice has been done and, certainly in my view, the jury got it right." Gardai also believe that Mr Ryan's Citroen van was deliberately abandoned near the sprawling Bansha Woods in Tipperary in a bid to waste both time and resources of gardai and search volunteers. Quirke (50), now prisoner number 107243 in Mountjoy Prison, has commenced a life sentence after being convicted of the murder of his love rival, Tipperary quarry worker and part-time DJ Bobby Ryan. Mr Ryan, also known by his DJ moniker 'Mr Moonlight', was murdered and his body dumped in a run-off pit on the farm that Quirke was operating on a lease basis. His body was found almost two years later. The IMF has warned a surge in the size of the offshore funds industry here could create new risks for the real economy, including the knock-on effect on the property market. These offshore funds have surged to 3tn from just 700bn in 2007. While most of their activities relate to the international economy, they are growing their footprint in the domestic financial sector. This includes property where so-called cuckoo and vulture funds are increasingly active. "The overall size of the Irish financial sector is now significantly larger than it was before the crisis. Banks have deleveraged... focusing more on the domestic market, but this non-bank financial sector increased exponentially," said Erik de Vrijer, assistant director of the IMF's European Department. Mr de Vrijer said while links are small, funds are invested in property here and the purchase of non-performing loans from financial institutions. In addition, some domestic banks are reliant on these funds for investment, he said. "While the non-bank financial sector in Ireland would mostly be a conduit of global financial shocks, links to the domestic economy are non-trivial and growing," the IMF warned after its annual review of Ireland's economy. The IMF urged the Government and Central Bank to take a closer look at the sector, the growth of which has propelled Ireland to become the fourth largest shadow banking sector in the world. It also called for a plan to prepare for changes to the company tax environment, which could hit Government revenues hard. Mr de Vrijer warned about letting the "strong increase in corporation taxes beguile you" that it was permanent. Maria Dollard cares for her daughter who has autism, while juggling work as a part-time lecturer and businesswoman. The mother is a prime example of how a work-life balance is possible for some carers blessed with support at home and forward-thinking employers and clients. Ms Dollard (53), from Kilkenny city, says she can make the most of the world of work outside the family home. That is thanks to her employers, clients and her teacher husband Niall (54), as well as three sons Killian (13), Jim (21) and Briain (28) who all share in caring for Lucy (25). "It makes life a bit easier, as there's nearly always someone round if I want to go somewhere," Ms Dollard said. "If I were on my own, it would be much harder but this works for us." A part-time lecturer at UCC, teaching a diploma in autism studies, Ms Dollard also works with young adults on the spectrum and privately trains special needs assistants and adult service workers. "My whole family is a unit. Lucy was an athlete in the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi in March and I was so proud of her. My husband and I adapted our work lives to be in a position to care. I have only been able to go full-time in the past two years. "For anyone with a special needs child, working outside the home is very hard and employers and the State need to do all that can be done to help. To work is an economic necessity for families and it's good for carers' mental health too, as work is important for self-esteem." Throughout this week the Irish Independent has highlighted the plight of carers. Economist Jim Power said the care bill will double to 4bn within three decades, if the Government doesn't take action. We shared a powerful video of 14-year-old carer Shauna Tighe, from Tallaght, who helps care for brother Daniel (11), who has Sotos syndrome, as she asked for the education system to be more understanding of young carers' needs. And we shed light on Professor Brendan Kelly's assertion that being a carer in Ireland is the number one indicator for poor mental and physical health. Currently one in nine carers work outside the home and as the ageing population increases, calls are being made to ensure companies are offering more of a work-life balance. Irish Life is one firm looking to help the carers among its 3,000 strong workforce. "The future of work is an issue all companies should be focused on. "We need to be more agile, to be fit for the changes in society, due to an ageing population," said Gavin Hennessy, diversity and inclusion manager. The company is working in collaboration with Family Carers Ireland (FCI) on a programme to support staff who are also carers. Maurice Sweeney (48), from Enniscrone, Co Sligo, cared for his mother, Lena (83), who had COPD, while working part-time remotely for the Hayes Culleton Group. Mr Sweeney's mother passed away in October 2017 but the company helped him rebuild his professional life. "As a carer it helped me to have work, it meant I had money coming in, I was able to do things for myself and I could still be there for my mother," Mr Sweeney said. "I was lucky, I didn't feel there was any employer that would have just taken me on if I'd said I was a carer. "My employer is a family orientated business, they understood." Josepha Madigan: Minister said there was an argument to look at more divorce reforms in the future. Photo: Arthur Carron Key divorce reforms called for by Ireland's leading family law expert are set to be parked by the Government - and may not be acted upon for years. Farming and business interests have supported recommendations by Dr Geoffrey Shannon that the law be reviewed to allow pre-nuptial agreements to be recognised. But Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan will wait for a further report from the Law Reform Commission before considering the issue. Other recommendations made by Dr Shannon, including provision for "clean break" divorces where there are no children, are also on ice. The Irish Independent has learned the commission's work is only set to begin later this year - and that it could be 2021 before it reports. This dashes hopes of further immediate reforms, should the May 24 referendum pass. The Government is urging voters to remove the Constitutional requirement for couples to have lived apart for four of the preceding five years before they can divorce. Expand Close Dr GeoffreyShannon: Family law expert called for the Succession Act to be reviewed. Photo: Damien Eagers / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dr GeoffreyShannon: Family law expert called for the Succession Act to be reviewed. Photo: Damien Eagers If passed, it plans to legislate to reduce the minimum living-apart period to two years. In a report published by the Law Society earlier this month, Dr Shannon recommended pre-nuptial agreements, which are effectively precluded under Irish law, should be valid and enforceable to the extent they support and foster the best interests of children and spouses. He said judges should retain a wide discretion to vary the terms. Dr Shannon also called for the Succession Act to be reviewed, with particular regard to the consideration of "clean break" scenarios. These are divorces where the parties will no longer have financial ties once the order is given by the court, but the Divorce Act has been interpreted as prohibiting them. Expand Close Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan Culture Minister Josepha Madigan, whose private members bill proved the catalyst for the referendum, said: "I think there is an argument to look at more reform into the future." But speaking on Independent.ie's 'Floating Voter' podcast, she said this was a matter for Mr Flanagan to look at. Mr Flanagan told the Irish Independent he welcomed Dr Shannon's research which had helped provide a deeper understanding of the personal tragedies involved when a marriage breaks down. He signalled, however, he would wait for the Law Reform Commission to report before considering taking action. "The examination will include consideration of pre-nuptial agreements and also whether a clean break approach is possible. I look forward to the outcome of their expert analysis and I will give careful consideration to any recommendations they propose," said Mr Flanagan. Farm organisations have called for legal provision for pre-nuptial agreements to be introduced if the divorce waiting period is shortened. The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association said quicker divorces will add to the worry about family farm transfer and the potential to break up a farm. "Farm families are not immune to divorce but divorce in a family farm setting can have the added trauma of destroying the farm business," a spokesperson said. "Quicker divorce should be accompanied by pre-nup legislation which would give more weight to these in a divorce settlement." An Irish Farmers' Association spokesman said uncertainty surrounding the legal recognition of pre-nuptial agreements was negatively affecting the timely lifetime transfer of family farms. Shane O'Loughlin of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association's farm business committee said: "We cannot see how if both individuals are happy to enter a pre-nuptial agreement, freely and without any question of undue pressure, why that should not be treated as an acceptable legally binding arrangement." The body representing small and medium enterprises said it would be useful to have legal certainty around pre-nuptial agreements where business premises, employees or business equity is concerned. "The current legal situation means that marital splits where there is business equity involved can be very volatile for that business," said ISME chief executive Neil McDonnell. Gardai have issued two separate appeals on men missing from Dublin and Kerry. In Dublin, gardai in Tallaght are appealing for information on the whereabouts of Thomas Doran (26), who is missing from his home in the area. Expand Close Missing man Thomas Doran / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Missing man Thomas Doran Thomas was last seen when he left his home at Sheehy Skeffington Meadows in Tallaght at 8pm on Monday, May 6th last. Thomas is described as being 6ft 2in with brown hair and brown eyes. He is described as being of strong build. Gardai and Thomas' family say they have concerns for his welfare, and ask if anyone sees him or who can assist in locating him, to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. Separately in Kerry, gardai are requesting the public's assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Dan Sheehy (52), who is missing from his home since Monday, April 29th last. Dan was last seen boarding the Tralee to Dublin train on the day he left home. Dan is described as being 5ft 11in in height, of broad build, with brown/grey hair in a tight haircut, and dark green hazel eyes. It's understood Dan was wearing a suit the last time he was seen. Gardai and Dan's family have concerns for him and ask if anyone can assist in finding him to contact Tralee Garda Station on 066 7102 300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station. Optimistic: Peter Casey, who is running in the European election. Photo: David Conachy Presidential runner-up Peter Casey still believes he will become an MEP, despite trailing in the European election polls. The Donegal man has targeted the seat of Luke 'Ming' Flanagan in the Midlands North-West constituency - but was 7pc behind the ex-TD in the latest poll. But Mr Casey, who got more than 300,000 first preferences in October's presidential election, believes his messages are resonating. "I was down in Ballyhaunis. People were parking the car and coming over. It's bonkers. It really is. I'm pretty certain I'm going to top the poll," he said. Mr Casey's platform is largely built around the issue of immigration, which he claims Ireland is only waking up to. Having initially said the country needs "a discussion" on the issue, he has now told the Irish Independent restrictions need to be imposed on the number of people coming here from abroad. "When Britain leaves [the EU] there is absolutely no way that Ireland can be the recipient of all the people that wanted to go to Britain. We will be the only English speaking country," he said. Malta is also an English speaking country in the EU. The businessman said Ireland should apply to the EU to "temporarily" close our borders until the fallout from Brexit is clear. "This is exceptional circumstances... The only option they have is Ireland. "We haven't got the bandwidth. We're just too small." Mr Casey added that in the "long term" Ireland can support a greater population "but we can't handle a sudden influx". If the ex 'Dragons' Den' investor is to get elected in the Midlands North-West constituency he will have to up his vote in the final two weeks of campaigning. An 'Irish Times'/Ipsos MRBI poll places him in a contest for the final seat with Fine Gael's Maria Walsh and Fianna Fail's Brendan Smith. Meanwhile, in Dublin there is set to be an intense contest among left-wing candidates for the final seat. Fine Gael's Frances Fitzgerald and Fianna Fail's Barry Andrews are on target to easily win seats. But the third seat will see a battle between Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan, Independents4Change Clare Daly, the Green Party's Ciaran Cuffe and Labour's Alex White. Ms Boylan, who topped the poll five years ago, said it is "all to play for". Mr White said Fine Gael's showing in the poll was "impressive" but he's not sure "if it will hold up". "I think that it would require an enormous effort from Fine Gael to get two seats, I think they'll comfortably gain one. "On those poll numbers Fianna Fail will win a seat. And that leaves two seats, and I'm in the race for one of those seats, no question about that in my mind." Ms Fitzgerald told an AEJ debate that she was remaining cautious. "Not a vote has been cast yet so that's what I'd been reminding everybody," she said. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said insurance premiums will fall if the level of damages for soft-tissue injuries, such as whiplash, is brought into line with other jurisdictions. He said the issue was costing society and it was hard to believe there was any justification for the massive difference between the size of awards in Ireland and those in England and Wales. Speaking at the Law Societys annual dinner on Friday night, Mr Varadkar pointed to findings made by the Personal Injuries Commission (PIC) last year. A benchmarking exercise by the commission found the level of general damages in this jurisdiction for soft-tissue injuries was 4.4 times that of the level found in England and Wales. Expand Close Leo Varadkar / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leo Varadkar Whether it affects premiums or not, it is hard to believe there is any justification for such a wide differential, he said. And of course it has societal costs. Higher insurance premiums, businesses that have to close, jobs and livelihoods that are lost, amenities that are no longer available, and, perhaps most worryingly, changes the way doctors and medical scientists carry out their practice, to the detriment of their patients and society. His comments come as the Government remains under sustained pressure to reform insurance costs. Earlier this week ISME, the body representing small and medium businesses, warned some firms are facing an existential crisis due to high insurance premiums. One such business, Rathbeggan Lakes Family Adventure Park in Co Meath, announced it would be closing after its public liability insurance bill went up more than 100pc this year to 400,000. Mr Varadkar said he believed the best way of dealing with the discrepancies between the size of soft-tissue awards here and those in England and Wales was through a Judicial Council. In its report last September, the PIC recommended the setting up of a council so that judges could recalibrate guideline injury award levels. The necessary amendment needed to allow this has yet to be finalised, but the junior minister responsible for insurance reform, Michael DArcy, has insisted the legislation could be passed by mid-July. I think that if we can bring the level of damages awarded in this country for soft tissue injuries and other injuries more in line with those awarded in other jurisdictions, there is going to be a reduction in premiums, said Mr Varadkar. We are seeking commitments from the insurance industry on this point. Mr Varadkar told the Law Society event insurers have a major role to play in the reforms. We know that those companies make very substantial profits, he said. The Taoiseach also gave an assurance judges would still have discretion and the separation of powers would be respected. The Law Society disputes the link being drawn between award levels and the cost of insurance. Its president, Patrick Dorgan, told the event the society questioned why the focus of attention was on the level of personal injury awards in Ireland in comparison to England and Wales. The true focus of attention, we believe, should be on the levels of premium in the two jurisdictions, he said. We produced to Minister DArcy some expert research to demonstrate that when like is compared with like, insurance premiums of all cases are actually higher in the UK than they are in Ireland. We believe this demonstrates that the assumed direct link between award levels and the cost of insurance is highly questionable. Mr Dorgan said it was of vital importance that if there is to be a reduction in awards to accident victims, the Government must also insist on a cast iron guarantee that premiums will reduce. Otherwise the already excessive profits of insurance companies will simply increase, with reduced awards to victims of no benefit whatever to premium payers, he said. I'm leaning against a bus shelter. And in case you're wondering why, I'm waiting for the bus. I've an app on my phone that tells me when the bus is due and, more often than not, it's bang-on. So, strictly speaking, I don't need to be here, holding up the shelter. But I've always been of the opinion that, to fully embrace the experience, you have to do one of two things, either be a bit early and have to wait, or be a bit late and have to run. My running days are a bit over. I can do a three-yard sprint without toppling or having a heart attack. But other than that, I'll be walking or staying still from here on in. Unless there's a fire - then I might trot. So anyway, I'm a few minutes early. I've never had a problem waiting. In fact, I've always enjoyed a good wait. Even in the pre-shelter days, when the Irish summer was an afternoon in August, I didn't mind standing at the bus stop. As long as a bit of the world was passing while I was there, I was happy enough. By the way, is it my imagination or did the weather start to pick up after Dublin Bus began putting up the shelters? They were built to withstand rain but, really, it's shelter from our equatorial climate the designers should have been thinking of. The roofs should be made of palm leaves, not iron, and there should be fans in under the seats. But anyway, that song George Formby used to sing: "I'm leaning on a lamp post on the corner of the street, in case a certain little lady comes by." Well, that was me, except it was a bus stop, not a lamp post, and I wasn't singing. But I was waiting for a certain little lady and her name was Eileen Pidgeon. There was this one time, a few weeks after Eileen Pidgeon had broken my heart, when I'd found her kissing my little brother, Pat, behind our coal shed. I'd forgiven Eileen by then, and I'd put a 6in nail through both of Pat's bicycle tyres. None of this happened recently, by the way. We're going back nearly 50 years - and I still haven't admitted to Pat that I burst his tyres. Anyway, the bus stop was right outside the Mint, where Eileen Pidgeon worked two nights a week after school. So, I'd positioned myself strategically, shoulder to the pole, eyes looking everywhere except through the window of the Mint. I stood there for well over an hour as half of Dublin's bus fleet zipped straight past me. I smelt her Juicy Fruit before I saw her. - Howyeh, Charlie. I stepped onto the road and pretended to look up the street, to see what was keeping my bus. Missis Mooney nearly swiped me in her orange bubble car, so I jumped back off the road and whacked the bus stop with the back of my head. Eileen was waiting, like she'd witnessed nothing out of the ordinary. - Where're you off to? she asked. - Eh I said. I hadn't thought of that, why I'd been standing there at the bus stop all night. Then I thought of something. I was a genius. I believed that - for four seconds, maybe five. Eileen would be insanely jealous. She'd fling herself at me and demand forgiveness. She'd weep bitter tears onto the shoulder of my second-best jumper. - I'm waiting on me girlfriend, I told her. - Oh, grand, she said. - There's bound to be a bus with her on it sooner or later. Seeyeh now, Charlie. I stood there and watched her going. Her walk, her glide - I waited for her to turn and look back at me and smile. I stood there for years. Ah, well. Just to be clear, I'm not at the same bus stop today. And I'm not waiting for Eileen Pidgeon. I'm a bona fide commuter and I'm waiting for the 29A. But I'll admit it, I often think of Eileen when I'm waiting for a bus, or even on the bus. Any bus, anywhere. I was on a tour bus once, going past the Eiffel Tower, and I looked out, and up - and I thought of Eileen Pidgeon. - Fabulous, isn't it? said the wife. - Ah, yeah, I said. But anyway, I'm leaning against the shelter and I notice the ad. I take a few steps back to read it properly. Pain Relief for All the Family. It's a cartoon family, all smiles. It looks like a bad ad for a holiday camp but it's actually for drugs. I'm outraged. I'm appalled. Something should be done. It should be bloody banned. But my bus is coming and I hitch up my trousers, just in case Eileen Pidgeon gets off when I'm getting on. I'm halfway down an unpaved road in a vehicle that's more like a car emoji than the recommended four-wheel drive, sweat beads forming on my forehead. I should've checked my itinerary instead of trusting Google Maps, so I stop mid-descent. The direction I've missed is there, in black and white: 'look out for the Pigeon Bay Road turn'. My clumsy efforts to turn the rental car around are interrupted by a dusty SUV cruising down the dirt road. The driver cranes his head out of the window, judging my pathetic attempt. "There's no turning back now," he shouts. My only option? Crawl on, in second gear, with clammy hands. Expand Expand Previous Next Close A Banks Peninsula view from the car... The remote shepherd's lodge... / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A Banks Peninsula view from the car... I'm en route to Annandale, a coastal farm escape on the Banks Peninsula near Christchurch. Until now, I thought I was getting the hang of my solo-drive on New Zealand's South Island - wondering why locals spoke so poorly about the roads (they'd clearly never driven over the Conor Pass). Since I picked up the rental, my confidence had made a massive leap. The initial dread of long drives (for a city girl like me) spent totally alone in a country on the opposite side of the planet, had eased. Travelling solo has never scared me and New Zealand is generally known as a safe destination. And then... this wrong turn. 'Stay where the world can't find you.' That's Annandale's tagline, and it's easy to see why. When I eventually arrive at the gates, loosening my grip of the wheel, I'm transferred to my villa by 4x4. It's another 20 minutes from the lodge to solitary Shepherd's Cottage on the Pigeon Bay coastline, where I'll be sleeping. Being the passenger for a change, I reach for my phone to snap a few photos of the views to send home... but there's no WiFi signal. Annandale is a 4,000-acre estate with just four lodges for guests. Dinner is waiting in the fridge, ready to reheat and assemble, so I won't see another person until I'm collected tomorrow. I crack open a bottle of rose. There's no TV, and the sign in front of me as I sit on the veranda reads, 'Beware of the Bull'. I'm afraid of the dark, but I know the resort is gated and completely safe. Come morning, I pat myself on the back for being so 'brave'. Now that it's done, I'd happily stay another night. I need to continue my journey, however. There's a lot to do in New Zealand, and the FOMO can get overwhelming. That's one reason I arranged my travel with a tour operator, New Zealand in Depth, who asked what kind of stuff I like (wine, outdoor activities, outlandish accommodation) before curating my itinerary. Next up is a four-hour spin to Kaikoura, where I'll be staying in a treehouse. How's the driving? All told, my trip takes me 1,000km from Blenheim to Manapouri, and my approach is to ease into it, giving myself extra time to pull over and take photos (New Zealand is impossibly scenic). Being a solo female traveller has its benefits; people have plied me with homemade treats for road trip snacks, I spend as long as I want in massive hotel baths, I can flirt with locals without competition - though admittedly, I could use a wing-woman - and I never have to share my food. Beforehand, I worried about driving alone for hours on end, but I'm enjoying it now. Warm southern hemisphere air is coming in the window. The smell of salt water and lavender on the breeze is relaxing me. Expand Close Morning at Doubtful Sound. Photo: Nadia El Ferdaoussi / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Morning at Doubtful Sound. Photo: Nadia El Ferdaoussi In Kaikoura, I park at the entrance to Hapuku Lodge where my bags are whisked away and I'm ushered into what feels like a rich aunt's country home for coffee. The fire is burning and staff greet me like an old friend. My treehouse overlooks the Kaikoura Mountains to one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other (not to mention a hot tub and deer resting in the shade). For dinner, I sit at the chef's table, where I watch the preparation of lamb backstrap and crispy spinach with pickled green chilli, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, sesame seeds and coriander. I practically lick the plate clean. Kaikoura is famous for its marine animals, and the next morning, I pull up at Encounter Kaikoura both excited and nervous about the prospect of swimming with dolphins in open water. "Strong swimmers only today," the girl at the desk says. She's asking if I'm sure I'll be able to return to the vessel unaided. I think so, I reply. On the boat, I get talking to a German girl. She's doing this activity solo, but her travel buddy is waiting on dry land and she can't get over the fact that I'm completely on my own. It doesn't feel like a big deal, but I suppose it's not quite the norm. Yes, it would be nice to travel with a friend, to capture moments on camera together and have someone to share the funny stories with back home. But I'm proud to do this alone, and sometimes you can't wait for other people to fit in with your plans. Trips like the dolphin encounter are great for making friends though - we're all, literally, in the same boat. The sea is rough, sick buckets are being utilised, but once we're in the water, in wetsuits, snorkelling gear and flippers, over 100 dusky dolphins curiously and playfully swim in circles around us. It's an itch list moment I can't quite believe I'm experiencing. My trip is full of these moments, from star-gazing at Cabot Lodge in Manapouri, a place that feels like the end of the world just 170km south of Queensland, to spending the night on Southern Secret, one of the only boats allowed overnight in nearby Doubtful Sound. It's one of the most remote parts of Fiordland National Park, and my day is spent pulling up crayfish pots, fishing for blue cod, kayaking in the fjord and cruising past waterfalls. At night, there is total darkness and silence. In Blenheim, I pass wineries bearing brands I see in my local supermarket back home. Staying in the Cinema Suites in Te Anau, a single suite above a cinema screen that's had its own wine and beer created for them, brings my trip to peak notions. I'm travelling alone, but bouncing between activities and weird and wonderful hotel rooms, I don't have time to get lonely. Any worries about driving have been replaced by satisfying journeys. Though next time, perhaps I'll upgrade to a Jeep. Driving Tips Expand Close The scenic route: Sweeping views of Lake Manapouri / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The scenic route: Sweeping views of Lake Manapouri Thankfully, driving is on the left in New Zealand. Allow extra time for photo stops, and for traffic due to roadworks after recent earthquakes (these can appear quite suddenly). Hide any valuables out of view, to prevent theft from the rental vehicle. How to do it... Expand Close The Cinema Suites / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Cinema Suites Nadia travelled as a guest of Emirates (emirates.ie) and New Zealand in Depth (newzealand-indepth.co.uk), which creates bespoke itineraries based on budgets and preferences. A similar, 10-day trip including car hire, stays, half-board and several excursions starts from 5,380pp (ex flights). Emirates flies from Dublin to Auckland via Dubai, from 1,284 in economy class or 4,683 in business (valid on select dates for sale to June 30). For more on New Zealand see newzealand.com. Take 3: Packing tips Expand Close Don't forget your hiking boots... / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Don't forget your hiking boots... SPF50 Even if it doesn't feel hot, you'll burn easily in this part of the world, so be sure to pack a high-factor sunscreen. Sun is strongest from September to April, between 10am and 4pm. Rain & repellent Similar to Ireland, you can expect multiple seasons of weather in any given day, so pack a raincoat. Insect repellent is also essential, especially for those pesky sand flies. Shoes & shades Bring good walking shoes or boots, even if driving - some of the best views are just a short hike away. Polarised sunglasses are essential to prevent glare while driving, too. Read more: I am all for the Government's plan to bring broadband to all of the people, all of the time. The bean counters are ruling the world. They know the cost of everything and the value of nothing. The story now must be the story of the creative and the brave. Those who made the rules of finance have ruined our world several times over. It is always easier to destroy rather to create. Cuts are the last refuge of the unimaginative. The Government has taken a risk. Big plans often take longer to implement, and cost more. But they get done. The National Broadband Plan may even be foolish in parts. Some will say it is a waste of money to bring broadband miles in off the road to a one-off house at the end of a boreen. It is only fair play and nothing was ever built by sensible people. Robert Watt is the secretary general of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Most of you never heard of him until this week. Now he is the guru. Mr Watt said the cost of the broadband plan was excessive. There will be risks, he said. He's right. But life is about taking risks. Mr Watt says the plan to bring broadband to every home in the country "has questionable benefits". To be fair, Mr Watt had a job to do and he did it honestly without fear or favour. Mark Griffin is the Department of Communications secretary general. He is all for the plan. "The availability of ubiquitous high-speed broadband will bring significant benefits in the areas of education, e-health, tourism, regional development, and social inclusion," he said. Kids in rural Ireland who do not have broadband are being victimised. Education is so inextricably linked to online learning that it will be impossible for the country children to get on. Never underestimate our love of learning. When I was a boy, Ms Dowling put her two sons Tom and Maurice up on the bar of her bike and brought the boys 8km to the school in all weather. They are two of the finest men, but they were at a disadvantage because they were country lads. It takes ages to get to and from school as it is. Most country children are up at 6am and do not get home until after 6pm. And then there's no broadband when they get home. Lives will be saved and the treatment of people by doctors online will save millions. Bookings can be made easily by tourists. Emails can be replied to immediately. Business can be done from the old turf shed with customers in China. And yes, people can have fun too. They can watch Netflix, play games and the lonely can make friends or find someone to share their lives with. Put a price on that. Of course, there are flaws in the plan. It will go over budget. There will be major problems. But we must look at the destination, not the journey. We have criticised the Government here over the closure of post offices and Garda stations. We have been critical of the neglect of children who have had to pay for operations when the State would not help. This plan is brave and it will free all of our people. It seems strange that the most vocal opponents of the plan are those who have been consistently attacking the Government for not spending more money. More are wrapped in a suffocating cling film of ideology. They are opposed because, God forbid, some big company will make money. Those against it on ideological grounds seem to want the private consortium to build the network for free and then give it back to the State for half nothing. It's not as if there are dozens of companies lined up to fight for the contract. Ministers Richard Bruton and Patrick O'Donovan insisted no man or woman, or boy or girl, would be left behind. Our Taoiseach is backing the plan. He is a man of vision who sees the value as opposed to the cost. There is only one show in town. No other business is in the bidding. The only way to get broadband in two or three miles in off the road was to cut some slack. If it was up to some, we would still be reading by candlelight. We could be arguing forever. The Opposition seems to want to start all over again. There is no perfect plan. How long will it take to make a new one and to bring in new bidders? Years? Decades? Never? In the meantime there will be no one left in remote places to take the broadband. Are they not as entitled to live in their own place and their own country as anyone else? How can you put a price on the love of home and fatherland? And will we see yet another generation of boys and girls have to leave the place of their birth? Broadband allows us the scope to ride out recessions by changing tack. Ireland needs to have that freedom. Our vision for rural Ireland must be of one of families staying in the home where their fathers and mothers slaved. Brains will win now. Broadband is the new canal, the new railway, the new road. Our Government has taken a huge risk but there will be a massive payback. This is our only hope of success in rural Ireland. No one seems to have mentioned Dublin is too big. The off balance-sheet benefits will be multiple, glorious and wondrous. Schools will stay open. Pubs and shops will thrive. The GAA will be able to field 15-a-side. The emigrants and the city dwellers will come to live in rural Ireland. Those living at home will stay at home. This has to be our stated aim and our national goal. I believe in our people. We will thrive once we are at home. I met the poet Brendan Kennelly on the beach of Ballybunion a few years back. Brendan looked out at the wonder of it all. "There Bill," he said, "is the Atlantic Ocean, and not a furze bush between here and America." So it will be with broadband for all, there will be no boundaries or distances between us and the rest of the world. Our biggest export will be our knowledge, not our people. The Irish monks illuminated the world with their manuscripts in the Dark Ages and helped keep learning alive. Never did the world need us more. Our nation of talkers and storytellers can save civilisation yet again. Show me that on your balance sheet. Our methods of assessing the benefits, financial or otherwise, of all aspects of our lives are crude, limited and unimaginative. Now is the hour. Be brave. Just do it. Broadband for all is not a project. Broadband for all is a civil right. What can a woman expect when she goes for cervical screening? If the staff in the laboratory who examine her slide have a lingering doubt, however small, that it does not look normal then should they still give her the all-clear, even if they believe on the balance of probabilities she is fine? It is this kind of scenario referred to in a High Court judgment, which appears to have convulsed so many doctors in the past week. Judge Kevin Cross who delivered the ruling a week ago yesterday described some of the response since as "hysterical". In his ruling in the case of Ruth Morrissey, whose smear test was found to be negligently read by Quest laboratories in the US, Judge Kevin Cross said the standard to be applied by screeners and doctors is "absolute confidence". In other words, if there are any doubts about a result, don't take a chance and pass the slide as clear. Recommend the woman for more investigation. On the face of it this ruling hardly seems like setting too high a bar. What would a woman choose? What if the choice was put to her? She has a choice of being told she has nothing to worry about, even though there is a slight uncertainty. Alternatively she can be informed there is a question mark and go for the extra diagnostic tests even though she risks side effects or, in a small number of cases, unnecessary treatment. Judge Cross, in his judgment in the Ruth Morrissey case, said a "screening programme cannot operate safely if screeners are left to judge the slides and whether they are safe merely on the balance of probabilities". We are told by Health Minister Simon Harris this standard is applied in the UK and other countries. So how in the space of a few days has it led to such concern from senior doctors that if applied here it could lead to the collapse of the country's screening programmes and have wider implications for diagnostic services? The Faculty of Radiologists, which is involved in breast and colon cancer screening, said the "absolute confidence" bar is impossible to attain and may have multiple unintended consequences - including additional unnecessary tests and procedures on patients who do not have cancer. All screening tests are associated with a small number of false-negative results. "We are concerned that if false negative screening tests are regarded as a breach of care, this position may potentially threaten the viability of the screening programmes altogether," it said. Its concern is this will lead to a flood of compensation cases and expensive payouts. Doctors say the difference between Ireland and the UK in terms of screening is the higher level of litigation here. Health Minister Simon Harris said yesterday the screening programmes will continue, but the Attorney General is looking at whether to go to the Supreme Court for clarification. The HSE has added to the public confusion about the fallout from the judgment in the last week. Senior staff have incorrectly termed the ruling as "absolute certainty" instead of "absolute confidence". A Supreme Court clarification may be what is needed now to decide what our standard should be. Once there is legal clarity it is up to the HSE to accept it, respond and go forward. 'I always get to where I'm going by walking away from where I've been," says Winnie-the-Pooh, a self-styled bear of very little brain although that zinger proves the opposite is true. Wouldn't it make a useful motto for the talks process currently taking place at Stormont, where movement away from entrenched positions is needed if devolved government is to be restored? Perhaps Simon Coveney might consider having it printed on T-shirts and handing them out to the party leaders. Hands up, I can't take the credit for remembering Pooh Bear's insight into how to deliver political change - the quote was shared in a different context this week by a senator. Take a bow, Ian Marshall, farmer, unionist and a man with the self-confidence to show his admiration for AA Milne's tubby teddy. I salute you both. He referenced it at a public forum in Newry, Our Rights - Our Future, considering the possibility of new constitutional arrangements post-Brexit. This was the second such discussion organised by a civic society pressure group called Ireland's Future, and more than 300 people attended. Senator Marshall is the first Northern unionist to sit in the Oireachtas since the 1930s. That's four-fifths of the Irish State's timeline. Still, better late than never, although better still if he had company (and I don't mean soft toys). Fine Gael approached him last year as part of an outreach initiative and he was elected with Sinn Fein's support, sitting as an Independent. So, this week talks about rebooting Stormont have resumed between the Northern parties, while elsewhere civic society is debating reunification. The Irish Government is involved in the former and would probably prefer if the latter wasn't happening. But if not now, when? Brexit has created momentum - shaking loose something. Call it possibilities. People are considering constitutional change; whether it is in the island's best interests and if so how to make it consensual - what practical steps should be taken. This is a debate in the here and now. The impetus is from the grassroots up and nobody is waiting for permission. Politicians, by and large, are behind the curve on this issue. So, it's good to talk. Speaking of which, after almost two-and-a-half years of silence, Stormont may also be back in the talking - and preferably doing - business shortly. Optimistic? In the spirit of Senator Marshall, may I direct you to an Eeyore quote: "It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine." The Tanaiste says the parties realise they have an obligation to break the deadlock. The leaders are meeting at least weekly and five working groups are addressing outstanding matters including the petition of concern. The presumption is that a deal will be struck. But reaching agreement isn't enough - it needs to have stickability or the institutions will collapse for a third time. While politicians will always have a role to play, it's fascinating to observe a new dynamic emerge. Ireland's Future, a non-political group (lawyers, teachers, business people, members of the arts world) is making the case for reunification on the basis of common interests. It held its first public meeting in Belfast's Waterfront Hall in January, the Beyond Brexit conference, followed by the Newry event on Thursday. Dublin is likely to be next. A dynamic beyond politics has sprung up to approach the question - one which most parties, with the exception of Sinn Fein, are reluctant to consider. Momentum is growing whether governments like it or not. But may I suggest creating space during deliberations to consider whether the union with Britain should be preserved? Is it working for people, delivering prosperity and opportunities? If not, might there be improved prospects within Europe? How to make that case to unionists? At the Newry forum, I shared a platform with an Irish High Court judge. To my mind, his presence was yet another signal of the sea change that's under way. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys has given the matter some thought, having written a book called 'Beyond the Border' which explains the Good Friday Agreement and its relevance to a united Ireland. He urged people to learn from Gandhi and be the change they want to see in the world. "If nationalists want accommodation they should be accommodating, if they want to be listened to they should listen. Compromise is not a dirty word, compromise means life," he said. This goes to the heart of the reunification debate, and takes in both Brexit negotiations in London and Stormont talks in Belfast. Everyone will have to surrender something they value if change is to be delivered, just as Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution were part of the trade-off for the Good Friday Agreement. There are shades of opinion among those who aspire to reunification. Some are pushing for a Border poll soon, others say basics should be lined up first. My view is that something is missing: a detailed document outlining the specifics of a new Ireland. People cannot be asked to vote without knowing the nuts and bolts. Civic society will be withered from waiting for the Irish and/or British governments to take the initiative here. It needs to raise funds, put together a broad church of open-minded people and set to work on its own document. Another development this week was the two governments signing a memo of understanding, an attempt to put the common travel area between Ireland and Britain (in place since 1922) on a secure footing post-Brexit. It covers people's rights to move between the two jurisdictions, and live, study and work in either, but does not encompass trade because that's EU business. However, this memo has no legal standing. It's a gentleman's agreement - a statement of good faith. It is not to be sniffed at. But if you're in the reassurance line, legal rights are the only game in town. Still, modest signs of change overall. Indications that we understand the need to listen to one another. Returning to Senator Marshall, he made the point that the Irish flag is anathema to some within unionism who don't see the symbolism of green and orange stitched together. Clearly, in a reimagined Ireland, a new flag and anthem are essential as acts of generosity and inclusivity. This will be difficult for some. However, as Mr Justice Humphreys observed, the unionist rallying cry of 'no surrender' should not be matched by mirror image obstinacy on the part of nationalism. It's a reminder that an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth leaves everyone blind and toothless. And setting out red lines beyond which you refuse to pass simply means that everyone ends up stuck in a rut. The recent report by family law expert Dr Geoffrey Shannon on divorce in Ireland makes a pretty compelling case for reform - not just of our divorce laws, but also of the courts in which they are applied. Unfortunately for those who champion his findings, even if the forthcoming divorce referendum is passed, other changes are likely to come slowly no matter how persuasive the evidence. The signals coming from Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan are that while he welcomed the work done by Dr Shannon, he wants to hear what the Law Reform Commission has to say. It is due to look at several of the issues examined by Dr Shannon, including pre-nuptial agreements and "clean break" divorces, but is unlikely to report until 2021. Current Dail arithmetic also militates against speedy or radical reform. The politician who laid the groundwork for the referendum, Culture Minister Josepha Madigan, has said some people are suggesting it doesn't go far enough. But she believes it would not have been possible to get cross-party support to go further at this time and that the Government has to focus on "incremental change". In the referendum voters are being asked whether they want to ditch or retain the constitutional requirement for ex-couples to live apart for four out of the previous five years before they can divorce. If passed, the Government plans to legislate for a minimum two-year living apart period. The legislation is also expected to clarify what is exactly meant by living apart. The main message from Dr Shannon's research, commissioned by the Law Society's child and family law committee, is that the four-year requirement must go. He made the findings after studying 50 divorce and judicial separation cases and the issues that arose in them. Dr Shannon concluded there was clear empirical evidence to support the proposition that it was "inhumane" to ask people to put their lives on hold for a lengthy period of time. The impact on children and the costs associated with waiting at least four years were factors in his thinking. Speaking at the launch of the report, he said the outcomes for children were dependent on the degree of conflict between their parents en-route to the divorce. "If we are going to maintain a position that we are going to lock citizens into the four out of the previous five years, children will be forced to hold on to that trauma for that period of time," he said. Anxiety, acting out, and attention problems at school were all issues that had been seen in children caught in the middle of a divorce, he said. Dr Shannon also found there was a duplication of legal costs in certain cases as some couples had to get judicially separated before they got divorced. "From the cost perspective they are engaging in two sets of adversarial proceedings in circumstances where they want to move on," he said. Another key conclusion was that there needs to be more certainty around outcomes. "What we need is certainty. More definitive guidelines and parameters would help promote mediation and conciliation as a means of agreeing the resolution of issues on the division of assets," he said. He found there was a considerable range in outcomes depending on the judge hearing the case. He suggested the introduction of a specialised courts structure and judges with specific training. Excessive case loads, delays and inadequate facilities were all problems associated with the current system, he found. Dr Shannon said efforts should be made to foster a less adversarial approach to divorce. He recommended mediation services be located in new family law facilities and that pre-trial conferencing, with the involvement of the judiciary, be used in an effort to resolve family disputes. The ongoing housing crisis and the need to try to provide long-term security of tenure for tenants has focused attention on ways of facilitating the required legislation. The recent discussions on the latest Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill, which passed all stages in the Dail on Wednesday night, heard, for example, further demands for a change in the law that would compel landlords to sell residential units with the tenants in situ rather than opting to serve notices of termination as at present. Landlords argue, and probably correctly so, that selling with sitting tenants would reduce the value of the units considerably, as it would limit their appeal to first-time buyers, for example. Similarly, there have been calls for an extension of the current six-year tenancy cycle, known as a part four tenancy, whereby landlords can end a tenancy without reason after four or six years (depending on the length of the tenancy) to an indefinite period as a further measure to prevent tenants being made homeless. Opposition spokespersons and others regularly call for the introduction of both of these and indeed further measures to ease the current crisis in homelessness. A regular excuse given by Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and the Custom House, home of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, is that such measures may be unconstitutional and that this is the advice proffered by the Attorney General's office - although such advice has not been published to date. A review of the historical debate on property rights casts major doubt on whether this regular mantra from the Custom House is justified. The interpretation of property rights principally relates to Articles 40.3.2 and 43.2 of the 1937 Constitution. Article 40.3.2 says: "The State shall, in particular, by its laws protect as best it may from unjust attack and, in the case of injustice done, vindicate the life, person, good name and property rights of every citizen", while Article 43.2 says: "The State, accordingly, may as occasion requires delimit by law the exercise of the said rights with a view to reconciling their exercise with the exigencies of the common good." The 1996 Constitution Review Group, the most comprehensive review of the Irish Constitution ever undertaken and chaired by Dr TK Whitaker, noted that the fact these two separate constitutional provisions deal with property rights has itself given rise to much confusion. It also noted that the language of Article 43 in particular is "unhappy" and that several commentators have drawn attention to the contrast between both articles. Indeed, the report quoted a famous dictum, which said the articles were "a classic example of giving a right on the one hand and taking it back on the other". The review group also noted that both Article 40.3 and Article 43 are particularly open to subjective judicial appraisal and went on to recommend that the provisions dealing with property rights should be contained in a single article. This recommendation was never implemented. The All-Party Oireachtas Committee report on the Constitution in 2004 echoed many of the concerns of the 1996 review group and noted "the existence of these two separate constitutional provisions has caused the courts considerable difficulties over the decades. In the end, however, the courts have concluded that the two provisions inform each other so that both have to be taken into account when considering Constitutional protection of property rights". Nowhere were these two articles considered in more detail than in the report of the 'Committee on the Price of Building Land' (the Kenny Report), which was published in 1973. The committee was chaired by High Court judge Mr Justice John Kenny, and among its recommendations to stop the spiralling increase in the price of development land was that building land could be acquired at existing use value plus 25pc. Such was the intensity of the debate on this committee that the two civil servants from the Department of Local Government (the commissioning department) dissented and produced a minority report. The majority report stated that there is, however, clearly a conflict between the exercise of rights of property and the exigencies of the common good in the case of services and potential building land. It stated: "The free market principle means that the owners of such land get unearned profits to which they have not contributed in any way and which result in substantial additions to the cost of the buildings subsequently erected. The community, however, has got a legitimate claim to such profits because citizens in their capacity as taxpayers bear the costs of servicing such lands and hence the community has a right to be recouped." Despite the soaring costs of building land and the corruption that followed over the succeeding decades resulting in expensive and lengthy tribunals of inquiry, no government ever implemented the recommendations of the Kenny Report and today, 46 years later, there are still regular calls for their implementation in the Houses of the Oireachtas and on the pages of national newspapers. In fact, the report's proposals were effectively proven to be constitutional when the Supreme Court in 2000 approved the part V section of the Planning and Development Bill 2000 - referred to it to test it constitutionality by President Mary Robinson - which provided an onus on developers to provide land for social and affordable housing at existing use value. In its 2004 report, the All-Party Oireachtas Committee, whose legal adviser was Gerard Hogan, now a judge of the European Court of Justice, said that in relation to property legislation there was evidence "that the Oireachtas was too cautious in this area in the past". Judging by recent comments from the Custom House, it would appear the same ultra-conservative approach adopted by its civil servants 46 years ago, when they felt compelled to produce their own minority report, still prevails. It will do little to help resolve the current housing crisis at a time where vision and courage are required. Like a technology Waiting for Godot, the National Broadband Plan is coming. Not here yet but, like Godots arrival, it is imminent. Joining Vladimir and Estragon at the leafless tree, we wait. And wait. While we are waiting we can ruminate on the existing broadband service in rural Ireland. As a resident of a 1mb broadband area, my digital connection is provided by a private company. Despite being within blinking distance of a high-speed fibre enabled large county town, its digital path does not extend via the many telephone poles that lead up to my house or my neighbours houses. So what is the practical application of rural 1mb broadband like? Its low digital pressure means internet access is adequate so long as you dont open two website tabs at once, avoid downloading and updating software and adopt a Godot wait to view a video. On a good day, the broadband works to a point. But when it throws a digital hissy fit and enters its broadband is working, no its not working mode, then the refresh key is pressed more times than is healthy. In addition to poor quality broadband in my area is poor telephone line quality. A clear line devoid of background noise appears beyond the engineering ability of a company more interested in spin than being a communication service leader. And the annual personal cost of this world-class (tongue firmly in cheek!) internet service? Just shy of 700. A 2017 study found that Ireland is the third most expensive country in the EU for broadband, but is only the 22nd fastest. Ireland ranks behind only Malta and Luxembourg when it comes to broadband costs among EU members. It is clear my internet/telephone price does not match quality of service. Spoiler alert. Godot never showed. Maybe the National Broadband Plan will never run its fibre cables in our areas rural arteries. But at least I and others on the wrong side of digital apartheid have hope that modern broadband is coming. John Tierney Ashtown, Co Waterford Our 3bn internet plan leaves us looking foolish This broadband investment of 3bn is a big deal. I think the Government should press the pause button and have a rethink before committing to such an outrageous spend. Minister Paschal Donohoe said he has agonised about this decision but to be honest its not his money; its our money. And after the childrens hospital fiasco the electorate is seriously tired of all this wastefulness. It really is too big of a gamble. With the advancement of technology the whole system could be obsolete within five years and wouldnt we look foolish then! So I say back to the drawing board. There has to be a better and more prudent way. Eamonn Kitt Tuam, Co Galway Lets hope climate doesnt get the hospital treatment Ireland declared an emergency regarding hospital beds more than a decade ago, and it has gone on to be a catastrophe. If our climate emergency gets similar treatment, its time to dig the bunker! Paddy Murray Castlepollard, Co Westmeath Lawyers pockets do the talking on divorce times I was amused to read that the Law Society is backing the referendum to cut the waiting times for a divorce from four years to two. To use a well-worn analogy, this is the equivalent of turkey farmers supporting the reduction of the waiting time between Christmases from 12 months to six. It hardly seems surprising that the only people guaranteed to benefit financially from the referendum the legal profession should support its introduction. Why would it oppose something which is guaranteed to lead to more business? If the State is to have an institution of civil marriage at all, then we should at least expect that it should be a serious commitment which people should give due consideration to before entering into it. Two years seems to be an extraordinarily short commitment. Ive had pairs of walking shoes that have lasted longer. So for that reason I for one will be voting No. Thomas Ryan BL Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W When it comes to money, Government is a dictator I feel that the Government is showing its extreme right-wing colours now by the way it is spending taxpayers money without any answers to the electorate. Take the Childrens Hospital, up from 450m to 1.2bn and rising. Broadband is now looking at costing 3bn, with an unorthodox tendering system. Theres also the multi-billion euro underground railway to Dublin Airport, while at the same time we have 10,000-plus homeless people and hundreds on trolleys in hospitals what we have now is a right-wing dictatorship that thinks it can spin itself out of any problems. Donal OShea Castlebar, Co Mayo For first time in 35 years, no one deserves my vote Dan OBrien (Irish Independent, May 9) tells us that Ireland has the EUs fastest-growing rural population, and that no party appears to represent the taxpayer any more. There really is no substitute for a few cold hard facts, and for the first time in 35 years I am seriously struggling to find any candidate I wish to vote for. Gerry Kelly Rathgar, Dublin 6 Brady has shown what a fool he truly can be Captain Mainwaring of Dads Army would have had a field day with the comments of Graham Brady, the chairman of the UK Conservative Partys even more right-wing 1922 Committee, by mumbling to all: Stupid boy. Commenting on yet another attempt by Theresa May to hold on to her premiership, Brady is quoted as saying, I hope this will be brought forward...obviating the need ever for the Irish backstop to apply. These people are living in a world distinct from ours; a place where the powerful and the rich arent affected by the realities and consequences of their self-centred games. Its a place that not only cocoons them from reality, but, like their nannies, will not allow them to recognise or accept the fact of their considerable stupidity. George Dalzell Stillorgan, Co Dublin Bakers career has rightly now gone down the pan Two decades ago, the Viz comic did a strip where a cartoon Danny Baker told hiring BBC bosses, Ill be disguising the fact Im a mercenary little git with a thin veneer of self-parody. That Baker tweeted comparing a mixed-race royal family member to a chimpanzee seems to prove how astute that observation was. Ive little time for political correctness, but anyone using such gutter racism for cheap publicity needs prosecution, never mind dismissal, and I hope his tour is now cancelled by every venue. On the plus side, thats 130,000 (150,000) the BBC has just saved well done! Mark Boyle Renfrewshire, Scotland The Church gets coverage just not the type it wants Tom Smith (Letters, Irish Independent, April 30) complains that with 36pc of Irish adults attending a religious service at least once a week, the amount of articles dedicated to religious affairs is minuscule. I cannot agree. For starters, there has been an over-abundant number of articles about the affairs of the members of the seminary at Maynooth and also at the Irish College at the Vatican. In addition, newspapers have been full of articles on the continual, and, most probably continuing sexual abuse including repeated rape by the religious fraternity of children, vulnerable women and even nuns. Mr Smith must have missed these, but he can find them in the back issues of the Irish Independent and others. Liam Harrington Castletownbere, Co Cork Anna Hedderman at her coffee morning at the Courthouse Arts Centre Tinahely's Anna Hedderman hosted a very successful coffee and cake fundraiser in the Courthouse Arts Centre on Friday. A fantastic 1,800 was raised at the event, which was part of Anna's fundraising campaign for Nurture Africa, a charity she will volunteer with on a three-week placement in Nansana, Uganda, during June. Volunteering will give Anna a unique opportunity to experience life within a Ugandan community where she will work as part of a team with Ugandan staff members. Her volunteering activities will include working on community projects and assisting with education. 'I would like to thank everyone who came along to the coffee and cake morning. Thanks to everyone who supported, helped and contributed in any way to this fundraiser,' said Anna. 'I am very grateful for your generosity and encouragement.' Nurture Africa is an Irish founded Internationally registered non-Government organisation that carries out invaluable work in Uganda. Eugene Finnegan, Chairperson of Bray Tourism, Joe Maguire of Bray Tourism and the Camino Society Ireland, Cllr Pat Vance, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council; and Jim McNicholas and Turlough ODonnell (chairman) from the Camino Society Ireland launching the Bray Celtic Camino The 'Bray Camino' route was officially launched last Thursday at the seafront. The Caroline Foundation then held a the 'Inaugural Celtic Camino Walk' along the route on Sunday, in aid of cancer research. The Bray Celtic Camino Coastal Route is a journey of 30.5km starting on the seafront in Bray and finishing in St James Church, James Street, Dublin, with points along the way where people can get their Camino 'passports' stamped. The pilgrimage is an Irish part of the famous Camino de Santiago walking route. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims do some or all of the Spanish route each year, making their way to the cathedral in Santiago, where believers visit the tomb of the Apostle James. Official certificates are only granted by Spanish church authorities to walkers who complete 100km of the Camino route. On this new official Irish route, 25km can be counted as part of that 100km. Other similar routes around Ireland include Tochar Phadraig in Mayo, Saint Finbarr's pilgrim path in Cork and Saint Declan's Way through Tipperary and Waterford. The first stamp on this route is available at Finnbee's coffee shop in Bray. By finishing the coastal route, walkers will receive a Celtic Camino Comostela (certificate) for the achievement, from the St James Church office. A Camino Passport can be purchased from the Camino Society or online at caminosociety.ie. Protesting fishermen will bring their boats to the harbour in Greystones on Saturday afternoon to unload their catch, in deliberate breach of by laws. They are objecting to what they say is Wicklow County Council's refusal to allow commercial fishermen to use their home port of Greystones to carry on their business. When work on the new harbour began in 2008, the local fishing boats were deprived of access to their moorings but promised that berths would again be provided to them once the new harbour opened. 'This promise was broken, despite talks between the fishers and representatives from Sisk in July 2014 at which Sisk promised to provide the berths,' said a spokesman for the fishermen. 'The subsequent harbour by-laws drafted by Wicklow County Council officials effectively excluded fishing boats by preventing them landing any catch and imposing impossibly high fees. But the fishing crews have not given up, and will relaunch their campaign for full access to their home port next Saturday.' 'Discussions took place with the fishermen in 2017 and a landing area was identified at that time,' said Wicklow County Council in a statement. 'However, the fishermen have not been in contact since then. Meanwhile the harbour continues to be well-used and is a popular amenity for the community of Greystones.' Three boats, owned by local fishers, will land their catch at about 4.30 p.m. at Greystones harbour, in a deliberate breach of the by-laws. Skippers Ivan Toole, Tim Storey and Peter Ryan will enter the harbour and land their catch, in the first action of their fresh campaign for the right to return to their home port and carry on their business locally. At present, they must berth as far away as Dun Laoghaire, motor to their traditional fishing grounds off Bray Head and Greystones to fish, then return to south Dublin to land the catch, which they may then have to drive by land to Greystones or elsewhere to sell. It has been 12 years since fishing boats were permitted to unload their catch at the harbour in Greystones. 'Greystones was first established as a fishing port, and every harbour built here has been used by fishing boats - until this one,' said the spokesman. 'Fishing has long been a way of life and source of income and food for local families. These families' livelihoods are now under threat due to their exclusion from Greystones harbour and the untenable conditions there, high fees, restraints and the privatisation of what was a public amenity.' The original plans for the harbour included a place for commercial fishermen. 'When An Bord Pleanala refused the first design the redesign eliminated that space but nobody noticed, even among the 3,000 people who made submissions,' said Cllr Derek Mitchell. 'The way it is constructed makes it very difficult to unload anywhere. I felt some arrangement should be made, a number were tried including laying special moorings, but none has worked out.' Ivan Toole and his crew participated in a similar demonstration at the harbour in August 2014. Even though he fishes around Greystones, he does the round trip to Dun Laoghaire Harbour each day, spending hundreds of extra Euros per week on fuel. Mr Toole said at that time that prior to the construction of the new marina, the fishermen were 'promised all sorts of things' including water and electricity. Mr Toole said that during the summer of 2014, a senior representative of Sisk promised a gate, mooring cleats, an area to drive their van in, and space to collect the catch, none of which emerged. (Back, from left) Cllr Irene Winters, leas cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council; Minister Simon Harris; Billy ONeill of Aeroforms (Best Idea); Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council; Craig Mulcahy of ConstructionBOS (runners-up in Best Start Up); Michelle Frayne of Slaney Veterinary Centre (runner-up in Best Established); Wicklow Head of Enterprise Vibeke Delahunt; (front) David Benko of Acoustic Materials (Best Established), Wicklows 2019 Best Young Entrepreneur Ross Lawless of CALT Dynamics (also Best Start Up); and Katie Brandon Byrne of Lil & Izzy Boutique (runner-up in Best Start Up) at the awards ceremony in Tinakilly House. Photos Barbara Flynn Six winners and runners-up were chosen from 16 finalists at Wicklow's Best Young Entrepreneurs awards ceremony at Tinakilly House and hosted by Local Enterprise Office Wicklow. The programme is run by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wicklow and the winners share a 50,000 investment fund as part of the nationwide search to find Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneurs (IBYE) for 2019. The Wicklow winners will now progress to the regional finals, which take place in June in the Step House Hotel in Carlow. The county final was hosted by Vibeke Delahunt, Head of Enterprise at LEO Wicklow. Guests included Leas Cathoairleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Irene Winters; Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, and the Minister of Health, Simon Harris. Ms Delahunt, said: 'As our winners clearly demonstrate, youth entrepreneurship is thriving here in Wicklow. IBYE is about discovering local potential and nurturing that talent through financial supports, mentoring, training and networking opportunities.' The winner of the 'Best Start-Up Business' category and the 15,000 investment fund was Ross Lawless, (29) founder of Calt Dynamics in Arklow. CALT Dynamics is a pioneering company in mobile 3D printing. It is creating a new generation of third printers that operate using a new process the company has invented and patented called Physical Mask Curing (PMC). This process is enabling them to build printers that are high resolution, have a lower investment cost and are completely scalable. As a result they can build printers that are mobile and field ready with no computer or internet required, right up to industrial devices with much larger build volumes than ever seen before. Ross was also awarded the overall title of 'Best Young Entrepreneur' for County Wicklow The runner-up in the 'Best Start-up Business' was Craig Mulcahy (28) of ConstrucutionBOS in Delgany, who receives a 5,000 investment fund. The 'Best New Idea' category, with a 7,000 investment fund, was won by Billy O'Neill (28), founder of Aeroforms in Bray. Aeroforms is an Inspection and Issue management Software as a Service company for the lettings industry. It allows letting agents and tenants to inspect and report issues on properties and stores all info in the cloud. The runner-up award and 3,000 investment fund went to Katie Brandon Byrne (35) of Lil and Izzy Boutique also from Bray. Meanwhile, the title of 'Best Established Business', with an investment fund of 15,000, went to David Benko (24), a native of Slovakia now residing in Kilcoole for his business Acoustic Materials. The company is involved the manufacturing and distribution of acoustic and environmental materials. Products from Acoustic Materials are mostly made out of recycled materials, and can then be re-recycled, therefore reducing the environmental impact of buildings. The runner-up in this category, scooping a 5,000 investment fund, was Michelle Frayne (34) of Slaney Veterinary Centre in Baltinglass. Over 300 people visited Avondale Forest Park on Sunday for a bit of rest, recuperation and a positive mental health boost. The Rathdrum venue was playing host to the Green Ribbon 'Let's Talk and Walk' event, which was organised by Coillte in association with See Change, the IFA, and Mental Health Ireland. Just as the pink ribbon became a symbol for breast cancer awareness, the green ribbon has been established as the international symbol for mental health awareness and has been introduced to Ireland by See Change. The aim of the Green Ribbon campaign is to make the month of May synonymous with promoting open conversation about mental health and challenging the stigma of mental health issues. The benefits to mental health brought by both exercise and contact with nature are well known and the aim of the walks are to encourage people to get outdoors into natural environment to improve mental wellness. The aim of last Sunday's event was to was to further interest in walking and to bring to the fore the more social element of this - talking - so that the two can be enjoyed together. With over 70 maritime events and not forgetting dry land events, where there will be plenty of culture to be had at the Cork Harbour Festival. The festival will run for nine days with events taking place in 15 towns and villages throughout the city and county. Festivities will begin on the June Bank Holiday, Saturday, June 1 with Ireland's premier rowing spectacle, Ocean to City - 'An Ras Mor' and will culminate with SeaFest on Cork's quayside from June 7-9. Anyone who hasn't been on the water in Cork Harbour, now is their chance as anyone can join the Cork city to Cobh harbour tour, where they can learn the ropes of dinghy sailing, scuba diving, row a currach or explore Cork city by kayak. There are over 30 water based events to enjoy. On dry land, there is beautiful woodlands to explore along with orienteering and on Spike Island, get into the atmosphere with the Johnny Cash Tribute band. 'The Ras Mor' which is the country's premier rowing event will be held on Saturday, June 1. This impressive long distance rowing race attracts hundreds of participants from all over the world who compete in everything from traditional wooden boats, currachs, gigs and longboats to Chinese dragon boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. A visit to Camden Fort Meagher should also be pencilled in for a visit to the authentic Irish smoke-house in Belvelly. There's plenty of culture on the agenda too had with five different exhibitions as well as storytelling, sea shanty singing, poetry, concerts and a film screening. On June 6 'The Gab' is an evening of stories from the river and there is also the chance to see the 'Molgoggers' sea shanty perform in the Goldie Chapel at Nano Nagle Place on June 7. Throughout the festival week, there is also a kids' model boat exhibition in Cork City Library and a chance to see the primary schools initiative projects in the Port of Cork. Chairman of Port of Cork Company John Mullin said the festival is getting bigger and better. "Cork Harbour Festival is fast becoming one of the best maritime festivals in Ireland." Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Mick Finn said urged everyone to take part. "Cork City Council is delighted to support the festival and its volunteers. I encourage everyone to fully embrace this year's festival; enjoy, get out on the water and see the city from anotherperspective." A full programme of events is on www.corkharbourfestival.com Community Employment (CE) supervisors from Cork are due to, next Monday, join colleagues from across the country in five days of industrial action in a bid to get a pension. The Forsa and SIPTU trade unions are in the final stages of arranging the first day of strike action, which will coincide with a series of daily protests by CE supervisors around the country. Forsa official Brendan O'Hanlon said the protests would take place outside Intreo (social welfare) offices in Galway and Waterford and political constituency offices in Cork, Limerick, Dublin, Galway, Donegal and Portlaoise. "We will be arranging protests in these locations each day of strike action and will be taking the opportunity to canvas the public to support our campaign of action in the run up to the local and European elections on May 24," said Mr O'Hanlon. He said that the 1,250 staff concerned have no access to any occupational pension scheme, despite a 2008 Labour Court recommendation that ruled in their favour. Unions have said that nest week's industrial action, which follows on from a one-day stoppage by CE supervisors and assistants in February, could still be averted if Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe agrees to meet officials to discuss the Labour court recommendation. The Court said an agreed pension should be introduced and adequately funded by the recognised funding agency. Unions have said this responsibility falls upon the Government. Mr O'Hanlon said that officials had met with the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, last Thursday. "The meeting was initially arranged to discuss the union's concerns over non-compliance with an enhanced redundancy agreement for CE supervisors, but did include some discussion about pensions, the issue behind next week's planned industrial action," he said. While union officials described the meeting as "constructive", their concerns over the pensions issues went largely unaddressed with the result that the industrial action is still scheduled to go ahead. SIPTU sector organiser Eddie Mullins said union members had decided to go ahead with the action "because all other options have been exhausted." "This action will inevitably disrupt the wide range of community services delivered locally by community employment schemes around the country," he warned. "The only was this can be averted is for Minister Donohoe to agree to meet us to discuss the implementation of the 2008 Labour Court recommendation," he added. A 40 year old father of two who was fatally injured during a row at a filling station in North Cork died as a result of injuries to the back of his head consistent with being struck once by an iron bar, a murder trial has heard. Hungarian, Ludowit Pasztor from Glencullen, Fermoy was pronounced dead at the scene after he and a Polish friend, Mariusz Osail (40) became involved in a row with two Polish truck drivers at the Amber Filling Station in Fermoy on February 21, 2017. Polish nationals Tomasz Wasowicz (45) and Marcin Skrzpezyk (31), who were both working as truck drivers for Macroom Haulage at the time, deny the murder of Mr Pasztor (40). This week, Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster told the men's trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork that she found no evidence of either offensive or defensive wounds on Mr Pasztor's hands or arms when she conducted a post-mortem. She said Mr Pasztor suffered a depressed fracture at the base of skull where she also found three lacerations which were consistent with a single blow from an iron bar with a washer at one end and a screw at the other, which she found near his body. She said blood and urine tests indicated Mr Pasztor had an alcohol concentration equivalent to about six or seven pints of alcohol. Earlier, witness Liam Byrnes told how he was bringing a load of butter from Castleblayney, Co Monaghan to Ringaskiddy when he pulled in for a break at the Amber Filling Station. He arrived at around 8.50pm and went in for some food which he ate in the dining area before returning to his truck to watch some TV and look at his phone. "I heard a lot of roaring and shouting, and I looked up to see what was happening. I just saw two men on the ground and two men standing over them with what looked like bars, hitting them. One fellow was a taller fellow and the other was a small, round, butty fellow," he said. He said that it was dark in the parking area at the back of the filling station and there wasn't that much lighting and he couldn't see the faces of the two men with the bars but the smaller man was wearing shorts and he saw them leave and get back into the cabs of two Macroom Haulage trucks. He told the court that he heard "a clanging of an iron bar hopping of the ground" and he saw one of the men get up off the ground and he was stumbling as if he was dazed and he saw him get on his phone as the two other men got back into their trucks. Cross-examined by Mr Wasowicz's counsel, Tim O'Leary SC, Mr Byrnes agreed the cab of his truck was some 34 metres from the cab of the Macroom truck, which was parked opposite him, where he saw one of the men get in and that the incident happened a further distance back down the beside the trailer. He agreed with Mr O'Leary that he only looked up when he heard roaring and shouting and that he may have missed much of what happened. Mr Byrnes was then cross-examined by defence counsel for Mr Skrzpezyk, Tom Creed SC, who said the jury would hear evidence from a pathologist that Mr Pasztor died from a single blow to the head, which knocked him to the ground, so he could not have seen Mr Pasztor being hit on the ground. Witness Mariusz Osail (40) earlier told the court that he and Mr Pastorz (40) only wanted to scare Polish truck drivers Tomasz Wasowicz (45) and Marcin Skrzpezyk (31) when they went back to confront them at the Amber filling station in Fermoy on the night in question. He confirmed that they had an earlier confrontation with the two Polish truck drivers when they were leaving the filling station after buying eight cans of Carlsberg at around 9.45pm, explaining that there had been "some unpleasant chat" between them. Mr Osail said he and Mr Pasztor had been drinking earlier in the day and that when they returned to his house some 300 metres away after buying more beer at 9.45pm. Mr Pasztor asked him for some bars and he pointed him to some trampoline poles behind a shed. "Ludo was insisting, he was saying it constantly and I said 'leave it, leave it - let's stay at home and drink more beers'. I don't know why we didn't stay at home - I don't know, I was just drunk - I am blaming myself, I live with it all the time, I have trauma because of it all the time," he said. Cross-examined by Mr Skrzpezyk's counsel, Tom Creed SC, Mr Osail admitted that he felt some responsibility for Mr Pasztor's death as they had returned to the filling station together to confront the two accused who were in the cab of Mr Skrzpezk's truck. Cross examined by Mr Wasowicz's counsel, Tim O'Leary, Mr Osial said he didn't' hit anyone with the trampoline bar and he didn't see Mr Pasztor hit anyone with the bar, and he could not explain how Mr Wasowicz sustained a fractured wrist or a number of other defensive wounds. He said that he lost consciousness after being assaulted and when he came around and saw Mr Pasztor lying on the ground he feared for his life, so he threw away the iron bar before he began CPR on Mr Pasztor. Mr O'Leary put it to Mr Osail that the real reason he threw it away was because he had brought it to the scene and knew that it proved that he and his friend were the aggressors but Mr Osail denied this. "When I woke up, I noticed my friend lying here and there was a thing beside him. One of the drivers was by the cab of his truck and I was afraid they might attack us again so, it was kind of instinct, I grabbed the bar and ran away to the next truck with it and threw it away," he said. Asked by Mr O'Leary why he told Det Garda Noel Howley that his friend was after "falling on the ground" rather than saying that he had been attacked, Mr Osail said that he was in a state of shock at the time and what he had meant to say was that he was lying on the ground. The case continues. "Working closely with farmers at some of the most important financial moments in their lives makes for a really rewarding and interesting job." That's according to sixth-generation Mallow farmer Niall O'Regan, who has recently joined the team of Cork-based agri-managers with Ulster Bank. Speaking to The Corkman, Niall said his role entails travelling around the county visiting farms of all sizes to offer "meaningful help and support to farmers across all sectors." "Coming from a dairy farm in Mallow, which has been in my family for six generations, I understand the many and varied pressures farmers face on a daily basis and what they need to deal with these pressures", said Niall. Steeped in the farming tradition Niall has always taken a 'hands-on' approach with all aspects of the home farm, something that sparked a keen interest in the inner workings of the wider agricultural sector. For the past decade he has combined farming at home with working within the sector, including a six-year stint working in the diary genetics business with LIC (Ireland), a New Zealand farmer-owned company specialising in dairy genetics. For the past two-years he served as the company's Ireland manager, giving him the opportunity to meet and interact with farmers from across the country. In 2016 Niall was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship, which provides people from the agriculture sector with an opportunity to travel internationally to research a topic of their choice with relevance to the wider Irish agricultural community. "The idea is to learn more about global agriculture and relate that knowledge back to an Irish context. During my scholarship, I travelled to North and South America, throughout Europe and parts of Africa, looking at environment-related challenges for agriculture. This gave me a fantastic opportunity to learn more about global agriculture and further develop my interest in the sector," said Niall. "From practical experience at home, my role with LIC Ireland, and my study as part of the Nuffield Scholarship, I've picked up good, practical knowledge and understanding of farming, which I believe stands to me today. This is really important, because in my view an Agri Manager should be someone who knows farming and farmers, what their financial needs and concerns are, and how these can best be met". While based in Mallow, Niall travels throughout Munster and south Leinster, interacting farmers from all different agri sectors. He said the first thing he does when he meets a farmer is to get an understanding of their business and what it is they are trying to achieve in the long-term. "Every farm and every farmer is different and my job is to tailor what we offer to best meet their individual financial needs. We'll regularly go though items such as the ICBF Co-op performance report, milk statements, factory dockets, grass growth figures, financial accounts and bank statements, etc. to help me understand the position the business is in, so that we can determine together their repayment capacity," said Niall. "This kind of support is very important for farmers, knowing that someone is there to talk about their financial needs and help them plan sustainably for the future, so that they can get on with the important business of running their farms." Niall said that "thankfully" 2019 had gotten of to a relatively good start weather wise after what has been a tough 2018 for farmers, which led to higher feed costs, reduced outputs and cash flow worries for many farmers. He said that was why, last July, Ulster Bank announced a Weather Agri Fund to support farmers. "Looking ahead to the rest of this year the main challenges for 2019 will likely be to replenish fodder stocks and build a reserve for future weather-related challenges. Brexit is obviously a big concern for the agri-sector, in particular the beef sector. That's why we're working with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to provide farmers with more support in these uncertain times," he said. On a personal level, Niall said that one of the things that inspires him about his new role was that "no two days are the same, which is the way I like it." "I meet farmers, accountants, agri advisers and other agri related intermediaries, who all have different perspectives and something to contribute. Every day I find that I learn something new," he said. "My job is all about being out and about, face to face with people, rather than sitting behind a desk or laptop, which is one of the reasons that I love it. I find it a really rewarding role, having the opportunity to work so closely with farmers at some of the most important financial moments in their lives." The developers are using a lot of historic tax credits for the old Copley property, which has buildings dating as far back as the 1880s, and also structures from the 1930s and 1940s, the 1970s and 1980s. It's because of those credits that the project has to be structured in a way that East Aurora does not take ownership of the new administration building right away. Children making their way to school in the village of Conna on Tuesday morning were met with the disturbing sight of more than a dozen slaughtered rabbits, some of them babies, laid out on a nearby pathway. Fermoy Gardai and Blackwater Animal Rescue (BAR) are investigating the bizarre incident, which was highlighted in a graphic image posted on the Conna Community Council website. Speaking to The Corkman, community council member Ger O'Mahony said locals were "deeply shocked and horrified" by the sickening incident. "Children on their way to the local school were understandably very upset when they saw the rabbits. People can not understand why anyone would do this. Thankfully, a local man picked them up and disposed of the carcasses," said Mr O'Mahony. Gardai confirmed they had received a number of complaints about the incident and are trying to determine exactly how the rabbits were killed and why they were placed on the pavement. They are reviewing CCTV footage from local premises and have asked that motorists with dashboard cameras who may have been driving through the village on Monday night or Tuesday morning to contact them. One theory is that a group from outside the area may have been disturbed while 'lamping', which is the practise of dazzling rabbits at night to capture and kill them. Mr O'Mahony said appalled locals were at a loss as to why the rabbits were left neatly laid out on the footpath. "Why would anyone leave 13 rabbits on a path where children would be passing? If they were left in a pile it would be one thing, but it would appear they were deliberately laid out in a neat row, which must have taken a long time to do," he said. "This has upset the whole community. You simply do not expect this kind of thing to happen in your village. If a fox kills a rabbit its one thing, but this was something completely different. This was horrific and we hope that we never see anything like this happening in the village again," he added. Tayto Park, Ireland's only theme park and zoo is delighted to announce the opening of 'Lemur Woods', which will see the arrival of 15 ring tailed lemurs to Ireland's largest lemur walkthrough. Lemur Woods is the latest addition to the zoo at Tayto Park located in Ashbourne, and will give visitors an immersive experience with these incredible endangered species. Set in a large habitat in a natural woodland visitors will walk along a looped pathway within the enclosure, creating a fun, dynamic experience giving visitors the opportunity to see and learn all about these fascinating and lovable primates closer than ever before. Ring tailed lemurs are the sixth species of primate to join the zoo at Tayto Park. Endemic to Madagascar their most distinguishing feature is their long, thick, tail with black and white rings. Ring tailed lemurs are social animals and live in groups known as troops, the Tayto Park troop is made up of young individuals who are part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme. Tayto Park's Zoo Manager, Lee Donohoe says 'We're delighted to welcome lemurs to the zoo. Adding new species to our collection is always an exciting time but even more so when they have such conservation importance. Lemur Woods is a fantastic opportunity to teach visitors of all ages about Madagascar and its species but doing it in a fun and memorable way'. In an exciting addition, Tayto Park has announced limited edition family tickets for Tayto Park FunFest. Taking place this June (29th & 30th) festival goers can now avail of limited edition family tickets choosing from a discounted family ticket of two entries (90) to a family of six entries (270). Tayto Park members can also avail of this limited-edition offer receiving a further reduction on family tickets to FunFest. The weekend festival will host 16 Irish and International music acts on the main stage across the weekend and the big top tents will host magicians, dance acts, circus performers and much more. On 29th & 30th June, Tayto Park will only be open to Funfest ticket holders, tickets available at www.taytopark.ie Fr David Bradley is to leave the Holy Family parish in the coming months after 25 years. But the local community has vowed to make their feelings known to the bishop on the matter. "The parishioners of the Holy Family which serves the communities of Ballsgrove, St Finian's Park, Rathmullan, Marian Park and surrounding areas are visibly devastated with the news of transfer of their hard working and dedicated priest, acknowledging that he will be a huge loss. From my interaction and experience of working with Father Bradley I have found him to be a man that gets things done and giving great leadership and support to all,' said Cllr Paul Bell. "Having spoken to many of the local parishioners, I know that a battle is about to commence with local people determined that the Church authorities learn of their disapproval, anger and disappointment that such an unnecessary decision has been made which is not in the interests of the community. 'For my part, I have written to the Bishop of Meath asking that the decision be reviewed as Father Bradley has many initiatives and projects to lead and complete which includes the major building project at Marymount School". The sight of diggers and workmen at Foley's, Castlebellingham have raised hopes that the thatched tearooms will rise Phoenix-like from the ashes following the devastating fire in March 2018. Joe Donovan, who ran the popular tearooms and curio shop with his family, confirmed that he hopes that it can be rebuilt. 'This is preliminary work which is being carried out to clear away the straw and debris after the fire. It will allow the engineers to assess the damage and work out what repairs need to be done.' The landmark cottage, which was popular with visitors from all over Ireland and abroad, dates back to the 18th century. 'The plan is to rebuild it and to be honest, we had hoped it would have been done by now,' says Joe, who has since opened a curio shop in Bridge Street, Dundalk. He would like to see the original mud walls repaired and the traditional thatched roof back in place. Almost 40 students from Normandy have made Drogheda the number one tourist destiny in Europe! - thanks to a great week spent by the Boyneside. They were part of a cultural exchange programme between Our Lady's College, Greenhills and Notre Dame school in Normandy. 'This has been going on for 20 years and is growing all the time,' Ms Louise Garry stated. With Ms Aine Muldoon, she helps organise the 'twinning', started two decades ago by Ms Barry. It has become the envy of many other schools as it proves to be the perfect link up - students from Drogheda going to France in March and then their 'twins' returning to stay with them in May. The Normandy school is mixed, so they have boys and girls coming over. 'When we go over there, the students are emersed in the culture as they live with the host families and it certainly helps their French,' Ms Garry remarked. On their trip to Ireland, the group managed to see the likes of Causey Farm, Glendalough and Dublin as well as all the delights of Drogheda and the entire district. 'The families also show them a good time and bring them to see different places,' she added. The eight days spent in France and Drogheda always prove very memorable for those involved. An alleged IRA man who raped two teenage boys at a "republican safe house" two decades ago has been jailed for seven years. Mr Justice Paul McDermott said that Belfast native Seamus Marley (45) used his standing in the republican movement, a movement "well capable of clandestine killings", to silence the victims. Marley, with an address at Belfield Court, Stillorgan Road, Dublin, had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to charges of sexual assaulting and anally raping two boys in Co. Louth on dates in the early 1990s. After a six day trial the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on a total of six counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape. Mr Justice McDermott sentenced Marley to seven years imprisonment for raping the younger victim and six years imprisonment for raping the older victim. These sentences will run concurrently giving an effective operating sentence of seven years imprisonment. Mr Justice McDermott also ordered that Marley make no attempt to directly or indirectly contact the victims or their families. He said there were no grounds for suspending any part of the sentence. He said the case was aggravated by Marley having committed the offences on two teenagers. He said Marley used his standing in the republican movement, a movement he said was "well capable of clandestine killings", to silence the victims. The judge said the offences were mitigated by Marley's lack of previous convictions, the trauma of his father's murder, his living half his life since the offences in a positive way and in "Christian commitment" and his engaging in charitable work in Ireland and abroad. Mr Justice McDermott said Marley has made no attempts to self-rehabilitate in relation to these offences and that the significant mitigation of a guilty plea and a sincere expression of remorse were unavailable to him. During the trial Patrick Gageby SC, prosecuting, told the jury that the two complainants lived in a large home owned by a "dedicated republican" and that it began to be used as a "safe house". The jury heard that IRA volunteers would be brought to the house during the night and stay for a few days or weeks. At a sentence hearing last Monday, Detective Garda Seamus Nolan told Mr Gageby that Marley was one of these guests in the early 1990s and that he was welcomed into the family. The older of the two victims said that he woke up one night while on a camping trip to find Marley groping his genitals. He said that he woke up another night in the house to find Marley anally raping him. After the incident Marley warned him off telling anyone what had happened and said he "could be found dead on a border road". The younger victim was given alcohol by Marley and was groped or masturbated by him on three or four occasions and was raped by Marley in a tent nearby the house. Marley has no previous convictions. The court heard that he is from a large family in Belfast and that his father was murdered by loyalist paramilitaries. During the trial, Dt Gda Nolan told John Fitzgerald SC, defending, that gardai had no intelligence that the accused was involved in any paramilitary organisation until the complainants came forward with their allegations and that the accused had never been arrested for any "alleged subversive activities". Mr Fitzgerald said that Marley has been in a relationship for 16 years and that his partner had been present in court throughout the trial. He handed in a letter from Marley's pastor which described him as being "an excellent Christian" who possessed a "charitable spirit". Justice McDermott also sentenced Marley to two and a half year prison terms for each of the five sexual assaults on the younger victim. These will run concurrently with each other but consecutive to a sentence of two years imprisonment for sexual assault of the older victim.He ordered that Marley undergo two years post release supervision during which he is to follow all directions of the Probation Service and keep the peace and be of good behaviour. He said he made this order on the grounds that there had been no acceptance of wrongdoing and that he must therefore act to protect society. In his victim impact statement, which was read out in court at the sentence hearing, the older victim said he has spent the previous 27 years living in despair and looking over his shoulder. He said he had finally reached the end of the tunnel and that his life now revolved around his wife and children. "This is my life and I am taking it back," the man said. The younger victim, who also read his victim impact statement, said that as the house was beside a graveyard they had "quiet neighbours, dead ones". He said that he had learned that it was "not the dead we should be afraid of, but the living". He said that Marley "preyed on me, groomed me, abused me and raped me". He said the life he had dreamed of was in "tatters" from the moment Marley entered the house. "Marley was always lurking in the back of my mind," the man said. He said in the years subsequent to the abuse he suffered panic attacks and experienced a "deep depression so black" it was hard to put into words. He said he ended up in hospital and called Councillor Pearse McGeough of Sinn Fein to ask for help, but that after the call he knew he was on his own. He said it had taken longer to reach this point than it should have as "people with power sought to protect their own interests". The man said that the "fabrication of stories" to discredit him made the trial so much harder. He said that if "you are right and truthful and keep shouting" then eventually someone would listen. He said he loves his parents and does not blame them for what Marley did to him. He apologised to his wife for not being a better husband and thanked her for all she had done for him. The man said he prayed to God that they would grow old together so that he would be able to somewhat pay her back. 'Are you ready to come on this musical journey with us?' John Paul McDermott, a service-user at Prosper Fingal disability organisation, asked the packed audience in the Millbank Theatre in Rush as he and his cast-mates staged a spectacular 'Night at the Musicals'. And what a journey it was. A night of singing, dancing, fun and friendship was brilliantly staged on by the Transition Year (TY) students of St Joseph's Secondary School in Rush, and adults accessing the local Prosper Fingal day service. Prosper Fingal provides services and supports to around 300 adults with an intellectual disability across north Dublin. The annual collaboration, now in its seventh year, has garnered national media coverage for the power of its message of social inclusion. Each year, at the beginning of rehearsals, the TY students and the 'Prosper Players' are 'buddied-up' and remain as each other's companions through the process, which culminates in a musical extravaganza. Prosper Player Therese Fogarty, one of the narrators, told the audience that 'all the Prosper Players really like having a buddy'. She said the Prosper Players feel 'it is a great opportunity to get to know the students', as she introduced a performance of 'You've Got a Friend in Me'. The ensemble also did a rendition of 'A Thousand Years' while using the lamh communication tool, which narrator John Paul McDermott explained was a means of communicating with people who may have difficulties in this regard. 'Lamh is actively used in Prosper Fingal and we wanted to teach the TY students, and no better way than through a song,' he said. There were many fine performances on a night when everyone was a star, including students Sean O'Dea and Kadem Price who injected great energy into 'Everybody' by The Blues Brothers. There were a number of brilliant vocal performances, including by students Rachel Dillon and Lauren Cullen Browne, while Prosper Player Kim Doyle impressed with her poised ballet dancing. Prosper Player Stephen Dowdall was sensational, particularly his singing of 'Bring Him Home' from Les Miserables, when candles were brought on stage to remember Prosper Fingal service-users who have passed away. The ensemble were dressed as characters from musical productions including Prosper Player Anthony Conroy (lion- Wizard of Oz) and student Afua Anno Asante (Deloris Von Cartier - Sister Act). Students Liam Cobb and Sadhbh Eddison read-out essays describing their positive experience of the project. 'Inclusion in the context of the Prosper Fingal musical has allowed everyone to take part no matter what disability they may have,' said Liam. Sadhbh said: 'I am so glad to be taking part in this programme, it has taught me so much about inclusion and how it can deeply affect people in such a positive way.' TY coordinator at St Joseph's, Ciaran Reade, said 'the relationship we have formed with Prosper is really something - magical is the only word I can think of.' Raymond Cruz as Rafael Olvera, Roman Christou as Chris, Linda Cardellini as Anna Tate-Garcia and Jaynee Lynne Kinchen as Samantha in The Curse Of La Llorona Nineteenth-century Mexican folklore provides hoary inspiration for a dusty sixth chapter in the Conjuring horror franchise. A dreamy, slow-motion prologue set in 1673 invokes the wrath of a mother (Marisol Ramirez), who drowns her two children after she learns of her nobleman husband's infidelity and then kills herself in the same river. Her vengeful spirit, known as the Weeping Woman, haunts the mortal plane, targeting children who disobey their parents. This hellish harpy haunts the dimly lit frames of director Michael Chaves's film, cracking mirrors with her hideous reflection and scorching flesh of intended victims. Screenwriters Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis unpick a gossamer thin narrative thread to connect this creaky instalment to the rest of the series. The parish priest from Annabelle, who attempted to exorcise the possessed doll, provides spiritual guidance here too, relating the grim history of the spectre before vanishing completely from a lacklustre battle between good and phantasmagorical evil. A ramshackle script exhumes jump scares from a long tradition of haunted house thrillers in which characters ignore common sense and venture into darkened rooms, where a staccato burst of strings on the soundtrack heralds the emergence of something unspeakable from the choking blackness. Hardened horror fans won't flinch or break sweat. In 1973 Los Angeles, social worker Anna Tate-Garcia (Linda Cardellini) visits the home of Patricia Alvarez (Patricia Velasquez), whose children have failed to appear at school. Anna enters the candle-lit apartment and is attacked by a crazed, hammer-wielding Patricia, who has locked her boys Carlos (Oliver Alexander) and Tomas (Aiden Lewandowski) in a cupboard adorned with symbols of protection. 'Close the door, she'll hurt us,' plead the terrified tykes. Anna promises Carlos and Tomas they will be safe and relocates them to a charity shelter. That night, Detective Cooper (Sean Patrick Thomas) telephones with grim news: the Alvarez boys have been drowned. At first, police suspect Patricia but the grief-stricken mother publicly blames Anna. The social worker's reckless actions exposed the boys to a diabolical spectre called La Llorona (Ramirez), who will now turn her murderous gaze on Anna's cherubic offspring, Chris (Roman Christou) and Sam (Jaynee-Lynn Kinchen). Anna seeks counsel from Father Perez (Tony Amendola) and he directs Anna to former priest Rafael Olvera (Raymond Cruz), 'a shaman who operates on the fringes of religion and science'. The Curse Of La Llorona splutters from one predictable jolt to the next, punctuated by ear-piercing screams from the cast. Dialogue teeters on the brink of unintentional hilarity and one performance is almost as wooden as the family home where the terror predominantly manifests. Composer Josh Bishara, who scored other films in the franchise, turns up the volume in the hope that might keep us awake. It is just over two years since Bus Eireann vehicles began to roll again after a three-week industrial dispute. Back then the company claimed that it was close to insolvency and needed to introduce serious cutbacks. The previous year, 2016 Bus Eireann lost 9.4 million. A deal was done, the drivers went back to work and the buses have been running ever since.No news is good news but anyone who uses Bus Eireann could easily be tempted to wonder how well our State-owned company is managed. The late Fergal Quinn is the business man who championed the phrase that the customer is king. I was on my way from Dublin to Cavan to visit a colleague who had returned from the US and is now living in a nursing home close to Cavan town. The real time destination board at Busaras read Donegal via Cavan, departure time 14.00. Clearly that was my bus so I duly stood in the appropriate queue. Boarding commenced. I had my fold-up bicycle with me. When I got to the top of the queue I went to the side of the bus and loaded my bicycle. Boarded the bus, asked for a ticket to Cavan. The driver told me that his bus was going to Donegal and I could not board this bus. I explained that the destination board said via Cavan but he was having none of it. I then told him that I had already placed my fold-up bicycle in the bus. He looked at me and in quite a surly tone told me as I did not have the bicycle in a bag he would have to charge me 10 for the bicycle. I actually had a bag for the bicycle but thought there was no need to pack the bicycle and certainly in the queue with people behind me I did not have the time, energy or inclination to go through the motions of bagging the bicycle. I was also embarrassed. I knew that this bus was going to Donegal via Cavan, at least so it said on the destination board but I was not allowed board.Not a happy passenger, I took my bicycle off the bus and queued successfully for the 14.15 bus to Cavan. The story is as follows: the Donegal bus travels via Dublin Airport and does not take Cavan passengers at Busaras so that there will be seats still available at the airport for Donegal and Cavan passengers. But why then does Bus Eireann advertise it as a bus going to Cavan? Mysterious. After my encounter I got talking to a fellow passenger, also going to Cavan. He regaled me with hilarious experiences he has had travelling the route. On one occasion he was asked to show his flight boarding pass. Castlegregory, which is approximately 30 kilometres from Tralee has a once-a-week bus service between the village and Tralee. It departs Fridays at 10.33 and arrives at the Tralee bus station at 11.10, at least we did the day I was on it. The Tralee Cork/Dublin rail service departs the rail station, which is beside the bus station at 11.05. Is there no one in Bus Eireann to tell someone that it might be a good idea for the bus to arrive 10 minutes earlier, so that passengers can make the connection with the train. I said it to a bus driver and his reply was: 'ah, that would be too easy'. Customers or indeed, passengers, feeling they are kings? Prioritisation of pedestrian movements on Main Street and Dublin Road, Swords is to be considered under the proposed Urban Renewal Scheme following concerns on pedestrian safety, the council has confirmed. The local authority has also confirmed that a proposal to improve the Church Road, Swords Main Street and Dublin Road junction is planned for the May Area Committee meeting. Putting forward a motion at a recent Balbriggan/Swords Area committee, Cllr Joe Newman (NP) said that 'for the last four or five years' he had been trying to get pedestrian crossings installed at the junction of Church road and Dublin Road 'just across from the Lord Mayor's pub.' This was his 'last shot', he said, at trying to get 'some kind of protection' for pedestrians, adding that he did not wish to wait for the proposed Urban Renewal Scheme, which may not address the problem. Cllr Newman said there was also in fact a problem crossing Dublin Road outside council offices, where cars would not heed pedestrians trying to cross. Cllr Newman suggested placing a sign stating this was a 'pedestrian priority area', but that he was not sure how this would be implemented. This would, he said, facilitate people crossing the road, 'without holding up too much traffic.' The councillor suggested that something short-term could be implemented to address the problem, 'rather than leave it for another five years.' A council official, responding to Cllr Newman, said that the 'good news' was that the council would hope to come to the May Area Committee meeting with a proposal for the junction of Church Road, Main Street and Dublin Road, something successive engineers had looked which was now 'worth a trial.' The official said he was not 'sure' if giving pedestrians priority in Swords village had any legal basis, without going through a statutory process. 'If you're prioritising pedestrians in Swords village, we have to make provisions for vehicular movements as well', the council official said. As another year marked by the global pandemic comes to an end, our photojournalists remain challenged and, frequently, awed - by the constant state of change. We documented our ever-evolving world in ways few photo staffs could as we all worked to regain normalcy amid COVID-19s seemingly unbreakable hold on our communities. We showed the relieved faces of people receiving a coveted vaccine, telling the story of a scientific breakthrough with images of those benefitting from it. We covered new workplace policies, school protocols and policing practices. We traveled half-way across the world to an Olympics where the athletes couldnt hug each other, masked medalists step atop the podium and no one came to watch. The Chicago Tribune faced its own series of changes, too. We have new owners. New bosses. Endured another move. Gained new talented journalists and lost many others from the newsroom ranks. The one constant has been our dedication to providing photography on a daily basis that is relevant to the communities we cover: The joy of picnicking at the lakefront on a summer afternoon, the pain of children, police officers and neighbors all falling victims to violent crime. Documenting whos in and whos out in the political landscape, escaping to your favorite cultural event or sports competition. We hope this installment of the annual Photos of the Year project reminds us of the moments that shaped our lives and the thoughtful way we portray them. Its also a platform for acknowledging the talent and dedication of Tribune photographers, and all photojournalists, who make change a way of life. The Chicago Tribune staff photographers for 2021: Brian Cassella, Erin Hooley, Terrence Antonio James, Vashon Jordan Jr., John J. Kim, Youngrae Kim, Jose M. Osorio, Antonio Perez, Armando L. Sanchez, Chris Sweda, Abel Uribe, E. Jason Wambsgans, Stacey Wescott and Raquel Zaldivar. Tribune visual editors: Mark Hume, Andrew Johnston, Marianne Mather, Steve Rosenberg and Peter Tsai. - Todd Panagopoulos, Director of Content/Visuals The Transition Year students of Skerries Community College got a chance to get up close and personal with a guide dog and learn about the value highly trained dogs like this one brings to the lives of their owners. Guide dogs can have a completely transformative effect on their owners, winning them back that precious sense of independence. To illustrate the point, the group of Transition Year students were visited by well known guide dog user, Tom O'Neill and his faithful companion, 'Gatsby'. The TY students of Skerries Community College were paid a surprise visit recently when Gatsby the guide dog, and his owner Tom O'Neill and a representative from the local branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind who arrived unannounced to their classroom. Elaine Skehan from the local branch of Irish Guide Dogs gave a talk to the Transition Year students, informing them of the important work the organisation carries out, and of the work she herself performs as a volunteer for the group. This is the second time Gatsby has been to the school following a visit in 2008, when he was invited to visit the school with Tom by Ms Timmins. This time around, Ms Kelly extended an invitation to Tom and Gatsby, allowing a new group of students to be made aware of the organisation's work. Following on from the talk, the students of '2 Picasso class' held a cake sale, raising an impressive sum of 201.95, which was gratefully accepted Tom on behalf of the local Irish Guide Dogs branch. Although perhaps in a different context, it was not the first time The Great Gatsby had been given such positive reviews at Skerries Community College and we feel certain it will not be the last time this remarkable guide dog visits the school either. Tusla north Dublin is to celebrate National Child and Family Support Week 2019 later this month and one the events will be hosted in Balbriggan. Tusla - Child and Family Agency will commence its annual National Child and Family Support Week 2019 campaign on May 13th. This year's campaign, which follows on from last year's inaugural public information drive, will highlight the range of services Tusla provides as part of its Prevention, Partnership and Family Support(PPFS) programme. Tusla National Child and Family Support Week aims to create widespread public awareness of Tusla's PPFS programme in north Dublin, leading to increased engagement with its services by parents, children, young people and the wider community. The theme for this year's campaign is Supporting Ireland's Families with Tusla Services, and Tusla-Funded Partners, in Your Community. There will be a special focus on family and parenting supports provided by Tusla. Cathriona Sheehan Tusla Senior PPFS manager for Dublin North said: 'A very wise person once told me that the hardest thing about parenting is to learn which bridge to cross and which to burn. If life presented us with no difficulties there would be no successes. The key to making it, is often asking for help, for a different viewpoint, for support to turn the struggle into an achievement. This is what Tusla is to me and my team, and the Tusla we strive to offer to support families to succeed.' In Dublin North, some of the events taking place include on Wednesday, May 15 there will be a parenting session in the Aster Family Resource Centre, Balbriggan. Commenting on National Child and Family Support Week 2019 in Dublin, Pat Smyth Interim CEO of Tusla said: 'Tusla National Child and Family Support Week provides us with a unique opportunity to create further awareness of the range of supports that are available to families in Ireland. 'Tusla is proactively supporting Ireland's families through a range of specialist services and funded partners in communities across the country. Children and families are most likely to do well if they are provided with appropriate support in a timely fashion. 'Our PPFS programme works with families to resolve problems at an early stage in order to improve outcomes for children, young people and families. If a child or family needs support, Tusla is there to provide assistance.' Members of the public in north Dublin wishing to contact Tusla during Tusla National Child and Family Support Week can visit Tusla.ie for more details. Claire MacNamee, LINC Manager, Winner of Best Business Idea, Graham Brocklebank, Winner of Best Start-Up, Ciaran Brennan, Livecosts.com, runner up in the Best Business idea, Mark Sweetman, NavChain and Diarmuid OGallaghan, Principal, TU Dublin. (pics by Orla Murray/SON Photo) Fingal's 'Best Young Entrepreneurs' for 2019 and 50,000 investment fund winners were announced at an awards ceremony hosted by LEO Fingal last Thursday evening. As part of a nationwide search launched by Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister Pat Breen to find Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneurs (IBYE) for 2019, the six winners and runners-up were chosen from 16 local finalists and will now share a 50,000 investment fund. IBYE, now in its fifth year, is a nationwide youth enterprise initiative to help 18-to-35 year olds with an innovative business idea, new start-up or established business. In 2019, 1,644 young entrepreneurs entered IBYE, which is an initiative of the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and supported by Enterprise Ireland and local authorities. The county final was hosted by Noel Davidson of Entrepreneur's Academy. Among the special guests at the awards ceremony were Cllr. Anthony Lavin, Mayor of Fingal and Ms. AnnMarie Farelly, Interim Chief Executive of Fingal County Council. The 'Best New Idea' category, with a 7,000 investment fund, was won by Graham Brocklebank, founder of Peer in Castleknock. Peer is an ed tech company. They are creating a user driven reading and learning solution for people with dyslexia and other print-based disabilities. The runner-up award and 3,000 investment fund went to Mark Sweetman, of NAVchain in Blanchardstown. The winner of the 'Best Start-Up Business' category and the 15,000 investment fund was Ciaran Brennan, founder of LiveCosts.com in Blanchardstown. LiveCosts.com helps construction companies increase their profits by managing & analysing their project costs in real time. The runner-up in this category, collecting a 5,000 investment fund, was Justin Perry, of Frequency in Portmarnock. Meanwhile, the winner of 'Best Established Business', with an investment fund of 15,000, went to Seamus Tighe, founder of Everest Granola Ltd in Blanchardstown. Everest snacks provides convenient products made from tasty natural ingredients. The runner-up in this category, scooping a 5,000 investment fund, was Colm Cleary, of Fitness Equipment Ireland in Sutton. Ciaran Brennan was also awarded the title of 'Best Young Entrepreneur' for Fingal. In the lead-up to the county final, each finalist received targeted business supports through LEO Fingal. They attended an intensive Business Boot Camp, receiving mentoring and support on their business plans, pitch training as well as getting the opportunity to connect with other young entrepreneurs from the Dublin Region. Cllr Anthony Lavin, Mayor of Fingal praised the young entrepreneurs at the finals; 'Once again, Fingal has produced a cadre of high quality of young entrepreneurs, of whom we can be proud to represent the county well at the Dublin Region finals. 'Fingal County Council, through the Local Enterprise Office will ensure they are given every opportunity for their businesses to flourish.' AnneMarie Farelly, Interim Chief Executive, Fingal County Council further added: 'The IBYE competition supports the success of young entrepreneurs in Fingal County. This in turns creates a stream of new jobs for the county helping the sustainability of the local economy. 'Our Local Enterprise Office in Fingal County Council is well equipped to provide a range of financial and soft supports to safeguard this.' Oisin Geoghegan, Chair of the Local Enterprise Office Network and Head of Enterprise in Fingal concluded: 'As our winners clearly demonstrate, youth entrepreneurship is thriving here in Fingal. IBYE is about discovering local potential and nurturing that talent through financial supports, mentoring, training and networking opportunities. 'In 2019, LEO Fingal supported over 70 young entrepreneurs through the IBYE competition and over 450 young entrepreneurs in total, since the competition began in 2014. We want to build on that success by supporting Fingal's young entrepreneurs today and into the future.' The county winners from Fingal will now progress to the Dublin Region finals in June. A brother of murdered crime journalist Veronica Guerin is to face trial by judge and jury after being charged with possessing nearly 1,000 images of child porn. Martin Guerin - who is an older brother of the late Veronica - is also charged with knowingly possessing 146 movie files of child porn. The 68-year-old was served with a book of evidence at Swords District Court last Tuesday and returned for trial. Mr Guerin was charged in February with the offences under Section 6 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. He is charged with knowingly possessing 872 images of child porn, 146 movie files of child porn and a further possession of 29 images of child porn four years ago. All the charges relate to possessing the child porn material at his home address at Portmarnock Drive in Portmarnock, Co Dublin on September 17, 2014. The court previously heard that the accused, who is now retired, made no reply after caution when the charges were put to him by Sergeant Ian Pentony. At yesterday's court sitting, a State solicitor told Judge Miriam Walsh the Director of Public Prosecutions consents the accused be sent forward to the present sitting of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on the two charges. After the book of evidence was handed over, Judge Walsh told the accused that if he intended to rely on the defence of alibi he must notify the prosecution within 14 days. Mr Guerin, who was wearing a black coat, shirt and tie, spoke quietly saying 'I do' when asked by the judge if he understood the alibi caution. Judge Walsh then made an order sending the accused forward for trial. The case will be next listed during the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court current term on May 24 in Court 5. Mr Guerin was remanded on continuing bail - with no conditions - on his own bond of 100. His solicitor Brian Coveney's application for legal aid was granted after the court heard the accused is retired. Brian Meehan, a member of crime boss John Gilligan's gang, was convicted of murdering Mr Guerin's sister Veronica on June 26, 1996 and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1997. Ms Guerin was fatally shot while stopped at traffic lights on the Naas Dual Carriageway at Newlands Cross. The shooting caused national outrage and within a week of her murder, the Government enacted the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996 and the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996, so that assets purchased with money obtained through crime would be seized. This led to the formation of Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). Gilligan was tried for the murder but was acquitted in 2001. Growing up with autism can be extremely difficult for children, and an ongoing challenge for their parents who try to guide them through life as best they can. For one little boy from Balbriggan though, life has been transformed by his new best friend, a two-and-a-half-year-old Red Golden Retriever assistance dog named Marco, a canine pal who has transformed his life into something his mum had only ever dreamed of. Oliver Kane (9) is diagnosed with autism and has a learning disability, and before he was introduced to Marco, led what was by all accounts a very difficult life. Largely house bound, Oliver faced daily challenges most other children would not have to face. He could not communicate with his family, leading to frustrations and problem behaviour, had little social outlets and faced the many problems a diagnoses of autism entails. Until Marco came along, Oliver couldn't do simple things - go for a walk, visit the playground or cinema, or enjoy a level of independence children of a similar age could. Here, Oliver's mum Gemma explains what life was like before Marco came along, and how their special dog changed their lives and brought the whole family together: 'Oliver is non-verbal, so before we had the dog he would've had no speech at all. Before we got Marco, Oliver's anxiety was really bad. If he was going anywhere new, or anywhere he didn't know, he would just cry and make himself sick. He'd lie on the floor freaking out, because he didn't understand where we were going or why we were going. 'So the anxiety was the worst thing. He was very frustrated because he couldn't communicate with us, and he was hitting and things like that because he was so frustrated. He had no road sense, and couldn't go out because he wouldn't know to stop to cross the road. 'It was causing me a lot of anxiety bringing him somewhere, and you kind of dreaded bringing him anywhere because you never knew how he was going to react. So it was a lot of preparing and you had to have a lot of patience. It was very hard on all of us because it was a tough task going anywhere, and to be honest I dreaded going anywhere that was out of routine for him because you didn't know how he was going to react on the day. 'I'd seen stories online about assistance dogs, and we love dogs in the house anyway. We used to have a dog, but I think he sensed that something was wrong with Oliver and turned vicious, so we had to get rid of him. It was unfortunate, but obviously the kids come first. An assistance dog wasn't something that crossed my mind, until I saw online that Irish Guide Dogs were opening a waiting list. Oliver fit the criteria, so my mum and brother were over from England at the time when I heard about it, and my mam said there's no harm in applying and just see what happens.' After a few emails back and forth, Gemma received a phone call from Irish Guide Dogs in June 2017 to ask if she'd go to Cork for two days' pre-training on working with assistance dogs. Here, she learned all about taking care of an assistance dog, and how to introduce one to Oliver and the family. She was then asked to consider if an assistance dog would be suitable for Oliver, and emailed Irish Guide Dogs immediately saying she'd be delighted to take one. A worker with Irish Guide Dogs then came to Gemma's home later that year to see if Marco would match Oliver and fit in with the family, and having found him to be suitable, he then began his first day of work. Gemma says: 'We got Marco in March last year, and within three months we were out walking every day. Oliver wouldn't really have gone out of the house a lot, because he finds the house somewhere where he feels safe and secure. We were out one day, and I said to Oliver do you want to go to the playground? He was a bit hesitant at first, because he wouldn't have been in a playground since he was around twelve or eighteen months as he felt it very overwhelming. 'So within three months we were going to the playground every day over the summer holidays. That continued when he went back to school, we'd go out with Marco every day, we'd walk around the block, and there were builders doing some work and Oliver would like to see all the diggers and machinery and stuff. 'There was a lot more of getting Oliver out and about, and he'd even start talking to other kids in the playground. His speech has come along so much since having Marco. That might be a coincidence, but I don't think it is. His anxiety levels have gone down as well; they're still there, but they're not as bad as they were before. He might have a little bit of a cry if I tell him we have to go somewhere, but when I say to him, 'come on, you me and Marco are going for a walk', we don't have the sort of meltdowns that we used to have if we were going somewhere new. He walks great with Marco, and he loves being attached to him because it gives him that bit of independence.' Oliver, Gemma says, has had a boost of confidence since Marco came along, and now has at least some sense of independence. He's doing better at school and is talking to other children even though he's been classed as 'non-verbal.' Oliver now comes home from school telling his mum about his friends at school, something which he had never done in the past. When he goes to the playground, he's mixing with other children, whereas before, he would have avoided contact. Although it's hard to say if this is down to his new pal, Gemma feels Marco has definitely been a positive influence in Oliver's behaviour. Marco is now 'fully-qualified', Gemma says, having gone through extensive training since he was eight weeks old. Following a year of training, he then went to 'puppy walkers', where he was taken for walks in busy environments such as shopping centres, in order for him to become familiar with crowds and various social settings. All of this training was carried out in order to prepare Marco for his future role as an assistance dog, and to acclimatise him to social situations and get him used to having people around. Life, Gemma says, has never been better. Oliver is happier, has gained some independence, his speech has improved and he's met a new best friend along the way. In one year, both her's and Oliver's lives have been turned around, thanks to the new addition to the family. She says: 'On the whole, we're much happier. He's a great dog, and he makes us laugh every day for some of the things that he does. The changes that he's had in Oliver makes me want to go out more as well. We've been to the cinema twice since we've had Marco, and if you'd told me three or four years ago that I'd be going to the cinema with my son, I'd have laughed at you. 'I thought it was something that I'd never be able to do with him, and it just makes going out more pleasurable because you know that he's safe because he's attached to Marco. It reduces my stress levels and my anxiety as well as Oliver's. We're a dog family anyway, so it's great to have him around the house, and he's helped all of us in our own little ways. 'My doggie means everything to me. He's done so much for me and my family and I can never thank him enough. He is so well suited to my family and has me in fits of laughter at some of the things he does. When he's at home he's just like a pet, but as soon as his jacket goes on, he's like a different dog and he knows it's time to help my son. 'He's the most beautiful dog I've ever seen and I get a lot of comments from people about how well behaved he is. My whole family would be lost without him.' Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is a national charity dedicated to helping people living with sight loss or autism improve their mobility and independence. Guide Dog Day, on Friday May 10, will focus on the organisation's clients, their families and volunteers sharing their stories about the difference Guide and Assistance Dogs have had in their lives and community. You can get involved in Guide Dog Day by becoming a volunteer, buying a pin at any collection point across the country, by donating online at www.guidedogs.ie, or by donating 4 by texting 'WOOF' to 50300. A Swords Councillor has been in discussions with officials from the county council regarding the provision of a designated park or track area for off road scrambler bikes and quad enthusiasts in the North County area. Cllr Joe Newman (NP) believes that there are a number of potential sites that could be used for this initiative. He is of the opinion that the local authority is open to such a plan under certain conditions. There is currently such a facility in the Mulhuddart area. If such a designated area was available in Swords, it would provide 'a safe place for scrambler bike and quad bike owners to go to and participate in their sport without being a nuisance to the general public', according to Cllr Newman. The Swords councillor believes there is 'huge potential' to develop the sport in the area. The problem at the moment, Cllr Newman says is that 'these motor enthusiasts have nowhere to go to practice their sport and end up going to public parks and are riding these machines on public roads and pathways'. He said: 'Local residents are rightly fed up and worry about safety for themselves, their children and their pets.' Cllr Newman believes working with organised clubs in the sport is the key to the provision of such a track in Swords. He called on local motor bike clubs who wish to play a part in the setting up of a 'safe and regulated area for off road biking' to make contact with him as soon as possible so that he can set the relevant meetings with council officials. Fingal County Council's Master Plan for the lands at Castlelands, Balbriggan, goes out for public consultation over the next three weeks from Tuesday, May 7 to Tuesday, May 28. The Master Plan, according to Fingal County Council is designed to create 'an appropriate sustainable planning and development framework for a 24.2 hectare residential zoned site at Castlelands'. The council said: 'This will ensure the coordination of the complimentary social, community and physical infrastructure in tandem with housing development on these lands.' Fingal County Council is proposing that social and community facilities be provided in advance of housing on the Master Plan lands. This would mean the early delivery and provision of a strategic central area of public open space, a primary school site and recreational facilities, which would include meeting the local demand for a swimming pool in Balbriggan, according to the local authority. The completion of the Castlelands Link Road to the Skerries Road, which will involve the construction of a bridge over the Dublin-Belfast rail line, will also be a priority within the first phase of the development. 'We are very conscious of the need to ensure that Balbriggan develops in a sustainable manner and our approach to the Castlelands Master Plan reflects this,; said AnnMarie Farrelly, Director of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure at Fingal County Council. She added: 'We have taken on board the feedback from the initial public consultation last August and are proposing that strategic infrastructure, such as the link road, open spaces and recreational facilities, go in first before the housing is delivered. 'This is a strategic land bank which is close to the town centre and requires a high quality solution that will benefit existing as well as future residents of Castlelands and Balbriggan. 'The Castlelands Master Plan is aligned to the Balbriggan Socio Economic Strategy which will be supported by 10 million capital fund allocation over the next three year while an additional capital sum, in excess of 10million, has also been allocated for the completion of the Balbriggan to Skerries Greenway, the development of Bremore Castle into a premier visitor destination, the development of Bremore Regional Amenity Park, and upgrades to cycle ways and connectivity in the town. 'As the local authority, we are working with residents and other key stakeholders to transform Balbriggan and we have already introduced free town centre Wi-Fi and a Heritage Trail while contractors have just moved on site to construct the new Skate Park.' Fingal County Council has organised a Public Information Evening in Castlelands Community Centre, Balbriggan, on Tuesday, May 21, between 4pm and 8pm, where members of the public and other interested groups are invited to drop-in and talk directly to members of the Planning and Strategic Infrastructure Department about the draft Master Plan. New Rector in Swords, Rev Neill Phair (right) with his wife, Dr Lucy Jessop and their children with Archbishop Michael Jackson There was standing room only in St Columba's Church in Swords last week, as Rev Neal Phair was made incumbent of the parishes of Swords, Clonmethan, Kilsallaghan, Donabate and Lusk by Archbishop Michael Jackson. Rev Phair was joined in the congregation by his wife Lucy and their children Henry and Emily, as well as many members of his family and friends and parishioners from the Ballybay Group of Parishes, where he has previously ministered. The preacher at the service was Canon Pat McHugh (Diocese of Clogher), who paid tribute to Rev Phair's 'friendly and affable nature' and his 'capacity for active engagement with people of all faiths and none.' Speaking after the service, Archbishop Michael Jackson said it had been 'a great pleasure' to gather in the historic St Columba's Church to welcome Rev Phair and his family, and to join parishioners for 'a new beginning' for the parishes. Fr Joe Connolly from Donabate and Pastor Clem Hegarty from Swords welcomed Rev Neal and his family to the area, and said they looked forward to 'building on the already strong local ecumenical relations.' Welcoming Rvd Phail on behalf of the parish of Swords, Clonmethan and Kilsallaghan, Billy Goodwin thanked the Rev Ken Sherwood for his contribution during the vacancy. Mr. Goodwin said that while there were two parishes with two separate vestries, they were all 'one happy family', and that he looked forward to both parishes working together. Brian Scott, representing Donabate and Lusk, expressed the parish's good wishes, and said that he hoped Rev Phair would 'put an emphasis on both the spiritual and the material needs of the parish.' Taking his turn at the stand, the new Rector thanked everyone for joining him for the occasion. Rev Phail thanked his wife Lucy for her support, along with his children Henry and Emily. He also paid tribute to the Archbishop for his encouragement, and to Archdeacon David Pierpoint, who had prepared the young people of the parish for confirmation recently. Chantelle Esper, a gifted 18 year old student who grew up in Riverchapel and now studies theoretical physics in Trinity College Dublin, has just won an honorary title of Trinity Scholar having impressed her tutors since she began her studies in 2017. The scholars awards are awarded on academic merit, and it was been seven years since a student in theoretical physics has won such a title. Chantelle Esper is in her second year at Trinity College Dublin and had to study extra exams alongside her regular studies to be concerned for this honour, and these exams book pace in January. Chantelle was happy to be the one to break the so-called 'seven year curse'. 'It is a major achievement where students continue with their usual course work as well as studying independently for these exams, in becoming a Scholar they must demonstrate in depth knowledge and understanding of their subjects,' Trinity College Dublin told this newspaper in a statement. 'We're very proud of all of her achievements,' said Juliette Stapleton, Chantelle's mother, who knew that her daughter had exceptional academic abilities from a young age. 'When she was younger, the signs were all there and we brought her to DCU to be tested to see if she was a gifted child and no surprise, she stood out as being very gifted,' Juliette added. Chantelle received the maximum 625 points in her Leaving Cert in 2017, and in 2016 when Chantelle was a fifth year student at Gorey Community School, she was awarded by the Spanish Embassy for coming second overall in Ireland in her Spanish Junior Certificate result. 'Chantelle was an amazing student from the second she walked in to Gorey Community School until the second she left, this is fantastic news for her and I'm not surprised that she got there,' said Principal of Gorey Community School Michael Finn, who also studied at Trinity College. 'The Scholar programme provides free accommodation, on campus food and more, any student would be delighted with that and it's a huge boost for Chantelle and her family,' Michael Finn added. 'We are delighted that she has found a subject she is passionate about as she has a lot of different interests. We can't thank Gorey Community School and Riverchapel primary school for everything in getting Chantelle to where she is now,' said Juliette Stapleton. Singer and Actress Annalene Beechey, who plays the lead role of Anna Leonowens in the popular musical production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'The King and I' which is due to hit the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in May, is a native of Gorey and still holds on to those roots, balancing a career where she is always in demand, with motherhood and family commitments. Annalene Beechey from a young age growing up just outside of Gorey, always dreamed of becoming a musical actress. She took the first step to doing this when she ran off to audition for 'Les Miserables' in the West End at the age of 16. But it was closer to Gorey where she first performed and fell in love with acting. 'Gorey was absolutely a big part of my story, particularly when I was brought to the wonderful Nuala Smith, for singing lessons. The fundamentals she taught me are with me still and I will be forever grateful for that,' said Annalene. Annalene explained that she always had a vivid imagination, and she loved moving from England at the age of seven back to her mother's hometown of Annagh, near Gorey. 'When we moved back to my mum's hometown, she was eager to reconnect with people and make new friends so she joined Gorey Musical Society for their production of 'Fiddler on the Roof',' said Annalene who took inspiration from her mother Rina Beechey. 'It was a family affair. My parents both stepped on stage here and there but my dad, Brian Beechey, was a brilliant stage manager of the shows too, my mum made extraordinary costumes and hats that won awards, and my brother was painting the backdrops and sets,' she said. 'I became entranced by everything about the process. Rehearsals, the music, costumes and the performances, so I jumped at the chance to get up there myself when Carnew Musical Society were looking for children for 'Annie Get Your Gun',' she added. 'Having come from Coventry, the sense of space, the fresh air and freedom of Wexford is something I strive for today with my children,' she said. 'I try to be as good a parent as mine were. My husband and I want them to have every opportunity to follow their hearts in their careers and in life but I really encourage family time,' said Annalene. Annalene said that it is a tough balancing act being away from her home and family life during rehearsals, but explained that her family will follow her to Ireland for the Dublin run of the musical. Speaking about the industry that she works in, Annalene said that she is aware of the sexism. 'Now people are opening their eyes to it and that can only be a good thing. I want my children to grow up in a world where men and women are equal without question. It'll take time as the roots grow deep but things will change,' she said. Annalene is currently in rehearsals ahead of the UK and Ireland tour of this Tony Award winning production, which has had a record-breaking sold-out season at The London Palladium up to now. 'The show has a full orchestra, Olivier and Tony award winning costumes, Tony award winning choreography, adorable little royal children, classic songs, a beautiful story about friendship and understanding and the most magnificent King in Jose Llana,' said Annalene speaking about 'The King and I'. Set in 1860s Bangkok, 'The King and I' tells the story of the unconventional relationship that develops between the King of Siam (now Thailand), and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher, who was a real person, and the show is based on her experience there. 'This version is direct from Broadway's Lincoln Center in New York and very much addresses equality, sexism and doesn't shy away from the political issues of the time,' Annalene explained, describing the musical as 'wise'. Annalene has played this role in the West End in London and she recently performed with her co star, Jose Llana, at the Olivier Awards where the show was nominated for six awards. Tickets are from 31 and shows run on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from May 21 to June 1. Some serious moves were on display at County Hall last week as over 500 people signed up to 'be a dancer for cancer' as part of Today FM's 2019 Dare to Care fundraiser. The event asked people to sign up, donate and dance to a specially chosen song in order to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society and the event at the County Council HQ was said to have been among the biggest in the country. The driving force behind the day's fun was council employee Jennifer O'Connor. 'I'm involved with Relay 4 Life for the Irish Cancer Society as well,' she said, explaining how things came about. 'Then we had a charity ball there earlier in the year as well. I just love organising these fundraisers, so I went to management and asked if they'd be up for hosting an event here and they said go for it. So many of the staff here and their families have been affected by cancer, so I think it's something that's very close to the heart for a lot of us.' What resulted was a wonderful morning of fun with Today FM's Phil Cawley arriving to hand out t-shirts and headbands, while DJ Martin Gordon pumped out the tunes to get people going and Catherine Biddy Walsh motivated those present in her own hilarious style. Afterwards, there was also a cake sale and a cuppa for everyone involved and it was said to have been a huge success, raising nearly 4,200 and counting. 'It was a real team effort here at County Hall,' Jennifer said. 'Everyone chipped in and did their bit and it was a great atmosphere.' You can still contribute to the cause by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jennifer-o-connor2019. Ned Fenlon, Galbally, Bree with his wife Bee and daughters Anne Marie, Jacinta and Catherine, sons-in-law David and Nikk, and grandchildren Edward, Caitlin, Garry, Patrick, Aaron and Kyle at his 100th Birthday Party in Wilton Castle Wilton Castle was the venue for a very special birthday celebration when Ned Fenlon, from Galbally, celebrated his 100th birthday among family members and friends. Born on April 25, 1919, Ned had 10 brothers, of whom he is the last one remaining. To mark his landmark birthday Bishop Denis Brennan presented him with a special boxed Rosary beads that was given to him by the Pope. A man of deep faith it was very fitting that Ned received it as a gift. For his birthday celebration he was joined by his wife, Breda, daughters, Jacinta, Anne-Marie and Catherine, grandchildren, Edward, Caitlin, Garry, Patrick, Aaron and Kyle and extended family members. Some of his brothers emigrated and worked in different industries but he was the one who took up farming. He worked in the farming sector all his life and started his career in the industry with a farm in Raheenahone which he worked with his late mother. After his mother passed away he continued with the Raheenahone farm for a couple of years before selling it and starting a new farm in Galbally. Three years after setting up that farm he married Breda. Very involved in the church all his life he is also a life-long member of Fianna Fail. However, he is very well known and respected for his involvement in his local community and donated land to facilitate the building of his local community centre. 'He has always been very civic minded,' his daughter, Anne-Marie, told this newspaper. A pioneer all his life Ned has also never smoked and in his younger years was a keen bingo enthusiast. Anne-Marie said the family is very grateful for the help Ned receives from HSE care-workers who have ensured that he is able to still live at home. His recall of events is amazing and he loves chatting about things that happened 90 years ago as much as he does about current events. Ned has always loved conversing with people and his popularity was underlined by the rapturous reception he received when he entered Wilton Castle for his birthday celebrations which was akin to a film star entering a gala event. The Easter Sunday mass in his local church was also dedicated to him and that was reflective of his community involvement and his deep religious faith. A special presentation was made to him by Fr Billy Caulfield on behalf of the people of the parish. He received a very large amount of birthday cards acknowledging him becoming a centenarian and he also received his letter from President Michael D Higgins marking his historic birthday. There were around 80 people at his party and some of them travelled long distances to be in attendance. Ned's nephew, Jimmy Byrne, gave a speech in which he outlined some of the historic events that have taken place during Ned's lifetime while another nephew, Nick Power, highlighted aspects of Ned's life growing up. His daughter, Catherine, also spoke on behalf of the family and his grandchildren read a six-verse poem in which they captured events from his lifetime. Ned was presented with a very special birthday cake which was styled in the form of an old newspaper. Music was provided by Stephen Murphy and local musicians who contributed to a great sing-song. The party began at 4 p.m. and Ned was one of the last people leaving the venue at 11.30 p.m. Some of the momentous events that Ned has witnessed during his lifetime have included: the original Bloody Sunday massacre in Croke Park; the founding of the Irish Free State; the publication of Joyce's 'Ulysses'; the death of Michael Collins; the Tailteann Games in 1924; the first Aer Lingus flight (1936); the election of Eamonn de Valera as Taoiseach; the establishment of the Irish Constitution; World War II; the roll out of the Rural Electrification Scheme; Ireland leaving the Commonwealth and becoming a Republic through the Republic of Ireland Act 1948; the filming of 'The Quiet Man'; the debut of Beckett's, 'Waiting for Godot'; Ronnie Delaney winning gold in the 1956 Olympics; the setting up of Radio Telefis Eireann; the visit of JFK; the Beatles performing in Ireland; the beginning and end of the Troubles in Northern Ireland; four different currency changes; Ireland joining the EEC; the fall of the Berlin Wall; Live Aid; the first 'foreign game' being played in Croke Park when Ireland play England in rugby; the smoking ban; and the visit to the Republic by Queen Elizabeth II. Thousands of people descended on Carrig on Bannow at the weekend for an action packed festival which brought the drama of the Norman Invasion in 1169 to life. It was exactly 850 years when the Normans first arrived in Ireland onto the shores of Bannow beach. To mark the big anniversary of one of the most pivotal moments in Irish history, the village rallied together and organised the 1169 Norman Festival, with support from Wexford County Council. Battle re-enactments, a medieval living history tented village, historical lectures, a commemorative ceremony and concerts took place over the weekend. One of the highlights of the weekend was a civic ceremony took place at Bannow Church on Saturday afternoon where the former curator of the National Museum, Dr Pat Wallace addressed the crowds. There were also historical lectures and with 14 different living history tents which showcasing life some 850 years ago in the Medieval Living History Tented Village everyone came away with a great understanding of the Normans. 15 living heritage craft displays were showcased along with a display of Norman cavalry warfare and fully trained warriors hosted battle re-enactments twice per day on Saturday and Sunday. Warrior training was offered for younger visitors, many of whom enjoyed archery, afterwards receiving a free replica Norman coin. On Saturday the inaugural performance of a specially commissioned piece of music for the occasion by composer Greg French was performed by local artists and guests and Normandy based band `Strand Hugg' headlined the concert. Sunday evening's concert featured Strand Hugg along with well-known local band Green Road. One of the organisers said: `It was a great weekend and the re-enactors were amazing. People came from as far away as America. The weather was great, especially on Sunday when we had thousands of people in the field.' It was a great gathering of all things delicious for the annual Wexford Food Family summit, held for the first time in Wells House and Gardens, on May 1 with the sun shining in to the conference room to welcome the 100 plus representatives from food and drink producers across county Wexford. Lynda Larkin of sugar and Spice deli and bakery in Bunclody was awarded the honour of Wexford Food Champion at the event, which celebrated the real people behind the meaning of local produce for the Irish food industry. The speakers highlighted the important role that small business owners and food and drink producers, be they long term artisan food producers or new start-ups, play on the reputation of Ireland for food tourism and Ireland's reputation as a destination for good food. Paula Ronan of the Wexford Food Family chaired the summit and there was a panel discussion at the end of the day, following a brunch which included a large selection of Wexford produce, from gelato to sausage rolls, from all across the county. 'It was a great day, we're absolutely delighted with the energy from everyone who turned out and the positive attitude,' said Paula Ronan. 'We're getting stronger every year and we chose to have the event in Wells House to show that we are a county wide food family, and Wells is an official supporter as they supply produce from six of our producers,' she added. Producer Mary Regan of Regan Organic Farm in Enniscorthy, who rears free range poultry and pork with compassion, was one of three speakers to talk about her 'producer story,' alongside John Walsh of Irish Country Meats and John Kenny of Atlantis Seafoods. 'It was a great opportunity to give some background to the business. It was really just to educate people on how we produce and rear our chickens and make people aware that we're involved in food or agri-tourism, where people come to the farms, and reconnect back with their food,' said Mary Regan. The Wexford Food Family was set up in 2011, and has recently experienced interest from other counties in Ireland wanting to follow in its direction. 'An event like this is great to interact and network with other producers, we're all in the same boat but it's hard to get out and meet with other likeminded people in this type of work,' said Mary Regan, adding that there are challenges to food producers when it comes to labour availability. Members of Bord Bia spoke at the event, and CEO Tara McCarthy described Brexit as a 'threat to the industry' that will create a different 'new market reality' affecting the supply chain for Ireland's food industry. Colin Jephson, managing director of the multi-award winning Ardkeen Quality Food Store in Waterford, described Wexford as a 'beautiful fertile county of Ireland,' and shared his insights and perspectives into the growing food industry. The event was supported by Wexford County Council through the Local Enterprise Office, with supporting sponsorship from Wrights Insurance Brokers. The Wexford Food Family a network of food producers in Country Wexford dedicated to growing the county's food industry. New members are always welcome, see www.wexfordfoodfamily.com or call Paula on 086 1294859 for more information. The Bealtaine writer in residence, Eileen Sheehan, began her residency on Poetry Day, Thursday last, with an event at the Kerry Writers' Museum in Listowel. Lovers of literature gathered on Thursday evening to share poems and start conversations. "It was a lovely, relaxed atmosphere,and a great start to the residency," Eileen said. This was the first event of several that will take place at the Writers' Museum throughout the month of May to celebrate Bealtaine, the festival of creativity for older people. As well as focussing on her own writing, Eileen will facilitate a number of free workshops for people over 55. All the workshops will be based at the Writers' Museum. On Tuesday, May 7, from 2pm - 4.30pm, Eileen will host a creative writing workshop around the folklore, traditions and personal memories associated with the month of May. On Friday, May 10, from 10.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4.30pm, Eileen invites people to bring their 'troublesome children' - pieces of writing that are giving trouble - and work on them through discussion and feedback. To book a place on either the morning or afternoon sessions please contact info@kerrywritersmuseum.com or ring (068)22212. On Tuesday, May 14, from 10.30am to 1pm people with little or no writing experience can join a beginners' workshop, while on Friday, May 17, at 1pm Eileen will give a workshop on Ekphrastic poetry - using art work and objects and Writers' Rooms as starting points to inspire poems. Further events will be announced but for bookings and enquiries on these free workshops contact info@kerrywritersmuseum.com or ring (068)22212. From some of the biggest names in international literature to home grown talent making major waves in everything from books to television, Writers' Week 2019 is certainly not going to disappoint. Taking place from Wednesday, May 29, to Sunday, June 2, this year's Fleadh is attracting massive interest already helped in no uncertain way by the publication last week of a vibrant programme jam-packed with events and activities for all ages. Expect massive crowds from the get-go, with much-loved Irish writer Joseph O'Connor officially opening proceedings on the Wednesday night in a gala affair to set the scene to perfection for the succeeding days. And there's at least one big event on the programme that is of massive and far-reaching importance for the entire North Kerry region: the Ard Churam Day Care Centre's concert in the Community Centre on Thursday, May 30, from 8pm. Featuring Fr Ray Kelly of Britain's Got Talent fame, leading Irish soprano Mary Culloty O'Sullivan and Listowel native Cyril Kelly, it's set to draw a massive crowd - all in aid of the Ard Churam's campaign to now establish a specialist Dementia Centre for the community. First among the myriad events at Writers' Week of intense literary interest will, of course, be the announcement of the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year; something of an Irish Booker Prize moment celebrating the best of the nation's output in long-form fiction. The nominees are John Boyne (for A Ladder to the Sky); Jess Kidd (The Hoarder); Emer Martin (The Cruelty Men); David Park (Travelling in a Strange Land) and Sally Rooney (for the internationally-acclaimed Normal People). That's just for starters as Wednesday night gives way to four days bursting at the seams with talent. Carol Drinkwater of All Creatures Great and Small fame; Writers' Week president Colm Toibin; Hugo Hamilton; North Kerry's own Gabriel Fitzmaurice; Eilis Ni Dhuibhne, Niall 'Bressie' Bresli; Christine Dwyer Hickey; Douglas Kennedy, Elizabeth Day and Roddy Doyle - just a handful of the big names appearing this year. Meanwhile, there's great interest ahead of a special discussion panel to be chaired by Fergal Keane, with Orla Guerin, Conor Brady and Kerry native former press ombudsman John Horgan examining the growing threat to democracy of the 'fake news' phenomenon - that's at 3pm in the Plaza on Saturday, June 1. Another Writers' Week event of deep pride for the town will be the appearance of celebrated filmmaker PJ Dillon, a native of the town. PJ Dillon: From Listowel to Westeros takes place in St John's Theature on Sunday, June 2 at 4.30pm and will see a man awarded Best Cinematographer by the British Society of Cinematographers speaking about his experiences working on such massive shows as Game of Thrones, Vikings and Ripper Street. One of the most celebrated choirs from the north of England are Kerry-bound for a series of concerts set to bring some of our best-loved historic places of worship to life. The Gledholt Male Voice Choir from Yorkshire are on their way, all 32 members for a series of performances being held in aid of Down Syndrome Kerry, taking in Ardfert Cathedral, St John's Church of Ireland in Tralee as well as the more secular venue of The Ashe Hotel. Brilliant local trad group Spailpin are meanwhile set to join the men of Gledholt in the Ashe Hotel night. The Ashe is the venue for the first concert, billed as an informal evening of song and music and taking place at 9pm on Friday, May 10. On Saturday, May 11, the choir will be singing with the Kerry Choral Union in St John's Church of Ireland on Ashe Street Tralee at 7.30pm. Ardfert Cathedral is the venue for the third concert - an open-air performance - on Sunday, May 12, at 2.30pm, followed by refreshments in Ardfert Community Centre. "This promises to be a fabulous and unique event in the awe inspiring surroundings of the 12th Century Cathedral," one of the organisers said. Portmagee and Valentia turned into a little corner of a galaxy far, far away over the Bank Holiday weekend as Star Wars fans from far and wide flocked to Iveragh for the second 'May the 4th Be With You Festival.' The celebration of all things Star Wars - organised to coincide with May 4 which has become an unofficial world Star Wars day - included a host of fun activities for all-ages in Portmagee, Valentia and west Kerry where parts of the latest films in the blockbuster film franchise were filmed. In Portmagee and Valentia there were a host of fun events for all ages including an epic lightsabre battle on the streets of Portmagee and an open air screening of 'The Force Awakens' which introduced the Skelligs in to the Star Wars universe. There was also Lego building competitions and a Comic Book Expo and plenty of costumed characters to meet and greet. The festival also teamed up with Skellig Island Eco Tours to take visitors on trips around Skellig Michael which has gone down in cinematic history as the adopted home of Luke Skywalker. Gerard Kennedy owning of the Moorings Bar in Portmagee said the festival had been a huge boost to the area. "The festival has had a very positive impact on local businesses and the community here," Gerard said. "Star Wars created a huge amount of excitement for the area. The festival has really helped sustain this excitement and attract more visitors year round and since the inaugural festival took place last year, we've seen a real uplift in bookings," he said. "This weekend was another great success, highlighting all we have to offer here and we're looking forward to welcoming more visitors this year on the back of the coverage we've received," he added. Tourism Minister Brendan Griffin - who was in south Kerry for the festivities - said he was delighted with the event.. "The festival was a great success. The inclusion of iconic Irish landscapes in the Star Wars films has given the Wild Atlantic Way fantastic exposure around the world and the festival is a brilliant opportunity to promote the west Coast of Ireland and the country as a whole," said Minister Griffin. Failte Ireland Head of Festivals Ciara Sugrue thanked everyone who helped make the festival a success. "It has been a truly amazing weekend and I'd like to thank the local tourism businesses and all those involved for coming together to help us make the festival bigger and better this year," she said. A Ballywilliam based historian has written a trilogy of books about World War II. Patrick Flanagan, a Roscommon native, who is now resident in Ballinvegga, near Ballywilliam, has worked with the acclaimed American author and authority on Irish history, Kathleen Hegarty Thorne, over the past 11 years on the production of a trilogy of landmark books about the Irish Republican Army during the first half of the twentieth century. 'Echoes of Their Footsteps' chronicles the day-by-day events throughout Ireland, accompanied by thousands of source references, hundreds of appropriate pictures and a few charts. Half of the final volume is devoted to a listing of the men and women who were imprisoned during World War II in the Free State, Northern Ireland and England, totalling over one thousand in all. 'There is no similar listing anywhere,' Patrick said. Volume III is a substantial hardback tome of almost seven hundred pages. The first two volumes have been placed in all Irish public libraries and third level colleges, as well as many libraries and colleges in the US. Volume III is now being distributed to those same institutions. Patrick said: 'Wexford readers will be particularly interested in the story of Enniscorthy man, Stephen Hayes, and the coverage of the shooting of young Michael Devereux from Tomhaggard by George Plant in 1940.' Volumes I and II were launched in Enniscorthy and some other areas around the country a few years ago and it had been planned to launch this latest book in Belfast, Roscommon and Enniscorthy last month. The books are printed on demand by Lulu printers and are supplied to purchasers within a few days of order. All three volumes are available to purchase from www.generationpublishing.com. More than 100 people were helped by Youth New Ross last year. Youth New Ross held its 2018 Annual General Meeting in the old CBS on Wednesday, where the work of the organisation with individuals, young people and families was acknowledged. 2018 saw the organisation support more than 100 young people, dozens of families and countless other individuals who used their service throughout the year. Together with the support of the community and the group's partners in New Ross and the surrounding area (Tusla, WWETB, Local gardai, schools and other service providers) Youth New Ross have been able to provide a range of programmes, therapeutic supports and opportunities that will no doubt have been of great benefit to those that need them. On the evening Youth New Ross took the opportunity of their AGM to support the Transition Year students of Good Counsel College who are set to visit Chernobyl this summer. Youth New Ross Chairperson Joan Power said: 'I would like to thank the board, volunteers and staff of Youth New Ross for their tireless work throughout the year. Looking forward to the year ahead Youth New Ross plans to continue to expand and develop new initiatives such as a drop-in family support service, targeted youth responses for areas of high need in the town and is always looking for local people interested in volunteering to help those that need help.' The youth project works with a range of young people who are always in need of voluntary support, Catherine Nolan and Kenny Malone of the Youth Project added. They said: 'We run groups for LGBT young people, teen boys and girls, Travellers and new communities in New Ross. Many of our young people need role models in their lives and this is an area we see huge potential for volunteers to help guide young people. If this sounds like something you are interested in please let us know.' Another integral role for volunteers is on the board of Youth New Ross. CEO Dave Gray said: 'One of the most important functions of any organisation is in maintaining good governance. Youth New Ross has always had great pride in the fact that local people from the area have governed the organisation. The strength of local people leading and informing our work for local needs is vital to Youth New Ross' continued success.' If you would like to be come involved in volunteering with Youth New Ross please email info@youthnewross.com or ring the office on 051 425415. The booming sound of the St Patrick's Fife and Drum Band echoed around Wexford's narrow streets on Saturday as the Wexford Mental Health Warriors protested the continued crisis within child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in Wexford. The band led some 200 people along the quay, up Anne Street and along the Main Street before coming to a stop on the green beside Wexford Arts Centre. Accompanying the large crowd were representatives from Bui Bolg and Red Moon Theatre and there was an atmosphere of hope and positivity despite the despair of the situation. Almost a year ago, Child Psychiatric Consultant Dr Kieran Moore resigned from his post in Wexford after 16 years. At the time he stated that it was as a result of horrendous working conditions, 'burn out' and the fact that his team were 'struggling to provide a service' at all. Since Dr Moore went public in relation to conditions, it appears little has changed. Having since taken up a role in Crumlin, he returned to town on Saturday to lend his support to another major protest organised by Wexford Mental Health Warriors - a group mainly comprised of parents whose children are struggling as a result of being given little or no access to proper mental health services. 'Honestly, things were awful at the time I left,' Dr Moore said, having reacquainted with some of the group in the sunshine. 'As a place Wexford is great and the people and staff here were wonderful, but the fact remains that it's the second worst in the country when it comes to child and adolescent mental health services.' Under the government's 'Vision for Change' plan for mental health, there should be 11 staff members per population of 50,000. In Wexford, there are just 5.5 staff per 80,000 population. There is no child and adolescent consultant psychiatrist in Wexford. There are no CAMHS social workers or senior house officers. Later this month, there will be no CAMHS psychologist. In fact, the CAMHS service in south Wexford is operating on approximately only one third of the recommended staffing for this essential service. 'It's well documented how bad things were,' Dr Moore continued. 'There was no facility to take bloods or examine patients. There were slugs crawling on the floor. We had no blinds on the windows.' 'No matter how much we said, things didn't change,' he said. 'Every time I saw a patient, I would have to send so many emails. I'd spend the whole day ringing around begging for the child to be admitted to hospital. This wouldn't happen if, say, they needed their appendix out.' Dr Moore is critical of the whole management structure of the HSE in the area of children's mental health. 'I worked with a team here - occupational therapist, speech and language, nurses - they were so good. I really miss them. But we were operating at less than a third of what we should have been operating at. The management of the HSE across the board is very poor. When it comes to children's mental health issues, managers, to be frank, don't know what they're doing. They need training across the board to deal with these situations.' Dr Moore clearly has a lot of time for the parents behind the protest. 'I have so much time for these parents and their children,' he said. 'These parents and kids go through so much. It's only if people advocate and show their support like today that anything will be done. People try to ignore things like this as much as they can. This is the only way change can happen.' 'Wexford is so badly treated,' he continued. 'In Dublin, teams are not full with resources, but things are much better. It seems to be that the postcode you're in has a major say in the services you receive and the access you have to services. I don't know why this is the case. There's a huge population in this area. Some 150,000 people and they are being treated differently.' The protest certainly made it's presence felt as it wound it's way through Wexford's narrow streets. There was a wonderful atmosphere and a sense of positivity despite the dire state of the situation. Organisers Sandra Mulhall, Caroline Smith and Raymond Shannon are all parents who have struggled to get access to mental health services for their children. Sandra says her son has been 'marred by the whole experience. While he's getting some help now, I have to keep on top of them all the time.' While Dr Moore identified that the current CAMHS facility in Wexford, Slaney House, is completely unfit for purpose, the parents say that they've had countless broken promises and delays in relation to a new facility at Arden House, slated to open at some point between July and September of this year. Fianna Fail spokesperson for mental health James Browne TD was also present at the protest and pointed out that he believes that these unsuitable facilities are playing a major part in Wexford's inability to attract child psychologists. 'I think the figures reflect the lack of service here in Wexford,' he said. 'We don't have proper facilities. The figures show that children are suffering in Wexford. Getting Arden House open is key to getting a child psychologist in Wexford, but the delays have been outrageous.' 'This action shouldn't be necessary, but unfortunately it is,' he continued. 'There are ordinary people that have kids that need help and that know that their kids could improve significantly if they get help. These parents are here today out of desperation and I'm in awe of the work they're putting in and fully support them.' When asked to pinpoint in particular why Wexford consistently figures so highly when it comes to suicide and mental health issues, Deputy Browne says he believes it's a vicious circle. 'I think it all harks back to socio-economic issues,' he said. 'We have high rates of unemployment here and a lot of the jobs are what would be deemed "low paying jobs". While it's true to say that we do urgently need the doctors, nurses and medical staff, I think from a broader point of view we also need to focus on delivering high quality jobs and proper housing.' The organisers of Saturday's protest were delighted with the turnout and have vowed that they will continue to organise similar actions until Wexford gets a safe, workable building for CAMHS in the county and the appointment of a replacement consultant psychiatrist to replace Dr Kieran Moore, who, in the interim, is happy to lend his voice to support them in any way he can. The oil tanks on the quay which are the subject of negotiations between the council and Department of Transport The transfer of New Ross Port to Wexford County Council is due to take place within the coming months and will lead to great opportunities for the development of the quays area of the town. This is the view of director of services for economic development with Wexford County Council, Tony Larkin who addressed the monthly meeting of New Ross Municipal District. Mr Larkin said the 'bottom tier' ports in Ireland are being transferred to local authorities. 'It's New Ross' turn. We have been in negotiations with the Department of Transport for two years. We've been doing due diligence on the port company and I compliment the work of the port company.' He said the company is being disbanded and will merge into the council. Mr Larkin said the transfer could occur as soon as May or June, and would have already taken place if not for some cost issues involving the removal of the oil tanks on the quay and the cost of draining the Barrow. For the transfer to take place three ministers have to sign the transfer letter. 'We are getting to the end game. This will open up the opportunity for the council to look at revitalising the quay front and develop tourist opportunities. Once the port transfers over to us the assets and liabilities will transfer. We have to make arrangements for shipping.' Mr Larkin said all of the port staff's jobs are secure, with no issues concerning pensions or redundancies. Cllr Michael Whelan welcomed the good news. Cllr Michael Sheehan thanked Mr Larkin for the work the council's economic special policy committee has done for the town in the past year. Regarding the port he said it would be very unfair for the Government to transfer the port company to the council without providing funds for the removal of the oil tanks. He asked if a draft plan for the area and port has been drawn up, adding that activity at the port and at Stokestown has dwindled in recent decades. 'Our priority should be to get them back doing commerce and trade,' Cllr Sheehan said. Mr Larkin said: 'Our first priority is to ensure the shipping is running. The next priority is the taking down of the oil tanks and putting remedial works in place there. The port has faced some challenges since the oil stopped going through it. Business has declined. We will be open to new opportunities but I want to be realistic. I have met a lot of the major customers of the port. It's obvious in my discussions with them that they all have a positive outlook but it isn't likely to be a step change. If we can hold on to what we have for the next ten years it will be a reasonable outcome.' Mr Larkin said he doesn't foresee Wexford County Council investing heavily in the port apart from cleaning up the oil tanks and investing in tourism. 'It's on the same river as the port of Waterford which also serves the region. We want good relations with them.' Cllr Martin Murphy asked if there will be a huge cost involved in removing the tanks, adding that there may be very serious contamination issues on the site. 'Would it all have to be dug up or could we deal with it in another way?' Cllr Murphy said the harbour board building on the quay would be the ideal location for a tourist office. 'With the emphasis on tourism going forward in New Ross and with all of the great hopes for developing the history and legacy of William Marshal a tourist office would be very important and it's a perfect location with the port company owning the land.' Cllr Willie Fitzharris enquired as to how far the port extends and was told by Mr Larkin that it stretches the length of the river, but in practical terms the company will manage the ships that dock beyond Marshmeadows and across the river. He said the harbourmaster's building will transfer into the ownership of Wexford County Council. 'Taking down the oil tanks will be expensive and it's pretty certain there will be contamination. We are talking about substantial costs and it's one of the primary things we are arguing with the department; namely that we should not incur those costs. We have a design in place for the quay area but there are a number of environmental issues that need addressing this year or next year that will be a priority.' Cllr Larry O'Brien said he was concerned taking over the running of the port will cost the council a fortune. 'I wouldn't have any great concerns about what is under the tanks. There was molasses in them and they are well plumbed. My concern is for the hundreds of ships in the quay. Last year we had a ship that got blocked for two days in mud in the river. That river is not being dredged at the moment and that is going to be a major issue. The port of Waterford are dredging every week. There is a point off Stokestown near the new bridge that is very bad at the moment. It's going to cost someone a lot of money to keep it dredged.' Mr Larkin said dredging of the Barrow and environmental issues surrounding the tanks are the main causes of concern for Wexford County Council. 'Of the two I would put the environment higher as once we own it we are responsible and we can't ignore them. We will have to do that no matter what. We are looking for cover on that cost from the department.' Mr Larkin said it will cost millions of euros to dredge the Barrow, adding that the current limit for ships is 5,000 tonnes. 'It's taking around 80 ships a year. For the immediate future these ships can come in. We would need to dredge it in future. We have sought funding from the department; if we don't get it I don't see how the county council can justify putting it in. The customers say they don't see it as a big problem. The biggest drag is on the Marshmeadows side, but without central funding it will be very difficult. (As with all these issues) there is no money until there is money.' Anyone of a certain vintage, a certain age, will remember summers spent working at Jeffares blackcurrants. They will remember cycling out to Ballykelly House, en masse, to pick fruit under a blazing hot sun, perhaps sampling some of the produce in the process as they helped create what has become a Wexford institution. And it is this sense of nostalgia, these misty-eyed recollections, which provided the inspiration for one of Mr Jeffares' newest products, an authentic nod to the past which, in many ways, helped to save what is now the only commercial blackcurrant farm in the country. 'Ribena pulled out of Ireland in 2013, they would have been a big stalwart of ours. Dealing with the shock of that, it was very hard to keep going,' says Des Jeffares of the news which threatened to cripple his business completely. Having previously been a poster boy for the company, featuring in adverts for Ribena which had been screened throughout the UK, Des was facing the prospect of life without his primary customer, a client which had helped solidify Jeffares place in the market. Yet contingency plans were already in place. Des had been looking at ways to soften the blow as soon as he'd learned of Ribena's intentions, and had devised a high-risk venture which he hoped would save Mr Jeffares Blackcurrants. 'I asked "how can we continue this?" Des recalls. The answer lay somewhere deep within the past. 'I remember as a child my mother making this fantastic juice, pure juice drink in the kitchen during the summertime, and it was very much a case of trying to hone those memories to create the cordial, ensuring it was as simple and as pure as possible.' Thus Mr Jeffares Irish Blackcurrant Cordial was born, a drink which instantly transports those who were there at the time right back to those lush green fields, to those days spent out at Ballykelly House. 'The heritage angle was huge,' Des says. 'People would have remembered growing up, picking fruit here as kids, whole families would have been here. I've even heard of relationships being created under bushes at Jeffares farm,' he laughs. While his risk paid off, his cordial gone on to become a great success, a staple in every Wexford kitchen, Des admits that it represented a huge risk on his part. 'There were pitfalls, it was very high risk but we felt we had to make a go for it. If we hadn't tried it I would have regretted it.' However, having averted crisis, the onus now is on developing Mr Jeffares Blackcurrants, exploring as many new fields as possible. 'Killowen Yogurts use our blackcurrants, Wexford Preserves have won awards since they started buying from us. Yellow Belly Beer bought from us last year, they produced a lovely lady's beer, blackcurrant and heather honey flavoured. It was very strong,' Des says with a smile. And although the majority of his business continues to come through retailers buying blackcurrants in bulk, Des is keen to develop partnerships and nurture relationships with other food companies who place emphasis on producing high-quality, healthy stock. 'There's a huge ethos on good quality local produce now and our blackcurrants tie into that,' Des says of the sea-change in Irish culture which has led to health-conscious consumers seeking out nutritious 'super-foods'. 'Blackcurrants are high in Vitamin C, much more so than cranberries or blueberries, they really fit into the healthy lifestyle across all ages,' he adds. This mindset has also spread into how Des produces his blackcurrants, into an increased focus on sustainability and environmental awareness. 'We're working on the sustainability side of things with Bord Bia, we're a full member of Origin Green and part of the Wexford Food Family. It's important that we can stand over the product and declare it's got a good clean bill of health.' However, he is cognisant of the fact that there's one battle, the one against the elements, which even he might not be able to win. 'It was dangeously mild last winter. If we don't get a a winter chill the plants don't sleep and don't know where they are, the spring comes in and some plants start to flower while others might not even have buds. I can't remember that happening when I was growing up, but it's happened three times in the last few years. I do feel things are getting more severe, I would be concerned, but we've all got the opportunity to do something to change it.' Right now though, Mr Jeffares Blackcurrants is dealing with whatever challenges are being placed in its path, going from strength to strength at a time when others fall and falter. This survival instinct comes not just from Des's ability to adapt to his circumstances, to move with the times and recover from potentially fatal blows, but also from a love of his product and of the land from which it grows. 'I'm the third generation of our family to grow blackcurrants, I've been doing it all my life. It's synonymous with the region of Wexford, it's part of the folklore, part of our culture and heritage. We're fighting imports all the time, it's a challenge, but it's one that we're winning.' There are 960,000 people worldwide with claims of ties to Sligo and now Sligo County Council are reaching out to them via the launch of its Diaspora Strategy. Launched at City Hall recently, the Strategys aims are to connect with the diaspora letting them know the county is not only a place to live, but also a place to invest, and visit. A large attendance across various agencies and organisations heard from stakeholders of the strategy about the councils vision to harness the diaspora in terms of further progressing the county. The culmination of two years work, the strategy was formed through the cooperation with neighbouring counties, Leitrim, Roscommon and Longford. Margaret McConnell outlined that this approach could be done as no other authority is in competition when it came to diaspora. We all have our own, she noted. Its about understanding how we can help them and to keep in touch. Cathaoirleach Martin Baker told those in attendance it was a privilege to launch the plan. By implementing this strategy well strengthen those connections, keeping Sligo roots alive. Though our wish is some day our diaspora will return, this cannot be in many cases but we do hope they will visit and invest. Cllr Baker said setting out a clear way for the future of reconnecting with the diaspora was integral in order to develop the county. CEO of Sligo County Council, Ciaran Hayes, noted that whether someone is born in Ireland and exiled, or born somewhere else, they have ties to the country and their native county. He also noted that while emigration mirrored economic cycles, now, those leaving Ireland have the benefit of better education than their forefathers. Travel broadens the mind and to return and add that value back home is invaluable. Travelling now is almost a right of passage The CEO sees the strategy as further strengthening connections with Sligo people abroad. Historically weve looked at what our diaspora can do for us, no were also seeing what we can do for our diaspora, said Mr Hayes. He also spoke about possibilities for investment in the county. There are opportunities there for diaspora investment and it works both ways, even as they return home, theyre returning home to a very different Sligo. A county where there has been a lot of positive announcements in terms of jobs and infrastructure. With reference to 450,000 people visiting Sligo during the countys hosting of Fleadh Ceol na Eireann, the power of Irish music among the diaspora was also discussed at the launch. Martin Enright, the chair of Ceoltas outlined that the organisation has 36,000 members worldwide among 400 branches, including Asia, the USA, and South America. He added that the links formed across the world through Irish music were amazing. Speaking about the power of sport in connecting Sligos diaspora, Brendan Leonard of Sligo County Board detailed how now more than ever GAA was helping to connect, with Sligo GAA playing in New York two years ago. Anecdotally, Mr Leonard outlined how the Sligo diaspora had invested and helped out, noting his own club, Tourlestrane benefitted from the interest of Sligo natives and how competitions like Feile are growing year on year constantly creating links with the county and further afield. An international research team has uncovered for the first time that megalithic tombs in Sligo contain family members, in some cases generations apart. The research, undertaken by a team from Uppsala University in Sweden genetically analysed teeth and bones from Listoghil at Carrowmore and the Primrose Grange site, among other sites across Europe, including Scotland, on the Swedish island of Gotland and in the Czech Republic. Research is part of the new genetic study of Stone Age funeral practices and is also a multidisciplinary effort to understand Eurasian and Scandinavian prehistory, The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, detailed that the international research team examined eleven remains from the Primrose Grange tomb and one from the Listoghil tomb. Findings showed the megalithic tombs held mostly family members and were also heavily male-dominated. Remains were radiocarbon-dated and 16 different teeth taken from the sites dated from 3,790 and 3,360 BC. According to findings, the genetic data show close kin relationships among the individuals buried within the megaliths. Research showed a likely parent-offspring relation was discovered for individuals in the Listhogil Tomb at the Carrowmore site and Tomb 1 at Primrose Grange, about 2 kilometers in distance away from each other. Commenting on the findings, population-geneticist Federico Sanchez-Quinto of Uppsala University said, "This came as a surprise. It appears as these Neolithic societies were tightly knit with very close kin relations across burial sites." Though it is significant in its findings, osteoarchaeologist Jan Stora of Stockholm University noted that further examinations of other sites were needed. "The patterns that we observe could be unique to the Primrose, Carrowmore, and Ansarve (site on the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea) burial and future studies of other megaliths are needed to tell whether this is a general pattern for megalith burials." Commenting on the findings, archaeologist and author of 'First Light: The Origins of Newgrange', Robert Hensey, PhD, MIAI welcomed the potential of DNA to answer long-standing debates. Speaking to The Sligo Champion, Mr Hensey said the findings were significant in regard to kinship studies. "One of the most interesting parts of the study is the claim of a father-son (or at least a first-degree relationship) between individuals at two of Sligo's megalithic tombs. The two monuments are very closely situated, just a few kilometers apart, and in use at a very similar time, so it is not that surprising that a kin relationship was discovered, yet it is still very useful to have direct evidence. He added, "Overall, this is valuable and intriguing research, even if some of the larger claims made in the paper are not commensurate with the relatively small amount of data at the author's disposal." Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has said he believes the Government's implementation of the Slaintecare Strategy is a 'tactical move' by Fine Gael. The Deputy told The Sligo Champion that the strategy, which outlines goals including providing the majority of care at, or closer to home and reducing long waiting times within the health service, was a way for Fine Gael to 'manage' the health crisis in the run up to the local and European elections. Referencing Health Economist Dr Richeal Burns, Martin said it remains to be seen if there will be any follow through following numerous reports into the health sector. "There's a huge crisis in terms of acute hospital beds and therefore the emergency departments are under huge strain and you get a lot of inefficiencies arising out of that then. People staying too long when they don't have to." Martin said there is not enough emphasis on homecare packages or step down facilities. "There aren't enough step down facilities to facilitate people coming out of hospital if they're alone or if remaining family members are not in a position to be of assistance to them." He added. "There has been a significant cut back of home help hours and I think there is a lack of any comprehensive approach to the homecare package side and the community care side. That would help to move people out of hospital much more quickly when their acute phase is over." Commenting on The Sligo Champion's reporting of a 92-year-old man's 75 day hospital stay though being fit for discharge after seven days, Deputy Martin said it was 'a scandal'. "It is inefficient and wasteful. It's a lack of joined up thinking. If you look at the Slainte report, everyone has agreed that we have to invest more in community and homecare. If you don't do that you'll end up with these inefficiencies emerging all of the time." Contacting hospitals around the country the Fianna Fail leader said he is being told the same thing from each hospital. "They've all been saying they can't move people on when they've finished their care and therefore that's creating log jams all over." Referring to suggestions from former nurse and party colleague in relation to the administering of some medical services outside a hospital setting, Martin said she made a 'very good point'. "IVs for respiratory conditions should be administered in the community settings and nursing home settings. There's too much admission in the hospitals in situations which don't necessarily have to go into the emergency department." He acknowledged that too many elderly people are waiting far too long in emergency departments around certain conditions that could be dealt with either in a district hospital or a community setting. Asked why these issues haven't been dealt with up to now, Martin said it is down to a combination of 'money and management'. "It will take more funding because we are living longer, we have an aging population. They [Government] know when they're setting out the national service plan that there's not going to be enough for elderly care, money for community care, so they make do with what they have and they ration. And what will it take to change the current situation? "Overall it will take a very strong commitment and prioritisation of services above anything else in our budgetary plans in the years ahead." He continued, "When politicians are going to the door they have to outline that to improve services we need to invest more as well as serious efficiencies being achieved. If you invest more initially you will get the efficiencies then." The issues regarding home help hours for people in the region needs to be addressed. That's according to Fianna Fail TD for Sligo-Leitrim Eamon Scanlon who said there is an increase in families contacting him for help in securing home help hours. Deputy Scanlon said: "There is a growing concern among constituents that home help hours are coming to a halt. I have been contacted by many families who have a loved one awaiting the provision of hours only to be left waiting indefinitely. "I am also aware of hours being cut. One such woman has been receiving 45 minutes of home help hours every morning which has been cut by 15 minutes. Her husband, after waiting for a long time for hours to be assigned, then received 15 minutes in his own right. It is a disgrace. "There is an obvious shortage of staff and funding for such staff. We must be encouraging people to grow old in their own homes. "This can only be facilitated with the support of home help hours which are not forthcoming. "I intend to raise this with the Minister for Health. "Those requiring home help hours should not be left waiting without any hope or indication of hours," Deputy Scanlon added. An eight billion euro state investment fund is looking to invest in Sligo and the North-West region. The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) is the government's 8 billion fund for investing commercially in Irish businesses that are looking to grow or create jobs. ISIF's Senior Investment Director, Fergal McAleavey, hosted an event at the Sligo Park Hotel last Friday which aimed to raise awareness of what the ISIF does and how it can benefit businesses. The ISIF recently announced a new strategy that will see it invest more money in regional development and in indigenous businesses. The fund has invested outside Dublin already, but it is hoped that it will increase investments in the Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Donegal and Roscommon, whether in businesses or infrastructure investments that make commercial sense. "We haven't seen a huge amount of investment in the Northwest region, there is no real reason for that but the fund may not be that well known outside of the Dublin. I think the reason for the lack of investment would be that some regions might not be aware of the ISIF, rather than any bad reason," Mr. McAleavey told The Sligo Champion. At the event, local business advisors, accountants and businesses were informed of the different ways they can qualify for an investment by the fund, and what the strategy means for them. "Everything we do has to be commercial. A lot of businesses grow to a certain scale and then they are waiting on cash to start growing further so here we are, a state investment fund and we can help with that expansion plan. "It's long term stable capital so we can back companies through multiple rounds of funding. We are really like a deep pocket shareholder that helps these companies. "We can also show businesses where to grow. Whether that's investing in the company or infrastructure." Bed capacities and staff recruitment and retention are just some of the areas, TD Marc MacSharry feels needs to be addressed in the health sector presently. "It's going to take a substantial amount of political courage," said MacSharry following Friday's 'Health in Crisis' breakfast seminar. The Fianna Fail TD outlined that waiting lists were a huge issue for many constituents in Sligo. "The vast majority of constituency calls these days are predominantly about health, housing and social welfare concerns. Waiting lists are a huge issue." Outlining many calls to his own constituency office from members of the public voicing issues within the health sector, Deputy MacSharry said one man last week was told he would be waiting two years for a much needed appointment. "I had somebody in last week, a diabetic who needs to see a podiatrist as part of their treatment and it's a two year waiting list. It seems to me inevitable that his condition is likely to deteriorate." Referring to Dr Fergal Hickey's opinions regarding streamlining emergency departments around the country, the politician said he did not fully agree with the doctor's thoughts. "Dr Hickey said we have 29 emergency departments in the country and he felt we needed about six, I wouldn't entirely agree with him. I think we have a culture in Ireland and a geographical challenge in Ireland." MacSharry said he believes that people are prepared to travel for the best diagnosis and treatment, but said follow-up treatments such as radium should be able to be provided for people as near to them as possible. "Maybe we can develop and deliver them locally or regionally so that it reduces travel for people." Touching on the issue of bed capacity, MacSharry also referenced the story of a 92-year-old man in Sligo University Hospital for over 70 days despite being deemed well after seven days. "There is a crisis in home help and that's all about getting the money where it needs to be." He added, "I think the political establishment have abdicated responsibility through the last number of decades whereby we have sub-contracted leadership to third party organisations, such as the HSE." "The HSE have a hugely important role to play, but leaders need to be leaders." Speaking about reducing waiting lists, MacSharry believes the National Treatment Purchase Fund needs to be resourced in order to tackle this. "Between the in and outpatient waiting lists we're up on a million which is absolutely unprecedented." Also speaking about waiting times and the fund at Friday's seminar, Fianna Fail Leader Micheal Martin quoted figures showing a dramatic increase. "In 2010 the head of the National Treatment Purchase Fund was disappointed that there was 891 people waiting over 12 months. By 2017 that figure had gone from 891 under Fianna Fail, to 18,000. James Reilly abolished the purchase fund. The waiting list grew dramatically," said Martin. MacSharry said it was important for cross party partnership on the issue of health care and not to get caught up with statistics around spending. "When you look at the amount of money per capita we're spending we're up there as the fifth highest in the ESRI but that's just a statistic. The reality is we're investing 7% of our GDP in health which is one of the lower ones. "We need delivery for patients. That requires better management." A protest calling for clean drinking water in South Sligo took place yesterday (Monday) demanding that Irish Water provide a mobile filtration unit for those affected. Sligo County Council has granted planning permission to upgrade the existing Lough Talt Water Treatment Plant, a move welcomed by many. However, those forced to continue to boil water, due to cryptosporidium detected in the water supply last year and earlier this year, say they need clean drinking water now. South Sligo mother Anne Marie Waters, whose daughter Chloe (18) contracted the bug from dirty drinking water, told The Sligo Champion that the granting of the planning permission at the plant wasn't enough. Chloe lives with a brain tumour and a second case of contracting the bug would prove fatal to her health. "I welcome the news of the planning permission, but it's a mobile filtration system we need now. It could be another two years before we have clean drinking water, it depends how fast they move on this," said the mother. There are still fears that the Lough Talt drinking water ban could rumble on for sometime despite Sligo County Council granting planning permission to upgrade the existing Lough Talt Water Treatment Plant. Speaking to the Sligo Champion South Sligo mother Anne Marie Waters, whose daughter Chloe (18) contracted the bug cryptosporidium from dirty drinking water, told The Sligo Champion that the granting of the planning permission at the plant wasn't enough. She said those impacted by the continuing boil water notice must now lobby for a mobile filtration unit. "Chloe is fine as long as she keeps away from the water, but it's still a burden, there's always a fear of contamination. This is not good enough. Just because planning has been granted we can't lose sight that we still can't drink the water," she added. One of the protest organisers and local election candidate Barry Gallagher, echoed Ms Waters' views. "We could be two more years waiting for clean drinking water. We now need a mobile filtration unit. There's three currently being used around the country." Speaking about possible delays in upgrades to the plant, Gallagher outlined that certain stipulations and works could lead to delays, meaning that those impacted could be looking at a further two years of boiling and buying water. "I welcome the planning news but who knows what stipulations could be put on planning. "There's a main 18 inch asbestos pipe running through a farmer's land at Drimina. The farmer has asked Irish Water to redirect it and it will have to be changed." Gallagher said while he welcomes the planning news, he said if it wasn't for the efforts of the Lough Talt Warriors group this progress would not have been made. "We want clean drinking water now. This affects 13,000 households," he added. Welcoming the planning news, Fianna Fail TD for Sligo-Leitrim Eamon Scanlon said he will be working with Sligo County Council and Irish Water to ensure there are no further delays in upgrading the plant. "The decision by the local authority is very welcome. I have repeatedly raised this in the Dail as a decision was needed by both Ministers Murphy and Madigan. Finally, they moved the matter on and Sligo County Council had it under their remit once again to grant permission." "Today's [Thursday] notice is very welcome to the residents who have not had the provision of safe drinking water." Students from Sligo Grammar School are leaving the classroom for the farmyard as they are learning to rear a young calf until it is 18 months old. The group recently met the Irish Angus calves that they will rear as part of a unique competition. Genevieve Cox, Laura West, Rebecca Harte, Sarah Cunningham, Rosie Wright and Emma O'Gorman from Sligo Grammar School were one of five groups chosen to take part in the schools competition. The Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition is run by Irish Angus Producer Group in association with ABP and Kepak. It aims to encourage second level students to gain an understanding about the care and attention that is required to produce and market the highest quality beef for consumers. In addition to rearing the calves, the students will complete a research project focussing on a different aspect of farming and the food chain. The students will explore the 'Improving Irish Angus Genetics and their Benefits', and will address the benefits of the breed for consumers, farmers and other stakeholders including ease of management and lower environmental impact. The announcement comes after a competitive application process, whereby student groups vying to take place in the competition presented their project ideas to a panel of industry judges at a recent high profile event in Croke Park. The other finalists are Castleknock College; Moate Community School; St. Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill and St. Louis Community School, Kiltimagh. The teams will each receive five Irish Angus Cross calves in September, which they will be required to rear for 18 months until their slaughter in 2021. Charles Smith, General Manager Irish Angus Producer Group said: "We were delighted to bring our students to Dovea Genetics in Thurles today to meet their calves for the first time. It is so encouraging to see such enthusiasm and ambition from students. Our training day today provides an opportunity for the students to meet their calves and fellow finalists, and to get an insight into the valuable experiences and challenges they will face over the next 18 months". Each of the finalists will receive the financial benefit involved in the selling of the animals to the processors on completion of the project. The winning students also receive an additional grant of 2,000 for their further education. Following a recent visit to Sligo's twin town of Crozon in Britanny in France, Sligo Orpheus Choir set off on a trip to the German twin town of Kempten, situated in the Allgau region of Bavaria. They flew in to Memmingen and did a quick walk around Kempten. Some visited the Stift Restaurant and beer hall and tried out the local dishes of Spatzle and Schweinhaxen or Maultaschen. Staying at the Furstenhof Hotel on The Town Hall Square, the choir began the first day with a reception given by the Lord Mayor of Kempten Mr Thomas Kiechle. This was also attended by members of a Jazz group from Kempten's Hungarian twin town of Sopron, who were in Kempten to perform at the annual Jazz festival. The town was full of marching jazz groups who went from cafes to shopping centres to provide pop up jazz concerts throughout the day. The official opening of the Jazz festival was held on the Town Hall square and was followed by an open air concert. Unfortunately the weather didn't oblige but despite the cold and rain, people sat outside the cafes and enjoyed the live music. The Orpheus Choir had a rehearsal with Mr Walter Dolak, a well known organist and pianist, and there was some free time to explore Kempten before evening dinner in Der Goldene Traube restaurant. A lively impromptu concert of song and guitar kept music ringing in the restaurant until closing time! On Sunday, members of the choir attended services in the Lorenzbasilika and the St Mang Kirche. At noon a historical walking tour of Kempten began with visits to the Erasmuskapelle, St Mang and St Lorenzkirche. It was fascinating to hear of the links to Ireland as these two men were disciples of St Gall, who came from Bangor in County Down to Switzerland in the 5th Century. The choir had been invited to perform at a "We are Europe" event on the Hildegardisplatz. The choir sang Ode to Joy and Mo ghile mear and some members were interviewed by a journalist from the local newspaper "Die Allgauer Zeitung" regarding their views on Europe and the forthcoming elections, as well as Brexit. Imelda Harte of Sligo Town Twinning, who had accompanied the choir to Kempten, was one of the speakers at the event and choir members Chris O'Malley, John O'Dea, Amy O'Hara and Pat Campbell joined in the 'wishes for the future of Europe' part of the event. On Sunday evening, the choir gave a concert in Haus International. It was attended by members of Kempten Town Twinning and also by the members of the Ostliturgischerchor, who will visit Sligo in June. The concert was a great success and it was followed by a buffet meal organised by members of Kempten Town Twinning. The meal included a Hungarian vegetarian curry cooked outdoors on a traditional stove. The Irish music continued in an Irish Pub in Kempten into the early hours of the morning. On Monday morning there was time for some last minute shopping before departure from Memmingen airport. Although the flight was delayed by over two hours, it didn't dampen the spirits of the group who all hailed the weekend as a great success, with many hoping to come back as soon as possible again to explore the area and its culture in more depth. Ireland's network of Independent Craft Breweries will host its annual Indie Beer Week from Wednesday to Sunday, May 22 to 26. Larkin's Brewing (Kilcoole), Wicklow Brewery (Red Cross) and Wicklow Wolf (Bray) will be celebrating their own beer brands. The centrepiece of this year's celebration will be the launch of the symbol to distinguish genuinely independent craft beers from mass-produced global beer brands available in the hugely competitive marketplace today. The Independent Craft Brewers, which is made up of over 30 microbreweries, will host a week-long series of nationwide celebrations including the finest independent breweries of County Wicklow. Chairperson of the Independent Craft Brewers of Ireland (ICBI), Peter Mosley, said: 'This year, we are introducing to people in Wicklow a striking symbol which will help consumers recognise a genuine independent artisan beer from a mass-produced, high volume, fake craft beers produced by global giants. The Independent Irish Craft Beer symbol will guarantee that a beer is made in a genuinely independent microbrewery in Ireland. As our organisation has been growing in such large numbers, with now 33 independent craft brewers as members, we are unveiling the symbol to the public to promote independent and genuine microbrewers. We are proud of our members' successes and their very loyal following across Ireland.' Larkin's Brewing, Wicklow Brewery and Wicklow Wolf will involve their local pubs, restaurants or off-licences for tastings, live music and local food to highlight their dynamic range of truly unique and genuine beers. Some breweries will open to the public and welcome their community for tours and tastings. This year is the third annual Indie Beer Week Festival which has grown dramatically in support from the network of Independent Craft Breweries across Ireland and the public seeking new genuine beers. A planning application has been lodged with Wicklow County Council seeking permission to construct 20 semi-detached homes in Dunlavin. Problems with sewage and water capacity down the years has held up construction in the west Wicklow village, with no completed housing developments taking place for over 15 years. Liam Burke is seeking permission to construct 20 semi detached, two storey dwelling houses at Dunlavin Upper, with connection to public foul and surface water drains, alterations to existing entrance at Church View, Dunlavin, connection to public water main and all other side developments. Cllr Edward Timmins feels the housing development would prove a boost for Dunlavin. 'I would be supportive of the application. Firstly a lack of sewage capacity held back development in Dunlavin. When that was sorted, water became the issue. There have been a number of refusals as a result of an inadequate water supply. There hasn't been a completed development like this in Dunlavin for well over 15 years. It's an area which is ideal for development due to its location. Dunlavin needs houses and needs development,' said Cllr Timmins. A lack of sewage capacity had previously been responsible for curtailing development in Dunlavin, resulting in a 5.5 million investment in a new wastewater treatment which was completed in 2016. However, water capacity problems then rose to the surface. Earlier in the year Irish Water carried out recent Hydrogeological investigations in order to secure a safer and more secure water supply. 'I have been in talks with Irish Water about a few different angles to look at and different sources for an adequate water supply. Hopefully the problems will be sorted later in the year,' said Cllr Timmins. Submissions regarding the Dunlavin development have to be lodged with Wicklow County Council by May 14. A decision on the application will be made in June of this year. Billy ONeill of Aeroforms (Best Idea), Ross Lawless of CALT Dynamics (overall winner and Best Start Up) and David Benko from Acoustic Dynamics (Best Established) Six winners and runners-up were chosen from 16 finalists at Wicklow's Best Young Entrepreneurs awards ceremony at Tinakilly House and hosted by Local Enterprise Office Wicklow. The programme is run by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wicklow and the winners share a 50,000 investment fund as part of the nationwide search to find Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneurs (IBYE) for 2019. The Wicklow winners will now progress to the regional finals, which take place in June in the Step House Hotel in Carlow. The county final was hosted by Vibeke Delahunt, Head of Enterprise at LEO Wicklow. Guests included Leas Cathoairleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Irene Winters; Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, and the Minister of Health, Simon Harris. Ms Delahunt, said: 'As our winners clearly demonstrate, youth entrepreneurship is thriving here in Wicklow. IBYE is about discovering local potential and nurturing that talent through financial supports, mentoring, training and networking opportunities.' The winner of the 'Best Start-Up Business' category and the 15,000 investment fund was Ross Lawless, (29) founder of Calt Dynamics in Arklow. CALT Dynamics is a pioneering company in mobile 3D printing. It is creating a new generation of third printers that operate using a new process the company has invented and patented called Physical Mask Curing (PMC). This process is enabling them to build printers that are high resolution, have a lower investment cost and are completely scalable. As a result they can build printers that are mobile and field ready with no computer or internet required, right up to industrial devices with much larger build volumes than ever seen before. Ross was also awarded the overall title of 'Best Young Entrepreneur' for County Wicklow The runner-up in the 'Best Start-up Business' was Craig Mulcahy (28) of ConstrucutionBOS in Delgany, who receives a 5,000 investment fund. The 'Best New Idea' category, with a 7,000 investment fund, was won by Billy O'Neill (28), founder of Aeroforms in Bray. Aeroforms is an Inspection and Issue management Software as a Service company for the lettings industry. It allows letting agents and tenants to inspect and report issues on properties and stores all info in the cloud. The runner-up award and 3,000 investment fund went to Katie Brandon Byrne (35) of Lil and Izzy Boutique also from Bray. Meanwhile, the title of 'Best Established Business', with an investment fund of 15,000, went to David Benko (24), a native of Slovakia now residing in Kilcoole for his business Acoustic Materials. The company is involved the manufacturing and distribution of acoustic and environmental materials. Products from Acoustic Materials are mostly made out of recycled materials, and can then be re-recycled, therefore reducing the environmental impact of buildings. The runner-up in this category, scooping a 5,000 investment fund, was Michelle Frayne (34) of Slaney Veterinary Centre in Baltinglass. It was full steam ahead on Easter Monday as the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland brought the steam train experience to Wicklow town. Big Blue Engine No. 85 Merlin rolled into Wicklow Train Station from Greystones and back on two occasions, ferrying over 300 passengers back and forth. The special Easter Eggspress was crewed by David Carse, Connie O'Gara, Nicky Cox, Ken Fox and Tony Cooke. A glorious sunny day greeted all the passengers, many of whom took the chance to walk around Wicklow town and enjoy the sights, before taking the return trip later in the day back to Greystones. No. 85 was used mainly on the Dublin to Belfast express services in the heyday of steam. She was built in 1932 and withdrawn in 1963 after the end of steam. She and her four other sister trains were all named after birds of prey, hence the name Merlin. She underwent a major overhaul in 1986 in the famous Harland and Wolff and has provided passengers with plenty of happy memories ever since. The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland was formed in 1964 to preserve Irish steam locomotives, carriages and rolling stock. With summer just around the corner, and limbs emerging from under their woolly layers, it's time to check out some tanning products that may give us a wee bit more confidence when we peel off the longer sleeves. I've tried literally dozens of tans in my role as a beauty writer and during my previous career modelling. I've many favourites which I'm delighted to share. With Communion, Confirmation, wedding, holiday and racing season on the horizon, below I've listed some tanning options which I have road-tested and think you will love as much as I do. There seems to be an overwhelming array of tans available on the Irish market these days; after all, Irish people are the highest per capita users of fake tan in the world. To help you make your choice, below I've streamlined tanning products into tone and type, including which are suitable for super-pale skin, which ones will give you a medium glow, and the ultra-dark bronzing beauts. I've also found instant tans for a quick makeover in minutes. So, read on and let's get glowing! Warm glow Beach Ready Expand Close Bondi Sands / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bondi Sands Bondi Sands is one of the best-selling fake tan brands in the world. Its latest offering is Bondi Sands Aero Self-Tanning Mousse Foam, 26.50. This gem has a lovely light formula that's super easy to apply. If you're not a dab hand at using fake tan, mousse and foams are a brilliant way to apply it easily! The gorgeous model and actress Emily Ratajkowski (pictured above) is a huge fan of this product, which gives great coverage without an overly dark colour. From pharmacies nationwide. Good As Gold Expand Close Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self Tan Dry Oil / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self Tan Dry Oil Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self Tan Dry Oil, from 18, is a two-in-one self-tan dry oil that hydrates the skin and leaves you with a warm golden, streak-free sheen. Some tans can leave the skin feeling "tight" and stretched and parched - this product is filled with coconut oil to stop that feeling. From pharmacies nationwide. Video of the Day Deep & dark Ten Second Tan Expand Close bPerfect 10 Second Self tanning Mousse in Ultra Dark / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp bPerfect 10 Second Self tanning Mousse in Ultra Dark bPerfect 10 Second Self-tanning Mousse in Ultra Dark 25 is a liquid tan that gives an instant colour which continues to develop over a few minutes, creating a deep, dark glow that lasts for up to a week. It's odour-free and won't end up all over your clothes. Perfect for anyone looking to nail the Brazilian babe look! From pharmacies nationwide. Intensely Rich Expand Close Cocoa Brown Ultra Dark Shade (1 Hour Mousse) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Cocoa Brown Ultra Dark Shade (1 Hour Mousse) This product is super-easy and quick to apply, works in a jiffy and gives a rich, dark shade without looking murky or flat. Cocoa Brown Ultra Dark Shade (1 Hour Mousse), 9.95, is also at a brilliant price. For an even darker shade, leave this on for up to three hours before showering - your tan will continue to develop after rinsing. From pharmacies nationwide. Low glow Porcelain Skin Saviour Expand Close Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Gradual Tan Lotion / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Gradual Tan Lotion Porcelain-toned beauties should try Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Gradual Tan Lotion, 9.99, in 'Fair', as it gives skin a dose of gentle colour for an understated glow. It's also suitable for sensitive skin. As it builds up so slowly, you can control the colour - use once or twice a week, or daily to build a darker shade. Always wash your hands after applying to avoid orange hands! From pharmacies nationwide. Subtle Shine Expand Close Autograph Self Tan Luxe Oil / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Autograph Self Tan Luxe Oil This super-light tanning oil is a godsend for dry, thirsty, dehydrated skin. Autograph Self Tan Luxe Oil, 17, in 'Light Medium' gives a slight glow and covers blemishes without looking over the top or orange-tinged. From Marks & Spencer nationwide and marksandspencer.ie Natural Eco Chic Expand Close Vita Liberata / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vita Liberata If you can't wait a few hours for your tan to develop and want an instant glow, minus the chemical nasties, Vita Liberata Instant HD Skin Finish Body Blur, 28, is a brilliant option. Apply with a mitt and watch as all your blemishes disappear under a warm, glowy finish, which will wash off in the shower. This is a staple in my beauty bag. From pharmacies, Boots, Avoca stores and Marks & Spencer nationwide. Nature's Own Expand Close Tan Organic / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tan Organic Tan Organic Moisturising Facial Tan Oil, 24.99, is from the only eco-certified self-tan brand in the world. With zero chemical nasties and parabens, this product will give a light, natural-looking colour. It develops over a few hours and smells lovely - and it's safe to use during pregnancy. From pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. Fast developing Nine-Minute Miracle Expand Close b.tan 9 Minute Pre Shower Tan in Ain't Nobody Got Time For That / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp b.tan 9 Minute Pre Shower Tan in Ain't Nobody Got Time For That b.tan 9 Minute Pre-Shower Tan in Ain't Nobody Got Time For That, 12.50, is ideal for someone looking for a light tan on the go. Apply this tan, wait nine minutes, rinse off in the shower for 45 seconds in lukewarm water and you're ready to rock and roll. Zero smearing on clothes or bed sheets, zero smell and no fuss. If you are after a deeper colour, simply leave it on for a few minutes longer. From pharmacies nationwide. Shimmer in a Stroke Expand Close Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rimmel Sunshimmer Instant For an immediate flawless tan on face and body that dries in an instant and won't come off on your clothes (or in the rain, thanks to its water-resistant formula) try Rimmel London Sun Shimmer Instant, from 7.50. This best-selling instant tan comes in Light, Medium and Dark. Simply apply with your mitt in quick and even strokes - moving quickly is the best away to avoid streaks. Lasts for 24 hours. From pharmacies and retail outlets nationwide. Unisex Luxe Look Expand Close Charlotte Tilbury Overnight Bronze and Glow Mask / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Charlotte Tilbury Overnight Bronze and Glow Mask Super hydrating, Charlotte Tilbury Overnight Bronze and Glow Mask, 48, has zero tell-tale orange pigments and leaves skin unbelievably healthy-looking. After applying in the evening you are guaranteed to wake up glowing in the morning. Yes, it's pricey, but it's worth it! From Brown Thomas, BT2, charlottetilbury.com. His 'n' Hers Expand Close HeShi Gold Foaming Mousse / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp HeShi Gold Foaming Mousse The HeShi Self Tan line was Ireland's first tanning brand and turns 15 this year. The entire range has been unisex from the outset. The signature moisture-lock technology in HeShi Gold Foaming Mousse, 32.50, blends natural ingredients to keep your skin super-hydrated and also glowing. Natural DHA levels of 6pc keep skin bronzed without looking too dark. From pharmacies nationwide. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is presented with an Invictus Games baby grow for his newborn son Archie by Princess Margriet of The Netherlands during the launch of the Invictus Games on May 9, 2019 in The Hague, Netherlands. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images) (L-R) Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (L), talks with Britain's Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (R) as Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, stand by attending the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London on March 11, 2019 Britain's Prince Charles, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge along with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at St Mary Magdalene's church for the Royal Family's Christmas Day service on the Sandringham estate in eastern England, Britain, December 25, 2018. REUTERS/Hannah McKay Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge along with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at St Mary Magdalene's church for the Royal Family's Christmas Day service on the Sandringham estate in eastern England, Britain, December 25, 2018. REUTERS/Hannah McKay (L-R) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) In this handout image provided by Clarence House, HRH Prince Charles Prince of Wales poses for an official portrait to mark his 70th Birthday in the gardens of Clarence House, with Their Royal Highnesses Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Willliam Duke of Cambridge, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Harry Duke of Sussex and Meghan Duchess of Sussex, on September 5, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson / Clarence House via Getty Images) The Fab Four are officially no more. Since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moved their business from Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace earlier this year, feud rumours between them and Prince William and Kate Middleton have been few and far between. And what better timing to break the ice than with the arrival of a new baby? Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor was born on Monday and much of this weeks news cycle has been dominated by news of his birth and in his few days on earth, he has become a unifier after news of the great-royal-feud filled most column inches in recent months. The Sussexes did their due diligence as royals and took part in a photocall on Wednesday showing off their little bundle of the joy to the entire world. It left room for analysis on everything from what Meghan wore to Archies handmade shawl to Harrys fatherly pride; but, despite the immense public interest, it will be the last time we see Archie for a bit. Expand Close Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (R), and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose for a photo with their newborn baby son in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London on May 8, 2019. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski / POOL / AFP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (R), and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose for a photo with their newborn baby son in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London on May 8, 2019. (Photo by Dominic Lipinski / POOL / AFP) Meghan has been on maternity leave for the last six weeks and will reportedly take an additional three months off her royal duties before returning to work in August. And she will be spending every precious moment she can with her newborn during that time - which means more time than ever away from cameras and prying eyes. Despite the fact that she strategically chose to announce the birth on a Monday, the busiest news day of the week and wanted both the birth and photocalls to be announced before 1pm in order to appear on the tail end of American morning chat shows; Meghan is still a new mother finding her feet. The only difference is that she's savvy enough to realise that if she has to show her two-day-old baby to the world and throw on high heels in the process, shell get maximum reach for it. But both Harry and Meghan have been vocal in their determination to give their baby more boundaries and we can expect something more in line with how Zara and Mike Tindall live with their daughters - they're often pictured at horse trials and major events like weddings, but other than that, details of their lives are kept under lock and key. Their next appearance will be at Archies christening, which, under usual royal terms, will be in about two months time. While Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were all christened at St James Palace and the Church of St Mary at Sandringham, but its more likely that Archie will be christened at St Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle. The venue works for a number of different reasons: firstly, its near their home at Frogmore Cottage, its where they married last May and its also where Harry was christened in 1984. While Harry and Meghan attempt to carve out a new life for themselves independent of the constrictions of palace life in London, Windsor symbolises their new life together. Video of the Day It also provides more privacy as a setting that somewhere like Sandringham which has plenty of room for crowds to gather and observe them entering the church - something perfect for the future heirs to the British throne - but not for a baby boy seventh in line. It would give them the option of making the event entirely private and releasing some images on social media, or allowing select press in to cover it as was done for the photocall earlier this week. There will almost certainly be a release of more formal images of both sides of the family coming together as is tradition with all royal babies, regardless of where they sit in the line of succession. Expand Close (L-R) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (L-R) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images) (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) With most European royal families, christenings are always a public affair and crowds often gather to watch as was the case with Sweden's Prince Carl Philip and Denmark's Prince Joachim; but its clear from the get-go that the Sussexes are carving their own path with their baby and Harry is hellbent on giving him the chances of a normal life he never had. Its likely to take place sooner rather than later, least of all so that Meghans mother Doria Ragland, who is currently residing with her daughter and son-in-law in Windsor to help with the new baby, can be part of the celebrations. In two months time, its not outside the realm of possibility that Doria will still be there and it will save her travelling to and from Los Angeles more than necessary in the first few months of her grandsons life. An appearance by Meghan is of course given, but we shouldn't expect any appearances unless it's been pre-arranged. There will be the obligatory appearances like attending the Trooping the Colour in June and the Centenary of the RAF in July, but theres also every chance of another Wimbledon appearance this summer and more than likely, there will be a few paparazzi shots of her out and about in London as is consistently the case with Kate Middleton and her family. In the meantime, it was already back to business for Harry, who flew to The Netherlands on Wednesday for a pre-planned trip to formally launch The Invictus Games in The Hague in 2020 where he spoke of his joy at becoming a new father and proudly accepted an event-themed babygro. And in a further sign that the Sussexes and Cambridge are determined to improve public perception of their relationship now that their families are growing, they launched a new initiative called shout on Thursday. Their Heads Together mental health charity announced the launch of Shout, an affiliate of Crisis Text Line in the U.K. that offers free, confidential mental health support via text. The timing was, like all of their public efforts, carefully considered and choreographed: with all the hype around Archies birth, it was an opportunity to finally put those persistent feud rumours to bed. Expand Close Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is presented with an Invictus Games baby grow for his newborn son Archie by Princess Margriet of The Netherlands during the launch of the Invictus Games on May 9, 2019 in The Hague, Netherlands. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex is presented with an Invictus Games baby grow for his newborn son Archie by Princess Margriet of The Netherlands during the launch of the Invictus Games on May 9, 2019 in The Hague, Netherlands. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images) It aligns with th of the their shared passion of advocating for mental health while also subtlely reminding people of the work theyve done so far and intend on doing in the future. It offers an opportunity for royal watchers to observe the Fab Four at work and once again believe in the unbreakable bond between Harry and William which many hope will extend to their wives, and children, over time. Harrys metamorphosis from eternally fun uncle to doting dad may be complete, but this next chapter for the four of them is just getting started. French Defence Minister Florence Parly takes part in a news conference after two French soldiers were killed in a rescue operation of four hostages in Burkina Faso. Photo: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier French special forces have rescued four hostages during a night-time raid on a terrorist camp in Burkina Faso. Two French commandos died in the assault and four terrorists were killed. The rescued hostages included Patrick Picque and Laurent Lassimouillas, two French citizens who had disappeared on May 1 while on safari in the tiny neighbouring west African nation of Benin. Mr Pique (51), a jeweller, and Mr Lassimouillas (46), a piano teacher, had been at the end of a trip to the remote Pendjari National Park. After going out with Fiacre Gbedji, their local guide, they had been due back at the lodge where they were staying by evening, but never returned. Three days later, the body of their guide was found in the park, riddled with bullets. In the raid, two other hostages, an American and a South Korean, both women, were also found. They had been held for 28 days but their governments were unaware that they had been kidnapped. Cedric de Pierrepont (32) and Alain Bertoncello (27), the soldiers who died in the raid, were both members of the prestigious Hubert commando unit. They had been deployed in the region since March 30 to counter Islamist groups. A government statement said President Emmanuel Macron "bows with emotion and solemnity before the sacrifice of our two soldiers who gave their lives". ( Daily Telegraph London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] South Africas ruling African National Congress has won national elections but with its lowest ever share of the vote. With all votes counted, the ANC had 57.5%, the electoral commission said. President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the vote had given him and others a firm mandate to build a better South Africa for all. It was the worst ever showing at the polls for the party of the late Nelson Mandela that has ruled since the end of the apartheid system of racial discrimination 25 years ago. The party won 62% of the vote in 2014. Voter turnout was another low at 65%, reflecting the frustration of many South Africans after corruption scandals around the ANC that led former president Jacob Zuma to resign last year under party pressure. Turnout was 74% in 2014. Expand Close President Cyril Ramaphosa celebrates after the Independent Electoral Commission announced the final results (Jerome Delay/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Cyril Ramaphosa celebrates after the Independent Electoral Commission announced the final results (Jerome Delay/AP) Mr Ramaphosa, a Mandela protege, has vowed to stop the rot and apologised to South Africans. But his new five-year term is threatened by Zuma allies within the ANCs leadership, who could pressure the party to oust him from power. Observers have said South Africas economy, the most developed in sub-Saharan Africa, would be further weakened if Mr Ramaphosa is removed by his own party. He narrowly won the party leadership in late 2017, weeks before Mr Zuma was pushed out. Mr Ramaphosas image as a leader willing to rid the government of corruption helped the ANCs election showing, political analyst Karima Brown said. Its a departure from a president who faced continuous allegations of corruption, she said. But ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, seen as leading the party faction opposed to Mr Ramaphosa, has said the victory could not be attributed to the president alone. Widespread disillusionment over the ANC and long-standing issues of high unemployment and poor delivery of basic services had been expected to give top opposition parties a boost in Wednesdays election. A record 48 parties were on the ballot. Top opposition party the liberal Democratic Alliance (DA) slipped in its share of votes, however, winning 20.7%, down from 22.2% in 2014. The populist Economic Freedom Fighters in just their second showing in parliamentary and presidential elections did gain ground, winning 10.7% of the vote, up from 6.3% five years ago. The EFF won support notably among younger voters with its outspoken demands for a bigger share of South Africas wealth from the countrys white minority. It struck a chord in a country where unemployment is 27% and many in the black majority struggle to get by. The party also had promised to expropriate white-owned land without compensation and nationalise mines and banks. With an eye on the countrys growing youth population, the Born Free generation that never knew apartheid, Mr Ramaphosa noted that many young people are still outside the fold of voting activity. Some 6 million eligible young voters did not register to vote in this election. The ANC barely retained control of the countrys economic hub of Gauteng province, which includes Johannesburg and the capital, Pretoria, with just over 50% of the vote. In South Africa, the president and parliament are not elected directly. The number of votes won by each party determines how many representatives are sent to the national 400-seat legislature. The president of the country is the leader of the party that gets the most votes. The ANC won 230 seats, the DA 84 and the EFF 44. North Korea's second missile test signals it is serious about developing new, short-range weapons that could be used early and effectively in any war with South Korea and the United States, analysts studying images of the latest launches say. Last week, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the first flight of a previously untested weapon - a relatively small, fast missile experts believe will be easier to hide, launch, and manoeuvre in flight. Photos released by state media yesterday showed Thursday's test involved the same weapon. The tests have increased tensions after the last US-North Korea summit collapsed in February in Hanoi with no agreement over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programme. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said late on Thursday the launches seemed like a protest over the failed summit, while North Korea has defended the tests as routine and self defensive. Some analysts say the multiple tests show the missiles aren't only for political show. "This second test solidifies that these launches are not just to stir the pot and elicit a US response to resume negotiations," said Grace Liu, one of a team of missile experts at the James Martin Centre for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) in California. "They are developing a reliable, operable missile that can defeat missile defences and conduct a precision strike in South Korea." The US and South Korean responses to the launches have been muted, with US President Donald Trump and other officials emphasising the missiles are not the large, intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the United States. But analysts said the military applications of the new missiles should not be underestimated. "The Trump administration keeps downplaying these missiles because they are not ICBMs, but even though they can't reach the US mainland, it's missiles like these that will start the war," said Melissa Hanham, a weapons expert at Datayo, which tracks international security threats. "They are small, easy to hide, easy to manoeuvre and you can't tell what kind of warhead they are carrying. They could carry a nuclear weapon." In a preliminary report on Wednesday, the North Korea tracking website 38 North said the new missile looks similar to Russia's SS-26 Iskander missile, and could exploit gaps in South Korean and American missile defence coverage. The United States and South Korea field Patriot and THAAD missile batteries designed to shoot down various ballistic and cruise missiles, but their capabilities have been disputed. While the origin of the North Korean missile remains unclear, a team of analysts at CNS said Thursday's test confirmed the missile is capable of manoeuvring to elude defences and protect its launch crew from detection. He'll be 'plain' old Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. It's a bit of a burden for an infant not yet a week old, not to mention a mouthful, but while baby Archie is, to his parents Harry and Meghan, obviously the most important thing in their world, to the world, he's just another celebrity royal baby. To the royal family, he's not even royal, although their standards are more exacting that the rest of us. 'Second son' syndrome is part and parcel of the 'Heir and Spare' tradition of royals and aristocrats. Harry, unlike William whose destiny is set forth, will, over the years become increasingly irrelevant, constitutionally at any rate. As his brother becomes Prince of Wales and eventually king, Harry's role will recede to supportive at best. Ribbon-cutting, patron of this and that and very much second place to his older sibling. While William and Kate's children are styled 'Prince' and 'Princess', Harry and Meghan's new arrival will simply be 'Master' or 'Miss'. The danger for the 'second' family is that they remain mere celebrities, adjuncts to the main event, a role they seem happy enough to take on at the moment, but which the British public may not wish to support in years to come. Meghan is a media darling for now, but the current backlash at her American ways, eye-poppingly expensive wardrobe and penchant for lavish trips may serve to trip her up eventually, leaving the British public to wonder why she is there at all. Outside the 'super six' Expand Close Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor, who let his younger brother become king / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor, who let his younger brother become king The enactment of the Perth Agreement in 2015 limited the immediate succession line to six individuals but it was George V, after World War I, who ruled that only children and grandchildren of those immediately in line to the throne and their spouses would carry 'royal highness' status - unless the sovereign of the day deigned otherwise. The current super six are Charles, William, his three children (George, Charlotte and Louis) and Harry, with little Archie one place outside the order of lineage that would have automatically carried a HRH style and allowed him a proper title of a Prince or Duke. Because of their perceived importance, the 'super six' must get the queen's permission before marrying or travelling abroad. Once Charles ascends to the throne, Harry will go 'up' and at this point his son may become titled in his own right. This is at the discretion of the monarch, and the future King Charles III has already expressed his desire to 'trim back' the upper echelons, bowing to public pressure over the years. Video of the Day Only the top four are granted 'Counsellor of State' privileges, or official stand-in for the queen. Harry's children would not normally be granted a formal title, although Archie could, if his parents wished, be styled Earl of Dumbarton as a courtesy (Harry's secondary title, granted for his marriage), making him Lord Archie, which some unkind detractors might suggest would be an excellent name for a pub. Both Harry and Meghan have declined to do so "at this time", although they could change their minds when their son turns 18 or 21. Queen Elizabeth relented the titles rules for her beloved second son, Prince Andrew (it's said he insisted), which is why his children are HRH Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, while her other children, Edward and Anne, turned down HRHs for their children, preferring them to have a 'normal' life. Throughout history, second sons have always had an uncertain role. Barring their necessity in the event of the heir not making it to the throne (which famously happened for Henry VIII - his older brother Arthur died suddenly and Henry not only got the throne but Arthur's wife, Catherine of Aragon into the bargain, and again with Edward VIII, who chucked it all in for another American divorcee - Wallis Simpson - leaving younger brother George VI to don the mantle of monarchy) the 'spare' creates a dilemma. Royal, but with second-string duties. Important, but not important enough. Governorship role? In previous times, an army career followed by a governorship was the well-worn path. It kept the 'spare' out of the way (a long way if necessary) and made him appear useful as well as bestowing a valuable allowance for 'royal duties'. There's certainly enough on offer - the Commonwealth is made up of 53 countries although the queen is only sovereign of 16 of them. Depending on how troublesome or otherwise the spares to the heir were, they could be dispatched as honorary head of Jamaica or Australia. When the Duke of Windsor (formerly Edward VIII) scandalously fraternised with Hitler, he was promptly dispatched by his brother to be governor of the Bahamas in 1940, keeping him under wraps until the end of the war. These days banishment is seen as a bit out of order for obvious reasons, however even as late as last month there was talk of Harry and his family being dispatched to Canada or even Africa in some unspecified 'good works' role. Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has wasted no time letting on what she thinks about her family's purpose: this is a celebrity opportunity on speed. Insta account, cute baby and a million pound wardrobe allowance... what's not to like? But already she has fallen foul of the po-faced court establishment, proving a little too 'out there' for comfort. The Sussexes' intense control of their 'brand' and media message may make them lose sight of their role (and value) to the British people. It is not enough to be a celebrity; they have a duty. Meghan's penchant for designer labels (her pregnancy alone cost up to 50,000 in maternity clothes alone), may put her and her family in danger of being seen as a drain on the royal purse, for limited return. The Sovereign Grant replaced the Civil List in 2012, providing the queen with funds to run the palaces, travel, communications and duties of the family. Some of it goes to the Sussexes, in return for public duties (and so they don't have to debase themselves with getting an actual job). But in reality, it's not enough and Prince Charles funds both Kate and Meghan's wardrobes from his Duchy of Cornwall income, which has an annual profit of around 20m. In truth, they're only as tolerated as the public allow. So, what of little Archie? Where does his future lie? Well, a similar one to James Wessex, Peter Phillips or David Linley most likely. Never heard of them? Don't worry, they turn up at births, weddings and funerals with 'proper' jobs to support themselves. They're all children of 'lesser' siblings in the royal round up and aren't directly funded by the UK taxpayer. Trimmed back royal family Expand Close Current heirs Prince William and George with Kate and Charlotte / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Current heirs Prince William and George with Kate and Charlotte Archie Mountbatten-Windsor (or Archie Sussex, as he may be known in school), will have a charmed life. Prep school, followed by Eton, Oxbridge and the army/navy; a range of charitable endeavours and honorary patronages and income as a gallery owner, city financier or country squire awaits him. He'll be expected to acquire a wife and 2.4 children, a few dogs and horses and, unless he upsets the apple cart, will simply join the aristos with whom he'll be carefully reared. It's a far cry from Victorian times (eight of Queen Vic's nine children became monarchs or married into royal families of Europe); these days it's a very trimmed-back royal family that Archie is joining. Although, for the time being at least, his value is eclipsed by his very 21st century celebrity. The danger is that he could end up with the worst of both worlds - too royal to be allowed mistakes, not royal enough to be anonymous when he makes them. Released French hostage Patrick Picque gets out of a plane to be welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron (Francois Guillot/Pool/AP) President Emmanuel Macron greeted three former hostages as they arrived on French soil, one day after a military operation freed them in Burkina Faso. The pre-dawn rescue cost the lives of two French special forces officers, as well as four terrorists. The two French citizens, tourists Patrick Picque and Laurent Lassimouillas, as well as an unidentified South Korean national, arrived at Villacoublay military airport. The French tourists failed to return from a visit last week to the Pendjari National Park wildlife reserve in Benin, and their guide was discovered dead. Expand Close French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, a South Korean hostage, French Defence Minister Florence Parly, and freed French hostage Laurent Lassimouillas walk on the tarmac at Villacoublays military airport (Francois Guillot/Pool/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, a South Korean hostage, French Defence Minister Florence Parly, and freed French hostage Laurent Lassimouillas walk on the tarmac at Villacoublays military airport (Francois Guillot/Pool/AP) Officials said the hostages and their captors were in transit in Burkina Faso and the kidnappers intended to take them to Mali. Mr Macron, who attended their arrival in France alongside Defence Minister Florence Parly, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Army Chief of Staff Francois Lecointre, did not make a statement and will address the hostages ordeal and the soldiers deaths publicly next week. A military ceremony for the commandos is planned. A fourth hostage, an American woman, was also successfully rescued. It was not immediately known when and where the American and the South Korean were kidnapped. Ms Parly called the rescue an operation of rare difficulty that grew more complex with the discovery of the American and South Korean hostages being held with the French citizens. Expand Close A freed South Korean hostage with French President Emmanuel Macron (Francois Guillot/Pool/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A freed South Korean hostage with French President Emmanuel Macron (Francois Guillot/Pool/AP) Earlier on Saturday, Burkina Faso President Roch Kabore received the French and South Korean citizens in the presidential palace in the capital, Ouagadougou. He tweeted on Saturday he wished them a safe return to their respective families. Mr Macron has thanked authorities in Burkina Faso and Benin for their cooperation and promised them support in fighting terrorism. Unidentified gunmen have shot and killed a female journalist and adviser to the country's parliament in the capital Kabul. Mena Mangal, a cultural adviser for the lower house of the parliament and former TV presenter, was killed when she was on her way to work Saturday morning, according to Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman for the interior ministry. Mr Rahimi said one or possibly more assailants escaped form the scene. Kabul police have launched an investigation. No-one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Kabul police say that it is not clear whether the murder was a terror act or the result of a personal dispute. Both Islamic State group and Taliban militants regularly carry out attacks in the capital. More to follow Sorokin's scams were innovative and rather successful, getting her into some of the hottest events in Manhattan. Photo: Steven Hirsch/Pool via REUTERS Infamous wannabe Manhattan 'it-girl' Anna Sorokin, also known as Anna Delvey, has been sentenced from four to 12 years for her financial schemes involving New York banks and hotels. Sorokin attempted to live a life of glitz and glam, posing as a German heiress with a $60m (53m) trust fund behind her, but her appearance was far from her reality. Promising payment via wire transfer, Sorokin would rent rooms and eat at restaurants with some of New York's well-known socialites, but that payment would always fall through. Sorokin's scams were innovative and rather successful, getting her into some of the hottest events in Manhattan. A former 'Vanity Fair' photo-editor went on vacation with Sorokin to Morocco and ended up footing the entire $69,000 bill. Sorokin attempted to obtain several million-dollar loans to open an 'arts and culture' club, for which she was rejected, but managed to obtain a $100,000 loan which she used for a high-end shopping spree. Assistant district attorney Catherine McCaw said: "The defendant didn't want to live an ordinary life, and she was willing to steal in order to get that." Sorokin (28) has been ordered to repay nearly $200,000 in restitution, in addition to a $24,000 fine. She was found guilty of multiple charges of fraud in April, including grand larceny and theft of services. Judge Diane Kiesel noted that she herself was "stunned by the depth of the defendant's deception". The 'Guardian' reported Immigration and Customs Enforcement has stated that they intend to deport Sorokin, who was born in Russia, back to Germany after she serves out her sentence as the faux-heiress overstayed her 2017 visa. Sorokin's story has been closely followed by the media, in similar fashion to Fyre Festival's Billy McFarland. Profiles at fashion magazines focused on Sorokin's 'summer of scam', while both Netflix and HBO are producing series on Sorokin. 'If Trump has indeed ordered agencies to do what he has said publicly - oppose all subpoenas - he is engaged in an unprecedented, across-the-board assault on the Constitution.' (Photo: PA) President Donald Trump has taken comfort in and Democrats have been tempered by polls showing that impeachment is unpopular with the American people. It's easy to believe that what is true now will continue, but what if events play a significant role in how Americans perceive impeachment? Might they become convinced that Trump is a menace and that Vice President Mike Pence would be a far superior incumbent who would not, as his boss does, risk dragging them all down to defeat? A new poll suggests opinion on impeachment may be malleable. Reuters reports, "The number of Americans who said President Donald Trump should be impeached rose five percentage points to 45pc since mid-April." In the weeks since the redacted report came out, several developments may have affected voters' thinking. At least voters outside the Fox News bubble know that, far from exonerating Trump, special counsel Robert Mueller found substantial evidence of obstruction of justice. Hundreds upon hundreds of prosecutors have weighed in, affirming they would have brought charges if not for the Office of Legal Counsel memo. And Attorney General William Barr has performed dreadfully at a pair of hearings, evading and double-talking his way around the actual findings in the report. Now imagine if Mueller and then former White House counsel Donald McGahn testify, reaffirming the mountain of evidence that Trump tried to influence witnesses, sought to fire Mueller and tried to curtail the investigation. Surely that would be gripping TV. Moreover, as Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said, Trump's continued conduct blocking Barr and McGahn from testifying adds to the impression that he is obstructing investigation of his wrongdoing and hiding incriminating information. Indeed at his news conference following the contempt vote, Democrat House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler suggested the White House is not stonewalling merely on the Russia probe: "This year, we have gotten not one page of information in response to any subpoena, nor have any other committees in the House. There have been absolutely not one single page." If Trump has indeed ordered agencies to do what he has said publicly - oppose all subpoenas - he is engaged in an unprecedented, across-the-board assault on the Constitution. If he intends to raise bad faith claims of executive privilege to avoid responding to any subpoenas - even on topics unrelated to Russia - he has gone one step further than Richard Nixon. (Pelosi reiterated this at her Thursday news conference: "And now we're not even talking about isolated situations. We're talking about a cumulative effect of obstruction that the administration is engaged in and the president declaring that he is not going to honour any subpoenas from the Congress.") Perhaps this behaviour will impress the public, making the case that he not only has something (or some things) to hide but also is willing to shred the Constitution to stay in power. In taking Trump to court, pressing methodically ahead, calling key witnesses (eg. McGahn, Mueller) and obtaining the entire special counsel report, Congress is following precisely the same process as it did in Watergate. Pelosi's determination to take this step by step preserves the House's option to later institute impeachment hearings, gives the American people a tutorial in Trump's misconduct and is pushing Trump to undertake even more outlandish (and more impeachable) actions. Pelosi told reporters: "I think that what we want to do is get the facts. We want to do it in a way that is the least divisive to our country and the most productive. We're asking in the constitutional way for the administration to comply." For now, Trump continues to be his own worst enemy. ( Washington Post) A luxury hotel in Pakistan was attacked by insurgents (Danny Lawson/PA) Four insurgents armed with rifles and grenades have targeted a luxury hotel in Pakistan, triggering a lengthy shootout in which a security guard and the attackers were killed. A military spokesman said the gunmen attacked the Pearl Continental hotel in Baluchistan but all the guests were safely evacuated. The hotel guard was killed as the assailants opened fire with small arms. Expand Close The insurgents were armed with rifles and grenades (Danny Lawson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The insurgents were armed with rifles and grenades (Danny Lawson/PA) A Baluch separatist group, the Baluch Liberation Army, claimed responsibility, saying its four fighters were involved. In a statement, the group released pictures of the attackers, who authorities say were killed in the ensuing gun battle. All four of the terrorists have been killed, said a senior security official. The hotel is located near the port at Gwadar, which was built by Pakistan with Chinas help in recent years. Gwadar lies about 435 miles south west of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province. The region has been the scene of a low-level insurgency by separatists who demand a greater share of the provinces natural gas and mineral resources. The latest attack came weeks after Islamabad claimed that a group of militants crossed the border from neighbouring Iran and killed 14 security officials when they were on their way to Gwadar in buses. Pakistan at the time blamed a Baluch separatist group, Raji Aajoi Sangar, for the killings. In weird turn of events, A BJP woman leader was arrested in West Bengal's Howrah district for allegedly sharing a morphed picture of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on social media, police said on Friday. "Priyanka Sharma has been arrested for sharing morphed picture of the CM," a police official said. A complaint was lodged at Dasnagar Police station against Sharma, a BJP Yuva Morcha leader, accused of uploading and sharing Banerjee's morphed picture in her Facebook timeline and thereby violating community guidelines, an official of Howrah City police's Cyber Cell said. twitter In making meme of Banerjee, the accused allegedly used Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas's image at the MET Gala event. The theme for this year's MET Gala was 'Camp: Notes on Fashion'. afp Priyanka had brought whimsy and animation to the pink carpet with a vibrant, yet unique Dior gown at the event which is an annual fundraiser. Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have matched the 'Camp: Notes on Fashion' theme at the MET Gala, but the actress' shimmery avatar with an exaggerated hairdo didn't impress social media users who had a field day trolling her for picking the brave look. The theme for this year's MET Gala is 'Camp: Notes on Fashion'. It is inspired by Susan Sontag's 1964 essay "Notes on Camp". In her essay, Susan had explained: "The essence of Camp is its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration." As per this, Priyanka got the look "spot on", said designer Wendell Rodricks. Priyanka brought whimsy and animation to the pink carpet with a vibrant, yet unique Dior gown at the event which is an annual fundraiser held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was a moment of mixed feelings, but, mostly emotional for producer Boney Kapoor. His late wife Sridevi's last movie 'Mom' released in China on Friday. He is hopeful that China will shower as much love to the movie that it found in India. Boney on Friday took to Twitter and wrote, "'Mom' releases in China today. An emotional moment for me. Thank you Zee Studios for spreading Sri's last film to such wider audiences. I hope people will connect with the film there too." Directed by Ravi Udyawar, the film shows Sridevi as a mother who sets out to ensure justice for her step-daughter, essayed by Pakistani actress Sajal Ali, who was gang raped. Mom was Sridevi's last film and it also turned out be an incredible one as she won the Best Actress National Award posthumously for her role in the movie. The film was previously released in 40 regions including Poland, Russia, the UK, the US, Singapore and the Czech Republic. Veteran actress Sridevi passed away in February in Dubai. She was attending a family function when she reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest.Sridevi has known for her performance is some of the iconic films like Mr India, Nagina, Sadma, Chaalbaaz, and Chandni, among many others. Ever since Boney Kapoor and the family lost Sridevi, they have been trying to cope up with the loss. Dealing with the grief isn't easy and it was visible in the letter that he wrote right after his beloved wife's demise. In his note, he wrote, "Losing a friend, wife, and mother of your two young daughters is a loss inexplicable in words. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers and all of you countless fans of my Sridevi who have stood by us like rocks. I am blessed to have the support and love of Arjun and Anshula, who have been such pillars of strength for myself, Khushi and Janhvi. ogether, as a family, we have tried to face this unbearable loss. To the world, she was their Chandni..the actor par excellence...their Sridevi..but to me she was my love, my friend, mother to our girls..my partner. She was the axis around which our family ran. As we bid goodbye to my beloved wife and Khushi & Janhvi's mama, I have a sincere request. Please respect our need to grieve privately. If you need to talk of Sri, let it be of the special memories that connect each of you to her." The house of Ram Naresh Bhurtiya in Bahraicha village is on the must-visit list of every candidate in Allahabad every election, and this one has been no different. The reason: the family is the largest in Sangam city and its suburbs. There are 82 members in my family. This time 66, including eight first-timers, will vote. All eligible members have always exercised our franchise. We usually go out to vote after lunch. The booth is at a nearby primary school, said a proud 98-year-old Ram Naresh as he cuddled five-year-old Honey, the youngest member of his family. toi Vipin, Ram Nareshs grandson and a visibly excited first-time voter, said his cousins and he were also among the first from the family to go to college. His uncle Ram Hriday, son of Ram Naresh, said two members of the family, employed in a private company in Mumbai, had returned to vote. Voting is an important reason to come home, Ram Hriday added. The family voices its problems every time a candidate comes around seeking support, but it has been in vain so far. We want to build a pucca house, but high-tension overhead cables are coming in the way. We have petitioned for relocation of electricity poles and transmission lines, but our complaint has fallen on deaf ears. We have still decided to vote so that we can raise the issue with our new representative, said Rama Shankar, a nephew of Ram Naresh. afp/representational image The Bhurtiyas amaze everyone by the power of sheer numbers. More than 15kg of rice and 10kg of wheat flour are cooked every day in a kitchen big enough to rustle up a community feast. Even presiding officers are surprised to see one family make a long queue. They look like a village fair, said a booth-level official. Members of the OBC community, the family banks on farming. But hopes are high that things will change once educated young members land government jobs. Last year, Rishika (name changed), a 12-year-old student of a reputed school in the national capital, began feeling restless. She knew something was not right and looked around for help but found none. Her working parents barely had time for her and the teachers in school would only discuss the syllabus and its completion. Six months later, she was diagnosed with acute depression. The doctors told her parents that in cases like Rishika's, early detention becomes a key to prevent acute depression. Rishika was depressed but it was the negligence of her school and family that made her condition worse. Rishika is one of the 12 to 13 percent school students in India- as per Indian Council of Medical Research- who suffer from emotional, behavioural, and learning problems. bccl/representational image Mental health is directly linked to educational outcomes. Schools can enhance the nature and scope of mental health interventions, fill gaps, enhance effectiveness, address problems early, and reduce stigma. According to a report by WHO, for every one million people, there are just three psychiatrists and even fewer psychologists. Despite the Central Board of Secondary Education guideline making it mandatory for schools to have counsellors on board, only three percent private schools, as per a report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), have actual appointment records. For the government schools, the situation is far worse. The question that stands tall in Rishika's case and hundreds of kids like her is- how could a school counsellor have helped? In a quest to answer this question, psychologists R. Venkatesan and Shyam S. conducted surveys in 101 national and international schools in Karnataka, only to find out that 19 out of the 101 had employed counsellors for the students. bccl/representational image Students fall victim to the stressful academic environment and the high expectations of their parents. It is debatable whether this rat-race brings out performance in students or not but what is clear from several researches is that it definitely brings out performance anxiety in them. That's when the need of a school counsellor becomes even more demanding. Dr. Anjana Dogre, Counsellor for Udgam School for Children adds, "the change in lifestyle, upbringing of kids, medical conditions, growth of technology, nuclear family, and lack of guidance from grandparents has led to a vacuum in childrens' lives, they need someone to confide their personal problems." School kids, who are at the peak of vulnerability at this age, need a neutral and non-judgemental counsellor who not only understands their feelings, but also helps them in ventilation of feelings and emotions. reuters/representational image The Capital's leading Senior Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Director of PALS, Deepali Batra says that schools are the logical point of entry to increase the efficacy of mental health services to children and adolescents. And yet the deployment of counsellors in schools remains as an elusive phenomenon in the country. Experts say psychological problems such as using gadgets excessively, insomnia, suicide attempts, depression, anxiety, school refusal, gaming disorder, substance abuse, relationship problems, conflict with parents, learning and behavioural problems are on rise. "Most of the children going through such emotional disturbances who receive mental health services at all, the school system has been the sole provider. Offering services in the schools improves access to treatment," says Batra. Children spend a majority of their time in school and their problems can be identified, dealt with, and improved through counselling thus, avoiding big damages. thinkstock/bccl/representational image "Most of the children going through such emotional disturbances who receive mental health services at all, the school system has been the sole provider. Offering services in the schools improves access to treatment," says Batra. Adding to that, school counsellor for Udgam School, Vidhi Shah stresses on the importance of counselling, for not just students, but also their parents who fail to even recognise their kids' problems, "parents are unable to bring a balance in their parenting approach and that, sadly plays with the child's emotional & mental well-being." So, what is it that counsellors do? Counsellors are not supposed to act as mentors-they don't brainwash or spoon-feed. Rather, counsellors advice their students, understand their side of the story, and offer other perspectives. This gives the child the space to learn and grow. In the present scenario, wherein the stress is so overbearing that one student commits suicide every hour in India, it is high time for the authorities and the parents to address this dire need of the hour. "Counsellors are real people with a real interest in helping students learn and grow," says Dr. Dongre. reuters/representational image Psychologists stress on the need to prioritize the needs of our kids as mere human beings first; students need to be looked upon as humans too, constantly dealing with emotions, insecurities, and anxieties. The teachers in today's times prefer limiting their classroom interaction to the syllabus and the students, who spend a majority of their time in school, end up suffocating in their own bubble of disillusionment, walled with books and examinations, says a Delhi University Professor. In a welcome move, a new Happiness Curriculum has been introduced in over 1,000 Delhi government schools between Nursery and Class 8. According to this, students will have a Happiness period which will be for a duration of 45 minutes. But the question still remains- are 45 minutes of mental exercises and meditation equivalent to a school counsellor? Pratap Sharan, a professor in the dept. of psychiatry, AIIMS says, "if implemented well, the Happiness Curriculum should make a difference." Studies suggest that stress management advances can decrease depression and anxiety. bccl/representational image But then the fact still remains the same, counselling is still as important because the human capital development requires inputs into training as well as health, as ill health impedes learning. Simply put: "healthy (happy) students study better." Dr. Sharan's statement raises concerns for the mental well-being of the youth of our nation. What are we as parents, school authorities, and the policy makers of India doing to produce healthy and happy students. Are initiatives like the Happiness Curriculum enough? Or do we need more? Poorvi Gaur is a freelance contributor for Indiatimes Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11) A vice mayoralty candidate's aide was killed in an ambush in Oriental Mindoro while on his way to a campaign sortie on Saturday. Police identified the victim as Benjamin Alegria, 38, nephew and personal body guard of Marlo Nuarin who is running for Victoria town vice mayor under ruling PDP-Laban party. Police said Alegria was on his way to a campaign event in Barangay Villa Cerveza, along with three companions, when they were blocked by six still unidentified assailants who asked them to alight the vehicle. The victim was shot twice, police said, while his companions were forced to leave the crime scene. Authorities are now hunting down the suspects, who fled on a white van which had no license plate. The incident happened two days before the May 13 midterm elections. The Philippine National Police has recorded a total of 43 election-related violent incidents as of Saturday, with 20 killed and 24 injured. Journalist Ron Lozano contributed to this report. UK-based philanthropic group Khalsa Aid have been helping people in distress for quite some time now. From helping those affected by Cyclone Fani to providing Malawi residents with potable drinking water, they have been earning plaudits from world over. Another incident of their heartfelt gesture has come to the fore. Khalsa Aid have gifted copies of the Holy Quran to people living in a refugee camp in Iraq, the Indian Express reported. Khalsa Aid Muslime around the world are celebrating the holy month of Ramzaan that commemorates the first revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad. The Khalsa Aid volunteers were distributing food packets for Iftar to the refugee camp residents. The manager of the camp had asked Khalsa Aid if they could arrange for the Quran. The volunteers managed to arrange for the same and video of Khalsa Aid volunteers handing out the Quran went viral in no time as netizens appreciated the group's gesture. The Twitter account of Khalsa Aid shared the video. "This week our team delivered 5 copies of the holy book #Quran and pray mats to a camp near #Mosul, #Iraq as per the request of the camp manager where we also distributed food packs for the month of #Ramadan2019 #Iftar", they had captioned earning praises from other users. This week our team delivered 5 copies of the holy book #Quran and pray mats to a camp near #Mosul, #Iraq as per the request of the camp manager where we also distributed food packs for the month of #Ramadan2019 #Iftar pic.twitter.com/eV5YveAx8A Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) May 9, 2019 Zindabad zinda insaano. Aap par naaz hae humko or insha'Allah rahaega.. MD.Yousuf. (@mdusaf) May 9, 2019 You're fantastic Jozef K. (@srecniprinc) May 9, 2019 This is so inspiring. How can I donate to your work @Khalsa_Aid. As a Muslim, I am truly inspired. Mash Joy (@MashJoy1) May 9, 2019 Such acts of kindness help us restore our faith in humanity. Cyclone Fani caused massive destruction in Odisha with thousands of electricity poles were uprooted across the state. As of now, majority sections of cyclone-ravaged Odisha continue to reel under the intense heat wave with no electricity even eight days after Cyclone Fani. Read more Here's more top news of the day: 1) Proud Moment! India Is Developing The World's Largest Telescope unsplash/representational image India is playing a key role in the design and development of the worlds largest optical telescopethe Thirty Meter Telescope, or TMT, to be built at Mauna Kea in Hawaii. Read more 2) 66 Members Of Allahabad's Biggest Family Will Vote In These Elections, Including 8 First-Time Voters toi The house of Ram Naresh Bhurtiya in Bahraicha village is on the must-visit list of every candidate in Allahabad every election, and this one has been no different. The reason: the family is the largest in Sangam city and its suburbs. Read more 3) Medical Student Failed In Exam & Demanded Fee From His Girlfriend For Distracting Him unsplash/representational image A 21-year old student of Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery was booked by city police on charges of extortion, criminal intimidation and cheating after he blamed his girlfriend for his poor results and started demanding money for compensating him for the fees he paid for the first year of his course. Read more 4) 5,000 Super Rich Indians Left Country In 2018 & Settled Down In Foreign Countries bccl/representational image India, where 48 per cent of the country's wealth is accumulated in the hands of high net worth individuals, is witnessing a drain of millionaires. The country is among the world's top countries in wealth creation, according to a 2008 data. Read more 5) Soon, You Can Turn Into A Part-Time Cabbie As Govt May Allow You To Ferry Passengers unsplash/representational image This is part of the initiative to push shared mobility as the transport ministry gets down to framing a policy for 'vehicle pooling' in its bid to reduce private vehicles on roads. Read more Around the world, startups and companies are exploring how they can use drones for a variety of purposes. Of course, most countries are still solidifying laws regarding these contraptions, so it's a little slow. Africa on the other hand is already in 2050 as far as drones go. Zipline Some like Amazon are looking at using drones to automate last-mile deliveries. Scientists meanwhile are developing them to be wartime assistance, emergency rescue deployments, and more. In India, we're even looking at drones to replace people in some of the most dangerous and inhumane jobs in the country. In the African country of Rwanda however, drones are already working miracles. Take Zipline for instance, a California-based drone startup. They've partnered with the country's ministry of health to make emergency medical deliveries using drones. Particularly, they're looking at delivering blood to remote hospitals for transfusions, when their stock runs dry. So far, Zipline has delivered over 5,500 units of blood as of January last year, cutting hours-long delivery times to just 25 minutes or so. They estimate they've helped more than five-million people in grave need. Now, they're looking to expand their operations to North America. Uhuru Labs Then there's also Uhuru Labs, founded by a Tanzanian national by the name of Frederick Mbuya. He was the first in the country to realise the value of using drones for things like surveying land. His startup provides entrepreneurs a cheap and easy way to survey farmland, map topography, and even carry out studies based on data the drone gathers. Normally, this sort of surveying is carried out by traditional aircraft. Instead, Uhuru Labs provides a cheaper alternative for other startups, and even government initiatives, to make use of. In the future, once we have concrete laws down, perhaps we'll see drones playing a bigger part in everyday life. Maybe you'll be able to order groceries from an app that will deliver them to your doorstep by drone. Perhaps it'll be automated drones patrolling Indian roads and pavements to keep them clean. And perhaps it'll be something we haven't even dreamed up yet. In a shocking incident, a second-grade teacher at Glen Park School, San Francisco who suffering from breast cancer is on sick leave but she still has to pay the school authorities for her substitute. After learning about the incident, parents of a student expressed outrage. She has taken sick leave for an year and has been paying nearly Rs 13,986 a day for her replacement, in accordance with the state law, local news reports said. The parents who has a daughter in kindergarten and another in third grade in the same school were outraged and told the San Francisco Chronicle that There must be some mistake. Twitter A school district spokeswoman, however, told AFP that the payment was not unusual and was in line with state law."This is not unique to San Francisco," Laura Dudnick said in a statement. "This is not a district-only rule." Dudnik explained that the teachers in the district only get 10 days of sick leave a year and can carry over those sick days year after year if they dont use it. Once those sick days are used, teachers are then eligible for 100 days of extended sick leave, during which they are entitled to their full pay, minus the cost of a substitute. On learning about this, the parents began raising money for the teacher last month. A GoFundMe campaign also raised Rs 9,79,055 and some school children are also planning bake sales to raise more funds for the teacher. "I just feel sad that from what I heard, she is a very good teacher and I just feel sad what's going on (with) her," Narciso Flores-Diaz, a parent, told NBC Bay Area on Wednesday. "Our school is pulling together to help her and to make her feel that she's not alone." The GoFundMe page said that the parents are supporting the teacher as she has nurtured our children and now it is time for us to take care of her. Representational Image Just a few days after her surgery, she took the time to write out 22 completely personalized notes to the students in the class thanking them for their support, telling them she missed them dearly and encouraging them to continue working hard, the campaign said. "As always, we look forward to making improvements in this and other parts of the contract," Susan Solomon, president of the United Educators of San Francisco, told the Chronicle. Have you ever imagined what happens if a pilot becomes unconscious while flying a plane? Sounds dangerous, right? In a similar dangerous incident, a trainee pilot flew unconscious for about 40 minutes above the Adelaide airport in Australia after he skipped breakfast on the morning of the flight. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its report of the incident which took place on March 9. The ATSB stated the reason for the incident and said that the trainee pilot hadnt slept much the night before the flight and had only consumed a chocolate bar, an energy drink and some water. Twitter He was flying solo from Port Augusta Airport in South Australia to Parafield Airport outside Adelaide when the incident occurred. "Prior to the flight, the pilot had suffered from a restless night of sleep and was recovering from a mild cold," the ATSB stated. Around 40 minutes into the journey while flying at 5,500 feet, he got a headache and engaged the autopilot, Australia's ABC News reported. The Diamond DA40 aircraft entered Adelaides controlled airspace without clearance at about 11:00 am and the Air Traffic Control made multiple attempts to contact the pilot but there was no response from his side, said the ATSB. Twitter Another plane nearby then spotted the aircraft, which was then flying over southwest of Adelaide, and reported that the pilot had regained consciousness. The pilot then returned to Parafield Airport. Following the incident, Flight Training Adelaide told the ATSB it would implement several safety actions, including requiring students to log their hours of sleep in the previous 24 and 48 hours, the time when their last meal was consumed and the type of meal. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Sixty is the new 45, 80 is the new 60, and 100 is well, really dang old. But even centenarians know that once you stop learning, you star... The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the presentation of a leadership award to President Muhammadu Buhari by governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an endorsement of failure. According to the PDP, the award is shameful and an unprofitable celebration. In a statement on Friday, the opposition party via its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan said, it is disturbing that at a time genuine leaders are exerting themselves for solutions to the myriads of crisis plaguing our nation, those elected on the platform of the APC are busy playing to gallery and acting scripts. Read full statement below It is totally disgraceful that Mr. Presidents handlers could conjure such scandalous whitewashing project to gloat on Nigerians at a time they (Nigerians) are extremely hurting over the prevalent economic hardship, hunger, disappointments, failures and humongous corruption, that have become the hallmark of the Buhari administration. The PDP holds that by allowing themselves to be used for such image laundering for President Buhari in the face of his failures to find solution for the killings and kidnappings in Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina and other states of the federation, the APC governors have again exhibited their partys unpardonable insensitivity and disdain for Nigerians. It is disturbing that at a time genuine leaders are exerting themselves for solutions to the myriads of crisis plaguing our nation, those elected on the platform of the APC are busy playing to gallery and acting scripts while our nation continue to slide; the very reason Nigerians voted for Atiku Abubakar on February 23, as their preferred presidential candidate. The Buhari Presidency and the APC have chosen to engage in endless unprofitable celebrations in the safety of Aso Villa while Nigerians are left at the mercies of bandits, kidnappers, marauders and insurgents in their homes and workplaces. The PDP counsels President Buhari to end the circus at the Presidency and face the stark reality of the dejection, despondency and misery Nigerians have been subjected to due to his incompetence as well as insensitivity to the plight of the citizens, the partys statement read in parts. President Muhammadu Buhari was honoured by the progressive governors forum with an award in recognition of his stellar leadership qualities since he assumed power in 2013. According to the presidential aide on social media, Lauretta Onochie, who shared the news via her Twitter handle she said the governors are happy with Buhari because he put an end to their ordeal in the hands of ex-presidents who refused to pay the Paris Club refund refunded funds spent on federal roads, etc. Her tweet: Pres. @Mbuhari received an Award from the Progressive Governors Forum in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities. He put an end to their ordeal in the hands of ex-presidents who refused to pay the Paris Club refund refunded funds spent on federal roads, etc Congrats pic.twitter.com/CgUSBxgI64 Lauretta Onochie (@Laurestar) May 10, 2019 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js There have been speculations that President Muhammadu Buhari has gone against All Progressives Congress(APC) National chairman, Bola Tinubu. Tinubu, who was a vital tool in the election of Buhari in 2015 and reelection bid in 2019 Was reportedly dumped after Buhari won in 2015 and same, is said to have occurred after the 2019 election. The speculation came to boil, after Kaduna state governor, Nasir El-Rufai during a programme in Lagos said he would teach Lagosians how to overcome terrorism. This was after Tinubu, also a former Lagos state governor failed to show up when the President came to Lagos to commission some major projects in April. Tinubu had become a subject of mockery, as some Nigerians started trolling him about his relationship with the president and other top party members from the North. However, this evening, the president broke the Ramadan fast with the APC National Leader at the State House, Abuja. Social media has gone ablaze after reports that wife of Ghanaian movie actor, Chris Attohs wife, Bettie Jennifer was shot dead in the United States. Bettie Jenifer of Bowie(44) was shot in the head by an unknown gunman at the parking lot of her office building in Maryland on Friday evening, NBC Washington reports. Police were searching for a gunman who fatally shot a woman in the head in the parking lot of a Maryland office building Friday, said the news outlet. The woman, identified as 44-year-old Bettie Jenifer of Bowie, had left the office in the 6300 blocks of Ivy Lane and was walking to her car when a man armed with a handgun approached her, the Greenbelt police department said. Bettie reportedly tried to run away, but the gunman followed her firing at her multiple times, with at least one shot fatally hitting her. The actors wife was pronounced dead before police arrived at the scene of the crime. The shooter reportedly this build man, fled the scene immediately. While some are pointing accusing fingers at the actor, others are simply shocked by the news. See some reactions https://twitter.com/OyooQuartey/status/1127135276688662528?s=19 https://twitter.com/Emmanue84173638/status/1127141336610680832?s=19 Chris Attoh is cursed Blo-pa! (@jrblopa) May 11, 2019 https://twitter.com/GhPromoter/status/1127130335853142016?s=19 https://twitter.com/BlessJunior_1/status/1127133255197761536?s=19 The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has faulted the presentation of the award by the Progressive Governors Forum to President Muhammadu Buhari and described as an unprofitable celebration of failure. Kola Ologbondiyan, the spokesman for the opposition Party(PDP) added that while Nigerians are still engulfed in myriads of crisis plaguing the nation, those elected on the platform of the APC are busy playing to the gallery and acting scripts His words: This solicited award is another failed image-laundering and botched endorsement by the @ MBuhari Presidency, which is being confronted by the weight of public rejection for its failures and the rigging of the February 23, Presidential elections. The presentation of a leadership award to President @ MBuhari by governors of the @ OfficialAPCNg is a shameful endorsement of failure; the height of deception and a spat on the graves of victims of unrestrained killings and bloodletting in various parts of our nation. See tweet: The presentation of a leadership award to President @MBuhari by governors of the @OfficialAPCNg is a shameful endorsement of failure; the height of deception and a spat on the graves of victims of unrestrained killings and bloodletting in various parts of our nation. pic.twitter.com/WU6vlnQaL7 Official PDP Nigeria (@OfficialPDPNig) May 10, 2019 Wife of a Ghanaian movie actor, Chris Attohs wife, Bettie Jennifer has reportedly been shot dead in the United States. Bettie Jenifer of Bowie was shot in the head by an unknown gunman at the parking lot of her office building in Maryland on Friday evening, NBC Washington reports. Police were searching for a gunman who fatally shot a woman in the head in the parking lot of a Maryland office building Friday, said the news outlet. The woman, identified as 44-year-old Bettie Jenifer of Bowie, had left the office in the 6300 blocks of Ivy Lane and was walking to her car when a man armed with a handgun approached her, the Greenbelt police department said. Bettie reportedly tried to run away, but the gunman followed her firing at her multiple times, with at least one shot fatally hitting her. The actors wife was pronounced dead before police arrived at the scene of the crime. The shooter reportedly this build man, fled the scene immediately. The man was described as black and having a thin build with black hair. He was wearing dark clothing and may have been in a blue car, it added. Vanguard Following civil unrest in some Bauchi communities that have claimed 3 lives, the Governor of Bauchi state, Muhammed Abubakar has imposed a curfew on Gudum Fulani, Gudum Hausawa, Gudum Sayawa and Bigi communities in Bauchi local government of Bauchi state. Thisday President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday evening hosted the national leader of the All Progressives Congress Bola Tinubu, at the State House where broke Ramadan fast with the APC leader The Sun His Majesty, Eze (Dr) Cletus Ilomuanya, the Obi of Obinugwu, Imo state, has condemned the spate of killings, and banditry in the country. Eze Ilomuanya, who is also the Chairman, Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum, and Chancellor, Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, urged the incoming governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihediohas to restore every institution, which according to him, has been destroyed by the outgoing governor, Rochas Okorocha. In this interview with Vivian Onyebukwa and George Onyejiuwa, he explained his problems with the Imo governor, though he said he has forgiven him. Daily Times As the controversy surrounding the decentralisation of Kano Emirate following the creation of four new of Emirates by the administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State deepens, the governor has clarified on why he took the decision and has dismissed insinuations of vendetta against Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamudo Sanusi II. Leadership The Nasarawa state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the State Government to adopt a contributory pension system to safeguard the future of its workers. Daily Trust Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South in the Senate, has been vociferous in his quest to become president of the 9th Senate, despite the endorsement of the current Senate Leader for the position. The Nation No fewer than three persons were reported dead in a communal clash between Gudum Sayawa and Gudum Hausawa Communities in Bauchi. Tribune DISCIPLINARY action will be taken against the policemen who whisked away the Chief Priest of Okhuaihe shrine at Evbokhoi, Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State , Chief Osarodion Usuanlele, the Ohen N Ukoni Neyedo to the Police headquarters in Benin for questioning, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. DanMallam Mohammed, has assured. Fast-rising Nigerian artist, Naira Marley who was arrested alongside Zanku crooner, Zlatan Ibile, Rahman Jago and two others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) in the earlier hours of yesterday, has made a shocking disclosure that he has been arrested 124 times while he was in England. He made this known shortly after he was released from the custody of the anti-graft agency. His word: In his words, Lemme tell You, you dont know me, I have been arrested 124 times in England and I am not doing any other type of music, No slow songs, no love songs, just street music. Video below: A Facebook user Mystik Biu has shared the pathetic story of how three Uni Abuja students left their friend while he was drowning in a swimming pool. The story: We live in very trying and perilous times. A very dear friends undergraduates 17yr old son got drowned at the Dome hotel pool in Abuja last weekend. He was in the company of his friends. The friends didnt report to the hotel mgt what happened nor to the deceaseds (Emmanuel Balogun) parents. They went back to the school (Uni Abuja) hostel immediately after the incident. On Monday a young girl from uni Abuja called the mother of the deceased that they did not see Emmanuel her son in class. She went further to tell the parents its like something has happened to Emma and ended the call. The mother called back the line but it was switched off. She notified her husband & they immediately placed a call to their sons number and it was off. They drove that Monday night to their sons hostel but met his absence. They now got information that a party was thrown for fresh year students over the weekend at the Dome hotel in town. They set forth for the hotel. The hotel mgt told them there was a case of drowning in their hotel over the whend & directed them to the police. The police now led them to the mortuary, lo & behold it was their son. Yesterday morning, I & the deceased uncle went to the police to see the CCTV footage of what transpired @ the hotel. What I saw and later heard yesterday was unbelievable. From the CCTV, we noticed the deceased entered the pool with 3 of his friends and around 3.33am he started struggling in the pool. His friends were all watching him until he stopped struggling and drowned. They all left the pool immediately and one took his handset the other took his trousers and brought out the money inside the pocket and wore his shoes. They left the hotel around 4.18am according to the footage we saw. The police went to the school & effected the arrest of the trio and mgt of the hotel. At the DIGs office yesterday afternoon, I heard something that has been giving me cold shivers all through yesterday and right now. One of the boys said that he wanted to raise an alarm to save the boy but the other two boys asked him not to. That the deceased is always doing shakara because of his father his rich, he went further to say that the other one said all the girls are always admiring the deceased so he should let him be dead. This is just mere 17/18yr old boys ???. Watching the CCTV footage where the friends were watching him drown and collectively decided, cos there was a time they grouped together to discuss for about a minute & from the confession of one of them is not only traumatic for me but also disheartening. They watched their Friend die out of jealousy & envy ?. According to them, it was the deceased that paid 2k each gate fee for them and also bought fish and juice which they all drank. This is mere teenagers with that kind of heart. My people, be extra careful for people you call your friends. According to the DIG, A lot of people are being murdered daily cos of envy from friends. No doubt, There are good and wonderful friends but also, know ye, there are also friend-enemy everywhere. So be extra careful and prayerful cos the love of many has really waxed cold. ??. The young man was buried today amid tears? according to the wishes of his parents but his wicked friends & hotel mgt are still in police custody at the force headquarters as we speak. May none of us bury any of our children or young ones in Jesus name. Amen. Beware of jealous & Envious friends they are more lethal and toxic than acid. ????????????. Below ?? is the picture of the young man whose death would have been avoided. ?? A mother of three and her lover who doubles as her the pastor of her church has been sentenced to death for the murder of her husband by a Federal high court sitting in Benin City, Edo state. According to the prosecuting counsel, the lady simply identified as Eniobong Isonguyo planned with the pastor, Udoka Ukachukwu, on how to eliminate the husband so as to cover up for her pregnancy. The deceased was said to be a staff of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) until his demise. The murder as narrated by the prosecution counsel below: In his words; If youre so attached to Game of Thrones that youre getting angry with me, then who are you worshipping? GOD or GOT? One letter makes a big difference. And that one letter change can make a big difference when you stand before GOD on that day. Dear Game of Thrones fans (who say theyre Christians), please forgive me in advance. Im not a fan of GOT. Just watched a few episodes years ago. But I came across some statistics and facts that may interest you. Interesting Stats: 865 deaths 17 rapes (including attempted ones) 144 scenes of naked people (with 83.7% being women) Interesting Facts: In 2016, HBO was in a legal battle with the porn website, PornHub, over the sites use of sexually explicit clips from GAME OF THRONES, which HBO states breaches their copyright of the content. According to data from PornHub, the site saw a 4% drop in traffic (that is, a drop of about 2.4 million viewers) during Game of Thrones season 6 premiere back in April. The site saw similar traffic dips over the next four weeks when new episodes aired, suggesting that people are, presumably, watching the show instead of porn. There are a LOT of porn stars in Game Of Thrones. Jessica Jenson and Samantha Bentley, winner of the Adult Video News Award for Best Group Sex Scene, have both played prostitutes on the show. Australian amateur porn actress Aeryn Walker was also cast as one of Crasters many wives. While Sibel Kekilli, who has played Shae also starred in adult films in the past. Dear Christian and Game of Thrones fan, is this the kind of content you want to fill your mind with? What happened to Philippians 4:8? Is this the kind of things you want your daughter or son to engage in? Rape, murder, and immorality? If youre so attached to Game of Thrones that youre getting angry with me, then who are you worshipping? GOD or GOT? One letter makes a big difference. And that one letter change can make a big difference when you stand before GOD on that day. PGDB chief executive Martin Sawyers said work undertaken by unauthorised tradespeople not only risks their familys health and safety but may also invalidate their insurance policy. Read more: Government suggests insurance reforms for new build homes PGDB noted unauthorised restricted sanitary plumbing work carries a maximum fine of $10,000. It detailed the case of Aigus Vanags, who after submitting a guilty plea was sentenced by the Christchurch District Court to a $675 fine for carrying out restricted plumbing work without authorisation. He was ordered to pay $130 in court costs and $226 for solicitors fees. To stay safe and avoid the risk, it takes one simple action ask to sight a licence card, Sawyers added. It states the credentials of a tradesperson and the type of work they are authorised to carry out. For its part, the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) also warned of the use of unregistered and unqualified persons to do sanitary plumbing, gasfitting or drainage work. Doing so may invalidate the propertys insurance cover in the event of a loss resulting from the work undertaken, the ICNZ added. Last weeks Government decision to award the national broadband plan contract to Granahan McCourt wasnt the only big recent announcement about improving rural connectivity. On April 27, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan launched an important Airband broadband project at Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Co Cavan. The Airband story is important because it illustrates the huge challenge for the Government to extend high-speed broadband nationwide, and because it is how one of the worlds biggest companies would tackle this challenge. That company is Microsoft, the worlds largest computer software maker. Microsoft shares with rural dwellers worldwide the frustration of missing out on the connectivity which is taken for granted in urban areas. The company knows better than most that a high-speed broadband connection to the internet is needed to do well in todays ever more digital world of cloud computing and other advances enabling humankind to do more, and do it more quickly. Microsoft was frustrated to see this service, as critical as a phone or electricity, still unavailable to roughly 25 million Americans, more than 19 million of which live in rural communities. Despite public investment in the US of more than $22 billion in subsidies and grants to telecommunications carriers to improve broadband in rural America, adoption of broadband didnt budge much since 2013. Theres an inability to build out the last mile of digital infrastructure that communities need to run a modern business, access tele-medicine, take an online class, digitally transform their farm, or research a school project. Its no coincidence that US Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data shows the highest unemployment rates are frequently in the counties with the lowest availability of broadband. So Microsoft came up with the Airband plan to solve the broadband gap. Its based on using wireless technology to bridge the broadband divide. It was wireless technology that delivered universal adoption of radio and colour broadcast television in 25 years. In contrast, wired technologies like phone landlines, electricity, cable or broadband, typically plateau at 70% penetration in the US, before bridging the last mile. Meanwhile, mobile phones neared 100% penetration in 14 years, and smartphones in just eight years, in the US. The particular wireless technology favoured for the Microsoft Airband plan is to use TV white spaces. This is unused spectrum in the UHF television bands. Its what enables wireless signals to travel over hills and through buildings and trees. Its why rural people could watch TV long before satellite TV arrived. And its not just for the US. Microsoft has deployed 20 TV white spaces projects in 17 countries, that have served 185,000 users. In the US, work has been done to prepare for using this spectrum to scale in an affordable way. Microsoft and others have worked to perfect the hardware and software, develop standards, and innovate for a practical business model. This market is now poised to accelerate, given the right steps, according to Microsoft, and TV white spaces will be the best approach to reach underserved, low-density, rural populations. The recommended mixed model combines wireless technologies including 4G and TV white spaces, traditional fibre-based connectivity, and satellite coverage, to extend rural broadband access. Using this approach, Microsoft has partnerships in 16 states that will bring broadband connectivity to more than one million rural residents for the first time. Falling cost is also giving the Airband Initiative momentum, with the price of a TV white spaces network connectivity device falling from $800 to less than $300 in 18 months. As a result of the progress, the Microsoft Airband target in the US has been increased from broadband access for two million rural people by July 2022 to three million. Microsoft says it will not enter the telecommunications business itself, or profit directly from these projects, but is prepared to invest and serve as a catalyst for broader market adoption of this new model. Cathriona Hallahan, MD, Microsoft Ireland and Teagasc Director Gerry Boyle, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding including a pilot Airband broadband initiative to improve rural connectivity, launched by EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, right. Welcoming Airband to Ireland, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan said there are almost 70 Airband projects in the US, South America and Africa. If the technology is successful in an Irish context, and I dont see why it shouldnt be, I think there is a real opportunity to be creative and look at new solutions, like Airband, to deliver the type of service that our more remote rural communities need and deserve. The Airband broadband pilot project in Co Cavan will provide remote internet connectivity to the Teagasc Agricultural College at Ballyhaise, and potentially some surrounding households. It will allow students at the college to access internet-based digital technology while in the fields and outbuildings across the 220-hectare campus. This gives them access to useful AI and data analytics, for better decision making. Later, advances in precision agriculture, big data, and artificial intelligence, will be enabled. It is the first project of its kind in Ireland, and will inform how a similar solution can be deployed in other Irish rural or agricultural settings. The pilot project will run for up to eight months. Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle said the project brings technology previously restricted to the classroom, in areas such as measurement and utilisation of grass, information which is then stored on the cloud, which can be captured on handheld devices in the field for immediate management decisions on how much grazing to give to animals. We are also delighted to be partnering with Microsoft on a range of other digital projects that will enable Irelands food sector to continue to grow in a manner that meets the highest standards of sustainability. Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director of Microsoft Ireland said: We are delighted to partner with Teagasc to develop a range of technology solutions to help farmers across the country benefit from digitisation. For the EU, and Commissioner Hogan, its part of one of the ten priorities the Commission set out five years ago to establish a functioning digital single market. Only 40% of rural homes in the EU have fast broadband, compared to 75% of urban areas. He welcomed a state body like Teagasc working with a technology company like Microsoft on solving the huge urban-rural gap in connectivity which the EU is working on. I will be watching the results closely, said Commissioner Hogan. The 60% of rural homes across Europe that are still waiting to participate fully in our growing digital single market deserve nothing but our best collaborative efforts. Today is a very good start. Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald has said people living in rural Ireland are fed up with promises being broken when it comes to broadband. Ms McDonald said the current plan approved by the government is not credible given the concerns of senior Department of Public Expenditure officials surround the cost. A prisoner released after a long sentence for drug- dealing soon carried out a burglary where he stole 30,000 worth of jewellery, and yesterday he was sent back to prison to start another sentence of four years. Wayne McNamara, of Beechtree Ave, Shanakiel, Cork, appeared at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where Judge Sean O Donnabhain jailed him for six years yesterday with the last two years suspended. He admitted burglary and the theft of jewellery at Westpoint, Shanakiel, being in possession of heroin, refusing to comply with a search by Detective Garda Michael Dolan at Gurranabraher station, and having no insurance at Hollyhill. Detective Garda Alan Johnston outlined evidence of the most serious offence the burglary. He said the house was completely ransacked and the large amount of jewellery included many items of high monetary and sentimental value. McNamara, aged 36, made no admissions to gardai and did not co-operate in any attempt to get the jewellery back for the owners. Det Garda Johnston said the defendant used a hurley to smash his way into the house and that CCTV from the surrounding area helped to link him to the crime. Judge O Donnabhain noted that McNamara was only released from prison a short time earlier, after serving a long sentence for drug-dealing, when he carried out this burglary. Det Garda Johnston said the owners did not make a victim impact statement but expressed through him their upset about the fact that items of sentimental value will not be recovered, their home was damaged, and the thought that someone had been in their home without their permission. Screening programmes should not be paused, the health minister has said, after several professional medical bodies warned their viability was under threat in the wake of a recent landmark High Court judgment. Instead, there should be a period of calm while the attorney general studies the judgment to see if it has legal implications for the wider health service, including diagnostics, said Simon Harris. The judgment, in the case of terminally ill Ruth Morrissey, requires screeners who read slides to have absolute confidence when deciding if a smear is negative, meaning no cell changes were found. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), and the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have all expressed concern that this is setting such a high bar that it could jeopardise screening programmes if it meant a false negative amounted to a breach of care, opening the way to litigation. It emerged last night that the director general of the HSE, Anne OConnor, has written to Jim Breslin, secretary general of the Department of Health, recommending that the department appeal parts of the judgment. In a letter obtained by RTE, Ms OConnor said the absolute confidence threshold was setting such a high bar in law for population-based screening programmes that it would create an environment that will result in unnecessary investigations and treatments among healthy people. She said it threatens the viability of the screening programme, and while hugely conscious of the impact litigation has had on Ms Morrissey and her family, she was reluctantly recommending an appeal of specific parts of the judgment following consultation with doctors and clinical bodies. Mr Harris said he had heard lots of people comment on the judgment, as was their right, but they are not the attorney general. He said the Government would wait for his advice and if there is action needed, we will take action. One of two laboratories that read Ms Morrisseys slides has already taken action. US laboratory Quest Diagnostics, found to have misread Ms Morrisseys 2009 cervical smear slide, yesterday confirmed in the High Court it is to seek an expedited leapfrog appeal directly to the Supreme Court. Ruth Morrissey The issue of absolute confidence in relation to testing will be a part of the appeal. Mr Justice Kevin Cross in his ruling last week held in the Morrissey case that absolute confidence is the screeners practical duty in relation to their analysis of what is on a slide. Mr Justice Cross yesterday granted a stay on his final judgment against the HSE and Quest Diagnostics and MedLab, providing that 700,000 is paid straight away to the 37-year-old Limerick mother who is battling cervical cancer which has spread to the bone. The judge said in his judgment he had decided absolutely nothing new. He said the need for a screener to have absolute confidence was endorsed by the evidence in this case. Referring to what he called some of the hysterical comments in the last week, Mr Justice Cross said they should read what I said in the judgment. Outside court, Ms Morrisseys solicitor Cian OCarroll said a Supreme Court determination would be important to at least quell such unhelpful threats vis-a-vis the judgment jeopardising screening programmes. All that happened in this case is that law that has been established for some 20 years was restated and clarified in the way it applies to an element of one screening programme, he said. Mr Harris said the State had not made any decision in relation to an appeal, that they would meet with the AG next week, and a decision would be made during May. A spokesperson for MedLab said they are continuing to study the ruling and are keeping their options open. Cork City Council has said it has not been contacted by insurance companies following reports that local authorities have been offered lower premiums to cut down trees. However, the local authority has requested almost 3,000 from this newspaper for the release of documentation on its tree-cutting policy. Cork people have documented on social media examples of trees being removed from public spaces and have been critical of the practice. Last week, The Phoenix magazine claimed the insurance industry has been identified as the dark force behind the slaughtering of thousands of healthy trees across Ireland. It transpires insurance companies have offered lower premiums to county councils, if they remove any tree that poses even a remote threat to passing humans, the magazine reported. This was put to Cork City Council, which denied the claim. I refer to your query and can confirm that no contact has been made with Cork City Council by insurance companies, in relation to trees, the spokesperson said. The Irish Examiner had unsuccessfully attempted to get information on Cork City Councils tree-cutting policy through the Freedom of Information Act. We submitted a request seeking all documents relating to the removal of trees from public spaces, streets, and roads over a two-year period. Our request was submitted on February 28. However, having not received any response by April 12, we again contacted the council. Cork City Council said the request had been received, but not acted on, and on April 18 sent an acknowledgement letter, stating it would make a decision by May 13. The Irish Examiner appealed this on the grounds that the four-week time limit, since receipt of our request, had expired, and, as such, our request had been refused. On Wednesday, the council made its decision, and said it would take two staff 145 hours to search for, and retrieve, the information we requested. At 20 an hour, the overall fee Cork City Council sought to answer our request came to 2,916, which City Hall said does not include any copying charges. A State fisheries body has succeeded in stopping the development of holiday homes on the Ring of Kerry over fears it could cause pollution to a local river. An Bord Pleanala has overturned a decision by Kerry County Council to approve plans by a local hotel owner in Glenbeigh to construct eight traditional holiday cottages in the west Kerry village. It follows a successful appeal by Inland Fisheries Ireland against the proposed development by the owner of the Towers Hotel in Glenbeigh, Brendan Sweeney. IFI had warned that the villages public sewer was already at capacity. It said any increase in the system would exacerbate the current inadequate treatment of effluent, particularly during the summer months. IFI also claimed any further connections to the existing system would be unsustainable. Mr Sweeney, who also plans to merge two existing car parks at the hotel to create 18 extra car park spaces, subsequently proposed a new sewage treatment system to serve the site which was considered acceptable by IFI. However, An Bord Pleanala ruled that the development of the holiday homes adjacent to the hotel would be premature given the existing deficiencies in the villages wastewater treatment plant. The board said allowing construction of the holiday homes to go ahead in such circumstances would set an undesirable precedent for further inappropriate development in the vicinity of the site. It claimed the project would be prejudicial to public health because of its potential to impact on the quality of the Behy River which flows through Glenbeigh. The board also rejected the plans for the holiday homes on the grounds that their location, combined with the excessive length of an associated car park adjacent to the main road on the Ring of Kerry, would be detrimental to the visual amenities and character of the village. A report by an inspector for An Bord Pleanala noted that the local area plan, which had expired in 2016, considered the number of holiday homes in Glenbeigh was affecting the villages vibrancy and that holiday home developments should therefore be limited. A similar plan for 10 holiday homes had been refused by the council in 2017. Irish Water confirmed that Glenbeighs waste water treatment plant was currently overloaded, particularly in summer. It also said that it had no plans to upgrade the system. Irish Water said it was also unlikely to be a priority site for inclusion in its next investment plan. IFI said it had noted gross contamination in the vicinity of the outflow outlet to the Behy River over the past number of years. Update 17.23: A male teenager has presented himself at a South Dublin Garda Station this afternoon and is assisting Gardai in their investigation into the fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old last night in Dundrum, Dublin. Gardai are investigating a definite line of inquiry and are currently not considering any racial motive in relation to the ongoing investigation. The Post Mortem examination is currently being carried out by Deputy State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan as gardai continue to examine the scene of the incident. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to the family of the deceased and Superintendent Martin McGonnell has requested privacy for the family at this time. Supt McGonnell expressed thanks to the members of the community who have provided information and continues to appeal for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Gardai continue to engage with the local community in the area of the incident and the wider community of all parties involved and anyone with information is asked to contact Dundrum Garda Station 01-666 5600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. Earlier: A post-mortem is due to be carried out on the body of a man stabbed to death in Dublin. The 18-year-old suffered fatal injuries in Dundrum last night. The incident happened in the Finsbury Park area of Dundrum at around 8.10pm last night. The teen was treated at the scene by emergency services and brought to St James's Hospital where he later died. Gardai are yet to make any arrests but say that from initial enquiries a number of people were in the vicinity at the time of the incident. They are asking anyone who has information to contact Dundrum Garda Station on 01 666 5600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. The scene remains sealed off this morning and a post-mortem is due to take place later today. A major row has erupted within Fine Gael after junior minister Andrew Doyle was ordered not to attend a hustings event next week, after previously being told he could go. Mr Doyle, a Wicklow-based TD and junior agriculture minister, and his campaign director Pat Deering, TD for Carlow- Kilkenny, have hit out at Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, who has issued an order that he does not appear at the Irish Examiner event in Cork next Thursday night. We are not happy about this, not happy at all, Mr Deering said. This is clearly about protecting the two incumbents and it is not the first issue we have had. There have been problems with posters going up in Kilkenny. This is unacceptable, he said. All three Fine Gael candidates Mr Doyle and sitting MEPs Sean Kelly and Deirdre Clune were invited to the Irish Examiners Election 2019 Ireland South Hustings event on Thursday at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, and all had accepted. But yesterday, Mr Doyles team were informed by Mr Flanagan that because of a geographical divide of the constituency, he was not permitted to attend, much to his frustration. Confirming the diktat to Mr Doyle, Mr Flanagan said the division of the constituency was done to maximise the Fine Gael vote. I asked Andrew not to attend public events in Cork and Kerry. There is no bias here to our sitting MEPs. It is simply part of a strategy to manage the vote, he said. As director of elections for Ireland South, Mr Flanagan issued instructions in April about how the party was dividing up the sprawling 12-county constituency in order to maximise the vote. Ms Clune was to be given Cork city and county and Waterford, and was to share South Tipperary with Mr Kelly. Mr Kelly was given Kerry, Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary North to himself, in addition to the areas shared with Ms Clune. As the Leinster candidate, Mr Doyle was given first right to canvass in Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, and Wicklow. Party bosses have made it known that the divide will be strictly enforced and as such Mr Doyles attendance to the Irish Examiner event is not tolerable. According to a poll in yesterdays Irish Times, Mr Kelly leads the pack at 18% enough to see him elected on the first count were it to be repeated on polling day. Sinn Fein MEP Liadh Ni Riada is also set to return to the European Parliament if she repeats the 14% she registers in the poll. Fianna Fails Billy Kelleher is on 13% while his running mate Malcolm Byrne is at 10%. There is likely to be one Fianna Fail seat here based on these levels of support. Fine Gael has sufficient support for two seats, though with Ms Clune on 10% and Mr Doyle on 9%, there is no clarity on who might take it. Independents 4 Change TD Mick Wallace, on 8%, leads Labours Sheila Nunan and the Greens Grace OSullivan (both 5%) for the final seat. The Fine Gael row follows a similar split between Fianna Fails two candidates after Mr Byrne lodged an official complaint to party bosses about his party rival Billy Kelleher. Emails from Mr Byrne allege repeated infringements by Mr Kelleher in counties he agreed to leave alone in order to try and win two of five seats on May 24. The emails, seen by this paper, show Mr Byrne complained about Mr Kellehers continued ignoring of the agreed divide. A HSE investigation into the activities of a US priest at the centre of the Netflix true crime documentary The Keepers has now been running for two years. The seven-part documentary, which became a global sensation, examined the unsolved murder of a Catholic nun and school teacher Sr Cathy Cesnik in Baltimore in 1969. Fr James Maskell was the prime suspect in the murder, with authorities believing he killed the nun after she became aware of allegations that he had sexually abused students at the all-girls school that she taught in the Archbishop Keough High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Maskell fled to Wexford in 1994 after a victim came forward to say that, while she was a student, the priest had taken her to see Cesniks body and told her: You see what happens when you say bad things about people? The following year, he took up a position as a psychologist for the South Eastern Health Board in its Wexford Community Care for a period of six months. He later worked in private practice in the county from 1995 to 1998. Maskell subsequently returned to the US, where he died in 2001. Following the publicity generated by the documentary and media interest focusing on his time in Ireland, the HSE announced in June 2017 that it had launched an investigation into any concerns arising from the temporary, short-term employment of Maskell by the health board in 1995. However, despite being employed for just six months, the investigation has taken two years, with the HSE unable to provide any timeline for completion. Various phases of an examination process have been undertaken. As a step in this process and with due regard to the terms of reference for this review, an independent company was appointed following a procurement process in line with national guidelines, said a statement. The HSE declined to provide any timeline for the completion of the investigation and said it would not be appropriate to make any further comment pending completion of the review. Abbie Schaub and Gemma Hoskins, two former students of Sr Cesnik, are at the centre of the documentary after the pair spent years investigating their former teachers murder. Catholic nun and schoolteacher Sr Cathy Cesniks unsolved murder was examined in the Netflix true crime documentary The Keepers. Ms Schaub told the Irish Examiner the HSE has declined to release any documentation to her under FOI in relation to how Maskell was hired by the Eastern Health Board in 1995. Why are they hiding this information? Is there pressure from the Catholic Church involved? The truth needs to be revealed, not hidden, so people can understand how to protect youngsters going forward. Hiding it, refusing to release information about how Maskell was hired, only protects the predators. My FOI requests for documents related to Maskells hiring in 1995 and the outcome of the HSE investigation begun nearly two years ago have been declined. It is unclear why the information is being hidden and protected, she said. Ms Schaub said the public has a right to know how Maskell came to be employed and his activities in Ireland, and queried why the investigation has taken so long. The HSE announced in June of 2017 that they were going to investigate how Fr Maskell was hired to work with children in Wexford. The public has a right to understand what happened. Americans would like to know who in the US recommended Fr Maskell for employment. He fled to Ireland to avoid a pending trial on sexual abuse allegations in the US. Those who were harmed in America and in Ireland deserve to know the full story so other youngsters can be better protected. Gardai have confirmed that they are investigating a possible hate or racist motive behind an alleged assault on two Muslim men in Limerick. The men were walking to the Al Furqan Mosque on Windmill Street on Sunday evening when they say they were attacked by three individuals. It is alleged the men were punched and kicked in the assault, which occurred at around 8pm. Garda sources confirmed to the Irish Examiner that officers are investigating a potential racist or hate motive behind the attack. Officers at Henry Street Garda Station are appealing for information, which happened on what was the first night of Ramadan, the holy month in Islam. Gardai are investigating suspicions the three men may have been waiting for the pair to arrive before jumping them. The victims received a number of blows and were taken to University Hospital Limerick, where they were treated and then released. Local Fianna Fail election candidate Abul Kalam Azad Talukder said he was contacted by a friend of the victims and that he had visited and spoken to them: They are getting better, but they are very upset. He said the men, aged in their 30s and 40s, are asylum seekers and originally from Afghanistan. Asked did the men inform officers that they believed it was a racist or hate-motivated attack, Mr Talukder said: Yes, they told that to the gardai. He said the wider Muslim community is in shock: The community is very worried, some people are scared to go to the mosque. Mr Talukder said there was a further incident in Limerick on Thursday evening in which, he claimed, a Muslim man, aged in his late 30s, was verbally and physically assaulted. It happened on Steamboat Quay on the Dock Road. The man was in his car and somebody came over and knocked on his window in a car park. He was talking to him and saying what are you doing here, why you not go home?. Then he pulled open the door, the door was not locked and started punching him. He called the gardai. He further claimed there was another incident about a month ago when some Muslim women were attacked in the Peoples Park. He said the attacks are concerning but wanted to emphasise how supportive most people in Limerick are: Yes, the attacks are worrying, but in the first incident some people came along and helped the men. Mr Talukder added: I tell people that not everyone is bad, they are a small minority. We try to tell the community that theres more good people and that there is good support to the community. In a statement on the alleged attack near the mosque, a Garda spokesman said: Two males in their 30s and 40s alleged they were assaulted by three males. Both males were taken to hospital for minor injuries. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing, the spokesman added. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station at 061-20422. A Kilmichael man, with the last year of his three-year jail term suspended for dragging a teenage girl into a building and assaulting her, had that last year activated yesterday for becoming aggressive with the probation service. Judge Sean O Donnabhain said yesterday: This is a worrying and upsetting case. This man was given a chance by the court with what was a structured (partly suspended) sentence. Those conditions were for ONeills benefit given his history and for the benefit of society. But he has patently, for whatever reason, failed to (take the opportunity). This is an extremely serious opinion by the probation service that due to not feeling safe (with the defendant) they are not able to supervise him. The judge activated the suspended part of the sentence which effectively saw the defendant commencing another year in jail from yesterday. Shane ONeill, aged 47, of Shanacashel, Kilmichael, Macroom, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to a 16-year-old girl. Following his arrest for this, he tried to escape and assaulted gardai in the process. He later pleaded guilty to charges arising out of that. The judge said at the original sentencing hearing: The circumstances of the assault on the girl were quite bizarre, and worryingly there was no reason and no explanation. Months after the assault he went to the probation service and he gave an explanation in relation to white vans in his head and convoluted this into the incident with the victim. Sergeant Katrine Tansley said ONeill was interviewed at length about the attack on the teenage girl, who was dragged around in the office building until she managed to escape. The sergeant said ONeill never said anything about the white van. Sgt Tansley said he cried twice and would talk about everything and anything rather than the matter under investigation, and did not refer to the white van at any time during interview. The defendant pleaded guilty to three additional charges, namely attempting to escape from lawful custody at Macroom Garda Station on July 26, and assaulting Garda Carmel Nash and Garda Kieran Cremin at the garda station on that day. Sgt Tansley said ONeill asked to be taken to the bathroom and when at the sink he threw water at gardai and pushed them out of his way. He ran into the yard at the back of the station and was re-arrested after a violent struggle. Peter OFlynn, defending, said at the original sentencing the actions of the accused were out of character. He said the accused had come off a 12-hour shift and he believed that two days earlier the driver of a white van had tried to drive him off the road. The victim in the case made no reference to the accused warning her about danger from a white van. She said he asked her the time and she told him it was 5pm. He repeatedly asked her the time until she showed him the time on her phone. He then accosted her, grabbed her by the arm, and forced her backwards. She managed to escape and ran up the stairs of the office, screaming for help. However, he caught her again, grabbed her by the arm and waist, and dragged her towards the door. Sgt Tansley said the victim felt that he was trying to abduct or take her and she was highly distressed. The victim said ONeill scared the life out of her and since the incident occurred, she was very nervous of strangers. Judge O Donnabhain said he had never heard evidence like he heard yesterday from the probation service about a concern for the safety of staff because of the aggressive behaviour of a defendant towards them. The judge said he was sure such evidence was only given by the probation service after reflection and with reason. THE Wild Honey Inn is a former Victorian hostelry dating back to 1841 when well-heeled gentry regularly decamped to Lisdoonvarna to take the waters and restore ailing spirits with spa treatments, and was lovingly restored a decade ago by chef/proprietor Aidan McGrath and his partner Kate Sweeney, who looks after accommodation and restaurant front of house. Arriving, we dump bags in our room and head out for the briefest of conscience-salving strolls, reasoning a quick circuit of the locality in the teeth of biting gale and spitting overcast skies constitutes sufficient penance for any potential excesses ahead. Im soon in the bar-dining room, relishing a pint of plain near a roaring fire. Many find the Michelin method maddeningly opaque but, in fairness, Rebecca Burr, Editor of The Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, stated some years ago her belief that the best route to a star for hospitality practitioners on the two islands lay in adding an elevated dining element to traditional old pubs and hostelries. The WHI dining area is a high-ceilinged bar with deep-set arched windows. Wooden tables are bare, save napkins, cutlery and candle. Olive green walls sport a tasteful array of pub paraphernalia, including vintage whiskey water jugs and a blackthorn stick on the mantlepiece. All in all, pretty much an ideal iteration of Burrs favoured gastropub model; in 2018, the WHI received the only new Michelin star to be awarded in Ireland that year. The menu is a tight little prix fixe: five starters, five mains, four desserts and a cheeseboard; just 60 per person, astounding value at this level. CW begins with Charred Cured Organic Salmon, clean, bright notes of dill to fore, served with gossamer-thin slices of pickled kohlrabi, capers, lemon and a mustardy gravadlax sauce. My Duck and Foie Gras Terrine is a sublime take on a rustic classic, generous slab of duck terrine, rich, buttery foie gras, embedded in the centre. A sliver of duck ham rests on salad of fine green beans, mushroom and roasted hazelnut; puree of pickled apple is a sharp-sweet counterpoint for the sumptuous meats. Next, CW opts for perfectly cooked wild silver hake atop four proudly plump and succulent Dublin Bay Prawns and two spears of broccolini. Verdant wild garlic veloute and roasted hazelnuts complete the dish. Blanquette of Pork Cheeks arrives in a copper pot, tender sweet meat, braised for hours, rather than being subjected to tenderising in a sous vide bath, for it retains pleasing bite and depth of flavour rarely found when using the latter method. The pot also contains a fricassee of silky, fleshy beech mushrooms, toothsome broad beans and wilted wild garlic in creamy smoked bacon veloute, a sufficiency of muscular flavours to merit pairing with a cracking Cotes du Rhone (Santa Duc, Vielles Vignes, 2015). It is cooking of the highest order, technically adroit yet also profoundly satisfying, a primal comfort blanket for such a wild and windy night, divinely capped with a side order of crisp roast potatoes, white and fluffy on the inside. Ive run out of notches in the belt but dessert is still to be tackled. CW orders perky Poached Pineapple in set vanilla cream with a deliciously refreshing pineapple sorbet. Having spied a fellow diners portions, I cant but order a superb Chocolate Fondant that, when speared, bleeds forth sticky, rich molten chocolate; blood orange sorbet and blood orange gel make for sterling subordinates. There is something deeply admirable about McGrath and his refusal to get sidetracked by ephemeral trends, instead applying time-honoured techniques of classical French cooking to fine, mostly Irish, ingredients. With just he and one other chef cooking each dish, he leaves no mysteries to be unravelled on the plate, each element, instantly identifiable, and the WHI remains the quintessence of old school comfort, where you go to eat your dinner of an evening. Neither can I imagine many Michelin star chefs rise each morning after delivering evening service to cook breakfast (not least exquisite Omelette Arnold Bennet) for overnight guests. And, speaking of overnight, theres nothing more for it but to let this particular sybarite make that short stroll to his lovely and elegant room, to sleep like an especially well-fed baby, the best and most fitting conclusion to dinner at the Wild Honey Inn. The tab 60 per person for three-course dinner (excluding tip) How to (May to September) Dinner, Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm-9pm The verdict Food: 8.5/10 Service: 8.5/10 Value: 9.5/10 Atmosphere: 9/10 The Wild Honey Inn, Kincora Road, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare. Tel: 065-707-4300 www.wildhoneyinn.com Hybridheads rejoice finally a hybrid that doesnt look like its made out of a mildly adapted cornflakes box and drives like a real car should. This is truly shocking news. I mean, up to now hybrid cars have sold on the back of their alleged ability to save the planet; now weve got one which will help a little to save the Earth but not much but doesnt drive like something that does not conduct itself on the open road like an electric on/off switch. And not only that, but it looks tasty too. Toyota, of course, made the cornflakes box Prius and the world should be forever indebted to the Japanese company for providing us not with something that will guarantee the future of everything on our little blue corner of the galaxy, but with a whole new stream of comedic material. Ergo: A new study has found that the worst drivers drive a Prius. Apparently it is very difficult to control your car while patting yourself on the back. Or Carpool in my Prius? No thanks, Ill walk. These are just a small taste of the internets love affair with the Prius or the Pius, as some call it and illustrate that while Toyota might have struck a seam of gold with their original hybrid, their car was still regarded as a complete joke by petrolheads the world over. But the thing is, as Ive been saying recently in these august columns, that since Volkswagen did its best to kill diesel off singlehandedly, hybrid options are now top of many peoples list when it comes to sourcing their new car. They may be deluded, but what the hey. It may well be that hybrids will last but a fleeting moment in the overall history of the motor car particularly as we are about to see an electric onslaught that would shock (sorry) even Benjamin Franklin himself. As things are and while we await this blitzkrieg of electric cars with truly workable ranges and not those many terrible things currently being foisted on us as the sole saviour of humankind hybrid is in a good position to sell right now and that being so, Toyota is in pole position to exploit its pre-eminence in the segment. Which is why the new hybrid Toyota Corolla will sell a lot. It has already sold zillions to the masses in two-stroke petrol and myriad diesel formats down many years. So why the heck not in hybrid format too? When the late, great Toyota Tim Mahony sold the Corolla to rural Ireland because it came as standard with a heater and a radio, he became an overnight hero to many and made a bundle of money in the process. Those now running Toyota here are now looking at a similar financial bonanza albeit without the hero status. And if they are going to ride the hybrid wave as long as they can, they are in a good place, because there is now a hybrid element to every car in their range and not a cornflake box in sight. The Corolla is selling to a willing audience. A hybrid with tax advantages. And a radio. And a heater. The saloon is expected to be their best-seller, even though the reinvented Corolla hatch replacing the ill-advised Auris, which replaced the old hatch in a name-changing exercise which was as dumb as it was mystifying is already creating a stir on dealer forecourts. A new and get this terribly attractive Corolla sedan, something which was never the case historically, is going to be the main seller, however, and having just driven it, I can confirm that this is no watered-down sop to the growing environmentally-concerned audience. It is actually a really good mid-sized family car. It drives well, doesnt bellow at you like a castrated bull when you get on the loud pedal, enjoys a corner, is terribly practical, well-equipped and well-priced. I take it that loud and unceasing criticism of the driving qualities of the old cornflake box and other hybrids it spawned from this quarter and many others led Toyota to re-think their approach to hybrid. I mean there was, after all, no point selling clean cars if there was zero driving enjoyment to be had from them. People might actually like being environmentally conscious, but a fair percentage of them actually enjoy the whole driving experience as well, so this was something the company obviously factored into their planning when the development of the new Corolla came around. The fact too that the long-standing and terribly popular Avensis was being phased out was another element of the companys thinking and the hope at Toyota was that they could make a Corolla that would fill the void. Now, making a mid-sized family car out of a small family car is no mean feat and Toyota certainly has pulled off a bit of a trick here. In size terms the new Corolla saloon is longer and wider than before, although in tandem with the sleek new appearance of the car, it is actually lower, which will pose some difficulty for leggy rear seat passengers. But boot space is up and interior legroom is generous. Avensis buyers will be intrigued. What really got me though was the driving dynamics. Previous Toyota hybrids were notable for the absence of any real pace and a deafening barrage from under the hood when any sort of rapidity was actually achieved. On top of that it was nothing to write home about as a handler. On top of that, ride comfort was never any more than just OK. All has changed radically and I am delighted to report that the standard independent suspension layout has dramatically altered the cars character. Readers might remember years of praise for the Ford Focus for having adopted such a system on its way to world domination. Ford, in its wisdom, decided to revert to making independent rear suspension an option on Focus cheaper models simply dont get that thing which made the car such a drivers favourite and others such as VW and Hyundai followed suit. Here Toyota has taken the brave step to have such a system across the board on Corolla and I have no doubt it is a decision which will pay dividends. People are not fools, after all. The result is a car built on Toyotas new TNGA platform, upon which also stand the RAV4, the Camry, the CH-R and the Prius which is beautifully balanced and really neat to drive. It handles really well and is something those who appreciate the finer arts of driving, will truly welcome. The fact the new platform adds some 60% greater stiffness to proceedings is markedly noticeable. The 1.8 litre petrol/electric combination is not going to win any sporting contests, but Toyota has done a lot to improve low-end performance and dampen a lot of the shouting that previously went on at the higher end of the scale. And, although hybrid driving is still something you have to re-train yourself for given the unique characteristics of the system, the Corolla is now a hugely more enjoyable thing to pedal along than ever before. The CVT gearbox is still irritating, however. Kit and tech levels are good and the interior is a big step up from the fantastic plastic days of yore. The materials are both nice to look at and to touch and the cars systems are easy to use and assimilate. Indeed there is nothing grim to report on this front. So, there we have it: a hybrid that will do its bit for the environment whilst no longer being insipid and anodyne. Hybridheads, take your seat at the table of motoring enthusiasts. BILLY Our front-page story on Tuesday detailed the bun fight that ensued when Byrne complained officially to Fianna Fail bosses over what he described as persistent encroachments by Kelleher in areas designated as off-limits. The hilarious part had come less than five days earlier, when Byrne and Kelleher had sat side by side at their partys official European campaign launch, in Dublin, and had insisted all was well, that they were working well together, and that no problem existed. Emails revealed that Byrne complained to the director of elections, Lisa Chambers, and party general secretary, Sean Dorgan, about Kellehers continued ignoring of the agreed divide. Our campaign wishes to formally complain about the behaviour of my running mate, Billy Kelleher, who is continually breaching the agreed divide of the Ireland South constituency, Byrne wrote. We are disappointed at the lack of ambition on Billys part and his inability to stick to a deal. It is essential that this matter is addressed quickly. The party is said to be aware of Byrnes concerns and they are being looked at... The divide is agreed and in place and we are seeking to maximise the vote. In one email, from last Saturday, Byrne said: Being told that Billy Kelleher has been canvassing the area, and being greeted on the M7 at Moneygall by a Kelleher billboard, shows that the divide continues to be ignored. As I pointed out about my WLR debate this week, I was asked as to why Billy was canvassing in Waterford. In a previous email, Byrne accused Kelleher of being prepared to spend significant sums in pursuit of his one-seat strategy, with no action taken by the national campaign. We knew there was a risk when, in March, we asked that Billy be added to the ticket quickly after I beat him at convention, but we were always given to understand that it would be as part of the two-seat strategy that we had set out, he said. We remain very positive and believe I will be fighting for that last seat, but to ensure that it happens, we cannot allow the continued pursuit of the Billy One Seat strategy. Byrne complained that Kelleher has taken billboard ads in Wicklow, Tipperary, and Kilkenny. For his part, Kelleher denies any attempt to undermine the pact: Anybody who knows me, and observed my work, knows I always put the party first. Just look at my record, especially since 2011, and that would have to be acknowledged. Byrne, who is spokesman for the Higher Education Authority (HEA), understands the value of a catchy phrase and knows that the perception of Kelleher being greedy, at the expense of all others, could easily stick. Particularly, when he alleged that Kelleher simply refused to share the love and allow a running mate in Cork North-Central, where he got almost 30% of the vote. Kelleher, on the Tonight Show on Virgin Media Television on Wednesday night, made no apology for his tactics, saying that, like him, Byrne is no doubt pursuing a one-seat strategy and if they both succeed, the party will get the two seats it seeks. But the spat is just the latest example of how, in politics, your greatest threat is not from other parties, but from your own colleagues. Such inter-party disputes are commonplace in Irish politics and followed hot on the heels of a similar dispute between former Rose of Tralee and first-time Fine Gael candidate Maria Walsh, and veteran MEP and EU grandee, Mairead McGuinness. Walsh, speaking to the Sunday Independents Philip Ryan, hit out at her running mate, McGuinness, for encroaching on her side of the Midlands North West constituency, in the fight for a seat in the European Parliament. Walsh said she will not be pushed over and insists that she will stand her ground against McGuinness, whom she accused of straying into her designated electoral area. Walsh said it is disappointing that her party colleague is not sticking to her side of the constituency, while canvassing for votes. Its disappointing, from the perspective of a new female candidate, because the inclusivity line is important to focus in on and it is a shame, because we are both trying to win two seats for the party, she said. The Defence Forces Reserve member added: As a 31-year-old woman, I have a crown and sash from the Rose of Tralee in one hand and, in the other hand, my marksmanship is 37 out of 40 shots with a Steyr rifle. Im not here to be pushed over. Now, a cynic may say that these two rows are manufactured in order to get publicity and create a bit of noise around them. It may be true of both Byrne and Walsh, as the feisty upstarts seeking to win their first seats, that their outrage may be slightly exaggerated somewhat, but my experience of politicians is that they share badly. Kelleher has made no bones about being ruthless in the pursuit of his seat. McGuinness, too, has met unhappiness from party colleagues, such as Jim Higgins and Averil Doyle, before. Tensions are renowned between Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and his finance spokesman Michael McGrath, who share the Cork South-Central constituency, as were those between former Taoiseach Enda Kenny and current Rural Affairs Minister Michael Ring, in Mayo. Lisa Chambers and Dara Calleary are another pair who share that Mayo constituency uneasily. The same can be said of Brenan Smith and Niamh Smyth in Cavan. Smyth will only be too delighted if her senior colleague succeeds in his bid to become an MEP. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy and Kate OConnell are another pair of uneasy constituency bedfellows, highlighted by the fact that Murphy backed now Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in the 2017 leadership contest, while OConnell backed now Tanaiste Simon Coveney. Ahead of the 2016 general election, Fine Gael candidate Stephanie Regan suggested that now Communications Minister Richard Bruton was not a team player, after Regan was omitted from a newsletter circulated to thousands of constituents. Regan said she was disappointed that her running mate didnt update his literature to include her in a section outlining the local Fine Gael team. Back in the day, in the old Dublin South constituency, Tom Kitt and Seamus Brennan were notoriously tetchy colleagues, before the latters untimely death, in 2008 And the list goes on and on and on. Politicians, in the main, may belong to political parties, alliances or groupings, but, in essence, they are sole traders who see the world through a very narrow, insecure prism. Constantly seeking to get one over on their rivals, they often descend into juvenile behaviour as tensions rise, particularly the closer we get to election day. In Ireland South, yesterdays Irish Times Ipsos/MRBI poll put Byrne in contention for a seat. So, in the remaining 13 days of the campaign, those tensions with Kelleher, which surfaced this week, will undoubtedly be repeated and more probably surpassed. Bad hiring decisions cost employers millions of dollars, damage workplace morale, reduce productivity and account for more than half of employee turnover nationwide. It doesn't have to be that way according to a new study that reveals how a few minor changes in the wording of a job advertisement can increase the size and quality of an applicant pool. Think of a typical job ad. It focuses on what the employer wants from the applicant: academic degrees, specific skills and a strong work ethic, for example. But David Jones, associate professor of business, has found that ads focusing on what employers can provide job seekers -- like work autonomy, career advancement and inclusion in major decisions -- result in better employee-company matches. And these ads produce larger numbers of more qualified applicants. For the study, which will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Business and Psychology, Jones and his co-authors, Joseph Schmidt from the University of Saskatchewan and Derek Chapman from the University of Calgary, manipulated real job ads at a large engineering-consulting firm in Canada. It's perhaps the first study, Jones says, that uses data of this kind collected in a field setting with active job seekers who were applying for actual professional positions. And the results were clear. Ads that focused on "needs-supplies" (N-S) fit (what the organization can supply to meet an applicant's needs) received almost three times as many highly rated applicants as ads with "demands-abilities" (D-A) fit wording (what abilities and skills the organization demands of candidates). 'Superstar' applicants attracted to employee-centered ads The study, "Does Emphasizing Different Types of Person-Environment Fit in Online Job Ads Influence Application Behavior and Applicant Quality? Evidence from a Field Experiment," was based on responses from 991 applicants who responded to 56 ads for engineering and project management-based positions emphasizing N-S or D-S fit. Jones, who has a doctorate in industrial and organizational psychology, and his colleagues wrote the N-S fit statements based on the psychological needs of humans described in self-determination theory and included the motivating work factors outlined in the long-established job characteristics model. Part of the reason so many employers still run D-A-heavy ads, Jones suspects, is because the people writing them often have little training in this area, have very specific skill gaps they need to fill quickly, or rely on headhunters who might focus on their clients' needs more than the applicants' needs. "A hiring manager in a specific unit or a supervisor of the second shift in manufacturing with little training in this stuff may be crafting the ad," Jones says. "So it's not surprising that it's filled with D-A statements because they want someone with a specific skill set that they don't have to spend a lot of time training and who can start day one." The solution, however, isn't to simply slap in some N-S statements to make the job sound more worker-friendly. "It's key not to add these types of statements if they aren't true," says Jones. "If you create what is called a psychological contract where the applicant has an expectation of what is going to happen as an employee and then it doesn't, the people you hire are less likely go above and beyond and are more likely to quit much sooner than they otherwise would." The researchers also used survey responses from 91 of the 991 applicants to explore the importance of N-S wording in job seekers' decisions to apply. Jones theorizes that the reason N-S fit ads solicit larger pools is because they attract both "the superstars who have the luxury of applying to a small number of positions" as well as applicants with average resumes who apply for as many positions as possible during a job search. With a D-A approach, Jones says, the applicant pool is composed primarily of the latter: "average applicants who use the shotgun approach." Hiring a person can determine the success or at worst the downfall of a business. Nevertheless It consumes lots of time and energy. Building a successful business is no small feat, regardless of what industry it may be. After her mother died, Jarvis began writing to political leaders, asking for their help in establishing an official day to honor mothers. In 1912, the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church recognized Jarvis as the founder of Mothers Day. Governors in a few states proclaimed a Mothers Day in 1912 and 1913. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mothers Day as a national observance. Thats not the end of the story. Jarvis spent the rest of her days fighting against what she saw as the commercialization of Mothers Day. Many of the subjects Jarvis complained about continue to this day. In criticism of florists, she wrote, What will you do to route charlatans, bandits, pirates, racketeers, kidnappers and other termites that would undermine with their greed one of the finest, noblest and truest movements and celebrations? She didnt like the gifts or greeting cards or candy, either. A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world, she remarked. And candy! You take a box to Mother and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment. The New Testament revealed the importance of many women in the spread of Christianity and the establishments of churches. Paul, who spoke against women in several areas, did recognize the work of many early female Christians. Paul described Andronicus and Junia, one of the many active Christian couples, as outstanding among the apostles. Paul says of Phoebe in Romans 16:1-2: I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. It is still true that societies over the centuries have limited roles of leadership for women. Presently, Roman Catholics and Orthodox Jews consider only men for the clergy. For several Protestant denominations, only men could serve as ministers, but women have begun to receive appointment in some of these churches. Most people, including men, recognize the importance of the leadership and the enormous contributions of women to religious groups. It is also true that women in subordinate positions find ways to be of faithful service and influence. In the aftermath of Attorney General William Barrs Senate testimony, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at her weekly news conference: The attorney general of the United States of America was not telling the truth to the Congress. Thats a crime. He lied to Congress. Perjury is a serious offense. Lying to Congress is a felony that could result in a prison sentence. Though the speaker of the House has accused the attorney general of lying to Congress, it begs the question: Was there anything Barr said to Congress under oath that constitutes as a lie? More to the point, was there something that can be proven? The letter sent by special counsel Robert Mueller to Barr expressed concerned that his four-page summary did not fully capture the context, nature, and substance of the 448-page report. Assuming the accuracy of Muellers letter, this would seemingly contradict earlier statements made by Barr when he told the House Appropriations Committee that that he did not know if Mueller disagreed with his characterization of the report. What is the risk in allowing a president who has committed the actions that Mueller describes to remain in office? If an ordinary citizen committed these actions, do you believe he or she would have been indicted for one or more felonies? If the Senate would not vote to remove Trump and he would claim vindication, would you still recommend impeachment (if you otherwise favor impeachment)? What if you knew it would help Trump in 2020? A large majority of Americans oppose impeachment. Does that matter to you in deciding whether to impeach Trump? Do you have concerns about an impeachment vote on strictly partisan lines? How would you address people who voted for Trump and think you are thwarting the will of the people? What policies or laws do you think are necessary in the wake of the Russia probe and Trumps efforts to impede the investigation? Do you believe Attorney General William Barr has behaved appropriately and, if not, what action(s) would you recommend be taken? Here is the bad news for Trump: While approval for his handling of the economy reached a new high of 56%, his overall job approval is still a dismal 45%, according to a CNN poll. Despite the booming economy, a 54% majority still disapproves of Trumps presidency. Why is that? One reason may be that, for the past two years Trump has been fighting accusations that he committed treason by conspiring with Russia to steal the 2016 election. No one likes a traitor, even if he is a job creator. When under attack, the natural instinct is to circle the wagons. Trump has spent the first two years of his presidency feeding and tending to his base, rather than working to expand it. He lashed out with what we now know was justifiable anger at the special counsel and Democrats who accused him of being a Russian agent. Persuadable Americans did not know what to think. But now with the Mueller investigation over, and Trump cleared of any conspiracy with Russia, they might be willing to give the president a second look. (CNN) A Malaysian-born gay woman could become Australia's new foreign minister if the opposition Labor Party wins a tightly contested election this month. Senator Penny Wong would be the third consecutive woman to take on the role, but the first Australian foreign minister of Asian heritage and the highest-ranking gay politician in a parliament typically dominated by conservative white men. In a recent speech to the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Wong said if Labor wins the election on May 18, her elevation to foreign minister would send a broader message to the world about Australia's values as a multicultural nation. "What would be significant... is what it says about us. What it says about who we are," she said. "Narratives matter, as do perceptions. There are times when Australia's past attitudes on race can be evoked in ways which are neither accurate nor helpful." Malaysian background Wong, 50, was born in the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo and moved to the Australian city of Adelaide with her parents in the 1970s when she was eight. The Australian suburbs were very different from her early years in Borneo. "I remember feeling like I didn't belong for quite a while," Wong told CNN affiliate SBS. "I remember my first day at school. That was a bit hard, actually," she said. "I was probably the first Asian a lot of those kids had ever seen, and I remember things being said as we walked in to go to enroll. I remember people making comments about my race, and me realizing, that was the first time I actually realized, race was a factor." Her early political ambition was obvious when she took over the Labor Club at the University of Adelaide before graduating with an arts-law degree. Wong spent time with a trade union representing workers in the furniture industry before practicing law and becoming a ministerial adviser. She was elected to the Senate, the upper house of parliament, in 2001. When Labor won power in 2007, Wong was appointed Climate Change and Water Minister and took part in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali. She was Minister for Finance and Deregulation from 2010 until voters pushed Labor back into opposition at the 2013 election. Wong was the first woman elected as Leader of the Government in the Senate. The 2013 election loss meant she became Leader of the Opposition in the Senate within the same year it was the first time a woman had filled either role. Her six-year term in the Senate expires in 2022, when she can run for re-election. As part of Labor's election campaign, Wong the shadow minister for foreign affairs has been deployed to areas of the country where the party fears losing seats. They are also places where Wong is considered to have high personal appeal -- electorates with high migrant, and especially Asian migrant, populations. "I think she's a role model for many people in Australia society who want to see a different face to our public life and our public institutions," said former Race Discrimination Commissioner, Tim Soutphommasane. A Human Rights Commission survey released in 2018 found that 76% of Australia's business and political leaders were Anglo-Celtic. The figure was marginally higher inside parliament, where 78% of ministers and senators were of English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish origin compared to 58% of the broader population. Only 4% of parliamentarians had a non-European background, compared to around 21% of the population, according to the report, "Leading for Change." "The default of leadership in Australian life remains largely a white, Anglo-Celtic and male one and it's going to require more people like Penny Wong to set an example for others so that people don't accept that default as being the only possibility in Australian life," said Soutphommasane, who commissioned the report. Wong is also firmly in the minority as a gay politician. In 2017, she campaigned for the law to be changed to allow same-sex marriage, a move backed by 62% of Australians in a nationwide postal survey. Wong and her partner, Sophie Allouache, have two children. After the vote, Wong said, "I hope that everyone in this parliament has heard the resounding voice of the Australian people today, a mandate for change, a mandate for equality." Dealing with China The same-sex marriage debate may have focused attention on Wong's family, but she's known to be protective of her personal life and doesn't actively seek media attention outside her work. Wong's foreign policy portfolio hasn't featured highly in the upcoming election campaign, as voters focus on domestic issues such as taxes, wages and spending. However, if Labor wins, Wong would become Australia's face to the world. That face would be more focused on Asia as part of Labor's FutureAsia policy, which seeks to deepen regional ties, establish new diplomatic missions and increase aid to poorer countries in the region. Wong said that if elected, her first trips would be to Indonesia and Malaysia. The Southeast Asian nations are seen as increasingly important to Australia for trade, security and tourism -- both to the current Coalition government, led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and the opposition Labor party, led by prospective prime minister, Bill Shorten. In Asia, Australia's main focus is on its relationship with its leading trading partner, China. Relations have been strained in recent years by allegations of foreign interference, which the Australian government has addressed with new laws restricting foreign political donations. "The new government, whether it'll be the Morrison government or the Shorten government, will have to decide the kind of temperament they have with China and the pros and cons of being upfront and blunt and the pros and cons of being quieter," said John Lee, a China expert from the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. But he played down the idea that Wong's Asian origins could help improve relations in the region. "I don't think countries think too much about the backgrounds or identity of Australian politicians. They look at the government's policies," said Lee, who was a senior adviser to former Liberal foreign minister Julie Bishop from 2016 to 2018. "If Penny Wong becomes foreign minister, I don't see it signaling that it would lead to a vastly different department that what it has been currently," he added. Wong herself said a Labor government would reframe its relationship with China so the country wasn't pre-emptively seen "only as a threat." Labor would also bring a "more considered, disciplined and consistent approach" to its dealings with Beijing, she said. Wong said the United States would continue to be a "pillar" of Australian foreign policy, though some have pointed out that Shorten's previous description of President Donald Trump as "barking mad" could present some difficulties. Shorten answered those queries Monday by saying he'd approach Trump "professionally and politely." "With Mr Trump and with Xi Jinping and Theresa May and Mr Macron and Mr Trudeau and all the other leaders, and my friend Jacinda Ardern in New Zealand, I'll be professional," he said. "But what I'll also do is never compromise our national interests. My foreign policy will be independently minded and it will speak with an Australian accent." As most foreigners know, the Australian accent is hard to master. If she is elected, Wong will be striving to hit the right tone between the Australia of the past and the truly multicultural nation it will inevitably be in the future. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Australia's new foreign minister could be a gay, Asian woman." MEDFORD, Ore. Only on Newswatch 12... Nineteen years ago we told you a story about a baby who fought for her life for months and now that same girl just had her very own baby, whose fighting for his life now too. Elexis was born with a complete AV canal heart defect, a condition where a hole between the heart's chambers creates problems with valves that regulate blood flow in the heart. It's a condition that isn't genetic, but now her newborn son is battling the same defect. Doctors said it's just a crazy coincidence. On March 25, 2000, Newswatch 12 spoke with Rochelle Brett, the mother of Elexis Casey. When we spoke with her, Elexis was only five months old and fighting for her life. Back then Brett told us, "They took a chest X-ray and discovered her heart was three times the normal size." At five months old, Elexis had open heart surgery. Friday Rochelle spoke with Newswatch12 again and recalls the months she spent by her daughter's side in the hospital, "I remember living in the hospital for months and I didn't get out very often." Years later and Brett finds herself reliving the situation, but this time with her daughter and her newborn son. In February, Sawyer was born with the same heart defect as Elexis. Doctors said the condition is not genetic, but instead an unfortunate coincidence that one family is having to face all over again. Brett said, "It's just one of those things where the odds are astronomical, they're similar in the sense that they have the same thing, but Sawyer's valve is worse than what hers [Elexis'] was." As of Friday, Elexis is in Portland, where Sawyer was airlifted to the hospital and continues fighting to remain in stable condition. Sawyer's grandpa, Daniel Brett, said, "Everybody's calling him 'Sawyer the warrior', cause he is, he's a strong kid." Three-month-old Sawyer had his first open heart surgery on April 11 for congestive heart failure. He was released from the hospital on April 23, but was flown back to Portland a few days later after experiencing severe heart complications. Sawyer is in stable condition, but doctors said he needs a second surgery. Elexis told Newswatch 12, "His valves are so damaged and bad, they pretty much said 'We've never seen something like this', his valves almost weren't there." Elexis remains positive, focusing on staying strong for her son Sawyer. Doctors are waiting for 10-pound Sawyer to gain weight before they perform the second surgery, in hopes of making the surgery safer. "The overall goal now is to make sure that we can keep him stable and at a point where we can just grow him in strength and size as much as we can do," Elexis said. "Because there isn't an exact answer right now, we just have to get him as big as we can and keep him stable." So for now, it's a waiting game to see how long doctors can let him grow before performing the surgery. This weekend the family plans to travel to Portland to celebrate Elexis' first Mother's Day. "I think the first mother's day should be the best and the greatest mother's day," Daniel Brett said. The family has a Gofundme page set up to support Sawyer's medical expenses. Below you'll find the archived story on Elexis Casey that NewsWatch 12 brought to viewers in 2000. MEDFORD, Ore.,-It's only the second week of May and families in the Rogue Valley are preparing for a hot summer. Advanced Air & Metal has their hands full, booked out 2 weeks in advance, installing and fixing air conditioning units. Not only can air conditioning help cool down your home, it can also filter out smoke. Physician assistant Lucas Amuchastegui told NewsWatch 12 that having a clean air conditioning filter is one of the most effective ways to keep the smoke out of your home. "Smoke is so pervasive, it comes in buildings quite easily often times staying inside with either a house fan or an AC unit that's going through a pretty heavy filter can help filter out a lot of that smoke that gives people respiratory issues, says Amuchastegui. Lead Technician, Raymond Hughes, at Advanced Air & Metal says during fire season, you should change your air filter about once a month. The prosecution noted that the mens cooperation in the investigation and testifying at Quinns trial was valuable. The prosecution stated that these men did make terrible decisions, but each of the men had minimal criminal history before this case and were at low risk to offend again. Realizing that she had potential, Hall came up with the mural project to stretch Samanthas creative brain, knowing full and well the young artist would rise to the challenge. Shes always been so receptive to anything I threw her way. ... She rises to the occasion and exceeds my expectations every single time. Shes not just a jack of one trade, shes a jack of all trades, Hall said. Shes really impressed me. I think the biggest part about Samantha is she is just so willing to take criticism and grow... She wants me to push her. The mural project ended up being bigger than either of them imagined. In addition to filling every class period of the semester with work between developing designs, getting things approved with the administration and bringing the ideas to life the two also worked after school and on weekends. Hall said the two strived to create something timeless, and that the design continually changed. At one time, the plan was for the mural to also have words, but in the end the two decided they liked the pattern so much that it should stand alone. Now that the 70s-inspired wallpaper design is finished, Hall said the mural brings a new liveliness to her corner of the school. A second generation The couple first served in Yvypyte and raised two sons. Wes was born in the United States in 1967, six months before they left. Wayne was born in 1969 in Paraguay. Therefore, he had dual U.S.-Paraguayan citizenship, but he gave up his Paraguayan citizenship to avoid military service. He was my baby, his aunt, Betsy Lucas, said. Missionaries were required to have sufficient funds before they went overseas. The Goddards got money from Nebraska, Kansas and other states. They need not just food and gas, but it helps provide whatever they need to reach the people, Lucas said. The couple taught the Bible in indigenous languages. They taught children to brush their teeth and much more. Periodic visits home Like Bobs parents, Bob and LaVon came back to the U.S. every five years. During their first visit, Wayne went to kindergarten in Litchfield. On their visit five years later, Wayne attended Christian school at the First Church of God because its curriculum was the same one used by many missionaries to teach their children while on mission. Weather forecasters say the Midwest will remain vulnerable to flooding throughout the spring and summer, Axne noted. This federal aid is vital to rebuilding Iowa communities, Axne said. Fortenberry helped push through the funding that will help Offutt and the emergency watershed funding. He also was able to include an amendment for an additional $300 million for Offutt earlier in the week in the regular appropriations bill for military construction. That bill likely will come to the full House later this summer. Fortenberry voted against the final military construction bill in committee, but he described that vote as part of a Republican protest that Democrats should pass an overall budget plan. Fridays vote on disaster relief comes after the House had passed an earlier $14 billion version of the measure in January, but the legislation has been held up in the Senate amid a fight between Trump and Democrats over aid to Puerto Rico. Trump is feuding with Democratic officials on the island and falsely claims that Puerto Rico has already received $91 billion in aid. Sen. Julie Slama of Peru, who voted against LB 110 in committee, said she has several concerns. Her chief objection is that marijuana, another name for cannabis, remains an illegal drug under federal law. Until that changes, she said she does not feel comfortable about state attempts to legalize the drug. An opponent group called Smart Approaches to Marijuana Nebraska said: No changes in the bill can address the substantial health risks that todays super-pot presents to users, especially youth. The group, co-chaired by former Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, argued that marijuana would become widely available to anyone who wants it under LB 110. But Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop, the Judiciary Committee chairman, said the measure offers lawmakers the chance to have a carefully thought-out process for regulating the production, processing, distribution and use of medical cannabis in Nebraska. I think it makes sense, Lathrop said. I dont think it will fail because its not thought through. But he also predicted it would face an uphill battle in the full Legislature. If passed, it would face a likely veto from Gov. Pete Ricketts. The last thing that John would have wanted me to do was just to sit here alone and cry and mind you, Ive had my moments, she says. One thing he taught me, among so many things, was the importance of getting back up, the importance of keeping doing what youve been doing. Ive been doing these things all along. I think the reason people are noticing now is because hes gone. Gone and yet not gone. The McCain legacy looms large, so much so that Republicans continue to praise his service and statesmanship even as President Donald Trump obsessively punches at his ghost. Before, Cindy was the elegant if aloof political spouse, standing on the side while her husband held the spotlight. Now she doesnt have to worry about saying something that could damage her husbands political career and, despite the sadness of the past two years, she is a woman at ease with herself. Think about the term industry, and images of smokestacks and factories come to mind. However, in the Kearney area we have a variety of industries. Among them are agriculture, education, health care and tourism. Think about any one of those industries, and you realize they fill an important role in our community, providing employment that supports the other various businesses that make our city and region thrive. Among Kearneys major employers are businesses with smokestacks, feedyards and ethanol plants, classrooms and operating rooms. We also have an industry that has lots of hotels, motels and restaurants. And, like other communities across the state, we are steadily becoming more aware of the tremendous benefits and economic potential this relatively new industry possesses. Today marks the close of Tourism Week in Nebraska, a time to think about tourisms contributions to Nebraskas economy and whats happening right here in Kearney and Buffalo County. We are Nebraskas fourth busiest tourism center, measured by annual lodging tax collections. Ahead of Kearney/Buffalo County are Omaha/Dodge County, Lincoln/Lancaster County and Sarpy County, home of La Vista, Papillion, Bellevue, Offutt Air Force Base and Gretna. y twin sister Martha cant remember how the idea of the Thank You house tumbled into her head 25 years ago, but it began the day she happened to see a plain wooden house sitting on a shelf in a store. That happened a few weeks after her husband died of prostate cancer. Just 44, she was left alone to raise their four daughters aged 15, 13, 11 and 8. But she knew that plain, foot-high wooden house with six open shelves and topped with a chimney would be the perfect Mothers Day gift for my mother, who, with my father, had been invaluable support as Pats life flickered like a candle and finally went out. She knew she could find just the right tokens of gratitude with which to fill it. Martha and Pat lived an hour east of my parents Cleveland home. On countless weekends during his three-year illness, the family trooped in to stay while Pat was treated at the Cleveland Clinic. My mother cooked for them. She washed and ironed their sheets. She and my father listened and prayed, and so much more. When Pat entered the clinic for the last three weeks of his life, Martha left her girls with my parents so she could sit at Pats bedside. She was there when he died at 3:45 a.m. April 10, 1994. LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the first-degree murder and weapons count convictions of a man serving life in prison for killing his girlfriend. In his appeal, 67-year-old Lucio Munoz argued that a prosecutor wrongly commented in opening statements about evidence not found and that his trial attorney was so ineffective that Munoz did not get a fair trial. On Friday, the high court rejected those arguments. Munoz was found guilty of killing 48-year-old Melissa May. Police say Mays body was found in her apartment Jan. 3, 2017, after officers went to check on her. Authorities say she had been stabbed 37 times, most likely on Dec. 31, 2016. By the time Mays body was found, Munoz had already left town. He was arrested several days later in Bradley, Illinois. 4K Shares Share The U.S. health care system is completely and utterly broken. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. system ranks 37th in the world, all while spending dramatically more on health care than other wealthy countries. Tens of millions remain without any health insurance coverage. For many, medical bills can mean economic ruin some surveys show that up to 66.5% of all bankruptcies in the U.S are a result of medical expenses. On the front lines of this system are nurses and physicians individuals who, by and large, decided to go into the profession to help patients and communities are becoming more frustrated by their inability to do just that, sometimes even causing providers to leave the profession. While many inside the U.S. medical-industrial complex have had enough, nurses throughout New York City (NYC) are putting their collective foot down and showing us the way to fight for better outcomes for patients and better working conditions for providers. In March, members of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at New Yorks big four hospitals (Montefiore, Mount Sinai, New York Presbyterian-Columbia and Mount Sinai West/St. Lukes) voted by an overwhelming 97% margin to authorize a strike. The nurses fight centers around conditions for patient care, including safer staffing ratios inside hospitals so that nurses can adequately care for each patient. Throughout NYC, nurses are forced to work long shifts and are chronically understaffed. The nurses who recently threatened to strike recognize that these working conditions are part of hospital executives push to squeeze greater and greater profits out of workers at the expense of patient health and they have had enough. New York nurses are fighting just as teachers across the country did earlier this year including the tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers who struck last January for better conditions for in schools. They are also taking up the example of health care workers around the world, including the 40,000 Irish nurses who recently struck. Nurses are recognizing they have the power to fight and win better patient care. But while nurses across New York are standing up for themselves and their patients, a big question remains: Where are the doctors and why are they not threatening to strike together with nurses? Why are the physicians on the sidelines? Physicians see first hand every day how our dysfunctional health care system is simply not built to adequately address patient and community health. For many doctors, these frustrations manifest in burnout and dissatisfaction within a field they once loved. Today there is an epidemic of burnout among physicians, with some studies suggesting burnout affects up to half of all physicians. After training for years with the desire to help others, doctors come to experience medical system that values profit over all else and rarely gives them the tools to make a difference in the communities where they work. This can leave doctors feeling hopeless, and combined with other factors, can lead to depression or even suicide. Today physicians are committing suicide at two times the rate of the population as a whole. Yet, even at this moment of frustration and anger, they continue to keep their heads down, providing validity to this broken system. We see nowhere, among doctors, a resistance like that now being organized by nurses. In order to analyze why doctors are not throwing down their stethoscopes and finally saying enough is enough, a review of the U.S. medical education process is in order. As longtime public educator John Taylor Gatto highlights in his book, The Underground History of American Education, the education system is built to create tools for industry. Gatto points out that this system conditions those who pass through it to take direction well and to not question authority. At the same time, education aims to instill the importance of profit and continually reinforces the legitimacy of the capitalist system. Health care education is not excluded from this, and both patient and community health remains secondary to profit maximization nonetheless. Psychological conditioning Data shows that physicians typically come from the upper classes in the U.S. It is not hard to see why. Medical school exams and applications alone can cost thousands of dollars, and this doesnt even account for the cost of exam preparation courses or materials. Overall, the admissions system selects for a particular type of upper-middle-class to bourgeois candidate some reports show the median family income for a matriculating medical student is around $100,000 per year. At a time when close to half the American people do not earn enough afford an unexpected $400 expense, the cost of becoming a physician is prohibitive for the vast majority. Students with families that can bear such costs tend to come from environments that have conditioned them from a young age to respect systems of authority and not question their legitimacy. After all, if the parents have benefited economically from doing so, why would their children act any differently? This rule is then reinforced throughout the experiences of undergraduate school, medical school as I have written about in the past and residency education. The young medical student or resident learns that getting close to and appealing to authority figures leads to better outcomes whether that means higher test scores, letters of recommendation, or better employment opportunities. This makes the physician less and less likely to challenge, much less disrupt, the medical system he will soon be working within. Within the hospital, doctors typically adopt an individualist mentality in which they consider only how they can personally make an impact on their patients health while ignoring the need for systemic change. The direct work with individual patients can be personally rewarding, but this method of practice does little to impact the larger factors that lead a patient to become sick in the first place. A physician sees a patient in a clinical setting and treats him without ever actually discussing or addressing the social conditions which have caused his illness. They then send the patient directly back into the environment that is harming him. Over time, operating within the system of factory line health delivery the norm in the U.S. teaches the physician that change occurs on an individual basis. If a physician ever thinks of organizing collectively to withhold her labor in order to demand better conditions for her patients, employers declare that doctors are abandoning those in need of care. The Hippocratic oath taken by physicians to do no harm is cited. This argument obviously disregards the fact that it is the employer and ownership class which is directly harming patients every day in pursuit of profit denying care, pushing individuals into bankruptcy, pursuing unnecessary treatments, neglecting systemic causes of illness, etc. It also ignores the fact that by continuing to focus the treatment on narrow individualistic explanations for disease and illness, the physician helps to redirect the patients attention away from the larger issues that are truly causing his or her suffering. It is clear why few physicians would think about striking after being psychologically conditioned in this way. Many simply believe the work they are doing is adequate and having a meaningful impact on patient and community health. Although many may work under a boss, doctors also often have more autonomy over their work than those in other professions. Their distinct petty bourgeois positions, which allows them the possibility of being their own employers, reinforces their individualist, conservative mentality though it is important to note, physician control is ever decreasing as health care becomes more corporatized. The individualist mindset created through medical and residency education is completely antithetical to the consciousness necessary to take action against an employer whether protesting, organizing work slowdowns or using the most powerful weapon: the strike. Those who organize collectively to strike, such as the New York nurses, believe that change comes from masses of individuals standing together against the status quo. This runs counter to the ideology continually drilled into the physician. Subtle psychological methods of coercion keep physicians in line and unknowingly supporting their own oppression and the continual harm of their patients. This is combined with strong material conditions of coercion which we will discuss in the next section. The material conditions of doctors Physicians experience the truly sickening state of the U.S. medical system day after day. They see first hand how the profits of health insurance companies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, device manufacturers and other health care corporations are placed above patient health. For those who truly wish to help the patients they work with, this can be extremely frustrating and could even push the physician to want to resist these oppressive systems. This is where material conditions of the physician come into play: to ensure doctors stay in line. In general, American physicians are more economically well off than the majority of the population. The exorbitantly high pay that physicians find themselves earning after residency serves to support the status quo for the health care industry. Physicians become comfortable with their lifestyle and their positions of power in hospitals. They begin to develop a stake in maintaining the system. Though the physician may see various ways the medical-industrial complex damages patients, he will be reluctant to put his comfortable position at risk by questioning the current state of affairs. It is much easier for a physician to accept the lifestyle this system provides her than to accept she is being used as a cog inside of the medical-industrial machine. Even before graduating from residency training, the material conditioning of the physician begins. Becoming a physician is expensive. Physicians typically undergo a four-year university education in addition to their four years of medical school. This can easily leave a new physician entering residency a three- to eight-year period of training after medical school with hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt. This debt, which is part of the over $1.5 trillion of overall student loan debt in the U.S., puts the physician in a precarious position in the workplace at the beginning of her career. Indebtedness makes the resident physician less likely to do anything to jeopardize her standing during residency where she is often used as cheap labor for hospitals and clinics since it could affect job opportunities later in her career. The enormous debt facing a resident then forces him to work exorbitant hours for little pay. His workweek can extend to upwards of 80 hours leading to an hourly wage of just over $10/hour. Work limits are set at 80 hours per week, averaged over four consecutive weeks, meaning that a resident could potentially work as many as 100 hours in a given week. In this scenario, overwork and exhaustion make physician organizing and resistance even less likely. We must organize Physicians are key actors in the medical-industrial complex today. They serve as conduits for profit extraction from sick and injured people. Until physicians begin to put individual endeavors aside and begin to organize collectively, they will continue to see their patients harmed by the health care system. How can physicians advance their collective organization? They can start by pushing for unionization in all health care settings even if that means going against anti-union contracts that hospitals and clinics often require doctors to sign. Change in this system will not come from hospital administrations, device manufacturers, health insurance companies or medical academies. All of these groups benefit from the existing system focused on endless profit maximization. Change will only come through collective action and resistance by health care workers. Physicians around the world have organized and withheld their labor for better conditions around patient care in the past. In a system that continues to directly harm patients, strikes or various other forms of work stoppages or slowdowns, are an ethical imperative. Whether it is teachers in Virginia or nurses in New York, withholding ones labor and threatening profit production is, by far, the greatest tool any worker has against an employer. These efforts by teachers have improved educational environments for children in schools. In hospitals, strikes have the potential to provide better staffing ratios, and ultimately better care, for patients. The nurses who give their time and efforts to organize even while risking their own jobs are showing what it means to truly care for patient and community health. Physicians have much to learn from the nurses example. Michael Pappas is a family medicine resident. This article originally appeared in Left Voice. Image credit: Shutterstock.com PORTLAND, Ore. -- An Oregon family's trip to Disneyland got off to a rocky start at Portland International Airport Friday morning. Mom Emily Dolbeer said after they got settled into their gate this morning, they went to get breakfast at McDonald's. She said she asked them to fill up her daughter's water bottle, and when they asked if she wanted ice, she said yes. She said when her daughter Lainey took a drink, she started screaming because it was scalding hot water. She posted pictures on Facebook of blisters on her lips, chin and neck. Dolbeer said this is Lainey's first trip to Disneyland. They went to California to celebrate her birthday and her cousin's birthday. EUGENE, Ore. -- As students risk their lives to save their classmates in school shootings, some students say they feel pressure to consider whether or not they would do the same. In 2019 there have already been 15 school shootings with someone either injured or killed. Youll think about school shootings, and like its tragic and its really sad, but you dont think it could happen to you," University of Oregon student Camille Riley said. "But then it starts to get closer and closer more often, and it just hits home like this could be you, you could be dying." Many UO students told KEZI 9 News theyre scared the problem is going to get worse than it already is. "It seems like theres one happening almost every day, and it doesnt really make sense to me how it happens so often, Riley said. Earlier this week, Kendrick Castillo gave his own life to protect his classmates from getting killed. When a gunman came to his school in Colorado, he charged at him, giving his friends a chance to survive. While many are calling him a hero, students said that shouldn't be a standard they are held to. Its us against the world, and students shouldnt have to feel like they are the only ones protecting themselves, student Kaiya Woodruff said. Leigh Richardson, founder of the Brain Performance Center in Texas, said these students becoming heroes in these situations is damaging to kids' mental state. "What a lot of times schools are using -- the theory run, hide, fight -- its basic fight or flight mode and you're not thinking really clearly when youre in the state," Richardson said. "When that adrenalin starts pumping out, it makes you think, 'I got to decide,' and whatever you decide, its not thought out." Richardson said this is an unfair expectation and will ultimately put students more at risk. All students seem to agree on one thing: they need to be there for one another in these situations. They said they hope this generation that has grown up with shootings make way for a better future for their children. (CNN) Mohammad Mujabir works hard tilling his scrabble patch of a field on the banks of the Yamuna River in New Delhi. The river is one of India's most polluted, with untreated sewage and factory waste dumped into its waters as it flows into the capital. But Mujabir, 55, has bigger worries than pollution, which he says might even help fertilize his meagre crops. The rains are always late, he tells CNN, and it's hard to simply make ends meet: He feeds his wife and five kids with the produce they grow, and any profits go to the landlord to rent the field. "There are no savings," he says. And now he fears he's been left out of any opportunity to voice his desperation in India's upcoming general elections. Voters left out Mujabir voted in the country's last general elections in 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stormed to power, but this time round, he believes his name has been left off the voter list. Though he has a registration and voter ID card, he said he's yet to receive his ballot card. Without the card, he will not be allowed to cast his vote with the rest of New Delhi on Sunday, during the sixth and penultimate round of polling. India's Election Commission has committed to a "no voter left behind" initiative for the parliamentary elections this year. Polling staff have reportedly gone house to house in villages explaining the process and to residents, many of whom may be illiterate. But Mujabir says no one has come to visit him. "The party people don't come here. Nobody gives a damn about us," he says. A recent report by election watchdog Missing Voters suggested that some 120 million people many of them minorities such as Muslims or Dalits were left out of electoral lists. Authors of the report said there was a "slow but steady process ... through which the minorities are being disenfranchised and politically excluded." A spokesperson for India's Election Commission (ECI) told CNN that it "has given citizens ample notice through its awareness campaigns to ensure that voters have enough time to make sure their names are on the electoral rolls." Pledges to help the poor With 50% of India's labor force working in agriculture, farmers like Mujabir make up an important voter bloc. Amid a deepening agrarian crisis caused by depleting water tables, drought, mounting debt and falling wages, they have staged numerous protests in recent years, including in the run-up to this election. Suicide among farmers has also become a national issue, with more than 200,000 killing themselves since 1995, according to government data collated by Mumbai-based NGO Down to Earth. In 2015, the last year government figures that were made available on farmer suicides, 12,602 killed themselves. Both the BJP and main opposition Congress Party have pledged in their election manifestos to help the poor and farmers like Mujabir. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has promoted a flagship plan to eliminate poverty, called the Nyuntam Aay Yojana or NYAY scheme, which will give Rs. 72,000 ($1,000) a year to the poorest 20% of households. The money will be transferred to the woman in the household, as far as possible, according to Congress. Meanwhile the BJP has pledged to ease farmers' burdens by promising to invest almost $360 billion to develop rural areas. The party has said it would double the income of farmers by 2022. But Mujabir isn't convinced. He says there are about 1,000 Yumana Kisan or small-scale farmers like himself in the Yamuna River basin and he is not optimistic that they will benefit from political promises. "No farmer is benefiting around here. Nothing happens. They just talk," he says. This story was first published on CNN.com, "India election: New Delhi's marginalized left out of world's biggest election." Nearly 200 domestic exhibitors are showcasing their products Friday at the 2019 China Brand Day series held in Shanghai, which focuses on the exposition of indigenous brands. Quality goods including the latest hydrogen FCVs, smart pianos with a recording function, and gel pens made of a degradable material are showcased in 13 experience zones of consumer goods at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. The booth area for businesses covers more than 20,000 square meters, where visitors can participate in online and offline interactive activities such as live demonstrations, virtual images, live streaming, online shopping, and interacting with celebrities. An official with the National Development and Reform Commission, one of the hosts of the event, said this year's China Brand Day plays an important role in the building of more brands and the forming of a strong domestic market. The 2019 International Forum on China Brand Development and seven sub-forums will be held during the three-day event. Established in 2017, the China Brand Day is marked on May 10 every year. The theme of this year is "China Brand, World Sharing." Sichuan, a quake-prone province in southwest China, will provide its residents earthquake early warning services by the end of this year, according to the Sichuan Earthquake Administration. The early warning services include alerting residents seconds before seismic waves arrive through multiple broadcasting systems, using the theory that radio waves travel faster than seismic waves. Earthquake research has found that being aware of an earthquake three seconds beforehand can save 14 percent of casualties, 10 seconds can save 39 percent of casualties, and 20 seconds can save 63 percent of casualties. The services will also offer residents brief information about the quake one to two minutes after a quake strikes, its magnitude two to five minutes later, and an assessment of the disaster within two hours. China's capacity in earthquake monitoring and disaster relief has improved since 2008, when the Wenchuan Earthquake in Sichuan killed more than 69,000 people and left nearly 18,000 missing, said a report submitted to the country's top legislature last year. A new generation of earthquake monitoring and warning systems have been installed along more than 20 high-speed railway lines spanning 6,642 km, said the report. China has issued a plan to promote the protection and inheritance of the heritage of the Grand Canal, the world's longest man-made waterway. A cultural belt will be built along the canal's existing main river course and those used in recent history, according to the plan's outline, which was issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council. The document proposed four projects -- protecting the canal's cultural heritage, improving its water resources, building a green ecological corridor and promoting culture and tourism. It also stated that a work mechanism will be established to coordinate the implementation of the document. The eight provinces and municipalities along the canal are the main actors for advancing the initiative. The Grand Canal is almost 3,200 km long in total, including the one stretching from Beijing to Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province. It has a history of more than 2,500 years. Over 1,000 km of the canal was recognized as a world heritage site in 2014. Flash French lawmakers began deliberating on Friday a draft law aimed at outlining ways to rebuild in five years Notre Dame Cathedral which was severely damaged in a fire last month. "We will rebuild Notre Dame de Paris... We will not confuse speed with haste. We must offer Notre Dame a restoration worthy of its splendour," said Minister of Culture Franck Riester. "At certain points, it is urgent to intervene, at others we will take the time to reflect. The current situation of Notre Dame imposes these two approaches and this law manages to reconcile them," he told the National Assembly. Rebuilding the cathedral in five years is an "ambitious timeframe," Riester acknowledged, but "we want to move quickly. Some have accused us of wanting to move too quickly but the outpouring of generosity was very fast so we can and must respond, which is what we are doing." To that end, the proposed legislation defines a legal framework to the donations to guarantee transparency. To date, more than 1 billion euros (1.124 billion U.S. dollars) worth of donations have been received. The donations will be used "to restore and preserve" the Notre Dame and "to finance the training of professionals with the specific skills that will be required for the work." The draft law also outlines the creation of a public body to oversee and manage the restoration and allow the government to override regulations on planning, environmental and heritage protection, and public tenders in order "to facilitate the achievement of restoration work as soon as possible and in satisfactory safety conditions." "There are very precise rules that apply to the restoration of heritage buildings and property, which are formalised in the code on cultural heritage and which correspond to France's excellence in this field," the minister said. On April 15, a fire engulfed the cathedral's upper structure and destroyed the spire and the roof. Some 400 firefighters took part in the 15-hour battle to contain the blaze, which generated an outpouring of grief around the world. The cause of the fire has yet to be identified. The cathedral, whose construction began in 1160 and continued over a century, has been a World Heritage Site since 1991. It receives 13 million visitors a year. Capsule reviews are by Philip Brandes (P.B.), Charles McNulty (C.M.) and Daryl H. Miller (D.H.M.). Openings MOMentum Place Annual Mothers Day celebration features aerialists, circus performers, dancers and musicians. Will Geers Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Sun., brunch, noon; performance, 2 p.m. $10-$40; brunch, $30. (310) 455-2322. theatricum.com Mothers Day With Elvis Tribute artist Raymond Michael salutes the king of rock n Roll. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley. Sun., 7:30 p.m. $22-$29. (805) 583-7900. simi-arts.org Solo Creation Festival Showcase for original solo works continues. Son of Semele Theater, 3301 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Sun., next Sun., 5 p.m.; Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends May 26. $15. (213) 351-3507. sonofsemele.org Advertisement StoryTime The Group Rep presents personal stories of joy, sadness and humor; for ages 18 and up. Lonny Chapman Theatre, 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Sun., 7 p.m. $12. (818) 763-5990. thegrouprep.com The Living Room Series Staged reading of Ashley Rose Wellmans Hot Tragic Dead Thing. The Blanks 2nd Stage Theatre, 6500 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Mon., 8 p.m. $15 suggested donation. (323) 661-9827. theblank.com Shame of Thrones: The Musical Spoof of the hit fantasy drama Game of Thrones. Whitefire Theatre, 13500 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Mon., 8 p.m.; ends July 8. $25, $33. (800) 838-3006. brownpapertickets.com Invisible Tango Illusionist Helder Guimaraes performs in this fantastical solo show featuring original music by Moby. Geffen Playhouse, Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Wed.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; ends June 30. $30-$130. (310) 208-5454. geffenplayhouse.org A Bad Year for Tomatoes A famous actress seeking seclusion in Vermont devises a ruse to keep the townsfolk away in John Patricks comedy. Theatre 40, Reuben Cordova Theatre, 241 S. Moreno Drive, Beverly Hills. Thu., 8 p.m.; Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 8 p.m., next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 16. $35. (310) 364-0535. theatre40.org Dead Accounts A New York banker pays a surprise visit to his family in Cincinnati in Theresa Rebecks comedy. Little Fish Theatre, 777 S. Centre St., San Pedro. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends June 9. $15-$28; May 24, pay what you can ($5 minimum). (310) 512-6030. littlefishtheatre.org The Gods of Comedy A pair of ancient Greek deities descend on a college campus after being inadvertently summoned by a young classics professor in this world-premiere comedy by Ken Ludwig. The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 and 7 p.m.; ends June 16. $30 and up. (619) 234-5623. theoldglobe.org Mamma Mia! A young woman hopes to uncover which of her mothers former beaus is her father in this romantic musical built around the songs of the Swedish pop group ABBA. East West Players, David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St., L.A. Thu.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 9. $50-$75. (213) 625-7000. eastwestplayers.org Roots: An Evening of World Premiere Shorts Four new short plays. Theatre of NOTE, 1517 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7 p,.m.; ends June 23. $20, $25. (323) 856-8611. theatreofnote.com At the Table Six friends go on a weekend retreat without any digital devices in the L.A. premiere of Michael Perlmans drama. The Road on Lankershim, 5108 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends July 7. $15, $34; Sundays, pay what you can. (818) 761-8838. roadtheatre.org Die, Mommie, Die! L.A. Theatre Works records Charles Buschs campy sendup of 1960s melodramas; with Busch, Willie Garson. James Bridges Theater, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, 235 Charles E. Young Drive, Westwood. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m. $15-$65. (310) 827-0889. latw.org Lady Day at Emersons Bar and Grill Lanie Robertsons musical bio-drama envisions one of jazz great Billie Holidays final performances; Deidrie Henry stars. Garry Marshall Theatre, 4252 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 3 p.m.; ends June 2. $25-$65. (818) 955-8101. garrymarshalltheatre.org New Works Festival Year 3 Readings of new works by MFA students at USC. The Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m. $10, $15. (626) 356-7529. PasadenaPlayhouse.org Nunsense Musical farce about a group of nuns staging a talent show. Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-next Sun., 2 and 7:30 p.m.; ends June 22. $20-$34. (818) 244-8481. glendalecentretheatre.com Paige Turner: Drag Me to the Top! The drag artist offers songs, stories and comedy. The Cavern Club @ Casita Del Campo, 1920 Hyperion Ave., L.A. Fri.-Sat., 9 p.m. $25. (800) 838-3006. brownpapertickets.com Pippin Kentwood Players stages the classic Stephen Schwartz musical about a young medieval prince who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Westchester Playhouse, 8301 Hindry Ave., Westchester. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 22. $25, $27. (310) 645-5156. kentwoodplayers.org Pop-Up Magazines 2019 Spring Issue Live magazine features writers, journalists, filmmakers and others sharing multimedia-enhanced stories. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, 929 S. Broadway, L.A. Fri., 7:30 p.m. $39-$49. popupmagazine.com Bronco Billy The Musical A performer in a struggling Wild West show meets an heiress on the lam in this new musical based on the 1980 Clint Eastwood comedy. Skylight Theatre, 1816 N. Vermont Ave., Los Feliz. Sat., 8:30 p.m.; next Sun., 2 p.m.; ends June 30. $29-$55; opening night only, $75; student rush, $20. (866) 811-4111. skylighttix.org Come to the Cabaret, My Friends With Jonathan Friedmann, Avi Gross, the band Crinoline and others. Horace Heidt Estates, Aloha Room, 14155 W. Magnolia Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Sat., 5 p.m. $18. (888) 552-4552. An Evening With James Barbour The Broadway veteran sings show tunes and more. La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Sat., 8 p.m. $15-$48. (562) 944-9801. lamiradatheatre.com The Guys A writer helps an FDNY captain prepare eulogies for firefighters killed on Sept. 11 in a benefit performance of Anne Nelsons two-character drama; with Wendie Malick and Dan Lauria. Will Geers Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. Sat., 6:30 p.m. $175, $250. (310) 455-3723. theatricum.com A Jordan Downs Illumination Cornerstone Theater Company celebrates the residents of the Watts housing project in this immersive, site-specific work co-created with community members. Jordan Downs Recreation Center, 9900 Grape Ave., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m.; next Sun., 7:30 p.m.; ends May 26. Pay what you can ($20 suggested). cornerstonetheater.org M. Butterfly A French diplomat falls in love with a beguiling Chinese opera star in David Henry Hwangs acclaimed drama; for ages high school and up; contains adult language, sexuality and nudity. South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Stage, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Sat., 2:30 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; ends June 8. $23 and up. (714) 708-5555. scr.org Seven Guitars August Wilsons drama about the trials and travails of an African American musician and others in 1940s Pittsburgh. Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. Sat., 8 p.m.; ends June 5. $14-$27. (562) 494-1014. lbplayhouse.org Backstage at the Geffen Harry Belafonte and Lily Tomlin are feted in this fundraiser hosted by Julia Sweeney. Geffen Playhouse, Gil Cates Theater, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood. Next Sun., 6 p.m. $1,500 and up. (310) 208-6500. geffenplayhouse.org Critics Choices Daniels Husband This absorbing drama by Michael McKeever, which was a hit off-Broadway, explores the debate on same-sex marriage from a less obvious angle. Set in the perfectly appointed home of a gay couple, the play examines the conflict between Daniel and Mitchell, committed partners in their 40s who have polarized views on holy matrimony. As gleaming as a coffee table book, what begins as a contemporary gay comedy takes an unexpected turn that cant be revealed, but it changes the stakes of the marriage debate and turns comedy into serious drama. Gaining strength from the intimacy of the Fountain Theatre and the general excellence of the production, Daniels Husband begins in laughter, culminates in tears and leaves off in contemplation of the dangers in putting off for another day what matters most. (C.M.) The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Ave., L.A. Sun., next Sun., 2 p.m.; Mon., Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.; ends June 23. $25-$45. (323) 663-1525. fountaintheatre.com Falsettos In William Finns musical, set in 1979 and 1981, Marvin leaves his wife and son to live with a man, but although their relationships keep rearranging, they remain, resolutely, a family. This is a series of songs with no connecting dialogue, so the storytelling is elliptical. Truth be told, the show can be a challenge. But James Lapines playful direction and resonant performances (note to Wicked fans: Eden Espinosa plays the wife) carry the audience through laughter and tears. (D.H.M.) Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Sun., Tue.-Wed., 8 p.m.; Thu., 2 and 8 p.m.; Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 1 p.m.; ends May 19. $30-$135. $30-$135. (213) 972-4400. centertheatregroup.org Julius Weezer Its 44 B.C., a bit before the ides of March, and Roman citizens are in the streets singing a cheeky ode to life in the Seven Hills to the tune of Weezers Beverly Hills. The Troubadour Theater Company has come up with another of its classic story/classic rock mash-ups. With Shakespeares Julius Caesar as source material, its a bit more serious than most Troubie shows, but not to worry: Youll laugh plenty. (D.H.M.) El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 4 and 8 p.m.; next Sun., 4 p.m.; ends May 19. $50-$65. (866) 811-4111. elportaltheatre.com Smart Love Fine performances and a strikingly original premise elevate a witty but at times convoluted comedy about romantic possibilities afforded by the brave new world of ever-accelerating technology. (P.B.) Pacific Resident Theatre, 703 Venice Blvd., Venice. Ends Sun., 5 p.m. $30, $34; discounts available. (310) 822-8392. pacificresidenttheatre.com Dance, Artifacts and Jazz Company members from Clairobscur Dance perform in this fundraiser. Mimoda Studio Theater, 5774 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. Thu., 7 p.m. $35. (559) 860-9145. clairobscurdance.org 1 to 3 Ate9 dance company explores its creative process in this intimate new salon series. The Ruby Street, 6408 Ruby St., Highland Park. Thu., 7:30 p.m.; ends May 30. $20. ate9dancecompany.com Boys in Trouble Transgender choreographer Sean Dorsey and company examine the concept of masculinity from trans and queer perspectives. Highways Performance Space, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica. Fri.-Sat., 8:30 p.m. $20, $25. highwaysperformance.org Choreographic Residencies at LADP With Ghislain Grellier and Katherine Helen Fisher & Safety Third Productions. L.A. Dance Project Studios, 2245 E. Washington Blvd., L.A. Sat., 8 p.m. $10. (213) 622-5995. ladanceproject.org Advertisement Im Gonna Live Forever Dream Orchestra presents Los Angeles Ballets Petra Conti and special guests. Zipper Hall, Colburn School, 200 S. Grand Ave., L.A. Sat., 7 p.m. $40-$100. (213) 432-1777. dreamorchestra.org Benita Bikes DanceArt The company presents an interactive, all-ages program. Culver City Senior Center, 4095 Overland Ave., Culver City. Next Sun., 1:30 p.m. Free. (818) 353-5734. danceart.org A faithful direwolf companion, Ghost has stuck by Jon Snow throughout his travels, his death and resurrection, and plenty of battles. But their time together seemed to have come to an end in The Last of the Starks, the fourth episode of the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones. After the pair survived the war against the Night Kings forces in the Battle of Winterfell, Jon asked Tormund Giantsbane to take Ghost with him and the wildlings on their journey back north. Jon, on the other hand, was preparing to head south towards Kings Landing to help Daenerys Targaryen on her quest to claim the Iron Throne. So the once-King in the North gave his loyal direwolf one long last look before walking away. That was it. Advertisement Fans were upset that Jon essentially gave away his pet without even a goodbye pat on the head, but director David Nutter told HuffPost that he believed the scene played out much more powerfully that way. Since the direwolves are kind of CG creations, we felt it best to keep it as simple as possible, Nutter said. [Jon] turns to Ghost and has this moment with Ghost that I thought was very, very powerful. But was that really it for the direwolves? Rob (Richard Madden), left, and Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead) with their direwolf pups in the first episode of Game of Thrones. (Helen Sloan / HBO) The direwolves were introduced in the first episode of the series, when Lord Ned Stark and his children stumbled upon a family of orphaned pups. While Ned believed it would be more merciful to kill them, Jon convinced him that the Stark kids were meant to raise these pups since direwolves are the symbol of their house. But the only ones still alive are Ghost and Aryas direwolf Nymeria. Arya set her direwolf free during the first season after Nymeria jumped in to defend her against Prince Joffrey Baratheon. Knowing the cruel prince wouldnt let his attacker off easily, Arya sent Nymeria away to protect her. The pair were briefly reunited in Season 7, when Arya decided to head home to Winterfell after learning that her siblings took back their castle. Much like Arya, Nymeria has grown into a force to be reckoned with as the leader of a pack of wild wolves. After recognizing Nymeria, Arya calls out to her direwolf and invites her to come home with her, but she realizes neither of them are the same as when they were last together. So Arya watches on as Nymeria takes off with her pack, sad but understanding that this was the right path for both of them. Sansas direwolf Lady was the first one to die in what was nothing more than an act of cruelty. Ned was ordered to kill her in Nymerias stead as retribution for what happened to Joffrey, a sign of what was to come for the Starks once they got to Kings Landing. Adopted by Bran, Summer was a fierce protector from the start. He first saved Bran from an assassination attempt shortly after the young boy was thrown off a tower by the Lannister, leaving him paralyzed. Summer died protecting Bran from wights, holding them off to give the young Stark time to escape. Robbs direwolf Grey Wind was known to be fierce in battle, but was killed along with the rest of the Starks that were betrayed at the Red Wedding. And poor Shaggydog, after escaping Winterfell with Rickon along with Bran and Summer, was killed by cruel humans just to be used as proof of his owners Stark lineage. So, despite Nutters explanation and the symbolism of Jon parting with one of his visible ties to the Starks, the brief moment with Ghost is a bit of a lackluster conclusion to the Stark direwolves story line, if that is indeed the last we see them on the show. Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) and his direwolf Ghost in a Season 4 episode of Game of Thrones. (HBO) tracy.brown@latimes.com Twitter: @tracycbrown Good morning. Im Paul Thornton, and it is Saturday, May 11, 2019. Lets take a look back at the week in Opinion. The question of what exactly might mark a constitutional crisis in the Trump presidency isnt a new one. Early in his political life (as in, really early ), Donald Trump expressed deep disdain for legal restraints on authority, so the fears that we may face a situation that cannot be resolved by any constitutional means have always been understandable. But the focus on a possible constitutional crisis, I feel, has always been misplaced, or at least just a little too narrow. The moment a dishonest man who proudly stoked bigotry took the oath of office on Jan. 21, 2017, this nation was plunged into crisis; naturally, were now at the moment when the constitutional means for dealing with a president like Trump are being tested. Call it a constitutional crisis if you want, but to me its merely a permutation of the crisis that began more than two years ago. The administrations resistance to congressional requests related to the Mueller report comes against the backdrop of a larger contempt by this president for the separation of powers. Trump has made it clear that he doesnt believe he has to provide information to the House because it is now controlled by Democrats. We're fighting all the subpoenas, he said last month. Look, these arent like impartial people. The Democrats are trying to win 2020. Obviously Democrats are motivated to some degree by a quest for partisan advantage, as are the congressional Republicans who continue to cover for Trump, and some of their requests seem excessive. But that doesnt give the president the right to ignore requests for information and testimony to which Congress is entitled. That includes information about whether Trump might have obstructed justice whether or not Congress seeks that information as part of a formal impeachment inquiry.... Whether rooted in self-protection or hubris, Trumps defiance of Congress is dangerous. And by resisting meaningful congressional oversight across the board, the president undercuts any argument he might make that Congress should compromise with the White House in seeking particular information. Absolutism begets absolutism. >> Click here to read more Hello constitutional crisis: The administration wont turn over Trumps tax returns. Theres no question that the House Ways and Means Committee is legally entitled to receive tax returns from the years Trump has been president, but before then? By requesting returns from as far back as 2013 two years before Trump was even a candidate House Democrats are wading into fishing-expedition territory, says Jon Healey. L.A. Times Will Meghan Markle and Prince Harry raise their baby to be black? Editorial writer Carla Hall notes that little Archie Windsor, the newest member of the British royal family, is in fact half American and has a black grandmother. Hall writes: Im guessing that one of his first questions to his parents will be: Am I black? The answer: Yes, you are. L.A. Times The West Coast is defeating Trumpism. Hooray. The renaming of a street in Los Angeles Barack Obama Boulevard was the perfect symbolic capstone to more than two years of success by Oregon, California and Washington in legally fending off Trumps most destructive policies. New York Times No, President Trump, China isnt paying the bill for your tariffs. Theres really no question who will be paying more for products imported from China to cover the cost of tariffs: consumers. The president may be fighting the good fight to stop Chinas unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft, but there should be no illusion that waging a trade war will have deep economic consequences for the United States. L.A. Times Los Angeles officials are bracing for the release of a report thats likely to show little or no progress in reining in homelessness, despite the $619 million they spent last year to grapple with the crisis. The gloomy prognosis on one of Southern Californias top political issues emerged during two recent briefings on homelessness and the 2019 point-in-time count, the results of which are due to be released May 31. Peter Lynn, executive director of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, told the L.A. County Board of Supervisors that the region is unlikely to make significant headway until the in-flow of people being pushed out by rising rents is stanched and more affordable apartments are created. If we as a region as a state cannot make affordable housing available, we are going to be very hard-pressed to get ahead of this, Lynn said during the board meeting. Advertisement Last year, officials credited new money flowing into the homeless services system with a slight drop in the homelessness count. The city has Proposition HHH, a $1.2-billion voter-approved bond to build homeless housing, while the county funds homeless services through Measure H, including rent subsidies, shelter beds, drug and mental health counseling and other services. The county, in a recent report, said 27,000 homeless people had been placed into permanent housing in 18 months. But advocates question whether some of those people may be back on the streets. The homeless services authoritys tracking system registers only those who have left their housing placements if they seek more aid. Those who return to a tent or RV without appealing for additional help fly under the radar. The city spent $442 million from Proposition HHH last year developing homeless and affordable apartments, but none of the projects have opened yet and the wait for permanent housing has stretched to an average of 215 days. Thus far, the citys $77-million shelter expansion plan has produced two facilities, with room for 147 people. The countys short-term rental subsidy program, designed to help people get past a temporary financial crisis, sent only half the participants to permanent placements in the first 18 months after Measure H money became available. Just 1 in 5 of those in shelters and interim placements in the second half of last year found permanent housing. They are missing capabilities they could use to address homelessness more strategically, said Daniel Flaming, president of the Economic Roundtable. The public policy research organization developed a preventive screening tool last year to identify those most likely to become chronically homeless, but the county has rejected using it. Phil Ansell, executive director of the Los Angeles County Homelessness Initiative, said the 2017 Measure H sales tax hike has moved thousands of people from the sidewalks into apartments and shelters. The county spent $177 million of the revenue last year. I think we are making extremely good use of our Measure H funding in areas with the most impact, Ansell said. The in-flow is beyond our scope. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, pointing to double-digit increases in surrounding counties homeless numbers, said the crisis was regional and required a broader governmental response. Fighting homelessness is not for the faint of heart, Garcetti said. Were housing our homeless neighbors at an unprecedented rate tens of thousands every year and we need help from our state and federal partners to step up this progress. Authorities reported that 53,000 L.A. County residents were homeless in 2018. Lynn said the 2019 point-in-time count, which was conducted in January, was being held for further analysis. Meanwhile, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties released their 2019 data in late April, when it was due to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs. All three counties experienced double-digit increases in homelessness. Despite the lack of progress in Los Angeles, officials say theyve had success with some programs. The county has expanded its outreach teams, given health screenings to thousands of homeless people, trained sheriffs deputies, set aside money for rent and utility deposits, and advocated for disability benefits for veterans and others. Several employment programs have been launched, and eviction defense and mediation programs have been extended to those on the brink of homelessness. Retired UCLA law professor Gary Blasi, who studies homelessness, said outreach workers are collecting vast amounts of information from homeless people without having housing to offer in return. Its like asking a crowd to queue up in a line in front of a closed door that never opens, on which are taped a lot of coming soon posters, Blasi said. Organizers have canceled an annual fundraiser in Northern California after their tiny school became the target of online conspiracy theorists, who claimed on Twitter that the event could be pulled into a terror plot. The Blue Marble Jubilee a festival produced by the Grass Valley Charter School Foundation and scheduled for Saturday will not happen out of concerns for personal safety. The crisis in the town northeast of Sacramento unfolded earlier this week, starting with a tweet from former FBI Director James B. Comey. Comey, now an author whos making appearances on the speaker circuit, joined in a popular game called Five Jobs Ive Had. He listed grocery store clerk, vocal soloist for church weddings, chemist, strike-replacement high school teacher and FBI director, interrupted. A QAnon conspiracy theorist mixed the letters in his tweet to spell five jihad. Next, the person took the first letter of each of the jobs to create GVCSF citing the initials of the Grass Valley Charter School Foundation and sparking a belief that Comey helped to leak a hidden terror attack. Advertisement In the current political and social climate, schools and communities must take into consideration matters never before imagined, organizers said in a statement announcing the cancellation of the Nevada County Fairgrounds event. Its quite difficult to talk about. It doesnt make any sense. Its pretty nutty, Wendy Willoughby, foundation president, told the Sacramento Bee. Deciding to shelve the event left her heartbroken, she added. The tweets prompted social media users across the country to bombard the organizers with questions, asking if their foundation is legitimate or expressing concern for their welfare. Some people posted videos, while others began viewing online photos of the students. It became very personal, very frightening, Willoughby said in the interview with the Bee. School officials, along with Nevada County leaders, later decided that the event was not under threat, but organizers said they wanted to be cautious. anh.do@latimes.com Twitter: @newsterrier A homeless man was arrested and charged this week on suspicion of kidnapping and raping a woman while she was walking to her vehicle in a North Hollywood parking garage, prosecutors said. Allen Dante Villarreal, 26, is suspected of attacking the woman on the night of March 8, knocking her out and raping her while she was unconscious before driving away in her car with her inside, the Los Angeles County district attorneys office said. Villarreal later abandoned the car and fled on foot, authorities said. After an extensive search by authorities, Villarreal was arrested Thursday in Hollywood and faces one felony count each of kidnapping to commit another crime, rape of an unconscious person, assault with intent to commit a felony, second-degree robbery and making criminal threats. Prosecutors said Villarreal is a transient with at least six other aliases and ties to several states, according to the district attorneys office and court records. Advertisement Villarreal faces a possible maximum sentence of life in state prison. Prosecutors are requesting that bail be set at $1.2 million. The Los Angeles Police Departments North Hollywood Division, Sexual Assault Unit, was assisted in its search for Villarreal by the U.S. Marshals Services Los Angeles Regional Fugitive Task Force and the district attorneys Bureau of Investigation Special Enforcement Team. javier.panzar@latimes.com @jpanzar You are here: World Flash Turkey's Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) said on Friday that it fined Facebook 1.65 million Turkish liras (280,000 U.S. dollars) in April over data breach. According to a statement from Facebook last December, the company had discovered a photo API bug that allowed third-party applications to access the photos of Facebook users. About 300,000 users in Turkey may have been affected by this data breach, KVKK said. According to the Turkish watchdog, Facebook failed to timely intervene to take proper technical and administrative measures during the 12-day existence of the bug last September. Attorneys general from more than 40 states are alleging the nations largest generic drug manufacturers conspired to artificially inflate and manipulate prices for more than 100 different generic drugs, including treatments for diabetes, cancer, arthritis and other medical conditions. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Connecticut, also names 15 individual senior executives responsible for sales, marketing and pricing. Connecticut Atty. Gen. William Tong, a Democrat, said investigators obtained evidence implicating 20 firms. We have hard evidence that shows the generic drug industry perpetrated a multibillion-dollar fraud on the American people, Tong said. We have emails, text messages, telephone records and former company insiders that we believe will prove a multiyear conspiracy to fix prices and divide market share for huge numbers of generic drugs. Advertisement Tong said the investigation had uncovered a primary reason why the cost of healthcare and specifically generic prescription drugs has been so high in this country. The surging prices of prescription drugs have drawn the attention of a number of politicians across the political spectrum from President Trump to liberal Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. The lawsuit, filed Friday, was the second that has been filed in the investigation. The first, filed in 2016, named 18 corporate defendants and two individual defendants. Two former drug company executives entered into settlement agreements and are cooperating with the attorneys general in the investigation. A spokesman for one of the companies named in the suit, Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., a subsidiary of Israeli-based Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries, said Teva hasnt engaged in any conduct that would lead to civil or criminal liability. The allegations in this new complaint, and in the litigation more generally, are just that allegations, Kelley Dougherty, a Teva vice president, said in a statement Saturday. The company delivers high-quality medicines to patients around the world and is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations in doing so. Investigators said the drugs covered in the suit account for billions of dollars of sales in the United States. The suit was filed by 43 states and Puerto Rico, with Connecticut taking the lead in the probe. The suit alleges that for many years these makers of generic drugs operated under an agreement not to compete with one another and to settle instead for what these companies referred to as a fair share of the market to avoid pushing prices down through competition. But by 2012, the suit says, Teva and the other companies decided to take this understanding to the next level. It alleges that Teva and its co-conspirators embarked on one of the most egregious and damaging price-fixing conspiracies in the history of the United States. The suit says that the companies sought not only to maintain their fair share of the generic drug market, but also to significantly raise prices on as many drugs as possible. To accomplish this goal, the suit says that Teva selected a core group of competitors with which it already had very profitable collusive relationships, and developed understandings to lead and follow each others price increases. The suit contends that this resulted in many billions of dollars of harm to the national economy over a period of several years. During a 19-month period beginning in July 2013, the suit says, Teva significantly raised prices on approximately 112 different generic drugs and on at least 86 of those increases it colluded with a group it referred to as high quality competitors. The suit says that the size of the price increases varied but was over 1,000% for a number of the drugs. The suit says that the defendants knew their conduct was unlawful and usually chose to communicate in person or by cellphone in an attempt to avoid creating a written record of their illegal conduct. When communications were reduced to writing or text messages, defendants often took overt and calculated steps to destroy evidence of those communications, according to the suit. The civil suit is asking for a finding that the defendants actions violated federal and state antitrust and consumer protection laws and is seeking a permanent injunction preventing the companies from continuing the conduct. The suit also seeks reimbursement of profits from the actions and damages to be paid to the state agencies and consumers who were harmed by the drug company practices. President Trumps personal attorney Rudolph W. Giuliani has scrapped plans to visit Ukraine after Democrats denounced his effort to push the Eastern European nation to open investigations that he hopes could benefit Trump politically. Giuliani said he no longer planned to fly to Kiev in coming days because he was concerned about whom he would be dealing with there. Democrats said his plan marked an overt attempt to recruit foreign help to influence a U.S. election. Giulianis visit had seemed poised to create an unprecedented moment a lawyer for the American president seeking foreign assistance in trying to damage political rivals. To Democrats, it was a blatant evocation of Russias meddling on behalf of Trump when he defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016. The meeting would have accomplished little and may be in the hands of those who might misrepresent it, Giuliani said Saturday in a statement. Advertisement Giuliani had said earlier that he would urge the Ukrainian government to investigate the origins of special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs recently concluded inquiry into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, and the involvement of former Vice President Joe Bidens son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. Biden is leading in early polls to be the Democratic presidential candidate to challenge Trump in the 2020 election. The Biden campaign has denied that the Democrat or his son Hunter did anything improper. Giuliani said he had concluded that Ukraines president-elect is being advised by people who were the very vocal opponents of President Trump and peculiarly vocal supporters of Hillary Clinton. Ukrainian TV star and comedian Volodymyr Zelensky beat incumbent President Petro Poroshenko in a recent presidential election. Giuliani said he believes that the incoming president is being advised, in particular, by Sergei Leshchenko, an opposition member of parliament who helped uncover the off-the-books payments made to onetime Trump campaign Chairman Paul Manafort. Manafort has been imprisoned as a result of crimes uncovered in the Mueller investigation. My purpose was to share information to assist their ongoing investigation of Ukrainian officials being used by Americans to gather information to assist Clinton in [the] last election and to alert them to the very real dangers that there are people involved in the investigation ... who are attempting to shut it down before it reaches a conclusion, Giuliani said in a statement. He said the Ukrainian investigation has the potential to reveal people who originated or propagated what he called the false claim of collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. Leshchenko, however, said Ukraines prosecutor general, Yuri Lutsenko, had misled Giuliani. Writing in the Ukrainska Pravda online newspaper, Leshchenko said that Lutsenko came up with the story that the former vice president had pressured Ukraine to close the case involving the gas company, while it was Lutsenko himself who had closed the case more than two years ago. He reopened the case this spring during Ukraines presidential campaign in what was seen as an effort to win Trump administration support for Poroshenko. Democrats took aim at Giuliani for planning the trip at all. Its stunning that the Trump administration is going down the same tragic path they did in 2016 seeking help from a foreign government again to influence an American presidential election. Its appalling, said Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. He said Trump allies were saying, Were going to do everything short of whats downright criminal. Ethics dont matter. Patriotism doesnt matter. Giuliani, a former New York City mayor who served as Trumps chief spokesman on the Mueller investigation, denounced the criticism. Explain to me why Biden shouldnt be investigated if his son got millions from a Russian loving crooked Ukrainian oligarch while He was VP and point man for Ukraine, Giuliani tweeted to Sen. Christopher S. Murphy (D-Conn.), who had criticized him. Ukrainians are investigating and your fellow Dems are interfering. Election is 17 months away. Lets answer it now. Giulianis planned trip, first reported by the New York Times, would have been the highest-profile effort yet by Republicans to call attention to growing talking points in conservative circles. They are trying to undermine the special counsels investigation, call into question the case against Manafort, and wound Joe Biden. Trump and Giuliani have urged scrutiny of Hunter Biden and have questions about whether Joe Biden helped oust a Ukrainian prosecutor whose office was first investigating the oligarch behind the company that paid Hunter Biden. Some Trump allies have suggested they can tarnish Joe Biden with questions about corruption, founded or not, much like they did to Clinton in 2016. Giuliani has said he updated the president about his findings on Ukraine, a nation deeply reliant on the Trump administration for U.S. military and financial aid. Im hearing its a major scandal, major problem, Trump said on Fox News recently. I hope for [Biden] it is fake news. I dont think it is. The president has also tried to push claims that Ukrainian officials tried to help Clinton by focusing attention on Manaforts business in Ukraine. That attention forced Manafort to resign from the campaign, and he was later convicted of financial crimes and sentenced to prison. Ukrainian officials have denied involvement, but Trump has latched onto the idea that Kiev colluded with Democrats and that the origins of Muellers inquiry were fraudulent. Trumps reelection campaign distanced itself from Giulianis efforts, saying it had nothing to do with the lawyers inquiry. A federal judge on Friday struck down a Kentucky abortion law that would halt a common second-trimester procedure to end pregnancies. The states governor, who is against abortion, immediately vowed to appeal. U.S. District Judge Joseph H. McKinley Jr. ruled that the 2018 law would create a substantial obstacle to a womans right to an abortion, violating constitutionally protected privacy rights. Kentuckys only abortion clinic challenged the law right after it was signed by Republican Gov. Matt Bevin. A consent order had suspended its enforcement pending the outcome of last years trial in which Bevins legal team and American Civil Liberties Union attorneys argued the case. The law takes aim at an abortion procedure known as dilation and evacuation. The procedure was used in 537 of 3,312 abortions in Kentucky in 2016, according to state statistics. Advertisement McKinley wrote that standard D&E procedures account for virtually all second-trimester abortions in Kentucky. The law would unduly burden women seeking the procedure, he said. If the Act goes into effect, standard D&E abortions will no longer be performed in the Commonwealth due to ethical and legal concerns regarding compliance with the law, he wrote. The result, the judge said, would be that women lose the right to obtain a pre-viability abortion anywhere in the Commonwealth of Kentucky after 15 weeks. ACLU attorney Alexa Kolbi-Molinas said the judges ruling affirms that health, not politics, will guide important medical decisions about pregnancy. Laws like this are part of an orchestrated national strategy by anti-abortion politicians to push abortion out of reach entirely, she said in a statement. Bevin spokeswoman Elizabeth Goss Kuhn said the governors legal team will appeal McKinleys decision to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. She predicted the law will ultimately be upheld. We profoundly disagree with the courts decision and will take this case all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary, to protect unborn children from being dismembered limb by limb while still alive, she said in a statement. Kentucky is one of many Republican-dominated states seeking to enact restrictions on abortion as conservatives take aim at the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Energized by new conservatives on the Supreme Court, abortion opponents in multiple states hope to ignite new legal battles that could prompt the justices to revisit Roe vs. Wade. Steve Pitt, lead attorney for Bevins legal team, described the second-trimester procedure as brutal, gruesome and inhumane during last years trial over the law in Louisville. The states lawyers say the law would still allow use of the D&E procedure, but only after doctors used other methods to induce fetal death. Abortion providers violating the law would be guilty of a felony. Women undergoing such abortions would not face prosecution. The judge said Friday that the law would require women seeking a second-trimester abortion at and after 15 weeks to endure a medically unnecessary and invasive procedure that may increase the duration of an otherwise one-day standard D&E abortion. McKinley said the plaintiffs successfully showed the Act will operate as a substantial obstacle to a womans right to an abortion before the fetus reached viability a violation of a womans Fourteenth Amendment rights to privacy and bodily integrity. The case is part of a bitter legal fight in Kentucky over abortion policy. Kentucky Republicans have pushed through a series of measures putting limits and conditions on abortion since assuming complete control of the states legislature in 2017. Those laws have triggered several legal challenges. Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It is Saturday, May 11. Heres a look at the top stories of the past week: WEEK IN REVIEW The guns and Getty connection: The scene was straight out of a B-movie: Run-down mansion. Tony neighborhood. Anonymous tip. The whiff of celebrity. And a jaw-droppingly large cache of weapons, some of questionable legality. Authorities seized more than 1,000 guns from a Holmby Hills home after getting an anonymous tip regarding illegal firearms sales in a posh area near the Playboy Mansion. (KCBC/KCAL) Advertisement Vaccine triumph: In 2015, California lawmakers passed one of the toughest mandatory vaccination requirements in the nation. This graphics story shows how, as a result of the law, the states falling measles vaccination rate reversed. Hot chicken hotbed: Los Angeles has become a hotbed of Nashville hot chicken, with more than two dozen restaurants, pop-ups and food trucks open in and around the city in the last three years. Antagonizing Trump: California has already sued the Trump administration more times in the last two years than Texas took President Obama to court during his eight years in office. And the state is winning nearly all its environmental cases. Tech activism: More than 200 workers at Riot Games walked out of the video game developers Los Angeles headquarters Monday to protest the companys use of forced arbitration to handle sexual discrimination lawsuits. Also this week, ride-hail drivers went on strike in L.A. and around the country to protest pay rates and working conditions ahead of Ubers massive planned IPO. Share the wealth: Gov. Gavin Newsom has assigned a team to create a data dividend a payment that businesses would make to the state or to consumers if their personal data are sold. USC problems: USCs social work school might be forced to lay off nearly half its staff and eliminate the vast majority of its part-time teaching positions after the revelations of severe budget problems that began under a former dean. Nipseys vision: At the time of his death, Nipsey Hussle was reaching out to a diverse array of partners from fellow musicians and L.A. politicians to a Republican senator from South Carolina to make the revitalization of Hyde Park something larger and potentially longer-lasting. Racial profiling? The California Department of Justice is expected to release newly proposed standards for how law enforcement can use CalGang, the states gang database, to identify gang members. Critics say CalGang remains a vehicle for racial profiling. May the Force be with you: Star Wars fans have spent years waiting for Disneyland to let them enter a galaxy far, far away. How then does the Magic Kingdom get them to leave? ICYMI, HERE ARE THIS WEEKS GREAT READS Understanding the lost language of Los Angeles: For decades Tongva, the language of the first people who lived in the Los Angeles region, was consigned to notebooks and papers hidden away in museums. Now, through the efforts of a UCLA linguist, its being spoken again. Los Angeles Times How Lisa Hanawalt and Raphael Bob-Waksberg creators of BoJack Horseman and now Tuca & Bertie are changing the way Hollywood thinks of animation. California Sunday Magazine The roar of Star Wars Canyon: Military veterans, aviation enthusiasts and photographers gather at the top of Star Wars Canyon in Death Valley National Park. Theyre there for a glimpse of the all-metal birds that randomly streak across the sky and the military pilots who fly them. Los Angeles Times Get the Essential California newsletter THIS WEEKS MOST POPULAR STORIES IN ESSENTIAL CALIFORNIA 1. Twenty-eight unusual museums to visit in Southern California. San Gabriel Valley Tribune 2. A legendary Neapolitan pizzeria gears up for a Hollywood opening. Eater LA 3. Angela Aliotos use of a racial epithet at a Democratic Party board meeting prompts calls for her removal. San Francisco Examiner 4. A map of the 75 best places to eat in Orange County in 2019. Orange County Register 5. How one of Americas smallest Indian tribes bounced back from the brink of dying out. Desert Sun LOOKING AHEAD Saturday Recommendation: The observation deck at Los Angeles City Hall The view from the L.A. City Hall observation deck. (Scott Harrison / Los Angeles Times) Our weekly recommendation offers a succinct pitch for a single great thing around the state be it a restaurant meal, a specialty bookstore, or the stairs to climb for the best view of an iconic vista. When I used to work in downtown Los Angeles and needed to clear my head, I would often sneak out of the office and up to the City Hall observation deck, where I could be alone with my rambling thoughts and a slightly dizzying, panoramic outlook on the city. There might be a half-dozen tourists up there or the rare school group hustling by, but the deck was usually uncrowded, despite the shockingly good, sweeping view. In fact, many locals are not even aware that an open-air deck wraps around the 27th floor of L.A.s 28-story, neoclassical City Hall building, let alone that access is free and open to the public. It can be a bit of an adventure getting up, but the process does offer a mini-tour of City Hall, which is worth visiting in its own right. Enter the building through the Main Street entrance and check in with security to get a visitor pass. After that, you can proceed as if youre on some very official city business and take the express elevator to the 22nd floor, and then another elevator to the 26th floor, where youll walk up the stairs to the 27th floor. If youre lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the mayor as you make your way through the building. The City Hall observation deck is accessible through the visitor entrance to City Hall at 201 N. Main St. in downtown Los Angeles. (If you enter just City Hall into your GPS, youll end up at the Spring Street entrance and need to walk around to the other side of the building.) Open during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints, ideas and unrelated book recommendations to Julia Wick. Follow her on Twitter @Sherlyholmes. (And special thanks to the legendary Diya Chacko for her help with the Saturday edition!) Tammy Jackson gave birth to her daughter alone, with no doctor, nurse or midwife present to assist or even offer comfort. There were people nearby who heard Jacksons screams and even watched her long night of agony through the glass; but they could do nothing because, like Jackson, they were locked in cells in the Broward County Jail in Pompano Beach, Fla. Jail staff finally responded after hearing the newborns cry. They turned the baby girl over to child welfare authorities following the April 10 birth and sent Jackson to the hospital. She has since been released but has yet to be reunited with her daughter. The U.S. has approximately a quarter of a million women in jail and prison on any given day. More than half are mothers; many are pregnant. We can only hope that wardens and sheriffs generally offer them better care than Jackson got in Broward County; and yet, how is jail ever a good place to give birth? Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute Advertisement As the nation shrinks its incarcerated population, the proportion of female inmates is increasing, according data from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics analyzed by Jacob Kang-Brown and Olive Lu of the Vera Institute and published May 7 in the New York Review of Books. From 1983 to 2016, they report, the proportion of people admitted to jail who are women jumped from 9% to 23%. Unlike prison inmates, who generally are locked up for a year or more, jail inmates are often out in a few months, weeks or even days. But a few days of separation, while certainly tough for a young mother, is a large chunk of a childs life and can have a lasting effect. Thats true of newborns, but perhaps even more of kids who have grown up in their mothers care and are suddenly separated. Some jurisdictions including Texas, as reported in a recent NPR story are working to keep mothers closer to their children or, when possible, out of jail or prison altogether, for the benefit of both the kids and the moms. The secret is that such moves apparently benefit the rest of us as well, because children with incarcerated mothers are more likely to end up committing crimes themselves. Early this year, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors wisely dropped a plan to move the countys more than 2,000 female inmates from a jail in Lynwood to a former ICE detention center in Lancaster, in large part because the distance would make it exceedingly difficult for children to visit their locked-up mothers. Now, what to do with all those inmates? Certainly the county, which has made great strides in diverting mentally ill inmates from jail to treatment, can look to places like Texas and find safe alternatives to jail for mothers, and mothers-to-be. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook What is a constitutional crisis? At its most elementary, its a government emergency in which some of a nations citizens generally with political power, an arsenal, or both decide that the republics fundamental principles are not binding on them. Theyre above the law. Bent on nullification, anarchy or megalomania, the group resolves that, damn the torpedoes, theyre going to defy the mechanisms that limit power in government. These mechanisms, of course, are designed to protect the citizenry against tyranny and chaos. Advertisement A constitutional crisis is inestimably grave. First, it can stalemate the administrative functioning of a state. That hardly sounds fatal, but this kind of paralysis erodes the daily life of citizens. Barrs failure to show was pure provocation. Eventually, a stalled government loses its legitimacy. Finally, a constitutional crisis can end in a governments collapse or, as we know from history, in civil war. Atty. Gen. William Barrs blithe decision to skip out on an appearance May 2 before the House Judiciary Committee seemed at first like routine partisan posturing in Washington. It didnt exactly resound like the first shots on Ft. Sumter 158 years ago. But when the chief lawyer of the federal government bucks a congressional subpoena in this case, for the unredacted Mueller report and its underlying evidence something is seriously rotten in our executive branch. (Barr offers a weak defense he cant show Congress grand jury testimony ignoring easy remedies for the problem.) Barrs failure to show was pure provocation. He was, after all, spitefully skipping an appearance before the Democratic-controlled House Judiciary Committee, when he had readily appeared before the analogous committee in the Republican-controlled Senate. He is turning basic accountability partisan. For our attorney general and anyone else who needs reminding: Both houses of the Congress represent a branch of government coequal with the executive branch. Barr cant defy the legislature by fiat and stay in the Constitutions bounds. Barrs absenteeism comes in the context of President Trumps flat assertion of vast protective executive privilege over the findings of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Protective executive privilege, which some call a constitutional myth because the Constitution makes no provision for it, is an Eisenhower-era coinage. Yes, the Supreme Court has generally upheld the power of the president to resist certain subpoenas for confidential information. But, according to United States vs. Nixon, a seminal Supreme Court decision in the Watergate scandal, executive privilege turns hollow when the material in question is deemed necessary for a judicial process. Thats manifestly the case here. The Mueller report itself leaves no ambiguity about where it left the judicial process regarding obstruction of justice on the part of the president: in Congress hands. To make a just decision about impeachment or other constitutional remedies for the misconduct of Trump and his circle, Congress needs to see, and in some cases hear, the evidence. For now, though, protective executive privilege is another key brick in Trumps tweetering wall of words. The Supreme Courts Watergate ruling made it clear that a president must comply with subpoenas in criminal matters; it was silent on congressional investigations, where no indictment has been made. This lacuna suggests we may see a U.S. vs. Trump sooner rather than later. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin offered a sideshow tell previewing Barrs snub of the House Judiciary Committee and Trumps flat defiance of Congress in April. He at least showed up to testify before the House Financial Services Committee, but he did so all but sneering at the committee chair, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles). He had more important places to be, he said. Mnuchin sounded less like a Cabinet member addressing elected officials, and more like a kid saying he had no time for a math test because he needed to level up in Resident Evil 2 on his XBox. As of Friday, he has his own opportunity to snub a House subpoena, this time for Trumps tax returns. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute While the snidery of Mnuchin, Trump and Barr sounds adversarial, its the exact opposite. Its their effort to use media posturing and obstructionism to duck the productive adversarial system that keeps this country, this republic, alive. The basic principle of separation of powers, which pits opposing factions against each other so they can check each others will to power, led the philosopher Immanuel Kant to conclude, that, with such a system, the problem of setting up a state can be solved even by a nation of devils. Barr, Trump and Mnuchin have now shown open hostility to the legislative branch by refusing to submit to its oversight. On Wednesday, the legislative branch pushed back when the House Judiciary Committee voted to hold Barr in contempt of Congress for defying its subpoena, and Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared that the nation had entered constitutional crisis. The holy separation of powers is indeed imperiled, but its not nearly time for muskets and cannon fire. Now we turn to the gritty, devilish business of the third branch the judiciary. We will once again test this time in the courts whether this nation or any nation can long endure. Twitter: @page88 Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook To the editor: Have the people calling for 16-year-olds to be given the right to vote in school board elections lost their minds? Does any mature adult still think the same way they did at 16? Do those who would give power over enormously consequential political decisions to teenagers recognize how easy it is to sway 16-year-olds, to manipulate them into beliefs that serve insidious forces? Adults do not make good decisions some of the time, but by and large they accept responsibility for maintaining themselves, their families and the social order, and they accept the consequences of their decisions. Youth may be passionate about many worthwhile goals, but they have little understanding of what needs to be done to move incrementally toward achieving them. Karen Robinson-Stark, Pasadena Advertisement .. To the editor: Ask parents if they truly believe their 16-year-old even has an opinion on taxes, civic matters or foreign affairs. Ask a judge whether a 16-year-old has the mental capacity to be held accountable for his criminal actions. Ask a medical expert if a 16-year-olds brain is fully developed. All of the answers would be no. This is just another progressive idea to increase the lefts base. Bob Guarrera, Laguna Niguel .. To the editor: Giving 16-year-olds the right to vote is a great way to ace out the charter proponents running for school board. Teenagers can be indoctrinated in the classroom. Voting in candidates their teachers endorse (wink-wink), the students can effectively shoot down any idea that endangers the status quo. It will definitely be the death knell to charter schools, and mediocrity for all will be the slogan for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Jim Rahm, Chatsworth Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook John Paramo, Burbank Unifieds director of secondary education, said this week that 97% of the districts high school seniors graduated or earned a certificate of attendance during the 2017-18 school year, up by 1.5% from the previous school year. Of the districts 1,283 students eligible for graduation from Burbank, Burroughs and Monterey high schools, 1,246 received their diplomas or earned a certificate of attendance by summers end. We have made good progress, but 100% is still our goal, Burbank Unified Supt. Matt Hill said. I firmly believe that every student who enrolls in a [Burbank Unified] school should receive a diploma. It may take more than four years, but we need to work with all students to ensure they have the support they need to ultimately obtain their diplomas. Burbanks 97% rate is a little less than the rates for 2014-15 (98.8%) and 2015-16 (98%). Other than graduation, some students earned a certificate of attendance, which in California is given to those who complete the 12th grade but have not necessarily earned the credits to graduate. Sometimes our special education students who have specific disabilities cant meet the same requirements of a normal diploma, Paramo said. Theyre showing up to school every day for four years, and theyre working toward their [educational] goals and sometimes they just dont meet state standards. Students who did not graduate this spring or summer then fell into one of two categories. Twenty-four students are continuing as fifth-year students, while 13 are designated as non-graduates. Breaking those numbers down more shows that 584 Burbank High, 609 Burroughs High and 53 Monterey seniors graduated. Seventeen Monterey students are continuing on to a fifth year, while four Burbank and three Burroughs students have taken that option. Also, Burbank High had seven non-graduates, while Burroughs reported six. Paramo said the fifth-year option is offered to students showing up to school every day and successfully earning credits, but not having enough time to finish them all. If students dont graduate after a fifth year, they have an opportunity to continue at Burbank Adult School, where they can earn credits or prepare to take a General Education Diploma test. The district has been tracking its non-graduates the past four years and has 15 non-graduates from the 2014-15 school year, 26 from 2015-16 and six from 2016-17. The district also keeps records of a cohort rate, which is the number of freshmen from a specific class who end up graduating four years later. That rate was 93% in 2014-15, 95% in 2015-16 and 93.2% in 2016-17. andrew.campa@latimes.com Twitter @campadresports Teenage vaping will be the center of discussion Wednesday evening as the Burbank Council PTA, Burbank Teachers Assn. and Burbank Unified School District host an information session in the library at Burbank High School. The nonprofit, nonpartisan clean-air organization called BREATHE California of Los Angeles County will give a presentation titled, Clearing the air about vaping; safer does not mean safe. The event will run from roughly 7 to 8 p.m., with child care available. There will also be translation services in Spanish and Armenian as well as for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. The vaping seminar is one of two scheduled, with another slated for Nov. 27 at Luther Burbank Middle School, also from 7 to 8 p.m. The Centers for Disease Control has issued several statements indicating that they are seeing an increase in the use of E-cigarettes and vapes among middle schools and high schools across the country, said Johanna Chase, Burbank Unifieds director of wellness. Burbank Unified recognizes how important it is to take a proactive approach to educate and inform, she added. Some of the topics to be discussed will help identify the ways in which teens are accessing E-cigarettes, understanding the major health concerns related to E-cigarette use and realizing what it means to vape. I am so excited about this coming together because I really do feel that we need to be more informed about the impacts of vaping, said Diana Abasta, president of the Burbank Teachers Assn., about the seminars during a school board meeting on Nov. 1. E-cigarettes are any of several devices, some disposable and others rechargeable, that include pipes and cigars along with medium and large tank devices. Most are battery powered, have some way to heat up, can hold liquids and can be used for other products, such as marijuana. The Centers for Disease Control do report that E-cigarettes have the potential to benefit adult smokers who are not pregnant if used as a complete substitute for regular cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products. However, the CDC also states that E-cigarettes are not safe for youth, young adults, pregnant women or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. The main reason behind the health risk, according to the CDC, is that most E-cigarettes contain addictive nicotine, which can harm adolescent brain development. It is an increasing concern in our community about the lack of awareness of students and parents about the harms of vaping, Burbank Unified Supt. Matt Hill said during the Nov. 1 board meeting. A lot of people see it as an alternative, a safe alternative to cigarette smoking, and its just the opposite, he added. andrew.campa@latimes.com Twitter @campadresports A man and woman from Valencia are said to be responsible for a series of bank robberies across Southern California, including two in Burbank, according to authorities. James Hamill, 27, was charged on Monday with six counts of robbery and two counts of attempted robbery by the Los Angeles County district attorneys office, while 22-year-old Samantha Yaworski was charged with one count of attempted robbery. The charges stem from a two-month bank robbery spree that began in March, according to Sgt. Derek Green, a spokesman for the Burbank Police Department. Green said the spree reached Burbank on April 20 when the U.S. Bank at 1720 W. Olive Ave. was robbed. A man allegedly entered the building and handed over a note, demanding money. A witness inside the bank attempted to detain the suspect but was unable to, Green said. It was learned the suspect was armed with a pellet gun resembling a real handgun, which he left behind at the scene. On April 30, the same man reportedly robbed the U.S. Bank at 240 N. San Fernando Blvd., where he also handed over a note, demanding money. Police identified James Hamill, 27, as a suspect in a series of bank robberies across Southern California including two in Burbank. (Courtesy of the Burbank Police Department ) Authorities eventually discovered the man was connected to bank robberies in Newhall, Valencia, Orange and Pico Rivera as well as an attempted bank robbery in Van Nuys. Green said evidence left behind by the man at the first robbery led police to identify Hamill as a suspect. He also said detectives identified Yaworski as his getaway driver in at least one of the robberies. The two were then arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on May 4 after entering a bank in North Hollywood. Hamill is being held in lieu of $400,000 bail, while Yaworskis bail is set at $50,000. andy.nguyen@latimes.com Twitter: @Andy_Truc Costa Mesas homeless population has increased 45% in two years, according to Vanguard University survey results presented to the City Council this week. Volunteers with the Costa Mesa Christian universitys YOU Count program recorded 158 homeless people on Costa Mesas streets in late October, compared with 109 two years earlier. City officials, homeless advocates and Vanguard sociology professor Ed Clarke pointed to different explanations for the increase. Rick Francis, an assistant city chief executive, called the rise significant, though he added that the number of homeless fluctuates constantly, making it impossible to pin down as people go in and out of temporary housing. Francis said City Hall believes that dropouts from sober-living facilities and the effects of Proposition 47, a measure passed by California voters in 2014 to reduce some crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, have contributed to the uptick. Costa Mesa is a regional hub of the sober-living and rehabilitation industry, home to more than one-fourth of all state-licensed facilities in Orange County and to at least 100 more homes where residents live in drug- and alcohol-free settings. Francis said city officials have seen operators drop off failing clients in local parks. Theyre not always going back to wherever they came from, he said. We know thats happening. When we ask people where theyre coming from, they say they were in rehab. Officials also are seeing a demographic shift in Costa Mesas homeless population: younger people, addicted to drugs and more aggressive, Francis said. They tend to bunch up in motels, he said, and many are resistant to aid. Homeless people also tend to congregate near retail centers where they can ask for money or steal, Francis said. Thats one reason Wilson Park saw an uptick in crime and homeless activity last year, he said. The park is near Harbor Boulevard motels and the Harbor Center. Many of Costa Mesas homeless, however, do have ties to the city. The citys homeless database, last updated Dec. 31, identified 122 people as Costa Mesa residents. That demographic receives the bulk of local aid, Francis said. Clarke also called Costa Mesas homeless increase significant, but said it was predictable. Vanguard has been monitoring the homeless population since 2008. All communities are dealing with this problem of homelessness, he said. All communities are creating strategies, and those strategies, I think, are honest and intending to help manage what they see as a problem. Costa Mesa, he added, could be absorbing homeless people from other cities. If it becomes less comfortable to be homeless in one adjacent community, the likelihood is that the population is going to shift, Clarke said. Rising rents and fewer inexpensive motel rooms often a last-resort form of housing also are factors, he added. Motel residents are generally poor, lower classes that are struggling to try and keep a housing unit. The number of [motels] available for that population is being restricted to some extent, Clarke said. He contended that no coherent strategy exists countywide to tackle the problem. Each municipality is taking on strategies that help them but are not necessarily strategies designed to reduce homelessness, he said. But Francis told the City Council on Tuesday that though homelessness is on the rise, so is help. With efforts from City Hall, local churches and nonprofits, 122 people have received housing assistance since 2013, he said. About half of them received their aid last year. City staff spent 3,550 hours working on homeless issues last year, Francis said. Volunteers averaged 380 hours a month, he said. Larry Haynes, executive director of Mercy House, a Santa Ana-based homeless assistance nonprofit, complimented Costa Mesas efforts. If neighboring cities addressed the problem like Costa Mesa has, he said, I think regionally we would see an improvement. After hours of back-and-forth from residents and telecommunications company representatives, the Laguna Beach City Council this week approved laying the groundwork for regulations on updating wireless infrastructure around the city. The Federal Communications Commission rolled out new regulations last year to streamline the introduction of 5G wireless technology to the chagrin of many cities that have complained about an intrusion on their jurisdiction. Federal law prohibits Laguna Beach from regulating telecom facilities in a manner that materially inhibits personal wireless service, a city staff report said. However, the city still can determine the placement and aesthetics of new cell facilities. The council Tuesday sought to claim the citys regulatory power over the expansion of wireless technologies in the city. My goal would be to minimize [the number of antennas and cell towers], have as few as we can have in town and comply with whatever the federal statute is, Mayor Bob Whalen said. We ought to absolutely control the aesthetics. The stuff theyre throwing up on the poles is ugly. Its terrible. On a unanimous council vote, city staff will design a strategy for how to implement an efficient permit process for small cell sites and create a broadband master plan to address policies for adding small cell sites and expanding wireless infrastructure in general. The Laguna Beach Planning Commission has received many applications in recent weeks for permits to affix wireless communications facilities to street lights and other poles around the city. All applications are for 4G, said the citys undergrounding program manager, Wade Brown. But, he said, the equipment could be converted to 5G in the future. The council voted to amend the municipal code with new conditions for fiber installations but struck down a point that would have allowed companies to do speculative work to explore future fiber deployment. Several community members urged the city to fight the FCCs regulations. [I] plead with you to be brave and stand up to the FCC and the unreasonable and unprecedented federal intrusion into our lives, said resident Amy Jackson. This is a breach of our local authority. Consulting firm HR Green told the council that to accommodate 5G, the city would need to add small cell sites around the city, including in residential areas. 5G uses waves at the top of the radio spectrum that previously havent been used for telecommunication. The higher waves allow for faster data transfer. But about a dozen residents expressed concern that the expansion of wireless technology for 5G could have detrimental health effects because of more exposure to radiation. It has a lot to offer, but its also very dangerous, said resident Steven Sadleir, who said he previously worked in the telecom investment banking industry. Most people dont realize the dangers of long-term exposures to microwave radiation. Councilwoman Toni Iseman said, I would like to see us wait until 5G has refined its product, because it is absolutely clear that it is bad for our health. Telecom representatives encouraged the city to embrace the technology. Jesus Roman, associate general counsel and vice president of government affairs at Verizon, said the World Health Organization, American Cancer Society and others have said there are no known risks or harmful effects. Roman asked the council to allow Verizon to deploy fiber as a backbone for our network throughout the entire Orange County system. Some telecom representatives who spoke in support of adding small cell sites said 5G technology would enable first responders to assess a scene before arriving and would accelerate access to 911. A couple of members of the citys Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Committee agreed. Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. An Orange County Superior Court judge Friday ruled against a defense motion to dismiss an attempted-murder case against the son of a former Real Housewives of Orange County star on grounds that his constitutional rights had been violated. Joshua Waring, 30, has been fighting since January 2018 to have the case dismissed because of jailhouse phone calls the defense said were improperly recorded and later shared with prosecutors. Waring is facing three counts of attempted murder and other felony and misdemeanor charges in connection with a shooting at a former sober-living home in Costa Mesa in June 2016. He could face multiple life sentences if convicted. After being appointed a public defender, Waring chose to represent himself in November 2016 for about two weeks, after which an alternate defender was assigned to his case. Waring, son of Lauri Peterson, a former cast member on the reality TV series The Real Housewives of Orange County, assumed his calls in Orange County Jail while he was representing himself were unmonitored, according to his current lawyer, Joel Garson. The court had granted Waring two hours of unrecorded collect calls and one 20-minute non-collect call per day in preparation for his court dates, as is standard when a defendant forgos outside counsel. In his ruling Friday, Judge Jonathan Fish referenced a 2010 appeals court decision that determined that although the government intentionally and improperly eavesdropped on privileged attorney-client communications in violation of defendants constitutional right to counsel, dismissal of criminal charges is too drastic of a remedy and not warranted. It is not lost on this court that the very essence of the defense [complaint] relates to the precious and fundamental right to have privileged conversations with ones lawyer, Fish said in the ruling. Garson said he was very disappointed by the decision. The court did a very careful analysis but seemed to rule on the assumption that Josh should have complained about his calls being monitored earlier, Garson said. Our position is that he didnt know they were being monitored until it was too late. Waring is scheduled for trial Tuesday, though Garson said he expects a delay. Rufio is 9, Rinoa and Gizmo are 8, Cowboy is 6, Tails is 5 and Maya is 2 1/2. Christian and Ashley Casillan have a team of huskies, but they live in Long Beach, not Alaska. Whats a family of huskies to do in Southern California without snow and a sled? A group of dog owners in the area asked themselves the same question and the answer is Urban Mushing. The dogs come here just to run and have fun because they like to do it, said husky owner and Fountain Valley resident Rancy Reyes, who began the activity of running his dog in parks and on trails in Orange County in 2005 when he got his first husky, Niko. He was the one that got me started on this because he was just a spaz. Reyes got the idea from people in the Northwest riding on scooters attached by lines to their dogs harnesses.The idea is similar to dog sledding on snow but the Urban Mushing group uses wheeled non-motorized vehicles like mountain bikes, scooters and carts. Hooked him up to it and he had a blast, Reyes said of Niko, who has since died. Reyes began posting on Craigslist about the activity, inviting others to join. It just got bigger and bigger, he said, adding that the group size peaked around 2010 with about 50 dogs. He organized races for a few years at Fairview Park in Costa Mesa, where the weekend morning meet-ups usually take place. On a recent Saturday morning, about a dozen people and 20 dogs mostly huskies but the group does not discriminate arrived for a meet-up. According to Reyes, any medium to large, high-energy dog can participate and the group includes other breeds such as Samoyeds, German shepherds and a French bulldog. Belinda Torrez, who moved to Oregon recently, was in town for the weekend and visited the park with her 1 1/2-year-old Samoyed, Nyssa, to help release some of the young dogs energy. Shes a maniac, said Torrez. Urban Mushing helps dogs expend energy via running. When you have a dog who loves to pull and lives to run and you let them, its just beautiful, Torrez said. While each person or couple arrives with their own set of dogs, a community approach is taken to the runs. Some dogs, like Reyes 12 1/2-year-old Lyka, are getting older and may need to be walked. Because Lyka is partially blind, Torrez walked her, while one of the others took Nyssa on the run. Jenny Kan and her boyfriend, Viet Tran, of Van Nuys are some of the newest members of the group. They recently adopted a 70-pound, 10-month-old, black-and-white husky named Max. Tran, on a mountain bike, was pulled along by the large puppy. I feel like its worth it for him to be able to do this, Kan said of Maxs mushing. Its fun to be able to get the energy out this way rather than running on pavement. Christian Casillan, who in addition to his six dogs also brought along his 3-month-old baby in a stroller, said he got his first husky in 2009. Because he now has many dogs, he has a cart to pull around eight larger dogs at once. Its a lot of work but its a lot of fun, he said about the mushing activities. Its different and its a way to get outdoors. Monica Emmerson of Long Beach has been running her dogs with the group for about a year now. She has three huskies and one that she fosters. It was her 3-year-old Sprocket who inspired her to try Urban Mushing because of behavioral issues such as high energy and anxiety. He needed an outlet this is a great outlet for him, Emmerson said, noting Sprocket became the leader of the pack during runs. Huge changes. Huge improvement. For more information, visit urbanmushing.com. Jessica Peralta is a contributor to Times Community News. There are heroes in classrooms. In 2012, an insane young man who had just killed his mother breached the front of a Connecticut elementary school and started shooting. The much-loved principal who heard the shots came running out of her meeting and lunged toward the man to stop him but was fatally shot. In the same school, a young first-grade teacher heard the shots and herded her students into a closet in the back of the room where she put herself between the shooter and her first graders. She didnt have a chance. Elsewhere on the campus, a teacher led 14 first graders into a bathroom, blocked the door and said to the crying children, I love you and everything is going to be OK. They believed her. The staff at the school led students into a storage room and gave them paper and crayons to color in order to stay calm and quiet. They lived. On an Ohio campus in 2002, students were having breakfast in the cafeteria when a student entered and started shooting. He killed two students and injured others. More students would have died if it werent for two teachers. One confronted the shooter who was pointing a gun directly at him. The kid ran away. Elsewhere, a math teacher blocked all the doors, but when he heard an injured student outside the door, he risked his life and brought his student in. A 14-year-old boy walked into a high school class in West Virginia and held the students hostage at gunpoint in 2015. The teacher not only kept calm in the class, but talked him into not allowing newly arriving students to enter after the bell rang. Those students alerted the teacher across the hall who called for help. No one was hurt. Yet another 14-year-old boy approached a South Carolina playground in 2016 and fired a weapon wounding a teacher and two boys, one of whom later died. The injured teacher was able to usher her students inside the building. Just last month, a 40-year-old high school teacher in Illinois tackled a shooter as he fired off several rounds at kids eating lunch. She held him down until help arrived. Teachers are heroes in other ways as well. In Utah in January, an AP government teacher performed CPR on a student who had stopped breathing and saved the students life. That teacher had saved lives at the Pentagon on Sept. 11. In February, a teacher in a Las Vegas high school performed the Heimlich on a student who had choked on a lollipop and stick and reportedly said to her, Youre going to be OK. The student said she thought she was going to die but the teacher calmed her down. When the family came to thank her, they all cried and hugged. A Spanish teacher at Laguna Beach High School performed CPR in March on a boy whose heart had stopped, saving his life. There are untold numbers of teachers who have saved the lives of suicidal students, not to mention helped their students in so many other ways with their money, attention, intervention and, yes, love. And there are the nosy teachers. There was one particularly nosy teacher on a plane in August who was sitting next to a man who was texting on his smartphone. The font was reportedly very large. She noticed key words that alerted her to a possible child sex crime. She did what all teachers are taught to do; she immediately informed the authorities. The man and a woman he was communicating with are in prison now, and many kids lives are saved as a result. Nosy teachers have probably stopped more crimes of abuse than any other group of people. Thank God for nosy teachers.Thank God for teachers. SANDY ASPER is a Newport Beach resident. Given an opportunity to shine, Hoover High School senior Davit Antonyan wanted to prove an education at his beloved school was no different than anywhere else in the district. The Armenia native may have gone a step beyond as he was one of three local students, joining Crescenta Valley Highs Justin S. Nakama and Glendale resident Nicolas Suter, who is home-schooled, to be named National Merit Scholars on Wednesday. The awards acclaim is accompanied by a $2,500 scholarship. It meant a lot more for me in terms of my school than it did for me because I know they havent had one in a while, Antonyan said. So, I just felt a lot of pride bringing that to my school. Antonyan, who immigrated to Glendale at age 6, was one of 2,500 finalists out of a group of 15,000 semifinalists. The National Merit Scholar Scholarship Corp. used several benchmarks to determine its winners, including grades, academic records, difficulty of subjects taken and standardized test scores. Antonyans honor was backed by a sterling high school record that included a 4.6 weighted grade-point average, a 1,560 SAT score and admission to Harvard University in the fall. The public schools in Glendale, we dont get that much attention, Antonyan said. Having something that makes our school both proud and that can attract other students to attend Hoover, that gives me a lot of pride. Although Antonyan listed his probable career field as business administration in his scholar paperwork, he said hes looking more toward a future in economics and international relations. Just coming to Glendale with an international perspective, it always made me interested in the more nuisance global aspects of everything I learned, said Antonyan, who is interning at the Consulate General of Armenia, located at 346 N. Central Ave., Glendale. Like Antonyan, Suter is a Glendale transplant, sort of. The 18-year-old was born in the Jewel City, moved to Mexico at 6 months old and returned to Southern California five years later. While the award didnt come as a surprise, it still meant a lot to Suter. Its a particularly big deal because I dont come from a particularly high-income background, Suter said. Of course, college is getting more expensive by the day, so yeah, its a big deal. Im quite honored. Suter scored a perfect 1,600 on the SAT, and will be heading to MIT in the fall. He said he will likely major in mathematics, though he said hes no prodigy. I, oddly, struggled a lot with math, Suter said. I do not consider myself a natural, at all. He added, Its kind of a form of struggle that Ive come to appreciate almost. On top of being a standout student, Suter continues to work as an actor, appearing on Nickelodeon programming, along with an episode of the investigative comedy show Adam Ruins Everything. When asked whether he would pursue a career in math, acting or another field, Suter paused. Im not sure, you know, he said. I still want to act, I still want to do music, [and] I still want to do math. Nakama was not available for comment. Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. He prowled into the French class at UCLA like a GQ model fresh from a photo shoot. Tall, slender, elegantly yet casually dressed, with tousled brown hair and sleepy hazel eyes under exquisite dark brows, he paused gracefully in front of the room. The hum of pre-class conversation faltered as all eyes turned. He glanced unhurriedly around and came to sit next to me. He introduced himself. He looked to be in his mid-20s. Bewitched by his perfect smile, I didnt hear what he said. The instructor, a no-nonsense Parisienne renowned for her brusque style, narrowed her eyes at him from the front of the room. He turned his brilliant smile on her and she dropped her attendance sheet, a blush mottling her dry cheeks. I didnt learn much French in that class, but I did learn something about male perfection. Are you a veteran of L.A.'s current dating scene? We want to publish your story Advertisement I went home that night to my bungalow off a dilapidated communal courtyard in Venice and announced to my neighbors, Ive met Mr. Perfect! Wow, whats his name? I had to admit I didnt know. A Northern Californian, Id divorced and fled to Los Angeles a year earlier to channel my sorrows into school. I was in my 30s but looked younger. I hadnt dated since the divorce. Over the course of the class, wed become friendly acquaintances. On the last night, he asked for my phone number and asked me out. I arrived home and told my neighbors, I have a date with Mr. Perfect! Cries of encouragement greeted my announcement, though I thought I detected some raised eyebrows. More L.A. Affairs columns When Id told Mr. Perfect I lived in Venice, hed sounded mildly impressed. On the canals? he asked. Well, no, I admitted, Closer to Lincoln Boulevard actually. When he arrived, I proudly showed him my beloved but admittedly run-down bungalow, outfitted with thrift shop furniture. A leafy vine leaped exuberantly through a crack in the ceiling. Mr. Perfects smile seemed a bit strained as he hurried me out to his car, a gray Peugeot convertible. We drove to the beach. The cars top was down, and soft spring air flowed through my hair as we drove west on Venice. Walking through the sand at the beach, we stopped as the sun slid down over the horizon. I was startled when I felt his arm drape casually over my shoulders. He leaned down to kiss me. A few astonishing minutes later, he pulled away and wrapped his arm around me as we walked back to the car. I settled into my seat and considered a lighthearted comment to ease the moment, but he was intent on extricating his car unscratched from the lot. We drove to a small elegant restaurant on Abbot Kinney. Over mushroom risotto and Pinot Gris, Mr. Perfect told me about himself. His family lived in Bel-Air. He had gone to an Ivy League college. He had an unspecified position with his familys corporation. He had been regarded as a wild child for unnamed foibles during college, but now his family looked forward to him settling down and taking the reins of responsibility. Listening to his tales of a world completely alien to me, I tried to ignore the small voice in the back of my mind whispering that he was too beautiful, too rich and much too young for me. He smiled at me as the waiter brought more wine, and my heart fluttered. Was he finally going to ask me about myself? I was mentally recalibrating references to my past experiences to reflect my fictitiously younger age when he leaned toward me, took and kissed my hand, and murmured, Why dont you have those wood floors in your bungalow replaced? Theyre warped. I laughed out loud. I can barely manage the rent! He leaned back, letting go of my hand. You rent that place? Conversation lagged as we ended the meal and he drove me home. He walked me to my doorstep just as my neighbors friendly cat whisked past me to vomit inside. I made a joke about binging and purging. Mr. Perfect said in a gentlemanly tone that he wouldnt be coming in. I walked with him back out to the street, in time to catch some local kids trying to remove his hubcaps. He froze. I shouted at them; they scattered. Mr. Perfect, his beautiful face pale, leaped into his car and sped away. The next day, my courtyard friends demanded details. Perfect, I lied. He said hell call me. #### No more perfect men for me, I announced when it became all too obvious that hed never call. A few weeks later, a friend invited me to a party: I want you to meet my cousin, shed said. (I didnt want to go, but it would get me away from my silent answering machine. Yes, this was 30 years ago, when answering machines were the thing.) Her cousin was shorter than me, with a mop of dark curls. I had gone to the party feeling like Id never laugh again, but he had me guffawing 10 minutes in. I stayed late at the party. The next day, I came home from class to find my answering machine blinking. He kept calling and kept making me laugh. He drove an old BMW. Some neighborhood kids tried to steal his hubcaps, too, but he took it in stride. We were married the following year and had three daughters. They make me laugh too. The author is a former college adjunct professor. Straight, gay, bisexual, transgender or nonbinary: L.A. Affairs chronicles the search for love in and around Los Angeles and we want to hear your story. You must allow your name to be published, and the story you tell has to be true. We pay $300 for each essay we publish. Email us at LAAffairs@latimes.com. MORE L.A. LOVE STORIES Im black. Hes white. Heres what happened I went on a bunch of blind dates with total losers I was sleeping alone in a strangers bed and falling for him home@latimes.com Four insurgents armed with rifles and grenades attacked a luxury hotel in the southwestern coastal town of Gwadar on Saturday, triggering an intense, hours-long shootout in which one hotel guard and all the attackers were killed, Pakistani officials said. In a statement, the military said troops quickly responded to the attack on the Pearl Continental hotel and that all the guests were safely evacuated. A hotel guard was killed as the assailants opened fire with small arms. A Baluch separatist group, the Baluch Liberation Army, claimed responsibility, saying its four fighters were involved. In a statement, the group released pictures of the attackers, who authorities say were killed in the ensuing gun battle. All four of the terrorists have been killed, said a senior security official. Advertisement A second official said troops had taken control of the area after killing the assailants. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media. They said a search was still underway in the area. The hotel is located near the port at Gwadar, which was built by Pakistan with Chinas help in recent years. Gwadar lies about 435 miles southwest of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province. The region has been the scene of a low-level insurgency by separatists who demand a greater share of the provinces natural gas and mineral resources. The latest attack came weeks after Pakistani leaders claimed that a group of militants crossed the border from neighboring Iran and killed 14 security officials in buses on their way to Gwadar. Pakistan at the time blamed a Baluch separatist group, Raji Aajoi Sangar, for the killings. Thousands of Polish nationalists marched to the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw on Saturday, protesting that the U.S. is putting pressure on Poland to compensate Jews whose families lost property during the Holocaust. The protest took place amid a dramatic rise in anti-Semitic hate speech in public life in Poland, and it appeared to be one of the largest anti-Jewish street demonstrations in recent times. It also comes as far-right groups are gaining in popularity, pressuring the conservative government to move further to the right. Protesters, including far-right groups and their supporters, say the United States has no right to interfere in Polish affairs and that the U.S. government is putting Jewish interests over the interests of Poland. Poland was a major victim of Nazi Germany during World War II and those protesting say it is not fair to ask Poland to compensate Jewish victims when Poland has never received adequate compensation from Germany. Advertisement Why should we have to pay money today when nobody gives us anything? said 22-year-old Kamil Wencwel. Americans only think about Jewish and not Polish interests. The protesters shouted no to claims and This is Poland, not Polin, using the Hebrew word for Poland. Rafal Pankowski, a sociologist who heads the anti-extremist group Never Again, called the march probably the biggest openly anti-Jewish street demonstration in Europe in recent years. One couple wore matching T-shirts reading death to the enemies of the fatherland, while another man wore a shirt saying: I will not apologize for Jedwabne a massacre of Jews by their Polish neighbors in 1941 under the German occupation. Among those far-right politicians who led the march were Janusz Korwin-Mikke and Grzegorz Braun, who have joined forces in a far-right coalition standing in the elections to the European Parliament later this month. Stopping Jewish restitution claims has been one of their key priorities, along with fighting what they call pro-LGBTQ propaganda. The movement is polling well with young Polish men. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki echoed the feelings of the protesters at a campaign rally Saturday, saying that it is Poles who deserve compensation. Poland was the heartland of European Jewish life before the Holocaust, during which most of the 3.3 million Polish Jews were murdered by occupying Nazi German forces. Christian Poles were also targeted by the Germans, killed in massacres and in concentration camps. Many Poles to this day have a feeling that their suffering has not been adequately acknowledged by the world, while that of Jewish suffering in the Holocaust has, creating what has often been called a competition of victimhood. Many of the properties of both Jews and non-Jews were destroyed during the war or were looted and later nationalized by the communist regime that followed. The protests in Warsaw target U.S. law S. 447, also known as the Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today Act. It was signed into law by President Trump last year and requires the State Department to report to Congress on the state of restitution of Jewish property stolen in the Holocaust in dozens of countries. Protesters said paying compensation would ruin Polands economy. But Jewish organizations, particularly the World Jewish Restitution Organization, have been seeking compensation for Holocaust survivors and their families, considering it a matter of justice for a population that was subjected to genocide. Poland is the only European Union country that hasnt passed laws regulating the compensation of looted or national property, and the head of the WJRO, Gideon Taylor, noted Saturday that such property continues to benefit the Polish economy. At least two U.S. Confederate flags were visible at Saturdays protest, which began with a rally in front of the prime ministers office before the protesters walked to the U.S. Embassy. Men in Native American headdresses held a banner with a message pointing to what they see as a double standard: USA, Practice 447 at home. Return stolen lands to the descendants of native tribes. With pressure building on this issue, the U.S. State Departments new envoy on anti-Semitism, Elan Carr, was in Warsaw this past week, telling leaders and media that the U.S. is only urging Poland to fulfill a non-binding commitment it made in 2009 to act on the issue. He also said the U.S. recognizes that Poland was a victim of the war and is not dictating how Warsaw regulates compensation. Nollywood has been put into a mourning mood lately as the industry just lost one of its own. Movie director and a cinematographer popularly known as Mr Henry has died. He reportedly died in a fatal motor accident while returning home from club, Henry who was an elder brother another Nollywood practitioner called Image who is into film production. Legit.ng gathered that Henry was on his way home from the club in the wee hours of Wednesday, May 8, when the unfortunate incident happened. It was learnt that four people were in the car when the accident occurred. One of the accident victims is reported to be unconscious and currently receiving treatment in hospital. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Nigeria Confirming his death, Nollywood actress Ayo Adesanya has mourned the death of Mr Henry. She wrote about the fact that she was getting ready to join his movie location when the news of his death filtered in. READ ALSO: Naira Marley arrest: Rapper Ruggedman mocks him Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported how four University of Abuja 100-level students had gone to catch some fun on a weekend at a hotel. They had gone to swim at the swimming pool of Dome Hotel in Abuja but only three of them left the pool side without their friend, 17-year-old Emmanuel Aigbokhalode Balogun. Emmanuel was said to have paid the fee of N2,000 each for the four of them but he was left to drown by his so-called friends who saw him struggling for his life but refused to help him or call out to the management of the hotel for help. Rather, they were glad to see the end of their presumed enemy just because he is from a wealthy home and had fine look which made ladies swarm around him. Whats the best punishment for erring SARS officers? | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng A woman was pronounced dead Saturday morning in a two-alarm Bethlehem house fire, authorities said. Black smoke poured from the third floor of the home in the 900 block of Wyandotte Street (Route 378), according to a neighbor who knew the resident by her first name. Extremely quiet, the neighbor, Brian Diederich, said. Nice lady. Authorities did not immediately identify the victim or say how she died. Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek said he was working to find next of kin to notify them of the womans death, which remained under investigation. The Bethlehem Fire Department was dispatched for the fire about 6:40 a.m. and, upon arrival, requested a second alarm for additional help, fire Chief Warren Achey said in a news release. The fire was brought under control in a short amount of time, Achey stated. During search and rescue operations a fire victim was found inside the home. The resident was known to feed stray cats in the neighborhood, Diederich said. Members of the Lehigh Valley County Animal Response Team were called in to remove as many cats as possible, coordinator Victoria Schadler said. Several CART members suited up in protective clothing and brought in cat carriers for the job. Members of the Lehigh Valley County Animal Response Team suit up to rescue cats from the home of a woman, who was pronounced dead in a fire the morning of Saturday, May 11, 2019, in the 900 block of Wyandotte Street (Route 378) on South Side.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com The cause of the fire remained under investigation by investigators from the Bethlehems Fire Marshals Office and the Bethlehem Police Department, the fire chief said. According to Diederich, it took a bit for the woman to open up to speaking with neighbors. He said he would snow-blow her sidewalks during winter and help her with cutting the steeply pitched yard in front of the brick single-family home where she lived. Authorities closed Wyandotte Street from the Five Points intersection on South Side to Mountain Drive North at the Lower Saucon Township line Saturday morning. It remained closed past 11 a.m. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Pennsylvanias treasurer is accusing PPL Corp. of frustrating efforts by his designated auditors to get unclaimed property back into the hands of rightful owners. Democratic Treasurer Joe Torsella filed a Commonwealth Court enforcement action Friday against the electric utility based in Allentown. Torsella says PPL won't comply with an administrative subpoena, won't produce unredacted documents and is allowing only a limited visual review of records related to unclaimed shareholder accounts. A message seeking comment was left Friday with PPL's press office. PPL says it's tried to comply and is concerned about the possible release of confidential information. Torsella's office says PPL has reported hundreds of thousands of dollars in unclaimed property in recent years. The lawsuit asks the court to order PPL to produce unedited information about shareholders and shares, and to stop it from frustrating the audit. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A passenger injured in a two-vehicle crash on May 3 has died, the Lehigh County Coroners Office said. Kevin P. McDonough, 65, of Temple in Berks County, died of head injuries, and the death was ruled an accident, First Deputy Coroner Daniel Buglio said in a news release issued Saturday. McDonough was pronounced dead at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township. The crash occurred about 11:40 p.m. on Route 222 North at Krocks Road in Lower Macungie Township. Along with the coroners office, Pennsylvania State Police at Fogelsville were investigating the crash. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Thressa Duarte was supposed to tell jurors how her boyfriend opened fire on her and killed the driver in a car in which she was a passenger. But she disappeared. Still, there was enough evidence to convict Dekota Baptiste of murder anyway. A Northampton County jury found the 26-year-old Easton man guilty of first-degree murder. Jurors deliberated for less than three hours before returning the verdict Friday night. Baptiste was convicted of killing Terrance Lex Ferguson and all related charges, including attempted homicide for putting Duartes life in danger. A woman sobbed in the back row of the courtroom as the verdicts were read. Then she slumped down and had to be helped out of the courtroom. Mom! Mom! Thats my mom, Baptiste said, then adding, Mom, Im OK. Ill be all right." The woman continued sobbing in the hallway outside the courtroom for several minutes. Two young men helped her to stand. She was offered medical attention by a Northampton County deputy sheriff but the men helped her walk out. The death penalty phase of Baptistes trial will start Monday. Baptiste fatally shot Ferguson, 36, of Bangor, on Feb. 23, 2017, in the parking lot of the AutoZone store in Palmer Township. Duarte was Baptistes girlfriend and he was jealous she was with Ferguson, according to Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Abraham Kassis. Baptiste said he killed Ferguson in self-defense. He said Ferguson reversed his car at high speed and tried to run him over. He denied there was any dispute over Duarte or that Duarte was his girlfriend. As a handcuffed Baptiste was led from the courtroom someone in the gallery yelled, Kote, we love you." Yo, Im all right, yo. Ill be OK. I got appeal rights, Baptiste said. Duarte was poised to testify on Monday but was too emotional and was sent home. Then she failed to appear on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday in court. Judge Samuel Murray issued a warrant for her arrest but her whereabouts are unknown. Andrea Weaver was charged with intimidating her and keeping her from testifying. No one corroborated her claim that Baptiste was a jealous boyfriend until an acquaintance of Ferguson materialized Friday. Ronald Johnson was called as a rebuttal witness. He said he was in the car with Ferguson shortly before the murder. He said Baptiste drove up to the side of Fergusons car and he overheard Baptiste tell Ferguson, You disrespected me with my girlfriend. That testimony coupled with ballistics evidence and some bystander observations were enough to convince the jury. You heard enough. You heard more than you needed. You heard much more than you needed," Kassis told the jurors during his closing argument. Witnesses said they saw Baptiste follow Ferguson into the AutoZone parking lot, where Baptiste got out of his car and talked to Ferguson while Ferguson remained behind the drivers seat. After that, Baptiste shot through the passenger side and through the trunk of Fergusons car, hitting Ferguson four times. The car would have to be traveling sideways at Baptiste if he shot at it in self-defense, Kassis said. And if he were in danger, he had a duty to retreat before firing at Ferguson, Kassis said. He shot and killed this man for no reason. It was totally avoidable, Kassis said. Defense attorney Brian Monahan said if Baptiste wanted to kill Ferguson, he should have done it while he was talking to Ferguson on the drivers side of the car. This is not a case of premeditation. Its a case of self-defense, Monahan said. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. TROPHIES Erin Martin-Medina is returning the south Bethlehem neighborhood where she grew up, this time to serve as the principal of Donegan Elementary School. Martin-Medina, now principal at Roosevelt Elementary School in Allentown, said shes looking forward to working in the district that inspired her to become a teacher. I had some amazing teachers. I always felt like we had teachers who were really invested in our success, she recalls. Shell be following in the footsteps of Donegan Principal Sonia Vazquez, who is retiring and has been credited with improving one of the districts neediest schools. Nearly all of Donegans students are considered economically disadvantaged. For the last seven years it has been a United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley community school, a model that turns schools into neighborhood hubs while connecting families with resources through a corporate and lead partner. After learning that most minority students in the Lehigh Valley dont take the SAT and are unlikely to apply to college, the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley put together a program to help first-generation college students. Generation Next is designed to assist such students, many of whom are black or Latino helping them navigate the application process, taking them on college tours, educating them about the importance of study skills and financial literacy. Students meet with college admissions officials, apply for financial aid and practice interviewing. Easton Area High School junior Annelle Ferguson says the class helped her apply to Temple University, where she wants to pursue a career in medicine. Without Generation Next, she doubts shed have gotten serious about a post-high school degree. I had no idea what I should be doing, she said. At high school it is college this, college that, but they dont really help you. (In Generation Next), they really break it down. The program is getting results. At Easton, most of the 2018 graduates in the program enrolled at four-year colleges. This years group is headed to schools such as the University of Vermont, Purdue, Rutgers and Penn State. TURKEYS Police are seeking information about the person or persons who stole metal roofing, scaffolding, appliances and building materials from a Bethlehem Township construction site last weekend. The thefts occurred at the Madison Farms development off Freemansburg Avenue, township police said. They released a photo of a white pickup truck seen backed up to one of the houses under construction. Anyone with information about the thefts or the truck should contact Officer John Meehan at 610-419-8250 or via email at jmeehan@bethlehemtwp.com. The sites construction manager said while some work is done on the site on weekends, residents should not see people loading and removing materials during those times. No, it wasnt the newest gambit in product placement. HBO announced this week that the appearance of a Starbucks coffee cup in the latest episode of Game of Thrones was a mistake and edited it out once it was noticed by fans and became a Twitter sensation. The cup was visible on a table next to Daenerys Targaryen at Winterfell in the fourth episode this season, The Last of the Starks. In the scene, the characters who survived the Battle of Winterfell were celebrating, downing buckets of wine. HBO said the cup apparently was left in camera range by someone working in craft services on the set. Bangor Area High School students celebrated their prom Friday night at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Click on the gallery above to see students arrive all dressed up for their big night. MORE PROM If these photos have you looking for more prom, check out the photos from last year. Bangor Area High School prom 2018 (PHOTOS) Don't forget to check back to lehighvalleylive.com/prom for full coverage of the celebrations across our region. SHARE YOUR PROM PHOTOS Don't forget to tag @lehighvalleylive in your Instagram photos and @lehighvalley on Twitter - we'll highlight the best pics! BUY THESE PHOTOS Are you one of the people pictured at this prom? Want to buy the photo and keep it forever? Look for a link below the photo caption to order prints in a variety of sizes or products like shirts or coffee mugs. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveNovakLVL and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A Laois resident accused of murdering her boyfriend in Tipperary had injuries that included two bite marks on her arm as well as bruising to her upper thigh and breast, a trial jury has heard. Garda David Donovan was giving evidence in the Central Criminal Court trial of Inga Ozolina (48), who is charged with murdering her boyfriend Audrius Pukas (40) over two years ago in her Co Tipperary home. Ms Ozolina, originally from Latvia, but with an address at Old Court Church, Mounthrath has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Pukas at The Malthouse, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, on November 20, 2016. Mr Pukas died from a stab wound which penetrated the left side of his chest to a depth of over 25cm. The trial has previously heard that the accused and deceased were in a tempestuous and volatile relationship which was violent at times. The prosecution contends there is no question of self-defence in the case. Evidence has also been given that the mother-of-two went to a garda station in the early hours of the morning and said that she had killed her boyfriend, telling a garda: I stabbed him. I pushed the knife into him, come quick". Gda Donovan told prosecution counsel Paul Murray SC that he took Ms Ozolinas fingerprints as well as photographs of her injuries in Nenagh Garda Station on November 20. The witness testified that the accused had pointed out to him the bruising and bite marks on her body that day. Gda Donovan said he took a photo of a bite mark to Ms Ozolinas upper left arm, which measured between 5cm and 6cm. The witness explained that he took another photo of a second bite mark to the accuseds lower left arm, which measured 4cm. In his evidence, Gda Donovan said he took DNA swabs from the two bite marks. It was alleged that the bite marks were put there by another person so it was quite possible their DNA would transfer, he added. Gda Donovan said Ms Ozolina also indicated that she had bruising to her left elbow and he took a photo of this. Another photo taken showed some scarring on the back of Ms Ozolinas right wrist as well as bruising to her upper right thigh which measured 6cm, he indicated. Photos were also shown to the jury of slight bruising to the accuseds right knee, which measured 4cm as well as slight discolouration to her left leg. A third DNA swab was taken from Ms Ozolinas right knee, the court heard. In conclusion, the witness said he also took a photo of bruising to Ms Ozolinas upper left arm. Under cross-examination from Caroline Biggs SC, defending, Gda Donovan agreed that he had no specific medical qualifications. Following this, the witness told Ms Biggs that he had also taken a photo of bruising to Ms Ozolinas left breast. Not unlike the other photos, various bruising was pointed out to me and I used a ruler to indicate the size of the bruising, he said, adding that this bruise was very slight and measured about 3cm. Gda Donovan told the defence counsel that he had not taken photos of bruising and scratching to the accuseds left shoulder, left thigh nor scratch marks to her ankles. The trial continues on Monday before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury of seven men and five women. National Volunteering Week 2019 takes place from May 13 - 19 with events across the country celebrating volunteers and showing people how they can get involved. Leitrim Volunteering Information Service will have a stand in the Market Yard in Carrick-on-Shannon from 10am to 1pm on Thursday, May 16, where there will be information on how you can volunteer in Leitrim and how your community group can register volunteer opportunities. 2019 marks an historic year for volunteering in Ireland as the Government develops the first ever national volunteering strategy. The strategy has the potential to progress and enhance volunteering in Ireland. Volunteering is an intrinsic part of Irish life. It affects us all whether or not we are volunteers ourselves, according to Bernie Donoghue, Leitrim Volunteering Information Service Coordinator. National Volunteering Week aims to showcase the scale of volunteering in Ireland and inspire people to volunteer but this year we want to go even deeper. We want to get to the heart of communities across Leitrim and hear from volunteers and the organisations that involve them. Why do people volunteer and what can we do to ensure anyone who wants to volunteer can volunteer well into the future? Kathleen Flanagan, Information Officer with Leitrim Volunteering Information Service stated: We are also encouraging organisations and community groups to host their own events during the week whether its a thank you celebration or a simple coffee and chat with their volunteers. Please also visit our website www.volunteerinleitrim.ie to see available volunteering opportunities. For more information on how to register to volunteer or to post a volunteer opportunity in Leitrim, contact Kathleen Flanagan 071-9641770 Ext 9, or Bernie Donoghue 0719631715 or visit www.volunteerinleitrim.ie The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has published consumer protection guidelines for contracts of care in long-term residential care services for older people. The guidelines set out the obligations and responsibilities that providers must adhere to under consumer protection law[1] and are aimed at providing greater transparency, clarity and certainty for consumers. Isolde Goggin, Chairperson of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said, The decision to move into residential care is usually taken in stressful circumstances. For many people, there are limited options to choose from and moving to another nursing home, if you are not happy, is not feasible. This means residents are particularly vulnerable. If there is a lack of transparency in contracts of care, residents and their families are at risk of being tied into terms and conditions that they dont understand or that they would never knowingly agree to. In developing the guidelines, the CCPC ensured that it engaged fully with the market from both the consumers and suppliers perspectives. Engagement and research included a public consultation, meetings with stakeholders, close engagement with other regulators and a review of contracts of care which are currently in use. In this review, the CCPC found that the language used in contracts was often technical and may not be easily understood. In some cases, important information was not provided to the resident, which could prevent them from making an informed decision. The CCPC also found examples of potentially unfair terms, such as terms which allowed for significant changes to the contract with no prior consultation with the resident or their representative. Ms Goggin commented, It is vital that nursing homes are fair and transparent in how they draw up residents contracts. We have developed these guidelines to help service providers understand and comply with their obligations and in doing so set a standard for contracts of care into the future. Over the coming days, nursing homes across Ireland will be receiving a copy of the guidelines. It is now up to each nursing home provider to review their standard form contracts of care to ensure that they are in compliance with consumer protection law. After a period of time to allow for any changes to be made, the CCPC plans to again assess compliance in the sector. The CCPC has also published an accompanying information booklet for consumers to help them understand what they are entitled to expect in contracts of care. Residents of nursing homes have consumer rights regardless of whether they pay all or some of the costs of their care. If a resident has entered into a contract that is not in plain understandable language or if they believe that there are terms and conditions in their contract of care which places them at a significant disadvantage or may be unfair, they should write to the nursing home provider setting out their concerns. The CCPCs website provides an information booklet and a template letter to help consumers raise their concerns with their nursing home provider. Speaking about the implications for consumers, Isolde Goggin said;,The nursing homes sector is currently the focus of considerable attention particularly around fees and charges and a review of the Fair Deal scheme. Our guidelines will not resolve all of the issues in this sector, however, our goal in undertaking this work was to ensure that residents and their families have more certainty and clarity in what they, and the nursing home, are committing to when they sign a contract of care. If there are any changes, for example, to fees, after the contract is signed, these changes must be reasonable, taking the residents interests into account and be clearly communicated. The law protects consumers from standard form contracts which are imbalanced in favour of a business to the disadvantage of a consumer. While it is up to the courts to decide if a term is unfair, our guidelines highlight examples of potentially unfair terms in contracts of care currently in operation in the sector. Our consumer booklet provides assistance to residents who may wish to challenge similar terms if they exist in their contracts of care. I encourage anyone who is concerned or who would like to find out more about their rights to visit our website www.ccpc.ie. LIMERICK City and County Council has backed the call for an end to means-testing in schemes designed to support people with disabilities. The motion, proposed by Fine Gael leader, Cllr John Sheahan, called for the introduction of a universal scheme to provide for the care and needs of people with disability, focusing solely on the person with disability and not on the household income as is the case at present. The council will now write to the Taoiseach Leo Varadker, to Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, to Health Minister Simon Harris and Disability Minister Finian McGrath, asking them to instruct their departments to introduce such a scheme. I had a very similar motion 12 months ago but have heard nothing back from the Ministers, Cllr Sheahan told the Limerick Leader. We need to move away from the situation where everything is means-tested, he went on. A lot of parents with children with disability qualify for nothing, he said, especially if both parents are working. Even if one parent gives up work to care for the child, and they have a reduced income, they dont qualify as the threshold for many of the supports is very low. They are means-tested for everything: for carers allowance, for respite care, for special equipment, for the house adaptation scheme, he said. He also pointed out that different areas of the HSE operated different ways of delivering supports. You could have a situation where a child from West Limerick, within the HSE Mid-West, who goes to a special school in Listowel, is sitting next to a child from Kerry within HSE South, but both are not treated the same, he explained. There are additional costs for families with someone with a disability and he would like to see provision made for a universal scheme in the next budget. At the very least, he said, the government could begin with an universal scheme for those under 18. I have asked for this issue to remain on the agenda of Limerick City and County Council until budget time, he added. At least councillors are talking about it but there is a bigger discussion to be had about equality,said Richard Enright who had to crowd fundraise to pay for their home adaptation for son Shane. A ONE-WOMAN campaign to ensure the school dentist service is re-instated in Abbeyfeale has paid off. Three years after the service was transferred to Newcastle West, Georgina Lyons has been told the service will resume in the Health Centre on Colbert St this week. The move has been welcomed by Ms Lyons, a mother of six whose children use the service, along with an estimated 700 others from the five national schools in Abbeyfeale parish and Athea NS. The service, Ms Lyons said, was transferred to Newcastle West three years to allow a refurbishment of the health centre. The plan was also to install a new dental chair, she said. The place was ready to go within the year, she said. But the service never came back. The absence of a service locally caused upset as parents had to take time off to bring children to Newcastle West, Ms Lyons said. At least 25 children a week were being brought to Newcastle West for check-up, she said, with anything from eight to ten children being brought for emergency treatment. Ms Lyons, pictured below, however kept lobbying and looking for answers and happily, has now been told the service is to resume from this week. Abbeyfeale, she was informed, has been allocated two days a week in the refurbished Health Centre: Mondays and Thursdays. This was confirmed by the HSE who said a new dental surgeon had come on stream, allowing the service to resume for first and sixth class pupils. Cllr Liam Galvin raised the matter at last weeks final meeting of Limerick City and County Council where he also called on the council to buy some land to the rear of the health centre in Colbert St to be used as a car-park. At the moment, people have to park on the street, he said. It would make sense, as part of the overall traffic management plan for Abbeyfeale which includes Colbert St, to have off-street parking, Cllr Galvin argued. A CAPPAMORE woman who been honoured with an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for 2018, thought it was as scam when she was initially contacted. Angela Beatty attended national and post primary education in the Convent of Mercy in Cappamore and Doon. She received her honour for the work she did in the field of education. When Angela, a law and politics teacher at Whitefield School in North West London, was informed she would be receiving the award, she initially was sceptical. When I received the letter I thought this must be a scam surely as I never, ever believed that someone like me would receive such an accolade. I then rushed out and bought The Times to check out the Honours Lists. When I saw my name it began to dawn on me that this must be real, said Angela. I then burst into floods of tears as I realised that the one person that truly deserved to have this special award was my dear late mother Norrie Beatty (nee Gleeson) of Cappanuke, Cappamore. She was the power-house and driving force behind all my successes. She was the most wonderful selfless person who gave everything she had to myself and my sister and brother. She was a remarkable, courageous and outstanding lady, she added. Angela was taken to Buckingham Palace just before Christmas, where she was presented her medal by Prince Charles. The day at the palace was unreal, such pop and ceremony. I, like all the others who were receiving awards, were treated like royalty. Remarkably one of my former students also received an MBE for his outstanding contribution to sport, as well as his remarkable support that he is giving to other young people. A memorable day that will never, ever be etched in my memory for all time, said Angela. Prince Charles was charming and spoke to me at length about what I had done. He discussed the importance of promoting not just an academic pathway but also the increasing significance of ensuring that our young people consider alternative routes such as the different apprenticeships schemes, she added. A PHENOMENAL 150,000 has been raised in the Fight the Big C event inspired and spearheaded by the late Mary Cregan. But Marys generosity, thoughtfulness and capacity to think about others were remembered with deep emotion last night when the full extent of her fundraising legacy was revealed. We are extremely proud of how this event has turned out. We are extremely proud as a family of what has been achieved in Marys name, her father, former TD and GAA County Board chairman, John Cregan said, following an evening in which seven organisations received bumper cheques. And he thanked all those who had helped in any way to make it possible: those who sold and bought tickets; those who donated either directly or through fund-me, those who donated to the auction or sponsored raffle prizes and all those who helped on the night of March 15. Mary, a nurse who was described at her funeral on March 18 as a woman of joy, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 at the age of 30 and had a period of remission but the tumour returned last year and she died, at home, on March 14. But in the months before her death, Mary had spearheaded the fundraiser as a way to give back. Tragically however, she did not live to host the event in the Devon Inn Hotel as she had hoped and planned. But with typical generosity her family requested that it go ahead. And it proved, as the final figure shows, a phenomenal success. Originally, Mary told the Limerick Leader last January, her target was 600-700 for each of the organisations she nominated. But long before her death, and to her great joy, that target had been surpassed several times. The outpouring of solidarity and sympathy which followed her death ensured even that figure was further boosted. Last night presented to seven different organisations and groups,The four originally named organisations all received 23,000 each: Brain Tumour Ireland; Bru Columbanus which provides accommodation for the families of patients at University Hospital Cork; ACT,the Aid Cancer Treatment organisation which works to improve quality of life for cancer patients and BHOC, the Bandon Hyperbaric Oxygen Centre which give patients large doses of oxygen to promote healing. In addition, the Milford Care Centre and the Irish Cancer Society received cheques for 23,000 while and the Jasmine Unit, St Itas Hospital, Newcastle West received 12,000. Hong Kong: Family doctors forum held The Department of Health and the College of Family Physicians jointly held a symposium today to celebrate World Family Doctor Day 2019. Celebrated by the World Organization of Family Doctors to give recognition to the contribution of family doctors in healthcare systems, this year's World Family Doctor Day highlights their role in providing care to patients from cradle to grave. Director of Health Dr Constance Chan said at the symposium that family doctors are the key to well-delivered primary care, which is the foundation of a sustainable healthcare system. This is particularly true and important when our society is facing the challenges brought about by our ageing population and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)," she added. Dr Chan noted one of the initiatives in the action plan against NCDs in Hong Kong published last year is strengthening the health system at all levels, in particular primary care for prevention, early detection and management of NCDs based on the family doctor model. By building up the capacity of family doctors in Hong Kong, we are definitely taking the right steps towards achieving the 2025 targets." Deputy Head of the Food & Health Bureaus Primary Healthcare Office Wanmie Leung outlined the latest progress in the setting up of district health centres. These centres raise awareness of personal health management, enhance disease prevention and strengthen medical and rehabilitation services in the community through medical-social collaboration and public-private partnership at district level. Information on primary care providers is available on the Department of Healths directory that comprises sub-directories of family doctors, dentists and Chinese medicine practitioners. Click here for details. This story has been published on: 2019-05-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. (CNN) American and Chinese negotiators completed another round of trade talks Friday morning after a last-minute effort to stave off new tariffs on Chinese goods failed to yield a breakthrough. Without a compromise, tariffs increased on $200 billion worth of Chinese exports at midnight. There was scant optimism within the administration that the continued talks on Friday would result in the tariffs being rolled back, and President Donald Trump boasted on Twitter the new moves would benefit the United States. "Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch!" he wrote. "In the meantime, China should not renegotiate deals with the U.S. at the last minute." In allowing the new tariffs to take effect, Trump is discarding warnings from businesses and Republican allies that new tariffs could threaten American economic growth the same growth he's relying upon to fuel his upcoming reelection bid. A day earlier, the President signaled no qualms at the move, which has worried businesses and investors. Instead, he said he was willing to go even further, threatening to slap tariffs on nearly all Chinese goods. And he signaled Friday he would use his hardline negotiating stance as a political talking point, claiming on Twitter that potential Democratic rivals would have crumpled in a similar situation. The Thursday evening talks between Chinese negotiators led by Vice Premier Liu He and a U.S. team led by Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin did not bridge the major differences that have recently emerged between the two sides. The teams met for roughly 90 minutes, followed by a dinner at a private club near the White House. The White House said Mnuchin and Lighthizer briefed Trump on the talks in the hours before the tariffs went into effect. Even a week ago, top administration officials appeared bullish on the chances a deal would soon be struck with China. But backtracking by the Chinese and an emboldened Trump have dampened the optimism, and on Wednesday and Thursday the President had already seemed to write off the chances of a breakthrough. Dow futures were pointing to a lower open on Friday after the US introduced additional tariffs on Chinese imports. Still, investors appeared confident a deal could eventually be struck and global stocks bounced back from their earlier losses in the week. Asian stocks closed higher, with the Shanghai Composite Index finishing up 3.1%. US officials took it as a good sign that talks with the Chinese continued for a second day. While the talks with Liu were not tense, they also did not inspire confidence that an agreement would be reached when the delegations reconvened at 9 a.m. ET. Those talks proceeded for roughly two hours before the delegations departed separately. US officials are pinning blame for the breakdown on Chinese President Xi Jinping, who they claim lost the political will to make the economic reforms the U.S. is insisting upon as part of the deal. In talks Thursday night, Liu essentially told his counterparts the two leaders would need to work these differences out themselves, saying he could only go as far as Beijing will allow, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Officials said there is currently no call scheduled between Trump and Xi, though Trump himself said on Thursday he would likely speak by phone to Xi about the trade matter soon. Progress toward a deal was derailed last week following a round of talks in Beijing. While U.S. officials departed the Chinese capital confident, they were later surprised by new Chinese demands the U.S. characterized as backtracking on agreed-to commitments. That included promises by China to codify into law changes to certain economic practices -- an aspect of the deal US officials had believed was settled, but which Chinese officials objected to. Trump, who has called Xi a close friend, said Thursday he'd received a letter from his counterpart advocating for continued talks. "Let's work together, let's see if we can get something done," Trump said of Xi's message. In the letter to Trump, Xi expressed optimism a deal could be struck but emphasized there must be equal concessions on both sides, according to a person familiar with the document. U.S. officials have interpreted that to mean a lifting of tariffs, something Trump has said he won't do. Administration officials said they expect the Chinese to respond to the tariff increase that went into effect at midnight in the coming days. "In the meantime we will continue to negotiate with China in the hopes that they do not again try to redo deal!" Trump tweeted Friday morning, noting that the talks had been "congenial." He added that there is "absolutely no need to rush." In addition to what his aides have said privately, Trump is also signaling that a deal isn't likely to emerge from this round of talks. He tweeted, "Tariffs will bring in FAR MORE wealth to our Country than even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind. Also, much easier & quicker to do." While US officials believe they have the upper hand believing the U.S. economy to be stronger than China's squeezing China with tariffs is not a sustainable long term policy, one official conceded. Right now, there are no set plans for Trump to meet with Liu when he's in Washington this week, according to US officials. Trump has met with Liu during his past visits to Washington as the two sides appeared to be getting closer to an agreement. But with both sides hardening in their negotiating stance, the White House decided this week that talks should not include Trump this time. Still, that could change if this week's discussions prove fruitful. If Trump does meet with Liu, it would be a sign that talks are making progress, officials said. The decision would likely be made at the last minute. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Latest round of US-China trade talks end without agreement." The family of Mr Chris Ochukenyi has been searching for their lost father who was admitted into the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on the 5th of May 2019 and went missing from one of the wards ( Ward A1 ) on Thursday 9th of May 2019 . Mr Chris Ochukenyi was diagnosed of partial stroke and Alzheimers disease. The family is based in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria Please if you have seen this man anywhere kindly call 08138379492 08064578565 07033325181 God would bless you as you do so!! In 1929, officials in Tennessee busted a bootlegging operation and posed next to a partly dismantled distillery, which made a subpar white moonshine. A glass of clear moonshine may look identical to water, but this illicit alcoholic beverage is infamous for its potency and for the peril associated with drinking it. What is moonshine? Broadly, moonshine is any type of distilled liquor that's manufactured without government oversight, though some argue that moonshine can be labeled as such only when it is made with certain ingredients or comes from specific geographic regions, experts told Live Science. People all over the world make and drink moonshine, particularly in places where alcohol is illegal or where legal alcohol is prohibitively expensive or hard to get. But producing spirits can be a tricky chemical process; manufacturers' mistakes, ignorance or shortcuts can yield a highly toxic product. So, how does that happen, and how can you tell if a glass of moonshine is safe? [7 Ways Alcohol Affects Your Health] Alcohol in moonshine and other intoxicating drinks comes from fruits or grains that are fermented that is, they are exposed to yeasts or bacteria that convert sugar molecules to carbon dioxide and alcohol. Ingredients for moonshine vary widely depending on what's available. In the early 20th century, American moonshiners typically made their brews from corn mash; in fact, legal versions of traditional American moonshine are commercially produced today by craft distilleries in the United States. But moonshine is also made from grapes, plums or apricots (Armenia), barley (Egypt), palm tree sap (Myanmar), bananas (Uganda) and cashew fruit (India), said Kevin Kosar, author of "Moonshine: A Global History" (Reaktion Books, 2017). "It's just basic chemistry. If you can tease sugar out of something, you're on your way to making a drink," Kosar told Live Science. Potent potables Fermentation produces two forms of alcohol: ethanol and methanol, which is also known as wood alcohol. Methanol is released from pectin, and is therefore more abundant in fermented fruit, according to research published by the American Chemical Society. Though ethanol is generally considered safe for drinking, both ethanol and methanol suppress the central nervous system and inhibit brain function. Consuming too much alcohol even the "safe" kind can cause alcohol poisoning, affecting heart rate and breathing and even leading to coma and death, according to the Mayo Clinic. Methanol is far more dangerous than ethanol, said Anne Andrews, a professor of psychiatry, chemistry and biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles. In the human body, methanol is converted to formaldehyde the same substance in embalming fluid and then to formic acid, which is highly toxic to cells, Andrews told Live Science. "It interferes with their mitochondria, and actually causes cells to suffocate," Andrews said. Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker. Workers collect commercially produced moonshine as it runs from the still at Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. (Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images) After fermentation, moonshine is distilled to concentrate the ethanol and other volatile flavor ingredients. However, ethanol boils at 173.1 degrees Fahrenheit (78.37 degrees Celsius), while methanol boils at 148.5 degrees F (64.7 degrees C). Because methanol has a lower boiling point and it evaporates earlier, it can become concentrated in the distillate the vapor that is condensed and collected during distillation, Andrews said. Regulated alcohol production including commercial moonshine is carefully monitored. Products are rigorously tested to ensure that methanol is separated from the beverage and that the amount of alcohol by volume is clearly identified on packaging and labels. But for unregulated moonshine makers, there are no universal guidelines or enforced safety checks. Moonshine can therefore be more potent than legal beverages, and a batch of moonshine can quickly turn toxic, Andrews said. If fermentation vats are unsterilized, that can promote the growth of bacteria that pump out methanol, resulting in a higher methanol concentration than expected, Andrews explained. And if moonshiners aren't cultivating microbial communities for fermenting the moonshine "inoculating" it with species that produce mostly ethanol unexpected shifts in environmental microbes can also generate a methanol spike. "That moonshine could have been safe for years," Andrews said. "But then something changes in the environment, affecting local microbes that are doing the fermentation. Now there's a higher concentration of methanol, and the person making it would never know." Poison for profit In some cases, greed is the cause of moonshine's toxicity. Unscrupulous manufacturers that want to increase the volume of their moonshine either don't remove methanol or add a cheap, toxic alcohol like isopropyl, which is found in rubbing alcohol, said Kosar. Though this tactic may boost profits, it significantly raises the risk that the drink will be poisonous. "With alarming regularity, there are stories often coming from parts of Asia where people go out and buy illicit alcohol, they have a party, and then hours into the party, people just start dropping and having convulsions," Kosar said. Drinking alcohol with high levels of methanol can also lead to blindness: Methanol caused 130 deaths and 22 cases of blindness in just six months during Prohibition, according to a 1922 article in The New York Times that cited a report by the U.S. National Committee for the Prevention of Blindness. Even when moonshine doesn't contain toxic levels of methanol, it's difficult for a casual drinker to tell how strong a batch may be without testing it an uncertainty that could lead to accidental alcohol poisoning. The best way for drinkers to stay safe is to give illicit alcohol a wide berth, Kosar said. "Unless you're a close friend of the person producing the moonshine and have absolute trust in their competence to produce it, don't drink it," he warned. Editor's Note: This story was updated to correct the boiling points of ethanol and methanol; to note the legal production of commercial moonshine; and to add that while chemical tests do exist to test for methanol in moonshine, most casual drinkers don't have these on hand while consuming these beverages. Originally published on Live Science. A Norwegian woman died from rabies after she played with an infected puppy that she attempted to rescue while on vacation, according to news reports. The woman, 24-year-old Birgitte Kallestad, was traveling in the Philippines with friends in February when they found the puppy on the side of the road, according to the Washington Post. Kallestad took the puppy back to the resort, where she washed and played with it. Kallestad received some "small scrapes" from the animal, her family said, and she washed these nicks without seeking medical treatment, the BBC reported. But it wasn't until Kallestad was back in Norway that she began to experience symptoms and visited the emergency room several times. By that time, some time had passed since her Philippines trip, and doctors had trouble diagnosing her illness. It wasn't until Saturday (May 4) that officials confirmed she had rabies, Fox News reported. Kallestad died on Monday (May 6). [The 9 Deadliest Viruses on Earth] It's the first death tied to rabies in Norway in more than 200 years, according to the BBC. "Our dear Birgitte loved animals ... our fear is that this will happen to others who have a warm heart like her," her family said in a statement, according to the BBC. Rabies is a viral disease that's most often transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Early signs of the disease include flu-like symptoms, such as general weakness, fever and headache, followed by more severe symptoms, including anxiety, confusion, hallucinations and insomnia. There is a vaccine for rabies, but in order to be effective, it must be given before symptoms appear. Unfortunately, once a person starts to show symptoms of rabies, there is no effective treatment and the disease is almost always fatal, according to the CDC. Rabies remains endemic in more than 120 countries, mostly areas with inadequate public health resources and limited access to preventive treatment, according to the CDC. In January, the CDC reported the case of a Virginia woman who died from rabies after being bitten by a puppy while on a retreat in India. Originally published on Live Science. Researchers excavated the remains of four of these now-extinct sea monsters from the rocky slopes of the Austrian Alps. But even at 13 feet long (4 meters), these creatures known as phytosaurs weren't fully grown. The phytosaurs were only about 8 years old when they died, and they were "still actively growing," according to a bone analysis, said study lead researcher Richard Butler, a professor of paleobiology at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. [Photos: Early Dinosaur Cousin Looked Like a Croc] Given the difficulty of bringing these fossils to light, it's remarkable that this new species dubbed Mystriosuchus steinbergeri is finally being introduced to science. Its species name honors Sepp Steinberger, a member of a local caving club, who discovered the fossils while climbing the "dead mountains," a remote area of the Austrian Alps, in 1980. A team from the Natural History Museum in Vienna excavated the remains two years later and had to use a helicopter to transport the fossils off the mountain, which was nearly 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) high. The excavation team including (left to right) Johann Segl, Sepp Steinberger, Georg Sverak and Walter Prenner collected the fossils in July 1982. (Image credit: Ortwin Schultz) The museum cleaned off the fossils and put them on display. But "because there are very few specialists on phytosaurs this particular group of fossil reptiles it took many years before they were studied," Butler told Live Science. Finally, in 2013, a team of British, French, Austrian and Swiss researchers began examining the ancient remains. Phytosaurs look like a mix of the modern crocodile, alligator and gharial, although they lived long before those animals and are not particularly close relatives of them, Butler said. "This is an example of 'evolutionary convergence,' where distantly related groups evolve to look alike because they live in similar environments," he said. An illustration of the newly discovered phytosaur species Mystriosuchus steinbergeri, a crocodile-like beast that lived 210 million years ago in what is now Austria. (Image credit: Copyright Mark Witton) The phytosaur is a semiaquatic reptile whose remains are usually found near freshwater lakes and rivers. (Although it lived during the early dinosaur age, the phytosaur is not a dinosaur.) However, these particular fossils were found in sediments from an ancient ocean environment, tens of miles from the Triassic shoreline. It's unlikely that all four of these phytosaurs died on land and then were washed out to sea, Butler said. "Therefore, we think this provides the best evidence to date to support the idea that some phytosaurs lived in marine environments," he said. This newly named species, as well as fossils from a few other phytosaur specimens found over the years in marine deposits, suggests that some of these animals could live in, or at least pass through, saltwater environments, the researchers said. The study was published online May 8 in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. Originally published on Live Science. The legacy of Selena was celebrated Thursday night as The Rustic held "Celebrate Selena," a tribute to the "Queen of Tejano." The event was free with RSVP with some VIP tickets. Jan Phillips was a novice in a St. Joseph Provincial House in Latham 50 years ago until the nuns ordered her to leave and sent her home. "I was dismissed for being gay," she says now. "It didn't make sense to me because we were all going to be celibate." But next month, Phillips will be conducting a spiritual retreat at the very place that once shunned her St. Joseph's on Friday night, June 21. She is giving a free presentation, open to the public, at the hospitality center at 7 p.m. She will cover topics such as connecting spirituality to creativity and activism. Phillips post-nun career has taken her all over the world as an activist, photographer and author of 11 books. She formed her own foundation to build a school with a computer lab in Nigeria and sang onstage with Pete Seeger at an Ossining fundraiser. She teaches workshops helping people like her who want to create their own form of worship outside organized religion. Now 70, she's also written what she calls her "spiritual autobiography." Q: How would you describe your feelings about religion and worship? JP: I call myself a post-theist because I do believe in God. But I don't normally go to a church. I made an altar in my home with objects that hold meaning for me. It has a candle that I light, a chalice, which helps me focus my mind on being open and receiving wisdom. The altar has an eagle's feather and a photo of a comet that slammed into earth, which roots me in our cosmic origin. Q: What made you decide to become a nun? More Information If you go What: Jan Phillips presentation Where: St. Joseph Provincial House, Latham When: Friday, June 21, 7 p.m. Information: Free See More Collapse JP: A nun saved my life. When I was a teenager, I was suicidal, writing notes about killing myself to get up the nerve to end it all. A nun figured out what was happening and worked with my mom to give me positive reinforcement. I wanted to help people the way she helped me. I wanted to have an impact. But two years after I became a novice in Latham, I got kicked out for being gay. It was a different time then. Q: Did you confide in the nuns that you were gay? JP: No, they surmised it. They watch the novices like hawks. A novice isn't supposed to spend too much time with the same sister. If she does, it might mean she's developing feelings for her. (After I was kicked out) my mother didn't want my father to find out because he might be so shocked he would have a heart attack and die. Phillips shared a passage from her autobiography that explains what happened next: "The only place I knew to go to determine what I was committed to were to the words and actions of Jesus. He was my role model ...Then I proclaimed my faith, independent of my religion, rooted in my ultimate concerns." I am committed to be a peacemaker and to insist on justice wherever I am. I am committed to caring for others as I care for myself. I am committed to being a light in the world, wherever I am. I finally understood the distinction between faith and religion. I felt them in my body in two different domains: religion in my brain, faith in my gut, where I felt my power... I was on my own and took to activism, wanting to break down institutions that perpetuated self-hatred and homophobia." Q: What are the key issues your faith compels you to tackle as an activist? JP: Climate change. Racism. Helping asylum-seekers. Q: Tell us how you came to sing onstage with Pete Seeger to raise money for the Haitian earthquake victims in 2010. JP: I was with Hudson Valley friends. Tom Chapin was willing to do a concert fundraiser so I suggested we contact Pete Seeger. Someone had his number. We called. He said he had some free time on the upcoming Sunday. He wanted us to take turns singing, like a round robin. I thought, Sing next to Pete Seeger and Tom Chapin! I can't. But I did. We raised $35,000. Last month, on the last day of Passover, a man armed with an AR-15-style rifle stormed into the Chabad of Poway synagogue in suburban San Diego and killed one worshipper and left three others injured. Later, the gunman reportedly confessed to burning a nearby mosque as well. The attack came exactly six months to the day after 11 worshippers were killed at a Pittsburgh synagogue in the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in America No faith community has been spared violence firebombings, mass shootings and more. Poway and Pittsburgh were preceded by the 2017 attack on a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas; 26 were killed. In 2015, in Charleston, S.C., nine people were killed at a black church. Six were killed at a Sikh gurdwara in 2012 in Wisconsin. "It doesn't matter what you call God or a higher power," said Andy Jabbour, managing director of the Faith-Based Information Sharing and Analysis Organization in Leesburg, Va. "We all have a right to come together and worship, so we have to protect that right for all of us." Jabbour co-founded the nonprofit last year with the aim of forming a network of U.S. houses of worship and faith-based charities to equip them against security threats, from arson and active shooters to hacked emails. "We're a community, whether we're one faith or another," Jabbour said. "We need to collaborate and exchange notes so we can share solutions." In Owings Mills, Md., more than 50 diverse faith leaders gathered to launch the new Interfaith Coalition of Greater Baltimore, which kicked off with a local summit on safety and security for faith-based organizations. Civil rights advocates and local police offered bystander intervention training and info on grant application for security. Within hours of the Poway attack, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, launched a global interfaith effort to prepare synagogues for threats of violence. "We want to make sure that every synagogue in the world is prepared to protect themselves against attacks," said Yael Eckstein, president of the IFCJ. "We have been able to rely on our Christian friends again and again to provide emergency assistance to Jews in need." "For a variety of really bad reasons, the Jewish community has developed a higher level or a greater focus on this than other communities," said David Friedman, vice president of law enforcement and security at the Anti-Defamation League. "Historically Jews have been acutely aware of our institutions as potential targets for extremists," Friedman said. About 15 years ago, the ADL began working with Latino organizations when realizing security techniques were not all that different from one minority group to another. " The ADL, which was founded in 1913 to fight anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, has spent decades guiding Jewish institutions on security. In 1981, responding to incidents directed against U.S. Jews, the ADL developed model legislation that shaped the first hate crime law. After the 2015 Charleston church shooting, the ADL launched a campaign to protect minorities in every U.S. state with comprehensive hate crime legislation and produced a guide that adapted its recommendations for all faiths. After the attack on two mosques in New Zealand, the Council on American-Islamic Relations sent its mosque safety booklet to every U.S. mosque. Hundreds of mosques have requested active shooter training. Mosques build on relationships with federal or local law enforcement even if current interaction is focused on traffic control and parking, said Abbas Barzegar, CAIR director of research and advocacy. This may mean overcoming tense history with the FBI. "We're finding that most mosques across the country are actually quite well prepared and have a lot of experience, especially after 9/11, if not before, dealing with questions of security," Barzegar said. "So it's just building upon what they already have, scaling up pre-existing security protocols and trying to allay community concerns." Ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which began this week, the Muslim Public Affairs Council also invited faith leaders from many denominations to join a May 2 conference call on safety with local, state and federal law enforcement officials. The call's organizers stressed working with interfaith groups and other houses of worship to promote awareness of security, suggesting, for instance, that they invite other congregations to stand outside mosque entrances or attend prayer services to show solidarity. One great resources for Muslim congregations has proven to be historically black mosques. "It's often overlooked, but it's the African American community that has paved the way for a lot of what Muslims are doing today, both in security and in community engagement," Barzegar said. "They've dealt with racist attacks, inner-city violence and police surveillance for decades." Many mosques are hiring their own independent security forces. Some rely on volunteers. In 2017, the Sikh Coalition worked with more than 60 of the country's approximately 300 gurdwaras on security improvements, like installing cameras. "As part of our Sikh values, we believe in equality and selfless service for all of humanity," Satjeet Kaur, executive director of the Sikh Coalition, said. "Part of that is having open doors." Gurdwaras around the world offer free food and shelter to people of any background. "Even in light of the risk that does exist, and given the incidents that have happened over the past years ... Sikhs won't give in to the fear and hate," Kaur said. A man was arrested for allegedly firing shots into the air while he was outside a business in north Laredo, authorities said. On Wednesday, Miguel Angel Flores, 37, was served with an arrest warrant charging him with discharge of firearm in certain municipalities and tampering with physical evidence. BAD AXE Bad Axe High School students saw how harmful distracted or intoxicated driving can be firsthand on Friday. Arrive Alive Tour, a program aimed at educating and preventing dangerous driving habits, brought a simulator to the high school. It utilizes virtual reality to simulate harmful conditions. The different settings students could try included texting while driving, drunken driving and marijuana impaired driving. They could drive through different environments, such as a city, countryside and construction site. After students finished using the simulator, which ended with a crash, one of the Arrive Alive representatives told them how much their actions cost. Students could also take an anonymous survey and watch a video about the consequences of distracted or impaired driving, with real hospital footage. The Arrive Alive Tour travels all over the country, appearing at schools, colleges and business events. Mallory McKenzie, one of the Arrive Alive staff on hand, said this simulator is important, as kids want the hands-on experience instead of being lectured about it. We show them that this is too difficult, McKenzie said, and make the kids think about it. Members of the junior and senior classes were cycled in and out throughout the day. Justin Musolf, a junior, tried the drunken driving simulation, where all his environmental reactions were slowed down. I had reduced peripherals, my head turned slower, and I had less depth perception, said Musolf, who made it to the second stoplight of his city environment before driving into a building. Marissa Brown, another junior, did the texting while driving simulation which, when she started texting, had her speeding 40 mph over the speed limit and crashing into a guardrail. I was in it for about a minute before I crashed, Brown said. I learned that texting and driving is not worth risking a life. Nearly 11,000 Americans died from drunken driving crashes in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That number accounts for 29% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2017. Of those deaths, 220 of them were children age 14 and under. Distracted driving caused 3,166 deaths in 2017, also according to the NHTSA, with around 300 of those deaths involving teens between the ages of 15 and 19. Around 2.9% of distracted driver deaths did involve handheld cell phones, which is down from 3.3% in 2016. The Arrive Alive Tour is run by Grand Rapids-based UNITE, a health and wellness organization aimed at preventing drug use in youths. Only one of the 21 Democrats running for president wants voters to see him as the establishment choice best able to fulfill the promise of President Barack Obama's third term. But former Vice President Joe Biden has yet to become a consensus pick of the White House and campaign advisers who made Obama's two terms possible. With some exceptions, the generation that brought to Washington an insurgent message they called "hope and change" is once again resisting pressure to get in line, as they scan the field for a possible heir to Obama's transformational 2008 candidacy and worry about a repeat of the disastrous 2016 election. Many others, however, speak of their continued hunger for a new generation of leadership and a fresh face who can transcend political divisions. They worry about siding with a lifelong Washington fixture. And they are eager for someone like Obama who can bring new voters to the polls. Like many of those interviewed, Kathleen Sebelius, the former Kansas governor who served as health and human services secretary in the Obama administration, spoke of Biden's character and his service as vice president with admiration, but she nonetheless has not committed to any candidate. "I want to see who lights a fire and who inspires folks to get engaged and involved," she said. The question of who deserves to inherit the mantle of Obama's movement, which remains the most potent unifying force in an increasingly fractious party, has been the subject of constant debate among close-knit Obama alumni. This account is based on interviews with 53 former Obama advisers, senior White House and Cabinet staff, and campaign professionals, many of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not ready to take a public position on Biden's campaign. In almost all of these conversations, the affection for Biden ran deep, as did the admiration for his campaign launch last month, which resulted in a bump in polls that now put his support at about 40% nationally among Democratic primary voters. These former officials say they are committed to helping him in a general election if he secures the nomination, and they believe Obama feels much the same way, as his office signaled this past week when it did not object to Biden's plan to use Obama's voice from a White House event to narrate an online Biden campaign spot. But concern about a Biden candidacy - and a demand that he prove himself on the campaign trail - is also a constant refrain. "Where I am in this race is very similar to where a lot of Obama people are. The Biden loyalty is real," said Rufus Gifford, Obama's finance director in 2012, who has co-hosted a Biden fundraiser but not yet committed to his candidacy. "But this is a little bit bipolar. Obama people were all courted by the establishment candidate in '07 very aggressively and decided to go in a different direction." President Donald Trump proved a wily campaigner, able to spark real enthusiasm among his core voters. Several of Obama's generation said they worried about how Biden would match up against Trump were he to win the nomination. "I think the question that we all have in our minds from an electoral standpoint is what do two 75-year-olds fighting against each other look like," said one former campaign and White House aide who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preserve relations. "Does that scream the future? Does that scream contrast?" The former aides split broadly into three groups.Only eight had committed or were leaning toward Biden. A second group of 11 have committed to other candidates. A group of 34 say they are still waiting to decide. Among those who had not yet picked a favorite, there was remarkable unanimity of preferences: Almost all said they had limited their consideration to five candidates now in the sprawling field: Biden, South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Sen. Kamala Harris of California, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and former Rep. Beto O'Rourke of Texas. That list notably excluded the several governors and senators who are likely to appear on the first Democratic debate stage in June, not to mention the runner-up in the 2016 primary battle, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Views of Sanders, who has polled in second place nationally in early surveys, ranged from open hostility to praise for his contribution to the policy debate in the party, and a willingness to help him beat Trump should he secure the nomination. Most importantly, all the undecided described in different ways a set of hard-to-define qualities and campaign trail magic they were seeking in the next nominee. Their service to Obama, who upended long odds and 232 years of U.S. history to become the first African American president, defined their lives and is the lens through which they view the coming campaign. The mythology of his campaign, which carried into the White House and the 2012 reelection, was always anchored in a rebellion against the Democratic establishment in the form of Hillary Clinton, who led national polling by about 20 points through much of 2007. Obama was different, his people believed, able to transcend categories, blur coalitions and get people excited beyond promising them a mere transactional gain. That is the quality most of Obama's former aides now say they are seeking in the field. They include people such as Kyle Lierman, a former senior policy adviser in the White House Office of Public Engagement. A former campaign intern for Biden in early 2007, he used the word "love" when speaking of Biden, and he said he was ready to drop everything in 2016 to work on his campaign if he had run against Clinton for the nomination. But Lierman also remembers watching Obama give the Iowa Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner speech in November 2007, a moment that caused him to drop out of college and spend nearly a year living in six states to elect him. He hungers to see that spark again, and is not yet ready to commit. "Who is the one that a kid now is going to see give a Jefferson Jackson speech and want to drop out of college for?" Lierman said. "At the end of the day the unique thing that Barack Obama was able to do was bridge the progressive-moderate divide and mobilize people around hope. And we'll see if Biden is the person to do that." If there is an emerging option, it has been Buttigieg, who has in recent months zoomed past O'Rourke as the most praised performer on the campaign trail. Buttigieg has been helped by Lis Smith, who was director of rapid response for Obama's 2012 campaign, and Stephen Brokaw, who was digital projects manager for Obama in 2012. Smith is Buttigieg's communications adviser and Brokaw is his national political director. Buttigieg also has garnered a significant share of the wealthy network of early financial donors that helped launch Obama's campaign in 2007, a group with a clear preference of working for candidates with whom they forge an emotional relationship. "Based on my conversations and instincts, more of the early Obama folks who were there at the beginning are either helping or leaning toward helping Pete than anybody else," said former ambassador to Canada David Jacobson, who was a deputy finance chair for Obama's 2008 campaign. "They see a lot in Pete that they saw in Barack Obama: Yeah it's a long shot, but he's so d--- smart, and he is so decent, and it really could be a transformational thing." The rub on Buttigieg, volunteered by multiple former Obama aides, is the open question of whether he can build a political operation. "To catch lightning in a bottle you have to have a bottle," observed one former Obama campaign adviser who has been intrigued by the mayor's candidacy. Through the first quarter of the year, less than 1 in 10 of the roughly 1,330 major donors from Obama's two presidential campaigns had given $2,700 or more to any of the 2020 candidates. Of those who had donated, Harris had attracted support from the most of those who bundled donations for Obama, followed by Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York. But the data showed more donations to candidates who had announced earlier in the year, and did not include any to Biden's campaign, which did not exist until after the first quarter reporting deadline. A Biden spokesman said the campaign was attempting to infuse the campaign with an array of former Obama aides as well as fresh talent who worked on the 2018 elections or are new to politics. Biden has on his team at least a dozen former Obama aides, including Greg Schultz, who was Obama's state director in Ohio and is now Biden's campaign manager, and Pete Kavanaugh, who was Obama's state director in New Hampshire and is now deputy campaign manager. Anita Dunn, a longtime Obama adviser, and John Anzalone, who was an Obama campaign pollster, also have been advising Biden. In a major get for Biden's team, Pete Rouse, a key architect of Obama's campaign and White House operation, has signed onto the campaign as an adviser, according to a person close to the campaign. Some former Obama advisers say privately that a divide exists between those who saw the Obama-Biden relationship up close and those who did not. Those who saw it up close are more prone to think highly of Biden and view his chances more favorably. But other staffers with a more distant view have been leaning more heavily toward Buttigieg. "If you were there, you got a firsthand look," said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who served as Obama's first chief of staff. "You know the guy who never bucked any assignment, took everything on, whatever he was given, whether around the globe or every nook and cranny of the country." Emanuel, who is completing his second term as mayor of Chicago, said he plans to take a long break before deciding where he stands on the 2020 race. Two other White House chiefs of staff - William Daley and Denis McDonough - have also declined to pick a candidate at this stage. People who have worked directly for Biden are also more favorable to the vice president. "I think it's important to be hopeful and inclusive, to try to bring us together rather than divide us," said former White House press secretary Jay Carney, who worked for Biden before moving to Obama. "That's what Obama did. And that's what Biden does." Carney is committed to Biden, though before the vice president entered the race, he also cut campaign checks for O'Rourke, Harris, Buttigieg and Booker, whom he also describes as unifying figures. Others have been more skeptical. Some have expressed public support for Biden but privately are helping other candidates. "Joe Biden is a very nice guy; he's an extraordinarily nice person. But he was like a hedged bet by team Obama," said Arun Chaudhary, an early 2008 Obama staffer who became the first White House videographer and whose firm is now working for 2020 candidate Marianne Williamson. "He was everything Obama wasn't just in case the country didn't want a young charismatic black guy. Biden was picked because he was the opposite of that, an old establishment Washington guy. It turned out America did want the young handsome black guy." That debate has so far stayed in private channels, with rare exception. Shortly after Biden announced, Warren criticized his vote on a 2005 bankruptcy bill that she said favored credit card companies over struggling Americans. Jen Psaki, a former Obama White House communications director, responded by tweeting that Warren would still be "a beloved Harvard Law Professor not a presidential candidate" if it were not for Obama and Biden supporting her from the White House. Macon Phillips, a former White House director of digital strategy who has not settled on a candidate, responded on Twitter by saying that he respected Psaki, but her response was "more than wrong." He also announced that he was giving $100 to Warren. "It was a knee-jerk reaction to seeing Elizabeth Warren attacking him right out of the gate," said Psaki, who agrees with many of Warren's policies. "I don't know who I'm going to support in the primary but the tweet was a reflection of the affection a lot of us have for Joe Biden." Other top staffers from Obama's campaigns have splintered off to various other candidates. Jim Margolis, an admaker and senior adviser to both of Obama's presidential campaigns, is now a top strategist for Harris. Warren has nabbed Joe Rospars, who oversaw digital strategy for both of Obama's campaigns, and Emily Parcell, who was political director of Obama's 2008 Iowa caucuses team. O'Rourke has attracted some top Obama talent; his campaign manager, Jen O'Malley Dillon, worked on both of Obama's campaigns and has the admiration of many in the Obama orbit. O'Rourke also just hired Jeff Berman, who was in charge of Obama's delegate operation, which many point to as critical to his 2008 victory. While O'Rourke has faded from prominence since his March announcement, several Obama loyalists praised O'Malley Dillon as a methodical strategist who is able to build for a long campaign. They see in her strategy something familiar: Obama too struck a relatively low profile in the middle of 2007 before emerging weeks before voting began with a significant grass-roots campaign structure behind him. - - - The Washington Post's Anu Narayanswamy contributed to this report. County authorities recently seized more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana and arrested one person. Webb County Sheriffs Office officials said an investigation led them on May 2 to the 4700 block of Chibcha Court in south Laredo. There, authorities said they found Mauricio Guerra, 44, in possession of large bundles of marijuana. Authorities said the marijuana weighed 2,041 pounds and had an estimated street value of $1,632,800. READ MORE: Alleged social media harassment lands man behind bars Guerra was arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana. Webb County Jail records show he was released on bond the following day. Records show Guerra is from Roma, about 94 miles southwest of Laredo. The investigation continues. READ MORE: Pair arrested after man mugged, iPhone stolen near North Central Park We continue to move forward with these successful operations conducted by our office. We encourage everyone in the community to report any suspicious activity by calling our Report Your Competition hotline at 956-415-2878 (BUST.) Together, we continue the fight against drugs, said Sheriff Martin Cuellar in a statement. On the morning of Sept. 15, 1963, as Sunday church services were set to begin across Birmingham, Alabama, Chris McNair heard a boom across town. "Is that thunder?" McNair, a milkman and photographer and the father of an 11-year-old girl, recalled wondering. It was the sound of dynamite set by the Ku Klux Klan, tearing through the 16th Street Baptist Church, the African American congregation where McNair's wife, Maxine, and their daughter Denise worshipped. But he did not know, not yet. He left the Lutheran church he attended to head in the direction of the blast, stopping at his photography studio to pick up a camera. McNair's work, published in outlets including Jet magazine, chronicled black life in Birmingham, a city that had become known as "Bombingham" for the violence that plagued it during the civil rights movement. Perhaps there was something important to photograph, he reasoned. A relative stopped him on the street, told him of the bombing and sent McNair to the hospital. His wife was unharmed. At first he took comfort as he scoured a list of injured parishioners and did not find his daughter's name. Then he was escorted to a room with the lifeless bodies of four girls. "I saw a little foot sticking out from under one of the sheets. A scarred patent-leather shoe covered with dust," he later told an interviewer, according to "Carry Me Home," Diane McWhorter's Pulitzer Prize-winning history of the tumultuous events that took place in Birmingham in 1963. "I suppose every little girl's foot looks about the same, but I knew it was Denise. I didn't need to look under the sheet to know it was her." In their horrifying senselessness, the deaths of Denise McNair and the three other girls - Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley, all 14 - helped spur passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But for years, McNair rarely spoke of his daughter's murder as he rose to become one of the first black members of the Alabama legislature since Reconstruction and a Jefferson County commissioner. "I didn't want anybody to ever think I was using Denise to move myself up the line," he later told the Birmingham News. When McNair left the county commission in 2001, he was roundly admired in Birmingham and beyond. Several years later, he was convicted on federal corruption charges stemming from the $3 billion overhaul of the local sewer system. His imprisonment, and ultimate release, prompted an emotional reckoning with what Birmingham had taken from his family, what he had given to the city and what mercy he was owed in return. McNair died May 8 at his home in Birmingham. He was 93 years old. The cause was cancer, said his daughter Lisa McNair. "I think Chris should be remembered as someone who suffered unimaginable tragedy in the 1960s, but had the resolve to stay in Birmingham," said Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., who prosecuted two of the church bombers decades after the fact and later represented McNair during his professional legal travails. McNair tried "to do his best to make it a better place," Jones continued, "and he did." Jewell Christopher McNair was born in Fordyce, Arkansas, on Nov. 22, 1925, the oldest of 12 children in a farming family. He served in the Army during World War II before receiving an agronomy degree in 1949 from what is now Tuskegee University, the historically black institution in Alabama. The next year, he married Maxine Pippen, a classmate. Carol Denise, their first child, was born Nov. 17, 1951. The McNairs gave Denise what McWhorter described as a comfortable, enriching life, with a piano and dance lessons. They sought to teach her that not all whites were racist but could not spare their child the indignities of Jim Crow segregation. Denise cried, according to an account from McWhorter, when McNair took her to a five-and-dime store and was forced to explain why she could not sit at the counter for a hot dog. "Remember, baby, what we told you about those few mean white people?" he told her. "Well, those few people don't want you to buy a hot dog in a five-and-ten-cent store in Birmingham, Alabama." Even in the immediate aftermath of his daughter's death, McNair sought to be a unifying figure. He invited Joseph W. Ellwanger, his white Lutheran minister, to participate in the funeral jointly held for Denise and two of the other slain girls. "Chris was somebody who wanted to communicate a message to the world," Ellwanger said in an interview. "He wanted the world to know that the black community was not rising up against the white community because of this bombing." "Rather," Ellwanger continued, "they were still hopeful for the 'beloved community,' as Dr. King called it." For months after his daughter's death, McNair did not cry. "I was angry," he later told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "But I had a sense of balance. People were asking me, 'Why don't you leave?' I said, 'Where else can I go and not still be black in the United States?' My intent was to try to make this a better section of the world." McNair and his wife had two more daughters. In 1970, as Birmingham sought to overcome its tortured past, his endorsement and advocacy helped it win an All-America City Award sponsored by Look magazine. "I knew that the city fathers were using me," McNair told McWhorter, "and they knew I knew they were using me." He participated, he said, "because the overall picture was bigger than me - and bigger than them." In 1973, McNair won a seat as a Democrat in the Alabama House of Representatives, where he became chairman of the county delegation. In 1986, he was elected to the Jefferson County Commission. He lost primary bids for the U.S. House in 1978 and the U.S. Senate in 1992. The sewer system and the scandal surrounding it were linked, along with other factors, to the county's eventual bankruptcy. In 2006, McNair was convicted in federal court on conspiracy and bribery charges. Prosecutors alleged that he had bestowed lucrative government contracts in exchange for cash and in-kind work, including the renovation of his photography studio. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery, admitting that he had accepted and attempted to hide $140,000 in bribes. In September 2007, McNair was sentenced to five years in prison and ordered to pay restitution of more than $850,000. President Barack Obama declined to grant him clemency, but McNair was released in 2013 as part of a "compassionate relief" program for sick and elderly inmates. McNair insisted that there had been no quid pro quo - that the contractors had provided their services as friends. Lisa McNair suggested to McWhorter that the contractors had done their work not only "out of love for Daddy," but also "out of apology, or guilt." At least one had recently seen the Spike Lee documentary "4 Little Girls" (1997) that laid bare the extent of her father's suffering.The renovation of his photo studio included a memorial for Denise. McNair noted the swiftness of his conviction, contrasting it with the long delay of justice for his daughter. The first conviction in the church bombing did not come until 1977, with a guilty verdict for Robert "Dynamite Bob" Chambliss. A second conspirator, Thomas E. Blanton Jr., was convicted in 2001, and a third, Bobby Frank Cherry, in 2002. "It took them 38 years to bring to justice the people responsible for the deaths of my daughter and the other three girls at 16th Street Baptist Church," he told the Birmingham News. McNair's survivors include his wife and two daughters, Lisa McNair and Kimberly Brock, all of Birmingham; and 10 siblings. Denise McNair would today be 67. "It's always with me," McNair told the Atlanta newspaper. "You see kids who were her classmates, they're grandparents now. And you wonder, 'What would my daughter be doing now?' " Washington White House officials asked at least twice in the past month for the key witness against President Donald Trump in the Mueller report, Donald McGahn, to say publicly that he never believed the president obstructed justice, according to two people briefed on the requests. McGahn, who was the president's first White House counsel, declined, one of the people said. His reluctance angered Trump, who believed McGahn showed disloyalty by telling investigators for the special counsel, Robert Mueller, about Trump's attempts to maintain control over the Russia probe. The White House made one of the requests to McGahn's lawyer, William A. Burck, before the Mueller report was released publicly but after the Justice Department gave a copy to Trump's lawyers to read. Reading the report, the president's lawyers saw Mueller had left out that McGahn had told investigators that he believed Trump never obstructed justice. Burck had told them months earlier that his client had shared that belief with investigators. McGahn initially entertained the White House request. But after the report was released, detailing the actions Trump took to try to impede the inquiry, McGahn declined to put out a statement. The report also included comments Trump made to aides about how he believed McGahn leaked to the media to make himself look good. The episode shows the lengths the White House has gone to push back on the notion that Trump obstructed justice. White House officials believed that McGahn asserting his belief publicly would calm the president and help the administration push back on the episodes that Mueller detailed in the obstruction section of the report, said one of the people. Neither would be named describing private conversations involving the White House and spoke on condition of anonymity. "We did not perceive it as any kind of threat or something sinister," Burck said in a statement. "It was a request, professionally and cordially made." A White House spokeswoman did not return a message seeking comment. White House officials asked McGahn again to put out a statement in the days after the report was released as Trump fumed about McGahn's disclosures, but he rebuffed the second request as well. Around that time, the president's lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, began attacking McGahn and questioning his credibility, saying he had a bad memory. "It can't be taken at face value," Giuliani said of McGahn's account a day after the report was released. "It could be the product of an inaccurate recollection or could be the product of something else." McGahn's cooperation with Mueller played a key role in allowing the special counsel's investigators to paint a picture in their report of a president determined to use his power atop the executive branch to protect himself from the Russia investigation. The president's lawyers are particularly concerned about two episodes that McGahn detailed to prosecutors. In one, Trump asked him to fire the special counsel but backed off after McGahn refused. After that episode was revealed, the president asked McGahn to create a White House document falsely rebutting his account. McGahn declined to go along but told Mueller about the encounters. It makes no difference legally whether McGahn believes Trump obstructed justice. That is a determination made by prosecutors, not witnesses. But politically, such a statement could have been a powerful argument for Trump, who faces scrutiny from House Democrats about whether he obstructed justice and abused his power. McGahn left the White House last year. The White House instructed McGahn on Tuesday to not turn over documents he had to the House in response to a subpoena. McGahn followed the White House's advice and is now waiting to see whether Democrats will hold him in contempt. Cuba launches food rationing amid crisis The Cuban government announced Friday that it is launching widespread rationing of chicken, eggs, rice, beans, soap and other basic products in the face of a grave economic crisis. Commerce Minister Betsy Diaz Velazquez told the Cuban News Agency that various forms of rationing would be employed to deal with shortages of staple foods. She blamed the hardening of the U.S. trade embargo by the Trump administration. Economists give equal or greater blame to a plunge in aid from Venezuela, where the collapse of the state-run oil company has led to a nearly two-thirds cut in shipments of subsidized fuel that Cuba used for power and to earn hard currency on the open market. Cuba imports roughly two thirds of its food at an annual cost of more than $2 billion. In recent months, a growing number of products have started to go missing Associated Press UPPER THUMB When soybeans are harvested this fall, producers should have a value-added option available to them. Quality Roasting LLCs has cleared all of the hurdles to build a processing plant in Gilford Township, and a ground breaking is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at 135 S. Bradleyville Road, Reese, near the Star of the West facility. Quality Roasting, which is a Wisconsin firm, plans to build a 16,200-square foot facility that will cost about $12 million. We have all of the building permits we need, and we started moving ground last week for the access road, said CEO Scott Rabe. The plan is to have the site ready for accepting harvest this fall if the weather cooperates. When the site is completed, it will include a processing building with a small office, truck scale, soybean storage bins and finished product storage. The operation would be 24/5; Sunday evenings through Friday evenings. Soybean harvest is roughly about a three-week period between September and November. To start, the company plans to employ eight people. The center will have the capacity to process about 2.2 million pounds of soybeans a year. Tuscola County produces about 3.67 million bushels of soybeans annually. According to Rabe, even though the center will be located southwest in Tuscola, it will accept soybeans from neighboring counties. We will take the soybeans that are brought to us, he said, noting the price paid should be attractive. It is estimated the processing of 2.2 million soybeans would mean an additional income of about $500,000 annually for area farmers, and that amount could increase. This could just be phase one, said Rabe. There could be a phase 2 a second facility in about five years, where we could double in size. Quality Roasting processes soybeans to produce crude soybean oil and Exceller Meal. The soybean meal is designed for high producing dairy cattle. The processing process is solvent free with no use of any chemicals. The soybeans are processed naturally using only heat and pressure, he said. To help with the project, Quality Roasting received $10 million from the Michigan Strategic Fund; the Michigan Business Development Program approved an $80,000 performance-based grant; and the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development approved a $75,000 grant. In Michigan, there are 1,747 dairy farms, including 1,498 Grade A farms and 249 manufacturing grade farms. The average farm in Michigan has 176 cows. Michigan ranks fifth in the nation for total milk production, with dairy farmers contributing $15.7 billion to the states economy. Michigan ranks 15th in the country for soy production, and soybeans are the states fifth top agricultural exports, which totals more than $158 million. Soybean farming in the state accounts for about $1.2 billion in economic activity, according to MDARD. The Justice Department on Friday charged a prominent rapper and a Malaysian financier with illegally funneling foreign campaign contributions into the 2012 presidential election - the latest reverberation from a sprawling U.S. investigation of corruption in the Malaysian government. In a four-count indictment, prosecutors alleged that Prakazrel "Pras" Michel, who rose to fame in the 1990s as a member of the hip-hop group Fugees, and Low Taek Jho, a Malaysian financier previously been charged in the investigation, conspired to defraud the U.S. government, moving more than $21 million in overseas funds and funneling a portion into the election. The indictment alleged Michel paid about $865,000 to 20 donors so they could contribute to a presidential fundraising committee and hide the true source of the money, and further directed more than $1 million to a different, independent expenditure committee. The committees are identified only as "Political Committee A" and "Political Committee B," and the candidate they were meant to benefit is listed as "Candidate A." But the indictment suggests "Candidate A" was former President Barack Obama, because Low at the time wanted "to attend events at the White House with Candidate A," and the election at issue was in 2012. Barry Pollack, Michel's lawyer, said in a statement: "Mr. Michel is extremely disappointed that so many years after the fact the government would bring charges related to 2012 campaign contributions. Mr. Michel is innocent of these charges and looks forward to having the case heard by a jury." A spokesman for Low said in a statement: "Mr. Low is innocent - and he is presumed innocent under U.S. law. The allegations against Mr. Low have no basis in fact: Mr. Low has never made any campaign contributions directly or indirectly in the U.S. and he unequivocally denies any involvement in or knowledge of the alleged activities." A spokesman for Obama did not immediately return a message seeking comment. The Malaysian corruption case began as an exploration of Malaysian officials pilfering billions from a development fund for the country known as "1MDB," but its offshoots have been wide-ranging and unpredictable. Notably, prosecutors in the United States sought to seize some future proceeds from the award-winning movie "The Wolf of Wall Street" that they said were connected to the case, and authorities in Malaysia charged their country's former prime minister with money laundering. Prosecutors alleged in a civil forfeiture complaint last year that Michel and a former Justice Department official helped move money to fund a lobbying effort aimed at ending the investigation, and they indicated that Republican fundraiser Elliott Broidy also was involved. Officials did not name Broidy in the filing but described conduct by an unidentified "Individual No. 1" that matches information contained in previously published reports about Broidy, and people familiar with the matter confirmed it is him. Broidy has not been charged. Low, who has long been at the center of the case, was indicted in federal court in New York last year and accused of conspiring to launder billions of dollars that prosecutors suspect was stolen from the fund. To the editor: I'm sending my response to U.S. Rep. Paul Mitchell as an open letter to the Tribune. Dear Rep. Mitchell, You seem to have made an erroneous assumption regarding my previous letter urging the impeachment of the president. While my demand dovetailed with the issuance of the Mueller report (more about that later), as it happens, my concern over the president's unconstitutional behavior (which has arguably led to his placing our country and the rest of the world at risk) pertains to his ongoing violation of Article 1, Section 9, Clause 8, a violation that began immediately upon his taking his oath of office. As we've seen, there are unanswered questions surrounding the source of inauguration funds. However, of more concern is the seeming open bribing of the president by the Saudi government (which has spent untold amounts of money at Trump properties) in return for US acquiescence regarding Saudi war crimes in Yemen as well as the kidnapping, torture, murder, and dismemberment of a U.S. resident. However, more recently, with his decision to transfer U.S. nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia, one of the primary state-sponsors of terrorism in the world (and a country whose complicity in 9/11 was never properly investigated), the question of quid pro quo as it pertains to violations of the Emoluments Clause becomes even more salient. The U.S. House of Representatives is long overdue exercising it's oversight power over the Executive, to the point now that if (and when, such is the predictability that the Saudi's will use their nuclear capabilities for a malevolent purpose) the world receives a nuclear 'message' from the Saudis, the co-signers will be members of the US Congress, such as yourself, who failed to do their jobs as intended by the Constitution. Finally, and just briefly, with respect to the special prosecutor, the question of obstruction by the president was ambiguously addressed in the Mueller report, i.e. no definitive conclusion was reached by Mr. Mueller. It would seem that the easiest way to get some clarification on the matter would be to simply have Mr. Mueller testify, under oath, before Congress. Robert Siver Caseville A 14-year-old boy was mauled to death Thursday by several dogs while working to take care of animals that were on the Massachusetts property. Ryan Hazel, of Rehoboth, was driven to the home on Maple Swamp Road at 6 p.m. by his grandmother so he could take care of several animals that were on the property. After more than an hour passed, Ryans grandmother became concerned and called the victims parents, who were out of state at the time. The parents called a neighbor who went to check on Ryan and found him suffering from traumatic injuries, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said. The neighbor, who called 911, performed CPR on the teen; however, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Four dogs were found loose on the property, and seven other dogs were found in cages, Quinn said. The owner of the property, Scott Dunmore, 49, was not home at the time, Quinn said. Dunmore is cooperating with the investigation. It appears at this point that foul play was not involved. I would just leave it at that at this stage of the investigation, Quinn said. All 11 dogs at the property were removed and are in the custody of animal control. The four dogs involved in the attack are under quarantine for 10 days. A contractor who repaired the house after a fire a few months ago said Dunmore has a dog-training business, and about 10 to 15 dogs there trained for police work. The teen, who had been taking care of animals on the property for a year, was a freshman at Bristol-Plymouth Vocational Technical High School in Taunton. The school activated its Crisis Response Team, made up of counselors professionally trained to listen and assist students during times of need and grief. "Any student who may need or want help or who is scared, confused or struggling to process this tragedy should know that that help is available," Superintendent Alexandre Magalhaes said. "We are saddened by this loss in our school community, and as we come together, our leadership team will make every effort to provide assistance to our students, families and fellow employees as needed." WASHINGTON - Attorneys for Donald Trump confidant Roger Stone urged a federal judge Friday to toss out all evidence gathered through search warrants in his case, saying court-approved warrants illegally relied on unproven assumptions that Russia was behind the hack of Democratic Party emails during the 2016 campaign or gave them to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks. Stone's lawyers made the allegation in a nine-page motion to suppress evidence in his November trial on charges of lying to Congress and witness tampering connected to his efforts to gather information about the stolen Democratic emails and their release to WikiLeaks and other groups. Stone, 66, has pleaded not guilty, and his latest court filing in Washington sought a hearing to force U.S. authorities to prove in court the role of Russian operatives in hacks on the Democratic National Committee and others, including Hillary Clinton presidential campaign chairman John Podesta. In doing so, Stone's defense took up a theory backed by some Trump supporters that denies a central finding of special counsel Robert Mueller III's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election: Moscow's primary role in the "sweeping and systemic" cyber effort. The Mueller probe in July 2018 publicly indicted members of the Russian military intelligence agency GRU in the hack on Democratic organizations and the Clinton campaign, accusing specific military units and 12 named officers of a sustained, sophisticated effort to steal and publish data to influence U.S. voting. The FBI and U.S. intelligence community have made similar assessments about Russian intelligence agencies' specific roles. However, Stone's filing alleged that redacted versions of Mueller's report and reports by CrowdStrike - the private cybersecurity firm hired by the DNC to investigate the June 2016 attack - that have been turned over to his defense team lack the necessary authentication to be admitted as evidence in a U.S. criminal court. "It is clear . . . that the government has relied on the assumptions made by a source outside of the U.S. intelligence community that the Russian State was involved in the hacking and that the data taken from the various servers were given to WikiLeaks," wrote Stone's attorneys. "The government does not have the evidence, and it knew it did not have the evidence, when it applied for these search warrants." They added, "If that foundation collapses, then the warrants must fail for lack of probable cause," requiring the court to exclude evidence gathered when the FBI seized Stone's papers, emails, cellphones, computers and other devices. Stone's prosecution - transferred from Mueller's now-concluded probe to the U.S. attorney's office of the District of Columbia - declined to comment outside its formal response to the court, due May 31. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson of Washington, District of Columbia, has set an oral-arguments hearing on Stone's motion for June 21. Jackson has set a separate May 30 hearing on Stone's additional motions challenging the legal basis of Mueller's appointment and funding and to dismiss his indictment. UPPER THUMB Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, on Friday, signed legislation that will help local school districts start their summer a bit earlier. Whitmer signed Bill 4206 at an education conference in Novi, which will forgive Michigan schools from rescheduling up to four snow days that occurred during a state of emergency. The bill will allow schools to not count the Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 period toward a cap on snow days. Currently, state law forgives districts from making up six days that have been canceled for emergencies. Schools can also apply for a waiver, which would grant them an additional three days. Many districts went over those nine days during this past winter. Local schools are planning on changing their last day of school, now that they can apply for up to four more forgiven days. I think it was good. Im glad the legislature was able to figure things out, said Ubly Superintendent Joe Candela. It seemed like it could have been done a little bit quicker, but I think its a good thing. With all the snow and all the issues we had this past year, I think its a good thing. Ubly, along with Bad Axe and Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker, were in school during one on the governors declared days of emergency. For Lakers, we missed three days during the four-day stretch of emergency weather, so we would have the opportunity to forgive those three days, said Laker Superintendent Brian Keim. Unless there are unforeseen obstacles in the waiver application process, we will apply for those days, which would make Tuesday, June 11, our last day for students. Like Laker, Ubly and Bad Axe are planning on their last day being June 11. Based on the information that Ive seen in the bill, with the governor signing and passing it today, we would tentatively be looking at June 11, said Bad Axe Superintendent Greg Newland. However, the Department of Education is supposed to come out information on how the process of how our districts are going to get those days approved. Right now, thats still a little bit unclear, we will automatically get them, or will we have to apply like we do with the previous waiver. Once we know that, I would definitely foresee us taking advantage of the bill. Candela said he was in support of the bill for a number of reasons, one being, allowing kids to get their summer, and summer jobs, started. Kids want to get started with their summer, he said. Of course, were in a farming community and theyre getting ready to do a lot of those things that they need kids at home for. Kids want to get jobs and they want to do a lot of things today, so getting them out as soon as we can in June, Im a supporter of that. Both Candela and Keim stressed the importance of the additional days in regard to their districts bond issues. Both schools have projects that cannot begin until students are out of the classroom. We have the bond issue, so the 7th would have been even better for us, Candela said, citing the district's original last scheduled day of school. Were trying to get a lot of things done in a short amount of time. So, for us, this year especially, this is a good thing. Not only for the kids being able to start working, but for our bond issue we need all the days we can get. Normally, I would not be opposed to making up some snow days, but this summer is a bit unusual for us with all of the construction projects that will be happening, Keim added. Every day is extremely valuable in that respect, so Im thankful that we can let students out a bit earlier. Although there are many benefits to the bill, Cass City Superintendent Jeff Hartel pointed out a couple potential downsides. I like the overall intention of the bill, he said. It was not our fault that so many days were cancelled due to severe weather, but I have concerns about hourly employees losing out on wages when these days are forgiven. We will look at other ways for hourly employees to make up some, or all of these wages if at all possible. Will all the curriculum get taught by teachers and mastered by students? he added. If not, what is missed and what affects will it have on future learning? We will do what the state allows us to do and move on and hope for milder weather next winter. Buffalo Buffalo kindergarten teacher Maria Spurlock was still struggling after trying for more than a week to get a reading app working on all of her classroom iPads. When she learned her building had a new team of technical experts, she requested help. In walked 11-year-old Arefa Zaman, a 6th-grader in silver sneakers and yellow "tech squad" T-shirt. Buffalo Public Schools officials say it only makes sense for the youngsters who have grown up with technology to be part of the upkeep of the district's thousands of iPads and laptops used every day. Students, in turn, hone practical skills. Student techs learn hardware and software fixes for the inevitable cracked screens, stuck keys, freeze-ups and dead batteries from school staff, each other, and online tutorials and field trips to an Apple store. "They can do anything," said technology specialist Jerilyn Stellato, talking about her "Tech Team Junior" members at Oliver W. Winch Middle School in South Glens Falls, New York. Modeled after Apple's "genius bars," the group works out of the library during and after school to service student Chromebooks. In 2018, 59% of high schools and 63% of middle schools reported that each of their students had access to their own device, an annual survey by the Consortium for School Networking found, up from 53% and 56%, respectively, in 2017. Elementary schools with 1:1 programs, which supply each student with a device, increased from 25% to 29%. Despite concerns from some about excessive screen time, fees sometimes passed along to students, and the challenge for teachers to incorporate the technology into meaningful lessons, the consortium predicted 38% of students would have not one, but two devices within three years and that 18 percent would have three devices in that time. "Little help desks like this where the kids take initiative and take care of the problems really does help out," said Corey Moore, district technician in Kentucky's Fairview Independent Schools. His suburban district gives each of its 600 students from third grade up a Chromebook. About 10-15 students take turns staffing a shop in the atrium during the day. "They are trained in full tear down and repair of these devices, from screens to logic boards to as simple as 'my headphone broke off in my Chromebook, can you get it out?'" Moore said. In Buffalo, technology leaders realized the task of collecting and getting devices ready between school years would overwhelm its tech staff. Last year, over 10,000 devices were distributed. This year, the number more than doubled. Already, the district is recruiting high school students through a city-sponsored program to become paid technology interns over summer break. Last year, 22 students spent six weeks in July and August cleaning, cataloguing and resetting devices, earning $10.40 an hour. "We had to go to different schools and get the computers of the students and reimage them, which is to basically reprogram the whole laptop, delete everything they used and install newer versions," said Galib Ovik, a junior who interned last year. He is now part of a fledgling "geek squad" at Bennett High, one of several the district will establish. Arriving at Spurlock's class, Arefa deleted an older version of the problem app and re-installed. "I knew what the problem was," Arefa said. "They're only kindergarteners; they can't remember usernames, passwords." She set it so students log in to the app with a scan code they held up to the device instead of having to enter a password. Webb County Sheriffs Department A man landed behind bars on Tuesday for allegedly assaulting and stealing from another man, according to authorities. Nathan Eliud Hernandez, 18, was served with an arrest warrant charging him with robbery. President Donald Trump said Friday he thinks it would be "appropriate" for him to talk to Attorney General William Barr about opening an investigation into Joe Biden, the current front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination. In an interview with Politico, Trump said he and Barr hadn't considered an inquiry into his potential 2020 opponent - but he didn't rule it out, either, saying "certainly it would be an appropriate thing to" discuss with Barr. "Certainly it is a very big issue and we'll see what happens," he told the outlet. "I have not spoken to him about it. Would I speak to him about it? I haven't thought of that. I mean, you're asking me a question I just haven't thought of." The suggestion that Trump would contemplate directing his Justice Department to investigate Biden drew condemnation from some legal experts, who said the idea smacked of an abuse of power. "Does anyone doubt that this could have catastrophic consequences for democratic and electoral legitimacy?" said Susan Hennessey, executive editor of Lawfare, on Twitter. "Yet we seem to be hurtling towards this possibility with no one, certainly not congressional Republicans, drawing the line." In the Politico interview, Trump weighed the idea of an investigation into Biden in response to allegations that the former vice president had inappropriate interactions with the Ukrainian government while his son, Hunter Biden, was working for a gas company run by one of the country's oligarchs. There is no evidence that Biden's conduct was improper and at least one expert has said the accusations don't hold up. Yet that didn't stop Trump from saying it "could be a very big situation" for Biden. "Because he's a Democrat it's about 1/100 the size of the fact that if he were a Republican, it would be a lot bigger," he told Politico. Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, also said on Friday that he's traveling to Kiev to urge Ukrainian officials to open an investigation of their own. "Explain to me why Biden shouldn't be investigated," Giuliani said, responding to criticism from Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. Some on the left have seized on the president's comments, saying they bolster Democrats' case for impeachment. Harvard Law School professor Laurence Tribe argued that Trump is "all but certain to abuse his powers as president to undermine the campaign of whoever his opponent turns out to be." Longtime Democratic adviser Ronald Klain warned on Twitter that, "If he can do this to @JoeBiden, he can do this to any other Democrat. If he can do this to any Democrat, he can do this to any Republican in Trump's way. If he can do this any political rival, he can do this to any American." Trump's comments come the week after Barr appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee and seemed to stumble over his answer to questions from Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., about Trump-directed investigations. Harris asked Barr whether the president or any other White House official had ever suggested that he open an investigation into someone. After an exchange, Barr told Harris, "I don't know." The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks! Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics. The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc. The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics. The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates. Access to college recruiters and advisors its harder to line up higher education. Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family. Vote View Results Music, Movies & Entertainment, Arts & Culture, Travel & Local Attractions By Meg Parisi Published: May 11 2019 The new HBO series reportedly features Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant and will continue filming in East Marion this week Once again, it was lights, camera, action on the North Fork as trailers and trucks lined up on Rocky Point Road in East Marion for the filming of a new HBO series. According to crew on the set, the series is called "The Undoing. A post on HBO.com said the project, which features Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, marks a reunion between Kidman and "Big Little Lies" creator David E. Kelley. The series is directed by Suzanne Bier; no debut date is available, according to Anne Reilly, vice president of media relations for HBO. "The Undoing," she said, is a limited series based on the book "You Should Have Known" by Jean Hanff Korelitz. Also featured in the cast are Donald Sutherland, Edgar Ramirez, Lily Rabe, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Matilda DeAngelis and Noma Dumezweni. The story focuses on a successful therapist, Grace Sachs, played by Kidman, the post said. "On the brink of publishing her first book, Grace has a devoted husband, Jonathan, played by Grant, "and young son who attends an elite private school in New York City. Weeks before her book is published, a chasm opens in her life: a violent death, a missing spouse, and, in the place of a man Grace thought she knew, only a chain of terrible revelations," the post said. "David has created another propulsive series with a fascinating, complicated female role at its center," Kidman said, in the HBO post. Filming is expected to continue Wednesday in East Marion. Kidman has filmed on the North Fork in the past: In 2007, she delighted fans who waited for hours for a glimpse as she filmed a scene at the Long Island Rail Road station in Greenport for "Margot at the Wedding." A film crew also flocked to Greenport in March to shoot scenes for a new TV pilot, "Emergence." According to Jude Donnelly, transportation co-captain on the scene, the pilot was directed by well Paul McGuigan, a Scottish filmmaker and director who's known for films including "Lucky Number Slevin," "Gangester No. 1" and "Push," and episodes for TV series including "Sherlock," "Smash," "Monroe," and "Scandal." Starring in the pilot are Allison Tolman of the TV series "Fargo," and Clancy Brown, well-known for his roles in films including "Highlander," "The Shawshank Redemption," and "Starship Troopers," Donnelly said. Some child actors will also be featured, he said. The crew was taping an NBC pilot that's being produced by ABC/Disney, Donnelly said. No actors filmed in Greenport for that project, however; only the "establishing shots" were filmed in the village.. However, staffers on the scene said they'd likely be back if the pilot gets the green light. Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: May 11 2019 Nassau DA: Paul Johnson, Joseph Savino, Perry Pettus and William Mendez charged with with allegedly fixing tickets. Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a grand jury has issued two separate indictments and charged Hempstead Police Department Chief Paul Johnson, Sergeant Joseph Savino, former Village Trustee Perry Pettus and restaurant owner William Mendez with allegedly fixing tickets. Paul Johnson, 54, was arraigned today before Supervising Judge Teresa Corrigan and charged with: Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree (a D felony) Tampering with Public Records in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor) Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (an E felony) Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor) Two counts of Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor) Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor) Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (an A misdemeanor) One count of VTL 207(5) Uniform Traffic Summons (an unclassified misdemeanor) The defendant was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court June 10. Perry Pettus, 63, and William Mendez, 48, also known as Jito Malania and Leocadio Molino Rios, were arraigned today before Supervising Judge Teresa Corrigan and charged with: Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree (a D felony)Tampering with Public Records in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor) Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (an E felony) Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor) Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor) Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (an A misdemeanor) One count of VTL 207(5) Uniform Traffic Summons (an unclassified misdemeanor) The defendants were released on their own recognizance. Pettus is due back in court on May 7 and Mendez is due back in court on May 22. If convicted of the top charge, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 2-1/3 years to seven years in prison. In response to community complaints of corruption and abuses of authority in Hempstead Village government and the Hempstead Police Department, my office began a long-term investigation that uncovered shocking allegations of corruption by a village trustee and the most senior police officials, DA Singas said. As crime in Nassau has reached record lows, violence has risen in Hempstead, and it is critical that leaders and the community collaborate to ensure that the public is served by an ethical government and protected by a professional and effective police force. Our investigations are ongoing, and I am committed to working with the Hempstead community and our partners in government to find solutions that restore confidence and trust in government and the police force. DA Singas said that, according to the indictment, on May 16, 2018, an employee of Mendez was cited for four tickets by the Hempstead Police Department. Mendez, an associate of then-Village Trustee Perry Pettus, asked the trustee to fix the tickets for his employee. Pettus called then-Lieutenant Paul Johnson of the Hempstead Police Department on the same day, described the tickets and told Johnson he would stop by the police department and show him the ticket numbers on his phone. Johnson later allegedly told Pettus that the tickets would be fixed and Pettus then called Mendez to say, Theyre done. You dont have to worry. Between May 4 and May 15, 2018, Johnson had signed up to be interviewed for a promotion to Assistant Chief or, alternatively, Deputy Chief of the Hempstead Police Department. A recent wave of retirements at the department created three vacancies that needed to be filled. On May 25, 2018, Johnson was interviewed by Trustee Pettus and others for the aforementioned positions. That evening, Pettus allegedly called Johnson and informed him that he would be promoted. Johnson allegedly told Pettus, Ya know, if I can look out for you cause its something minor like a parking ticket, a traffic ticket, thats one thing. But if youre talking about criminal offenses and weapons and drugs and something, thats something different. On June 5, 2018, Pettus voted to promote Johnson to Acting Chief of the Hempstead Police Department. Johnson is additionally charged with ignoring a grand jury subpoena to produce the tickets that he allegedly fixed on behalf of Pettus and Mendez. In July, October and November of 2018 Pettus was arraigned on four separate grand jury indictments related to bribery and extortion schemes of local business owners, while Mendez was arraigned on two. In one incident, Trustee Pettus allegedly accepted a bribe from Lieutenant Richard Holland on May 14, 2018. Pettus voted on June 5 to promote Holland to deputy chief of the department. That case is pending. According to a separate indictment unsealed today, Pettus used his position as a Village Trustee to ask Joseph Savino, a Sergeant in the Hempstead Police Department, to fix tickets as a favor to Mendez. Savino allegedly disposed of two parking tickets issued to Mendez and a uniform traffic summons and complaint issued to an employee of Mendez. On April 13, 2018 and April 14, 2018, Mendez allegedly called Pettus to complain that police officers from the Village of Hempstead had given him parking tickets. Pettus allegedly told Mendez to give him the tickets and said he would help him depending on the officer that wrote the tickets. Pettus allegedly informed Mendez that he would have to speak to a boss at the police department and determine if that boss would fix the tickets. On April 15, 2018, Mendez allegedly called Pettus and again asked for help with a Department of Motor Vehicles Uniform Traffic Summons and Complaint that Mendezs employee had received from a Hempstead Village Police officer. Pettus allegedly called the front desk of the department and Sgt. Joseph Savino answered the phone. Savino allegedly agreed to take care of the ticket for Mendezs employee. Savino also allegedly disposed of the parking tickets issued to Mendez. Joseph Savino, 51, was arraigned today before Supervising Judge Teresa Corrigan and charged with: Two counts of Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree (a D felony) Two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (an E felony) Two counts of Tampering with Public Records in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor) Four counts of Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor) Two counts of Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor) Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (an A misdemeanor) VTL 207(5) Uniform Traffic Summons (an unclassified misdemeanor) The defendant was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court June 10. Pettus was arraigned today before Supervising Judge Teresa Corrigan and charged with: Two counts of Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree (a D felony) Two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (an E felony) Two counts of Tampering with Public Records in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor)Four counts of Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor) Two counts of Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor) Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (an A misdemeanor) VTL 207(5) Uniform Traffic Summons (an unclassified misdemeanor) The defendant was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court May 7. Mendez was arraigned today before Supervising Judge Teresa Corrigan and charged with: Two counts of Tampering with Public Records in the First Degree (a D felony) Two counts of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (an E felony) Two counts of Tampering with Public Records in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor) Four counts of Official Misconduct (an A misdemeanor) Two counts of Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree (an A misdemeanor) Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree (an A misdemeanor) VTL 207(5) Uniform Traffic Summons (an unclassified misdemeanor) The defendant was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court May 22. The cases are being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Lisa Berk and Sarah Nadeau Balducci of DA Singas Public Corruption Bureau and Senior Investigative Counsel Stuart Levy of DA Singas Investigations Division. Pettus is represented by Jim Druker, Esq. Mendez is represented by Bruce Barket, Esq. and Johnson is represented by Ronald Bekoff, Esq. and Savino is represented by Scott Carrigan, Esq. May is Older Americans Month and in observance of it Macomb County Health and Community Services is launching an ongoing initiative to honor centenarians. Cheers to being 100! If thats you or anyone you know county officials are asking the public for help in finding residents who reach the hallmark ages of 100 and beyond. Centenarians infuse a special kind of vitality into our local communities, said Rhonda Powell, director of Health and Community Services. Be it a positive attitude, tenacity, wisdom or a mix of all those elements and more, these individuals are living examples of how to age with finesse, and they are worthy of celebration. As part of the initiative, every known Macomb County centenarian will receive the special honor of having a personalized feature on various platforms during their birthday month. The feature will include a full-length blog post highlighting lifetime milestones, accomplishments and anecdotes on the Celebrating Centenarians page of the Health and Community Services website as well as a dedicated post on the OneMacomb Facebook page. Centenarians will be highlighted on the first Friday of their birthday month, starting in June. Submissions for future highlights must be made by the 15th of the month preceding the centenarians birth month. To submit an individual for this special celebration of life, complete the form at http://hcs.macombgov.org/HCS-Centenarians 1 minute read Only the very brave are predicting with certainty the outcome of attempts by the UK to leave the EU. There is still no clarity on whether: (i) the UK Parliament will approve the withdrawal agreement negotiated between the EU and the UK government; (ii) the UK will leave the EU without any deal (hard Brexit); or (iii) the UK will hold a second referendum or even revoke Article 50 so that the UK remains in the EU. The agreed extension to the proposed exit date has currently removed any cliff-edge urgency, but this has only increased the uncertainty surrounding if and when the UK will leave the EU. From an IP perspective, there remains no need to panic. The UK government has made it clear that its priority is to ensure that it is business as usual and that no IP rights will be lost in the UK, regardless of whether the UK leaves the EU with or without a deal. Nevertheless there are a number of practical issues which IP owners are considering to ensure continuity, regardless of the outcome of Brexit. Whether there is a Brexit deal or not, IP owners should be considering at least the following developments to ensure continuity. Trademarks and registered designs With regard to trademarks and registered design rights, things will likely remain unchanged on Brexit day, apart from the envisaged conversion of registered EU trademarks (EUTMs) and registered Community designs (RCDs) into a single EU right in 27 member states (EU27) plus a UK national right (a 'UK child right'). So, effectively, IP owners will retain the same protection across the same territories but this will be achieved via two separate rights instead of the current one. Practically, this means, for example, that two separate marks will need to be assigned or licensed (and the transactions recorded on two registers) and two separate rights renewed although, helpfully, the renewal and priority dates will be the same for the EU mark/design and UK child right. We are not recommending double-filing at this stage (i.e. there is no need to register a UK mark or design in addition to an existing EUTM or RCD). It can't hurt, of course, but it does have a cost and for larger portfolios, that cost is substantial. The UK government has committed to creating the equivalent UK child rights with minimal administrative burden regardless of whether there is a deal with the EU or not. Accordingly, at this stage, filing for additional UK marks or designs when there is existing EUTM/RCD protection appears to be an unnecessary duplication and expense. On either a deal scenario or a crash-out scenario, the pan-EU rights will be cloned, automatically and for free. If there is no Brexit, then the additional filings will have been wasted. Trademark and design law Over time, diverging interpretation and application of trademark and design law in the EU27 and the UK could have an impact on branding and marketing strategies, for example, with regard to the use and protection of so-called non-traditional marks (e.g. slogans, and 3D, colour and sound marks), the relevance of the different functions of a trademark or whether functional elements of a product design are protectable. However, we emphasise that this divergence won't happen immediately. The current version of the withdrawal agreement has a two-year transition period during which EU law will remain in force in the UK. Even in the event of a hard Brexit, previous case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) will have the status of rulings from the UK Supreme Court. This means that trademark or design disputes will need to be taken to the Supreme Court in order to overturn CJEU decisions, and currently only a few IP cases are heard there each year. The UK courts can also have regard to post-Brexit CJEU rulings if they are relevant to the dispute being decided (like they do currently with, for example, US or Australian cases) but we will have to wait to see whether they follow suit or take UK law in a different direction. Finally, the UK has already implemented the recent EUTM reforms but will be free to decide whether it wishes to align itself with further EU developments such as any changes to design law stemming from the current evaluation of EU legislation on design protection. Pending EUTM and RCD applications and oppositions In a no-deal or a deal scenario, owners of pending applications for EUTMs and RCDs will be given a nine-month period to file a new UK application with the same filing/priority date as the EUTM/RCD application. The recent extensions to the Article 50 period mean that more marks and designs should be successfully registered before the new planned date for the UK to leave the EU. Again we are not recommending double-filing at this stage but saving costs by waiting to see what happens and, if necessary, re-filing in the UK within the nine-month window in order to keep the earlier filing date. The EUIPO has indicated that, in the event of a hard Brexit, pending opposition or invalidity proceedings based solely on UK rights will be dismissed. There has been some criticism of this approach, and a court challenge is possible. The good news for now is that the EUIPO has lifted its previous suspension of these proceedings in light of the Article 50 extension, giving parties the chance to proceed with their cases as planned. However, there is a risk that the EUIPO will reinstate the suspension if there is a lack of progress with the Brexit negotiations and/or ultimately dismiss such cases if there is a no-deal exit. While there is some doubt about the legality of the EUIPO's position, it is worth checking current EUIPO proceedings to ensure none relies only on UK rights and progress quickly with UK rights proceedings. Any newly filed actions should be based on rights in at least one EU27 country. Unregistered designs The UK government has made it clear that it does not want designers to lose unregistered Community design protection in the UK post-Brexit because this three-year unregistered right is vital for protecting high fashion items such as clothing and footwear. Accordingly, under both the withdrawal agreement and a no-deal scenario, any existing unregistered Community designs will be given equivalent protection in the UK for their remaining duration. There will also be a new UK right for new designs, called the "supplementary unregistered design right". This means that fashion businesses will need to take into account two separate rights the Community unregistered design for designs first disclosed in the EU and the new UK supplementary unregistered design right for designs first disclosed in the UK. One issue we would bring to the attention of international designers is how they might achieve protection in both the EU27 and the UK. This will require simultaneously first disclosing the design in both the UK and the EU27, which is practically very difficult but may be possible using, for example, the internet. .EU domain names UK businesses and individuals will no longer be able to own .eu domain names after Brexit day. The registry for .eu domain names, EURID, will be able to revoke the ownership of .eu domain names if they are owned by organisations that do not have a registered office or principal place of business in the EU or by individuals who are not resident in the EU. UK businesses should therefore be considering transferring registrations now to an EU-domiciled entity or to other top-level domains (such as .com, .co.uk, .net or .org) in order to avoid the loss of any domain names and/or the interruption to internet traffic. Database rights Businesses that invest heavily in data and databases may also want to be considering the effect of Brexit on sui generis database rights. Under the withdrawal agreement, rights that subsist at the end of the transition period will remain in force in the EU and the UK for the remainder of their duration. However, in a no-deal situation, there will be no obligation for EU member states to provide this protection to UK nationals, residents and businesses, and UK legislation will be amended so that only UK citizens, residents and businesses are eligible for new database rights after exit. Accordingly, international businesses that wish to retain rights in both the EU27 and the UK may want to consider whether they might be able to claim alternative protection, such as copyright, which protects creative originality in the data or the arrangement of the database as opposed to investment in obtaining, verifying or presenting the data. Additionally, they should be considering whether their contractual arrangements (e.g. restrictive licensing) are as tight as possible. Patents and SPCs With regard to patents, the UK leaving the EU will not affect the UK's membership of the European Patent Organisation (which is not an EU organisation). This means there will be no change on Brexit to either the UK patent system or the system of patents administered through the European Patent Office. Accordingly, as long as the unitary patent does not come into force, there will be no change with regard to European patents designating the UK as the European Patent Convention will continue to apply to the UK. There is continuing uncertainty about when and if the Unified Patent Court (UPC) will come into effect. Some of that uncertainty stems from Brexit but there is also a pending challenge to the legality of the system in Germany. If and when the unitary patent and the UPC come into force, there is debate about whether the UK may still qualify as a member state under the Agreement on a Unified Court. For the time being, patent owners are waiting for the further development of the UPC and, in particular, for the decision on the German constitutional complaint (judgment still pending). With regard to supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), which are granted for each country separately, the SPC Regulations remain in force and apply in all the EU27. The regime governing SPCs in the UK largely depends on the terms of Brexit and the provisions the UK may put into force. The UK intends to mirror the provisions of the SPC Regulation in domestic UK law post-Brexit, but whether it will mirror exactly decisions of the CJEU relating to the interpretation of the SPC Regulation is not certain. Licence agreements One thing clients are looking at now in anticipation of Brexit is the impact on their existing or planned IP licence agreements. Definitions of territory should be reviewed and amended if necessary to make sure that the territory of the UK remains included in the agreements after Brexit (if that's the parties' intention). The same applies to the list of licensed rights where EU IP rights such as EUTMs or Community design rights may be converted into UK child rights. Any references to an existing EUTM in any document such as an IP licence shall be read as including references to the comparable UK child mark unless there is evidence that the document was not intended to have effect in the UK. Clarity on this within the agreement could still avoid a lot of uncertainty in the future. In addition, clients are looking at the impact of their local law for example, according to German Civil law, the parties may be obliged to amend any relevant contract in view of developments that were unexpected when they entered into the contract, such as Brexit. Governing law and choice of jurisdiction Some IP owners are revisiting the choice of governing law and choice of jurisdiction for their IP licence agreements. For licence agreements that include IP governed by EU law, the choice of English law did and does not raise any specific concern as long as the UK was and continues to be a member state of the EU. After Brexit, however, English law will no longer be subject to the development of IP law in the EU and the courts of the UK will no longer be authorised to submit questions for preliminary decisions to the CJEU. It is also important to note that, after Brexit, the UK courts will be unable to grant pan-EU injunctions in relation to EUTMs and Community designs, and the Brussels Regulation on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments will no longer be applicable to the UK courts. This may combine to raise potential issues for EU IP licences if, for example, the law governing the contractual side of the licence is different to the law governing the validity, infringement or enforcement of some of the IP rights involved. The parties will need to evaluate carefully to what extent these points may be relevant to them. Prior to any switch of governing law clause, parties should carry out a careful analysis of both the advantages and disadvantages of changing the approach and will need to conduct a comparative law exercise, including identifying any implied rights or restrictions under such other governing law. In practice, parties would need to work out whether the meaning or effect of the contract will change if the governing law is altered and whether any amendments might be needed to ensure the agreement operates as originally intended. Trade secrets The Trade Secrets Directive had to be implemented by the EU member states by June 9 2018. The UK duly passed implementing legislation the day before the deadline so that the directive is now part of the existing body of UK law. This means that the legal position on trade secrets (or at least the minimum level of trade secrets protection) is currently harmonised across the EU (Germany is about to transpose the directive this year) but, in future, the law may develop differently in the EU and in the UK. (L-R) Beverley Potts; David Stone; Joachim Feldges; Keren Livneh; David Shen Beverley Potts is a senior professional support lawyer and David Stone is a partner in the London office of Allen & Overy; Joachim Feldges is a partner in the Munich office; Keren Livneh is a senior associate in the New York office; and David Shen is a partner in the Shanghai office. The material on this site is for law firms, companies and other IP specialists. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article Governor Ralph Northam held a news conference February 2, 2019, to address the discovery of a photograph from his school yearbook page showing a a man wearing blackface next to another in a Ku Klux Klan robe. He said he was neither man in the photo. Image: Getty Im a guy. Im a husband. Given those qualifications, it should surprise no one that I sometimes say and do things that are at cross purposes with my wife (Happy Mothers Day!) and do so without any clue of how my innocent (read: ignorant) efforts were caught in her eddy of irritation. So she gives me a piece of telltale advice to clear up my myopia: Try flipping it around and see how you feel. She may have followed that up with something like: Put the shoe on the other dang foot, dumbo (at least I think the words were dang and dumbo). With that as my foundation, I suggest its time in our country for a lot of flipping of the picture to see what is being drowned out in our diminishing discourse: We pursue might at the expense of right. We have lost focus on right and truth and preserving the core of our nation. A lot of people are being dumbos. These days many among us, about 100% of our leaders, only appear to care about politics the thing that separates good people from good decisions, as Ive always said which means right never gets on stage, must less finds the spotlight. How did we get this way? Well, we have for the past few decades empowered those who only protect power. If you think every leader in Washington upholds his or her oath, you havent been listening. These deaf, dumb and blind kids sure play a mean spinball. And spinning is our game. Lets examine this with one thing in mind: The names and the party affiliations dont matter. Every perspective would change 180 degrees depending upon who is sitting on which throne. We have a president who doesnt respect the presidency or the rule of law and, sometimes, the Constitution. We have a Congress charged with checking and balancing the executive branch, only its members check and balance only the people from the opposite party. Otherwise they defend their own. Then we have all the presidents men, which, like President Nixons, tend to do what they are told and hide behind the coattails of the person who gave them power, dang the truth and the light. And all across the nation we have ideologists who dont value doing the right thing unless it empowers them. Would your objections be the same if your questions were about the opposing party? Everyone is being offensive by being defensive. Mitch McConnell is a politician, not a leader. Jerry Nadler may care about the Constitution, but he has to care more about the Democrats opportunity to control the House. I dont want to hear about Impeachment that would be a disaster for the country but didnt Special Counsel Robert Mueller cede loose ends to Congress that need to be grasped and knotted? Im weary of those with any clout using it to avoid the truth, not pursue it. Because I only want the truth. I could care less what it means to the individuals but I care deeply about the foundation of this nation and this planet that I leave to my children and grandchildren. Does anyone else share this concern? Do you want sidestepping and avoidances that are permitted not by law but by politics to shine on the horizon of our future? Do you want a mushroom cloud of constitutional assault to be allowed to leave a malignancy for generations? But this is where we are, teetering at the precipice of becoming Nicaragua or Saudi Arabia. Is that what you want? Do you really want absolute power to continue to corrupt our nation absolutely? Some appear to be afraid. Of what? The truth? If you have nothing to hide, why do you hide behind red tape and verbosity? Why not just help clear up our understanding. I dont know if any crimes have been committed. I believe everything that is said has been done. I know the credibility of some of those involved. You do, too, but do you want to know the real truth or just the version that perpetuates your personal power? Whether or not you support President Trump, surely you want America to have a moral compass that has the rule of law as its northern point. Otherwise, we are all misdirected and will wander around in the morass of politics until we have no nation at all. Im not criticizing any individual in this process. Guilt can be shared liberally (not meaning by just liberals). But if you dont like that the White House and those working inside are being criticized and pursued because they decline to participate in getting to the ultimate truth, declining to participate within the rule of law, declining to honor the Constitution, and that your president and your party are being demonized, well I have only one thing to say: Try flipping it around and see how you would feel. Steven Doyle is local editor of the Martinsville Bulletin. You can reach him at steven.doyle@martisnvillebulletin.com. A Roxbury man is facing charges after his car hit three pedestrians who were on a crosswalk late Friday night in the South End, the Boston Police Department said. Michael Watkins, 64, was charged with three counts of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and leaving the scene after causing personal injury, as well as operating under the influence of alcohol, police said. Officers received a call just before midnight of three pedestrians getting hit at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and Clarendon Street. The victims, two women and a man, told police the driver beeped at them before accelerating and running down the victims. The driver fled the scene. The pedestrians were taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, police said. Officers spotted Watkins car a few blocks down on Tremont Street and pulled him over, police said. Officers said they smelled alcohol from Watkins breath. Watkins was taken into custody and is expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court. A French fry is just a French fry, right? Not according to a growing cadre of young chefs, who are reimagining the always-popular and nearly-ubiquitous potato "side" into a fuss-worthy preparation of signature status. While nearly all chains and most independents rely on commercially-prepared French fries, this new generation of culinary artisans are striving to understand and exploit the "gastrophysics" of French fry preparation. A recent article in Nation's Restaurant News described the details involved in preparing the perfect French fry, from type of potato (Idaho russets seem to be essential, with some chefs even specifying one particular variety to the exclusion of others) to the sequence of preparation steps required. Potatoes, it seems, need to be aged until they develop the right starch level in storage, while preparation is a multi-staged process that involves cutting, rinsing the cut potatoes, then blanching them in low-temperature oil. The actual frying at the time the French fries are needed for service is done at a higher temperature, with some chefs even specifying exotic cooking mediums such as duck fat to enhance flavor. Skill in the cooking process is naturally a requisite. A French fry expert needs to know the exact color, crusting, and texture a fry should have at each stage of the preparation and frying process. The result of all this care and concern should the potato experience that enthusiasts like to rhapsodize over - fries that are golden brown outside, with a soft, fluffy interior and an intense potato flavor. The full article, "Engineering the perfect French fry," can be found at nrn.com/food-trends/engineering-the-perfect-french-fry. Side dishes On Saturday, May 25, 12:30 until 3 p.m., the Delaney House in Holyoke will be embracing an elegant British tradition as the restaurant holds an Afternoon Tea. The menu for the tea, which is priced at $25 per person, includes traditional scones and biscuits served with clotted cream and assorted jams. Salmon canapes, deviled eggs, and mini quiche will be on offer, as will an assortment of finger sandwiches such as cucumber dill and chicken apricot salad. No tea is complete without sweet nibbles to be enjoyed, and the kitchens at the Delaney House will be preparing lemon squares, cream puffs, mini macaroons, and chocolate ganache custards for the enjoyment of those in attendance. Reservations are required for this event, and they may be made by calling the Delaney House at (413) 532-1800. Promoters of the Cape Cod Restaurant Week, which each October has showcased that region's best restaurant experiences, have announced that the event will be on hiatus in 2019. Boston Chefs, Inc, which has organized Cape Cod Restaurant Week for the last six years, is looking for a partner to further develop the event. Boston Chefs, Inc. can be reached at (617) 441-8600. On Saturday evening, May 18, Tucker's Restaurant in Southwick will be hosting Good Acoustics in a tribute performance of the music of James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel. The event, which includes a buffet dinner of some of Tucker's signature dishes, will begin at 6 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. curtain time for the music part of the evening. Tickets, which are $45 per person, can be obtained by calling Tucker's at (413) 569-0120. Carrabbas Italian Grill locations will be presenting a Wine Dinner Experience on Tuesday, May 21, starting at 6:30 p.m. The four-course food and wine pairing, which is designed to introduce participants to vineyards from around the world, will begin with Bruschette Paolo, then move on to Spaghetti Puttanesca, which will be accompanied by a Renato Ratii Barbera. The main course is to be Chicken Bruschetta; an Argentinian Malbec from Aruma has been chosen as the wine to be served with the course. Strawberry Cheesecake and a glass of Saint M Riesling will conclude the menu lineup. Reservations are required for the dinner, which is $40 per person, not including tax or gratuity. There is a Carrabba's Italian Grill at 955 Riverdale Street in West Springfield; they answer at (413) 733-3960. The Alvah Stone Restaurant at the Bookmill in Montague has launched what its founder, Howard Wein, is calling "Alvah 5.0." As part of that effort in celebration of the restaurant's fifth anniversary, the establishment has reimagined elements of its menu, decor, and trade dress. One shift in the restaurant's menu philosophy is what Wein is calling an "evolution" to a "sharing and small plates" form; menu items are now available in smaller portions with lower prices. The restaurant has also introduced "The Alvah Stone Feast." Priced at $39 per person, the feast is a multi-course experience put together for a whole table to enjoy together. Wein reports that his restaurant's brunch, lunch, cocktail, and wine menus have received their own updates as well. The Alvah Stone Restaurant answers at (413) 367-5345. The Table 3 Restaurant Group in Sturbridge will be hosting Cooking with Rico and Dan on Thursday, May 23, starting at 6:30 p.m. With a focus on the cuisine of the Mediterranean basin, this month's instructional session will explore the three core elements of that particular food culture - olives, wheat, and grapes - and how they each translate into what is widely recognized as a healthy as well as delicious life style. The event, which features demonstrations and a full meal tasting, is priced at $55 per person with wine pairings and $42 without. Reservations, which are required, can be made by calling Avellino at (508) 347-2321. Expanding on their menu, Denny's Restaurant locations have "gone continental" by introducing crepes. Three crepe variations are currently being offered. Banana Berry Caramel crepes are folded around vanilla cream before being topped with strawberries, sliced bananas, salted caramel, and whipped cream. Similarly assembled, Banana Chocolate Hazelnut Crepes feature chocolate hazelnut spread and sliced bananas; Strawberry Vanilla Crepes are topped with strawberries, strawberry sauce, and powdered sugar. Ordered a la carte, the crepes are priced at about $5, and they are also available as full breakfast plates with eggs, hash browns, and a selected breakfast meat. The crepes are to be a permanent menu addition with a seasonal rotation of filling and garnish elements. Poland Culinary Vacations has announced its 2019 Christmas season tour, "The Magic of Christmas Markets in Poland." Planned for December 5 through 14, the tour will visit Christmas markets in five cities - Warsaw, Pozan, Wroclaw, Krakow, and Zakopane. Also included will be a Polish cooking class that will focus on the dishes and traditions associated with Wigilia, the traditional Polish Christmas Eve dinner. A companion baking seminar will cover the Christmas cookies of Poland and how they're prepared. For more information on Poland Culinary Vacations or to make bookings, go to polandculinaryvactions.com or call (888) 703-8130 The weekend of May 17 through 19 is the occasion of the 4th Annual Newport Oyster Festival, a celebration of both the tasty bivalve and the pending arrival of the summer season to the Rhode Island shore. Featuring fresh, farm-raised oysters brought in from all over Rhode Island and beyond, the Festival kicks off with a gala Opening Night Benefit Party on May 17 and continues through Sunday, May 19 at 5 p.m. Live music, local cuisine, and oysters aplenty will be available at the Bowen's Wharf festival site. More information about the Festival can be had by going to bowenswharf.com/events/Newport-Waterfront-Oyster-Festival. Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community Colleges hospitality and culinary arts program and has over 40 years of restaurant and educational experience. Please send items of interest to Off the Menu at the Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01101; Robert can also be reached at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com. SPRINGFIELD Its National Mental Health Awareness Month and visitors to Tower Square food court Thursday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will have the opportunity to learn about services an area nonprofit offers in this aspect of well-being as well as talk individually with a staff member. MHA wants to help people in the community by providing this opportunity to start a conversation with a qualified professional, said Sara Kendall, vice president of clinical operations for the Mental Health Association and a licensed clinical social worker, in a statement. Our people will be in the Tower Square food court in comfortable camp chairs, and anyone whos interested can sit down and start a conversation about mental health, emotional wellness, or whatevers on their mind. Were reaching out in a public space where members of the community can start talking about feeling well as a whole person. MHA, which was founded in 1960, is a provider of residential and support services to individuals impacted by mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use and homelessness throughout the Greater Springfield Area. The organization recently opened its Bestlife Center for Emotional Wellness adjacent to its Worthington Street headquarters that serves adults, children, families and couples. The CDC has said mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States and that contributory factors include early life trauma, chronic medical conditions, substance use and isolation. It adds conditions like depression and anxiety can be occasional or long-lasting and affect someones ability to relate to others and function each day. Health is more than the absence of disease, the CDC has said. It is a resource that allows people to realize their aspirations, satisfy their needs and to cope with the environment in order to live a long, productive, and fruitful life. SPRINGFIELD The number of companies revealing proposals for marijuana businesses in Springfield continued to mount this past week, and has coincided with the scheduling of additional community outreach meetings in various neighborhoods. Any company seeking to open a recreational marijuana business in Springfield has until May 20 to submit proposals and qualifications to the city for consideration during a first round of approvals. The proposals are due by 2 p.m. at the Office of Procurement at City Hall. Community outreach meetings scheduled next week include: Monday at 6 p.m. at the Forest Park VFW Post 7352, 63 Veterans Way. The Mensing Group LLC is proposing a retail marijuana store at 575 St. James Ave. Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the 666 State St. Primus LLC is proposing a marijuana retail store at the site. Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Indian Orchard Citizens Council, 117 Main St. Holistic Industries Inc. requested the meeting for a proposed retail marijuana store at 1300 Boston Road. Wednesday at 6 p.m. at 311 Page Blvd. 311 Page Boulevard LLC is proposing a retail marijuana store at the site. Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Indian Orchard Citizens Council, 117 Main St. Mass Alternative Care is proposing a retail marijuana store at 459 Main St., Indian Orchard. Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Eastfield Mall food court, 1655 Boston Road. Canna World is proposing a marijuana manufacturing and cultivation establishment and retail operation at the malls former Macys store. A city review committee conducted three public meetings this past week in which approximately 20 companies made public presentations of their proposals for marijuana facilities. A city zoning ordinance approved by the City Council last September will allow up to 15 marijuana retail stores in Springfield. The businesses will be restricted to 58 designated streets within business and industrial zones. In reviewing and rating proposals, the review committee and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno are considering the selection of four companies for approval as the first recreational marijuana businesses in Springfield. Those companies would enter into negotiations for host community agreements with the city, needing approval from Sarno and the City Council. The businesses will also need special permits from the City Council and licenses from the state Cannabis Control Commission. A former Boston-area man has been sentenced to served six to seven years in a Massachusetts prison, after he completes a New York sentence, for a weeks-long scheme to defraud numerous Massachusetts businesses, schools and municipal agencies., including the Cambridge Veterans Services Department. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said Jeremy Wilson, 45, now serving a 14-year sentence in a New York State prison, entered guilty pleas to charges of forgery, uttering false documents, three counts of larceny over $250, credit card fraud over $250 and being a common and notorious person. He was sentenced by Judge Kathe Tuttman in Middlesex Superior Court Friday. He will begin his sentence in a Massachusetts prison once he has completed his New York term. According to prosecutors, Wilson began his crime spree in Massachusetts in December of 2015 by stealing account and routing information for an account of a Cambridge design company. He was able to counterfeit checks and issue more than $70,000 in withdrawals to himself before the bank determined the checks to be fake. At about the same time the defendant was able to defraud the Cambridge Veterans Services Department using phony documentation that depicted him as a PTSD-suffering veteran, stole a credit card from a MIT department and finally bought a BMW with counterfeit checks before escaping to New York. He was arrested after New York State Police located the BMW in a Manhattan parking garage which led them to Wilson. He was arrested on January 4, 2016. SPRINGFIELD Mayor Domenic J. Sarno sent a letter on Friday to the state Department of Public Health, urging the state to deny a license for a company planning to relocate a methadone clinic to the South End. The letter follows a neighborhood meeting on Monday when numerous residents and business representatives objected to the clinic being proposed at a shopping plaza at Mill Street and East Columbus Avenue. Habit Opco is proposing to move from its current location at 2257 Main St. in the North End. Please deny this license, Sarno said in the letter to DPH Commissioner Monica Bharel. As Mayor of the City of Springfield, I ask that you take the concerns of the residents and businesses into consideration, and send a strong message to Habit Opco that if a public health intervention strategy is to be effective, it must include the voice of the city and community. Both the South End Citizens Council and the South End Business Association are planning to send letters of opposition to the Department of Public Health to oppose the methadone clinic plans. Sarno was also critical of the clinic operations at the current North End site. The city continued to receive numerous complaints about Habit Opcos current North End site pertaining to management of operations by the residents, businesses and the church communities concerning traffic issues and disrespectful behaviors occurring at this location this too must be (addressed) ASAP. A company representative was not immediately available for comment. Sarno and various neighborhood residents and businesspeople say the company did not seek meetings or discussions with the neighborhood or city in advance of seeking state approval. Habit Opco is seeking to relocate July 15. A state decision is pending. South End officials and residents are seeking a meeting with the state agency. Sarno said he and his administration, including Health and Human Services Commission Helen R. Caulton-Harris, "stand with our residents and businesses of the South End, Maple High Six Corners, and Lower Forest park, in requesting that Habit Opcos application by denied by the state. Habit Opco said in writing that it did tell the city about the relocation plans and that the facility would be a methadone clinic. Over a year ago, we determined that our current facility could not continue to meet the urgent demand for care, company officials said earlier this week in a statement. The company said that looks forward to continuing to be a good neighbor in this new location and to providing quality medical care to those affected by the opioid epidemic. In his letter, Sarno said his administration has been supportive of interventions including methadone clinics and a new needle exchange program. He accused Habit Opco of using deceptive practices, with plans for the relocation going on for over a year, but the license application just filed recently. The mayor said the city building commissioner denies the claim he was informed of the methadone clinic plans at the new site. Suspended Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Sweeney has been sentenced to two months in prison for embezzlement in the latest legal fallout of the departments overtime abuse scandal. Sweeney, a 40-year-old Braintree resident, will also serve three months of home detention as part of a year of supervised release after the completion of his prison sentence. Sweeney was issued a fine of $4,000 and ordered to pay $11,103 in restitution, the Office of U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said in a statement. The U.S. Attorneys office in Boston said Sweeney was paid more than $5,900 for overtime hours he did not work. He is one of ten troopers charged so far by state and federal authorities, who allege that members of the former State Police Troop E falsified records to abuse overtime traffic enforcement programs Sweeney, 40, of Braintree, earned $218,512 in 2016. That included $97,000 in overtime pay. Sweeney, like other troopers charged in the scandal, submitted fake tickets to justify pay for hours he did not work, according to his plea agreement. In one example, on Dec. 14, 2016, Sweeney claimed to work what was known as an Accident Injury Reduction Effort patrol shift from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. He claimed he wrote eight citations and submitted copies of the citations to supervisors. Sweeney was not on patrol, investigators learned by checking data for his cruiser radio. He also did not conduct any driver history checks during the shift. The state Registry of Motor Vehicle database showed none of the motorists Sweeney claimed to have cited that day actually received a citation. More than 40 troopers were implicated in an internal State Police audit of the overtime programs, though most have not been criminally charged. State Police Col. Kerry Gilpin announced a series of personnel and policy changes in response to the scandal, including activating GPS tracking of cruisers and abolishing Troop E. Troop E had long enjoyed a reputation as a lucrative posting for state troopers, with its authority over the Massachusetts Turnpike giving frequent access to overtime shifts. Brian Pratt, a lieutenant for the Bristol County Sheriffs Department, earns just over $61,000 a year. But a lieutenant at the state Department of Correction, he said, can earn tens of thousands of dollars more than he does despite having the same title and doing similar work. Were all correctional officers together, we all do the same job," Pratt said. There should be across the board the same pay. Correction officers who work for the state prison system and for each county sheriff are all paid different salaries, depending on contracts negotiated by their unions and decades-old pay ranges. That is true even though the state essentially took over the sheriffs departments and county jail system years ago, and state money pays the salaries of county jail workers. Correction officers visited the Statehouse Thursday to lobby for bills that would move all county correction officers to the same pay scale as state correction officers. The county officers say it is only fair that they get equal pay for equal work. We do the same job as the state correction officers, said Robert Debole, president of Local 419 Correction Officers Union in Suffolk County. Bills sponsored by Sen. Paul Feeney, D-Foxborough, and Rep. James Hawkins, D-Attleboro, S.1409/H.2073, would move all county correction officers onto the state pay scale over a three-year period. Debole estimates this would cost the state an additional $100 million annually once fully implemented. This is about fundamental fairness, Feeney said. This is about taking care of workers that are behind the walls that are doing a dangerous job every single day on behalf of our counties and on behalf of the commonwealth. ... We want to make sure we bring their pay in line and were paying them fairly across the board. Why should a Hampshire County correction officer get paid less money than a Norfolk County correction officer when theyre doing the same job, with the same responsibility, the same environment, the same inmates? said Guy Glodis, legislative agent for the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union. According to data compiled by the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association, an entry level correction officer in Worcester County is paid the least between $44,000 and $66,000 in fiscal 2019, according to their pay scale. Correction officers in Middlesex County, who are the best paid, earn between $54,000 and nearly $74,000. At the state Department of Correction, the starting salary for a correction officer is just over $56,000 and can increase to $77,500 based on experience. The numbers reflect base pay and do not include overtime. Department of Correction officers can work at prisons anywhere in the state, so the salary differences cannot be entirely explained by geographic disparities. According to Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, other workers in the states criminal justice system, such as court officers, earn the same pay no matter where they work. Why is corrections different?" he said. Cocchi said the different pay scales are a built-in remnant of the days when sheriffs departments fell under county government. Even though raises are now standardized across the county sheriffs departments, increases are based on salary ranges that were unequal and locked in when the departments became part of the state government. Youre never going to close that gap," Cocchi said, without legislative action. Suffolk Sheriff Steve Tompkins and Bristol Sheriff Thomas Hodgson both joined their officers at a rally supporting the workers quest for higher pay. Theres an imbalance right now, and so we want to make sure the county guys and state guys and everybody is getting the same pay, Tompkins said. Hodgson said in some ways, county officers have a harder job than state officers, since county jails are the point of intake for new inmates. Theyre the first ones that see these inmates when they come in. We have to institutionalize them, do screenings before they go to the state, Hodgson said. Cocchi said hes heard arguments that county and state officers deal with a different type of offender but, he said, theres significant overlap among the prison and jail inmate populations. Most people doing state time spend months if not years in county jails awaiting trial," Cocchi said. "You cant say theyre different offenders theyre the same. Brian Dawe, executive director of the American Correctional Officer Intelligence Network, which advocates for correction officers, said nationally, county correction officers are assaulted twice as often as state officers. They deal with people new to prison, gangs, and people who are homeless, mentally ill or have communicable diseases. These men and women do an unbelievable job. They really need to be recognized for what they do, Dawe said. Raising concerns over civil liberties and racial bias, the Somerville City Council moved to ban government agencies from using facial recognition software. City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen and six colleagues proposed an ordinance Thursday night to ban facial recognition for law enforcement and other government purposes. Does anyone in Somerville think that it would be a good idea to pass a new law that would require everyone who lives here, any visitor passing through Somerville to wear a permanent identification badge on their chest anytime they go out into public?" he asked at Thursdays meeting. Ewen-Campen equated that to facial recognition technology, adding that the software used by law enforcement in Massachusetts can have false-positives that disproportionately affect racial minorities, especially women of color. Ewen-Campen said he worked with the American Civil Liberties Union on the ordinance. The ACLU tested Amazons Rekognition software on members of Congress in 2018. The software incorrectly identified 28 member of Congress as people who have been arrested for a crime, according to the ACLU. The Congressional Black Caucus expressed its concerns in a May 24, 2018 letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Police in Massachusetts are using facial recognition technology, according to the ACLU of Massachusetts. The organization has asked for a moratorium on the software and backed legislation by state Sen. Cynthia Creem and Rep. David Rogers calling for regulations. Police use the Registry of Motor Vehicles drivers license database to scan the photographs. The Boston Globe reported in 2015 that law enforcement agencies submitted 258 photos to the RMV to search against the drivers license database. Seventy-two of those scans came from federal agencies. No regulation exists on the technology, which the ACLU of Massachusetts says is threatening core civil rights and civil liberties. Emiliano Falcon, the organizations technology and civil liberties counsel, told city councilors that some companies are offering a type of emotion facial recognition that claims to detect whether someone is happy, sad, honest and deceitful. Researchers have found that such technology has flagged men of colors faces as angrier than those of white men, even in pictures when everyone was smiling. If the government can track everyone who goes to a place of worship, a political rally or seeks reproductive or substance abuse medical attention, we lose our freedom to speak our minds, to freely criticize the government, pray to the God we want and access health care in private," Falcon said. Nine city councilors backed the ordinance Thursday night. Somerville is the first East Coast city to propose a ban, the Boston Globe reported. San Francisco is also reviewing a bill that would ban government agencies from using facial recognition technology, the Guardian reported. Ewen-Campen said he has worked with the mayors office and local law enforcement and plans to submit guidelines for technology, but he proposed a moratorium on the software until it is regulated. Until that time, I think theres no question that the costs to something like this far outweigh the benefits, he said. Ewen-Campen launched a petition online calling for a moratorium on government use of facial recognition software. As of Saturday afternoon, more than 240 people signed the petition. A man had to be extricated from his car Saturday morning after it struck a telephone pole on Carew Street in Springfield. Firefighters received a call at 5:51 p.m. of a one-car crash at 1141 Carew Street, spokesman Dennis G. Leger said. The car severed the pole in two, which was being held in place by telephone wires, he said. Firefighters used hydraulic jaw tools to remove the driver, who was not identified, from the car. He was taken to a local hospital. Leger did not elaborate on which hospital or the extent of the drivers injuries. . A Marion felon was arrested and charged after a traffic stop on Thursday uncovered over 9 ounces of meth, almost $35,000 in cash and a firearm, authorities said Friday. Cpl. Christian Wyatt of the Marion Police Department charged 29-year-old Mitchell Gilliland of Marion with possession of methamphetamine, trafficking by transportation, possession with intent to sell and deliver a schedule II controlled substance, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of drug paraphernalia. On Thursday, May 9, Cpl. Wyatt conducted a vehicle stop on vehicle owned and operated by Gilliland on US 70 East in Marion. At that time, the officer deployed K-9 Marsoc during the vehicle stop, to which the K-9 alerted to narcotics in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle yielded $34,852.40 in cash, 264 grams (or 9.3 ounces) of meth, four grams of marijuana, and a firearm. Gilliland was taken into custody under a $351,000.00 bond. Every day she spends apart from her mother is painful for Marleni Suncin. But theres something particularly melancholy about this day, especially this year. Her 80-year-old mother in El Salvador was recently diagnosed with cancer, and her kidneys are failing. Suncin, a resident of Washington and the mother of a 6-month-old boy, wouldnt be able to make the trip to be with her mom on one of the most important holidays of the year for families in El Salvador and across much of Latin America: Mothers Day, celebrated in several countries on May 10th. So on Thursday afternoon, she pushed her infant son Santiago in his stroller and stood in line at a cramped Western Union in Washington to send $300 in cash to her mother. Perhaps with this money, her siblings could send mariachis to serenade her on Friday morning with the classic song Las Mananitas. I dont know if the next year shell be with us anymore, Suncin said. So I hope that this year, shell be able to enjoy it. Throughout the afternoon, other Central American sons and daughters poured into the tiny Western Union and other nearby money transfer businesses, to send money to mothers far away. , 10 . , . , . , . . by Melynda Fuller , May 10, 2019 In June, cannabis lifestyle publication and brandwill host its annual World Cannabis Congress (WCC). The company has announced Martha Stewart will be this years keynote speaker. Civilized, launched in 2015, has seen much growth over the past couple of years, including expansion into live events, as well as new video platforms and marketing opportunities. That expansion will be clear with the kickoff of the 2019 WCC. advertisement advertisement According to cofounder-publisher Derek Riedle, the number of delegates attending the invite-only event has been increased by hundreds this year in response to demand. Well have more people, more powerhouse speakers, more opportunities to shape the direction of this industry, he said. Last year, as the first annual WCC convened, Canada was on track to become the first G7 country to legalize cannabis. This year will be about reflecting on Canadas first year of legalization, the impact that had on the rest of the world as more and more countries begin legalizing medicinal cannabis, and well also be focusing on the edible and CBD markets, said Riedle. Stewart, who announced a partnership with Canopy Growth in February, a role in which she will advise/assist with the development of new CBD products, will speak to new market developments at the WCC. Martha is an iconic figure in many business communities, said Riedle. Her move to get involved in the cannabis industry is an excellent proof point that the move to de-stigmatize cannabis in modern culture worldwide is off to a great start. The WCC is the first event in the cannabis industry where Stewart will speak. She will join Riedle and Canopy Growth founder, chairman and co-CEO Bruce Linton in conversation. Stewart stated: As I begin to collaborate on products for the CBD market, and as the demand for these types of products grows, Im very interested in the conversations and connections at this event. The Martha Stewart brand reaches around 100 million consumers across media and merchandising platforms. by Sara Guaglione , May 10, 2019 Parse.ly, an analytics and content optimization platform for digital publishers, looked at data from its network of publishers on reader habits, loyalty and returning visitors to determine which metrics count with audience conversion strategies. Understanding reader habits can help us track toward a single outcome, from email sign-ups, purchases, subscriptions, or even client retention, writes Clare Carr, Parse.lys vice president of marketing, in a newsletter noting the key findings from the data analysis. Parse.ly works with a number of publishers, including Bloomberg, Conde Nast and Trusted Media Brands, among others. The platform looked at a month of its network data from 2018 and evaluated total visitors, visitor frequency, visitor depth (how many views and views per session) and visitor source (where did they come from per session). advertisement advertisement Parse.ly found cultivating audience habit getting visitors to return is the most important metric for driving conversions long-term. On average, returning visitors make up just under 20% of visitors to sites in Parse.lys network. Returning visitors account for 25% to 35% of the average sites traffic, measured in page views. Visitors who come to publishers sites directly visit two-times more often per month than from any other source, including social, search and other referrals. Those direct referrals include readers who come from email, type in a URL or bookmark a publishers page. They have the strongest loyalty to returning to that publishers site. Those who come from social (primarily Twitter and Facebook) are almost as likely to return as those visitors that come from direct. Search visitors are the least likely to return, and have the lowest number of sessions per month. However, readers from search visit the most pages in a single session. Conversely, Parse.ly points out, this does not correlate with retention although a search visitor is looking at more pages on the publishers site, that does not mean the visitor is more likely to convert to a loyal reader. Most visitor sessions cap out at three page views per session, according to Parse.lys data, even for the most loyal site readers. Of social media referrals, Twitter sends the highest percentage (25%) of returning visitors back to sites. Facebook sends 20%. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, May 10, 2019 Washington Post journalist Dana Milbank, who has written about the White House for decades, disclosed this week that his press pass was revoked by the Trump administration. I was part of a mass purge of 'hard pass' holders after the White House implemented a new standard that designated as unqualified almost the entire White House press corps, including all seven of The Post's White House correspondents, he said in a column. Milbank added his colleagues were able to get their credentials restored after they were granted exemptions from the new standard. He was not granted that exemption. advertisement advertisement I strongly suspect its because Im a Trump critic, he wrote. On Friday, the writer's organization PEN America, which is suing Trump for allegedly violating the First Amendment by retaliating against critics, pointed in court papers to Milbank's experience. The refusal to restore Milbank's press pass is an obvious First Amendment violation and an example of the Presidents ongoing retaliatory conduct, PEN America wrote. The group makes the argument as part of a bid to continue with its lawsuit against Trump. PEN America alleged in a complaint filed last October that Trump targeted Amazon, CNN, NBC and individual journalists, due to their critical coverage of him. The organization asked a federal judge to issue a declaratory judgment that Trump acted unconstitutionally, as well as an injunction prohibiting the federal government from retaliating against media organizations and journalists for their criticism of the White House. Last month, the Justice Department asked U.S. District Court Judge Lorna Schofield in the Southern District of New York to throw out the lawsuit. The government argued the accusations were too generalized to warrant further proceedings, and that PEN America hasn't shown its members have been injured by Trump. PEN America counters that its members have been harmed, arguing that Trump's threats amount to an ongoing censorship-and-retaliation scheme that targets journalists and news organizations perceived as critical. The group notes in its new papers that Milbank is a member of the organization, as is CNN's Jim Acosta, who temporarily lost his credentials after a contentious press conference last November. (A federal judge later ordered the government to restore Acosta's credentials.) Plaintiffs members who are journalists have been, and continue to be, injured by Defendants conduct toward their speech, the group writes. Defendant has inflicted multiple concrete injuries on journalists and media companies through press-pass suspensions and restrictions, security-clearance suspensions, merger interference, and directives to raise postal rates. PEN America's original complaint alleged that Trump repeatedly called for action to punish the online retailer Amazon because Jeff Bezos, its chief shareholder and CEO, owns The Washington Post, whose accurate coverage of his Administration the President finds objectionable. Last year, Trump directed the Postal Service to review shipping rates charged to Amazon and other companies. In October, the Postal Service proposed a 12% rate increase for the shipping service used by Amazon and others. The complaint also noted that Trump threatened NBC last year, following a news report about statements Trump made regarding nuclear weapons. With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country! he tweeted. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, May 10, 2019 The American Addiction Centers (AAC) in a lawsuit filed this week alleges the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), a trade group, engaged in anti-competitive efforts and defamatory practices. The lawsuit was filled for improperly limiting access to addiction treatment resources on Google, Bing and Facebook. It began when Google pulled ads for rehab facilities in the United States in September 2017, and in January 2018 extended that ban globally. In April 2018, Google then announced a partnership with LegitScript to reinstate the addiction treatment category in the U.S. Under this partnership, Google would require rehabilitation centers to become certified. The lawsuit claimed the trade group coordinated an effort to prevent AAC from advertising on Google by misrepresenting it to LegitScript, the company certifying the addiction centers for Google Search. Once the centers gain certification, they can reinstate their advertising on Googles search engine. advertisement advertisement One report refers to AAC, the nations only publicly traded addiction treatment chain, as a "thriving marketing machine." The company operated more than 100 websites and ensured "AAC showed up frequently in search results." The NAATP, with nearly 1,000 members, told Google and its business partners that the AACs directory websites were deceptive rogue lead generators and call center aggregators, according to the lawsuit. LegitScript, in the lawsuit, acknowledged that the verification program was developed with help from NAATP. The lawsuit also states that NAATP Executive Director Marvin Ventrell told LegitScripts Horton that AAC and its websites were deceptive and that AAC was an unethical operator that should be excluded from the Google Ads program. AAC was denied LegitScript certification, as a result of the complaint, and is not allowed to buy search ads on Google. Other companies such as Facebook and Bing also began using LegitScript services, making it nearly impossible for the company to participate in search advertising. The AAC claims advertisers have left its directory websites that help those seeking help for fear of retaliation or blacklisting by NAATP or LegitScript. The AAC states that the false claims and improper attacks have caused chaos. The company believes that those seeking help now believe the AACs resources are less reliable or inferior to the services offered by the NAATP directory. AAC has seen reduced client admissions and a loss of revenue and profits. The lawsuit also claims a loss of revenue because for treatment and addiction centers, LegitScript certification is required to advertiser on Google, Facebook, and Bing. Even more than most U.S. consumers, Asian-Americans are devoted to their digital devices. Thats according to a new report from Nielsen, which found the reach of Web-connected devices is 22% higher among Asian Americans, relative to the broader U.S. population. Among this demographic, the reach of video on a computer, social networking on a computer, and internet on a computer is 21%, 24% and 15% higher than the average U.S. consumer, respectively. More broadly, 97% of Asian-American households have a smartphone and 89% have a computer, which beats out the average U.S. household by 6% and 13%, respectively. Plus, 87% of Asian-Americans report having made an online purchase in the last 12 months, which is 22% higher than the average U.S. consumer. The Asian American path to purchase is a unique journey thats informed by a rich cultural heritage, as well as the latest advancements in technology, Mariko Carpenter, vice president of strategic alliances at Nielsen, notes in the new report. advertisement advertisement As such, Carpenter believes Asian Americans are playing key roles in shaping the next generation of retail and e-commerce trends. Brands interested in whats next need to take a serious look at this burgeoning and predictive segment, according to Carpenter. How else can marketers appeal to Asian-American consumers? By offering access to prestigious events via social media channels, according to Nielsen. Relative to the average U.S. consumer, Asian Americans are 31% more likely to use social media if it means potentially gaining access to VIP or members-only events, Nielsen found. Reflecting the cultures collectivist values, the Asian-American path to purchase is a highly social experience. According to Nielsen, 53% of Asian Americans agree with the statement: My spouse has a significant impact on the brands I choose, while 42% cite the influence of their children. Also, 29% of Asian Americans agree with the statement: I prefer to buy things my friends or neighbors would approve of -- 15% higher than the average U.S. consumer. Another 32% of Asian Americans agree they like to share my opinions about products/services by posting reviews and ratings online. Among other categories, 71% of Asian Americans say they recommend food products, while 68% recommend automobiles and 43% say they share their opinions regarding the latest consumer technologies. by Ray Schultz , May 10, 2019 Only 0.25% of data breaches probed by the UKs Information Commissioners Office have resulted in financial penalties, according to a study by Digi.me, as reported by InfoSecurity. GDPR took effect last May 25, and from then until the end of March this year, only 29 fines were meted out from a total of 11,468 cases, the report states. But consumers may be too quick to complain overall, they raised 37,798 data protection issues. There is a clear problem with individuals and businesses over-reporting to the ICO, says Julian Ranger, founder of digi.me, according to InfoSecurity. Ranger adds: This data demonstrates the extent to which the ICO is inundated by concerns from businesses and the public, the vast majority of which are not serious enough for any kind of penalty or even to warrant an investigation. DigiMe obtained the data under the Freedom of Information Act. Many experts consider exercise to be an effective treatment for depression. However, new research casts doubt on this theory by showing that not everyone may benefit. Share on Pinterest A new study looks at whether exercise can relieve depressive symptoms in men and women equally. Depression is the number one cause of disability across the globe, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). If the condition is severe and long-lasting, it can have a hugely detrimental effect on every part of a persons life. Effective treatment does exist, but research has shown that more than one in two people with depression do not receive it. Possible reasons for this include misdiagnosis, the perceived stigma around mental health, and a lack of access to resources. Doctors often prescribe antidepressant medication, but experts believe that a simpler and more readily available treatment can help. Exercise can be just as effective as antidepressants, note Harvard Medical School, although they acknowledge that medication may also be necessary in severe cases. However, a new study by researchers at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor has found that the effect of exercise on depression differs for men and women. The scientists studied the exercise and sleep patterns of more than 1,100 people studying at Beijing University in China. Experts already know that disturbed sleep is a feature of depression and that exercise is a potential treatment for this mental health condition. In the new study, the researchers asked the participants to complete three questionnaires, which asked them about their sleep, exercise, and depressive symptoms. Advertisement Because of these challenges, lactation support for mothers of very low-birth-weight infants is crucial. The World Health Organization's Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative suggested milk expression within six hours after birth as one strategy for support. However, evidence for this time period is limited. In addition, milk expression within six hours can be difficult due to the need for intensive monitoring of newborns and/or mothers."Mothers who have recently delivered very low-birth-weight infants have a number of competing needs," says Margaret G. Parker, MD, MPH, a neonatologist at Boston Medical Center and the study's corresponding author. "Our data-driven approach to determining optimal time of first milk expression can help providers balance the need for safe maternal care with effective support to create long-term lactation success."The researchers used data from 1,157 mother-baby pairs in nine Massachusetts hospitals. The infants were all very low-birth-weight infants who spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit. They found 70 percent of infants whose mothers expressed first milk within eight hours of delivery were being fed any mother's milk at discharge or transfer, compared with 52 percent of infants whose mothers expressed first milk 9-24 hours after delivery.The authors note that given these results, randomized control trials are needed to further establish the causal relationship between timing of first milk expression and long-term lactation success among mothers of very low-birth-weight infants.Source: Eurekalert In India, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a combination drug used to prevent HIV infection would be a cost-effective way to reduce the spread of HIV and increase survival, stated a new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. "We know PrEP helps stop the spread of infection; the question is whether it is a good use of limited resources? Our study shows that PrEP is a cost-effective strategy for both MSM and PWID in India. For these groups, especially in areas with high HIV incidence, PrEP is worth rolling out," says lead and corresponding author Pooyan Kazemian, PhD, of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Medical Practice Evaluation Center, an instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a combination drug used to prevent HIV infection, has already gained significant traction in the U.S. and Europe. The once-a-day pill, when taken consistently, can reduce the risk of HIV acquisition by over 85 percent. Advertisement However, the authors note, a nationwide PrEP rollout would be quite costly. If nearly 60 percent of MSM and PWID across India participated in the program, it would increase HIV care expenditures by over 900 million U.S. dollars over a 5-year period. "Our findings suggest that geographic areas of highest HIV incidence should be targeted first to reduce the budget required," says co-author Nomita Chandhiok, MBBS, DGO, PhD, of the Indian Council of Medical Research in New Delhi. Source: Eurekalert "While the World Health Organization recommends quarterly HIV testing for those on PrEP, our analysis identifies PrEP with semi-annual testing as the cost-effective HIV prevention strategy for MSM and PWID in India," says co-author Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy, MBBS, PhD, of the CART Clinical Research Site, Infectious Diseases Medical Centre, Voluntary Health Services in Chennai, India.However, the authors note, a nationwide PrEP rollout would be quite costly. If nearly 60 percent of MSM and PWID across India participated in the program, it would increase HIV care expenditures by over 900 million U.S. dollars over a 5-year period. "Our findings suggest that geographic areas of highest HIV incidence should be targeted first to reduce the budget required," says co-author Nomita Chandhiok, MBBS, DGO, PhD, of the Indian Council of Medical Research in New Delhi.Source: Eurekalert Using a widely-published mathematical model to project clinical and economic outcomes of HIV disease, the authors compared various prevention and testing programs - including annual or biannual HIV testing alone, as well as PrEP paired with HIV testing - that could help reduce HIV infection and therefore improve survival for these high-risk groups. Their findings suggest that PrEP would increase survival substantially by reducing infection risk, while more frequent HIV testing would provide little additional benefit. PrEP paired with biannual HIV testing was the only cost-effective strategy, improving average per-person survival by nearly one year and preventing more than 270,000 HIV transmissions in India over 15 years. Advertisement BackPack students' rates of perfect attendance on Fridays were similar to those of students in the comparison group, at 26% and 27%, respectively.Fiese said.she said.Improved attendance as a result of participating in the food program may have spillover benefits for these children's classmates as well, since chronic absenteeism has been found to negatively affect classmates' academic performance too, the researchers wrote.Eastern Illinois Foodbank identified prospective schools to participate in the program based upon the rate of free and reduced lunches provided in the community and school administrators' willingness to participate in the project.The participating elementary schools signed partnership agreements with the local food bank and appointed a staff member such as a principal, social worker or secretary to coordinate the BackPack program and select students from kindergarten to fifth grade to participate.Eastern Illinois Foodbank provided a one-hour training session for the coordinators to teach them how to identify children from food-insecure households, based upon physical and behavioral indicators such as extreme thinness or students rushing the school lunch line.Families of students at each school were mailed a six-item questionnaire that assessed whether they were food-insecure, based upon their using a food pantry or receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the prior 30 days.Of the parents who returned the survey, about 44 percent were employed and about 20 percent were unemployed but seeking work, according to the study. Among households whose children were selected for the BackPack program, 72 percent were food insecure versus 50 percent of families on the wait list, the researchers found.The rates of food insecurity among these families were more than double and triple the national and county rates, which were both around 19 percent when the study was conducted during the 2011-12 school year, the researchers noted.When assessing students' families for food programs, it's important for school officials to look beyond any income-based criteria and recognize that families may be struggling with multiple demands and limited resources, the researchers wrote.Fiese said.Source: Eurekalert Advertisement As may have been expected, parents performed health-related searches at over twice the rate performed by the general population--13 percent versus 5 percent of total Google searches. Parents' Google use peaks at about one month after cancer diagnosis. Eighteen percent of health-related searches (about 1,900 out of 11,000) were cancer-specific, and over half of the cancer-specific searches were for cancer support, such as queries for cancer charities and inspirational quotations.Among the overall health-related searches, 31 percent were for "symptoms, disease and medical information," followed closely by 29 percent for "information about hospital/care sites/pharmacy." Phillips added that healthcare providers, administrators and web designers need to remember the importance of parents' day-to-day logistical concerns, such as traffic and parking directions, or locating pharmacies that carry pediatric formulations of the medicines prescribed for their child.Another notable finding, said Phillips, was the uptick in symptom searches in the months before a child was actually diagnosed. That accords with his own experience: "Every time I meet with parents for the first time after a diagnosis, they tell me, 'I knew that something wasn't right.'"Going forward, the study findings could inform family support and education, said Phillips. For example, hospitals might design educational interventions to help parents better navigate the internet for cancer information, and researchers could evaluate such interventions in a randomized trial.However, he cautioned against overgeneralizing from the current small, single-center study. Next steps in this field would require organizing larger studies, possibly covering a broader variety of cancers, or a larger range of online information sources. He suggested a future paired study to investigate how adolescent patients search for health information, compared to how their parents search.Source: Eurekalert Superhero movies can be inspiring. Characters like Captain America and Iron Man can motivate people to never give up, stay focused on their goals, try harder when things don't seem to go the way they'd imagined, and everything else in between. However, the beautiful thing about such movies is that they are open to interpretation. People are free to fall in love with whichever character they relate mostly to and aspire to become like them. Sometimes a little too much, but that's okay. Take this man, Henry Damon, for example. Currently 41-years-old, the Venezuelan comic book fan got up one morning and decided that he wanted to look like Red Skull from Marvel's 'Captain America: The First Avenger', a fictional (keyword) character played by the ever so talented Hugo Weaving. Instagram/Henry Damon While the movie was released in 2011, Damon's resolution to look like the Hydra villain came around somewhere in 2012 when he tattooed his eyes black and realised for the first time that he was going to go the distance and modify his face completely to look like Red Skull. He has loved comic books since he was a kid and always dreamed of being Red Skull, but never got round to doing it, friend Pablo Hernandez said. Instagram/Henry Damon After going through a series of operations to get subdermal implants to his forehead, Damon underwent surgery to chop off half of his nose to get the iconic nasal appearance the Nazi villain boasted so much in both the comics and the movie. Instagram/Henry Damon Henry aka Red Skull is a physically and intellectually healthy person, said Emilio Gonzalez, a med-school drop-out with expertise in tattoo-making and extreme body surgeries. He's an excellent son, husband and father, who has an extreme taste for body modification. Most of my customers know that body modification is the last step of body art, everyone knows very well what they want and as well as Henry, many of them are waiting for me for many years to make their dreams a reality. After the nose surgery, Damon went on to put silicone implants on his cheekbones and covered his face with red and black tattoos to complete the look. Final result? UPPER THUMB -- The Michigan Bean Festival and Michigan Bean Commission are seeking applicants for the 71st Michigan Bean Queen contest. Applicants must be a high school graduate and be a 17- to 22-year-old single female. The newly-crowned Michigan Bean Queen will receive a $1,250 scholarship for college, plaque, sash and an official photograph. She will be required to attend a minimum of ten events throughout the year representing the Michigan Dry Bean Industry. UPPER THUMB There is something about farming that touches the soul. It becomes a family business that is passed on from generation to generation. Steven Tait, a third-generation farmer from the Pinnebog area, is a prime example. Its in my blood, I guess, Tait said. Farming attracts people for a variety of reasons. For Tait, its very simple. Youre independent, he said. You rely on you. Theres a lot of things to consider, but youre the one in control. You have to make the decision when to plant, when to spray, when to harvest. Its part of being your own boss. Tait farms about 2,500 acres of cash crops, along with his brother, Mike. We grow corn, soy beans, black beans, wheat and alfalfa, Tait said. Were mostly conventional crops. They have one full-time hired man and hire part-time help for planting and harvesting. His daughter, Autumn, a senior at North Huron Schools, is also part of the operation. I picked a lot of rocks when I was young, Autumn said. Im just starting to do a little more, like being a gofer ... going for things between fields. I also do a little soil testing. Taits wife, Cynthia, handles some of the bookwork, and his son, Evan, who is 9 years old, rides on the tractor quite often with his dad. Evan will most likely be part of the fourth generation to work on Tait Farms Inc. Autumn has a few cows, Tait said. We raise a few steers for freezer beef, for friends and neighbors. Right now, I have a lot of chickens, and sell eggs and meat, Autumn said. I also sell freezer beef. I enjoy the livestock part a little more than the cash crop, but Im growing an interest in it. Its part of the family. Tait was raised on the farm, but worked at a fertilizer plant for a few years after high school. I would help dad out at night, but I worked out until there was enough room on the farm, Tait said. I think Ive been involved in the family farm full time since 92. Whats unique about our farm is that were almost 100% no-till. No-till farming is also called zero tillage, or direct drilling. Basically, we dont prepare the ground for planting, Tait said. We do all the tillage work with the planter. We plant the seeds right through the residue. Weve gotten more into cover crops over the years, which helps rejuvenate the soil. We plant through cover crops or through last years plant residue. It has proven to be beneficial for Tait Farms Inc. The advantage is that I think its better for the soil in the long run, by not burning carbon, Tait said. Every time you till the soil, youre burning carbon off . . . thats the organic matter. The more organic matter you have, the healthier the soil. Their method of farming includes planting a cover crop, which grows over the winter. Its just a crop to hold the soil, and to build up the structure, so you dont have bare soil, Tait said. Its not harvested. Its there to go back into the soil. The root system holds the soil together, too. Down the road, if Autumn gets more cows ... the whole idea is that a cover crop can feed cows. Thats how it was in the old days. The cattle roamed the pastures. It may be the best thing yet for the soil. I think theres something to the way we used to do it. Its all about the soil for Tait. I know soils, he said. Soil science is my big thing. He attends seminars where soil scientists talk about the no-till system. Ive gotten more into it over the years, Tait said, understanding how the soil is a living system, and how to treat it. You need to continue to be educated, because things keep changing. He is convinced that no-till is the best method for his farming operation. Its about the soil health, Tait said. Thats where I see the biggest benefit. The longer youre doing it, the better it gets. In the past, planters werent designed to do no-till. The technology has improved over the last few years. Having the right equipment has helped becoming no-till a lot easier. Conservation is the ultimate goal. My soil is most productive left on the farm, not blowing off or running into the ditches, Tait said, because you cant get that back. His stance on soil conservation has earned recognition from The Nature Conservancy. Last year, he was honored with their first-ever Conservation Impact Award. The award was for extraordinary contributions by improving his farming practices to help nature. The utilization of cover crops combined with no-till planting reduced sediment from entering the waterways and ultimately the Great Lakes. In order to make sure the lands potential is reached, Tait monitors the yield from each field. He sends the data to a company that supplies him with detailed output information, including maps. Its all part of the process of ensuring that his farming methods pay off. I no-till because I know the better the soils is, the better the yield, Tait said. Part of the business is making sure he receives as much as possible from his crops. Most of our grain comes back to our system here, Tait said. We dry it ... we have a drying system for corn ... we store a lot of it. Then we ship it out. Some will go to the co-op. Some will go to ethanol plants, and some to Active Feeds, in Pigeon. It depends on where the bids are. We ship things all the way to Zeeland, Michigan ... well make the short hauls ... weve got semis ... but we dont have over-the-road trucks. The bookwork for a farm this size is daunting. I probably spend a quarter of my time on office work, more in the winter, Tait said. My wife helps with the books, but I do the contracting. A family farm is the backbone of Michigans agricultural system. Tait Farms Inc. is a prime example of how it is run ... through the cooperation and hard work of multiple generations of family members. For the Tait family, farming has definitely touched the soul. And its in their blood. HARBOR BEACH -- Grandparent's Day is a day for celebrating the connections between the generations. The purpose of the holiday is to honor grandparents, to give them an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer. Elementary School Grandparents' Day was recently celebrated at the Harbor Beach Community School. Grandparents took the opportunity to bond with their grandchildren by playing and coloring with their grandchildren, watching videos of their grandchildren's tributes for them and meeting other grandparents. Students were given a chance to take pride of their grandparents. UPPER THUMB -- The Grindstone-Port Hope Sportsmen's Club is hosting an online hunter safety program presented by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The class is for any youth or adults who have not taken or need to take the Hunter Education Class required to obtain a hunting license in Michigan. UPPER THUMB Thumb Regional Sobriety Court will be acknowledging 13 individuals who have successfully completed the intensive treatment court program at a graduation ceremony next week. Thumb Regional Sobriety Court (TRSC), a treatment court led by Honorable Amy Grace Gierhart, will host the graduation at 11 a.m., Friday, May 17 in the 54th Circuit Courtroom. Retired Judge Linda Davis is the keynote speaker for this graduation ceremony. Davis retired from the 41B District Court in Clinton Township in March 2019. She was appointed by Gov. John Engler in 2000 and elected thereafter. Prior to that, she served as a Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney from 1987 until 2000 and a teacher/counselor at Centerline Public Schools from 1973-87. Judge Linda Davis is the co-founder and executive director of Families Against Narcotics (FAN). FAN is a community-based support group program for individuals that struggle with addiction, their family members and community supporters. FAN strives to provide support, educate the community and transform the stigmas associated with addiction. The Thumb Regional Sobriety Court has now successfully graduated 94 individuals. The treatment court program follows the Standards and Best Practices established by Michigans State Court Administrative Office and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals through requirements such as intensive court supervision, individual and group treatment, intensive drug/alcohol testing, and 12-step/support group meeting attendance for participants that have been convicted multiple times of operating while intoxicated/impaired. These requirements have proven to improve public safety, reduce recidivism rates, minimize incarceration time, decrease jail expenses, and promote participants to become productive, law-abiding, substance-free citizens within Tuscola, Huron and Sanilac counties. The Thumb Regional Sobriety Court was notified on May 2 that it meets the requirements to be approved as a fully certified treatment court program. The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) conducted a certification site visit with TRSC on April 12 in order to review TRSCs policies and procedures, and ensure that the program is abiding by the Michigan drug treatment court statute and requirements. This certification is effective for four years and allows the treatment court program to continue to operate and receive funding from the State of Michigan. The fifth annual TRSC Stakeholders meeting will also take place in the 54th Circuit Courtroom at 10 a.m., May 17. This presentation will outline the statistics and progress that the program has made since it became operational in January 2014. Both events are open to the public. BRIDGEPORT The 11 people arrested after a demonstration on the second anniversary of police fatally shooting a 15-year-old boy have been released, after each posted a $5,000 bond. Meanwhile, police used prepared statements Friday to give their account of what happened Thursday night, including the detention of a Hearst Connecticut Media reporter, who was was handcuffed and taken to police department in a squad car after shooting video of the scene from the sidewalk on Fairfield Avenue. In the video, journalist Tara ONeill is heard identifying herself as a news reporter before she was taken into custody. She was later released without any charges. Those who were charged with inciting a riot, interfering with police and second-degree breach of peace have arraignments scheduled in Superior Court in two weeks. All 11 of us are home safe. Thank yall. I love yall. We love yall. I dont got much words but power to the people, Kerry Ellington, one of those arrested, posted on Facebook. The system protects the local police collective bargaining agreement, the police union contracts, and the system values it over black and brown lives The system needs to be held accountable on a local, statewide and federal level. On all levels. State sanctioned violence must end. Its not okay. Jayson Negron was shot by Bridgeport Police Officer James Boulay on May 9, 2017, after a brief pursuit in a stolen vehicle, according to a report by Waterbury States Attorney Maureen Platt. She said Negron had turned the wrong way down a one-way street and put the vehicle in reverse as Boulay approached and pulled open the drivers side door. Platt said the door hit Boulay and he fired his gun into the vehicle, fatally shooting Negron and wounding his passenger. Boulay was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing by Platt. Police Chief Armando Perez did not immediately return calls for comment on Friday. Police released a summary of the incident report. At approximately 8:10 p.m. the remaining protesters at Walgreens became increasingly agitated and threw a bottle at officers on scene, the report said. Officers stayed in position and looked for recognizable Bridgeport community members who could assist in a dialogue. No one was visible. Another glass object was thrown at an officer, and the crowd remained agitated and yelling obscenities at the police officers. For public safety purposes, BPD informed the unruly protesters that they had five minutes to disperse due to the unruly assembly, the report continued. The crowd did not comply and continued to be unruly and grew louder. Officers moved in fairly quickly to maintain safety and detained 12 individuals. All of the individuals detained we arrested because they did not comply or disperse. While at BPD headquarters, an arresting officer was advised that one of the detainees was a member of the press. The reporter, wearing plain street clothes and no clearly visible identifying markers other than an ID name badge, was released without a summons, as she was not part of the organizers, the summary continued. Arrested were Ellington, of New Haven; Thomas Bostian, of New Haven Britney Brevard, of New Haven; Jenna Fu, of Bridgeport; Kiana McDavid, of Hartford; Sam Morbidelli, of New Haven; Kacey Perkins, of Fairfield; Sarah Pimenta, of Milford; Brenna Regan, of Fairfield; Maria Sandoval, of New Haven, and Michael Merli, of Bridgeport. The Connecticut Daily Newspapers Association condemned ONeills detention. The CDNA and its member papers across the state place its full support in Tara ONeill and CDNA Member, Hearst Connecticut Media, said Chris VanDeHoef, the organizations executive director. Arresting a reporter who is covering a public protest, on a public sidewalk, shows a blatant disregard for the First Amendment. The city of Bridgeport Police Department needs to evaluate how it trains its officers on interacting with a working reporter while on duty. Arresting a working reporter for covering police actions has a chilling effect on the First Amendment. We praise Ms. ONeill and her dogged reporting and hope the City of Bridgeport works harder to appreciate our nations First Amendment Rights. Bruno Matarazzo, president of the Connecticut chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, issued the following statement: The fact that Bridgeport police found it appropriate to arrest a reporter is disturbing. Tara ONeill was reporting on Thursdays protest to write a news story. She was not a participant, and identified herself as a reporter when an officer handcuffed her. The fact that someone can be arrested in Bridgeport for the lawful exercise of a First Amendment right is chilling. Isaak Olson was two months from graduating in 2014 when he disclosed that his fiancee had given birth several months earlier... How to use the mindat.org media viewer Click/touch this help panel to close it. Welcome to the mindat.org media viewer. Here is a quick guide to some of the options available to you. Different controls are available depending on the type of media being shown (photo, video, animation, 3d image) Controls - all media types Zoom in and out of media using your mousewheel or with a two-finger 'resize' action on a touch device. Use the mouse or your finger to drag the image or the view area of the image around the screen. < and > at the left and right hand side of the screen move forwards and backwards for the other images associated with the media you selected. Usually this is used for previous/next photo in a gallery, in an article or in search results. Keyboard shortcuts: use shift + the left and right arrow keys. < and > in the bottom center are used for switching between the photos of the same specimen. Keyboard shortcuts: use the left and right arrow keys. > in the bottom center, raises the information box giving details and further options for the media, < at the top of this box then hides it. Keyboard shortcuts: use the up and down arrow keys. ? opens this help window. Keyboard shortcuts: use the H key or the ? key. Other keyboard shortcuts: 1 Fit image to screen 2 Fill screen with image 5 Display at full resolution < Make background darker > Make background lighter space Hide/dim titles and buttons Scalebar If the field of view (FOV) is specified for the photo, the scalebar appears in the left bottom corner of the viewer. The scalebar is draggable and resizeable. Drag the right edge to resize it. Double click will reset the scalebar to it's default size and position. If the scalebar is in default position, double click will make it circular. Controls - Video Video files have a standard set of video controls: - Reset to start, - Skip back, - Play, - Pause, - Skip forwards. Keyboard shortcuts: You can stop/start video play with the P key. Controls - Animation (Spin Rotation) Animation (usually 360 degree spin rotations) have their own controls: - enable spin mode. Note that while images are loading this option will not be available but will be automatically activated when the animation has loaded. Once active you can spin the image/change the animation by moving your mouse or finger on the image left/right or by pressing the [ or ] keys. The button switches to move mode so that you can use your mouse/fingers to move the image around the screen as with other media types. The button, or the P key will start playing the animation directly, you can interrupt this by using the mouse or finger on the image to regain manual movement control. Controls - 3D Stereoscopic images If a stereoscopic 3D image is opened in the viewer, the 3D button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "3D settings" menu. The 3D images can be viewed in several ways: - without any special equipment using cross-eyed or parallel-eyed method - with stereoscope - with anaglyph glasses. - on a suitable 3D TV or monitor (passive 3D system) For details about 3D refer to: Mindat manuals: Mindat Media Viewer: 3D To enable/disable 3D stereo display of a compatible stereo pair image press the 3 key. If the left/right images are reversed on your display (this often happens in full-screen mode) press the 4 key to reverse them. Controls - photo comparison mode If a photo with activated comparison mode is opened in the viewer, the button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "Comparison mode settings" menu. Several layouts are supported: slider and side by-side comparison with up to 6 photos shown synchronously on the screen. On each of the compared photos a view selector is placed, e.g.: Longwave UV . It shows the name of currently selected view and allows to select a view for each placeholder. Summary of all keyboard shortcuts Ingham County Judge Rosemarie Aquilina was not biased in her handling of the Larry Nassar case, and her actions are not justification for Nassar to demand a resentencing, the Michigan attorney generals office said in a court filing this week. All of the allegations Nassar uses to support his argument on appealthat Judge Aquilina was, or could be seen as, biased against Nassarare for statements she made at or after sentencing, the brief said. That is, only after Nassar admitted, under oath, to criminal sexual conduct against seven young girls, agreeing that he assaulted them for no medical purpose and for his own gratification. The brief came in response to two appeals pending before the Michigan Court of Appeals, in which Nassar says Aquilina was biased in her sentencing and should not have been allowed to decide on a motion for resentencing. A former Michigan State University doctor who molested hundreds of patients, Nassar was sentenced by Aquilina to 40-175 years in prison for 10 counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Nassar currently is in federal prison, serving a 60-year sentence for child pornography. Aquilina presided over Nassars sentencing hearing in January 2018, which drew national attention as 152 Nassar victims presented witness statements about his abuse. Aquilina drew attention herself for comments during the seven-day hearing, with some saying she crossed a line as she criticized Nassar in stark terms, saying: It is my honor and privilege to sentence you, and Our Constitution does not allow for cruel and unusual punishment. If it did I would allow some or many people to do to him what he did to others. Nassars appeal also pointed to Aquilinas actions after the hearing, including an interview in which she stated that she support[s] the girls and was not fair and impartial." Aqullina also expressed support for the victims of sexual assault through her social media accounts; and she posted an laughing emoji in response to a Facebook post that used profanity and denigrated Nassar, Nassar said in his appeal. In the brief filed May 9, the attorney generals office said the law does not require judges from tempering their remarks during sentencing. In this case, the brief said, The magnitude of the sentencing hearing and the sometimes caustic language the judge used directly resulted from Nassars horrific misdeeds. The brief also said that Aquilinas conduct after the sentencing hearing did not disqualify her from ruling on the resentencing issue. Nassars challenge largely consists of public appearances and public statements in support of victims of sexual assault, the brief said, adding the Ingham County Circuit Courts chief justice found that Judge Aquilinas social media footprint did not require disqualification. In urging the court to deny Nassars appeal, the brief said: WHITMORE LAKE, MI - A criminal case filed by the attorney generals office last year against a Northfield Township police lieutenant and two relatives has been dropped in Livingston County. Lt. Timothy Greene, 48, his brother John Greene, 44, of Wyandotte and his father, Robert Greene, 76, of Canton, had charges related to auto salvage vehicle titles dropped April 10 in Livingston Countys 53rd District Court - days before trial, according to attorneys in the case. A case against the lieutenant in Washtenaw County remains active. The suspicions behind the Livingston charges turned out to be unfounded, said Kelly Rossman-McKinney, spokesperson for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The charges were filed based on faulty information fed to the FBI by the National Crime Insurance Bureau, according to the attorney generals office. The trio was accused of falsifying Secretary of State documents as certified salvage vehicle inspectors. They were charged with multiple counts of uttering and publishing. They all were in the law enforcement field, with John Greene working as a Detroit Public Schools public safety officer, and Robert Greene a retired Van Buren Township Police Department officer. State law requires specially trained law enforcement officers to inspect rebuilt vehicles before a title can be transferred to another owner, according to the Secretary of States website. Each county has a police department that offers the inspection, though none are required to offer the service. Greene started conducting inspections in nearby Hamburg Township in 2012, township records show. Former Attorney General Bill Schuettes Office filed charges in March 2018 against the Greenes and four other former law enforcement officials, alleging they conducted inspections improperly, not checking LEIN (Law Enforcement Information Network) or another database to safeguard against re-titling stolen vehicles or vehicles rebuilt with stolen parts. The FBI was told by the National Crime Insurance Bureau (NCIB) that the defendants did not make the required inquiries, Rossman-McKinney said. But that wasnt true. In the Greenes cases, the FBI learned that these defendants had made inquiries to NICB directly or using other officers, she said. When NCIB searched names correctly in the system - Lt. Greene versus Tim Greene - it showed he had in fact performed the required checks. It took a year of investigation by Lt. Greene's Ann Arbor-based attorney Joe Simon, with the aid of John Green's attorney David Goldstein and Robert Greene's attorney Michael Vincent, to prove the case was faulty, they said. Goldstein and Vincent both praised Simon, who they said did the heaviest lifting in the investigation, waving through thousands of computer pages to prove their point. All three praised the attorney general's office for being open to reviewing and dropping the case, with Simon calling it the "rarest of the rare." When NCIB searches finally reflected that his client had done the required searches, Goldstein said it was vindication. "My guy just smiled and said, 'I've been telling you all along, I did them,'" he said. "He was relieved, of course, but he said, 'Look, I knew I did them.'" It was not immediately clear if the case had been dropped against the four other former Michigan law enforcement officers charged similarly after the FBI investigation. Lt. Greene still faces five charges in Washtenaw County for unauthorized disclosure of LEIN information for an incident in 2016 in Northfield Township, court records show. He is expected to appear in court Monday, May 13 for a pretrial hearing. He remains on unpaid administrative leave in Northfield Township, where hes been under investigation for failing to follow policies and procedures. FLINT, MI-- A case of a McLaren-Flint Hospital patient with Legionnaires disease is being investigated by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The patient checked into McLaren-Flint and was exposed to Legionnaires in May this year, according to a press release. The investigation is part of a cluster of cases reported between 2018 and 2019, according to officials. McLaren-Flint Hospital is the only common source for Legionnaires outbreaks, a state issued report found in May 2018. Eight cases of Legionnaires in Genesee County were reported this year. Because this patient spent nine days in our hospital prior to the onset of symptoms, we cannot eliminate the possibility that the patient contracted the illness while at our facility, according to a statement from McLaren-Flint. We are conducting an exhaustive internal investigation and continue to fully cooperate with our regulators. Finding the source of the disease in McLaren-Flint is ongoing and includes local, state and federal health agencies. Hospital administration has been cooperative. We want the community to know we are doing everything in our power to ensure our hospital remains a safe and healing environment, hospital officials stated. McLaren-Flint has spent more than $2 million on its water management program, according to the hospitals statement. Yet, despite these efforts, we continue to feel the effects of our communitys legionella issues, hospital officials stated. The overwhelming majority of cases in Genesee County involve patients with absolutely no connection to our facility. More than 20 cases of Legionnaires were reported in Genesee County in 2018. About 155 reports of the disease have been reported since 2014. State officials have said the county typically averages around 12 cases of Legionnaires a year. According to a Genesee County Health Department press release, while Legionnaires can be contracted at any time, more cases are reported in the summer and early fall. Symptoms of Legionnaires are coughing, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, headaches and something diarrhea and mental changes. The Legionella bacteria responsible for the disease can occur naturally, but the bacteria can also be found in man-made items such as cooling towers, hot water tanks, humidifiers, nebulizers, showers, hot tubs and decorative fountains. Those in good health generally do not develop Legionnaires' after being exposed to Legionella, but those over 50, who are current or former smokers, as well as others with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases are at the highest risk. The GCHD encourages facilities that maintain standing water such as hot tubs, humidifiers and decorative fountains to develop water management procedures to protect against the bacteria. The Flint area experienced Legionnaires disease outbreaks in 2014 and 2015 that left at least 12 people dead and dozens other sick. Its been alleged that the deaths were linked to the ongoing Flint water crisis. The National Association of Letter Carriers will host its 26th annual Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive on Saturday, May 11. The food drive takes place all over the nation, including Flint, Saginaw and Bay City. With sponsors, volunteer organizations and U.S. Postal Services employees from 10,000 communities nationwide coming together, it is the nations largest single-day food drive. During last years drive, carriers collected 71.6 million pounds of food from local communities all over the country. Since the drive began in 1993, total donations have surpassed 1.6 billion pounds of food. Food collected during Saturdays drive will be delivered to local community churches, food banks and food pantries for distribution. To make a donation, all you need to do is leave donations in a bag near your mailbox on May 11 before the letter carrier arrives. All non-perishable donations are acceptable, but foods that are high in protein such as canned tuna, salmon, beans and peanut butter are most needed. Canned fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, macaroni and cheese dinners and 100 percent fruit juice are also high on the list of most-needed foods. WHAT TO GIVE: Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon) Canned and boxed meals (soup, chili, stew, macaroni and cheese) Canned or dried beans and peas (black, pinto, lentils) Pasta, rice and cereal Canned fruits 100 percent fruit juice (canned, plastic or boxed) Canned vegetables Cooking oils Boxed cooking mixes (pancake, breads and potatoes) WHAT NOT TO GIVE: MECOSTA COUNTY, MI -- Police are trying to identify a woman who tried to pass a $100 counterfeit bill at a Jimmy Johns restaurant near Big Rapids. She entered the store just after 4 p.m. Friday, May 10. Mecosta County sheriffs deputies said the woman ordered a sandwich and drink and then tried to pay with the $100 bill. Employees determined it was fake before finishing the transaction. She then fled the store and left in a Gray Hyundai Tucson SUV with Arizona plate BPC8806. Anyone with information about the woman can call police at 231-592-0150. CASS COUNTY, MI A suspect was arrested on Friday, May 10 after a vehicle and foot chase that lasted at least seven hours and spanned two southwest Michigan counties. The pursuit began the evening of Thursday, May 9, and the suspect was apprehended the morning of Friday, May 10 after fleeing police in a stolen vehicle, crashing it and then continuing to flee on foot. The suspect was arrested on charges of fleeing and eluding, breaking and entering, and obstructing justice after the chase that occurred in Cass and Van Buren counties, according to a news release from the Cass County Sheriffs Office. The high-speed chase had already begun when the suspect entered Cass County around 10:44 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 with Michigan State Police in pursuit, according to police. The stolen vehicle was crashed on M-40, south of Hoffman Street in Marcellus after the suspect had eluded police, according to police. Police later found the vehicle and resumed their search on foot with a K-9 unit but were unable to locate the suspect, according to police. Around 6 a.m., Cass County Central Dispatch received a 911 call when a resident found an unknown person in a building on his property, according to police. The person fled the scene. Deputies and a K-9 unit from Michigan State Police Post 53 again resumed the search and found the suspect hiding in a vehicle on another property, according to police. The suspect, who is not yet being named, was taken into custody without further incident, according to police. He is lodged in the Cass County Jail, according to police. He has charges pending in multiple jurisdictions. BAY CITY, MI Police are investigating a shooting on Bay Citys East Side. About 3:43 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, police responded to reported gunshots in the 1100 block of North Jackson Street within the Baytown Family Neighborhood complex. Shortly thereafter, police encountered a 32-year-old Bay City man near the Bay County Law Enforcement Center, suffering from at least one non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The wounded man was transported to Covenant Hospital in Saginaw for treatment. Officers on the scene interviewed witnesses and ended up arresting a 27-year-old Canton man as a suspect. Officers also obtained a search warrant for the unit where the shooting occurred and located several items of evidence. Investigators are forwarding their reports to the Bay County Prosecutors Office for review and possible charges. The suspects name is not being disclosed pending arraignment. Bay County Sheriffs deputies and Michigan State Police troopers assisted Bay City Public Safety officers. BAY CITY, MI - The Michigan Department of Transportation is holding a public meeting to discuss plans to tear down and replace the Lafayette Street Bridge. The meeting is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21 at Bay City Hall in the Commission Chambers. What we will be mostly focusing on is why we are in the situation to replace the bridge, what the preferred design alternatives look like and (potentially) some cost information, said Jocelyn Hall, MDOT communications representative for the Bay region. The project is looking to start bidding in May 2020, so mid-summer when it would start and go for 18 months to two years," she said. A 2014 feasibility study determined the benefits of replacing the bridge outweigh the impacts and costs of continuing to repair the bridge. Additionally, a recent environmental assessment was completed in January 2018, Hall said. It included plans for a three-lane bridge to accommodate pedestrian use and improve access for maintenance. But MDOT plans to modify that preferred alternative to a two-lane bridge, limiting the bridge footprint and reducing construction and upkeep costs. The replacement of the bridge will necessitate a 24-month detour using M-13, M-25 and M-84. Bridge closures have tangled traffic and frustrated motorists in Bay City this year, with Liberty Bridge closing for emergency repair and Veterans Bridge now closed for repair work. Bay City also has yet to decide on a long-term plan to maintain Liberty and Independence bridges, the two spans under its jurisdiction. MDOT maintains Veterans and Lafayette bridges. SAGINAW, MI After a week of deliberations, a jury convicted one teen accused of shooting at one of his peers while exonerating one of his friends alleged to have been involved. The Saginaw County jury on Friday, May 10, found Dion D. Hardy, 18 of Saginaw, guilty of assault with intent to murder and felony firearm. The former is a life offense, while the latter comes with a mandatory minimum two-year prison sentence to be served consecutively to any associated conviction. A few hours later, the same jury found 20-year-old codefendant Ricky H. Morgan of Grand Rapids not guilty of the same two charges. The pairs trial began before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Manvel Trice III on Wednesday, May 1. The jurors began deliberating on Monday, May 6. Police have said Hardy and Morgan on the afternoon of Aug. 10 opened fire on a car in the area of Houghton and North Charles streets on Saginaw's West Side. Behind the wheel at the time was a 19-year-old, who police say ducked and managed to avoid being struck by the bullets that crashed through his windshield. In a September preliminary examination, the teen was combative and taciturn on the witness stand, to the point that District Judge A.T. Frank ordered him taken into custody for refusing to testify. The teen retook the stand in an October hearing, at that time testifying he had told detectives that Hardy shot at him while he was trying to leave the scene where he had fought Hardy moments earlier. However, the victim also testified that since he had just had an altercation involving Hardy and Morgan, he assumed Hardy was the person who shot at him and that Morgan had passed Hardy the gun. The date of Hardys sentencing is pending. The ANC has yet again won a majority in South Africas general election despite its disastrous record, killing hope that the country will turn in the right direction. And the West must stop pretending this is just a glitch. Whats wrong with the country that went to the polls on Wednesday to vote for a new National Assembly, goes well beyond the hard facts unedifying as those are. Its not that half the population lives in absolute poverty, that more than a quarter of adults are unemployed, or that the country has yet again been declared officially the most unequal in the world. Nor is it the economic growth rate that has stagnated at below a two percent average for a decade, as the rest of the world recovered from the global crisis, or the regular blackouts, the violent crime rates, or that one in five adults is infected with HIV. Rather, the story since 1994 is of a country being given a historic chance to show the way to prosperity and democracy for Africa and failing to take it, exactly as the pessimists predicted. This not some nostalgic rant hankering for white rule in South Africa. Apartheid was neither fair nor sustainable, disappearing during a period that swept away much sturdier political ideologies. But it did leave the newly-proclaimed Rainbow Nation with first-world institutions and systems, from a functional democracy to a competitive industrial base to a free press. Merely linear development in the past 25 years would have put South Africa on par with the more prosperous parts of South America and mid-ranking Eastern European states, which had just as big a transformation to deal with. Also on rt.com Don't ever vote for white person: South African ANC leader's race-based call discussed on RT Perhaps it is cause for celebration that the country has not disintegrated into the worst cliches about African strongmen and kleptocracies in just a few years. But in a way, the slow ebb is even worse: South Africa feasted on its Boer legacy for the first few years, but with each passing year now it only falls further behind. What societal model has the African National Congress, the party of Nelson Mandela, built in the stead of apartheid? A virtual one-party rule unchallenged in six elections in a row, creeping racialism, an elite black class built on patronage, and rampant corruption, with officials chafing at the colonial institutions and norms safeguarding it from becoming like the rest of the continent. Descent to this state in say, 1997, would have been tragic, but to be here in 2019 is depressing. One can insist that the country had to overcome the lack of collective experience of government or individual education among the population, that it had to stitch the social fabric back together. But then you are basically saying Africans cant govern themselves in different words. The hopeful Western media narrative ahead of the latest election was voters punishing the leadership for their mismanagement. If the 57 percent of votes the ANC is predicted to win lower than last time, but same as in 1994 is retribution for what is happening now, how much worse do things have to get before they lose the majority? And are we sure the ANC's replacement will be the center-right Democratic Alliance, with its focus on racial inclusiveness and good governance, rather than Julius Malemas militant Marxism-inspired Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), keen to redistribute the land away from the whites and remodel the countrys economy? Now that really would usher in a new Zimbabwe. In all mainstream coverage, incumbent President Cyril Ramaphosa has been cast as a force for good for his promise to end the era of impunity that flourished under his predecessor, Jacob Zuma. Perhaps he will manage to overcome internal resistance from his party with help from conscientious investigators and independent journalists and correct the countrys course. But until that happens, a more sober view of South Africa is overdue. Also on rt.com South Africas economic & social decline the worst of nations not at war The world invested a lot in Mandela as a hero, and his reformed country as a shining beacon, but pussyfooting around its problems fails to mask a collective loss of hope in a prosperous Africa and eventually becomes counter-productive. It is not the European white man's job to tell South Africans how to manage their rich and spectacular land or who to vote for, but it is our duty to be honest with them if we think they have lost their way. By Igor Ogorodnev Igor Ogorodnev is a Russian-British journalist, who has worked at RT since 2007 as a correspondent, editor and writer. A makeshift pyrotechnics factory near Bogota, Colombia has exploded, killing four and injuring at least 30 more. The blast tore through both floors of the house and also damaged nearby buildings and vehicles. Several gas cylinders exploded around 1pm in a house in the La Estrada neighborhood of Engativa, a town west of Bogota, according to Cablenoticias news agency, which reported the building was being used to manufacture wicks and gunpowder for tejo, a game that involves throwing a metal disc at packets of gunpowder. At least 16 of the injured were minors, according to district health authorities, who said most of the injuries were caused by the shock wave from the blast. Authorities have ruled out a deliberate attack but are still investigating what caused the explosion. Also on rt.com Students lob Molotov cocktails at riot cops as Colombia anti-govt protests turn violent (VIDEOS) Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! Turkey will stay on course with a done deal to procure the S-400 systems from Russia, a top Turkish official stated in response to a German media report that Ankara was about to scrap the purchase, fearing US sanctions. Potential US sanctions were too big a threat for Turkey to proceed with the S-400 deal, German tabloid Bild claimed on Friday. The publication quoted a high-ranking diplomat from Ankara who said that economic considerations were behind the alleged Turkish decision to stop the purchase. Later, Fahrettin Altun, head of communications at the Turkish presidents office, took to Twitter to debunk the report. Dear Julian, your sources are mistaken, Altun said in response to Bild editor Julian Roepcke, sharing a link to the article in question. Take it from me: The S-400 procurement is a done deal. The source quoted in the Bild piece said that there wont be an S-400 delivery in July, as the Turkish president has announced. With the current crisis with the lira, this would be an economic downfall for Turkey. The Turkish military is set to take delivery of their first S-400s in July, with their crews starting training in Russia a month prior. In all, Turkey is expected to receive four S-400 batteries as part of the estimated $2.5-billion deal. Also on rt.com Nothing short of total obedience? Pentagon rejects any talks with Turkey in S-400 vs F-35 row Ankara was subjected to enormous pressure from the US earlier this year with possible consequences revolving around the S-400 deal. Washington has already frozen the delivery of F-35 stealth jets to Ankara, saying that the planes will not be shipped unless the country foregoes the S-400s. In addition to that, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Ankara could face penalties under the controversial Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Nevertheless, Turkish officials have consistently ruled out canceling the deal. to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. The defiant Yellow Vests, though in dwindling numbers, have marched across France for the 26th straight weekend. In Nantes and Lyon the rallies ended up in clashes between the demonstrators and police. A week after the lowest turnout since the movement began as a protest against a planned fuel tax hike in November, the Yellow Vests, who are now protesting President Emmanuel Macrons broader reform agenda and supposed indifference towards the fate of the ordinary French people, once again took to the streets of the French cities. Also on rt.com Yellow Vests mobilize for another weekend of protests, the 25th in a row Nantes and Lyon saw some major demonstrations on Saturday, as thousands of people joined the rallies organized by the protest movement in both cities. In Lyon, 2,500 people hit the streets while in Nantes the police put the turnout at 2,200, according to the French media. While the processions were largely peaceful, some clashes between the protesters and the police did erupt as some black-hooded demonstrators hurled bottles at the officers and smashed shop windows in Nantes. Police responded with tear gas and also used water cannons to disperse the crowd. The angry demonstrators were particularly dissatisfied with the concessions the French government made under pressure from the protest movement following the so-called national debate launched by Macron. The grand debate was a smokescreen. Today they're smoking us out with tear gas, a 43-year-old protester, who identified himself as Mickael, told Reuters. But we won't cave in. Yes, we're fewer than at the start, but when the others come back, we'll still be here and we'll still be angry. In Lyon, the atmosphere at the rallies was tense as well. At some point, the protesters started pelting the officers with bottles, stones, and firecrackers. The police retaliated with the massive use of tear gas. The situation spiraled into clashes between the Yellow Vests and the police, which left one officer and one protester injured. In Paris, which has seen some of the worst street violence in its modern history during the Yellow Vest protests, the situation remained largely peaceful this time. Hundreds of people marched in the rain through the streets of the French capital starting from the Jussieu University in solidarity with the teachers, who went on strike earlier this week in protest against an education reform project. It's going to be a day in support of parents, families and everyone in the education system, Jean-Christophe Valentin, a city hall worker at the rally, told AFP. Some Yellow Vest movement activists also used the occasion to make some political statements ahead of the forthcoming European Parliament elections. Jerome Rodrigues, a well-known figure within the movement, who lost his eye after it was hit by a rubber bullet fired by police, urged the French to use the vote as a way to show their dissatisfaction with Macrons policies. I'm calling on Europeans to make an anti-Macron vote, even if he just finishes in second place, it would take him down a notch, bring him back down to earth so he can serve us instead of the rich, he said in Lyon. Also on rt.com Macron should leave like de Gaulle if he loses European election Le Pen Demonstrations were also held Montpellier, where some 1,300 people took to the streets, and Bordeaux, which saw some 700 people joining the Yellow Vests march. Like this story? Share it with a friend! Rudy Giuliani has canceled his trip to Kiev where he planned to push the probe into collusion between Ukrainian officials and the Democratic Party, stating that the countrys new president is surrounded by enemies of the US. In an interview with Fox News Shannon Bream, Trumps lawyer Rudy Giuliani stated that he believed he would be walking into a group of people that are enemies of the president, and in some cases, enemies of the United States and in one case, an already convicted person who has been found to be involved in assisting the Democrats with the 2016 investigation. Giuliani previously told the New York Times that he would travel to Kiev in the coming days and possibly meet with newly-elected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to persuade him to press ahead with an investigation into cooperation between Ukrainian officials and the Democratic Party during the 2016 election, as well as a corruption case involving the son of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Also on rt.com Giuliani heads to Kiev to push for probes into pro-Clinton meddling & firm that hired Bidens son However, the attorney and former mayor of New York City apparently changed his mind about the trip after two very reliable people informed him that it would be a waste of time because Zelensky is surrounded by people who are enemies of the president [Trump], and people who are -- at least [in] one case -- clearly corrupt and involved in this scheme. While his Kiev excursion may be canceled, Giuliani has reportedly already met with Ukrainian officials in the US regarding leaks about former Trump campaign manager Paul Manaforts business dealings in Ukraine. Giuliani also pointed to a case in which Joe Biden improperly pressured Ukrainian officials to fire Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin in March 2016, and says that he would welcome a Congressional hearing into the scandals. Like this story? Share it with a friend! Juan Guaido has asked his envoy in the US to meet with Pentagon officials to request cooperation in resolving Venezuelas political crisis, the Washington-backed opposition leader said at a rally in Caracas after a failed coup. "We have instructed our ambassador Carlos Vecchio to meet immediately ... with the Southern Command and its admiral to establish a direct relationship," Guaido said at a rally in Caracas on Saturday as he apparently sought to raise the spirits of his supporters after his attempt to seize power failed last week. "We have said from the beginning that we will use all the resources at our disposal to build pressure." The US Southern Command said in a tweet that it is looking forward to discussing how we can support the future role of those Venezuelan Navy commanders who would make the right decision, put the Venezuelan people first & restore constitutional order by siding with the US-backed self-proclaimed 'interim president'. SOUTHCOM also said that it stands ready to act as soon as it is invited by Guaido and the legitimate government of Venezuela. The crowd of between 1,500 and 2,000 people gathered on the Alfredo-Sadel square, where most demonstrations against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro take place, according to AFP. Unlike previous rallies that included several thousands people, it didnt move along the street of Caracas. "We are at a historic moment: either we are prisoners of fear, despair and inaction (...), or we continue to occupy the street with hope, with strength, with confidence," Guaido said. It seems, however, that Guaidos efforts to seize power in Venezuela have stalled so far. His initial historic moment was back in January, when the previously little-known opposition politician, who mostly stayed in the shadow of his prominent political mentor, Leopoldo Lopez, declared himself an interim president of Venezuela and almost immediately received support from Washington and its allies. Also on rt.com Venezuelan Navy wards off US Coast Guard ship close to territorial waters He was far less successful inside Venezuela, though, as he failed to garner enough public support to directly challenge President Nicolas Maduro at the polls, whose victory in May 2018 angered Washington. Since then, Guaido did not have much luck in garnering support from the Venezuelan people and the army, which still overwhelmingly supports the legitimate government. In late April, after months of unsuccessful attempts to make Maduro leave, Guaido called for decisive actions against the government in what was essentially a coup attempt. He once again called on the Armed Forces to back him. Even though his call sparked some massive street protests in Caracas, only a handful of military followed him and the coup eventually fizzled, apparently forcing Guaido to seek other ways to seize power. Guaido has repeatedly said he does not rule out a US military intervention, and even once said he could authorize it, sparking rebukes even from some members of the US Congress. Also on rt.com Guaido blames coup backers for failing to follow through in Venezuela If you like this story, share it with a friend! For some in the West, any death of a prominent journalist in Russia seems to be only a fortunate opportunity to speculate that he or she must have been an enemy of the Kremlin and died because of it. The latest person to fall victim to this trend is Sergey Dorenko, who suddenly died on Thursday while out on a motorcycle ride. "Anti-Putin journalist dies in mysterious motorbike accident days after criticizing Russian authorities over fatal plane crash," the Daily Mail chose to headline its report on Dorenkos death. The usual Russiagaters were quick to chip in with anger and disbelief. Bill Browder, the internationally famous anti-Putin crusader, called Dorenko "one of Russia's most outspoken independent journalists and critics of the Putin regime." "Putin will be Putin," Bild editor Julian Ropcke declared as he retweeted the story. He added a translation of an angry rant posted by Dorenko in the wake of last weekends Superjet crash. "One of Dorenko's last posts. Deadly? Rest in peace." Good for Ropcke that the message he quoted didn't carry a date stamp. Otherwise his readers might have learned that it was posted right on the day of the tragedy, when the high death toll was suspected but not yet confirmed. Dorenko had posted no less than 59 messages on his channels after that "last post." As for the Daily Mails insinuation that Putin's hitmen assassinated "Kremlin critic" for saying bad things about the Russian government, the autopsy has since shown that Dorenko suffered a ruptured aortic aneurysm. This was reported by the very radio station that he headed. It's a relatively rare and usually lethal condition. Also on rt.com Prominent Russian journalist Sergey Dorenko dies in Moscow after motorbike accident For the sake of argument, lets say the autopsy report can be falsified and the Kremlin did go after the journalist. The problem with that conspiracy theory is that Dorenko was not as critical of government policies as his colleagues at the Daily Mail and the blame Russia crowd want to believe. The Mail paints a story of a brave no-nonsense reporter, who had spent years criticizing the Russian government. Dorenko was fired in 2000, after accusing the government and Vladimir Putin of lying about the causes of the Kursk nuclear submarine disaster. In 2007, he released footage of his 1998 interview with Alexander Litvinenko, who died in Britain from Polonium-210 poisoning. Days before his death he "attacked an effort to blame the crew for a disaster that many suspect is the fault of technical problems with the Sukhoi plane." Conveniently omitted were some of Dorenkos other statements and ideas that didn't fit the narrative. For instance, he was a vocal supporter of the decision to reintegrate Crimea after it broke away from Ukraine in 2014, prompting the Ukrainian press to call Dorenko a top Russian propagandist. Those who don't support Russia's position on Crimea lack both heart and intelligence," Dorenko had said on the issue. On another occasion he literally threatened to violate any American with a fire iron if challenged in his opinion that the cities of Donetsk, Lugansk and Kharkov in eastern Ukraine were "our land. As for the tensions between Russia and Ukraine, he wrote: "We can inflict pain indefinitely until people say they have realized that there will be no Ukraine that stands against Russia. If we have to keep proving it for ten more years, we will." Good luck printing those opinions in the Western press! The actual Dorenko not the Daily Mail-Browder-Roepcke construct was a controversial figure on the Russian media scene. In the 1990s he was famous as a reputation hitman for oligarch, media mogul and shady power broker Boris Berezovsky. One of his jobs was to conduct relentless attacks at ex-PM Evgeny Primakov on behalf of a presidential candidate by the name of Vladimir Putin. In one report he was explaining to viewers at length that Primakov's recent surgery at a private Swiss clinic must have cost hundreds of thousands of euros or maybe more, considering how old and frail the politician was. Yes, there was his famous report on the Kursk disaster, in which he accused then-Prime Minister Putin of mishandling the crisis. "The authorities disrespect us all. That's why they lie. And more importantly, they treat us like that solely because we allow them," was how he wrapped up the report, and was indeed sacked after that. Yet despite his often abrasive personal style and strong opinions, he remained part of the media establishment in Russia, not some fringe voice delivering online rants about evil Putin. He headed one of Moscow's biggest radio stations. What could possibly make him a target? Dorenko was many things. What he was not is a stock character for anti-Putin conspiracy theory peddlers and outlets that never let the facts interfere with a good a clickbait headline. Alexandre Antonov, RT @alantonov Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! The first of 22 AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters has been officially handed over to India by Boeing during a ceremony in the US, with New Delhi saying it will give its forces a significant edge in potential conflicts. Part of a $2.02 billion order made in 2015, the handover took place at the defense giants production facility in Mesa, Arizona on May 10. It was attended by senior India Air Force (IAF) officials who heralded the induction of the Apache Guardian as a significant step in the modernization of Indias chopper fleet. They added that Boeing had worked to customize the helicopter to meet Indian requirements that would give it significant capability in mountainous terrain. The first batch of deliveries to New Delhi will take place in July this year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. Aircrew and ground crew have already undergone training at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama, and will lead Indias Apache program once operational. Also on rt.com Future guardians of India's borders: Behind the armor of Russian-designed T-90 tanks A neutral shopper when it comes to buying defense kit, Indias military arsenal comprises a mix of Russian and Western-made arms. Last month India announced it would purchase 464 of Russias T-90 MS main battle tanks in a $1.93 billion deal. New Delhi has also rebuffed US pressure to drop a planned purchase of the S-400 air defense system from Moscow, despite Washingtons threats to slap it with sanctions in return. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! to RT newsletter to get stories the mainstream media wont tell you. Bad leadership and propping up extremists are helping radicalize young Muslims in the West, Imam of Peace Mohamad Tawhidi told RT, not sparing the recently elected Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. When I first heard that two Muslim women were running for Congress, I was very happy, because I thought this was now the opportunity for Muslims to have a voice other than the voice of ISIS. But now we have the same situation, except with lipstick, Tawhidi said in an exclusive interview to RT Americas In Question on Friday. Omar (D-Minnesota) and Tlaib (D-Michigan) made national headlines in November, when they became first female Muslim members of the House of Representatives. Since then, theyve stayed in the headlines due to controversy, such as Tlaib calling for President Donald Trumps impeachment in vulgar terms and Omar describing the 9/11 terrorist attacks as some people did something in a speech to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in April. This is not politics, theyre driving an agenda, Tawhidi told RT. Theyre not speaking about economy, theyre not speaking about education. Theyre out there defending and fundraising for CAIR. Ilhan Omar is fundraising for CAIR! Also on rt.com Twitter split in half over Omar again, after Trump posts clip of her 'downplaying' 9/11 He pointed out that CAIR was designated a terrorist organization by the United Arab Emirates in 2014 over its alleged ties to Muslim Brotherhood, which he called the most organized [Islamist] terrorist organization on this planet. Trump is reportedly considering designating the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, though no official announcement has been made. Congress should be a platform where elected members serve the citizens, not to push an Islamist agenda, Tawhidi said. Leadership that promotes extremism and not moderation is primarily to blame for radicalization of young Muslims living in the West, he said. Asked about whether its offensive to use the term Islamic extremism, as Trump has been accused of, Tawhidi was categorical. Of course it exists; whos killing everybody? There are Muslim victims of ISIS, and for other Muslims to say that Islamic extremism doesnt exist, thats an insult to Muslims, let alone the rest of the human population that have been victims of extremism, he said. The Iranian-born Tawhidi is a Shia cleric and president of the Islamic Association of South Australia. He lives in Adelaide. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! US President Donald Trump has bestowed what is possibly the highest tier of praise in Trumpian value systems the comparison to himself upon his main 2020 rival Joe Biden. The rest of the Dem field got the usual derision. Trump has indicated in an interview to Politico that he does not consider anyone but Biden, a veteran in the ever-growing and extremely diverse Democratic field, a challenger in the 2020 presidential elections. "I look at it like my race," Trump said. Relishing the memories from his own campaign, Trump said he emerged as a frontrunner in the Republican primary polls as soon as he jumped into the campaign in June 2015, or in Trump's own words, as he "came down the escalator" of his Trump Tower following the announcement. Also on rt.com Bidens Ukraine ties: Nepotism and corruption or conservatives pounce? That is not exactly true, as Trump briefly trailed behind former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in his first polls and was generally considered an underdog even within Republican ranks. However, he stunned the experts in no time by coming out on top of the race as soon as the following month. Unlike Trump, Biden, who officially entered the Democratic primary race last month, was considered to be a favorite to capture the Democratic nomination long before he actually unveiled his bid. According to a recent Morning Consult poll, Biden may boast a commanding 21 percent lead over his closest pursuer Bernie Sanders (who has 19 percent). The gap between Sanders and the rest of the pack is almost as gigantic. The third place is occupied by Elizabeth Warren with just 8 percent. Trump argued that many of the Democratic presidential contenders seem to be out of touch with the public, bringing up Sanders as an example of a person who "seems to be going in the wrong direction." The US President laughed off the chances of Pete Buttigieg, likening him to a fictitious cartoon character in the American humor magazine 'Mad.' "Alfred E. Neuman cannot become president of the United States," he said. Asked if he is going to push for a probe into Biden's role in the sacking of the Ukrainian prosecutor general who reportedly investigated the Ukrainian gas company which employed his son, Trump said that he did not discuss the issue with US Attorney General William Barr. At the same time, he did not rule out taking the possible conflict of interest up with Barr in the future as it "would be an appropriate thing to do." Trump said that media appear to go soft on Biden, because he is a Democrat, arguing that if Trump himself was in a similar situation, they would cut him no slack. "Because he's a Democrat it's about 1/100 the size of the fact that if he were a Republican, it would be a lot bigger," Trump said. He added he would discuss the issue with his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who, per his own admission to the New York Times on Thursday, was going to Kiev to help boost the investigations into Ukraine's pro-Clinton meddling and the Biden family dealings. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! The French president should step down if his party does not prevail in the upcoming European Parliament election, National Rally chief Marine Le Pen says, as both political forces are tied ahead of the vote. The election should be viewed as a referendum which may well seal Macrons fate, Marine Le Pen said this week as she spoke on national TV. The opposition politician also expressed hope that the president would have the honor and dignity to step down if faced with a defeat just like General Charles de Gaulle, who resigned in 1946 after his Popular Republican Movement party lost the parliamentary election to the communists. Under these conditions he should act like General de Gaulle: if he loses this election, he should go. Le Pens strongly worded statement came hours after Macron lashed out at her right-wing National Rally party, saying he will use all his energy to prevent it from winning. Im a French patriot and a European. They are nationalists, he said, adding that Le Pen is looking for the deconstruction of Europe. Also on rt.com 50 years on, the world, and not just France, still misses Charles de Gaulle Polls have Macrons centrist La Republique En Marche party neck-and-neck with Le Pens right-wing National Rally. The presidents party currently has 23 percent of the vote, with Le Pens side just one percent behind. A recent study by the Bertelsmann Foundation has claimed that one in 10 Europeans will back right-wing and anti-establishment parties in the upcoming EU elections, pointing to growing support for Euroskeptic movements across the bloc. Party ratings aside, Macron himself has seen his popularity plunge, with his approval rating now standing at 29 percent. When elected president in 2017, Macron garnered the support of 66 percent of the voters. Also on rt.com Right-wing parties gain highest voter approval ahead of EU elections study Macrons popularity took a big hit amid weeks of protests staged by the Yellow Vests movement, which saw tens of thousands rallying in Paris and across the country. The protests initially targeted government fuel price hikes but, despite the plans being dropped by Macron, ended up with demands for broader social changes and even the resignation of the president. Like this story? Share it with a friend! China is cautiously optimistic about the future of trade talks with the US, Chinese Vice Premier Liu He has said after the latest round of talks failed to put an end to the trade row between the two parties. Speaking to the media after the negotiations in Washington, the vice premier, who headed the national delegation, smoothed over the no-deal outcome, saying that the meeting was candid and constructive. The next consultations are set to take place in Beijing, but the timing is not yet clear. I dont think our consultations have derailed, Liu said, according to a video posted by Xinhua. On the contrary, I think its quite normal, its inevitable to have minor twists and turns in negotiations between two countries. While the US and China managed to reach a consensus in some areas and clarified their positions, the official acknowledged that the two states do have disagreements on some major issues. For example, China opposes any additional tariffs and the sides have to hammer out the wording of the deal, according to Liu. Another key difference is Chinas purchases of American goods, the South China Morning Post reported citing the negotiator. Also on rt.com Easier & quicker: Trump says tariffs are actually better than deal with China Beijing has to react to the US implementation of tariffs, Liu said, but still wants a good agreement of cooperation with equality as a prerequisite. On Friday, the Trump administration hit China with an additional 15-percent tariff hike on $200 billion worth of goods, while further threatening a new increase to all of Chinas remaining imports. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section Islamabad has approached New Delhi suggesting that both arch-rivals stop using artillery in the contested Kashmir region, according to a media report. Pakistan has also vowed to remove special forces from the area. The Pakistani army had made the peace offer using existing military-to-military channels, according to Hindustan Times. The offer included moratorium on the artillery fire from both sides, says a report sent to the Indian prime ministers office and seen by the paper. An Indian defense official said there were over 100 instances when shelling was recorded in the troubled state of Kashmir, but now the use of artillery has considerably reduced. Moratorium aside, Pakistans military ordered its Special Service Group (SSG) an analogue of the American Green Berets to withdraw from the Indian border. Also on rt.com 3 troops killed, 1 injured as Indian forces open unprovoked fire in Kashmir Pakistani Army Islamabad seems to be willing to defuse tensions around Kashmir, Indian officials believe. These are clear on-ground signals from Pakistan for de-escalation, one such official told the newspaper. Tensions between India and Pakistan in the Kashmir region have been running high in late February and March. It came after a high-profile terror attack on Indian forces, followed by an encounter between the countrys air forces pushed the nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of war. Also on rt.com India seeks downgrading of Pakistan on international terrorism financing list minister Last week, a number of civilians and military personnel were killed as both sides exchanged heavy artillery fire, interrupting several weeks of relative calm along Kashmirs Line of Control (LoC). Mortar shelling and small arms fire has also been taking place in the area. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! Opposition protestors tossed Molotov cocktails at the Albanian government headquarters on Saturday, while the police responded with tear gas. The Balkan countrys accession to the EU is to be decided in less than two months. There were at least 1,500 officers guarding the governments office in the capital Tirana, the entrance to which had been reinforced with steel plates. The police initially tried to ignore provocations, but when the crowd employed incendiary bottles and smoke bombs a violent response couldnt be avoided. The protesters began tossing Molotovs at the building as opposition leader Lulzim Basha was delivering a speech to his supporters. Thousands gathered for peaceful demonstrations in the city center. Basha and his Democratic Party quit the Parliament in February, accusing the Albanian authorities of fraud in the 2017 election. Since then, the opposition has been staging protests, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and a transition government that would assure a free and fair vote to be formed. The Democratic Party already announced theyll be boycotting the local election, which is scheduled to take place on June 30. Rama, who refuses to step down, insisted that the vote will take place without the opposition. The EU and the US have been backing Rama as the legitimate PM and have been calling on the opposition to refrain from violence during protests and return to the parliament. There's less than two months remaining before European Union member states are to decide if Albania and North Macedonia are fit for the talks on them joining the bloc to begin. Also on rt.com Chaotic scenes in Albania as opposition attempts to storm PM's residence (VIDEO) Like this story? Share it with a friend! The head of a prestigious 12,000-a-term school prompted fierce reactions after suggesting that the bashing of fee-paying schools was similar to the tropes found in anti-Semitic conspiracies. Anthony Wallersteiner, head of the Stowe school in Buckinghamshire, UK, claimed that students from independent, fee-paying schools were unfairly losing out on places at Oxford and Cambridge universities at the expense of their state-educated counterparts, in an interview with the Times newspaper. He added that many fee-paying parents were now accusing Oxbridge admissions offices of social engineering and positive discrimination by limiting the number of successful privately-educated applicants. Wallersteiner's most controversial comment came, however, in his analogy likening criticism of the private education sector to anti-Semitism. The rise of populists and polemicists has created a micro-industry in bashing private schools, he said before noting that their criticisms echoed the conspiratorial language found in the notorious fabricated anti-Semitic text, 'The Protocols of the Elders of Zion'. He added that it was easy for Hitler and the Nazis to suggest that Germany's Jewish minority was overrepresented in key jobs such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and creatives. Also on rt.com Discriminate against Etonians, says Ex-Tory Education Secretary Justine Greening He then suggested that privately-educated pupils in Britain also faced the accusation of dominating the top jobs and stifling social mobility before calling it too facile to stereotype groups and ignore the fact that lawyers, doctors, writers and politicians are individuals. However, Wallersteiner's comments were met with criticism that ranged from calling them idiotic to pointing out that the situation in reality is the opposite. It's surprisingly rare to find a comment so ludicrous, so offensive and so idiotic, tweeted Stephen Pollard, editor of the UK's Jewish Chronicle newspaper. You genuinely wonder how the person who made it can possibly survive in their job. Others who found the comparison ludicrous also took issue with Wallersteiner's claims of social engineering, noting how the UK's top universities have for years been overrepresented by privately-educated applicants. Labour MP David Lammy pointed out that social engineering is in fact not benefiting state school kids. The furor over upward mobility and the UK's education system is nothing new. Last May, ex-Tory Education Secretary Justine Greening ruffled her party colleague's feathers by suggesting at an event by the education charity Sutton Trust that state school-educated pupils should be hired by companies over Eton-educated pupils with the same grades. In December, a report by the charity slammed Oxbridge for over recruiting from eight private schools. The schools provided Oxbridge colleges with 1,310 students over three years. The same period saw just 1,220 students recruited from 2,900 other schools. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! Alyssa Milano wants women to withhold sex to protest a number of bills aimed at restricting abortions. #SexStrike trended on social media as the actresss odd idea was met with confusion, support, and mockery. Milano, who was a prominent voice in the #MeToo movement, was responding to legislation passed in Georgia that bans abortion once a heartbeat can be detected, which is usually at six weeks. The law is seen as a near-ban on abortion, as many women dont realize they are pregnant until the fifth week, meaning organizing an abortion before the cut-off would be very difficult. A number of movie and TV production companies said they will cease operations in Georgia in response to the bill. The state has tax incentives that attract the film industry, and 17 of the years top 100 films were produced in Georgia, NBC reports. Similar bills are being proposed in other states, with Alabama set to vote on a bill that would make abortion impossible once a fertilized egg is in utero, meaning when it has reached a womans uterus, which can happen two weeks before her period is due and long before she would be aware of being pregnant. Mississippi and Ohio have recently passed heartbeat laws of their own, which havent come into effect yet. #SexStrike was trending on social media as people reacted to Milanos idea and gave their own take on it. A number of people said they were happy for liberal women to be opting out of sex. Georgias law wont be enforced until 2020, and is likely to be challenged in court based on the Supreme Court ruling in Roe v Wade that found unduly restrictive state regulation of abortion is unconstitutional. Abortion laws in Iowa, North Dakota, and Kentucky have been stopped in the courts. Like this story? Share it with a friend! Ukrainian energy company Ukrtransnafta has resumed crude transfers to the EU along the Druzhba pipeline, after the supplies were halted due to contamination. The crude started running through the pipeline at 11:35am GMT on Saturday, Ukrtransnafta wrote on Facebook. The transit was resumed after specialists from Hungarian firm MOL conducted additional analyses of the oil currently held in the pipeline and confirmed their readiness to accept it, the companys statement adds. The crude deliveries were suspended on April 25, after the European importers refused to take in Russian oil over quality concerns. Russian company Transneft, which controls the Russian segment of the pipeline, later said the oil was contaminated intentionally with organic chloride compounds. Four suspects have already been arrested for two months in connection with the case and an investigation is ongoing. Also on rt.com Belarus halts transit of Russian crude to Poland & on to Europe, cites quality concerns Earlier this month, the supplies were also resumed by Belarus, which initially complained about the about the quality of Russian crude last month. On Monday, clean oil started running through the pipeline from Belarus to Ukraine. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said that the incident on the Druzhba pipeline, one of the biggest oil pipeline networks in the world, has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in damages for the country. However, the exact amount is still being evaluated, he added. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section The US is sending a battery of Patriot missiles to join the carrier strike group and bomber task force currently "protecting" American interests in the Middle East from Iran, still insisting the buildup is merely defensive. The missiles and transport ship USS Arlington are being deployed to the region "in response to indications of heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations against US forces and our interests," according to a Pentagon statement. Also on rt.com US aircraft carrier sent as warning to Iran passes through Suez Canal While the Pentagon continues to insist it "does not seek conflict with Iran," it is "postured and ready to defend US forces and interests in the region," according to the statement. The latest round of heavy weaponry joins the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and an Air Force bomber task force, both of which arrived in the Central Command region this week to send an "unmistakable message," in the words of National Security Adviser John Bolton, that the US is prepared to unleash "unrelenting force" in response to any provocation. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo echoed the threat on Thursday, promising a "swift and decisive" response to an attack by Iran or its proxies. Details about the "intelligence" used as a pretext for the military buildup have been scarce, though multiple reports suggest the tip came from Israel's Mossad, which is far from a neutral source when it comes to Iran. A CNN report on Friday claimed "intelligence has shown" Iran is "likely" loading short-range ballistic and cruise missiles onto boats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which President Donald Trump conveniently declared a terrorist organization last month. The US military, CNN said, "believes that cruise missiles could be launched from the small Iranian boats." Also on rt.com CNN peddles Pentagon talking points on credible threat from Iran Twitter doesnt buy it "We have been very clear that we have no interest in escalation," Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif told al-Jazeera earlier this week, adding that Iran would not "permit the US to threaten the Persian Gulf." Last month, he warned Trump that the more hawkish members of his administration might conduct a false-flag attack to push the US into war with Iran. On Friday, the US Maritime Administration issued a warning that "Iran or its proxies" may target commercial and military vessels in the area and advising commercial ships to alert the US' Fifth Fleet several days in advance before accessing the Strait of Hormuz. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! The USCGC James, one of the US Navys most technologically advanced ships, was sailing towards Venezuelas territorial waters when a patrol boat was sent to warn it off. The US vessel backed off after radio communication. The Venezuelan Navy released a statement on Friday, saying the incident took place on Thursday and involved a US Coast Guard vessel heading towards the Latin American countrys main port of La Guaira. The USCGC James was 14 nautical miles (16 miles) off Venezuelas coast when Caracas sent a patrol vessel to intercept it. In the course of subsequent radio communications, the USCGC James agreed to turn away. The USCG James was encouraged to change its course and leave our jurisdictional waters. The instruction was obeyed, the Venezuelan Navy said in a statement. Also on rt.com US threatens Venezuelan military & intelligence with sanctions for their support to government The Navy had already spotted the vessel a day before when it was transiting through Venezuelas exclusive economic zone, and sent a patrol vessel to start monitoring its maneuvers. A states territorial waters reaches up to 12 nautical miles, while a contiguous zone in which a state can enforce limited control for the purpose of preventing infringement of its customs, fiscal, immigration or sanitary laws and regulations can be set to up to 24 nautical miles. An exclusive economic zone extends up to 200 nautical miles. Venezuelas UN envoy, Samuel Moncada, slammed the US ships actions as a clear provocation aimed at inciting unrest. Also on rt.com US cuts off power to Venezuelan Embassy with activists besieged inside War traffickers get excited because they see a US Coast Guard very close to Venezuelan territorial waters. Its a typical provocation to ramp up tensions, Moncada tweeted. The USCGC James, described as the most technologically advanced ship in the US Coast Guard fleet, is fitted with modern surveillance and reconnaissance equipment. According to the US Navy, it can also serve as command post for complex law enforcement and national security missions involving the Coast Guard and numerous partner agencies. If you like this story, share it with a friend! Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has named his former intelligence chief a mastermind behind the recent botched coup attempt, claiming Caracas has proof that he was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency over a year ago. During a televised speech on Friday, Maduro unleashed an attack on General Manuel Ricardo Cristopher Figuera, former director general of Venezuela's National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), who defected from Maduro's side in the wake of the failed military coup on April, 30. The coup attempt fizzled out within hours as it failed to attract broad support from the military, having been orchestrated by a small group of soldiers. Also on rt.com Pence lifts US sanctions from Venezuela's defector general, hopes to inspire more turncoats Maduro said that investigators were able to determine that Figuera was the driving force behind the attempt, and was apparently doing it at the behest of Washington. "Investigations have succeeded in proving that General Manuel Ricardo Cristopher Figuera has been recruited by the CIA for more than a year," Maduro said, adding that justice would be served on the "traitor" Figuera "sooner rather than later." After the coup flopped, opposition leader Juan Guadio, recognized as 'interim president' of Venezuela by the US and some 50 other countries, lamented that the opposition did not have enough manpower and supporters within government circles. While the opposition seemed to have been poorly prepared for a decisive push to topple Maduro, it might be explained by the fact that Figuera was apparently in a hurry to rush the coup before his imminent arrest. Maduro revealed that he was given head-ups by Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, Supreme Court chief Maikel Moreno and chief of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence, Ivan Hernandez Dala, about Figuera's "strange behavior" in run-up to the coup attempt. Figuera was going to be fired and arrested at 9:00 am on April 30, and that is what apparently prompted the defector general to set the coup in motion, Maduro said. The president also accused the former spy chief of spreading false rumors about Padrino and Moreno's intent to join the opposition, both considered "honorable patriots" by Maduro. Figuera became one of the most senior officials to switch sides and join the Guaido-led opposition. In a letter circulated after he broke ranks with Maduro, he wrote that his decision was prompted by his desire to "rebuild the country" and fight rampant corruption. His defection earned lavish praise from US Vice President Mike Pence, who cited Figuera's example as a rallying call for those Venezuelan serviceman who don't want to suffer under US sanctions. Pence personally announced the lifting of all sanctions from Figuera on Tuesday, commending him for "taking a stand for the Bolivarian constitution and libertad." Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! US President Donald Trump has said that he does not view recent short-range missile launches by Pyongyang as a violation of his trust, telling Politico that he and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un are still on good terms. In an extensive interview on Friday, Trump briefly touched on his take on North Korea's increased missile activity. Also on rt.com US launches two missile tests right after NK fires pair of projectiles (VIDEO) In a stark contrast to his saber-rattling of two years ago, Trump seemed to be pretty laid-back when speaking of Pyongyang's recent series of short-range missile tests, the latest of which took place just a day earlier. Early Thursday morning, the DPRK test-fired two short-range projectiles from its Sino-ri launch site that flew a distance of 260 and 170 miles. "They're short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all," the US President said. Possibly leaving a loophole for himself in case of a sudden change of heart, Trump said that "at some point" he may start considering the launches inappropriate. "But at this point no," he stressed, calling the tests "very standard stuff." Trump sounded equally ambiguous when talking about his supposedly "excellent" relationship with Kim. He said that for the moment being the two remain on friendly terms, adding that this too might change "at some point." Following the Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi in February, the budding thaw between the two nations has appeared all but over, after the talks ended with no deal and were followed by strong rhetoric from Pyongyang questioning Washington's willingness to mend ties with the North. North Korea accused the US of an arm-twisting approach to the negotiations, urging it to drop "its current calculation method" and vowing to increase its own defense posture in the meantime, including to resume missile tests. The talks in Vietnam ended abruptly after the US reportedly refused to relieve North Korea of sanctions in exchange for it halting nuclear and ballistic missiles tests, while insisting on full and irreversible denuclearization. In the wake of the short-range missile launches by Pyongyang, the US test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile and conducted a submarine missile test. The US military insisted that the timing of the tests is in no way connected to the North Korean launches. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! The former chairman of the ITC group, Yogesh Chander Deveshwar, passed awar on May 11 at the age of 72. While the cause of his death is unknown, he was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. At the time of his death, Deveshwar was serving as non-executive chairman of the conglomerate. An alumnus of IIT Delhi, and Harvard Business School, he is recognized as one of the longest-serving chiefs in corporate India, who took the helm of ITC as executive chairman in January 1996. Deveshwar, who first joined ITC in 1968, is credited with diversifying it from a tobacco company to a conglomerate involved in sectors ranging from hospitality, fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) to the IT sector. According to an Indian Express report, from the time of Deveshwars appointment as the chairman in 1996 to him stepping down in 2017, ITCs annual sales grew over 11 times at Rs 55,000 crore. The report also noted that shareholder returns grew at a compounded annual rate of over 23 percent and that more than 50 percent of the companys revenues came from non-tobacco sources. Deveshwar is also known as the person who kept ITCs Indian roots intact as he fought against a majority shareholder, the British American Tobacco company, from carrying out a takeover. From 1991 to 1994, he also served as the chairman and managing director of Air India. Deveshwar also had a stint as a director on the central board of the Reserve Bank of India. ITCs e-Choupal initiative which was launched in 2000, was Deveshwars brainchild. It provided a platform for farmers to secure agricultural and aquaculture products like soybeans, wheat, coffee, and prawns. Its success even prompted Harvard Business School to carry out a case study on it. In 2011, Deveshwar was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. He is now survived by his wife and children. The district unit president of the Congress and some other office-bearers on May 11 resigned from the party alleging humiliation by AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after they approached her with a complaint regarding the candidate. "A complaint was made to Priyanka Gandhi about Congress candidate Ramakant Yadav not coordinating with anyone in the unit Friday and she was also told that none of the office bearers were invited for a rally here," Congress's Bhadohi district president Neelam Misra told newspersons here. Priyanka Gandhi addressed an election rally in Bhadohi in support of the party candidate Yadav on Friday. Misra alleged that Priyanka Gandhi not only ignored their grievance but also used "strong words" against her publicly. "But the AICC general secretary paid no heed and said if they are feeling humiliated over this then they can continue to feel this way," Misra claimed. Misra said she and other office-bearers had approached Priyanka Gandhi as she is the Congress's eastern Uttar Pradesh in-charge. "But it seems that she does not have the thinking that could encourage the partymen," Misra said. She said after resigning, they held a meeting and resolved to support Rangnath Misra, the joint candidate of the SP-BSP alliance for the election slated for Sunday. When contacted, district vice president of the Congress Mushir Iqbal said Misra and others have taken this step in "haste" and need to have waited for the elections to be over. Several leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress on May 11 staged a protest here against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Governor Satya Pal Malik for their remarks on former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. "We have assembled here to express our anger over the insult to the former prime minister who laid down his life for the country 28 years ago. It is most unfortunate that the state governor has joined the vilification campaign of BJP and Modi," J-K Congress chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma told reporters. On May 9, the governor had said in Srinagar that Rajiv Gandhi was not initially corrupt but, under the influence of some people, he got involved in the Bofors corruption case. During a rally in Uttar Pradesh on May 4, Modi had targeted Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, saying, "Your father (Rajiv Gandhi) was termed Mr Clean by his courtiers, but his life ended as 'bhrashtachari' no 1 (corrupt number 1). Besides, Modi on May 8 accused the Gandhi family of using warship INS Viraat as its "personal taxi" when Rajiv Gandhi was the prime minister. "Over the years, the BJP left no stone unturned to implicate him (Rajiv Gandhi) but nothing could be proved against him and he came out clean in the judicial process. But the BJP continued its vilification campaign against him and entire Gandhi family, till date which is abuse of judicial process and insult to the martyr, who got assassinated due to lack of foolproof security by then BJP supported government at the Centre," Sharma alleged. Criticising Malik for his remarks, state unit senior vice president Raman Bhalla said, "He made the statement to please his bosses in Delhi. It is better if he resigns from the constitutional post and work as a spokesperson of the BJP," he said. Sharma accused Modi and BJP president Amit Shah of bringing the election campaigning to the lowest level by using abusive language and hurling expletives on the opposition leaders, including former prime ministers. The agitated Congress leaders protested outside the party headquarters at Shaheedi Chowk and raised anti-BJP slogans. In the villages of Purulia that are awash with summer hues, the orange palash flowers blend with political parties' symbols, even as the BJP's 'lotus' and TMC's 'grass and two flowers' vie for attention -- and political space. With elections in the constituency scheduled for Sunday, the saffron party's lotus appears on the walls of many mud house, side-by-side with the Trinamool Congress' symbol, signifying the BJP's emergence as a force to reckoned with. In some places, the tiger symbol of the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) makes its presence felt as it roars from the red flags that can be seen from a distance. Following its impressive show in the 2018 panchayat elections in Purulia, the BJP is upbeat about wresting the Lok Sabha seat from the TMC. Left Front constituent AIFB, which held the seat from 1977 to 2011, before losing it to the TMC, is also positive about regaining its lost glory. But TMC candidate Mriganka Mahato is sure she will win from Purulia for the second consecutive term. She is up against BJP's Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato, AIFB's four-time MP Bir Singh Mahato and Congress' Nepal Mahato. "The huge amount of development work done under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including roads, electricity connections and many welfare schemes, is there for everybody to see," Mriganka Mahato told PTI. She is a doctor who was brought to electoral politics by the TMC chief in 2014. Large parts of Purulia became Maoist strongholds for a few years towards the latter part of 34-year Left Front rule in the state. Subsequently, the Jangalmahal area, which comprises forested areas spread over the districts of Bankura, Purulia, West Midnapore and Jhargram, was freed from red terror by joint forces. With the TMC government ushering in 'parivartan' (change) in 2011, smooth metalled roads have replaced the red soil-topped roads that used to turn into slush and pond-sized craters during the monsoons. There have been several development and welfare schemes and electricity has reached small villages in the area. Life in the once neglected district in the western part of West Bengal, bordering Jharkhand, is generally better than it was 10 years ago, said villagers. But with change and development has come corruption and the wealth of a section of local Trinamool Congress leadership has risen manifold in just a few years, they alleged. Amal Mahato, the owner of a small tea stall on the outskirts of Purulia town, said the the arrogance of the leaders is alienating people. Admitting that a small percentage of local party leaders and workers have become greedy in Jangalmahal, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee had said that action was taken against them and urged people not to turn towards an opposition party out of anger. In a state with a volatile political history, Purulia has been largely free of poll related violence. But the 2018 panchayat elections, in which the BJP emerged as the new opposition to the TMC, changed the scenario. At least 12 people were killed in the violence. While the TMC won 234 seats in panchayat samitis in Purulia, the saffron party bagged 142 seats, leaving the Congress with 33 and the Left with 25 seats as distant third and fourth place holders. In the gram panchayats in the three-tier election, the TMC won 838 seats, the BJP 644, the Left 178 and the Congress 150. The saffron party, with its RSS and Bajrang Dal wings, appears to have made inroads among the indigenous people. The TMC leadership also seems worried as a section of the influential Mahato community is inclining towards the BJP, party workers said. The BJP, which came fourth in the 2014 general elections, is the biggest challenger to the TMC in Purulia. The seat was with the Forward Bloc since 1977 till 2014 when TMC's Mriganka Mahato defeated the Left party in a wave for the Mamata Banerjee-led party. The TMC won 34 of 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the last general elections. With Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressing rally in Purulia, the party's candidate Nepal Mahato did get a boost but the party doesn't stand much a chance of now, political observers and villagers said. According to BJP candidate Jyotirmoy Mahato, "People are not with the TMC. They only have goons in their fold. The general public will resist if they try to loot votes." He claimed the Left has been wiped out from Purulia and most of their supporters have joined the BJP. AIFB contestant Bir Singh Mahato, who has been a four-time MP from the seat, said the so-called BJP wave has been artificially created. "It has no proper leader in the constituency and its supporters have been left directionless, though the party had won quite a good number of seats in the panchayat elections," he said. TMC candidate Mriganka Mahato said he expects a better fight from the Left which has a support base all over the constituency. The BJP and the Congress, he claimed, have only some pockets of influence. "The BJP is using religion to divert the attention of people from the basic requirements of job, food and development, which it could not provide in the last five years," he said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath o May 11 tore into the SP-BSP alliance by likening SP chief Akhilesh Yadav to Aurangzeb, who had imprisoned his father emperor Shahjahan. He said the "'mahamilawatis' are behaving like snakes, frogs and scorpions who come together during floods. In a tweet in Hindi, the chief minister said, "The one who dethroned his father, like Aurangzeb, joined hands with the sworn enemy. After May 23, they will again abuse each other. These 'mahamilavati' people are behaving today like scorpions, frogs and snakes which come together during floods." Adityanath, who addressed an election meeting in Ballia on May 11, said in another tweet, "When I and (Narendra) Modiji put lock on the shops of 'Bua' (Mayawati) and 'Babua' (Akhilesh), they opened another counter to sell 'mahamilavati' goods and cheat the people. "This counter will also be closed by the people on May 23 and they will again abuse each other. So do not waste your votes. Think, understand and get involved in the setting up a new and strong India." Adityanath had earlier called Akhilesh 'goondon ka sartaj' (king of goons) and has often accused him of taking development works and extending basic facilities on caste and communal lines. The auto industry received a word of caution from car market leader Maruti over FY20 being rough for the industry. On the other, 100-year-old two-wheeler brand Royal Enfield, which was going great guns until FY18 but slumped in FY19, said it is investing in setting up a new factory to achieve an ambitious growth target in FY20. Although both companies represent distinct segments, they belong to the same industry. So what could be the reason for the stark distinction? We crunch a few numbers to see what lies ahead for Royal Enfield. Here is a comprehensive look at what made headlines in the automotive space in the second week of May. TVS Motor lines up Rs 650 crore capex Chennai-based TVS Motor Company, Indias fourth largest two-wheeler maker, will inject Rs 650 crore as capital expenditure this financial year. Investments will be made towards the creation of additional capacity, new products and technology. The maker of Apache and Jupiter said the product launch pipeline includes an electric two-wheeler and also a second product under the BMW alliance. Maruti chairman cautions dealers on FY20 outlook Dealers of Maruti Suzuki, India's largest carmaker, have been warned of a tough year ahead with multiple challenges, including a sales growth that will taper down to single digits. The Delhi-based maker of best-sellers such as Dzire, Alto and Baleno took over 1,200 dealers to Macau last week to apprise them about the current market environment and the steps that are being taken to counter the demand slowdown. The event was led by Maruti Suzuki chairman, R C Bhargava. Demand uncertainty in India will limit profit growth Suzuki Motor Corp on Friday forecast a 1.7 percent rise in profit this year, anticipating limited growth due to an expected sales tax rise in Japan as well as uncertainty in business conditions in its biggest market, India. Japan's fourth-largest automaker expects operating profit of 330 billion yen ($3.01 billion) in the year through March 2020, lower than the 362.2 billion yen average of 22 analyst estimates compiled by Refinitiv. Maruti launches Alto for Ola, Uber Weak sales have forced Maruti Suzuki to sell cars designed specifically for commercial users and create an alternate demand source. The countrys largest carmaker had in March launched a stripped-down version of one of its highest-selling models -- Alto -- to cater to the taxi segment. Christened Alto H1, this variant is designed specifically for buyers that run their vehicles under Ola, Uber and other such taxi aggregators. Eicher Motors Q4 net up 18% Eicher Motors May 10 registered 18.05 per cent rise in consolidated net profit after tax to Rs 544.84 crore for March 2019 quarter. The company had reported a net profit after tax of Rs 461.53 crore in the year-ago period. Total revenue from operations for the quarter stood at Rs 2,500.08 crore as against Rs 2,528.01 crore in the same period of 2017-18, Eicher Motors said in a regulatory filing. Royal Enfield goes ahead with planned capacity addition amid demand uncertainty Royal Enfield, Indias largest premium motorcycle manufacturer, has lined up Rs 700 crore as capital expenditure for the current financial year. The capex will be used for the construction work of the technology centre, Phase-2 of the Vallam Vadagal plant in Tamil Nadu and towards the development of new platforms and products. Last financial year Royal Enfield, which is controlled by Eicher Motors, clocked sales of 8.22 lakh units. Its production capacity guidance stood 9.25 lakh down from its original target of 9.5 lakh units. Also, for 2019-20, Royal Enfield plans a production of 950,000 motorcycles, Eicher Motors had said in a statement in April. This was reconfirmed on May 10 by managing director Siddhartha Lal to Moneycontrol over a post Q4 results media conference call. Its present production capacity is 90,000 units a month or 1.08 million a year. The new plant will bring an additional 25,000 units a month in the later part of the current year taking its total capacity to 1.38 million. However, Royal Enfields sales draws a grim picture. The Chennai-headquartered brand saw a growth of 0.3 percent in total volumes (domestic + export) to 822,724 units as against 820,121 units. On a 1,080,000 installed capacity last years volumes represented a utilization rate of 76 percent for all its plants. With an additional 3 lakh units year with the commissioning of the second phase of Vallam Vadagal the utilization rate falls to 60 percent if Royal Enfield records no growth in sales. Even if the brand achieves 7-9 percent growth this year to be in line with the two wheeler segment growth guidance given by the Society of India Automobile Manufacturers, Royal Enfield capacity utilization rate will rise to rise to 65 percent and to 69 percent if it manages to meet its production target of 950,000. But Lal is not worried about over capacity. The BS-VI pricing will be there as it is for the entire industry. It may hurt sentiments but because the industry has been low right now demand may see a spurt later because people need to travel around. Capacity planning is done with a slightly longer teem perspective in mind and we have done our mathematics. We are seeing the fundamentals being strong. The Vallam plant will assure us capacity for at least couple of years, Lal said. Tighter liquidity and high insurance costs hurt two-wheeler volumes severely last two quarters. Royal Enfields sales dipped 13 percent in the January-December quarter. But it is hoping for a robust reversal this year in volumes predicting a growth of 16 percent. This ambitious growth projection comes on the back of a likely price impact of up to 20 percent increase due to migration BS-VI from BS-IV. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo would make his maiden trip to Russia next week to meet his counterpart Sergei Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral relationship between the two countries and a wide range of other issues including arms control, Iran, N Korea, Ukraine and Venezuela. Pompeo's visit to Moscow and Sochi on May 13 and 14 comes days after US President Donald Trump spoke over phone with Putin for about an hour earlier this week over various matters, including Venezuela and a potential three-way nuclear deal that includes China. An issue high on the agenda for their discussions will be arms control. President Trump has made clear that he wants arms control agreements that reflect modern reality," a senior State Department official said on the condition of anonymity. "These agreements must include a broader range of countries and account for a broader range of weapon systems than our current bilateral treaties with Russia," the official said. The official said that the two sides would have a full range of global issues to discuss, including Ukraine, Venezuela, Iran, Syria and North Korea along with challenges in bilateral relationship between the two countries. On the first day of his visit in Moscow, Pompeo will meet with American business leaders and US exchange program alumni to hear their perspectives. He will also participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to honour the sacrifices of those who died fighting with against the Nazi regime. Pompeo will then travel to Sochi for meetings with Lavrov and Putin on May 14. It is no secret that we have many areas of disagreement with the Russian Government and the Secretary will have a very candid conversation about concerns in our bilateral relationship, including Russia's breach of longstanding arms control agreements like the INF, and Kremlin-backed attempts to meddle in US and other foreign elections, the official said. The official reiterated the recent remarks of Trump wherein he pushed for improving ties with Russia. Noting that the United States is not the only nation having frank discussions with Russia, the official said that European allies and partners have stood with the United States in expressing their concern about Russian actions that threaten their shared commitment to Europe that is strong and free. We are not going to solve these issues overnight, but we are going to have we have to be engaging to create opportunities for progress, he said. Earlier this week, Pompeo had met Lavrov in Finland at the Arctic Council ministerial. The Secretary of State had slammed Russia for "aggressive behaviour" in the Arctic and also said that "Russians must get out" of crisis-wracked Venezuela. Responding to questions, the official said that the Trump Administration has been clear all along that part of its Russia policy is in its interest to have a better relationship with Russia. The President has been clear, the Secretary has been clear on that. So where we have concerns, we're going to raise them directly, narrow those differences, and find areas where we can cooperate to protect and advance our interests, said the official. Pakistan PM Imran Khan (File photo) Pakistan government has banned 11 organisations for having links with the proscribed outfits Jaamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), an official statement said on May 11. The decision to ban these organisations was taken during a meeting between Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan and Interior Minister Ijaz Shah on Friday. After the February 14 Pulwama attack, in which 40 Indian security personnel were killed by a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM, Khan had said Islamabad would not spare any group involved in militancy or using Pakistani soil for any kind of terror activity against other countries. Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), which works under the Ministry of Interior, announced on its website that seven groups have been banned for their affiliation with the JuD, which was proscribed in March by the Pakistan government. The organisation which have been proscribed are Al-Anfal Trust, Idara Khidmat-e-Khalaq, Al-Dawat ul Irshad, Mosques & Welfare Trust, Al-Medina Foundation, Mazz-Bin-Jabel Education Trust and Al-Hamad Trust, the statement said. All these groups are Lahore-based. Pakistan's Ministry of Interior took the action on the government's directive to speed up implementation of the National Action Plan of 2015 to eliminate militancy and extremism from the country's soil. Apart from the seven, Lahore-based Al-Fazal Foundation/Trust and Al-Easar Foundation were also banned for having links with the FIF, the NACTA said. The FIF, like JuD, was also banned in March by the Pakistan government. According to the NACTA, Bahawalpur-based Al-Rehmat Trust Organization and Karachi-based Al-Furqan Trust were also banned on Friday for having links with the JeM, which was banned in January 2002. Recently, the government announced to take control of more than 30,000 religious seminaries. Even while the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)s Mumbai bench blasted a consortium of banks for their attempt to withdraw the bankruptcy petitions of the Sterling Biotech groupbankers themselves seem to be in a defiant mood and are set to contest the NCLT order. This was decided at a meeting of Sterling Biotech lenders on 9th May that Moneylife has accessed. Remember, the sterling group owes over Rs15,600 crore to a consortium of banks led by Andhra Bank (Sterling Biotech owes over Rs7,500 crore to lenders, sister concern Sterling SEZ owes over Rs8,100 crore). It has offered to pay less than 45% of this amount as a one-time settlement. But what is important here is that the promoters of Sterling -- Nitin, Chetak and Dipti Sandesara and Hitesh Patelare absconding from India and are also under investigation by all the top investigation agencies in India. So what emboldens bankers in this specific case when the courts have questioned their conduct? The Gujarat-based Sandesaras have been known for their political connections and their closeness to former CBI special director Rakesh Asthana. So is there political influence or pressure at work to rehabilitate the Gujarat-based Sandesaras and wipe out over half their debt? Here is a gist of what the bankers decided on 9th May. 1. The committee noted that the final order of the NCLT was yet to be issued as on that day. It also noted that it has the option of approaching the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal and then the Supreme Court. This suggests that bankers, mostly Indian public sector banks (PSBs) intend to spend public money to make a fight of it. 2. The meeting noted that one Mago Singh, who is identified as representative of the promoters informed over phone to COC that promoters will be approaching the Supreme Court against the NCLT order. If this does happen, it will be interesting to see whether the apex court entertains a petition from absconding promoters under investigation by all law enforcement agencies that too with an offer to pay less than half their massive outstanding debt. Clearly, the Committee of Creditors (COC) have taken this assurance by Mr Mago, seriously enough. Comment: There is however no reference to the source of funds that the promoters will access to repay banks? Indias massive bad loans of nearly Rs10 lakh crore have reached this high figure mainly because bankers and politicians colluded with shady industrialists to keep lending to group companies and turn a blind eye to their siphoning of funds. 3. The meeting noted that Andhra Bank and State Bank of India (SBI) had received letters from the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), SFIO (Serious Frauds Investigation Office), ED (Enforcement Directorate) that they are investigating the group and also raised concerns about how bankers can enter into a settlement with absconding, fugitive promoters. Comment: This recording is interesting, because various governors of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), including the high profile Dr Raghuram Rajan would have us believe that bankers are so worried about action by investigation agencies, that they are afraid to lend. Here is an example, where even questions and investigations by the very same agencies, with draconian powers of arrest, doesnt seem to have fazed a whole committee of lenders. 4. State Bank of India in fact informed the committee that it would be writing to the Ministry through the IBA (Indian Banks Association) that more recovery is expected through OTS (One Time Settlement) with promoters and OTS should be allowed. Comment: This very assertion makes a mockery of the bankruptcy law and exposes how banks are unconcerned with the actions of promoters including siphoning of funds and money laundering. 5. Andhra Bank has informed the investigation agencies that they had entered into the OTS as per RBI (Reserve Bank of India) guidelines. Comment: It is unclear whether the RBI guidelines are silent about banks entering into deals with fugitive and absconding promoters or specifically permits it. 6. Andhra Bank also told all the lenders that once the NCLT order is received they plan to obtain a legal opinion on the way forward. It wanted all other lenders to do the same. The COC ended with a decision to meet again to plan further action. A summary of the meeting, recorded by one of the attendees, expose the preposterous state of affairs in public sector banks and how banks collude with fugitive promoters accused of money laundering and worse, to loot public money. It is an issue that all Indians need to watch with great interest. If bankers, especially those of PSBs, as a group had acted with half the resolve to recover loans from top industrialists our banking system would have been in far better shape. Remember, banks already stand to lose over nearly Rs50,000 crore on Anil Ambanis Reliance Communications alone. By way of background, on 26th April, the NCLT had withdrawn its earlier order allowing the lenders of Sterling SEZ to withdraw the bankruptcy petiton. It also directed government to take punitive action against the senior officials of the lenders for misleading the Tribunal with a withdrawal plea. The Enforcement Directorate had strongly opposed the banks move to allow the promoters to get away with a settlement. It remains to be seen how this case plays out, because this move has direct bearing on hundreds of other cases including Essar Steel and Kingfisher Airlines. While the Sandesaras have allegedly offered to pay 100% of principle and a fraction of interest, Vijay Mallya repeatedly tweets that he has offered to pay 100% including interest and has submitted a list of assets that exceeds his outstanding. The Sterling group resolution is fast emerging as the biggest test of the bankruptcy code. Moneylife sent emails to the chairman of SBI and managing director of Andhra Bank seeking their comment on this issue. We will update this article as and when we receive any reply from them. When you consider fast food franchises like KFC and McDonalds, ethical and health conscious arent exactly the descriptors that come to mind. When you boil it down, these are companies that thrive on our undeniable human weakness towards fat, sugar and salt. They know what we crave, when we crave it, and how to make it as mouth-wateringly delicious and cheap as possible. Thats why the drive-thru, 24-hour model where you can get fat-soaked chips and nuggets at any hour of the night has been so successful. But are these companies looking to change their ways? Fast food with a conscience is not a concept that existed until very recently, but has since exploded onto the scene with a force few of us were expecting. The plant-based movement has been growing for some time now, and with the massive consumer demand that has followed it, fast food chains are beginning to catch on. KFC in the UK is reportedly working on a new vegan chicken burger one that has vegans and vegetarians who enjoy hangover food rejoicing the world over. Both KFC Vietnam and Canada have had a vegan option for years now, and this recent expansion is yet another indication of how far reaching this trend is. Even McDonalds, a brand that thrives on excessively processed meat, is jumping on the bandwagon. The chain is now selling a vegan burger, the Big Vegan TS, in Germany, which is its fifth biggest overseas market. And if the roll-out is successful (which its very likely to be), you could see a vegan option pop up on your local McDonalds menu very soon. The food industry is clearly ready for a shake-up for the better. Weve already got vegan Cornettos, vegan Magnums, all vegan pubs, vegan cheese, vegan tuna and vegan makeup. And with a new vegan company popping up almost every week, plant-based stocks are truly becoming the savvy investors playground. Could lithium be Australias next resource boom? Click here to find out. The best thing since sliced flesh World-leading vegan mock-meat brand, Beyond Meat, had their Wall Street debut this week, which ended in overwhelming success. Despite the stock market being under pressure amid trade war concerns, at the start of trading shares were priced at $25 each and settled at $65.75 at the close, marking a gain of 163%. Its worth noting that this marks the best debut listing of any company since the GFC in 2008. With the company now valued at $8.3 billion, theyre now planning to use the funds to continue their expansion across the globe, and stand up to competitors including Silicon Valley start-up Impossible Foods. Already the company has investors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Bill Gates and former McDonalds Chief Executive Officer Don Thompson. Even the biggest US meat processor, Tyson Foods, had a 6.5% stake before making the (perhaps wise) decision to develop their own brand of vegan products. I doubt there could be a more obvious indicator of the growing vegan movement than that. As Beyond Meat founder and chief executive Ethan Brown states: We understand the composition of meat, we understand the architecture and year after year we collapse the gaps between our product and animal protein. Already the company has expanded in the UK, and here in Australia, with the burgers being rolled out across chain stores like Grilld and Lord of the Fries to meet the overwhelming demand. Companies like Beyond Meat arent the only on players on the scene either. If you peruse the isles of your local Woolworths or Coles, youll find a myriad of vegan brands which provide an ethical alternative in the meat and dairy sections. And the data suggests consumers are eating it up. According to research conducted by the Vegan Society, there were 540,000 vegans across the UK in 2016, compared with around 150,000 in 2006. No doubt this figure is much higher now. And according to data research firm Neilson, the market is reflecting that growth. In the US, supermarket sales of meat alternatives surged 19.2% to $US878 million for the year ended January 5 alone. Overall, the market is anticipating this growth to continue. According to Euromonitor International data, the US meat substitute market is worth about $1.44 billion and by 2023, the market is expected to grow 74% to $2.5 billion. So not only is this a trend that is growing fast, but all of the data suggests that its one that is here to stay for good. With the biggest fast food chains and meat manufacturers getting involved, this movement clearly isnt about making a quick buck of a passing fad. Were talking about a complete revolution in the way humans produce and consume food. The main point is this. Keep an eye on your local supermarket shelves and watch this trend unfold. Because if you get in early on the companies developing these products as they continue to take over big chunk of the global meat market, that could result in some incredible gains. This week in Money Morning On Monday, Harje asked the hard-hitting questions that have crossed all of our minds at some point. What if the government cant pay off their debt? What if banks do go bust? What would that mean for property values? How can I shelter myself from such an apocalypse? To read Harjes potential solution, click here. Then on Tuesday, Harje explained this whole trade war as not a war on trade, but a war on dollars. Trump is trying to starve China of US dollars. The longer he waits, the most desperate China becomes to make a deal. And the repercussions of that could have a significant impact on your portfolio To learn more, click here. One of the main points weve been hearing over and over again in the trade talks between the US and China is that Trump doesnt want China riding American coattails. But as Harje wrote on Wednesday, during the latest negotiations, Chinese officials seemed to backpedal on this very point, or so were told. So what does this mean in the grand scheme of the trade war? Click here to find out. We can withstand a global turndown, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said. Of course, this is exactly what any politician would say. Its us that do everything good. In fact, we would have done more if it wasnt for those guys on the other side! But as Harje pointed out on Thursday, these personal character attacks do nothing to address the root problem. So should we be concerned for a market crash? To find out, click here. Its D-day for the US and China. But a new countdown has begunafter seeing Trumps ultimatum tactic on China, Iran is thinking of doing something similar. You might remember about a year ago, Trump walked away from the landmark nuclear deal. He also imposed economic, trade, scientific and military bans on Iran. But as Harje questioned on Friday, is this decision about to backfire on the US? Click here to find out. Until next week, Katie Johnson, Editor, Money Weekend FREE report: Why Nano Metal could soon be Australias most valuable export. Download now. May 11, 2019 Media Amplify Iran War Propaganda - Play Up Intelligence Lies The Trump campaign launched a propaganda campaign to prepare the public for a war on Iran. The campaign is similar to the one the Bush administration ran in 2002 and 2003 preparation for the war on Iraq. Anonymous officials make claims about alleged 'intelligence' that is said to show 'Iranian threats' against U.S. 'interests'. Iran, it is claimed, has this or that malign motive to do such. Routine military rotations to the Middle East are then declared to be 'in response' to the claimed 'threats'. The media, either played like a fiddle by the administration or willing accomplices, repeat each and any such nugget thrown at them without any second thought. Anti-Iranian lobbyist are presented as 'experts' to reinforce the messaging. Here are some examples of the above methods. NBC News headlines: Trump's top intelligence and military advisers held unusual meeting at CIA on Iran, officials say Current and former officials said it is extremely rare for senior White House officials or Cabinet members to attend a meeting at CIA headquarters. In a highly unusual move, national security adviser John Bolton convened a meeting at CIA headquarters last week with the Trump administration's top intelligence, diplomatic and military advisers to discuss Iran, according to six current U.S. officials. The meeting was held at 7 a.m. on Monday, April 29, and included CIA Director Gina Haspel, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joe Dunford, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, five of the officials said. National security meetings are typically held in the White House Situation Room. The six current officials, as well as multiple former officials, said it is extremely rare for senior White House officials or Cabinet members to attend a meeting at CIA headquarters. ... The U.S. has a very specific intelligence gathering capability on Iran that is only able to be reviewed at CIA headquarters, two former officials said. It is highly likely that the "very specific intelligence gathering capability on Iran", that can only be reviewed at the CIA headquarter is the same "very specific intelligence gathering capability on Iraq" that officials used in the run up to war on that country. In 2002 then Vice-President Dick Cheney visited the CIA several times to press its analysts to come up with intelligence that 'proved' that Iraq was doing something nefarious and had ill intentions. Moon of Alabama consulted its own sources about the 'specific intelligence capabilities'. We are told that a very rare book, of which one copy is held in the CIA directors personal safe, constitutes those capabilities. Six officials confirmed the book's existence. Multiple former officials and a military official said that the extremely rare book contains one thousand and one 'narratives' that constitute the raw intelligence from which the CIA analysts derive their conclusions. The specific capability can only be used at nighttime. No more than one narrative can be extracted per night. That raw data is then immediately processed as sunlight is said to delude its veracity. This might explain the early morning gathering mentioned in the NBC News report. A former CIA analyst involved in the creation of intelligence on Iraq in 2002 revealed that one of the narratives in the book mentioned special metallic tubes, while another narrative told of a biological process carried out on the back of a carriage. The former CIA analyst said that many of the conclusion drawn from the book turned out to be correct, but that - unfortunately - the conclusion drawn from those two narratives were later proven to be wrong. The CIA's Iran operations are run by Mike D'Andrea, also known as the CIA's undertaker for his prominent role in so called 'signature strikes' and the CIA's torture program. He played a role in enabling the 9/11 incident: He was one of the agency's officials who failed to keep track of Nawaf Al-Hamzi, one of the 9/11 hijackers, after he entered the United States. As The New Yorkers Jane Mayer wrote in her book The Dark Side, the CIA knew Al-Hamzi was in the United States. An FBI officer named Doug Miller who was attached to the agency's Osama bin Ladentracking unit typed up a memo about Hamzi, hoping to share the tip with the FBI so they could locate the suspected terrorist. But his boss, a CIA desk officer in the Bin Laden unit of the Counterterrorist Center who is identified by the 9/11 commission only as Mike told Miller to hold off on sending the memo, Mayer wrote. After the second try, Miller dropped the matter. Three hours after Mike gave that order, he inexplicably told his CIA superiors that the tip had, in fact, been passed to the FBI. The CIA assumed from then on that it was, adds Mayer. But it wasnt. One of the authors of the NBC News story is Ken Dilanian, the CIA's Mop-up man, known for letting the CIA edit his reports before they get published. The U.S. public must surely trust these people and whatever nonsense they come up with. Just like in 2002 it is the New York Times that plays a prominent role in the current propaganda campaign: The Pentagon will deploy a Patriot antimissile battery to the Middle East to shore up defenses against Iranian threats, part of a series of carefully calibrated deployments intended to deter attacks by Iranian forces or their proxies, Pentagon officials said on Friday. ... The new steps are meant to be measured and limited, in part because a new intelligence analysis by American and allied spy services has concluded that the Iranian government, declining in popularity amid economic woes, is trying to provoke the United States into a military overreaction to cement its hold on power, according to American and allied intelligence officials. This obviously lacks logic. If Iran would really want to 'provoke the United States into a military overreaction', sending more military capabilities towards the Persian Gulf region would only show that the U.S. is falling for it. The NYT also publishes a crude op-ed by Ariana Tabatabai, a so called 'political scientist' residing in a Pentagon stink tank: Mr. Rouhani is sending Europe a clear signal: If Iran doesnt get any benefits from its participation in the agreement, neither will Europe. Thats why he announced Iran will hold on to its excess enriched uranium and heavy water both of which could potentially be used in building nuclear weapons rather than sell them to other countries, as is required by the agreement. He is also giving the Europeans 60 days to take steps to help Irans economy, which has been crippled by the American sanctions. If he doesnt get those things, he says, his country will take additional steps that violate the deal and eventually pull out altogether. Iran announced that it will hold its 'excess' enriched Uranium and heavy water BECAUSE THE U.S. NOW SANCTIONS ANY EXPORT OF THESE PRODUCTS, not because Rouhani wants to 'send a signal'. Nicholas Wadhams @nwadhams - 17:41 utc - 3 May 2019 The U.S. is revoking two sets of waivers that allowed Iran to ship excess heavy water to Oman and swap enriched uranium in exchange for yellowcake. Nowhere are these specific sanctions mention in the 'expert' op-ed, nor are these mentions in the NYT's original reporting on Iran's recent steps. The NYT and other media systematically avoid to mention that these sanctions caused Iran's steps but then go on to construe and assign 'motives' to Iran for which have they have neither evidence nor a logical factual basis. It is by the way impossible to use heavy water "in building nuclear weapons". Heavy water is a moderator in some nuclear reactor types. The central vessel of the only reactor of such type that Iran build but never operated was destroyed. To build a new one would take years. Iran continues to produce heavy water because it has the facilities to do so and because it is a valuable product. But such basic knowledge seems to be beyond the capabilities of the 'political scientist'. The U.S. is rotating some of its military forces in the Middle East as it has done continuously since at least 2001. A recent carrier arrival in the region was announced in April. In September four Patriot batteries were pulled out of the Middle East, now one is send back. All together there are more than 50 Patriot batteries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates all own Patriot systems. One more or less in the region does not change a thing. These rotations are normal moves that occur regularly. Now the Trump administration is playing these up to propagandize an 'Iran threat' and the press is falling for it. This BBC report is another example: The US is sending a Patriot missile-defence system to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran. A warship, USS Arlington, with amphibious vehicles and aircraft on board, will also join the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group in the Gulf. ... The Pentagon says US forces are responding to a possible threat to US forces, but did not offer any specifics regarding those threats. The Pentagon simply lies as it often does and it should be the task of the media to point that out. If the Pentagon would send the USS Arlington "in response to a possible threat" why is it ordering the USS Fort McHenry landing dock ship to return from the region. Those two ships have similar technical functions and tactical tasks. They rotate through deployments in various areas on long determined schedules: [T]he Arlington is being moved into the region in a one-for-one swap with a similar ship, the USS Fort McHenry, which is leaving, according to a defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity. There simply is no basis for assigning any of those recent military moves to anything that Iran has said or done. The 'intelligence' the 'officials' present to reporters is obviously derived from mere fairy tales. The 'experts' have either no idea of what they are taking about or are willfully manipulating the public. It is the job of the media to point that out. Instead it is amplifying the war propaganda the administration plays at it. Posted by b on May 11, 2019 at 13:02 UTC | Permalink Comments next page next page This article is part of our coverage of the 2019 Morningstar Investment Conference. Innovations in drug technologies are accelerating, promising improved outcomes for patients. However, the costs of many of these drugs are staggering. That contributes to the need for careful financial planning that encompasses the expense of healthcare in retirement. Three Morningstar experts addressed these issues at the Morningstar Investment Conference. The jury in the case of the former Midland Police Department officer charged after a fatal collision deliberated for just over an hour before finding Christian Abrahim not guilty of manslaughter or negligent homicide. Roy Neely, 90, died on Christmas Eve in 2017 after his Prius was struck by Abrahims patrol car at the intersection of Wadley Avenue and Ward Street. During the trial that ended Friday in the 142nd District Court, evidence was presented that showed Abrahim was driving over 70 mph in a 40-mph zone in the seconds before the collision. The defense said he was responding to an emergency call about a possible shooter at Midland Park Mall, though he did not turn on his lights or sirens. Defense attorney Tray Payne said in his closing argument that Abrahim was charged because something bad happened, somebodys got to be at fault. He asked the jury to find Abrahim not guilty. Just because we had one tragedy with Mr. Neely, please dont make it two tragedies, he said. A point of contention throughout the trial was whether Abrahims speed played a factor in the crash. Several witnesses, including Midland Police Officer Richard Moore, testified that Abrahim did not act unlawfully by speeding, because police officers are not required to follow speed limits when responding to emergency calls. District Attorney Laura Nodolf told the court in her closing statement that Abrahim acted recklessly by speeding without activating his lights or sirens. Somehow, its Mr. Neelys fault for not perceiving the patrol car was coming down the roadway at 73 mph, she said. Could you have known there was a speeding bullet of death coming down the street at you? What couldve helped you know that? Lights and sirens. She also said if herself or anyone else in the courtroom acted as Abrahim had, we would have been arrested; we would have gone to jail. They dont get to be exempt from the laws that we have to follow because of the fact that they wear a badge, Nodolf said. Shortly before closing arguments were delivered, the jury was permitted to see the two cars involved in the collision. The patrol car Abrahim was driving and the Prius he collided with were brought to the parking lot of the Midland County Courthouse at the request of Nodolf. Nodolf told the court she wanted to show the jury the vehicles to rebut the defenses claim that speed was not a determining factor in the crash. Earlier Friday, former Hurst Police Officer Timothy Lovett told the court Abrahims brakes malfunctioned and that was the cause of the crash. Nodolf compared presenting the vehicles as evidence to presenting a bloody shirt as evidence in a murder trial. District Judge Jody Gilles allowed the jury to walk around and inspect the vehicles, but they, the attorneys and their witnesses were not allowed to ask questions or make comments. After they viewed the patrol car and Prius, Moore returned to the stand to deliver additional testimony. He said he disagreed with Lovetts testimony that speed was not a factor in the crash. Much of the things we do in crash reconstruction is measured in timethe faster youre going, the faster youre eating up the distance between you and a hazard, Moore said. It means that in order to avoid a hazard of some sort, youd have to react faster. He said the events of that Christmas Eve morning could have ended differently if Abrahim had been driving the speed limit or alerted other drivers by turning on the patrol cars flashing lights a point Nodolf reiterated in her closing argument. But for the fact that Christian Abrahim collided with his vehicle, Roy Neely makes it home alive Christmas Eve, she said. I did not authorise payment for ... A Pakistani scientist describes his experience of pursuing his higher studies in China Joining a short-term research program in China has not only allowed Pakistani agricultural scientist Sayyar Khan to push forward with his academic studies, but also given him a chance to see a country he had heard so much about. Khan, 41, is an assistant professor at the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetics at the University of Agriculture located in the city of Peshawar in Pakistan. He is now doing a one-year post doctoral fellowship at the Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences. SYDNEY - A new partnership between Chinese e-commerce giant Alipay and online food and travel marketplace HarkHark is to bring Australian restaurants and Chinese consumers together, with a free translation and mobile scan-to-order app to be rolled out Down Under. Announced at the end of April, the joint initiative has 500 restaurants across Australia signed up to Alipay. It hopes to attract around 2,000 more over the next few months. According to Alipay ANZ country manager George Lawson, the app allows Chinese customers to scan an in-restaurant QR code, read a translated menu, self-order and pay on their smartphone. This will make it easier for Australian restaurants to market themselves in the lucrative Chinese tourism sector. Associated Press Writer Darlie Routier's husband discussed staging a home burglary insurance scam to pay off debt several months before two of the couple's sons were stabbed to death in their living room, according to affidavits. Darin Routier recently admitted that he wanted to hire someone to break into their upscale Rowlett home in the spring of 1996 while the family was away, according to an account first reported in Texas Monthly's July issue. He said he discussed it with his wife's stepfather and possibly others, including some reputed car thieves, but never pursued the plan and didn't tell authorities _ even after his wife was arrested, convicted and sent to death row. Dallas attorney Stephen Cooper said he will use the information, which he learned about in 2000, when he files a writ of habeas corpus in July. He is seeking a new trial, claiming new evidence proves Darlie Routier is innocent. "At trial the state hammered home: 'Why Darlie? Why this house?' This (information) certainly leads to a more distinctive possibility" of an intruder, Cooper said Friday. Devon, a week before his seventh birthday, and 5-year-old Damon suffered multiple stab wounds in the June 6, 1996, attack. Darlie's neck, shoulder and arm were slashed; Darin and the couple's infant son Drake were upstairs and uninjured. Dallas County prosecutor Toby Shook said he still believes Routier killed the boys because she was angry about money problems and the burdens of motherhood. Nothing was stolen from the home the night of the murders _ not even jewelry on the table. "We disproved at trial that there was an intruder in the house that night," Shook said Friday. "This is just another attempt to get the case reversed." Darin Routier, who did not return calls Friday to The Associated Press, has repeatedly said he believes his wife's account that an unknown intruder killed his sons and injured her. He also has denied any involvement. Routier told The Associated Press last year that he would never stop trying to prove Darlie's innocence _ even though $250,000 in legal fees cost him the couple's car, boat and dream house. Routier told the magazine that he never revealed his scam because he feared police might trump up charges against him, adding: "I don't want to help her at the expense of my life." Darlie's stepfather, Robbie Gene Kee, told the magazine he discussed the burglary plan with Darin Routier, but he doesn't know why he never told police. Kee, who has signed an affidavit about his conversation, finally told his wife two years ago, and she immediately went to Cooper. Private investigator Richard Reyna, hired by Cooper, has signed an affidavit saying Routier admitted to the fake home burglary plan. Reyna also told the magazine Routier said he had his car stolen a few years before the murders so he could collect an insurance settlement. Cooper also plans to include in the writ a recent analysis of an unidentified bloody fingerprint, which does not match the boys, their parents, emergency workers or investigators. At the 1997 trial, a state's witness said it appeared to be a child's but was too incomplete to try to be matched. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has not ruled on the direct appeal in the case. Cooper argued in March that the case should be tried again because of problems at the 1997 trial, including the transcript filled with 33,000 errors, and new evidence. "If she were tried today, it would take a jury five minutes to find her not guilty," Cooper said. Bill postponed after objections: State senate may resume debate next week US Alabama state senate postponed a vote on Thursday on what could be the nation's toughest antiabortion bill. The postponement occurred when exceptions for rape and incest were removed from the measure without a roll-call vote, sparking shouted objections from lawmakers in the legislative chamber. If signed into law, a doctor performing an abortion could be sentenced to 10 to 99 years in prison; a woman undergoing the procedure would not face criminal charges. Alabama State Representative Terri Collins, a Republican and sponsor of the bill, said the legislation is intended to create a court challenge to Roe versus Wade, the 1973 US Supreme Court decision that struck down state abortion bans in the first three months of pregnancy. "In Alabama law, it is already recognized that this baby in the womb is already a person," Collins told the Montgomery Advertiser, a daily newspaper and a news website. "If an expecting mother is killed by a drunken driver, that drunken driver is accused of double homicide because the baby is already recognized." The state Senate is expected to resume debate on the bill next week. The House had earlier passed the measure without exceptions for rape and incest. In neighboring Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill earlier this week, which effectively bans abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Georgia joins Mississippi, Kentucky and Ohio in banning abortion when doctors can detect a fetal heartbeat, typically at six weeks. "We will not back down," Kemp said, as he anticipated legal challenges to the law. "We will always continue to fight for life." Exceptions to the Georgia law include an abortion needed to save the woman's life or to prevent serious harm as well as cases of rape or incest if a police report has been filed. Sean J. Young, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia in Atlanta, vowed to challenge the law in court. "The abortion ban signed by the governor is blatantly unconstitutional under US Supreme Court precedent," Young told China Daily. "Every federal court that has heard a challenge to such a ban has struck it down. The law goes into effect in January 2020 and we will file a lawsuit well in advance. We will see the governor in court." Genevieve Wilson, spokeswoman for Georgia Right to Life, a pro-life advocacy organization in suburban Atlanta, said she was optimistic the bill would be upheld by the courts. "The strong personhood language in the law is different from others in that it says the child in the womb is a natural person," Wilson told China Daily. "We believe this would allow the courts to consider it. There's also a severability clause in the law so some provisions could be struck down while others could remain. I'm optimistic the personhood provisions in the law would remain." A judge in Kentucky blocked that state's law and a federal judge is expected to hear a legal challenge to Mississippi's law later this month. Courts have declared similar laws in Iowa and North Dakota unconstitutional. Arkansas has limited abortion to 20 weeks, but a bill now in the state legislature would prohibit the procedure 18 weeks into a pregnancy. Lawmakers in South Carolina and Tennessee are considering heartbeat bills. In 1972, the US Supreme Court voted 7-2 to overturn state abortion bans, ruling that a women's right to an abortion was covered by the right to privacy established in a previous case, Griswold versus Connecticut, and protected by the Fourteenth Amendment adopted in 1868 following the American Civil War. The decision gave a woman control of her pregnancy in the first three months and set aside 46 state abortion laws. The high court's ruling continues to spark sharp debate. In general, Democrats call themselves "prochoice" while Republicans say they are "pro-life". Those who oppose abortion believe the current 5-4 conservative majority on the US Supreme Court would overturn Roe versus Wade and return full control of the issue to the states where "heartbeat" laws like Georgia's could take effect. But the justices must agree to hear a challenge and to date have rejected all cases seeking to set aside the Roe versus Wade precedent. However, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked a Louisiana anti-abortion law but has not yet decided if it will hear a challenge to the statute. Some states, including New York and California, allow abortion through the 28th week, the Guttmacher Institute - a research and policy organization advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in the US and globally - reported. scottreeves@chinadailyusa.com (China Daily 05/11/2019 page7) SCHODACK The Schodack town board says it has spent $21,000 in legal fees so far defending the town against a group of neighbors who filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the planning board's 2018 approval of Amazon's plan to build a $100 million, one-million-square-foot warehouse on Route 9. The price tag was revealed by town attorney Christopher Langlois ahead of a vote by the town board to authorize the retention of Langlois's firm, Girvin & Ferlazzo, to defend the planning board against an appeal that has been filed by the neighbors. Last week, the neighbors, known as the Birchwood Association, filed an appeal of their original lawsuit against the planning board with the Appellate Division, Third Division in Albany. The original lawsuit was filed in state Supreme Court in Rensselaer County in late July of 2018 after the planning board gave site plan approval to the Amazon warehouse, which is expected to employ 800 people and requires 1,300 parking spots. The group sued to get the planning board to require that Amazon's developer of the project, Scannell Properties, do an in-depth Environmental Impact Statement, an environmental review that can be several thousand pages long. "The Birchwood Association remains firmly committed to ensuring that this project undergoes the thorough environmental review that the public deserves," Robert Jansing, the association's vice president, said when the appeal was filed. State Supreme Court Justice Patrick McGrath dismissed the Birchwood Association suit in January, leading to the neighborhood group's appeal of that decision on May 2 with the Appellate Division. The Schodack town board did not debate the decision to move forward with defending the appeal, although Langlois, the town attorney, said if the town did not seek to defend the appeal, the appellate division could rule against the town. "Our recommendation is that the town appear and defend on appeal," Langlois said during a public comment period. The town board's approval of Girvin & Ferlazzo allows for billing at a rate of $225 an hour, with up to $12,500 in billings without additional board approval. Schodack resident Ken Stoken, who asked the town board not to approve the hiring of Girvin & Ferlazzo to defend the appeal, said he did not feel like the planning board was representing town residents in cases like the Amazon project. He said they seemed to favor developers over neighbors, despite their concerns. "You put humans on these board, but they do not seem to bring a humanity to the system," Stoken said. "There seems to be a lack of humanity." The town board did not react or say anything about Stoken's comments before voting. Yogurt company Chobani says it will pay the school lunch debt of families attending a Rhode Island school district. Warwick Public Schools made national news when it announced that children in families who owe money for school lunches would get cold sunflower butter and jelly sandwiches instead of a hot lunch. The system later reversed the decision. The school district was owed $77,000 for unpaid school lunches and couldnt afford to take on more debt, officials said. "As a parent, this news breaks my heart," Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya said in statement. "For every child, access to naturally nutritious and delicious food should be a right, not a privilege. When our children are strong, our families are stronger. And when our families are strong, our communities are stronger. Business can and must do its part to solve the hunger crisis in America and do its part in the communities they call home." He called on other businesses to step up. Several other businesses and organizations have offered to help pay the lunch debt. In addition to paying off the debt, Chobani is also donating cups and yogurt to the community in Warwick. Several parents were furious about the school district's decision to give students with lunch debt a limited midday-meal option. They called it lunch shaming. "Just give the kids lunch," one parent wrote on the district's Facebook page. "We already lost a janitor, science teacher, don't have air conditioning, we can't spring for a chicken patty for a hungry kid? What if this is their only meal of the day?" The school district later said it was reviewing the policy. There are 1,653 families with outstanding lunch debts, CNN affiliate WJAR reported. Both school lunch debt and "lunch shaming" are huge problems in public schools nationwide. Last April, Rhode Island public schools reportedly faced $300,000 in student lunch debt. However, the practice of singling out students who have unpaid lunch debt has received widespread criticism. In 2017, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced a bill which would outlaw policies that publicize a student's lunch debt. These practices can include making a student wear a special sticker or wristband, or providing cold sandwiches instead of the usual hot-meal offering. 'Equality Act' Guts Religious Freedom NEWS PROVIDED BY Liberty Counsel May 10, 2019 WASHINGTON, May 10, 2019 /Christian Newswire/ -- HR 5, in the U.S. House, and S. 788, in the Senate, misnamed the "Equality Act," takes the unpreceded step of eliminating the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) as a claim or defense to the application of many federal laws. This bill drastically alters religious freedom in all cases, not just those involving LGBT. For example, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 permits houses of worship to make employment decisions based on religion. This recognizes the essential right for houses of worship to employ those who align with their religious doctrine. The "Equality Act" would abolish this fundamental right. Catholic and Christian churches could be forced to hire atheists. If a synagogue preferred a Jew over a Muslim, it would not be able to raise RFRA as a claim or defense. RFRA is a federal law that protects religious freedom. Specifically, it "prohibits any agency, department, or official of the United States or any State (the government) from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except that the government may burden a person's exercise of religion only if it demonstrates that application of the burden to the person." However, HR 5 clearly forbids raising RFRA as a claim or defense to the application to the "Equality Act" and many other federal laws that would be amended by this bill. This "Equality Act" extends the federal protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy, i.e. abortion. HR 5 applies to employment, housing, rental, public accommodation and more. In addition, the terms "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" will be defined to mean "pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition." In other words, under the terms of this bill, "pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition... shall not receive less favorable treatment than other physical conditions." The "Equality Act" also expands the definition of public accommodations to include places or establishments that provide (1) exhibitions, recreation, exercise, amusement, gatherings, or displays; (2) goods, services, or programs; and (3) transportation services. After passing the House Judiciary Committee recently, the "Equality Act" will now go to the House next week and then be sent to the Senate, where the bill number is S. 788. "The so-called 'Equality Act' eviscerates freedom in general and religious freedom in particular," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "It is the most serious threat to life and liberty to ever be proposed by Congress. This bill needs to be stopped in the Senate. If this bill becomes law, the consequences are staggering," said Staver. Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost. SOURCE Liberty Counsel CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org Related Links lc.org/ One man was killed and several others were injured, one critically, during a rail tanker explosion Friday afternoon in Elmendorf. Elmendorf Police Chief said Gary Garza, 39, died in the explosion that occurred at about 12:55 p.m. at the Alamo Junction Rail Park, 16456 Old Corpus Christi Road. Fire Chief Robert Hogan of Bexar County Emergency Services District 10, said they were called to the scene for reports of a railcar on fire, and an explosion with persons injured. Upon arrival, the majority of the fire was out, Hogan said. It was a flash fire. The facility is designed to clean railcars, Hogan said. Workers were in the process of cleaning a railcar when it exploded. The explosion trapped Garza inside the tanker, investigators said. Another person was critically injured and airlifted to San Antonio Military Medical Center, firefighters said. Hogan said he could not elaborate on the workers injuries because of patient privacy laws. Four other workers were taken by EMS to SAMMC for respiratory problems or minor burns, the chief said. Another worker had minor injuries after he was trampled by several others attempting to escape the flames, but he refused EMS transport. A total of six area fire department agencies were called to the scene to handle the incident, Hogan said. Hogan said the San Antonio Fire Department was called to help remove Garza from the tanker. His body was taken by the Bexar County Medical Examiners Office later in the afternoon. Investigators are now working to determine what sparked the blaze. Jacob Beltran is a reporter covering San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA The last thing the world needs is more of Robert Muellers commentary, but Congress is determined to have him hold forth at a public hearing. Its not as though we dont already have the special counsels version of events. He mustered enormous investigate resources and took two years to write a 400-page report that is available to the public and presumably carefully written (although not necessarily carefully thought through). That should be enough for Mueller to stand on and enough for Congress to make a decision to impeach or not impeach, or otherwise dispose of the matter as it sees fit. Instead, Mueller is going to be asked to expand on his already-expansive report that not only blew through Justice Department regulations but inverted the long-standing burden of proof in the Anglo-American legal tradition. As a prosecutor, Muellers job his sole job, really was to decide whether the president was guilty of a crime. He declined to do this, choosing instead to write a nearly 200-page volume on obstruction cataloging what he found in the course of not making the only decision he was supposed to make. The relevant regulations say that at the conclusion of the special counsels work he or she shall provide the Attorney General with a confidential report explaining the prosecution or declination decisions reached by the Special Counsel. On obstruction, Mueller reached no such decision, and he didnt write a confidential report, either his report was clearly meant for public consumption. Besides that, hes a stickler for the rules. Muellers action, Jack Goldsmith of Harvard Law School writes at the website Lawfare, seems inconsistent with what the regulations tried to accomplish, which was to prevent extra-prosecutorial editorializing. Worse, as Trumps special counsel Emmet Flood set out in an excoriating letter, by stipulating that the evidence prevented him from conclusively determining that no criminal conduct occurred, Mueller stood the presumption of innocence on its head. By Muellers standard, the prosecutor doesnt have to prove guilt the target has to prove innocence. And if the target doesnt, he will be disparaged in a long-form quasi-indictment spelling out why hes not exonerated. If anyone not named Donald J. Trump were subjected to this new prosecutorial standard, it would occasion widespread comment and one hopes consternation. There is, no doubt, public value in Muellers report, but he wasnt supposed to be a free-floating ombudsman or truth commission. If Congress wanted to create one of those and charge it with running down every lead related to Trumps alleged obstruction, it could have. Under the regulations, though, the special counsel is only to exercise all investigative and prosecutorial functions of any United States Attorney. Now, Congress wants Mueller to compound the offense by speaking publicly. It doesnt want facts from him. They are already in the report. It wants opinions and sound bites, especially any embarrassing to the president. Congress wants him to spend a couple of high-profile hours further not exonerating the president. If Mueller had a proper understanding of his role, he would decline the congressional invitation and perhaps write a letter giving his version of events regarding his interactions with Attorney General William Barr, which became such a flashpoint recently. But the fact is that Mueller and Congress have a symbiotic relationship. For two years, Mueller was acting as, in effect, the lead counsel for an impeachment inquiry bizarrely housed within the executive branch while Congress wants to use his moral authority as a crutch at a time when it is vulnerable to charges of partisan overreaching. This, too, is not supposed to be how the system works. But we are long beyond anyone caring. For a swath of the political world and much of the media, all that matters is that Mueller not exonerate Trump, and the more, the better, in whatever format or forum. comments.lowry@nationalreview.com THE fuel situation is expected to get better in the next few weeks as the countrys top four fuel companies started receiving deliveries from the Msasa depot yesterday. This follows the intervention by Government through availing Letters of Credit (LCs) worth more than US$50 million to Engen Petroleum, Total Zimbabwe, Zuva Energy and Puma Energy. Energy and Power Development Minister, Dr Joram Gumbo said this yesterday while responding to questions from journalists during a post-Cabinet briefing. At least four or five big oil companies have already started picking up fuel, said Dr Gumbo. He said Total Zimbabwe had LCs of about US$13 million which have matured; Zuva US$12 million and Engen US$25 million. Some small fuel companies were given their usual allocations and cash. LCs, also known as a documentary credit or letter of undertaking, are a payment mechanism used in international trade to provide an economic guarantee from a creditworthy bank to an exporter of goods. A snap survey by our Harare Bureau yesterday revealed that fuel tankers had started delivering fuel to a number of service stations in Harare, a move described by Dr Gumbo as a good sign. Government is optimistic the fuel situation would improve further in the coming weeks. Dr Gumbo said while Government continues to import fuel every week, the country has adequate stocks that will see our country and economy running. He said despite foreign currency shortages which occasionally impact on fuel availability, the country will never run dry. I want to assure the nation that there is commitment from the Government to make sure that there is no time that the nation will ever ground to a halt because of fuel shortages. We keep on doing our best to make sure that there is adequate fuel in the country. Our problem, which we normally meet, is because international companies do not allow our local companies to pick the fuel at Msasa and Mabvuku depots before the Letters of Credit reflect in their own countries, said Dr Gumbo. He said there was collective responsibility between him and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Dr John Mangudya in terms of procuring fuel. The clarification comes after social media was awash with claims that only the RBZ had been burdened with ensuring availability of fuel. To say there is no collective responsibility is unfounded. I was trying to express in Shona that the office of the RBZ governor, which is seized (together) with the committee that does the allocation of forex each week for fuel companies, had for that particular week not been able to release enough money. As I speak right now, the RBZ has been able to release a good amount of money and more oil companies than usual which are Zuva, Engen and Total, among others, have started picking up fuel from Msasa since yesterday which should see a stability in the fuel supply in the country, said Minister Gumbo. Meanwhile, Dr Gumbo said Governments decision to liberalise the foreign currency exchange rate in February has resulted in a decline in fuel consumption. Consumption of diesel has gone down to about 3 million litres per day while petrol consumption has also declined to about 2 million litres per day. Before that, individuals and companies were gobbling about 4,5 million litres of diesel per day and 3,8 million litres of petrol per day. Yesterdays post-Cabinet briefing was chaired by Environment and Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Prisca Mupfumira, who was standing in for Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Minister Monica Mutsvangwa. Chronicle Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News A CHIPINGE family was left traumatised after their maid did the unthinkable and stole their infant, while a 19-year-old woman from Chigodora has been hauled before a regional court in Mutare on allegations of stealing a child from a vendor in a bid to please her ex-husband. In Chipinge, the recently employed domestic worker was later arrested at her rural home in Chiredzi after detectives quickly reacted and made a follow up. Virginia Tanatswa Sithole from Porusingazi Village under Chief Gudo area committed the crime on Tuesday. She is set to appear in court today on theft and kidnapping chrages. The mother of the infant Margaret Muyambo of Medium Density, who is employed as a nurse at Chipinge District Hospital was relieved after reuniting with her daughter. On Monday my colleagues introduced me to this girl who was looking for a job. I really wanted someone to look after my daughter while I am at work. I took the maid to my office and explained to her the conditions of service. We agreed and I took her to my house. The following day I went to work leaving her with my one-year-old daughter. At around 4pm I drove home intending to check if my daughter was okay and that is when I realised that the maid was not at home. I tried to be patient and waited for her return for some hours but she did not show up. I notified my husband and he made a police report and a search was conducted. We did not sleep that night. A team of detectives then made a follow and recovered my daughter in Chiredzi on Wednesday at around 2pm. I want to give credit to detectives at Chipinge CID for their work because they recovered my daughter alive. She was medically examined and everything is well, she said. Chipinge district CID public relations officer, Assistant Inspector Daniel Mhini, confirmed the incident and said the culprit is expected to appear in court soon. On May 6, the kidnapper posed as an innocent childminder to Margaret Muyambo who was looking for a maid. Muyambo employed Sithole as a child minder and entrusted her to keep the infant at her matrimonial home. On May 7 at around 8 am, Muyambo went to her workplace leaving her child in the care of the purported child minder. At around 3pm on the same day the deceitful child minder transformed her evil thoughts into action, ransacked the bedroom and stole R500 before strapping the baby on her back. She left the residence and boarded a commuter omnibus to her rural home in Porusingazi Village which is about 200km from Chipinge town. Muyambo returned back home and found the child missing, he said. Meanwhile, in a desperate bid to please her ex-husband and relatives, the 19-year-old Chigodora woman stole a two-month-old baby boy on Sunday from a vendor at Sakubva market. The babys mother, Energy Mangarais cell phone sold out the culprit, Cressy Andisani, after she had earlier used it to call her ex-husband to inform him about the good news. Mangarai proceeded to her ex-husbands homestead in Chigodora to show them the bundle of joy. She pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges when she appeared before Mutare regional magistrate, Mrs Loice Mukunyadze. The sentence was expected to be passed once results of medical examination were availed. Nomathemba Sayi prosecuted. The court heard that Mangarai, a vendor at Sakubva Musika, was at her vending stall on May 5 at around 12pm carrying the baby on her back. Andisani arrived and asked for her cell phone to call her ex-husband Isaac Mundodzo. After making the call she asked to help Mangarai carry her baby while she did her work. Andisani vanished with the baby for almost two hours until Mangarai became suspicious. Mangarai tracked her through Mundodzos cell number and managed to apprehend her in Chigodora. The suspect had introduced the baby as hers with Isaac Mundodzo, said Sayi. ManicaPost Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Following the High Court ruling on Wednesday this week which nullified the opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa as the legitimate President among other party processes post 2014 congress, the development has seen a splinter group leader Dr Thokozani Khupe pleading for a dialogue to chart a new direction for the opposition. Khupe who is over the moon said judge Edith Mushore ruling has given her the powers to take charge of the main opposition party in the country. Briefing the press in the capital today, Khupe appreciated the High court ruling saying it gives her a huge responsibility as it remains to be seen what would her next step in leading the party to an elective congress using 2014 structures as ordered by the court. I accept and appreciate the judgement and I stand guided by the court order. The judgement has placed me back as the leader of MDC-T. I therefore accept the huge responsibility that it places on me, Khupe said. Khupe said it is however incumbent to all parties mentioned in the court ruling to put all heads on the deck for the purposes of mapping the way forward. There is therefore an urgent need for dialogue between all parties mentioned in this court order including the applicant on how we can implement it. To achieve this we have instructed our legal counsel to engage the other partys lawyer so that we can dialogue and together map a way forward, she said. The court ruling ordered the labour backed movement to put its house in order using the 2014 structures nullifying party founding father the late Dr Richard Morgan Tsvangirais appointment of Nelson Chamisa and Engineer Elias Mudzuri in 2016 as second and third deputies. Meanwhile, party insiders have raised fingers at the embattled secretary General Douglas Mwonzora who they suspect is behind the court ruling after his plans to contest party presidency went up in smoke receiving only one nomination to retain his current position. The MDC has vowed to proceed with its elective congress which is scheduled for May end in Gweru where Chamisa awaits formal inauguration as party leader after receiving absolute nominations. 263Chat Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Movement for Democratic Change Vice President, Professor Welshman Ncube on Friday made an emotional plea to party congress delegates to retain him as second in command in a bid to fulfill a promise he made to the late President Morgan Tsvangirai. Ncube, a seasoned politician said it was crucial for him to continue as vice president and assist President Nelson Chamisa as that dovetails with the wishes of late founding party leader, Tsvangirai. Professor Ncube was addressing Midlands congress delegates during the second round of manifesto presentations by all candidates in Gweru. When President Tsvangirai was about to go to South Africa for his last treatment, we had a principals forum on the fourth of January, he sent Innocent Chagonda to extend his invitation to me so that I go to his house on the sixth of January Professor Ncube began his emotional address. When I went there, he said Prof, doctors are saying the treatment I am receiving is not working, am going back to South Africa for an experimental treatment. I dont know whether its going to work or not narrated Prof Ncube what would be his last engagement with iconic Tsvangirai. It was very emotional, I sat there holding back tears. It was clear to me that umuntu omdala wayeselayela. He then said I want President Chamisa (then Vice President) to take over and chair the principals forum. I want you to assist him in the campaigns and going forward to give the people of Zimbabwe a fighting chance against the junta. Promise me that you will assist him said Prof Ncube. He added I said President (Tsvangirai) , you have my word, I promise you. Professor Ncube said he then suggested that Chamisa be called and hear for himself Tsvangirais critical request and his pledge. Chamisa came and we sat together in front of President Tsvangirai and I promised President Chamisa in front of President Tsvangirai that I will assist him unwaveringly all the way. I am here today to ask you to fulfill my promise (of assisting President Chamisa) and am requesting you to vote for me so that I can continue to assist President Chamisa said Professor Ncube amid thunderous applause from delegates. Ncube is battling it out with six other candidates for three slots who include Tendai Biti, Morgan Komichi, Elias Mudzuri, Tracy Muthinhiri, Lillian Timveous and Lynnette Karenyi Kore. On Saturday the party is expected to hold its third debate in Gwanda. Byo24 Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News By Sharon Kelly, an attorney and freelance writer based in Philadelphia. She has reported for The New York Times, The Guardian, The Nation, National Wildlife, Earth Island Journal, and a variety of other publications. Prior to beginning freelance writing, she worked as a law clerk for the ACLU of Delaware. Originally published at DeSmogBlog. On Monday, Oregon state regulators dealt a blow to the proposed Jordan Cove Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project, refusing to issue a state water quality certificate required by the Army Corps of Engineers, citing unresolved concerns about water pollution and the companys failure to answer information requests from the state in a timely manner. This is a huge victory for clean water and healthy ecosystems in Oregon, and it will help protect our climate from dangerous fossil fuel projects, Jared Margolis, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. The state water quality standards are intended to protect people and species from harm, and its clear Jordan Cove would cause incredible damage to Oregons waterways. The state decision was made without prejudice, meaning that the company can reapply. The projects owner, Pembina Pipeline Corp., had told investors four days before the water certification rejection that it planned to reduce its Jordan Cove spending forecast for the year to $50 million, a 50 percent reduction, and that it would hunt for partners to buy out 40 to 60 percent of its stake in Jordan Cove and the associated Pacific Connector pipeline. Pembinas Management team is working to better understand this decision and its impacts and will communicate updates when appropriate, Pembina spokesperson Tasha Cadotte told the Associated Press after the state rejected the certification. In April, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider whether state approval should be required for energy infrastructure projects under the Clean Water Act (drawing immediate objections from over a dozen environmental groups who argued that the move would be unlawful). Largest Source of Greenhouse Gases in Oregon Jordan Cove has sought federal permits to daily ship more than 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas, a fossil fuel which can be worse for the climate than coal, according to multiple studies, when burned for electrical power. If built, Jordan Cove would become the largest source of climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, numbers from a recently completed federal environmental review show, releasing 2.14 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents a year a huge chunk of Oregons total greenhouse gas goal, set at 51 million tons next year and tightening after that. New report shows Jordan Cove LNG export terminal and pipeline would emit as much as 15X Oregons grossest coal plant. https://t.co/OMDxL9wvJP Emma Marris (@Emma_Marris) 12 January 2018 Outside estimates have pegged the projects total greenhouse gas footprint far higher, based on an assessment that includes the full life cycle of the gas shipped through Jordan Cove, rather than on-site emission alone. Jordan Cove would create 36.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions based on a full life-cycle analysis, a 2018 Oil Change International report concluded. It would take the states only remaining coal-fired power plant 15 years to create as much greenhouse gas pollution as Jordan Cove would emit in one year, that analysis found. That coal-fired power plant, the Boardman plant, is slated to close next year, and Portland General Electric announced in February that it planned to build a 380 megawatt wind, solar, and battery energy facility to power 105,000 homes to partially replace Boardmans 575 megawatts of power. The West Coast LNG terminal would allow gas from Colorado much of it from fracked gas wells and Canada to be shipped to Asia. Pembina has said it reached non-binding deals with potential buyers abroad for LNG shipped through Jordan Cove and is working to reach binding agreements. Proposed Projects Troubled History In 2016, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected Jordan Cove because its owner had failed to show demand for its gas in Asia by signing contracts with buyers and citing the harm to Oregon landowners and the environment. Later that year, it rejected a request to reconsider. Pembina acquired the project in 2017 and re-applied for FERC approval. Top Trump administration officials signaled strong support for Jordan Cove. The first thing were going to do is were going to permit an LNG export facility in the Northwest, Gary Cohn, then-director of the National Economic Council said in 2017 remarks reported by The Washington Post. The one place were going to permit in the Northwest, its been turned down twice already. On March 29, FERC released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Jordan Cove, which opened up a public comment period for the project through July 5. Rural landowners, shoulder to shoulder with urban progressives, have been organizing against #JordanCove for years. Oregon DEQ just denied Clean Water Act 401 permit for the risky export pipeline. Great work @nolngexports https://t.co/aRrMiUnccv #RogueLandowners @SenJeffMerkley pic.twitter.com/OmPbB6XwL0 Jane Fleming Kleeb (@janekleeb) 6 May 2019 Environmentalists called on the commission to reject Jordan Cove once again. FERC was right to reject this dangerous fracked gas export terminal last time, when FERC explained that there was no evidence showing that anybody actually wanted to buy gas from this boondoggle, said Rhett Lawrence, Conservation Director of the Sierra Clubs Oregon Chapter. Nothing has changed since then. Gulf Coast LNG Export Wave Is Bigger, More Polluting Natural gas and LNG are both notorious for their price swings making construction of major LNG import and export terminals, which can cost billions of dollars and take years to move from drawing board to operation, a risky prospect for investors. Nonetheless, driven by a massive glut of gas from the North American shale drilling rush, a massive wave of LNG export projects is underway. Proposed LNG export terminals in the U.S. are concentrated along the Gulf Coast. Credit: FERC Five of the 11 projects FERC currently lists as proposed are larger than Jordan Cove, including the 3.6 billion cubic feet (bcf) per day Brownsville project in Brownsville, Texas, and the 3.4 bcf/day Venture Global LNGproject in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, which would each have more than tripled the capacity of the proposed Oregon terminal. In April, FERC announced approval for Tellurians Driftwood LNG project in Louisiana recipient of the largest local tax break in U.S.history, with a capacity of 4 bcf/day and the Port Arthur Liquefaction Project in Port Arthur, Texas, with a 1.86 bcf/day capacity. Construction has not yet started on those two plants and three others recently approved by FERC, all the same size or larger than Jordan Cove. Tellurian plans a final investment decision on Driftwood this year. Earlier this month, the Trump administrations Department of Energy granted Driftwood and Sempra Energys Port Arthur project export approvals that would permit their LNG to be sold in Asian countries. And FERCissued a final environmental impact study for a proposed 3.4 bcf/day plant in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, moving that project closer to approval. The gas industry is expected to pour $200 billion into LNG import and export facilities and associated projects between 2019 and 2025, according to energy researchers at Wood Mackenzie. By 2030, the United Nations has warned, the world must have taken dramatic action to slash carbon and methane emissions. Last October, the UN released a report warning that within 12 years, the world must reduce its greenhouses gas pollution by 40 to 50 percent or risk breaching the 1.5 degree Celsius goal (which would carry, at minimum, impacts like significantly worse droughts, flooding, and risks to human health and the economy.) We are the last generation that can prevent irreparable damage to our planet, General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces said in a March 28 address. Eleven years is all we have ahead of us to change our direction. 2019 must be the year of climate action at all levels. Bill McKibben and Elizabeth Kolbert on the U.N. Extinction Report New Yorker Climate Activists Win Necessity Defense Case in London Climate Liability News Corporations are funding health and nutrition research heres why you should be worried The Conversation A Bid to Maintain One of the Worlds Oldest Culinary Traditions NYT Tiger farms in Laos fuel demand for tiger parts on the black market WaPo Procrastination Quartz A war is brewing over lithium mining at the edge of Death Valley LA Times (Carla) Germany Open Its First eHighway System for Trucks Interesting engineering (chuck l) Worlds fastest bullet train starts test runs in Japan Nikkei Asian Review How weeds help fight climate change BBC Why the moons south pole may be the hottest destination in space National Geographic Waste Watch Heres Why Airplane Boarding Got So Ridiculous New York magazine Big Brother IS Watching You Watch Porsche, Fiat face multimillion-dollar payouts in separate diesel scandals Ars Technica Class Warfare Health Care WHO warns Ebola could spread elsewhere if attacks dont stop AP 2020 GND A Green New Deal Must Prioritize Regenerative Agriculture TruthOut Boeing 737 MAX India Erdogans Civil Coup Jacobin Syraqistan China? Venezuela Silicon Valley Giants Collaborate With The US Government On Caitlin Johnstone Trump Transition Antidote du Jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. (Natural News) Last week, President Donald J. Trump did what no other public official would ever do: He re-tweeted InfoWars. (Article by Shane Trejo republished from BigLeaguePolitics.com) This sent the fake news media into a complete frenzy with low-rated CNN hack Brian Stelter actually calling Trump the InfoWars President. .@brianstelter: Trump's furious reaction to Facebook's ban of some high-profile users shows us that he is, I'm sorry to say, the Infowars president. He's promoting the same alternative universe as Infowars and sharing videos from repugnant characters. https://t.co/LDDjK2BEcY pic.twitter.com/wpRVrfQvlR CNN (@CNN) May 5, 2019 Despite their hyperbole, the CNN commentators are not exactly wrong. Trump was elected because he would talk about conspiracy theories that no other candidate would ever dare broach. Trump engaged the populist right when nobody in the Washington D.C. bubble had the guts to do so, and he was rewarded the Presidency as a result. I am continuing to monitor the censorship of AMERICAN CITIZENS on social media platforms. This is the United States of America and we have whats known as FREEDOM OF SPEECH! We are monitoring and watching, closely!! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2019 How can it be possible that James Woods (and many others), a strong but responsible Conservative Voice, is banned from Twitter? Social Media & Fake News Media, together with their partner, the Democrat Party, have no idea the problems they are causing for themselves. VERY UNFAIR! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 4, 2019 Trump at least innately understands the power of the anti-establishment message, and social media dissidents were certainly thrilled that the President used his tremendous bully pulpit to amplify the message of the censored voices. However, we cannot take for granted that Trump will follow through on his strong rhetoric. There have been times where Trump has stated that he would be observing important issues only to follow his declarations with total inaction. Trump once claimed that he was intending to end birthright citizenship via executive order shortly before the 2018 mid-terms, but following the elections, no action was taken on this front, and it was quickly forgotten. Trump Says He Will Void Birthright Citizenship Law Through Executive Order https://t.co/EDMvO7gNcv NPR (@NPR) October 30, 2018 The President also claimed that he was ordering Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to closely study the genocidal murder of white farmers in South Africa by militant black terrorists. No concrete action ever emerged from that either. I have asked Secretary of State @SecPompeo to closely study the South Africa land and farm seizures and expropriations and the large scale killing of farmers. South African Government is now seizing land from white farmers. @TuckerCarlson @FoxNews Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2018 President Trump performs the best when he is being pressured by his base. When his supporters lose themselves in the euphoria of Trumps constant ownage of the libs, he can veer extensively from his electoral mandate. We are seeing it right now with on the crucial issue of immigration where foreign labor is being imported to the U.S. for low and high wage jobs to boost corporate profit margins at the expense of native workers. On foreign policy, Trump has similarly strayed from his America First mandate by inviting neoconservatives such as Mike Pompeo, Elliott Abrams and John Bolton into his administration. Now regime-change wars are becoming real possibilities in Venezuela and Iran, despite the fact that candidate Trump campaigned against incursions such as the Iraq War. If the grassroots stops applying pressure on the issue of tech censorship, it may depart from Trumps radar and fall by the wayside. We cannot allow that to happen. Because as urgent as the issues of immigration and foreign policy are, stopping the Big Tech monopoly from enacting the Orwellian nightmare is of paramount importance. Lawyers in the Trump administration should be considering all of the options at their disposal from using anti-trust laws to amending enforcement of the Communications Decency Act to classifying tech giants as public utilities. In fact, they should have been at this for quite some time already. The time has passed for bromides about conservative principles and waxing poetic about the free market. Conservatism has conserved nothing except corporate power. The free market is a misnomer, as powerful multinationals dictate modern capitalism through government privilege. Its past time to shake off Chamber of Koch influence like a bad case of fleas, and proceed toward defeating hostile tech giants who are as rabid as AOC in their leftist activist push to destroy our bedrock freedoms. We must keep the fire burning, with campaigns on problematic social media platforms as well as phone campaigns and other forms of agitation. This life-or-death struggle for freedom of speech cannot go down the memory hole. We owe it to our posterity to defeat the greatest evil of our times, Big Brother. Read more at: BigLeaguePolitics.com (Natural News) Children are hitting puberty earlier during the last two decades than at any other point in human history. This unhealthily fast rate of physiological development is connected to hormone-disrupting chemicals in synthetic toothpastes and other common products. California-based researchers reported that these toxic chemicals can affect the development of children as early as the time that they were still in the womb of their mothers. Published in the journal Human Reproduction, their study raised alarms regarding the widespread use of products with these chemicals. We know that some of the things we put on our bodies are getting into our bodies, either because they pass through the skin or we breathe them in or we inadvertently ingest them, remarked University of California, Berkeley researcher Kim Harley, the lead author of the study. We need to know how these chemicals are affecting our health. Harley drew her data from an earlier long-term study of 338 children from birth to adolescence. She found that the physical and mental development of children can be affected by early exposure to toxic chemicals. (Related: Homes are laden with chemicals that are increasing your risk of CANCER.) Endocrine disruptors in toothpaste and other products speed up puberty The Berkeley research team concentrated on three different types of toxic chemicals: Parabens, phthalates, and phenols. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors that can copy the effects of various hormones. They can cause abnormally fast rates of development in children. The endocrine disruptors are used in all kinds of products. Exposure to them is pretty much guaranteed. Phthalates are used to fix the smell of deodorants, perfumes, and other scented products. They also serve as plasticizers that made plastics soft and flexible, thereby preventing cracks in nail polish and plastic packaging material. Parabens have preservative properties that extend the lifespan of perishable products. Phenols, on the other hand, increase the durability of certain products. Triclosan and benzophenone are phenols that are used for antimicrobial purposes. Girls are heavily affected by parabens, phthalates, and phenols The Berkeley study found that girls were much more vulnerable to the effects of these endocrine disruptors. Girls experienced earlier development of pubic hair when exposed to prenatal urinary monoethyl phthalate. Their menarche or first menstruation came earlier due to prenatal exposure to triclosan and 2,4-dichlorophenol. Methylparaben exposure caused their breasts, pubic hair, and menarche to develop or take place earlier. Propylparaben also sped up the appearance of their first menstruation. Finally, 2,5-dichlorophenol delayed the appearance of their pubic hair. Meanwhile, male participants did not display prenatal urinary biomarker concentration. But their genitals did develop earlier when exposed to peripubertal concentrations of propylparaben. Early puberty is linked to breast cancer, mental problems, and ovarian cancer in girls. It also caused testicular cancer in boys. Switch to phthalate-free versions of these common products Phthalates are found in a lot of products consumed or used on a daily basis. They are invisible to the naked eye and cant be detected by smell or taste. They are found in the following: Cosmetics and personal care products, e.g. hair spray, nail polish, perfume, shampoo, skin moisturizers, soap, and toothpaste. Medical items, such as IV tubes and fluid bags. Adhesives, building materials, detergents, insecticides, lubricants, plastic plumbing pipes, solvents, vinyl flooring, and wood finishes. Processed and packaged food like animal products, dairy products, and fast food. Experts warned that phthalate byproducts can be found in the urine of almost all Americans. And those are just one type of endocrine disruptors. But exposure to these hormone-disrupting chemicals can be reduced by switching to alternative household and personal care products that are made from natural ingredients. Sources include: WakingTimes.com NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. (Natural News) With the relentless push for Big Pharma to force vaccines into children using government authority, Texas state Rep. Jonathan Stickland (R-Bedford) is making a stand. (Article by Shane Trejo republished from BigLeaguePolitics.com) Stickland took aim at Dr. Peter Hotez, a leading advocate for mandatory vaccinations who is pushing for social media entities to restrict non-corporate speech that is skeptical of Big Pharmas shots. We need a more robust system of pro-vaccine advocacy in this country, Hotez said. New #vaccine exemption @TexasDSHS numbers tell much of the story. I'll tell the rest: Children of #Texas have been placed in harm's way for the financial gain of special & outside interest groups. Calling on our TX elected leaders to say "NO MAS" and stand up for our children! pic.twitter.com/60coHonYtx Prof Peter Hotez MD PhD (@PeterHotez) May 7, 2019 Hotez is lobbying for Texas to move in the direction of other more left-leaning states that are eliminating personal belief waivers for vaccines, setting the stage for mandatory vaccinations. Thats what Id like to see done in Washington and Oregon, and done here [in Texas], Hotez said. Any move toward that is welcome. Hotez is particularly hostile toward individuals of deep religious faith who wish to abstain from Big Pharmas toxic inoculations. If you look at the major religions, I cant think of any mainstream prohibitions against vaccines, maybe some sects or spinoffs, he said. These are important times where religious leaders need to speak out on behalf of vaccines. We need an interfaith statement on vaccines. It was these comments and others that prompted the liberty-minded legislator Stickland to put the Mengelean physician in his place. New #vaccine exemption @TexasDSHS numbers tell much of the story. I'll tell the rest: Children of #Texas have been placed in harm's way for the financial gain of special & outside interest groups. Calling on our TX elected leaders to say "NO MAS" and stand up for our children! pic.twitter.com/60coHonYtx Prof Peter Hotez MD PhD (@PeterHotez) May 7, 2019 Hotez responded by saying in a follow-up Tweet: I dont take a dime from the vaccine industry. I develop neglected disease vaccines for the worlds poorest people. And as a Texas pediatrician-scientist it is most certainly my business. Unimpressed by Hotezs lip service, Stickland doubled-down with an even harsher condemnation of the doctor, accusing him of pushing sorcery. Make the case for your sorcery to consumers on your own dime. Like every other business. Quit using the heavy hand of government to make your business profitable through mandates and immunity. Its disgusting. Jonathan Stickland (@RepStickland) May 7, 2019 Stickland was correct to hammer Hotez for his deceptive and misleading rhetoric because the prominent mouthpiece is, in fact, closely connected to Big Pharma. Hotez formerly served as the President of the Sabin Vaccine Institute and used to serve on the Board of Directors of the Immunization Partnership (TIP). These two organizations are propped up by significant donations from the pharmaceutical industry. According to their annual report from 2015-2016, TIPs donors included Big Pharma giants such as Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, and Pzifer. Merck and GlaxoSmithKline were also found on the donor list for Sabin as well. Stickland is also promoting liberty in the Lone Star State by pushing for a measure to ban red light cameras, which passed the Texas state House this morning: It turns out that in the Texas House, red light cameras are more unpopular than @RepStickland. pic.twitter.com/JfyQMhR1ZF jonathantilove (@JTiloveTX) May 8, 2019 Stickland may have suffered a hiccup when he sided with House GOP leadership over grassroots 2nd Amendment advocates last month, but he has rebounded quickly. This child-targeting sorcerer, Hotez may think twice before disseminating Big Pharma propaganda over social media in the future. Read more at: BigLeaguePolitics.com Two sniffling chimps could be one too many for a wild chimpanzee community susceptible to respiratory disease outbreaks, report Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers at the University of Minnesota. The team's findings were a result of their development of a syndromic surveillance system to noninvasively and preemptively detect a potential outbreak of respiratory disease. The study recently was published in EcoHealth. "This could significantly improve our ability to intervene and slow down, or even stop, outbreaks among great ape groups," said Dr. Tiffany Wolf, Assistant Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota. "Hopefully, we can use this technique to better understand disease transmission among wildlife around the world." Respiratory diseases are increasingly recognized as having a significant impact on great ape populations that have at least some level of contact with humans. In Gombe, respiratory disease is responsible for, or has been associated with, more than 50 percent of mortalities in chimpanzees. Syndromic surveillance is a type of surveillance that can detect a health issue before a disease is diagnosed, or even before a specific pathogen is known to be involved. It uses easily identifiable indicators that do not require physical contact with an individual or a population. "Syndromic surveillance is a relatively new approach in wildlife care and has great potential to help us head diseases off at the pass," said Dr. Janet Patterson-Kane, Morris Animal Foundation Chief Scientific Officer. "We are proud to support projects like this that could facilitate early interventions for small populations put at risk by emerging infectious diseases." For their study, funded in part by Morris Animal Foundation, Dr. Wolf and her team analyzed data from researchers who studied two chimpanzee communities at Tanzania's Gombe National Park, from 2004 to 2012. One community had about 25 individuals, while the other had between 50 and 60. The researchers primarily watched the chimps' behaviors, but also noted different symptoms of respiratory disease, such as coughing, sneezing and runny noses. Dr. Wolf's analysis of data detected 14 outbreaks from 2005 to 2012, eight of which were previously unrecorded. The team first used this information to establish a baseline normal level of respiratory disease. They examined the frequency of respiratory symptoms over times when outbreaks didn't occur to establish a threshold that, if crossed, could alert observers that an outbreak could occur. Dr. Wolf then developed an agent-based computer model that simulated respiratory disease transmission under various conditions. This allowed the researchers to determine how effective the surveillance system was in detecting outbreaks of different sizes and at different times of the year. The study showed that if even two chimpanzees are observed with signs of respiratory disease over a period of one week, the community could be on the verge of an outbreak. Once alerted, local wildlife caretakers could then collect noninvasive diagnostic samples, such as fecal matter or chewed up fruit, to try and detect pathogens, including bacteria or viruses. If deemed necessary and possible, veterinary professionals could then intervene. With a worldwide population estimated to be between 170,000 and 300,000 individuals, chimpanzees are classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Improving disease outbreak detection is critical to help wildlife professionals manage remaining populations and improve the chances not only for survival, but species recovery. A San Diego woman who says she was abused by a clergy member as a girl is urging other local sexual abuse victims to file reports with the state so religious leaders may be held accountable. Cynthia Ann Doe is speaking out for the first time about what she says Monsignor Gregory Sheridan did to her when she was five years old and a parishoner at St. Jude's Shrine of the West in the 60s. Sheridan was named last November by the Catholic Diocese of San Diego among a list of more than 50 abusive priests in San Diego and San Bernardino of whom the diocese said it had received a credible allegation involving sexual abuse of a minor. During a press conference outside the church's doors, Doe did not publicly detail the priest's acts but urged other victims to come forward so that Sheridan and the Diocese of San Diego could be investigated by the California Attorney General's office. "Release yourself from the burden of the anger and the shame of what happened to you as an innocent child, it is not your fault and it is not too late," Doe said. She said the trauma from that time period in her life sent her into therapy for the last nearly 40 years. "What you are left with, unknowingly, is that you are worthless, dirty, a bad person -- so bad that even God must not love you because your priest hurt you and made you feel nasty," she said. Last November, California AG Xavier Becerra asked victims of clerical sex abuse to submit complaints to his office and, last week, Becerra furthered the investigation by sending letters to 12 state dioceses informing them cases in their jurisdiction were under review. The letters ask diocese to voluntarily preserve documents relating to abuse allegations involving clergy, staffers and volunteers that were received from 1996 to the present. The attorney general's office will look into whether the archdiocese properly reported the allegations under California law. George -- a Sacramento attorney who has filed more than 100 reports of abuse involving clergy in Los Angeles, Oakland, Santa Rosa, Fresno, San Diego and Monterrey -- said Friday he was stunned that the Catholic Diocese of San Diego was not one of them. That's why he and his client stood outside St. Jude's Friday to urge locals who have been victims of childhood sexual abuse by the church to submit claims to the state. They hope more complaints will prompt the AG's office to take action in San Diego. "That's why I'm here; I can't be the only person. I know I'm not the only person," Doe said. Sheridan died in 1991 after serving for about 30 years in the county, at St. Jude, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Ramona and St. Peters in Fallbrook. Doe and her attorney, Dr. Joseph George, have submitted claims to the Catholic Diocese of San Diego and the state but have otherwise not filed a lawsuit against the priest or the diocese. They do accuse the diocese of not acting on Doe's tip. NBC 7 has reached out to the Catholic Diocese of San Diego for comment on the allegations against the priest and their handling of the allegations but has not yet heard back. In November, the diocese issued a statement to NBC 7 stating: "The Diocese publishes a list of all priests credibly accused of abusing minors prominently on its website. All accusations of priest misconduct are taken seriously. The allegations are reviewed by an Independent Review Board, a lay committee that includes persons with judicial, law enforcement and legal experience, as well as a marriage and family therapist and a victim of sex abuse. If the Review Board concludes that an allegation is credible, than the priest is permanently forbidden from functioning as a priest at the diocese or anywhere in the world. The diocese is a mandatory reporter. All accusations are reported to civil authorities and victims are encouraged to report any incident to law enforcement. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no new incidents involving priests and minors since the diocese implemented major reforms in 2003. These reforms include fingerprinting and background checks for all priests and church personnel who interact with children, training for students and staff in Catholic schools and religious education, and zero tolerance for any priest credibly accused of abusing a child. If anyone believes the published list is incomplete, they may contact the Diocese at (858)490-8353." A 28-year-old San Jose woman was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter after a crash on State Route 17 in Santa Clara County early Saturday morning left a teenager dead, authorities said. Ashley Marie Oliver, 28, was driving a Chrysler minivan in the wrong direction on southbound SR 17 just south of Redwood Estates shortly after 2 a.m. when she crashed into a Toyota Corolla carrying five passengers ages 17 and 16, according to the California Highway Patrol. A 16-year-old boy riding in the backseat of the Corolla died, and three other passengers suffered major injuries that are not considered life threatening, CHP Officer Ross Lee said. Oliver was treated at the hospital for injuries that were not considered serious, then booked into Santa Clara County Jail. Fire crews responded just after 2:11 a.m. to the crash, according to a Santa Clara County Fire Department news release. Both vehicles were found with major damage and facing northbound in the southbound lanes of the highway. Crews extracted two trapped individuals, including the fatal victim. The other was taken to a trauma center, along with four others who were injured in the crash, the fire department said. The fatal victim has not yet been identified by the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office. The passengers in the Corolla were from Fremont, Lee said, and some may not have been wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. A new Instagram account is out to educate tourists behaving badly in one of the most beautiful coastlines of the world. BigSurHatesYou is just what it sounds like. Run anonymously, the account labels itself as wanting to (Educ)hate you on everything youve been doing wrong in this rugged stretch of Californias central coast between Carmel and San Simeon. Thousands of tourists descend on this sliver of paradise hugging the narrow two-lane State Route 1, famous for its winding turns, misty cliffs and beaches, but some unfortunately forget to adhere to rules set by local and state officials. The account posts photos of tourists misbehaving, including lighting illegal bonfires, trampling on wildflowers, taking selfies at Area Closed signs, posing next to seals and standing in the middle of the highway just to take a selfie. I don't speak Russian, so I can't even try to talk some sense into this person, the anonymous author says in an Instagram post showing a tourist sitting right next to a resting seal. It looks like you are on the wrong side of the sign - Please remove that photo so others don't think it's okay to do that, another post says next to a photo of a woman posing behind an Area Closed sign. Can you please add the hashtag #firepermit to your post so that people understand it's not okay to just build a campfire in the backcountry? Also, some more defensible space is very necessary, the caption next to a tent in a wooded area reads. Sometimes the tourists respond back, thanking the account. The account is similar in tone to Public Lands Hate You and You Did Not Sleep There, all of which strike back at tourists blatantly refusing to follow the rules. Vandalism is often reported in national parks in California, including Yosemite and Joshua Tree. Environmental activists have used the power of social media to shame tourists behaving badly and even launched online petitions to help report violations. Last year, residents of Big Sur launched the Big Sur Pledge to start campaigning for better behavior from tourists. They might be in their 90s but the last surviving Rosie the Riveters have not forgotten the men who gave up their lives fighting in World War II. The same Rosies who helped build warships in the Bay Area more than 70 years ago will soon travel to Normandy, France to stand alongside the last surviving veterans. People in Europe and here in the states raised nearly $30,000 to help six Rosies from the Bay Area travel to Normandy where they will be honored and recognized on D-Day. The trip is even more special for one of the Rosies who has waited 75 years to visit her brothers grave. "I don't know how I'm going to act after I get there, to the grave and it worries me," said Marian Wynn from Fairfield. "I don't know if my blood pressure is going to shoot high." Wynn's brother, Donald Parsons gave up farming in the fields of the Midwest for the battlefields of Europe. One of the last memories she has from him is a letter he wrote while in France. "Well Marian, its pretty hard to write a big letter here I suppose you know by now I am somewhere in France," the letter says. Shortly after the letter was sent, Wynn received the news that her brother had been killed in Normandy, Parsons was 22. Wynn took a Greyhound from Minnesota to California where she got a job as a welder in the Richmond Shipyards where she worked alongside other women who later became known as Rosie the Riveters. All six of the Rosies will travel together to Normandy at the end of May for the upcoming D-Day Commemoration. "Weve become like sisters," said Agnes Moore from Walnut Creek. Hundreds of Mayor Pete Buttigieg's supporters cheered as he embraced his husband at a fundraiser for his presidential campaign in San Francisco Friday. The 37-year-old military veteran said it's time for a new generation to step into the White House and his reaction to President Donald Trump comparing him to MAD Magazine's mascot Alfred E. Neuman showed voters that there is a "generational gap." Trump compared the South Bend, Indiana, mayor to the fictional character Neuman in an interview with Politico that was published Friday. "Alfred E. Neuman cannot become president of the United States," Trump told the publication. Buttigieg says he had look the name up on Google because he didn't understand the reference and fired back at the president saying "It's kind of funny I guess but he's also the President of the United States. I'm surprised he's not spending more time trying to salvage the China deal." The democratic hopeful, who was holding private fundraisers in the Bay Area, also talked about other imporant topics such as technology. "I think making sure we deal with monopolistic behavior is only part of the future of tech," he said. "We also have to make sure tech companies of any size are operating under legal framework dealing with date security and data privacy. Buttigieg also talked about abolishing the electoral college, about universal health care and defeating white nationalism. His supporters said it is refreshing to hear a presidential candidate address issues they care about. "Hes taking very straight forward about climate change and hes talking about cyber security," said Tom Thompson-Larson from Oakland. About 1,300 people paid between $25,000 and a $1,000 to see mayor Pete Friday night. "Can I count on your help?" said Buttigieg to the crowd. "Then you are going to make me the President of the United States I can't wait to celebrate with you." A "rotten" response to a political commentary. A Nob Hill homeowner says someone has repeatedly egged his home and plastered it with pro-Trump stickers after he posted signs calling for the president to be impeached. Now the fight is escalating, with someone sending threatening messages and the homeowner plastering pictures of the man he says is responsible. Robert Handa has more in the video above. On a San Jose Sharks team filled with established stars, 22-year-old Timo Meier can get overlooked at times even though he scored 30 goals in the regular season. Meier showed in Game 1 of the Western Conference final that he can be a force in his own right, scoring twice and setting up one of Logan Coutures two goals with a hard hit to send the Sharks to a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night. "He was a bull," Couture said. "When he skates and his strength, hes tough to defend. Were fortunate enough to play with him on our line, and I thought he was really, really good. Good stick, strong on pucks, you saw the talent on the one where he was able to walk around the d-man and finish. Hes a really good player and hes coming into his own right now." Meiers hit on Alex Pietrangelo led to Coutures goal that opened the scoring in the first period and he then scored twice in the second to give the Sharks a comfortable lead and their third straight Game 1 win this postseason. Couture added an empty-net goal to give him an NHL-leading 11 in the postseason. Joe Pavelski and Kevin Labanc also scored for San Jose and Martin Jones made 28 saves. "We have so many great guys on this team, so many players that are just unbelievable hockey players," Meier said. "Its fun to be able to play at this time of the year, and obviously have success, thats what Im playing for. To win a Stanley Cup." Game 2 is Monday night at the Shark Tank. Joel Edmundson, Ryan OReilly and Tyler Bozak scored for the Blues but the team gave little help to rookie goalie Jordan Binnington to get off to a rough start in the conference final. Binnington made 19 saves but was left exposed by his defense on numerous occasions. "There were a few too many mistakes out there," Edmundson said. "Whenever there was they capitalized on them. They really capitalized on every chance they got. That was the biggest difference of tonights game." This series is a matchup between two franchises seeking their first championships after years of playoff disappointments. They endured tough roads to get here with the Sharks needing to win a pair of seven-game series and the Blues needing a double-overtime win in Game 7 against Dallas to make it to their fourth conference final in the past 49 years. The teams traded goals midway through the second period with Labanc converting after a turnover by Edmundson and OReilly answering 1:17 later with a nifty move to get around Jones and tuck a rebound into the open net. Meier then took over with his two goals in the second half of the period that gave the Sharks breathing room. His first came after Couture poke-checked Colton Parayko coming out of the zone. Meier got the puck, deked past Jay Bouwmeester and then used his quick hands to get a backhand past Binnington. "Hes got some good speed. He makes some good little plays out there," Pavelski said. "Tonight it was on display for sure. When he picks it up in the neutral zone and he has the speed going, that one goal was really nice. He can definitely push the D back and generate some chances." Meier then got his first two-goal game in the postseason late in the period when he banked a pass from behind the goal line off Vince Dunns skate and into the net to make it 5-2. Bozak scored with 6:59 left in the third for the Blues but they couldnt get any closer despite pulling Binnington with more than four minutes remaining. Couture then sealed it with an empty-netter. "We got caught in some turnovers and they capitalized on them," Blues coach Craig Berube said. "We are too spread out, during playoff time, you have to have numbers around the puck. You have to have puck support everywhere. And we didnt have enough support." Both teams expected a physical series between two teams with big players who like to get on the forecheck. Thats just the way it started with the Blues delivering several hard hits in the opening period in sharp contrast to the type of series San Jose played last round against the speedy Colorado. But the Sharks turned one hit of their own into an early goal as Meier separated Pietrangelo from the puck in the neutral zone to send Gustav Nyquist in on a two-on-one. Nyquist slid the puck to Couture, who one-timed it into the open net. The Blues answered with Edmundsons goal but then committed two penalties in a span of 57 seconds after going more than 136 minutes without one in the playoffs. That gave San Jose a two-man advantage that Pavelski converted into a goal when he batted his own rebound out of midair into the net for his second goal in as many games after missing six contests following a bloody concussion. NOTES: Couture also had 10 goals in the playoffs in 2016, joining Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, Patrick Kane, Nikita Kucherov and Jake Guentzel as the only active players with at least two seasons of 10 or more postseason goals. ... Blues D Carl Gunnarsson (lower-body injury) was scratched and Robert Bortuzzo played in his place. Police have located an 84-year-old San Rafael woman who went missing Friday. Chien Nguyen, 84, left her residence on Sonoma Street at 5:30 a.m. Friday, police said in a news release. She boarded a Golden Gate Transit bus to San Francisco at about 8 a.m. and was last seen exiting the bus at about 8:45 a.m. at the intersection of Lombard and Fillmore streets in San Francisco. Police said Saturday afternoon that Nguyen had been found in San Francisco. The San Francisco Police Department reportedly raided the home of a journalist Friday after a police report on the death of Public Defender Jeff Adachi ended up in the hands of various news outlets. A freelance videographer said he provided a few different news agencies a copy of the report which he obtained from a source. Officers seized Bryan Carmodys computers, cell phones and other electronic devices from his home. SFPD said in a statement, "Todays actions are one step in the process of investigating a potential case of obstruction of justice along with the illegal distribution of a confidential police report." A GoFundMe page in support of Carmody was posted shortly after reports of the raid. It states in part that, "Bryan was handcuffed the entire time - nearly 7 hours - while police executed their search warrant ... By confiscating the equipment and documents, SFPD has hampered Bryan's ability to exercise his constitutionally protected right to report the news, and threatened his ability to earn a living." The page was created in an effort to raise $10,000 for the journalist to replace his equipment. Adachi was found dead inside a San Francisco apartment on Feb. 22. He served as public defender since 2002 and spent more than 30 years as part of that office. Three sets of remains were found in the rubble of a gas station explosion in Rockbridge County, Virginia, state police said and NBC News reported. Matching the remains to identities could take several days, Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Sgt. Rick Garletts said in a statement Saturday afternoon. The explosion at the fuel stop, called South River Market, was reported about 9:30 Saturday morning, and rescue crews have been combing through the rubble in an initial search for three to five people who might have been at the site before the blast. State police initially said in a statement on the explosion, "At this time it does not appear suspicious in nature." Four injured in the explosion were taken to Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital hospital. The question comes up over and over, with extremist material, hate speech, election meddling and privacy invasions. Why can't Facebook just fix it? It's complicated, with reasons that include Facebook's size, its business model and technical limitations, not to mention years of unchecked growth. Oh, and the element of human nature. The latest revelation: Facebook is inadvertently creating celebratory videos using extremist content and auto-generating business pages for the likes of ISIS and Al Qaida. The company says it is working on solutions and the problems are getting better. That is true, but critics say better is not good enough when mass shootings are being live-streamed and online mobs are spreading rumors that lead to deadly violence. "They have been frustratingly slow in dealing with everything from child sexual abuse to terrorism, white supremacy, bullying, nonconsensual porn" and things like allowing advertisers to target categories such as "Jew hater," simply because some users had listed the term as an "interest," said Hany Farid, a digital forensics expert at the University of California, Berkeley. As new problems crop up, Facebook's formula has been to apologize and promise to make changes, sometimes also noting that it did not anticipate how malicious actors could so readily misuse its platform. More recently, the company has also emphasized just how much it is improving, both technically in its use of artificial intelligence to detect problems and in terms of focusing more money and effort on fixing them. "After making heavy investments, we are detecting and removing terrorism content at a far higher success rate than even two years go," Facebook said Wednesday in response to the revelations about the auto-generated pages. "We don't claim to find everything, and we remain vigilant in our efforts against terrorist groups around the world." It has seen some success. In late 2016, CEO Mark Zuckerberg infamously dismissed as "pretty crazy" the idea that fake news on his service could have swayed the election. He later backtracked, and since then the company has reduced the amount of misinformation shared on its service, as measured by several independent studies. Zuckerberg has also, by and large, avoided similar gaffes by conceding mistakes and delivering apologies to the public and to lawmakers. But even as the company bats down one problem, others pop up. The reason for that might be baked into its DNA. And that's not just because its business model relies on as many people as possible using it as much as possible, leaving behind personal details that can then be targeted by advertisers. "Almost everything Facebook has designed has been designed for good people. People who are nice to each other, who have birthdays to celebrate, who have new puppies and generally like to treat others well," said Siva Vaidhyanathan, director of the Center for Media and Citizenship at the University of Virginia. "Basically Facebook is made for a better species than ours. If it were made for golden retrievers, everything would be great." But if just 1% of the 2.4 billion people on Facebook want to do terrible things to others, that's 24 million people. "Every couple of weeks, we hear about Facebook knocking down troublesome pages, making promises about hiring more people, building AI and so on," Vaidhyanathan said. "But at Facebook's scale, none of that will matter. We are basically stuck with all this garbage." In a Thursday op-ed, Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes called for a breakup of the social media giant. He told NBC News that government is the only thing that can fix Facebook, "by making the market more competitive, by breaking it up, and by creating these privacy restrictions." Vaidhyanathan also thinks strong government regulation could be the answer, such as laws that "limit companies' ability to suck up all our data and use it to target advertising." "We really should be addressing the back end of Facebook," he said. "That's what you have to attack." Associated Press Writer Desmond Butler contributed to this story. Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich has condemned what he called anti-Semitic statements made by Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan at a Roman Catholic church on the city's south side. He also rebuked Catholic priest the Rev. Michael Pfleger for inviting Farrakhan to speak without consulting Cupich. Minister Farrakhan could have taken the opportunity to deliver a unifying message of Gods love for all his children, Cupich said in a statement. Instead, he repeated smeared the Jewish people, using a combination of thinly veiled discriminatory rhetoric and outright slander. I apologize to my Jewish brothers and sisters, whose friendship I treasure, from whom I learn so much, and whose covenant with God remains eternal, he continued. Pfleger invited Farrakhan to speak at St. Sabina Church after he was banned from Facebook, along with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and conservative commentator Milo Yiannopoulos after they violated the sites ban on dangerous individuals. Pfleger defended the decision to invite Farrakhan to his church, saying he was responding to the ban as a defender of free speech. During his speech, Farrakhan asserted people shouldn't be angry with him if "I stand on God's word." He also said he knows "the truth" and "separate the good Jews from the Satanic Jews." Cupich blasted the comments, classifying them as "antisemitic rhetoric that had no place in the public sphere. Discriminatory invective of any kind has no place in American public life, let alone in a Catholic church, he said. Cupich encouraged "Pfleger to accept the invitation of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center to meet with their leadership and dialogue with survivors in his statement condemning the remarks. Prior to Thursdays event, Pfleger dismissed criticisms from those, including the Illinois Holocaust Museum, that were condemning his embrace of Farrakhan on free speech grounds. Too many people have struggled and died for the right of free speech and I will continue to struggle to preserve it, he said. Anyone who knows me and my lifes work knows I have sought to fight for the Beloved Community that Dr. Martin Luther King called us to. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., released a new policy Friday focused on treating and preventing substance abuse and mental illness, a plan she says isn't just an attempt to solve an issue she hears about on the campaign trail but one with deep roots in her personal life. "Everywhere I've gone in this country, every town hall meeting, people say, 'What's the most interesting thing that you've heard?' Almost every single one, people either ask about addiction or they ask about mental health," the presidential candidate told NBC News, previewing the plan's release. "They feel like they're not getting the help that they need. And the numbers support that," Klobuchar said. Klobuchar's $100 billion policy focuses on prevention and treatment of mental illnesses and addiction to substances ranging from opioids to alcohol. A New Hampshire judge has called off the upcoming probate court trial of a man accused by relatives of killing his millionaire grandfather for inheritance money, saying the grandfather was not a resident of the state. Judge David King said Friday that John Chakalos lived in Connecticut, even though he had a New Hampshire driver's license and registered to vote there. A June trial had been scheduled for 24-year-old Nathan Carman, of Vernon, Vermont, who's denied any role in his grandfather's shooting death in Connecticut in 2013. Carman also denies any role in the disappearance of his mother during a 2016 fishing trip. Carman's three aunts believe Carman killed her and are trying to prevent him from inheriting the mother's share of her father's estate. The Chakalos family released a statement Friday saying they "respectfully but strongly disagree" with the judge's decision. They said Chakalos immersed himself in communities in New Hampshire where he spent all of his adult life. "The family is thoroughly considering its options for filing further actions in Connecticut and New Hampshire, to make sure that Nathan is held accountable for his lies, destruction of evidence and murderous conduct," said Dan Small of Holland & Knight LLP, a law firm representing the family. Furthermore, the family said they believe the evidence that Carman murdered his grandfather and mother is "overwhelming." Carman said he is pleased with the ruling. The American Red Cross is helping more than 50 people after a fire at the Springwood Apartments on Allen Street in New Britain on Friday. Fire officials said crews were called out just after 3 p.m. When they arrived they found heavy fire in the back of the building, with people hanging out of windows looking for help. Some residents had to run past a burning staircase to escape. "It was pretty intense. There were particles falling down. I could hear the glass bursting," said Greg Brodginski. Others found themselves trapped in their apartment. Joann Herrara described the tense moments. "I go out the window, I see people outside and there's smoke so when I opened the door the black smoke pushed me back so I'm in panic mode trying to get out the third floor. How am I going to come out the window?" Herrara said. Herrara said she planned to jump until apartment staff grabbed a ladder to reach her. "I'm about to burn alive. That's what's going through my head. I need to get out," she said. She found herself unable to move until firefighters arrived, bringing her and another person to safety. "I didn't want to break my neck coming out the window." Firefighters said despite a hectic scene, no one was hurt, and all pets appear to be accounted for. "I'm certainly impressed with the work our firefighters did. The fact that we have nobody injured, we have no loss of life. They did an outstanding job," said New Britain Fire Chief Raul Ortiz. The state fire marshal is investigating. The American Red Cross is helping 20 families consisting of 34 adults and 18 children. Officials said they are providing comfort kits with personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving supplies and other items that residents may not have been able to grab during the rush to escape the fire. On Saturday, Mayor Erin Stewart released a statement about the fire. The local American Red Cross has been in contact with the families affected by Fridays fire and have assisted them by providing them money for three nights of housing. Any resident directly impacted by the fire is encouraged to contact our community services office on Monday so we can help identify needs and link them to community resources so that they can get back on their feet," she said. Residents will work with Red Cross caseworkers to determine a longer-term recovery plan, according to officials. It was no ordinary 5k. Thousands gathered in New Britain, Saturday, pounding the pavement, attempting to stomp out breast cancer. Now in its 26th year, Race in the Park has raised nearly $4 million applied toward research and support projects. I keep pinching myself every race day saying, 'wow, look what weve done, said Joyce Bray, the President of the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative. The day included a 5k for adults and a 1-mile run for children. There were also raffles and silent auction items. All of the money raised stayed here in Connecticut. Connecticut is known for a lot of its firsts, explained Bray. Breast cancer is a very complicated disease. Theres not one silver bullet thats gonna be found. So I believe truly, one of the answers to breast cancer will be found in the state of Connecticut. It was no ordinary 5k. Thousands gathered in New Britain, Saturday, pounding the pavement attempting to stomp out breast cancer. Thirty-six-year survivor Peggy Asal was one of hundreds of survivors in attendance, hoping her presence will provide inspiration. It makes (current patients) realize they can last longer, said Asal, Because unfortunately when it happens, you dont think youre gonna last. For those currently being treated, Saturdays event had profound impact. It really has a meaning to me, said Cherie Costa who participated by walking the 5k. My mom had breast cancer. My sister in-law has it and now me. So, we have to do everything we can to raise funds to get rid of this awful disease. Sue Rivard has been singing the National Anthem at this event for 25 years. It has always had special meaning but even more so when when she was diagnosed 9 years ago. Theres a lot of emotions. Theres a lot of love here. Theres a lot of strength here, said Rivard. Just take a look around you. love in the masses. Thats it, thats the key to life, really. That will get you through. The race winners themselves ran in tribute. Ann Marie Tuxbury, the first female finisher, said she raced in memory of her grandmother. Overall winner, Mario Vazquez, who has run this race each of the last 16 years, says he runs on Mothers Day weekend to honor his mom who passed away in 1999. For more information about Race in the Park, click here. The U.S. will move a Patriot missile battery into the Middle East to counter threats from Iran, the Pentagon said Friday, reflecting ongoing concerns that Tehran may be planning to attack America forces or interests in the region. The Defense Department released a statement about the move but provided no details. An official said the decision comes after intelligence showed that the Iranians have loaded military equipment and missiles onto small boats controlled by Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The official was not authorized to discuss the information publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Officials had said earlier this week that sending a Patriot battery to the area was under discussion and was part of the initial request made by the Pentagon's U.S. Central Command. They said it took a few days to get final approval for the Patriot, a long-range, all-weather air defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. The U.S. removed Patriot missile batteries from Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan late last year. It was not clear if the battery would go back to one of those countries. U.S. officials announced Sunday that they would rush an aircraft carrier strike group and bombers to the region. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying ships have passed through the Suez Canal and are now in the Red Sea. Officials had initially indicated that the military moves were based in part on indications that Iran had moved short-range ballistic missiles onto small boats called dhows along its shore. Officials would not say if the intelligence showed that the boats have mobile launchers on them. But a notice to mariners in the region has warned of potential threats to commercial maritime traffic. John Bolton, the national security adviser, announced the initial moves on Sunday, citing "troubling and escalatory indications and warnings" but did not explain what they were. On Friday, a defense official said the Iranian threats also include potential attacks by Iranian proxies, such as Shia militias in Iraq. Several officials said they have not yet seen any tangible move by Iran in reaction to the U.S. military shifts in the area. But they also noted there have been no attacks. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a quick visit Tuesday to Baghdad to meet with top leaders and underscore Iraq's need to protect Americans in their country. The Pentagon also said Friday that the USS Arlington, an amphibious transport ship, will move to the Middle East region earlier than planned. The ship is in Europe and will be replacing the USS McHenry, which is scheduled to leave. If a new Mississippi law survives a court challenge, it will be nearly impossible for most pregnant women to get an abortion there. Or, potentially, in neighboring Louisiana. Or Alabama. Or Georgia. The Louisiana legislature is halfway toward passing a law like the ones enacted in Mississippi and Georgia that will ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, about six weeks into a pregnancy and before many women know they're pregnant. Alabama is on the cusp of approving an even more restrictive bill. State governments are on a course to virtually eliminate abortion access in large chunks of the Deep South and Midwest. Ohio and Kentucky also have passed heartbeat laws; Missouri's Republican-controlled legislature is considering one. Their hope is that a more conservative U.S. Supreme Court will approve, spelling the end of the constitutional right to abortion. "For pro-life folks, these are huge victories," said Sue Liebel, state director for the Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-abortion advocacy group. "And I think they're indicative of the momentum and excitement and the hope that's happening with changes in the Supreme Court and having such a pro-life president." For abortion rights supporters, meanwhile, the trend is ominous. Said Diane Derzis, owner of Mississippi's sole abortion clinic, the Jackson Women's Health Organization: "I think it's certainly more dire than it ever has been. They smell blood and that's why they're doing this." Already, Mississippi mandates a 24-hour wait between an in-person consultation. That means women must make at least two trips to her clinic, often traveling long distances. Other states have passed similar, incremental laws restricting abortion in recent years, and aside from Mississippi, five states have just one clinic Kentucky, Missouri, North and South Dakota, and West Virginia. But the latest efforts to bar the procedure represent the largest assault on abortion rights in decades. Lawmakers sponsoring the bans have made it clear their goal is to spark court challenges in hopes of ultimately overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Those challenges have begun. Derzis' attorneys are scheduled to go before a judge on May 21, seeking to prevent Mississippi's heartbeat law from taking effect July 1. A judge in Kentucky blocked enforcement of that state's heartbeat ban after the American Civil Liberties Union filed suit on behalf of the clinic in Louisville. Similar legal action is expected before bans can take effect in Ohio and Georgia, where Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed the latest heartbeat bill into law Tuesday. Kemp said he welcomed the fight, vowing: "We will not back down." Georgia's ban doesn't take effect until Jan. 1. But the impact was immediate. An abortion clinic operated by The Women's Centers in Atlanta began receiving anxious calls from patients soon after Kemp signed the law. Many callers had plans to travel from outside the state for abortions. Georgia's heartbeat ban would have a wider impact because the state has 17 abortion clinics more than the combined total in the other four Southern states that have passed or are considering bans. "On a typical day we will see people from North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina all over the region," said Dr. Lisa Haddad, the Atlanta clinic's medical director. "And my thought is we're not going to see those people coming here because they assume it's already illegal in Georgia." Dr. Ernest Marshall, co-founder of Kentucky's last remaining abortion clinic in Louisville, said in an email that banning abortions before most women know they're pregnant would "have a disproportionate impact on poor women and communities of color throughout the South." Advocates for abortion rights expect judges to halt enforcement of any new bans while lawsuits work their way through the courts. That could take years. "These laws are blatantly unconstitutional," said Elisabeth Smith, chief counsel for state policy and advocacy for the Center for Reproductive Rights, which also has filed suit over Mississippi's ban. "But if they were allowed to go into force, they would have devastating consequences for the residents of all of these states." If heartbeat bans are upheld, many women who are poor and have limited means to travel would have few options other than to try to terminate their own pregnancies, Haddad said, possibly using abortion drugs purchased online. Others would have to drive or fly across multiple states, said Elizabeth Nash, a state policy analyst for the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights. "People would go to Florida, people would continue to go to Memphis," Nash said. "How many states do you have to cross before you can access abortion services? It exacerbates all the issues we've already seen around taking time off from work and having the money to travel." Proposed heartbeat bans failed to pass this year in several Republican-led states, including Texas. There, GOP lawmakers lost ground to Democrats in the 2018 elections, and some abortion foes were wary after courts struck down prior abortion restrictions in the state. Such efforts also fell short in Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. Alabama lawmakers postponed until next week a vote on a proposal that would make performing nearly all abortions a felony. The measure has passed the state House, and the Senate suspended debate Thursday amid a heated dispute over whether exemptions for rape and incest should be stripped from the bill. "You can't put a price on unborn life," Eric Johnston, president of the Alabama Pro-Life Coalition, said Wednesday, as a legislative committee heard testimony on the state's proposed ban. "What you have to do is protect the people that live in this state and that includes unborn children." But Jenna King-Shepherd told Alabama lawmakers she believed the abortion she had at age 17 allowed her to finish college. She said her father, a part-time Baptist preacher furious about her pregnancy, drove her to the abortion clinic because he trusted her to make the right choice. "I'm not asking you to support access to abortion," King-Shepherd said. "I'm only asking you to let women, their families, their physicians and their God make this decision on how they want to start their families in private and trust them to do that." Arlington Police have arrested a man for a murder that took place in early April. Juriah Fields was found shot to death in his front yard April 15, 2019. Fields death was one of three fatal shootings that took place in Arlington in the last 24 hours. Mark Anthony Washington, 52, was already in custody in Tulsa, Oklahoma on an unrelated charge when detectives were able to connect him to the homicide. Washington remains in Tulsa County Jail on a murder charge from Arlington, Texas and his bond is set at $100,000. A judge ordered a 15-year-old unaccompanied migrant to return to Mexico after he was held in a U.S. Border Patrol facility for eight days something a local attorney called unlawful. According to a complaint, the teen entered the country illegally near Tecate, Mexico, on April 24. He reportedly crossed the border in a car with two others and was going to pay $8,500 to a smuggler but was caught at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Jamul. Officials said the smuggler was arrested and the teen was detained as a witness for a criminal case. The 15-year-old was then taken to a Border Patrol facility, where court documents said he did not leave until his court hearing eight days later. On May 2, attorney Stacey Kartchner told a judge she was denied access to the boy for eight days which she said violated the teens Sixth Amendment right. Kartchner said she repeatedly contacted the Office of Refugee Resettlement but was told it didnt have the minor in its system until May 1 a week after he was apprehended. She filed a court order for the 15-year-olds detention, citing it violated the Flores Settlement Agreement in which unaccompanied minors must be put into the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement within three days. The worst thing is having been detained for so long in inhumane conditions. Those detention cells are not meant for long-term custody, so this child should have been transferred immediately, said Benjamin Prado with the American Friends Service Committee - a social justice organization. Kartchner asked the judge to transfer the teen to Southwest Key, a migrant youth shelter, which he was on May 3. The attorney said the teen was not allowed to shower and had no access to a toothbrush or toothpaste during this time. We're looking at a laundry list of injustices, Prado said. She claimed the 15-year-old was not given enough food and when he asked for more food, agents would allegedly threaten him. He was also wearing the same clothes as when he was detained. On Thursday, a judge dismissed the teen from the criminal case he was said to be a witness to and ordered him to return to Mexico. It's a poor response. It's a complete disregard for protocols already set in places, especially for children, Prado said. U.S. Customs and Border Protection told NBC 7 it tries to release minors into the custody of the Department of Homeland Security as soon as practical but said due the current situation at the border, it may take longer. Three Georgia women bought a box of Legos while visiting a South Carolina consignment shop, only to find that the box was actually filled with about $40,000 worth of methamphetamine. Bulloch County Sheriff's Investigator Jim Riggs tells The Statesboro Herald that the women gifted the box to a child, who opened it and discovered the three pounds of drugs. Deputies say the women turned the drugs over to the sheriff's office, who called in Drug Enforcement Administration agents. Riggs says authorities determined the drugs were likely mailed to the wrong address. He says dealers often ship drugs to empty or abandoned addresses to be picked up, but United States Postal Service often won't leave packages at those sites. Instead, they're often left with a neighbor or auctioned off when unclaimed. A U.S. aircraft carrier strike group rushes toward the Persian Gulf. Decades-old B-52 bombers rumble down runways at desert air bases. The Pentagon, meanwhile, routes a Patriot missile battery and an amphibious supply ship to return to the region. These military deployments in the Persian Gulf, beginning with a sudden May 5 order from the White House citing still-unspecified threats from Iran, comes as Tehran has begun setting its own deadlines over its unraveling nuclear deal that President Donald Trump pulled America of out of a year ago. Yet even without these movements, the U.S. has maintained a vast network of bases across the Persian Gulf dating back to the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq. Allied Gulf Arab nations, many rich from oil reserves, equip their own forces with billions of dollars of American arms as well. Here's what military assets the U.S. has across the Persian Gulf, those it is now bringing in, and why America has maintained its long presence in the region. 'UNRELENTING FORCE' John Bolton, Trump's national security adviser, announced the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and its strike group on May 5 over "troubling and escalatory indications and warnings" that still have not been specified. He warned Iran any attack would U.S. interests or allies would face "unrelenting force." The Lincoln, which left the U.S. in April on a scheduled deployment, had planned to come to the Persian Gulf on its around-the-world trip to San Diego, California. Now it is steaming there earlier. Alongside the Lincoln are three destroyers, the USS Bainbridge, the USS Mason and the USS Nitze, as well as the guided-missile cruiser the USS Leyte Gulf and a Spanish frigate, the ESPS Mendez Nunez. Separately, B-52s from the 20th Bomb Squadron of Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana have landed in Qatar and elsewhere in "southwest Asia" possibly the United Arab Emirates in recent days. On Friday, the Pentagon announced it would be returning a Patriot missile battery to the wider Mideast, as well as sending the USS Arlington, an amphibious warship carrying U.S. Marines. The USS Kearsarge, an amphibious assault ship carrying Marines and warplanes, just left the Persian Gulf and is nearby in the Arabian Sea. U.S. BASES, PERSONNEL IN THE REGION The Persian Gulf hosts a series of major American military installations. The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, which oversees the region, is based in Bahrain, an island nation off the coast of Saudi Arabia that is home to over 7,000 American troops. Kuwait hosts over 13,000 American troops and the U.S. Army's Central forward headquarters. Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is the largest port of call for the U.S. Navy outside of America. The UAE hosts 5,000 U.S. military personnel, many at Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra Air Base, where American drones and advanced F-35 jetfighters are stationed. The forward headquarters of the U.S. military's Central Command is at Qatar's sprawling Al Udeid Air Base, home to some 10,000 American troops. In Oman, the sultanate allows thousands of overflights and hundreds of landings a year, while also granting access to ports and its bases. Meanwhile, U.S. special forces personnel reportedly are on the ground in Yemen amid the Saudi-led war against the Houthi rebels. The U.S. also carries out a yearslong drone-strike campaign there targeting suspected members of al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. U.S. PRESENCE FROM THE CARTER DOCTRINE TO THE WAR YEARS During the Cold War, the U.S. pledged to defend its Persian Gulf allies from the Soviet Union. By the start of 1980, however, the region was in turmoil. The Islamic Revolution in Iran had thrown out the American-allied shah. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan sparked fear in the administration of President Jimmy Carter that Moscow could be within striking distance of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which a third of all oil traded by sea now passes. The president's eponymous Carter Doctrine emerged from that. It holds that the U.S. would use military force to defend its interests across the energy-rich Persian Gulf. But what would cement the U.S. presence in the region came in 1990, when Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein invaded his oil-rich neighbor Kuwait. Defense agreements struck with Gulf Arab nations then grew into a series of major military installations across the region. The presence of American troops in Saudi Arabia, home to the Muslim world's holiest sites, served as a chief complaint of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden ahead of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Those attacks led to the U.S. war in Afghanistan, which continues today over 17 years later. The 2003 invasion of Iraq and the chaos that followed, including the rise of the Islamic State group there and in Syria, only increased the importance the U.S. holds on its bases in the region. THE VIEW FROM IRAN Iran's Shiite theocracy long has looked at the presence of U.S. forces ringing its country with suspicion. One flash point is the Strait of Hormuz in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, which at its narrowest point is just 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide. The width of the shipping lane in either direction is only 3 kilometers (2 miles). The strait is viewed as an international transit route. American forces routinely travel through the area, despite sometimes-tense encounters with Iran's Revolutionary Guard, a paramilitary force answerable only to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. For its part, Iran compares the American presence to Tehran sending warships to the Gulf of Mexico. "Breaking: Our Navy operates in - yes, correct - the Persian Gulf, not the Gulf of Mexico. Question is what US Navy doing 7,500 miles from home," Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif once tweeted in 2017, attaching a map showing the distance between the two bodies of water. The Trump administration took a first step Thursday toward extending protections for giraffes under the Endangered Species Act, following legal pressure from environmental groups. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that its initial review has determined there is "substantial information that listing may be warranted" for giraffes. The finding, to be published in the Federal Register, will begin a more in-depth review and public comment process that could lead to import restrictions on hunting trophies and body parts from giraffes, including hides and bones. Biologists have warned for years that the world's tallest land mammal is at growing risk of extinction from habitat loss, civil unrest, poaching and other threats. The giraffe population in Africa has declined by about 40 percent in the past three decades, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The group, which designates endangered species , added giraffes to its "Red List" in 2016 . It determined that the species as a whole is "vulnerable" to extinction and classified two subspecies as "critically endangered." There are now only about 68,000 mature giraffes left in the wild, a number falling each year. A coalition of environmental and conservation groups petitioned the Fish and Wildlife Service in early 2017 to protect giraffes under the Endangered Species Act. After the administration took no action for nearly two years, the groups sued in December. "The United States cannot stand idly by and allow thousands of U.S. imports of giraffe parts every year without any regulation while these animals are on a path to extinction," said Anna Frostic, managing wildlife attorney for the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. "It is time that the United States stands tall for giraffes and gives this at-risk species the protection that it urgently needs." A spokesman for the Fish and Wildlife Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Giraffes are often hunted for meat in the nearly two dozen African countries where they are still found. They increasingly are targeted by wealthy trophy hunters as other big-game animals have become scarcer. More than 21,400 bone carvings, 3,000 skin pieces and 3,700 hunting trophies were imported into the United States over the past decade. President Donald Trump has decried big-game hunting as a "horror show," but his administration reversed Obama-era restrictions on the importation of elephant and lion trophies for personal use or display. The Associated Press reported last year that a 16-member wildlife protection board created by then-Secretary Ryan Zinke was stuffed with big game hunters, including the president of the Safari Club International. Environmental groups lauded Thursday's announcement on giraffes as a positive development, but pledged to keep up the pressure on the administration to act. "Giraffes capture our imaginations from childhood on, but many people don't realize how few are left in the wild," said Tanya Sanerib, international legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity. "Instead of throwing these unique animals a lifeline under the Endangered Species Act, Trump officials are twiddling their thumbs. Trump will be to blame if future generations know giraffes only as toys and not the long-necked icons of Africa." Billionaire Richard Branson is moving Virgin Galactic's winged passenger rocket and more than 100 employees from California to a remote commercial launch and landing facility in southern New Mexico, bringing his space-tourism dream a step closer to reality. Branson said Friday at a news conference that Virgin Galactic's development and testing program has advanced enough to make the move to the custom-tailored hangar and runway at the taxpayer-financed Spaceport America facility near the town of Truth or Consequences. Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides said a small number of flight tests are pending. He declined to set a specific deadline for the first commercial flight. An interior cabin for the company's space rocket is being tested, and pilots and engineers are among the employees relocating from California to New Mexico. The move to New Mexico puts the company in the "home stretch," Whitesides said. The manufacturing of the space vehicles by a sister enterprise, The Spaceship Company, will remain based in the community of Mojave, California. Taxpayers invested over $200 million in Spaceport America after Branson and then-Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, pitched the plan for the facility, with Virgin Galactic as the anchor tenant. Virgin Galactic's spaceship development has taken far longer than expected and had a major setback when the company's first experimental craft broke apart during a 2014 test flight, killing the co-pilot. Branson thanked New Mexico politicians and residents for their patience over the past decade. He said he believes space tourism once aloft is likely to bring about profound change. "Our future success as a species rests on the planetary perspective," Branson said. "The perspective that we know comes sharply into focus when that planet is viewed from the black sky of space." Branson described a vision of hotels in space and a network of spaceports allowing supersonic, transcontinental travel anywhere on earth within a few hours. He indicated, however, that building financial viability comes first. "We need the financial impetus to be able to do all that," he said. "If the space program is successful as I think ... then the sky is the limit." In February, a new version of Virgin Galactic's winged craft SpaceShipTwo soared at three times the speed of sound to an altitude of nearly 56 miles in a test flight over Southern California, as a crew member soaked in the experience. On Friday, that crew member, Beth Moses, recounted her voyage into weightlessness and the visual spectacle of pitch-black space and the earth below. "Everything is silent and still and you can unstrap and float about the cabin," she said. "Pictures do not do the view from space justice. ... I will be able to see it forever." The company's current spaceship doesn't launch from the ground. It is carried under a special plane to an altitude of about 50,000 feet before detaching and igniting its rocket engine. "Release is like freefall at an amusement park, except it keeps going," Moses said. "And then the rocket motor lights. Before you know it, you're supersonic." The craft coasts to the top of its climb before gradually descending to earth, stabilized by "feathering" technology in which twin tails rotate upward to increase drag on the way to a runway landing. Branson previously has said he would like to make his first suborbital flight this year as one of the venture's first passengers on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20. But he made no mention of timelines on Friday. Pressed on the timeframe, Whitesides said he anticipates the first commercial flight within a year. Three people with future space-flight reservations were in the audience. "They've been patient too," Branson said. "Space is hard." Hundreds of potential customers have committed as much as $250,000 up front for rides in Virgin's six-passenger rocket, which is about the size of an executive jet. Space tourism has not been a complete novelty since millionaire U.S. engineer Dennis Tito in 2001 paid $20 million to join a Russian space mission to the International Space Station. Branson's goal has been to "democratize" space by opening travel up to more and more people. The endeavor began in 2004 when Branson announced the founding of Virgin Galactic in the heady days after the flights of SpaceShipOne, the first privately financed manned spacecraft that made three flights into space. Space sector analyst Adam Jonas, a managing director of equity research at Morgan Stanley, said Branson's venture could have an outsized impact in the age of social media on how the public visualizes space as a domain for scientific and commercial exploration. "You bring them back to earth and they explain what they saw that's a story, put through the velocity of social media, people want to hear," he said. "Sometimes you need some distance to gain a perspective, seeing the earth from space, seeing how thin that layer of atmosphere is that protects us." Branson's plans have gradually advanced amid a broader surge in private investment in space technology with cost-saving innovations in reusable rockets and microsatellite technology. Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos announced Thursday that his space company Blue Origin will send a robotic spaceship to the moon with aspirations for another ship that could bring people there along the same timeframe as NASA's proposed 2024 return. Bezos has provided no details about launch dates. Members of POWER (People Organizing for Women's Empowerment and Rights) House stood on the steps of the Alabama State House on Thursday morning to protest HB314, a bill that amounts to a near total ban on abortions. As lawmakers showed up to vote, the women held up signs that read, Abortion Is A Human Right, NBC News reports. Under the Alabama legislation, doctors could face up to 99 years in prison for performing an abortion procedure. In the version passed by the state House, the only exception would be regarding the mother's health. A Senate committee added an exception for rape, but the Senate suddenly tabled the exemptions for rape and incest Thursday. If you get rid of abortions, essentially, it's not going to go away, it's just going to get more dangerous, said Bianca Cameron-Schwiesow, a clinic escort for POWER House. The volunteers at POWER House say there is already only a single clinic between Tampa, Florida, and Jackson, Mississippi.In the late 90s, we had over 20 clinics in the state. And now, in 2019, we have three for the whole state, said Mia Raven, founder and director of POWER House. Paz Lopez was set to spend Mother's Day behind bars. The 42-year-old mother of six had been locked up in a Phoenix jail for the past month on forgery and other charges. She couldn't post her $2,050 bail. But on Thursday night she walked out and into a car waiting to give her a ride home, thanks to a drive to bail out moms so they can spend Mother's Day with their kids. In a tearful video made immediately after her release, Lopez said it was a privilege that she would now get to see her children. She welled up when speaking about the coming birth of her first grandchild. "There's just no greater feeling than being a mother," Lopez said. "I'm grateful for both of you to help me be able to spend the day with them and be able to see my grandchild be born." Lopez had her bail covered by Living United for Change in Arizona, or LUCHA, a social and racial justice group. The organization said they were inspired to do this for a second year by an initiative known as "Black Mamas Bail Out," which is posting bail for dozens of mothers of color for the third straight year. The effort is organized by the National Bail Out collective, a coalition of various grassroots groups, attorneys and activists nationwide. The campaign hopes to bail out more than 100 women in 35 cities in time for Mother's Day. The objective is not just to reunite families but to push for change in the cash bail system. Critics contend the nation's courts are unfairly punishing poor defendants by setting high bail for low-level crimes that causes them to languish in jail for months, separating them from their jobs and families. In some cases, they remain locked up until their case is dismissed or they take a guilty plea just so they can get out of jail, albeit with a criminal record. There has been a national push to reform bail by advocates who say incarceration should depend on a suspect's risk to public safety, not the ability to pay. Mary Hooks, co-director of Atlanta-based Southerners On New Ground, came up with the idea in 2016. She joined with Law For Black Lives, a female-led network of lawyers and legal advocates, to bring together a collective of organizations. It's been difficult at times to get sympathy, she said, because people often think someone sitting in jail pre-trial must have done something wrong. "We're in a political time right now where 'Barbecue Becky' or anyone else can call the police on someone and you can get arrested instantly for barbecuing," Hooks said, referring to the white woman who called police on two black men using a grill in an Oakland, California, park. The men were not arrested. "This notion 'you're in jail because you've done something horrible,' we have to remind ourselves we have a Constitution that says 'innocent until proven guilty.'" Jaymeshia Jordan, of Oakland, said she would have faced another 10 months in jail if she hadn't been rescued by a bailout two days before last Mother's Day by Oakland advocacy group Essie Justice Group. Jordan, who declined to say what she was arrested for, faced a $450,000 bail. She had no way of paying even a fraction of that on her own or with a bail bondsman. "I would have just sat in custody till my case was over," Jordan said. She was in jail for three months. In that time, her 5-year-old son lost his first tooth and learned how to tie his shoes. Organizations choose who to assist based on referrals from attorneys and other activists. They don't take into account whether a woman is accused of a violent or non-violent crime. According to the collective's organizers, the mothers they help show up at court at "high rates" but the majority of the money they've handed out for bail hasn't been returned. LUCHA, the Phoenix group, plans to fund as many bail releases as possible with the $9,000 they have raised. Organizers Nicole Hale said they will offer mothers additional support including court date reminders and rides. "We don't just hand someone a piece of paper and say 'good luck.' They don't have to go through the system alone," Hale said. Several studies suggest that bail amounts are set sometimes as much as three times higher for people of color, said Shima Baughman, a criminal law professor at the University of Utah College of Law. Even a $200 bail for a misdemeanor crime can be beyond what's in a person's bank account. According to a 2018 report from the non-partisan Prison Policy Initiative, roughly 2.9 million women are jailed in the U.S. every year. An estimated 80% are either pregnant or have children. Women of color are even more heavily impacted, especially if they are working mothers who likely earn lower salaries, according to Baughman. A few days in jail can lead to the loss of a job or child custody. "When women are the ones that bear most of the burdens in the family, their kids are the ones that are going to suffer," Baughman said. "Because in many families, women are responsible for working outside the home and also for child care, they can face dire circumstances with their children when they are forced to serve even a couple of nights in jail." Jeff Clayton, executive director of the American Bail Coalition, said some of these Mother's Day bailouts are publicity stunts that don't tackle the larger issue of affordability of bail. It's unrealistic for organizers to call for a cash-free bail system, he added. "Not to say these people aren't doing good work," Clayton said. "But it's questionable whether saying they're an abolitionist and banning all money bail is really the best solution." In the past few years, several states have made moves to overhaul their own system including New Jersey, Alaska and New Mexico. There are more than 200 bail reform bills nationwide, according to Baughman. In California, voters next year will decide whether to overturn a law eliminating bail altogether for suspects awaiting trial. Instead, counties would set up their own risk-assessment programs through probation departments. However, computer algorithms or risk-assessment programs can be biased as well, Baughman said. Paying for bail has become a growing strategy for local communities to divert the prison pipeline. Last month, rapper T.I. and VH1's "Love and Hip Hop" personality Scrapp Deleon joined with an Atlanta church to help post bail for nonviolent offenders for Easter. They exceeded their goal and raised $120,000. Sixteen men and seven women got to go home. The Pentagon is shifting $1.5 billion in funds originally targeted for support of the Afghan security forces and other projects to help pay for construction of 80 miles of wall at the U.S.-Mexican border, officials said Friday. Congress was notified of the move Friday. It follows the Pentagon's decision in March to transfer $1 billion from Army personnel budget accounts to support wall construction. Some lawmakers have been highly critical of the Pentagon shifting money not originally authorized for border security. The combined total of $2.5 billion is in response to President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the border, where Customs and Border Protection personnel are struggling to cope with increasing numbers of Central American families attempting to gain entry. Trump vetoed Congress' attempt to reverse his emergency declaration. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, who has said he plans to visit the border on Saturday, said in announcing the shift of funds that the Pentagon is "fully engaged" in fixing the border crisis. He said more than 4,000 troops and 19 aircraft are supporting Customs and Border Protection personnel. "Today, I authorized the transfer of $1.5 billion toward the construction of more than 80 miles of border barrier," he said. "The funds were drawn from a variety of sources, including cost savings, programmatic changes and revised requirements, and therefore will have minimal impact on force readiness." Some in Congress, however, are opposed to the use of Pentagon funds to build the wall. "The Pentagon has now reprogrammed 12 times more money to the wall than for repairs for Tyndall AFB, destroyed by Hurricane Michael. We should put troops first!" Sen. Richard Durbin wrote on Twitter. He was referring to storm damage at the Air Force base in Florida where almost every building was damaged. In its written notification to Congress, the Pentagon said it was moving the $1.5 billion to support "higher priority items based on unforeseen military requirements than those for which" the funds were originally provided by Congress. The move is "necessary in the national interest," it added, according to a copy of the notice obtained by The Associated Press. To piece together the $1.5 billion for additional wall construction, the Pentagon is shifting funds from several programs where it says it found savings. The biggest chunk, $604 million, is from the Afghan Security Forces Fund, which keeps the Afghan army and other security forces afloat. A standard review of the fund's contract management found the $604 million in savings, according to two defense officials who discussed the details on condition of anonymity. Removing the $604 million means the Afghan Security Forces Fund in the current Defense Department budget is reduced from the $4.9 billion approved by Congress. Another $251 million was shifted from a yearslong project to destroy lethal chemical agents and chemical munitions in order to comply with the Chemical Weapons Convention. Another $344 million is being taken from a group of Air Force programs, where the Pentagon identified contract savings, and $224 million from savings related to a military retirement system, the officials said. The Pentagon also is taking $78 million from the Coalition Support Fund, which is money used to reimburse coalition partners -- mainly Pakistan -- for logistical and military support for American military operations. The Pentagon also is expected at some point to transfer up to $3.6 billion from military construction budgets to pay for wall construction. The details of these plans have not yet been announced. A woman who underwent a Brazilian butt lift procedure at a South Florida plastic surgery clinic ended up at a hospital where she later died. The Miami-Dade Police Department said they received a call at around 11:13 a.m. Friday about a woman in distress at Mia Aesthetics on Southwest 72nd Street. Family members of 28-year-old Danea Plasencia said the doctor was done with the procedure when the complications started. "Then they moved her body to the stretcher, and all of a sudden, she became blue," said Marcio C. Ferez, her grandfather. Plasencia was rushed to Baptist Hospital, where she died. Miami-Dade police are investigating her death. She was a mother of three children, ages 9, 5 and 1. She just turned 28 six days before. In a statement to NBC 6, Mia Aesthetics offered their condolences to Plasencia's family and said this was the only fatality they have had. "Throughout our years of operations and thousands of procedures performed, this is the first and only fatality we have endured," the statement read. "Our team is devastated by this tragedy and feels that each and every one of our patients is part of our family. We strive to provide the most advanced plastic surgery treatment for our patients. Each of our surgeons is board-certified or board-eligible by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and we are constantly evaluating our practices to ensure our patients receive the safest and best care. Despite these practices, serious surgery comes with the risk of rare, unintended and tragic results. We are fully dedicated to investigating why todays tragedy occurred. We will be fully transparent with our patients and with the public as more details emerge." A Brazilian butt lift is a popular cosmetic procedure in which fat is taken from other parts of the body and transferred into the buttocks. Plasencia's cousin told NBC 6 that she almost died from a butt augmentation and was hospitalized for two months after. "When you go to a plastic surgery place, they tell you very superficially what the consequences might be, but that goes very fast and quick under the radar and all these wonderful things are said to you, and you're willing to pay all this money, but you don't really realize that you're putting your life on the line," Jennifer Perez said. Plasencia's death is the latest out of at least 12 women who have died in recent years in South Florida either during or after undergoing a Brazilian butt lift surgery. The NBC 6 Investigators have been uncovering details of the deaths for more than three years. The investigations have led to two studies, including one that found out that you are 20 times more likely to die after a butt lift surgery than any other cosmetic procedure. Earlier this month, the Florida House passed Senate Bill 732, which makes it easier for the state to discipline doctors and clinics where deaths happen. The new law will allow the Board of Medicine to immediately revoke a doctor's license in the case of injury or death, require all surgery centers to be owned by doctors and require a clean record for five years before a doctor can open a surgery center. The House on Friday passed a $19 billion disaster aid bill that would deliver long-sought relief to farmers, victims of hurricanes and floods, and rebuild southern military bases, as Democrats try to dislodge the legislation from a Senate logjam over aid to hurricane-slammed Puerto Rico. The measure passed by a 257-150 vote over the opposition of most Republicans, who said it should also include the Trump administration's $4.5 billion request for stepped up humanitarian aid and law enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border, which is facing a wave of migrants fleeing violence in Central America. The House had passed an earlier $14 billion version of the measure in January, but the legislation has been held up in the Senate amid a fight between President Donald Trump and Democrats over aid to Puerto Rico. Trump is feuding with Democratic officials on the island and falsely claims that Puerto Rico has already received $91 billion in aid. Trump took to Twitter on Thursday to urge Republicans to vote against the bill. "House Republicans should not vote for the BAD DEMOCRAT Disaster Supplemental Bill which hurts our States, Farmers & Border Security," Trump tweeted. "We want to do much better than this. All sides keep working and send a good BILL for immediate signing!" Only 34 Republicans broke with Trump to support the bill, and he cheered the "Great Republican vote" after the measure passed. His tweet continued: "We will now work out a bipartisan solution that gets relief for our great States and Farmers. Thank you to all. Get me a Bill that I can quickly sign!" Disaster aid measures are usually among the few reliably bipartisan pieces of legislation left in an increasingly partisan Washington. But the pending measure faces several obstacles in addition to the battle over Puerto Rico, including an attempt by powerful Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., to boost Army Corps of Engineers harbor dredging efforts, of which the Port of Mobile in his state would be a major beneficiary. Shelby's relationship with White House Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney also appears strained. Since the House measure originally passed, Midwestern floods have added billions of dollars to the government's roster of disaster needs, while a rising wave of Central American migrants seeking refuge from violence in their countries is requiring additional billions of dollars to house and care for thousands of migrants. "The bill languished for months in the Senate over assistance for Puerto Rico. And as it sat there, floods battered the Midwest and tornadoes swept the South," said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y. "This legislation attempts to meet the needs of all of America's disaster-stricken communities whether in Puerto Rico or the Midwest, California or the Carolinas." Republicans on Thursday delivered a new offer to Democrats in hopes of finally breaking the legislation free, adding money for Puerto Rico and flooded Midwestern states. Lawmakers had hoped to have the legislation enacted into law by now but are now eying Memorial Day as an informal deadline. "I've spoken to the president. I've spoken to the leader on the Senate side. I believe we can solve this all by next week," said top House Republican Kevin McCarthy of California. "Let's do this together. Let's show America that when it comes to a time of need that we all put partisanship aside." Democrats regard the offer in a positive light. "The Republicans are finally starting to realize they can't leave Puerto Rico behind, and that's a step in the right direction," said a spokesman for top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York. "Conversations continue." The White House and some Republicans want to add Trump's border request to the measure. "We should provide much needed relief to communities recovering from hurricanes, floods, wildfires and tornadoes. But we cannot turn our backs on a border crisis that is growing worse by the day," said top Appropriations Committee Republican Kay Granger of Texas. "Law enforcement and humanitarian relief organizations are being pushed to the limit, and we must act now." Democrats have resisted the idea of merging the border and disaster measures, saying that would delay the aid measure and complicate its passage. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., however, said in a brief interview that "there may be some pieces" of Trump's border request that could be added to the disaster aid measure in endgame negotiations. "We'll see." Friday's measure originally added $3 billion to the earlier House bill to help Midwest states such as Iowa and Nebraska recover from this spring's floods but then was successfully amended on the floor numerous times by lawmakers in both parties, who added $1.9 billion to the measure, chiefly to rebuild military bases in Nebraska and Florida and deliver more flood aid for the Midwest. The measure also would extend the federal flood insurance program through September to give lawmakers more time to renew the program, which enjoys broad bipartisan support. The additional time would give the House and Senate banking panels time to develop a longer-term extension of the program. Democrats denounced a plan by President Donald Trump's personal attorney to push Ukraine to open investigations that he hopes could benefit Trump politically, saying it was an overt attempt to recruit foreign help to influence a U.S. election. But lawyer Rudy Giuliani has scrapped plans to visit Ukraine, citing concerns about who he would be dealing with there. "I've decided ... I'm not going to go to the Ukraine," Giuliani told Fox News on Friday night. "I'm not going to go because I think I'm walking into a group of people that are enemies of the president ... in some cases enemies of the United States, and in one case an already convicted person who has been found to be involved in assisting the Democrats with the 2016 election." Giuliani had said earlier that he would to travel to Kiev in the coming days to urge the government to investigate the origins of special counsel Robert Mueller's recently concluded probe into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, and the involvement of former Vice President Joe Biden's son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. Joe Biden is the early Democratic front-runner to challenge Trump in the 2020 election. The Biden campaign has denied that Biden or his son, Hunter, did anything improper. Giuliani's plan had seemed poised to create an unprecedented moment a lawyer for the American president seeking foreign assistance in trying to damage political rivals. To Democrats, it was a blatant evocation of Russia's meddling on behalf of Trump when he defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 "It's stunning that the Trump administration is going down the same tragic path they did in 2016 seeking help from a foreign government again to influence an American presidential election. It's appalling," said Rep. Adam Schiff of California, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. He said Trump allies were indicating, "We're going to do everything short of what's downright criminal. Ethics don't matter. Patriotism doesn't matter." Giuliani, a former New York City mayor who often acted as a smokescreen for Trump during the Mueller probe, pushed back against the criticism. "Explain to me why Biden shouldn't be investigated if his son got millions from a Russian loving crooked Ukrainian oligarch while He was VP and point man for Ukraine," Giuliani tweeted at Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who criticized him. "Ukrainians are investigating and your fellow Dems are interfering. Election is 17 months away. Let's answer it now." Giuliani's trip, first reported by The New York Times, would have been the most high-profile effort yet by Republicans to call attention to growing talking points in conservative circles. They are trying to undermine the special counsel's investigation, call into question the case against Paul Manafort, Trump's imprisoned former campaign chairman, and wound Joe Biden. Trump and Giuliani have urged scrutiny of Hunter Biden and have questions about whether Joe Biden helped oust a Ukrainian prosecutor whose office was investigating the oligarch behind the company that paid Hunter Biden. Some Trump allies have suggested they can tarnish Joe Biden with questions about corruption, founded or not, much like they did to Clinton in 2016. Giuliani has said he updated the president about his findings on Ukraine, a nation deeply reliant on the Trump administration for U.S. military and financial aid. "I'm hearing it's a major scandal, major problem," Trump said on Fox News recently. "I hope for (Biden) it is fake news. I don't think it is." The president has also tried to push claims that Ukrainian officials tried to help Clinton by focusing attention on Manafort's business in Ukraine. That attention forced Manafort to resign from the campaign, and he was later convicted of financial crimes and sentenced to prison. Ukrainian officials have denied involvement, but Trump has latched onto the idea that Kiev "colluded" with Democrats and that the origins of Mueller's probe were fraudulent. Trump's re-election campaign distanced itself from Giuliani's efforts, saying it had nothing to do with the lawyer's inquiry. Still, the episode could trigger uncomfortable questions about foreign entanglements for the White House, which is still grappling with the aftermath of Mueller's inquiry. Mueller did not conclude that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia and did not determine whether or not Trump obstructed justice. But House Democrats are pushing the inquiry further on a number of fronts, including issuing subpoenas for the probe's witnesses and documents. Trump this week announced that he would invoke executive privilege to shield the material, certain to prompt a lengthy legal fight. Throughout the investigation, Giuliani attacked Mueller's credibility and often tried to change the public discourse by advancing conspiracy theories about the special counsel or Democratic investigators. In the probe's final days, he began to zero in on the possible Ukraine connection. Associated Press video journalist Padmananda Rama contributed to this report. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has introduced a new concept into the debate over President Donald Trump's actions: "self-impeaching." As Trump all but goads Democrats into impeachment proceedings, viewing the showdown as potentially valuable for his 2020 re-election campaign, Democrats are trying to show restraint. Their investigations are both intensifying but also moving slowly as Democrats dig into the special counsel's Trump-Russia report and examine Trump's finances and governance. The more they push, the more Trump resists, the president making what Pelosi says is his own case for impeachment with his stonewalling of Congress. "The president is self-impeaching," she told her colleagues last week during a private caucus meeting, echoing comments she also aired in public. "He's putting out the case against himself. Obstruction, obstruction, obstruction. Ignoring subpoenas and the rest." She added, "He's doing our work for us, in a certain respect." There is no actual process for self-impeachment. It's a thought bubble more than a legal term. A pure Pelosi-ism, one that an aide says she coined herself. But as a device, it's a way for Pelosi to frame the often complicated idea of the White House refusing to engage with Congress in the traditional process of checks and balances. "Sometimes people act as if it's impeachment or nothing," Pelosi told reporters. "No, it's not that. It's a path that is producing results and gathering information." In the aftermath of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, the slow drip of congressional oversight also serves a dual purpose politically. It allows Democrats to keep impeachment proceedings at bay, despite calls to push ahead by the liberal flank, while stoking questions about Trump going into the 2020 presidential election. They note the Watergate investigation dragged on two years before the House Judiciary Committee opened impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon. By the time articles of impeachment were drawn up, the third entry was Nixon's obstruction of Congress. Rather than viewing Mueller's report as the end of the debate, Democrats in Congress have taken his findings as a green light to dig in with their oversight role. So far, House committees have issued multiple subpoenas for executive branch information, including for an unredacted version of the Mueller report and some million of pages of underlying evidence; for testimony and documents from former White House counsel Don McGahn; for information on Trump's business dealings; and for Trump's tax returns. Others subpoenas have been issued over the administration's policies on migrant children and on citizenship questions on the census. "My Democratic colleagues seem to be publicly working through the five stages of grief," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell mused in a floor speech. The Kentucky Republican scoffed at their "laughable threats of impeachment." As McConnell declared the "case closed," he noted that the final stage of grief is acceptance. "For the country's sake, I hope my Democratic friends get there soon," he said. Except Mueller's 448-page report left Congress with questions. While the special counsel found no evidence the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to swing the 2016 election, Mueller did not render a decision on the question of whether the president obstructed justice in the investigation. "It also does not exonerate him," the report says. At least one Republican, Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, appears to have questions, too. His committee issued a subpoena for testimony from one of the president's sons, Donald Trump, Jr. The move sparked fierce blowback among allies of the White House and divided Senate Republicans into two camps: those who backed his oversight role and those who panned it. Trump, during remarks at the White House, said he was "very surprised." What his supporters want to know, the president said, is how the whole question of Russian interference first started. A top Trump ally in Congress, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is starting his own investigation into the investigation, picking up where House Republicans, when they controlled the committees before the lost he majority last year, left off. House Democrats want Mueller to testify. His report notes that Congress has the ability to "apply the obstruction laws" as part of "our constitutional system of checks and balances and the principle that no person is above the law." The Democrats want Mueller to more fully explain what he found and what, if anything, he intended for them to do about it. "Our strategy right now is just to get to the truth and the facts," said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., a member of the House Judiciary Committee. Raskin said he kept a little chart on his notepad during a hearing last week, when the committee voted to hold Attorney General William Barr in contempt of Congress for refusing to turn over the full Mueller report, and it was the Republicans who most mentioned impeachment. "The Republicans would love us to begin impeachment process," he said. "If we get to impeachment, we're going to get there on our own schedule and for our own reasons, not because they need to throw some red meat to their base." A passenger aboard a Delta flight tried to open the front door of the plane mid-flight, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency, according to live air traffic control transmission ATC.net. The plane landed safely at LaGuardia Airport. On an audio recording the pilot told tower control that the emotionally disturbed passenger tried to open the "forward service door" on the right side of the Delta 5935 flight from Raleigh to LaGuardia. It landed in New York City around 1:40 p.m. "Were aware of the social media report related to the flight and are looking into it, but what I can tell you now is that the flight landed uneventfully and proceeded to its gate," a Republic Airways spokesperson said. At least one woman on social media tweeted the woman was "screaming her head off that she needed to open the door and die." That woman tweeted the upset traveler's father pulled her away from the door. [NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More "I wasnt scared as I knew the door could not be opened but her shrieks were terrifying," Stacy Herbert tweeted. "And she was sitting behind us so when she was pulled back to her seat it was awful to see her suicidal distress." Passengers say that she woman was ultimately subdued by a flight attendant and her father. After the plane landed safely, the woman was subsequently taken to an area hospital for observation. Herbert tweeted photos of what appeared to be a dozen law enforcement vehicles and ambulances surrounding the plane once it landed safely. If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting 'Home' to 741741. Top Tri-State News Photos What to Know A SEPTA regional rail conductor was shot while working on the Chestnut Hill West line on Friday afternoon. The 57-year-old conductor took a bullet to the hip. Witnesses said they heard one gunshot after the train stopped at the Carpenter Station. The shooter remains at large. Police said they're searching for two men. A botched robbery left a SEPTA conductor shot on a regional rail train as passengers disembarked at a northwest Philadelphia station. The shooting happened around 3:30 p.m. Friday on the Chestnut Hill West line in the city's West Mount Airy neighborhood, a SEPTA spokesperson said. The 57-year-old male conductor was shot once in the hip, Philadelphia police said. He was taken to Albert Einstein Medical Center by police, where he is listed in stable condition. Police were looking for two suspects, both male and one wearing a gray hoodie. They were on the platform, waiting for the train to arrive, police said. One suspect demanded cash from the victim as he exited the train. Police said the conductor pushed the other suspect and darted for the train. The first suspect, armed with a gun, then fired a single shot. Lisa Mengucci A photo taken from inside the train and shared through the NBC10 app appeared to show the conductor on the floor and riders looking on as at least two men helped. A SEPTA official said it's been 20 years since a conductor was shot. The injured conductor has worked for SEPTA for 19 years. He's listed in stable condition. Service on the SEPTA Chestnut Hill West line was temporarily suspended. Full service has since resumed. Jaron was just 3 years old when we first met him. A foster child since birth, he was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome and any prospective adoptive families would be told he could have developmental delays. But one family watching Wednesday's Child on NBC4 years ago saw something special in Jaron. "The day I saw him it was on television your show and for some reason it was like a magnet, like 'we want that child," recounted Earl Taylor. Earl and his wife Sarah Taylor were both officers in the U.S. Air Force and had been thinking about adoption before being transferred to the D.C. area from Colorado. "We had just started the process when we got an assignment here in the Washington, D.C. area," Sarah said. They had found a home, but the timing was off. The Taylors needed to get settled, but Sarah called to ask about Jaron anyway. "We knew that [he] was the the one we wanted to try to adopt," Earl said. "I said, if I can't have that one, then I don't want any," Sarah said. The call led to several visits with Jaron, and Earl said they knew from the first visit that there was no turning back. "The first day that I saw him, he came up to me and he asked. He said, 'Are you my daddy?'" Earl said. "And I said, yes, I am." It didn't take long for Jaron to bond with Sarah as well. She was convinced on his first overnight visit. "One evening, we were in my bedroom watching television and he looked up at me at said, 'you know, I love you," Sarah recounted. "I just didn't know what to do after that." Although social workers had warned about the long-term affects of Jaron's mistreatment as an infant, the Taylors decided to use their own brand of healing for their son. "The ladies were advocating that he needed to have Ritalin and he was ADHD and all that," Earl said. "I told them, no, all he needs is love and all he needs is attention and direction." The Taylors brough Jaron home to his new brick house and the years just seemed to fly by. Today, Jaron still stops by home regularly when he gets off work Now sporting a uniform. Jaron is now a police officer in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He still remembers things about coming home the first time at just 3 years old. "I guess the main one would be in the driveway asking my dad, 'Are you my dad?'" Jaron says he also remembers his dad responding with a yes. Those were tender moments with two career military parents who could be tough, too, Jaron told NBC4's Barbara Harrison. "Tough but not pushy. They got the job done. Here I am now," he said with a laugh. His parents are very proud of the man Jaron has become after overcoming challenges, including the shaken baby syndrome that led some to say he would never run or ride a bike. "A lot of the things they told us that he couldn't do or he wouldn't be able to do, he's done," Sarah said. "When you're a police officer, you have to run." Jaron remains close with his parents, teaching martial arts classes with mom Sarah in Fort Washington and cheering on the Redskins with dad Earl. Catholic services are being canceled for a second weekend in Sri Lanka's capital after the government warned of more possible attacks by the same Islamic State-linked group that carried out Easter suicide bombings. Rev. Edmund Tillakaratne, spokesman for the Colombo diocese, said Thursday that Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith had canceled all Sunday services in the diocese based on the latest security reports. Last week, Muslims were told to stay home for Friday prayers and all of Sri Lanka's Catholic churches were closed. Instead of the usual Sunday Mass, Ranjith delivered a homily before clergy and national leaders at his residence that aired on television. Sri Lanka's Muslim leaders, however, were encouraging believers to return to mosques for Friday prayer, according to N.M. Ameen, president of the Muslim Council of Sri Lanka. Ameen said the group had asked the government for extra security. The April 21 bombings at churches and luxury hotels killed 253 people and officials have warned that suspects linked to the bombings are still at large. A Cabinet minister said Tuesday that intelligence warnings had indicated government ministers could be targeted by the same group, which pledged its loyalty to Islamic State militants. Ranjith has criticized the government's apparent failure to share near-specific intelligence on the Easter plot and some of the suspects involved. Sri Lankan police late Wednesday released the names and photographs of nine suicide bombers who carried out the Easter attacks, all belonging to an offshoot of a local group called National Towheed Jamaat. They included extremist preacher Mohamed Zahran, also known as Zahran Hashim, who was described as the attack leader, and the wife of another suicide bomber, who blew herself up, along with her children and three police officers, at a villa belonging to her father-in-law, who is a prominent spice trader. With the atmosphere still tense in Colombo, Sri Lankan Islamic group Ceylon Thawheed Jama'ath held a news conference Thursday to clarify that it was not connected to National Towheed Jamaat, despite having a similar name. The group's general secretary, Abdur Razik, said that there were many groups with names that included the words "Thawheed Jama'ath," which roughly translates to monotheism organization. Some of them have complained that they are being confused in news reports with the group that carried out the deadly bombings. Russias efforts to influence American public opinion are not confined only to periods around elections but are a 365-days-a-year threat, FBI Director Christopher Wray said Friday. The FBI chief said Russias campaign consists of constant use of social media, with "fake news, propaganda, false personas, et cetera, to spin us up, pit us against each other, sow divisiveness and discord, and undermine Americans' faith in democracy, NBC News reported. In an appearance before the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, Wray said social media companies "have made enormous strides" in identifying and shutting down Russia's social media efforts. Cyclone Fani tore through India's eastern coast on Friday as a grade 5 storm, lashing beaches with rain and wind gusting up to 127 miles per hour and affecting weather as far away as Mount Everest. The India Meteorological Department said the "extremely severe" cyclone in the Bay of Bengal hit the coastal state of Odisha around 8 a.m., with weather impacted across the Asian subcontinent. Dust storms were forecast in the desert state of Rajasthan bordering Pakistan; heat waves in the coastal state of Maharashtra on the Arabian Sea; heavy rain in the northeastern states bordering China; and snowfall in the Himalayas. Around 1.2 million people were evacuated from low-lying areas of Odisha and moved to nearly 4,000 shelters, according to India's National Disaster Response Force. Indian officials put the navy, air force, army and coast guard on high alert. Odisha Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi said the evacuation effort was unprecedented in India. By Friday afternoon, Fani had weakened to a "very severe" storm as it moved north-northeast toward the Indian state of West Bengal. In Bhubaneswar, a city in Odisha famous for an 11th-century Hindu temple, palm trees whipped back and forth like mops across skies made opaque by gusts of rain. The national highway to Puri, a popular tourist beach city with other significant Hindu antiquities, was littered with fallen trees and electricity poles, making it impassable. A special train ran Thursday to evacuate tourists from the city. The airport in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, closed from 3 p.m. Friday to Saturday morning. At least 200 trains were canceled across India. The National Disaster Response Force dispatched 54 rescue and relief teams of doctors, engineers and deep-sea divers to flood-prone areas along the coast and as far afield as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a group of islands that comprise a state located about 840 miles east of mainland India in the Bay of Bengal. On Mount Everest, some mountaineers and Sherpa guides were descending to lower camps as weather worsened at higher elevations. The government issued a warning saying that heavy snowfall was expected in the higher mountain areas with rain and storms lower down the mountain, and asked trekking agencies to take tourists to safety. Hundreds of climbers, their guides, cooks and porters huddled at the Everest base camp, according to Pemba Sherpa of the Xtreme Climbers Trek, who said weather and visibility was poor. May is the best month to climb the 29,035-foot Everest when Nepal experiences a few windows of good weather to scale the peak. "It is still the beginning of the month, so there is no reason for climbers to worry" that weather from the cyclone will cost them their chance to reach the summit, Sherpa said. On India's cyclone scale, Fani is the second-most severe, equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane. Its timing is unusual, according to data from the Meteorological Department. Most extremely severe cyclones hit India's east coast in the post-monsoon season. Over roughly half a century, 23, or nearly 60% of the cyclones, to hit India were observed between October and December. Because Fani spent 10 days gathering strength over the sea, it delivered a huge blow when it made landfall. Some of the deadliest tropical cyclones on record have occurred in the Bay of Bengal. A 1999 "super" cyclone killed around 10,000 people and devastated large parts of Odisha. Due to improved forecasts and better coordinated disaster management, the death toll from Cyclone Phailin an equally intense storm that hit in 2013 were less than 50, according to the World Meteorological Organization. The 1999 super cyclone reached wind speeds of 161-173 mph, said India Meteorological Department scientist Dr. M. Mohapatra. "This is not as bad," he said. Sethi, the special commissioner in Odisha, said communications were disrupted in some areas, but no deaths or injuries had been reported. In the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh just south of Odisha, Fani topped electricity poles and uprooted others, leaving them in sharp angles. In the Srikakulam district, where around 20,000 people had been evacuated, thatched-roof houses collapsed and fishing boats left unmoored on beaches had been sliced into shards. The district experienced wind speeds of 87 mph and received heavy rains but no loss of life or major damage was reported, district collector J. Niwas said. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department said the storm would reach the southwestern part of Bangladesh by Friday. Aid agencies warned that the more than 1 million Rohingya from Myanmar living at refugee camps near the coastal district of Cox's Bazar were under threat. Hillol Sobhan, local communications director for the aid group Care, said it had emergency supplies for the refugees in Cox's Bazar. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority said it suspended operations of all vessels. Authorities also halted activities at Chittagong Seaport, which handles 80% of the country's overseas trade. Associated Press writers Omer Farooq, Julhas Alam and Binaj Gurubacharya contributed to this report. Democratic lawmakers are renewing their call for the Trump Administration to answer questions and release records of surveillance programs run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Those lawmakers singled out a database used by border agents to track and store information on 59 individuals, including journalists, attorneys and immigration advocates, tied to a migrant caravan that arrived in Tijuana, Mexico late last year. A majority of those subject to surveillance are U.S. citizens. NBC 7 Investigates revealed the existence of that database March 6, 2019, after obtaining leaked screenshots of the database from a Homeland Security source. The leaked documents included dossiers compiled on some of the individuals in the database, including an immigration attorney. In a letter sent to DHS on Friday, U.S. Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) demanded answers from DHS Acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan on the database program, as well as the departments use of a private intelligence company that documented protests nationwide of the Trump administrations zero tolerance and child separation policies. The Intercept obtained documents that show "LookingGlass Cyber Solutions" of Virginia documented the locations of more than 600 demonstrations across the country as well as Facebook pages tied to the events. The company then shared that information with DHS and other state-level law enforcement agencies. A spokesperson for DHS told The Intercept on background that the information was unsolicited. Lawmakers said those surveillance tactics could violate the Privacy Act of 1974, which established fair information practices governing the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of information about individuals that is maintained in systems of records by federal agencies, according to the Department of Justices website. To read the letter from lawmakers, click here. In addition to answering their questions, Senators want DHS officials to release guideline, handbooks and other documents that show how DHS gathers intelligence on U.S. citizens. NBC 7 and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press filed a lawsuit seeking these records after border agencies missed a deadline for release under a Freedom of Information Act request. One of the questions directed to DHS officials pertains to the scope of the agencys social media collection program, specifically regarding journalists, attorneys, activists, and protestors who have not been accused of a crime and are not suspected of wrongdoing. Nicole Ramos is one of the immigration attorneys listed in the database created by San Diego-area border agents. Ramos told NBC 7 the photo used for her database entry came from her Facebook account. Another U.S. citizen in the database was labeled as an Administrator on a Caravan Support Network Facebook Page, indicating border agents had viewed the persons social media profile. NBC 7 reached out to both DHS and CBP officials for a comment on the letter but have not heard back. Previously, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said the agencies efforts to gather this type of information is standard law enforcement practice, and that CBP does not target journalists for inspection based on their occupation or their reporting. CBP along with the DHS Inspector Generals office have launched internal investigations into the creation of the database. Senators gave DHS officials a May 24th deadline for answering their questions. This isnt the first time lawmakers asked questions about the database. Days after NBC 7 published its initial investigation, Senators Blumenthal, Bennie Thompson (D-MS) and Kathleen Rice (D-NY) also demanded information and gave CBP and DHS deadlines for a response. Those requests were met with silence. In early May, the Center for Democracy and Technology, along with 100 civil rights organizations, sent a letter to the DHS Acting Secretary voicing opposition to the data collection and urging the department to stop targeting activists, journalists, and lawyers for exercising speech and associational activities protected by the First Amendment. To read stories from NBC 7s on-going investigation of this database, click here. You can also hear how the team reported this story by listening to INSIGHT: Episode One below. A father-son chef duo hailing from a Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy have relocated to San Diego to open a highly-anticipated modern Italian eatery in Bankers Hill. Eater San Diego shares their story, plus other top stories of the week from San Diegos food and drink scene. Little Italy's Civico 1845 Opens Il Dandy in Bankers Hill The owners of a popular Italian restaurant in Little Italy have partnered with chefs of a Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy to showcase modern Italian cuisine at Il Dandy, which opens this weekend at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street in Bankers Hill. The chefs are a father-son duo specializing in the progressive side of Italian gastronomy. Il Dandys menu combines SoCal ingredients with flavors of Southern Italy. Sneak a peek at the chic space here. Filipino Eatery Changes Hands, Revamps Menu Miramar's Sarap Filipino Kitchen has been renamed Gaya Gaya and has a new chef at the helm. DJ Tangalin, formerly of Bivouac Ciderworks, has taken over the restaurant and released a new menu that includes both classic Filipino dishes and modern takes on familiar favorites. East Village Distillery Adds Southern-Inspired Plates You & Yours Distilling Co. has enhanced its urban distillery and tasting room with a new kitchen that will offer a menu consulted on by Kettner Exchange executive chef Brian Redzikowski. The Southern-inspired fare includes fried chicken and ham and biscuits, plus dishes that feature house spirits. You & Yours opened two years ago on G Street, led by University of San Diego graduate Laura Johnson, who has carved out a name for herself in the historically male-dominated distilling industry. Read about her humble beginnings here. A new distillery opens Thursday in San Diego's East Village -- the first urban distillery in California. It's operated by USD graduate Laura Johnson, one of the country's few female lead distillers. Where to Eat and Drink in Tijuana Right Now Eater regularly updates this guide to Tijuana's dynamic and ever-evolving culinary scene. This installment includes the latest openings in the town south of the U.S.-Mexico border: from cocktail bars, coffee houses and eateries that showcase the breadth of Mexican food, to modern eateries and traditional taco shops. George's at the Cove Launches Cocktail Book On May 13, Georges at the Cove will host a release party for the second cocktail book released by the team behind George's Level2 bar. Dubbed Flora of San Diego, it features recipes for the 24 drinks that make up the bar's new menu, which all feature local botanicals. Candice Woo is the founding editor of Eater San Diego, a leading source for news about San Diegos restaurant and bar scene. Keep up with the latest Eater San Diego content via Facebook or Twitter, and sign up for Eater San Diegos newsletter here. A San Diego woman pregnant with triplets pregnant at the same time as her twin sister delivered her babies Thursday, just a few days shy of Mothers Day. Jazmin Vazquez, 29, gave birth at around 9 a.m. at Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns to three little bundles of joy: Josias born first followed by Eliel and then Diego. The babies each weighed between three and four pounds and, although theyre being monitored in incubators, are happy and healthy. On Friday, Vazquez was recovering from the C-Section delivery. She is Mexican-American and couldnt believe she was able to celebrate being a mother on May 10, which is Mothers Day in Mexico. Its a dream come true, she told NBC 7 and Telemundo 20. Today, for the first time, Im a mom. Vazquezs case is unique in many ways. For starters, shes a twin herself and her sister, Eve Roman, 29, is also pregnant. Roman is due in just a couple of weeks, also with a baby boy. Earlier this week, the twin sisters shared their story with NBC 7 explaining that theyre so close, they really do everything together, right down to major milestones like starting their families. But for Vazquez, being a mom wasn't always something that seemed within reach. At age 22, she was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy treatments. The treatments were successful but took a toll on her body. "The doctors weren't sure if I would ever be able to have children," she told NBC 7 earlier this week. "All the sudden all your dreams of being a mom and having a family are put to a stop." Vazquez called her pregnancy a miracle. She said she feels blessed beyond measure to be able to be a mom to not just one but three babies. Just one day after delivering her trio, she was overcome with emotion and excitement about her future as their mom. Its something you never expected a dream that many people have, to one day be a mom, she explained. I feel so happy. Vazquez said that when she first saw her babies, she was having trouble grasping how they were possibly able to fit inside her body. Now that theyre here, she said she cant wait to get to work. [G] San Diego Twin Gives Birth to Triplets, Sister is Next to Become Mom She said shes excited to be there for them, to raise them and to love them. Its a privilege to be a mom, she said, smiling. Vazquez said she experienced the feeling of being a mom when she sang to her babies and they instantly calmed down. She couldnt believe they recognized her voice. She also soothed them with her touch. She said that alone made her feel as if she has a mom superpower, something shes sure other mothers can relate to. Its something very beautiful, she said. For Vazquez, the triplets will always be a reminder of how anything is possible in life, even when times are tough. When she was sick, she never stopped believing that she would get better. Theres mountains in your life that sometimes are going to come, but that doesnt mean thats going to be the end, she said. You have to overcome and get through those mountains to see the reward to see that theres something behind there and not give up. Never give up. Vazquez is looking forward to seeing her twin sister become a mom and raising all four boys alongside one another. She said shes not sure if shell have more kids since raising triplets will keep her very busy but maybe, she said, she will try one more time for a girl. The teenage parents and grandmother of a newborn baby thought to have been abandoned in a Chicago alley were charged early Friday, according to police. A 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy were identified as the baby's parents and each charged with one felony count of first-degree attempted murder, Chicago police said in a statement. They were not identified, as they were charged as juveniles. Karla L. Antimo, 37, was identified as the newborn's grandmother and charged with one felony count of disorderly conduct in making a false report of an offense, authorities said. According to police, the girl gave birth on Tuesday and wrapped the newborn boy in a towel, placing him on top of a garbage can in an alley in the 3500 block of North Pulaski Road in the South Old Irving Park neighborhood on the city's Northwest Side. The 17-year-old boy then went to the alley, put the baby and towel into a bag and called Antimo, authorities said. Antimo took the newborn to a Chicago firehouse in the 1700 block of North Pulaski Road in the city's Hermosa neighborhood, according to police, who said there she reported finding the baby at around 3:30 p.m. on top of a garbage can in a nearby alley in the 1700 block of North Keystone Avenue. Paramedics took the baby to Norwegian American Hospital in critical condition just after 4 p.m., officials said. The baby was "crying and kicking," according to a fire department spokesman, and his condition was upgraded to stable before he was then transferred to Lurie Children's Hospital. Police said Thursday that a 16-year-old girl came forward the previous night and had been positively identified as the mother of the child. On Friday, officials said Antimo admitted during the investigation that she was the grandmother of the newborn. A judge on Friday ordered Antimo be released on her own recognizance, in part because she ultimately brought the child to the fire station. The infant's parents were also ordered released Friday. Prosecutors said more than 10 hours passed between the time the baby was born and the time Antimo brought it to the fire station. The attorney for the baby's teenage mother said his client was young and scared but should not face criminal charges because of "steps" she took after the baby was born. The newborn was the first baby to be illegally abandoned in Illinois this year, according to Dawn Geras, who lobbied to pass Illinois' "Safe Haven" law. Under the law, infants 30 days or younger may be dropped off with no questions asked at a hospital, fire or police station, according to the state's Department of Child and Family Services. Prosecutors said the child was need to spend another two weeks in the neo-natal intensive care unit. Anitmo's attorney said she is just happy the baby survived. "She is ecstatic the baby is doing better," said attorney Ruben Herrera. The case against a mother accused of shooting and killing her daughters will go to trial. Veronica Youngblood is accused of shooting her 15-year-old and 5-year-old daughters inside an apartment on the 1500 block of Lincoln Circle on Aug. 5. One girl died at the scene and another died at the hospital nearly a week later. A Fairfax County judge ruled Friday there was enough evidence against Youngblood to move her murder case forward. At the hearing, an investigator told the court Youngblood admitted to the killings last August. He said Youngblood admitted to giving the girls sleeping pills before she shot them. The investigator said that Youngblood was planning to kill herself and the children for a while after years of a tense custody battle with her ex-husband. Youngblood's defense attorneys argued she was mentally ill. The defendant previously refused to come to a court hearing in April and missed a previous hearing because of suicide attempts. A 16-year-old unaccompanied migrant boy from Guatemala fell ill after he was transferred to a government shelter in Texas and later died, officials said Wednesday. The boy crossed the border near El Paso, Texas, on April 19, and was taken to a shelter in Brownsville a day later, according to Guatemala's Foreign Ministry. He did not appear ill when he was transferred to the care of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to a statement from the Administration for Children and Families, the division within HHS that cares for migrant children who cross the border alone. But the next morning, he had fever, chills and a headache and was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released that day. When the teen didn't recover, he was taken to a second hospital and transferred to a children's hospital. Guatemalan officials said he had a severe infection in his brain and had emergency surgery, but never stabilized and died Tuesday. The cause of death was under review, as was the incident. His name was not released. The boy's brother and Guatemalan consular officials visited him while he was hospitalized, and hospital staff frequently updated his family in Guatemala, according to Evelyn Stauffer, a spokeswoman for the Administration for Children and Families. It was the third death in government custody since December, as the U.S. deals with a surge of unaccompanied children and Central American families arriving at the southern border. Two other children died while in U.S. Customs and Border Protection custody shortly after they arrived at the border. Trump administration officials have said the surge has strained resources beyond the breaking point, but immigrant advocates and some Democrats say part of the crisis is due to President Donald Trump's own hardline rhetoric and failed border policies. The 16-year-old was from the municipality of Camotan in the eastern area of Chiquimula. The Guatemalan Consulate in McAllen tried to get humanitarian visas so the parents could be with their son, but they were too old to travel, the foreign ministry said. The boy's body will be repatriated, but it's not clear when. In December, 8-year-old Felipe Gomez Alonzo died on Christmas Eve from influenza and a rapid, progressive infection that led to organ failure shortly after crossing the border. His death was two weeks after that of 7-year-old Jakelin Caal Maquin, who also had a bacterial infection that quickly led to sepsis and organ failure. Both of those children were also from Guatemala but arrived with a family member and were in Customs and Border Protection custody, not the care of Health and Human Services, which is tasked with dealing with the care of migrant children who arrive at the border alone. The agency also managed the children who were separated from their parents by the Trump administration last summer. The last time a child died in the custody of Health and Human services was 2015. The teen's death comes as the Trump administration asks for $4.5 billion in supplemental funding for the border mostly for humanitarian aid. The official request said Health and Human Services will exhaust its resources by June. The funding request includes $2.8 billion to increase shelter capacity to about 23,600 total beds for unaccompanied children. There were 50,036 unaccompanied children encountered during the last budget year, and so far this budget year there have been 35,898 children. The highest number was in 2014: 57,496. Their average length of stay in a government shelter is 66 days, up from 59 during fiscal year 2018 and 40 in 2016's fiscal year. Associated Press writer Sonny Figueroa in Guatemala City contributed to this report. Firefighters plucked 12 ducklings from a west suburban storm drain Thursday and video of the whole ordeal was shared on social media. Twitter user Loriann Jean told NBC 5 she noticed a distressed mother duck in the 500 block of North Avenue in Glendale Heights, near Chicago. @nbcchicago We saw this mommy duck circling the sewer , and we heard little chicks inside! &they came & grabbed 12 of them out from there! &now back with their mommy! In over 25 years the firefighters said they never seen that! Thank you to the Glendale heights firefighters! pic.twitter.com/XJTlnK0rSo Loriann Jean (@loriann_jean_) May 9, 2019 We saw this mommy duck circling the sewer, and we heard little chicks inside, she said. The rescuers were able to reunited the mother duck with her dozen chirping babies. They told Loriann Jean they hadnt seen so many baby ducks in a storm drain in nearly 25 years of service, she said. Thank you to the Glendale heights firefighters, she added. The family of ducks were released back into the wild after the brief but feather-ruffling experience. [[211053881, C] Officials in Wareham, Massachusetts, issued a boil water order for the town's Onset area. At the Stonebridge Bar and Grill, the alert wasn't exactly the Friday night special they had in mind. "It definitely makes it more challenging," said the restaurant's owner, Justin Hadley. "It is already challenging to run a restaurant." Problems started bubbling up in Onset a couple of weeks ago when residents started noticing some discoloration in the water, according to the water department. Testing revealed one sample of water contained E.coli. Repeat testing showed no E.coli, but there was enough bacteria to indicate there could be potential harmful pathogens in the water system. Everyone in Onset was told they must boil water before drinking it or cooking with it. Showers and baths are considered safe, as long as the water is not ingested. At Stonebridge, the alert also means a bunch of changes, including club soda replacing tap water on the tables, and all the ice had to be thrown away. "I'm going to have to figure out chilling fish tonight," said Hadley. They'll bring in jugs of water at the restaurant, and about 200 pounds of new ice a day until the problem with Onset's water system is resolved. The Onset Water Department will be flushing the water system, and they'll conduct new testing on Monday and Tuesday. It's hoped the problem is resolved in about a week. Water will be distributed on Saturday to local residents at the Onset Fire Department. A Paxton, Massachusetts, man has been indicted for allegedly murdering his brother with a hammer. The Worcester County District Attorney's Office announced Friday that Alexander Asia, 25, was indicted by a grand jury for the murder of his brother, Innocent Asia, in their home back in December. Asia is also accused of injuring his mother, Leticia Asia, 53, and another brother, Ogechi Asia. He is also facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, attempted murder and armed assault with intent to murder. Innocent, 23, was found dead in their home in Paxton after police responded to a 911 call. Police say Leticia went to a neighbor's house after the attack. According to MJ Byrnes, who lives two houses away, Leticia stumbled in the dark to her house, where she kept ringing the doorbell. Byrnes said her sister brought Leticia inside and saw the gash in her head. "My sister reported that the mother had stated that her son was trying to kill the family with a hammer," Byrnes said. An investigation into the attack is ongoing. Attorneys say an autopsy report is pending and that Asia will be arraigned in superior court at a later date. Steven Baptiste owns the Pier View restaurant in the Onset section of Wareham. On a normal Saturday he said the 80 seats in his restaurant are normally filled. On this particular Saturday, a boil water advisory is putting a dent in his business. Well my water temperature is 180 degrees as far as the dishwashing, he said. We have bottled water that we are using in lieu of the water from the tap. The restaurant staff are also using store-bought packages of ice because they cant make their own and risk giving customers contaminated ice cubes. The fire department is giving out bottled water to residents who need it from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Satuday. "Its been best frustrating because we planned a big dinner today so weve got to wash out the food in bottled water, said Onset resident, Dawn Prunier. Some residents noticed discolored water a few weeks ago. Onset Water Department officials took water samples Wednesday as part of their monthly water test and one of those samples tested positive for E. coli. Onset Water Department Superintendent Kevin Sampson said a repeat test did not find E. Coli but did test positive for other bacteria. (We) talked with the state, they decided to put us under a boil order because there were too many variables, Sampson said. My dog is sick, said resident Melissa Proctor. Its been since Tuesday and we found out this morning. Baptiste is hoping officials fix the problem soon. A gentleman came in this morning, Baptiste said. He had a text from the water department saying it could be a week. Officials say boiled water should be used for -drinking -making ice -brushing teeth -washing dishes -food preparation Managers at the Stonebridge Bar & Grill said theyre having to haul in bottled water and about 200 pounds of ice a day, which is not good for business. Kind of crazy," Jenn Daly said. "Especially the way we kind of heard about it we kind of heard about it through the grapevine. My neighbor said something and then I sought on Facebook so that list, that was a strange part of the whole thing. Water department officials say theyll be flushing out the water system and conducting testing on Monday and Tuesday. They said that they hope all of this will be resolved by next week. Presidential candidate and former Congressman Beto O'Rourke kicked off his three-day New Hampshire tour on Thursday and addressed gun violence, climate change and immigration. The Democrat held an invite-only house party at the Salem home of former ambassador Jim Smith, where he introduced a special guest. "For the first time outside of Texas, I am joined by my wife, Amy, who is here with us as well," O'Rourke said to the crowd. O'Rourke, an El Paso, Texas native, touched on hot topics among the 2020 candidates and addressed the recent school shooting in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. "Those states that have adopted universal background checks have closed all the loopholes," he said. "They've seen a near 50% reduction in gun violence." He took questions from several in attendance, including one woman who expressed concern about O'Rourke taking on President Donald Trump in the race. "If we descend into that stuff, the name-calling, the pettiness, the meanness, the attacks... One, I don't know that will win in November. Two, I don't know that we will have built the coalition or the movement to the question earlier to actually get the stuff done once we are in office," he said. "So I'm going to campaign much in the same way you see me here, on the truth and the facts." The 46-year-old businessman announced his run for the Oval Office in March. He was defeated by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in a much-watched Texas Senate race during the mid-election last year. A substitute teacher in Rhode Island in facing disorderly conduct charges because students say he talked about a school shooting and chased them around the classroom. Woonsocket police say 58-year-old Phillip Cole was arrested Thursday at the public library after he'd been ordered to leave Hamlet Middle School by the assistant principal. She told police students told her that Cole had chased them around the room and "acted as though he wanted to hurt them" and "had made mention of a school shooting." Police say once in the assistant principal's office, Cole began to yell about his financial difficulties and said his firing would kill him, while pretending to stab himself in the stomach. Cole was freed on $5,000 bail and referred to the public defender's office. BROOKFIELD Town officials hope to secure a state grant for the third phase of its downtown streetscape project by tweaking its zoning regulations. The town said it was at risk of losing about $250,000 of a more than $1 million state grant because the state claimed amenity items, such as granite curbing, were not eligible for funding. But First Selectman Steve Dunn said if these amenities are required in the downtown as part of the zoning regulations, then the state might have to cover them. We believe we found a workaround, he said. The Western Connecticut Council of Governments suggested the town include the so-called amenities in its zoning laws. Judd Everhart, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said Brookfields request for funds from the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program is still being reviewed. If the town changes their downtown regulations/standards, the department would evaluate their changes and determine how it would apply to the specific (LOTCIP) proposal, he said. Everhart said the department reserves the right to limit the states financial participation in the level of amenities that are considered participating in a LOTCIP project for consistent treatment of all municipalities, and to maximize the available state funds for capital infrastructure improvements. The Zoning Commission, which late last year approved a major overhaul of its zoning regulations, on Thursday set the public hearing on the possible changes for 7 p.m. June 13 in Room 133 at Town Hall. Under the proposed amendment, streetscape design in the town center would need to have granite curbing, bus shelters, bike racks and more. This aesthetic is already part of the first phase of streetscape that was installed at the Federal and Station roads intersection nearly two years ago and will be included in the second phase this summer. Its important for us as town, given the amount were spending, that we do have the continuity of style, Dunn said. With the regulation update, the town would also ensure future developers stick to the aesthetic, rather than opting for cheaper styles, he said. Theyll know exactly whats required and they can include that in the cost of their development because (otherwise) we could get 20 different styles, Dunn said. Brookfield Village, a mixed-use development that offers housing on upper levels and retail space on the first floor, follows the towns preferred aesthetic. The town hopes to attract similar mixed-use buildings. So far, officials and residents have considered the downtown revitalization efforts a success. Were very happy with the design, said Greg Dembowski, who manages the project. We know the residents are happy with the design ... and we want to continue that momentum and plan throughout all future phases. Construction is expected to start in June on the second phase of the streetscape project, which will extend improvements further down Federal Road to the Still River Greenway. Work likely will be completely in September or shortly afterward, Dembowski said. But the confusion over the grant for the $1.3 million third phase, which would bring streetscape down Old Route 7 and Laurel Hill Road, means construction on that part likely will not start until spring 2021. This whole process has slowed us down by about three to four months, Dembowski said. Even though I would love to see phase three completed in 2020, its probably not going to happen. RIDGEFIELD A new police station? A new fire station? Both in one? Maybe just renovate the two existing buildings a converted Victorian mansion that serves as a police station, and a firehouse that dates to the era of horse-drawn fire wagons? The town needs to figure out what it wants to do. And town officials are seeking the help of a consultant to study the multiplicity of issues that need to be factored in department needs, changing missions, population growth, town geography. First Selectman Rudy Marconi described the situation with both police and fire headquarters when talking to the Board of Finance about the needs during a recent budget workshop. Just take a look at what that building is like, Marconi said of the police station. Every time a project was done, they didnt take out the old wires, they added new wires. And the Catoonah Street firehouse is more than a century old. The firehouse was built in 1896, after the great fire, Marconi said. The selectmen have set aside $40,000 to $60,000 for a study that will try to answer some of the overview questions. Do we stay there? Do we do two buildings? Do we do one? All that, Marconi told the finance board. Marconi wants the Police Commission and the Board of Selectmen which functions as the towns Fire Commission and to get together and review a request for proposals or RFP that will go out for the study. And that hopefully, will be an RFP by invitation to three companies that have extensive experience in assessing the needs to those respective departments today and well into the future, Marconi said. He described what town officials are looking for. Really, what we want to do is take a snapshot of where are are today: Square footage. How many people? Can the buildings that we are in today be upgraded to accommodate not only todays needs, but into the future? he said. And if they cannot, what should we look at and thats any scenario you can possibly look at. Price wont necessarily dictate what we can do, he added. Because if we cannot accommodate, say, a firehouse at the current Catoonah Street location, then were going to have to figure something out. Do we keep that station? Build another smaller one? Sell that station? All these possibilities will be studied and the same will be applied to the Police Department. There will likely be a couple of phases to the effort. Right now, phase one is to collect all of the information on the current state of our buildings before moving on to a cost-analysis, Marconi said. People who have doubts about the need for upgrading the police and fire facilities are welcome to tour the buildings. Anyone who wants a tour can call, Marconi said. Theyre certainly safe and can accommodate current operations, but are in need of an upgrade. When Marconi discussed the plan with Board of Finance, board member Amy Freidenrich asked if selling the current police station might help offset the cost. Marconi was skeptical. Were talking $25-to-$28 million. What are you going to get for that property? Marconi said. Theres another factor weighing against sale of the police station property. We have the tower there, Marconi said. The radio tower not only serves police communications but hosts equipment from numerous cell phone companies. Thats $125,000 year in revenue, Marconi said. Combining forces? Finance board member Sean Connelly wondered if any consideration was being given to not just a combined building, but a combined force. There has been talk of combining functions, such as dispatching, although that has met with some resistance, Marconi said, as has state interest in regionalizing 911 call answering. Theres also skepticism about regionalizing departments. With regionalization, you look at Georgetown. Four come together in Georgetown Ridgefield, Redding, Wilton and Weston, Marconi said. Weve discussed it. We know it would be a tough sell, he added. The chiefs association would be opposed. Theres also been public concern about other regionalization efforts most intense, but not solely, concerning schools. We will fight county government tooth and nail, Marconi told the finance board. Its another layer of government, added Selectwoman Maureen Kozlark. For the study that will soon begin, up to $62,000 was approved in 2017. Three firms likely to be asked for proposals on phase one the needs assessment study. They are: Jacunski Humes Architects, Kaestle Boos Associates, and Drummey Rosane Anderson Inc. All three have extensive experience in completing space needs assessments, Marconi said. DANBURY George Johnsons life is more than the story of a ceiling-breaker who became the police departments first black command officer. Johnsons life, which ended May 3 at 79 after a battle with cancer, is also the story of how Danbury stayed together in the upheaval of the post-Civil Rights era. He had a tremendous amount of respect for other people, said Samuel Hyman, a longtime friend and former member of the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. There was a certain relationship between the police department and the black community that George helped a lot to bridge, because they knew that he represented the department at its best. As family, friends and fellow officers prepared to say goodbye to the native Danbury man on Monday, they shared how his personable character inspired a community, and how his professional conduct defined a police department. He was a very smart man who could get right down to anybodys level and get along with them, said Adolph Andrews, a retired detective who served under Johnson. He didnt care who they were he could get along with anybody. Mayor Mark Boughton said Johnson would have been chief had Boughtons father, Donald, been re-elected mayor in 1979. He was incredibly intelligent and competent, and my father always said he would be the next chief, Boughton said. He was an outstanding gentleman. As it happened, Johnson retired in 1990 as a detective captain, with the number three rank in the department. That was the highest rank of any black police officer in Danbury until Patrick Ridenhour was appointed chief in 2016. Although it has been a busy time for the police department with Ridenhours marriage on Thursday and National Police Week kicking off Sunday in Washington, D.C., the department plans to give Johnson full honors with a police escort from the church to the cemetery, followed by a 21-gun salute, and a flag-folding ceremony. Mourners will gather at 11 a.m. Monday at New Hope Baptist Church to remember a man who was quiet about his police work but vocal about his concern for people making poor decisions. He was very honest and respectful but if he thought you were not being honest with him or untruthful, he just had no time for that, said Helen Caddie-Larcenia, who credits Johnson with encouraging her to join the police department in the early 1970s. Johnson would sometimes tell his younger brother, who was still in school, to warn certain neighborhood kids that if they didnt stop selling drugs, they were going to get arrested, for example. He would say Tell so-and-so I dont want to have to arrest him because I know his whole family, said Johnsons brother, Clifton Johnson, 65. They would usually say to me Oh, I am not going to worry about that, but then when it went down just like he said it would, they would come back to me and say, I should have listened. They respected him for that. An officer and gentleman Johnson was the first black command officer in Danbury Police Department history when he made sergeant in 1971, but making history was not Johnsons first choice. After graduating from Abbott Technical High School in 1957 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and might have been a jet mechanic had his allergies not forced him out of his first assignment in Arizona. Joining the Danbury police force in 1965 turned out to be destiny for a man who learned respect being raised by a preachers daughter, and learned love-of-neighbor going to Mount Pleasant AME Zion Church, across the street from his home. The fair and caring way Johnson treated others at a time when the national fabric was tearing along racial lines distinguished Johnson as a man of character and principle. He cared about you personally, said John McGarry, a retired Danbury police officer. He was a gentleman, and a good cop. Johnson rose from sergeant to captain at a time when opportunities for black men seemed limited, his friend Hyman said. When he became Captain Johnson, it made the community very proud, Hyman said. Whenever he came up in a conversation, he was Captain Johnson to all of us. Johnson continued to be a role model in the last stage of his life, when the doctors said there was little left that treatment could do. He always said We cant be afraid to die, Clifton Johnson said. He would say Our day is coming, and whenever it comes we have to be accepting of that. The family chose New Hope for the funeral instead of the church Johnson and his brothers were raised in because the Baptist church has a larger sanctuary. He loved this town, Clifton Johnson said. And he loved the people. rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342 A toxic protein linked to Huntington's disease can move from neuron to neuron through a nanotube tunnel whose construction is initiated by a protein called Rhes, say scientists at Scripps Research. The finding, by Scripps Research neuroscientist Srinivasa Subramaniam, PhD, improves understanding of how and why this disease attacks and destroys certain brain cells. The research was published Friday, May 10 in the Journal of Cell Biology. "We are excited about this result because it may explain why the patient gets the disease in this area of the brain called the striatum," says Subramaniam, an associate professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Scripps Research-Florida. People with Huntington's disease inherit a damaged protein that is somehow complicit in destroying brain cells. Scientists discovered this protein in 1993 but are still piecing together its role in this degenerative disease. Scans show Huntington's disease brains are shrunken and degraded. As the neurons deteriorate, people lose motor control, they can have emotional problems and their thinking and memory suffer. Symptoms usually begin around age 30 to 40 and last 15 to 20 years until death. A rarer and more aggressive form of the disease affects children, cutting their childhood and lives short. About 3 to 7 people out of 100,000 have the disease and it has mostly affected those with European ancestry. However, Subramaniam believes the disease is underreported in other areas, including India. "There is a lot of stigma associated with the disease," says Subramaniam. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanics of Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative illnesses, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, to find potential therapy targets. "In the case of Huntington's, the question is can we block this transport, and does it have any benefit or effect?" says Subramaniam. For this study, Subramaniam and colleague Manish Sharma, PhD, looked at mouse neurons under a confocal microscope and saw that the cells formed sticky, string-like protrusions around 150 microns long which floated above the cells, connecting them. "When I saw Rhes making these tunnel-like tubes between the cells I was excited and at the same time perplexed," says Sharma, the first author of the study. "They may have been missed before because they are on a different plane," says Subramaniam. "You have to be really looking for it. It's like a bridge over a lake. If you are on the lake, you may not see the bridge above, but if you are on shore, you can see the bridge." Scientists first described another type of tunneling nanotube in rat neurons in 2004. Since then, a number of researchers have observed them in cancer and other types of cells. But how they form and what they do was less clear. To find out, Subramaniam and Sharma tracked cell cargo moving through this tunnel bridge. They inserted the Huntington human disease protein into the mouse brain cells, tagged it with fluorescence and then watched as it crossed over and crawled up to enter the neighboring cell. Once the tunnel delivered its shipment it released and sprang back. Lysosomes and endosomes, cellular cargo bins that transport cell pieces or waste, also travel these intercellular highways, Subramaniam says. The Rhes protein exists in both mouse and human brains sick with Huntington's disease. Knocking out the Rhes gene in diseased mice results in less brain damage. In 2009 study, Subramaniam found that Rhes also alters the Huntington disease protein's structure making it more toxic to brain cells. "The Rhes protein makes its own road. That is what is surprising to us," says Subramaniam. "But it not only transports itself. Once the road is made, many things can be transported." Subramaniam's group continues to investigate what other proteins may be helping with tunnel construction and if other disease proteins move along these membranous highways. His laboratory is also developing ways to identify how the Huntington's disease protein travels in the live brain. AMHERST A former Amherst town police officer is facing four criminal charges in Amherst County, according to four indictments filed this week in Amherst Circuit Court. Timothy David Maberry, 43, was indicted Thursday outside of the county by the Shenandoah Valley Multi-Jurisdictional Grand Jury, according to court records filed in Amherst Circuit Court. He faces a felony count of intercepting wire communication and one misdemeanor count each of disseminating images of another, using a computer for harassment and making an unauthorized copy of computer software, according to court documents. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was taken into custody Friday, Blue Ridge Regional Jail online records show. Maberry, a former detective sergeant for the Amherst Town Police Department, hasnt worked for the town since the end of July 2018, according to town officials. He was employed in the Amherst department from Oct. 18, 2010 to July 31, 2018, Town Manager Sara Carter said. According to the indictments, each alleged offense took place between Jan. 1, 2015 and July 31, 2018. The grand jury charges in the felony count Maberry intentionally intercepted or endeavored to intercept any wire, electronic, or oral communication, records show. On the misdemeanor count of disseminating images of another, the indictment charges he had intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate, maliciously disseminate any videographic or still image created by any means whatsoever that depicts a person who is totally nude, or in a state of undress to expose a person while knowing he wasnt licensed or authorized to, according to court documents filed in the case. On the misdemeanor count of using a computer for harassment, Maberry is accused of using a computer or computer network to communicate obscene, vulgar, profane, lewd, lascivious, or indecent language or make any suggestion or proposal of a sexual nature, the indictment reads. In regard to the charge of making an unauthorized copy of computer software, Maberry is accused of using a computer or computer network to make or cause to be made an unauthorized copy, in any form, including but not linked to any print or electronic form of data, computer programs, or computer software. According to a news release from state police, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Appomattox Field Office initiated the investigation in July 2018 at the collective request of the Town of Amherst Police Department, Amherst County Sheriff's Office and Amherst County Commonwealth's Attorney. The charges stem from allegations of illegal activity conducted while Maberry was formerly employed by the Town of Amherst Police Department. Virginia State Police is investigating the case against Maberry, a representative of the Amherst County Sheriffs Office said when contacted Friday by The News & Advance. When asked for further comment Friday, Carter deferred to state police. Reporter Richard Chumney contributed. Justin Faulconer covers Amherst County for The News & Advance and can be reached at (434) 385-5551. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Vice President Mike Pence urged Liberty University graduates Saturday to hold their faith close with them as they begin a new chapter of their lives, warning that the right for Christians to freely worship is threatened and must be defended. America needs men and women of integrity and faith now more than ever, he said to a crowd of more than 45,000. The truth is we live in a time when the freedom of religion is under assault. Pences address marked the midpoint of Libertys 46th commencement exercises, which featured the largest graduating class in the universitys history. An estimated 8,000 graduates were in attendance under cloudy but largely dry skies. Family and friends began to fill Williams Stadium at 6 a.m. after passing through Secret Service checkpoints. With Pences appearance, there was a significant law enforcement presence on campus and officials briefly closed U.S. 460 to make way for the vice presidents motorcade. He arrived in Lynchburg aboard Air Force 2 with his wife Karen and was greeted by a crowd of supporters at Lynchburg Regional Airport. Pence, the 48th vice president of the United States and an outspoken evangelical Christian, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2001 to 2013 before becoming governor of Indiana. He was elected vice president in 2016 with Donald Trump on the top of the ticket. His address at Liberty comes just two years after President Trump delivered the schools commencement address. Last year, former President Jimmy Carter was the featured speaker. In a speech that lasted about half an hour, Pence drew a direct line between religion and the strength of the country. He asked graduates to remain faithful to themselves, Libertys principles and God as they enter their careers. America has always been a nation of faith and as our first vice president, John Adams, said, our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people; it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. So, just know as you strengthen your foundation of faith and the foundation of faith among the American people, you will be strengthening the foundation of America itself, he said. Pence told graduates to be ready to face opposition and even ridicule for their Christian faith. He cited recent criticism of his wife for her decision to teach at an elementary school that bans gay students and teachers and a social media campaign asking students at religiously affiliated schools to share their horror stories as un-American attacks on Christian education. You know throughout most of American history its been pretty easy to call yourself a Christian, he said. It didnt occur to people that you might be shunned or ridiculed for defending the teachings of the Bible. But things are different now. Still, there are reasons for the class of 2019 to celebrate, Pence said, namely that the new graduates will enter the job market amid a period of sustained job growth, which he attributed to work of the Trump administration. Unemployment is at a 50-year low and there are more Americans working today than ever before in the history of this country, he said. And this year, for the first time ever, there are more job opening in America than there are Americans looking for work. Thats good timing, Liberty. LU President Jerry Falwell Jr. introduced Pence as dedicated public servant and one of the most engaged and influential vice presidents of his lifetime. He awarded Pence an honorary doctorate of laws for what he called Pences nobility of character, among other virtues. During his remarks, Falwell said the recent academic year was among the best in the schools history. He touted the universitys high bar pass rate among law students; the hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours served by LU students; and a strong season by the mens basketball team, which included a March Madness bid, as proof of Libertys growing influence. Falwell attributed Libertys recent explosive growth to the schools founding philosophy and the vision of his late father, the Rev Jerry Falwell Sr. He instructed graduates to take chances when they strike out on their own, just as his father did when he founded Liberty nearly 50 years ago. Liberty was built by an entrepreneur who took huge risks, he said, and if you do that in your life and are not afraid of failing youll be shocked at what youll accomplish. Pence was not the only member of the Trump administration at Saturdays graduation. Ben Carson, the secretary of Housing and Urban Development, also attended commencement and briefly addressed graduates. Later in the ceremony, Dave Brat, a former congressman and the new dean of Libertys School of Business, presented recently retired congressman Bob Goodlatte, R-Roanoke County, with an honorary doctorate. Brat also announced Liberty will house Goodlattes correspondence and officials papers from his time in Congress in an on-campus library. In an interview, Brat called the ceremonies world class. He said Liberty was unique among the nations universities for its ability to regularly draw influential political figures like Pence and President Trump accomplishments he credits to the schools value set. I dont think theres anything like this in the world, Brat said. According to numbers provided by Liberty officials, 20,731 students graduated Saturday. Of that number, 16,531 earned their degree through LU online and 3,670 were residential students. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Take a peek at fixer-uppers with potential to beautiful old homes around Lynchburg At least two people were killed and four injured in an explosion and fire that destroyed a gas station Friday morning in Rockbridge County. The two victims were found in the rubble of what used to be the South River Market, according to Nathan Ramsey, chief of the county's Fire and EMS Department. Authorities had not identified those killed or injured by Friday evening, as the search continued for others that remained unaccounted for. The incident happened about 9:50 a.m. at the the intersection of Old Buena Vista Road and South River Road, several miles north of Buena Vista. At the request of the Rockbridge County Sheriffs Office, state police are investigating the cause of the blast. At this time it does not appear suspicious in nature, Sgt. Rick Garletts of the state police said in an email. Four adults were taken to Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington for injuries sustained in the explosion and subsequent fire. Two of them were then transferred to the trauma department at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and another was taken to a hospital outside the Carilion network, a Carilion spokeswoman said. The fourth was treated at the Lexington hospital and released. Ramsey said the convenience store next to the gas pumps was totally consumed by flames when crews arrived. He could not say where the blast originated or where the victims were at the time. Its a little too soon for that, he said at about 1:30 p.m. Mountain View Elementary School, which is about a quarter-mile away, was evacuated and closed for the rest of the day as a precautionary measure. Ramsey said students were taken to Rockbridge County High School, where they could be picked up by their parents. No other buildings were evacuated. South River Road and other nearby roads remained closed Friday afternoon as officials continued to investigate the explosion and fire. Marvel Studios is gearing up for its next event film The Eternals, which hits theaters in early November. The Eternals is expected to bring some twists to the MCU, related to the past of the Marvel Universe and its future, as laid out in our review of the film. But the Marvel Comics Universe is just as malleable, if not even more so - and many of the most impactful Marvel Comics stories of the past have had a direct influence on the narrative of the MCU. Comic book superhero events, be they at Marvel, DC, or elsewhere, are generally ensemble storylines with characters crossing over from multiple comic book series to fight some overreaching threat. In the best of times, it's a star-studded special with excellent stories that you rarely get to see in your day-to-day (or in this case month-to-month) comic book series. So on the eve of Eternals, we're crisscrossing Marvel Comics history to pinpoint the most impactful comic book events ever. These are stories that had massive ramifications for Marvel going forward, from the deaths characters to the death of whole universes, from the retooling of popular characters to the return from the dead of others, and of course were chock full of the real draw of it all: great stories. So we'll count down the most impactful Marvel Comics events of all time. Honorable mention: The Infinity Gauntlet (Image credit: Marvel) Early on in The Infinity Gauntlet, it seemed as if it would be the series that would change everything half of humanity was dead! Natural disasters had altered the very world our characters lived in! but everything was reset by the series' end, with the only lasting effects being that a new Warlock series could be spun out of the whole shebang. A masterclass in the whole 'No change, just the illusion of change' thing. A spiritual follow-up, Infinity, promised more lasting change - while Thanos and the gems were still a part of the story, the biggest fallout from that event was the unleashing of the Terrigen Mists and unlocking the powers of thousands if not millions of latent Inhumans. Buy: Amazon 10. Fear Itself (Image credit: Marvel) 2011's massive event series Fear Itself featured developments that certainly felt big at the time, and by the final issue of the series, Bucky (who was Captain America at this point) and Thor were still dead, and Paris was a city of stone statues instead of people. And then came the three epilogue issues that, one by one, undid each of those things. Cleaning up after itself or a statement on the impermanence of death in superhero comic books? Potentially both, as the writer Matt Fraction told Newsarama at the time: "Death in superhero comics is meaningless. It's the escape. It's the resurrection. That's the story. These issues were kind of the chance to focus on that under the microscope, once all the pyrotechnics were done." Buy: Fear Itself 9. Secret Invasion (Image credit: Marvel) It's tempting to suggest that ending the then-long-running thread of 'Who Do You Trust?' and "Maybe one of these characters is an alien shapeshifter" is enough to make the end of Secret Invasion an important event in and of itself. In terms of narrative, though, the series moved Tony Stark away from the position of power that he'd been in for months, and placed everything in the hands of Norman Osborn, heralding a period where the bad guys really had won... Well, at least until they started messing everything up for themselves. The title of this series, if not its entire premise, will be adapted for an upcoming Disney Plus MCU show. Buy: Amazon 8. Secret Wars (Image credit: Marvel) This is a tough one because it wasn't the end of Secret Wars that changed everything, but the start. Still, that's what you get when the entire series is essentially a 12-part flashback to explain away the changes already seen in everyone's regular book. She-Hulk in the Fantastic Four and Spider-Man's black costume that would later turn out to be Venom are two changes that may not have stuck forever but ended up becoming surprisingly welcome additions to the canon. Less so, that giant dragon girlfriend for Lockheed, of course. Thankfully, 'Rocky Grimm, Space Ranger,' didn't make a comeback when Secret Wars was revived in 2015 - but he did end up back in space with the Guardians of the Galaxy. Buy: Amazon 7. Schism (Image credit: Marvel) Unusually, Schism was an event book that existed for the sole purpose of the end result: Splitting the X-Men franchise in two. And yet it worked, and in the process refreshed the franchise in a way that nothing else had managed since the days of Grant Morrison. It wasn't just the clash of ideologies that surprisingly came to life, but the characters presenting those ideologies. 'Wolverine as Teacher' made perfect sense, even as it seemed counter-intuitive, a sign that something has gone right. Buy: Amazon 6. Avengers vs. X-Men (Image credit: Marvel) Aside from the death of Charles Xavier as if we've never seen that before and the criminalization of the 'Phoenix Five,' what exactly did Avengers vs. X-Men achieve for the larger MU? Well, in theory, it ushered in an era where the X-Men and cosmic characters were brought further into the wider Marvel Universe, which ended up being a quieter, but more meaningful change to Marvel than we normally see from these event books. Buy: Amazon 5. House of M (Image credit: Marvel) "No More Mutants." With those three words, the Scarlet Witch upended the X-Men franchise in a seemingly out-of-nowhere denouement to the alternate reality series, reducing the mutant population of the Marvel Universe to less than 200 and beginning a race against extinction that finally came to an end a decade later. House of M rewrote the Marvel Universe - literally - creating a place where mutants were in charge under the leadership of Magneto. The fallout of the event had massive ramifications on both the X-Men and Avengers for years to come and set up plot points still referenced in both franchises today. Buy: Amazon 4. Mutant Massacare (Image credit: Marvel) Mutant Massacre wasn't an event crossover in the way that we consume and understand them today. There was no core limited series in which the main events occurs. There wasn't even a 'Mutant Massacre' banner on the covers of the tie-ins. But despite lacking the standard trapping of a Marvel event had the kind of impact that a crossover such as 'Maximum Security' could only dream of. This storyline marked the end of the X-Men's stay at Xavier's school for close to the next 100 issues and included the deaths of a handful of familiar faces, the introduction of new characters and revised team rosters, Warren Worthington/Angel being wounded to the point his wings are amputated, and a more somber tone for a franchise already known for its dourness. Buy: Amazon 3. Onslaught Hey, remember that time when a crossover ended with the Marvel Universe devoid of some of its most famous characters? Now, we can look back and say that the absence of the Fantastic Four, Avengers, and their respective members was only a temporary thing, but at the time that was far from a known fact, meaning that the 'Onslaught' saga genuinely did have that feeling of having changed everything in real ways, possibly forever. Onslaught has made a couple of comebacks, including as 'Red Onslaught,' a twisted manifestation of Xavier's powers in Red Skull's body - a nightmare that finally ended with Xavier's resurrection. Most recently he resurfaced on Krakoa in the one-shot X-Men: The Onslaught Revelation #1. Xavier is now back whole, helping lead the newly formed mutant island of Krakoa. Buy: Amazon 2. Civil War (Image credit: Marvel) Oh, Civil War, how you changed the Marvel Universe. There was that whole 'You work for the government or you're a criminal' thing, that whole 'Now no one gets on with anyone else' thing, the skillful creation of a second Avengers book for the first time since West Coast Avengers, but more importantly, it changed the Marvel Universe by changing the tone of the Marvel Universe. Even though House of M's decimation of mutantkind came earlier, it was Civil War that felt as if it actually had an impact on the style and content of all of Marvel's titles for months afterward, setting the pattern for events that followed. And Civil War is the Marvel event that just keeps giving, not only as the inspiration for Captain America: Civil War, but in 2016's comic book sequel, Civil War II. Buy: Amazon 1. Secret Wars (Image credit: Marvel) ... Secret Wars, again? Deja vu? Not exactly. See, this entry is about the second event to use the title Secret Wars. The fallout of the newer iteration of Marvel's first-ever crossover event included the Ultimate Universe ending completely, with aspects of it, including Miles Morales and the Triskelion, folded into the mainstream Marvel Universe, the world at large believing the Fantastic Four were dead while they rebuilt the multiverse, and the death of Marvel's oldest character, Namor, in the aftermath (he got better.) While the in-universe consequences stemming directly from Secret Wars are, on their own, enough to give this event a spot high up on this list, the real-world implications are even more staggering. During its run, the entire Marvel Comics line was put on hold while tie-ins explored the various aspects of the makeshift, hybrid world the storyline occurred on, Battleworld, only to see every single Marvel comic book relaunched with a new #1 as part of the 'All-New, All-Different' Marvel Universe. The new universe very closely resembled the old one, making this less of a reboot and more of a retooling, but it's likely as close as the venerable company will ever come to fully rebooting its universe, as its very proud of the fact DC has rebooted its universe multiple times and its has not. Buy: Amazon (Newser) The Treasury Department and IRS have been put on alert, and they've got a deadline. Politico reports on the ongoing Democratic effort to obtain President Trump's tax returns, with the latest move involving subpoenas from Richard Neal, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "While I do not take this step lightly, I believe this action gives us the best opportunity to succeed and obtain the requested material," Neal said in a statement. Rettig and Mnuchin, who's said he doesn't believe Democrats have a "legitimate" rationale for wanting to get their hands on the president's tax returns, have been told they have till 5pm next Friday to turn over the returns. story continues below The House Dems are seeking six years of Trump's personal and business returns, from 2013 to 2018, per the New York Times, which notes this subpoena will likely be ignored like others already issued, as the president has issued a blanket vow to fight all of them. If these subpoenas go the way of the others, it means the case would head to federal court, where a century-old tax provision that isn't typically used to request a president's tax info would be hashed out. Politico notes that such a battle could extend even beyond the 2020 elections. (Donald Trump Jr. got his own subpoena this week.) (Newser) The Cuban government announced Friday that it's launching widespread rationing of chicken, eggs, rice, beans, soap, and other basic products in the face of a grave economic crisis. Commerce Minister Betsy Diaz Velazquez told the state-run Cuban News Agency that various forms of rationing would be employed in order to deal with shortages of staple foods, the AP reports. She blamed the hardening of the US trade embargo by the Trump administration. Economists give equal or greater blame to a plunge in aid from Venezuela, where the collapse of the state-run oil company has led to a nearly two-thirds cut in shipments of subsidized fuel that Cuba used for power and to earn hard currency on the open market. "We're calling for calm," Diaz said. "It's not a product that will be absent from the market in any way." story continues below Cuba imports roughly two-thirds of its food at an annual cost of more than $2 billion, and brief shortages of individual products have been common for years. In recent months, a growing number of products have started to go missing for days or weeks at a time, and long lines have sprung up within minutes of the appearance of scarce products like chicken or flour. Many shoppers find themselves still standing in line when the products run out, a problem the government has been blaming on "hoarders." "The country's going through a tough moment. This is the right response," said one 56-year-old tobacco-factory worker. Read more here. (Read more Cuba stories.) (Newser) Authorities say an explosion at a Virginia gas station has left two people dead and four people injured, the AP reports. Rockbridge County Fire and EMS Chief Nathan Ramsey said the remains of two people were found in the rubble of the South River Market several miles north of Buena Vista, per the Roanoke Times. Their names hadn't been released as of Friday evening. Virginia State Police say the explosion occurred Friday around 9:50am. "I heard a loud boom, and that's when I went out and I saw it and I said, 'Oh my,'" a local woman tells WSET. story continues below "It pretty much was the pillar of the little community here," Ramsey said, calling it "a difficult day for the community." "When you walked in the door, everyone knew your name." Spokesman Sgt. Rick Garletts said the explosion doesn't appear to be suspicious, adding that the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office has asked the state police to investigate. Garletts said police and fire crews had been working to account for those who may have been located in the building at the time of the explosion. Although it's not clear what the conditions of the four people who were injured are, the Times notes at least one has been released from the hospital. (Read more Virginia stories.) (Newser) Georgia's new abortion lawthe so-called "heartbeat bill"is generating heat from Hollywood and elicited an unusual proposal from Alyssa Milano, reports USA Today. The actor and activist urged women on Twitter to join her in a strike against the bill that forbids abortion after a womb heartbeat is detected, usually around six weeks in. "Our reproductive rights are being erased. Until women have legal control over our own bodies we just cannot risk pregnancy," she wrote. "JOIN ME by not having sex until we get bodily autonomy back. Im calling for a #SexStrike. Pass it on." The tweet has generated over 22,000 likes and 8,000 retweets as of this writing and made the hashtag trend on Saturday. story continues below Needless to say, not all responses were positive. "Please stop feeding the narrative that women are providers and men are consumers of sex," tweeted one person, while another asked, "Isn't this called abstinence? And isn't this exactly what conservatives wanted?" Others note that the so-called #SexStrike will lead to fewer abortions, but a supporter agreed that women "should deny sex to cis men" if they're out to "control our bodies and reproductive organs." Meanwhile, three production companies are refusing to film in Georgia due to the new law, CNN reports, while filmmakers Jordan Peele and JJ Abrams issued a statement that they would stand "shoulder to shoulder with the women of Georgia." (Read more abortion stories.) (Newser) Last time he spoke at Liberty University, Mike Pence urged students to vote for candidate Donald Trump despite the Access Hollywood tape. On Saturday he returned to the renowned Christian school in Lynchburg, Va., with a warning: You will be disrespected. "Some of the loudest voices for tolerance today have little tolerance for traditional Christian beliefs," Pence said, per USA Today. "Be ready." Pence mentioned the "harsh attacks" he and wife Karen have endured since she went back to teach at a Christian elementary school where, the media pointed out, gay teachers and students are forbidden. "Throughout most of American history, it's been pretty easy to call yourself Christian," he said. "...But things are different now." story continues below It was certainly different from his visit in 2016, when everyone with a TV heard Trump crowing about clutching women's genitals. "Shortcomings are no excuse for inaction," Pence told students at the time. And his comments may have helpedor at least been in sync with the evangelical moodsince roughly 81% of white evangelicals voted for Trump/Pence, more than Mitt Romney in 2012, John McCain in 2008, or George W. Bush in 2004. "Boy, did you come out and vote," said Pence to the crowd of over 45,000. "Boy, oh, boy, you voted, you voted." School president Jerry Falwell Jr. also took the stage, praising Pence as "one of the most engaged and influential vice presidents" in decades and giving him an honorary doctorate, per the News & Advance. (Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg has criticized Pence, and Pence has responded.) (Newser) Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Saturday said he's instructed his political envoy in Washington to immediately open relations with the US military in a bid to bring more pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to resign, the AP reports. The leader said he's asked Carlos Vecchio, who the US recognizes as Venezuela's ambassador, to open "direct communications" toward possible military "coordination." The remarks, at the end of a rally Saturday, mark one of his strongest public pleas yet for greater US involvement in the country's fast-escalating crisis. While Guaido has repeatedly echoed comments from the Trump administration that "all options" are on the table for removing Maduro, few in the US or Venezuelan opposition view military action as likely and the White House hasn't made noises in that direction. story continues below But with tensions between the US and Maduro running high, the saber rattling is getting louder. On Saturday, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino condemned what he said was an illegal incursion by a US Coast Guard cutter into Venezuelan territorial waters. He provided no evidence to back the claim but said that the Venezuelan Navy vessels forced it to withdraw. "I don't know if other republics will accept actions like this in their jurisdiction, but we will not," he said. Army Col. Amanda Azubuike, a South Command spokeswoman, said a US Coast Guard vessel was conducting a drug interdiction mission in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea. Padrino has also denounced what he said were attempts by the U.S. military to sow discord inside Venezuela's barracks. (Read more Venezuela stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region New Delhi: UKs largest automotive manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) on Friday reported a decline of 13.3 per cent in its total retail sales for April 2019. The Tata Motors-owned automaker sold 39,185 units last month, a sharp decline in year-on-year volumes when compared to April 2018. In a statement, the company said, Jaguar retail sales in April 2019 were 11,462 vehicles, down 13.7% year-on-year and Land Rover retailed 27,723 vehicles, down 13.1% compared to April 2018. The introduction of the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE and the sales ramp up of the new Range Rover Evoque continue to be encouraging, however, retail sales of other models were lower primarily reflecting the continuing weaker market conditions in China, it said. The company further said, Retail sales were up again in the UK (12.1%) and in North America (9.6%), but were offset by lower sales in China (-45.7%) and in Overseas markets (-22.3%) with retails in Europe also down (-5.5%). Jaguar Land Rover Chief Commercial Officer Felix Brautigam said, Although this was a tough month for us due to continuing pressures in China, we are delighted to see good growth in the UK and the US. Once again we strongly outperformed the UK market and the US marked its best ever April sales. This reflects the strength of our brands and continued demand for our unique and evolving product line-up. This month was a historic milestone for Jaguar, with the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE winning an extraordinary hat trick of awards - the 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car - which no car has ever done before. This is in addition to scooping the European Car of the Year and the China Green Car of the Year 2019 trophies, to name just a few of the accolades for the I-PACE. We continue to be encouraged by the market response to this incredible vehicle, he said. At Land Rover, sales of the new Range Rover Evoque luxury compact SUV are starting to ramp up, as it is launched in an increasing number of countries following its global debut at the end of last year. In April, we were excited to premiere the China-produced version at the Shanghai auto show, tailored to the needs of our discerning customers in this important market, he concluded. It is to be noted that Jaguar Land Rover total retail sales for the calendar year to date (January April 2019) were 198,101 vehicles, down 9.1% compared to the same period last year. New Delhi: Noted industry leader and ITC Chairman YC Deveshwar, who transformed the cigarette major into a diversified player with interests in FMCG, hospitality, IT and other sectors, passed away Saturday morning after a brief illness. Deveshwar (72), who stepped down from executive role as chairman and CEO in 2017 but remained as a non-executive chairman, breathed his last at a private hospital in Gurugram. We deeply mourn the passing away of Y C Deveshwar, Chairman ITC, ITC Managing Director Sanjiv Puri said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the death of the industrialist and hailed his "strong contribution" to the Indian industry. "Shri YC Deveshwar made a strong contribution to Indian industry. His efforts helped ITC become a professionally-run Indian company with a global footprint. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the ITC group in this hour of grief," the prime minister tweeted. Deveshwar passionately championed the cause for sustainable and inclusive growth and the transformative role businesses could play in creating larger societal value. This vision drove ITC to pursue business models that today support over 6 million livelihoods, many amongst the weakest in society, Puri added. He leaves behind his wife and two childrena son and a daughter. Deveshwar joined ITC in 1968 and was appointed as a director on ITCs board on April 11, 1984. He rose to become its chief executive and chairman on January 1, 1996. One of the longest serving top executives of a corporate entity in India, he was responsible for transforming ITC from mainly a cigarettes maker into a diversified entity with interests in FMCG, hospitality, paper, agri business and information technology, among others. When Deveshwar took charge at the helm of the company in the mid-1990s, ITC was confronted with formidable challenges, with diversification efforts either failing or languishing. The companys revenue was less than Rs 5,200 crore and Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at Rs 452 crore. In 2017-18, the company posted revenues of Rs 44,329.77 crore and net profit of Rs 11,223.25 crore. His leadership transformed ITC into a valuable and admired multi business conglomerate with a robust portfolio of front-ranking businesses in FMCG, hotels, paperboards and paper, packaging and agri-business. His vision to make societal value creation a bedrock of corporate strategy also led ITC to become a global exemplar in sustainability and the only company in the world to be carbon positive, water positive and solid waste positive for over a decade, Puri said. An alumnus of IIT Delhi and Harvard Business School, Deveshwar had also led Air India as chairman and managing director between 1991 and 1994. When ITC split the role of the Executive Chairman between Chairman and Chief Executive Officer with effect from February 5, 2017 as part of succession planning in the company, Deveshwar continued as chairman in non-executive capacity and played the role of mentor to the executive management led by Sanjiv Puri. A recipient of Padma Bhushanone of the highest civilian awards in the countryin 2011, Deveshwar also played his part in nation building, taking up various roles in several institutions. He served as a director on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India, as a member of the National Foundation for Corporate Governance and member of the governing body of the National Council of Applied Economic Research. Inspired by a patriotic fervour, manifest in his clarion call of Lets Put India First, he led ITCs strategic thrust to create an exemplary Indian enterprise dedicated to serving national priorities, Puri said. Deveshwar was also a member of the Board of Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and a member of the National Food Processing Development Council, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. Well respected by his peers in the industry, YCD, as he was popularly known in corporate circles, was also a past president of CII, besides being on the National Executive Committees of some of Indias premier trade and industry bodies. He also served as a member of the UK-India CEO Forum and US-India CEO Forum instituted by the respective governments. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 11) President Rodrigo Duterte told the army and police to shoot and kill candidates who refuse to surrender their high-powered firearms. Kapag may firearm ka na M16, M14, kapag sinabi ka ng pulis pati ng military, ibaba mo yan, i-surrender mo. Pag hindi mo sinunod yan, sinasabi ko sa pulis pati sa military, patayin mo. Patayin mo. Kasi lumalaban eh. Thats defiance, Duterte said in a speech during the last campaign sortie of his party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on Saturday. [Translation: If you have an M16, M14 firearm, if the police and the military tells you to surrender it, surrender it. If you do not follow that, Im telling the police and the military to kill you. Kill them. Because theyre resisting. Thats defiance.] Duterte added, How can you arrest a person who does not want to surrender? Eh di patayin mo. [Just kill them.] In two raids days before the elections on Monday, authorities recovered from two mayoralty bets in Caraga region a grenade, high-powered firearms and ammunition from their homes. Among them is San Francisco, Surigao del Norte Mayor Guia Plaza-Sabanal, who is running for reelection under PDP-Laban. Aside from a fragmentation grenade, an unregistered .38 caliber revolver and ammunition, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group operatives also found Friday in Plaza-Sabanals home P5.9 million in cash along with sample ballots. New Delhi: The Punjab School Examination Board (PSEB) has announced the PSEB Class 12 Result 2019 today. Students can check and download their PSEB Class 12 Result from the official website i.e. pseb.ac.in. The result was announced in the in a press conference held at the Mohali office of the Board. Sarvjot Singh Bansal, Aman and Muskaan Soni have jointly secured first position with 98.89 percent marks. This year, the overall pass percentage stood at 86.41%. While the overall pass percentage for girls is 90.86%, for boys the overall pass percentage stood at 82.83%. The PSEB Class 12 Result has been declared for all the three streams i.e. Arts, Commerce and Science. Click here for PSEB 12th Result 2019 PSEB Class 12 Result 2019 Steps to check To make it easier for the students, we have provided the steps through which the candidates can check their results. Follow these steps download the PSEB 12th Result: Step 1: Visit english.newsnationtv.com/board-results and click on Punjab Board Result 2019. Step 2: Enter the roll number/roll code in the space provided Step 3: Click on the submit button Step 4: Check your PSEB Class 12 Result 2019. Earlier in the week, PSEB had declared the Class 10 Results in which Neha Verma from Ludhiana secured the top honours with 647 marks / 99.54%. About Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) was established in the year 1969 through an Act of State Assembly of Punjab for promotion and upgradation of school education in the state. In the year 1987, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) was granted autonomous status and was authorized to prescribe the curriculum, courses of studies and textbooks for school education in the state. Apart from the above, its duties include conducting of state-level board examination at Secondary and Higher Secondary levels. New Delhi: The Punjab School Examination Board (PSEB) has announced the PSEB Class 12 Result 2019 on its official website i.e. pseb.ac.in. As many as 3.2 lakh students have recieved their PSEB 12th Result 2019. The overall pass percentage stood at 86.41%. This year, the PSEB Class 12 Board Exams were held from 1st March 2019 to 1st April 2019. The PSEB Class 12 Result has been declared for all the three streams i.e. Arts, Commerce and Science. Last year, the Punjab Board 12th Result was declared on 23rd April for nearly 3 lakh students of which 1.98 lakh students managed to clear the exam. Alternatively, students are advised to bookmark this page to get all the latest updates related to the Punjab Board 12th Result 2019. Click here for Punjab Board 12th Result 2019 PSEB Class 12 Result 2019 Steps to check Step 1: Visit english.newsnationtv.com/board-results and click on Punjab Board Result 2019. Step 2: Enter the roll number/roll code in the space provided Step 3: Click on the submit button Step 4: Check your PSEB Class 12 Result 2019. The Punjab Board 12th exams were held in March across 23 districts of Punjab including, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur and Kapurthala among others. Last year, the PSEB Class 12 Result was declared on 23rd April, 2019. The overall pass percentage stood at 65.97%. What after checking PSEB Result 2019? After the formal announcement of PSEB 12th Result 2019, students will be able to download their scorecard offline, in the PDF format from the official website. It can be used for future reference. The students can also verify the online information with their original mark sheets, which will be delivered to the students in due time through their respective schools/institutions. About Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) was established in the year 1969 through an Act of State Assembly of Punjab for promotion and upgradation of school education in the state. In the year 1987, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) was granted autonomous status and was authorized to prescribe the curriculum, courses of studies and textbooks for school education in the state. Apart from the above, its duties include conducting of state-level board examination at Secondary and Higher Secondary levels. New Delhi: The Punjab School Examination Board (PSEB) has declared the PSEB Class 12 Result 2019 today on its official website. The Punjab Board PSEB Class 12 Result is now live and available on the official website of the Punjab Board i.e. pseb.ac.in for download. Last year, the Punjab Board 12th Result was declared on 23rd April for nearly 3 lakh students of which 1.98 lakh students managed to clear the exam. Alternatively, students are advised to keep checking this page to get all the latest updates related to the Punjab Board 12th Result 2019. Click here for PSEB Class 12 Result 2019 LIVE UPDATES: 12.07 pm: Girls outshine boys in Punjab Board 12th Result. 12.01 pm: Sarvjot Singh Bansal, Aman and Muskaan Soni have jointly secured first position with 98.89 percent marks 11.49 am: The PSEB Class 12 Result 2019 has been declared. The overall pass percentage stood at 86.41%. 11.39 am: Following the announcement of results, the board will make available the official PSEB Class 12 Merit List, consisting of names of students who have secured top honours in the exam. 11.25 am: PSEB had announced Punjab 10th Result 2019 for High School students on 8 May. The result was announced for 3.2 lakh students who secured an overall pass percentage of 85.80% which translates to 2,71,554 students clearing the exam. 11.18 am: The official press conference for PSEB 12th Result 2019 is about to commence at the Mohali office of the Board. 11.11 am: Soon after the formal declaration of result, students can visit the following websites to check their result: pseb.ac.in english.newsnationtv.com/board-results 11.03 am: In order to clear the Punjab Board Exam for Class 12, students need to score a minimum of 33% marks in each subject as well as 33% marks in aggregate. 10.58 am: Last year, for the first time, the board had abolished the "marks moderation system" which allowed for grace marks to be allotted to students in order to improve their final score. 10.56 am: The result will be made available to the students on the official website pseb.ac.in much later in the day, most likely after 6 PM onwards. 10.50 am: The press meet will begin at 11.30 am. 10.47 am: In 2018, Ludhiana girl Puja Joshi topped the Class 12 Board Exam with 98% marks. 10.43 am: Last year, around 65.97% students managed to clear the exam. 10.38 am: In 2018, the PSEB declared the Class 12 Result for Punjab Board students on 23rd April 2019. 10.30 am: The PSEB Class 12 result will be announced for all the three streams i.e. Arts, Science and Commerce. 10.12 am: The PSEB Class 12 Board Exams were held from 1st March 2019 to 1st April 2019. To make it easier for the students, we have provided the steps through which the candidates can check their results. Follow these steps download the PSEB 12th Result: Step 1: Visit english.newsnationtv.com/board-results and click on Punjab Board Result 2019. Step 2: Enter the roll number/roll code in the space provided Step 3: Click on the submit button Step 4: Check your PSEB Class 12 Result 2019. New Delhi: Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee wanted to sack Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the chief minister of Gujarat at that time, after the 2002 Godhra riots but the decision was stalled by his Deputy LK Advani, former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who held the finance ministers portfolio during Vajpayees government claimed. Speaking at a meet-the-press programme in Madhya Pradesh Bhopal, Sinha said that when Vajpayee decided to dismiss Modi, Advani came out in his support and threatened to resign, forcing the former prime minister to withhold his decision. After the communal riots in Gujarat, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had decided that then state chief minister Narendra Modi should resign. While going to the national executive committee meeting in Goa in 2002, Atal ji had made up his mind that the Gujarat government would be dismissed if Modi ji refused to resign," the former Union finance minister claimed. "There was a meeting within the party. According to my information, Advani ji had opposed this (dismissing the Modi government) and he told Atal ji that if Modi ji is dismissed then he (Advani) would resign from the government. So, he (Vajpayee) withheld the decision and Modi ji continued, he added. Speaking about the BJPs extensive use of Pakistan to garner votes during its rallies, the former BJP leader said that it was unfortunate for the prime minister to hyphenate India with Pakistan. "It is unfortunate that the issue of Pakistan is being raised in the elections. He hyphenated our country with Pakistan. Are we a country of Pakistan's category? There is no talk about China, which must be feeling happy with the Pakistan rhetoric," claimed the former foreign minister, he said. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time revealed what happened after Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistani forces during a dogfight on February 27. While speaking with News Nations Deepak Chaurasia and Peenaz Tyagi, in an exclusive interview, Modi said India had asked Pakistan officials not to harm Abhinandan, or else it will ruin everything. First, I got to know about airspace violation, Then I got know about Abhinandan. We had told them (Pakistan officials) very clearly. Dont touch Abhinandan, else it will ruin everything, Modi said in the interview. Varthaman was captured by the Pakistani Army after his MiG-21 Bison jet was shot down in a dogfight with Pakistani jets during aerial combat.Before his jet was hit, he downed an F-16 fighter of Pakistan. Varthaman was released on the night of March 1 by Pakistan.After he was captured, Varthaman showed courage and grace in handling the most difficult circumstances for which he was praised by politicians, strategic affairs experts, ex-servicemen, celebrities and people in general. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighters bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammeds biggest training camp near Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. Pakistan retaliated by attempting to target Indian military installations the next day. However, the IAF thwarted their plans. The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror outfit claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir, killing 40 soldiers. Relations with Pakistan PM Modi also spoke of relations with Pakistan. Modi said he wanted friendship with the neigbouring nation, inviting former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. India convinced people that Modi wants cordial ties with Pakistan. Later, when they did Uri and I ordered out air strikes, I didnt need to convince global community. Now, Pakistan is publicly distancing itself from terror groups, the PM said. New Delhi: Punjab minister and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday while attacking PM Narendra Modi called him a liar. "I call him a liar-in-chief, divider-in-chief," news agency ANI quoted Sidhu as saying. "Modi Ji uss dulhan ki tarah hain jo roti kum baelti hai aur chudiyaan zada khankati hai taaki mohalle walon ko yeh pata chale ki woh kaam kar rahi hai. Bas yahi hua hai Modi sarkaar mein, (Modiji is like a bride who does little but acts like she doing a lot of work. This is what happened in Modi government)," said Sidhu. On Friday, the Election Commission issued a fresh show cause notice to Navjot Singh Sidhu for prima facie violating the model code of conduct by making alleged disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The poll panel had received a complaint from the BJP that Sidhu, during a rally in Madhya Pradesh on April 29, had made disparaging comments about PM Modi. The poll panel had in April censured Sidhu for allegedly warning the Muslim community that efforts were on to divide their votes in Bihar, and barred him from campaigning for 72 hours. Earlier, Sidhu lambasted PM Modi over the Rafale deal, unemployment and farmer issues, and also dared the PM to have a debate with him. "China is building a railway line beneath the sea. US is finding life on Mars. Russia is trying to build an army of robots. And what is India doing? We are making a 'chowkidar' who is actually a 'chor' (thief). I am telling you that you are indeed a thief," Sidhu. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an exclusive interview with News Nation, has launched a scathing attack on the Congress for Sam Pitrodas comments on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. While speaking with News Nations Deepak Chaurasia and Peenaz Tyagi, Modi said Pitrodas comment shows the character and arrogance of the Congress. If you are limiting yourself to SamPitroda, this is not right. When Rajiv Gandhi became prime minister, his first remark was when a big tree falls, the Earth shakes. After that, whatever happened was in the continuity of that remark. There was such a big riot in Delhi, so many people died, but no curfew was imposed in the national capital. Not a single bullet was fired by the police. Those who shook earth were blessed, Modi said in the interview. After that, the commissions were formed. In fact, a person was made Punjab elections in-charge. After a huge uproar over his role in 1984 riots, he was removed and later made the chief minister. The victims feel that they dont care for us. Pitrodas remark is part of that school of thought. The Congress partys ego is at a peak, they dont care about anything, he added. Pitroda, who is in charge of the Indian Overseas Congress, made the remarks on while replying to questions on the BJPs claim that the 1984 riots took place on the orders of former PM Rajiv Gandhi. RELATED I dont think so. This is also another lie. And what about 1984? You speak about what you have done in five years. It happened in 1984, so what? (1984 hua toh hua). What have you done?, Pitroda was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. On , Pitroda accused the BJP of twisting his words and distorting facts to hide their failures. I acknowledged the pain of my Sikh brothers and sisters during difficult times in 1984 and deeply feel for the atrocities that happened. But these are things from past that are not really relevant to this election which is all about what did Modi government do for the last five years, Pitroda tweeted. The BJP had hit out at Pitroda for his comments and demanded an apology and a resignation. Union finance minister Arun Jaitley tweeted asking Congress president Rahul Gandhi if he will oust his Guru. Later in the day, Rahul Gandhi said Pitroda has said something completely "out of line" and should apologise for his remarks on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. "What Mr Sam Pitroda has said is absolutely and completely out of line and is not appreciated. I will be communicating this to him directly. He must apologise for his comment," Gandhi said. New Delhi: India is in the midst of 39-day-long Lok Sabha elections, the largest festival of democracy across the world. With just two weeks to go for the May 23 verdict, News Nation brings you the much-anticipated interview of this election season. Speaking exclusively to News Nation's Deepak Chaurasia and Peenaz Tyagi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday opened up on a wide range of issues concerning the nation today. One of the major issues includes the fateful night of Balakot airstrikes carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack. Asked what was on his mind when he gave instruction for Balakot airstrike, PM Modi said he does not want any credit for the operation but the country must hail the armed forces for their bravery and achievement. "I donat want any credit. I donat need any credit. But the Army is ours. It is our pride. Why should not we take pride in that? Don't give credit to Modi. But we must hail our forces for their stunning achievement," Modi stated. Opening up about the minute details of the fateful night of Balakot airstrike, the prime minister, for the very first time, said, "It was raining heavily that night and at around 12 midnight a thought about the strike crossed my mind". "Experts were thinking if we should carry out the airstrikes some other day due to bad weather. However, I suggested that these clouds can provide us much needed cover," he added. "At around 1:30 am, we started the movement, at 2:55 we okayed it and at 3:20 am I got the report about the airstrikes. There were so much of movement in air and water that it confused Pakistan," Modi went on to describe further. On the intervening night of 25 and 26 February, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out air strikes across the LoC at around 3:30 am. According to reports, 12 Mirage 2000 Indian Fighter jets dropped 1,000 kg bombs, destroying several Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) training camps across the Line of Control (LoC). The strike came in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack, in which a suicide bomber of the Pakistan-based JeM rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a bus in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, killing 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on a host of issues in an exclusive interview with News Nationas Deepak Chaurasia and Peenaz Tyagi on Saturday. PM Modi discussed on topics ranging from the Lok Sabha elections, national security, Pulwama terror attack and on the fateful night of Balakot airstrike. However, the prime minster also gave some interesting insights about the politically sensitive Rafale fighter jet deal, which has been a source of major controversy for the last few months. On the burning question of Congress president Rahul Gandhi's Rs 30,000 crore Rafale allegations, PM Modi said he is very well aware of the intentions of those people who are making these accusations. The prime minister further said people should ask those complainants to provide details in support of their allegations rather than questioning him on the issue again and again. Modi also appealed to journalists to question the opposition on their facts. "I know those who are making these allegations and I know their intent. Why nobody is asking this question to them? Nobody has asked them to give details about those allegations. I would personally go and honour a journalist who asks them such a question," PM Modi was quoted as saying during the interview. Asked if constant bashing by his detractors also make him upset like all other common man, Modi responded, "Yes, I am human, but I am a prime minister too. For the sake of this country, I am trying to increase my power to deal with these insults. I canat let the nation suffer due to such petty things. The prime minister's interview with News Nation comes a day after the Supreme Court on Friday reserved its verdict on petitions challenging its December 14 judgment on the Rafale fighter jet deal. In its December 14 judgement, the top court had dismissed a plea seeking probe into alleged irregularities in the deal with France. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has raised questions for a long time on why the Rafale contract was awarded to Ambani and also asked the prime minister to come clear on why the fighter jet was purchased at Rs 1,600 crore from France by the NDA government as against Rs 526 crore negotiated by the Congress-led UPA regime between the 2004-2013 period. New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday termed Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhus comments where he likened Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a "bride who pretends to work as sexist and racist. Earlier, Sidhu had quoted a controversy saying, PM Modi is like that bride who makes less rotis but makes more noise so that the neighbourhood knows she is working. The BJP also hit out at Navjot Singh Sidhu for another controversial request to people to vote 'kale angrez' out of power. "Sidhu ji, this is new India. Here women don't just exist to make bread at home, but carry the country forward. You might remember that earlier too, Sidhu ji had said that when Michelle Obama enters the kitchen of the White House to make bread, she will be surprised to note that some items are from Lucknow there. He thinks even Michelle Obama is good enough just for making bread," said Sambit Patra said at a press conference. On Friday, the Election Commission issued a fresh show cause notice to Navjot Singh Sidhu for prima facie violating the model code of conduct by making alleged disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The poll panel had received a complaint from the BJP that Sidhu, during a rally in Madhya Pradesh on April 29, had made disparaging comments about PM Modi. The poll panel had in April censured Sidhu for allegedly warning the Muslim community that efforts were on to divide their votes in Bihar, and barred him from campaigning for 72 hours. New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday received its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter at its production facility in Arizona, in the US. India has signed a contract with the US, for 22 of these choppers, news agency ANI reported. The helicopters will provide a long-term defensive and offensive capability to India. Apache Guardian the worlds most advanced multi-role combat helicopter, according to media reports. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July. These attack helicopters will also provide a significant support in joint operations of land forces.The helicopters have significant capability in the mountainous terrain. Air Marshal AS Butola, who represented the IAF, accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility. US government representatives were also present on the occassion. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Paris: France welcomed Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg on Friday with a threat of sweeping new regulation. With Facebook under fire on multiple fronts, Zuckerberg is in Paris to show that his social media giant is working hard to limit violent extremism and hate speech shared online. But a group of French regulators and experts who spent weeks inside Facebook facilities in Paris, Dublin and Barcelona say the company isnt working hard enough. Just before Zuckerberg met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, the 10 officials released a report calling for laws allowing the government to investigate and fine social networks that dont take responsibility for the content that makes them money. The French government wants the legislation to serve as a model for Europe-wide management of social networks. Several countries have introduced similar legislation, some tougher than what France is proposing. To an average user, it seems like the problem is intractable. Mass shootings are live-streamed, and online mobs are spreading rumours that lead to deadly violence. Facebook is even inadvertently creating celebratory videos using extremist content and auto-generating business pages for the likes of the Islamic State group and Al Qaida. The company says it is working on solutions, and the French regulators praised Facebook for hiring more people and using artificial intelligence to track and crack down on dangerous content. But they said Facebook didnt provide the French officials enough information about its algorithms to judge whether they were working, and that a lack of transparency ... justifies an intervention of public authorities. The regulators recommended legally requiring a duty of care for big social networks, meaning they should moderate hate speech published on their platforms. They insist that any law should respect freedom of expression, but did not explain how Facebook should balance those responsibilities in practice. The regulators acknowledged that their research didnt address violent content shared on private chat groups or encrypted apps, or on groups like 4chan or 8chan, where criminals and extremists and those concerned about privacy increasingly turn to communicate. Facebook said Zuckerberg is in France as part of meetings around Europe to discuss future regulation of the internet. Facebook agreed to embed the French regulators as an effort to jointly develop proposals to fight online hate content. Zuckerbergs visit comes notably amid concern about hate speech and disinformation around this months European Parliament elections. Next week, the leaders of France and New Zealand will meet tech leaders in Paris for a summit seeking to ban acts of violent extremism and terrorism from being shown online. Facebook has faced challenges over privacy and security lapses and accusations of endangering democracy and it came under criticism this week from its own co-founder. Chris Hughes said in a New York Times opinion piece Thursday that its time to break up Facebook. He says Zuckerberg has turned Facebook into an innovation-suffocating monopoly and lamented the companys slow response to Russian agents, violent rhetoric and fake news. Zuckerberg said this year that global regulators should take a more active role in governing the internet, but has been vague on what kind of regulation he favours. New Delhi: National Technology Day 2019: May 11 is celebrated as National Technology day across India. This day marks Indiaas technological advancements. On May 11, 1998, India successfully test fired the Shakti-I nuclear missile at the Indian Army's Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan in an operation led by aerospace engineer and late PresidentA Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. India is now a part of international treaty signed by the US, Russia, the UK, France, and China which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and hopes to achieve nuclear disarmament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi while congratulating nation on the National Technology Day tweeted, "Greetings on National Technology Day! We remember with immense pride the accomplishment of our scientists on this day in 1998. The hard work of our scientists has always ensured a stronger and safer India. May we continue leveraging the power of technology for national progress." "The patriotism and farsightedness of Atal Ji and his team have a major role to play in the success of tests of 1998. Atal Jias unwavering faith in our scientists proved valuable during that crucial time. It also demonstrated the difference a strong political leadership makes,"he added. Asking people to pledge the use of technology for betterment of society, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: aToday is #NationalTechnologyDay. Let us pledge to use technology for the progress of society and welfare of people. Some people misuse technology to create divisions. We must refrain from such misuse (sic).a A Chicago: Racist demagogue and dangerous fundamentalist to some, heroic crusader for black rights to others, incendiary religious leader Louis Farrakhan is finding the audience for his message increasingly hard to reach. The head of the Nation of Islam - barred for years from Britain and blocked from mainstream TV - has been declared an undesirable by Facebook for his long record as an unrepentant merchant of anti-Semitism and homophobia. Farrakhan's black advocacy and mantra of self-reliance has lent him a measure of legitimacy over the years, bolstered by his role a quarter century ago in organizing the Million Man March that drew hundreds of thousands of African Americans to Washington. And while his continuing influence is undeniable, critics of the 86-year-old son of a Massachusetts seamstress point out that he has compared Jews to "termites," called Hitler a "great man" and claimed that the white race was created by an evil wizard. True to form, one of the most divisive political figures in modern American history reacted to his May 2 ouster from Facebook by casting himself as a victim silenced by powerful forces. "What have I done that you would hate me like that?" Farrakhan asked before an audience of more than 1,000 at Saint Sabina Church in Chicago on Thursday. Cheered on by the rapt congregation -- many of whom were members of the Nation of Islam -- he denied misogyny, homophobia and racism, telling the crowd: "I do not hate Jewish people. No one who is with me has ever committed a crime against the Jewish people." Farrakhan's supporters say his words have been twisted. "If they actually heard what he had to say and not listen to a soundbite it would be very helpful," said Enoch Muhammad, 40, a member of the Nation of Islam and founder of the community group Hip Hop Detoxx. What hasn't been taken out of context is Farrakhan's claim that Jews played a key role in the slave trade and have systematically oppressed black people in the US. On Thursday night, he once again uttered the kind of statements that have gotten him in trouble, criticizing the influence of Jewish scriptural thinking on the Catholic Church. "It's this that they fear," he said, pointing to his mouth. "I don't have no army. I just know the truth. And I'm here to separate the good Jews from the Satanic Jews." In recent decades, his star has faded, but the current era of increasingly high-profile hate crimes may have finally caught up with Farrakhan. Last month, a teenage gunman who wrote a hate-filled manifesto online opened fire at a synagogue in Poway, California, killing a worshiper. Six months earlier, another man spouting anti-Semitic and white nationalist vitriol shot dead 11 people at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. "Farrakhan may be the most popular anti-Semite in the United States," said Oren Segal of the Anti-Defamation League, describing his group as Farrakhan's "biggest foil." "He often gets a pass for his vitriol, because of the way he's tried to present his standing within the community," Segal said. Born in 1930s New York as Louis Eugene Walcott, and brought up in Boston's fundamentalist Christian tradition, Farrakhan has been credited for bringing hope to African American communities. His followers have stood guard in neighborhoods against gang violence and ministered to convicts in prison who are disproportionately African American. And while former president Bill Clinton may have been criticized for sitting alongside Farrakhan at the televised funeral of Aretha Franklin last year, many younger Americans have no qualms about being associated with the preacher. As recently as April, he commanded a crowd while giving a speech in Los Angeles on the spot where popular rapper Nipsey Hussle was shot dead. "The enemy wants to keep this killing of one another going," he told the rapt crowd. "Because as long as we keep killing one another, he can maintain power in what we call the tyranny of white supremacy," he said. Misbahudeen Ahmed-Rufai, a Chicago-based history and African American studies professor at Malcolm X College, said Farrakhan's group speaks to "the pain that a lot of African Americans feel." Prominent figures that have come to Farrakhan's defense include hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg, who posted an angry Instagram video following Facebook's action asking his 31 million followers to post clips of Farrakhan's sermons. "Show what he really be talking about - educating the truth. Can't ban all of us," Snoop Dogg said. Among Farrakhan's other supporters is Father Michael Pfleger - the politically-active Chicago priest who invited Farrakhan to speak at his Saint Sabina church Thursday night. The public show of support gave Farrakhan a boost and led to a public rebuke of the priest from the Illinois Holocaust Museum. "Minister Farrakhan has been a bold voice against injustice done against black people in this country and his voice deserves and needs to be heard," Pfleger concluded. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: An Afghanistan woman journalist, who was also a cultural advisor to the Parliament, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the eastern part of Kabul on Sunday. Meena Mangal, who had worked as a news presenter for three local TV networks, attacked by the gunmen on Saturday morning, reported Tolo News. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter. According to a report, as many as 15 journalists were killed in a series of bombings that began early this year, with nine of them in a single day. This is a breaking news story. More details will be added soon. Please refresh the page for the updated version. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Amid mounting tensions between Washington and Tehran, Irans top commander on Friday said that Tehran will not talk with the United States. This came a day after President Donald Trump said hed like Iranian leaders to call me. On Thursday, Trump had told reporters, What I would like to see with Iran, I would like to see them call me. There will be no negotiations with America, Iranian media quoted Gen Yadollah Javani as saying. The Iranian commander also claimed the US would not dare take military action against Iran. On Wednesday, President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would no longer implement parts of the deal and threatened to go further if the remaining members of the pact failed to deliver sanctions relief to counterbalance Trump's renewed assault on the Iranian economy within 60 days. Earlier, Trump targeted Irans steel and mining sectors in his latest tough sanctions. Trump however said that he someday hoped to negotiate face-to-face with the Iranian regime. This came after Iran said it was suspending some limits set by a multinational nuclear deal on the one-year anniversary of Trumps pull out from the accord. The White House said it was targeting the country's biggest revenue source after oil and warned in a statement: "Tehran can expect further actions unless it fundamentally alters its conduct." Todays action targets Irans revenue from the export of industrial metals -- 10 percent of its export economyand puts other nations on notice that allowing Iranian steel and other metals into your ports will no longer be tolerated, Trump said in a statement. Tehran can expect further actions unless it fundamentally alters its conduct. But in a switch in tone, Trump, who talked tough on North Korea before entering landmark talks with leader Kim Jong Un, said he was also willing to negotiate. I look forward to someday meeting with the leaders of Iran in order to work out an agreement and, very importantly, taking steps to give Iran the future it deserves," he said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Rumaihi yesterday warned Qatar to stop playing cheap media tricks, which the minister said would not be effective in solving the crisis. Bahrains stance towards the Qatari crisis is based on clear and just demands that have to be achieved, the Minister said adding: Attempts to solve the Qatari crisis through cheap media will not be effective. In a statement to Al Ayam newspaper, during a visit to the Al-Ayams Ramadan Majlis, the minister said, Qatari media outlets are trying to exploit open space to mix up papers. The minister said the stance of Bahrain in the issue is well-established and consistent with those of brotherly countries. The minister recalling HM the Kings recent speech said that there are constant contacts and coordination with KSA, UAE and Egypt since the beginning of the boycott of Qatar. There are fair demands, and they must be implemented, Al Rumaihi said. The minister said: The Qatari media, represented by the Al-Jazeera Satellite Channel and other media outlets, are trying to take advantage of the spread of social media networks and the open space to mix up papers. There is an attempt to hijack the Qatari crisis in a bid to solve it through such cheap media. However, this will certainly not be effective, nor achieve anything. There are clear and fair demands that must be implemented and achieved. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is in dire need for more wisdom and frankness in the media. We have to study reality carefully, but mixing up papers will lead to nothing. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut transport and trade ties with Qatar in June 2017, requiring to stop its role in supporting terrorism. HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa stressed his constant wish to promote Bahrains deep-rooted ties with Kuwait, expressing appreciation of the Kuwaiti stances supportive to the Kingdom. This came as HRH the Prime Minister held talks with the Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah at Dasman Palace. HRH the Prime Minister hailed the contributions of the Amir of Kuwait to humanitarian work at the regional and global levels. The Premier exchanged Ramadan greetings with the Amir of Kuwait, praying to Almighty God to return the blessed occasion many years to come. HRH the Prime Minister conveyed greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the Amir of Kuwait, stressing keenness to constantly promote the deep-rooted bilateral relations to achieve the aspirations of the two countries and their people. The historical ties between the two countries were reviewed, as well as the bilateral and Gulf Cooperation. The two sides highlighted the depth of the solid bilateral relations and resolve to develop them in various fields. They stressed to continue coordination and consultation to serve common interests. The Amir of Kuwait hosted an Iftar banquet in honour of HRH the Prime Minister and the accompanying delegation, which was also attended by Kuwaits Crown Prince, Prime Minister and several senior officials. Following talks, HRH the Prime Minister was bid farewell by his Kuwaiti counterpart, Deputy Premiers, several senior Kuwaiti officials. The United States is considering moving some of its Patriot missile batteries back to the Middle East, according to a report. The report published by Stars and Stripes says, there are ongoing discussions about moving some Patriot missile batteries back to the Middle East. However, no final decision on the Patriot missiles is taken yet; the report said adding that it would depend on whether the US believes Iran is taking action to reduce the threat. The administration has not detailed the threats, but US officials say one element involved Irans placement of missiles on small boats off its shores, triggering worries that Tehran may be preparing to attack US forces or interests in the region. The US removed Patriot missile batteries from Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan late last year. The Patriot at Isa Air Base in southern Bahrain had been packed up by 27 October. The Patriot Shaheed at Jordans Shaheed Muwaffaq (Al-Asraq) Air Base had been removed by 8 October. Kuwait armys General Chief of staff Lt. G e n . Mohammad Al-Khuder, at that time, said the decision was an interior routine procedure and in coordination with the Kuwaiti army. Raytheon-made Patriot air and missile defence systems are designed to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles and other airborne threats. Almost 16 countries around the world are currently using the system including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Its not clear if the batteries would go back to those countries, the stars and Stripes report adds quoting an official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning deliberations. Reports say that Iran is likely moving short-range ballistic missiles abroad boats in the Middle East, which was also one of the reasons for US decided to move an aircraft carrier strike group and B-52 bombers into the region, according to several US officials with direct knowledge of the situation. CNN quoting US Central Command spokesperson Capt. Bill Urban said they had seen indications that Iranian and Iranian proxy forces were making preparations to possibly attack US forces in the region. Its not clear if Iran could launch the missiles from the boats or if they are transporting them to be used by Iranian forces on land, the report added. The report, further said, that Pentagon is considering sending additional firepower to the region including anti-missile defence systems. The new maritime threat is also causing concern that Iranian-backed forces in Yemen could also move to threaten transit in the Red Sea. US President Donald Trumps national security advisor John Bolton on Sunday announced the deployment of an aircraft strike group and bomber task force in a clear and unmistakable message to Iran that it would respond to any attack on the US or its allies. Meanwhile, in another development, it was confirmed that American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has arrived in the US Fifth Fleet area of operations in the Middle East. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln has also arrived in the US 5th Fleet area of operations, Rebarich said. B-52 bombers arrived in the Middle East on Wednesday, US Department of Defense spokesperson Cmdr. Rebecca Rebarich said. Bahrains Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday condemned in strongest terms the terrorist bombings that took place in a number of cities in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of civilians, including children. In a statement, the Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing those injured speedy recovery. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Bahrains solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, reiterating its unequivocal position that rejects all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism, regardless of their motives and justifications. Taliban militants have recently stormed a US-funded aid groups central Kabul compound, having targeted the organisation for promoting Western culture and the inter-mixing of men and women. At least five people were killed and dozens more wounded in the latest attack in the Afghan capital. The assault began around midday (0730 GMT) with a large explosion at Counterpart International, a non-profit group funded primarily by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US State Department. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said four attackers then entered the compound before Afghan security forces launched an hours-long clearance operation. At about 6:00 pm, Rahimi said all the attackers have been killed. He said four civilians and one police officer were also killed, while about 200 people had been rescued from the area throughout the day. In a statement, Counterpart said it was working to confirm the well-being of its staff. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid quickly claimed responsibility for the attack, saying Counterpart International was targeted because it promoted the inter-mixing of men and women. Counterparts website says it runs an Afghan civic engagement programme supporting women and other marginalised groups across Afghanistan. No amount of public relations spin can repair the reputational hit from two deadly plane crashes. But Boeing may have further damaged itself with muddled communications that downplayed its responsibility in the disasters. Chief Executive Dennis Muilenburg has insisted there was no surprise or gap in the design of the top-selling 737 MAX aircraft, even as the company works to correct issues and persuade regulators that a software update should be enough clear the planes to fly again. The plane has been grounded worldwide since the March 10 crash of an Ethiopian Airlines flight plunged the company into crisis mode. It came on the heels of an October crash of a Lion Air flight in Indonesia, two accidents that claimed 346 lives. We own it, Muilenburg has said of the crisis. But some aviation and public relations experts said the Boeing CEO has tried to walk back that buck-stops-here sentiment by blaming the crashes on a chain of events with no singular cause. You cant follow one consistent train of thought on anything thats come out of Chicago, Jim Hall, former head of the National Transportation Safety Board, said of Boeings leadership. I dont think theyve been credible or responsible in the information theyve provided, he said in an interview. They certainly havent been transparent. And aviation expert Richard Aboulafia of the Teal Group said Boeing has been a little bit more defensive than they need to be. They really need to stick with taking ownership. But Boeing spokesman Gordon Johndroe said the company was restricted in how much it can divulge because of international protocol on crash investigations. As weve learned additional information, its incumbent on us to be as transparent as possible, he said. We know we have work to do to restore the trust of pilots and crews, international regulators and the traveling public. Shifting blame? A common link in both accidents was the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System or MCAS, an automated flight handling program on the MAX that pointed the plane sharply downward based on a faulty sensor reading, hindering pilot control after takeoff, according to preliminary investigations. Boeing has been working on what it calls a software update to the MCAS, which Muilenburg said will break a common link in both accidents. Dennis Tajer, a pilot and spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association, said he has been encouraged by Boeings drafts of the revamped system, which will ensure the MCAS is linked to two sensors instead of one and will no longer point full-nose down. But he criticized Muilenburgs statement that the crashes resulted from a chain of events. They were good when they said We own this, Tajer said. When you say its a chain of events, thats like a dog-whistle to us to blame the pilots. Scott Hamilton, founder of Leeham Company, an aviation consultancy, also took issue with Boeings characterizing of the MCAS problems. Using Boeing speak this is not a fix, this is an upgrade to make the system more robust, he said. Liability fears They wont even acknowledge that this is a fix. And they certainly wont acknowledge this was a design flaw due to worries about liability and criminal probes stemming from the accidents. Hamilton said the company was further damaged by a drip drip of news stories that have painted a confusing picture about how the MCAS was supposed to work, why Boeing didnt respond earlier to signs of problems, and what it told customers and regulators, as well as concerns over a cozy relationship with aviation regulators. But Scott Farrell, leader of the brand reputation group at Golin, a public relations firm, said Boeing was facing a classic tug of war between managing a crisis with an eye on the court of law versus the court of public opinion, he said. Boeing has swung too far to the court of law approach. US airlines have said they expect to return the 737 MAX to service over the summer. Yet carriers may face difficulties with public confidence even after regulators clear it to fly again. Nearly half of 1,700 fliers questioned in a recent survey said they would wait a year after the 737 MAXs return to fly the plane, according to Barclays. Ashraf Al-Atraqji carefully stepped around tufts of weeds sprouting in a mountain of rubble in Iraqs Mosul, found a seat on a sun-soaked rock, and struck a pose for the photographer. Behind him stretched the ruins of the Prophet Yunus mosque, an ancient monument infamously destroyed by the Daesh group when it overran Mosul in 2014. A year and a half after Iraqi forces recaptured Mosul from Daesh, residents have been hiring local photographers to capture mementos of their citys darkest days. Looking out at the metal fences and barbed wire now surrounding whats left of the mosque, 38-year-old Atraqji said he hoped those days never return. Each stone in this place is linked to the history and identity of our city, said the father of three, his goatee neatly trimmed and wearing stylish sunglasses. I want to document what the terrorists did so that my children can build a future beyond these ruins. He wasnt the only one. A little further up the hill, a couple positioned themselves near a concrete wall marred with graffiti as the sun cast a golden glow. We want a souvenir, a piece of evidence of the horrors Daesh perpetrated in Mosul, said the 32-year-old woman, who identified herself as Um Mohammad. When Daesh swept across parts of Iraq in 2014 it massacred civilians, leaving their remains in dozens of mass graves across the country that the United Nations says could hold up to 12,000 victims. Militants imposed their ultra-conservative interpretation of Islamic law, destroying everything from centuries-old churches to musical instruments. They even raided some 300 photography studios, tearing pictures off the walls. Terrified of being fined or subject to Daeshs horrifying atrocities, studio owners and photographers fled or hid their equipment. Many of Mosuls commercial districts have witnessed a modest revival. Religious leaders laid the first stone to rebuild the iconic Al-Nuri mosque, and Dominican priests are saving 16th-century books and irreplaceable records. Residents and the amateur photographers theyve hired are doing their own kind of archiving, too, including open-air photo galleries and family portraiture. Mohammad Dhia posed with his two young children in a recently-renovated square in the citys bustling downtown. Like many of Iraqs 20 million Internet users nearly half the population he hoped to upload his shots to his Facebook profile. Theyre high-quality, beautiful photographs and its my way of helping young photographers, said Dhia, 27. Clad in white trousers, a patterned burgundy shirt and dark shoes, he hugged his stylishly-dressed children close to him in the crisp Mosul winter. When the session is done, Dhia slid a few bills to the photographer. A single picture costs between 1,000 and 2,000 Iraqi dinars, or less than $2, said photographer Mohammad Bassem. For longer sessions lasting several hours, he charges between $20 and $50. I do this after my university courses, and it allows me to make a bit to help out my family, the 24-year-old said. Despite their cheap rates, these selftaught photographers have to shell out a sizeable sum to buy their equipment. Our cameras cost between 200 and 600 dollars, said Bassem. The square in downtown Mosul teemed with amateur portrait photographers carrying flashes, tripods, and reflectors to control light and shadow. They gave directions to their subjects: stand up straight, tilt your chin, look toward the setting sun. One young man posed with a guitar, another with a violin. Some struck a pensive look while perched on a bench; others were lost in thought staring into a pool of water. Even members of the security forces, dressed head-to-toe in camouflage, struck a pose. Photographers often went the extra mile by retouching the images to eliminate blemishes and brighten eyes. But in a Mosul that remains broadly conservative, not everyone was willing to join in. Noha Ahmed, 25, watched the amateur shoots from afar and said they felt too risky for her. Im afraid that my pictures would be used for something and that it would cause me problems, she said. With his hands in the air and an infectious grin spreading from ear to ear, a young Afghan boy whirls around a Kabul hospital room on his new prosthetic leg. The boy, five-year-old Ahmad Sayed Rahman, has captured hearts in Afghanistan after a short video of him effortlessly dancing on his new limb was posted this week on Twitter. He is always dancing and showing how happy he is to have an artificial leg, the boys mother, Rayeesa, told reporters at the Red Cross orthopaedic centre in the Afghan capital on Tuesday. Im so happy for him that hes received this artificial leg and that now he can be independent, she added, as Ahmad danced to music blasting from a mobile phone. Ahmad, whose leg was amputated below the knee when he was only eight months old, is a long-time patient, his physiotherapist Semeen Sarwari said. Because hes growing fast, he has needed a new leg every year or so. This new one is his fourth. Hes a child and wants to play, he wants to have a leg so is adapting quickly, Sarwari said. He doesnt want to sit around inside. Ahmad and his parents, who are farmworkers, come from Logar province south of Kabul, where fighting between the Taliban and the US-backed Afghan army is frequent. His mother said Ahmad and his sister were caught in the crossfire of a battle, and both children were seriously wounded. Ahmad received his first prosthetic at age one, and soon learned to dance, his delight clear for all to see. More than 500,000 people had watched the video clip on Twitter within a day of it being posted on Monday. By Tuesday, he was showing off his skills to reporters in Kabul and was the top story on evening news programmes The video has attracted hundreds of admiring comments, with some people even offering to help. This is the smile of victory over all odds of life ...god bless you dude one Twitter user wrote. Extremely amazed by the paradox of happiness & grief in this video! wrote another. Deadliest year In 2018 alone, 3,804 civilians -- including more than 900 children -- were killed in Afghanistan, and another 7,000 more were wounded, according to the United Nations. It was the deadliest year yet for civilians in Afghanistans conflict. Tadamichi Yamamoto, head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, said a shocking number of civilians are still being killed or maimed and called on all parties to do more to safeguard them. Peace talks are ongoing between the US and the Taliban but are moving slowly, adding to the anguish of everyday Afghans who have no idea what the future might hold for their country. Ahmads video was shot by Mulkara Rahimi, another physiotherapist at the Red Cross centre. In her 10 years of professional activity, shes seen many patients like him. Because he was so happy about the new prothesis, I just wanted to save a record of the happiness, Rahimi says. Thats why I posted that video, she added, noting such moments were her reward for her difficult work. I love my job, she said. European powers yesterday rejected ultimatums from Tehran but vowed to fight to save the deal, as tensions with the US soar. Iran said it would defy some restrictions agreed under the 2015 accord and threatened to go further if Europe, China and Russia fail to deliver sanctions relief within 60 days. Europe has stressed the importance of the deal for its own security, and EU president JeanClaude Juncker said it would be on the agenda at summit in the Romanian town of Sibiu. French President Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm, saying Europe must work to convince Iran to stick with the deal. We must not get jumpy or fall into escalation, Macron said. EU diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini and France, Germany and Britain -- the three European signatories to the deal -- voiced great concern at President Hassan Rouhanis dramatic intervention. We reject any ultimatums and we will assess Irans compliance on the basis of Irans performance regarding its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA. they said in a joint statement, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Macron warned that leaving the deal would unstitch what we have achieved. Thats why France is staying in, and will stay in and I profoundly hope Iran will stay in, Macron said as he arrived for the summit. The EU statement stressed the International Atomic Energy Agencys (IAEA) role in monitoring Irans compliance with the deal -- suggesting no concrete action is likely until the inspectors next report at the end of May. Trump hit back at Tehrans threats by tightening the economic screws further, slapping sanctions on the Iranian mining industry to add to swingeing measures on oil exports -- the countrys main money-maker. Tehran can expect further actions unless it fundamentally alters its conduct, Trump said in a statement. Humanitarian groups were reeling yesterday from yet another attack targeting aid workers in Afghanistan, as authorities confirmed nine people had been killed in a Taliban assault in Kabul a day earlier. The targeting of Counterpart International, a US-funded non-profit group working with marginalised people, highlights the continued vulnerability of aid groups across Afghanistan, where some organisations have been forced to suspend operations or pare their presence. Wednesdays attack came during the holy month of Ramadan, and as US and Taliban officials were meeting in Qatar for peace talks -- throwing into question the progress of ongoing negotiations. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the death toll from a car bomb and follow-up attack in central Kabul had risen from five to nine. Among the victims were three workers -- a driver, a watchman and a technical advisor -- from anti-poverty group CARE, whose offices are next to Counterpart. This attack reflects the increasing dangers of humanitarian work in conflict-affected countries such as Afghanistan and the unfortunate daily reality of violence for many Afghan families, CARE said in a statement. Afghanistan was once a hub of foreign aid but deteriorating security in recent years has seen international groups shrink their footprint, making it even more difficult to deliver desperately needed help to the war-torn countrys most vulnerable citizens. Last year was particularly deadly. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 30 aid workers were killed in 2018, compared to 19 in 2017, and 16 in 2016. British aid group Save the Children suspended operations across Afghanistan following a 2018 Islamic State group attack on its compound in the eastern city of Jalalabad that killed three employees and wounded several others. Ann Hudock, Counterparts president and CEO, said attackers had targeted innocent civilians, development professionals who dedicate their lives to improving the lives of Afghanistans most vulnerable, including women, youth, and the disabled. The Taliban, known for their brutal repression and isolation of women before their ouster in 2001, said they targeted Counterpart because it promoted the inter-mixing of men and women. Insurgent spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter the aid group had mentored Kabul admin workers in various aspects of brutality, oppression, terror, anti-Islamic ideology & promotion of western culture. Counterpart International, founded in 1965, is primarily funded by the US State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Mujahid accused the group of being involved in harmful western activities inside Afghanistan. Blast walls shredded Wednesdays attack began with an immense blast from a car bomb in a busy commercial area. The explosion felled trees and shredded dense concrete blast walls on the street outside. The blast radius extended hundreds of metres (yards) in all directions, blowing out windows in nearby homes and businesses. In addition to the nine dead, 20 civilians were wounded in the attack, which saw four Taliban gunmen storm the Counterpoint compound after the blast. They were all killed after Afghan commandos led an hours-long clearance operation. Dozens of workers could be seen sweeping debris and broken glass from streets in the popular Shahr-e-Naw neighbourhood in central Kabul, which is home to shops, restaurants and hotels. Meanwhile in the Qatari capital Doha, US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was leading talks with Taliban officials in a push to end Americas nearly 18-year military involvement in Afghanistan. The two foes are hammering out a deal that could see foreign forces leave Afghanistan in return for a ceasefire, talks between Kabul and the Taliban, and a guarantee the country will not be used as a safe haven for terror groups. Several critics said Wednesdays attack highlighted the apparent paradox of America asking the Taliban to safeguard Afghanistan from terror groups, when the insurgents themselves employ terror tactics. The Taliban embody crime, which is not amenable to peaceful conflict resolution initiatives, Afghanistans chief executive Abdullah Abdullah said on Twitter. They misinterpret our goodwill as weakness and misuse peace negotiations to seek legitimacy for heinous crimes of the sort they committed yesterday in #Kabul. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last week offered the Taliban a ceasefire beginning on the first day of Ramadan -- but the insurgents refused. Venezuela yesterday reopened its borders with Brazil and the island of Aruba, a top official said, both of which were closed amid attempts by the opposition to bring in humanitarian aid. The borders with Brazil and Aruba are open again, vice president for the economy Tareck El Aissami announced in a televised address, adding that the borders with two other Dutch islands, Bonaire and Curacao, remain closed. NEWTOWN - A federal bill backed by a home-grown nonprofit to bolster suicide prevention in middle school and high school has been introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill, which was developed at the encouragement of Newtown-based Sandy Hook Promise, is aimed at combatting the second leading cause of death in ages 10 through 34, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The goal is to help school districts provide more suicide prevention training programs of the type offered by Sandy Hook Promise, a group whose founders include parents of first graders slain in the 2012 elementary school massacre. This fits right in with our model of prevention by training people to know the warning signs of violence, said Mark Barden, a co-founder and co-director of Sandy Hook Promise, who lost a son in the 2012 massacre. About 70 percent of people who complete suicide tell someone about it first. Sandy Hook Promises Signs of Suicide Prevention Program is one of four initiatives offered free to school communities to help people spot red flag behavior before it becomes violent. The suicide prevention bill, which was introduced this week by U.S. Reps. Scott Peters, D-CA, and Gus Bilirakis, R-FL, would need to pass the House and the Senate and then be signed by the president. [W]e must prioritize early prevention, heed warning signs, and give educators and administrators the tools to stop violence before it happens, Peters said in a prepared release. Bilirakis agreed. By providing high-quality screening and prevention training to school staff and peers, we can identify threats before they materialize, and ensure that those who are at risk get the mental health treatment they need, Bilirakis said in a press release. Sadly, some communities in my district are among those with the highest suicide rates in our state. With training like this, we can help reverse that troubling trend. Sandy Hook Promise has become one of the leading organizations of its kind in the country, in part because of successful lobbying in Washington for new bills. The group was instrumental in crafting the $100 million STOP School Violence Act that was signed into law in early 2018 by president Trump, for example. The act pays for evidence-based violence prevention programs, such as those offered by Sandy Hook Promise. This is a devastating problem, Barden said. We hope to introduce a bill in the senate soon. rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342 As a candidate, Gov. Ella T. Grasso was always just Ella. Neighbors, pols, relatives and former aides of Ella T. Grasso dotted the room. At a folding table in the back sat her old paper boy, Carl Schiessl, the kid who grew up to take her seat in the Legislature. The former newsboy and state lawmaker left elective politics 20 years ago, a reminder of how quickly time passes and memories fade. It was a modest party for Grasso on Friday, the 100th anniversary of her birth. Held in the Old Judiciary Room of the State Capitol, about half the attendees were from Windsor Locks, the factory town on the Connecticut River where her immigrant parents settled and she was born, three months after the end of World War I. None of the governors who followed Grasso attended. Neither did the leaders of the General Assembly, the Democratic state chair or, for the most part, the latest generation of women to walk in her footsteps. The author of a Grasso biography, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, presided, rightfully holding up Grasso as a trailblazer. She was twice elected governor, resigning in her second term. Grasso was the first woman elected governor of any state without following a spouse into office and only one of 13 women in Congress during her first term in Washington. But the trail she blazed has proven surprisingly hard to follow, even in Connecticut. Bysiewicz read the current statistics, all improvements from Grassos time, but still underwhelming: Today, nine of the 50 governors are women, 102 of 435 members of the U.S. House, 25 of 100 U.S. senators, and 27 percent of the Connecticut General Assembly. She was a woman ahead of her time, said Susanne Grasso, her daughter. Dying from ovarian cancer, Grasso resigned as governor on Dec. 31, 1980. Grasso was a touchstone for women in politics and reporters writing about the opportunities and challenges for them. Bysiewicz read aloud an answer she gave when asked about the prospect of her or any woman being elected to the White House. I will not be president, because I do not aspire be president, Grasso said. But I am sure that a woman will be president. When, I dont know. It depends. I dont think the woods are full of candidates. Hillary Clinton lost the presidential race in 2016. But by Bysiewiczs count, six of the 22 Democrats looking at the Democratic nomination for 2020 are women. Barbara Kennelly, a success as a member of the U.S. House and a failure as a candidate for governor, told the gathering there was much to celebrate in the life of Grasso, a protege of Kennellys father, John M. Bailey. But later, she acknowledged seeing little to celebrate in the numbers recited by Bysiewicz. One hundred and two, woo hoo, Kennelly said sarcastically of the number of women in the House, where Kennelly held significant leadership posts. Kennelly ran for governor in 1998, becoming the first woman nominated for governor by the Democrats since Grasso. She lost to John G. Rowland, a Republican whose resignation in 2004 made Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell governor. Rell was elected to a full term in 2006. Bysiewicz explored a run for governor last year, opting instead to become Lamonts running mate. She is now one of 15 women holding the office of lieutenant governor in the U.S. Grasso was elected to the General Assembly in 1952, as secretary of the state in 1958, and to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970 before winning her first gubernatorial race in the post-Watergate election of 1974, a good year to be a Democrat. Educated at Mount Holyoke College, one of the prestigious Seven Sisters for women shut out of the Ivy League, Grasso played well in the mens club of 1950s and 60s politics, cussing with the best, seeing and seizing opportunities. Her status as a woman seeking the governors office was so novel that she won the endorsement of pro-choice Democrats, even though Grasso opposed abortion. State Sen. John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, a lawyer who represents Windsor Locks and has long been the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, said an overlooked element of Grassos legacy was her disregard for the seniority ladder that men had long climbed through the trial courts to the state Supreme Court. In 1978, Grasso nominated Ellen Ash Peters, a Yale law professor, to the Supreme Court. Never again would a governor rigidly look at seniority as a qualification for the high court. Grassos successor, William A. ONeill, would elevate Peters to chief justice. At the back of the room Friday, there was sheet cake and political memorabilia, all of it branded as Ella. Ella. She makes a difference. Were proud of Ella. Ella works harder. On an aerial tour of the state after a crippling blizzard in 1978, Grasso saw one word cry for help carved in the snow: E-L-L-A. One of the radio reporters in a trailing helicopter was Bernard Kavaler, who later became an aide to Lt. Gov. Joseph J. Fauliso, among others. When they landed, Kavaler coaxed Grasso over to a pay phone, the only way she could speak live to an audience on WPOP-AM, the all-news station that employed Kavaler. Kavaler was in the audience Friday. So was Grassos old press secretary, Larrye deBear, and a few other former aides, and a large contingent from Windsor Locks. When Kissel asked how many were from Grassos hometown, hands shot up and Kissel smiled to see so many constituents. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he saw an audience composed of people from different places and different eras, all sharing memories of Grasso, some more colorful than others. He told a story about driving to work in the blizzard of 1978, disregarding Grassos order for everyone to stay off the highways. About noontime, the phone rang. And as youve probably heard, Ella Grasso was accustomed to making her own phone calls. She was on the other end of the line and proceeded to berate me, Blumenthal said. Smiling broadly, he added, In the strongest possible words. Im not going to repeat. As the sting from playoff elimination still lingers, the rumblings have begun on Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn. With the shattered relationship with the Stars owner, Tom Gaglardi, after the owner called Benn and Seguin out for their play, Jamie Benn is expected to be open to moving on. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman acknowledged on his 31 Thoughts Podcast this week, Benn's name could be in play this summer as Dallas looks to build off a second-round playoff exit. With Benn having a NMC, Dallas media feel the only place Benn would consider going is home, back to BC.A trade with the Canucks could be centered around Bo Horvat and prospect Olli Juolevi. The move would give the Canucks one of the best top lines in the league with Pettersson, Boeser, and Benn. While Dallas would add another young Finnish d-man to their back end, and Horvat would give them a legit replacement for Benn's production.Talks will gain steam as we get closer to the draft, would Benn waive his NMC? Appears so if he's heading back to western Canada. NEW HAVEN City police are considering the possibility that a man who robbed a bank in New Haven on Friday afternoon was the same man who robbed that same bank less than two weeks ago. Just before 3:30 p.m. Friday, New Haven police officers responded to a bank robbery at the Wells Fargo branch at 391 Foxon Blvd. (Route 80). When the officers got to the scene, they were told a man walked into the bank, jumped over the counter and aggressively began demanding money as he grabbed at several teller cash drawers, according to Police Capt. Anthony Duff. After taking an undisclosed amount of money from one of the drawers, the man stuffed the cash into the pants, jumped back over the counter and left the bank, Duff said. He was last seen walking to the back of the bank, where he climbed over a fence. Investigators who canvassed the neighborhood would later find money along the fence line, Duff said. The captain said the robber is described as a black man, wearing a green hooded sweatshirt pulled over his head. He said the mans face was covered by a white mask that left only his eyes visible. Investigators have recognized similarities between the suspect in Fridays robbery and the suspect who last robbed the same bank branch on Saturday, April 27, Duff said. The April robbery happened shortly before 10 a.m. at the same Wells Fargo location. The breakdown of what happened during that robbery mirrored Fridays robbery: a man hopped over the counter, pushed by a bank teller, took money from a teller drawer, jumped back over the counter and ran out the front door before heading to the rear of the bank. After the April robbery, witnesses told police the man was stocky build, in his late 30s to middle 40s and is about 6 feet tall. He was described as having a bald or clean shaven head and a gray and black beard. The images provided with this story are from the April robbery. Duff said any video or photos from Fridays incident would be released when its available. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the New Haven Police Department Detective Bureau at 203-946-6304. Callers can remain anonymous. WASHINGTON - You read it here first: Rep. Jim Himes says hed bet his paycheck - or maybe half his paycheck - if special counsel Robert Mueller makes significant news when he appears before the House Judiciary Committee to answer questions about his Trump-Russia probe. I want Mueller to testify like everyone else does, but I wouldnt except to learn a lot of new information, Himes said. I would bet my next paycheck Mueller is not going to come in there and drop bombs. Everyone else inside the Beltway and numerous places outside are lining up their takeout pizza and Buffalo-wing orders for what promises to be high Washington drama at its finest. (Original date was May 15 but that is likely to slip.) Himes is used to being a party of one, not afraid to go against the grain. But, wait, does he know something everyone else in the world does not? Himes bases his conclusion on knowing Mueller from the time between 2009 when Himes arrived on Capitol Hill and 2013 when Mueller stepped down as FBI director. Mueller is the consummate prosecutorial perfectionist - and minimalist. In other words, if he doesnt need to go there, he wont. But what about the many unanswered questions assumed but not confirmed in the Mueller report? One example: Would Mueller have indicted (or recommended indictment or otherwise indicated sufficient evidence exists for criminal charges) President Trump for obstruction, but for the Justice Department legal opinion that a sitting president cannot be indicted? Mueller was ambiguous about that in the report, noting the Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel opinion but also stating that the question of the legal standards for obstruction charges remains up in the air. Himes insists there is an easy answer for Mueller to that question. He would answer that because of the OLC opinion I did not finish the analysis I would normally do as a prosecutor to determine whether the crime of obstruction was committed, so I cant answer, Himes said. I would bet half my paycheck thats his answer. So if you want to take Himes up on his bet, you know where to find him. How much money are we talking about? A workaday House member gets $174,000 annually. You do the math! ============= The House Appropriations Committee approved language in its Labor-HHS-Education spending bill directing Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to do something she obviously does not want to do: Bar the use of federal funds to arm teachers and train them in firearms use as part of President Trumps strategy to deter mass-shootings in schools. The language harkens back to the testy exchange last month between DeVos and former teacher Rep. Jahana Hayes. At the hearing, Hayes brought forth an internal Education Department decision memo that said the secretary has the power to prohibit a federal role in arming teachers. When DeVos shrugged and said its up to Congress, Hayes waved the document in the air and said: "You have the authority, if you so choose. Read the memo!" But in the belt-and-suspenders universe in which Congress operates, Democrats who dominate House Appropriations gave DeVos the tools she insisted she needed. Teachers and students deserve to work and learn in a safe environment, and local school districts deserve to have clarity, Hayes said in a statement. Enough is enough. The idea of arming teachers gained steam after the Newtown mass shooting in 2012, when NRA CEO memorably stated that only good guys with guns can stop bad guys with guns. The concept of sharpshooting teachers is anathema to gun-violence-prevention advocates in Connecticut and elsewhere. Teachers with guns not only sends the wrong message on school mass-shootings, they say, it also puts the critical shoot-or-dont-shoot decision in the hands of ill-prepared amateurs. (And for what its worth, the number of mistaken shootings by well-trained police officers is hardly reassuring.) The Senate must pass its own version of the Labor-HHS-Education bill, likely without comparable language. Then its up to a conference committee to slice and dice. So no one can say for sure whether the provision will be in or out when the sausage finally rolls off the assembly line. United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut John H. Durham indicted former New Haven resident Gary Joseph Gravelle, also known as Roland Prejean, for numerous malicious incidents of intimidation that mentioned use of explosives and bio-toxins, and for threatening to kill President Donald Trump, according to a release from the Department of Justice. According to the indictment, 51-year-old Gravelle has identified as a member of the white separate organization American Knights of Anarchy, or AKA. The indictment charges Gravelle with 16 counts, variously, of maliciously conveying false information about explosives, false information and hoax as well as threats to the president. The threats impacted communities across Connecticut, including New Haven, Groton, Hartford and Old Saybrook, and the cities of Seattle, Wash., and Burlington, Vt. Per the indictment, the crimes took place in September 2018, when Gravelle sent out a series of emails and made phone calls threatening to detonate bombs at several New Haven locations, including the Fellowship Place (called Fellowship House in the document), the Continuum of Care and the Connecticut Mental Health Center. He made similar threats toward the Abraham A. Ribicoff Federal Building in Hartford, Old Saybrook Center, the First Bristol Federal Credit Union in Bristol, the Federal Detention Center, SeaTac, in Seattle and Burlington International Airport, the court document alleges. Many individuals were victim to Gravelles bluffs, among them probation officers, a district judge and numerous employees at the aforementioned locations, according to the indictment. During the same time period Gravelle also sent out letters containing a white powder he claimed was anthrax, incidents which the Register previously reported. One of them targeted the Middletown synagogue Congregation Adath Israel. No injuries were reported in relation to the parcels, and at least two appeared to contain baby powder, the Associated Press reported on September 5. The indictment details several of these cases: the Islamic Center of New London, located in Groton, received such a letter, which also held a piece of paper with the words You Die and Anthrax is an acute infections disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis , a category A agent. Per the court document, Gravelle made a threat to President Trump that resembled the other anthrax scares: in his letter, he included a white powder and the words, I, Gary Gravelle, ... as a faithful soldier of the AKA, am coming to KILL Donald Trump .... Authorities initially arrested Gravelle on charges of violating a federal supervised release, according to a release from last September stated. In July 2013, Gravelle was sentenced to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release for mailing numerous threatening letters, the release said. The latest charges could come with a century-long prison sentence, based on the maximum sentences cited in the new release. According to the release, U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The release thanked numerous agencies for their help with the investigation. The U.S. Attorney extends his appreciation to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and many local police and fire departments for their assistance in this matter that directly affected various communities, including departments from Bristol, Guilford, Groton, Hartford, Middletown, New Haven, Old Saybrook and Southington, Yale University, and Burlington, Vermont. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed is prosecuting the case, per the release. meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com Newsfrom Japan Tokyo, May 8 (Jiji Press)--Ten executives of Japanese housing equipment maker Lixil Group Corp. <5938> have joined rebels against Chairman Yoichiro Ushioda, informed sources said Wednesday. The 10 executives sent a letter critical of founding family member Ushioda, also chief executive officer, to a member of Lixil Group's nomination committee, according to the sources. Also criticizing President and Chief Operating Officer Hirokazu Yamanashi as unqualified for the corporate leadership, the letter called for the return of former President and CEO Kinya Seto, effectively dismissed by Ushioda. The nomination committee is having final discussions to set the list of director nominees that will be proposed at a general meeting of shareholders in June, the sources said. The list will be made public as soon as it is decided. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Newsfrom Japan Niigata, May 11 (Jiji Press)--Visiting U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on Saturday expressed a view that his country's huge trade deficit with Japan should be a focus of ongoing bilateral trade negotiations. "We have had a long and sustained trade deficit with Japan to the tune of 70 billion dollars," meaning that the United States has been a "very good" customer of Japan for many years, Perdue told some media organizations including Jiji Press. The problem should be "recognized" in the bilateral trade negotiations launched last month, Perdue continued. He was in the central Japan city of Niigata to attend a two-day meeting of the Group of 20 agriculture ministers from the day. He also expressed confidence that the two countries will be able to "come together and conclude these negotiations in a...mutually beneficial way." The trade issue is expected to be discussed at a planned bilateral summit during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Japan late this month. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] The Ramapough Mountain Indians dont have to pay more than a million dollars in fines. The tribe gets to continue to use its 14-acre property for prayer gatherings. And a series of lawsuits brought by the township, the tribe and a homeowners association are dismissed, according to a settlement agreement approved Thursday night by the Mahwah Township council. The council voted 4-to-2 to approve the settlement, which was verbally reached last Friday. It stops a more than two-year battle and erases $12,500 per day fines the tribe has been incurring since the Spring of 2017 for using the Split Rock Sweet Water prayer ground on Halifax Road -- which it owns -- for religious gatherings. The Ramapoughs have prayed on that land since before Christopher Columbus arrived in America, they have said. And it was deeded to them in 1995 by the developer of an upscale housing complex -- the Ramapo Hunt & Polo Club. Residents of that community have been at odds with the Ramapoughs over large gatherings being held on the site, parking on narrow residential streets and other issues. The town has been issuing 10 summonses per day over teepees and other structures erected on the site and other zoning violations. The fines as of September 2018 totaled nearly $1.5 million. The town filed a lawsuit for the zoning violations. The Ramapoughs filed a lawsuit for religious discrimination. And the Polo Club filed its own lawsuit over the zoning issues. The housing associations lawsuit was dismissed by a judge last week, in part because of the pending settlement with the town. A handful of Polo Club residents attended the council meeting Thursday night. Many of them oppose the settlement and call it illegal" because it allows for spot zoning in an environmentally sensitive area, would allow uses that are not safe, is taking privately-owned property (the Polo Clubs roads and bridge) without compensation and because the township is receiving consideration in a civil case to drop quasi-criminal violations. A packet prepared by their attorney was distributed to council members an hour before the settlement vote, Councilman Jim Wysocki said. They had a lot of valid points, said Wysocki, who voted against the settlement. I feel for the people in the Polo Club, he said. I wish we could just buy the property and settle the whole situation that easily. An attorney for the Polo Club did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Council President David May, who voted in favor of the settlement, said hes pleased with it. We get to put this whole thing behind us, May said. Its been a lot of years of back and forth. I think its a good agreement for all sides. And it shows that we can work together. Mahwah Mayor John Roth said all parties to the settlement were winners. 'Our goal has always been to ensure that our zoning and land use ordinances are applied fairly and equally to all, irrespective of affiliation," Roth said. The court agreed with this concept and ultimately so did the [Ramapo Mountain Indians]. Ramapough Chief Dwaine Perry says the whole situation is about other people telling tribe members what they can do on their own property. Its been totally unnecessary, he said, adding, Im looking forward to more neighborly relationships as we work together going forward. Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. An accused Jersey City killer on the run for 10 months has been arrested after a routine traffic stop in Georgia, authorities announced. Elnardo Pay Day Chandler, 29, and another man were charged in July 2018 for the beating death of Glen Mackie, 29, on July 5, 2018. Bruce Stewart, of West New York, was arrested last year, but Chandler remained on the lam until Thursday. On Thursday, shortly after 1 p.m., officers with the Smyrna, Georgia, Police Department arrested Chandler after a traffic stop of a Honda Accord for speeding. Chandler was behind the wheel and attempted to switch places with his passenger, but was caught by the Smyrna sergeant who pulled him over, the Associated Press reported. Chandler identified himself as Thomas Hasan Lopez, who had a suspended license. He then tried to flee, but was caught shortly afterward. The Associated Press reported that while being processed, Smyrna police received a call from the Hudson County Sheriffs Office that Lopez actually Chandler, who was wanted in the Jersey City homicide of Mackie and an attempted homicide in South Carolina. Chandler, a reputed member of the gang known as the Lex Mob, is now awaiting extradition proceedings to Hudson County. When he was 18, Chandler was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, possession of hollow-point bullets, and other weapons charges. In 2011, he was listed as escaped after having gone missing from a Newark halfway house. He had been serving time for handgun possession. Mackie died from injuries suffered in what was described by authorities as a street fight at 12:15 a.m. on July 5. Police responded and found Mackie unresponsive on the sidewalk in the area of 21 Lexington Ave. with a wound to his head. He was taken to the Jersey City Medical Center and pronounced dead the following day. The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head. On July 10, 2018, Chandler and Stewart were charged with reckless manslaughter. On Oct. 23, 2018, Chandler and Stewart were indicted by a Hudson County Grand Jury and charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree aggravated assault and third-degree endangering an injured victim. . JERSEY CITY -- A 24-year-old woman has been missing for over a week, police said. Mayushi V. Bhagat was last seen at her home on April 29, according to police. She goes to school in New York City and, police say, she could be in that area. Authorities say she also has friends in the South Plainfield area. The 510 woman was last seen wearing colorful pajama pants and a black T-shirt. She is between 150 to 160 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair with a light complexion. Anyone with information or recent contact with Bhagat is asked to call the Jersey City Police Department at 201-547-5427. 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. Despite proclamations about the death of the bill to legalize recreational marijuana in New Jersey, some lobbyists said there might still be possibility for movement before July as part of an 11th hour state budget deal. They acknowledged, however, the current available bandwidth is low due to the escalating conflict between Gov. Phil Murphy and political power broker George Norcross III over the corporate tax incentive controversy surrounding the states Economic Development Authority. Publicly, it looks gloomy, but I still think theres potential for movement, Bill Pascrell III, a principal of the powerhouse lobbying firm Princeton Public Affairs Group, told NJ Cannabis Insider. We have work to do. Were going full bore until July 1. I dont think its over yet. Bill Caruso, a political insider who is director of Archer Public Affairs, said Friday hed had conversations with state Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, neither of whom had indicated they were backing down at this time. June is where, sometimes, the magic happens as the state Legislature looks to tie up the loose threads of the state budget with 11th hour deals, he said. A budget is due July 1. They still could get this done, Caruso said. The concept that we dont do anything but the budget in June is farcical. After the scuttled vote in March, a mounting pessimism has steadily grown in New Jerseys nascent industry over the health of the legalization bill. Without question there is a level of exhaustion that has surrounded the cannabis debate, whether youre an elected official, patient, social-justice advocate or someone looking to enter the industry, New Jersey CannaBusiness Association president Scott Rudder told NJCI. But the bottom line is you cant give up our leaders promised action and the state of New Jersey deserves action. Patients need more affordable medicine and greater access. Rudder reiterated what most pro-legalization groups have been pushing for during the marijuana debate since Murphy took office last year: social justice in the form of criminal expungements for those ensnared during the War on Drugs, and expansion of medical program for patients. A smartly regulated industry has proven to work in Colorado and every other state and we need to take action now, Rudder, a former Republican state assemblyman, said. On that front, Caruso laid some of the blame for Statehouse stagnation on progressive groups that had publicly backed legalization but did little to drum up support for it, such as public employee unions, New Jersey Policy Perspective and New Jersey Working Families Alliance. These are groups that have the ability to lobby and they havent done that work to create the groundswell and get their members to go to the Assembly speaker and Senate president and say lets get this done, Caruso said. While NJPP declined comment, Sue Altman, state director of Working Families, said the group supports legalization and its associated social justice reforms, but it has its own limitations as a small organization. If the Legislature was doing its job and hadnt been dragging its feet on minimum wage, corporate welfare reform and the millionaires tax, then we would have been able to add to our portfolio to the marijuana legalization bill, Altman said. Instead, we had to fight like heck for a $15 minimum wage. Notwithstanding, Caruso said, the other piece of the puzzle is with current industry operators who benefit from the status quo. Moreover, the current push for medical expansion, while good for patients, does nothing to address racial justice issues or to impact the illicit market, he said. Caruso also said the current push by some for leaving legalization up to voters in a ballot initiative is a distraction, which he believes two groups are primarily responsible for: lobbyists for the industry who are looking for a limited expansion of the medical market and consultants who were looking to shape the industry. The people who think putting this up on a ballot is a good idea also profit from these things later on, he said. Theyre going to get paid to run the ballot question. Another industry insider had a comparable cynical view of the situation. If I were a Machiavellian power broker, what would I do? said the insider. My friends make money under the status quo. And if Im looking to get seats for Democrats during a presidential election year, we dont need to push this over the line just yet. Youre going to have a huge number of people coming out to vote out Trump. Youre going to have a huge number of people to vote for legal weed. An earlier version of this piece first appeared in NJ Cannabis Insider. Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Are you interested in the N.J. cannabis industry? Subscribe here for exclusive insider information from NJ Cannabis Insider. Update at 4 p.m.: Police confirmed the 71-year-old woman died at University Hospital. They did not release her name or more details. Police are asking witnesses to come forward after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle Saturday morning near the ShopRite supermarket in Clark, authorities said. A 71-year-old New Jersey woman was hit by an SUV at the intersection of Shoprite Way and Raritan Road around 8:40 a.m., Clark Police officials said. She suffered multiple injuries and was airlifted to University Hospital in Newark. The driver, a male, stayed at the scene. Additional details about the crash and the identities of the woman and driver were not immediately available. Police are encouraging witnesses to call 732-388-3434 and speak to Sgt. Lott. It was a night to remember for Cumberland Regional High School students as they celebrated their prom at Massos Catering in Glassboro on Friday night. Prom-goers arrived dressed to the nines as they socialized, posed for photos and danced the night away. Check back at nj.com/south for other local high school prom coverage. And be sure to check out our complete prom coverage at nj.com/prom. BUY THESE PHOTOS Are you one of the people pictured at this prom? Want to buy the photo and keep it forever? Look for the blue link buy photo below the photographers credit to purchase the picture. Youll have the ability to order prints in a variety of sizes, or products like magnets, keychains, coffee mugs and more. Lori M. Nichols may be reached at lnichols@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Lori on Instagram at @photog_lori and Twitter @photoglori. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Saturdays graduation ceremony at the University of South Carolina was supposed to be a happy occasion for the Josephson family of New Jersey. Instead, there was an empty seat, and empty hearts. Samantha Josephson, who grew up in Mercer County, never made it to her college graduation ceremony. Her life was cut short on March 29 by a man who police say was driving a car that she had mistaken for an Uber. Among the chairs filled with excited almost-graduates Saturday morning, an empty chair was placed in the front row in honor of Samantha and other students at the university who had died during the school year. As part of the sentimental tribute, a graduation robe was draped over Samanthas seat. Harris Pastides, the University of South Carolina president, referred to Josephson during his comments and reminded students to be careful when using ride-share services, according to a local reporter who attended the ceremony. Whats my name?" Pastides asked the students, in a reference to a new campaign that aims to increase ride-share safety. The family encourages riders to ask drivers to confirm the riders identities before getting into the car. "Samantha Josephson, the students responded. Her parents attended the graduation ceremony, and they accepted Samanthas diploma from Pastides at a private meeting. Samantha, 21, was a political science major and planned to go to to law school at Drexel University in Philadelphia in the fall. She was in Columbia, South Carolina, on the night of March 29 when she got into a car that she mistook for her Uber ride. The driver, Nathaniel David Rowland, 24, allegedly stabbed and killed her, police said. Rowland was charged with kidnapping and murder. He waived his right to appear in court, according to local news reports. Seymour, Samantha and Marci Josephson Samantha was bubbly, loving, kind and full of life, her mother, Marci Josephson said days after Samanthas death. She had a plan. She worked hard, was graduating from college in May and starting law school in September. Since her death, her parents are advocating for stricter ride-sharing laws. Under what would be known as Samis Law, states would require all ride-sharing vehicles to have both front and rear license plates, and to equip those vehicles with a QR code or other form of identification. So, a customer could confirm that the car that pulled up was the one they requested. Their pitch has already gained support from Lyft, a ride-sharing company, and lawmakers. New Jersey congressman Chris Smith, R-4th Dist., is the lead sponsor in the House. U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., is sponsoring the bill in the U.S. Senate. While the Josephson family is pushing for Samis Law to be passed, it likely wont ease the sorrow of losing their vibrant daughter. At a Robbinsville vigil in early April, friends and family described Samantha as a fun-loving, joyful young woman. Friends recounted living room dance parties, complete with penguin belly slides across the coffee table, summer trips to Long Beach Island, and camping out at the Rockefeller Center to spot Justin Bieber. Sammy will be known for her selflessness, her wit, her infectious laughter, her bright, beautiful smile, and her ability to fill a room with her vibrant energy, her life-long friend, Jess Samel, said at the vigil. A chair is left empty with a gown draped over to honor Samantha Josephson during USC's commencement ceremony at Colonial Life Arena Saturday May 11, 2019, in Columbia, SC. gmcintyre@thestate.com More coverage: A Florida man set fire to a Union Beach home, hit a vehicle as he fled the scene in one car, abandoned that car and stole another, and then tried to run from police when they attempted to pull him over, authorities said today. Union Beach police were first responding to the fire at a home on Dock Street Friday, when they also received a call about a hit and run a block away. The home was not occupied at the time of the fire, they said. Officers responding to the hit and run then found a running unoccupied car registered to 35-year-old Billie Garcia of Florida, according to officials. (They did not say what happened to the vehicle he allegedly hit or if it was occupied at the time.) They said Garcia had fled the scene before officers arrived and then stole another vehicle. Officers then found Garcia driving the stolen vehicle and attempted to perform a traffic stop but he refused to stop the car. Authorities said Garcia abandoned the second car, and officers chased him into nearby marshlands where he was taken into custody. After further investigation, the Monmouth County Fire Marshal determined Garcia was the one who damaged and set fire to the home on Dock Street. Garcia has been charged with criminal mischief, motor vehicle theft, driving while intoxicated, resisting by flight, two counts of driving with a suspended license and multiple motor vehicle offenses. Garcia is currently being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing. Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us.nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Authorities in Middlesex County paid a confidential informant $180 to wear a wire and secretly record a meeting with a defense lawyer representing a man the prosecutors office was trying on drug charges, NJ Advance Media has learned. The move outraged the attorney, Joseph Mazraani, and troubled a state Superior Court judge though the judge declined to toss the case when the secret recording was revealed. Now a state appeals court is taking up the matter at the urging of a coalition of criminal defense lawyers, who accuse law enforcement of sending a spy into the defense camp. County authorities countered they had reason to believe Mazraani was going to try to bribe their informant, who was a key witness in the case. That suspicion turned out not to be true, both sides of the dispute have acknowledged in court papers. Current and former trial lawyers not involved in the case who spoke with NJ Advance Media for this story said the circumstances were unusual, though they differed on whether the investigators crossed an ethical line by secretly recording an adversary in a pending criminal matter. This is egregious because its its snooping on on something thats supposed to be sacrosanct, Mazraani told the judge during an April hearing. At another point, he argued: Im not entitled to send somebody into (the prosecutors) office when hes preparing his witnesses. Through a spokeswoman, Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey declined to comment. An NJ Advance Media review of court records reveals how the relatively low-stakes drug trial ballooned into a fight over civil rights and got tangled up in the case of another well-known criminal defense attorney, Michael Policastro, who was charged last month with illegally interfering in three other criminal matters. Records show prosecutors paid a confidential informant $180 to wear a wire during a meeting with an adversary in a criminal case. THE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMANT In May 2017, Gregory A. Martinez was indicted on nine counts of second- and third-degree drug charges. Central to the case was the testimony of a confidential informant, Delvi Cruz-Santos, who was secretly recorded while allegedly buying cocaine from Martinez under the direction of a law enforcement drug task force. Martinez hired Mazraani to defend him against the charges, and as the lawyer was preparing for an April trial, he reached out to Policastro, who previously represented the informant, Cruz-Santos, to arrange a pre-trial interview. Such requests are common in criminal cases, prosecutors and defense attorneys told NJ Advance Media, though frequently witnesses for the state are advised by prosecutors or their own lawyers not to meet with the defense before trial. Cruz-Santos was suspicious, records show. He didnt know why Mazraani wanted to speak with him. Whats more, he claimed the defendant, Martinez, had sent him a friend request on Instagram around the same time, making him anxious. Cruz-Santos later told officials at prosecutor's office that his own attorney, Policastro, suggested Mazraani might want to "offer him money." The informant told his lawyer he wanted to alert the prosecutors office, and the attorney agreed, records show. Neither Cruz-Santos nor Policastro could be reached for comment. The possibility of a bribe caught the attention of the investigators because they were quietly preparing to bring separate charges against Policastro for witness tampering. Just weeks later, they accused him of encouraging witnesses to testify or inform falsely, or withhold testimony or information pertaining to three criminal cases. Those charges are still pending. Cruz-Santos handlers at the prosecutors office who oversaw his previous undercover drug buys encouraged him to take the meeting, paying him $180, documents show. In records obtained by NJ Advance Media, investigators claimed they put a wire on the informant "for the purpose of determining if witness tampering would be occurring inside of The Policastro Law Firm." But while the meeting took place at Policastros Milltown law office, Policastro wasnt there. He was in court on another case that day, the records show. The transcript shows the meeting itself was unremarkable. Mazraani quizzed Cruz-Santos on how he set up the alleged purchases and how they were recorded, serving as a preview to the testimony the informant might give at trial. Nobody discussed money. When Mazraani asked Cruz-Santos' to give a taped statement, he declined. A lot of times in the past witnesses have gone and have told the prosecutor that I did something bad or inappropriate or forced them in any way to do things and, you know, there is no taped statement, Mazraani told him, according to the transcript. So, they say, well, you know, and then -- and then they believe you over me. Thats what happens. What the attorney did not know was the interview was being recorded by the prosecutors office. When Mazraani got a copy of the tape during trial preparation, he filed a motion to throw out the case, claiming the prosecutors actions dragged him into the investigation and undermined his ability to represent his client. Trial strategy is not some -- you know, its not like were sitting around a war room with, you know, little toy soldiers here and some tanks here," he told the judge, arguing that prosecutors eavesdropping on his questioning of a witness improperly revealed key aspects of his defense strategy. APPEALS COURT TO RULE Prosecutors countered that they did not conspire to listen in on the interview, but simply acted when they had suspicion a crime might occur. This is a meeting that was scheduled and requested by counsel of the (informant), Assistant Prosecutor Elvis Jardines told the judge. The confluence of another case and this case came to bear. The trial judge, Thomas Buck, denied the motion to dismiss the case. Im troubled by a lot of things thats whats been presented to me just in the papers, he said, according to a transcript of the hearing. Im not sure its relevant to this case, but its still troubling because of how this has gone forward. He noted that prosecutors did not intend to use it as evidence and ruled the tape did not reveal any trial strategy that would undermine Martinezs defense. Defense lawyers disagree. In an April 29 filing, Deputy Public Defender Joseph Russo argued the secret recording appears to violate the attorney work product privilege and the rights of the defendant to due process and independent counsel. And in an April 15 filing on behalf of the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey, attorney John J. OReilly wrote it defies credibility that prosecutors were just targeting Policastro, and not Mazraani, when they put a wire on their informant. Either way, OReilly wrote, the prosecutors office should have put in place a taint team a group of outside investigators and prosecutors to prevent anyone involved in the underlying drug case from having improper access to the information obtained from the secret recording. Prosecutors, meanwhile, defended the move. In an April 16 filing, Jardines wrote that based on the ongoing investigation of Mr. Policastro and the fact that the (informant) was told that he would probably receive money at this meeting, reasonable suspicion existed for a wire to be placed on the (informants) person and for a recording to take place. Lucy Lang, the executive director of the Institute for Innovation in Prosecution at John Jay College in New York, reviewed select filings in the case at NJ Advance Media's request and said prosecutors did not appear to do anything improper. New Jersey has single-party consent laws for recording, meaning authorities did not need a warrant to secretly record a conversation as long one of the parties agreed. If that witness werent a cooperator were just an ordinary witness for the prosecution they could have just recorded the meeting themselves and turned over the tape, or could have made extensive notes immediately after," Lang said. A state appeals court granted an emergency application from Mazraani, putting his clients trial on hold. It could be months before the matter is sorted out. Briefs in the case will be filed in coming weeks, with the last due in mid-July, a spokeswoman for the judiciary said. S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A distraught Delta passenger reportedly tried to open the plane door in-flight Friday before the aircraft landed at LaGuardia Airport. Delta Connection Flight 5935, operated by Republic Airways, from Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina landed safety, a Republic spokesman said. We just had a disturbed, mentally disturbed passenger trying to open the forward door," a pilot said, according to the air traffic control audio published by NBC New York. Everything is under control now. The pilot later asked for law enforcement officers to meet the aircraft at the gate. Passengers shared details of the ordeal on Twitter, including photos showing police and emergency responders on the tarmac outside the plane. A young woman in perhaps her early twenties became suicidal and tried to open the door of plane as we descended into LGA, a post on Twitter from Stacy Herbert said. A young woman in perhaps her early twenties became suicidal and tried to open the door of plane as we descended into LGA. Her father pulled her from door. She was screaming her head off that she needed to open the door and die. Stacy Herbert (@stacyherbert) May 10, 2019 Passengers were kept on the plane to give statements to police, another Twitter post said. I wasnt scared as I knew the door could not be opened but her shrieks were terrifying. And she was sitting behind us so when she was pulled back to her seat it was awful to see her suicidal distress. Stacy Herbert (@stacyherbert) May 10, 2019 The Port Authority confirmed police responded to aircraft, but said there were no arrests. Representatives for the agency and Republic Airways could not immediately confirm details of what occurred on the flight. Sources told the New York Post the woman was taken to an area hospital for evaluation. There were no injuries. Police surrounding our plane pic.twitter.com/axj56XLFKH Stacy Herbert (@stacyherbert) May 10, 2019 The flight landed around 1:40 p.m. after departing from North Carolina at 12:18 p.m., according to FlightAware. Despite unnerving incident, the passenger would not be able to open the plane door at cruising altitude because of the pressure difference from outside the aircraft. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters By Bonnie Watson Coleman Earlier this year, Secretary Ben Carsons Department of Housing and Urban Development charged Facebook with violating fair housing laws by enabling users to discriminate in advertising for housing. Its exactly the kind of thing HUD should be doing protecting people from exclusion on the basis of characteristics like race and gender as laid out by the Fair Housing Act. Unfortunately, this action was a rare bright spot in an administration that has gutted federal civil rights enforcement, and it pales in comparison to the harm Secretary Carson and President Trump have done. The case against Facebook finds fault in the sites provision of a tool that allows users to draw advertising lines around specific, unwanted neighborhoods to prevent people from seeing new housing opportunities a move that harkens back to the days of red-lining. African-American families, Latinx families, and other families of color are often segregated into the low-income, urban communities, allowing advertisers to deny these families the opportunities to find homes closer to better schools, better jobs, and more. As important as this action is, to applaud it would be akin to praising a thief for returning a single necklace when hes already cleared out the entire jewelry store. This is too little too late from an administration that has spent three years rolling back civil rights and giving lenders, home builders and builders and local governments license to discriminate. Secretary Carson postponed a federal regulation known as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, which would have required the federal, state and local governments to actively promote access to quality housing across racial divides. While disappointing, it wasnt surprising after he falsely argued in a 2015 Washington Times op-ed that such government-engineered attempts to legislate racial equality create consequences that often make matters worse. In response, cities like Miami and Memphis have stopped participating in efforts to dismantle housing segregation. Secretary Carson also drastically reduced the number of investigations HUD is pursuing into housing discrimination. Discouraged, career staffers have been leaving the agency, leaving it understaffed. Each of his actions have undermined, ignored and circumvented the entire mission of the agency he leads. Even as New Jerseys congressional delegation fights back against these moves by the Trump administration, our leaders in Trenton must step in and help fill the void. Our state has long been recognized as a national leader in promoting housing integration. Through the Mount Laurel doctrine, a provision in the New Jersey Constitution, advocates have been able to reform longstanding exclusionary zoning practices that had made our state one of the most socioeconomically and racially segregated. Tens of thousands of homes for working families and families of color have been built in suburban towns as a result close to good schools and jobs. Thanks to a series of unanimous New Jersey Supreme Court decisions beginning in 2015, enforcement of our states fair housing laws has been revitalized, bringing towns and advocates together to implement innovative solutions that expand access for traditionally excluded communities. I was proud to lay the original groundwork for these successes, and equally proud to know that today more than 275 towns across New jersey have fair housing plans in place. As Assembly majority leader, I helped shepherd through key legislation that strengthened our states fair housing laws by eliminating Regional Contribution Agreements (RCA). These segregation payments permitted a small number of overwhelmingly white towns to evade their constitutional fair housing responsibilities by making token payments to some of New Jerseys poorest cities, helping entrench segregationist practices. Eliminating these RCAs continues to help us create thousands of affordable homes and build brighter, racially and economically diverse communities that help our economies and our students thrive. We cannot afford to turn our back on that progress, especially in the midst of national attacks on fair housing practices. New legislation to reauthorize RCAs risks halting our momentum. The bill would reward a small group of hard-core segregationists at the expense of hundreds of towns who put housing plans in place without resorting to RCAs. This proposal is totally unacceptable and I urge its withdrawal. New Jersey needs to come together and lift our states model for fair housing to the national stage, strengthening our laws to ensure we remain leaders in this space. Rather than consider a proposal more aligned with the priorities of Donald Trump than the interests of New Jersey residents, the Assembly should be working on packages that already enjoy broad-based support particularly a package of bills to reform New Jerseys foreclosure laws by holding banks accountable, increasing protections for homeowners and giving towns new tools to fight blight. We need to use the Mount Laurel doctrine as a lynchpin and continue strengthening housing laws at home while pushing back against Trump in Washington. Where you live determines much of your life your access to education, to clean air, to transportation, to jobs and opportunities. In Trenton and Washington, we must protect fair housing laws, holding the Trump administration accountable for its violations, and developing new and creative ways to expand opportunities for working families and others who have been excluded. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a Democrat, represents New Jerseys 12th Congressional District. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. A South Jersey school district filed tenure charges against a teacher who allegedly used a racial epithet during a science class. According to the statement of tenure charges obtained by NJ Advance Media, the Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District brought tenure charges against Bruce Bassetti, a science teacher who taught at Penns Grove Middle School. According to the charges, Bassetti was teaching a seventh-grade science class Feb. 27 when he allegedly told students Im not trying to deal with these n***** as he was walking away from a group of students who were being disruptive in class. Students who were in the classroom went to the assistant principals office to report the alleged incident. Four students, three of which said he used the n-word and another saying he used a bad word, wrote statements stating they heard Bassetti speak the racist language. Once the student interviews were completed, the assistant principal and principal met with Bassetti to discuss the allegations. The charges allege Bassetti asked who the students were that were accusing him of the improper conduct. Upon hearing the names, Bassetti allegedly stated he couldnt have called him that because he is white, referring to one of the students, according to the tenure charges. The assistant principal said the answer was offensive in its own merits, ended the meeting, and asked the teacher to write a statement. In Bassettis statement, he said he asked a student to bring a Chromebook to a desk, and the student replied by saying Are you lazy come get it yourself. Bassetti added he did not make any comments after the students remark. The next day, on Feb. 28, the science instructor was suspended with pay pending the conclusion of the investigation. The districts affirmative action officer reviewed the students statements, Bassettis account, and the comments said to the assistant principal and principal and decided the science teacher violated the districts Affirmative Action policies because of the alleged use of the n-word and allegedly insinuating how he did not use the word. Bassetti did not return a request for comment, nor did the union representative for Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School Employees Association. The Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional School District Board of Education voted by a majority vote in April to bring tenure charges against the science teacher, suspend him for 120 days without pay, and moved for his dismissal, citing his return would cause acrimony with students, staff, and the community. Racial slurs have no place in the workplace, and it is even more abhorrent to engage in such conduct around the student with whom you are charged with teaching, the district surmised. Superintendent Zenaida Cobian said she could not comment because the matter is still ongoing. Community activist Walter Hudson has been a vocal critic of Bassetti after the allegations first came out about the incident. I will not be officially happy until Bruce Bassetti resigns, Hudson said. One of the things I am happy about is now the public knows who the teacher is. Its sad to say we still dealing with this type of behavior in our school system. We want teachers in front of our students with their best interests at heart. Hudson said he protested through social media to keep the community from forgetting what was going on and called for the district to do an academic review of all of Bassettis students because Hudson questions the grades students of color received. If he comes back, he would have created a hostile learning environment for our kids, and we do not want that around our kids, the activist said. It has been a good response of parents coming together, speaking up and learning about what is happening. Salem County NAACP President Nelson Carney Jr. says the organization had been monitoring the situation since it had come to light. The county chapter president says he also satisfied with the outcome of the investigation. Those types of words are unacceptable in this day and time, Carney Jr. said. This should be yet another wake-up call that there is zero-tolerance for discrimination in school, workplace, or anywhere. According to pension data, Bassetti was enrolled in the pension system in 2004 and was earning a salary of $67,492 a year before the tenure charges were filed. Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews or on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips. If the Sixers win on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors, theyll advance to the Eastern Conference finals. Its a big moment for the Sixers, and the the beginning of a crazy week for their biggest player. Center Boban Marjanovic hasnt played much of a role for the Sixers in the playoffs thus far, but he will be playing a role in one of the most anticipated action movies of 2019. Yes, the 7-foot-3 Serbian has a role in the upcoming Keanu Reeves vehicle John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum. Its the third chapter in a wildly popular action film series starring Reeves as the titular assassin, and Marjanovic snagged a role in the film, which he filmed last year. The movie is out across the country on May 17. Chad Stahelski, the films director, spoke to the Philadelphia Inquirer about casting Marjanovic and his performance (and role) in the movie. Per Stahelski, Marjanovics scene takes place in a cramped space of a public library where he partakes in a fight scene with Reeves Wick. According to the Inquirer, the scene takes place early in the movie as Marjanovics character is the first of many assassins trying to kill Wick. Heres what Stahelski said of his performance ... He a super-nice guy. Very humble, and I remember he paid a lot of attention to detail. He really practiced his lines, and he got a lot of coaching from Keanu. This is like his first movie gig, and hes quoting Dantes Inferno, so it was a lot to ask. I give him credit, because that was a long day, and he really held up well and contributed. The 7-footer has already endeared himself to Sixers fans since being acquired as part of a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers in February that also netted Philadelphia forwards Tobias Harris and Mike Scott. In 22 regular season games with the Sixers, Marjanovic averaged 8.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 13.9 minutes per game. Hes only played 9.5 minutes per game in the postseason. Riders who expected their trains to roll again after an earlier holiday, New Years Day, will finally get to ride an NJ Transit train between Atlantic City and Philadelphia starting on Mothers Day. But the resumption of service on NJ Transits Atlantic City line comes with a side order of controversy about the new schedule and how the agency used higher paid conductors in place of customer service workers to work in stations during the shutdown. First the good news: the nine-station rail line ends an eight-month temporary suspension that started last September on Mothers Day, providing a day to work out any issues before the Monday morning commute. NJ Transit Executive Director Kevin Corbett will ride the rails on Sunday and be at the Atlantic City Rail Terminal on Monday morning to greet riders on the first train. Trains have been running before the official start, but they are testing signals, railroad crossing equipment and rust busting by grinding rust off the rails, said Lisa Torbic, an NJ Transit spokeswoman. Similar procedures are happening on the Princeton shuttle line, also known as the Dinky which returns to service on Sunday. The South Jersey rail line returns with five morning trains, up from three, running between Atlantic City and Philadelphia before noon each day. The line also returns two weeks ahead of the original May 24 resumption date. The bad news is that the two extra morning trains eliminating a 12:43 a.m. and 1:53 a.m. departure from Atlantic City to Philadelphia, based on a comparison of Atlantic City line schedules for the June 2018 and May 2019. Transit advocates and legislators said the schedule leaves casino workers in the cold. NJ Transit officials said those two trains had low ridership. Assemblymen John Armato and Vince Mazzeo, D-Atlantic, have questions about the schedule and what NJ Transit will do to promote use of the rail line to increase ridership. The Atlantic City line has the lowest ridership, but provides the agencys only commuter rail service in South Jersey. We have spoken to NJ Transit about the scheduling changes. We understand their decision to eliminate the late night trains due to low ridership, and appreciate that they listened to commuters requests for more morning trains, Armato said. But we dont believe the additional morning trains should have come at the expense of the late night trains. One concern is making trains available for casino workers and tourists to use and increase ridership, said advocate Nick Pittman. How are late night casino workers getting home? Heck, how are 9-5 casino workers getting home in a timely manner? Theres no more 5:45 p.m. train, Pittman said. The train now leaves at 4:55, five minutes before they get out of work. Now they have to wait until 6:45 to take the train home. That is not convenient. NJ Transit officials said they made the switch based on what customers told them during a listening tour held at four AC line stations during the shut down. The new schedule includes an adjustment to a weekday a.m. peak period roundtrip which fills a gap in arrivals at Philadelphia 30th St. Station during the morning rush hour, Torbic said. This was overwhelmingly the most common request we heard from our customers. The two late night-early morning trains that were eliminated were under-utilized with an average daily ridership of less than 40 passengers, she said. NJ Transit offers bus service that parallels the ACRL service at night that customers can use, Torbic said. The May 12 schedule offers 12 daily trains on weekdays, but Pittman said NJ Transit should return to the 2006 schedule that offered weekday service of 14 trains a day. That schedule wasnt the best, but it was much better than the one that is going into effect next week, he said. Another issue tarnishing the reopening is the assignment of Atlantic City line conductors to work as customer service representatives on station platforms and providing bus service information to people who showed up during the eight-month shut down. Atlantic City engineers were redeployed to ease staffing problems on NJ Transits other rail lines. One lawmaker asked if that was the best use of highly paid employees. State Senator Troy Singleton, D-Burlington, questioned the use of conductors instead of lower paid customer service employees and over time, during a hearing about NJ Transits budget on Thursday. NJ Transit officials said that was a preferable option to laying off conductors while the line was suspended. The decision came down to redeploying them as customer service workers that were needed to direct regular riders and tourists to alternate bus service, rather than lay them off, said Kevin Corbett, NJ transit executive director. We needed customer service representatives and its in line with their various tasks, he said. The average conductors base salary ranges between $65,000 and $75,000 compared to customer service representatives who earn an average of $50,000, he said. Conductors were assigned their normal work shifts and hours at various locations to provide transit information, answer questions and help customers navigate the alternate service plan during the temporary suspension of the Atlantic City Rail line, Torbic said. That money could have been saved to help run the eliminated late night trains, Pittman said. Lawmakers said they are watching what happens going forward. It took months of fighting for the Atlantic City Rail Line for NJ Transit to restore service, so naturally we have concerns about how the agency is handling the reopening, Assemblyman Mazzeo said. We hope NJ Transit will improve communication with riders and make greater investments in the rail line. Proper communication, marketing and investment will ensure its future success. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters The Yankees could at some point target free agent starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel. He might be targeting them, too. According to MLB Networks Jon Heyman, Keuchel might prefer a big-market team and one with a chance to win right now. Heyman has also said the Yankees will consider going after the left-hander after the MLB Draft in early June, when teams would no longer have to forfeit a draft pick to sign him. Keuchel turned down the Astros qualifying offer, which means if he signs before the draft, Houston would get a draft choice from the team that gets him. Yankees will be interested once the draft pick compensation goes away June 2, and belief is, hed prefer big market (and obviously a chance to win again) https://t.co/qi3yjad9va Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 10, 2019 Keuchel, 31, could be a boost to the Yankees rotation, though its unclear exactly where hed fit once its healthy. Ace Luis Severino (right lat strain) is expected to return sometime after the All-Star break. And would Keuchel definitely be an upgrade over anybody in the Yankees rotation? Last season, Keuchel posted a 3.74 ERA with a 12-11 record in 34 starts with the Astros. Keuchel has seen his strikeout rate from from 8.4 per nine innings in 2015, when he won a Cy Young, to 6.7 in 2018. Keuchel has reportedly been working out by facing junior college players near his home in California. Its unclear what kind of contract Keuchel would accept at this point. Last year, he made $13.2 million with Houston. According to Ken Rosenthal, reporting for Fox Sports, Keuchel would be open to a deal worth more than the $17.9 million qualifying offer for one season or a multi-year deal at a lower average annual salary. Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook. A man robbed a Waffle House near Westwego early Saturday (May 11). He fled with an undetermined amount of cash. The robber arrived about 5:20 a.m. at the restaurant at 940 Wayne Ave., just off the West Bank Expressway. He went to the cash register and demanded money, said Glen T. Boyd, spokesman for the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office. He purported to have a gun, although employees did not see one. The man fled north on Wayne. No injuries were reported. . . . . . . . Drew Broach covers Jefferson Parish politics and education plus other odds and ends. Email: dbroach@nola.com. Facebook: Drew Broach TP. Twitter: drewbroach1. An 18-year-old woman was rebooked Friday (May 10) with manslaughter in connection with an attempted car burglary that left a woman dead and her husband wounded, according to New Orleans police. Byrielle Hebert was initially booked Thursday with possession of stolen things. Her bond was set at $2,500, and she was released that day from the Orleans Justice Center jail, according to court records and a WWL-TV report. Hebert is the girlfriend of 17-year-old Emanuel Pipkins, charged with second-degree murder in Wednesdays deadly burglary attempt in the 2700 block of Cleveland Avenue, WWL-TV reported. The news station reported that a magistrate judge did not learn of Heberts alleged connection to the deadly shootingwhich killed 63-year-old Zelda Townsend and wounded Townsends husbanduntil late Thursday, after hed set Heberts bond. Following further investigation by the NOPD, Hebert was re-arrested Friday on the manslaughter charge, along with charges of simple burglary and criminal conspiracy to commit simple burglary. Her bond on the new charges had not been set as of late Friday, according to court records. Just shoot him: Affidavit details car burglary attempt that ended in Mid-City womans death The shooting occurred Wednesday night, after Townsend heard a car alarm outside of her Mid-City home, and her husband walked outside to find a person in the back seat of their vehicle. Townsends husband blocked the intruder from exiting the car, and Townsend went outside and handed her husband a gun, an NOPD homicide detective wrote in an affidavit. The intruder, later identified as Pipkins, began firing at Zelda Townsend and her husband, according to the affidavit for Pipkins arrest warrant. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Officers arrived to find Townsend fatally shot in the head, the NOPD said. Townsends husband, who had returned fire, was shot in the arm. Pipkins was also struck in the shootout, arriving at the hospital with a wound to his back. He was booked into the Orleans Justice Center jail following his release from the hospital. Orleans Parish Magistrate Commissioner Jonathan Friedman set Pipkins bond at $750,000, court records show. Police have not described Heberts alleged role in the fatal shooting, but arrest documents for Pipkins show a woman described as Pipkins girlfriend could be tied to a gray Acura sedan used in the crime. According to the documents, Pipkins aunt and legal guardian saw him about 8 p.m. Wednesday leaving their home with his girlfriend in a gray Acura sedan. A car of that description was later seen fleeing the Cleveland Avenue crime scene, according to police. Officers canvassing the area after the fatal shooting found the Acura at St. Philips and North Miro streets. The car had been reported stolen prior to the shooting, officers learned. Pipkins aunt told police she believed the Acura belonged to Pipkins girlfriends relative. The affidavit does not make clear if the aunt would have known the Acura was reported stolen. Anyone with additional information on the fatal shooting is asked to call NOPD Homicide Detective Barret Morton at 504-658-5300 or to submit an anonymous tip to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-STOP. Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Emily Lane contributed to this report. The problems and paradoxes in Louisianas twisted tax system were on public display again Wednesday (May 8) in a heated debate that featured a Democratic lawmaker pushing for lower taxes and a Republican arguing against. The point of contention was Sen. J.P. Morrells proposal to exempt diapers and feminine hygiene products from the state sales tax. Morrell, a New Orleans Democrat, has argued that low-income families often struggle to afford basic products that are as essential as the prescription medicines, groceries and utilities already exempted from the sales tax. There are moms that cant afford diapers, Morrell said when he proposed the legislation. They have to go basically to a food bank to provide diapers for their children. ... and if youre paying 30 to 40 bucks for a large pack of diapers, youre paying $3 to $4 of tax on top of that. For some of these low-income families, that makes or breaks the bank." Mayor Cantrell and the art of the deal Louisiana is essentially tied for the highest sales tax rate in the country at 9.45 percent, slightly behind Tennessee at 9.47 percent. The Louisiana total includes a state rate of 4.45 percent with parish and city taxes added. The problem with sales taxes are they take a larger percentage of earnings from low-income taxpayers than from wealthier ones. Thats why many states exempt basic necessities from the sales tax. Morrell wanted to expand that to diapers and tampons. The state should not tax things that are not luxury items, he said. For me, its kind of offensive that we dont tax Viagra but we tax tampons because you physically cannot function in polite society without tampons. And its not like babies are allowed to run free buck-naked from the waist down until theyre potty trained. Morrell introduced two measures, Senate Bill, 4 a proposed constitutional amendment to exempt the products from sales taxes, and Senate Bill 5 a companion bill to enact the exemption. The effort ran into trouble Wednesday when Senate Bill 4 failed to get the 26 votes needed to approve a constitutional amendment, falling short at 21-12. Morrell scrambled to alter Senate Bill 5 into a stand-alone statutory change. The amended bill cleared the Senate with room to spare on a 29-5 vote. Some of the votes against the constitutional amendment came from Republicans concerned with an estimated $10 million price tag. Sen. Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell, noted that while the hit to the state coffers would be substantial, the benefit to families would be minimal. The average woman, she said, would save only 27 cents a month from sales tax exemptions for tampons while families with children in diapers would save only 65 cents a week. I dont think its a game-changer, she said. But I think when you offset that, and you compare that to the cost to the state of $9.6 million and the great needs of this state and the money that we could be talking about in years to come about how to spend it, I just dont think that this is a good way to go. Morrell, who may have been stinging a bit from the Senate rejection of his Equal Rights Amendment over stated concerns that it would weaken antiabortion laws, got a little heated. Dont sit up here and talk to us about how important babies are to this state, Morrell said. The level of hypocrisy is staggering. Morrells complaint is even more compelling given efforts to schedule a sales tax holiday in July that would include firearms and ammunition, hurricane preparedness products and school supplies. A state that provides breaks for Viagra and firearms but not diapers and tampons has entered into a whole new level of hypocrisy. Mayor Cantrell treading water after 1 year in office Why cant we come up with a tax system that doesnt have to rely on pennies squeezed from women and children? A system that provides consistent and broad-based revenue. A system that recognizes diapers and tampons as essentials, not luxuries. Why cant we get that system? It puts one in the mind of an old saying, often wrongly attributed to Mark Twain: Politicians are like diapers, they need to be changed often, and for the same reasons. Correction: Sen. Morrells legislative package included a constitutional amendment and companion enabling legislation, not two constitutional amendments as reported in an earlier version. The column also reported that a tax holiday for firearms and ammunition had been canceled. A Senate committee approved a measure Monday (May 6) to restore the holiday and two others for a single weekend in July. The column has been updated. Tim Morris is a columnist on the Latitude team at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Latitude is a place to share opinions about the challenges facing Louisiana. Follow @LatitudeNOLA on Facebook and Twitter. Write to Tim at tmorris@nola.com. An update to this story can be found here. A five-alarm fire erupted Saturday morning (May 11) in the French Quarter, badly damaging a three-story building in the 700 block of Conti Street. Working from the ground, ladders and the buildings smoking roof, firefighters hustled to snuff the flames before they could spread to adjacent buildings in the tightly packed historic district. They partied, went to sleep in French Quarter apartment; then a firefighter broke down their door The burning building is between Bourbon and Royal streets. The fire was reported to have started in a fryer inside one of the three restaurants in the densely developed block. The New Orleans Fire Department arrived to the scene at 6:53 a.m. when visible flames and smoke could be seen billowing out of the first and second floors of the a multi-story masonry building. By 7:12 a.m. they requested a second alarm fire and then a third alarm at 7:51 a.m., a fourth alarm at 8:08 a.m. and finally a fifth alarm at 8:35 a.m., all in an attempt to summon additional staffing and equipment. In total, the Fire Department rolled 23 vehicles and 91 personnel. They controlled the fire by 10:47 a.m., but were still on the scene at noon. Two people exiting the first floor kitchen of Ocean Grill were transported to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. No other injures were reported. The Fire Department was mainly concerned about the condition of the charred and waterlogged buildings. The Fire Department said the buildings age and design complicated efforts to battle the stubborn blaze. The flames were able to travel through voids in the fire wall and up into the attic of 725 Conti St., which suffered the bulk of the damage. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up What does the number of alarms mean at a fire? Dan Laible, who owns a third-floor unit in the building, happened to be in town from Michigan this weekend to celebrate his nephews 22nd birthday and was inside it when the fire started. He, his nephew and his nephews friend were sleeping off a late night in the Quarter, and it was not until a firefighter burst through their door that they were aware of the fire burning below them. The firefighter was so surprised. He said really calmly, I wasnt expecting anyone to be here. Weve got to go', said Laible, who expressed gratitude to the firefighters. Due to the fire, they couldnt use the front staircase to exit. They were escorted out the back of the building as water cascaded down the walls. Dan Laible and his nephew ended their night out in the French Quarter at the Razzoo bar. They called it quits Saturday (May 11) at about 5 a.m. and headed to Laibles third-floor apartment at 727 Conti St. to catch some sleep before their late-morning brunch reservation at Brennans. Three hours later, a firefighter broke down the apartment door. "The firefighter was so surprised. He said really calmly, I wasnt expecting anyone to be here. Weve got to go', said Laible, a Tulane Law School graduate who bought the apartment in 2017. On the floors below the groggy men, other firefighters were battling a fire that began at 6:46 a.m. and would eventually grow to five alarms. Laible, his nephew and his nephews friend had slept through about an hour of the fire before being discovered. They escaped through a back exit as water cascaded down the walls. French Quarter fire raised to five alarms Afterward, still a bit fuzzy and startled, they stood sipping water and mimosas near a fire truck and marveled at their odds. Laible, whose permanent residence is in Michigan, travels to New Orleans a few times a year, this time to celebrate his nephews 22nd birthday. He expressed gratitude for the composure and service of the firefighter who found them. The New Orleans Fire Department said its first crews arrived at 6:53 a.m. to find flames and smoke billowing out of the first and second floors of the three-story masonry building. By 7:12 a.m. they requested a second alarm fire, then a third at 7:51 a.m., a fourth at 8:08 a.m. and a fifth alarm at 8:35 a.m., all to summon additional staffing and equipment. In total, the Fire Department rolled 23 vehicles and 91 personnel. They controlled the fire by 10:47 a.m., but were still on the scene at noon. Two people exiting the first-floor kitchen of Oceana Grill were taken to a hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. No other injures were reported. The Fire Department was mainly concerned about the condition of the charred and waterlogged buildings. The ground floor of the burned building was occupied by Copper Monkey Bar & Grill. Two other restaurants are close: Olde Nawlins Cookery and Oceana Grill. There was some speculation that the fire started in a restaurant fryer. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up All three restaurants suffered smoke and water damage, the Fire Department said. The neighboring Hotel Le Marais appeared undamaged, but all occupants were evacuated. The burned building at 725 Conti St. contains four apartments, including Laibles. Just three days before the fire, a man had closed the deal to buy the other third-floor unit, said property manager Wanda Joffrion. Joffrion and Laible hoped the damage wasnt too extreme, but they recognized that occupants likely would not be allowed in for another day or so as firefighters eliminated hotspots. Shes an old building, Laible said. This is why you get insurance I guess. Firefighters worked amid belching smoke on the roof and wrought iron balconies of the building. At least eight fire trucks lined Bourbon and Conti streets. The Fire Department said the buildings age and design complicated efforts to battle the stubborn blaze. The flames traveled through voids in the fire wall and up into the attic of 725 Conti, which suffered the bulk of the damage. The official cause of the fire was not immediately established. From the nearby balconies of the Royal Sonesta hotel and the cup-strewn Bourbon Street, onlookers watched the firefighters efforts. One couple snapped a photo, asked directions to the Court of Two Sisters brunch then continued to their jazzy feast. A group of Oceana Grill employees waited outside the perimeter tape ahead of their dayshifts at the bustling seafood joint. Other Bourbon Street laborers, seemingly oblivious to the fire, hosed down the street for another day of business. . . . . . . . Hanna Krueger reports on breaking news, crime and courts for NOLA.com | Times-Picayune. Follow her on Twitter @HannaSKrueger or shoot her an email at hkrueger@nola.com. In celebration of National Small Business Week, a locally woman-owned construction company was named Small Business of the Day from the office of U.S. Senator Joni Ernst and the Senate Committee on Small Business Entrepreneurship on Thursday. Tamara Brunow launched Brunow Construction in 2008 and acquired its first contract of $1.3 million to build Gethsemane Presbyterian Church in Lake Manawa. Brunow has completed numerous contracts ranging in value from $800 to nearly $5 million and for a client list that includes the City of Omaha, the United States Forest Service, the Department of Veteran Affairs, Southwest Iowa Planning Council and the United States Coast Guard, according to a release provided by Ernst. Brunow Contracting is one of a handful of companies in the country and the only one of its kind in Iowa to have earned the U.S. Small Business Administrations SBA 8(a) Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned and HUBZone certifications. The success of Brunow Contracting inspired Brunow to also create an activewear line for women called H2W Apparel that now sells at four retail locations. Brunow is a recipient of the Midlands Business Journals 40 under 40 and has proved to other female entrepreneurs and small business owners across the county that it is possible to simultaneously build a business, be a great mother, volunteer as a mentor and remain committed to the community, the release said. There arent a lot of started by women, ran by women construction companies. Not sure what the exact numbers are, but were definitely a minority, Brunow said. Its an honor and its fantastic to be able to represent Council Bluffs in a positive way. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship highlights the impact of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Samsungs Galaxy Home smart speaker has missed its April launch date. The company, however, says that the device will still ship in the first half of the year but hasnt offered any explanation for the delay. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Biotech , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , E-Mobility , Education , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Leaks / Rumors , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker First announced way back in August during the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note 9, the Samsung Galaxy Home was supposed to ship in April. However, we are now nearly into the middle of May and the device is mysteriously nowhere to be seen. Speaking to The Verge, the Korean giant didnt offer any reason for the delay but said that it would still ship in the first half of 2019. The Galaxy Home is targeted at Apples high-end HomePod and is styled accordingly. It also has its audio tuned by Samsung acquisitions AKG and Harmon, so it should offer excellent sound. The weak point, however, as with Apple Siri-powered HomePod will undoubtedly be its Bixby voice recognition. It is probable that this will be the main reason for the hold up as Samsung knows that this will be one of the first things reviewers will be targeting in their reviews. Samsung, could, however compensate for Bixbys obvious weaknesses by giving users the option to use Googles Assistant. It wouldnt surprise to see the Galaxy Home launch with Google Assistant as this would undoubtedly boost its utility and negate potential criticism for the device. That said, Google Assistant would need to be tailored to run on Samsungs homegrown Tizen OS, which powers the Galaxy Home, not Android. The smart speaker segment is differentiated from the regular Bluetooth speaker segment by the capabilities of the voice assistant and Samsung has been stung with releasing products that arent quite ready for market as we all know. It is my experience, and maybe other ministers experience the same, that summer usually brings a lower church attendance, less of a focus on our faith and more focus on leisurely activities, not to mention a much smaller collection/tithe in the baskets. I wonder what might happen if we all kept our focus on our prayer and with the intention of attending church every weekend, no matter if we are in town or away on vacation. I wonder what might happen if we prayed for our clergy in these summer days, for an increase in shepherds for the flock, modern-day prophets who draw the people closer to Christ, and not closer to the lake. The Lord says to Jeremiah and to all of us today, Do not be afraid, for I am with you. In this difficult time, where it seems turmoil is around every corner, differences are accentuated and similarities seem to be few and far apart, I personally pray the Lord sends out workers into the vineyard. That there are among us good and holy men and women to serve the Lord in a particular and beautiful way. I also pray on this week of prayer for vocations for a greater effort to work together as ministers and for a greater ecumenism and understanding. I also ask you, too, to pray for good and holy vocations to serve the Lord, to offer themselves as prophets and witnesses to the goodness of the Lord our God. Finally, I ask you to pray for me as well, that I may continue to be true to the calling God has given me, formed me to answer daily as a priest of Jesus Christ. In His name I pray for you! When you check your mailbox, its the handwritten note that will get your attention. It may be in color, or even on special paper, but whatever is sent your way, you cant wait to open it. All your other mail can wait. Youve got something more important on your plate. Its mail time. When I was in college in Lincoln at the University of Nebraska, and when I lived in Canada, mailtime was something I looked forward to. It was a note from my mother in Nebraska that always caused me to stop in my tracks and open her letter. My mothers notes were not only handwritten, she made her own stationery. If it was springtime, she used yellow paper. In the fall her stationery would be orange. They meant the world to me. I still have some of them today. Studies show that its good to receive handwritten notes, but it is also just as good to write them. Writing a note is a way to touch the people you love. A thoughtful letter can be treasured for years. It can actually make you happier. Telling your friends how much you appreciate them helps you count your own blessings and notice some of the beauty in your life. LB 289 would raise state sales taxes by -cent and the cigarette taxes by 36 cents a pack, and would impose new taxes on several home repair services, and on things like pop, candy and bottled water. The anticipated $372 million in new revenue would be coupled with the existing property tax credit program funds to provide a $480 million boost in state aid to K-12 schools. State aid would be allocated under a new formula, which would guarantee at least $3,400 in state funding for every K-12 student and assure that at least 33% of a schools budget would be picked up by the state. That would mean millions in new state aid to the states smallest, rural school districts, but also smaller increases in funding for the largest school districts. The large districts, however, question whether the new spending lids in LB 289, which are based on growth in the consumer price index and construction activity, will eventually choke budgets and harm classroom education, particularly if a future Legislature, in a tough budget year, cuts back on state aid. Three bills on agricultural topics by west central Nebraska state senators have moved forward in the Legislature, including one that was signed into law earlier this week. Gov. Pete Ricketts Wednesday signed Legislative Bill 227, sponsored by Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango, which sets a two-year time limit to file a nuisance suit after a farm or public grain warehouse changes its operations. The bill, which won 46-2 final approval May 2, allows legal action to be filed after the two-year mark if needed to enforce a previous court order telling the producer to correct the nuisance. Hughes also is awaiting possible floor action on his LB 126, which seeks to authorize up to four limited deer, antelope, wild turkey or elk hunting permits for a landowner and his or her family members on ones own property before the regular hunting seasons. After opposition initially stalled the bill, the Natural Resources Committee proposed an amendment to LB 126 and advanced both last month on a 6-1 vote. League of Nebraska Municipalities President and North Platte Mayor Dwight Livingston Friday was named State and Local Leader of the Week in a digital weekly newsletter produced by Frank Shafroth, director of the State and Local Government Leadership Center at George Mason University. Livingston notes in the newsletter that as other municipal leaders across Nebraska and the United States are asked by citizens to do more with less, the same is true in North Platte. The eGnus newsletter states: Despite dwindling revenues coupled with unfunded (or underfunded) mandates, many state and federal officials also expect cities and villages to effectively address our multi-faceted and ever-increasing municipal needs including, but certainly not limited to, making critically important infrastructure repairs; developing more affordable/workforce housing; strengthening our community and economic development efforts; and providing additional resources to enhance public safety. Local nonprofit organizations received $271,378 in gifts from donors along with cash prizes from sponsors and earned matching funds on North Platte Giving Day. Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation hosted the 24-hour giving event on Wednesday. This years donations total as well as the number of gifts were the highest in the four-year history of Giving Day. The 1,106 donations this year speaks loudly about the generosity of people here as well as the level of support for local nonprofit causes, said Eric Seacrest, executive director of the Community Foundation. Sixty-eight local nonprofit causes participated in Giving Day this year, and 100% of each donation will go to donor-selected local nonprofits, Seacrest said. At the top of the nonprofit leaderboard was Prairie Arts Center, raising $77,210, half of which came from pledged matching funds. Forty-one sponsored cash prizes of $200 to $1,000 were awarded to nonprofits based on donations made online or by check during Giving Day. Matching funds as well as sponsored cash prizes encourage donors to support favorite community causes. Seacrest said. The full nonprofit leaderboard and the winners of sponsored cash prizes to nonprofits can be seen online at NorthPlatteGivingDay.org. This federal aid is vital to rebuilding Iowa communities, Axne said. Fortenberry helped push through the funding that will help Offutt and the emergency watershed funding. He also was able to include an amendment for an additional $300 million for Offutt earlier in the week in the regular appropriations bill for Military Construction. That bill will likely come to the full House later this summer. Fortenberry voted against the final military construction bill in committee, but he described that vote as part of a Republican protest that Democrats should pass an overall budget plan. Fridays vote on disaster relief comes after the House had passed an earlier $14 billion version of the measure in January, but the legislation has been held up in the Senate amid a fight between President Donald Trump and Democrats over aid to Puerto Rico. Trump is feuding with Democratic officials on the island and falsely claims that Puerto Rico has already received $91 billion in aid. On Monday, a free training on detecting and responding to strangulation will run from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1-5 p.m. in the conference rooms at Great Plains Health, 601 W. Leota St. Dr. Bill Smock, clinical professor of emergency medicine at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, will present a multimedia presentation. He is also chair of the Institute on Strangulation Preventions National Medical Advisory Committee. Strangulation involves the application of pressure and/or blunt force trauma to the carotid and vertebral arteries and jugular veins. Unconsciousness can occur in seconds and death within minutes. Strangulation also carries a risk of arterial damage, stroke and delayed death. Strangulation can cause death or leave lasting injuries, according to a press release from Jenny Bonta, executive director of Rape and Domestic Abuse Program in North Platte. Even minimal pressure on the neck can result in strangulation. Studies of perpetrator behavior suggest that strangulation is most frequently associated with power and control dynamics, and is therefore seen in domestic violence, serial rape and serial murder. American Natural Resources on Broad Street in downtown Griffith the only wood-hewn log cabin-looking building with a moose and bear on the roof and an alligator and another moose on the sidewalk outside has stuffed a lot of animals over the years. "Northwest Indiana's premier taxidermy seller," which also sells rustic furniture, bear rugs, and antler chandeliers, has mounted chickens, Hungarian pheasants, sharptail grouse, ducks, owls, smallmouth bass, blue marlin, sharks, beavers, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, otters, bobcat, deer, elk, moose, and even mountain lions. They've mounted everything from tiny chipmunks to hulking bears. But in 65 years, owner Edward Leep Sr. never had the chance to stuff a bald eagle until now. His shop got the chance to stuff and mount the national bird that stands as a soaring symbol of America's freedom so a Native American tribe could use it for religious ceremonies. Disturbing the remains of the majestic bird of prey would otherwise be strictly forbidden by The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act that Congress passed in 1940. CROWN POINT A judge ruled Thursday that St. John police illegally entered a dog training facility and barred prosecutors from presenting evidence obtained as a result of the search during the man's upcoming trial on animal abuse charges. Larry Brodanex, 38, of Chicago Heights, was charged with nine felony counts of torturing or mutilating a vertebrate animal and 34 counts of cruelty to animals after police searched the facility Sept. 11, 2017, in the 9600 block of Industrial Drive in St. John. Police seized some of the dogs in the facility that day and later returned after a judge signed two search warrants. Police seized more than 30 dogs from the property, according to records. Police noted the smell of urine and feces inside the business was overbearing and described most of the dogs as sickly or horrendously thin." The animals were seized from the location after a veterinarian determined many of the dogs showed signs of trauma, active skin infections or inadequate nutrition, according to court records. The property owner, who was renting the facility to Brodanex, gave police permission to enter the facility. Wilson's defense attorney, Matthew Fech, told jurors they would find so many inconsistencies in the woman's story they wouldn't be sure what to believe. Conflicts in her statements about what type of knife was used and whether she was ordered to undress or was undressed by Wilson mattered, Fech said. Wilson's neighbor testified this week she was alone in her apartment watching TV when a man in a ski mask entered her room and held a knife to her throat, Baulos said. The woman, who was 25 years old at the time of the alleged sexual assault on March 4, 2014, said she recognized Wilson by his voice. Wilson lived in the apartment below the woman and her mother, and knew them because he had given them gifts and spoken with them many times, Baulos said. Wilson was accused of ordering the woman to undress and running the knife up and down her body. The woman testified he performed oral sex on her and penetrated her vagina with his fingers, Baulos said. Wilson then walked the woman to her bathroom at knifepoint and made her wash away possible evidence, Baulos said. CROWN POINT Two women had a baby in the backseat Wednesday when police pulled them over on U.S. 41 for tinted windows and found large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine in the trunk, court records allege. Nyosphain Jackson, 37, of Griffith, and Dana M. Kelly, 41, of Ford Heights, told police they were going to visit their aunt in Danville, Illinois, but they each gave a different name for the aunt, records say. Jackson told police the aunt was in the hospital, but Kelly said none of her family members were sick or in distress, records say. Kelly said her son lived with Jackson, but Jackson said he didn't, police said. When a Cedar Lake police officer stopped the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Jackson was driving in the 15600 block of U.S. 41 for tinted windows and speeding, she was "breathing fast and heavy," her hands were shaking and an artery in her neck was pulsating, according to court records. Both Jackson and Kelly denied having drugs in the car, even after a K-9 alerted near the trunk, records say. Police did not allow the K-9 to enter the car, because a baby was sleeping in the backseat. Kelly told police the baby was her grandchild. The man shown in the surveillance footage is wanted for questioning in regards to the shooting. He is believed to have vital information about the crime, Westerfield said. The condition of the victim is unknown at this time. INDIANAPOLIS Indianapolis prosecutors say more evidence is needed before they can decide whether to charge two men who were arrested in connection with the non-fatal shooting of two judges. Marion County prosecutors notified the court Friday that they were not prepared to file charges. Forty-one-year-old Brandon Kaiser and 23-year-old Alfredo Vazquez were expected to be released later Friday. Their arrests followed the May 1 shooting of Clark Circuit judges Bradley Jacobs and Andrew Adams outside an Indianapolis fast-food restaurant. Police say an argument between the men and the southern Indiana judges, who were in Indianapolis for a conference, preceded the attack. They say they found no evidence that the judges were targeted because of their jobs. The Indianapolis Star reports that Jacobs and Adams are recovering in Indianapolis. The Associated Press sent a message seeking comment from a spokesman for the judges. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. INDIANAPOLIS The Indianapolis Zoo says an African elephant has tested positive for a virus that earlier killed two other members of its herd. It said Thursday that 13-year-old male Kedar has tested positive for elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus and is being treated for it. The zoo says it started testing the blood of each elephant twice a week after two elephants, Nyah and Kalina, died in March . Lab and pathology tests confirmed both elephants had EEHV, which causes fatal hemorrhagic disease in elephants. Zoo staff conducted a blood test for the virus on Kedar on May 2 and the results came back negative. The zoo says staff tested Kedar's blood again on Monday and the results came back positive. The zoo says humans and other animal species cannot contract the virus. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Dorothy Poma, the bereavement facilitator and head of grief support groups at Hospice of the Calumet Area in Munster, helps teens and adults work through their grief in a free program that runs six sessions. The teen sessions are based on activities that keep them engaged and interacting, allow them to identify feelings and experiences, and make them realize that theyre not alone. Writing is one of those activities. During each session, Poma noted, she will ask a question and the teens write their answer in a composition book. Though journaling is not done during the group sessions, Poma said someone usually mentions it and how helpful it is. She teaches that grief is an inward feeling and mourning is the way to express grief outwardly. Sarah Ticich is the bereavement facilitator for the childrens group at Hospice of the Calumet Area. Her young clients range in age from 6 to 12, so writing in their six sessions is very basic, she said. The childrens sessions focus on games. Senator Bernie Sanders ignited a national discussion recently when he endorsed the right of individuals in prison to be able to vote, as is the case in his home state of Vermont. In doing so, Sanders raised fundamental questions of democracy and citizenship that are long overdue. Allowing people in prison to vote would both benefit public safety goals and enhance 21st century democracy. As extreme as is our rate of incarceration in the United States, so too are our felony disenfranchisement laws by the standards of comparable nations. As of 2016, an estimated 6.1 million people were denied the right to vote due to a current or previous felony conviction. Of this total 1.3 million were incarcerated in state or federal prisons. Disenfranchising those in prison is counterproductive for public safety because 95 percent of these people will return home someday. Re-entry into the community is a difficult process, but individuals who have strong connections to the community are more likely to be successful. In addition to having adequate housing, employment, and peer support, engagement in the political process provides an avenue for a connection to the health of the broader community. However, both studies failed to foresee what is now the countrys largest outbreak the one among Orthodox Jews in the Williamsburg neighborhood of New York which is in Brooklyn, not Queens. (The Lancet authors said their forecasts were correct about two-thirds of the time, as long as counties spatially adjacent to the ones they saw as potential hot spots were included.) In September last year, the virus spread from Ukraine to Orthodox Jewish communities in Israel. One month later, Orthodox Jews from New York carried measles almost simultaneously to Brooklyn and to suburban Rockland County, N.Y. The outbreak spread from New York to Orthodox communities in Michigan. What we did not calculate at all was that it would come from Israel, said Sahotra Sarkar, a professor of philosophy and integrative biology at the University of Texas at Austin and a co-author of the new study. A similar study published last June in PLOS Medicine ranked the risk of measles outbreaks in 18 states with philosophical or personal belief exemptions to vaccination. The research was prescient: almost half the hotspot metropolitan areas the scientists noted particularly Washington State, Texas and Michigan saw outbreaks this year. In the major leagues, thats an all-star batting average, said Dr. Peter J. Hotez, a director of the Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development and a co-author of the PLOS Medicine study. Dr. Hotez and his colleagues did not look at New York State because it does not have philosophical exemptions to vaccination, although the state permits religious ones a loophole that the legislature is considering eliminating. [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.] Even on her way to prison, even after a jury convicted her of swindling almost everyone she knew and a judge accused her of running a big scam, Anna Sorokin was sticking by her story. For years, Ms. Sorokin pretended to be Anna Delvey, a German heiress with a trust fund that paid for a life of glamorous ease. She lived in boutique hotels, wore designer clothes and hung out in Manhattans moneyed party circles. In reality, Ms. Sorokin, 28, was a Russian immigrant who walked out on bills, connived her way into luxury, and persuaded a bank employee to give her $100,000 she never intended to pay back, the jury decided in convicting her last month. But in two interviews with The New York Times at the Rikers Island jail complex, where she has been held since October 2017, Ms. Sorokin was eager to explain her actions as the naive missteps of a young woman worried that she would not otherwise be taken seriously. Andrei Kramarevsky, who after a successful dance career in the Soviet Union left for the West in 1975 and became a much admired teacher at the School of American Ballet in New York, influencing generations of future stars, died on May 8 at his home in Manhattan. He was 90. The school, where he taught from 1976 until he took emeritus status last year, confirmed the death. Many who enjoyed Mr. Kramarevsky as Drosselmeyer in New York City Ballets seasonal productions of George Balanchines The Nutcracker, a role he performed until he was 85, may not have realized that he had also once danced for Joseph Stalin. And they also probably didnt realize that his influence extended well beyond his own performances. The real impact was in the studio, Peter Boal, who was in the schools childrens division when Mr. Kramarevsky arrived and is now the artistic director of Pacific Northwest Ballet, said in a telephone interview. Mr. Kramarevsky, Mr. Boal said, though almost 50 when he first took a class from him, didnt merely talk about technique; he illustrated it. Guatemalas Constitutional Court has ruled Moraless measures illegal. The president has said its judgment means nothing: So much for the rule of law. Cicig continues its work, with Velasquez leading it from abroad, but stripped of any police protection for its personnel, the organization is in intensive care, as one American official put it to me. When I visited its headquarters in Guatemala City, a ghostly air prevailed. American support for Cicig had been critical. In 2013, Stephen Rapp, the State Departments ambassador at large for war crimes, visited the courtroom where Efrain Rios Montt, the former dictator, was tried. Montt was convicted through the bravery of survivors and Cicig-backed prosecutors, though the verdict was later vacated on a technicality. The message could not have been clearer: The United States is resolute in its support of an independent judicial process and Guatemalas nascent rule of law. No longer. Trumps America has gone AWOL. Cicig has mounted a system of terror where it persecutes those who think differently, Morales declared grotesquely to the United Nations General Assembly last September. Earlier that month, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had tweeted, We greatly appreciate Guatemalas efforts in counternarcotics and security. That was it. The State Department, through its deputy spokesman but not Pompeo himself, has declared that the United States is deeply concerned by Moraless recent efforts to pass a bill that would grant amnesty to, and free, those convicted of gross human rights violations during Guatemalas 36-year civil war. But this mild protest was dismissed in Guatemala City as the murmurings of a third-tier bureaucrat in effect, tacit authorization. The government operates on the basis that it has a green light from the White House. Many in the State Department are troubled. One officer told me: Its a strange and disturbing thing. The arguments we make to political appointees are not heard. We have a State Department that basically stood by while Jimmy Morales dismantled the mechanisms put in place to confront impunity. Luis Arreaga, the United States ambassador in Guatemala, is a career diplomat who has tried to stand up for American principles. For this he has been dismissed in local media as an Obama holdover, called the worst ambassador in the world and accused of being both on George Soross payroll (of course) and an agent of Cuba or Venezuela. All this is consistent with an elaborate Guatemalan lobbying operation in Washington that has sought to portray Cicig as a bunch of Soros-backed liberal lefties. Several Republicans, including Representative Rick Crawford of Arkansas and Senator Mike Lee of Utah, have proved receptive. Trumps reasoning seems to be that the three countries havent done enough to stem the exodus. Maybe so. What the president hasnt explained is how depriving quasi-failed states of assistance will help them do better by us. Then again, Trumps approach to Central America is an excellent illustration of the ways in which America First fails America. If the administration is not going to have a realistic strategy for defeating gangs in the Northern Triangle whether out of an ideological aversion for nation-building, stinginess with foreign aid, or mere indifference it will need a realistic strategy for dealing with the inevitable fallout. If it doesnt have that, as we still dont, well have exactly the kind of crisis at the border that Trump endlessly bemoans and which he is now doing so much to worsen. In other words, if were not going to solve or at least try to mitigate problems over there, we will have to confront them over here. Previous presidents have made similar mistakes: Barack Obamas ill-judged military exit from Iraq in 2011 created the conditions in which the Islamic State metastasized three years later (forcing our return). But its difficult to think of any president as eager as Trump to cut off his nose to spite his own face not that theres much face left to save at this point. There are better options. Bill Clinton and then George W. Bush invested some $10 billion in counterinsurgency and counternarcotics efforts to rescue Colombia from the grip of jungle guerrillas and drug lords. The plan was expensive, took a decade, involved the limited deployment of U.S. troops, and was widely mocked. Yet it worked. Colombia is South Americas great turnaround story. And nobody today worries about a Colombian migration crisis. Its always possible that Trump knows all this and rejects it precisely because it stands a reasonable chance of eventually fixing the very problem that was central to his election and on which he intends to campaign for the next 18 months. Demagogues need bugaboos, and MS-13 and other assorted Latin American gangsters are the perfect ones for him. But whether he gets that or not, it behooves Americans to know that the crisis at our border has a source, and that Trump continues to inflame it. The answer isnt a big beautiful wall. Its a real foreign policy. We used to know how to craft one. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. President Trumps new tariffs on Chinese imports, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, are taxes that will be paid by Americans. That is a simple fact, and it remains true no matter how many times Mr. Trump insists the money will come from China. Mr. Trumps latest escalation of his trade fight with China is a 25 percent tariff, or import tax, on products that compose about one third of Chinas exports to the United States, including Chinese bicycles, circuit boards and wooden doors. The tariff rate on those goods was previously 10 percent. Mr. Trump also has threatened to impose the 25 percent rate on virtually all products imported from China more than $500 billion in goods last year. Mr. Trump could make an honest case for this tax increase. He could argue that Americans must endure higher prices because China will suffer too while China does not bear the direct cost of the tariffs, it is likely to suffer a loss of sales and the United States needs that leverage as it presses China to change its economic policies. Instead, Mr. Trump continues to repeat the false claim that the money will come from China, even though he has been told repeatedly that this claim has no basis in fact. He is willfully peddling a falsehood for political gain. CONCORD, N.H. It is a backhanded compliment Andrew Yang has received before, and one that a New Hampshire voter paid him again on Friday as Mr. Yang was campaigning and trying to raise his profile in the 21-candidate Democratic field. Youre too nice, a man told Mr. Yang. You need to be meaner. As his better-known rivals like Senator Kamala Harris of California and former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. have ratcheted up their attacks of President Trump, Mr. Yang, the former tech executive promising to give Americans $12,000 a year, has portrayed himself as a math-obsessed, solution-focused nerd who would be an ideal foil to the president. But, in part because Mr. Yang is nice he peppers his stump speech with jokes and the occasional self-deprecating remark voters have sometimes questioned his pleasant demeanor and whether he can effectively spar with Mr. Trump or even political firebrands on the left like Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Im very passionate about how we can improve Americans day-to-day lives, and thats where Im focused, Mr. Yang told dozens of voters inside a packed New Hampshire coffee shop on Friday. But to the extent anyone has a vicious agenda that tries to keep that from happening Ill fight. WASHINGTON When President Trump had finished mocking the field of Democratic presidential candidates at a rally in Florida this week (Sleepy Joe, Crazy Bernie and Boot-edge-edge), he pivoted abruptly to his intensifying trade war with China. The segue was no accident: Mr. Trump is determined to present himself as tougher on the Chinese than any of his potential challengers in 2020. Representing us against President Xi of China, a sarcastic Mr. Trump said of Pete Buttigieg, the young mayor of South Bend, Ind. Thatd be great. Taking aim at former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. earlier in the day, he said that China had pulled back from a trade deal because it wanted to wait him out and negotiate with a President Biden or one of the very weak Democrats, and thereby continue to rip off the United States. Election-year politics have crept into Mr. Trumps trade policy. For months, the prospect of a landmark trade agreement with China has tantalized Mr. Trump. But now, according to analysts and several former aides, his political calculus seems to have flipped. His recent statements suggest he now believes that demonstrating his toughness with the Chinese and walking away from a deal might well put him in a better position politically than signing one. Imposing new tariffs on China is likely to hurt American farmers, rattle the stock market and possibly damage the economy. But signing an agreement could expose Mr. Trump to attacks by Democrats, particularly if it is perceived as weak. A hard line, on the other hand, would allow the president to cater to his political base while heading off any Democratic attempts to outflank him as the great protector of American workers. His initial invocation of the tax code provision Section 6103 was novel and set off a flurry of legal scholarship. The section gives the chairmen of Congresss tax-writing committees unique powers to request information on any taxpayer from the I.R.S. and says only that the executive branch shall furnish the material upon request. The House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee routinely use this method to study the effects of tax policy on real taxpayers, but there is scant precedent for using it to study a presidents tax information a fact that Republicans seized on to oppose the effort. Ultimately, Democrats decided it posed too many risks to bring directly to court. Democrats have clamored for years for Mr. Trump to release his returns, as every other modern presidential nominee had done before him. They have speculated that the president is trying to hide details of his actual financial worth as well as information that could reveal conflicts of interest between his businesses and his governmental responsibilities. Some Democrats argue they could also reveal evidence of tax evasion. But when Mr. Neal ultimately made his request in early April for six years of Trump personal and business returns, he said he needed the information for a narrower Ways and Means investigation of the extent to which the I.R.S. audits and enforces the federal tax laws against a president. He repeated that justification on Friday. The requests infuriated the president and his family. Mr. Trump, his personal lawyers and his Republican allies say that rationale is absurd and that Democrats are clearly concocting a fake investigation to justify getting ahold of information they can use to politically embarrass the president. Mr. Trumps lawyers have already formalized those arguments in two lawsuits meant to stop companies that have worked with the president from handing over financial information subpoenaed by other House committees. But it was up to Mr. Trumps government, not his private lawyers, to decide on the Ways and Means request. After weeks of delays, Mr. Mnuchin formally rejected the request in writing on Monday, telling Mr. Neal that after consulting Treasury and Justice Department lawyers, he had determined that the request lacks a legitimate legislative purpose and that he was not authorized to disclose the information in question. As you have recognized, the committees request is unprecedented, and it presents serious constitutional questions, the resolution of which may have lasting consequences for all taxpayers, Mr. Mnuchin wrote. He added that the department would be willing to provide the committee more generalized information about how the I.R.S. conducts presidential audits. One of the founding members of the hip-hop group the Fugees and a fugitive Malaysian financier have been charged with conspiring to violate federal campaign finance law by funneling millions of dollars worth of foreign money into the 2012 presidential election, the Justice Department said Friday. A four-count indictment accuses the financier, Low Taek Jho, of transferring more than $21 million from overseas to the rapper Prakazrel Michel, known as Pras, from June 2012 through that November. Prosecutors contend that Mr. Michel then gave $865,000 of that money to a network of straw donors who used it to make campaign contributions to a candidate identified as Candidate A. While the indictment unsealed on Friday does not specifically name the candidate in question who is accused of no wrongdoing it clearly refers to former President Barack Obama. The indictment includes allusions to Candidate A having a presidential administration and hosting an event at the White House that Mr. Low either attended or arranged for his associates to attend. A spokesman for Mr. Obama did not respond to a message seeking comment on Friday. The indictment adds to a list of legal troubles for Mr. Low, also known as Jho Low. He has been wanted by law enforcement in the United States and Malaysia for his alleged role in the theft of $4.5 billion from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund. That case contributed to the electoral defeat and eventual indictment of the countrys former prime minister, Najib Razak. NIGHT SCHOOL (2018) 8 p.m. on HBO; stream on HBO platforms. Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish star in this comedy about a high school dropout who takes night classes to earn his G.E.D. after losing his job. The duo make for comedic gold, but somehow their chemistry couldnt lift this movie up to its fullest potential. The plot sometimes accelerates in the direction of genuine hilarity, A. O. Scott wrote in his New York Times review, only to downshift into sloppy, easy jokes and gags. SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE 11:30 p.m. on NBC. Emma Thompson hosts S.N.L. for the first time, while the Jonas Brothers perform. Thompson returns to the big screen on June 7 in the comedy Late Night, in which she plays a late-night host who hires a female writer (Mindy Kaling) in hopes of breathing new life into her show. Also on June 7, the Jonas Brothers will release their first album in six years, Happiness Begins. LONDON The list of those who have served as Britains poet laureate contains many distinguished names. So does the list of those who have refused the job. Both are now a little longer. The 21st poet laureate of the United Kingdom officially appointed by Queen Elizabeth II and named Friday evening in a news release from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is Simon Armitage, 55, a critically lauded and popular poet from West Yorkshire, in the north of England, whose work is taught in many British schools. His appointment came two weeks after a report in The Sunday Times of London that the position would go to another acclaimed poet, Imtiaz Dharker, who would have been Britains second female laureate and its first to be a person of color. Ms. Dharker, who was born in Lahore, Pakistan, and spent her childhood in Glasgow, publicly took herself out of consideration on Friday. Mr. Armitage told the BBC that he believed there had been a lot of discussion behind the scenes about whether it was right for the job to go again to a white man, and that he wanted to use it to amplify the voices of those from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. VENICE An opera performance on an artificial beach, in which swimsuited performers break from sunbathing to sing warnings of ecological disaster, won Lithuania the top prize on Saturday at the Venice Art Biennale, the worlds oldest and most high-profile international exhibition of contemporary art. Sun & Sea (Marina) presented by the artists Lina Lapelyte, Vaiva Grainyte and Rugile Barzdziukaite took the Golden Lion for best national participation at the Biennale, beating 89 other national pavilions. This was the second successive time the prize has gone to a performance piece: In 2017, the winner was the German pavilion, for Anne Imhofs haunting Faust. Saturdays other big prize, the Golden Lion for best participant in the Biennales central exhibition, was won by the American artist and filmmaker Arthur Jafa. He showed a stirring 50-minute film, The White Album, in which he juxtaposes manifestations of white supremacy with portraits of white people he cares for and is close to. Mr. Jafa also showed a set of monumental sculptures of truck tires in chains. If you dont want a cookie-cutter story BELOVED by Toni Morrison A runaway slave kills her daughter in an attempt to keep her from being taken into captivity, and the devastating action reverberates in her life for decades. This novel possesses the heightened power and resonance of myth - its characters, like those in opera or Greek drama, seem larger than life and their actions, too, tend to strike us as enactments of ancient rituals and passions, our reviewer wrote. MOTHERS AND SONS by Colm Toibin You pick up a book called Mothers and Sons and expect something reassuring and warm, domestic, wrote our reviewer about this short story collection, but it is part of Toibins pitiless and often brilliant vision to show that mothers and sons are suspicious even of one another, less pietas than emblems of missed connections. ROOM by Emma Donoghue This book is told from the perspective of 5-year-old Jack, who the reader comes to understand was born in captivity, in a room where his mother has been held prisoner for years. This is a truly memorable novel, one that can be read through myriad lenses psychological, sociological, political, our reviewer wrote. It presents an utterly unique way to talk about love, all the while giving us a fresh, expansive eye on the world in which we live. STAY WITH ME by Ayobami Adebayo Though the central female character in this novel, Yejide, is not a mother, the book is grounded in her struggles with fertility and how these threaten to destroy her marriage. Yejide begins to realize the secrets her husband has been keeping from her. Its a realization that forces her to question traditional attitudes toward women in Nigeria including the primacy of motherhood and deference toward their husbands and to try to sort out her own expectations from those shes inherited from her family and society, our reviewer wrote. If youve lost a mother WHAT WE LOSE by Zinzi Clemmons In searing vignettes (our reviewers words), Clemmons describes her protagonist Thandis life before and after her mothers death to cancer. The books distinctive form and voice give it an unusual capacity to show how individuals connect deep feeling to broad political understanding an experience too rarely rendered in fiction, our reviewer wrote. It is after Stack moves to India and hires two new women Pooja and Mary to help cook, clean and raise Stacks growing family that the account of her domestic life starts to feel limited. Her prose is beautiful as she shines light on the contradictions of her position. With respect to supporting a family, she writes: There is a lingering expectation that men will pay in money. But when it comes to time, it is almost always the woman who pays. And money is one thing, but time is life, and life is more. In India, however, the gulf between her situation and those of the women in her household begins to feel too vast, the poverty surrounding her too extreme. It becomes increasingly clear that the problems facing the women who work for her extend far beyond this particular domestic setting and beyond Stacks ability to access and understand them fully. It is late in the book when Stack announces her plans to her friends that she will write about the compromises of her domestic life and the lives of her employees. This, she says, almost always went badly: As if the simple exercise of placing myself alongside the nannies was already an affront. Stacks relationships with these women, however, make writing about them difficult. Xiao Li has little interest in letting her former employer in on the details of her own life. In India, she follows Pooja to her home village, where we get a glimpse of the forces that have been at work in Poojas life (poverty, casual rape, domestic violence and a tenuous local political situation), but the visit feels truncated, Poojas life available to us only in outline. We never get a sense of how she spends her days, the details that make a person seem real. In the books conclusion, Stack tells us: The answer is the men. They have to do the work. Its hard not to wonder whether, for Xiao Li or for Pooja, a more egalitarian domestic sphere would be enough; they share some of Stacks problems, but not all. In that same speech at Amherst, Audre Lorde was offering a way forward for the womens movement in the 1980s. It is not our differences which separate women, but our reluctance to recognize those differences, she told her audience. The future of our earth may depend upon the ability of all women to identify and develop new definitions of power and new patterns of relating across difference. At its best moments, Stacks book is a sharply observed, evocative reckoning with the ways her struggles intersect and diverge with those of the women she employs. As it progresses, however, her own narrative overshadows those of the women she wishes to reveal. She shows us how we have ignored these women and exploited them. She names the difference, but as readers we do not get to travel across it. As a result, a larger portion of the population died in the American Revolution than any conflict in American history save the Civil War. Part of the reason was disease; the war coincided with a raging smallpox epidemic. In addition, captured American prisoners had appoximately a 10 percent survival rate; the British were more barbaric in their treatment of prisoners of war than the Japanese in World War II. Instead of a Trumbull, the American Revolution needed a Goya. Along the way Atkinson provides a steady flow of factual tidbits of the did you know? sort. For example, that the recipe for saltpeter, a prime ingredient for gunpowder, was bird dung mixed with urine; that the British Army at full strength required 37 tons of food a day; that one-quarter of the Hessian troops stationed in America decided to remain after the war; that the American obsession with Canada reflected the widespread assumption that it was destined to become the 14th state in the Union; that General Howes alleged American mistress, Betsy Loring, was a blond beauty British troops named Sultana for her nonchalant demeanor while drinking Howe under the table. Notice that there is a 15-month gap between the start of the war in April of 1775 and the American declaration of independence in July of 1776. Bunker Hill, the bloodiest battle of the entire war, occurred over a year before a sufficient consensus emerged in the Continental Congress to leave the British Empire. Atkinson pays only passing attention to this political side of the Revolutionary story, devoting more space to the policymakers in London than their counterparts in Philadelphia. His title actually enjoys larger significance than Atkinson lets on, because the decisive factor in converting reluctant patriots to what was called the Cause was the looming British invasion in New York. By the summer of 1776 constitutional arguments had become irrelevant. The British Army and their Hessian mercenaries were coming to kill them, destroy their homes and rape their women. There was also a silent war of considerable significance going on during the interlude between the first shots fired at Lexington and the official commitment to American independence. Atkinson notices it in passing on several occasions, but I hope he will give it the attention it deserves in subsequent volumes. Up and down the Atlantic coast, in every colony, county, town and hamlet, the American resistance movement seized control of the local institutions of governance, requiring oaths of allegiance from all residents, forcing all reluctant revolutionaries to convert and all loyalists to leave. This was not war in the conventional sense of the term, but it was the ultimate reason the British Army was destined to discover that it was on a fools errand. As Thomas Paine put it to Adm. Richard Howe: In all the wars which you have formerly been concerned in, you had only armies to contend with. In this case, you have both an army and a country to combat. These caveats are not intended to deter readers, but rather to welcome Atkinson into the fraternity of historians. We are a contentious club of men and women who love to argue with one another. The British Are Coming is a major addition to that ongoing argument. A powerful new voice has been added to the dialogue about our origins as a people and a nation. It is difficult to imagine any reader putting this beguiling book down without a smile and a tear. Want this column in your inbox? Sign up here. Hello and happy Mothers Day! Whether youre celebrating, being celebrated or just having a normal Sunday, make mom proud and stay on top of the news. Heres a quick catch-up on what happened in the tech and business worlds this week, and what to look for in the days ahead. May 5-11 Whats Up? Fasten Your Seatbelts Finally, you can invest in Uber if you want to, that is. On Friday, the ride-hailing company that has reshaped urban transportation pulled off the years most anticipated initial public offering, one of the biggest in United States history. But what was supposed to be a hot stock turned lukewarm when Uber priced its shares near the bottom of the expected range. Why so conservative? The company wanted to avoid the mistakes of its smaller rival Lyft, whose value has fizzled by nearly 30 percent since its splashy market debut at the end of March. And so far, Uber did fare better, but its first day of trading didnt pop like many investors had hoped. In fact, it ended the day down more than 7 percent. Also not celebrating this weekend: drivers for both Uber and Lyft, who held protests this past week to demand better wages. Things That Go Bump in the Night After months of back-patting over progress in the trade talks between the United States and China, President Trump abruptly raised tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports to 25 percent from 10 percent, effective 12:01 a.m. on Friday. How did we get here? Mr. Trump accused China (via Twitter, naturally) of trying to revisit crucial points of the agreement as it was nearing completion, although China disputes this. Beijings initial response was muted, although it vowed to retaliate with its own tariffs and possible boycotts of American products. The talks ended on Friday without any deal. Any escalation in the trade war is a lose-lose for consumers as well as farmers and manufacturers around the globe. The first misunderstanding is about Facebook itself and the competitive dynamics in which we operate. We are a large company made up of many smaller pieces. All of our products and services fight for customers. Each one has at least three or four competitors with hundreds of millions, if not billions, of users. In photo and video-sharing, we compete against services like YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter, Pinterest and TikTok, an emerging competitor. In messaging, were not even the leader in the top three markets China, Japan and, by our estimate, the United States where we compete with Apples iMessage, WeChat, Line and Microsofts Skype. Globally, the context in which social media must be understood, China alone has several large social media companies, including powerhouses like Tencent and Sina. It will seem perverse to people in Europe, and certainly in China, to see American policymakers talking about dismantling one of Americas biggest global players. [Technology has made our lives easier. But it also means that your data is no longer your own. Well examine who is hoarding your information and give you a guide for what you can do about it. Sign up for our limited-run newsletter.] In this competitive environment, it is hard to sustain the claim that Facebook is a monopoly. Almost all of our revenue comes from digital advertising, and most estimates say Facebooks share is about 20 percent of the United States online ad market, which means 80 percent of all digital ads happen off our platforms. The second misunderstanding is of antitrust law. These laws, developed in the 1800s, are not meant to punish a company because people disagree with its management. Their main purpose is to protect consumers by ensuring they have access to low-cost, high-quality products and services. And especially in the case of technology, rapid innovation. That is exactly where Facebook puts its attention: building the best products, free for consumers, and funded by advertisers. What antitrust law isnt about is size alone. In Facebooks case, our size has not only brought innovation, it has also allowed us to make a huge investment in protecting the safety and security of our services. Over the past two years weve focused heavily on blocking foreign adversaries from trying to influence democratic elections by using our platforms. Weve done the same to protect against terrorism and hate speech and to better safeguard peoples data. And the resources that we will spend on security and safety this year alone will be more than our overall revenues at the time of our initial public offering in 2012. That would be pretty much impossible for a smaller company. Even when told in no uncertain terms that there is no chance of functional recovery, or that placing a feeding tube or continuing treatment will not change the outcome and may indeed prolong suffering, many family members will still insist, saying that the patient has beat this before, or that they have faith or they believe in miracles. It is helpful if the patient has a living will or has previously discussed his or her wishes for end-of-life care, but even then it is difficult for the doctor if families demand continued treatment. Deborah Ronnie Horowitz New York To the Editor: Theresa Brown spells out one vital piece of how we can bring sanity and peace to hospital patients dying process: clear guidelines for decisions by the medical staff about moving from radical medical interventions to comfort care. Another piece of improving our medical institutions care of the dying steps outside of the exclusively physical and medical realm. Some hospital chaplains are highly trained to assist the patient and family with the human process underway. Health care systems vary a lot in the regard they have for chaplains; some value them highly, others not at all. Professional chaplains attend to the spiritual or religious context of illness and dying. Medical staff are perhaps then not so frantic in denying the reality of dying, so myopic in looking only to more interventions. They have partners with real skills for treating patients who are close to death. Dorothea Crites Bronx The writer is a pastoral psychotherapist and has worked as a hospital chaplain. To the Editor: As a family practice physician who grapples with this issue often, I completely agree with what Theresa Brown is promoting. End-of-life care should be discussed, and basic guidelines could help all of us health care providers, families and especially patients make the best decisions possible. That said, I find her statements about primary care physicians offensive. I take care of most of my patients through decades of their lives and have many conversations about end-of-life care, their wishes and goals about how that may look for them. We have developed trust that allows me to do this. Ideally this happens long before a patient becomes ill. Most of us have had moments when weve fantasized about having different parents, people we imagine are closer to our true nature. But few of us have a name for our fantasy parent. My father did, though: Kale Binder. Thats the name his mother gave him in 1983, when my father was 50. After decades of whispered rumors, my English grandmother, Diane, finally admitted that Kale Binder, an American medical student she had met at a party, got her pregnant shortly before she met her husband. This mystery sperm donor could have been the perfect wish fulfillment for my father, Rex, a once-sensitive boy who came of age in London during World War II with a father or the man he believed was his father who was cruel and critical, who mocked his son for being too smart, too soft. By contrast, Rex imagined that his real father would have talked with him about Russian literature or taken him hitchhiking across Europe. He might have occasionally given him a hug. WASHINGTON I am not going to write a beautiful letter to Premier Trump, the kind he likes to get from fellow autocrats. But I have to give him credit for one thing. When Trump fatigue seemed to set in after the Mueller report, with cable network ratings dropping, I had total faith that Trump and his crazy posse would find some bizarre way to grab back the spotlight. And, indeed, what could be more insane than this? A president who has spent two years battling accusations that he colluded with a foreign power to fix the 2016 election manages to wriggle off the hook. Just three weeks later, his lawyer unveils their 2020 plan: to collude with a foreign power to fix the election. Were not meddling in an election, Rudy Giuliani protested to The Timess Ken Vogel. Were meddling in an investigation, which we have a right to do. Theres a lot to dislike about the founding fathers and the war they and others fought for American independence. The stirring assertion that all men are created equal did not, of course, apply to 500,000 black slaves one in five of all souls occupying the 13 colonies when those words were written in 1776. Nor was it valid for Native Americans, women or indigents. Those who remained loyal to the British crown, and even fence-straddlers skeptical of armed rebellion, were often subjected to dreadful treatment, including public shaming, torture, exile and execution. In a defensive war waged for liberty and to secure basic rights, the Americans invaded Canada in an effort to win by force of arms what could not be won by negotiation and blandishment a 14th colony. Much of that inheritance is now regarded skeptically in Ireland itself, which in the flush of prosperity has embraced a more technocratic, end-of-history vision of itself one that regards the old sentimental nationalism with suspicion or embarrassment, the old Catholic religion with anger or contempt. This transformation is the work of Doughertys fathers generation, and the American son frames his book as a series of letters to his father, carrying on a meditative argument for the importance of inheritance, of a healthy nationalism as a spiritual ecology that links the living, the unborn and the dead. The complication at the heart of this argument, of which Dougherty is well aware, is that he did not really inherit the tradition in this way; he and his mother were re-inventors, by necessity, of the Irishness he now seeks to pass down to his children. But something similar was true of the Irish nationalists who fascinate him, the intellectuals and poets associated with the 1916 Easter Rising, who strove not only to free their country politically but also to revive its language and impose a specifically Irish vision on its culture. Were those men really responding, as the most mystical of them insisted, to the demands of Irelands Gaelic-speaking ghosts? Or were they pilfering the past for usable relics, to invent a tradition that had not heretofore existed? The answer to both questions could be yes. And that tension and complexity makes Doughertys book important as a testimony, rather than a mere argument, about whats lacking in late cosmopolitanism, and how a creative traditionalism might occupy the void that darker impulses are currently rushing in to fill. But it also left me feeling a curious kind of envy for its author not for his childhood fatherlessness, but for his potent personal connection to a tradition that even in its weakness, its abandonment by many modern Irish, still seems like a potentially coherent national narrative, an integrated thing. Our first move was to pass a law banning the military-style semiautomatic guns the terrorist used. That was the tangible weapon. But the terrorists other weapon was live-streaming the attack on social media to spread his hateful vision and inspire fear. He wanted his chilling beliefs and actions to attract attention, and he chose social media as his tool. We need to address this, too, to ensure that a terrorist attack like this never happens anywhere else. That is why I am leading, with President Emmanuel Macron of France, a gathering in Paris on Wednesday not just for politicians and heads of state but also the leaders of technology companies. We may have our differences, but none of us wants to see digital platforms used for terrorism. Our aim may not be simple, but it is clearly focused: to end terrorist and violent extremist content online. This can succeed only if we collaborate. Numerous world leaders have committed to going to Paris, and the tech industry says it is open to working more closely with us on this issue and I hope they do. This is not about undermining or limiting freedom of speech. It is about these companies and how they operate. I use Facebook, Instagram and occasionally Twitter. Theres no denying the power they have and the value they can provide. Ill never forget a few days after the March 15 attack a group of high school students telling me how they had used social media to organize and gather in a public park in Christchurch to support their school friends who had been affected by the massacre. Social media connects people. And so we must ensure that in our attempts to prevent harm that we do not compromise the integral pillar of society that is freedom of expression. My mother had me at 22, the average age that young women in Jamaica have their first child. When I was 22, I was applying to graduate school; dating women and going to parties and poetry cafes; jobless, carrying around a college degree in my box of things. I couldnt fathom being responsible for another human being then. My sister, like my mother, had her first child in her early 20s and her second child six years later. We still looked and sounded alike, but I was keenly aware of the difference my baby sister becoming a woman before my eyes. My mother proudly assumed the role of grandmother. Soon, my Ivy League degrees and achievements paled in comparison with my sisters miracle. After she had her first child, my sister dropped out of college, and we got into a battle about ambition. I probably shouldnt have said the things I said to her, the only person who supported me when I first came out as a lesbian to the family, but I was shocked that she would put her college degree on hold to have a baby. We came to America as immigrants with the understanding that there was no room for mistakes that would keep us from achieving the American dream. But who was I, a broke graduate student who had just switched careers to pursue my dream as a writer, to make such a claim? My sister ended up marrying her high school sweetheart, the father of her child, who is now an accountant. They live on Long Island with their two beautiful children. Culturally speaking, she made it. Unlike me, she doesnt have six-figure student loans and the battle between time and her aging ovaries to think about. I was never sold on motherhood until I started babysitting my nephews. Before then, I had deeply resented how the world perceives black women as maternal figures, the media often portraying us as mammies, in complete disregard of those who might not have a maternal bone in their bodies bodies we have struggled and fought to own since the dark history of slavery. In protest, I refused to really look at children. But my nephews transformed my resentment of mothering into hope, and I fell in love. My wife and I met 11 years ago, when we were in our mid-20s. It has been seven years since we got married. I knew from early on in our relationship that she wanted to bear children. Ever since she was a young girl, she knew she wanted to carry a baby of her own. What does it feel like? To be sure you want to? I asked her once, lying in bed, listening to her heartbeat, desperately wishing I could feel that yearning too. Psychologists caution, though, against being too quick to judge. That guy in front of you who enters the subway then stops dead and looks at his phone? He probably is a jerk. That passenger reaching for the bag with his favorite sweater or maybe a present for his kid? Hes probably just acting human. Decisions made in moments of intense emotion are often the least rational, said Debra Borys, a forensic and clinical psychologist in Los Angeles. And it surely does not get more intense than it was for the passengers on Aeroflot Flight 1492 last Sunday. Theyre feeling so utterly terrified and powerless, Dr. Borys said. It may also not be quite accurate, she said, to view the passengers actions as a conscious choice. I dont think we should think of it as a decision when they grab their stuff, she said. I think we should think about it as an impulse. The goal may not have been safeguarding possessions; they may simply have been seeking a little emotional comfort. A newly minted expert on how people on a burning plane behave made a similar point. I dont know how the mind works in these situations, Mikhail Savchenko, an Aeroflot passenger who took a video after escaping the plane that showed people carrying luggage, wrote on Facebook. Its a question for experts. Its possible that many simply snap, and go on automatic. I dont know. Watching from the safety of your phone, as an armchair disaster observer, its easy to think you would never act so unwisely, but grabbing for possessions is more common than one might think. Passengers who have just deplaned via an escape slide have often been seen wheeling luggage away from the scene as if their aircraft had just sidled into the gate and their only concern was finding the nearest Starbucks. Australia is essentially trying to navigate the world economy as a midsize country maintaining good relations with both superpowers. It is trusting the United States as an ally on national security matters but also knows that its economic future, and present, are tied to China. Australia and China have had a trade agreement since 2015. Chinas huge population and rapid growth will inevitably pull more countries into its economic orbit. But that strong pull also reflects recent steps by the United States to undermine institutions that Americans themselves helped create to guide the global economic system. The Trump administration, for example, has levied steel and aluminum tariffs on close allies, ostensibly on national security grounds; walked away from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, aimed at creating a trade bloc that could counter Chinese influence; and taken steps to undermine the World Trade Organization, which many smaller countries view as essential to getting a fair shake in global commerce. The incumbent government, led by the prime minister, Scott Morrison, has sought to maintain close ties with both the United States and China. It has passed a law to try to reduce foreign influence in Australian politics, and is pledging increases in spending for defense and cybersecurity. Inevitably, in the period ahead, we will be navigating a higher degree of U.S.-China strategic competition, Mr. Morrison said in a major foreign policy speech late last year. Leaders of the Australian Labor Party, aiming to take power for the first time since 2013, are less friendly to the Trump administration; they embrace economic ties to China while appearing reluctant to be pulled too close in either direction. Differences between our systems and values will inevitably affect the nature of our interactions, said Penny Wong, a senator expected to be foreign minister if Labor prevails, in a recent appearance. But those realities include the fact that China will remain important to Australias prosperity. Naming the victim In February 2018, investigators in Nevada heard about a method for identifying DNA developed by Colleen Fitzpatrick, a physicist turned forensic genealogist. They contracted the DNA Doe Project, an organization founded by Dr. Fitzpatrick and Margaret Press, a mystery writer and software developer. This was before GEDmatch, the genealogy database their investigation would rely on, had adjusted its privacy agreement to permit law enforcement uploads. The investigative teams next steps are proof that the group that cracked the case of the Golden State Killer was not the only one willing to cross ethical lines. The pair assigned about a dozen volunteers to the case. Some are in their 20s, some are in their 70s, Dr. Press said of their pool of regulars, and some are grandmothers, some are former law enforcement. After uploading the victims DNA to GEDmatch, the group had a relatives list to work with. Each volunteer was assigned to build a tree around one match. Whenever volunteers ran into trouble, they knew they could throw it out to others who would pounce on it like a bunch of sharks, said Ruth Foreman, a retired human resources director who served as a team leader for the group. One common reason to do a DNA test is to find a parent, so many people on genealogy sites are adoptees. One close relative of Ms. Silvanis fell into this category. The volunteers helped identify her mother. From there, they quickly arrived at a couple who seemed as if they could be the victims parents: John and Blanche Silvani of Detroit. A relative said the Silvanis had one son and two daughters. The volunteers found that in 1982, the year Ms. Silvani was killed, the son, Charles Silvani, jumped off a parking structure in San Diego and died. His life had been troubled for years: In 1972, he killed a bar owner in Fresno, Calif. A tip from a man claiming to be Ms. Silvanis nephew revealed that there was another brother, Bob , whose profile page on the Internet Movie Database revealed mostly pornography projects from the 1970s, according to Cheryl Hester of Frisco, Tex., a volunteer charged with taking screenshots of his face. They never looked at the camera, she said. It was awful. A town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada recently found itself at the center of a baseless conspiracy theory that predicted an attack on a school fund-raiser. All because of an innocuous tweet from James B. Comey, the former F.B.I. director. Scott Maddock, the principal of the Grass Valley Charter School in Grass Valley, Calif., was unaware of the conspiracy theory when he arrived at work on a normal-seeming Monday morning late last month. But when he checked his voice mail, he heard from a man identifying himself as a patriot, alerting Mr. Maddock to the threat. He was warning us that something was going to happen at our Blue Marble Jubilee school fund-raiser and that we should contact the authorities, Mr. Maddock said. He kept saying that he is not behind it, but he has a credible source. Mr. Maddock wasnt sure what to make of it. The message, left over the weekend, was nearly three minutes long, repetitive and inarticulate. But ignoring it wasnt an option. BRYAN, Tex. Jose was 7 years old when they put him on the raft. The smugglers were sending him across the Rio Grande to reunite with his mother, who had left him back in Honduras two years earlier and moved to Texas. He boarded the raft with his sole possession: a piece of laminated paper bearing her phone number and address. His mother had borrowed $3,500 from a cousin and a friend to pay the coyotes. Her brother handed Jose over to the men, who tried to scare the boy into staying quiet as the raft pushed off from the Mexican shore. They were telling me that they were going to report me to my country, Jose said. But I didnt believe him. What the boy didnt know was that reaching his mother would be much harder than finding a Border Patrol agent, spending a few days in custody and then looking for his mothers house, as he had been told to do. He found the Border Patrol, all right, but instead of being handed over to his mother, Jose was sent to a foster care facility in New York, where he was held for nearly eight months as his mother tried to win permission for his release. She didnt succeed until last month. [Crossing the Border newsletter: Waiting at the Whataburger] Jose was what the federal government calls an unaccompanied minor an abstract clinical description for a dangerously specific human drama that has been playing out in ever-larger numbers along the southwest border. WASHINGTON The witness rose from her seat, raised her right hand and swore to tell the truth before Congress. But four words were missing: So help me God. In the House of Representatives, to the winner go the spoils, and Democrats, the new decision makers, control everything, including what legislation gets a vote and the minutiae of procedural choices, such as whether witnesses must utter the traditional plea for divine aid. Democratic chairmen and chairwomen of several key committees have deemed no such entreaty is necessary. I think God belongs in religious institutions: in temple, in church, in cathedral, in mosque but not in Congress, said Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee, the chairman of the Judiciary Committees Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. What Republicans are doing, he continued, is using God. And God doesnt want to be used, he said. No surprise, Republican lawmakers are staging a form of protest, jumping in when they can to point out each omission in real time. Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.s 2020 rivals and a group of progressive environmental organizations are attacking him as being weak on climate change, a sign of the central role global warming is shaping up to play as an issue in the Democratic primary. The criticisms are based on a yet-to-be-released plan outlined in a Reuters report in which one person advising Mr. Biden characterized the Democratic front-runner as seeking a middle ground on policies to reduce planet-warming emissions. Additional details in the report described Mr. Bidens forthcoming policy as likely to include reinstating Obama-era regulations on automobiles and coal-fired power plants, while leaving a role for nuclear energy and natural gas in the United States energy mix. The emerging policy has sparked criticism among Mr. Bidens political rivals, and left supporters worried that he is underestimating the passion on climate change, particularly among Millennials who have embraced the Green New Deal, an ambitious resolution calling for an end to fossil fuels. [There he goes again? Not yet, as Biden avoids major gaffes.] There is no middle ground when it comes to climate policy, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont tweeted. Governor Jay Inslee of Washington, who has centered his campaign around climate change, praised Mr. Biden and former President Barack Obama for making historic progress on climate change but added: We cannot simply go back to the past. We need a bold climate plan for our future. WASHINGTON Facing withering attacks accusing him of seeking foreign assistance for President Trumps re-election campaign, Rudolph W. Giuliani announced on Friday night that he had canceled a trip to Kiev in which he planned to push the incoming Ukrainian government to press ahead with investigations that he hoped would benefit Mr. Trump. Mr. Giuliani, President Trumps personal lawyer, explained that he felt as if he was being set up by Ukrainians critical of his efforts, and he blamed Democrats for trying to spin the trip. They say I was meddling in the election ridiculous but thats their spin, he said. Mr. Giuliani said on Thursday that he had hoped to meet in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, with the nations president-elect and urge him to pursue inquiries that could yield new information about two matters of intense interest to Mr. Trump. One is the origin of the special counsels investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 election. The other is the involvement of former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.s son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. The trip raised the specter of a lawyer for Mr. Trump pressing a foreign government to pursue investigations that his allies hope could help him win re-election. And it comes after Mr. Trump has spent more than half of his term facing scrutiny about whether his 2016 campaign conspired with Ukraines hostile neighbor, Russia. Mr. Giuliani had planned to leave on Sunday. COLFAX, Wis. President Trump came to Wisconsin late last month to boast about the states unemployment rate, which has been at or near 3 percent for more than a year. Its never been this low before. Ever, ever, ever, he said. (Fact check: true.) Its a message that strikes a chord with Bubba Benson, who lives paycheck to paycheck but says that is still better than where he was a few years ago after getting laid off from a shoe warehouse when all the jobs went to Mexico. His new job at a plastics manufacturing plant covers the bills and pays good overtime. There are even a few extra bucks in his paycheck now, which he credits to Mr. Trumps tax cut. It didnt let me go out and buy a new house, Mr. Benson said as he leaned on the bar at the Outhouse, a watering hole on Main Street in this village of about 1,100 people. But that wasnt what it was for. As 21 candidates compete to become the Democratic Partys nominee in 2020, Mr. Trump is running on the strongest economy of any president seeking re-election since Bill Clinton in 1996, and arguably since Richard M. Nixon in 1972. Job creation is strong and last month the unemployment rate dipped to its lowest point in half a century, 3.6 percent. He is basically thumbing his nose at the Congress itself, saying I dont recognize you, Mr. Cohen, who heads an international consulting and lobbying firm, said in an interview. I am surprised there arent more defenders of the Constitution. They are there to be a check on abuse of power. If they are willing to submit that to the executive, then they have no business being in office. Republican opposition in both the House and the Senate to pushing ahead with such inquiries is crucial because, as history has shown with the Watergate and Iran-contra scandals, such investigations can gain legitimacy only when members of the presidents own party support them. Intense partisanship surrounded those investigations as well, but with Republican lawmakers like Mr. Cohen and a handful of others showing some willingness to aggressively question the administration, the White House was forced to be more accountable and cooperative. One important question today is whether there are any William Cohens or Larry Hogans, a Maryland Republican who was a surprising early backer of Nixons impeachment, willing to support more investigation or if Republicans will remain essentially united behind the president. Thats a question that Representative Zoe Lofgren, Democrat of California and a long-serving Judiciary Committee member who was on the panels staff in the 1970s, has been asking. At this point, where is our Caldwell Butler? Wheres our Bill Cohen? Wheres our Hamilton Fish? Wheres our Tom Railsback? Ms. Lofgren said in a recent interview as she listed Republican members of the Judiciary Committee who voted in 1974 to impeach Nixon. I dont see that on the Judiciary Committee or in the House. And because I want to believe that every member of Congress who took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution meant it, having further oversight of these matters is worth doing. On Monday, Mr. Sullivan said that he was in fact no longer representing Mr. Weinstein. In an emailed statement, he said that a judge on Monday had approved his request to withdraw from the legal team. He said that a rescheduling of the trial to September had created a conflict with his teaching obligations at Harvard Law School. He said he would remain available to Mr. Weinsteins legal team for advice and consultation. He added, My decision to represent Mr. Weinstein sparked considerable discussion and activism around issues of sexual violence, the appropriate role and responsibilities of Harvard and its faculty in addressing those issues, and the tension between protecting the rights of those criminally accused and validating the experience of those who are survivors of sexual violence. My representation of those accused of sexual assault does not speak to my personal views on any of these matters. The decision not to renew the appointments of Mr. Sullivan and Ms. Robinson as faculty deans does not affect their positions at the law school, where Mr. Sullivan is the Jesse Climenko Clinical Professor of Law and the director of the Criminal Justice Institute. The controversy around Mr. Sullivans representation of Mr. Weinstein highlighted a conflict between the legal principle that every accused person deserves a vigorous defense and students demands that college officials show support for victims of sexual assault. Whose side are you on? demanded one of the spray-painted messages directed at Mr. Sullivan earlier this year. But a number of Mr. Sullivans colleagues came to his defense; 52 professors at the law school signed a letter supporting him, saying that his commitment to representing unpopular clients was fully consistent with his roles as law professor and faculty dean, and that Harvard should not pressure him to resign. At the same time, the dispute took on a racial element, with some saying that Mr. Sullivan was being treated unfairly. In a statement in late March, the Harvard Black Law Students Association criticized the decision by the university to conduct a climate review and expressed concern about the racist undertones evidenced by the disproportionate response to this issue by the university. Mr. Sullivan himself suggested that race was playing a role in the handling of the controversy. It is not lost on me that Im the first African-American to hold this position, he told The Times earlier this year. Never in the history of the faculty dean position has the dean been subjected to a climate review in the middle of some controversy. KHARTOUM, Sudan When the first winds of a revolution blew across Sudan last winter, threatening to upend decades of corrupt and destructive rule, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir needed to find a scapegoat. He got Ayob Omer. Mr. Omer, a 28-year-old veterinary student from Darfur, was scooped up by intelligence thugs outside his university dorm in Khartoum on Dec. 22, days after the first anti-government protest. He was spirited away to a safehouse where he said he was interrogated, tortured with electricity and, after a few days, forced to sit before a camera and read a prepared statement. I participated in the protests, he said in a recording later broadcast on state television. I was carrying a bag and a knife. His ordeal was part of a propaganda drive orchestrated by Mr. al-Bashirs security services to blame the revolt on saboteurs from Darfur, the western region where up to 300,000 people have died since 2003 in a government-sponsored campaign to subdue it through pillage, murder and rape. The state intelligence service claimed that Mr. Omer, along with five other Darfuri dissidents who were also forced to appear on TV, had been trained by Israel. Opposition to Mr. Duterte in the Senate had been already weakened by the 2017 jailing of Senator de Lima, one of his most vociferous critics. Another prominent anti-Duterte senator, Antonio Trillanes, is not seeking re-election. Most of the anti-Duterte candidates in Mondays election carry long odds, according to the polls. One of them, Chel Diokno, a human rights lawyer, has taken on Mr. Dutertes antidrug war in the courts, helping relatives of some of the thousands of Filipinos who have been gunned down by police officers or vigilantes. Mr. Diokno, who teaches at De La Salle University College of Law, said that despite the odds, he was inspired by what he said was growing support. The president has verbally attacked him, which he said had helped to raise awareness of his candidacy. I realized that silence is no longer an option when people started being killed every day and our democratic institutions are being attacked, Mr. Diokno said after a campaign rally in Manila on Wednesday, where he spoke to an enthusiastic crowd and was endorsed by prominent former judges and prosecutors. If elected, Mr. Diokno said, he will try to address the low conviction rates in the Philippine courts, which many see as a reason Filipinos have welcomed Mr. Dutertes bloody antidrug campaign. HONG KONG Anger over a proposal that would let people suspected of crimes be extradited to mainland China led to pandemonium in Hong Kongs legislature on Saturday, as lawmakers scuffled and at least one was carried out of the chamber on a stretcher. It was the most vivid display to date of the deep divide in the semiautonomous Chinese city over the legislation. Tens of thousands of people marched on the Legislative Council last month to protest the bill, the largest demonstration in Hong Kong since the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement in 2014. The bill would let Hong Kongs government send people suspected of crimes to jurisdictions with which it does not currently have extradition agreements. The government says it is urgently needed because a Hong Kong man accused of killing his girlfriend in Taiwan last year could otherwise go free. Both sides of the dispute agree that the man should face trial. But opposition lawmakers, rights groups, lawyers associations, foreign governments and prominent voices in Hong Kongs powerful business community have expressed concern that the extradition bill would subject people in the city to the mainland Chinese legal system, which is opaque and heavily influenced by the governing Communist Party. NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar U Shwe Mann, a battle-scarred general, grabbed his gun and waited. Myanmars first real elections in a generation were unfolding in 2015, and Mr. Shwe Mann, once the third-most powerful man in the countrys military dictatorship, was losing his bid for a seat in Parliament. The victor was a teacher from the party headed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, whom the ruling junta had kept under house arrest for 15 years. Mr. Shwe Manns wife counseled him to pray to Buddha. The former general meditated and accepted his loss. But he still kept his gun under his pillow, just in case the people of Myanmar decided to come after him, seeking retribution for nearly 50 years of repressive rule. No mob came for him that night, or the next. And Mr. Shwe Mann, a political chameleon, has exchanged trench warfare and the bunkered mentality of a xenophobic junta for a personal library full of titles like 101 Ways to Win an Election and How Successful People Think. Most surprising of all, he has grown close to Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi; the onetime jailer and his prisoner of conscience usually meet a couple of times a week, communing over fish noodle soup and vegetables pungent with shrimp paste. He wrote a book called The Lady, I and Affairs of State in which he praised her integrity and kindness. ISLAMABAD, Pakistan Heavily armed gunmen attacked a luxury hotel in southwestern Pakistan on Saturday, in an assault in which a Pakistani separatist group claimed to be targeting Chinese interests and warned of further violence. After more than 10 hours of continuous battle and achieving all their targets the BLA fighters have used their last bullets on them and have left this world, said a Twitter post by what claims to be the official account of the separatist group, the Baluchistan Liberation Army. It added: Expect more attacks China and Pakistan. [Update: Pakistan says 5 killed in luxury hotel attack.] A Pakistani military official said that the gunmen had killed a security guard at the hotel entrance. The Chinese Embassy in Islamabad said that two other security agents had been wounded. One government memo urged personnel to complete paperwork to protect officials from future prosecution. The prison system is an integral part of the war effort. While the Syrian military, backed by Russia and Iran, fought armed rebels for territory, the prison system was the governments main weapon against the civilian opposition. Imprisonment and torture crushed the civil protest movement and helped drive the opposition into an armed conflict it could not win. Torture is routine. Detainees are regularly beaten, hung by their wrists, beaten while crammed inside tires, shocked with electricity and sexually assaulted. More baroque forms of torture include forcing detainees to act like animals, beat or kill one another, and dousing them with fuel and burning them. A United Nations panel said conditions amounted to extermination. Cells are often so crowded that detainees take turns lying down to sleep. Food is scarce. Toilets are often absent, diarrhea rampant. Injuries and illnesses, usually left untreated, lead to lingering deaths. CAIRO Houthi rebels in Yemen said they had started to withdraw from three strategic Red Sea ports on Saturday, offering a tentative boost to faltering United Nations-led efforts to start talks on ending the four-year war in the country. Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the head of the rebels Supreme Revolutionary Committee, said they had started to pull out of Hudaydah, the main conduit for humanitarian aid into Yemen, and two smaller nearby ports, Salif and Ras Isa. The extent of the withdrawal was unclear. United Nations officials posted to Yemen had not offered any confirmation by Saturday afternoon. The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis, whose troops are stationed on the southern and eastern edge of Hudaydah, offered no comment. The United Nations envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, described the process as a fragile vessel. Many worry that its failure could plunge Yemen into a new, even more destabilizing, round of fighting. WASHINGTON Three nations that have long defined themselves as bitter adversaries of the United States North Korea, Iran and Venezuela decided this week they could take on President Trump. Each one is betting that Mr. Trump is neither as savvy a negotiator nor as ready to use military force as he claims. Each also poses a drastically different challenge to a president who has little experience in handling international crises, has struggled to find the right balance of diplomacy and coercion and has not always been consistent in defining his foreign policy. The rising tensions with all three serve as reminders that Mr. Trumps constant talk about taking care of problems that he has accused his predecessors of aggravating, or failing to confront, is difficult to convert into real-world solutions as events of recent days have shown. The confrontation with Iran appears to be the most volatile at the moment, with tensions escalating by the day. On Friday, the Pentagon said it was sending another naval ship and Patriot missile interceptor battery to the Middle East, in addition to an earlier dispatch of a carrier group and bombers, because of potential threats from Iran or allied Arab militias. A shooting at a school in Highlands Ranch, Colo., on Tuesday in which one student was killed and eight others were injured swiftly drew comparisons to the 1999 attack on nearby Columbine High School and the dozens of shootings like it in the years since. The attack was the fourth such school shooting in the Denver area and at least the 111th in the country since 1970, according to a New York Times analysis the latest in a decades-long series of violent episodes that have shocked the nation and traumatized generations of students. The Times examined hundreds of episodes in a database of shootings at elementary, middle and high schools to identify those cases where, like at Highlands Ranch and Columbine, the assailants planned their attacks and fired indiscriminately. Deaths and injuries in active-shooter attacks on K-12 schools since 1970 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 A champion rifle team member fired at random targets from the windows of a New York high school. 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 A massacre at a Stockton, Calif., elementary school led to the nation's first assault weapons ban. 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Two students, one of whom pulled a fire alarm, shot classmates as they fled an Arkansas middle school. Columbine 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 A shooter at Santana High School outside San Diego carefully planned his attack. Students heard him make veiled threats before the attack. 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Benton Sandy Hook Parkland Santa Fe 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 Stockton 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Columbine 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Benton Sandy Hook Parkland Santa Fe 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 Stockton 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Columbine 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Benton Sandy Hook Parkland Santa Fe 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 Stockton 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Columbine 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Sandy Hook 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Benton Parkland Santa Fe A total of 202 people were killed in these attacks and 454 were injured, including the shooters. In 16 cases, shots were fired but no one was injured. Last year was particularly violent: 29 people were killed and 48 were injured in three shootings in Parkland, Fla.; Sante Fe, Tex.; and Benton, Ky. Shootings of this type are rare relative to the larger universe of gun violence at schools, but they are common enough that lockdown drills and run, hide, fight exercises are part of the school experience all over the country. Before Highlands Ranch there was Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Before Marjory Stoneman Douglas there was Sandy Hook. Before Sandy Hook, Columbine, and before Columbine, Cleveland Elementary in Stockton, Calif. Active-shooter attacks on schools each year 7 attacks At least one injury No injuries 1970 1975 1985 1995 1980 1990 2000 2005 2010 2015 2019 No injuries At least one injury 7 attacks 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2019 At least one injury No injuries 7 attacks 70 80 90 00 10 19 The school shootings database, compiled by the Naval Postgraduate Schools Center for Homeland Defense and Security, is the most comprehensive and detailed of its kind. Researchers aimed to document all instances of gunfire at K-12 schools since 1970 and recorded a total of more than 1,300 cases. The database does not include shootings on college campuses. The Timess analysis identified the 111 cases that met the F.B.I.s definition for an active-shooter scenario, in which an assailant is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people, on school property or inside school buildings. It excluded episodes that fit more typical patterns of gun violence such as targeted attacks, gang shootings and suicides. Locations of active-shooter attacks at schools since 1970 Me. N.D. Mont. Vt. S.D. Highlands Ranch shooting Fourth in Denver area since Columbine Iowa N.J. Del. W.Va. Ala. Hawaii Me. N.D. Mont. Vt. S.D. Iowa N.J. Highlands Ranch shooting Fourth in Denver area since Columbine Del. W.Va. Ala. Hawaii Me. N.D. Mont. Vt. S.D. Highlands Ranch school shooting Iowa N.J. Del. W.Va. Ala. Hawaii Me. Mont. N.D. Vt. S.D. Highlands Ranch school shooting Iowa N.J. Del. W.Va. Ala. Hawaii These events have stunned much of the country and, in the case of the Parkland shooting, inspired a national student-led movement to tighten the nations gun laws. But they account for only a small fraction of the episodes of gun violence that children experience in American schools. Other cases might include a student showing off a gun to friends in the hallway, the accidental discharge of a school resource officers gun, or a gang-related drive-by shooting at a school bus stop. There are shootings that occur in very wealthy counties and very poor counties, ones that happen in very diverse areas and very homogenous areas, said David Riedman, a co-creator of the database. Active shooters may attack anywhere, but a demographic analysis shows they tend to have traits in common. The majority of shooters were young white men or boys, many of them current or former students of the schools where they opened fire. Most of the shooters were white boys or young, white men Age 10 15 20 25 30 40 45 19 shooters White males Other Unknown Most shooters were students or former students Age 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 19 shooters White males Others Unknown Most shooters were students or former students Age 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 19 shooters White males Others Unknown Most shooters were students or former students Age 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Some shooters followed a now-familiar blueprint. Peter Langman, a psychologist who studies school shooters, said younger assailants are especially likely to find inspiration in earlier events. More than anyone else, people cite the Columbine killers, Mr. Langman said. That episode intensified a debate over gun violence that continues to divide the nation and drove districts to allocate hundreds of millions of dollars to harden schools against threats. The Highlands Ranch shooting similarly renewed old questions about gun access and how best to protect students from shootings. At a vigil for the victims on Wednesday, Colorados senior senator criticized the countrys gun laws. Mr. Riedman, who spent hours poring over news reports and public records on hundreds of shootings to build the database, said school safety measures should take into account not only the incidents like Columbine but also the many other ways guns and schools can intersect in America. Kebingungan dan kesulitan mencari dan bingung ketika memilih situs judi slot online gacor di tahun 2021? Sekarang anda sudah berada di situs slot gacor yang tepat untuk bermain judi slot online. Dengan permainan slot online yang seru untuk dimainkan, dan di menangkan, tanpa perlu takut isi dompet anda terkuras. Tiap game slot gacor yang ada di ICONBAZAAR punya variasi kemenangan tersendiri dalam bermain. ICONBAZAAR hanya memberikan game slot online yang paling populer dan terbaik. Game slot online tergacor yang menantang dan menyenangkan bagi para pecinta game slots didalam melakukan betting. ICONBAZAAR juga telah memiliki jutaan member yang aktif setiap harinya untuk melakukan putaran mesin slot online. ICONBAZAAR adalah situs judi slot terbaik yang bisa anda buktikan melalui review-review atau feedback yang ada di Google, Facebook, Twitter dan Social media lainnya. ICONBAZAAR adalah situs yang sudah terdaftar sebagai situs judi slot online paling populer di tahun 2021 ini. Hal ini dilihat dari : Pertama, metode deposit via bank lokal besar yang hanya memakan waktu 2 menit saja dan juga deposit via pulsa yang online selama 24 jam, adalah nilai plus dari situs judi slot online. Lalu, hal yang kedua adalah banyaknya jenis permainan judi online yang ditawarkan oleh ICONBAZAAR dengan memakai teknologi terupdate dan terbaru seperti seamless wallet dari nexusengine. Kumpulan daftar game judi online ini menjadi nilai tambah bagi para pemain judi didalam menentukan daftar situs judi slot online terpercaya, terbaik nomor 1 di tahun 2021. The most fascinating Omaha native you have never heard of came uncomfortably close to being expelled from Central High School for plagiarism. Well, not plagiarism, exactly. It is a much weirder story when Michael Rips tells it, a Im laughing so hard Im having trouble breathing kind of story, a story that shuns a tidy conclusion and sloppily embraces the absurdity hiding just beneath the topsoil of middle-class, middle-American life. It is also a story that seems darn near criminal to summarize, but here goes: In the early 1970s, Omaha teenager Michael Rips, already accepted to Princeton, realizes hes failing French class at Central and might not graduate. He enters a statewide foreign language contest because its the only way to get the extra credit needed to graduate. But, since he hasnt learned any French, he goes to the Omaha Public Library, finds a dusty copy of what he believes to be an obscure American play already translated into French, retypes it in French and hands it in, pretending its his own translation. Just in time for Mother's Day, here's a taut, intelligent psychological thriller that will reassure just about every anxious mom who reads it that it's OK to mess up a little with your kids it's only the very rare parenting mistake (or two or three) that's capable of warping a child into a psycho killer. "A Good Enough Mother" is Bev Thomas' debut suspense novel; for 25 years, she worked as a clinical psychologist in Britain's National Health Service (NHS). Thomas' firsthand experience with the slow tidal dynamics of talk therapy gives this tale its sense of authenticity, and indeed, much of its plot structure. Thomas' background also accounts for her thriller's title: the "good enough" mother is a term first used by the British psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott, who maintained that children develop a stronger sense of self when their mothers set boundaries and fail them in tolerable ways. Thomas' main character, Dr. Ruth Hartland, is the director of a London NHS trauma unit. Astute and compassionate, she's the best boss and best therapist imaginable, but in her own harsh estimation, Ruth has not been a good or good enough mother. After a long career in which he has investigated white-collar crime, overseen Cuban espionage efforts and managed counterintelligence matters related to almost every country on the planet, the head of Omahas FBI field office is retiring. Randall Thysse, the special agent in charge in Omaha, announced Friday that he will retire on May 31 after more than 29 years of service. Thysse will end his career where it began: in Omaha. He started as an FBI special agent in November 1989. After completing training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, he was assigned to Omaha, where he specialized in white-collar crime, according to a press release. He left in 1998, when he was promoted to the Financial Fraud Unit of the Criminal Investigative Division at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. In 2000, Thysse was promoted again and went to the Salt Lake City field office, where he oversaw six offices. This year marked a milestone in illustrating the U.S. electrical grids vulnerability to cyberattack and demonstrating the need for a concerted effort to bolster the grids defenses. On March 5, a cyber intrusion disrupted the operations of a U.S. electrical utility the first reported incidence of such harm. The denial of service attack overwhelmed a utility with phony web traffic, causing the utility to temporarily lose visual contact with parts of its supervisory control and data acquisition system. The utility, not identified by federal authorities, serves parts of Wyoming, Utah and California. Experts describe the disruption as minor and limited; there was no harm to power generation and no blackout. But the fact that hackers triggered it with a relatively modest hacking maneuver perhaps not even knowing they were targeting an electrical utility in particular shows the need for heightened awareness and protections. In this instance, the utility could have prevented the attack had it updated software patches appropriately. The verbal war in Washington doesnt do us, the voters, very much good. Theres plenty to do to help our country and not help just themselves. Lines in the sand have been drawn almost daily. Weve had enough. We need term limits. It works in Nebraska. It will work in Washington, except our representatives wont push the issue. Sen. Ben Sasse tried but was stopped before he hardly started. We need the entire Nebraska contingency to work together to generate some interest from others. Term limits, I suspect, will need to be an amendment to our Constitution and will take years, but lets start. Steve Broghammer, Omaha Protect innocents from gun violence Riley Howell was a hero. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte student died for others, and his death was unnecessary. He will no longer contribute his courage and leadership to our country because he was murdered. Top 10 controversial statements of the LS poll 2019 Feature oi-Mousumi Dash New Delhi, May 10: The Indian General election 2019 is still ongoing and the election fever has grasped the entire nation, politicians are buzzing with statements which is ending in controversies. Political leaders unable to bite the bait are concluding by creating a stir with their bold and often hasty statements. Every politicians aspires to get media's attention. Hence, creating a controversy with an ill-thought out utterance or with a controversial social media post they often create a buzz. Campaigning for sixth phase of LS polls ends today: Big guns to bring out their best Any election is incomplete without any controversial statement by any political leaders of the country. Here are the top ten controversial statements from our political leaders that made the headlines for General election 2019. 1. Narendra Modi (BJP): The controversy over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on Rajiv Gandhi. Congress called this statement a remarks to "malign and tarnish" the image of former Prime Minister who was killed in a terror attack. Meanwhile, such statement from the present Prime Minister has created a buzz. At a rally in Delhi earlier this week, he said Rajiv Gandhi and family were sent for a vacation on board the Navy's INS Virat, contending that it had compromised national security. 2. Mamata Banerjee (TMC): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has emerged as a most significant and desperate politician of Lok Sabha polls 2019. She has taken the limelight with her bold controversial statements. While addressing a rally in Purulia, Mamata said, "Money doesn't matter to me.That is why when Narendra Modi came to Bengal and accused my party of being tolabaaz (toll collector), I wanted to give him a tight slap of democracy." Women power in Indian politics: A look down memory lane Earlier, she was waded into many other controversy - Browned off by the Prime Minister Modi's disclosure that she sends him kurtas and sweets, she counter stated in an ill-disposed manner by saying, "We will send Modi special sweets made with clay and pebbles into it to break his teeth." 3. Rahul Gandhi (INC): The Congress President Rahul Gandhi told that, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was cracking under pressure. War of words are on ever since PM Modi said his father Rajiv Gandhi died as "corrupt number 1". In a tweet, the Congress chief claimed that PM's recent comments implied he was nervous about Lok Sabha results. Earlier, the 'Chowkidar chor hai' comment by Rahul to Modi had boiled up the situation. But, Rahul Gandhi has " apologised unconditionally to the Supreme Court for wrongly attributing 'chowkidar chor hai' remark on the Rafale deal. 4. Yogi Aditynath (BJP): The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister addressing a rally in Sambhal district, very reluctant about the 72 hour ban that was imposed on him by the EC for making a comment on communal lines called Samajwadi Party candidate "Babur ki aulad (Babur's descendent)", referring to the Mughal emperor. Political squabble and violence shrouded Bengal during LS poll 2019 In his another campaign in Mandawali in Delhi pointing towards both the Gandhi siblings he said "Congress has completely failed, Shehzada also failed so they brought in their Shehzadi. She was teaching abuses to innocent children of Amethi, please and go teach these abuses in Italy." 5. Azam Khan (SP) : Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan involved in a controversy with his sexist remark against BJP's Rampur Lok Sabha candidate Jaya Prada. He commented on her association with the RSS. He said, "What is the difference between you and me? ..... It took you 17 years to understand her true face. But I realised in 17 days... that she wears khakhi underwear". Cracking the whip on Khan, the Election Commission had invoked its extraordinary powers to ban him for 72 hours from campaigning. Earlier, when Jaya Prada fought her Lok Sabha elections in 2004, Khan was a close friend and campaigned for her. Later, factional politics in SP saw Azam Khan and Amar SIngh fighting each other bitterly and Jaya Prada sided with Amar Singh. 6. Maneka Gandhi (BJP): While addressing a rally in Sultanpur last month, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi said that she will be further inclined to give jobs to people who voted for her. She stated, "This is important. I am winning. I am winning because of the love and support of people. But if my victory is without Muslims, I won't feel that good. Dil khatta ho jayega (Things will become sour). Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be, how does it matter. It's all give and take, isn't it? We aren't all sons of Mahatma Gandhi, are we? 7. Moon Moon Sen (TMC): TMC candidate from West Bengal's Asansol constituency, Moon Moon Sen courted controversy and made the headlines over an ill-advised confession on "bed tea". Hours after violence was reported from the constituency where Sen was contesting she stated, "They gave me my bed tea very late, so I woke up very late. What can I say? I really don't know," This is the same place where Union Minister and BJP candidate Babul Supriyo's car was vandalised just after the polling began. 8. Kailash Vijayvargiya (BJP): In the later part of the day during phase four voting in West Bengal, senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya said that if the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress is not removed from power soon, the state would "become like Jammu and Kashmir" in the face of threats from terrorist organisations like ISIS. The senior BJP leader hit out at Mamata, saying her "appeasement politics" is the reason why terrorists have been able to establish their base in the state. Vijayvargiya has also made many controversial statements in the past. 9. Sadhvi Pragya Thakur: Pragya Thakur, an accused in the Malegaon serial blasts in 2008 said that terrorists often take advantage of burkhas. She stated this in Bhopal, "We have to remove our burkhas at airports and also when we visit foreign countries during checking. Then we do not say anything. In a democracy, this decision should be taken by them (Muslim community) on their own and I am confident they will take this decision keeping the interest of the country paramount". How expensive is the 2019 Lok Sabha election? Rs 50,000 crore Earlier, she was waded into controversial with her statement against the former chief of Mumbai's anti-terrorism squad Hemant Karkare who lost his life in the Mumbai Terror Attacks in 2008. 10. Anubrata Mondal (TMC): The TMC district President of Birbhum and the controversial minister in Bengal Anubrata Mondal recently stated another hasty comment to his followers while addressing a crowd. Reportedly, in a over hasty statement he said to his followers "If central forces do injustice to you, don't spare them." After a BJP candidate from Ghatal in West Bengal threatened the TMC supporters in Keshpur to thrash them like dogs on a counter statement Mondal said, "The people of Midnapore will thrash him (Ghatal BJP candidate) like a swine." PM condoles deaths in Andhra Pradesh road accident Hyderabad pti-PTI Hyderabad, May 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday condoled the deaths in a road accident in Andhra Pradesh. Describing the road accident as "deeply unfortunate", the prime minister said his thoughts are with the bereaved families. "I hope the injured recover quickly," the prime minister's office tweeted quoting Modi. At least 14 people were killed in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district when a speeding private bus collided with the jeep they were travelling in, police said. Another six passengers in the jeep suffered injuries and were hospitalised, they said. The victims belonged to Ramavaram village of Vaddepalli block of Telangana's Jogulama Gadwal district. They were returning to their village after attending a function in Kurnool district, when the driver of the vehicle (Toofan model, an MUV) lost control of the steering while trying to avoid hitting a motor bike at Veldurthi crossroads. Is PM Modi hiding something from the people on Omicron? Kharge on latest address to nation Atal Bihari Vajpayee wanted to sack Modi in 2002: Yashwant Sinha India oi-PTI Bhopal, May 11: Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha has claimed then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was set to dismiss Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister at the time, after the 2002 post-Godhra riots, but withheld the decision as Home Minister LK Advani had threatened to resign from the Cabinet on the issue. Speaking at a meet-the-press programme in Bhopal, the former Union finance minister also dismissed as a non-issue the controversy over the alleged misuse of INS Viraat by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. "After the communal riots in Gujarat, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had decided that then state chief minister Narendra Modi should resign. While going to the national executive committee meeting in Goa in 2002, Atal ji had made up his mind that the Gujarat government would be dismissed if Modi ji refused to resign," he claimed. "There was a meeting within the party. According to my information, Advani ji had opposed this (dismissing the Modi government) and he told Atal ji that if Modi ji is dismissed then he (Advani) would resign from the government. So, he (Vajpayee) withheld the decision and Modi ji continued," Sinha said. In reply to a query on PM Modi's allegation that late PM Rajiv Gandhi used INS Viraat as a "personal taxi", Sinha said these are non-issues and that former naval officers had already issued clarifications on it. "It is not as per the dignity of a prime minister to speak lies like this," Sinha said, adding the Lok Sabha polls were being fought on PM Modi government's performance and not on the country's history. "It is unfortunate that the issue of Pakistan is being raised in the elections. He hyphenated our country with Pakistan. Are we a country of Pakistan's category? There is no talk about China, which must be feeling happy with the Pakistan rhetoric," claimed the former foreign minister. "This is being done because China's mention doesn't generate a reaction like that of Pakistan does," he added. Accusing the PM Modi government of playing "mischief" with statistics, Sinha said GDP data during the previous UPA government was higher than during the current NDA government. "The next government will get a broken economy," the bureaucrat-turned-politician said. Sinha blamed PM Modi for lowering the language of the political discourse. "It is expected from a PM to use dignified language but this is not happening." He said the elections to the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat would determine the future course of country, and whether it wanted to go for social harmony or social divide. Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh is pitted against the BJP's Pragya Singh Thakur, a 2008 Malegaon blast accused, in the Bhopal seat which will vote on May 12. PTI For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 11, 2019, 16:24 [IST] This brown bear has an acute problem and it solves it in a funny way Bear stoned mercilessly, it tumbles off cliff into stream India pti-PTI Srinagar, May 11: A shocking video has gone viral on social media showing a brown bear tumbling into a stream from a steep mountain ridge after being stoned by people in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting authorities to launch an operation to trace the animal. The eight-second video -- shared on Twitter by former director Tourism, Kashmir, Mehmood Shah - shows a brown bear being stoned by people in Drass area of Kargil district in Ladakh region of the state. The bear had climbed a steep mountain ridge after being chased by the people from the nearby village, but fell into a stream after losing balance as stones were thrown at the animal. The people could be heard cheering as the animal tumbled into the stream. The incident sparked outrage on the social media as several people, including former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, termed it heartbreaking and inhuman. [Jammu: 60-year-old man killed in attack by wild bear in Poonch] "Heartbreaking & inhuman. Why invade their habitat in the first place?" Mehbooba wrote on Twitter while sharing the video clip. Several netizens have demanded that the people behind the stone throwing on the animal be identified and brought to book. After the incident came to the fore, the authorities have launched an operation to trace the bear and are also trying to identify the people involved in the act. Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary has ordered an inquiry and teams from the wildlife and other departments have been constituted to trace the brown bear. "An FIR has been registered," the DC said, adding they were also trying to identify the people who threw stones at the bear due to which it slipped into the stream and action would be taken against them. PTI SSB RCJ Yogi Adityanath didn't take dip in Ganga as he knows rivers are not clean: Akhilesh After I-T raids on SP leaders, petitioner questions Centre for not sending Mulayam & Akhilesh to jail BJP, Congress will win 'zero' seats in 6th phase, says Akhilesh Yadav India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, May 11: Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati intensified their relentless attack on both the BJP and the Congress. BSP supremo said that Congress and BJP are working against her party's alliance with the Samajwadi Party in UP, while Akhilesh Yadav said that both the national parties would win 'zero' seats in the sixth phase of polling which is scheduled for May 12 in 59 parliamentary constituencies across seven states. Akhilesh Yadav had last week hit back at Narendra Modi for the Prime Minister's remarks that SP has a tacit understanding with the Congress and BSP boss Mayawati has been kept in the dark. "In the 6th phase of elections, BJP and Congress will win zero seats. In the 7th phase they might win a few seats, BJP will win only one seat in that phase," Yadav told news agency ANI. Why it may not be a bad outing for the BJP in UP after all In blistering attack accusing the BJP of using the government machinery against political rivals, Yadav said, "BJP wants to win through 'Red Card'. Officers have been instructed to issue as much Red Cards as possible to SP. SP-BSP workers are being issued Red Cards. They are being stopped from casting votes. We had complained to EC last time, through you I'm doing that today too." Echoing similar views, Mayawati said BJP and Congress are working together to cut the votes of SP-BSP. "Congress and BJP are working against our alliance in UP. They say that their party is affiliated to Ambedkar but they are not. They are not for Dalits," she said. Mayawati had been furious with the Congress after a candidate from her party had changed camp in Madhya Pradesh. She had even threatened that she would pull out support from the Kamal Nath government, which has a wafer-thin majority, and accused the Congress of being hand-in-glove with the BJP. Yadav said Modi-led government is based on lies and hatred. Akhilesh Yadav, Mayawati 'PM material', says Shatrughan Sinha "Prime Minister and BJP blame others for things they do or want to do. BJP does the politics of spreading hatred among different castes and religions. Their government is based on lies and hatred. Gathbandhan has decided to demolish the government which was formed on hatred," SP chief told ANI. The BSP and SP have joined hands and are set to give a stiff fight to the BJP. The vote share data from the last election shows that SP-BSP combined got more votes than the BJP in 2014, and this was probably one of the reasons Akhilesh and Mayawati decided to stitch an alliance. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 11, 2019, 12:52 [IST] Can elections be won by politicising Army actions? Feature oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, May 11: Whatever the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls be, the 2019 elections would always be remembered for the politicisation of Armed forces and Pakistan bashing taking a centre stage in poll narrative than the real issues that the people are facing. The lesser the military operations are spoken and debated openly, the better it is. Matters concerning national security are better left to those who are experts in the field. First the Congress accused the BJP of politicising the Balakot Strikes, but then as the final phases of elections approached, the grand old party came out with a grand claim that six surgical strikes were carried out during their time. So, now both the national parties are guilty of dragging the Army into political slugfest and all that we can hope now is that it does not set a trend. Amid all this the phrase 'Surgical Strikes' it self is contentious. Military veterans feel that this phrase was coined only recently and the most apalling aspect of the whole thing is that cross border operations have been happening for a long time. To project it as if this was the first time ever it happened is demeaning to the forces. No data on surgical strikes before 2016: Army refutes Congress claim "There is no such word as surgical strike. It is a newly coined term and it doesn't mean anything. This can become a reason for him (Modi) to lose rather than win. It is not something that you fight an election on. You carry out one surgical strike and it is so demeaning that you go 3 kms into enemy territory and then you want to fight an election on that. It is so demeaning for the country and the forces," Col (Retd) Jaibans Singh, a strategic matters expert, told OneIndia. Can Modi win elections with 'Surgical Strike' and Balakot narrative? National security has become a major poll issue in the run-up to the elections against the backdrop of the Pulwama terror attack and the Balakot air strike, but then can it win elections? "Indira Gandhi won 1971 war but lost the election. Vajpayee won the Kargil war and lost the election. Churchill won the second world war and lost the election. Winning wars and military operations do not win elections. Modi should hace been adviced on this. He has been badly advised on this subject," Col Singh said. True or false: Were surgical strikes carried out under the UPA Instead of discussing the real issues, the main focus seems to be on the functioning of a professional organisation about which we have no knowledge, he said. "If PM Modi had a more sophisticated campaign on emotional issues, he would have won hands down. You come to a place like Haryana, a place like Punjab and say you will do surgical strikes, people will say its not your son who will die in these strikes. It is our children who are going to die. If there is a war, Punjab and other bordering states that would suffer. Such states want peace, they will be ruined if there is war. They do not want mindless war with Pakistan," the Colonel said. There are many dangers of politicising the military which is one institution that is or was allowed to remain outside the political structure. In fact even the police should remain outside the reach of politics if the law enforcement has to be truly impartial and effective. But, we have seen the state of police in the country, the politicians have not only sullied the image of cops but made police means to further their own selfish motives. Now the military finds itself drawn into the vortex of politics and is now visibly struggling to remain out of. Winning chances of crorepatis and candidates with criminal background in Delhi elections SC tells political parties to upload on website, why tickets were given to criminal candidates West Bengal elections: 35 constituencies to go to polls in final phase, fate of 283 candidates to be sealed Here is analysis of 2019 Lok Sabha candidates India oi-Hardeep Singh Bedi New Delhi, May 11: India has gone through five phases of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections. Voting will be conducted for the sixth phase on May 12 in Bihar for 08 seats, Delhi 07 seats, Haryana 10 seats, Jharkhand 04 seats, Madhya Pradesh 08 seats, Uttar Pradesh 14 seats, and West Bengal 08 seats. In the seventh and final phase on May 19, voting will be conducted in 59 parliamentary constituencies of eight states and Union Territories. 6th phase LS polls: 21 with pending crimes against women, 83 women in fray Out of these 59 constituencies, 13 are in Uttar Pradesh, 13 in Punjab, 09 in West Bengal, 08 in Bihar, 08 in Madhya Pradesh, 04 in Himachal Pradesh, 03 in Jharkhand, 01 in Chandigarh. There are 8,039 candidates contesting for 542 Parliamentary constituency seats in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, says the PRS Legislative Research data. On average, 14.8 candidates are contesting per constituency across the country. Among all the states, Telangana has the highest average number of candidates contesting. This is primarily due to 185 contestants from Nizamabad. Excluding Nizamabad, the state's average number of contestants would be 16.1. Among the Union Territories, Chandigarh has the highest average number of candidates contesting. There are 36 candidates in the fray for one seat. Delhi and Haryana have a high number of candidates contesting from parties that have not been recognised as either national or state parties. After Telangana, Tamil Nadu has the highest average of independent candidates contesting in this election. On average, of the candidates in each constituency in Tamil Nadu, two-thirds are contesting as independent candidates. After Nizamabad, the second highest number of candidate representation is seen in Belgaum, Karnataka. The five constituencies that have the highest candidate representation are from the southern states of Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Satta bazaar prediction of the Lok Sabha election 2019 The seven national parties together fielded 2.69 candidates per constituency. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress are contesting 435 and 420 seats respectively. In 373 seats they are in competition with each other. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has the third highest number of candidates contesting in this election. It has fielded 383 candidates. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has fielded 69, All India Trinamool Congress 62, Communist Party of India 48, and Nationalist Congress Party 34 candidates. The highest number of candidates (969) is contesting in 79 seats of Uttar Pradesh. Maharashtra is on the second spot where the fate of 867 candidates is already locked in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) who are in the fray in 48 seats. Tamil Nadu is on the third spot with 845 candidates in 39 seats. Bihar is on the fourth spot with 626 candidates contesting in 40 seats followed by Karnataka with 478 candidates contesting in 28 seats. The other states where more than 200 candidates are in the fray are: West Bengal- 466 candidates in 42 seats; Telangana- 443 candidates in 17 seats; Madhya Pradesh- 438 candidates in 29 seats; Gujarat- 371 candidates in 26 seats; Andhra Pradesh- 319 candidates in 25 seats; Punjab- 278 candidates in 13 seats; Rajasthan- 249 candidates in 25 seats; Jharkhand- 229 candidates in 14 seats; Kerala- 227 candidates in 20 seats; and Haryana- 223 candidates in 10 seats. Top 10 controversial statements of the LS poll 2019 There are four states where the number of contesting candidates is more than 100 but below 200. These states are: Odisha- 174 candidates in 21 seats; Chhattisgarh- 166 candidates in 11 seats; Delhi- 164 candidates in 07 seats; and Assam- 145 candidates in 14 seats. There are less than 10 candidates in Meghalaya, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Daman & Diu, and Nagaland. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 11, 2019, 17:22 [IST] How a free hand to surveil the terrorist gave agencies the upper hand over the ISIS India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, May 11: For any successful operation against terrorists, the key is surveillance. An officer would need to be at least ten steps ahead in order to prevent a terrorist from acting. India's success rate against the Islamic State has been particularly good so far. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) too has achieved a large amount of success in tracking the ISIS modules in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. When these operations were launched in 2015, during several high level meetings it was decided that the surveillance would need to be exceptionally good. To track the ISIS and its allies, the agencies were given a free hand. This meant no red tape and routine approvals and explanations while dealing with terrorists. Why is the Islamic State roping in Malayalam, Tamil speaking recruiters To deal with the threat of the ISIS, the office of the National Security Advisor and the Intelligence Bureau came up with plan that went on to be called as "Operation Chakravyuh." As part of this plan a large number of officers of the Intelligence Bureau posed as recruiters of the Islamic State. They were immediately contacted by scores of youth who had expressed their desire to join the ISIS. The officials under fake handles through which they conversed with possible recruits. Informed sources tell OneIndia that there were two aspects in the fight against the ISIS and other local terror groups- surveillance and a free hand. Officers on the job did not have seek approvals all the time and were instructed to get the job done. This helped a great deal in tracking terrorists both on the online and offline mode, the source also said. Former officer with the Research and Analysis Wing, Amar Bhushan says, "look at the free hand given to the National Investigation today. The agency is going all out against the radical activities in South India and I must say they are doing a commendable job. Moreover they are not restricting themselves only to South. They are in Bengal and a whole lot of other states." Danger lurking: ISIS has become primary sponsor for radical groups in Bangalore, Kerala "The NIA is today successful because of surveillance measures that they have taken. The thing is, if you have created an agency, then let it run freely. Surveillance is the heart of an operation and absolutely needed to monitor extremist elements." "As a police personnel, I can tell you that if you are not given a free hand, you really cannot operate. If you decide to go ahead, you will never know when you will get tripped," he also says. In Rohtak, PM warns voters, asks them to take note of Sam Pitroda's 'Hua So Hua' remark Is Sam Pitroda the Mani Shankar Aiyar of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls? India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, May 11: Sam Pitroda, close aide of Rahul Gandhi and Congress party's Indian Overseas chief Sam Pitroda seems to have taken over the legacy of senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar who, during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, made a controversial statement about Narendra Modi being a 'chai-wala'. It was in 2014 when the phenomenon first affected the party when it was battling a spirited charge from Narendra Modi, who spoke of "ache din" and promised a "Congress mukt" India. "I promise you in 21st Century Narendra Modi will never become the Prime Minister of the country. ...But if he wants to distribute tea here, we will find a place for him," Aiyar had said at the venue of the AICC meeting in January of 2014. This statement gave the BJP a whole new narrative 'chai pe charcha' which connected with Indian voters. Later, Aiyar repeated the same mistake during the Gujarat Assembly elections, calling the prime minister "neech" - a jibe that could either mean low born or vile. Modi called it a casteist slur, and many political analysts feel that loose remark may have cost Congress the tight battle. 'Completely out of line, must apologise': Rahul Gandhi on Pitroda's 1984 remark Like his party colleague Mani Shankar Aiyar, Pitroda's 'Hua toh hua' comment about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots had the grand old party scampering to control the damage, ahead of the elections in Delhi and Punjab. Anti-Sikh remarks On Thursday, Sam Pitroda stirred a hornet's nest by commenting on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which has already been made a major election plank by the BJP ahead of the last two phases of election to be held in Delhi and Punjab. Talking to mediapersons, Sam Pitroda said, "Ab kya hai 1984 ka? Baat to kariye kya kiya inhoney 5 saal mein. Uski baat kariye. 84 mein hua to hua. (Now what is this about 1984? Tell me what did they (BJP government) in the last five years. So what if 1984 (anti-Sikh riots) happened?" Unfortunately for the Congress, all the seven seats of Delhi face polls on May 12 in the sixth phase, all 13 seats of Punjab will vote in the seventh and last phase on May 19. There is a large presence of Sikhs in these two states who may turn against the Congress. The issue may also influence non-Sikh voters. The BJP seized on Pitroda's "1984 hua to hua" (it just happened) remarks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the attack. Addressing an election meeting at Rohtak in Haryana, Modi slammed the Congress for its arrogance. "One of the top Congress leaders said the 1984 riots just happened ('Hua to Hua'). These three words sum up the arrogance of the Congress. The leader is close to the Gandhi family, a good friend of (the late) Rajiv Gandhi and a 'guru' (mentor) of Rahul Gandhi," Modi said without naming Pitroda. Pitroda adds to Cong headache with 'can't blame pak' remark Pitroda handed electoral advantage to the BJP on a platter with comments that entire Pakistan can't be blamed for 26/11 and Pulwama terror attacks. Speaking on the terror attack which killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, Pitroda said "Don't know much about attacks. It happens all the time. Attack happened in Mumbai also, we could have then reacted and just sent our planes but that is not right approach. According to me that's not how you deal with world." Facing flak, Sam Pitroda apologises for his remark on 1984 anti-Sikh riots Pitroda said it was not right to "punish" Pakistan because of a few terrorists. "Eight people (26/11 terrorists) come and do something, you don't jump on entire nation (Pakistan). Naive to assume that just because some people came here and attacked, every citizen of that nation is to be blamed. I don't believe in that way," Pitroda said. Pitroda asks middle class not to be selfish The Congress distanced itself from the remarks of party leader Sam Pitroda that the middle class should bear part of the cost of the party's flagship Nyay scheme and said the money will be generated by cutting down on wasteful government expenditure as also by mobilizing additional resources. Pitroda told a news channel that under a Congress government, the middle class will have more opportunities and more jobs and the taxes may go up a little bit. He also said middle class should not be selfish and have a "big heart". "How can you see poor people around you and feel that somebody is going to take a 10 paisa from you. That is not India. If you and I have to tighten our belt a little bit, there is nothing wrong with it. They are our cousins, they are our brothers, sisters, and nephews." Nyay is a major promise in Congress manifesto that entails providing Rs 72,000 crore to the poorest 20 percent people. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 11, 2019, 7:49 [IST] Issues of Central Delhi very different from rest of the national capital India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, May 11: It would not be wrong to say that national capital Delhi is mini India as people from all parts of the country reside here making it a truly cosmopilitan city. If Chitartanjan Park looks no different from a typical neighbourhood in Kolkata, Sunlight Colony in Maharani Bagh is like a part of Chennai, Tilak Nagar can be any small town in Punjab while Rajendra Nagar and Patel Nagar are colonies where refugees from the Partition settled down. With such diversity in population, the expectation from the elections are also varied. The border areas like Narela, Bhawana, Badarpur etc want better roads and electricity, while the slums want regularisation and protection from eviction. Traffic and pollution remain common problems across the city, and some areas like Najafgarh, Bhawana, Burari, Mundka, and some areas bordering Uttar Pradesh have crime problems, and want better policing. Now coming to Central Delhi, an elite area that has government offices, ministry offices, PMO, Parliament and Rashtrapati Bhawan, faces a differnt kind of problems. This area comes under NDMC and most residents of the area are government servants. Roads, law and order, electricity, water and civic amenities are not a problem here. Government clinics do a good job, cops come regularly for beat, roads are wide, there is lot of greenery and well connected with public transport. Traffic congestion is top grievance of voters in NCT of Delhi The main reason why everything is good here is the fact that VIPs, Mps, ministers and top bureaucrats live in this area, including the Prime Minister and the President. One of the main problems that residents of DIZ area or the Delhi interior Zone are frequent stopping of traffic due to VVIP movements. This areas gets locked down during the Republic Day. Most houses in this area are government quarters and many were built long ago. The maintenance and upkeep of these quarters is the responsibility of the CPWD. A lot of people complain that CPWD does not pay the attension needed to complaints of clogged drains or electricity problems due to malfunctioning in the quarter's internal wiring. Some of these quarters are of the British era and need a lot of maintenance. People say that CPWD engineers do not turn up even after many complaints. In some cases, the drains remain clogged for days before CPWD engineers are even able to figure out where the problem is. "CPWD workers do a shoddy job. I used to live in Babar Place last year and once when the drain in our house got clogged, the CPWD personnel came after complaining five-six times," Saroja Vijaykumar, a high ranking government official who used to reside near Bengali Market, told OneIndia. "These type -4 quarters were built way back in the 60s, so obviously the wiring is old and keeps getting short circuited. CPWD just does a surface repair work but does not find a long term solution to these problems. The work done by them is shoddy. They use sub-standard material. If they plaster a hole in the wall, it is likely to come off in 3-4 days," said Jag Jeevan Ram, a resident of Type-4 quarters in Babar Place. Would BJP have preferred solo or allied fights by AAP and Congress in Delhi The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi five years ago with a vote share of 46.40 per cent. A year later, when Delhi voted in the assembly election, voters shocked the BJP and decimated the Congress, which had formed three successive governments under Sheila Dikshit in the national capital from 1998 to 2013. Delhi will vote for its seven Lok Sabha seats on Sunday in the ongoing parliamentary election. The poll campaign has ended with all three main political parties hoping to have sway over the national capital in the election. Jammu: 60-year-old man killed in attack by wild bear in Poonch India pti-PTI Jammu, May 11: A 60-year-old man was killed in an attack by a bear in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Friday night, officials said. Fayaz Ahmed Chounhan was attacked by the wild animal in Gali Kalaban village which came out of a nearby forest, they said. His body was recovered from the spot later, officials said. PTI Will always be with you to fight injustice: Rahul Gandhi to media Lok Sabha Elections 2019 updates: Anti-BJP front gains momentum, Naidu meets Sonia Gandhi India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa New Delhi, May 19: Andhra Pradesh Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday met BSP chief Mayawati and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav in Lucknow, continuing his efforts to put together a coalition to form the next government at the Centre. He reached Lucknow after meetings in New Delhi with Congress president Rahul Gandhi, CPI leaders G Sudhakar Reddy and D Raja, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and LJD leader Sharad Yadav. The Telugu Desam Party chief has already held several rounds of discussions with various opposition leaders, including TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit to Uttarakhand today with a visit to Kedarnath shrine. The prime minister is also expected to offer prayers at Badrinath tomorrow before returning to Delhi in the afternoon. The prime minister's visit to the holy shrine came a day before the last phase of the marathon Lok Sabha elections. Fifty nine parliamentary constituencies, including Varanasi, will go to polls in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections and the results will be announced four days later, on May 23. Stay tuned for the Lok Sabha elections 2019 UPDATES: Malegaon case: Purohit trying to prolong trial by hook or crook says Special Court Malegaon blast accused Sameer Kulkarni demands security cover urgently India oi-Vikas SV Mumbai, May 11: Sameer Kulkarni, one of the accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case who is out on bail, has reportedly written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding security cover on an urgent basis. Kulkarni has not mentioned any specific threat to him in his letter to the Chief Minister. Kulkarni, a printing press employee from Bhopal, was arrested soon after the blast. According to the prosecution, he is alleged to have arranged chemicals used in the blast. In April 2017, a sessions court in Mumbai granted bail to Kulkarni, who earlier arrested for his alleged involvement in the September 2008 Malegaon blast case. The court granted Kulkarni bail on a bond of Rs 50,000 on the grounds of parity, as several other accused in the case including Lt Col Prasad Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and retired Army Major Ramesh Upadhyay, were also been given bail. In the Malegaon case, Kulkarni has challenged the decision of the special NIA court permitting the probe agency to bring photocopies of missing statements of witnesses and confessions of the accused on record, and lead evidence in its support. [Lt Col Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya charged in 2008 Malegaon blast case: A timeline] In January 2017, the special NIA court had permitted the use of photocopies after the probe agency submitted that some files containing original witness statements and confessions of accused under Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) Section 164 had gone missing and could not be traced. The Bombay High Court while hearing hearing a bunch of appeals filed by Sameer Kulkarni in January this year had asked the National Investigating Agency (NIA) how it and the trial court verified the authenticity of photocopies, a PTI report said. [Malegaon to Samjhauta: How politics of terror derailed these cases] Another accused in the Malegaon blast case Pragya Thakur, who is also out on bail and is contesting the Lok Sabha polls on a BJP ticket from Bhopal, had in April said that slain Maharashtra ATS chief Hemant Karkare was killed because she had "cursed" him. Karkare, who was also leading the probe into the Malegaon case, was killed in the line of duty during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. Kulkarni had disagreed with Thakur's statement about Karkare and claimed that if Karkare was alive he would've been acquitted. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 11, 2019, 13:47 [IST] Mayawati expresses concern over Alwar gangrape case India pti-PTI Lucknow, May 11: Expressing concern over gangrape of a Dalit woman in Alwar and derogatory remarks being used against women by leaders of various political parties in campaigning, BSP president Mayawati on Saturday urged the Supreme Court to take suo moto cognizance of both the cases. "It is most unfortunate that leaders of different political parties are continuously using abusive and derogatory language against women in the campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls to serve their political motives. The Election Commission has not been able to act as strictly as it need to have done," she said. "Our party appeals to the Supreme Court to take suo moto notice of this issue so that some check can be imposed on this practice," the BSP chief said. Referring to the gangrape incident in Rajasthan's Alwar district, she claimed it is more serious that the Congress government of the state did not let the matter come to anyone's notice by "terrorising" the victim's family until the completion of the polling process there. "Under these circumstances, the victim and her family will not be able to get proper justice. The BSP appeals to the Supreme Court to take notice for ensuring prompt justice and strict punishment to the accused," Mayawati said. "Our party wants that the main accused in the case should be given capital punishment as this does not merely concern Dalits but also the honour of women," she said, adding that the court should also take steps against the government, police and administration. [Woman gangraped in Alwar: BJP calls it worse than Nirbhaya case] On April 26, the woman was riding pillion on a motorcycle with her husband when the accused, who were on two bikes, accosted them at Thanagazi-Alwar bypass and took them to an isolated place off. They allegedly beat up the husband and raped her in front of him, threatening them of dire consequences. The victim's husband had claimed that the gangrape took place on April 26 and police were informed on April 30, but the FIR was filed on May 7. He had alleged that the police did not take action saying that they were busy with elections. Polling for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan took place on April 29. The BSP president also warned the electorate from the parties which have been formed at the behest of opposition parties to serve their petty interests. "One such party named after Bhim is active in Uttar Pradesh which is playing in the hands of the Congress and the BJP for the sake of its livelihood. There is a need to remain alert from such parties," she said referring to the Bhim Party. PTI This is the second best police station in the country Odisha abides without power, water for 8days India pti-PTI Bhubaneswar, May 10: As power and water remained elusive in most cyclone-ravaged areas of coastal Odisha for the eighth day in a row despite the government's efforts to give restoration a push, protests broke out in several places on Friday to press for quick action. Cyclone Fani battered the coastal districts on May 3 but only half of the over 4.5 lakh electricity consumers in Bhubaneswar have got power supply back at a time when the state is sizzled under intense heat wave. Police said a large number of people staged a road blockade near Garage Chhak in the state capital demanding quick restoration of power supply which was severely hit due to uprooting of 1.56 lakh electric poles in the city alone. Protesters also tried to attack an office of the Central Electricity Supply Utility (CESU) here, forcing the employees to lock themselves inside. "We were scared as angry demonstrators threatened and tried to attack us. We have sought protection from the police," said N K Sahu, a CESU officer. Chief Secretary A P Padhi, who held a video conference with Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, said around 50 per cent of the consumers now in Bhubaneswar are not getting electricity. "We have prepared a roadmap for electrification. With additional manpower from other states available, restoration work is picking up," he said adding there has been substantial improvement in telecom sector too. Information and Public Relations Secretary Sanjay Singh said 100 per cent restoration of power supply in Bhubaneswar is expected to be achieved by Sunday. Energy Secretary Hemant Sharma, however, said around 90 per cent of the power consumers in the state capital will be able to get electricity by that day. While all power consumers in Cuttack will be able to get electricity on Saturday, restoration work in the worst-hit Puri town will begin on May 12. Restoration work in telecom sector has witnessed slow progress, Singh said adding that only 14 per cent of mobile towers and other infrastructure remained unaffected by Fani. While landline phones have started functioning in Puri, Cell on Wheel (COW) have been deployed in some places in the pilgrim town to improve cellular connectivity, he said. COWs provide fully-functional but temporary service, via vehicles such as vans and trucks, to zones affected by natural disaster or areas with large user volume, such as major events. In a bid to accelerate relief and restoration works, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directed that government offices in five severly affected districts - Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara - will be kept open on this Saturday and Sunday. Exactly a week ago on May 3, the cyclone Fani made a landfall near Puri, affecting more than 1.5 crore people in 14 districts destroying all the basic infrastructure like power, drinking water and telecommunication. At least 41 people were killed in the calamity that damaged 5.08 lakh houses. Over 34.56 lakh livestock casualty has also been reported from the 14 affected districts, a report of the special relief commissioner's office said. In a bid to give succour to the cyclone affected people, the State Level Banker's Committee (SLBC) resolved to reschedule repayment of existing loans. Fresh loans may also be extended as per requirement of the cyclone victims, said an official adding that banks will also provide assistance to hotel industry in Puri. Similarly, insurance companies may relax the document requirement and simplify procedures for settlement of claims, he said. The SLBC said that banking service is functioning in all affected areas except Puri and the chief secretary urged the banks to open branches there on Monday. While seven mobile ATMs have been deployed in Puri, 10 more are being made available by the SBI in the pilgrim town, he said. The chief minister urged Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to allot an additional quota of 1000 kilo- litres of kerosene over and above the normal quota in order to provide relief to the affected people. Pradhan, who took stock of the situation here, said of the 234 filling stations in Puri district, 232 have become operational and two others to start working from Saturday. There is enough stock of kerosene, petrol and diesel in the cyclone hit areas, he said. Pradhan said steps have been taken to provide two mobile tankers to distribute petrol and diesel to consumers in Puri town. "We have been able to bring 100 per cent normalcy within a week," he said. With huge damage caused by the mid-summer cyclone that ripped through the state's coastal region, the Centre is rushing an inter-ministerial team to assess the situation. The central team led by additional secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Vivek Bharadwaj, will arrive here on May 12 for a three-day visit, said SRC BP Sethi. Unbelievable! NASA shares photos of power outage in Odisha aftermath of Cyclone Fani Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 6 made an aerial survey of the cyclone hit areas of Puri and Khurda district and the Centre thereafter has released Rs 1,000 crore as an interim assistance to carry out relief and rescue operation. An East Coast Railways (ECoR) official said Memu trains between Puri-Talcher and Puri-Angul resumed on Friday. He said only four trains from Puri were now cancelled while all other trains are running as per the schedule. PTI Rafale deal: Centre faces tough questions from Supreme Court India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, May 11: The Supreme Court posed searching questions to the Centre on its deal with France to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets on issues like the "waiver of sovereign guarantee" and the absence of technology transfer clause in the IGA pact. The top court reserved its verdict on pleas, including the one filed by former Union ministers Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shourie and activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan, seeking review of its December 14 judgement which gave clean chit to the Centre's Rafale deal to procure jets from the French firm, Dassault. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi referred to a judgement in the Lalita Kumari case which said that an FIR is must when information revealed commission of cognizable offence. "The question is whether you are obliged to follow the Lalita Kumari judgment or not." Attorney General K K Venugopal told the bench, also comprising Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph, that "there has to be a prima facie case, otherwise they (agencies) cannot proceed. The information must disclose commission of cognizable offence". Rafale: Plea of perjury misconceived, Centre tells SC Justice Joseph referred to the earlier deal and asked the Centre as to why the inter-governmental agreement (IGA) on Rafale with the French administration does not have the clause of transfer of technology."The court cannot decide such technical aspects," the law officer said. On the court's question of waiver of sovereign guarantee by France in the IGA and its replacement with a letter of comfort, Venugopal said it was not an "unprecedented practice" and referred to such agreements with Russia and the US where there was such a waiver. "It is a question of national security. No other court in the world will examine a defence deal on these kinds of arguments", he said.The bench was hearing three review petitions filed by the trio, a lawyer Vineet Dhandha and AAP lawmaker Sanjay Singh. The court had said in the December verdict that there was no occasion to doubt the decision-making process in the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets and dismissed the petitions seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Rs 58,000 crore deal. At the outset, Bhushan submitted that the judgement did not deal with the prayer seeking probe into the deal and decided the petition on the premise that it was seeking cancellation of IGA.He said the Centre misled the court by referring to non-existent CAG report in November, 2018 hearing when it is on record that the report came later in February this year. "How did the government anticipate even before the CAG report came that the pricing details of Rafale will be redacted. In a report submitted in November 2018, how did they know that the CAG report in February next year would redact pricing details," the lawyer asked. Bhushan alleged suppression of material facts from the court by the Centre and said that as many eight critical clauses of the standard defence procurement procedure were dropped in the deal in the meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security in September 2016.One of the clauses dealt with the aspect that the government can cancel the deal if the information of any involvement of middleman comes to the light, he said. "This is shocking that the government concealed this piece of information from the court. Doing away with the anti-Corruption clauses and concealment of this fact from the court is by itself a sufficient ground to order a criminal investigation," he said.He referred to the news articles and said that three experts of Indian Negotiation Team (INT) had also raised the the objections to the inflated pricing of the aircrafts. Can BJP counter Rafale with Bofors: Two contentious deals that are very different "The bench-mark price was firm and fixed. It was 5 billion Euros. But the final price for Rafale jets shot up to 55.6 per cent above the bench-mark price and would continue to increase with time," he alleged.Referring to reports, he alleged that besides the seven member INT, which was negotiating the deal, "parallel negotiations" were undertaken by the PMO and this weaken the negotiating powers of the INT. "Even the NSA was playing some role although he was not to be involved," he said. "Anil Ambani was involved in this deal right from the beginning" and he even produced a film for the wife of a French leader, he said, alleging "quid pro quo" which required criminal investigation.Shourie also addressed the bench on a separate plea seeking perjury prosecution of unknown government officials for misleading it during the hearing of the pleas.Venugopal vehemently opposed the submissions and sought dismissals of the review petitions saying that the basic grounds of these pleas were the same as in the main case."The Supreme Court has already decided the challenge to the Rafale deal. I would still say that the petitioners are seeking review of the judgment on the basis of secret stolen documents," he said. He then referred to a clause 10 of the IGA between France and India and said that it mandated maintaining the secrecy of the deal.Venugopal then referred to the CAG report and said that it has been found that the government got the jets at 2.86 per cent lower price. The government is under obligation to put defence material under cover, he said, adding that "when the security of the country is involved, you do not view it as a contract to build a highway or a dam". NIA files chargesheet against 7 Khalistani terrorists in case of extortion in Punjab Ramalingam murder was an act of terror says NIA India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, May 11: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested one Mohammad Faruk from Trichy in Tamil Nadu in connection with the Ramalingam murder case. Mohammed Faruk was arrested a day after the NIA officials conducted a search operation at his residence in Illangakurichy village in Tiruchirappalli district during which they seized some digital evidence, officials said. The evidence collected from the residence and his questioning revealed the extent of involvement of Faruk in the case, the officials said. How a free hand to surveil the terrorist gave agencies the upper hand over the ISIS Ramalingam was attacked by a gang on February 5. The accused used sickles and tried to chop off his hands, grievously injuring him in the process. His son's efforts to protect him from the attackers were in vain. He was pronounced dead at a government hospital on February 6. Faruk and other accused had hatched a criminal conspiracy for committing a terrorist act pursuant to which they chopped off the hands of Ramalingam, the officials said. The Tamil Nadu Police has arrested 10 accused in the case. Six others are still absconding. Faruk will be produced before the Special NIA Court, Poonamllee in Chennai, on Saturday. Ramalingam, 42, was murdered when he was on his way to home at Muslim Street in Thirubuvanam. He was murdered the same day he confronted a few men who attempted to convert people to Islam. Lack of free hand aided growth of terror down South: Former R&AW officer Ramalingam removed the skullcap worn by one of the men in the gang and put ash on his forehead. Initially, a case was registered at Thiruvidaimarudur police station in Thanjavur district on February 6. Later, the case was taken over by the NIA. On May 2, the NIA conducted searches at 20 places in Kumbakonam, Trichy and Karaikkal and seized incriminating materials, the officials said. Why is the Islamic State roping in Malayalam, Tamil speaking recruiters India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, May 11: It is now a well known fact that the Islamic State has become the primary sponsor for local radical groups in India. The Sri Lanka bombings showed clearly that the ISIS had tied up with the National Towheed Jamath (NTJ) for the attacks. Investigators and Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials have learnt now that the ISIS has recruited a large number of persons based on the language that they speak. This, officials say has been done to target a select audience of a particular state. In the ISIS South India module case, it has been found that those speaking with the local radical groups were conversing in the local language. Those fluent in Tamil and Malayalam were recruited with a specific purpose of targeting the local radical groups. The ISIS Caliphate is dead, but ideology has become stronger today Language is a great leveller and hence the ISIS has adopted this strategy, an IB officer told OneIndia. With the fall of the Caliphate in Syria and Iraq, it was expected that the ISIS would look to move out and strike in other places. Prior to the fall, an audio message of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi was circulated in which he was heard telling his fighters to return to their homelands and strike there. An analysis conducted post the Easter bombings suggested that neither the NTJ nor the ISIS could have acted on its own. The NTJ was just a fringe group, while the ISIS had lost considerable ground and hence needed each other to carry out a bombings on such a large scale. The NIA which is probing an ISIS related case has also learnt that the Sri Lankan bomber Zahran Hashmi had visited Kerala and Karnataka. Sri Lanka suggested that it could have been with an intention of finding allies down South. The ISIS too has focused extensively in the Southern States since the past many years. Dozens of people from Kerala and Tamil Nadu have joined the ISIS over the past five years and either left for Afghanistan or Syria. A report in the Atlantic states that the ISIS has recruits fluent in what are essentially regional languages. An IB officer who was part of 'Operation Chakravyuh' that was launched track ISIS operatives, says that they had come across several instances when a recruiter was trying to radicalise in regional languages such as Tamil and Malayalam. Danger lurking: ISIS has become primary sponsor for radical groups in Bangalore, Kerala The ISIS which tapped the NTJ in Sri Lanka is looking to tie up with local radical groups, which follow similar ideology. Down south there are several radical outfits such as the Popular Front of India (PFI), which follow a very similar ideology of the ISIS as well as the NTJ. The ISIS which has made inroads in southern India could extent support to several radical groups like it did in Sri Lanka, a senior official with the IB says. These groups specifically target Muslims from Kerala. The target audience is not restricted the residents of Kerala alone, but to those Malayalee youth working abroad. The NIA which is currently investigating this case says that there are many such accounts that specifically target those from Kerala. It is a menace and a huge racket, due to which several youth have gone missing and later joined the ISIS. Will content on Netflix, Amazon be regulated? SC to decide India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa New Delhi, May 11: The Supreme Court has asked for the Centre's response on a plea seeking guidelines to regulate the functioning of online media streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video which display "uncertified and sexually explicit" content. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjiv Khanna issued notices to the ministries of broadcasting, law and communications on an appeal challenging the February 8 order of the Delhi High Court order which had dismissed it. The high court had rejected the petition by NGO, Justice For Rights Foundation, after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had informed it that online platforms are not required to obtain any licence from it. Rafale deal: Centre faces tough questions from Supreme Court The plea, filed through advocate H S Hora in the court, said these online web platforms are functioning in India without obtaining licence which has been admitted by the ministries concerned in their affidavit filed before the high court on February 4. "The said online platforms are displaying unlicenced, unregulated, uncertified content and collecting subscription amounts from Indian consumers whereas the content telecasted on the online platforms is illegal to the extent that certain movies banned under the provisions of the Indian Cinematograph Act and not even passed by the Central Board for Film Certification but are allowed to be telecasted for the general populace by bypassing the law of the land," the plea said. It added that due to lack of any licence or regulating body, the respondents via their inaction are creating a special class of broadcasters and therefore discriminating against the customers, regular movie producers, Cable-TV operators and D2H operators. "The impugned judgment of February 8 (of high court) only presents the petitioner with remedies that are available after the content has been broadcast, however, the petitioner had also raised the contention that such content must be certified by a certifying body as the content on these web platforms is broadcasted for consumption of general public," the plea said. The high court had not issued notice on the NGO's petition but had only sought the government's response on the plea which had also alleged that the online media streaming platforms show "uncertified, sexually explicit and vulgar" content. Mediation committee files interim Ayodhya report in SC , granted further time till Aug 15 In its plea in the high court, the NGO had claimed that online media streaming platforms, that also include Hotstar, show content which is "unregulated and uncertified" for public viewing. The plea had claimed in the high court that television series like "Sacred Games", "Game of Thrones" and "Spartacus", shown on platforms like Netflix, contain "vulgar, profane, sexually explicit, pornographic, morally unethical and virulent" content which often "depict women in objectifying manner". Pakistan: Cops find woman in deep sleep next to body parts of 70 year old man Pakistans disinformation campaign on overdrive mode and how India hit back 3 gunmen among 4 killed in Pak 5-star hotel attack International oi-Deepika S Islamabad, May 11: Three terrorists, who had stormed a five-star hotel in Pakistan's port city Gwadar have been killed after hours-long gunfight. A shootout between the militants and the security forces broke out at the hotel as the anti-terrorism force, the Army and the Frontier Corps were called in, Gwadar Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Bangulzai said. Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langov said that all the three attackers were killed by the security forces. A security guard has also been killed in the incident. As the terrorists tried to force their entry into the hotel, a guard positioned at the entrance confronted them following which the armed militants opened fire on him, resulting in his death, the army's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an ethnic Baloch separatist group fighting for independence for Balochistan province, claimed responsibility for the attack. "Our fighters have carried out this attack on Chinese and other foreign investors who were staying in PC hotel," said Jihand Baloch, a BLA spokesperson, in a statement emailed to Al Jazeera. Why is the Islamic State roping in Malayalam, Tamil speaking recruiters There are at least three to four terrorists inside with weapons, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported, quoting a police officer. "At around 4:50 pm (local time) we got reports that there are three to four armed men in PC Hotel," Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Bangulzai said told Dawn.There was no immediate reports casualties. The report further said that additional police force, ATF (anti-terrorism force) and army have been called in to handle the situation. No foreigners are reported to have been inside the hotel, the report said. All foreign and local guests staying at the hotel have been safely evacuated, Express Tribune quoted Balochistan Information Minister Zahoor Buledi as saying. Navy and army soldiers are carrying out the operation, reports said. "At around 4:50 pm (local time) we got reports that there are three to four armed men in PC Hotel," the officer said. Frontier Corps personnel have cordoned off the hotel, DawnNewsTV reported citing police sources. The hotel, frequented by business and leisure travellers, is located on the Koh-e-Batil hill, south of West Bay on Fish Harbour road in Gwadar. On April 18, unidentified gunmen donning uniforms of paramilitary soldiers massacred at least 14 passengers, including Pakistan Navy personnel, after forcing them to disembark from buses on a highway in Balochistan. Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, is Pakistan's largest and poorest province, rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies. China is investing heavily in Balochistan under the USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC, launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. Thousands of terrorists might have been airlifted out of Kabul: Trump slams Biden Never in history has withdrawal from war been handled so badly: Trump Trump orders raising tariffs on almost all imports from China International oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa Washington, May 11: United States President Donald Trump has ordered his top officials to begin the process to raise tariffs on almost all the imports from China, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Friday. This amounts to about USD300 billion. This is in addition to the Chinese imports worth USD200 billion on which Trump increased the import duty from 10% to 25%, beginning Friday. "Earlier today, at the direction of the President, the United States increased the level of tariffs from 10% to 25% on approximately $200 billion worth of Chinese imports," Lighthizer said. "The President also ordered us to begin the process of raising tariffs on essentially all remaining imports from China, which are valued at approximately USD300 billion," he said. The process for public notice and comment will be published shortly in the Federal Register. "The details will be on the USTR website on Monday as we begin the process prior to a final decision on these tariffs," Lighthizer said. Trump announces sanctions on Iran steel and mining industries Expected to escalate trade war between US and China, the latest Trump move came as the Chinese Vice Premier concluded his two days of trade talks with the US team led by Lighthizer. In a series of tweets, Trump described the talks as candid and constructive, but indicated taking a tough approach against massive imbalance of trade with China. "Over the course of the past two days, the United States and China have held candid and constructive conversations on the status of the trade relationship between both countries," he said. "The relationship between President Xi and myself remains a very strong one, and conversations into the future will continue," he added. "In the meantime, the United States has imposed Tariffs on China, which may or may not be removed depending on what happens with respect to future negotiations!" Trump said. Tariffs will bring in "far more" wealth to the United States than even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind. "Also, much easier & quicker to do. Our Farmers will do better, faster, and starving nations can now be helped. Waivers on some products will be granted, or go to new source!" he said in another tweet. "If we bought 15 Billion Dollars of Agriculture from our Farmers, far more than China buys now, we would have more than 85 Billion Dollars left over for new Infrastructure, Healthcare, or anything else. China would greatly slow down, and we would automatically speed up!" Trump said. Referring to his latest direction, Trump said that the process has begun to place additional Tariffs at 25% on the remaining 325 Billion Dollars. "The US only sells China approximately 100 Billion Dollars of goods and products, a very big imbalance," he said. "With the over 100 Billion Dollars in Tariffs that we take in, we will buy agricultural products from our Great Farmers, in larger amounts than China ever did, and ship it to poor & starving countries in the form of humanitarian assistance. In the meantime, we will continue to negotiate with China in the hopes that they do not again try to redo deal!" said the US President. Trump said he is in no rush to conclude trade talks with China. "Talks with China continue in a very congenial manner - there is absolutely no need to rush - as Tariffs are NOW being paid to the United States by China of 25% on 250 Billion Dollars worth of goods & products. These massive payments go directly to the Treasury of the U.S....," he said. "We have lost 500 Billion Dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!" Trump said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Saturday, May 11, 2019, 10:49 [IST] India E-Rickshaw Market Growth Trends by Company: Saera Electric Auto, Atul Auto, Kinetic Green, Terra Motors, Ok Play, Hero Electric and Mahindra & Mahindra https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/request-sample/3007745?utm_source=opr&utm_medium=sk https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/request-for-discount/3007745?utm_source=opr&utm_medium=sk India E-Rickshaw Market crossed USD 2.5 billion mark in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of XX.0% during the forecast period 2019-2025. E-Rickshaw is a flexible, non-polluting and affordable means of Intermediate Para-Transit (IPT) system.E-Rickshaw is the latest entry in the Indian road transportation system. Since E-Rickshaw has been introduced in India, it has been playing a significant role in solving the issue of last mile intercity connectivity. Since 2010, E-Rickshaw has been operational in India, mostly in Delhi-NCR region. Since then, this vehicle has gained immense popularity due to environment friendly nature along with its potential to curb the carbon footprint as it is battery operated.Today, E-Rickshaw has become one of the most preferred modes of transportation in major urban and suburban cities of India. SmartE launched in October 2015, has served over 6 million zero-pollution rides. By December 2017, SmartE aims to serve over 3 million commuters per month, through its 1,000 E-Rickshaw fleet. SmartE also aims to roll-out 10,000 vehicles by 2018-end and cross the 100,000 vehicle mark by 2020. At 100,000 vehicles, SmartE will help reduce close to a million tonnes carbon emissions, an equivalent of planting 17 million trees per year.Request a Sample Copy:Across the country, electric rickshaw has become an important part of the transport system and is expected to witness a significant growth over the forecast period on account of government plans such as the National Electric Mobility Plan (NEMP). The government aims to encourage the use of electric vehicles in India along with the commitment to build an efficient electric vehicle network including adequate charging stations and incentives on buying an electric vehicle.E-rickshaw drivers in Delhi pay 17% lesser rent, compared to normal auto drivers. Also setup or initial investment for e-rickshaw is 50% less that the normal auto rickshaw. Owing to such benefits, penetration of e-rickshaw is expected to increase over the future. The below figure depicts the comparison of initial cost and earning of rickshaw drivers in Delhi-NCR region.According to the Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), electric vehicles sale doubled in terms of volume in the FY 2017-18 compared to the previous year, majorly through unregulated E-Rickshaw market, with 850,000 E-Rickshaw sold in the specified period. The drivers of the traditional manually-pulled rickshaws have found E-Rickshaws quicker, quieter and easier to keep running as they require less effort, compared to the pedal-cycle rickshaws. This results in more rides and lesser effort for the driver, making E-Rickshaws a rather beneficial investment for them.The Indian government is currently focusing on promoting electric vehicles in the public transportation and fleets, with emphasis on two-wheelers and three-wheelers, taxis and buses. One of the biggest hurdles in the growth of electric vehicles in India is the dearth of charging and battery-swap stations. The Ministry of Finance is in the process of finalising a plan to spend approximately US$600 million over a period of five years to upgrade the countrys charging infrastructure as well as to provide better subsidies on electric buses. According to BNEF, India had just 425 public charging stations in 2017 and it is expected that with government and public initiatives this number will boost to 2,800 by 2022.In terms of segmentation by vehicle type, India E-Rickshaw market has been segmented into Passenger and Load carrier. In 2018, passenger carrier dominated the market and is expected to maintain its lead by the year 2025. With growing working population, the need for efficient transportation network has also increased. Hence, as E-Rickshaw is easily available and offers convenient ride, the number of commuters preferring E-Rickshaw for short distance is increasing. All these factors would help better and increased adoption of E-Rickshaw in major Indian cities.Based on battery type, India E-Rickshaw market has been segmented into lead acid and li-ion battery. In 2018, lead acid dominated the battery type segment of India E-Rickshaw, generating revenue of US$ 2.17 billion. Though, lead acid battery continues to keep dominating the market over the forecast period while witnessing the benefits offered by li-ion battery. Li-ion battery is expected to grow at the highest CAGR rate during the projection period.Get a discount on this research report:Based on ownership type the Indian E-Rickshaw market is segregated into owned and rented E-Rickshaw. In 2018, owned E-Rickshaw dominated the market and is expected to remain dominant, however rented E-Rickshaw market is expected to witness high adoption in cities such as Delhi-NCR, and other cities in the South Indian region. High income associated with rented E-Rickshaw, as the driver dont have to bear the maintenance cost would drive the market for rented E-Rickshaw in India.Based on region, detailed analysis has been conducted to understand the overall rate of adoption of E-Rickshaw in major Indian cities including Delhi-NCR, Lucknow, Kolkata, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and other cities. Delhi-NCR captured the maximum market share and is expected to keep leading the India E-Rickshaw market over the projection period. However, with increasing acceptance, it is believed that several cities including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad will witness considerable growth in the India E-Rickshaw Market.Competitive Landscape- Organised and Unorganised Players:India E-Rickshaw market is very much fragmented. The E-Rickshaw market in India is basically made by assembling its parts together at the manufacturers facility. These parts are either imported from China or supplied from local suppliers. India E-Rickshaw market is mainly dominated by local unorganised players with few established players. Some of the organised players operating in this industry include Saera Electric Auto, Atul Auto, Kinetic Green, Terra Motors, Ok Play, Hero Electric and Mahindra & Mahindra, which together hold nearly 15% of the market.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 Psoriasis Treatment Market Progresses for Huge Profits by 2026 With Top Key Companies Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., Cipla Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Rowan Bioceuticals Private Limited Psoriasis Treatment https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-pdf/99 https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/99 Psoriasis is a non-communicable autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin. These skin spots are red, itchy, and scaly which may be small and localized or cover the entire body. Skin injury may cause psoriatic skin changes at that spot, a phenomenon called Koebner phenomenon.There are five main types of psoriasis namely Plaque, Guttate, Inverse, Pustular, and Erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris, is the most prevalent type of psoriasis, accounting for around 90% of reported cases. Most commonly affected areas of the body include back of the forearms, shins, around the navel, and the scalp. Guttate psoriasis has drop-shaped lesions. Pustular psoriasis is characterized by the presence of small non-infectious pus-filled blisters. Inverse psoriasis forms red patches in skin folds. Erythrodermic psoriasis occurs when the rash become widespread and can develop from other types. Fingernails and toenails are affected in most people at some point of time. This may include pits in the nails or changes in nail color.Download PDF Brochure of This Business Report :Treatment options for Psoriasis fueling growth of the psoriasis treatment marketVarious treatments can help control the symptoms fueling growth of psoriasis treatment market. These treatment methods include administering steroid, vitamin D3, exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light, and immunosuppressive like methotrexate. Around 75% of cases can be managed with creams alone. Cream and ointments of corticosteroid, and calcipotriol can effectively treat mild-to-moderate psoriasis. However, when condition become more severe, creams are combined with oral medications such as methotrexate, acitretin, and cyclosporin.Topical drugs used in treatment of psoriasis include corticosteroids, vitamin D, hydroxyanthrone, and retinoid aiding in growth of the psoriasis treatment market. Topical corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for treating mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Low-potency corticosteroid ointments are recommended for sensitive areas such as face or skin folds and for treating widespread patches of damaged skin. Medicated foams and scalp solutions are available in market to treat psoriasis patches on the scalp. Vitamin D analogues are synthetic forms of vitamin D and they slow the growth of skin cells. Calcipotriene (Dovonex) is a cream or solution a vitamin D that contains analogue, used by itself to treat mild-to-moderate psoriasis or in combination with other topical medications. Anthralin (Hydroxyanthrone) is used to normalize DNA activity in skin cells. Anthralin (Dritho-Scalp) also can remove scale, making the skin smoother. Topical retinoids normalizes DNA activity in skin cells and decreases inflammation.Key players involved in psoriasis treatment marketThere are many global players operating in the global psoriasis treatment market. This includes Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd., Cipla Ltd., Johnson & Johnson, Rowan Bioceuticals Private Limited, Stiefel Laboratories Inc. (GlaxoSmithKline plc), Win Medicare Pvt. Ltd., and Novartis AG. Novartis AG acquired Ziarco Pharma Ltd a U.K.-based dermatology therapeutics firmin December 2016 to acquire a pipeline of oral and topical products for treatment of psoriasis. Acquisition of the potentially first-in-class therapy would bolster dermatology portfolio and pipeline of Novartis. Ziarco completed Phase II trial, a proof-of-concept study with ZPL-389.Request Customization @Increasing prevalence of psoriasis coupled with early diagnosis to propel growth of psoriasis treatment marketThe growth of psoriasis treatment market is projected to gain traction in North America owing to large patient pool in this region. Also, better medical facilities, commercialization of new diagnostic technology, medical policies, and favorable reimbursement policies are factors fueling growth of psoriasis treatment market. According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), around 3% of the worlds population has some form of psoriasis. According to a study published in Cleveland Clinic in September 2013, there are around 150,000 new cases of psoriasis reported each year in the U.S.According to a study published in Medical Journal of Malaysia, in 2015 prevalence of psoriasis varies between 2.0% to 3.0% worldwide. Incidence rate is highest among Caucasians and lowest among Japanese and Africans. The study states that prevalence rate of psoriasis in Japan is 0.05% to 0.1%, as compared to China 0.5% and Taiwan 0.2%, and in India, the prevalence of psoriasis was reported in the range of 0.4% to 2.8%. High prevalence and increasing incidence propels growth of the psoriasis treatment market.About Coherent Market Insights:Coherent Market Insights is a prominent market research and consulting firm offering action-ready syndicated research reports, custom market analysis, consulting services, and competitive analysis through various recommendations related to emerging market trends, technologies, and potential absolute dollar opportunity.Contact Us:Mr. ShahCoherent Market Insights1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154Tel: +1-206-701-6702Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com A Beaverton sheet metal company must pay $98,000 in back wages to 51 employees after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor. The department said TT&L Sheet Metal didnt account for time its workers spent driving each week and so didnt pay them full overtime when they worked long hours. It also said the firm based overtime pay on the lowest pay rates workers earned during the week rather than a weighted average of the rates they earned. (Workers earned different pay on different jobs, according to the department.) TT&L did not respond to a message seeking comment. -- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 Kim had been wine tasting with a friend in Sonoma, Calif. They got into an argument in the car that night and Kim thought someone was following them. She was utterly convinced. And she had to get away. I jumped out of the car and started running, and I literally ran a mile. I went through water, went up a tree, she said. I was literally running for my life. Kim was soaking wet when she walked into a womans house, woke her from bed and asked for help. When the woman went to call the police, Kim left and found another womans empty guesthouse to sleep in Goldilocks-style. But then I woke up and stole her car, said Kim, who is 47 and now in recovery. (KHN is using her first name only.) Kim had been high on Xanax and methamphetamine. I was crazy. Meth causes people to act completely insane. While public health officials have focused on the opioid epidemic in recent years, another epidemic has been brewing quietly, but vigorously, behind the scenes. Methamphetamine use is surging in parts of the U.S., particularly the West, leaving first responders and addiction treatment providers struggling to handle a rising need. Across the country, overdose deaths involving meth more than quadrupled from 2011 to 2017. Admissions to treatment facilities for meth are up 17%. Hospitalizations related to meth jumped by about 245% from 2008 to 2015. And throughout the West and Midwest, 70% of local law enforcement agencies say meth is their biggest drug threat. But policymakers in Washington, D.C., havent kept up, continuing to direct the bulk of funding and attention to opioids, said Steve Shoptaw, an addiction psychologist at UCLA in Los Angeles, where he hears one story after another about meth destroying peoples lives. But when youre in D.C., where people are making decisions about how to deploy resources, those stories are very much muffled by the much louder story about the opioid epidemic, he said. Even within drug treatment circles, theres a divide. Opioid addiction advocates are afraid their efforts to gain acceptance for measures like needle-exchange programs and safe injection sites will be threatened if meth advocates demand too much. The bottom line is, as Americans, we have just so much tolerance to deal with addiction, Shoptaw said. And if the opioid users have taken that tolerance, then theres no more. So, lawmakers in San Francisco are trying to get a grip on the toll meth is taking on their citys public health system on their own. The mayor recently established a task force to combat the epidemic. Its something we really have to interrupt, said Rafael Mandelman, a San Francisco district supervisor who will co-chair the task force. Over time, this does lasting damage to peoples brains. If they do not have an underlying medical condition at the start, by the end, they will. Chart of methamphetamine deaths in Oregon Since 2011, emergency room visits related to meth in San Francisco have jumped 600% to 1,965 visits in 2016, the last year for which ER data is available. Admissions to the hospital are up 400% to 193, according to city public health data. And at San Francisco General Hospital, of 7,000 annual psychiatric emergency visits last year, 47% were people who were not necessarily mentally ill they were high on meth. They can look so similar to someone thats experiencing chronic schizophrenia, said Dr. Anton Nigusse Bland, medical director of psychiatric emergency services at San Francisco General. Its almost indistinguishable in that moment. They have methamphetamine-induced psychosis. Theyre often paranoid, theyre thinking someone might be trying to harm them, he said. Their perceptions are all off. If the person is extremely agitated, doctors might administer a sedative or even an antipsychotic medicine. Otherwise, the treatment is just waiting 12 to 16 hours for the meth to wear off. No more psychosis. Their thoughts are more organized, theyre able to maintain adequate clothing. Theyre eating, theyre communicating, Nigusse Bland said. The improvement in the person is rather dramatic because it happens so quickly. Number of opioid-related deaths in Oregon Trends In Drug Use Come In Waves The trend in rising stimulant use is nationwide: cocaine on the East Coast, meth on the West Coast, said Dr. Daniel Ciccarone, a professor of medicine and substance use researcher at the University of California-San Francisco. It is an epidemic wave thats coming, thats already here, he said. But it hasnt fully reached our public consciousness. Drug preferences are generational, Ciccarone said. They change with the hairstyles and clothing choices, like bell-bottoms or leg warmers. It was heroin in the 1970s, cocaine and crack in the 80s. Then opiate pills. Then methamphetamine. Then heroin. And now meth again. The culture creates this notion of lets go up, lets not go down, Ciccarone said. New people coming into drug use are saying, Whoa, I dont really want to do that. I hear its deadly.' Kim has been with meth through two waves. When she got into speed in the 1990s, she was hanging out with bikers, going to clubs in San Francisco. Now what I see, in any neighborhood, you can find it. Its not the same as it used to be where it was kind of taboo, Kim said. Its more socially accepted now. Dying From Meth A hint about who uses meth now comes from the data on deaths. Nationally, meth is not as lethal as opioids: 47,600 people died of opioid-related overdoses in 2017 compared with 10,333 deaths involving meth. But the death rate for meth has been rising. Meth-related deaths in San Francisco doubled since 2011, another indication that more people are using meth and that todays supply is very potent, said the UCSFs Ciccarone. Another hypothesis to explain the growth in meth-related overdoses is that meth users are aging. Most meth deaths are from a brain hemorrhage or a heart attack, which would be unusual for a 20-year-old. Because your tissue is so healthy at that age, said Dr. Phillip Coffin, a physician and the director of substance use research at the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Whereas when youre 55 years old and using methamphetamine, you might be at higher risk for bursting a vessel and bleeding and dying from that. Another explanation for the rising death rate is that meth has become contaminated. And that affects everyone, old and young. Last year, three young people in San Francisco died after smoking meth together. It turns out the meth had fentanyl in it. The synthetic opioid has been causing waves of heroin overdoses across the country, but now its showing up mixed into cocaine and meth. Most researchers believe the contamination happens accidentally, when a dealer uses the same equipment to bag fentanyl and later meth, Ciccarone said. Relapses Are Common Over her two decades of meth use, Kim has been through drug treatment more than a dozen times. Relapse is part of recovery, and among meth users, 60% will start using again within a year of finishing treatment. Unlike opioids, there are no medication treatments for meth addiction, which makes it particularly hard to treat. In April, Kim completed a six-month residential treatment program for women in San Francisco called the Epiphany Center. She came directly from jail, after serving time for her housewarming-and-car-theft spree in Sonoma. She said that in the first 30 days all she could do was try to clear the chaos from her mind. You have to get used to sitting with yourself, which is essential for life, is to get along with your own self, she said. Kim, who has four children, is hopeful that this round of treatment will stick. She is living in transitional housing now, has a job and has been accepted to a program at the University of California-Berkeley to finish her college degree. Ive gone through 12 different programs and its been for my children, for my mom, for the courts. Ive never come to be there for myself, Kim said. So its like Ive come to a place where it has to be for me. This story is part of a partnership that includes KQED, NPR and Kaiser Health News. Portland police have identified a man suspected of making bomb threats at the Oregon Zoo on Friday evening. Police arrested Benjamin William Greene, 37, after he allegedly made two calls from the emergency call box at the Washington Park transit station and said he had a bomb. Portland police Sgt. Kevin Allen said he will be charged with one count of disorderly conduct and one of interfering with public transportation, both misdemeanors. Police closed access to U.S. 26 near the Oregon Zoo around 6 p.m., and the Red and Blue lines of the MAX to Hillsboro were delayed by up to 20 minutes as police investigated the incident in the Washington Park area. Allen said Greene made one call from the underground transit stop, and a second from the parking lot above. Portland police officers and TriMet transit police found Greene in the parking lot area outside the transit station and arrested him. They isolated the area around a bag Greene was carrying and had the Explosives Disposal Unit inspect the bag. The unit determined there was no explosive or anything dangerous in it. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox. WASHINGTON (AP) The House on Friday passed a $19 billion disaster aid bill that would deliver long-sought relief to farmers, victims of hurricanes and floods, and rebuild southern military bases, as Democrats try to dislodge the legislation from a Senate logjam over aid to hurricane-slammed Puerto Rico. The measure passed by a 257-150 vote over the opposition of most Republicans, who said it should also include the Trump administration's $4.5 billion request for stepped up humanitarian aid and law enforcement along the U.S.-Mexico border, which is facing a wave of migrants fleeing violence in Central America. The House had passed an earlier $14 billion version of the measure in January, but the legislation has been held up in the Senate amid a fight between President Donald Trump and Democrats over aid to Puerto Rico. Trump is feuding with Democratic officials on the island and falsely claims that Puerto Rico has already received $91 billion in aid. Trump took to Twitter on Thursday to urge Republicans to vote against the bill. "House Republicans should not vote for the BAD DEMOCRAT Disaster Supplemental Bill which hurts our States, Farmers & Border Security," Trump tweeted. "We want to do much better than this. All sides keep working and send a good BILL for immediate signing!" Only 34 Republicans broke with Trump to support the bill. Disaster aid measures are usually among the few reliably bipartisan pieces of legislation left in an increasingly partisan Washington. But the pending measure faces several obstacles in addition to the battle over Puerto Rico, including an attempt by powerful Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., to boost Army Corps of Engineers harbor dredging efforts, of which the Port of Mobile in his state would be a major beneficiary. Shelby's relationship with White House Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney also appears strained. Since the House measure originally passed, Midwestern floods have added billions of dollars to the government's roster of disaster needs, while a rising wave of Central American migrants seeking refuge from violence in their countries is requiring additional billions of dollars to house and care for thousands of migrants. "The bill languished for months in the Senate over assistance for Puerto Rico. And as it sat there, floods battered the Midwest and tornadoes swept the South," said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey, D-N.Y. "This legislation attempts to meet the needs of all of America's disaster-stricken communities whether in Puerto Rico or the Midwest, California or the Carolinas." Republicans on Thursday delivered a new offer to Democrats in hopes of finally breaking the legislation free, adding money for Puerto Rico and flooded Midwestern states. Lawmakers had hoped to have the legislation enacted into law by now but are now eying Memorial Day as an informal deadline. "I've spoken to the president. I've spoken to the leader on the Senate side. I believe we can solve this all by next week," said top House Republican Kevin McCarthy of California. "Let's do this together. Let's show America that when it comes to a time of need that we all put partisanship aside." Democrats regard the offer in a positive light. "The Republicans are finally starting to realize they can't leave Puerto Rico behind, and that's a step in the right direction," said a spokesman for top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York. "Conversations continue." The White House and some Republicans want to add Trump's border request to the measure. "We should provide much needed relief to communities recovering from hurricanes, floods, wildfires and tornadoes. But we cannot turn our backs on a border crisis that is growing worse by the day," said top Appropriations Committee Republican Kay Granger of Texas. "Law enforcement and humanitarian relief organizations are being pushed to the limit, and we must act now." Democrats have resisted the idea of merging the border and disaster measures, saying that would delay the aid measure and complicate its passage. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., however, said in a brief interview that "there may be some pieces" of Trump's border request that could be added to the disaster aid measure in endgame negotiations. "We'll see." Friday's measure originally added $3 billion to the earlier House bill to help Midwest states such as Iowa and Nebraska recover from this spring's floods but then was successfully amended on the floor numerous times by lawmakers in both parties, who added $1.9 billion to the measure, chiefly to rebuild military bases in Nebraska and Florida and deliver more flood aid for the Midwest. The measure also would extend the federal flood insurance program through September to give lawmakers more time to renew the program, which enjoys broad bipartisan support. The additional time would give the House and Senate banking panels time to develop a longer-term extension of the program. Nancy Crampton Brophy, the romance novelist accused of murdering her husband at a Portland cooking school, will be allowed to sort out her criminal troubles before she has to deal with her financial ones. A lawyer representing the estate of Crampton Brophys dead husband and a lawyer representing Crampton Brophy said Friday that a $1.7 million lawsuit filed against her will be put on hold so she can first focus on her criminal case. Crampton Brophy, 68, is charged with a single count of domestic-violence murder using a firearm against her husband of 27 years, Daniel Brophy, on June 2. Brophy, 63, was an instructor at the Oregon Culinary Institute. If convicted, Crampton Brophy faces a prison sentence of life with a 25-year minimum. No trial date has been scheduled yet, and it could be a year or more before a trial takes place. In February, Nathaniel Stillwater filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of his fathers estate, against Crampton Brophy, who is his stepmother. -- Aimee Green agreen@oregonian.com o_aimee Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox. The Oregon Department of Justice is reviewing the activities of a nonprofit that provides care to adults with developmental disabilities following reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive. The scope of the review is unclear, but it could last several months. Action by the state comes after The Oregonian/OregonLive spotlighted an interweaving of family and financial interests within Alternative Services-Oregon. Five relatives of Alternative Services executive director have worked for or contracted with the nonprofit, and two board members personally own properties that they lease to the nonprofit. Alternative Services-Oregon has previously said its board ensured the interested parties were walled off from decisions that affected them, and that its conflict-of-interest policies were followed. Kristina Edmunson, a spokeswoman for the Department of Justice, said the agency is now taking a more formal look at issues involving Alternative Services-Oregon. She declined further comment Friday, saying our review is ongoing. Pat Allen-Sleeman, Alternative Services executive director, said the nonprofit has not been notified of any investigation by the Department of Justice. Thomas DLuge, the board secretary for Alternative Services-Oregon, said he was not aware of any request for information from authorities. Alternative Services-Oregon receives about $17 million a year from the Department of Human Services to operate 37 group homes across the state for adults with developmental disabilities. A spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services said the agency was not notified that state attorneys are conducting a more formal review of Alternative Services-Oregon. According to tax filings, Alternative Services-Oregon paid a total of $2.4 million over five years to family members of Allen-Sleeman, the executive director. Meanwhile, the board president, Arthur Mack, owns three homes that are leased to the nonprofit while the board secretary, DLuge, owns one. They declined to release financial terms. But tax records from 2012 show payments that year totaling $101,805 from the nonprofit to Mack and DLuge. A top official for Oregons Department of Human Services issued a statement May 4 saying that the Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section had reviewed arrangements of the provider in the story and did not indicate any specific concerns. Sherryll Hoar, a spokeswoman for the Department of Human Services, declined to answer questions about that statement other than to say the agency contacted its general counsel lawyer for input April 25. Edmunson, the Department of Justice spokeswoman, declined to say if the Department of Human Services statement was accurate. On Wednesday, Edmunson said the agencys Charitable Activities Section has not yet initiated an inquiry, but may do so in connection with information contained in your story and in the organizations financial statements. On Thursday, Edmunson said attorneys are now taking a more formal look at this. Typically, Edmunson said, the Department of Justice reviews public documents before determining to proceed with a more extensive investigation and before seeking additional information from a charity. State law gives the Department of Justice authority to investigate transactions and relationships of charitable organizations, including whether fiduciary responsibilities have been breached. Attorneys have the power to demand documents and financial records. Alternative Services-Oregon is part of a network of nonprofits founded by Mack, who lives in Michigan. Tax filings show related organizations exist in Michigan, Maine, Connecticut, North Carolina and Oregon. The other Oregon-based nonprofits are: Community Living Case Management, which provides oversight of group homes in Coos, Curry, Douglas and Josephine counties; and Carpe Diem Foundation, which owns some of Alternative Services-Oregons group homes. -- Brad Schmidt bschmidt@oregonian.com 503-294-7628 @_brad_schmidt Meatballs, spicy tacos and delectable desserts were on the menu for the annual Chefs for Shelterhouse event that served-up flavor while helping victims of sexual assault and abuse. "The sad commentary is that programs like Shelterhouse are desperately needed," said Patrick Matta, who was sexually assaulted when he was younger. "The great thing is all the people who come together to support such an amazing effort." Matta said while he is considered a victim, he is a survivor. Shelterhouse offers safety and counseling for victims of sexual and domestic abuse, noting that one in every four women and one in every seven men experience domestic violence or sexual assault. The event is Shelterhouse's largest fundraiser, said Executive Director Janine Ouderkirk as she mingled with fundraiser attendees. More than 1,200 people filled The Great Hall on Thursday evening for the event. First-time attendee Sallie Sanislow said, "When in an abusive situation, women are alone." Sanislow said she is more than happy to help eliminate the situation. She came with friends Vallie McColley, Michele Tucker and Connie Schmidt. "Every single one of these women are special to me in their own right," McColley said of her three friends. She noted she has known all of them for more than 10 years. Tucker said the event is special because someone she loves is involved in an abusive relationship and she wants to support a program that can help that person. Schmidt interned with Shelterhouse and it is an organization dear to her. Attending for the first time were Suzanne Reille and her husband, Peter. Rielle said her friend, board member Liza Jozieak, invited the couple. The Reilles supported the organization in recent years. "She knew we would enjoy. The food is amazing," Rielle said, admitting she only sampled half the room of the estimated 30 vendors. Peter already declared the Timbers Restaurant Philippine tacos the night's winner. Kurt Kelly said he was away on business and when he returned Thursday from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, his wife, Ann, had his sport coat waiting for him. Meckenzie Moody, 8, was thrilled to win a painting of the Midland County Courthouse in the raffle. Her mother works in the courthouse. While her grandmother, Sue, a Chemical Bank representative, was enamored with the cause. Sue Moody said the beet humus, the curry crapes and the salmon were all amazing. Moody said she is thankful for events that help a community that helps others. Longtime Shelterhouse supporters Bev Wenzel and husband, Kevin, said they also are thankful for Shelterhouse. "This is an event we look forward to," said Wenzel, who works many hours to help those in need through The Arc of Midland. This year's event also welcomed new vendors, such as Grove Tea Lounge. "It is amazing that they thought of us," said manager Patrick McElgunn, who was joined by employees Kayla Foco and Jose Abad. "They reached out to us," McElgunn said as he cleared tables. "That means a lot." Midland's Cheeky Cheesecakes owners were also thankful to be invited. The company was out of food after just over an hour into the event. Both owners, Nikki Rayce and Marcia Northrup, who have been friends since seventh grade, are survivors of abuse. "We made it out alive" said Rayce, whose company has attended the event for three years. The duo was assisted by employee Shelly Miller. The group said they hope to attend the event until they are thrown out. Black Creek Kitchen owner Richard Verdoni opened his first restaurant in December in Sanford. This was his first year at the event. Verdoni brought some of his recipes from Mexico. Verdoni is acclaimed for throwing a 50th Gumby Birthday Bash. Verdoni said that event was a bust, but he is reinventing himself. He said there is no better way than being a part of the Shelterhouse event that he believes in. Ouderkirk said the event continues to grow and she is humbled by the community's belief and support. For more information, visit https://shelterhousemidland.org/ Dow earned 37th place on the 2019 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list from DiversityInc, which was announced recently at DiversityInc's annual celebratory event in New York City. Dow's presence on the list for the second consecutive year showcases its commitment to workplace diversity and reflects the company's understanding of how a diverse workplace improves both recruitment efforts and profits. "We are proud to be recognized again as a leader in inclusion and diversity, and it's gratifying to see Dow move up 13 places on this year's list," said Jim Fitterling, chief executive officer of Dow. "Dow's ambition is to become the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world. Success will be predicated on building an inclusive culture that values and embraces differences, and taps into the diverse ideas, cultural perspectives, and education, work and life experiences of our people. Inclusion and diversity is a business imperative." Dow's move up the list, from 50th place to the 37th spot in 2019, reflects the company's efforts in recent years to raise the bar for making inclusion a catalyst for positive change. "We are honored to receive this recognition for our progress and results and committed to continuing to cultivate an inclusive workplace for a globally diverse workforce," said Karen S. Carter, chief human resources officer and chief inclusion officer of Dow. "DiversityInc sets the bar high and the top companies continue to raise the bar higher. So, we are particularly pleased to be cited among companies doing such outstanding and important work. This achievement is a testimony to the efforts of thousands of Dow people around the world who are bringing inclusion and diversity to life every day and institutionalizing it in the way we work." For the first time, Dow was also included on three of DiversityInc's Specialty Lists: 15th on Top Companies for People with Disabilities, 21st on Top Companies for Diversity Councils, and one of 34 companies on Top Companies for LGBT Employees. Fitterling and Carter participated in the 2019 DiversityInc event. Carter served as a panelist in a session focusing on moving women of color into senior leadership role, while Fitterling engaged in a fireside chat with Carolynn Johnson, COO of DiversityInc. Issued annually since 2001, the DiversityInc Top 50 list honors top companies across the nation for their management of diversity and inclusion. The list is based on data from a survey of more than 200 questions, which tracks and connects human capital outcomes with best practices used to promote the advancement of underrepresented workplace groups such as women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ and veterans. The rankings factor in a number of elements, including but not limited to talent development, recruitment, supplier diversity and senior leadership commitment to inclusion and diversity. The entire Top 50 list is at DiversityInc's website at #DITop50. The Midland Noon Rotary Club has announced three scholarships to send area high school juniors to the Rotary Youth Leadership Camp in Clare from June 16-20. Each summer, the Rotary Camp provides a leadership training program for young people, which emphasizes leadership, citizenship and personal growth. In 2018, more than 60 youth from Rotary districts throughout Michigan attended the camp and were benefitted by their experience. Students must be able to attend all five days of the camp. Interested candidates are encouraged to complete an application and return it to the club no later than May 15. Each student applicant needs to have a teacher or counselor write a letter of recommendation emphasizing the student's leadership potential. The signed application and teacher recommendation letter should be mailed to: Dr. Betty Jones at 2504 Georgetown Drive in Midland by May 15 for consideration. If selected, the student will also need to have a physical and submit the completed medical forms prior to the camp dates. While campers are encouraged to provide their own transportation to and from the camp, transport arrangements are available through Midland Rotary Club upon request. Camp Rotary is set among 1,100 acres of scenic wooded land, the camp includes dormitory accommodations and a wide variety of activities. The program follows a core curriculum which covers topics such as fundamentals of leadership, ethics of positive leadership, importance of communication skills and effective leadership, problem solving and conflict management. Students also learn about Rotary International as an organization and what it does in the community, building self confidence and self esteem and affirming elements of community and global citizenship. Student graduates of the camp are invited to apply to the Rotary District for college scholarships. Applications and other information are available in high school guidance offices or on-line at admin@midlandrotaryclub.org. For questions or added information, contact Dr. Betty Jones at bebejo70@charter.net or call 989-631-6774. To the editor: What is happening? This Wixom Lake takeover is unbelievable. Private ownership of four dams is being swallowed up by government. Five million dollars of state tax dollars has been given in the form of a grant to help pay for this government purchase. The $350 to be paid annually by owners of parcels contiguous to water is a low estimate at best. The $20 million total expense is another amount that needs investigating. The big government agency (the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC) was what was necessary to pull this off. They would set a date for the present owner to start work on repairs. The politicians would convince FERC to delay the work and set a new date. Then the government decides to take the owner's right to produce electricity by removing its license. The owner does not move to sell the property to a private owner, he has the taxpayers to buy the four dams. To hear this salesmanship being put out by this Four Lakes association and the politicians is hard to listen to. The Four Lakes bunch is throwing numbers out that the people of this state cannot check. What will be the legacy cost of manpower to operate the dams? Retirements, workmen's comp and liabilities need to be examined by the taxpayers. Here we go again appointing an authority to oversee this takeover. Look at what the last authority accomplished for the taxpayers of Midland County. Millions of dollars to transport prisoners across town to the courthouse. Vans to repair, transport officers to hire, and all that would not be necessary if the judiciary would have been built near the correctional facility. The Four Lakes bunch should send thank you letters to every taxpayer in Michigan. Also they should thank county commissioners and state politicians for their help. And don't forget FERC and the DNR. JAMES LEIGEB Midland Travel demand is almost always a good predictor of what's to come for the overall economy. It's like the canary in the coal mine. When consumers and big companies start to feel nervous about future prospects, travel is usually one of the first things to get cut (or reduced) from the family or corporate budget. So while employment and overall economic numbers still look like it's full steam ahead for the U.S. economy, the travel industry may be starting to feel a light recessionary chill. Some examples: "We have had 100plus straight months of travel expansion in the U.S., and there are now parts of the world that are just starting to join the travel revolution...But despite these positive factors, I see increasing and worrying signs about where worldwide demand is headed and evidence that suggests the U.S. is poised for a slowdown across every travel category" writes Clayton Reid, the CEO of MMGY Global, a giant marketing and communications firm in the travel space. MMGY's research shows an overall decline in demand for travel over the last two years, with a lot more travelers citing sensitivity to pricing as the reason for cutting back. It finds that business travel demand is currently a little stronger than leisure demand, which is propping up airfares and hotel rates, but that is also expected to decline in 2020. With economies outside the U.S. going soft, fewer travelers will be headed to big American gateway cities like New York or San Francisco, pushing down demand. Reid wrote, "According to The Wall Street Journal, 49% of economists predict a global recession late this year. Yes, that's only half of those polled, so the optimist in me wants to believe the other 51%. The problem: Half of the 51% think a recession is still coming in 2020, and, by the way, in 2007, only 44% of economists thought we were headed for a recession that came just months later." There are growing concerns about financial default and employment according to Squaremouth, a big travel insurance comparison site. The company says that interest in travel insurance that covers cancellations for work reasons or employee layoffs is way up-- +25 percent and +42 percent respectively. Consumers are also buying more insurance to cover airline bankruptcies, such as the recent shutdown by WOW Air. Don't miss a shred of important travel news! Sign up for our FREE bi-weekly email alerts! Booking Holdings, the giant online travel conglomerate that owns the likes of Kayak.com and Priceline.com, saw its total revenues decline 3 percent, year-over-year, to $2.8 billion in the first quarter of this year. The company's growth is now tepid compared to the 16 percent average annualized year-over-year revenue growth that it enjoyed between 2014 and last year according to a report in Yahoo Finance. This week Dubai's giant Emirates Airline reported that its profits are down a stunning 70% year over year, primarily due to higher fuel prices, but also do to declining demand. And then there's this from the US Travel Association (USTA), which represents travel industry interests in Washington, DC: In March travel to and within the US increased 2 percent-- marking just over nine years of expansion. However, this growth was dampened by the news that international inbound travel fell a whopping 5.4% year-over-year in Marchafter edging down just 0.2% in February. "The outlook for international inbound travel remains lackluster, suggesting that a further loss of global market share is in the cards for the U.S. in 2019," said U.S. Travel Senior Vice President for Research David Huether. The group said that continued moderation in consumer spending, vacation intentions and business investment is expected to cause both segments of domestic travel to cool in the coming months. On a more positive note, when I ask Best Western Hotels & Resorts CEO David Kong how the hotel or travel industry is doing, he usually tells me to just look at the stock market. If it is rising, he says, then you can be pretty sure that the travel industry is going to follow suit. So, looking at the recent records being set on Wall Street, I think we will likely have one of the busiest peak summer travels seasons we've had in years. After that? Who knows... So what do you think, travelers? Is there a chill in the air? Are you scaling back travel plans? Tell us what you think in the comments. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Get twice-per-week updates from TravelSkills via email! Sign up here Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis. Paducah, KY (42003) Today Some clouds. Areas of patchy fog. Low 44F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds. Areas of patchy fog. Low 44F. Winds light and variable. Paris, France (PANA) Amnesty International has welcomed Gambian President Adama Barrows decision to commute the death sentences of 22 prisoners to life imprisonment stating it is a positive step Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libyan presidential council president, Fayez Al-Sarraj, has expressed hope that "US President Donald Trump succeeds where former US presidents failed by using his power to restore peace, stability and security in Libya and in the region Harare, Zimbabwe (PANA) - Zimbabwe church leaders have urged the countrys citizens to cease engaging in all political activities that undermine national dialogue efforts BLOOMINGTON The city has reached an agreement to settle a federal court case against the city and four Bloomington police officers that alleged civil rights violations. The City Council will consider on Monday night approving a payment of $55,000 to settle the nine-count lawsuit filed in 2017 by Ashley Burrell and Donnelly Jackson over a Jan. 7, 2016, incident in Bloomington. "The decision to settle the litigation was an economic decision made by the city and its insurer," city attorney Jeff Jurgens said Friday. "The anticipated cost of defending the case was expected to be significantly higher than settling the case. "The city denies its officers acted unlawfully in the incident, and the settlement will contain no admission of wrongdoing," said Jurgens. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Peoria named as defendants the city and Bloomington Police Department officers Bradley Massey, Aaron Veerman, Tyrel Klein and Justin Shively. Chicago-based attorneys Daniel Kiss and Louis J. Meyer represented Burrell and Jackson. "We have a confidentiality agreement so we can't comment other than to say the case has been settled to the satisfaction of our clients," said Meyer. Burrell alleged unreasonable search and seizure of her vehicle after an officer pulled her over for allegedly failing to make a complete stop at a stop sign at Robinhood Lane and Fairway Drive, according to court documents. Police brought a canine to the scene to sniff for drugs. When Jackson, the passenger in the vehicle, refused to exit, officers removed him, according to the lawsuit. Jackson alleged in the lawsuit that he was injured by officers using excessive force, a taser and pepper spray. Burrell was issued a ticket for not stopping at the stop sign, and released him at the scene. Jackson was taken to OSF HealthCare St. Joseph Medical Center to be evaluated and then to jail for allegedly resisting an officer. Their charges were dropped by prosecutors in 2016. Contact Maria Nagle at (309) 820-3244. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Nagle The Library of Congress has dozens of historical photos of Bloomington-Normal and beyond. Look up more here. If you listen closely to what Democratic state Reps. Sam Yingling and Jonathan Carroll are saying in public about their opposition to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's graduated income tax proposal, they appear to believe that Pritzker's proposed tax rates aren't high enough. Yingling and Carroll are both demanding significant property tax relief. "In Illinois," Yingling wrote in the Chicago Tribune last week, "the disproportionate reliance on and financial burden of property taxes to fund government - roads and bridges, education, police, fire and other essential services - is devastating." "My constituents are concerned that their taxes will go up without essential property-tax relief," Carroll was quoted as saying. No sane person would argue that property taxes are too low in this state. Yingling didn't mention school spending in his letter to the Tribune, but that's by far the largest item in the local levies. And that's why both Yingling and Carroll signed on to a resolution during the last General Assembly opposing a proposed shift of pension costs from the state to local school districts, which would've driven up property taxes much higher than they already were. But unless a solution to this mess involves a Bruce Rauner-style elimination of collective bargaining rights for unions, or drastic cuts to school classrooms and to municipal operations (which both Yingling and Carroll would oppose), combined with a wholesale elimination of state mandates and sweeping forced district consolidations, then lowering property taxes right away will require lots more money from the state. And state money doesn't grow on trees like it does at the federal level. Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, has been working on this issue for years and told me that significant state-funded property tax relief would cost $7 billion to $8 billion every year. That means almost quadrupling Pritzker's proposed $3.4 billion tax hike on upper-income Illinoisans. Or, if the flat tax were kept in place, it would require at least a couple of percentage points added to the current income tax rate, taking it to almost 7 percent for everybody. Yingling, however, voted against the 2017 income tax increase which ended the state's two-year budget impasse. Carroll was not yet appointed to his seat when that bill became law over Rauner's veto. State funding and lots more were all discussed during the property tax working group meetings set up and facilitated by the governor's office that both Yingling and Carroll attended - although Carroll reportedly missed the final meeting. Yingling reportedly suggested some ideas, but no agreements could be reached, mainly because if this was so easy it would've been done decades ago. Property taxes have been a major issue in this state since the 1980s, when the share of the state's funding of schools started sliding downward and local property taxes started shooting up. A half a point was added to the income tax in 1989 as a sort of "welcoming present" to newly elected Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. Half of the increase went to schools and the other half went to local governments. But that money eventually got rolled back into GRF and the state did things like cap suburban property tax increases, which, as homeowners in Yingling's Lake County will certainly attest, obviously didn't work as advertised. Yingling passed just four of his House bills this year. None of them were bad ideas, but none would significantly reduce anyone's property tax bills, either. Carroll passed a bill (co-sponsored by Yingling) to place yet another unfunded state mandate on local schools to make sure third-party driver education teachers were properly certified. Those sorts of mandates drive up local taxes. Nobody can read anyone's mind, but Yingling's 2017 income tax hike vote probably explains a lot more about his current refusal to support the graduated tax than his stated concerns about property taxes. He perpetually votes like a vulnerable targeted member, even though his district is now pretty safely Democratic. And Carroll has a whole lot of high-income constituents in his even more Democratic Northbrook-area district who likely aren't pleased with the prospect of paying more money to the state. The fact that neither legislator bothered to give the governor's office a courtesy heads-up on their intentions to publicly oppose the plan also speaks volumes. If these two seriously want to significantly reduce property taxes, then they should introduce a bill to actually do it - and to pay for it. Otherwise, they're just grandstanding and forcing everyone else do the heavy lifting. Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 100 years ago May 11, 1919: Veterans Fitch Harwood, Richard OConnell and Ben Rhodes have returned from the newly-formed American Legion convention in St. Louis. They will start a Legion post in Bloomington. The Legion is open to all soldiers and sailors who were in the Great War. 75 years ago May 11, 1944: The men of Bloomingtons Company K, Illinois Reserve Militia, are home from flood duty at Meredosia. The had spent 15 days 3,400 combined hours on levy work on the Illinois River. They were welcomed home with coffee and donuts by the Red Cross. 50 years ago May 11, 1969: Neighbors in the Wilson subdivision west of town are complaining of blight: an illegal landfill, termites, rats, and a creek dammed by junk. It was supposed to be cleaned up but never was. Its unclear who owns the landfill, but theyll be sued once theyre identified. 25 years ago May 11, 1994: John and William Rhodes were fined after they had first faced home invasion charges. The pair tried to make a citizens arrest of Johns teenage daughter in a case of stolen guns. The guns are recovered but the brothers cant have them for two years as part of their probation. Compiled by Jack Keefe; jkeefe@coldwellhomes.com. Hemp has been a hot topic of discussion recently. It's important to highlight its many benefits and uses while attempting to justify its illegal status. Hemp has been confused as being the same as marijuana for decades. It was explained to the public, decades ago, as being just as dangerous. There was no distinguishing factor labeling the two as different as research wasn't sought to explore the plants. Yes, they're in the same plant species but are two different plants. Hemp, typically, contains less than 1-percent THC by volume when dry. Most hemp tests at 0.03-percent THC. Below we'll take you through a topic in the industry that seems to be another hot topic - Hemp for Victory. We've included a link at the end of the article to the entire short film - it's just under 14 minutes in length. What was Hemp for Victory? The U.S. Government made the Hemp for Victory film in 1942 during World War II. Their purpose? To encourage farmers to grow hemp. In the footage, it explains the multiple uses for hemp and how to grow it. Hemp is a great source of industrial fibers. Much of it was imported at that time. The overseas farmers were running short on supply, so the government wanted it grown on American soil for use in American-made items. There wasn't much talk about this film for a few decades because it just wasn't well known. Even the Library of Congress said the film didn't exist. How did the film resurface? In 1989 Jack Herer, Carl Packard and Maria Farrow donated two recovered copies to the Library of Congress. Before that, a single copy was known - a " broadcast copy that William Conde obtained in 1976. He got the copy from a Miami Herald reporter. William Conde gave the copy to Jack Herer at the 1984 Oregon Marijuana Initiative event. There are two small parts of this short film that have been adapted into one, nearly 14-minute presentation. Fun fact: Hemp was used on the Naval ship "Old Ironsides". Impact of Hemp for Victory In Britain, some colonies were instructed by law to grow hemp. Hemp was used for its fiber since it didn't decay with exposure to the elements very quickly. Hemp canvas, lines and rope were all used. George Washington encouraged farmers to grow hemp. Hemp was a form of currency at one point where citizens could pay their taxes with their crops. Once it was encouraged of farmers to grow hemp and processing plants were built, hemp production increased. But, before an ample number of processing facilities could be built, World War II ended. Demand for hemp and its products decreased rapidly. Farmers had fields full of hemp, but with the decreased demand - their contracts were cancelled. In 1958, the last major hemp crop in the country was harvested and processed - at least from the USDA's Hemp for Victory Campaign. Although hemp could be used to make clothes, synthetic fibers came about; they were cheaper and became the choice in terms of cost to produce and end product cost. Fibrous texture of hemp Fun Fact: The initial drafts of the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper. The Battle to End Federal Prohibition of Hemp Here we are a few decades later - fighting to end hemp prohibition. The Farm Bill of 2014 is essentially a "pilot program" for research purposes mostly. Ten states were included in the bill when it was written and more than 20 have adopted industrial hemp policies since then. While research is fine and dandy (and very much needed), hemp's true potential remains stunted by government regulations. Hemp contains cannabinoids, which are good for the body in many respects. Scientists and cannabis-industry experts are still learning all of hemp's potential medicinal benefits. It's a non-psychoactive plant that many believe never should have been made illegal (right along with marijuana). By conducting studies with positive reports and continuing to show the federal government that hemp can't get anyone high - prohibition may end. As the saying goes - history often repeats itself. In this case, we hope so. Hemp was barely reaching its partial potential when it was officially made illegal in 1970. Its uses were still being discovered. It has the potential to be a multi-billion dollar industry with several multi-million dollar sub-industries including biofuels, clothing, medicine and even the automotive industry. The stigma surrounding hemp and marijuana is changing in the U.S. Lawmakers around the country are fighting to end prohibition of both plants. It's more likely to see prohibition of hemp end before prohibition of marijuana - at least with the nation's current administration. Future of Hemp After 5-Year Pilot Program No one's exactly sure what is going to happen to the country's current hemp industry after the 5-year pilot program ends. Lawmakers will need to gather to introduce legislation to either legalize hemp altogether, extend the program or create a new program with government-pleasing restrictions in place. Hemp has a sustainable place in the world for centuries to come. Its health benefits have been known for thousands of years. It is a plant that continues to evolve and become more useful as product manufacturing evolves and the need for greener products increases. Closing Thoughts Hemp is an exciting plant. Just when you think you've learned everything you can about it, a new innovation comes to light. Hemp is an ingredient in quite a few health food products and organic snacks. It's in more places in our everyday lives than you may realize already. It's been used to make "hippy-style" jewelry for decades as it is great for making thin ropes to string larger ceramic/glass beads on. It braids well and is quite strong. Hemp-based products have a tendency of lasting for a longer time than synthetic products. It's a naturally higher-quality option for multiple applications - especially for making strong ropes and natural paper products. Hemp may be getting more attention in the coming years as researchers discover more uses for this versatile plant. Patna: Communist Party of India (M) and Communist Party of India (ML) activists in Patna on Tuesday burnt the effigy of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for encouraging deadly violence against their party workers during Panchayat elections that concluded on Wednesday amid reports of massive violence and electoral irregularities. The two factions of the CPI took out a joint rally in Patna and held a number of sidewalk meetings to condemn Banerjee saying she looked the other way while her goons harassed, intimidated, and murdered opposition workers in an attempt to influence poll results. CPI-ML leader Chandradeo Verma, during the burning of an effigy of the West Bengal Chief Minister at Kargil Chowk in Patna, said that Banerjee had turned into a common criminal when she decided to unleash violent terror on those who were not her supporters. "Thugs on Mamata Banerjee's payroll did not allow people to cast their ballot at nearly 34% of the polling booths in the state. Moreover, she allowed his goons to use firearms to kill CPI-M workers at many places," Verma said. Former Bihar legislator and CPI-M leader Rajendra Prasad Singh also accused the West Bengal Chief Minister of 'butchering' democracy in the state that was in a state of anarchy under Banerjee's leadership. "We will soon launch a massive agitation in West Bengal against Mamata Banerjee," he said. Patna: Just two days after he reported back to the Ranchi prison after his three-day parole to attend his son's wedding in Patna, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav was back in the state capital on Wednesday evening after his lawyers completed the formalities for obtaining a six-week conditional bail on medical grounds. Yadav, who is serving time following his conviction in three fodder scam-related cases, was released from the jail after a CBI court in Ranchi put the seal of approval to Yadav's parole earlier granted by the Jharkhand High Court. After posting two bonds of Rs. 50,000 each, the former Chief Minister of Bihar was allowed to leave the prison. The RJD chief, accompanied by Bhola Yadav, his trusted aide and a legislator from Darbhanga, arrived at the Ranchi Airport straight from the prison and took a flight to Patna reaching at the Jaya Prakash Narayan Airport around 6:40 pm. Yadav came out of the airport in a wheelchair pushed by Bhola Yadav. Besides dozens of Yadav's supporters who chanted 'Lalu Yadav Zindabad', there did not appear to be any sign of any of his children coming to the airport to receive their father. From the airport, Yadav was brought to his residence on 10 Circular Road where he was received by his wife and former Chief Minister Rabri Devi and other family members. Yadav, 69, who suffers from a host of ailments including kidney, diabetes, and hyper-tension, would soon be leaving for Delhi and Mumbai for better health care. It may be noted that during his six-week temporary parole, the RJD leader is not allowed to speak to reporters or hold press conferences or attend or organize any political rally. The Victorias Secret Fashion Show will not be returning to network television, after almost two decades on the air. Corporate executives announced the decision on Friday. Leslie Wexner, the chief executive of Victorias Secrets parent company, L Brands, said the company had been taking a fresh look at every aspect of our business," according to the New York Times. Viewership of the once-popular fashion show has plummeted by two-thirds over recent years, according to the Times. The show has often been criticized for objectifying women and has faced recent criticism after CMO Edward Razek made about casting plus-sized and transgender models in the show. The fashion show first aired in 2001 on ABC. Olivia Rizzo may be reached at orizzo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LivRizz. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us.nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Police are investigating a shooting that wounded five people Friday night, according to media reports out of Philadelphia. CBS3 reported that the shooting occurred in the 1900 block of North Corskey Street Friday evening. Philly.com reported that one person was critically wounded in the shooting. All five were transported to the hospital for treatment, but four were listed as in stable condition. The shooting victims were described by Philly.com as people in their late teens and early 20s. Police told the outlet that the suspects are at least two juveniles who opened fire on a group of unarmed people. The shooters remain at large Friday night, Philly.com reported. A Lancaster County man is charged with attempted homicide Friday night after attacking another man with a machete, state police say. Aaron Alexander Rowland, 20, of New Providence, is accused of attacking a 24-year-old New Providence man, during a fight over the TV remote, police said. Troopers were called to a residence in the 700 block of Hollow Road around 2:20 p.m. Friday, for a report of a stabbing, police said. They determined that Rowland got into a physical fight with the other man over the remote. After the fight, Rowland pursued the other man outside and cut his neck with a machete, police said. Rowland surrendered to troopers and was taken into custody. The man was transported to the hospital with a serious neck injury. Rowland was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and possessing the instruments of a crime, police said. He was transported to Lancaster County Prison to await arraignment. PHILADELPHIA Hundreds of anti-abortion protesters packed the street outside a Planned Parenthood clinic Friday to object to a state legislators recent treatment of demonstrators at the site and call for his resignation. Two videos in which Democratic state Rep. Brian Sims badgers anti-abortion protesters have outraged activists in recent days and inspired fundraisers for their cause. A woman who appeared with her daughters in one of the videos addressed the rally, which included protesters who said they'd never been to one before. One of those, Anita McGlynn, said she was concerned that Sims was threatening peaceful demonstrators. "What I saw was a white man harassing teenage girls and an old woman and threatening a cornerstone of our democracy, which is peaceful protest," said McGlynn, 51, a self-employed writer and researcher who says she is a pro-life Democrat. "That actually galvanized me. Our Democratic ideals are at stake." In one video shot last week outside the Planned Parenthood facility in his district, Sims berated an unidentified woman , asking her a stream of questions and calling her actions disgusting, racist and shameful. The woman largely ignores him, at one point taking a rosary out of her bag. A second video that Sims posted in April has since come to light. In it, Sims peppers a woman with three teenage girls with questions. At one point, he described them as "pseudo Christians." Sims promised to donate $100 to Planned Parenthood if someone was able to identify the protesters. Ashley Garecht told Friday's rally that she was the woman in the video and two of the girls are her daughters and the third is their friend. As a riposte to Sims' promise to donate to Planned Parenthood, Garecht and her husband Joe launched a GoFundMe page, which has raised over $118,000 in three days for the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia. "Our hope was that something really, really positive would come out of this really, really bad situation," said Joe Garecht. "We're happy that something good came out of it." A group called Live Action organized the "Pro-Life Rally Against Bullying" organized Friday's rally to draw attention to Sims' actions. The street in front of the clinic was packed curb to curb with protesters, some carrying signs reading "Pro Life, Pro Love" and "I Regret My Abortion" others waving flags, holding large crucifixes. Some chanted "resign now." Anti-abortion protesters rally near a Planned Parenthood clinic in Philadelphia, Friday, May 10, 2019. The demonstration was spurred by the actions of a Democratic state lawmaker who recorded himself berating an anti-abortion demonstrator at length outside the clinic. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)AP Despite the crowds, Planned Parenthood was open for business and escorts in light orange vests hustled patients through the throngs into the clinic as the rally continued. Planned Parenthood said in a statement it doesn't condone confronting protesters but didn't mention Sims by name. "Patients do not come to our health centers to make a political statement. They come to access high-quality, affordable reproductive health care," said Dayle Steinberg, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania. "We trust patients to make their own, fully informed sexual and reproductive health care decisions." On Tuesday, Sims posted a video on Twitter in response to the outrage his actions has provoked. In it, he said "two wrongs don't make a right." He also acknowledged that his behavior was "aggressive." "I can do better and I will do better for the women of Pennsylvania," he said. Sims couldn't be reached Friday for comment. Ashley Garecht said she hopes Sims apologizes to her daughters and their friend. He made grave errors in his actions and its his responsibility as an adult and as an elected official to own those mistakes, she said after the rally. I have forgiven him, and tomorrow is another day. He says he wants to do better, and I hope that apologizing and owning up to his mistakes is part of that. -- Kristen de Groot of The Associated Press wrote this story. Faculty at the 14 state universities accepted terms of a phased retirement program that allows eligible senior faculty to transition into their golden years, saving the universities money along the way. The Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties on Friday issued a news release stating the side-letter was approved by a significant majority of the unionized faculty members. The vote took place between Tuesday and Friday. The union "does not tally results by campus; the electronic voting was anonymous, the release stated. The State System of Higher Educations governing board is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Wednesday to vote on ratifying the proposal. The side-letter is the product of a work group formed as a result of the one-year contract the system and union entered into in January 2018. APSCUF President Ken Mash declined to provide details of the proposal until after the boards ratification but said it was similar to a voluntary phased retirement program that Penn State University offers to its employees. Penn States program allows faculty or staff to gradually move into retirement over a one- to three-year period, reducing their responsibilities and compensation in increments of 15 to 25 percent. As they transition out, it allows them to mentor junior faculty brought in at a lower-salary level. Mash said the program will result in a savings for the system, which is facing financial pressures and declining enrollments. It is in the process of reinventing itself to preserve a place for all 14 of its universities in the states increasingly competitive higher education arena. System leaders have been working with the faculty on new and positive changes in their effort to build a sustainable future for the system, said its spokesman David Pidgeon. The voluntary phased retirement program APSCUF members approved today is the result of our productive relationship with the faculty union, and we thank their leadership and members for this important step forward, he said in a statement. It was not immediately clear how many faculty were retirement-eligible and therefore, able to take advantage of this program, but Mash said its a considerable number. There are faculty who would like the option of being able to not have to retire completely right away because retirement is a very difficult option, he said. This is something that is very common in higher education and it seems to make sense to both sides to do this. Mash added in the news release, "We are glad that our students will continue to be the beneficiaries of these professors talents even as they wind down their careers. We hope that the State Systems Board of Governors will also quickly ratify the agreement. Meanwhile, he said the faculty union and system negotiators will start serious negotiations on a successor labor contract for the one that expires at the end of June, starting on Monday. Im pro-choice, an agnostic, and a secularist, but its unacceptable for Rep. Brian Sims to be yelling at a praying senior woman outside an abortion clinic. She was trying to get away from him and he was following her around as he continued his tirade for eight minutes. A politician berating a praying woman is like kicking a dog and punching a baby. He also offered $100 for the identity of three juvenile girls who were praying at the site. He threatened the woman with coming to her home. The two incidents demonstrate poor judgement, bad character, and a mean spirit. Asking her to answer for the scandals of the Catholic Church is a form of bigotry. Its like asking a random Muslim to answer for 9/11. Shes just an old lady with a rosary. She doesnt run the Vatican. Sims is attempting to rationalize his bad behavior with hackneyed political rhetoric. As in the end justifies the means because hes fighting for civil rights and social justice. No, it doesnt justify his actions even if you agree with him on the issue. Philly can do better than this bad-tempered man. I hope the Italian community in that city has something to say about this. Dennis G. Carrier, Liverpool, Perry County The United States is experiencing a remarkable energy renaissance. Rooted right here in Pennsylvania, shale development has transformed our country from a position of dependence on others to a leadership role on the global stage. What was once seen as a throwaway political promise, energy independence has become a policy reality. At the same time, this resurgence has placed a renewed and often passionate focus on the reliability and safety of our national infrastructure. Both are positive signs of progress. While I am proud to acknowledge our energy transportation infrastructure is extremely safe and efficient, there is more work to be done. My former boss and mentor, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, once equated pipelines to our own arteries through which flows the lifeblood of our economy. Pipelines provide us with the fuel we need to heat our homes and factories, the fuel we require to make electricity, and to power every form of transportation. Pipelines are extremely efficient and safe, and that safety has continued to improve during the last two decades, all while energy transported through those pipelines has increased substantially as the United States has become largely energy independent for the first time in nearly 70 years. Producing far more energy than we have in the past means that new energy highways are needed. Some are brand new, others are existing highways --- and all of this has put scrutiny on the regulatory process. Some of this scrutiny is warranted, and some is based on little more than political differences. These days it is hard to pick up a newspaper without mention of a new pipeline controversy. The Mariner East II Pipeline has put a sharp point on the roles of federal, state and local authorities and the question of who, exactly, is in charge. As frustrating as it may be for local citizens, Mariner East and the conversation around it offer an opportunity to provide clarity and to further bolster collaboration at all levels. Without question, municipal and county involvement in pipeline development is critical. Local officials generally have a close understanding of the on-the-ground considerations unique to each area, and their understanding can help to inform planning and oversight. The state level provides a fulcrum to the regulatory process between federal and local authorities. Here, Pennsylvania leaders have done a good job. Gov. Tom Wolf and his administration, as well as the state Public Utility Commission, have worked to balance local concerns against evidence, ensuring the federal framework fits Pennsylvanias circumstances and prioritize the Commonwealths continued growth. Importantly, Gov. Wolf and his advisors have actively sought input from the private sector to augment the states regulatory process. The administration has worked with developers to ensure the projects safe completion, which is good for the state. Sadly, many activists and even some media have tried to spin that cooperation as some kind of scheme to fleece the public versus what it is -- groups coming together to improve safety. At the federal level, policy makers have also defined regulatory bounds that clearly delineate regulatory jurisdiction. The federal experts at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) set safety guidelines for pipeline construction and operation across the country, and they do a very good job at protecting us all. That said, local and state efforts go a long way in developing complementary safety programs, particularly when it comes to emergency response plans for local townships. I made this point while speaking recently to a gathering of Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS). Yes, even though you are more likely to be struck by lightning than to be negatively affected by a pipeline, it is still very important for local government to develop response plans in consultation with experts. Undoubtedly, the Marcellus Shale boom has caught many in Pennsylvania off guard. Pennsylvania now produces more natural gas than all but one other state in the country. While this has been an economic boom to many communities, helping to lower natural gas prices for us all, we must ensure pipelines are operated safely, while at the same time rejecting ideological attempts to block pipelines that would only undermine environmental stewardship. The regulatory process is working well. Mariner East 2 serves as an opportunity to strengthen that process in Pennsylvania through fulfillment of regulatory duties at every level. Policy makers and the public alike shouldnt throw the baby out with the bathwater. Adequate plans for emergency response is the responsibility of local government and a key part of keeping communities safe. Brigham McCown is chairman of the Alliance for Innovation and Infrastructure, a non-partisan policy thinktank located in Washington, DC. Elaina Barnhart bounced into the Greenwood High School art room just after 1 p.m. on April 30 and went straight for the paints. She grabbed a color and bobbed back to the canvas on the table. If she were any more electrified, the jar in her hand would have splattered red paint everywhere. Im sorry, Im super excited, the sophomore from Liverpool said. I painted the Liverpool on the Liverpool sign. She and the other students are engaged in a project to bring a large-scale historic mural to Liverpool later this year. Theyre working alongside Jonathan Laidacker, the Philadelphia artist who has been helping Perry County students to literally paint their world for the past several years. Greenwood students have been planning the large-scale mural with Laidacker and local historians since February. During the past couple weeks, they have spent their art classes painting the panels which will be assembled on the eastern wall of the Liverpool Post Office on Race Street. For the students from Liverpool, this was a special opportunity to place their mark on their community, as well as learn more about its past. In February, local historians William Sheaffer, Patricia Campbell, and Jill Seaman gave a presentation to students about Liverpool history, including places that once existed, prominent industries, notable people, and the events that shaped the overall region. A lot of students gained information about their hometown, said Greenwood art teacher Jill Deimler. For example, just 100 years ago, students from Liverpool wouldnt have been part of a school in Millerstown. Wow, they had a high school back then, said junior Destiney Stoneberger, as she painted a mural panel that memorializes the former Liverpool High School. Liverpools mural will be installed on the east-facing wall (right) of the boroughs Post Office on Race Street. The mural, which will be about 34 feet long and 8 feet tall, includes a historic map of Liverpool, an aerial drone river scene, a native American figure, photographs of prominent historic people and places in the borough, such as the Pennsylvania Canal, the bandstand, and churches. Laidacker said its similar in style to the mural on the side of the Millerstown Firehouse, which he and Greenwood students completed last year to honor the history of Greenwoods home borough. Instead of a stone archway, Liverpools mural will feature an arch of leaves. Laidacker used sketches the students made after their history lessons on Liverpool to develop the final design. He also did a presentation for students about the process of designing, planning and executing large-scale murals, for which hes famous. Hes done a number of exceptionally large projects throughout the Philadelphia area, including one that adorns the parking garage at the airport, as well as prominent buildings throughout the city. Once the students are finished painting the 14 acrylic canvas panels, Laidacker will take them back to his studio to do the finishing touches on the artwork. That process could take a couple months, but the goal is to have the mural installed on the post office wall sometime this fall. EMPANELED Greenwood High School students and artist Jonathan Laidacker designed and painted 14 panels for a mural which will be installed on the post office in Liverpool this summer. The mural honors Liverpools unique history. (Jim T. Ryan photos) Besides the Greenwood murals (Laidacker produced one inside the school, too), he has also worked with West Perry, Newport and Susquenita students for multiple murals around the county. In 2018, he produced the mural in New Bloomfield, on the side of the pharmacy on the borough square. It portrays a historic photo from the 1898 dedication of the countys iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The murals have been produced through the Perry County Council of the Arts artist in residency program, along with support from local charitable organizations and businesses. Jim T. Ryan can be reached via e-mail at jtryan@perrycountytimes.com PITTSBURGH Isaiah Buggs couldnt pick a singular standout from the first two days of rookie minicamp. All of the guys, just everybody dialing in and learning the plays and being consistent each and every day and doing all the little things right. I think were all doing that right on the defensive side of the ball. We all got to continue to get better. The 6-foot-3, 295-pound defensive tackle was picked by Pittsburgh with the 192nd selection in the draft. He joins a defensive line unit with clear starters in Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Javon Hargrave. Daniel McCullers backs up the nose tackle and Tyson Alualu rotated for Heyward and Tuitt last season. Pittsburgh is, however, lacking another backup defensive end beyond Buggs himself. Itd be just as well for the former Alabama standout if no one else comes into the fold. Hell make the team and likely play if so. But it is worth examining how Pittsburgh approached the defensive line position with this rookie minicamp, relative to numbers elsewhere. Lets look: There are 60 plays on the rookie minicamp roster. Of those 20 are undrafted rookie free agents. Separate from that second figure there are 20 tryout players. The Steelers typically sign a few out of this three-day camp. Pittsburgh took 9 defensive linemen into rookie minicamp: Buggs, practice squad veteran Lavon Hooks, 2018 camp cut Casey Sayles, Henry Mondeaux, Chris Nelson, Jay Hayes, Greg Gilmore, Winston Craig and Conor Sheehy. They are all under contract, except Mondeaux and Gilmore. The Steelers have 12 defensive linemen on the offseason roster, including the 9 practicing this weekend. They kept 6 on the early season active roster, plus 1, Lavon Hooks, on the practice squad last year. Health official: Omicron 'likely more spread than we're aware of' Did you know you can save your preferences across all your digital devices and platforms simply by creating a profile? Would you like to get started? Yes, I'd like to register/log in Not right now No, never ask again A Philadelphia business loan company must pay $33,000 to a man who received 22 unwanted telemarketing calls, a federal judge ruled last week. Read more A Philadelphia business loan company must pay $33,000 to a man who received 22 unwanted telemarketing calls, a federal judge ruled this week. Fast Advance Funding knowingly placed telemarketing calls to James Everett Shelton, a 23-year-old from King of Prussia, without maintaining a do-not-call policy or recording Everetts requests to stop the calls, U.S. District Court Judge Chad Kenney of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled Wednesday. Shelton brought his lawsuit under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), a 1991 law that requires businesses to honor do not call lists and outlaws calls coming from autodialers or those with artificial or prerecorded voices, unless consumers give prior consent. Consumers can sue for up to $500 per violation and courts can award triple damages for willful conduct. Judge Kenney awarded triple damages, so Fast Advance Funding must pay $1,500 for each of the 22 unwanted calls. An attorney for the firm declined comment. The ruling is the latest victory for Shelton, who regularly sues companies that he claims illegally call him. He has brought roughly 40 lawsuits under the TCPA, and has won or settled every case that isnt pending, according to court filings from his lawyer, Bryan Reo, who said he is representing Shelton in at least seven pending cases. Shelton said he is graduating from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, next week. Fast Advance Funding failed to participate in discovery and never responded to Sheltons requests for admission, so the firm was deemed to have admitted Sheltons claims, according to Kenneys written opinion. Reo, a Mentor, Ohio, based lawyer, said the business loan companys lawyer didnt take the case seriously. I would tell the telemarketers out there to underestimate me at your own peril. Violate the TCPA at your own peril, and if you attempt to lock heads with me or my client in court, were going to win, Reo said Friday, adding that hes been a lawyer for just over a year. In court filings, Fast Advance Funding accused Shelton of being a prolific self-litigator who lacked standing to bring the case. Shelton "is a serial litigant who has a business model based upon capitalizing on and encouraging his victims (Defendants in his cases) to contact him through a telephone he has allegedly placed on a Do Not Call List, lawyer Norman Valz wrote in June. If a company calls the business telephone number listed on his website, which is the same number that Shelton claims forms the basis of his present lawsuit, Shelton will 'play along with that company, so he can then sue it for a purported TCPA infraction. Shelton has a judgment-collection business called Final Verdict Solutions. Judge Kenney wrote that Fast Advance Funding did not decisively establish that the use of ones phone for business purposes precluded standing." Sheltons phone number has been listed on the National Do Not Call Registry since 2015, and he neither did business with nor requested calls from the business loan company, according to court filings. While vacationing in California in March 2018, Shelton said he was awakened by a telemarketing call, according to his complaint. He spoke to a Fast Advance Funding representative, and in order to identify the caller, Shelton feigned interest by asking the representative to email him. Shelton, though, never consented to receiving additional telemarketing calls, according to the complaint. Shelton received 15 more calls from the company before asking Fast Advance Funding to put him on their do-not-call list. However, the firm called him several times after that, the complaint says. Shelton said he is a friend of Andrew Perrong, a 22-year-old from Huntingdon Valley who has also fired off dozens of lawsuits against robocallers and telemarketers. At most theres a similar objective in terms of consumer rights activism in holding an out-of-control industry accountable, Reo said when asked about Sheltons relationship to Perrong. Along with a surge of robocalls has come a sharp increase in the number of TCPA lawsuits filed by consumers. In 2018, there were 3,803 federal cases filed under the TCPA, compared with 14 in 2007, according to Michigan-based WebRecon, which tracks consumer-litigation filings. Companies and consumer advocates have clashed over the telephone consumer rights law. Some, including Federal Communications Commissioner Ajit Pai, now chairman, have called the TCPA the poster child for lawsuit abuse. Reo, though, said society owes a debt to people like Perrong and Shelton for pursuing claims against these telemarketers. Theyre just fleecing people, he said of telemarketers. Five people were wounded one critically in a shooting Friday evening in North Philadelphia, police said. The victims, described as in their late teens to early 20s, were shot around 5 p.m. in the 1900 block of North Crosskey Street. Four of the victims were reported in stable condition at Temple University Hospital. The critically wounded victim also was at Temple. Police said at least two juveniles opened fire on a group of people who were not armed. The shooters remained at large Friday night. New Jersey lawmakers are considering allowing voters to decide whether to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use. In this file photo, Cherry Hill residents arrive at their polling place at the township's community center to vote in the midterm election Nov. 6, 2018. Read more It was a gaffe, but it was telling. Hours after a well-orchestrated push to pass a legal-weed bill died in the Trenton statehouse, Gov. Phil Murphy announced to the clicking of cameras that a postmortem would be done. The men standing next to him at the lectern Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin chuckled and quietly corrected him. Or post-op, Murphy amended. In the coming days, he said, the three Democrats and their staff would surgically analyze why the legalization vote had to be abruptly canceled on March 25 and they would swiftly get the bill back on the agenda. But nearly two months later, the governors reference to a postmortem seems like a prescient slip. There still are not enough votes in the Senate to support legalization. Some lawmakers now want the Legislature to put the question of adult-use recreational marijuana on the ballot, possibly in a referendum during the 2020 presidential election when voter turnout will be high. Some say a constitutional amendment may be warranted. Sen. Ronald Rice, a Democrat from Newark who chairs the state Legislative Black Caucus, opposes legalization and recently introduced a bill to hold a referendum. He says legalization hurts urban communities and predicts voters will defeat it. Though a recent Monmouth University poll found 62 percent of New Jersey residents favor an end to marijuana prohibition, Rice said he doubted that conclusion. When we talk to everyday people in neighborhoods and explain the difference between recreational and medical marijuana and that they will put marijuana bodegas next to liquor stores and bring in problems, people say, No, no, no, he said. Sen. Nicholas Scutari, a Democrat from Union County who drafted the nearly 200-page legalization bill, said the Senate was only about two votes shy of winning approval. The bills passage would bring quicker and better results than a referendum, he said. But lawmakers have been saying the vote is close for six weeks only two to five votes short. I continue to maintain a referendum would be the last resort, but its looking more and more possible, Scutari said in an interview Thursday. It would have to be a constitutional amendment to be binding and it better be perfect if were changing the constitution. Unlike several other states, New Jersey does not allow voters to initiate a ballot question. The Legislature would have to agree to hold a referendum, craft the question, and then act on it if it passes. It would take time. Other lawmakers want to turn their attention to the more popular medical-marijuana expansion bill, which was strategically linked with legalization and a social-justice bill that calls for clearing the criminal records of those convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana, a crime for which minorities are arrested three times as often as whites. Asked whether the governor would support a referendum and uncoupling the medical-marijuana bill from the bill package, Murphy spokesperson Alyana Alfaro said in an email that he remains committed to working with the Legislature to both further reform our medical marijuana program and to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana, a critical step in eliminating disparities in our criminal justice system. The governor, she said, "believes that the opinions of the overwhelming majority of New Jerseyans who support legalizing adult-use recreational marijuana should be heard. But faced with criticism that patients are suffering while waiting for the bill package to win approval, the governor recently set a deadline for the end of May and said he would administratively expand the program if the bill package is still not passed. Statewide, there are only six dispensaries and they struggle to serve 40,000 patients enrolled in the program and new applicants who are signing up at a rate of 100 a day. Sweeney, a longtime lawmaker from Gloucester County, declined comment for this article. But in recent weeks, he has said breaking apart the linked bills could jeopardize the passage of legalization and the social-justice bill. He also has said he favors the bill package over a referendum, but legalization will get done one way or another. As the clock ticks, Sweeney, a cosponsor, said he will call for a vote only when he has the 21 votes he needs in the Senate for passage. The Assembly reportedly has the support it needs, but Coughlin has said he will wait until the Senate is ready. Meanwhile, Rice and other lawmakers are calling for Sweeney to bring the medical-marijuana expansion bill to the floor for a vote. Theres no one against it and the leadership is holding people who are sick hostage to get the legalization bill passed. ... I think its wrong to tie them together, he said, and maybe we need new leadership. Scutari, who sponsored the states medical-marijuana bill nearly a decade ago, said the program needs to be expanded and modified, but removing the expansion bill from the package would pretty much doom legalization because people will use that as an excuse to not deal with the issue. The expansion bill is named after Jake Honig, a 7-year-old who died of brain cancer last year and became a medical-marijuana patient in his final days. His father, Mike Honig, of Howell, is urging Murphy and the legislative leaders to move on the bill without further delay. We are putting patients in New Jersey behind pleasure-seekers, Honig said in a Facebook video that grabbed media attention. Soon after that, Murphy set the May deadline. Honig said cannabis greatly alleviated Jakes pain in his last two months, but he had to supplement it with oxycodone and morphine and other drugs when the boys monthly two-ounce supply of cannabis ran out. State law restricted him to the two ounces and it didnt last through the month. The stronger drugs took a toll on the child, Honig said, and it was difficult to watch. The expansion bill would allow terminal patients to receive as much marijuana as they need, and also would permit the sale of marijuana oil. Many parents, including Honig, had to make their own oils from the cannabis buds sold at dispensaries because oils and edibles have not yet been approved. But Honigs position on separating the bills is softening. If legalization is going to continue to block medical, patients shouldnt have to wait anymore. They should uncouple the two bills," he said in an interview Wednesday. Im in favor of getting it [medical] passed as soon as possible but if legalization gets medical passed quicker, thats a good thing for everybody. 2.7k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) called on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to launch an investigation into Rudy Guilianis trip to Ukraine to get dirt on Joe Biden. Sen. Murphy Calls For An Investigation of Giuliani Murphy wrote: Rudolph Giuliani, the Presidents personal lawyer, has apparently held meetings with Ukrainian officials in the United States and plans to travel to Ukraine for further discussions. As far as we know, none of these meetings are being coordinated with the U.S. State Department or other government agencies. Reports indicate that promises have been made regarding U.S. policy as a quid pro quo in exchange for information. Has the private foreign policy engagement of Rudolph Giuliani or other private representatives of the President led to any official foreign policy decisions, such as the recalling of the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine? . The Senate Foreign Relations Committee should be concerned that the President of the United States is making foreign policy decisions through personal or campaign representatives that do not go through the Department of State, preventing us from exercising our constitutional oversight responsibilities on behalf of the American people. Further, the possibility that a personal representative of the President is engaging with foreign governments in order to obtain personal or political gain is a matter that must be thoroughly examined. I appreciate your attention to this urgent issue and look forward to discussing the steps necessary for our committee to carry out the appropriate oversight regarding these questions. Trump wont get away with foreign election interference in 2020 Trump is running the same playbook that he used in 2016. He is going to try to find dirt on Biden, have foreign governments run smear campaigns, make the election a referendum on his opponent, not his presidency. The power of presidential incumbency is a dual-edged sword. It provides great advantages when seeking reelection, but it also comes with the burden of the incumbents presidency being the central question of the election. Whether or not a president wins a second term comes down to the same question of do voters want to continue down the same path for four more years? Democrats and the rest of the country are onto Trumps tactics and he will not be able to operate in the darkness. It may have worked in 2016, but too many people are watching for Trump to use the same dirty tricks in 2020. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook 2.9k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Trump tried one of his nicknames on Pete Buttigieg, but Mayor Pete turned it into the ultimate takedown of the president. Trump sticks a lame nickname on Pete Buttigieg Politico reported: Alfred E. Neuman cannot become president of the United States, the president told POLITICO in a 15-minute telephone interview, when asked what he thought of the South Bend, Ind., mayor. Neumans freckled, gap-toothed face and oversized ears have for decades graced the cover of the humor magazine Mad. . Ill be honest. I had to Google that, he said. I guess its just a generational thing. I didnt get the reference. Its kind of funny, I guess. But hes also the president of the United States and Im surprised hes not spending more time trying to salvage this China deal. (Trade talks between the U.S. and China in Washington ended Friday without an agreement, raising the prospect of an extended tariff war.) Mayor Pete Made A Devastating Point Trump is very insecure about his age. He recently deemed himself young and vibrant. Buttigieg made a devastating point that stands out to everyone. Buttigieg is young and the future. Trump is older and his presidency is entirely centered around trying to take the country back to an era that doesnt exist and may never have existed in the way that Donald Trump imagines it. The president is taking shots at Buttigieg because Mayor Pete is becoming a threat. Buttigieg has made it clear that he is not going to get into any mud fights with the president, and the best way to respond to Trumps schoolyard taunts and lame nicknames is to remind the country that Trump is supposed to be leading the nation, not making references to a magazine that most people under age 40 have never heard of. Trump should stay away from Buttigieg, as his insult has massively backfired. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook 3.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Rudy Giuliani said that he had canceled his trip to Ukraine as he managed to throw in a helping of Putin propaganda. Rudy Giuliani spins a massive Ukraine conspiracy theory Giuliani told Fox News, There was a great fear that the new president would be surrounded by, literally, enemies of the president who were involved in that and people who are involved with other Democratic operatives, and one particular oligarch who would influence him, and Im convinced from what Ive heard from two very reliable people tonight that the president is surrounded by people who are enemies of the president, and people who are at least one case clearly corrupt and involved in this scheme, and the reality is that this has nothing to do with the election of 2020. The election of 2020 is a long time from now, and if I wanted to interfere in the election, which I dont, I could have held this for a year and dropped it right before the convention. The reality is that I came about this by accident while investigating Ukranian collusion with Democrats to affect the election and also to create the false narrative against the president. Video: Giuliani got busted Giuliani claimed that his decision had nothing to do with Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) calling for an investigation into his trip. It isnt a coincidence that the trip was suddenly off hours after the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee demanded an investigation. Rudy Giuliani got busted trying to use the presidency to pressure a foreign government to help him invent dirt on Joe Biden. The Ukraine conspiracy that Giuliani is pushing is based on a lie and the idea that Ukraine is an enemy is straight out of Putins propaganda that goes back years to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Democrats know Trumps schemes. They arent going to be blindsided, and the halting of Giulianis trip is an example of Trumps abuse of power can be stopped through sunlight and public pressure. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook 1.9k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard As Donald Trumps trade war continues to hurt many of his supporters, MSNBC host Donny Deutsch offered his theory on why the red hat-wearing crowd continues to stand by the president. Deutsch said that Trump has convinced his backers that the biggest threat to their livelihood is immigrants and minority groups even as his own policies are hurting them. Thats the core reason that people look the other way, even if it ends up hurting them, the MSNBC host said. Its insanity. Video: Deutsch said: This is my whole theory on Trump. The reason everything peels off of Trump is it comes back to the way he got elected is the way a dictator gets elected. He points to enough people who are unhappy with their lot in life and says its not your fault. Its the black persons fault, its the Muslims fault, its the bankers fault, its the medias fault. And you get enough rich people to look the other way. Once you have that, people will believe anything because that gives them reason to really believe, okay, whatever my plight in life and if they let go of that, they have to look in the mirror and go, uh oh, maybe it is my fault. Thats the core reason that people look the other way, even if it ends up hurting them. Its insanity. To Trump supporters, fighting culture wars is more important than their own livelihood According to a new report in Bloomberg, citing a trade group, Trumps trade war with China is set to cost the country nearly half a million manufacturing jobs. And as Joy Reid pointed out on Saturday, Tumps tariffs have already hurt U.S. consumers and farmers, many of whom support this president. But its becoming increasingly clear that Trump supporters dont actually care if the presidents policies hurt them. There is nothing he could do to wither their support. Instead, what they really want and Trump gives it to them is a loud strongman who tells them that the source of their problems is somebody else: Mexican immigrants, peaceful Muslims, the media. As I wrote earlier, Trump will likely again rely on foreign help to try to win a second term in the White House. That seems to be the first part of his overarching reelection strategy. But another core element of his 2020 campaign will be to go back down the well of minority resentment that still has yet to dry up. And what Trump supporters have shown even as the president hurts them is that they are more interested in fighting culture wars with a racist bully than electing a president who will fight for them. Insanity is the only appropriate way to describe it. Follow Sean Colarossi on Facebook and Twitter 12.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Trump is so unwelcome in the UK that he was never offered an address to parliament like the one Barack Obama gave in 2011. The UK will barely tolerate Trumps presence Huffington Post reported: In a major snub to the US President, lingering hopes of him delivering a speech to MPs and peers have been dashed following defiant opposition by Commons Speaker John Bercow, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and others. Although Barack Obama made a landmark address in Westminster Hall in 2011, Trump will not be allowed the same privilege after the visits organisers decided to avoid a diplomatic row over his racism and sexism. Whitehall insiders revealed that the UK government had not made a formal request to the Commons speaker and Lords speaker, which is the usual protocol, to allow Trump to speak. Weve not asked. Its not going to happen, one source said on Thursday. Trump was denied the speech out of fear that he will cause embarrassment Government leaders are worried that Trump will cause embarrassment for the Queen and the entire UK with his racist and sexist views. The nations closest ally fears giving Trump a platform to speak to their country because he cant be trusted to address them like a civilized human being and world leader. The UK has basically taken the MSNBC approach of not giving this president any platform until his words can be vetted for lies, divisiveness, and falsehoods. Trump is insanely jealous of Obama, and it will eat him that he has been denied something that Obama got to do. Trumps UK visit is already expected to be heavily protested. Trump will be arriving in Britain on June 3rd and will be leaving two days later, but unlike here in the US, the UK is taking preventive steps to contain toxic Trump. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook 488 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The coverage following the New York Times reporting on Trumps tax filings revealing billion dollar losses has largely focused, as if it were news, on Trump not being the wildly successful and ingenious businessman he loves to portray himself as being. His many failed businesses, from his airlines to his casinos to his misadventures in the steak and wine businesses, as well as his multiple bankruptcies, are old, though certainly not irrelevant, news. And that he is a fraudulent businessman, exemplified in the Trump University con job, is also old newsthough these facts never lose their relevancy. Much of what the New York Times reports regarding his tax filings in the decade covering the late 1980s and early 1990s, though, Trump actually copped to on the campaign trail. In fact, he made these very facts part of his pitch to the American people, if you recall. Back in October 2016, for example, Nolan D. McCaskill, writing for Politico, covered Trump on the campaign trail, reporting how Trump defended his aggressive use of tax laws that likely resulted in him not paying any personal income taxes for nearly two decades, crediting himself for brilliantly working the system. He admitted proudly he gamed the system, taking full advantage of what the tax code legally allowed, as any businessman responsible to his companies would do. At the time, he insisted that he understands the tax system better than almost anyone, which is why I am one who can truly fix them. This rhetorical gesture characterized much of his campaign: Because he has participated so gloriously in the most abusive and unfair systemic practices of U.S. institutions and ascended to such heights because of his abusive and unfair behaviors, he is positioned most efficaciously to address the pains inflicted on the majority of Americans. He made this point loudly and clearlywere you listening?back on the ole dusty campaign trail in 2016: The unfairness of the tax laws is unbelievable. Its something Ive been talking about for a long time, despite, frankly, being a big beneficiary of the laws. But Im working for you now. Im not working for Trump. Believe me. Lets underline that last part: Im working for you now. Im not working for Trump. Believe me. Believe me. These are the most infamous words of any snake oil salesman. Whether or not Trump is a bad businessman is not so much the issue, largely because the verdict is in on that question. Yes, he campaigned again and again claiming that because he was such a successful businessman who knew the best people, he had the understanding and talent, the bona fides, to fix the countrys problem. But the United Base of America, and most Americans for that matter, for the most part have absorbed his hypocrisy. The best chance of shifting Americas popular mind might be to focus on these campaign promises, keeping the conversation on what Trump has done. Has he worked for the American people? Or is he working for Trump and lining his own pockets? Has he reformed the unbelievable unfairness of U.S. tax codes? Well, first, analysis shows that Trump himself personally benefited to the tune of $15 million from the Republican tax overhaul. Then, consider the fact that a company like Amazon, despite billions in profit, paid no federal taxes. While Trump has had his feud with Amazon CEO and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, Trump has been silent on Amazons tax holiday, picking on Bezos because of what Trump views as the unfavorable coverage of him in Bezos newspaper. And many average Americans, reports show, are not experiencing a measurable difference in their tax bills, while many also report being financially harmed by the tax bill. Additionally, while the Republican mantra is always that tax cuts pay for themselves and grow the economy, government revenues, as Ive reported in the pages of PoliticusUsa, are tanking and budget deficits growing, which will greatly impact the ability of the government to fund basic services and institutions, such as education and infrastructure. Indeed, it was shortly after the tax cut passed that Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan reignited their typically clamor for cutting social security, Medicaid, and Medicare to address growing deficits. And, of course, taxpayers continue to bear the cost of millions of dollars going to Trumps Mar a Lago resort every time Trump visits, as Jason Easley has reported. Americans might fruitfully ask themselves if they are working to benefit Trump, or if Trump is really working to benefit them. Are the taxes we all payin many cases more than less for average Americansfunding the services and institutions that benefit the majority of people, as they should, or are they being funneled into the accounts of those who already enjoy a life of plenty? And those, if we take Trumps own words, who have already benefited from an unbelievably unfair set of tax laws. We all know Trump is a liar, a fraud, and a failed and incompetent business leader. What Americans need to know and understand is precisely the falsity of this campaign promise and how Trumps failure in action to follow through on that promise has impacted them. Is he working for us? Has he put an end to the unbelievable unfairness from which he happily and proudly benefited at our expense? Believe him? Not so fast. 22.5k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Ukraines message for Rudy Giuliani and Trump was to leave them out of their schemes to spread lies about Joe Biden. Ukraine Tells Giuliani and Trump: Leave Us Out Via The Washington Post: Supporters of Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky who is expected to take office in the coming weeks said in interviews Saturday that they feared they were being pulled into a domestic political conflict in the United States, potentially at Ukraines expense. . A person close to Zelensky said the president-elects team viewed Trumps interest in the investigations as a domestic U.S. matter and was determined not to let it distract from his agenda. This is definitely not our war, the person close to Zelensky said. We have to stay away from this as much as possible. The person said Zelensky, a TV comedian who ran on a strident anti-corruption agenda, would rule out using political pressure to lean on Ukrainian law enforcement to achieve any White House aims. The person close to Zelensky spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Trump is desperate to stop Joe Biden It is ironic that Trump believes that voters would care about Ukraine when voters didnt care that alarm bells were sounded during the 2016 election over Russian interference that benefitted Trump. Giulianis trip was intended to pressure the Ukranian government to find dirt on Joe Biden. During his interview with Fox News, Giuliani took credit for cooking up the conspiracy theory on his own. Giuliani canceled his trip because the heat was coming from Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT), the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Ukrainians werent going to play ball with Trump. Trump sees Joe Biden as his number one threat and is getting desperate to the former vice president at all costs. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. 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. 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. Sister Ramona celebrates 75 years since vows Sister Ramona Kruse, a member of the Sisters of Saint Francis, Rochester, will celebrate her 75th Diamond Jubilee this month. Sister Ramona, daughter of Raymond and Elsie Kruse (both deceased), was born Jeanette Ione Kruse in St. Clair, Minn., and entered the Rochester Franciscan Congregation from Immaculate Conception Parish in St. Clair. She professed vows in 1944. Sister Ramona received a bachelors degree in education, English and Latin from the College of Saint Teresa, Winona, in 1961, and a masters degree in reading problems and diagnosis from the University of Minnesota, Mankato, in 1971. From 1972 thru 1989, she taught in the English and Education departments at the College of Saint Teresa. In 1974, she earned a specialists certificate in curriculum and instruction and library science from the University of Minnesota, Mankato. Her career was primarily spent teaching in Minnesota, Nebraska and Maryland. In 1977, she was a presenter at the International Reading Convention at Dublin University in Dublin, Ireland. From 1983-1985, she was on leave from CST to teach English as a second language at the Immaculate Heart College in Kagoshima, Japan; during which time she also accompanied 26 senior students to study in Australia prior to their graduation. From 1990 until her retirement in 2015, Sister Ramona worked in the Archives Office for the College of Saint Teresa. ADVERTISEMENT In addition, Sister Ramona is a Philatelist for the Congregation and has written a multitude of poems, many of which have been published. Currently, she resides at Assisi Heights. Interfaith community meals during Ramadan Ramadan, which runs from May 5 through June 4, is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunup to sundown. In 2019, mosques and Islamic Community Centers throughout the Twin Cities metro area and greater Minnesota are extending an invitation to their non-Muslim neighbors for a traditional Ramadan Iftar, or fast-breaking meal. People of all faiths or none are invited to experience one or more of the Ramadan open houses organized as part of the Taking Heart Open House program of the Minnesota Council of Churches in partnership with the Muslim American Society and participating mosques in Minnesota. Taking Heart has been bringing Muslims and non-Muslims together for food and conversation in its current format for 14 years. "In 2018 over 1400 community members participated in Taking Heart during Ramadan. Our hope is that many more people will join us this year for an Iftar dinner, especially those who have never had the opportunity," said The Rev. Cynthia Bronson Sweigert, Taking Heart Organizer. In Rochester, an Iftar will be hosted by the Rochester Muslim Community Circle, 8 p.m. May 18 at Mayo High School, 1420 11th Ave. SE. These events are free and open to the public but registration is required. Information and registration materials can be found on the Minnesota Council of Churches website: http://bit.ly/TakingHeartRegister United Way of Olmsted County promotes volunteerism in southeastern Minnesota through our Get Connected online tool. Get Connected is made available to nonprofit agencies in our region to post volunteer opportunities. This tool allows individuals to view these volunteer opportunities. Go to volunteer.uwolmsted.org for more information or call 507-287-1533. APARTMENT CLEANING AND RESTOCKING We have two apartments located in downtown Rochester. Both are two bedrooms but one includes a large kitchen, living room and dining room, while second is smaller in size. When patients leave, we need to clean these apartments, wash laundry, and restock the non- perishable food and cleaning supplies. We are currently looking for 3-4 core volunteers whom we can reach out to when these apartments are needing to be turned over. This can be done during the day or evening but will only come with about 24-48 hours notice. If we have 3-4 folks in the core group, it will only take 1-2 individuals to clean each time. Email info@medcityfoundation.org or call 507-424-6336 for more information or to volunteer with Med City Foundation. GROUP PROJECT: PACKAGE BULK FOOD Sort and package bulk food into individual or family friendly portions and label and bag food for people in need. From inspecting produce to transforming 800+ pound bags of cereal into family- size portions, product recovery volunteers help prepare food for distribution to families struggling with hunger. We welcome volunteer groups of at least 5 people and no more than 15 on Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Email barbaraschramm@channel-one.org or call 507-424- 1705 for more information or to volunteer with Channel One Food Bank and Food Shelf. ADVERTISEMENT READ AND PLAY WITH HEAD START CHILDREN We are looking for people to provide reading and playing opportunities for our children. You may read books to children and play games that provide learning opportunities, or get books donated to the center for infants through Pre-K. You can also plan a parent/child special event at the center to remind parents about the importance of reading to their children. Email allisonj@familiesfirst.org or call 507-287-2020 for more information or to volunteer with Families First of Minnesota. REFUGEE MENTOR This volunteer opportunity entails being matched up with a family and meeting with them once a week to help them with things such as practicing English skills, building resumes, filling out job applications, learning how to read, pay utility bills, etc. Email khammell@ccsomn.org or call 507- 287-2047 for more information or to volunteer with Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota. The UNICEF Club of Mayo High School recently received the New Club Award at the 2019 UNICEF USA Student Summit in Washington, D.C. The executive board of Mayos club traveled to the summit to receive the honor. The award goes to the club that has the greatest impact or accomplishments in their first year. This is a national recognition. The faculty advisor of the club is April Stasko. 1 / 2: Mayo High School's UNICEF Club's executive board at the Student Summit. First row from left to right is Zach Spindler-Krage, Daniel Chang, Haley Handelman, and Shikha Kumar. Behind is Emily Deng. 2 / 2: All of the youth attendees at the 2019 UNICEF Student Summit who are involved in UNICEF Clubs across the country. The Mower County Historical Society has started its 2019 Lunchbox History series for the summer. At noon on the fourth Thursday of every month in the Pioneer Building near the Austin Fairgrounds, there will be a free presentation of different topics. Presentations are as follows: May 23:Tim Ruzek, "Our Water Story History of the Cedar River Watershed." June 27:Peggy Keener, "The Square Deal Austins First Supermarket!" July 25:Gary Schindler, "Lincolns Funeral Procession Washington, D.C., to Springfield." ADVERTISEMENT Aug. 22:Ames Sheldon, "Women at the Very Heart of the Great War." Sept. 26:Still pending. Oct. 24:Jeff Anderson, "History of Anderson Memorials." Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch to eat while they listen to the presentation. This series is sponsored by Mayo Clinic Health System Austin and Albert Lea, and is free for the public. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. For more information visit www.mowercountyhistory.org ; email info@mowercountyhistory.org or call the office at 437-6082 during our regular business hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Mower County Historical Society, 1303 Sixth Ave. SW, Austin, MN 55912. The mission of the Mower County Historical Society is to discover, collect, preserve and share the history of Mower County and relate it to the history of the state of Minnesota. Thumbs up to Soldiers Field track plan Initial plans to pave the running track at Soldiers Field with asphalt met with resistance from local runners. Rather than push ahead anyway, Rochester city officials wisely held off on their plans and waited for the Save the Track citizens group to offer an alternative. As a result, the track will be paved with a more comfortable running surface, and in turn, the Save the Track group will help fund upkeep of the track. That qualifies as a win-win for everyone involved. Credit goes to city officials who took into consideration input from the community. It preserves a valuable resource in the hart of the city. Now, the hope is we'll see more people make use of the track when all work is completed next summer. ADVERTISEMENT Thumbs down to winter driving It's getting closer, whether we like it or not. This week's dusting of snow is a reminder that with November comes the need to refresh ourselves on safe winter driving practices. First and foremost, of course, is to reduce your speed on icy and snowy roads. Along with that, increase the distance between your vehicle and the one you're following. Accelerate and decelerate gradually. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order, and that your windshield washer reservoir is full. All of this is second-nature to most Minnesotans, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded that winter driving is as much an art as it is a science. By the way, don't forget to familiarize yourself with Rochester's new even-odd street parking plan for winter. Thumbs up to Minnesota's ACT scores Minnesota students have maintained their best-in-nation average score on the ACT college entrance exam -- at least among those states where the majority of graduating seniors take the test. Minnesota's graduating seniors achieved an average score of 21.4, a slight improvement from last year's average score of 21.3, according to results released this week. By comparison, the national average is 20.7. ADVERTISEMENT In most states, a majority of students take the SAT college entrance test. In the Upper Midwest, though, the ACT is more popular. Wisconsin's average score was 20.3 and North Dakota's was 19.9 While improvement should always be a goal, Minnesota's schools are obviously doing a good job of preparing graduates for college success. PQ I think it's timely, I think its right, and I think its just. Felix Camacho, chairman, Career Tech High School board Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. A public hearing was held Thursday on Sen. James Moylans proposal to lift the three-school limit on the number of charter schools that can be established in facilities not currently owned by the Guam Department of Education. The total number of charter schools on island would still be capped at seven, but Bill 57-35 would allow educators who have their own facility to establish a charter school in their non-GDOE facility, so long as they meet all other qualifications for a charter school license. Licenses already have been granted to three charter schools who are using non-GDOE facilities. Moylan said that by removing the three-school cap, his measure would expand opportunities for establishing charter schools with different educational programs, such as vocational training. Bill 57 would clear the way for the backers of Career Tech High School, which has been waiting two years to launch its vocational charter school program at a non-GDOE facility it identified in Agat. Career Tech board members told the legislative committee on education, chaired by Sen. Telena Nelson, that they strongly support Bill 57. Career Tech board Vice Chairman Steven McManus told the committee theyre prepared to offer vocational career training to about 400 students in the trade of their choice. The goal is to provide students with nationally recognized trade certifications in skills that are in high demand and attract high pay. McManus said Career Tech plans to offer vocational training not currently taught by any other high school on island, including courses in renewable energy, maritime sciences and controlled-environment agriculture. Fellow board member Juan Flores said Career Tech is designing a school for 400 students. The idea behind a student being able to focus on a career means that the student is looking beyond high school, Flores said. Former Gov. Felix Camacho is chairman of the Career Tech board. He pointed out that Career Tech received a conditional approval under the previous administration, but the cap on non-GDOE facilities held them back. We have to consider the time and the need of our community right now, Camacho said. The fact that we have H-2 worker issues and the inability to import workers from the Philippines has been the cause of a great economic impact on our island. There is no reason why our community should not be able to produce skilled workers that can be educated within our own school system, he said. I think it's timely, I think its right, and I think its just. Every now and then we get the itch to travel. We want to leave Guam and see the world. Read more That the U.S. leads the world in mass shooting events, and that the cause is our liberal gun laws, are articles of faith on the Left. Barack Obama, for example, said: The one thing we do know is that we have a pattern now of mass shootings in this country that has no parallel anywhere else in the world. This belief, while pervasive in our culture, is untrue. John Lott and Michael Weisser explode the myth, while at the same time demolishing a widely-cited but bogus study by one Adam Lankford: Lankfords claim received coverage in hundreds of news stories all over the world. It still gets regular coverage. Purporting to cover all mass public shootings around the world from 1966 to 2012, Lankford claimed that the United States had 31 percent of public mass shooters despite having less than 5 percent of the population. But this isnt nearly correct. The whole episode should provide a cautionary tale of academic malpractice and how evidence is often cherry-picked and not questioned when it fits preconceived ideas. Lankfords study reported that over the 47 years there were 90 public mass shooters in the United States and 202 in the rest of world. Lankford hasnt released his list of shootings or even the number of cases by country or year. We and others, both in academia and the media, have asked Lankford for his list, only to be declined. He has also declined to provide lists of the news sources and languages he used to compile his list of cases. Such lack of transparency is an indicator of fraud. These omissions are important because Lankfords entire conclusion would fall apart if he undercounted foreign cases due to lack of news coverage and language barriers. Lankford cites a 2012 New York Police Department report which he claims is nearly comprehensive in its coverage of recent decades. He also says he supplemented the data and followed the same data collection methodology employed by the NYPD. But the NYPD report warns that its own researchers limited [their] Internet searches to English-language sites, creating a strong sampling bias against international incidents, and thus under-counting foreign mass shootings. What do the data actually show? We know of no way to discover most of the cases where four people have been shot to death in an incident in Africa or many other parts of the world during the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s or even 1990s, and that is the reason the new study just looked at the last 15 years from 1998 to 2012 of the 47 years he examined. Lankfords data grossly undercount foreign attacks. We found 1,423 attacks outside the United States. Looking at just a third of the time Lankford studied, we still found 15 times as many shooters. Even when we use coding choices that are most charitable to Lankford, such as excluding any cases of insurgencies or battles over territory, his estimate of the US share of shooters falls from 31 percent to 1.43 percent. It also accounts for 2.1 percent of murders, and 2.88 percent of their attacks. All these are much less than the United States 4.6 percent share of the population. Of the 86 countries where we have identified mass public shootings, the US ranks 56th per capita in its rate of attacks and 61st in mass public shooting murder rate. Norway, Finland, Switzerland and Russia all have at least 45 percent higher rates of murder from mass public shootings than the United States. Why does the U.S. have a relatively low incidence of mass shootings compared with most other countries? One possible answer is our widespread gun ownership, combined with liberal concealed carry laws. Would-be mass shooters in the U.S. tend to gravitate toward gun-free zones like schools, where they know they will have the only weapon. In most public places in the U.S., unlike most other countries, a would-be shooter faces the material possibility that he will not be the only one with a firearm. If we did away with the folly of the gun-free zone, our numbers would probably be even better. Via InstaPundit. I firmly believe that Attorney General William Barr should get the exact same punishment for contempt of Congress that Obamas Attorney General Eric Holder got for his contempt of Congress. Prediction: Its going to be Tormund. Think about it. You know it makes sense. You heard it here first. Finally! A good parody of plastic bottled water: Maybe the Black Rifle Coffee folks can start offering this. Have you heard the latest excuse for why Hillary Clinton lost in 2016? Its Jon Stewarts fault! No, really, thats what some liberals actually think. Kyle Smith reports: The latest in cutting-edge political science/flat-earth theory is that after Stewart quit hosting a comedy show for liberals, the advantage swung to Trump because Democrats forgot there was an election or something. Proving that the nations professoriate is even more obtuse than you would have suspected, Ethan Porter of George Washington University and Thomas J. Wood of Ohio State University note that when Stewart departed The Daily Show, ratings sank. The transition at The Daily Show spurred a 1.1% increase in Trumps county-level vote share, they claim in their paper, Did Jon Stewart Elect Donald Trump? Evidence From Television Ratings Data published in the journal Electoral Studies. Now, the problem is that liberals cant keep their story straight. Because before Stewart retired from The Daily Show, you could find deep-thinking liberals arguing that Stewart was bad for liberalism. Like this Salon piece from 2014: Jon Stewarts expiration date: Why liberalism needs to outgrow the snark . . . According to [Barney] Frank, Stewart and Colbert go wrong by letting a general weariness of the corruption and plasticity of American politics blind them to recognizing the difference between the left and the right. . . the result of The Daily Shows reliance on Jon Stewart, Media Personality, is to leave its audience with an understanding of politics that suffers from Stewarts weakness for the superficial. . . Its the shallowness of Stewarts politics that leads to his other notable weakness as a political pundit (which, just a comedian protestations aside, he clearly is); namely, his tendency to fall prey to the trap of blaming both sides. As the journalist Sasha Issenberg once snarked, there are times when Stewarts desperation to maintain his cooler-than-thou remove from the political process ends up making him sound like a David Broder column with punchlines. If liberals want to see more of the kind of direct action thats characterized the Occupy Wall Street and #blacklivesmatter movements if they really want to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable theyre going to have to embrace a political vision that has grown beyond the idiosyncratic limitations of Jon Stewart. Being a liberal must be exhausting, since you have to improvise and change your story so often. Im not saying our politics are weird, but thats a conclusion one might easily draw from, among other things, this report that Sen. Mitch McConnells re-election campaign is selling Cocaine Mitch T-shirts. The T-shirts feature a faceless illustration of the Senate Majority Leader on the front alongside the image of a fine white powdery substance. The back of the shirt reads: Team Mitch Cartel Member. The reference is to the anti-establishment campaign of West Virginias Don Blankenship, who ran for the Senate in 2018. Blankenship called McConnell Cocaine Mitch, based on reports that drugs were found aboard a cargo ship owned by the family of the Majority Leaders wife, Elaine Chao. NBC News says the T-shirts are hot-sellers. Thus, the McConnell campaign appears to be capitalizing on Blankenships ludicrous slur. The T-shirt has drawn criticism. In response, McConnells campaign says, If we sell enough #CocaineMitch shirts, well buy you a sense of humor. The campaign can buy me one too. I think the T-shirts are in bad taste. The Senate Majority Leader should not be joking publicly in any context about cocaine, which is responsible for dozens of deaths in Kentucky each year. Arise and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time. Winston Churchill Proclaim Liberty throughout All the land unto All the Inhabitants Thereof. Inscription on the Liberty Bell Stephen Montemayor reported in the Star Tribune Morning Hot Dish email newsletter earlier this week that Gov. Tim Walz and First Lady Gwen Walz hosted the first iftar dinner ever held in the governors residence on Tuesday: Plans for the historic meal, which marks each day of fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, have been in the works for at least a couple months: Walz first announced his intent to use the residence to host such a meal in March during a conference on Islamophobia [sic]. A spokeswoman confirmed that scheduled attendees include Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota chapter; Afro Deli founder Abdirahman Kahin; Imam Asad Zaman; Dr. Tamim Saidi and Arlene Al Amin, among others. We all know what CAIR is and understand that Hussein is its local operative. There is a good reason that the government named CAIR as an unindicted co-conspirator of the Holy Land Foundation at the trial of HLF in 2007. Andrew McCarthy tells interested readers everything they need to know in The roots of CAIRs intimidation campaign. What about Imam Asad Zaman? Montemayor doesnt provide his affiliation. Zaman is the executive director of the local chapter of the Muslim American Society. The Muslim American Society is the Muslim Brotherhoods semi-official American branch. Hamas is the Brotherhoods Palestinian branch. Between CAIR and the MAS, thats one iffy iftar affair Walz hosted. It shouldnt be too difficult to get a clue about the MAS. Andrew McCarthys The Grand Jihad (excerpted in the article about CAIR linked above), for example, provides an extremely useful guide to the world of the Muslim American Society. As the lead prosecutor of the Blind Sheikh and his friends for the 1993 attack on the World Trade Center, Andy acquired first-hand knowledge of this world. Getting a bead on the MAS should be especially easy in Minnesota. As I say, Zaman is the executive director of MAS-MN. Readers may recall that Zaman first came to our attention as the principal of Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. TiZA was the Islamic charter school that took public funds on the pretense that it was nonsectarian. Let me emphasize the point: TiZA took taxpayers money on false pretenses. Zaman was the ringleader of the now shuttered TiZA operation. To say the least, he is a publicly compromised character. In my opinion, he should be on the inside of some Minnesota prison looking out rather than hanging out as an honored guest with the governor on the inside of the governors official residence. Gunmen have stormed a five-star hotel in the south-western Pakistani port city of Gwadar, triggering a shoot-out with security forces, officials said on Saturday. The gun battle has been underway inside the Pearl Continental hotel for almost two hours and it is unclear if there are any casualties, local police chief Aslam Bangulzai said. Police and paramilitary troops cordoned off the hotel compound, Bangulzai added. The port of Gwadar is part of a 62-billion-dollar Chinese project to build trade routes to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Violence by Islamist militants has seen a surge in recent weeks. (dpa/NAN) Mina Mangal, a former television journalist and adviser to the Afghan parliament in Kabul was shot dead on Saturday, by gunmen. The development further underlines threat to women in the region. The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation. Ms Mangal, who used to report for prominent TV station Ariana News, was killed by two unidentified men on a motorbike close to her home in eastern Kabul, police spokesperson, Basir Mujahid, said. She had been on her way to work as an adviser to the parliaments cultural affairs commission. There was no immediate word on the motive for the attack, but another Kabul police spokesperson, Ferdous Farahmarz, said the cause may have been a family dispute. The killing came during heightened focus on womens rights, ahead of a possible exit of foreign forces from Afghanistan and potential return of the hardline Taliban to a role in government. Already outraged at worsening security for women in the capital, some Afghans shared her picture on social media and demanded a severe punishment for the perpetrators. In a country where my life is in danger as a journalist, I want the government not to show appreciation for our work but to focus on how to protect us, Zalma Kharooty, an Afghan female journalist, posted on Facebook. Afghanistan ranks near the bottom of global indices on gender equality, with forced marriages, honour killings and domestic violence prevalent nationwide, particularly in rural areas. As U.S.-Taliban peace talks gain momentum, many women fear losing hard-earned freedoms since U.S.-backed Afghan forces overthrew the austere Taliban in 2001. During their rule from 1996 to 2001, the Taliban barred women from working outside their homes and required them to be accompanied by a male relative. (Reuters/NAN) Burkina Fasos President Roch Marc Christian Kabore on Saturday received at the presidential palace in Ouagadougou the three hostages who were rescued by French special forces earlier this week. Two of the freed hostages are French, while one is a South Korean. The French men were accompanied by the French ambassador, Xavier Lapeyre de Cabanes, according to a statement from the presidency. Kabore paid tribute to the French soldiers who died during the rescue and expressed his condolences to their families. Burkinabe security and intelligence forces assisted in the operation. The two French citizens were kidnapped while visiting a national park in the north of the country. Their Beninoise guide was found dead in the national park on Saturday. French special forces freed the hostages in an overnight raid, but two commandos were killed in the operation, authorities in Paris said on Friday. Over 20 French commandos took part in the assault. There were six kidnappers, four of whom were killed, with the other two on the run, French authorities said. Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State were the main terrorist organisations operating in the area, but French authorities have yet to determine if the kidnappers belonged to either group. (dpa/NAN) The Kano State High Court has given embattled Emir Lamido Sanusi some reprieve. On Friday, it granted all reliefs sought by the Peoples Democratic Party caucus of Kano State House of Assembly over the creation of new Emirates in the state. The lawmakers, led by Minority Leader Rabiu Gwarzo, approached the court on Friday morning to seek urgent injunctions on five issues surrounding the creation of the new Emirates. The lawmakers said the House of Assembly did not properly convene before hurriedly passing a bill that established four additional units for the Kano Emirate Council. A few minutes after the House passed the bill for the creation of Karaye, Bichi, Rano and Gaya Emirates, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje signed it into law. The new law recognises the additional emirates as first class, the same coveted status currently accorded to the centuries-old Kano Emirate. The presiding judge, Nasiru Saminu, granted all five injunctions sought, including the prohibition of gazetting the law and naming of emirs to the new Emirates. After granting the temporary injunctions, the judge fixed May 15 for hearing on the substantive litigation over the matter. Mounting suspicion The quick passage of the bill and the broad powers it conferred on the new Emirates have fuelled speculation that the governor was determined to whittle down the influence of Emir Lamido Sanusi rather than reform the states chieftaincy policy. The Kano Emirate is amongst the most-recognised traditional institutions in Nigeria, and arguably the most influential in Nigerias north. Before the new law, Mr Sanusi had traditional control of all the states 44 local government areas. Thirty-six of those local councils have now been yanked off his control, leaving the former CBN governor with only eight local government areas to administer. Mr Lamido was named emir in June 2014, following the death of Ado Bayero and amidst a turbulent dispute with former President Goodluck Jonathan. It was not immediately clear why Mr Ganduje wants to downgrade Mr Sanusis stool. But a petition over the emirates coffers preceded the bills passage. The Kano public complaints office accused some officials in the emirate of mismanaging public funds, but many saw that as a decoy to strike at the emir himself. Mr Gwarzo and his PDP colleagues said they were not entirely dismissive of the investigation of the emir or the creation of new Emirates, but that legal requirements should not be sacrificed in the process. We are working for due process and not Emir Lamido Sanusi, Mr Gwarzo told PREMIUM TIMES Friday night. Whatever does not conform to the rule of the House, we must go against it. The Court of Appeals decision to deliver its ruling after the winding up of the Code of Conduct Tribunals trial of embattled former chief justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, is unfortunate, Access to Justice has said. The group, a judicial advocacy organisation, said in a statement on Saturday that if the appellate court had reached its decisions earlier, it would have represented a timely intervention required in Mr Onnoghens trial. It could have halted the travesty and charade that was being played out by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, under the guise of a trial, Joseph Otteh, the head of Access to Justice said. Today, the judgment of the Court of Appeal faulting the obnoxious ex-parte order suspending Justice Onnoghen, as well as denouncing the Tribunals disregard of the orders issued against it by other courts halting its proceedings, has little else to it besides academic value. The judgments are, therefore, not much other than hollow rites of passage. The Court of Appeals moralisations on the conduct of the Code of Conduct Tribunal at this time, therefore, are of too little value because they were too late. A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal on Friday condemned the secret sitting of the CCT to suspend Mr Onnoghen but declined to rule on it. The appellate court had reserved its judgment on Mr Onnoghens appeal in February. The panel, headed by Justice Steve Adah, condemned the various decisions by the CCT regarding Mr Onnoghens trial, but gave most of its verdict against the former chief justices applications. For instance, the panel found that the ex-parte order granted by the CCT on January 23 breached Mr Onnoghens right to fair hearing because it was obtained in a manner shrouded in secrecy and clandestine manoeuvre. Mr Otteh said whatever the Court of Appeals views were on Mr Onnoghens conduct, what was at stake was well beyond Mr Onnoghens circumstance. What is at stake is the ideology of the courts role in preserving constitutional democracy and the rights of citizens. It implicates the rights of ordinary citizens who have to seek the courts intervention in preventing some irreparable harm to them. According to Mr Otteh, the judiciary is labouring under serious threats to its independence, coming mostly from the executive arm of government at both federal and state levels. This ought to be a time when courts would rise up and defend Nigerias hard-won constitutional democracy with valour and defiance, he said. But our courts are drawing a blank, and making citizens fear for their ability and readiness to protect them and the rule of law in a country beset by so many problems of governance. If tyranny persists in Nigeria, it is because courts are, in the main, failing the Nigerian people. At least 11 northern states in Nigeria are yet to pass a child rights law despite its obvious benefits for children, a child protection specialist with the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), Sharon Oladiji, has said. The states are Bauchi, Yobe, Kano, Sokoto, Adamawa, Borno, Zamfara, Gombe, Katsina, Kebbi, and Jigawa. Ms Oladiji initially listed 12 states, including Kaduna, as not passing such a law. Findings, however, showed Kaduna passed its child protection law in 2018. Speaking during a two-day media dialogue on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) at 30, Ms Oladiji said many of such states believe some sections of the child rights law need to be amended as it negates their belief and cultural practice. The dialogue was organised by the Child Rights Information Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, in collaboration with UNICEF. CRC was adopted on November 20, 1989 by the UN General Assembly, and was ratified by 194 state parties, except Somalia. It covers civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, thus underscoring the indivisibility and equal importance of all rights. Nigeria adopted the Child Rights Act in 2003 to domesticate the international Convention on the Rights of the Child. This act covers every aspect of the lives of children and adolescents. They are broken down into the following: survival rights, development rights, participation rights, and protection rights. Ms Oladiji said governments at all level should put laws in place to protect the rights of children in Nigeria. She said the success of this would encourage implementation and children will consequently grow into better adults in future. She noted that investing in a child was paramount for Nigeria and Africa to realise the rights of the burgeoning child population. A healthy development of a child is crucial to the future well-being of any nation. Special attention is required for Nigeria which is the country with the largest increase in absolute numbers of both birth and child population. It is time we acknowledge our shared responsibility and address this issue, she said. In his presentation, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF, Dennis Onoise said culture is only one of the many reasons stakeholders refuse to push for the implementation of the Child Rights Law in their states. He said personal interest also plays its part in the delay of implementing such law. He said some stakeholders might refuse to push for the law because if implementation starts, it may affect them. The Chief of communication, UNICEF, Eliana Drakopoulos said the Convention on the rights of the child must be made known to everyone in order to ensure full protection and adoption of the CRC act. The need to ensure that children are empowered all round to take their pride of place in our society and the world at large. This is a realisation that all children have a right to better life, an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potentials, she said. The Kano State High Court has granted an order restraining Governor Abdullahi Ganduje from implementing the breakup of Kano Emirate. Mr Ganduje signed a law on Wednesday which created an additional four emirates, a move that was widely seen as depletion of Emir Lamido Sanusis influence. The matter immediately took a political dimension with the Peoples Democratic Party members in the House saying that the additional four emirates were not properly created, accusing the All Progressives Congress majority of disregarding extant parliamentary procedures. Two PDP House members, including the minority leader, told PREMIUM TIMES they received a court order against the new Emirates on Friday afternoon. The lawmakers said the House was officially on recess and was not properly convened before the law was hurriedly passed on Wednesday. Governor Ganduje had on Wednesday assented to the controversial bill approving the creation of the additional Emirates in the state Gaya, Rano, Karaye, and Bichi. Backstory PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how the Kano State House of Assembly amended the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Law of the state to create the four new Emirates. The lawmakers move followed a petition submitted to the state assembly by one Ibrahim Salisu seeking the decentralisation of the Kano Emirate Council. The petitioner demanded the upgrade of the traditional rulers of Karaye, Bichi, Rano, and Gaya to the status of first class emirs. The assembly immediately set up a committee to look into the petition and come up with a report. While reading the joint committees report before the floor of the house on Tuesday, the Majority Leader, Baffa Danagundi, said the report also recommended the review of the law. He said the decision followed wide consultation with stakeholders. Mr Danagundi said the response received showed that there was a need to upgrade the traditional rulers. The amendment bill received a swift passage at the Assembly after scaling the third reading at Wednesdays plenary presided over by Speaker Kabiru Rurum. An excited Governor Ganduje hurriedly assented to the bill on Thursday. Political Undertone? The new law establishing the emirates tagged Emirs Appointment and Deposition Amendment bill 2019 was passed expeditiously (within two days) by the lawmakers raising concerns about a possible political undertone. Observers said the real motive of the governor is to reduce the tremendous influence of the Emir of Kano. Mr Sanusi reportedly opposed the re-election of Mr Ganduje. The governor scraped through reelection after a disputed supplementary election. He lost heavily in Kano Municipal, the seat of the Emir. Kano is one of only two states in Nigeria with one emirate or traditional council. Sokoto, the seat of the Sultan of Sokoto, is the other state with a similar arrangement. The Emirates, as with the other traditional councils, have roles in the administration of local governments and are allocated five per cent of the revenues of the local councils. With Wednesdays amendment, Kano Emirate will now cover about eight local government areas. Kano State has the highest number of LGAs in Nigeria 44. A prosecution witness, Patrick Ogo, on Friday told an Ikeja Special Offences Court that Kayode Odukoya, Managing Director, First Nation Airways, secured a N1.7 billion loan from Skye Bank with a forged document. Mr Ogo, a Legal Officer with Polaris Bank, formerly Skye Bank, testified at the beginning of the trial of Mr Odukoya over alleged N1.7 billion theft. He was led in evidence by Anselm Ozioko, lead counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting the case. The legal officer, who is the first prosecution witness, said that Mr Odukoya, the leader of Bellview Airlines and First Nation Airline (the second and third defendants) had, from 2007 to 2012, obtained various loan facilities from the bank. He said: As at December 2016, he obtained facilities accumulating to about N3.4 billion and 2.4 million dollars. At the point of the first application for these facilities, the defendant undertook to avail the bank of some collateral. The collateral include properties at 29 and 30, Oduduwa Way, Ikeja, and No. 35, Ladipo Bateye St., Ikeja, which the first defendant alleged belonged to him. On the basis that the property belonged to him, the bank disbursed the loan facilities to the defendants. When the bank commenced mortgage of these properties with particular reference to the property at No. 29, Oduduwa Way, Ikeja, with registration No. 33 on page 33 volume 1011 at the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa, it was discovered to be false. Relying on same, the bank wrote to the Land Registry to confirm the registered number as furnished by the defendant and the bank received a response that the referred number does not exist in the record to the referred property. The prosecution witness said that the bank, upon receiving feedback from the Land Registry, contacted Mr Odukoya who provided a memorandum of loss, a sworn affidavit, police extract and a March 8, 2013 publication of National Mirror newspaper. Mr Ogo informed the court that page 50 of the newspaper publication declared that the title document of the property was missing, stating that whoever found the document would be rewarded handsomely. He said that further investigations by Polaris (Skye) bank revealed that the registration number of the property was fake and that Mr Odukoya had used the same property as collateral for another loan from another bank. The banks internal investigation in respect of that property showed that the registration number of that property was Page 5, Vol. 5 of 1011, which the first defendant had used as collateral. The bank thereafter instructed its external solicitor to petition the EFCC as regards the act of the defendant. The instructed solicitor also wrote to the defendant referring to the converted sums of the bank which were earlier stated as N3.4 billion and 2.4 million dollars. The defendant responded that the referred amount was not involved but rather it was N1.7 billion. Subsequently another petition was written by our lawyer to the EFCC to carry out investigation on the fraudulent act of the defendant of obtaining the banks money by false representation of facts. Investigations were carried out which consequently made me to make statements to the EFCC in respect of the suit, Mr Ogo said. The witness said that the loans were granted to Mr Odukoya because his application inferred some urgency for the funds to run the operations of First Nation Airway and Bellview Airlines. My lord, when Bellview Airlines Ltd. was in operation, it started banking with Skye Bank Plc in 2006/2007. First Nation Airways came onboard with the same alter ego of the first defendant, and upon the application of Skye Bank, there was a memorandum of understanding wherein First Nation Airways took over the outstanding indebtedness of Bellview Airline. The money has not been returned to the bank, my lord, till today. This money is about N1.7 billion according to the defendant, the Polaris Bank representative said. Advertisements The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC is alleging that Mr Odukoya committed forgery, use of false document and perjury on March 21, 2013, in Lagos. According to the prosecution, the defendant forged the memorandum of loss of Lagos State Certificate of Occupancy registered as No. 33 at page 33 volume 1011 at the Lagos State Land Registry, Alausa, Lagos, in order that the document be acted upon as genuine. The forged document was alleged to be in respect of a property located at No. 29, Oduduwa St., Ikeja, GRA, Lagos. Mr Odukoya is also alleged by the EFCC to have used the false document, and also gave false information on oath, concerning the loss of the certificate of occupancy at the Lagos State Land Registry. The anti-graft commission also alleged that on October 7, 2016, Odukoya stole and dishonestly converted to his own use, N1.7 billion belonging to Skye Bank Plc. The alleged offences violate Sections 85, 86(1) 278(1)(b), 285, 361(1),(a) (b), 363 and 364(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. However, the defendant, who was arraigned on March 15, 2018, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of forgery, use of false documents, perjury and stealing. Justice Mojisola Dada adjourned the case until June 24 for continuation of trial. (NAN) Cecilia Ibru, the former CEO of defunct Oceanic Bank, has accused Lamido Sanusi of withdrawing her personal driver and security shortly after she was ousted from office. Mrs Ibru, 73, was fired from her family-owned Oceanic Bank after regulators discovered widespread manipulation of books. At least four other banks were accused of similar practices and their heads removed in the 2009 investigation by the Central Bank of Nigeria. Mr Sanusi, the Emir of Kano, was the CBN governor at the time. Mrs Ibru later pleaded guilty to charges of financial fraud and mismanagement, and was sentenced to six months imprisonment in October 2010. The court also asked her to return billions in stolen funds and confiscated several properties traced to her in Nigeria and abroad. She had remained largely underground since she served out her term, until recently when she granted an interview to the Punch. Mrs Ibru said she pleaded guilty not because she was actually involved in any wrongdoing, but because the charges were taking a toll on her family and she had to make personal sacrifices. You see, when they offered me plea bargain as the way out, I was tired of the whole thing, many people said I shouldnt take it. My husband was sick and I didnt want to be sick too. So, I decided to do what I had to do so I could be able to function. That was it, she said. Pleading that you are guilty when you know that you are not. For me, they just wanted the banks. An envious fight does not end, but that is a big story that I would prefer to write about later. She said she learnt rather early that Mr Sanusi was only interested in taking over Oceanic and a few other banks in a manner that was more vindictive than proactive assuming there were any financial crimes to mitigate in the first place. Shortly after she was removed from office, Mrs Ibru said her driver and security were removed on Mr Sanusis order, thereby exposing her to security threats. Cecilia Ibru I was a popular personality and I could not go around without some form of protection, she told the Punch. It was unclear when the interview was recorded, but the paper published it in its Saturday edition. Mrs Ibru said a friend intervened at the time, and funded her chauffeur and security bill to the tune of N1 million per month. She said the friend, whom she described as a Muslim but did not name, covered the charges until she left for England several months later for medical care. Her health had deteriorated shortly after she was arraigned for fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mrs Ibru also reflected on her life and family in the interview, but said she was most grateful to be running an eponymous private university she founded with her late husband, Michael. Mr Sanusi implemented a vast restructuring of some banks during his tenure. Several banks were identified as being run by rogue executives and mergers and acquisitions were widespread. The former CBN governor defended his action as necessary to save consumer deposits, and most importantly to prevent the country from financial meltdown. He was removed from office in February 2014, three months before the expiration of his five-year tenure, by President Goodluck Jonathan. A few months earlier, he had alleged a theft of about $20 billion at the state-owned oil firm, NNPC, a claim that embarrassed Mr Jonathans government. The Emir of Kano has been in the news lately after the state adopted a new law which significantly reduce his influence as a foremost tradition ruler. State lawmakers have also accused him of financial mismanagement. CBN job Mrs Ibru said she was victimised because the former CBN governor thought she wanted his position at the top bank. Advertisements Mrs Ibru said although she was contacted for the job, she declined because she had made plans to retire the following year to take care of her ailing husband. According to her, after Mr Sanusis appointment, I congratulated him. He even told me at that time they had not given him a letter and I told him not to worry that it would come. She explained. He (Sanusi) thought I wanted his job but I didnt. I was offered the position, but I said no. My husband was sick and I needed to be with him. That was the reason, I was planning to retire in March of the following year to go and stay with my husband. No money, no friend Mrs Ibru said many businesses Oceanic Bank helped in the past when she was in office did not come to her aid during her travails. People that I thought would come and help me did not do so. However, God raised other people to help me, she said. Back then when I was in office, if I was at home, you wouldnt find a parking space in my compound; it was always filled with cars and people who wanted one favour or the other from the bank. But after that episode, everywhere became empty. She said many of the top businessmen she helped no longer get in touch. Tthough they dont call me; whether there is nothing to discuss, I call them when I want to, she said. I genuinely wanted to help people grow their businesses and a lot of people and businesses were empowered. We floated Econet, Oando, we built MMA2, Ibadan Expressway, we put guarantee down to build toll gate and the project at the Bar Beach. Look at Dangote at Obajana, we did (funded) it, and it was after we had finished that we began to sell the credit to other banks; the same with Econet, MMA2 and others. I enjoyed it all because we created real and sustainable value because those businesses are still there till today. Looking at individuals that also benefited from the bank, we assisted people like Dapo Abiodun, Jimoh Ibrahim, (Aliko) Dangote, etc. Tension is rising in Gagarawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State as residents alleged constant arrest and police brutality following their protest of alleged seizure of their farmlands. Muazu Jibrin, a resident, said they live in constant fear of arrest and intimidation by the state authorities after they rejected and protested against the seizure of their farmlands. The state government years ago allocated 12,000 hectares to a Chinese firm, Lee Group of Companies, for a sugarcane plantation. The allocated land extends across four local government areas in the state. The pilot stage of the plantation has started at Garin Ciroma community in Gagarawa LGA. The community is the host of the main project of the plantation, and many Chinese and Nigerian workers are already on site. The state government had to call in the police recently after the communities allegedly chased away the Chinese nationals from their farmlands. The locals alleged that the police arrested many villagers in the incident. The communities had rejected monetary compensation by the state government and vowed to continue to farm their lands. When PREMIUM TIMES correspondent visited Garin Ciroma, he saw dozens of armed mobile police officers stationed at the sugarcane plantation. Saadu Audu is one of the residents detained by the police for four days over the unrest in the area. We were invited by the Gagarawa DPO who told us that he was directed to take us to police headquarters in Dutse. We were detained for four days and later released on bail. Our crime is that we sent away a Chinese working on our farmland, he said. Mr Saadu Audu Isa Ardo, another resident, told PREMIUM TIMES that the state government deployed five truckloads of mobile police operatives to their settlement in Tudun Fulani. We were asked to vacate the area without monetary compensation. I am 55 years old. Even my grandfather was born here, we settled here for more than a century ago and this is the only place we have been farming and rearing cows. We were told to leave because they want to plant sugarcane. They showed us where to go and settle, but they did not give us money for compensation. Government officials are also collecting money from us before we can build a hut in the area we have been taken to, Mr Ardo said. The police spokesperson in Jigawa, Audu Jinjiri, declined to respond to the allegations. He said the issue had been politicised. The states police commissioner, Bala Senchi, was on an official assignment outside the state at the time of this report. Why were against the project Residents Rabiu Musa, a 58-year-old resident of Garin Ciroma, spoke on behalf of other residents. He said the project was conceived by a former governor, Sule Lamido. Mr Lamido was governor of the state between 2007 and 2015. He said the whole community rejected the project because it focussed only on sugarcane plantation, while the residents have grown a variety of food crops over the years as their means of livelihood. Mr Rabiu Musa The incumbent governor, Mohammad Badaru, and the members representing Gagarawa and Gumel, and Maigatari federal constituencies, Sule Tankar-kar and Sani Zorro respectively, while on electioneering campaigns in 2015 told us that the entire project was a fraud against the locals. They said seizing our farmlands amounted to seizing the lives of the locals. This is one of the reasons why Badaru and Zorro were supported in the area. More importantly, we believed and trusted the governor because of his experience and he appeared to be a gentleman because of the beard he wears. However, he was the first to swallow his words, siding with the Chinese people to our own detriment. Now it is only Mr Zorro who stood by his words, over time, fighting alongside the deprived, Mr Musa said. He said the state government had earlier told the affected communities that the company would channel potable water from Hantsu community in Miga Local Government Area to serve the water need of all the communities. However, the company has dug multiple wells serving only the sugarcane plantation, neglecting the communities around, Mr Musa said. Also, they said the project is similar to that of Kadawa irrigation valley in Kano. We later learnt that it is a blatant lie. Because in that of Kano, those who complained about the project are the farmers whose farmlands were affected by the water channel. No farmland was seized and there was the sincerity of purpose because the then government wanted to economically empower the farmers. The system in Jigawa is a capitalist capital expansion. They completely seized our farmland and they want us to work on the plantation to produce sugarcane and to be sold to them at a price to be determined by them. Were going to hold the horns while they milk the economic cow. Advertisements We cannot be slaves on our own land. Muazu Jibrin, a resident of Dan-Nani community, is also affected by the project. He said the people working on the pilot stage of the plantation, work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and are paid N600. Many people are running away because they learnt that they wanted to use them as cheap labour. Auwalu Garin-Ciroma, a motorcyclist, said the entire project is meant to exploit the residents. The compensation is inadequate I knew people who were given N10,000 each as compensation. When they complained, they told them that their farmland has no multiple tree plantation. Other residents are against the project because of the poor monetary compensation. They are paying N30,000 per hectare of land. That is why many are fighting against the project and we are ready to fight to the last drop of our blood unless justice is done. Only a few people accepted the compensation and the same people are dubiously deceiving the government by collecting multiple compensation using other peoples land number, disguising as the real owners of the farmlands, the motorcyclist said. Government Reacts Earlier, the states deputy governor, Ibrahim Hassan, told reporters that the government had gone beyond the provisions of the Land Use Act just to help the people. He said, under the Act, the governor can take the land and give it to the company in overriding public interest. Mr Hassaan admitted that the Act encourages compensation for original owners of seized farmlands, but said the governor could not be sued if he only pays stipends to such owners. If a (piece of) land is worth N100 million and the governor decided to give N10,000, no one can question him and no one can sue him, Mr Hassan said. The compensation policy is not about money; it is for livelihood guarantee. If you give a peasant farmer N1 million compensation, you will create more problem for him because somebody that has never had N5,000 in his lifetime and you give him that amount of money, he will lose up to 90 per cent of the money to fraudsters or he is going to mismanage it, the deputy governor said. The deputy governor also spoke on the revolt of the locals over the plantation project. There are 12 villages in the heart of the 12,000 hectares of the Sugarcane plantation. Lee Group once complained about the revolt from the locals, possibly to set ablaze the sugarcane farm in an act of sabotage. But we told them to engage the villagers to work on the plantation. With this, no one will think of destroying the sugarcane farm because they are the direct beneficiaries of the activity going on there. Theres no danger that they will put fire on the farm. The project has a turnover of over N100billion per annum. The investor is doing the state a favour by coming to invest in the state. Gagarawa is sandy soil area. It is the only part of Jigawa that doesnt practice two seasons agriculture, Mr Hassan said. A group of human rights activists, women organisations and residents of the Federal Capital Territory has called for an end to the unlawful arrest of women in Abuja. The group made the call in Abuja on Friday during a protest to demand justice for women that were detained and allegedly sexually harassed by some police officers. The protest kicked off from the Eagle Square with some Nigerians wearing black shirts and bearing placards with various inscriptions. Sex for bail is rape, Its her today, it could be me tomorrow, To be a woman is not a crime, Womens rights are human rights, Dont rape us, protect us, they chorused while marching to the building of the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA). The arrest of women in Abuja Last month, PREMIUM TIMES reported how some officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), raided a popular night club, Caramelo, and arrested 34 female nude dancers. Two weeks after, about 70 women were arrested from different clubs in Abuja and detained at Utako police station. The acting Abuja police spokesperson, Danjuma Tanimu, said they were arrested for hanging around nightclubs in Abuja. Some of the women arrested were later bailed while 32 others were charged to a mobile court sitting in the FCT. Out of the 32 women presented before the court, 27 of them were convicted and sentenced to one month in prison for prostitution, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. Some of the arrested women also accused police officers of raping them in exchange for their freedom. Violation Of Womens Rights An activist, Ariyo-Dare Atoye, described the arrests and detention of the ladies as an attempt to profile and debase women in Nigerian society. What is going on in our society is trashy and it is unacceptable. The attempt to continue to rape women on the account that they go to clubs and are prostitutes. How were the policemen able to prove that these girls were prostitutes? They are raped and extorted. There is nothing in the law that gives the Task Force power to harass women because our constitution is supreme. Therefore this is a violation of the rights of women and it must stop, he said. Dorothy Njemanze, an Abuja-based womens rights activist, said she is a victim of the unfair war on women and it has to stop. Abuja residents, activists march, demand end to arrest of women Abuja residents, activists march, demand end to arrest of women Abuja residents, activists march, demand end to arrest of women Abuja residents, activists march, demand end to arrest of women A woman outside her house at night is not enough to label her a prostitute. Prostitution does not exist with one person, so they should tell us their definition. We want justice and accountability. Stop criminalizing us, that is all we ask, She said Adebayo Raphael, an activist, said the act of arresting women is a blatant abuse of the right of women. What is going on is a very fundamental attack against the dignity of Nigeria women. It is inhumane for anybody to rape another person and it is more inhumane to carry out such act with nylon as a form of protection. It is a complete degradation of every value of humanity and this must be put to an end, he said. Rachael Adejo, the chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, said no law has been broken by the women. They went to the club and picked women up but left the men. They picked women, took them to police station and then they started doing lots of things with them. The women were not alone by themselves so why were the men not picked. It shows the discrimination against women. It is wrong and unacceptable, she said Martin Obono, a lawyer and activist, said the protest is to demand a stop to the harassment of women on the streets and even in clubs and bars. No Men Arrested Mr Atoye said It takes two to tango. Why arrest the women and you leave out the men? A woman alone cannot be a prostitute. She cannot commit a sexual act on the street alone. If you cannot arrest the men, dont arrest the women. If there is no man standing with a woman and theyre having sex, you cannot call her a prostitute. Even at that, they are not prostitutes. If animals can work freely on the streets on Abuja, our women and girls have every right to work freely on the streets of this town, he said. An Abuja resident, Edem Egbeyoung, said it is wrong to arrest the seller and leave buyer. It takes two strike a deal, you cannot arrest the seller and leave the buyer. I love the sex workers and they have their own right, he said. Sex Workers Speak The National Coordinator of Nigerian Sex Workers Association, Amaka Enemo, said the arrest of women in Abuja is unlawful. How can you go to the club and arrest someone for loitering? And the problem is why taking only women from the club? If there is a need to arrest people, then arrest both men and women. Stop intimidating women. We sex workers also have our rights because sex work is not criminalised, she said We are waiting for police to define what prostitution means. If you think someone is a prostitute, take them to the court. You have no right to hold a Nigeria citizen for 48 hours, it is a violation of our rights, Ngozi Nwosu said I have the right as a citizen to go the club and have fun. The police officer has no right to arrest women at the club Another sex worker identified as Susan said, When it comes to issue of stigmatisation and arrest by the police, enough is enough. They fail to understand that we have our rights as human being before I became a sex worker, she said. Minister Should Act Ms Njemanze called on the Minister of FCT, Mohammed Bello, to discuss with the attorney general on the appropriateness of the Abuja agencys actions. The minister is in Abuja and I was violated in Abuja. We are here to interact with him as humans. There is a court judgment, so we need him to swing into action, liase with the attorney general and ensure it is upheld, she said. Mrs Adejo said We hope the minister will listen to us and call his officers to order. Question: Among some of the used metal containers left in a kitchen cupboard of a house we bought some time ago was an empty tin potato chip can decorated with bright, glossy, colored photos of TV hero Hopalong Cassidy. The round container is 11inches high, 7 inches in diameter and its lid is marked Bar 20 Bulletin and Kuehmann Foods, Inc. We would appreciate information about Hopalong and would like to know if items associated with him are collected. A.C., Pomona Answer: Hopalong Cassidy was a fictional cowboy hero created in 1904 by Clarence E. Mulford (1883-1956) who wrote popular short stories and 28 books based on the Hoppy character. Cassidy, who resided at his Bar-20 ranch, was given his Hopalong nickname after receiving a leg injury during one of his early gun battles. Adapted to radio, film, TV and comic books, Mulfords immensely popular cowboy, played by actor William Boyd, was one of the earliest TV western series heroes, appearing on NBC from 1949 to 1951 and again from 1951 to 1952. MAYS LANDING A Pennsylvania man charged in the 2014 murder of a 25-year-old Egg Harbor Township woman is in the Atlantic County jail. Timothy P. Wright, 39, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, arrested and charged last month with strangling Joyce Vanderhoff, was extradited and booked into the jail Wednesday, jail records show. At 9:51 a.m. Feb. 14, 2014, Vanderhoff was found dead on the side of the road in Hamilton Township after police responded to a report of a body spotted by a passing motorist on Weymouth Road near milepost 24. Her death was ruled a homicide, and an autopsy determined the cause of death to be strangulation. Wright, who was living in Mays Landing at the time of Vanderhoffs killing, was interviewed by police, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Detectives determined Vanderhoff was with Wright at his home before she was found dead. In addition, Wrights cellphone revealed turn-by-turn navigation from the area of where Vanderhoffs body was located to the area of Wrights residence the night before, hours before her body was found, according to the document. Wright was arrested April 26 by officers from the Chambersburg Police Department. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. With the reopening Sunday, many who use the line for work and other reasons were eager to get back on a reliable schedule. Still, some elected officials and riders have expressed concerns about a possible dip in ridership stemming from the extended closure. The lines schedule was adjusted to include earlier train times to accommodate commuters, but the possibility remains that some former riders have found new jobs or an easier commute in driving. The people that I spoke to, theres very few of them that are coming back, said Carol Stephens, 60, of Galloway Township, who rode the line for 28 years to her paralegal job in Camden. Its a shame. Assemblymen Mazzeo and John Armato, also D-Atlantic, said an advertising push could help make up for lost time. We have never seen an advertisement for the train that goes from Philadelphia to Atlantic City, Armato said. They have to market this a lot better. Annual ridership on the line dropped from 1.38 million in 2011 to less than 1 million in 2017, according to NJ Transit. It was down another 4.1% in 2018 before the service was suspended. +2 Atlantic City Rail Line to reopen early with added service ATLANTIC CITY NJ Transit will reopen the Atlantic City Rail Line almost two weeks earlier OCEAN CITY Business owners in the resort rejoiced Saturday as Martin Z. Mollusk predicted summer will come early. On a dark, rainy day, the citys mascot saw his shadow with the help of an artificial light during the annual Martin Z. Mollusk Day celebration at the Music Pier. Martin seeing his shadow means summer will come a week early, according to local lore. We see his shadow! Summer is coming early to Ocean City! proclaimed Michael Hartman, who helps plan special events. The hermit crab character made his first creep onto the Ninth Street beach on a cool, windy March day in 1974. Legend has it Martin once saw only a partial shadow, and summer arrived just 3 days ahead of time, city officials said. Martin Z. Mollusk was the brainchild of retired city publicist Mark Soifer. Fellow weather prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil sent Martin a letter wishing him best of luck and letting him know he would love to come to the resort to visit. The early arrival of summer was news to 5-year-old Addison Bechtold, of Ocean City. Addison said she cant wait to get to the beach and called Martin cool. Shes the supportive shell behind Martin, said Kathy, 48. For some, the event, and vacationing in the city, is a generations-long tradition. Brian Shollenberger, 53, of Avondale, Pennsylvania, said it was his second time bringing his wife and two sons to the ceremony, but his family has been visiting the resort for 100 years. Conceding they sometimes cheat a little by using a flashlight, he said its a fun way to kick off the summer. Before the actual crabs were brought out for the ceremony, two costumed versions were escorted onto the sand by Emma Slater and Tristan MacManus, of ABCs Dancing with the Stars. The costumed crabs had their first dance to Bobby Darins Beyond the Sea, for which they received perfect scores from Slater and MacManus. And then, it was time. Martin and Mollie the real versions were carried down to the beach, where they were placed inside a small yellow hoop on the sand. Within seconds, the verdict was in Martin had seen his shadow, and summer was going to start a week early. He was placed on a mirrored and jeweled throne, and the ritual was complete. That goes to say a lot, Tabei said. That is bad for the membership, bad for the city, bad for the community. Its just bad all the way around. Local 54 represents nearly one-third of Atlantic Citys casino and hospitality workers, including restaurant, housekeeping and environmental services employees. +3 Hard Rock casino employees vote for union contract ATLANTIC CITY Casino workers from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City overwhelmingl McDevitt said Local 54s focus would now shift to upcoming industrywide bargaining negotiations set to begin in 2020. Having a win like this is a good way to go into negotiations, McDevitt said. Although workers at Ocean Casino Resort have not yet voted to become Local 54 members, the expectation is they will before the 2020 bargaining begins. Employees of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City which opened at the site of the shuttered Taj Mahal in June 2018 recently voted in favor of unionizing. The Atlantic City casino industry is rebounding after a tumultuous 10-year stretch between 2006 and 2016. In 2006, total gaming revenue hit an all-time high of $5.2 billion from 12 casino properties. But by 2016, revenue had fallen to $2.6 billion and only seven casinos remained open by years end. Casino union fears impact of Wall Street in Atlantic City ATLANTIC CITY The casino workers union is concerned the increasing influence hedge funds a ATLANTIC CITY Velvet Wright loved her tiny, red row home on North Tennessee Avenue. Its where she ran a small nonprofit for 20 to 30 Atlantic City youth called Taking it to the Streets, and where, across the street, she would play wall ball with her siblings as a kid. But the 62-year-old said she had to leave. After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Wright said her landlord didnt have the money or insurance to quickly repair the badly flooded property, where mold and mildew were growing. She was forced to move to Egg Harbor Township, abandoning the little island where (she) enjoyed life. It pushed people out of Atlantic City, she said of the devastating storm. The stretch of 10 row homes in the 3rd Ward is still in disarray. At least one is on the citys abandoned properties list, boarded up and with at least a foot of grass growing in front. Wrights home appears occupied, but shes unsure what happened there since she left. Its a problem that existed long before Sandy. But in a city with an aging housing stock thats trying to attract new residents, the storm added to blight in available houses, and took some off the rolls entirely. And Atlantic City isnt unique in this New Orleans continues to face a similar housing problem nearly 14 years after Hurricane Katrina. The solution, some say, may be rebuilding entire blocks, using nonprofits to reclaim empty houses and continuing to amend grant programs for low-income homeowners. Carol Ruffu, president of the Chelsea Neighborhood Association, says more than 500 abandoned properties were counted by the city three years after the hurricane, though its unclear what percentage are empty because of Sandy. That number was never documented. Throughout the city, namely Bungalow Park, she said, properties were abandoned by those who couldnt navigate confusing state and federal grant programs, and remain empty today. According to FEMA, there are 361 homes throughout the city that are still more than 50 percent damaged, of the more than 12,000 total households that saw major or severe damage. And years later, Ruffu contends, necessary tear-downs still havent occurred throughout the resort. Atlantic City wasnt among the top 20 municipalities with the most demolished housing units after the storm in 2013 or in 2018, according to Department of Community Affairs data. Margate and Brigantine, two shore towns only miles away, saw more demolition permits for both years. (Vacant houses) have been sitting there for six years, and theyve just gotten worse and worse and worse, Ruffu said. There have been so many people who have passed away and never got back into their homes. And even if buildings damaged by the storm are now occupied, the conditions inside may be substandard, said city Licensing and Inspections Director Dale Finch. The city can only inspect rental units, not single-family homes. Some we havent looked at in years, Finch said. We can only inspect rental units when theres a change in occupancy. ... There could be mold, mildew. Rescuing them, though, may require new approaches: rebuilding entire streets rather than individual properties and taking another look at the rules surrounding grant programs. Elevating or rebuilding such structures like those along Ohio and Texas avenues is usually difficult because they share walls with other structures. Raising a single row house sandwiched between two others could cost up to $145 per square foot, significantly more than other types of buildings, said Steve Hauck, of S.J. Hauck House Movers. Youre practically building a new home, Hauck said. And a lot of the row homes in Atlantic City were built in the 1930s and were already falling apart. Owners of row houses could elevate by abandonment, Hauck said, meaning keep the first floor as a garage and build a new level above the existing unit. Another option: Every homeowner on the street could secure funds and lift their house in unison. Hauck recalls only two instances where his company was hired to do either in Atlantic City. Grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the DCA can be used to lift a block of homes if all approved owners agree to the programs conditions, but thats difficult to accomplish. Jim Rutala agrees using grants to fix entire blocks and infrastructure would be most efficient. But he said that would require a hands-on approach. The state and federal government, he said, would have to target specific streets and lead the coordination among the neighbors, by sending letters or setting up local meetings. In total, the DCA has given more than $46 million to Atlantic City residents to either lift or repair homes through its Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Elevation and Mitigation and Low-to-Moderate Income Homeowners Rebuilding programs. We tried to work with adjacent homes and get approval to lift both sides, Rutala said. We were saying, Dont fix one house at a time, fix whole streets. Rutala says another roadblock homeowners faced were FEMA and DCA rules that require homeowners to pay for repairs and get reimbursed by the state after the work is complete. Under the DCAs program, applicants are paid up to 50 percent of the cost of the grant upfront, but some who needed additional funds upfront were forced to drop out of the program. Lisa Ryan, a spokeswoman for the DCA, said the money is disbursed over time to ensure rebuilding projects are in compliance with federal standards. She said the state continuously makes changes to the program to help homeowners, such as a $50 million allocation earlier this year specifically for people who have stalled construction. Were always asking, How can we change the program to make it as easy as possible for people to get back home? Ryan said. Still, one standout solution lies outside the government and private homeowners. Local, on-the-ground nonprofits could play a large role in repairing abandoned homes from Sandy and getting them on the housing market again, some say. Its a strategy one group in Camden is trying. Though the city wasnt affected by Sandy, it faces a similar problem, with nearly 900 abandoned homes as of 2016. For 30 years, St. Josephs Carpenter Society has been renovating damaged zombie homes in East Camden, where the vacancy rate is now lower than the rest of the citys. The nonprofit uses donations and grants to buy and fix eyesore houses, then sells them to locals. Each buyer gets one-on-one counseling throughout the process for $55. So far, the nonprofit has rescued nearly 1,000 abandoned homes and repaired another 464. Pilar Hogan Closkey, the programs director, met with the Ducktown Neighborhood Association a few weeks ago to share how the same model could be used in Atlantic City. Its local roots and goal of changing entire blocks is what has made it successful, she says. Residents of neighborhoods know so much more about whats happening on their block and can impart that knowledge, Closkey said. Its very locally driven. For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. This is another one of Moutai's promotional campaigns targeting the African continent, less than two years following a similar effort in South Africa in November 2017. As one of China's emblematic national brands, Moutai has sped up its international expansion, the success of which, exemplified by the growth in the number of fans of the Chinese alcoholic beverage worldwide, is a strong testament to the liquor maker's significantly enhanced global presence. Upon arriving at the Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere International Airport on a bright sunny day, the delegation was surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of East African Moutai fans, who were dressed in T-shirts featuring the Moutai logo superimposed on an outline of the Africa continent and holding up banners and flags emblazoned with the words "Welcome to the Moutai Delegation". The fans expressed their welcome and excitement when they shouted out wo ai moutai ("We love Moutai"), in their best efforts at pronouncing the Chinese words, and sang songs featuring East African rhythms, collectively showing the emotional attachment they had made with the brand. Messrs. Wang and Yang warmly shook hands with the enthusiastic fans, in addition to joining them in singing the songs and posing for a group photo. The thrilled fans attracted the attention of the throngs of passengers just disembarking or waiting for flights at the airport. Africa is an integral part of Moutai's international expansion. The Chinese liquor maker plans to focus on East African countries, notably Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia, during this campaign, executing on its plan to hold a large-scale brand promotion conference in Dar es Salaam. The delegation will host a series of events, including a large cultural gathering, several small tasting sessions as well as visits to Chinese embassies in several countries, during the subsequent two weeks, in a move to raise the maker's visibility across East Africa. At the same time, the delegation will also engage in a comprehensive market research initiative and hold the resident reseller symposium, in order to gain an in-depth understanding of the trends in the East African market, and to use the knowledge gained as the basis for establishing the firm's strategy and roadmap for global expansion. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/883877/Moutai_in_Tanzania.jpg SOURCE Kweichow Moutai Group On that day, Kweichow Moutai Group party committee member and deputy general manager Yang Jianjun and UDSM vice-chancellor Prof. William Anangisye signed the MOU. UDSM director of the vice-chancellor's office Dr. Lupa Ramadhani, director of the foreign affairs office Dr. Lulu Tunu Kaaya, legal adviser and secretary of the board Saudin Mwakaje, director of the agricultural engineering department Lilian D. Kaale, director of the marketing department of the Business School Omari k. Mbura, public relations officer Jackson Isdovy, Chinese director of the UDSM Confucius Institute Prof. Liu Yan and Tanzanian director of the UDSM Confucius Institute Prof. Aldin Mutembei were present at the signing ceremony. The visit to UDSM was the first action taken by the Cultural Moutai - Colorful Guizhou B&R Journey - Walking into Tanzania delegation, and the MOU represented the first time that Moutai has established a partnership with a major university in Africa. The starting point for cooperation in several fields "This is the starting point for our future cooperation encompassing many different fields. We can learn a lot from you, and both of us can achieve good outcomes," Prof. William Anangisye spoke highly of the MOU with Moutai during his speech. He said that the signing of the MOU was also the starting point for UDSM to engage in talent development. "Our professors and teachers will visit and learn from Moutai, and we also welcome the students and teachers of Moutai Institute to come here and engage in exchanges with us." As the only comprehensive university in Tanzania, UDSM has cultivated many top-notch talents that have gone on to make contributions in Tanzania and throughout East Africa. It is not only the largest and oldest public university in Tanzania, but also has, in recent years, served as a bridge for cultural exchanges between China and Tanzania. The university's China Research Center has played an active role in promoting Sino-Tanzanian and Sino-African cooperation. With the signing of the MOU, Moutai Institute has joined East China Normal University and Zhejiang Normal University in the community that has established friendly exchange ties with UDSM. Moutai Institute, established by Moutai Group, is China's first undergraduate institution that trains application-oriented professionals for the alcoholic beverage brewing industry chain and serves as the group's key talent pool. The institute has established seven departments centered around the brewing process, including brewing engineering as well as food science and engineering, providing 14 undergraduate degree programs with a focus on all aspects of brewing engineering, viticulture and wine engineering. Creating an educational community Facilitating the open communications between the peoples of the world through cooperation in education is one of the key missions advocated by the Chinese government's Belt and Road (B&R) initiative. The MOU reflects Moutai Group and UDSM's ongoing commitment to the memorandum between China and Tanzania for joint participation in the initiative, and their shared vision of building an educational community under the B&R framework by strengthening the collaboration and exchanges between as well as the mutual benefits for educational institutions in the two countries. According to the MOU, UDSM and Moutai Group will strengthen and expand their exchanges and collaborative efforts with similar groups and organizations in terms of education, culture, talent training and tourism. In addition, the MOU provides Moutai Group with an opportunity to build and deepen its exchanges and collaborative ties with other organizations. With the partnership, both parties will improve the quality of their academic exchanges by sharing expertise in theory, technology, teaching and practical training with a focus on brewing, among other disciplines, as well as organizing academic discussions and exchange visits. Kweichow Moutai plans provide the two countries with an access to talent exchanges through the Confucius Institute at UDSM. During his speech, Mr. Wang invited the faculty and outstanding students to visit the Moutai facility in a move to further the exchanges. He indicated that Moutai, an iconic Chinese liquor maker with products available across the globe, is facilitating the B&R initiative by opening new locations in overseas markets and expanding exports, in addition to increasing investment and imports as well as providing local job opportunities and adding to the tax revenues in several countries around the world. He said that Moutai has made several contributions to public welfare, providing educational assistance and supporting poverty relief programs in China, as well as assisting in the construction of a primary school in Mozambique and establishing the Moutai Scholarship program in Australia. UDSM Confucius Institute co-president Liu Yan commented, "Moutai is an iconic Chinese company with a global reputation as well as a long-established symbol of national culture. We believe the partnership between Moutai Group and one of the best universities in Tanzania will prove to be a success and open up new opportunities and possibilities for talent exchanges between the two countries." UDSM welcomes Moutai Institute to join the list of exchange programs and partnerships between Chinese and Tanzanian institutions. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/885616/Kweichow_Moutai_Group.jpg SOURCE Kweichow Moutai Group Today the exhibition was opened by Mr. SUN Yinglai, Charge d'affaires a.i. of the People's Republic of China's Embassy in the Republic of Latvia, Mr. Tang Yulap, Chairman of the Suisse des Commercants d' Origine Chinoise association, as well as among the invited guests where state officials, entrepreneurs, faculty and students from the Asian Division of the University of Latvia, as well representatives of Chinese cultural organisations in Latvia. During the opening of the photo exhibition, Chinese traditional music was performed, the artist Maria Zhang demonstrated classical Chinese art of calligraphy, as well as for everyone was opportunity, following the artist's instructions, to try the Chinese art of calligraphy itself. The photo exhibition will be available for free of charge for everyone at hotel Radisson Blu Latvija Beta Hall, on the 2nd floor on May 9 from 15.00 till 18.00 and on May 10 from 10.00 till 18.00 and at Radisson Blu Ridzene hotel on 9 and 10 May from 10.00 till 18.00. At the photo exhibition are displayed 64 works made by well-known photographers in China. It is the affiliation of photographers to these nations that make these photographs of true stories that reflect they everyday-life. The works for this exhibition are selected by the association Suisse des Commercants d' Origine Chinoise. The photographs are vividly gorgeous, which allows viewers only to discern the true beauty of Chinese nature. But through the camera's lens, the photographer has betrayed his feelings very accurately, his nations feelings, the magnificence of Chinese nature. Photographs are one of the ways how to show China's diversity, a transformation process that is continuing in the country right now. The exhibition in Latvia is organized by Real Media International Co., Ltd and supported by the association Suisse des Commercants d' Origine Chinoise, which was founded in Switzerland in 2008 with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in China. The association Suisse des Commercants d' Origine Chinoise brings together Chinese, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwanese entrepreneurs in Switzerland, as well as representatives of Chinese and foreign organizations. It aims to strengthen cooperation and communication between companies and entrepreneurs, forming a platform for Chinese entrepreneurs in Switzerland, providing participation in state and legislative processes. https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/885577/image_837684_18584558.jpg https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/885580/photoexhibition.jpg https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/885576/image_837684_18584918.jpg SOURCE Real Media International Co., Ltd CLEVELAND, May 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Two members of McDonald Hopkins intellectual property litigation team, Dave Cupar and Matt Cavanagh, won a significant judgment in a patent and trade secret case in favor of their client, Horizon Global Americas Inc., ending an eight-year legal battle between Horizon and a former business partner, Let's Go Aero, Inc. ("LGA") over intellectual property rights to hitch-mounted bike racks and automobile accessories. Horizon Global Americas Inc. is a subsidiary of Horizon Global Corporation (NYSE: HZN), one of the world's leading manufacturers of branded towing and trailering equipment. Horizon terminated a license agreement with LGA. After that, LGA alleged that Horizon had to stop selling certain bike racks, cargo carriers, and hitch pins. Horizon disagreed because it had the legal rights to sell those products. LGA sued Horizon in Colorado federal court, claiming the Horizon sales infringed LGA's patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The case worked its way through various courts for years and ultimately was heard before the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA") in Chicago, Ill. After a seven-day trial, the AAA issued a 156-page decision that was almost entirely in Horizon's favor. The AAA ruled that Horizon's bike racks were not infringing and, in doing so, entirely invalidated four LGA bike rack patents. The AAA further found there was no trade secret misappropriation or copyright infringement by Horizon. While the AAA did find, as Horizon had conceded, that there was a slight oversell of hitch pins beyond what the license termination allowed, and that some LGA instruction sheets should have been removed from Horizon boxes sooner after the license ended, it refused to award the millions sought by LGA's financial expert. Instead, the AAA relied upon the testimony of Horizon's financial expert, who calculated a small damage figure that was orders of magnitude less than what LGA sought. Earlier this month, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois confirmed the AAA's decision and certified it as a court judgment. With this favorable judgment, Horizon can continue to sell its SportWing and NV-2 bike racks without further interference from LGA, and it exonerates Horizon's retailers, who had either been threatened or sued by LGA over their resale of Horizon's bike racks. About McDonald Hopkins Founded in 1930, McDonald Hopkins is a business advisory and advocacy law firm with locations in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Miami, and West Palm Beach. With more than 50 service and industry teams, the firm has the expertise and knowledge to meet the growing number of legal and business challenges our clients face. For more information about McDonald Hopkins, visit mcdonaldhopkins.com. CONTACT: David Carducci McDonald Hopkins LLC 600 Superior Avenue, East, Suite 2100 Cleveland, Ohio 44114 Phone: 216.348.5814 Email: [email protected] SOURCE McDonald Hopkins Related Links http://www.mcdonaldhopkins.com CHICAGO, May 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Daystar School today announced its new name, "Daystar Academy: An IB World School," to reflect its expanded ability to offer the highly lauded, world-leading curricular framework of an officially authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. With the new name and the launch of its inaugural 9th grade class, Daystar students now have a stronger presence on the world stage and will benefit from the higher acceptance rates at universities and colleges typical of IB graduates. Head of School Tami Doig Announces International Baccalaureate Authorization To the Student Body An IB education prepares students to thrive in the transition from high school to college through an invigorating academic way of learning that requires initiative, organization, and follow-through, and results in students who feel comfortable being the leaders and innovators of tomorrow; the adults the world needs! "With our commitment to producing engaged global citizens and lifelong learners, we've adopted a learning program that takes a global approach to understanding big ideas across disciplines," explained Tami Doig, Head of School at Daystar Academy. "As an IB World School, Daystar Academy is committed to helping our students understand the philosophical underpinning of knowledge through the guidance of highly skilled educators who engage each student through topics of study that hone their passions and an understanding of the world around them." This announcement comes as the school continues to grow via the opening of a high school this fall. "Expanding our program to include high school is a logical extension that enables us to continue empowering students to positively impact the world," shared Deena Marie Carr, Chairman of the Board at Daystar Academy. "We believe that education needs to be experienced first-hand, touched with your hands, and felt with emotion. We've built a program that ensures that every student embraces the world around them as their classroom, using local, national and global resources as tools for learning." Daystar, founded in 1997, is now fully authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) for grades 6-10 and a candidate school for the Pre-K through grade 5 Primary Years Program (PYP). Daystar will offer the IB Diploma Program for high school as the launch class ages up to the Diploma Program grades of 11 and 12. Daystar Academy is hosting an open house for prospective high school students on Monday, May 13 at 7pm. Daystar Academy is accepting applications for fall 2019 for preschool through grade 9. About Daystar Academy Daystar Academy, formerly known as Daystar School, is a faith-based, culturally engaged, globally-minded high school in Chicago's South Loop, preparing students to positively impact the world. Daystar Academy is a deliberately socioeconomically diverse community with a student body made up of African American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, Native American, and multiracial students. For more information, go to www.daystaracademy.org. Press Inquiries: Aaron Winter Director of Admissions & Marketing Daystar Academy Phone: (734) 612-0402 Email: [email protected] Related Images the-huge-announcement-is-made.jpg The Huge Announcement Is Made Head of School Tami Doig Announces International Baccalaureate Authorization To the Student Body daystar-academy-students-celebrate.jpg Daystar Academy Students Celebrate Daystar Academy Students Paraded Around the Neighborhood After Making Posters To Celebrate Related Links Daystar Academy Website SOURCE Daystar Academy Related Links https://www.daystaracademy.org DUBLIN, May 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market by Product, Type (Custom, Pre design), Application (PCR, DNA, RNAi, Research, Therapeutic), End User - Global Forecast to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global oligonucleotide synthesis market is projected to reach USD 8.2 billion by 2024 from USD 4.3 billion in 2019, at a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period. This market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing research activities in the pharma and biotech sectors and the rising demand for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. The increasing applications of oligos in nucleic acid array-based technologies, library preparation, NGS, genomics, nucleic acid-based detection, cell cultures, diagnostics, therapeutics, human identity testing, cloning, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology are also driving the growth of this market. Hospitals accounted for the largest share of the oligonucleotide synthesis market, by end user, in 2018 Based on end user, the oligonucleotide synthesis market is segmented into academic research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, diagnostic laboratories, and hospitals. Hospitals held the largest share of the market in 2018 due to the significant number of inpatient and outpatient visits in hospitals and the requirement of oligonucleotide drugs to cater to the demand of the patient pool suffering from diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, and hepatic veno-occlusive disease. Synthesized oligos dominated the oligonucleotide synthesis market, by product, in 2018 Based on product, the market is segmented into synthesized oligos, reagents, and equipment. The synthesized oligos segment held the largest share of the market in 2018 and is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Growth in this segment is attributed to the increasing applications of synthesized oligos in therapeutics, research, and diagnostics. North America to dominate the market during the forecast period Geographically, the oligonucleotide synthesis market is segmented into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2018, North America was the largest regional market for oligonucleotide synthesis. The North American market is also estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the growing availability of synthesized oligos, along with an increase in R&D funding and activities in the North American region. Key Topics Covered 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Attractive Opportunities in the Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market 4.2 Synthesized Oligos Market, By Product 4.3 Synthesized Oligos Market, By Type 4.4 Asia Pacific: Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, By Research Application and Country (2019) 4.5 Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, By Therapeutic Application 4.6 Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, By End User 4.7 Geographic Snapshot: Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Market Dynamics 5.2.1 Market Drivers 5.2.1.1 Increasing Use of Synthesized Oligos in Molecular Diagnostics and Clinical Applications 5.2.1.2 Increasing Government Investments and R&D Expenditure in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies 5.2.1.3 Rise in Venture Capital Investments 5.2.2 Market Restraints 5.2.2.1 Price Erosion of Synthesized Oligos 5.2.2.2 Lack of A Unified Set of Regulations for Therapeutic Oligos 5.2.3 Market Opportunities 5.2.3.1 Emerging Asian Markets 5.2.4 Market Challenges 5.2.4.1 Large-Scale Synthesis of Oligos 5.2.4.2 Delivery of Oligonucleotide Drugs to Specific Targets 6 Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, By Product 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Synthesized Oligos 6.2.1 Synthesized Oligos Market, By Product 6.2.1.1 Oligonucleotide-Based Drugs 6.2.1.1.1 Oligonucleotide-Based Drugs Dominate the Synthesized Oligos Market, By Product 6.2.1.2 Primers 6.2.1.2.1 Growing Research Activity Drives the Market for Primers 6.2.1.3 Probes 6.2.1.3.1 Probes are Designed to Detect Various Infectious Agents 6.2.1.4 Intermediate-Scale Synthesized Oligos 6.2.1.4.1 The Increasing Demand for Synthesized Oligos and Innovations in Manufacturing Techniques Drives the Market. 6.2.1.5 Large-Scale Synthesized Oligos 6.2.1.5.1 Increasing Demand for Large Quantities of Modified and Unmodified Oligos to Drive the Market 6.2.1.6 Linkers & Adaptors 6.2.1.6.1 Linkers are Used to Add Restriction Sites in DNA 6.2.2 Synthesized Oligos Market, By Type 6.2.2.1 Predesigned Oligos 6.2.2.1.1 Predesigned Oligos Dominate the Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, By Type 6.2.2.2 Custom Oligos 6.2.2.2.1 Increasing Number of Clinical and Pre-Clinical Research to Drive the Market for Custom Oligos 6.3 Reagents 6.4 Equipment 7 Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, By Application 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Therapeutic Applications 7.2.1 DNA & Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based therapies 7.2.1.1 DNA & Antisense Oligos Form the Largest Segment in the Therapeutic Applications Market 7.2.2 RNAi Oligonucleotide-Based therapies 7.2.2.1 Significant Initiatives By Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies to Drive the Market for RNAi Oligonucleotide-Based therapies 7.2.3 Cpg Oligonucleotide-Based therapies 7.2.3.1 This Market Segment is in the Initial Stage, and Significant Growth Might Be Observed During the Forecast Period 7.3 Diagnostic Applications 7.4 Research Applications 7.4.1 PCR 7.4.1.1 Increasing Use of PCR in Research to Drive Market Growth 7.4.2 QPCR 7.4.2.1 Its Cost-Effectiveness, Concurrent Monitoring of Expression Levels of Multiple Genetic Messages in Real Time, and High Sensitivity Make QPCR A Vital Tool for Quantification of Nucleic Acids 7.4.3 Sequencing 7.4.3.1 Advancements in Sequencing Technologies and Low Cost to Drive the Market for Sequencing Applications 7.4.4 Gene Synthesis 7.4.4.1 Increasing Applications of Gene Synthesis and Low Cost to Drive the Market for This Application Segment 7.4.5 Other Research Applications 8 Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, By End User 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Hospitals 8.2.1 Hospitals are the Largest End Users of Oligos Due to the Significant Number of Inpatient and Outpatient Visits 8.3 Academic Research Institutes 8.3.1 Academic Researchers Primarily Use Oligos for Genetic Engineering, PCR Activities, and High-Throughput Sequencing - A Major Factor Driving Market Growth 8.4 Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies 8.4.1 Growing Applications of Oligos in Drug Discovery & Therapeutics to Drive the Demand for Oligonucleotide Synthesis Among these End Users 8.5 Diagnostic Laboratories 8.5.1 Diagnostic Laboratories Register High Growth in the Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market Due to the Increasing Significance of Oligos in Molecular Diagnostics 9 Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market, By Region 9.1 Introduction 9.2 North America 9.2.1 US 9.2.1.1 Government Initiatives and Strategic Developments By Market Players to Drive Market Growth in the Country 9.2.2 Canada 9.2.2.1 Growing Initiatives and Funding in Synthetic Biology and Genomics to Drive the Market in the Country 9.3 Europe 9.3.1 Germany 9.3.1.1 Presence of A Large Number of Academic Research Institutes to Support Market Growth 9.3.2 France 9.3.2.1 Government Initiatives to Boost R&D Activities in the Country 9.3.3 UK 9.3.3.1 Growth in the Life Science Industry to Drive the Market for Oligonucleotides Synthesis in the UK 9.3.4 Italy 9.3.4.1 Increasing Research Activities to Drive the Market for Oligonucleotides Synthesis in Italy 9.3.5 Spain 9.3.5.1 Government Initiatives to Drive the Market for Oligonucleotide Synthesis 9.3.6 RoE 9.4 Asia Pacific 9.4.1 China 9.4.1.1 Government Initiatives to Strengthen the Biotechnology Industry in China 9.4.2 Japan 9.4.2.1 Increasing Awareness Through Conferences and Workshops to Drive the Market in the Country 9.4.3 India 9.4.3.1 Government Initiatives to Promote Synthetic Biology to Drive the Market in the Country 9.4.4 RoAPAC 9.5 Latin America 9.5.1 Brazil 9.5.1.1 Development in Genomics to Aid Market Growth in Brazil 9.5.2 Mexico 9.5.2.1 Increasing Awareness About Advancements in Oligonucleotides to Drive the Market 9.5.3 RoLATAM 9.6 Middle East & Africa 10 Competitive Landscape 10.1 Overview 10.2 Market Share Analysis 10.3 Competitive Scenario 10.3.1 Partnerships, Agreements, Contracts, and Collaborations 10.3.2 Product Launches, Upgrades, and Approvals 10.3.3 Expansions 10.3.4 Acquisitions 10.4 Competitive Leadership Mapping (2017) 10.4.1 Vanguards 10.4.2 Innovators 10.4.3 Dynamic Players 10.4.4 Emerging Players 10.5 Competitive Leadership Mapping for Start-Ups (2018) 10.5.1 Progressive Companies 10.5.2 Starting Blocks 10.5.3 Responsive Companies 10.5.4 Dynamic Companies 10.6 MnM Dive-Vendor Comparison Matrix for Start-Ups: Oligonucleotide Synthesis Market 11 Company Profiles 11.1 Agilent Technologies 11.2 ADTBio 11.3 Bioautomation (Acquired by LGC) 11.4 Bio-Synthesis Inc. 11.5 Eurofins Genomics 11.6 Eurogentec 11.7 GE Healthcare 11.8 Genscript 11.9 Genedesign (Part of Ajinomoto 11.10 Integrated DNA Technologies (Acquired by Danaher Corporation) 11.11 LGC Biosearch Technologies 11.12 Merck KGaA 11.13 Nitto Denko Avecia 11.14 Thermo Fisher Scientific 11.15 TriLink Biotechnologies (Part of Maravai Lifesciences) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7wrh6s 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 LYNCHBURG, Va., May 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Vice President Mike Pence delivered the Commencement address at the 46th Commencement ceremony of Liberty University. Mr. Pence was warmly received by the gathering of over 50,000 at Williams Stadium on the Liberty University campus, including 8,416 graduating students in attendance. The University graduated 20,731 total students, 80% of who earned their degrees in Liberty University's award-winning online programs. The speech by the Vice President included a rousing call for religious tolerance at a time when free speech and religious freedom are under attack in America. Vice President Pence said, "Today you have a President and an administration that are standing strong for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the unalienable right to life America needs men and women of integrity and faith now more than ever. The truth is, we live in a time when the freedom of religion is under assault." In addition, the Vice President challenged the graduating class to value the timing of their graduation as they enter the workforce while the nation's economy is soaring under the leadership of President Donald Trump. "Class of 2019, you picked a great time to graduate because after two years of the leadership of President Donald Trump, confidence is back, jobs are coming back in a word, America is back and you're just getting started!," he said. In his remarks at the Commencement, Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr. reflected on the spirit of entrepreneurialism instilled in the University by its founder, the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr.: "Graduates, I hope that your time at Liberty has also placed (the entrepreneurial) spirit including a real love for people in you. Liberty was built by entrepreneurs who took huge risks, and if you do that in your life and aren't afraid of failing, you'll be shocked at what you can accomplish." For more information, contact Ryan Helfenbein: [email protected] or (502) 240-2333. About Liberty University Liberty University, founded in 1971, is the world's premier Christian university, one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the nation, and the largest university in Virginia. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains on more than 7,000 acres in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty offers more than 600 unique programs of study from the certificate to the doctoral level. Over 300 programs are offered online. Utilizing its world-class infrastructure and Christian faculty, Liberty's mission is to train Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting tomorrow's world. SOURCE Liberty University Related Links https://www.liberty.edu Mumbai, May 11 : Roshan Taneja, who trained scores of Hindi film actors including the likes of Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Jaya Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Shatrughan Sinha, has died, said a family member. He was 87. "My father passed away last night (Friday) at 9.30 p.m. in his sleep at home after a prolonged illness," the acting guru's son Rohit Taneja told IANS on Saturday morning. He is survived by his wife Mithika and sons Rohit and Rahul. The cremation will be held at 4.30 p.m. on Saturday at the electric crematorium in Santacruz West. Roshan Taneja, known to many as the 'pioneer of method acting' in India, is held in high regard in the Hindi film industry. He had been training talent since the 1960s, first at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune and later at his private school in Mumbai, the Roshan Taneja School of Acting. Shabana paid condolences to the Taneja family, and tweeted: "Late last night came the sad news that Roshan Taneja passed away. He was my Guru at FTII and the only person whose feet I touched. I was privileged to be trained in acting by him." Actor Rakesh Bedi wrote: "A very sad day for me. My guru Roshan Taneja expired yesterday. I owe my career to him. Rest in peace." National Award-winning filmmaker Atanu Ghosh tweeted: "With him, ended an illustrious era spanning more than five decades. The greatest teacher of method acting we ever had. The revered guru to no less than four generations of brilliant actors. Rest in peace sir." Washington, May 11 : Targeted ransomware attacks on US government entities, cities, police stations and schools, are on the rise, costing localities millions as some pay off the perpetrators in an effort to untangle themselves and restore vital systems, the media reported. The tally by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future found that at least 170 county, city or state government systems have been attacked since 2013, including at least 45 police and sheriff's offices, CNN reported on Friday. The firm compiled all known instances of ransomware infections of local government systems, a type of cyberattack that encrypts a computer's files, where the attacker demands payment, usually in bitcoin, for a key to unlock them. The federal government and the FBI do not track the attacks nationwide. There have been 22 known public-sector attacks so far in 2019, which would outpace 2018, and that does not take into account that attacks often aren't reported until months or years after they're discovered. The latest major city to be hit is Baltimore, which was infected with ransomware on Tuesday. It has quarantined its networks and been forced to provide most of its municipal services manually. At the end of March, New York's state capital, Albany, admitted it had been hit with ransomware. Law enforcement also was targeted in Texas in March, when the Fisher County sheriff's office was infected and reportedly lost the ability to connect to a state-wide law enforcement database. Late April, Genesee County, Michigan, announced that it was finally ransomware-free, after an attack effectively shut down the county's tax department for most of the month. The first known small government ransomware infection hit the small town of Greenland, New Hampshire, in 2013 but the number of attacks didn't explode until 2016, when there were 46. The number dropped to 38 in 2017 -- indicative of a temporary worldwide reduction in ransomware infections -- before rising to 53 last year. New Delhi, May 11 : President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday exchanged greetings on the occasion of National Technology Day. Kovind, in his tweet, said: "Greetings to our scientific community on National Technology Day, marking the anniversary of the Pokhran Tests of 1998. India is committed to using technology to accelerate the developmental process, and ensure a dignified existence for every citizen." Modi tweeted: "Greetings on National Technology Day! We remember with immense pride the accomplishment of our scientists on this day in 1998. The hard work of our scientists has always ensured a stronger and safer India. May we continue leveraging the power of technology for national progress." Modi added: "The patriotism and farsightedness of Atal Ji and his team have a major role to play in the success of tests of 1998. Atal Ji's unwavering faith in our scientists proved valuable during that crucial time. It also demonstrated the difference a strong political leadership makes." The day holds a significant milestone in the history of country's technological innovations as India successfully tested nuclear bombs in Pokhran on May 11, 1998 and is commemorated every year by honouring the architects of such innovations. May 11 : From curved gadgets, to 5G handsets, we have a plethora of devices to choose from. In the month of May, you can get the following smartphones on the retail front. So, what are options waiting for you? The list would begin with power in your hands - the Huawei which is a strong opponent for iPhone makers, comes with the world's first RYYB sensor. Tagging along comes the Realme 3 Pro that is available in the Indian markets with affordable rates.For the budget lovers, Xiaomi has irresistible models of the Redmi Y3 Redmi 7 (all ranging below Rs.15,000/-). Vivo had introduced the Vivo Y17 that has reached the Indian markets in flashing colours like mystic purple and mineral blue. If all these seem too good to believe, scroll on to know more details about them. Huawei P30 Pro: Outperforms rivals in premium segment Image Source: IANS News The phone is powered by Huawei's homegrown Kirin 980 chipset. Chinese tech major Huawei, battling a ban in the US, has put up a strong fight against rivals like iPhone maker Apple and South Korean giant Samsung in the premium smartphone segment with flagship P30 Pro.Read more Realme launches 3 Pro, C2 smartphones in India Image Source: IANS The newly launched Realme 3 Pro smartphone on display China-based smartphone maker Realme on Monday launched its flagship Realme 3 Pro in India at a starting price of Rs 13,999 (4GB RAM+64GB ROM variant) and the budget Realme C2 (2GB RAM+16GB ROM variant) at a starting price of Rs 5,999.Read more Xiaomi launches 2 budget smartphones in India Image Source: https://twitter.com/RedmiIndia Redmi Y3 and Redmi 7 Chinese handset maker Xiaomi on Wednesday launched its Redmi Y3 and Redmi 7 smartphones in India.Read more Vivo refreshes its Y series in India with 'Y17' Image Source: https://twitter.com/Vivo_India Vivo refreshes its Y series in India with 'Y17' Chinese handset maker Vivo on Saturday launched the 'Y17' smartphone with a 5000mAh battery in India for Rs 17,990.Read more San Francisco, May 11 : After making the functionality to smartphones earlier, Google has now rolled out its podcast-focused search results for desktop browsers that would list playable podcasts for users to choose from. Announced at Google's I/O conference earlier this week, the feature would show users three most recent episodes that could be played directly in Google's web player on podcasts.google.co, The Verge reported on Friday. The web player, which was first spotted back in March, has a similar set of playback controls to the dedicated Google Podcasts app that launched on Android in 2018. "You can skip forwards and backwards, control playback speed, and if you're signed in with a Google Account then it should sync your playback across multiple devices," the report said. However, the interface only lets user browse episodes from a single podcast at a time, atleast as of now. Earlier in April, Apple also updated the web interface for Podcasts to allow it to play episodes directly on web, the report added. Mumbai, May 11 : Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Salman Khan -- actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has worked with all of them on the big screen, but she feels most "privileged" to join creative forces with Irrfan Khan in "Angrezi Medium". Kareena will be playing a small yet significant role of a policewoman in "Angrezi Medium", a sequel to the 2017 film "Hindi Medium". Asked about how she is preparing for the role, Kareena told IANS here: "Oh God, I am super excited for this film. I have worked with all the Khans -- Shah Rukh, Salman, Aamir and Saif. But for me, it is an honour and privilege to work with Irrfan Khan. "He is the pioneer, one of the finest actors among all the Khans if I may say, and he is the biggest Khan for me. So, I had to tick that box of acting with Irrfan Khan. I know it is a small role but that does not matter. I know I am too excited, and I am really looking forward to this one." The actress will start shooting for the film from May 15. It also features Radhika Madan and Pankaj Tripathi. Kareena has finished shooting the Akshay Kumar-starrer "Good News", which also stars Diljit Dosanjh. Talking of Diljit, he has not been shy about his admiration for international reality TV star Kylie Jenner, and recently made a song titled "Kylie+Kareena". Kareena, who worked with him in "Udta Punjab", feels overwhelmed. "Diljit wrote the song and I am humbled and touched. He is a fine actor, really. Our first outing was 'Udta Punjab', which was a serious and intense story. "That film was special but 'Good News' is different as it is slightly in the comedy zone. So, it is easy to watch. But we really have a good story," added the mother of 2-year-old Taimur Ali Khan, who is already a favourite among the paparazzi. While Kareena is "okay" with the attention that her son draws, she says what she dislikes is "when people call him a star". "He is not... he is the child of star parents. He has to be an achiever in the future. But for now, let him live free," she said. Kareena spoke to IANS on the sidelines of the 3rd edition of Radio4Child Award 2019, an initiative by Unicef. She says being a mother, such child care campaigns and initiatives are very close to her heart as she has realized how crucial the first two years of a child's life are. "The vaccination, breastfeeding for the first six months, setting a routine that makes a pattern of eating, sleeping and also the warmth of the mother...everything has to be in place. "When you are a new mother, you might be unaware of such things. But with these campaigns like #EveryChildAlive, we are creating more awareness on child care," added Unicef's Celebrity Advocate. (Arundhuti Banerjee can be contacted at arundhuti.b@ians.in) Los Angeles, May 11 : Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas is looking forward to starting a family with Nick Jonas, her husband of five months. The 36-year-old talked about her holiday plans with her mother and Nick's, and was asked if she herself was looking forward to becoming a mother some day. "Yeah. Always. I've always wanted to," Priyanka told eonline.com. "I think, you know, whenever God wants it to happen." In October, two months before her and Nick's wedding, Priyanka had said: "I just have a few of my friends who are having babies right now and I'm like, 'God I need to catch up!'" Priyanka and Nick, 26, wed in her native India in December. They had first sparked romance rumours when they posed for photos together in Ralph Lauren designs at the 2017 Met Gala. The two returned to the annual star-studded fashion event earlier this month. In an interview on Thursday, Priyanka said she and Nick consult with each other on their outfits in general. Watch Priyanka Chopra Jonas talks about starting family with husband Nick Jonas: "I definitely ask his opinion. I think he's extremely stylish and his choices of clothes are so great and I love a man who's well turned out," she said. "My (late) father was that, always well turned out, like took care of himself, and that shows that you care about your wife!" she said. "It really does. Do it for your wives, guys. Take care of yourselves. I love that about Nick." "So whenever I'm stuck between a choice of two shoes or like, what jewellery or how I want to style something, I always ask him," she continued. She specifically calls him. "He doesn't ask me as much. Nick buys me stuff all the time, he really does. He bought me this really cute Dior dress...it was like in my anticipation of summer. I like when he dresses me, he's very chic." -- With inputs from IANS San Francisco, May 11 : Facebook is actively creating new terror content on the website with its auto-generation feature, alleges a whistleblower who analysed over 3,000 Facebook profiles of individuals expressing affiliation with terror or hate groups. The social networking giant last year claimed that with the use of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and a growing team of expert human reviewers it could now block 99 per cent of the terrorist content of Islamic State (IS), Al Qaeda, and affiliated groups before it was reported by users. The study by the anonymous whistleblower working with the US-based non-profit National Whistleblower Center showed that terror and hate speech content are proliferating on Facebook. The whistleblower found that 317 profiles out of the 3,228 surveyed contained the flag or symbol of a terrorist group in their profile images, cover photo, or featured photos on their publicly accessible profiles. The five-month study also detailed hundreds of other individuals who had publicly and openly shared images, posts, and propaganda of the IS, Al Qaeda and other known terror groups, including media that appeared to be of their own militant activity. Alleging that Facebook is likely breaking the law by "misleading" shareholders about terror and hate content, the whistleblower has filed a petition with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. After the five-month study period ending in December 2018, the whistleblower found that terror and hate content generated by Facebook is "Liked" by thousands of Facebook users. These Likes provide yet another means for individuals affiliated to extremist groups to network and recruit, the study said. Facebook came under increased scrutiny after the New Zealand mosque shooting in March was live streamed on the platform. Co-founder of the social networking site Chris Hughes earlier this week stressed that it is time to break up Facebook and said the government must hold its CEO Mark Zuckerberg "accountable". Hyderabad, May 11 : In a huge embarrassment to the Congress at an opposition protest meet here on Saturday, senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao clashed with another leader publicly and collapsed during a fight over a chair. Former member of Rajya Sabha Hanumantha Rao and Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesman M. Nagesh pushed each other on the dais in the presence of AICC General Secretary and in-charge of party affairs R.C. Khuntia and leaders of various opposition parties. The commotion broke out during a meeting organised by the opposition parties at Indira Park to protest goof-up by the Telangana Board of Intermediate Examination in results declared. Rao, who was holding the mike to invite leaders on the stage, took objection to Nagesh occupying a chair meant for Khuntia. A heated exchange ensued between the two and soon they started pushing each other even as other leaders tried to pacify them. In the melee, Nagesh collapsed on the ground. He stood up and pushed Rao, who too fell down leaving the leaders and other protestors in shock. Leaders of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and others intervened to bring the situation under control. Khuntia, state Congress chief Uttam Kumar Reddy and other senior leaders took a serious view of the incident. The day-long protest meeting was called by the Congress and other opposition parties over the bungling by the Board of Intermediate Education in the results of Intermediate (11th and 12th standard). The parties had also invited parents of 22 students who committed suicide over the failure in the exams. The opposition has blamed the government for the suicides and demanded compensation for their families. She made the suggestion while receiving President of the DPRKs Central Court Kang Yun Sok in Hanoi on May 10th. Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (right) and President of the DPRKs Central Court Kang Yun Sok (Photo: VNA) The two sides should exchange initiatives and experience in judicial reform, court system improvement, and legal procedure modernisation, she said. Vietnam and the DPRK signed an agreement on judicial assistance, Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh said, adding that Vietnams Supreme Peoples Procuracy and the DPRK Central Procurators Office also inked a cooperation pact. The two countries reached many important agreements in the fields of culture, science-technology, health care, trade, navigation, and civil aviation transportation, she said. The Vice President stressed that the DPRK was one of the first countries to set up diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1950, only after China and the former Soviet Union. Over the years, the bilateral friendship has been consolidated through high-level visits by leaders of the two countries, she added. Kang echoed Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinhs views in saying that his visit aims to enhance the fruitful friendship between the two countries. Lauding Vietnams socio-economic-cultural achievements, he expressed his hope that apart from traditional cooperation areas, the two countries will share experience in judicial affairs, significantly contributing to the development of the judicial sector in each country./. Chennai, May 11 : Toning down its conditions, the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has now said players seeking re-registration need not pay 50 per cent of the prize money they had earned playing in unrecognised tournaments. According to AICF, at the meeting of its central council held on March 23, it was decided that those players who are interested in re-registration should tender a written apology and give an undertaking that they will henceforth abide by the existing bye-laws/rules. The Indian chess body had recently said that its primary focus is not punishment but enforcing discipline and talent promotion. Keeping the time lapse, financial difficulty expressed by players and its primary objective in mind, the AICF said it has decided to change the player re-registration conditions. The AICF has kept in abeyance its rule that players should not participate in unrecognised tournaments and it is not being implemented. However, Gurpreet Pal Singh, one of the players banned by the AICF, told IANS on Saturday: "The Competition Commission of India (CCI) last year held that the undertaking prescribed by AICF for players' non-participation in events not authorised by the Indian chess body contravenes the provisions of the Competition Act." According to him, any condition that contravenes any law in the country is void ab-initio. Singh said earlier AICF had said players seeking re-registration have to deposit 50 per cent of the prize money earned playing in un-recognised tournaments in the 'Disabled Chess Players Fund'. He added that the AICF had banned him and three other players in 2010 while the rule asking for an undertaking by players on not playing in unrecognised tournaments was introduced in 2011. "The AICF should restore our global chess ratings (ELO ratings) and register us again. I cannot give an apology letter as it would result in forfeiting my rights against AICF for compensation for the loss of my chess career," Singh said. On July 12, 2018, the CCI held that the undertaking prescribed by the AICF for players regarding non-participation in events not authorised by it amounts to restraints that are in the nature of exclusive distribution and refusal to deal as defined in Section 3(f) and 3(4)(d) of the Competition Act 2002. The CCI also imposed a penalty of Rs 6,92,350 on the AICF for infringing on the provisions of Section 4 of the Act. The CCI said that non-compliance with such an undertaking will result in banning of players and removal of their Elo rating, create entry barriers, foreclose competition and restrict opportunities available to chess players. "The said restrictions are likely to have appreciable adverse effect on competition in terms of factors contained in Section 19 (3) of the Act. The Commission is, thus, of the view that AICF has contravened Sections 3(4)(c) and 3(4)(d) of the Act read with Section 3(1) of the Act," the CCI order said. The CCI order had also directed the AICF to establish the prejudice caused by a chess player before taking any disciplinary action against him and the disciplinary actions taken shall be proportional, fair and transparent. The disciplinary actions against the four players and other similar players shall be reviewed by the AICF on these lines, the CCI had ordered. The complaint against the AICF was filed by four chess players Hemant Sharma, Devendra Bajpai, Gurpreet Pal Singh and Karun Duggal alleging contravention of the provisions of Sections 3 and 4 of the Competition Act. The players were banned by the AICF from playing in chess tournaments for the past several years and their ELO ratings were also withdrawn. One of the four players who had originally complained to the CCI -- Hemant Sharma -- was re-registered with the AICF in 2016. San Francisco, May 11 : Despite criticism and work pressure complaints from its warehouse employees, e-commerce giant Amazon has quietly begun rolling out its one-day Prime shipping, cutting down from the traditional two-day delivery window. "We have been able to confirm the new option showing up on various Prime items with a new 'Prime Free One-Day' label replacing the usual two-day promise," The Verge reported on Thursday. Details about the exact regions where the functionality has started rolling out remains unclear as of now. In an earnings call earlier in April, Brian Olsavsky, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Amazon, announced the company's plan of investing $800 million and building most of this one-day Prime delivery capacity throughout 2019. However, Stuart Appelbaum, President of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union at Amazon has expressed his fear that speeding up deliveries could be dangerous for employees at the Amazon fulfilment centres. Appelbaum, said workers were already struggling to keep pace and handle 200 to 300 orders during a single 12-hour shift, the media had reported. The multi-billion dollar company already offers a selection of items that are eligible for free one-day shipping and it rolled out two-hour delivery in certain cities with its Prime Now service. Thiruvananthapuram, May 11 : The Kerala Congress (Mani), the third biggest party in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), is yet to name a new party chief after the death of its founder and chieftain K.M. Mani last month. Mani, 86, died on April 9 after battling a lung ailment. Mani had joined the undivided Kerala Congress in 1965 and went on to become its undisputed leader. The coming days will reveal if the party will witness a smooth transition. Over the years, the party underwent several splits. There are as many as seven parties with the Kerala Congress tag. All were part of the Kerala Congress at this or that point of time. Currently, the office-bearers in Mani's party include Working Chairman P.J. Joseph, Deputy Chairman C.F. Thomas and Vice-Chairman and Rajya Sabha member Jose K. Mani, son of late Mani. Till now, things have remained quiet, as according to Catholic traditions rituals are performed till the 41st day of the death. However, the rival party factions, including the erstwhile faction of Joseph who merged his party with that of Mani in 2010, have started campaigning for their leaders. Also, after Mani's death the number of party legislators has come down to five. Of this, C.F. Thomas, Roshy Augustine and N. Jayaraj belong to the Mani faction, and P.J. Joseph and Mons Joseph to the Joseph faction. While the top leaders in the Mani faction want Mani junior to become the chairman, the Joseph faction wants him (Joseph) to be elevated to the post. Joseph and those closer to C.F. Thomas are unwilling to accept Mani as chairman as he is junior to them. According to the party constitution, a chairman is elected by the state committee. Mons Joseph said on Saturday they were waiting for the 41-day mourning to get over and after that the party would take stock of the situation. The first signs of all not being well surfaced on Friday when an article in the party publication blamed Joseph for causing uneasiness to an unwell Mani by throwing tantrums. As part of the UDF Lok Sabha seat-sharing formula, the Congress contested 16 seats, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) two, and the Kerala Congress (Mani) and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) one each. During the candidate selection process, Joseph wanted the seat to go to a person of his choice, but that was shot down by Mani and his son. Joseph then threatened to contest himself. But as Mani's health deteriorated and doctors informed Joseph about the seriousness of the ailment, he decided not trouble Mani in his last days. Rejecting the claims made in the article, Mani junior said he would conduct a probe as how such a baseless article appeared in the party organ. Given the nature of the Kerala Congress, the most oft-repeated sentence, which is attributed to Mani himself, is: "We are a party that splits as we grow and grow as we split." Whether this statement is going to be true, even after his death, will be known when the new chairman is named. Gurdaspur : , May 11 (IANS) Summer in May is not the best of times to venture out in the plains of Punjab but a thick cloud cover on Saturday afternoon made it easier for Sunny Deol to hit the beaten tracks in the interiors of Gurdaspur. He is on a whistle-stop tour with his entourage in the villages as campaign picks up for voting in the last round of Lok Sabha polls on May 19. People across the villages off Amritsar-Pathankot border highway have been waiting patiently for the Bollywood superstar. A group of bikers with youngsters carrying Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) flags reach ahead of the star at Ratowal, one of the many stops on Deol's road show in the hinterland. The star and BJP's candidate from Gurdaspur emerges from the sunroof of his white Range Rover and the motley crowd of villagers -- mostly women of all ages -- go ecstatic. There are no speeches from him, just a gentle smile and the waving of hands, but he connects with people instantly. There is rush to shake hands and he obliges by hanging out, touching and holding as many hands as he can. He moves on slowly to the next village, barely a kilometre away as he leaves behind a host of smilind, cheering and happy faces thrilled by the star gaze. A woman whom Sunny Deol responded with a wave of his hand told IANS that "Sunny" is the obvious and only choice for her. But all are not mesmerised by the star's charisma. Shiv Dev Singh, an ex-serviceman and a farmer, said that people are only coming to see Sunny Deol but will vote for Sunil Jakhar, the Congress sitting MP. "He has given a medical college, sainik school another school and he is getting work done on a railway line," he said. The sentiment is totally reverse in Nava Pind Jhawar, the next stop-over in Deol's road show. Bhind Singh, who runs a ramshackled tailoring shop in Bhawar, managed to get a glimpse of Sunny Deol. He has made up his mind. "I don't trust local leaders. I think Sunny Deol is the best choice," he said recalling Vinod Khanna, another Bollywood star who represented Gurdaspur four times. "He gave us bridges which is the most crucial thing for us," he said lambasting the Congress government in the state for not fulfilling the promises of giving jobs to the youth. "If there is a Congress meeting or roadshow, I will ask them what happened to their promises," he said. Similar resentment prevails in nearby Jeewanwal where people have gathered in large numbers to receive Sunny Deol. Gurnam Singh, a retired state government employee, said that people are annoyed with the Congress for rolling back welfare schemes for the poor. "There are around 800 votes in the village, Sunny Deol will easily get 500," he said adding that the Congress has not kept its promises. Kolkata, May 11 : An exciting battle is on the cards to capture West Bengal's tribal heartland as well as the seats in Junglemahal, once a hotbed of Maoists, in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections on Sunday with eight parliamentary constituencies up for grabs. Out of the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state, 25 had voted in the previous five phases of polling, while the remaining nine after Sunday will vote in the seventh and final phase on May 19. A gritty fight between state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh and Manas Bhunia, a seasoned politician who jumped ship form the Congress to the Trinamool Congress in 2016, and a father-son duo contesting from two neighbouring seats laden with the memories of 'Quit India' movement also headline the polling scene on the morrow. An electorate of around 1,33,56,964 will decide the fate of 83 candidates across eight parliamentary constituencies -- Tamluk, Kanthi, Ghatal, Jhargram (ST), Midnapore, Purulia, Bankura and Bishnupur (SC) -- in the penultimate round of the Lok Sabha polls. The political temperature soared as bigwigs like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Andhra Pradesh counterpart and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu campaigned amid the heat wave in the five districts going to the polls on Sunday. For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is aiming to make it big in Bengal this time, the sixth phase is perhaps the most crucial one in which at least four constituencies with sizeable tribal population would go to vote. The saffron outfit has witnessed a recent surge in both popularity and vote share in these four seats -- Jhargram, Purulia, Bankura and Midnapore -- spread across three districts where the battle lines have been drawn between them and the state's ruling Trinamool Congress as the once formidable communist support base has suffered a huge erosion in the region. Midnapore is geared up for a high-profile contest between BJP's Bengal President Dilip Ghosh and six time-Congress MLA Manas Bhunia who defected to the Trinamool in 2016. "People of Midnapore love me and know me well, as I have been at the forefront of their battle against the mafia-raj in the region since the last two-three years. People are with us. We will also get a large chunk of the Left's votes as they now only exist in posters," Ghsoh told IANS. "I have seen unprecedented support for Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool across Midnapore. People will bless us for the development carried out under this government. Neither the BJP, nor anybody else would be able to stop us," said Bhunia, Trinamool's Rajya Sabha MP. Jhargram, one of the two seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes in Bengal, has a 16 lakh strong electorate, of which close to 50 per cent belong to various tribal communities, including Santhals and Kudmis. The district which witnessed a saffron surge in the 2018 state rural body elections, when the BJP managed to win 330 gram panchayat seats as against Trinamool's 373, is set for another humdinger of a contest between Trinamool's Birbaha Soren, a tribal school teacher, and the BJP's Kunar Hembram, an engineer. In West Midnapore's Ghatal constituency, Bengali matinee idol and sitting Trinamool MP Deepak Adhikari (Dev) will lock horns with the BJP's Bharati Ghosh, a former IPS officer and once a trusted lieutenant of Mamata Banerjee. "I always want people to remember me as an actor who carried out a lot of development in Ghatal. I believe one must prove oneself by the virtue of his work," said Adhikari. However, the BJP candidate disagreed. "People of Ghatal are facing the brunt of loot, extortion and intimidation. There was no development in the last five years. The poor are living in misery. People need to bribe the ruling party's agents to avail welfare schemes," said Ghosh, the former Jhargram police superintendant who resigned last year after she was shifted to a less significant post. Purulia is another seat in Bengal's tribal belt where the saffron outfit has shown signs of progress in the last few years. The stage is set for an intra-community battle here with all the major parties -- Trinamool, BJP, Congress and Left -- opting for candidates from the tribal Mahato community. In East Midnapore district's Tamluk, which bears the memory of Mahatma Gandhi's 'Quit India' movement, sitting Trinamool MP Dibyendu Adhikari is up against former MP Lakshman Chandra Seth of the Congress, while in adjacent Kanthi, Dibyendu Adhikari's father and veteran politician Sisir Kumar Adhikari of the Trinamool is seeking a third straight term. The Election Commission has decided to deploy central paramilitary forces in all the polling stations for Sunday's polling. It has also deployed two flying squads for every police station areas in the five poll-bound districts. To ensure fool-proof security in the Junglemahal area, The Election Commission is also planning to use satellite phones and drones. Deoria, May 11 : Taking a swipe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Saturday that when he comes to power, he will make the same officers who had searched for missing water faucets at his official residence, search for "chillums" or smoking pipes at Adityanath's house. Yadav, while addressing a rally in Deoria, said, "When we distributed the world's best laptops to students, why would we steal faucets? Students are still using our laptops which speak volumes about their quality." "We will make them search for 'chillums' at Adityanath's house," he said. Yadav, who was flanked by a lookalike of Adityanath named Suresh Thakur, said, "We do not talk about fake gods but I have brought a 'baba' here." Lashing out at the Chief Minister for his 'thoko niti' (encounter policy), the SP President said, "There are people who use the encounter policy in the state and then claim to have eradicated crime. It is important to remove not only the 'chowkidar' (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) but also the 'thokidar' (Chief Minister Adityanath)." Yadav also criticised the BJP, alleging that it had a role in the cancellation of his party candidate and sacked BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav's ticket from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat by the Election Commission. "The government claims to put an end to terrorism but is afraid of a jawan," he added. Commenting on the Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance, Yadav said according to information received from the first five phases of the election, it was clear that "those who talk about Swachh Bharat campaign are being cleaned up completely." Meanwhile, in another rally, Chief Minister Adityanath likened Yadav to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, saying, "There is one who dethroned his father like Aurangzeb. The (SP-BSP) alliance will come apart after May 23 and the leaders will abuse each other. Their behaviour is like a scorpion, snake and frog that come together during floods but begin fighting when the waters recede." New Delhi, May 11 : Congress leader and Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu stirred a controversy on Saturday by calling the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "Kale Angrez" (black Englishmen) and likening Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a bride who pretends to do work. Hitting back at the opposition party, the BJP said that Sidhu's utterances were an insult to the nation, which reflected the "racist" and "sexist" mindset of the Congress. Addressing an election rally in Indore, Sidhu said the Congress was the party of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Mahatma Gandhi which fought for the Independence of India from British rule, and urged the people to save the country by voting the BJP out of power. "They (Azad and Gandhi) gave us freedom from the white and the people of Indore will free this country from the 'Kale Angrez'," Sidhu said. Sharpening his attack on Modi, the Congress leader said: "Modiji is like that bride who makes less 'rotis' and more noise so that the neighbourhood thinks that she is working. This is exactly what has happened in the Narendra Modi government." Sidhu's comments were countered by BJP spokeperson Sambit Patra, who reminded the Congress of its senior leader Sonia Gandhi's Italy connection. "Sidhu has exposed the mindset of the Congress by calling Hindustanis 'Kale Angrez'. Modi may not be fair, but he has a big heart and takes care of the poor. People love him," Patra said, quoting a famous Bollywood song, "Hum kale hain toh kya hua dilwale hain." The BJP leader further said that the Congress should not be arrogant of its "Italian colour". "This Italian colour too will fade away on May 23," he said, adding that this was new India where women didn't just exist to make bread at home, but to carry the country forward. Terming Sidhu's remarks as height of sycophancy, Patra said the Punjab Minister seemed to be okay with the colour of Warren Anderson, Ottavio Quattrocchi and Christen Michel, but Modi looked like a "Kala Angrez" to him. "Sidhu has shown the mentality of the Congress, which is racist as well as sexist. This is the reality of the Congress, which has no respect for either Sikhs, Indians or women," Patra said. Kolkata, May 11 : BJP leader Mukul Roy on Saturday termed the allegation of molesting a minor girl against party's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha candidate Nilanjan Roy "a conspiracy to malign" him. "It is a clear and heinous type of conspiracy to defame and malign the BJP candidate," he told media persons here According to the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR), the BJP candidate was allegedly involved in molesting a 17-year-old girl in South 24 Parganas district's Falta in West Bengal last month. "We have approached the CEO seeking immediate action against the said BJP candidate and they are looking into the matter," WBCPCR Chairperson Ananya Chakraborty said. Roy, however, accused the WBCPCR of being part of the conspiracy as the Commission members like Prasun Bhowmik and June Maliya have been seen campaigning for the ruling Trinamool Congress. He said the entire thing has been cooked up to defame the BJP candidate as the Trinamool nominee - Mamata Banerjee's nephew and sitting MP Abhishek Banerjee - is not in a good position as far as the polls are concerned. Asked about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's claim about a pen drive that can expose the BJP, Roy said: "She has no pen drive and it is simply a lie to mislead the people. She should apologise." Banerjee had earlier spoken about a pen drive on which she has some confidential information that can be shameful for the BJP. Meanwhile, BJP's Tamluk Lok Sabha candidate, Siddarth Naskar, accompanied by party workers held a sit-in outside the CEO's office demanding 100 per cent deployment of central forces. In a letter, they demanded action against some criminals who "are carrying on a reign of terror". Tamluk will vote in the sixth phase on May 12. Mumbai, May 11 : Roshan Taneja, the man behind the treasure trove of talent in Bollywood including the likes of Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Jaya Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Shatrughan Sinha, is dead at 87. His students paid emotional tributes. "My father passed away last night (Friday) at 9.30 p.m. in his sleep at home after prolonged illness," the acting guru's son Rohit Taneja told IANS on Saturday morning. Roshan Taneja was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February this year. He is survived by his wife Mithika and sons Rohit and Rahul. His cremation was held at the electric crematorium in Santa Cruz West. It was attended by Anil, Govinda, Ratna Pathak Shah, Kanwaljit Singh and Gufi Paintal. Roshan Taneja's passion for acting took him to New York at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre to train under the famous Sanford Meisner & Sydney Pollack, who went on to become an Academy Award winning director. Known to many as the 'pioneer of method acting' in India, Roshan Taneja was held in high regard in the Hindi film industry. He had been training talent since the 1960s, first at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune and later at his private school in Mumbai, the Roshan Taneja School of Acting. At FTII, he founded the acting department in 1963. Shabana paid condolences, and tweeted: "He was my Guru at FTII and the only person whose feet I touched. I was privileged to be trained in acting by him." Actor Rakesh Bedi wrote: "A very sad day for me... I owe my career to him. Rest in peace." National Award-winning filmmaker Atanu Ghosh said that with Roshan Taneja, "ended an illustrious era spanning more than five decades". Among Bollywood's younger talent, Abhishek Bachchan and Ranbir Kapoor have trained under the master actor. Anil said he "will forever be grateful and indebted to Roshan Taneja for his teachings and guidance". "I was extremely fortunate to have trained under him," he added. Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah turned emotional. He told IANS: "What can I say about a man who held my hand and taught me how to walk? I can only reiterate the great love and gratitude I feel for him and always will. He needs his rest now. 'May the earth lie lightly upon you' Sir." Actress Poonam Dhillon said Roshan Taneja was "an institution way before acting schools popped up everywhere". "So many people who entered the industry went through the training and confidence building experience through his institute. His voice was the first thing which struck one as unique and I still remember Yash Chopraji put me through a short course in his acting school since I had absolutely no experience in acting," Poonam told IANS. She said it helped her get rid of some of her "shyness and inhibitions" and taught her the initial tools to face the camera. Actor Anupam Kher, who has his own acting institute, said Roshan Taneja was one of the finest acting teachers of India, and trained some of the finest actors at FTII and at his academy. "Will miss him". Madrid, May 11 : Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera on Saturday bid farewell to Manchester United after spending five seasons at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old sent his final goodbye through a video posted to the Premiere League side's Twitter account, reports Efe news. "There is red in my heart, I knew it from the first time I played here and in the moment that I started to wear it. A club with thousands of fans that respect and remember all players who give everything," Herrera said. "I felt special when I heard my name chanted. I felt proud when the fans decided I was part of this incredible history," he added. Herrera added that whenever he represented United, both in victory or defeat, and even when he was sidelined "I understood what this club means." "I am going to remember each of the almost 200 matches that I have played with this jersey. Because playing for the greatest club in England has been a true honour," the Spaniard concluded. Herrera joined Manchester United in 2014 and received the Sir Matt Busby award for the best United player of the year in the 2016-17 season. New Delhi, May 11 : The proposed Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY) of the Congress is "evidence" of the failure of its earlier governments, senior BJP leader P. Muralidhar Rao said on Saturday, while targeting the 55 years of rule by the Nehru-Gandhi family. The BJP General Secretary also defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Corrupt Number 1" barb at late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, saying there was nothing wrong in highlighting any wrong done by the earlier governments. Talking to IANS, Rao said the Congress, instead of feeling peeved at the Prime Minister's comment, should debate whether or not any wrong had been done by its former Prime Minister. "The Congress is a party which believes in deceit. They have especially deceived the poor all along," he said. Referring to Congress President Rahul Gandhi's election promise of bringing NYAY scheme if the party comes to power, the BJP leader said it "is an evidence of the failure of their previous governments". He said during the 70 years of the post-Independence period, four generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family ruled the country for most of it. "He (Rahul) has been compelled to give the slogan of 'NYAY'... What were you (Congress) doing during the 55 years of rule?... Now he says poverty will be eliminated. Then let him first say that the earlier rule by his party had failed," Rao said. The BJP leader said Rahul Gandhi, before talking about NYAY, should "accept that the rule by (Jawaharlal) Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi failed". On the controversy over the Prime Minister's "Bhrashtachari No.1" barb at Rajiv Gandhi and his reference to the aircraft carrier Viraat episode, Rao shot back: "If some wrong has been done by the earlier governments, will we not highlight it? Whatever we said, is it based on facts or not? Let us discuss that." He said when the Congress uses Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi for promotion, it should be ready to discuss their failings too. "Talk about Kashmir. Why is the country still suffering? We say because of Nehru, Nehru government and his policies. It happened during Nehru's tenure. Let us have a solution to it. Let Congress find a solution to it," he said. Posing a question to Rahul Gandhi, he said: "You are the President of the party formed by him and you want to escape responsibility?" Rao said whatever the PM and the BJP are saying is just the facts. "It (Viraat issue) is not something cooked up. These things were discussed even in those times and we are just highlighting those. You speak about Rajiv Gandhi's martyrdom and patriotism, then talk about this too." Kolkata/New Delhi, May 11 : Yogesh Chander Deveshwar, whose goal was creating "Indian brands", successfully transformed ITC Ltd from being predominantly a cigarette-maker into a diversified conglomerate. Recognised around the world for creating an exemplary Indian enterprise, Deveshwar, as ITC Chairman for over two decades, led the company into a range of new businesses which took it to new highs. During his tenure as Executive Chairman, the company's revenues and profit before tax, along with returns to shareholders, rose manifold. Today, ITC is not only known for its leading cigarette brands - Classic, India Kings, and Gold Flake - but also for its Sunfeast range of cookies and biscuits, the Bingo! snacks and Aashirvaad staples and ready meals. Born in Lahore in February 1947, Deveshwar joined ITC in 1968 after studying at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and the Harvard Business School, and had a meteoric rise that saw him being appointed as a Director on its Board in 1984. He rose to become the Chief Executive and Chairman of the Board in 1996. While every ITC Chairman since the late 1960s had explored ways and means to diversify the company from its tobacco business portfolio, it was Deveshwar who ultimately made it happen. Business rationalisation and the diversification into the non-cigarette FMCG sector as well as information technology was not without its share of problems and challenges. British American Tobacco or BAT, which had a substantial share-holding in ITC, wanted the Indian company to stick to the tobacco business and looked at taking over majority control in ITC to realise its vision. Deveshwar was credited for successfully keeping British American Tobacco Company (BAT) from taking larger control of the company with the help of Life Insurance Corporation of India. This was not the only challenge that ITC was battling with when Deveshwar took charge of the company. ITC was facing a probe for alleged foreign exchange violations. The enforcement authorities used the powers vested under the FERA law to incarcerate 14 members of the then current and past management, including two past chairmen of the company, even before any substantial investigation had progressed. In fact, a retrospective excise demand of Rs 803 crore, was raised on the very first day Deveshwar assumed charge as Chairman & CEO, amounting to three times the annual profit, imperilling the company's financial stability. Deveshwar had a brief stint with Air India. He led the national carrier as its chairman and managing director between 1991 and 1994. In its stellar journey under Deveshwar, ITC has today emerged as one of India's fastest growing FMCG companies, the country's largest paperboards and packaging business, a globally acknowledged agri-business, and a leading hotel chain in India. The company's wholly-owned subsidiary, ITC Infotech India Ltd, is also a player of promise in the IT sector. The company's trailblazing rural initiative, the ITC e-Choupal eco-system - that was kicked off during Deveshwar's tenure - is acknowledged globally for empowering over four million farmers and is a case study at the Harvard Business School besides receiving several international and national awards. Deveshwar also worked out a succession plan in the organisation well before relinquishing his executive role. He shed his executive role in early 2017, handing over the reins of the company to Sanjiv Puri who became the managing director of ITC after taking over a board position in 2015. Puri is credited with building the FMCG business of ITC, a dream very close to Deveshwar that brings almost 60 per cent of revenue to the company now. After stepping down from his executive role, Deveshwar continued as Chairman in a non-executive capacity and also played the role of mentor to the executive management. ITC Managing Director Sanjiv Puri paid tribute to Deveshwar's visionary leadership and stress on inclusive growth. "Deveshwar passionately championed the cause for sustainable and inclusive growth and the transformative role businesses could play in creating larger societal value. This vision drove ITC to pursue business models that today support over six million livelihoods," he said. In a statement, industry chamber CII, where Deveshwar was president in 2005-06, said that he "leaves behind a notable legacy through his successful demonstration that sustainable business is indeed profitable and can maximise returns to all stakeholders. "He was the first Indian business leader in the post-liberalisation era who successfully demonstrated that companies could grow and succeed by mainstreaming sustainability or triple bottomline in their business." With his high stature in the corporate world, Deveshwar became a role model to many entrepreneurs and industrialists. Kolkata's business community, in particular, looked up to him, city-based Keventor Agro's CMD Mayank Jalan said. "The demise of a business icon like Y.C. Deveshwar is a huge loss for the industry. He was an inspiration for me. Kolkata's business community had deep respect for him, as he was instrumental in putting the city on the global business map," he said. Citing his relationship with ITC, Jalan said his company manufactures the 'Yippee' brand of noodles and confectionary items for them - in a partnership started and encouraged by Deveshwar himself. Jaipur, May 11 : A protest was staged in Alwar on Saturday against the delayed police action in the case of a gangrape, reported in April. The protest was led by BJP Rajya Sabha member Kirorilal Meena who later courted arrested. A large number of people gathered in front of Jagannath temple to protest the alleged police negligence in the case. They also blocked traffic at Roopvaas Gate in the city. Earlier on Friday, National Scheduled Castes Commission Vice-President L Murugan, Rajasthan chief secretary D.B. Gupta and Director General of Police Kapil Garg reached Alwar to oversee the investigation. After meeting the victim, Murugan said, "The case was registered on April 30, the police started acting only after seven days, which shows its negligent attitude towards it. We are awaiting the report of the high-level investigation, which is in progress." On April 26, the victim along with her husband, were stopped, abducted and dragged to an isolated place where the woman was raped. The alleged rapists also filmed the act and uploaded that on Youtube, which was removed on the commission direction. The couple had approached the police, which allegedly did not act citing lack of manpower and time due to the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Chennai, May 11 : DMK President M.K. Stalin on Saturday condemned the ruling AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu for asking veteran Communist Party of India (CPI) leader R. Nallakannu to vacate the house where he was living. In a statement issued here, Stalin said Nallakannu (94) was living on rent in a house which belonged to Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB). As the TNHB wanted to implement a new plan there, it had sent notices to all the residents to vacate the premises following which Nallakannu recently shifted to another rented accommodation. Considering Nallakannu's age and his integrity in the public life, the state government should allot a house to him immediately, Stalin said. New Delhi, May 11 : After the Army said it had "eliminated" Ishfaq Sofi of ISJK (Islamic State Jammu and Kashmir), the terror outfit has reportedly claimed to have established a "province" in India, which was rubbished by the Indian security apparatus. Sofi alias Abdullah Bhai, a local terrorist and close aide of one of the most wanted terrorists Zakir Musa, was killed by security forces in a gun battle in Amshipora village of Shopian district of Kashmir on Friday. "Targeting terrorist leadership towards #TerrorismFreeKashmir. Sustained efforts successful. Eliminated Ishfaq Sofi of ISJK involved in scores of terrorism related activities," the Srinagar-based Army Corps tweeted on Friday. Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbagh Singh said the slain terrorist belonged to an "IS-inspired group". Soon after, IS' Amaq News Agency said it had established "Wilayah of hind" (an IS province in India), according to media reports. Top officials of J&K Police and Central intelligence agencies on Saturday categorically rubbished the IS claim. A top intelligence official said the slain militant could have been influenced by the ideology of IS, but he "definitely" did not belong to the group nor has the outfit any footprint in Kashmir. Intelligence agencies have also said that there was no proof or credible evidence about the presence of IS cadre in Kashmir. Delhi/Kolkata, May 11 : President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday led the nation in paying tributes to ITC Chairman Y.C. Deveshwar who died in Gurugram earlier during the day. In a Twitter post, Kovind described Deveshwar as a stalwart of Indian business and a builder of Indian brands. "Sad to hear of the passing (away) of Y.C. Deveshwar, a stalwart of Indian business and a builder of Indian brands. His emphasis on sustainability and the triple bottomline will remain ever influential. My condolences to his family and colleagues in ITC and beyond," the President said. Prime Minister Modi recalled Deveshwar's contribution to Indian industry. "His efforts helped ITC become a professionally-run Indian company with a global footprint. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with his family, friends and the ITC group in this hour of grief," Modi said in a tweet. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also expressed his sadness while West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called Deveshwar "a giant in the corporate world." "I have many memories of him as a distinguished captain of industry. Condolences to his family, his colleagues and his admirers," she said in a tweet. Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao recalled Deveshwar's presence when the TS-IPass project was launched in Hyderabad in June 2015 and the way he extended his support to Telangana in that meeting for the industrial development in the state. Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said in Deveshwar's death Madhya Pradesh has lost a true friend. "Deeply shocked by the news of passing away of @ITCCorpCom Chairman Shri YC Deveshwar. Madhya Pradesh has lost a true friend & a brand ambassador. This is a personal loss for me," he tweeted. Expressing condolences, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Vikram Kirloskar said: "A titan and guiding luminary of Indian industry, Deveshwar's commitment and passion for sustainable business was an inspiration for all." Kolkata, May 11 : Incidents of clashes between Trinamool Congress and BJP activists were reported from parts of West Bengal on Saturday, a day before the penultimate phase of Lok Sabha polls in the state. Activists of the two parties clashed in East Midnapore district's Egra after Trinamool supporters allegedly blocked state BJP President Dilip Ghosh's convoy and agitated, accusing him of continuing the election campaign well after the deadline. Local BJP leaders, however, claimed that Ghosh was returning after having lunch at a party activist's house in the area. Ghosh is contesting from the Midnapore Lok Sabha seat against Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha Member Manas Bhunia. The incident took place two days after Ghosh's car was attacked and vandalised by unidentified persons on its way back from the district Khejuri. BJP leader and Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma was with Ghosh during that attack. A day before, Trinamool Congress and the saffron party workers had clashed during a meeting of former IPS officer and BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh in West Bengal's Paschim Midnapore district, police said. The police said two Trinamool workers were injured. But some unofficial sources said as many as 16 members belonging to the either party were injured in the clash on Friday evening. The former Superintendent of Police of Bengal's Jhargram district is taking on Bengali film star-cum-MP Deepak (Dev) Adhikari of the Trinamool Congress in the Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, which will go to polls on May 12. "BJP workers along with Ghosh had gathered at a religious place in Baikunthapur on Friday. They were distributing articles, like sari and caps, when Trinamool workers chased them and a clash broke out," said a police officer. An FIR had been lodged against unknown persons and the articles being distributed had been seized, the police said. A member of Asthal Nimbark Math, the religious place, said people had gathered for the evening prayers. But the situation became uneasy when Ghosh arrived around 7.40 p.m. "All those who abused us, damaged our cars and threw stones were set free by the police. When I told them I was hurt as a stone hit me in the head, the police just told me to sit inside," Ghosh alleged. Kolkata, May 11 : A total of 770 companies of central paramilitary forces are being deployed in West Bengal's tribal heartland as well as the seats in Junglemahal, once a hotbed of Maoists, where stringent security arrangements are in place to ensure fool-proof voting in the sixth phase Lok Sabha polls on Sunday, officials said. The Election Commission has already said plans were afoot to use satellite phones and drones in the Junglemahal region. Eight parliamentary constituencies - Tamluk, Kanthi, Ghatal, Jhargram (ST), Midnapore, Purulia, Bankura and Bishnupur (SC) - will vote in the penultimate round of the Lok Sabha polls from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Asked about special measures taken for Junglemahal area, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Basu said: "The security arrangements have been made as per the instructions of the Election Commission and sufficient armed forces have been deployed". Special Police Observer Vivek Dube had earlier mentioned that "770 companies of central forces has been deployed for 100 percent coverage of polling stations". A total of 743 companies will be used for guarding the booths and area domination. The remaining 27 companies will look after the strong room where EVMs are kept. As per the sources in the CEO office, the forces have been instructed to wear bulletproof jackets, helmets and carry sufficient ammunition. Though there has been no Maoist activity in the last few years, the commission feels it is a challenge to ensure maximum turnout and peaceful vote in these areas. Forces deployed in Junglemahal have been briefed not to move in vehicles to avoid improvised explosive device (IEDs). They have also been asked to check all the culverts - probable places of planting IEDs much before their movement, the source said. Senior sector officers are personally briefing the officers of the Quick Response Teams and CAPF officers about the sensitivity of the constituencies and previous reports of violence, attacks and intimidation of voters. New Delhi, May 11 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday questioned the silence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the allegations that he was paid Rs 6 crore by Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) West Delhi candidate Balbir Singh Jakhar for the Lok Sabha ticket. "Today Kejriwal cannot remain silent. He has to answer. He has been slapped many times and each time he blames the BJP, but the man who hits him turns out to be from his own party," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here. He was seeking reply on the sensational charge levelled by Jakhar's son Uday, who claimed that his father had paid Rs 6 crore to Kejriwal to get the ticket. Jakhar, however, refuted the claim and said that he was not in contact with his son since long. "The AAP has been exposed badly today. It has failed to fulfil its promises. Kejriwal didn't live up to his promises of providing free WiFi, CCTV cameras in buses and women's safety. And he is now selling AAP ticket for Rs 6 crore," Javadekar said. The BJP leader also questioned Kejriwal's silence on Congress leader Sam Pitroda's comments on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. On Thursday, Indian Oversees Congress chief Pitroda had brushed off the 1984 anti-Sikh riots by saying, "hua toh hua" (it just happened). Al Alper, CEO of CyberGuard 360 and Absolute Logic The Breach Prevention Platform helps increase the defensive posture of the organization by empowering the organizations employees in breach prevention."Al Alper, CEO, CyberGuard 360 CyberGuard360 (http.//cyberguard360.com), a firm which develops a solution set of products to detect and mitigate threats from cyber attacks, today announced the release of their PIIGuard360 Breach Prevention Platform, the first of its kind to market. Al Alper, Chief Executive Officer of CyberGuard360 and sister company Absolute Logic, said that the platform has been distributed to a number of CyberGuard360 partners throughout the United States who will market and oversee the rollout of the program. Alper notes that the genesis of this latest platform is the disproportionally large number of breaches that are caused by human error and/or lack of proper education and monitoring by the company. The best protection against cyber attacks is only as good as the team using it, Alper said, noting that the platform is designed to help raise the awareness level and defensive posture of the human endpoints. Our CyberGlass platform monitors, manages and mitigates threats on the technological side, he said, adding, A company can employ the very best protections on the market, but when an employee clicks on an infected email, they create a significant whole in the protective armor and invite a data breach. He continued, And, while weve seen an increase in the number of companies providing training for employees, the same principle applies: good training works when people implement and follow it. Along with training, our PIIGuard360 includes a policy and procedures compliance and audit module. The organization posts its company policies and procedures, employees electronically sign it, and PIIGuard360 monitors how the employees behave relative to those policies. He noted that, as an example, if a companys policies say there is no use of social media such as Facebook allowed during company time, and use is detected, the violation will raise an alert. PIIGuard360 is the complement to the CyberGlass platform which monitors, manages and mitigates threats on the technological side; PIIGuard360 does the same on the human and cultural side of an organization. He said the platform currently includes security awareness training and regular refreshers so that users can be more aware of what threats look and feel like, along with company policy and procedure compliance monitoring. We have a terrific pipeline of additional features due out next month including dark web monitoring and simulated phishing, Alper said. He continued, This ties together all of the elements of the human side of breach prevention. The Breach Prevention Platform helps increase the defensive posture of the organization by empowering the organizations employees in breach prevention, Alper said. PIIGuard360 has been in development for a year. Alper said, Our company name implies a 360-degree view of cybersecurity. We believe that in order for that to be the case, we must consider not just the technology endpoints but the human and company endpoints as well. Human error is the largest vulnerability in any organization. Our platforms speak to the entire security posture of any organization. If a company trains its employees and doesnt see how they, in turn behave with the technology, there is no way to know if the training was successful. Having passed a test doesnt mean anything if a person doesnt use what he/she learned. This portal makes sure that none of the team loses their knowledge. Alper said that this platform is first to market, and truly does measure an organizations protection from a 360-degree angle. PIIGuard360 talks to CyberGlass and vice versa. Its what makes this first-to-market and best in class, Alper said. This latest product follows the release of CyberGlass SIEM 2.0 to the market late last year. The SMM (Security Management and Mitigation) tool is a first-to-market unique solution in the ongoing world of cyber threats. The platform covers cloud, perimeter, network, endpoints, and devices that interact and participate on the network. CyberGlass SIEM 2.0 incorporates all traditional SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) components, with advanced learning and automation capabilities to further protect businesses from the growing and dangerous threat of cyber attacks on their infrastructure. CyberGlass SIEM 2.0 incorporates all of the traditional SIEM tools with real-time information monitoring and management and further builds with the inclusion of top-level functionality that includes protection and remediation capabilities. Additionally, the management component incorporates powerful scripting and automation which have previously been the purview of RMM tools used only by MSPs and Enterprise IT departments. For a demonstration of PIIGuard360 or to learn more, please contact Al Alper at (914) 202-0227. About CyberGuard360 CyberGuard360 is a cyber security company that designs and builds cyber security products and services to enable enterprise IT departments and channel partners who are charged with protecting the companies they serve from the cyber threat landscape. Founder/CEO Al Alper launched this separate company to address a need he has seen in the market for a strong cyber security protection suite of technology and services that can be managed within a single-pane-of-glass; obviating the need to use 5 or more systems to protect an enterprise. The company was also designated as a Champion of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2017 and has expansive experience with and knowledge of cyber regulations such as New York States Department of Financial Services new cyber security regulations (23 NYCRR 500). CyberGuard360 maintains offices in Wilton, CT and Larchmont, NY, as well as other satellite locations throughout the region. For additional information, call (914) 202-0227 or contact via the web at https://cyberguard360.com. Liberty University President Jerry Falwell displays two stained-glass windows recently removed from Southwestern Seminary. We will continue to honor the conservative leaders who reformed the Southern Baptist Convention, and we place our hope in your generation to be the ones to step up and provide better leadership for the future. Liberty University President Jerry Falwell At Liberty Universitys Baccalaureate Service on Friday night, President Jerry Falwell made a bold statement to the Southern Baptist Convention when he displayed two stained-glass windows that were recently removed from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminarys chapel. The windows feature Libertys founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, and Dr. Jerry Vines, who delivered the Baccalaureate address. The two windows were part of a larger collection that honored the leaders of the Conservative Resurgence among Southern Baptist churches. Installed only a few years ago, the Falwell window was made possible by financial contributions from Liberty University. In a SWBTS press release from 2015, the seminary stated: In order to pass along the story of the SBCs Conservative Resurgence, Southwestern has dedicated stained-glass windows in MacGorman Chapel to those who played a major role in turning the convention back to a high view of Scripture. But on Friday, just moments before black drapes were removed, revealing the two large windows behind him on the stage, President Falwell said that unfortunately, a new generation has taken the Convention away from those values in many ways. He said the windows have been removed by the new regime. Falwell demanded that SWBTS return the money donated for the windows and sent a plane to Fort Worth, Texas, this week to retrieve them. They will go on display in the Jerry Falwell Museum on campus. We will continue to honor the conservative leaders who reformed the Southern Baptist Convention, and we place our hope in your generation to be the ones to step up and provide better leadership for the future, Falwell told the graduates. Vines is a former president of the Southern Baptist Convention. View his Baccalaureate address. Libertys main Commencement ceremony takes place on Saturday at 10 a.m., featuring keynote speaker Vice President Mike Pence. About Liberty University Liberty University, founded in 1971, is the worlds premier Christian university, one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the nation, and the largest university in Virginia. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains on more than 7,000 acres in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty offers more than 600 unique programs of study from the certificate to the doctoral level. Over 300 programs are offered online. Utilizing its world-class infrastructure and Christian faculty, Libertys mission is to train Champions for Christ with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting tomorrows world. Paul McCarthy joins Team Belarus I was so touched by what we were able to achieve over a few short days, and the incredible impact that it had on the people that we visited immediately - not in weeks or months later, that I have committed to back with my family evey year. Paul certainly isn't claiming all the glory for this epic fundraising feat for himself, and along with his wife Jackie they joined a team of committed and serious fundraisers, entrepreneurs and good guys from all over Ireland, who just wanted to give something back. As Paul explained - "In the Western world so many of us just have no concept of how truly tough that life can be. The orphanages in Belarus do their best but some of them have absolutely no state funding, and in that environment living on fresh air is one tough life. And they're only kids. "We committed to helping them stay kids just a little longer, even if only for a few days. As business owners, most of us understand that giving some money can be a great help, but that by spending the money in the local economy then this money can circulate a lot longer, and do some much more good than most of us would realise. "With a plan in mind to spend the funds raised locally, this allowed us the privilege of playing Santa to kids that Santa just doesn't visit that much. At the beginning of the trip, we visited all the orphanages in the local Belarus area, and started by getting all of the kids to write their letter or list for Santa of what they would like for Christmas. "And then we went on a shopping trip like none that I have ever been on before, where over the course of a few short days, we spend the entirety of funds raised, over 100,000 playing Santa for over 1,000 orphans. If you want to light up your life, then you want to see how much it means to these children, and it will truly help you to appreciate your own life, regardless of the hurdles and the hassles that we have to overcome along the way. If you would like to find out more about Project Belarus, and how you may be able to help or contribute please visit the website below. Lakeside Avenue during Laconia Motorcycle Week Its a rite of passage, says organizer Jennifer Anderson, This is the one week of the year when riders get to hang out with thousands of other people, from all around the U.S. and world, who enjoy the very same thing they like getting out and riding." This June, Laconia Motorcycle Week returns to New Hampshire for its 96th year, leaving some wondering how this popular, time-honored event first started. Dont try doing the math because theres a bit more to it than just counting back 96 years The rally actually started in 1916, organized by local motorcycle dealers in central and southern New England, with a couple hundred motorcyclists traveling north for a get together (dubbed a gypsy tour) at Weirs Beach. The tour was first sanctioned by the Federation of American Motorcyclists in 1917 and when the FAM disbanded in 1919, the Motorcycle and Allied Trades Association (M&ATA) took over the sanction until 1924, when the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) was formed. Back then, the weekend event centered around races and hill climbs. The number of participants grew each year as did the events duration. Over time, the rally blossomed into a week-long event, eventually suffering in attendance and popularity after getting wrapped up in the upheavals of the 60s. The rally reverted to a 3-day weekend and would remain so until 1991, when organizers revived the week-long event after seeing the success of Sturgis 50th Anniversary Rally in 1990. Laconia Motorcycle Week reclaimed the support of local businesses and the AMA as a week-long rally and the oldest gypsy tour in the country. Today, Laconia Motorcycle Week is a much-expanded version of the early gypsy tour years offering attendees lots of fun, food, music, racing, spectator-friendly hill climb competitions and, of course, a forum to share in their passion (big or small) for riding. Over 250,000 riders are expected to descend on the Lakes Region for the Rally, holding the honor of the oldest of the three national rallies with Daytona and Sturgis being Laconias sister rallies. Sure, the rev of motorcycles and sight of leather (lots of it) may be intimidating, but dont be fooled. Behind those leather jackets are just regular people; a multi-generational group of enthusiasts, from all walks of life, who all just happen to share in the exhilaration and liberation that come with riding. Its a rite of passage, says organizer Jennifer Anderson, This is the one week of the year when riders get to hang out with thousands of other people, from all around the U.S. and world, who enjoy the very same thing they like getting out and riding. The Rally offers us all a chance of camaraderie while still having fun, packing on the miles, and even raising money for much deserved local charities. And its boundaries have expanded, too. Youll notice an uptick in motorcycle traffic throughout the state (not just limited to Laconia, Weirs Beach, or Loudon). Motorcycle enthusiasts come to the state to enjoy the scenic riding as far east as the seacoast and as far north as the picturesque Kancamagus Highway, proving half the fun is getting here. So be a part of the continuing history. Plan a ride to New Hampshire for this years Motorcycle Week (June 8 - June 16). Whether its your first or 96th visit, youll find the passion for riding, around which this event was founded, has never changed. Laconia Motorcycle Week gives great appreciation to all of our sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsors: Progressive, AMSOIL, and American Iron Outfitters as well as the State of New Hampshire for their large financial support of our rally each year. Ride Safe and Keep Away from the Centerline! Senior citizens can still get advantageous deals. Compare prices online and track the best offers, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. Cheapquotesautoinsurance.com has released a new blog post that explains how senior citizens can get better car insurance rates. For more info and free quotes, visit https://cheapquotesautoinsurance.com/5-useful-tips-for-the-seniors-looking-for-cheaper-car-insurance/ Age is a very influential factor when determining insurance costs. Seniors, like teen drivers alike, are considered high-risk drivers. But the reasons are different. However, elderly can still find ways to lower insurance premiums. Follow the next tips: Refresh the skills and enroll in a defensive driving course. Graduating a defensive driving course will help to secure a discount. These classes are don't cost much and can be offered in person in a classroom, or you can stream them online. In these driving courses, senior citizens will find out how aging and medication affect their ability to drive and how to deal with certain age-related conditions. Protect the car from thieves. On the market, there are multiple types of devices that will make your vehicle safer against the thieves. Electronic alarms, ignition kill switches, GPS tracking systems, steering wheel locks, electronic immobilizers, and many other safety devices will help drivers acquire a discount. Buy a car that's considered safe to drive and it is mass-produced. The vehicle brand, model and year of production are all important factors that determine the price of a policy. The cheapest vehicles to insure are slightly used SUV's, minivans, and crossovers. Also, look for models that have safety features installed. Consider enrolling in a UBI program. Allow the insurer to install a small telematics device inside the vehicle. This device will record mileage, the sudden changes in speed, hard braking, cornering, and the time of day when the vehicle is driven. The insurer will customize the price based on this data. Compare car insurance online quotes. The best places to shop for online auto insurance quotes are brokerage websites. In order to get accurate estimates, senior citizens should be careful when they complete the questionnaires and make sure they provide accurate data. It is recommended to complete at least three car quotes in order to make an idea of how their policy would look like. For more car insurance info, money-saving tips and free online quotes, please visit https://cheapquotesautoinsurance.com Cheapquotesautoinsurance.com is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. Our society seems to be preoccupied with death. Cindy Kay Zimmermann and Pastor Gary McCusker have teamed up to give us a little something different in, Home Runs for Heaven: A Story of Gods Faithfulness Told in Two Voices ($14.99, paperback, 9781545664421; $7.99, e-book, 9781545664438). The book gives tells the same story from two perspectives: that of a woman grieving a death in her family, and that of the familys pastor. The sad truth is that we will all experience a similar story of loss at some point in our lives. The hope and strength needed to endure is available to all. Our society seems to be preoccupied with death. Hope in Christ can bring us through life's hardest challenges, said Zimmermann. Pastor Gary McCusker has a MDIV from Denver Seminary and a Master's in Biblical Counseling from Colorado Christian University. He also contributed to Youth Ministry Across the Continents. Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Home Runs for Heaven: A Story of Gods Faithfulness Told in Two Voices is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. We may think of depression as a recurring condition with a gloomy prognosis, but findings from one study indicate that nearly 10% of adults in the United States with major depression were thriving ten years later. The findings, which appear in Clinical Psychological Science, suggest that some people with depression experience more than a reduction in depressive symptoms over time they can achieve optimal psychological well-being. Writing for The Conversation, lead investigator Jonathan Rottenberg, a researcher at the University of South Florida, discusses how clinical scientists often neglect the potential for positive outcomes among individuals with depression. Depression can be a lifelong problem. Yet as we dug deeper into the epidemiological findings, we also saw signs of better outcomes an aspect that we found is rarely investigated, he says. Although current clinical practice emphasizes symptom reduction and achieving an absence of stress, evidence indicates that patients prioritize other measures of well-being. They want to love and be loved, be engaged in the present moment, extract joy and meaning, and do something that matters something that makes the pain and setbacks of daily life worthwhile, says Rottenberg. Rottenberg and his colleagues found that a substantial percentage of those with depression can achieve just that. Using data from the Midlife Development in the United Stated (MIDUS) study, the researchers examined outcomes in a nationally representative sample of middle-aged adults. The participants completed phone interviews and questionnaires, including a measure of depression and a battery of nine facets of well-being including autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, self-acceptance, life satisfaction, and negative and positive affect. A total of 239 participants in the sample met the criteria for depression, meaning that they experienced depressed mood most of the day or every day, as well as additional symptoms, for at least 2 weeks out of the previous 12 months. The researchers reviewed data from the initial screening and a follow-up survey completed 10 years later. At the 10-year follow-up, half of the participants reported experiencing no major symptoms of depression in the past 12 months, and almost 10% of the participants with a history of depression were thriving. To count as thriving, a participant had to show no evidence of depression and score higher than 75% of nondepressed MIDUS participants on the nine factors of psychological well-being. Higher well-being at beginning of the study predicted thriving 10 years later, but severity of depression did not. Specifically, depressed adults who reported higher well-being at the beginning of the study had a 30% chance of thriving, compared with a 1% chance for participants who had low well-being when they began the study. Depressed participants with higher well-being at the beginning of the study and who were thriving at the end of the study had larger increases in well-being over time than did other depressed participants. These findings could influence how mental health professionals think about the prognosis associated with depression, as well as how they communicate this prognosis to patients. The study suggests that treatment could focus on strategies for optimizing well-being optimization that go beyond just managing symptoms. The task now for researchers is to follow these encouraging signs with systematic data collection on how people thrive after depression, says Rottenberg. Reference Rottenberg, J., Devendorf, A. R., Panaite, V., Disabato, D. J., & Kashdan, T. B. (2019). Optimal well-being after major depression. Clinical Psychological Science. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F2167702618812708 DEAL OF THE WEEK PW EXCLUSIVE: Arthur A. Levine Picks First Book for His New Press Arthur A. Levine will kick off his first list at his new publishing venture, Levine Querido, with Daniel Nayeris 12-years-in-the-making autobiographical novel for middle graders, Everything Sad Is Untrue (a true story), due for publication in fall 2020. Joanna Volpe of New Leaf Literary & Media negotiated the deal from an exclusive submission that Levine preempted for North American rights. Nayeri, publisher of Odd Dot at Macmillan, tells the story of fleeing Iran as a small child, detouring through a refugee camp in Italy, then winding up in Oklahoma in middle school, where he is met with equal parts curiosity and suspicion. Levine called it a magical, mesmerizing combination of tenderness, humor, and narrative force. FROM THE U.S. Cambridge Analytica Whistleblower Goes to Harper In what she called a very high six figures deal, Eileen Cope, president of Mark Creative Management, sold world rights to Targeted: My Inside Story of Cambridge Analytica and How Trump and Facebook Broke Democracy by Brittany Kaiser to Lisa Sharkey, senior v-p and director of creative development at Harper. In it, Cope said, Kaiser shares the dramatic and disturbing story of her time at Cambridge Analytica in full. The book, Cope added, pulls back the curtain on the Wild West culture of the multi-billion-dollar data industry, revealing the unsettling truth about how personal data is being monetized, how companies are profiting from private information, how Cambridge Analytica exploited these weaknesses to help elect Donald Trumpand how it is on course to happen again in 2020. Targeted is set for an October release. Harper Design Pays Six Figures for Muslim Women Do Things In a six-figure preempt, Harper Designs Cristina Garces snagged world rights to international journalist and Stanford professor Seema Yasmins Muslim Women Do Things from Lilly Ghahremani at Full Circle Literary. The agency described the book, due out in 2020, as an illustrated collection of stereotype-shattering stories that showcase the diversity of what it means to be a Muslim woman and nonbinary person in the world today, profiling Palestinian race car drivers, Iranian astronauts, and much more. It marks a debut for the illustrator, Fahmida Azim, whose work has been published in New York Times. St. Martins Essentials Finds Everything Is Spiritual In another exclusive, PW has learned that executive v-p and publisher Jennifer Enderlin at St. Martins has scooped up Everything Is Spiritual by Rob Bell for St. Martins Essentials, the recently launched mind-body-spirit imprint. Bell is the author of 10 books, including What We Talk About When We Talk About God and Love Wins. He is also the host of the podcast RobCast. In 2011, Time named him one of its 100 Most Influential People. Christopher Ferebee, who has an eponymous agency, negotiated the deal for world and audio rights. Everything will be published in fall 2020. Berkley Hunts Down May Cobb In what Berkley described as a heated six-publisher auction, executive editor Danielle Perez bought world rights to May Cobbs thriller The Hunting Wives, which is set for an early 2021 release. Perez called it In a Dark, Dark Wood meets Mean Girls and says, I immediately fell in love with May Cobbs twisty thriller and this devious cast of real housewives. Victoria Sanders, who has an eponymous agency, repped the author. Holt Nabs HR Experts Work Solutions Libby Burton at Henry Holt won North American rights at auction to Lets Fix Work: Put Yourself First, Take Control of Your Career, and Be Your Own HR, by HR manager and blogger Laurie Ruettimann, from Esmond Harmsworth at Aevitas Creative Management. According to the publisher, the practical voice-driven guide will be hilarious, candid, and truly inspirational. Based on Ruettimanns career experiences and podcast of the same name, Lets Fix Work aims to help readers fix their complicated work lives once and for all, noted the publisher. Sourcebooks Wins a Debut at Auction At auction, Shana Drehs at Sourcebooks acquired world English rights to two novels from Lindsey Rogers Cook, a digital storytelling editor at the New York Times. The first, a debut, How to Bury Your Brother (due out in summer 2020), follows a sister coming to terms with the mystery behind her brothers baffling disappearance. Katie Shea Boutillier of the Donald Maass Literary Agency repped the author. Behind the Deal Michael Kimmelman, the New York Times chief architecture critic, tried to make sense of the destruction of much of Notre-Dame by fire on April 15 in his article A France in Turmoil Weeps for a Symbol of Pariss Enduring Identity, published that day, in which he noted that the cathedral for centuries has enshrined an evolving notion of Frenchness. A couple of weeks after that article appeared, Ann Godoff, president and editor-in-chief of Penguin Press, who approached Suzanne Gluck of WME with what Gluck called the absolutely perfect idea that Kimmelman should write a book about the rebuilding of the cathedral and the resetting of the French view of Paris. And so it was done when the two negotiated a deal for North American rights to what will be, as Gluck described, a very major booka deeply researched multiyear project, the timetable of which will be determined by the French efforts to rebuild. It will, she added, reflect Kimmelmans talent for elucidating what public spaces mean. The as-yet-untitled book, the publisher said, will chronicle efforts to fix the cathedral, bringing readers into the workshops, vaults, and towers of the giant church. MOVIE DEALS Lionsgate UK has acquired British rights to Oscar-winner James Marshs Instrumental, reports Variety. It is based on a memoir by concert pianist James Rhodes, in which he revealed how music saved his life after he suffered sexual abuse as a pupil at his all-boys school. It will star Andrew Garfield, an Oscar nominee for Hacksaw Ridge. Lionsgate will also handle international sales, launching the project at the Cannes Film Festival this week. INTERNATIONAL DEALS In the U.K., Puffin has acquired The Hatmakers, actress Tamzin Merchants debut middle grade novel, in what the Bookseller described as a hotly contested six-figure preempt. Editorial director Natalie Doherty acquired world rights in a two-book deal from Claire Wilson at RCW. Merchant played Georgiana Darcy in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and Catherine Howard on Showtimes The Tudors. The Hatmakers, the Bookseller reported, is set in an alternative 18th-century London and follows a girl from a family of magical milliners whose father is lost at sea. It follows her quest to find him amid competing magical merchants. World rights to The Ultimate Preppers Survival Guide, James Wesley Rawless book about surviving the end of the world, sold to Chris Mitchell at U.K.-based Carlton Books, Publishers Marketplace reported. Robert Gottlieb at Trident Media Group brokered the deal. For more childrens and YA book deals, see our latest Rights Report. Correction: This piece initially reported that Meredith Barnes was the agent on the Nayeri deal; it was Volpe. This piece has also been updated for clarity. US broadcast TV station owner EW Scripps Co has reported revenue of $292 million for the first quarter of 2019, up from $254 million in first-quarter 2018. Loss from continuing operations was $6.8 million or 8 cents per share. Pre-tax costs for the current quarter included $3.5 million attributed to the acquisition of Triton, the acquisition of Raycom and Cordillera TV stations, and $900,000 of restructuring charges. In the prior-year quarter, loss from continuing operations was $8.6 million or 10 cents per share that included $3.8 million of restructuring costs.However, Scripps outperformed first-quarter company segment profit expectations, driven by overperformance in national media and higher-than-expected retransmission revenue.In the quarter, Scripps obtained a new $765 million term loan B to fund the Cordillera acquisition and part of the Nexstar transaction. Incorporating Cordillera, the company expects retransmission revenue of about $370 million in 2019.It also announced the acquisition of eight television stations in seven markets being divested as part of the Nexstar acquisition of Tribune; and on May 1, Scripps closed on the acquisition of 15 television stations in 10 markets from Cordillera.Upon the close of the Nexstar transaction, Scripps will be the fourth-largest independent local broadcaster, with 60 television stations in 42 markets reaching 30% of U.S. television households.On the media front, its national news network, Newsy, grew revenue 130%, largely due to growth in over-the-top advertising.As the nations fourth-largest independent local broadcaster, we will earnestly fulfil our commitment to serve our communities with quality objective journalism and to provide a trustworthy platform for businesses to reach their consumers, said Scripps president and CEO Adam Symson said.With the close of the Nexstar transaction, Scripps will grow its national television station footprint to 60 stations in powerful markets such as New York City, Phoenix, Detroit, Tampa, Miami, Denver and Nashville. We now expect to enter 2020 with an even further strengthened political advertising footprint, including now reaching more than two-thirds of Florida households as well as entering Virginia and Texas. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Porterville, CA (93257) Today Rain likely. Low 41F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.. Tonight Rain likely. Low 41F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Rebecca Black, 2011 viral sensation, showed off her impressive vocals on Friday at the Georgia Theatre as the opener for the band Man Man. Theres no need to dig out your old Silly Bandz and Aeropostale T-shirts to enjoy Blacks performance. She and her music have matured with the times. As each name was read, a member of the Arch Society lit a candle. The students passed the flame down the line, one by one, until all the candles were glowing. Family and friends stood holding candles of their own as the flame traveled throughout the crowd. Soon enough, everyone in attendance held a candle to represent the lives of the students and faculty who died. As the University of Georgias student body changes, the policies, curriculum and technology must adapt with it. The Presidents Task Force is a group of 20 UGA faculty members that was assembled to advance the institutions longstanding commitment to excellence in undergraduate education, according to its 2017 Report of Progress and Recommendations released in December and its updated report released in March 2019. 'In this season of inspired mean-spirited campaigning, it still seemed remarkable that we are more likely to learn civics lessons from school children than our leaders,' says Rahul Jacob. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com The morning assembly at a large primary and middle school, not far from Begusarai in Bihar, seemed like a rainbow after the endless torrents of abuse for which this election campaign will be long remembered. The boys and girls in blue uniforms were solemnly reciting passages from the Constitution as if they were verses from a prayer. The TV anchor Ravish Kumar remarked on the beauty of this tradition, but the principal and senior teachers were matter-of-fact about the daily ritual as if they regarded it as a building block of education, as routine as learning to count. Perhaps that is how it should be, but in this season of inspired mean-spirited campaigning, it still seemed remarkable that we are more likely to learn civics lessons from school children than our leaders. Instead, we have had almost daily lessons in bigotry and inappropriately wrapping oneself in the uniforms of our troops. Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi has led from the front in speeches such as the one in Latur where he asked first-time voters to dedicate their vote to Pulwama martyrs as well as to those who carried out the Balakot strikes. One is sympathetic for all members of the armed forces when they are invoked so frequently in the heat of a political campaign in a democracy where, unlike in Pakistan, the army does not have a role to play. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Ajay Singh Bisht's comments have been as ugly as ever, but nothing he does shocks anymore. No one should be surprised that the foreign press have momentarily shrugged off their obsession with Donald Trump, Brexit and China and are training their sights on India as never before. The New York Times ran a front page story on the plight of Muslims in India while Reuters reported that 'the head of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist party took his invective against illegal Muslim immigrants to a new level this week as the general election kicked off, promising to throw them into the Bay of Bengal'. Gurcharan Das, author of The Difficulty of Being Good, waxes banal in Foreign Affairs magazine, lamenting Modi's lack of purposeful economic reforms. 'Had he delivered, I might even have forgiven his distasteful ethno-nationalist politics,' writes Das who grandiloquently reminds us he was among the first, er, liberals to endorse Modi in 2014. Much more significant has been the Supreme Court's intervention in this hate-filled campaign when questioning counsel, for the Election Commission, on when it intended to act. I have sympathy of a sort for the EC given that the violations this election come fast and furious and the ruling party is allegedly responsible for so many, but the exchange between the exercised Supreme Court judges and the EC representative must count as among the most unsettling in the history of Indian democracy. 'So you are basically saying you are toothless and powerless against hate speeches,' the judges said. Not to be outdone, Rahul Gandhi has jumped in with his juvenile observation that every crook appears to have Modi as a last name. Creditable as the Congress's humanist manifesto is on doing away with such arcane colonial holdovers as the laws on what constitutes sedition, I have not yet come across a sharp rebuttal of the BJP's minority-baiting from its senior leaders. Then again, the frightening campaign Rajiv Gandhi oversaw in the 1984 election, not long after Sikhs had been massacred by Congress-led mobs on the streets of Delhi, was notorious as well. 'Will Your Grocery List, in the Future, include Acid Bulbs, Iron Rods, Daggers?' read one of the Congress advertisements. The enduring problem for India is that while illiberal democracies the world over are hostage to abusive campaigns on WhatsApp and at election rallies, our young population are both poor, under-employed or without jobs and have had an education that is a far cry from the school Ravish Kumar lauded in Bihar, let alone the kind that we have enjoyed in urban India. Our current leaders, meanwhile, are a kind of endlessly diminishing return on democracy. By contrast, I spent part of this spring reading Ramachandra Guha's riveting account of Mahatma Gandhi's evolution into a leader in South Africa. His deep and yet routine connection with Muslims, Christians, Jewish as well as lower caste Hindus is a lesson in cosmopolitanism. As a 'Hindu Christian' to borrow L K Advani's ugly terminology from several campaigns ago, watching this frightening election has made me wonder what acts of ritualistic assimilation will be required of us who are not the real kind of Indian. Will being able to sing the wonderfully melodious Gayatri Mantra be necessary or can I get by arguing that I say 'Om' (in yoga class twice a week) many times more often than as an agnostic I mouth 'Amen'. Perhaps it would be better for India if reciting parts of the Constitution every day were used as a foundation for citizenship instead. 'The vitriolic campaign now in progress, the underlying threat of violence, and the elevation of Pragya Thakur as a star candidate are key markers in the BJP's obstacle-strewn march back to New Delhi,' says Sunil Sethi. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com 'Vote kisi ko bhi do, kisi tarah wapas to Modi hi aayega' -- 'We can vote for anyone we like, but Modi will somehow manage to come back.' This pearl of wisdom, dropped with a sigh of resignation, was delivered by Raees, the neighbourhood raddiwallah who comes from a village near Aligarh and who voted on April 18. For decades, Raees and his family have been collecting the detritus of households -- old newspapers, empty bottles, other discarded junk -- in the locality and have prospered. From plying their trade on bicycles and pushcarts they have progressed to motorbikes and announce their availability on Whatsapp messages instead of randomly ringing doorbells on Sunday mornings. Sixteen seats in western Uttar Pradesh voted in the first two phases of the election with a Muslim population of about 26 per cent. In the Modi wave of 2014 their votes counted for little as the BJP swept the region, partly as a result of Hindu-Muslim polarisation in the wake of the Muzaffarnagar riots the previous year. This time it's different. The SP-BSP alliance forged by Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati -- with a 42 per cent vote share, neck and neck with the BJP's 43 per cent -- is a powerful alternative power centre with the Congress cutting in for third position in the crucial Gangetic heartland. The BJP's supremacy -- it won 71 of 80 seats in the state -- is seriously challenged. This has resulted in a campaign to intensify the Hindu-Muslim divide peaking after five years of the BJP's majoritarian politics. The Election Commission, at the prodding of the Supreme Court, which called it 'toothless', has had to impose campaign suspensions against Ajay Singh Bisht aka Yogi Adityanath and Maneka Gandhi for their hate speeches against Muslims, all of a piece with the Narendra Damodardas Modi-Amit Anilchandra Shah duo's insinuations against the community as anti-national, pro-Pakistan 'infiltrators'. Equally, it has had to restrain leaders across the political spectrum -- Mayawati, Azam Khan and Rahul Gandhi -- for poisonous personal attacks and wild assertions. The most squalid slurs, for instance, references to Jaya Prada's 'khaki underwear' or forcing Mayawati 'clean officials' shoes' have emanated from the SP's Azam Khan. And some of the most fatuous, such as attributing the Modi-is-a-thief label to the Supreme Court, or lumping 'all Modis (Narendra Modi, Nirav Modi and Lalit Modi) are thieves' are examples of Rahul-speak. The high-pitched BJP narrative of demonising Muslims everywhere is now countered with the spectre of 'saffron terror', a phrase attributed to Congress leaders such as P Chidambaram and Digvijaya Singh. This phantom has now come to haunt them in flesh and blood, in the form of Pragya Thakur Singh, an accused terrorist and criminal conspirator fielded by the BJP in Bhopal against Digvijaya Singh. The BJP has held the seat since 1989 so a contest was not so much an issue as polarising Hindu votes in Madhya Pradesh where it fears reduced numbers as in UP. The tremors of the BJP's divisive campaign are felt far and wide: In Bengal, Assam and border north east states where citizenship for Bangladeshi Muslim migrants is an emotive issue, now presented in the guise of righteous Hindu nationalism. In Begusarai in Bihar, where the former student leader and anti-BJP campaigner Kanhaiya Kumar is a prominent candidate for the Communist Party of India, sections of the youth express admiration for him. But as a lengthy on-the-ground report in the news portal Scroll.in suggested that may not be enough. A jobless graduate Sanjit Kumar, like hundreds of his ilk eking out a livelihood, is quoted as saying: 'Since we did not get jobs, we can't say achche din have come. But keeping aside our selfish needs, this much we recognise: The country has become strong under Modiji. The army's morale has been raised. If the country is safe, everything is fine, it doesn't matter whether we get jobs or not. Just as Kanhaiya Kumar had made Begusarai proud, Modi had made India proud.' The quote succinctly encapsulates the shift in the BJP's vote-capturing strategy in 2019. Long-evaporated assurances of 'Acche din' and 'Sabka saath sabka vikas' are replaced with the over-riding images of a 'Supreme Leader' and 'Resurgent India' after Pulwama-Balakote, necessary to tame enemies, external and internal, such as Pakistan and disloyal minorities. The idea is backed by sufficient academic analysis to show that the BJP's rhetoric spirals at election time in states where it faces a major erosion of its electoral base. Since late 2017, starting with a bruising election in his home state Gujarat, the Modi magic has waned all through 2018. It has won just three out of 13 parliamentary by-elections, and managed to retain power in only five of 22 state legislatures. The vitriolic campaign now in progress, the underlying threat of violence, and the elevation of Pragya Thakur as a star candidate are key markers in the BJP's obstacle-strewn march back to New Delhi. Our local kabadiwallah is not far wrong in his assessment. United States aerospace major Boeing has handed over first of the 22 Apache Guardian attack helicopters to the Indian Air Force, nearly three-and-half years after a multi-billion dollar deal for the choppers was sealed. Senior IAF officials said the addition of AH-64E (I) Apache helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of the force's chopper fleet. The helicopter has been customised to suit IAF's future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain, they said. "The first AH-64E (I) - Apache Guardian helicopter was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force at Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, the US on May 10," IAF Spokesperson Group Captain Anupam Banerjee said. The AH-64E Apache is a leading multi-role attack helicopter and is flown by the US Army. The IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by Jul this year. "Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. These personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF," the IAF said in a statement. It said the helicopter has been customised to suit the IAF's future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. "The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground," the IAF said. It said the ability of these helicopters, to transmit and receive the battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking makes it a lethal acquisition. "These attack helicopters will provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces," the IAF added. Additionally, the defence ministry in 2017 approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for the Army. This will be its first fleet of attack choppers. Fuselages for this Army order will be produced by Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, a joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems in Hyderabad. Speaking to Rediff.com's Vaihayasi Pande Daniel, Sharad Pawar expressed his concern about prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi's recent statement about India's nukes and Diwali. This is what Pawar said: "I saw his statement that India has kept nukes, like at Diwali youngsters buy crackers and they enjoy crackers at Diwali. So what exactly did he say? He said we have not kept nukes for Diwali. What is the meaning of this? You see unfortunately India and our neighbouring country, particular Pakistan, both have got nuclear power. The whole world is talking about a nuclear-free world. And in such situation, (if) the person who occupies the highest position in the country, like the prime minister-ship, and if he gives the hint that we have not just kept nukes for Diwali festival, this is a clear cut indication... He can't take such a decision. It is not that simple. But what signal do we send to the global community? The signal is that India is aggressive. India can go to any extent. Indian leadership, the present leadership, can go to any extent. It's not good. In fact I am worried about these types of statements he is making." Uttam Ghosh offers his take on Modi's controversial Diwali-Nukes statement. Nowhere else has caste, power politics, and generational change come together to form a combination so potent that it is combustible. Aditi Phadnis reports. Mr X was insistent. "Please don't use my name," he begged. "Raviya hamara dost hai," he said lapsing into Hindi in his anxiety "and you can't be a Kayastha in Patna and not know R K Sinha -- or Shatrughan Sinha, for that matter". This report is based on his analysis. Patna Sahib is going to be one of India's most interesting contests: Because nowhere else has caste, power politics, and generational change come together to form a combination so potent that it is combustible. R K Sinha is a venerable and respected pillar of Patna's prabuddha (intellectual elite) population. A journalist to begin with, he is self-made and has been the backbone of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activities in Bihar for several decades. In Bihar, the upper castes used to be with the Congress. In fact, the winning combination for the Congress used to be an amalgam of upper castes, especially Kayasthas (dating back to the days of Rajendra Prasad, Sachidanand Sinha and Mahamaya Prasad Sinha) and the Dalits. This changed with the Emergency when another Kayastha -- Jayaprakash Narayan -- challenged the Congress's caste hegemony. More, he was able to create a new social combination, inviting the intermediate castes to the amalgam on the back of a promise of their empowerment. The rise of figures like Lalu Prasad led the Kayasthas to look for leadership elsewhere: And when the rath yatra led by the face of anti-Congressism, L K Advani, hit Bihar, the Kayasthas moved to the Bharatiya Janata Party en masse. Shatrughan Sinha was the recipient of this bounty. He is not an inconsiderable figure in the politics of Patna and is considered the local boy who made good but returned to his roots. Then there's Ravi Shankar Prasad. The son of the Jana Sangh/BJP president of the Bihar unit in the 1970s-1980s, Thakur Prasad, Ravi Shankar is the illustrious son of a well known father. The father rose to be a minister in the Karpoori Thakur government. Ravishankar took an opposite position and along with friend Sushil Kumar Modi, fought the legal case against Lalu Prasad's complicity in the fodder scam. He is certainly not a newbie in politics, but is generally considered a non resident Bihari. Patna is a place where everyone knows everyone. R K Sinha's son Rituraj worked in the BJP's 2015 assembly election campaign, leading the war room. There is no Kayastha function in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh that R K Sinha does not attend or finance. He has organised self help groups, his Chitragupt Sabha does a lot of charity work all over north India. He raised his voice publicly in 2012 about the denial of a place to a Kayastha in the Janata Dal United-BJP government in Bihar. He is the ultimate liberal at heart, a great votary of a free press. He never shirks from telling the truth: Whether people like it or not. Backed by an assurance from the RSS, Sinha put in a bid to contest the Lok Sabha election. Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi ascertained the views of MLAs from the constituency. All but Nawal Kishore Yadav, the new entrant into the BJP (he crossed over from the Rashtriya Janata Dal some months ago and was made a minister) supported Sinha's claim. When the BJP central election committee met, it was clear that Shatrughan Sinha would not be given the BJP nomination. R K Sinha was generally considered a shoo in. Instead, Ravi Shankar Prasad was named the candidate although he still has four-and-a-half years of his Rajya Sabha term left. Supporters of the two leaders clashed at the airport. It was both unseemly and ugly. Recognising that R K Sinha was hurt, Arun Jaitley called him to assuage his feelings and seek his support for Prasad. It was too late. Now, Mr X says, it will be touch-and-go for Ravi Shankar Prasad. The Kayastha vote will be split. And if Shatrughan Sinha can attract some Yadav votes (which Ravi Shankar cannot) and some Muslim votes (which will not go to the BJP any way) it will not be easy for Prasad to win: Unless he can make up with R K Sinha. That's not happening. Mr X's personal, private opinion is that the move addresses a post May 23 situation: The Modi-Shah combine doesn't want independent-minded MPs, least of all MPs who can pick up the phone and speak to the RSS's top leadership. They also want a generational change. The outcome in Patna Sahib will decide what is more important: The Modi-Shah hegemony or winning the seat. More noticeable than the hue of his shirt was his mast style in the witness box. He seemed to be reinventing the truth every few minutes. He yarned on and on, navigating his testimony further and further away from the facts, but he never lost his aplomb. Vaihayasi Pande Daniel reports from the Sheena Bora murder trial. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com The extended Panchatantra Season continues in the Sheena Bora murder trial. Three more panchas, witnesses to the series of panchnamas (testimonies) created during the police investigation into Sheena's 2012 death, have through late April and May, in monotonous succession, hit the witness stand at Courtroom 51, Mumbai city civil and sessions court, located at Kala Ghoda, close to the baking Oval Maidan in the southern part of the city. The mood inside the court complex these past weeks has been quite different from what has been unfolding beyond its windows. The excitement and colour that has enveloped most of India, and briefly Mumbai, as the country votes, seemed to stop short at the doorway of the court. Like a court, it would appear absurdly, is unaffected by elections. It is certainly a sanctuary from the bitter, vindictive election season of 2019. The day after Mumbai voted on April 29, crossing 55 per cent, the courts were deserted with many cases adjourned. The courtyard below, where hundreds of prisoners, and their khaki security, arrive daily from different jails, was that day empty of it usual bustling flow of people. And desolate. No relatives with their bags of tiffins and fresh clothes and their string of little children filled the corridors. This was because police escorts, recovering from strenuous election duty across the city, and part of the state, had not been available to bring any of the accused into court on April 30. Elections, such a special opportunity for all of India, are, in any case, a process that jails, prisoners (serving sentences) or the accused are not at all affected by. And it probably is the same for the policemen and policewomen, who likely don't get a chance to vote, given their long shift hours on election day. India is one of the few (or maybe only) democratic countries in the world that does not allow either any kind of felon or more importantly an undertrial to vote in its 1,400 jails, even though undertrials may rot in jail past two elections before getting their date in court or their next chance to vote, if found innocent. According to the 2014 figures of the National Crime Records Bureau, India has 282,879 undertrials and 131,517 convicts in its prisons, a population equivalent to some of India's Lok Sabha constituencies, actually roughly equal to the number of people who went to vote in Mumbai South in the last election. Though as per Article 326 of the Constitution, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than eighteen years of age shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election. But Section 62(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prohibits all those who are confined in a prison or are in lawful custody of the police from voting. This provision has been challenged before in cases that went up to the Supreme Court. India's highest court ruled the restriction imposed by the ROPA was not unconstitutional and was in public interest. A subsequent ruling in the Patna high court in 2004 on felony disenfranchisement spelled this out further and stated that 'the right to vote is a statutory right. The law gives it, and the law can take it away'. A few days ago, the courts broke for summer holidays and the hours are shorter. That and the temperatures look to have also contributed to the sluggish vibe around there. Proceedings in the Sheena Bora murder, reflecting this general torpidity, have been slow-footed too ever since the period of panchas began in this courtroom in mid-March. There appears to be some sort of connection to the elections for this slowdown, but no one can explain why. Since panchas are procedural kind of witnesses, background non-characters, more part of the stage props, who have very little to say, who never knew/met either the accused or the victim, each pancha hearing lasts a bare half hour or less and only a few lawyers attend. None of the big guns are needed. It is hard to remember even what Indrani Mukerjea's lawyer Sudeep Ratnamberdutt Pasbola looks like anymore. Or recall the sound of that gravelly, gruff voice as he attempts to bring a witness to his knees (or tears) during a 'cross', considering one hasn't seen him in action since early March. One is beginning to miss his stern presence and the playful little tussles between him and CBI Special Prosecutor Bharat Badami. Lawyers for Accused No 2 Sanjeev Khanna, Indrani's ex husband, and No 4 Peter Mukerjea, Indrani's soon to be ex-husband, hardly show up since they have no plans to cross-question the smaller witnesses, which are only of relevance to Accused No 1 Indrani. Add to that the fact that Peter, who was denied medical bail by both the lower court and on May 8 by the Mumbai high court, is still recovering from extensive bypass surgery in Arthur Road jail, central Mumbai, has not been able to make it to court. In his absence, naturally, neither his relatives nor his friends have been attending either. The courtroom has not been half full during the last two panch dates -- a Sandip Pawar, an unemployed Santa Cruz youth testified April 24, and Ganesh Shivaji Patil, a lottery seller turned Navi Mumbai auto driver, testified May 4 in connection with the murder vehicle -- with less than 10 people in the room for each hearing. The electricity is definitely missing (the 2 RPM fans are feeling its deprivation too). And even Indrani with her new hair dos or cool summer style or CBI Special Prosecutor Kavita Patil's graceful saris (the last was a breathtaking black and gold cotton one) cannot make up for that. It seemed the hearing of Friday, May 10 was destined to unfold in the exact same way when panch Sushant Shivram Sawant, Prosecution Witness 44, came to Courtroom 51 on a hot, sultry, summer day to depose. But Friday's hearing finally brought back a few moments of astonishment and liveliness to Courtroom 51. First off, on entering the courtroom one discovered Sawant's testimony, instead of being conducted by Patil or Badami, was being handled by a tall, balding, bespectacled man, with a burly build, heavy jowls, officious-looking but dapper in black suit and blue patterned conservative tie. He, it turned out, was CBI Special Prosecutor Ejaz Khan, who had been transferred back to Mumbai from Delhi and would now assist in a few CBI cases like the Sheena Bora trial. His official designation, he said later, was additional legal assistant. A senior prosecutor, who has worked earlier on cases like the Adarsh housing scam, among others, Khan, had a stern, no-nonsense appearance and a crisp, practised manner in the courtroom. Sawant was a surprise too. As panchas go, he was matchless. There was very, very, very little that was believable about him at all. Or true to life. Once a driver but now a self-styled social worker, who went to the police station off and on help people with their police work "NOCs, license," he happened to be summoned by the Khar police, north west Mumbai, to be a panch. But it was not entirely clear how he came or rather waltzed into the picture. Initially, via his testimony, it appeared that like most other Khar police station vintage panchas, he was hanging about the station on some footpath outside and was approached. Later, while being cross examined, he said -- though he knew no police personnel even though he went regularly to the police station, they knew him -- and that was why he had been called from his home at the Gangubai Kalu Kapse Chawl, Khar, north west Mumbai, to stand as a panch. A dark, large bulky man of short stature, with a Teletubby gait, clad formally in a natty pink shirt and black pants, polished shoes, Sawant's age also varied between different testimonies 25 in 2015 and 48 in 2019. More noticeable than the hue of his shirt was his mast (carefree) style in the witness box. He seemed to be reinventing the truth every few minutes. He yarned on and on, navigating his testimony further and further away from the facts, but he never lost his aplomb. As his account cruised along, before the astonished court, often ending up in a pretty treacherous cul-de-sac or two, Sawant simply picked it up, shook it out and took it another unheard-of direction. Sample: When he was asked how he could have regularly visited the Khar police station to do 'social work' and not gotten to know any of the police personnel there, his answer, which CBI Special Judge Jayendra Chandrasen Jagdale translated in English, meandered on in Marathi stunningly, thusly: "I have been involved in social work for more than 15 years. It is not correct to say that, to do social work, I have to visit the police station. I have visited the Khar police station only to do social work and not for any personal work. I cannot exactly state when I first visited the Khar police station." "The policeman visited my house and told me to come to the Khar police station. I cannot recollect prior to that, when I had last visited the Khar police station." "Whenever, I visited the police station, I never met police officers for social work. I never met anybody in the police station. I never disclosed my social work to the policemen in the police station." Sawant had been called to the police station on August 30, 2015, to act as a panch, along with another panch named Hasim Shaikh, in the case of "an accused", who would be revealing certain information before the police that he had not been done so before. The accused was Sanjeev Khanna, who had apparently confessed. Sawant said he had no idea which case Sanjeev was connected with nor had he heard of the Sheena Bora murder case. Sawant in Marathi: "Sanjeev Khanna disclosed that, they have killed Sheena Bora..." Gunjan Mangla, Indrani Mukerjea's feisty lawyer interrupted immediately and sharply. She raised an objection that the alleged confessional part was not admissible in this evidence. The judge agreed and said he would note her objection. The Social Worker continued: "He disclosed that he would show the police the place where the body parts of Sheena Bora were burned (at Gagode Khurd, near Pen, Raigad district)." There was an awkward pause. This looked to be a significant misstep as the prosecutors all exchanged wary glances. Sawant ploughed on, hamming it, pretending like he hadn't said that: "He said he would show the petrol pump where they had purchased petrol (that day)." It transpired that Sawant and Shaikh had agreed to act as spot panchas when Sanjeev took the police to the Indian Oil pump on the highway beyond Panvel where Indrani, the Mukerjeas' driver Shyamvar Pinturam Rai and Sanjeev had filled petrol in a can on April 25, 2012, on their way to Gagode Khurd to dispose of Sheena's corpse. A half hour later, Sawant recounted, on August 30, 2015, he and Sanjeev were loaded into a jeep along with a police officer, Hasim Shaikh, and two constables and a police driver. They took off, with Sanjeev, who knew no roads of Mumbai since he was a resident of Kolkata, miraculously navigating and getting the whole jeep load miraculously to that very petrol pump, that had he with Rai and Indrani visited three years before, among the 10 or so that dot this stretch of the highway, on his first try. At the pump, Sawant said, the police interrogated the staff and asked for the owner who was not on location. The owner was asked to meet the police at a later date. Half an hour later, The Great Pump Expedition was over and Sawant headed home in the jeep with the group. They did not visit Gagode Khurd in spite of Sawant's reference to that spot in his testimony. At the end of his 'examination in chief', Sawant was asked to identify his signature on the panchnama. He was also asked if the said accused was in court. Sawant scanned the room momentarily and his eyes fastened on a disbelieving but resigned-looking Sanjeev Khanna, who later said he had never set eyes on Sawant in his life, let alone picnic with him on a Sunday morning in Panvel. In absence of Niranjan Mundargi, Sanjeev's trial lawyer, his spunky young assistant Keral Mehta, wearing over-sized glasses, took Sawant over for his cross examination, with Mangla at her side assisting her, a testimony to young women power in court. Pasbola, who had arrived on Friday too, after a long hiatus, with the objective of cross-examining Sawant after Mehta, supported them. Mehta asked Sawant if she could speak to him in Hindi, but the ex-driver said he was not comfortable in Hindi and didn't know much of the language. The lawyer, whose Marathi wasn't top drawer, nevertheless started off in that language, confidently and boldly, making some initial enquiries of Sawant. Mehta in Marathi: "Do you remember what day of the week it was?" The prosecutors immediately objected saying how could the witness possibly remember that. Judge Jagdale intervened gently: "Given his memory of (the facts) she is asking..." Sawant could not recall. Mehta asked him about his social work. Sawant began expansively about his desire to help "needy people." Sotto voce, Pasbola, smiling broadly, muttered something amusingly about the calibre of social work Sawant was engaged in. Mehta, being Mundargi's true assistant, like he would have, pulled up some geography to corner Sawant with. She asked about the time taken to reach the petrol pump, their arrival time, how many toll nakas they crossed, where it was located on the highway and its name. Sawant tentatively said it was called Balaji and they took 45 minutes to reach, arriving at 12, 12.30 pm, that it was on the left side of the Mumbai-Pune highway and he couldn't remember any toll naka apart from the Vashi one. The young lawyer then smartly and deftly asked a series of questions that adroitly piloted Sawant, unbeknownst to him, into quite a sticky spot. She first checked if Sanjeev had been wearing a mask when they left the Khar police station, as the accused customarily do. Sawant said he had not. She then checked Sawant's knowledge of the Sheena Bora case. Sawant, shaking his head from side to side dramatically, in Marathi: "I was not aware about this case through the news on television before my visit to the Khar police station." Mehta in Marathi: "When you came out of the police station were media persons were standing outside waiting?" Sawant in Marathi: "Yes, there were." There are no pictures recorded of Sanjeev Khanna leaving the police station that day for Panvel. Mehta wrapped up her cross-examination, asking Sawant who had served him summons to come to the hearing Friday. Sawant rambled off on a tale about a policeman arriving and scaring his family. Pasbola took over from Mehta. The judge complimented Mehta approvingly: "Nicely conducted." Pasbola agreed warmly: ";Well prepared." Indrani's lawyer, in total Demolition Man mode, started work on Sawant, asking him, in a sarcastic, sceptical tone, about his "samaj seva (social work)." That was when, Sawant, after sizing up Pasbola, offered the long, nowhere answer (quoted earlier) about being the Magical Invisible Social Worker who knew no policemen. Pasbola cannily delved about further to unearth Sawant's connections with the police, that he felt sure Sawant had. He wondered if Sawant knew if he had been called by Dinesh Kadam, the police officer handling the murder case. And how many times Sawant had acted as panch before for the police. Or if he had ever met the policeman who summoned him either inside or outside the Khar police station. Sawant played dumb, insisting laboriously that he knew no one nor had he seen any of the police officers that he met at the Khar police station that day, declaring slightly pompously that they knew him. Not the other way around. Plenty of body language went with the narrative as he extravagantly closed his eyes, exaggeratedly shook his head or threw up his hands, palms face up and took sips of water, never looking at the advocate. Pasbola resorted to a bit of Geography 2.0 too. He first determined that Sawant hailed from Mandangad tehsil in Ratnagiri district and the road to his home traversed the same route as the one Sawant took with the police and Sanjeev to that Sri Balalji pump. Pasbola in Marathi: "Didn't you used take the same route to go to your village?" Sawant first declared he hadn't been back to his gav since he was in school. Then he said he had not used that route to go to his village. His moustache bouncing with laughter, Judge Jagdale pointed out to Pasbola that Sawant said he hadn't used that route to go to his village, which did not imply he had't used the route before. In answer to all Pasbola's geography questions, Sawant played a student who must have always scored zero on his geography exam. He denied knowing that they had been headed to Panvel when they left Khar on August 30, 2015 with the police and it was only when they reached Panvel that he realised they were in Panvel. Nor did he know, remember or believe they had crossed either Maruti Temple or the Panvel bus station. He did know, however, that there were many petrol pumps along this route. Interestingly he did remember that while the police were questioning the petrol pump attendants about Sanjeev's identity and if they had seen him before, they did not ask about the use of a plastic cans to fill petrol that day in 2012. Nor did he see people filling cans at the pump or know that cans can be filled with petrol. Pasbola ended his cross examination of Sawant with a flourish, roundly telling Sawant off in his trademark gruffest voice, that this courtroom has sorely missed: "You did social work only for the police and signed on a false panchnama without going anywhere (to that location, the particular petrol pump). In the name of social work you give false testimony in court." Sawant heard him out, not terribly bothered. Or riled. He offered a namaste to the judge and left. Peter's lawyers put in an application for a medical bed at Peter's cost in his cell. At the previous hearing, Sanjeev's lawyers requested a special chair for the lavatory for Sanjeev since he had in issue with his leg. Sanjeev had sandwiches with his cousin before heading back to jail. He said Peter looked much better and he had come to meet Sanjeev before coming to court. Indrani, all in pink, sat with her lawyers for a bit. As she was exiting, she stopped in front of Badami and Khan, who were standing outside Courtroom 51. Giving Khan her sweetest, most beguiling smile, she asked if he would now be supervising the case. She also enquired of Badami if he would still be on the case as well. Not used Indrani's high-voltage charm, Khan agreed, looked mildly taken aback. Or maybe nonplussed. Badami assured her he would still be around and that he and Khan would both be handling the trial. Giving them another big smile, Indrani sailed off. The next hearing is set for May 29. TORRINGTON In honor of Mothers Day, Community Health & Wellness Center donated 20 Beauty Bags for the residents at the Susan B. Anthony Project. Packaged in silky purple and pink drawstring pouches, the gift bags contain a variety of beauty and wellness products donated by CHWC staff and area business Ridge Runner Soap Company of Harwinton. The Mothers Day gift items include shower gel, makeup, hair care items, skin care items, hand cream and specially handcrafted soaps with a custom Mothers Day label made by Dorothy Barrow, CHWCs HR Manager. It is the second year that CHWC has undertaken this initiative. We greatly admire the work of our Torrington neighbor, the Susan B. Anthony Project, and wanted to acknowledge the strength and beauty of the mothers who are in residence there, said Joanne Borduas, CEO of CHWC. We want the women to know that there are people in the community who care about them and support them on their life journey. The Mothers Day Beauty Bags were presented to the Susan B. Anthony Project May 9, in time for Mothers Day on Sunday. Victims appreciate being embraced by the community, says Gina Devaux, director of development of the Susan B. Anthony Project. The thoughtful and generous efforts of everyone at the Community Health & Wellness Center to collect and assemble these beauty bags remind us that self-care is an important part of the healing journey. Were so grateful. The Community Health & Wellness Center of Greater Torrington offers and continues to develop a range of healthcare services for the underserved throughout northwest Connecticut, including medical, dental, chiropractic, and counseling services. It strives to achieve the reputation of provider of choice for affordable, high quality services that achieve positive patient outcomes in a welcoming and caring environment. CHWC collaborates and advocates with other organizations to increase the regions capacity to meet the communities health and wellness needs. It is the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Connecticut to receive a Health Services and Resources Associations Health Center Program 2017 Quality Leader Award. CHWC is located at 469 Migeon Avenue, Torrington and 115 Spencer Street, Winsted, CT, with the following satellite locations: FISH of Torrington, 332 South Main Street, Torrington; Sullivan Senior Center, 88 East Albert Street, Torrington, CT; The Open Door Soup Kitchen, 160 Main Street, Winsted; YMCA Emergency Shelter, 480 Main Street, Winsted; Torrington Soup Kitchen, 220 Prospect Street, Torrington; and Oliver Wolcott Technical School, 75 Oliver Street, Torrington. Call 860-489-0931, visit at www.chwctorr.org and on Facebook. The Susan B. Anthony Project provides crisis and support services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. All services are confidential, free, and available 24/7. Susan B. Anthony Project counselors help women plan for their future working with them to create a personal budget, realize job goals, assist with job search and training, resume writing, and other skills. The Susan B Anthony Counseling & Advocacy Center is located at 17 Water Street in Torrington; call 860-489-3798 or visit https://sbaproject.org/# ### Chinese envoy to Bangladesh Zhang Zuo (center) answers questions during a news conference in Dhaka, May 8, 2019. A Bangladeshi official and political observers on Friday criticized a statement by the Chinese ambassador, who suggested this week that the Rohingya refugee crisis could be solved through economic development in neighboring Myanmars Rakhine state. Linking the plight of Rohingya Muslims to trade and infrastructure investments in the sub-region would be tantamount to disregarding the human rights issues that led to a massive exodus of refugees from Myanmar, the official and analysts told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Development alone could not resolve the Rohingya crisis, Mohammad Abul Kalam, Bangladeshs refugee relief and repatriation commissioner, told BenarNews on Friday. The political will of Myanmars government is most crucial, he said. Unless the rights of the Rohingya people in Rakhine are not ensured, the crisis will not be over. BenarNews asked Kalam and others in Bangladesh for their views on a remark made by Chinese Ambassador Zhang Zuo on the Rohingya during a news briefing the envoy gave in Dhaka on Wednesday about Beijings massive One Belt, One Road (OBOR) infrastructure initiative. The real solution of the problem lies in development, Zuo said, referring to the 740,000 Rohingya refugees who fled their homes and crossed into Bangladesh at the height of a Myanmar military crackdown in 2017. We hope that after the violence is stopped and the people are repatriated, the Rakhine state could be further developed. We also hope that in the process of implementing the BCIM economic corridor, we could come up with a very good solution to the Rohingya problem, the ambassador added. BCIM is an acronym for the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Forum for Regional Cooperation, a sub-regional organization also known as the BCIM Economic Corridor. It was conceptualized in the early 1990s to improve trade between the four Asian nations. Without elaborating, Zuo said repatriation was only part of the overall solution proposed by China. As proposed, the BCIM Economic Corridor would connect Kunming, the capital and largest city of Yunnan province in southwest China, with Kolkata in the Indian state of West Bengal. The connection would run through the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka and Mandalay, the second-largest city of Myanmar. The Chinese ambassador tried to convey the message that the proposed BCIM corridor will cross via Rakhine state. So, resolving the Rohingya crisis was a precondition to implementing the BCIM corridor, Retired Maj. Gen. A.N.M. Muniruzzaman, president of the nonprofit think-tank Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, told Benar. Muniruzzaman, who attended the Chinese envoys briefing, claimed China appeared to be looking at the Rohingya crisis through the lens of Beijings national interest. China has been constructing a deep-sea port in Rakhine state. They are building up an energy terminal there, he said. [But] development is not the only strategy to resolve the Rohingya crisis. In November, Myanmar signed a renegotiated deal with Chinas state-run CITIC Group to develop a multibillion-dollar deep-sea port in Kyaukphyu in Rakhine state, on the Bay of Bengal. The agreement came as Myanmar moved closer to Beijing. Analysts and academics expressed agreement, alleging the Chinese diplomat made it appear that Beijing was looking at the Rohingya refugees from an economic perspective. In the pretext of development, China has been overlooking the human aspect of the Rohingya crisis, Delwar Hossain, a professor of international relations at Dhaka University, told BenarNews. U.N. human rights investigators have accused Myanmars military of committing ethnic cleansing against the minority group during the brutal crackdown taken in response to attacks by Rohingya insurgents on security posts. Beijing had proposed to mediate between Bangladesh and Myanmar to resolve the Rohingya refugee exodus, which peaked between August and September 2017. Negotiations for the Rohingya repatriation have stalled. In March this year, Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Shahidul Haque told a U.N. Security Council meeting that the refugee crisis had gone from bad to worse. Dhaka, he said, would no longer be able to take in refugees from Myanmar. Mahmida Khatun, executive director of the private think-tank Center for Policy Dialogue, also questioned the Chinese envoys comments. China says it wants development of Bangladesh and Myanmar, she said, but they keep silent on Rohingya repatriation. Khatun said Myanmar must first guarantee the security and safety, fundamental rights, freedom of movement, education and job opportunities in the place where the refugees would be returned. Many residents of Buddhist-majority Myanmar regard Rohingyas as Bengalis, implying that the minorities entered illegally from Bangladesh, even though they have lived in Myanmar for generations. Most of them have been denied citizenship and prevented from traveling outside Rakhine state. The Myanmar government should commit to ensure social development, in addition to economic development, in Rakhine state, she said. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Afghan officials say a prominent former television journalist was shot dead in Kabul on May 11 by unknown gunmen. Mena Mangal was a television presenter for more than a decade, and she also ran popular social-media pages about the rights of Afghan women to work and girls to attend school. Police spokesman Ferdows Faramarz said authorities are investigating "all aspects of the case." Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has said that the cost of damages from contaminated oil received via the Russian Druzhba oil pipeline was "enormous" and that Belarus expects compensation from Russia. Right now, we are evaluating the damage, Lukashenka was quoted as saying on May 11 by the state-run Belta news agency. Damage is enormous to the pipeline, to the equipment on the pipelines, including pumps on the facilities and the like, and to the oil refineries," Lukashenko said. He said he expects the costs to run into the hundreds of millions of dollars and that he hopes Russia will not dispute the figures. Russia late in April halted oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline because of contaminated crude. Belarus has said that the source of "chlorine contamination" of the oil was found within Russia along the pipelines Samara-Unecha section. Organic chloride is typically used by producers to increase crude oil output, but it must be separated before the crude oil is shipped to refineries because it can destroy refinery equipment. The state-owned pipeline operator Transneft has said the contamination could have been deliberate, and that a criminal case had been opened. The Druzhba pipeline carries oil from Russia and Kazakhstan through Belarus to refineries in Poland, Germany, and Slovakia. Based on reporting by Belta and Reuters KABUL -- Afghan officials say prominent former television journalist Mena Mangal has been shot dead in Kabul. Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Raimi said Mangal was shot dead in Kabul's 8th district early on May 11 as she was waiting for a car. Witnesses to the shooting near Kabul's Karte Naw market told RFE/RL that two men appeared on a motorcycle and fired four shots into the air to disperse passersby. They then fired two shots that hit Mangal in the chest. Mangal's relatives confirmed that she had been waiting for a ride to take her to her job as a cultural adviser to the Wolesi Jirga, the lower chamber of Afghanistan's parliament. The gunmen then fled the scene. Police spokesman Ferdows Faramarz told RFE/RL that "all aspects of the case" were under investigation, adding that Mangal's father had named a possible suspect. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the killing. Mangal worked for more than a decade as a presenter for the private Ariana TV, the private TOLO Pashto-language television channel Lamar, and the private national television broadcaster Shamshad TV. She also ran popular social-media pages that discussed the rights of Afghan women to work and for Afghan girls to go to school. Mangal had written extensively about being forced into an arranged marriage in 2017 and the process she had to go through to obtain a divorce, which was confirmed in early May. Mangal had posted recently on her social-media pages that she was receiving death threats from unknown sources. Relatives told RFE/RL that there were "problems" with her former in-laws. Police spokesman Raimi said a special police unit was investigating Mangal's killing. Raimi said Mangal's assailants escaped from the scene after the shooting. Afghan Taliban leaders have said at recent peace talks with U.S. negotiators that they are no longer insisting on their notorious ban against girls education and employment for women. But Afghan womens rights activists are wary about that claim and have expressed concerns that a peace deal with the Taliban could foster a return of Taliban-era repressions. Four gunmen were killed by security forces after they stormed a luxury hotel in the southwestern Pakistani city of Gwadar. Police said the attackers killed a hotel security guard when they entered the Pearl Continental Hotel with small arms and grenades on May 11. Pakistani security forces rushed to the scene and engaged the attackers in an hours-long shoot-out after safely evacuating hotel guests. "All four of the terrorists have been killed," a senior security official told the AP. The separatist Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack and released photographs of the four attackers. The port city of Gwadar in impoverished Balochistan Province is a flagship Chinese investment project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) program. The project, which includes the port, an airport, a highway, and a hospital, is intended to link China's Xinjiang Province with the Arabian Sea. The region has seen attacks in the past from separatists who feel locals are not benefiting from the development of local resources. Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP Reports from western Yemen say Iranian-backed Huthi rebels have begun withdrawing from two of the three Red Sea port facilities they've vowed to evacuate under a peace deal negotiated in Stockholm in December. The Yemeni government, however, accused the rebels of "staging a new ploy" by faking the withdrawal. Provincial Governor Al-Hasan Taher told AFP the rebels were handing the ports "to themselves without any monitoring by the United Nations and the government side." The United Nations on May 11 said it was monitoring the withdrawal from the Red Sea port facilities of Saleef and Ras Isa, which they have held since 2014. The UN monitors plan to report to the Security Council about the situation on May 15. The UN says the Huthi rebels announced late on May 10 that they would unilaterally redeploy their forces out of three Red Sea port facilities over four days beginning on May 11 potentially opening the way for the delivery of humanitarian aid needed to prevent a famine that threatens millions of people. Under the redeployment pledge, Huthi militants said they also would move out of Yemen's main Red Sea ports of Hodeidah by the end of the day on May 14. The head of the UN's Redeployment Coordination Committee called the pledge "the first practical step on the ground" since the conclusion of the Stockholm agreement. Under that agreement, pro-government forces in Yemen also are expected to leave positions around the outskirts of Hodeidah during the initial redeployment before a second phase in which both sides withdraw their troops further. But the UN's statement did not specifically mention any reciprocal redeployment by the pro-government forces, which have the support of a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The coalition alleges that the Huthis have been using Hodeidah, Yemen's principal Red Sea port, as a landing point to smuggle weapons supplied by Iran. The Huthis deny those charges. The UN committee's chairman, Lieutenant General Michael Lollesgaard of Denmark, said the Huthi redeployment must be followed by "the committed, transparent, and sustained actions of the parties to fully deliver on their obligations." With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and BBC Pakistani television host Murtaza Solangi's current-affairs show was on-air, broadcasting a taped interview with an opposition figure about a military coup that took place a decade earlier, when the program was abruptly cut off. The veteran journalist with independent Capital TV exchanged heated words with the managing director and was told to quit immediately. Solangi, who resigned the next day, suspected that the channel had been pressured to halt the broadcast. "That is the level of censorship in Pakistan," Solangi recalled of that day in October. "In the mainstream media, the military establishment doesnt allow critical voices." Solangi's incident came amid signs that Pakistan's free press was coming under unprecedented pressure from the military -- an institution that has an oversize role in domestic and foreign affairs in the South Asian country. In the past two years, dozens of prominent reporters have been fired or have left after being threatened; the nation's most popular TV channel has been forced off the air; and leading columnists have complained that stories that are critical of the army and intelligence agencies are being rejected by media outlets. With the free press gagged, many journalists in Pakistan have turned to social media to get the word out. But even those platforms are under pressure from Pakistani authorities. 'No Other Option' "Journalists with critical voices have no other option but to turn to social media," says Solangi, a former director at state-run Radio Pakistan who also worked as a journalist at Voice of America. "The authorities have tightened the noose around the media." Since he left his current-affairs show, Solangi has continued his critical reporting on Twitter and YouTube on issues that are seen as off-limits to journalists in the mainstream media: criticism of Prime Minister Imran Khans government, believed to be close to the military brass; coverage of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM), which has denounced the army's heavy-handed operations in the militancy-hit tribal regions; and reporting on jailed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was controversially removed from power and had a history of falling out with the military establishment. Solangi is active on Twitter, where he has 245,000 followers, and has started his own YouTube channel in which he provides analysis of national issues. Solangi is among dozens of leading Pakistani reporters who have left mainstream media and turned to social media. Syed Talat Hussain, a prominent anchor and columnist, was the host of a prime-time current-affairs talk show on Pakistans most popular TV station, Geo News. In November, he announced on Twitter that he was leaving. He provided no explanation. In April 2018, Hussain said in a tweet that the day Geo was unable to "allow space for balanced journalism" there would be "no reason for me to continue to appear on their platform." His tweet came after Geo TV, part of Pakistan's largest commercial media group, Jang, was taken off the air in many parts of the country. The ban only ended a month later after talks between the military and the network's chiefs, who pledged to change the network's coverage. Weeks earlier, Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa held an off-the-record briefing with a group of journalists in which he described Geo TV as "subversive" and warned the channel that it would face consequences for crossing "red lines" by challenging the military. Since leaving Geo TV, Hussain has launched his own YouTube channel -- Straight Talk With Hussain -- that has garnered more than 41,000 subscribers. He has also increased his engagement on Twitter, where he has more than 3 million followers. Crackdown On Social Media Even as social media has become an important outlet for critical journalism, these platforms are coming under growing pressure from authorities. In the past two years, dozens of journalists, activists, and government critics have faced legal action over their online posts. In February, the government announced the creation of a new enforcement authority to clamp down on social-media users accused of spreading "hate speech and violence." That came after authorities passed a controversial cybercrimes law in 2016 that granted sweeping powers to the government to block online content they deem illegal. Offenders can face up to 14 years in prison. Critics say the moves are intended to curtail free speech and have led to unfair prosecutions. In April, Pakistan's law enforcement agency filed a case against Shahzeb Jillani, an investigative reporter who works for the Urdu-language Dunya News TV channel, who is accused of "cyberterrorism" and making "defamatory remarks against the respected institutions of Pakistan." Jillani, who previously worked for the BBC and Deutsche Welle, is known for his critical reporting on Pakistan's army and intelligence services. Reporters Without Borders condemned what it called the "trumped-up charges" against Jillani. The Paris-based media watchdog said in a statement on April 16 that the case against Jillani has been designed to intimidate and silence Pakistans journalists. Authorities have accelerated efforts to censor social-media platforms. In the first half of 2018, Facebook restricted more content in Pakistan -- more than 2,000 posts -- than in any other country in the world, according to its figures. Facebook said the number was seven times higher than the previous six months. Meanwhile, Twitter received requests from Pakistani authorities to remove content from more than 3,000 accounts, compared to under 700 in the second half of 2017, according to its figures. Scores of Pakistani journalists and activists have received legal notices from Twitter on behalf of the government recently. In January, journalist Mubashir Zaidi said he had received an e-mail from Twitter for a tweet about the unsolved killings of police officer Tahir Dawar and former lawmaker Ali Raza Abidi. Twitter notified him that his tweet was in violation of Pakistani law. U.S. President Donald Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, says he is canceling plans to visit Ukraine to encourage investigations by the countrys incoming government that he thinks would help Trump politically. Speaking on the U.S. television channel Fox News, Giuliani said late on May 10 that he was not going because he thinks he would be "walking into a group of people that are enemies of the president...in some cases enemies of the United States." Democrats have criticized Giulianis plans to visit Ukraine over the weekend after The New York Times quoted Giuliani as saying he wanted to encourage two investigations by the government of incoming President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. One is the origin of U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election interference and the other is the involvement of 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden's son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. Democratic congressman Jerry Nadler, the head of the House Judiciary Committee, said U.S. politics is in "a sorry state" if the president's lawyer can seek foreign interference in a U.S. election. Ukraines president-elect defeated incumbent President Petro Poroshenko in an April 21 runoff election and is scheduled to be inaugurated in early June. Based on reporting by AP, Reuters, Fox News, and The New York Times The head of Uzbekistan's Information and Mass Communication Agency has said that access to a dozen news and human rights websites has been restored in the authoritarian Central Asian country. Komil Allamjonov posted on Facebook on May 10 that "certain technical issues" had been resolved and local access to the websites had been restored. Some of the sites had been blocked since 2004. Allamjonov said the newly accessible sites include the BBC's Uzbek Service, Voice of America, Deutsche Welle, Eurasianet, AsiaTerra, the Fergana Agency, and other information resources. The websites of rights groups including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Reporters Without Borders were also reportedly unblocked. The website of RFE/RL's Uzbek Service and those of several other prominent private news agencies were not included in Allamjonov's post. RFE/RL has not been able to independently confirm that the websites are actually accessible in Uzbekistan. Uzbek activist Alisher Ilkhamov, who lives in London, posted on Facebook that it was "too early" to celebrate because of the websites that remain blocked. "If the 'technical problems' remain for those websites, it will seem less like a step toward freedom of speech and more like a policy of divide and conquer," Ilkhamov wrote. "In this case, it will be the journalism community that is divided. If the lucky ones remain silent about those less fortunate, then that policy will have been a success." Last month, Harlem Desir, the representative on freedom of the media for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), called on Tashkent to end the blocking of media websites. "I have written to the authorities asking them to set forth a series of reforms to ensure unhindered access to online media in the country," Desir was quoted as saying in an OSCE press release. "I call on authorities to restore access to the blocked websites and reform the laws and regulations affecting access to information and freedom of expression in the country," he concluded. Many media and rights organization were de facto banned in Uzbekistan after the government's violent suppression of protests in the city of Andijon in 2005. Hundreds of protesters are believed to have been shot dead by security forces during the violence. The decision to unblock the websites could be part of a gradual opening up of the country following the death of longtime dictator Islam Karimov in 2016. "I would like to note that the President of Uzbekistan constantly emphasizes the need to ensure freedom of speech and information in Uzbekistan," Allamjanov wrote, referring to Karimov's successor, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. With reporting by AFP Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. By Life New, May 08, 2019 Pennsylvania pro-life leaders and state Republicans are demanding that Democratic state Rep. Brian Sims be criminally investigated for harassing several women and teenage girls outside a Philadelphia abortion facility this spring. On Tuesday, Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Val DiGiorgio sent a letter to U.S. Attorney William McSwain, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner urging an investigation. You could hear a pin drop as Andrew Florance recalled the spring of 1971. Seven years old and homeless, he had barely attended school. He was living on the streets of Richmond not far from where the Greater Richmond Convention Center stands today when police took him into protective custody and away from his mother. Hed never see her again. He remembered that April night, when a police officer treated him to dinner at McDonalds, probably because he felt sorry for the young boy whose outlook in life seemed bleak. Florance shared the story Saturday morning as he addressed Virginia Commonwealth University graduates and their friends and loved ones during commencement festivities at the convention center. From those early years, Florance went on to Princeton University and while there, founded CoStar Group, today one of the worlds largest digital commercial real estate companies that oversees online marketplaces such as Apartments.com, LoopNet, BizBuySell, Lands of America and more. Judge allows delay in Colo. shooting case DENVER Prosecutors leading the case against two students suspected of shooting nine classmates, one fatally, in a suburban Denver charter school have until next week to decide what charges to pursue, a judge ruled Friday. The decision by District Judge Theresa Slade delays hearings that had been scheduled for Friday for Devon Erickson, 18, and Alec McKinney, 16, to learn the criminal charges they face in the shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch on Tuesday. Court spokesman Rob McCallum said the prosecutors and defense agreed to a postponement until Wednesday. All of those injured in the shooting have been released from hospitals save for one, who was in fair condition Friday, officials said. WHO: Violence could cause Ebola to spread DAKAR, Senegal The World Health Organization warned Friday that it may not be possible to contain Ebola to the two affected provinces in eastern Congo if violent attacks on health teams continue. This episode was an immense tragedy for a lot of people and they are glad to have the case behind them, Wallace said. Noah disappeared from his familys rented mobile home while his mother napped. He was found after a four-day search when law enforcement officers drained a septic tank located just feet from the residences door. The septic tanks lid had not been fastened down. The boys cause of death was determined to be drowning, with hypothermia a contributing factor. An array of criminal and civil court proceedings followed. On the criminal side, Noahs parents, Ashley White and Thomas, both were convicted of two counts of child abuse and neglect. White also was convicted of child abuse and neglect leading to a death, but that conviction was reversed on appeal. The prosecutions argument was not that the parents did anything to directly harm Noah but that the situation particularly the unfastened septic tank lid so close to their home constituted neglect. On the civil side, Thomas sued landlords the Meadowses and the maker of the septic tank lid, saying they caused Noahs death and asking for $5.3 million. Chairman of the National Council (Upper House) of Bhutan Tashi Dorji (Source: VNA) The visit is the first by a Bhutan leader since the two countries established diplomatic ties in January 2012. Vietnam and Bhutan have had sound friendship with the regular exchange of congratulatory messages between leaders on the occasion of big events. Vietnam mainly exports tractors and wood furniture to Bhutan. Meanwhile, the AA Corporation of Vietnam and the AdrukA company of Bhutan have jointly invested in a wood furniture manufacturing project in the latter country since 2011. More than 1,430 Vietnamese tourists visited Bhutan in 2018, according to the latters Tourism Council. Bhutan is selective in establishing relations with other countries. So far, it has set up diplomatic ties with only 53 nations./. Dear @IlhanMN, I hear you plan to go on a fact-finding tour of Israel. In fact, Israel is doing pretty well. Its, Somalia, your native country, that could truly use your formidable skills. Maybe you could use your frequent flyer miles and swing by. The hearing followed months of delays in the case that were prompted by Youngblood, who had refused to leave jail to attend two previous hearings. Fairfax public defender Dawn Butorac said previously that her client was mentally ill and had tried to commit suicide on multiple occasions. Prosecutors dispute that Youngblood was mentally ill. After Guyton described the killings Friday, Youngblood broke down and started crying in court, prompting the judge to call for a break. Butorac offered no witnesses or comment in her defense. The killings followed a protracted divorce and child-custody dispute between Youngblood and her ex-husband, Ronald, who was a Navy officer at the time of the killings. Youngblood, her ex-husband, their daughter, Brooklynn, and Youngbloods teenage daughter were slated to move to Missouri in August. But Youngblood reconsidered and wanted to remain in Virginia with Brooklynn. A Fairfax judge rejected that idea the month before the killings, according to court records. Youngblood, who is from Argentina, married Ronald Youngblood in 2009 in Las Vegas, according to court records. Her elder daughter was from a previous relationship, and Brooklynn was born in 2012. The marriage was tumultuous. DANVILLE Inmate Jerrod Irv-Low Washington went from nonresponsive to responsive three times early Friday before he ultimately died after a nearly yearlong stint in jail, the Danville Sheriffs Office reported. This marks the second inmate to die in the Danville City Jail this year. A deputy was on patrol near one of the jails dormitories around 3:15 a.m. Friday and overheard noise other inmates banging on the door to draw attention to the unresponsive man in the bed area, said Danville Sheriff Mike Mondul. A deputy makes the rounds twice every hour. It is a community within those cell blocks and within those dorms, Mondul said. [The inmates] tend to look after one another, so when something is wrong they let us know they flag the camera, they make noise to alert us. The jails emergency medical technician, aided by a deputy, started CPR. Washington came to three times before rescue crews arrived and he was transferred to the hospital, according to the incident report. He died at 8:30 a.m. at Sovah Health-Danville. There is a second issue that looms as well, and it goes to the very constitutionality of the city councilors decision to remove the Confederate statues. Under settled constitutional principles, government officials may not undertake acts with the intent, purpose and effect of discriminating against a protected class. As the city has argued repeatedly, the original decisions to erect the Lee and Jackson statues in the early 20th century were intended to and did send a message of white racial superiority. The Lee statue was erected in a whites-only park, and occurred against the backdrop of resurgent Ku Klux Klan activity, including parading Klansmen celebrating the Lost Cause on Charlottesville streets. Statues to Confederate generals were erected across the South and were meant to reinforce symbolically what Jim Crow segregation laws reinforced explicitly: that African Americans were second-class citizens. The city councilors have raised this equal protection defense, which the judge has yet to rule on. They argue that the U.S. Constitution required them to obey a principle of equal treatment, and that their votes to remove the Lee and Jackson statues were an effort to comply with the Constitution, not to break Virginia law. Lawyers often talk about how bad cases make bad law. If the judge declines the councilors statutory immunity and equal protection defenses, he will compound the tragedy of Charlottesville with two very dangerous precedents. The first decision would significantly undermine local government in Virginia. The second would significantly undermine the principle of equal treatment embodied in our Constitution. The first and second owners As Richmond expanded westward in the 1830s and 1840s, the sections of Grace and Franklin streets west of Capitol Square emerged as the site of the citys most prestigious residential real estate. The parallel streets attracted some of Richmonds wealthiest residents, and their houses were among the citys grandest and most fashionable. The city got its first Italianate-style house, the James Thomas House, in 1853 at the northwest corner of East Grace and Second streets, for example, and the house at 211 East Franklin Street followed five years later. The Franklin Street owner, Bolling Walker Haxall, had admired an Italianate mansion in New York, and he had local builders duplicate it. Richmonders often looked to New York for leadership, Novelli said. This would be an early example. Hallmarks of the Italianate style, popular in Richmond from the 1850s to 1900, include round arches, heavy cornices with large, decorative brackets and classical columns at the main entrance. This is also the period when you begin to see cast iron extensively used for architectural features on buildings. On May 16, 1868, senators cast their first votes in the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. By a margin of one, the president was found not guilty. That night there was celebration on one side of a deeply divided capital city. Whiskey was involved. Whiskey might have been involved in other aspects of Johnsons impeachment. During the Civil War, Congress passed an excise tax on alcohol. In 1862, before the tax was imposed, whiskey sold for 24 cents a gallon. Three years later, the same gallon cost $2. Because the tax was large, there were huge profits to be made for any distiller who could get the tax collectors to look the other way. A group of corrupt distillers, known as the Whiskey Ring, desperately wanted Johnson to remain as president of the United States. Their reasons were not high-minded. If Johnson were removed from office and new appointments were made in the Treasury Department, the new officials might close the gaps in the tax collection system. The story of Andrew Johnsons impeachment has many subplots. One of the most colorful involves money allegedly raised by the Whiskey Ring for the purpose of buying Senate votes. By Washington Examiner, May 09, 2019 Lawyers for the second suspect in the Colorado school shooting, Maya McKinney, who is listed in court records as a female, asked the court to use the pronoun "he." The 16-year-old McKinney is transgender and was transitioning from female to male at the time of Tuesdays shooting at the STEM School Highlands Ranch in Highlands Ranch, Colo., that left one student dead and eight others wounded. McKinney reportedly identifies as a male and goes by the name Alec. Mayor confirms Guardia Nacional arriving in Cancun for July Cancun, Q.R. The mayor of Cancun has confirmed the arrival of 600 members of the National Guard for Cancun in the month of July. The municipal president of Benito Juarez, Mara Lezama, confirmed that in July, 600 elements of the Guardia Nacional will arrive to support security work in the municipality. In a recent meeting with the federal government and Alfonso Durazo Montano, the Secretario de Seguridad y Proteccion Ciudadana, Lezama said that the issue of insecurity for the city of Cancun was addressed. We talked about the National Guard, which is extremely important. We talked about the issue of the single command and we talked about when the National Guard would arrive in Benito Juarez, which will be more-or-less in the month of July. In its first stage, the National Guard will be approximately 600 people that we would have among the Police of the Navy, Federal and Military, so altogether, they have to give a total of 600 elements, explained the mayor. Some of those that will be assigned to Cancun are already in the city to begin putting together the operation of the Guardia Nacional, working with city council members to find the regions of the municipality that require attention in order to deal with the crime. Mara Lezama explained that there is a backing of support in security matters because of the importance of the tourist destination at the national level, so regarding the president of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, we are on the radar. Municipal President of Benito Juarez, Mara Lezama The mayor added that she will also keep in touch with the Undersecretary of Public Safety and Citizen Protection of the Federal Government, Leonel Cota Montano, to verify budget alternatives for security assistance in Cancun. The mayor added that in the near future, the Town Council of Benito Juarez will approve the Single Command and only changes will be made to guidelines that also have the approval of the state government. The Single Command is currently operated by the head of the Public Security Secretariat of Quintana Roo, Jesus Alberto Capella Ibarra. Woman dies after being struck by Cancun combi Cancun, Q.R. An 81-year-old woman has died after being struck by a public combi van on a Cancun street. The accident happened in Region 92 around 7:00 a.m. when the driver from the Transporte Terrestre del Estado (TTE) van hit her while she was crossing the street. The woman has been identified as Maria Gloria. She was rushed to the General Hospital of Cancun but died shortly after being admitted. Both Transit and Ministerial Police arrived to learn that the driver of the van was traveling at excessive speed when he struck the pedestrian. The combi driver was arrested and his vehicle towed to the corralon. A former Blacksburg Middle School teacher announced her candidacy for Montgomery County School Board late last week, making the District F race competitive. Sue Kass, who left Blacksburg Middle in 2017, said on Friday that she plans to run in that district. The seat is currently held by Connie Froggatt, who previously served as the boards former vice chairwoman. Froggatt announced earlier this year that shes not seeking re-election and has since endorsed Sofia Midkiff for the seat. Midkiff announced her candidacy last month. Kass said her past career background gives her a strong connection to much of the local teaching community. As a former teacher, I have concerns about our teachers and Im basically hoping to bring to the forefront the challenges our teachers have today, she said. Having a teacher perspective is important. Kass said she taught English and history at Blacksburg Middle for 11 years. Kass now works as a student services coordinator for Virginia Techs Graduate School. She said she moved to Tech, in part, due to a long-held interest in working for higher education. I like teaching, I love teaching, she said. I miss it a lot. I felt I was at a point in my career where I thought Id try something different. Kass said she believes she can also provide some added perspective as a parent of former Montgomery County Public Schools students. Midkiff serves on the board of the Blacksburg Chinese School, a roughly four-decades-old academic and cultural center where enrollees can learn Chinese. Midkiffs career background consists of time working for IBM as a business consultant and for Virginia Tech as an adjunct professor in the universitys Pamplin College of Business. Midkiff is campaigning on a platform that, among other things, calls for sufficient school funding and competitive teacher pay. Midkiff offered few comments on her opponent. I welcome any competition and believe this will be a fun election, Midkiff wrote in an email Friday. Below are the other school board seats up for election this year: District B, held by Penny Franklin. District E, held by Marti Graham, whos also the current board vice chairwoman. District G, held by Mark Cherbaka. Only Midkiff has officially filed forms to run so far, according to the Montgomery County registrars office. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Steven Crane and Marcie Costello met their romantic matches as third-year medical school students while on clinical rotations at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. But as their fourth year drew toward an end and graduation neared, the couples future hinged on making their career matches. Match Day is as important a day as graduation for medical school students. Each year, on a Friday in mid-March, the National Resident Matching Program informs seniors who matched with a residency where they will be heading next. Without this next step in medical education, even with an MD or DO, they cannot become licensed to practice medicine. This year, 38,376 students applied for 35,185 positions. Among them were about a thousand couples like Crane and Costello who wanted to match together. Crane, who attends Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, and Costello, a student at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, spent much of their senior year executing a strategy that would provide the best chance to be offered residencies in the specialty each wanted, and in a place they both wanted. With the match in general, you apply to all these places and they invite you for interviews, if they want, Crane said. Then we go to make our rank list. We rank the programs in order of where we would prefer to go, and they essentially do the same thing for everyone they interview. So the computer algorithm does its thing and matches you up with a program. Its a little more exciting and grueling than that, but in the end about 90% of seniors will match with one of their top three choices. Crane parsed the data to find how many applications and interviews students should do to stand the best chance for a match. For most people, that looks like doing 12 to 15 interviews. Any more than that doesnt help you, he said. But for couple matches, the data is less precise. Crane and Costello asked couples who had matched together in prior years for suggestions. They combed through the numbers, but percentages offered little insight into the specialties and places that prior couples had sought. Its a common strategy with people doing couples matching to do big cities because there are a lot of programs. Say I interviewed at three pediatrics in New York City and he at five emergency rooms, wed have a better likelihood, Costello said. But we didnt do that. Were not big-city people. Developing a match strategy Crane grew up in Fairfax and studied biochemistry at Virginia Tech. He worked for a year doing research for the National Institutes of Health before entering VTC. It was nice to do for one year because then I knew medicine was the right path for me, he said. Costello grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, and moved to Cincinnati, where she majored in biology and Spanish at Xavier University. She spent a gap year doing clinical research in the emergency department of the University of Cincinnati before enrolling at VCOM. Their paths crossed during their third year when both were doing clinical rotations at Roanoke Memorial. They were on separate rotations but bumped into each other and started talking. Their first date was a mystery night at South County Library. Many of their dates since then have been in hospital cafeterias. And much of the last year has involved executing a strategy for a life together that required them first to spend more time apart. With their families on this side of the country, they decided they didnt want to venture too far west. Kansas City was the limit. They crossed out big cities, yet they wanted to be in an academic setting. She preferred Ohio; he, the Southeast. They eliminated places that had a strong program in one of their specialties but a weak one in the other. Crane applied to 60 emergency medicine programs, Costello to 55 pediatric programs. Then the offers came in. The pediatric programs came first, and Costello accepted everything coming her way until his offers arrived the following week. Then they honed their strategy. He interviewed at 19, she at 17. Rarely were they in the same place together. They met up once in an airport. Then came time to rank their choices. The advice we had been given is we sort of tried to make our own rank list independently as if were going alone, and then compare them and try to come up with a consolidation, Crane said. It was tough because even though I was trying to make my own list, in the back of my mind I know which program she likes or doesnt like. Ideally, they wanted to be in the same city, but some distance crept into one of their top 10 choices, with him in Charlottesville and her in Richmond because they liked the programs. They maxed out the possibilities. You get to this point where youre making combinations where you arent even close to each other, she said. With couples matching, the partners can hedge and say one will accept a match even if the other does not find one. Crane and Costello didnt want that option. So if one of us cant match, then none of us does, Crane said a week before Match Day. On Monday at 11 a.m., we are going to get an email that either says, Congratulations. You matched, and it wont tell us anything about where. Or it is going to say, Sorry you did not match, and you will have to participate in the supplemental offer acceptance program. That supplemental program is a last-week scramble, similar to a blind date. Programs with unfilled spots offer them to students who hadnt interviewed. If it came to this, Costello would probably fare better than Crane, who was seeking a more competitive specialty. If they didnt match, he might have to consider internal medicine or surgery. Even then, theyd only be given one year and have to apply again. I think we did so many interviews that the likelihood of us matching is very high. Just from the numbers and looking at past data, Crane said. But at the back of the mind you have to say yeah, a certain number of people dont match. Last year, there were 1,165 couples and 1,082 both matched; 67 times one matched and the other didnt. Sixteen times no one matched. The data doesnt say which specialties, how many interviews, how many selections. Wed have to be very unlucky not to match, Costello said. Both of their schools have excellent match rates, they tell each other. Still Ohio-bound in a U-Haul Mondays email arrived. We matched! Crane reported. And then came another wait. We could end up in Toledo and New Orleans. Yes, we did match, but now were on opposite sides of the country, he said. Virginia Tech Carilion celebrates Match Day with a theme, decorations and costumes. This year, since it fell on March 15, students carried out the Ides of Match theme with I came I saw I matched t-shirts. Students and their families were invited to a private ceremony, and at noon each student was handed an envelope containing his or her match. VCOM does not have a similar ritual, so students have to wait until 1 p.m., when official notices go out. Administrators at VTC and VCOM knew that Crane and Costello were matching together, so they shared information. VTC invited Costello to its ceremony, where she was handed an envelope. His said: Akron General Medical Center for emergency medicine. Hers said: Akron Childrens Hospital for pediatrics. Theyll be together, at their fourth-ranked choice. They were ecstatic. During the public ceremony, their names were called together and they placed pins on Akron on a map of the U.S. that VTC displays to show where its students have gone. All 37 members of the class matched. Among the places they are heading: Baylor, Brown, Duke, Emory, Johns Hopkins, Yale. Nationally, 94% of the 18,925 seniors at allopathic schools, such at VTC, matched, with 77% landing in one of their top three choices, the National Resident Match Program reported. For osteopathic schools like VCOM, 6,001 seniors entered the program and 84.6% matched. This is the last year that osteopathic students could have participated in a separate match program. There is now a single accreditation for graduate medical education programs, and starting next year all D.O. seniors will participate in the traditional M.D. match. Of the 1,076 couples like Costello and Crane, 95% matched. Crane will graduate Saturday as a member of the first class of VTC to graduate since the medical school became a college of Virginia Tech. Afterward, theyll pack up a U-Haul and move to Akron. Then they will return to Virginia for Costellos May 24 graduation. Then all those frequent-flier miles of traveling apart this year will pay off as theyll use them for a trip to Australia before settling into their new jobs, and most likely, more dates in hospital cafeterias. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. BUENA VISTA The death toll from an explosion and fire that ripped through a gas station Friday has risen to three, while the blast continues to send shock waves through the surrounding tight-knit, rural community. Virginia State Police have recovered three sets of human remains from the South River Market, which was leveled by the blast, Sgt. Rick Garletts said in an email Saturday. The remains have been sent to the Medical Examiners Office in Roanoke for identification, which may take several days, Garletts wrote. Police remained Saturday at the scene of the blast, at the intersection of South River Road and Old Buena Vista Road north of Buena Vista, and it was not clear if they were searching for additional victims. Late Friday, the number of confirmed fatalities was two. Garletts did not say whether anyone else was still unaccounted for. Four other people were injured in the blast, which shook the ground and sent flames as high as 80 feet in the air. Authorities have not released the names of any of the victims, nor have they concluded what triggered the blast. State police are treating the explosion as a criminal investigation because its cause remains unknown, Garletts said. While that is part of normal police policy, Garletts said Friday that the incident does not appear to be suspicious. On Saturday, all roads leading to the county crossroads where the gas station and convenience store once stood remained closed. Ryan Clark, who lives nearby, was driving his pickup truck on Old Buena Vista Road about 500 yards from the store when it blew up. It shook the truck, so I can only imagine what it was like closer to the store, he said. As he drove past the South River Market, Clark could see flames higher than nearby trees. He called 911, and emergency crews were soon on the scene. Four victims were transferred to Carilion Stonewall Jackson Hospital in Lexington, where one was treated and released. The other three were transferred to other hospitals with more serious injuries. Clark said that when he left his house about 9:50 a.m., he had planned to stop at the store for a drink on his way to Covington. He realized that hed forgotten an envelope and went back into his house briefly to get it which may have delayed him just long enough to avoid disaster. I would have been close, he said. It might have saved my life, who knows? As word spread through the Rockbridge County community, residents remembered the South River Market as a place to get the necessities of life gas, ice, food, hunting and fishing supplies without having to drive to more populated places such as Buena Vista or Lexington. But just an important, they said, was the chance to see familiar faces on both sides of the counter. Lew Hamilton, who knows the owners and employees of the business, said the store offered all that you might find at a larger establishment, but with a more personal and down-home touch. We had a miniature Walmart, thats what it was, he said. A country Walmart. Its really hit us hard. As Hamilton left JJs Meat Shak in Buena Vista, which he owns, Bonnie Clark continued to work behind the counter even though she is related to the family that runs the South River Market. Were such a close-knit family, Clark said of the larger community that has offered its support to her. Everybodys going to help everybody. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A machete-wielding man attacked two hikers on the Appalachian Trail early Saturday, according to Wythe County authorities. The conditions of the man and woman were not disclosed in a news release from the Wythe County Sheriffs Office. But according to Sheriff Keith Dunagan, they suffered serious knife wounds. A man has been arrested, according to the news release. His name and the charges he faces were not disclosed. The first sign of trouble came when two hikers reported to the Bland County Sheriffs Office that they were threatened early Saturday morning by a man with a machete. The attack on the other two hikers apparently happened later. Wythe County deputies entered the trail, which runs through the western tip of the county, and made an arrest a short time later. Such attacks on the trail are unusual. A.T. hikers are a strong and resilient family, but this rare tragedy shakes us all to our core, said Andrew Downs, a Roanoke-based regional director for The Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Our hiking family must come together to help those who are suffering from this unthinkable evil. The trail is a place of healing, of peace and a community that can be relied on in this time of great need. A portion of the trail remains closed while an investigation continues. The Virginia State Police, the U.S. Forest Service and the FBI are cooperating with the Wythe County Sheriffs Office. Dunagan said authorities are trying to determine whether anyone else was attacked. There were no such confirmed cases by late Saturday afternoon, but the sheriff said teams were still out on the trail. None of the people involved in the incident had local addresses, Dunagan said. He declined to say whether the two victims were admitted to a hospital or what their conditions are. The trail was closed Saturday from Virginia 16 at the Mt. Rogers National Recreational Area headquarters north to Virginia 42 near Groseclose an approximately 24-mile stretch, according to a post from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy on its Facebook page. According to the post, the closure was due to ongoing incidents under investigation by the U.S. Forest Service. Anyone with relevant information was urged to contact the Wythe County Sheriffs Office at 276-223-6000. Late Saturday, federal authorities were preparing to charge the suspect in the case, Dunagan said. The Appalachian Trail, a scenic footpath than runs more than 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine, is administered by the National Park Service and the Forest Service and can fall under federal jurisdiction. In 1981, a man and a woman from Maine were killed and buried in a shallow grave near a shelter on the trail in Giles County. She had been beaten and stabbed more than a dozen times; he was shot three times in the head. Randall Lee Smith of Pearisburg was convicted in state court of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison. He was released on mandatory parole in 1996 and died 12 years later. In 1988, a hiker from Blacksburg was fatally shot along the trail in the Michaux State Forest in Pennsylvania. Her companion was wounded. And in 1990, two hikers were shot and stabbed as they slept in a remote shelter on the trail about 18 miles from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Every good commencement address begins with a story. Heres ours. This goes back to the 1980s. Democrats were in charge of state government then, but the political affiliation doesnt matter; the lesson is so universal that even the most partisan Republicans will identify with this one. Bobby Scott, now a congressman, was then a state senator from Newport News. Late one afternoon he got a phone call from George Gilliam, a lawyer in Charlottesville and prominent Democratic activist. Gilliam needed a big favor and he needed it right now. Gilliam was chairman of the state community college board. That evening he was scheduled to give the commencement address at Eastern Shore Community College which was, and still is, quite a drive from, well, almost anywhere. Gilliam had a court case that had him tied up in Charlottesville, so hed made arrangements through the office of Gov. Charles Robb to use the governors plane to fly him to the speaking gig. However, the pilots had just called to say that the weather was too bad to fly. Gilliam was in a bind. It was too late to drive to the Eastern Shore. Hence, the need to call in a favor: Drop what youre doing right now, Gilliam told Scott, and drive to the Eastern Shore to deliver the speech. Surely, as a politician, you have a standard graduation speech filed away somewhere, Gilliam said. These were the days before e-mails and even faxes: Gilliam had no way to get the speech hed prepared to Scott. If Scott left right now, hed just be able to make it to the school. Scott reluctantly agreed. Just as he was getting ready to head out the door these were days before cellphones, too his phone rang again. It was Gilliam. Good news! The pilots had just called back. The clouds had suddenly parted and they were able to fly to Charlottesville and get him to the Eastern Shore, after all, so Scott didnt have to go. As Scott told the story years later, this was a win-win situation for him: He got the credit for being willing to do something inconvenient, but didnt actually have to do it. Pause for laughs. We draw a different lesson from the story, though. What we notice is the implication that every politician has a standard graduation speech lying around. Just in case some dont, well offer some pointers for one. Telling a story is always a good opener. Giving some advice is another. Heres the advice wed like to see someone tell graduates in this part of the state be they high school or college. Everyone tells graduates to go off and pursue their dream. But heres the twist wed add: Come back home to do it. Now, this advice doesnt apply to everyone, of course. If your goal is to become an astronaut, well, there arent too many launch pads around here. But if theres a way to pursue your chosen career at home, then please do so. Rural Virginia needs you more than Northern Virginia does. Most rural communities in Virginia indeed, in most rural communities anywhere need at least two things. They need more young adults, and they need more people with post-secondary education. Every college graduate that moves back home instantly checks off two of those boxes at once. These are the critical numbers that the every member of every governing body in rural Virginia ought to know by heart: n Most rural communities are losing population. Theyre also getting older, because the people most likely to move away are working-age adults. Even those handful of rural localities that are gaining population such as Botetourt County, which benefits by being a suburb of Roanoke are still getting older, because theyre trading young adults for retirees. Places like Arlington are getting younger; the median age there dropped from 33.9 in 2010 to 33.8 in 2015. By contrast, most rural localities in Virginia have a median age thats north of 40, and growing older with each passing year. In Craig County, its 46.1. In Alleghany County, its 46.8. In Patrick County, its 46.9. In Rockbridge County, its 47.7. In Grayson County, its 47.9. In Bath County, its 49.8. Those are some of the oldest communities in the state but not the oldest. That distinction belongs to Highland County, with a median age of 58.6. All those communities need new residents younger residents. There are some bottom-line economics involved: An aging population means a shrinking labor pool, which makes communities less likely to attract new employers and may jeopardize holding onto the employers they already have. Not to put too fine a point on it, but the demographics can set off an economic death spiral. n Rural communities also need more educated workers. The new economy puts a greater emphasis on workers with post-secondary education than the old one and thats where rural areas are having the hardest time keeping up. In Falls Church, 74.4% of adults have a college degree. In most counties in Southwest and Southside Virginia, that figure is under 20%. In Buchanan County and Covington, its 8.3%. In Greensville County, its 7.2%. Its unclear how rural areas are going to close such a massive gap, but every college graduate who moves back home helps. The problem, of course, is that graduates will find fewer opportunities in their rural hometowns, but the mere act of moving back home indirectly helps by making the labor pool more attractive. Now, we realize that so far weve listed ways that graduates moving back home would help the hometown and been short on ways that moving back home would help the new graduate. Lets recognize the obvious: There are fewer job opportunities and fewer social opportunities in rural areas. However, there is one thing that rural communities have in abundance, even if they dont always realize it. There are more leadership opportunities available and if its one thing many rural communities need, its new and younger leadership. In some places, that new and younger leadership may not always be welcome, but that only means its all the more necessary. In general, a college graduate moving back home has a better chance of making a difference in the life of their community there than if they moved to some big, anonymous city. That may not appeal to everyone, but we should hope it appeals to enough. The old admonition go west, young man today ought to amended to read go home, young man and young woman. There: Now somebody has a graduation speech. From the president to Congress to the American people, the refrain is the same: jobs, jobs, jobs. The presence of the federal government ensures that there will always be a need for staffers, lawyers, bureaucrats and many other government-related workers in D.C., but the competition is fierce. To help you find a job in politics and impress potential employers during an interview, weve asked three experts for their book recommendations: Jennifer Carignan and Christopher Hughes, career advisers for American Universitys School of Public Affairs, and Stuart Gottlieb, director of policy studies at the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs at Yale University. An Insiders Guide to Political Jobs in Washington by William Endicott Endicott knows a thing or two about the Washington jobs scene, having worked for three Members of Congress, the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton White House. The China Earthquake Administration pledged to enhance its earthquake detection capability as it rolls out an experimental project in the countrys tremor-plagued southwestern region. Considering our limited knowledge about earthquakes, the forecasting work has to be based on observation. Currently, 13 countries have been involved in the project, including Russia, Egypt and Algeria, and 17 domestic research teams, including one from University of Science and Technology of China. We will also explore carrying out observational experiments in wells from hundred of meters to 1,000 meters deep, and through scientific drilling that will penetrate active earthquake faults to gain more information about underground structures, Zheng Guoguang, vice-minister of emergency management and head of the administration, told at a news conference on Friday. China is the only country that lists forecasting earthquakes as a government responsibility. The administration has established over 360 new monitoring stations in the China Seismic Experimental Site, which spans Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, since construction of the project was launched about one year ago. The country has established a research institute to accelerate the development of new apparatuses for underground detection that could reduce interference from human activity. Captain Amarinder Singh Bhoa (Pathankot), May 11: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday shamed Narendra Modi over the Time cover describing the Prime Minister as `Divider in Chief for his brazen attempts to divide India, on the basis of caste and religion, to further his political ambitions. Addressing a rally here in support of Congress partys Gurdaspur candidate Sunil Jakhar, the Chief Minister contrasted Modis poor international reputation, as endorsed by the Time magazine, with the respect that leaders like Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and even Atal Behari Vajpyee had earned for the nation at global forums such as the United Nations. The Time cover showed what the international community of thought of Modi, who had lowered Indias prestige in the global arena, he added. Modis shameful attempts to destroy the secular fabric of the country were a threat to its very existence, said Captain Amarinder, exhorting the people to vote for the future and unity of India, whose diversity and secularism were its core strengths. India needs a government that can keep it united, not leaders like Modi who are out to destroy the nations unity, he added. Advertisement Modi, said the Chief Minister, had hit an all-time low with his speeches, which was a first for the country. The fight today is for saving the country, he asserted. Apologising for the delay in reaching Bhoa, which was the result of being denied permission to land in Pathankot on the petty instructions of the Modi government, the Chief Minister said these were the cheap tactics that the prime minister was resorting to in sheer panic, in the face of BJPs imminent defeat in these LS polls. Narendra Modi Captain Amarinder again lambasted Modi for trying to take credit for Balakot, which was a victory not of the prime minister but the armed forces. The nation salutes the forces, who had been making unparalleled sacrifices over the years to defend the people of India and its borders, he added. By giving cross-border raids the new jargon of surgical strikes, Modi was misleading the people into believing that he had done something new or spectacular, when the fact was that there had been bigger such events in the past, including the 1971 war that divided Pakistan under Indira Gandhi, he added. Advertisement The people of Punjab had made many sacrifices, with a large number of them part of the armed forces, said the Chief Minister, adding that in case of an attack every Punjabi would stand up to fight for the country, though they all wanted peace. Citing unemployment as the biggest problem in the state, particularly in the border districts including Pathankot, the Chief Minister pointed out that he had been advocating development of industry along the border belt to generate jobs for the people of the region. His government, he said, was working hard to create employment opportunities and had already facilitated 8.25 lakh jobs in just 2 years, while the erstwhile SAD-BJP government had failed to generate even 4 lakh jobs in 10 years. Referring to the drugs problem, Captain Amarinder said the ISI was pushing drugs into India and Punjab in order to destroy the youth here and strengthen its own hands. He once again urged caution viz a viz Kartarpur Corridor, while reiterating that the opening of the Corridor would fulfill a long-cherished desire of devotees aspiring to visit the historic Gurdwara, now in Pakistan. Sunil Jakhar Advertisement Assuring early resolution of the problems of sugarcane mills in Gurdaspur constituency, the Chief Minister announced his governments decision to increase the Gurdaspur cooperative sugar mill capacity from 2000 to 10000 TCD, while pointing out that Rs 25 crore had been released towards clearing sugarcane dues for farmers in the region. He noted that a medical college had already been announced for Gurdaspur and Pathankot, and promised to personally take up with the Centre the long-pending demand of the local residents for Dogri certificates. Dismissing any threat to Sunil Jakhar from BJP candidate Sunny Deol, Captain Amarinder said the opponent had no stakes in Punjab and would run away immediately after elections. Sunny Deol, he said, was fighting the election under pressure from BJP as he owed several crores of rupees to the banks. He had no knowledge of politics and was not even aware of Balakot air strikes, quipped the Chief Minister. Earlier, Jakhar also took a dig at Sunny Deol, saying while he may be adept at singing and dancing around and pulling pumps out of the soil, he did not know anything about Gurdaspur or the problems of its people. Jakhar said just as he could not sing and dance, Sunny had no idea about politics or being an effective representative of the people. Advertisement Sunny Deol I may not be able to entertain you but I will solve your problems by helping reopen sugar mills and setting up medical colleges, said Jakhar, urging the people to vote for the future of the country. You are responsible for yours and your childrens future. Do you want your children to get jobs or sell pakodas? he asked the people.Describing Modi as a shameless liar who was like the MD of a fly-by-night fake chit fund company, Jakhar said these elections were a fight between truth and lies, and the people had to decide what they wanted. For nearly a decade, Oakland Councilwoman Lynette Gibson McElhaney and her family regularly gathered with the group Soldiers Against Violence Everywhere on street corners in their community to mourn the victims of violence. They said prayers, recited the names of young men and women who died on those corners and chanted somebody died here, you need to care in order to comfort grieving families and ensure that every victim of violence was memorialized. On Saturday, the day before Mothers Day, McElhaney and her husband stood on the corner of Maple Avenue and Adams Boulevard in Los Angeles, to do the same for their own son, Victor McElhaney, a USC student who was shot and killed on that corner two months ago. Im standing where my son took his last breath, and that seemed the right thing to do on this Mothers Day, she said. Advertisement Victor McElhaney, 21, who had been studying jazz percussion at the Thornton School of Music, was with a group of friends about a mile and a half from USC when he was shot during a robbery outside a liquor store. The three suspects fled in a dark-colored sedan, police have said. Despite pleas from family and friends for someone to come forward with information about the killing, no one has been arrested. On Saturday, his parents again appealed to the community for information in the case. Weve got some men out there who dont know the value of their own lives, Lynette Gibson McElhaney said. They dont need to be at large where they can do harm to another mothers son. An undated photo of Victor McElhaney with his mother, Lynette Gibson McElhaney. (McElhaney family) Victor McElhaney, a talented drummer, had transferred to USC from Cal State East Bay in the fall of 2017, and was a leader on campus, friends recalled. Before coming to Los Angeles, he had taught at Oakland Public Conservatory of Music. In the days after McElhaney was killed, hundreds gathered to remember him at a standing-room-only memorial at USC that included spoken word and musical performances. Vic has made a legacy that is going to forever live on in my heart and at USC, said Nia Warren, 21, a USC student and childhood friend of McElhaney. I am asking for justice for my friend and Im asking for some sort of peace for his family. Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas also urged the killers or anyone with information about the case to come forward. We will not rest until this matter is appropriately resolved, he said. The least we can do as a city and as a county is to make sure justice is done. Theresa Butler, 60, of Oakland, who helped found Soldiers Against Violence Everywhere, was one of McElhaneys Bible study teachers. He sometimes played the drums at the groups events, she said. On Saturday, Butler stood on the corner of Maple Avenue and Adams Boulevard while another young man played the drums. McElhaneys friends handed out red roses and fliers asking for information about the case to drivers and passersby. We want to bring awareness to the community, Butler said. They dont have to be scared to tell us what they know. Standing next to her, a woman with a bullhorn chanted: Somebody died here. You need to care. carlos.lozano@latimes.com Thousands of Polish nationalists marched to the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw Saturday, protesting that the U.S. is putting pressure on Poland to compensate Jews whose families lost property during the Holocaust. The protest took place amid a dramatic rise in anti-Semitic hate speech in public life in Poland and it appeared to be one of the largest anti-Jewish street demonstrations in recent times. It also comes as far-right groups are gaining in popularity, pressuring the conservative government to move further to the right. Protesters, including far-right groups and their supporters, say the United States has no right to interfere in Polish affairs and that the U.S. government is putting Jewish interests over the interests of Poland. Poland was a major victim of Nazi Germany during World War II and those protesting say it is not fair to ask Poland to compensate Jewish victims when Poland has never received adequate compensation from Germany. Advertisement Why should we have to pay money today when nobody gives us anything? said 22-year-old Kamil Wencwel. Americans only think about Jewish and not Polish interests. The protesters shouted No to claims! and This is Poland, not Polin, using the Hebrew word for Poland. Rafal Pankowski, a sociologist who heads the anti-extremist group Never Again, called the march probably the biggest openly anti-Jewish street demonstration in Europe in recent years. One couple wore matching T-shirts reading Death to the enemies of the fatherland, while another man wore a shirt saying: I will not apologize for Jedwabne a massacre of Jews by their Polish neighbors in 1941 under the German occupation. Among those far-right politicians who led the march were Janusz Korwin-Mikke and Grzegorz Braun, who have joined forces in a far-right coalition standing in the elections to the European Parliament later this month. Stopping Jewish restitution claims has been one of their key priorities, along with fighting what they call pro-LGBT propaganda. The movement is polling well with young Polish men. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki echoed the feelings of the protesters at a campaign rally Saturday, saying that it is Poles who deserve compensation. Poland was the heartland of European Jewish life before the Holocaust, with most of the 3.3 million Polish Jews murdered by occupying Nazi German forces. Christian Poles were also targeted by the Germans, killed in massacres and in concentration camps. Many Poles to this day have a feeling that their suffering has not been adequately acknowledged by the world, while that of Jewish suffering in the Holocaust has, creating what has often been called a competition of victimhood. Many of the properties of both Jews and non-Jews were destroyed during the war or were looted and later nationalized by the communist regime that followed. The protests in Warsaw target U.S. law S. 447, also known as the Justice for Uncompensated Survivors Today (or JUST) Act. It was signed into law by President Donald Trump last year and requires the State Department to report to Congress on the state of restitution of property stolen in the Holocaust in dozens of countries. Protesters said paying compensation would ruin Polands economy. But Jewish organizations, particularly the World Jewish Restitution Organization, have been seeking compensation for Holocaust survivors and their families, considering compensation a matter of justice for a population that was subjected to genocide. Poland is the only European Union country that hasnt passed laws regulating the compensation of looted or national property, and the head of the WJRO, Gideon Taylor, noted Saturday that such property continues to benefit the Polish economy. At least two U.S. Confederate flags were visible at Saturdays protest, which began with a rally in front of the prime ministers office before the protesters walked to the U.S. Embassy. Men in Native American headdress held a banner with a message pointing to what they see as U.S. double standards: USA, Practice 447 at home. Return stolen lands to the descendants of native tribes. With pressure building on this issue, the U.S. State Departments new envoy on anti-Semitism, Elan Carr, was in Warsaw this past week, telling leaders and media that the U.S. is only urging Poland to fulfil a non-binding commitment it made in 2009 to act on the issue. He also said the U.S. recognizes that Poland was a victim of the war and is not dictating how Warsaw regulates compensation. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. His trade war already raging worldwide, President Donald Trump on Friday brandished his aggressive actions as a political weapon at home, too, casting himself as a fighter for American workers and scorning his chief Democratic rivals as weak. Trumps actions have already caused economic harm to some of the regions that backed him in 2016 . Yet the Republican president is showing little regard for the political risks or his partys traditional embrace of free trade as he stakes out his position on an issue that could define the 2020 presidential contest as much as any other. Trump slapped at former Vice President Joe Biden, a leading Democratic presidential contender, in a social media post while defending his latest levying of higher tariffs on Chinese goods, which had taken effect at midnight. Hours later, U.S. and Chinese negotiators broke off talks they were holding under the increasing pressure of the new tariffs, mostly ultimately paid by U.S. consumers and companies, on $200 billion in Chinese goods and Beijings promise to retaliate. Advertisement The administration already had applied billions of dollars in trade taxes to goods from China, the worlds second largest economy. And the administration has also imposed steel tariffs against allies including Canada, Mexico and the European Union and threatened additional tariffs. This is not the Obama Administration, or the Administration of Sleepy Joe, who let China get away with murder! Trump tweeted, using his dismissive nickname for Biden. A spokesman for Biden, who is in the midst of his inaugural nationwide tour as a formal 2020 presidential candidate, condemned Trumps approach. Were not going to get a good deal with China if we let Trump keep negotiating by impulse, tweet, and campaign rally one-liner, said the spokesman, Andrew Bates. Trumps continued embrace of protectionist trade policies could energize his supporters from both parties across the Midwest, where many blame trade deals, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, for the decline of Americas manufacturing sector. At the same time, And Trumps prominent poking will almost certainly exacerbate divisions among Democrats, who are in the early days of their own intra-party fight to pick someone to take him on next year. In an interview, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said Democratic weakness on trade was part of the reason Trump won in 2016 because his Democratic opponent wasnt strong enough in condemning deals perceived by some as helping other countries more than the U.S. He warned Democrats not to make the same mistake again. If they cede that territory, they are doing so at their own peril, Trumka said. They need to talk more effectively about trade and convince people that theyre going to stand up for workers, that were not going to continue down the road weve been on. Biden could be particularly vulnerable. The former senator, known for his working-class roots, is the only 2020 Democratic candidate who voted to support NAFTA. And he supported the trade deal authored by the Obama administration known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership that Trump ultimately killed once he took office. Still, in the Senate, Biden voted against a number of trade deals, including those with Singapore, Chile and Oman. Privately, Bidens leading Democratic rivals suggest that any advantages he may have in the Midwest will ultimately fade because of his record on trade. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, among other high-profile 2020 Democrats, aggressively opposed the trade deals and expects to ratchet up his contrast with Biden in upcoming debates. Republicans are doing their part already. Not long after Trumps tweet, the Republican National Committee issued a statement highlighting Bidens dovish approach on China both as a presidential candidate and as Barack Obamas vice president. Biden faced intense criticism from both parties last week after downplaying the threat from China during a campaign stop in Iowa. While conventional wisdom suggests Trumps populist approach may resonate with voters in both parties, AP Vote Cast, a survey of the 2018 national electorate, showed that 81 percent of the people who voted for Democrats last year thought Trumps trade policies would hurt the national economy. Overall, 53% of 2018 voters opposed Trump on trade. A team of economists from the University of California, Berkeley, Columbia University and Yale University in March found that the trade war was an overall burden on the U.S. economy, but that Trumps initial tariffs appeared designed to favor politically competitive counties around the Great Lakes. But once retaliatory Chinese tariffs were factored in, the people hit the hardest were the ones who live in reliably Republican counties that voted heavily for Trump in 2016. Still, Democrats are torn between the partys new base and older alliances. Opponents of foreign trade have historically been more motivated than supporters because trade deals can lead to factory closings and more direct disruptions in lives. But that dynamic may be shifting slightly as Trumps tariffs hammer segments of the agricultural market, especially in the key early voting state of Iowa. Indeed, some opponents of trade agreements have fretted that the presidential primary map can put them at a disadvantage. Candidates who flock to Iowa often lambaste Trumps tariffs there. The one heavily union state in the early four is Nevada, whose unions are heavy on service workers and dont prioritize trade issues. Then the mega-states of California and Texas, both of which are dependent on foreign trade, will vote directly after the early four. The Rust Belt, where the general election could well be decided, will largely vote later in the primary season and not as a bloc, possibly diluting the impact of the anti-trade wing of the party. That groups clout has shrunk as the Democratic base is increasingly young, minority and urban -- a demographic group that broadly favors trade. Democratic politicians are in a really interesting position. They actually have the opportunity to be really free-tradish, and I dont think theyd suffer much in the polls, said Scott Lincicome, a trade expert at the Cato Institute in Washington. Still, few Democratic 2020 aspirants have become full-throated backers of free trade. Most have offered vague calls for fair trade. Campaigning in West Virginia on Friday, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren condemned the way Trump is communicating on trade, but not necessarily his policy. I dont believe in tariff negotiation by tweet, she said, calling the Chinese bad actors on trade. Our best way to fight back is with strength and with a coherent plan, not with hands. Meanwhile, Trumps position is at odds with the conservative Koch network and much of the nations business community, but there are few Republicans willing to challenge him publicly. One of them is John Weaver, the chief strategist for John Kasich, Ohios former Republican governor, who has contemplated a primary challenge against Trump. Trump is anti-free trade. And the Republican Party is for whatever its master is for. If he switched on a dime tomorrow theyd switch tomorrow, Weaver said. You dont have to be even on the Trump-level of a student history to know this is not good politics or good policy. ___ Riccardi reported from Denver. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. A Southern California school district has placed four teachers on administrative leave after a photo surfaced showing the group smiling as one held a small noose in a classroom. Palmdale School District Superintendent Raul Maldonado said in a statement this week that he is appalled and has also placed the principal of Summerwind Elementary School on leave pending an investigation. Late afternoon (May 8) it has been brought to the Palmdale School Districts attention that an incident involving the discovery of a noose and possibly inappropriate responses to that discovery occurred at Summerwind Elementary School, he said in the statement posted on the districts Facebook page . Advertisement KABC-TV , which reported there is also a photo of the noose pinned to a wall, said the district is investigating the intentions of the teachers. The district did not identify the teachers. The schools website lists the principal as Linda Brandts. A telephone listing for her could not be found. Two African American women told KABC they were pulling their children out of the school. Tierra Harris emotionally explained to her daughter why she was being removed from the school. Do you know what they use that for? The use that to hang African American people, she said. Breyon Clemons said she was pulling her child out for good. My child will not walk onto this plantation, absolutely not, said. Maldonado, the superintendent, said the situation is not a reflection of the community. We dont tolerate that type of behavior in our community, in our school district. We hold our employees to the highest standards with high expectations, he said. Palmdale is a city of more than 150,000 in the high desert region of northern Los Angeles County. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Gov. Gavin Newsoms push for Silicon Valley tech companies to commit a half-billion dollars this year toward resolving the states housing affordability problems appears to have hit a snag. While announcing his revised spending proposal on Thursday, Newsom said he still wanted the money to come through for the 2019-20 budget, but wasnt sure that it would. We cant count on anything in life, Newsom said. Lifes uncertain. The governor unveiled the idea, similar to those recently advanced by Microsoft in Seattle and the personal philanthropic company of Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg in the Bay Area, when he released his initial budget plan in January. Advertisement Newsom said the states housing problems had been exacerbated by the growth of technology companies, which have fueled an increase in jobs without corresponding growth in homebuilding. I do not begrudge peoples success, but that success is creating burdens and stress, he said in January. Gov. Gavin Newsom wants the tech industry to help pay for new housing. But not for the neediest Californians At the time, Newsom said he was meeting with executives from Silicon Valley corporations about contributing $500 million to provide developers with low-interest loans to help build housing for middle-income residents, matching funding he proposed for such developments through a state program in the budget. The governor mentioned the idea when asked whether he had taken into account the effects of potential initial public offerings of Uber, Lyft and other Silicon Valley tech companies in putting together his budget plans. What I did assume, and youll see language in the budget, is that corporate California steps up and helps us on the housing front, he said. Later in January, Newsom said he hoped to announce a deal with tech leaders that would outline their contributions within four to six months. But on Thursday, Newsom downplayed his remarks from the beginning of the year, maintaining that he never said the money would be part of the coming years budget. I said I wanted it to happen, Newsom said. I didnt say it would happen. I said, Im hoping it happens. By the way, were doing pretty good on our hopes and expectations. So stay tuned. I cant do everything in the first 120 days. Its unclear how much progress Newsom has made since January in getting commitments from tech leaders. The governors office declined to provide details on his efforts. Carl Guardino, president and CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, said he exchanged text messages with Newsom in the weeks after the January budget announcement and offered his assistance in advocating for the idea with tech executives. Guardino said Newsom declined his help, but in a meeting two weeks ago the governor brought up the idea. He said he was having conversations that he thought were going well, Guardino said. Newsom and the Legislature must agree on a budget plan for the coming year by mid-June. liam.dillon@latimes.com @dillonliam Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. As the planet suffers the consequences of climate change, rising temperatures, and other phenomena, people are doing what they can in various attempts to revitalize the condition of the Earth. Among these efforts, the use of renewable energy and clean energy is by far the most significant step taken by humankind. Over the past decades, various efforts to utilize and supply clean energy have been the center of many tech developments and researches. Works of various types of solar panels, wind farms, and hydropower have been developed and improved over the years. A new invention by a group of scientists has emerged which yet again identifies a new source of renewable energy. The new source, scientists revealed, uses the coldness of the universe to generate electricity. They explained that the homeowners could soon slash their energy bills by powering their houses using only the night sky. The invitation uses a special conductor pointed towards the sky. The gadget then harvests energy from the temperature difference between the freezing vastness of deep space and the Earth. The big difference between this new set of "reverse solar panels" and the conventional solar panels is its energy harnessing capability. The new invention would work around the clock regardless of the weather and brightness, whereas, the conventional solar panels would only work under good sunny conditions. The scientists pointed out that it would be a fair few more years before the new technology is powerful enough to run a machine such as a television. However, it is undeniable that the new design of the "reverse solar panels" has very high potential. The scientists explain that the new tech would work just by sitting on the surface of the Earth as long as it is positioned facing towards the frigid temperatures of space. The gadget works in a way that it releases an outflow of heat energy aimed towards the sky in the form of infrared registration. The reverse panels would then harvest this radiation. The tech would convert the harvested radiation into electricity. It has a similar concept when solar cells absorb solar radiation as it passes from the sun to the Earth. The scientists are optimistic about the new invention as it could revolutionize how civilizations would power or energize houses and structures by generating electricity. Unlike solar cells, however, the new tech would be able to power electronics even at night. Dr. Shanhui Fan, a team member from Stanford University in California, explained that the vastness of the universe is actually a thermodynamic resource. Dr. Fan added that harvesting outgoing radiation is as possible as harvesting incoming radiation. As of now, their invention can produce only 64 nanoWatts of power per square meter. Whereas, an average conventional solar panel can deal with a thousand million times more powerful than this new tech. This means that there is still a long way to go for the improvements and modifications to further develop the group's invention. This Sunday, millions of people across American will celebrate Mothers Day, which is perhaps one of the most beloved and celebrated holidays of the entire year. Churches will host Mothers Day Breakfasts and special speeches, and sermons will be orated by guest speakers and preachers, roses will be given to mothers after worship and, in many cases, restaurant waits will exceed one hour. Why? Because children, both young and old, will honor their mothers for what they feel is some sort of repayment for the many sacrifices made over many years. Easter is not the only spring holiday that draws larger crowds than usual. Mothers Day holds its own and has become one of the most economically profitable weekends of the year. In my mind, all of the hype is worth it, because all of us know that mothers are special creations with a set of special skills and abilities that make everything around us better! Mothers fix hurts, sooth pains and put bandages on bruises. They have ways that nurture and kisses that heal. They prepare meals that will make you want to hurt somebody and say words that provide encouragement when you are feeling quite bad. Mothers are just special! FLORENCE, S.C. The Francis Marion University Foundation and special sponsor Duke Energy invite executives and other personnel from area nonprofit agencies to a one-day grant-writing workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Carter Center for Health Sciences in downtown Florence. The workshop will be led by Kelly OBrien, principal consultant for KTO Strategy and Communications in the Research Triangle of North Carolina. OBrien has more than 15 years of experience as a communicator, grant writer, project manager and administrator in higher education and nonprofits. Shes a former member of the management team of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Government and has led a statewide K-12 education program. She has also taught extensively on grant writing and communications, designing and instructing courses for graduate students and professionals on these topics. She is adjunct faculty at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she currently teaches graduate-level courses in communications and grant writing. FLORENCE, S.C. Wilson High School student Sophie Watson won an all-expense-paid summer study trip to Germany. Sophie was selected as a national winner after scoring in the 96th percentile on the Level III 2019 National German Exam for High School Students, which is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG). More than 20,000 students participated in the program. After qualifying with a high score on the National German Exam, she submitted responses to several short essay questions in German and in English and was then interviewed in both German and English by a committee composed of high school teachers and college professors of German. Watson is one of 44 outstanding German students selected from across the U.S. to receive the award. The study trip includes round-trip air transportation to Germany from New York, a homestay in a host family and excursions to places of cultural and historical significance. The study trip, now in its 60th year, is made possible through a grant from the Federal Republic of Germany. Townsend said this was not the first time Pipkins had done that. Townsend said it also happened when Randy Bridges was the superintendent. Bridges had the job before O'Malley. Change is difficult, and this is apparently what you have to deal with when you do the right thing for students, Townsend said. Before the start of the board meeting, Pipkins filed a complaint with the police about a verbal altercation with Townsend. Townsend said the incident occurred as he walked over to the Poynor building to restart the meeting. The meeting was moved from its regular site to Poynor because of the size of the crowd. Unfortunately his outrageously inappropriate comment, just days before Mothers Day, demeaning me for putting my career aside and moving back to Florence to help my father look after my late mother, who was suffering from Alzheimers and dementia, got what he wanted, for me to raise my voice so he could get on the news, Townsend said. Townsend said he regrets allowing himself to be baited by Pipkins. As the officer explained it to me, he was required to file the report because Pipkins demanded it, not because it warranted it, Townsend said. Despite the incident, I treated Mr. Pipkins with far more respect during the subsequent meeting than he showed the superintendent. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DARLINGTON, S.C. -- 2018 saw the single largest new investment in Darlington County history. In May 2018, Southern Current announced an investment of more than $340 million in the county. It will create 17 new solar farms. This announcement was the single largest solar farm investment in any county to date in South Carolina. The new solar farms will generate 250 megawatts, enough to power 40,000 homes. The Darlington County Council invested a lot of time and energy over the past two years working with the planning department to update the countys solar farm ordinance in an effort to draw projects such as this one to the area. Their efforts were rewarded with this announcement and others in the works. Darlington County also has seen several local companies with smaller levels of expansion, which has resulted in improvements in the unemployment rate. The most recent unemployment figures are 4.2 percent as of January 2019, which is down from 5.9 percent just last year. The county has two more existing companies planning expansions this year, and hopefully this trend will continue. The slow-motion confrontation between the United States and Iran is heating up, one year after Washington withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal. On Sunday, national security adviser John Bolton issued a terse statement: In response to a number of troubling and escalatory indications and warnings, the United States is deploying the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and a bomber task force to the U.S. Central Command region to send a clear and unmistakable message to the Iranian regime that any attack on United States interests or on those of our allies will be met with unrelenting force. The United States is not seeking war with the Iranian regime, but we are fully prepared to respond to any attack, whether by proxy, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, or regular Iranian forces. CNN reported that specific and credible intelligence indicated that Iranian forces and proxies were preparing for a possible attack against U.S. personnel or allies in Syria, Iraq, or at sea. Intelligence provided by Israel reportedly was at least part of the reason for the warning and the naval redeployment. Students, teachers and other supporters of City College of San Francisco crowded onto the steps of City Hall Friday to protest the latest crisis to befall their beloved institution class cuts before piling inside to confront school officials. Please dont take my classes away! they sang to the tune of You Are My Sunshine, as they waved red banners on the steps that read: These cuts wont heal. City College is slashing 242 classes in a range of subjects next fall from its current palette of 2,432. At the same time, college officials hope to grow enrollment by 12% to 77,552 full- and part-time students, up from the current 69,208. No department has not had some reduction of classes, Chancellor Mark Rocha told the first meeting of the Joint City, School District and City College Select Committee, which was convened to air the facts, not to vote. Many of you have heard about the $32 million budget deficit and its real, Rocha told the committee including its chairman, Supervisor Matt Haney, Supervisor Gordon Mar, Trustee Tom Temprano and school board member Alison Collins as dozens of people listened to his presentation and waited for a turn to speak. Even as California is flush with cash, City College continues to struggle after losing thousands of students each worth funding from the state during the five years it fought to retain its accreditation from 2012 to 2017. Community colleges have long been funded by the state according to the number of full-time students they enroll, with part-time students representing fractions of a full-time student. (Next year that formula will include graduation rates for the first time.) Now Playing: Students and faculty protest at a joint hearing of City College trustees and SF supervisors, hoping to stop the cuts as the colleges faces a $32 million deficit. Video: San Francisco Chronicle A decade ago, City College enrolled the equivalent of 44,000 full-time students, worth about $5,000 each, Rocha said. During the accreditation crisis, that figure dropped as low as 19,000, he said. But since last year, when the city began using its transfer tax funding to buy out the cost of college fees for city residents, the figure has crept up to about 22,000. Rocha said City College no longer has any reserve funding to tap into, and will close its budget deficit with buyouts for administrators, faculty and staff and cutting classes. But he said budget problems are just one reason for eliminating classes. A new state law, AB705, which takes effect at all community colleges in the fall, eliminates remedial English and math classes that give no college credit and weigh down a students trajectory through school. California State University got rid of such classes last year. And like CSU, City College will replace the no-credit classes with extra college-level classes for credit in English and math that are still meant to help lagging students catch up. The third reason for the class cuts, Rocha said, is that Californias new funding formula for community colleges is forcing campuses across the state to prioritize classes that propel students toward a degree or certificate. City Colleges six-year graduation rate is an abysmal 55% and less than 35% for students of color, he said. Its that transformation, and the de-emphasis on students who take their time and sample classes that strike their fancy, that has struck fear in many protesters, who say City College will no longer be the intellectual haven it has always been for seniors, homeless people and all manner of nontraditional students. I need my day classes. I need my evening classes, I need my online classes, gray-haired Angela Thomas told the committee as she took the microphone to speak against the cuts. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Another woman, who gave her name as Tracy, told the committee that she is a disabled student and that shed been prepared to commit suicide years ago until she discovered City College. I found that classes really helped me, she said. They are the best medication. ... You can cut anything but not education! Dozens of people spoke. In the end, Haney offered a glimmer of hope when he said the city should look for a way to help City College even more than it already does: The city, using funds from its building transfer tax, buys out college fees for all San Francisco residents, allowing them to attend for free. But Haney said it was possible that more could be done. City College has saved peoples lives, he said. We need to expand it. Not downsize. Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov South Africa: All votes captured in 2019 polls As at 3:30pm on Saturday all the valid votes cast in the 2019 National and Provisional Elections had been captured by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC). Even though the road to the finalisation of the results has not been easy, the IEC has said it will vigorously oppose any legal action aimed at interfering in the conduct of elections and the finalisation and announcement of the election results. In response to a letter demanding that the Electoral Commission undertake an independent audit by an auditor of the parties choosing and a rerun of the elections, the Commission wrote to lawyers representing the parties advising that their demands were unreasonable and unlawful. The Commission noted that only it (IEC) was empowered by law to adjudicate on the outcome of elections, declare the outcome and announce results. Aggrieved parties had ample recourse to raise objections through the normal objection process and, if still unsatisfied, to appeal decisions of the Commission in court. The law makes no provision for preemptive legal action to interdict the Commission from abiding by its Constitutional and legal mandate. The Commission received 47 objections of which five were upheld and five were withdrawn by the objecting parties. Most of the objections did not meet the requirements of section 55 and lacked any evidence of irregularity. The Commission is satisfied with the integrity of its systems. Additionally, the Commission has further instituted an independent technical assurance process involving a random sample of 1020 voting districts to be conducted by the Statistician-General and is awaiting the findings of this process. Based on the findings and all other complaints and objections received, the Commission will make a decision on the outcome of the elections later today, the IEC said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-05-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. He said President Ho Chi Minh was respected in Nepal, adding that many songs and poems have been composed in the country in memory of the late Vietnamese leader. Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli (Photo: VNA) Vietnams revolution under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh was a great source of inspiration for socialist, patriotic and democratic movements in Nepal, the PM noted. PM Sharma Oli said the late Presidents vision and ideology has motivated him to continue struggling for democratic rights of the Nepali people. The PM noted his hope to learn from Vietnams experience in socio-economic development, and that cooperation between the two countries will further develop, especially in economy, culture and tourism. He took the occasion to call on more Vietnamese investors to explore business opportunities in Nepal. The increased exchanges between Vietnam and Nepal will help elevate the bilateral relationship to a new height for the sake of the two countries people, he added. PM Sharma Oli is paying an official visit to Vietnam from May 9th-13th, during which he will attend the UN Day of Vesak 2019./. 2 1 of 2 San Francisco Police Department Show More Show Less 2 of 2 San Francisco Police Department Show More Show Less More than two years after a 21-year-old Fairfield man was killed on a San Francisco street, police arrested two men in connection with the slaying. Investigators identified 26-year-old Carlos Valiente, of Richmond, and 31-year-old Anthony Molina, of Benicia, as two new suspects in the killing of Oswaldo Fuentes. They were taken into custody Thursday and booked into San Francisco County Jail. A Chico man convicted of sexual assault and child porn charges, skipped court, faked his suicide off the Golden Gate Bridge and eluded law enforcement for three years. But Michael Patrick Manning is now behind bars in the Florida Keys, where he was found living in a storage container, authorities say. Monroe County sheriffs deputies in Key West arrested Manning, 58, on May 3 after he tripped an alarm at the Stock Island Marina and was found in an unlocked storage trailer where he apparently had been living, according to police reports. He is being held without bail in a Key West detention center while he awaits extradition to Butte County, according to authorities and jail records. Deputies seized a cell phone and laptop computer and may file additional charges, the Sheriffs Office said in a press release. Chico police and Department of Homeland Security agents arrested Manning in September 2015, after searching his home while investigating sexual assault allegations involving a 12-to-14-year-old child in 2008 and 2009. He was booked into Butte County Jail on five counts of committing a lewd and lascivious act with a child under 14 but was released on bail. Six days later, based on their search, Chico police arrested Manning for making and possessing child pornography. About a year later, he entered a no-contest plea to one felony charge of sexual assault and two of child pornography. He was out on bail and ordered to return to court for sentencing on Oct. 6. He never showed up. A day later, U.S. Park Police found an abandoned rental car near the Golden Gate Bridge, leased to Manning. Inside the car they found a suicide note stating his intention to jump to his death. Mannings body was never found. Investigators were not convinced. Chico police detectives enlisted the help of the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force and the FBI, which continued to track Manning and a close associate. Their search took them to Chico, Yuba City, Sacramento, San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland and Alameda, where he narrowly escaped capture at Fortman Marina, according to the Chico police report. Several times, they said, detectives arrived at a residence, storage facilities and vehicles and found them full of personal belongings that appeared to have been hastily left behind. Investigators believed that on multiple occasions they had narrowly missed apprehending Manning, the Chico police report stated. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Last month, U.S. Marshals agents developed leads suggesting Manning was in Florida. And at about 1:30 a.m. on May 3, after the burglar alarm was triggered, sheriffs deputies found a man who identified himself as William Wallace Littlejohn inside the storage container. His life on the run began to come to an end when investigators probed his identification. They found a military contractor ID bearing Littlejohns name and several checks made out to William LittleJohn. The man refused to speak when investigators from Naval Air Station Key West appeared. A U.S. passport he presented as identification was found to be a fake, and he was booked into Monroe County Jail as John Doe while deputies continued to try to verify his identity. The answer came when a fingerprint analysis at the jail revealed the man as Michael Patrick Manning. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan San Francisco police on Friday raided the home of a freelance journalist who provided three Bay Area television stations with a copy of a police report into the death of Public Defender Jeff Adachi, the journalist and police officials said. Bryan Carmody, a freelance videographer known in the industry as a stringer, told The Chronicle that San Francisco police executed a search warrant at his Outer Richmond District home and Western Addition office and seized his computers, cell phones and other electronic devices. I dont think it was right to break my door down, he said in an interview. Im one of the original independent media companies in San Francisco. This is outrageous. The Police Department has been repeatedly castigated by city officials after the report showed up on television newscasts and in print only hours after Adachi, 59, collapsed at a Telegraph Hill apartment with a mysterious woman on Feb. 22 and later died. The Police Department said it immediately opened an internal investigation into how the report was leaked. Carmody has worked for nearly three decades in the Bay Area, shooting video footage and selling it to local and national news organizations. He said he obtained the report from a source and sold it for a standard fee to three television news stations. He would not say which stations paid him for the report. As a freelancer, he emphasized, getting paid by media outlets is how he makes his living. The Chronicle also obtained a copy of the report but did not get it from Carmody or pay for it. The search warrant executed today was granted by a judge and conducted as part of a criminal investigation into the leak of the Adachi police report, said David Stevenson, a police spokesman. He added that the actions are one step in the process of investigating a potential case of obstruction of justice along with the illegal distribution of a confidential police report. Carmody said two inspectors with the Police Departments Internal Affairs Bureau politely asked for his source on the Adachi report two weeks ago, but he declined to reveal the persons name. Then around 8:30 a.m., he awoke to a banging sound on the outer gate of his home, he said. When he went outside, he said, about 10 officers were trying to break down the gate with a sledgehammer. When he willingly opened the gate, he said police handcuffed him and streamed into his home. Carmody said the investigators later learned he had an office in the Western Addition and obtained a second search warrant there. During the ordeal, he said, two men who identified themselves as FBI agents tried to interview him, but he declined to speak with them and asked for a lawyer. The FBI did not immediately return a request for comment. Carmody said he was detained until 3 p.m. and then released. He contacted The Chronicle after purchasing another cell phone, he said. Last month San Francisco supervisors called a special hearing, at which they lambasted the department over the release of the report related to Adachis death. Adachi was a major figure in criminal justice reform, a police watchdog and fierce foe of law enforcement. Some city officials said the release of the report appeared politically motivated. Police officials called the release of the report totally inappropriate and began two internal investigations into the reports premature release one of possible criminal misconduct, the other an internal administrative probe, Capt. William Braconi testified at the hearing. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Adachi collapsed in the apartment on Telegraph Hill and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The city medical examiner ruled he died from a mixture of cocaine and alcohol, which caused his already-damaged heart to stop. But within 24 hours of his death, several television stations ran stories based on the police report, which contained salacious details of Adachis death, including that he was with a mysterious woman who wasnt his wife, and photographs of the bedroom where he collapsed. None of the stations revealed how they obtained the police report. KPIX-TV sent a letter to the Police Department and city attorney seeking a copy of the report in the days after other stations had published their stories and mentioned that a stringer was selling the report, according to a copy of the letter obtained by The Chronicle. A deputy public defender who testified at the Board of Supervisors hearing accused a then-unknown stringer of trying to sell the report for $2,500. Carmody said that figure was five times more than he was paid by any station. The public defender who succeeded Adachi expressed satisfaction with the actions of the Police Department on Friday. All of our criminal justice and City Hall leaders agree that the release of police reports in this fashion is wrong, Manohar Raju said in a statement. I am pleased that Chief Scott and others (are) keeping their word and working to get to the bottom of it. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. Federal prosecutors want to meet with former underage victims of wealthy financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before deciding whether to throw out a decade-old non-prosecution agreement that allowed him to avoid potentially severe penalties. Prosecutors said in court filings Friday that victim input is essential in deciding how to proceed in the long-running case. The filings came after U.S. District Judge Kenneth Marra ruled in February that prosecutors in the office of then-Miami U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta violated a victims rights law by not disclosing the Epstein non-prosecution agreement to them. Acosta, who is now President Trumps labor secretary, has defended the agreement as proper after it was criticized by Democrats and victim advocates. The 2008 deal ended a federal investigation that could have landed Epstein in prison for life, instead letting him plead guilty to lesser state charges that resulted in a 13-month jail sentence, required financial settlements to dozens of victims and that he register as a sex offender. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jill Steinberg and Nathan Kitchens both from the Atlanta U.S. attorneys office, which was chosen in March by the Justice Department to take over the case said they need at least 60 days to talk with victims before a decision is made on whether to tear up the Epstein deal. Attorneys for two victims, identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, countered that prosecutors should be required to announce a proposed remedy for violating their rights to be informed of the Epstein agreement. They have previously said they want the Epstein deal voided, which could again expose him to federal prosecution. The government should go first, lawyers Brad Edwards and Jack Scarola wrote in their filing. After more than 10 years of litigation, the governments suggestion that it should postpone explaining its proposed remedy is a transparent effort to do nothing but cause further delay. Epstein, 66, is a wealthy hedge fund manager who once counted as friends former President Bill Clinton, Great Britains Prince Andrew and Donald Trump, his former Palm Beach neighbor. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. Court documents show Epstein had a Palm Beach mansion where at least 40 girls were brought for what turned into sexual encounters. Authorities say he had female fixers who would look for suitable girls, some local and others recruited from abroad. Epstein also has a home in New York City, a ranch in New Mexico and a private Caribbean island. Curt Anderson is an Associated Press writer. For decades, business was the business of the state and the needs of California families took a back seat in Sacramento. Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom with first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom a leader around womens equity in her own right together rolled out a family-centric state budget proposal. Such a focus is long overdue and fitting to note on the day when we celebrate mothers. The budget package, covering extended paid family leave, $80 million for new subsidized child care slots funded by tax revenue from marijuana sales, and an expansion of a tax credit for the working poor, recognizes the realities of raising kids in California in 2019. The headlines focused on the symbolic the proposal to remove the state tax on diapers and tampons but the governors message was solid. The status quo must go. The Legislature must recognize that. Californias past budgets largely incorporated an idealized 1950s-era concept of family that no modern parent would recognize. Maybe thats not surprising, because for 30 years, most of our governors had no experience with parenting Jerry Brown, Pete Wilson and Gray Davis were childless. Newsom has four young children and a wife who has made it clear she isnt raising them alone. Newsom campaigned for the state to invest in good quality early childhood education. He arrived in Sacramento with a parents agenda, a keen understanding of the evidence behind these policies and why they matter for the future of Californians and the prosperity of the state. Hes fortunate the state is flush with tax revenues at the moment but the challenges are daunting. Too many children live in poverty California has the highest rate, largely because of our housing costs. Its difficult for working parents to spend time with their infants during the critical first six months of life. California offers three months of paid family leave the first state to do so but the law only applies to large companies and most Californians work for companies with five or fewer employees. Newsoms goal is to ensure individual care for a child for the first six months. State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson is carrying legislation to extend paid family leave to companies with fewer than 20 employees, add job protection so employees arent fired if they take leave, and expand the definition of who can take leave so, say, a grandmother or a cousin could care for a baby. To succeed, the bill must clear the Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday. The recession wiped out 100,000 subsidized spaces for child care (both homes and child care centers), according to the Advancement Project California, and most havent been replaced. Lack of facilities increases the cost of day care, which can approach mortgage payments. The personal finance website WalletHub ranks California 49th for day care quality and 44th for day-care costs. Unless you think the governor has abandoned business for babies, think again. California has a negative birth rate. Research shows the ability to learn depends on early brain development. Supporting parents is good for babies, business and the future of our state. Lois Kazakoff is the deputy editorial page editor of The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: lkazakoff@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @lkazakoff Its hard to quarrel with Facebooks decision to permanently ban some of the high-profile prolific and incendiary users on its social media site. Who among us would want to defend the bile of Milo Yiannopoulos and his racist slurs, the anti-Semitic rantings of Louis Farrakhan or the ugly conspiracy theories of Infowars host Alex Jones who has threatened journalists and suggested the 2012 slaughter of schoolchildren in Newtown, Conn., was an Obama-orchestrated hoax to promote gun control? President Trump has suggested the Facebook purge of serial haters was part of a pattern of social media discrimination against conservatives. Trump specifically cited his concern that Paul Joseph Watson, a far-right personality who has served as Infowars editor-at-large and a purveyor of conspiracy theories and doctored videos, was on Facebooks banned list. Trump has warned I am continuing to monitor the censorship of AMERICAN CITIZENS on social media platforms. This is the United States of America and we have whats known as FREEDOM OF SPEECH. He has suggested that the social medias attempt to arbitrate the limits of free speech explains why Congress wants to get involved and they should. First things first: This is not a free-speech issue. Facebook is a private enterprise, and users are free to accept or reject its parameters of acceptable expression. What Americans should be worried about is government interference with free speech. But this controversy, as with so many others surrounding Facebook on privacy, on its vulnerability to election meddling, on its suppression of content and exploitation of customer data from legitimate news organizations is yet another measure of the corrosive effects of its extraordinary market domination. Chris Hughes, a Facebook co-founder, suggested in a New York Times opinion piece published online last week (Its Time to Break Up Facebook) that the social media giant should be subject to antitrust enforcement. Among his recommendations was that it should be forced to spin off the popular apps Instagram and WhatsApp and that further acquisitions should be banned for several years. Hughes also suggested that Congress should create a new agency to regulate tech companies, and one of its charges should be to create guidelines for acceptable speech on social media. This idea may seem un-American we would never stand for a government agency censoring speech, Hughes wrote. But we already have limits on yelling fire in a crowded theater, child pornography, speech intended to provoke violence and false statements to manipulate stock prices. We will have to create similar standards that tech companies can use. I agree with Hughes on one point: The notion of government censoring speech does seem un-American. It would be precarious to police even if it were not impossibly impractical in the infinite world of cyberspace. The haters who were chased off Facebook and other sites willing to comply with the law would simply find other warrens of wanton waste to inhabit. The more immediate remedy for Facebook accountability would be to force it to choose: Is it a platform or a publisher? Facebook has essentially claimed each role, depending on the convenience of the moment. Here is why it matters: Under the Communications Decency Act of 1996, a platform is not responsible for the content of its users in much the way a cell-phone company has no liability for your conversations, no matter how offensive, or Amazon would not presume to control what you read on its Kindle device. This principle was tested in a court ruling that cleared MySpace against a claim from a teen who was sexually assaulted by an adult male who met her on the space. However, a publisher is responsible for its content, and assumes that role by exerting its authority to select, monitor, edit or delete content or banish users that violate its terms of service. So which definition fits Facebook? Is it merely a town square, or a conversation curator? It has argued both sides. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told a U.S. Senate committee in April 2018 that his company is not a media company or publisher that creates content. Yet in other contexts, most notably in legal proceedings, it has argued that it has a traditional newspaper-like function to determine what can and cannot be published. Zuckerberg also told the Senate that, I agree we are responsible for the content, even if Facebook does not produce it. So where is this all headed? Even with its most advanced algorithms, Facebook would be hard pressed to cull the haters and purveyors of offensive speech from its 2 billion users globally. Are we headed toward a social media future where Americans separate into their ideological camps, as they have with cable news, right to Fox and left to MSNBC? Is Facebooks banishment of Farrakhan, Jones, Yiannopoulous, Watson and a handful of prominent others just a warning shot or the start of a trend that eventually will reach your Trump-supporting uncle in Idaho or antifa-sympathizing niece in Berkeley? Facebooks moves came soon after the conservative furor of actor James Wood getting locked out of Twitter for his abusive behavior. After the Mueller report, the Hollywood star tweeted that If you try to kill the King, you best not miss with the hashtag #HangThemAll. The Twitter suspension did seem excessive: the famous Ralph Waldo Emerson quote about not missing a strike on the king is often invoked metaphorically. The purposeful & calculated silencing of conservatives by @facebook & the rest of the Big Tech monopoly men should terrify everyone, Donald Trump Jr. tweeted on May 3. It appears theyre taking their censorship campaign to the next level. Ask yourself, how long before they come to purge you? We must fight back. Nothing Facebook or Twitter could do is as terrifying as government intervention in regulating social media speech. If those social media sites become overly censorious, on the right or the left, there are abundant options to families to share prom photos, birthday greetings or news articles if we are willing to go there. The same is true if those sites become overly infected with hate. The cold truth is that many of us are addicted to Facebook, even as we complain about the way it exploits our private information, poisons our democracy, limits our news choices and depending on ones point of view bans voices we want to hear. Perhaps the ultimate solution is not to break up Facebook, but to break up with it. If we dare. John Diaz is The San Francisco Chronicles editorial page editor. Email: jdiaz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnDiazChron The regions bottomless housing shortage should be reason enough for local officials to welcome 163 new apartments to the heart of the East Bay suburbs, but theres more. The proposed Village Green Apartments would be built on a vast vacant lot on the edge of downtown San Lorenzo, an area with so little going on that the developer agreed to include a memorial/remembrance to the Mervyns department store that abandoned the site a quarter-century ago. Nor does the project face the usual local suspects in untimely deaths of residential developments. Neighborhood opposition has been muted by Bay Area standards, and unincorporated San Lorenzo has no city officials to jealously guard their land-use prerogatives. So its a depressing testament to the regions capacity to kill housing that even this largely unremarkable and plainly needed project is in trouble. The culprit is a classic California absurdity: a claim that run-of-the-mill residential construction on a long-established expanse of suburban asphalt has serious environmental implications. In February, on the brink of the Alameda County Planning Commissions decision on the project, a more than 300-page document showed up asserting its potential to cause air pollution, global warming and even a catastrophic gas explosion. But it wasnt the Sierra Club or any other established environmental group alleging offenses to CEQA, the California Environmental Quality Act. It was an ad hoc group styling itself Alameda County Residents for Responsible Development and comprising four trade unions. Todd Trumbull Not coincidentally, the same unions had tried but failed to persuade the developer, Redwood City-based Demmon Partners, to give them the construction work. Demmon maintains that the project isnt feasible at union wage and benefit levels, which would raise costs by about 8%. The unions argue that the company could afford them but prefers to pad its profits. Although the site and project underwent environmental and other reviews before the county planning staff recommended approval, the 11th-hour objection caused hesitation on the Planning Commission. Following an impromptu rebuttal from the developer and the countys environmental consultant, however, the plan passed 4-1. Now the unions are appealing to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, which is expected to consider the project later this month and which could be more swayed by organized labors political clout. Attorney Robert Selna of the Oakland firm Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean, which represents Demmon, said county officials have strongly encouraged the developer to make a deal with the unions. This is a racket, Selna said. If its this hard to build housing, the states never going to get anywhere near where it needs to be. Given that Village Green is one of many projects challenged on similar grounds, its worth pausing to consider what could be permanently lost to an ephemeral labor dispute. The complex would triple the number of residential units in San Lorenzos Village Center, an area long targeted for development by a county falling well short of its housing goals. And it would be the sort of middle-class housing the region needs: The expected average rent is $2,800, near the local median, with 15% of units below market rate. The site along broad Hesperian Boulevard also lies on a regular bus route a mile and a half from BARTs Bay Fair Station, to which the developer is offering shuttle service. Demmon also expanded the ground-floor retail space to appease local officials and even agreed to put up $300,000 to fix the marquee of the Lorenzo Theater, an Art Deco landmark across the boulevard that went dark in 1982. The law being brandished against all this is often noted but rarely addressed as a barrier to housing development in California, which has the fewest homes per capita on the U.S. mainland. Even amid the recent pro-housing push in Sacramento, the Legislature has largely failed to grapple with CEQA and protected trade union privileges when it did so. Despite the laws environmental aims, CEQA is disproportionately used to block building within cities. A recent study of three years of CEQA suits by attorney Jennifer Hernandez in the Hastings Environmental Law Journal found most of the disputed construction projects were in developed areas, a quarter were residential, and every single challenged Bay Area housing development was infill of an existing neighborhood. An earlier review linked only 13% of CEQA litigation to established environmental groups and nearly half to newly minted, unincorporated groups with environmental-sounding names like, say, Alameda County Residents for Responsible Development. A spokesman for the union coalition, John Dalrymple, argued that its challenge highlights risks to workers and residents that are significant, not frivolous, as rightly allowed by the law. Filing comments under CEQA is not the cause of the housing crisis, he said. Dalrymple cited evidence that CEQA suits are unusual, affecting less than 1% of projects by one count. What such studies dont capture, however, is cases like the one at hand, in which the mere threat of litigation can derail the sort of housing production that is routine in most metropolises and all too rare in this one. 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. The release of journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo after 511 days in a Myanmar prison was more a cause for relief than a moment for celebration or complacency. These two Reuters reporters were accused of violating state secrets in what appeared to be a case of trumped-up charges. It seems their real crime was pursuing the truth about the militarys lethal crackdown on the Rohingya, a mostly Muslim ethnic minority group. The military has killed thousands, torching villages, raping women and girls and forcing more than 700,000 refugees into Bangladesh camps. Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo made an important contribution to the worlds awareness of the atrocities with their investigation into the massacre of 10 Rohingya Muslims. While imprisoned, they were awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Wa Lone, 33, was finally able to see a daughter who was born during his captivity a heartwarming moment but many more government critics remain imprisoned. The global demand for human rights in Myanmar must persist. John Diaz, editorial page editor I found myself in front of my closet the other day, asking, What does one wear to a constitutional crisis? When I was mayor I learned how to suit up for various crises: garbage strike, jeans and a windbreaker. Muni meltdown, flak jacket and running shoes. Constitutional crisis: Maybe I need to go down to the Orpheum Theater and check out the costume closet for Hamilton. Face it, the crisis declared by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler has about as much impact on the average person as losing a penny. For most of us, the administrations refusal to hand over the unredacted Mueller report or comply with congressional subpoenas amounts to more noise coming out of the TV. But theres one big exception the fight over whether Trump will cough up his tax returns. Because those are what people really want to see. Not to find out whether he did anything illegal, but to see whether hes half as rich as he claims to be. I suspect hes not. He knows that if America finds out his supposed wealth is an illusion, hell be the butt of jokes all the way to election day. A word to the wise: Democrats should be careful what they wish for. If Special Counsel Robert Mueller ever does testify before Congress, it could be devastating to them. Democrats assume that Mueller was dying to charge President Trump with obstructing his investigation into the 2016 election, but couldnt do so because of Justice Department policy against indicting a sitting president. But theyre reading between the lines of his report when they conclude that remember, Mueller refused to say one way or the other. What if he tells a committee that it really would have been a tough call or worse, from Democrats point of view, that there might not have been much of a case? Troubled jewel: San Franciscos Chinatown is in danger of becoming a shell of its once-vibrant self. On a recent walk with Chinatown merchants, I counted 37 vacant storefronts between Sutter, Broadway, Powell and Kearny. The once-busy markets along Stockton Street are steadily losing business to Asian commercial corridors from Clement Street to Ocean Avenue to San Bruno Avenue in Visitacion Valley. Theres even a Chinese American merchants group in the Mission District. And the big Chinatown restaurants that host wedding and family association banquets are also losing business, to new mega-restaurants in the Richmond. The other week I attended a wedding party with 800 guests at a big new Chinese restaurant in South San Francisco. Guess what? It had parking. Some of the ideas the Chinatown merchants are proposing to lure people back include reviving the night outdoor market and dropping the parking fee at city-owned garages in the area to $1 an hour after 5 p.m. Cheap parking may help. But these days, Chinese Americans are going where the Chinese American businesses are and thats not in Chinatown. Movie time: Long Shot is the title and its not about the Kentucky Derby. Its a movie starring Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen. It runs parallel to the politics of the day. Its funny, poetic and predictable. A perfect early bird bargain. Sun setting: The retirement party for longtime San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White drew upward of 700 people to the United Irish Cultural Center the other night. It was a fitting tribute to the popular Hayes-White, but also an eye-opener about the state of Irish Americans in city politics. Not so long ago, Irish Americans were a huge force in the police and fire departments and district attorneys office, to say nothing of the Board of Supervisors and every city commission. But as I looked around the cultural center, I couldnt find one Irish American politician or city department head. They have been replaced by Chinese Americans, as evidenced by state Assemblyman Phil Ting and Supervisors Norman Yee and Gordon Mar all of whom represent the once heavily Irish west side of the city. There was a lot of talk about Hayes-White running for supervisor, but given her gold-plated pension, I doubt shed go for the pay cut. Charlotte Shultz got off the best line of the night when she told Hayes-White, You know Joanne, frankly, Im tired of seeing you in the same uniform for 15 years. Tomorrow, you and I are going shopping. And finally: If you know one, and especially if youre lucky enough to have yours still around make sure they have a happy Mothers Day. Want to sound off? Email: wbrown@sfchronicle.com A visiting scholar in Stanford University's economics department was revealed to be a registered sex offender, and the university says it did not realize his status until after he had already been on campus for two months. An online student publication called the "Fountain Hopper" first reported Thursday that the scholar, Kurt Mitman, was convicted of sexually assaulting a young boy during a summer camp in Pennsylvania in 2004. In statements to multiple news outlets including KPIX and the Palo Alto Daily Post, Stanford said it was not aware of Mitman's conviction until this week. "We became aware through a media report that a visiting scholar was a registered sex offender," University spokesperson Ernest Miranda told KPIX. "We are currently reviewing the facts around this matter." Mitman has been on campus since March and is expected to stay until June, according to KPIX. He has yet to respond publicly to media reports about his status at Stanford. According to Stanford's official policy on visiting scholars, individuals who are "invited" by "faculty or other qualified individuals" to serve as visiting scholars typically do not receive a formal salary from the university, the Stanford Daily pointed out. These individuals do not teach students, and the university can revoke the appointment if need be. RELATED: Home, business of SF journalist raided regarding leaked Jeff Adachi police report The Fountain Hopper cited a 2007 story from the Philadelphia Inquirer, which reported on Mitman attending classes at the University of Pennsylvania, without the school knowing he was a sex offender. In addition, Mitman was still serving his prison sentence at this time. Mitman was charged with assaulting a 14-year-old boy in July 2004 while the boy attended a three-week summer camp for gifted students where Mitman was a residential assistant, according to the Inquirer. Mitman was then sentenced to two-and-a-half to five years in prison after a 2005 trial. He was later granted permission to leave prison 12 hours a day to attend graduate classes at the University of Pennsylvania. ALSO: Danielle Steel, who's worth $350 million, says she's been able to pump out 7 books a year because she sleeps only 4 hours a day The Inquirer reported that Mitman had an office at Penn, and the university did not learn he was a registered sex offender until months after he had begun attending classes there. A Pennsylvania judge suspended Mitman's participation in the county's academic release program, since according to the Inquirer, he did not inform Penn officials of his criminal record. Eric Ting is an SFGATE staff writer. Email him at eric.ting@sfgate.com and follow him on Twitter Start receiving breaking news emails on floods, wildfires, civil emergencies, riots, national breaking news, Amber Alerts, weather emergencies, and other critical events with the SFGATE breaking news email. Click here to make sure you get the news. Written by ACM *Metz/G7 Environment Ministerial Summit/Angelo Marcopolo/- An UnPrecedented and UnExpected, but Realistic "Progress", Both in the Way to Deal with the still Remaining Disagreements on the "Hot" Issue of Climate Change, and in the Extension on various Other Global Environment Topical Issues where Agreements are Possible, between European and other Countries with the USA, surprisingly emerged Today, as it appears from the Reply that "G7" Environment Summit's Chairman, French Minister Francois De Rygy gave to a key Question by "Eurofora", during the Official Press Conference on the Conclusions of that exceptional, 2 Days-long Collective Event at Metz, but Also by several Other relevant Statements of the main protagonists Today : -------------------- Already from the outset, De Rugy had hailed the "Friendly" atmosphere in which USA's representative, EPA Director, Andrew Wheeler, agreed to present the well-known "Difference of Approach" about the Issue of "Climate" change, on which, however, Both Paris and Washinbton cooperate, in "2 or 3 Paragraphs" inserted "at one and Same Text" of joint "Conclusions", (instead of 2 Separate Texts, or None). - Metz's Formula marks a "Considerable Progress", he rightfully stressed, compared both to the Past and even to some other Incidents Elsewhere, still nowadays, (See Infra), Advancing towards an "Agreement on the Way to deal wth our Divergence on Climate". The Importance of this matter is highlighted also by the fact that this Progress surfaced just after Wheeler's meeting with "Eurofora", Yesterday Evening, (Comp. Supra), where EPA's Director had, indeed, Warned us that this "Hot" Matter was "Not Yet" Settled, and should be Discussed anew Tomorrow, as it did. (See : ...) - Wheeler also qualified as "very Productive", this G7 Ministerial Summit at Metz, with several International Projects for the Environment, among which, the USA could Support, and the above-mentioned Formula on Climate (Comp. Supra + See Infra). + Citting several International Environmental Initiatives that USA can support and cooperate with, Wheeler mentioned, inter alia, also, BioDiversity (See: the relevant "Charter of Metz", Adopted here Earlier Today), protection of Great Apes (reportedly decimated, recently, also by atrocious "Tests" aiming Humans), Recycling and Drinkable Water, Coral Reefs and Oceans, etc. It's Interesting to note that, as De Rugy had already observed, (f.ex. in his Earlier Reply to a Previous relevant "Eurofora"s Question : Comp, f.ex.: .. etc), several among them can also Contribute to the Global Fight for the Climate and against Global Warming, too, in various concrete ways, (f.ex. Oceans, BioDiversity, Coral Reefs, etc). F.ex., "Oceans absorb 93% of Climate Change Heat", other G7 Participants stressed. ----------------------------------------------- NB=> METZ's Deal Formula is Structured in "3 Paragraphs", as De Rugy highlighted : * A ( 24) points at the Main Targets, against Climate Change, on which there is an Agreement. * B ( 25) points at the Stance of those Countries which Stick at the "Paris' Agreement" (2015) : Focused mainly on Restricting Emmissions) as the main way to Fight against Global Warming, Now Urging even to Advance More and Faster. * And C ( 26) points a the specific position, supported particularl by the New USA Presidency, to carefully Review Climate Science, and use Other Means to Settle the Problems, well Balanced with Economic Growth and abordable Energy access, particularly Focused on Innovative Technologies, while also Cooperating, in parallel, on Adapting and building Resilience. [+Partly UPDATED:] Such a Modus Operandi, as it was invented and agreed at Metz, apparently Lacked in the almost Synchronous, and Parallely Evolving, "Arctic Council", these Same Days, (with participation of Scandinavian EU Countries, Russia, Canada and USA, but Not France, neither Germany or UK): Indeed, just Half a Day Later-on, that "Arctic Council" notoriously Resulted, for the 1st Time in its History, in a kind of "Pat" : I.e. withOut fully-fledged Conclusions, precisely Because of a relevant Disagreement on Climate issues ! --------------------------- + But this new situation appeared even More Surprizing, after De Rugy's Reply to a relevant Question raised by "Eurofora", during the Official Press Conference on the Conclusions of this 2019 "G7" Environment Ministerial Summit in Metz : (De Rugy points at Eurofora) - "Which Global Environment Issues are the less disputed and the most widely supported, internationally, nowadays ?", "Eurofora" asked De Rugy in substance. ------------------- - "I Felt, in our exchanges, Today, that the Issue of Climate is No more Contested (Disputed), he Surprisingly Replied, starting from what was routinely considered to be the most controversial... - In this regard, "I want to stress that (even) the American Representative (Andrew Wheeler, EPA Director) wasn't here in order to Contest the Importance of the Climate Issue", De Rugy pointed out. - "There is a Difference of views on the Means that should be used, on whether to have Binding Commitments in the framework of the (2015) Paris' Agreement", (etc). - "But he did not at all dispute, neither that Phenomenon, nor the Usefulness to Act", De Rygy stressed. - "In consequence, I consider that this (Climate change) is, Nowadays, an Issue gathering a very Large Consensus, as far as it concerns the Need to Act". - "Beyond that, I think that each Government, in each Country...," he added with natural reserve... + "Moreover, I was impressed, in various bilateral exchanges that I had with my collegues (Ministers of Environment) during these 2 Days (May 5 + 6, 2019), by the fact that a lot among the main series of Questions ("Problematique") raised in France, are naturally found also in Many other Countries": - "It's always about issues such as, f.ex.: the Economic Impact, the Social Acceptability, the (Ecological) Transition, its Funding, the Investments to streamline, etc.", he highlighted. - "Even in very Diverse, socio-economic and/or geographic Situations, accross the World, we often find the Same Problematic !", De Rugy firmly concluded, in reply to the above-mentioned "Eurofora"'s question. --------------------------- => [+Partly UPDATED on 7/5/2019] Shortly Afterwards, his USA counterpart, Andrew Wheeler, almost Confirmed, at least the Main Substance of those De Rugy's views, in an official EPA's Press Release : - Indeed, the competent US Representative hailed "the Constructive Dialogue from ...meetings in Metz, France", as he appreciated it. - In a Bilateral Meeting with De Rugy, Wheeler reportedly said that USA might, eventually, Review its current Intention to Withdraw from the (2015) Paris Agreement, IF "opportunities for ReNegotiation arise, that would Level the playing field for the US". - Meanwhile, he also ensured that the USA will Continue "Reducing Greenhouse gas Emmissions", and "work with the International Community to Reduce its Carbon footprint". Inter alia, Wheeler presented, from the outset of this G7 Environment Ministerial Summit, "the Trump Administration's efforts to Reduce criteria Air Pollutants", and "the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) and Safer Affordable Fuel efficien (SAFE) rules to address Emissions for Electric Power Plants and Vehicles". ---------- + But the US Representative also "Thanked" French Minister De Rugy's G7 Environment Ministerial Summit's chairmanship, "for Bringing Together our International Partners", and for "advancing Wide-ranging Environmental Issues". => Reacting in practice to an Idea Highlighted by "Eurofora" on Sunday, May 5, at our 1s Question/Reply with De Rugy (See : ..., etc), as well as in a Brief but Topical exchange with Wheeler later-on that Day, (See ibid, etc), >>> the American EPA's Director went on to Focus also on "Oceans", "Lands"' preservation, "Clean Air", (etc), "while ensuring Economic Prosperity", (etc), in addition to "BioDiversity", "Great Apes" protection, "Coral Reefs", etc. - "Every Year, an estimated 11 to 28 Billion pounds of Waste ends up in the Ocean, harming Marine Life and Coastal economies", while "nearly 60 % of that waste comes from six Asian nations", and "approximately 80 % of ocean trash comes from Land-based sources, including plastics", as he claimed. In the meantime, Wheeler reportedly raised such issues also in his Bilateral Meeting with his Japanese counterpart, (as Japan currently Chairs the "G20" Summit, scheduled for June 2019), while De Rugy had Replied to an ealier "Eurofora"s Question also by revealing that France and other countries currently tried to bring in the Ocean Environment protection projects "also China" and others. + In addition, pointing at French President Macron's declared will to place his Chairmanship of the 2019 "G7" Summit under the aim also to Fight against "InEqualities", the USA Representative reportedly stressed that "those withOut Electricity (i.e. affordable acces to Energy) and Clean drinking Water, face the Biggest Environmental InEqualities !" Indeed, "Waters issues are the largest and most immediate environmental issues facing the World Today", so that "G7 members must look to addressing the 1 to 3 Million People that Die each Year due to Lack of access to Safe drinking Water and sanitation", as he denounced. Wheeler also mentioned "Trump Administration's" "National Water ReUse action Plan", reportedly stressing the "Need for Innovations" in "Water ReCycling", and the "Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act", which might inspire "International Institutions Projects overseas", as he claimed, while often Flanked also by the French Secretary of State on Environment, Brune Poirson, a former Expert in Water Distribution Big Corporation "Veolia", and, Nowadays at the Presidency of UNO's Environment Assembly... + Last, but not least, concerning anOther Landmark of 2019 "G7" Environment Ministerial Summit at Metz, Wheeler also reportedly claimed that "the US spends upwards $ 400 Million to support BioDioversity conservation Worldwide", and vowed that the US is "committed" to the "Metz Charter on BioDiversity", adopted here by the "G7" earlier Today. - De Rugy, speaking Yesterday to Journalists, including "Eurofora", stressed that the French G7 Presidency wanted to launch such a "BioDiversity" Plan only after having obtained a solid "Scientific Basis", and that's why it had awaited until a Group of Experts starts to Publish its relevant Findings, (showing an Historic Acceleration of Risks for Extinction of several Species of Plants, Fishes and/or Animals), precisely these Days. => Indeed, significantly, the 1st specific Chapter in the Official Conclusions of this 2019 "G7" Environment Ministers' Summit at Metz, adopted Today, calling for an "International Mobilisation" and "Leadership", does so "in favour of BioDiversity". + This is Followed by a 2nd Chapter focusing to the "International Mobilisation for Climate", (Comp. Supra). ++ "Oceans" (Comp. Supra), as well as "Energy Resources + Efficiency", are dealt with, in subsequent Chapters. +++ "Concrete Solutions" and "co-Benefits", as well as "Sustainable Funding", practically conclude the Official Text of "G7" Environment Ministers, collectively negotiated nowadays in Metz. ----------------------------- => Meawhile, Climate issues are expected to stay"Hot" particularly at Short term: F.ex. at Tomorrow's "Arctic Council"'s outcome in Finland, 7 May 2019, (Comp. Supra); as well as on May 9, at Sibiu (Romania) EU Summit, where French President Macron is due to lead 9 or 10 EU Member Countries in a call for 25% of EU's Budget to be used for Ecologic Transition, and particularly on Climate issues, (Comp. Supra), in the run up to the forthcoming EU Parliament Elections, on May 26, where De Rugy hopes that Political Parties favorable to Ecological Transition, (particularly on Climate), as Macron's LREM, would get More MEPs, as he said Yesterday to Journalists, including "Eurofora". Sortly afterwards, an Exceptional International Conference, organised by UNO's Secretary General Antonio Guteres, on September 2019, aims to Boost more Support for the Paris Agreement (2015), against Global Warming. Up to December 2019, when COP 25 is organised in Chile, a Country that de Rugy had Invited nowadays to Metz, (Comp. Supra). But, Next Year (2020) = Change of context : The "G7" Summit is taken over by Climate-Sceptic, new USA President Don Trump (who faces a crucial re-Election test on Autumn 2020) ! In consequence, it will be then Wheeler who would invite De Rugy to the Next "G7" Ministerial meeting on Environment, and no more the other way round... Thus, the main Focus seems to turn towards ...BioDiversity, as China will host an International Summit on that issue, on Autumn 2020. +Advancing even Further, the decor Changes even more, towards a Wider scope : France organises a Global Conference at Marseille, together with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a specialist, inter alia, also for the publication of a World-wide List of "Endangered Species", therefore, on BioDiversity too, as well as for a very much Wider scope of Global Environment's main Issues, (which are often interrelated, in several key points). (../..) ---------------------------------- *** (NDLR : Partly UPDATED on 7 May 2019. +"DraftNews", as send to "Eurofora"s Donors/Subscribes, earlier. A more accurate, full Final Version, might be publised asap). Democrats on Friday denounced a plan by President Trumps personal attorney to push Ukraine to open investigations that he hopes could benefit Trump politically, decrying it as an overt attempt to recruit foreign help to influence a U.S. election. Rudy Giuliani said he would travel to Kiev in the coming days to urge the Ukrainian government to conduct a pair of investigations: one on the origins of special counsel Robert Muellers recently concluded investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, the other on the involvement of former Vice President Joe Bidens son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. Giulianis plan seemed poised to create an unprecedented moment, that of the lawyer of the president of the United States seeking foreign assistance in damaging his political rivals. To Democrats, it was a blatant evocation of Russias meddling on behalf of Trump when he defeated Hillary Clinton. Its stunning that the Trump administration is going down the same tragic path they did in 2016, seeking help from a foreign government again to influence an American presidential election. Its appalling, said Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, who chairs the House Intelligence Committee. He said Trump allies were indicating, Were going to do everything short of whats downright criminal. Ethics dont matter. Patriotism doesnt matter. Giuliani, a former New York City mayor who often acted as a smokescreen for Trump during the Mueller probe, pushed back against the criticism. Explain to me why Biden shouldnt be investigated if his son got millions from a Russian loving crooked Ukrainian oligarch while He was VP and point man for Ukraine, Giuliani tweeted at Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who criticized him. Ukrainians are investigating and your fellow Dems are interfering. Election is 17 months away. Lets answer it now. Giulianis trip, which was first reported by the New York Times, will be the most high-profile effort yet by Republicans to call attention to growing talking points in conservative circles. They are trying to undermine the special counsels investigation, call into question the case against Paul Manafort, Trumps imprisoned former campaign chairman, and wound Biden, the early Democratic front-runner in the 2020 presidential race. Trump and Giuliani have urged scrutiny of Hunter Biden and have raised questions about whether the former vice president helped oust a Ukrainian prosecutor whose office was investigating the oligarch whose company paid his son. Some Trump allies have suggested they can tarnish Biden with questions about corruption, founded or not, much like they did to Clinton in 2016. Giuliani has said he updated the president about his findings on Ukraine, a nation deeply reliant on the Trump administration for U.S. military and financial aid. Im hearing its a major scandal, major problem, Trump said on Fox News recently. I hope for (Biden) it is fake news. I dont think it is. The Biden campaign has denied that the candidate or his son did anything improper. The president also has tried to push claims that Ukrainian officials tried to help Clinton by focusing attention on Manaforts business in Ukraine. That attention forced Manafort to resign from the campaign, and he was later convicted of financial crimes and sentenced to prison. Ukrainian officials have denied involvement, but Trump has latched on to the idea that Kiev colluded with Democrats and that the origins of Muellers probe were fraudulent. Meanwhile, the presidents re-election campaign distanced itself from Giulianis efforts, saying it had nothing to do with the lawyers inquiry. Giuliani himself downplayed, sort of, questions about whether what he was doing was inappropriate. Were not meddling in an election, were meddling in an investigation, which we have a right to do, Giuliani told the Times. Theres nothing illegal about it. Somebody could say its improper. But it could trigger uncomfortable questions about foreign entanglements for the White House, which is still grappling with the aftermath of the special counsel probe. Weve come to a very sorry state when it is considered OK for an American politician, never mind an attorney for the president, to go and seek foreign intervention in American politics, Rep. Jerrod Nadler, D-N.Y., the head of the House Judiciary Committee, said to CNN on Friday. Mueller did not conclude that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia and did not determine whether or not Trump obstructed justice. But House Democrats are pushing the inquiry further on a number of fronts, including issuing subpoenas for the probes witnesses and documents. Trump this week announced that he would invoke executive privilege to shield the material, certain to prompt a lengthy legal fight. Throughout the investigation, Giuliani attacked Muellers credibility and often tried to change the public discourse by advancing conspiracy theories about the special counsel or Democratic investigators. In the probes final days, he began to zero in on the possible Ukraine connection. Jonathan Lemire is an Associated Press writer. DOWNEY, Los Angeles County A man suspected of gunning down a liquor store owner leaned out a car window during a chase and blasted away at law officers with a handgun before being dragged wounded from the car, authorities said. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department said the man was in critical condition Saturday. The man is believed to be the gunman who walked into a liquor store in Downey on Tuesday night and fatally shot Gurpreet Singh, 44, police Sgt. Mark Haxton said. Police have said nothing was taken from the store, and no motive for the attack was disclosed. On Friday, police and sheriffs deputies began pursuing a black Toyota Prius in Downey. The high-speed chase stretched along a freeway and surface streets, during which video showed a passenger leaning out of the front window and firing at patrol cars. Video showed the man using a distinctive long-barreled revolver similar to one captured on tape in the store killing. The chase ended in neighboring Vernon when traffic trapped the car and the passenger again fired. A car behind the Prius managed to back away, and police who pulled up in the next lane riddled the Prius with gunfire, shattering windows. A short time later, a bloodied female driver got out and surrendered. There was no statement on her condition. The street near a railroad track was emptied, and sheriffs SWAT teams were called in. Two armored vehicles barricaded the Prius. During the standoff that lasted more than an hour, authorities used a robot to open drivers door to peer inside the car and later fired two flash-bang grenades into the vehicle. A police dog was sent after the man, and then SWAT members dragged him from the car. McALLEN, Texas On a trip to a border city in Texas, acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Saturday he intends to accelerate planning to secure the border and bolster the administrations ability to accomplish that without the Pentagons continuous help. He also offered assurances to perhaps two dozen Border Patrol agents and other officials at the McAllen Border Patrol Station that the Pentagon would not withdraw its military support prematurely. Were not going to leave until the border is secure, he said. This isnt about identifying a problem. Its about fixing a problem more quickly. Shanahan told Congress last week that there are 4,364 military troops on the border, including active-duty and National Guard. They are erecting barriers, providing logistics and transportation service and other activities in support of Customs and Border Protection. The troops are prohibited from performing law enforcement duties. Troops have been deployed on the border since October and are committed to being there through September. While flying to Texas, he dismissed any suggestion that active-duty forces will extend their mission for the long haul. It will not be indefinite, he told reporters traveling with him. Shanahan also said he has instructed a two-star Army general, Ricky Waddell, to develop a plan soon that will answer this question: How do we get more badges back to the border? a reference to ensuring Homeland Security Department is fully capable of securing the border, its core mission. Shortfalls in personnel and other resources have prompted DHS to periodically ask for the militarys help on the U.S.-Mexico border, without a plan for how to fix the underlying resource problems. What we want is for DHS to be effective and stand alone, Shanahan said, with the Pentagon always available to help in an emergency, as it has in the past. DHS on Friday submitted another request for Pentagon assistance, defense officials said Saturday. That request, which has not previously been disclosed, is for shelter for detained migrants. Shanahan announced on Friday that he was transferring $1.5 billion from numerous defense projects, including $604 million originally intended for use in support of Afghan security forces, to a Pentagon counter-drug fund that will help finance construction of barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border. That is in addition to $1 billion the Pentagon transferred for wall construction in March. As a prelude to the trip, the White House on Thursday announced that Trump intends to nominate Shanahan as defense secretary, ending months of speculation about Pentagon leadership. He has served in an interim capacity since Jan. 1, an unprecedented period of uncertainty at the helm of the Pentagon. Robert Burns is an Associated Press writer. Kensington, the wealthy community east of El Cerrito nestled in the Berkeley Hills, may seem like a charming and idyllic retreat from the demands of urban life. But beneath the surface of its breathtaking views and its charming commercial corridors, a bitter battle rages on. The subject: whether or not to consolidate its two special districts. OK, maybe that sounds a little dry. But in the long-unincorporated Kensington, this battle is really about something much larger. Kensington is not a city. Instead, it is recognized as a "census-designated place" by the federal government. That in itself is not strange: in the county of Contra Costa, to which Kensington belongs, roughly 180,000 people live in the county in unincorporated communities. In these unincorporated pockets, public services libraries, schools, planning and zoning are handled by Contra Costa. Some unincorporated communities can choose to form special districts, of which Kensington has two: the Kensington Police Protection and Community Services District (or KPPCSD) and the Kensington Fire Protection District (or KFPD). What makes Kensington truly unique as in, among the only unincorporated areas with this arrangement is that its special districts take on some of municipal government's largest functions: solid waste, parks, fire, and police. MORE: Our favorite must-see small towns in Northern California So while Kensington is not a city, it sort of operates like one. In that sense, it's a hybrid, said Contra County Supervisor John Gioia, who represents Kensington on the county Board of Supervisors. "This hybrid works because it provides an opportunity for citizen involvement and self-governance without fully being a city," Supervisor Gioia said. How did it get this way? Landowners began construction of residential developments in Kensington in the early 1900s, right after one of the most cataclysmic events in Bay Area history. In 1906, San Francisco was at the epicenter of an earthquake with an estimated 7.9 magnitude. Hundreds of thousands of San Franciscans were left homeless, and a significant portion flooded to the East Bay in search of refuge. Some small number of these displaced people ended up in Kensington, becoming some of the first people to settle on the lightly developed land east of El Cerrito (which itself was formed by refugees of the 1906 San Francisco crisis). El Cerrito chose to incorporate in 1917, which meant Kensington faced its first-ever incorporation crisis. "The incorporation movement triggered an intense fight, pitting El Cerrito residents against the Kensington farmers and dairymen who had occupied the hills for years and had no desire to pay city taxes on their farm property to finance facilities and improvements they would rarely use," write Natalie Salsig, Marianne Loring and Katherine Trow in their seminal history, "Kensington: Past And Present." "They also feared city development would eventually scuttle their hillside operations." YUM: The best thing to eat in every Bay Area city Kensington today is, by any measure, one of the most educated communities in the United States. About 83.6% of residents have bachelor's degrees, as of the latest Census measurement, and it's known to be the home of many current and former UC Berkeley professors. On average, Kensington is much whiter, much wealthier, and much older than the average Bay Area population. The most recent estimations say the median household income in Kensington is $140,000 nearly twice that of nearby Berkeley. The community of a little over 5,000 individuals even has its own symphony. What's the issue now? Kensington is clearly a place that enjoys immense privilege. But life in the unincorporated lane isn't all roses. Kensington still relies on Contra Costa County to provide many of its civic functions, leaving new residents confused from time to time about who to contact if they have an issue in need of fixing. "A lot of people bought houses in the community having no idea they didn't have a mayor to go to," Gail Feldman, a former president of the Kensington Property Owners Association, told me. "They're learning that we have a very complicated structure that's confusing." Kensington has also struggled with a series of scandals in recent years with its police department, housed under KPPCSD. One notable incident emerged in 2014, when Sgt. Keith Barrow hired a sex worker in Reno, who then stole his gun and badge, according to the East Bay Times, citing court records and interviews. In 2015, then-police chief Greg Harman was relieved of his duties, at least in part due to criticism over his handling of Barrow's discipline. Turmoil still plagues the department. In March, Kensington Officer Ted Foley was granted a temporary restraining order against General Manager Anthony Constantouros. Foley accused Constantouros and interim Police Chief Ricky Hull of retaliation after Foley performed a citizens arrest on Constantouros on March 2, according to the East Bay Times. I asked Feldman if she believed Kensington's peculiar municipal structure factored into the department's discord. "The quirk of our police department has a lot to do with that it's just so small, and these types of problems come up in small police departments," Feldman said. "I do think that if we had a combined district, they'd have more resources, more money, to professionalize to hire for the type of the positions they need and professionalize what they have." This conversation around merging the KPPCSD and the KFPD, which extends back for decades, is a crucial one for the community. This question isn't just about the scandals: for a series of complicated reasons, advocates for consolidation see the merging of the two special districts as a necessary step to make both departments more effective. They must solve it alone, because incorporation isn't really a practical option. For Kensington to be its own city, it would need to fund all of the other municipal functions: public works, planning, and so on. The tax base, Supervisor Gioia thinks, isn't robust enough to fund the functions of an entire city. "I don't think Kensington has the tax base necessary to be a self-sufficient, independent city," Gioia said. "There's two small commercial districts one up on the Arlington, one down in the Colusa Circle. And so there's not a robust sales tax base in Kensington. I think this structure [of remaining unincorporated] works for Kensington because it's a very active and involved community." Kensington residents are proud of their community's identity, which makes annexation by El Cerrito an unlikely path forward. "My guess is that you'd hear a lot of growling from people if that were ever suggested," Feldman said. One potential path, heavily considered, is contracting police services with a nearby city, like the KFPD does with the El Cerrito Fire Department. The better option, in Feldman's eyes, is consolidating the two districts. "You combine those two tax entities together, you have money," Feldman said. "And you're not paying for two different administrators in both districts. So there are efficiencies, there are cost savings, there's more opportunity. And again it comes down to professionalizing. You can purchase more, you can professionalize up." Three years ago, a team of Kensington residents including Feldman penned a thorough report commissioned by the KPPCSD on the topic of consolidation. She was initially encouraged by the decision to form a subcommittee to consider the issue, but the board doesn't seem likely to move on it. "Right now, there's no political will to do that," Feldman said. If Kensington won't incorporate as its own city and isn't interested in becoming a part of a different city, the only path forward is fixing it themselves. What sounds like a dry administrative matter, then, is really the latest installment in a long saga: an unincorporated community finding a way to hang onto over a century of independence. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs To Anh Dung and Director for Asia and Pacific in the European External Action Service (EEAS) Gunnar Wiegand co-chaired the event.Close to 80 delegates from Vietnams ministries and sectors as well as 40 representatives from the EEAS, the European Trade Commission, the EU delegation, and embassies of EU member countries in Vietnam participated in the meeting. The launch of the Joint Committee aims to speed up the implementation of the PCA, which took effect from October 1st, 2016. Vietnam and the EU pledged to strengthen the overall cooperation through the bilateral comprehensive partnership and cooperation. At the meeting, the two sides highly evaluated the development of Vietnam-EU relations over the past three decades, emphasising their wishes to further deepen the bilateral cooperative ties in the fields of delegation exchanges, security-defence, trade-investment, law, justice, science-technology, clean energy, and agro-forestry-fishery. At the meeting (Photo: VNA) The EU extolled Vietnams socio-economic development achievements and position in the region and hoped to enhance coordination with the Southeast Asian country to promote ASEAN-EU ties. The EU also voiced its support for the maintenance of security and safety of navigation and aviation and law respecting in the East Sea. Enhancing the bilateral cooperation in global issues will contribute to peace and development in the region and the world, according to the EU side. The two sides affirmed to promote the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA) in the coming weeks. The early implementation of the deals will help create a strong boost for business and investment ties as well as a strong wave of high-quality investment from both sides. Vietnam and the EU also discussed necessary procedures towards the ratification and effective implementation of basic conventions of the International Labour Organsiation (ILO). The two sides exchanged views on the bilateral development cooperation programme for the 2014-2020 period, and agreed to focus on the fields of rural electrification, effective use of energy, renewable energy development, climate change adaptation and sustainable development, judicial cooperation, public financial management and economic matters, human resources training, culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. They applauded the enforcement of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance, and Trade (FLEGT) between Vietnam and the EU from June 1st, 2019. The EU recognised Vietnams efforts in reforming the legal framework to address issues related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The two sides also agreed to implement a mid-term review mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of the achieved results, actively contributing to the reinforcement of the bilateral comprehensive partnership and cooperation. They consented to hold the second meeting of the Joint Committee in Brussels, Belgium, in 2020./. . , , , , , ? ... WASHINGTON White House officials asked at least twice in the past month for the key witness against President Donald Trump in the Mueller report, Donald McGahn, to say publicly that he never believed the president obstructed justice, according to two people briefed on the requests. Trump asked White House officials to make the request to McGahn, who was the presidents first White House counsel, one of the people said. McGahn declined. His reluctance angered the president, who believed that McGahn showed disloyalty by telling investigators for the special counsel, Robert Mueller, about Trumps attempts to maintain control over the Russia investigation. The White House made one of the requests to McGahns lawyer, William A. Burck, before the Mueller report was released publicly but after the Justice Department gave a copy to Trumps lawyers in the preceding days. Reading the report, the presidents lawyers saw that Mueller left out that McGahn had told investigators that he believed the president never obstructed justice. Burck had told them months earlier about his clients belief on the matter and that he had shared it with investigators. McGahn initially entertained the White House request. We did not perceive it as any kind of threat or something sinister, Burck said in a statement. It was a request, professionally and cordially made. A White House spokeswoman did not respond to a message seeking comment. But after the report was released, detailing the range of actions Trump took to try to impede the inquiry, McGahn decided to pass on putting out a statement supportive of the president. The report also revealed that Trump told aides he believed McGahn had leaked to the news media to make himself look good. The episodes show the lengths the White House has gone around the release of the Mueller report to push back on the notion that Trump obstructed justice. House Democrats have used the report to open investigations into whether Trump abused his position to insulate himself from the Russia inquiry. The revelations came as the Democrats on Friday increased their pressure on the White House on other fronts. The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Richard E. Neal, subpoenaed the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service for six years of Trumps personal and business tax returns. Democrats are also pursuing testimony from Mueller but have not agreed on a date, Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, told reporters. In the days after the report was released, White House officials asked McGahn again to put out a statement as Trump fumed about his disclosures, but McGahn rebuffed the second request as well. White House officials believed that McGahn publicly asserting his belief would calm the president and help the administration push back on the episodes that Mueller detailed in the obstruction section of the report, said one of the people. Both spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations involving the White House. Around the time McGahn declined the second request, the presidents lawyer Rudy Giuliani began publicly attacking his credibility, saying that McGahn had a bad memory. It cant be taken at face value, Giuliani said of McGahns account one day after the Mueller report was released. It could be the product of an inaccurate recollection or could be the product of something else. The White House learned in August that McGahn had told Muellers investigators that he believed the president had not obstructed justice, according to one of the people. After a New York Times article revealed that McGahn had spoken to investigators for at least 30 hours, Burck tried to reassure the White House by explaining that his client told Mueller that he never believed Trump had committed an obstruction offense. McGahns cooperation with Mueller played a crucial role in allowing the special counsels investigators to paint a picture in their report of a president determined to use his power atop the executive branch to protect himself from the Russia investigation. The presidents lawyers are particularly concerned about two episodes that McGahn detailed to prosecutors. In one, Trump asked him to fire the special counsel but backed off after McGahn refused. After that episode was revealed, the president asked McGahn to create a White House document falsely rebutting his account. McGahn declined to go along but told Mueller about the encounters. It makes no difference legally whether McGahn believes Trump obstructed justice. That is a determination made by prosecutors, not witnesses. But politically, such a statement could have been a powerful argument for Trump, who faces scrutiny from House Democrats about whether he obstructed justice and abused his power. Mueller declined to make a determination about whether Trump obstructed justice, saying that because a sitting president cannot be indicted, it was unfair to accuse him of committing a crime. Attorney General William P. Barr stepped in and decided with his deputy, Rod J. Rosenstein, to clear Trump of wrongdoing. But because Mueller made no determination and wrote a damning report that showed repeated efforts by Trump to interfere with his inquiry questions about whether the president obstructed justice have lingered as Democrats have sought to gain momentum in their investigation of Trump. The Democratic-led House Judiciary Committee has subpoenaed McGahn to testify. But White House advisers have indicated they will try to block him from appearing before lawmakers, and Trump has said that there is no reason for McGahn to speak with congressional investigators because he had cooperated so extensively with Muellers team. Ive had him testifying already for 30 hours and its really so I dont think I can let him and then tell everybody else you cant, Trump said in an interview with Fox News last week. Especially him, because he was a counsel, so theyve testified for many hours, all of them, many, many, many people. I cant say, Well, one can and the others cant. I would say its done. McGahn left the White House last year but is still entangled with the president on matters related to the Mueller investigation. The White House instructed McGahn on Tuesday to not turn over documents he had to the House in response to a subpoena. McGahn followed the White Houses advice and is now waiting to see whether Democrats will hold him in contempt. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) Two suspects have been arrested in the slaying of man in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood in March 2017, police said Friday. Richmond resident Carlos Valiente, 26, and Benicia resident Anthony Molina, 31, were arrested Thursday on suspicion of killing 21-year-old Oswaldo Fuentes of Fairfield. Officers responded at 1:35 a.m. on March 11, 2017, to the 500 block of Green Street where they found Fuentes suffering from multiple bullet wounds, according to police. Fuentes died where officers found him. Valiente and Molina have been taken to the San Francisco County jail. Anyone with more information about the killing is asked to call police at (415) 575-4444 or to text them at TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. LIVERMORE (BCN) A 34-year-old man suspected of setting three cars and a building on fire in Dublin was arrested early Friday after crashing into convenience store gas pumps in Livermore, authorities said. Michaelis Brown, 34, was taken into custody after colliding with the pumps at a 7-Eleven store on the corner of Las Positas and South Vasco roads, according to the California Highway Patrol. Dublin police initially put out an alert after a suspicious car was seen slowly circling businesses in the area of 6400 Sierra Court at about 12:30 a.m. The car, a black Toyota Camry, failed to pull over when police arrived and officers chased it onto westbound Interstate Highway 580 and northbound Interstate Highway 680 before ending the pursuit. A short time later, the California Highway Patrol located the same vehicle traveling east on Highway 580 near the Airway Boulevard exit. The CHP tried to pull over the suspect car, but once again the driver failed to yield and drove at speeds of up to 115 mph. The suspect's car exited at Vasco Road and eventually made it to Las Positas Road, where it went through a parking lot and while it headed south in the northbound lane, it rammed a CHP cruiser, police said. After that, officers lost sight of the car and the chase was terminated. A witness later contacted the CHP to report that a Toyota had crashed into the gas pumps at the 7-Eleven at South Vasco and Las Positas roads. The suspect fled, but the CHP located Brown and took him into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported. When Dublin police returned to the area where the Toyota was first reported, in the 6400 block of Sierra Court, they found three vehicles engulfed in flames. They also found an exterior wall to a rental car business on fire. The Alameda County Fire Department responded and extinguished both blazes. Damage to the cars is estimated at $200,000, police said. Evidence relating to suspected arson was found on Brown as well as in his car. Brown was placed under arrest for the pursuit, assault with a deadly weapon, and arson. Dublin police and the Alameda County Fire Department arson investigators continue to investigate the incident. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN MATEO (BCN) A San Mateo attorney is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday on misdemeanor charges of operating a boat under the influence and reckless or negligent use of a boat for seriously injuring a 15-year-old boy last October, prosecutors said on Friday. In addition, the injured boy, Francesco "Chicco" Adamo and his family filed a lawsuit in San Mateo County Superior Court on Friday against attorney Stephen Chiari accusing him of battery, negligence and infliction of emotional distress. The suit seeks unspecified damages. According to San Francisco attorney Chris Dolan, who represents Francesco and his family, at about 4 p.m. on Oct. 28 a ski boat driven by Chiari ran over Francesco as he was kayaking with his father Filippo Adamo in the Marina Lagoon in San Mateo. Dolan said Chiari, who was an Oakland police officer for 13 years before he became a lawyer in 2002, was under the influence at the time of the collision and was arrested for reckless operation of a boat and operating a boat while intoxicated with injury. The suit says Francesco sustained deep lacerations on his back, a crushed chest impacting his lungs, a head wound and skull fracture, including damage to the base of his brain and a spine injury. Despite the severity of his wounds, Francesco has now recovered to the point of being discharged from the hospital and has returned to school on a part-time basis, although he does face extensive rehabilitation. According to Dolan, Francesco's parents, Filippo Adamo and Debra Scott are upset that the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office only charged Chiari with misdemeanor offenses, not felonies. "To now learn that the District Attorney is only charging this man with a misdemeanor is offensive and unacceptable," Scott said in a statement. Scott said, "My son was shredded and nearly killed by this man's boat as he sped along a recreational waterway while intoxicated and he is going to be charged with a misdemeanor!" Scott said she wonders if Chiari is "getting a pass" because he used to be a police officer and said, "We demand that the District Attorney charge him with the felony of operation of a boat under the influence of alcohol causing great bodily injury." San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe said Chiari was only charged with misdemeanor offenses because his office can't prove that Chiari was acting recklessly and that hitting Francesco was a conscious act. Wagstaffe said he believes there's "no question" that Chiari acted negligently by turning around to look at the person he was towing instead of looking ahead and seeing Francesco. Wagstaffe said he believes even the misdemeanor allegations are "very aggressive" in terms of trying to prove that Chiari was criminally negligent. Wagstaffe said a test of Chiari's blood-alcohol content an hour after the crash showed that it was 0.05 percent. He said investigators believe Chiari's blood-alcohol content was higher at the time of the crash but still was below the 0.08 limit for driving and boating. Chiari is scheduled to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. on Monday in Department 19, Courtroom L, at the northern branch of the San Mateo Superior Court at 1050 Mission Road, in South San Francisco. Wagstaffe said misdemeanor defendants don't have to appear in court for their arraignments if their attorneys request to have their appearances waived. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Oakland City Councilwoman Lynette Gibson McElhaney and her husband Clarence McElhaney will accept a degree from the USC Thornton School of Music on Friday the behalf of their son Victor McElhaney, who was fatally shot in Los Angeles on March 10. Victor McElhaney, 21, who was a drummer, was a senior at the Thornton School of Music. Los Angeles police said McElhaney was shot in an apparent botched robbery at a convenience store at Maple Avenue and Adams Boulevard, about a mile from the USC campus, at about 12:30 a.m. March 10 and died at about 11 a.m. that day. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Lynette Gibson McElhaney and Clarence McElhaney plan to join friends, family, students and supporters at a peace "stand-in" to enlist public support to identify and apprehend those who were involved in the fatal shooting of their son. The stand-in will be held at the corner of Maple Avenue and Adams Boulevard, where Victor McElhaney was shot. "My baby is gone, and I don't want that to happen to any other mother," Gibson McElhaney said in a statement. Among those expected to join the stand-in are USC Brothers Breaking B.R.E.A.D., the USC Black Student Association, Justice for Murdered Children, United in Peace, SAVE Center Oakland and representatives from the office of Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price. Victor McElhaney's death was the second tragedy to hit Gibson McElhaney in the past four years. Torian Hughes, 17, who she considered to be her grandson and helped raise, was fatally shot in the 900 block of Mandela Parkway in West Oakland at about 1:40 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2015. A California Highway Patrol officer rescued a Colorado woman from her moving car after she apparently suffered a seizure Thursday afternoon. Officer Leslie Poteet was on patrol on westbound Tamalpais Drive around 4:35 p.m. near U.S. Highway 101 when she heard a vehicle horn honking behind her, the CHP said. Poteet saw a Toyota Echo in her side view mirror drifting over solid double yellow lines and riding partially into the east lane of Tamalpais Drive. Poteet drove into the No. 2 lane and saw the Toyota again drift into the eastbound lane and sideswipe another eastbound vehicle. Poteet turned on her patrol vehicle lights, accelerated and made a U-turn to block eastbound traffic on Tamalpais Drive to avoid another collision with eastbound traffic, the CHP said. As the Toyota approached the patrol car, Poteet could see the Toyota driver was having a medical emergency, and she moved her patrol car further into the No. 2 lane of westbound Tamalpais Drive to prevent a head-on collision between the Toyota and another vehicle, the CHP said. The Toyota then collided with the left rear of the patrol car behind the driver's door and continued on Tamalpais Drive. Poteet got out of her car and ran west on Tamalpais Drive to try to stop the slow moving Toyota. She opened the Toyota's driver's door, reached inside, applied the brake and put the Toyota in park, the CHP said. The Toyota driver, Hedda Schmutz, 75, had a current Colorado driver's license. She was coherent and was taken to Marin General Hospital. CHP Officer Patrick Roth said Schmutz disclosed she has a history of seizures. Poteet suffered minor injuries during the heroic rescue and she was taken to a hospital in a patrol vehicle, CHP Officer Patrick Roth said. Former Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan has been appointed as a senior advisor to Vallejo City Manager Greg Nyhoff, the city announced Friday. Jordan will be a project manager in the search for an interim Vallejo police chief and the recruitment of a permanent police chief, Vallejo Assistant City Manager Joanna Altman said. He also will be involved with the Department of Justice Community Relations Service that will address police and community relations in the wake of officer involved shootings and allegations of use of excessive force. "The City has already taken bold steps to push forward on improved community relations with our police department, and Mr. Jordan will be a catalyst to our efforts," Nyhoff said. "The City Council and City Manager have made it clear they are approaching an improvement in police community relations with an open mind and a sincere desire to make a positive impact," Jordan said in the City's news release about his appointment. The Vallejo City Council next week will consider taking action to form a Council Ad-Hoc Committee to address community relations, the City Manager's Office said in the release. Jordan was hired as a police auditor for the City of Rohnert Park in July 2018 amid complaints about Department of Public Safety officers stopping vehicles in north Sonoma County far outside city limits, to stop and detain drivers for transporting marijuana. San Francisco City Hall will host its first-ever Ramadan iftar dinner for the city's Muslim community Friday, according to representatives of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center. Mayor London Breed will appear at the dinner, which will start at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. An estimated 25,000 residents of San Francisco are Muslim, constituting about 3 % of the city's population, according to the resource center. Ramadan refers to the ninth month of the year on the Muslim calendar during which people fast from sunrise to sunset. At sundown, they are permitted to eat and generally share a meal called iftar with family and friends. The center said the city was holding iftar in a "progressive step forward" to communicate its support of its Muslim residents enduring "a time of increased targeting of Muslims." A man who was fatally shot in Oakland last week has been identified by police as 30-year-old Tristan Carson of Oakland. Carson was shot at the intersection of East 12th Street and 23rd Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. on May 3 and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. No one has been arrested for the fatal shooting and police haven't disclosed a motive or identified any suspects. A male driver of a Honda Civic died in a head-on crash with a Recology truck near a U.S. Highway 101 overpass this morning, the California Highway Patrol said. Sergio Ramirez, 50, of Santa Rosa was driving the truck west on River Road around 4:45 a.m. when it collided head-on with the Honda that was traveling east in the westbound lane of River Road, CHP Officer David deRutte said. The truck driver braked and the Honda driver tried to swerve to the right before the collision, deRutte said. Ramirez was not injured and the Honda driver died at the scene, deRutte said. Two osprey chicks hatched this week and a third may be on the way in a nest high above the Richmond waterfront that's being closely monitored by webcam, according to the Golden Gate Audubon Society. The nest, atop a historic World War II crane, is home to Rosie and Richmond, two adult ospreys that raised three chicks there previous year. This year's first chick hatched at 6:57 p.m. Wednesday and the second followed shortly before 6 p.m. Thursday. "Over the next two months, we can all watch these youngsters close-up as they grow, explore their nest, and learn to fly," said Cindy Margulis, executive director of Golden Gate Audubon Society, which launched the 24/7 live video feed of this nest in 2017. The adult pair is still incubating their third egg, expected to hatch within the next few days. The first two chicks have been temporarily named Alpha and Beta, and the Audubon chapter will hold a naming contest sometime after the third chick emerges. The osprey nest is monitored by two HD live-streaming cameras and is perched 75 feet above the ground on the Whirley Crane, a decommissioned World War II crane in Richmond's Shipyard 3. Live video of the nest can be seen at http://sfbayospreys.org. In addition to the live nest feed, highlights are available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bayospreys/ . Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A freelance journalist had his home and business raided Friday by San Francisco police and the FBI in connection with a leaked police report on the late San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi. Bryan Carmody said on Twitter at 8:27 p.m. Friday that police and FBI agents raided his home and business to try to get him to divulge a confidential source. "I will not," Carmody said in the tweet. Carmody's tweet was tied to a news story about raid and the leaked report. Friday evening, police Officer Joseph Tomlinson said a search warrant was served Friday in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation regarding the Adachi police report. Tomlinson said no arrests were made. Police said the report was released illegally. "Today's actions are one step in the process of investigating a potential case of obstruction of justice along with the illegal distribution of a confidential police report," police said in a statement later Friday. Carmody is also known as a "stringer" who takes photos of news events and alerts news outlets to those events. According to an official with the San Francisco Public Defender's office during a Board of Supervisor's committee hearing April 18, a freelance photographer allegedly offered a TV news station confidential police information about the death of Adachi in exchange for money. The release of the information was painful for Adachi's family. Adachi's widow Masuko Adachi, fighting back tears, said at the hearing, "It was despicable what the police did to myself and my daughter... We had no privacy. It was an ongoing investigation and I don't believe that they should have released it. To say that it doesn't affect the family is an understatement. It's incredibly painful to have the Police Department do this to you." Police Cmdr. Greg McEachern offered an apology to Adachi's family and said the department was conducting an investigation, adding that anyone found responsible would be held accountable. Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer had called for the hearing in front of the Government Audit and Oversight Committee to look into the policies the Police Department has in place for the release of private information. Adachi died unexpectedly on Feb. 22 at age 59 at a North Beach apartment. A police report soon surfaced detailing the investigation into Adachi's death, complete with photos of the apartment. During the April hearing, Supervisor Hillary Ronen called the leaked report "disgusting." Hadi Razzaq, with the Public Defender's Investigation Unit, said a TV news reporter told him that the photographer offered the report to their station for $2,500. That station wasn't able to afford the price and the photographer went on to sell it other news outlets, he said. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN RAFAEL (BCN) Police are searching for an 84-year-old San Rafael woman who went missing Friday morning. Chien Nguyen, 84, was last seen at 5:30 a.m. Friday leaving her residence on Sonoma Street, police said in a news release. She is described as a Vietnamese woman, 5-feet, 120 pounds with black eyes and gray hair. She was last seen wearing white pajamas and had a black purse. Nguyen speaks Vietnamese and is known to frequent San Francisco. Marin County Search and Rescue is assisting with the search for Nguyen. Anyone with information about her possible whereabouts is asked to call the San Rafael Police Department at (415) 485-3000. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A 28-year-old San Jose woman was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter after a crash on State Highway 17 in Santa Clara County early Saturday morning left a teenager dead, authorities said. Ashley Marie Oliver, 28, was driving a Chrysler minivan in the wrong direction on southbound 17 just south of Redwood Estates shortly after 2 a.m. when she crashed into a Toyota Corolla carrying five passengers ages 17 and 16, according to the California Highway Patrol. A 16-year-old boy riding in the back seat of the Corolla died, and three other passengers suffered major injuries that are not considered life threatening, CHP Officer Ross Lee said. Oliver was treated at the hospital for injuries that were not considered serious, then booked into Santa Clara County Jail. Fire crews responded just after 2:11 a.m. to the crash, according to a Santa Clara County Fire Department news release. Both vehicles were found with major damage and facing northbound in the southbound lanes of the highway. Crews extracted two trapped individuals, including the fatal victim. The other was taken to a trauma center, along with four others who were injured in the crash, the fire department said. The fatal victim has not yet been identified by the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office. The passengers in the Corolla were from Fremont, Lee said, and some may not have been wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Police have located an 84-year-old San Rafael woman who went missing Friday. Chien Nguyen left her residence on Sonoma Street at 5:30 a.m. Friday, police said in a news release. She boarded a Golden Gate Transit bus to San Francisco at about 8 a.m. and was last seen exiting the bus at about 8:45 a.m. at the intersection of Lombard and Fillmore streets in San Francisco. Police said Saturday afternoon that Nguyen had been found in San Francisco. A 44-year-old Lakeport resident was arrested Friday on suspicion of robbing a Petaluma bank two days earlier, police said. On Wednesday, Juan Jose Flores Jr. allegedly entered the Bank of America at 181 N. McDowell Blvd. at 4:43 p.m. and passed a note demanding money. He left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money, according to a Petaluma police news release. After sharing surveillance photos with the public, police said they received several anonymous tips within hours identifying Flores Jr. as a potential suspect. With assistance from Lake County sheriff's deputies, police arrested Flores Jr. at his Lakeport residence early Friday morning and booked him into Sonoma County Jail. Any unidentified witnesses with information to assist the investigation are asked to contact Detective McGreevy at (707) 778-4334. A 51-year-old Richmond man died following a solo-vehicle crash early Saturday morning on westbound State Highway 4 just east of the Willow Avenue exit in Hercules, according to the California Highway Patrol. The driver's silver Ford Taurus veered off the highway shortly after 2 a.m. and crashed into a metal guardrail and then into a large metal utility pole, the CHP reported on social media. The Ford overturned onto a grassy embankment just off the roadway, causing a small fire, which was quickly extinguished. The driver, who suffered major injuries, was conscious and trapped in the driver seat of the Ford. He was extricated and taken by helicopter to John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek, where he died. It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the collision, which remains under investigation. The victim's identity will be released by the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Coroners Office. A Marin County man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of stealing home-delivered packages, the Marin County Sheriff's Office said. A Sheriff's Office investigation determined that Alexander Reza-Hassan Sada, a tenant of a home on Appleberry Lane in Lucas Valley, had been driving into San Francisco to steal the packages, according to a news release. Reza-Hassan Sada, 40, was booked into the Marin County Jail on suspicion of possessing stolen property, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies went to the home around 10:30 a.m. to check on the welfare and living conditions of a resident and found numerous boxes from Amazon with routing labels removed, both outside and inside the residence, according to Lt. Steve de la O. After applying for a search warrant to search the suspect's rooms, de la O said, deputies found several more packages, some with labels and many without containing possible stolen property. They also found suspected heroin and suspected cocaine in one of the bedrooms. The packages with legible labels were addressed to San Francisco residences. The tenant whose welfare deputies initially had been called to check was found to be OK and not involved in the suspected criminal activity connected to Reza-Hassan Sada. Police in Belmont on Thursday arrested a man in connection with weapons-related crimes and seized several illegal weapons from the man's home. Dylan Zugar, 27, was arrested on suspicion of several crimes, including possession of illegal firearms and manufacture of illegal weapons, according to the Belmont Police Department. On Thursday at 5:30 a.m., police and agents from the Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant at a home in the 300 block of Chesterton Avenue as part of an investigation into illegal weapons. During the search, police said, they seized several illegal assault rifles and firearms. Zugar, the resident who lives at the home, was taken into custody without incident. Police in San Jose on Friday arrested a man connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred Sunday. Vincente Ochoa, 37, of San Jose, was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run causing death, felony reckless driving causing death and felony street racing, according to the San Jose Police Department. On Sunday at 9:55 p.m., police responded to a report of a vehicle into a tree at Lean Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard. The preliminary investigation into the incident revealed that a silver 2002 Pontiac Trans Am was traveling south on Santa Teresa Boulevard when it lost control and slid into a tree in the center median. Police said the driver, identified as Arturo Ceja, of San Jose, had been drinking, and was racing a black Chevy Camaro at the time of the incident. A male passenger in the vehicle was killed in the crash, and Ceja suffered injuries that were not life threatening. Ochoa was driving the Chevy Camaro seen racing the Pontiac Trans Am, police said. Ceja has been administratively booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony DUI causing death. He remained in the hospital Friday night, according to police. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. People can help clean up creeks in downtown Walnut Creek Saturday at the 30th annual Downtown WC Creek Cleanup, organizers said. The cleanup begins at 9 a.m. at Civic Park at 1375 Civic Drive. Pre-registration is required at www.friendsofthecreeks.org, which is sponsoring the event. Attendance is limited. Participants will pick up trash and improve wildlife habitat in the area. The body found on a cliff above Mussel Rock Beach in Daly City Thursday has been identified by San Mateo County coroner's office as 24-year-old Garrett Harrell of Daly City. The death was reported at about 5 p.m. to Golden Gate National Recreation Area park rangers by Daly City police, according to officials with Golden Gate National Recreation Area. A California Highway Patrol helicopter arrived around 6:30 p.m. to recover the body and transferred it to the coroner's office. Officials with the national recreation area did not say how Harrell died. Two suspects have been arrested in the slaying of man in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood in March 2017, police said Friday. Richmond resident Carlos Valiente, 26, and Benicia resident Anthony Molina, 31, were arrested Thursday on suspicion of killing 21-year-old Oswaldo Fuentes of Fairfield. Officers responded at 1:35 a.m. on March 11, 2017, to the 500 block of Green Street where they found Fuentes suffering from multiple bullet wounds, according to police. Fuentes died where officers found him. Valiente and Molina have been taken to the San Francisco County jail. A 34-year-old man suspected of setting three cars and a building on fire in Dublin was arrested early Friday after crashing into convenience store gas pumps in Livermore, authorities said. Michaelis Brown, 34, was taken into custody after colliding with the pumps at a 7-Eleven store on the corner of Las Positas and South Vasco roads, according to the California Highway Patrol. Dublin police initially put out an alert after a suspicious car was seen slowly circling businesses in the area of 6400 Sierra Court at about 12:30 a.m. The car, a black Toyota Camry, failed to pull over when police arrived and officers chased it onto westbound Interstate Highway 580 and northbound Interstate Highway 680 before ending the pursuit. A short time later, the California Highway Patrol located the same vehicle traveling east on Highway 580 near the Airway Boulevard exit. The CHP tried to pull over the suspect car, but once again the driver failed to yield and drove at speeds of up to 115 mph. The suspect's car exited at Vasco Road and eventually made it to Las Positas Road, where it went through a parking lot and while it headed south in the northbound lane, it rammed a CHP cruiser, police said. Forty-one fallen law enforcement officers from Santa Clara County were remembered in an annual memorial service Friday afternoon. Sheriff's deputies and police appeared in their full regalia to honor officers who made "the ultimate sacrifice" for their communities. The sheriff's pipe band performed on bagpipes, doves were released into the bright, sunny afternoon, and officers from city departments and the California Highway Patrol read out the names of the departed. The list consisted of officers from as early as the early 1800s. "We're known as officers, deputies, special agents. Our titles and assignments may differ, but we are bound however as one in a profession we love," Lt. Brendan Omori said in his introduction. "We care for the communities we serve ... we are a family that never forgets its own." Deputies performed the 21-gun salute next to the sheriff's office headquarters, and the "riderless horse" with boots reversed in its stirrups trotted past honored families to commemorate their fallen officers. Kevin Richlin was at the memorial to remember his father. Richlin was 3.5 months old when Officer Gary Larson, who was with the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, was killed during a shootout after an armed robbery on Jan. 28, 1962. Saturday will be mostly cloudy in the morning before becoming partly cloudy. Highs will be in the 50s to upper 60s. Southwest winds will be 10 to 20 mph. Saturday night will be mostly cloudy. Lows will be in the mid 50s. West winds will be 10 to 20 mph. Sunday will be mostly cloudy in the morning before becoming partly cloudy. Highs will be in the 50s to the upper 60s. West winds will be 10 to 20 mph. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN RAFAEL (BCN) Police are searching for an 84-year-old San Rafael woman who went missing Friday morning. Chien Nguyen, 84, left her residence on Sonoma Street at 5:30 a.m. Friday, police said in a news release. She boarded a Golden Gate Transit bus to San Francisco at about 8 a.m. and was last seen exiting the bus at about 8:45 a.m. at the intersection of Lombard and Fillmore streets in San Francisco. Nguyen is described as a Vietnamese woman, 5 feet, 120 pounds with black eyes and gray hair. She was last seen wearing white pajamas and had a black purse. Nguyen speaks Vietnamese and is known to frequent San Francisco. Marin County Search and Rescue is assisting with the search. Anyone with information about her possible whereabouts is asked to call the San Rafael Police Department at (415) 485-3000. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Washington Conventional wisdom in my inner circle of sorcerers and sources has been that the first female president will be a Republican. This is because America is still mostly a center-right country, and voters would feel more comfortable with a conservative-leaning woman. So goes the thinking. Republican Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, no doubt concurs. While she waits out President Trump's possible second term (because life is strange), Democrats have filled their bench with enough declared women six at last count that one wonders why we're always talking about men. Given the bulk of media coverage, one would think the only candidates were Joe, Bernie, Beto and Pete. The fact that those four are known by their first names is helpful if you're a politician or a simpleton, not that they're mutually exclusive. Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders need no introduction because they've been around since the Gold Rush. One looks like he just stepped off a yacht, the other like he just lost a fight with a bulldog. Beto O'Rourke is famous for being newly famous and also for mastering the distant gaze in profile that reminds people how much they dislike him. And, Mayor Pete Buttigieg (South Bend, Ind.) is just so darned likable, we can't get enough of him and his multilingual-ness, despite his reportedly lugging around a copy of James Joyce's gloriously indecipherable "Ulysses." But, what about Amy, Elizabeth, Kamala, Kirsten, Marianne and Tulsi? Until recently, being a woman meant a presidential candidate could count on special attention, if only for her rarity. But that was in the era known as HRC Hillary Rodham Clinton which occupied most of the past three decades. In the post-HRC era, more Democratic women finally feel free to go for the prize. Perhaps for the first time in history, Americans will fully understand that women are not all the same. The challenge for these six female candidates is how to stand out. Fortunately, or not, some have already made headlines with their uniqueness. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar reportedly ate a salad with her comb when an aide delivered her lunch without plastic utensils. Call her utilitarian, or a mother of invention, but never call her hungry. Another tactic might be to claim Native American heritage, as the history-haunted Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has done. Even though DNA testing indicated that she does, indeed, carry a teensy-tiny fraction of Native American blood, she's forever saddled with Trump's nickname for her, "Pocahontas." This is a shame given Warren's considerable intellect, her passion and her professorial grasp of complex policies. In politics, you only have to do one monumental- or minuscule-but-memorable thing, and that thing becomes your persona, identity and legacy. A single impression can catapult a candidate to instant popularity or condemn her to infamy. Similarly, Klobuchar has been characterized as an unholy boss. Again, a shame. For Klobuchar is a levelheaded, centrist pragmatist and surely capable of handling Trump in a fair debate. But comb-cuisine is an unappetizing image, to say the least, and other Draconian tales abound. Now let's turn to New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who will be most remembered for pushing the ouster of former Minnesota Sen. Al Franken following sexual misconduct allegations. Democrats may have manned the #MeToo battlements, but they sure didn't like losing one of their favorite senators, and may be unforgiving. Another candidate cursed with controversy is Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who two years ago met with Syrian genocidal dictator Bashar Assad and called the U.S.-backed opposition "terrorists." Marianne Williamson is a New Age self-help specialist beloved by Hollywood. Say no more. Harris, a former California attorney general and now U.S. senator, is perhaps best known for her prosecutorial zeal during Justice Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination hearings. Great for the primary, disastrous in the general. These pithy summaries aren't meant to be disparaging or dismissive, but reductive identity is the bumper sticker of fate. This time around, there will be no female nominee or president but not because of their being women. They will lose like men because they weren't right for this job at this moment a feminist feat in itself. Be not dismayed, for a female president is coming soon, likely in 2024. She'll be a woman of color, a real Indian (with parents from Punjab), a Christian, a Republican, a wife and mother with Southern manners, statewide governing experience and an international profile. Wouldn't that beat all? History, Hollywood and a central Oakland location are all on offer in this apartment for rent in the Cathedral Building, asking $6,000 per month. The building The Cathedral Building is an easily recognized Oakland building, a local treasure built in 1914. Its facade, similar to New York's Flatiron Building, is tall and slender, forming a triangle. In the case of the Cathedral Building, those triangular points touch Telegraph and Broadway in Oakland's Latham Square. The classical embellishments (which have earned the structure a nickname of "Wedding Cake") are the work of architect Benjamin Geer McDougall who also built this city's St. Mark Hotel and Saint Paul Episcopal Church. In January of 1979, the Cathedral Building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In June of 2015, the United Nations Foundation commissioned Bay Area artist Zio Ziegler to paint a mural that would commemorate the 1945 signing of the United Nations Charter in San Francisco. This mural now appears on the building's north-facing wall. With such history and beauty, the building has attracted Hollywood's attention. One of its units (not the one for rent) appeared in the movie "Sorry to Bother You." And this unit you see here was used in a Google commercial. The unit The unit for rent 1615 Broadway, #5 is a two-bedroom, two and a half-bathroom apartment of over 2,000 square feet. Original details such as the wood floors and pocket doors join updates most notable in the modern kitchen and baths. Both bedrooms have built-in flat screen TVs. The master suite features a walk-in closet. Residents of the Cathedral Building also enjoy a private lobby, coded elevator and in-unit laundry. Tenancy could commence this summer (June/July), with a one-year lease, asking $6,000 a month. See the complete listing here. Anna Marie Erwert writes from both the renter and new buyer perspective, having (finally) achieved both statuses. She focuses on national real estate trends, specializing in the San Francisco Bay Area and Pacific Northwest. Follow Anna on Twitter: @AnnaMarieErwert In route news, El Al kicks off new San Francisco service on Monday and Frontier adds an SFO route; Norwegian will increase SFO-London frequencies next winter; Air Italy eyes new U.S. routes; Level adds a U.S. gateway; United begins a transatlantic route from Denver; American announces new routes for next fall/winter and starts flying in more regional domestic markets; Spirit launches several new flights from Raleigh-Durham; and international routes are delayed or dropped by Delta, China's Hainan Airlines and Mexico's Interjet. United will get some competition on its San Francisco-Tel Aviv non-stop route starting May 13 when Israel's El Al enters the market with a 787, offering business, premium economy and economy seating. While United operates daily B777 flights, El Al plans to offer three departures a week. The eastbound flight, which takes almost 14 hours, will depart SFO at 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 10:45 p.m. Saturdays. The Israeli carrier also plans to add weekly Las Vegas-Tel Aviv flights starting in June. In other SFO route news, Frontier launched new service this week from San Francisco to Austin, flying the route four days a week Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. And in a schedule update filed by Norwegian, the low-cost transatlantic carrier said it plans to fly from SFO to London Gatwick four times a week when its winter schedule kicks in on October 27. Last winter, when Norwegian's Gatwick flight departed from Oakland, it offered three departures a week. (British Airways, which had been flying Oakland-Gatwick to match Norwegian's service, dropped that route last year as Norwegian moved it across the bay to SFO. Norwegian also moved its Ft. Lauderdale-London Gatwick flights to Miami recently. British Airways had been operating competing seasonal FLL-Gatwick service, and now it plans to drop that route after the current schedule ends September 7.) Fiji Airways is getting a couple of new Airbus A350-900s this fall, and it plans to start flying one of them from Nadi to Los Angeles next January. The other will go onto the Nadi-Sydney route. The airline currently has a fleet of six Airbus A330s; no word yet on whether the airline's San Francisco route will see the new plane. Fiji's A350s will have 33 lie-flat business class seats configured 1-2-1 along with 301 economy seats. Fiji Airways is a member of the American/British Airways etc. Oneworld alliance. Air Italy, which recently launched seasonal summer service from both San Francisco and Los Angeles to Milan, now plans to convert one of those routes to year-round status in 2020, chief operating officer Rossen Dimitrov said in an interview with the airline journal FlightGlobal but he didn't say which one. Air Italy currently serves New York JFK and Miami with year-round schedules. Dimitrov also said the airline expects to add two more North American gateways by next summer, one of them seasonal and one year-round, but he gave no hints as to where they might be. That long feud between United, Delta and American vs. the Big Three Middle Eastern carriers is flaring up again around Air Italy, which is 49 percent owned by Qatar Airways; the U.S. airlines argue that Qatar is using Air Italy as a back door strategy to gain access to more U.S. markets. Level, the low-cost affiliate of the British Airways/Iberia/Aer Lingus International Airlines Group, plans to add a new U.S. route later this year when it introduces the only non-stop service between Las Vegas and Paris. Level will use an Airbus A330 to fly the route two days a week, operating to Paris Orly rather than CDG. The airline is getting a third A330-200 in September and will use it for the LAS flights starting October 30, offering premium economy and regular economy seating. Flights are already on sale, reportedly with one-way fares as low as $99. United Airlines last week kicked off the third intercontinental route from its Denver hub, inaugurating daily year-round 787 service to Frankfurt -- a route also served by its Star Alliance partner Lufthansa. The eastbound United flight leaves Denver at 3:45 p.m. and arrives at FRA at 9:20 a.m. United also flies from DEN to Tokyo Narita and London Heathrow, and it offers Frankfurt flights from five other U.S. hubs including San Francisco, Washington Dulles, Newark, Chicago and Houston. American Airlines this week announced plans to add a number of new routes next fall and winter, including several in Latin America and the Caribbean. The carrier will introduce two new destinations in Mexico, starting twice-weekly E175 flights from Dallas/Ft. Worth to the resort town of Huatulco on December 21 and daily CRJ700 service from Phoenix to Chuhuahua beginning December 18. Also on December 21, American will add twice-weekly DFW-Acapulco service with an E175. December 21 is American's launch date for new weekly Saturday service from Charlotte to Grenada, DFW to St. Thomas, and LaGuardia-Bermuda (all year-round) as well as Chicago O'Hare-St. Lucia and Chicago-St. Thomas (winter only). Subject to government approvals, American plans to start flying once a day beginning December 18 from New York JFK to Georgetown, Guyana, on the northern coast of South America. Don't miss a shred of important travel news! Sign up for our FREE bi-weekly email alerts On the domestic side, American said it will begin year-round daily CRJ200 flights on September 4 from O'Hare to Charleston, West Virginia and from Phoenix to Rapid City, South Dakota, and on September 26 from DFW to St. George, Utah. November 21 is the launch date for AA's New York JFK-Richmond, Virginia service, with three daily E140 flights operating year-round. And on December 21, the airline begins daily year-round service from Miami to both Oklahoma City and Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport with E175s, and from Miami to Columbia, South Carolina with an E145. American will also launch Saturday-only winter flights from Philadelphia to Vail/Eagle, Colorado on December 21 with a 757. Last week, American started new daily service from Philadelphia to Chattanooga, Tennessee. On August 14, it plans to add service five days a week from DFW to Tri-Cities Regional Airport in northeast Tennessee with an ERJ140, followed on September 4 by new daily E175 service from Philadelphia to Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport in Bentonville. The latest expansion for low-cost Spirit Airlines is at Raleigh-Durham, where last week it started flying seven new routes, including twice-daily flights to Baltimore/Washington International and daily service to Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, New Orleans and Chicago O'Hare. International route changes reported recently by Routesonline.com include plans by Delta to discontinue its seasonal winter service from New York JFK to Rio de Janeiro, which was supposed to resume December 19; a delay in the launch of new twice-weekly 787 non-stop service from Chicago O'Hare to Chengdu, China by Hainan Airlines from June 28 to September 16; and the cancellation of four U.S. routes by Mexico's Interjet, including Los Angeles-Los Cabos effective May 30, LAX-Leon/Guanajuato as of May 31, LAX-Puerto Vallarta on June 1, and New York JFK-Cancun after June 16. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Get twice-per-week updates from TravelSkills via email! Sign up here Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis. Jerome Delay / Associated Press PRETORIA, South Africa South Africas ruling African National Congress on Saturday marked its weakest victory in national elections in a quarter-century, while President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that the vote had given him and others a firm mandate to build a better South Africa for all. With all votes counted, the ANC had 57.5%, the electoral commission said. It was the worst-ever showing at the polls for the party of the late Nelson Mandela that has ruled since the end of the apartheid system of racial discrimination 25 years ago. The party won 62% of the vote in 2014. Page Content Women make up over half the U.S. workforce, but in the male-dominated tech industry they hold a disproportionate 26 percent of computing rolesa number that has been steadily declining for years, according to the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). Myriad factors are holding women back from participating fully in this industry. Some tech companies have strategies to attract female employees and encourage them to stay, but most employers are still struggling to find the best approach. The consequences are significant. When you look purely at the numbers, women are leaving IT midcareer in droves and a crater separates them from their male counterparts in terms of being offered leadership opportunities. In the language of Silicon Valley, this industry is in need of some serious disruption. Women in Tech: The Numbers Women represent a minority of the workforces at the top 11 U.S. tech giants, according to diversity reports published by those companies. Atlassian, Uber, Twitter and Microsoft are at the lower end of the scale, with women making up an average of roughly 16 percent of the technical roles at those companies. Although women in tech have a narrower gap in wages than in other industries, there is still a gap between what they make versus what men make. According to several in-depth reports by Viser.org and Hired.com, women earn 8 percent less in technical roles and 4 percent less in product management positions. Another alarming stat for women in tech is the rate of turnover, which is double that of men. Furthermore, only 11 percent of women in Silicon Valley hold leadership positions, according to the law firm Fenwick & West. So it's little wonder that 56 percent of women in tech leave their employers midcareer, according to the NCWIT. And according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research, fewer than 8 percent of women own tech-related patents, which dramatically affects the number of female-led innovations that will be taken to market. Yet when women develop products and lead their companies, those organizations not only hire more women and increase diversity but also perform three times better than those with male CEOs, according to Quantopian, an investment platform. More-diverse companies also have 22 percent lower turnover. Starting with the process of ideation, women experience barriers to success. The lack of female-led patents has long-term bearings on how women are served in the marketplace. "The tech world in particular is ironically reluctant to look at data when it comes to their own makeup as an industry," says Caroline Criado-Perez, author of Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed by Men (Abrams Press, 2019). "When women are left out of the research, tech entrepreneurs and product developers can't get enough good data to determine what products women need and what will work optimally for men and women alike." The lack of women involved in product design shows up constantly. The list of examples in Criado-Perez's book is vast, and some of the tech-centered misses include mobile phones that are too big for the average woman's hands; voice recognition software that struggles to understand women (Google's version is 70 percent more likely to understand men); fitness monitors that underestimate steps during housework by up to 74 percent and don't count steps while pushing a stroller (because of the lack of arm movement); and even emojis that default to male images. Criado-Perez encourages tech companies to pay attention because there are massive financial implications to ignoring the role of women in product design. "When a product only appeals to one-half of the population," she says, "it leaves room for a better option to come in and fill the gap." Removing the Bias To get more women on design teams and into tech roles in general, the solution to bias has to occur at the recruiting and hiring stage. In 2016, technology industry recruiter Speak With a Geek sent out 5,000 resumes with identical information to companies. One set of resumes included gendered names and biographical information, and the other set omitted those details. When those identifying aspects were removed from the resumes, 54 percent of the women received interview offers; when gendered names and other biographical information were provided, only 5 percent of them did. The results don't get much better when companies use "unbiased" artificial intelligence to recruit candidates. Amazon recently had to scrap its new recruiting engine because its algorithm wasn't gender-neutral. A decade's worth of the company's resumes had taught the system that male candidates were preferable. Company leaders at LinkedIn suggest that consideration for gender in the recruiting process is paramount. Maria Zhang, vice president of engineering at LinkedIn, notes that in general there are more male candidates than female candidates for open software engineering roles. However, she says the company's research found that outreach from recruiters matters: "When women appear in recruiter search results, they're 13 percent less likely to be viewed by recruiters than men. While biasintentional or unintentionalcan creep into the hiring process, there are ways recruiters and hiring managers can be informed and conscious about increasing the number of women in their talent pipeline." The Need to Be Seen and Heard Despite the challenges, there is positive movement. Government and industry efforts to engage young girls in tech and encourage them to pursue roles in fields related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) have increased over the last decade. Popping up everywhere are programs such as Million Women Mentors that connect mentors (both male and female) with young women to help them enter and succeed in STEM-related fields. The Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology, a global nonprofit working with women in more than 50 countries, partners with leading academic institutions for networking purposes. Women Who Code operates in 20 countries with a goal of global gender parity in tech roles. And Girls Who Code, with a network of 185,000 active users, is on a mission to close the gender gap in technology by changing the image of what a programmer looks like and does. Which begs the question: What is the image of a programmer today? And the bigger question: Is it impacting career choices for women? Researchers believe recruiters and influencers need to get better at sharing success stories of women in tech. A paper co-authored by Amanda B. Diekman, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Indiana University, stated that just because a woman is good at IT doesn't mean she'll pursue it or stick with it. Generally speaking, young women are heavily interested in subjects that have communal qualities. Therefore, they need to be reassured that IT careers are not isolating. If women perceive a career in tech as antithetical to their highly valued goalslike community and collaborationthey may choose alternative career paths. Or subsequently, in midcareer, after the possibility of advancement wanes, they may leave tech altogether to put their communal motivations and skills to better use. To attract more women to tech jobs, role models are essential, says Dorothy Hisgrove, partner and chief people officer at consultancy PwC in Australia. "You can't be what you can't see," she explains. When women leave tech, they often are not opting out for family reasons, Hisgrove adds. That's striking because it highlights that this outdated assumption could be masking the real reasons they are leaving. Data show that many of those women go on to start their own businesses. That's why PwC is focusing on the bigger issue of retention by "ensuring equity in access to leadership development opportunities, transparency in performance outcomes and particularly promotion opportunities," Hisgrove says. Isaura Gaeta, vice president of security research at Intel, echoes the importance of role modeling and mentorship. She credits informal and formal networking with keeping her in tech after a lonely and challenging first decade of her career. It wasn't until she found female allies in her field that she finally felt like she belonged and that her voice was being heard. As for retaining women in tech, Gaeta asserts that the industry suffers from an "institutional bias" because engineering systems have been set up in a very gendered way: "At Intel, there are two career ladders. One is the managerial ladder that leads all the way up to vice president, and the other is the technical ladder. The most senior role on the technical ladder is called the Intel Fellowyou can tell just by the name that it's gendered. So we have to address the issue of how to start removing the assignment of what a technical leader looks like to be more inclusive of all behaviors." Maintaining the Learning Curve Jill Larsen, executive vice president and chief people officer at Medidata Solutions, believes that the key to retention lies in a strong culture of learning and pursuing stretch goals. Larsen says the company provides support and guidance as needed to those in the stretch assignments "and we make their successes in these roles visible to highlight their achievements." On top of its efforts to remove bias from hiring and recruitment, LinkedIn is also tackling the retention challenge affecting most tech firms today. Erica Lockheimer, vice president of engineering for LinkedIn Learning, kicked off the annual Women Connect conference three years ago. The most recent gathering to support women in business included an open dialogue between CEO Jeff Weiner and Lockheimer about empathy, compassion and women's empowerment. "As a leader, first you need to figure out what each person on your team is motivated by and drive that back to the mission," Lockheimer claims. "It's essential to remind your team that every job function and role has meaning and value." Women may represent a smaller portion of the tech industry than men, but their impact is mighty. When they're heard, the world reaps the benefits. Their brilliant, although often overlooked, inventions have shaped the modern world. Grace Hopper's "compiler" revolutionized computer programming and defined the term "debugging." The work of Shirley Ann Jackson, a theoretical physicist, enabled others to invent fiber optic cables and solar cells. Ada Lovelace was the first person to write a computer program, while the principles of Hedy Lamar and George Antheil's radio guidance systems laid the track for modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. Add to the list the invention of nine coding languages, and one is left with an inarguable rationale for why the world needs more women in tech. Jennifer Moss is author of Unlocking Happiness at Work (Kogan Page, 2016) and co-founder of Plasticity Labs, a research and consulting company in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Explore Further SHRM provides resources to help company leaders better understand and address the IT gender gap. Book Blog: Girls Who Code In an effort to correct the gender imbalance in tech jobs, Reshma Saujani founded Girls Who Code, a national nonprofit organization that teaches girls to code and exposes them to tech jobs. She talked to HR Magazine about her passion and her book, Girls Who Code: Learn to Code and Change the World (Viking, 2017). Promoting Gender Diversity at SAP: A Q&A with Shuchi Sharma SAP, a multinational software corporation based in Germany with over 96,000 employees in more than 130 countries, promotes diversity and inclusion in a variety of ways, says the companys global head of equality and intelligence. Many Women in STEM Have Experienced Workplace Inequity A majority of women working in STEM fields say they have experienced workplace discrimination, according to the Pew Research Center. While discrimination is not limited to these fields, "those in STEM stand out," the Pew report noted. In Focus: Tech Industry Struggles with Diversity and Male Discontent Major tech companies are struggling with diversity, and their efforts to address it are fueling discontent in some cornersincluding among white men. Page Content Acknowledging the need to intensify the fight against sexual harassment and sexist attitudes, French law has been amended to strengthen anti-harassment measures. Since Jan. 1, companies with more than 250 employees have been required to designate a harassment officer whose role is to direct, inform and support employees who are confronting sexual harassment and sexist attitudes. Harassment Officer's Role The French Labor Code mentions only that the harassment officer is supposed to direct, inform and support employees in the fight against sexual harassment. The role and duties of this harassment officer are thus vague at this stage. But in a guide, the government suggested the following role for the harassment officer: Introduce awareness-raising measures and training measures for employees and managers. Direct employees toward competent authorities (e.g., a labor inspector). Implement internal procedures to encourage the reporting and processing of claims of sexual harassment or sexist attitudes. Conduct internal investigations after the reporting of claims of sexual harassment or sexist attitudes. Who Can Be a Harassment Officer? The harassment officer should necessarily be an employee of the company. To execute his or her duties, he or she should also have the right skills to deal with sexual harassment-related issues. This is the reason why in practice it is likely that the role of the harassment officer will be executed by an HR professional. So far, French law does not provide for any sanction if a harassment officer is not designated in the company. But noncompliance may be used to demonstrate that the employer breached its duty of care. Designation of a Harassment Officer by the Social and Economic Committee When there is a social and economic committee (SEC) in the company, there must be a harassment officer, even in companies with less than 250 employees. An SEC must be established in companies with more than 11 employees. The harassment officer is designated by the members of the committee. Just as the other members of the SEC, the harassment officer will benefit from the necessary training in terms of health, security and working conditions to execute his or her duties. This harassment officer will be an additional contact person for employees facing sexual harassment or sexist behaviors. Caroline Froger-Michon and Madeleine Benistan are attorneys with CMS Francis Lefebvre Avocats in Paris. 2019 CMS Francis Lefebvre Avocats. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission of Lexology. Page Content There is a quiet effort by the authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to identify employers that have not registered their employees eligible for the UAE state pension. The potential liabilities faced by these employers do not make for easy reading. This article sets out the statutory pension obligations on employers and employees based in the UAE and the associated penalties for noncompliance. Different rules apply in the other Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries and for UAE national employees working in Abu Dhabi. Background In the GCC, governments have implemented state pension schemes for the benefit of their employed citizens. But not all of those who are entitled to participate in the state pension schemes in their country are registered and therefore not all eligible employees benefit from the scheme. While there are a number of reasons for this, the primary reason appears to be a lack of knowledge about the statutory obligations by individuals and employers alike. The UAE Federal Pensions and Social Security Law No.7 of 1999 governs pension provision for eligible UAE nationals. The Pensions Law was effectively supplemented on Jan. 1, 2007, by the introduction of the GCC Pensions Resolution, which obliges the registration of all non-UAE GCC nationals ("GCC nationals") employed in the UAE for a pension in accordance with the schemes established in their home countries. The Pensions Law and Resolution apply equally throughout the UAE to all employers, including the various free zones in the UAE. As a result of the Pensions Law and Resolution, every qualifying UAE and GCC national working in the UAE must be registered by their employer with the General Pensions and Social Security Authority (GPSSA), the federal body responsible for administering UAE state pensions. These employees are not entitled to receive end-of-service gratuity. As for GCC nationals, the GPSSA acts as a conduit for remitting contributions paid by employers and employees to the state pension authority in the employee's home country. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has a separate pension law. The Pensions Law and Resolution do not provide a time bar for claims for an employer's noncompliance. The result is that an employer's failure to register an employee and pay contributions to the state pension scheme and any resulting liabilities are not extinguished by lapse of time or any other circumstances. Therefore, when an employer has not registered an eligible employee with the GPSSA, the penalties for noncompliance can be onerous. Who Must Be Registered? Only UAE national employees who hold a "family book" are required to be enrolled in the GPSSA pension scheme. By contrast, GCC nationals qualify for registration solely based on their nationality and proof thereof: there is no requirement to provide a family book or equivalent. Importantly, eligible UAE and GCC nationals cannot opt out and registration is a mandatory requirement. Registration To register employees, an employer must first register with the GPSSA. Then, the employer will be provided with a registration number, akin to an account or identification number. At the time of registration employees will also receive an individual registration number upon first registration, which will remain with the employee during the employee's entire working life. Eligible workers must be registered within one month of the date of commencement of their employment. Accordingly, when employers enter into an employment contract with an UAE or GCC national employee, it is worth the employer giving thought at that stage to the organization's registration status. If the employer is not already registered with the GPSSA, perhaps because the employer has not previously employed UAE or GCC nationals, it is useful to begin the registration process as early as possible to avoid delaying the employee's registration and incurring the associated penalties. Penalties Any eligible employee who was not registered during the course of employment can make a valid claim for contributions either directly or via the GPSSA. The GPSSA itself may also claim for unpaid contributions from the employer. Late registration may attract penalties in the form of late fees and other fines. Penalties are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the GPSSA, acting when necessary on behalf of the relevant pension authorities in the other GCC countries. When the penalties relate to the late registration of a GCC national, the relevant state pension authority will determine the applicable fines and will communicate this to the GPSSA, that in turn, will seek to recover these from the employer. When pension contributions are paid late, the GPSSA may impose fines on the employer that are calculated at the daily rate of 0.1 percent of the contributions payable for each day that the contributions are overdue. Similarly, when an employer has failed to register employees with the GPSSA, the employer can be fined 5,000 UAE dirhams (approximately U.S. $1,361) per employee in addition to its obligation to make the unpaid contributions. State Pension in Abu Dhabi The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has a separate pension law, the Civil Pensions and Benefits in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Law No. 2 of 2000, and a separate authority, the Abu Dhabi Retirement and Pensions Fund (ADRPF), which manages pensions on behalf of Abu Dhabi-based and employed UAE nationals. The ADRPF does not manage the pensions on behalf of GCC nationals; this responsibility still lies with the GPSSA. Similar considerations and obligations to those outlined above continue to apply in Abu Dhabi. The main difference is in terms of liability for noncompliance. Essentially, late payment of contributions will attract fines of 100 UAE dirhams per day (approximately U.S. $22) and the ADRPF may apply unspecified fines for nonregistration or late registration, where the time limit for registration of individuals is 10 days. Increased Enforcement Efforts The authorities are increasing their efforts to identify employers that are not complying with their applicable pension requirements including, in some cases, physical inspections by the relevant pension authority. We are aware of employers whose failure to register eligible employees has been the subject of significant penalties. The concerted effort to identify employers that are not complying with the applicable pension regulations is likely to intensify in the future. In light of the potential liabilities on employers for failure to comply, it is recommended that all employers ensure that their eligible employees are registered as soon as possible. Gordon Barr and Yasmin Naja are attorneys with Al Tamimi & Co. in Dubai, UAE. Al Tamimi & Co. belongs to Ius Laboris, the world's largest global HR and employment law firm alliance. 2019 Al Tamimi & Co. All rights reserved. Reposted with permission of Lexology. (Island Government is a periodic roundup of Staten Island political and civic events.) CITY HALL -- Rep. Max Rose introduced legislation this week to crack down on ghost guns. Ghost guns are unregistered, untraceable weapons that are sold and assembled without a serial number and evade federal firearm regulations. Roses legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis to put together an annual terrorism threat assessment on the availability of ghost guns with state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials. Our local law enforcement officials have expressed growing concerns to me over the threat of untraceable and unregistered ghost guns as they work to keep us safe every day,said Rose, chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism. They need data and information on just how many of these illegal weapons are out there and where theyre coming from in order to properly prepare and address this threat. This is an important first step in giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep our communities safe. REILLY URGES MAYOR TO NOT LET SCHOOLS BE USED AS EARLY VOTING SITES Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-South Shore) sent a letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio to express concern about the using local school buildings for early voting. "At most schools, voting machines are being placed in cafeterias, gymnasiums, and even the building's main lobby. It impedes a student's ability to navigate their school safely, and sometimes causes them to miss valuable academic time," said Reilly. He continued, "Before early voting, schools were disrupted for just a maximum of three or four days each election year, but now we are inconveniencing students, teachers, and administrators for a minimum of 24 days to accommodate a 12-day primary election, and a 12-day general election, not to mention an additional 12-days for any special election. It's ridiculous, plain and simple." Reilly pointed out the negative using schools for early voting would have on school safety and requested that the mayor reconsider using public, private, or parochial schools as early voting poll sites. He suggested instead that the mayor consider alternative sites like community centers, libraries, and institutions of higher education. REP. ROSES BILL REQUIRING VA TO REPORT ON VETERANS SUICIDE PASSES COMMITTEE Rep. Max Roses legislation that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to do more reporting on the number of veterans dying by suicide in VA facilities has passed the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. The issue of veteran suicides is a public health crisis and we have to do more, full stop, said Rose, a member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. We cannot let this get dragged into the politics and partisanship that has taken hold of Washington, which is why Im encouraged by the broad, bipartisan support for this legislation and the broader efforts of the Veterans Affairs Committee. Its critical we get this done and todays passage through Committee is an important step towards that goal. CITY HALL -- Police Commissioner James ONeill is doubling down on calling on Congress to fully fund and permanently reauthorize the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund. On Friday, the NYPD added the names of 47 fallen officers on the Police Memorial in the lobby of One Police Plaza in Manhattan in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, Oneill said in a op-ed in ABC News. Oneill said all of those officers lost their lives to 9/11 related illnesses. The police commissioners plea comes as lawmakers have been urging their congressional colleagues to support legislation that would fully fund and permanently reauthorize the VCF. The time has come to recognize that we cannot place a financial cap or temporal limit on this slow-moving human crisis. We must recognize that our estimates of the damage done were too low in both 2010 and 2015, and that the current plan to close out the fund by December 2020 is unrealistic, Oneill wrote. The fund announced earlier this year it will be forced to dramatically cut the future awards made to sick victims and families. The head of the fund said a record number of claims submitted in 2018 and this year have left insufficient funding in the VCF to pay all current and future claims. In February, the VCF said it awarded nearly $5 billion in original and amended determinations on more than 21,000 claims, leaving about $2.3 billion of the $7.3 billion appropriated funding available to compensate all pending and future claims filed through Dec. 18, 2020. Oneill called on the VCF to not desert the remaining claimants and urged Congress to create an open-ended plan to support and honor 9/11 victims. He said the department lost 23 officers in the attack itself, and since that time has lost more than 200 others to 9/11 related illnesses. As New York City police commissioner, I encounter old friends and acquaintances and other members of my department who are 9/11 casualties at various department events. They are battling lung cancer, leukemia, brain cancer, skin cancer, lymphoma and 15 other varieties of cancer, among other diseases. It is painful to see formerly robust police officers and civilians ravaged and weakened by their ailments. How much more painful would it be if we stopped supporting them and honoring their sacrifice? Last year, the fund said that since it began accepting claims in 2011, some 3,194 Staten Islanders have submitted claims to the VCF and the fund has awarded 1,706 claims to Island residents. The highest number of claims both submitted and awarded came from Island residents living in the 10312, 10314, and 10306 zip codes. FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER. CITY HALL -- Officer Daniel Pantaleos upcoming disciplinary trial in 2014 death of Eric Garner will move forward on Monday as planned, an NYPD judge ruled Friday. On Monday, Pantaleo will face excessive force charges for allegedly using a banned chokehold against Eric Garner, who died in 2014 in Tompkinsville after the officer used put him in a chokehold while arresting him. NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Trials Rosemarie Maldonado, who is set to oversee the trial, had been mulling a decision on Pantaleos defenses challenge on the Civilian Complaint Review Boards charges against Pantaleo. The CCRB is trying to charge Pantaleo with felony and misdemeanor offenses and is using the NYPDs Patrol Guide to prove he used excessive force on Garner. But Pantaleos attorney Stuart London is has been trying to get the CCRBs Patrol Guide charges dismissed because he said the board did not file those charges within 18 months On Friday, Moldonado ruled that the Patrol Guide violations cannot be the basis for a disciplinary decision against Pantaleo because the CCRB failed to bring those charges forward after the statue of limitations expired. The CCRB will have to prove charges of a higher degree showing that Pantaleo committed either an assault in the third degree or strangulation in the first degree. MAYOR AVOIDS WEIGHING IN ON UPCOMING TRIAL Mayor Bill de Blasio avoided weighing in Friday on how justice should run its course in the upcoming trial. "Its a trial, it is due process, its not my place to pass judgment, its a full trial that needs to take place and once and for all have closure on this case, de Blasio said when asked on The Brian Lehrer Show what he justice would look like for him in the upcoming trial. "We owe it to the people of the city and the Garner family to get to whatever resolution a court process brings and that will happen this year, he continued. The mayor said the biggest mistake was that the U.S. Department of Justice let its civil rights investigation fall through the cracks. After a Staten Island grand jury declined to indict Pantaleo on criminal charges, the DOJ moved forward with a civil rights investigation into the incident. Because of that investigation, the NYPD said it would delay its own internal disciplinary proceedings against the officers involved to not influence the DOJ investigation. But over the summer, several years after Garners death, the NYPD changed course and said it would proceed with departmental charges against Pantaleo that could result in his termination. The NYPDs decision came a day after the DOJ told the NYPD it had no objection with it moving forward. Both the mayor and Garner family say they have yet to hear from the DOJ about the status of its investigation. Meantime, the Garner family and advocates have been calling for other officers involved in Garners death to also face disciplinary proceedings. Police Commissioner James ONeill has declined to say whether those officers would face disciplinary proceedings or if he would agree to fire Pantaleo if the judge overseeing his trail ruled against him. Pantaleo and Sgt. Kizzy Adonis are the only two officers with pending disciplinary charges. Asked why the other officers are not also standing trial, the mayor avoided weighing in and said he trusts the NYPDs disciplinary process. I think that the NYPD process is effective, I've watched it in many many cases and I've seen real consequences in the cases there was proof that an officer had done something wrong, but I'm not going to get into the details of this one because this is an ongoing trial but there was a full disciplinary review. The NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Trials has denied the Pantaleo motion to dismiss based on the existing law that applies in all administrative cases. This means that the trial will proceed on Monday, May 13, and the prosecution, based on the existing law, must prove that the misconduct encompasses the factual elements of a criminal offense before an officer may be found guilty of an administrative violation, as it is now beyond the 18 month statute of limitations period," NYPD spokesman Phil Walzak said. "The burden of proof in this Administrative proceeding remains the same -- by preponderance of the evidence -- and the same legal and evidentiary standards apply, as they do in all department trials. On Thursday, a New York State Supreme Court judge said Pantaleos trial could proceed as planned. Pantaleos defense had tried to get the Civilian Complaint Review Board from prosecuting the case, arguing the board lacked jurisdiction to do so. But the judge denied Pantaleos attorneys petition for a preliminary injunction against the upcoming trial All we have asked for in this process is fairness, so we are glad that the judge has rejected the CCRBs attempt to skirt the law. This case now boils down to a single fact: P.O. Pantaleo did not commit a crime. A grand jury of regular New Yorkers has already reviewed the same evidence and come to that conclusion. This disciplinary trial must yield a similar result," said PBA President Patrick Lynch. FOLLOW SYDNEY KASHIWAGI ON TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The city Police Department is asking for the publics assistance in locating a male who is being sought in connection with a robbery pattern on Manhattan subways. The first incident -- reported to police on April 29, 2019 at 2:05 p.m. aboard a southbound F Train at the 57th Street station -- involved an alleged victim, who said her bag was removed from her lap while she was sleeping, police said. The 20-year-old female told police she awakened to find an unidentified male removing her bag from her lap. The man fled the train and the subway system, police said. The victims bag was subsequently recovered in the vicinity of West 57 Street and 6th Avenue, however, $40 was removed, police said. SECOND INCIDENT The second incident involved a 73-year-old female, who was approached from behind at the 96 Street station (ACBD Lines) on May 2, 2019 at 4:15 p.m., according to police. An unidentified male followed the alleged victim, punched her in face, removed her bag and fled on foot, police said. The womans bag was recovered with $60 missing from it, police said. She was transported to Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan, and treated for a cut to her lip, said police. The Deputy Commissioner of Police Information (DCPI) released the above photos and video showing an unidentified male fleeing on West 97 Street after the incident with the victims bag. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential. Update: The missing 15-year-old has been found. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The city Police Department is seeking the publics assistance in locating a missing 15-year-old female from New Brighton. America Cruz was last seen leaving her Pine Street residence on her way to school on May 8, 2019 at 8 a.m., said police. Cruz is described as being approximately 5-foot 10-inches tall, weighing 220 pounds with brown eyes and black hair, said police. She was last seen wearing blue jeans and a gray hooded sweatshirt with the words Aeropostale, said police. Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, or on Twitter @ NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police are searching for a man who allegedly punched, robbed stabbed another male in Princes Bay on Friday afternoon, said an NYPD spokesman. After an altercation with another male nearby the Princes Bay train station, a man was robbed and stabbed with an unknown object and take to Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, said the police spokesman. The alleged victim was treated for a puncture wound to the abdomen, said the NYPD spokesman on Saturday. The stabbing occurred near the intersection of Florence Place and Seguine Avenue, police said, which is less than a quarter-mile from the Princes Bay station. The investigation is ongoing, said police. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Rep. Max Rose pressed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during a Committee on Homeland Security hearing about its preparedness for future superstorm response. Specifically, Rose asked the agency if it has a database of pre-approved contractors that are able to perform recovery efforts should another superstorm hit Staten Island and the other boroughs. Is there any mechanism in place, and this for all of you, for us to ensure district by district that you have done that. So, if I have a superstorm hit next week, is there any database where I can look at and say Alright man, FEMAs good to go, weve got our X, Y, Z contractors already in place. Do we have any system in place where I can ensure that you have done your job? Rose asked. Associate Administrator for Mission Support at FEMA Marie Mak was unable to say if such database existed. Rose called the days after the storm chaotic and spoke about how many Staten Island residents were taken advantage of. My district was one of the hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy. We experienced firsthand how many bad contractors were really hired and how they just totally failed the great people of Staten Island and South Brooklyn and New York City, Rose said. Contractors on the ground, they kept changing the rules on victims while losing their paperwork over and over and over again. They were overpaid. People got rich. And believe it or not, my District Office still has active cases dealing with recovery, he went on to say. The bottom line is, he said, is that his constituents were failed by all levels of government. I wont stop fighting until every agency has put into place adequate resources and plans so that no constituent of mine or any other American is put through that hell again, he said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A man allegedly stabbed in the back by a Midland Beach woman has died, according to law enforcement sources. Identified by sources with knowledge of the investigation as Angelo Martinez, he succumbed to injuries sustained in an altercation on Tuesday. At her arraignment in Criminal Court on Wednesday, the lawyer for Vanessa Arroyo, 26, who is accused of assault and weapon possession for allegedly stabbing Martinez, was acting in self defense. The lawyer for Vanessa Arroyo, 26, explained to the court that Arroyos husband was allegedly being attacked by three men wielding bats near Midland Avenue and Grimsby Street at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The defense contends that Arroyo, who was visibly emotional at the arraignment, was acting in self defense and attempting to protect her husband when she inflicted injury upon the man. Neighbors on Grimsby Street, between Midland and Bedford avenues, said a large fight broke out at the intersection, resulting in the stabbing, about an hour after a previous dispute on their block, the Advance previously reported. Arroyos lawyer added that she does not have a criminal record and is currently employed. The next court date is scheduled for May 13. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Undelivered packages to Staten Islanders have sparked a push to give borough residents more options for pickup. A spokesman for City Councilwoman Debi Rose said residents in several North Shore apartment complexes, most recently at the Richmond Terrace Houses and Park Hill development in Clifton, have made complaints about not receiving their packages meant to be delivered by UPS Inc. Two constituents filed complaints with the New York City Commission on Human Rights, and several complaints were filed with the Better Business Bureau, according to the spokesman. According to Roses office, the councilwoman met with UPS representatives on April 15 to discuss accessibility and safety concerns. At a time when ordering merchandise online including everyday household goods is becoming more convenient, economical and common, it is not acceptable that some residents in housing complexes are not receiving their deliveries in an efficient manner, Rose said in a statement. When I heard these complaints, I brought UPS to the table to identify possible short- and long-term solutions. One of the solutions is an increased prevalence of UPS Access Point lockers, according to Roses spokesman. The lockers provide people with secure, designated locations to have their packages dropped off. Two of the lockers already exist in the borough -- one at 160 Broad St. in Stapleton, and the other at 1331 Travis Ave. in Travis at the UPS Customer Center, according to the company. Amazon has its own type of security lockers at 7-Eleven locations across the borough. Roses office said a possible solution for her constituents not receiving their packages would be to install the lockers in location at or near the Park Hill development in Clifton, the West Brighton Houses, and the North Shore Plaza along Holland Avenue in Mariners Harbor. A spokeswoman for UPS said the company will bring packages to the lockers, if a delivery attempt is unsuccessful, or people who sign up for a free UPS membership program can have it delivered directly there. That membership program also gives them the option of having their packages delivered to certain stores in the area that participate in the companys Access Point program. MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital, in Long Beach, continued a years-long tradition this week of wrapping infants born on or right before Christmas in red stockings. Id like to provide some additional information for clarification and context in response to the Staten Island Advance commentary piece Now its National Grids turn to vacuum out our wallets, on May 5 and news article National Grid seeks increase of $16.50 a month for Staten Island on May 1. First, the rate review process requires that our filing propose new delivery rates for one year based on estimates of expenses to operate the company and provide our New York City-based customers with safe and reliable natural gas service for heating, cooking, hot water and laundry, as was noted by the editorial writer. However, were interested in exploring a multi-year rate plan settlement that would allow us to maximize efficiencies over a three- to four-year period to help lessen the impact on customers bills. In addition, the news article mentioned that our filing includes costs to help pay for the Massachusetts steelworkers union settlement. Please note that these costs are separate and not included as part of our filing. Id also like to make sure that our customers know they have a voice in this process. The 11-month rate review process proceeds in an entirely public and open process with hearings and recommendations about the proposal. And finally, I want to guide customers to ngrid.com/nycratefiling where they can find further details on our proposed filing. (Keith Rooney is director of customer and community management for National Grid.) To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! A driver who allegedly caused a catastrophic pile-up on Sydney's M4, killing a tradesman on his way to work, was applying "harsh and unnecessary" braking and swerved across three lanes of traffic, a court has been told. Irishman Francis Shanley, 36, died in the crash involving at least eight cars and a truck at the Church Street off-ramp in Mays Hill on Thursday morning. Francis Omigie, 53, was refused bail at court on Saturday. Credit:Facebook About 200 metres of debris was left sprawled along the motorway. Police arrested Francis Omigie, 53, on Friday night and charged him with dangerous driving occasioning death and other offences. Niklas Pohler case : Justice does not meet own requirements Bonn In the case of Niklas Pohler, the state's recommendations for action to protect victims have been ignored. According to the recommendations, victims and their relatives should be informed of the results of the investigation. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken One week ago, the German Press Agency reported on the end of the Bonn public prosecutor's investigation into the death of 17-year-old Niklas. One day later Denise Pohler, the mother of Niklas, wrote to the General-Anzeiger that she had only learned about the decision of the public prosecutor's office from the media. This had been "so shortly before the third anniversary of his death, once again completely free of all empathy. The Bonn Attorney General Robin Fabender then declared on Monday that his authority would apologize to Niklas' mother in a timely manner and admitted a communication gap.However, this should not have happened, because in the final report of March 2017 of the State Parliament Investigation Committee for the Processing of the Acts of the National Socialist Underground (NSU), 29 recommendations for action were laid down, which are to apply generally in the future - 22 to the security and investigating authorities as well as seven on victim protection and prevention. Point 25 states: "It must be ensured that victims or surviving dependants of the most serious criminal offences, even in cases in which a perpetrator has not been identified, are informed of the outcome of the investigation at the latest after its conclusion. This information must be recorded." Fabender had stated at the beginning of the week that he had not been aware that the notifications of relatives had been postponed "for factual reasons" when he had spoken with media representatives about the suspension of the proceedings. In principle, however, the recommendations for action apply. For example, it was not until the end of January that the state government, in response to a small question from the SPD parliamentary group, declared: "The recommendations for action no. 14 to 25, which ... concern the recruitment procedure of the police, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the judiciary, have been implemented". The recommendations for action formed "important points of orientation, especially for the work of the security authorities". In this context, the SPD in the Landtag criticises Justice Minister Peter Biesenbach (CDU). "The recommendations for action made to the security authorities speak for themselves," writes Andreas Kossiski (SPD), a member of Cologne's state parliament. They would have the highest relevance for the protection of victims. "Minister Biesenbach himself was a member of this committee of inquiry and co-authored the recommendations for action. Only he obviously did not implement them - contrary to his assertions." The answer of the Ministry of Justice to the inquiry "against the background of the communication gap in this tragic case works like a mockery". According to Kossiski, the SPD parliamentary group von Biesenbach expects a report in the next session of the legal committee. In response to a GA request, the Ministry of Justice points out that Niklas' mother and the defendants had not yet been informed of the suspension, which had already been issued on March 5, because no decision had yet been taken on the "extensive evidence" and the responsible head of department had still wanted to have the files submitted again. The mistake had been that the "very experienced department head responsible for press matters in the capital department had inadvertently failed to reassure himself with the department head or to inspect the investigation procedure". As far as the recommendations for action are concerned, according to the Ministry of Justice these are "known to the press officers and will be observed. And what about the promptly intended apology on the part of the public prosecutor's office? Denise Pohler told the GA that on this Friday the public prosecutor's office had contacted its pastor, Wolfgang Picken, to make an appointment. She added in the e-mail that she would think about itwhen she was ready. The Ministry of Justice explains: According to the media reports, the victim's mother was heavily burdened by the public announcement that the proceedings had been discontinued. Therefore, the notice of discontinuance had not yet been sent. Apparently, the authority wants to hand over the letter to her in the planned meeting. According to the ministry, this meeting will also be about the apology. Illustration: Matt Golding Credit: It is encouraging that the Public Spaces Minister, Rob Stokes, is planning to buy "forgotten land" for open space ("Forgotten land' to link open space: Stokes", May 5). Inner West councils have the least open green space per capita in Sydney, and Minister Stokes has a golden opportunity to address this issue by revisiting the proposed re-industrialisation of Glebe Island. Stokes was the Minister for Planning when the 2015 Bays Transformation Plan was conceived to rehabilitate and transform the Bays Precinct, including Glebe Island. This plan set out a vision to create a stunning waterfront destination that delivered public spaces, promenades and workplaces we can all be proud of. Regrettably it was dumped by his colleagues in favour of industrial activities such as a concrete batching plant that will create more pollution and traffic chaos in the Inner West. Hopefully Stokes, as Minister for both Planning and Public Spaces, will reprioritise green space over smoke stacks. - Stephen Paull, Pyrmont A driver has unwittingly wound up behind bars on drugs and weapons charges after approaching police to tell them he knew another man whose vehicle they were searching. Tri Huu Dao, 34, approached in his Nissan Cube to where officers had allegedly uncovered a full-face respirator, methamphetamine and cash after stopping a Toyota Yaris driven by Phong Le, 41, in Canley Vale, south-west of Sydney, at 8pm on Friday night. After Mr Dao claimed to know Mr Le, police searched the second vehicle, allegedly finding methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, laser pointers, a flick knife, and 9 kilograms of caustic soda. Mr Dao was also searched, with officers allegedly finding cash and a credit card knife. Police arrested both men, leading them to execute search warrants for a storage facility at Wetherill Park, where chemicals were seized, and a home Fairfield West on Saturday. Some gambling companies are using a legal loophole to induce punters to gamble online while regulators are cracking down on others. NSW passed laws in July 2018 banning the promotion or inducement to gamble, although an exemption allows such advertising on racing websites. Free bet offers to sign up to gambling websites are illegal in NSW unless they are on a racing website. Credit:Racenet.com.au Since then, 19 prosecutions have caught online gambling companies breaking this law by using other sites such as on Apples app store. Regulators are cracking down on these companies with prosecutions running twice a month on average since July last year but the fines are a mere "cost of doing business", critics say. More than 100 cannabis plants have been seized by police from a suburban home in Sydney's south-west after emergency services responded to reports the house was on fire. Emergency services uncovered a cannabis crop in each of the five bedrooms of the home in Bankstown when they were called to the Percy Street property about 6.15pm on Saturday. Firefighters contained the blaze to the front room of the single-storey house but discovered an enhanced cannabis set-up when they checked if anyone was inside the rest of the home. They found 106 cannabis plants and a sophisticated hydro set-up. A man has been charged in Queensland after allegedly firing at a police car in Ipswich and had a stand off with police for about one hour. Police said officers responded to reports of a weapon being fired on Parker Street at Goodna, about 20 kilometres south-west of Brisbane, just before 8pm on Friday when shots were allegedly fired at a police vehicle, causing damaging a door. A man allegedly fired at a police car in Ipswich. Credit:Queensland Police Service The area was cordoned off while more police officers were called to the scene. After 9pm, police claim the man armed with a rifle surrendered to specialist officers and was taken into custody without incident. The current approved hourly rate for a CW1 general labourer or traffic controller is $43.53 an hour, a huge jump from the average $22 in childcare. Men make up 88 per cent of the construction workforce in Australia and 84 per cent in mining, while women dominate healthcare and social assistance at 79 per cent, according to 2017-18 Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. But only 2 per cent of construction apprentices are female. Kangan Institute lead educator in construction Mick Fry said they would be lucky to have one or two female pre-apprentices in a class. Its been a slow uptake, he said. But the pre-apprenticeship painting class is bucking the trend, with seven female students out of 42. Through our painting department, three of our last four apprentices of the year have actually been girls, he said. And the last two apprentices of the year were also women in the electrical department. Legislation around discrimination and bullying will definitely be making it easier for women in the trades, but the on-site behaviour that I had to deal with as an apprentice 30 years ago is not the same. People have modified their behaviour to make it more comfortable for people to be there. Cody Taylor, 20, is one of two women in her pre-apprenticeship carpentry course of about 15 students. Twenty-year-old pre-apprentice Cody Taylor. Credit:Jason South "Growing up my mum has always been in a male-dominated workforce; she works on the wharf," she said. "I was always told if you want to do it, you can do it. It doesn't matter if it's a male-dominated place." When Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union women's officer Lisa Zanatta started in the industry 30 years ago, porn was plastered to the walls of construction sites. She campaigned to rule that out back in the 1990s, but still works with employers "on a daily basis" to make the industry more appealing to women and counter cases of gender harassment. "While there are only a few women here and there, they are still the minority, they are still looked upon as unequal," she said. She says of 30,000 Victorian construction union members, about 300 are women. Although the figure could be higher as traffic controllers are generally un-unionised. She believes as more women join the industry, they will become less of "a novelty or gimmick, or ticking the numbers or the quotas box". The Construction Skills Queensland chief exeuctive officer Brett Schimming says the root of constructions gender problem is not womens work preferences; it is the industrys culture and those who perpetuate it. "As long as the culture of construction remains unattractive to women, we will continue to see little progress made," Mr Schimming said. Ms Zanatta said change needs to come not only from the industry itself, but from entry into it. Does the perception or the culture of the industry prohibit young girls from thinking about completing a trade? We think, possibly yes. "We have a really big challenge to change the minds and attitudes of not only careers in schools but how blue-collar industries [are perceived]. Also the conversations we're having with our daughters around dinner tables," she said. Kelly Ngu, 26, says there have been changes since she started (she now has access to a female toilet), but public perception of construction workers is still outdated. Kelly Ngu is a hoist operator. Credit:Jason South "I get it sometimes off the road from the public. I get a lot of people saying to me you should be working at a department store, you should be working at David Jones or Myer, youre too pretty," she said. "I dont think they really understand what Im capable of at a worksite. "I love my job because when I wake up in the morning I feel like Im in control when Im at work. I like proving people wrong." The CFMEU, industry and state government are working in the Building Industry Consultative Council on the states first Women in Construction Strategy after $500,000 was committed in June last year. The strategy is expected to be launched in the coming months and is part of a push to get more women into the industry. But Mrs Lebessis from Burwood East doesn't think the boys' club mentality will ever change and that "guys have adapted as much as they can". "The fact they are more respectful to us and invite us in, personally, is enough," she said. "I think trying to change the industry just won't be the construction industry anymore, it just won't be what it is. "I don't think guys are discriminating as much as they used to do. They are accepting more. I think it's come along way from where it was many years ago." Teena Simpson, 51, has been in the industry for 17 years and although she doesn't think it's a boys' club, she does think there are some older generation construction workers who probably don't like women coming into the industry. When she started she was the only woman on site and recommends women who are interested in construction get a trade. "It's just like any job. We're not here to take over the world. We just want to be equal and do a fair day's work and I think the guys now, they accept it more. They get used to you being on site." But just a year later, those endeavours he wanted for himself and his family appeared to evaporate. Mr Cockman said despite police telling him his kids died peacefully, he still felt exactly the same way now as he did the moment he found out his children were killed. I still cant look at photos of the kids, he said. I havent even looked at any video footage since they died. I cant. Itll probably take a few more years. For now, though, the clear memories he has with his children and of each of their personalities is enough, and often painful for Mr Cockman. Thousands and thousands of memories come into your head every day, he said. Some days, I just cant deal with the memories and I try and pretend it didnt happen. Trying to stay on top of being alive is hard enough, let alone trying to deal with the emotional rollercoaster of your own thoughts and memories. Rylan, 12, Taye, 13, Arye, 10 and Kaydn, 8. Credit:Facebook One memory Mr Cockman does remember fondly is the last time he took his children snorkelling. Although they were freezing they didnt want to get out of the water. Its the enthusiasm of the kids, I really miss that having kids, he said. They make you just really enjoy life and want to live life. Thats what lifes about. A sad separation Before their death, Mr Cockman had been separated from his childrens lives as a result of divorce proceedings which had been tough on him and the rest of the family. Mr Cockman and Katrina separated mid-2014 and, despite court orders, he rarely got to spend time with his children in the four years before they died. The bereaved parent said the court process caused many problems and was doing more harm than good. Separating families dont belong in courts; they need help, support and much earlier, health-focused interventions, he said. And, where these measures arent enough, families need affordable access to high-quality conciliation and arbitration, too. Its so much safer than sending vulnerable parents and at-risk kids into the deadly, pressure-cooker environment of the family court. I remember thinking if I can ever make a change, I will and that was before the kids died. Aaron Cockman A renewed reason Now Mr Cockman is doing just that, making a change, with his recently launched foundation aaron4kids supported by For Kids Sake. Mr Cockman said the foundation had given him a renewed purpose to live for and the enthusiasm to know he was contributing to protecting children from what happened to his own. Eventually the foundation will have a big impact, especially once people see that Im in this for the long run, he said. Weve got good policies that really will help save kids lives. Plea for an inquest What exactly happened in Osmington that day has been the subject of a major and long running police investigation. Detectives from the Homicide Squad immediately took over the inquiry last May and spent the next several months piecing together what happened that morning, as well as what occurred in the lead-up to the tragedy. But exactly what police have found during their investigation has not yet fully come to light, as it will no doubt form part of a possible future coroner's inquest. Mr Cockman said he was hoping for a full public inquest into the tragedy. There needs to be a full and open inquest as soon as possible, he said. Im hoping an inquest will make recommendations that will help prevent another family tragedy like this one in the future. A spokeswoman for the coroner said the matter was "still being investigated" and no decision about a possible inquest had been made. "There is no timeline as when a decision will be made," the spokeswoman said. Loading Remembering, to make a change Unsure what to do today in memory of his children, Mr Cockman said it was important to him to spend it with family and friends at a place special to him and his kids. I have a big family and itll be good to have a get-together I need that for me and for them, he said. I would like people to remember my children, and Id like them to help me create a big change from something so bad, too. Thats really, really important to me now. The communitys quiet commemoration A neighbour and friend of Mrs Miles, Felicity Haynes, said there was no official memorial ceremony this weekend, with many community members rocked by the tragedy not wanting to be reminded of the horrific day. Dr Haynes said instead, most people would quietly be lighting a candle in memory of the family. A spokeswoman for Transition Town Margaret River, of which Mrs Miles was a member, said the bereaved family wanted this anniversary kept as low-key as possible, and the community respected that. Meanwhile, the remaining members of the Miles family have said that they are still "feeling the effects of this terrible incident". We have been grateful for the support we have received from our friends and the wider community," the family said in a statement. "Like all of you we remain deeply shocked at what happened on May 11 last year. We are doing our best to recover and move on with our lives." The Womens Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 007 339 The Mens Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 000 599 Sexual Assault Resource Centre: 1800 199 888 ~Sick trick did not fly in court, Court Hearing May 27th~ PHILIPSBURG:--- Suspended Member of Parliament Theodore Heyliger will have to spend the next 30 days in pretrial detention even though he is currently hospitalized at the St. Maarten Medical Center. The Judge of Instruction ruled today that Heyliger will remain in pretrial detention as the case against him will be brought to court on May 27th, 2019. On Wednesday and Thursday doctors were called to the Pointe Blanche Prison to examine Heyliger who is suffering from gout and his doctors advised that he be taken to SMMC for further medical treatment. On Thursday an ambulance went to the Pointe Blanche Prison to take Heyliger to SMMC but he refused to go since he did not want to leave the prison in handcuffs. Late Thursday afternoon Heyliger was transported to SMMC by a K-9 vehicle. Currently, he is treated for kidney stones and if the treatment does not work as expected then he will undergo surgery on Monday. Pre-trial detention T.H. extended by 30 days Today, the examining judge decided that the pre-trial detention of T.H. will be extended by 30 days. The case against T.H. and three of his co-suspects will be treated in public on May 27, 2019, for the first time. That will happen in the Courthouse in Sint Maarten. The Public Prosecutor's Office is strongly contradicting what has been said in some media that they opposed the transport of T.H. to a hospital. If they had checked with the Public Prosecutor's Office, they would have been told that the suspect - who was transferred to Point Blanche at his own request - like all suspects placed there, has access to the necessary medical care. If this involves an examination by a doctor outside the hospital, the suspect will be brought there. This is done in the same way for each suspect, that means in handcuffs. The director of the prison gives the order and not the Public Prosecutor's Office. Until yesterday, the suspect has always indicated that he did not want to be transported in handcuffs. Prosecutor's Office Press Release. PHILIPSBURG:---The Executive Director of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) Anastacio Baker, is calling on the business community to make use of Get COCI Services which are available at the Simpson Bay Public Service Center (PSC) opposite the fish market. Baker stated: Aligning with the needs of the business community by expanding our presence, was a necessary undertaking for the Chamber. The Chamber also encourages members to maximize the use of the COCI services at the Simpson Bay Public Center location especially in view of the challenges with parking and traffic congestion in route to their main offices in Philipsburg. The COCI pick up/drop off services being offered at the PSC Simpson Bay are limited to business name verification, first registrations, changes to registrations, declarations, excerpts, and file copies. For more information with regard to these services (processing times and procedures), persons can contact the Chamber of Commerce & Industry at Tel.: +1(721)542-3595, call Toll free: +1(844)SXM-C0CI or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or the Public Service Center (Simpson Bay) at 721-545-3380. The commencement of these services at the PSC is a result of a Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted by the department back in 2014. The data that was extrapolated from mentioned survey indicated a great demand for Chamber of Commerce services especially for the business communities in the areas of Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, Maho, Cupecoy, and Beacon Hill. In 2015 the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry signed a service level agreement with the Minister of General Affairs to enable the Public Service Center Department (PSC) to offer pickup and drop off services for businesses, entrepreneurs, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the like requiring Chamber-related services. PHILIPSBURG:--- During a short visit on May 8, 2019, The Netherlands Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen met briefly with St. Maarten Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT), Stuart Johnson. During their meeting, the topics of discussion included the commitment of the Dutch Safety Board concerning aviation safety on St Maarten. At the end of the meeting, both ministers signed the MOU that makes this commitment possible. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a very important and substantial step being taken regarding civil aviation safety and security. My colleagues from Aruba and Curacao as well as Sint Maarten, together with The Netherlands are committed to continuous improvement of aviation safety. The MOU promotes initiatives designed to harmonize, and provide a safe and efficient civil aviation system, Minister Johnson pointed out. PHILIPSBURG:--- Over 300 persons from the business community on Sint Maarten, Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire attended an interactive webinar on Thursday, May 9. The webinar was the first of a series of information sessions geared towards involving the business community (within the Dutch Kingdom) more closely to activities and contracts connected to the Trust Fund. The Sint Maarten Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience Trust Fund is financed by the government of the Netherlands for up to 470 million euros (US$553.4 million) and managed by the World Bank. The Sint Maarten government implements the activities financed by the Trust Fund in partnership with the World Bank. During the first two-hour session, the Sint Maarten National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), the World Bank and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) provided information about Tenders and Procurement Rules of the World Bank in relation to the Trust Fund. The webinar was hosted by the Chamber(s) of Commerce & Industry (COCI) in close cooperation with the Dutch Representation Offices of the four participating islands. Benjamin Ortega, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) in Sint Maarten expressed the importance of working together: Aligning with the right network of companies - whether local, regional or even internationally will help build back a better and stronger St. Maarten. Seen at the information session were representatives of construction companies, engineer bureaus, building material suppliers, tour companies, environmental and management consultants and others interested in playing a part in the reconstruction of Sint Maarten. Sonja Velthuizen, Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Aruba reported that the webinar was a success: There was a lot of interest of the private sector in the tenders of the World Bank. The webinar was also well received in Curacao: The webinar exceeded our expectations in terms of attendance, we even had to move to a different, larger location to be able to facilitate all interested parties. according to the Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Curacao. The presentations held by the World Bank and RVO focused on working with the World Bank including the general tender process and procurement rules. The NRPB focused on specific situations regarding the reconstruction of Sint Maarten; the current and short-term projects that are being carried out connected to the Trust Fund, via the World Bank. "The private sector is a key partner in building resilience on Sint Maarten. The attendance and level of interest at all locations was impressive. This seminar was a promising step in engaging private businesses and other partners to deliver recovery projects on the ground." says Doekle Wielinga, Senior Liaison Officer for the World Bank in Sint Maarten The webinar was concluded with a Q&A. There were many questions posed from the participants and those which could not be answered within the webinar session will be answered in writing and addressed at the upcoming live sessions. COCI St. Maarten also gave attendees the option to send any additional questions to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Claret Connor, NRPB Director encourages stakeholders to join in on upcoming sessions connected to the Trust Fund: I feel very content with the participation, quality of information presented by the World Bank and perspective given by RVO. I look forward to the individual island meetings where we can delve into specific points and further clarify on questions posed by the various audiences. This is the first of many of these types of outreaches that can benefit stakeholders, including the business community, NGOs, community organizations and others. . The live sessions, exact dates to be announced, will be held during the first week of June. For more information on the Trust Fund, current tenders and the NRPB: www.sintmaartengov.org/government/AZ/NRPB/Pages/default.aspx or www.nrpbsxm.org Jeff Bezos is adding another title to his credit: space postmaster. The Amazon CEO and founder of Blue Origin on Thursday (May 9) announced that his private spaceflight company has created a new program to inspire today's youth to think about their future in space. To get them started, Bezos plans to launch and return 10,000 stamped postcards with students' visions for humanity beyond Earth. "One of the things we have to do is inspire the future generations," said Bezos during a press event where he also unveiled his own far-reaching vision for space settlement, including Blue Origin's Blue Moon lunar lander. "So today, I am announcing that Blue Origin is founding the Club for the Future, whose mission is to inspire young people to build the future of life in space." Related: Blue Moon: Here's How Blue Origin's Lunar Lander Works Billed as a "new kind of space club," Blue Origin's non-profit Club for the Future is open to students in kindergarten through high school, their parents and educators who are interested in efforts to preserve Earth and want to "unlock the potential of living and working in space." The Club will organize initiatives and campaigns that make use of Blue Origin's access to space. The Club's first activity is to send students' postcards on a suborbital flight aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket and spacecraft . "We're going to do a series of activities focused on K through 12 and the first one I love," said Bezos. "We're going to ask K through 12 students to send us postcards with their dreams of the future and then we are going to send them to space on New Shepard , bring them back and mail them back." Related: Blue Origin's Lunar Lander: A Photo Tour Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos with a mockup of the company's Blue Moon lunar lander on Thursday, May 9, 2019. (Image credit: Blue Origin) According to the Club for the Future website, students are invited to create their "first space mail" by using a blank white postcard to "draw or write your vision of millions of people living and working in space." Bezos shared his own ideas for the future during his presentation on Thursday, citing in part the concepts first proposed by physicist and Space Studies Institute founder Gerald K. O'Neill. "What O'Neill and his students came up with was the idea of manufactured worlds, rotated to create artificial gravity with centrifugal force. These are large structures, miles on end, and they hold a million people or more each," said Bezos. "This is a very different kind of space colony." Once Club for the Future members have written or illustrated their concepts for a space-based civilization, they then need to address the postcard to themselves, affix a stamp for the return postage, place the postcard in an envelope and mail it to the Club For The Future (at PO Box 5759, Kent, Washington 98064). The first 10,000 postcards that the Club receives before July 20, 2019 the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 first moon landing will be flown on board a New Shepard crew capsule. "Your idea will launch into space! Once New Shepard returns to Earth, we'll send your postcard back to you, officially stamped 'flown to space,'" reads the Club for the Future website. Step-by-step instructions for taking part in the Club for the Future's Postcards from Space activity. (Image credit: Blue Origin) The club's "Postcard from Space" activity joins a long history of rocket-launched mail (or "rocket mail") that dates back to 1931 and 102 letters that traveled by a solid-fuel rocket three decades before the world's first satellite entered Earth orbit. Later, in July 1969, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins postmarked an envelope while on their way back from the moon. More recently, Russians cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station and Chinese taikonauts aboard Tiangong space labs operated small post offices using custom ink cancellation devices. The Club for the Future's postcard program is just the beginning. "I want to inspire you," said Bezos. "and so think about this. Big things start small." For step-by-step instructions on how to participate in Postcards from Space, see Blue Origin's Club for the Future website . Shaheed Al-Hafeed, May 11, 2019 (SPS) - The Sahrawi people on Friday celebrated the 46th anniversary of the Polisario Front creation (10 May 1973), an event that coincides with achievements, both continental and international, enhanced with a commitment of the Sahrawi people to their right to self-determination. The achievements made in favour of the Sahrawi cause reaffirm the recognition of the Polisario Front as the only legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people in their struggle for freedom and independence and the Sahrawis commitment to inalienable right to a self-determination referendum. The Sahrawis celebrate this anniversary in the light of unprecedented international and continental developments and an increasing interest to the Sahrawi cause, notably the Security Councils call for the reopening of negotiations between the Polisario Front and the Kingdom of Morocco. On 5-6 December 2018, the United Nations had supervised a roundtable to revive the process to settle the Western Sahara conflict under respect to the Sahrawi peoples right to self-determination. The UN Personal Envoy for Western Sahara, Horst Kohler, had chaired the second roundtable on Western Sahara, in the presence of Morocco, the Polisario Front, Algeria and Mauritania. Moreover, the Security Councils last decision (2468) on the six-month extension of the MINURSO mandate instead of one year reflects the interest the UN body attaches to the Sahrawi cause and its willingness to find a solution ensuring the self-determination of the Sahrawi people, in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Council. The celebration of the 46th anniversary coincides with many political and diplomatic achievements including Western Sahara status as a founding member of the AUO (UA currently) despite the plots of Morocco and its allies. The AU played a key role in the revival of the Sahrawi cause by constraining Morocco to sit alongside the Sahrawi during the meetings it organized, in addition to the European Union (EU). (SPS) 062/SPS/APS Italy's populist government, an oddball coalition of two parties with virtually nothing in common, predictably spent much of its first year arguing over taxes, budgets, infrastructure and the environment. But nobody saw this one coming: a tussle over cannabis. League party chief Matteo Salvini, who doubles as interior minister, wants shops that legally sell reduced-strength marijuana to be closed immediately. That's caught the Five Star Movement, his coalition partner and frequent rival, flatfooted in the run-up to European Parliament elections this month. Smarting from his worst political defeat yet, when he was outmaneuvered by Five Star and forced to agree to oust an aide, Salvini has seized upon the legal-weed trade as a potent new campaign issue - even if the version of the drug on offer is far from potent itself. Salvini's initiative puts Five Star leader Luigi Di Maio in a bind. Drawing in voters from across the spectrum, his party is far from united on the cannabis issue. While many party members oppose decriminalization, Five Star's Matteo Mantero in January proposed following the lead of countries like Uruguay and Canada and legalizing production for personal and recreational use. Di Maio at the time called it "a good idea." And while Five Star has since tried to shift the discussion away from decriminalizing pot to targeting the mafia for its role in the illegal-drug trade, Salvini, who knows a winning campaign theme when he sees it, appears to be setting the tone of the debate. "This is not in our government pact, the state shouldn't become a smuggler," Salvini said Thursday, adding that police under his command have already started closing some shops selling cannabis products. "We're going to war on drugs, street by street, shop by shop," he said. "Light" cannabis, defined as having tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration of 0.2 percent or less, has been legal in Italy since 2016. Shops have cropped up across the country offering low-test weed -- in burnable form and as an ingredient in food, cosmetics and home products. The products are also sold online. An online poll by television network Sky TG 24 at the end of last year found that Italians would overwhelmingly favor a more relaxed policy on recreational drug use. "I don't see any reason to close" the shops, Five Star lawmaker Carlo Sibilia said in remarks cited by Ansa news agency. "The state should support small and medium-sized businesses," said Sibilia, who just happens to serve as undersecretary in Salvini's interior ministry. - - - With assistance from Marco Bertacche. Cause One Productions Inc. and Cause One Manitoba Inc. CBS has renewed six drama series for the 2019-20 fall season, although one comes with some complications. "Murphy Brown," "SEAL Team," "S.W.A.T.," "MacGyver," "Hawaii Five-0" and "Bull" have all been renewed ahead of next week's Upfronts presentations. While it was good news for these six series, the "Bull" renewal comes with some complications. CBS has ordered another season of the legal drama, but the series production company, Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television, has severed ties with the series following a sexual harassment controversy. In December, it was revealed that CBS paid cast member Eliza Dukshu $9.5 million over allegations that "Bull" star Michael Weatherly had sexually harassed her and forced her to leave the series. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: 'Big Bang Theory' cast shares secrets, sorrow as finale draws near As for other CBS shows, "Madam Secretary" has been renewed for a sixth season. The political drama stars Tea Leoni as the Secretary of State, and recently topped USA Today's "Save Our Show" poll. "SEAL Team" has been renewed for its third season. The series follows the professional and personal lives of an elite Navy SEAL team, and stars David Boreanaz. "S.W.A.T." returns for a third season on CBS. The series was inspired by a classic 1970s series of the same name and a 2003 film. "S.W.A.T." stars Shemar Moore as the head of a tactical law enforcement unit in Los Angeles. The reboot of "MacGyver" will be returning for a fourth season. The series stars Lucas Till and originally George Eads, but Eads left the series this season. Levy Tran has been brought into the series as a regular cast member to replace Eads. Finally, "Hawaii Five-0" has been renewed for a 10th season on CBS. The reboot of the classic 1960s series stars Alex O'Laughlin and Scott Caan. CBS also renewed news magazines "60 Minutes" and "48 Hours." OUTDOOR CONCERT: 'Game of Thrones' Live Concert Experience coming to The Woodlands Thursday's renewals join the previously renewed series "Young Sheldon," "Mom," "Criminal Minds," "Blue Bloods," "NCIS," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "NCIS: New Orleans," "FBI," "God Friended Me," "The Neighborhood" and "Magnum P.I." Check out the gallery above for all the other series that have been renewed and canceled and those still waiting to hear their fates. Therese Odell writes about television at FoolishWatcher.com. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Find fun things to do and see around Houston in our weekly Preview newsletter. Subscribe here. / Contributed photo Krysta Scriven, a senior at Western Connecticut State University, won a Fulbright Fellowship to serve as an English language teaching assistant at a top-rated high school in Vidin, Bulgaria. She is the sixth WCSU student in the past decade to earn a Fulbright award. Scriven, a graduate of Waterburys Kennedy High School, initially enrolled at WCSU as a science major, but soon switched her focus to writing and later, linguistics. MIDDLETOWN Chef Maria Ortega makes from the heart every plate she serves at her daughters recently opened restaurant, deli and market, La Placita. If Im happy, the kitchen is happy, the food is good, she said with her daughter, owner Lissette Gonzalez, translating because she speaks little English. I do it with a lot of kindness, a lot of joy, a lot of love. When she makes the food, its as if shes making it for her daughters. She feeds to them what she feeds us, said Gonzalez, 23, who grew up learning the family business in both their endeavors, a meat market and restaurant next door to each other in the center of Meriden. La Placita is also a small grocery store, with a variety of chiles costeno, guajillo, pasilla, arbol fresh vegetables, pastries, habas (dried fava beans), seasonings, panela (unrefined whole cane sugar), corn husks, tostadas, cortezas de cerdo (pork rinds) and more. Gonzalez earned her English degree from the University of Connecticut in 2016, a semester early after taking several college prep classes in high school. She was a preschool teacher for a time, then decided to take some time off before pursuing a masters degree in teaching and minor in creative writing. When I opened this, I wasnt completely clueless about the challenges, the great things and the bad things that come out of this. I knew there would be a lot of sleepless nights, she said. Her uncle, an artisan who imports cooking vessels from Mexico, helped her with seed money. Already the restaurant is a success, due to its location at 173 E. Main St., along the route of people going to work at Middlesex Hospital and attending Mass at St. Francis of Assisi church, a predominantly Hispanic parish. The eatery is located in the building formerly occupied by Hickeys Delicatessen, near the post office on Silver Street. Gonzalez grew up in Queens, Astoria, in a family of humble beginnings. Her parents did whatever necessary to grow their businesses, with her at one point sleeping on the floor in their home. When her parents separated some time ago, Gonzalez had to step up to help run the household and take care of her younger sisters, now 9 and 19. Gonzalez, once so shy she would shake when asked to speak in public, has been somewhat emboldened with responsibilities at home and work. She has also gained interpersonal skills from dealing with customers. Slowly, La Placita is growing in popularity, mostly because of the care with which she, her mother and assistant cook Rosario Vega-Diego treat their clients. Vega-Diego is in charge of making the salsas, and enjoys relaxing as she preps the food, she said in Spanish, with Gonzalez translating. The tamales, with pork or chicken, are her own recipe. She used to work with Ortega at the Meriden restaurant, early on as a waitress then moved to the kitchen. Shes proud of the sense of accomplishment she derives from her work. Recently, she learned to make pernil, a Puerto Rican dish made with slow-roasted, marinated pork leg or shoulder. Customers are treated like family at La Placita. My parents engage with the customers: How are your kids? How did your children do on the test? They come now for more than just food, Gonzalez said. She leaves most of the cooking to her mother, while she works the cash register and handles the business end of things. I could cook the same thing my mom cooks, but there will be two different tastes. My sister complains my spaghetti sauce is not as good as my moms. Ortega has a lot of faith in her daughter, so she knew the business would be a success. I trusted God was going to keep us on the right path. Its about the respect you put toward the food, and knowing youre doing it to make someone happy. Its not just about feeding them the food, but having them having an enjoyable experience, Ortega explained. She cooks the recipes as homey as possible, making certain her customers are satisfied: having people think, Oh, this came from home. Ortegas favorite dishes are garlic shrimp with lemon and chiles, and shrimp fajitas. The menu is varied and changes daily depending on whats available: burritos, sopa, chicken tortilla soup, pork ribs in a red dobo sauce, rice and beans, nachos, beef and chicken fajitas, as well as Cuban sandwiches made with carnitas (pork), ham, mustard, pickle and Swiss cheese heated on a panini grill. The chorizo is made from scratch. Gonzalez goes nuts for beef tongue taco, made with her mothers secret seasoning. She also enjoys chicken burritos. Although guacamole can be purchased frozen, the women insist on making the dip fresh. Gonzalez leaves the tortillas to the experts. They know when its ready in the middle. Thats an example of the Im still learning part. I dont know when to check its ready. [Her mother] tried to teach me how to make tortillas about 10 years ago and I failed so miserably. She didnt talk to me for two days, she said with a laugh. I can do spaghetti. Ill survive. Tamales are available on the weekends only because theyre time-consuming, and made on the spot with fresh dough, chiles and a choice of meat, then steamed in corn husks. Mild green salsa and spicy red salsa are made fresh daily. Breakfast offerings include burritos, pancakes, French toast and egg sandwiches. Most tacos are $2.50 with beef tongue and other varieties selling for $3.50. Customers are raving about the food on Facebook and the La Placita website, complimenting the mole poblano sauce and variety of excellent tacos. La Placita is another fantastic addition to the diverse Middletown restaurant scene. The food is sensational and the people are wonderful. I hope it gets the attention it deserves, said Middletown resident Anthony Pioppi, who had visited three times since he discovered it not long ago. The restaurant is open weekdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call 860-358-9446 or 860-788-2341, or visit laplacita-restaurant.business.site or La Placita on Facebook. PARIS - Emmanuel Macron won the French presidency in 2017 on a decidedly pro-European platform. He sold voters a "Europe that protects" and took the stage at his victory party to the sound of "Ode to Joy," the official anthem of the European Union. Two years later, on the eve of elections for the European Parliament, Macron and his En Marche party continue to make the same pitch. Except his grand designs for a more united Europe haven't gotten far, and if his party fares poorly in the election, while nationalist parties prosper, his leverage could be even further diminished. The contest has assumed a symbolic dimension, as a standoff between those, like Macron, who want to strengthen the European project and nationalists who seek to thwart the multistate bloc from within. In France, things don't look especially good for Macron's vision. The far-right Rassemblement National of Marine Le Pen is polling a touch ahead of Macron's En Marche, according to an Ipsos analysis published Sunday. "For him, this is something that is being watched very carefully outside of France," said Pierre Vimont, a former French ambassador to the EU. "He needs to show to his supporters and to other EU members that his agenda still has the support of many French voters." In France and in Europe more broadly, it's not just far-right populists who have stood in Macron's way. "Yellow vest" demonstrators, angry about rising inequality, have largely stalled his planned domestic reforms. Meanwhile, he has found it difficult to get buy-in for his efforts to reform the euro zone, integrate European defense, develop a common asylum policy and impose a new tax on U.S. tech giants. And he has stood increasingly isolated in his hard line on Brexit. At an emergency meeting of European leaders last month, he frustrated peers by pushing for a quick, clean break, even though London wanted to more time and other leaders were inclined to be flexible. Diplomats familiar with his thinking say he fears that repeatedly extending the Brexit process saps Europe's ability to fix itself. Macron says he wants a European Renaissance - and he has taken to repeating the concept as he campaigns around France and Europe. If Macron stumbles, it could reverberate far beyond France's borders. A weaker Macron could embolden right-wing leaders in Poland, Hungary and elsewhere to try to stymie Brussels' push against authoritarianism. And Macron's grand efforts to revive Europe could be moribund if his allies in other countries give up on him. Commentators in the French foreign policy establishment - and even some in Macron's camp - say he has relied far too much on the Franco-German alliance, which has long been considered the "motor" of the EU but has yet to deliver him any significant results. In doing so, these critics say, Macron has neglected the rest of Europe - including countries that may have been willing partners but now feel overlooked. France's Le Monde newspaper put it this way in an editorial this past week: "Stopped in his tracks by German immobility, Mr. Macron failed to overcome the reluctance of the northern countries and the mistrust of those in Central Europe to obtain crucial support for his ambitious program." Macron has traveled widely in Europe. He was the first French president in 36 years to make an official visit to Denmark and the first in 19 years to visit Finland. But those trips haven't translated into successful coalitions. "I was among those who suggested to Macron that, on the European level, he should highlight that there are in fact fundamental disagreements between France and Germany and search instead for a European coalition that will try to have a majority," said Shahin Vallee, a French economist and former Macron adviser. "There is no future for Europe with France clashing Germany, but there is also no future for Europe with France caving in to Germany systematically. There are benefits to Franco-German agreements as well as to Franco-German disagreements." In September 2017, four months after his election, Macron spelled out his major ambitions for European "renewal" in a speech at Paris's Sorbonne University, and his proposals were seen as an explicit call to Berlin to join forces. But even then, the pro-European coalition government of German Chancellor Angela Merkel - once an unshakable bedrock of continental politics - had already entered a period of crisis. That crisis deepened in 2018, with Merkel facing an insurrection and saving herself only by veering to the right on immigration. "The problem is that it was bad timing," said French political scientist Dominique Moisi, referring to Macron's entreaties. "He came into the presidency at a time when Angela Merkel was no longer Angela Merkel, and Germany was retreating into some position of defending the status quo at any cost." Macron eventually managed to get Merkel's backing in June for a tentative integration plan that included a common euro-zone budget, one of his key desires. But at an EU summit the following week, the agreement was torpedoed by a Dutch-led coalition, showing the potential muscle of the so-called "Hanseatic League" on the European political landscape. "I don't think there is a real alternative to turn away from Germany, because it hasn't worked," said Daniela Schwarzer, the director of the Berlin-based German Council on Foreign Relations. Another important regional development is the emergence of Central Europe's Visegrad Group, which includes Poland and Hungary, both run by nationalist governments. No European leader has publicly antagonized Macron, or the EU, more than Hungary's Viktor Orban. In the European political arena, Orban belongs to the center-right European People's Party (EPP) - the same faction as Merkel. However, the EPP has temporarily suspended Orban for his sharply anti-EU rhetoric. "We know after the European election there will be a representation of anti-European forces - yes, a minority everywhere - but if you take those minorities and the triangle of institutions, they may actually develop into a disturbing factor," Schwarzer said. "In that constellation, if you want to move Europe forward, member state leadership will be key." For the European elections, Macron's party is campaigning alongside, although not technically within, the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), the European Parliament's mainstream liberal group. But En Marche has not consistently stayed true to the promise - articulated most recently in an op-ed by Macron published in each of the EU's 28 countries - of building a coalition of European progressive partners. In Spain, for instance, it formed links not with the Socialist party of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez but rather with Ciudadanos, a nominally centrist faction that has recently veered to the right, especially on the question of Catalonian independence. In Spain's snap election last month, Ciudadanos won 13% of the vote. Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh held talks in Hanoi on May 10 with her guest, Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu and both reached that agreement. Welcoming the guests first visit to Vietnam, Thinh stated Vietnam places importance to the time-honoured friendship with India and hailed the dynamic growth of the bilateral ties across the board, especially after the countries established strategic partnership in 2007 and upgraded the ties to comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said the two countries worked closely to implement projects to preserve the world cultural heritage My Son in Vietnams central province of Quang Nam and assist the Cham ethnic people in the southern province of Ninh Thuan. The leaders agreed to continue maintaining the exchange of visits at all levels and deploying efficiently signed cooperation documents. They said defence-security cooperation is continuously efficient and practical, hailing the organization of the first maritime security dialogue in March this year and the visits of Indian naval and coast guard ships to Vietnam since early this year. Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (R) shakes hands with Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu (Photo: VNA) Towards the trade value of 15 billion USD, they suggested the early building of detailed plans to carry out signed trade deals and unblock current hindrances and barriers. They pointed to the need to step up investment promotion activities, especially in information technology, energy, renewable energy, infrastructure, hi-tech agriculture, innovation, and oil and gas production, reaching consensus on the early launch of direct air routes linking the two countries big cities. They sought to speed up cooperation in training, and science-technology while showing their support for locality-to-locality partnership and youth exchange programmes. Discussing regional and global issues of shared concern, they asserted that the two countries will continue working closely and supporting each other at regional and global multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations, as well as their run for a non-permanent member seat at the United Nations Security Council, for Vietnam in the 2020-2021 tenure and for India in the 2021-2022 tenure. Thinh said Vietnam supports Indias Act East policy and welcomes its stance on the East Sea in the past time. She suggested that India continue backing the maintenance of order in the East Sea by abiding by international law, respecting sovereignty, sovereign right, and territorial integrity, and ensuring navigation and overflight freedom, security and safety; and the settlement of disputes in the sea by peaceful means in conformity with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS). The Indian leader spoke of Vietnams effort and contributions to the globes religious activities in general and that of Buddhism in particular, expressing his hope that this years Vesak celebration in the country will be successful. He will attend the celebration of the United Nations Day of Vesak 2019 during his official visit to Vietnam from May 9th-12th./. Two South Carolina inmates are charged in a sextortion blackmail scheme that led to the death of a 24-year-old Army veteran, authorities announced Friday. Greenville Police Chief Ken Miller said a months-long investigation led to blackmail charges against Lee Correctional inmates John William Dobbins Jr., 59, of North Charleston, and Carl Richard Smith Jr., 43, of Simpsonville. Miller said Dobbins and Smith used a contraband cellphone to operate a dating app scam in which they pretended to be a young woman and eventually exchanged nude pictures. They then pretended to be the parents of the young woman, who they claimed was underage, and threatened criminal charges and demanded money, Miller said. The victims, even innocent, would often pay, the chief said. An investigation called Operation Surprise Party uncovered a sextortion ring in the Carolinas in which inmates used contraband cellphones to target 442 service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Authorities said the schemes cost service members more than $560,000. One victim of the scam was Jared Johns, Miller said. He served in the Army and was injured in Afghanistan. The father of two came home to battle post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The scammers demanded nearly $1,200 from Johns. On Sept. 11, 2018, less than 24 hours after receiving the texts, Johns committed suicide. His twin brother found him. Johns left messages behind, including one on a dry erase board that said: Im sorry Ive messed up. I love you all. This is not what I wanted. Tell my sons I was a good man. It was the thought of being arrested, Johns mother, Kathy Bowling. said. They convinced him he did something wrong. After some investigating and law enforcement confirmation, Johns' parents later learned at least one inmate from Lee Correctional Facility scammed their son, sending texts from prison. They never should have been able to reach him, Bowling said. Im angry and you cant put into words how you feel as a parent. Johns' father said he wanted people to know his son was a great man, soldier and father. These prisoners were put in there to protect us from them doing any more crime, Kevin Johns said. They are in there still doing crimes and people are still getting hurt. The Johns pushed for legislation that would encourage state prisons to jam cellphone service. These jammers are needed now more than ever, because I dont want another family to have to go through what we went through, Bowling said. Brian Sterling, with the South Carolina Department of Corrections, was at Fridays news conference with Miller. He said he wants to see inmates cellphone signals banned. He said the solution is simple: jam signals and use geo-fencing. He said without taking those actions, prisons are virtually out here, among us. Emilie Munson / Hearst Connecticut Media HARTFORD The state Senate is negotiating over a bill to help undocumented immigrants arrested for misdemeanor crimes avoid federal deportation. The legislation would reduce the maximum days of a class A misdemeanor sentence including some assault, reckless endangerment, prostitution and criminal trespassing crimes from 365 days to 364. This change would mean the sentence would no longer trigger deportation proceedings under federal immigration law. F or over a thousand years, the capital of Japan was Kyoto before moving to Tokyo in 1868. And remnants of this power remain in the former capital today. Now the cultural antidote to the fast-paced hustle of Tokyo, Kyoto is the ideal place to see Japan of old, and is a surprising foodie heaven. During a recent visit , we managed to tick off our ultimate Kyoto bucket list, from a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to walking through the Instagrammable gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. While visiting, we stayed at Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku and discovered a hidden haven among the Kyoto grid. The hotel is made up of renovated 100-year-old townhouses split into 10 unique rooms, and the result seamlessly merges old and new. (Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku ) / Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku Where is it? Located along an unassuming street in uptown Kyoto, you'll find a new-age ryokan-style hotel that mixes influences of old with modern touches. A short walk from the Imperial Palace, this hotel is located in a more suburban part of town so you're tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Although if you want to be in the thick of it a downtown location might work better for you. But dont let the location of Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku deter you, as it is well connected by buses and it's easy to get to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) from here. Style Opening the sliding door to your room, you are greeted with a two-story loft-style apartment - but with a distinct Japanese flair. There's a traditional sitting room, chic bathroom and the stairs lead up to the spacious mezzanine floor bedroom. Iced windows with paper coverings give the abode a traditional feel but inside you'll find luxe amenities. The bathroom is a standout feature with a rainfall shower that cascades into a deep cylindrical tub. Be sure to use the Apelles Apothecary & Lab products that are provided as these smell divine and will leave your hair feeling silky smooth. (Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku ) / Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku Outside, the hotels facade is designed to look like a traditional ryokan and the walkway to the rooms is incredibly Insta-worthy, with deep mahogany doors and small lamps lining the path. It's exceptionally pretty at night. Food & drink On check-in you'll be treated to a rose and chamomile tea along with a small white chocolate cherry blossom dessert, a thoughtful touch from the hotel to help you take a short rest from your travels. Your room charge includes breakfast and you can choose from the 7:30am, 8:30am and 9:30am sittings. We opted for the 9:30am sitting as we could get up early and go to the Bamboo Grove and back before then (the forest is just over an hour's round trip, the first bus heads there at 6:26am and the bus stop is a seven minute walk from the hotel). The breakfast is served in three courses of traditional Japanese fare, with a carrot potage (a carrot and potato soup) as the starter, a cold poached egg, different types of salads and ham for the main and the courses are topped off with fresh bread and seasonal jam - ours was grapefruit and banana. Which room? With just 10 townhouse-style rooms, each are spacious, intricately designed and give you an instant at-home feeling. If you want to cook your own food, rooms number one and 10 have a kitchenette. (Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku ) / Kyomachiya Hotel Shiki Juraku Best for Couples who want to experience the traditional side of Kyoto without compromising on modern luxuries. Details A mother whose daughter died from an asthma attack believed to be linked to air pollution will join thousands of families with young children in a rally demanding urgent action on climate change. Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, whose daughter Ella died in 2013, will address crowds at the Mothers Rise Up march in central London on Sunday. TV presenter Konnie Huq, comedian Shappi Khorsandi and lawyer and activist Farhana Yamin are also expected to speak. It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Saturday that he has commissioned Public Health England (PHE) to carry out a review of the impact of dirty air on the nation's health. The march, which is being held on International Mother's Day, will be led by 11 11-year-olds to represent the 11-year window to act on the climate emergency. Ella Kissi-Debrah, whose death was linked to unlawful levels of air pollution. / PA Ms Kissi-Debrah, said business as usual pollution is fuelling a crisis. She said: "I'm a mum from Lewisham fighting to get justice for my daughter Ella. "Business as usual - toxic pollution in our streets and our schools - is fuelling a crisis that is making our kids sick and it is families in the deprived areas that are paying the heaviest price. "We need to urgently change course. We need to do everything necessary to clean up our air and create a safer future for all our children." Similar marches will be taking place across the country and internationally, including Cyprus, the Netherlands, Spain, the Czech Republic and Australia. Youth Strike 4 Climate - in pictures 1 /61 Youth Strike 4 Climate - in pictures PA PA PA REUTERS REUTERS REUTERS AFP/Getty Images REUTERS AFP/Getty Images PA EPA EPA EPA AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images EPA EPA AFP/Getty Images REUTERS EPA Students take part in a global school strike for climate change in Canterbury, Kent, as protests are planned in 100 towns and cities in the UK PA Students take part in a global school strike for climate change in Canterbury, Kent, as protests are planned in 100 towns and cities in the UK PA Greta Thunberg (C), the 16-year-old Swedish climate activist and her sister Beata Thunberg (L) take part in the "Fridays For Future" movement on a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden AFP/Getty Images Students take part in a global school strike for climate change outside the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, as protests are planned in 100 towns and cities in the UK PA Students hold placards in front of the Pantheon as they take part in a "youth strike to act on climate change" demonstration in Paris, March 15, 2019 Reuters Youths demonstrate with banners and placards during the "Fridays For Future" movement on a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019 on Heldenplatz in Vienna AFP/Getty Images Youths demonstrate with banners and placards during the "Fridays For Future" movement on a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019 on Heldenplatz in Vienna AFP/Getty Images Youths demonstrate with banners and placards during the "Fridays For Future" movement on a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden. AFP/Getty Images Students take part in a global school strike for climate change in Canterbury, Kent, as protests are planned in 100 towns and cities in the UK. PA Thousands of students demonstrate during a 'Climate strike' protest in Lausanne, Switzerland, 15 March 2019. EPA Students take part in a global school strike for climate change outside the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, as protests are planned in 100 towns and cities in the UK PA Students hold placards in front of the Pantheon as they take part in a "youth strike to act on climate change" demonstration in Paris, March 15, 2019 REUTERS Greta Thunberg (C), the 16-year-old Swedish climate activist and her sister Beata Thunberg (L) part in the "Fridays For Future" movement on a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019 in Stockholm, Sweden AFP/Getty Images Students take part in a "youth strike to act on climate change" demonstration in Nice, France, March 15, 2019 Reuters Students hold placards as they take part in a global protest against climate change in Gurugram, India, March 15, 2019. Reuters Youths demonstrate with banners and placards during the "Fridays For Future" movement on a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019 in Vienna, Austria. - The worldwide protests were inspired by Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg, who camped out in front of parliament in Stockholm last year to demand action from world leaders on global warming. AFP/Getty Images Youths demonstrate holding placards and a globe during the "Fridays For Future" movement on a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019 in Lund, Sweden AFP/Getty Images Youths demonstrate with banners and placards during the "Fridays For Future" movement on a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019 in Berlin. - The worldwide protests were inspired by Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg, who camped out in front of parliament in Stockholm last year to demand action from world leaders on global warming. AFP/Getty Images Youths show their hands bearing the inscriptions "Our future in your hands" during the "Fridays For Future" movement on a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019 in Berlin. AFP/Getty Images Youth demonstrate for climate change during the "Fridays for Future" school strike, on Heldenplatz in Vienna, Austria March 15, 2019. Reuters Youths demonstrate with banners and placards and a figure depicting young Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg holding two representatives of her parents' generation and reading "Do something against the climate disaster! during the "Fridays For Future" movement on a global day of student protests aiming to spark world leaders into action on climate change on March 15, 2019 in Duesseldorf, western Germany. AFP/Getty Images Students gather in front of the ancient Colosseum in protest to demand action on climate change, in Rome, Friday, March 15, 2019 AP A woman writes a message on the board during a rally for global climate strike for future in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, March 15, 2019. AP Dozens of students take part in a demonstration against global warming during a Friday Global Climate Strike in Milan, Italy, 15 March 2019. Students from several schools across the city are taking part in a massive global student strike movement called #FridayForFuture which was sparked by Greta Thunberg of Sweden, a sixteen year old climate activist who has been protesting outside the Swedish parliament every Friday since August 2018 EPA Students take part in a global school strike for climate change in Parliament Square, London, as protests are planned in 100 towns and cities in the UK. Students take part in a global school strike for climate change in Parliament Square, London, as protests are planned in 100 towns and cities in the UK PA Mr Hancock branded dirty air the "largest environmental risk to public health in the UK" and warned of the growing national health emergency triggered by the "slow and deadly poison" of air pollution. He added: "We cannot underestimate the very real impact that dirty air - this slow and deadly poison - is having on our lives, our health and our NHS. "This review will help us map out how much disease is caused by dirty air and what steps we are taking to prevent this - something which is at the heart of our work to help people live longer, healthier lives through the NHS Long Term Plan." PHE last year estimated that there will be more than 2.4 million new cases of disease attributable air pollution by 2035, with coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and child asthma all having a strong association with air pollution. Britain's Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock. / AFP/Getty Images The new review will include updated estimates of the number of new cases of disease that could be caused by dirty air by 2035, the Department of Health and Social Care said. It will also provide up-to-date modelling to identify how many cases of disease the Clean Air Strategy could prevent and where more attention could be placed, it added. The British Lung Foundation welcomed the announcement and said without an expansion of air pollution monitoring, the Clean Air Strategy was like "throwing a dart blindfolded and hoping to hit the bull's eye". Chief executive Dr Penny Woods added: "Detailed local information on the effects of toxic air will better allow people to make informed decisions on how best to protect their own health. Farhana Yamin, an environmental lawyer and Extinction Rebellion activist is expected to speak at the rally. / REUTERS "Clear, street-by-street health information would allow people to reduce their exposure to harmful air - by avoiding the most polluted areas or go out at times when the air is cleanest. "It would also allow councils, with the support of Government, to take more targeted and effective measure to clean up their own communities." The Clean Air Strategy, launched by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in January, set a long-term target to reduce people's exposure to particulate matter, as well as a commitment to halve the number of people living in areas breaching WHO guidelines on particulate matter by 2025. Professor Paul Cosford, director for health protection and medical director at PHE, said: "Air pollution is an urgent and serious threat to the public's health which needs a range of interventions to tackle effectively. "This commission will help us to calculate how much the Clean Air Strategy will improve health and whether more is needed to tackle this major public health problem." C onservative Party talks with Labour on Theresa May's Brexit deal will "peter out" within days, according to a leading Tory. Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbenchers, said today that he found it "very hard to see" how the talks "can lead to any sensible resolution". "If the customs union is agreed without a second referendum then half the Labour Party won't vote for whatever comes through regardless, and if a customs union is agreed then most of the Conservative Party isn't going to support it," he told the BBC's Week in Westminster programme. "So, I can't see that is a very productive route to follow." Sir Graham Brady, Chairman of the 1922 Committee / PA He added that he suspected "it will peter out in the next few days without having come to any significant conclusion". Another round of negotiations are planned for next week, however the parties are yet to make any significant progress. Brexit talks between the Conservative Party and Labour are yet to make any significant progress / PA Wire/PA Images Earlier this week Labour MPs called for the party to pull out of the "toxic" talks within days, warning of fury among MPs and Labour members. The negotiations were branded a millstone around the necks of the partys candidates for the European elections in less than two weeks time. Countdown to Brexit: 173 days until Britain leaves the EU Sir Graham added on Saturday that he expected Mrs May to set out her timetable for departure at next Wednesday's meeting of the 1922 Committee, adding he understood the "reticence" around such a schedule making her deal less likely to pass. He said: "I think that's a natural concern and one can understand it, but it's also the case the 1922 executive has asked her to give that clarity, she has offered to come and meet the executive, which we've accepted. "It would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding at the end of the meeting. "We have asked the question and she is coming, I assume, to answer it." Mrs May has previously suggested she will leave Downing Street after her Brexit deal has been passed by Parliament. But earlier this week, she rebuffed demands to set out a timetable for her departure from No 10 amid growing pressure from Tory MPs to make way for a new leader. At Prime Minister's Questions, Brexit-backing Andrea Jenkyns told Mrs May she had "failed" in EU withdrawal negotiations and forfeited the trust of the public. "The public no longer trust her to run Brexit negotiations," she said. "Isn't it time to step aside and let someone else lead our country, our party and the Brexit negotiations?" Mrs May retorted: "This is not an issue about me and it's not an issue about her. T he Brexit Party will earn more votes than Labour and the Conservatives combined in the European Parliament elections, according to a new poll. The latest Opinium poll on voting intentions shows Nigel Farages party has galloped into first place ahead of Labour with 34% support - doubling the existing gap to 13 points in the last fortnight. It also showed the Tories continue to stagger behind in fourth place with 11% support. Labour, coming second with 21%, has fallen seven points in the last fortnight and the Lib Dems are in third position with 12%, having risen five points. Adam Drummond, head of political polling at Opinium, said Mr Farage was capitalising on a clear pro-Brexit position, whilst Remain supporters are forced to choose between several parties - although 57% would like to see a pro-Remain alliance. Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage rides a campaign bus in Sunderland, Britain. / REUTERS He said: "On the European elections, while the question of which party Brexit voters should back was settled some time ago, the equivalent for Remain voters is still ambiguous. "The picture is most stark when we split out Leave and Remain voters - while 63% of Leavers say they will vote for the Brexit Party in the European elections, the most popular party among Remainers (still Labour) only has 31% versus 22% for the Lib Dems and 14% for the Greens. "Interestingly, Brexit voters have deserted the Tories to such an extent that the Conservatives actually have a higher share of the European vote among Remainers (12%) than among Leavers (11%)." Meanwhile, voting intentions for the Westminster elections show the Brexit Party would also be snapping at the Tories' heels in a general election. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn launches his party's European election campaign. / PA Labour is out in front with 28% support, followed by the Tories on 22%, the survey shows, but the Brexit Party is just behind on 21%. Mr Drummond said it was "remarkable" the new party could be on the cusp of overtaking the party of government. Although Mr Drummond cautioned the European election in less than two weeks could be "bleeding into" and "inflating" the Westminster results, he said the level of support was still notable. "It would be reasonable to assume that this would fall back in an actual general election campaign, but the fact a party that is less than six months old is now vying with the governing party for second place is remarkable," he said. "The Tories' reliance on Leave voters seemed sensible in the aftermath of the referendum. "But raising expectations of the kind of deal the UK could get and using the phrase 'no deal is better than a bad deal' so relentlessly was always going to open the party up to this kind of challenge once those expectations could not be met." The two main parties, Labour and the Conservatives, continue to drop votes, with Labour falling five points and the Tories four in the last fortnight. But the Brexit Party and the Liberal Democrats are reaping the rewards of public frustration and are both on the up, with the former rising five points and the latter four - taking the Lib Dems to fourth place with 11%. S acked Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has launched an attack on the Prime Minister's Brexit talks with Labour, saying they are destined to fail and a "grave mistake". Mr Williamson, who was fired over the Huawei leak, said pressing ahead with the talks will have "fatal" consequences. Writing in the Mail on Sunday, he labelled Mrs May as "politically naive" for going into fruitless negotiations which he claimed were bound to fail. The Tory MP for South Staffordshire said doing a deal with Labour on Brexit "sounds so simple and so reasonable, but it is destined to fail". "Even if Labour do a deal, break bread with the Prime Minister and announce that both parties have reached an agreement, it can only ever end in tears," he said. "The Labour Party does not exist to help the Conservative Party. Prime Minister Theresa May outside Downing Street / REUTERS "Jeremy Corbyn will do all he can to divide, disrupt and frustrate the Conservatives in the hope of bringing down the Government. "His goal, and he has made no secret of it, is to bring about a general election." PA Mr Williamson said the Prime Minister seemed oblivious to the fact many Tories believe she is "negotiating with the enemy". "There is a clue in their title: Her Majesty's Official Opposition," he said. "Their priority is to derail the Government. "Even if we get to a point where Jeremy Corbyn agrees a deal with the Prime Minister, when it comes to detailed scrutiny of the votes, Labour will revert to form. Pro-Brexit demonstrators carry placards and Union flags as they gather in Parliament Square / Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images "Even if it passes the first few votes, it will fail later." The former Cabinet minister said there was a simple calculation that a deal could pass with the combined votes of Labour and Conservative MPs, but "tough realities" must be faced if the deal was "far removed" from expectations. Mr Williamson said this could mean Mrs May has support from "less than half the Conservative MPs" including those "on the payroll". That would lead to "knife-edge votes" and a "number of defeats" due to "up to 80" Labour rebels who want another referendum, he said, alongside SNP, Lib Dem and Change UK MPs who have pledged to vote against. He said: "This is when Labour will finally kill it, if they have not done so already. British-German musician Simon Wallfisch plays the cello outside the Houses of Parliament in London before his monthly musical performance to protest Britain's exit from the European Union. / AFP/Getty Images "Labour will be able to credibly say it is not what was originally agreed between them and the Prime Minister. "It is politically naive to go down this route." Warning Mrs May she was turning her own supporters against her, Mr Williamson said that scenario "should be avoided at all costs". He said: "The Prime Minister needs to recognise that futile efforts to pull off this Labour deal are damaging us all. "It is a grave mistake for any Prime Minister to fail to recognise when a plan will not work and it is fatal to press on regardless. "We need to accept that these talks with Labour are fruitless and that not only will they not deliver the Brexit that people voted for, they are a betrayal of the direct instructions the people gave us in 2016 and 2017." Urging Mrs May to "make the right choice", the MP suggested new leadership was needed. "We are now at a crossroads and it is imperative the Prime Minister makes the right choice," he said. "In order to deliver Brexit, there has to be a clear-sighted determination of what you are wanting to deliver, as opposed to delivering the lowest common denominator. "The only way to deliver anything is by ensuring you have your own tribe and your own people with you 100% of the way. T heresa May's Brexit deal is "like a surrender document of a nation that has been defeated in war", Nigel Farage has told supporters. The Brexit Party leader was cheered by hundreds of people at a rally in Houghton-le-Spring, near Sunderland, on Saturday afternoon which was also shown a preview of the party's new election broadcast. Mr Farage lambasted both the Tory government and the Labour leadership but made no mention of newspaper reports he left the scene of a collision between his chauffeur-driven car and another vehicle in Kent on Thursday. He said: "It (Brexit) hasn't happened partly because of the dishonest, duplicitous and utterly useless Prime Minister in Theresa May. "No question, she is the worst Prime Minister in the history of this country, bar none." Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage addresses a rally at the Rainton Meadows Arena, while on the European Election campaign trail in Durham. / PA He told the rally that Mrs May's deal would be a new EU treaty. "A treaty that will cost us, for reasons I've yet to understand, 39 billion," he said. "A treaty that may well leave us trapped inside the EU's custom union in perpetuity. "This treaty that she wants to put through is more like a surrender document of a nation that has been defeated in war." Mr Farage said: "She has humiliated our country on the international stage and I've had enough of it. " Ann Widdecombe during a Brexit Party rally. / PA The former Ukip leader told the North East audience they had also been betrayed by the "London led Labour party" and local MPs. He said: "Those MPs look down upon you, they think you're morons, they tell you you didn't know what you voted for. "Can I say on your behalf, and on behalf of leavers across all of the United Kingdom, to hell with you, we knew what we were voting for." Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe was cheered in the packed hall when she decried "those patronising, snooty nincompoops who sit in their dinner parties and say 'poor dears, they didn't know what they were voting for'." She said: "We knew exactly what we were voting for." Miss Widdecombe said: "The message of those local elections and the message of these European elections is really simply. Either those at Westminster let Britain leave or we make them leave." She said: "If they don't take us out of the EU then, come the next general election, the Brexit Party will take over Westminster and take us out of the EU." Pub landlord Patrick Tranter told The Sun Mr Farage's chauffeur-driven 4x4 crashed head-on with his Jaguar carrying his toddler son on Thursday morning. Mr Tranter said the Brexit Party leader "didn't even bother to see if we were OK". A Brexit Party spokesman said: "The car was in a non-fault accident. Nigel wasn't driving it. Nigel continued his journey in a different car. T heresa May could set a date for her resignation next week after growing demands from Tory backbenchers for her to step down. The Prime Minister may offer a clear understanding of her departure timetable in the coming days, according to the chairman of the 1922 Committee Sir Graham Brady. He told BBC Radio 4's Week in Westminster that Mrs May had offered to meet with the executive following a request for "clarity" on her plans. He said: "It would be strange for that not to result in a clear understanding... at the end of the meeting." Sir Graham Brady, Chairman of the 1922 Committee / PA The Altrincham and Sale West MP added he understood her "reticence" to set a date, but added: "I don't think it's about an intention for staying indefinitely as prime minister or leader of the Conservative Party. "I think the reticence is the concern that by promising to go on a certain timetable, it might make it less likely she would secure Parliamentary approval for the withdrawal agreement, rather than more likely." Mrs May has previously suggested she will leave Downing Street after her Brexit deal has been passed by Parliament. Prime Minister Theresa May outside Downing Street / REUTERS But earlier this week, she rebuffed demands to set out a timetable for her departure from No 10 amid growing pressure from Tory MPs to make way for a new leader. At Prime Minister's Questions, Brexit-backing Andrea Jenkyns told Mrs May she had "failed" in EU withdrawal negotiations and forfeited the trust of the public. Theresa May at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday / AFP/Getty Images "The public no longer trust her to run Brexit negotiations," she said. "Isn't it time to step aside and let someone else lead our country, our party and the Brexit negotiations?" Mrs May retorted: "This is not an issue about me and it's not an issue about her. "If it were an issue about me and the way I vote, we would already have left the European Union." Downing Street made clear the Prime Minister was not ready to go beyond her earlier promise to the 1922 to quit as Tory leader when the first phase of Brexit negotiations - dealing with the divorce terms - is complete. A No 10 source said: "The PM made a very generous and bold offer to the 1922 Committee a few weeks ago that she would see through phase one of the Brexit process and she would leave and open up for new leadership for phase two. Chancellor Philip Hammond said on Friday that the Prime Minister should be replaced as quickly as possible once she confirms her departure from Number 10. The Chancellor said the Prime Minister will be as good as her word and step down once a withdrawal deal passes in the Commons. He added: Once we start the leadership contest, getting it done as quickly as possible would be positive because this isnt just about the leader of the party, its about the Prime Minister. A leading head teacher has compared bias against private school pupils to Jews being discriminated against in Nazi Germany. In an interview with The Times, Anthony Wallersteiner, of 12,000-a-term Stowe School, likened "Hitler and his henchmen" targeting Jewish people to "privately-educated pupils in the UK... being accused of dominating the top jobs and stifling social mobility". He added that he had spoken to parents who complained their children were being edged out of Oxbridge by social engineering. Many have made claims about positive discrimination and state school pupils denying their children places at Oxford and Cambridge, he said. Dr Wallersteiner, who is of Jewish descent, complained that "the rise of populists and polemicists has created a micro-industry in bashing private schools". He said: "Some of the criticisms echo the conspiratorial language of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. "It was relatively easy for Hitler and his henchmen to suggest that the Jewish minority was over-represented in key professions: medicine, law, teaching and the creative industries. "Privately-educated pupils in the UK are also being accused of dominating the top jobs and stifling social mobility... it is all too facile to stereotype groups and ignore the fact that lawyers, doctors, writers and politicians are individuals." Reacting to his comments, a spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: "Tasteless Holocaust analogies do not belong in the debate about education in this country." He added: "Nazi propaganda against Jews was used to generate public support not only for exclusion from education but also for brutal beatings, boycotts, degradation and eventually the mass murder of six million Jewish men, women and children." Dr Wallersteiner also claimed there has been a "much more concerted effort" by admissions tutors at Oxford and Cambridge to reduce the number of places awarded to independent schools and "redress the balance and put in contextual details". Analysis by social mobility charity The Sutton Trust published in December showed eight private schools sent 1,310 pupils to Oxbridge over three years, while over the same period, 2,894 other schools sent just 1,220 students between them. According to The Times, of the school leavers awarded a place at Cambridge in 2017, 64.1 per cent were from state schools compared to 61.4 per cent in 2013. During the same period for Oxford, the figure rose from 56.8 per cent to 58.2 per cent. Reacting to the story, Labour MP David Lammy tweeted: "A 1.4 per cent rise in five years in state school kids getting into Oxbridge and the parents of private school kids fear social engineering!" A Tory MP who condemned Amazon for selling books promoting anorexia has urged the online retailer to stop harmful material being listed on its website in the first place. Rachel Maclean has previously expressed her revulsion in the House of Commons as she revealed that Amazon was selling books which promoted anorexia as a "healthy lifestyle". More than 80,000 people signed a petition calling for the tech giant to remove the books, which are said to encourage readers to starve themselves, from the site. Amazon has now removed the books highlighted by Ms Maclean, which reportedly included titles such as All Things Thin and Beautiful and Beauty Is Slim and Lean: Living Pro Ana the Healthy Way. But she is now insisting Amazon go further to address the issue, not only removing harmful content but ensuring pro-anorexia books are not put up for sale in the first place. Theres absolutely no reason why they couldnt do that, the MP for Redditch in Worcestershire said. They are a huge tech company, they have all sorts of data algorithms that they employ to sell stuff to us. Theres no reason why they cant put some of their considerable expertise to the task of preventing this kind of content being uploaded in the first place on their platform. This has obviously been uploaded by a third-party author but they should be able to monitor that either with humans or with some kind of technology, they have no excuse for it. They could stop it going up in the first place, it shouldnt take a petition to get something done there were thousands who had identified this and I was able to raise it in Parliament, then they woke up to it and did something about it, but it shouldnt take that. The Times reported last month that one book sold on Amazon listed 101 pro-ana tips for extreme weight loss, such as spinning in circles so you become too nauseous to eat. Others reportedly featured images of severely underweight women or the measurements of slim A-listers for thinspiration. Ms Maclean welcomed the news that Amazon had removed the listings, but added: It would certainly make me think twice about ordering something from Amazon in future if they cant demonstrate that theyve changed this business practice. I dont want to be encouraging or putting money into their pockets if they cant behave ethically. By their sheer dominance in the market they have a responsibility to do that. She previously asked Health Secretary Matt Hancock if he was aware that tech giant Amazon is selling books under the category of pro-ana, which purportedly shows anorexia as a healthy lifestyle. Asked if he will call on Amazon to take this content down immediately, Mr Hancock vowed to challenge the company over the alarming listings. He said: Amazon sells physical goods in the large part and surely has a duty of care to those who are buying those physical goods in the same way that a shop has a responsibility for what it sells. Beat, the UKs leading charity supporting those with eating disorders, also called on Amazon to ensure such books cannot be listed and said tech companies should do more to ensure people searching for them are directed to sources of support. Director of external affairs Tom Quinn said: Eating disorders are serious and often deadly mental illnesses. They are not lifestyle choices, and books that promote them as such should not be available. We welcome social media companies recent measures to protect users from content that promotes eating disorders, and call on online retailers such as Amazon to ensure such books cannot be advertised or sold. At the same time, it is important to note that most pro-ana content comes from people who are themselves very ill and is not deliberately malicious. Eating disorders are isolating, stigmatised illnesses, and many sufferers seek out or share pro-ana tips as a way of connecting with others with similar experiences. Tech companies and online platforms where pro-ana books are found should do more to ensure people searching for them are directed to sources of support like Beat. Amazon declined to comment but confirmed several listings had been removed from the site. Their guideline for books states: As a bookseller, we provide our customers with access to a variety of viewpoints, including books that some customers may find objectionable. S everal politicians have been injured after a brawl erupted in Hong Kongs parliament over planned changes to extradition laws. A punch-up erupted after lawmakers fought over the control of the microphone during a heated debate on sending criminal suspects to mainland China to face charges and trials. Gary Fan Kwok-wai, from the Neo Democrats, was taken from the chamber on a gurney after apparently fainting during the morning melee, in which legislators pushed and shoved each other on the floor, amid seats and tables and in an adjoining hallway. Critics of the amendments claim they are eroding the semi-autonomous Chinese territory's judicial independence. Pro-democracy and pro-Beijing lawmakers scuffle in the chamber at Legislative Council in Hong Kong / AP Under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong was guaranteed the right to retain its own social, legal and political systems for 50 years following its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997. However, China's ruling Communist Party has been seen as increasingly reneging on that agreement by forcing through unpopular legal changes. Legislators in the pro-Beijing camp attempted to seat Abraham Razack to replace pro-democrat James To Kun-sun as head of the Bills Committee. Mr To had stalled passage of the legislation over two sessions and Razack was seen as the best chance to push it through before the July recess. Pro-democracy lawmaker Wu Chi-wai, centre, scuffles with security guards / AP But pro-democracy legislators continued to claim Mr To is the legitimate chief of the committee guiding discussion of the proposed new law. Both they and their opponents had scheduled rival meetings on the same topic in the same Legislative Council meeting room on Saturday, starting just 30 minutes apart. The two rival committees both claimed to be in charge of the same process of scrutinising the new law before deciding on whether to vote on it. Pro-democracy lawmaker Gary Fan is carried away on a stretcher after clashes with pro-Beijing lawmakers / REUTERS At one point, Wu Chi-wai, the Democratic Party chairman who tried to stop Shek from presiding over the meeting, shouted at him, saying "Don't be a sinner for a thousand years! Don't sell out Hong Kong." The amendments expand the scope for the transfer of criminal suspects to China and remove the legislature's right to scrutinise individual extradition decisions filed by Hong Kong's chief executive. P olice fired tear gas in skirmishes with masked demonstrators in France on the 26th straight weekend of yellow vest protests. Black-hooded demonstrators on the fringes of a largely peaceful protest hurled bottles and smashed shop windows in Nantes. Meanwhile in Lyon, police used tear gas to funnel protesters away from the central Place Bellecour. Over the six months since the grassroots rebellion erupted over the high cost of living and President Emmanuel Macrons perceived indifference towards the plight of working class France, the movement has been losing momentum. A protester holds a placard reading "fear changes sides" during the protest in Nantes. / AFP/Getty Images It is expected Saturdays low turnout nationwide will be a relief to Mr Macron, two weeks out from the European elections. The far-right, polling neck-and-neck with Macron's party, is billing the vote as a referendum on his first two years in office. The prolonged unrest has forced the president into costly policy concessions and put the brakes on his reform timetable, including an overhaul of the pension system this year. French anti-riot police officers and protesters in Lyon. / AFP/Getty Images With his authority challenged by the so-called yellow vests, Mr Macron launched his fight back last month, promising after weeks of national debate to cut taxes and apologising for his sometimes sharp tongue. However, in Nantes on Saturday, protesters said Mr Macron's proposals did not go far enough and lacked detail. "The 'grand debate' was a smoke screen. Today they're smoking us out with tear gas," said one 43-year-old protester who identified himself as Mickael. "But we won't cave in. Yes we're fewer than at the start, but when the others come back, we'll still be here and we'll still be angry." One of the Yellow Vest movement's leading figures Jerome Rodrigues gestures in front of a banner reading "Macron, get out" during an anti-government demonstration / AFP/Getty Images Saturday's protest in Paris, which has seen some of the worst street violence in decades during the "yellow vest" uprising, was calm. In driving rain, protesters marched under umbrellas, waving placards reading "Macron, clear off". F ive people are dead after security forces battled gunmen for hours after they stormed a luxury hotel in Pakistan and opened fire. Four men armed with rifles and grenades attacked the Pearl Continental Hotel in the port city of Gwardar on Saturday. A guard at the entrance of the hotel and all of the attackers were killed, according to the Pakistani military. Security forces had cordoned off the area and cornered the attackers in a staircase leading to the top floor, the military said in a statement They said all guests had been safely evacuated. It is unclear how many people were at the hotel when the attack occurred at around 4.50pm local time. Gwadar, which lies on the Arabian Sea, is a strategic port being developed as part of the $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is part of China's mammoth Belt and Road infrastructure project. The Balochistan Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistani officials have said the security forces were on alert for attacks during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which began in early May. A general view of the port before the inauguration of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor port in Gwadar. / REUTERS Security across most of Pakistan has improved over recent years following a major crackdown after the country's worst attack, when 150 people, most of them children, were killed at a school in the western city of Peshawar. But Balochistan, the largest and poorest province, has remained an exception and there have been several attacks this year. I ts Saturday once more and we all know what that meansanother helping of Britains Got Talent! Tonight, the final golden buzzer was pressed as Amanda Holden fell in love with a young band. Theyll join four other acts who have definitely made it through to the semi-finals week. Things got off to a rocky start when the electrics failed for the opening act, stopping him from using his keyboard. But, with the help of the crew, Ant and Dec and the judges, Russell got the job done in the end. Here are five must-see auditions from episode six Chapter 13: The young boyband impressed with their vocals / Syco / Thames Brotherhood The game of mystery involved a voiceover, which sounded a bit like Big Brother used to, and an echo commanding the presenters and judges about. The aim was to hide swords in boxes, fall on them and hope for the best. Oh, and the men were wearing masks because why not? Four yeses for the dangerous trio. Kronos Girls We see a lot of dance acts on the show - they may even be the most popular entry each year. But every so often, a group comes along determined to spread a wider message. Enter the girls from Croydon, who made an impassioned plea for women to vote before they started their Suffragette-Inspired routine. Dressed all in black, the powerful routine was fast and furious with everything perfectly timed. Standing ovation and four yeses. Colin Thackery Colin, a Chelsea Pensioner, paid tribute to his late wife Joan - who passed away in his arms in 2016 - with a beautiful rendition of Bette Midlers Wind Beneath My Wings. They even used the music from Up during his VT before, which pretty much set us all off. There wasnt a dry eye in the house by the end. Four yeses. Ben Hart The London-born magician had a glint in his eye from the word go, desperate to show the world all about magic. And wow, did he do that. Tricks from Bens routine included turning a piece of paper into an egg - which he then cracked - and caging a member of the audience with a very surprising result. Four yeses. We need to watch it againand again. Chapter 13 The young boyband - aged between 13 and 15 - performed a Stevie Wonder medley, also playing their own instruments as well. LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the first-degree murder and weapons count convictions of a man serving life in prison for killing his girlfriend. In his appeal, 67-year-old Lucio Munoz argued that a prosecutor wrongly commented in opening statements about evidence not found and that his trial attorney was so ineffective that Munoz did not get a fair trial. On Friday, the high court rejected those arguments. Munoz was found guilty of killing 48-year-old Melissa May. Police say Mays body was found in her apartment Jan. 3, 2017, after officers went to check on her. Authorities say she had been stabbed 37 times, most likely on Dec. 31, 2016. By the time Mays body was found, Munoz had already left town. He was arrested several days later in Bradley, Illinois. Submit Your News We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form The university was being planted, developed and built with the state. Green said that it was visionary at that time to imagine public higher education not just for those who could afford it, but for everyone to have access. Land-grant universities became what is known as the peoples institution in every state. When (the University of Nebraska) was founded, it was a single building in Lincoln, Green said. It was a single building University Hall which stood at University and S streets, right in the middle of our current-day city campus." The three-story brick building was completed in 1871, and when it opened its doors, the university registered 130 students 110 were there to finish their high school education in what was then known as Latin preparatory school. The other 20 were college students of which, seven were women. The charter of the university said this was to be an institution for all people, all nationalities, all sexes, all races whether they were part of Nebraska or not it was open for all, Green said. Kendrick went out as a hero, Brendon told a roomful of reporters Wednesday. He was a foot away from the shooter and instead of running the opposite direction, he ran toward it. The action of Kendrick, putting others above himself, is the complete opposite of the selfish hate exhibited by the two young cowards. They allowed hate to take control, put their hate front and center, and tried to hurt as many classmates as possible. Only a few weeks earlier the world remembered back 20 years to another cowardly attack only miles away from the STEM School. Two other cowards attacked Columbine High School. Since then we have had way too many cowardly attacks at schools and now places of worship have become another target. Both of these types of sites always should be a safe place. A place people can let down their guard to learn and grow. However, in todays world, that is no longer possible. The blame already has started and the politicians already have turned it into a battle cry for their cause, but the answer to the hate and violence cannot be fixed by a new law or program. Given that Barr was already looking into the question, his phrasing suggested he suspected there was more. Sure enough, just days later, The New York Times reported that in the summer of 2016 the FBI sent an undercover agent, a woman who went by the alias Azra Turk, to London to pose as Halpers research assistant and tease information out of Papadopoulos. (The Times was so reluctant to call Turk a spy that it referred to her, in a headline, as a cloaked investigator.) So now there are Halper, Turk and the Page FISA warrant. If they represent the totality of the FBIs surveillance, that would still be a pretty anemic response to what some in the bureau viewed as a full-scale Russian attack on American democracy. Hundreds of residents lined the streets near the Mooresville Police Department Friday to honor Officer Jordan Sheldon as his procession made its way to the MPD. Some of those who gathered to pay their respects for Sheldon were former public service officials. I was devastated because, I mean, there are so many officers that are out here daily, said Zharsell Williams, a retired army veteran. They are patrolling the streets, protecting, serving for our community. And to hear so many tragedies that go on with the police force, it is just really sad. Angie Metzger, a former public service official, has been visiting the MPD each day since Monday night, watering flowers that residents placed at a temporary memorial for Sheldon. I came out here Monday night, Metzger said. I was out of town when it happened. I noticed that the plants were all wilting and dying. I just wanted to do something. Metzger described Sheldon as a positive influence He was one of the good ones, Metzger said. In a time where the relationship between law enforcement and the community is so polarized, Officer Sheldon was one of the good ones. Mooresville Police K9 Officer Jordan Harris Sheldon was laid to rest on Friday. After a funeral at Calvary Church in Charlotte, a procession was held with public safety vehicles traveling from the church to the Mooresville Police Department. Hundreds of Mooresville community members and supporters lined the street, most in blue. Businesses along Main Street in downtown Mooresville had blue ribbons on their doors; there were also blue ribbons attached to street poles and trees. The area was lined with American flags with the one in the city center flying at half-staff. As people walked the street, members of the Exchange Club were passing out flags. As one community member sat on a bench in her blue raincoat she said, More important to be here than to be at work. As she skipped work to support the procession, she also carried two flags which she planned to wave for herself and a friend who couldnt be in attendance. I think it is sad something like this brings the community together, but also good to see this type of support. ... This is what makes Mooresville, Mooresville, Michelle Page said. Especially in a situation like this where we dont have all the answers right out, that is where we really work on our academic partners, state health director Elizabeth Tilson said. Theyre the arm that does the research for us. One next step were excited about is convening this panel of experts, Moore said. I think this will be very helpful in looking over everything and figuring out whats the logical thing to do. We will step back, look at the evidence, think about what kind of future scientific research could be done, should be done, using the data thats already been collected some of which youve heard about that could be analyzed in different ways, to be able to see what kinds of new data, environmental, epidemiologic, clinical, genetic that could be collected that might shed more light on the situation about what the determinates are for thyroid cancer in this county and the state as a whole, Olshan said. Our group has been charged to look at the evidence. A landscaping employee was pulled out of Lake Hickory with life-threatening injuries Friday morning after the lawnmower he was driving plunged into the water and he nearly drowned, according to emergency personnel. Catawba County EMS, Hickory Fire Department and Catawba County Sheriffs Office responded to 4015 Eighth St. Court NW in reference to a possible drowning around 11:30 a.m. Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown said the tracks of a lawnmower led from the top of a hill next to the home, straight down the steep embankment and into the water. We dont know if he was forward or backwards, Brown said. A woman inside the house could hear the victim yelling, Brown said. The man on the mower was yelling, Brown said. The homeowner heard him, so she goes and gets the other gentleman, his coworker, and he goes down there and finds him. Hickory Fire Education Coordinator Terri Byers said the victim was loaded onto a boat, taken to a nearby dock and transported to Frye Regional Medical Center via EMS. The victims condition, name and employer were unknown as of 4 p.m. Friday. The accident is being investigated as an accident, according to Brown. Police say a man accused of killing a world-renowned bridge player, producer and director in 1985 admitted to the murder two months ago. Edwin Jerry Hiatt, 52, of Connelly Springs, was charged Thursday with murder in the killing of Barry Crane. Hiatt admitted to the murder in an interview with Los Angeles Police Department detectives on March 8, according to a Friday release from LAPD. Court documents filed in March said Cranes naked body was found at his home wrapped in sheets. Crane had been beaten to death and strangled with a telephone cord in his Los Angeles home on July 5, 1985. Cranes stolen car was found abandoned on a mountain road near Frazier Park, California, the documents said. Fingerprints, blood samples and cigarette butts were found in Cranes car, along with his gas credit card. It wasnt until July 2, 2018, that a run of the fingerprints found on the car came back with a match to Hiatt, according to court documents. Blog Archive Apr 2010 (22) May 2010 (25) Jun 2010 (8) Jul 2010 (12) Aug 2010 (18) Sep 2010 (19) Oct 2010 (29) Nov 2010 (30) Dec 2010 (18) Jan 2011 (13) Feb 2011 (21) Mar 2011 (23) Apr 2011 (19) May 2011 (31) Jun 2011 (36) Jul 2011 (46) Aug 2011 (26) Sep 2011 (12) Oct 2011 (15) Nov 2011 (17) Dec 2011 (7) Jan 2012 (18) Feb 2012 (4) Mar 2012 (12) Apr 2012 (18) May 2012 (10) Jun 2012 (21) Jul 2012 (8) Aug 2012 (15) Sep 2012 (7) Oct 2012 (17) Nov 2012 (20) Dec 2012 (10) Jan 2013 (58) Feb 2013 (59) Mar 2013 (60) Apr 2013 (98) May 2013 (135) Jun 2013 (204) Jul 2013 (293) Aug 2013 (351) Sep 2013 (363) Oct 2013 (348) Nov 2013 (374) Dec 2013 (442) Jan 2014 (547) Feb 2014 (476) Mar 2014 (526) Apr 2014 (527) May 2014 (469) Jun 2014 (408) Jul 2014 (472) Aug 2014 (522) Sep 2014 (443) Oct 2014 (472) Nov 2014 (497) Dec 2014 (536) Jan 2015 (539) Feb 2015 (520) Mar 2015 (582) Apr 2015 (658) May 2015 (679) Jun 2015 (673) Jul 2015 (728) Aug 2015 (803) Sep 2015 (923) Oct 2015 (924) Nov 2015 (802) Dec 2015 (791) Jan 2016 (782) Feb 2016 (835) Mar 2016 (929) Apr 2016 (866) May 2016 (947) Jun 2016 (1044) Jul 2016 (882) Aug 2016 (1035) Sep 2016 (967) Oct 2016 (918) Nov 2016 (854) Dec 2016 (885) Jan 2017 (879) Feb 2017 (777) Mar 2017 (896) Apr 2017 (872) May 2017 (850) Jun 2017 (851) Jul 2017 (971) Aug 2017 (1040) Sep 2017 (998) Oct 2017 (1144) Nov 2017 (1046) Dec 2017 (838) Jan 2018 (873) Feb 2018 (769) Mar 2018 (885) Apr 2018 (809) May 2018 (827) Jun 2018 (820) Jul 2018 (840) Aug 2018 (854) Sep 2018 (844) Oct 2018 (851) Nov 2018 (870) Dec 2018 (912) Jan 2019 (919) Feb 2019 (827) Mar 2019 (957) Apr 2019 (913) May 2019 (1007) Jun 2019 (935) Jul 2019 (950) Aug 2019 (936) Sep 2019 (910) Oct 2019 (920) Nov 2019 (874) Dec 2019 (908) Jan 2020 (941) Feb 2020 (849) Mar 2020 (898) Apr 2020 (848) May 2020 (822) Jun 2020 (789) Jul 2020 (819) Aug 2020 (858) Sep 2020 (841) Oct 2020 (873) Nov 2020 (812) Dec 2020 (780) Jan 2021 (765) Feb 2021 (716) Mar 2021 (819) Apr 2021 (805) May 2021 (815) Jun 2021 (824) Jul 2021 (830) Aug 2021 (832) Sep 2021 (791) Oct 2021 (754) Nov 2021 (683) Dec 2021 (550) Romania's absorption rate of European funds is 20 percent for the period 2014-2020 and there are no other large infrastructure projects submitted for approval, European Commissioner Corina Cretu stated on Friday in Simeria town, while campaigning together with the leadership of the Pro Romania Party. She pointed out that the main infrastructure project which was signed and financed in this financial exercise is the one related to the rehabilitation of Radna (Arad) - Gurasada - Simeria (Hunedoara) railway, for which the European Commission approved funds worth 1,3 billion euro.Another important project concerns the modernization of the European Road E79, Oradea-Deva, for which a budget of 76 million euro was approved."The absorption rate is currently 20 percent for the 2014-2020 period. It is very sad that these chances and opportunities get lost. I will not say good things have not been done. Unfortunately, small projects have been done.The biggest project we have approved is that of the railway linking between Arad and Simeria worth 1,3 billion euro. We have approved all the projects that have been submitted until this time, by the Government of Romania," Corina Cretu said.She mentioned that large projects still need to be submitted and she showed her availability to discuss the issues that emerged with the Prime Minister Viorica Dancila, in the light of her position."What can be done? Projects must be submitted. From this point of view, I have done my duty, helped Romania as much as I could. My door was opened to all ministers of Romania, regardless of the governments I worked with - Ponta, Ciolos, Tudose, Grindeanu, Dancila. Even tomorrow, if the Prime Minister wants to review all the problems, I am at the disposal of the Romanian Government. There are no projects to approve. This thing is an aspect that hurts me, because in other countries, we have too many projects and not sufficient money," the European Commissioner said.According to her, Romania's contracting rate for European funds is below 60 percent.Pro Romania candidate for the European Parliament Corina Cretu, party leaders Victor Ponta and Sorin Cimpeanu, as well as Ioan Rus, presented on Friday in Simeria, Hunedoara and Deva the party's electoral offer in the elections to the European Parliament. Romania's President Klaus Iohannis criticised on Saturday, in the speech he delivered at the Education Forum event in Iasi, Education Minister Ecaterina Andronescu for talking about the digitisation of the education system in Romania, while hundreds of thousands of pupils are learning in unsanitary and unsafe schools. He stated that the lack of investments in schools can cause tragedies to repeat themselves, as the one in April in Iasi county, when a child died after falling into a septic tank."There is a minister that tours the country, talking about tablets, digitisation, but there are still hundreds of thousands of children learning in unsanitary and unsafe schools, and we can expect the tragedies of late to repeat, and the responsibility so that no child ends up tragically in a septic tank is ours, central, local decision-makers, principals, teachers, parents. Even the Education Ministry has a responsibility," the President stated.The head of state referred to the case of a 3-and-a-half-year-old who died last month, after falling into a septic tank located behind the school in the Buda locality, Iasi county. President Klaus Iohannis stated on Saturday in Iasi that, at the meeting in Sibiu of the European Socialist Prime Ministers, prior to the Summit of the European Council, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) wasn't invited "because nobody wanted to see them." "The Sibiu Summit - people, some people accused me of not inviting X and Y, to do what? At the European Council meeting there was one seat, one man, in this case [it was] me for Romania, because I get involve for the Romanians. The story goes on, usually, prior to such meetings which are called Summit or the European Council, the political groups carry out their meetings in view of preparing for the Summit. That is how I went to the EPP [the European People's Party], where I met the EPP leaders. We discussed, we analysed how we can contribute in a positive and concrete way to building a good future plan for Europe, because the Summit in Sibiu was about that. In the same way, the Socialists met, the Socialist Prime Ministers met in Sibiu. Guess who didn't get invited? The PSD wasn't invited. Guess why? Because they don't matter in Europe," President Klaus Iohannis stated at the release of this book called "EU.RO - An open dialogue about Europe."He added that not inviting the PSD at the meeting in Sibiu of the Socialist PMs "represents the biggest slap given to a party.""To carry out a meeting prior to the Summit and them not to get invited? Because nobody wants to see them, what to discuss with them? About how Dragnea attacks the justice in Romania, how he wants to clean his criminal cases? Who needs that? The rule of law is the foundation of the EU. Without a rule of law there is no EU. (...) The rule of law simply means that - the law is the law. This is what is written in our Constitution, but not everybody reads it and some people try to bend it, we are at that stage with some lawbreakers at the helm of the state who try to bend the independence of justice, to politicise it, to their benefit," the head of state said.Iohannis continued by calling on the people to vote on 26 May. "If you are interested in our European future, go to vote and tell others who perhaps are not very interested, yet. We need to send people who represent the Romanians' will, good people who understand how Europe works. How can one send a Social Democrat who shows up at the rally in Iasi and says that Europe harms Romania - how to send him/her in Brussels, to say what? That Europe harms Romania? People look at him/her and move on, if they take a look at him/her," Iohannis pointed out.In his view, the Romanians didn't get to the EU by mistake. "We wanted inside the EU, in Europe, because we wanted to get there (...) We wanted and we got to Europe just to wake up today with a lawbreaker at the helm of the state who told us, just a few hours ago that: 'Iohannis called his chiefs, masters in Sibiu.' This is what they understood out of it. It's a shame, because Iohannis called the chiefs of Europe in Sibiu because we, too are pro-Europeans and we proved it," the President stated.He added that Romania has good specialists in Brussels. "We did our job well, but, back home, we do bad. They attack, we don't, they attack justice, attack the independence of justice and, instead of capitalising this sensational opportunity of being taken into account in Europe as we should, the Social Democrats led us into the discussion about the rule of law, about the future of democracy in Romania. Now, at popular gatherings, the chief lawbreaker or the chief of lawbreakers, depends how you want look at it, starts to attack the EU, as if it would hurt us. What a nonsense! As we were all stupid. The PSD attacks our welfare, attacks our Romania. We want to be Europeans, if they want something else, then, they should withdraw and leave us to do our jobs as we know better," President Klaus Iohannis concluded. This content was produced by Brand Ave. Studios. The news and editorial departments of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch had no role in its creation or display. Brand Ave. Studios connects advertisers with a targeted audience through compelling content programs, from concept to production and distribution. For more information contact sales@brandavestudios.com A good road trip story can make you feel like youre in the back seat of the family car, watching the scenery unfold. Thats sort of how the newest novel from St. Louis native Anne Valente feels. Like Im in the way-back trying to figure out all the symbolism that Valente packs into a story of two women heading west in The Desert Sky Before Us. Because there is a lot that two sisters former race-car driver Rhiannon and newly paroled Billie will squeeze in on their drive from Champaign, Ill., to the Colorado/Utah border. Its not a pleasure trip; its a second farewell to their mother, a renowned paleontologist who died before Billie got out of prison. They plan to hold a memorial at the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry. But before any of that can happen, the sisters are sent on a specific scavenger hunt courtesy of a detailed journal their mother left behind for Billie. Theyre on a tight deadline for Billie to get back for mandated therapy sessions. Its gray and wet in Illinois; elsewhere, people worldwide are wondering if the weather is behind a string of seven deadly plane crashes in four months. Sounds awkward, right? It is. At least, for a while. In the late 1970s, after almost two decades of laboring to write a second novel that might live up to her first, Harper Lee turned to nonfiction. Her debut, To Kill a Mockingbird, had been published in 1960, winning the Pulitzer Prize and becoming one of the countrys most beloved novels, as well as the basis for one of its most beloved films. In the intervening years, as Casey Cep writes in her own debut, Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee, Lee published hardly anything: three short essays for two glossy magazines, two tiny profiles that were favors for her friend Truman Capote, one satirical recipe for crackling bread in a novelty cookbook. But now she latched onto another Alabama courtroom story, one that might speak, the way Mockingbird had, to issues of race and justice. The difference was that everything about this case was real. Lee spent many years working on the project, but it never saw the light of day. Instead, more than four decades later, we have Ceps absorbing new volume, which succeeds in telling the story that Nelle Harper Lee could not and offers an affecting account of Lees attempt to give meaning to a startling series of events. One of the horrible things about cancer is that the very medicine that cures you is horrific and almost kills you, Mandel said. We kept doing table reads in between chemo sessions to kind of give her something to look forward to. Shed be so frail you couldnt hug her. For the first time in her life, she actually looked her age. I was so overcome with joy and grief, she said in one of the few solemn moments of the news conference. I mean, Im an emotional person anyway, but it really caught me by surprise. I think thats because this show has been my baby for eight years now, and Im fiercely protective and proud of it. Weve been through a lot as a group with illness and losing people. Its been an enormous, huge journey, but ultimately one that has been extremely powerful for us. Its not lost on me that this is not something that comes along with frequency. Updated at 7:30 p.m. with new information from police. ST. LOUIS Three men sustained gunshot wounds during a shooting in the 4000 block of Ashland Avenue on Friday afternoon, a few blocks south of Fairground Park. All of the victims were reported to be stable. Police initially reported two male victims had sustained gunshot wounds after the shooting at about 3:10 p.m., and later reported that four additional victims had arrived at area hospitals. Police later amended their report to say there were three victims in total. This story will be updated when more information is available. Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. With earmarks, you gave members of Congress not only a reason to vote for the bill but a reason to go home and explain why they voted for the bill, said Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., one of his partys chief appropriators. I cant imagine anybody going home and saying how proud they were to vote for the X billions of dollars of highway spending, he said. I can imagine going home and saying, I voted for the highway bill, and this overpass that everybody in this community knows needs to be fixed, will be fixed. Blunt and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., earlier this year introduced a bipartisan budget reform act that would, among other things, mandate moving to a two-year budget cycle. Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set up a select committee on House modernization, whose members include Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, Ill. Davis said that committee will look at a broad array of issues, but in its first meeting, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., made a plea for the return to earmarks. Mark Strand, who served as chief of staff for former Missouri Republican Sen. Jim Talent, has advised that committee to do just that. The family's house was infested with roaches, sheriff's office says That night, a sheriff's deputy checked the family's home, where Stevenson and her five children, ranging in age from 5 to 14, lived. The house was infested with roaches and extremely filthy, the investigation report reads. "The roaches were on nearly every surface in the home, to include on the children's mattress, in the pots and pans in the kitchen, and inside the cabinets/fridge," the report says. Piles of cat feces were "all over the floor," and the cabinets had no food, according to the report. "There were no clean clothes anywhere in the home except a few articles between the oldest children and the mother," the report reads. The school worker said she alerted Florida's Department of Children and Families to the family at the start of the school year. The DCF visited the home "but determined it did not meet their removal criteria," the sheriff's deputy's investigation report reads. Then theres the day my own mother, Edith, had slowed my incessant need to beat myself up as a parent when she answered my request for child-rearing advice like this: Id say do what you think is best and try not to worry about what others think about what you did or how you should raise your children. If you believe youre doing what you think is right, stick with it. I am grateful for that gift every time I read her words. At age 64, I am more than lucky to be able to visit my parents in the home they still share and maintain. But we all have access to mothers and grandmothers, whether or not the connections are biological. Across generations, we will always have the richness of our interactions to offer each other. So this year, as we prepare to celebrate Mothers Day, I have some advice for anyone who will listen: Use the precious time you have left with the wisest women in your life to engage in what they really want: conversation. No one will be sorry if you do. Jenney Egertson lives in Minneapolis but grew up in St. Louis and attended Parkway Central High School. Her first book, Before I Leave: Wisdom from the Stories of Six Women Over Eighty, won a 2019 IP Book Award, which recognizes excellence in independent publishing. She will present Before I Leave at Left Bank Books on June 13 at 7 p.m. I and countless others of all races are puzzled that little is heard from Black Lives Matter when black Americans are killed by black Americans. Nationwide, such killings are in the thousands. In these staggering numbers, innocent men, women and children lose their lives leaving behind deeply aggrieved families. Some are my friends. The numbers of these killings far outweigh the number of those killed by law officers. Dont their lives matter? As they total infinitely more than those involved in risky, illegal or criminal behavior, its incredible that Black Lives Matter remains silent to such serious African American tragedies. The silence of the movement causes me to think it may be better interpreted as Black Lives Muted. How can the organization and its leaders ignore the greatest threat and tragedy to the black community? Some African Americans are so fearful they live behind bars to protect themselves not from the police, but from other African Americans who do not value their lives. I would like to challenge Black Lives Matter to cease appearing to be Black Lives Muted. Protest on behalf of the frightened, innocent African Americans seriously impacted emotionally, mentally and physically by the high rate of black-on-black crime and violence. It appears that former St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger was done in by his own conceit and arrogance and has nobody but himself to blame for his downfall. He was a man with excellent academic credentials and with degrees in law and accounting. But he thought he was above the law and could get away with whatever he pleased without repercussions. He was dead wrong, having had to resign after being charged with bribery, mail fraud and theft of honest service. Thank goodness for the dispassionate voices of columnists Chuck Raasch and Jonah Goldberg. They at least spark an interest in reading their columns whereas the other opinion writers are so biased there is no point in wasting your time. Unfortunately, I am so cynical about the Post-Dispatch that it causes me to wonder if the disparagement was legitimate, or just the Post-Dispatchs way of positioning to support Joe Biden. (Belleville, Ill. May 6, 2019) A Bank of Belleville employee who went through an unexpected health crisis is using her experience to help others. Jennifer Gross, a loan assistant at Bank of Belleville, contracted a chronic form of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) known as Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy that left her paralyzed from right below her eyes down to her feet. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which a persons immune system damages their nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. GBS is rare and is typically caused by an infection, or occasionally immunizations. I ended up in a hospital bed not being able to move my arms and legs, Gross said. I dont think anyone can imagine what it is like to become totally immobile unless you have actually lived it. Gross spent nearly a year in and out of hospitals recovering from her symptoms. As her time out of work added up, so did her medical bills. Her coworkers wanted to help. On this statewide distillery trail you can visit all the incredible small businesses and we will Show You why this is the best state in the Union for distilled spirits. We have the best American Oak in the world, we have the best grain in the country, and we make some of the most award-winning spirits in the nation, all right here in Missouri! The Expedition is free to all (21+) participants who will collect stamps at each participating distillery and earn rewards along your journey. Once completed, you earn the right to a free bottle of Missouri Spirits Expedition Missouri Bourbon Whiskey - a truly unique collaborative spirit that is not available any other way! NATIVEs technology will help us with our goal of providing high-quality, locally grown products to St. Louis restaurants, schools, and groceries, said Preston Walker, Proprietor of Eat Here Saint Louis. NATIVE will simplify the supply chain and help many local farmers reach a network of St. Louis' best chefs and other buyers looking to support the local food economy. To support its local operations, NATIVE has opened an office in the Cortex Innovation community, the vibrant innovation hub and technology district integrated into St. Louis historic Central West End and Forest Park Southeast residential neighborhoods. Cortex Innovation is also the home of Vicia restaurant, named the #2 restaurant in America in 2017 by a USA Today readers poll. Vicia is a celebration of what goes on above and below the soil. Our cuisine is driven by the best of whats available and sourced from the relationships we have with farmers, said Tara Gallina, Owner, Vicia. NATIVEs technology platform will help us grow those relationships and continue to provide the highest-quality food to our patrons. More Arab countries are introducing conscription and the response has not been good. In part, this is because Arab nations have a bad reputation when it comes to military service, especially when the troops are not volunteers. While some Arab states do a good job with selecting, training and living conditions for conscripts, the general attitude is that anything is preferable to military service as a conscript. As a result of this, Arab nations that have conscription have a hard time getting most eligible young men to show up. A recent example was the North African state of Tunisia. Conscription was introduced there in 2018 and less than two percent of those eligible (by age) men even showed up to see if they were fit for service. In the few Arab states that have had conscription for a long time young men (and their families) energetically seek exemptions from service or illegal ways to avoid it. All the North African states are Arab and all depend on conscription to keep their armed forces up to strength. Morocco, a monarchy that pays attention to popular opinion, abolished conscription in 2006. That did not work and the military found itself with a growing personnel shortage. So conscription was reintroduced in 2019 to a population that reluctantly accepted it rather than lose their relatively effective military. Next door Algeria, after a century of being a French colony and subject to the French conscription system (including service in two World Wars) managed to maintain an effective conscription system after independence in the 1960s. The Algerian military maintained fairly high standards and the millions of former conscripts in the population helped maintain national unity and acceptance of mandatory military service. Conscription is not popular in Algeria but it is tolerated and generally seen as a necessity to maintain the peace because the military has been dealing, successfully, with local and foreign Islamic terrorists since the 1990s. Next door in Libya conscription did not work out as well because the Kaddafi dictatorship also used tribal rivalries, and sometimes tribal militias and feared secret police to maintain order. Libyan troops had a well-deserved reputation of ineffectiveness. Next door Egypt had the longest tradition of conscript service and conscription was never popular and still isnt. But with effective officers (not always available), the Egyptian troops can be quite formidable. Two nations in the Middle East with effective conscript militaries have largely non-Arab populations (Israel and Turkey), and Israel is largely non-Moslem. Its not a coincidence that Israel and Turkey have the most effective armed forces in the Middle East. In both nations, conscription is not only tolerated but seen as a civil obligation and an honor. In both Israel and Turkey, where members of their Arab minorities are subject to conscription, these Arab troops perform as well as their non-Arab colleges and some even make a career of the money and become officers. In other words, there is no reason why Arab conscripts cant be excellent soldiers. Its all a matter of cultural practices and the quality of their officers. Jordan, next door to Israel, was one of the few Arab nations that embraced and perpetuated the military training standards they were exposed to during the few decades the British controlled the area. In most Arab nations the military is seen as more of a police force, to keep the local dictator or monarchy in power, and not to protect the population. Those few Arab states with effective militaries, like Jordan, have troops seen as protectors, not secret police auxiliaries. Jordan was able to completely eliminate conscription in 1994. Lebanon dropped conscription in 2007 mainly because it was more disruptive than unifying. Money makes a difference, especially oil wealth. This sort of thing became a major factor in the Middle East after the 1940s, particularly in Arabia. Only Yemen missed out on the massive oil wealth. Yemen had long been the most prosperous part of Arabia because it faces the Indian Ocean. That meant it had more rain (and agriculture) than the rest of Arabia. With the arrival of oil and the departure of British colonial rule in the 1960s, Yemen found itself the poorest state in Arabia and the least united because in the oil-rich states most everyone wanted to share in the wealth. Yemen had conscription and, by the 1990s, nominal national unity but it was still poor and divided by tribal loyalties. The Arabian Arab oil states were another matter. For thousands of years (since the last Ice Age ended 12,000 years ago) most of Arabia north of Yemen has been desert, with a few spring-fed oases. Most commercial activity was along the Red Sea and Persian Gulf coasts. There were no nations, just collections of shifting tribal alliances. Nearby empires did not see anything worth conquering and generally stayed away. Oil wealth changed all that. Suddenly nationhood (and who belonged) and national defense became major issues. There was no conscription (an alien concept anyway) so armed forces were composed of mercenaries and well-paid volunteers selected from the most loyal citizens. Saudi Arabia, founded (in the 1920s) and ruled by the Saud family, formed a second army (the National Guard) open only to members of the tribes considered most loyal to the Sauds. The National Guard was actually the Saudi Royal Guard that protected the Sauds from attack by less loyal Saudis. All the Arab oil states also made use of a lot of well paid (for their skills and reliability) mercenaries. The ones from the West were there mainly used as trainers and technicians to help maintain modern weapons. Mercenary combat troops could be obtained from Pakistan (especially the Baluchis) though by the 1980s these were no longer needed as the Arab oil states established close military alliances with Western nations. After 2003 the Arabs also obtained mercenaries from the many non-Western personnel screened to serve as security contractors in Iraq. There was one other major problem with most Arab oil states; a shortage of Arabs. With all that money these enormously wealthy Arab nations could afford to import most of their labor force and in some Arab oil states, the Arab citizens were a minority. This became a problem when trying to maintain adequate armed forces. A generation or two of affluence meant fewer young men saw the military as an attractive career. These Arab oil states did not want to become dependent on mercenaries so they began introducing conscription. Kuwait had conscription, mainly to provide protection from Iraq and Iran, but dropped it in 2001. In 2017, with the Iranian threat increasing Kuwait brought back conscription. Meanwhile, other small Gulf Oil states introduced conscription for the first time. Qatar did so in 2013 and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) in 2014. The UAE has been having an interesting experience with conscription. In 2018, four years after adopting conscription the UAE increased the length of time conscripts must serve on active duty. Those with a high school education will serve at least 16 months and those who did not finish high school for 24 months. Back in 2014 implementing conscription was seen as a bold move for a wealthy Arab oil state. But the UAE felt they had no choice. Conscription was needed so the UAE could create a reserve force of trained citizens and thus be less dependent on mercenaries. The growing Iranian threat is causing many radical ideas to become acceptable in Arabia. The main idea behind the UAE conscription plan is to get all qualified (for military service) Emirati men aged 18-30 trained so they can fight effectively if called up in an emergency. In effect, the UAE wants to emulate the Israeli system. Initially, the UAE only planned to keep conscripts in uniform for 9-24 months and that was mostly for training. College educated men would stay in longer and be trained as officers or technical experts. After that everyone will be in the reserves and organized into units that will train regularly for as long as they are able. That usually means for about twenty years. That was the plan and it was meant to be a work in progress because details were expected change as the program is implemented. The UAE goal was to have an armed force of 270,000 trained troops within days of mobilization. Before conscription, the UAE relied on volunteers (a mixed bag) and mercenaries (very expensive and an ancient custom in the region) and the numbers were not impressive, especially compared to what more populous (and militarily competent) Iran could send. The decision to adopt conscription got off to an uncomfortable start because by late 2015 there were angry UAE parents of sons who were recently killed in combat in Yemen. UAE customarily hires foreign mercenaries whenever possible but times have changed and some UAE families have not adapted. In late 2015 the UAE government had a public relations problem because hundreds of these conscript soldiers were sent to fight in Yemen and several had been killed and many more wounded. Families complained that their conscripted sons, none of whom have any combat experience, should not have been sent to a war zone. The parents were told that the only way to gain combat experience is by being in combat and thats why their sons were conscripted in the first place. Moreover, most UAE citizens understand that the Shia rebels in Yemen are openly backed by Iran and this is just the sort of situation that conscription was instituted to deal with. But the grim consequences are another matter. The UAE conscripts remained in Yemen and their commanders took measures to keep casualties low. That meant more training and better leadership, especially sergeants and junior officers. UAE has proved to be useful, if painful, education for the UAE and what works to create the kind reserve army that Israel has had for generations. The UAE troops in Yemen initially comprised about half the strength of the hastily formed Arab Coalition mechanized combat brigade. This unit initially had about 3,000 troops with over a hundred armored vehicles, and landed in Yemen in mid-2015. This unit came to be called the Arab Brigade because about half the rest of brigade was largely Saudi. Since then troops from other nations, including Sudan, have joined. But initially, UAE and Saudi troops were seen as best suited for the job because many of the troops had family ties to Yemen and knowledge of local dialects and customs. The Yemen family connections of many of the UAE soldiers was one reason the conscripts were sent. The Arab Brigade was apparently responsible for many of the subsequent victories of the Yemeni government forces. Three years later the fighting was still going on and the rebels were losing but not yet defeated. The Arab Brigade keeps its casualties down by relying on the modern air forces the UAE and Saudi Arabia have and using a lot of smart bombs to hammer the resourceful and elusive rebels. The smart bombs have also killed a lot of civilians but that is easier to deal with than a lot of dead soldiers being shipped back home for funerals attended by unhappy families. The UAE and Saudi Arabia also convinced many other (generally less wealthy) Moslem nations to send ground forces with assurances that they would be well-taken care of. If wounded, all medical expenses would be paid. If martyred (the favorite Moslem term for killed in combat for any legitimate cause) the families would be well compensated. The fighting in Yemen revealed a lot of other interesting details of the UAE armed forces. Soon after the Arab Brigade arrived in Yemen, UAE commandos found and rescued a British citizen who had been held captive by Islamic terrorists for 18 months. This was one of the few times the UAE admitted publicly that it had a SOC (Special Operations Command) and commandos capable of finding and rescuing someone held captive by Islamic terrorists. The UAE has been particularly secretive about its special operations force. What is known is that since 2008 the UAE has been actively trying to upgrade and expand its special operations capabilities. One of the new units established (in 2010) was a Presidential Guard Command (PGC). This was described as a best of the best unit containing the most reliable and capable troops the UAE had. There are only about 5,000 troops in the PGC and most of them appear to be in the even more mysterious SOC (Special Operations Command). The UAE has been trying to train its own citizens for special operations ever since they found out how effective Arab special operations troops had been in Afghanistan and Iraq. But by 2010 the UAE appeared to be recruiting non-Moslem foreigners for a special security battalion that was more royal guard than SOC. By 2011 this battalion had 800 troops and was composed of Western contractors. This force was recruited from men who had combat experience and were then organized as a counter-terrorism and rapid reaction force. Officially this new battalion was to provide security for key facilities in UAE but that may have just been a cover story. Apparently there was also special operations training for some of the men in the contractor battalion. Some of these foreign troops already had special operations training and experience in their home country. Many Colombian combat veterans were known to be in the UAE unit. It is unclear if the UAE commandos in Yemen were all UAE citizens or largely men from the contractor battalion or even special operations troops from foreign countries wearing UAE uniforms. It is known that the head of the PGC is a retired Australian general who spent most of his career in special operations. Since 2015 the UAE has expanded its special operations training program for UAE troops and these have been successful going after al Qaeda and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) Islamic terrorists in some of the more remote parts of the country. These Islamic terrorists are Sunni and not working with the rebels but they will be a problem in post-war Yemen and having UAE commandos go after them now is an opportunity that will not be available once the civil war is over. The contractor battalion and many other members of the PGC were but a small portion of the many foreigners already serving in the UAE armed forces. Hiring foreign mercenaries, to ensure that the rulers are protected by troops who are the most skilled and reliable, is an old custom in the region. Actually, it used to be a widespread practice worldwide. Some Western nations, like the Vatican, still retains foreign mercenaries. In this case, it's the Swiss Guards, which the popes have been using for over 500 years ago because the locals were too often unreliable. The UAE has been trying to reduce their reliance on foreign mercenaries. A part of that program was a 2011 decision to give military retirees a 70 percent increase in their pensions. The active-duty armed forces only consisted of 65,000 troops, and for a long time, many of them were foreigners. But now, most of the military retirees are locals, and the aristocrats that run the place want to make sure that these older men, with military experience, remained loyal. This was particularly true with all the calls for tossing out existing rulers that has been going on throughout the Arab world during the Arab Spring uprisings that broke out in 2011. Actually, taking good care of military veterans has become increasingly important in nations that are prone to civil disorder or revolution. Military veterans can turn the disorder into a well-organized rebellion. This is especially true in the UAE, where only 20 percent of the population are citizens, the others are foreigners imported to help spend all that money and make the economy work. The UAE is a confederation of seven small Arab states (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain) at the southern end of the Persian Gulf. With a population of only 5.6 million, and large oil and gas deposits, the Emirates have a per-capita income of over $40,000. Thus the UAE has a lot to defend, and an increasingly belligerent neighbor just across the Gulf. The UAE controls one side the entrance to the Gulf (the Straits of Hormuz). Iran is on the other end, and both nations dispute ownership of some islands in the middle. The UAE wants to defend itself from potential Iranian aggression. To that end, they have become the third largest importer of weapons in the world, and the largest in the Middle East. The UAE is also spending billions on armored vehicles, artillery and other equipment for their ground forces. More billions being spent on bases, training, support and logistics. Despite all the imported weapons UAE doesn't forgot that the ultimate weapon is the guy on the ground willing to fight to protect the emirates. TICKERS: , CVX, OXY Source: Streetwise Reports (5/10/19) Thoughts on the latest development and answers to some related lingering questions are provided in a Raymond James report. In a May 9 research note, Raymond James analyst Pavel Molchanov reported that Chevron Corp. (CVX:NYSE) bowed out of the acquisition battle for Anadarko precipitated by Occidental in early April. "With today's decision that Chevron will not attempt to outbid Occidental's $76 per share buyout proposal, Chevron shareholders can breathe a sigh of relief," Molchanov commented. "This decision by Chevron management is entirely correct," and by the increase in the company's stock price, the market seems to agree. Now, he added, shareholders can focus on the company's strong fundamentals. Molchanov answered the question of whether Chevron will pursue acquiring a different company or asset. First, he highlighted the company does not need to expand its portfolio via large-scale mergers and acquisitions. It has plenty of growth opportunities within its current asset base, including in the Permian, Tengiz, deepwater Gulf of Mexico, Argentina and Kitimat LNG. However, he noted Chevron likely will at some point "buy something," but "it ought to be bolt-on deals rather than megamergers." The analyst clarified another uncertain point in indicating Chevron will maintain the annual share buyback increase to $5 billion it announced in early April. "The $1 billion break-up fee to be received from Anadarko (that is to say, Occidental) is helping in this regard," Molchanov noted, but regardless, free cash flow estimates for the company cover it. Molchanov reiterated Raymond James' Outperform rating and $132 per share target price on Chevron, whose stock is now trading at around $122.99. [NLINSERT] Disclosure: 1) Doresa Banning compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. She or members of her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. She or members of her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. 3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. 4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. Disclosures from Raymond James, Chevron Corp., May 9, 2019 ANALYST INFORMATION Analysts Holdings and Compensation: Equity analysts and their staffs at Raymond James are compensated based on a salary and bonus system. Several factors enter into the bonus determination, including quality and performance of research product, the analyst's success in rating stocks versus an industry index, and support effectiveness to trading and the retail and institutional sales forces. Other factors may include but are not limited to: overall ratings from internal (other than investment banking) or external parties and the general productivity and revenue generated in covered stocks. The covering analyst and/or research associate owns shares of Chevron Corporation. The analyst Pavel Molchanov, primarily responsible for the preparation of this research report, attests to the following: (1) that the views and opinions rendered in this research report reflect his or her personal views about the subject companies or issuers and (2) that no part of the research analyst's compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views in this research report. In addition, said analyst(s) has not received compensation from any subject company in the last 12 months. RAYMOND JAMES RELATIONSHIP DISCLOSURES Certain affiliates of the RJ Group expect to receive or intend to seek compensation for investment banking services from all companies under research coverage within the next three months. Chevron Corp.: The covering analyst and/or research associate owns shares of the common stock of the issuer. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. makes a market in the shares of Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation and Chevron Corporation. Additional Risk and Disclosure information, as well as more information on the Raymond James rating system and suitability categories, is available here. TICKERS: FNV Source: Streetwise Reports (5/10/19) A summary of the company's first quarter results were provided in an iA Securities report. In a May 9, research note, iA Securities analyst George Topping reported that with a strong Q1/19, Franco-Nevada Corp. (FNV:TSX; FNV:NYSE) "continues to demonstrate that it can deliver even in a poor gold market." Topping highlighted that the company achieved a beat during Q1/19 with respect to gold equivalent ounces (GEOs) added to its portfolio, EBITDA and cash flow per share (CFPS). GEOs totaled 122,000 (122 Koz), exceeding iA's forecast of 105 Koz and representing a 16% quarter-over-quarter (QOQ) increase. Outperformance in Latin America and Canada drove this result. EBITDA came in at $141 million, compared to consensus' estimate of $132 million. CFPS was $0.72 whereas consensus had projected $0.65 per share. Q1/19 revenue for Franco-Nevada was $180 million, up 13% QOQ. The recovery continues at Candelaria, and Cobre Panama is "coming online," Topping noted. As Cobre Panama ramps up to steady state production over the next five years, GEOs for Franco-Nevada should grow by an average of 67% annually, iA Securities estimated. In other news, Topping indicated, the company's current chair, Pierre Lassonde, will leave the position as of Franco-Nevada's 2020 annual general meeting. IA Securities has a Buy rating and a CA$115 per share target price on Franco-Nevada, whose stock is currently trading at around CA$94.78 per share. [NLINSERT] Disclosure: 1) Doresa Banning compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. She or members of her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. She or members of her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None. 2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: None. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. 3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security. 4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports. 5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Franco-Nevada, a company mentioned in this article. Disclosures from iA Securities, Franco-Nevada Corp., Research Update, May 9, 2019 Conflicts of Interest: The research analyst and or associates who prepared this report are compensated based upon (among other factors) the overall profitability of iA Securities, which may include the profitability of investment banking and related services. In the normal course of its business, iA Securities may provide financial advisory services for the issuers mentioned in this report. iA Securities may buy from or sell to customers the securities of issuers mentioned in this report on a principal basis. Analyst's Certification: Each iA Securities research analyst whose name appears on the front page of this research report hereby certifies that (i) the recommendations and opinions expressed in the research report accurately reflect the research analyst's personal views about the issuer and securities that are the subject of this report and all other companies and securities mentioned in this report that are covered by such research analyst and (ii) no part of the research analyst's compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed by such research analyst in this report. Analyst Trading: iA Securities permits analysts to own and trade in the securities and or the derivatives of the issuer under their research coverage, subject to the following restrictions. No trades can be executed in anticipation of coverage for a period of 30 days prior to the issuance of the report and 5 days after the dissemination of the report to our clients. For a change in recommendation, no trading is allowed for a period of 24 hours after the dissemination of such information to our clients. A transaction against an analyst's recommendation can only be executed for a reason unrelated to the outlook of the stock for the issuer and with the prior approval of the Director of Research and the Chief Compliance Officer. Company Related Disclosures: Franco-Nevada: The analyst has visited the issuer's operations. No payment or reimbursement was received from the issuer for the associated travel costs. The University of Waikato are holding a Community Day at their Tauranga Campus on Saturday May 11 from 10am 2pm. The doors to the brand new Durham St campus will be opened for the community to come in and have a look around. There will be guided tours every hour, food trucks on site, entertainment and giveaways. The $60 million Tauranga campus officially opened in April with University of Waikato Chancellor the Rt Hon James Bolger and key staff and stakeholders gathering in Tauranga for a ribbon-untying ceremony. Rt Hon James Bolger with key staff and stakeholders untying the ribbon to officially open the new campus The new campus, led by the University of Waikato on behalf of the Bay of Plenty Tertiary Partnership, enhances the range of qualifications and study options available to students in the Bay of Plenty. "The narrative that inspired the building facade is the mangopare or hammerhead shark, which is a symbol of resilience and tenacity, says Neil Martin, Architect and Principal at Jasmax. Neil says they were delighted to deliver this aspirational project for Tauranga and Bay of Plenty communities. "The ridgebeam kowhaiwhai pattern of Ngai Tamarawahos Huria marae references the sweeping motion of the mangopare. "The buildings facade filters the environment, informed by the geometries of the mangopare skin. The engagement with Ngai Tamarawaho also informed the landscape design, the interior design and the development of cultural artwork with local artists. Mana whenua engagement with Ngai Tamarawaho was instrumental in informing the design brief, and has been integrated into the design process from early concepts. So far in 2019, over 900 individual students are using the new campus, a 32 per cent increase on the same time last year. There are 31 general staff in Tauranga: 50 academic staff, and 36 academics visiting regularly from the Hamilton Campus. The campus development has been made possible through the support and drive of the region, especially the key funders: Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust. The public is invited to come and explore the new Tauranga Campus. When: Community Open Day, Saturday May 11, 10am - 2pm. Location: University of Waikato, Tauranga, Durham Street, Tauranga. The Thames-Coromandel District Council thank residents for giving feedback from their consultation on two projects to improve tourist infrastructure in Hahei, and they now can proceed with the proposed walkway from the Hahei Visitor Car Park at the village entrance to the beach and the start of the Cathedral Cove track, and upgraded toilets by the community hall. The projects have received a total of $1.5M from the government's Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF), which is covering the majority of the cost, as well as the extension of the Hahei Visitor Car Park. The aim of the walkway is to allow visitors to park at the Hahei Visitor Car Park and then walk safely to the beach or the beginning of the Cathedral Cove track at the top of Grange Road. This will also help reduce the number of vehicles driving around the village looking for parking on residential side streets. The majority of submitters liked the low key approach of bollards as a safety solution for pedestrians at the beach end of Hahei Beach Road, and a colonial-look toilet facility that would fit with the village theme. General themes and comments were about providing clear signage, including symbols for tourists who may not speak English, identifying distances and terrain information to Cathedral Cove, and to provide clear walking options either via the concrete footpath up Grange Road, or a more 'natural' walk along the beach," says Project Manager Ross Ashby. The majority of the submitters saw merit in keeping the parallel parking on Hahei Beach Road, with a longer term view to improve parking congestion at the beach end. There was also clear support for keeping the toilets in their current location, instead of shifting them as had been proposed. The Thames-Coromandel District Council will be in contact with property owners at the end of Hahei Beach Road with more details around bollard locations, so that owners can maintain vehicle access to their properties. Work is scheduled for the toilet facility before this summer period. For more information on the proposals click here. Detailed design work for the walkway can now begin, though the walkway itself may not be finished in time for next summer. For more information on parking in Hahei, click here. A carving with a unique story stands at the entrance to the Tauranga Campus of Waikato University in Durham St, Tauranga. The campus is holding an open community day today, Saturday May 11. Te Toka a Tirikawa was carved by Whare Thompson with help from local artists, Pohe and Rikirau Luttenberger. Commissioned by the University of Waikato for the Tauranga Campus, the piece was carved from a swamp kauri log, some six metres in length. I called in to the old fire station building at the Tauranga Historic Village in February to see Whare as he worked on it. He pointed out to me the various features of the carving. This speaks about local history, says Whare. Whare Thompson at work He told me the story of a group of people who once lived at Te Kaha. Apparently their chief, Apanui Ringamutu, often felt like a miserable failure as his men had been beaten so many times in battles. Depressed, their mana was very low, and they had a low opinion of themselves. During another battle retreat, Apanui called out to the tohunga of the enemy tribe Hikawera, who was watching them. Aue! Why am I always such a failure as a warrior chief? asked Apanui. That which you seek, said the tohunga, will be found by following the setting sun. On returning home to his pa, Apanui thought about what the tohunga had said. Finally, he decided that somewhere in the Western Bay of Plenty, in Tauranga Moana, there was someone who could give him the power to succeed, and to really become a toa. Meanwhile in the pa at Matuaiwi in Tauranga Moana, a tohunga called Kinomoerua was in his kumara patch chanting a karakia to protect the crop from the kumara grub. He owned a pet tui that could talk, and it followed him wherever he went. The tui called out to him. Koka e! Tahia te marae Hey Dad, better get the marae ready. This was how the tui warned Kinomoerua that visitors were approaching and he needed to get ready to greet them and offer hospitality. Kinomoerua went back to his Matuaiwi pa and welcomed Apanui. After speeches, Apanui told Kinomoerua why he had travelled there. Could Kinomoerua tell him how to become a successful toa? Kinomoerua said nothing, but led his visitor to look out over the harbour towards Rangiwaea and Matakana. As they looked, a bird swooped down out of the sky and dived into the water. It was a kawau, a shag. Soon the bird reappeared above the water. It opened its mouth and ate the wind. It had failed to catch the fish it had been after. Several times it opened its mouth and achieved nothing. See that shag? asked Kinomoerua. Dont you perform like that, Apanui, it gets nothing, and like you, it gets nowhere. The pair paddled across the harbour to Maunganui, and beached their canoe alongside Mauao where the rocks guard the entrance to the harbour. They sat on the slope and looked down on the rock called Te Toka a Tirikawa, or North Rock, as it is often called now. The waves crashed and broke over the rock in succession, over and over again. Each time the rock reappeared as the foaming waves poured off it. See that rock? asked Kinomoerua. Look on Te Toka a Tirikawa and conduct yourself as it does. Ka ngaro ka ngaro, ka ea ka ea Te Toka a Tirikawa. Apanui was greatly encouraged and never forgot the vision of the waves breaking on the rock of Tirikawa. He defeated his enemy Hikawera of Ngati Porou and went on to further victories. This carving talks about the trials and tribulations that Apanui experienced, says Whare, and the wise words from Kinomoerua telling him he needs to look around him for the answer in his environment. Whare points out to me the various designs in his carving. The carving itself is the shape of a Pouwhenua weapon/landmarker. Theres the talking tui, and above it waves crashing on Tirikawa North Rock. There are wave and koru patterns. As I gaze on the designs I see the story coming to life. The university gave me the brief for the carving, says Whare. I know the story, but went to Tamati Tata, an elder here, and he filled me in on the deeper meaning behind the story and how Apanui became wiser. So the connection between the university and learning is about coming here to Tauranga Moana to gain knowledge and wisdom. A carver, hes also been carving out a significant national reputation retelling historical stories through his craft. Whare likes to work alongside local artists, carvers and weavers, and brings them on board some of his projects. He has had the help from a couple of local artists, Pohe and Rikirau Luttenberger, to complete Te Toka a Tirikawa. The carving was installed into the entrance to the university, and covered until it was blessed on February 20 by local elders. Meanwhile, Whare plans a break with his family overseas, before returning to start more carvings, this time for The Elms Te Papa Tauranga, the new Farmers building on Elizabeth Street, and Tauranga Marina. BOCA RATON, Fla., May 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Securities Arbitration Law Firm of Klayman & Toskes, P.A. ("K&T") ( http://www.nasd-law.com ) announced today that it has filed a claim against Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (Royal Alliance) on behalf of investors who sustained losses from the purchase of private placement securities of GPB Capital Holdings (GPB) in the form of notes. According to the claim, the Investors instructed Royal Alliance to invest their hard-earned savings and inheritance in a conservative manner, protecting their principal and present income. Instead, Royal Alliance concentrated a substantial portion of the investors assets into illiquid alternative investments and private placements, including securities of GPB. Royal Alliances actions caused the investors to lose over $1,000.000.00 of their hard-earned savings and inheritance. More than 60 brokerage firms sold $1.5 billion of high-risk private placement GPB funds, including Royal Alliance Associates Inc., Sagepoint Financial Inc., FSC Securities Corp., and Woodbury Financial Services Inc. The private placement GPB funds of GPB Automotive Portfolio and GPB Holdings II raised $622.1 million and $645.8 million respectively. Since flagrantly missing its April 30, 2018, deadline to register the raised funds, GPBs offices in Manhattan have been searched by the FBI. The SEC also issued a subpoena to GPB seeking information. Additionally, GPBs auditor recently resigned over the perceived risks of the ongoing investigations. The sole purpose of this release is to investigate the sales practices and financial misconduct of brokerage firms and financial advisors in connection with the sale of GPB to their customers. Investors who purchased these investments are encouraged to contact Lawrence L. Klayman, Esq. of Klayman & Toskes, P.A. at (888) 997-9956, or visit our website at www.nasd-law.com . About Klayman & Toskes, P.A. K&T is a leading national securities law firm which practices exclusively in the field of securities arbitration and litigation, on behalf of retail and institutional investors throughout the world in large and complex securities matters. The firm represents high net-worth, ultra-high-net-worth, and institutional investors, such as non-profit organizations, unions, public and multi-employer pension funds. K&T has office locations in California, Florida, New York and Puerto Rico. Destination: http://nasd-law.com/notice-to-gpb-capital-holdings-investors-klayman-toskes-p-a-files-finra-arbitration-claim-seeking-1000000-00-on-behalf-of-investors-who-sustained-losses-on-gpb-notes/ Chief Fire Officer Allan Bicker has been a volunteer fire fighter for the Papamoa Volunteer Fire Brigade for over 30 years. On the last day of March 2019, he quietly went into the station and hung up his chiefs hat for the last time. His stepson Gareth Wood had messaged me from Christchurch the night before. Tomorrow my hero and best friend hands in his beeper to enjoy a well and hard-earned retirement, says Gareth. Hes an amazing role model for me and my sisters and a very humble man. Allan was out driving a fire truck when I phoned him. It turns out he isnt quite retiring altogether hell still be delivering fire trucks for Fire and Emergency NZ, but his days as a volunteer fire fighter are over. Its 32 and a half years, says Allan. Twenty-one and a half years as chief. All in Papamoa. Our photographer Bruce Barnard and I met him for a tour of the station and a look back over the years. His wife Sheryl remembers him joining up in 1986. As we moved into our house in Simpson Rd, the fire siren went, says Sheryl. They had an open day a couple of weeks later, he went to it, and that was it. Siren goes off, pager goes off and he goes off. Its 24/7. You get used to it. I had a look in the fire engine, and I was hooked, says Allan. I look around the station. Theres no firemans pole. A large exhaust pipe curls down from the roof, and there are relics from yesteryear on display in the clubroom. A carbon tetrachloride fire extinguisher with a hand pump thats more than 50 years old, an old firemans axe and the original stand pipes that firemen used to connect into water mains. Discontinued in the 50s and heavy to lug around, they were replaced by alloy pipes. A dart board for the inter-station dart tournaments is at one end. An old white cork helmet, dating back to war times, sits on a high shelf. They started off with brass helmets but they became too expensive, says Allan. Then cork ones from the UK. Then plastic. Now its a composite. The newer styles look more like a motorcycle helmet. A red helmet is worn by the station officer, yellow helmets for fire fighters, silver for regional management and black for the chief executives. Allan as chief fire officer wears the white helmet. At a fire youll see the white helmet standing back directing the red and yellow helmets, says Allan. I ask him how many fires hes been to. Hundreds, he replies. It seems a majority of call outs are to houses where people have fallen asleep after putting a pot on the stove. There was a house fire a number of years ago in Dickson Rd, and what stood out about it was the amount of alcohol the gentleman had in his house that helped burn his house down. He had thousands of those miniature bottles. You cant smell smoke when youre asleep. Its not the flames that kill people, its the smoke. The Papamoa station has one fire engine, with 20 volunteer fire fighters who all live within a five kilometre radius. Theres four-and-a-half minutes from when the siren goes off until the truck leaves. Socks, boots, trousers and jacket are positioned ready to jump into, taking only 30 seconds to get dressed. Our siren goes up and down three times and turns itself off. Te Pukes goes up and down until somebody turns it up, so it could be longer than three times, says Allan. Allan explains how the Papamoa station is a fire station not a fire rescue station. We havent got rescue gear, only a fire engine. We do carry a first aid kit and defibrillator. Were there as fire protection and respond as a pump. We are co-responders all trained in CPR, says Allan, responding to Code Purple alerts, which is respiratory, cardiac and the possibility of the person dying. Often we get there before the ambulance. Our first response area is from the end of Papamoa East to Royal Palm Boulevard. Our second response area is as far as Tiara Place. Mount Maunganui Brigade respond to that area as well. People dont realise they are volunteers, says Sheryl. Theres no reimbursement for petrol. They can get called in the middle of the night. They just do it because they want to help the community. Allan also works for Fire and Emergency NZ, shifting fire engines around what is called Region 2. Its living the dream. This is a semi-retirement job, no stress and you get to meet a lot of people. And every now and then they fly me down to Wellington to bring a new fire engine back up. Deputy Chief Brent Sanford is looking forward to a special farewell planned for his chief in the next couple of months. Only about eight per cent do over 25 years service, says Brent. Most do about ten years. Allan is a very noble man, and very quiet. Hes passionate about the fire service, and very quiet about taking recognition. A dame, a former property developer, the great-great-grand daughter of the first Maori king, the deputy mayor, a past city councillor, and a high-profile businessman are all jumping into the Tauranga mayoralty race along with incumbent Mayor Greg Brownless. Nominations for Tauranga City Council candidates for Mayor and Councillors open on July 19, 2019, but the race has already got underway with seven mayoral candidates announcing their intention to run the city. Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout, Murray Guy, RangiMarie TeAmopui-Kaa Kingi, Tenby Powell, Dame Susan Devoy, and Danny Cancian have all put their hats in the ring to go after the mayoral chains. Greg Brownless, currently Mayor of Tauranga City I believe people see me as a voice of moderation and common sense, says Greg, reflecting on his past term as Mayor of Tauranga. Im someone who puts his money where his mouth is. I feel that I bring quite a bit of balance and adopt pragmatic decisions where possible. You cant be devoid of business sense, but to be Mayor you need to be an all-rounder. To me the community is about more than business. Business is important but theres a lot more to it. Greg donated the businesses he established to a charitable trust, with the result that millions of dollars have now been given from the Legacy Funeral Trust to local community groups. During his term as Mayor, he saw there was going to be a shortfall at the Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club so took $10,000 of his own money and donated it to the club. Thats come off my council salary, out of my own pocket. He decided to stand for Mayor when he knew that the previous Mayor Stuart Crosby wasnt seeking re-election. In my mind if you want to do the job properly you have to be here, says Greg. You cant be doing it from home, you cant be doing it from Auckland or wherever else you might live. You have to be here. I thought I could make a difference and run this city in an efficient way that was fair to most people. Obviously Ive struck quite a difficult time. I believe Im doing well under the circumstances and things could always be better. I am instrumental in making changes. Weve got a long way to go. I think if that can be kept up through the next term, the new council, then that would be great. If Im the mayor great, if Im not then I hope the next Council keeps that change going. Kelvin Clout, currently Deputy Mayor of Tauranga City Tauranga Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout feels after six years as deputy mayor hes more than ready to step up as Tauranga's mayor in 2019. Kelvin and his family moved to Tauranga about 30 years ago, with both Kelvin and his wife Kathryn running businesses in the city. Tauranga Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout Ive now got six years of experience which I think is invaluable when it comes to local government, says Kelvin. You can have a lot of experience in the business world or central government agencies, but local government is a very specific beast, and its something that takes a lot to get your head around. I certainly feel like Ive done my apprenticeship and Im definitely ready to step up to the top job. The mayors role in my view is to bring unity among the councillors, to set a broad direction for the city, and to get the maximum buy-in from the community. Once weve done that then we instruct the chief executive and the organisation to fulfil those wishes. Im very positive for the city, says Kelvin. Im not a reckless spender but Im certainly keen to invest wisely for the betterment of the city, and that is in terms of hard infrastructure which we all know needs money spent on it but also some of those more softer community infrastructure assets and facilities. I absolutely believe that Tauranga is New Zealands most desirable city and we need to keep it that way. Ive learned a lot about what to do but Ive also learned some valuable lessons in the last couple of years, says Kelvin. Murray Guy, past city Councillor "I am committed for running for Mayor for the Tauranga City Council," says Murray Guy. "At this stage I haven't seen any candidates that match my philosophies in regard to mayoralty, so it may change." Murray Guy "I'm running for the mayoralty, largely because of my local government experience and understanding," says Murray. "I've always had a philosophy of taking care of the people first. I have a strong community focus, and I think that's where we've let them down the last couple of terms, for example Bella Vista. "But if somebody came up with principles and philosophies that aligned with my own, then I would more than happily step aside. But I would still run for the Council as a Councillor." "I accept that with an open mind If someone matches my beliefs and philosophies then instead of splitting the vote, I would well support an alternative." Tenby Powell, high profile businessman Tenby Powell has announced he is running for Mayor of his home-town Tauranga and is calling for an immediate town hall debate of all mayoral candidates. Tenby Powell with wife Sharon Hunter Tenby, who currently lives in Auckland, grew up in Tauranga, attending Otumoetai College. He has extensive senior management and governance experience in both the private and public sectors. He currently serves on the APEC Business Advisory Council, chairs the Governments Small Business Council, and serves on the Governance Group of the Sector Workplace Engagement Programme. It will be my honour to serve the people of Tauranga, a key and rapidly growing New Zealand city in desperate need of experienced leadership, says Tenby. Im calling for a Town Hall Debate of all mayoral candidates immediately to ensure the people of Tauranga are exposed to all candidates from the outset and are able to conduct their own public due diligence. Although Taurangas local government elections candidate nominations open on July 19, with ballot boxes closing at noon on October 12, Tenby is keen to get the ball rolling. While this may seem early, the amount of calls, messages and emails Im receiving from Tauranga residents is overwhelming, says Tenby. The stories of pain and anguish are so disturbing that Tauranga ratepayers need and deserve to know who is running and what leadership and management capability they have to mend a broken city with a broken heart. RangiMarie TeAmopui-Kaa Kingi RangiMarie TeAmopui-Kaa Kingi has announced she will be running for the Tauranga mayoralty. She also intends to run for the Rotorua mayoralty, and says she is the great-great-grand daughter of the first Maori king Tawhiao Potatau Te Wherowhero. RangiMarie TeAmopui-Kaa Kingi Rangimarie believes it is time for a womens touch to break what she believes is a pattern of male dominance in Tauranga City Council, and calling the city a male dominated disaster zone in her mayoralty statement. Rangimarie ran for the Rotorua mayoralty in 2016. Male dominated redneck white collared crime has escalated, leaving a $500 billion debt, nationwide, says RangiMarie. Its not just male dominated, its about a generation. "I represent new generation leadership too. The whole central North Island to me, were dominated by an older generation. We need the next generation of leadership I say. I represent women, I represent a new generation, I represent Maori women. Dame Susan Devoy, former squash champion and former race relations commissioner Dame Susan Devoy confirmed on Friday that she will be standing for the Tauranga mayoralty. A long-term Tauranga resident, she states that she is acutely aware of the issues and opportunities facing the city. Dame Susan Devoy Susan intends to have an official launch where she will go into more detail about her plans and vision for the city. Things have to change. We need to get the ball rolling, says Susan. Danny Cancian, former director of Bella Vista homes development Danny Cancian, the former director of the failed Bella Vista homes development announced in early May that he will be running for mayor. Danny Cancian In a video posted to Facebook, Danny Cancian announced that he will be running for the position of Tauranga Mayor and/or elected member at large of Tauranga City. I am not going to pretend that I am someone I am not. I am not going to make promises pre-election that I do not stick to. Danny was at the forefront of the Bella Vista debacle in The Lakes, which has cost the city $14 million - $10.5 million of which was defrayed by an insurance payout. The key dates for this Tauranga City Council election are: Update: 5.15pm Sunday May 12 Fire and Emergency NZ shift manager Daniel Nicholson says that the fire that has been burning for most of the day at Mount Maunganui is now contained. Police were notified of the fire just after 9am on Sunday morning. Fire and Emergency brought 13 trucks to the site at the Waimarie St blaze which was burning through a 10,000 square metre building at mid-morning. "They're still extinguishing it," says Daniel, at 5.15pm. "And they're be there for some time longer. "We're getting the night shifts in there now, as we need to get fresh legs on the ground." Daniel says at the peak of the fire there were 13 appliances on site, with two coming from Rotorua and one from Hamilton. Each of the fire trucks have four crew, making a total of approximately 50 fire fighters at the scene. "The Hamilton one has returned to Hamilton, but currently we have 13 on site," says Daniel. The Hamilton fire truck is an aerial appliance with a large ladder that can extend out over buildings. A fire investigator is also at the scene but Daniel says he can't begin an investigation until the fire has been fully extinguished. Motorists are also advised to stay clear of the area until the fire has been extinguished. 1.20pm Update: Fire service crews are working into the early afternoon to extinguish the fire in two buildings in Waimarie St at Mount Maunganui. Police were notified of the fire just after 9am on Sunday morning. Fire and Emergency brought 13 trucks to the site to deal with the well-ablaze 10,000 square metre building at mid-morning on Sunday. Two of the fire trucks are from Rotorua, and one is from Hamilton. The Hamilton fire truck is an aerial appliance with a large ladder that can extend out over buildings. The fire was well-involved when fire services arrived. 9.12am Update: There are reports of a fire at Mount Maunganui with multiple fire trucks responding. Callers in to SunLive report lots of black smoke coming from buildings in Waimarie St, which is off Hewletts Rd. "It's near where they store timber. Beside containers. There are five fire engines there at least already." Waimarie St links Totara St and Hewletts Rd. Police are asking the public to take care near Hewletts Rd. Police were notified of the fire just after 9am. There is a significant amount of smoke in the area, especially near Hewletts Road. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and be aware of potential delays. At the scene? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz The extremely rare stainless steel and pink gold chronograph wristwatch with a steel-and-gold expanding riveted Oyster bracelet will go under the hammer at Christies Rare Watch Auction in Geneva, Switzerland. A leading figure of the pop art movement until his death 32 years ago, Andy Warhol was an avid watch collector and amassed hundreds of rare and expensive watches over his lifetime. The vast collection of over 300 watches, along with his art collection and jewellery, were sold at a Sothebys mega-auction in New York in 1988 to raise money for The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The Rolex Oyster Chronograph Anti-Magnetique was a part of that auction, with a number of the items sold at the 1988 sale keep reappearing at different sales. In the preface to the 1988 Sothebys auction catalogue, Fred Hughes, Warhols former manager and sole executor of his estate, wrote, All show that same fascination and obsession with design, colour, shape, and texture that enhanced Andys life inspired him in his collecting, and was so essential to his own aesthetic. The timepiece is currently the property of a private Italian collector and is expected to fetch anywhere between $200,000 to $300,000 at the Christies sale. For the one-of-a-kind special edition, Rolls-Royce collaborated with RM Sothebys who announced the launch of the car over a lavish five-course dinner at Sothebys recently redesigned New York City headquarters. The car has not been commissioned by anyone and instead will be auctioned off this Spring exclusively on Sothebys online auction service. While Roll-Royce motor cars have a history of crossing the block at RM Sothebys, tonight we are looking to the future of the brand, said Martin Fritsches, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas, at the New York event. The eight generation Phantom will carry the longest running name in luxury motoring into a new era. Built on the architecture of luxury, this new Phantom commission offers one special owner the chance to enjoy a motor car that is bound to be a classic over the next 115 years. Very little information about thee bespoke 2020 Rolls-Royce Phantom has so far been offered by the brand, with only an early-stage sketch released. The base price for the Rolls-Royce Phantom is $450,000, before any customisations and add-ons, meaning the bespoke Phantom may well fetch closer to $1 million when it goes under the hammer. Rolls-Royce are not the only luxury car brand to announce one-off creations in recent times. Bugatti recently showcased the La Voiture Noire, which also happens to be the worlds most expensive new car, and Ferrari revealed the P80/C track-focused supercar. Admitting that she stole narcotic painkillers from the hospital where she once worked as an operating room nurse, a Max Meadows woman pleaded guilty on Wednesday to 15 felony charges. As part of a plea agreement, 42-year-old Andrea Rebecca Crigger will be on probation for a year and some of her charges will be dismissed and others reduced to misdemeanors if she follows all the courts requirements. Arrested last February while working as a registered nurse at Wythe County Community Hospital, Crigger confessed to taking fentanyl and morphine from the hospital from September 2017 until her arrest. Commonwealths Attorney Mike Jones said no medication was taken from individual patients. Crigger, who has a masters degree in nursing and unsuccessfully tried last March to be licensed as a nurse practitioner, was fired on the day of her arrest. She also lost her teaching job at New River Community College, according to public records. Crigger said she stole the drugs because of stress and pain, Jones said. Public information attached to her state nursing license sheds additional light on her reasoning. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bougainville Ventures Inc. (Bougainville or the Company)(CSE:BOG) announces that it has issued 5,483,040 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.12 per share as securities for debt owed to consultants and other creditors of the Company. The Company had previously announced a private placement on November 9, 2018, however due to unforeseen circumstances the Company did not proceed with that private placement (the Cancelled Private Placement). As a result, the Company did not receive or accept any funds or subscriptions associated with the Cancelled Private Placement, nor were any shares issued from treasury as a result of the Cancelled Private Placement. In addition, the Company wishes to correct an error in its news release dated May 1, 2019 in which the Company announced that a private placement with gross proceeds of $180,000 for 3,000,000 Units at a price of $0.06 per Unit (the Private Placement) had been announced in the Companys news release dated April 25, 2019. Each Unit is comprised of one common share (the Shares) of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (the Warrants). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share (the Warrant Shares) of the Company at any time on or before 5:00 P.M. (Vancouver time) on the date that is 24 months from the date of closing of the Private Placement at an exercise price of $0.10 per Warrant Share. The Companys news release dated April 25, 2019 did not announce the Private Placement due to an error with a news dissemination service. The remainder of the news release dated May 1, 2019 is accurate and the oversubscribed Private Placement was closed on May 1, 2019 with the amount of $190,000 for 3,166,666 Units. About Bougainville Ventures, Inc. Bougainville provides cannabis infrastructure and seed-to-sale services to I-502 tenant-growers leasing greenhouse facilities space and providing fully built-out, turnkey solutions and ancillary services including processing, cannabis expertise and marketing and sales resources. Greenhouse canopies provide a 50% saving in cultivation cost. Bougainville has 10,000 square feet of space being prepared for production in Oroville, Washington state. Bougainville possesses sufficient land for two more pods of the same size. For more information please visit: http://bougainvilleinc.com/ On behalf of the Board of Directors BOUGAINVILLE VENTURES INC. _____________________ Andy Jagpal, CEO and Director For further information, please contact the IR department at info@bougainvilleinc.com or by phone at 1-877-395-6399. For further information, please contact Andy Jagpal at andy@bougainvilleinc.com or 1-844-734-8420 FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained in this news release. A male suspect is in police custody after a man and a woman were injured in two separate attacks on the Appalachian Trail. Little is being released about the incidents at this time, but Wythe County Sheriff Keith Dunagan said the attacks on a man and a woman happened sometime between Friday night and early Saturday morning. It is unclear at this time if one of the assaults took place in Smyth County. Dunagan did not give the extent of their injuries. The sheriff's office's tactical team arrived on the trail in the wee hours of Saturday morning to search the area after law enforcement received emergency cell phone signals from someone on the trail. Dunagan said investigators knew the suspect to be accompanied by a dog. Around 3 a.m. while they were talking to a group of campers, investigators noticed a dog come running out of the woods and were able to follow it to its owner. Dungan said the suspect, who has not yet been identified, will likely face federal charges. President Donald Trump said Friday he thinks it would be appropriate for him to talk to Attorney General William Barr about opening an investigation into Joe Biden, the current front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination. In an interview with Politico, Trump said he and Barr hadn't considered an inquiry into his potential 2020 opponent - but he didn't rule it out, either, saying "certainly it would be an appropriate thing to" discuss with Barr. "Certainly it is a very big issue and we'll see what happens," he told the outlet. "I have not spoken to him about it. Would I speak to him about it? I haven't thought of that. I mean, you're asking me a question I just haven't thought of." The suggestion that Trump would contemplate directing his Justice Department to investigate Biden drew condemnation from some legal experts, who said the idea smacked of an abuse of power. "Does anyone doubt that this could have catastrophic consequences for democratic and electoral legitimacy?" said Susan Hennessey, executive editor of Lawfare, on Twitter. "Yet we seem to be hurtling towards this possibility with no one, certainly not congressional Republicans, drawing the line." In the Politico interview, Trump weighed the idea of an investigation into Biden in response to allegations that the former vice president had inappropriate interactions with the Ukrainian government while his son, Hunter Biden, was working for a gas company run by one of the country's oligarchs. There is no evidence that Biden's conduct was improper and at least one expert has said the accusations don't hold up. Yet that didn't stop Trump from saying it "could be a very big situation" for Biden. "Because he's a Democrat it's about 1/100 the size of the fact that if he were a Republican, it would be a lot bigger," he told Politico. Trumps personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, also said on Friday that hes traveling to Kiev to urge Ukrainian officials to open an investigation of their own, although he later told Fox News that he would not make the trip. "Explain to me why Biden shouldn't be investigated," Giuliani said, responding to criticism from Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn. Some on the left have seized on the president's comments, saying they bolster Democrats' case for impeachment. Harvard Law School professor Laurence Tribe argued that Trump is "all but certain to abuse his powers as president to undermine the campaign of whoever his opponent turns out to be." Longtime Democratic adviser Ronald Klain warned on Twitter that, "If he can do this to @JoeBiden, he can do this to any other Democrat. If he can do this to any Democrat, he can do this to any Republican in Trump's way. If he can do this any political rival, he can do this to any American." Trump's comments come the week after Barr appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee and seemed to stumble over his answer to questions from Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., about Trump-directed investigations. Harris asked Barr whether the president or any other White House official had ever suggested that he open an investigation into someone. After an exchange, Barr told Harris, I dont know. ALBANY Gov. Cuomo indicated for the first time Friday that he fully backs a bill that would allow the state Tax Department to release President Trumps tax returns Congress. The legislation sailed through the Democrat-controlled state Senate this week and the Assembly is slated to discuss the measure on Monday. I am supportive of that bill, Cuomo said following a Hudson River boat ride showcasing the dismantling of the old Tappan Zee Bridge. I believe its going to pass. The governors comments came as House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal issued a subpoena to Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Internal Revenue Service commissioner Charles Rettig for six years of Trumps personal and business tax returns setting the stage for a lengthy court battle. Mnuchin has so far refused to provide the documents to Congress, claiming lawmakers dont have a legitimate purpose to see them. Dems claim they want to vet an IRS policy of automatically auditing every president and are seeking Trumps personal returns and business tax documents from 2013 through 2018. The bill would allow three congressional committees the House Ways and Means Committee, the Senate Finance Committee and the Joint Committee on Taxation to request the state Department of Taxation and Finance to provide the presidents state tax returns. With the President calling the Empire State home, Trumps New York returns could offer Dems in D.C. much of the information they are seeking. Cuomo has previously said he would support the legislation, but couched his comments by saying any such measure must also apply to all state lawmakers and statewide elected officials. The bill as written applies to statewide officeholders, the president and vice president, U.S. senators, the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and comptroller. Though not legally required to make his tax returns public, Trump is the first president in modern history dating back to fellow Republican Gerald Ford, who released summaries of his taxes, to not disclose his full returns. Trump repeatedly said he was under audit during the 2016 campaign and promised to eventually comply with tradition, but has since refused to do so. He also refused to fully divest from his business upon entering office, instead placing his two adult sons in charge of the New York-based Trump Organization. Assemblywoman Pat Fahy and supporters of the state legislation rallied at the Capitol Building on Friday, calling on the Assembly to pass the measure as soon as possible. I believe this statute, this proposal, is in the public interest. This is not about partisanship, this is about the public interest, she said. I see this as New York assisting Congress at a very critical juncture. No one, including the President, is above the law. 2019 New York Daily News The story hit just the right note with those who heard it. But whose young voice was it that touched the hearts of both orchestra and audience alike at a concert of the Handel and Hayden Society at Symphony Hall in Boston Sunday? Well, hes been found. And his name is Ronan Mattin. Hes 9 years old and his story is remarkable. Mattin was attending the concert Sunday with his grandfather, Stephen Mattin, both of Kensington, New Hampshire, when the orchestra played Mozarts Masonic Funeral Music as part of the program. As the final solemn and harmonic note ended and silence fell upon the hall, a young voice echoed a stunned, Wow! There was a pause. The audience laughed and then burst into applause. It was one of the most wonderful moments Ive experienced in the concert hall, David Snead, president and CEO of the Handel and Haydn Society, wrote in an email. But the orchestra didnt know who the child was. Snead appealed to the public. If the parents would come forward, the organization wanted to give the boy an opportunity to meet conductor Harry Christophers and get a copy of the recording. Thursday, the orchestra learned of Mattins identity after Stephen Mattins sister-in-law learned of the search. Mattin, his grandfather tells WGBH, is on the autistic spectrum. Hes primarily non-verbal. I can count on one hand the number of times that [hes] spontaneously ever come out with some expression of how hes feeling, Mattin told WGBH. Stephen Mattin said he took his grandson to a concert a few months ago and that his grandson loved it. But Sundays concert, which was recorded at Symphony Hall to be aired on Boston classical WCRB later this year, drew an audible reaction from Ronan. I was there and [it] was an extraordinary moment, tweeted Marco A. Torres. The kids Wow was the best recognition for Mozarts music and this wonderful orchestra. Lori and I were there, tweeted Shane C. Woodbury. I remember that moment, everyone laughed. It was so spontaneous and sincere. WGBH Assistant Director of Media Relations Sam Brewer says the Handel and Haydn Society has connected with the family to arrange for Ronan to speak with Christophers. Masonic Funeral Music was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1785. Mozart was a member of the Freemasons. Bostons Handel and Haydn Society, known as H+H, was founded not too long afterward. Founded in 1815, it is the third oldest musical organization in the U.S. The international convention center in the Tam Chuc complex will be used to serve the event. (Photo: Vnexpress) Specifically, there will be three free tours, including Trang An Bai Dinh in the northern province of Ninh Binh, Yen Tu in Quang Ninh province and Fansipan Sapa in Lao Cai. In addition, the organizers will arrange paid tours required by international delegates with destinations being Hanoi and Ha Long. On this occasion, many travel companies have opened pilgrimage tours to Tam Chuc and neighboring provinces for Buddhists and visitors. In particular, Vietravel was entrusted by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha to prepare logistics for the great festival. During the event, the company will undertake promotional activities and regulate transportation, accommodation, and air ticket services. According the organizers, there will be about 40,000 lunch boxes and free drinking water to serve Buddhists and visitors every day during the event. The UN Day of Vesak 2019 is scheduled to take place in Tam Chuc agoda, Kim Bang district, in the northern province of Ha Nam from May 12th-14th Themed Buddhist Approach to Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies, the event is expected to attract the participation of 112 countries and territories with 570 international delegations and more than 1,600 religious dignitaries, researchers, scientists and managers. This will be the third time the UNs commemoration of Vesak is held in Vietnam. Previously, it took place in Hanoi in 2008 and Ninh Binh in 2014./. Why it matters: A buggy Windows update might be annoying, but it doesnt quite invoke the fear of hearing that hundreds of suspected and former criminals being monitored by the police suddenly fell off the radar. Unfortunately, that was the case on Thursday when a buggy update accidentally made its way to ankle monitors in the Netherlands, severing communication between the devices and police. "As a result of a software update, a disruption occurred in data traffic during the electronic monitoring of ankle bands [on Thursday]. The system is now operational again," Dutch officials said on Friday. "All ankle strap wearers are in view. We are working hard to make the system 100 percent stable again." The update rolled out sometime Thursday morning, and every ankle monitor was rendered useless. Its unknown exactly how many people were being monitored, but figures released in 2017 suggested an average of 700 people per day have ankle monitors on. With no other choice, police were forced to pre-emptively arrest anyone they considered dangerous and locked them up in police stations. They havent been released as of writing. Less dangerous suspects were called and asked to check in to a police station, and those under house arrest received several surprise visits to check on their location. Additionally, past victims and their families were told to be on alert as police couldnt guarantee their safety. While everything is back to normal now, its not yet known if any criminals used the brief window to escape or cut off their ankle monitors, though its unlikely given the low chance of them realizing this anyway. This incident isnt the first of its kind, as ZDNet points out, Netherlands police lost contact with 450 ankle monitors last August during a network outage. The same thing happened to 750 monitors in Australia last May, though this may be the first time an erroneous update has been the cause. After more than a year of waiting, Sonos is finally making Google Assistant available on its smart speakers very soon. Sonos confirmed the launch in its quarterly earnings release, noting that Assistant support for the Sonos One and Sonos Beam would arrive in the United States first, then other markets. Sonos had demoed and launched a closed beta this past January for the feature, so its imminent launch should perhaps come as no surprise to most. Its speakers will be the first on the market to support both Amazon Alexa and Google's digital assistant. Beyond confirming the launch, Sonos didn't share other details. As such, it remains uncertain whether or not Assistant will work with other Sonos speakers via a Google Home device. "This feature will truly elevate the customer experience and marks the first time that consumers will be able to buy a single smart speaker and get to choose which voice assistant they want to use," said CEO Patrick Spence. "We think giving consumers choice is always the right decision, and we anticipate this philosophy will be adopted in the industry over time." Google Assistant Coming To Sonos Smart Speakers Sonos originally promised to bring Assistant to its Sonos One speaker back when it announced the device in October. The company then missed its 2018 target, but did manage to demonstrate that the Assistant was working on its hardware earlier this year at CES. Now, the company is ready to integrate Assistant into two of its voice-enabled smart speakers. It's worth noting that Sonos' other, newer speakers also support AirPlay 2, which allows iOS users to play music via Siri. Sonos Financial Results Sonos also shared good news via its earnings letter, saying it generated $210 million in revenue, up 13 percent year-over-year. The company sold 785,291 in the quarter, which means the company is making more money on the products it's selling, as Engadget notes. The biggest cash chow among its product portfolio are the home theater speakers, which generated $89 million in revenue, 29 percent more compared to last year. Its home speakers are also doing quite well, having grown 57 percent on a volume basis, according to Sonos. However, home speaker revenue dropped greatly, raking in just $71.5 million in revenue for the quarter, which represents a 17 percent decline. Sonos said this was because of the discontinuation of the Play:3 and the waning demand for the Play:1. The Sonos One, on the other hand, sold very well, collecting 14 percent more revenue compared to last year. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The old trees in China have been experiencing a growth spurt in recent years because of the warming climate. The growth is good in the short term, but how might it affect the forests in the long run? Trees Growth Spurt Climate change is affecting the planet in many different ways, and trees are no less affected than the other living creatures in the planet. In a new study, researchers describe just how the warming planet may be affecting trees and how the effects might be terrible for forests in the long run. For the new study, researchers had a look at the tree rings from Dahurian larch in the northeastern forests of China and found that the trees grew more between 2005 and 2014 than the preceding 40 years. Whats more, they found that the older trees are more vulnerable to these effects than the younger trees. For instance, the 400-year-old trees grew more in that decade than in the 300 years before then. This is rather unusual because Dahurian larch trees growth typically slows down at 150 years old, and practically stops by 300 years old. According to the researchers, it is possible that it is the warmer soil temperature that is driving the growth spurt, as it lowers the depth of the permafrost layer. When this happens, the trees roots are able to grow deeper and therefore suck out more nutrients from the soil. Forest Disaster While the fast growth seems like a good thing for the trees, it could actually be disastrous for forests in the long run. This is because as the temperature continues to warm and the permafrost continues to melt, it will soon be unable to support the growth of the trees and possibly even cause the forest to eventually decay. Since Dahurian larch is the only tree species that can survive the frigid permafrost plains of Russia, Mongolia, and northern China, losing the trees would completely change the ecosystem in the region. Whats more, this thawing is a problem that has been occurring in permafrost regions in different parts of the world. If the larch forest retreat in this region in the future, it is also not a good sign for the whole boreal forest, said Xianliang Zhang of the Shenyang Agricultural University in China, lead author of the study. The study is published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Virgilio Martinez, the Peruvian chef from Netflix docu-series Chef's Table, was accosted at the Los Angeles International Airport for carrying frozen piranhas. Martinez came from his home country Peru and was passing through routine customs check-up at the LAX when he was stopped by customs officers who inspected his duffel bag and found 40 vacuum-packed, frozen piranhas. Airport Joke Gave Him Away First, the customs officials at the airport asked him what was inside his bag. "Bones. Flesh," Martinez jokingly replied. His joke prompted officials to further question him. The officers took him to a private room and asked more information on what he intended to do with the exotic fish. "I was extremely obsessed about bringing piranhas because we serve piranhas in the Amazon at Central, so I said, 'Guys, why not take a risk to bring piranhas to L.A.?" Martinez said. Martinez showed his cookbook to the customs officials as he explained that he will cook and serve the piranhas for dinner at Somni and Vespertine fine dining restaurants as part of the Food Bowl festival in Los Angeles. The month-long citywide food festival features hundreds of events across Los Angeles that will showcase local favorites and world-renowned chefs. The Food Bowl will host a mix of dinners, parties, tours, pop-ups, classes, and a five-day night market at Grand Park. Martinez's ordeal ended as customs officials allowed him to bring in the piranhas that he made into a salad. Piranhas are commonly eaten in Peru, Brazil, and northeast South America. The chef was featured in the third season of Chef's Table. His restaurant Central in Lima, Peru is regarded as Latin America's best restaurant. In 2018, he opened Ichu Peru in Hong Kong, a bistro-style restaurant that offers Peruvian comfort food. Piranhas From South America The South American continent is home to piranhas that earned the fearsome stereotype as vicious river monsters. They have lived in the continent for millions of years, currently inhabiting the freshwaters from the Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela up to the Parana River in Argentina. Around 30 species inhabit the lakes and rivers of South America today. While many piranhas have razor-sharp teeth and many are carnivorous, some species are actually vegetarian, like the piranha relatives red-bellied Pacu. Adult piranhas have a single row, interlocking tricuspid teeth with a pronounced crown that measures about 4 millimeters. Contrary to the myth, piranhas only eat humans and capybaras or semiaquatic mammals when they are already dead. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin has unveiled its lunar lander dubbed Blue Moon but Elon Musk, CEO of the rival company SpaceX, does not seem worried. On Twitter, Musk responded to Bezos's big announcement on Thursday, May 9, by poking fun at the vehicle. The 47-year-old billionaire tweeted an altered photo of Blue Moon. The Billionaire Space Race Musk and Bezos clashed over their space ambitions in the past. Just last month, when Amazon announced plans to launch more than 3,000 satellites into orbit to deliver high-speed internet to the world's most remote regions, Musk trolled Bezos by calling him a "copycat." SpaceX is also currently working on a similar project called Starlink, which will launch nearly 12,000 satellites to provide high-speed internet around the world. Musk's company has already received approval from the Federal Communications Commission to launch the satellites in November. In 2015, Bezos tweeted about Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket that successfully launched and landed safely back. He called it "the rarest of beasts a used rocket." Musk chimed in to remind the world's wealthiest man about SpaceX's reusable self-landing rocket, Grasshopper. Jeff Bezos Takes Swipe At Elon Musk's Mars Plans Landing on the lunar surface has always been at the center of Bezos's Blue Origin. He believes that conquering the Moon is more realistic than sending humans to Mars. "Round-trip on the order of years," reads one slide, which also featured an image of the Red Planet. "No real-time communication." Musk responded on Twitter, welcoming the efforts made by Blue Origin. "Competition is good," he wrote. "Results in a better outcome for all." Blue Origin On The Moon Blue Origin was founded nearly two decades ago, but it has mostly been silent about the development of its rockets and capsules. Bezos reportedly invests more than $1 billion a year in his space company through sales of his shares on Amazon. The Blue Moon lander can carry up to 3.6 metric tons of cargo to the lunar surface, according to the billionaire. Moreover, he said that the company can meet the 2024 goal of NASA to send American astronauts back to the Moon. The company hopes to send the first humans onboard the New Shepard rocket next year. They will begin selling tickets to space tourists thereafter. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. At the annual World Tunnel Congress in Naples, experts from around the world discuss digging tunnels for future human colonizers of the Moon. Digging Tunnels On The Moon Experts at the event held from May 3 to May 9 offer solutions to the challenges that NASA and other space agencies from around the world might face upon arrival to the lunar surface. "Imagine something the size of my fist as a piece of rock coming at 10-12 kilometres per second, it can hit anything and would immediately destroy it," said Jamal Rostami, director of the Earth Mechanics Institute at the U.S. Colorado School of Mine, to AFP. "So every plan for having a habitat on the moon involves making a trench, creating a structure and covering it with some sort of regolith, which is the soil on the moon." The lunar surface is not an ideal place for humans to live in. Aside from the threat of meteorite strikes, astronauts who will stay there will be constantly bombarded with radiation. To protect human colonizers from the harsh conditions on the lunar surface, experts want to take a tunnel boring machine and dig continuous openings for habitats or connect colonies together. The American United Launch Alliance predicted that there will be about 1,000 people living in outer space by 2050, some of whom will either be in orbit around or on the Moon. Part of NASA's lunar plans is to construct a Gateway that will serve as a jump-off point for scientists who want to explore the Moon. The Gateway will replace the International Space Station which will be retired in a few years. Other space agencies, including China, have expressed interest in a lunar base. The tunnel boring machines can also be used to dig for precious minerals on the lunar surface. "The first target is water," added Rostami. "We know there is trapped water at the lunar poles, where the temperature is as low as -190 degrees Celsius." There are plans to extract water from the Moon, through evaporating and capturing it or mining it and let it thaw, to be used to sustain astronauts who will venture further into space and, eventually, establish human colonies elsewhere. Getting To The Moon Would Be A Problem Rostami also discussed another problem that future colonizers of the Moon might encounter: gravity. Launching existing tunnel boring equipment from Earth to the Moon would be a major challenge. He said that these machines should be redesigned to optimize all components, make them weigh significantly less, but they have to perform better. They also have to be fully automated. Attendees of the conference also discussed how to power the tunnel boring machines once on the Moon. Rostami shared that experts mulled over possibly using small nuclear power plans to fuel lunar versions of the tunnel boring machines. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Norwegian traveler Birgitte Kallestad has died after unknowingly contracting rabies from a stray puppy she rescued while on vacation in the Philippines. Kallestad, 24, passed away in Norway on Monday, May 6. A Fatal Rescue BBC reports that Kallestad and her friends found the puppy on the side of a road during their trip to the Philippines in February 2019. The group took the puppy back to their resort, where she washed it and played with it. During their playtime, the puppy reportedly bit Kallestad a few times, which resulted in small scrapes. While her family said that she washed and sterilized the scratches, she didn't seek out medical attention afterward. Unfortunately, cleaning the small nicks wasn't enough to prevent her from getting infected with rabies. Kallestad fell ill upon returning home to Norway, proceeding to visit the hospital's emergency room a number of times. However, since a significant amount of time has already passed since her trip to the Philippines, doctors struggled to diagnose her and were ultimately unable to diagnose her illness in time. Just a few days after she was diagnosed, Kallestad died in the hospital where she was confined. "Our dear Birgitte loved animals," her family said in a statement. "Our fear is that this will happen to others who have a warm heart like her." According to Norwegian tabloid Verdens Gang, this is the first rabies-related death in Norway in about 200 years. More About Rabies Rabies is a viral disease that kills tens of thousands of deaths every year, 95 percent of which are located in Asia and Africa, according to the World Health Organization. It's reportedly almost always fatal at the onset of clinical symptoms. The disease is known to be preventable by vaccinating dogs, who are the source of 99 percent of all rabies transmissions to humans. Human vaccination is also possible, especially to individuals who live or are traveling to high-risk areas, which include the Philippines. "We are very sympathetic with the [Kallestad] family," Sir Feruglio, a senior medical officer at the Norway's Institute of Public Health, told BBC. "It's really important to stress that even if you've been vaccinated before you travel, if you do have contact [with a potentially infected animal] you need to go to a local health clinic for a second vaccination." CDC says that rabies incidents in humans in the United States are rare, especially in the wake of prevention methods. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Supposedly coming out in April, the Galaxy Home is still nowhere to be seen, and Samsung hasn't offered as much as a peep about this delay. Samsung originally announced the Galaxy Home smart speaker in August 2018, the same time the Galaxy Note 9 was unveiled. It was supposed to be its answer to other smart speakers dominating the market at the time, except that instead of Alexa or Google Assistant, it would be powered with Bixby, Samsung's proprietary digital assistant, which has been on Samsung's mobile devices since the Galaxy S8. The Galaxy Home Is Missing Then this past February, at the event where it first showed off the Galaxy Fold which is also having its own problems at the moment, to note Samsung said the Galaxy Home would be coming out in April. Well, April has obviously passed, and there's no Galaxy Home to be seen anywhere. What happened? The Verge managed to get a hold of Samsung and asked about this. Representatives told the publication that Samsung is "planning to launch Galaxy Home in the first half of 2019," giving no more details beyond that. If so, that means the device is bound to come out at the end of June at the latest. In turn, that means Samsung has just a month left to build this device up for a successful launch, including marketing, hyping it up, and doing all sorts of promotions to get the word out there. Is The Galaxy Home Having Problems? Is Samsung's silence about Galaxy Home missing its schedule indicative of deeper problems on the device's development? For now, there's not enough evidence to substantiate such a theory. But as it happens, Samsung is having problems with the Galaxy Fold too after the units it sent to reviewers started breaking in unexpected ways. It too had to miss its launch date as Samsung investigates the issues. Co-CEO DJ Koh said recently that the phone has a new release date, which "will not be too late." Perhaps Samsung is still evaluating the demand for smart speakers. Although Amazon has sold a lot of its Echo devices and Google is doing decently with its Home lineup, the market has proven a difficult space to break through when it comes to using anything other than Alexa or Google Assistant. Apple's HomePod, for example, which is powered by Siri, only managed to sell 600,000 units in its release quarter, according to estimates just 6 percent of the total smart speaker market. Apple has since slashed the price by $50, which isn't typical of the Cupertino brand. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission GONZALES A Marquette Transportation tugboat ran a crane barge into the Veterans Memorial Bridge near Gramercy a month and a half before a different Marquette tug also pushing a crane barge had a more serious crash last fall with the Sunshine Bridge just up the Mississippi River. The previously undisclosed but far less severe crash into the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Aug. 30 came to light Friday afternoon at the end of a day-long hearing by a federal panel investigating the Sunshine Bridge crash near Donaldsonville. The revelation means that the thousands of drivers who used the Veterans Memorial Bridge for a month and a half to detour around the Sunshine Bridge after it was hit on Oct. 12 were riding on a bridge also damaged from the earlier incident involving the same tugboat company. +4 What happened with the Sunshine Bridge crash? Feds to press for answers in public hearings GONZALES A monumental miscalculation happened somehow in the early morning darkness along the Mississippi River just southeast of Donaldsonv David Miller, the state highway maintenance chief, told U.S. Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board investigators Friday that inspection crews checked the Veterans Memorial Bridge immediately after the crash. They determined the damage wasn't enough to require the span's closure or even to place load restrictions on it. He said one main tension beam was bent a little bit and a cross member under the bridge deck, a secondary beam, was bent a "fairly good bit." Miller, who had testified Thursday that the Sunshine Bridge crash was so serious that, on paper, the river span technically should have collapsed, was called back before the panel Friday for additional, previously unscheduled testimony about the other bridge crash. Since Monday, the panel has been calling witnesses to Lamar-Dixon Expo Center to testify about the Sunshine Bridge incident as the investigators work to determine its probable cause and to develop any recommendations that could prevent future crashes. +2 Testimony: Height of barge that crashed into Sunshine ridge known only by top company officials GONZALES A top executive with Cooper Consolidated, the owner of a large crane barge that accidentally rammed into the Sunshine Bridge last The panel spent part of Thursday and much of Friday learning about how federal agencies that map the river and the bridges crossing it developed the information showing the amount of space under the bridges, or the vertical clearance for river traffic, and ways that information can be more accurately and more widely disseminated to mariners. The Sunshine Bridge crash and apparently the Veterans Memorial Bridge crash involved large crane barges under tow. These barges can be so tall that, under certain river conditions and under the lower parts of some spans, they push the vertical limits of Mississippi bridges otherwise designed to accommodate huge ocean-going traffic. But, under maritime rules, captains bear the ultimate responsibility to ensure the safety of their tug and the vessels under tow while a voyage is underway. Previous testimony showed the master captain and pilot of Marquette's Kristin Alexis tugboat didn't double check on their ability to pass under the Sunshine Bridge's lower, alternate channel when the Cooper Consolidated crane barge hit it in October. Marquette attorneys at the hearing Friday declined to comment about the Aug. 30 crash into the Veterans Memorial Bridge and did not ask Miller any questions. But, in a later statement, Marquette officials said their initial interviews with the tug master captain following a Coast Guard inquiry on Aug. 31 indicated the Veterans Memorial Bridge had not been hit. +2 'It was chaos': Captain describes conditions that led to Sunshine Bridge crash at hearing GONZALES An ill-fated chain of events that ended with a damaging crane barge crash into the Sunshine Bridge began two hours earlier when the Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Crew members reported maybe something under water was hit after they passed under the bridge. Another Marquette vessel took photos of the alleged strike area Sept. 4 but also didn't find any visible recent damage, the statement says. The company officials said they weren't told about state highway officials' discovery of "surface scratches to the bridge" probably from "a crane rubbing the underside of the bridge" until Sept. 7, three days after the company had made its initial report to the Coast Guard. After the state Department of Transportation and Development's disclosure, Marquette hired a drone surveyor but wasn't able to get one under the bridge until Sept. 27 due to weather delays. Despite requests, Marquette had not received more information from DOTD until Friday's hearing, the statement says, but company officials do agree, based on their own investigation, that the crane in Marquette's possession hit the bridge Aug. 30. With a laser pointer on Friday, Miller showed Michael Kucharski, an NTSB investigator on the panel, how the Associated Terminals crane barge hit the bridge on the far western side, outside its main channel for river traffic. The general crash site on that bridge happened at a point similar to where the Marquette tug Kristin Alexis had pushed the Cooper crane barge into the Sunshine Bridge. That barge, which stands 136 feet tall, also hit that bridge's western span. The span is also outside the bridge's main channel for river traffic. Both Mississippi River bridges have arches built into them that make them taller in the middle where the main channels are and lower as they extend over alternate channels toward the shoreline. An Army Corps of Engineers map for the Sunshine Bridge shows its main and western spans do have measured heights for passing river traffic. In contrast, a profile map for the Veterans Memorial Bridge doesn't have a similar measurement for the western span. The height is unclear. In the Veterans Memorial Bridge crash, the tug, identified as the Taylor Marie, was following another vessel through the alternate span while pushing the crane barge, the Marquette statement says. +3 DOTD engineer: Sunshine Bridge should've collapsed after barge hit worst possible spot GONZALES A crane barge crash into the Sunshine Bridge last fall should have caused the Mississippi River bridge to collapse, a top state hig In a later email, Rodney Mallet, a DOTD spokesman, said the state doesn't have all the details on the repairs to that bridge or the costs yet. The repairs to the more severely damaged Sunshine Bridge are expected to cost upward of $6.5 million. Miller told the investigative panel that the Veterans Memorial Bridge will be fixed as part of a previously planned rehabilitation project and that the work is expected to go out to bid "sometime in the next year." The pilot and name of the barge in the Veterans Memorial Bridge crash were not disclosed Friday. A state highway accident report briefly displayed to the panel wasn't immediately available afterward. The panel is scheduled to have its final day of testimony Saturday. A final report from the Coast Guard on the Sunshine Bridge crash isn't expected to be public for a year. The NTSB will also put out its own report. When two Ponchatoula Junior High teachers were fired over the way they handled a recent fight between two students, it prompted a teacher walkout at the school and a demand for clearer policies on violent outbreaks that some educators say are needed for schools throughout Louisiana. Statewide there is no consistent policy on how teachers are supposed to respond when kids get into fights with each other or attack teachers. State law articulates some principles regarding restraint for students with special needs but otherwise leaves the matter up to the school districts. "This has sent a little ripple effect across some of the other parishes," said Larry Carter, president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers. Policies differ among school districts and "can be all over the map," Carter said, while some have no policy at all. He said he's looking at raising the issue during the next regular legislative session Just in the immediate area of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes, there is considerable variation among school districts with respect to training and policy. None has a step-by-step policy for teachers on what's expected of them in intervening in fights, and they vary as to the role of law enforcement and the selection of people who are trained in dealing with violent outbursts. Nonetheless, some experts and educators say, the most critical issue is not how to appropriately restrain students, but rather how teachers and students address issues before violence breaks out. Ponchatoula teachers walk out after firings, demand clear policy on school fights Employees of Ponchatoula Junior High School staged a walkout Thursday morning to demand clearer policy on how they should intervene whenever s What led to the fight at Ponchatoula Junior High School remains unclear. But the situation escalated into two students punching each other in the head and grabbing at each other's shirts while students stood around the outdoor courtyard, according to a video of the incident. Educators say these kinds of fights are often the result of conflicts and adversity that begin off school grounds. Can't see video below? Click here. "It starts maybe at home or on the streets, and the kids bring it into the schools," said Debbie Meaux, president of the Louisiana Association of Educators. Suzanne Harris, coordinator of the LAE's teaching and learning center, noted that some kids are facing adverse conditions at home, such as poverty or drug use, which can lead to trauma. "When they come into the classroom, many of them are responding to things that are outside of the classroom and become part of their behavior," Harris said. In the Ponchatoula incident, a teacher ended the fight by pulling one of the students away, video shows. Then two teachers held the girl to the ground, one with a knee in the 14-year-old student's chest, the other pulling the student by the leg and cursing at her, video of the incident shows. After video shows white teachers restraining black Ponchatoula student, man accused in bomb threat A 22-year-old man was arrested after police say he called in a bomb threat to a Ponchatoula school Friday, apparently in response to a video c Tangipahoa Parish Superintendent Melissa Stilley has not explained fully her reasoning for firing the two teachers. But in public comments Tuesday, she said the teachers' behavior did not meet her expectations. "The decision was based on our expectations both for employees and students in our parish and how they should conduct themselves even in tough situations," Stilley said at the School Board meeting. But teachers said, in essence, that the expectations were not laid out for them clearly. About 50 came to the School Board meeting Tuesday to voice their concerns, while 17 walked out of Ponchatoula Junior High School in protest Thursday. "The personnel decision that was made at Ponchatoula Junior High has created uncertainty and confusion," Simone Ingram, a teacher at Ponchatoula Junior High School told the School Board Tuesday night. She added, "We now see that if we physically intervene then we may lose our careers if a student complains or if a snippet of a video taken at particular angle may appear that we did something wrong or something we shouldn't have." In Tangipahoa Parish, the school system uses as the general policy for restraint the guidelines encoded in state law for special needs students, according to Stilley. The policy defines when physical restraint is permitted but does not say when it should be used. The policy says restraint is permitted if the student's behavior "presents a threat of imminent risk of harm to self or others." Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up It should be used only "as a last resort to protect the safety of self and others" and only "to the degree necessary to stop dangerous behavior." The policy also says it should be done in a way that causes no physical injury to the student and results in the least possible discomfort to the student. Stilley said the school district also provides training to three to five staff members at each Tangipahoa Parish school campus on proper restraint techniques. Those staff members learn a program called "Handle With Care" under a two-day training and are supposed to function as a response team in case of fights. +4 Tangipahoa teachers demand clarity on firings over viral video, 'risk of losing our careers' AMITE About 50 teachers, support staff and their backers filled the Tangipahoa Parish School Board chambers Tuesday to protest the terminati Policies differ in nearby parishes. In response to requests for information, representatives from Ascension, East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes did not provide any policies that specifically addressed a teacher's role in stepping into a campus fight. In Ascension Parish, schools spokeswoman Jackie Tisdell said the school system has no board policy on this issue, nor is there a standard training. Training in intervention and deescalation are given to special education staff, she said. East Baton Rouge Parish has a policy of calling law enforcement in the case of fights among kids over the age of 14, according to schools spokeswoman Taylor Gast. She said principals and special needs teachers are provided nonviolent crisis intervention training, which is optional for teachers. The Livingston Parish School Board, meanwhile, requires school leaders, as well as people they deem "essential personnel" to be trained in the same "Handle With Care" program offered in Tangipahoa Parish, according to Delia Taylor, a spokeswoman for the school system. "Many times our employees place themselves in harms way in order to best meet the needs of each student in the wide variety of situations that may occur every school day. We recognize that each situation is unique and work to have our employees prepared for any situation that may occur," Taylor said in a statement. A policy on restraint is not the the full answer to handling school behavior problems, said Chris Pisciotta, a former Tangipahoa Parish teacher. Pisciotta said he was assaulted twice while teaching in the Tangipahoa Parish school system. On one occasion, he said, a student bit him when he was intervening in a fight at Hammond High School. On another, Pisciotta said, he was attacked and injured at Independence High School after confiscating a student's phone during class. +3 Teachers seen restraining girl in viral Ponchatoula Junior High video were fired, union rep says An attorney for one of the teachers seen restraining a student in a video that went viral from Ponchatoula Junior High School in March said th Pisciotta, who is white, said he put his hands in the air during the incident, fearing that trying to restrain the student, who was black, would result in backlash for him. "Race was the first thing that entered my mind, and how this would be perceived in the school system and media at large," Pisciotta said. Pisciotta left after the incident and took a job teaching high school math at a rural school in southern Livingston Parish. Stilley said the school system will move towards a zero-tolerance policy for students who instigate fights. Those kids will be sent to an alternative school, which is being redesigned to better address behavior modification. She is also convening a meeting with teachers from each school in the coming weeks to discuss policy changes. She said one thing coming next year will be lessons for all staff on how to deal with fights, taught by trainers on each faculty. The idea is to give teachers a "1-2-3" process to respond. The more important changes, however, may have to come deeper. While teachers may be clamoring for a definite policy on dealing with student fights, the answer to the problem at hand may be rooted deeper and require more complex solutions, experts say. Report: Video of teachers restraining student is 'disturbing,' Tangipahoa schools leader says The Tangipahoa Parish schools superintendent said the video that circulated on social media last week showing two teachers physically restrain David Osher, an expert on school discipline from the American Institute of Research, noted that students have, historically, fought at school, but the response was not always to remove them. Ideally, he said, schools are equipping students with the social and emotional tools that make them less likely to fight. At the same time, they're training teachers on how to prevent fights from happening. Teachers need the skill set to recognize developing conflicts and deescalate them, as well as to build relationships with students, such that the student would respect the teacher in case of a problem. "If they know you and they trust you it's much easier. And if they know you it's probably even more easy," he said. Training along those lines is what Harris, of LAE, says her organization has been offering in recent years to teachers statewide. LAE offers classes in deescalation that is intended to help stop fights before they begin. LAE also offers cultural competency training that is supposed to help teachers develop relationships with students of different backgrounds. "Mainly, we're trying to help them learn what motivates behavior with students and how to find out what the triggers kids, so you can perhaps alleviate those triggers prior to them happening," Harris said. A 6-year-old lawsuit that claims high heat indexes on Louisiana's death row subjects three ailing condemned killers to cruel and unusual punishment, and leaves them at risk of serious illness or even death, has been conditionally dismissed by a federal judge in Baton Rouge. U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson's final dismissal of the suit is conditioned upon the state remaining in "substantial compliance" for one year with a settlement agreement signed last November by attorneys for the three prisoners and the state Department of Corrections. Jackson, who last month granted a joint request to conditionally dismiss the 2013 civil rights lawsuit, could make that dismissal final this November. The settlement agreement calls for daily showers for the three Angola inmates of at least 15 minutes; individual ice containers that are timely replenished by prison staff; individual fans; water faucets in their cells; "IcyBreeze" units or so-called "Cajun coolers"; and the diversion of cool air from the death-row guard pod into their cells. 'Cajun coolers' doing trick in cooling Angola unit housing death row inmates, report says Modified ice chests known as "Cajun coolers" and other remedial measures are succeeding in curbing the heat index where three ailing death row Most of those measures have been in use for months. "The plaintiffs are happy that the parties could come together and find an agreement that keeps them in constitutional conditions," Mercedes Montagnes, the inmates' lead attorney, said Thursday. The Louisiana Attorney General's Office, which is representing the state in the case, is withholding comment until the suit's dismissal is final, spokesman Jacques Ambers said. Department of Corrections spokesman Ken Pastorick also declined comment, citing the ongoing case. The case has been the subject of intense litigation for the past six years and has made several trips to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. The appellate court ruled in early 2018 that the state doesn't have to prevent heat indexes on death row at the Louisiana State Penitentiary from topping 88 degrees as Jackson previously ordered. +3 Louisiana doesn't have to keep heat index below 88 degrees on Angola's death row, court says Three ailing Louisiana death row inmates will still have to be protected from excessive heat during the sweltering summer months, but a federa The appeals court, however, said inmates Elzie Ball, Nathaniel Code and James Magee still must be protected from excessive heat during the sweltering summer months, but the judges gave state corrections officials more latitude to decide how to keep them cool. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Attorney General Jeff Landry has said previously that the Constitution "does not require prisons to be comfortable; it requires them to be humane." Ball, Code and Magee have high blood pressure and other health conditions that their attorneys say are exacerbated by high heat. Under the settlement agreement, the state will continue to monitor on a daily basis from April through October the heat and humidity in the tier where the three inmates are housed. When the heat index a measure of temperature and humidity within their cells reaches or exceeds 88 degrees, the measures that include ice, fans and "IcyBreeze" units will be provided, the agreement states. IcyBreeze is a brand name, but the modified ice chests also have been referred to in court documents as "Cajun coolers," essentially ice chests equipped with fans and ducting to blow cool air. Paul Hebert, the court-appointed special master in the case, stated in his final report last November that the remedial measures are working to prevent the heat index from topping 88 degrees in the area where the three inmates reside. Jackson and the 5th Circuit both found that subjecting the ailing inmates to excessive heat constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, and that some remedies are necessary to protect their health and safety. The appeals court, though, has said on more than one occasion that Ball, Code and Magee aren't entitled to air conditioning on Angola's death row. Inmates' lawyers: air conditioning only way to prevent heat-related illness, death at Angola With south Louisiana's summer heat and humidity kicking into high gear, the legal battle rages on over how to best protect three ailing condem Ball was condemned to die for the 1996 shooting death of beer deliveryman Ben Scorsone during an armed robbery of a Gretna lounge. Magee received the death penalty for the shotgun slaying of his estranged wife, Adrienne Magee, and their 5-year-old son, Zach, in a subdivision near Mandeville in 2007. Code was sentenced to death for killing four people at a house in Shreveport in 1985. Three years ago, Andrew Hundley was still in prison. And only a few years before that, he had little hope he would ever re-enter society. But on Friday, Hundley turned his tassel at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, signifying his graduation from LSU with honors a far cry from the Louisiana state prisons where he served almost 20 years. "I could not imagine three years ago that I would be in this position: an individual thats accepted in his community as a strong contributor to society," said Hundley, who was released on parole in June 2016 following a string of Supreme Court decisions on youth criminology. "Its just strengthened my belief in the power of second chances." Hundley, now 37, was the state's first juvenile lifer freed from prison after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for juveniles were unconstitutional. The court found in Montgomery v. Louisiana that youthful offenders have a greater capacity for change than adults and deserve a meaningful opportunity at release. +22 'Believe in Redemption': A 17-year-old murderer's 2nd chance, and the team helping him succeed Less than 36 hours after his release from prison, Steve Perkins sat in front of a class of law students, giving them advice. That decision in 2016 signaled a reckoning for many hundreds of such cases across the nation and about 300 in Louisiana, including Hundley's that deserved new consideration for a shot at freedom. Hundley, a native of Eunice, was convicted of second-degree murder in the 1997 slaying of 14-year-old Terri Elizabeth Pitre, whose body was found burned and badly beaten behind a grocery store on La. 13 in Mowata, a small community 10 miles north of Crowley. Hundley was 15 at the time of the killing. Convicted as an adult despite his age, Hundley was sentenced to mandatory life without parole. Two decades later, Hundley, afforded his opportunity at parole, focused on getting back into the classroom as well as helping those he left behind in prison. Building on the high school diploma and college coursework he completed while incarcerated, he first earned his associate's degree in criminal justice from Baton Rouge Community College and then his bachelor's in sociology, with a concentration in criminal justice, from LSU. Can't see video below? Click here. Hundley, who now resides in New Orleans, plans to continue his education this fall at Loyola University at New Orleans, working toward a master's degree in criminology and justice. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "Regardless of my prior incarceration, this degree, for me, means that I have social capital," Hundley said. "It opens the door for opportunities. Frankly, I have life experiences that are meaningful to potential employers and people who collaborate with my nonprofit, but now I have the academic background." While he was taking classes, Hundley also helped found the Louisiana Parole Project, a nonprofit that helps juvenile lifers and long-serving prisoners through the parole process and, if granted, their re-entry into society. He is now the executive director. Following his June 2016 parole hearing, 53 other juvenile lifers have gone before the Louisiana Committee on Parole, and all but 10 have been granted freedom. Hundley and his team at the Louisiana Parole Project have worked with all of them, representing most during the parole hearing through their re-entry, facilitating intensive reintegration plans. "The clients that we serve are able to achieve great things if given the opportunity," Hundley said. None of the Louisiana Parole Project clients have returned to prison; most are employed, have stable housing, and Hundley hopes a few will soon follow in his path of higher education. He took one of his clients on a tour of BRCC last week. Hundley is what the Montgomery decision is all about," said Marty Lensing, the former warden of Elayn Hunt Correctional Center and a former professor at BRCC who taught Hundley. "People do impulsive things in their youth (but) once they mature and have a chance to change, (they) are serious about change. Hes kind of set the bar when it comes to rehabilitation and refocusing themselves for a successful re-entry into society." +4 Supreme Court ruled Louisiana's life sentences for youth unconstitutional in 2016, what's changed? Louisiana was the nation's third top jailer of so-called juvenile lifers when the Supreme Court said in 2016 that, except in the most rare cas Lensing said he's seen youthful offenders transform their lives, despite their heinous crimes, and noted there's no better form of rehabilitation than education. Studies have found that educational opportunities reduce prisoners' chances of returning to the criminal justice system, with higher education degrees showing the largest impact. Hundley, at his 2016 parole hearing, took responsibility for Pitre's death, sharing his remorse for his actions. Some of Pitre's family members opposed his release, and as a part of his parole conditions, Hundley is barred from entering Acadia Parish, where Pitre's family still lives. I recognize that all the good that I could do would not undo what I did years ago," Hundley testified at the hearing. "But I will say that if Im given a second chance, I will spend every day trying to give back to this world, even though I can never replace what I stole from it." While Hundley knows he's privileged in the support network that has helped fuel his accomplishments, he continues to argue that he is not an exception. He says that given the same opportunities and support, many people like him other juvenile lifers or long-serving prisoners can thrive back in society. But Paul Guidry, a criminal justice professor at BRCC, said Hundley will always stand out among the many success stories of people returning from prison. I loved to have him in class. He challenged me as a professor and I learned a lot from him," Guidry said. "It's one of the most extraordinary success stories. Political strategists often say incumbent candidates face an uphill battle when a high percentage of voters remain undecided. The idea is if they dont like you by now, they never will. This is why the latest poll involving this years race for Louisiana governor is devastating for John Bel Edwards. More than one in three likely voters questioned by the Baton Rouge-based JMC Analytics and Polling told the firm theyre undecided about who to vote for in the governors race. Typically, undecided voters swing away from incumbents as Election Day approaches. This is especially true when the incumbent is a Democrat. The media is often more supportive of Democrats than Republicans, and that has certainly been the case with Edwards. Much of the states media supported the governors fiscal cliff and financial crisis narrative while savaging House Republicans for initially standing against the governors tax increases. And yet with all that positive coverage, one in three remain undecided about Edwards. Once Edwards' political opponents begin to run ads presenting the other side of the story of his first term, his polling numbers are sure to fall. The new poll has more devastating news for Edwards. An embarrassingly low 38% of the 650 likely voters in the poll conducted between April 25 and 27 said they support Edwards. That meager support after three and half years of mostly favorable media coverage shows Edwards is in real trouble. The governor may take comfort in the poll showing his 38% leading his Republican challengers, U.S. Rep. Ralph Abraham with 23% and businessman Eddie Rispone with 7%, in a three-way race. But with only 38%, Edwards has little chance of avoiding a runoff. Hell need 50%, plus one, for that. In a two-way runoff between Edwards and Abraham, the two candidates are statistically tied considering the margin of error. Dan Fagan: Abraham charge against Edwards just doesn't hold water A swing and a miss. That best describes Republican U.S. Rep. Ralph Abrahams recent attack on Gov. John Bel Edwards. Abraham, whos challengin The biggest takeaway from this poll is that Dr. Abraham is within the margin of error in a head-to-head match up with John Bel Edwards, despite having half the name recognition of the sitting governor, said John Vick, Abrahams campaign manager. Common sense would dictate once political ads begin to expose Edwards for his tax-raising ways, anti-business bent, and litigation crusade targeting the energy industry, the governors sure to fall behind Abraham in deeply red Louisiana. And then theres Donald Trump. The Republican president is widely popular in Louisiana. Edwards has gone out of his way to stay on his good side, bragging Trump once told him hes his favorite Democrat. But if Trump actively campaigns for Abraham in the runoff, it could be the end of the Edwards era in Louisiana. And the president would have every motivation to do so. Helping defeat an incumbent Democrat governor a year before the presidents re-election bid would provide positive momentum for Trump. Trump is traveling to Louisiana next week. Its no secret the president likes it when people kiss up to him. Like him, he likes you. If Edwards were ever to perfect the art of being a suck-up, now would be the time. Another challenge Edwards is facing is explaining why hes a Democrat in the first place. Louisiana voters are sure to question why Edwards aligns himself with a party with presidential candidates embracing the Green New Deal, supporting Medicaid for all, and infanticide. They may wonder why Edwards supports a party increasingly shifting away from capitalism and toward socialism. Dan Fagan: Forced paid leave bill would send Louisiana further behind US' economic growth When politicians use the full force of government to oppress the free market, they usually find a cause that pulls at the heart strings of low Voters see John Bel as a reflection of national Democrat policies in America, and we have one of the worst economies in the nation, and then they see Ralph Abraham as a representation of Trump and Trumps economic policies, and he can turn this thing around just like Trump has done on a national level, said Lionel Rainey, political consultant to Abraham. Some may argue Edwards surprised everyone the last time he ran and could do it again. But last time, Edwards employed the holier-than-thou approach, attacking opponent David Vitters character. Unless Abraham has some deep, dark secret we dont know about, Edwards will have to run on his record this year. Boasting about his honor code wont cut it this time. Email Dan Fagan at faganshow@gmail.com. Twitter: @DanFaganShow. You never know until people go to the polls, but there are lots of reasons to believe that Louisiana voters would give a thumbs-up to a slight A 23-year-old woman claiming she was a Secret Service agent tried to force a teenage boy and his mother into a car as they left a medical appointment in the 700 block of Elysian Fields Avenue shortly after noon on Thursday, New Orleans police said. After the 15-year-old boy and his mother got into an acquaintances car and left, the other woman followed them, rear-ended them multiple times and struck a parked car, police said. The woman then left her car in the street while acting irrationally and was arrested nearby, according to police. Police identified her as Harley Himber. In other matters recently handled by local authorities: A 31-year-old man was forced into his home at gunpoint, pistol-whipped and robbed of drugs about 7:10 p.m. Thursday in the 2900 block of Spain Street in St. Roch, New Orleans police said. The victim was taken to the hospital. The St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriffs Office said it arrested Rupert Morgan early Wednesday in connection with the burglary of a LaPlace business. Deputies responded to a call about a suspicious person near the 3300 block of U.S. 51 about 1:30 a.m. and found Morgan in the back of a company truck holding a drill in one hand and boxes of drill bits in his other hand, the Sheriffs Office said. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Morgan claimed he was getting tools for a job the next day but was unable to say what company he worked for, and deputies who called a representative of the business were told Morgan was unknown to the business, the Sheriffs Office said. Deputies said they later found a mountain bike and backpack with what appeared to be burglary tools. Morgan also allegedly had syringes and drug paraphernalia in an eyeglass case. The Sheriffs Office said it booked Morgan with possessing tools for a crime, simple burglary of a motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was being held in lieu of a $21,500 bond. Kenneth Martin, 45, of Slidell, received a 10-year prison sentence Thursday on charges of dealing fentanyl and heroin as well as illegal firearm possession, U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser's office in New Orleans said. Martin pleaded guilty to acts that occurred between May 23, 2016, and Aug. 2, 2017, Strasser's office said. He received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. New Orleans police on Friday released surveillance camera images of a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery about 2 a.m. May 4 at Baronne and Common streets, in the Central Business District. Anyone with information was asked to call Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111. Just one year after Louisiana was readmitted to the Union after the Civil War, two colleges were established in New Orleans to educate newly freed slaves and other black residents who wanted a formal education. That was in 1869. Over time, those schools, which became Straight University and New Orleans University, merged to become Dillard University. A private, liberal arts school that, despite its small size, regularly cracks the top-20 list in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of historically black colleges and universities, Dillard this week is celebrating reaching its 150th year. The anniversary, which officials will mark with a gala and the annual commencement ceremony Saturday, marks an important milestone for an institution that at one point looked as if it would succumb to the floodwaters that wreaked havoc on its 55-acre Gentilly campus following Hurricane Katrina. Enrollment plummeted while debt surged after the storm. And while its current total of 1,300 students is still 40 percent below pre-Katrina levels, the numbers have stabilized, as have the school's finances, making the school's sesquicentennial a moment for officials to reflect on how far they've come. "From your trailblazer beginning of educating free slaves after the Civil War to the present moment 150 years later, Dillard has still been advancing a proud tradition of excellence," City Councilman Jared Brossett told school officials Thursday during a presentation to the council celebrating the institution. After the 2005 storm, enrollment plummeted from a high of about 2,200 students in the 2004-05 school year to about 850 by 2008-09, officials said. Money was scarce, and Dillard was forced to borrow $156 million from the U.S. Department of Education to restore buildings that needed to be refurbished after stewing in several feet of floodwater. "The entire campus was flooded," said David Page, the school's vice president of enrollment management. "Each building had some damage to it, if not significant damage." By the fiscal year ending in June 2017, the school had operated in the red for two straight years, according to the latest available tax records. But since then those struggles have eased. A provision in the bipartisan budget deal signed by President Donald Trump in early 2018 wiped away the "crippling" post-Katrina debt of Dillard and two other historically black schools in New Orleans, Dillard President Walter Kimbrough said. The school's reputation bounced back, too, in part due to two of its signature programs, film and physics. Over several years, Dillard students became major contributors to movies made in "Hollywood South," including Lee Daniels The Butler and Spike Lees Oldboy. The school also rose to No. 2 in the country by 2017 in graduating African-Americans with undergraduate physics degrees, according to the American Institute of Physics. Administrators have been mapping out other ways to ensure the school's future. They are establishing partnerships with local charter schools, keeping their focus on the university's top programs and ensuring that a smaller school remains relevant and financially stable. "The strategic plan calls for us to land between 1,600 and 1,800 students, and I really do believe that a university of that size is still needed in the community, in the world," said Page. "I think that's our niche." The dream of a school like Dillard existed in New Orleans before the Civil War, according to the school's archivist, John Kennedy. In those days, free black residents would send their children to schools abroad to become teachers, doctors, lawyers or ministers. Others sent their children to so-called "native schools," or illegal schools founded by other black residents in Louisiana, according to "Within These Walls," a history compiled by Dillard officials that quoted a book by James Anderson titled "The Education of Blacks in the South." In 1868, a state constitutional convention provided for the possibility of formal education for African-Americans and established the "civil and political equality of all men." The Methodist Episcopal Church (now the United Methodist Church) founded the Freedmens Aid Society, which formed the Union Normal School later New Orleans University in 1869. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up That same year, the American Missionary Association of the Congregational Church, now the United Church of Christ, established Straight University, named for Seymour Straight, a Baptist educator and New Orleans City Council member. Over time, Straight University became known for its training in law and medicine and New Orleans University for its teacher training program. However, the decades that followed brought hard times. A stagnant economy, growing racial tensions and the hardening of Jim Crow laws, as well as the turmoil of World War I, left both schools struggling. In 1920, sociologist Thomas Jesse Jones visited the two schools and proposed that they merge. Ten years later, just after the 1929 stock market crash, Dillard University got its charter. In September 1935, despite the weight of segregation and the Great Depression, Dillard opened its doors. It was named in honor of James Hardy Dillard, an academician dedicated to educating African-Americans. "This historic event represented great triumph for generations of African-Americans," according to "Within These Walls." As it grew, Dillard continued to have a science focus, becoming the first black university in the country to offer a bachelor's degree-granting nursing program. Notable graduates include: Alice Dunbar Nelson, a poet and journalist credited with being part of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, famed jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. and Carl Stewart, chief judge of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Coretta Scott King, wife of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and Andrew Young, a top aide to King who later served as Atlanta mayor and a U.S. congressman, received honorary degrees. Dillard officials have boasted of the school's more recent impact, too. After Katrina, Dillard was "the economic engine that got Gentilly restarted," Kimbrough said, by being the first entity to come back "in a big way" and inspire other businesses there to do the same. In addition to physics and film, the school has become known for its pre-law program. Of the students in its Legal Education Advancing Diversity program, 85 percent are admitted to law school, compared to 49 percent of African-Americans nationwide, according to Yolanda Page, the school's vice president of academic affairs. Recently, the school, in collaboration with Greater New Orleans Inc., added a certificate program in urban water management. It's the only one of its kind in Louisiana and offers research and advice on public policy issues related to water, Page said. Overall, the school generates about $83 million in total economic impact for the local and regional economies, according to an analysis by the United Negro College Fund in 2014. The estimate included direct spending by Dillard on faculty, employees, academic programs and operations, and by students. The report also showed that Dillard generated 778 jobs in the local and regional economies, and that the 2014 graduates were projected to earn a total of $472 million in their lifetimes. "That is money going right into the local economy," Kimbrough told the City Council during the presentation Thursday. While much has changed over the years, officials say one thing has stayed the same: Dillard's tight-knit community of graduates, alumni and staff. About 60 percent of the students hail from Louisiana, and many stay in the state after graduation. About 91 percent are African-American. This year, 94 percent of students received some kind of financial aid in meeting the tuition of $16,580 a year, according to fall 2018 statistics. "Dillard is a necessity not only for African-Americans around the country and the world, but for New Orleans," Kennedy, the archivist, said. "Dillard is a jewel for New Orleans." Editor's note: A previous version of this story said Coretta Scott King and Andrew Young graduated from Dillard University. They received honorary degrees. By the age of eight, Pash had developed what he calls a "weird cyclical vomiting thing": "I would wake up inexplicably nauseous and not be able to stop vomiting, and I'd end up on a drip. It was diagnosed by a specialist in Adelaide as 'abdominal migraine' but in retrospect it was so obviously psychological. It would happen at certain points in time, over and over again. It was always at the first day of holidays: my body releasing unconscious tension." By his early 20s, he'd worked out that music solved the problem: "If I got up and put on this one video of Neil Young and Crazy Horse it made me feel nurtured and safe." Thanks to Neil Young, the vomiting stopped. Pash, aged 17, at home in Adelaide. Credit:Courtesy of Dan Pash At about the time the nausea episodes began, Pash took up clarinet. When he started to ace his music exams, his parents realised their son had musical talent. A few years and one successful audition later, he was admitted to Brighton High, an Adelaide school which offered classes in music theory and sound technology. But it was when he heard Green Day's Longview for the first time as a tween that he discovered punk rock, a genre that "already sounded familiar" to him on some level. "I dunno," he says, "maybe I was a snotty-nosed Californian kid in a previous life." His parents gave him a cheap Japanese guitar, and by the time he was 15 he was playing in his first band, Spiny Norman, supporting Melbourne punk band Ricaine at a club on Adelaide's Rundle Street. Pash's high school friend and bandmate, Aidan Moyse, remembers how formative that gig was. "Ricaine were on a completely different level to what we were," recalls Moyse, "because we were just kids, and they were focused on Chicago-style punk rock." If clarinet was a comfort, and Neil Young a salve, punk became Pash's obsession. Even so, he says, "The whole question of the role of music in my life only achieved any immediate poignancy once it started to leave. Because then I realised, 'This is the one thing that I was meant to do.' It was the one thing that always made sense." In 1996, the same year Spiny Norman took to the stage for the first time, Pash's sound technology teacher played his class a "gizmo" which sounded a tone that ascended from about 16 to 16,000 hertz, the typical range humans can hear. After the tone stopped playing, Pash sat, wondering why the class remained so quiet. He looked around. Why was everyone still listening? Pash started to worry. A test shortly afterwards revealed that his hearing at 15 was the same someone might experience after decades of working in a car factory: that is, his range was about half that of most people his age. Doctors told him he had genetic sensorineural hearing loss, which he hadn't noticed because it had been sneaking up on him since birth. At that time, Pash says he didn't feel the verdict "was all that dramatic"; he was prescribed specially made earplugs to minimise noise damage while playing in the school orchestra and told to "keep an eye on it". There wasn't much more they could say. He continued playing music, moving from school to the Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide, where he studied the clarinet, and threw himself into gigs with increasing abandon. "In the next band that we had, a band called Bad Girls of the Bible, we played a gig at a pub in Adelaide called the Exeter Hotel, and no one turned up, no one was there," recalls Moyse. "We got a bit ratty and Dan just kinda fired it up. That might have been the first time Dan took his T-shirt off and got all Iggy Pop on us. And from then on, I remember a series of shows that got pretty loose the T-shirt would be off, he'd be jumping all over the place, finding things to climb up on. "We played a show at a venue called the Jade Monkey and Dan had this ridiculously long guitar lead. The stage wasn't that far from the door to the street and I remember very clearly: he took his guitar off the stage, and out the door, and was out on the street, in a little lane, standing on a car, rocking out. It was actually the owner's car. He was really shitty." Dan Pash at a Leader Cheetah gig in 2008. Credit:Elleni Toumpas Despite their closeness, Moyse had no idea that Pash was going deaf. He only found out after a more sobering test, at 23, when Pash could only hear the bottom third of a piano keyboard. Pash was told that solutions such as hearing aids would be complicated by two factors: his hyperacusis, or an increased sensitivity to sound, and extreme tinnitus. In other words, such aids would only exacerbate the painful ringing he was hearing at multiple frequencies. Although it seemed counter-intuitive to someone who was facing profound hearing loss, he would have to wear earplugs almost all the time to protect his inner ear from too much noise. Moyse's voice falters. "It seemed to be a total deal breaker for what he wanted to do. I found it quite emotional because he was always so passionate about the quality of sound. We would talk about how one band's guitar sound is different to another's. And why they're innovative or awesome. And to then be struck with realising the ramifications of what he was saying about his hearing loss I was just gutted." He asked Pash if playing rock music had contributed to it. "I remember him saying, 'Well no, not really, it's more a congenital condition and perhaps the rock music exacerbated it, but it was going to happen anyway.' It just seemed so ridiculously cruel." In 2008, when he toured with his feted indie band Leader Cheetah while already facing trials with his hearing. Credit:Elleni Toumpas Specialists began to impress the scale of the loss upon Pash. "Even though they didn't really know what was going on, that's when they started counselling me to stop playing loud music," he recalls. "There were never any guarantees, it was always just: '[Loud music] is potentially a factor, so you should consider mitigating that factor.' My response was like any 20-something's: 'Well, this is something I need to do!'" He made half-hearted attempts at protecting his ears as well as wearing earplugs, he wouldn't say yes to playing in two bands at once, for instance but considering the one band he was in rehearsed almost every night, these safeguards were gestures at best. Moyse and drummer Jared Schmidt built a soundproofed control booth for Pash in their rehearsal studio. Moyse laughs at the memory. "It wasn't very good," he says. "We tried. We had to put some speakers on the other side of the glass so that he could hear things, and we blew them up trying to make it work." By then, Pash would have to end rehearsals early, his head clanging with severe tinnitus. Conversations at dinner parties had become "extraordinarily mentally taxing", as he tried to tune out the background noise and tune in to someone's voice from across the table. By his late 20s, he was both touring the country as the lead guitarist in Leader Cheetah, and a candidate for a double cochlear implantation. It was at that point, Pash says, that he "started dropping below a functional level, socially, professionally. That's when it started to get difficult. That's when I started having to apologise for it, and include it as part of my introductory spiel, especially in the context of music." At this time, Pash started dating film lawyer Eve Foreman. They'd been circling each other in the night haunts of Adelaide for a while she'd seen him play in Bad Girls of the Bible, and remembered him jumping off stacks and tables. At turns she thought he was arrogant, enthralling, emotionally insecure, smart, and sharp. Foreman was obsessed with underground post-punk and new wave. Pash's taste in music seemed "more dorky" to her, but she came around. If she first found him arrogant and insecure, she soon found herself stuck in deep conversations and arguments: she jokes that he was brainwashing her into liking him. Foreman always knew about Pash's medical issue, but he seemed to function fine in a social setting. On an early date, she remembers him explaining to her as a warning: "In about 10 years' time, I'll be pretty deaf." Eleven years on, she's sitting next to Pash in my backyard, covered in mosquito welts. When a string of personal dramas caused Leader Cheetah to break up in 2013, Pash effectively quit music. "I didn't go to any gigs or play except at home, alone, quietly." He wanted to play live, but he'd never been good at starting projects on his own, and he didn't know any other musicians he'd want to trouble with the limits his hearing would impose on their playing. A drummer might have to play with brushes, a bass amp's volume might have to be dialled right back, a rehearsal might have to end early or be cancelled if his ears had been causing him particular discomfort that day. Foreman had moved to Sydney in 2009 to pursue her career, and Pash followed in 2011, shortly after recording Leader Cheetah's second (and final) album. They now share a flat in Ashfield, a car and a record collection. She works as a film lawyer in Kings Cross, while he splits his time between the last stages of his PhD, tutoring philosophy at Sydney University, and working in a bookshop. But rather than experiencing the silence deafness implies, white noise is almost all he can hear, night and day. Now, for Pash, the clamour inside a restaurant sounds like a semi-trailer roaring past his head "with added sheet metal being torn asunder". A party sounds like "a brass quintet put through a Marshall stack blaring over his head". Music "sounds like everything was recorded in a letterbox at the bottom of a lake". The couple don't really go out any more. "In a way it makes the relationship more intimate, but of course it is limiting socially," says Foreman. She's taller than Dan, with the elegant slouch of a 1930s film star. Her eyes are lined with kohl; her long fingers pinch the stem of a wineglass. "It's mainly been this last year that's gone downhill fast, and [hearing loss is] now affecting how we communicate as a couple at home. He is reading lips really, so needs to see my face. It's easier to have a conversation about topics he knows about so he can fill in the gaps, and it's easier for him to do more of the talking than listening." Foreman is open about the effects on not just Pash, but herself. "Every day is exhausting for him. The tinnitus keeps him up at night. A lot of the time, I think he comes home not wanting to try to listen [to anything] any more. I sometimes find this isolating, sometimes I find it controlling, as the way and when we communicate about certain things necessarily needs to be on his terms at times, but mostly I feel incredibly emotional and sad about it. I sometimes wonder if my role should be to encourage him to stop making music and get cochlear implants to make other elements in his life easier, but I know music is the main thing he cares about, and this feels like a mentally healthy thing to be doing with what little hearing he has left." Music 'sounds like everything was recorded in a letterbox at the bottom of a lake.' Cochlear implants will enable Pash to understand speech again, bypassing the damaged part of his ears and directly triggering the auditory nerve with tiny electrical signals. "I fully expect that when I make the decision to get the implants, I will be able to get back to having a rewarding social and professional life," Pash says. So why wait? Because while implants are serviceable when emulating speech-like sounds, perfectly translating pitch and timbre is simply too complex for the device in its current incarnation. The technology has come a long way since it was invented in 1957, but it has far to go. Even with what little natural hearing he has left, Pash will have a better chance at detecting nuance in music without implants. "Once I got into my 30s the doctors, after looking at my charts, were much more confident in putting a timeline on how quickly the rest of my hearing would deteriorate," Pash says. "At my last ENT consultation, the guy looked at my current levels plus my history and said, 'If you have any other musical goals, you need to get them done in the next year.' And he was basically right." In a way, Foreman has been Pash's punk enabler: his new band Reality Instructors only began because she took up bass guitar. "Eve kind of threw herself under the bus so that this band could exist," he says. Now Pash writes songs between study during the week, and on Sundays, when he works at the bookshop, Foreman writes her own material for the band. She laughs about how the process began. "He would come home and I would stand up and present what I'd made. And it was always at that level where nothing was ever completely finished. I'd always stop and say, 'No, wait that's not right, I've got it wrong.' And maybe some songs stuck, and others were politely disregarded." The couple have developed an elastic songwriting routine, where they share lyrics and ideas. They both sing lead vocals, and tinker on each other's songs. Drummer and friend Nick Kennedy soon joined the bedroom sessions, armed with a snare drum and brushes, and something just "felt right". These were people Pash loved, and felt supported by. They understood the logistical acrobatics that a hearing impairment requires of a loud punk band. Pash's band problem was solved: Reality Instructors was born. In early 2017, the band hit a rehearsal studio where they could turn up the volume. "It felt like this was the way it was going to go," says Pash. "And then we just had to play a show, and just had to play another show." The live shows began in February last year at the Petersham Bowling Club in Sydney's inner west, and have since seen the couple return to The Exeter in Adelaide. Pash concedes that the 15 shows (and counting) have fast-tracked his hearing loss. His lyrics for the song Reality Instructor from Ritual Ignorant best answer the question of why he continues: They say give away whatever you've been doing that made you blue, and did not improve your health Oh hey but they don't know what we've been through. 'Cause if all that's left to do right now is take your place on the shelf Recall that other place and time when you were somebody else And if you ignore that glimpse of grace and how it felt I'll know you're making a mistake. Pash might have less than 3 per cent of his hearing left, but he also has the album he spent his life wanting to make. His new band, Reality Instructors: (from left) Pash, Eve Foreman and Nick Kennedy. Credit:Miska Mandic Reality Instructors is speedily recording a follow-up EP to Ritual Ignorant, but as they play on, well past the point last drinks were called by Pashs specialists, things have had to change. While recording vocals for these latest tracks Pash sometimes over- or undershoots a note by a semitone. According to the EPs producer, Liam Judson, He has to deliberately sing flat or sharp on some notes, train himself to do that, just to hit them properly. That didnt happen on the album. Its much more of a challenge for him. His songwriting methods have had to shift, too. As Pash explains, Sometimes an idea comes about because youre sitting and playing and you do something unexpected, and you like it, so you do it again, and you keep repeating it until it turns into something. That mode of writing is now closed to me, because I cant hear what Im playing well enough to know if I like it enough to play it again. He can still use the guitar as a tool to test ideas, but only in a very rudimentary way. He can sort of hear the bottom two strings enough to work out progressions. Luckily for Pash, a new way of writing has made itself available to him. While he used to think Paul McCartneys tales about waking up with a song in his head were horseshit, one of the songs on Ritual Ignorant, Coloured Blue, did come to Pash in a dream. Now he wishes he'd been more open to his own dreaming or, at least, imaginatively instigated songwriting. Judson hopes it will be possible for Pash to keep writing, playing and recording after he's lost all his hearing. "I think he could do it," Judson says. "The guitar's super-resonant, particularly solid body electric [guitars] Obviously it might be a little collaborative, with people like Eve going, "Yeah that's great," or "That's a bit strange," but I do think it is possible." Bill Shorten will use the largest federal funding injection in public transport history to turbocharge the crucial final days of the election campaign, in a $10 billion promise designed to help snatch up to half a dozen seats from the Morrison government in Victoria. The Labor leader will attempt to overshadow Prime Minister Scott Morrison's official campaign launch in Melbourne on Sunday by pledging to part-fund the massive $50 billion, 90-kilometre suburban rail loop that helped Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews win last year's state election. "Dan Andrews and all Victorians need a partner in Canberra and thats what Ill be," Mr Shorten said. "The suburban rail loop will be a game changer for Australias fastest-growing city. It means faster travel times and more jobs for Victorians." Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt has rejected claims photographs taken at a polling place in his electorate show him campaigning for Clive Palmer's United Australia Party. The images, which were circulated by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten's communications media unit, show Mr Wyatt holding two yellow UAP signs. These photos have been used by Labor supporters on social media to suggest Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt has been assisting Clive Palmer's United Australia Party. Labor supporters seized on the pictures to accuse Mr Wyatt on social media of executing a "murky deal" with Clive Palmer's party, which is exchanging preferences with the Liberals. One Facebook account linked to a WA Labor staffer posted the image and accused Mr Wyatt of being "a wholly owned subsidiary" of the Queensland billionaire. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The federal election has been billed as a referendum on the economy and climate change and a showdown between Scott Morrison and Bill Shorten. But in among the debates about franking credits, carbon credits and space invaders, the parties also have some major policies on the table in terms of families and welfare. So are there any differences between the two? Who stands to benefit? Who could miss out? Credit:Photo: Phil Carrick What is the Coalition doing on childcare? The Coalition overhauled the childcare payments system as recently as July 2018. Along with rolling several payments into a new, single "childcare subsidy" the Coalition increased payments to low- and middle-income families. Families need to pass an "activity test" to get the subsidy, which means the hours families work per fortnight have a bearing on their hours of subsidised care. Under the current system, if your family income is up to $66,958, you can get 85 per cent of your childcare fees paid (based on an hourly rate cap). This then slides down to 20 per cent for those earning $341,248. Those who earn $351,248 and above receive nothing. According to the Liberal Party, a "typical" family is about $1300 better off per year under the changes, which it says is helping about 1 million families. As part of these changes, the Coalition put an extra $2.5 billion into the system. Advertisement Ahead of election day, the Coalition is not suggesting any more changes to the existing system. Boothby candidate Nadia Clancy and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten at a childcare centre in Adelaide. Credit:Tom McIlroy Does Labor have a different plan? Labor surprised the childcare sector, midway through the election campaign, by announcing it would put an extra $4 billion over four years towards reducing childcare fees. This would see families on incomes up to $69,527 get 100 per cent of their childcare fees paid for by the government (so long as their fees are under the government's cap of $11.77 an hour). There would also be more generous subsidy rates for other families who earn up to $174,527. Labor says about 887,000 families would be better off and that average annual savings would be about $1400 or $1200 per child, depending on a family's income level. Labor has previously been critical of the activity test, arguing it is unfair on kids from disadvantaged backgrounds. It has not made any changes to the activity test so far but has said it will "look at" the drop in the number of children from vulnerable families attending early education and care. "We're committed to reviewing the circumstances for those families," deputy leader Tanya Plibersek says. Advertisement Labor has promised a wage boost to childcare workers. Credit:Phil Carrick Is this the same as boosting childcare workers' wages? No, that's a separate policy but one that goes to the heart of the value placed on childcare and the people mostly women who provide it. Childcare workers earn as little as $22 an hour and have been campaigning for many years for a pay increase. Labor has recently pledged to boost the pay of about 100,000 early childhood educators by 20 per cent over eight years. It says this will be in addition to any wage increases made by the Fair Work Commission or any wage increases from employers. Labor says the policy will cost almost $10 billion over the next decade. The Coalition has released modelling that says it would cost more than $1.6 billion a year, once it is fully up and running. Labor has pledged to boost the pay of about 100,000 early childhood educators ... The Coalition has attacked the plan as highly irregular. Advertisement Labor says it would start negotiations with the early childhood sector in its first 100 days of government to boost wages but, so far, there is little detail about how the boost would be implemented. Childcare policy experts warn the set-up will be very complicated. Since the announcement, Labor has given mixed messages about whether this approach could apply to other industries. Asked recently why aged care workers were not considered for a wage boost too, Bill Shorten told ABC television show Q&A: "The fact that we look after early childhood educators now does not mean that we won't work to help aged care workforce in the future." The Coalition, meanwhile, has attacked the plan as "highly irregular" and a "socialist experiment". Credit:Photo: Peter Braig Won't all this extra money for both parents and workers just drive up childcare fees? Labor says it will get the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to make sure childcare operators don't just increase fees in line with the increase to the childcare subsidy. It also insists the boost to workers' wages will not hurt fees because a) government will fully fund the pay increase and b) it will ensure there are "audits". The Grattan Institute, a public policy think tank, has warned that childcare centres will be tempted to increase their fees, given the extra subsidies. It notes previous attempts to use the ACCC to monitor prices, such during the introduction of the GST, had "mixed success". Advertisement Labor is adding funding for a year for three-year-olds from 2021. Credit:Phil Carrick What are the major parties pledging on preschool? In the most recent budget, the Coalition announced it would continue to fund an agreement with the states to ensure children get 15 hours a week of free preschool education in the year before they start school (preschool is also called kindergarten or kindy). It set aside $453 million to ensure funding until the end of 2020 for four-year-olds. When asked about longer-term funding, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the government was "committed" to the program but added there needs to be a review and more work with state governments. Morrison has also flagged concerns with the "rates of the actual take-up" for the program. Labor has committed to permanently funding the preschool program and will also expand it by adding a year for three-year-olds from 2021, also for 15 hours a week. Labor says this will cost about $1.8 billion for the first four years and about $8.6 billion over the next decade. The Coalition has a new plan for paid parental leave. Credit:Photo: Phil Carrick Are there any changes planned to paid parental leave? Advertisement A motorist allegedly responsible for a fatal pile-up on the M4 on Thursday will appear in court charged with multiple serious driving offences. The 53-year-old man is alleged to have been driving a Toyota Echo on the M4 when he changed lanes and stopped at the city-bound Church Street off-ramp at about 5.50am on Thursday. Francis Shanley, 36, died in the 11-vehicle pile-up on the M4 on Thursday. Credit:Facebook About 11 cars were involved in the subsequent collision. A 36-year-old Irish tradesman from Wentworthville, Francis Shanley, was killed when his ute was struck by a truck carrying kegs of beer. The driver of the Echo is alleged to have left the scene of the crash. Brisbanes unit market is like a snake thats swallowed a possum still trying to cope after an unprecedented construction boom, one expert says. As a consequence, developers are thinking differently about the market, in terms of both what they are building and why. Brisbane's apartment and unit market is gradually recovering after an investor boom saw a glut in construction. Credit:AAP/Darren England At a residential property summit held by The Urban Developer in Fortitude Valley on Friday, experts in the retail sector noted how quickly Brisbane had grown up from being a country town to a metropolitan space with high inner-city living demand. I think probably the simplest way to describe it is the market is like a snake thats swallowed a possum, and its just digesting it for a period of time, Colliers International residential director Andrew Scriven said. Offenders would face life imprisonment for shooting at police who are trying to arrest them under gun crime laws proposed by the Queensland opposition. LNP deputy leader Tim Mander said authorities needed to "come down heavy" on shooting offences after shots were allegedly fired into a police car south-west of Brisbane on Friday night. LNP deputy leader Tim Mander called for changes on Saturday. Credit:AAP/Darren England. On Saturday, Mr Mander told media specific offences proposed earlier this week would deter gun crime. "There would be specific charges for drive-by shootings or using a firearm, or any other weapon, when resisting arrest, and that could mean up to 25 years' imprisonment," Mr Mander said. Dozens of children, some as young as 10, are being held in a high-security watchhouse near paedophiles, according to Queensland's public guardian, thanks to a state government plan that has not yet been ironed out. Queensland's youth detention centres have struggled to cope with the influx of 17-year-old offenders after the Palaszczuk government passed justice reforms in 2016, resulting in watchhouses being used as makeshift prisons. Children are being held for as long as six weeks at the Brisbane watchhouse because youth detention centres are too full. Credit:Queensland Police Media. On Thursday night, there were 52 juveniles held in Brisbane City Watchhouse custody, a police spokesman said. Amnesty International Indigenous advocate Joel Clark said some children were even being kept in solitary confinement. Premier Mark McGowan has laughed off calls from firebrand United Australia Party leader Clive Palmer for him to resign, but branded the businessman a menace to Western Australia in a speech to a gathering of business leaders in Perth. Speaking at the CCI WA budget breakfast on Friday, Mr McGowan said he hoped the gathered business community would support the state government when we take some action in regards to (Mr Palmer). Outspoken Queensland businessman Clive Palmer. Credit:AAP The fracas kicked off with a broadside from Mr McGowan in Parliament earlier this week, where he labelled Mr Palmer a greedy hypocrite as legal battles over the $16 billion Sino Iron project in WAs Pilbara intensified. Mr Palmers Mineralogy, which owns the land, is trying to get the Chinese-owned CITIC Group, which operates the project, to pay up $500 million for environmental rehabilitation at the site, about 100 kilometres south-west of Karratha. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Lombok is like Bali 30 years ago. That statement was repeated to me several times while visiting the Indonesian paradise island smaller than the size of metropolitan Perth. The comparison is something that the Indonesian Government and airline Air Asia want to make internationally through its '10 new Balis' plan. Its an economic tactic to draw tourists who might like the tropical vacation vibe Bali offers without the chaos. Its clever too. Marketing will soon begin in cities that are getting direct Lombok flights, such as Perth. Tourists who love the proximity and cheapness of Bali but dont want to slam five Bintangs for breakfast or arent into the pretentiousness of Byron Bay drop-outs pedalling energy crystal retreats will fall for it hook, line and sinker. Lombok needs tourism to help it recover from the August 5, 2018 earthquake that destroyed thousands of buildings and killed 563 people but to simply describe it as a new Bali does the island a disservice. Its unmistakably Indonesian but with an identity all of its own. Life's a beach Our tour guides name was Bobby Dingo, which he proudly exclaims is a nickname hes picked up from Australian visitors from over the years. Hes the first Lombok local I meet and by leaning into Aussie slang I get an early sense of Indonesian hospitality that makes Bali so attractive. The Bali flashbacks continue as he takes us to our first hotel in Kuta in the islands south. Ignore those memories of dancing in cages soaked in arak at the Bounty nightclub, this Kuta is Bali Kutas antithesis. Its chockers with hidden white-sandy bays, quiet resorts, great surfing spots and a quaint little cafe and bar scene that would satisfy even Fitzroys hippest. We were told with the 2021 Moto GP set to race at a new track in Lomboks Mandalika area new hotels and infrastructure are being built to cater for an influx of people and the area will boom in coming years. Im hoping it retains its relaxed charm though. Tourists and locals gathering to watch the sunset on Bukit Merese Hill in Lombok's south. Credit:Hamish Hastie Our tour bus trekked off-road delivering us to one of the islands remote southernmost bays. It was lined with beach bars little more than bamboo shacks serving Bintangs and coconuts for visitors to enjoy while they watched the breaks out the back dissipate to nothing on the calm shore. Locals were serenading impossibly tanned-Scandanavian backpackers with questionably pronounced but heartfelt renditions of Ed Sheeran songs while strays played happily around them, sometimes edging close enough for a pat or belly rub. After filling ourselves with coconut water we were whisked to Bukit Merese Hill. By day its grassy geography is used by farmers to graze cattle but in the evening its the perfect spot to watch the sun set over southern Lomboks bays. When we visited there were at least 150 people with the same idea. There was also a group of backpackers listening to Bob Marley and doing Yoga, which intensified as the sun dropped further on horizon. Not my bag, but each to their own. The whole day would have been perfect had it not been for the rubbish lining the beaches and countryside. While not as bad as Bali, Lombok is not immune to Indonesias plastic problem and it hurts to see such gorgeous spots tainted by discarded noodle packets and cups. Our second location, Senggigi beach didnt suffer that same issue. Situated on the islands eastern coast, it is currently the main tourist strip. Beachfront resorts stretch for several kilometres and the main drag is dotted with bars playing live music with the odd karaoke joint squeezed in between. The Happy Cafe was our temporary local and kept true to its name. Seafood beach-side restaurants offered incredible evening viewing. The sun would set right behind Balis Mt Agung, casting brilliant yellow and orange rays into the sky. Look inward Would you like to receive our daily news? Signup today! Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published. Error! There was an error processing your request. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. News and Info from our Community Partners Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?) Authorities have charged a 24-year-old College Station man with murder in the death of his roommate. Luis Leonardo Solis remained in the Brazos County Jail early Saturday with bail set at $325,000. He was also charged with possession of a controlled substance. According to a police report, investigators identified inconsistencies in his statements when asked about the death of his roommate, Osiel Benitez-Herrera, who was found dead Tuesday in a mobile home off Texas Avenue. Police said in the arrest report that Solis called 911 just before midnight Tuesday to report something happened to his roommate. When officers arrived, the report says, they discovered Benitez, 35, in the living room of the trailer with multiple serious injuries. "There was blood spattered, transferred, and pooled in much of the room," the report states. According to the police report, detectives reviewed traffic camera footage and determined that no one had entered the mobile home park other than Solis around the time of the Benitez's death. Other video surveillance footage indicated Solis had changed his shoes at some point before being interviewed by detectives, the report states. I got commissioned here, so to be able to be part of this day for him is just incredible. Its a great honor, said Rob Gaudsmith, who was also part of the Texas Army National Guard. I got to pin my husbands second lieutenant bars on him, I got to pin [Ben] its really a family tradition Im glad that he was willing to continue, JoAnna Gaudsmith said. Im proud that he is willing to set forth and do what is needed. Our country needs him. Ben Gaudsmith said he studied economics while at A&M and that he will work this summer before beginning his duties at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, in September. Rob Gaudsmith also described a bittersweet pride at watching his son be commissioned and take the oath of service. Bens older sister also graduated from A&M, he said, meaning that the ceremony marked an end of a phase of their lives as parents. Were very lucky and feeling a lot of gratitude, he said. Another A&M graduate, Evan Dunn, will go to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California in a matter of weeks as a second lieutenant. He said he was a first-generation Aggie and the first in his family to serve in the military. Its an honor to volunteer to serve the country, and to volunteer to put my life on the line so other people dont have to, Dunn said. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. As part of his visit to Aggieland, Army Secretary Mark T. Esper took questions from local media members and spoke briefly on the Army Futures Command in Austin. Esper called the Army Futures Command, announced on July 13, the most significant reorganization effort since 1973. It is, officials said, an effort to modernize the U.S. Army and prepare for future challenges, engagements and conflicts. Esper said the command would be fully operational by this summer. Today, we had a chance to meet with folks at the RELLIS center, Esper said. Futures Command is looking to partner with any number of folks who can help us advance our modernization goals, and we think that Texas A&M offers us another opportunity to do that. Col. Patrick Seiber, communications director for Army Futures Command, shared specific ways that the Army is partnering with Texas A&M University System research and personnel. He cited the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and its work at RELLIS on autonomous vehicles as one of many ways A&M has contributed research to the Armys efforts. Thats something the Army is interested in, Seiber said. I want to thank everybody for helping my daughter become what she is now, he said. Kathleen Menchacas sister Micky Martinez also called her sister a go-getter, noting all summer long she worked on her modules and took tests to earn the certification. Though it was a difficult year personally, Menchaca said, her first year of teaching was great, as was the support she got from her community including from the Caldwell school district, from which she graduated in 1992. It was great seeing everybody come together, she said. Up against nominees from Austin, San Antonio, Amarillo, Irving and Cypress-Fairbanks, she said Bryan was the smallest district and community among the finalists and needed the entire areas support. It was close, Schneider said, with Marcela Buti of Irving schools and Thomas Andrews of the Northside school district coming in second and third, respectively. In the end, though, Menchaca walked away with the plaque and the $5,000 check. Each day from November through January, White gives each boy and girl a small slip of paper, on which she asks them to write down his or her needs. White will later collect the papers and read the needs privately. Some students simply write that they need a certain school supply, while others write that they need a prayer for something happening to them. This has enabled White to set up a few students with counseling or nursing services from the school in certain cases. In February, all of Whites students are given a paper bag to decorate, along with a paper heart representing each individual classmate. Students are encouraged to write something kind or respectful about their peers, placing the hearts in the appropriate bags. At the end of the month, everyone gets to read the compliments written about them. Its amazing, White said. Some kids get teary eyed, and its neat to see other people think of them in a positive manner. The note could be an apology for something, and you dont have to put your name on the card. Students have written White notes, which she reads for comfort when shes having an emotionally difficult day.. A main issue for citizens reintegrating from prison is their lack of knowledge in the many ways that society has changed by the time of their release. We can help make sure that incarcerated citizens stay informed about societal evolutions by incentivizing them to stay engaged with politics through the practice of voting. Many incarcerated individuals lost their voting rights prior to ever practicing them. Only 37 percent of todays prison population said they voted before they were incarcerated. Felony disenfranchisement is a symptom left behind from Jim Crow. The rights of formerly enslaved Africans were tweaked, trimmed and stripped throughout the Jim Crow era. A country committed to the abolition of slavery also would need to be committed to dismantling all of those policies that were created to uphold slavery practices including the exploitation of labor and stripping the voting rights of incarcerated populations. With the era of mass incarceration ushered in by the failed war on drugs, its essential that our government take a serious stance against decades of its dehumanization of prisoners because of overly punitive legislation. We can begin by restoring incarcerated citizens voting rights. Josie, a 1.5 to 2-year-old cat at the Humane Society of Port Jervis and Deerpark on Jan. 5, 2016. (Holly Kellum/Epoch Times) 20-Year-Old Man Accused of Torturing, Killing Cats He Bought on Craigslist: Reports A 20-year-old man from Missouri was charged with animal abuse for buying cats on a popular listing site before torturing and eventually killing them, according to reports. Kaine Louzader has been charged with two counts of animal abuse after he admitted to police that he was abusing the animals, according to Fox 2 Now. Between January and May this year, dozens of cats and kittens were found dead in the area of Wild Deer Lane, according to a probable cause statement obtained by the news website. The prosecutors office said many of these cats appeared to be killed, while some kittens were found mutilated. Court documents revealed graphic details of the type of torture Louzader allegedly inflicted on the animals including strangulation and dismemberment. Moreover, police said Louzader had cuts and scratches on him, which he initially said was caused by an elderly patient at the hospital he was working at. But after further questions, he told police the injuries were caused by cats that tried to escape him. In a similar case, a Minnesota woman pleaded guilty to 13 counts of animal cruelty after more than 100 animals, including 64 dead cats, were discovered in her home. Caycee Bregel, 25, pleaded guilty to one felony count of Mistreatment of Animals and twelve misdemeanor counts of Mistreatment of Animals relating to the death and care of a number of cats. Bregel drew attention last year after authorities responded to reports that a pig was running loose in the area. When officers arrived they found the animals in her home in Farmington, Minnesota. She also ran the nonprofit Minnesota Animal Rescue. Bregel was sentenced to 200 hours of community service, two years of probation, and 90 days of electronic home monitoring, according to Pioneer Press, and she was also ordered to undergo a psychological examination. In addition, Bregel cannot own, possess, or care for any animals. In January this year, two Florida congressmen Democrat Ted Deutch and Republican Vern Buchanan introduced a bipartisan bill that would make animal cruelty a felony across the United States. The bill named the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act will address crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, impaling or otherwise subjecting animals to serious bodily harm according to a press release by the two Congressmen. The torture of innocent animals is abhorrent and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting animals from cruelty is a top priority for me and I look forward to working with Democratic @RepTedDeutch on this important issue. #Sayfie https://t.co/CLza5Wfu8t Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) January 23, 2019 For many Americans, animal welfare is an important policy issue, and the idea of animal abuse is abhorrent. By building on state and local laws, Congress should act to guarantee a level of protection for animals across the country by criminalizing these inhumane acts, Congressman Deutch said in the release. Currently, 50 states have laws that prevent cruelty against animals, however, if animals get tortured across state lines, there is little to protect them. The Epoch Times reporter Magaret Wollensak contributed to this report. Minister of Finance Carole James and Attorney General David Eby release details found in a recent report done by an expert panel about billions in money laundering in the province as chair of the expert panel Maureen Maloney and Peter German look on during a press conference at Legislature in Victoria, B.C., on May 9, 2019. (Chad Hipolito/The Canadian Press) $5 Billion Laundered Through B.C. Real Estate in 2018, Drove up Home Prices VICTORIAA report that estimates $5 billion was laundered through British Columbias real estate market last year also lifts the lid on the extent of illegal cash moving across Canada. Some $7.4 billion overall was laundered in B.C. in 2018, out of an estimated total of $47 billion in Canada, concluded the report by an expert panel led by former B.C. deputy attorney general Maureen Maloney. The report is one of two released Thursday and says B.C. ranks fourth for money laundering among a division of six regions in Canada, behind Alberta, Ontario and the Prairiescollectively Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The report says the higher estimates of money laundering in Alberta and the Prairies may be surprising, but crime rates are rising in those provinces and illegal cash finds homes in jurisdictions where real estate is more affordable than B.C. What this report makes clear is this is not an issue simply for B.C., Finance Minister Carole James said at a news conference. This is an issue for all of Canada. This is an issue for all jurisdictions. B.C. tabled legislation last month aimed at preventing tax evasion and money laundering by shining a spotlight on anonymous real estate owners hiding behind shell and numbered companies. The key here is were not waiting, said James. Yes, we need to work with the other provinces. Yes, we need to work with the federal government. Attorney General David Eby said money laundering is a national crisis and until recently the federal government was not paying proper attention. Eby and Federal Organized Crime Reduction Minister Bill Blair have met in recent months to discuss strategies to fight money laundering. Wealthy criminals and those attempting to evade taxes have had the run of our province for too long, to the point that they are now distorting our economy, hurting families looking for housing, and impacting those who have lost loved ones due to the opioid overdose (crisis), Eby said. The party is over, he added. The provincial government commissioned two reports last September to shed light on money laundering by organized crime in the provinces expensive real estate market, following last Junes report on dirty money in casinos by former deputy RCMP commissioner Peter German. German was then tasked to write a second report on real estate, and he says in the document that the infusion of illicit money into the B.C. economy led to a frenzy of buying in real estate. Maloneys report estimated that illegal cash in the market last year hiked the cost of buying a home in the province by five percent. There are thousands of specific properties worth billions at high risk for potential money laundering, Germans report says. His findings are stark evidence of the consequences of an absence of oversight, the weakness of data collection, and the total indifference of governments until now to this malignant cancer on our economy and our society, Eby said of Germans report. Eby took aim at the former B.C. Liberal government for allegedly turning a blind eye to the crisis. Michael Lee, the Opposition Liberal critic for the attorney general, issued a statement Thursday saying the government now needs to turn its attention to action. The BC Liberals are calling on John Horgan and the NDP to carefully consider the reports and move quickly to engage with the federal government and take action to ensure that those who break the law are prosecuted and ultimately convicted, Lee said. Eby said he was under no illusions the problems the province faces are unique. He said B.C.s cabinet is currently deciding whether to call a public inquiry. Green Leader Andrew Weaver said Germans report lays out a direct rationale for such an inquiry. Namely, that it would improve public awareness, play a crucial role in fault finding, and would help to develop full recommendations, Weaver said in a statement. Maloneys report makes 29 recommendations, including calling for B.C. to launch a financial investigations unit. Portions of Germans latest report were previously released, including on the limited police resources dedicated to fighting money laundering in B.C. and links to luxury vehicle sales and horse racing. Eby said earlier this week he was shocked to hear some criminals laundering money through B.C.s luxury car sector were getting provincial sales tax rebates when they sent the car out of the province. The attorney general said the government will move to plug tax loopholes to prevent the rebate that cost the province almost $85-million dollars since 2013. Several regulatory and professional agencies anticipated the findings of the reports and put anti-money-laundering policies in place last month. The B.C. Real Estate Council said it would be partnering with the federal Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, or FINTRAC, to identify and deter money laundering and terrorist financing in the industry. The B.C. Real Estate Association, the body that serves 23,000 realtors in B.C., said in April that it would join with four other agencies to keep the proceeds of crime out of real estate. The other participating organizations include the Appraisal Institute of Canada, BC Notaries Association, Canada Mortgage Brokers Association and the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Each organization has committed to sharing information and accepting only verified funds. They also recommended making anti-money laundering education mandatory for all real estate professionals. By Dirk Meissner 7 Youth Mercilessly Tortured a Goose for Hour and Left Her in Pool of Blood Police are seeking public help to apprehend seven youth who heartlessly tortured geese and killed ducks in London on May 7. Six boys and one girl were involved in a sustained and brutal cruelty on the goose for over an hour, reported the Orpington Gossip Facebook group in a post. Ive spent the last week in awe of the geese and goslings at the park in St Pauls Cray near the Bull Pub. Such a beautiful sight and amazing to watch the parents protect the babies. However, tonight at the same park, I spent 3 hours waiting for animal rescue to come out to a severely injured goose, the Facebook post said. The person who wrote the post mentioned witnessing a boy torturing a goose on the grass and said he confronted them. I returned to the goose to find it sat in a pool of blood, pouring with blood from its head and wing. It turns out that the same group of youths were seen an hour early with catapults and scared off by a local resident. Police said a day before this a witness had reported seeing a goose being mercilessly tortured at a park in St Pauls Cray in the borough of Bromley, according to News Shopper. The police published a witness appeal which read, Police were sickened to see and hear of the recent actions of some against our local wildlife. We are looking into it and want to see those responsible brought to justice. In order to do so, we want anyone who has witnessed any incidents of cruelty against waterfowl in and around the Orpington area to get in touch with us at Crayvalleywest.snt@met.police.uk The police asked for images of damages caused. Whilst there will be patrols in the affected areas by locals police and Bromley Council Ward Security, wed like to encourage anyone who witnesses any further incidents to contact police as soon as possible, the police said in the appeal. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 of the United Kingdom prohibits animal cruelty and an offense can lead to a six-month prison sentence or a 5,000 fine, according to Daily Mail. A woman animal lover spoke to News Shopper anonymously. I am a mad animal lover. If these kids can do that then they will end up killing people god forbid. This is how it starts. EVIL BA$TARDS Catapult-wielding yobs pictured showing off dead ducks on Instagram after locals see them tormenting badly-injured goose in park Their evil faces should not be blurred out. https://t.co/f1Jc0NrwEh Miss M (@tobystyke74) May 9, 2019 I cant comprehend how they can do it. Ive spoken to them in the past and there is no talking to them. They stand there and call you names. They are vile, my god they are awful. A spokesperson of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) told Daily Mail that the organization had received many distressing calls about the incident. An inspector has visited the site but could not find any bodies of geese or ducks, however, we will be reviewing the images and video footage which has been sent to us, the RSPCA spokesperson said. Animal Cruelty There are 900 to 2,000 new cases every year of animal hoarding in the United States, with 250,000 animals falling victim, according to Dosomething.org The organization reports over 115 million animals are killed in laboratory experiments worldwide various kinds of product testings. More than 50 percent [of] the fur in the U.S. comes from China, where millions of dogs and cats are often bled to death and skinned alive for their fur. Chinese fur is often mislabeled, so if you wear any fur, theres no sure way of knowing whose skin youre in, Dosomething.org said Utah Gov. Gary Herbert looks up during a ceremonial signing of a state resolution declaring pornography a public health crisis, at the Utah State Capitol, in Salt Lake City, on April 19, 2016. (Rick Bowmer/AP Photo) A Growing Number of States Call Porn a Public Health Crisis PHOENIXMore than a dozen states have moved to declare pornography a public health crisis. The Arizona Senate approved a resolution this week calling for a systemic effort to prevent exposure to porn thats increasingly accessible to younger kids online. At least one legislative chamber has adopted a similar resolution in 15 other states. It is an epidemic in our society, and this makes a statement that we have a problem, said Arizona Sen. Sylvia Allen, a Republican who blamed pornography for contributing to violence against women, sexual activity among teens and unintended pregnancies. The Arizona resolution that passed Monday doesnt ban pornography or create any other legal changes, but it could signal future action. Similar declarations have been passed in GOP-controlled states ranging from Tennessee to Montana and been adopted in the Republican Partys national platform. Many of the resolutions are based on a model written by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, an anti-porn group that cites research linking it to a range of problems and argues that its become too ubiquitous for individuals to combat alone. The legislation could pave the way for future steps, like keeping publicly funded internet at places like schools and libraries from being used to access porn, said Haley Halverson with the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, which is working on new model legislation for states taking those next steps. We think these resolutions are really powerful, although theyre non-binding, because they raise awareness and educate the public, and hopefully can lay the groundwork to make more resources available to those people who potentially struggle with pornography, she said. Utah was the first state to pass an anti-porn resolution in 2016. In the years since, lawmakers have passed bills tightening up filters on wireless internet at public libraries and getting out information to parents about controls available at home, said Republican Rep. Todd Weiler, the efforts sponsor. Another new state law lets parents sue pornography makers if their kids need treatment for problems related to porn use. Were trying to shed a light on an issue that some people dont think its OK to talk about, Weiler said. By Lindsay Whitehurst And Jonathan J. Cooper James Currie appears in Manhattan criminal court during his arraignment in New York on Aug. 10, 2018. (Mary Altaffer/AP Photo) Baby Boy Found Dead in New York City Was Murdered A baby boy found floating dead in the East River off of New York City in the summer of 2018 was killed, the citys medical examiner said. The boys father, James Currie, attempted to flee the country after allegedly dumping his son, Mason Saldana, into the water. He was arrested in Thailand before he could reach connecting flights he had booked through Abu Dhabi and India. Investigators said in the criminal complaint filed against Currie that the father carried his baby in a backpack from his Bronx apartment to the river and tossed the boy into the water near the Brooklyn Bridge. A formal complaint against Currie alleged that he taunted the babys mother before tossing the boy into the water. The good news we [sic] will never see each other again, Currie texted the babys mother after she asked him where Saldana was. He then told her that I am not in the USA and you will never see [the victim] again, reported the New York Post. A source told the Post that Currie had been trying to get custody of his son. Sometimes you can know a person but you dont really know him, the source said. I cant believe he had that in him. Currie was originally charged with improperly disposing of a corpse and pleaded guilty to the charge. He remains in jail pending a court appearance on May 16. RIP BABY MASON: A funeral for 7-month-old Mason Saldana was held in the Bronx after the baby was found dead in the East River earlier this month. Our hearts go out to Masons loved ones during this tragic time. https://t.co/6kfTeiJGOv pic.twitter.com/Scz6apkiSy Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) August 21, 2018 The medical examiner said that all signs indicate that Mason, who was 6 months old when he died, was killed. While the exact cause of death cannot be determined, various factors indicate beyond reasonable doubt that recent homicidal violence occurred, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Barbara Sampson said in a statement obtained by NBC 4. Investigators said after Currie was arrested that he could face additional charges depending on the outcome of the investigation and the results of the autopsy. It wasnt immediately clear what additional charges hed face after Sampsons conclusion or when hed be charged. BREAKING: FDNY says person pulled from East River. By Dover and Water St. witness says he saw baby in diapers floating in the river. pic.twitter.com/PyveereVkx CeFaan Kim (@CeFaanKim) August 5, 2018 Tried to Save Him Tourists at the South Street Seaport spotted the baby floating in the water and one, Monty Campbell, a firefighter and chiropractor from Oklahoma, tried to save the boy. Im just incredibly sorry, for the family, and just thankful we did what little part we could to recover the body, But its just a sad, sad situation, Campbell told ABC after learning the death was a homicide. Campbell said that he and his wife were just coming off the ferry from Liberty Island when they saw the boy. We assumed it was a doll, and then used our cell phones to zoom in on it and at that point we realized it was a baby, he said. They called 911 and waited for several minutes but Campbell then decided to take action. I couldnt take just sitting there, watching it float, Campbell said. So I handed the phone to my son and went out and retrieved Mason. We did a little CRP, but he had no pulse. Maritime traffic moves through the Houston Ship Chanel past the site of now-extinguished petrochemical tank fire at Intercontinental Terminals Company in Deer Park, Texas, on March 20, 2019. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP) Barge Collision Spills Gasoline in Houston Ship Channel BAYPORT, TexasMultiple vessels collided in the Teon the afternoon of May 10, spilling an unknown volume of a toxic gasoline product and forcing the partial closure of the commercial waterway. The waterway remains partially closed on Saturday. Authorities said at a news conference Saturday that the hull of a 755-foot tanker punctured storage tanks on a tug boat that was pushing two barges along the Houston Ship Channel. One barge capsized Friday. The other was damaged. No injuries were reported. It was unclear how much gasoline spilled out of the breached barge, which partially sank. Salvage teams were at the site on Saturday, U.S. Coast Guard officials said. It was the second spill in two months to affect traffic on the 53-mile commercial waterway that connects Houston to the Gulf of Mexico. Nine U.S. oil refineries that process 12 percent of the national total operate along the ship channel. Air monitoring systems have detected no above actionable levels of pollution, said Bayport Channel Collision Response, a group of federal, state and shipping officials organized to clear the wreckage and deal with the spill. Emergency responders placed 1,600 feet of floating boom lines around the barges and additional booms along sensitive areas along the nearby bay, the group said. The collision, between tanker Genesis River and a Kirby Inland Marine tug towing two barges, halted all traffic between lights 61 and 75, the U.S. Coast Guard said. A safety zone also was set up that expanded shipping restrictions to light 66 and up to but not including the Bayport Ship Channel, officials said. Each of the two barges were carrying about 25,000 gallons of a gasoline blendstock called reformate, according to Bayport Channel Collision Response. The Coast Guard hasnt revealed the cause of the collision. Its trying to determine how much reformate leaked into the channel. Reformate is colorless, flammable and toxic to touch, inhale or ingest. A barge collision near Bayport has spilled petroleum based product into the water and may be the source of the gasoline like smell being carried westward on the easterly winds across Gavleston Bay. Here is estimate of where the stronger odor may be present. pic.twitter.com/CdOygto2GP NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) May 11, 2019 Residents in the coastal community of League City could smell a strong odor of gasoline Friday night but air monitors did not detect chemicals in the air, the city said in a statement. The National Weather Service said the smell of gas could carry several miles inland. Here is an estimate of where the gasoline-like odor from the barge collision may reach overnight (Midnight to 6 am). The stronger order will be mainly east of I-45 from near Webster to Bayport. pic.twitter.com/iElSvH0LDj NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) May 11, 2019 The Houston Chronicle reports the closure halted 29 inbound ships and 17 outbound. In March, a fire at a petrochemical tank farm along the waterway burned for days, sending black smoke into the air and spilling fuel and solvent into the channel, disrupting ship traffic for weeks. Hundreds of people reported respiratory and other ailments at clinics set up to provide medical aid after the fire. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A security guard enters a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection temporary facility near the Donna International Bridge in Donna, Texas, on May 2, 2019. (Eric Gay/Photo via AP) Border Patrol Wants to Build New Tent to Detain Migrants HOUSTONThe U.S. Border Patrol said Friday, May 10, that it plans to open a second tent facility to detain migrants in South Texas next to one it opened last week. In a statement, the agency said the 500-person tent it opened in Donna, Texas, is already beyond capacity. The statement cited the large numbers of migrant parents and children crossing into the United States, many of them asylum seekers from Central America. Photos released by the Border Patrol show dozens of migrants sitting or lying on the grass outside a military-style tent with only Mylar sheets underneath them. Another photo inside a tent shows adults and children huddled underneath the shiny sheets. The agency said its also detaining illegal immigrants in the secure entryways, or sally ports, of some of its stations. In the last week, #BorderPatrol had the highest single day total of apprehensions in FY19over 5,200and the single largest group of 421 illegal aliens. pic.twitter.com/epdZO7L04f CBP (@CBP) May 9, 2019 President Donald Trumps administration and immigration agencies argue they are facing a crisis. They have called for $4.5 billion in funding and for Congress to change laws that would allow agencies to detain illegal immigrant families longer and deport them more quickly. Immigration advocates have accused the Trump administration of wrongly depicting border crossings as a crisis and have called on the U.S. government not to detain asylum seekers. Unauthorized border crossings have surged since the start of this year. The Border Patrol said it made 98,977 apprehensions for crossing illegally in April, including 58,474 adults and children traveling together, encountering more than 100,000 people overall. Today, the U.S. #BorderPatrol has more migrants in custody than we have agents on the southern border. This is an #emergency that requires immediate action by #Congress. pic.twitter.com/e7AQ1kxwDc USBPChief (@USBPChief) May 10, 2019 In the Rio Grande Valley, the southernmost part of Texas, agents apprehended about 1,600 people daily. Border Patrol currently has more than 8,000 people detained in the sector, more than double its current capacity including the tent in Donna. Rodolfo Karisch, chief patrol agent for the Rio Grande Valley, said in the statement that the agencys resources are beyond a breaking point and has put border security at risk. House More Immigrants in Tents at the Border The newest tent citiesin El Paso and in the Rio Grande Valleywill hold 1,000 parents and families, expanding the Border Patrols capacity to hold and process the surge of illegal immigrants who have arrived in recent months and overwhelmed authorities. The capacity could be expanded at some point. The tents will offer bathrooms, recreation areas and sleeping quarters that are divided by gender and by families and children traveling alone. Detainees will sleep on mats. The tent complex in Donna, Texas, is split into four pods, each labeled a different color. In each pod, a private security guard stands watch. Gray sleeping mats are stacked on one side, and portable toilets and sinks are lined up on another. The air conditioning system keeps each pod at a comfortable temperature, but emits a constant humming that can make it hard to hear. The tents are set to operate through the end of the year, at a cost of as much as $37 million. A contractor in Rome, New York, obtained the bid to build the tents, which the government calls soft-sided shelters. The Border Patrols El Paso sector has become the epicenter of the influx of immigrant families from Central America. The situation has drawn agents away from their traditional duties of patrolling the border and forced Immigration and Customs Enforcement to refuse to hold immigrants because it does not have enough detention space. ICE is dropping large groups of immigrants at bus stations and cities, including Phoenix, San Antonio, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. But before the immigrants are handed over to ICE or released, the Border Patrol must process them, and the agency is struggling to keep up. Child Sex Offender Who Faked Suicide to Escape Charges Arrested After 3 Years An accused child sex offender who escaped charges by faking suicide three years ago was arrested on May 3 on Stock Island, just outside of Key West in Florida, said Police. Michael Patrick Manning, 58, was facing charges for sexually soliciting a minor under 14 years, engaging in sex acts with a minor, and for keeping 600 child pornography images, reported NBC News. The Chico Police Department said in a statement that Manning sexually assaulted the victim when she was 12 to 14 years of age. He skipped his sentence hearing on Sept. 6, 2015, and in October 2016 authorities found a rental car with a suicide note from Manning. Authorities believed that the offender had staged his own death. The US Parks Service located a rental car leased to Manning near the Golden Gate Bridge bearing a suicide note authored by Manning. Mannings body was not located, the police statement said. Investigators began to monitor the behavior of a close associate of the offender and noted what appeared to be his sophisticated countersurveillance measures. Authorities searched for Manning through Chico, Yuba City, Sacramento, San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and Alameda. Investigators narrowly missed nabbing him on many occasions. Agents from the Marshals Service continued to monitor the behavior and developed leads regarding possibilities of Mannings location. Residences, storage facilities, and vehicles tied to Mannings associate were frequently found full of personal property and hastily abandoned, the police said. A breakthrough happened when agents of the US Marshals Service developed leads about Manning to be in Florida. On May 3rd, 2019 at 1:30 AM (EST), Monroe County Sheriffs Deputies in Key West, Florida, responded to a burglary alarm at a business on the Stock Island Marina. Deputies located a man living in an unlocked connex storage trailer adjacent to the property, said the police statement. Suspected child abuser faked suicide on Golden Gate Bridge, is found years later in Florida! https://t.co/s7nYFTrFHg RickyRay (@RickyRayinGA) May 10, 2019 The man in the trailer identified himself as William Wallace Little John and was holding a passport and a US Navy ID card. Police found these documents to be fraudulent and arrested the man. The passport number belonged to a man in Utah and the authorities are not clear how the offender managed to obtain it. Manning was booked into a Florida jail by the name John Doe as he refused to give his real name, according to NBC News. While in the Monroe County Jail, the suspect underwent fingerprint analysis and was positively identified as Michael Manning, said the police statement. The offender is charged for giving false identification to the authorities in Florida and is on bail pending extradition to California. Child Sexual Abuse and Child Pornography According to a report, Child Maltreatment 2010 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Childrens Bureau 9.2 percent of victimized children are sexually assaulted in the country. 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys is a victim of child sexual abuse. Self-report studies show that 20% of adult females and 5-10% of adult males recall a childhood sexual assault or sexual abuse incident, according to the National Center for Victims of Crime. It says that children in the country are most vulnerable to sexual abuse between the age of seven and 13 years. The Scourge of Child Pornography Working to Stop the Sexual Exploitation of Children: https://t.co/j8dnPJRn6l #VCAC #NCMEC FBI Portland (@FBIPortland) April 25, 2017 The Federal Bureau of Investigation has given some alarming statistics about child pornography. Rarely a week goes by in the United States that a child pornographer is not charged or sentenced for federal crimes related to the sexual exploitation of children, it said in a post The Scourage of Child Pornography on its website. it said the producers and consumers of child pornography operate through anonymous Internet networks like Tor. The FBIs analysis of one particularly egregious website on Tor found that it hosted approximately 1.3 million images depicting children subjected to violent sexual abuse. Analysis of these specific files identified at least 73 new victims previously unknown to law enforcement, The FBI said. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer as he leaves trade talks in Washington, U.S., May 10, 2019. REUTERS/Leah Millis Chinese State Media Escalates Attacks on US Amid Trade Stand-Off As trade tensions between the United States and China escalated in the week following President Donald Trumps surprise announcement of a tariff hike on Chinese imports, Chinas state-run media soon cranked up its propaganda efforts, criticizing the actions of the United States. In a familiar response, news of Trumps decision on May 5 to raise tariffs to 25 percent from 10 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods was immediately met with blanket censorship in China, along with silence from the regimes official media. However, as a Chinese trade delegation headed by Vice Premier Liu He was confirmed to head to Washington D.C. for another round of trade talks from May 9 to 10, state-run media outlets were quick to depict the regime coming into negotiations in a position of strength. The Chinese Communist Partys mouthpiece newspaper Peoples Daily played tough in a commentary published May 7, claiming that the regime wouldnt make any concessionsand has complete confidence that it can withstand any economic challenges the U.S.China trade war would bring. When things are unfavorable to us, no matter how you ask, we will not take any step back. Do not even think about it, the Peoples Daily article read. As trade discussions were about to start in Washington D.C., the Global Times, a hawkish newspaper published under Peoples Daily that focuses on international issues, issued an editorial on May 9, contending that the Chinese regime would not be intimidated by the United States. The editorial likened the upcoming trade negotiation in the U.S. capital to the events of Hongmen Banquet, a famous incident from Chinese history whereby a banquet was prepared in an attempt to assassinate the guestthus implying that the United States, as the host, had a dishonorable intent. The Global Times, reiterating previous statements, also blamed the trade war on the United States, saying the dispute resulted from unreasonable requests from the U.S. based on the wrong understanding that the U.S. is naturally the privileged side in the bilateral relation because of its national power. The round of trade talks ended on May 10 with no agreement, hours after the announced tariff hikes officially came into effect. Discussions are set to continue in the future, according to Trump, although no date has been set as of yet, CNBC reported. Earlier this week, the U.S. administration accused the Chinese regime of going back on past commitments made over months of trade discussions. Reuters reported on May 8, citing government and private sector sources, that Beijing reversed previous promises to change its laws to address core U.S. concerns, including theft of U.S. intellectual property, forced technology transfers, and currency manipulation. The Trump administrations demand for the Chinese regime to implement structural reforms, which propelled it to launch the trade war with China last March, has been a sticking point during trade negotiations. Despite the regimes boastful propaganda, many Chinese netizens have expressed support for Trumps tariffs. Those hopeful for true structural reform in Chinas economic system celebrated the tariff increase announced by Trump. They began spreading an internet meme calling Trump a great savior of the Chinese people. Maleah Davis (L) and her "stepfather" Darion Vence, pictured with a mark on his forehead after he said he had been abducted with his daughter. (Houston Police Department) Ex-fiance of Maleah Daviss Mom Charged With Evidence-Tampering: Reports Darion Vence, the former fiance of Maleah Daviss mother was taken into custody on May 11 and charged in the case of Maleahs disappearance, according to reports. Law enforcement sources from the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitives Task Force told ABC13 News that Vence was charged with a felony of tampering with evidence of a human corpse; however, authorities have not provided any updates on Maleahs disappearance or confirmed the fate of the young girl. Vence is currently being held in Harris County Jail without bond, reported Click2Houston, citing police. According to ABC13, Maleah was last seen alive on April 30 on a surveillance video at her familys apartment, where Vence was seen bringing her back to the residence. Her mother had also left for a funeral on that day. Surveillance photos, which were also obtained by the news website and released on May 10, revealed that Vence was seen on May 3 holding a laundry basket with a black garbage bag placed insideone day before Maleahs disappearance. A second photo apparently shows Vence showing up at Sugar Land Methodist Hospital on the evening of May 4 carrying his 1-year-old son, with no Maleah in sight, a source told ABC13. The new charges against Vence are the latest development in the disappearance of Maleah. The young girl has been missing since May 4 after Vence said that he, Maleah, and his 1-year-old son were accosted by three men who he described as Hispanicon on May 3. Vence said he was driving to pick up Maleahs mother, Brittany Bowens, at the airport when he was forced to pull over because of a noise that sounded like a flat tire. When he got out of his car, he said, he was approached by the trio, who he said were in a blue Chevy truck. After hearing the men say that Maleah looked very nice and very sweet, Vence claimed, he was knocked on the head. He said that when he regained consciousness he was on the side of Highway 6 near First Colony Mall in Sugarland on the evening of May 4. His son was with him but Maleah was gone. 1/2: Photos displayed at the media briefing: first is victims stolen car, a silver 2011 Nissan Altima with TX paper tags 3092G9, seen on a traffic camera near Hwy 59 & State Hwy 6 in Sugar Land about 3 pm Saturday (May 4). Second is photo likeness of suspects blue truck. pic.twitter.com/rseWWqO4s4 Houston Police (@houstonpolice) May 5, 2019 Vence then went to Houston Methodist Hospital in Sugar Land for his injuries, reported ABC13. Police later said that Vence changed his story and was listed a person of interest in the case. They said Vence first told detectives that he walked to the hospital but he later told them that he was dropped off, Fox26 reported. The police are looking at surveillance camera footage in the area. Meanwhile, Bowens told the news website that after Vence did not turn up at the airport, she asked another family member to pick her up. She also filed a police report on the morning of May 4 after not seeing Vence. Bowens also made a shocking allegation against Vence earlier, on May 10, revealing that there was surveillance video evidence of Vence emerging from his home with a bottle of Clorox along with a laundry basket with a garbage bag inside, Click2Houston reported. The video was then passed on to the police. When he spoke to the mother, he told ABC13 he was cleaning up the apartment, and she didnt understand why he would be cleaning up the apartment, community activist Quanell X, speaking on behalf of Bowens, told reporters. Maleah was described as an African-American female with black hair and brown eyes, standing approximately 3 feet tall and weighing between 30 and 40 pounds. She was wearing a pink bow in her hair, a light blue zip jacket, blue jeans and gray, white and pink sneakers. If youve seen Maleah please call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or @crimestophou at 713-222-TIPS. The Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips and NTD reporter Zack Stieber contributed to this report. A mugshot of Jose Evis Quintana on April 17, 2017. He was arrested on a warrant for domestic violence and soon deported to Mexico. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office) Father of Colorado School Shooting Suspect is Illegal Immigrant and Serial Felon: Report The father of Colorado school shooting suspect Maya Alec McKinney is an illegal immigrant and serial felon, according to a new report. McKinney, 16, was identified as one of two suspects in the STEM Highlands Ranch shooting, which left one dead and eight wounded. According to records obtained by the Daily Mail, McKinneys father Jose Evis Quintana is a Mexican national who has been deported twice. Quintana once served over a year in jail after being convicted of domestic violence against McKinneys mother and was arrested multiple times in Colorado between 2008 and 2017. Despite the domestic violence conviction, Quintana, 33, married Morgan Lynn McKinney, 32, in 2009. He was deported the next year. EXCLUSIVE: Mexican father of alleged Colorado school shooter Alec McKinney was jailed for a weapons offense and deported TWICE https://t.co/Kc4SgkMOoA Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) May 10, 2019 In July 2009, McKinney successfully gained permanent custody of their children. The couple had three children together, including Maya McKinney, who was born in 2003. In November 2009, Morgan McKinney and Quintana were married. She filed for divorce in 2014, describing in court papers how Quintana has been traveling illegally between Colorado and Mexico. In 2016, an arrest warrant was issued for Quintana for domestic violence. He was located in Colorado, arrested for being a fugitive, and jailed pending extradition to New Mexico. He was soon deported. During Maya McKinneys first court appearance after the May 7 shooting in Highlands Ranch, her attorneys said that she was born as Maya McKinney but prefers to be addressed as Alec and identifies as a male, a condition known as transgenderism. The juvenile suspect in the shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Colorado has been identified in court records as Maya McKinney, who uses the name Alec McKinney on social media. McKinney is reportedly transgender and transitioning from female to male https://t.co/l7jvg63D0P pic.twitter.com/lMDfankK3O Heavy.com (@HeavySan) May 8, 2019 The World Health Organization classified a person claiming to be a gender different from the one they were born as a mental illness until June 2018. Hearing Delayed Until Next Week Prosecutors investigating the case against two students suspected of shooting nine classmates, one fatally, in a suburban Denver charter school have until next week to decide what charges to pursue, a judge ruled Friday. Meanwhile, all but one of those injured in the shooting have been released from hospitals, officials said. District Judge Theresa Slade delayed hearings that had been scheduled for Friday for Devon Erickson, 18, and 16-year-old Alec McKinney, who is listed in court documents as Maya. They are suspects in the shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch on Tuesday. Court spokesman Rob McCallum said that both the prosecutors and defense agreed to a postponement until Wednesday. Vikki Migoya, a spokeswoman for District Attorney George Brauchler, did not explain the reason for the delay. The entire court file in the case is under seal. In an initial court appearance on Wednesday, Brauchler asked for a delay until Monday to file charges so that authorities would have the weekend to pursue their investigation. The latest delay until Wednesday gives prosecutors more time to decide whether to charge McKinney as an adult. Colorado law permits prosecutors to file adult charges of serious felonies against 16- and 17-year-olds without prior approval from a judge. Kendrick Castillo, the 18-year-old senior killed during the shooting, and two classmates at the school have been credited with helping thwart the attack by charging at one of the shooters when he entered a classroom. Authorities have said an armed private security guard restrained the second shooter. Erickson and McKinney have been in jail since Tuesday on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. The two students walked into their school with handguns and opened fire in two classrooms, authorities said. Investigators have offered no motive and refused to discuss how the students obtained the weapons. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Gunmen Battle Security Forces in Five-Star Hotel in Pakistan: Officials QUETTA, PakistanThree gunmen attacked a luxury hotel in Pakistans southwestern port city of Gwadar on Saturday, May 11, killing at least one guard and battling security forces from inside the building, security officials and the army said. At around 4:50 p.m. (local time) we got reports that there are three to four armed men in PC Hotel, an officer said according to the Times of India. Armed militants storm 5-star hotel in Pakistans Gwadar port city: police https://t.co/ifKuImbJpC pic.twitter.com/0F90zvRuQj Times of India (@timesofindia) May 11, 2019 Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langove said most guests had been evacuated from the five-star Pearl Continental Hotel, which helicopters circled as fighting was underway. He said there were reports of casualties, but did not give details. The military said three gunmen killed a guard at the entrance to the hotel when they entered. Security forces had cordoned off the area and cornered the attackers in a staircase leading to the top floor, the military said in a statement Gwadar is a strategic port on the Arabian Sea being developed as part of the $60 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is itself part of Chinas Belt and Road infrastructure project. The hotel, located on a hillside in the port, is used by foreign guests, many of them Chinese project staff, but there were none in the building at the time of the attack, Langove said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Pakistani officials have said the security forces were on alert for attacks during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which began in early May. Security across most of Pakistan has improved over recent years following a major crackdown after the countrys worst attack, when some 150 people, most of them children, were killed in an attack on a school in the western city of Peshawar. But Balochistan, the largest and poorest province, remains an exception and there have been several attacks this year. The province is rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies, with several terrorist groups, including the Pakistani Taliban group Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Balochistan Liberation Army and the Sunni group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi. Saturdays incident follows a bombing this week that targeted police outside a major Sufi shrine in Lahore, in the north of Pakistan, that killed at least 10 people and wounded more than 20, officials said. By Gul Yousafzai I Cant Imagine How the Parents Are Coping: 16-Month-Old Left in Hot Car for 9 Hours Dies A 16-month-old boy died after being left in a hot car for nine hours on May 9 in British Columbia. The toddler was locked in a car on the 5600 block of Inman Avenue in Burnaby and was reported to firefighters at around 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, said Dave Younger, acting Burnaby Fire Chief, according to Global News. When the first responders arrived at the scene, the child was unconscious and was rushed to the hospital, where the toddler was pronounced dead. Toddler dies after being left in hot car in Burnaby, B.C.https://t.co/xVP76Tm0dp pic.twitter.com/dhxElnOWuo Yvette Brend (@ybrend) May 10, 2019 Its absolutely heartbreaking, its a tragedy, it has ripple effects throughout the community, said Chief Supt. Deanne Burleigh, Officer in Charge of the Burnaby Royal Canadian Mounted Police, according to Global News. The police said the child was inside the hot car for a total of nine hours. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have yet been made in the case. The infants father was located at the scene, and both parents are cooperating in this investigation, the police said in a statement. The authorities were also canvassing the neighborhood for any other evidence. We are still interviewing witnesses and are not at a point where any further information can be released, said Burleigh in the statement. With summer approaching, the police warned parents to stay vigilant regarding the dangers of leaving children in vehicles. As with any tragedy like this, I cant imagine how the parents are coping. As a parent myself I cant imagine how I would cope. So we have provided victim services, they are surrounded by friends and family, Burleigh said. Experts say that on a hot day a car takes just 20 minutes to reach an extreme temperature. Police are also asking that parents are vigilant when transporting their children, double checking the backseat of the vehicle to ensure it is clear before parking and leaving the vehicle, Burnaby RCMP said in the statement. 9 hours?? No food ? That is out and out murder .. https://t.co/HGi8i8U9Is VisionaryBryanSmith (@calpepper) May 10, 2019 Kids and Cars Parents and caregivers can act immediately to end these deaths, according the U.S. National Safety Councils website. Even on relatively mild days, temperatures inside vehicles still can reach life-threatening levels in minutes, and cracking the window doesnt help. The National Safety Council advises parents and caregivers to stick to a routine and avoid distractions to reduce the risk of forgetting a child. Keep car doors locked so children cannot gain access, and teach them that cars are not play areas. Place a purse, briefcase or even a left shoe in the back seat to force you to take one last glance. According to experts, children in particular are in acute danger in a vehicle with the windows rolled up on a hot day. Toddler Dies After Being Left in Hot Car in New Jersey: Reports https://t.co/8jnujBOLKy via @epochtimes Diane Walters (@dianecwalters54) May 7, 2019 Jan Null, a San Jose State professor and former meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told SFGate that the temperatures inside vehicles heat up rapidly, with the air rising about 19 degrees over the outside temperature in the first 10 minutes and rising another 10 degrees in the next 10 minutes. Whats more, Null said the bodies of small children heat up three to five times faster than adults. So, while you and I could be in a car thats, say, 109 degrees, an infant or small child would be to the point of entering heat stroke, he said. Graham Seeks Communications Between State Dept. Official and Dossier Author Newly released notes revealed the apparent political purposes of the infamous Steele dossier which was used by the FBI to secure a warrant to spy on former Trump campaign associate Carter Page. Lindsey Graham, the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman, sent a letter (pdf) to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on May 10 requesting that the Department of State provide documents related to communications between the departments officials and the author of the dossier, British ex-spy Christopher Steele. He made the requests after the notes of an Oct. 11, 2016, meeting between Steele and then-Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Kathleen Kavalec emerged. According to the notes, Steele reportedly told Kavalec that an unidentified organization was keen to see this information (the dossier) come to light prior to November 8, the date of the 2016 presidential election. Steele at the time was working for Fusion GPSan opposition research firm paid by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Hillary Clinton 2016 presidential campaignduring that time period. It was unclear until recently, however, how significant her communications with Steele may have been, Graham wrote in the letter addressed to Pompeo. The document was able to be released due to the Freedom of Information Act. State Department handwritte by on Scribd In the letter, Graham requested the State Department provide all documents and communications on or after May 1, 2016, between State Department and Department of Justice (DOJ) employees or officials relating to Steele, the 2016 presidential campaign of Donald Trump, or anyone associated with the Trump campaign. He also required the State Department to make Kavalec available for a transcribed interview with the Judiciary Committee. Chairman @LindseyGrahamSC Continues Investigation into Origins of Russia Probe: New details show political motivation behind Carter Page FISA warrant applicationhttps://t.co/m71PCQQpZz pic.twitter.com/F7gVnJbY5j Senate Judiciary (@senjudiciary) May 10, 2019 Graham simultaneously sent another letter (pdf) to DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz and asked him to consider the newly uncovered information in Horowitzs ongoing investigation into potential FISA abuse surrounding the 2016 election. I request that you include, if you have not already, consideration of this new information regarding State Department involvement with the Carter Page FISA warrant, the Steele dossier, and direct communications between State Department officials and Steele, he wrote in the letter. Steele made several allegations during the Oct. 11 meeting that were proved to be false by the Mueller report, the Hill reported. FBI Aware the Dossier Was a Lie Before Spying on Trump Campaign: Mark Meadows Two days after the Oct. 11, 2016, meeting, Kavalec forwarded her typed summary to officials showing her concern about Steeles credibility. Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) affirmed to the Hill that Kavalecs memo was forwarded to the FBI in an Oct. 13, 2016, email, eight days before the FBI used Steele and his dossier as key pieces of evidence to justify a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant to spy on Trump Campaign adviser Carter Page. Meadows also said that the FBI knew the dossier was not credible before the FISA warrant application. This once again shows officials at the FBI and DOJ were well aware the dossier was a liefrom very early on in the process all the way to when they made the conscious decision to include it in a FISA application, he told the Hill. The fact that Christopher Steele and his partisan research document were treated in any way seriously by our Intelligence Community leaders amounts to malpractice. However, according to a footnote on page 15 of the Carter Page FISA application (pdf), the FBI stated that the Steele dossier has been corroborated, Steele was said to be reliable, and the FBI is unaware of any derogatory information pertaining to Steele. The evidence is mounting that Comey deceived the FISA court concerning the Steele dossier. State did a quick verification and threw Steele out. Comey did no verification for 5 months and conducted an illicit SPYING OPERATION. Lets see how long Dem media protects Comey. Rudy Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) May 9, 2019 President Trumps lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, expressed his concern that Former FBI Director James Comey deceived the FISA court. The evidence is mounting that Comey deceived the FISA court concerning the Steele dossier. State did a quick verification and threw Steele out. Comey did no verification for 5 months and conducted an illicit SPYING OPERATION. Lets see how long Dem media protects Comey, he tweeted. Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Michael Horowitz as the Inspector General of the State Department. Horowitz is the Inspector General of the Justice Department. The Epoch Times regrets the error. Researchers at QUT and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute have found that the dengue fever mosquito common to north and central Queensland poses the greatest danger of spreading the Zika virus in Australia. The researchers showed that not only was the dengue mosquito effective at transmitting Zika, but also that the virus was in the mosquitoes' reproductive organs. This finding suggests that Zika could persist in mosquito populations by females passing it to their offspring. The researchers' study, Vector competence of Australian Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus for an epidemic strain of Zika virus, has been published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. Key points: People can contract Zika from the bite of a female mosquito carrying the virus A woman infected with Zika can pass the virus to her unborn child causing neurological problems including microcephaly, when the brain does not develop properly and the baby has a smaller than normal head While more than 50 cases of Zika have been reported in Australia, all were contracted overseas Study senior author Dr Francesca Frentiu, from QUT's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, said the researchers looked at whether two mosquito species found in Queensland could transmit Zika: the dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). The dengue mosquito is found in northern, central and southern parts of the state, while the Asian Tiger mosquito is currently only in the Torres Strait. The researchers tested a strain of Zika from the Asian lineage that caused microcephaly during the 2016 epidemic in Brazil. Co-lead researcher Dr Leon Hugo, from QIMR Berghofer's Mosquito Control Laboratory, said the mosquitoes used in the study were hatched from eggs collected from colonies in Innisfail and Hammond Island in the Torres Strait, and reared at the institute's state-of-the-art mosquito and pathogen containment insectary in Brisbane. "Our high biosecurity insectary is unique in the southern hemisphere for its size, capacity and expertise, allowing us to work safely with dangerous pathogens like Zika," Dr Hugo said. "We fed the two strains of mosquitoes with a mixture of Zika virus and blood." Dr Frentiu said the mosquitoes were maintained in the insectary at temperatures similar to what is experienced in north Queensland around Cairns to simulate a field experiment. "At three, seven and 14 days after the mosquitoes were infected with Zika, we tested their saliva to see if they could pass on the virus through a bite," she said. "We concluded that the dengue mosquito is the main danger for spreading Zika. "We found 50-60 per cent of the dengue mosquitoes could effectively transmit the virus 14 days after becoming infected, compared to 10 per cent of the Asian Tiger mosquitoes." Dr Frentiu said the discovery of Zika in the ovaries of the dengue mosquitoes indicated another potential route of infection transmission through mosquito populations. "This has also been observed recently in field specimens collected in Brazil," she said. "Aedes aegypti eggs were collected and hatched and the larvae tested, and Zika was found in the larvae. "It is possible that if infected larvae were able to reach maturity still infected with Zika, they could then pass the virus to humans. This is an area where further research is needed." As scientists continuing to find ways to eradicate harsh diseases, there are some things we can do to keep mosquitos away from our homes and lawns. @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Maleah Davis (L) and her "stepfather" Darion Vence, pictured with a mark on his forehead after he said he had been abducted with his daughter. (Houston Police Department) Its Been a Week Since Anyone Has Seen 4-Year-Old Maleah DavisHeres What We Know A mother is missing her little girl and the girls stepfather has told a story of abduction and a 24-hour blackout. That story, authorities say, has changed several times. The motherwho did not want to believe, by any stretch of the imagination that the girls stepfather might have been involved in the childs disappearancenow tells CNN she believes he bears some responsibility. It has been one week since anyone saw Maleah Davis. Heres what we know about the case: Stepfather Says He Was Attacked and Abducted Darion Vence, the stepfather, told police he, Maleah and Maleahs 1-year-old brother were driving to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in north Houston to pick up Maleahs mother, Brittany Bowens, who had been in Massachusetts. Vence said he heard a popping noise. Thinking it was a tire, he stopped to check. A blue pickup truck then pulled up behind his car and two Hispanic men got out. 2/2: Photo of assault victim, Mr. Darion Vence, who is Maleahs stepfather, stated he was unconscious for almost 24 hrs. Detectives ask anyone who saw Darion or Maleah after 9 pm Friday (May 3) to 6 pm on Sat to contact HPD Homicide 713-308-3600 or @CrimeStopHOU at 713-222-TIPS. pic.twitter.com/nuZHA1EQPY Houston Police (@houstonpolice) May 5, 2019 One of the men said, Maleah looks very nice, looks very sweet, Vence told police. Thats when the other man hit Vence in the head, and Vence blacked out. Vence said that at some point, he was going in and out of consciousness but he was aware of being in the back of a pickup with both children and three Hispanic men. When Vence came to, he said, Maleah was gone. Vence said he didnt fully regain consciousness until the next day. At about 6 p.m. Saturday, he awoke to find himself and the boy on Highway 6 in Sugar Land, southwest of Houston. Maleah was gone. Vence then walked to a nearby hospital and was treated. An off-duty police officer noticed that Vence had fresh wounds, CNN affiliate KTRK reported. Police issued an Amber Alert for Maleah on Sunday. UPDATE-1: An #AmberAlert has been issued for Maleah. Her stepfather stated he, Maleah and Maleahs 2-year-old brother were abducted by 3 males sometime Friday night (May 3) in north Houston. The stepfather and brother were dropped off in the Sugar Land area on Saturday night. Houston Police (@houstonpolice) May 5, 2019 I realize theres a lot of blanks in the story, Sgt. Mark Holbrook of the Houston Police Departments Homicide Division told reporters. Police hoped the public could help them fill in the blanks in the narrative provided to them by Vence. CNN has reached out to Vence several times, including Friday, but hasnt been able to talk to him. Maleahs Mother Pleads for Her Return In the meantime, Bowens had gotten a ride home from the airport from another relative after Vence didnt show up. Bowens told CNNs Nick Valencia on Friday she doesnt believe Vence and that he bears some responsibility for the girls disappearance. At a news conference later, community activist Quanell X said, The mother did not want to believe, by any stretch of the imagination, that this man is capable of what is obvious that has taken place here. Bowens did not speak during the news conference. She cried and covered her face as she stood next to the activist. Quanell X told reporters that he has seen video surveillance from a neighbors camera that shows Vence leaving the apartment with a bottle of bleach and a laundry basket with a garbage bag in it. CNN has not seen the video. CNN affiliate KTRK aired an image from the camera that purportedly shows Vence carrying a laundry basket with a dark garbage bag. According to Quanell X, Vence told Bowens that he was cleaning the apartment. WHAT IS IN THE BAG? #MaleahDavis mom claims this is surveillance video of Darion Vence walking out of the apartment with a garbage bag in a laundry hamper. https://t.co/x6jm3LGfLz pic.twitter.com/ndK14UWv8h FOX 7 Austin (@fox7austin) May 11, 2019 While speaking with reporters, the activist made explosive allegations against Vance and said Bowens was going to meet with police Friday to share information disclosed at the news conference. Police: Story Doesnt Add Up Vences account of what happened did not add up, Sugar Land police spokesman Doug Adolph told CNN Wednesday. Also, the substantive details of what he described to us changed over the days since he first recounted the events to police, Adolph said, declining to give details. Stepfathers Car is Found The car Vence was driving, a silver Nissan Altima, was found Thursday morning in the parking lot of a shopping mall in Missouri City, Texas, about 4 or 5 miles from where Vence said he regained consciousness. The cars condition appeared normal, with no visible blood or any obvious signs that something may have happened inside, said Ken Fregia, a homicide detective with the Houston Police Department. Police are running forensic tests on the car as well as looking for surveillance video from the shopping mall and a nearby Walmart. UPDATE on the search for missing 4-year-old Maleah Davis: HPD investigators have new pictures of the stolen silver Nissan Altima (Texas paper tags 330-92G9) from which she was reportedly abducted. The photos, provided by family, were taken before her disappearance. #hounews pic.twitter.com/zyT5vhU0Rq Houston Police (@houstonpolice) May 8, 2019 Allegations of Abuse Maleah and her two brothers were taken from their home and placed with a relative after allegations of abuse last year, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services told CNN. Bowens said the children had not been abused, and that Maleahs head injury, which led to the allegations, was only discovered after a number of hospital visits. Maleah was first treated for a strange lethargy, and a week later, she fell and cut her head while sitting at a table. The doctors discharged Maleah without performing a CT scan, Bowens said. Maleah had a seizure five days later, and thats when doctors discovered bleeding on the left side of her brain and operated on her, Bowens said. Child Protective Services showed up a few days later, Bowens said. They didnt find anything because were not those kinds of people, she said. But authorities soon placed Maleah and her two brothers with relatives, where they stayed until a judge ordered them to be returned home in February. Former State Appeals Court Judge Sheila O'Brien walks out of the Leighton Criminal Courthouse in Chicago after a hearing about appointing a special prosecutor to investigate the Cook County State's Attorney's office handling of "Empire" actor Jussie Smollett's case, on May 2, 2019. (Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP) Judge Transferring Decision on Smollett Special Prosecutor CHICAGOA judge in Chicago says another judge will decide if a special prosecutor is needed to investigate why the state prosecutors office dropped charges accusing Jussie Smollett of staging a racist, anti-gay attack against himself. Judge LeRoy Martin Jr. insisted on May 10 that he was merely transferring the matter, not recusing himself. Breaking: Judge LeRoy Martin Jr. is set to hear a petition filed by a former judge to appoint a special prosecutor to review Kim Foxxs handling of the Jussie Smollett case. Judge Martins son works as an asst. States attorney in Kim Foxxs office (hired 2018). @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/ExZ0fnFA5c Charlie De Mar (@CharlieDeMar) May 1, 2019 Former Illinois appellate Judge Sheila OBrien had asked for a special prosecutor to examine why the office of Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx dropped charges against the Empire star. Judge LeRoy Martin Jr.deciding on a special prosecutor in #kimfoxx #JussieSmollett fiascois same judge who gave a Chicago Fire Department Lt. his pensionafter Lt. Matches Boyle was convicted on multiple arson counts. Unsettling, nay repugnant. https://t.co/MgcoOIu4ST John Kass (@John_Kass) May 4, 2019 OBrien asked Martin last week to recuse himself because his son is a prosecutor in Foxx office. Prosecutors opposed Martins recusal, saying it wasnt necessary and would set a bad precedent. The Chicago Tribune cites Martin as saying the appearance of justice is important and so the transfer was prudent. Photo flowers and cards rest on a memorial for Jessica Bingaman on May 8, 2019, a popular dog walker, who was killed along with five of six dogs she was transporting in Long Beach, Calif. (Brittany Murray/The Orange County Register via AP) Mourners Remember Dog Walker, and 5 Dogs Killed in Crash LONG BEACHPet owners and others gathered at a Southern California intersection to mourn a popular dog walker killed along with five of six dogs she was transporting when a motorist fleeing police crashed into her car. Dog owners and friends of Jessica Bingaman held candles and sang at a Wednesday night vigil in Long Beach, south of Los Angeles. She was a beloved human being that cared for dogs; that cared for everybody, an emotional Ann Hovatter told KABC-TV. Hovatters dog Scout was among the pets killed. She loved Jessie so much, Hovatter told KTLA-TV as she showed a photo of her German shepherd. Bingamans mother arrived from Frackville, Pennsylvania, and was amazed by the turnout. I know she was loved, said Donann Lawson. Lawson told KCBS-TV in an interview before the vigil that seeing video of the suspect sitting handcuffed on the curb while her daughter had to be cut out of the wreck did no justice for me. She also said she understands police have a job to do, but questioned what warrants a pursuit. Police Chief Robert Luna came to the vigil and spoke to the mother, the station reported. On behalf of the men and women of the Long Beach Police Departmentour condolences. Were hurt, and to mom, Im so sorry. On behalf of our city, so sorry, he said. Alisha Blanchard, a friend of the victim, said she created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Bingamans 10-year-old daughter as well as the families whose dogs died. The crash happened Tuesday morning as officers were pursuing a stolen van whose driver refused to stop, police said. Bingaman, 41, was pronounced dead at a hospital. Four dogs died at the scene and a fifth died at a pet hospital. A police statement said the sixth dog was released from the hospital to its owners. After treatment for minor injuries, Javier Olivarez, 43, of Los Angeles was booked into jail for investigation of evading a police officer, felony DUI, vehicular manslaughter, and grand theft auto. Police said he also had an outstanding no-bail warrant for violation of a supervision order following release from a case involving a robbery. No details of that matter were provided. The police statement said detectives were expected to present their case to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. Olivarez remained jailed with no bail. It was unclear if he had retained legal representation. Then-President Barack Obama talks with his Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Oval Office of the White House on January 21, 2009. (Pete Souza/White House via Getty Images) Obama White House Knew About Clinton Emails Years Earlier Than Previously Admitted WASHINGTONTop officials working in the White House under former President Barack Obama knew Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was using a private email system for official government business three years before it became public, according to documents obtained by Judicial Watch. WH [White House] calledhave we received a FOIA request from CREW on the topic of personal use of email by senior officials? Apparently other agencies have. If we have it, can you give me the details so I can call the WH back? I think theyd like it on quick turnaround. Thanks! Sheryl, read a Dec. 20, 2012 email from Sheryl L. Walter, then-director of the Department of States Office of Information Programs and Services. Her email was addressed to several of her subordinates. She was referring to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request her office received from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), which, like Judicial Watch, is a Washington-based non-profit that advocates for transparency in government. In the same email thread, Walters forwarded the CREW request to Heather Samuelson, who was then Clintons liaison to the Obama White House. Hi HeatherCopy attached, it was in our significant weekly FOIA report that we send to L and S/ES also. Do you want us to add you to that list? Its a subset of things like this that we think likely to be of broader department interest. More detail below re this request. As a practical matter given our workload, it wont be processed for some months. Let me know if there are any particular sensitivities. If we dont talk later, happy holidays! All the best, Sheryl, Walter told Samuelson. The email was among 44 pages of documents in the latest batch that Judicial Watch has obtained in discovery ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth. There are multiple references within the documents that indicate White House knowledge of Clintons non-secure email use, according to Judicial Watch. In a Jan. 10, 2013, email, for example, Walter asked Samuelson if she had determined whether other agencies received the CREW request. Samuelson responded that White House Counsel was looking into this for me. I will circle back with them now to see if they have further guidance. Walters office told CREW on May 10, 2013, that no records responsive to your request were located. Ultimately, it became known that Clinton had generated more than 50,000 non-secure emails to and from other U.S. government officials and private individuals. These documents suggest the Obama White House knew about the Clinton email lies being told to the public at least as early as December 2012, said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton in a statement on May 10. A federal court granted Judicial Watch discovery into the Clinton emails because the court wanted answers about a government cover-up of the Clinton emails. And now we have answers because it looks like the Obama White House orchestrated the Clinton email cover-up, Fitton said. Lamberth called Clintons use of the non-secure email system based in her home one of the gravest modern offenses to government transparency. Federal law and regulations require all federal employees to use secure government communications systems for official business, especially when transmitting classified information and documents. If using a private email or text message system is unavoidable, employees are required promptly to provide copies to agency officials. It was not until March 2015 that Clintons use of the non-secure email system, instead of secure government email, became public knowledge. The Clinton system used a home-brew server once located in a bathroom in the New York mansion she shared with former President Bill Clinton. Obama told CBS News shortly after Clintons private email system was exposed March 2, 2015, by The New York Times that he discovered it the same time everybody else learned it through news reports. When a 2016 Department of Justice Inspector General report revealed that Obama was one of 13 high-ranking administration officials with whom Clinton regularly corresponded using the private system, White House press spokesman Josh Earnest admitted that the president, as I think many people expected, did over the course of his first several years in office, trade emails with the secretary of state. The New York Times report sparked a huge scandal and an FBI investigation that shadowed Clintons 2016 campaign against Republican Donald Trump to become the nations first woman elected to the Oval Office, in great part because hundreds of classified documents were found on the private email server. Then-FBI Director James Comey recommended no prosecution during a controversial July 6, 2016, news conference, despite Clintons extreme carelessness. Clinton backers contend Comey caused her defeat in November 2016. Photo shows the damage after the gas station exploded in Rockbridge County, Va., on May 10, 2019. (Virginia State Patrol) Officials: 2 Dead, 4 Injured in Gas Station Explosion BUENA VISTAAuthorities say an explosion at a Virginia gas station has left two people dead and four people injured. The four injured were transported to the hospital, Spokesman Sgt. Rick Garletts said. According to The Roanoke Times, Rockbridge County Fire and EMS Chief Nathan Ramsey said the remains of two people were found in the rubble of the South River Market several miles north of Buena Vista. Their names hadnt been released as of Friday evening. UPDATE: Rockbridge Co. Fire & EMS confirmed two people dead/found in rubble at gas station. 4 sent to hospital earlier, but their conditions still unknown. (photo:Ryan Clark) pic.twitter.com/FMHJmGBo9F Valencia E. Jones (@vjreports3) May 11, 2019 There was heavy fire throughout. High heat and a lot of damage at this point, said Ramsey. Virginia State Police say the explosion occurred Friday around 9:50 a.m. Garletts said the explosion doesnt appear to be suspicious, and added that the Rockbridge County Sheriffs Office has asked the state police to investigate. Ryan Clark said he was going to stop at South River Market in Buena Vista when he heard a boom and the gas station caught fire. He took this video of the scene, ABC 13 WSET reported. Garletts said police and fire crews had been working to account for those who may have been located in the building at the time of the explosion. We just finished talking to fire chief Nathan Ramsey. He says they believe there are still people inside the building. They dont know how many. pic.twitter.com/qPZYCFC01R Whitney Burney WSET (@WhitneyOnAir) May 10, 2019 Cable Network News and Epoch Media Staff contributed to this article. Pentagon to Transfer $1.5 Billion to Border Wall WASHINGTONActing Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan has approved the transfer of $1.5 billion to build more than 80 miles of barriers on the border with Mexico, U.S. officials said on May 10, including taking about $600 million from an account meant for Afghan security forces. The funds were drawn from a variety of sources, including cost savings, programmatic changes, and revised requirements, and therefore will have minimal impact on force readiness, Shanahan said in a statement. Shanahan said that the U.S. military had more than 4,000 service members on the border, along with 19 aircraft. A U.S. official said the latest transfer would include $604 million from funds for the Afghan security forces. The United States had appropriated $4.9 billion in support for those forces this year. The official said the money was taken from that account because they found savings in contracts. It took less money to meet the policy commitment than we thought, another U.S. official said, adding this was not the first time money had been reprogrammed from the account. The United States is in talks with the Taliban to end the 17-year-long war. U.S. and Taliban negotiators wrapped up their sixth round of peace talks on Thursday with some progress on a draft agreement for when foreign troops might withdraw. The remainder of the money will come from a chemical demilitarization program, a retirement account, funds for Pakistan and Air Force programs. Immigration is a signature issue of Trumps presidency and re-election campaign. He declared a national emergency in order to redirect funding to build a border wall without Congress approval, and his fellow Republicans in Congress sustained his veto of legislation that would have stopped it. A large influx in migrants arriving at the southwest border has given new relevancy to the wall, as well as other measures the administration has taken to help the overwhelmed Department of Homeland Security and other supporting agencies. Asylum Seekers The United States is seeing a record number migrants arrive at the southern border, many of them in large groups, as families, and as unaccompanied children. In March alone, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) counted a record 103,492 migrants. Thats up from 50,347 in 2018 and 16,794 in 2017. Because of the large influx of people, CBP has taken on the role of a rescue agency, leaving less time and fewer resources to catch drug mules and traffickers crossing the border. It has also stretched the budgets of the Department of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, which cares for unaccompanied children. Acting DHS secretary Kevin McAleenan said April 30 that DHS is on pace to run out of funding before the end of the year, and said he is planning to submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress. On average, about 16 percent of the migrants coming over the border assert they have a credible fear of persecution in their home country, which starts a lengthy legal process that can take years to complete. Claiming credible fear usually means a ticket to stay in the United States indefinitely. However, very few of them actually qualify for asylum. Democrats, working with Republicans in Congress, can fix the Asylum and other loopholes quickly. We have a major National Emergency at our Border. GET IT DONE NOW! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 1, 2019 Last year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) estimated that of the roughly 94,000 people who claimed credible fear only 6,000 had enough evidence to prove they qualified for asylum. Thats about 6 percent. The White House puts that number at 12 percent. As of November 2018, credible fear cases represented 26 percent of the backlog of removal cases, according to the DOJ. On April 29 the White House announced a plan to clamp down on asylum fraud, calling it the biggest loophole drawing illegal aliens to our borders. Trump is asking the executive branch to come up with proposals on how to accomplish the following goals: speed up and make more efficient the process for resolving credible fear claims Adjudicate all asylum cases in immigration courts within roughly 6 months Charge fees for asylum applications and work permits Prevent those who entered or who attempted to enter the country illegally from receiving provisional work permits before being approved for relief Immediately revoke work permits for those who have already been ordered to leave the country Separately, McAleenan said he is working on a proposal to Congress that would address what he calls the key drivers of the immigration crisis. He gave little indication what would be in the proposal, but hinted it will address laws that prevent the United States from returning children to non-contiguous countries. NTD News reporter Holly Kellum contributed to this report. Police are searching for a father who allegedly broke into a home and forcibly removed his daughter. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office) Police Searching for Father Who Broke Into Home, Forcibly Removed Daughter Police are currently looking for a father who broke into a home where his daughter was staying, and forcefully removed her from the residence. Tawfik Dimion Hart, 34, broke into a home near Jackson Springs Road and grabbed his biological daughter, 8-year-old Janessa Carolyn Hart, pushing another person away before fleeing the scene, according to a statement by the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office. Police said along with Janessa, Hart has also taken his 10-month old son, Tawfik Dimion Hart, Jr. with him. They believe Hart may be heading to Tifton County, Georgia. They said he is travelling in a white 2008 Cadillac Deville that has a red roof and Georgia Tag RMV7486. The children are not believed to be in any danger and there is no court ordered restrictions [sic] against Hart with regards to his children, according to the statement. Hart is described as a black male who is about 57 and 194 Pounds. Similar Case In a similar case in Maine, two young brothers were taken by their father last month in North Carolina, which prompted a police search. Presque Isle Police Department officers said that the boysJoel Strother II, 12, and Carter Strother III, 10were found safe, and their father Joel Strother was taken into custody. During the investigation, detectives determined the father had possibly taken both children in a 2006 metallic or pewter colored GMC Terrain with temporary paper registration plates to Florida at the end of April. A felony-level warrant was subsequently issued for the arrest of Strother. According to the FBI, there were over 424,000 National Crime Information Center entries of missing children in 2018. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children said they assisted law enforcement in more than 25,000 cases in 2018. Of those, four percent of cases are family abductions, while 92 percent are endangered runaways. Anna Sorokin arrives for sentencing at New York State Supreme Court, in New York, on May 9, 2019. (Richard Drew/AP Photo) Sentenced for Scams, Fake Heiress Not Sorry For Anything NEW YORKA German con artist who was sentenced to four to 12 years in prison for swindling banks, hotels and wealthy New Yorkers says shes not sorry for anything she did. The thing is, Im not sorry, Anna Sorokin told The New York Times in a jailhouse interview Friday. Id be lying to you and to everyone else and to myself if I said I was sorry for anything. I regret the way I went about certain things. The thing is, Im not sorry, Anna Sorokin said in a jailhouse interview Friday. Id be lying to you and to everyone else and to myself if I said I was sorry for anything. https://t.co/CotfHCbzW7 Detroit News: Nation (@dn_nation_world) May 10, 2019 Prosecutors said Sorokin, a 28-year-old who was born in Russia, used a fake identity as a German heiress named Anna Delvey to scam victims out of more than $200,000. The fake German heiress Anna Sorokin, formerly known as Anna Delvey, has been sentenced to four to twelve years in prison. Last summer, @jiatolentino wrote about the recent wave of scammers, including Sorokin, Billy McFarland, and Elizabeth Holmes.https://t.co/muYfAJU5m3 The New Yorker (@NewYorker) May 9, 2019 They said she defrauded financial institutions and socialites into believing she had a fortune of $67 million (60 million euros). They said her ruse included an application for a $22 million loan to fund a private arts club, complete with exhibitions, installations and pop-up shops. She was denied that loan but persuaded one bank to lend her $100,000 that she failed to repay. Sorokin was convicted last month on multiple counts of larceny and theft and has been in custody since her October 2017 arrest. Her sentencing Thursday capped a spectacular case that drew international attention and tabloid headlines. Netflix and HBO are both working on shows based on Sorokins scams. Anna Sorokin, the 28-year-old who faked being a Manhattan socialite for nearly a year and made away with $275,000 in the process, has been sentenced to 4 years in prisonhttps://t.co/8lMECUaJhe BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) May 9, 2019 U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has said it will seek to deport Sorokin to Germany following her release from state prison. Sorokin apologized for the mistakes I made at her sentencing Thursday, but she struck a different tone in two interviews with the Times at the Rikers Island jail complex. She said she always intended to pay back her creditors, which included banks, two hotels and a private jet company. In an interview about a week before her sentencing, Sorokin conceded that she had falsified some bank records but said it was only because she had a big dream. She said she had wanted to start a $40 million private club, and potential investors pushed her to open it before they would put up their own money. Sorokin said she never told her wealthy friends that she had millions of dollars, they just assumed it. Sorokin did admit to the Times, Im not a good person. A woman casts her vote in Claremont, a middle-class suburb, during South Africa's national and provincial elections in Cape Town on May 8, 2019. (Rodger Bosch/AFP/Getty Images) South Africa Election: ANC Wins Diminished Majority as Smaller Parties Gain Rise of radical EFF party seen as worrying sign by observers JOHANNESBURGSouth Africas two major political parties, the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA), bled votes to the left and right, respectively, after a May 8 election that many analysts had described as the most important since the countrys first multiracial vote in 1994. President Cyril Ramaphosas ANC dropped below 60 percent for the first time, but at 57 percent put in a relatively strong showing, following Ramaphosas efforts over the past year to reform the government. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), whose leaders have encouraged land invasions and have been accused of inciting racial hatred, and whose protests have often exploded into violence, got almost 11 percent of the vote, up from the 6 percent it received in 2014. The EFFs election promise was to truly emancipate the nation of 58 million, by taking land and key parts of the economy away from white settlers to give to black South Africans, the majority of whom it says have been excluded by ANC black empowerment policies. The white Afrikaner-dominated Freedom Front Plus (FF+), often described as right wing, came from nowhere to boost its support from less than 1 percent five years ago, to 3 percent. Its now the countrys fifth-largest political organization. The FF+ has spoken out against the ruling partys proposed legislation that would allow the government to expropriate land without compensating its owners. ANCs Diminished Support Nine years of corruption scandals, economic stagnation, and state mismanagement under Ramaphosas predecessor, Jacob Zuma, dented the ANC, according to professor Adam Habib, a political scientist and vice-chancellor of the University of Witwatersrand. The governing party captured more than 62 percent in 2014, but its latest losses will cut its majority in the national assembly by 19 seats. Its clear that the ANC is in longer-term decline, said Steven Friedman, director of South Africas Institute for the Study of Democracy. The DA was the elections big loser, with less than 21 percent support, significantly lower than the almost 27 percent it garnered at local government polls in 2016, a performance that it heralded as a sign that the party would soon replace the ANC. Friedman said despite the DAs record of good governance in the only province it administered, the Western Cape, it had failed to win the trust of the numbers of black voters it needed to challenge the ANC. According to FF+ spokesman Phillip van Staden, DA also has lost a lot of votes to FF+ after the DA declared it supported affirmative action policies that favored blacks for jobs, and by suggesting that white poverty doesnt exist. Bad Sign Habib described added support for the EFF in particular as a bad sign. The EFF is proto-fascist. Its particularly violent, its particularly militaristic, its particularly focused on spectacle; its particularly focused on the aggrandizement of the individual leader. I think its a very, very dangerous party. The EFF has a Central Command and calls its members revolutionary soldiers. They wear uniforms of red berets and matching overalls, to show solidarity with the working poor. The partys leader, or commander-in-chief, is a charismatic 37-year-old, Julius Malema. Shortly before the polls, he escaped charges of hate speech brought against him after hed made the following public utterance: We are not calling for the slaughtering of white peopleat least for now. Political commentator Melanie Verwoerd said the EFF inspired fear because its racist messages took South Africa back to a time when the country was on the brink of racial civil war. The populist EFF says if ever given the chance to govern, it will seize all banks, mines, and land, and dole out the wealth to impoverished black South Africans. Habib said while millions of South Africans were poor, they were not stupid, and were not fooled by the EFFs grand promises. He said the party was drawing its support elsewhere, specifically from black professionals who were deserting the ANC. The ones whove done best, because what they want is to be given their opportunity at the feeding trough. The ANC has hogged that, for a certain select few, and the EFF is promising access to the feeding trough for another layer of the professional classes. Habib said the EFF also increasingly is backed by young black people who feel excluded from the ruling partys pledges of jobs and economic opportunities. Theyre angry because theyve been promised one thing by the ANC and got the direct opposite. Theyve been lied to. Verwoerd said the real danger of more growth of the EFF lay in a future South Africa that had failed to ensure livelihoods for millions of jobless youth. The only reason why I think at this stage theyre not doing even better is because many young people arent registering to vote. If the EFF can actually start mobilizing the youth, that could become a big problem for the ANC because our demographic bubble sits very much in the youth. Six million young citizens didnt register to vote on May 8. EFF spokesperson Veronica Mente said she had no doubt that her party would govern South Africa in the not too distant future. Habib said the only way to prevent the further rise of radicals like the EFF was to significantly strengthen the economy, and decrease poverty. Friedman agreed: Unless we begin to do on the economic front as a society what we did on the political front 25 years ago, and that is to begin to negotiate changes in the economy which would open it up to more people, then a lot of the problems will persist. Maleah Davis (L) and her "stepfather" Darion Vence, pictured with a mark on his forehead after he said he had been abducted with his daughter. (Houston Police Department) Stepfather Seen in Surveillance Photos Carrying Bag Before Maleah Daviss Disappearance: Reports The former fiance of missing 4-year-old Maleah Daviss mother, Darion Vence, was seen carrying a black bag in a laundry basket prior to the girls disappearance, according to newly released photos. The surveillance photos, which were obtained by ABC 13, reveal what Vence was doing before and after Maleah was reportedly kidnapped last week. In one of the photos, Vence could be seen holding a laundry basket with a black garbage bag placed inside on May 3one day before Maleahs disappearance. A second photo apparently shows Vence showing up at Sugar Land Methodist Hospital on the evening of May 4 carrying his 1-year-old son, with no Maleah in sight, a source told ABC 13. This comes after Maleahs mother, Bowens, made a shocking allegation against Vence earlier on May 10. One of her accusations was that there is a surveillance video of Vence emerging from his home with a bottle of Clorox along with a laundry basket with a garbage bag inside, Click2Houston reported. Police have described Vence as the girls stepfather, but it isnt clear if he and her mother are married. When he spoke to the mother, he told her he was cleaning up the apartment, and she didnt understand why he would be cleaning up the apartment, community activist Quanell X, speaking on behalf of Bowens, told reporters. Quanell X said the surveillance video could help police with their investigations. According to the news website, Houston police have yet to confirm any of Bowens accusations. Maleah has been missing since May 4 after her Vence said he, Maleah, and his 1-year-old son were accosted by three men he described as Hispanic. Vence said he was driving to pick up Maleahs mother, Brittany Bowens, when he was forced to pull over when he heard a noise that sounded like a flat tire. When he got out of his car, he said he was approached by the trio, who he said was in a blue Chevy truck. After hearing the men say that Maleah looked very nice and very sweet, Vence claimed he was knocked on the head and when he regained consciousness he was in Sugar Land. His son was with him but Maleah was gone. Maleah was described as an African-American female with black hair and brown eyes, standing approximately 3 feet tall and weighing between 30 and 40 pounds. Police later said that Vence changed his story and is now a person of interest in the case. They said Vence first told detectives that he walked to the hospital but he later told them that he was dropped off, Fox26 reported. The police are looking at surveillance camera footage in the area. Houston Police Department Sgt. Mark Holbrook previously noted that Vences story contained a lot of blanks. Police have issued a call for help from members of the public in the hope that the public can help fill in the blanks. UPDATE on the search for missing 4-year-old Maleah Davis: HPD investigators have new pictures of the stolen silver Nissan Altima (Texas paper tags 330-92G9) from which she was reportedly abducted. The photos, provided by family, were taken before her disappearance. #hounews pic.twitter.com/zyT5vhU0Rq Houston Police (@houstonpolice) May 8, 2019 This week, Maleahs biological father, Craig Davis, spoke out for the first time. Im not putting the blame on anybody, ABC13 quoted Davis as saying. I just need the questions that arent answered to be answered. There are so many unanswered questions. Its not for the public to answer to them for me. Its not for the police to answer them for me. Its not for the news to answer them for me. Its for Darion to answer for me. If youve seen Maleah please call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or @crimestophou at 713-222-TIPS. The Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips and NTD reporter Zack Stieber contributed to this report. The forum was co-organised by the Institute for Northeast Asian Studies (INAS) under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and the RoKs National Unification Advisory Council. Source: Koogle TV In his remarks, Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Kim Do-hyun said unification, peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula has been the aspirations of not only people in the RoK and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), but also peace lovers around the world, including Vietnamese. Recalling the second DPRK-USA Summit in Hanoi last February, the diplomat said Vietnam has proven its intermediary role, significantly contributing to the process towards peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. Despite an array of unsettled issues and challenges, the summit has marked an important milestone in the dialogue between the two sides, he said. VASS Vice President Dr. Dang Xuan Thanh said this years forum looked into prospects and tasks in building peace on the Korean Peninsula and the enhancement of cooperation between the RoK and the Mekong sub-region, especially impacts of the RoKs New Southern Policy on the development of collaboration for peace and prosperity between the RoK and Vietnam and other Mekong sub-regional countries. He expressed hope that the discussions will help enhance the strategic cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK, and the collaboration between the RoK and the Mekong sub-region, contributing to building peace, prosperity and sustainability on the Korean Peninsula and East Asia. The New Southern Policy is one of the President Moon Jae-in administration's main foreign policy objectives that follows the 3P strategy focusing on people, peace and prosperity, and with more attention paid to economic ties between the RoK and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)./. Home security footage captured the moment four robbers burst into a home in Bowling Green, Kentucky. (Warren County Sheriff's Office) Surveillance Footage Captures Brazen Home Invasion Before Homeowner, Suspects Exchange Gunfire Home security footage captured the moment robbers burst into a home in Kentucky. One of the suspects kicks the door open and four people enter the home. Just seconds later, shots ring out from off-camera and all four suspects fled the home, sprinting back through the front door. A woman can be heard screaming and a man asks, Are you okay? just before the footage ends. The Warren County Sheriffs Office posted the footage, stating: The WCSO is investigating a shooting that took place late last night at a lot in Country Living Estates. If you have any information on this incident, please contact us at 270-842-1633. During the video you can see that it looks like there was four individuals that kicked the door in, as they approached his bedroom he exchanged fire with them, Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower told WBKO. Law enforcement officials said that the homeowner, Austin Orwig, 24, was sleeping when the suspects entered the house. Orwigs right hand was injured and he was flown to a hospital in Louisville. He was later released, Hightower told WNKY. It wasnt clear if any of the suspects were wounded. WATCH: A violent home invasion was caught on camera in Bowling Green late Thursday night. https://t.co/qLQgJbkwpi wave3news (@wave3news) May 10, 2019 WATCH: Warren County Sheriffs department releases surveillance footage in overnight shooting investigation at Country-living Mobile Home Park. https://t.co/9JKr4sVaMR WBKO Television (@wbkotv) May 9, 2019 Hightower told WKBO that the office released the video in the hopes that people would step forward to help find the suspects. Since posting the footage, the officer has received several tips, he said. It kind of plays into with what the mindset of those individuals was when they forcibly made entry into somebodys home, came in there armed, and attempting to locate somebody and exchanging gunfire with them and shooting somebody its invaluable to have that type of video footage, said Hightower. The suspects could face charges including attempted murder and first-degree burglary. Reactions A number of Facebook users shared and commented on the video, most praising the homeowner for defending his home and family. Come in our house thats exactly whats waiting. Homeowners have every right to protect themselves, one wrote. Great job homeowner!!!!!!!! Its great stop the thugs, said another. Robbery? Who brakes a door down for a robbery? That looked like some kind of revenge tho thing like the owner knew this was going to happen and was ready, added another. Take time to prepare for home invasion like this. Indoor motion detectors a plus. Train family on what to do when it goes off. First thing is everyone on the floor and cover your ears because if you have never heard a firearm discharged indoors you will be in for a deafening surprise and it can result in miscommunication later. Second thing no one moves unless directed to do so, added another. People watch as a humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) jumps out of the Pacific Ocean's waters in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico on March 14, 2018. (Fernando Castillo/AFP/Getty Images) Two Grey Whales Stranded in Boundary Bay, Headed Back out to Sea DELTA, B.C.The Department of Fisheries and Oceans says a grey whale and its calf that became stranded in Boundary Bay, south of Vancouver are now headed back out to open sea. The DFO announced the good news on Twitter late Friday night, hours after a marine mammal response team was sent in with a vessel and re-floatation equipment to try to help the whales get back into deeper waters. Were happy to report the #GreyWhale mom and calf in #BoundaryBay headed out to open sea. Thanks to @Vanaqua and our Marine Mammal Rescue Team partners for support. https://t.co/mWOM8aXDWt DFO Pacific (@DFO_Pacific) May 11, 2019 The Vancouver Aquarium said its head veterinarian, vet technicians and staff from its Marine Mammal Rescue Centre were also in the area to provide assistance. The aquariums operator Ocean Wise had earlier said on Twitter that the tide was coming in and it was hoped the pair of whales would be able to swim away. Our @vanaqua Marine Mammal Rescue team is on site at Boundary Bay, as DFO monitors trapped mother and calf grey whales. Tide is coming in now, so the hope is they will soon be able to swim away. pic.twitter.com/a2OsPvcjRj Ocean Wise (@OceanWise) May 11, 2019 The Fisheries Department thanked the aquarium and the response team for their help in assisting the mother and calf after the whales were spotted near Centennial Park, in Delta, B.C., not far from the U.S. border. There have been several reports of grey whales washing ashore along the North American coast this year as the whales make their annual migration north from Mexico to Alaska. Experts have said several of the whales have died from malnutrition, although others have been struck by ships. They Enjoy Making Contact Whales in the San Ignacio Lagoon often approach tourist boats. One World One Ocean uploaded a clip from whales seeking human interaction. While they could easily avoid the people, whose small boats are not allowed to closely approach whales, they actually seem to enjoy making contact, it states. The San Ignacio Lagoon is located on Mexicos Baja California peninsula, and it serves as a destination for hundreds of gray whales who head there from the Arctic Ocean each year. Here, where the water is shallow and warm, they give birth to their young, One World says. https://www.facebook.com/natgeoexpeditions/posts/1752396128410769 According to National Geographic, gray whales are typically covered with parasites. The whale uses its snout to forage by dislodging tiny creatures from the seafloor. It then filters these morsels with its baleena comblike strainer of plates in the upper jaw. A piece of gray whale baleen, also called whalebone, is about 18 inches long and has a consistency much like a fingernail. Whalebone was once used to make ladies corsets and umbrella ribs, according to National Geographic. The whales, meanwhile, are protected by international law, and their numbers have grown. In 1994, the gray whale was removed from the United States endangered species list, the National Geographic article says. The WWF says the gray whale a dorsal hump followed by nine to 13 bumps along their dorsal ridges and can produce a range of sounds including moans, rumbles and growls. The most prevalent call is a series of knocking sounds. Gray whales were known by whalers as devilfish because they defended themselves and their calves so fiercely, says the website. Whales in the Baja California area (like the above video) are known for being friendly, the site says, adding that they have an unusual tendency to approach whale-watching boats and even let whale-watchers touch them and scratch their tongues. Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips and The Canadian Press contributed to this report. Two soldiers walk down a street in a flooded neighbourhood in Rigaud, Que., on April 29, 2019. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press) Waters to Rise Again in Ottawa Area, Even as N.B. Turns to Flood Recovery Mode Water levels are expected to rise again this weekend between Ottawa and Montreal, even as New Brunswicks floods are effectively over. Officials warned late Thursday that significant rainfall is expected to raise water levels in the Ottawa/Gatineau area down to Montreal, although they arent expected to exceed the previous highs of earlier this spring. Water levels to the west of Ottawa, between Mattawa and Lac Deschenes, will also rise this weekend, and the peak could exceed maximum levels earlier this springand even previous historical highs. The City of Ottawawhich has been in a state of emergency since April 25said with water levels expected to rise in the city, people should keep sandbag walls intact. Flood waters will be at a similar level to the peak on April 30, the city said in a tweet Friday afternoon. City staff will advise residents when it is safe to remove sandbags. Keep sandbags walls in place until further notice. Flood waters will be at a similar level to the peak on April 30. City staff will advise residents when it is safe to remove sandbags. https://t.co/OxdwXsLrBS City of Ottawa (@ottawacity) May 10, 2019 Meantime, New Brunswicks Emergency Measures Organization said Friday the Saint John River is now below flood level across the province as recovery efforts continue. EMO Director Greg MacCallum said the flood response took 20 days, but the recovery will take months. He said there are fewer damage reports than last year, and credits people being better prepared. They sandbagged their properties and relocated things out of harms way. As fundamental as that is, it was a huge difference and a huge improvement over last year, he said. MacCallum said there were also lessons learned about the resources required. Getting the military assistance early in this operation was advantageous. I would say the same about the other resources we brought in from other organizations federally and provincially. The Transportation Department reports 75 roads have reopened to traffic and only 13 remain closed for inspections and repairs. The Canadian Red Cross says 69 households remain in temporary housing because of the earlier flooding, and its offering $600 to help meet immediate needs under its own assistance package. EMO says satellite and temporary offices are opening to assist with financial assistance claims. Satellite offices in Saint John, Hampton, Fredericton and Burton will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. A temporary office has already opened in the Maugerville Community Centre and three more will open next week in Grand BayWestfield, Jemseg, and Quispamsis. Claims officers will help with applications and answer questions about the recovery process. Emergency Measures says so far, health and safety teams have completed 293 safety inspections aimed at giving flood victims information on the repairs required to return home. The province says water sampling kits are also now available for private well owners at designated Service New Brunswick centres in Fredericton, Burton, Chipman, Sussex, Hampton, and Saint John. Quietly, but for sure, New York City is preparing for some grand celebrations during this special week of May. Waves of yellow will soon fill some of the public spaces across New York. Donning the bright-yellow T-shirts with the universal message of Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance written on their backs, adherents of an ancient meditation and spiritual system, from different parts of the world, will be spotted performing the slow and gentle moving exercises. Dont be surprised, for this will be the sight in New York during this week. So who are these people, and why do they suddenly come together to put on unique and amazing parades and rallies? Falun Dafa, or Falun Gong, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline that involves five sets of exercises and teachings based on the tenets of Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance. Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, made public this practice 27 years ago on May 13 in his native city of Changchun, northeast China. By early 1999, more than 100 million people were practicing the meditative exercises of Falun Dafa in China alone. Today, Falun Dafa has transcended cultural and national boundaries to bring physical well-being, joy, and peace of mind to millions in over 70 countries worldwide. Since 2000, every year on May 13, Falun Dafa practitioners across the world gather to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day in order to show gratitude to Mr. Li for his teachings and the goodness this ancient practice of mind and body has brought to peoples lives. In addition to the celebrations, every year during this month, thousands of adherents flock to New York City to attend a three-day event that includes a majestic parade and a conference where individuals speak about their experiences of self-improvement. Dr. Zhiyuan Wang is a physician who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 1983. Muscular dystrophy is a progressive degenerative disease of muscle tissue that affects people worldwide, and there is no cure in both eastern and western medicine. When Wang received a letter from his friend in 1998 stating how Falun Dafa can improve peoples morals as well as physical health, he too started to practice these slow meditative exercises, and in just three months, he totally recovered. Pia-Maria Norris, a former model, says in an introduction video of Falun Dafa posted on YouTube that she was always looking at external things to find happiness. But when she came across Falun Dafa, it just provided me with inner peace, that I just feel like whatever happens around me, I am fine. Norris further explains that its just like a sense of inner security, and sense of calm which I didnt have before. Despite all the incredible benefits that this wonderful practice has brought to the tens of millions of people practicing it, on July 20, 1999, the then-Chinese communist regime leader, Jiang Zemin, launched a campaign of persecution against Falun Dafa. Since then, the persecution has claimed many tens of thousands of lives, seen the illegal imprisonment of countless adherents, and the destruction of millions of families. According to Minghui.org, when Jiang Zemin visited Europe a few years ago, he would often spot Falun Gong practitioners who wore yellow-color T-shirts or held yellow banners that read Falun Dafa is Good, at almost every stop on his trip. Jiang is afraid of the color yellow. Yellow is also a color of warning, which is often used to draw attention, Anders Eriksson, a musician and adherent of Falun Dafa, said. The Chinese Communist Party has sought to stamp out Falun Gong practice [in] China, Congressman Christopher Smith said in a letter addressed to a rally in Washington, D.C., in 2017. Their brutal campaign to eradicate the Falun Gong is one of the greatest crimes of the last two decades. The blame for these crimes lay squarely on the shoulders of the Chinese Communist Party. Smith is also the senior member of the Affairs Committee and is chairman of its Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organization Subcommittee. Alluding to the grave persecution that continues even after 20 years, he further mentioned, What kind of country murders, tortures, imprisons peaceful individuals seeking enlightenment through meditation and better health? Li Dianqin, a native of Liaoning Province in northeastern China, was almost on her deathbed when she encountered Falun Dafa in the year 1995. The 67-year-old had a massive liver tumor and intestinal adhesions that caused constant, excruciating pain in her abdomen. After practicing Falun Dafa, she recovered from her illness and obtained a new life. But when the persecution of Falun Dafa started in 1999, Dianqin became a target for persecution. In March 2000, she was detained in Shenyang City mental hospital, where she was faced with hate propaganda day and night. To make matters worse, Dianqin was then sent to Masanjia Labor Camp, which is known for its notorious treatment towards female Falun Gong practitioners. However, in 2016, Dianqin obtained asylum in New York City. From ancient times, the color yellow has been akin to the Chinese culture and played a significant role. The 5000-year-old culture originated on the Yellow Plateau, and descendants of the Yan Emperor and the Yellow Emperor have yellow skin. According to ancient Chinese culture, the color yellow is symbolic to earth in the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Per the theory of five elements, the earth overcame water, and the earth was yellow, so yellow was very popular in the Han Dynasty. The color yellow is also considered a very noble color and was used as the color of emperors clothing. So if you happen to be in New York City this week, do watch out for yellow-color Falun Dafa T-shirts. Watch the video to find out more about Falun Dafa: Woman Shot Dead After She Tried Fleeing an Armed Man in Parking Lot A woman was shot dead after she was approached by an armed man outside an office building in Greenbelt on the evening of May 10, police said. Bettie Jenifer, 44, of Bowie, was outside the building on Ivy Lane in Greenbelt just after 5 p.m. when she was approached by the man with a gun. After Jenifer tried fleeing the suspect, running across the parking lot, the man fired multiple shots and at least one hit the victim in the head. Jenifer was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect then fled the scene in a vehicle described as blue in color, no further, George Mathews, a Greenbelt Police spokesperson, said in a press release. The suspect is described as a black male with a thin build and black hair, wearing a dark shirt and dark pants. NEW: victim of tonights fatal shooting in Greenbelt identified as Bettie Jenifer (44) of Bowie, MD. Story below references her 2018 marriage to a famous actor from #Ghana @nbcwashington https://t.co/DMaqwVaedr Jackie Bensen (@jackiebensen) May 11, 2019 Jenifer was identified as the wife of Ghanaian actor Chris Attoh, who announced his marriage to her in October 2018. They were married in Accra, Ghana, reported the Modern Ghana blog. Jenifer was described as a Caribbean who [is] based in the United States of America. It was Attohs second marriage after he married Nigerian actress Damilola Adegbite in 2015 but divorced two years later. According to the Sahara Reporters website, Attoh recently ignited speculation with an unusual move online. CONFIRMED: Close Sources Confirm Death of Chris Attohs Wife Bettie Jenifer https://t.co/9DhId88l25 GhanaCelebrities.Com (@Ghanacelebrity) May 11, 2019 Last week, Chris Attoh sparked speculation on social media that all was not well with his second marriage after he deleted all of Betties pictures from his social media pages. It was alleged that they had broken up but neither of the two has publicly confirmed or denied the story, it stated. Attoh has not posted about the death on social media. Earlier on May 10, he wrote on Twitter: When it comes to relationships, remaining faithful is never an option but a priority. Loyalty is ever Co-workers told NBC 4 that Jenifer worked at a temporary staffing agency on the first floor of the office building she was outside of when she encountered the gunman. #CHRIS ATTOH When it comes to relationships, remaining faithful is never an option but a priority. Loyalty is ever Chris Attoh (@chrisattoh) May 10, 2019 Crime Statistics Crime declined in the United States in first half of 2018 compared to the first half of 2017, the FBI said in February. Preliminary statistics show nearly all offenses in the violent crime category declined. Robbery offenses decreased 12.5 percent, murder and nonnegligent manslaughter offenses decreased 6.7 percent, and aggravated assault offenses declined 2 percent, the agency said. Rapes, however, increased by 0.6 percent. When comparing data from the first six months of 2018 with the first six months of 2017, all property crime categories showed a decrease. Burglaries were down 12.7 percent, larceny-thefts decreased 6.3 percent, and motor vehicle thefts declined 3.3 percent. The full 2018 crime report will be released later this year. The FBI previously said that both violent crime and property crime decreased in 2017, the last year that full statistics are available for, compared to 2016. Overall violent crime decreased 0.2 percent from 2016 to 2017, while property crime decreased 3 percent during that time, the agency said in September 2018, releasing data from the previous year. There were more than 1.2 million violent crimes reported to UCR nationwide in 2017. There was a 0.7 percent decrease in murders and a 4 percent decrease in robberies from 2016 to 2017. Aggravated assaults increased by 1 percent in 2017. The FBI began collecting data solely on an updated rape definition last year, and 135,755 rapes were reported to law enforcement in 2017, the FBI stated. The report also showed there were more than 7.7 million property crimes last year. Burglaries decreased 7.6 percent and larceny-thefts decreased by 2.2 percent. Motor vehicle thefts increased by 0.8 percent from 2016 to 2017. The figures were compiled from more than 13,000 law enforcement agencies around the United States that submitted their crime data to the FBI. May 10 A 33-year-old School Street man was charged with driving under suspension and disobeying traffic control signals. He was given a court date of May 23. May 9 A 23-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with second-degree threatening. He was given a court date of May 10. A 22-year-old Ely Avenue man was charged with third-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. He was given a court date of May 10. A 34-year-old Massachusetts man was charged on an extradition warrant. He was held on $150,000 bond and given a court date of May 20. A 29-year-old Fair Street woman was charged with two counts of violation of probation. She was held on $20,000 bond and given a court dates of May 9 and 23. A 20-year-old Ely Avenue woman was charged with disorderly conduct. She was given a court date of May 10. A 33-year-old Bridgeport man was charged failure to register on the sex offender registry. He was held on $75,000 bond and given a court date of May 20. A 44-year-old Westport man was charged with driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, operating a motor vehicle without an ignition device, operating an unregistered vehicle, failure to drive in the proper lane and driving under suspension. He was held on $10,000 bond and given a court date of May 20. A 31-year-old Lexington Avenue man was charged with risk of injury to a child and leaving a child unsupervised. He was held on $5,000 bond and given a court date of May 10. A 39-year-old Norton Place woman was charged with third-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct. She was given a court date of May 10. The Cushman Club of America is set to return to Nebraska for its five-day 2020 convention. Fonner Park and Grand Island have been selected as the host site for the event. The Cushman scooters and members will converge on Grand Island on June 7-11, 2020, to celebrate their 39th National Meet. The Cushman Club Of America is a national club with an active membership of nearly 3,000 Cushman enthusiasts dedicated to the restoration and preservation of Cushman Motor Scooters. Each year the CCOA hosts a national meet that includes scooter shows, rides, contests, banquets and much more. The show will feature row upon row of Cushman scooters, replacement parts and memorabilia. Many will be restored, while others may be rustic and everything in between. Mike Miller, club president, said, We are excited to bring our annual meeting back to Nebraska and are very pleased to date with the hospitality that has been extended to us by Fonner Park and Grand Island Tourism. It has been our desire to return to Nebraska for many years since Lincoln was the home of the Cushman factory until it closed its doors in 2003 with the building being razed in 2014. The students spread that awareness around the community and in doing so, they may have helped increase the number of regular blood donors the local Red Cross office will be able to count on. Then, when the students get older, theyll be more likely to become blood donors themselves. Congratulations, graduates We also salute all the graduates completing their education in area high schools, colleges and universities this month. This is an exciting time of year for students completing the goals they set for themselves many years ago and getting a diploma or degree that signifies all the work they have done. This may just be one milestone on the way to continuing their education or it may be an achievement that will make it possible for them to enter the full-time workforce. Others are joining the military. so that they can serve their country. But whatever these graduates are choosing to do with their lives, graduation is not the end of their education. They can be lifetime learners, even if they never set foot in a classroom again. And the reason they are able to do this is the skills they have acquired over the years of their formal education. Congratulations, graduates, and good luck with whatever you will be doing in the future. EDWARDSVILLE All 13 of Madison Countys 13 associate judges have been recommended in a recently Illinois State Bar Associate poll except Associate Judge Jennifer Hightower. Hightower received 62.6 percent of votes cast by attorneys as to whether she meets acceptable requirements for office. A rating of 65 percent is needed to meet the associations standard for recommended. In the poll, judges are rated in eight categories, including, meets acceptable requirements for office. She was rated relatively poorly for legal ability, at 58 percent, and temperament, at 62.9 percent. Hightower could not be reached for comment. She was rated 77.6 percent for integrity 68 percent for impartiality, 75 percent for court management, 86 percent for health and 77.4 percent for sensitivity to diversity. She was appointed by the judges of the Third Circuit on August 25, 2015, to serve a term that expires in this year. The poll is based on 189 ballots of 528 mailed. Lawyers were asked to vote only on judges of whom they have knowledge. The poll is for the associate judges in the Third Judicial Circuit, which includes Madison and Bond counties. Madison is by for the most populated of the two counties in the circuit. The highest rated judge was Steve Stobbs, who was rated at 97 percent for meets acceptable requirements for office. In addition to Hightower and Stobbs, other associate judges and their ratings for meets acceptable requirements for office are Philip B. Alfeld, 93 percent; Thomas W. Chapman, 87 percent; Ronald J. Foster Jr., 94 percent; Clarence Harrison, 95 percent; Janet R. Heflin, 83.6 percent; Barry Julian, 78 percent; Anthony R. Jumper, 95 percent; Martin J. Mengarelli, 95.6 percent; Neil T. Schroeder, 96.3 percent; Maureen D. Schuette, 93 percent; and Ronald R. Slemer, 94 percent GRIGGSVILLE (AP) Griggsville-Perry first-grader Sadie Buss has her future all figured out. She plans to farm, and she wants to raise pigs and cows. Sadie and classmate Aubrey Kirgan recently got some hands-on experience, feeding a marshmallow to Petunia the pig. She got me dirty, Sadie said, giggling, after watching the pig enjoy the treat. Petunia and alpacas named Sleven, Sweetness and Pearl, along with other livestock, helped Griggsville-Perry pre-kindergarten through fourth-grade students learn more about agriculture during Ag Education Day at the Western Illinois Fairgrounds and Griggsville American Legion. The Pike-Scott Ag in the Classroom program, with help from the Griggsville-Perry FFA, sponsored the event focused on beekeeping and pollination, livestock education and farm safety. Rachel Smith, ag literacy coordinator with the Pike-Scott Farm Bureau, said, The goal for today is to educate our youth a little bit about ag in a way theyre not going to see every day. This year is just Griggsville-Perry, but if it goes well, Im going to be planning something bigger but also along the same lines with multiple schools. Students could compare antique tractors with a model used today and look at draft horses compared to the horsepower of current equipment. First-graders Savannah Shriver and Mason Lipcaman got their first-ever look at alpacas thanks to Carolyn Gurski of Chickadee Hill Alpacas, a fiber mill and farm in Rushville. Theyre different from the horses, cows, pigs, sheep and goats that most people have, said Gurski, who has 28 alpacas. Students learn a little something about alpacas, where they came from, how we take care of them, feel their fleece and see the end products made out of their fiber. Jeremy Thomas used a demonstration hive to stress the importance of bees to pollination and food production. Everybody thinks bees will sting you or are bad. Its just to show them bees are good. We need bees for a lot of the food production, said Thomas who started beekeeping more than six years ago with two hives and now has 12 hives to produce honey and wax products, including candles and lotions. Griggsville-Perry FFA member Lane Spencer, a senior on hand to help with the event, hoped the younger students took home a message about the work involved in putting food on the table. In small communities like Griggsville, agriculture is the backbone of the community, and it creates a lot of jobs in the area, FFA member Matthew Myers said. I doubt many of them know how wide the ag field is. As Democratic presidential candidates start popping up in Iowa and President Donald Trump holds forth at rallies in Wisconsin, attention is again gravitating toward the heartland because of its pivotal role in our electoral future. To make sense of this symbolically loaded region, outsiders can turn to newly launched magazines, Midwestern studies programs, the Midwestern History Association and even an interpretive encyclopedia of the Midwest. Nevertheless, the countrys geographic core - and especially the rural Midwest - remains distorted by the filter of myth. Here are five lasting misconceptions. Myth No. 1: Globalization hurts the Midwest. Many urbanites assume that the Midwest is getting its collective butt kicked by globalization, as one critic wrote in a review of Richard Longworths book Caught in the Middle. The president has described the impact of freer trade in terms of scars and empty buildings in the region. Its true, of course, that blue-collar workers have been hurt by the race to the bottom in wages and working conditions as once well-paid union jobs have been off-shored and foreign competitors have gained market share. But factory jobs are not the whole story, and such notions overlook the globalizing impulses emanating from the Midwest itself, as well as the long-standing fractures within it. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, U.S. corn exports to Mexico and Canada increased sevenfold, and pork exports saw similar gains. Recent tariff hikes have caused financial distress for corn belt farmers, leading industry organizations such as the National Pork Producers Council to underscore their support for free-trade agreements. The region has long been a motor of globalization, not a helpless victim. Myth No. 2: Exports are the foundation of the Midwest farm economy. Free-trade organizations representing Midwestern interests, such as Farmers for Free Trade, urge open commerce because it will expand export opportunities. Historians, too, have emphasized the export side of the ledger, as seen in The Roots of the Modern American Empire, published 50 years ago. In this enduring account, William Appleman Williams drew attention to Midwestern farmers export-dominated relationship with the world marketplace. The conviction that prosperity has emerged strictly from exports helps explain Trumps lament at an Ohio rally that today, in contrast to the era of William McKinley,trade comes in, goods come in. Although exports are undeniably important to the regions bottom lines and global impact, Midwesterners since the 1800s have built their economy by importing capital, equipment and other means of production. From a historical perspective, this is especially true for the agricultural sector. With the exception of maize, which originated in Mesoamerica, the regions staple crops have ocean-crossing immigrant ancestors. Wheat, oats, rye, sorghum, millet, barley, alfalfa, soy: None are native to the Americas. Recent charges from Trump that China has been stealing secrets from American agribusiness underscore the commercial value of plant and animal lines obtained from other parts of the world. Myth No. 3: The rural Midwest has always been solidly isolationist. As one of the essays in a volume on Midwestern isolationism put it, Isolationism was rooted in the interests and values of agriculture in the upper Missouri-Mississippi-Ohio river valley.A piece on History.com attributes Midwestern isolationism to location: Geography has played a large part in fostering American isolationism. From the perspective of Americas heartland, the rest of the world can seem very far away. The term isolationism took hold in the 20th century as a political slur that distracted attention from specific policy preferences such as noninterventionism and unilateralism. Pinning this overblown term on the rural Midwest made it all the more denigrating, by insinuating that only hayseeds would object to the nations expanding projection of power. Although some Midwestern congressmen did join colleagues from other parts of the country in opposing interventionist and collective policies, going at least as far back as the entry into World War I and the debate over joining the League of Nations, these leaders did not urge total abstention from international affairs. Midwesterners Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower rank among the greatest architects of U.S. global reach during the early Cold War. Even Michigan Sen. Arthur Vandenberg, who argued against involvement in European crises in the 1930s, became a staunch internationalist in the postwar years. Moreover, Midwestern agriculturalists have a long and deep history of collaborative relationships with their foreign counterparts, especially in Canada and Europe, aimed at advancing agrarian interests and collective security. Turning specific policy stances into an ism is more than an exaggeration, it is a distortion that has hidden globalist commitments and outlooks. Myth No. 4: The rural Midwest is a holdover from a less interconnected era. When attention to globalization went supernova in the aftermath of the Cold War, library shelves filled with studies of internationally connected places, from major cities to coastal areas and borderlands. In the emerging geography of globalization, places such as Appalachia and the rural Midwest began to stand out as points of contrast - examples of localism transcendent.In contrast to much of the rest of the country, the Midwest supposedlyenjoys a degree of insulation from drastic changes. Note the Urban Dictionary definition ofhick: The first entry pins the label to the rural Midwest; the second claims that hicks dislike cities and rarely venture into them. If Chicago is a reach, then forget about the rest of the world. But a dense web of threads has felted the Midwest into the global fabric since the early years of colonial contact. The myth also overlooks the immigrants, missionaries, military personnel, scientific agriculturalists, consular officers and circus performers, among others, who have connected the heartland to the world since the days of sail and steam. It ignores, as well, the politics of localism in the region. Although the pioneers proclaimed themselves locals as part of their effort to assert ownership over newly claimed lands, they had all come from elsewhere. The native peoples they displaced - including the Kickapoo people, who called themselves those who walk the earth -strenuously resisted forced confinement on reservations, in boarding schools, and within national borders. Myth No. 5: White nationalism in the region stems from blue-collar layoffs. Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg channeled this idea when he attributed the rise of white identity politics to economic disruption in the Midwest. Such assertions echo arguments surrounding the 2016 election that a number of white voters in the deindustrializing Midwest lashed out at their economic decline by embracing white nationalist rage. Such claims downplay the long history of racism in the Midwest. Recent historical scholarship has illuminated the enslavement of African-origin people in Detroit and Illinois. The soul-wrenching history of the Trail of Tears had ethnic-cleansing antecedents and parallels in what was once called the Old Northwest, including in the histories of the Delaware people and the various communities in the Sandusky River region of Ohio. In the antebellum era, Midwestern states denied residency rights and equal citizenship to people of color. The Ku Klux Klan of the 1920s attracted more than a quarter of all white men in Indiana. Well into the 20th century, the Land of Lincoln was dotted with sundown towns that forced African American workers to leave at the end of their shifts. Motorists hoping to stop in small Midwestern cities found sparse listings in the Green Book. White identity politics has shaped the Midwest - and the wrongheaded perception of the heartland as quintessentially American - from the start. - - - Hoganson, a historian at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is the author of The Heartland: An American History. Theres no getting around this, our spring season continues to dampen our tourism spirits. We hope that the rainy pattern ends soon, and the floodwaters continue their trek downstream. But, there is something brewing that is something to get excited about! The Great Rivers & Routes region is blessed to have five craft breweries that have joined together to celebrate our region in a tasty way! Old Bakery Beer, Peel Brewing Co., Recess Brewing, Grafton Brewhaus and Old Herald Brewery have joined forces to create an organic beer to try as part of a collaborative brew. Together, they each brought in an organic piece of ingredient mixed with a bit of organic honey to create a tasty saison that is now on tap for the next week. To coincide with Illinois Craft Beer Week, we launched Great Rivers & Routes Craft Beer Week going on now through May 17. The celebrated collaboration brew is on tap at each of the participating breweries in Alton, Collinsville, Edwardsville and Grafton. And yes, you can still get to the Grafton Winery & Brewhaus this weekend. In fact, they are also selling it on tap at the Vineyards at Eckerts! So no excuses for you not to get out to support your budding entrepreneurs and crafters! Dont miss the Collaboration Brew Fest going on Saturday, May 11 at Gordon Moore Park from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. to try the new collaboration brew Farmhouse 66! You can listen to a full day of music, good eats from Goshen Meat Market and wonderful brews from the featured breweries. This is a rain or shine event! If it happens to be raining they will be indoors at the Muenstermann Building at the park. If you cannot make it to the Fest, please go to their breweries and buy a taste in the $8 Keep the Glass Special! Check out the whole story brewing on www.RiversandRoutes.com or the Facebook page @RiversRoutesBeerWeek. We are also wrapping up National Travel & Tourism Week celebrations. We held an awesome Rally for the region in Collinsville, visited the Tourist Information Centers in Hamel and Highland. Partnered with our friends at the St. Louis CVC for a great time as well at their luncheon. The tourism industry is important! We all need to rally behind our local businesses, especially those being impacted by the floodwaters in Grafton, Elsah, Alton and all of Calhoun County. Pere Marquette Lodge, Grafton Winery, Aeries Resort, several lodging places and other restaurants in Grafton are open for business this weekend. Make your way to visit them if at all possible and check out all the ways at www.RiversandRoutes.com. Stawar is president and CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, which works for the vested interests of hospitality partners in Madison, Jersey, Greene, Calhoun, Montgomery and Macoupin counties. EDITORS NOTE: This is a weekly column provided by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau that discusses the impact of tourism on our region. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 11, 2019 15:22 959 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa87375caea 1 Editorial intolerance,Diversity,Indonesia,Bhinneka-Tunggal-Ika,minority-rights,religion Free Indonesia is in a deep crisis of intolerance. Many insist that it is fringe groups that protest the construction of a temple or church. But if theyre just on the fringe, why are they allowed to stop people from worshiping, time and again, in a country founded on acceptance of diversity? In the latest case, dozens protested the planned construction of what would be the first Hindu temple in Bekasi, West Java, on May 5. Without a temple in the regency, at least 6,000 Hindus must go to the Pura Agung Tirta Buana temple in Bekasi municipality for major religious holidays. Bekasi Police chief Sr. Comr. Candra Sukma Kumara said the protesters were from outside the area, as construction plans on land donated by a Hindu resident had been discussed without incident since 2017. In similar incidents, protesters have also come from the outside; which suggests that even if everything is peaceful among residents, troublemakers intentionally seek to bully minorities. Such incidents, which have led West Java and Jakarta to alternately lead independent indexes on intolerance, show the police dont scare them. One reason for this failure to protect followers of all faiths is that we have lacked strong signals from the top, the presidency. As post-Reform Era presidents weigh the Islamic vote, the president and his ministers, particularly since the era of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, have let their campaigns of tolerance cower to the tyranny of the majority. Fearing backlash, leaders have largely let governors, regents and mayors handle highly sensitive problems themselves in the name of regional autonomy. Furthermore, as laws and rules still restrict minorities, even state institutions such as the National Commission on Human Rights have been ignored amid rising claims of Islamists that the state accommodate what they want namely fewer rights for non-Muslims. Thus, the Presidents role is vital in repeated disputes where self-claimed representatives of the majority express hostility against minorities right to worship. With accusations of the forgery of permits for the construction of minorities houses of worship, many protests against minority faith followers have ended in violence because the main intention is clearly rejection of minorities being equal citizens. Issues such as the mere lack of permits have to be resolved peacefully by courts and local authorities. But crystal clear signs from the national leadership are needed to unequivocally show what it takes to improve the national project that is Indonesia. We have repeatedly reported on the tendency of higher religiosity among the young, indicated by more young people signing up for haj and the popular hijrah trend of shifting from a secular lifestyle to a more religious one. These should be positive signs of deeper spirituality. Instead we are seeing bullies given consistent impunity to loudly trample on Indonesias constitutional protection of all its citizens anytime they please, including during Ramadan. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Reuters) London, United Kingdom Sat, May 11, 2019 06:01 960 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa8737505a6 2 Health Britain,royals,Prince-William,Prince-Harry,Duchess-of-Sussex,Duchess-of-Cambridge,Kate-Middleton,Meghan-Markle,mental-health Free Britain's young royals, brothers Prince William and Prince Harry and their wives Kate and Meghan, launched a new phone messaging service on Friday to help people suffering a mental health crisis. The two princes have been widely praised for speaking out about their own struggles with mental health struggles in the wake of the death of their mother Princess Diana in a 1997 car crash and have made the issue one of their main charitable causes. The new text messaging service, called "Shout", aims to provide 24/7 support for people suffering from crises such as suicidal thoughts, abuse, relationship problems and bullying by connecting them to trained volunteers and helping them find longer-term support. "We are incredibly excited to be launching this service, knowing it has the potential to reach thousands of vulnerable people every day," the four royals said in a statement. "We have all been able to see the service working up close and are so excited for its future. We hope that many more of you will join us and be part of something very special." Read also: Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry making mental health documentary for Apple The service is particularly aimed at younger people and using text messaging means it is silent and private, allowing people to use it at school, on a bus or at home, the organizers said. A 2017 report estimated that one in eight five to 19-year-olds in Britain had at least one mental health disorder. As part of the launch, William appears in a video appealing for people to come forward as the service seeks to expand from 1,000 to 4,000 volunteers. The initiative is one of the first to involve the quartet of royals who are joint patrons of the Royal Foundation, their primary vehicle for helping charities and good causes and which is supporting the Shout scheme. It comes after the British media has been rife with speculation of a rift between the brothers and their wives, although there has been no public indication of any disagreements. On Monday, Meghan, 37, and 34-year-old Harry celebrated the birth of their first child Archie, with William, 36, and Kate, 37, saying they were absolutely thrilled at the news. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Krystina Lyon (The Jakarta Post) Singapore Sat, May 11, 2019 12:01 959 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873757c21 1 Books #literature,#book,#art,#art-book,#artists,#women,#Indonesia,#IntoTheFuture,#Carla-Bianpoen Free One of the most notable things about the book Into the Future: Indonesian Women Artists by veteran art critic and curator Carla Bianpoen is its sheer presence. The cover uses bold futuristic graphics in vibrant colors with strong debossed typography and the effect is confident: it is unavoidable and in your face. Yet this large scale, heavy, hardback book pulses with energy both literally and figuratively. The nearly fluorescent pink-tipped page-ends emit a glow that captivates even before opening the 311-page book, published by Cemara Enam Foundation. It is fitting that the book projects this vitality because once one starts to browse through the works of 21 female artists featured inside, one senses the sheer physicality of the work and the women. It is an amazing achievement. For anyone who braved the journey to the National Gallery of Indonesia in Jakarta for the exhibition, which took the same title as the book, this book will be instantly recognizable as a companion piece to the exhibition. The book has the same innovation and carried the same humanity. However, unlike the exhibition that was free for all, this book costs a whopping Rp 2 million (US$146.64). So, is it worth it? The book starts with erudite and passionate articles from notables in the field, from Toeti Heraty N. Roosseno, Hilmar Farid, Triawan Munaf, Inda Citramimda Noerhadi, Wulan Dirgantoro and Aprina Murwanti. There is a sense of mission and pulling together with the varied voices united in contributing to the collective discourse on Indonesian art in general and women in Indonesian art in particular. It is honest about the difficulties involved with the project, clear about the challenges imbedded in a still patriarchal art world both in and outside Indonesia and optimistic about the future in the hands of these 21 young artists. These essays are to be read slowly and often to fully understand the bravery of all those involved with this project. The second and main part of the book is dedicated to the 21 artists chosen through rigorous selection by the author, who reviewed the portfolios and listened to the artists as they presented their work for consideration. Carla, who was involved with the Indonesian Pavilions in two Venice Biennales, in 2013 and 2015, must be thanked for her prescience and determination in spearheading this project and gathering such a worthy group of young women artists whose work fizzes with innovation, intelligence and optimism. They are the true heroines of this book and exhibition. The joy of this book is in the balance of the well-written and knowledgeable text and stunning choice of images. There is a wealth of information about each artist and an in-depth description of her practice that is illuminating for anyone interested in the process of making art. Carlas style of writing is engaging and intimate and displays an intellectual agility that is able to engage precisely with so many different art practices. The artwork included was not the same as that displayed in the exhibition making this a must-have to further ones familiarity with this generation of female artists in Indonesia. Each artist -- Andrita Yuniza Orbandi, Ayu Arista Murti, Cecilia Patricia Untario, Dita Gambiro, Elia Nurvista, Erika Ernawan, Etza Meisyara, Fika Ria Santika, Irene Agrivina, Kinez Riza, Maharani Mancanagara, Maradita Sutantio, Natasha Tontey, Octora, Prilla Tania, Restu Ratnaningtyas, Sanchia Tryphosa Hamidjaja, Syangini Ratna Wulan, Tara Astrari Kasenda, Theresia Agustina Sitompul and Yaya Sung has at least a 10-14 page spread with detailed biographies, quotes and images of their art practice both past and recent. One is struck by the variety of media that these artists work with. Take for instance the acrylic, resin, pigment and LED work of Fika Ria called Tumpuk Lapis Tampak Isi (Stacked layers, visible content); and glass blower Cecilia Patricia Untarios work, Night, with Frank L. Wright. Or Irene Agrivina, whose mixed media works explore the symbiotic relationship between the tiny aquatic water fern called azolla and the microscopic filamentous blue-green alga or cyanobacterium. And yet, the technology and media involved are not there to be impressed by. They serve the art. The simplicity of Theresita Agustina Sitompuls carbon print on paper works, titled Hands, Dress and Universe, have the power to bring tears to ones eyes they are so delicate and full of nostalgia. But perhaps what makes this book a true companion for both novices, experts, academics and other practitioners in the field of art is that each artists journey is described in detail the pain, the toil, the effort to dig deep into ones life, the messiness of it all. And, finally, how these women artists are able to create something meaningful, touching or joyful out of the everyday of their lives this is the generosity of the book and so yes, it is worth it. (ste) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 11, 2019 12:05 959 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa87375841f 1 Lifestyle Dr-Jart,skincare,Korea,Cicapair,tiger-grass Free Korea-based skincare and cosmetic brand Dr.Jart+ has officially launched its Cicapair line in Indonesia. The line contains Centella asiatica extract water, commonly referred to as cica or tiger grass, as the main ingredient. The plant is believed to be able to reduce redness and irritation on sensitive skin, along with helping skin regeneration with antioxidant effects. The plant got its name in Asia after people noticed how tigers rolled around on the herb to help heal their wounds and infections. The extract is rich in chlorophyll and minerals that are essential for enhancing skin structures. Three products were introduced in the line, namely Cicapair Serum, Cicapair Cream and Cicapair Re-Cover. Using ampoule capsules, Cicapair Serum is said to calm redness and irritation with a single drop. Cicapair Cream, meanwhile, comes in green and will dissolve into the wearers skin color upon spreading. The cream is said to soothe and repair tired and wounded skin by restoring vitality. Read also: The Foxconns of fast beauty propel South Korean cosmetics' success in China Cicapair Re-Cover, at SPF 30, can neutralize redness and cover blemishes and redness with its green-to-beige color-changing cream. Its soothing ability is said to restore vitality and improve the skins appearance, and it can be used as a base under makeup or as a primer. Distributor Luxasia Indonesia said the products were available in Sephora stores in Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya and Bali, as well as Seibu Grand Indonesia and Sogo Supermal Karawaci. They are also available online on sephora.co.id, Zalora, Lazada, Shopee, JD.id and Blibli. The products can be purchased for Rp 525,000 (Serum), Rp 625,000 (Cream) and Rp 585,000 (Re-Cover). Heidi Felicia, business unit manager of Luxasia Indonesia, said more products in the line would be introduced in the country by the end of the year. Dr.Jart+ is available in 36 countries and was on the Beauty Top 100 list of fashion publication Womens Wear Daily from 2016 to 2018. (wng) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Justin Bachman (Bloomberg) Sat, May 11, 2019 17:10 959 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873761a70 2 Science & Tech Virgin-Galactic,space-travels,space-tourism Free Almost 15 years ago, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson made a bet on launching tourists into space from the scrublands of southern New Mexico. Now, hes about to move the headquarters of his space venture to the so-called Land of Enchantment. Virgin Galactics move into its permanent headquarters at Spaceport America, north of Las Cruces, signifies the acceleration of his effort to build a viable space tourism business. It also marks a recovery from the 2014 mishap that claimed the life of a test pilot. This summer, the company will relocate about 100 employees from California as it prepares to wind down its test flight program, Virgin Galactic announced Friday during a ceremony with Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in Santa Fe. The next stepactually flying customerscould begin later this year. The long-held promise of uniting our spaceship with a dedicated Spaceport America is finally happening, Virgin Galactic Chief Executive Officer George Whitesides said in a telephone interview. Branson has said he will be among the first passengers; Whitesides said he and his wife, Loretta, will probably fly in 2020. Blue Origin, the space effort by Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, also plans its first commercial flights for this year. Virgin Galactics flights from Spaceport America involve a carrier aircraft that takes the spacecraft to an altitude of about 45,000 feet, where it drops and then fires its rocket to climb into suborbital space. Passengers, who first spend about two days at Virgin Galactics campus preparing for the trip, will experience about 10 minutes of weightlessness before descending for a landing at the spaceport. In February, Virgin Galactic completed its final California test flight in Mojave, flying its first non-pilot employee, astronaut instructor and former NASA engineer Beth Moses. Moses is helping design Virgin Galactics cabin and customer preparation protocols. Her flight marked the first time Virgin Galactics VSS Unity suborbital spacecraft had topped a speed of Mach 3, three times the speed of sound; it was also the highest altitude the companys spacecraft has flown, at 295,000 feet, or 56 miles above the Earth. Virgin Galactic already has about 700 customers who are each paying $250,000 for a 90-minute flight. Bransons space effort had suffered delays due to major engineering changes that were required after the 2014 crash of its VSS Enterprise, which killed pilot Michael Alsbury. Read also: Richard Branson says he'll fly to space by July Virgin Galactic plans a few additional test flights from New Mexico in late summer or early fall, with additional employees along for the ride as the company finalizes its operating procedures. We want to make sure we have a very choreographed service and offering planned out, Whitesides said. We want to give the pilots a few times to just fly it. Of the work remaining to be done, Whitesides said the No. 1 thing is we need to finish installation of the commercial cabin. Our interiors team is sort of going through that process to create the world-class Virgin cabin everyone expectsand thats going to entail a lot of work. Beyond the cabin work, Virgin Galactic is also ferrying its ground and training equipment from California. Weve moved from the realm of space-age physics to logistics, he said.The company is also exploring small aircraft to begin frequent employee shuttle flights between Mojavewhere Virgin subsidiary The Spaceship Co. employs several hundred peopleand Spaceport America as a way to avoid the time-inefficiencies of flying commercial. El Paso, Texas, the nearest major airport, is about a 90-minute drive south of Spaceport America. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 11, 2019 11:47 959 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa8737561ca 1 National KPK,Indonesia,China,BUMN,SOEs,RI-China,bribery-case Free The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has called on state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to be careful when bringing in investments from Chinese companies. The suggestion was conveyed by KPK deputy chairman Laode M. Syarif during a discussion attended by State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Seomarno on Thursday. "Many of our SOEs partner with Chinese companies. However, good corporate governance is not a well-known concept among them," he said, as quoted by Antara. The case was different with companies from Western Europe and the United States, which implemented thorough investment control practices, he added. "When Chinese companies invest here, you have to be extremely careful. Their [investment] control is not as tight as companies from Western Europe or the US." He said European countries and the US had laws in place that allowed them to prosecute actors who bribed foreign public officials, such as the United Kingdom Bribery Act in England, while Indonesia and China had yet to enact such laws. To prevent cases of misconduct, Laode said SOEs must ensure that their Chinese investors follow Indonesia's regulations and implement antibribery measures. "We have to be open to investors from any country, so long as they don't resort to bribery," he said. During the discussion, he highlighted that corporations must take responsibility for corruption, saying that countries that were high on the Corruption Perceptions Index not only prosecuted the actors, but also the companies. The higher the ranking, the less corrupt a country is perceived to be. "The KPK has convinced the Supreme Court to also place the responsibility on corporations. In Hong Kong, more than 70 percent of its graft cases occur in the private sector, while Singapore's antigraft body no longer has public officials as its main target," he said. The KPK's efforts resulted in a Supreme Court regulation on corporate corruption, Laode said. (ars) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin A. Muh. Ibnu Aqil (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 11 2019 Cross-community: Muslims break the fast at an event hosted by the Kim Tek Le Vihara Foundation at Petak Sembilan, Jakarta, on Wednesday. The foundation prepared 200 food packages for low-income people living around the vihara.(JP/Wendra Ajistyatama) The sight of worshipers shuffling about and praying, surrounded by the red candles, aromatic incense and lanterns that adorn the iconic Dharma Bakti temple in Tamansari, West Jakarta, is a common one. However, the scene at the famous Buddhist temple and popular tourist destination transforms completely on every afternoon during Ramadan, when dozens of people gather at its front yard to prepare iftar (breaking of the fast meals). to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 11, 2019 16:33 959 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa87376185a 4 City anies-baswedan,Jakarta-administration,jakarta,apartment,apartment-lawsuit,Dispute,regulation Free Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan has vowed to impose firm sanctions against the Owners and Tenants Association (P3SRS) for ignoring his regulation stipulating for the handover of management rights to residents. We are going to give sanctions, which is very clear in the regulation. The Jakarta administration will execute it, he said on Friday as reported by tempo.co. Anies had issued a 2018 gubernatorial regulation on apartment management guidelines for the P3SRS. The regulation stipulates that P3SRS members that are still representatives of developers must handover the management of apartments to residents. Those who fail to abide by the regulation could get formal warnings from the city administration and have their legal feasibility certificate retracted. Anies had previously given a deadline to developers and apartment managements to comply with the regulation before the end of March. However, data from the city administration showed that only six out of 195 developers had handed over management rights to residents. The warning came in light of ongoing disputes between residents and apartment managements. Residents have complained that the P3SRS, which is dominated by representatives of developers, often issue unilateral policies burden residents such as service fee increases that are set without input from residents. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rizal Harahap (The Jakarta Post) Pekanbaru Sat, May 11, 2019 16:04 959 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa8737603da 1 National prison-break,jailbreak,Siak-prison,prison-riot,narcotics-in-prison Free A riot broke out in Siak Sri Indrapura Penitentiary in Riau early on Saturday following a drug raid by the prison authority. Several inmates tried to escape and set fire to the guards office. The police raided the prison on Friday evening and found a female prisoner in possession of crystal methamphetamine. The prison's personnel then coordinated with Siak Polices narcotics division to raid the entire penitentiary and found three male prisoners consuming the drug. The three were later interrogated by the police and guarded at their cells. A prison guard reportedly hit one of the inmates, which angered other prisoners. They damaged the penitentiary that held 648 inmates and set fire to the gurads' office. The guards retreated from the prison when the inmates appeared to be in control. Some reportedly heard gunfire from inside the prison. Some inmates tried to run away while others surrendered after the fire was extinguished. The prisoners who surrendered have been moved to the Siak Police headquarters and Tengku Maharatu building, while the police are still searching for the inmates who escaped. Around 110 inmates have been arrested, while an unknown number of others are still at large. Well check the number [of the prisoners who ran away] later. The officers are trying to negotiate with the other prisoners, Riau Police Insp. Gen. Widodo Eko said. Widodo claimed there were no casualties in the incident, but a police officer was hit by a rubber bullet. There is a missing gun, but it only contains rubber bullets [because conventional] weapons are prohibited inside the penitentiary, he said. (foy) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Sat, May 11 2019 Indonesia is in a deep crisis of intolerance. Many insist that it is fringe groups that protest the construction of a temple or church. But if theyre just on the fringe, why are they allowed to stop people from worshiping, time and again, in a country founded on acceptance of diversity? In the latest case, dozens protested the planned construction of what would be the first Hindu temple in Bekasi, West Java, on May 5. Without a temple in the regency, at least 6,000 Hindus must go to the Pura Agung Tirta Buana temple in Bekasi municipality for major religious holidays. Bekasi Police chief Sr. Comr. Candra Sukma Kumara said the protesters were from outside the area, as construction plans on land donated by a Hindu resident had been discussed without incident since 2017. In similar incidents, protesters have also come from the outside; which suggests that even if everything is peaceful among residents, troublemakers intentionally seek to bully minorities. Such incidents, which have led West Java and Jakarta to alternately lead independent indexes on intolerance, show the police dont scare them. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nurul Fitri Ramadhani and Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta/Yogyakarta Sat, May 11, 2019 15:05 959 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa87375c213 1 Politics #2019GeneralElections,death-KPPS-officials,Indonesia-elections,overwork-deaths,health-ministry,UGM Free The Health Ministry has announced that a majority of the more than 100 local poll administrators (KPPS) who died in four provinces following election day had suffered a stroke or heart attack. More than 162 volunteers died in four provinces Jakarta, West Java, Riau Islands and Southeast Sulawesi after working long hours on April 17. West Java saw the highest number of deaths at 131. According to the Health Ministry, the 22 deaths in Jakarta were caused by myocardial infarction, heart failure, hepatic coma, stroke, respiratory failure and meningitis, while those in West Java were triggered by heart failure, stroke, respiratory failure, sepsis and asthma. In Riau and Southeast Sulawesi, KPPS officials died of heart failure and traffic accidents. Data from the General Elections Commission (KPU) showed that most of those who died were between 50 and 70 years old. Health Ministry secretary-general Oscar Primadi called on the public to refrain from speculating on the causes of the officials death. He also dismissed accusations that the deaths had been orchestrated. The deaths of election officials were not something we expected. Their duties required excellent health. Therefore, the officials who were already suffering from certain illnesses likely began showing symptoms after working long hours, Oscar said in a written statement. According to government data, 496 poll administrators died after election day across the country. Witness reports say the victims were exhausted after working twelve hours nonstop. Oscar said the Health Ministry had deployed health workers to polling stations and increased their numbers after the death toll continued to rise. The medical workers were there to provide health checks during the election for the officials and voters, he said. The KPPS deaths have triggered rumors and accusations surrounding the election process. The campaign team of presidential ticket Prabowo Subianto and Sandiaga Uno has claimed that the fatalities were somehow connected to efforts to commit election fraud that would disadvantage its candidate pair. On Wednesday, Prabowo demanded that authorities conduct an autopsy on the deceased, saying that never in Indonesias history had an election caused this many deaths. A group of election observers from Gadjah Mada Universitys (UGM) School of Politics and Social Sciences (Fisipol) challenged the accusations. It pointed out that the immense pressure poll administrators had felt from the challenging tickets constant claims of cheating may have had an effect on their health. They may have become depressed, gotten sick and then died, team leader Abdul Gaffar Karim said on Thursday. He also underlined that aside from old age, the recruitment process for KPPS officials was flawed because it did not require participants to declare their health problems. They were only required to deliver letters from community health centers (Puskesmas) stating that they were healthy. The team is currently working with its counterparts from the UGMs School of Medicine and School of Psychology to study the deaths. The result of our research will be a recommendation on how to improve the countrys election system, Abdul said. Fisipol dean Erwan Agus Purwanto assured that the study would not delegitimize the 2019 election process since the deaths had been unplanned and occurred across the country. School of Psychology dean Faturochman said his team would study the workload of KPPS officials, who were responsible for opening polling stations and later count and report ballots for legislative and presidential elections. School of Medicine dean Ova Emilia believes that many of the KPPS officials might not have been aware of the risk of their illness. For example, heart-related illnesses could lead to death when a person is severely fatigued, she said. Well interview their close relatives. We will also conduct post-mortem exams if possible, Ova added. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie and Ghina Ghaliya Quddus (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 11 2019 Seed of people power: People stage a protest in front of the Elections Supervisory Agency(Bawaslu) in Jakarta on Friday. Bawaslu and the General Elections Commission (KPU) have been accused of being unfair and fraudulent in the presidential elections vote count.(JP/Dhoni Setiawan) Chairman of the opposition National Mandate Party (PAN), Zulkifli Hasan, appears to have broken ranks with his ally, presidential contender Prabowo Subianto, as the former asserted the need for all parties to reconcile and put the nations unity forward following the hard-fought election last month. The move, which is being seen as the latest attempt to ease post-election tensions, came as Prabowos supporters pressed ahead on Friday with a rally accusing President Joko Jokowi Widodos camp of election fraud after quick-count results put the incumbent on course for victory. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Sat, May 11 2019 The National Polices Densus 88 counterterorrism unit has arrested alleged terrorists believed to be linked with the notorious Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) terror network following a series of raids in Greater Jakarta. The police suspected that the group was planning to commit acts of terror during the announcement of the 2019 general election results. The Densus 88 team arrested alleged terrorists and continued its pursuit of others linked to JAD Bekasi, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo said at the National Police headquarters on Friday as reported by tempo.co. He did not specify the number of people who were arrested but alleged that they had ties to those who were previously arrested in a recent string of raids. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) New York, United States Sat, May 11, 2019 The United States appeared to surprise the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by sending one of its key architects of the soon-to-be unveiled US plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace, Jason Greenblatt, to an informal meeting on illegal Israeli settlements on Thursday. Greenblatt, who flew from Washington, lashed out at the meeting, accusing the three cochairs, including Indonesia, of hosting an anti-Israel bias forum. What are we achieving when we continue to gather for meetings like this where we condemn the behavior of Israel, who is not even invited to speak at the session? [The meeting] itself is surprising and unfair, instead of looking forward and trying to come up with realistic solutions, Greenblatt said. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) - Sat, May 11, 2019 20:07 959 db1d47cf6ffbed4060cffaa873762604 1 News adventure,travel,destination,Tourism-Ministry,Singapore,Thailand,tourism,famtrip Free Travel consultants and journalists from Singapore and Thailand participated in a famtrip program initiated by the Tourism Ministry to Banyuwangi and Surabaya in East Java from April 30 to May 5. Among the activities included in the famtrip were a Banyuwangi city tour; a visit to the De Djawatan Forest in Benculuk, Cluring; exploring Osing village to learn about the history and traditions of East Java; hiking the mountains of Ijen and Bromo; and visiting the Majapahit International Travel Fair in Surabaya. Read also: Indian travel agents, tour operators join famtrip to Joglosemar Twenty-five operators took part in the famtrip, which aims to provide an overview on Bromo-Tengger-Semeru tourist destinations and its surroundings, especially those suitable for adventure enthusiasts. "This event also functions as a networking space with the representatives of the Indonesian tourist industry," added the ministry's director for marketing development zone I regional I, Dessy Ruhati, in a statement. (sop/kes) New Delhi, May 11 (UNI): Indian Air Force (IAF) has received its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter, which has capability to operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground. First AH-64E (I) - Apache Guardian helicopter was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force at Boeing production facility in Mesa at Arizona in US on Friday. Air Marshal AS Butola represented the Indian Air Force and accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at Boeing production facility, representatives from US Government were also present, an IAF spokesperson said. IAF had signed a contract with US Government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year. Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. These personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF. The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Forces helicopter fleet, the spokesperson added. The helicopter has been customized to suit IAFs future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground. The ability of these helicopters, to transmit and receive the battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking makes it a lethal acquisition. These attack helicopters will provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces. My calendar is always filled with business meetings, events, and speaking engagements. Last week, I made a quick visit to Brooklyn, New York's Industry City to give the special keynote address at the biannual Create & Cultivate conference. This event highlights female millennial small business owners and entrepreneurs and brings them together to connect and share ideas, tips, and resources to cultivate and create their careers. More than 1500 guests from all over the country attended the daylong affair. It was an honor to share my business knowledge and experiences and to meet so many spirited and aspiring young businesswomen. Enjoy these photos. Driver charged, blames wet road for truck slamming into footbridge PHUKET: A truck driver has been charged with reckless driving after the six-wheeled lorry slammed into the concrete stairs to a pedestrian bridge in Thalang early this morning (May 11). transportSafetyaccidentspolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Saturday 11 May 2019, 12:44PM The driver, Sakchai Auppala, 34, told police that the he road was wet from rain that had just stopped, causing him to lose control of the truck and hit the concrete footbridge stairs. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The driver, Sakchai Auppala, 34, told police that the he road was wet from rain that had just stopped, causing him to lose control of the truck and hit the concrete footbridge stairs. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The driver, Sakchai Auppala, 34, told police that the he road was wet from rain that had just stopped, causing him to lose control of the truck and hit the concrete footbridge stairs. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The driver, Sakchai Auppala, 34, told police that the he road was wet from rain that had just stopped, causing him to lose control of the truck and hit the concrete footbridge stairs. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub The driver, Sakchai Auppala, 34, told police that the he road was wet from rain that had just stopped, causing him to lose control of the truck and hit the concrete footbridge stairs. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Police and rescue workers were called to the scene, on Thepkrasattri Rd in front of Muang Thalang School, at 4:10am Lt Col Kitiphum Thinthalang of Thalang Police and rescue workers arrived to find the Krabi-registered truck, owned by P.T. Phuket Transport Co Ltd, on its side with heavy damage to its ront. The driver, Sakchai Auppala, 34, was waiting at the scene. His three passengers Kritsada Buatong 26; Chawin Choomjan, 17; and Mangkorn Budtha, 37 had suffered minor injuries and were taken to Thalang Hospital by Kusoldham Foundation rescue workers. Mr Sakchai told police that he was returning to the PT Transport company depot on Koh Siray, on the east side of Phuket Town, after making a delivery to Songkhla. The road was wet from rain that had just stopped, causing him to lose control of the truck and hit the concrete footbridge stairs. Col Kitiphum confirmed that Mr Sakchai had been charged with reckless driving causing damage to government property. The truck, which took more than three hours to remove from the scene, was taken to Thalang Police Station as evidence, he added. A representative form the companys insurance provider had already presented himself to negotiate the compensation to be paid for the damage to the footbridge, Col Kitiphum added. Police under investigation over judge privileges incident PHUKET: Provincial Police Region 8 Chief Lt Gen Pongwuth Pongsri was in Phuket yesterday (May 10) to hear in person what transpired in the incident over the Chief Judge in Nakhon Sri Thammarat allegedly refusing to hand over his drivers licence, which resulted in the police officer in question being immediately transferred to desk duties. police By Eakkapop Thongtub Saturday 11 May 2019, 11:02AM Provincial Police Region 8 Chief Lt Gen Pongwuth Pongsri faces the press in Phuket yesterday afternoon (May 10). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub) The incident involves L/Cpl Ekapol Juisongkaeo of the Thung Yai Police stopping a white Honda Accord and asking the driver for his drivers licence during a routine stop at a checkpoint in Tha Yang Subdistrict last Thursday night (May 2). The driver refused and claimed to be a chief judge of the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, Region 8, which has jurisdiction in the upper South. The driver also claimed to know the Thung Yai Police chief, L/Cpl Ekapols supervisor. Later, another policeman at the checkpoint released the driver, who asked for the name of the first policeman before leaving. The incident was caught on video, and the clip went viral on Thai social media. After the incident, Thung Yai Police Chief Col Chokedee Rakwatanapong immediately transferred L/Cpl Ekapol to desk duties at Thung Yai Police Station to work closely to him so he could learn more about desk duty and study laws thoroughly. Col Chokedee also reported that L/Cpl Ekapol had initially spoke to the Chief Judge, Krirat Weerapattanasuwan, in an inappropriate tone. The issue came a to a head yesterday, when Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered L/Cpl Ekapol to be reinstated immediately. The prime minister also praised the policeman for performing his duty well. The prime minister expressed his appreciation and gave moral support to low-level policemen who perform their duties properly. He asked everyone to do whats right regardless of any pressure, Deputy Government Spokesman Lt Gen Werachon Sukondhapatipak announced yesterday. The prime minister also asked the Office of the Court of Justice to investigate the matter, he said. (See story here.) Following PM Prayuts order yesterday, Region 8 Police Chief Gen Pongwuth ordered an immediate meeting held at the Region 8 Police headquarters in Mai Khao, at the northern end of Phuket. Called to and present at the meeting, were L/Cpl Ekapol as well as Nakhon Sri Thammarat Provincial Police Chief Maj Gen Thagoon Nethpookkana, Thung Yai Police Chief Col Chokedee. The meeting, which started at about 3:20pm, lasted about two hours. While Nakhon Sri Thammarat Provincial Police Chief Gen Thagoon and Thung Yai Police Chief Col Chokedee exited the police headquarters via the back boor, Gen Pongwuth presented himself to the press to explain the current situation. This meeting was held because I want to know the facts myself. After the meeting, I ordered a team to investigate the incident. Now the investigation is underway, and I expect it will take about one week, Gen Pongwuth said. I assigned Nakhon Sri Thammarat Provincial Police Chief Gen Thagoon and other officers to urgently conduct an investigation and submit a report of their findings. I ordered for all police officers involved in the incident to be investigated, for L/Cpl Ekapol toi be questioned about what happenedand for Col Chokdee to be questioned about why he ordered to transfer L/Cpl Ekapol. The officers will perform their duties and will give fairness to all parties involved in this incident. At this time, there is no order to transfer anyone because the incident is still under investigation, Gen Pongwuth said. About rumors in social media that the chief judge did not give his drivers license to police because he was not carrying it at the time and that his vehicle registration had expired, I will examine the facts only in relation to the police first, Gen Pongwuth said. Gen Pongwuth added that he had spoken with L/Cpl Ekapol. He still has a positive attitude because his supervisor and no one else has blamed him or criticised him for his actions. From watching the video, it appears that L/Cpl Ekapol performed his duties well, he said. Stand-up and be counted: Dont miss live comedy at the Marriott on May 11 Each month, StandUp Asia brings some of the best international comedic talent on the circuit to vibrant, multicultural audiences at the Marriott Resort, Merlin Beach. Entertainment By The Phuket News Saturday 11 May 2019, 10:00AM Tickets are available via the Phuket Ticketmaster website. Clear your diary tonight (May 11) a shift from the usual Sunday spot to make way for Umar Rana from Pakistan, headliner Andrew Netto from Malaysia and Brian Aylward from Canada who will take to the stage for a side-splitting evening of original comedy. Heres what to expect. Andrew Netto More spin than a high speed turbine. The Star Andrew Netto is one of the hottest comedians on the Malaysian circuit. Having considerable success on both the local and international comedy scene, Netto has performed with famed comedians Ahmed Ahmed and Max Jobrani, along with mega-comedian Russell Peters. Netto is a regular feature in shows across Kuala Lumpur, was the MC for the 15,000-people strong St Patricks Day celebration and is in the Malaysia Book of Records for the First Stand-Up Comedy Performance on a Plane. With his yearly laugh-out-loud show, Andrew Netto Live, Netto showcases his amazing ability to take the most mundane things in life and twist them into comedy. Primed to be the next Malaysian comedy superstar, this ambitious comedian believes that life is full of little pleasures and laughing is just one of them. Nettos insights into the daily workings of the average Joe are bound to entertain. Brian Aylward One of Asias most influential stand-up comedians. The Korea Times Founder of Stand Up Seoul and Mad About Comedy Bangkok, Brian Aylward stepped on stage for the first time in 2005 at a rowdy expatriate bar on a bet. Since then, Aylward has established himself as an international stand-up act. With his commanding stage presence, Aylward delivers a brand of comedy that mocks aspects of society, culture and himself, while somehow maintaining an undeniable likeability. Aylward has won numerous competitions, and his most recent accolades include being named Best Stand-up Comic at the 2016 Canadian Comedy Awards and nominated for Best Comedy at the 2017 Fringe World in Perth, Australia. A brilliant comedic mastermind. Umar Rana No holds-barred-jokes. Time Out Founder and resident host of Singapores Comedy Masala, Umar Rana has been performing comedy since 2001. In 2013, Rana was listed by Top 10 Magazine, Malaysia as one of the top ten comedians in Asia. In 2016, he made his TV debut on Comedy Central Asia presents Stand-up Asia! Rana was one of the founding members of Black Fish, Pakistans first and highly-acclaimed English-speaking improv comedy troupe. He has performed live in various countries across the globe, including being the official opening act for Bill Burr in Singapore, and has hosted and opened for Hollywood comedian Rob Schneider. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now from 600 THB (show only), B950 (burger, two Moosehead beverages and show), B990 (hotel buffet and show) or B1,450 (VIP, free-flow drinks from 7-10pm and meet-and-greet with the comedians). Get your tickets via the Phuket Ticketmaster website. Tour operators urged to tout tax perk BANGKOK: Tourism operators have been advised to speed up marketing plans to encourage people to travel domestically and gain from a short-lived tax perk recently approved by the Cabinet. tourismeconomics By Bangkok Post Saturday 11 May 2019, 01:27PM The tax-break incentive aims to encourage travel to secondary tourism provinces in the country. Photos: TAT As the tax measure will last for only two months through June, it is necessary for tour operators to quickly publicise the incentive deals to customers, said Phuriwat Limthavornrat, President of the Association of Domestic Travel. The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a slate of economic stimulus measures, including a tax deduction for spending on tourism services (accommodation and dining) of up to B15,000 when travelling to large provinces and up to B20,000 in second-tier provinces. The overall allowance is capped at B20,000. The government expects to lose B1 billion in tax revenue. Mr Phuriwat acknowledged that he was unsure whether the measure would give tourism a strong boost during the rainy season. Generally, those who are fond of travelling during this time are individuals, not big groups, he said. The scheme this time round does not cover expenses by corporations holding seminars or outings, a key difference from last year's tax deduction. Many companies prefer organising seminars such as team-building trips during the low season, thanks to good deals from hotels and food restaurants, Mr Phuriwat said. He held out hope that the next government would extend the measure to last for the entire year, as the full-year scheme in 2018 helped drive domestic travel. Last years tax scheme offered individuals and companies a B15,000 tax deduction for tourism spending in 55 less-popular provinces. The Tourism and Sport Ministry reported tourism revenue in second-tier provinces of B266bn in 2018, up from B243bn the year before. This year, the ministry forecasts B1.12 trillion in overall tourism revenue, up 5% from B1.07trn in 2018, with the volume of travel rising to 166 million trips from 161 million last year. Despite the rainy season, Mr Phuriwat said travellers can enjoy nature tourism and greenery at several destinations in Thailand. Normally hotels and resorts and even restaurants offer lower prices, and this is a chance for people to plan trips, he said. Tourists can also enjoy a B15,000 tax deduction when buying local products under the One Tambon One Product scheme. Vendors, however, must enter the tax system in order to provide receipts for customers to use in their claims. Read original story here. New digs for senior center Area seniors are enjoying the new Watertown Senior Activities Center during their first Christmas party at the new site. The Watertown Area Community Foundation awarded a $42,000 grant to assist with kitchen equipment and new tables and chairs. Last year, Sixties Plus Dining, operated by Inter-Lakes LANSDALE The next step toward passing a tax credit for a developer to revive a local shopping center could come soon. North Penns school board could vote in June to authorize a LERTA tax incentive for the Towamencin Village Shopping Center at Forty Foot and Allentown Roads, and now has numbers to quantify their potential gain. The total increase in taxes, even with the LERTA, over a five-year period would be a $439,000 increase, versus what is being paid right now, said Director of Business Administration Steve Skrocki. After we reach the five-year phase-in, the full amount, 100 percent, of the property would be taxable, he said. Talks have been ongoing since 2015 how developer Philadelphia Suburban Development Corp. can revive the shopping center, by connecting it as part of a larger campus with the adjacent SKF Inc. office building and a planned complex of age-restricted housing units. The developer secured approval in January from Towamencins supervisors for a LERTA Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act tax incentive, which gradually phases in the taxes to be paid on the property after upgrades over a period of time, instead of all at once. Skrocki told the district school boards finance committee on May 7 that the developer has agreed to phase in over five years, 20 percent each year, starting at a base level of roughly $94,000 paid on the property now. His expectation is to begin the land development process if necessary, get all of the required permitting, and have the construction and improvements completed in about two years, in 2021, Skrocki said. The LERTA would not start until the improvements are reflected in a change at the county level, with an increase in assessment. Everything would stay the same until that point, he said. Staff and the developer project the assessed value of the shopping center to increase from the current $3.7 million to roughly $5.7 million once all of the improvements are completed. Multiplying those assessments by the districts tax millage produces a current school tax of $94,741 per year, and an estimated increase of $146,358 after the upgrades, meaning the tax bill on the property would increase to $241,099 under the new assessment. Without the LERTA, total taxes on the property over the first five years would add up to $1.3 million, but phasing the increase in over five years saves roughly $292,000 over that time for the developer, while the district gains roughly $439,074 over that same period beyond the current taxes paid. If the assessment ends up being less, Skrocki told the board, the same phasing in of 20 percent each year would still take place, just with lower numbers. There could be more or less of a benefit to the taxpayer. It all depends on the assessed value, Skrocki said. Due to the time needed to develop a formal resolution, Skrocki told the board, a formal vote will likely not be ready until the school boards June 11 or 20 meetings. Board member Jonathan Kassa asked if approving the LERTA for that property would create any precedent or requirement to grant the same request elsewhere, and Skrocki said it would not. Each LERTA is considered by each individual entity, on its own merits, Skrocki said. Board member Tim MacBain said he was glad the board could work together to approve the incentive and hopeful it would spur further development, and board member Christian Fusco agreed, calling it a win-win for the district and developer. Its not going to fix our deficit, but certainly Id rather do this than find somewhere else to cut costs, Fusco said. If were generating $90,000 in revenue now, and in five years its $440,000, thats a net gain of $350,000 a year. Thats real money, and its year over year, he said. The finance committee voted unanimously on May 7 to move the request ahead to the full board, and direct staff to prepare the necessary documentation. North Penns school board next meets at 7:30 p.m. on May 16 at the district Educational Services Center, 401 E. Hancock St. For more information or meeting agendas and materials visit www.NPenn.org. News that some $5 billion was laundered through British Columbias real estate market in 2018 comes as no surprise to experts, as Canadas weak money-laundering laws make it an attractive spot to park ill-gotten cash. Kevin Comeau, author of a recent C.D. Howe report on money laundering, says people in corruption-prone states who seek to hide the source of their wealth cant just buy a big house in their community, so they often look to cache it abroad. Autocracies, kleptocracies, developing and transitioning nations theyve got corruption from politicians and theyve got crime from drugs and human trafficking. They cant keep that money in their own country without the risk of it being confiscated by someone closer to power, Comeau said. They often start by mixing ill-gotten gains with legitimate proceeds from a restaurant or other cash business and depositing them in a bank. Whats a bank to do? Go down and start counting the dishes? he asked. The funds are then funnelled through a series of shell companies and trusts registered in tax havens such as the Seychelles or British Virgin Islands. These states have tiny corporate taxes and, like Canada, offer anonymity by allowing the real, or beneficial, owner to go undisclosed. With some of the weakest money-laundering laws among liberal democracies, Canada stands out as a place to launder cash, said Comeau, a retired lawyer and member of Transparency International Canadas working group on beneficial ownership transparency. Houses, mansions and whole floors worth of condominiums can act as a kind of bank account in bricks-and-mortar form, with the purchase made by a numbered corporation, incorporated in Canada by an offshore lawyer and owned by layers of shell companies in various tax havens. Its easy as pie, said Comeau. You can do it in about five minutes and you dont have to disclose anything. International money launderers typically leave the properties vacant, driving up real estate prices and hollowing out neighbourhoods, said Garry Clement, former national director of the RCMPs Proceeds of Crime Program. Renting the property out would involve a cheque or email transfer, which usually necessitates an account at a Canadian bank for the receiver and leaves them exposed to anti-money-laundering screens. For organized crime lords, $5 million is pocket change, Clement said, noting the lack of incentive for rental income. The property ownership timeline is typically medium- to long-term, rather than the quick cash turnarounds available through casinos and luxury car purchases, he said. Most of its for parking money. Last year some $7.4 billion overall was laundered in B.C., out of a total of $47 billion across Canada, according to Thursdays report by an expert panel led by former B.C. deputy attorney general Maureen Maloney. But Ontario is notorious for being a money-laundering front, Clement said, adding that other provinces are far from immune. More than $3 trillion in dirty money entered the international finance system last year, according to Comeau. In a September report from the C.D. Howe Institute, he recommended tightening the regulatory regime with a publicly accessible registry of beneficial ownership and mandatory declarations of beneficial ownership, alongside meaningful sanctions for false declarations. The British Columbia government introduced legislation last month aimed at preventing tax evasion and money laundering by shining a spotlight on anonymous real estate owners, making the province an anti-money-laundering leader in Canada, he said. U.S. authorities were sitting on a sensitive secret last fall when Canada detained a top Huawei Technologies Co. executive on alleged U.S. sanctions violations. Two months earlier, the U.S. had arrested another Chinese national on similar suspicions and was holding her at a grim jail in Washington, D.C. An employee of an unidentified Chinese technology company, she had been nabbed on vacation in California. The employee, Liu Willow Yang, 29, ultimately pleaded guilty and went back to China. But unlike the legal spectacle in Canada over the extradition and prosecution of Huaweis chief technology officer, the Yang matter remains largely under wraps in the U.S. Yang had at least one co-conspirator, according to newly unsealed portions of the case and court transcripts reviewed by Bloomberg News, suggesting that the U.S. may be pursuing a wider crackdown on sanctions violations than was previously known. The prosecution of Yang is the third known instance of the U.S. going after Chinese technology companies or their employees for trading with Iran and other countries blacklisted by the U.S. on terrorism, national security or human rights grounds. Besides Huawei, ZTE Corp. was forced to pay $1.2 billion to U.S. authorities to settle allegations that it violated U.S. laws restricting sales to Iran and North Korea. The Chinese technology company that employed Yang wasnt disclosed in court records, and it wasnt accused of wrongdoing. It was unclear whether the U.S. technology sold to Iran had a potential military application, which would heighten U.S. ire. Read more: Scheer government would ban Huawei from 5G networks Extradition proceedings for Huaweis Meng Wanzhou to begin in January Everything you need to know before Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou returns to court Wednesday Im sure there will be widespread publicity about this case, Lius lawyer, Melissa Madrigal, said during her sentencing hearing. Im sure Your Honor has seen the Huawei case and the publicity that case has received. A representative of the Chinese embassy in Washington and a spokesperson for the U.S. attorneys office in Washington declined to comment. Sealed Case Typically, criminal investigations become public at the point when people are charged or after cooperators have pleaded guilty. The Yang case, by contrast, was fully sealed until last month, and large portions are still hidden from public view, including basic court records such as the one outlining the evidence and allegations against Yang and the record of her guilty plea. In a Washington courtroom where U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan sometimes covered the windows, Yang admitted to helping ship more than $870,000 worth of American electronics to Iran over a six-year period. The judge went easy on Yang, sentencing her to time served. Chutkan cited Yangs arrest while on vacation, the poor conditions at the jail and the impact on her family including two young children, one of them an infant suffering from a brain tumour at the time of Yangs detention. Strained Relations The U.S. sanctions investigations are unspooling at a time of heightened sensitivity in relations between the two world powers. Trade negotiations are hanging in the balance as the Trump administration continues to try to economically and politically isolate Iran, a top Chinese trading partner. On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs on $200 billion in goods from China as he sought to extract concessions in trade negotiations taking place in Washington between U.S. officials and Chinas top trade envoy, Liu He. As the U.S. has sought to choke off a key source of Iranian state revenue oil exports China has resisted American demands to reduce purchases of oil from Iran, a major supplier for the country. Historically theres been a real reluctance to pursue either penalty enforcement or sanctions designations against Chinese companies. Now I think youre seeing a much greater willingness to do that, said Carlton Greene, a Crowell & Morning partner who previously directed sanctions investigations at the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control. More Targets In the highest-profile sanctions case, the CTO of Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, was detained in Canada in December on a U.S. warrant after authorities concluded she had played an intimate role in Huaweis Iran business, including misleading banks and others about the extent of it. The company, its U.S. subsidiary and Meng were indicted by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn in January, and the U.S. has blocked government use of Huawei technology, saying it could provide a backdoor for Chinese espionage. Huawei has vigorously denied the accusations. Mengs lawyers argued in court on Wednesday that her constitutional rights were violated when she was detained at the Vancouver airport before her arrest at the request of U.S. authorities. They also plan to question whether the U.S. bank-fraud charges against her constitute a crime in Canada. As for Yang, much about her activities remain unknown. After her arrest in California, she was quickly transferred to Washington, where she acknowledged her role in the scheme and agreed to plead guilty, according to court records. A Co-Conspirator The records indicate she began working with a co-conspirator whom she had met through her employment, and took on additional duties to make extra money. The duties involved organizing transshipments routing deliveries through intermediate destinations, a technique often used to hide the origin or destination of illicit transactions. Even after she became aware that the deals violated U.S. sanctions laws, she continued to do it anyway, the filings say. Liu didnt realize or appreciate the seriousness of her actions or the risk she was taking by facilitating these transactions, Madrigal, Yangs lawyer, said during her sentencing hearing. Liu earned $25,000 from the trades over the course of the scheme, which she agreed to forfeit to U.S. authorities. Though she could have received five years in prison, federal prosecutors from the national security unit of the U.S. attorneys office in Washington recommended a lighter sentence because she assisted authorities in the investigation and prosecution of this matter, Chutkan, the judge, said during her sentencing hearing. Prosecutors and defence lawyers filed a joint motion seeking an order to have Yang deported home as soon as her sentence was imposed, to which the judge agreed noting Yang was not the mastermind of the conspiracy. Read more about: HALIFAXCorey Hart refers to himself as a sentimental guy. That comes across as you talk to him. Hes relaxed, engaging and not afraid to talk about things that have left their mark on his career and on him personally. Which brings us back to the mid-1980s. Not yet 22, Hart was becoming a Canadian and global music superstar following the 1983 breakthrough record First Offense, which included the megahit and single Sunglasses At Night, a song that still resonates today. Following that, fan mail started pouring in. He still vividly remembers the first batch of letters delivered to him as things took off in 1983. Sorting through the enormous pile, Hart remembers how he chose one to open first. He had no particular reason for picking that envelope, but that first letter was from a Halifax teenager. Hes never forgotten the letter or the person who wrote it. She said how she loved my music and that she hoped that she could meet me before shes old and grey, Hart said, speaking in a hushed and endearing tone. Official video for "Tonight (I Wrote You This Song)" by Corey Hart. He estimated the young woman was only about 16 at the time. When Hart headlined a show at the Halifax Metro Centre (now Scotiabank Centre) in the summer of 1985, he reached out to the teen and invited her on stage and introduced her to the crowd. It was very innocent, he said of the letter and the girl who wrote it. Hart has since learned the woman died about 10 years ago. There was nothing in particular in what she said that resonated with me other than that it was the first. I remember her writing many, many times after that, he recalled. You cant help but reflect on the past when you talk to Hart. The 56-year-old Montreal artist and father of four pressed pause on performing and touring 20 years ago. But he said the time has finally come to reboot his career. Hart has released his first new music in two decades with the Dreaming Time Again EP. Hes also touring again, going cross country starting May 31 in St. Johns and ending June 25 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. There was a period of time when there was an enormous amount of pressure on me to follow up success after success, to have hit record after hit record. Im not complaining about it that is how the business runs, Hart said while sitting at a table and sipping from a bottle of water inside the historic Halifax Brewery market earlier this week. I went in and made this record completely free. Im not chasing a chart position. Im not chasing to be current. I made a record musically organically the way I want to. Im grateful that Im able to do that. If its well received by folks Im grateful. Hart left the music industry all those years ago to help raise his four children. Now that the eldest is 23, Hart said they pushed him to get back into the music game. At least one of those four will be backstage at each of his 17 tour stops in Canada. It was my dream to be a dad and to be a touring musician, said Hart, who was inducted into the Canada Music Hall of Fame at the Juno Awards in March. Harts career includes more than 16 million records sold worldwide, in addition to nine US Billboard Top 40 hits. Those were my two dreams and I fulfilled both of them. So to be able to come back and do it again is exciting, he said. Hart prides himself on having a great memory, which stands out when he tells you the specific month and year he last played a big show in Halifax. It was in July of 1985. Different name though, he correctly pointed out, as Halifax Metro Centre is now the Scotiabank Centre. When I stepped away in 98 to raise my kids, I never thought Id have the opportunity to tour again or to make another record, he said. Five years is a long time to be out of the limelight (in music). Twenty years? Its like centuries. Hart is a proud Canadian and speaks almost like a proud parent when discussing just how far musicians have come in this country. He remembers how tough it was for artists like him to get noticed globally, and said hes glad he could help be a trailblazer of sorts. It was difficult to break through in America. I was fortunate enough to do that, but you could name them on your hand, those who had success in the United States, he said. Now its completely flipped Most are leading the charge, from (Justin) Bieber to Drake. It just goes on. But I think Canadian music is incredibly gifted, incredibly bountiful. Im super proud to be Canadian. Correction - May 11, 2019: This article was edited from a previous version that said Corey Hart's last Halifax concert took place in 1995. In fact, it took place in July 1985. Read more about: VICTORIAOpposition Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson says he wants to be part of a probe of high gasoline prices by British Columbias independent energy regulator. Wilkinson says hes applied to participate as an intervener in any examination to identify factors impacting gasoline prices in the province. Premier John Horgan asked the B.C. Utilities Commission to investigate why gasoline in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island is so much more expensive than the rest of the country. A date and terms for an investigation have not been set but David Morton, chairman of the utilities commission, says in a statement the regulator is interested in conducting a fair, transparent and inclusive process to identify the factors impacting the price of gasoline. Wilkinson says in a letter to Morton he encourages a review that includes examinations of provincial taxes and any connections between the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project and fuel supplies. Horgans letter says BCUC is a trusted and respected regulator and has the ability to conduct detailed hearings that will provide residents with necessary evidence and recommendations for the best path forward. Read more: Unregulated gas-price gouging means huge profits at the expense of drivers in Vancouver, says economist Record gasoline price slamming Vancouver amid pipeline fray B.C. government to consider relief for record gas prices: Horgan Read more about: Provincial changes to the development process could mean communities experiencing growth and the new residents moving in will have fewer resources like child care, parks and other amenities with less cash from developers to pay for them, city officials warn. As part of an omnibus bill reforming 13 separate pieces of legislation, Premier Doug Fords government is proposing big changes to how and where development gets built in a booming Toronto and elsewhere in the province. One fine-print detail in that Bill 108, titled the More Homes, More Choice Act, is a significant shift in how the city can charge developers wanting to build taller and denser than the rules allow. A new community benefits charge would combine three separate tools planners and cities have now to secure things like child care space, parkland and cash for services and infrastructure. Since the legislation was tabled last week, city planners and lawyers have been combing through the sometimes vaguely-written bill in order to understand the impact, with, they say, little additional information from the province. In the absence of implementation details, city staff are unable to provide detailed conclusions regarding the impacts that Bill 108 will have on the city from a financial impact, planning approval and appeal process and longer-term city-building perspective, a memo sent May 9 to all council members reads. Read more: Rental housing providers say provincial plans to fast track building could help ease apartment shortage Souped-up basements fetching condo-style rents in Torontos heated housing market You might forget an address but you wont forget a catchy name: Toronto real estate agent creates rap video to sell house What is understood, is with a cap on the amalgamated charge proposed by the province, there is a concern cities will wind up with less cash or direct benefits from new buildings. In Toronto, where high-growth neighbourhoods are already seeing both hard infrastructure, like pipes and wires, and community infrastructure like schools at or over capacity, councillors worry the changes will create less livable neighbourhoods. My focus is more around my concern about how we continue to deliver a livable city, said the citys chief planner Gregg Lintern in an interview. In the context of building more housing it cant be to the detriment of everything else. Though the overall financial impact of the changes is still unclear because of the lack of information about how the new charge will work, city staff believe there is a considerable risk that the new rules will end up costing high-growth areas like Toronto. In a statement, a spokesperson for Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark likened part of the current system to slush funds invoking language used by Doug Ford and his brother, late mayor Rob Ford, during their days at city hall. Our government is taking the politics out of Torontos planning decisions, read a statement, saying the current system is broken. Councillors are able to make deals directly with developers, out of public view, at times negotiating vanity projects, in exchange for more density. The statement called money that requires a motion on a public agenda and a vote of full council slush funds that the councillor manages and spends with no oversight or accountability. There are currently two separate and important tools for cities in the Planning Act that are spelled out under sections 37 and 42. Sometimes called density bonusing or parkland dedication, the tools are also often referred to by their section number (as in section 37 funds). Section 37 allows cities to extract cash or in-kind benefits for the local area where a larger development has been proposed through negotiations that involve the developers, city staff, the local councillor and lawyers from both sides. During those negotiations, it may be agreed that the developer provides the cash toward something like a child care centre or provide the actual space for a centre on the development site. The negotiations, depending on the scale of the development applied for, can result in millions of dollars worth of benefits for the community, including the inclusion of affordable housing units, park improvements, public art and new recreation space. Section 42 allows planners to demand parkland on the site of a development or cash-in-lieu of parkland, where appropriate. The amount of parkland required is based on the type and size of the development and where its located. In designated priority areas, the city can require as much as 0.4 hectares of land per 300 residential units, with a cap of 10 to 20 per cent of the site depending on the total size of the area, or the equivalent cash. Both of these tools can be used on a single development application. Separately, the city has another tool called development charges, which are fees all developers pay on top of section 37 and 42 at the time they get their building permits in order to help cover the cost of infrastructure and services to support the new building, such as transit lines, water and sewer mains, and policing. Development charges are paid at a set rate based on the number and type of units and whether the space is residential or non-residential. The principle underlying all three specific tools is that growth should pay for growth. While the charges do not completely offset the cost to cities like Toronto where 17,000 units are approved on average annually and where the downtown core remains parkland deficient the principle recognizes that the taxpayer alone should not pay for the added pressure on roads, subway platforms, their local library collection and more that come with new development. What the province has newly proposed affects all three tools. It would overwrite section 37 to create one new community benefits charge while barring the city from using both the new section 37 and the parkland tool (section 42) making it an either-or scenario. The legislation also changes how development charges work, allowing them to only apply to infrastructure like sewers and subway lines but not libraries and child care centres what the province considers soft services that can be paid for out of the new community benefits charge. That new charge would be capped at a yet to be specified percentage of the land value of any development site. Significantly, Lintern said the planning team worries the new legislation would remove the citys ability to require parkland on site one of their most powerful city-building tools. There would also be a requirement under the new legislation that 60 per cent of whatever is in the community benefits fund must be spent or allocated in each calendar year, which has the potential to stymie larger, more expensive projects that take years to pull the funds together far and have bigger positive impact on communities, councillors say. What I would say Im confident of, is the that the city will overall be shortchanged, said Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 13 Toronto Centre). The way we collect dollars today in the various streams of collection . . . all of that will be weakened. Wong-Tam helped negotiate a 0.6-hectare park at the site of the 11 Wellesley St. W. development in her ward, between Bay and Yonge Sts., by pooling parkland dedications from several sites. That kind of project, she said, will likely be impossible under the proposed system. She said the total amount collected from developers will also likely be reduced, what she called a form of downloading by the province, which recently levelled budget cuts totalling more than $177 million in 2019 alone, according to city officials. It will put additional budget pressure on the city, she said. Jake Tobin Garrett, policy and planning manager for the Toronto-based non-profit Park People said the city should not be forced to choose between the new charge and the parkland tool, which he called critical for growing municipalities. It allows you to actually get land in areas that are coming under some really intense development and in these areas land prices are often so high that just getting cash instead of land really hamstrings cities like Toronto or Richmond Hill or something from being able to actually be able to buy land in these areas, he said. He said it also worries him that cities may not be able to save up to buy larger pieces of parkland with the cash they collect from developers if the rules force them to spend a majority of that money each year. My advice to the government would be to leave the land dedication in place, he said. To understand the potential impact of Bill 108 compared to the current system, its helpful to look closely at this and other examples the city holds up as achievements. In 2013, it was reported that the 1.8-hectare site that was home to the beloved retail store Honest Eds long known for its cheeky, hand-painted signage and bright lights on the corner of Bloor and Bathurst Sts. had been sold to Vancouver-based developer Westbank Corp. The developer proposed several buildings, the tallest being over 20 storeys, involving more than 800 units total, 100 per cent of which are to be purpose-built rental, as well as new retail and a public market. Developing the site required whats called a zoning bylaw change because it exceeded the existing rules for height and density, triggering section 37 talks. Parkland dedication under section 42 of the Planning Act was also at issue. Ultimately, the city secured $4 million to create affordable rental units on site; that 40 per cent of units would be 2 and 3-bedroom units, what the city considers family-sized; a child care centre located on site; $1 million for a cultural centre for Black heritage; $500,000 in public art; a redesigned Honest Eds Alley running north-south through the property that will have pop-up businesses and other micro-retail; as well as $500,000 for streetscape improvements beyond the basic requirements for replaced sidewalks and greenery. As part of section 42, the city also secured a 1,150-square-metre park on site, which Westbanks initial proposal did not include, specifying that it should have frontage on Markham St. A city spokesperson said the development charges for the site totalled approximately $16 million. Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 10 Spadina-Fort York), who took part in the negotiations with neighbouring councillor Mike Layton, called it the best example of city-building in recent years. But the parkland dedication and the total amount of community benefits achieved either in cash or otherwise may not be possible under a new, capped system, Cressy noted. The citys going to get less money, very clearly, for social infrastructure and parkland, so there will be fewer parks and less funds for affordable housing, child care spaces and others, he said. That is a direct negative impact and we know that. How we would then be able to manage growth and change in a bustling city . . . we dont know the answers to that yet. Local residents groups, while not always satisfied, backed the project after much public discussion and agreement on the community benefits. There will be those who will disagree with the heights of two towers, but we urge them to balance that against the range of benefits that have been secured, the leadership of the Harbord Village Residents Association wrote in a letter to council. These past two years, leading to the final negotiation helped define not just our understanding of the project, but deepened our understanding of our communities. And that is city building at its best. So what would the Honest Eds site have allowed the city to secure under the newly-proposed system? That all depends on the cap, which the province has yet to spell out. The legislation spells out that the cap will be based on a percentage of the land value as of the day before the day the building permit is issued. According to public property records, it appears the initial land sale in 2013 cost the developer $69.25 million. Since the value of the land has likely increased since 2013, the starting point for this theoretical calculation is probably much higher. But to get an idea of the effect of a cap, at the 2013 value, a cap of 5 per cent would limit the city to charging around $3.5 million less than just the $4 million secured for affordable housing. At 10 per cent, the charge would be around $6.9 million and at 20 per cent it would be around $13.9 million. Its also currently unclear how the new community benefits charge will relate to the area around the development or if it will be pooled into a citywide fund a crucial unknown detail. While section 37 benefits went toward the local community, cash-in-lieu for parkland was split between local and citywide accounts. Development charges are used to fund citywide services. Lintern called this blending peaches, pears and apples. They were intended as different tools, he said. If pooled into one fund, the new community benefits charge would likely trigger contentious fights both between downtown councillors and urban wards and their suburban neighbours over available dollars. At city hall, the Ford brothers long reviled the existing community benefits rules, falsely calling section 37 a slush fund for downtown councillors looking to be re-elected. Buying votes! former mayor Rob Ford once chirped at then councillor Adam Vaughan in a 2013 video of a council meeting posted by journalist Matt Elliott. The Fords often argued those funds should be distributed among areas without much development, despite that not being how the current section 37 rules work. A 17-year veteran of Toronto police was arrested Thursday after an incident at a private residence last month. Police allege that on the morning of April 22, the officer went to a home while off-duty wearing his full uniform, including his gun belt, firearm and cap, and threatened a person over a debt owed to a third party. A complaint was filed that same day with the Toronto Police Service, a news release from police read. Following an investigation from the Professional Standards Unit, the suspect officer was arrested on May 9. According to police, his service pistol was found to have been stored improperly during the arrest. He was subsequently suspended from the service. Const. Lionel Sean Peters, 42, based at 32 Division, faces charges of threatening bodily harm, extortion, breach of trust, and careless storage. Peters appeared in court on Friday. He is being held pending a bail hearing scheduled for Monday morning. On April 25, police arrested the alleged third party, Prakesh Manoharan, for extortion and threatening bodily harm. Manoharan was later released on bail. Peters was previously charged with impaired driving in an off-duty incident in August 2008. Homelessness, hospital, jail and for some troubled souls suicide. Those are the bleak outcomes people on social assistance fear as the provincial government plans to change Ontarios welfare program for the disabled. I worry about people like me who become ill and wont qualify under the new rules, says Jordan Bond-Gorr, 38, who has HIV. How will they eat? Pay rent? Heal? The former financial services worker is one of 86 Torontonians on social assistance surveyed about the Ford governments plan to narrow the definition of disability for new applicants to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). The amount of fear and anxiety around this is very real, says Bond-Gorr, who spiralled into substance abuse and mental health problems about six years ago after his HIV diagnosis. He and others are worried the change will exclude people newly diagnosed with so-called episodic disabilities such as mental illness, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, HIV, and some cancers and force them to rely on Ontario Works (OW). ODSP, which provides up to $1,169 a month, is still meagre income support for anyone living with a disability or illness that prevents them from working full time, Bond-Gorr says. But it is better than OW, which pays just $733 a month and is geared to those without disabilities and expected to work, he adds. Read more: Opinion | Doug Ford says carbon taxes will cost us. Here are six reasons not to believe him Social programs face $1 billion spending cut in Ontario budget Cutting $16 million from Ontario office that prevents workplace deaths makes no sense, advocates say The increased income and medical support available through ODSP helped Bond-Gorr take care of some serious mental health and physical health problems I was having. It helped me stabilize my life so that I was able to return to work part time and cover the cost of my medication. It also gave him access to supportive housing for people with a history of substance abuse. Without ODSP, many people will end up in hospital and become homeless, he predicts. At least one-third of the 375,000 people currently receiving ODSP suffer from episodic disabilities that make maintaining employment a challenge. The survey was conducted at five Toronto drop-ins in April and May by people on social assistance affiliated with St. Stephens Community House, a downtown neighbourhood centre that serves low-income residents. About 80 per cent of respondents were receiving ODSP while the rest were on OW. More than half were between the ages of 46 and 65 and the average length of time respondents had been on social assistance was almost nine years. About 77 per cent said they had mental health issues. The changes have generated a great deal of anxiety in the community, particularly among those living with invisible disabilities, says St. Stephens executive director Bill Sinclair. We will be sending the survey to the minister and requesting that she meet with our peer leaders to hear directly from them. Lisa MacLeod, minister of children, community and social services, whose ministry recently concluded stakeholder consultations on the move, needs to hear from the people who will be affected the most, he says. Changes to ODSP are part of sweeping reforms announced by MacLeod last fall aimed at moving people on social assistance off government support and into jobs. She said the current rule-bound system, which serves almost a million people and costs $10 billion a year, is confusing and time-consuming for both recipients and caseworkers and is ultimately unsustainable. At the time, MacLeod said the new definition of disability designed to align more closely with definitions used in federal income-support programs would apply only to new applicants and that those currently receiving ODSP would not have to requalify. MacLeod also told reporters the medical review system used to periodically verify eligibility would also be grandfathered for current recipients. However, ministry staff have refused to confirm that, advocates say. New legislation is expected to be introduced as early as next fall. Survey respondent Anandi Deonarine, 34, has suffered chronic pain since 2016 when she fell off a roof and broke her back in three places along with her pelvis and tail bone. She lost her housing and developed serious mental health problems when her ODSP application was rejected. But since her application was approved last spring after multiple appeals Deonarine has moved into her own apartment, her mental health has improved, and she is beginning to work part time as a peer support worker. I am someone who has worked my whole life, she says. I want to work (full time). But how are you supposed to get back on your feet when you cant afford housing or transportation to get to your doctor? Deonarines concerns were mirrored by other survey respondents. It is a bad idea. People will steal, one wrote. This is death by a thousand cuts, said another. People will start living more on the streets. We will see more tents this year versus last year. Several respondents worried that people would even try to go to jail where they would get at least a bed and a meal, or three hots and a cot. They predicted overdoses on street drugs, death from cancer or other illnesses and an increase in suicide due to being unable to survive on OW. To qualify for federal CPP disability benefits, a persons disability must be severe and prolonged, two terms that sparked a lot of discussion during provincial consultations, say several people who attended the sessions. But defining severe without any context is difficult, says Wendy Porch, executive director of the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto, a non-profit organization that supports people with physical disabilities. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair, has an attendant, and perhaps some computer technology, is likely able to work, as long as they have access to reliable transportation, she says. Meanwhile, someone living with bipolar disorder who doesnt have any people around them ... and looks like they are (able) to work, actually experiences numerous difficulties related to the unpredictability of their illness, Porch says. On the surface, the person who uses the wheelchair might look like they have more severe disability, she says. But in the context of how we think about people with disability and our expectations around work, the person with the mental health condition will have a harder time sustaining employment. Tammy Yates, executive director of Realize, a national non-profit that supports people with HIV and other episodic disabilities, says it is unfortunate Ontario is considering a more narrow definition of disability at a time when Ottawa is broadening its understanding of the issue to coincide with proposed new federal accessibility legislation. What we are experiencing in Ontario is almost a reversal of all of the progress we seem to be making in Ottawa, says Yates. Across the province, various groups and organizations are really alarmed about the potential for disqualification and slippage with regard to eligibility. Without access to more generous ODSP benefits and supports, people with episodic disabilities will be forced to rely on more costly health and social services, she adds. Meanwhile, advocates are gearing up for the inevitable legal appeals, says Dianne Wintermute, a staff lawyer with ARCH Disability Law Centre, a legal aid clinic that specializes in disability rights law. We dont know what the changes will be, she says. But anything that limits access for people with disabilities will move them into deeper poverty. As one survey respondent wrote: People will suffer, and theyll die. End of story. WASHINGTONFacing withering attacks accusing him of seeking foreign assistance for U.S. President Donald Trumps re-election campaign, Rudy Giuliani announced on Friday night that he had cancelled a trip to Kyiv in which he planned to push the incoming Ukrainian government to press ahead with investigations that he hoped would benefit Trump. Giuliani, Trumps personal lawyer, explained that he felt as if he was being set up, and he blamed Democrats for trying to spin the trip. They say I was meddling in the election ridiculous but thats their spin, he said. Giuliani said on Thursday that he hoped to meet in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, with the nations president-elect and urge him to pursue inquiries that could yield new information about two matters of intense interest to Trump. One is the origin of the special counsels investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 election. The other is the involvement of former Vice President Joe Bidens son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. The trip raised the spectre of a lawyer for Trump pressing a foreign government to pursue investigations that his allies hope could help him win re-election. And it comes after Trump has spent more than half of his term facing scrutiny about whether his 2016 campaign conspired with Ukraines hostile neighbour, Russia. Giuliani had planned to leave on Sunday. After The New York Times published a report about the trip Thursday, Democrats assailed Giuliani, accusing him of activity evoking that at the centre of the recently concluded special counsels investigation. Read more: Trump lawyer Giuliani threatens, then abandons, Ukraine trip Nothing wrong with help from Russians, Trump lawyer says Today, Giuliani admitted to seeking political help from a foreign power. Again, tweeted Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat and the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. He called the plan immoral, unethical, unpatriotic and, now, standard procedure. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, told reporters, We have come to a very sorry state when it is considered OK for an American politician, never mind an attorney for the president, to go and seek foreign intervention in American politics. On Friday night, Giuliani rejected that characterization, asserting in a brief interview, My only purpose was to make sure the investigation continued. The change of plans came as advisers were urging the incoming Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, a comedian and political newcomer, not to meet with Giuliani, according to a person familiar with the conversations. Giuliani had requested the meeting with Zelensky through intermediaries, but it had not been confirmed. Zelensky is set to take office June 3. The investigations had been opened by Ukrainian prosecutors during the term of the countrys current president, Petro Poroshenko. He lost his re-election bid last month to Zelensky, who has said that he would like to replace the countrys top prosecutor, who oversaw some of the matters. Giuliani and other Trump allies had been working behind the scenes with the prosecutor to gather information about the investigations. But Giuliani said the requested meeting with Zelensky was a recent addition to a previously planned trip to Kyiv to deliver a paid speech about Middle East policy to a Jewish group. On Friday, Giuliani said that group felt overlooked by all of the scrutiny on his efforts to try to advance Trumps interests in Ukraine. He said the group would reschedule his speech for the fall. Read more about: PARIS - French President Emmanuel Macron greeted three ex-hostages as they arrived on French soil Saturday, one day after a pre-dawn military operation freed them in Burkina Faso but cost the lives of two French special forces officers, as well as four terrorists. The two French citizens, tourists Patrick Picque et Laurent Lassimouillas, as well as an unidentified South Korean national, arrived on the tarmac at Villacoublay military airport. The French tourists failed to return from a visit last week to the Pendjari National Park wildlife reserve in Benin, and their guide was discovered dead. Officials said the hostages and their captors were in transit in Burkina Faso and the kidnappers intended to take them to Mali. Macron, who attended their arrival in France alongside Defence Minister Florence Parly, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Francois Lecointre, didnt make a statement and will address the hostages ordeal and the soldiers deaths publicly next week. A military ceremony for the commandos is planned. A fourth hostage, an American woman, was also successfully rescued. It was not immediately known when and where the American and the South Korean were kidnapped. Parly had called the rescue an operation of rare difficulty that grew more complex with the discovery of the American and South Korean hostages being held with the French citizens. Earlier Saturday, Burkina Faso President Roch Kabore received the French and South Korean citizens in the presidential palace in the capital, Ouagadougou. Kabore tweeted Saturday he wished them a safe return to their respective families. Macron has thanked authorities in Burkina Faso and Benin for their co-operation and promised them support in fighting terrorism. ST. PAUL, Minn. - The top Republican in the Minnesota Senate, who helped defeat a proposed ban on so-called gay conversion therapy for minors, sent his daughter to a therapist opposed to gay relationships after suspecting she had a same-sex attraction when she was a teenager, the Star Tribune reported Friday. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, a conservative Christian from Nisswa, led his caucus in voting down a Democratic proposal May 1 against the practice of trying to turn gay people straight. I cry over this issue, he told the newspaper , choking up during an interview. Genna Gazelka, 30, who uses the pronoun they and now identifies as bi-gender, recalled being sent to a therapist who decried same-sex relations. The therapist was Marcus Bachmann, the husband of former U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann, a fiery conservative Christian who ran for president in 2012 This is harassment and it is tantamount to what could be said of torture or sexual torture, Genna Gazelka said of conversion therapy. Genna Gazelka, who decided to go public because of the vote, also expressed hope that the ban will pass and, eventually, a family relationship that had become strained by their differences will be fully repaired. Paul Gazelka acknowledged sending his child to therapy, but said it was for healing, not for sexual identity conversion. Now he said hes working to find a compromise that would ban coercive therapy techniques on children while preserving the right of therapists and pastors to speak freely with their patients, particularly those who say they are struggling with an unwanted same-sex attraction. Some GOP senators threatened during the debate to vote down their own health and human services budget bill if the conversion ban was attached to it, while others still want to see the ban enacted this year. The majority leader has now turned to Sen. Scott Jensen to find a compromise that eluded them before. Jensen, a physician and Charka Republican, said his lesbian daughter helped change the views he learned growing up in a small, traditional town. But his patients are an even bigger influence on his thinking. He said hes seen teens and adults struggle with depression, sometimes deciding to end their own lives. Sen. Scott Dibble, an openly gay Minneapolis Democrat who authorized the amendment that was defeated, said he feels momentum. Something very powerful is happening, Dibble said. Hearts are being shifted and moved. Minds are being changed. ___ Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com TOPEKA, Kan. - A state report says that safety doors in a Sumatran tigers enclosure at a Kansas zoo were left unlocked before the animal attacked and injured a veteran zookeeper. The report released Friday by the Kansas Department of Labor agreed with the Topeka Zoos assessment that no equipment failure or other problem with the enclosure led to the April 20 attack. Zookeeper Kristyn Hayden-Ortega was hospitalized after suffering puncture wounds and lacerations to her head, neck and back. Hayden-Ortega had gone into the outdoor area of the tigers enclosure to clean it. The animal was supposed to be in an indoor area, behind two doors. The report says the doors had been locked in the open position. The report said the zoo is now requiring that two employees check the doors. SEATTLE - One person died and two others were injured in a Friday shooting in Seattle, authorities said. Seattle Police Detective Patrick Michaud told reporters that gunfire erupted in the Central District neighbourhood about 3 p.m. As police were responding to the shooting call, they got word that a vehicle had dropped off gunshot victims at a hospital. KOMO reports the hospital, Swedish Cherry Hill, said five people arrived in a vehicle, one dead and two with serious injuries. The two others fled the scene. The two injured victims, men ages 20 and 46, were taken to a different hospital and were both listed in satisfactory condition. Police were searching for suspects. Chang Sunwoo, the owner of Union Teriyaki and Market near the site of the shooting, told The Seattle Times that he was inside his shop when he said he heard what sounded like 15 to 20 gun shots. I thought it was a firecracker, so I checked outside, he told the Times. Craig Owenby said he was in his apartment when he heard a large volley of gunshots, maybe 20 to 30. He said he looked outside and saw a black car driving south with both doors open. I heard some guys yelling for help and thats when I called 911, he told the newspaper. BEIJINGThe Trump administrations abrupt Chinese tariff hike Friday raises strong doubts on whether the worlds two largest economies can reach a deal to quell their escalating trade war in the coming weeks. Senior U.S. and Chinese trade officials met over two days in Washington, but talks broke off Friday without signs that they were any closer to resolving their differences. President Donald Trump tweeted that the discussions were candid and constructive and that his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping remains a very strong one. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He told Chinese journalists before leaving Washington on Friday that the two sides would meet again in Beijing for another round of talks, but there was no word on when it would take place. Trump said Friday that he was in no hurry for a deal. There is absolutely no need to rush, he wrote in a Twitter message in which he praised the tariffs hes already slapped on Chinese goods and touted how much more he can impose. Even if the two sides can break through the stalemate and strike a deal on trade, the larger message of the week is that U.S.-China relations have changed fundamentally, and there is likely to be no going back. Although their business relations are deeply entwined, the White House and China view themselves as aggressive rivals jostling for global influence and geopolitical power. The trade war launched by Trump is just one manifestation of this. Military friction in the South China Sea, a string of espionage scandals, Chinas rising military strength and the Trump administrations battle against Chinese tech giant Huawei are all signs of an ominous chill in relations. Although a trade deal seemed at hand in recent weeks, Trump administration officials have accused China of reneging on agreements that had been made over months of negotiations. To pressure Beijing to return to its previous commitments, Washington ratcheted up tariffs on $200 billion (U.S.) in products from China from 10% to 25%. China announced immediately that it would retaliate. Some experts said last-minute revisions from China are typical of its negotiating strategy, as with Trumps mercurial bargaining style. If trade negotiators do not reach a deal in coming weeks, the U.S., Chinese and global economies will be hurt, say analysts, who assume both sides will find a way to end the impasse. My baseline scenario is that both leaders still need a deal for political reasons, so we are likely to get one in the next few weeks, but it wont be this week, said Arthur Kroeber of Gavekal Dragonomics, a financial research firm headquartered in Hong Kong. The maneuvering right now is mainly end-of-negotiation stuff. But both sides are playing brinkmanship pretty hard so there is material risk (say 20 to 25%) that we dont get a deal. But the prolonged trade war and Fridays tariff hike serves as ammunition for hawks on both sides, who see a more confrontational struggle for global dominance unfolding. In China, there is a growing belief that the U.S. motive in the talks is not to balance trade relations, but to undermine China, slow its rise and hamper its ability to best America in strategic high-tech fields. Tariffs already have prompted some U.S. firms in China to shift their supply chains elsewhere. China hawks in the Trump administration believe that applying heavy taxes on imports can be one way to decouple from China. U.S. legal charges against Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, and Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeos blunt efforts to dissuade European nations from using Huawei in 5G telecom networks by threatening not to share intelligence, have hardened suspicions in China, as have harsh criticisms and rhetoric from other senior officials in the Trump administration. None of the news of the past year or two has been very positive in terms of the geopolitical direction of this relationship. Its gone from tense to worse, and while the trade relationship seems to get a lot of the headlines, a lot more problematic, even dangerous elements are unfolding in other areas of the relationship particularly around security and military affairs, said Bates Gill, China expert and professor at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. A so-called resolution of the current trade war is not going to remove or resolve the fundamental structural problems in the economic relationship, he said. U.S. business has long favored engagement with China, arguing that external pressure from the United States and others has pushed China to open its economy. More recently, however, that assumption has been called into question by many in the West, giving Trump more political space to go after China on trade and other areas. Still, Jacob Parker, vice president of China Operations at the U.S.-China Business Council, warned that if the Trump administration confronts China too aggressively, it could backfire. He said that instead of persuading China to open up more to American companies and ending its insistence that they share their technology in return for market access, aggressive new tariffs could have the opposite effect. Parker also warned that Fridays tariff hike on $200 billion of Chinese imports and Trumps threats to slap tariffs on an additional $325 billion in Chinese goods in the near future has undermined economic reformers in the Chinese system and strengthened the voices of hard-liners. That hardens those voices domestically and reinforces the perspective that the U.S. is trying to contain China, he said. If we push the Chinese too far, I think theres a concern in the business community that we may go beyond what China can accept and that things could start to fall apart. If that happens, I think we can at the least expect that the Chinese economic reform process would come to an end. And in Washington, the lack of a deal would result in increased tensions between the national security wing of the U.S. administration, who will be happy with this result, and the business-tech community, who are anxious to expand their participation in China and will be pretty mad, said Kroeber, of the Hong Kong financial research firm. Stephen K. Bannon, former chief strategist to Trump, is among a group of hawks who formed the Committee on the Present Danger: China, an organization that sees its role as warning Americans and political and business leaders of the existential threats to America posed by China. Meanwhile, Hu Xijin, editor of the Communist Party-owned Global Times, has tweeted in English that China was fully prepared for an escalated trade war. He argued there is increased popular support in Beijing for a confrontational approach to the U.S. More and more Chinese now tend to believe the current U.S. government is obsessed with comprehensively containing China, he tweeted Thursday. A Global Times editorial Thursday said trade was only a sideshow in the confrontation between the U.S. and China and the real issue was the U.S. fear that China would catch up to it in high-tech fields. The real intention of the U.S. is to squeeze Chinas space in new technologies, the editorial said. Many analysts, including Australian professor Gill, share the view that relations are in long-term decline. Things will continue to slide downward into deeper competitive tensions, Gill predicted, including on the economic front because trade is not the problem. The deeper problem ... is the question of economic and technological competition. Ultimately at the bottom of all of this, the problem abides that the two countries dont trust each other and see each other as long-term strategic competitors. Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London, said regardless of who is president, the U.S. and China will become increasingly competitive in the next two decades. Chinese President Xi Jinping is not a forgiving man, so I think we can see that Xi Jinping will take a more robust stance against the U.S. if and when he feels that the Chinese government is able to do so successfully, Tsang said. As relations decline, both Washington and Beijing are likely to compete to draw countries into their orbit, he predicted. He said European countries and the U.K. would drift toward the U.S. because ultimately this is what we believe in more. You will have a whole bunch of other countries that will drift towards the Chinese because they remain fundamentally authoritarian states. Chinas global Belt and Road Initiative in which it projects its international power through soft loans for infrastructure would also draw some nations to China, he added. Underscoring frictions are U.S. fears that China may overtake it in a range of high-tech fields including space exploration, artificial intelligence, surveillance technology, driverless cars and even military hardware. Huaweis emergence as the global leader in 5G technology with no American rival was a shock to U.S. policymakers. Parker, of the U.S.-China Business Council, said that although the U.S. and China face a challenging security relationship, it is important to ensure that trade is not affected. I think theres definitely a competitive dynamic between the U.S. and China, and that will continue into the future. The twist is to ensure that the national security issues dont get entwined with the businesses side. The United States faces a possibility that in decades, China could overtake it as the worlds largest economy. Chinas economy is already ranked No. 1 in terms of purchasing parity power, a measure that adjusts GDP to account for price differences in countries. It would be a major milestone. It would send a lot of shock waves and shivers certainly in the United States and much of the rest of the world and I think would be seen as a major turning point, not unlike the United States overtaking the United Kingdom as the worlds largest economy back in the late 19th century, Gill said. It would certainly be the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. Read more about: HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Two and a half years after Arkansans voted to legalize medical marijuana, qualifying patients could begin buying the product Saturday morning when the states first dispensary opened, though the celebratory mood was dampened by confusion about operating hours and fears the dispensary wouldnt be able to serve all the patients by closing time. Doctors Orders RX in Hot Springs was the first dispensary to be officially licensed by the state and is currently the only one operating. It sold marijuana to a patient Friday to test its software and officially opened Saturday. Another Hot Springs dispensary, Green Springs Medical, was approved Friday and plans to open Monday morning. Department of Finance and Administration spokesman Scott Hardin said no other dispensaries are scheduled for inspection and approval, but he expects that to change over the next week. Voters approved a measure legalizing medical marijuana for certain conditions in 2016. The product currently available is from one of the states five licensed cultivators, the only one has harvested the plant. Two other cultivators have begun growing and expect to harvest by summer. Dr. Rhonda Henry-Tillman, who chairs the Medical Marijuana Commission, said in a statement Friday that the commission was pleased dispensaries were opening and is glad that patients will be able to access the appropriate cannabis product and possible relief they have patiently been awaiting. By 8 a.m., when patients expected Doctors Orders RX to open, around 100 people stood in a line that wrapped around the building and into an adjacent field. Despite the early hour and the rain, dozens turned out, from places like Jacksonville, Heber Springs, Saline County and northwest Arkansas. They brought folding chairs, umbrellas and ponchos, and used crossword puzzles, books and cellphones to pass the time. Some had been waiting since pre-dawn and had forgone restrooms. But as 8 a.m. came and went, dispensary employees explained to the crowd that last-minute reports were wrong and the dispensary wouldnt be opening until 10 a.m. They said they were getting ready as quickly as possible, and they distributed marijuana menus that listed potency, price, and descriptions, such as earthy pine flavour and fruity zesty aroma, for each of the five available strains. Each cost $105 for 7 grams. The mostly mellow crowd became frustrated after another employee explained that the state-required electronic system that tracks patients purchases would take time to set up for each buyer. He told those waiting that he would be thrilled to process six patients an hour, though the line had grown to about 150 people. As of Thursday, the Arkansas Health Department had approved medical marijuana cards for more than 11,700 residents. Doctors Orders RX owner Don Sears said in a statement Friday that processing schedules are unpredictable and out of our control, and warned patients to expect long lines and limited product. Eventually, employees allowed in, one at a time, patients who had been at the dispensary Friday and had been registered in the system. Those whod camped out since before sunrise expressed frustration. At about 9:20 a.m., people cheered as an employee let in Gerard Wimer, a 38-year-old construction worker from Jacksonville who takes hydrocodone for back pain and arthritis and who was first in line. After he saw on the Friday night news the dispensary was opening, he drove down with a tent to camp out, though he ended up sleeping in his truck. Behind him stood his retired mother, 67-year-old Gena Hunter, whose spot he saved. After around 10 minutes, Wimer left the facility carrying a paper bag that contained half an ounce of medical marijuana, which cost $220, he said. Hunter, who followed her son out, said the employees were courteous and helped her choose strains good for her neuropathy and arthritis. She got a quarter ounce each of Blue Dream and Cookies and Chem. I have no idea what that means, she said. Wimer said his experience was pretty easy, but that he would try Green Springs Medical next time, when he hopes prices come down. Still, he was glad he came. It means maybe I wont have to be taking pain pills, Wimer said. Im excited. Im very excited. MCALLEN, Texas - Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan visited a border city in Texas on Saturday and said he intends to accelerate planning to secure the border and bolster the administrations ability to accomplish that without the Pentagons continuous help. He also offered assurances to perhaps two dozen Border Patrol agents and other officials at the McAllen Border Patrol Station that the Pentagon would not withdraw its military support prematurely. Were not going to leave until the border is secure, he said, adding, This isnt about identifying a problem. Its about fixing a problem more quickly. Shanahan told Congress this past week that there are 4,364 military troops on the border, including active-duty and National Guard. They are erecting barriers, providing logistics and transportation service and other activities in support of Customs and Border Protection. The troops are prohibited from performing law enforcement duties. Troops have been deployed on the border since last October and are committed to being there through September. While flying to Texas, he dismissed any suggestion that active-duty forces will extend their mission for the long haul. It will not be indefinite, he told reporters travelling with him. Shanahan also said he has instructed a two-star Army general, Ricky Waddell, to develop a plan soon that will answer this question: How do we get more badges back to the border? a reference to ensuring Homeland Security Department is fully capable of securing the border, its core mission. Shortfalls in personnel and other resources have prompted DHS to periodically ask for the militarys help on the U.S.-Mexico border, without a plan for how to fix the underlying resource problems. What we want is for DHS to be effective and stand alone, Shanahan said, with the Pentagon always available to help in an emergency, as it has in the past. DHS on Friday submitted another request for Pentagon assistance, defence officials said Saturday. That request, which has not previously been disclosed, is for shelter for detained migrants, and would include tents to be set up but not secured by an undetermined number of military troops, according to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning. Shanahan announced on Friday that he was transferring $1.5 billion from numerous defence projects, including $604 million originally intended for use in support of Afghan security forces, to a Pentagon counterdrug fund that will help finance construction of barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border. That is in addition to $1 billion the Pentagon transferred for wall construction in March. Shanahan has supported the use of active-duty troops, in addition to the National Guard, to bolster CPB efforts to handle surging numbers of Central American migrants seeking to cross the border. But recently he has hinted at impatience with the lack of a long-term strategy for ensuring border security. In congressional testimony May 1, Shanahan said he and Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, have been considering the question of how long the military will be needed at the border and how best it can support that need. The question he and I are trying to answer, Shanahan said, is, how long will we be at the border. He added, We really need to get back to our primary missions and continue to generate readiness to undertake conventional military operations. On May 3, Shanahan told reporters that the border crisis had developed more quickly than anyone had anticipated, putting extra pressure on DHS. I dont think anybody thought it would be this bad, the situation would deteriorate like it has, and that distress would be as high on those front-line (DHS) employees, he said. Many Democrats have questioned the use of active-duty troops on the border. The longer the Southwest border mission continues, the line of demarcation starts to blur in terms of where were drawing a line saying this is not a military responsibility, this is law enforcement, immigration, internal security responsibility, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said at a recent hearing. As a prelude to the trip, the White House on Thursday announced that Trump intends to nominate Shanahan as defence secretary, ending months of speculation about Pentagon leadership. He has served in an interim capacity since Jan. 1, an unprecedented period of uncertainty at the helm of the Pentagon. Trump elevated him from deputy secretary to replace Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in December. The White House has never explained why it took Trump so long to decide to nominate Shanahan, a former Boeing Co. executive. Trump himself has said he likes to keep Cabinet members in an acting status because gives him more flexibility, although it also frustrates the Senates efforts to exercise its constitutional role of providing advice and consent. In March, the Defence Departments inspector general investigated accusations that Shanahan had shown favouritism toward Boeing during his time as deputy defence secretary, while disparaging Boeing competitors. The investigation appeared to stall his nomination, but the internal watchdog wrapped up the inquiry in April and cleared Shanahan of any wrongdoing. PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say five men were shot and wounded after being ambushed by three teenagers in north Philadelphia. Police said three males broke away from a group of 10 or 11 males walking down a street just before 5:30 p.m. Friday, and surveillance video shows three teenagers shortly afterward firing at the group. Police Commissioner Richard Ross said the teens estimated at no more than 15 years old were lying in wait waiting for those guys. A 25-year-old man shot in the back was in critical condition. The conditions of two 26-year-olds one shot in the head and the other hit four times werent immediately available. Two other men, aged 27 and 32, were in stable condition. No arrests were immediately announced. ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Brown bears emerging from winter dens have caused problems in two Alaska communities. The Anchorage Daily News reports state biologists shot and killed a brown bear in the foothills above Anchorage. Alaska Department of Fish and Game spokesman Ken Marsh says the animal tried to enter a chicken pen and showed no fear of people. The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports wildlife officials are trying to track down a bear that was shot and wounded Tuesday night after it broke a screen door at a home in the foothills of Pillar Mountain. Kodiak police earlier Tuesday fired nonlethal rounds to drive the bear away from the citys west side. A bear last month killed a residents dog. The owner says its the same bear but officials have not confirmed a connection. MCALLEN, Texas - The Latest on acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahans visit to the U.S.-Mexico border (all times local): 1:45 p.m. Acting Defence Secretary has offered assurances to perhaps two dozen Border Patrol agents and other officials at the McAllen Border Patrol Station in Texas that the Pentagon wont withdraw its military support prematurely. He says were not going to leave until the border is secure. Shanahan also says this isnt about identifying a problem. Its about fixing a problem more quickly. Shanahan told Congress this past week that there are 4,364 military troops on the border, including active-duty and National Guard. They are erecting barriers, providing logistics and transportation service and other activities in support of Customs and Border Protection. The troops are prohibited from performing law enforcement duties. Troops have been deployed on the border since last October and are committed to being there through September. ___ 10 a.m. Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan says he intends to accelerate planning to secure the U.S.-Mexican border and bolster the Homeland Security Departments ability to do its mission without continuous military help. Shanahan is arrived in McAllen, Texas, for a border visit. He plans to see firsthand how the militarys assistance is working and to talk to troops and others involved in border operations about the challenges they face. Shortfalls in personnel and other resources have led DHS to periodically ask for the militarys help on the border, without a plan for how to fix the underlying resource problems. Shanahan dismisses any suggestion that active-duty forces will continue that mission for the long haul. Theyve been deployed on the border since last October and are committed to being there through September. FAIRBANKS, Alaska - On the third floor of the Rasmuson Library, just past the periodicals, is Room 334, a little-known office with an important purpose. Brightly lit with a litany of cameras, computers, printers and scanners, the Digital Photographic Services and Alaska History Store work to connect Alaskans with the past. For 11 years, Marge Thompson has been a digital image specialist in the office at the University of Alaska Fairbanks: digitizing, archiving, reprinting and selling copies of documents ranging from pictures and negatives of early Fairbanks to maps, rare books, artworks, theses, scrapbooks and more. Thompson said the job is a terrific fit. Im interested in photography, have been for most of my life particularly black and white and I also love history. On a Monday afternoon, she was bouncing between printing promotional signs to be displayed in the library and digitizing scrapbooks from the estate of Constance Helmericks, which had been donated to the archives. But digitizing and archiving historical photographs is only half of Thompsons task. Access is the most important part. Making people aware and getting more people enthused about the history of Alaska and Fairbanks, she said. Thompson manages approximately 400 images for sale through the Alaska History Store (including a small physical presence in her office), while adding to the growing body of more than 35,000 items in Alaskas Digital Archives. As Thompson puts it, photos in the history store start around 1901 and taper off by the 1950s, the first 45 years or so of early Fairbanks history. Connecting Alaskans to the past recently hit home for Thompson, when a woman tracked down a photo of her grandparents on the digital archives and came to Digital Photographic Services for a reprint. I dont think her family actually had any photographs of them. She didnt have a hard copy photo, and now she does, Thompson said. Her work at the library began with recording newspapers on film. It was a statewide project, and I did all the papers on a prescribed list north of the Alaska Range, she recalled. And while her job filming newspapers only lasted a few years before taking over Digital Photographic Services, Thompson now serves on the advisory board for Alaskas Digital Newspaper Program. The grant-funded program is part of the Alaska State Library, which digitally preserves and provides free access to historical newspapers. Thompsons task is to advises on where to look for microfilms out there and how to choose the best quality. Equipment and technology have come a long way since Thompson first started filming newspapers. Her lab includes state of the art large-format cameras, recording software, and printers for every step of the process. Even something simple such as a document scanner is high-tech, saving images in PDF/A-1a, the most archival form of a PDF, which is required by the Library of Congress. Thompson described the high-tech equipment as definitely above and beyond what most people are ever exposed to. And even though keeping up-to-date can be quite a challenge, she wouldnt have it any other way. If I cant make the quality as good as it can possibly be, Im not interested in doing the job. ... We have to pay very close attention to what the industry is doing and make sure we keep our standards up to date, she said. An accomplished photographer in her own right, Thompson is a previous recipient of the Individual Artist Award from the Rasmuson Foundation. Nowadays, Thompson spends more time with photographs that belong to other people than her own, which offers exciting opportunities. She was lucky enough to work on a collection of world-renowned photographer Bradford Washburns glass plate collection of mountains and mountaineering. But her favourite image of all? Its a picture of a little boy whos playing in a basin of water or something like that. ... Hes just squatting down and just got the big happiest smile on his face. We called it Good Clean Fun. Want to see Good Clean Fun on the Alaska History Store website? The accession number is 89-166-405; as Thompson noted, with the lighthearted seriousness of someone who spends her days peering into history, Accession numbers are very important. ___ Information from: Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, http://www.newsminer.com SAN FRANCISCO - A fare war between Uber and Lyft has led to billions of dollars in losses for both ride-hailing companies as they fight for passengers and drivers. But in one way it has been good for investors who snatched up the newly public companies stock: The losses have scared off the competition, giving the leaders a duopoly in almost every American city. The two San Francisco companies have already lost a combined $13 billion. And with no clear road to profits ahead, no one else has much of an incentive to mount a challenge using the same model relying on people driving their own cars to pick up passengers that summon them on a smartphone app, said Susan Shaheen, co-director of the Transportation Sustainability Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley. Even if another rival dared enter the market, it would likely be difficult to raise enough money to pose a viable threat after Uber and Lyft spent the past decade pulling in billions of dollars from venture capitalists. And in the past six weeks, they raised an additional $10.4 billion in their recently completed initial public offerings of stock. Theres only a duopoly because both companies have enough capital to compete with each other and no one else does, said Gartner analyst Michael Ramsey. Its likely to remain that way until any of dozens of companies trying to create self-driving cars refines their technology so they can launch a network of robotic taxis that removes human drivers from the equation. That breakthrough could enable them to slash their fares below the prices currently being charged by Uber and Lyft. Google spin-off Waymo has made no secret of its intention to muscle its way into the ride-hailing market with a fleet of self-driving cars built on technology that it has been working on for the past decade. Waymo launched a ride-hailing service with robotic vans in the Phoenix area five months ago, but only 1,000 people are currently allowed to use it. Besides being on the leading edge of bringing robotic vehicles to market, Waymo also is backed by more money than Uber and Lyft have combined. Waymo is owned by Googles parent company, Alphabet Inc., which is sitting on $113 billion in cash. In its IPO document, Uber listed Waymo as a potential threat along with Tesla, General Motors Cruise Automation and Apple. Lyft also cited Waymo and Apple among the companies that could undercut its position as the second largest ride-hailing service. But most experts believe it will still be many more years before self-driving car technology reaches the point that it can support a large fleet of robotaxis. Until then, the U.S. duopoly is likely to continue, giving Uber and Lyft the luxury of focusing on growth rather than turning a profit, analysts said. That means ride-hailing fares in the U.S. are likely to remain below the actual cost of providing the service, a boon for consumers. These subsidies will continue as long as each company believes they will be gaining new customers by having a lower price, says Alejandro Ortiz, principal analyst at SharesPost. The story now is growth, but growth is expensive. Eventually, though, investor pressure will mount on the companies to make money, and doing that almost certainly will require higher prices for their rides. On the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Friday, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi hinted that it will be three to five years before the company pivots to a focus on profit. That timetable hasnt been well received on Wall Street so far. Lyfts stock has fallen 29% below its IPO price of six weeks ago, and Uber flopped in its stock market debut Friday as its shares slipped by almost 8% per cent. Markets with only one or two dominant players often create situations for companies to abuse their power or attempt to stifle competition. Regulators and legislators around the world argue thats already happened in many corners of technology, with Facebook having a seemingly impenetrable stronghold in social networking, Google dominating search and Amazon controlling a wide swath of online shopping. That has stirred calls to break up some of the companies, especially Facebook, whose own co-founder, Chris Hughes, recently argued his former company has become too powerful for societys good. For now, Uber and Lyft have been drawing upon all the money that they have raised from investors to keep prices relatively low, creating a barrier for smaller-scale competitors without the capital to sustain massive losses. Take Austin, Texas, for instance. In 2016, Uber and Lyft pulled out of the city after voters approved regulations on ride-hailing companies, including fingerprint background checks for drivers. Four competitors stepped in to give rides in tech-savvy Austin, including two local companies. But the following year, Texas legislators passed a looser state law that superseded Austins, and Uber and Lyft came back. Shortly after their return, three of the competitors, Boston-based Fasten, locally owned GetMe and Phoenix-based Fare stopped operations, and the remaining one, non-profit RideAustin, lost thousands of its riders. It was a matter of a couple months and those three companies were gone, said Chris Simek, an associate research scientist with the Texas A&M University Transportation Institute, who co-authored a study of Uber and Lyfts impact on ride-hailing in Austin. Uber hasnt been as successful thwarting competition outside the U.S. It has waved a white flag during the past three years in Russia , China and parts of Southeast Asia by selling its services in those parts of the world to stronger rivals. Lyft hasnt expanded outside North America yet, so it faces few other competitors besides Uber in the U.S. Via has managed to carve out a niche by running a pooled ride system in New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, and it contracts to provide transit in about 70 cities worldwide. It competes most directly in New York, where Uber and Lyft also offer pooled services that transport multiple riders. Via specializes in carrying up to six passengers at a time, largely in vans, and is growing because it can do a more efficient job carrying more people, said spokeswoman Gabrielle McCaig. Still, the company is losing money as it invests in growing the business, she said. And so it remains, at least for now, that Uber and Lyft will occupy the ride-hailing industrys drivers seat. It is hard to see a third or fourth player coming in at this point, said D.A. Davidson analyst Tom White. I think we are looking at a duopoly in North America. __ Krisher reported from Detroit. Its hard to interest people in a lament for our lost legislature everyone assumes readers dont care enough to click, let alone vote. If a tree falls in a forest and no one hears, did it happen? If a legislature fades in a democracy and no one notices, does it matter? Judge for yourself, based on this day in the life of our legislature: It begins with the morning question period. In fairness, it is not called answer period, but the premier of the day is expected to make a pretence of debate perhaps resorting to self-deprecating humour or self-righteous anger to diss the questioner, dismiss the question, diminish the opposition, buttress his own government, but at least address the topic (or in rare instances, reply to a serious question with a serious answer). Not today. The Official Opposition NDP asks about budget cuts, but Premier Doug Ford has a better idea. Not only will he not answer their questions, but he will ignore the topics entirely, instead reading from a list literally of unrelated government announcements. Read more: Opinion | Heather Mallick: MPP Sam Oosterhoff just needs a friend Editorial | Doug Fords trained seals embarrass themselves Beer Store union launches ad blitz attacking Doug Ford for threatening jobs When the NDP asks about the future of ambulance services, the premier replies by boasting about his buck-a-beer strategy, bemoans illegal border-crossers, and decries the job-killing carbon tax. On cue, his majority Tories jump to their feet with standing ovations. The loyal opposition shall be forever stonewalled. But whenever more faithful Progressive Conservative backbenchers ask their prepared questions, Fords cabinet replies with exquisitely and obsequiously scripted answers. Ontarios so-called First Government For the People has turned parliamentary democracy upside down: It shall be answerable only to its own members, but unaccountable to elected MPPs from opposition parties who captured more than 58 per cent of the vote. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner rises with a question about the dreaded Ontario Municipal Board unanimously voted out of existence in the last legislature with the support of the Progressive Conservatives, but now revived by them. Finance Minister Vic Fedeli declines to explain the about-face, instead trumpeting cancellation of a scheduled hike in the minimum wage to $15 not so much a non-answer as a non sequitur. While the politicians talk past each other inside the chamber, anti-abortion protestors are outside on the front lawn. Progressive Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff slips out to address the crowd, vowing to make a womans right to abortion unthinkable in our lifetime. Oosterhoff clearly feels strongly about the right to protest when the topic is abortion. But when a group of seniors walked into his Niagara constituency office for an unannounced book reading, days before, in protest against budget cuts to libraries and book clubs, his staff called police and the MPP backed them up. (Beware seniors-cum-bookworms who stage sit-ins, let alone read-ins.) His words of protest concluded, Oosterhoff retakes his seat inside. NDP health critic France Gelinas, one of the most dignified MPPs in the legislature, asks Ford to clarify his governments abortion policy in light of Oosterhoffs public pledge. This time, the premier ducks, delegating the question to Energy Minister Greg Rickford, a defeated Harper minister who is the legislatures most unctuous bloviator, in love with his own voice and enraptured by his own body language. Rickford chops the air with his hands as he speaks not of abortion but protecting seniors ... no matter where they live in this great, beautiful province. Ah yes, seniors. Asked about siccing the cops on seniors, Ford dodges an apology with his own off-topic reply: On Aug. 2, we challenged the federal carbon tax in court ... On Aug. 7 one of their favourites we issued a buck-a-beer challenge, and people took us on up on the buck-a-beer challenge ... On Aug. 13, we announced the cannabis retail model. And so on, all through question period. Talking out the clock until its time to talk to waiting journalists outside the chamber. Except for Oosterhoff who, fresh from speaking outside the legislature, has lost his tongue inside the precincts. The cameras follow him trying to escape into an elevator, until, embarrassed by the spectacle, he comes out again. Summoning his inner Dr. Seuss, Oosterhoff offers these words of wisdom: A persons a person, no matter how small. Meanwhile, the premier has called his fellow Tories to an unscheduled meeting after question period, with his caucus whip standing by the door to ensure attendance. It has been a stellar stonewalling effort on all fronts, worthy of celebration. The session lasts barely five minutes, time enough for Ford to preside over what he calls a rah-rah session congratulating his MPPs on their collective discipline. Barely an hour later, the premiers office belatedly recognizes their glee may have been premature. What the premier viewed as superb message discipline now looks messy. An emailed statement is sent to reporters clarifying what Ford was thinking when he thought not to speak in the legislature, instead deploying Rickfords passive-aggressive rhetoric. The government will not re-open the abortion debate, the statement reads, while leaving unsaid why the premier didnt simply say so when asked. Such are the perils of not answering questions in question period. A day in the life of the legislature. And a depressing day for democracy. Read more about: Pakistan Army Headquarters 4 Core Lahore Cantt Jobs 2019 Latest Pakistan Army Army jobs Posts Lahore 2021 Pakistan Army requires the services of technical and strong persons for the posts of Artillery Store Man, Compliant Operator, Electrician, Plumber, Pipe Fitter, Painter, Mason, Carpenter, Sanitary Worker, Painter, Labor, Carpenter in Lahore Cantt. How to Apply on Pakistan Army Job Advertisement Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online. Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If an employer asks to pay money for any purpose, do not pay at all and report us at contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs may not be applied online here. Human typing error is possible. Error & omissions excepted. VANCOUVERBritish Columbias former deputy premier and BC Liberal leader Rich Coleman is facing criticism once more after speaking at an anti-abortion protest Thursday at which one of his fellow speakers compared the procedure to the Holocaust. His BC Liberal party, which he led before Andrew Wilkinson took over, said it remains pro-choice even as Coleman insisted later he did not refer to abortion when he said to do things with the right to life at the beginning of life is totally, totally wrong. Just last week, the Langley East MLA landed in hot water for comparing NDP farm reforms to Nazis treatment of Jews, for which he later apologized. But he claimed on Twitter that endorsing the National March for Life event was not abortion-related. I did not refer to abortion, Coleman said on Twitter. I do not judge. Im entitled, as any person, is to my faith. We have to value life at all ages, from birth to its natural end, Coleman told a Victoria crowd gathered as part of annual cross-Canada rallies, including a large one at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The fact that somebody wants to do things with the right to life at the end of life, or the right to life at the beginning of life, is totally, totally wrong for me. Coleman was joined on the legislature steps by Throness, the BC Liberals appointed critic for children and families, who told the anti-abortion crowd dont back down and dont apologize. Throness was parliamentary secretary for public safety until 2017; Coleman served as B.C.s public safety minister in the early 2000s. Requests for comment from Coleman and Throness were not successful, but a party spokesperson told the Star Vancouver they attended the rally on their own time. Wilkinson, the BC Liberals leader, tweeted that while we are a big-tent party that includes many views and faiths, our position as a party has not changed in that we support a womans right to choose. That explanation didnt cut if for Joyce Arthur, executive director for the Vancouver-based Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada. She said its meaningless to say the MLAs speeches were on their on time since they are on taxpayer salaries and have official roles in the government Opposition. Theyre public figures, people see them speaking and assume theyre there in an official capacity, Arthur argued. You cant say everyone in our party can have diverse views, because theyre talking about subordinating women to their fetuses by law which would cost women their lives. Making abortion illegal, as these rallies want to do, means enforced birth Its completely inappropriate for an elected representative to publicly oppose the Charter rights of women. She suggested the BC Liberals look to federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau for an example of taking a harder line when it comes to balancing individual views with the parties public commitments and publicly distancing themselves from them. Its OK if you want to be a so-called pro-life politician, but you cant act on that in your capacity in the government, Arthur said. The annual cross-country protests denounced the lack of abortion laws in the country ever since the Supreme Court of Canada struck down a law forcing women to get permission from a hospital medical committee, at the time made up mostly of male doctors, if they wanted to end their pregnancies. Those committees could only permit an abortion if continuing the pregnancy would endanger the life or health of the woman, the court said at the time, and anyone who did not comply faced potential criminal liability of both the applicant and the physician who performs the operation. The judges concluded the previous reproductive laws led to the deprivation of a pregnant womans right to security of the person. New Democrat MLA Shane Simpson blasted Coleman and Throness on Twitter, saying they have a right to their faith but not the right to impose that faith on a womans reproductive rights including choice. That is what they are calling for. Last week, Coleman was criticized for comparing to the Holocaust an NDP government bill changing the way landowners can ask to remove farmland preservation status from their properties the comment made in the Legislature on Yom Hashoah, international Holocaust Remembrance Day. (He subsequently apologized on Twitter, and his party distanced itself from his remarks as unacceptable, though without naming who had made them.) B.C. law protects citizens right to speak their views on issues such as reproductive health, with the exception of within a 50-metre bubble zone near a health clinic providing abortion services. Students for Life spokesperson Autumn Lindsay was one of Coleman and Throness fellow speakers on the stage Friday. She compared abortions to the Holocaust. During the time of the Holocaust, people were sent off to the concentration camps Today we face a similar problem, she told the crowd, who applauded. People are being devalued and they are being killed because of it We have abortion facilities behind our homes, our grocery stores and our schools. We have to take action and do something; we have to disrupt the cycle. Neither Coleman nor Throness commented on the comparison at the time, nor condemned it since.n. Update, May 11, 2019: This article has been amended from an earlier version. Read more: Sickening to the bone to hear B.C. farm law compared to Holocaust, Jewish farmer says March for Life brings tense topic of abortion rights to steps of Legislature Alberta anti-choice advocates secretly supporting UCP candidates to influence legislation Read more about: You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close MARINE Walking out to the various stations at the Madison County Sheriffs Departments shooting range off of Fruit Road was a big improvement over last year for Deputy Ben Patterson. On Thursday Patterson was qualifying with his various weapons handgun, rifle and shotgun. Because of recently-completed concrete work, it was a much more pleasant experience. I definitely like the concrete walkway, he said. Improvements to the range, part of the former Nike Missile base owned by the county, had been talked about for some time. In the fall approximately $22,000 in concrete work was completed, and much more is planned. The next step is raising the berms which provide a safe shooting space and keep bullets from heading out into the farm fields around the range. In February the board approved the purchase of $45,553 in materials from Hesco Bastion Inc. of Alexandria, Virginia for both the berms and materials to build a shoot house for more realistic tactical training. Range master Lt. Lawrence Warren, who oversees all the departments firearms training, said the Highway Department has been surveying the berms in anticipation of work being done this summer. We have been doing quite a few improvements, he said. The containers will be filled with sand, and topped with small aggregate. Theyre very durable and robust, he said. The Army uses them all the time and they get hit with RPGs (anti-tank missiles). In addition to increasing safety, using the containers will also allow the department to keep the ranges footprint small. One concern is potential downrange development, which he said is only a matter of time. Our biggest priority is always safety, he said. Were very, very tough on safety. They also plan to use the containers to build a shoot house for realistic tactical training. They currently use pallets and other materials. It works really well, he said. Its kind of rudimentary but it serves its purpose. Plans also call for a 40x40-foot building containing a classroom, restrooms and lockers, and a room for cleaning weapons. They currently use a trailer. Weve been working out of a trailer for quite a while, he said. They will also place a shipping container on the grounds to use as storage. It will look much more organized and secure, he said. Its been a work in progress. Sheriff (John) Lakin has taken a more aggressive approach than the last administration. Deputies qualify twice a year, while retired deputies who still carry must qualify yearly. Typically in the spring its a standardized qualification that the state training board requires, Warren said. However, they add a few things. Its a little more difficult, he said. The times are less and they have to do more critical thinking. In the fall the qualification includes more realistic training. Last year they practiced shooting through the windshields while seated in vehicles. With todays times and the way things are, you have to train more realistically, he said. The days of shooting paper targets are over. Patterson said qualifying is fun but also important. You have to know your firearm, know how to use it and make sure you can hit the target, he said. In addition to qualifications, he tries to practice at least once a month. Definitely more in the summertime when the weather is nice, he said. Its actually safer to shoot in an urban environment than your pistol, he said. Youll find most officers are more accurate with this weapon than they are with the handgun. He also said it is preferred for some types of shooting engagements, using school shooters as an example. Your hallways are 50-60 yards long, he said. If someone comes in there as an active shooter, for someone with a rifle thats not an issue. Over the years there have been dramatic changes in law enforcement weapons and tactics. Years ago a police officer was normally armed with a .38 caliber revolver, and might have a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun in the squad car. Most police departments switched from .38 or .357 revolvers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, in part a response to increasingly better-armed drug dealers. The Sheriffs Department was one of the later agencies to switch, going from .357 magnum revolvers to semi-automatics in the late 1990s. While SWAT teams had been using rifles for some time, the big shift towards arming patrol officers with rifles primarily the AR-15 - came after the highly-publicized robbery of the Bank of America in North Hollywood, California, in 1997. Two men armed with automatic weapons and wearing body armor shot 19 people before being killed. At one point police actually had to break into a gun store and arm themselves with rifles. The 1999 shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado that left 13 dead led to a major change in tactics for what became known as active shooter situations, with an emphasis on aggressively going after the shooter to limit casualties, rather than securing the perimeter to negotiate or bring in a tactical team. Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447. Fire destroys empty trailer A Franklin mobile home was razed Thursday by fire. Firefighters were called to 2942 Illinois Route 104 about midnight Thursday. Fire Chief Gerald Wilson said the fire department was called back a few hours later to put out a fire that had reignited. There were no injuries and the trailer was uninhabited with no power, gas or water hookups, Wilson said. The fire is under investigation by the state fire marshal. Morgan County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Joshua D. Nimrick, 40, of 650 S. Diamond St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 2:15 p.m. Friday on a charge of driving without a license or permit and a warrants accusing him of failing to appear in court on a retail theft charge. Jacksonville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Devin Vannuys-Clark, 18, of 800 Hoagland Blvd. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 11:58 p.m. Thursday on a domestic battery charge. James M. Jackson, 52, of 7 Newland Lane was booked into the Morgan County jail at 4:33 p.m. Friday on a battery charge. Cass County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Christian D. Walker, 19, of Macomb was booked into the Morgan County jail at 2:02 a.m. Friday on charges of driving while license is suspended, improper passing of an emergency vehicle and improper lighting. Compiled by Rosalind Essig and Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree Gov. J.B. Pritzker toured flooding along the Illinois River Friday, making a stop to survey the situation on the ground in Meredosia. The governor issued a disaster proclamation a week ago for the 34 counties impacted by flooding. He said during a press conference on Meredosias North Levee that the Illinois Emergency Management Agency has delivered on every request thats been made. Thats almost a third of the state of Illinois, Pritzker said. Its been extraordinarily important to me that the state emergency management agency is there for every single county emergency management organization and leader. Friday marked Pritzkers first visit to river areas in central Illinois currently experiencing flooding, but with flooding in the state an ongoing problem in recent months it wasnt his first visit to towns beset by high water. What I saw from the air is significant damage to a number of areas around here, Pritzker said. This is of course just one of many cities (and) villages that have been affected. The governors disaster proclamation included Brown, Cass, Greene, Jersey, Morgan, Pike, Schuyler and Scott counties. The disaster proclamation allowed the state to provide resources in all of the counties experiencing flooding, Pritzker said, including 1.5 million sand bags and assistance from Department of Corrections inmates. Last week, President Donald Trump tweeted the federal governments support for Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, which have all been hit hard by flooding on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Pritzker said Friday that state and local emergency management agencies are in pretty good shape, working to keep people safe and to secure infrastructure. He intends to seek federal assistance and help mitigating the expense of recovery, which is expected to take months. Its my job, no matter what party the president is from its my job to work with the federal government to do whats necessary for the families across Illinois who are in harms way, Pritzker said. Pritzker flew from Grafton to Meredosia to view the Illinois River from the air. After landing in Meredosia, local officials showed him the ground-level impact of the flooding. Morgan County Emergency Management Director Phil McCarty said several governors have visited during flood disasters in the past. I just think its always important that the leadership sees the battles the locals are doing and thats an important part of the process, McCarty said. Flood fighting efforts have been underway since late last week in Cass, Morgan and Scott counties, where the Illinois River neared record high-water levels. McCarty said the river didnt hit the record in the area and he hopes it stays that way. There are a lot of records you like to get to, but thats not one of them, he said. Friday morning, the river had crested at 27.9 feet in Meredosia, according to the National Weather Service. In Beardstown, the river had also reached its crest at 28.8 feet, but was forecast to have a prolonged crest lasting through the weekend. One area, known as the Upper Smith Lake Levee, failed where officials expected. McCarty said several hundred acres of farm land are under water, but few homes are in the area, and the water flowing in has slowed. The levee is privately owned and maintained, McCarty said. Residents in flood plains need to consider flood insurance and relocating as flood events become more frequent, Pritzker said. But he said the state would work to get federal assistance for those impacted. Were certainly going to work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency when the time comes to help people whove had their property significantly damaged, he said. Pritzker said the state owes first responders, road crew and engineers on the front lines of battling flood waters a debt of gratitude. He added that residents should heed officials instructions and warnings because they know what theyre talking about. Because bad things can happen, even though it seems like its slow moving, Pritzker said. We want to make sure everybodys safe; we want to make sure everybodys secure. MARINE Walking out to the various stations at the Madison County Sheriffs Departments shooting range off of Fruit Road was a big improvement over last year for Deputy Ben Patterson. On Thursday Patterson was qualifying with his various weapons handgun, rifle, and shotgun and because of recently-completed concrete work, it was a much more pleasant experience. I definitely like the concrete walkway, he said. Improvements to the range, part of the former Nike Missile base owned by the county, had been talked about for some time. In the fall approximately $22,000 in concrete work was completed, and much more is planned. The next step is raising the berms which provide a safe shooting space and keep bullets from heading out into the farm fields around the range. In February the board approved the purchase of $45,553 in materials from Hesco Bastion Inc. of Alexandria, Virginia for both the berms and materials to build a shoot house for more realistic tactical training. Range master Lt. Lawrence Warren, who oversees all the departments firearms training, said the Highway Department has been surveying the berms in anticipation of work being done this summer. We have been doing quite a few improvements, he said. The containers will be filled with sand and topped with small aggregate. Theyre very durable and robust, he said. The Army uses them all the time and they get hit with RPGs (anti-tank missiles). In addition to increasing safety, using the containers will also allow the department to keep the ranges footprint small. One concern is potential downrange development, which he said is only a matter of time. Our biggest priority is always safety, he said. Were very, very tough on safety. They also plan to use the containers to build a shoot house for realistic tactical training. They currently use pallets and other materials. It works really well, he said. Its kind of rudimentary but it serves its purpose. Plans also call for a 40x40 building containing a classroom, restrooms and lockers, and a room for cleaning weapons. They currently use a trailer. Weve been working out of a trailer for quite a while, he said. They will also place a shipping container on the grounds to use as storage. It will look much more organized and secure, he said. Its been a work in progress. Sheriff (John) Lakin has taken a more aggressive approach than the last administration. Deputies qualify twice a year, while retired deputies who still carry must qualify yearly. Typically in the spring, its a standardized qualification that the state training board requires, Warren said. However, they add a few things. Its a little more difficult, he said. The times are less and they have to do more critical thinking. In the fall the qualification includes more realistic training. Last year they practiced shooting through the windshields while seated in vehicles. With todays times and the way things are, you have to train more realistically, he said. The days of shooting paper targets are over. Patterson said qualifying is fun but also important. You have to know your firearm, know how to use it and make sure you can hit the target, he said. In addition to qualifications, he tries to practice at least once a month. Definitely more in the summertime when the weather is nice, he said. Its actually safer to shoot in an urban environment than your pistol, he said. Youll find most officers are more accurate with this weapon than they are with the handgun. He also said it is preferred for some types of shooting engagements, using school shooters as an example. Your hallways are 50-60 yards long, he said. If someone comes in there as an active shooter, for someone with a rifle thats not an issue. Over the years there have been dramatic changes in law enforcement weapons and tactics. Years ago a police officer was normally armed with a .38 caliber revolver and might have a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun in the squad car. Most police departments switched from .38 or .357 revolvers in the late 1980s and early 1990s, partly in response to increasingly better-armed drug dealers. The Sheriffs Department was one of the later agencies to switch, going from .357 magnum revolvers to semi-automatics in the late 1990s. While SWAT teams had been using rifles for some time, the big shift towards arming patrol officers with rifles primarily the AR-15 came after the highly-publicized robbery of the Bank of America in North Hollywood, California, in 1997. Two men armed with automatic weapons and wearing body armor shot 19 people before being killed. At one point police actually had to break into a gun store and arm themselves with rifles. The 1999 shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado that left 13 dead led to a major change in tactics for what became known as active shooter situations, with an emphasis on aggressively going after the shooter to limit casualties, rather than securing the perimeter to negotiate or bring in a tactical team. Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-208-6447. This is the third time that the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the American Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (AmCham) and the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC) have co-organised the event. The summit focused on discussing a number of key issues on promoting the development of the digital economy, addressing the needs of energy development, promoting the creative economy, global commercial dynamics and competitiveness. It is expected that a "White Book" will be published which will include proposals and recommendations aimed at strengthening trade and investment between the US and Vietnam. Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung highly praised and sincerely thanked the businesses from both sides for their positive contribution to the development of Vietnam-US relations in the past 25 years. He stressed that Vietnam's persistent policy is to regard the US as a key partner, wishing to further promote relations with the country, in which economic, trade and investment cooperation continues to be the foundation and driving force of bilateral relations. The US has continuously been one of Vietnam's leading trade partners with the two-way trade turnover increasing over 130 times since 1994 (from US$450 million in 1994 up to nearly VND60 billion in 2018). There are 130 countries and territories investing in Vietnam with a total registered capital of over US$340 billion, of which the US has 900 valid projects with total capital reaching US$9 billion. Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung meets with US investors before the opening session of the summit. (Photo: VGP) Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung affirmed that the Vietnamese Government has pledged to create favourable conditions for US businesses to invest and operate effectively and successfully in Vietnam, especially in areas that are the USs strengths and Vietnam is looking forward to develop, including renewable, clean and sustainable energy, infrastructure, finance and banking, education and training, tourism, high technology and hi-tech agriculture. AmCham Chair in Hanoi, Natasha Ansell, said that US companies have invested billions of dollars in Vietnam, helping to integrate the country into global supply chains, as well as creating jobs for local workers and opening new markets for US goods and services. US companies are interested in Vietnam's continued success and AmCham will continue to support the Vietnamese Government's efforts to develop the private sector, she said. According to Dr. Vu Tien Loc, Chairman of VCCI, the annual summit is an opportunity for both sides to look back on the cooperation in the past and map out strategic plans in the new phase. Currently, Vietnam is the 16th largest trade partner of the US, however, it is expected that it will soon be among the top 10 trade partners of the US in the near future, Loc stated. US Ambassador in Vietnam, Daniel Kritenbrink, affirmed that US businesses appreciate the efforts in improving the business investment environment by Vietnam, aiming to create favourable conditions for businesses and foreign investors in general and US businesses in particular. MARGARET WEEDEN, Chariho, Girls Track, Senior; Weeden won two events for the Chargers in the first meet of the season. Weeden was first in the high jump (5-0) and the long jump 15-1. ANNE DRAGO, Stonington, Girls Basketball, Senior; Drago scored 39 points in three games as Stonington started the season 1-2. Drago had 16 in a loss to Fitch, 12 in a win against Griswold and 11 in a defeat to Ledyard. SYDNEY HAIK, Westerly, Girls Basketball, Sophomore; Haik scored 14 points as the Bulldogs opened the season with a victory over Cumberland. Haik had three 3-pointers, five assists and five steals. ZANE BREWER, Wheeler, Boys Basketball, Freshman; Brewer scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the Lions season-opening win over Grasso Tech. Brewer followed that with 18 points and five rebounds in a loss to Hale-Ray. Vote View Results The hotly anticipated 63billion float of taxi firm Uber got off to a wobbly start in New York on Friday, but who knows whether this will become the turning point for tech firm valuations, or just another step on the way upwards. What we do know is that there is a wall of money chasing everything high-tech. You can see why. If investors have made billions backing start-ups, then they will be happy to lob some of those gains back into any half-credible proposition even if it has never made a profit. The hotly anticipated 63billion float of taxi firm Uber got off to a wobbly start on Friday But this wall of money is damaging. It distorts company objectives, encouraging them to pursue growth at all costs. It distorts investment returns, boosting those of huge players who are well-connected enough to get in early, and cutting those of ordinary private investors. And it distorts the markets that are being disrupted by the high-tech firms. Uber is content to lose money, but traditional taxi operators cannot do that. SoftBank, the Japanese conglomerate which has been the biggest investor in Uber, is backing 3billion British fintech unicorn Greensill, as we report here. That deserves a welcome. It distorts firms objectives, investor returns... and even the markets But be aware that SoftBank has been much criticised for dumping billions into high-tech companies. Its $100billion Vision Fund has produced stellar results and last Thursday its chairman, Masayoshi Son, revealed it was planning Vision Fund II. But he warned that the returns from the first Vision Fund were too high. Hes right. They are. If you feel uneasy about this whole phenomenon, join the club. Trade wars Trade wars damage both sides, but Donald Trumps calculation is that if it comes to a real punch-up between the US and China, the US will come out on top. The financial markets have been twitchy, with US shares down five days in a row and the FTSE 100 down nearly 200 points this week. Markets move together, so the outcome of the dispute will matter to investors this side of the Atlantic too. Trade wars: The UK must act as the honest outsider by playing it straight with both the US our greatest trading ally as well as the increasingly powerful China, says McRae While well all have to wait and see how the latest talks between the two countries turn out, note that the Presidents approval rating at an average of 45 per cent in recent polls is the highest it has been since he was inaugurated. Being tough on China plays well with the American public for three reasons. First, there is an imbalance in the relationship. Last year, the US imported $539billion of goods from China. In return China imported just $120billion of goods from the US. Trump believes his aggression will rectify this by boosting America Inc. Second, China has used barriers to keep out US companies, notably the social media giants, while building up its own competitors. So while the top four social networks Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and Messenger are American, five out of the next six (WeChat, QQ, QZone, etc) are Chinese. No other country has a social network in the top ten. And third, China has not only used protectionist barriers behind which it has built up its own competitors. It has also sought to project its companies on to the world stage. In some cases that has been benign and welcome. Look at how Geely, the Chinese motor manufacturer, has rescued the London Taxi Company. But it would be naive not to worry about the implications for national security from Huaweis equipment in our telecom networks, as Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, warns on page 95. As a result, US business opinion has flipped. It used to see China as the great emerging market for its goods. Now it sees it as the great challenge to US global standing. It is easy to see why. Go back to 2005 and China was still a smaller economy than the UK. Now it is second only to the US and according to projections by HSBC, it will probably pass it in the late 2020s. The US, for the first time since the late 19th Century, will no longer be the worlds largest economy. The point is that while the UK is not directly in the firing line, we could be caught in the crossfire. We must act as the honest outsider by playing it straight with both the US our greatest trading ally as well as the increasingly powerful China. How can you profit from investing in loss-makers? It sounds bonkers, but can actually be highly lucrative. Just ask investors in Amazon, Twitter or Ocado. Taxi hailing app Uber was the latest loss-making firm to motor on to the New York Stock Exchange yesterday, completing one of the most highly anticipated US floats in recent years. While its shares stalled from the $45 offer price, falling 1.2 per cent or $0.75 to $44.25 a few hours into trading, this still gave it a market value of about 62billion, putting it squarely among America's listed giants. But despite the enormous price tag, Uber has never made a profit. Why would anyone plough money into a company that has never been out of the red? 'When you look back to how some of Uber's peers began, it wasn't immediately obvious how they would deliver profitability,' says John Moore, senior investment manager at Brewin Dolphin. 'Yet the likes of Amazon and Twitter have found a way to do it, the latter getting there in the end after a particularly tough start.' Rewards have been stellar for investors who took a punt on those loss-making companies. An investment in Amazon as it floated in 1997 when it made a loss of 23.8million would have seen a return of more than 10,000 per cent today. In the first quarter of this year alone, it made 2.8billion as much profit as in its first 14 years on the stock market combined. Perhaps it is these successes which have fuelled investors' appetite for loss-making companies. In recent months alone, Uber-rival Lyft, mood-board app Pinterest and vegan specialist Beyond Meat have all drawn in money despite having never ended a year in the black. It might seem crazy, but making a loss isn't always a bad thing. Neil Goddin, manager of the Kames Global Equity fund, explains that profit may not necessarily be the right way to measure a company's potential, especially if it is losing money because it is rapidly scaling up or developing. 'Arguably this type of company is using the stock market in the exact way it was meant to be used as a source of cash to help build businesses,' he says. 'The real question is whether we believe loss-making firms will be successful in building a lead that will keep competitors at bay longer than other investors believe possible, like Netflix has.' Disruptive firms such as Uber, which are shaking up an industry, may have to put in a lot of money to reach a size where they can make an impact. Adrian Lowcock, head of personal investing at Willis Owen, says: 'The types of companies which are listing at the moment need investors who can see their future potential and the profits that come from that, rather than focusing on the costs they are incurring as they build up the business.' Although savers might be keen to get their money into the next big tech firm as soon as possible, it may be worth waiting a short time after the initial listing. Lowcock says: 'Share prices can be volatile following the launch as investors get excited by the chance to invest in a company for the first time, but this usually settles down after a while.' He also advises savers to look at factors such as how fast the company is burning through cash, when it expects to become profitable and what threats it may face from rivals or regulation. Most of these high-growth, high-promise companies are listed on US stock exchanges, although there are some in Britain, such as Ocado. Investors wanting to muscle in on the action can buy US shares directly through a platform such as Hargreaves Lansdown, though this often comes with extra fees. Popular Shares - British Land British Land is one of the UK's biggest commercial property landlords, with a portfolio of about 13billion worth of shopping centres and office blocks. The sector has been through the mill lately, with Brexit undermining confidence and the High Street being ravaged by the rise of digital shopping. British Land does have exposure to some struggling retail tenants, such as Debenhams and M&S, but it's also got more stable renters Tesco, Facebook and the Government. What's more, British Land has targeted investment at higher-end, destination shopping centres, which are better insulated from the vagaries of High Street retail. British Land shares trade at around a 30 per cent discount to the value of the underlying property portfolio. That's allowed it to generate shareholder value by selling properties and using the proceeds to buy back shares on the cheap. While developments in Westminster may yet throw a curve ball at the share price, with a yield of over 5 per cent British Land looks worthy of consideration for those willing to peer beyond the Brexit fog. Alternatively they can buy into a fund which tracks the US stock market, or one which focuses on the tech sector like the Allianz Technology Trust. But the growing willingness to put huge sums of money behind a business idea that hasn't yet been fully proven has left some experts uneasy, while some parallels are being drawn with the dotcom bubble of the late 90s. Goddin, however, says that 'to say we are in a 1999-style blowout is maybe a stretch'. And attaching high value to loss-making companies needn't sound alarms. Back in 1929, business machinery company IBM now the computer giant was one of the most expensive stocks on the US market while making a loss. 'Like then, investors are increasingly interested in future profitability,' says Moore. The million-dollar question perhaps literally is whether loss-making disruptors will be raking in the cash in five years or more. Investors who can spot a good idea will be laughing, but with more trying to get a piece of the pie, pushing valuations higher, there is an ever-growing threat that unlucky savers could be burned. Speculation is mounting that chief executive Nick Read will move to cut Vodafones dividend one of the biggest in Britain at 3.4billion a year when he reveals annual results on Tuesday. The mobile phone networks balance sheet has looked increasingly stretched ever since it forked out 16billion to buy Liberty Globals German and Eastern European cable networks a year ago in a deal that saw it pile on the debt. There has been talk of it offloading its masts business a joint venture with O2 and reports say it is in talks to sell its New Zealand division, which could be worth as much as 1.3billion. Vodafone's dividend is one of the biggest in Britain at 3.4billion a year But the dividend cut is where the ongoing cost savings could come from. That might not be a bad thing, apparently. About 130 investors were surveyed last month by JP Morgan Cazenove and 61 per cent said they thought a dividend cut would boost the share price after six months. More intriguingly, JP Morgan found that more than 70 per cent actually backed a dividend cut. If there is a cut, more than half the investors questioned said it should be by more than 30 per cent, or 1billion a year. Frank Timis in for a showdown Controversial entrepreneur Frank Timis is set for a showdown on Thursday with bosses of a bitcoin mining company he is less than happy with. Timis, a former AIM company boss who was twice convicted for dealing heroin, staged a remarkable return to the City last month when he emerged as the mystery activist shareholder in Argo Blockchain via his First Investments vehicle. Timis wants to kick out Argo directors Jonathan Bixby and Mike Edwards, get out of cryptocurrency and do something (as yet unspecified) different. It didnt help when on Wednesday Argo revealed it had blown 1.7 million on cryptocurrency mining hardware ahead of the shareholder vote. Thomas Cook in for more bad news You might think that shares in Thomas Cook couldnt fly much lower after a rout that has seen their price nosedive more than 80 per cent in a year. But further bad news at Thursdays half-year results could cause more pain for shareholders. Thomas Cook shares have fallen by more than 80 per cent in a year Analysts at Swiss bank UBS predict an underlying loss of 167million for the second quarter, against a 127million loss for the same period in 2018. The focus for investors will undoubtedly be on the sale of Thomas Cooks own-brand airline and any update on discussions with banks as the package holiday firm struggles under a mountain of debt. Ten Lifestyle Group Investors in Ten Lifestyle Group who have remained loyal to the concierge firm amid the wreckage to use its own brokers term will be hiding behind the sofa on Wednesday as it reveals half-year results. Thats because the platform that helps wealthy people snap up last-minute gig tickets or tables at posh restaurants issued two profit warnings in less than a year after floating on the junior AIM exchange in November 2017. The shares have recovered since then but are still less than half where they started. Beleaguered shareholders will hope that there are no more nasty surprises hidden in the results. Pets at Home share graphs do not make for pretty reading. A grizzly five-year descent saw the retailer's price hit an all-time low of around 1 at the end of 2018. The stock languished in the doldrums as investors questioned the long-term viability of 'traditional' bricks-and-mortar businesses after a broadly terrible year for the retail sector. Brokers also weighed in on Pets at Home's vulnerability to the online players like Amazon and Zoo Plus, which - without store or staff costs - could afford to undercut it on price. One stop shop: Pets at Home is getting a makeover as boss Peter Pritchard turns some of its stores into 'pet care centres' 'It wasn't a great honour to have, but at once stage, we were the most shorted firm on the stock exchange!' admits Pets at Home boss Peter Pritchard. 'But today we don't even figure,' he says. 'The shorts in the business have halved.' The remaining short sellers got a nasty shock when, as of Christmas last year, the retail stalwart showed some early signs of a comeback and the share price started to tick back up again. In the red: A Pets at Home share price graph shows its descent over the last five years - and things starting to look up from the start of this year Although a lethal cocktail of pressures (fragile consumer confidence, the threat of Amazon, a weak pound, rising business rates, a global vet shortage...) persist, Pritchard thinks that things are only going to get better for Pets at Home from here on in. 'The last two years, frankly, have been the hardest of my life,' he tells This is Money. The cat lover, who has been with the company for nearly a decade and took the reins a year ago, describes taking the difficult and risky decision to slash the cost of many of its products and also sell off a handful of vet practices. But he says the 'incredible hard work' is starting to pay off and he hopes this will soon be reflected in the company's share price. The source of Pritchard's unwavering confidence is threefold: A healthy pets market, unique animal insights and - his newest silver bullet - the Pets at Home 'store of the future'. The Pets at Home store of future: This is one of two concept stores the business has splashed out on aiming to bring the customer experience and services to life Walking through the 1million prototype store in Stockport, he explains that this new design will form the blueprint for all new Pets at Home shops, and be central in the fight against Amazon. 'It's easy to say digital will kill you, and in some ways those people are right. If you're just a seller of stuff and you're only differentiator is price, then you're in real trouble.' To counter the risk, the company is putting services and store experience - the things Amazon can't do - front and centre. 'We're so much more than just a convenience shop for pets; we're a complete pet care business. That's what stands us apart from digital businesses,' Pritchard says. Pets at Home wants to grow its vets and grooming businesses so they generate 50 per cent of the firm's revenue in five years time Pets at Home has long-since had grooming and veterinary clinics in its stores. But Pritchard is hoping to grow this part of the business from 30 per cent of total revenue today to around 50 per cent in five years time by making the services more prominent in the refurbished shops and joining up the marketing. The company has also fitted a theatre-like area for puppy training, animal welfare workshops and birthday parties (for dogs as well as children!). Retail theatre: The new stores have a space for animal workshops and kids' birthday parties Small, furry animals hamsters, rabbits and guinea pigs are the first thing people see as they come through the doors. Time it well and you'll catch a dog being groomed on the right and 'agility training' taking place in the middle. There are new self-wash stations where, for around a tenner, pet owners can wash and blow-dry their own dogs (and take a selfie with them after). The company has also partnered with the RSPC to launch its first in-store cat adoption lounge. 'It's another way of bringing the store to life and it does good,' an excitable Pritchard explains. It's not until you get towards the back of the store that you find most of the pet food ranges and a new 'doggy deli' and bakery. Wash and set: Pets at Home is trying out self-wash stations in some stores where people can wash and dry their own dogs (without covering the bathroom in mud) Paws for thought: Pets at Home has opened its first in-store cat adoption lounge to help speed up the re-homing process Advice: The store has break-out areas where customers can receive advice on the most suitable food for their pet The company will splurge 20million a year transforming its existing stores into these 'immersive one stop shops'. At a rate of about 40 a year, and 450 UK stores to get through, the transformation will not be overnight, but it's the sort of radical action the pets boss says 'this competitive market requires'. 'No one in the digital space can do this,' he says, pointing to a crowd gathering around a dog grooming demonstration. 'The great thing is pets aren't bothered about Brexit!' 'I want to spend my time in places I want to go to. If it was just full of stuff, it would be really boring. The Amazon experience at its best can be about and convenience and efficiency, but here we'll put a smile on people's faces.' It helps that the company is currently benefiting from lower rents after a number of its retail park counterparts urgently closed stores (or went bust in the case of Toys R Us) and store supply started to outweigh demand. 'What's changed dramatically in the last year is rents going down, not up,' he says. 'There are some retail parks where Pets at Home is the only retailer paying rent! That puts us in a strong position to negotiate and invest back into bricks and mortar.' Pritchard's second method of defence in the war against Amazon is, believe it or not, data. Pets at Home chief executive Peter Pritchard (above) with his two cats Oscar and Leo It may seem foolhardy to try and play Amazon at its own game, but the pets boss is confident that no one knows animals like Pets at Home. 'Do I think I can beat Amazon on data? No. Do I think I can beat Amazon on animal data? Yes. And can I beat it on experience? You bet I can!' he laughs. So he has hired a chief data officer who, with a team of 25 staff, absorbs the information the firm has at its fingertips - including a loyalty scheme with 4.4 million members - to identify useful 'insights', as Pritchard calls them. 'That's ballsy for a company of our size,' he says. 'But if we're going to be a strong retailer of the future, we have to be fuelled by data - going from knowing what people did to predicting what people are going to do.' As well as harnessing data to personalise marketing and predict what a customer might need, the company wants to use it to 'improve the life of pets'. 'There are no national statistics around pets - we're probably becoming the authority on the number of cats and dogs in the UK, the breeds, the most popular names, the number of puppies, and we have a responsibility to share that info and put it to good use. 'We can take anonymised data and pick up on trends and common conditions in breeds, and use that to help improve the medication. 'You're not abusing anyone's information, but you can use the collective data to help make life better for pets,' he explains. But Pritchard's optimism is also fuelled by the strength of the 6.3billion UK pet care market, which is growing by around three to four per cent a year and tends to be resilient in times of economic difficulty. 'The great thing is pets aren't bothered about Brexit!' he jokes. Although he wouldn't describe the company as 'recession proof' or immune to Brexit uncertainty, he says it is 'recession friendly'. 'People will cut back on their TV and sofa before they scrimp on their pets,' he says. And even if that isn't enough to persuade investors back, it's certainly good news for the chief executive's two cats, Oscar and Leo. The brewer behind Becks, Budweiser and Corona is planning to spin off its Asian business in a blockbuster float. AB Inbev, which previously bought British drinks group SAB Miller for 79billion, will list the division in Hong Kong in a deal which could reportedly be worth at least 3.8billion. The move comes as the worlds biggest brewer is trying to reduce its 78.7billion debt mountain. AB Inbev, which previously bought British drinks group SAB Miller for 79billion, is planning to spin off its Asian business in a blockbuster float. AB Inbev said the float of Budweiser Brewing Company APAC with its acronym standing for Asia-Pacific would involve a minority stake and that it would continue to maintain a large holding in the listed firm. It expects to complete the deal over the summer. Analysts at Jefferies have said that the business, which includes 50 beer brands, could be valued at between 30.7billion and 38.4billion. Asia is the biggest region in the world for beer consumption, accounting for 37 per cent. It is also one of the fastest-growing markets. The region produced 18 per cent of AB Inbevs sales by volume and revenue of 6.5billion, according to documents filed by the company. Its float would be Hong Kongs biggest in nearly a year. The previous largest was China Tower Corps 5.8billion float in August. The brewer made the announcement alongside its first quarter results, which showed revenue growth of 5.9 per cent, or 9.62billion. What is it? The Biotech Growth Trust, managed by Orbimed, invests in the biotechnology industry. Orbimed is a healthcare investment specialist managing more than 9bn of savers' money. What does the manager invest in? The portfolio features firms such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which funds research into new types of medicines, Neurocrine, which treats patients with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, and cancer-focused Celgene. What do the experts like? Ben Yearsley, of Shore Financial Planning, notes that US regulators are becoming increasingly accommodating to the biotech sector. Last year, 59 new drugs were approved the most ever. China is also beginning to spend more and more on biotechnology and, with such a large population, it could give the industry a massive boost. Any downsides? It's relatively high risk as not all the research will come good. There has been some volatility in biotech markets this year, as US elections are coming round and both parties are campaigning to reduce drug prices, Yearsley says. Miner Ferrexpo is the third FTSE 350 firm to only have male directors Ferrexpo has been urged to appoint a woman to its board after resignations prompted by a charity scandal made it the third FTSE 350 firm to only have male directors. The iron ore miner's sole female non-executive director, Mary Reilly, 66, left in late April on the same day Deloitte said it was resigning as Ferrexpo's auditor. Deloitte quit over a review into allegations of possible misuse of funds given to a Ukraine-based charity called Blooming Land, which carried out Ferrexpo's community work. Reilly's exit triggered calls for the miner to appoint female members to the board. Fiona Hathorn, managing director of Women On Boards UK, said: 'Many studies have shown that women can take a risk and their returns relative to risk are higher because of their more wary and judicious natures.' Uber shares stalled last night as it made its 63billion stock market debut. The US taxi app company had priced its shares at $45 each for the float, but as trading began they tumbled to $42. The tech group was up against a backdrop of rising trade tensions between the US and China and a poor performance from its smaller rival Lyft. Since its float in March, Lyft's shares have plunged by more than 20 per cent. Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, another early investor, was thought to have an Uber stake worth 15m Despite Uber's initial drop, its debut on the New York Stock Exchange trading with the ticker 'UBER' still marked a major milestone after years of turmoil at the company. The firm's smartphone app, which lets users hail taxis for low prices, has changed the way millions of people around the world travel. It has also expanded into carpooling, food delivery, freight, electric bikes and scooters, self-driving cars and even flying taxis. Its arrival on the stock market has been the most eagerly anticipated tech float since Facebook went public in 2012, and was set to be a major pay-day for early investors, including celebrities rumoured to include Beyonce, Jay-Z and Gwyneth Paltrow. Travis Kalanick, Uber's former boss and co-founder, had a stake worth 4.1billion at its debut while disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, another early investor, was thought to have a stake worth 15million. As the stock exchange's opening bell rang, Uber boss Dara Khosrowshahi and other senior staff stood on a balcony above the trading floor clapping and cheering. Austin Geidt, who started as an intern at Uber in its early days, was given the honour of ringing the bell. Uber boss Dara Khosrowshahi, left, and the firm's head of strategy for the business's advanced technologies group Austin Geidt, right, at the Stock Exchange She is head of strategy for the business's advanced technologies group, the arm that is developing driverless vehicles. Ahead of trading, Khosrowshahi had sought to play down any potential drop and stressed the company's long-term potential. The 49-year-old, who was brought in from Expedia in 2017 to repair Uber's battered reputation, has promised investors a 'once in a generation' opportunity. He stands to make more than 77million from performance-linked bonuses if Uber reaches a 92billion market valuation and sustains it for at least 90 days. Yesterday Khosrowshahi said: 'Today is only one day. I want this day to go great, but it's about what we build in the next three to five years.' Also present were Kalanick and fellow Uber founder Garrett Camp, but the pair were not invited to the podium by Khosrowshahi for the bell ringing. Kalanick stepped down as chief executive in 2017 after presiding over a series of scandals that left the company reeling, including revelations about unsavoury behaviour, complaints about rampant internal sexual harassment, claims that it stole self-driving car technology from a rival and a cover-up of a computer break-in that saw personal information about its passengers stolen. Uber also had a difficult relationship with drivers who claimed they worked long hours but were not paid enough. Khosrowshahi was parachuted in months after Kalanick's departure to clean up the mess a goal that analysts say he has achieved to a certain extent. Despite warning that the company may never make a profit in its float prospectus, Khosrowshahi said that he expected 2019 to be Uber's peak year for losses. He added: 'I'm here to build a big company.' True Royalty TV, dubbed the Netflix of Royal TV content, is in talks with investors to fund ambitious global expansion plans. The on-demand television service launched last year in a deal with US broadcasting service Comcast and has added a standalone service in the UK, US, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. True Royalty TV, dubbed the Netflix of Royal TV content Advisers including NOR Capital have been drafted in to raise 5million following the initial success. Sources said that will finance growth plans and content. It was co-founded by former Granada television executive Nick Bullen, a former editor on ITV's Good Morning who founded production company Spun Gold in 2004. Programmes include Meghan And Harry; The First 100 Days and, later this month, Meghan Markle: Inside The Home Of A Princess. 'I worked behind the Iron Curtain for a period of almost four years, living under scrutiny and surveillance, with microphones in my house and being followed around all the time.' These are not words one would usually expect to hear at the AGM of a small listed company. But not many firms can boast a former head of the Secret Intelligence Service as their chairman. Sir Richard Dearlove is renowned as the man who headed up MI6 during a critical period in the history of this country at the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and the commencement of the controversial War On Terror. Trade-craft: Sir Richard Dearlove has swapped espionage for the business world After 38 years in the service many of which were spent in frontline positions Dearlove left the organisation in 2004. But rather than slinking away into an anonymous retirement, the 74-year-old has gone on to build his name in the worlds of business and academia. Today, he is a director of US oil and gas firm Kosmos Energy and chairs insurance firm Ascot Underwriting, the University of London and Crossword Cybersecurity, a start-up that recently listed on the London Stock Exchange. It's his work at Crossword that means Dearlove spent last Thursday hosting investors in the drab offices of a City of London law firm a far cry from operating behind the Iron Curtain in Prague. Crossword remains a minnow valued at around 24 million following a sharp increase in its share price in the months since it moved its listing to the LSE from rival small stock exchange Nex but Dearlove is confident it can exploit a fast-growing market. The firm, which has 35 employees, acts as an incubator by turning university research into marketable cyber security products for businesses. Its main product is Rizikon, a tool that allows firms to analyse their IT systems and ensure they are sufficiently protected against cyber threats. In a crisis, they could disrupt our national security communications 'The market's potentially huge,' he says. 'Serious cyber security is relatively young. A lot of companies haven't taken it very seriously there have been quite a number of significant security accidents, and therefore people are much more focused on it.' Dearlove is rarely interviewed but his political voice has grown louder in recent months. He is pro-Brexit and favours a No Deal over Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement, which he fears could damage our national standing in security. This week, he is set to propel himself into the centre of a brewing political row surrounding Chinese telecoms company Huawei and its potential role in the development of new 5G technology in the UK. Dearlove has written the foreword for a report by the Henry Jackson Society, a think-tank that will warn Huawei's involvement could pose a national security risk. It first emerged last month via a controversial leak that led to the sacking of Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson that the Government had chosen to allow Huawei to supply non-core technology for 5G, which could include antennae and other network components. The new technology is an upgrade to 4G and 3G, which provide internet connections to mobile phones. 5G promises to offer ultra-fast internet, which could enable people to download films, for instance, on their phones within seconds. Sir Richard is 'strongly opposed' to allowing Huawei a significant role in the UK's 5G systems The network could also be used to enable self-driving cars to operate, using live maps and traffic updates, and lead to new, advanced forms of artificial intelligence. Dearlove is deeply concerned about the potential involvement of Huawei, fearing the company could be forced to do the bidding of its home nation. At best, this could mean intelligence gathering. At worst, it could effectively mean taking control of British technological infrastructure. 'This is an issue of national security, so it has pretty profound implications,' he says. 'I'm, in common with a number of others, strongly opposed to allowing Huawei a significant role in the UK's 5G systems.' Huawei has been present in the UK for 18 years and has 1,600 employees here. But Dearlove insists that 'controlling Huawei risk at the 4G level is only marginally relevant to controlling Huawei risk at the 5G level'. He fears, for instance, that Huawei could potentially insert secret chips into infrastructure that could go undetected but be 'triggered' to disrupt technology at a later date. He says: 'You lose control of your robots as it were, maybe, to a foreign power. In a crisis, they might be able to disrupt our national security communications.' Sir Richard, 74: No fan of Mr Bond Family: Married to Rosalind a former editor at Cambridge University Press for more than 50 years. Three grown-up children and three grandsons. Lives: In Cambridge and Cornwall, where he grew up. I am very proud of my Cornish origins. NOT his favourite films: James Bond Hobbies: Fly fishing, reading and water colour painting. Favourite film: Not James Bond. I do not like James Bond films, he says. I get asked endless questions about James Bond and its complete distortion of the reality of my profession. Favourite book: Nostromo by Joseph Conrad. In defence of Huawei, supporters point out the firm is independent of the nation's government. But Dearlove dismisses this as 'irrelevant'. 'It's a significant strategic company in the People's Republic of China and if the Communist leadership of China says to Huawei at some point, 'jump', the response is: 'Well, yes, how high do you want us to jump?' It's not: 'No.' ' He adds that even if the UK and China remain on friendly terms, British citizens should still be concerned. Dearlove says China is 'very aggressive' in its intelligence gathering, and so will 'use their technology to collect intelligence on the UK'. He also has a stark warning for anyone planning to visit China, particularly if they have secrets to hide. 'If you go to China and you're an important businessman, and you take the phone that you normally use and you take the iPad that you normally use, the likelihood is that the Chinese will take an interest in that equipment and, as it were, log it against future usefulness. Women have an important role to play in espionage... they always have 'Whether they do anything with that might depend on who you are and what you do. But if I'm going to China, I would not take my normal iPad or my normal iPhone. I'd just take a throwaway phone so I could throw the chip away afterwards.' Such warnings might be written off as mad paranoia if they came from anybody else. But Dearlove, an intelligence veteran, commands respect when it comes to security issues. And it's this same experience that has enabled him to move seamlessly into the business world. One issue that still exercises Dearlove is the 'inaccurate' portrayal of the secret services in popular culture. The James Bond series of films, he says, is a prime example. He says the thrillers written by John Le Carre and Alan Judd provide a 'much more honest picture about what life in MI6 was like'. In stark contrast to the womanising 007, Dearlove has been happily married for more than 50 years and dismisses the macho image of MI6 portrayed in the films. 'It wasn't a chauvinist environment at all. Women have an important role to play in espionage and security, and always have done.' So would a female James Bond a proposal that has raised eyebrows among some Bond fans help redress the balance? 'If there's a capable person to do it, it doesn't matter whether a man or a woman, they should get the job.' Cigarette giant Philip Morris the company behind Marlboro and Benson & Hedges has been accused of using a life insurance scheme to tempt smokers to its highly profitable 'heated' tobacco products rather than switch to potentially less dangerous alternatives. Philip Morris's insurance brand Reviti, which launched last month, offers smokers a 25 per cent discount on premiums for life cover if they switch to its IQOS heated tobacco device for three months. This is potentially less harmful than a traditional cigarette because the tobacco is heated but not burned, so an IQOS customer poses less risk to the insurer. Changing habit: Smokers are turning to products such as the IQOS heated tobacco device But this discount is slashed to 2.5 per cent if the customer uses any brand of heated tobacco device other than Philip Morris's IQOS. And if smokers switch to Philip Morris's e-cigarette or 'vape' device they are offered a similarly minuscule discount of 2.5 per cent even though health experts claim vaping is less dangerous than inhaling heated tobacco vapour. Reviti does offer Britons a 50 per cent discount if they stop smoking altogether for a year, putting the price in line with standard non-smokers' life insurance. A spokesman for Philip Morris, said the discounts were based on 'robust scientific data'. But public health experts told The Mail on Sunday that if Philip Morris based its discounts on science alone, the company would offer a bigger discount for vaping than heated tobacco, and would not favour its own brand over others. They said it was more likely that the company was putting profit before the health of its customers. Philip Morris, the company behind Marlboro, said its IQOS customers are 'significantly more valuable' than cigarette smokers The Mail on Sunday can reveal that heated tobacco products earn manufacturers nearly three times as much profit as traditional cigarettes. Heated tobacco is also a more expensive way to smoke than vaping. Analysis based on average usage of 11 cigarettes a day showed that vaping using Philip Morris products costs about 2 a day compared with nearer 3.50 to use heated tobacco. Linda Bauld, professor of public health at the University of Edinburgh, said: 'From a health perspective, it doesn't make sense to offer a greater discount to clients who use heated tobacco than those who use e-cigarettes. 'We know vaping is far less harmful than smoking, [but] for heated tobacco we are far less sure.' Both heated tobacco and vaping devices are soaring in popularity as alternatives to cigarettes. The Royal College of Physicians estimates that using a vaping device poses just 5 per cent of the risk of a traditional cigarette. There has been little independent research into the effects of heated tobacco, but medical experts pointed to a Public Health England report last year, which concluded that heated tobacco products 'may be more harmful than e-cigarettes'. An initial study by the University of St Andrews found heated tobacco had higher cancer-causing properties than e-cigarettes. And an analysis of Philip Morris's own data by one academic found heated tobacco to be 'not significantly different' from cigarettes in the harm it causes in the body. Professor Anna Gilmore, director of the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath, said: 'The idea that science underpins the far greater reduction in insurance premiums on heated tobacco products than on e-cigarettes is laughable. Despite the lack of evidence on long-term safety, the consensus is e-cigarettes will be considerably safer than heated tobacco products. 'Most of the science on heated tobacco products has been produced by tobacco companies one would be foolish to trust it.' Philip Morris set up Reviti in April, saying it was part of efforts to move to a 'smoke-free future', as it wants to 'incentivise people to improve their lifestyles'. British American Tobacco, the maker of Dunhill, said that its gross margin on heated tobacco products is 2.8 times higher than cigarettes Research by The Mail on Sunday found a 50-year-old man who smoked would be charged 99.91 a month for 250,000 of life insurance cover with Reviti. A 50-year-old man who uses IQOS pays 75.24 a month for identical cover, but would have to pay 97.39 a month if he used a rival heated tobacco device or e-cigarettes. In a presentation to investors last year, Philip Morris said its IQOS customers are 'significantly more valuable' than cigarette smokers. British American Tobacco went further in a presentation in March, revealing that its gross margin on heated tobacco products is 2.8 times higher than cigarettes. Philip Morris's latest trading update said sales growth of its heated tobacco helped it increase its total tobacco shipments by 1.1 per cent year on year, despite global smoking rates being in decline. However, it did not disclose how heated tobacco's profitability compares with vaping devices. A Philip Morris spokesman said: 'It is important to keep in mind that both the qualitative and the quantitative composition of e-cigarette aerosols is greatly variable. This is why the risk profile of e-cigarettes and other non-combustible products must be assessed on a product- specific basis.' Grupo Supervielle SA operates as a holding company. The firm engages in the provision of banking services. It operates through the following segments: Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Treasury, Consumer, Insurance and Asset Management and Other Services. The Retail Banking segment involves in granting of loans and other credit products such as deposits of physical persons. The Corporate Banking segment focuses in advisory services at a corporate and financial level, as well as the administration of assets and loans targeted to big clients. The Treasury segment operates with Government Securities of the Group, syndicated loans, and financial lease. The Consumer segment consists of loans and other credit products targeted to middle and lower-middle income sectors and non-financial products and services. The Insurance segment comprises insurance products, with a focus on life insurance. The Asset Management and Other Services segment offers mutual funds and other products and services. The company was founded on October 8, 1979 and is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Read More And now the scammers are calling in the middle of the night repeatedly. A wave of what's called the "One Ring" phone scam has been waking up consumers at night and trying to prompt them into making a costly callback. The Federal Communications Commission issued an alert Friday to warn consumers that they could be stuck paying expensive per minute toll charges similar to a 900 number, if they fall for this one and call back. The charges may show up on your phone bill as premium services. "For illegal robocallers, the goal isn't always getting you to answer. Sometimes, it's getting you to call back," the FCC warns. Consumers are being warned that the scam calls are using the "222" country code of the west African nation of Mauritania. The widespread overnight calling has been particularly intense in the states of New York and Arizona. It's also possible that the scammers may leave phony voice mail messages that claim you won a prize or have a sick relative who needs your help. "We are not aware of such calls hitting Michigan area codes yet, but consumers should be aware of this scam and should not call back if they receive such calls," said Will Wiquist, FCC spokesman. Locally, a few consumers report that they've had such calls early in the morning and late at night here, too. So the scam may be picking up steam across the country. Here's how the scam works: A robocalling device is used to call a number and then hang up quickly after a ring or two. But the caller may then call repeatedly, hoping the customer calls back and runs up a toll that's is paid to the scammer, the FCC said. Remember, advances in technology make it easy to make massive robocalls fairly cheaply. Spoofing tools also make it easy for scammers to mask their true identity or appear to be someone else. Consumer watchdogs note that the one-ring calls also may appear to be from phone numbers from somewhere in the United States, including three initial digits that resemble U.S. area codes. But savvy scammers often use international numbers from regions that begin with three-digit codes for example, "649" goes to the Turks and Caicos and "809" goes to the Dominican Republic. Such scammers may often use spoofing techniques, as well, to further mask the number in your caller ID display. Best bets for protecting your money Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Do not call back numbers, especially if those numbers appear to originate overseas. Before calling unfamiliar numbers, check to see whether the area code is international. If you never make international calls, consider talking to your phone company about blocking outbound international calls to prevent accidental toll calls. Check your phone bill for charges you don't recognize. You can file a complaint with the FCC if you received these calls: www.fcc.gov/complaint. You can also call the FCC at 888-225-5322. By mail (be sure to include your name, address, contact information and as much detail about your complaint as possible): Federal Communications Commission; Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau; Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division; 445 12th St., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554 If you are billed for a call you made as a result of this scam, first try to resolve the matter with your telephone company. If you are unable to resolve it directly, you can file a complaint with the FCC at no cost. ALBANY A convicted felon who kidnapped a 23-year-old woman at knifepoint and repeatedly raped her in his New Scotland Avenue apartment in 2016, just hours after he had robbed a 61-year-old woman nearby, was found guilty of 20 felonies Friday, prosecutors said. A Supreme Court jury in Albany County convicted Jose Marlett, 40, of every crime he had been indicted on: eight counts of predatory sexual assault, five counts of rape, three counts of criminal sex act, one count of kidnapping and three counts of robbery. The conviction carries a potential life sentence in state prison. City police have said Marlett, armed with a kitchen knife, abducted the woman about 5 p.m. Jan. 9, 2016, after she got out of her car near New Scotland Elementary School. They said he forced the woman into his first-floor apartment at 335 New Scotland Ave., bound her with a telephone cord and belt to a table during an ordeal lasting more than two hours. She broke free and escaped some time before 7 p.m. The indictment said Marlett who served time in prison for robbery and later for violating parole by having a knife victimized the woman in his living room and shower. The indictment said Marlett also robbed the woman of her keys. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Hours earlier, Marlett had robbed 61-year-old woman at knifepoint at the intersection of Forest and New Scotland avenues. He stole a SEFCU debit card and Price Chopper AdvantEdge card, the indictment said. Two days before the alleged attacks, Marlett was hospitalized for a mental health evaluation after he missed an appointment with the Altamont-based Rehabilitation Support Services. Police officers had found him drunk and watching pornography, a police report said. Both women were strangers to Marlett, the District Attorney's office said. Special Victims Unit Bureau Chief Shannon Sarfoh and Assistant District Attorney Caroline Murray are prosecuting. Marlett will be sentenced on June 21. ALBANY A 23-year-old Navy man from Cobleskill was shot and killed near Portsmouth, Va. Sunday night, according to published reports. Detectives are investigating the death of 3rd Class Petty Officer Donald Alton Thorington as a homicide, News 10 reports. ALBANY On Dec. 18, 2014, two young sisters were escorted out of their aunt's trailer home in Knox a place where they'd experienced unimaginable abuse and neglect and put in a police cruiser. "It was a ride they, unfortunately, will never forget," Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said. Just hours earlier that day, their 5-year-old brother, Kenneth White, was murdered by their cousin. Now, four and half year's later, the girls again found themselves in the back of a police cruiser. But this time, they were being driven to a diner to celebrate their adoption and the start of a new life. "So many times we have seen them cry tears of sorrow," Apple said about the girls, who are now 9 and 10. "But today they were tears of joy." Kenneth's sister's were officially adopted by their foster mother, Linda Dunn, who they have been living with, on Friday morning at Albany County Family Court. And there to commemorate the occasion with them were law enforcement officials who have worked on the case since the beginning. "It was the epitome of a bittersweet day," Apple, who was at the scene the day Kenneth's body was discovered, said. Kenneth had been killed by their then-19-year-old cousin, Tiffany VanAlstyne, who strangled him in the family's trailer home, then threw his body in a nearby snowbank. She then concocted a story about the kindergartner being kidnapped to cover up the crime. "The girls were in the trailer when their brother was killed just a few feet from them," Apple said. VanAlstyne, who confessed to the slaying, is currently serving 18 years to life in prison for the boy's death. Kenneth, his twin sister and younger sister had been living with VanAlstyne and their aunt, Brenda VanAlstyne, at the time of Kenneth's death. The three siblings had been placed under Brenda VanAlstyne's care in September 2014, after their parents, Jayson and Christine White, lost custody when it was discovered that the children were living in deplorable conditions. Both parents later admitted they neglected the children. Unfortunately, life with their aunt was still dire, based on Family Court hearings. They were crammed in a 900-square foot trailer on Thacher Park Road, sharing it with Brenda VanAlstyne, Tiffany VanAlstyne and another person. In court proceedings after Kenneth's death, a child psychologist spoke about the abuse and neglect the girls faced. One of the girls told the psychologist that Tiffany VanAlstyne had hit her with a bat. Pictures of bruises on the girl's face and across her body were shown. The sisters told psychologists that they did not want to go back to their aunt because they were afraid they would be hit by their cousin. A judge later said Brenda VanAlstyne showed negligence. "It was awful the life they went through," Apple said. "The abuse they were suffering is unimaginable." Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Apple said it is a case he will never forget. "They are really good kids who went through more in the short life they have lived so far than people do in a lifetime," Apple said. Over the years, Apple and other officers have stayed in touch with the girls, having them over for dinner and bringing them Christmas presents. But the police have not been the only support the sisters have received. "They have had the same foster mom and now she is officially their mom," Apple said. "She has been so supportive to them. Over the past five years, Apple said he's heard the girls talk about their brother and share their trauma. But on Friday, at the adoption, it was all smiles. At the ceremony, Apple said, the girls ran up to him excited to see their friend again. They asked if they could have a ride in the police car, with the lights and sirens on, to the diner to celebrate the adoption. Apple couldn't refuse. "Today," Apple said, "is the start of a new beginning for them." TROY Four firms are competing to be selected as the developer of 1 Monument Square as the city attempts for the fifth time to get a project built on the vacant 1.2-acre site that some call the most important location downtown. The citys previous four attempts fell apart usually when residents and businesses complained about the appearance and plans for transforming the former City Hall site on the Hudson River by building movie theaters, subsidized housing and a mixed-use of housing, retail and commercial space. The companies filing their qualifications with the city to develop the site are RAL Development Services LLC of New York, Hoboken Brownstone Co. of Hoboken, N.J., First Columbia-The Davis Companies of Troy and Boston, and The BDC Group of Latham and White Plains. All have urban development experience. Sustained interest from development partners within and outside the Capital Region demonstrates continued confidence in Troys economic rebirth while underscoring the unique opportunity this river front location offers, Mayor Patrick Madden said in a statement late Friday. Maddens administration has attempted to avert the specter of public opposition from rising again by seeking public comment on what should be built and how it should appear. Our community-based approach has allowed for public input and built a strong consensus on a vision for this site, Madden said. The site between River Street and the Hudson River has been vacant since 2011 when former Mayor Harry Tutunjian ordered City Hall razed to clear the way for investment in a new project. While plans were to return the spot to the tax rolls and aid in the citys downtown revitalization that has not occurred. Instead, the 1 Monument Square site has been an empty gash in the citys Victorian streetscape. Construction equipment and materials for the citys river wall reconstruction project are currently stored there. In working with the public through a series of hearings last year, the city devised four design elements. Residents complained the previous projects appeared to be suburban in design and were out of place downtown. The selected developer must include a two-story parking structure that can be entered from Front Street, which cuts through the property. There must be a public plaza accessible from River Street. From the plaza there must be a grand staircase descending River Street to Riverfront Park. The final element is a blending of use and structures, of up to three buildings containing 130,000 square feet of space and not to exceed eight-stories above the plaza level. The developer will have to work with the city on melding the project with the architectural design and how it fits into the surrounding Victorian-era design elements. The four potential developers have various experiences in working in urban design and on waterfronts. The city released the names of the four firms but did not disclose the details of their proposals for 1 Monument Square. These will be reviewed by a committee the Madden administration is still forming. RAL describes itself as a premier real estate developer of luxury apartment, condominium and resort communities nationwide. Hoboken Brownstone says it is known for the artistic restoration of urban neighborhoods in Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey. First Columbia is known for the Hedley Building in Troy and other projects in the area. Its partner, The Davis Companies, has done extensive work in Boston. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. The BDC Group currently is building the 55-unit luxury Kings Landing on King Street opposite the Green Island Bridge. The City Council will take part in the review of the project when it comes time to sell the city-owned 1 Monument Square site to the selected developer. Im disappointed that a member of the council is not a member of the review committee, said Council President Carmella Mantello, who supports including a new City Hall in the development. This is very important for the city as a whole not just downtown. Its been a hole and vacant for too many years, Mantello said. The citys previously announced goal is to have a contract signed by June 28 with the selected developer. Steven Strichman, the city's commissioner of planning and community development, said the review committee will meet within the next two weeks to begin work on picking a preferred developer. He said the emphasis will be on being thorough and making a carefully considered decision that will lead to 1 Monument Square being developed this time. Strichman said the selection committee will be structured to ensure have the most relevant perspectives are included in undertaking the review. Given the history of the site and the fresh start that led to this point, Strichman said, its important that we utilize the industry expertise and guidance of this committee to incorporate community input and bring this project across the finish line. TROY A $1.3 million civil rights lawsuit on trial this week in Rensselaer County State Supreme Court filed against the city and a police officer claims a city police dog was the weapon used in an excessive force case arising from a 2013 incident. While batons, tasers and guns are the usual weapons cited in excessive force accusations, Theodore Relf of Albany claims that he was the victim on Dec. 28, 2013 of excessive and unreasonable force by the defendant police officers and police dog, according to the lawsuit filed in the county clerks office. Relf was going out to his car on Oakwood Terrace, where he was visiting relatives, when he was confronted by Elza, the German shepherd K-9 partner of Officer Justin Ashe. Frightened by the dog, Relf jumped on the hood of his car and Elza bit down on his left knee, according to court papers. Relf was 50 years old at the time he was bitten. That night, police were hunting for two men who had robbed at gunpoint the S & J Mart Gas Station on Hoosick Street at 6:54 on Dec. 28, 2013. It was part of a string of armed robberies police had been investigating. The court papers outline that Ashe let Elza off the leash to search for the suspects. Out of Ashes sight, the dog came upon Relf and bit down on his knee to hold Relf until Ashe appeared to order her to release Relf from her mouth. It was the third time that Elza had bitten a non-suspect during a search or pursuit, according to the court papers. Justice Patrick McGrath has handled the case since it was filed in December 2014. The trial has lasted all week and is expected to conclude Monday with the appearance of a final witness speaking about medical billing. At that time, it will go to a jury for deliberations. The lawsuit attacks the Troy Police Departments training methods; the way it conducts excessive force investigations; and claims the city tolerated a pattern and practice of unjustified, unreasonable and illegal use of force against against African American civilians by police officers. City officials said Friday that a demand of $1.3 million had been made by Relf to settle the case. He is represented by Mark G. Sokoloff of Hach & Rose of New York. Hach & Rose is the same firm that is suing the city in the wrongful death case of Edson Thevenin, who was fatally shot by Det. Sgt. Randall French during an April 2016 DWI traffic stop. Special Investigation 147 NY dams are 'unsound,' potentially dangerous Thousands of dams have not been inspected in over 20 years. Sokoloff declined to comment on the case until it concludes. We believe that Detective Ashe and Elza, his K-9 partner performed as they were trained, said Michael Ginsberg of Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin of Troy, who represents Ashe and the city. Ginsberg said the team had responded to the robbery, which was part of a string of similar stickups. He said their behavior was appropriate. Ashe was a patrol officer at the time and is now assigned to the detective bureau. Elza was later retired and has since died. Ashe testified earlier in the week about the training he and Elza had done. He explained to the jury that the police dog had performed properly. To be patriotic is valued in every nation. The emotion states loyalty to family and group. We error if our support is blind and contrary to our just traditions. I grew up experiencing the Vietnam War. In 1968 I considered enlisting. After studying the origins of the conflict, I realized that the Vietnamese were exploited by the French after fighting with the United States in World War II against the Japanese in the hope of winning their freedom. Many Vietnamese believed that an independent socialist economy was their patriotic future. Our government determined that this was a threat and invoked patriotism to go to war. After much suffering and negotiation, we have friendly relations with Vietnam. [May 11, 2019] Four technology breakthroughs of BlackPearl.Chain are reinventing the public blockchain SAN JOSE, Calif., May 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- At the end of 2018, as bitcoin slipped from $6,000 to $3,000, the blockchain industry entered into a severe capital winter, lots of projects closed due to lack of funding. In February 2019, a new public chain startup named BlackPearl.Chain was established in Silicon Valley. As we all know, the capital investment required for public chain projects is huge. What kind of founder dares to challenge the limit at this critical time? Can they survive? The BlackPearl.Chain was founded by Jack Liu and Sarah Li. Jack Liu is China's famous blockchain scientist, OKCOIN ex CTO. In a conference backed in October 2018, Jack predicted that the technology breakthroughs by public chain are coming soon. To date, even though the BlackPearl team has been through a lot of hardship, with limited resources, they have achieved the technology breakthroughs which were predicted by Jack. According to Sarah, CEO of BlackPearl.Chain, Inc., their Testnet will be ready in Q3, 2019. BlackPearl team has attracted a lot of attention recently. Just two days ago, Bill Kallman joined BlackPearl team as an advisor. Bill is both an entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Get Corp, of which Tim Draper is the founding investor, and a venture capitalist. Bill Co-founded timberline ventures, affiliate of the Draper Fisher Jurvetson global venture network, which backed DocuSign, among other notable investments. BlackPearl team is actively planning an IEO at the upcoming Malta blockchain summit, teaming up with new Blockchain Exchange Globiance. It's amazing to witness the BlackPearl team achieving this milestone after forming their Silicon Valley startup only 3 months ago. Let's take some time to review the technology breakthroughs they have achieved. The mass adaption for blockchain technology depends on blockchain technology breakthroughs. The success of any blockchain technology depends on three main factors. The frst factor is the success of public chain implementation. The second one is the ability to balance security with performance and decentralization (the blockchain's impossible triangle). Finally, one must reduce the transaction cost. BPChain is a third-generation public chain designed by BlackPearl.Chain, Inc. that is introduced as a solution to the challenges currently associated with blockchain technology. It has unique characteristics which make it capable of striking a balance between high performance, decentralization and security, while achieving a lower transaction costs for DApp runing on it. BPChain can carry large-scale commercial applications at a relatively low energy cost. Therefore, it is affordable to industries with wide range of applications. The entire BPChain is designed from ground up. It is unique compared to other public chain models, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. The following are some of the cutting edge characteristics of BPChain: BPChain uses VRF lightning fast consensus, three-layer sharding, multi-dimensional routing, IPFS storage, system contract, and neuron node management. BPChain can effectively support a huge volume of a small amount of real-time payment, decentralized digital currency trading, instant messaging, e-commerce, search, notarization, social, media, digital assets, traceability and so on. BPChain is fully decentralized with linear expansion capability. It can support tens of millions of TPS with the increase of nodes. It is extremely secure, and resistant to quantum computation and biological computation compromise. BPChain has made innovative breakthroughs in consensus, computing power, storage and communication. It is fully scalable, very secure, and energy efficient. Specifically, BPChain makes breakthroughs in following aspects: Fully Scalable with Intelligent sharding. BPChain has an innovative three-layer sharding design that completely solves trust issues between shards. It also provides asynchronous sharding consensus and inter-shards communication. The AI-capable loading balance algorithm of data collection and distribution can automatically complete sharding and merging. This feature enables BPChain's performance to exceed the performance of the centralized server. The performance of the public chain can be infinitely improved by this breakthrough. has an innovative three-layer sharding design that completely solves trust issues between shards. It also provides asynchronous sharding consensus and inter-shards communication. The AI-capable loading balance algorithm of data collection and distribution can automatically complete sharding and merging. This feature enables BPChain's performance to exceed the performance of the centralized server. The performance of the public chain can be infinitely improved by this breakthrough. Secure and Fast Consensus: BPChain implements VRF lightning fast consensus. Its unique VRF implementation randomly selects current round of voting nodes achieving pioneered lightning consensus within a short time of about 0.3 seconds - 3 seconds. BPChain implements VRF lightning fast consensus. Its unique VRF implementation randomly selects current round of voting nodes achieving pioneered lightning consensus within a short time of about 0.3 seconds - 3 seconds. Computing power reduction: An App forms the node in BPChain system. This technology fully organizes and utilizes the global idle computing power and bandwidth that enables building of powerful computing and storage capabilities without incurring extra huge expenses on professional mining machines. Users can install BPChain wallet to participate in consensus and block production. An App forms the node in BPChain system. This technology fully organizes and utilizes the global idle computing power and bandwidth that enables building of powerful computing and storage capabilities without incurring extra huge expenses on professional mining machines. Users can install BPChain wallet to participate in consensus and block production. Improved Network Performance: The technology has a super-routed P2P broadcasts that enable current home broadband to achieve up to several thousand Single-Shard TPS. The measured TPS peak is 5730 at current broadband conditions. For more detailed information please visit www.blackpearlchain.io, or email [email protected] to subscribe to the latest progress of the project. Sarah Li BlackPearlChain Inc. www.blackpearlchain.io [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/four-technology-breakthroughs-of-blackpearlchain-are-reinventing-the-public-blockchain-300848527.html SOURCE BlackPearl.Chain [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 10, 2019] The Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Provides Notice of Data Privacy Event LEBANON, Conn., May 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. ("SCADD") is providing notice of a recent data privacy event that may have affected certain personal information. The confidentiality, privacy, and security of information is one of SCADD's highest priorities and the organization takes this matter seriously. To date, SCADD has not received any reports that personal information has been misused as a result of this incident. What Happened? On February 18, 2019, SCADD discovered certain disruptions in its network. Upon further review, it was determined that our systems were infected with ransomware. SCADD immediately began an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the event. This investigation included working with third-party forensic experts. Once SCADD systems were secure, our efforts focused on determining what information was potentially impacted, to whom the information related, and valid address information for those individuals to notify them of the event. Although we found no evidence that any personal information was actually accessed, the possibility exists, which is why we are providing this notice. What Information Was Involved? Through the ongoing investigation, SCADD determined that the information present on its systems impacted by this event may include affected individuals' name, address, Social Security number, as well as medical history and treatment information. What We Are Doing. SCADD is individually notifying those whose information was present on the affected systems. As an added precaution, the organization is offering these individuals access to credit monitoring and identity protection services at no cost. What You Can Do. SCADD encourages individuals to review the information below related to "Steps Individuals Can Take to Protect Against Identity Theft and Fraud," which provides detail on how to better protect against possible misuse of information. Affected individuals can find guidance in the letters being sent to them and SCADD is making information available about this event on its website. For More Information. Individuals who may have questions about the incident, may contact the dedicated assistance line at 1-800-494-5419, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO PROTECT AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT AND FRAUD SCADD encourages individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud, to review account statements, and to monitor credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect error. Under U.S. law adults are entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus. To order your free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. You may also contact the three major credit bureaus directly to request a free copy of your credit report. You have the right to place a "security freeze" on your credit report, which will prohibit a consumer reporting agency from releasing information in your credit report without your express authorization. The security freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in your name without your consent. However, you should be aware that using a security freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in your credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application you make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. A freeze remains in place until you ask the credit bureau to temporarily lift it or remove it altogether. If the request is made online or by phone, a credit bureau must lift a freeze within one hour. If the request is made by mail, then the bureau must lift the freeze no later than three business days after getting your request. If you opt for a temporary lift because you are applying for credit or a job, and you can find out which credit bureau the business will contact for your file, you can save some time by lifting the freeze only at that particular credit bureau. Otherwise, you need to make the request with all three credit bureaus. Pursuant to federal law, you cannot be charged to place or lift a security freeze on your credit report. Should you wish to place a security freeze, please contact the major consumer reporting agencies listed below: Experian PO Box 9554 Allen, TX 75013 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com/freeze/center.html TransUnion P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19016 1-888-909-8872 www.transunion.com/credit-freeze Equifax PO Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 1-800-685-1111 www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services In order to request a security freeze, you will need to provide the following information: Your full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.); Social Security number; Date of birth; If you have moved in the past five (5) years, provide the addresses where you have lived over the prior five years; Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill; A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver's license or ID card, military identification, etc.); If you are a victim of identity theft, include a copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft. As an alternative to a security freeze, you have the right to place an initial or extended "fraud alert" on your file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer's credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer's credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer's identity before extending new credit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should you wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any one of the agencies listed below: Experian P.O. Box 2002 Allen, TX 75013 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com/fraud /center.html TransUnion P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA 19106 1-800-680-7289 www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resource/place-fraud-alert Equifax P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348 1-888-766-0008 www.equifax.com/personal /credit-report-services Once you place a fraud alert with one of the credit bureaus, that credit bureau will then contact the other two credit bureaus. You can further educate yourself regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, security freezes, and the steps you can take to protect yourself, by contacting the consumer reporting agencies, the Federal Trade Commission, or your state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission can be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580, www.identitytheft.gov , 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. You can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. You have the right to file a police report if you ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, you will likely need to provide some proof that you have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and your state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement. For Maryland residents , the Attorney General can be contacted at 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202, 1-888-743-0023, www.oag.state.md.us . SCADD is located at 37 Camp Mooween Road Lebanon, CT 06249. For New Mexico residents , you have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in your credit file has been used against you, the right to know what is in your credit file, the right to ask for your credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting agencies must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to your file is limited; you must give your consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; you may limit "prescreened" offers of credit and insurance you get based on information in your credit report; and you may seek damages from violator. You may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage you to review your rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf , or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580. For North Carolina residents , the Attorney General can be contacted at 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001, 1-877-566-7226 or 1-919-716-6400, www.ncdoj.gov . For Rhode Island Residents , the Rhode Island Attorney General can be reached at: 150 South Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, www.riag.ri.gov , 1-401-247-4400. Under Rhode Island law, you have the right to obtain any police report filed in regard to this incident. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-southeastern-council-on-alcoholism-and-drug-dependence-provides-notice-of-data-privacy-event-300848442.html SOURCE Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [May 10, 2019] DAVITA INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates the Officers and Directors of DaVita Inc. - DVA Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into DaVita Inc. (NYSE: DVA). On December 25, 2016, an article by the New York Times highlighted the relationship between the American Kidney Fund ("AKF"), a charity that helps patients pay for kidney dialysis, and its largest donors, including DaVita, suggesting that the AKF had denied charitable premium assistance ("CPA") to patients of dialysis companies who did not donate to it. Then, on January 6, 2017, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Company had received subpoenas from federal prosecutors seeking "the production of information related to charitable premium assistance" in connection with its ties to the AKF. On February 1, 2017, a securities class action lawsuit was filed against the Company alleging that it made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose its scheme to steer patients into unneeded insurance plans in order to maximize profits, using the AKF to facilitate the imprope practices. Recently, the court presiding over the case denied the Company's motion to dismiss, allowing the case to move forward. KSF's investigation is focusing on whether DaVita's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to DaVita's shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws. If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of DaVita shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-dva/ to learn more. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include the Former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is a law firm focused on securities, antitrust and consumer class actions, along with merger & acquisition and breach of fiduciary litigation against publicly traded companies on behalf of shareholders. The firm has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190510005514/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Legalization of marijuana is not as simple as it seems. Last year, Missouri legalized medical marijuana. This is the epitome of a slippery slope. Marijuana today is nothing like it was. Agriculture has been replaced by chemists who are upping the level of THC to dangerously high levels. Corporate offices for Qdoba would not comment on the closings of at least two Kansas City area locations. File In late 2015, Qdoba Mexican Grill returned to Kansas City with great fanfare and a new name. As Qdoba Mexican Eats, it soon had four locations and later added more. Vietnam is a country that holds a lot of mystery, intrigue, and adventure for those who are willing to make the trip over to Southeast Asia. Responsible Travel mentions that visitors to the country may not be entirely ready for the differences in culture between their home country and the local social environment. Being armed with proper etiquette and understanding that the locals see things differently from you is important. To understand the Vietnamese culture, you have to live there, so it's a bit of a catch-22 when it comes to being aware of the society you're heading into. Luckily, there are a few rules of thumb that can aid any traveler immensely when it comes to experiencing Vietnam hassle-free. Conservative Dress: The country is profoundly traditional so any dressing that flashes a lot of skin will be frowned upon and might provoke locals into retaliation. In the major cities the dress code is pretty relaxed, but out in the rural districts, it may be a consideration to leave those booty shorts home in case it attracts the wrong kind of attention. Be Aware of Your Bag and Possessions: One of the most significant problems Vietnam has with tourists is bag-snatching. Culture Trip makes mention of the practice and goes so far as to suggest visitors wear backpacks instead of bags of purses. If traveling in a Cyclo, it may be a good idea to keep the bag strap wrapped around your hand or arm to ensure it doesn't get snatched away without any means of fighting back. Drink LOTS of Water: Dehydration, especially for tourists from colder countries, is no joke. The climate of Vietnam is hot and humid, and excessive exposure to the sun won't just cause sunburns but can evolve into a full-blown heat stroke. Regular hydration is a necessity, since recovering from heat stroke is not what you want to be doing for half your vacation. Use the Train: While the trains are likely to be smelly, sometimes overcrowded and usually late, they're still the most efficient and safest means of transport for a visitor wanting to get from Hanoi to Sapa. Thanks to the knowledge that visitors carry foreign exchange with them, there is always one or two 'enterprising' individuals trying to get them to part with their hard-earned cash. Using the train avoids having to deal with people like that. Shoes at the Entrance Please: We know you're not going to be visiting Vietnam just to take a tour of the sites as prescribed by the tourist travel guide. The best way to appreciate a country is by befriending the locals. If invited to the home of a local friend, it is important to remember that shoes are not welcome in the domicile and they should be left at the entrance where you can reclaim them on your exit. Bean Town is beautiful to appear at from afar, she is even a lot of intriguing up shut. These slim streets recall a history of revolution and transformation: Puritans fleeing ill-usage and fitting their model society; patriots complaining tyranny and building a replacement nation; philosophers and poets preaching and verbal creation to alter their world for the higher. However, not one component has influenced town thus deeply as its academic establishments. As within the past, Boston's universities and schools still attract students, scientists, philosophers and writers World Health Organization form the city's evolving culture. Students arrive from round the world, Associate in Nursing endless supply of energy for the young town. Browsing the bookstores and sampling the paseo scene Harvard sq. may be a vivacious, exciting place to hold out: it's a hotbed of colonial and revolutionary history. however, its proximity to the university conjointly implies that it's a well-known address for the country's intellectual elite. There aren't any official stats, however Harvard sq. should have one in all the country's richest picks of bookstores. Once you've got your written communication, take a seat at one in all Harvard Square's several paseo cafes. From here you've got a front-row read of the congregations of scholars, the performances of buskers, the bustle of the patrons, the pleas of the homeless and therefore the challenges between chess players. Island hopping, geographic area vogue Boston Harbour currently provides a spectacular scenic scenery to town, Associate in Nursingd its thirty-four islands offer an exciting urban-adventure destination for day-trippers and city-scapers. If you're sailing your own boat, your choices area unit unlimited. The islands area unit your oyster. Otherwise, it's straightforward to induce dead set Georges Island or Spectacle Island by taking the Harbor categorical ferry from Long Wharf. Either of those will function a pad to visiting the opposite islands - and that they also are destinations in their claim. Being in awe of by a tremendous array of design Step onto painter sq. and into the 'Athens of America'. Boston's most luxurious design is clustered around this Back-Bay plaza, symbolic of the culture and learning that gave Bean Town its nickname within the nineteenth century. Following within the footsteps of revolutionary heroes Summon your inner silversmith and follow the red-brick road, from the Bean Town Common to the pitched battle Monument, past sixteen sites wherever the foremost dramatic scenes from history vie out. This walking path is that the best introduction to revolutionary Bean Town, tracing the locations of the events that earned this city its standing because the cradle of liberty. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Yet for people who square measure into travel, following Lincoln will bring nice, fascinating adventures. And currently that filmmaker and Daniel Day-Lewis square measure casting the spotlight on President sixteen with the new film Lincoln, we tend to thought we'd compile the simplest of the bunch - and believe the United States, there is not any shortage of Lincoln sights - for your future Lincoln itineraries. Springfield, Illinois Illinois' capital is irresistibly Lincoln destination #1. Here you'll notice the sole house Lincoln ever closely held, his final resting place, and therefore the streets wherever the young professional person created himself a national figure, and as several pretend beards as you may ever wish. Casual Lincoln fans are glad about daily here - balmy like Pine Tree State will simply fill 3. The obvious place to begin is that the Lincoln Home National Historic website, a preserved district of a dozen about buildings as well as the house he and his married woman Jewess bought in 1844. Park rangers offer free brisk tours of his home, showing the space wherever son Edward died and sharing titbits (they named the dog Fido). The visitant center plays a motivating film on Lincoln's Springfield days, and native cheater, Fritz Klein, nails Lincoln's high-pitched nasally accent that almost all actors scrap for an additional masculine, low-reaching boom. The excellent Chief Executive Presidential Library simply justifies its US$12 price ticket. The depository options many wonderful films, as well as one that freely admits, however, Abe's legend is usually blown out of proportion. Exhibits follow his life with recreated rooms and funny cartoon lampoons from his presidency. nobody resists inquiring for photos with the waxed initial family outside the fake White House facade. A few miles north, the Lincoln topographic point, at the Oak Ridge burying ground, options a 117-foot monument that is the ultimate resting place for Lincoln, Jewess and 3 of their four sons. Note the typographical error for the sons' nicknames: 'Willie' and 'Eddie' get a smaller font size than 'Tad'. A topographic point worker explained, 'Yeah, nobody is aware of why they did that. however, Tad's a nickname too, short for pollywog.' For food, Norb Andy's Tabarin may be a dive bar/restaurant huge with locals that are housed within the 1837 Hickox House, named for a neighborhood supporter of Lincoln's most-outspoken rival, Stephen Stephen A. Douglas. If your system diestrum is up to a challenge, go along with the 'horseshoe,' a Springfield original: associate degree open-face sandwich of a burger or force pork coated in fries and gravy. Tasty, however, it sticks for daily or 2. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 If you would like to envision however the yank West looked to Native Americans for hundreds of years before North American country military forces and settlers arrived, head for the Black Hills of SD. Here enumerable Hollywood Westerns together with saltation with Wolves are recorded. For the foremost medium scenery, hunt down the hypnotic scoured pinnacles and buttes of Badlands park. Spy on bovid, that once lined the plains in herds ample animals' sturdy, afraid by Native Americans as a supply of food and raw materials for covering, shelter and weapons. The park's southern section is on the Pine Ridge Reservation of the Oglala Buffalo Indian. Here the last ghost dances - during which Native Americans ceremonially danced and prayed for peace against the onslaught of the United States government - came about within the late nineteenth century. it is also the location of the disreputable Wounded Knee massacre, the ultimate armed confrontation between North American country Cavalry troops and Native Americans, that closed the frontier forever in 1890. Stop by the park's White visitant Center and the Oglala Indian School's Heritage Center to find out additional regarding the heart-breaking history of this land, recently projected to become the USA's initial social group park. Badlands park is in SD. Its dramatic landscapes span superimposed rock formations, steep canyons, and high spires. Bison, Rocky Mountain sheep, and grassland dogs inhabit its sprawling grasslands. The Badlands Loop Road (Highway 240) winds past scenic lookouts. many trails begin close to the mount Reifel visitant Center. The Fossil Exhibit path could be a paseo with displays on fossils uncovered within the park. Explore trails and monuments that are ample years within the creating. rise near to the painted landscape on hikes starting from flat stretches across grassland to uphill climbs through the Badlands formations. a part of the Badlands is devoted to life restoration areas, specifically to safeguard the surroundings of the foremost vulnerable land vertebrate within us, the Mustela nigripes. However, guests will expect to catch a glimpse of alternative less elusive life, together with bison, a chain of mountains Rocky Mountain sheep, and grassland dogs. The Badlands offers 2 campgrounds onsite, however backcountry habitation, and packing is additionally allowable while not a allow presently. because of the unpredictable nature of the piece of ground and weather, it's well to set up your backcountry trip with a park ranger. The weather varies dramatically throughout the year, with wet, cold winters and dry, hot summers. Thunderstorms are probably to crop up within the afternoons throughout the summer months, therefore return ready with rain gear! See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 editorial@tribune.com Vijay C Roy Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 10 Betting big on basmati exports, Punjabs Agriculture Department is gearing up to assist farmers to produce pesticide-free yield. From educating farmers regarding the judicious use of pesticides to registering them on a web-based application to check traceability, the department, in collaboration with all stakeholders, is working on various modalities to minimise the use of pesticides ahead of kharif season. In 2017-18, basmati exporters faced a major problem with regard to higher maximum residue level (MRL) of pesticides in grains exported to the US, Europe and Saudi Arabia. The importing countries have tightened the norms for MRL values for pesticides. Last year, it was five pesticides and this year there are nine pesticides whose MRL is fixed at 0.01 PPM (parts per million), with major being buprofezin and propiconozole. We will start a campaign for pesticide-free basmati this kharif season. During the four-month (June to September) campaign, farmers and pesticide dealers would be made aware about the ill-effects of nine agrochemicals on basmati crop and to curtail their use, Punjab Agriculture Secretary KS Pannu told The Tribune. Also, under the campaign, every district will collect the fortnightly sale report of these nine pesticides from the dealers and will keep a vigil to restrict their sale. For the implementation of this project, the department will deploy around 100-200 coordinators for four months (June to September) on a consolidated salary. They will help the department in organising field campaigns, camps, field surveys and registration of basmati growers on the software provided by the Agricultural and Processed Food Exports Development Authority (APEDA). The coordinates will make entry of every detail such as area, date of sowing and pesticides sprayed on the software so that the department can keep a check on the excessive use of pesticides. We will also deploy the use of integrated pest management and other culture practices to minimise the use of pesticides in basmati so that Punjab could produce pesticide-free basmati, he added. He said Punjab Remote Sensing Centre will be asked to conduct a survey on basmati crop for its fertilisation and incidence of pests so that an advisory may be issued for the farmers. In a recently held meeting, Punjab Agriculture Department has requested Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to work on other alternatives of these nine pesticides so that farmers have more options rather than a single molecule. The department is of the view that the issue related to pesticide residue will be resolved with the combined efforts of all stakeholders, including farmers, exporters and research institutions. In the meeting, representatives of pesticide industry assured that they will also educate the farmers to use only PAU-recommended pesticides. They also requested the PAU to recommend technical name of pesticides rather than a particular brand. An aggressive buying by Iran has pushed basmati exports from the country to a record high in 2018-19, benefitting farmers of Punjab and Haryana, which account for over 70-75% of the total volume-wise exports. According to data, the basmati exports in 2018-19 touched 44.15 lakh tonnes as compared to 40.57 lakh tonnes in 2017-18. Allowed pesticides having MRL .01 ppm uttara@tribuneindia.com Mumbai, May 11 Two of the SpiceJet's Boeing passenger planesone from Mumbai and other from Bengalurusuffered mid-air technical glitches, forcing their pilots to terminate journeys with one flight landing back in Mumbai and second diverted to Nagpur Saturday. SpiceJet flight SG-611, which departed from Mumbai's Chhatrapapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport for Chennai around 7.30 am, returned to the city airport due to a mid-air technical glitch after being airborne for about 16 minutes, a source said. A SpiceJet spokesperson confirmed the return of its Chennai flight to Mumbai due to a "technical" issue. "The aircraft has already departed back for its destination around 10 am after the engineers rectified the glitch," the spokesperson said. In a similar incident, the airline's New Delhi-bound flight SG 8720 from Bengaluru was diverted to Nagpur after the pilot reported some issue to the ATC and sought a diversion. "SpiceJet flight SG 8720 operating on Bangalore-Delhi route was diverted to Nagpur due to a technical issue. Passengers were served refreshments at Nagpur. An alternative aircraft was sent to Nagpur and the passengers have now boarded the flight to Delhi," the airline said in a statement. The spokesperson, however, did not share the number of passengers on board the two Boeing 737 planes. PTI vinaymishra188@gmail.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 10 Four incidents of assault and stabbing were reported from different parts of the city. A person was stabbed at Mauli Jagran this morning, who was admitted to the GMCH, Sector 32. In another incident, Mohammad Ehsaan, a resident of Bapu Dham Colony, Sector 26, who is a vegetable vendor at the grain market, Sector 26, reported that Nasim, another vendor, stabbed him in the stomach at the grain market on May 9. He was admitted to Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16. The police were informed and a case registered at the Sector 26 police station. The suspect was arrested. Another incident of stabbing was reported from Mani Majra. Complainant Mohamad Kasim, a resident of Mani Majra, reported that Jagjit Singh, alias Gora, Davinder, Sandeep Singh and others stabbed him with a sharp object near the gurdwara, Samadhi Gate, Mani Mmajra. The police were informed following which the victim was admitted to the GMSH-16. A case against all suspect has been registered at the Mani Majra police station. In another stabbing incident, victim Stapu Kumar, a resident of Sector 52, reported that Madan, Jummy, Bunty and Vicky attacked him with a knife and also threatened him outside the SDMs office in Sector 42. The injured was admitted to the GMSH-16 and a case against all suspects registered at the Sector 36 police station. editorial@tribune.com Ramkrishan Upadhyay Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 10 Touching upon local issues of the city, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today promised to give property ownership rights to thousands of residents in the city, who have been raising the demand for long. Addressing a rally at Sector 38 in support of party candidate Pawan Kumar Bansal, Rahul said he was startled that Chandigarh, which was such a well-planned city and had the potential of becoming an international centre, did not have its own fully functional international airport. He said, I have learnt that in Chandigarh many people still do not have property ownership rights. I promise you that once we are elected to power, this shall be done for sure. He said city youth would not have to run from pillar to post to get permission to start business once the Congress came to power. They can apply for the permission after running the business for three years, he said. Slamming the BJP government for making tall claims about Make in India and Startup India, he said the truth was that anyone in Chandigarh, who wanted to do business, needed permission from the government and had to go through red tape. Rahul said, In China, every 24 hours, 50,000 jobs are created, but under Narendra Modis rule, every 24 hours, around 27,000 people lose their jobs. Do you know there are 22 lakh government posts lying vacant in India? I fail to understand why Modi didnt give these jobs to the youth of his own country? About 10 lakh jobs can easily be created in the panchayat sector and the Congress will do that. Speaking on the occasion, Bansal said the city had slipped in rankings in all fields. From the swachhta ranking to smart city ranking, the city had fared badly in the past five years. The rate of crime, especially against women, had also increased in the city. Congress candidate from Anandpur Sahib Manish Tewari also addressed the gathering. Among other leaders present on the occasion were Pardeep Chhabra, city Congress president, Asha Kumari, Balbir Singh Sidhu, Madhu Bansal, Lal Singla, Charanjit Singh Channi, Kamal Kant, Jagmohan Singh and Vijender Singla. editorial@tribune.com Tribune news service Chandigarh, May 10 Congress national president Rahul Gandhi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi knew defeat was staring in his face and thats why he was making strange statements. He says a lot of things about me, my father and my family. But I dont mind. In fact, I would say that Narendra Modi ji, the more you hate me, the more I will love you, because I belong to Mother India and its only love that resides in my heart, said Rahul Gandhi while addressing a rally in Chandigarh today. Rahul criticised the Prime Minister for bringing down the GDP of India and making people suffer due to reckless decisions, such as GDP and demonetisation. The Congress president said promises made five years ago were not met. He questioned Narendra Modi on not speaking about jobs, which were to be provided to the youth, depositing Rs 15 lakh in bank accounts of all citizens, loan waivers to farmers and other promises. He said unemployment was the highest in 45 years now and its responsibility was with the Prime Minister. Gandhi challenged Narendra Modi to have an open debate. He claimed that in just 15 minutes, he will expose the Prime Minister. But our Prime Minister, even with his 56-inch chest, is afraid to sit with me for a debate, he said. Rahul Gandhi also attacked Modi over Rafale deal. He spoke about the NYAY scheme. He assured that under the scheme, 25 crore families in India would be benefited as the government would deposit Rs 72,000 into the accounts of women of the enlisted families annually. High drama in Sec 38 High drama was witnessed in Sector 38 after a few persons, including a policeman, found that their vehicles, parked near the venue where Rahul Gandhis rally was held, were towed away by the traffic police. There was nowhere written that this is a no parking area, still our cars were towed, said a vehicle owner. A woman constable, who was on duty at the venue, also found her car missing. It was later found that the cars were towed and parked at some distance from the rally venue. The police claimed that it was done due to security reasons. Sidelights Toofan will also come on May 23 Weather suddenly changed when Rahul Gandhi started his speech. Terming the high-speed wind as an indication of the change, he said another toofan would come on May 23 when the Narendra Modi government would be thrown out of power Chowkidar Chor Hai slogans During the 45-minute speech, the slogan Chowkidar Chor Hai was raised many times. Rahul Gandhi said he had never seen such an overwhelming response as it was at the Chandigarh rally. Cong leaders claim huge show Considerable gathering at the rally has given a sigh of relief to local Congress leaders. Party leader Mukesh Bassi said they had made elaborate arrangements for the first rally of Rahul Gandhi since his appointment as Congress president. Mike failure halts speech Rahul Gandhis speech was halted for a few minutes due to the failure of the sound system due to the rain. Luckily, it was fixed soon. Congress workers made use of the time and kept chanting Chowkidar Chor Hai slogan. Loudspeakers removed The EC removed loudspeakers around the venue. The enforcement team of the MC removed them after getting a complaint that they were installed on government land. Kirron shares video of protest by a Sikh Kirron Kher, BJP candidate for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat, has shared a video of protest by a Sikh, who raised slogans against the Congress and its leaders at the rally of Rahul Gandhi. Kher said he was like a lion, who raised the issue of the killing of Sikhs in 1984 riots. The police and Congress workers had a tough time pacifying the protester. A protest was also organised near Batra Theatre in Sector 37. Claims Rahul dodged people In another post on social media, Kher countered claims made by Rahul Gandhi. She said he had dodged the people of the city by making false promises, such as Make in Chandigarh mobile phones and international airport, which was already operational for more than a year now. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 10 The UT police have arrested a 20-year-old cycle thief and recovered seven branded bicycles worth Rs 1.25 lakh from him. Drug addiction forced him to steal bicycles. The police said the suspect, Harsh Mahajan, a resident of Dadu Majra Colony, was arrested for stealing bicycles from outside houses. While seven bicycles have been recovered from him, four theft cases have been solved. The police said complainant Udaibir Singh, a resident of Sector 23, had reported that he parked his bicycle outside a house in Sector 41. His bicycle was stolen from outside his house on May 1. However, a case in this regard was registered on May 8. The suspect was later rounded up from near the Sector 39/40 roundabout while riding a bicycle. The police said there was a spurt in cycle thefts from the areas of the Sector 39 police station and Maloya, following which the suspect was grilled. He confessed to have stolen another bicycle from Sector 40. On the disclosure, the police recovered six more stolen bicycles from him. The police said the suspect was a drug addict. He used to commit crime to purchase drugs. He is a school dropout and only son of his parents. His father is a scooter mechanic, the police said. Mahesh Rangarajan Mahesh Rangarajan Professor of History & Environmental Studies, Ashoka University The closing weeks of the election campaign of 2019 have had a surprise topic: Rajiv Gandhi. Though he was assassinated nearly three decades ago, the legacy of the countrys youngest Prime Minister was brought to the centre stage by no less than the present incumbent. It is unacceptable in our culture to speak ill of the dead. However, few parties have met the standard and, sadly, the larger the party, the greater the tendency to confuse invective with debate. At the heart of this was an old time-tested strategy: to redefine the mission statement of the ruling party as one of making a better India or of governing it better but of ridding it of dynasty politics. There are two riders to the claim. One, that the family steered India away from core Indian read Hindutva values. Two, that to redeem and reclaim India, such practices should be set aside. Yet, history is witness that there has been only one instance of the office of Prime Minister passing from a parent to offspring and that was in 1984. True, there was a major turning point in the history of the Congress and the country eight years earlier. During the All-India Congress Committee session, Indira Gandhi said of the Youth Congress, You have stolen our thunder. No one had any doubt that the reference was to her younger son, Sanjay Gandhi, who was to die in an accident in the summer of 1980. History is witness that the presidentship of the Congress in Lahore was bestowed on Jawaharlal Nehru not by his father Motilal but by Gandhiji. The movement, he felt, needed a young, more assertive face and the new head acted not merely in accordance with his own tenets but also by the collective will of the Congress Working Committee. The three occasions prior to 1947 when he served as head of the party, there was never any doubt that the core organisation was controlled by Sardar Patel. But the choice of the leader by Gandhiji was accepted by all. Under Nehru as Prime Minster, his daughter, Indira Gandhi, was indeed a key figure and served as party president in 1957-59. But there was little question of her being in the race for succession. Lal Bahadur Shastri, as Minister without Portfolio, rejoined a depleted Cabinet, with most ministers having left under the Kamaraj Plan. Shastri's tenure was cut short by his sudden death at Tashkent, but as his biographer LP Singh shows, he was no pushover. Even Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, who was a stern in-house critic, publicly hailed him for his stellar leadership in the 1965 war. His slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan is today laid claim to by more than one party. In fact, as Information and Broadcasting Minister, Indira Gandhi was outranked in the Cabinet by more eminent figures, such as Morarji Desai. Her own succession, as recounted in the 1987 biographer by veteran journalist and author Inder Malhotra, was largely due to the efforts of Kamaraj Nadar, the head of the party who earned the epithet of kingmaker. It is only in the wake of the Congress split and by the 1971 war that she emerged as a paramount leader. In effect, the Congress, in its long history until 1976, did not have a tradition of family-centred leadership. Far from being an all-powerful PM, Nehru had to contend with powerful figures such as Partap Singh Kairon of Punjab and Dr Bidhan Roy of West Bengal. Many of these were men of the old Congress right: they read the monthly letter from the PM but often ignored what he wanted them to do. It was the power struggle between the regional chieftains and the Prime Minister that led to the split and eventually to the creation of effectively a new party by 1972. The power vacuum enabled Indira Gandhi to propel first Sanjay and eventually Rajiv to the centre stage. Terms like dynasty may apply in political parties, but do they have any relevance in a democratic country? After all, the tallest of leaders of the most powerful families have bitten the dust at the hustings. In March 1977, Indira Gandhi lost by over 1.5 lakh votes in Rae Bareli, held by members of the family since 1957 with no break. Her son, Sanjay, was trounced by RP Singh of the Janata Party by over 50,000 votes. And it was as late as 1998, seven years after her husband's death that Sonia Gandhi entered the bull ring and that too only after PV Narasimha Rao bowed out of not only premiership and Congress party presidentship but also public life. The fact is that any member of a powerful lineage or clan has a head start in politics but success depends, as with all other leaders, on how far they rally support. Outside some small pockets, this cannot and will not be possible simply via appeals to the past. Does this mean family does not matter? Far from that. It does and has come to matter more since the late 1960s for another reason. Parties not built on cadre lines have tended over time to allow clan, lineage and community ties of kinship to become more central. So, the Congress, far from being alone, is now in the company of most parties. The challenge for the oldest party is to prove that it is at one with the people at large. Those who emerged from the Nehru family succeeded only when their message struck a chord. Perhaps, the issue is a different one. The Congress, in its present form, has been open enough about its limitations and has forged alliances in six major states. Modi is evoking an anti-Congress sentiment in his outreach to other parties as much as to rally the Sangh cadre. The problem is anti-Congress ideas mattered most when it dominated the polity. Todays fight is not democracy or dynasty, but for the soul and heart of democratic debate. It is the vibrancy of open debate giving way to the all-or-nothing view that relives the past in its own mirror. We are in the 21st century. It is best to resist the mindset and battleground mentality of the 12th century. The language of inquisition and show trials long ended elsewhere. India is better off without it. (Views are personal) rchopra@tribunemail.com New York, May 11 An Indian-origin doctor has been sentenced to nine years in prison by a US court for committing health care fraud and illegally distributing prescription painkillers. Pawankumar Jain, 66, a former physician, was sentenced in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release for unlawfully dispensing controlled substances and health care fraud, US Attorney John Anderson said. Jain previously entered guilty pleas in February 2016 to one count of unlawfully dispensing a controlled substance and one count of health care fraud. In his plea agreement, Jain admitted that he previously was licensed to practice medicine in the State of New Mexico and was registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prescribe controlled substances, including pain medication. He admitted that for several years he operated a high-volume pain management practice in Las Cruces, and frequently performed only cursory examinations of his patients before prescribing narcotics to them without documenting any therapeutic benefit for those drugs in his records. He specifically admitted examining one patient in November 2009 and that he conducted only a superficial examination of the patient before writing him two prescriptions for methadone that were outside the usual course of medical practice and not for any legitimate medical purpose. Each prescription was for 270 tablets of 10 mg methadone. Jain further admitted that he committed health care fraud because he knew these unlawful prescriptions would be submitted to federal health insurance Medicare for payment and that he intended for Medicare to pay for the prescriptions. Jain also acknowledged that the patient died two days after filling the second methadone prescription. According to evidence at the sentencing hearing, the patient died of respiratory depression due to the methadone Jain prescribed. The New Mexico Medical Board suspended Jains licence in June 2012, and revoked his licence in December 2012. Anderson said US law enforcement agencies are committed to working to aggressively target and hold drug traffickers accountableboth those who distribute on the street, and those who traffic as physicians writing prescriptions for no legitimate medical purpose. Doctors who betray our trust and put their own financial gain ahead of the well-being of their patients by prescribing narcotics without medical justification are directly fuelling our nations opioid crisis, he said. Special Agent in Charge Kyle Williamson of the DEAs El Paso Division said Jain ignored the oath they take to treat and care for patients who come to them for help, and continued to overprescribe, which eventually resulted in the deaths of four patients. His sentencing today will send a message to other doctors that they are not above the law and DEA will continue to forcefully pursue and hold them accountable. PTI sanjiv@tribunemail.com Deep regret these are the carefully chosen words the British royalty and political leadership have been using for the past two decades with regard to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Surely, an outrage as monumental as this one deserves much more than a mere acknowledgement an apology, to be precise. At a Baisakhi reception in London on Wednesday, PM Theresa May repeated words from her House of Commons statement last month while referring to the shameful scar on British-Indian history. Queen Elizabeth, who had visited the memorial in Amritsar in 1997, had called the incident a distressing example of our past history with India. During his visit in 2013, the then PM David Cameron had described the carnage as a deeply shameful act. These statements conveniently skipped any specific mention of the hundreds of unarmed men, women and children who were gunned down by General Reginald Dyers troops on Baisakhi day in 1919. Amid the platitudes, there has been no attempt to pinpoint who was/were responsible for the bloodbath Dyer, Punjab Lieutenant Governor Michael ODwyer, the colonial government or the Empire as a whole. Britain doesnt have to go too far back in time to look for a precedent. In 1997, then PM Tony Blair had apologised for the death of over one million people in Irelands great potato famine in the 1840s. During Camerons tenure, Britain had said sorry for the bloody suppression of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya in the 1950s and agreed to pay compensation to over 5,000 victims. Britain can even take a cue from one of its former colonies. In 2016, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau had tendered a formal apology in his countrys House of Commons, 102 years after the Komagata Maru incident in which the then government had turned away 376 Indians who wished to settle in the Maple Country. A British apology will never happen as long as there is no political and monarchical will to own up to the century-old massacre. And there can be no possibility of forgiveness if there is no apology. editorial@tribune.com Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service Chandigarh, May 10 For the first time in recallable past, the Punjab and Haryana HC convened around 10.30 pm to hear an election-related petition filed on behalf of Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar stranded in constituency other than his with parliamentary polls less than 48 hours away. Taking up his plea, Division Bench of Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice HS Sidhu permitted the CM to stay at Narwana, Jind. The necessity to move the court arose as the EC has directed all ministers, MPs, MLAs and other political functionaries provided with security to leave constituency as soon as the campaign period ends, that was 48 hours before the time fixed for the closure of poll. The Bench was told that the CM could not fly back from Mandi Dabwali to Chandigarh by a private helicopter due to inclement weather. In a communication to the EC, it was stated that the CM, as such, contemplated travelling back to Chandigarh by road with intention to halt for the night at Narwana falling midway between Chandigarh and Mandi Dabwali. The Jind District Election Officer-cum-DC, however, made it clear that the CM was not permitted to stay overnight in the rest house at Jind/Narwana after 5 pm. The petitioner made a representation to the Haryana Chief Electoral Officer as well as to the EC mentioning the extraordinary circumstances due to which the CM could not fly back. But response was not received. Speaking for the Bench, Justice Sharma asserted restrictions have been imposed by the EC to strengthen the democracy and to hold the elections in a transparent and fair manner. But the law did not enforce impossibilities. editorial@tribune.com Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Gohana (Sonepat), May 10 Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said the BJP government was targeting him and his son Deepender Hooda as it wanted to stop him from coming to power in the state in the Assembly elections to be held in October this year. Exhibiting his prowess by holding an impressive rally in the Jat heartland at Gohana on the last day of campaigning today, Hooda alleged that first efforts were made to stifle his voice by registering false CBI cases against him and now the ruling party had deployed all its strength in a bid to defeat him and his son from Sonepat and Rohtak, respectively. Hooda is facing Ramesh Kaushik of the BJP and Digvijay Singh Chautala of the JJP while his son Deepender Hooda is locked almost in a direct contest with Arvind Sharma of the BJP. The Hooda duo have been alleging that the BJP has been trying to polarise the election on caste basis by whipping peoples sentiments and holding them falsely responsible for violence during the Jat agitation in February 2016. It is not a question of getting elected as MPs alone. The BJP knows that in case we are elected for the Lok Sabha now, I will definitely head the next state government after the Assembly elections. It has happened in the past too when I was elected MP from Rohtak in 2004 and the Congress selected me to head the state government in 2005, he said. Getting emotional at the response to the rally, Hooda said the ruling party would not be able to succeed in its designs. I am the son of a freedom fighter, hence, I am not afraid of false criminal cases, he declared. Accusing the BJP of indulging in political vendetta, Hooda alleged that the CBI raids at his Rohtak residence in January were aimed at maligning him ahead of the May 12 election. Terming Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar as a machine churning out lies, Hooda alleged that the CM had been falsely accusing him of promoting violence during the Jat agitation to divide society for the sake of votes. He said the government set up the Prakash Singh committee to fix responsibility for violence and the committee had held the government responsible, but the report of the committee had been discarded. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Shiv Kumar Sharma Tribune News Service Yamunanagar, May 10 The Delhi High Court has constituted a panel to conduct an on-ground inspection of the sites where the mining mafia has constructed makeshift passages and bundhs across the Yamuna in Yamunanagar district. Former judge of the Delhi High Court Justice Indermeet Kaur, Additional Chief Secretary (retired) Nivedita Haran and senior advocate (amicus curiae) Rakesh Khanna will be the members of the committee. They will be assisted by two officers one each to be nominated by the chief secretaries of Delhi and Haryana governments. The committee will verify the existence of bundhs, if any, along the river and their impact on the supply of water to Delhi, preferably in five days. The committee will submit a report before the next date of hearing, the court order said. Sources said the HC passed this order after a team of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) visited Yamunanagar district on May 3 and presented a report and photographs about the creation of an obstruction (blockage) in the Yamuna main stream. One SB Tripathi had moved an application in the HC for reviving the Yamuna flow; therefore, DJB officers were to submit a report to the court on May 8 as regards the position and quantum of the river flow at Tajewala. When the DJB officers visited Tajewala, they saw a bundh being made at Kanalsi village, 17 km downstream of the Tajewala barrage. The local administration swung into action after DJB Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singh wrote a letter to Haryana Chief Secretary DS Dhesi, informing about the creation of obstruction in the Yamuna main stream. The authorities destroyed all makeshift passages and bundhs created across the river at various places a few days ago. Haridev Kamboj, Executive Engineer, Water Service Division, Dadupur, said a team of the Irrigation Department headed by Engineer-in-Chief Birender Singh inspected the area yesterday to prepare a status report in this regard. editorial@tribune.com Pratibha Chauhan and Dipender Manta Tribune News Service Mandi, May 10 Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried to strike an emotional chord with the people of Himachal, especially serving and retired Army personnel, while seeking their votes to ensure that their son (Modi) once again gets a chance to serve the country. I have a right over the people of Himachal as they treat me like their son and shower me with greater love and blessings than I get in my own home. You have to make the lotus bloom once again and ensure that the BJP makes a hat-trick 2014, 2017 and now 2019, he appealed to voters. He tried to invoke the sentiments of the people by talking about the insult heaped by the Congress- supported Karnataka Chief Minister on martyrs and their families. Himachal is known as veer bhoomi, where practically every family sends a son to the armed forces. The Karnataka CM says that only those people send their sons to the Army who cannot provide them two square meals a day, said Modi, while addressing an impressive rally in support of BJP candidate and sitting MP Ram Swaroop. The hill state has over three lakh serving and retired Army personnel, making them and their families a sizeable chunk of the electorate. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, former CMs Shanta Kumar and PK Dhumal and state party president Satpal Singh Satti were present. He alleged that the Congress and its alliance parties were in the habit of insulting the martyrs. In the last five years, we ensured that one rank, one pension issue (OROP), which had been pending for the last four decades, is settled, he said. Modi alleged that the Congress tried to befool the faujis by stating that they had made a provision of Rs 500 crore in the interim budget in 2014. However, I gave Rs 35,000 crore so that the OROP issue was settled, he added. The Prime Minister accused the Congress of insulting the valour of the Army post Pulwama. Rather than lauding the brave act of the valiant soldiers who entered Pakistan to destroy terrorist training camps and avenge the Pulwama attack, the Congress and its leaders are abusing me and casting aspersions on the act of bravery by the Army, he said. Whether it was the question of the security of the nation or the honour of soldiers, their chowkidar was always alert while the Congress was supporting separatists and opposing the AFSPA, which provided protection to soldiers, alleged Modi. The world has recognised the strength and power of India which is hard for the Congress to digest. People like you questioned me and asked me to retaliate post Pulwama and I gave the Army a free hand, he said. Winning over Sikh population With Mandi having a sizeable Sikh population, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried to invoke their sympathy stating that for the first time justice had been given to the community by punishing those responsible for the 1984 riots. Look at the Congress arrogance and mentality when it says Jo hua so hua, katleaam hua to hua. It seems to be completely oblivious to the pain of those who suffered in the riots, said Modi. "I have a right over the people of Himachal as they treat me like their son and shower me with greater love and blessings than I get in my own home. You have to make the lotus bloom once again and ensure that the BJP makes a hat-trick 2014, 2017 and now 2019." Narendra Modi Nostalgia and mudslinging PM Narendra Modi was almost two hours late for the rally, so he started his speech the moment he arrived at the venue. He addressed the people for almost 32 minutes. Modi spoke at length on his close bonding with Himachal, its people and his fondness for local cuisines, especially sepu vadi, which he savoured. He said the next time, he would certainly get some of the dishes packed and relish those later. He reminisced his trek to the Bijli Mahadev temple in Kullu and how he took shelter in a tiny tea stall for four hours. Anil Sharma keeps off rally As expected, local BJP MLA Anil Sharma, father of Congress candidate Ashray Sharma and son of Sukh Ram, stayed away from the rally. Perhaps, this must be for the first occasion when the local party MLA did not welcome the PM on his arrival to his constituency. Sukh Ram a dal badlu: CM CM Jai Ram Thakur targeted Sukh Ram by referring to him as dal badlu and referred to the corruption charges against him. Shanta too flays Sukh Ram Shanta Kumar ridiculed Sukh Ram, stating that a vote could not be wasted for a dal badlu like Sukh Ram. editorial@tribune.com Rajesh Sharma UNA, May 10 Congress president Rahul Gandhi today called Virbhadra Singh his political Guru during an election meeting held at the Una police grounds in support of party candidate Ram Lal Thakur from Hamirpur parliamentary segment. Rahul said he had great respect for the veteran leader, who had remained Chief Minister six times. Taunting the saffron party, he said the BJP was a party with no place for veterans, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ditched his Guru as soon as he came to power. Rahul charged that during the last five years, the Prime Minister had not listened to his own party leaders, leave alone the masses, who had made him the leader of the country. He said the Prime Minister has openly admitted that his opponent was only Modi and no one else, which speaks of his arrogance. The Congress president said if the Prime Minister was Chowkidar, he should tell the people why only some 15-odd influential people of corporate houses had benefited to the tune of thousands of crores of rupees during the Modi regime. Rahul gave great respect to Virbhadra Singh for most part of his time they were on the stage. Upon reaching the stage, the Congress president gave Virbhadra a warm hug. After all were seated, Rahul offered a bottle of water to Virbhadra Singh. Virbhadra Singhs name was not in the list of speakers, but Rahul directed the stage secretary to invite the former Chief Minister for a speech. When former Chief Minister came, Rahul got up, personally took Virbhadra by his hand and led him to the dais for his address. When his own turn came to speak, Rahul began his address by calling Virbhadra Singh as his guru, adding that he had great respect for the veteran leader. In his speech, Virbhadra Singh failed to seek public support for party candidate Ram Lal Thakur. Mukesh Agnihotri rushed to whisper something in his ears, after which the former CM said that he forgot he was in an election meeting. editorial@tribune.com Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, May 10 The authorities have launched an operation to trace a brown bear which slipped into a deep nullah after it was stoned by locals at Drass in Kargil district. Two videos of the incident have surfaced on the social media, showing a brown bear caught in a barbed wire and later slipping into a nullah at Drass after it was able to free itself. This is macabre, happened today at Drass. pic.twitter.com/rtnqzghLF3 Mahmood Ah Shah (@mashah06) 9 May 2019 I have ordered an inquiry. Also, teams from the wildlife and other departments have been constituted to trace the brown bear, said Deputy Commissioner, Kargil, Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary. We are also trying to identify the people who pelted stones at the bear due to which it slipped into a nullah. Once they are identified, an FIR will be registered against them, the DC said. In the first video shot on Thursday, the bear is seen entangled in a barbed wire and is trying to free itself. As it climbs a cliff after freeing itself, people are seen throwing stones at it due to which it loses its balance and falls 50 feet below into a fast-running stream. In one of the videos, people are seen shouting to scare away the animal. It is not, however, clear if the bear survived after falling into the stream. Brown bears are listed as critically endangered species due to loss of their habitat. Regional wildlife warden, Ladakh, Mohammad Sajid Sultan termed it an unfortunate incident. It is case of an uncontrolled mob and here they have pelted stones at the animal which is evident from the video, he said. There is an input that the animal has come out of the water downstream, but we cannot concretely say if the animal has survived, Sultan said. Twitter reactions: Animal-Human conflict. This bear must be lost or hungry and humans are afraid. Anyway not good. A.Basur (@abasur) 9 May 2019 Horrendous. They (humans) encroach the forests and expect the wildlife to stay away. It's their home they have occupied. And on that they kill and chase away these animals. This video makes me kill a few of those cheering. Jibran Bashir (@docwhoshoots) 10 May 2019 only species know to spend billions to destroy its own kind forget caring about others wonka (@wonka_tech) 10 May 2019 So sad why this haunting... Humans are insane Sagar Beri P Lu (@sagarberi1) 9 May 2019 editorial@tribune.com Amit Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, May 10 Despite Governor Satya Pal Maliks announcement that he would waive toll for the locals at the Sangam toll plaza in south Kashmir, sources said any such decision would be implemented only if they get a nod from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. On Thursday, the Governor said the locals would be exempted from the toll. There wont be any toll on the locals. We have taken up the issue with the Central government but due to the ongoing election process, things have slowed up a bit, the Governor had said while inaugurating the gridlock separator in Srinagar on Thursday. Sources in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) claimed that the exemption rules in Jammu and Kashmir were the same as in the rest of the country and the toll could not be exempted in the state unless the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways made some special amendments for the state. There is a lot of pressure from the state administration to exempt toll for the locals and the state government employees. It cannot be entertained unless the ministry amends the rules. The Governor has promised it to the locals, but it is a long process, a highly placed source told The Tribune. Malik on Thursday announced toll exemption for the locals without identifying its beneficiaries. People residing in the radius of 20 km from the toll posts in Jammu and Kashmir are being provided a monthly pass at a nominal cost, which is less than the toll paid for three entries. Meanwhile, anger is brewing up in Jammu against the implementation of different rules for different areas of the state. BJP leader and advocate Hunar Gupta has given a representation to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to treat all regions of the state with the same yardstick. Why has the exemption been given to the people of Kashmir and the people of Jammu have to pay the toll? he asked. Exemption rules same in country uttara@tribuneindia.com New Delhi/Srinagar, May 11 Islamic State (IS) claimed for the first time that it has established a "province" in India, after a clash between militants and security forces in Kashmir killed a militant with alleged ties to the group. IS's Amaq News Agency late on Friday announced the new province, that it called Wilayah of Hind, in a statement that also claimed Islamic State inflicted casualties on Indian army soldiers in the town of Amshipora in the Shopian district of Kashmir. The IS statement corresponds with an Indian Police statement on Friday that a militant called Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi was killed in an encounter in Shopian. ISs statement establishing the new province appears to be designed to bolster its standing after the group was driven from its self-styled "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria in April, where at one point it controlled thousands of miles of territory. IS has stepped up hit-and-run raids and suicide attacks, including taking responsibility for the Easter Sunday bombing in Sri Lanka that killed at least 253 people. "The establishment of a 'province' in a region where it has nothing resembling actual governance is absurd, but it should not be written off," said Rita Katz, director of the SITE Intel Group that tracks Islamic extremists. "The world may roll its eyes at these developments, but to jihadists in these vulnerable regions, these are significant gestures to help lay the groundwork in rebuilding the map of the IS 'caliphate'." Sofi had been involved in several militant groups in Kashmir for more than a decade before pledging allegiance to Islamic State, according to a military official on Saturday and an interview given by Sofi to a Srinagar-based magazine sympathetic to IS. He was suspected of several grenade attacks on security forces in the region, police and military sources said. "It was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire," a police spokesman said in the statement on Friday's encounter. The military official said it was possible that Sofi had been the only militant left in Kashmir associated with IS. A spokesman for India's home ministry, which is responsible for security in Kashmir, did not respond to a request for comment. Reuters editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent Anantnag, May 10 A militant of the Islamic State Jammu Kashmir (ISJK) was killed in an early morning gunfight with security forces in Shopian district of south Kashmir on Friday. The slain militant was identified as Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi, alias Umer, a resident of Sopore town in north Kashmirs Baramulla district. Sofi, as per the police, was a member of the militant outfit Harkat-ul-Mujahideen. He was arrested and released in early 2018 on bail. He, however, took to arms again and joined the ISJK this time around, a senior police officer said. The police maintained that Sofi and his associates were involved in a series of crimes, including grenade attacks, on a CRPF bunker at Safa Kadal, Soura and the Khanyar police station. He was also part of groups which had carried out attacks on security establishments in the area, a police spokesperson said. The gunfight on Friday took place in the Ramnagri-Amshipora area of south Kashmirs Shopian district around 6.30 am. There were specific inputs regarding the presence of militants in the area. The area was cordoned off and soon after, the hiding militant opened fire, the police official said. He said the fire was retaliated and the militant was killed. The police retrieved arms and ammunition and some incriminating material from the site, the official said. It was a clean operation without any collateral damage, the police said. Later, after identification and medico-legal formalities, the body was handed over to the militants family. The authorities snapped the Internet services in the Sopore area and ordered the closure of schools and colleges. Five youths injured in clashes near Jamia Masjid Srinagar: Five youths were injured in clashes that erupted in the Nowhatta area of the old city after the Friday prayers, eyewitnesses said. The clashes took place soon after the Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid when masked youths raised pro-freedom slogans and threw stones at security forces deployed outside the mosque. Security personnel fired pellets and tear-smoke shells to disperse the protesters. In the clashes, five youths were injured, locals said. The clashes, which continued for almost an hour, created panic as many worshippers, including women, were stuck inside the mosque. Eyewitnesses said the locals stuck inside the mosque requested the youths to stop stone-throwing so that they could move out. After almost an hour, the worshipers were able to leave the mosque. TNS rchopra@tribunemail.com Jammu, May 11 After remaining closed for two days, the Jammu-Srinagar highway is likely to reopen on Saturday to clear the stranded traffic. Traffic department officials said the highway was cleared on Friday evening for one-way traffic and over 600 vehicles were allowed to move, but shooting stones continuously interrupted the movement in Digdol area again forcing closure of the highway. One dozen operator engaged in landslide debris clearance was injured when a boulder hit his machine on Friday evening. Road opening operation was again started in the morning on Saturday and if all goes well the highway would be opened for stranded vehicles on Saturday. No fresh traffic will be allowed till the highway is decongested first by clearing the stranded traffic, officials said. A massive landslide had hit the Digdol area of the highway in Ramban district on Thursday after which the road remained closed for two days. IANS shriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com Mumbai, May 11 Ahead of Mother's Day on May 12, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, a mother to a boy, pledged to save the life of every newborn by creating awareness on child healthcare and immunisation here on Friday. The actress was present at the third edition of Radio4Child Award 2019, an initiative by Unicef. Kareena, an Unicef Celebrity Advocate, said: "This Mother's Day, I want to make a pledge to keep all the children alive. Every child, wherever, in whatever condition they are born, they should stay alive and that is where the Unicef #EveryChildAlive campaign comes in." "It is great to see how so many radio jockeys across the nation worked tirelessly to educate, engage and spread the message of our campaign, to make people understand the importance of children's health, immunisation; especially to young mothers. "Apart from being a film actor, I also wear the hat of a radio jockey and I am very proud of itI know what power we have to reach out to people. Every single voice of a radio jockey reaches people and resonates with masses. That is why I am so happy to be part of Radio4child Award 2019." The event was attended by Pradeep Haldar, Deputy Commissioner, Immunisation, Health Ministry, Chief of Health Unicef India - Dr. Gagan Gupta as well as several radio jockeys who were honoured for their creative messages on the radio for routine immunisation and against child sexual abuse. Kareena said: "When I delivered Taimur (her son)... in the initial days, I had a conversation with my doctor on how I could protect him from some of the diseases and that is when he gave me an immunisation list. "I have been, since then following; but that was the time my heart went out to so many mothers across the nation who possibly do not even know about all the vaccination that are needed for the children. That is why the cause (immunisation) is so close to my heart." The award show also coincided with Unicef celebrating 70 years in India. IANS ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Sanjeev Singh Bariana Tribune News service Chandigarh, May 10 For the first time in the last 30 years, government schools in Punjab have outdone their counterparts in the private sector as regards Class X results of the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). The pass percentage for 3,582 government schools stood at 88.21 as against 86 for private schools an upswing of over 30 per cent in comparison with last years (2017-2018) figure of 58 per cent. The marked improvement comes despite teachers being on the path of agitation for regularisation of services, promotions and pay scales since October last year. There has also been a marked improvement in results in border districts. Pathankot, with a pass percentage of 52 last year, has topped the state with over 91. Gurdaspur recorded a pass percentage of 89 against 60 last year; Amritsar 89 against 55 last year; Tarn Taran 74 against 33 last year; and Ferozepur 80 against 52 last year. More than 3,000 teachers were recruited exclusively for border districts last year with a clear message that no transfers would be allowed. Certain schools that had a pass percentage of only 2 last year crossed 90 this year. These include Government Senior Secondary School, Kutala (Amritsar); GSSS, Munde (Gurdaspur); and GMSSS, Taragarh (Pathankot). Secretary (School Education) Krishan Kumar said, The result is a reflection on hard work by teachers with active support of State Council of Educational Research and Training. Education Minister OP Soni said, Our efforts are bearing fruit under the watchful eyes of our CM. Sanjha Morcha convener Devinder Punia said, It is appreciable and a key reason has been lenient marking. shalender@tribune.com New Delhi, May 10 The BJP can never be an individual-centric party as it is based on ideology, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, denying allegations that the party had become Modi-centric. He also dismissed the possibility of a fractured mandate and claimed the party would get more seats than the last Lok Sabha polls. BJP neither became Atal or Advanijis party in the past, nor it can ever be only Amit Shah or Narendra Modis party, he said in an interview to PTI at his residence here. He, however, said the BJP and PM Modi were complementary to each other. Asked whether Modi is BJP and BJP is Modi on the lines of Indira is India and India is Indira slogan given by then Congress president DK Barooah during Emergency in 1976, Gadkari said the party could never be individual-centric. BJP as a party can never be individual-centric. It is an ideology-based party. There can be no family-rule in the BJP. It is a wrong notion that the party has become Modi-centric. Partys parliamentary board takes all decisions, he said. He rubbished the claims that BJP was fighting polls on nationalism instead of its work or achievements in the past five years and said people would vote the party back to power with full majority supporting its development agenda. Opposition has tried to bring in poison of casteism and communalism in the polls to derail the BJPs development agenda, but I am sure people will be with us and we will form the government with full majority, he said. He said for the BJP nationalism was not an issue but its soul. Good administration and development is our mission... roti, kapda aur makan or the poor, exploited and backward is our ideal, Gadkari said. PTI ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Varanasi, May 10 Exuding confidence that the BJP will better its 2014 Lok Sabha tally, its president Amit Shah has predicted that the saffron party will win over 55 new seats, propelled by its focus on national security and Prime Minister Narendra Modis appeal. Shah also scorned Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for their criticism of Modi for attacking their father, the late Rajiv Gandhi, asserting that they cannot run away from their past however hard they try. In an interview, 54-year-old Shah, at the helm of affairs of the ruling party since 2014, said he has succeeded in his plan to expand the BJPs base across coastal and eastern states. The BJP swept to its maiden majority in 2014 by winning 282 of 543 seats. Asserting that the BJP will get a majority on its own, he said the party would win more than 23 seats in West Bengal and 13-15 seats in Odisha. In 2014, the BJP had won two and one seat in these two states, respectively. After taking over as BJP chief, Shah had also identified 120 seats spread across the country as potentially winnable. The party had lost them in 2014. The BJP will win more than 55 of those constituencies, he added. With top Congress leaders slamming Modi for his sharp attack on Rajiv Gandhi, Shah questioned, Why can he or Jawaharlal Nehru not be criticised simply because they are from the Gandhi family? The BJP president also mocked Rahul Gandhi over his claim that Modi should pack his bags, and said let May 23 come and we will see who gets to pack his bags. With five phases of the General Election over, he also reiterated his claim that the BJP would win more than 73 seats of the 80 in Uttar Pradesh it had won in 2014 along with its ally Apna Dal, and not less. On the strong social arithmetic in favour of SP-BSP in the largest state, Shah shot back, You people look at arithmetic. I look at peoples sentiments and they are totally with Modi. PTI On regional satraps as allies They (like KC Rao and Naveen Patnaik) are welcome to join the ruling National Democratic Alliance, but the BJP will get a majority on its own. People everywhere are voting in the name of Modi. Amit Shah, BJP President amansharma@tribunemail.com New Delhi/Noida, May 11 The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday claimed to have made the countrys biggest seizure of over 1,800-kg pseudoephedrine from a house in Greater Noida and arrested three foreigners. The estimated value of the seized chemical, along with about 2 kg of party drug cocaine, is around Rs 25 crore, sources in the NCB said. The house belongs to an IPS officer, posted in Lucknow, who told PTI that he was shocked and distressed with the discovery and had rented out his place through a property dealer in Greater Noida. The NCB stumbled upon the record haul of the narcotics chemical and stimulant after the grilling of a South African woman who was arrested by them on May 9 from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport for allegedly carrying 24.7 kg of pseudoephedrine. The woman was first intercepted by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Pseudoephedrine is a precursor used for the manufacture of Methamphetamine, a drug widely used in Europe and South East Asia, a senior NCB officer said. This is the biggest ever seizure of pseudoephedrine in India kept outside factory premises. As per our records, this is the highest ever seizure by any agency, he said. Usually such large quantities are always found in factories and not in residential or commercial premises, he said. The womans interrogation led the officers of the Delhi zonal unit of the NCB to a house in Greater Noida from where a total of 1,818 kg of pseudoephedrine and 1.9 kg of cocaine were seized on May 10, the officer said. Two Nigerians, a man and a woman, have been arrested from the house apart from the South African apprehended earlier, he said. The arrests were made under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The Noida police said the foreigners who were living in the house in Sector P4, under the jurisdiction of its Kasna police station, on rent did not have any verification of their identity done by the local police. Its required for any foreigner to get their verification done by the LIU (Local Intelligence Unit). They did not get it done. A probe would be carried out to fix responsibility over this lapse and any other lapses, Gautam Buddh Nagar SSP Vaibhav Krishna told PTI. He said the NCB had carried out the action in Greater Noida independently and the local police was not involved. Meanwhile, Indian Police Service (IPS) officer DPN Pandey, the owner of the house, said he had bought the property for Rs 7.20 lakh in 2000 during a scheme for government officials. He said the house, with four to five rooms spread in an area of 30 sq metre, laid vacant for six-seven years before he thought of renting it out. Yes, that is my house. We had rented it out through a property dealer. A rent agreement was also made with the tenants. But I had no idea what they were up to. I am shocked and distressed, Pandey, a Superintendent of Police in the Economic Offences Wing, told PTI over phone from Ballia, where he is on an official duty at the moment. I have never been posted in western Uttar Pradesh and had bought the property considering I may live there after retirement, he said. Pandey said his tenants had started giving him troubles by delaying the rent for about an year now and not remitting electricity bills worth around Rs 2.73 lakh. It was rented out at Rs 24,000 per month but they have not paid the rent for almost an year now. Electricity bills worth Rs 2.73 lakh are also pending and every time I asked them to pay it they would say theyll do it online but did not do it, the IPS officer said. I had asked the property dealer to get them to vacate the house and even approached the local police circle officer (Greater Noida 1st) for this, but the tenants seemed reluctant, he said. Pandey said he would visit the house only once or twice a year. I will file a police complaint against them for the misuse and pending house and electricity bills, he added. PTI amansharma@tribunemail.com Shubhadeep Choudhury Tribune News Service Kolkata, May 11 The BJP on Saturday alleged that the Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal was cracking down on its activists for harmless posts on social media. Talking to the Tribune, Debjit Sarkar, West Bengal unit Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) president and BJP candidate from Serampore Lok Sabha constituency, said, Priyanka Sharma, a young BJYM functionary from Howrah and Amanish Iyer, an RSS office-bearer, have been arrested by police and sent to judicial custody for 14 days each for what they posted on their respective Facebook pages. Priyanka Sharma, a BJP youth wing leader in Howrah, was arrested yesterday for posting a morphed image of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on her Facebook page. The image, which cannot be seen on Priyankas timeline anymore, showed Mamata Banerjees face superimposed over Priyanka Chopras recent Met Gala attire. A complaint was filed against Sharma by Trinamool Congress leader Vibhas Hazra. Accusing Priyanka Sharma of posting the most awful post on Facebook on May 9, 2019 at 5 pm on her timeline, the complaint said, She cut the face of Mamata Banerjee (Chief Minister of Bengal) from a picture and pasted it on a picture of some model. Something which broke the community guideline and it is also an issue of violence. She not just tries to insult our Honble Chief Minister, but she is trying to insult the culture of our Bengal by her post on Facebook and is cyber crime, added the complainant. Amanish Iyer, according to Debjit Sarkar, had posted on his Facebook page some photographs of the Serampore Trinamool Congress candidate Kalyan Banerjee with some women. Iyer has been booked under charges related to obscenity even though there is nothing obscene about these photographs, Sarkar said. The Mamata Banerjee-led dispensation in West Bengal has had a reputation of being intolerant to anything critical about the Chief Minister on social media. A Jadavpur University professor was arrested sometime back for circulating a cartoon lampooning the Chief Minister. Last year, a man from Tripura was arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the West bengal CM on social media. The arrest of Sharma and Iyer has given a fresh boost to the debate over the intolerance of the Mamata government, which has always accused the BJP government at the Centre of being intolerant. rchopra@tribunemail.com Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 11 The first Apache AH 64E attack helicopter was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force at the Boeing production facility in Mesa, Arizona, US, on Friday. This is the first attack copter acquired from the US. The IAF currently uses the Soviet/Russian origin Mi25/Mi35 copters. These are tasked with tank formations. Air Marshal AS Butola represented the IAF and accepted the first Apache in a ceremony at the Boeing production facility; representatives from the US government were also present, the IAF said on Saturday morning. The IAF had signed a contract with the US Government and Boeing in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July. Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at the US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. These personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF. The addition of AH-64 E helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of the IAFs helicopter fleet. The helicopter has been customised to suit the IAFs requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from the ground. The ability of these helicopters to transmit and receive the battlefield picture to and from the weapon systems through data networking makes it a lethal acquisition. These attack helicopters will provide significant edge in any joint operations in support of land forces. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, May 10 Ahead of the Delhi elections this Sunday and Punjab polls later on May 19, the Congress today found itself on the defensive over party leader Sam Pitrodas remarks about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi intensifying his attack on the issue and Akali Dal fuelling the fire. Sensing potential damage over Pitrodas hua toh hua comments about the carnage, the Congress distanced itself and advised all leaders to be careful and sensitive. The party also spoke of anti-Sikh riots and 2002 Godhra riots in the same breath to argue that riots are unacceptable and unpardonable in society. Congress defence followed PM Modis taunts at a poll rally and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley asking if Congress chief Rahul Gandhi will oust his guru Pitroda. This as the Akali Dal protested outside AICC headquarters. To up the ante, BJP spokesman RP Singh held an official briefing to seek an apology from Rahul Gandhi and former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. He was flanked by a victim who alleged she was gangraped during the anti-Sikh riots. Akali Dal spokesman Manjinder Sirsa, meanwhile, attacked the Congress for equating the Sikh carnage with Godhra riots. Who ordered the Sikh genocide? Can Gandhi tell? Sirsa asked. The Congress issued a statement dissociating itself from Pitroda and said it had always supported justice for 1984 riot victims. We continue to support the quest for justice and stern punishment for those found guilty in 1984 riots, as also the subsequent acts of violence, including the 2002 Gujarat riots. Any opinion or remark by any individual to the contrary is not the opinion of the Congress party. We advise all leaders to be careful and sensitive, Congress media head Randeep Surjewala said. We abhor violence against any person or a group based on caste, colour, region or religion unlike the BJP, which has decided to field a candidate charged with terror crimes, Congress has shown the moral and political courage to punish people and leaders accused of violence/ role in 1984, Surjewala noted inviting rebuttal from the Akali Dal which asked why the Congress rewarded Kamal Nath with a Chief Ministers post in Madhya Pradesh when his name had figured in the riots. Charges against Nath were however not proved. A strong condemnation of Pitrodas remarks came later today from Congress leader and partys Anandpur Saheb candidate Manish Tewari, who said, The 1984 riots in Delhi are a blot on humanity. Sam Pitrodas statement is unfortunate and regrettable. The INC as a party and former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh have repeatedly stated that the perpetrators must be brought to justice. Senior Congress leader and former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar also snubbed Pitroda, saying: "The brutal killing of innocent citizens in 1984 was a crime against humanity and no right-thinking person can think or say otherwise. Those guilty must be brought to justice to heal the wounds of the nation. Our collective effort should be to ensure justice for the aggrieved. In his speech in Parliament, Dr Manmohan Singh had said so as the Prime Minister. The Congress president has also repeatedly said that those guilty of the heinous offence should be awarded the most stringent punishment." Never meant to say it, my hindi not good My remarks were twisted and blown out of context. I never meant to say what was reported by the media. My Hindi is not good and while I was wanting to say jo hua, vo bura hua, I could not translate bura in my mind monicakchauhan@gmail.com Alwar/Jaipur, May 11 National SC/ST Commission Vice Chairman L Murgan on Friday recommended that an FIR be registered against police officers whose alleged negligence led to delay in action in the Alwar gangrape case. Murgan along with Commission secretary Pritam Singh, Rajasthan Chief Secretary D B Gupta and DGP Kapil Garg held a meeting in Alwar to review the progress in the case, which has triggered wide-spread outrage in Rajasthan. "I have asked that negligent police officers should be booked under section 4 of SC/ST Act, chargesheet should be filed within 15 days and the case should be monitored on a daily basis. The family has demanded government job. I have asked the district magistrate to see how it can be provided, Murgan told reporters in Alwar after the meeting. The victim's husband had claimed that he had approached the police on April 26 after the incident, but an FIR was filed on May 2. He had alleged that the police did not take action saying that they were busy with elections. On Tuesday night, the Rajasthan government removed Alwar Superintendent of Police Rajiv Pachar and suspended SHO of the Thanagazi police station Sardar Singh while four policemen were taken off active duty. Murgan said that a compensation of Rs 4,12,500 has been paid to the woman victim apart from Rs 50,000 provided by the women and child development department. The victim's family submitted a memorandum for speedy trial, compensation and government job. The Commission has also asked the state government to check how the victim's husband can be provided compensation under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, he added. Meanwhile, protests continued in parts of the state including in Makrana of Nagaur district and Kota where people demanded strict action against the accused. Police have arrested all six accused -- Indra Raj Gurjar, Mahesh Gurjar, Ashok Gurjar, Hansraj Gurjar, Chhote Lal Gurjar and Mukesh Gurjar -- on charges of gang rape and filming the crime. On April 26, the victim was riding pillion on a motorcycle with her husband when the accused, who were on two bikes, accosted them at Thanagazi-Alwar bypass and took them to an isolated place off. They allegedly beat up the husband and raped her in front of him, threatening them of dire consequences. Mukesh Gurjar allegedly filmed the incident in his mobile phone. The victims went to the police when the accused demanded money for not circulating the video on social media, but the FIR was lodged only on May 2. With the Congress government in the state facing flak over the incident, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that the culprits of the heinous crime will not be spared and speedy trial will be ensured. He said that the state government will make arrangements that an FIR can be filed at the Superintendent of Police (SP) office itself if the SHO concerned does not file the first information report and investigate complaints. We are going to take an important decision that if an SHO doesn't file FIR then there will be a provision that FIR can be filed at SP office and it will be monitored why the FIR was not filed at the police station concerned and action will be taken. "Steps will be taken so that crime rate reduces in the state, Gehlot told reporters in Jaipur. He said that a committee has been constituted to investigate the matter and lapses that occurred. Action will be taken based on the inquiry report against the officers, the chief minister said. Gehlot also said that the state government will appoint a Circle Officer (CO) rank official to look into the case of crime against women in the state for effective monitoring and speedy investigation. Rajasthan Chief Secretary D.B Gupta said that action will be taken after committees constituted to investigate the matter submit their reports. Jaipur Divisional Commissioner and DIG vigilance have been asked to probe the matter separately. They have been asked to submit report in 10 days. Further action will be taken after the report, Gupta said. Three rape incidents have been reported from parts of Alwar district in the last fortnight. On Tuesday, a 40-year-old Dalit woman was allegedly raped inside the Community Health Centre (CHC) by an ambulance driver and a compounder at Kathumar. The district police received the complaint about the gangrape on Thursday. As per the FIR, on Tuesday night, ambulance driver Ram Niwas Gujjar locked the door of the delivery room from inside, gagged the victim with a piece of cloth before he and compounder Girja Prasad allegedly raped her. On Tuesday, a 20-year-old woman had lodged a complaint that she was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and gangraped by three men in Alwar's Thana Gazi police station area. She was held captive at different places for four days, police said. PTI The Ministry of Finance said that the upgrade of Vietnams Outlook demonstrated Fitchs recognition of the achievements and efforts made by the Vietnamese Government in improving the quality and efficiency of economic management. According to Fitch, the Government of Vietnam has continued their commitment to curb and reduce debts, with government debt decreasing to 50.5% of GDP in 2018 from a peak of 53% in 2016. The agency also expects that the ratio will further reduce to 46% by 2020. The countrys public debt (general government debt including guarantees) also fell to around 58% of GDP by the end of 2018 after being close to the ceiling at 65% in 2016, Fitch said. Fitch stated that the debt reduction has been attributed to the decline in outstanding government guarantees, stable receipts from equitisation of state-owned enterprises, high nominal GDP growth and lower fiscal deficits. The rating agency expects that Vietnams GDP growth will stand at around 6.7% in 2019, still within the National Assemblys target of between 6.6-6.8%. Despite impacts from US-China trade tensions and slowing global growth, Vietnam will remain among the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region and in the global BB rating category, Fitch said. The agency also expects that Vietnam will remain an attractive destination for foreign investors thanks to its low cost advantage. Tennessee Brew Works, TDOC announce first documented professional All-Tennessee grain beers Ambitious initiative to make brewery industry agriculturally self-sustaining in Tennessee KNOXVILLE Tennessee Brew Works, Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDOC), Tennessee State Parks, and Batey Farms have launched a multi-year brewing initiative to bring barley back to Tennessee, producing the first all-Tennessee grain Tennessee State Park Blond Ale and Southern Wit, a Belgian-Style White Ale. Batey Farms, an 8th generation family-owned farm located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is now producing malted barley sourced straight from their farm. Until today, grains used in Tennessee Craft Beers were sourced from an array of suppliers ranging from the Midwest, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom and Belgium. Since 2015, Tennessee Brew Works has partnered with Batey Farms to produce wheat for their beers. Brandon Whitt, owner of Batey Farms says, Were planting the seeds that will bring our farmers and breweries to prosperity together. And, Tennessee State Parks will benefit along the way! It is essential that Tennessee Agriculture is self-sufficient. This effort is a path to self-sufficiency in Tennessee with Tennessee Brew Works and other breweries that want to support farmers across the state, says Tom Womack, Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Tennessee Brew Works and Tennessee State Parks first partnered in July of 2017 producing the first Tennessee State Park Blonde Ale benefiting the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy and the states 56 state parks system. To date, more than $7,000 has been donated from the beer proceeds. This partnership has produced a truly unique and local Tennessee craft brew that considers the preservation and protection of our states natural resources from start to finish, said Brock Hill, deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservations Bureau of Parks and Conservation. The State Park Blonde Ale is not only made of 100% Tennessee grain, but sales directly support the care of some of Tennessees most beautiful and precious public lands. Our goal is to create economies of scale, so that we brew all of our beers using Tennessee grains, and hope other breweries and distilleries around the state begin to do the same, said Christian Spears, President and Founder, Tennessee Brew Works. This partnership opportunity allows us to fulfill our mission of being community driven through supporting Tennessee farmers while giving back to the state parks. The potential of this partnership is limitless. We are so honored to be working with all of these state organizations, farmers and our talented head brewer, Matt Simpson. His beers are truly bringing barley back to Tennessee. Founded in 1807, Batey Farms is located in the Blackman community of Rutherford County, just 6 miles northwest of Murfreesboro. It is an 8th generation family owned and operated hog, row crop, and hay farm that prides itself on being noble stewards of the land and animals that we have the pleasure to care for. Since 1807 dating back to a Revolutionary war land grant, the farm has been in production agriculture. It has continued to grow and take advantage of new technologies that date back to running water and electricity to new age GPS, field mapping, data collection and variable rate seed, fertilizer and chemical placement to ensure that it is doing all it can to provide a secure and safe environment. Please visit www.bateyfarms.com. From its beginning in 1937, Tennessee State Parks were established to protect and preserve the unique natural, cultural and historic resources of Tennessee. The public interest has also been served by a variety of benefits for citizens and communities produced by our state park system, promoting stronger communities and healthier citizens across the state through diverse resource-based recreation while conserving the natural environment for today and tomorrow preserving authentic Tennessee places and spaces for future generations to enjoy. There are 56 Tennessee State Parks to explore. Tennessee Brew Works was born from a love for craft beer. A startup which began over a home-brew session, they ultimately celebrated their first professional brew in August 2013. Tennessee Brew Works is 100% owned and operated by folks in Tennessee. They are guided by their motto: We work hard to create high quality craft beer that makes Tennessee proud. Our culture places importance on family, friends, and community, and we hope youll be a part of it. Our mission is to celebrate the land, the culture, and the traditions of Tennessee. Published May 11, 2019 shalender@tribune.com Shillong, May 10 A high-level committee (HLC) set up by the Meghalaya government on Friday gave a months time to the residents of Punjabi Lane here to prove that they had settled in the area legally. We have decided at a meeting to give one months time to the settlers to submit their documents to prove legality of their stay. They will submit the papers to the chief executive officer of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), said Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong, who is the head of the HLC. The SMB was instructed to create an inventory of properties following a survey in the area and public notices will be issued to all the settlers in this regard, he said. The settlers had refused to cooperate with the authorities during the survey conducted last year and this is the second and the last opportunity to be given to them, the deputy CM said. Of the hundreds of people at Punjabi Lane, only 184 employees of the SMB and government departments and their families have been identified as legal settlers, official sources said, adding that there was a demand from various quarters to relocate the Punjabis from the area. The local Punjabi community in December last year had urged Governor Tathagata Roy to disband the HLC for allegedly issuing orders with an intent to displace them. On May 29, 2018, clashes erupted when a bus driver and his friend were attacked at the Punjabi Lane area and they received injuries. As rumours of the assaulted victims dying in hospital spread on social media, people attacked the settlers following which the entire area was put under curfew for over a month. Following this, a delegation of the Punjab Government visited the city and interacted with the settlers. The delegation members also met CM Conrad K Sangma. However, the Meghalaya administration expressed unhappiness after the Punjab government sanctioned Rs 60 lakh as compensation to the community members affected by the violence. PTI monicakchauhan@gmail.com New Delhi, May 11 The BJP on Saturday slammed a Time magazine article, which called Prime Minister Narendra Modi "divider in chief", as an attempt to malign Modi's image, accusing its author of pursuing Pakistan's agenda. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told a press conference that article's author was a Pakistani and that nothing better can be expected from Pakistan. He also took a swipe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for retwitting the story. The piece, a sharp criticism of Modi's leadership, has been written by Aatish Taseer, son of Indian journalist Tavleen Singh and late Pakistani politician and businessman Salmaan Taseer. Patra said several foreign magazines had written stories critical of Modi in 2014 as well. Calling the prime minister a unifier, the BJP spokesperson listed a number of welfare measures started by the Modi government to claim that the country was heading towards a new India under his "reforming, performing and transforming" agenda. Patra also slammed Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for his barbs at Modi, accusing Sidhu of making racist and sexist remarks. Taking a swipe at Sidhu, Patra said he keeps making all sort of loose statements but has not spoken a word against Congress leader Sam Pitroda's "so what" remarks on 1984 anti-sikh riots. Pitroda, a close aide of Gandhi and Overseas Congress' head, on Thursday said, 'hua to hua' (So what, it happened) about the anti-Sikh riots. He made this remark in response to a question on the riots by a newsman in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Patra claimed Sidhu was targetting Modi at the behest of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath who, he alleged was also involved in the riots. Sidhu at a poll rally had asked people to defeat "kale angrez", in an apparent attempt to liken the Modi government to the British rule before independence. The Congress leader had also claimed that Modi was like a bride who makes noise from her bangles to give an impression that she was working hard but did not really work. Patra said these remarks showed the Congress' mindset. In a swipe at the opposition party over the Italian origin of its former president Sonia Gandhi, he said the Congress should not be very arrogant about its Italian colour as this will disappear on May 23, when Lok Sabha poll results will be out. The TIME magazine has featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the cover of its international edition with a controversial headline and a secondary one that reads "Modi the Reformer" as the country enters the final phase of the mammoth general election. The American magazine's May 20, 2019 international editions - the Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia and South Pacific - feature the Modi cover story with the main headline "India's Divider in Chief" while the US edition has a cover story on Democrat Elizabeth Warren who is running for the White House in 2020. The article also said the opposition Congress party had little to offer other than the dynastic principle. PTI shalender@tribune.com Hyderabad, May 10 The Telangana Rashtra Samithi will not be part of a planned meeting of Opposition parties on May 21 to chalk out a post-poll alliance, a key party leader indicated on Friday. Karimnagar MP B Vinod Kumar, a confidant of TRS president and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, said the party couldnt be part of any meeting with TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu met Congress president Rahul Gandhi two days ago and more or less agreed to call a meeting of Opposition parties on May 21, sources had said. Kumar said: We cant be part of any meeting with Chandrababu Naidu. Thats very clear. The TRS position does not come as a surprise as Naidu and KCR, as the Telangana Chief Minister is referred to by many, dont see eye-to-eye. Taking on the TRS, the TDP headed by Naidu had fought last years Assembly elections in Telangana in alliance with the Congress. Campaigning at the time saw KCR launching an all-out attack on Naidu, and war of words between the leaders of the two Telugu states. Naidu is a key interlocutor of the opposition, including the Congress, trying to forge a united front against the BJP. Kumar described this role of Naidus as self-proclaimed. KCR has been pushing the idea of a non-Congress, non-BJP federal front of regional parties since last year. Asked if the TDP is not going to be part of this front, Kumar said: In Andhra Pradesh, he (Naidu) is not going to win Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. After May 23, his role will be minimal. Kumar, who was deputy floor leader of TRS in Lok Sabha, indicated that KCRs proposed meeting with DMK chief MK Stalin on May 13, as part of the latters outreach to Opposition parties, is still on. But they (DMK) have not informed us that we are not going to meet on May 13th. Within a day or two depending on his election campaigning...because he is moving around the whole State, so whether the time suits us...if possible we may meet a day earlier or a day after, Kumar said. The DMK indicated earlier this week that Stalin may not meet KCR on May 13 as he was 'busy' with his campaign schedule for the May 19 by-polls to four constituencies Tamil Nadu. On reports in a section of the media speculating about the TRS softening its stand vis-a-vis the Congress, Kumar declined comment on presumptions and assumptions which he said would continue till election results are declared. PTI Mamata, Naidu hold closed-door meeting Kolkata: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu has held a closed-door discussion with his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee in Kharagpur on future plans of the mahagathbandhan. The meeting took place for over 15 minutes late Thursday evening, TMC sources said. On whether Banerjee would be attending the proposed meeting of the Opposition parties likely to be held on May 21, the TMC leader said the date was yet not decided. Its not decided that the meeting will be held on May 21... it seems it might be deferred by a couple of days and take place after May 23. Didi may be taking part in it, he said. Cong hurting oppn unity, Rahul to blame if Modi wins: Kejriwal monicakchauhan@gmail.com Bhopal, May 11 Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha on Friday claimed the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was set to dismiss Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister at the time, after the 2002 post-Godhra riots, but withheld the decision as Home Minister L K Advani had threatened to resign from the Cabinet on the issue. Speaking at a meet-the-press programme here, the former Union finance minister also dismissed as a non-issue the controversy over the alleged misuse of INS Viraat by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. "After the communal riots in Gujarat, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had decided that then state chief minister Narendra Modi should resign. While going to the national executive committee meeting in Goa in 2002, Atal ji had made up his mind that the Gujarat government would be dismissed if Modi ji refused to resign," he claimed. "There was a meeting within the party. According to my information, Advani ji had opposed this (dismissing the Modi government) and he told Atal ji that if Modi ji is dismissed then he (Advani) would resign from the government. So, he (Vajpayee) withheld the decision and Modi ji continued," Sinha said. In reply to a query on Modi's allegation that Rajiv Gandhi used INS Viraat as a "personal taxi", Sinha said these are non-issues and that former naval officers had already issued clarifications on it. "It is not as per the dignity of a prime minister to speak lies like this," Sinha said, adding the Lok Sabha polls were being fought on the Modi government's performance and not on the country's history. Sinha, a member of the Vajpayee cabinet, hit out at Modi for raising the issue of Pakistan in the general elections. "It is unfortunate that the issue of Pakistan is being raised in the elections. He hyphenated our country with Pakistan. "Are we a country of Pakistan's category? There is no talk about China, which must be feeling happy with the Pakistan rhetoric," claimed the former foreign minister. "This is being done because China's mention doesn't generate a reaction like that of Pakistan does," he added. Accusing the Modi government of playing "mischief" with statistics, Sinha said GDP data during the previous UPA government was higher than during the current NDA government. "The next government will get a broken economy," the bureaucrat-turned-politician said. Sinha blamed Modi for lowering the language of the political discourse. "It is expected from a PM to use dignified language but this is not happening," Sinha alleged. He said the elections to the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat would determine the future course of country, and whether it wanted to go for social harmony or social divide. Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh is pitted against the BJP's Pragya Singh Thakur, a 2008 Malegaon blast accused, in the Bhopal seat which will vote on May 12. PTI editorial@tribune.com London, May 10 An Indian-origin schoolboy with a rare form of dairy allergy, who died in the UK when his classmate flung a piece of cheese at him, was not killed intentionally, an inquest into the death concluded here on Friday. Karanbir Singh Cheema was 13-year-old when he died after having a severe reaction to the cheese coming in contact with his skin at his school in west London in June 2017. Senior Coroner Mary Hassall said the classmate who threw the cheese taken from a friends sandwich was simply not thinking. It was a childish and thoughtless act but was not calculated to cause serious harm. His fatal reaction to an allergen that was not ingested but was only ever in contact with his skin was extraordinarily rare, Hassall said at St Pancras Coroners Court in London. Karanbirs school did not have an effective system for educating its pupils in the dangers of allergies, she noted. The asthmatic Karan was discovered gasping for air by paramedics at his school in Greenford on the fateful day. He had allergies to wheat, gluten, egg, milk and tree nuts and his condition quickly worsened when he came in contact with cheese. PTI editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Lambi (Muktsar), May 10 SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal today dared Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh to choose between his community and the party on the issue of massacre of thousands of Sikhs by the Congress goons in 1984. While campaigning in favour of his wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal in Lambi today, Sukhbir claimed that it was ridiculous that on the one hand Amarinder was admitting that almost all major members of the Rajiv Gandhi coterie were directly involved in the anti-Sikh massacre while on the other he gives a clean chit not only to Rajiv, but even to the Congress party. He has named Sajjan Kumar, HKL Bhagat, Dharam Das Shastri, Lalit Maken and Arjun Das all not only Rajiv loyalists but also the ones who were rewarded by the then Prime Minister. And now Sam Pitroda, whose statement Captain describes as shocking, is no less than the principal adviser to Rahul Gandhi. So what else is the Congress party minus its top leadership, Sukhbir asked. He also threw some questions directly at Amarinder by saying, Did the Congress throw any of the leaders named by you as guilty out of the party? Were they not rewarded with tickets and Cabinet berths in the Union Government? He asked Amarinder to make a choice between his community, which suffered the massacre, and his party that executed the massacre. But I know you will never do that. You will only utter a few ritual words to show your sympathy for the community. The Sikhs dont need your sympathy if you cant be brave and honest enough to stand by them against the party, he said. Commenting on the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, Sukhbir challenged Amarinder to present his governments performance as the main poll issue. You are running away from the issues of governance, development and welfare in the state, he said. shriaya.dutt@tribuneindia.com Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Pathankot, May 11 Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Saturday called senior Congress leader Sunil Jakhar the future CM of Punjab. Captain Amarinder Singh was addressing a rally at Sarna village in support of Congress party's Gurdaspur candidate Jakhar when he suddenly announced he had something important to say. He then looked toward Jakhar, who was sitting to his right, and said suddenly: One day Sunil Jakhar will be CM of Punjab. When Jakhar, apparently taken aback at the suddenness of the statement, said, No sir, I am happy where I am, Amarinder repeated himself, saying: You should know you will be the CM one day. The statement could come as a massive boost for Jakhar, who currently faces stiff competition in Gurdaspur from Bharatiya Janata Partys candidate, actor-politician Sunny Deol. Meanwhile, Amarinder Singh travelled from Amritsar to Pathankot by road after he was refused permission to land at the Pathankot air basea development that he accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of engineering by indulging in petty politicking. Three cabinet ministers, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Aruna Chaudhuryall from Gurdaspur constituencyattended the rally. Debt-ridden former actor The chief minister referred to Jakhar's opponent Deol as the debt-ridden former actor who was pressured into contesting the general elections by threatening income tax raids on him. Launching an offensive against Deol, Captain said the actor-turned-politician did not have any stakes here and he will "run away" to Mumbai after the Lok Sabha election. Calling upon electorates to vote for Congress nominee Sunil Jakhar for development of this border constituency, the chief minister, claiming Deol knew little about the issues in the region. "He (Deol) came here (to contest polls) because the BJP must have pressurised him. I had read in newspapers that he owed several crore of rupees to banks, he said. They (BJP) must have put pressure on him saying: Either become our candidate or else we will get income tax raids on you, which the BJP usually does (against political opponents). Then he agreed to become the candidate from here," Captain Amarinder claimed. Taking a swipe at Deol, the chief minister asked him to read newspapers or watch television channels to know what is happening in the country. "I was watching a TV channel few days back and a TV anchor asked him (Deol) what do you have to say about the Balakot air strike? He said what is it? When you do not know what is happening in our country then why do you want to enter politics?" he asked Deol. The chief minister pointed out that his father and actor Dharmendra belongs to a village in Ludhiana. "Your village is not here," he said. Taking a jibe at Deol, Amarinder said he does not even know Punjabi. "I expect you (voters) to say him goodbye. You may get your pictures clicked with that actor," he told people. In contrast, he said Jakhar was farsighted. "Sunil has spent his entire life serving people and only such persons do work for public. Earlier, Jakhar also took a dig at Deol, saying while he may be adept at singing and dancing around and pulling hand pumps out of the soil, he does not know anything about Gurdaspur or the problems of its people. Jakhar said just as does not know how to sing and dance, Deol has no idea about politics or being an effective representative of the people. Divider in Chief Captain Amarinder Singh took a dig at Narendra Modi over Time magazine describing the Prime Minister as "India's Divider in Chief" for his brazen attempts to divide India on the basis of caste and religion to further his political ambitions. The chief minister compared Modi's poor international reputation with the respect that leaders like Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and even Atal Bihari Vajpayee had earned for the nation at global forums such as the UN. The magazine showed what the international community thought of Modi, who had lowered India's prestige in the global arena, he added. Modi, the chief minister said, had hit an all-time low with his speeches, which was a first for the country. The fight today is for saving the country, he said. The Gurdaspur constituency, which has 14,68,972 voters, has a high number of serving and retired defence personnel and the BJP is trying to woo them by using the 'fauji' image of Deol. Punjab will vote for its 13 seats on May 19. With agencies [Live] Addressing a Public Meeting at Batala in Dist. Gurdaspur in favour of @INCIndia candidate @sunilkjakhar https://t.co/0sBD3Uu4KG Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) 11 May 2019 "I may not be able to entertain you but I will solve your problems by helping reopen sugar mills and setting up medical colleges," said Jakhar, urging the people to vote for the future of the country. editorial@tribune.com Parvesh Sharma Tribune News Service Sangrur, May 10 Samosas, soft drinks, tea and colourful pamphlets are missing this election season, courtesy the Election Commissions eagle eye on candidates expenditure to check freebies for voters. The EC has been monitoring gifts in various formats. Elderly supporters of candidates are finding it hard to campaign without required vehicles and refreshments. Earlier, politicians used to start distributing pakodas, samosas, bottles of cold drink and other items to lure voters, but nothing of this sort is happening this time even as only eight days are left for the elections. The excitement is missing among voters, said Kulwant Singh, a farmer from Ladda village. Earlier, the aspirants used to give coded chits to electors, who could get it exchanged for free desi liquor from the nearest vend. Many tipplers of our village used to stock huge quantity of liquor during elections, said Balwinder Singh of Kartarpura village. As the EC teams have been keeping a check on all rallies to assess expenses, politicians are even avoiding serving items such as bread pakora (Rs 10 per piece), coffee (Rs 12 per cup), mathi (Rs 8), chhote bhature (Rs 30 per plate), samosa (Rs 10) and tea (Rs 8 per cup). The Chief Minister addressed two rallies in Sangrur district in support of Congress candidate Kewal Singh Dhillon. The SAD-BJP candidate, Parminder Dhindsa, and AAPs Bhagwant Mann are holding small meetings to avoid major expenses. A labourer, Pappu Kumar, who is contesting as an Independent candidate, says its good for democracy. If we want to see real democracy, the use of money must be contained during elections. I am getting a good response, he added. We are strictly implementing the directions of the EC to check the election0related expenses of all candidates, said Ghanshyam Thori, District Electoral Officer, Sangrur. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Tribune Web Desk Chandigarh, May 10 Accompanied by as many as 12 Fathers and priests, rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal attempted to demonstrate a show of strength and confidence while he reached the court at Pala in Kerala on Friday. He reached the court after offering prayers at a church. The court has extended till June 7 the bail of Franco Mulakkal. The Pala Magistrate Court extended the bail where Franco appeared in person. The court has posted the case for June 7. Bishop Franco Mulakkal was arrested by the Kerala Police over allegations of raping and sexually assaulting a nun and is out on bail. Mulakkal, former Bishop of Jalandhar diocese, is the first Roman Catholic clergy in India to be tried of rape on a complaint of a nun. The nun, who belongs to Missionaries of Jesus congregation under Jalandhar diocese, had accused the 55-year-old clergyman of repeatedly raping and having unnatural sex with her between 2014 and 2016. He allegedly committed the offence when he was the Bishop of the Jalandhar diocese. He has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 342 (punishment for wrongful confinement), 376C (sexual intercourse by person in authority), Section 377 (unnatural sex) and 506(1) (criminal threat), official sources said. In her complaint to police in June, the nun had alleged that Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later sexually exploited her on several occasions. She said she had to approach police as the church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman. Mulakkal, however, has claimed that he was absolutely innocent and falsely implicated with an ulterior motive and vexatious intention. Mulakkal was arrested in September last amid mounting public outrage over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting the nun. He was released from a sub-jail in Pala on October 16 after the Kerala High Court granted him bail. editorial@tribune.com Actor Dharmendra arrived at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, to campaign for his son and BJP candidate from Gurdaspur Sunny Deol Saying I love Punjab, he told mediapersons that Punjab is my home and all people know that our whole family is patriotic. He will stay in Gurdaspur till May 19 Dharmendra said, I will teach politics to Sunny. However, it is not required. One should do seva. He got irked with scribes on being asked about Sunnys poor knowledge on political issues. TNS editorial@tribune.com Deepkamal Kaur & Sanjiv Bakshi Tribune News Service Hoshiarpur, May 10 Hitting out at Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitrodas three-word remark hua toh hua yesterday over the 1984 massacre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that it came like sprinkling acid on a three-decade-old wound of Sikhs and Punjabis. Modi made an all-out effort to strike an emotional chord with the masses during his first Lok Sabha election rally in Punjab saying, My Sikh brothers and sisters had been burnt alive and we are still to get justice. But the real face of the Congress emerged yesterday which is trying to get away with it all by saying Hua toh hua. Unke liye chahe ho chuka hoga, par iss chowkidar ke rehte insaaf toh poora hoga (for them it might be over but till the time I am chowkidar here I will ensure complete justice). Repeating three words Hua toh hua at least four times very sarcastically in his speech today, he began saying, The Congress has a blot on it which may not even get wiped even after 50 generations. He then went on to say, Look who said this someone who has been the closest to the Gandhi family. It came like if this was something lying buried in their hearts. In 2014, I had promised you in my Amritsar rally that I will bring justice to you. Files were gathering dust and naamdaars were making all out effort to save the accused but we managed to send him to jail. The Prime Minister asked the gathering, Can Punjab forget the 1984 massacre? Can India forget it? Who is responsible for 1984 riots? Can this Congress survive in Punjab? Is this the justice that the Congress wanted to deliver? At this, the crowd raised slogans, Shame! Shame! and quickly started chanting Modi-Modi. Having started his speech by greeting everyone with fateh, Modis first target was Congress minister Navjot Sidhu. When we started the Kartarpur corridor work, a darbari neta took Pakistans praises showing all besharmi, he said. Knowing that a large number of Army personnel hail from the region, he took credit for the OROP scheme. We have sent Rs 35,000 crore to the houses of fauji families and Congress leaders were indulging in self-praise by doling out only Rs 500 crore, Modi said. He even touched the issue of river waters saying, Our farmers need water but our waters kept going to Pakistan. For 70 years, the Congress was not bothered. This chowkidar has decided to stop every drop of water going out and work is on at the Shahpur Kandi dam. Wooing NRIs, he said, We opened more Passport Sewa Kendras here as I know that Punjabis are very eager to go abroad. Rally sidelights PM Modi reached the venue late by an hour and a half While other leaders had already delivered their speeches, ex-CM Parkash Singh Badal spoke in Modis presence Badal called the PM as Narendra Singh Modi, citing an old incident when Modi had taken the Sikhi saroop in Punjab during Indira Gandhis rule Sunny Deol, who donned a yellow turban, sat on a chair reserved for the PM by mistake and was asked to shift As Modi greeted everyone, he patted Sampla on his shoulder sarcastically Crowd responded to Modi-Modi, Aa gya Modi, Chha gya Modi and Phir Ek Baar, Modi Sarkar slogans At the end of Modis speech, crowd put on torch on their phones and waved to Modi, who responded, You are making me feel as if election result is out. sanjiv@tribunemail.com NEW DELHI, May 11 (UNI & PTI)PM Indira Gandhi said here today: The public sector must justify itself by its efficiency. Inaugurating the 29th annual conference of the All-India Manufacturers Organisation, she stressed the role of the public sector in achieving the broad social objectives but felt that the greatest requirement was to increase its efficiency. In this connection, Mrs. Gandhi spoke of the managerial shortage which was the real shortage which was the real constraint. It is easier to raise capital than to develop the managerial force necessary to run a plant at a high degree of efficiency, she said. On controls, she said it was the Governments intention to continuously remove unnecessary controls but when goods were scarce their distribution had to be regulated. amansharma@tribunemail.com Karachi, May 11 Three heavily-armed militants on Saturday stormed a luxury hotel in Pakistans port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, leading to a fierce gunbattle in which four persons, including the attackers were killed, police said. The armed men entered the upscale Pearl Continental (PC) Hotel and opened random firing, a senior police official said. They shot dead a guard at the entrance, the armys media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. A shootout between the militants and the security forces broke out at the hotel as the anti-terrorism force, the Army and the Frontier Corps were called in, Gwadar Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Bangulzai said. Balochistan Home Minister Ziaullah Langov said all the three attackers were killed by the security forces. He said some of the guests in the hotel were also injured but their number was not immediately known. The outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility of the attack which it said was carried out by the militants linked with its Majeed Brigade group. Locals said several gunshots were heard after the terrorists entered the luxury hotel. Gwadar port is one of the focal points of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with many Chinese workers from other provinces of Pakistan working at the port. The hotel, frequented by business as well as leisure travellers, is located on the Koh-e-Batil hill, south of West Bay on Fish Harbour road in Gwadar. All foreign and local guests staying at the hotel had been safely evacuated, Express Tribune quoted Balochistan Information Minister Zahoor Buledi as saying. At around 4.50 pm (local time) we got reports that there are two to there armed men in PC Hotel, SHO Bangulzai said. Two to three gunmen had first fired at and then entered the hotel, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohsin Hassan Butt said. A clearance operation was going on, a spokesman of the army said. The provincial police chief further said that the attackers may have come in a boat to launch the attack. Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani condemned the terrorists attack on PC Hotel, and instructed the authorities to ensure the safety of all inside the hotel, Dawn news reported. He called for a well planned and strong action against the terrorists, adding that he is in touch with police and local administration regarding the situation. Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, is Pakistans largest and poorest province, rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies. On April 18, unidentified gunmen donning uniforms of paramilitary soldiers massacred at least 14 passengers, including Pakistan Navy personnel, after forcing them to disembark from buses on a highway in Balochistan. China is investing heavily in Balochistan under the CPEC. The CPEC, launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking Chinas resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistans strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. The BLA is one of the most-organised terrorist group of Baloch nationalists fighting against security forces. The group was also involved in the terrorist attack at the Chinese consulate in Karachi last year. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Johannesburg, May 11 The African National Congress (ANC) has held onto power in South Africa, albeit with a reduced majority, while two parties to the right and left have increased their votes share as the General Election since Nelson Mandela assumed power in 1994 drew to a close on Friday. The proportional representation system used in South Africa requires voters to choose a party to lead the country and Legislative Assemblies in its nine provinces, rather than specific President and Premiers, respectively, for these positions. There was consensus among analysts that the ANC gained the trust of the electorate because of the appointment of Cyril Ramaphosa as President early last year after Jacob Zuma was recalled from the position. This was despite earlier concerns that disillusionment with Zuma and his cabinet over rampant allegations of corruption and state capture would see voters choosing other parties. Besides being returned to the National Parliament with 58% of the votes cast, the ANC won the highest number of votes in all but one province, the Western Cape, where the Democratic Alliance (DA) retained its premiership. The previous opposition DA returned as the official opposition in Parliament with 28% of votes in its favour. But the rise of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by firebrand Julius Malema who formed the party after being ousted from the ANC; the mainly Zulu-supported Inkatha Freedom Party, led by 90-year-old Mangosuthu Buthelezi; and the Freedom Front Plus (FFP), which looks largely after the interests of the white minority, surprised analysts. These parties respectively took the next three top slots in the elections. It looks like the theme in South Africa is the same as the theme worldwide - the growth of populism, said Felicity Duncan of Biznews. Both the EFF and the FFP have fundamentally populist platforms, albeit from opposite sides of the political spectrum. Both tend to trade in in-group rhetoric and simplified economic messaging - left-wing economic populism from the EFF, right-wing economic populism from the FFP. This suggests that SA is not immune to the worldwide wave of populism, Duncan said. In a preliminary report on the 2019 election, former Nigerian president and head of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), Goodluck Jonathan, lauded the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for running a free and fair election, as did several other independent monitoring bodies. But the election was not without controversy, including reports of people finding ways of voting twice by removing the supposedly indelible ink marks on their thumbs which was supposed to disallow this. Police arrested 22 people who voted multiple times, citing this as a serious criminal offence. The IEC is also facing legal action from a group of parties from the 48 contesting the elections who secured minimal votes, claiming a range of irregularities. The allegations have been referred to the Statistician General for an independent technical assurance assessment, but is not expected to have any significant effect on the final outcome of the voting. PTI ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Bangkok: A Thai bay that was made iconic by its appearance in the 2000 Hollywood film "The Beach" will remain closed until 2021 since a sharp rise in visitors had severely damaged the environment. Maya Bay, on the island of Phi Phi Leh, was temporarily closed last year, the media reported on Friday. Authorities have now extended the ban on visitors by two years to give more time for Maya Bay's ecology to recover. IANS Pilot flies plane unconscious for 40 mins in Australia Canberra: A trainee pilot flew unconscious for about 40 minutes through controlled airspace above Adelaide airport in Australia after he skipped breakfast on the morning of the flight. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released its report into the "serious incident", which took place on March 9 and involved an aircraft from flight school Flight Training Adelaide. The ATSB said that the trainee pilot hadn't slept much the night before the flight and had only consumed a chocolate bar, an energy drink and some water." IANS Octogenarian Irish woman meets 103-year-old mum London: An 81-year-old Irish woman has been reunited with her centinarian mother for the first time after searching for her for over 60 years, according to a media report on Friday. Eileen Macken grew up in a Bethany Home orphanage in Dublin and had never met her birth mother. She started searching when she was 19 and last year contacted Ireland's RTE's Liveline to appeal for help to find her mother. Earlier this year a genealogist called to say he had tracked her down in Scotland. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Washington, May 11 US President Donald Trump on Friday said North Koreas recent missile tests were not a breach of trust. Theyre short-range and I dont consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no, he said in an interview with Politico. These were short-range missiles and very standard stuff. Very standard. Pyongyang fired two short-range missiles on Thursday following an earlier drill on Saturday. The North had not launched any since November 2017, shortly before leader Kim Jong Un embarked on diplomatic overtures. Trump, who has said that he and Kim have a good relationship, added that he might eventually lose faith in the North Korean leader. I mean its possible that at some point I will, but right now not at all, he said. Kim declared an end to the testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles during a rapid rapprochement last year, paving the way for his first summit with Trump in Singapore in June. But a second summit between the two mercurial leaders in Hanoi in February broke up without a deal after they failed to agree on what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then Kim has accused Washington of acting in bad faith, and given it until the end of the year to change its approach. AFP pardeepdhull@gmail.com Islamabad, May 11 The talks between cash-strapped Pakistan and the IMF will continue over the weekend after the parleys between the two sides reached a deadlock due to Prime Minister Imran Khans reservations over heavy taxation the people would have to bear, according to a media report on Saturday. Head of IMF Mission to Pakistan Ernesto Rigo is currently in Islamabad as the country hopes to strike a deal with the global lender for a three-year bailout package totalling around USD 6.5 billion. We have made good progress in our discussions with the visiting IMF Mission. Consultations will continue over the weekend, Khaqan Hasan Najeeb, the spokesman of the Finance Ministry, was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. Sources in the ministry of finance said that there were at least three main sticking points that led to inconclusive talks till the last day of the IMF visit. As of Thursday, the top management of the Ministry of Finance was hopeful to conclude the deal and the IMF team had planned to return on May 11, the report said. But things went off the track after the IMF insisted on inclusion of some new conditions in the programme, which appeared unreasonable. Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed reservations over massive additional taxes burden that the nation will bear from July this year, provided both sides reach an agreement, it said. Pakistan has accepted the IMFs demands of flexible exchange rate regime, withdrawal of subsidies, containing borrowing from the central bank and reinitiating the privatisation programme. The talks remained inconclusive despite Pakistan conceded to almost everything that the IMF asked for, the report said. Pakistan and the IMF are engaged to finalise the bailout package for the past eight months. It was the second visit by the IMF staff level team during the past five months that again could not conclude the deal within the due time. The sources said the IMF has sent a draft of the proposed agreement to Washington for vetting that includes some new conditions which were not part of negotiations in the first round of talks. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Geneva, May 11 Yemens Houthi group will on Saturday start to unilaterally redeploy forces out of three key ports, the United Nations and a Houthi spokesman said, a move to pave the way for political negotiations to end Yemens four-year war. The statement from the UNs Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) said the Houthis would make an initial unilateral redeployment between May 11 and May 14 from the ports of Saleef, which is used for grain, and Ras Isa, used for oil, as well as the countrys main port of Hodeidah. The withdrawal would begin on May 11 at 10 a.m. (0700 GMT), the head of the Houthis Supreme Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, said on Twitter on Saturday. The RCC committee, led by Danish Lieutenant General Michael Lollesgaard, head of the UN observer team in Hodeidah, drew up the redeployment plans under a pact agreed last December in Stockholm, Sweden, the first major breakthrough in peace efforts to end a war that has killed tens of thousands and pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. At Stockholm, it was hoped the redeployment would happen in January, but its implementation has repeatedly stalled on a lack of trust between the combatants: the Iran-aligned Houthis and a coalition, led by Saudi Arabia, of the internationally recognised Yemeni government and other forces. Al-Houthi on Saturday said his groups intention to unilaterally redeploy from the ports was a result of the coalitions refusal to implement the Stockholm Agreement. The UN mission will monitor the redeployment, a first step towards concluding the peace agreement, the UN statement said, adding that it must be followed by the committed, transparent and sustained actions of the parties to fully deliver on their obligations. The redeployment should allow the United Nations to take a leading role in supporting the Red Sea Ports Corporation in managing the ports and to enhance UN checks on cargoes. The Saudi-backed Yemeni government did not state whether their side would make a reciprocal move. They are also expected to leave positions around the outskirts of Hodeidah in the initial redeployment, before a second phase in which both sides pull back further. The spokesman for the Yemeni governments delegation to the RCC, Sadiq Dweid, said on Twitter that a Houthi withdrawal is the first step of the first stage. We support the implementation of the agreement. Yemens Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani criticised the Houthi offer to redeploy on Twitter, calling it misleading and unacceptable if it did not allow for joint monitoring and verification as stipulated by the December pact. The Sunni Muslim coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates say the Houthis use the ports to smuggle weapons. The Iran-aligned Houthis say the government would try to choke them off if it gained control. Yemeni government representative Dweid said his side would hold the United Nations responsible for implementing the December pact as agreed in terms of verification, monitoring, and the removal of mines, obstacles and military installations. Western states, some of which supply arms and intelligence to the coalition, are pressing for an end to the conflict, seen in the region as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Last month UN special envoy Martin Griffiths told Reuters the Saudi-backed government and the Houthi group had formally agreed a first phase of troop redeployments, while discussions were still under way for the second phase. Humanitarian officials have long pleaded with Yemens warring sides to spare Hodeidah, a lifeline for the crippled economy, dependent on the World Food Programmes biggest aid operation to feed more than 10 million people. Reuters uttara@tribuneindia.com HODEIDAH (Yemen), May 11 Yemens Houthi movement on Saturday started withdrawing forces from Saleef port in Hodeidah under a UN-sponsored deal stalled for months, a Reuters witness said, reviving hopes for peace efforts to end the four-year war. But a minister in the Yemeni government backed by Saudi Arabia dismissed the Iran-aligned Houthis pullout as a show meant to disinform the international community. The move, yet to be verified by the United Nations, is the first major step in implementing the pact reached last year by the government and the Houthis for a truce and troop withdrawal in Hodeidah, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis. UN teams were overseeing the Houthi redeployment in Saleef, used for grain, as other teams headed to the second port of Ras Isa, used for oil, to start implementing the withdrawal from there, according to the witness. A dozen trucks carrying Houthi fighters, armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and machine guns, departed from Saleef. Two ships were docked at the port and operations were running normally, said the witness who was at the facility. The coast guards have taken over in Saleef, he said. They and UN officials have started checking equipment at the port. However, Yemeni Information Minister Muammar al-Iryani told Reuters the pullout was a flagrant show. Its an attempt to disinform the international community ahead of a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Yemen, he said. A group of (Houthi) militiamen left and they were replaced by others wearing coast guard police uniforms. The UN Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) has said the Houthis would make an initial unilateral redeployment from the ports between May 11 and May 14. It said the redeployment would enable the United Nations to take a leading role in supporting the local Red Sea Ports Corporation in managing the ports and enhance UN checks on cargoes. It would also allow humanitarian corridors to be reopened. There has been no comment so far from the Saudi-led Sunni Muslim military coalition that has massed forces outside Houthi-held Hodeidah, which handles the bulk of Yemens imports and aid supplies. Hodeidah became the focus of the war last year when the coalition twice tried to seize its port to cut off the main supply line of the Houthis, whom they accuse of smuggling Iranian weapons, including missiles that have targeted Saudi cities. The group and Tehran deny the accusations. The peace deal had stalled since January amid deep mistrust among the parties in a conflict that has killed tens of thousands and pushed the poorest Arabian Peninsula nation to the brink of famine. It calls for coalition forces to leave positions around the outskirts of Hodeidah in the initial redeployment. UN assessment next week It was not clear if UN special envoy Martin Griffiths had secured agreement between the two sides over the main sticking point regarding which local authorities would control the ports and city under UN supervision after both sides withdraw. The coalition had disputed an earlier unilateral withdrawal by the Houthis from Hodeidah port in December, saying they had handed it over to coast guard members loyal to the group. A UN source told Reuters on Saturday that the RCC would announce its assessment of the Houthi redeployment next week. Under the first phase, the Houthis would pull back five km (three miles) from the ports over the next four days. Coalition forces, currently massed four km from Hodeidah port on the edges of the city, would retreat one km from Kilo 8 and Saleh districts. In the second phase, both sides would pull troops 18 km outside the city and heavy weapons 30 km away. The United Nations secured the Hodeidah deal at peace talks in Sweden, the first in two years, to avert a full-scale assault on the port that risked triggering mass famine. The pact is also a trust-building step to pave the way for wider political negotiations to end the conflict, widely seen in the region as a proxy between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Western allies, which supply arms and intelligence to the coalition, have pushed for an end to the war. The alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates intervened in Yemen in 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government of Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi from power in the capital Sanaa in late 2014. The Houthis, who say their revolution is against corruption, control the biggest urban centres while Hadis government holds the southern port of Aden and a string of coastal towns. The ceasefire in Hodeidah has largely held but the fighting escalated elsewhere in Yemen. On Saturday, the Houthis Masirah TV channel said enemy air bombing killed six children and a woman, and injured 11 children and five women, in the southern province of al-Dhale. A spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition didnt immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Reuters laxmi@tribune.com Himani Chandel Tribune News Service New Delhi, December 24 Crowd control and reducing the number of incidents are the major challenges before Delhi Metro, says Sharad Sharma, Director Operations, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), as it completes 12 years of its commissioning in the national Capital today. "Delhi Metro has become a giant rail system like the ones running in Russia, Tokoyo, Beijing, Shanghai, London and New York. Crowd control is becoming a big challenge. The passengers are bound to increase with growth. It will be very difficult to control. So, we have to see how we will manage in the given resources and infrastructure," said Sharma. Metro's ridership that started from 80,000 in 2002, touched 25 lakh in 2014. "In 2010, when we commissioned Phase II, the ridership was ten lakh and today it is 25 lakh, 2.5 times growth in just four years," Sharma said. For the Metro incidents that were reported recently, due to one or the other technical glitch, Sharma said snag-free system does not exist. "There cannot be a system which will not have any snag or disruption but we will have to reduce the number of incidents and its consequences," he said. Metro has set two main points in its agenda: one is to become number one transport system in the country, apart from being ranked as number three in Asia with regard to punctuality, quality, safety and response to the customer and the other is to make it a self-sustainable organisation, said the Director. "There is demand and the issue of sustainability while the expenditure is increasing every year. The challenge is how to work out their solutions. The energy bills alone, in the last five years, have increased from Rs 50 crore to Rs 400 crore, eight times growth," Sharma explained. A fleet of 18,000 employees working day and night to make Metro a success every day is another area of consideration for the organisation. "We have a great number of employees working for us round-the-clock. This includes a staff of around 6,000 employees plus 6,000 hired on contract for cleaning, parking etc and 6,000 staff employed for the overall security. We ensure the culture of Delhi Metro in every employee through training," Sharma said. A CHRISTMAS Day shooting on Independence Square, opposite the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain, has claimed the lives of two men. A third man was injured in the attack and remained in serious condition at the Port of Spain General Hospital last night. The incident took place around 3.45 p.m. in the vicinity of New City Mall, said investigating officers. He is far away in another continent receiving treatment, but nothing is standing on the way of Kibra MP Ken Okoth's way to put a smile on the faces of students hungry for education. And for the legislator who constructed state-of the-art Mbagathi Girls High School, it did not come as a surprise when he announced on Thursday, May 7, a new institution was coming up, from scratch. READ ALSO: Okoth Obado warmly welcomes Raila in Migori after absconding previous tour READ ALSO: Wakenya wamtaka Dennis Itumbi kumuoa Maribe baada ya kupakia picha wakiwa pamoja mitandaoni Though construction is still on going, stunning images shared by the lawmaker became instant hit and clearly everyone is excited. However, Okoth apparently is in dilemma to find a suitable name for upcoming learning centre right in the heart of second largest slum in Africa, Kibera. While Kenyans urged him to name it Ken Okoth High School, the youthful politician suggested four names which he asked people to select. The 41-year-old leader has been battling stage four colorectal cancer which he said came with the fear of unknown and with complete change in his life. But despite this, the second time legislator has vowed to remain strong and stand tall once he completes chemotherapy drugs he is currently on. Here are some sampled reactions. Do you have a life-changing story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. The girl with a hole in her heart - TUKO TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Tulsa digital media company ConsumerAffairs plans to hire as many as 500 people over the next two years, CEO Zac Carman said. We know that the unit economics work, Carman said in an interview this week at his firms office in the Petroleum Club building at 601 S. Boulder Ave. The difference between scale and unit economics is always a question. I dont think its a does it work? I think its a can we do it? And can we build the people operation to do that? We can do it in Tulsa. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt we can do 500 here. Ultimately, Carman said, the company will need to hire about 3,000 people to accommodate its expansion. In 2018, Inc. Magazine ranked ConsumerAffairs 839th on its list of the nations fastest-growing private companies, adding that the firm posted $24.1 million in revenue for 2017 and a three-year growth of 598%. In 2017, ConsumerAffairs ranked No. 562 in its first year on the Inc. 5000. The company employs about half of its 300 employees in Tulsa. It opened an office in Austin, Texas, last year and also has an office in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Carman said. He is a fantastic numbers guy, Stitt said. He is a guy we need in those budget negotiations. Stitt said it was important that cooler heads prevail, that there is nothing personal going on and that there are no alternative agenda items. Lawmakers recently passed and Stitt signed bills giving Stitt the power to hire, fire and set the salary of director at five large state agencies: Office of Juvenile Affairs; Oklahoma Department of Corrections; Oklahoma Health Care Authority; Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; and Oklahoma Department of Transportation. During Wednesdays meeting, Thompson quoted from an email from Oklahoma Health Care Authority Chief Operating Officer Melody Anthony to Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, and others in response to a request for information. OHCA is now under the leadership of the governor, she wrote. Stitts staff advised the agency to keep the governors office informed of all requests from the Legislature, she wrote. Anthony said in the email that the agency is not involved in moving legislation forward, but is a resource to the Legislature. She went on to say that she did not believe the agency can answer certain questions. When this legislative sessions top criminal justice reform proposals were announced in January, the bipartisan coalition supporting them had a simple, modest goal. They wanted a slight incarceration rate reduction to change Oklahomas No. 1 incarcerator ranking to No. 2 far from earth-shattering. Hard as it is to believe, it appears some think that was too ambitious. If so, those politicians are out of step with Oklahoma voters who have repeatedly shown their support for reforms like these that not only save taxpayer money, but make us safer. Recent polls show consistent and increasing support for criminal justice reform, especially among Republicans. An October 2018 poll showed 85% of Republican voters believe it is important to reduce Oklahomas prison and jail populations. A more recent Right on Crime poll of four conservative districts in Oklahoma found at least 2 out of 3 voters in each district said they would vote against their legislator if he or she opposed or obstructed criminal justice reform. Update: A statement from David Walkingstick regarding the Election Commission's vote to schedule a hearing on his possible disqualification was not received by press time Friday night. However, his campaign released a video statement on the Walkingstick for Chief Facebook page after our deadline. In that statement, Walkingstick characterized the attempt to remove him from the ballot for principal chief as an attempt by an opponent to "rig an election," and he called the current administration corrupt. He said both Cherokee Nation Attorney General Todd Hembree and the deputy attorney general have a conflict of interest because they both have donated to the Chuck Hoskin Jr. campaign. The AG may now recommend that the Election Board can vote to remove me from the ballot as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation," he said. "If this corrupt administration is successful, they have taken away the choice of every Cherokee citizen to decide what kind of future they want for themselves and for the children. The four Native American members of the U.S. House of Representatives have joined forces to address the silent crisis of violence against indigenous women. Oklahoma Republican U.S. Reps. Tom Cole and Markwayne Mullin joined Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., and Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., in introducing the bipartisan Not Invisible Act, which directs the Departments of Interior and Justice to coordinate a more aggressive federal response to violence against Native American and Alaskan Native women. A joint advisory committee would bring together the FBI, tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, crime survivors and other law enforcement and mental health agencies to come up with a more effective strategy for dealing with disappearances and murders of indigenous women. The National Institute of Justice estimates that 56% of American Indian and Alaskan Native women have experienced sexual violence in their lifetimes. Murder is the third leading cause of death among indigenous women, and too often Native American women simply disappear without anyone making an effective effort to find them. Turin Event since 2014 about the bliss of the Italian way of life - Epicurean experiences to enjoy our vida royal in full Turin style - Yoga, yogalates, pilates, Italian privates and more! Unlike many people who were able to spend Christmas at home with their families, medical pro The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine considers the opening of the Uzhgorod Airport only a temporary solution to the problem of air traffic and plans to build a new airport in Zakarpattia region. Infrastructure Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelyan said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine news agency. "The opening of the airport in Uzhgorod is a temporary solution. For us, the key will be the construction of a new airport either in Mukachevo (most likely) or in another city, but this requires investment," he said. Omelyan added that construction of a new airport in Zakarpattia region will require UAH 2-3 billion in budget funds. "We always emphasize that Zakarpattia region cannot be a territory cut off from Ukraine. It should have a full-fledged road, rail and aviation connection. We reached this goal and opened the airport [Uzhgorod Airport]. Now, its high-quality operation should be ensured," Omelyan said. As reported, on March 15, 2019, the Uzhgorod Airport resumed operation of regular flights that were not performed there since the summer of 2016. ol Ivan Aparshyn, an adviser to newly elected president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky for security and defense, says that Zelensky team will not change the policies on Ukraines accession to NATO and the war with Russia. We couldnt discuss all those issues during our meeting. There are issues that are well known. We dont change the policies on Ukraines accession to NATO, but we didnt discuss the timeline. We do not change the policy on the war with the Russian Federation, this is war. We do not change the policy on the fact that the Ukrainian army should be professional and should be strengthened with a permanent reserve. And we do not change the policy on the creation of a new modern system of territorial defense. We also insist that corruption in the army is unacceptable," Aparshyn said on the air of Hromadske. Earlier Aparshyn said that Ukraine could regain control over Donbas in five years, noting that the return of the Crimea is a more remote prospect. ol U.S. President Donald Trump's personal attorney, Rudolph Giuliani, has canceled his visit to Kyiv where he was to meet with Ukraine's President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Fox News. "I'm convinced from what I've heard from two very reliable people tonight that the president [Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky] is surrounded by people who are enemies of the president [Trump], and people who are -- at least [in] one case -- clearly corrupt and involved in this scheme [interference in the U.S. presidential election in 2016]," he was quoted as commenting on his refusal to visit Ukraine. According to the report, Giuliani believed he would be "walking into a group of people that are enemies of the president, and in some cases, enemies of the United States." Giuliani said that his decisions had nothing to do with the upcoming 2020 U.S. presidential election. Giuliani earlier announced plans to visit Kyiv to meet with Zelensky to convince the Ukrainian authorities of the need to launch an investigation involving the interests of U.S. President Donald Trump on Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election. During his visit to Kyiv, Giuliani also hoped to get new information on the work of the son of former U.S. vice president and Trump's main rival in the current presidential race Joe Biden in the board of directors of Ukrainian natural gas firm Burisma Holdings. op The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has started a hearing on Ukraine's lawsuit against Russia in the case on the illegal detention of 24 Ukrainian seamen. An Ukrinform correspondent reported this from the courtroom. The hearing, which will last from 10:00 to 13:00 (local time), will be attended by Ukraine's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Olena Zerkal, as well as four well-known international experts: Covington & Burling LLP partners Marney Cheek and Jonathan Gimblett, Secretary-General of The Hague Academy of International Law, Professor Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Professor Alfred H. Soons, and Sterling Professor of International Law at Yale Law School Harold Koh. Russia refused to participate in the hearing. As was reported earlier, the lawsuit with the ITLOS was filed on April 23 this year. Ukraine demands the release of 24 sailors and three naval vessels. On November 25, 2018, Russian border guards fired on and seized three Ukrainian naval vessels, as well as their crews, in the Kerch Strait. Twenty-four Ukrainians were captured, and three of them were injured. op VENICE, Italy - A new exhibition in Venice aims to put refugees centre stage in a debate over whether art should try to change society. Rothko in Lampedusa showcases work by artists who have achieved international acclaim such as Ai Weiwei and Richard Mosse and those of five emerging artists from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast and Somalia who are also refugees. More than 100 people packed the opening on Friday of the exhibition that runs in parallel to the Venice Biennale. The theme of the biennale, the world's biggest art festival, is May You Live in Interesting Times, which aims to provoke reflection on social issues, key among them the response to Europes refugee crisis. While the great majority of the nearly 70 million forcibly displaced worldwide people are hosted in developing countries, some two million people have sought asylum in Europe since 2014, meeting with responses ranging from welcome to tightened borders. The question of the exhibition is maybe we are missing the Rothko of the 21st century if we do not give (an opportunity) to ... refugees and migrants that arrive and reach the First World, said exhibition curator Francesca Giubilei Mark Rothko emigrated in 1913 to the United States from the country that is now Latvia to flee persecution. He went on to become one of the 20th centurys most celebrated artists. The tiny island of Lampedusa, between Sicily and Tunisia, has been a key reception centre for refugees and is seen as a symbol of the refugee crisis. "Maybe we are missing the Rothko of the 21st century if we do not give (an opportunity) to ... refugees " The emerging artists whose work is displayed have responded to their status as refugees in varying ways. Majid Adin, from Iran and living in London, displayed a cartoon video of a family enduring a perilous journey over land and sea. Mohammed Keita, who fled Ivory Coast, photographs street scenes in his new home of Italy. For Rasha Deeb, an artist in Syria now resident in southern Germany, her home countrys war, rather than her experience as a refugee, was the impetus for her abstract sculpture. War is my big problem and its my big message. Not the refugees. Because of the war there is refugees. If there is no war there is no refugees. I dont have to leave my country. Why? I have a good life, everything was good for me. Why Deeb, Adin, Keita and photographer Bnar Sardar Sdiq from the Kurdistan region of Iraq are participating in the exhibition as part of a one-month residency in Venice funded by UNHCR during the Biennale. A fifth artist whose work is displayed, Hassan Yare, an illustrator from Somalia who lives in a camp in Kenya, was unable to obtain travel papers to attend. Giubilei said Rothko in Lampedusa is the only exhibition specifically focused on refugees but it is not the only exhibit that tackles the issue. At the Arsenale, the citys main exhibition space, a boat that sank in the Mediterranean in April 2015 killing around 800 refugees and migrants is on display. The wreckage of a boat that sank in the Mediterranean in April 2015 with the loss of at least 800 refugees is displayed at the Venice Biennale. The boat was lifted from the seabed by the Italian government and brought to Venice by Swiss-Icelandic artist Christoph Buchel. UNHCR/Andrew McConnell The Italian government refloated the vessel and Swiss-Icelandic artist Christoph Buchel and colleagues arranged for it to be brought on a barge to the Biennale to be shown as a symbol for our times. The bodies have been removed but Our Boat, as the exhibit is called, is in fact a tomb as well as an act of artistic provocation. On Friday, art lovers milled around the damaged vessel, sipping aperitifs at a nearby cafe in the sunshine, some apparently ignorant of the horror of what happened there. I met the survivors of this boat, said Carlotta Sami, a spokeswoman for UNHCR. Only 24, young, all boys shaky and with staring eyes. It was at dawn in the port of Catania in April 2015. And then I saw that monstrous boat when it was recovered with its 800 dead bodies. That was a tragic moment that will always stay in my mind. Rothko in Lampedusa will run at the Palazzo Querini until 24 November. Ukrtransnafta resumes oil transit to Europe 19:53, 11.05.19 2093 Transit of oil via Ukrainian territory was temporarily halted on April 25 after European consumers refused to accept Russian oil with a high content of organic chlorides. China's experience and investment are important for Ukraine, Zelensky said. Ukraine's President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Du Wei to discuss the development of cooperation between the countries. Read alsoExpert predicts stable hryvnia after Zelensky's inauguration "I had a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Ukraine Du Wei. We've talked about the development of cooperation and traditionally friendly relations between our countries. China's experience and investment are also important for Ukraine," he wrote on Twitter on May 11. As UNIAN earlier reported, the Central Election Commission on April 30 officially declared Zelensky winner of the presidential election. According to the results of the April 21 runoff, Zelensky was supported by 73.22% of voters, while incumbent president Petro Poroshenko was backed by 24.45%. Under the Law of Ukraine on the Election of the President of Ukraine, the newly elected president shall acquire authority after taking the oath to the Ukrainian people at an official meeting in parliament, after which the CEC shall present him or her with a mandate of the President of Ukraine. Two invaders were wounded on Friday, intelligence reports say. Russia's hybrid military forces in the past 24 hours mounted 12 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action. Read alsoOSCE again spots Grad multiple rocket launchers in Donbas "On May 10, Russian proxy forces violated the ceasefire in Donbas 12 times, including five times using 120mm and 82mm mortars proscribed by the Minsk Agreements," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in an update published on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on May 11, 2019. The enemy also opened fire from grenade launches of various systems, heavy machine guns and small arms at Joint Forces positions near the towns of Avdiyivka and Popasna, as well the villages of Mayske, Novomykhailivka, Chermalyk, Pavlopil, Novozvanivka, Novoluhanske, Novhorodske, and Mayorsk. No enemy shelling was left without an adequate response on the part of Joint Forces, the press center said. According to intelligence reports, two invaders were wounded. "Since Saturday midnight, Russian-led forces haven't attacked Ukrainian positions yet," the report said. Russia should end the fighting and implement Minsk agreements in Donbas, the official said. United States Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker has accused Russia of worsening the situation in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, including the live of its Russian-speaking residents. Read alsoRussia's decision to issue passports in Ukraine's Donbas straight from its "occupation playbook" Volker "For the last five years Russia's fighters and proxies have made life worse for the people in Donbas including the Russian-speakers it claims to care about," he wrote on Twitter on May 10. "Russia should end the fighting, implement Minsk agreements, and allow reconstruction and reintegration of Donbas back to Ukraine's control," he added. Vice President Mike Pence talks to reporters after speaking with steelworkers at the Gerdau Ameristeel mill in St. Paul, Minn., May 9, where he promoted the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. AP-Yonhap U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said the United States will "stand firm" with North Korea over its nuclear weapons program. In an interview with Fox News aired Friday, Pence was asked about the future of denuclearization negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang following the North's renewed launching of missiles and the U.S. seizure of a North Korean vessel earlier this week. "Well, look, President (Donald) Trump truly believes that Chairman Kim (Jong-un) wants to negotiate," the vice president said. "But as he said yesterday, it doesn't look like he wants to negotiate right now. So look, we're going to continue to stand firm." Trump said Thursday that the U.S. was looking at North Korea "very seriously" after its launch of short-ranges missiles the same day. Giuliani said that his decisions had nothing to do with the upcoming 2020 U.S. presidential election. U.S. President Donald Trump's personal attorney Rudolph Giuliani said Friday on "Fox News @ Night" that he will not be traveling to Ukraine as previously announced. Read alsoNYT: Giuliani plans Ukraine trip to push for inquiries that could help Trump "I'm convinced from what I've heard from two very reliable people tonight that the president [Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelensky] is surrounded by people who are enemies of the president [Trump], and people who are at least [in] one case clearly corrupt and involved in this scheme," he said, according to Fox News. Giuliani said that his decisions had nothing to do with the upcoming 2020 U.S. presidential election. The official also pointed to evidence that 2020 hopeful and former Vice President Joe Biden improperly pressured Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and the country's parliament to fire Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin, in March 2016. As UNIAN reported earlier, Giuliani planned to travel to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, to meet with the nation's president-elect to urge him to pursue inquiries that allies of the White House contend could yield new information about two matters of intense interest to Trump, and could help him in his re-election campaign, according to The New York Times. One is the origin of the special counsel's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election. The other is the involvement of former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. "Mr. Giuliani's planned trip, which has not been previously reported, is part of a monthslong effort by the former New York mayor and a small group of Trump allies working to build interest in the Ukrainian inquiries. Their motivation is to try to discredit the special counsel's investigation; undermine the case against Paul Manafort, Mr. Trump's imprisoned former campaign chairman; and potentially to damage Mr. Biden, the early front-runner for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination," NYT wrote. The Russian Legation, circa 1900. By Robert Neff In 1897, Russia enjoyed great prestige and political power in Korea. The previous year, King Gojong and the Crown Prince had sought and been granted refuge in the Russian legation largely protected by the Russian military. This led to Russian officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) training the Korean Army and a Russian being made the financial adviser to the Korean government. Even Koreans employed in the Russian legation enjoyed political power through their association. Perhaps the most important was Kim Hong-nuik. He became a trusted adviser to the Korean monarch and became embroiled in court intrigue that eventually resulted in his fall from grace and subsequent banishment. Furious at his treatment, he later plotted to assassinate Gojong and the Crown Prince by lacing their coffee with a toxic substance. His attempt failed and he paid for it with his life. The English-language newspaper The Independent frequently printed articles about the Russians and their affairs in Korea. It is interesting to note that in the beginning (1896) the articles portrayed the Russians in a positive light often the victims. Russian officers, circa 1897. In May 1896, two Russian Army officers, a colonel and a lieutenant, and accompanied by two soldiers, traveled through the southern part of the peninsula in pursuit of geographical knowledge. The two officers separated, with the lieutenant bound for Busan and the colonel for Naju. On the way to Busan, the lieutenant "met a crowd of 6,000 rebels who took him for a Japanese and stoned him and took his baggage." It was only with a great deal of difficulty that he was able to convince the Koreans that he was not Japanese and was allowed to continue on his way. Even in the vicinity of Seoul, the Russian military officers found themselves the victims of Korean outlaws. In mid-June 1896, a Russian officer and three of his soldiers stayed overnight in a Buddhist temple outside the city walls near the East Gate. While they slept, a thief made his way into their room and robbed them of "$200 in silver, 900 rubles in paper, a $600 Japanese bank draft, and one leather case containing some official documents." They immediately reported it to the Korean authorities and several police officers were sent to the temple. After a careful investigation, suspicion fell on a Korean living nearby. A search of the suspected thief's home revealed all of the stolen goods, with the exception of 800 rubles. The thief's fate is not given but undoubtedly he paid for his transgression with his life. In 1898, the articles appearing in the paper no longer depicted the Russians and their Korean associates as victims but as perpetrators. Wonsan circa, 1910-1930. Previous research has suggested a link between the presence of diabetes and a person's risk of cancer Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th May, 2019) Previous research has suggested a link between the presence of diabetes and a person's risk of cancer. Now, a large study in a Chinese population shows that type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cancer though females and males seem to be more at risk of different forms.Earlier this week, Medical news Today reported on a study showing that people who have cancer anddiabetes may have an increased risk that their malignant tumors will spread.The study, which explains the likely biological mechanism underlying this risk, was spurred by other research suggesting a link between diabetes and cancer.Now, investigators many from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University school of Medicine, in China have published the results of an analysis conducted using the medical data of a large Chinese cohort. The research paper, the first author of which is Jiying Qi, appears in theJournal of Diabetes.The researchers also note that their country has a very high prevalence of both diabetes and prediabetes, as reports have shown.The team identified 410,191 adults aged between 20 and 99 who had a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes between July 2013 and December 2016. At that time, none of these people had cancer.Qi and colleagues followed the medical records of these individuals through to December 2017, to see which people developed cancer and what form of cancer their doctors diagnosed.By the end of 2017, the researchers had identified 8,485 cases of cancer among the initial cohort, and the investigators soon realized that males with type 2 diabetes and females with the same condition had a higher risk of distinct types of cancer.The researchers found that, among people with type 2 diabetes, males had a 34% higher risk of cancer than their healthy peers, and females had a 62% percent higher risk. Males with type 2 diabetes were more at risk of as many as 11 different forms of cancer, while females were more at risk of 13 different forms.More specifically, males with type 2 diabetes had an 86% increase in the risk of prostate cancer, compared with their healthy counterparts.They also had a significant risk of leukemia, skin cancer, thyroid cancer,lymphoma, kidney cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer,colorectal cancer, and stomach cancer.However, males with the metabolic condition appeared to have a lower risk of developing esophageal cancer.As for females with type 2 diabetes, they were most at risk of nasopharyngeal cancer, of which they had more than a twofold risk.They also had a high risk of developing cancer of the liver, esophagus, thyroid, lungs, and pancreas, as well as lymphoma, uterine cancer, colorectal cancer, leukemia, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and stomach cancer.Females with type 2 diabetes, however, had a significantly lower risk of developing gallbladder cancer."The Shanghai Hospital Link Center has collected clinical information from the main general and specialized hospitals and created a centralized data repository for all residents in Shanghai since 2013," co-author Bin Cui explains, regarding the data used in the study."Based on this database, our research could be carried out smoothly and efficiently," he notes.Following their current findings, the research team advises that relevant organizations should come up with better preventive strategies for cancer among people with type 2 diabetes. (@FahadShabbir) Early voting in Lithuania's presidential election and referendums on dual citizenship and reduction of the number of members of parliament started earlier on Monday, local media reported MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th May, 2019) Early voting in Lithuania's presidential election and referendums on dual citizenship and reduction of the number of members of parliament started earlier on Monday, local media reported. The early voting in the election and referendums on constitutional amendments that may allow dual citizenship and reduce the number of lawmakers in the national parliament will be held across the country from Monday to Friday, according to the Delfi news portal. To cast ballots ahead of the May 12 election day, Lithuanians need to produce their passports or ID cards. Currently, dual citizenship in Lithuania which has been among the countries with greatest depopulation amid the exodus triggered by the EU accession is prohibited. In October, the Lithuanian parliament suggested holding a referendum on whether to allow Lithuanians to have dual citizenship. Earlier, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Antanas Linkevicius stated that Lithuanians might be allowed to have dual citizenship only with those countries that are close to the Baltic republic "in terms of values." The voting in referendums will coincide with the first round of the presidential election. This year, a total of nine candidates are running for the country's highest office. A runoff will be held on May 26 if none of the contenders manages to gain the required absolute majority in the first round. Incumbent President Dalia Grybauskaite is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term in office. Opportunity Village and nearly 500 of its closest friends wrangled critical funds for adults with intellectual disabilities at the annual Backyard BBQ Bash on Saturday, May 4th at the not-for-profits Ralph & Betty Engelstad Campus (Photo credit: Betsy Pettet) Photo credit: Betsy Pettet The country chic celebration featured a live concert by Nashville breakout recording artist Mitchell Tenpenny, a mouthwatering barbeque dinner courtesy of Station Casinos and a one-of-a-kind silent auction curated by Opportunity Village. Photo credit: Betsy Pettet Another Backyard BBQ Bash is in the books and the only appropriate word for this community is, Wow! said Adam K. Joseph, Vice President of Philanthropy at Opportunity Village. With the love and support of so many here in Southern Nevada, we were able to raise much-needed funds for adults with disabilities and execute a jam-packed, fun event. We already cant wait for the next one! Photo credit: Betsy Pettet Opportunity Villages Backyard BBQ Bash also featured giant games, a mechanical bull and petting zoo, and a diverse list of drinks and light bites at vendor stations and booths spread out across the campus. Pitchfork Bluegrass opened the event with a high-octane outdoor performance, leading into cocktail hour with drinks provided by Southern Glasers Wine & Spirits, Lees Liquor, Bonanza Beverage and Bubbles & Brew Mitchell Tenpennys intimate acoustic performance and the nights buffet-style dinner. In 1930 Salvador Dali was looking for a house of his own, he established himself in Portlligat, in the fishermans hut that Lidia Noguer had sold him. The house is in fact a cabin with its roof in poor condition, where Lidias sons kept their fishing gear. In order to purchase the Portlligat house Dali used the 20,000 French francs that the Viscount of Noailles, as patron, decided to give Dali as an advance on a painting that was to end up asDali tells us about the difficulties of getting to Portlligat from Paris in his autobiography, in which he also speaks about the plan for the house: Our little house was to consist of a room of about four square metres that was to serve as a dining room, bedroom, studio and an entrance hall. You go up some steps and as you land, three doors open out, taking you to a shower, a toilet and a kitchen of very tight dimensions that you can hardly squeeze in. I wanted it all good and small the smaller the more womblike.Referring to his usual residence, Salvador Dali said: Portlligat is the place of production, the ideal place for my work. Everything fits to make it so: time goes more slowly and each hour has its proper dimension. There is a geological peacefulness: it is a unique planetary case.Over the next four decades, he purchased neighboring cabins, gradually expanding the property into a twisting, labyrinthine villa, packed with artwork and ephemera reflecting his unique obsessions and fixations.In 1955, photographer Charles Hewitt visited Dali and his wife/muse/business manager Gala at their home to shoot photos for astory entitled A Day With Salvador Dali.The artist, never one to shy away from a little showmanship, gamely modeled for the camera.(Photos: Charles Hewitt/Picture Post/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Melting ice beside severe erosion of the permafrost tundra at Bethel on the Yukon Delta in Alaska on Apr 15, 2019. (Photo: AFP/Mark Ralston) "We need bold actions," insisted Luis Alfonso de Alba, who was appointed late last year to prepare an ambitious climate summit in New York in September. In an interview with AFP in Geneva on Friday, he stressed that climate change should not be merely considered an environmental problem. "We are talking about a transformation of the economic model that is going to be needed to achieve the results we need," he said. The Sep 23 summit at the United Nations is billed as the first major stocktaking gathering of world leaders on climate change since the Paris agreement was reached in 2015. The event follows a string of reports containing dire predictions about the future of the planet as carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise, pushing targets set out under the Paris accord further out of reach. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said he wants the summit to be "action oriented", and he has asked countries to present "concrete, realistic plans" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent over the next decade and to net zero by 2050. De Alba said he was working to identify ambitious projects to showcase at the September meeting, as well as new models of cooperation and coordination between countries, organisations and public and private players. 'DRASTIC CHANGES' "It is evident that private financing will be indispensable to move from the billions to the trillions that are going to be needed," he said. Fighting climate change he said, "is an issue that requires a transformation of the way we consume, the way we produce." "This is not a process in which we can aim at a gradual increase of the ambitions. We need some drastic changes." Despite the huge challenges, de Alba said that he was "optimistic", pointing to the enthusiasm and commitment he was witnessing from governments and non-governmental groups alike. He acknowledged though that not everyone was equally engaged in the process, including the host-country of the summit. President Donald Trump's 2017 decision to pull the United States out of the Paris accord has cast a cloud over global efforts to rein in climate change. But de Alba said the federal government in Washington was continuing to "work on a number of areas that are important to fight climate change," and that he hoped the US would participate in the September summit. The UN climate envoy also hailed the work done by youth activists like Swedish teen Greta Thunberg, and said young people would have an important part to play at the meeting. "We want them to be part of the solution, and not only take note of their very obviously ... justified anger because of lack of action," he said. A firefighter inspects the damage at a factory in Bogota where an explosion killed four people and left 29 injured. (Photo: AFP/Daniel Munoz) "There are four people without vital signs," a fire brigade source told AFP. The explosion happened at midday in a factory that produces wicks for a local Andean game called tejo or turmeque, in which metal discs are thrown at targets that contain gunpowder and explode on impact. "The causes of the accident are being investigated," the fire service source said. The Ministry of Construction has proposed reforming administrative procedures to create favourable conditions for the development of low-cost, compact social and commercial housing.-Photo vnmedia This is one of the solutions suggested in the ministrys latest report, submitted to the National Assembly ahead of its May session starting on May 20. The ministry also asked the Prime Minister and the Standing Committee of the National Assembly to consider adding public investment capital to boost development of social housing. The National Assembly and Government should amend and supplement policies on developing social housing projects for workers, the ministry said. According to the report, under the social housing programme in urban areas nationwide, 198 projects have been completed with more than 81,700 units. Another 226 projects are under construction with a total of about 182,200 units. Meanwhile, the social housing development programme focused on low-income people in urban areas has completed 98 projects with a total of about 40,700 apartments, reported vneconomy.vn. About 100 social housing projects for workers in industrial parks have been finished with about 41,000 apartments. The ministry said the structure of housing products had been adjusted towards low-cost housing but the change had been inadequate to meet demand. The market has had abundant supply of large, expensive, high-end housing products, but has lacked affordable options that the majority of people in urban areas need, according to the report. 20-30 per cent of the customers in the local market can afford property products priced from VND25 million per sq.m, while 70-80 per cent need affordable or social housing products priced below that threshold. However, supply of low-cost housing has not met demand. Prices of real estate products, especially housing prices, are not stable. Since the end of 2016, social housing projects have struggled to secure loans needed to meet their development schedules. The construction ministry said it was difficulty to secure funding for social housing because the social housing support programme was not on the list of programmes that have priority to use capital from the State budget. Low-income households had seen their incomes rise, but still struggleed to pay for housing even when they received support from the State. The report also said local authorities in the provinces of Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa and Kien Giang had worked hard to stabilise their local property markets. According to the report, the real estate market has shown stable development in 2018 and the first quarter of this year after several slow years since 2013. Workers assemble vans at Ford Viet Nam in the northern province of Hai Duong. - VNS Photo Doan Tung Dung was speaking at the 2019 US Viet Nam Business Summit co-organised by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) and the US Chamber of Commerce (USCC) on Friday in Ha Noi to celebrate 25 years of trade and investment between the two countries. Dung said that US investments in Viet Nam were playing increasingly important roles in Viet Nams development, helping the country participate in the global value chain, increase incomes and creating prosperity. Vietnam wanted to receive more investment from the US in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, finance and banking, education, tourism, technology and hi-tech agriculture, Dung stressed. With a young labour force, political and social stability coupled with the Governments hastened efforts of reforms and international integration, Viet Nam was becoming an attractive destination for foreign investors, Dung said. He reaffirmed Vietnams determination in building a constructive Government to create favourable conditions for businesses, especially US investors. Vietnam always regards the US as a leading partner and would like to further co-operation with the US, in which trade and investment are major factors in the two countries bilateral relationship, Dung said. At the business summit, Dung also pointed out that products of the two economies were increasingly supplementary to each other. Vietnam had strength in exporting products like seafood, cashew, garments and footwear to the US while the US was supplying Viet Nam with hi-tech products like aeroplanes as well as investments in clean energy. According to the US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel J. Kritenbrink, the US - Viet Nam bilateral trade relation was enjoying a rising tide. Now is the right time to broaden and deepen our economic and trade partnership, and to elevate conversations about the comprehensive economic relationship between the US and Viet Nam. Appreciating the openness of Vietnam, Kritenbrink urged Vietnam to maintain a predictable investment and tax environment not just for Americans, but for all foreign companies. He stressed that the US was eager to partner with Vietnam as it pursued its digital economy goals. Natasha Ansell, Chairwoman of AmCham Hanoi, said at that US companies had invested billions of dollars in Vietnam so far, which helped Vietnam participate in the global value chain and create jobs. She said that the US companies were showing significant interest and optimism in the success of Viet Nam in the future, adding that AmCham would continue to provide support to Viet Nam in developing the private sector. At the event, Amcham also announced a framework to increase trade and investment between the two countries. Accordingly, the two countries would need to focus on solving issues such as intellectual property, trade and customs facilitation, quarantine requirements and energy infrastructure. Two-way trade increased more than 130 times, from US$450 million in 1994 to nearly $60 billion in 2018. The US now has around 900 investment projects in Vietnam with total capital of more than $9 billion. On the next edition of Encounter, well examine the current situation in Libya, where an opposition force, supported by Egypt and several other nations is challenging a UN recognized government. Ambassador Jonathan Winer, from the Middle East Institute and Graeme Bannerman from the Middle East Institute and U.S. Institute for Peace joins guest host and VOA Senior Analyst, Jeffrey Young for the discussion. Ruksana Begum and her classmates repeat after their teacher: respect. The students are all Rohingya refugees who fled to Bangladesh from neighboring Myanmar. Nine-year-old Ruksana says she hopes to become a teacher herself one day. But her current instructor, as hard as he tries, is not really qualified for the job. Shamsuddin, a 21-year-old Rohingya refugee himself, says he has only completed high school, which is a common situation for many of the teachers in the refugee camps. We are quite well aware that these teachers dont have the competencies and the skills to really teach, says Jean Metenier of UNICEF, adding that there is ongoing training to improve the skills of the instructors. Too few classrooms, teachers The unqualified teachers are just one of the problems when it comes to educating the child refugees, which also include too little classroom time and not enough classrooms. More than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled from Myanmars Rakhine State to neighboring Bangladesh since a military crackdown in August 2017. United Nations investigators have said the operation was conducted with genocidal intent. Myanmar denies the accusations and says its security forces ran a legitimate counterterrorism campaign after attacks by Rohingya militants. WATCH: Aid Groups Face Challenges in Educating Rohinyga Children The refugees now live in overcrowded camps. The sudden surge in school-age kids has prompted aid groups to build classrooms, develop a curriculum and give crash courses in teaching to teams of inexperienced instructors. Most classrooms have two teachers. One is Rohingya and gives lessons on Myanmar language also known as Burmese and life skills. The other instructor is from Bangladesh and typically teaches English and math. The Bangladeshi instructors often speak the local Chittagonian dialect, which has a lot of overlap with the Rohingya language. The refugees are not allowed to enroll in Bangladesh schools, so UNICEF and non-governmental organizations have built about 2,000 of what they call learning centers in the camps for students ages 4 to 14. Incremental approach They plan to have another 500 running by the end of the year. Currently about one-third of the 300,000 child refugees in that age range do not have access to a learning center. UNICEF says the reasons include issues with fundraising as well as the time it takes to hire and train teachers. Most children who are enrolled are only in class for two hours a day. Metenier acknowledges that is not enough to provide an adequate education, but says its enough time to give the children a basic education where they can develop a foundation in literacy and numeracy along with life skills. Administrators say theyre taking an incremental approach in the refugee camps. We started from almost nothing, said Beatriz Ochoa of Save The Children. Building little by little: The capacities of the teachers, building the temporary learning centers, building a curricula. However, theres another issue educators here have inherited from Myanmar, where the Rohingya face limitations on access to school. Assessment tests show that 65 percent of the refugees ages 4 to 14 have not reached the academic level of a first grader. Parents worry We can not see any good future for our children if they dont get the proper education they need, says Mohammed Hares, the father of Ruksana Begum. Plus, because of limited funds and younger kids being prioritized, few youth older than 14 currently have any educational opportunities in the camps. UNICEFs Metenier says that will start changing this year as vocational training programs are developed and an accelerated basic education curriculum is added for older youth who need to learn basic arithmetic and literacy. A big priority will be the focus which were going to put on the adolescents, Metenier said. Giving them some skills they can use for their future. Thousands of supporters of the Albania's center-right opposition protested Saturday in Tirana, calling for the left-wing government to resign and for an early parliamentary election. The protesters clashed with police at several points, and reporters saw some people injured. The protest began in front of the main government building at Tirana's Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard. Flares, firecrackers, Molotov cocktails and other projectiles were thrown. Police used tear gas when a group of protesters broke the police cordon and headed for the building's entrance. After two hours, clashes moved to the parliament building. Ambulances were seen taking injured protesters away, but there was no immediate information on numbers of casualties among demonstrators. Interior Minister Sander Lleshaj said 13 policemen were injured. Party leader's release sought The opposition Democrats' leader, Lulzim Basha, led protesters to the Tirana police department, asking for the release of a senior party leader taken earlier. Minor clashes continued, with some protesters throwing Molotov bombs and projectiles, while police responded with tear gas and water cannons. Masked teenagers were seen setting fires in trash cans on the streets. President Ilir Meta called on protesters ``to avoid acts of violence and confrontation.'' Lleshaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama both denounced the violence and expressed their support for police forces, deploring their injuries. Corruption accusations The opposition accuses Rama's Cabinet of being corrupt and linked to organized crime, which the government denies. Basha called on his supporters to continue the protest until Rama resigns and a transitional cabinet is formed to take the country to an early election. ``We are determined there will be ... no election with Edi Rama,'' Basha said. Rama tweeted that he considered the protest violence as ``sadness,'' adding that ``Albania is damaged.'' The U.S. Embassy in Tirana condemned protesters' violence, calling for it to stop. "Protest leaders have a responsibility to encourage calm. We call on all parties to show restraint,'' a statement said. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe said violence was "not the answer. Also, heavy response to violence will not help.'' Opposition lawmakers relinquished their seats in parliament in protest, though many have now been filled by other opposition candidates. The governing Socialists have 74 seats in the 140-seat parliament. In June, Albania expects an answer from the European Union on whether full membership negotiations will be launched. Municipal elections are set for the same month. Saturday's protest was the fourth national demonstration since mid-February. Regular, smaller ones have been held weekly across the country. VOA's Anita Powell contributed to this story from Johannesburg. South Africa's legendary ruling African National Congress (ANC) remains at the country's helm, the electoral commission confirmed Saturday. But the ANC's grip on power has weakened as its share of Wednesday's vote declined from previous elections. Overall voter turnout was also decidedly lower than the last election in 2014, falling to 66% from 73.5%. The decline is a reflection of lingering dissatisfaction with corruption scandals within the ANC and ongoing racial disparities in the country. The ANC has won all six parliamentary elections since the nation ended apartheid in 1994. This year, however, is the first time the ANC has won less than 60% of the vote. The electoral commission said Saturday it captured 57.5% of the vote. In recent years, corruption scandals and the sluggish economy have tainted the ANCs image and led some voters to defect. But President Cyril Ramaphosa was undaunted by what appears to be a loss of confidence in the ANC. He said shortly after the results were announced the election was "a resounding expression of the will of the people of South Africa." "Our people have given all the leaders of this country a firm mandate to build a better South Africa for all," Ramaphosa added. "Let us now work together, black and white, men and women, young and old, to build a South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it." The opposition Democratic Alliance also slipped in the polls, winning almost 21% of the ballots. In the 2014 elections, it won more than 22% of the votes. The far-left Economic Freedom Fighters, in its second national election, earned slightly more than 10% of the votes which is more than EFF received in 2014. EFF national chairperson Dali Mpofu said the party was thrilled to have topped its 2014 result, in which the party won 6% of the vote in its debut election. What no one saw coming, however, was the surge in votes won by the Afrikaans-speaking VF Plus party, whose English name is Freedom Front Plus. The partys aim is to create a homeland for the nations white Afrikaans-speaking minority. The fringe party surprised many casual observers by eclipsing its one-percent take in the 2014 election. The new government will be formed later this month. The shake-of-the-hands in front of the media on a blustery, wet spring morning in central London outside the official residence of British Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt was friendly. America's secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, and Hunt joked about the weather. Pompeo, on his first official visit to London as U.S. Secretary of State, had come to reaffirm the "special relationship" between Britain and the U.S., he said. "The special relationship does not simply endure, it is thriving," Pompeo announced at a news conference midweek following meetings with British counterpart Hunt and British Prime Minister Theresa May. But for all the bonhomie, and later, at a research organization event, banter about how the first-born son of Prince Harry and his American bride Meghan Markle is the latest example of Anglo-American cooperation, Pompeo's trip was anything but routine. The visit exposed strains in a relationship that is being buffeted by sharp disagreements over policy toward Iran and Britain's dealings with China. China's Huawei America's top diplomat delivered a blunt public warning in London about doing business with China and specifically about using the technology of Chinese telecom giant Huawei to develop Britain's fifth-generation (5G) wireless network. He urged Britain to rethink its provisional decision to allow Huawei to have a role in building the network, warning that China wants "to divide Western alliances through bits and bytes, not bullets and bombs." U.S. officials fear Beijing will use Huawei, which ultimately is answerable to the Chinese government, to eavesdrop and to sweep up data passing through Britain's 5G network. The prospect is alarming to U.S. security agencies. They fear Chinese spies will be able to penetrate American networks and even capture intelligence shared with Britain. Pompeo emphasized that if Britain uses Huawei's pioneering technology for its 5G network, it would be putting at risk the longstanding intelligence-sharing arrangement it has with Washington the rock on which the special relationship is built. "Insufficient security will impede the United States' ability to share certain information within trusted networks. This is just what China wants to divide western alliances," Pompeo warned. British politicians have reacted cautiously to the U.S. threat to curtail intelligence sharing, an unusually overt warning for an American diplomat to deliver on British soil. They say they think they can square the circle have Huawei participate in the development of parts of the next generation mobile network but in a way that answers U.S. security objections. Britain has said it is planning to allow the Chinese telecom giant to participate in a limited role in developing the 5G network. Officials talk about ensuring that Huawei's participation is kept in non-core areas. The decision was made by Prime Minister May, over the objections of her security and defense chiefs. On Thursday, in an interview with a Chinese media outlet, the country's finance minister, Philip Hammond, downplayed U.S. worries, saying, "[Huawei] has responded very positively and confirmed that it is willing and able to address those concerns and ensure that those security defects are corrected for the future. So we're very pleased about that." A former British foreign minister, and onetime chairman of the British parliament's intelligence committee, Malcolm Rifkind, told Britain's Sky News that disagreements between British and U.S. leaders aren't unusual. "There's nothing new about that," he said. "Margaret Thatcher had rows with Ronald Reagan, John Major with Bill Clinton. It is the normal situation between friends. Occasionally you disagree." He believes there's a work-around, pointing out that Huawei has been highly involved in Britain's current 4G network and its role is monitored by a team of British intelligence operatives "to make sure there's no mischief." Deals with China Monitoring, though, may not be enough to assuage U.S. worries, says a former senior counter-intelligence officer, who served in the agency's clandestine service for 33 years and asked not to be named in this article. He says there's increasing alarm in U.S. intelligence circles about Britain's readiness to accommodate China, a rising power seen in Washington as determined to weaken Western alliances. "The Chinese don't distinguish between commerce, politics and espionage it is all the same for them," he said. "The British are not on their guard enough, partly that's because they're desperate to get a major post-Brexit trade deal from Beijing and they don't want to do anything that might wreck that from happening," he added. Britain is now the top European destination for direct investment from China, and some former and current U.S. intelligence officials worry the British are failing to scrutinize thoroughly business and infrastructure deals involving Chinese companies. China is building nuclear power plants in Britain, and Chinese companies are being encouraged by the British government to bid for contracts to build and manage HS2, a high-speed railway that, when completed, will directly link London, Birmingham, the East Midlands, Leeds and Manchester. If Britain does give Huawei even a limited role in building its future 5G network, the fallout would be similar to a major spy scandal, the former counterintelligence officer said. "Think Kim Philby," he said, citing the top British spy who was unmasked in 1963 as a double agent for Russia's KGB spy agency and whose betrayal undermined American trust in British intelligence for decades. "Even if there's no formal decision to curtail intelligence-sharing, the consequence will be felt all the way down the line. People at Langley and in other [intelligence] agencies will have doubts and will start withholding information by not uploading it to databases the British can access," he added. Britain is a key member of the so-called Five Eyes alliance, the U.S.-led Anglophone intelligence pact also linking Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Norman Roule, who was in the CIA's Directorate of Operations for 34 years, and served as a division chief and chief of station, says "the U.S. intelligence relationship with the British is the closest on the planet." "We share so much information with each other, and it's shared so deeply and immediately that if we have a difference of views, it's usually because one of us hasn't gotten around to seeing the other's file yet," he added. He says on the Huawei issue, the British security agencies "don't have a different view than that of the United States." He predicts there were will be weeks of technical discussions. "The devil will be in the details," he said. "The question will be, 'Can you take some of Huawei's technology and put it in places where it doesn't matter and still guarantee security?'" Most of the school-age Rohingya refugees who arrived in Bangladesh with their parents or relatives fleeing a military crackdown in neighboring Myanmar have had little to no education. As Dave Grunebaum reports from Cox Bazar in Bangladesh, the massive influx of child refugees has prompted aid workers to develop a new curriculum and provide a crash course for new instructors. Contributors include Erikas Mwisi reporting from Butembo, North Kivu; Margaret Basheer from the United Nations; and Eddy Isango, James Butty and Carol Guensburg from Washington. Armed attacks, misinformation and a growing funding gap continue to impede the response to the Ebola outbreak in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with the World Health Organization warning that the situation could spiral out of control. Insecurity leaves response teams unable to perform robust surveillance nor deliver much needed treatment and immunizations, the WHO reported Friday in its latest update on the outbreak confirmed last August. The health organization warned that without commitment from all groups to cease these attacks, it is unlikely that this EVD [Ebola virus disease] outbreak can remain successfully contained in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. The disease could spill into other parts of the country and across the borders of neighboring Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan, the health organization suggested. This month alone has brought setbacks such as a violent assault on a burial team in the town of Katwa and a gunfight between at least 50 armed militia and security forces in the city of Butembo, WHO reported. Mourners also buried Richard Valery Mouzoko Kiboung, a 41-year-old Cameroonian doctor killed April 19 while working for WHO and meeting with other front-line workers at Butembo University Hospital. The threats continue. On Thursday, a VOA correspondent in Butembo spotted copies of a letter anchored with pebbles on streets and posted on buildings in that city and other North Kivu communities. Handwritten in Swahili and attributed to Mai-Mai fighters, the letter warned police, soldiers and the general public against showing any support for Ebola responders or treatment centers. Anderson Djumah, whose 10-year-old son is being treated for Ebola at the Butembo general hospital, complained that the lack of security has just added more suffering. Even Ebola treatment centers are targeted by the assailants. Were afraid. Ebola is killing so many people. Were still expecting that the government would be able to protect us, he said. [But] some people who are sick with Ebola are fleeing to other places for their lives and are meanwhile spreading the sickness. Complications for care Violence sends people into hiding and disrupts response operations such as contact tracing, vaccination and safe burials, giving time and space to the virus to spread within the community and make more victims, Jessica Ilunga, spokeswoman for the DRCs health ministry, told VOA. Every time we have a security incident, the number of cases and deaths obviously increases, Ilunga said. The health ministry, leading the response with WHOs help, reported 1,600 total cases as of Wednesday, with 1,534 confirmed and 66 likely. This second-worst Ebola outbreak already has claimed 1,069 lives. The 2014-15 West African outbreak killed more than 11,000. Many of the victims have died at home, potentially exposing others to the disease and leaving gaps in how and to whom the virus may have been transmitted. You dont know who those contacts are, said epidemiologist Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist and principal investigator for the Outbreak Observatory, a project of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. Chances are you cant offer them vaccines or treatment. Funding for the Ebola response has fallen far short of need, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said in an email to VOA Wednesday. As of May 2, WHO had received $32.5 million of the $87 million it estimated needing for six months ending in July. If the funds are not received, Jasarevic wrote, WHO will be unable to sustain the response at the current scale. New challenges in 10th DRC outbreak This is the DRCs 10th reported outbreak since the virus discovery near the Ebola River in 1976. The country has proved adept at snuffing out past outbreaks of Ebola, which has been found in bats, monkeys and other animals sometimes consumed as bush meat. The virus spreads through contact with an infected persons body fluids. Ebola was unfamiliar in the northeast, a region already destabilized by at least two decades of conflict. More than 100 armed groups roam the area, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. High mobility and population density also raise the potential that the virus could cross into Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. (The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been providing technical guidance to the DRC and its neighbors, for instance, helping them ramp up surveillance and vaccination tracking.) Wary public Skepticism also factors into the Ebola equation. The northeast is an opposition stronghold, and its residents were angered to be kept from voting in Decembers general elections, as former U.S. diplomat John Campbell pointed out in a Council on Foreign Relations blog post. A study published in The Lancet medical journal in March found low public trust in local authorities and broad acceptance of misinformation about Ebola. Just a third of the 961 respondents adults surveyed in North Kivus Beni and Butembo last fall said they had confidence that local authorities acted in the public interest. A fourth indicated they didnt believe Ebola exists. Mistrust and misinformation make it less likely that individuals will heed public safety directives, such as accepting Ebola vaccines, seeking formal medical care or supporting safe burial practices, the researchers noted. That mistrust can be weaponized, as Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders experienced. Two of the international aid groups Ebola treatment centers, in Katwa and Butembo, were attacked in February. MSF suspended services there, saying its ability to respond in the outbreaks epicenter had been crippled. Anne-Marie Pegg, MSFs clinical lead for epidemic response, said some Congolese look critically at the disparity between local clinics, which, if they exist, might lack basics such as running water and electricity, and the better-equipped Ebola treatment centers set up by international aid groups. Very little investment has gone into the existing health structures and the existing health system, and people notice this, Pegg said. She said MSF, in numerous interactions, has heard complaints that international groups are involved only because we [locals] are contagious and were a threat to you. Its not surprising that something like Ebola can be manipulated for any variety of reasons, Pegg added. Absolutely, there are interest groups from all sides that are trying to use this. MSF continues to work in the region while pressing for better integration of Ebola treatment into the health care system, Pegg said. The virus early symptoms, such as headaches and muscle pain, are indistinguishable from those of malaria or other more common ailments, so its difficult for someone whos sick to think, I have Ebola. So the capacity to isolate someone who may have an Ebola infection and test for that needs to happen at a local level rather than sending patients to a treatment center. It would be nice if those people could be treated closer to home and started on treatment while awaiting test results. If the virus is confirmed, then transfer the patient to an Ebola treatment center, which is the best place. But, she said, MSFs goal is to treat whatever ailment a patient might have. Vaccine plans revised As Ebola infections rise, a WHO advisory group this week recommended that an approved vaccine be distributed more widely in smaller doses and that an experimental vaccine, developed by Johnson & Johnson, also be offered. More than 100,000 doses of the approved Merck vaccine have been distributed since August, but supplies are running low. The dosage would be halved from the current 1 milliliter for the primary and secondary ring vaccination, which prescribes inoculation for anyone in contact with an infected person. Eligibility would be expanded through pop-up and targeted geographic approaches in high-risk areas. We know that vaccination is saving lives in this outbreak, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement. The advisory group also recommended more training for local health workers. French special forces have rescued four foreign hostages from Burkina Faso but lost two of their elite soldiers in the mission. Frances military said the special forces carried out the raid during a predawn operation Friday, supported by U.S. intelligence. President Emmanuel Macrons office said all four hostages were safe. Two of the hostages are French, one is American and one is South Korean. French Defense Minister Florence Parly told a news conference Friday that no one involved in the operation knew about the presence of the American and South Korean hostages, only the French ones. A spokeswoman for the U.S. State Department said the United States was grateful for the successful recovery of the hostages. The two French tourists went missing last week during a visit to the Pendjari National Park wildlife reserve in Benin. Their guide was later found dead and their captors were tracked to neighboring Burkina Faso. Macron expressed condolences in a Friday statement over the deaths of two French commandos who were killed during the operation. A military ceremony is planned for them next week. Frances army chief Francois Lecointre told reporters that four kidnappers were killed in the operation and two escaped. He described the kidnappers as "terrorists." France has about 4,500 troops in Africas Sahel region to help local governments fight Islamist extremists. The region has seen an increase in violence by militants linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State in recent years. Officials in Pakistan say a group of several "terrorists" stormed a five-star hotel Saturday near the China-operated Arabian Sea port of Gwadar, killing at least one security guard. The Pakistani military said its security forces quickly "encircled" the heavily armed assailants in the staircase leading to the top floor, and all guests were "safely evacuated" in the process. The ensuing gunfight lasted nearly three hours, killing all the attackers. Pakistani security forces were reportedly searching for possible facilitators. The Zaver Pearl Continental hotel, located on a hilltop overlooking the deep-water massive port, is the only such facility available in the southwestern port city and often hosts Chinese visitors, among others. The attackers reportedly entered through a gate dedicated for hotel employees. A separatist group known as the Baluchistan Liberation Army took responsibility for the attack. It also released pictures of four purported gunmen through social media accounts, saying they carried out the raid. Claims could not be verified independently. In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad strongly condemned the terrorist attack and praised the Pakistani military for its "heroic action." Last month, 14 Pakistani security personnel were forced out of passenger buses near Gwadar on the main coastal highway and shot dead in an attack claimed by a separatist Baloch militant group. Islamabad alleged the attackers had come from hideouts in border areas of Iran and demanded the neighboring country take action against them. Baloch militants routinely target security forces and government installations in the natural resource-rich Pakistani province. Beijing built the massive Gwadar port under a multibillion-dollar bilateral mega-project known as China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The port is at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, and officials anticipate it soon will become a hub of regional commerce and transit. Pakistan has deployed specially trained security forces in Gwadar and other parts of the country hosting CPEC-related infrastructure projects to protect them and Chinese engineers against militant attacks. Beijing considers CPEC is a flagship of its global Belt and Road Initiative. A session Saturday in Hong Kong's legislative assembly about a controversial extradition law ended in a brawl between lawmakers, with one member of the assembly hospitalized. Neither the pro-democracy lawmakers nor the pro-Beijing politicians are budging from their disapproval or support of the proposed law that would allow Hong Kong to extradite people to other jurisdictions where it lacks a permanent extradition agreement, including China and Taiwan, on a case by case basis. Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said that such changes would close legal "loopholes." It follows a high profile murder case last year where a Hong Kong man murdered his pregnant girlfriend on holiday in Taiwan, where the autonomous Chinese city also lacks a long term extradition agreement. The government has said speed is necessary as the murder suspect, who is serving a prison sentence on related money laundering charges, could be released as early as October. Taiwan officials have said they would not seek the Hong Kong man's return, even if the law is approved. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Hong Kong last month to show their disapproval for the extradition bill. The International Chamber of Commerce sent a scathing letter to lawmakers Wednesday questioning why Hong Kong is fast-tracking such significant changes to its legal system with limited public consultation calling the move most unbecoming in terms of public governance. The ICCs letter follows similar concerns echoed by the European Union, the American Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong Bar Association and US Consul General Kurt Tong. The bill was introduced in April and is set to be voted on in July by Hong Kong's semi-democratic legislature, in which the majority is held by pro-establishment legislators. Hong Kong, an autonomous special administrative region until 2047, has a dramatically different legal system from the mainland due to its former status as a British colony. Its strong rule of law has led dozens of multinational firms to make the city their Asia headquarters, although the ICC said that could change if the extradition law is put in place. President Hassan Rouhani called Saturday for unity among Iran's political factions to overcome conditions that he said might be harder than those during the 1980s war with Iraq, state media reported as the country faces tightening U.S. sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday urged Iran's leaders talk with him about giving up their nuclear program and said he could not rule out a military confrontation. Trump made the offer as he increased economic and military pressure on Iran, moving to cut off all Iranian oil exports this month while beefing up the U.S. Navy and Air Force presence in the Gulf. Washington also approved a new deployment of Patriot missiles to the Middle East, a U.S. official said Friday. "Today, it cannot be said whether conditions are better or worse than the [1980-88] war period, but during the war we did not have a problem with our banks, oil sales or imports and exports, and there were only sanctions on arms purchases," Rouhani said, according to the state news agency IRNA. "The pressures by enemies is a war unprecedented in the history of our Islamic revolution ... but I do not despair and have great hope for the future and believe that we can move past these difficult conditions, provided that we are united," Rouhani told activists from various factions. Hard-liners have criticized Rouhani since Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, which Rouhani supported, and reimposed sanctions last year. The pragmatic president has also been abandoned by some of his moderate allies. Magazine suspended Separately, a media court on Saturday suspended the weekly Seda (Voice), the semiofficial news agency ISNA reported, after the reformist magazine published an issue that included articles warning about the possibility of war with the United States. "At the crossroads of war and peace, have moderates lost or will they again save Iran from war?" the main headline on the front page read against a photograph of U.S. Navy warships. On social media, hard-liners attacked the magazine as "Trump's voice," suggesting its warning about the danger of war amounted to a call for talks with the United States. "At the height of America's political, economic and media war against the Iranian nation, an Iranian publication supplements the enemy's media operations inside the country," the hard-line-led news agency Fars wrote in a comment. Iran has dismissed the U.S. military buildup as "psychological warfare" designed to intimidate it. U.S. sanctions are biting harder into the Iranian economy, with new signs that Irans key oil exports are faltering, while its trade figures with Europes biggest economy and with the United States are shrinking. U.S. news service Bloomberg said it has compiled tanker tracking data showing that no oil tankers had been seen leaving Irans oil terminals for foreign ports in the first nine days of May. Crude oil is Irans main revenue source. Washington tightened its unilateral sanctions on Iranian oil exports May 2, ending waivers that it granted to several countries to keep importing crude from Iran and requiring them to reduce imports to zero. The U.S. sanctions are aimed at pressuring Iran to change its perceived malign behaviors. Bloomberg said the tracking data also revealed that four Iranian tankers were anchored off the coast of China as of May 9, with a fifth tanker on its way to the Chinese coast. It said most of the rest of Irans tanker fleet either was returning to the Persian Gulf after discharging cargoes or had been observed in or near the region in the previous two days. It said 10 Iranian tankers had not sent tracking signals for at least 16 days, keeping their transponders turned off in an apparent effort to hide their movements. In a report published Friday, Reuters said the four Iranian tankers off the Chinese coast and the fifth on its way to China had loaded Iranian crude in April, before Chinas U.S. waiver to import the oil expired. It said two of the tankers have discharged their oil to Chinese clients, while two others were waiting to do so at the Chinese ports of Ningbo and Zhoushan. But in a further blow to Irans oil industry, Reuters quoted three people with knowledge of the matter as saying Chinas top state-owned refiners China Petrochemical Corp (Sinopec) and China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) have decided not to order any oil for loading at Iranian ports this month. Reuters cited the sources as saying the Chinese refiners were worried that making such orders would expose them to U.S. sanctions that could block their access to the U.S. financial system. Iran has vowed to keep exporting oil in defiance of U.S. sanctions. In recent days, Western media said it appears that Tehran did find one oil customer this month, with an Iranian tanker delivering crude to Syria for the first time this year. Iran had stopped oil shipments to Syria, a key regional ally, late last year after suspending a credit line to Damascus because of impending U.S. sanctions against Tehran. The halt in Iranian oil deliveries to Syria, which also is under U.S. sanctions, led to fuel shortages during the Syrian winter. Reuters cited a source familiar with Iranian oil shipments as saying the Iranian tanker arrived in Syria last week. U.S. network CNBC quoted firms that track maritime shipments as saying Iran made the delivery in the first week of May. In a tweet posted Friday, TankerTrackers.com co-founder Samir Madani said the Iranian oil arrived May 5 aboard a Suezmax tanker previously known as True Ocean. Suezmax is a naval term for the largest ship capable of transiting the Suez Canal. There was no immediate reaction by the Trump administration to the undeclared Iranian oil delivery to Syria. In other setbacks to Iran, its trade with Germany, Europes largest economy, slumped in the first two months of this year, according to the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry. In Friday reports, newspapers belonging to Germanys Funke Media Group cited the association as saying German exports to Iran fell 52.6% year-on-year to $261 million in January and February, while German imports from Iran dropped 42.2% to $46 million in the same period. The Funke newspapers quoted the head of the German-Iranian chamber of commerce, Dagmar von Bohnstein, as saying: The market in Iran is extremely difficult because of the U.S. sanctions and the countrys economic conditions. Iran has seen more than a year of small-scale nationwide protests by workers angry at what they see as corruption and mismanagement by its ruling Islamist clerics. The U.S. Census Bureau also posted trade data Thursday, showing U.S. exports to Iran fell 54.7% in the first quarter of 2019 versus the same period last year, to $14.6 million. It said U.S. first-quarter imports from Iran dropped to just half-a-million dollars, compared to $13.3 million in the year-earlier period. In a Thursday interview with VOA Persian at the State Department, U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said Irans economic troubles will get worse. That is the price this regime is going to pay for behaving like an outlaw regime, Hook said. We are denying Iran the ability to fund its proxies. So we are very happy with this steady state of pressure that we hope to keep in place for as long as is necessary. This article originated in VOAs Persian Service. This is the first official visit made by a Nepali Prime Minister to Vietnam since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1975. It is also the first visit to the Southeast Asian region made by KP Sharma Oli since he was sworn in as Nepali Prime Minister in February 2018. The visit is a significant political event, contributing to strengthening the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Nepal in all areas, meeting the aspiration of the two peoples. The country experiences a tropical monsoon climate, but due to its special topography, it becomes colder and more snowy in the north. Nepal possesses many high mountains, including Mount Everest, which is known as the "Roof of the World". Nepali is the official language in this South Asian country, which is spoken by about 47.8% of the population. English is also commonly used in the county. Regarding State institutions, Nepal is a country with parliamentary democracy; the Federal Parliament consists of the National Assembly, as upper house, and the House of Representatives, as lower house. Vietnam and Nepal set up their diplomatic relations in 1975. Over the past 44 years, the sound traditional friendship between Vietnam and Nepal has continuously been nurtured and developed by the two countries leaders and peoples. Nepali people always have sincere and deep sentiment towards Vietnamese friends and support Vietnams struggle for national independence and reunification. We are glad to see that the Vietnam Nepal bilateral cooperation has been fostered in diverse areas such as politics, economy and tourism. Cooperation through the Party channel between the two sides has been well maintained while the exchanges of delegations at ministerial and local levels have been kept regularly. Leaders of the two countries have regularly exchanged messages of congratulations on each others major events. Most recently, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli on the sidelines of the the annual Davos World Economic Forum in Switzerland, January 2019. The bilateral economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Nepal has witnessed encouraging signs over recent years. In April 2018, Nepal sent a business delegation to seek partnership opportunities in Vietnam and attend the Vietnam Expo 2018. Nepal also hosted trade promotion activities in Ho Chi Minh City in March this year. By September 2018, two-way trade reached around US$38 million. Vietnams exports to Nepal were mostly peppercorn and plastic products. Currently, the Viettel Military Industry-Telecommunication Group is exploring investment opportunities in Nepal. Vietnamese and Nepali people have provided mutual support for each other. Vietnam offered US$50,000 in aid to help Nepal deal with earthquake consequences in 2015. Nepal has positively supported Vietnam in citizen protection. The two sides are working together on the signing of an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders, and the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism between the two foreign ministries. The Vietnam-Nepal Friendship Association was established in September 2014, serving as a friendly bridge linking the bilateral friendship. Cultural and tourism cooperation as well as people-to-people exchange have also seen bright prospects of development, while the two sides have shown mutual support and collaboration on many regional and international issues at international forums, especially the UN. Nepal has backed Vietnams market economy and candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. At the same time, Vietnam has supported Nepal in running for a seat at the UN Human Rights Council. Taking place at a time when Vietnam Nepal relations have favourably developed, the Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis official visit to Vietnam and attendance at the UN Day of Vesak 2019 aims to reaffirm the determination of leaders and peoples of both countries to further strengthen the traditional friendship and consolidate political trust between the two sides. The visit offers a good occasion for the two sides to discuss measures to accelerate bilateral cooperation across various fields, as well as discuss regional and international issues of mutual concern, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large. Officials in Pakistan and the United Nations are investigating causes of a new outbreak of HIV infections in a southern district where nearly 400 people have been diagnosed in less than two weeks. Officials confirmed Saturday that nearly 80% of those infected are children, with nearly half of them under age 5. Local media began reporting about the epidemic two weeks ago from Larkana, a district of Sindh province, which has already experienced three outbreaks in recent years. A local doctor who treated several patients with a single needle and syringe was blamed for spreading the virus, which causes AIDS. The provincial government rushed teams of public health workers to the district, with an estimated population of 1.5 million, to quickly assess the situation and mobilize resources to curtail further spread of HIV. More than 9,000 people have since been subjected to screening in the affected district, and the process is continuing, Sikandar Memon, the provincial head of the AIDS Control Program, told reporters. A UNAIDS spokeswoman told VOA that international partners had joined local teams to help quickly carry out an outbreak investigation and address the acute needs of the people infected with HIV, including immediately linking them to treatment, care and support services. The spokeswoman, Fahmida Khan, said efforts were being made to ensure that unsafe injection and blood transfusion practices were being stopped. She also noted that there were unconfirmed reports of similar HIV outbreaks in surrounding districts. Focus of problem Sindh, with a population of nearly 48 million, accounts for 43% of an estimated 150,000 people living with HIV in Pakistan. U.N. officials say since 2010, there has been a 57% increase in new HIV/AIDS infections in Pakistan. They noted that among all identified HIV cases in Pakistan, 43,000 are females. Last year, an estimated 20,000 people were newly identified with HIV in Pakistan and 6,200 people died of AIDS, according to local and U.N. officials. Khan would not comment on the reasons for the high number of HIV infections among children and the potential causes of the latest outbreak in Larkana, saying "further investigations and epidemiological review is yet required and suggested." Provincial authorities also have launched a high-level investigation to ascertain the veracity of the allegations against the local doctor, who already has been taken into police custody. Some also blame unsafe injection practices by quack doctors for contributing to the spread of HIV. Government officials estimate about 600,000 unqualified doctors are unlawfully operating in Pakistan and 270,000 of them are practicing in Sindh. Critics also blame lapses in Pakistan's national health system, the low priority given to the problem, corruption, the recent abolition of the federal health ministry and the delegation of its functions to the provinces for the worsening health sector situation and the increase in HIV infections. Pakistani and U.N. officials say the HIV epidemic in Pakistan remains largely concentrated among key populations, including people who inject drugs, the transgender community, sex workers and their clients, and men who have sex with men. U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he did not not consider North Korea's recent launch of short-range ballistic missiles "a breach of trust." In an interview with Politico, Trump downplayed the missile tests by North Korea, calling them "very standard stuff." "They're short-range and I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point, no," Trump said. North Korea fired two short-range missiles on Thursday, its second such test in less than a week. The Pentagon said the launches consisted of ballistic missiles that flew in excess of 300 km (185 miles) and landed in the ocean. Trump said he might eventually lose faith in his friendly relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which he has previously described as "very strong." "I mean, it's possible that at some point I will, but right now, not at all," Trump said. On Thursday, Trump appeared to hold the door open for more talks with North Korea. "The relationship continues ... I know they want to negotiate, they're talking about negotiating. But I don't think they're ready to negotiate," he told reporters. Billionaire Richard Branson is moving Virgin Galactics winged passenger rocket and more than 100 employees from California to a remote commercial launch and landing facility in southern New Mexico, bringing his space tourism dream a step closer to reality. Branson said Friday at a news conference that Virgin Galactics development and testing program has advanced enough to make the move to the custom-tailored hangar and runway at the taxpayer-financed Spaceport America facility near the town of Truth or Consequences. Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides said a small number of flight tests are pending. He declined to set a specific deadline for the first commercial flight. An interior cabin for the companys space rocket is being tested, and pilots and engineers are among the employees relocating from California to New Mexico. The move to New Mexico puts the company in the home stretch, Whitesides said. The manufacturing of the space vehicles by a sister enterprise, The Spaceship Company, will remain based in the community of Mojave, California. Taxpayer backing Taxpayers invested more than $200 million in Spaceport America after Branson and then-Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, pitched the plan for the facility, with Virgin Galactic as the anchor tenant. Virgin Galactics spaceship development has taken far longer than expected and had a major setback when the companys first experimental craft broke apart during a 2014 test flight, killing the co-pilot. Branson thanked New Mexico politicians and residents for their patience over the past decade. He said he believes space tourism once aloft is likely to bring about profound change. Our future success as a species rests on the planetary perspective, Branson said. The perspective that we know comes sharply into focus when that planet is viewed from the black sky of space. Branson described a vision of hotels in space and a network of spaceports allowing supersonic, transcontinental travel anywhere on earth within a few hours. He indicated, however, that building financial viability comes first. We need the financial impetus to be able to do all that, he said. If the space program is successful as I think ... then the sky is the limit. Gushing passenger In February, a new version of Virgin Galactics winged craft SpaceShipTwo soared at three times the speed of sound to an altitude of nearly 56 miles (99 kilometers) in a test flight over Southern California, as a crew member soaked in the experience. On Friday, that crew member, Beth Moses, recounted her voyage into weightlessness and the visual spectacle of pitch-black space and the earth below. Everything is silent and still and you can unstrap and float about the cabin, she said. Pictures do not do the view from space justice. ... I will be able to see it forever. The companys current spaceship doesnt launch from the ground. It is carried under a special plane to an altitude of about 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) before detaching and igniting its rocket engine. Release is like freefall at an amusement park, except it keeps going, Moses said. And then the rocket motor lights. Before you know it, youre supersonic. First commercial flight may be this year The craft coasts to the top of its climb before gradually descending to earth, stabilized by feathering technology in which twin tails rotate upward to increase drag on the way to a runway landing. Branson previously has said he would like to make his first suborbital flight this year as one of the ventures first passengers on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 20. But he made no mention of timelines on Friday. Pressed on the timeframe, Whitesides said he anticipates the first commercial flight within a year. Three people with future space-flight reservations were in the audience. Theyve been patient, too, Branson said. Space is hard. Hundreds of potential customers have committed as much as $250,000 up front for rides in Virgins six-passenger rocket, which is about the size of an executive jet. Virgin not alone Other Bransons plans have gradually advanced amid a broader surge in private investment in space technology with cost-saving innovations in reusable rockets and microsatellite technology. Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos announced Thursday that his space company, Blue Origin, will send a robotic spaceship to the moon with aspirations for another ship that could bring people there along the same timeframe as NASAs proposed 2024 return. Bezos has provided no details about launch dates. Time magazine has put Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the cover of its international issue, debating whether his rule has been good for the country. A critical article by Aatish Taseer questions whether the qualities that won Modi the national election in 2014 are still useful today. He said while 2014 was an "election of hope," the 2019 vote takes place among people obsessed with their differences. While Taseer's story says Modi has failed to deliver on his promises, Ian Bremmer, founder of a political risk consulting firm, has written an article for the same issue titled Modi is India's Best Hope for Economic Reform. Bremmer says while Modi's economic record has not been completely successful, he remains the person most capable of fostering more change in India. He praises Modi's work on domestic development, saying he has improved the lives and prospects of hundreds of millions of people. He also says Modi has improved relations with China, the U.S., and Japan. The story is published as India holds elections for the lower house of parliament. Votes will be counted May 23. President Donald Trump's combative approach to trade has been one of the constants among his often-shifting political views. And he's showing no signs of backing off now, even as the stakes intensify with the threat of a full-blown trade war between the world's two biggest economies. The president went after China on Day 1 of his presidential bid, promising to ``bring back our jobs from China, from Mexico, from Japan, from so many places.'' Trump's views on trade helped forge his path to victory in states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio, where he linked the loss of manufacturing jobs to the North America Free Trade Agreement and other trade deals. He warned the worst was yet to come with President Barack Obama's proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership. His trashing of existing and proposed trade agreements grabbed the headlines, but he also made clear his view that globalization had been bad for America and that he would use tariffs to protect national security and domestic producers. He cited the nation's Founding Fathers, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan as leaders whose footsteps he was following when it came to trade and tariffs. ``Our original Constitution did not even have an income tax,'' Trump told voters in Monessen, Pa., four months before the 2016 presidential election. ``Instead, it had tariffs, emphasizing taxation of foreign, not domestic production.'' Taking on China No. 7 on his list of trade promises in that speech: taking on China for ``its theft of American trade secrets.'' ``This is so easy. I love saying this. I will use every lawful presidential power to remedy trade disputes, including the application of tariffs consistent'' with existing trade laws, Trump said. Those laws include Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which Trump cited to enact tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from China, Canada, Mexico and elsewhere. They also include Section 301 of the Trade Act, which Trump used last year to apply 25 percent tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods and 10 percent tariffs on $200 billion of goods. That 10 percent was increased to 25 percent on Friday. Trump is laying the groundwork to extend the 25 percent tariff to all of China's exports to the U.S. ``Such an easy way to avoid Tariffs? Make or produce your goods and products in the good old USA. It's very simple!'' Trump tweeted on Saturday. Of course, America's trading partners haven't let Trump's tariffs stand without taking similar action themselves. Farmers, boat makers, and whiskey and wine producers are just some of the U.S. industries caught in the middle. ``Farming is a very small-margin, small-profit business. We rely on lots of volume and lots of sales to generate a profit,'' said Brent Bible, a soybean and corn farmer in Lafayette, Ind., who has seen prices for both commodities drop in the past year. ``We are operating at a loss now.'' Trump's philosophy on some issues has evolved over the years. He once described himself regarding the abortion issue as ``very pro-choice.'' Now, his administration promotes him as the most ``pro-life president in American history.'' Complaint about Japan On trade, not so much. In Trump: The Art of the Deal, Trump complained of the Japanese that ``what's unfortunate is that for decades now they have become wealthier in large measure by screwing the United States with a self-serving trade policy that our political leaders have never been able to fully understand or counteract.'' Fast-forward nearly three decades, and Trump declared in his 2015 announcement for the presidency that other nations were prospering at America's expense. ``When was the last time anybody saw us beating, let's say, China, in a trade deal? They kill us. I beat China all the time,'' Trump said. Trump's approach on trade is a dramatic departure for the Republican Party, but GOP lawmakers have declined to take action that would block his tariffs. They credit his tactics for getting improvements to a trade deal with Canada and Mexico to replace NAFTA, and for getting China to the negotiating table. ``President Trump is the first president to take China head-on,'' said Texas Rep. Kevin Brady, the top Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee. He said ``everyone knows I'm not a fan of tariffs, but I think everyone knows as well that China has been cheating for far too long.'' Trump has received some encouragement from Democratic leaders. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., tweeted to Trump: ``Don't back down. Strength is the only way to win with China.'' Current and former officials in the administration believe that voters will give the president credit for standing up to China, and not blame him for any pain that may result from the tariffs war. Overall, AP VoteCast found Americans critical in their assessments of Trump on trade. But that's not the case with his supporters. According to the survey of more than 115,000 midterm voters nationwide, 45% approved of Trump on trade, while 53% disapproved. Among voters who approved of Trump's job overall, fully 88% approved of his handling of trade. Who pays? While Trump casts his tariffs as being paid for by China, they actually are paid by the American companies that bring a product into the U.S. This can help some U.S. producers, though, because it makes their goods more competitive pricewise. Still, the burden of Trump's tariffs on imports from China and other countries falls entirely on U.S. consumers and businesses that buy imports, said a study in March by economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Columbia University and Princeton University. Republican-leaning business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have warned that the tariffs threaten to derail the economy raise unemployment, but with economic growth at 3.2 percent last quarter and the unemployment rate at 3.6 percent, Trump isn't changing strategy now. ``Tariffs will make our Country MUCH STRONGER, not weaker. Just sit back and watch!'' Trump tweeted on Friday. U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered officials to begin the process of raising tariffs on essentially all remaining imports from China, valued at about $300 billion, according to the U.S. trade representative. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer made the announcement in a statement Friday after the United States increased tariffs from 10% to 25% on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. He said details on the process for a public comment period on the proposal for more tariffs will be published shortly. The development comes after the United States and China ended their latest round of trade negotiations without announcing any agreement. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Lighthizer met briefly Friday with the Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He. After the talks, Mnuchin briefly spoke to reporters saying that discussions had been constructive. After the talks ended, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted Friday that the relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping remains a very strong one and that conversations will continue but that the U.S. is imposing tariffs on China which may or may not be removed. Earlier in the day, Trump sent a series of tweets on the escalating trade war with China. Beijing has vowed to retaliate for the U.S. action. We have lost 500 Billion Dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE! Trump went on to tweet that trade talks with China are proceeding in a congenial manner and there is absolutely no need to rush to finalize a trade agreement. The president noted that Washington sells Beijing about $100 billion worth of goods, and with the more than $100 billion in tariffs received, the U.S. will buy agricultural products from U.S. farmers and send them as humanitarian assistance to nations in need. While some taxes are paid directly to the government when products are imported, these taxes, also known as customs duties, are frequently added to the price of the imported product. This means the taxes are paid by those who buy the product. In this case, it would be the American consumer. Trump also chided China for trying to redo the deal at the last minute after the terms already had been set. Trump said he also received a beautiful letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping that expressed a sentiment of lets work together. Trump told reporters he believes tariffs for our country are very powerful, and would benefit Americas economy. Some economists, however, predict such tariffs would cut the U.S. economic growth rate. David French of the U.S. National Retail Federation said in a VOA interview a negotiating strategy based on tariffs is the wrong direction and expressed hope the Chinese make substantial concessions to avert this disaster. Shanghai University economics professor Ding Jianping told VOA the tariffs would also adversely impact the U.S. financial markets, which have climbed to record highs. Jianping said the record performance makes the markets most vulnerable because they are not supported by science and technology. He added, The peak created by fiscal and monetary policy is unsustainable. The Trump administration hopes the new tariffs will force changes in Chinas trade, subsidy and intellectual property practices. The two sides have been unable to reach a deal due, in part, to differences over the enforcement of an agreement and a timeline for removing the tariffs. The United States military is once again increasing its arsenal in the Middle East to counter Iranian threats, announcing Friday the movement of a Patriot missile battery and the USS Arlington landing platform dock ship used in amphibious assaults. The move comes a day after The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and four B-52 bombers arrived in the Middle East in response to concerns Iran may be planning an attack against American targets. Its important that Iran understand that an attack on Americans or its interests will be met with an appropriate response, Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Pat Shanahan said Friday. Were in the Middle East to defeat terrorism, fight and build security ... but we will protect ourselves. The Iranian threat was both on land and sea and included commercial dhows that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a branch of Irans armed forces, loaded with potential military hardware to include missiles, a senior military official told reporters at the Pentagon. The USS Arlington will be replacing the USS Fort McHenry to provide additional command and control capability in the region, which would speed up the ability to respond to any threat, the official added. Pentagon officials would not comment on where the Patriot missile battery was being sent. The all-weather air defense system is used to counter ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. WATCH: US Sending Ships, Patriot Missiles to Counter Iranian Threat Not looking for a war Despite the ramp up in military might, the Pentagon sought to downplay concerns that it was gearing up for war with Iran. The United States does not seek conflict with Iran, but we are postured and ready to defend U.S. forces and interests in the region, the Pentagon said in a statement issued Friday. The U.S. Maritime Administration has issued an advisory that commercial vessels, including oil tankers sailing through key Middle East waterways, could be targeted by Iran. No call from Iran Meanwhile, Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency has quoted a top commander in Irans Revolutionary Guard as saying Tehran will not negotiate with the United States. The statement follows U.S. President Donald Trumps indirect invitation to Iranian leaders to give him a call. Trump called for negotiations with Iran several times Thursday. He told reporters, What Id like to see with Iran, Id like to see them call me. But Tasnim on Friday quoted General Yadollah Javani as saying there will be no negotiations with America. He also said the United States would not dare to take military action against Iran. The carrier strike group completed its transit Thursday through the Suez Canal, U.S. Central Command spokesman Navy Capt. William Urban told VOA. He also said two B-52 bombers arrived in the region Thursday, while two others arrived Wednesday. The bombers are now positioned at the al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a defense official confirmed on condition of anonymity. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein told VOA the swift military movement sends a message that we can face any threat at a time and place of our choosing. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido told his supporters Saturday at a rally in Caracas that he had instructed his ambassador to the U.S. to contact the U.S. military to pressure President Nicolas Maduro to step down from his post. Guaido spoke to demonstrating crowds in the Alfredo Sadel Plaza in Las Mercedes, a commercial district in Caracas. He spoke a day after a Venezuelan court ordered Edgar Zambrano, vice president of Guaido's opposition-controlled National Assembly, to be held at a military facility. Zambrano,who was arrested earlier in the week, and nine other opposition leaders are under investigation in connection with a failed military insurrection. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for Zambrano's immediate release, saying his arrest "is an attack on the independence of the nation's democratically elected legislative branch." Shippers sanctioned Meanwhile, the United States has placed sanctions on two shipping companies for transporting Venezuelan oil to Cuba. The U.S. Treasury Department said Friday that it had targeted Marshall Islands-based Monsoon Navigation Corp. and Serenity Maritime Ltd., headquartered in Liberia. The agency said the companies owned ships that were involved in oil transfers to Cuba, which the U.S. has accused of providing military support to Maduro. The Treasury Department said the vessels delivered oil to Cuba from late 2018 through March. The U.S. and some 50 other countries support Guaido, who declared himself interim president in January on the claim that Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate. Maduro has called Guaido a puppet of the U.S. Maduro has held on to power with the support of Cuba, Russia and China. Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido is looking to jumpstart his movement to oust Nicolas Maduro in the wake of last week's failed military uprising, promising to persevere in the face of a deepening crackdown. In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Guaido reiterated his willingness to consider inviting foreign troops to force Maduro from power, echoing the line from Washington that all options are on the table for dealing with Venezuela's rapidly-escalating crisis. He blamed the socialist leader for blocking all attempts to negotiate a solution and noted: The biggest obstacle to that is Maduro. The 35-year-old national assembly president, who the U.S. and some 50 other countries recognize as Venezuela's rightful leader, sat for the interview at his party's headquarters two days after the No. 2 leader in congress was jailed and as several other lawmakers took refuge in foreign embassies. All are facing arrest for joining Guaido and a small cadre of security forces in a military rebellion April 30 that was the closest the opposition has come in years to overthrowing Maduro. Yet, Guaido isn't showing signs of fatigue. He talks serenely and smiles widely when well-wishers huddle with him in prayer. While the Maduro government hasn't dared arrest him the U.S. has warned of severe consequences should he be harmed he said security forces who track his every move could kidnap him at any time. Meanwhile, his fellow activist wife and 2-year-old daughter have been living outside Venezuela for months. There's a movement made up of a majority that's in the streets and that's not going to change no matter how much they hit us, he said. The one thing the dictatorship fears most is hope. But observers note the fresh-faced opposition leader may be running out of options. Phil Gunson, a senior analyst with the Crisis Group in Caracas, said that after the failed military rebellion, it seems unlikely that the U.S. will carry through on threats of military action. He's in a bind, Gunson said. If the repression is going to continue at this level, it's going to be difficult to keep up his campaign of mass mobilization because people are going to be too scared to go out on the streets. In the current stalemate, Gunson said negotiations are the opposition's best exit strategy. But demands that Maduro step aside as a precondition for talks are no longer a real possibility. They already played their best hand, he said, referring to the opposition. Nonetheless, Guaido said winning over the military is possible and requires greater outreach so that troops understand they won't be targeted if they flip. He said most top commanders and their troops already despise Maduro and are only feigning loyalty to him because they are under constant surveillance by Cuban and Venezuelan secret police. What keeps Maduro in power, and we've witnessed more openly in recent hours, is terror, Guaido said. Guaido, a previously unknown lawmaker, revived the flagging opposition movement when he declared himself interim president in January, accusing Maduro of breaking the constitutional order when he claimed victory in elections widely seen as lacking legitimacy after several opponents were barred from running. His humble roots and unpretentious speech have endeared him to struggling Venezuelans and managed to keep together an unruly opposition coalition frequently torn apart by battling egos and strategic differences. But old fractures are re-emerging as some blame prominent activist Leopoldo Lopez, who fled house arrest to stand alongside Guaido in the uprising, for overplaying his hand. After the putsch failed, Maduro ordered Lopez's arrest and the former Caracas area mayor fled to the Spanish ambassador's residence, where he is holed up. Lopez, who was arrested in 2014, is one of Venezuela's shrewdest political operators who even while in state custody worked behind the scenes to promote Guaido's rise when few Venezuelans had even heard of his name. But he's also been dogged by criticism that he overestimates his own strength and takes ill-advised risks. When pressed, Guaido refused to criticize his mentor, noting that this was not the time to focus on personal ambitions. Guaido said he is grateful for support from the U.S., which has slapped severe oil sanctions on Venezuela and sent several planeloads of aid to bordering countries as part of a failed opposition plan to open a humanitarian corridor. With delivery of that aid unlikely for now, he said he's willing to donate some of it to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which is working with the Maduro government to distribute supplies. He said sanctions aren't to blame for Venezuela's collapse, as the government contends, but are nonetheless succeeding in squeezing Maduro's ability to buy support through corruption. Without hesitation they've called Maduro what he is: a dictator, he said of the Trump administration. But as the impasse with Maduro has dragged on, America's interest could begin to wane. Last week, Trump directly contradicted earlier statements by his own national security team that Russia has been propping up the socialist leader with military and financial support. Instead, the U.S. president said, Russian President Vladimir Putin was not involved and only wants positive things for Venezuela. Guaido downplayed Trump's comments, saying they were just a different way of reaching out to Russia. Meanwhile, he said he was encouraged by recent comments by China's government that it would step up its work with the EU and the international community to support political dialogue. Coming from Venezuela's biggest creditor and a Maduro ally, the remarks were seen as something of an endorsement for the International Contact Group, an EU-led initiative that is seeking to promote early elections something Maduro has steadfastly refused to consider. The father of American college student Otto Warmbier who died soon after being sent home from North Korea in a vegetative state said Friday that Kim Jong Un should be called criminal Kim not chairman Kim which makes me sick. Fred Warmbier told a U.N. symposium promoting international cooperation on abductions that calling the North Korean leader chairman gives him status on the world stage, and if were afraid to tell the truth of who were dealing with we dont stand a chance of making a difference. Hes a criminal and hes a murderer, Warmbier said. Every member of Kims regime is a thug. Stand up to Kim He said the truth is that North Koreas leader is telling his people that they have to limit rations to 300 grams per day, the equivalent of five slices of white bread, at the same time hes begging for food from the (U.N.) World Food Program. Warmbier said the Dutch government in February seized 90,000 bottles of vodka heading to Pyongyang, a violation of U.N. sanctions, at the same time he is systematically starving the people of North Korea. Warmbier urged the worlds nations not to coddle Kim but to stand up to North Korea. It doesnt mean we cant engage them, Warmbier stressed. It doesnt mean there cant be dialogue. But when we treat them for who they are then well be able to make a difference here. But until we do that, this is going to be a continued repeat. Many abductees Otto Warmbier, a University of Virginia student from suburban Cincinnati, was sentenced to 15 years of hard labor in early 2016 for allegedly stealing a propaganda poster. His parents say he was tortured and he died days after being returned in a vegetative state in June 2017. During the meeting, relatives of abductees from Japan, Thailand and the U.S. whose loved ones are believed to be held in North Korea pleaded for their return. The brother of American student David Sneddon, who is from Utah and disappeared in China in 2004, said the family has collected evidence that he was abducted to North Korea. James Sneddon said David is a victim and abductee of North Koreas callous, cruel and inhuman regime. I want my brother released, and able to choose how he lives, independent and free, James Sneddon said. Its time to release David. ... Its past time. Banjong Panchoi said his aunt, Anocha Panchoi who is from Thailand, was abducted by North Korean agents in Macao in 1978 and the family isnt sure shes still alive. But our family still has hope that one day she will come back, he said. Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshide Suga, the minister in charge of the abduction issue, said as many as 17 people have been officially recognized as abductees by the government of Japan and there are more than 800 people for whom the possibility of abduction by North Korea cannot be ruled out. Greg Scarlatoiu, executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, said in addition to Japanese and South Koreans taken by North Korea, there are at least 25 other foreign citizens from China, France, Guinea, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Macao, Netherlands, Romania, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States that been abducted. Our ultimate goal is the get the abductees back as soon as possible, he said. The Navajo Nation has announced that World War II-era Navajo Code Talker Fleming Begaye has died. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said Begaye died Friday in Chinle, Arizona. He was 97. The cause of death was not disclosed. Begaye was among hundreds of Navajos who served in the Marine Corps, using a code based on their native language to outsmart the Japanese. According to the Navajo Nation, Begaye served as a Code Talker from 1943 to 1945 and fought in the Battle of Tarawa and the Battle of Tinian. He spent a year in a naval hospital after being wounded. Begaye later ran a general store in Chinle. President Donald Trump honored Begaye and two other Navajo Code Talkers at the White House in November 2017. Nigerian authorities say the country is losing more than $1 billion annually to medical tourism as tens of thousands of Nigerians travel abroad in search of the best treatment. Nigerias Health Ministry says it is building six world class health centers to address the issue. The question comes up over and over, with extremist material, hate speech, election meddling and privacy invasions. Why can't Facebook just fix it? It's complicated, with reasons that include Facebook's size, its business model and technical limitations, not to mention years of unchecked growth. Oh, and the element of human nature. The latest revelation: Facebook is inadvertently creating celebratory videos using extremist content and auto-generating business pages for the likes of Islamic State and al-Qaida. The company says it is working on solutions and the problems are getting better. That is true, but critics say better is not good enough when mass shootings are being live-streamed and online mobs are spreading rumors that lead to deadly violence. "They have been frustratingly slow in dealing with everything from child sexual abuse to terrorism, white supremacy, bullying, nonconsensual porn" and things like allowing advertisers to target categories such as "Jew hater," simply because some users had listed the term as an "interest," said Hany Farid, a digital forensics expert at the University of California, Berkeley. As new problems crop up, Facebook's formula has been to apologize and promise to make changes, sometimes also noting that it did not anticipate how malicious actors could so readily misuse its platform. More recently, the company has also emphasized just how much it is improving, both technically in its use of artificial intelligence to detect problems and in terms of focusing more money and effort on fixing them. "After making heavy investments, we are detecting and removing terrorism content at a far higher success rate than even two years go," Facebook said Wednesday in response to the revelations about the auto-generated pages. "We don't claim to find everything, and we remain vigilant in our efforts against terrorist groups around the world." It has seen some success. In late 2016, CEO Mark Zuckerberg infamously dismissed as "pretty crazy" the idea that fake news on his service could have swayed the election. He later backtracked, and since then the company has reduced the amount of misinformation shared on its service, as measured by several independent studies. Zuckerberg has also, by and large, avoided similar gaffes by conceding mistakes and delivering apologies to the public and to lawmakers. 'Stuck with all this garbage' But even as the company bats down one problem, others pop up. The reason for that might be baked into its DNA. And that's not just because its business model relies on as many people as possible using it as much as possible, leaving behind personal details that can then be targeted by advertisers. "Almost everything Facebook has designed has been designed for good people. People who are nice to each other, who have birthdays to celebrate, who have new puppies and generally like to treat others well," said Siva Vaidhyanathan, director of the Center for Media and Citizenship at the University of Virginia. "Basically Facebook is made for a better species than ours. If it were made for golden retrievers, everything would be great." But if just 1% of the 2.4 billion people on Facebook want to do terrible things to others, that's 24 million people. "Every couple of weeks, we hear about Facebook knocking down troublesome pages, making promises about hiring more people, building AI and so on," Vaidhyanathan said. "But at Facebook's scale, none of that will matter. We are basically stuck with all this garbage." Chris Hughes, a co-founder of Facebook, called for a breakup of the social media giant in a Thursday op-ed. Vaidhyanathan also thinks strong government regulation could be the answer, such as laws that "limit companies' ability to suck up all our data and use it to target advertising." "We really should be addressing the back end of Facebook," he said. "That's what you have to attack." Letter carriers will be collecting bags filled with nonperishable items for Stamp Out Hunger, a one-day food drive led by the National Association of Letter Carriers and supported by the U.S. Postal Service. All food collected locally will be donated to the Central Texas Food Bank. Bags placed in mailboxes this week can be filled with healthy, nonperishable food and placed next to mailboxes Saturday for pickup during regular mail delivery. Anyone who does not receive a bag for the drive can leave donations at their mailbox in any sturdy paper or plastic bag or a reusable bag. The most-needed items include peanut butter; canned protein such as tuna, chicken or chili; canned low-sodium vegetables; dry pinto beans; brown rice; non-fat dry milk powder; and whole grain cereals. Calligraphy guild The Waco Calligraphy Guild will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 800 N. New Road. Members Christy Town, Vicki Northern and Karon Wheeless will lead a program demonstrating how to make paper flowers from vintage newspapers and book pages. The association advocates for more than 300 companies. Cabelas heroes The Cabelas outdoors store at Central Texas Marketplace plans to have a hometown heroes day filled with activities May 25. The public is invited to interact with first responders and members of local service organizations from 9 to 11 a.m. Kids can dip a hook in a fishing pond, and local entertainer Holly Tucker will perform the national anthem, according to an event flyer. The Kansas City Barbeque Society will provide free samples starting at 11 a.m. and continue while supplies last. First responders will get 5 percent off in-store purchases May 25 and 26. Waco Under 40 Celebrating McLennan Countys dynamic young leaders, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce will start accepting nominations Wednesday for its Waco Under 40 event Sept. 12 at the Phoenix Ballroom, according to a chamber press release. The event recognizes people who distinguish themselves in their careers and in their industry but also through their community volunteer work. Relaxing in the Waco Regional Airport terminal, Ohio residents Robert and Madison Speelman reflected on their first visit to the city. Magnolia Market at the Silos was fun. They liked the river, the weather and the Suspension Bridge. Their flight to Waco from Dallas also represented an ice-breaker, their first on American Eagle, the only commercial airline serving the market. They would take Eagle back to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport for a connecting flight to Columbus, Ohio, after their weekend getaway. The scene is playing out more often at Wacos municipal airport. Eagle reported nearly 870 more enplanements in April than in the same month last year. Its corporate cousin, American Airlines, has been so impressed by Eagles friendly reception locally it added two daily flights to the schedule, meaning travelers now have six shots at broadening their horizon. Trey Green, who works at Antioch Community Church in Waco, said he flies Eagle every two to three months as lead-ins to trips nationally and abroad. Most flights are full, he said. All are 80 percent full at least. The architect with Station No. 6 is coming up with a design, a mockup, Tatum said. Once its complete, there will be community input for what the station will look like. We also want to inform the public what parts of the current theater can be saved, if any, and then we will start the bid process to hire a general contractor. The city bought the long-vacant 73-year-old 25th Street Theatre building in May last year with plans to remodel it for use by the department. By December, staffers determined damage to the structure was too extensive for a remodel to be feasible. 25th Street Theatre will be razed for new fire facility City of Waco officials have dropped efforts to save the former 25th Street Theatre building The property will still house Station No. 6 and headquarters for the Waco Fire Department, but they will be in a new building, with an estimated project cost of $5.1 million. City leaders have also discussed building a new fire station in the next three to five years, Station No. 16, in the area of Ritchie Road and Panther Way in far western Waco, where residential development is booming. Beyond plans already under development, the departments facilities are well situated, Tatum said. We have strategically looked at where each of our fire stations are located and we dont think we will have to build another station for the next several years, Tatum said. We want to make sure we provide the best quick and fast fire coverage for these areas in looking toward the future. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. But Hobbs said the work program taught him skills he would not have otherwise, which helped him ascend to president and CEO of Hobbs Bonded Fibers, a local manufacturing company. He thought the Reveal story was biased and did not tell the full story, Hobbs said. They found three disgruntled folks. Im sure I can find three disgruntled folks at my plant if I try hard enough, he said. Im proud to have gone through that program. It really helped instill a work ethic that I still use to this day, and it also helped me understand my personal responsibility to take ownership for my choices. Cenikor has a Waco location that serves more than 1,000 clients annually in outpatient detox and residential services, Cenikor spokesman Dan Rene said. The Waco location does not have the work program, which is part of Cenikors long-term residential recovery program. With the widening of Interstate 35 through Waco now ramping up, the inevitable and for some the unthinkable is about to take place. The bridge at South 11th and 12th streets that links the outskirts of Baylor University with downtown will close for good. The deed is scheduled at 7 a.m. Monday, according to a press release from the Texas Department of Transportation, which is overseeing the $341 million widening of I-35 from North Loop 340 near Bellmead to South 12th Street. The process is scheduled to last almost five years. The closure will initially affect only the cross-traffic over the bridge, the press release states. Traffic will use the crossings at 17th and 18th streets to the south, or the crossing at Fourth and Fifth streets to the north. Eventually, at a time yet to be determined, crews will demolish the bridge, which will require interstate mainlane closures, according to the press release. The crossing will be rebuilt with I-35 going over 11th and 12th streets, and with enhanced pedestrian and bicycle access on 11th and 12th streets underneath I-35, the press release states. An unwanted pregnancy is an obvious strain on a womans health, but it is also a burden on public resources. Unintended pregnancies affect low-income women at a higher rate than others in fact, women who fall at or below the poverty level are five times more likely to experience an unplanned pregnancy than women who do not. The medical costs associated with these pregnancies are often borne in part or in full by taxpayers. In 2010 alone, unintended pregnancies cost taxpayers more than $21 billion. Expanding access to birth control can mitigate these financial burdens as well as the emotional and physiological consequences of an unintended pregnancy. Current laws in 40 states require women to visit a physician to receive a birth control prescription, which often poses a barrier to women who lack health insurance or easy access to a physician. Fortunately, 10 states plus the District of Columbia have switched from this archaic physician-access model to a more accommodating pharmacy-access model, which allows women to obtain a birth control prescription directly through a pharmacist. Perhaps surprisingly given the polarized times we live in, states that have adopted the pharmacy-access model range from deep-blue Washington to deep-red Utah, underscoring the bipartisan support for expanding contraceptives access. Administration officials say they are making headway rebalancing trade relations with China and other countries to rectify mistakes made by Trumps predecessors. A new North American trade deal, for example, requires more auto manufacturing to be done in the United States. (It still needs to be passed by Congress.) The presidents tariffs are credited with reviving steel production, one factor in the addition of 452,000 new manufacturing jobs during his tenure. Trumps enthusiasm for tariffs has been no secret since his calls during his presidential campaign for a 45 percent tariff on everything Americans buy from China. But his focus on tariffs is a striking departure from the policies pursued by his Democratic and Republican predecessors especially if he proceeds with his threat to apply tariffs to all $540 billion of annual U.S. purchases from China. Loading... 0 The world reveres Chien-Shiung Wu for her work that changed scientists understanding of the universe. But to her granddaughter, there was still so much to learn about her private world. The number of people taken into custody along the Mexico border has exceeded 5,500 each day for several days in a row, and Border Patrol currently has more than 17,500 people in holding cells and tent sites set up in parking lots outside stations, officials said. That is a 30 percent increase from late March, when authorities said border agents and infrastructure had hit the breaking point. Last month, a landmark electronics store in Shaw, known and beloved for blasting go-go beats from its storefront, was forced to briefly silence its music after a resident of the Shay, a nearby luxury apartment complex, complained. The tunes returned after days of protests from residents and elected officials. But the controversy prompted a much larger movement to preserve not only go-go music, considered the heartbeat of D.C., but the broader culture of the city in the face of gentrification. She sent inappropriate messages over Snapchat to three teenage male students she taught, according to court documents. She requested photos of the students genitalia and sent pictures of herself in a bra and panties to the students and solicited sex from two of the boys, documents state. The boys were all over 15 years old. A bigger problem was that the Freedom Train celebrated the U.S.A. as it wanted to think of itself, not as it necessarily was. Despite the organizers insistence that crowds be integrated We believe that the overwhelming mass of Americans in all sections of the country will support this position, said the American Heritage Foundation the white mayors of Memphis and Birmingham, Ala., refused to promise that whites and blacks would be allowed onboard together. The train bypassed those cities completely. It is clear . . . that the government has relied on the assumptions made by a source outside of the U.S. intelligence community that the Russian State was involved in the hacking and that the data taken from the various servers were given to WikiLeaks, wrote Stones attorneys. The government does not have the evidence, and it knew it did not have the evidence, when it applied for these search warrants. The victim was identified as Mark Steven Milline Jr. of Southeast Washington. Police said he died at a hospital shortly after the shooting, which happened about 5:15 p.m. in the 800 block of Xenia Street SE, near the Ferebee Hope Recreation Center. I saw a little foot sticking out from under one of the sheets. A scarred patent-leather shoe covered with dust, he later told an interviewer, according to Carry Me Home, Diane McWhorters Pulitzer Prize-winning history of the tumultuous events that took place in Birmingham in 1963. I suppose every little girls foot looks about the same, but I knew it was Denise. I didnt need to look under the sheet to know it was her. The chilling testimony was strong enough that Judge Thomas P. Sotelo of the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court found there was probable cause that Youngblood carried out the killings and certified the case to go to a grand jury. So far, Youngblood has been charged only in the killing of Brooklynn, but that could change after the grand jury proceedings. Police have not said how Blakeney was killed or why. It was not immediately clear whether the victim was killed where he was found. Police said the victim had no known ties to the Prince William County area. Washington : The US has warned Iran of a "swift and decisive" response in case of any attacks by Tehran or its proxies of any identity against American interests or citizens. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's statement came a day after US President Donald Trump imposed tougher-than-ever sanctions on Iran's iron, steel, aluminum and copper sectors, a move aimed at stopping Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and intercontinental ballistic missiles and to counter its "malign influence" in the Middle East. Pompeo, in a strongly-worded statement said: "The regime in Tehran should understand that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against US interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive US response". "Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve. To date the regime's default option has been violence, and we appeal to those in Tehran who see a path to a prosperous future through de-escalation to modify the regime's behaviour," he said. Pompeo referred to the statement of Trump on Wednesday in which he said that he "looks forward to someday meeting with leaders of Iran in order to work out an agreement and, very importantly, taking steps to give Iran the future it deserves". Iran, Pompeo alleged, has engaged in an escalating series of threatening actions and statements in recent weeks. PTI Ads by Google Two weeks later, as he strolled the Braddock platform with his chief engineer, Wiedefeld was asked about Leaders promise, and he nodded and smiled. Thats the plan. But as boxer Mike Tyson once said about preparing for a fight, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. As long as maybe we dont have a hurricane or something, Wiedefeld said. We dont control a lot of things. The other reality is, once you get out in the field, its very different than when youre doing this on a computer. Texas man arrested in 4-year-old's disappearance: The man who reported that 4-year-old Maleah Davis had been abducted last weekend was arrested near Houston on Saturday in connection with her disappearance. Police said they found blood in his apartment linked to her. Derion Vence, who had lived with Maleah and her mother, was arrested in Sugar Land and charged with tampering with evidence. Vence told police that men in a pickup truck abducted him, Maleah and his 2-year-old son before freeing him and the boy. But Sugar Land police said his story kept changing and didn't add up. If you had suggested to anybody behind me or in this room that within 20 years in 20 miles we would have dealt with Columbine, the Aurora theater, Arapahoe High School, the shooting of Zack Parrish and four other deputies, wed have thought you mad, and yet here we are again, District Attorney George Brauchler said at a news conference Wednesday, referencing a 2013 high school murder-suicide and a Dec. 31, 2017, attack on law enforcement officers who were responding to a domestic disturbance at the Copper Canyon Apartment Homes. A kidney transplant was the only thing that could save her, but it was unlikely to happen in time. There is a severe shortage of kidneys from deceased donors in the United States. No one on Devezas side of the family could provide an organ through a living donation, doctors said, because all were at risk for the same kidney disease. It was too dangerous to leave any of them with a single kidney. Other family and friends were not a match. The researchers want to track down all of the cubes. The account of the Nazis failed nuclear program is an intriguing read one that turns what could be seen as a historical curio into a much more ominous story. Most Popular 1. Investing in a Bubble Mania Stock Market Trending Towards Financial Crisis 2.0 CRASH! - 9th Sep 21 2.Tech Stocks Bubble Valuations 2000 vs 2021 - 25th Sep 21 3.Stock Market FOMO Going into Crash Season - 8th Oct 21 4.Stock Market FOMO Hits September Brick Wall - Evergrande China's Lehman's Moment - 22nd Sep 21 6.How to Protect Your Self From a Stock Market CRASH / Bear Market? - 14th Oct 21 7.AI Stocks Portfolio Buying and Selling Levels Going Into Market Correction - 11th Oct 21 8.Why Silver Price Could Crash by 20%! - 5th Oct 21 9.Powell: Inflation Might Not Be Transitory, After All - 3rd Oct 21 10.Global Stock Markets Topped 60 Days Before the US Stocks Peaked - 23rd Sep 21 Last 7 days Investing in the Best METAVERSE Tech Stocks for 2022 and Beyond - 24th Dec 21 APPLE AR Headset Coming 2022 - Metaverse Tech Stocks Analysis - 23rd Dec 21 What is Frosted Window Film and How Long Does It Last - 23rd Dec 21 Powell Sent Gold Above $1,800 But Only for a Short While - 23rd Dec 21 Stock Market Santa Rally Time - 23rd Dec 21 TSMC and Microsoft AI Tech Stocks Analysis - 22nd Dec 21 Euro: Look at This Head & Shoulders Chart Formation - 22nd Dec 21 AI Tech Stocks Portfolio Updated Buying Levels and Zones as Financial Crisis 2.0 Continues Brewing - 21st Dec 21 Stock Market Sentiment Speaks: Good Luck Trying To Understand This Market - 21st Dec 21 US Dollars Stock Market Warning Signal - 21st Dec 21 Inflation Torpedoes Biden Agenda Will It Next Wreck Financial Markets? - 21st Dec 21 How Is the Financial Services Industry Changing? - 21st Dec 21 Fed WAY behind Curve, Real Rates to Remain Deeply Negative - 20th Dec 21 Fading the Stock Market Rally - 20th Dec 21 Not Only Gold Lacks Energy We All Do Now - 20th Dec 21 Best Christmas Lights 2021 - Ooklee Outdoor Fireworks / Starburst Battery Lights Review - 19th Dec 21 AI Predicts HIGH Risk of Stock Market CRASH, Last Warning Was Late Feb 2020 - 19th Dec 21 How Online Casino Software Providers keep their product competitive - 19th Dec 21 AMD Stock $136 on Route to Eventually Hit $200 - 18th Dec 21 META (Facebook) Dominating VR - 18th Dec 21 Building a Desktop PC Computer Christmas Present, Will it Work when Switched On?- 18th Dec 21 Google Glass Metaverse Big Fat FAIL! - 16th Dec 21 Dont blindly buy the dip in Stocks. Do this instead - 16th Dec 21 Inflation Beast Roars - Gold Only Modestly Up - 16th Dec 21 Stock Market Cliffhanger: 5 Historic Measures Point to ONE Direction - 16th Dec 21 AI Predicts Risks of Stock Market CRASH, Last Signal Was in Late Feb 2020 - 15th Dec 21 Another Stock Market Inflation Twist - 15th Dec 21 Insights into a "Remarkable" NASDAQ Stock Market Development - 15th Dec 21 Act NOW to Protect Your Wealth From PERMANENT Transitory Inflation - 13th Dec 21 Breaking down the world of decentralized finance (DeFi) - 13th Dec 21 Gold Stuck Between High Inflation and Strong Dollar - 13th Dec 21 Gold Holding Up as Cryptos Get Hammered - 13th Dec 21 World's Best FREE Home Christmas Tree Gets Decorated! - 13th Dec 21 What I Got Wrong about 2021s Biggest Stock Market Story - 13th Dec 21 BUY APPLE Stock at DIscount - 12th Dec 21 How to Trade Crypto's on Binance, Set Buy and Sell Limit Orders- 12th Dec 21 AMAZON Christmas SCAMS WARNING - Buyers Beware. Always CHECK What You Buy - 12th Dec 21 BUY Amazon Stock at a 5% DIscount -11th Dec 21 What Happens to the Stock Market After a Bullish Stampede? -11th Dec 21 Has Bitcoin Crypto Mania Finally Run Its Course? -11th Dec 21 BUY IBM Stock at a 20% DIscount - 10th Dec 21 3 Stocks To Watch As The Lithium Boom Kicks Into High Gear - 10th Dec 21 Bidens IRS Is Mining for Gold - 10th Dec 21 Weak November Payrolls Wont Help Gold - 10th Dec 21 Deleveraging COVID Bubble Possible Volatility Risks In Foreign Financial Markets - 10th Dec 21 Trading Options in the UK - 10th Dec 21 BUY FACEBOOK Stock at a 10% DIscount - 9th Dec 21 Stock Market Turning the Corner in Style - 9th Dec 21 How to Money Saving FREE DIY Christmas Tree! Sheffield UK Christmas 2021 - 9th Dec 21 Financial Tips To Help You Out While You're Travelling - 9th Dec 21 New Mining Tech Could Be A Gamechanger For Lithium - 9th Dec 21 But this ignores a root cause of the problem. A recent analysis of the costliest individuals in the New York City jail system 800 people accounting for $129 million in spending over six years found almost all had substance-use problems and many committed crimes related to their addiction. Another study in New England found when the costs of criminal activity, lost productivity and other medical problems are factored in, every dollar spent on treatment is expected to save nearly $2 down the line. 35 bodies found buried near Mexican city: Mexican investigators have found 35 bodies buried around the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, the country's second-largest city, state prosecutors said on Saturday. The discovery of the bodies was another reminder of the task facing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who took office in December vowing to reduce the gang-fueled violence that resulted in nearly 29,000 slayings in Mexico last year, a record. The state is home to one of Mexico's most powerful drug gangs, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and has suffered from the turf wars that have convulsed much of the country. Republicans leading the charge against the District warn that officials are at risk of violating federal law by drafting legislation while the budget restrictions are in effect. D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine in 2015 said city employees might face legal jeopardy under the federal Anti-Deficiency Act, but he has since revised his opinion, concluding that introduction of legislation and holding hearings do not constitute enactment of legislation and thus dont violate the law. That Democrats now control the House has emboldened the District in its efforts to remove the restrictions, and there is some hope of removing the rider in upcoming budget negotiations. But now U.S. District Court Judge Amit P. Mehta has announced that he will fast-track his consideration of one of the key disputes between House Democrats and the president: the fate of a House Oversight Committee subpoena for Mr. Trumps financial records at accounting firm Mazars USA. The committee wants the records to follow up on testimony from former Trump fixer Michael Cohen, who accused the president of knowingly manipulating his financial records in his business dealings. Rather than engage in a lengthy, multistep process, the judge declared Thursday that he could discern no benefit from an additional round of legal arguments nor an obvious need to delay ruling on the merits. Mr. Mehta will instead hold hearings Tuesday and make a final decision shortly thereafter. The most recent and glaring example of this came in shootings and panic that rocked the polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan, one of only three countries where polio is endemic. The others are Afghanistan and Nigeria. Pakistan has made serious strides in vaccinating against poliovirus, which is highly contagious, largely strikes children under age 5 and can cause permanent paralysis. In a vaccination drive that ended April 27, Pakistani workers were able to reach more than 37 million children, nearing the target of 39 million. Pakistan has wisely enlisted Muslim religious scholars to endorse the vaccination campaigns. But there are still pockets of hard-line Islamist forces that spread irrational beliefs that vaccines are either contaminated or are part of a Western plot to sterilize Muslims, and they promote violence. Yet one of those lessons that the absence of full accountability, including to civil authorities, has deepened and prolonged the blight of abuse seems to have gone unheeded. There will be no ironclad requirement that church authorities alert police and prosecutors when allegations of abuse arise. And while bishops in the largest church jurisdictions will be empowered to look into allegations of coverup and other wrongdoing against bishops in nearby, smaller dioceses, it strains credulity to assume that investigations carried out within the confines of those fraternities will be reliably rigorous and impartial. After all, one defining characteristic of the scandal has been the churchs demonstrated inability to police and punish its own. Through the first quarter of the year, fewer than 1 in 10 of the roughly 1,330 major donors from Obamas two presidential campaigns had given $2,700 or more to any of the 2020 candidates. Of those who had donated, Harris had attracted support from the most of those who bundled donations for Obama, followed by Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.). But the data showed more donations to candidates who had announced earlier in the year, and did not include any to Bidens campaign, which did not exist until after the first quarter reporting deadline. As Trumps attorneys prepared for the public release of Muellers report last month, the White House sought for McGahn to issue a statement making public what he had told Muellers team, according to people familiar with the discussions, who, like others commenting for this story, spoke on the condition of anonymity. US Increases Trade Tariffs Against China Stock Markets, Gold, and Silver Today, the US increased tariffs on $200B of Chinese goods as the US/China trade deal breaks down. China has vowed to retaliate for the move. The past week has seen the global markets shocked by two items: Iran sanctions and US/China trade breakdown. The markets had been expecting a US/China trade deal to be reached and optimism was quite high hence the rally in the Chinese stock market and the rally in the US stock market. What next? Well, we believe this news, as well as future news that will likely hit the markets over the next 3+ months, will continue to prompt the Shake-Out we have been warning about. Depending on how severe these news events are, the rotation in the markets could be quite severe as well. Our recent analysis suggests that recent lows in the US stock market may be near-term support and that the US stock market may attempt to form a bottom near these lows. Our research shows the Transportation Index is leading this move. We believe the ORANGE Moving Average level, as well as the RED and GREY Fibonacci projection points, will act as a temporary price floor this week and next. The YM could move lower by 100 to 200 points today, retesting these low levels, before recovering near the end of the day. Gold is showing signs of a potential upside price leg in the early stages, just as we had been suggesting. Our April 21~24 momentum base call from months ago appears to be incredibly accurate. At this point, we are just waiting for the upside price swing to begin. When it starts, the momentum behind this upside move will increase as it will catch the attention of many gold traders and solidify the fear aspect of this move. Silver is still lagging behind Gold as usual. We continue to believe the real opportunity for a great trade lies in Silver. The potential for a $22 o ~$28 upside price swing on a market breakdown or fear play is still very solid. Headed into the 2020 US election cycle and with all the uncertainty in the global markets, we believe this is the sleeper trade of the next 16+ months. When Gold begins to breakout to the upside, Silver should follow about 20 days later. These new US trade tariffs puts pressure on China to come to the table and develop and honest deal. This is not the old way of slow negotiations with no real consequences. For China, the lack of access to the US market could be devastating in both the short and long run. Skilled traders should not be overly optimistic throughout this weekend. Protect your longs and prepare for more news over the next few weeks. This is the type of market that will make or break many traders. UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY ONLY IN MAY On May 1st we talked about the old saying goes, Sell in May and Go Away! and that is excactly what is happening now right on queue. In fact, we closed out our SDS position today for a quick 3.9% profit and our other new trade started today is up already 10%. Second, my birthday is only a few days away and I think its time I open the doors for a once a year opportunity for everyone to get a gift that could have some considerable value in the future. Right now I am going to give away and shipping out silver rounds to anyone who buys a 1-year, or 2-year subscription to my Wealth Trading Newsletter. I only have 13 left as they are going fast so be sure to upgrade your membership to a longer-term subscription or if you are new, join one of these two plans, and you will receive: 1-Year Subscription Gets One 1oz Silver Round FREE (Could be worth hundreds of dollars) 2-Year Subscription Gets TWO 1oz Silver Rounds FREE (Could be worth a lot in the future) I only have 13 more silver rounds Im giving away so upgrade or join now before its too late! SUBSCRIBE TO MY TRADE ALERTS AND GET YOUR FREE SILVER ROUNDS! Happy May Everyone! 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. In the Politico interview, Trump weighed the idea of an investigation into Biden in response to allegations that the former vice president had inappropriate interactions with the Ukrainian government while his son, Hunter Biden, was working for a gas company run by one of the countrys oligarchs. There is no evidence that Bidens conduct was improper and at least one expert has said the accusations dont hold up. She is on a shortlist of Republicans you can say with assurance will be at the top at some point, whether its in the House, the Senate or the White House, said Josh Holmes, a former top aide to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky). Shes got a really unique set of skills and knows how to use them. My sense is that she is, at some point, going to be leading everything in D.C. Its just a matter of from what perch. Faced with President Trumps refusal to turn over documents or to allow some former aides to testify, Democrats are worried that the legal clashes ahead could take years to resolve in federal courts. Such delays would leave their investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign, as well as potential conflicts of interest in Trumps businesses, effectively stalled well beyond the 2020 elections. The attack came just weeks after 14 members of Pakistans armed forces were attacked and killed while traveling on a highway near Ormara, an area in the same region. That attack was claimed by militants linked to another regional separatist movement. It was not clear how long the protests would last. Minor clashes continued with some protesters throwing Molotov bombs and projectiles while police responding with tear gas and water cannons. Masked teenagers were seen setting fires in trash cans on the streets. And he has stood increasingly isolated in his hard line on Brexit. At an emergency meeting of European leaders last month, he frustrated peers by pushing for a quick, clean break, even though London wanted more time and other leaders were inclined to be flexible. Diplomats familiar with his thinking say he fears that repeatedly extending the Brexit process saps Europes ability to fix itself. Macron says he wants a European Renaissance and he has taken to repeating the concept as he campaigns around France and Europe. Its a considerable decision to seek to disqualify not just any counsel in a major prosecution like this, but someone of Jim Coles pedigree as a former deputy attorney general who clearly has refused to recuse himself, said David Laufman, a former senior Justice Department official who is now a partner at the law firm of Wiggin and Dana. But the government clearly feels strongly about its motion and is prepared to litigate its merits. Sboui, a short woman with thick rectangular glasses, said she has sent registered letters to the foreign and interior ministries pleading for help in getting her grandchildren out of Syria. She has joined protest marches with other Tunisian families in similar situations. In May 2018, she said she received a phone call from government investigators. They asked her if she could afford to take care of her grandchildren if they return. She said yes and signed an agreement. But he said the government wouldnt recognize Guaido for formal-juridical reasons and because it is aware of the risk of contributing to the radicalization of various positions and favoring a spiral of violence with the result of making conditions for the people even more dramatic. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Christian leaders have written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten to demand they protect religious beliefs as the future of controversial rugby star Israel Folau fuels debate over freedom of speech as an election issue. Labor has also been criticised by the Anglican church in a separate development, for being out of touch with western Sydney voters. The letter to Mr Shorten details concerns that Labor Party policies do not go far enough to protect religious freedom and have the potential to impact on the free expression of traditional views of sexuality and marriage. It asks Labor for an assurance that religious institutions will continue to be able to hold such views and defend them in public. Christian leaders have written to Bill Shorten and Scott Morrison to demand they protect religious beliefs in light of the recent Israel Folau controversy. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen, AAP The Liberal Party has committed to introducing a Commonwealth Religious Discrimination Act, but the religious leaders asked the Prime Minister to go further by protecting believers in associations including churches, mosques, charities, schools and corporations. Hong Kong: Scuffles broke out in Hong Kong's legislature on Saturday between pro-democracy lawmakers and those loyal to Beijing over an extradition law that will extend Beijing's powers over the territory. Fights erupted and lawmakers clambered over tables, cursed one another and piled into each other as security personnel tried to maintain order. Pro-democracy lawmaker Wu Chi-wai, centre, is restrained by security guards at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, on Saturday. Credit:AP One person was taken to hospital. The former British colony is trying to enact rules that would allow people accused of a crime, including foreigners, to be extradited from the city to countries without formal extradition agreements, including mainland China. During its stay in Irelands Dublin from May 2-4, the delegation had working sessions with representatives from local educational institutions, visited Trinity College Dublin and made a tour to learn from the citys experience in cultural heritage management. Working with the citys Lord Mayor Nial Ring, Vice Secretary Ngoc said since Vietnam and Ireland set up diplomatic ties in 1996, Hanoi has always wanted to develop its friendship and cooperation with Dublin. She told the host that Hanoi is building towards a green and smart city, working to develop a modern agriculture and step up new-style rural area building and paying attention to conserving and promoting heritage values. She asked Dublin to step up cooperation in hi-tech agriculture and training with Hanoi. With its potential and strengths, Hanoi will be an attractive investment destination for foreign cities, including Dublin, she affirmed. Agreeing with the guests proposals, Ring said he will assign officials to make plans to intensify collaboration with Hanoi in tourism, agricultural and technology. While in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Hanoi delegation attended a working session with officials from the City of Edinburgh Council. Vice Secretary Ngoc stated that Hanoi hopes to soon cooperate with Edinburgh in tourism, culture, training and science and technology. News Wherever you throw me, I will stand an inspiring motto for those who feel tossed about by the uncertainties, fears and pain associated with two years of Covid Children of all ages woke up this morning and ran over to see if Santa tasted the cookies they left for him on Christmas Eve. TORONTO The Google sister company promised to transform a dilapidated stretch of the Toronto waterfront into the worlds most technologically advanced neighbourhood. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/5/2019 (959 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO The Google sister company promised to transform a dilapidated stretch of the Toronto waterfront into the worlds most technologically advanced neighbourhood. Quayside would be outfitted with robotic garbage collection, snow-melting sidewalks and self-driving taxibots. Sensors would capture data on park bench usage, air quality and more, aimed at making the neighbourhood more livable. It was handshakes and smiles all around when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and officials from Sidewalk Labs gathered here 18 months ago to announce the data-driven city of tomorrow. But internal discord and public criticism are threatening the project. "I dont think they look so happy now," said Paula Fletcher, a Toronto city council member. "This big idea isnt going exactly the way it was planned." As in New York, where fierce opposition to Amazon led the online retail giant to cancel plans to build a second headquarters in Long Island City, a local movement here is growing to send Sidewalk Labs packing. Their concerns: money, privacy and whether Toronto is handing too much power over civic life to a for-profit American tech giant. The #BlockSidewalk campaign formed in February after the Toronto Star reported on leaked documents indicating that Sidewalk Labs was considering paying for transit and infrastructure on a larger portion of the waterfront. In return, it would seek a cut of the property taxes, development fees and the increased value of the land resulting from the development an estimated US$6 billion over 30 years. Sidewalk Labs, a subsidiary of Googles parent company, Alphabet, said it hadnt shared the proposal because it was still being debated. But it was a tough look for a company that has come under fire for a lack of transparency around its business model and the question of who would own and govern the data and intellectual property at the heart of its proposal. "Its our job to remind everybody that no is an option and that consent is important," said Bianca Wylie, one of the leaders of #BlockSidewalk. "The way this process has been set up was not a question of whether we should do stuff like this, but how." Separately, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association is suing the city, provincial and federal governments to shut down the project over privacy concerns. Michael Bryant, the head of the group, said Trudeau had been "seduced by the honey pot of Googles sparkling brand and promises of political and economic glory." Sidewalk Labs committed US$50 million to conducting yearlong public consultations and creating a master plan to be submitted to Waterfront Toronto, a corporation that represents the three levels of government in developing the area. The plan would require the approval of the corporation and several government bodies to advance. The plan is expected by the end of June more than six months behind schedule. The company has acknowledged missteps. Micah Lasher, the head of policy and communications for Sidewalk Labs, said providing more details about the business model for Quayside and plans for data governance earlier would have helped allay many concerns. But he also said the business model remains uncertain. Lasher said the company has struggled to figure out when to unveil ideas to the public. Long before the #BlockSidewalk movement and the civil liberties lawsuit, controversies had already provoked public skepticism. Some disillusionment stemmed from the flurry of coverage about how tech firms, Google included, handle their customers personal data. Sidewalk Labs has downplayed links to its corporate sibling, saying it wont monetize the data it collects and proposing that it be governed by a data trust that would set the rules around its use. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Waterfront Toronto and Sidewalk were both rocked by several high-profile resignations and dismissals last year. Ontarios former privacy commissioner resigned from a paid consulting role with Sidewalk because she said its plans for the data trust fell short of her standards. Then, in December, Ontarios auditor general found that Waterfront Toronto gave Sidewalk preferential treatment in selecting it as its partner for Quayside, and called for greater government oversight. Wylie, the #BlockSidewalk leader, said cities are relinquishing too much power to big tech companies as regulators are trying to rein them in. But some worry that showing Alphabet the door would stain the tech-friendly image Trudeau has tried to cultivate for Canada. "We believe that tearing up this process midstream poses reputational risks, trade risks and legal risks," Brian Kelcey, the vice-president of public affairs for the Toronto Region Board of Trade, told a parliamentary committee last month. Washington Post AUSTIN, Texas The thousands of people who do the bulk of Facebooks work keeping the site free of suicides, massacres and other graphic posts are not Facebook employees. As contractors employed by outsourcing firms, these content moderators dont get Facebooks cushy six-month maternity leave, arent allowed to invite friends or family to the company cafeteria, and earn a starting wage that is just 14 per cent of the median Facebook salary. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/5/2019 (959 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. AUSTIN, Texas The thousands of people who do the bulk of Facebooks work keeping the site free of suicides, massacres and other graphic posts are not Facebook employees. As contractors employed by outsourcing firms, these content moderators dont get Facebooks cushy six-month maternity leave, arent allowed to invite friends or family to the company cafeteria, and earn a starting wage that is just 14 per cent of the median Facebook salary. But for the past seven months, roughly a dozen moderators in the U.S. have been spearheading a quiet campaign inside the social media giant to air their grievances about poor working conditions and their status as second-class citizens. The contractors, who have not previously spoken publicly about their efforts, are using their access to Facebook Workplace, the social networks internal communication system, to wage their battle. The moderators, who work for Facebook through their employer, Accenture, have also been having heated conversations with Accenture management over working conditions. In the posts and conversations, the contractors have protested micromanagement, pay cuts and inadequate counselling support while doing some of Facebooks most psychologically taxing jobs. A counsellor in Austin, who is one of five on staff for roughly 450 moderators spread across several offices in the Texas capital, said the job could cause a form of PTSD known as vicarious trauma. "I mean this non-facetiously: why do we contract out work thats obviously vital to the health of the company and the products we build?" a full-time Facebook product manager who read one of the letters on Workplace asked his colleagues in a chat thread. In becoming more vocal, moderators are starting to recognize their centrality to the reputations of some of the worlds wealthiest companies and expanding a conversation about labour rights to a workforce that has historically operated in the shadows. Facebook, Google-owned YouTube and Twitter uphold content moderation as a key component in the fight against abuse of their services by actors such as Russian operatives and violent extremists. They have hired thousands of moderators through outsourcing firms in the past couple years, who watch or read traumatic posts about everything from suicides and mass murders to child pornography and need to quickly make a decision about whether to leave them up or take them down based on whether they violate the companies policies. "(Facebook CEO Mark) Zuckerberg talks about us all the time, but then were not even on his payroll," one moderator involved in posting the letters said in an interview. Tech giants dont include moderators or other contractors like bus drivers and cafeteria workers in their official headcounts, though all contractors comprise at least 40 per cent of the workforce at companies like Google and Facebook. And until recently, operations involving moderation were so secretive that none of the companies that use these workers disclosed site locations and names of outsourcing firms. That secrecy, also enforced through strict confidentiality agreements that prevent workers from talking about the job, posting about work locations or inviting visitors to the office, increases the sense of isolation among moderators though companies say it is for their own safety because the decisions they make are controversial. Among Silicon Valley firms, Facebook in particular has recently made efforts to improve conditions for moderators, including guaranteeing access to counselling services for workers worldwide, allowing unlimited "wellness time" where workers can receive counselling, and instructing outsourcing firms not to pressure moderators to meet quotas. (The moderators interviewed by the Washington Post say that in practice, their wellness time is far more restricted and that constant measurement for accuracy is as pressurizing as a quota.) The company employs four psychologists globally who design "resilience" programs for moderator mental health. "Finding the right balance between content reviewer well-being and resiliency, quality and productivity to ensure that we are getting to reports as quickly as possible for our community that is reporting content or might need help is very challenging at the scale we operate in," Facebook spokeswoman Carolyn Glanville said. "We are continually working to get this balance right and improving our operations." Accenture said it regularly offers content moderators opportunities to advance and wage increases. "We proactively take input from our people and use that input to help shape their experience and we work closely with Facebook" to address issues, Accenture said. "As a talent- and innovation-led organization, helping our people achieve their aspirations is a priority." Facebook now employs 15,000 contractor moderators worldwide, the most of any tech company. About 3,000 of them work side-by-side with Facebook employees in the companys offices. The moderators in Austin behind the Workplace campaign work on an Accenture-dedicated floor inside a Facebook office with colourful murals and free snacks. In many ways, such proximity between the contract and full-time workers makes them feel disparities more acutely. "We live in this Facebook world, but were like these weird stepchildren that they kind of claim but dont really claim," said a trainer, whose job is to instruct moderators how to make judgment calls in accordance with Facebooks policies. "Its like, we love you, and have lunch and snacks on us, but please know you are going back to your aunties house at the end of the day." The moderators requested anonymity to protect their jobs. They say they are planning to issue a list of demands in the coming weeks, including for affordable health insurance and opportunities for raises. In Austin, moderators say the starting wage for moderators is US$16.50 an hour; some work side jobs such as driving for Uber to make ends meet. Workers have limited benefits compared to Facebook, where the median salary is roughly US$240,000 annually, according to the research firm Equilar. Unlike Facebook employees, who are known as FTEs for "full-time employees," they cannot invite guests for lunch. They sit separately in the same cafeteria, moderators said, adding that they are not invited to events such as the holiday party. Facebook employees get three weeks of paid vacation and unlimited paid sick days. Moderators get two weeks of paid time off, which can be used for vacation or sick time. Stefania Pifer, a psychologist who runs the San Francisco-based Workplace Wellness Project, which consults with tech companies on moderator treatment, said the conflicts were at heart a clash between a call centre model designed for low-cost labour and mechanized tasks and a feeling among workers that the burdens placed on them go well beyond that of a traditional call centre employee. She said the changes social media companies were starting to make dont always trickle down to their outsourcers. Companies "might provide Zumba and yoga and access to a counsellor," she said. "But they arent thinking about how not being able to get up at any point in the day might be increasing the psychological impact or how holding people to a rigid number of tickets or accuracy counts could be adding more harm." Moderators involved in posting the letters said that even with access to counselling, the job can take a serious toll on mental health for some people and the psychological challenges were "harder to stomach" because of micromanagement and low pay. Some workers, for example, said nightmares and paranoid ruminations were a common reaction to the job. Ready, Pet, Go! Leesa Dahl looks at everything to do with our furry, fuzzy, feathered, fishy (and more!) pet friends. Arrives in your inbox each Monday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Technically, the Austin contract workers are employed by Accenture Flex, one of several corporate subsidiaries of Accenture that hire moderators. Accenture says it offers workers unlimited wellness time, including on-demand access to counsellors. Moderators disputed that their wellness time was unlimited, and showed the Washington Post documentation from Accenture management limiting it to 45 minutes a week, or nine minutes a day. Sometimes its hard for them to know where Facebook ends and Accenture begins. When moderators arrive at work, they log into two separate systems, one built by Accenture and the other built by Facebook though both fastidiously track their productivity and time. They also log into separate Facebook and Accenture email accounts. The systems automatically boot them out if they take a break that lasts more than eight minutes, discouraging long bathroom breaks or chatter in the halls. Moderators gripes began to spill into the open last October, when a San Francisco Bay Area-based moderator working on child exploitation complained on Workplace that a recent change in vendors had resulted in a pay cut from US$25 to US$19.37 per hour. "The pride we take in saving victims, children and preventing real-world harm doesnt pay those Bay Area expenses," the person wrote. In recent weeks, moderators have continued to protest on Workplace and in meetings with managers. "If every content moderator went on strike for 24 hours, the companys stock would tank," said one of the Austin moderators behind the letters. "Yet they refuse to admit that what we do is part of their core business." Washington Post SAN FRANCISCO - A fare war between Uber and Lyft has led to billions of dollars in losses for both ride-hailing companies as they fight for passengers and drivers. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/5/2019 (959 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Drivers for ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft hold a rally at a park near Los Angeles International Airport, Wednesday, May, 8, 2019, in Los Angeles. Some drivers for ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft turned off their apps to protest what they say are declining wages as both companies rake in billions of dollars from investors. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) SAN FRANCISCO - A fare war between Uber and Lyft has led to billions of dollars in losses for both ride-hailing companies as they fight for passengers and drivers. But in one way it has been good for investors who snatched up the newly public companies' stock: The losses have scared off the competition, giving the leaders a duopoly in almost every American city. The two San Francisco companies have already lost a combined $13 billion. And with no clear road to profits ahead, no one else has much of an incentive to mount a challenge using the same model relying on people driving their own cars to pick up passengers that summon them on a smartphone app, said Susan Shaheen, co-director of the Transportation Sustainability Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley. Even if another rival dared enter the market, it would likely be difficult to raise enough money to pose a viable threat after Uber and Lyft spent the past decade pulling in billions of dollars from venture capitalists. And in the past six weeks, they raised an additional $10.4 billion in their recently completed initial public offerings of stock. "There's only a duopoly because both companies have enough capital to compete with each other and no one else does," said Gartner analyst Michael Ramsey. It's likely to remain that way until any of dozens of companies trying to create self-driving cars refines their technology so they can launch a network of robotic taxis that removes human drivers from the equation. That breakthrough could enable them to slash their fares below the prices currently being charged by Uber and Lyft. Google spin-off Waymo has made no secret of its intention to muscle its way into the ride-hailing market with a fleet of self-driving cars built on technology that it has been working on for the past decade. Waymo launched a ride-hailing service with robotic vans in the Phoenix area five months ago, but only 1,000 people are currently allowed to use it. Besides being on the leading edge of bringing robotic vehicles to market, Waymo also is backed by more money than Uber and Lyft have combined. Waymo is owned by Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc., which is sitting on $113 billion in cash. In its IPO document, Uber listed Waymo as a potential threat along with Tesla, General Motors' Cruise Automation and Apple. Lyft also cited Waymo and Apple among the companies that could undercut its position as the second largest ride-hailing service. But most experts believe it will still be many more years before self-driving car technology reaches the point that it can support a large fleet of robotaxis. Until then, the U.S. duopoly is likely to continue, giving Uber and Lyft the luxury of focusing on growth rather than turning a profit, analysts said. That means ride-hailing fares in the U.S. are likely to remain below the actual cost of providing the service, a boon for consumers. "These subsidies will continue as long as each company believes they will be gaining new customers by having a lower price," says Alejandro Ortiz, principal analyst at SharesPost. "The story now is growth, but growth is expensive." Eventually, though, investor pressure will mount on the companies to make money, and doing that almost certainly will require higher prices for their rides. On the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Friday, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi hinted that it will be three to five years before the company pivots to a focus on profit. That timetable hasn't been well received on Wall Street so far. Lyft's stock has fallen 29% below its IPO price of six weeks ago, and Uber flopped in its stock market debut Friday as its shares slipped by almost 8% per cent. Markets with only one or two dominant players often create situations for companies to abuse their power or attempt to stifle competition. Regulators and legislators around the world argue that's already happened in many corners of technology, with Facebook having a seemingly impenetrable stronghold in social networking, Google dominating search and Amazon controlling a wide swath of online shopping. That has stirred calls to break up some of the companies, especially Facebook, whose own co-founder, Chris Hughes, recently argued his former company has become too powerful for society's good. For now, Uber and Lyft have been drawing upon all the money that they have raised from investors to keep prices relatively low, creating a barrier for smaller-scale competitors without the capital to sustain massive losses. Take Austin, Texas, for instance. In 2016, Uber and Lyft pulled out of the city after voters approved regulations on ride-hailing companies, including fingerprint background checks for drivers. Four competitors stepped in to give rides in tech-savvy Austin, including two local companies. But the following year, Texas legislators passed a looser state law that superseded Austin's, and Uber and Lyft came back. Shortly after their return, three of the competitors, Boston-based Fasten, locally owned GetMe and Phoenix-based Fare stopped operations, and the remaining one, non-profit RideAustin, lost thousands of its riders. "It was a matter of a couple months and those three companies were gone," said Chris Simek, an associate research scientist with the Texas A&M University Transportation Institute, who co-authored a study of Uber and Lyft's impact on ride-hailing in Austin. Uber hasn't been as successful thwarting competition outside the U.S. It has waved a white flag during the past three years in Russia , China and parts of Southeast Asia by selling its services in those parts of the world to stronger rivals. Lyft has not expanded outside North America yet, so it faces few other competitors besides Uber in the U.S. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Via has managed to carve out a niche by running a pooled ride system in New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, and it contracts to provide transit in about 70 cities worldwide. It competes most directly in New York, where Uber and Lyft also offer pooled services that transport multiple riders. Via specializes in carrying up to six passengers at a time, largely in vans, and is growing because it can do a more efficient job carrying more people, said spokeswoman Gabrielle McCaig. Still, the company is losing money as it invests in growing the business, she said. And so it remains, at least for now, that Uber and Lyft will occupy the ride-hailing industry's driver's seat. "It is hard to see a third or fourth player coming in at this point," said D.A. Davidson analyst Tom White. "I think we are looking at a duopoly in North America." __ Krisher reported from Detroit. VICTORIA - The Speaker of British Columbia's legislature is apologizing for offending some people with a speech he gave about leadership qualities that he says went "sideways." Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/5/2019 (960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. British Columbia House Speaker Darryl Plecas pauses for a moment prior to Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin delivering the Speech from the Throne in the B.C. Legislature in Victoria on February 12, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward VICTORIA - The Speaker of British Columbia's legislature is apologizing for offending some people with a speech he gave about leadership qualities that he says went "sideways." Darryl Plecas said Friday the point he tried to make to about 160 local government politicians on Wednesday was that even though crime bosses and some politicians are considered successful leaders, they don't pass the leadership test. Plecas said when he mentioned the Hells Angels, Mafia and U.S. President Donald Trump as examples of leaders considered successful, some people attending the Lower Mainland Local Government Association gathering objected to his comments because they thought he was endorsing those leaders. "It went so sideways," Plecas said in an interview in his office at the B.C. legislature. "I guess some people in the audience, one person anyway, took offence, but I apologized for that. I was surprised, of course, when it was taken the way it was." Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton, the government association president, said Plecas's speech was a topic of conversation this week at the association's annual convention at Harrison Hot Springs. Crompton said Plecas chose to apologize following his speech, but the organization is not commenting beyond acknowledging the apology. "Our organization is a big tent and we want to hear a lot of voices," Crompton said. Plecas said during the interview that Trump is considered a successful leader by many because he was elected president and brought the Republicans back to power, but leadership goes beyond achieving and holding power. "Does that make you a good leader?" he asked. "I would say that doesn't go far enough. You have to say, 'Yes, I accomplished my goal. I was successful and along the way I never hurt anyone.' " An audio recording of Wednesday's speech obtained by CHNL Radio of Kamloops includes Plecas saying, "I personally despise Trump." He said he told the audience successful leaders accomplish goals while being inclusive, collaborative, open and transparent, and above all, "unbelievably ethical." Plecas said he criticized politicians during his speech for not meaningfully consulting with Indigenous people about decisions, comparing the approach to someone who was sexually assaulted being told they were consulted first. But he said in the interview what he meant was that unless consultations involve genuine input, some Indigenous people say governments use the term "consult" as if consent were given. Plecas said the comparison came directly from an Indigenous woman who made the same point to him. "She said to me, if we were to agree consultation was good enough, somebody could sexually assault me and say, 'Gee, that's OK. I consulted first,' " he said. Plecas said his speech also focused on his attempts to improve decorum during question period and debates in the B.C. legislature. "We don't help ourselves by the behaviours we exhibit," he said. "I use the example of question period. It would be a bit of a leap to say the behaviour in question period is the kind we should aspire to." He said many Canadians do not trust politicians and democracies worldwide are crumbling. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Plecas told the local politicians to seek leaders who possess a strong moral compass and strong inner core. He cited former prime minister Jean Chretien as a successful Canadian leader and singled out several of his former B.C. Liberal colleagues, including MLAs Dan Ashton, John Martin and Laurie Throness. Plecas said he does not always agree with Ashton, Throness and Martin, but they have leadership strengths. He said New Democrat Premier John Horgan exhibits strong leadership qualities through his actions. "I have seen him behave in the most ethical manner when nobody was looking. That to me is a sign of leadership." A report by Plecas earlier this year about overspending allegations at the B.C. legislature resulted in the clerk and sergeant-at-arms being placed on indefinite suspension amid an RCMP investigation. Plecas was re-elected as a Liberal in 2017, but was ejected from the party caucus and now sits as an Independent after he accepted the Speaker's position in the minority New Democrat government. If she had some heavenly view of that night, and that room in Toronto, maybe Ella Cora Hind would have been smiling. The iconic Free Press journalist has been gone nearly 77 years, but her name still reverberates in the newspaper industry, and last Friday it rang out again on one of our most notable stages. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/5/2019 (960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. If she had some heavenly view of that night, and that room in Toronto, maybe Ella Cora Hind would have been smiling. The iconic Free Press journalist has been gone nearly 77 years, but her name still reverberates in the newspaper industry, and last Friday it rang out again on one of our most notable stages. Among the 22 categories at the 2018 National Newspaper Awards (NNAs), one was named in her honour: the E. Cora Hind Award for Beat Reporting. Sponsored by the Nellie McClung Heritage Site, it was bestowed on the categorys lone female finalist: Globe and Mail journalist Zosia Bielski, for her work delving into issues of gender and discrimination. While the beat category has existed since 2002, this year marked the first time that the awards have featured name sponsorship. Its a change born partly in response to the industrys tough economic climate, but its also a nice touch; newspapers have many departed greats. It seems right to connect their legacy to the work that is ongoing. TIJANA MARTIN / THE CANADIAN PRESS Zosia Bielski, of The Globe and Mail, accepts the E. Cora Hind Award for Beat Reporting during the National Newspaper Awards in Toronto on Friday. But those greats are also, to put it delicately, a fairly homogenous bunch. Indeed, of this years seven sponsored awards, six were named after men. It just so happened the Free Press had the perfect candidate to include a female legacy, and that the Nellie McClung Heritage Site had a unique connection to her story. The choice of category was fitting. Few journalists in the early 20th century knew their beat as well as Hind knew agriculture. She was relentlessly analytical, with a head for figures that few peers could touch. On the Prairies, she was considered essential reading by farmers and traders, famed for her accurate crop yield predictions. So significant were her contributions to agriculture in Manitoba that, when she died in 1942 at age 81, the Winnipeg Grain Exchange paused trading for two minutes to honour her life. For years, her name graced a scholarship and a research award. The impact she had on agricultural knowledge in the province cant be overstated. Meanwhile, Hind was also a role model for young Manitoba women. She was an outspoken suffragist and, along with Nellie McClung, one of the founders of the Political Equality League that won the vote for non-Indigenous women in 1915. But before that, she was one of McClungs own idols a female journalist with a fearless voice. E. Cora Hind was essential reading for farmers. In her 1935 autobiography, Clearing the West, McClung devoted a chapter to the first time she saw Hind, who paid a visit to Manitou, where the Nellie McClung Heritage Site now sits. McClung rushed to the train station, hoping to catch a glimpse of Hind. She was nearly in awe when she did. "I had seen her!" McClung wrote of that first sighting. "I had seen what a newspaper woman could be at her shining best. Like the sad little girl of whom Katherine Mansfield wrote in the Dolls Playhouse, I could say, I seen the lamp." Yet for all the renown she drew during her career, Hind had not had an easy path into journalism. She had grown up on a farm in Ontario, a hardscrabble life. She studied to be a teacher, one of the few jobs open to women at the time. When she moved to Winnipeg in 1882, she quickly applied for a job at the Free Press, which was marking its 10th year of publication. Her application was rebuffed. The papers first editor, W.F. Luxton, told her that the newspaper business was "no place for a woman," especially one without journalism experience. PEMBINA MANITOU ARCHIVE Nellie McClung, one of the founders of the Political Equality League. Instead, Hind became a typist, though she never stopped pushing to get into journalism. In 1901, she became the agricultural editor at the Free Press and, at the same time, the first female journalist in Western Canada. She would work for the paper for decades, and even travelled the world at age 75 to observe grain production up close. The trail she blazed would eventually become well-trodden: its notable that many post-secondary journalism schools now report that a majority of their graduates are women. Yet if Hinds legacy lives now in the name of the NNAs beat reporting honour, that fact also underscores that the work she began is far from over. Want more great journalism? Get our best news and features delivered in your inbox every weekday evening. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Of individuals named as finalists at this years NNAs, there were 24 women and 54 men. What is worse is that the finalists were more gender-diverse than they were diverse in any other way; Free Press columnist Niigaan Sinclair, who was named best columnist, appears to have been the only Indigenous journalist nominated. Those numbers reflect where the newspaper industry has been. They should not reflect where it is going. Because what E. Cora Hind so deftly showed, decades ago, was that newspapers better serve their readers when a broader range of perspectives is included; imagine what would have been lost had she never had the chance. Still, if she had been able to look down on that night in Toronto, maybe she would have been smiling. Because times have changed. Nobody would now say that journalism is no place for a woman. Even more, on one of the industrys most sought-after stages, her name was used to honour work that centred on gender discrimination. To even write about that in a newspaper would have been unimaginable in her day. To name the ways that women faced discrimination would have been unremarkable at a time when it was perfectly acceptable to say that gender alone was a disqualifying factor for the work of reporting a communitys stories. So, we keep facing forward, knowing that the work Hind helped launch at this paper and, by extension, Canadian journalism more broadly is not yet finished. And believing that, by recognizing where that journey started, we can see a clearer route for the part that lies ahead. melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/5/2019 (959 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Moon (Bill) Dong owned, managed and worked in Chinese restaurants in Winnipeg for decades, while raising a family. Dong, who was 82 when he died Sept. 28, 2018, came to Canada from China in 1951, when he was 14 and he was carrying a secret. He arrived as a "paper son": a person with false immigration papers claiming they were the child of somebody already legally living in Canada. It was only in the last decade that Dongs two sons and daughter learned the full story. "We didnt know any of this," said Dongs son Erasmus. "We only found out when I saw all these old photos out a few years ago, and he said somebody was looking for information. My dad didnt talk about his younger days at all. "We didnt know my dad lived in Saskatchewan when he first came here. All we knew was: he just worked." That someone was researcher Alison Marshall, a professor in the department of religion at Brandon University. Marshall says Dongs help was invaluable for her research into the history of Western Canadas Chinese community which resulted in two books: The Way of the Bachelor: Early Chinese Settlement in Manitoba (2011) and Cultivating Connections: the Making of Chinese Prairie Canada (2014). "I was struck by Moons trusting and friendly disposition," Marshall said. "I was very grateful that Moon shared his family archive with me. With that archive I was able to piece together the stories of dozens of Chinese Canadians who lived across the Prairies. "Moon helped me shed light on the Chinese Canadian experience, including those of paper sons, daughters, wives and also family who had been left behind in China." Marshall said part of the story is on display in an exhibit at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It includes photos from Dongs collection. Dong arrived in Canada a few years after the lifting of the Chinese Immigration Act. That era, 1923 to 1947, had made it almost impossible for people from China to come to Canada. Marshall said for Dong to come to Canada legally, he had to be sponsored by a father, mother, or spouse who was a Canadian citizen. Instead, he was sponsored as a "son" by his uncle. "That paper, or identity, was created for Moon when a man travelled to China and then reported on the way back from that trip that his wife had a son, when in fact she did not. That report would, in effect, create the identity of a son who existed only on paper. The man could sell that identity to another family who wanted their son to come to Canada as a paper son," Marshall said. It was a black market system that enabled 11,000 Chinese men and women to move to Canada. In 1960, there were so many of these illegal migrants, the federal government finally provided amnesty under the Chinese Adjustment Statement program. Dong filled out the paperwork, and spent the rest of his life a legal citizen. As a paper son, Dong lived first with his uncle, Happy Young, in Esterhazy, Sask. Young had come to Canada before the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1923, paying the $500 head tax, but once the act came into effect, he was prevented from bringing over his own daughter and son. Tragically, they both died in a Japanese bombing raid during the Second Sino-Japanese War, which lasted from July 1937 to September 1945. Young wanted a relative to help him in Canada, so Dong became his paper son, arriving on Jan. 11, 1951. "In a lot of ways, (Dong) was atypical," Marshall said. "He was older than the rest of the paper sons and Happy was an amazing man. Instead of having Moon Dong work as a slave for him, he had him go to school this was unusual. And Moon Dong was treated as a member of the family." Dongs son, Himalaya, said what he remembered most about his dad "was how unassuming he was... I think learning about the fact he was a paper son opened up his story and, by association, my connection to my heritage." After Youngs death some two years later, Dong needed a job not only to help him get a roof over his head, but also to continue to send money home to China to help his parents, his two brothers and their wives and families. He began working part time as a waiter at the Exchange Cafe in Winnipegs Chinatown, earning about $25 per week. He later said for every $1 he earned, he would send 75 cents back to his family. Dong attended high school in Winnipeg. Years later, in a story project for the Chinese Canadian National Council, he recalled a school guidance counsellor telling him: "Because of my nationality, you can only go so far." "It hurt me. Hes a white guy... he was saying there was a limit to what I can do because of who I am... that shows there was this discrimination at that time... White kids, he told them, they could do anything." Dong later began working at the New Canton Restaurant, where he not only got a job he found a wife. He married the bosss daughter, Suzanna, in 1966, and built a house in East Kildonan. They had two sons, Erasmus and Himalaya, and a daughter, Melinda. "I thought he was very good looking," Suzanna said. "And he was helping my father. My father couldnt speak English. He would order food for him and speak English in the restaurant. "I had a lot of suitors but he was the best dancer." Dong also worked days at the Beachcomber Restaurant, and, for 40 years, evenings at the Shanghai Restaurant. During his final decade or so of work, he owned and operated Moons Eating Place on Higgins Avenue. "He was a hard worker," Erasmus said. "For his generation, he showed his love the way he knew how and it was through food... we would eat steak for breakfast." When Dongs wife had a stroke, and went to live in a nursing home, it didnt mean they didnt see each other. "My dad, every single night, would come (to the nursing home)," Erasmus said. "He was her caregiver. He would bring a snack and do her Bible readings. He did that for 11 years." "He would come every day and hold my hand," Suzanna said. His daily visits continued until he was admitted to hospital with cancer. Erasmus said the family was surprised when several former restaurant patrons went to the funeral, remembering not only their dad but also "the best chicken fried rice they ever had." (The family gave out copies of the recipe at the funeral.) Himalaya said he wonders how his dads life would have turned out if he had come to Canada decades later. "He was not poor and impoverished at the start of his journey, he came to Canada in 1950 on a plane," he said. "There will always be a lot of what ifs with his story: what if his uncle had not died? What if he came to Canada after our embrace of multiculturalism?" kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca A consultant called in to review the Pallister government's hospital reorganization plan says the blueprint is sound, but may require more time to be implemented. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/5/2019 (960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A consultant called in to review the Pallister government's hospital reorganization plan says the blueprint is sound, but may require more time to be implemented. "I think all the timelines are on the table," Dr. David Peachey said Friday, referring to the second phase of Winnipeg's hospital reform plan, which includes the closure of the emergency room at Concordia Hospital in June and the transformation of Seven Oaks General Hospital's ER to an urgent care centre in September. Peachey and members of his consulting firm have conducted interviews with administrators and front-line workers across the city for the past few weeks. They've also met with Winnipeg Regional Health Authority officials. Asked specifically Friday whether anyone he spoke to felt Concordia was ready to close its ER in June, Peachey was blunt: "Fair question. No. That was never stated to us... I have not heard people say that they are prepared for closure." Neither did staff nor administrators at Seven Oaks say they were prepared for the changes facing them, he said. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Dr. David Peachey gives an update on the Quality Assurance Assessment at the Shared Health Corporate Office in Winnipeg on Friday. Health Minister Cameron Friesen announced last week Peachey who played a central role in crafting the Winnipeg hospital reform plan would conduct a "quality assurance assessment" of the work so far. The consultant claimed Friday there was near-unanimity among the administrators and front-line staff he met that the hospital reorganization plan was sound. "I can tell you without hesitation that in all of the people we talked to there was an absolute consensus that the plan is right. The timelines may be off, but the plan is right. And people are very comfortable in saying that to us," he said. Peachey went as far as to say the Manitoba Nurses Union was also on board. On Thursday afternoon, he met for two hours with MNU officials and 17 front-line nurses from various departments at five Winnipeg hospitals. "I can tell you without hesitation that in all of the people we talked to there was an absolute consensus that the plan is right. The timelines may be off, but the plan is right. And people are very comfortable in saying that to us" Dr. David Peachey on the hospital reorganization plan "They generally feel that the plan is right. They're worried about timelines," he told reporters. A spokesman for the MNU said he was "absolutely shocked" at the consultant's characterization of the meeting. "I think it completely misrepresents what nurses told him, and I think it undermines the credibility of his (forthcoming) report," said Wes Payne, director of communications. Payne said nurses told Peachey they can't spend enough time with patients and emergency rooms are overcrowded. Nurses at Health Sciences Centre and St. Boniface Hospital told him they were not at all confident they would be able to handle the influx of patients once the Concordia and Seven Oaks ERs close, he said. Peachey told reporters it was a good idea to take stock of the hospital reorganization measures. "Planning cannot be set in stone," he said. He said over the past two years since the plan was announced, there has been a change in demographics, with a higher percentage of elderly people and a lower percentage of young people in Manitoba. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Dr. Peachey said he is 'looking hard' at concerns from orthopedic surgeons at Concordia that there is a lack of medical backup for their patients under the current reorganization plan. He also noted while visits to city ERs had declined across the city except at HSC over the past two years. That trend has changed over the past few months, with visits "bouncing up" and the seriousness of patient illnesses becoming more acute. Peachey did not say what impact, if any, these findings would have on his report. Meanwhile, he said he is "looking hard" at concerns from orthopedic surgeons at Concordia that there is a lack of medical backup for their patients under the current reorganization plan. He will also consider whether Winnipeg should have three hospital urgent care centres something he originally proposed as well as three ERs. The current plan calls for three ERs and only two urgent care centres (Victoria General Hospital and Seven Oaks). Friesen appeared to take comfort Friday from Peachey's comments to the media. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "Our confidence in the plan to improve patient outcomes was largely validated today by Dr. Peachey, who said almost all stakeholders agreed we are on the correct path," the health minister said in a statement. However, NDP Leader Wab Kinew was not impressed. "This sounds like a lot of spin. Nobody thinks the closing of emergency rooms is a good idea other than a few managers and consultants, at this point," he said. Kinew said the consultant's message that new information has come to light that may mean delaying some aspects of the hospital consolidation plan shows the government is "worried." "Their plan to close emergency rooms is a disaster, and now they're trying to use this consultant to give themselves cover so that they can hopefully make the ERs or health care less of an issue in the upcoming election," he said. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca More than 1,000 students and teachers gathered Friday morning at Winnipegs Memorial Park because Eric Jasysyn invited them. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/5/2019 (960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. More than 1,000 students and teachers gathered Friday morning at Winnipegs Memorial Park because Eric Jasysyn invited them. Eric, a Grade 12 student at Seven Oaks Met School, organized the Walk for Water rally to advocate for clean drinking water in all First Nations communities in Canada. He was joined by grades 1 to 12 students from Seven Oaks School Division in a walk to Memorial Park from city hall, where they gathered to raise their voices, wave signs stating "Water is for everyone" and call on local politicians to take action and start building treatment plants. "Clean drinking water is a basic human right, according to the United Nations. An injustice for one is an injustice for all," Eric told the crowd. "To the communities, we admire you for your strength, and we will fight alongside you until our government provides the change that you deserve... Nobody in Canada should be without clean, accessible drinking water." 'Clean drinking water is a basic human right, according to the United Nations. An injustice for one is an injustice for all' Grade 12 student Eric Jasysyn There are 58 long-term boil-water advisories still in place for public drinking-water systems in First Nations communities across Canada, according to Indigenous Services Canadas May 9 update. In November 2015, when 143 communities had advisories, the target date of March 2021 was set to have all of them lifted. "Im in awe of this. Its amazing. Young people are paying attention to these human-rights issues, asking questions and pushing the elders to start doing something," said Winnipeg Centre MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette, who joined the event at Memorial Park. One of Ouellettes staff members filmed an interview with Eric, which he said would be forwarded to St. Boniface MP Dan Vandal, who is the parliamentary secretary to the minister of Indigenous services, and to the minister himself, Seamus ORegan. "This is a long-term project where were trying to fix decades and decades of neglect in infrastructure." Eric said he was thrilled to see such widespread support. "Im just overwhelmed and excited and so proud of our city and the youth of our city for coming together and walking for a right that everyone deserves," he said. "Whats next is we are going to start trying to connect directly with the politicians." MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Around 1,000 students in Grades 1-12 walked from Winnipeg City Hall to Memorial Park across the street from the Manitoba Legislative building, taking part in the Walk For Water. A petition was circulated calling for immediate government action. NDP MLA Bernadette Smith brought a hush over the crowd as she spoke about being a young child in Norway House First Nation, where her familys water was brought in by truck. She said she and her three younger siblings had to take turns using the same water for their baths. "I know what its like to have no running water and how important it is to have clean drinking water," said Smith, who was joined by NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine and NDP Leader Wab Kinew. "I just want to say how proud we are of all of you for taking a stand and calling on your government MLAs and MPs to make this accessible to everyone." An earlier project organized by Eric focused on Shoal Lake 40 First Nations lack of drinking water. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Federal funding has recently been put in place to begin building a water treatment facility for the community in the next few months. Located about 200 kilometres east of Winnipeg, Shoal Lake is the source of the citys drinking water, but the community itself has been under a boil-water advisory since 1997. Eric and fellow student Meg Boehm organized a fashion and music show called Strut for Shoal, held March 1 at the Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre, where they raised about $7,000 for the community. It was part of Erics final project at the Met School, which focuses on the interests and passions of individual students through projects, in addition to academics. It includes community-based internships. "Erics really grown as a student, developing that independence and learned how to collaborate and communicate with others. Hes really inspired so many kids to follow alongside him," teacher-adviser Jane Samaroo said. ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca I may never think of Winnipeg and some of my fellow Winnipeggers quite the same again. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 10/5/2019 (960 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. I may never think of Winnipeg and some of my fellow Winnipeggers quite the same again. Last month, Manitoba Health released data that showed only 67 per cent of children born in 2008 received the recommended two doses of measles vaccine. In Fort Garry and parts of St. Vital, it's even lower, at 58 and 55 per cent, respectively. This is below both the provincial average of 73 per cent, and considerably less than the recommended 90 to 95 per cent rate necessary to achieve the desired "herd immunity" that is necessary to effectively eradicate a highly contagious disease. Only 67 per cent per cent of Winnipeg children born in 2008 received the recommended two doses of measles vaccine. (Seth Wenig / The Associated Press files) In the wake of the publication of that data, it seemed that everyone was talking about measles vaccination. That's not hard to understand; similar low-vaccination trends have led to significant measles outbreaks all over the world including in Canada, where Vancouver Island, Montreal and Ottawa have joined the ranks of affected communities. Thankfully, Winnipeg has yet to join that list there have been only a few confirmed cases in recent years but health officials warn that with our alarmingly low rates of vaccination, we could certainly see an outbreak at almost any time. Even with data showing that my city has low rates of vaccination, and that my neighbourhood is adjacent to two areas that have dangerously low rates of coverage, this is a hard story for most of us to personalize. When everyone in your family has been vaccinated (we double-checked, just to make sure), it's easy to feel that there is no immediate threat. But then two things happened. More than 110,000 people, mostly young children, died from measles in 2017. First, I learned from idle neighborhood gossip the identities of a handful of families who had chosen not to vaccinate their children. The mere discovery of that information was a disquieting experience because I have found that once you hear it, it changes the way you think about people. Only once have I participated in a longer debate about the anti-vaxxer movement with someone I knew well. Emboldened by a constant flow of dangerously erroneous online information, this person was convinced that vaccines cause autism and often lead to death. She was convinced it was a conspiracy involving government and pharmaceutical companies. And she was completely certain that someone in her family had been fatally harmed by a vaccine. Measles vaccination rates Percentage of 2008 birth cohort receiving 2 of 2 doses 0 % 50 60 70 80 100 Seven Oaks Inkster Transcona St. James Downtown Assiniboine South St. Vital St. Vital North 55% Fort Garry South 58% Source: Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Measles vaccination rates Percentage of 2008 birth cohort receiving 2 of 2 doses 0 % 50 60 70 80 100 Seven Oaks Inkster Transcona St. James Downtown Assiniboine South St. Vital St. Vital North 55% Fort Garry South 58% Source: Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Seven Oaks Inkster Measles vaccination rates Percentage of 2008 birth cohort receiving 2 of 2 doses Transcona St. James Downtown Assiniboine South 0 % 50 60 70 80 100 St. Vital St. Vital North 55% Fort Garry South 58% Source: Winnipeg Regional Health Authority No matter how many times I tried to walk her through the history of the issue and the incontrovertible evidence that vaccines are not dangerous, she would not be dissuaded. I saw this friend regularly for several more years but our relationship was never the same. I have my fingers crossed that I do not have to engage in any similar debates with other people I know. The second thing that happened was reading a recent article in the New York Times describing the impact of a serious measles outbreak on parents of children who are too young to be properly vaccinated. The stories contained in that article were chilling, to say the least. The Times piece opened with the story of a mother in Troy, Mich. the site of a major measles outbreak who recounted her growing anxiety about taking her five-month-old daughter anywhere in public. She talked about how she could no longer run mundane errands without "freaking out" about the possibility that her young daughter's still-developing immune system would be overrun by measles. Another woman who works in suburan Detroit recounted how, after a day at work, she would not even pick up her baby until she had vigorously scrubbed her hands and changed out of her work clothes. Low-vaccination trends have led to measles outbreaks all over the world, including Vancouver Island, Montreal and Ottawa. (Gillian Flaccus / The Associated Press files) Acknowledging that many of the people who choose deliberately to avoid vaccinations often describe it as a personal choice, one mother from San Francisco who has an eight-week-old baby courageously spoke the ultimate truth. "It's not a choice for me, because my baby cannot be vaccinated," she told the Times. "The folks who are choosing not to vaccinate their children or be vaccinated themselves are putting my child in danger." At first blush, you might accuse these mothers of overreacting to the measles threat. However, to put these stories into proper perspective, let's consider the nature and current impact of measles, and the irrefutable facts about vaccines. Doctors warn that the measles virus, which lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person, is so virulent it can live in the air of a confined space for up to two hours after a carrier has coughed or sneezed. Although virtually eradicated by the year 2000 through the use of vaccinations, measles has made a vengeful comeback thanks to the anti-vax movement: more than 110,000 people, mostly young children, died from measles in 2017. Simply put, this is one extremely dangerous, extremely nasty virus. Now on to the truth about vaccines. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that vaccines are, in and of themselves, harmful. They do not cause autism. One flawed 1998 study that tried to link vaccines and autism has since been soundly denounced and disproven. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization estimates that nearly 10 million lives worldwide were saved by vaccines in the last decade alone. Health officials believe only a very small percentage of those people who do not vaccinate their children are militant anti-vaxxers. It's more likely that people are lazy, or just generally uncomfortable about the idea of vaccinating their kids because they are surrounded by so much dangerously misguided information. And there are others for whom the decision is faith-based. For those in the final category, let's be completely clear: although some of the base formulations for vaccines do contain substances that are by religious definition objectionable to some, the world's leading Jewish and Islamic scholars, along with the Vatican, have unequivocally declared vaccines to be acceptable within the confines of their faiths. Which brings us all the way back to Canada and places like Winnipeg, where through ignorance or unbridled fear, or a misinterpretation of the tenets of their faith, parents are not vaccinating their children. These parents should know that they are not only threatening the lives of their own children, they are also posing a danger to other children too young to be vaccinated. They should also know the threat they pose to society will, at some point, provoke a rather harsh response from government. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that vaccines are, in and of themselves, harmful. They do not cause autism. One flawed 1998 study that tried to link vaccines and autism has since been soundly denounced and disproven. Ontario and New Brunswick already require proof of vaccination for admission to public schools. British Columbia doesn't go that far, but it does require disclosure of vaccine status. Likely because we have not seen a measles outbreak yet, Manitoba has no policies in place to require children to be vaccinated. Health officials and physicians' groups are still debating the ethics of mandatory vaccinations, but it's clear that this and other provinces without any measures in place are likely just one major outbreak away from taking a firmer approach. Misguided anti-vaxxers and misinformed libertarians may continue to argue that it is their choice to forgo vaccinations. But in making that choice, they will also be choosing a future in which they may be ostracized, segregated and shamed because the threat they pose is greater than any principle of personal choice. When I think about how that future is going to affect the people I know who have chosen not to vaccinate their children, I have only one piece of advice: please reconsider your choice. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Dan Lett | Not for Attribution A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world that is sent every Tuesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The SNC-Lavalin saga offered a glimpse into the extraordinary influence of one powerful company on Canadian politicians at the highest level. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 11/5/2019 (959 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion The SNC-Lavalin saga offered a glimpse into the extraordinary influence of one powerful company on Canadian politicians at the highest level. At one point, SNC-Lavalin Group chair Kevin Lynch simply picked up the phone and called Michael Wernick, then the Privy Council clerk and most powerful public servant in Canada. The purpose of the call? To ask what could be done to avoid criminal prosecution of the company. On the heels of this controversy, the Liberals have once again yielded to industry pressure and seriously weakened their commitment to corporate accountability for Canadian companies operating abroad. The latest win for corporate Canada is in an executive order issued by the Prime Ministers Office that creates the first-ever Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise. Initially, it will apply only to the Canadian garment and resource extraction sectors. The name of the new position, and the government fanfare about it, belie the fact that the Liberals have stripped the new ombudsperson of the investigatory powers that theyve been promising for years. Canadian resource companies operating in developing countries have had serious and well-documented human rights and environmental impacts. United Nations organizations and civil society groups have extensively studied the issue, documenting grave violations accompanied by systemic impunity for Canadian perpetrators. For decades, the Canadian government has examined appropriate policy responses, including by embarking upon an international fact-finding mission, and in discussions with parliamentary committees and at national round-tables. But just last month, Mexicos ambassador to Canada put Canadian companies on notice that they must improve their conduct. There is broad agreement among stakeholders that global resource extraction must be law-abiding and sustainable. Broken promises? On the 2015 election trail, the Liberals repeatedly promised voters that they would act to improve the record of Canadian companies operating abroad. They promised to do away with former prime minister Stephen Harpers discredited Corporate Social Responsibility Counsellor and create an ombudsperson capable of investigating human rights complaints. Since then, six UN bodies have urged Canada to ensure that the promised ombudsperson is independent from government and has the tools to fully investigate, make findings and order remedies. In January 2018, Francois-Philippe Champagne, then minister of international trade, announced his intention to create the ombudsperson office. But after more than 15 months of industry lobbying, the Liberals apparent change of heart about the clout and independence of the ombudsperson became clear when Champagnes successor, Jim Carr, finally announced the details and named Sheri Meyerhoffer to the post. On key issues, the ombudsperson position as created by the prime ministers executive order falls far short of Liberal promises and international standards. First, the prime minister has declined to use the Public Inquiries Act to guarantee that the new ombudsperson will be independent from government. Instead, Meyerhoffer will be a public servant and "special advisor" to the minister. This means that the new ombudsperson does not have the job security necessary to withstand the inevitable political pressure that difficult cases attract. The SNC-Lavalin affair revealed just how much pressure the government was willing to apply to the attorney general of Canada on behalf of a well-connected company that has received billions in government loans. The new ombudsperson also lacks the fundamental power to fully investigate and order remedies on the basis of findings of abuses. Thats because the prime ministers executive order also fails to give the ombudsperson the power to compel documents. In other words, Meyerhoffer cannot obtain evidence that is in a companys control unless it is willing to hand it over. While she can "review" a complaint and recommend compensation, she cannot enforce remedies for victims or impose a sanction for violations. The ombudspersons meagre power is limited to recommending that government withdraw economic and political support for companies that refuse to participate in the process in good faith. The UN and civil society groups have repeatedly told Canada that this approach which is, incidentally, exactly the same as Harpers is entirely ineffective. Targeting human rights organizations Most shocking, companies are allowed to use the ombudsperson to file complaints for "unfounded human rights abuse allegations." And theres nothing in place to prevent companies from seeking compensation from human rights organizations or individuals on this basis. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. This is outrageous. Not only is there is no evidence that Canadian companies need such remedies, it is widely observed that powerful companies will abuse existing defamation laws in an effort to intimidate their critics by taking them to court. This problem is so well-established that a number of Canadian provinces have enacted legislation to address it. It truly boggles the mind that the Liberals think its a good idea to provide companies with new tools for recourse against their critics, potentially using the ombudsperson process to force human rights victims to spend time and resources defending themselves. The executive order creating the ombudsperson is already in place, but Carr and Meyerhoffer say they plan to take more time to decide if they will ultimately make the new position independent and capable of effective investigations. With a federal election just a few months away, the Trudeau Liberals are quickly running out of opportunities to keep their promises and show Canadians that they will do the right thing when it comes to corporate accountability. Charis Kamphuis is an assistant professor in the faculty of law at Thompson Rivers University. This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca. These tips will help you bake the best batch of Christmas cookies, check out a few ways to cope with holiday stress, and more hacks for the holidays. When Emily Klemp is upset, she reaches for her ukulele. Since childhood, music has always been a comfort for the Hope Lutheran High School senior and Winona Daily News Above and Beyond recipient. I grew up with music, she said. My dads side of the family used to tour the country and sing. Emily learned to play the piano when she was 3 years old and has since picked up the guitar and organ, but her favorite instrument is her ukulele. My ukulele is nice and small and you can take it with you, she said. Portability is a prized trait for the teen who spends her days split between two households. Just days before her 12th birthday, her parents split, and at that moment she realized that her happy family maybe wasnt so happy after all. You thought everything was fine and then all of a sudden you realized it wasnt, she said describing the shock. I decided that I was going to be the one that wasnt going to fall apart. Emily said if she let the emotion out she knew it would break her. So, she began to bottle up her feelings. The more she did, the more isolated she became. There are some days when I just need to be home and let it all out, she said. I was still in that phase of not wanting to know. I didnt want to answer questions about it. So Emily put on a smile and started pushing people away. She said the other kids didnt understand how she was feeling. Emily knew her parents divorce wasnt her fault, but she was bothered by the idea she could have done something different, something to save the marriage. I realized at 12 there wasnt really a lot you could do to help, she said. While Emilys older sisters picked a parent in the divorce, she decided to split her time between her parents homes in Winona and Goodview. It was really hard at first, she said. I was the sister that wasnt there. On hard days, shed come home and play her guitar or her ukulele. Things started to change for Emily in seventh grade. She went with her class on a week-long camping trip and had the opportunity to get away from her situation and focus on her faith. The five days I was there were incredible, she said. It was at camp she met a girl, and the two became fast friends. She was the first person that I let in, Emily said. She didnt know me before the split. She only knew me after. Emily started to open up and let people into her life. Good does come out of the bad, she said. It took me three or four years before I had that realization. It made me realize how much God plans things out. Hope Lutheran High School Principal Rocky Sandcork said it was inspiring to see Emily grow both academically and socially over the last few years. It was rewarding to see her persevere through adversity, he said. Im proud of her. Now as Emily prepares to leave the nest or nests in her case she dreams of becoming a teacher. I can handle children, she said, adding that she feels her experiences up until now have put her in the unique position to better help teens navigate and express their emotions. First through fourth graders are still eager to learn, they just want to know how the world works, she said. I want to open their eyes to how the world works and help them grow on their spiritual journey. The teen plans to study elementary education at Concordia University in St. Paul this fall. Tobias Mann covers crime and government in Winona County. He can be reached at 507-453-3522 or at tobias.mann@winonadailynews.com Love 5 Funny 0 Wow 3 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sauk Prairie will get a glimpse of one of the two eclipses that will occur over the next thirty days. The total solar eclipse is only visible over the Atlantic Ocean ending toward the North Pole on March 20, and the total lunar eclipse is best seen in western North America on April 4. However, the partial phase of the lunar eclipse will greet those who rise before the sun on the morning of April 4. The Full Moon occurs on April 4 at 7:05 a.m., but the moon sets just before this, around 6:40 a.m., as the partial eclipse is ongoing. The partial phase begins around 5:17 a.m., as the moon slips into the deeper part of Earths shadow and begins to turn a bit red. The moon will become close to completely eclipsed around 6:34 a.m., just as it is setting. This will make for a strange and wondrous view for those awaking to the day to find a blood red moon setting in the west. At the same time that the moon is setting, the sun is rising in the east. Sunrise will continue to arrive earlier every morning and sunset later every evening from the spring equinox on March 20 through June. Spring arrives precisely on March 20 at 5:45 p.m. Spring planets and constellations On March 21, a day after the new moon and eclipse graces the far north, a crescent moon returns to the sky just after sunset. The moon will be right beside Mars, and the next night the moon rises a bit higher to float beside Venus. On March 29 the moon will be high in the sky and not far from Jupiter. The moon and Saturn keep close quarters around April 8, but they dont rise until after midnight. Back in the west, Venus draws attention as it shines at magnitude -4 and stays above the horizon for three hours. In early April, Venus closes in on the star cluster the Pleiades in the constellation Taurus. This grouping of stars is setting in the west while the spring constellations rise in the east. Leo, Virgo, and Libra rise up from the horizon, carrying along a slew of distant galaxies that can be viewed through large telescopes. Ursa Major, the Big Dipper, is taking on its spring look, with the bowl of the dipper turning upside down as it sends spring showers to Earth. Police contacted Schmidt during the weekend, but she originally denied a relationship with the boy. However, her story changed Thursday when police spoke to her again and she told them that the two had been in a relationship. According to the criminal complaint, Schmidt told officers that the two loved each other and would probably violate a restraining order if one was put in place. She said the physical relationship began in March and that she knew it was wrong the whole time. Schmidt told officers that they did use a condom and had sex about 10 times in March. In addition, she said they had sex three times in April. Schmidt told Beaver Dam officers that the boy was like her son and she would make him meals and hed play with her dog until the time when they had sex. According to the criminal complaint, after that she would put a heart on her calendar every time they had sex. Schmidt reportedly showed a Beaver Dam officer the futon where the two had sex and the calendar where she wrote down the dates. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for May 16. Follow Terri Pederson on Twitter @tlp53916 or contact her at 920-356-6760. The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., St. Jude Medical Puerto Rico LLC, St. Jude Medical S.C. Inc., St. Jude Medical Systems AB, St. Jude Medical Turkey Medikal Urunler Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Standard Diagnostics Inc., Standing Stone LLC, Swan-Myers Incorporated, TC1 LLC, Tendyne Holdings Inc., Tendyne Medical Inc., Thoratec Delaware LLC, Thoratec Europe Limited, Thoratec LLC, Thoratec Switzerland GmbH, Tobal Products Incorporated, Topera GmbH in Liquidation, Topera Inc., Tremora S.A., Tuenir S.A., TwistDx, UAB Abbott Laboratories, UAB Abbott Medical Lithuania, Union-Madison Realty Company Inc., Unipath Limited (dba Alere International/aka Cranfield), Unipath Management Limited, Unipath Pension Trustee Limited, Veropharm, Veropharm Limited Liability Partnership, Vida Cell Inversiones S.A., Vida Cell S.A., Vivalsol, W&R Pharma Handels GmbH, Western Pharmaceuticals S.A., X Technologies Inc., Yissum Holding Limited, ZonePerfect Nutrition Company, eScreen Canada ULC, eScreen Inc., ( ), and Abbott Laboratories Baltics. Anadarko Petroleum Corporation engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of oil and gas properties. It operates through three segments: Exploration and Production, WES Midstream, and Other Midstream. The company explores for and produces oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). It is also involved in gathering, processing, treating, and transporting oil, natural-gas, and NGLs production, as well as the gathering and disposal of produced water. The company's oil and natural gas properties are located in the United States onshore and deepwater Gulf of Mexico; and Algeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Colombia, Peru, and other countries. As of December 31, 2018, it had approximately 1.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent of proved reserves. The company was founded in 1959 and is headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. Read More Accompanying Chairman Tashi Dorji in the high-level delegation of the National Council of Bhutan are Secretary General of the National Council Chencho Tshering, National Council member Karma Tshering, Secretary of the National Council Committee Namgay Pelzang, and clerical officer Chang Dawa Tshering from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Chairman of the National Council of Bhutan, T. Dorji, was born on October 3, 1981, in Wangdue Prodrang, Bhutan. He graduated from the University of North Bengal, India, and also has a master's degree in International Affairs from Columbia University in the US. From 2006 to 2007, he was an official at the Foreign Ministry of Bhutan. During the 2010-2012 period, he served as CEO of Bhutan tourism company Nyinzer Expeditions. He was a member of the National Council of Bhutan, member of the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee of the National Council of Bhutan and member of the Foreign Relations Committee of the National Council of Bhutan from 2013 to 2018. He has been Chairman of the National Council of Bhutan since May 2018. The Boeing Co. is an aerospace company, which engages in the manufacture of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. It operates through the following segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space and Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital. The Commercial Airplanes segment includes the development, production, and market of commercial jet aircraft and provides fleet support services, principally to the commercial airline industry worldwide. The Defense, Space and Security segment refers to the research, development, production and modification of manned and unmanned military aircraft and weapons systems for global strike, including fighter and combat rotorcraft aircraft and missile systems; global mobility, including tanker, rotorcraft and tilt-rotor aircraft; and airborne surveillance and reconnaissance, including command and control, battle management and airborne anti-submarine aircraft. The Global Services segment provides services to commercial and defense customers. The Boeing Capital segment seeks to ensure that Boeing customers have the financing they need to buy and take delivery of their Boeing product and manages overall financing exposure. T Read More The following companies are subsidiares of ENI: Adriaplin Podjetje za distribucijo, Agenzia Giornalistica Italia SpA, Agip Caspian Sea BV, Agip Energy and Natural, Agip Karachaganak BV, Agip Petroli, Aldro Energy, Banque Eni SA, Burren Energy (Bermuda) Ltd(1), Burren Energy (Egypt) Ltd, Burren Energy Congo Ltd, Burren Energy India Ltd, Burren Energy Plc, Burren Shakti Ltd, D-Service Media Srl, D-Share SpA, D-Share USA Corp., Dhamma Energy Group, Dunastyr Polisztirolgyarto Zartkoruen, Ecofuel SpA, Eni AEP Ltd, Eni Abu Dhabi BV, Eni Abu Dhabi Refining & Trading BV, Eni Abu Dhabi Refining & Trading Services BV, Eni Albania BV, Eni Algeria Exploration BV, Eni Algeria Ltd Sarl, Eni Algeria Production BV, Eni Ambalat Ltd, Eni America Ltd, Eni Angola Exploration BV, Eni Angola Production BV, Eni Angola SpA, Eni Argentina Exploracion, Eni Arguni I Ltd, Eni Australia BV, Eni Australia Ltd, Eni Austria GmbH, Eni BB Petroleum Inc, Eni BTC Ltd, Eni Bahrain BV, Eni Benelux BV, Eni Bukat Ltd, Eni CBM Ltd, Eni Canada Holding Ltd, Eni China BV, Eni Congo SA, Eni Corporate University SpA, Eni Cyprus Ltd, Eni Cote dIvoire Ltd, Eni Denmark BV, Eni Deutschland GmbH, Eni East Ganal Ltd, Eni East Sepinggan Ltd, Eni Ecuador SA, Eni Elgin/Franklin Ltd, Eni Energy Russia BV, Eni Exploration & Production Holding BV, Eni Finance International SA, Eni Finance USA Inc, Eni France Sarl, Eni Fuel SpA, Eni G&P Trading BV, Eni Gabon SA, Eni Ganal Ltd, Eni Gas & Power France SA, Eni Gas & Power LNG Australia BV, Eni Gas Transport Services Srl, Eni Ghana Exploration and Production Ltd, Eni Hewett Ltd, Eni Hydrocarbons Venezuela Ltd, Eni Iberia SLU, Eni India Ltd, Eni Indonesia Ltd, Eni Indonesia Ots 1 Ltd, Eni Insurance DAC, Eni International BV, Eni International NA NV Sarl, Eni International Resources Ltd, Eni Investments Plc, Eni Iran BV, Eni Iraq BV, Eni Ireland BV, Eni Isatay BV, Eni JPDA 03-13 Ltd, Eni JPDA 06-105 Pty Ltd, Eni JPDA 11-106 BV, Eni Kenya BV, Eni Krueng Mane Ltd, Eni LNS Ltd, Eni Lasmo Plc, Eni Lebanon BV, Eni Liberia BV, Eni Liverpool Bay Operating Co Ltd, Eni Lubricants Trading (Shangai) Co Ltd, Eni Marketing Austria GmbH, Eni Marketing Inc, Eni Maroc BV, Eni Mediterranea Idrocarburi SpA, Eni Middle East Ltd, Eni Mineralolhandel GmbH, Eni Montenegro BV, Eni Mozambico SpA, Eni Mozambique Engineering Ltd, Eni Mozambique LNG Holding BV, Eni Muara Bakau BV, Eni Myanmar BV, Eni Mexico S. de RL de CV, Eni Next Llc, Eni North Africa BV, Eni North Ganal Ltd, Eni Oil & Gas Inc, Eni Oil Algeria Ltd, Eni Oil Holdings BV, Eni Oman BV, Eni Pakistan (M) Ltd Sarl, Eni Pakistan Ltd, Eni Petroleum Co Inc, Eni Petroleum US Llc, Eni Portugal BV, Eni RAK BV, Eni RD Congo SA, Eni Rapak Ltd, Eni Rovuma Basin BV, Eni Schmiertechnik GmbH, Eni Sharjah BV, Eni South Africa BV, Eni South China Sea Ltd Sarl, Eni Suisse SA, Eni TNS Ltd, Eni Timor Leste SpA, Eni Trading & Shipping Inc, Eni Trading & Shipping SpA, Eni Transporte y Suministro Mexico , Eni Tunisia BV, Eni Turkmenistan Ltd, Eni UHL Ltd, Eni UK Holding Plc, Eni UK Ltd, Eni UKCS Ltd, Eni ULT Ltd, Eni ULX Ltd, Eni US Operating Co Inc, Eni USA Gas Marketing Llc, Eni USA Inc, Eni USA R&M Co Inc, Eni Ukraine Holdings BV, Eni Ukraine Llc, Eni Ukraine Shallow Waters BV, Eni Venezuela BV, Eni Venezuela E&P Holding SA, Eni Vietnam BV, Eni West Africa SpA, Eni West Ganal Ltd, Eni West Timor Ltd, Eni Yemen Ltd, Eni do Brasil Investimentos em Exploracao e Producao de Petroleo Ltda, Eni gas e luce SpA, EniPower Mantova SpA, EniProgetti Egypt Ltd, EniProgetti SpA, EniServizi SpA, Esacontrol SA, Esain SA, Eurl Eni Algerie, FRI-EL Group, First Calgary Petroleums LP, First Calgary Petroleums Partner Co ULC, First Calgary Petroliums, Floaters SpA, Gas Supply Company Thessaloniki - Thessalia SA, Gazoduc Transtunisien SA - Scogat SA, Ieoc Exploration BV, Ieoc Production BV, Ieoc SpA, LNG Shipping SpA, Lasmo Sanga Sanga Ltd, Liverpool Bay Ltd, Mizamtec Operating Company, Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Nigerian Agip CPFA Ltd, Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, Nigerian Agip Oil Co Ltd, OOO Eni Energhia, OOO Eni-Nefto, Oleoduc du Rhone SA, Petroven Srl, Raffineria di Gela SpA, Resources (Nigeria) Ltd, S. de RL de CV, SEA SpA, SeaPad SpA, Serfactoring SpA, Servizi Aerei SpA, Servizi Fondo Bombole Metano SpA, Societa Petrolifera Italiana SpA, Societe de Service du Gazoduc, Societe pour la Construction du, Tecnoesa SA, Trans Tunisian Pipeline Co SpA, Transtunisien SA - Sergaz SA, Versalis Americas Inc, Versalis Congo Sarlu, Versalis Deutschland GmbH, Versalis France SAS, Versalis International SA, Versalis Kimya Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Versalis Mexico S. de R.L. de CV, Versalis Pacific (India) Private Ltd, Versalis Pacific Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, Versalis Singapore Pte Ltd, Versalis SpA, Versalis UK Ltd, Zetah Congo Ltd, Zetah Kouilou Ltd, and zemeljskega plina doo Ljubljana. 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. Read More Direct Line Insurance Group plc provides general insurance products and services in the United Kingdom. It operates through Motor, Home, Rescue and Other Personal Lines, and Commercial segments. The company offers motor, home, rescue, travel, creditor, and pet insurance products, as well as insurance for mid-to-high-net worth customers; and commercial insurance for small and medium-sized enterprises. It also provides management, motor vehicle repair, insurance intermediary, support and operational, legal, and breakdown recovery services. The company sells its insurance products directly through price comparison Websites and phone, as well as through partners and brokers under the Direct Line, Churchill, Green Flag, Direct Line for Business, DLG Partnerships, NIG, Privilege, Shotgun, DLG Legal Services, Darwin, and DLG Auto Services brands. The company was formerly known as RBS Insurance Group Limited and changed its name to Direct Line Insurance Group plc in February 2012. Direct Line Insurance Group plc was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Bromley, the United Kingdom. Read More Experian plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a technology company. The company operates through two segments, Business-to-Business and Consumer Services. It provides data services to identify and understand their customers, as well as to manage the risks related with lending. The company also offers analytical and decision tools that enhance businesses to manage their customers, minimize the risk of fraud, comply with legal requirements, and automate decisions and processes. In addition, it provides financial education, free access to Experian credit reports and scores, online educational tools, and applications to manage their financial position, access credit offers, and protect themselves from identity fraud. The company serves customers in financial service, direct-to-consumer, health, retail, automotive, software and professional services, telecommunications and utility, insurance, media and technology, government and public, and other sectors. It operates in North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Experian plc was formerly known as Experian Group Limited and changed its name to Experian plc in July 2008. Experian plc was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Read More Drax Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and supply of electricity in the United Kingdom. The company operates through three segments: Generation, Customers, and, Pellet Production. It produces low carbon and renewable electricity; and provides system support services to the electricity grid. The company owns and operates Drax Power Station that produces electricity from biomass and coal with an installed capacity of 3,906 megawatts (MW) located in Selby, North Yorkshire; Cruachan Power Station, a pumped hydro storage station, with an installed capacity of 440 MW located in Argyll and Bute, western Scotland; and Lanark and Galloway hydro-electric power stations with an installed capacity of 126 MW located in southwest Scotland. It also owns and operates combined cycle gas turbine power stations, including Damhead Creek power station with an installed capacity of 805 MW; Rye House power station with an installed capacity of 715 MW; Shoreham power station with an installed capacity of 420 MW; and Blackburn power station with an installed capacity of 60 MW located in England. In addition, the company owns and operates Daldowie fuel plant that processes sludge from a wastewater treatment plant and converts it into dry and low-odour fuel pellets. Further, it manufactures and sells compressed wood pellets for use in electricity production; supplies and manages electricity and gas for large industrial and commercial sector customers, as well as small businesses; and provides debt recovery services. Drax Group plc was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Selby, the United Kingdom. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Thermo Fisher Scientific: 236 Perinton Parkway LLC, 27 Forge Parkway LLC, ABR--Affinity BioReagents, ACI Holdings Inc., ARG Services LLC, ASPEX Corporation, Abgene Inc., Abgene Limited, Acoustic Cytometry Systems Inc., AcroMetrix LLC, Acros Organics B.V.B.A., Advanced Biotechnologies Limited, Advanced Scientifics (ASI), Advanced Scientifics Inc., Advanced Scientifics International Inc., Affymetrix Biotech Participacoes Ltda., Affymetrix Biotech Shanghai Ltd, Affymetrix Inc, Affymetrix Japan K.K., Affymetrix Pte Ltd, Affymetrix UK Ltd, Afora S.A.U., Ahura Scientific, Alchematrix Inc., Alchematrix LLC, Alfa Aesar, Alfa Aesar (China) Chemical Co. Ltd., Alfa Aesar (Hong Kong) Limited, Allergon AB, Alphine Mountain Limited, Ambion Inc., Apogent Denmark ApS, Apogent Finance Company, Apogent Holding Company, Apogent Technologies Inc., Apogent Transition Corp., Apogent U.K. Limited, App-Tek International Pty Ltd, Applied Biosystems B.V., Applied Biosystems Finance B.V., Applied Biosystems International Inc., Applied Biosystems LLC, Applied Biosystems Taiwan LLC, Applied Biosystems Trading (Shanghai) Company Ltd., Applied Biosystems de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Applied Scientific Corporation, Avances Cientificos de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Avocado Research Chemicals Limited, B.R.A.H.M.S. Biotech GmbH, B.R.A.H.M.S. GmbH, B.R.A.H.M.S. UK Ltd, BAC BV, BAC IP BV, Barnstead Thermolyne LLC, Beijing Phadia Diagnostics Co Ltd, Bender MedSystems GmbH, BioTrove Corporation, BioTrove International Inc., Bioanalysis Labsystems S.A., Biochemical Sciences LLC, Biolab, BmT GmbH Laborprodukte, Bonsai Tecnologies - Sistemas para Biotecnologia e Industria Unipessoal Lda, Brammer Bio, Bumi-Sans Sendirian Berhad, CAC Limited, CB Diagnostics AB, CB Diagnostics Holding AB, CEPH International Corporation, CHK Holdings Inc., CRS Robotics, CTPS LLC, Capitol Scientific Products Inc., Capitol Vial Inc., Cellomics Inc., CellzDirect Inc., Cenduit GmbH, Cenduit LLC, Cezanne S.A.S., Chase Scientific Glass Inc., Chromacol Limited, Clintrak, Clintrak Clinical Labeling Services LLC, Clintrak Pharmaceutical Services LLC, Cohesive Technologies (UK) Limited, Cohesive Technologies Inc., Columbia Diagnostics Inc., Compendia Bioscience Inc., Comtest Limited, Consolidated Technologies Inc., Consultores Fisher Scientific Chile Ltd, Core Informatics, Core Informatics LLC, Core Informatics UK Ltd., D-finitive Technologies Inc., DCG Systems B.V., DCG Systems C.V., DCG Systems G.K., DCG Systems GmbH, DCG Systems Korea Ltd., DCG Systems LLC, DPI Newco LLC, DSM Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Dharmacon, Diagnostix Ltd., Dionex (China) Analytical Ltd, Dionex (Switzerland) AG, Dionex (UK) Limited, Dionex Austria GmbH, Dionex Benelux B.V., Dionex Brasil Instrumentos Cientificos Ltda, Dionex Canada Ltd., Dionex China Limited, Dionex Corporation, Dionex Denmark A/S, Dionex Holding GmbH, Dionex I LLC, Dionex Pty Ltd., Dionex S.A., Dionex S.p.A., Dionex Singapore Pte Ltd., Dionex Softron GmbH, Dionex Sweden AB, Distribution Solutions International Inc., Doe & Ingalls Investors Inc., Doe & Ingalls Limited, Doe & Ingalls Management LLC, Doe & Ingalls Properties II LLC, Doe & Ingalls Properties LLC, Doe & Ingalls of California Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Florida Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Maryland Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of Massachusetts Operating LLC, Doe & Ingalls of North Carolina Operating LLC, Doublecape Holding Limited, Doublecape Limited, Drakeside Real Estate Holding Company LLC, Duke Scientific Corporation, Dynal Biotech Beijing Limited, EGS Gauging Ltd., EGS Gauging Technical Services Company, EP Scientific Products LLC, Ecochem N.V., EnviroEquip Pty Ltd, Epsom Glass Industries Limited, Equibio Limited, Erie Electroverre S.A., Erie Finance Limited, Erie LP Holding LLC, Erie Scientific Company of Puerto Rico, Erie Scientific Hungary Kft, Erie Scientific LLC, Erie U.K. Limited, Erie UK 1 Limited, Erie UK 2 Limited, Erie UK Holding Company, Erie UK Senior Holding Limited, European Laboratory Holdings Limited, Eutech Instruments Europe B.V., Eutech Instruments Pte Ltd., Eutech Instruments Sdn Bhd, Ever Ready Thermometer Co. Inc., FEI Asia Pacific Co. Ltd., FEI Australia Pty Ltd, FEI CPD B.V., FEI Company, FEI Company Japan Ltd., FEI Company of USA (S.E.A.) Pte Ltd., FEI Czech Republic s.r.o., FEI Deutschland GmbH, FEI EFA Inc., FEI EFA International Pte. Ltd., FEI Electron Optics B.V., FEI Electron Optics International B.V., FEI Europe B.V., FEI France SAS, FEI Global Holdings C.V., FEI Hong Kong Company Limited, FEI Houston Inc., FEI Italia Srl, FEI Korea Ltd., FEI Melbourne Pty Ltd., FEI Microscopy Solutions Ltd, FEI Munich GmbH, FEI Norway Holding AS, FEI SAS, FEI Saudi Arabia LLC, FEI Servicos de Nanotecnologia Ltda., FEI Technologies Inc., FEI Technology de Mexico S.A. de C.V., FEI Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., FEI Trondheim AS, FEI UK Ltd., FHP LLC, FRC Holding Inc. V, FS (Barbados) Capital Holdings Ltd., FS Casa Rocas Holdings LLC, FS Mexicana Holdings LLC, FSI Receivables Company LLC, FSII Sweden Holdings AB, FSII Sweden Holdings I AB, FSIR Holdings (UK) Limited, FSIR Holdings (US) Inc., FSUK Holdings Limited, FSWH Company LLC, FSWH II C.V., FSWH International Holdings LLC, Fermentas China Co. Ltd, Fermentas Inc., Fermentas International, Fermentas Sweden AB, Fermentas UK Limited, Fiberlite Centrifuge LLC, Finesse Scientific Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Finesse Solutions AG, Finesse Solutions Inc., Finnzymes Oy, Fisher Alder S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Asia Manufacturing Ventures Inc., Fisher Bermuda Holdings Limited, Fisher BioImage ApS, Fisher BioPharma Services (India) Private Limited, Fisher BioSciences Japan G.K., Fisher BioServices Inc., Fisher Bioblock Holding II SNC, Fisher CLP Holding Limited Partnership, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 1, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 2, Fisher Canada Holding ULC 3, Fisher Canada Limited Partnership, Fisher Chimica BVBA, Fisher Clinical Logistics LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services (Bristol) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Colombia) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Korea) Co. Ltd, Fisher Clinical Services (Mexico) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Peru) LLC, Fisher Clinical Services (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services Colombia S.A.S., Fisher Clinical Services GmbH, Fisher Clinical Services Inc., Fisher Clinical Services Japan K.K., Fisher Clinical Services Latin America S.R.L., Fisher Clinical Services Limited Liability Company, Fisher Clinical Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Clinical Services Peru S.R.L, Fisher Clinical Services Pte Ltd., Fisher Clinical Services U.K. Limited, Fisher Emergo B.V., Fisher Germany Holdings GmbH, Fisher Hamilton China Inc., Fisher Hamilton Mexico LLC, Fisher Holdings ApS, Fisher Internet Minority Holdings L.L.C., Fisher Laboratory Products Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Fisher Luxembourg Danish Holdings SARL, Fisher Manufacturing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Maybridge Holdings Limited, Fisher Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Scientific (Austria) GmbH, Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited, Fisher Scientific (M) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Scientific (SEA) Pte. Ltd., Fisher Scientific A/S, Fisher Scientific AG, Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Limited, Fisher Scientific Biotech Line ApS, Fisher Scientific Brazil Inc., Fisher Scientific Central America Inc., Fisher Scientific Chile Inc., Fisher Scientific Colombia Inc., Fisher Scientific Company, Fisher Scientific Company L.L.C., Fisher Scientific Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Fisher Scientific Europe Holdings B.V., Fisher Scientific GTF AB, Fisher Scientific Germany Beteiligungs GmbH, Fisher Scientific GmbH, Fisher Scientific Holding Company LLC, Fisher Scientific Holding HK Limited, Fisher Scientific Holding U.K. Limited, Fisher Scientific Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd, Fisher Scientific Holdings (S) Pte Ltd, Fisher Scientific International LLC, Fisher Scientific Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Fisher Scientific Ireland Investments Unlimited, Fisher Scientific Ireland Limited, Fisher Scientific Japan Ltd., Fisher Scientific Jersey Island Limited, Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd, Fisher Scientific Latin America Inc., Fisher Scientific Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Fisher Scientific Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Fisher Scientific Mexico Inc., Fisher Scientific Middle East and Africa Inc., Fisher Scientific Norway AS, Fisher Scientific Operating Company, Fisher Scientific Oxoid Holdings Ltd., Fisher Scientific Oy, Fisher Scientific Pte. Ltd., Fisher Scientific S.A.S., Fisher Scientific S.L., Fisher Scientific SPRL, Fisher Scientific The Hague I B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague II B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague III B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague IV B.V., Fisher Scientific The Hague V B.V., Fisher Scientific U.K. Limited, Fisher Scientific UK Holding Company 2, Fisher Scientific UK Holding Company Limited, Fisher Scientific Unipessoal Lda., Fisher Scientific Venezuela Inc., Fisher Scientific Worldwide (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fisher Scientific Worldwide Holdings I C.V., Fisher Scientific Worldwide Inc., Fisher Scientific de Mexico S.A., Fisher Scientific of the Netherlands B.V., Fisher Scientific spol. S.r.o, Fisher Servicios Clinicos (Chile) LLC, Fisher Servicios Clinicos Chile Ltda, Fisher WWD Holding L.L.C., Fisher Worldwide Distribution SPV, Fisher Worldwide Gene Distribution SPV, Flux Instruments, Fuji Partnership, G & M Procter Limited, G V Instruments Limited, GV Instruments Canada Ltd., GV Instruments Inc, Gatan Inc, General Scientific Company Sdn Bhd (M), Genomed molekularbiologische und diagnostische Produkte GmbH, Gerhard Menzel B.V. & Co. KG, Gold Cattle Standard Testing Labs Inc., Golden West Indemnity Company Limited, Goring Kerr Detection Limited, Greenville Service Company Inc., HENO GmbH i.L., Hangar 215 Inc., Helmet Securities Limited, Henogen, HighChem, HyClone International Trade (Tianjin) Co. Ltd, Hybaid Limited, I.Q. (BIO) Limited, IDnostics AG, ILS Laboratories Scandinavia AB, Inel Inc., Inel SAS, InnaPhase Inc., InnaPhase Limited, IntegenX, Intrinsic BioProbes Inc., Intrinsic Bioprobes Inc., Invitrogen (Shanghai) Investment Co. Ltd., Invitrogen Argentina SA, Invitrogen BioServices India Private Limited, Invitrogen Europe Limited, Invitrogen Finance Corp., Invitrogen Holdings LLC, Invitrogen Holdings Ltd., Invitrogen Hong Kong Limited, Invitrogen IP Holdings Inc., Invitrogen Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Ion Torrent Systems Inc., Ionalytics Corporation, JSC Thermo Fisher Scientific, Jouan LLC, Jouan Limited, Jouan SA, Kendro Containment & Services Limited, Kendro Laboratory Products Ltd, Kettlebrook Insurance Co. ltd., Keystone Scientific, KonTEM GmbH, Kyle Jordan Investments LLC, LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, LTC Tech South Africa PTY Ltd., La-Pha-Pack GmbH, Lab Vision (UK) Limited, Lab Vision Corporation, Lab-Chrom-Pack LLC, Lab-Line Instruments Inc., Labomex MBP S. de R. L. De C.V., Laboratoire Service International - L.S.I, Laboratory Management Systems Inc., Laboratory Specialties Proprietary Ltd., LambTrack Limited, Laser Analytical Systems Inc., Liberty Lane Investment LLC, Liberty Lane Real Estate Holding Company LLC, Life Sciences International (Poland) SP z O.O, Life Sciences International Holdings BV, Life Sciences International LLC, Life Sciences International Limited, Life Technologies AS, Life Technologies Australia PTY Ltd., Life Technologies BPD AB, Life Technologies BPD UK Limited, Life Technologies Brasil Comercio e Industria de Produtos para Biotecnologia Ltda, Life Technologies Chile SpA, Life Technologies Clinical Services Lab Inc., Life Technologies Co. Ltd., Life Technologies Czech Republic s.r.o., Life Technologies DaAn Diagnostic (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Life Technologies Europe B.V., Life Technologies Finance Ltd., Life Technologies Finland Oy, Life Technologies GmbH, Life Technologies Holdings PTE Ltd., Life Technologies Inc., Life Technologies International B.V., Life Technologies Japan Ltd., Life Technologies Korea LLC, Life Technologies Limited, Life Technologies Magyarorszag Kft, Life Technologies New Zealand Ltd., Life Technologies Norway Investments US LLC, Life Technologies Polska Sp z.o.o., Life Technologies SA, Life Technologies SAS, Life Technologies s.r.o, Linkage Biosciences Inc., Linkage Biosciences S.a.r.l., Loftus Furnace Company, Lomb Scientific, Lomb Scientific (Aust) Pty Limited, MTI-GlobalStem, Marketbase International Limited, Matrix MicroScience Inc., Matrix MicroScience Ltd., Matrix Technologies Corporation Limited, Matrix Technologies LLC, Maybridge Chemical Company Limited, Maybridge Chemical Holdings Limited, Maybridge Limited, Medical Analysis Systems Inc., Medical Analysis Systems International Inc., Medical Diagnostics Systems Inc., Metavac LLC, Microgenics Corporation, Microgenics Diagnostics Pty Limited, Microgenics GmbH, Microm International GmbH, Microm Laborgerate S.L.U, Molecular BioProducts Inc., Molecular Probes Inc., Molecular Transfer Inc., NAPCO Inc., NERL Diagnostics LLC, NOVODIRECT GmbH Labor- und Industrie- Megerate, Nalge (Europe) Limited, Nalge Nunc International (Monterrey) LLC, Nalge Nunc International Corporation, Nanjing WeiKangLe Trading Industrial Co Ltd, NanoDrop Technologies LLC, National Scientific Company, Navaho Acquisition Corp., Neomarkers Inc., New FS Holdings Inc., NewcoGen PE LLC, Nihon Dynal K.K., Niton Asia Limited, NovaWave Technologies Inc., Nunc A/S, ONIX Systems Inc., OXOID CZ s.r.o., Odyssey Holdings Corporation, Odyssey Luxembourg Holdings S.a r.l., Odyssey Luxembourg IP Holdings 1 S.a r.l., Odyssey Luxembourg IP Holdings 2 S.a r.l., Odyssey Venture Corporation, Omega Data Systems, One Lambda Inc, Onix Holdings Limited, Orme Scientific Limited, Owl Separation Systems LLC, Oxoid (ELY) Limited, Oxoid 2000 Limited, Oxoid AS, Oxoid Australia Pty. Limited, Oxoid Company, Oxoid Deutschland GmbH, Oxoid Holding SAS, Oxoid Holdings Limited, Oxoid Inc., Oxoid International Limited, Oxoid Investments GmbH, Oxoid Limited, Oxoid N.V., Oxoid New Zealand Limited, Oxoid Pension Trustees Limited, Oxoid Senior Holdings Limited, Oxoid UKH LLC, PAX - DSI Acquisition LLC, PE AG, Pacific Rim Far East Industries LLC, Pacific Rim Investment LLC, Panomics L.L.C., Panomics S.R.L., Patheon, Patheon API Inc., Patheon API Manufacturing Inc., Patheon API Services Inc., Patheon Austria GmbH & Co KG, Patheon B.V., Patheon Banner U.S. Holdings Inc., Patheon Biologics (NJ) LLC, Patheon Biologics Australia Pty Ltd, Patheon Biologics B.V., Patheon Biologics LLC, Patheon Calculus Merger LLC, Patheon Cooperatief U.A., Patheon Development Services Inc., Patheon Finance LLC, Patheon France SAS, Patheon Holdings B.V., Patheon Holdings I B.V., Patheon Holdings II B.V., Patheon Holdings SAS, Patheon I B.V., Patheon I Holding GmbH, Patheon Inc., Patheon International AG, Patheon Italia S.p.A., Patheon KK, Patheon Life Science Products International GmbH, Patheon Manufacturing Services LLC, Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Patheon Pharmaceuticals Services Inc., Patheon Puerto Rico Acquisitions Corporation, Patheon Puerto Rico Inc., Patheon Regensburg GmbH, Patheon Softgels B.V., Patheon Softgels Inc., Patheon U.S. Holdings Inc., Patheon U.S. Holdings LLC, Patheon UK Limited, Patheon UK Pension Trustees Limited, Pelican Acquisition Corporation, Perbio Science (Canada) Company, Perbio Science AB, Perbio Science BVBA, Perbio Science France SAS, Perbio Science Inc., Perbio Science International Netherlands B.V., Perbio Science Invest AB, Perbio Science Nederland B.V., Perbio Science Projekt AB, Perbio Science Sweden Holdings AB, Perbio Science Switzerland SA, Perbio Science UK Limited, Phadia AB, Phadia Diagnosticos Ltda, Phadia GmbH, Phadia Holding AB, Phadia International Holdings C.V., Phadia Korea Co. Ltd, Phadia Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Phadia Malta Holdings Limited, Phadia Oy, Phadia Real Property AB, Phadia Sweden AB, Phadia Taiwan Inc., Phadia US Inc., Phadia s.r.o., Pharmacaps Mexicana SA de CV, Phenom-World B.V., Phenom-World Holding B.V, Phenom-World Innovations B.V., Phinotex, Pierce Biotechnology Inc., Pierce Milwaukee Holding Corp., Pierce Milwaukee Inc., Polychromix, Power Sweden Holdings I AB, Power Sweden Holdings II AB, Power Sweden Holdings III Aktiebolag, Princeton Gamma-Tech Instruments LLC, Princeton Security Technologies, Prionics AG, Prionics Asia Ltd., Prionics Deutschland GmbH, Prionics France SAS, Prionics Italia S.r.l., Prionics Lelystad B.V., Prionics USA Inc., Priority Air Express LLC, Priority Air Express Pte. Ltd., Priority Air Express UK Limited, Priority Air Holdings Corp, Priority Solutions International, Promedica Pty Limited, Proxeon, Proxeon Biosystems ApS, Qiagen, REP GBP I-B Blocker Inc., Raymond A Lamb Limited, Remel Europe Limited, Remel Inc., Richard-Allan Scientific Company, Robbins Scientific LLC, Robocon Labor- und Industrieroboter Gesellschaft m.b.H, Rupprecht and Patashnick, Rupprecht and Patashnick (R&P), Russell pH Limited, S.C.I. du 10 rue Dugay Trouin, SCI Inno 92, STC Bio Manufacturing Inc., Samco Scientific (Monterrey) LLC, Samco Scientific LLC, Saroph Sweden AB, Schantz Road LLC, Seradyn Inc., Shanghai Life Technologies Biotechnology Co. Limited, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (C-I) Trading Co. Ltd, Shanghai Thermo Fisher (S) Trading Co. Ltd, Southern Trials (Pty) Ltd., Specialty (SMI) Inc., Spectra-Physics AB, Spectra-Physics Holdings Limited, Spectra-Physics Holdings USA LLC, Spectronex, Staten Island Cogeneration Corporation, Sterilin Limited, Stokes Bio Ltd., Sweden DIA (Sweden) AB, SwissAnalytic Group GmbH, Systems Manufacturing Corporation, TFLP LLC, TFS Breda B.V., TFS LLC, TFS Singapore HK Limited, TFSL Financing GP LLC, TFSL Senior GP Holdings 2 LLC, TK Partnership, TKA Wasseraufbereitungssysteme, TMOI Inc., TPI Real Estate Holdings LLC, TSP Holdings I LLC, TWX LLC, Technology Design Solutions Pty Ltd, Thermedics Detection de Argentina S.R.L, Thermo Allen Coding Limited, Thermo Asset Management Services Inc., Thermo BioAnalysis LLC, Thermo BioAnalysis Limited, Thermo BioSciences Holdings LLC, Thermo CIDTEC, Thermo CRS Holdings Ltd., Thermo CRS Ltd., Thermo Cambridge Limited, Thermo Cayman Holdings Ltd., Thermo Corporation, Thermo DMA Inc., Thermo Detection de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Dutch Holdings Limited Partnership, Thermo EGS Gauging LLC, Thermo Eberline Holdings I LLC, Thermo Eberline Holdings II LLC, Thermo Eberline LLC, Thermo Electron (Calgary) Limited, Thermo Electron (Chile) S.p.A., Thermo Electron (Karlsruhe) GmbH, Thermo Electron (Management Services) Limited, Thermo Electron (Proprietary) Limited, Thermo Electron A/S, Thermo Electron Australia Pty Limited, Thermo Electron Export Inc., Thermo Electron Holdings SAS, Thermo Electron Industries, Thermo Electron LED GmbH, Thermo Electron LED S.A.S., Thermo Electron Limited, Thermo Electron Manufacturing Limited, Thermo Electron Metallurgical Services Inc., Thermo Electron North America LLC, Thermo Electron Pension Trust GmbH, Thermo Electron Puerto Rico Inc., Thermo Electron SAS, Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLC, Thermo Electron Sweden AB, Thermo Electron Sweden Forvaltning AB, Thermo Electron Weighing & Inspection Limited, Thermo Elemental Limited, Thermo Environmental Instruments LLC, Thermo Fast U.K. Limited, Thermo Finland Holdings LLC, Thermo Finland Holdings MT1 B.V., Thermo Finland Holdings MT2 B.V., Thermo Finnigan LLC, Thermo Finnigan Limited, Thermo Fisher (CN) Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher (CN) Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher (CN) Malta Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher (CN-I) Luxembourg LLC, Thermo Fisher (CN-II) Luxembourg LLC, Thermo Fisher (Cayman) Holdings I Ltd., Thermo Fisher (Cayman) Holdings II Ltd., Thermo Fisher (Finland Holdings 2) LLC, Thermo Fisher (Finland Holdings) Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher (Gibraltar) II Limited, Thermo Fisher (Gibraltar) Limited, Thermo Fisher (Heysham) Limited, Thermo Fisher (Kandel) GmbH, Thermo Fisher CHK Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher China Business Trust, Thermo Fisher China Business Trust II, Thermo Fisher Costa Rica Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Thermo Fisher Cyprus Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Detection Mexico LLC, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics (Ireland) Limited, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AB, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AG, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics AS, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Aps, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Austria GmbH, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics B.V., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics GmbH, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics K.K., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Limited, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics NV, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics S.L.U., Thermo Fisher Diagnostics S.p.A. , Thermo Fisher Diagnostics SAS, Thermo Fisher Diagnostics Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Thermo Fisher Eurobonds Ltd., Thermo Fisher Financial Services Inc., Thermo Fisher GP LLC, Thermo Fisher German Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Germany B.V., Thermo Fisher India Divestco Private Limited, Thermo Fisher India Holding B.V., Thermo Fisher Insurance Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Insurance Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Investments (Cayman) Ltd., Thermo Fisher Israel Ltd., Thermo Fisher Production et Services SAS, Thermo Fisher Project Cyprus LLC, Thermo Fisher Re Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Asheville) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Australia) C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Barbados) Holdings Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Breda) Holding BV, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Bremen) GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (CN) Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (China) Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (China-HK) Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (DE) Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Ecublens) SARL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance I) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance I) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance II) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance III) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Finance III) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Fuji) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Holding II) B.V. & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (IVGN) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (IVGN) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Johannesburg) (Proprietary) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Mexico City) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Milwaukee) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Mississauga) Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Monterrey) S. De R.L. De C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (NK) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) Austria Holding GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) UK LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN) UK Limited Partnership, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN-I) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN-II) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific (PN1) UK Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Panama) B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Panama) Dutch LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Praha) s.r.o., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Real Estate 1) GmbH & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Real Estate 1) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Schweiz) AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Shanghai) Instruments Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific (Suzhou) Instruments Co. Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific AL-1 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific AU II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific AU Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Africa Proprietary Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Aquasensors LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific B.V.B.A., Thermo Fisher Scientific BHK (I) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific BHK (II) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Baltics UAB, Thermo Fisher Scientific Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Biosciences Corp., Thermo Fisher Scientific Brahms LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Brasil Instrumentos de Processo Ltda., Thermo Fisher Scientific Brasil Servicos de Logistica Ltda, Thermo Fisher Scientific C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cayman Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Chemicals Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific China (C-I) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific China (S) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific China Holdings IV B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Chromatography Holdings Aps, Thermo Fisher Scientific Chromatography Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus I Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus II Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus III Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus IV C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Cyprus V C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Denmark Senior Holdings ApS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie 1 Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Erie Financing S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Europe GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC Finance C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific FLC LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSIR Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSIR Financing S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific FSUKHCO Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Falcon Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Finance Company BV, Thermo Fisher Scientific GENEART GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Germany BV & Co. KG, Thermo Fisher Scientific GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific HR Services Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) I, Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings (Cayman) II , Thermo Fisher Scientific Holdings Europe Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific IT Services GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific India Pvt Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Malta) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments (Sweden) S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Investments Malta (Sweden Financing) Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Invitrogen Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings I B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings II B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Holdings III B.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific K.K., Thermo Fisher Scientific Korea Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific LSI Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life CV GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Enterprises GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Financing Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings III C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings I C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life International Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments III S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments IV S.a.r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta Holding II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments Malta II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Investments US Financing II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life NL Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Netherlands Holding C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior GP Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings II C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Senior Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Switzerland Holdings GP LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Tech Korea Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Enterprise Holding Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment I LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment II LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investment UK II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Investments Holding LP, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment I Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Israel Investment II Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Life Technologies Luxembourg Holding LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Enterprise Holdings S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg German Holdings S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Life Technologies UK Holding S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings I S.a r.l, Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Sweden Holdings II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings I S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Luxembourg Venture Holdings II S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Malta Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Messtechnik GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Mexico City S. de R.L. de C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific Middle East Holdings Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Milano Srl, Thermo Fisher Scientific NHK Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Holdings, Thermo Fisher Scientific New Zealand Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway Holdings AS, Thermo Fisher Scientific Norway US Investments LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Financing (Barbados) SRL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Odyssey Holdings Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Operating Company LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 C.V, Thermo Fisher Scientific PN2 LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific PRB S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Panama I Cayman Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific Peru S.R.L., Thermo Fisher Scientific Pte. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Re Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific SL, Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior Financing LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Senior Holdings Australia LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific South Africa Proprietary Ltd, Thermo Fisher Scientific SpA, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra S.a.r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Holdings Luxembourg I S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Holdings Luxembourg II S.a r.l., Thermo Fisher Scientific Spectra-Physics Investments Malta Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Switzerland Holdings C.V., Thermo Fisher Scientific TR Limited, Thermo Fisher Scientific Taiwan Co. Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific West Palm Holdings LLC, Thermo Fisher Scientific Wissenschaftliche Gerate GmbH, Thermo Fisher Scientific Worldwide Investments (Cayman), Thermo Fisher Scientific eCommerce Solutions LLC , Thermo Fisher Senior Canada Holdings LLC, Thermo Foundation Inc., Thermo Gamma-Metrics Holdings Pty Ltd., Thermo Gamma-Metrics LLC, Thermo Gamma-Metrics Pty Ltd, Thermo Holding European Operations LLC, Thermo Hypersil Ltd, Thermo Hypersil-Keystone LLC, Thermo Informatics Asia Pacific Pty Ltd., Thermo Instrument Controls de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Thermo Kevex X-Ray LLC, Thermo Keytek LLC, Thermo LabSystems Inc., Thermo LabSystems S.A., Thermo Life Science International Trading (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Thermo Life Sciences AB, Thermo Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo MF Physics LLC, Thermo Measurement Ltd, Thermo Measuretech Canada Inc., Thermo Neslab LLC, Thermo Nicolet Limited, Thermo Onix Limited, Thermo Optek (Australia) Pty Ltd., Thermo Optek Limited, Thermo Optek S.A., Thermo Orion Inc., Thermo Portable Holdings LLC, Thermo Power Corporation, Thermo Process Instruments GP LLC, Thermo Process Instruments L.P., Thermo Projects Limited, Thermo Quest S.A., Thermo Radiometrie Limited, Thermo Ramsey Italia S.r.l., Thermo Ramsey LLC, Thermo Ramsey S.A., Thermo Re Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Pte Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Sdn Bhd, Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc., Thermo Scientific Services Inc., Thermo Securities Corporation, Thermo Sentron Canada Inc., Thermo Sentron Limited, Thermo Shandon Inc., Thermo Shandon Limited, Thermo Suomi Holding B.V., Thermo TLH (UK) Limited, Thermo TLH L.P., Thermo Trace Pty Ltd., Thermo-Fisher Biochemical Product (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ThermoLase LLC, ThermoSpectra Limited, Trek Diagnostic Systems LLC, Trek Diagnostic Systems Ltd., Trek Holding Company II Ltd., Trek Holding Company Ltd., Trex Medical Corporation, USB Corporation, Union Lab Supplies Limited, United Diagnostics Inc., VG Systems Limited, Westover Scientific Inc., ZAO PE Biosystems, eBioscience GmbH, eBioscience Ltd, eBioscience SAS, and picoSpin LLC. There is not enough analysis data for BlackRock MuniEnhanced Fund. 4.7 Community Rank Outperform Votes BlackRock MuniEnhanced Fund has received 105 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes BlackRock MuniEnhanced Fund has received 46 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment BlackRock MuniEnhanced Fund has received 69.54% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about BlackRock MuniEnhanced Fund and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe MEN will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe MEN will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next According to analysts' consensus price target of C$0.48, Nevada Copper has a forecasted downside of 29.4% from its current price of C$0.68. Nevada Copper has received a consensus rating of Buy. The company's average rating score is 2.67, and is based on 2 buy ratings, 1 hold rating, and no sell ratings. 5.0 Community Rank Outperform Votes Nevada Copper has received 340 outperform votes. (Add your outperform vote.) Underperform Votes Nevada Copper has received 89 underperform votes. (Add your underperform vote.) Community Sentiment Nevada Copper has received 79.25% outperform votes from our community. MarketBeat's community ratings are surveys of what our community members think about Nevada Copper and other stocks. Vote Outperform if you believe NCU will outperform the S&P 500 over the long term. Vote Underperform if you believe NCU will underperform the S&P 500 over the long term. You may vote once every thirty days. Previous Next It is our turn to say thank you. The readers of this newspaper and its related publications and websites in the tri-county area have overwhelmed us with generosity in responding to our Operation Holiday program to provide gifts and food for families in need at Christmastime. The fundraising for this years campaign stands at $111,575, and donations continue to come... BT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. Its Business and Public Sector segment provides fixed voice, mobility, fiber and connectivity, and networked IT services to retailers, utilities, public sector, healthcare, sports, construction, finance, and educational sectors. The company's Global Services segment offers business communications and ICT services comprising BT Connect, BT Security, BT One, BT Contact, BT Compute, BT Advise, and BT for financial markets. This segment serves approximately 5,500 customers in 180 countries. Its Wholesale and Ventures segment enables communications providers and other organizations to provide fixed or mobile phone services. Its ventures provide mass-market services, such as directory enquiries and payphones; and enterprise services comprising BT Fleet and BT Redcare. This segment also provides broadband and Ethernet, voice, hosted communication, mobile virtual network operator, managed solutions, machine-to-machine, roaming, and media services. The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Invesco BulletShares 2022 Corporate Bond ETF's stock was trading at $21.36 on March 11th, 2020 when COVID-19 reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization. Since then, BSCM stock has increased by 0.1% and is now trading at $21.39. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Invesco Zacks Mid-Cap ETF's stock was trading at $61.23 on March 11th, 2020 when Coronavirus reached pandemic status according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, CZA stock has increased by 54.0% and is now trading at $94.2710. View which stocks have been most impacted by COVID-19. Premier African Minerals Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the mining, exploration, evaluation, development, and investment of natural resource properties on the African continent. The company explores for tungsten, lithium, tantalum, fluorspar, xenotime, zinc, nickel, uranium, gold, specialty minerals, limestone, potash and limestone, and rare earth metals. It holds interests in various properties located in Zimbabwe, Togo, Benin, and Mozambique. The company was formerly known as G&B African Resources Limited and changed its name to Premier African Minerals Limited in April 2012. Premier African Minerals Limited was founded in 2007 and is based in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Read More 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. Vivint Solar, Inc. provides distributed solar energy primarily to residential customers in the United States. It owns and installs solar energy systems through long-term customer contracts. The company also sells photovoltaic installation products, as well as solar renewable energy certificates. As of December 31, 2019, it had an aggregate capacity of 1,294.0 megawatts covering approximately 188,300 homes. The company was formerly known as V Solar Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to Vivint Solar, Inc. in April 2014. Vivint Solar, Inc. was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Lehi, Utah. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Eli Lilly and: 1096401 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, ARMO BioSciences Inc, ARMO Bioscience, Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Alnara Pharmaceuticals, Alnara Pharmaceuticals Inc., Andean Technical Operations Center, Applied Molecular Evolution Inc., AurKa Pharma, Avid Radiopharmaceuticals, Avid Radiopharmaceuticals Inc., ChemGen, CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, CoLucid Pharmaceuticals Inc., Dermira, Devices for Vascular Intervention(DVI), Disarm Therapeutics, Dista Ilac Ticaret Ltd. Sti., Dista S.A., Dista-Produtos Quimicos & Farmaceuticos LDA, ELCO Dominicana SRL, ELCO Insurance Company Limited, ELCO Management Inc., ELCO for Trade and Marketing S.A.E., ELGO Insurance Company Limited, Elanco Animal Health Ireland Limited, Elanco Switzerland Holding Sarl, Eli Lilly (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Eli Lilly (Philippines) Incorporated, Eli Lilly (S.A.) (Proprietary) Limited, Eli Lilly (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Eli Lilly (Suisse) S.A., Eli Lilly Asia Inc., Eli Lilly Asia Pacific SSC Sdn Bhd, Eli Lilly Australia Pty. Limited, Eli Lilly B-H d.o.o., Eli Lilly Benelux S.A., Eli Lilly Bienes y Servicios S de RL de CV, Eli Lilly CR s.r.o., Eli Lilly Canada Inc., Eli Lilly Cork Limited, Eli Lilly Danmark A/S, Eli Lilly Egypt for Trading, Eli Lilly European Clinical Trial Services SA, Eli Lilly Export S.A., Eli Lilly Finance S.A., Eli Lilly Ges.m.b.H., Eli Lilly Group Limited, Eli Lilly Holdings Ltd., Eli Lilly Hrvatska d.o.o., Eli Lilly Interamerica Inc., Eli Lilly Interamerica Inc. y Compania Limitada, Eli Lilly International Corporation, Eli Lilly Ireland Holdings Limited, Eli Lilly Israel Ltd., Eli Lilly Italia S.p.A., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., Eli Lilly Kinsale Limited, Eli Lilly Nederland B.V., Eli Lilly Nigeria Ltd., Eli Lilly Norge A.S., Eli Lilly Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd., Eli Lilly Polska Sp.z.o.o. (Ltd.), Eli Lilly Regional Operations GmbH, Eli Lilly Romania SRL, Eli Lilly S.A., Eli Lilly Saudi Arabia Limited, Eli Lilly Services Inc, Eli Lilly Services India Private Limited, Eli Lilly Slovakia s.r.o., Eli Lilly Sweden AB, Eli Lilly Vostok S.A. Geneva, Eli Lilly and Company, Eli Lilly and Company (India) Pvt. Ltd., Eli Lilly and Company (Ireland) Limited, Eli Lilly and Company (N.Z.) Limited, Eli Lilly and Company (Taiwan) Inc., Eli Lilly and Company Limited, Eli Lilly de Centro America S.A., Eli Lilly do Brasil Limitada, Eli Lilly farmacevtska druzba d.o.o., Eli Lilly y Compania de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Eli Lilly y Compania de Venezuela S.A., Glycostasis Inc, Greenfield-Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Heart Rhythm Technologies Inc, Hybritech, Hypnion, ICOS Corporation, ImClone GmbH, ImClone LLC, ImClone Systems Holdings Inc., ImClone Systems LLC, Imclone Systems, Irisfarma S.A., Ivy Animal Health, Kinsale Financial Services Unlimited Company, Lilly (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd, Lilly Asia Ventures Fund I L.P., Lilly Asia Ventures Fund II L.P., Lilly Asian Ventures Fund III L.P., Lilly Cayman Holdings, Lilly China Research and Development Co. Ltd., Lilly Deutschland GmbH, Lilly France S.A.S., Lilly Global Nederland Holdings B.V., Lilly Global Services Inc., Lilly Holding GmbH, Lilly Holdings B.V., Lilly Hungaria KFT, Lilly Japan Financing G.K., Lilly Korea Ltd., Lilly Nederland Finance B.V., Lilly Nederland Finance B.V. - GCC, Lilly Nederland Holding B.V., Lilly Pharma Ltd., Lilly Portugal - Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Lilly S.A., Lilly Suzhou Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Lilly Trading Co. LTD, Lilly USA LLC, Lilly Ventures Fund I LLC, Lilly del Caribe Inc., Lilly ilac ticaret limited sirketi, Lohmann Animal Health, Loxo Oncology, Lylly Centre for Clinical Pharmacology PTE. LTD., Novartis Animal Health, OY Eli Lilly Finland AB, Origin Medsystems, PT. Eli Lilly Indonesia, Pacific Biotech, Pharmaserve-Lilly S.A.C.I., Physio-Control, SGX Pharmaceuticals, SGX Pharmaceuticals Inc, Spaly Bioquimica S.A., UAB Eli Lilly Lietuva, Valquifarma S.A., and Vital Pharma Productos Farmaceuticos. The seemingly never-ending rain has led to flooding in parts of the region, including in Trenton. The intersection of Fish Hatchery Road and Clemons Road off Route 12 showed signs of flooding Friday afternoon. Officials remind people to never drive through flooded roadways because you don't know if the pavement is washed out below. And in Floyd there was ponding on Route 365. This is right near the "Inside Scoop" ice cream shop and the Sunoco gas station. Workers from the state Department of Transportation were monitoring the situation and directing traffic away from the flooding. FOUNTAIN COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) Officers are looking for the man responsible for a bank robbery in Fountain County. It happened Friday in Hillsboro just before 5:00 p.m. The suspect description given by the Fountain County Sheriff's Office and Indiana State Police is a man around 6 feet tall. They said he was wearing a construction vest, hard hat and a mask. All of their information came from the one witness and the bank employees who were inside when it happened. They said the man told the teller he had a gun but never showed one, he did get away with some cash. Jay Estes was working at Myer's Dinner Theater in Hillsboro when he heard the Centre Bank across the street had been robbed. "I've lived here for 18 years and we've never had anything like this," said Estes. "I talk to the teller that was robbed everyday because I take the deposits over and I know she's shook up and I can't talk to her right now and that bothers me." He's not the only one bothered by the incident. "Yeah it was very shocking in a small community you know, we know we're susceptible to it but not usually in your backyard," said Fountain County Sheriff Terry Holt. Holt believes the size of the town could be an advantage in this situation. "It might go unsolved for a while but a lot of times people start talking and I'm hoping that's what happens here." Estes has already seen evidence of that. "Everybody was calling around hey is this anybody you know, anybody you know and immediately people started coming out and sending messages to everybody, everybody was checking their houses so we're all on alert," said Estes. Holt said that will be a huge help but that's not all law enforcement is banking on. "We tracked for just a little bit but because it was a hard surface the dogs have a hard time picking up a scent, we're interviewing people we've got state police on scene, we have a state police detective on scene looking for finger prints and taking pictures," said Sheriff Holt. Holt hopes the large police presence in the small town sends a message, but just in case Estes has this one on behalf of Hillsboro. "Don't do this in our town because we will find you one way or another," said Estes. No one was hurt during the robbery. If you have any information, you're asked to call the Fountain County Sheriff's Office or Indiana State Police. Ott Tanak stretched his Copec Rally Chile lead to more than half a minute during Saturday mornings cluster of three special stages. Stage info: SS8/9 SS8: Maria Las Cruces 1, 23.09km Maria Las Cruces runs south to north along the Nahuelbuta mountain range at one of the highest points of the Arauco area. The road is wide for most of the way with plenty of fast bends and jumps before it becomes straighter near the finish. Its uphill from start to finish and little tree cover means crews can see the challenge ahead. A drivers dream! SS9: Pelun 1, 16.59km This is a classic forest stage of Chilean rallying. It begins with a fast section on a wide road before dropping downhill from 9km through tight hairpins to finish at the Biobio river, the countrys second biggest waterway. There are breathtaking views overlooking the river en route to the finish. Likely to be one of the fastest stages of the rally. After posting second fastest time in the opening Rio Lia speed test, the Estonian was third in Maria Las Cruces before winning the final Pelun stage in his Toyota Yaris. He returned to service in Concepcion with a 34.6sec advantage over Sebastien Ogier. A relaxed Tanak, grateful that conditions in the three tests sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Biobio river were easier than yesterday, was the only top driver to choose two spare wheels. It was the safe choice. Weve never done these stages before and didnt know what was going to happen. Today is all about managing the stages. They were quite smooth but tricky, and were happy were through the first loop, he said. Ogier had a troublefree morning but was searching for more pace from his Citroen C3. Im not happy with the speed. We were not on the pace we wanted to be. Its important to be consistent but we dont have the speed to win the rally and thats not good, he said. The battle for the final podium place was boiling up nicely, with Sebastien Loeb hitting top form. He won Maria Las Cruces in his Hyundai i20 and finished second in Pelun, just two-tenths slower than Tanak, to close to within 1.1sec of Jari-Matti Latvalas Yaris. Thierry Neuville climbed into third after winning Rio Lia but the Belgian crashed violently in the next test, his i20 rolling several times after a crest. He and co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul were taken to hospital but happily checks revealed no more than bruising. M-Sport Ford team-mates Elfyn Evans and Teemu Suninen completed the top six in Ford Fiestas. Esapekka Lappi demoted Andreas Mikkelsen to hold seventh, a cautious Mikkelsen focused on scoring manufacturer points for Hyundai Motorsport following Neuvilles demise. WRC 2 Pro leader Kalle Rovanpera and Mads stberg completed the leaderboard. Kris Meeke continued at a strong pace after his opening stage roll. He completed the next two tests with no windscreen in his Yaris, but the car handled well enough for the Briton to go fourth-fastest in both. He was 11th. Also in trouble was Lorenzo Bertelli, who dropped more than 30sec after a slow roll in his Fiesta in Pelun. Head to WRC+ to watch All Live from Copec Rally Chile, including every stage broadcast live, breaking service park news and expert studio analysis. VIDEO More News On Thursday afternoon, the Algerian government controlled by army General Ahmed Gaid Salah arrested Workers Party (PT) General Secretary Louisa Hanoune and imprisoned her following a military tribunal hearing. She is reportedly charged with attacking the authority of the army and conspiracy against the authority of the state. The Socialist Equality Party condemns Hanounes arrest and detention, which are baseless and for which the army presented no evidence. The armys goal is to terrorize far broader opposition among workers and youth, by sending a signal that the army can deal ruthlessly with anyoneeven figures with close ties to the regime, like Hanoune. It is a warning that Salah is preparing a crackdown on protests that have seen millions of workers and youth take to the streets each week to demand the fall of the regime. Hanoune had been summoned to appear before a military tribunal to testify as a witness in the trial of Said Bouteflika, the brother of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the former longtime president, when she was detained. Abdelaziz Bouteflika was removed in March on Salahs orders, in an unsuccessful effort to put an end to the protests that began on February 22, propelled by anger over social inequality and unemployment. Saids trial followed a string of arrests of top figures in the Bouteflika regime and the intelligence services over the past two weeks. On Monday, General Mohamed Mediene, known as Toufik, who led the Department of Intelligence and Security for 25 years; and his former deputy and successor, General Athmane Tartag, known as Bashir, faced trial along with Said. A week earlier, five billionaires close to the Bouteflika inner circle were arrested on corruption charges, along with Isaad Rebrab, the countrys richest individual (and ninth richest person in Africa, according to Bloomberg) and founder and chairman of Cevital, Algerias largest private company. These arrests were aimed at settling accounts between rival, reactionary factions of the regime, as well as projecting a false image of democratic reform. Hanoune was arrested after making limited criticisms of Salah and the military, warning that the latter could launch a bloody coup like that launched in 2013 by Egyptian General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi against the revolutionary struggles of the Egyptian working class. Last Saturday, after Salah demanded that the population support the fraudulent, military-run transition he is leading, Hanoune warned of an Egyptian situation. She noted, Once in power, [Egyptian dictator Abdel] al-Sisi ordered the imprisonment of even the naive people among the activists and political parties who supported him, believing that the army would open a true democracy The SEPs opposition to Hanounes arrest in no way modifies our principled political opposition to Hanoune and the Workers Party. The PT has long supported the ruling National Liberation Front (FLN), and Hanoune defended Abdelaziz Bouteflika as the protests began in February, absurdly claiming they were not aimed at Bouteflika. This long record of political collaboration with the regime has deeply discredited the PT among workers and youth in Algeria. Hanounes perspective of demanding a constituent assembly to rewrite the Algerian constitution promotes the fatal illusion that the regime is capable of conducting a democratic self-reform. Her promotion of this perspective works to prevent the growing protests from developing in the direction of a genuinely socialist struggle of the working class for state power. Media reports over the past three weeks have noted a marked increase in slogans directed against the military and Salah, including, No to the Egyptian solution, Salah, get out! and Algeria is un-Sisi-able. Algerian protesters take part in an anti-government demonstration in the capital Algiers on May 3 Mass protests against the regime have escalated since Bouteflikas removal. Thousands marched yesterday in Algiers, Oran, Setif, Constantine and other major cities throughout the country for the twelfth successive Friday protest, and the first since the beginning of the month of Ramadan. The protesters reject the calling of new presidential elections on July 4, which are being overseen by longtime close Bouteflika allies, interim president Abdelkader Bensalah and prime minister Noureddine Bedoui. We will not give up. The battle will continue, a 37-year-old school teacher, marching with his wife and two children, told Reuters. The military has thus far held back from carrying out a bloody crackdown on the protests, fearful that this will only intensify the movement against the government. But such actions are undoubtedly being discussed and prepared by the officer corps. On Wednesday, the militarys official organ El-Djeich published a statement warning against what it called a Machiavellian plan and vile conspiracy against the government. The plans concocted by a handful of conspirators will inevitably fail, including the one seeking to break the cohesion between the people and its military, the statement alleged. It denounced small groups who it claimed seek to take control of the popular movement and lead it toward serving their own immediate interests by proclaiming themselves as spokespeople for the population, in order to sow confusion. On Monday, the public broadcaster censored a program due to be broadcast on Canal Algerie that afternoon, which would reportedly have criticized the military-backed transition. The escalating repression has elicited not a peep of criticism from France, other major imperialist powers in Europe or the United Statesall of which expressed their support for the regime. The Macron government in France is terrified that a revolutionary movement of the Algerian working class could spread to France itself, which is home to an Algerian diaspora of millions, amid growing struggles of French workers against austerity and inequality. The growing opposition to the military in the working class, and the denunciations of an Egyptian solution, show that the experience of the Egyptian military coup following the 2011 revolution that overthrew Hosni Mubarak has entered into popular consciousness internationally. The task, however, is to draw the necessary political conclusions from this experience. Despite conducting a heroic struggle to bring down Mubarak, the working class was prevented from taking political power in its own hands and politically subordinated to different bourgeois parties. This was due above all to the role of the Revolutionary Socialists party, whose political gyrations throughout the revolution were conditioned by their determination to channel workers behind one or another section of the bourgeoisiefirst, the military-led transition government, later, the Muslim Brotherhood, and then, in 2013, the bourgeois allies of the army as Sisi prepared his coup. The experience in Egypt confirmed in the negative Leon Trotskys Theory of Permanent Revolution, which explains that in countries of a belated capitalist development, the bourgeoisie, tied to imperialism, is incapable of establishing a democratic regime. The task of struggling for democratic rights falls to the working class, drawing behind it the rural oppressed in a struggle for socialism. The central task in Algeria remains the construction of a Trotskyist vanguard party fighting for this perspective. On May 3, to mark World Press Freedom Day, the British High Commission in New Zealand co-hosted an event with the Canadian High Commission and the NZ Institute of International Affairs at the parliament in Wellington. UK High Commissioner Laura Clarke moderated a panel discussion involving Newshub reporter Tova OBrien, Politik blogger Richard Harman and opposition National Party MP Nicola Young. Like similar events in the US and Britain, the Wellington panel made a travesty of the ostensible topic of press freedom. This was starkly revealed towards the end. Alex Hills, from the group Free Assange New Zealand, stood up to denounce the hypocrisy of the panel, which had not once mentioned the arrest and imprisonment of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange by British policethe most significant and brazen attack on journalism in recent history. Wellington Free Press event NZ Parliament: Wheres Julian? The award-winning journalist was confined for almost seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy before being arrested by British police on April 11, after the Ecuadorian illegally overturned his asylum. Assange is now threatened with extradition to the US for the crime of publishing leaked documents exposing US war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Washingtons corrupt and thuggish diplomacy throughout the world. Whistleblower Chelsea Manning, the source of the leaks, has also been imprisoned in the US for refusing to testify against WikiLeaks. She has just been released but faces a new court subpoena and further imprisonment. Hills said: Weve focused on lies in social media but not those in [the mainstream media]. I want to point out the brazen hypocrisy of World Press Freedom Day being hosted by the UK government at this dark time. Julian Assange is being persecuted by war criminals, and the corrupt that he exposed are still sitting in positions of power in the government on both sides of the aisle as well as within much of the media. Imagine the precedent Trump is setting, that any country could extradite any foreign journalist or publisher and make them subject to draconian laws, possibly the death penalty, just because they published truths about that governments war crimes. Imagine if that state is Saudi Arabia. Hills called on the worlds media to stand by their award-winning colleague and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee. End the smears and lies about an anti-war hero! You want to know how to get people trusting the media more? Tell the truth. Stop delivering a one-sided, government-sanctioned narrative. That is what is going on here. Hills indictment prompted an extremely hostile response from the panel. Clarke, speaking on behalf of the UK government, declared that Assange had to be held to account and to justice and its not, I would say, a media freedom issue. According to this Orwellian interpretation of media freedom, journalists and publishers must be punished for reporting the truth about the crimes of governments. Harman, a well-known political blogger in Wellington, gave a thoroughly disgraceful response to Hills, stating: I think Luke Harding [of the UK Guardian] has done quite a lot on this question of whether [Assange] is a journalist or not, and has concluded that he is not. Harding has written scurrilous pieces against WikiLeaks and Assange. In an attempt to smear Assange as a supporter of US President Trump, Harding co-authored a report that Assange had met with Paul Manafort, Trumps one-time campaign manager. The article was quickly exposed as a pack of lies, but was not retracted by the Guardian. The newspaper, along with the corporate media as a whole, viciously attacked WikiLeaks for publishing leaked emails showing that the Democratic National Committee sought to rig the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries in favour of Hillary Clinton. The leaks also revealed Clintons close ties to Wall Street banks and her support for imperialist war. Hills stated that Hardings story on Manafort was a disgrace. At this point, Clarke intervened, saying: Im sorry, were not going to have any more, quite frankly, thats fine. Hills protested, What about free speech? as Clarke moved to shut down the discussion. OBrien and Young refused to comment on Assanges plight. A video of Hills speech has been widely shared and viewed thousands of times on Facebook and Twitter. It was retweeted by WikiLeaks editor Kristinn Hrafnsson with the comment: Meanwhile in New Zealand. British High Commissioner says #Assange case is not about media freedom. Also former journalist cites Luke Harding as an authority that Julian is NOT a journalist. Surreal. Government panel defending attack on press freedom on #WorldPressFreedomDay The UK High Commission has not released its own footage from the event, despite initially promising to release a highlights video. Speaking to the World Socialist Web Site, Hills said the panel discussion had included hypocritical expressions of concern about the plight of journalists in Saudi Arabia and Myanmar. Much of the event, however, focused on how to suppress so-called hate speech and extremism on social media. Really it was a discussion about: How do we get people to trust mainstream media? Were having an awful lot of trouble because people dont trust media and theres so much lies in social media, how do we censor those lies? It was crazy, Hills said. There was no mention of how the invasion of Iraq in 2003 was based on lies about weapons of mass destruction peddled by the entire corporate media and the US and British political establishment. The panelists echoed statements by the New Zealand and Australian governments, which seized on the March 15 Christchurch terrorist attacks as a pretext to demand greater censorship of discussion on the Internet. Under a new law in Australia, social media executives can face prison sentences if they fail to remove any content deemed abhorrent and violent by the government. NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will discuss other possible measures at a meeting with French President Emanuel Macron on May 15. Such laws will inevitably be used against socialist and progressive websites and bloggers and workers using social media to organise and share information, such as the yellow vest protesters in France and striking workers in New Zealand. Arderns Labour Party-led government, which includes the Green Party and NZ First, has refused to say anything in defence of Assange and Manning because they support the criminal actions of the UK and US governments. Labour has strengthened New Zealands alliance with US imperialism. It has kept troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and is supporting the build-up to war against China and North Korea. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality is holding a meeting at Victoria University of Wellington on Wednesday, May 15 at 5:15 p.m., in Student Union Building room SU220 as part of the international campaign to free Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning. We urge students and workers to attend this vitally important meeting in defence of democratic rights and free speech. Academic Noah Carl, a promoter of eugenics, was dismissed from a prestigious research fellowship at Cambridge University on May 1. His position was rescinded by St Edmunds College following determined protests by students and academics. Carl, a former postgraduate researcher at Nuffield College Oxford, was awarded a Toby Jackman Newton Trust Research Fellowship in November. His recruitment by Cambridge provoked widespread protest, with over 1,500 students and academics signing an open letter opposing his promotion of racist pseudo-science. Signatories opposed Carls appointment because his work was ethically suspect and methodologically flawed, legitimised racial stereotypes and was being used by extremist and far-right media outlets with the aim of stoking xenophobic anti-immigrant rhetoric. After appointing Carl, the college did everything possible to defend him, issuing what amounted to gag orders against its teaching staff and threatening protestors. But so great was the outcry that college administrators were forced to launch two separate investigations into his appointment. On May 1, the College Master issued a short statement that, for all its evasions, vindicated the stand taken by students. The colleges own internal investigation found that Carl had put a body of work into the public domain that did not comply with established criteria for research ethics and integrity and that his appointment could lead, directly or indirectly, to the college being used as a platform to promote views which could incite religious or racial hatred. Carls dismissal is a victory against a global campaign to revive far-right ideology on university campuses. Among his published works are those alleging that anti-migrant views are reasonably accurate as regards criminality and that having a large percentage of Muslims in the population is the cause for an alleged increased threat of terrorism. In another paper, he claimed to correlate average regional IQ with economic prosperity, heavily implying that the former (measured intelligence) is the cause of the latter (prosperity). This is a naked justification for imperialism. He has collaborated with individuals including Emil Kirkegaard, who has posited the existence of racial tiers based on alleged inherent average intelligence; with Heiner Rindermann, who argues that global inequality is the result of genetic, racial differences in intelligence; and Richard Lynn, who runs the Pioneer Fund that calls for predominantly white states of the US to secede from the union to preserve civilization. Students at St Edmunds College protesting Noah Carl's appointment Students involved in the protests at Cambridge have welcomed his dismissal. Elsie Linley, a classics student at St Edmunds College, told the WSWS, This was student-led from the very beginning. Our persistence and determination since November made this possible, and that shouldnt be forgotten. I'm humbled to have stood alongside my fellow students and I welcome this long-overdue decision from the college. It is important that they recognise how appointing him in the first place has done irreparable harm to this institution and has fanned the flames of far-right rhetoric. This is all so much bigger than one fellowship and one college." Carls dismissal has immediately evoked a storm of protest from far-right, libertarian and conservative media outlets extending from Breitbart and Spiked to the Spectator and Times. Munira Mirza, former Cultural Advisor to Boris Johnson, wrote in the Telegraph, Intolerant zealots are strangling the intellectual freedom of our universities. Toby Young, the Conservative governments appointee to head the Office for Students, forced to resign over his own attendance at the London Conference on Intelligence and promotion of progressive eugenics, wrote in the Spectator, Noah Carls only crime is being a Conservative. The right-wing libertarian publication Quillette published Cambridge Capitulates to the Mob and Fires a Young Scholar and a petition expressing disappointment with St Edmunds College for the injustice visited upon this young scholar. Its list of signatories is a whos who of international reaction. Included in that petition are the previously mentioned Heiner Rindermann; Adam Perkins, a professor at Kings College London who has written in favour of breeding out welfare dependency; Helmuth Nyborg, a Danish researcher who has argued that men are more intelligent than women, that white people tend to be more intelligent than blacks and that immigration from non-Western countries leads to a decline in the average intelligence of recipient countries; Oxford academic Nigel Biggar, who has argued for the civilizing impact of the British Empire; and American academic Charles Murray, author of the infamous The Bell Curve alleging an inherent black-white intelligence gap. At a free speech conference held at Oxford University on Thursday, Carl reportedly set out evidence on over-representation of leftwing views in British academia. The Times quotes approvingly Carls claim that There is denial and mischaracterisation of research believed to threaten certain left-wing sacred values. The organizer of the conference, the above-mentioned Nigel Biggar, is Regius Professor of Moral and Pastoral Theology at Oxford. He told the Times he wants to create a counter-spiral against cultural left extremism. Yesterday, the Times carried three separate articles defending Carl, including an editorial claiming he is the latest victim of an authoritarian leftism that has taken hold at many British universities. The editorial explicitly defends Carls pseudo-scientific research linking crime to specific ethnic groups. Pointing to Carls published work connecting cousin-marriage and electoral fraud among Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities the editorial baldly asserts, It may be there is no such link, but researching the possibility of one is a fitting task for a social scientist. By the logic of Mr Carl's critics, the editorial continues, The Timess own groundbreaking investigations into the link between Anglo-Pakistani communities and the sexual abuse of children in several northern cities must be denounced as ethically suspect. The fierce backlash from powerful sections of the state and far-right groups to Carls dismissal points to the underlying political significance of events at Cambridge. Noah Carl was a rising star in a network of fascistic ideologues of inequality and racial superiority. His appointment at one of the worlds most renowned universities was a major step in the campaign underway to secure bastions in academia from which to promote far-right politics. Those involved in hiring and protecting Carl at Cambridge were accomplices in this process. It is telling that the full report from the investigations held at Cambridge are yet to be published. As the International Youth and Students for Social Equality explained at its meeting held in Cambridge earlier this year, The return of eugenics and Social Darwinism is the product of immense shifts in social forces and powerful ruling-class interests, which demand an ever-more right-wing intellectual climate An advance guard is therefore being formed in sections of academia to force far-right nostrums back into public discourse. Six lives were lost to a fire that ravaged a Harlem, New York City apartment early Wednesday morning, including those of four young children and their mother. The six-room apartment, on the fifth floor of a seven-story building on Seventh Avenue near 142nd Street, caught fire at about 1:40 am. Firefighters found Andrea Pollidore, 45, her adult son, Matt Abdularaph, 32, and her younger childrenNakiyra, 11; Andre, 8; Brooklyn, 6; and Eljah, 3unresponsive in two back bedrooms. They were pronounced dead at the scene. In addition, three people suffered minor injuries due to smoke inhalation as residents of the building were forced to evacuate. There was so much smoke, you couldnt even see, said Geraldo Morales, 55, who fled down the fire escape with his 75-year-old mother. The Pollidore family was unable to escape the inferno because the apartment was constructed with the kitchen, where the fire began, next to the front door, while the bedrooms were the farthest rooms from the windows and the fire escape. Multiple neighbors reported that they heard the children screaming for their lives after the flames burst through the four windows of the apartment, where they left long black marks like four fingers reaching up the corner of the building. It reportedly took nearly two hours for about 100 firefighters to bring the blaze under control. The 109-year-old apartment building is one of forty Frederick E. Samuel Houses, public housing operated by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). It failed an inspection by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in February 2017. While NYCHA reported that smoke alarms in the building were tested and approved in January 2019, the failure to rouse the tenants in time to escape is as yet unexplained, as is the seemingly rapid spread of the fire. Investigators have theorized that the fire began after Pollidore fell asleep while something was cooking on the stove. Local news media were quick to place blame on her without specific evidence. A photograph of Pollidore in scrubs and a white coat suggests that she was a hospital worker, a position with long and irregular hours that might explain why she was cooking so early in the morning and why she may have fallen asleep. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio made a routine statement. As a father, just thinking about, you know, yesterday evening four children went to bed and theyre gone now. Its very, very painful, de Blasio said. [O]ur hearts and our prayers need to be with this family. Raven Reyes, a 27-year-old surviving daughter of Pollidore, said that her mother had suffered from memory loss and first-degree burns after escaping a previous fire in a Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn brownstone in 2013. She fought to remember her first kids, to have more kids, to graduate from college, to get her nursing degree, associates degree, Reyes said. She did that for us. While the specific cause of the fire is yet to be determined, decades of official neglect and severe budget cuts at all levels of government have created virtually unlivable conditions for the approximately 400,000 working-class residents in NYCHA housing. Critically important repairs often take months or even years to be completed. The deplorable and dangerous conditions under which NYCHAs tenants are forced to live were illustrated by a recent local media report that three buildings on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, containing nearly two dozen apartments, have been without gas for six months. One of the residents, Willie Wiggins, told CBS, Everybodys suffering right now cause you cant cook, cant cook a decent meal. This is by no means an isolated incident. It was reported earlier this year that NYCHA residents in the Bronx had gone without heat for a decade. Tenants who are forced to employ improvised means for heating and cooking face a substantially increased danger of accidental fires. A recent report by the Regional Plan Association concluded that if objective evaluations were conducted by health and safety investigatorswhich has not been the casea significant proportion of the NYCHA system would likely be declared uninhabitable. Current estimates of the cost of necessary repairs and upgrades run in the neighborhood of $45 billion. The critical shortage of decent, affordable housing in New York and across the country forces millions of workers and their families to live in overcrowded, unsafe homes owned by landlords whose top priority is profit rather than the safety and well-being of their tenants. One result is that nationwide more than 2,300 home fire deaths were reported last year, up from 2,152 the previous year. Indeed, it is remarkable that such tragic fires and other deadly incidents do not occur even more frequently. Deadly fires and other such tragedies are the inevitable result of the capitalist system, and the extreme social inequality it generates, denying workers the right to decent, affordable, and safe housing. The authors also recommend: Deadly Bronx fire: A tragic product of inequality and social crisis in America [30 December 2017] US fire death toll in 2017 reaches 2,152 [23 December 2017] On Thursday, an indictment by the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was unsealed against former intelligence officer Daniel Everett Hale, 31, who was charged with multiple counts of violating the Espionage Act including illegally obtaining secret US government documents and giving them to a journalist. No reporter or news organization was named in the indictment. However, important details indicate that the journalist is Jeremy Scahill and the publisher is the Intercept. In October 2015, the Intercept published an eight-part series of articles by Scahill called The Drone Papers, based on a cache of top-secret slide presentations provided by an anonymous source. The series revealed to the public that the Pentagon has been conducting drone-based warfare for more than a decade and that President Barack Obama had been running a drone assassination program out of the White House since at least 2011. In one segment of the series called Find, Fix, Finish, the Intercept reported that between January 2011 and June 2012, drone strikes killed three US citizens in Yemen, including the radical preacher Anwar al Awlaki, his friend Samir Khan and his 16-year-old son Abdulrahman Awlaki. Reported on by the World Socialist Web Site at the time, the Intercept expose showed that, under the guise of fighting the war on terror, two drone assassination programs were operated in parallel by the Pentagon and CIA to kill specific individuals in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia and Iraq. In the series, Scahill explained that the Democratic Party administration of President Obama had rebranded assassination as targeted killing. Among the details exposed in the leaked documents was that 90 percent of the people killed in the criminal drone strikes were not the targeted individuals. The documents also revealed the step-by-step procedurewith flow charts, graphs and pie chartsby which individuals were identified for killing and moved through a process dubbed the kill chain. With the final death order given by President Obama himself, the individuals were placed into the targeting cycle, a two-month window in which the US military has the authority to carry through the assassination. Hale, who is from Nashville, Tennessee, was arrested on Thursday morning and appeared in federal court later that day to face the five charges against him that each carry a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. US Magistrate Judge Alistair Newbern ordered Hale released under pretrial supervision pending a hearing on May 17 in Alexandria, Virginia. According to the indictment, Hale was in the US Air Force from 2009 to 2013 and received language and intelligence training. Between 2011 and 2013, he was reassigned to work for the National Security Agency, was deployed to Afghanistan as an intelligence analyst and received Top Secret and Sensitive Compartment Information security clearances. While on assignment in Afghanistan at the Joint Special Operations Task Force at Bagram Airbase, Hale participated in the identification of assassination targets. After his discharge from the Air Force, he was employed by the defense contractor Leidos and was assigned to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), a combat support agency under the US Department of Defense. The criminal charges against Hale relate to activitieshis online searches, his text messages to a friend, his email messages, phone calls and meetings with a reporter and his printing of documents from an NGA computerthat are alleged to have taken place between April 2013 and August 2014. Since 2013, Hale has spoken out publicly against the national intelligence state and the drone wars of both the Obama and Trump administrations. He was a featured speaker at a November 2013 Drone Summit in Washington, DC and at a January 2014 rally outside the White House where he called for the closure of the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay. The timing of the decision to indict Hale is connected to the offensive of the Trump Administration against the journalist and WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange and courageous whistleblower Chelsea Manning. Assange is facing extradition to the US on a bogus hacking charge and Manning was just released after two months in jail for refusing to testify before a secret grand jury empaneled to bring additional charges against Assange. Manning may return to jail as soon as next week as she faces a new grand jury subpoena. Jesselyn Radack, an attorney representing Hale who specializes in cases of whistleblowers, said the Trump administration is escalating a toxic trend that began under the Obama administration of aggressively prosecuting people like her client. If you look at the charges, what hes accused of is classic whistleblowing. He contacted a reporter about a matter of extreme importance thats been shrouded in secrecy, Radack said. In an official statement, the Intercepts Editor Betsy Reed wrote that the exposure of targeted drone assassinations is of vital public importance, and activity related to their disclosure is protected by the First Amendment. The alleged whistleblower faces up to 50 years in prison. No one has ever been held accountable for killing civilians in drone strikes. The Eastern District of Virginia is the same federal prosecutors office that filed criminal charges against Julian Assange as well as against the former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. Hale is now the sixth whistleblower indicted since the Trump administration took office in January 2017. Appearing on the television program Democracy Now!, the former New York Times reporter and current National Security Correspondent at the Intercept James Risen said, Donald Trump has taken the war on the press that George Bush and Barack Obama started and has now escalated it beyond anything that we have ever seen. Risen added, They are going back over every possible leak they can find, over every old open case and trying to escalate things beyond what Obama did. You saw that with the Julian Assange case. The message that they are sending is that talking to a reporter is the same as talking to a spy. Its [Espionage Act] a very crude weapon to try and silence people. The principled stand taken by Hale to expose the murderous actions of the White House and Pentagon must be defended by all workers and young people as a fundamental question of democratic rights. Without the exposures provided by Manning, Snowden and Hale and their publication by WikiLeaks and the Intercept, the world would not know about many of the war crimes or mass electronic surveillance conducted in secret by the US government. The indictment and arrest of Daniel Hale is an attempt by the Trump administration and the US military-intelligence establishment to intimidate and silence anyone who dares to tell the truth about American imperialism. As new wars, military interventions and regime change operations are being prepared against Iran, Venezuela, North Korea and elsewhere, those who have exposed previous crimes are now being prosecuted in an effort to prevent the exposure of even greater crimes that are being prepared. Former Labor Party prime ministers Bob Hawke and Paul Keating issued a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday, touting their record of modernising the Australian economy through a frontal onslaught on the working class and calling for the election of a Labor government. Their intervention into the final stages of the campaign for the May 18 federal election was part of a broader attempt by Labor to pitch itself to the ruling elite as the party most capable of forming a stable government, committed to the dictates of big business, amid an accelerating slowdown of the Australian economy. It was particularly striking, given that the two former prime ministers have reportedly had very little contact with each other and have scarcely shared a platform for the past three decades. Keating ousted Hawke as prime minister in an acrimonious leadership spill in 1991. Their statement centred on a denunciation of Liberal-National Prime Minister Scott Morrisons fallacious claim that Labor cant manage the economy. Hawke and Keating declared such arguments were a blatant denial of history. Morrison, they wrote, knows the design and structure of the modern Australian economy was put in place exclusively by the Labor Party. He was advancing the dubious proposition that Labor cant manage its own creation. The statement was another signal that a Labor government would carry out sweeping cuts to social spending and oversee stepped-up attacks against jobs, wages and working conditions. The legacy that Hawke and Keating were hailing, and that has been invoked repeatedly by current Labor leader Bill Shorten, was the biggest pro-business overhaul of the Australian economy in history. In office from 1983 to 1996, the Hawke and Keating governments, working with the trade unions, implemented a similar free market agenda to that imposed by the right-wing governments of Margaret Thatcher in Britain and Ronald Reagan in the United States. In the 1980s, the Hawke government signed a series of Accords with big business and the unions. These provided for the deregulation of vast swathes of the economy. This was in line with the demands of the financial elite that labour and operating costs be driven down to ensure that Australian business remained internationally competitive so as to attract globally-mobile capital. The Accords were responsible for the destruction of hundreds of thousands of jobs across manufacturing and the greatest transfer of wealth from the working class to the corporate elite in Australian history. Entire industries were decimated, with Hawkes steel and car plans leading directly to the axing of 20,000 positions. Hundreds of thousands more jobs were destroyed as a flow-on effect, with the Accords setting in motion the union-enforced destruction of the Australia car industry and a drastic reduction in steel production. At the same time, the highest income tax rate was slashed from 60 to 36 percent. Privatisations were carried out, including of Australian Airlines, Qantas and the Commonwealth Bank. Other state-owned services, including the telecommunications firm Telstra, were corporatised and deregulated, to prepare them to be sold-off. In the 1990s, the Keating government, with the full backing of the unions, introduced enterprise bargaining, dividing workers, employer-by-employer, and tying wages to the speedup and profit demands of their individual companies. Enterprise bargaining has been used by the companies and the unions to enforce an endless series of regressive agreements providing for the gutting of jobs, wages and working conditions. In other words, when Hawke and Keating lay claim to credit for the modern economy, they are referring to a program imposed by Labor which has led to an unprecedented growth of precarious, insecure employment, poverty and social misery in working-class suburbs and the rise and rise of the wealth and power of the financial sector. Hawke and Keating identified Shorten as the inheritor of this legacy, declaring that the Liberal-National Coalition had completely given up the economic reform agenda and that Shorten's Labor is the only party of government focused on the need to modernise the economy. The statement coincided with a series of signals, from Labor, to the financial elite that it could be counted on to impose the austerity demands of big business. At Labors official election launch on Sunday, Shorten stressed what he claimed was unprecedented unity within Labor. This was a pitch to frustration within the ruling elite over the inability of the deeply-divided governments of the past decade to impose the dictates of big business. At the final leaders debate on Wednesday, Shorten touted his role as a union official in telling workers that they could only have so much but no more and that they would need to accept workplace changes to ensure profitability. He also expressed his pride over Labors role in the persecution and indefinite detention of asylum seekers. Further evidence of Labors pro-business program was provided yesterday by the release of its budget costings, forecasting a four-year surplus $17 billion higher than that being claimed by the Coalition over four years. This demonstrates that Labors vague claims that it will boost funding to healthcare and other essential services are bogus, and that the party is committed to sweeping cuts to spending. Hawke and Keatings intervention expresses the concern within the political establishment, over mounting social anger within the working class. The elevation of both figures was bound up with the response of the ruling elite to the period of mass social and political struggles internationally, including in Australia, from 1968 to 1975. Hawke, as the president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), had played a crucial role in politically suppressing mass opposition to the 1975 ousting of Labor Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in a political coup by the governor-general. Dominant sections of the ruling elite had turned against Whitlam, after concluding he was no longer able to control the huge increase in working-class strikes and struggles. Hawke oversaw the restructuring of the Labor Party over the following period, to enable it to play the role that it did in the 1980s in imposing a counter-offensive against the working class, hand-in-hand with the unions and big business. Now, there is a growing recognition within the ruling elite that amid an upsurge of the working class internationally, and a worsening deterioration of the Australian economy, that mass social struggles are inevitable. At Labors conference last year, ACTU secretary Sally McManus warned of a looming tsunami of social discontent. Shorten declared that Labors main opponent was distrust and disengagement, scepticism and cynicism, i.e., among workers and young people. Hawke and Keating, as decades-long defenders of capitalism, are, in effect, calling for the election of a Labor government, backed by the unions, to prevent these sentiments from erupting in mass struggles and above all, to forestall their development into a political movement against the profit system. The fact that Hawke and Keating overcame their longstanding animosity to release a joint statement is testimony to the fears in ruling circles over the depth of the crisis. They provided their statement exclusively to Peter Hartcher, the foreign editor of the Sydney Morning Herald. A week before, he had written a column headlined Could Bill Shorten be the saviour of capitalism? Authorised by James Cogan for the Socialist Equality Party, Suite 906, 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000. In an interview in a recent edition of the weekly Die Zeit, Kevin Kuhnert, the head of Germanys Jusos, the youth organisation of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), described himself as a socialist and spoke out in favour of overcoming capitalism and the collectivization of companies. The interview unleashed a storm of commentaries in the media. The first reactions in the media and from Kuhnerts own SPD were overwhelmingly hostile and seethed with anti-communism. More recently, however, Kuhnert has received some support. In Anne Wills Sunday night TV talk show, Kuhnert was allowed to explain his views in detail. Sebastian Hartmann, the chairman of the North Rhine-Westphalia SPD (which has a large membership), said: We need a fundamentally new economic model. The unregulated market is our opponent. The head of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), Marcel Fratzscher, also spoke out in support of Kuhnert and declared: The social market economy is not working as it should. What both opponents and supporters of Kuhnert agree upon is their endeavour to present the leader of the SPD youth organisation as a serious socialist, who fundamentally questions the role of capitalism. While some of his critics spit venom, others express their benevolent agreement. Both sides are driven by the fear of a radicalisation of the working class. Many recent surveys have confirmed that a majority of the population, particularly the younger generation, have a positive view of socialism. In a society where the wealthiest 45 households possess as much as the 20 million poorest households, where 40 percent of those in work are engaged in precarious jobs, and exploding rents are making housing unaffordable, the term capitalism has become a swearword for very many people. While Kuhnerts opponents demonise any criticism of capitalism, he and his defenders are seeking to divert growing sympathy for socialist ideas into harmless channels. The reality is Kuhnerts proposals are neither socialist nor revolutionary. They are aimed solely at suppressing socialist aspirations. They represent a confused concoction of concepts the SPD has always used for this purpose. Kuhnert declares in Die Zeit that his main concern is a restoration of the welfare state promise of the seventies, eighties in an updated form. He argues in favour of a democratization of all spheres of life, including important sections of the economy. He proposes that employees own a stake in the companies they work for and that the distribution of profits is democratically controlled. Without a form of collectivisation, he says, overcoming capitalism is unthinkable. To make a living based on exploiting other peoples housing, he explains, is not a legitimate business model. Therefore, everyone should only own the maximum living space he needs to live. In fact, the SPD has often propagated such reformist conceptions under slogans such as employee-based asset accumulation, co-determination, employee shareholding or cooperatives. Such proposals have nothing to do with socialism. Socialism is not the result of gradual reforms within the framework of capitalist society, but rather the abolition of the private ownership of the means of production upon which capitalism is based. Only the transfer of banks and large-scale industry into public ownership and their democratic control by the working population can establish the conditions for a socialist society. On this basis, it would be possible to organise production to meet the needs of society, rather than the capitalist drive to profit, to overcome the destructive anarchy of the market through rational and democratic planning and replace the violent struggle for shares of the world market with the peaceful international cooperation of socialist societies. Only a workers government based on the mobilisation of the masses can implement such a program in the face of the inevitable resistance on the part of the capitalists. Kuhnert categorically rejects such a perspective. In his Die Zeit interview, he never tires of emphasising that he is not seeking social upheaval or a revolution, which he equates with burning barricades. Instead he wants to get closer to the ideal of a free, equal society based on solidarity in small steps. He expressly defends the capitalist market: Socialism will and must work with market mechanisms. He rejects planned economic elements on the grounds that they have a braking effect on all that is innovative. Kuhnerts chairmanship of the youth organisation of the SPD is no coincidence. The very notion that this party could introduce socialism in Germany is absurd. It would rather commit suicide than abolish capitalism. Since its betrayal of its own program in 1914 and its support for German imperialism in World War I, the SPD has been one of the most important pillars of capitalist rule in Germany. During the November Revolution of 1918, the SPD joined forces with the leaders of the German army (Reichswehr) to brutally suppress the uprisings by socialist workers and assassinate their leaders, Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg. Fifteen years later, the SPD refused to mobilise its members to fight the Nazis. Instead, it placed its reliance on the German state and President von Hindenburg, who appointed Hitler as chancellor. After World War II the SPD helped the thoroughly discredited German capitalist system to regain its feet and during the past 20 years it has played a leading role in governmentcreating a huge low-pay sector, cutting pensions, arming the police, intelligence services and army, while rescuing banks at the expense of the working class. All those who seriously want to fight for socialism today must acquaint themselves with this history and the strategic lessons to be drawn from both the victories and defeats of the working-class movement. Kuhnert, an unscrupulous careerist, can only pose as a socialist because he relies on the inexperience and ignorance of todays young generation. The International Committee of the Fourth International and its German section, the Socialist Equality Party (SGP), is the only party fighting for a socialist program to unite the international working class for the overthrow of capitalism. We stand in the unbroken tradition of the Russian October Revolution, the struggle of the Trotskyist Left Opposition against Stalinism and the defence of Marxism by the Fourth International against all pseudo-left tendencies. We call on all readers of the WSWS to join the SGP and the Fourth International and support our European election campaign. Asia India: Powerloom workers strike in Tamil Nadu Over 2,000 powerloom workers are currently on strike in Virudhunagar district in southern Tamil Nadu over outstanding wages. The walkout involves factory workers from Chattirapatti, Rajapalayam, Samasigapuram and Sangarapandiapuram who are demanding outstanding wage payments for 201819. Private companies, powerloom unit owners and workers negotiate a wage and work agreement once every three years. While salaries were paid according to the 2016 agreement, wages for the 201819 financial year have not been paid according to the agreed rates. Workers are demanding the immediate release of these amounts and are dissatisfied with the offer made to them for this years three-year agreement. Indian television workers walk out in Mumbai About 140 civil, video and production units for the Doordarshan television channel have been on strike since May 2 to demand higher pay and permanent jobs. While most of the workers have worked for the channel between eight and ten years, the company refuses to make them permanent employees or improve their pay. The workers currently receive just 15,800-rupees ($US240) per month before tax. India: Punjab government employees hold hunger-strike Members of the Punjab UT Employees and Pensioners Joint Action Committee began a hunger-strike on May 2 to demand higher pay and for all contract employees to be given permanent jobs. Members of the Theka Mulazam Sangarsh Committee, SSA RMSA Union, Class IV Employees Union and the Anganwadi (Childcare) Workers Union joined the protest the following day and blocked the Bathinda-Mansa highway chanting slogans against the Punjab state government. Telangana electricity staff strike for equal pay and better conditions Over 1,400 Telangana state electricity meter reading workers struck on May 4 for equal pay for rural and city employees and improved working conditions. Rural area meter readers are paid between 1.70 to 1.90 rupees ($0.024 -0.027) per meter but urban area workers are only paid 1.50 rupees. The strikers want a minimum wage instead of piece rates and allege that authorities are not considering their demands because employees are either on contract or outsourced. Andhra Pradesh healthcare workers protest over pending honorarium payments Members of the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) organisation protested near the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) office on May 7 to demand the state government pay a pending honorarium. The ASHA members have not received the payment since January and claimed that the district collector and other officials had ignored them. The workers also demanded the payment of daily and travel allowances and said the state government was attempting to intimidate by sacking some employees. ASHA is a community health worker organisation instituted by the government of India's ministry of health and family welfare as a part of its National Rural Health Mission launched in 2005. India: Chennai workers protest in support of Asahi employees BMW, Ford, Comstar, Yasahi, Lear and other factories in the Chengalpattu and Maraimalai Nagar industrial belt protested on May 8 in support of striking Asahi employees. The Asahi workers have been on strike for the past 45 days to demand reinstatement of 29 dismissed workers and recognition of their union. India: Punjab school teachers start week-long protest Punjab school teachers began a week-long protest against the state government on May 8 for job permanency and other demands. The decision to strike was taken at a meeting organised by the Adhyapak Sangarsh Committee and began at the district level. Teachers had planned to hold protests in various parts of Punjab this week and a state-level march in Patiala on May 14. Pakistan: Karachi steel mill workers oppose privatisation Pakistan Steel Mills workers in Karachi blocked a busy highway for an hour this week in protest against successive government attempts to privatise the state-owned enterprise. Retired workers demanding the immediate payment of outstanding pensions also joined the demonstration. In line with negotiations for a loan with the International Monetary Fund, the government has presented an expanded list of so-called loss-making state-owned enterprises. According to media reports, the government plans to shut 43 state-owned enterprises, immediately privatise another 48, and over the next three years privatise the rest of its 193 state-run institutions. Pakistan: Sindh revenue department employees demand allowances Revenue Department employees in Sindh demonstrated last week to demand the government pay the revenue summary allowance, introduce a service structure, institute timely promotions and a jobs quota for the families of deceased workers. On May 2, hundreds of employees locked down offices and demonstrated in Mirpurkhas and held a sit-down protest outside the offices of the deputy commissioner of the department. Protests and boycott of duties continued in Hyderabad on Friday where a demonstration was held outside Hyderabad division headquarters. Workers want the government to pay five years outstanding payments, which is a significant component of their income. The All Sindh Revenue Employees Association organised the protests and said these would continue until the government accepted workers demands. Bangladesh garment workers oppose factory closure and unpaid salaries Over a thousand garment workers from the Golden Horizon Limited factory in the Nasirabad industrial area demonstrated for outstanding salaries and other benefits on Monday. Protesters surrounded the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Bhaban building. Factory management suddenly closed the plant and refused to pay two months outstanding wages. Bangladesh: Jute mill workers agitate for unpaid salaries Jute mill workers from private and state-run mills demonstrated from Sunday to Wednesday demanding their unpaid wages and other benefits. Some 1,000 workers from the Latif Bawani Jute Mills and Karim Jute Mills in Demra demonstrated on Wednesday in Demra, Dhaka, blocking the road near the Demra Staff Quarter area. These mills are owned by private companies with the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (a state utility) holding some shares. Workers of all 26 state-owned millsjute and non-jute plantssaid they would begin a strike on May13 for nine demands, including unpaid salaries. Their four-day strike in mid-April was suspended after authorities promised to meet workers demands by April 25. Management broke the promise. Migrant workers strike and protest in Taiwan About 70 migrant workers from Vietnam protested outside the headquarters of a bakery in Xizhi District Friday, demanding the business pay them for the overtime and reimburse unlawful deductions from their monthly pay. The action was reportedly organised outside the control of any union. Mei Ti Foodstuff in New-Taipei has since agreed to compensate its workers, which includes returning money deducted over a two-year period. According to the labor department, the migrant workers complained that they worked an average of 1618 hours per day without standard pay. The employer also often deducted money from workers pay for any defective items produced. On the same day various civic groups, including Migrants Empowerment Network and the Vietnamese Migrant Workers and Immigrants Office, protested yesterday outside the Ministry of Labor. They accused officials of abandoning promises to keep migrant workers dorms separate from factories and warned that this would expose workers to deadly fires. After a blaze at Chin-Poon Industrial Cos Taoyuan factory in April last year killed two Thai workers staying in a dorm and six firefighters trying to rescue them, the ministry said it would separate all dorms from factory complexes. The promise has been dropped. Under a new government policy dorms can be built near industrial facilities, including boilers, kilns and storage spaces for explosives, flammable materials and dangerous chemicals. The authorities are only proposing that employers fill out a form reporting any safety risks concerning workers dorms. Last Sunday, 20 migrant workers protested outside the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei demanding a direct hiring scheme replace the current brokerage system. According to one worker, brokerage fees to go to Taiwan for work were $4,000, several times their monthly income, and could be higher in some cases. Chinese workers protest layoffs at tech giant Staff at the Oracles China Development Centre in Beijing demonstrated this week against the US-owned companys plans to lay off at least 900 employees. A second round of dismissal the remaining 700 employees in July, according to media reports. Workers are being pressured into signing prearranged termination agreements, after their retrenchment was announced in a conference call Tuesday morning. If the workers do not agree to the package by 22 May, they could lose a substantial portion of the pay-out. The move throws the workers and their families into economic uncertainty. Many are worried that they will be unable to find another job in the tech sector, which traditionally favours younger workers. The majority are also migrant workers, who will struggle to pay their social insurance contributions, thereby jeopardising their chances of obtaining residency in the capital. Workers want Oracle to continue paying social insurance for at least three months. Australia and the Pacific Toll Transport truck maintenance workers vote to strike in South Australia Australian Manufacturing Workers Union members at Tolls truck maintenance facility in Adelaide have voted for industrial action in a dispute over the companys proposed enterprise agreement (EA). Industrial action will include unlimited strikes ranging from two to 48 hours and/or work bans on overtime and training of casuals and labour hire employees. The existing agreement covering 15 workers expired in 2007. Their wages have been frozen for four years. A union spokesman said that after months of refusing to come to the negotiating table, Toll is now trying to force the workers onto an unsafe, family unfriendly, 21-day rotating roster. Workers would have to work fourteen days straight of 12-hour shifts. The union claimed that Tolls shift proposal would lead to fatigue that could result in poor maintenance and unsafe vehicles being put back onto the road. Over 1,060 people have been killed in truck crashes in Australia since 2013. Aurizon bulk haulage train crew extend industrial action The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) and the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Employees (AFULE) told rail freight haulage company Aurizon that members at the companys Queensland East Coast and North-West depots will impose a 14-day overtime ban on May 15. The action follows 24-hour rolling stoppages from April 23 to 25 that included a seven-day overtime ban. Aurizons extensive Queensland rail network hauls coal, bulk freight, grain, sugar, cement and other freight. Separate enterprise agreements cover workers in coal haulage and bulk haulage. While work conditions and rosters varied for both groups, wages were at the same rate depending on classification. The unions fear that Aurizon wants to implement different wage rates between Coal and Bulk which workers fear would lead to lower pay rates in Bulk. Other disputed issues are the companys demand that workers use up to 160 hours of their annual leave for planned shutdowns, replace the current payment system for working beyond ten hours and give credits instead, among other issues. Negotiations for new agreements covering over 1,000 Aurizon employees have been dragging on since September. Workers have not had a pay increase for 17 months. New Zealand teachers vote on strike action Members of the New Zealand teacher unions, the NZ Educational Institute (NZEI) and the Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) have been voting this week on whether to hold a one-day strike on May 29, to coincide with the Labour governments budget announcement. If the strike goes ahead, it will be the first combined stoppage of primary and secondary sectors and will involve some 50,000 teachers. The teachers had previously voted in favour of a strike on April 3. In an anti-democratic move the unions cancelled the strike, using the March 15 Christchurch terror attack as a pretext. Teachers have rejected several pay offers of a 3 percent pay rise each year for three years, which provoked two one-day strikes by primary teachers last year. In 2017 NZEI members voted for a pay increase of at least 16 percent and their secondary colleagues 15 percent. Teachers are angry not only about pay, which has been stagnant for at least a decade, but also the crisis of understaffing and under-resourcing in schools, which has led to impossible workloads. The unions, which support Labour, have been seeking to derail the strike movement by dragging out negotiations to impose a sellout deal. In an effort to avert further strikes, the government this week announced an extra $95 million for teacher training, which is not enough to relieve the chronic staff shortages. It also increased its pay offer to a total of $1.2 billion, declaring it is the final offer. This is still well short of the more than $3 billion which would be required to meet the teachers claims in full. The unions are yet to respond to the new offer, but the outcome of the strike votes will be known next week. Big Ben pie workers strike again George Weston Foods workers in South Auckland have struck again this week and set up a picket over a pay dispute. The two-day strike follows a 24-hour strike held last month. About 30 workers from the companys Big Ben pie department, represented by FIRST Union, have been in bargaining with the company since September last year. The employer has not increased a 2 percent pay offer since the strike actions began. The workers are paid between the minimum wage of $17.70 and just over $21 an hour. Most are on $18$19 and some have 20-plus years of service. George Weston Foods is owned by the Weston family, of Canada and the UK, who have a recorded wealth of more than $ NZ19 billion. The company also manufactures Tip Top, Burgen and Ploughmans bread, and Golden crumpets. It is one of the two main players in New Zealands bread market. Public sector strike closes schools in French Polynesia Strike action by public sector workers closed a number of schools in French Polynesia on Friday. The walkout is part of a France-wide protest against the Macron governments planned reforms which are supposed to be tabled in the National Assembly next week. In French Polynesia, hundreds of people joined a march in Papeete while several schools in Tahiti decided not to open. An umbrella group of seven unions in Tahiti called for the strike, fearing the reform will lead to job losses and a degrading of services. In France, more than 100,000 people joined rallies against the reform plans. The valuation of ride share company Uber hit $82.4 billion after an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of its stock on Thursday, one of the largest IPOs in the US since Facebook. The sale further enriched investors while raising some $8 billion for the company. Major investment houses, including Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, underwrote the IPO. Other wealthy investors stood to gain huge sums, with some Goldman Sachs clients pocketing $1 billion. The stake of Uber founder Garret Camp is now worth $3.7 billion, while cofounder Travis Kalanick owns $5.3 billion in Uber stock. The current $82.4 billion market capitalization for Uber compares to a market cap of some $52 billion for General Motors and $41 billion for Ford. Major Uber investors include Saudi Arabias sovereign wealth fund, run by Japan-based Softbank; Alphabet, the parent company of Google; auto giant Toyota; PayPal; and billionaire Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. The Uber IPO follows that of rival Lyft, which raised $2.3 billion, with a total market capitalization of around $16 billion. The public sale of shares of Uber and Lyft means that these companies will now be subject to the direct pressure of market investors, who will demand that they turn a profit. Both Uber and Lyft are currently unprofitable, with Uber losing $1.8 billion last year, the largest loss of any company in the year before an IPO. The financial speculation over the Uber IPO will be followed by demands from investors for fare increases and further attacks on drivers, already grossly undercompensated. This was spelled out bluntly in a recent Uber management filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Uber wrote, As we aim to reduce driver incentives to improve our financial performance, we expect driver dissatisfaction will generally increase. Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors, not regular employees. They are therefore not eligible for health benefits, sick days or vacations. They are also not protected by minimum wage regulations and overtime rules, while the employers are freed from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes and unemployment insurance contributions. A study by Larry Mishel of the Economic Policy Institute last year concluded that the effective hourly wage of an Uber driver is less than what 90 percent of US workers earn. In other words, they earn a poverty-level income. Uber and Lyft drivers have mobilized and begun to fight back. On Wednesday, thousands of Uber drivers around the world conducted strikes and protests against low pay, under conditions where executives were stuffing their pockets with cash. In taking a stand, Uber and Lyft drivers are opposing the casualization of labor that has seen an increasing proportion of the workforce pushed into the gig economy. Some 36 percent of US workers are part of the gig economy in some form or another, that is, either their primary source of income is casualized, part-time labor with no benefits, or they are forced to look for alternative sources of income to compensate for declining wages and benefits in standard employment. As an Uber driver in San Francisco told the World Socialist Web Site, Let me say that Im sick of driving San Francisco tech bros out to dinners that cost more than I make all day, wearing shoes that cost more than I make in a week, from apartments that cost more per month than my entire income while I am living out of my car, so the CEO can make $45 million a year. This is part of a broader tendency that has seen part-time and on-call work spread to manufacturing and other areas of the economy. A growing percentage of autoworkers are classified as temporary or part-time, depriving them of any job security or basic benefits. In the US, Amazon has instituted a CamperForce, hiring largely elderly migrant workers who have been forced to live in mobile homes for seasonal work. The same internet and computer technology that has made possible the spread of app-based employment has also facilitated the organization of social opposition through platforms such as Facebook. The worldwide action of Uber and Lyft employees, who carried out simultaneous walkouts around the world--in the US, UK, Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, Costa Rica, Panama, Chile, France, Japan and India--is a portent of the future. It demonstrates the objective unity of the international working class, which is bound together as never before in a global economic network. Workers in every country are exploited by the same capitalist economic system and in many cases the same employers. The action by Uber and Lyft drivers is part of a growing movement of the international working class, including teachers in the United States, maquiladora workers in Mexico, the yellow vests in France and mass worker demonstrations in Algeria. These struggles have developed largely independently of and in opposition to the existing trade unions. It is a confirmation of the perspective fought for by the International Committee of the Fourth International that, given the increasingly global nature of production, not only the content of the class struggle, but also its form must take on a global character. The attempts by the unions to intervene to strangle the fightback by workers in country after country underscore the reactionary character of these organizations, rooted in the nation-state system and the defense of capitalism. They stand as obstacles to the imperative need for the global unification of the working class. New organizations--rank-and file factory and workplace committees, independent of the unions--are urgently needed to unify the struggles of different sections of the working class on an international level. If Uber and Lyft drivers can begin to organize independently, so can autoworkers, Amazon workers and all sections of the working class. At the same time, the working class must wage its fight on a perspective based on freeing the productive forces from the grip of the corporate oligarchs. Under capitalism, the developments of science and technology, such as the internet, the proliferation of mobile phones, GPS and driverless technology, are used to enrich the class of corporate owners and investors, rather than improve the quality of life of the vast majority. Meanwhile, the rivalry between nation-states comes into conflict at every turn with the rational development of the global economy, raising the specter of trade war and world war. The progressive potential of the achievements of mankinds knowledge can only be realized once the working class, the vast majority in society, takes control of the productive forces and organizes them on a global scale, in a rational and planned manner. To carry out this transformation the working class requires an international political movement based on a socialist program aimed at placing power in its own hands. This is the fight being advanced by the International Committee of the Fourth International, its affiliated sections and the World Socialist Web Site. Hundreds of thousands of French workers demonstrated on Thursday as part of a nationwide public sector strike to oppose the Emmanuel Macron governments draft law on the modernization of the public sector. After six months of yellow vest protests, all of the unions felt obliged to call for participation in the day of action, fearing they would otherwise lose control of the anti-government protest movement. Macron has pledged to eliminate 120,000 out of 5.5 million civil service jobs by 2022. The positions eliminated will be replaced by lower-paying contract jobs from the private sector for one-off assignments. Workers will be forced to move between jobs and locations, and work longer hours. Once the reform has been approved by the National Assembly, it will take effect on January 1, 2020. Over 150 protest demonstrations took place on Thursday. Teachers, customs officers, orderlies, nurses and air traffic controllers were mobilized. Some 110,000 people demonstrated, according to the French government, while the CGT union federation claimed 250,000 participants. There were 3,000 protesters in Marseille (a union source reported), and between 3,300 to 5,300 in Lyon, and thousands in Rennes, Montpellier, Bordeaux, Angers, Lille, Strasbourg and Perpignan. In Paris, 30,000 people demonstrated, according to the unions. The workers who turned out did so despite their strong mistrust of the trade union apparatus, which limited the size of the turnout. Secretary of State Olivier Dussopt estimated the number of strikers in the civil service at 3.3 per cent, in the hospitals at 4 per cent and in the state civil service at 11.4 per cent, with a strong participation by teachers, who are also mobilized against the education reform. The education ministry reported 17.6 percent and 11.7 percent striking in primary and secondary schools, respectively. In Paris, the WSWS spoke with Anita, a retired civil servant who came to defend the public service, to preserve all the gains that have been won through hard work and for the right to stand together to express our disapproval of the policies that are currently being pursued. There is money, so we have to share it. If there is globalization, we must share globally on a human level, for the happiness of the people in general. Anita explained that the fight against social inequality must go through to the ending of capitalist exploitation: We should all be equal, we are all human beings, women, men, whatever the color, whatever the country. However, decision-makers still want more money, more capital. If they cant exploit the Western working class, they will look for children in India, everywhere to produce at low cost and fill their pockets. The WSWS also interviewed George, who works at the Bobigny Regional Court. We have tools that work poorly, he said, that are not adapted and that make our work more difficult when we are already overloaded. He pointed out that the index point [that determines civil service wages] has been frozen for nine years ... Everything increases except our pay. George had no illusions about Macrons attacks: He doesnt care anyway. Macron is financed by the rich, so he doesnt care about the yellow vests. He makes and carries out a policy for the rich, for those who financed his campaign. He owes them. George indicated he didnt believe in the current initiative of the unions: Its a real problem. I think that social dialogue is bullshit. Workers unions are being caught up in it and some will go so far as to accept money. They are caught in a trap where social dialogue leads us to believe that we might have common interests with employers, when we see the decline in the rights of employees and the poorest. We must stop pulling the wool over our eyes and return to shorter, more ferocious forms of struggle. The yellow vests may be a solution. The WSWS spoke to Lucile, a high school teacher, who said that it is a demonstration that concerns all civil servants, not only teachers, and it is against the breakdown of public service that has been organized since the election of our very dear president. Now it is really becoming something that is really serious. At school there is an ongoing reform that is very serious, especially for high school students. Also in the hospital and in all public services, so they will be aligned with conditions in the private sector. Asked about teachers strikes in the US in 2018 and 2019, Lucile replied that she followed the strikes and saluted their struggle: Teachers in the United States do not have the same protection as we who are well-protected. I have not followed the teachers strikes in Europe, but it is important to make our voice heard now for the European elections. We have the same needs whether in Europe or throughout the world, she concluded. Thats it, we cant give up because thats what they expect us to do. The French governments attacks on the public service, as well as on pensions, confirm that Macron has no intention of listening to workers demands. After six months of yellow vest protests, Macron intends to force through and intensify the policies in favor of the rich that have made him the most unpopular president of the Fifth Republic. His attitude to the workers has been demonstrated in his deployment of soldiers in Operation Sentinel, with permission to fire on yellow vest protesters. It is essential that workers take their struggles out of the hands of the trade union apparatuses, which negotiate and accept the governments austerity policies and which have been hostile to the yellow vests struggles. The latter have shown in many ways the way forward, by organizing themselves independently of the trade unions. They have faced brutal repression and denunciations in the media. The unions, which isolated and strangled the railway workers strike last year, have no intention of organizing a struggle. Financed to the tune of billions of euros by corporations and the state as part of the social dialogue, they are hostile to opposition to Macrons policy, which threatens their material interests. They announced that the objective of Thursdays rally was merely to inform, raise awareness and increase the opposition to this bill. Faced with Macrons obvious intransigence, Jean-Marc Canon of the CGT claimed that the possibilities of social dialogue with the government have been exhausted. In fact, the union apparatuses organized this weeks strike only out of fear of being overwhelmed by the workers. Union officials are nervously watching the rise of workers struggles in France and across Europe. Nurses and nurses aides at the Chalon sur Saone hospital have been on strike since Wednesday. The Info.Chalon website explained that the strike was launched independently of the unions. An emergency room doctor described the conditions: In one year, we have only five days without any patients in the emergency corridors, with sometimes up to 18 patients sleeping in the corridors. The unification of the ongoing struggles requires a conscious break with the trade unions and the creation of action committees to coordinate a political struggle against Macron, the European Union and the international financial aristocracy. Twenty-eight years after the Stalinist dissolution of the USSR, falsely described as the End of History and the class struggle by the ideologists of the ruling class, the struggle of the yellow vests as well as the public sector workers is part of a resurgence of the class struggle around the world. Teachers have been mobilized in the US, the UK, Kenya and Poland. Movements of yellow vests have also emerged in Portugal, Germany and beyond. Mass movements of workers and youth are aimed at overthrowing military dictatorships in Algeria and Sudan. Faced with the intransigence of the financial aristocracy and the politicians it places in power, only the revolutionary path is open to workers. The US exploited last months terrorist bomb attacks in Sri Lanka to immediately dispatch Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials and military intelligence experts to Colombo under the pretext of assisting investigations. More than 250 people, including about 50 foreigners, died in the April 21 suicide bombings of Christian churches and upmarket Colombo hotels. US President Donald Trump and the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo telephoned Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe offering condolences and promising assistance. The real concern of the US leaders, however, was not the killing of innocent people, but to use the crisis to boost its military and political relations with Colombo as part of its preparations in the Indo-Pacific for war against China. A spokesman for the US embassy in Colombo told the Daily Mirror that an FBI team arrived in Sri Lanka two days after the attack and declared that once the present investigations were over, the two sides would look at future cooperation. President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe have called for international assistance in the investigation. However, apart from the government, the defence establishment and select members of the political elite, the Sri Lanka population has no idea what the US police and military agents are doing or the specific nature of their engagement. Having no regard for democratic rights, Washington fully endorses Colombos imposition of a state of emergency and the deployment of military. It knows very well that key Sri Lankan political leaders and the defence establishment had prior warning of the attacks, allowed them to happen, and have used the disaster to impose a series of police-state measures against the working class. Sirisena admitted in a May 4 discussion with opposition MPs led by former president Mahinda Rajapakse, that there are eight senior FBI investigators and 32 assistants currently in Sri Lanka. Opposition leader Rajapakse had no objection to the FBIs presence. An April 25 statement by the US Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Alaina Teplitz, also revealed that the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) military experts were also assisting the investigation. She declared that Washington wanted to provide all possible support to Sri Lankas efforts and added that the US was helping Sri Lanka emerge from this crisis stronger and more unified. Washingtons claims to be helping Sri Lanka is a total fraud. All its activity in Sri Lanka is aimed at binding Sri Lanka ever more closely to its geo-strategic operations against China. The US orchestrated a regime-change operation in the 2015 presidential election that ousted Rajapakse and brought Sirisena to power. Washington is deeply hostile to Rajapakses ties with China. Sri Lanka sits astride key Indian Ocean shipping routes used by China for energy and raw materials from the Middle East and Africa. It would play a key role in any military conflict between the US and China. INDOPACOM, the Pentagons largest command, is in charge of military operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region and has close relations with the Sri Lankan military, and its navy in particular. Two days before the terrorist attack, USNS Millinocket and USS Spruance arrived at Sri Lankas Hambantota Port to kick off the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercises. This is the latest in an ongoing series of US joint exercises with the Sri Lankan navy. Following Rajapakses ousting in 2015, Sirisena and Wickremesinghe rapidly tilted Sri Lankas foreign relations back towards the US and its Asian strategic partner, India. In 2017, the government renewed its Access and Cross Service Agreement (ACSA) for US forces and made it permanent. ACSA allows the US military to use Sri Lankan sea and air ports for supplies and mobilisation. The Trump administrations determination to maintain the closest ties with Colombo was further revealed during the bitter political infighting that erupted in Sri Lanka last year. Sirisena suddenly removed Wickremesinghe as prime minister last October, replacing him with his arch rival Rajapakse. Washington opposed Sirisenas move because it still regards Rajapakse as pro-Beijing, and made clear that it wanted Wickremesinghes reappointment. Washington had no opposition to Sirisenas anti-democratic methods but was concerned that Rajapakse as prime minister would disrupt its relations with Colombo. Late last month, the US Embassy in Colombo declared that the involvement of FBI and US military teams in the terror attack investigations does not indicate a larger, long term presence of US security teams in the country. But this is a ploy aimed at trying to avoid an eruption of anti-imperialist sentiment, particularly against the US, among working people in Sri Lanka. Irrespective of whether FBI officers and US military experts are in Sri Lanka for a short or long period, one thing is certain, Washington is determined to maintain its grip on the island and use it as a key base in its military preparations against China. Over the past two decades, and particularly under the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the US has dramatically increased its strategic and military ties with nuclear-armed India. Washington, with support from New Delhi, orchestrated the ousting of the pro-Chinese Abdulla Yameen government last year in the Maldives, and is exerting pressure on Bangladesh and Nepal to fall into line. Under the pretext of providing stability, Washington is attempting to establish its hegemony in this politically explosive region in preparation for war with nuclear-armed China. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group made its way through the Suez Canal on Thursday entering the Red Sea and the heart of the Middle East, while a US bomber task force consisting of four nuclear-capable B-52s landed on the same day at a US airbase in Qatar. The two military deployments have placed the threat of a major and catastrophic new war in the region on a hair trigger. The deployments come in the midst of a new round of bellicose threats from Washington. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement on Thursday warning that the US is prepared to take swift and decisive military action against Iran. With the Pentagon bringing its most destructive and powerful weapons to Irans shores, Pompeo justified the US military buildup by claiming that Iran had engaged in an escalating series of threatening actions and statements in recent weeks. He did not bother to provide any example of such actions and statements. The regime in Tehran should understand that any attacks by them or their proxies of any identity against US interests or citizens will be answered with a swift and decisive US response, Pompeo said. Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve. To date, the regimes default option has been violence, and we appeal to those in Tehran who see a path to a prosperous future through de-escalation to modify the regimes behavior. The talk of US restraint as opposed to a supposed Iranian default option of violence beggars belief. Pompeo speaks for a government that has been engaged in unending wars in the Persian Gulf region for the last 25 years, wars that have claimed well over one million lives and left entire societies in ruin. As always, US imperialism is attempting to cast itself as the victim of aggression, mobilizing its unmatched military might only as an act of defense. Pompeos remarks were echoed by those of the recently appointed chief of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, Marine General Frank McKenzie, who delivered an inflammatory address to the right-wing, pro-Zionist think tank, the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Any attack on US interests will be met with unrelenting force, the general told the Foundation, which was used by George W. Bush as a forum for defending his war policy against Iraq. Reflecting the bipartisan support for US imperialist aggression in the oil-rich Middle East, the think tank includes on its advisory board Donna Brazile, the former chairperson of the Democratic National Committee. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has imposed yet another round of sanctions against Iran. On Wednesday, the White House issued an executive order imposing unilateral and extra-territorial sanctions against Irans iron, steel, aluminum and copper industries, threatening anyone trading in the materials as well as any financial institution facilitating such trade with US retaliation, including exclusion from American markets. These new sanctions follow Washingtons termination on May 1 of waivers granted to China, South Korea, Japan, India and Turkey, countries that had been allowed to continue purchasing Iranian oil without being sanctioned. The stated US aim is to reduce Iranian oil exports to zero. Just one year ago this month, the Trump administration unilaterally abrogated the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) reached between Iran and the US, Russia, China, Germany, the UK and France, and both re-imposed and escalated unilateral US economic sanctions aimed at strangling the Iranian economy and creating the conditions for toppling its government and replacing it with a puppet regime. Meanwhile, the US Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued an advisory on Thursday warning US commercial ships, including oil tankers, that they could be targeted in the growing buildup to war in the Persian Gulf. Given the crippling embargo that Washington is mounting against Iranian oil exports, the advisory warned: Iran or its proxies could respond by targeting commercial vessels, including oil tankers, or US military vessels in the Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, or the Persian Gulf. Reporting indicates heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations against US forces and interests. This advisory, like Pompeos warnings, is an unmistakable provocation, aimed at creating a pretext for an all-out US war. Pompeo and US National Security Adviser John Bolton, who has publicly called for bombing Iran, have both threatened that the US will unleash a devastating attack on Iran against any and all attacks on US troops or US interests anywhere in the Middle East by a host of actors deemed by Washington to be proxies of Tehran, ranging from Shia militias in Syria and Iraq to the Houthi rebels in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian Gaza Strip. In any one of these countries, the Pentagon or the CIA, or, for that matter, Washingtons principal regional allies, particularly Israel and Saudi Arabia, which both want a US war against Iran, are capable of staging a provocation that could be used as a pretext for launching a war. NBC News revealed that last week top Trump administration officials convened a highly unusual summit meeting at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia to discuss the war buildup against Iran. Present were CIA Director Gina Haspel, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joe Dunford, Secretary of State Pompeo, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and others, US officials told the network. The officials told NBC that the session was not convened to discuss the supposed intelligence about alleged Iranian plans for attacks on US interests that served as the pretext for the dispatching of the carrier battle group and the bomber strike force to the region. The evidence to substantiate the claims of impending Iranian aggression is as fabricated as that used to bolster the claims about weapons of mass destruction in advance of the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. What were these officials talking about in the CIAs bunker in Langley? Former CIA operations officers and military officials told NBC that such meetings at CIA headquarters are normally convened to discuss highly sensitive plans for covert actions. Whether such actions will be aimed against Iran and its government, or at staging a false flag operation somewhere in the Middle East that can be used as the pretext for a US attack remains to be seen. The recklessness and criminality that characterize Washingtons threats against Iran are an expression of the deep-going social tensions, economic instability and political crisis gripping American capitalism, which the ruling financial oligarchy seeks to divert outward in an explosion of military violence. A war against Iran would eclipse the horrific bloodshed of the Iraq war launched in 2003, drawing in the entire region and all of the major powers, including US imperialisms so-called great power rivals Russia and China, bringing humanity face-to-face with the threat of a nuclear Third World War. Talks between US and Chinese trade negotiators in Washington broke up yesterday without any agreement following the imposition of additional tariffs by the Trump administration on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. No date has been set for further discussions. The most immediate concern of both sides as they emerged from the meeting was to issue assurances that negotiations had not completely broken down in order to calm jittery financial markets. The Financial Times, citing a person familiar with the talks, said China had failed to give much meaningful ground on key sticking points, but both sides felt the need to manage market expectations and avoid the perception of a full breakdown. A week ago, the discussions had been expected to arrive at a deal ready to be signed off by President Trump and Chinas President Xi Jinping. But that scenario was blown up when the Trump administration accused Beijing of backtracking on commitments to write changes in its economic policies into law, as demanded by the US. The new tariffs, lifting rates from 10 percent to 25 percent, were imposed on Friday. Trump also announced he had initiated the paperwork for the imposition of a 25 percent tariff on a further $325 billion worth of Chinese goods not covered so far. The tariffs will not come into effect until ships that left China yesterday arrive in the USa period of three to four weeks. Cargoes presently in transit will not be taxed at the higher rates. This provides a small window of opportunity for further discussions. Trump held out that prospect in a series of tweets on the outcome of the meeting. Over the course of the past two days, the United States and China have held candid and constructive conversations on the status of the trade relationship between both countries, he said. The relationship between President Xi and myself remains a very strong one, and conversations into the future will continue. In the meantime, the United States has imposed tariffs on China, which may or may not be removed, depending on what happens with respect to future negotiations. China also tried to offer assurances that the negotiations had not completely broken down. In a statement issued shortly after the new tariffs were imposed, the Commerce Ministry said it deeply regretted Trumps actions and warned that China would take necessary countermeasures. However, it also sought to soften the tone, expressing the hope that a settlement could be reached and that the two sides will meet each other half way. China's vice premier and chief trade negotiator, Liu He, told China Central Television that he had travelled to the US under pressure and his decision to do so was a sign of Chinas sincerity. I think there is hope, he said. The combined efforts to massage the markets were successful, at least in the very short term. Wall Street finished up by more than 100 points for the day after falling sharply on the opening, recording an overall swing of more than 500 points. There was never going to be an agreement at this weeks negotiations after the tariff hike because Liu had not been given the designation of special envoy to the president. As a result, he could only report back and not make any commitments. While attempting to calm the markets, Trump also issued a series of aggressive tweets. I am different than a lot people. I happen to think tariffs for our country are very powerful, he said. In another. Trump said that while the US would continue to negotiate, there was absolutely no need to rush. Tariffs will make our country much stronger, not weaker. Just sit back and watch! The rhetoric is also being stepped up in Beijing. While Lui and even Xi, to some extent, may be prepared to make concessions to the US, there are powerful forces in the Chinse regime opposed to what they regard as any capitulation to the US. These were on display at a forum held this week in Beijing, reported on by the Financial Times, involving representatives of state-owned military companies. Dai Xu, a retired air force colonel and now a professor at Chinas National Defence University, said, I very much hope that the negotiations will break down. In a mirror image of Trumps outbursts, he continued, Once the negotiations are over, the United States will be finished, for sure... we kick out all the American companies and bring all of ours back. Dai said he was opposed to traditional concepts that no matter how much others have hurt China, we are educated to forget whats the meaning of remembering the history without the hatred? Its meaningless. History was very much to the fore in the remarks of Wu Qiang, a commentator and former politics lecturer at Tsinghua University. Xi is very concerned about his authority, as he doesnt want to be seen like Yuan Shikai, he said. Yuan was president of China during World War 1 when Japan, after seizing a German enclave, issued a series of 21 demands for extra-territorial rights and other sweeping concessions. Yuans eventual agreement to most of the demands provoked a groundswell of opposition to his government. Tan Yungang, an air force colonel, told the forum: The US openly sees us as their biggest enemy. The United States will block China more than they did the former Soviet Union. Washington has been carrying out a series of technological blockades against China to maintain its own dominance, he said. Official Chinese policy is still to continue negotiations, holding out the prospect of a win-win deal. But there are clear indications that the continued and deepening belligerence of the Trump administration is producing a backlash in ruling circles. An article published on the blog Taoran Notes, which appears to enjoy semi-official backing, was headlined, If you want to talk, we can talk, if you want to fight, we will fight as well. The article, which was quickly reposted by both the Peoples Daily and the Xinhua news agency, both state media, referred to the Korean War, saying that for two years, [the sides] were fighting while negotiating at the same time. Such comments point to the underlying objective logic of the trade warthe eruption of a military conflict, far more devastating than the Korean War, as the US strives to maintain is dominance in the face of the economic expansion of China. On Saturday, May 4, the International Committee of the Fourth International held the 2019 International Online May Day Rally, the sixth annual online May Day Rally held by the ICFI, the world Trotskyist movement. The rally heard speeches on different aspects of the world crisis of capitalism and the struggles of the international working class from 12 leading members of the world party and its sections and sympathizing organizations around the world. On successive days, the World Socialist Web Site is publishing the texts of the speeches delivered at the rally. Below is the speech delivered by Wije Dias, general secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka). On Monday, the WSWS published the opening report to the rally, given by David North, the chairman of the international editorial board of the WSWS and national chairman of the Socialist Equality Party (US). ** A notable change one can encounter, in the new wave of working-class struggles around the world, is the growing tendency for workers to break out of the trade union straitjacket and take independent initiatives to control the fate of their struggles. As Marxist revolutionaries, we are well aware that this move alone is totally inadequate to guarantee the victory of these struggles. But it is the clearest indication of the acuteness of the crisis of leadership the workers confront, and also an important first step towards propelling the working class to look for alternative programs and leaderships for their struggles. Trotsky wrote in the founding document of the Fourth International, The Transitional Program and the Tasks of the Fourth International, that the crisis of humanity is characterised by the crisis of the revolutionary leadership of the working class. It is not every day that the workers become aware of this crisis. It happens at times of acute crisis in the political system as a whole. Workers are starting to recognise this crisis and are turning towards finding alternative solutions. We now live in such a period of history, and we are the only movement that has fought against all those who wrote off the historical revolutionary role of the working class in leading humanity out of the capitalist morass. In this struggle, we have prepared ourselves to undertake the task of providing the program and leadership for which workers everywhere are searching in the present period. This is the secret behind the new experiences that all the sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International are now undertaking on every continent. Our recent experiences have been a powerful vindication of the intersection of the objective developments of the class struggle and the perspective of the world Trotskyist movement. The Mexican Matamoros workers launched their struggle in defiance of the dictates of the union leaders and have attracted wide support from the youth, students, professional sections and middle-class layers. They were also unhesitant in sending greetings to the Detroit conference of rank-and-file workers, called by the Socialist Equality Party in the US. The turn to forge the internationalist unity of the workers in struggle was explicit in this action, and only the Trotskyist movement is prepared to provide it with a socialist orientation. In the same way, the workers of the action committee founded by the Sri Lankan SEP at the Abbotsleigh estate, during the 100,000-strong plantation workers' strike, joined a picket to demand the release of Julian Assange and Chelsea Manning, imprisoned for exposing the military crimes of the imperialist powers. They also passed a resolution to that effect and came forward to take their place in the international campaign being waged by the ICFI and the WSWS. These developments cannot be treated as some isolated phenomena peculiar to these countries. They are symbolic of the revolutionary potential contained in the general development of the unfolding struggles of the objectively international class, the working class. Whether it be the teachers in every state in the US, or the yellow vest movement in France, or the workers in neighbouring India, where, not many months ago, we witnessed a general strike of several million public sector workers, the social conditions and political issues facing all these workers are very similar. The generalisation of the social conditions of the workers in the developed countries as well as the historically backward countries, is the product of the protracted global breakdown of the capitalist economy, which initially surfaced in 2008 in the form of a collapse of huge US financial conglomerates. This has created unbearable social polarisation in every country, even in China, where boasts of the unhindered rise of capitalist development, under the descendants of the Stalinist bureaucracy, are fast fading. It is this global crisis of capitalism that impels the right-wing turn of the ruling elites. Washington takes the lead among the imperialist powers in preparing for a war, at whatever cost to humanity, to reassert its lost world hegemony. The continuation of the pivot to Asia that began under Barack Obama is now being accelerated under Donald Trump, integrating India and Sri Lanka more closely into the aggressive US military strategy against China. Under these conditions, the historic significance of the perspective of the ICFI and the SEP for a Union of Socialist Republics of South Asia has assumed unprecedented relevance. This was clearly exposed in the tragic events that took place two weeks ago in Sri Lanka, where more than 250 men, women and children perished, while no less than 500 were seriously injured. The foremost reason for the carrying out of the reactionary terrorist attack in Sri Lanka, which was organised by ISIS in collaboration with a small group of Muslim youth, is the close collaboration of the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government with the US led war strategy, which has already caused a vast destruction of life and social conditions in the Middle East. All the evidence that has surfaced so far indicates that the government knew about the attack well in advance, but did not do anything to prevent it, because it calculated that such a provocation could be used to create further divisions among the workers and the oppressed, who are threatening to fight back. Sri Lankan Defence Secretary, Hemasiri Fernando, let the cat out of the bag when he told a BBC correspondent, that they did not expect the attacks to be of this magnitude. While unintentional, the statement revealed that the government desired a provocation, but on a smaller scale. The involvement of ISIS, which faced defeat in its futile adventure against the major powers and was driven out of Syria, caused the terrorist attacks to go beyond the despicable expectations of the ruling elite. Now, both the Sri Lankan ruling elite and the US and its allies have turned to exploit the post-terrorist attack situation, to rush in even more draconian, anti-democratic police state measures against the whole population, and to make the island a more open hub for the aggressive imperialist war machine. Hordes of FBI and Pentagon officials have already descended onto the island to assist investigations. Only the working class, on a world scale, and based on the program of international socialism, for which the ICFI fights, can end imperialist war and the fascistic and police state preparations of the ruling classes. A politically independent working class has the historic ability to attract and lead the poor farmers, oppressed communities, unemployed youth and students, middle classes and professionals away from the reactionary adventurist terrorist outfits that, in the final analysis, play into the designs of the ruling elites. The vital task of mobilising the working class on the basis of this program, contained in the Trotskyist theory of permanent revolution, depends on building the mass revolutionary parties of the ICFI in every country around the globe. RTHK: French hostages arrive back in France The two French hostages freed by special forces in Burkina Faso after being kidnapped in neighbouring Benin arrived back in France on Saturday, along with a South Korean woman also freed during the military raid. President Emmanuel Macron greeted the hostages as they disembarked from the plane sent to fetch them at the Villacourblay military airport southwest of Paris, according to AFP reporters at the scene. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2019-05-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Politburo member Minh made the remark during his receptions for Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Kim Hjlund Christensen and Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam Marinela Milcheva Petkova in Hanoi on May 10. He congratulated the two diplomats on their missions in Vietnam, affirming that Vietnam always treasures and wishes to strengthen its comprehensive partnership with Denmark, as well as its traditional friendly relations and multifaceted cooperation with Bulgaria. He voiced his belief that, during their working tenures, the ambassadors would make active contributions to the development of their countries friendly ties and cooperation with Vietnam across various spheres, especially in economics and trade, while boosting the exchange of all-level delegations and expanding collaboration in the fields of both sides strengths and potential. Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh (right) receives Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam Marinela Milcheva Petkova. (Photo: VGP) Particularly, Deputy PM Minh asked Denmark and Bulgaria to further promote the prompt signing and ratification of EVFTA and EVIPA, aiming to soon bring practical benefits for the participating parties. On the occasion, he thanked the two countries for supporting Vietnam to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure, affirming that Vietnam would continue maintaining its close coordination with Denmark and Bulgaria at international organisations and forums. For their part, the two ambassadors spoke highly of Vietnams development achievements and its constructive foreign policies, which, they said, have helped to enhance the countrys role, position and prestige in the region and throughout the world over the past years. Health Eat This, Not That! The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has surged worldwide in record timeit was only three weeks ago that the first case was identified in South Africa. Last week, it accounted for 73% of new COVID infections in the United States, according to the latest CDC data. It's highly contagiousscientists estimate it's twice as transmissible as the Delta variant, which itself was twice as transmissible as the original COIVD strainwhich calls for an abundance of caution. How do you know if you've been infect Good Morning America Duchess Kate surprised royal-watchers by showing off her piano skills at a Christmas concert Friday. The Duchess of Cambridge joined Tom Walker for a performance of "For Those Who Can't Be Here" during the concert, "Together at Christmas," which was televised in the U.K. The duet was recorded at Westminster Abbey on Thursday, according to Town and Country magazine. Kate, 39, organized the concert, which also featured performances by Leona Lewis and Ellie Goulding, to show her gratitude to community leaders in the U.K. She added in her introduction that she also wanted to "recognize those whose struggles perhaps have been less visible, too." Photo credit: Getty Images From Harper's BAZAAR From someone who's not so Hollywood, Amal Clooney sure knows how to do glamorous just like the movie stars. The esteemed lawyer attended Omega's 50th anniversary party in Orlando, Florida alongside her movie star husband, George Clooney. The Clooney's both chose Giorgio Armani for the occasion, as the designer is a long time friend of George. Amal wore a custom one-shoulder tiered fringe dress in an exquisite champagne hue. She added gold accessories to match, but included a pop of color with purple gem-stone earrings a bold red lip. Clooney's hair in soft waves really sealed the deal on her Old Hollywood look. George looked very dapper in his classic black tuxedo. Photo credit: Getty Images It's been a busy week for the Clooney's as George is currently promoting his newest project, a military-centric mini-series called Catch-22 for Hulu. The It couple just attended the Los Angeles premiere on Wednesday, May 8th. Photo credit: Getty Images This week George appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres show to promote his new work, and gave a little insight into his family life with Amal and their twin son and daughter. "Here's the scary part because they obviously got my wife's brains," he noted. "They're not quite two and they can count from one to 20 in English and Italian. I'm still trying to do the English part," the actor joked. Clooney also mentioned that their children are starting to pick up on their mother's British accent. "Ive got to fix that. Thats not going to happen," Clooney told DeGeneres. Surprisingly, George and Amal were absent from Monday's Met Gala, one of the biggest nights in fashion attended by Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian West, Gwyneth Paltrow and many more. The couple were in attendance last year, and in 2017. Photo credit: Getty Images ('You Might Also Like',) NEW YORK (AP) Democrats denounced a plan by President Donald Trump's personal attorney to push Ukraine to open investigations that he hopes could benefit Trump politically, saying it was an overt attempt to recruit foreign help to influence a U.S. election. But lawyer Rudy Giuliani has scrapped plans to visit Ukraine, citing concerns about who he would be dealing with there. Giuliani's plan had seemed poised to create an unprecedented moment a lawyer for the American president seeking foreign assistance in trying to damage political rivals. To Democrats, it was a blatant evocation of Russia's meddling on behalf of Trump when he defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 "The meeting would have accomplished little and may be in the hands of those who might misrepresent it," Giuliani said Saturday in a statement. Giuliani had said earlier that he would to travel to Kiev in coming days to urge the government to investigate the origins of special counsel Robert Mueller's recently concluded probe into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, and the involvement of former Vice President Joe Biden's son in a gas company owned by a Ukrainian oligarch. Joe Biden is the early Democratic front-runner to challenge Trump in the 2020 election. The Biden campaign has denied that Biden or his son, Hunter, did anything improper. Giuliani said he has concluded that Ukraine's president-elect is being advised by people who were the "very vocal opponents of President Trump and peculiarly vocal supporters of Hillary Clinton." TV star and comedian Volodymyr Zelenskiy beat incumbent President Petro Poroshenko in a recent presidential election. Giuliani said he believes that the incoming president is being advised, in particular, by Serhiy Leshchenko, an opposition parliament member who helped uncover the off-the-books payments made to Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort. "My purpose was to share information to assist their on-going investigation of Ukrainian officials being used by Americans to gather information to assist Clinton in last election and to alert them to the very real dangers that there are people involved in the investigation ... who are attempting to shut it down before it reaches a conclusion," Giuliani said in a statement. Story continues He said the Ukrainian investigation has the potential to reveal people who originated or propagated "the false claim of collusion" between Russia and the Trump campaign. Leshchenko, however, said Ukraine's prosecutor general, Yuriy Lutsenko, had misled Giuliani. Writing in the Ukrainska Pravda online newspaper, Leshchenko said Lutsenko "came up with the story" that the former vice president had pressured Ukraine to close the case involving the gas company, while it was Lutsenko himself who had closed the case more than two years ago. He re-opened the case this spring in the midst of Ukraine's presidential campaign in what was seen as an effort to win Trump administration support for Poroshenko. Democrats took aim at Giuliani for planning the trip at all. "It's stunning that the Trump administration is going down the same tragic path they did in 2016 seeking help from a foreign government again to influence an American presidential election. It's appalling," said Rep. Adam Schiff of California, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. He said Trump allies were indicating, "We're going to do everything short of what's downright criminal. Ethics don't matter. Patriotism doesn't matter." Giuliani, a former New York City mayor who often acted as a smokescreen for Trump during the Mueller probe, pushed back against the criticism. "Explain to me why Biden shouldn't be investigated if his son got millions from a Russian loving crooked Ukrainian oligarch while He was VP and point man for Ukraine," Giuliani tweeted at Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who criticized him. "Ukrainians are investigating and your fellow Dems are interfering. Election is 17 months away. Let's answer it now." Giuliani's planned trip, first reported by The New York Times, would have been the most high-profile effort yet by Republicans to call attention to growing talking points in conservative circles. They are trying to undermine the special counsel's investigation, call into question the case against Manafort, Trump's imprisoned former campaign chairman, and wound Joe Biden. Trump and Giuliani have urged scrutiny of Hunter Biden and have questions about whether Joe Biden helped oust a Ukrainian prosecutor whose office was first investigating the oligarch behind the company that paid Hunter Biden. Some Trump allies have suggested they can tarnish Joe Biden with questions about corruption, founded or not, much like they did to Clinton in 2016. Giuliani has said he updated the president about his findings on Ukraine, a nation deeply reliant on the Trump administration for U.S. military and financial aid. "I'm hearing it's a major scandal, major problem," Trump said on Fox News recently. "I hope for (Biden) it is fake news. I don't think it is." The president has also tried to push claims that Ukrainian officials tried to help Clinton by focusing attention on Manafort's business in Ukraine. That attention forced Manafort to resign from the campaign, and he was later convicted of financial crimes and sentenced to prison. Ukrainian officials have denied involvement, but Trump has latched onto the idea that Kiev "colluded" with Democrats and that the origins of Mueller's probe were fraudulent. Trump's re-election campaign distanced itself from Giuliani's efforts, saying it had nothing to do with the lawyer's inquiry. ___ Follow Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@JonLemire ___ Associated Press writer Jim Heintz in Moscow and video journalist Padmananda Rama in Washington contributed to this report. (New throughout, adds change in court date, report of allegations of student bullying) By Keith Coffman DENVER, May 10 (Reuters) - The two Colorado teenagers accused of opening fire with handguns at their Denver-area charter school this week, killing one classmate and wounding eight others, are due to face formal charges in court next week, authorities said on Friday. Devon Erickson, 18, and Alec McKinney, 16, who was listed on the court docket by the name Maya Elizabeth McKinney but who identifies as male, were both arrested on suspicion of a single count of first-degree murder and 29 counts of attempted murder immediately after Tuesday's shooting. During separate initial court appearances on Wednesday, Douglas County District Judge Theresa Slade ordered them held without bond pending a presentment of actual charges. They are due to back in court on May 15 to face formal state charges, a spokeswoman for District Attorney George Brauchler said by email on Friday. The proceedings were initially set for Friday, but were postponed by the court, the spokeswoman said. She declined to comment on the reason for the postponement. At next week's hearing, Brauchler is expected to inform the court whether he will charge McKinney as an adult or juvenile. If a juvenile is charged as an adult under Colorado law, the defense can still request that the case be transferred to juvenile court. If the defense invokes that right, a lengthy process ensues to determine how the case will proceed, according to Bob Grant, a former Colorado district attorney. The two teens are accused of opening fire on fellow students on Tuesday inside two separate classrooms at the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) charter school in Highlands Ranch, about 25 miles south of Denver. They were arrested by police after several students under fire at the school fought back, including a young U.S. Marine recruit, Brendan Bialy, 18, who survived, and 18-year-old robotics enthusiast Kendrick Ray Castillo, who was killed. Story continues The attack occurred less than a month after the 20th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre in nearby Littleton, in which two students shot 13 people to death before committing suicide. Five months ago, a school district official urged the STEM School's director to investigate allegations of student bullying and violence by a parent who feared they could lead to the next "Columbine." The director said an investigation found no evidence to support the allegations. Precisely what happened inside the STEM school remained unclear as police continued to search for a motive in Tuesday's attack. ABC News, citing an unnamed law enforcement official, reported that an armed security guard at the school may have mistakenly fired on sheriff's deputies called to the scene and wounded a student in the pandemonium. A sheriff's office spokeswoman, Deputy Cocha Heyden, said she was not at liberty to comment because "it's still an open and active investigation." Denver's ABC affiliate television station has reported that the two pistols used in the attack were stolen from the home of Erickson, whose parents had purchased the guns legally. (Reporting by Keith Coffman in Denver; additional reporting by Peter Szekely in New York; Editing by Steve Gorman, Leslie Adler and David Gregorio) (Adds U.S. secretary of state, Iran ambassador to U.N., U.S. naval commander comments, paragraphs 10-20) * Iran says Europeans should honour commitments on trade ties * Europeans disagree with U.S. decision to quit 2015 nuclear pact * France's Macron says pact is good base for more progress * Trump open to Iran talks, sees unspecified military threats * Iran threatens to enrich uranium beyond limit in 60 days * GRAPHIC: Iran's nuclear programme https://tmsnrt.rs/2WqRqfI BERLIN, May 9 (Reuters) - European countries said on Thursday they wanted to preserve Iran's nuclear deal and rejected "ultimatums" from Tehran, after Iran relaxed restrictions on its nuclear programme and threatened moves that might breach the 2015 international pact. Iran's announcement on Wednesday, related to curbs on its stockpiling of nuclear materials, was in response to U.S. sanctions imposed following President Donald Trump's withdrawal of the United States from the accord with Tehran a year ago. Iran's initial moves do not appear to violate the accord yet. But President Hassan Rouhani said that unless the world powers which signed the deal protect Iran's economy from U.S. sanctions within 60 days, Iran would start enriching uranium beyond limits set in the agreement. "We reject any ultimatums and we will assess Iran's compliance on the basis of Iran's performance regarding its nuclear-related commitments ...," read a statement issued jointly by the European Union and the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany, co-signatories of the deal. "We are determined to continue pursuing efforts to enable the continuation of legitimate trade with Iran," they said, adding that this included getting a special purpose vehicle aimed at enabling non-dollar business with Iran off the ground. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a Twitter post that EU countries should uphold their obligations in the nuclear deal with Iran and normalise economic ties despite U.S. sanctions, "instead of demanding that Iran unilaterally abide by a multilateral accord". Story continues The nuclear deal required Iran to curb its uranium enrichment capacity to head off any pathway to developing a nuclear bomb, in return for the removal of most international sanctions. A series of more intrusive U.N. inspections under the deal have verified that Iran is meeting its commitments. Iran has always denied that it was seeking a nuclear weapon and says it wants to abide by the nuclear deal. The Trump administration argues that the nuclear deal was flawed because it is not permanent, does not address Iran's missile programme and does not punish Iran for what Washington considers meddling in regional countries. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo alluded to that in a statement on Thursday. "To date the regimes default option has been violence, and we appeal to those in Tehran who see a path to a prosperous future through de-escalation to modify the regime's behavior," Pompeo said. "Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve," Pompeo said. TRUMP RENEWS TALKS APPEAL Trump, who has previously expressed a willingness to meet Iranian leaders to no avail, on Thursday renewed that appeal in an impromptu news conference at the White House. "They should call. If they do, we're open to talk to them," Trump said. He also said he could not rule out a military confrontation given the heightened tensions. Trump declined to say what prompted him to deploy the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group to the region over what was described as unspecified threats. In an MSNBC interview, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations Majid Takht Ravanchi said: "All of a sudden he decided to leave the negotiating table ... What is the guarantee that he will not renege again?" He dismissed U.S. allegations of an Iranian threat as "fake intelligence" comparing it to the run-up to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. The commander overseeing U.S. naval forces in the Middle East told Reuters on Thursday that American intelligence showing a threat from Iran will not prevent him from sending an aircraft carrier through the vital Strait of Hormuz, if needed. "I am not in a war-plan footing and have not been tasked to do so," U.S. Vice Admiral Jim Malloy, commander of the U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet, said in a phone interview. "However we are absolutely ready to respond to any aggression against the United States, partners in the region, or our interests." The Trump administration has ratcheted up sanctions this month, effectively ordering all countries to halt all purchases of Iranian oil or face their own sanctions. The move creates a dilemma for Washington's European allies which say they share its concerns about Iranian behavior but think the Trump administration's tactics are likely to backfire. The European allies believe Trump's campaign to isolate the Islamic Republic plays into the hands of Tehran hardliners and undermines pragmatists within the Iranian leadership who want to open the country up to the world. French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday called for the nuclear deal to be extended to cover other issues of concern to the West, such as Iran's regional policies and ballistic missiles, rather than jettisoned. "Leaving the 2015 nuclear agreement is a mistake because it is undoing what we have already done. That's why France is remaining and will remain a part of it and I deeply hope that Iran will remain," Macron said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the EU wants to avoid an escalation in the dispute and Tehran must recognise that it is in its own interests to remain committed to the deal. European countries have tried to develop a system to allow outside investors to do business with Iran while avoiding falling foul of U.S. sanctions. But in practice this has failed so far, with all major European firms that had announced plans to invest in Iran saying they would no longer do so. A spokesman for Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said on Thursday Tehran's goal was to bring the agreement "back on track". But Tehran has also maintained that it will leave the deal, known as the JCPOA, unless it receives more economic support as envisaged by the 2015 pact. "We have not left the JCPOA so far, but we have put such a move on our agenda and that would happen step by step," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by state-run PressTV on Wednesday night. Supporters of the nuclear deal, including Trump's predecessor Barack Obama and European allies, say the pact extends the time it would take Iran to make a nuclear weapon if it decided to do so, and guarantees that it would be caught. Lifting sanctions, they argue, would show ordinary Iranians the benefits of cooperating with the world and make it more difficult for hardliners to roll back reforms. (Reporting by Madeline Chambers, Andreas Rinke, Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, Steve Holland and Phil Stewart; Writing by Peter Graff and Grant McCool; Editing by Mark Heinrich and James Dalgleish) * India's investigation is latest regulatory setback for Google * Watchdog ordered to probe if Google abused Android-sources * India case similar to EU complaint in which Google fined $5 bln * Investigation to be completed in a year-source (Adds details throughout) By Aditya Kalra NEW DELHI, May 10 (Reuters) - India's antitrust watchdog has ordered an investigation into Alphabet Inc's unit Google for allegedly abusing the dominant position of its popular Android mobile operating system to block rivals, two sources aware of the matter told Reuters. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) last year started looking into the complaint, which is similar to one Google faced in Europe that resulted in a 4.34 billion euro ($5 billion) fine on the company, Reuters reported in February. In mid-April, the CCI decided there was merit in the accusations made in the complaint and ordered its investigation unit to launch a full probe, one of the sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. That decision, which was confirmed by the second source, has not been previously reported and the order calling the full investigation was not made public. "It is a strong case for the CCI, given the EU precedent," said the first source. "The CCI has (preliminarily) found Google abused its dominant position." The probe would be completed in about a year and Google executives would likely be summoned to appear before the CCI in coming months, the source said. The CCI did not respond to a request for comment. A Google spokesman said Android has enabled millions of Indians to connect to the internet by making mobile devices more affordable. Google looked forward to working with the CCI "to demonstrate how Android has led to more competition and innovation, not less," the spokesman said in a statement. Reuters could not establish who filed the complaint, which involves more than one person. UNFAIR ADVANTAGE The precise details of the complaint against Google in India could not be determined, but sources have told Reuters it is on the exact same lines as the case filed against the company in Europe. Story continues In the EU case, regulators said Google forced manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and its Chrome browser, together with its Google Play app store, on Android devices, giving it an unfair advantage. Google has appealed the order but, in a bid to quell EU antitrust concerns, last month said its Android device users in Europe would be able to choose rival browsers and search engines. Once a user downloads a rival search app, it also prompts them to change their default search engine in their Google Chrome browser, if they so wish. Android, used by device makers for free, features on about 88 percent of the world's smartphones. In India, about 99 percent of the smartphones sold this year used the platform, Counterpoint Research estimates. It remains possible that the CCI's investigations unit could clear Google of any wrongdoing. The amount of fine that can be imposed on Google if the CCI rules against it was not immediately clear. The Indian regulator has powers to impose a penalty of up to 10% of the relevant turnover of a company in the last three financial years if it is found to have abused its dominant position. In that case, Google's earnings linked to its web browser and search engine could be considered to assess the fine, New Delhi-based antitrust lawyer Gautam Shahi said. Google does not disclose its India earnings from its web browser or search engine. "They can either change their conduct in India voluntarily or let CCI investigate. Voluntary change in conduct may have an impact on the quantum of penalty, if it's imposed," said Shahi. The Indian investigation, however, is not the only antitrust trouble for the Mountain View, California-based company in its key market. Last year, the CCI imposed a fine of 1.36 billion rupees ($19.46 million) on Google for "search bias" and abuse of its dominant position. It also found Google had put its commercial flight search function in a prominent position on the search results page. Google appealed against that order, saying the ruling could cause it "irreparable" harm and reputational loss. (Reporting by Aditya Kalra in New Delhi; Editing by Martin Howell and Alex Richardson) (Recasts with Venezuela reopening border) By Anthony Boadle PACARAIMA, Brazil, May 10 (Reuters) - Venezuela reopened its border crossing to Brazil on Friday, after its closure for nearly three months forced desperate Venezuelans to use indigenous trails to smuggle food and basic goods or to flee their crisis-stricken homeland. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro closed the only formal crossing between the countries in February to block an opposition attempt to bring U.S. aid in from Brazil and Colombia. Opposition leader Juan Guaido has urged the military to oust Maduro, branding him a dictator, while the government in turn calls Guaido a puppet of Washington and a coup-monger. Venezuelan Economy Vice President Tareck El Aissami said on Friday the border was being reopened to restore development of the border economy for the benefit of both nations. Witnesses on both sides of the border said traffic started flowing again through customs posts mid-afternoon. The border's closure had driven hundreds of Venezuelans to bribe National Guard officials every day to make their way into Brazil along indigenous trails that cross the sun-baked savannah, according to interviews with two dozen migrants and two former National Guard officers. With roughly a quarter of Venezuela's 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance due to an economic meltdown, according to the United Nations, the illicit border crossings provided a lifeline for many in the border region. The migrants interviewed by Reuters said that Venezuelan National Guard soldiers had taken advantage of the border closure to collect 50 reais ($12.50) per car on the parallel crossings. The tariff was higher for vehicles coming back loaded with rice, flour and sugar, they said. Those without cash to pay the informal toll must take even longer paths, hauling their luggage on foot for up to six hours, in a desperate trek witnessed by Reuters. "Wearing Venezuelan uniforms, they brazenly demand money even to pass on foot. They're raking it in," said Yeral Garate, as he waited with five other hungry migrants for rice to cook in a pot over a wooden fire on a trail inside Brazil. Story continues Neither the Venezuelan government nor the National Guard, which runs border controls, replied to requests for comment. Maduro has in the past said that criticism of the military is linked to opposition efforts to tarnish the armed forces. More than 3.4 million Venezuelans have left the country since 2015 due to a political and economic crisis, according to the United Nations. Garate said that a lack of food and medicine, miserable wages and Maduro's "catastrophic" policies drove him to flee. He said he took a bus to the border from his hometown of Maturin in eastern Venezuela, and then walked 11 miles (18 km) over rolling scrubland to Brazil, with only the few possessions he could carry. The trip can be easier for those with the means. Hired drivers offer packages from Puerto Ordaz in southern Venezuela to the border town of Santa Elena de Uairen, 400 miles (640 km) to the south, and then across trails to Pacaraima - with border bribes included. A reservation for the Pemon indigenous tribe that straddles the border is crisscrossed with dirt tracks along which cars, jeeps, vans, pickups and motor bikes ferry migrants to Brazil and return with goods. NATIONAL GUARDS Two National Guard sergeants, who had recently deserted from their posts at the border, said that bribe taking was systematic there and that military officials would compete to be sent to the lucrative postings. "They charge 50 reais per car to access the trails and 100 reais for larger vehicles. People who bring back lots of goods also have to pay," one of the sergeants told Reuters in Brazil. The sergeant said he had defected because he disagreed with the way opposition protests were being repressed in Venezuela. Some six dozen Venezuelan military officers have defected across the border in recent weeks, according to the Brazilian army. Six National Guard soldiers questioned by Reuters in Brazil said that lucrative bribe taking by military officials at border crossings and other black market activity was one reason that many troops had ignored the opposition's call to unseat Maduro. All of the soldiers interviewed by Reuters requested not to be identified for fear of reprisals against their families. A spokesman for Guaido did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Corruption is one of the main complaints by ordinary Venezuelans, ranging from National Guard shakedowns at checkpoints across the country to allegations of money laundering and graft by senior military officials being investigated by courts in the United States. Maduro's government has said the cases are politically motivated. Pacaraima, a town of 12,000 inhabitants that has thrived on Venezuelan demand, was hit hard by the February border closure. Daily sales of roughly 5 million reais ($1.2 million) to Venezuelans fell overnight to about a fifth of that, said Joao Kleber Soares, head of the local chamber of commerce. As traffic flowed to the side-trails, however, business had almost returned to previous levels, Soares told Reuters in the bustling main street packed with Venezuelans loading up their vehicles with sacks of food, toilet paper and other goods. Soares and other entrepreneurs in Roraima state, which borders Venezuela, had pleaded with Venezuela to reopen the border and Roraima Senator Telmario Mota visited Caracas to urge Maduro to do so for business to recover. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle and Leonardo Benassatto Editing by Daniel Flynn, Alistair Bell and James Dalgleish) YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) -- A federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit filed by the United Auto Workers against General Motors over the closing of three plants should be heard in Ohio. The Warren Tribune Chronicle reports U.S. District Judge Benita Pearson in Youngstown, Ohio, on Thursday dismissed GM's arguments that the case should be moved to a federal court in Detroit for convenience. The headquarters for GM and the UAW are in Detroit. A GM spokesman declined to comment Friday about the ruling. The UAW sued GM in February over a breach of contract claim while trying to stop it from closing northeast Ohio's Lordstown assembly plant and transmission plants in White Marsh, Maryland and Warren, Michigan. Only the Michigan plant remains open. ___ Information from: The Tribune Chronicle, http://www.tribtoday.com By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional Democrats, faced with blanket opposition to their oversight probes by President Donald Trump, are considering more contempt citations against administration officials who defy their subpoenas, a leading Democrat said on Friday. U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler said lawmakers may bundle numerous contempt citations from different committees into a single resolution that the full House of Representatives could then vote on. "There obviously are going to have to be, perhaps from our committee and certainly from other committees, other contempt citations to enforce subpoenas," Nadler told reporters. Asked about bundling citations together, the New York Democrat replied: "It's a great idea. In fact, I suggested it ... It just makes sense, to spend as little floor time as possible, to group them together." A consolidated contempt vote is among options Democrats are considering in response to Trump's stonewalling of congressional investigations into his presidency and business investments. Another option is reviving Congress's "inherent" contempt authority. Some Democrats say that would allow lawmakers to fine uncooperative officials up to $25,000 per day. Some Democrats are also calling for impeachment proceedings against recalcitrant Trump Cabinet members. Nadler said Congress faces "the unprecedented situation in which the administration is essentially stonewalling all subpoenas weve never had this before in American history, so far as I know." His committee on Wednesday voted to recommend that the full House bring a contempt of Congress citation against Attorney General William Barr for defying a committee subpoena that seeks the unredacted Mueller report and underlying material. The vote came just hours after the White House blocked the report's disclosure by invoking the legal principle of executive privilege. But the judiciary committee chairman also sent a letter to Barr on Friday, offering to resume negotiations for the Mueller material while the contempt citation awaits a vote by the full House. "My staff is ready, willing and able to meet with your staff in an effort to achieve a suitable compromise," the letter said. Nadler told reporters that the House Intelligence Committee would soon hold a contempt vote. Other Democratic lawmakers have suggested action against Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin for refusing to turn over Trump's tax returns. He also reiterated plans to hold former White House counsel Don McGahn in contempt if he does not show up to testify before the panel under subpoena on May 21. "He knows that if he doesn't testify on the 21st without a court order, which he wont get, he'll be subject to a contempt citation," the chairman said. Nadler's committee is continuing to negotiate for Special Counsel Robert Mueller, author of the report on Trump and Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, to testify before he leaves the Justice Department in coming weeks. "Hopefully he will come in. It won't be next week," Nadler said. "If necessary, we will subpoena him and he will come." The House Judiciary panel has not set a date for Mueller to testify, but lawmakers had spoken tentatively about May 15. The panel is still negotiating with Mueller and the Justice Department. It was unclear where negotiations stood on Friday. Barr has said he has no objection to Mueller testifying. But Trump has tweeted that Mueller should not testify. The Justice Department told the House committee that Mueller is expected to leave his post in "a matter of weeks", according to Nadler, who rejected the idea that there might a benefit to the special counsel testifying as a private citizen. "Is there a benefit? No! He may prefer to do that because he's then more free from the instructions of the Department of Justice," the chairman said. (Reporting by David Morgan and Susan Heavey; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and James Dalgleish) More than 100 inmates escaped from an Indonesian jail on Sumatra island on Saturday, police said, in the latest breakout to hit the countrys creaking prison system. The prisoners fled the jail in Siak district on Sumatra island early in the morning after rioting and a fire broke out at the detention centre. Footage on local TV stations showed the facility engulfed in flames. Authorities launched a massive manhunt and 115 prisoners had been recaptured by late morning, Riau province police chief Widodo Eko Prihastopo said. Dozens of detainees from a prison population of more nearly 650 remained at large, he added. "Police with assistance from the army and surrounding community are still searching for the rest," Prihastopo said. The rioting was triggered after guards beat several inmates who were caught using methamphetamine, police said. Three detainees suffered stab wounds and a policeman was shot during the rioting, the local health office told AFP. Jailbreaks are common in Indonesia, where inmates are often held in unsanitary conditions at overcrowded prisons. There was a spate of breakouts in 2013, including one where about 150 prisoners -- including terror convicts -- escaped from a jail. Jerusalem (AFP) - At his shop in Jerusalem's Old City, Palestinian craftsman Issam Zughair makes traditional lanterns for Muslims marking the holy month of Ramadan, battling competition from cheap Chinese imports. Zughair's shop is decked out with lamps both large and small, some hanging from the ceiling and others displayed outside to draw the attention of passers-by during lively Ramadan evenings. He learned the trade from his father, a carpenter who originally made lanterns out of wood. "My father opened this shop in the 1950s -- we want to protect that heritage," Zughair said, sitting with his wife in their small home above the business. The largest lantern in the shop is two metres tall, shaped to resemble a mosque and created specially for Ramadan. It was made from sheet metal and glass, using a technique that is believed to date back to the Fatimid caliphate in 10th century Egypt. Zughair believes the lantern is the largest traditionally-made one in Jerusalem. "There is no-one that rivals me in building them," he said. The 67-year-old imports materials from Egypt and Turkey and crafts the lanterns in his Old City shop. He can add Koranic verses, religious phrases or names of God, according to the wishes of buyers. Lanterns play a special role during Ramadan, which began on Monday. As Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, nocturnal life takes on added significance. Traditionally, lanterns light the way for religious events. Najeh Bkerat, from the Al-Aqsa Academy for Science and Heritage in Jerusalem, said they are a symbol of Islamic culture and heritage, especially during the fasting month. "People carry them as an expression of the light, the goodness and the joy of Ramadan," he said. - Walls and China - Zughair said he starts to receive requests for personalised lamps a month before Ramadan. Clients are from Jerusalem and the Israeli-occupied West Bank as well as Arabs from Israel itself, the majority of whom identify as Palestinian. Story continues The lanterns sell for between 10 and 1,000 shekels ($3 to $280), depending on their size and the intricacy of their design. But Zughair said he has seen a major slump in demand for the more ornate models since the outbreak of the second Palestinian uprising, or intifada, in 2000. Israel began constructing a wall in 2002, cutting off Jerusalem from much of the West Bank. Israeli authorities said it was necessary to curb Palestinian militant attacks, but critics labelled it as collective punishment and a land grab. "Before the intifada, all of Palestine used to come to buy from me, but today I have lost 70 percent of my customers as a result," Zughair said. The purchasing power of Palestinian residents of east Jerusalem has declined by 30 percent since 2000, said Ziyad Hamouri from the Jerusalem Centre for Social and Economic Rights, citing the wall as a key barrier to trade. Zughair also faces another threat - cheap Chinese knock-offs. "I don't have any competitors in the market except China," he said. - Ramadan atmosphere - In a shop selling household appliances inside a gate of the walled Old City, Hamzeh Takish displayed a selection of small Chinese-made plastic lanterns, some of which play popular Arabic songs. Their prices start from just 15 shekels ($4). "I don't sell the traditional lanterns, people here are looking for new -- every year they introduce new designs," he said. Alaa Wael, 27, was buying six Ramadan lanterns, two for his home and the rest for relatives. "They only cost 10 shekels, the type doesn't matter to me," he said. "What is important is that it works and adds a Ramadan atmosphere." Ramadan in Jerusalem is not limited to lanterns. The labyrinthine streets of the Old City are festooned with lights and decorations for the whole month. Four committees, representing different neighbourhoods including the Christian quarter, compete to have the most eye-catching displays as tens of thousands of Muslims flock to Al-Aqsa mosque for prayer. The committees provide food to the needy throughout the month. One put up a 12-metre iron and nylon Ramadan lantern, with families gathering to watch. "We start working a month before Ramadan," said Ammar Sidr from the Bab Hata neighbourhood committee. "We're experienced in decorating and coordinating colours and adding some personalised touches." North Korea on Thursday denied the existence of political prison camps in the country, as it faced fierce criticism of its rights record at the United Nations. In rare remarks at the UN Human Rights Council, diplomats from Pyongyang defended leader Kim Jong Un's regime against a barrage of accusations, notably from Western states. "There are still some that persistently insist that political prison camps are operated in our country," said Pak Kwang Ho, a councillor at the central court of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). "There is no such thing as a political prisoner, or a political prison camp, in the vocabulary of the criminal law and the criminal procedure law of the DPRK," he added. The North was appearing at its Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a session during which nations face human rights scrutiny every five years. While the United States and North Korea have both cut ties with regular rights council business, both still join the UPR. "The human rights situation in North Korea is deplorable and has no parallel in the modern world," said Mark Cassayre, charge d'affairs at the US mission. He called on Pyongyang to "immediately dismantle all political prison camps (and) release all political prisoners." Cassayre also accused the North of holding 80,000 to 120,000 people "in deplorable conditions," some for "merely possessing a religious text" Britain's deputy permanent representative to the UN in Geneva, Miriam Shearman, called on North Korea to "take immediate action to cease the practice of forced labour." Pak countered that the court-mandated labour performed by inmates at designated "reform institutions... is not forced labour." He insisted that convicts sentenced to carry out labour work eight hours days, with Sundays and holidays off. UN investigators have previously accused the North of "systematic, widespread and gross" human rights abuses, which was denounced by Pyongyang as a smear campaign to tarnish its international image. A landmark 2014 report by a UN Commission of Inquiry documented rampant human rights abuses in the North, ranging from rape, torture and extrajudicial killings to the operation of political prisons. The regime is estimated to have up to 120,000 North Koreans in the camps, where many detainees are said to have been jailed merely for being related to individuals deemed to be a threat to the state, rather than being convicted of internationally recognised criminal offences. Technology giant Google said Thursday Singapore's new law against "fake news" could hurt innovation, a crucial element in the high-tech sector which the government is developing as an economic growth driver. Parliament late Wednesday passed legislation that gives government ministers powers to order social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to put warnings next to posts authorities deem to be false -- and in extreme cases have them taken down. If an action is judged to be malicious and damaging to Singapore's interests, companies could be hit with fines of up to Sg$1 million ($735,000). Individuals could face jail terms of up to 10 years. Officials have said the law does not cover opinion, but will focus on fighting outright falsehoods carried on social media that can foment disorder in the ethnically diverse nation. Ordering "corrections" to be placed alongside falsehoods will be the primary response by government officials rather than fines or jail terms, they said. Tech firms, rights activists and journalists, however, said it could be used to curb freedom of speech. "Misinformation is a challenging issue and we are working hard to address it," a Google spokesman said, a day after the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation bill was passed. "We remain concerned that this law will hurt innovation and the growth of the digital information ecosystem. "How the law is implemented matters, and we are committed to working with policy makers on this process." Singapore has been expanding its high-tech sector and has convinced many of the world's top companies to establish their regional offices and key facilities on the tiny island. Google, Twitter and Facebook already have their Asia Pacific headquarters in the city-state. Last year, Facebook announced it will invest more than $1.0 billion to build a data centre in Singapore, its first in Asia, which is expected to be operational around 2022. Story continues Singapore is also host to several firms engaged in high-tech manufacturing and a nascent tech start-up scene. Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch said Thursday the passage of the bill is a "hammer blow against the independence of many on-line news portals" and "will have a chilling effect on internet freedom throughout Southeast Asia". Addressing parliament on Tuesday, law and home affairs minister K. Shanmugam said the law was necessary as the tech companies could not be relied upon to regulate themselves. He also denied it was aimed at curtailing free speech. "Free speech should not be affected by this bill. We are talking here about falsehoods... bots... trolls... fake accounts and so on," he said. By Roberta Rampton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Friday expanded the scope of its Venezuela sanctions to the defense and security services sectors to try to crank up economic pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The White House is keen to show that momentum in its four-month-old campaign against Maduro has not waned, particularly after a failed uprising last week led by opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is backed by the United States and most Western nations. Guaido - who Maduro has called a puppet of Washington - invoked Venezuela's constitution in January to assume an interim presidency, arguing Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate. Despite significant U.S. oil sanctions on the OPEC member nation, Maduro has held on to power, backed by Cuba, Russia and China, and retains the support of the country's military and other institutions. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin a week ago, a conversation that revealed Moscow to be relatively disinterested in the fate of Maduro, according to a senior U.S. administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity. "I think it was clear from the call, at least to us, that Putin doesn't care about Venezuela," the official told a small group of reporters. "It's a chit for bigger geopolitical issues," the official said, noting that Putin described Maduro as economically incompetent. Under Maduro's leadership, Venezuela's economy has ground to a halt, causing shortages of food, power, water and medicine, and prompting an exodus of millions from the oil-rich country. Guaido's April 30 uprising failed to result in widespread change, but left Maduro "cornered" and desperate, the official said. One former general turned against Maduro, and this week he was taken off the U.S. sanctions blacklist. The general, Manuel Cristopher, has been in touch with U.S. officials, and contacts from other military figures have also surged, the official said. The Treasury Department said on Friday that U.S. and foreign companies working with Venezuela's defense and security services sectors can now be sanctioned, adding to penalties for companies working in the oil and banking sectors. The move puts on notice foreign suppliers of military spare parts or telecommunications equipment and services, the U.S. official said. The Trump administration also blacklisted two new shipping companies and two oil tanker ships for shipping oil from Venezuela to Cuba. The U.S. Treasury identified the firms as Monsoon Navigation Corp, based in the Marshall Islands, and Liberia-based Serenity Navigation Ltd. Monsoon's tanker Ocean Elegance and Serenity Maritime's Leon Dias delivered crude oil from Venezuela to Cuba from late 2018 through March 2019, the Treasury Department said. Both tankers have Panama flags. The sanctions block the firms and ships from dealings with U.S. persons and companies, and freeze any assets the firms may own or control in the United States. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton in Washington; Additional reporting by Makini Brice and Mohammad Zargham in Washington; Editing by James Dalgleish and Leslie Adler) The CEO of one of the largest railroad networks in the U.S. said the tariffs President Donald Trump put on Chinese goods is hurting the U.S. railroad industry as well as farmers and other members of the agricultural economy. What drives the railroad is people buying stuff, the industrial economy being healthy and trade, said Lance Fritz, CEO, chairman and president of Union Pacific Corporation (UNP), on Yahoo Finance On the Move. Tariffs are going to directly impact trade, and they can indirectly impact the other two as input costs change. United States hiked tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods at 12:01am ET Friday to 25% from 10%. Talks between the U.S. and China resumed in Washington D.C. but wrapped up by midday. Nonetheless, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin called the talks constructive. While Trump tweeted there was no need to rush to reach a deal, others disagree. Fritz said U.S. farmers are getting hit hard. If you go back to this time last year, China was in the U.S. market for soybeans and probably bought about 40% of soybean exports, he said. Right now, they are not in the market at all. Fritz said those soybean farmers have to find other world markets to send their crop. Thats something he believes has had a depressive impact on soybean prices and that has a spill-through impact on the economy, and the agricultural economy. Union Pacific connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the U.S. by rail. It is considered an important link in the global supply chain connecting the Canadian rail lines with the Gulf of Mexico. Union Pacifics rail network currently covers nearly 32,000 miles. This week Union Pacific celebrated the 150th anniversary of the first U.S. Transcontinental Railroad. Joanna Campione is a producer for Yahoo Finance On the Move. State Governor attends 21st parting social of Naga Students Union Dheradun DIMAPUR | Publish Date: 5/11/2019 12:01:25 PM IST Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya stated that Nagaland has a large number of educated youth and the government service sector had reached a saturation point and that entrepreneurship was the only way to employ the youth of the state. According to PRO, Raj Bhavan, the Governor was addressing the 21st parting social of the Naga Students Union Dheradun (NSUD) at the DugOut Lounge, Dheradun on May 11. He encouraged the students to take up skill courses in their academic curriculum to embrace work culture and be positive towards entrepreneurship. Governor Acharya called on the student to continue working hard and to achieve their goals in empowering themselves with knowledge. He also encouraged the students to be Game Changers and socially accountable. He stated that students, when they come out, must be an asset to the society and be employable. Stating the education was not a disease but the solution, he encouraged the students to complete their education and develop their community and society. The programme was also attended by students unions from the neighboring North Eastern States. DFO, Tehri Forest Division, Dr Koko Rose was the special guest. In 2015, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program, bowing to harsh sanctions imposed by countries worried it was developing an atomic bomb. For the past year, its continued to abide by the restrictions despite U.S. President Donald Trumps decision to withdraw from the accord and reimpose U.S. sanctions. Now Iran has threatened to walk away from the deal and has accelerated the rate at which its enriching low-grade uranium four-fold to emphasize the point. In and around Iran, tensions are mounting as the U.S. and its ally Saudi Arabia warn of Iranian mischief and the U.S. beefs up military forces. 1. What provoked Irans moves? The U.S. stepped up its economic pressure on Iran in early May by allowing the expiration of waivers that had permitted eight governments to buy Iranian oil. The Trump administrations aim is to drive Irans oil exports, which account for almost half of the countrys sales abroad, to zero. Already, U.S. sanctions have pushed Irans economy into recession, with the International Monetary Fund predicting a 6% contraction this year after 4% last year. The downturn is an embarrassment for President Hassan Rouhani, who championed the nuclear deal as a way to end Irans isolation and revive its economy. Rouhani is now asking for his government to be given more powers to push back against the economic war the U.S. is waging. 2. Whats enriching uranium got to do with the economy? Nothing, directly. Iran is boosting enrichment though crucially not beyond the agreed limit as a way to push the European parties to the nuclear deal to do something to relieve the effects of the U.S. sanctions. Those parties France, Germany, the U.K. and the European Union share the desire to restrain Irans nuclear activities and to do so through dialogue. Also, Iran considers the limitations on its nuclear program a constraint on its sovereign rights, though it has always denied pursuing a nuclear weapon. It was willing to go along with the restrictions in exchange for sanctions relief, but the U.S. withdrawal left Iranians feeling theyd been duped. Story continues 3. How does the U.S. stop others from trading with Iran? As with other sanctions campaigns, U.S. leverage rests with the central role American banks and the U.S. dollar play in the global economy. Any country, company or bank that violates the terms of the U.S. sanctions could see its U.S.-based assets blocked or lose the ability to move money to or through accounts held in the U.S. In essence, the Trump administration has bet that nations, banks and businesses worldwide would rather do business with the U.S. than Iran, a wager that has proven correct as major European companies have mostly stayed away. 4. What have European countries proposed to do about that? European signatories devised a special mechanism to facilitate trade with Iran that would circumvent a global financial system that is largely dominated by the U.S. The idea basically comes down to using a barter system in which Iran would accrue credits for its exports to Europe which it could then use to purchase goods from European businesses. But Instex, as the vehicle is known, isnt yet fully operational and would likely offer only limited relief. Iran has said that if the Europeans cant find a way to ease its economic isolation by early July, it will abandon limits on uranium enrichment, shortening the time the country would need to accumulate sufficient material for a nuclear bomb. 5. What mischief does the U.S. accuse Iran of? The U.S. has dispatched an aircraft carrier and bomber jets to the Persian Gulf and withdrawn some diplomatic personnel from Iraq after saying intelligence showed a growing threat toward U.S. forces or commercial shipping by Iran or allied forces. After a security briefing, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham claimed that Iran was behind recent attacks on Saudi Arabian and other oil tankers as they approached the strategic Strait of Hormuz, although other senators disagreed with his reading of the intelligence. The Saudis blame Iran for drone attacks on two Saudi pumping stations along a cross-country oil pipeline. Houthi rebels fighting a civil war in Yemen who are backed by Iran claimed responsibility for the strikes. 6. Whats at stake in the conflict? The stability of the Middle East. European officials frequently cite their inability to prevent U.S. President George W. Bushs administration from starting the Iraq war in 2003 as a key reason for trying to salvage the Iran deal. The U.S. and Iran are still far from declaring war on each other. But Trump has warned that if Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. The commander of Irans powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps said his country isnt looking for a war but isnt afraid of a confrontation More must-read stories from Fortune Nancy Pelosi says President Trump is becoming self-impeachable This proposed legislation could light up the pot business What exactly is ranked-choice voting? Bill and Melinda Gates top Fortunes 2019 Worlds Greatest Leaders list Get up to speed on your morning commute with Fortunes CEO Daily newsletter Howard Yu is the LEGO professor of management and innovation at IMD business school in Switzerland, and author of the book "Leap: How to Thrive in a World Where Everything Can Be Copied" Nothing new can come from a situation without suffering. If any new understanding about the nature of platform companies is to materialize in 2019, it will be because of the extreme over-valuation of Uber, on full display this week. Uber's valuation at IPO this Friday, based on its offering price, will be $82 billion. The company is raising $8.1 billion, and is expected to be the years biggest U.S. IPO. Only two other U.S. IPOs have ever been more valuable: Alibaba in 2014, at a value of $167 billion, and Facebook in 2012, at a value of $104 billion. The biggest winners this time will include Jeff Bezos, whose $3 million personal investment in Uber is likely to be worth $400 million. Other well-known investors include Benchmark, whose $30 million stake is set to make around $7.9 billion, and Menlo Ventures, whose $67 million investment is expected to become about $3 billion. But the question for the public is, should we join in? What can academic research tell us? [Read More: Uber delivers on the promise every tech company has ever made] In explaining the dynamics of a platform economy, as opposed to those of a traditional economy, economists and business researchers routinely use the network effect as a way of describing the value of a platform. This value largely depends on the number of users on either side of the exchange. The more riders a ride-sharing platform has, for instance, the more attractive it becomes to drivers, leading even more people to use it. La estatua de George Washington frente a un letrero de Uber que cuelga en la fachada de la bolsa de valores de Nueva York, el viernes 10 de mayo de 2019. (AP Foto/Richard Drew) And once a platform reaches a certain size, the thinking goes, it becomes too dominant to unseat. In other words, a platform economy has no room for multiple players; the market equilibrium will forever move toward a monopoly. So Google dominates search engines, Facebook rules social networks, Twitter towers over microblogging, and Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify have cornered the movie-streaming, video-sharing, and music-streaming markets, respectively. Story continues If we follow this logic, however, there should be either Uber or Lyft, but not both. And weve seen that coming with Ubers moves in international markets. It sold its China operation to Didi Chuxing in 2016, not because of political pressure from Beijing, but because of fierce competition from local players. A year later, in 2017, Uber sold its operation in Russia to Yandex. This was followed by yet another exit in March 2018, when Uber bowed to Grab by selling off its Southeast Asian operation in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its easier for Uber to achieve scale than to sustain it. This explains, in part, why although Uber is operating in more than 700 cities around the world, 24% of the total bookings occur in just five of thoseNew York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and Sao Paulo. Outside those core cities, Uber faces fierce local competition. Latecomers in these local markets emulate what Uber does and outdo it. Uber still had a monthly average of 91 million active users at the end of 2018, but growth had slowed from 51 percent a year earlier to 33.8 percent. Investors often invest in money-losing businesses because they believe tech companies that begin with modest goals and creative business plans will soon follow the growth script of Amazon in realizing their own routes to infinity and beyond. [Read More: How Uber's biggest investor is shaping the global ride-sharing market] To knit together precisely that precious narrative for an IPO, CEO Khosrowshahi positioned Uber as the hub for disparate categories of transport. It included Uber Eats, a food-delivery service; Uber Freight, a trucking business; and Jump, a shared scooter and bike operation. Khosrowshahi equated Uber to Amazon. But Uber has never been about building infrastructure. Amazon built not only a website and an app, but warehouses, logistic networks and I.T. systems. Uber never did. It uses two cloud computing providers: AWS and Google Cloud. Uber didnt even develop its own maps; it spent tens of million to use Google Maps. A scooter driver prepares to delivery an Uber Eats food order in London, Britain June 8, 2018. REUTERS/Simon Dawson The paradox is this: Lots of businesses require heavy investment. Cellular phone operators and cable TV companies all have to spend billions to build their physical networks. But that investment is finite, whereas Uber is spending cash not on building physical assets, but on buying market share, pushing driver incentives and rider discounts, and advertisements. These are infinite expenditures, limited only by a companys ability to raise money from venture capital firms and IPO. Thats how Amazon lost $2.8 billion over its first 17 quarters as a public company, while Uber lost over $4 billion in 2017 alone. One bright spot that Uber seeks to highlight in its IPO filing is on platform synergies, where each new product adds nodes to [its] network and strengthens these shared capabilities, which in turn will fuel multiple virtuous cycles of growth. It claims that Uber Eats is used by many of the same consumers who use our Ridesharing products, [and] is built on our existing technology stack. And so in the future, Uber can more efficiently launch other products and offerings, such as dockless e-bikes and e-scooters, by leveraging our existing network of Drivers and consumers and regional on-the-ground operations teams. [Read More: The biggest risks to Uber's business as it prepares for its IPO] Such strong cycles of growth wont be possible without an integrated data strategy. Any data scientists would agree that data sets become geometrically more valuable when you combine them. Combined data sets often reveal insights and business opportunities that could not have been imagined previously. When Google introduced Gmail, it built a data set that was largely able to duplicate a users identity. Combining the two data sets prompted a huge increase in value, as future AdWords ads would have more worth for the advertiser and, by extension, for Google. The same thing happened again with Google Maps, which enabled Google to tie identity and purchase intent to location. Each time Google introduces a new service, it finds new use cases for user data by combining data sets. This is also the allure of Uber; the company can recombine data stemming from its core business and then invade an adjacent business line for growth. FILE - In this Dec. 18, 2015 file photo a French livery driver has written on his car window "Stop Uber" as their cars block a traffic circle in Paris. The European Union's top court has ruled Tuesday April 10, 2018 that member states can ban taxi services like UberPop without prior notification to the Commission. (AP Photo/Francois Mori, File) Still, this business logic could come undone. Last year, Europe introduced its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in an effort to thwart consumers being treated as commodities. Consumers must give their consent before a company such as Uber can start to collect personal data, and the company must explain why data is collected and how it is used. The company is not allowed to use that data for different purposes later on. There has been talk, and even a legal action started in Germany, aimed at prohibiting Facebook from integrating Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp as it seeks to combine user data from different sources. Another German initiative proposes that dominant platforms must share bulk, anonymized data with competitors, meaning all transport firms would have access to Ubers information about traffic patterns. Europe would obviously have limited influence on Ubers global strategy. But Europe remains the most profitable market outside of the U.S., a market that no tech firm can completely ignore or defy. London is currently one of the top five cities that produces the most bookings for Uber, and the U.K. is under the GDPR regardless of whether Brexit proceeds. Perhaps most problematic for Uber is that many countries around the world are emulating Europes position on data protection and consumer privacy. Thus, the investment thesis inspired by the platform economy of the pastwinners take all; competition is for loserscannot hold. There might not be a tech bubble that bursts as badly as in the 90s, but the growth prospects of Uber and its competitors will diminish. [Read More: Uber has lived through a parade of executive exits before its IPO] For its second act, the 2020 Range Rover Evoque gets a much need interior makeover For the past 13 years, Israel has claimed there was no impediment to talking with the Palestinian Authority on a variety of issues from security arrangements to economic or civilian arrangements. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter But an entire Palestinian territory is ruled by Hamas, a terror organization not recognized by Israel. Therefore, Israel will not directly communicate with it. This is a mistake. Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar in Gaza Hamas is not only a terror organization. It is first and foremost the government of the Gaza Strip, an independent political entity that unfortunately for Israel sits on its southern border. Bordering countries always have shared interests, and those shared by Israel and Hamas are greater than Israel has been willing to admit. When rockets are fired from Gaza, regardless of Palestinian faction affiliation, Israel holds Hamas responsible. If Hamas is responsible for all things military, why are they not considered responsible for all things civilian? Islamic Jihad is another story. It is a terror group and not a civilian-facing organization. It is completely funded by Iran and shares Iranian interests, and has no political responsibility. Islamic Jihad is under no obligation to hold its fire, unless the government of Gaza - Hamas - is motivated by its own interests to force it to do so. Islamic Jihad leader Ziad Nahala Hamas will choose to restore calm when Israel makes a big enough concession. If Hamas is financially incentivized, on the one hand, and if it is recognized as the de facto government of Gaza on the other, ensuring all reconstruction and development in Gaza is done in coordination with it, then events along the border, often serving as triggers for escalation of violence, will stop. Another factor to be considered is the crisis around the Palestinian Authority's tax revenue. After Israel unilaterally decided to withhold funds that matched the sums given to families of convicted terrorists, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas refused to accept any of the tax revenue, demanding the release of all funds. The financial deficit created by Israel's actions resulted in a slashing of funds for Gaza. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Photo: Reuters) The consecutive governments of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ever since he was re-elected in 2009, decided to manage the Israeli-Palestinian conflict instead of solving it. And although this policy is not without cause, it comes with a price. In order to maintain quiet along the Gaza border and in the West Bank, two basic rules must be observed: The fulfilment of what Netanyahu called "an economic peace" and refraining from any kind of unilateral action. Smoke trails left by rockets fired from Gaza at Israel (Photo: AFP) Things could easily get out of hand, if there are casualties on the Israeli side of the Gaza border or a lethal terror attack in the West Bank. As far a policy is concerned, it is time to strive for an honorable solution on the matter of the taxes that Abbas is refusing to take, and the financial crisis in the Gaza strip. Such a solution can include an agreement to keep the Gaza border quiet. The root problem has not been addressed: Israel should have set strategic targets that include rebuilding its military deterrence in the face of Hamas, while undermining the militant organization's growing strength, in the short term. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter In the longer term, Israel should strive to weaken Hamas and ultimately replace it. Instead Israel's strategy is to exchange "money for quiet" which all but guarantees more fighting soon, if not all out war. The positive aspect of the recent round against Gaza, was the return, by the IDF, to targeted killing of militants, bombing rocket manufacturing facilities and warehouses and destroying military installations and high-rise apartment blocks. Hamas intelligence offices hit by IDF bombing (Photo: AFP) In the short-term, there will be no fighting on Memorial and Independence Day as well as while the Eurovision is taking place. Another plus is the fact that during this round, the international community stood by Israel, while the fighting was going on and most of the blame was directed at Hamas But there were some very negative aspects as a result of the violent round as well. The immediate, tragic result is the death of four Israeli civilians, while dozens more were injured. There was also a total disruption to life in the south of Israel the entire time. Grave of Moshe Agadi killed by rocket fire from Gaza (Photo: EPA) But there are deeper repercussions as well. Hamas once again dictated the timing and duration and character of the conflict. The Israeli public was at the offset and is still now that the fighting is over, in the dark about the parameters of a long-term ceasefire agreement being negotiated, with Hamas What is known, is that Israel is continuing to pay a terror organization but is refusing to talk to a legitimate, internationally recognized, Palestinian Authority. The message to Palestinians is clear: Using terror against Israel, is a means to achieve your desired objectives. House in Ashkelon hit by rocket (Photo: EPA) Above all else, Israel's deterrence is shattered. Hamas is no longer fazed by the prospect of a military confrontation. A full-blown war is still feared by the militant group but that too will change. The policy of "quiet will be answered by quiet" or "quiet in exchange for money" is no longer viable and the insistence on holding Hamas responsible for everything, is wrong. It is time to begin reinstating Israel's deterrence by causing massive injury to the military wing of Hamas, enemy loss of life, not-withstanding. The use of targeted killing of militant commanders, carried out with using surprising, unexpected tactics. The key here is the need to take initiative rather than responding and being led. Targeted killing in Gaza (Photo: EPA) The long-term objective should be to rebuild the Gaza Strip, demilitarize it and return its legitimate leadership to power, through a policy that favors the Palestinian Authority over Hamas and other militant groups. Israel adopted practice of "divide and rule", weakening both the PA and Hamas. This is detrimental to any attempt at deterrence and exacts a high price. If this policy continues, the shaky arrangement in place in the West Bank may also fail, at a much higher cost to Israel. The US will move a Patriot missile battery into the Middle East to counter threats from Iran, the Pentagon said Friday, reflecting ongoing concerns that Tehran may be planning to attack America forces or interests in the region. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The Defense Department released a statement about the move but provided no details. An official said the decision comes after intelligence showed that the Iranians have loaded military equipment and missiles onto small boats controlled by Irans Revolutionary Guard. The official was not authorized to discuss the information publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Patriot missile battery and USS Abraham Lincoln (Photo: EPA, AFP) Officials had said earlier this week that sending a Patriot battery to the area was under discussion and was part of the initial request made by the Pentagons US Central Command. They said it took a few days to get final approval for the Patriot, a long-range, all-weather air defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. The US removed Patriot missile batteries from Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan late last year. It was not clear if the battery would go back to one of those countries. US officials announced Sunday that they would rush an aircraft carrier strike group and bombers to the region. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and accompanying ships have passed through the Suez Canal and are now in the Red Sea. Officials had initially indicated that the military moves were based in part on indications that Iran had moved short-range ballistic missiles onto small boats called dhows along its shore. The US aircraft carrier in the Suez channel (Photo: US Navy) Officials would not say if the intelligence showed that the boats have mobile launchers on them. But a notice to mariners in the region has warned of potential threats to commercial maritime traffic. John Bolton, the national security adviser, announced the initial moves on Sunday, citing troubling and escalatory indications and warnings but did not explain what they were. On Friday, a defense official said the Iranian threats also include potential attacks by Iranian proxies, such as Shia militias in Iraq. Several officials said they have not yet seen any tangible move by Iran in reaction to the US military shifts in the area. But they also noted there have been no attacks. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a quick visit Tuesday to Baghdad to meet with top leaders and underscore Iraqs need to protect Americans in their country. The Pentagon also said Friday that the USS Arlington, an amphibious transport ship, will move to the Middle East region earlier than planned. The ship is in Europe and will be replacing the USS McHenry, which is scheduled to leave. A senior Islamic Jihad figure in the Gaza Strip, Khaled al-Batash, threatened on Saturday that another round of cross-border violence will erupt if Israel fails to commit itself to the understandings reached after the latest ceasefire. "If Israel does not fulfill its part of the agreement, the resistance has the means to force Israel to fulfill it, he said. I call on Egypt to pressure Israel into fulfilling its obligations. Sunitha natti By Express News Service HYDERABAD: In a setback to troubled Jet Airways India Ltd, details emerged that Ernst & Young (EY) India, which conducted a forensic audit of the airlines financials, also raised red flags, but its unclear if the contents of the report were shared with prospective bidders. Forensic audit has been completed. Of course, there are red flags and one cannot rule out financial irregularities, a senior banker told TNIE, adding that the report wont be put out in public domain. But we will give it to law enforcement authorities if we are asked to do so, or if we have any suspicions about fraudulent activity, he said. Questions sent to EY India, Jet Airways and SBI Caps, the trustee overseeing the ongoing bidding process, did not elicit any response. Jet Airways, in a disclosure to the bourses last year, had noted that it was fully cooperating with the auditors and providing them all the information, as is being sought in this connection. It may be noted that the SBI-led lenders consortium roped in EY India to conduct a forensic audit of the airlines financials between fiscals 2014 and 2018. However, according to sources, since the audit was initiated by lenders, it is their discretion whether to divulge its contents with prospective bidders. Any audit conducted at the request of the lenders becomes the property of the lenders and its for their perspective. They need not divulge this information for other parties and interested bidders have to carry their own audit perspective, a source said, adding, Whatever the company (Jet) owns, was put in the data room to be accessed by qualified bidders. According to him, not everything was put in the data room though bidders were provided clarifications from time to time. As per news reports, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs may refer Jet to Serious Fund Investigation Office for fund diversion, to probe the reasons why it had written off investments in various subsidiaries. Meanwhile, sources also hinted that the outcome of the EY report, though not a full-fledged forensic audit per se, compelled lenders to back off from extending a lifeline to the carrier in March. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will ask President Reuven Rivlin for more time to form a new government, a spokesman said on Saturday. By Express News Service The rapid digitalisation of business process across sectors in India has opened up a huge, exploitable market for Indian business-to-business (B2B) technology firms. No wonder then that a recent survey by management consulting firm Zinnov and cloud data services firm NetApp shows that the number of B2B technology startups have surged in India over the last five years (2014-2018). According to the report released this week, B2B tech startups in the country have more than tripled from 900 in 2014 to over 3200 in 2018. This over three-fold rise in their number has been driven primarily by the huge investments being made by companies in diverse sectors: from financial institutions and hospitals to government and small businesses. This spending toward digitalisation hit $3.7 billion in 2018, rising 364 per cent from 2014. Sanjay Nath, co-founder and managing partner at Blume Ventures says this is just the beginning and business sector-oriented technology companies will only continue to grow in number. Startups, in fact, might have an easier time building businesses in the B2B sector that catering to end consumers. Corporates are more open to collaboration with startups, VC firms are more interested in the B2B startup world, and technologies like AI and IoT have proliferated faster into the B2B ecosystem, compared to B2C. This holy combination of corporate support, B2B focused VC funds, and rise of advanced technologies will drive the wave forward, said Nath. The transitory phase in which businesses find themselves in India leaves a large exploitable market for young firms in the segment. There has never been a better time to be a technology entrepreneur in India than now. The incredible rise in the number of B2B startups as a percentage of the total tech startups from 26 per cent in 2014 to 43 per cent in 2018, is a testament to this. Our study found that funding chances increase by 3X after startups graduate from an incubator/accelerator. An intense growth of accelerators and incubators is the much-needed shot in the arm for Indian startups to spread their wings across the length and breadth of the country, encouraging tier 2 and 3 cities to come up, said Pari Natarajan, Co-Founder and CEO, Zinnov. The presence of a vibrant accelerator ecosystem in the country is also making things easier for startups. India currently has over 50 accelerators and incubators, operated by both domestic and international tech giants like Cisco, Target, Intel and Swiss Re. 34 per cent of these accelerators are run by Indian firms. As for geographical distribution, Bengaluru accounts for the most number of B2B startups, followed by Delhi NCR and Mumbai. These three together host around 60 per cent of all B2B tech startups in the country. 70 per cent operate in enterprise tech (41 per cent), fintech (19 per cent) and healthtech (9 per cent) segments, the report said. News Albuquerque, New Mexico - The Presidential Task Force on Protecting Native American Children in the Indian Health Service System (Task Force) convened its second meeting from May 6 to 8, 2019, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. On Tuesday, the Task Force visited the Navajo Nation Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Hle Health Center in the Navajo Nationan Indian Health Service (IHS) healthcare facility primarily providing care to Navajo patients. While there, the Task Force met with health officials and tribal leaders. The Task Force continued its focus on the IHS, discussing concerns about its culture, protocols and practices, ability to recruit and retain quality healthcare professionals, and employee familiarity with mandatory reporting requirements for child abuse. The Task Force also met with Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Hle Tribal School officials and Navajo officials, including Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, who also chairs the Navajo Sexual Assault Prevention Subcommittee. Their discussion included tribal school processes and protocols for handling child abuse reporting as well as recruitment of Native American doctors and medical professionals. On Wednesday, the Task Force met with the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, John Anderson, and Supervisory Assistant US Attorney Kyle Nayback, who leads the Indian Country Crimes Section, to draw upon their on-the-ground experience with child abuse investigations, including cases that involved mandatory reporters, as well as reporting in IHS facilities and tribal schools. On Wednesday afternoon, the Task Force met with tribal leaders, including the All Pueblo Council of Governors at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, to discuss institutional challenges within the IHS system that impact the safety of Native American children. The Council Chairman is Governor Paul Torres of Isleta Pueblo and Vice Chairman Michael Chavarria of Santa Clara Pueblo. The Task Force will convene again in Montana in the coming weeks. Individuals wishing to provide information or commentary to Task Force members are encouraged to contact the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Please note: This Task Forces focus is separate and distinguishable from other investigations into the IHS. Specifically, the work of the Task Force will not interfere with: (1) the criminal investigation of one particular pediatrician; (2) a review underway at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including a review by HHSs Inspector General, which HHS Secretary Azar ordered earlier this year; or (3) a review conducted by an outside, independent contractor retained by IHS. News Washington, DC - Its National Small Business Week, a time when we celebrate the businesses that make our communities thrive. For the FTC, its an opportunity to let business owners know that when it comes to protecting your business from cyber threats, youre not alone. The federal government has resources to help you address common cyber threats and create a culture of cybersecurity at your company. The materials at FTC.gov/Cybersecurity were introduced last year in cooperation with DHS, NIST, and the SBA. They include videos, interactive quizzes, and fact sheets on these topics: Cybersecurity Basics Understanding the NIST Cybersecurity Framework Physical Security Ransomware Phishing Business Email Imposters Tech Support Scams Vendor Security Email Authentication Hiring a Web Host Secure Remote Access Cyber Insurance Theres also a Guide for Employers to help business owners use the materials to train employees and share them with vendors and others connected to their business. The Cybersecurity for Small Business materials are written in to-the-point terminology with a minimum of tech-speak. And now all that information is also available in Spanish. FTCs Cybersecurity for Small Business publication, which you can order for free at FTC.gov/Bulkorder. Latest News Washington, DC - Military spouses share an admirable legacy of unwavering devotion to their loved ones in uniform and to the cause of freedom. Wives and husbands stand faithfully beside their beloved service members and play a critical role in their ability to safeguard our country. They shoulder tremendous burdens and responsibilities and face demands that most families will never endure. Military spouses earn no rank or compensation, yet their contributions to our military might are invaluable. On Military Spouse Day, we honor our Nations military spouses and express our deep appreciation for all that they do. The nomadic nature of military life places tremendous pressure on military families. Frequent relocations, which require leaving behind the familiar home, school, work, church, and friends are commonplace. Military spouses nevertheless find ways to improve their communities, on and off the base, and to thrive in spite of the numerous hardships. Military spouses also demonstrate sacrificial love and provide essential support and encouragement to their service members during deployments. They comfort fearful and anxious children, balance work and school demands, and keep things going on the home front with uncommon grace and resourcefulness, despite the loneliness and anxiety that often accompany an extended absence. Frequent relocation also imposes substantial economic costs on our military families. For example, it results in unemployment and underemployment of military spouses. My Administration, therefore, is committed to enhancing opportunities for our Nations military spouses. Last year, I was pleased to sign an Executive Order requiring Federal agencies to promote the use of existing military spouse noncompetitive hiring authority to the greatest extent possible, providing significantly greater opportunity for military spouses to be considered for Government positions. The Department of Defenses Military Spouse Employment Partnership has brought together more than 390 companies and organizations committed to recruiting, hiring, promoting, and retaining military spouses. Since the initiatives inception in 2011, these devoted partners have hired more than 130,000 military spouses. Employers who hire these spouses benefit from the tremendous talent, breadth of experience, and determination these men and women have learned from navigating the demands of military life. I encourage all who enjoy the blessings of freedom preserved and defended by our Nations military and their families to find ways to support our incredible military spouses. I applaud local government officials who have helped advance workforce freedom and mobility for military families. I encourage States and occupational licensing boards to build on these efforts and do more to improve license portability, removing barriers to military spouses remaining in the workforce following a change in duty station. Community leaders can also raise awareness about programs like Military OneSource, a onestop resource for information, support, and referrals on every aspect of military life. And in neighborhoods nationwide, families can reach out, in word and deed, to spouses who are working to meet the unique challenges of military life. Military spouses are among our countrys unsung heroes and are at the heart of our Armed Forces. They embody strength and resilience, and represent the best of American patriotism, courage, character, and pride. As a Nation, we must ensure our military spouses receive the unparalleled and unwavering support they deserve. On this Military Spouse Day, Melania and I salute the extraordinary women and men who serve as military spouses and offer our prayers, respect, and gratitude on behalf of a grateful Nation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 10, 2019, as Military Spouse Day. I call upon the people of the United States to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third. DONALD J. TRUMP Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business. NEW DELHI: India is all set to get its first business-budget hybrid airline on Saturday (May 11) after SpiceJet added 10 Boeing 737s, acquired from Jet Airways, to its fleet. This new segment SpiceBiz has been configured in twin class - business section with 2x2 seating in a row and economy section with 3x3 seating. SpiceBiz will start operating this hybrid airline from May 11. The airline promises to provide a business class experience with a dedicated 2X2 cabin, enhanced baggage allowance, gourmet meals and beverages, lounge access, priority services and other services. SpiceJet presents SpiceBiz, a business class experience for the discerning flyer! Were blending superior service - 2X2 cabin, gourmet meals & beverages, lounge access & more - with a dash of unmatched value. Book now & usher in the future!, said the private carrier in a tweet. SpiceJet presents SpiceBiz, a business class experience for the discerning flyer! Were blending superior service - 2X2 cabin, gourmet meals & beverages, lounge access & more - with a dash of unmatched value. Book now & usher in the future! pic.twitter.com/JCH583fRnz SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) May 8, 2019 SpiceBiz will be offered on select destinations such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Varanasi, Bagdogra, and Srinagar. A quick search on Saturday morning shows that the SpiceJet business class fare for one-way Delhi-Mumbai is Rs 16,016, Delhi-Bengaluru is Rs 20,016 and Mumbai-Bengaluru is Rs 12,533. The corresponding fares for the same routes on Air India's Flexible Economy class is Rs 27,199, Rs 35,599 and Rs 20,425 respectively. Business class passengers will get 30 kg free baggage besides 10 kg of cabin baggage, reported news agency PTI. As a pro-active measure, to counter the ongoing crisis resulting in a huge shortage of capacity in the Indian aviation market, the airline has been consistently working towards introducing new flights and frequencies to restore normalcy. The airline has in the past few weeks introduced a host of new flights from Mumbai to Madurai, Jammu (via Srinagar), Dehradun, Guwahati, Jaipur, Amritsar, Mangalore, Coimbatore besides additional frequencies to Chennai, Delhi, Patna, Hyderabad and Kolkata, SpiceJet said in a previous statement. SpiceJet has leased Boeing 737 planes from the grounded Jet Airways and has announced signing of a code-share pact with the premier Gulf carrier Emirates. Continuing bitter criticism of the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday alleged that the party`s government in Rajasthan attempted to suppress the case of gangrape with a Dalit woman in Alwar till elections in the state. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also lashed out at the Election Commission stating that they are not taking appropriate action against politicians using derogatory language against women. "The Election Commission is not taking appropriate and strict action against the big and small leaders of some political parties, who are using filthy, derogatory and abusive language against women," Mayawati told ANI. BSP Chief Mayawati: The Election Commission is not taking appropriate action against political leaders who are making derogatory remarks against women, during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. https://t.co/2JVPMChkzX ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 11, 2019 She added that the Supreme Court should take suo-moto cognizance of such matters and give strict punishment to leaders who cross the limit so as to set an example for the future. "The Congress government suppressed the matter of gang rape for their politics. They didn`t let it come to fore till elections were over and even threatened the victim`s family. Our party had to struggle given the very little action Congress government took in the case," she said. The BSP leader said her party believes the victim will not get justice under the Congress regime and demanded a Supreme Court inquiry along with a death penalty for culprits. "Supreme Court should take suo-moto cognizance and hear it in a fast track manner. All accused should be given death penalty and state government, police, and administration should also be held accountable for the delay and given strict punishment," said Mayawati. A woman was allegedly gangraped by five men while her husband was beaten up in Thanagaji area of Alwar district in Rajasthan on April 26. A video was also shot by an alleged accused. Without naming Bhim Army, she alleged that few organisations running in the name of Bhim Rao Ambedkar are doing politics of vested interest and are serving the BJP and Congress. Live TV "Our workers and party members should be very careful about such organisations which are running in the name of Ambedkar movement but are not concerned with Dalits and are only worried about their bread and butter," she said. "In Uttar Pradesh, one such organisation is running in the name of Bhim movement. This organization sometimes serves the interest of Congress while sometimes they serve the interest of BJP. They asked for votes for Congress in Bharatpur Lok Sabha Constituency in Rajasthan and after elections went to Jaipur at the behest of BJP to raise the matter of Alwar gangrape," Mayawati said. By Express News Service MUMBAI: The 50:50 joint venture (JV) signed between Tata Steel and thyssenkrupp in June last year to create a pan-European collaboration by combining the businesses of both the companies is off the table now, after the European Commission indicated that it is unlikely to clear the deal. Based on the feedback received from the commission, it is increasingly clear that the commission is not intending to clear the proposed joint venture as it expects substantial remedies in the form of sale of assets of the proposed venture, Tata Steel said in a statement. Tata Steels share price closed 6 per cent down on Friday at Rs 487.30 on the news. The proposed JV was one of the ways the company devised to deleverage the European steel business that was weighing on its consolidated balance sheet. In a conference call, the company said it will continue to explore opportunities to deleverage; and the aim is to cut the debt by 1 billion Euros from 2.2 billion Euros at present. It would also look at monetisation of assets to pare debt on the European business. Tata Steel remains committed to the above strategy and would explore all options to achieve similar outcomes in the future. Currently, around two-third of Tata Steels business is India-based with best-in-class competitiveness and a focused growth strategy, Tata Steel said. At the time the Corus was acquired, it was four times the domestic business, but with the expansion of domestic business, including some recent acquisitions, it has grown larger. Tata Steel said that both the companies, based on the objections received from the European Commission, tried to put together a comprehensive package of remedies, but the reply from the commission indicates that the remedies have not been able to get the proposal cleared. The remedies offered were developed considering the overall industrial strategy for the proposed joint venture, the integrated and complex nature of the supply chain to service customers and the need to build a sustainable business that would be able to endure the structural challenges faced by the European steel industry, it said. Any further commitment over and above that, it said, would adversely affect the basic foundation of the proposed JV and its sustainability. Hence, both the partners are unable to offer any further remedies to the commission to meet its requirements, Tata Steel said. Tatas had bought Corus Group Plc for about $13 billion in 2007, but after the 2008 financial meltdown, it has been shutting and selling old Corus steel mills in Great Britain. The only plant it has kept back is the Port Talbot steel plant. Moving on Tata Steel on Friday said it will continue to explore opportunities to deleverage; the aim is to cut the debt by 1 billion Euros from 2.2 billion Euros at present. Indian Navy Saturday wished India's only carrier-borne Squadron INAS 303, also known as the Black Panthers, a "Happy 6th anniversary". Taking to Twitter, Spokesperson of the Indian Navy wrote, On the heels of a successful conclusion of Indo-French Naval #ExVARUNA phase 1, wishing the nation's only Carrier-borne Squadron INAS 303 - "The Black Panthers", a very Happy 6th Anniversary. Happy Landings Naval Air Squadron 303, the frontline fighter squadron of the Indian Navy, was commissioned on May 11, 2013. The squadron comprises of MiG-29K multi-role carrier-borne fighter aircraft, which is equipped with weapons and sensors to undertake missions in a multi-threat environment. #KnowYourNavy Indian Naval Air Squadron 303, the frontline fighter squadron of #IndianNavy, was commissioned on 11 May 2013. The squadron comprising MiG-29K multi role carrier borne fighter aircraft has since been an integral part of the fleet air operations. The aircraft is equipped with weapons and sensors to undertake missions in a multi-threat environment. The aircraft has showcased its air power capabilities during various demonstrations, including Republic Day Parade and International Fleet Review, 2016. INAS 303 has been numbered as per sequential serial number of the Air Squadrons of the Navy. The crest design depicts the face of a Black Panther in an aggressive posture over Blue and White sea waves which signifies the courage and agility of a predator on prowl against a Blue background. The squadron is the backbone of Indian Navys Air Arm with a role to do the impossible and hence the motto Asambhav Bhi Sambhav, wrote the Indian Navy on FB. Varuna-19, the biggest Indo-French naval exercise till date, concluded in Goa on Friday. "The final operational phase of Varuna 19 saw multi-helicopter operation with cross deck landings. The fighter aircraft carried out high intensity combat exercise including firing on Pigeon Island. The surface combatants undertook VBSS and towing. In addition, Coordinated Anti-submarine exercise involving MR ASW aircraft P8I, Seaking and Lynx helicopters in close support of IN ships Mumbai and Chennai and French ship Latouche Treville were also conducted. Mr Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India and Rear Admiral Didier Maleterre, ALINDEN interacted with Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area at INS Hansa. The Ambassador and ALINDIEN thereafter proceeded to the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle by helicopter to witness Exercise Varuna at sea," the Indian Navy said. The Indian Navy and the French Navy have conducted bilateral maritime exercises since May 1993. In a major boost, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was on Friday formally handed over its first Apache Guardian attack helicopter at Boeing production facility Arizona, USA. Air Marshal AS Butola represented the IAF and accepted the first Apache in the ceremony. The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of IAFs helicopter fleet. The helicopter has been customized to suit IAFs future requirements and would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. pic.twitter.com/prN3vjx4dH Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 11, 2019 As per details shared by the IAF, the addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of IAFs helicopter fleet and it has been customized to suit IAFs future requirements. It would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. The AH-64E Apache is a leading multi-role attack helicopter and is flown by the US Army The IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with the US government and Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache helicopters. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year. "Selected aircrew and ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. This personnel will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF," the IAF said in a statement. The first batch of the helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year. Selected aircrew & ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. Read more on https://t.co/iGT8y5kfPL pic.twitter.com/pHRArBCjbz Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 11, 2019 "The helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at standoff ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from ground," it said. It said the ability of these helicopters, to transmit and receive the battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking makes it a lethal acquisition. "These attack helicopters will provide a significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces," the IAF added. Additionally, the Defence Ministry in 2017 approved the procurement of six Apache helicopters along with weapons systems from Boeing at a cost of Rs 4,168 crore for the Army. This will be its first fleet of attack choppers. Live TV Fuselages for this Army order will be produced by Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, a joint venture between Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems in Hyderabad. The central Intelligence Bureau (IB) has issued an alert, warning of a fidayeen attack by Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) or Islamic State (ISIS) on the occasion of Buddha Purnima in West Bengal or Bangladesh, according to the sources in the agency. The alert adds that the fidayeen, who could be impersonating as a pregnant lady may enter Hindu or Buddhist temples to launch attacks in undivided Bengal - which includes Indias eastern state of West Bengal and Bangladesh. The alert was received by West Bengal government on Friday afternoon from the Central government. Bengal government was asked to take all necessary precautionary measures. Reacting to the alert, the West Bengal Police has beefed up security across the Hindu and Buddhist temples in the state. We have received an alert. We have strengthened security outside the temples in the city as well as other parts of the state. We are taking no chances, said a senior official of West Bengal Police in Kolkata. Live TV Two weeks back, pro-ISIS telegram channels in Bangla had released a message, threatening of an attack in Bengal (West Bengal and Bangladesh). A similar alert was ignored by Sri Lanka authorities and we saw the number of casualties. We have immediately responded to this input and alerted all our officials to maintain highest level of alertness and preparedness to prevent any such attacks, added the officer. NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR: Islamic State (ISIS) claimed for the first time that it has established a "province" in India, after a clash in Jammu and Kashmir between terrorists and security forces killed a terrorist with alleged ties to the group. The terrorist organisation's Amaq News Agency late on Friday announced the new province, that it called "Wilayah of Hind", in a statement that also claimed ISIS inflicted casualties on Army soldiers in the town of Amshipora in Shopian district of the state. Live TV The ISIS statement corresponds with a police statement on Friday that a terrorist called Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi was killed in an encounter in Shopian. ISIS' statement establishing the new province, appears to be designed to bolster its standing after the group was driven from its self-styled "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria in April, where at one point it controlled thousands of miles of territory. ISIS has stepped up hit-and-run raids and suicide attacks, including taking responsibility for the Easter Sunday bombing in Sri Lanka that killed at least 253 people. "The establishment of a 'province' in a region where it has nothing resembling actual governance is absurd, but it should not be written off," said Rita Katz, director of the SITE Intel Group that tracks Islamic terrorists. "The world may roll its eyes at these developments, but to jihadists in these vulnerable regions, these are significant gestures to help lay the groundwork in rebuilding the map of the ISIS 'caliphate'," added Katz. Sofi had been involved in several terrorist groups in Kashmir for more than a decade before pledging allegiance to Islamic State, according to a military official on Saturday and an interview given by Sofi to a Srinagar-based magazine sympathetic to ISIS. He was suspected of several grenade attacks on security forces in the region, police and military sources said. "It was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire," a police spokesman said in the statement on Friday`s encounter. The military official said it was possible that Sofi had been the only terrorist left in Kashmir associated with ISIS. Separatists have for decades fought an armed conflict against the Centre. SONBHADRA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday made a blistering attack on the Congress-led Opposition, which, he alleged, have run the nation with the mantra of 'hua to hua' (so what, it happened) - in an apparent reference to Congress leader Sam Pitroda's controversial remark on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots for which he later apologised. ''Congress and its 'mahamilavati' friends have run the nation on the basis of three words. The three words, which is their mantra, is 'hua to hua','' the PM said. PM Modi in Ghazipur: Congress and its 'mahamilavati' friends have run the nation on the basis of three words. The three words, which is their mantra, is "hua to hua". pic.twitter.com/YHHoq2xsZl ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 11, 2019 Live TV The PM came down heavily on Sam Pitroda, the head of Congress party's overseas wing, over his controversial "hua toh hua" (so what, it happened) remark on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, which backfired with several Sikh groups severely criticising him and demanding an apology from the Congress party. "It shows the character and mentality of the party," the PM said, adding that the remark reflects the "arrogance" of the Congress. The PM also urged a vast gathering of BJP supporters not to back the Congress party and the 'mahamilavati' alliance in the ongoing 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The PM also trained his guns at the previous Congress-led regimes for weakening the country's defence mechanism. "Our intelligence agencies were weakened by an earlier 'mahamilawati' government, (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee govt set that right," PM Modi said. The PM made these remarks while addressing a public meeting in Sonebhadra in eastern Uttar Pradesh. The PM also took the opportunity to greet the scientists who were behind the success of the nuclear tests conducted in Rajasthan's Pokhran on this day in 1998. PM Modi also made a reference to the recent gang-rape of a Dalit woman in Alwar and accused the Congress government in Rajasthan of attempting to suppress the case. ''Two weeks ago, a woman from the Dalit community was gang-raped in Alwar, instead of apprehending the culprits, the Rajasthan government and the police started to suppress the case,'' the PM said. ''Congress ko dar tha ki Dalit beti ke balatkar ki baat khulne se us ke vote pe asar padega. Aur ye mombattiyan lekar nikal padne wale log, unki mombattiyon se beimani ka dhuan nikal raha hai, ye jo award wapsi gang thi, unko poochna chahta hoon, ab gang kyun chup baithi hai? (Congress was worried that if word about the gang-rape spread, it might impact the party's poll prospects),'' the PM said. The PM while urging the voter to cast their vote in favour of a strong and decisive government, cited the example of the recent IAF airstrikes in Pakistan's Balakot which targeted terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad's training camp and also listed out the achievements of the BJP-led NDA government during the past five years for the welfare of the poor. During his speech, the PM also criticised the Opposition for doing politics over his caste. "Modi belongs to just one caste - whatever caste the poor belongs to, I belong to that caste," the PM said. Rohtas: Amid the ongoing political slugfest over Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s comments on former prime minister late Rajiv Gandhi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said he never used foul language for any of India's PMs, irrespective of their political affiliations. "I never use foul language for any prime minister irrespective of the political party they may belong to. Prime Minister, President are not individuals, they are institutions," Singh said at an election rally here. Live TV He appealed to the people to work towards strengthening the institutions of the President and the Prime Minister. He said, "It is the duty of every party and citizen to strengthen these institutions because if these institutions start weakening, democracy will weaken, and if democracy is weak then no power in the world can save the country from a partition. I would not say that a party did nothing for the development of the country. Every party does something. It is just that their working styles are different," he further said. Singh`s statements hold significance as the ruling BJP and Opposition Congress are engaged in a bitter war of words over PM Modi`s comments against late Rajiv Gandhi. PM Modi ahd called late Rajiv Gandhi as 'corrupt no 1' and accused him of using the Navy`s warship INS Viraat for vacationing with his family and friends during his tenure as prime minister. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday, in an exclusive interview to Zee News, asserted that the aim and focus of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is not power but to serve the nation. CM Adityanath said that the people want a government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again, adding that those who are in favour of development and security will surely vote for the saffron party. Live TV Giving credit to PM Modi for the development of the nation, CM Adityanath said that the people have started giving respect to India's civilisation and culture because of the prime minister. He added that in 2014 people knew only PM Modi's name but now they know his work as well. The CM further said that the BJP has provided jobs, houses and gas connections to everyone without any discrimination. "We are not here for power but to serve public. People want the Modi government once again. All those who are in favour of development and security will surely vote for BJP. All the credit of development in India goes to PM Modi. People have started giving respect to the country's civilisation and culture because of PM Modi. In 2014 people knew only Narendra Modi's name but now they know his name as well as his work. Without any discrimination we have provided jobs, houses and gas connections to everyone," said UP CM Adityanath. In the interview with Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary, CM Adityanath claimed that the BJP will win more seats in Uttar Pradesh than 2014 by getting 51 per cent votes in this election, adding that the BJP will win more than 74 seats in Uttar Pradesh. "BJP will win more seats than 2014 by getting 51 per cent votes in this election. BJP will win more than 74 seats in Uttar Pradesh," added CM Adityanath. When asked about his take on seeing himself as the PM, CM Adityanath said, "I'm not in the race for the post of the prime minister". He added that every challenge is an opportunity for him. He also said that "no riots have been recorded in Uttar Pradesh in the last two years". Slamming the Opposition, CM Adityanath said that their attitude towards the PM "is not right". He alleged that while some people are questioning the caste of the prime minister, others are blaming the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), adding that some people want to increase corruption and dishonesty in the name of caste. The CM also claimed that those who never go to the temple are now frequently visiting temples. CM Adityanath asserted that Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is not a challenge for the BJP, adding that BJP wants Congress to join the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) alliance. "Opposition's attitude towards PM Modi is not right. Some people are questioning PM's caste while others are blaming EVM. Those who never go to the temple are now frequently going to the temple. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is not a challenge for us. We want Congress to join the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) alliance. Some people in India want to increase corruption and dishonesty in the name of caste," said CM Adityanath. He also said that he has "no objection in being referred to as 'Poster Boy' of Hindutva" as he feels proud of being a Hindu. A female polling official, who was unwell, was posted in Sewari area in Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency and passed away on Saturday morning, claimed her family. The woman, 32-year-old Preeti Durve, was suffering from jaundice and was on polling duty since April 29. Live TV Refuting the claims of her family, the authorities said that when she arrived on April 29 she was sent back home as she was unwell. Her family reiterated that she passed away as she was made to work despite being unwell. They further alleged that her application seeking leave was also rejected. Mumbai collector Shivajirao Jondhale, however, claimed that they received no such application. After coming back home on April 29 her condition deteriorated and she was admitted to Nair Hospital but she passed away during treatment. Speaking to news agency ANI, Jondhale said, "We would have given leave if she has asked for. She was dropped to the railway station in a taxi arranged by the polling officials. A proposal for issuing Rs 15 lakh aid to the family of the deceased will be sent to the Election Commission." Patiala: Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for targeting the Congress and the Gandhi family over the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday said what if someone linked the PM with the 2002 riots in Gujarat's Godhra. "It is wrong of Modi to connect (former prime minister) Rajiv Gandhi with the anti-Sikh riots of 1984. What if someone starts linking Modi with Godhra," he told reporters here. Singh said it did not behove the prime minister of the country to "stoop" to such levels for winning elections. He asserted that the involvement of some individuals in the 1984 riots did not mean that Modi could implicate Rajiv Gandhi or the Congress party in it. "By the same yardstick, Modi should also have been implicated in the Godhra attack," the chief minister said, while asking the prime minister to refrain from "undermining the prestige of his position with such crude and baseless statements". "Modi should not forget that the names of several BJP and RSS leaders had figured in the 1984 riots FIR," he said, calling for action in accordance with law against all those found responsible for the mayhem unleashed on innocent Sikhs. "Modi is unnecessarily dragging Rajiv Gandhi's name to court controversies and divert attention, with his lies, from the real issues," Singh said. Asked about Congress leader Sam Pitroda's reported statement on the 1984 riots, he said, "If Pitroda has actually said this, it is shocking." Asked about the 1984 riots, Pitroda had reportedly said, "84 mein hua to hua." Describing the riots, which took place in the aftermath of then prime minister Indira Gandhi's assassination by her Sikh bodyguards, as a big tragedy and stressing that justice was yet to be meted out to the victims, Singh said, "If some leaders were involved in the riots, they should be punished as per law." The chief minister asserted that since the riots, he had been saying that he had heard accusations about the involvement of Sajjan Kumar, HKL Bhagat, Dharam Das Shastri, Lalit Maken and Arjun Das, adding that he stood by his statement. Slamming Modi, Singh said the prime minister had not uttered a single word on the work done by his government in the last five years. Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had been totally exposed and were now clutching at non-existent straws in their desperation to get back into the poll race, he said. The senior Congress leader chastised Modi for claiming credit for the action of the armed forces for "political gains", saying in his political career of 50 years, he had never seen a prime minister stooping to such levels. In a major achievement, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has made the nation's biggest seizure of 1,818 kg of drug pseudoephedrine from a house in Greater Noida and arrested three foreigners. The drugs seized also include 2 kg of heroin. The worth of the drugs is nearly Rs 400 crore. The NCB stumbled upon the record haul of the narcotics chemical and stimulant after the grilling of a South African woman who was arrested by them on May 9 from the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport for allegedly carrying 24.7 kg of pseudoephedrine. The woman was first intercepted by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Live TV The woman's interrogation led the officers of the Delhi zonal unit of the NCB to a house in Greater Noida from where the seizure took place on May 10. Two Nigerians, a man and a woman, have been arrested from the house apart from the South African apprehended earlier. These drugs were to be supplied in NCR as well as overseas. It is now being tried to know who else is the partner of these international drug smugglers and where their network spreads. Pseudoephedrine is mostly used in Europe and South East Asia. According to news agency PTI, the arrests were made under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The Noida police said the foreigners who were living in the house in Sector P4, under the jurisdiction of its Kasna police station, on rent did not have any verification of their identity done by the local police, added PTI. "It's required for any foreigner to get their verification done by the LIU (Local Intelligence Unit). They did not get it done. A probe would be carried out to fix responsibility for this lapse and any other lapses," Gautam Buddh Nagar SSP Vaibhav Krishna told PTI. He said the NCB had carried out the action in Greater Noida independently and the local police were not involved. "Pseudoephedrine is a precursor used for the manufacture of Methamphetamine, a drug widely used in Europe and South East Asia," a senior NCB officer told PTI. "This is the biggest ever seizure of pseudoephedrine in India kept outside factory premises. As per our records, this is the highest ever seizure by any agency," he said. The house belongs to Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, DPN Pandey, posted in Lucknow, who told PTI that he was "shocked and distressed" with the discovery and had rented out his place through a property dealer in Greater Noida. Jayanta Roy Chowdhury By Express News Service NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump on Friday walked the talk by slapping 25% tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, days after he threatened to do so. Beijings reaction was surprisingly muted as it regretted the US decision and said it would be forced to retaliate. The move, which is bound to escalate the trade war between the worlds largest economies, came even as a Chinese delegation was in Washington to broker peace with the US. As the new tariffs kick in with immediate effect, it will be 150% more expensive for American companies to bring Chinese goods into the country. This is the biggest hike after the US imposed a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese products last year. India could be next in the line for USs strong arm tactics in resolving trade disputes and may face greater Chinese competition in its traditional foreign markets. With the US market partially shutting down for China, experts believe Indias northern neighbour will now try and compensate by selling more in other markets such as India. This could impact not only Indian exports but also Indian manufacturers selling in the domestic market. READ HERE | 'Tariffs more preferable': Donald Trump says 'no need to rush' now on China trade talks American Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross had dropped hints of USs hardening stance during his India visit earlier this week when his team called for lowering of duties on a host items including automobiles, motorcycles, alcoholic beverages and mobile phones. Ross also sought an end to data localisation rules for e-retailers like Amazon and exclusion of US airlines from ground handling. India has already conceded on many issues but we except tough bargaining by the US on duty cuts, said a commerce ministry official. India is willing to offer some concession but not everything the US wants, the official added. Bhubaneswar: As power and water remained elusive in most cyclone-ravaged areas of coastal Odisha for the eighth day in a row despite the government's efforts to give restoration a push, protests broke out in several places on Friday to press for quick action. Cyclone Fani battered the coastal districts on May 3 but only half of the over 4.5 lakh electricity consumers in Bhubaneswar have got power supply back at a time when the state is sizzled under intense heat wave. Police said a large number of people staged a road blockade near Garage Chhak in the state capital demanding quick restoration of power supply which was severely hit due to uprooting of 1.56 lakh electric poles in the city alone. Protesters also tried to attack an office of the Central Electricity Supply Utility (CESU) here, forcing the employees to lock themselves inside. Live TV "We were scared as angry demonstrators threatened and tried to attack us. We have sought protection from the police," said NK Sahu, a CESU officer. As similar incidents took place in some other places, police personnel have been deployed at the control room of the CESU and some of its major offices as a precautionary measure, an official said. Chief Secretary AP Padhi, who held a video conference with Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha, said around 50 per cent of the consumers in Bhubaneswar are now getting electricity. "We have prepared a roadmap for electrification. With additional manpower from other states available, restoration work is picking up," he said adding there has been a substantial improvement in telecom sector too. Information and Public Relations Secretary Sanjay Singh said 100 per cent restoration of power supply in Bhubaneswar is expected to be achieved by Sunday. Energy Secretary Hemant Sharma, however, said around 90 per cent of the power consumers in the state capital will be able to get electricity by that day. While all power consumers in Cuttack will be able to get electricity on Saturday, restoration work in the worst-hit Puri town will begin on May 12. Restoration work in telecom sector has witnessed slow progress, Singh said adding that only 14 per cent of mobile towers and other infrastructure remained unaffected by Fani. While landline phones have started functioning in Puri, Cell on Wheel (COW) have been deployed in some places in the pilgrim town to improve cellular connectivity, he said. COWs provide fully-functional but temporary service, via vehicles such as vans and trucks, to zones affected by natural disaster or areas with large user volume, such as major events. In a bid to accelerate relief and restoration works, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik directed that government offices in five severely affected districts - Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara - will be kept open on this Saturday and Sunday. Exactly a week ago on May 3, the cyclone Fani made landfall near Puri, affecting more than 1.5 crore people in 14 districts destroying all the basic infrastructure like power, drinking water and telecommunication. At least 41 people were killed in the calamity that damaged 5.08 lakh houses. Over 34.56 lakh livestock casualty has also been reported from the 14 affected districts, a report of the special relief commissioner's office said. In a bid to give succour to the cyclone-affected people, the State Level Banker's Committee (SLBC) resolved to reschedule repayment of existing loans. Fresh loans may also be extended as per requirement of the cyclone victims, said an official adding that banks will also provide assistance to hotel industry in Puri. Similarly, insurance companies may relax the document requirement and simplify procedures for the settlement of claims, he said. The SLBC said that banking service is functioning in all affected areas except Puri and the chief secretary urged the banks to open branches there on Monday. While seven mobile ATMs have been deployed in Puri, 10 more are being made available by the SBI in the pilgrim town, he said. The chief minister urged Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to allot an additional quota of 1000 kilolitres of kerosene over and above the normal quota in order to provide relief to the affected people. Pradhan, who took stock of the situation here, said of the 234 filling stations in Puri district, 232 have become operational and two others to start working from Saturday. There is enough stock of kerosene, petrol and diesel in the cyclone hit areas, he said. Pradhan said steps have been taken to provide two mobile tankers to distribute petrol and diesel to consumers in Puri town. "We have been able to bring 100 per cent normalcy within a week," he said. With huge damage caused by the mid-summer cyclone that ripped through the state's coastal region, the Centre is rushing an inter-ministerial team to assess the situation. The central team led by additional secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Vivek Bharadwaj, will arrive here on May 12 for a three-day visit, said SRC BP Sethi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 6 made an aerial survey of the cyclone hit areas of Puri and Khurda district and the Centre thereafter released Rs 1,000 crore as interim assistance to carry out relief and rescue operation. An East Coast Railways (ECoR) official said Memu trains between Puri-Talcher and Puri-Angul resumed on Friday. He said only four trains from Puri were now cancelled while all other trains are running as per the schedule. On the occasion of Mother`s Day, Kareena Kapoor Khan urged mothers across the nation to get their children immunized. As a UNICEF Celebrity Advocate, she pledged to keep every child alive at an event. The 38-year old actor also shared her experience of becoming a mother to enlighten all the young mothers. She said "When I delivered Taimur, the first thing I asked the doctor was that how do I protect him from Pneumonia, how do I protect him from the hundreds of diseases that I have been hearing of and when he presented me with the immunization chart, I held on to it. I knew this is what it is going to take for my child to be alive. "During the event, Kareena Kapoor Khan honored radio jockeys for spreading awareness against child sexual abuse and routine immunisation."It is great to see how so many radio jockeys across the nation worked tirelessly to educate, engage and spread the message of our campaign, to make people understand the importance of children`s health, immunisation; especially to young mothers," she said. The actor is currently busy with her upcoming film `Good News` which is set to release later this year. (ANI) A US-based man tried to pawn his seven-month-old baby at a local store in Sarasota, Florida. After the store manager reported the incident and the father was caught on CCTV, the man claimed it was a prank for social media. Brian Slocum, 43, filmed himself going into the pawn shop on Tuesday with his son and trying to sell the infant. He was also caught on on security cameras. Alarmed and disturbed, store owner Richard Jordan reported the incident immediately after Slocum left the store. The police launched a massive manhunt, releasing Slocum's footage from the store. Several media outlets picked up the news. Were investigating a suspicious incident that happened this afternoon, Tuesday, May 7, 2019. At approximately 5:15pm, an unknown man walked into A&F Pawn Jewelry and Loan, located at 1155 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota. The employee was concerned for the safety of the child and contacted the Sarasota Police Department based on statements the male made during the contact with the clerk while he was in the store. Out of concern for the welfare of the child the Sarasota Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying the male subject in the video, said the Sarasota Police Department in a statement. Currently there are no reports of missing children in the City of Sarasota and the surrounding counties. Its unknown the relationship between the man on the video and the child. There is no additional information regarding this incident. Detectives are asking for the publics help identifying the man on the video with the baby. The man was last seen driving a dark blue Nissan, unknown make. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Sarasota Police Department at 941-316-1199, added the department. PLEASE RT: Were investigating a suspicious incident that happened at A&F Pawn Jewelry & Loan. Employee was concerned for the safety of the child & contacted us based on statements the man with the baby made while he was in the store. More details at https://t.co/osLGCoVI3B pic.twitter.com/oUQyteC63y SarasotaPD (@SarasotaPD) May 8, 2019 Spotting himself on the news and the subject of a massive police hunt, Slocum contacted the cops. Soon dozens of officers arrived at Slocum's home. The Florida dad claimed he meant no harm to his little-one and that it was all a joke, filmed after his nephew asked him to make 'silly videos.' Speaking to media, Slocum claims that thought the store owner will give him you ten grand or something. Instead, the prank misfired and the police didn't find it funny. However, no criminal charges have been filed against Slocum. The man in the video released last night is the father of the child seen in the infant carrier. Hes been identified as Brian Slocum, 43, of Sarasota. Detectives followed several leads to identify Mr. Slocum with a primary goal to determine the safety of the child. At the time, we did not know the relationship of Mr. Slocum and his child, therefore, the Sarasota Police Department utilized vast resources from several divisions to locate the child and identify Mr. Slocum, said the Sarasota Police Department. The pawn shop clerk did take the comments made by Mr. Slocum very serious and we appreciate him immediately notifying the Sarasota Police Department. During this investigation, the Sarasota Police Department was contacted by Mr. Slocum who wanted to give a statement on what occurred. Mr. Slocum learned that he was on social media and that police were attempting to identify him. Mr. Slocum claims that his encounter with the store clerk was a prank and that he wanted to place his own video on social media. Detectives verified the child was safe and contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families Services as part of this investigation. At this time, there are no criminal charges for this investigation. We would like to thank our media partners for their assistance in this case, which prompted Mr. Slocum to call the Sarasota Police Department, added the department. Three armed terrorists were killed on Saturday afternoon after they stormed into a five-star hotel in Pakistan's Balochistan province. A guard of the hotel was also killed. The incident took place in the evening in Gwadar city's Pearl Continental Hotel. Live TV The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a terrorist organisation based in the province, has claimed responsibility for the attack. "We claim the responsibility of Gawadar attack on PC hotel. The attack is being carried out by our freedom fighters of Majeed Brigade of BLA," said Jeehand Baloch, BLA Spokesman. The hotel has been secured and clearance operations are underway. All the guests have been evacuated safely said a Balochistan minister. A total of 95 per cent guests from the hotel took refuge at the 440 brigade. The Naval commandos and 31 brigade were pressed into service to tackle the terrorists. The Naval helicopter made an approach from the top. The terrorists were spotted on the first floor. Three to four terrorists are present inside the premises of the hotel, Pakistani media, Dawn, reported quoting the Gwadar Station House Officer (SHO) Aslam Bangulzai. According to the SHO at around 4.50 pm reports started coming in about the presence of the terrorists in the hotel. Dawn reported that "there are no foreigners at the hotel right now". The hotel was cordoned off and no one allowed to go near the area, Dawn reported citing police sources. In his remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Do Ba Khoa reviewed the important milestones in the Vietnam-Brazil diplomatic ties over the past three decades, especially since the two countries established a comprehensive partnership in May 2007. Political trust and mutual understanding between the leaders and people of the two countries have been strengthened significantly over the period via the exchange of hundreds of all-level delegations, including many high-level and ministry-level delegations, he said. Khoa stated that mutual trust and political determination have enabled the two sides to consolidate their legal frameworks for bilateral cooperation, reflected through the signing and implementation of 16 decrees, protocols and agreement on cooperation in various fields. Trade exchanges are a bright spot in the Vietnam-Brazil relations, with two-way trade increasing 155 fold from US$29 million in 2001 to US$4.51 billion in 2018, he said, stressing that Vietnam has become the most important partner of Brazil within the ASEAN bloc. The ambassador also affirmed Vietnams commitment and efforts to further deepen its cooperation with Brazil, its leading partner in South America, while expanding the Vietnam-Mercosul and ASEAN-Mercosul region cooperation. Khoa took the occasion to thank the generations of Vietnamese and Brazilian diplomats for their tireless attempts in fostering relations between the two countries. For his part, Brazilian Deputy Foreign Minister Reinaldo de Almeida Salgado praised the traditional friendly Vietnam-Brazil ties, hailing the establishment of diplomatic relations with Vietnam 30 years ago as an important milestone and the correct decision of the Brazilian government. He emphasised that, over the past few years, the two countries governments have unceasingly accelerated the bilateral ties in all spheres, while actively working together and supporting each other at multilateral forums. In recent years, Vietnam has become the fifth largest trade partner of Brazil in Asia. The official affirmed the Brazilian governments commitment to giving continuous priority to developing ties with Vietnam, stating that Brazils current reforms and Vietnams renewal process will contribute to enhancing the multifaceted cooperation between the two sides. On the occasion, the guests in attendance had the chance to learn more about the Vietnamese land, people and culture, as well as the Vietnam-Brazil relationship, through traditional dishes and photos on display and screened at the ceremony. By Express News Service Indias huge, and rapidly growing, middle-income population is swiftly turning the country into one of the largest laboratories for mobility solutions in the world. Ubers announcement this week that it will partner with bicycle sharing platform Yulu to run a pilot of bike and e-bike services in Bengaluru only underscores the trend. The San Francisco-headquartered firm had already begun offering Yulus services to select customers in the city this week on its app, ahead of its announcement on May 8. The financial arrangement between the firms has not been disclosed, now has Uber said what it will do post the pilots, though experts expect the platform to expand the offering if it proves to be a success in the city. As part of a pilot, weve tied up with leading technology-driven mobility platform Yulu to provide users the option to ride e-bikes and bicycles in Bengaluru. These e-bikes can clock a speed of 25 km per hour... and users dont even require a licence to ride one of these, said Uber in its announcement. Yulu, launched by InMobi co-founder Amit Gupta, currently operates around 500 e-bikes and 4,500 bicycles on its platform. So far, the startup has raised funds from Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal, Freshworks co-founder Girish Mathrubootham and venture capital firms like Blume Ventures and 3One4 Capital. The collaboration is not the first such in the Indian mobility market. Ubers competitor Ola, also backed by Softbank, had last year invested a whopping $100 million in scooter rental startup Vogo. Vogo operates in Bengaluru and Hyderabad and intends to use the capital raised to add an additional 100,000 scooters. Perhaps the rise of such two-wheeler sharing platforms in Indias IT capital of Bengaluru is no fluke. The city, while one of the most tech-savvy in the country with a large, young population, also boasts some of the most congested roads. Commutes of a few kilometers run to hours and the citys troubles reflect a mobility crisis that is gaining ground across most of Indias cities. Hence, the appeal of commuting options that allow users to bypass the worst of the traffic. The fact that electric bikes and bicycles are clean, non-polluting options only adds to their appeal among the urban, environment-conscious IT lot. Cities in India are seeing traffic get more clogged by the minute, and these micro-mobility options would go a long way in reducing traffic snarls, saving time for the riders, and reducing carbon emissions, Uber said. Ubers pilot project will use an Internet of Things (IoT) framework to enable the renting of bicycles on a pay-per-use basis. According to the firm, Yulu e-bikes can be unlocked with QR codes on your device. All that you need to do to hop on to your e-bike or bicycle is tap on the Try Yulu option on your Uber app and follow the prompts..., Uber said. Ubers dive into the two-wheeler shared mobility space comes even as its India operations appear to be in flux. The last few months have seen top-level changes in the regions management, with Amit Jain, who ran Uber India and was promoted to oversee the companys APAC business last year, leaving the company last month. Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, who heads the firms EMEA business, is replacing Jain to oversee in the region. Uber has already let go of its APAC operations outside, however, by selling its local Southeast Asia business to Grab. Jayanta Roy Chowdhury By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Yogesh Chander Deveshwar or 'Yogi' Deveshwar as his friends called him, Group Chairman of ITC, passed away into the great unknown, leaving behind a legacy of turning the Kolkata-based consumer goods giant into a conglomerate 'which also manufactures cigarettes'. Lahore-born Deveshwar, an alumnus of IIT, Delhi and Harvard Business School who took over as CEO of the 114-year-old ITC in 1996, came in at the fag end of a battle for control between the board-run Indian tobacco maker and its UK-based parent British American Tobacco, which saw ITC remain Indian. However, 'Yogi', who turned 72 this February, will be remembered in Indian corporate history as the man under whose watch Virginia House, ITCs registered headquarters in Kolkata, saw its stock prices soar 50-fold and its revenues grow 16-fold. ITC also diversified at a fast pace into a true-blue consumer goods company making products ranging from Yippee noodles to Fiama soaps to Wills apparel, instead of just being a tobacco company that it had been for most of its lifetime. ALSO READ| Political, business leaders pay rich tributes to ITC's Deveshwar ITCs revenue shares from its tobacco business under his stewardship declined to 41 per cent from nearly three quarters about 16 years back as part of a conscious decision to grow out of the tobacco business. Today the percentage of employees ITC has in its non-cigarette businesses account for 88 per cent and the percentage of investments in non-cigarette brands accounts for 90 per cent of ITCs total investments. The move away from smoke sticks had started in AN Haksars tenure as ITC Chairman from 1969 to 1983 when Virginia House made tentative forays into hotels and paperboards. KL Chugh, Deveshwars predecessor, had dreams of diversifying further and even launching a charter airline, but spent much of his time fighting state taxation policies against cigarettes. It was left to Deveshwar to vigorously pursue the agenda after selling off ITCs financial arm and edible oils businesses early in his term as CEO. The sales of these two arms came after a vexed initial two years when he had to fight off accusations against ITC of foreign exchange violations and excise tax underpayments from his predecessors time. However, in the first two years of this century, he also launched a successful stationary products range, the Wills Lifestyle Retail chain, set up ITC Infotech, and forayed into the packaged food business under the Aashirvad brand. Over the years he kept adding to that range Sunfeast biscuits, Bingo potato chips, Fiama soaps and Yippee noodles, not to mention a popular incense brand. At the same time, ITC Hotels kept expanding, taking over existing hotels and palaces and building new properties to turn a 3-hotel brand into a 100-hotel chain. By 2011, 'Yogi' had grown into a brand of his own and the government recognized him with a Padma Bhushan. But for the corporate world, his real epaulette came in 2016, when he catapulted ITCs revenues to cross the Rs 50,000 crore-a-year mark. Cancer struck soon after and Deveshwar named his hand-picked successor Sanjiv Puri as CEO and went on to become a non-executive Chairman. As one of his serving Vice Presidents said, He was a good human being, a tough taskmaster and someone whose thoughts centred only around ITC all his life. Bala Chauhan By Express News Service BENGALURU: The ballistic report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Bengaluru, which had confirmed that the same country made 7.65mm pistol (katta) was used in the murder of Kannada scholar M M Kalburgi and editor activist Gauri Lankesh will be at the core of the first chargesheet that the SIT is likely to file in the Kalburgi assassination case by the end of the month. The killer pistol, which was reportedly bought from North Karnataka, is yet to be recovered by the special police team and, according to sources, it was allegedly destroyed by perpetrators to erase critical evidence. The fact that country made pistols of 7.65mm calibre were used in the four high profile ideological killings of Prof Narendra Dabholkar in Pune, Comrade Govind Pansare in Kolhapur, Prof M M Kalburgi in Dharwad and Gauri Lankesh in Bengaluru, is a strong lead in the investigations. The SIT started a probe in the Gauri murder case by going through the underworld markets of country made firearms in the state. Katta is a booming business in Vijaypura, Kalaburagi, Bidar and Ballari districts in North Karnataka, where they are smuggled in from Bihar, Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Uttar Pradesh (UP) and sold at a premium price, said an officer, who didnt wish to be named. He added that the use of country made arms is proportional to the demography of a region. The more feudal a place is, the higher is the incidence of crime there. North Karnataka is more feudal than the rest of the state with acute socio-economic disparities among people. The contraband pistol was used in two killings because it was easily available and was meant to keep the killers anonymous for a long time, said a senior police officer. In South India, Coimbatore used to be the biggest manufacturer and supplier of contraband firearms to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), till they were banned in India in 1991 and the underground trade of katta in Tamil Nadu began dwindling. The cadres of the banned extreme Left Wing - the Communist Party of India (Maoist)-for sometime bought arms from Coimbatore,he added. Kattas are manufactured in bulk in Munger in Bihar and Dhar in MP followed by Azamgarh and Gorakhpur in UP. In Munger and Dhar there are 50 to 60 families of smiths, who have been in the business from the time of the British. They manufacture weapons using digital technology and lathe machines at home and imitate factory made weapons like Kalashnikovs so well that often the investigating agencies are at loss to detect their origin. Almost all the family members engaged in the illicit business have multiple criminal cases against them. They are arrested, sent to jail and are out on bail. Once they are out of prison they get back to their illegal activities, the officer said. The price of a country-made revolver ranges anywhere between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000, whereas a pistol can cost between Rs 70,000 and Rs 1 lakh. The price depends on the demand, availability, target and the risk involved, he added. By PTI CHENNAI: An Australian warship HMAS Toowoomba has docked at the Chennai port here as part of the Australia's commitment to promote regional maritime security and cooperation between the two countries. Toowoomba's six-day visit to the city follows the success of AUSINDEX 2019 which featured the largest-ever Australian defence force to visit India, a press release from the Australian Consulate said here. The visit of warships is in line with the 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper's placement of India at the 'front rank' of Australia's international partnerships. Toowoomba would participate in 'Exercise La Perouse' in the Bay of Bengal aiming to enhance interoperability, build partner capacity and strengthen the professional relationships with regional nations, the release said. The ship is commanded by Commander Mithcell Livingstone who is an alumnus of Indian Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He is heading a 184 officers on-board the ship. On the visit to Chennai, Livingstone said, "Our visit presents a great opportunity to further strengthen relations with our Indian Ocean neighbours soon after the success of AUSINDEX 2019 while enabling newly joined Junior Sailors their first opportunity to experience the vibrant culture of Southern India". Australia and India have a shared commitment to safe and open access to the Indo-Pacific region, fostering trade and commerce. To assist the process, the government of Australia routinely commits a Royal Australian navy vessel and personnel to support the US-led combined maritime forces to defeat terrorism, prevent piracy, encourage regional cooperation and promote a safe maritime environment, the release said. Toowoomba would be here till May 15, the release added. Mudita Girotra By Express News Service NEW DELHI: The spotlight is on the three major parties BJP, AAP and Congress as Delhi votes in the Lok Sabha polls on May 12, but around 30 other parties are also in the fray. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the third-largest party in India in terms of vote share, has fielded candidates for five seats Chandni Chowk, South Delhi, North East Delhi, East Delhi and West Delhi. The BSPs Delhi unit chief, Surendra Kumar, claims the party will win all five seats, but a political expert said it would merely eat into the Dalit votes of other parties. FOLLOW OUR ELECTION COVERAGE HERE The Dalits will give a befitting response to the BJPs devious designs of depriving them of their rights, Kumar told this newspaper. (CM Arvind) Kejriwal has failed his promises. The Dalits have turned against the BJP, AAP and the Congress for being neck-deep in scams. In 2009, the BSP bagged 5.34 per cent of the votes polled in Delhi. Its share dropped to 1.23 per cent in 2014. While the BSP will do better than 2014, it wont fare very well. They will cut into the Dalit vote bank and wean away Jatav voters from the AAP, Congress and the BJP, said Badri Narayan, a JNU professor and a political expert. If they improve their tally, theyll underscore their value in the countrys political landscape, Narayan added. While none of the three major parties have fielded Muslim candidates, the BSP has put Shahid Ali in the fray in Muslim-dominated Chandni Chowk. The ploy, said Narayan, could help the party garner Muslim votes in the constituency. Among the smaller parties in the fray are Ambedkar National Congress, Anjaan Aadmi Party, Aapki Apni Party and the Bharatiya Insan Party. They have fielded candidates for all seven seats in Delhi. Political expert Sandeep Shastri attributes the emergence of the smaller parties to the success of AAP. These groups represent single interests, single agendas, Shastri said, adding they would have little impact on the polls. Donita Jose By Express News Service HYDERABAD: When 21-year-old Gayatri (name changed) had walked into Medchals Sakhi Centre with a complaint of domestic violence, little did the officials writing down her plaint know that they were opening a bigger can of worms. From allegations of sex trafficking, crimes under POCSO, to illegal adoption of Gayatris first child her complaint was more than just about domestic abuse. As the officials began investigating, it turned out that Gayatri, a native of Odisha, had been possibly sold off at the age of 16-17. She told us that she was being beaten up at her home. We assumed it would be a regular case of domestic violence but as she continued telling us her story, the case turned murkier, said a senior official from Sakhi Centre in Medchal. She was 14 when her mother forcibly married her off to her uncle...we think it was probably a case of sex trafficking. A few months in, he began inflicting violence on her instead. Fed up, she fled to a friends place and later took up work at a beauty parlour, where she was possibly sold off to the accused, once again, noted officials. The survivor had reportedly remained unwed in the cohabitation and blackmailed into staying after the accused threatened to out her objectionable pictures. The girl also alleged that there were other girls in his keep, said the Sakhi officials. While the police is yet to find other women, as alleged, the accused has admitted to having sold off Gayatris first-born. The baby boy from her first pregnancy was sold to a childless couple for Rs 50,000, says police. Officials at Sakhi said that when he tried to sell her second child, she sought help. Meanwhile, 53-year-old pastor-cum-musician, Israel Raj, has been arrested based on Gayatris complaints. Kakoli Mukherjee By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community this Sunday by participating in a 5K run at Peoples Plaza on Necklace Road. It will begin at 6 am and end at 9 am. The aim of the event Run with Rainbow is to spread a message and stand for oneness, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. The run is being organised by Mobbera Foundation, an LGBTQIA+ based NGO, working for human rights. Sandipan Kushary, who is the president of Mobbera, says: The main idea behind forming Mobbera was to provide a place for the LGBTQIA+ community to connect with other people and find friends. It is a platform where they can find help when in need. I had always felt that there were not enough initiatives in the city to come out in public and talk about the community. That is why Mobbera was formed. Mobbera not only conducts awareness programmes but is also a family that celebrates birthdays, festivals and anniversaries of the members. The run will begin at Peoples Plaza and end at Sanjeevaiah Park. The registration fee is RS 120 and participants will be provided caps, water bottle and beverages. Those interested can register here: www.townscript.com/e/run-with-rainbow-5k-run-003441 Kiran Narayanan By Express News Service KOCHI: Be it Lini Puthussery who died battling Nipah virus or the Rajamma Vavathil who took the newborn Rahul Gandhi in her hands 48 years ago, Kerala's legacy of producing compassionate nurses traces back to decades. But things aren't as colourful as it sounds. With another World Nurses Day around the corner, Express looks into the issues faced by Kochi-based nurses and why they prefer going abroad. According to the United Nurses Association (UNA), the lack of job security in Kerala's private hospitals is the root cause for the widespread migration to other countries. "Nurses based in Kerala has always been a floating population. Annually, around 30 to 40 per cent of nurses resign from leading hospitals across the state and migrate to other countries by paying hefty amounts as agency fees. Poor salary is the only reason pushing them to bear such a huge financial burden," said Sujanapal Achuthan, state general secretary of UNA. Now, an agitation has once again come to the fore with nurses of PVS Memorial Hospital in Kaloor demanding their paycheck. The nurses began their protest a few days ago after having worked sans salary for the past many months. "I joined the hospital after resigning my job in Kolkata. It was the sheer wish to work in my hometown that led me to the decision. Initially, everything was fine. Later, they started transferring salary in instalments. Since last September, the management stopped paying us. We have to think about moving on to better opportunities," said Nithin, a nurse at the hospital. Those who have gone abroad point to job security and self-respect as major causes. "At the end of the day, we work to earn and lead a decent life. We will able to get four or five times better salary abroad than what we earned in Kerala. And, our schedule won't be as hectic. There is a sense of security about the job," said Mary Princy, hailing from Palluruthy who works in Israel. To change the course of their lives Paul (name changed), a freshly graduated nurse, was all spirited to attend the job interview at a leading private hospital in Kochi in 2011. The sight of more than 250 candidates appearing for the single vacancy gave him an idea of challenges ahead. "Once the exam was over, they announced that the monthly salary was Rs 2,300. I wondered about sustaining on such a low income. Later, I ended up at another place, which did not give beginners any salary for the initial six months. We have no other options but to earn the experience certificate at any cost," he said. After remitting huge sums to recruiting agencies, many nurses travel abroad hoping to change their life. "When you look at the mushrooming IELTS centres and nursing recruiting agencies, you can understand the amount of migration," he added. Sajin Shrijith By Express News Service KOCHI: We had recently reported that Mohanlal will be starring in director Siddiques next film, Big Brother. The casting on the film is officially underway, with the director confirming the presence of some of the male cast members. Anoop Menon and June-fame Sarjano Khalid have been cast as the brothers of Mohanlals character. The rest of the actors include Chemban Vinod Jose, Siddique, Vishnu Unnikrishnan, Janardhan, and Tini Tom. Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan will be making his Malayalam debut through Big Brother. Arbaaz is playing the antagonist. Its a full-length role, says Siddique. Arbaaz is currently shooting for brother Salmaans Dabangg 3 and is expected to join the sets of Big Brother after that. Siddique has previously directed Salmaan in the Hindi remake of his own Malayalam directorial Bodyguard. There have been reports that Regina Cassandra and Satna Titus will be playing the female leads, but the director tells us that the casting of the female leads has not yet been finalised. The discussions are currently going on. An official announcement regarding the same will be made soon, he adds. Big Brother is being touted as a family entertainer. Its a project that I discussed with Mohanlal last year. The final draft of the script is almost ready. Ive been waiting to do this film for a year. It will have all the ingredients that you have seen in my earlier films action, romance, comedy, drama..., says Siddique, who was on a two-year break. He last directed the Arvind Swamy-starrer Bhaskar Oru Rascal, the Tamil remake of his own Bhaskar the Rascal starring Mammootty. Siddiques last Malayalam film was Fukri, with Jayasurya. Big Brother marks Siddiques third collaboration with Mohanlal after Vietnam Colony and Ladies and Gentlemen. As for the shoot, the director is eyeing a June 20 start date, with Mohanlal expected to join the sets by July 1 after he completes work in Ittymaani: Made in China, in which he is currently starring. A total of 85 days has been allotted for the Big Brother shoot. The team will be filming a few portions in Kochi before moving to Bangalore to shoot the rest. The story takes place mostly in Bangalore, says Siddique. Adam Joan-fame Jithu Damodar will handle the cinematography and Deepak Dev the music. S Talkies is jointly producing the film with Shaman International and Vysakha Films. At the working session in Can Tho, the Finnish officials cited a survey by non-governmental organisations revealing that Vietnam ranks fourth in the amount of waste discharged to rivers, after China, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The rivers carry rubbish into the ocean, causing serious and lingering environmental pollution, they said, stressing the dangers of maritime plastic waste which takes hundreds of years to decompose. They also pointed out traditional waste treatment methods like burning or burying as factors behind soil and air pollution, as well as material wastefulness, and proposed complete waste treatment in order to turn garbage into valued products. Floating trash in rivers can be scooped up by nets installed at estuaries to stop it from entering the ocean, and then be collected and classified for subsequent treatments, they said. Dao Anh Dung, Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, said waste collection, classification, and treatment is a pressing issue facing the city, noting that the Finnish-proposed model matches the localitys desires. Representatives from the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment will coordinate with experts from Can Tho University to work with the Finnish side in this regard, he said. Can Tho wishes to partner with Finland in farm produce and seafood processing, high-tech agriculture, IT, and infrastructure development, Dung said, underlining his wish that these matters be further discussed by the two sides on the occasion of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) conference on climate change response toward sustainability in the city in June. According to the citys Department of External Affairs, Can Tho exported 93,900 USD worth of goods to Finland in 2018, mainly garment-textiles. By Online Desk In the wake of increased border skirmishes following the Pulwama terror attack and subsequent Balakot air strikes by the Indian Air Force, Pakistan has urged India to de-escalate border tensions between security forces of the two countries, according to a media report. The Pakistani military has requested a military de-escalation along the Line of Control (LoC) through a message sent via diplomatic channels, government sources have told India Today. The report added that the communication was sent in mid-April. Islamabad has offered to remove its personnel from the SSG (Special Service Group) from the LoC and suggested a moratorium on the artillery fire from both sides, a report sent to the PMO said, according to Hindustan Times. Post-Balakot airstrikes, Islamabad had moved its special forces and troops along the LoC and the border in a "precautionary deployment. In its review of Pakistani activities across the LoC in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and Balakot airstrikes, the Indian Army had assessed that Islamabad would put in efforts to ensure skirmishes are brought under control. "Pakistan will continue with proposals of de-escalation both through military and diplomatic channels," the assessment said. India, however, maintains its stand that de-escalation will happen only when Pakistan takes strong measures to stop terror activities from its soil. Rajesh Kumar Thakur By Express News Service A child trafficking racket, the second one in 10 days, was busted from interiors of North Bihar by the Darbhanga Railway Protection Forces (RPF) of East Central Railway, on Friday evening. Acting on a tip-off, a team of RPF first apprehended a child-trafficker identified as Munna Kumar (30), from the state's one of the remotest districts-Supual. IG of RPF at Hajipur, Ravindra Verma said, the arrested child-trafficker on being interrogated revealed that five children were being trafficked by him to Punjab and other states as child labourers. "The RPF team immediately reached the spot at Darbhanga station and rescued 5 children, who were kept in a corner of station to board in a Punjab bound train," Verma said. He added that this was the second that minors aged between 10 and 14 were rescued in the last 10 days. Earlier, 26 children were rescued from the clutches of child-traffickers on April 28 at Narkatiyganj, when they were brought to board in Amritsar bound Jannayak Express. Meanwhile, sources said that child trafficking from interiors of North Bihar and bordering Nepal and Bangladesh areas have become rampant these days. "Trafficking increases more during the summertime or during the winter days when local law enforcing agencies like the railway police remain confined to their posts," a social activist Sudhir Shukla said, adding that traffickers try to take advantage of these buffer times. By Express News Service BHOPAL: Following various political leaders praising Pakistan founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah, a BJP candidate from Madhya Pradesh has put the saffron party in the corner, by making a similiar statement. While addressing an election meeting in Ranapur town of Jhabua district, MLA and party candidate from Ratlam-Jhabua Lok Sabha constituency GS Damor said that the country would have never been partitioned if Jinnah was made Indias first Prime Minister instead of Jawaharlal Nehru. Jinnah was an erudite advocate, had it been decided to make him Indias first Prime Minister instead of Jawaharlal Nehru, the country would have never been partitioned as a result of which , there wouldnt have been any Kashmir problem and there would have been total amity between Hindus and Muslims in the undivided India," said Damor. FOLLOW OUR FULL ELECTION COVERAGE HERE The former state government engineer also blamed former PM Nehru for the latter's 'stubbornness' which ultimately led to the countrys division While the Congress was quick to react on the development, the state BJPs chief spokesperson Deepak Vijayavargiya, said I dont have knowledge about any such remarks by a BJP candidate, but if anyone from our party has made such a statement, then it could be his personal opinion and not the partys official stand. ALSO READ| NCP leader Majeed Memon lauds Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah The state Congress media in-charge Shobha Oza said, Love for Jinnah isnt new for BJP or saffron leaders, as in the past too its leaders have had soft approach towards the Pakistan founder. Spanning from rightist leader Sawarkar to Shyama Prasad Mukerjee and from LK Advani to Jaswant Singh, the saffron leadership, including senior BJP leaders love for Jinnah is well known. While Advani went to the extent of paying tributes at Jinnahs mausoleum in Karachi in 2005, the former union minister Jaswant Singh wrote a book on Jinnah and praised him as a great man four years later. Two weeks ago at an election rally in Chhindwara, Bollywood actor-turned-Congress leader Shatrughan Sinhas praised the former Pakistan PM for his role in countrys independence and development which caused embarrassment to the Rahul Gandhi-led party in the mid of ongoing Lok Sabha polls. Later, Sinha made a a u-turn from his statements, saying it was slip of tongue, as he intended to name Maulana Azad instead of Jinnah. By PTI HAROA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday said that BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are looking at the state for votes as the party has fared badly in the last five phases of Lok Sabha polls. Modi is losing confidence as he is sure to lose the election, she said and urged the electorate not to vote for BJP. "Where will BJP get the numbers from ? In Uttar Pradesh, its count will reduce from 73 to 13 or 17. In other states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajashthan, Punjab and Odisha the party will draw a blank. Its seats will reduce in Madhya Pradesh also", Banerjee said at a public meeting here in support of Trinamool Congress candidate Nusrat Jahan. ALSO READ: My fight to oust fascist Modi similar to Quit India movement, says Mamata Banerjee Urging voters not to vote for the saffron party, she said "We do not want BJP. Show the door to the party through votes. In Bengal, Trinamool Congress should win all the 42 seats which will help it to have some control in the formation of the new government at the Centre". She alleged that BJP, Congress and CPI(M) are of the same kind. "Some people are supporting BJP in the morning, Congress in the afternoon and CPI(M) in the night. So voting any of the three will be a waste. Vote for Trinamool Congress". Continuing her tirade against Modi, Banerjee said in the last parliamentary polls he had said a lot of things and became the prime minister. "But what work has he done in the last five years ?" The chief minister claimed that Trinamool Congress is the only party which has the "guts" to fight BJP. "BJP has kept the entire country petrified. Captured institutions like RBI, CBI, Income Tax and the ED. FOLLOW OUR FULL ELECTION COVERAGE HERE "Instead of giving food, shelter and clothing, BJP has dismatled the Planning Commission with Niti Aayog and shown how to create riots ... It started cow vigilantism and lynching syndicates", she said. Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have often attacked the TMC by accusing it of running 'syndicates raj'. Banerjee, a known critic of the BJP, alleged that prices had risen during its rule and is going to increase more after the elections. "Nathuram Godse (who killed Mahatama Gandhi) is now BJP's leader. They (BJP) have forgotten Netaji who gave the Jai Hind slogan. By PTI GANGTOK: China's ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui, who was here for a day, called on Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling at his official residence to discuss trade along the Nathula corridor among other issues of economic cooperation between the two countries. The two dignitaries talked about the common areas of concern, which, if addressed, could improve border trade between Sikkim and Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), an official release issued by state's Information and Public Relations Department said. During the discussion on Friday, both Chamling and Zhaohui called for an efficient mechanism to ensure smooth flow of goods along the trade route, it said. The Chinese diplomat suggested that increasing the hours of trade and the number of business days could facilitate the traders on the two sides. He also stressed on development of Nathula as a dry port to increase the volume of trade. Chamling, on his part, said a bus service between Gangtok and Lhasa could strengthen economy and boost tourism prospects on both the sides. According to the release, Chamling also expressed his desire to visit China to gain insights on various issues. He also assured Zhaohui that he will take up his suggestions with the Centre. Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: An Assam organisation has filed an intervention application in the Supreme Court seeking action against BJP president Amit Shah for his purported comment that the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament before the publication of the final draft National Register of Citizens (NRC). The Assam Andolan Sangrami Mancha, which was formed by the leaders of anti-immigrants Assam Agitation of early 1980s, filed the application in the apex court on Friday. The organisation described Shahs comment as an onslaught on the judicial process and accused him of giving the issue a religious colour. Advisor to the organisation and two-time former Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta said, The application was filed on Friday. Mahanta, who is a leader of Asom Gana Parishad, had last month threatened legal action against Shah for the comment. READ| SC refuses to extend NRC deadline in Assam The NRC is being updated in Assam under the direct monitoring of the SC and based on the March 24, 1971 cut-off date. This means people, who will fail to submit any pre-March 24, 1971, documents of residency in the country during the process of NRC updation, will be viewed as illegal immigrants. The BJP seeks to grant Indian citizenship to immigrants, belonging to six persecuted non-Muslim communities from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who migrated before December 31, 2014, through the passage of Citizenship Bill. Various organisations, besides opposition parties, in Northeast have opposed BJPs move. They have insisted on the detection and deportation of the immigrants irrespective of communities. By Express News Service NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: Under fire for his comments on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Congress leader Sam Pitroda on Friday accused the BJP of twisting his words, while his party, mindful of the possible damage that the alleged insensitive comments could cause to its poll prospects in Delhi and Punjab, distanced itself from his remark. ALSO READ | Rahul Gandhi slams Sam Pitroda over 1984 riots remark Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP offensive, saying Pitrodas remark, reflected the character and arrogance of the Congress. Addressing a rally at Rohtak in Haryana on Friday, Modi said, Yesterday, one of the tallest leaders of the Congress said 84 ka danga hua to hua (so what if the 1984 riots happened). Do you know who this leader is... he is very close to the Gandhi family. He keeps meeting them on daily basis and is their biggest confidant. This leader was very good friend of Rajiv Gandhi and is the guru of Congresss naamdar (dynast) president. Wondering if Rahul Gandhi will oust his guru, Union Minister Arun Jaitley said it was a matter of disgrace that the Congress has no remorse over the killings of Sikhs in 1984. BJP and Akali Dal held a protest in Amritsar against Pitroda. READ HERE | Sam Pitroda apologises for remarks on Sikh riots, says his words twisted due to his 'bad Hindi' The Congress distanced itself from Pitrodas comments and asked party leaders to be careful and sensitive in future. Stating that the Congress had strived to ensure justice for the 1984 riots victims, its spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the party continued to support the quest for justice and stern punishment for those found guilty in the anti-Sikh riots, as also the subsequent acts of violence, including the 2002 riots in Gujarat. FOLLOW OUR ELECTION COVERAGE HERE Pitroda on his part accused the BJP of twisting his words to distort facts, divide us (Congress) and hide their failures. However, he added that things of the past are not relevant in this election. Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: US aviation giant Boeing on Friday formally handed over the first of 22 Apache attack helicopters to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The AH-64E (I)Apache Guardian helicopter, customized to suit Indian requirements, was handed over to Air Marshal AS Butola at Boeings production facility at Mesa in Arizona. The handover ceremony also featured representatives of the US government. The first batch of the helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July this year. Selected aircrew & ground crew have undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. Read more on https://t.co/iGT8y5kfPL pic.twitter.com/pHRArBCjbz Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) May 11, 2019 The cost of buying the choppers, which have stealth capabilities and can engage targets both in the air and on the ground, was pegged at $1.4 billion. While the first batch of these choppers is scheduled to land in India by this July, selected air and ground crew had been undergoing training at a US Army base in Fort Rucker, Alabama, since October 2018. The IAF released a statement saying, The addition of AH-64 E (I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Forces helicopter fleet. The helicopter would have significant capability in mountainous terrain. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: The fight for Ambedkar Nagar in Uttar Pradesh is intense this time because the constituency has the potential to turn into a high-profile seat, if all goes BSP chief Mayawatis way. Driven by her prime ministerial ambitions, the BSP supremo is eyeing this Lok Sabha seat to reach the Lower House if she manages to attain the coveted post after May 23. For now, however, the caste factor is playing out in the reverse here. The BJP has fielded Mukut Bihari Verma, a backward, while the BSP has tried to counter the Saffron challenge by pitting Ritesh Pandey, a Brahmin, as the Mahagathbandhan candidate. Though 11 candidates are in the fray, the fight is between these two parties. In 2014, BJPs Hari Om Pandey had won by over 1.4 lakh votes defeating Rakesh Pandey of BSP. The BJP candidate had secured 41.77% votes, though the combined SP-BSP vote share was 50.96%. FOLLOW OUR ELECTION COVERAGE HERE The BJP denied ticket to its sitting MP after a video of Pandey hitting out at the party leadership went viral. On the contrary, BSP has fielded a Brahmin to woo upper castes by highlighting the ire of Pandey against the BJP. As a damage control exercise, Pandey shared the dais with PM Narendra Modi during his May 1 rally. The BSP candidate is also banking on its Yadav-Muslim-Dalit vote bank to romp home. BJP candidate Mukut Bihari, a minister in the UP government, is trying to counter the outsider tag by highlighting development projects launched in the constituency under the BJP government. He also hopes to get the support of Kurmis, Thakurs, Brahmins, Nishads, Kumhars and extremely backward castes. ALSO READ | 'BJP plays caste card while nominating candidates in Uttar Pradesh' The Saffron party is highlighting its development works like providing 24-hour power supply in the town, famous for textile cottage industry, ongoing construction of a highway connecting the town with the district headquarters and communal harmony. Congress plays spoiler in Sant Kabir Nagar The electoral stage in Sant Kabir Nagar is set for an interesting triangular fight among BJP candidate Praveen Kumar Nishad, BSPs Bheeshma Shankar as gathbandhan candidate and Congresss Bhalchandra Yadav, who contested on a Samajwadi Party ticket in 2014. In 2014, the seat was won by BJPs Sharad Tripathi who had defeated Bheeshma Shankar alias Kushal Tiwari. However, here, too, the combined SP-BSP vote share was 48.52%, higher than the BJPs 34.47%, giving the Saffron party some shivers. The BJP has fielded NISHAD partys Praveen Nishad, who had wrested the prestigious Gorakhpur seat from the BJP as SP candidate in March 2018. He switched sides recently and joined the BJP which fielded him from Sant Kabir Nagar eyeing the votes of Nishad, upper caste, backward and extremely backward castes. READ HERE | As Gujarat CM, Narendra Modi included his caste in backward category: Mayawati Alliance candidate Bheeshma Shankar is banking on the support of Brahmins, Muslims, Dalits and Yadavs. Congresss Bhalchandra Yadav is relying on Yadav-Muslim votes to sail through. Yadav is proving to be a vote splitter for the alliance and is raising the outsider issue to gain traction on the ground. Both his rivals are from adjoining Gorakhpur. Shoe bite for BJP MP Sant Kabir Nagar hit the headlines ahead of polls for shoegate episode when BJPs sitting MP Sharad Tripathi hit a party MLA with a shoe. He ended up losing the party ticket. Iran says U.S. dare not wage war despite threats TEHRAN, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government of President Donald Trump dare not wage a war on Iran despite its threats, a senior Iranian commander said Friday. "Negotiations with Americans will not take place, and Americans will not dare take a military action against us," Yadollah Javani, head of the political bureau of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, told Tasnim News Agency. "Trump thought with the new sanctions on Iran after its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran would face internal turmoil and eventually negotiate with the United States, but in practice it did not happen," Javani said. Western media reported that the United States has recently deployed an aircraft carrier to the Middle East region amid the rising tension with Iran. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: While spearheading BJPs poll campaign in Purvanchal for the last phase of the big battle of 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi played up the caste card at his two back-to-back rallies in Ghazipur and Robertsganj on Saturday. Notably, Robertsganj is the last (80th) and the only Lok Sabha constituency reserved for scheduled tribes (ST) of Uttar Pradesh. Both Ghazipur and Robertsganj will go to polls in the last phase along with Modi's constituency Varanasi and 10 other seats on May 19. Raising the caste issue in the region where SP-BSP alliance is too banking on the caste arithmetic, Modi targeted them by claiming that those who were seeking his caste certificate should know that he belonged the "caste of poor". The people of the Mahamilawat recently started picking on my caste, I want to tell them that I belong to the caste of the poor of the country, he said at both the rallies. READ: What if someone links Narendra Modi with Godhra massacre, asks Punjab CM Amarinder I provided housing, water facilities, and gas facilities to the poor because I belong to them, he added. In the same breathe, he took a jibe at SP and BSP leadership accusing them of amassing wealth and promoting their respective families by attaining political stature in the name of their backward and Dalit caste. "I have been Gujarat Chief Minister for the longest time and have been Prime Minister for the last five years but there is not a single property listed in my name. I have never made any money, neither for myself nor have I given any money to anyone in my family," he asserted adding that there were leaders of Mahamilawati gathbandhan who had filled their bank accounts with wealth worth millions. While making a fervent vote appeal for a strong government at Centre, Modi jumped to Sam Pitrodas hua to hua (it happended so it be) jibe to take on Congress party accusing it of arrogance. They are steeped deep in hubris. They treat themselves as king and countrymen as their subject. This is Congresss instinct but also of SP and BSP. There is a whole bunch of arrogant politicians who lack vision for the countrys development and compassion for countrymen, maintained the PM. READ: BSP wooing Brahmins to ruin BJP's game in Uttar Pradesh Targeting Congress government over the Alwar gangrape case in his Ghazipur rally, Modi charged CM Ashok Gehlot of shielding the culprits in order to cover up the incident to arrest the prospective damage to the party in poll season. They did not register the case for a week as they wanted to hide the incident from media glare during the polls. Instead of meeting out justice to the victim, they were bothered more about their votes. This is their NYAY, he said. He even questioned the alleged silence of "award wapsi gang" over the issue. Paying tribute to the residents of Ghazipurs Gahamar village where every family has a person serving in Indian Army, Modi referred to Kumaraswamys statement that only those joined army who were poor and didnt have to eat. Isn't it an insult to our Army? Will you not avenge such insult heaped on the Armymen and the brave mothers Gahmar who take pride in sending their sons to serve the nation? asked the PM getting an affirmative response from the cheering corwd. Harpreet Bajwa By Express News Service CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Time magazine cover which described him as `Divider in Chief, for his "brazen attempts to divide India, on the basis of caste and religion", to further his political ambitions. Addressing a rally at Bhao in support of Congress partys Gurdaspur candidate Sunil Jakhar, Singh contrasted Modis poor international reputation with the respect that leaders like Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and even Atal Behari Vajpayee. The Time magazine cover story showed what the international community thought of Modi, who had lowered Indias prestige in the global arena, he added. READ | Prestige of bigwigs at stake in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha, Guna and Rajgarh Modis shameful attempts to destroy the secular fabric of the country were a threat to its very existence, said Amarinder adding that India needs a government that can keep the country united and not destroy it. Describing PM Modi as a shameless liar, similar to the MD of a fly-by-night fake chit fund company, Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar said these elections were a fight between truth and lies, and the people had to decide what they wanted. FOLLOW OUR ELECTION COVERAGE HERE Earlier, Jakhar also took a dig at Sunny Deol, saying that he did not know anything about Gurdaspur or the problems of its people. Jakhar said, just as he could not sing and dance, Sunny had no idea about politics or being an effective representative of the people. I may not be able to entertain you but I will solve your problems by helping reopen sugar mills and setting up medical colleges, said Jakhar, urging the people to vote for the future of the country. You are responsible for yours and your childrens future. Do you want your children to get jobs or sell pakodas? he asked the people. By PTI BHOPAL: The Sangh Parivar's support base in Bhopal will be put to the test Sunday when BJP's Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur - a political novice - take on Congress stalwart Digvijaya Singh in what is billed as one of the most interesting fights of this Lok Sabha polls. Hinduism vs Hindutva took centrestage in the poll campaign, putting development issues on the backburner. BJP's choice of Thakur to take on Singh, a former chief minister, has already underscored the saffron party's attempt to bring the Hindutva plank at the centrestage of polls in the high-profile constituency. And Thakur, on her part, has been claiming that she was tortured in police custody when under the UPA was in power at the behest of Singh, whom she has been calling anti-Hindu during her campaign. Arrested in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Thakur (48) was given a clean chit by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), but the trial court refused to discharge her from the case. The court dropped the charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against her, and she is now being tried under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. ALSO READ: Hindutva and development are synonymous: Sadhvi Pragya Thakur She was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in 2017. Interestingly Singh (72) roped in maverick Namdev Tyagi, popularly known as Computer Baba who emerged as a Hindu leader in Madhya Pradesh after the previous BJP government in the state accorded him minister of state status and appointed him on a panel to clean the Narmada. The self-styled god man, in the run-up to the assembly elections last year, parted ways with BJP and switched to Congress and campaigned for it. The Congress after coming to power after 15 years in Madhya Pradesh paid him back by appointing him chairman of a river trust. Tyagi, along with other ascetics, organised a yajana under the blazing sun for the Congress leader's victory on Tuesday here. Singh and his wife Amrita and took part in the yajana. Singh and Tyagi also led a road show in which the sadhus chanted 'Jai Shri Ram', demanding that Ram temple be built at Ayodhya at the earliest, much to the surprise of many. FOLLOW OUR ELECTION COVERAGE HERE The sadhus criticised the BJP for going back on its promise on the Ram Temple construction. The election in Bhopal is being seen as a litmus test for the RSS which is believed to have played a key role in Thakur's selection to take on Singh, a vocal critic of the Sangh Parivar. "Thakur is a novice in politics whereas Digvijaya Singh is a sharp politician," an RSS ideologue and BJP leader said. "She is just a deeply religious person. Thakur does not have any political experience or temperament. She is just a face. The May 12 election in Bhopal is in fact going to be a test for the RSS and the BJP," he added. Thakur was picked after former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union minister Uma Bharti expressed their reluctance to take on Singh, BJP insiders said. The BJP announced Thakur's candidature late, indicating prolonged deliberation in the party before it came out with the final choice. Thakur had a bumpy start to her campaigning. A day after she was fielded she made a controversial remark that she had cursed Maharashta ATS chief Hemant Karkare seeking his doom and five weeks later he was killed. Her remark drew nationwide condemnation, and put the BJP in a tight spot. ALSO READ: Top Chhattisgarh Congress leaders campaign for their political guru Digvijay Singh Though she apologised for her remark, the EC reprimanded and barred her from campaigning for three days from May 2 for this statement as well as one on Babri Mosque demolition. Unfazed, she sang bhajans and offered prayers in famous temples of Bhopal to drive home the point to the electorate that she was deeply faithful. On the other hand, Digvijaya Singh, known for raking up controversies in the past, concentrated on his electioneering and booth management. The Congress veteran did not speak on Karkare or the Ram temple issue, over which his rival had courted controversy. Though Bhopal has been a BJP bastion since 1989, the assembly elections held last November threw up a different picture, indicating that the Congress is slowly regaining its lost ground in the state capital. The Lok Sabha constituency consists of eight assembly segments, of which three were won by the Congress in the state polls - from just one in 2013. In 2014, the BJP had won the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat by a huge margin of 3,70,696 votes. Minority votes number 4.5 lakh out of around 18 lakh plus in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency and they will come into play, a BJP insider said. "We did not start politics of polarisation (in Bhopal). The Congress started it. MP Congress president and Chief Minister Kamal Nath had said Digvijaya Singh's vote count starts with 3 lakh with Muslims votes," state BJP spokesman Rajnish Agrawal said. "Digvijaya Singh has started saying 'I am a Hindu'. Who asked you if you are a Hindu? He started going to temples," he said. "That time, Sadhvi's name was not even announced. What narrative the Congress was trying to set," he asked. MP Congress spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi, however, denied Nath saying that Singh's vote count will start with 3 lakh votes. "Kamal Nathji had said that Digvijaya Singhji will win the elections by more than 3 lakh votes. They (the BJP) think on communal lines so they have got it wrong," he said. "Thakur is no challenge to us. They did not find a candidate so they fielded her after Chouhan and Bharti refused to take on Digvijaya Singh. Thakur has been made a scapegoat," the Congress leader said. Fayaz Wani By Express News Service SRINAGAR: After record low voter turnout in three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, the BJP has hit out at mainstream parties in the Valley, accusing them of managing the boycott (of polls) to ensure low voter turnout for their benefit. State BJP General Secretary (Org) Ashok Koul told this newspaper that some parties orchestrated the poll boycott in the Valley so as to derive political benefits from the poor turnout. Not only did militant outfits call a vote boycott, but some political parties also played their part in ensuring a low turnout in three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir. This was a clear ploy to win these seats. On May 23, we will know if this ploy worked, he said. FOLLOW OUR ELECTION COVERAGE HERE The turnout dropped to a record low in all three Lok Sabha seats in the Valley this time. The Anantnag seat in south Kashmir recorded dismal 8.76% turnout, the lowest poll percentage since 1996. The Srinagar seat logged 14.1% voter turnout, while Baramulla seat in north Kashmir recorded 34.71 per cent polling. The figures recorded were the second lowest for both seats since 1996. Without naming any outfit, Koul said if the parties themselves work towards ensuring a low turnout for electoral benefits, it is very unfortunate. Namita Bajpai By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Coming down heavily on Congress-led Rajasthan state government, BSP chief Mayawati demanded death sentence for the accused in the Alwar gang-rape case and asked the Supreme Court of India to take Suo Motu cognizance of the incident and act against the Rajasthan government and police. The guilty in Alwar gang-rape case should be hanged till death. Supreme Court should take action against the Congress government, police and the administration in the state. This matter is not just related to Dalits but entire womanhood, said the BSP chief while interacting with media persons here on Saturday. Mayawati also charged the election commission with inaction against those who were indulging in making derogatory remarks against women during the ensuing polls. The case of gang rape came to the fore in Alwar where a Dalit woman alleged that she was gang-raped by five men in front of her husband. READ HERE | Unmissable exhibit: The sexist Indian male politician The couple was travelling on a bike when they were waylaid by five men who beat up the husband and recorded a video of the crime and circulated it on social media. The incident took place on April 26 but a case was registered on May 2 as the victim was being threatened by the accused. Police have arrested all six accused -- Indra Raj Gurjar, Mahesh Gurjar, Ashok Gurjar, Hansraj Gurjar, Chhote Lal Gurjar and Mukesh Gurjar -- on charges of gang rape and filming the crime. The Rajasthan government has been facing flak from the opposition BJP after the number of rape and abduction cases shot up in last one month. The BSP chief claimed that the Ashok Gehlot government had proved to be a total failure in ensuring justice to the victim. She also claimed that as per her belief, Congress was incapable of delivering to the gang-rape victim. Mayawati accused the Gehlot government of intimidating the victim's asking them to keep the incident within wraps till the end of the Lok Sabha elections. There my people mounted pressure on the state government to act and then the authorities moved, claimed the BSP chief. On Friday, National SC/ST Commission Vice Chairman L Murgan, recommended that an FIR be registered against police officers whose alleged negligence led to delay in action in the Alwar gang rape case. The victims husband had claimed that following the incident, he approached the police but the FIR was delayed till May 2. The victims family submitted a memorandum for speedy trial, compensation and government job. The Commission has also asked the state government to check how the victims husband can be provided compensation under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. By Express News Service SRIKAKULAM: One of the 22 captured fishermen from Andhra Pradesh kept within confines of a Pakistan jail, Kesam Raju, in his letter, stated all of them had received only one letter from their family members since December last year. With unavailability of postal covers, three more captured fishermen wrote letters to their family members in a single postal cover on April 10, which was received here on May 10. In the letter, he also stated the Pakistan officials had conducted counselling of the captured fishermen recently. Thinking that the inquiry might have started, he asked whether any officials had come to the village for the same. Although the family members sent photostat copies of the documents such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, passport and passport size photos thrice, they stated that they did not receive any documents. Surprisingly, they wrote to the family members to send tablets for fever, stomach ache, diarrhoea and other minor ailments. Hinting to the family members and the villagers that about 400 fishermen from Pakistan jail are likely to be released soon, they wanted the family members to pressurise the officials and public representatives to ensure that the 22 captured fishermen from Andhra Pradesh must be among the 400. Kesam Yerraiah also sought to know whether his sister Ganagalla Nukamma, whose husband Ganagalla Rama Rao was also captured by the Pakistan Coast Guard along with him, delivered a male or female baby. Kesam Raju to his parents Totamma and Ammoru, Kesam Yerraiah to his parents Laxmamma and Laxmana Rao and Mailapalli Sanyasi to his wife Yerramma wrote letters in a single cover. Expressing his love and affection towards his family, Kesam Yerraiah wrote, I love my family. He also wanted the photostat copies to be sent again. Ganagalla Nukamma, speaking to The New Indian Express, said they had sent the photostat copies of the required documents thrice along with letters so far. They neither received letters nor documents from us, she said. I could not even convey the message to my husband and brother that I delivered a girl, she said. Although we wrote several letters, why are they not reaching them? Nukamma asked. On coming to know about the letter, the family members of the captured fishermen rushed to Nukammas house. They became very emotional, while recalling the memories of their beloved bread-winners confined in Pakistan jail. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Ending all speculation and delays over restoring posts of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe state government employees who were demoted in 2017, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of consequential seniority Act on Friday. With this 3,799 state government employees belonging to SC and ST communities will be reinstated in posts they held before the courts 2017 judgment scrapping reservation-based promotions, came. Their original cadre and pay scale will also be restored with retrospective effect from the date of their demotion with all financial benefits. The order will, directly and indirectly, impact 45,000 employees of the state government. There is merit in the submission of the State of Karnataka that progression in a cadre based on promotion cannot be treated as the acquisition of creamy layer status, the Supreme Court bench of Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and Justice Uday Umesh Lalit said. The court noted that challenge to the constitutional validity of the Reservation Act, 2018 lacks substance and that the state had cured the deficiency which was noticed in the judgment of the B K Pavitra case in 2017. The constitutional validity of the Reservation Act 2018 has been upheld, the court ordered. With this order, the SC has cleared the path for the state government to implement the Karnataka Extension of Consequential Seniority to Government Servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservation (to the Posts in the Civil Services of the State) Act, 2018. State government employees from two communities have been demanding implementation of the consequential seniority Act for over a year now. With its verdict, the SC has left that State with no more excuses to delay its implementation. Officials in the Social Welfare Department insist that a new seniority list will be drawn up soon to ensure restoration and review of reservation-based promotions. READ HERE | 'Reservation not at odds with meritocracy': Supreme Court upholds Karnataka law on SC/ST promotion The Act, passed during Siddaramaiahs tenure as CM, sought to protect the promotions given to SC and ST employees on the basis of reservation as a matter of one-time catch-up policy. While the legal battle stalled restoring of posts to SC, ST employees, the reluctance of the state government to initiate a process despite a no objection from the Supreme Court had left thousands of the employees in the lurch. The order should be deemed as the final closure since the Supreme Court has clarified that it isnt a matter that needs to be pursued further. There should not be any scope for doubts now, said Social Welfare minister Priyank Kharge. Priyank Kharge, however, insisted that restoring posts of SC and ST employees should not upset the current appointments. It is our responsibility to ensure that nobody gets a raw deal. Promotions should be restored first, but those who have been appointed to those posts from non-SC/ST categories should be retained as well, he said. Officials from the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms believe that the government has enough vacancies to accommodate those who were demoted without affecting existing appointments across cadres. Victory for social justice, says Congress Congress legislature party chief Siddaramaiah, under whose chief ministership the reservation bill 2018 was passed, was the first to welcome the judgment. I welcome the decision of Supreme Court for upholding our govts act, when I was @CMofKarnataka, on providing quota for SC/ST promotions for government employees. This will promote social justice as ppl from marginalized sections gets to lead imp posts &reduce discrimination (sic), Siddaramaiah tweeted. The Congress has hailed it as a victory for social justice. SC has upheld our reservation policy for SC/ST employees in govt promotions. I welcome the judgment. This policy will provide much-needed opportunities for the historically marginalised to rise up the ladder & get representation in top echelons of power (sic), tweeted Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara. Though his government had been dilly-dallying on implementation of the consequential seniority act, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy too welcomed the judgment. I welcome the Supreme Court judgment upholding Reservation Act 2018 and the government is committed to protect the interests of the employees within the framework laid by the Constitution of India. The state govts intention of inclusiveness has been reiterated by this judgment, he tweeted. By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid a field visit to inspect and directly understand the Dutch model to address the issue of flooding. The Room for the River project at Noordward has been designed with a goal to give the river more room. This will enable better management of higher water levels during floods and will ensure safety for those living here. The measures are designed to improve the quality of ones immediate surroundings. The Chief Ministers visit comes in the wake of the mid-August floods that jolted the state last year. The Kerala delegation will observe whether such a model can be replicated in low-lying regions like Kuttanad, Alappuzha. The Chief Minister also held a series of meetings with Dutch experts in water management. The extensive interaction had 20 representatives from Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, as well as leading Dutch companies and knowledge institutions from agriculture and water sector, brought together by VNO-NCW, the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (the Dutch Employers Federation). During their interaction, they expressed interest in expanding collaboration with Kerala and supporting the state in achieving its development goals. Collaboration to digitise records The Netherlands will collaborate with the state for preserving and digitizing Dutch records here. The decision was taken during a meeting between the Chief Minister and M L Engelhard, Director, National Archives of the Netherlands. Pinarayi holds talks with Dutch Minister Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held talks with Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Minister for Infrastructure and Water Management, Netherlands. The duo discussed possible collaboration in the field of water and flood risk reduction management and port. Toby Antony By Express News Service KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified two busy areas in Kochi where the Islamic State (IS) module met and conspired to carry out jihadi operations in Kerala. The NIA on Friday produced Palakkad native Riyas Aboobacker before the NIA Court after interrogating him in custody for five days. It was on April 28 the agency carried out searches at Palakkad and Kasaragod after receiving information about a four-member module having links with IS operatives from Kerala who migrated to Afghanistan and Syria. Later, the NIA arrested Riyas Aboobacker who was prepared by his handlers to conduct suicide attacks in Kerala. Though the NIA interrogated two men from Kasaragod and a Kollam native - the other members of the module - their arrest was not recorded. During the custodial interrogation of Riyas, information from Facebook and Gmail accounts has been extracted. Two conspiracy places were identified and necessary information was collected. They held two meetings at two busy places in Kochi for furthering IS operations in Kerala, sources said. The NIA will also interrogate Riyas Aboobacker again based on digital evidence collected from his mobile phone. The mirror image of one of the mobile phones of the accused has been obtained. The preliminary analysis of the mirror image reveals information about his links with IS operatives. After completing the full analysis of the mirror image, we would seek his custody for interrogation again. It would help us to receive information about the involvement of other module members and operations they planned, an officer said. The NIA has decided not to record the arrest of three other members of the module. One of the members recently came from Qatar and appeared before the NIA for interrogation. We could not obtain substantial evidence to arrest them. Two of them would be turned witnesses in the case. The decision on proceeding further against one accused would be taken on the basis of evidence received as part of the probe, an officer said. Remanded till May 28 Riyas Aboobacker was later shifted to Ernakulam Sub-Jail after being remanded till May 28. He has filed a bail petition which will be considered on May 16 Gopika Varrier By Express News Service THRISSUR: With the stage now set for the Thrissur Pooram on Monday, the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms are upbeat on staging a colourful fireworks display billed as one of the most eye-catching in the entire country. The traditional fireworks manufacturers are sparing no effort to ensure this years pooram fireworks will be among the most memorable in recent times. It requires efforts lasting over two-and-a-half month to prepare the items for the pooram. We have been doing it for several years and I followed in the footsteps of my father Madhavan, says P M Saji, who leads the pyrotechnics of Thiruvambady faction. According to the traditional fireworks manufacturers, the work starts with the choice of the right kind of paper for making the cora or containers which carry the explosive chemicals. It is made according to prescribed measurements and quantities. A fortnight before the pooram, the containers are filled with the chemicals, he says. As the workers start to fill the magazines with finished items at Thekkinkadu Maidan, another group of labourers are busy digging pits to fill the items for the sample fireworks on Friday. When permission was denied for chain palm crackers, we were worried since the work began long ago following the Supreme Court nod. The workers had collected over two lakh palm leaves for the purpose and dried it under the sun since even smaller festivals were granted permission to use palm crackers, said the artisans. The temple devaswoms have been given permission to burst gundu, kuzhiminni, amittu and garland crackers or chain palm crackers for the pooram. Though strict regulations have affected the work, pyrotechnics are now a less risky affair compared to the past, said Sreenivasan Kundannoor, who manufactures fireworks items for Paramekkavu faction. PETA wants jumbo to be sent to sanctuary Kochi: Animal rights group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has submitted an urgent representation to Thrissur District Collector and Kerala Chief Wildlife Warden requesting that elephant Thechikottukavu Ramachandran be seized and sent to a sanctuary where the elephant can finally spend rest of its days free from chains. The group also urged the authorities to consider banning the use of elephants in all festivals. Owners ready to lease out jumbos Thrissur: The Elephant Owners Federation informed the meeting on Friday that it is ready to provide elephant for the pooram upon providing clearance for the Thechikottukavu Ramachandran. HC declines to intervene in plea for parading Raman Kochi: The High Court on Friday declined to intervene in a petition filed by Thechikkottukavu Devaswom, owner of the elephant Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran, seeking permission to parade it for the opening ceremony of the pooram. Disposing of the petition, Justice Anu Sivaraman held it is for the authorities to take an appropriate decision on the issue. The HC order came on a plea from Perathrikkovu Thechikkottukavu Poothrikkovu Devaswom. No entry within 100 metres of fireworks Thrissur: The police have restricted the entry of public within 100 metres of fireworks during the sample pyrotechnics at Thekkinkad Maidan on Saturday. As per the norms, entry is restricted to areas that fall within 100 metres of fireworks, including Swaraj Round. Though people have been demanding permission to enter Swaraj Round during fireworks, it will not be allowed owing to security concerns, said the police. AAG: Ensure onlookers safety if permission is granted Kochi: Additional Advocate General (AAG) Ranjith Thampan has given legal opinion that its the District Level Festival Committee headed by Thrissur District Collector which will take a decision on the request to permit the elephant Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran for Thrissur Pooram and pass the order forthwith. If the committee decides to grant permission, the owner of the elephant should be asked to give a written undertaking that he will shoulder the entire responsibility. According to the AAG, while taking a decision the committee should ensure the elephant is properly insured. No complete ban on the elephant, say owners Kochi: The owners of Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran said there was no blanket ban on parading the tusker during temple festivals. In a plea filed before the District Collector seeking permission to parade the elephant during the Thrissur Pooram, they said an expert committee comprising B N Ajan Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests(CCF) and Parambikkulam Tiger Reserve director, had submitted a report on March 6. According to it, the elephant could be allowed to participate in the temple festivals in Thrissur district only so as to do away with long distance travel and avoid its transportation during night. Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan (2nd R, front), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a community health service center in Chaoyang District in Beijing, capital of China. Sun extended greetings to the country's over 4 million nurses as she visited the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and the community health service center in Beijing's Chaoyang District ahead of the International Nurses Day which falls on May 12. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan stressed the need for quality nursing services to improve people's health and well-being ahead of the International Nurses Day. Sun, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, extended greetings to the country's over 4 million nurses as she visited the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and a community health service center in Beijing's Chaoyang District. Sun noted that China has made remarkable achievements in nursing services with an ever-increasing number of professional nurses. Sun emphasized the need for innovating nursing services, deepening the integration of nursing services with the Internet and big data, and promoting online and intelligent nursing services. The vice premier also called for efforts to address the shortage of nursing staff in the face of an aging population, adding vocational institutions should increase enrollment of students specialized in rehabilitation, nursing and elderly care this year. The International Nurses Day falls on May 12. By PTI MADURAI: The Madras High Court has upheld the life sentence imposed by a lower court on a man who allegedly burnt his wife to death at Tirunelveli in 2011. Suspecting her fidelity, the accused, Manikandan, allegedly murdered her by pouring boiling milk and kerosene before setting her ablaze. In her dying declaration, the woman blamed her husband for her death. The trial court in 2016 sentenced him to life following which he approached the High Court. A division bench of the court's Madurai bench, comprising Justices P N Prakash and B Pugalendhi, recently dismissed the appeal, holding that the prosecution has proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Following the judgment, counsel for the petitioner brought to the court's notice the plight of the man's two children, aged 10 and 8, studying in a school run by a trust. The counsel submitted that they had no means to take care of themselves. The bench directed the state government to disburse a compensation of Rs three lakh to the minor girls under the victim compensation scheme. The district legal services authority at Dindigul should deposit the amount in a bank and spend the quarterly interest on the education and other necessities of the two girls, the bench said. It also directed the DGP prisons to deposit 20 per cent of the prisoner's earnings to the girls as per Tamil Nadu prison rules. By PTI LONDON: A newly-wed British Indian man is stuck in Sri Lanka after his wife died from a mysterious illness at a hotel in the country on their honeymoon. Khilan Chandaria is being barred by the Sri Lankan authorities from leaving the country until an investigation into the death of his 31-year-old wife, Usheila Patel, is concluded. Chandaria, a 33-year-old phone shop owner from north-west London, has not been arrested or charged in connection with his wife's death but is not being permitted to return to his home in the UK. "I don't want to leave without her. I feel like the whole world is against me. It's been hard to do anything," Chandaria told the UK media from Sri Lanka. "I don't think the grieving process has really started yet," he said. The couple were married in London on April 19 before flying off on honeymoon four days later. They had been staying at the five-star beach resort called Amari in the southwestern coastal city of Galle in Sri Lanka. They were scheduled to fly to Maldives on the second leg of the honeymoon. But they both fell ill and were "feverish and vomiting blood" after consuming some food and drinks at the hotel. They were rushed to a hospital after they called for help to their hotel room. Patel was pronounced dead at the Karapitiya Hospital in Galle on April 25. "A post-mortem said she died from dehydration, obviously from vomiting," said Chandaria, who had also noticed a weird "smell" in their hotel room before the suspected food poisoning. "We are highly confident of our food safety standards," Amari Galle Sri Lanka said in a statement. While Chandaria had initially been free to leave Sri Lanka, he refused to leave until his wife's body has been released. He has now been banned from leaving until a government report into the death can be prepared. "I want to go home knowing my wife will be coming home too and say my last goodbyes," he said. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting a British man in Sri Lanka. Our consular staff have shared advice on bereavement abroad and are in contact with the Sri Lankan authorities." By IANS WASHINGTON: A US court has sentenced an Indian-American doctor to nine years in prison after he pleaded guilty in 2016 to illegally dispensing prescription painkillers and defrauding Medicare, the national healthcare programme, the media reported. Pawankumar Jain, 66, was sentenced by the federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico on Thursday, the Las Cruces Sun News reported. In 2016, Jain confessed to operating a "pain management" practice and improperly prescribing narcotics such as methadone, with the knowledge the prescriptions would be submitted to Medicare for payment. His license to practice medicine was revoked by the New Mexico Medical Board in 2012. One of Jain's patients, identified only as "M.E.B." in court records, died in 2009 of respiratory depression after taking methadone Jain had prescribed. "Mary Elizabeth Buchanan was her name. She was patient No. 1," Desarae Buchanan-Payne, her daughter, said on Friday. "She had children, she had relatives that loved her. And doctor Jain took her from us." Buchanan-Payne said her mother was debilitated after a 2004 car crash. Jain began prescribing pain medication in 2006. Over the next three years, her mother was barely able to function because of the prescribed medication. Buchanan-Payne said she was "pleasantly surprised" at the outcome of Thursday's sentencing hearing. "I'm glad the judge made an example of him." At the hearing on Thursday, US Attorney John C. Anderson, said: "Doctors who betray our trust and put their own financial gain ahead of the well-being of their patients by prescribing narcotics without medical justification are directly fuelling our nation's opioid crisis." By AFP WASHINGTON: The United States is deploying an amphibious assault ship and a Patriot missile battery to bolster an aircraft carrier and B-52 bombers already sent to the Gulf, ratcheting up pressure Saturday on archfoe Iran. In response to alleged threats from Iran, the USS Arlington, which transports marines, amphibious vehicles, conventional landing craft and rotary aircraft, and the Patriot air defence system will join the Abraham Lincoln carrier group, the Pentagon announced Friday. The carrier and a B-52 bomber task force were ordered towards the Gulf, as Washington reiterated that intelligence reports suggested Iran was planning some sort of attack in the region. ALSO READ | Iran threat: US B-52 bombers land in Qatar, aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln on way to Persian Gulf CENTCOM, the US forces for the Middle East and Afghanistan, said Friday on Twitter that the B-52 bombers arrived at the area of operations on May 8, without saying where they had landed. US President Donald Trump's national security advisor John Bolton has said the deployment aimed to send a "clear and unmistakable" message to Iran about any attack against the US or its partners in the region. Washington has not elaborated on the alleged threat, drawing criticism that it is overreacting and unnecessarily driving up tensions in the region. ALSO READ | Iran won't hold negotiations with US post-sanctions: Report There was no immediate reaction from Tehran on the latest US moves, but earlier in the week it shrugged off the carrier deployment. "Bolton's statement is a clumsy use of an out-of-date event for psychological warfare," Iran's Supreme National Security Council spokesman Keyvan Khosravi said. The increasing tensions come as Tehran said Wednesday it had stopped respecting limits on its nuclear activities agreed under a 2015 deal with major powers. Iran said it was responding to the sweeping unilateral sanctions that Washington has re-imposed since it quit the agreement one year ago, which have dealt a severe blow to the Iranian economy. US 'not seeking war' The Pentagon, for its part, said the deployments were "in response to indications of heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations against US forces and our interests". "The Department of Defence continues to closely monitor the activities of the Iranian regime, their military and proxies," it said. "The United States does not seek conflict with Iran, but we are postured and ready to defend US forces and interests in the region." Amid the rising tensions, Trump said Thursday he was open to talks with Tehran's leadership. "What I would like to see with Iran, I would like to see them call me," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We don't want them to have nuclear weapons -- not much to ask," he said. In the latest of a series of escalating statements, however, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the same day threatened a "swift and decisive" US response to any attack by Iran. "Our restraint to this point should not be mistaken by Iran for a lack of resolve," he said, adding however: "We do not seek war." In May last year, Trump pulled the United States out of an agreement aimed at curtailing Iran's nuclear ambitions and reinstated unilateral economic sanctions. On Wednesday, President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would no longer implement parts of the deal and threatened to go further if the remaining members of the pact, including the European Union, failed to deliver sanctions relief to counterbalance Trump's renewed assault on the Iranian economy within 60 days. By AFP COLOMBO: The husband of a British bride who died on her honeymoon in Sri Lanka will be kept in the country at least until a formal hearing on the death is held on Wednesday, police said. Khilan Chandaria is not under arrest or facing a charge, but has been stopped from leaving Sri Lanka since his wife Sheila Patel, 31, died on April 25. The bride died just six days after her wedding and two days after the couple checked into a hotel in the resort town of Galle, south of the capital Colombo. The couple's family has told British media that the newlyweds had suffered severe food poisoning. Chandaria, 33, was also taken ill. Police said an inquest hearing will be held on Wednesday when authorities expect toxicology reports ordered by a judicial medical officer. "Chief Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela ordered the government analyst to provide all the necessary reports for the hearing on May 15," a police official in Galle said. The court was holding Chandaria's passport until the magistrate can rule on the cause of death, the police official added. "At the moment, the magistrate has given an open verdict," the officer said referring to the term used when the cause and circumstances of a death are unclear. "The body is still in the custody of the judiciary and kept at the Karapitiya hospital morgue." The couple, from London, checked into the Amari Galle resort. Amari spokesman Russell Cool said the couple fell ill after eating, and initially declined medical treatment at a local hospital but asked for help a few hours later. "The couple consumed a light meal prepared by the hotel, as did other guests at the same time and who remain fine," he told AFP. "Also in their possession were other consumable items obtained from outside of the hotel and we have handed these items to the relevant authorities as part of their investigations." Chandaria could not be contacted immediately, but he has told the British media that both of them felt feverish and vomited blood after falling ill. They married on April 19 and arrived in Sri Lanka on April 23, just two days after the Easter bombings at three luxury hotels in Colombo and three churches where 258 people were killed. By Online Desk Gunmen have stormed the Pearl Continental, a five-star hotel in Gwadar, Balochistan, according to the Gwadar Station House Officer (SHO). "At around 4:50 pm we got reports that there are three to four armed men in PC Hotel," the SHO was quoted as saying by Dawn. He added that "the firing is ongoing but there are no reports of any casualties yet". No foreigners were present when the attack took place, he said. The government has rushed in additional police personnel along with men from the anti-terrorism force (ATF) and Army. Army personnel from the Frontier Corps have cordoned off the hotel. The terror attack comes barely weeks after a similar incident at Ormara near Gwadar where 14 civilians and 11 security personnel lost their lives. At present, China and Pakistan are jointly developing Gwadar port to facilitate trade between the two countries. China is investing $50 billion in Pakistan to link its far-western Xinjiang province to Gwadar with a series of infrastructure, power and transport upgrades. By PTI WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump ordered a tariff hike on almost all imports from China after the latest round of talks to end the trade war between the world's two largest economies met a dead end on Friday. While Beijing has denied of any obstacle in the negotiations and is cautiously optimistic to reach an agreement the trade war is set to escalate further. President Trump's latest move came less than a day after he ramped up punitive duties on USD 200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to 25 per cent from 10 per cent, and Beijing vowed to retaliate. The new increase applies to an even greater value of goods put at about USD 300 billion. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in a statement that Trump had "ordered us to begin the process of raising tariffs on essentially all remaining imports from China." "Earlier today, at the direction of the President, the United States increased the level of tariffs from 10 per cent to 25 per cent on approximately USD 200 billion worth of Chinese imports," Lighthizer said. "The President also ordered us to begin the process of raising tariffs on essentially all remaining imports from China, which are valued at approximately USD 300 billion," he said. The process for public notice and comment will be published shortly in the Federal Register. The latest Trump move came as China's top trade negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, on Friday concluded his two days of trade talks with the US team led by Lighthizer. The 11th round of talks in Washington ended Friday with no deal, but the Chinese vice premier said the negotiations have not broken down. "Negotiations have not broken down. Quite the opposite. I think they are normal. Small setbacks are inevitable in bilateral negotiations. Looking ahead, we are cautiously optimistic about the future," the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted him as saying. In a series of tweets, Trump described the talks as candid and constructive but indicated taking a tough approach against the massive imbalance of trade with China. "Over the course of the past two days, the United States and China have held candid and constructive conversations on the status of the trade relationship between both countries," Trump said, praising his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and saying the negotiations would carry on. "In the meantime, the US has imposed Tariffs on China, which may or may not be removed depending on what happens with respect to future negotiations!" Trump said. He said tariffs will bring in "far more" wealth to the US than even a phenomenal deal of the traditional kind. Trump said he is in no rush to conclude trade talks with China. "Talks with China continue in a very congenial manner - there is absolutely no need to rush - as Tariffs are NOW being paid to the United States by China of 25 per cent on 250 Billion Dollars worth of goods & products. These massive payments go directly to the Treasury of the US," he said. "We have lost 500 Billion Dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!" Trump said. In a transcript of the press interview published on the website of Phoenix Television, a Hong Kong-based broadcaster, Chinese Vice President Liu said there were several issues on which the two sides still disagreed. "China believes tariffs are the starting point of the bilateral trade disputes. If a deal is to be reached, the tariffs should all be eliminated. This is the first point," Liu said. The second is related to China's promise to buy more goods from the US, he said. "While an initial deal was reached when Chinese President Xi and US President Trump met in Argentina in December, the two sides now held different views on what had actually been agreed," Liu said. "This is a very serious issue," he said, adding that the deal had to be both balanced and fair. By PTI WASHINGTON: Amid rising fears over US-Chinese trade tensions and mounting tariffs, President Donald Trump said Saturday that firms could easily avoid additional costs by producing goods in the United States. "Such an easy way to avoid Tariffs? Make or produce your goods and products in the good old USA. It's very simple!" he said Saturday on Twitter, echoing a similar message he sent Friday -- and even retweeted. Trump had accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments in trade talks and ordered new punitive duties, which took effect Friday, on USD 200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to 25 percent from 10 percent. He then cranked up the heat further, ordering a tariff hike on almost all remaining imports -- USD 300 billion worth, according to US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer -- from the world's second-biggest economy. Those tariffs would not take effect for months, after a period of public comment. The developments came as two days of US-Chinese talks ended Friday with no deal -- but no immediate breakdown either -- offering a glimmer of hope that Washington and Beijing could yet find a way forward. Only a week earlier, the two had seemed poised to complete a sweeping agreement. Washington wants Beijing to tighten its intellectual property protections, cut its subsidies to state-owned firms and reduce the yawning trade deficit; China wants an end to tariffs as part of a "balanced" deal. While supporters laud Trump as a tough negotiator, free-trade-minded Republicans have warned that the tariffs could do real damage to the economy, and many farmers -- including Trump supporters -- say the tariffs have hit their bottom line. As the trade war spread, China imposed USD 110 billion in duties on farm exports and other US goods. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley from the farm state of Iowa cautiously welcomed the new tariffs but urged negotiators to reach a quick solution "so we can avoid prolonged tariffs, which we know have an impact on the US economy." By PTI ISLAMABAD: Chinese officials were cooperating with Pakistan after over 20 Chinese nationals and 15 of their local facilitators were arrested for their alleged involvement in arranging fake marriages of Pakistani women, removing their organs and forcing them into prostitution, an official said Saturday. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested more than 20 Chinese and several Pakistanis in more than a week-long crackdown after several media reports showed that Chinese were marrying local women to take them to China for prostitution. Some reports showed that women refusing to sexual exploitation were threatened to be killed for the sale of their organs. The Foreign Office (FO) said that the government of China had offered all possible cooperation on the issue. Both sides are closely coordinating their efforts. It said that a Chinese team visited Pakistan recently and held meetings with "our law enforcement officials". The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan missions in China were closely monitoring the situation and extending all possible assistance to Pakistani citizens who may have any complaints on the issue. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security has launched an investigation on the issue. According to the probe, there is no forced prostitution or sale of human organs of Pakistani women who stay in China after marriage with Chinese nationals. "In light of the aforementioned statement, it is essential to avoid sensationalisation and report on sensitive matters only on the basis of established facts," the FO said. It underlined that Pakistan and China are 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners'. Friendship between the two countries enjoys strong public and institutional support in both countries. The FIA has made dozens of arrests of Chinese nationals in the Punjab province amid reports that hundreds of Pakistani women, many of them belonging to less privileged Christian families, have already been trafficked after being trapped into fake marriages. The agency has the record of some 95 girls who have travelled to China after marrying Chinese nationals. It said the Chinese gang would target poor families, mostly Christians, in different cities of Punjab. The Chinese men paid cash and gold ornaments to the Pakistani facilitators for marriage with Pakistani girls. Hundreds of Chinese have come to live in Pakistan in connection with various development work undertaken by the Chinese companies under the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, meets with representatives of media outlets from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, who attended a media summit, in Beijing, capital of China, May 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Top political advisor Wang Yang Friday met with representatives of media outlets from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The trend of the times that the cross-Strait relations move forward in the new era cannot be obstructed by anyone or any forces, said Wang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, while meeting with the representatives who attended a media summit in Beijing. Media outlets across the Strait shoulder the social responsibility of maintaining and promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, said Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. He called on the media on both sides to continue giving voice to pushing forward the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advancing the process toward the peaceful reunification of the motherland and to make their contributions to realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Reporter Lyndsay Jones is a reporter covering education at The News-Gazette. Her email is ljones@news-gazette, and you can follow her on Twitter (@__lyndsayjones). BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) originated in China and, with proper implementation, could become an inclusive international platform that continuously benefits the world, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Friday. Jin's remarks came a day after AIIB priced its first-ever global bond in London. The five-year bond raised 2.5 billion U.S. dollars and will drive AIIB's priorities of investing in sustainable infrastructure, developing cross-border connectivity and promoting Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing in Emerging Asia. Noting AIIB's board of directors has approved up to 7.94 billion USD in investments for 39 projects in 15 countries, Jin acknowledged that some projects are located in B&R countries. "But one thing is always clear," he said. "We never label projects with 'B&R' or non-'B&R,' and we will never do that." AIIB has been strictly adhering to high standards of "Lean, Clean and Green," Jin said, adding that each and every project was deliberately chosen and examined. "That's why AIIB has gained increasing attention and recognition, not only within Asia but from other parts of the world." Jin stressed, as he did several times before, that "AIIB is initiated by China, but not owned by China." Calling the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) a "great success," Jin said the BRI will enjoy a promising future. The public has noticed that more world leaders joined the roundtable that was used in both BRFs. "That being said, the BRI has been getting more attention as well as recognition," he said. Jin, 70, had been China's vice finance minister and vice president of the Asian Development Bank before heading the AIIB in 2016. He said the much-anticipated inaugural transaction in the debt capital markets demonstrates investor commitment to driving socio-economic development in Asia. "We have triple-A ratings from Standard &Poor's, Moody's and Fitch, which reflect the Bank's commitment to the highest standards of governance, enhanced transparency and accountability," he said, adding that the Bank never rushes to make any decision. "We do it, and we do it step by step, making sure that every step is right." Calling the pricing "a new start," Jin said the bank will introduce more measures to further catalyze sustainable infrastructure development, cross-border connectivity and ESG Investing Principles in Emerging Asia and beyond. GOVERNMENT has said more than 580 civil servants were convicted of corruption from more than 2 500 cases in the last decade. Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi revealed this during the National Assemblys question and answer session on Wednesday. The police received a total of 2 644 corruption cases involving Government employees and former employees in the last 10 years. The accused were convicted in 589 of the cases, representing 22 percent of the total figure. Cases of Criminal Abuse of Office dominated the list representing 62 percent of the total, said Cde Ziyambi. He said 1 644 cases of criminal abuse of office by public officers were recorded resulting in 301 convictions while 923 bribery cases were reported and 271 suspects were convicted in the process. The Minister said 56 civil servants were arrested for corruptly concealing a transaction from a Principal and 10 of them were convicted for the crime. He said 21 suspects were arrested for corruptly concealing from a Principal personal interests in transactions resulting in seven convictions. Cde Ziyambi said President Mnangagwas administration was intensifying the fight against corruption. Fighting corruption is one of the key pillars of the Second Republic and President Mnangagwa has stated that his administrations goal is to build a new Zimbabwe based on transparency, accountability and hard work, said Cde Ziyambi. Therefore, Government has already taken the initiative and established institutions to deal with corruption. This has seen the establishment of the Special Anti-Corruption Courts. In addition, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has since formed the Police Anti-Corruption Unit under the Criminal Investigations Department to deal with these cases. He said Government is also capacitating other judicial institutions and personnel in the fight against the corruption scourge. Article 9.21.1 is very clear. The only deputy president must be the one elected by congress. It is an undeniable fact that one deputy president was elected in 2014. To suggest that more than one deputy president was being referred to creates a factual absurdity as only one deputy president was elected. The two deputy presidents appointed in 2016 cannot lay claim to the deputy presidency in terms of the constitution. They were not elected at congress, he said. The sanctions will not make the chief more comfortable and whatever problems and challenges the chief has can only be solved by Zimbabweans through discussion. All wars fought on mother earth have been concluded through dialogue, which President Mnangagwa is calling for. Yes, people can scold and shout at each other, but lets sit down and dialogue and eventually when there is a cease fire there will always be talks and when there are talks there will be peace. The respectable chief should be the one sitting at the forefront calling for peace through dialogue and bringing out the issues those pertinent issues to the roundtable not by calling for sanctions. That is unforgivable, he said. A jurisprudential test is staring Zimbabwes justice system over a murder suspect who turned deaf in remand prison. Kevin Pato (32) lost his sense of hearing by 100 percent, which has been medically ascertained, bringing his murder trial to a halt. Pato cannot hear, but can speak. He can also read notes and, in turn, respond verbally. However, legal experts said communication through writing notes was not possible in a court of law, complicating his chances of standing trial. Pato reportedly committed murder in the course of a robbery. The offence attracts the death penalty if he is found guilty. Relatives of the deceased are exerting pressure on the prosecution to kick-start the trial, but efforts to commence the trial have failed as the State is clueless on the proper method of communication to be used in court. Ear specialists have confirmed the disability, with the latest report having been compiled by an audiologist, Mr Tendai Nhokwara, who concluded the suspect had a profound hearing loss in both ears. Mutare area public prosecutor Mr Jonathan Chingwinyiso, in one of his reports, said he was facing challenges in proceeding with the case. Discussions with sign language interpreters concluded that a person who loses his sense of hearing cannot automatically understand sign language without having been taught sign language. We are now at a loss as at how to proceed, said Mr Chingwinyiso. National Director of Public Prosecution Mr Nelson Mutsonziwa told The Herald that Pato was facing a serious offence and the State will find a way to ensure trial commences. He suggested training Pato in sign language to enable him to face trial. The accused should be trained in using sign language to ensure trial commences. He stands accused of a very serious offence and we cannot decline prosecution in the public interest. If it was some petty offences, one would have considered setting him free but the offence he faces attracts the death penalty. The only way forward is to train him to use sign language, said Mr Mutsonziwa. The Herald caught up with Pato at Chikurubi Maximum Prison (D-class section) where he complained of the inordinate delay in the commencement of his trial. I am facing serious communication problems here in prison. I feel I should at least be released on bail. I can talk but I cannot hear what people say. Whenever I need something, I just say it out and I will get it but if people want to say something to me, I do not hear unless they write down, like you are doing now, he said. Pato said he had been to court on several occasions both in Mutare and Harare but the trial has failed to take off. Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer-in-charge at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison Assistant Commissioner George Mutimbanyoka said his officers communicated with Pato through general sign language and writing. We communicate with him through writing and ordinary signs. We do not have a big problem having him around, said Asst Comm Mutimbanyoka. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Snow likely. High 11F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 90%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches.. Tonight Snow likely. Low near 10F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 5 to 8 inches. Puffs of smoke are seen from from the northeast corner of the Oregon Lakes Fire during an evening flight of the fire on May 9, 2019. UA regents meet in the Butrovich Building and via video conference April 8 to consider President Jim Johnsen's recommendation to discontinue initial licensure teacher education programs at UAA and discuss the university's FY20 budget. The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. Community Perspective Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer. Letters to the editor Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer. Japan has lodged a protest with North Korea following the country's launch of projectiles on Thursday. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami told reporters on Friday that after studying intelligence on the projectiles, the government concluded that the North had fired a short-range ballistic missile. He said the launch of the missile violated UN Security Council resolutions and was very regrettable. He said Japan will closely cooperate with the United States and other concerned parties and push for thorough implementation of the UN resolutions. Nogami noted Japan has lodged a strong protest with North Korea through diplomatic channels in Beijing. He said the government will continue to look for the most effective way toward comprehensive resolution of pending issues with North Korea, including its abductions of Japanese nationals and nuclear and missile programs. Concerning Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's intention to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Nogami said Japan needs to take the initiative in tackling the abduction issue. Nogami said the government will maintain its stance of taking bold action without missing any possible opportunities for progress, as the abductees' relatives in Japan are getting old. NANJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have identified another five victims forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops during WWII in central China's Hunan Province, bringing the total number of the survivors on the Chinese mainland to 18. Since May, five "comfort women," including the oldest victim Liu Nianzhen, 102, were found, according to the Research Center for Comfort Women at Shanghai Normal University and the museum on the site of a "comfort women" station in Liji Lane, Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province. Liu, born in 1918, was brutally abused by the Japanese army during the war and as a result, became infertile. She still fears the Japanese and is reluctant to let anyone touch her, researchers said. Liu adopted a son from her younger brother, who now takes care of her. Based on on-site visits of the once Japanese military garrisons and cross-examinations, the researchers confirmed the victims' experiences. Early this month, two 99-year-old "comfort women," Wei Shaolan and Tang Genzhen, died one after another, arousing public concern over the victims of the wartime sex slavery. Currently, Chinese researchers and institutions have been racing against time to search for surviving "comfort women." Hunan has the largest number of confirmed surviving "comfort women" in China, as the Japanese army captured a large number of local women during the province's fierce fights against Japanese aggression during the WWII, said Su Zhiliang, director of the research center. Women forced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army before and during WWII were called "comfort women." Research shows some 400,000 women in Asia were forced to be "comfort women" for the Japanese army during World War II, nearly half of whom were Chinese. Japan enacted legislation Friday making preschool education free as part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's drive to expand child care support and stem the country's falling birthrate. The government will use revenue from the planned consumption tax hike in October to run the free education program that is expected to cost 776 billion yen per year. The bill, which secured lower house approval in April, was passed by the House of Councillors on Friday, amid criticism from some opposition lawmakers that the government should first focus on reducing the number of children on waiting lists for nursery school places before making preschool education free. Under the program, the government will make preschool education free for all children aged between 3 and 5. Day-care services will also be made free for children up to 2 from low-income households. If parents send their children to preschools that are not authorized by local governments, maximum monthly subsidies of 37,000 yen per child will be given for those aged between 3 and 5, and 42,000 yen for those aged 2 and younger. School meals will not be covered. "The financial burden of education and child-rearing weighs heavily on young people, becoming a bottleneck for them to give birth and raise children. That is why we are making (education) free," Abe told a parliamentary session on Thursday. Abe's administration has been encouraging women's participation in the workforce amid a deepening labor crunch, while trying to reduce the number of children on waiting lists for day-care facilities. Japan's total fertility rate -- the average number of children a woman will bear in her lifetime -- stood at 1.43 in 2017, according to government data. Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, attends a national workshop on the work related to ethnic and religious affairs for provincial- and ministerial-level officials in Beijing, capital of China, May 10, 2019. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor on Friday stressed efforts to consolidate ethnic unity and promote religious harmony in a national workshop for provincial- and ministerial-level officials. Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, said work related to ethnic and religious affairs is a key issue that must be addressed well in the governance of China. To improve the work, Wang stressed the need to enhance the common awareness of being members of the Chinese nation, increase support for the development of ethnic minority-populated areas, and use the law to safeguard ethnic unity. He also called for efforts to guide the religious sector to work together with the Party and the government and explore the religious doctrines to find contents that are good for social harmony and progress and interpret them in ways that are compatible with China's needs for development and progress and fit the fine traditional Chinese culture. Wang stressed the Party's centralized and unified leadership over the work related to ethnic and religious affairs. Ekele Franklin, a 15-year-old boy, has emerged the overall best candidate for the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME... Ekele Franklin, a 15-year-old boy, has emerged the overall best candidate for the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted between April 11 and 15. Ekele Franklin, a 15-year-old boy, has emerged the overall best candidate for the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted between April 11 and 15. Ishaq Oloyede, registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), disclosed this at a news conference while announcing the release of the 2019 UTME results on Saturday. Having chosen the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as his first choice, the Imo state candidate had a cumulative score of 347. However, there are speculations that Franklin may not be admitted on account of his age. Franklin was closely followed by Emmanuel Chidiebube, a 16-year-old boy from Abia state, who had a cumulative score of 346, while Isaac Olamide, 17, from Osun state, came third, having scored 345. According to Oloyede, 57, 579 candidates scored between 250 and 299 while a total of 2,906 scored over 300. He further revealed that 366,757 candidates scored between 200 and 249, a feat which, according to him, represents a plausible improvement in comparison with 2018 results. 361,718 candidates scored between 180 and 199 as against 325,152 in 2018, while 494,484 scored between 160 and 179 as against 455,898 last year, Oloyede said while hinting that 15,145 results were withheld for further clarifications. 410,844 candidates scored between 140 and 159 as against 346,825 recorded in 2018 while also 99,463 scored between 100 and 139 as against 64,712 in 2018. Citing some of the infractions committed by candidates in connivance with CBT centres, Oloyede decried the persistent examination malpractices which he said has eaten deeply into Nigerias educational system. He noted that the board has made representative arrests on accounts of varying infractions, some of which led to the delisting of a total of 116 CBT centres across the country. In Nigeria, examination malpractice is exacerbated by the insatiable greed and desperate antics of parents, who are hell-bent on inducting their innocent and not-so-innocent children into the world of sharp practices and corruption, he said. Double registrations led to the cancellation of some results last year. This year, we realized not only double registrations but also multiple. Someone, for instance, registered as many as 23 times for just a single examination. Most of the tutorial masters specialise in recruiting professional writers for the candidates. We were able to identify a large number of impersonators who have been writing UTME for candidates. The wife of Ghanaian actor Chris Attoh has been shot dead while leaving her office in Maryland in the United States of America. Sh... The wife of Ghanaian actor Chris Attoh has been shot dead while leaving her office in Maryland in the United States of America. She was shot in the head by the gunman on Friday evening around 5pm and was pronounced dead when police arrived at the scene of the crime. Bettie Jenifer, according to the report left the office in the 6300 block of Ivy Lane and was walking to her car when a man armed with a handgun approached her. When she tried to run away, the man followed her and fired at her multiple times, with at least one shot hitting her. The gunman then fled in a vehicle and is still wanted by the Maryland Police. Police described the suspect as a black male with a think build and black hair, wearing a dark shirt and pants. Chris Attoh and Bettie Jenifer married at a ceremony in Accra October 2018. This was shortly after divorcing his first wife, Nigerian actor DamiloIa Adegbite, with whom he has a son. Last week, Chris Attoh sparked speculation on social media that all was not well with his second marriage after he deleted all of Betties pictures from his social media pages. At least eight persons were killed while many sustained injuries in an attack on Jekun-Hou community in Ardo-Kola local government area... At least eight persons were killed while many sustained injuries in an attack on Jekun-Hou community in Ardo-Kola local government area of Taraba state. Channels Television quoted a witness as saying the attack was carried out by suspected herdsmen. Cyriacus Kamai, a reverend father, reportedly said the armed men attacked the village around 4pm killing. Kamai, who could not hide his dismay with the unfortunate circumstance said since Monday this week when Murbai community was attacked and five villagers killed, there has been palpable tension in Kona Garu, Surbai, Janibanbur and Jekun-hou villages before the attack following threats by the suspects to attack them. He said due to tension, they only succeeded in burying one of the eight dead bodies. Kamai said residents of Jenibanbur community have fled their homes to take refuge in other villages because of a threat to attack them tonight. He said so far, no security operative had been sent to douse the tension in the area. Meanwhile, a reprisal attack was said to have happened at a market in Mayo Dasa community, with one person killed. Four top officials of the Kano state government have pulled out of the administration of Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of the state. ... Four top officials of the Kano state government have pulled out of the administration of Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of the state. According to Daily Trust, the four officials submitted their resignation letters to the secretary to the state government on Friday. While Aminu Daurawa (pictured) resigned as the director-general of Kano state Hisbah board, Abba Koki quit as chairman of Kano State Pilgrims Board. Also, Abubakar Kandahar and Nazifi Inuwa left their respective offices as permanent commissioner I at Kano state Shariah Commission and permanent commissioner II at Zakkah and Hubsi commission. It is unclear if their resignation is connected with the crisis rocking the Kano emirate but Muhammad Garba, the state commissioner of information, was quoted as saying it was in line with the governors plan to disengage all political appointees in preparation for his second tenure. The development comes two days after Ganduje signed a bill that reduced the power of Muhammad Sanusi, emir of Kano state. He had signed a bill that created four additional emirates in the state, leaving Sanusi with the control of 10 out of 44 local government areas in the state. The move was said to be targeted at Sanusi who reportedly worked against the re-election of the governor. Daughter of Kano State Governor, Fateema Ganduje-Ajimobi, at the moment, is not the most popular person among certain circles following h... Daughter of Kano State Governor, Fateema Ganduje-Ajimobi, at the moment, is not the most popular person among certain circles following her father's action. Ever since her father, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje created four new emirates she has been sharing posts, videos and IG stories in his support. Fateema shared the post above on Instagram which indicates Ganduje created the four new emirates in order to ''deliver justice to institutions that are being ujnustly marginalized'' . She apparently received backlash from friends for her post but has since fired back at them via IG stories. In one of the posts, she made reference to Emir of Kano's daughters' controversial posts where she described Governor Ganduje as Kano's worst curse. Read here "Lmao so you saw my post but didn't see his daughters' first posts, jokers...you were up all night hating and I was up all night praising" Fateema wrote "Advice of the day: Say NO to fake friends" she added. Fateema is married to Oyo state governor, Abiola Ajimobis son. Unknown to many, the success of a governorship candidate in the just concluded elections threw up a completely new challenge for him and... Unknown to many, the success of a governorship candidate in the just concluded elections threw up a completely new challenge for him and members of his family. Although the governor-elect was married to a couple of women at the time he won the election, he considered none of them befitting of his new status as the popularly elected executive governor of a state in the Middle Belt zone. For a man that had just won a keenly contested governorship election, however, the challenge of sourcing a smooth talking, delectable, vivacious, trendy, urbane, versatile and learned young woman as his First Lady was certainly not one that was difficult to surmount. Pronto, he hit the matrimony market and found his dream girl. Without much ado, she became a new addition to his harem, preparatory to her inauguration as First Lady on May 29. As it would be expected, the older wives are said not to have found the development funny and are kicking while the people of the state are wondering if they have not voted a lover boy as their governor. His associates are also perplexed, wondering if he would not be beholden to his new found love during his tenure. Veteran actor, Ojo Arowosafe who is more popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro has been in the news lately over ill health. The revered... Veteran actor, Ojo Arowosafe who is more popularly known as Fadeyi Oloro has been in the news lately over ill health. The revered actor, popular for his roles in Yoruba films is down is with complications resulting from tuberculosis and presently staying in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, away from the buzz surrounding him. In a recent chat with the newsmen, the famed actor opened up on the state of his health, adding that he needs the financial assistance of well-meaning Nigerians. In his words: I am not okay, that is because I have exhausted all the money with me for treatment. This is not my house. It was when the whole thing started that my family brought me here to keep a low profile. I used to stay at Meiran, Lagos State. And I have been reaching out to the public, but I had to face my God. I was not like this before, I could not walk. But I am better now. Right now, I dont have enough money for the treatment I need. I cannot work at the moment; my shoulder, hand and legs are not responding well. I cannot stand on my own, I am usually assisted whenever I want to stand or use my walk (ing) stick as support. I am just pleading with my fans and lovers to continue and stand up for support, some people have tried, but I need more financial support, he said. Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, says the presidency is pleased that Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo groups found its statement wo... Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, says the presidency is pleased that Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo groups found its statement worthy of attention. Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to Ohanaeze and Afenifere, saying the group should not be criminalised. Speaking when he featured on a programme on Channels Television, Shehu had likened theMiyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to Ohanaeze and Afenifere, saying the group should not be criminalised. Both groups had replied Shehu, asking him not to compare them with Miyetti Allah. Replying the groups in a statement issued on Friday, Shehu said the presidency is pleased that Afenifere and Ohaneze Ndigbo found our insights worthy of attention even when they disagreed with our view. Shehu added that dialogue remains an important tool under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. He also said criminals cut across all divides and not restricted to just one ethnic group. Shehu said: The point both socio-cultural groups missed, however, by insisting that government should not to talk to Miyetti Allah is the need to address and engage Nigerias ethnic, religious, cultural and economic plurality. The need to engage all groups of Nigeria is as much relevant today as it was then. The Presidencys position is that President Muhammadu Buharis government is equipped to address these issues. The security challenges faced by Nigeria today make the task of addressing the issues very urgent. Miyetti Allah, like any other trade, community, ethnic organization or interest group is a legal stakeholder in our nation and should be respected. We maintain that the government needs to engage all stakeholders and seek partnership in building our country. It is right to state that there are criminals among every group in Nigeria and in every country. There are criminals among the northern population as there are in the southern part of the country. It is not good to generalise blames. As the President has stated time and again, transparency and dialogue are essential for public enlightenment and nation building. Shehu dismissed the allegation that the federal government plans to allegedly appease MACBAN with N100 billion. According to him, even if Miyetti Allah had demanded money, this government would have dismissed them as yet another dubious group. The issue of money was never raised at any of the meetings between the representatives of government and Miyetti Allah. If they had raised it, this government would have dismissed them as yet another dubious group, like the many making claims to be representing our trusting people but serving their own interests, he said. The federal government has accused former President Goodluck Jonathan and Diezani Alison-Madueke, his former minister of petroleum res... The federal government has accused former President Goodluck Jonathan and Diezani Alison-Madueke, his former minister of petroleum resources, of accepting bribes for the controversial OPL 245 deal. These claims were included in documents filed at a London court by lawyers representing the federal government concerning payments made to acquire the licence in 2011. In the court case filed against Shell and Eni, the federal government said Jonathan and Alison-Madueke broke the law for making a secret profit and sidelining the government from its true share of the deal. On April 9, 1998, the federal military government awarded OPL 245 to Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd, which was said to be owned mainly by Mohammed Abacha, son of the Sani Abacha, and Etete, who was the petroleum minister at the time. On July 2, 2001, President Olusegun Obasanjo revoked Malabus licence and assigned the oil block to Shell without a public bid. Malabu went to court, but ownership was reverted to it in 2006 after it reached an out-of-court settlement with the federal government. Shell fought back and commenced arbitration against Nigeria, but when President Goodluck Jonathan came to power in 2010, the controversy appeared to have been resolved with Shell and Eni agreeing to buy the oil block from Malabu for $1.1 billion. The oil companies also paid $210 million as signature bonus to the federal government of Nigeria. However, the deal has been enmeshed in more controversies and trials over allegations of bribery and shady deals by officials of the Nigerian government and their foreign accomplices. The OPL 245 is reported to be one of the biggest untapped oil resources in Africa with reserves estimated at 9 billion barrels. Bribes were paid. The receipt of those bribes and the participation in the scheme of said officials was in breach of their fiduciary duties and Nigerian criminal law, the court document read. Famous surgeon Dr Magdi Yacoub has paid tribute to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for what he said was his strong support for the development of health and education services in Egypt. On the sidelines of a visit to Washington, the British-Egyptian cardiothoracic told MENA that the president encourages all efforts to contribute to treating Egyptian patients suffering from different diseases, particularly heart-related diseases, and backing scientific research on that score. The renowned surgeon spoke of the great efforts exerted made by the president to upgrade the national educational system, which is fundamental to realise development and growth and transform the life of Egyptians for the better. Yacoub also said that Egypt has many talented people, particularly young physicians and researchers, who should be given the opportunity to become successful, to serve Egyptian society. The famous surgeons charitable foundation runs a heart centre in Aswan. He added that the new centre established in Egypt to treat heart diseases will contribute to curing larger numbers of patients through the training of well-chosen young physicians and medical staff. Search Keywords: Short link: President Muhammadu Buhari played host to Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the presidential v... President Muhammadu Buhari played host to Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at the presidential villa in Abuja on Friday. Both men smiled as they broke their fast together. This is one of the few times the duo would be seen together publicly since the February 23 presidential election. Buhari was absent at the 11 Bola Tinubu Colloquium in Abuja in March while the APC national leader did not join the president when he inaugurated some projects in Lagos state in April. Although, their aides have repeatedly dismissed reports of feud between them, the pictures below give the indication that the top politicians are still in touch. Ahmad Gumi, Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, says there is no difference between politicians and prostitutes. According to Leadership,... Ahmad Gumi, Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, says there is no difference between politicians and prostitutes. According to Leadership, Gumi made the statement while responding to questions from an audience after delivering a paper at a programme organised by the Good Shepherd Major Seminary in Kaduna. A member of the audience dominated by seminarians and Catholic priests had reportedly asked if Islamic clerics have influence over Muslims who are politicians. While responding, Gumi reportedly said politicians often behave like prostitutes, hence they jump from one political party to another. Most politicians lack ideology and that is why they jump from one political party to another and there is no difference between them and the prostitutes, he reportedly said. While presenting his paper titled preaching and conscience formation of society in Islam, Gumi asked Nigerians to be firm in their moral and religious beliefs at a time when insecurity on the rise. Islam coming almost 600 years after Christianity. As another system of values, logically has a stand about the other established religions before it, he was quoted to have said. First and foremost, it recognizes the unity in the foundation of the Abrahamic theological faith of monotheism. It recognizes the prophets and their revelations, and therefore encourages dialogue and discussions by way of persuasions not arguments. With vices on the rise, vices of every nature known and unknown, kidnappings, rape, ritual murders etc, genueine men of truth should stand out as the moral voice of Sajitu in defiance to injustice, prejudice, bigotry, hunger and share evil. The non Muslims should see Islam as another system of values, the modern world cannot survive from the scourged of societal ills without its recognition and acceptance as another solution to salvage mankind. A Nigerian lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has dragged President Muhammadu Buhari to court for failing to hand over to the vice president, Yemi... A Nigerian lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has dragged President Muhammadu Buhari to court for failing to hand over to the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo. Buhari had on April 24 2019, left the country for what he described as a private visit. The suit number FHC/L/CS/763/2019, was filed before a Federal High Court in Lagos. Effiong is asking the Court to determine four issues which are: Whether in view of the extant provisions of Section 145 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the 1st Defendant can validly proceed on vacation for any length of time without transmitting a written declaration to the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to that effect, which will empower the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to perform the functions of the President in an acting capacity. Whether the 1st Defendants action in proceeding on vacation to the United Kingdom from the 25th day of April, 2019 to the 5th day of May, 2019 without transmitting the written declaration envisaged in Section 145 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not in conflict with the provisions of Section 145 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). Whether the 1st Defendant in refusing to adhere to the clear and unambiguous provisions of Section 145 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) has not by that singular action violated his oath of office and the Provisions of the Constitution which he swore to uphold. Whether the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) or any other law for that matter, permits the 1st Defendant to exercise presidential authority over the affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from any country outside the territorial jurisdiction of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, save when he is out of the country on official diplomatic engagements. Following the creation of four new emirates by Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, the Emir of Kano's daughter, took to Instag... Following the creation of four new emirates by Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, the Emir of Kano's daughter, took to Instagram to bare her mind. In the post which has, though been taken down but reposted by her sister, Princess Fulani Siddika, Shahida described Governor Ganduje as "Kano's worst curse" In yet another post, Shahida wrote "The moment a king decides to restrict himself for fear of losing power, he dethrones himself..." wrote: Obviously in agreement with the whole post, Fulani Sidikka,wrote: "I don't have anything more to say actually! My sister said it all" South Africa: A better tomorrow starts now The official declaration by the IEC of the final results of the 2019 National and Provincial Elections paves the way for the sixth democratic administration to begin its work. We congratulate the IEC for a job well done, and for their handling of disputes and various issues that arose. We are satisfied that the IEC addressed these issues and that they are in no way detracted from the success and credibility of the elections, said the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in a statement, on Saturday evening. The elections were hard fought but were contested in a spirit of remarkable political maturity and tolerance. Government congratulates all political parties and wishes them well in their upcoming term of public office. The elections have served to renew and strengthen our democracy. We are inspired by the spirit of unity and comradeship which prevailed during the elections. Citizens who stood in line to vote did so not as members of political parties but as proud South Africans, the GCIS said. Government wishes to commend all South Africans for the part they have played in making the elections a resounding success. These elections have undoubtedly added to the legacy of regular and peaceful elections. The voices of the millions of people who came out to vote are a clear indication that democracy continues to flourish. Yet there remains room for a greater number of citizens to make their voices heard. Acting GCIS Director-General Phumla Williams said: Your vote is your power and we must work even harder as a nation to ensure that all who are eligible to vote do so. This great moment of renewal builds on governments achievements over the last 25 years. While government has made significant progress in improving the lives of South Africans, more still needs to be done to ensure that all in South African enjoy the benefits of freedom. As we begin to look forward in the spirit of renewal, we call on all South Africans to work together, irrespective of their political affiliation. Our role as active citizens does not end with voting; together we can ensure that our newly elected public representatives deliver on their promises of moving South Africa forward, the GCIS said. Government is confident that every political party and their office bearers will continue to work to collectively move the country forward, the big winners of the elections are South Africans. Inspired by the Constitution, government has encouraged South Africans to reach for even greater heights and work towards a better tomorrow. Inauguration of elected President Over the next few weeks, government will begin to prepare for the inauguration of the President and for the next term of government. South Africa will inaugurate its 6th democratically elected President on 25 May 2019 and the inauguration coincides with Africa Day. We call on all South Africans to support and assist government so that we can find sustainable ways to overcome the triple threat of poverty, inequality and unemployment, said Williams. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-05-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Egypt's Military Production Minister Mohamed El-Assar on Saturday met with Sergio Fiorani, chairman of the Italian Unical company, and his accompanying delegation, to discuss promoting cooperation between the two countries. The meeting dealt with the human, technical, technological and production capabilities of the Ministry of Military Productions affiliated companies. El-Assar said that the ministry aims to enhance cooperation between its companies and their Italian counterparts, particularly Unical, in all fields, to achieve strategic partnership to serve both sides. They discussed means to open new horizons of cooperation with Unical in the field of boiler production. The two sides also reviewed promising opportunities to establish a fruitful industrial partnership, under the ministrys strategy to draw on the advanced technological expertise of international companies and institutions. Fiorani highlighted the 50-year experience and high-quality products of Unical which produces boilers, thermal units, stoves and solar panels and it is a leading Italian company in the heating, solar, photovoltaic and air conditioning systems sector, saying that Egypt is a gateway for Middle Eastern and African markets. He voiced his companys desire to establish investment projects in Egypt, praising its recent economic reforms and regulations that have created a suitable climate for investment. At the end of the meeting, invitations were sent to both the Egyptian and Italian sides to visit the other's companies. Search Keywords: Short link: Fahmy was jailed in Egypt on terrorism charges in 2013, along with two Al-Jazeera colleagues, and was released from prison in 2015 Mohamed Fahmy, a former Al-Jazeera English journalist who was released from jail in Egypt in 2015, has been appointed CEO of The Investigative Journal, a newly launched online investigative news platform. In December 2013, Canadian-Egyptian Fahmy and two Al Jazeera English colleagues, Peter Greste and Baher Mohamed, were arrested by the Egyptian authorities. The trio were accused of conspiring with a terrorist group and fabricating news to portray Egypt in a state of civil war. They were also accused of filming events in Cairo without prior approval. On 23 June 2014, Fahmy was found guilty by a Cairo criminal court and sentenced to seven years in prison. Fahmy abrogated his Egyptian citizenship in February 2015 to benefit from a presidential executive order allowing the deportation of foreign prisoners. His colleague Peter Greste was deported to Australia. In September 2015 and ahead of a visit to New York, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi pardoned Fahmy. El-Sisi also restored Fahmy's Egyptian citizenship in June 2016. Shortly after his release, Fahmy said that he was suing Al-Jazeera English for $100 million in damages related to the case. After his new appointment yesterday, Fahmy said, "I see no better time to work with the world's investigative journalists on stories often overlooked by the mainstream media," according to a press release by the new outlet. We are living in an age of unprecedented attacks on journalists, with 80 colleagues murdered and 348 imprisoned in 2018 alone," he commented. Since its initial inception in February, the Investigative Journal has published reports by prominent journalists from around the world, including three-time New York Times bestselling author and journalist, Richard Miniter, and Turkish journalist Abdullah Bozkurt. Miniter exposed an unprecedented cyber-espionage operation by the Qatar government, while Bozkurt uncovered wiretaps exposing the Turkish government's collusion with ISIS to smuggle tens of thousands of foreign and Turkish militants across the Turkish border to fight in Syria. Fahmy, 45, has worked extensively in the Middle East and North Africa, for CNN, BBC and Al-Jazeera. He authored a book about his imprisonment in Egypt titled The Marriot Cell: An Epic Journey from Cairo's Scorpion Prison to Freedom. Search Keywords: Short link: An Alexandrian criminal court on Saturday sentenced five people to life in prison for membership of the Muslim Brotherhood, and jailed 39 others for 15 years on the same charges. The case dates back to 2018, where 44 people were arrested for vandalism and threatening people with accelerants in the El-Soyoof area of Alexandria. The prosecution charged the defendants with joining a banned group, possessing flammable materials, setting cars ablaze, and assaulting citizens. The defendants can still appeal the sentence. Search Keywords: Short link: Two parliaments, a legitimate government and a militia: Yemens political stage can hardly become more complicated, writes Ahmed Eleiba Nothing explains Yemens sinking into deeper divides better than its present parliamentary scene. The parliament loyal to the internationally recognised government convened Saturday, in Seyoun city, Hadramout governorate, its first session since civil war broke out in 2015. Simultaneously, the Houthi parliament convened in Sanaa Yemens capital under Houthi control after a quorum was achieved. The dual parliamentary scene screams of the continuation of Yemens political crisis and the difficulty to implement the terms of the Stockholm Agreement, which the government and Houthi militias signed in Sweden in December 2018. The development of Yemens political status since the coup that overthrew the legitimate government from Sanaa on 21 September 2014 points to the existence of a vertical divide that has swept Yemens institutions, starting with the army, security apparatuses, moving across state bodies and ending with the current legislative duality. The divide is most apparent in the map of dominance and conflicting projects. Each party established its own bodies, working in isolation from the other. The internationally recognised government is trying to complete its institutions. Hence, President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadis call to convene parliament in tandem with the Houthis decision to hold parliamentary elections to fill 24 vacant seats in 453 electoral centres. One of these is located in Sanaa, another in Taiz, four in Ibb, two in Al-Bayda, two in Dhamar, five in Hodeida, one in Al-Mahwit, five in Hajja, two in Saada, and one in Amran. The Houthis parliamentary move indicates its attempt to legitimise its coup through activating the legislative institution it controls, giving the impression the group is not acting as a militia taking over Yemens political stage, but rather exercising its role as a parallel authority. The Houthis election in Taiz is a charade aimed at complicating the present course, Abdel-Aziz Al-Magidi, a political analyst in Taiz, told Al-Ahram Weekly. The militias carried out a coup, put thousands of Yemenis behind bars, and shut down all of the parties headquarters. At the same time the Houthis announced a constitutional declaration dissolving parliament, forbade protests, then held parliamentary elections. Who competed in the election race, and what kind of legitimacy did it have, asked Al-Magidi. The map of dominance of the legitimate government and Houthi militias is reflected in the countrys political scene. The former convened its parliament, unprecedently, in Yemens south. That it didnt meet in the capital is justified given the repercussions of the coup. But why didnt parliament alternatively convene in Aden? Aden is Yemens second capital to which were relocated the central bank, government headquarters and the presidential palace. That parliaments first session in four years was not held in Aden is telling of disagreement between the government and the Southern Transitional Council that resisted, on more than one occasion, relocating government institutions in the south. Hadramout, on the other hand, is loyal to the legitimate government and rejects the secession of the south, a Yemeni high-ranking official told the Weekly. Hadramouts leaders told Adens Southern Transitional Council they refused to support its moves towards independence, opting instead to work towards Yemens unity. The conflicting projects taking place in Yemen were expressed in Hadis speech at parliaments first session. This meeting is convened during an extremely important and historic moment where we have to choose either peace or war, the Yemeni president said. Convening parliament is proof of the demise of the Houthis project and their separation from the people Iranian Houthi militias do not understand the language of peace and exercise deceit and deception, Hadi added, calling on Iran-backed Houthis to follow the path of peace and stop giving our country to our enemies. But, Yemens road to peace seems blocked. Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Yamani had urged the UN to be tough when dealing with the Houthis to ensure their commitment to the agreement in Sweden. Yemeni Ambassador to the UK Yassin Said Noman pointed out that parliament is not an inheritance to be divided. It is rather a part of a tough struggle to defeat the coup Conquering the racist coup is the only cause that matters now. Looking at the rest of the problems is a waste of time and they can all be solved by setting up a political partnership mechanism that functions away from the trumperies of the previous phase. Many countries recognising the legitimacy of the Yemeni government supported the move to resume parliament after a four-year halt. The first session, held in Seyouns government complex, was attended by head of the Arab Parliament, an Arab League affiliate, ambassadors of the Arab countries alliance as well as 19 ambassadors of countries interested in Yemeni developments. This is an important step taken by the Yemeni government to reinvigorate legitimate government institutions, US State Department Spokesman Morgan Ortagus said Saturday. A reinvigorated Yemeni parliament will play an important role in advancing political and national reconciliation so the Republic of Yemen government, and all political parties, can better focus on meeting the needs of the Yemeni people. As much as the step to convene parliament consolidates the legitimacy of the government and its institutions for Yemenis, it is also a reflection of Yemens complicated state of affairs. *A version of this article appears in print in the 18 April, 2019 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly under the headline: Deeper divides in Yemen Search Keywords: Short link: Theresa May's Conservative Party has fallen into fourth place in a poll on voting intentions for the European elections, well behind Nigel Farage's new Brexit Party which has more support than Britain's traditionally two biggest parties combined. According to the latest Opinium poll for the Observer newspaper, Farage's newly formed party is on 34% of the vote ahead of the May 23 election that is being held because Britain failed to leave the European Union as expected in March. The poll put Labour in second place on 21% while the prime minister's Conservatives are back in fourth on 11%. The pro-EU Liberal Democrats, the most popular party to explicitly call for a second referendum to reverse Brexit, are on 12%. Britain's two biggest parties endured a drubbing at the polls this month when voters expressed their frustration with the Brexit deadlock at local elections. Farage, whose former party UKIP is credited by many with forcing Britain's 2016 referendum on EU membership, launched his new party in April, threatening to take on Britain's political leaders who he accused of betraying the vote to leave. May has been forced to open talks with the opposition Labour Party to find a compromise on Brexit after lawmakers heavily rejected her EU withdrawal deal three times. Britain is now due to leave the bloc in October but with parliament split over the terms, it remains unclear how or whether it will. Search Keywords: Short link: The establishment of the Men's Clinic Zimbabwe, a clinic that specialises in men's sexual health problems, has, to a greater extent, helped in the demystification of issues to do with men's sexual health challenges. Men's Clinic Zimbabwe Gains Popularity Men's Clinic Zimbabwe Gains Popularity The clinic, which opened its doors to the public several months ago, has also brought smiles to thousands of men who were previously distraught after failing to find answers to their sexual health challenges.In interviews with The Sunday Mail In-Depth, traditional healers, church leaders and social commentators concurred that the Men's Clinic had changed perceptions towards sexual health issues."As African men, I think we are going in the right direction. Gone are the days when men would consult both traditional and faith healers secretly under the cover of darkness. Men nowadays visit our surgeries in broad daylight, seeking solutions to their sexual health challenges," said Sekuru Friday Chisanyu, a traditional healer and president of the Zimbabwe National Practitioners' Association (ZINPA)Traditionally, issues to do with infertility, impotence, low sex drive and other sex-related issues were never discussed in public.Instead, such issues were either discussed behind closed doors or were talked about by elders at drinking places and at the traditional dares (meeting places).In traditional African culture, it is widely believed that a woman can use juju (charms) on a man to "fix him". Once "fixed," a man can fail to sustain intimacy.As a result of this belief, some men resorted to taking unproven aphrodisiacs.Pastor Emmerson Fundira of the Christian Aflame Ministries said that there has been an increase in the number of couples that are approaching church elders seeking advice on how to tackle issues that are associated with sexual health challenges."We help a number of couples that will be facing sexual health challenges. What I observed is that unlike in the past, men are now open and can freely discuss sexual health issues."They come to us, we counsel them, pray with them and refer some of them to specialist clinics if there is the need to do so," Pastor Fundira said.The Sunday Mail In-Depth visited the Men's Clinic and witnessed formerly distressed men walking out of the clinic with smiles on their faces.Scores of men, some of whom were being accompanied by their partners, could be seen driving in and out of the clinic premises.Studies have often shown that premature ejaculation affects a high percentage of men.According to medical sources, erectile dysfunction affects 40 percent of men in the 40-65 age groups.Other possible symptoms of erectile dysfunction include weak erections, loss of desire for sex and anxieties.Although a high percentage of men in the 70 to 85 age-group are afflicted by erectile dysfunction, experts say the successful treatment is possible.According to medical records, there are two types of erectile dysfunction: physical and psychological.Physical erectile dysfunction can be caused by damage or deterioration to nerves or blood vessels of the male sex organ.Many drugs and alcohol, uncontrolled diabetes and smoking, to name a few, can damage arteries.Spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or surgery can also give rise to erection difficulties. Psychological or emotional erectile dysfunction arises from fear, stress, worry, anger or frustration. It may also develop from "performance anxiety".This, according to medical sources, happens when a man fears that he will not perform well. "You cannot run away from certain health conditions. It is a known factor that when age catches up with a man, his sexual prowess diminishes. There is absolutely no reason for one to be ashamed of being old," said an elderly man who had gone to the clinic for a consultation.Although men's clinics are found in many Western cities, this is the first time such a health facility has been established in this country.The clinic maintains the highest levels of privacy and, despite the use of communal waiting rooms, sessions are conducted in private booths.Zimbabwe becomes the second African country after South Africa to have an indigenous men's clinic."I had a sexual problem. I used to shy away from consulting doctors, but the setting up of this clinic has changed my life for the better. I am more than a man now," said a man who appeared to be in his late 50s. Staff members at the clinic declined to be interviewed, for professional grounds.However, from merely observing the goings-on at the clinic, it is clearly evident that men have fully embraced the ideals of the clinic.Following the publication of the setting up of the clinic in this paper last year, The Sunday Mail switchboard was inundated by calls from men who were inquiring about the location of the clinic.Men in the 40-85 age-group often face sexual health challenges. Aging affects intimacy. A first port of call for men with sexual health problems, the clinic refers patients with a chronic problem to a urologist.A urologist is a physician trained to evaluate the genitourinary tract, which includes the kidneys, urinary bladder and genital structure.The New England Journal of Medicine states that vascular diseases contribute to most cases of erectile dysfunction, many of which result from physical and not sexual problems.The journal also states that more than 50 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70 suffer from erectile dysfunction while over 50 percent of those aged between 65 and 74 are sexually active.Only 25 percent of men in the 75-85 age groups are still sexually active. The establishment of the men's clinic has signalled a new era for men's sexual health.Gone are the days when sexual health problems would have to rely on unproven aphrodisiacs.Sunday Mail After stunning New York and Paris, French luxury giant Dior is bringing its immersive beauty pop-up experience to Los Angeles. Through Thursday, May 19, beauty fanatics in LA will have the opportunity to literally go "backstage" with the brand to experience its Backstage Line. Dior Backstage's official face, Bella Hadid, and creative director of Christian Dior, Peter Philips, flew down to celebrate the opening of the temporary boutique earlier this week. "With Backstage, we are using our expertise backstage at shows and shoots to make doing your own makeup as easy as having a makeup artist do it," Philips told The Hollywood Reporter. While there, shoppers can get makeup tips from Dior's International Pro Team artists, as well as book complimentary makeup sessions in advance. Visitors will additionally be able to walk the Dior "runway," which will then be recorded on the special 360 cameras and sent to their phone. The space will also play host to events featuring the likes of celebrity makeup artist Daniel Martin, who also works with Meghan Markle, and beauty vlogger Desi Perkins. Additionally, the LA pop-up will be the only US location that will offer a first glimpse at the three new additions to Dior's Backstage Beauty line: Dior Backstage Glow Glitz Palette, and the Dior Backstage Face and Body Primer. The official collection drops this June. All products are designed to match all skin tones, and the existing foundation has been upgraded to include 40 different shades, making inclusivity a bigger focus of the brand's mission. There's also the the new primer, which is reportedly created with darker skin tones in mind. "It's amazing... almost a skincare product. It has a peachy color that works on darker skin tones, gives 24-hour hydration and a blurring effect," Philips said. "You can use it on its own without foundation on top and men can use it, too." Hadid's favorite product, however, is the coveted Contour Palette. "I had made three contour sticks for the Fall collection and I used Bella's favorite as the basis for the palette," Philips added. "She really embraces the easiness of the collection and swears by the Contour." The Looming War And Tehran's Ostrich Politics 05/11/19 By Shireen T. Hunter (source: LobeLog) Dilema of War or Peace (Source: cover of Iranian magazine Seda) Last week, tensions between Iran and the United States reached even more alarming levels. First, Iran's Supreme Leader admonished Iranians that since the enemy-read America-is in war mode, Iran, too, should prepare for war (Arayesh Jangi Begirad). Then there was the news of the U.S. aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln going to the Middle East, ostensibly because of threats posed by Iran. According to some reports, this move was triggered by intelligence that Iran was moving missiles to the Persian Gulf. In response, in a calculated step-by-step escalation, Iran declared that it will not abide by some of its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), although during a visit to Moscow Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that Iran will not leave the nuclear deal. Other officials in Tehran however, indicated that Iran is mulling over what its next step should be and that exiting the agreement is one possibility. Tehran gave Europe 60 days to live up to at least part of its commitments under the JCPOA by facilitating trade and banking operations. Whether in response to Iran's move or separate from it, Washington imposed new sanctions on a range of Iran's steel, copper, and Iron industries, which directly or indirectly employ a large number of Iranians. In addition to eating into Iran's foreign exchange earnings by exacerbating Iran's employment problems, these sanctions could potentially lead to social turmoil. Already, Iran is not able to access a significant part of its non-oil export earnings because of banking and other restrictions. A few week ago, Iran's minister of industries said that, out of $30 billion of non-oil exports, Iran has been able only to access $10 billion. Dangerous Illusions Despite increasing pressures and threats, there is no indication from various Iranian media sources and statements by Iranian officials that Tehran is fully aware of the risks involved in its brinkmanship and tit-for-tat policy with Washington. Iranian authorities still apparently believe that President Trump does not want to become engaged in a war with Iran, and that only National Security Advisor John Bolton and perhaps also Secretary of State Mike Pompeo are pushing him in that direction. This assumption may turn out to be true. But there is also at least equal and perhaps even more chance that it might not be. Let's not forget that many Iranians rooted for Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. Parroting what they read in Western news sites, they believed that, being a businessman, Trump wanted a deal with Iran. They did not realize that even someone as powerful as the American president cannot do everything that he or she wants. There are the demands of America's strategic interests, domestic politics, and the wishes and demands of its regional allies. Iran's problems with America have structural and ideological sources: without addressing these issues and reaching some compromise, change in the in U.S. presidency would not resolve U.S.-Iran differences, although ad hoc agreements under certain conditions are possible. Had Hillary Clinton being elected in 2016, she most likely would have hardened U.S. policy towards Iran, even if she would not have withdrawn from the JCPOA. Let's not forget that it was Clinton who worked to impose "crippling sanctions" on Iran and prevented an early agreement on its nuclear dossier by opposing the deal mediated by Turkey and Brazil in 2010. It was also she who threatened Iran with obliteration if it attacked Israel. American reaction to Iran's nuclear ambitions have always been a symptom of their other differences, especially regarding Israel and America's Arab allies. Even under Barack Obama, the signing of the JCPOA did not result in a marked improvement in bilateral relations. These facts are unlikely to change regardless of whoever is elected president in 2020. Despite this history, Tehran is still hanging its hopes on Trump's aversion to war and, failing that, his defeat in 2020. Yet, the United States would not advertise in advance any attack on Iran. Washington is adopting a strategy of unpredictability towards its enemies and rivals. This strategy will apply most of all to Iran. Thus, war could occur as a result of either Tehran's nerves giving way and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) doing something stupid, triggering an American response, a false flag operation by Iran's regional rivals, or by a U.S. surprise attack. Iranians are also calculating that they could cause enough harm to Americans, which will force them an end to the war. They base this assumption on America's desire to reduce its military engagements in the Middle East, plus popular opposition in America to another Middle East war. But Iranian leaders do not realize that sharply reducing or eliminating Iran's military and economic power is deemed necessary for an eventual reduction of U.S. military presence in the Middle East. America is unlikely to leave the Middle East and allow Iran to fill the vacuum left by its departure. Potential Losses for Iran and America Another dangerous misconception in Tehran is that America, having spent trillions of dollars on war over the last 15 years and suffered significant human loss, would find the cost of war with Iran prohibitive. But this ignores the fact that a war with Iran will not resemble those in Afghanistan or Iraq. Today, Washington does not want to do the nation-building or democracy promotion it proclaimed for Afghanistan and Iraq. It wants is to eliminate any regional rivals and enemies, which it can do with a massive air war that destroys Iran's military, economic, and infrastructural capabilities. It would limit its occupation of Iran to some of its Persian Gulf ports. No doubt, America, too, would have to pay a price, even a heavy price, but nothing compared to what Iran would pay. Fighting an asymmetric and attritional war as the Viet Cong did also would not be easy. During the Vietnam war, the USSR and China helped the North Vietnamese. It is highly unlikely that any outsider would similarly help Iran. Local states, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, would also be adversely affected. But Iran would still be the biggest loser. According to some estimates, it could take Iran 40 years to recover from damage done by a potential American attack. This is assuming that the country will survive and will not be torn apart by a civil war, encouraged by its regional rivals and enemies. Thirty years after the end of the Iran-Iraq war, Khuzestan province, which bore the brunt of the war. has not recovered from the damage it suffered. Unfortunately, many Western commentators tend to encourage Tehran's ostrich-like attitude. Sitting comfortably away from the scene of potential battle, they keep saying how damaging a war with Iran would be for America or that Iran is not Iraq. But let's see what happened to Iraq. It lost several hundred thousand people, suffered a devastating civil war, its ethnic and religious fissures grew deeper, and it remains de facto divided. Or look at Afghanistan. It is still mired in a seemingly endless war, and the dreaded Taliban have made a serious comeback, which threatens to undo all Afghan gains. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy is humming and its human losses, although lamentable, have not been anything like what those two countries have suffered. At the moment, U.S.-Iran relations resemble a classic Greek tragedy. Both sides seem to be moved by uncontrollable passions and excessive pride toward a precipice while the rest of the world hopes for the best but fears the worst. Yet, this is real life, not a myth, and the fate of millions of Iranians is at stake. Therefore, silence and inaction are inexcusable. All who have a sway in Tehran and Washington must do what they can to stop this march towards war. One first step would be to stop feeding Iran's illusions of its own abilities and American vulnerabilities in an eventual war. About the Author: Shireen T. Hunter is a Research Professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. She is the author of God On Our Side: Religion, Foreign Policy and International Affairs (Rowman & Littlefield, December 2016). Her latest book is Arab-iranian Relations: Dynamics of Conflict and Accommodation (Rowman & Littlefield, forthcoming May 2019). A Realistic Alternative To A War Between The United States And Iran: Let Someone Else Do It! 05/11/19 By Kam Zarrabi Much to the delight of my regular detractors, I have cut back from writing my almost monthly opinion articles about the ongoing US/Iran tug-of-war. However, with the appointment of the warmonger neoconservative psychopath, John Bolton, as the national security advisor by the Clueless Clown-in-Chief, this decades-long almost ceremonial push and pull seems to be reaching, at least potentially, a disastrous flash point deserving of a bareknuckle commentary. But, with all the muscle-flexing and tough talk about the United States preparing for a war against Iran, I do not believe for a second that either the US or Israel would start such a war. As I have often repeated, when the threats of war accomplish the objectives, why risk starting a real war? Why do I say that? The Jewish state initiating a war against Iran would be an unthinkably stupid action, when any retaliatory reaction by Iran and its regional allies would bring unbearable human and infrastructure losses to the small state. The Israeli leaders have always been cunningly shrewd and cautious calculators! Both the United States and Israel know that Iran poses no threat of initiating any aggression to either state; it never has and never will. This, again, stands to reason: Any reaction by the United States or Israel would mean vast devastation of Iran in every respect. And, the Iranian regime does not consist of a bunch of suicidal maniacs! Now, enter John Bolton! The White House is embroiled in continuous controversy and remains preoccupied with Donald's trapeze acts to distract from the barrage of charges and attacks by the Democrats. The mainstream media has been devoting almost their entire broadcasts to Trump-bashing and meaningless analyses of everything the Clueless Clown does or tweets......Was he leaning to his right or to his left side when he passed some gas, and what it tells us as to what he meant by it!! Meantime, the likes of Bolton have been taking advantage of all this distraction, pursuing his personal agenda. This clinically troubled psychopath has usurped the authorities of the Secretaries of State and Defense by dispatching a naval force to the Persian Gulf area in preparation to defend against some supposedly imminent Iranian attack on American and allies' targets. This information, actually misinformation, was apparently provided by the Israeli intelligence, no less! A claim, which does bear some truth, is that the Iraqi militias have been alarming the American forces still in Iraq and demanding their withdrawal from that country. Iran, which does have economic and political influence inside Iraq, supports these militias' demands. This alone was the reason for the wording in the warning to Iran that any attack on the American targets in the region by Iran or its "proxies", hinting at the Iraqi militias, would be militarily responded to, expecting that Iran would discourage the Iraqi militias from any action similar to what the Taliban are doing in Afghanistan. But that would not be enough for the United States to launch a full-scale or even a limited war against Iran, simply because any reaction by Iran would result in untold damage to the Jewish state, which is correctly regarded as America's outpost in the Middle East. So, if neither the United States, nor Israel, intends to attack Iran, what remains to worry about? Let us do a theoretical, even though the scenario is not that much away from the realm of probability: Some false-flag operation brings down a plane or sinks a tanker belonging to either Iran or Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. (By the way, Israelis are well known as masters of this craft.) After tensions are even more elevated by the assassination of some prominent figure, war breaks out between the Saudis and the Iranians. Iran suffers major losses to its nuclear reactor and portal facilities and offshore production platforms. Iranian short-range missiles destroy Saudi's oil production and refining plants, pipelines, and other vital facilities. The Strait of Hormuz is blocked by the sinking of oil tankers, blocking the passage of any crude through that narrow waterway. From Europe to India, Japan and China, there is an immediate shortage of oil and an outcry for the superpowers and the United Nations to intervene. But instead, a flood of weapons pours into the Arab states of the Gulf to further intensify and prolong the war, reminiscent of the eight-year war that Iraq's Saddam waged against Iran. The Arab state looks toward its ally, the United States for help, while Iran expects Russia to come to its aid. But nothing happens! Price of oil skyrockets to over 200 dollars a barrel: But not to worry; the United States and Russia announce their readiness to supply the needed crude to the market, at the new price, of course. In America, the shale-oil production, plus fracking and secondary recovery methods, result in a booming growth and development of the hydrocarbon industry, further economic growth and new jobs. Russia, meanwhile, offers to sell oil and gas to the largest markets in Europe, China, Japan and India, and to sell military machinery and technology to poor Iran - a very timely economic windfall! After having triggered the whole thing, Israel relaxes on the sidelines watching their main regional detractor, Iran, losing its capacity to provide money, arms and advisors to Israel's local enemies, Syria, Hezbollah and Hamas. So, is there any real, pragmatic, incentive for anyone to mediate or intervene to stop the bloodshed and the destruction of the two nations, while those who are in power to do so stand to gain so much by not doing it? At this point in time, what strategy should the Iranian government adopt to prevent this kind of eventuality? Rather than try to "negotiate" with the likes of the oversized robot, Pompeo, the nutcase Bolton, or the Clown-in-Chief, Trump, which will prove fruitless at the end, Iranians should create closer dialog with their Arab counterparts to watch out for "deliberate" accidents that might ignite the powder keg and destroy both nations. The Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has attributed the inability of government reach its agenda of Ghana Beyond Aid to the generally low taxes recorded by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). He stressed that low taxes are a serious threat to governments ambition of moving the economy from aid dependence. Speaking at the Danquah Institutes Economic Forum in Accra, the Minister stated that the countrys current tax to GDP ratio of 13.5 percent falls below the West Africa average of 15.5 percent and below that of South Africa and Tunisia with 29.4 percent and 28.6 percent respectively. With such low tax to GDP ratio, we should be concerned about how to move Ghana Beyond Aid and Loans, which are less predictable and costly, than tax revenue. It will be unreasonable on the part of responsible Ghanaian citizens to demand economic transformation if we cant make domestic tax revenues a significant source of development finance for our country, Ken Ofori-Atta said. The Finance Minister assured that the calls for an increase in tax compliance would equally be matched by the Ministrys desire to protect the public purse by ensuring value for money for all government contracts. Over the last two and a half years, we have reviewed contracts and saved the nation hundreds of millions of Ghana Cedis in the process. We are scrutinising contracts better and negotiating better too, he disclosed. He restated that the Public Procurement Authority has been able to save about GH2 billion in two years. Not a single pesewa was saved by the PPA during a similar period under the previous government. The countrys domestic revenue collection saw a rise from 11 percent (GHs24.2 billion) of GDP in 2016 to 13 percent in 2019 (GHs45.27 billion). 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. Featured Video MINISTER OF Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has revealed how some lawyers and business owners who complain on social media about governments failure to provide certain public services are among the same people who refuse to pay their taxes. According to him it was through taxes that government generates the revenues to meet those obligations. Mr. Ofori-Atta was speaking on Friday, May 10, in Accra at an Economic Forum organized by the Danquah Institute (DI). The forum held at the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons focused on how to bridge the tax gap between the formal and informal sectors in order to achieve the Ghana Beyond Aid Agenda. It was under the theme: Bridging The Gap Between The Formal And Informal Economy: The Role Of Domestic Revenue Mobilization In An Era Of Ghana Beyond Aid. The Minister indicated that even though such people have the needed resources to contribute to nation-building, they refuse to do so by not paying their taxes. He added there are lawyers, big business owners in the country, yet they refuse to declare their income. The Minister indicated that they have the resources and knowledge to make their fair contribution but simply refuse to pay their taxes. He stated and yet, will shout the loudest on social media and any given forum about how government is failing in delivering public services. He lamented that such men and women are all around us. Unfortunately, they sit on the front pews of the churches. He indicated our founding fathers encouraged us to build a nation where every Ghanaian is free and empowered to have access to education, skills and job opportunities in an ever-expanding economy to contribute fully to nation-building and self-enactment in a free and progressive society. According to him, it is what the ruling New Patriotic Party stands for and has captured in its motto: Development in Freedom, but it is important for all of us to recognise that development in freedom only works when there is equity and opportunity. Source: Daily 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. Featured Video In recent fire outbreaks in our various markets and other kidnappings, information from Ghana police intelligence unit indicates that one suspect in their custody mentioned Elder Ofosu Ampofo's name in Connection with the said crimes so the police CID deem it necessary to invite Ofosu Ampofo. The council of Elders of NDC made a release on Wednesday indicating that Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and any other member of the party should not honor invitation by the police. The opposition is setting a bad precedence for people to emulate and this is an act of lawlessness and such unpalatable words from the council of Elders may incite their supporters. The most dangerous aspect of it is the comment that came from ex president Mahama saying the invitation is useless, a person of his caliber should not make such misguided comment. After Mahama's comment, Sammy Gyamfi followed suit saying the invitation is nonsense. Such comments from their party leadership is in bad taste. The opposition NDC should not forget The Rule of Law, equality before the law. Ghana is a peaceful country and we need to maintain it as such and I'm advising the leadership of NDC to apologise to Ghanaians and also retract those statements from their release. ..... signed...... Edmund Kyei Asokwa Constituency 1st Vice Chairman Member of NPP Communication Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Sheref Sabawy, a member of Ontarios provincial parliament, has submitted a bill to the body which would make July Egyptian Heritage Month Minister of Culture Ines Abdel-Dayem met this week with Minister of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Nabila Makram, Minister of Social Solidarity Ghada Wali, and Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany, to prepare an initial plan for Makrams proposal to organize events to mark the celebration of the month of Egyptian civilisation in Canada in July. ## Sheref Sabawy, a member of Ontarios provincial parliament, has submitted a bill to the body which would make July Egyptian Heritage Month. It will be discussed on 6 June. Makram said in the meeting that organising a month celebrating Egyptian civilisation in Canada comes as a result of the efforts of Sabawy, and confirms that Egypt supports its children abroad. Egypt values the expatriate community in Canada, which is a positive model that promotes the achievements and history of Egypt in Canada, she added. She also said that this event represents, for the first time, the official recognition of the active role of the Egyptians in the Canadian national community, and is a major development in the political activity of the Egyptian community which reflects their strength and their political influence. Makram also praised the Canadian governments recent decision to update the guidelines for its citizens on travelling to Egypt. Wali, the social solidarity minister, said that the participation is the first activity by the ministry in Canada. She proposed an exhibition of traditional handicrafts such as pottery, ceramic and clothes produced by Egyptian women, to reflect the diverse nature of Egyptian heritage, in addition to an exhibition showcasing products made by homeless children. Wali said that these exhibitions will move parallel with the artistic events to be presented in a number of Canadian cities. The minister of antiquities, Khaled El-Enany, said that this event is a free promotion of Egyptian civilization and provides an opportunity to introduce the achievements made in the country and the huge projects it has implemented. He suggested that the events include a number of lectures about the history of Egypt dating back to the Pharaonic era, shedding light on its cultural heritage. In addition, he suggested the idea of launching an invitation in various Canadian circles to visit Egypt and to get acquainted with its heritage and ancient civilisation. Abdel-Dayem, the culture minister, said that event is a new victory for Egyptian soft power, as it achieves the states strategy in restating the identity of its citizens abroad and strengthening the spirit of belonging to the homeland in the hearts of the new generations, as well as building bridges of communication with the other nations to highlight Egyptian leadership in various fields. She said that the initial vision of the event includes the organisation of cultural events highlighting the distinctive character of Egyptian civilisation and creativity. These include a book fair, traditional characters, a variety of artistic performances, and literary and poetry evenings with the participation of a group of media and young intellectuals and writers. The ministers agreed to put the proposal to the Egyptian prime minister after the Ontario parliament makes a decision on 6 June. Search Keywords: Short link: The Vice President of the Republic, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, on Friday, 10th May, 2019 began the first phase of a nationwide Ramadan tour. The three-day tour will see him visit a number of mosques in the Oti, Volta and Eastern Regions, during which he will join his fellow Muslims to pray for Ghana as they fast. He toured the Oti region on the first day by paying a courtesy call on the Chiefs and people of Dambai traditional area. The Vice President Bawumia also visited the central mosques in Dambai, Kwamekrom and Kadjebi to join the faithfuls to pray. At the Dambai Palace a highly elated Nana Kwaku Beyenor, Omanhene of Dambai and the Nifahene of the Chonke Traditional Area in the Krachi East District expressed his people' appreciation to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government for the creation of the Oti Region and pledged the support of the people of Dambai to the president during election 2020. "We will thank President Akufo-Addo and the NPP with our thumb in 2020", the chief pledged. Alhaji Dr.Bawumia urged the people of Oti to continue to cherish the existing of peace and unity among people with different faiths especially between Muslims and Christians and use it for advancing the cause of Ghana. We all share common beliefs as Muslims and Christians, and what is more important is that the Prophet Mohammed told all Muslims that, amongst all the faiths, we as Muslims should be closest to the Christians because they are good people and live together in unity to advance the cause of Ghana," he said. He also admonished Muslims to use the period of Ramadan to pray for H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's government as well as the people of Ghana as we work together to develop our nation Ghana. Vice President Bawumia will in the coming days take the Ramadan tour to all the sixteen regions of Ghana to worship and pray with colleagues in the Islamic faith. He is joined by Sheikh Dr. Mustafa Hamid, Minister for Inner City and Zongo Development, Hon. Abubakar Boniface, Minister of State at the Presidency, and some other government officials. 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. Featured Video THE GHANA Education Service (GES) has condemned the alleged murder of the Headmaster of Salvation Army Basic School at Asiakwa in the Eastern Region. George Somuah Bosempem was reportedly murdered recently by a gang of wee smokers. The suspects are Mireku Emmanuel 17, Philip Okodie,17, Paul Boadu,18 and Richard Amaning, 18, alias Konko. The deceased was also the Religious and Moral Education Teacher as well as Ghanaian language teacher for the school. He is believed to have been beaten mercilessly on Saturday May 4, by the suspects who were smoking in his backyard. That was after he reportedly warned the suspects to desist from engaging in antisocial activities. The suspects have been remanded into police custody. GES in a statement signed by its Director-General, Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, has expressed its sympathy to the widow and three children as well as the entire family of the late Headmaster. Source: Daily 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. Featured Video The Member of Parliament for Prestea /Huni-Valley constituency and Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi together with the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Mozart Kweku Owuh, have presented food items to the people of Wassa Damang in the Western Region towards this years Apasoto festival (Western Region) slated for May 10th-12th. The items included 15 bags of rice, 30 crates of alcoholic drink, 10 crates of canned soft drink, 10 bottles of foreign whisky, 15 boxes of bottled water, 10 boxes of cooking oil, 10 boxes of tin tomato and 10 waste bins. They were accompanied by the municipal coordinating director Mr. Peter Essiam, constituency chairman for NPP, Mr. Abbiam Danso, constituency executives for NPP and other officials. The donation made to the Wassa Damang division of the Wassa Fiase Traditional area forms part of support from the MP and MCE to the people of Wassa Damang as they celebrate the maiden edition of the Apasoto festival slated over the weekend at Damang which is expected to bring together people from all walks of life including natives of Wassa Damang in the diaspora. Hon. Mozart Owuh, presenting the items on behalf of the MP and his good self, called on the authorities of Wassa Damang division to ensure that, the people of Damang celebrate the festival peacefully. He appealed to opinion leaders and elders to advise the youth to desist from engaging in unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour during the celebration. I entreat you all, especially the youth to ensure that this years Apasoto is celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere. Let us show unity and love towards one another before, during and after the occasion, he added. The Wassa Damang Division linguist, receiving the items on behalf of the Chief of Damang, Nana Amoakwa III, and the festival committee expressed appreciation for the gesture, He praised the MP and Assembly for its support towards the celebration of the festival and the chieftaincy institution as a whole and called on Ghanaians to celebrate with them. Hon. Lawyer. Mrs. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi who is also the guest of honor will be speaking on the theme: Peace, Unity and Development' on Saturday, 11th May 2019 at a grand durbar at the wassa Damang chief's palace in Damang. The maiden edition of the Apasoto festival by the people of Wassa Damang which is proudly sponsored by Goldfields Ghana Damang Mine and the Prestea/Huni-valley Municipal Assembly will be heralded by the performance of traditional rites from Friday through to Sunday in thanksgiving to the gods for their protection and guidance throughout the year. 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. Featured Video Police in Kibi in the Eastern Region on Friday night nabbed a sixth suspect in the beating to death of the headmaster of Salvation Army Basic School at Asiakwa. Evans Aboagye, 18, was arrested from his hideout around 8:00pm. [He] is currently detained in custody assisting investigation, the police stated. The suspect is among six persons all in police custody said to have beaten George Somuah Bosompem, who doubled as Religious & Moral Education teacher, resulting in his death. Four of the six suspects arrested so far have been facing trial at the Kibi District Magistrate Court for conspiracy to commit murder and murder. They are Richard Anani, Emmanuel Mireku, Philip Okodie and Paul Boadu. On Wednesday, May 8, the fifth suspect was arrested in Accra by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. Asiakwa teacher murder: Police on heels of last suspect Hezekiel Boadu is said to have hinted the police of the complicity of Evans Aboagye, also known as Otorgo. The Kibi District Police Commander, Superintendent Magnus Reindolf Sam, last Thursday told Onua FM that an autopsy report will determine what exactly killed Mr Somuah Bosompem. Source: 3news.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. Featured Video Private Legal Practitioner, Lawyer Gary Nimako Marfo, has stated that the Ghana Police Service has every right to go for an arrest warrant from court if one refuses to honour its invitation. The Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service on Wednesday invited NDC National Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo again for questioning in connection with kidnappings and market fires across the country. He was to present himself to the police on Thursday. But Mr. Ofosu Ampofo declined the invitation, insisting the position of the CID is just to shift the blame over the increasing inability of the security agencies to ensure safety of citizens. Through his legal team headed by Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, the NDC Chairman claimed Madm Tiwaa Addo-Danquah is in bed with the NPP thereby doing everything possible to get the attention of the president for the position of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) which will soon be declared vacant. Your invitation, its tone and insinuations, is simply an attempt to 'pass the buck', and shift the blame over the increasing inability of the security agencies, including your outfit, to manage and control the failures of security and the governance structures of the country as a whole. Looking for scape-goats would not improve the situation," counsel for the NDC Chair indicated. Commenting on the decision by the NDC National Chairman to decline the police invitation, Lawyer Nimako pointed out the police administration is an institution of the state that is governed by rules and regulations, and that the law of the land is no respecter of persons. The law does not care about ones stature in society, whether small or big, it is immaterial," he said. Reiterating his point on Okay FMs "Ade Akye Abia" Programme with Kwame Nkrumah Tikses, lawyer Nimako averred that "if one refuses to honour an invitation of the police and they feel to arrest the person they have the right to do so". If tomorrow the CID boss Maame Tiwaa is not there, the institution will still be therewe dont trample upon an institution of state all in the name of politics...The CID is not Maame Tiwa but an institution of statethe fact that she sign the letter doesnt mean she is the CIDyou cant talk like that, it is wrong, he chided. He wondered if "the police cannot do their work anymorethey are doing a criminal investigation so all that you have to do is to say whatever you know if you dont have anything you tell them What he said was wrong because in law the police has every right to invite anybody to assist in investigation Even if the person is not interested in helping in investigation, if someone mention your name over an issue they can invite you to assist in their investigation". He made it clear that "an invitation is not an arrest warrant so Lawyer Tamakloe should apologize to Maame Tiwaa for tarnishing her image,. Source: Josephine Acheampomaa/Peacefmonline/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former National Security Advisor Brigadier General Joseph Nunoo-Mensah has slammed both the incumbent New Patriotic Party [NPP] and opposition National Democratic Congress [NDC], accusing them of having nothing better to offer Ghanaians. The former security capo said he is sad at what the two major political parties are turning Ghana into its a lawless country now. Discussing recent political happenings in the country on NEAT FMs morning show Ghana Montie, Brigadier Joseph Nunoo-Mensah empathically stated that Ghana is under-developed due to the backward reasoning of our leaders. They [both NPP and NDC] are not doing anything better to help this country. I have seen it all and will die soon, the future leaders are those who will suffer because of the leaders we have today. Its sad, I am very sad, He said. Adding that, NPP/NDC only want power to fool around. What kind of country are we creating for the future? This country is sinking, I am telling you. This Ghana is not going anywhere. Listen to interview 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. Featured Video The Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper has expressed worry over some comments made by former President John Mahama. The former President, while reacting to how the police is handling Mr. Ofosu Ampofo's case, said the current government is setting a precedent which may one day come back to haunt them. They are setting a precedent. They should remember that in everything they do, they are setting a precedent, he stated. But reacting to this during a panel discussion on Peace FM morning show Kokrokoo, Kwesi Pratt said by inference, the former Presidents comment means the NDC will retaliate when the party regains power. I was not happy with what he saidin a way he was speaking the truth but in another way, it is scary. The fact is, it also means when the NDC comes, they will also be treating the NPP in equal measure; we should have a break. We should have politicians who will say if it is wrong today, it should be wrong tomorrow. Somebody must lead; somebody must give us the example, he stated. Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/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. Featured Video The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has defied the counsel of the partys Council of Elders to honour the invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service over recent allegations of kidnapping and arson. The partys Council of Elders and some party executives had advised Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo not to honour the invitation, describing it as baseless and an act of victimization. They dared the CID to arrest Mr Ofosu-Ampofo. His legal team, in a response to the invitation, also reiterated the position of the party and argued the invitation from the CID is prejudicial to a case he is already standing trial for. In the said response, his legal team stated that he could not honour the CIDs invitation. It, however, emerged late Thursday evening that Mr. Ofosu-Ampofo had arranged with the CID to have the meeting Friday dawn to avoid the spectacle that usually characterises pro-party meetings. Ofosu Ampofo to meet CID Friday dawn on lowkey It turned out the Friday dawn arrangement did not hold but was rather moved to mid-morning, during which time inside sources confirmed a private meeting between the CID and Mr. Ampofo was held. A crack team of lawyers including former Attorney General, Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, and her deputy, then, Dr. Dominic Ayine, as well as Abraham Amaliba were later spotted at the CID headquarters. Our sources also reveal that the NDC chairman is expected to formally give his statement on the matter as that reportedly was the consensus reached by the two parties. Source: 3news Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Leader and Founder of the Glorious Word and Power Ministries International, Prophet Isaac Owusu Bempah has disclosed that he does not harbor any form of hatred for the opposition National Democratic Congress. But it will be difficult for their current flagbearer, former president, HE John Dramani Mahama to return to power again after exhausting his term as president of Ghana. Speaking on Okay Fm's Ade Akye Abia Programme, he explained that he has so many friends in the NDC including the former president, John Mahama so it will be very weird for some to say that he prophet owusu Bempah dislikes the NDC. "You see I have made so many prophecies about the NDC which came through and any time God reveals to me that they will occupy the presidency again, i will make it known to the public". When current president Akufo Addo exceeds his time, another person from the NPP will follow and i have duly informed that person to prepare himself adequately for the task ahead. Others are waiting in line from the NPP so the NDC returning to power now will be a mirage, he added. 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. Featured Video Former vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, left, waves toward members of the media as he and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti leave King Taco after talking to patrons Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Ethel Warbinek, centre, received the UBC School of Nursing Centenary Medal of Distinction after an incredible 40-plus year career in nursing. She is pictured with Elizabeth Saewyc, left, the director of the School of Nursing and James Olson, right, the dean of the Faculty of Applied Science. German Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets participate in NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission operate in Lithuanian airspace during an air force exercise on April 25, 2017. Canada's top military procurement official says the U.S. will have to ultimately sign off on whatever fighter jet this country purchases, but that he is not concerned about political interference. Patrick Finn, the Defence Department's assistant deputy minister of materiel, says the U.S. will need to certify whatever fighter jet Canada to ensure it meets American security standards. That is because whatever aircraft replaces Canada's aging CF-18s will need to be able to tap into the U.S.'s most secure intelligence network to help protect North America through Norad. Industry sources have quietly worried that could provide a pretext for the U.S. to block Canada from purchasing either the Eurofighter Typhoon or the Saab Gripen, both of which are made by European companies. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Mindaugas Kulbis You May Also Like If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here The first Apache Guardian helicopter was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a Boeing production facility in the US state of Arizona, in the presence of Air Marshal AS Butola, an IAF statement said on Saturday. The addition of the attack helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of the IAF's helicopter fleet. This helicopter has the capability to carry out precision attacks at stand-off ranges and operate in hostile airspace with threats from the ground, the statement said. The AH-64E (I) also has the ability to transmit and receive the battlefield picture, to and from the weapon systems through data networking making it a lethal acquisition. These helicopters will provide significant edge in any future joint operations in support of land forces, according to the statement. Notably, the IAF had signed a contract with the US government and M/s Boeing Ltd in September 2015 for 22 Apache choppers. The first batch of these helicopters is scheduled to be shipped to India by July. The selected air and ground crew have undergone training at the facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama, and they will lead the operationalisation of the Apache fleet in the IAF. Maharashtra, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- Summary: Commercial Induction Cooktops Market: The Global Commercial Induction Cooktops Market report encloses vital statistical data of sales and revenue based on leading segment such as type, regions, applications, technology, and elite players in the global Commercial Induction Cooktops industry. The report aims at historical (2013-2018) occurrences, talks about the present status of the industry and also provides valuable forecast information up to 2024. A comprehensive analysis of contemporary trends, demand spectrum, growth rate, and key region-wise Commercial Induction Cooktops market exploration has also been embodied in this report. There are speculations about Global Commercial Induction Cooktops Market to strongly dominate the global economy with a substantial growth rate in the coming years. Promptly developing industry infrastructure, increased product commercialization, and drifting demands of the Commercial Induction Cooktops are strengthening Commercial Induction Cooktops industry's footholds to become more influential and significantly contribute in international revenue generation. Look insights of Commercial Induction Cooktops market research report With 30 mins free consultation! @ https://www.reportsmonitor.com/request_sample/475699 The Global Commercial Induction Cooktops Market studies based on the company profiles and regions as follows: Leading Vendors COOKTEK , True Induction , Globe Food Equipment , Elecpro , Equipex , Fisher & Paykel Appliances , APW Wyatt , CookTek , Garland Group , The Vollrath Company , VOLLRATH , Admiral Craft Equipment , Buffalo , Dipo Induction , ELAG products , Hatco , Lincat , Panasonic , Spring USA Product Type Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Major Company of Product Type etc.): Multifunction Single Function Market Analysis by Applications: Restaurants Canteens Hotels Others Market segmentation by Zone: North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, etc.) South America (Brazil, Argentina, etc.) Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Iran etc.) Africa (Egypt, South Africa, etc.) Furthermore, the report provides the core knowledge of the market by analyzing end user's consumption tendency, Commercial Induction Cooktops market driving factors, ever-changing market dynamics, and rising development patterns in the market. Besides, the report focuses on the leading contenders in the Commercial Induction Cooktops industry and delivers an all-inclusive analysis considering their market share, production capacity, value chain analysis, size, sales and distribution network, import/export activities, cost structure, and product specification. Due to the changes in world business policies, it is recommended to be always aware of the facts and data about this market. Read Full Report with TOC @ https://www.reportsmonitor.com/report/475699/Commercial-Induction-Cooktops-Market The objectives of the Market Research Explore report on the Global Commercial Induction Cooktops Market are: To study, analyze and forecast the Global Commercial Induction Cooktops Market by segmenting it based on types, application, inventions, time-based performance, and end user. The report by Market Research Explore analyzes various macro and microeconomic factors impacting the Global Commercial Induction Cooktops Market. To come up with insights into the major factors affecting the global Commercial Induction Cooktops Market around the world such as Its drivers, hurdles, opportunities, and challenges. To notify about the dominant players along with their strategies, products/services, research, and development plans. Conclusively, the report helps a reader to get an absolute understanding of the Commercial Induction Cooktops industry through details about the market projection, competitive scenario, industry environment, growth constraining factors, limitations, entry barriers, the provincial regulatory framework as well as upcoming market investment and opportunities, challenges and other growth promoting factors. This report will provide you a clear view of each and every fact of the market without a need to refer any other research report or a data source. Our report will provide you with all the facts about the past, present, and future of the concerned Market. For more information regarding Commercial Induction Cooktops market, Contact Us @ sales@reportsmonitor.com Sellbyville, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- The Aircraft Interior Sandwich Panel Market study focuses major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. It provides information on trends and developments, and focuses on markets and materials, capacities and technologies, and on the changing structure. Asia Pacific will contribute significantly toward the aircraft interior sandwich panel market place. This growth is attributed to the increasing air passenger traffic along with improving disposable income across the region. Proliferating tourism sector coupled with a higher adoption of low-cost carrier services with expanded airline networks is further strengthening the industry expansion till 2024. Request for table of contents this Report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-toc/upcoming/3043 Aircraft Interior Sandwich Panel Market is poised to grow at a high CAGR from 2018 to 2024 impelled by increasing aircraft production owing to modernization of manufacturing technologies along with rising air passenger traffic. The aviation industry emphasizes sustaining its brand value and maintaining its loyal customers, thereby focusing on providing improved quality and safe interior cabin atmosphere for the travelers. The industry participants are focusing on using lightweight composite materials for manufacturing interior sandwich panels that will significantly reduce aircraft weight and improve flight efficiency considerably. Effective weight management, lower fuel consumption, and reduced carbon emissions are some of the major benefits offered by these panels, thereby providing a positive outlook for the business proliferation. Request for customization @ https://www.gminsights.com/roc/3043 Based on application, the aircraft interior sandwich panel marketplace is categorized into sidewalls, ceilings, stowage bins, and floors. The increasing preference of airliners to offer a premium experience to its passengers within the flight is supporting the industry growth over the projected timeframe. The growing preference of passengers to opt for business and executive class tickets for long duration flights is further supporting the market share till 2024. The requirement for durable stowage bins to support heavier loads and luggage during a flight journey is positively influencing the market growth till 2024. Based on materials, the aircraft interior sandwich panel marketplace is segmented into aluminum honeycomb, nomex honeycomb, and thermoplastic. Aluminum honeycomb will account for a major share in the aircraft interior sandwich panels marketplace owing to its lightweight, higher strength to weight ratio, and improved compressive strength. Further, enhanced resistance from corrosion along with the superior durability of the material will play a major role in expanding the aircraft interior sandwich panel market share over the study timeframe. Browse Complete Report @ https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/aircraft-interior-sandwich-panel-market Based on aircraft, the industry is classified into business aviation, commercial aviation, military aircraft, and regional jets. The requirement for lightweight and durable interior sandwich panels in aircraft for offering air passengers with premium travel experience is playing a major role in the aircraft interior sandwich panel market growth till 2024. Increasing requirement for materials with superior design flexibility and durability along with improved reliability for military aircraft is providing a positive outlook for the market proliferation. A few players in the aircraft interior sandwich panel market place include Jamco Corporation, Zodiac Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, Euro-Composites Corp., Collins Aerospace, The Gill Corporation, DuPont, CoreLite, Inc, Triumph Composite Systems, and FACC AG. Mergers and acquisitions are among the major strategies adopted by industry participants for introducing innovative components and expanding their market share. For instance, in 2017, EconCore and Diehl Aircabin announced a strategic partnership for developing advanced aircraft interior modules based on thermoplastic honeycomb. 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 Hegde Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights, Inc. Phone:1-302-846-7766 Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688 Email: sales@gminsights.com Web: https://www.gminsights.com Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- Looking at the current market trends as well as the promising demand status of the "Biogas Market", it can be projected that the future years will bring out positive outcomes. This research report added by MRRSE on its online portal delivers clear insight about the changing tendencies across the global market. Readers can gather prime facets connected to the target market which includes product, end-use and application; assisting them to draw conclusions out of this intelligent research report. The report on the global biogas market gives an overview of the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and threats acting on this market. It assesses these with the help of a SWOT analysis. Furthermore, it also uses a Porter's five forces analysis to gauge the threat from new entrants, threat of substitute products or services, bargaining power of customers, bargaining power of suppliers, and intensity of competitive rivalry. The report offers a lucid explanation of every intricate aspect of the market to help its readers make important decisions. Get Report Sample copy @ https://www.mrrse.com/sample/792 The global biogas market generated 22,488.0 KTOE in 2014 and is expected to generate 39,845.5 KTOE by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2015 to 2023 in terms of volume. This incredible growth can be attributed to the increasing greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions and their hazardous impact on the environment. Governments across the globe and several environmentalists are encouraging the usage of biogas, as it is a cleaner fuel than petroleum fuels. Owing to these reasons, several biogas plants will be set up across the globe in the coming years. The only factor restraining the growth of the global biogas market is the huge installation costs involved in the setup. The global biogas market has been segmented on the basis of geography and applications. Biogas is used for generating electricity, heat, as a vehicle fuel, and for other minor applications. The electricity and heat application segments of the global biogas market were the largest segments in 2014 and are expected to continue their dominance in the near future as well. Analysts also predict that a growing number of vehicles around the world will use biogas as fuel in the years to come, which will boost demand for biogas a vehicle fuel. Some of the countries encouraging the use of biogas in cars are Thailand, Malaysia, India, Sweden, China, and Germany. Companies Mentioned in the Biogas Market Research Report The key players in the biogas market are Air Liquide Advanced Business & Technologies, Vanzetti Engineering S.r.l., EnviTec Biogas AG, Wartsila Corporation, Swedish Biogas International AB, Gasrec Ltd., Cryostar SAS, Biofrigas Sweden AB, Scandinavian Biogas Fuels International AB, and Cryonorm BV. Browse Complete Report with TOC @ https://www.mrrse.com/biogas-market The biogas market has been segmented as follows: Global Biogas Market: Application Analysis Electricity & Heat Vehicle Fuel Others Global Biogas Market: Regional Analysis North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany U.K. France Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific Rest of the World (RoW) Brazil Others This report gives you access to decisive data such as: Market growth drivers Factors limiting market growth Current market trends Market structure Market projections for the coming years Key highlights of this report Overview of key market forces propelling and restraining market growth Up-to-date analyses of market trends and technological improvements Pin-point analyses of market competition dynamics to offer you a competitive edge An analysis of strategies of major competitors An array of graphics and SWOT analysis of major industry segments Detailed analyses of industry trends A well-defined technological growth map with an impact-analysis Offers a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and key product segments Enquire about this report @ https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/792 About Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords. MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSE's repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting. Contact Us State Tower 90, State Street Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207(United State) United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559 Email: sales@mrrse.com Rockville, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/28/2019 -- Turbidity has been adopted as an imperative process across several industries, primarily employed in gauging the water quality. It has evolved as an integral part of water quality maintenance and its surging demand across several industries is fostering the growth of turbidity equipment market. Industries make use of water-based processes in numerous applications which may include filling, cooling, processing, heating, cleaning or rinsing. Those industries also make frequent use of water treatment methods like turbidity to enhance the process efficiency and reduce operating costs and risks involved. Get Free Exclusive Sample Copy of This Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=508 By deploying a smart system of high-precision analyzers including turbidity meters and other competent methods of chemical dosing and filtration, municipal water treatment systems are able to keep a remarkable check on the water quality. This, in turn, is amplifying the growth of turbidity equipment market. Rampant changes in turbidity is considered to be a reliable signal conveying advent of a new pollution source, thereby swelling demand for turbidity equipment meters. Food and beverages stands out a prominent domain seeking the use of turbidity equipment. It is used as a reliable indicator of insoluble and unwanted matter in the water used in production, bottling and cleaning processes. This, in turn, is poised to magnify the growth ambit of turbidity equipment market. An equipment which is used to examine and determine the amount of opacity or cloudiness in a solution is known as turbidity meters. This opacity triggered due to existence of suspended particles which are finely separated and throw light during the passing of beam. The incident light disseminates in diverse direction, depending upon their composition & size and shape. These incident lights then gathers with the help of various detectors which are placed at several orientation. Relatively huge and heavier particles do not permit incident light to move forward and disseminate fewer radiation than as against the tiny particles. Total suspended solids and turbidity are significant indicators to monitor purity and quality of liquid. Turbidity Meters Equipment Market- Drivers and Restraints Turbidity meter equipment market is likely to grow significantly due to rising consumption of turbidity meter equipment for sewage and water treatment. The key utilization of turbidity meter equipment is in quality testing. In a bid to ensure secure and safe water quality for the consumption of public, strict environmental rules are made in several countries which is fuelling the growth of turbidity meters equipment market. Moreover, apart from these environmental regulations, turbidity meters equipment market is growing due to rising demand from pharmaceutical, chemical and paint manufacturers to analyze and evaluate filter performance and recognize filter breakthrough. Similarly, flourishing industry of food & beverages is likely to generate sustainable and constant demand for turbidity meters equipment market due to remarkable dependence to check proportion and purity. Nevertheless, due to existence of alternative integrated solutions in the industry, the market for turbidity meters equipment is restrained. Request TOC of the Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=T&rep_id=508 Turbidity Meters Equipment Market- Regional Outlook Europe and North America are two developed regions which are grabbing maximum revenue share throughout the projected period. The growth of the market is mature in these two regions in terms of demand and consumption. In the US the growth of the market is remarkable due to increasing sales of turbidity meters which are portable in nature for the applications such as sewage treatment and pharmaceutical. The flourishing food & ecosystem and chemical manufacturing is boosting the sales of turbidity meters equipment market in the Asia-Pacific region with remarkable market growth in China, India and other ASEAN countries. With tremendous demand for laboratory and clinical uses, moderate sales of turbidity meters equipment in Japan is likely to create a positive impact on turbidity meters equipment market. Middle East and Africa (MEA) and Eastern part of the Europe turbidity meters equipment market is likely to witness comparatively higher sales of units due to effective way of investment in public infrastructure and health. Market for turbidity meters equipment in Latin America is anticipated to witness comparatively higher volume and value growth due to blooming pulp & paper production in the region. Turbidity Meters Equipment Market- Key Vendors Emerson and Palintest (Halma plc), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Emerson, Turner Designs, Merck KGaA, LaMotte Company, VELP Scientifica, HF scientific, GF Piping Systems, Watts Water Technologies, Inc, Tintometer GmbH, and Hanna Instruments, Inc. are some of the key players functioning in the turbidity meters equipment market. You can Buy This Report from Here @ https://www.factmr.com/checkout/508/S This analytical research study imparts an all-inclusive assessment on the market, while propounding historical intelligence, actionable insights, and industry-validated & statistically-upheld market forecast. Verified and suitable set of assumptions and methodology has been leveraged for developing this comprehensive study. Information and analysis on key market segments incorporated in the report has been delivered in weighted chapters. A thorough analysis has been offered by the report on Market Dynamics Market Size Market Segments Demand & Supply Trends Current Issues and Challenges Companies and Competitor Landscape Value Chain Technology Regional Segments Analyzed Include North America (U.S., Canada) Latin America (Mexico. Brazil) Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain) Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia) Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand) Japan Middle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa) Compilation of authentic and first-hand intelligence, insights offered in the report are based on quantitative and qualitative assessment by leading industry experts, and inputs from opinion leaders & industry participants around the value chain. Growth determinants, macroeconomic indicators, and parent market trends have been scrutinized and delivered, coupled with the market attractiveness for each market segment encompassed. Qualitative impact of growth influencers on the market segments across regions has also been mapped by the report. Highlights from the Report Elaborated scenario of the parent market Transformations in the market dynamics Detailed segmentation of the target market Historical, current and forecast market size based on value and volume Latest industry developments and trends Competition landscape Strategies adopted by the market players and product developments made Potential and niche segments, along with their regional analysis Unbiased analysis on performance of the market Up-to-date and must-have intelligence for the market players to enhance and sustain their competitiveness Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @ https://www.factmr.com/report/508/turbidity-equipment-market About Fact.MR Fact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports. Contact Us FactMR 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Email: sales@factmr.com Web: www.factmr.com/ San Jose, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- Coal handling system market forecast, trend analysis and competition tracking global market insights, 2018 -2028 is an extensive compilation of covering various facets of coal handling system with respect to adoption and sales. The coal handling system market report provides vital insights on various dynamics influencing the growth of the coal handling system market. The coal handling system market includes historical data, present coal handling system scenario and future insights on growth of coal handling system market. Forecasts on coal handling system market are carried out for a ten year period (2018-2028). The coal handling system market report is systematically drafted for reader's convenience. Chapter 1 Executive Summary This chapter in the coal handling system market report includes key findings, summary on vital statistics, analysis and recommendations and wheel of fortune describing segmental outlook. Get Sample Copy of this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/3071 Chapter 2 Market Introduction The market introduction chapter in the coal handling system market report provides detailed segmentation or market structure. Chapter 3 Market View Point This chapter in the coal handling system market report includes analysis on macroeconomic factors impacting demand for coal handling system. It also covers opportunity assessment and market dynamics such as drivers, trends, opportunities and trends impacting coal handling system market growth. It also covers supply chain analysis, PESTLE analysis and Porter's five forces model. Chapter 4 Price Point analysis This chapter covers coal handling system pricing assessment along with analysis on factors influencing the costing and pricing of coal handling system. Chapter 5 Coal Handling System Market Analysis This analytical chapter covers coal handling system market volume projections, overall coal handling system market size, year-on-year growth analysis, key regulations, absolute dollar opportunity and value chain analysis. It also covers coal handling system market assessment across regions. Chapter 6 Coal Handling System Market by Product Type This chapter covers intelligence on sales and adoption of various types of coal handling system such as stackers, conveyors, reclaimers and loaders to name a few. Key trends and developments impacting the use of coal handling system types are also included. Chapter 7 Coal Handling System Market by End Use This chapter in the coal handling system market report includes analysis on use of coal handling system across various industrial applications. The chapter provides statistics on sales of coal handling system across end uses such as thermal power plants and coal mines. Market attractiveness index of each end use apropos to adoption of coal handling system is also provided. Chapter 8 North America Coal Handling System Market This chapter covers assessment on key regulations, pricing analysis, regional trends and adoption of coal handling system across countries such as Canada and the United States. Segmental snapshot is also provided in the chapter. Chapter 9 Latin America Coal Handling System Market This chapter covers information on demand and sales of coal handling system across countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. Key regulations impacting the growth of coal handling system market in Latin America are also covered in the chapter along with regional trends. Chapter 10 Europe Coal Handling System Market This chapter in the coal handling system market report covers extensive analysis on various facets impacting the coal handling system market in Europe. Sales forecasts of coal handling system across European countries such as EU-4, United Kingdom, Benelux, Nordic and Eastern European countries are provided here. Chapter 11 CIS & Russia Coal Handling System Market Vital insights on demand and sales of coal handling system across CIS and Russia along with coal handling system segmental outlook and regional trends are covered in this chapter. Chapter 12 Japan Coal Handling System Market This chapter in the coal handling system market report covers assessment of various regional drivers, and challenges impacting the demand and growth of coal handling system market in Japan. The chapter provides a detailed outlook on the future of the Japan coal handling system market. Chapter 13 Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ) Coal Handling System Market Analysis on demand and growth of coal handling system market across countries such as China, India, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN and South Korea is covered in this extensive chapter. Various facets revealing the lucrativeness of APEJ in the coal handling system space are included in the chapter. Chapter 14 Middle East and Africa (MEA) Coal Handling System Market Analysis on coal handling system market across countries such as Turkey, GCC countries, and South Africa is included in this chapter. Detailed assessment on use of various types of coal handling system across these countries is covered. Chapter 15 Competition Landscape This chapter incudes coal handling system market structure analysis, company share assessment, and various aspects of key players involved in manufacturing of coal handling system. The chapter incudes profiles of 12 key players in the coal handling system market. Chapter 16 Assumptions and Acronyms This chapter includes information on assumption considered while researching on coal handling system at a global level. It also offers information on various acronyms used in the report. Chapter 17 Research Methodology This section provides information on report methodology used to carry out the research. It includes primary and secondary research techniques. Information from external sources including SEC filings, press releases, company news, investor reports, and other sources is gleaned. Get Full Report Access @ https://www.xploremr.com/cart/3071/SL Sellbyville, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- Global Market Insights presents the fluid sensors market provides a detailed overview of major drivers, restraints, challenges, opportunities, current industry trends and strategies impacting the global market along with estimates and forecast of revenue. Technological advancements in the fluid sensors market will support the adoption of these sensors in various industry verticals. Developments in wireless transmission technologies are facilitating enhanced communication amongst several devices, thereby ensuring a granular control of all the parameters functioning in the system. Field effect sensors possess the unique ability to detect semi-solid materials and fluids without any direct contact. The ongoing advancements in the electronics and semiconductor industry have enabled the manufacture of robust sensors that can withstand harsh environments. The advent of smart sensors that can adapt to the surrounding environment and ensure highly precise readings will support the fluid sensors industry growth. Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-toc/upcoming/2826 These sensors are increasingly being used in wastewater treatment operations, exposing them to several chemicals and hazardous materials, thereby hampering their quality and efficiency of operation. The need for replacing the sensor system periodically will lead to increased operational and maintenance costs, which will hinder the fluid sensors market growth. The complexity of installation of the sensor system coupled with the lack of availability of skilled technicians in the emerging regions will hinder the fluid sensor market growth. The installation of these sensor systems in turbulent and agitated liquids may impact the quality of the sensors thereby making them unsuitable for such applications. The demand for non-contact sensors that ensure enhanced operational efficiency and durability will support the fluid sensors market growth. Non-contact technologies help in eliminating mechanical failures thereby ensuring the longevity of the sensors. Contactless sensor technologies also ensure more accurate readings owing to the remote operation capabilities. These sensors deliver more detailed and continuous detection in semiconductor applications. Moreover, these sensors being contactless ensure easy installation and configuration thereby encouraging their implementation. Request for customization @ https://www.gminsights.com/roc/2826 The fluid sensors market will witness growth in India and China due to the rapid urbanization and industrialization happening in these countries. Sensors form the core components of the latest technologies such as AI and IoT. The growing penetration of these technologies in countries including Singapore and India is anticipated to propel the fluid sensors industry growth. Water and wastewater treatment projects such as National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), India are demanding the installation of high-quality sensors, further supporting the fluid sensors market growth in the region. Key players in the fluid sensors market include Omron Corporation, Honeywell International, Inc., Schneider Electric SE, NXP Semiconductors N.V., TE Connectivity, Infineon Technologies AG, SICK AG, FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology, Inc., and Yokogawa Electric Corporation. The fluid sensors industry is characterized by the extensive R&D investments. Browse Complete Report Summary @ https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/fluid-sensors-market 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. Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- The global ink resins market was valued at US$ 3.0 Bn in 2018 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of more than 5.0% from 2019 to 2027, according to a new research report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR), titled 'Ink Resins Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 20192027.' Printing ink manufacturers use ink resins as raw materials to impart significant characteristics to printing inks. These characteristics include high solid content, viscosity, gloss, and improved pigment wetting. Get Research Report Overview@https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ink-resins-market.html Increased use of packaging to boost ink resins market Packaging is an important requirement of all products. It protects products from a variety of factors such as incorrect handling and harsh environments. Attractive packaging also plays an important role in the sale of products. Good packaging can positively influence a consumer's purchasing decision. Manufacturers and consumers have started realizing these benefits of packaging. As a result, the global packaging industry has been expanding at a considerable pace over the last few years. All types of packaging require printing inks, while all printing inks require ink resins as one of the raw materials. Thus, growth of the packaging industry is expected to drive the global ink resins market during the forecast period. Digitization trend to negatively affect ink resins market Digitization can be defined as the development of pictures and texts in the digital form. The process of digitization started with the development of computers, mobile phones, and Internet. Several textbooks, novels, and illustrative books are currently available on the Internet. Even marketing campaigns at present require printed material in less amounts, as part of those campaigns can be conducted online. The trend of e-commerce is growing at a rapid pace across the world and this has hampered several industries including the publication & commercial printing industry. This, in turn, is likely to restrain the global ink resins market during the forecast period. Request A Sample https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=65594 Collaboration between ink resin manufacturers and printing ink manufacturers Various types of ink resins are available in the market. They include modified rosins, hydrocarbon resins, polyamides, acrylics, and polyurethanes. Different types of ink resins involve different advantages as well as disadvantages. Ink resins can be manufactured as per the precise requirement of the final printing ink. They can even be customized for specific applications such as packaging, publishing, and commercial printing. However, the development of such high-precision ink resins is only possible through close collaboration between printing ink manufacturers and ink additive manufacturers. Such collaborations also present lucrative opportunities for ink resin manufacturers. Global ink resins market segmented based on type, printing ink, printing process, application, and region In terms of type, the global ink resins market has been segmented into modified rosin, hydrocarbon resin, modified cellulose, acrylic, polyamide, and polyurethane. The modified rosin segment accounts for a prominent share of the market, due to low price and easy availability of modified rosins. Based on printing process, the market has been segregated into lithography, flexography, gravure, digital, and others. The lithography segment holds a key share of the market, primarily because lithographic printing is widely employed in end-user industries such as printing and publishing. In terms of printing ink, the global ink resins market has been classified into water-based, solvent-based, UV-cured, and oil-based. Solvent-based printing inks consume a large share of ink resins. In terms of application, the market has been divided into packaging, publishing, commercial printing, and others. Packaging is the primary application of printing inks and, in turn, that of ink resins. Furthermore, with rising awareness regarding the significance of packaging, the packaging segment is expected to gain market share by the end of the forecast period. Get PDF Brochure for more Professional & Technical industry insights: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=65594 In terms of region, the global ink additives market has been divided into North America (the U.S. and Canada), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), Europe (Germany, the U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Russia & CIS, and Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, and Rest of Asia Pacific), and Middle East & Africa (GCC, South Africa, and Rest of Middle East & Africa). Asia Pacific is the leading consumer of ink resins worldwide, due to the large production of printing inks in the region. High level of competition in the market Ink resins is a moderately consolidated market with the presence of a few, key multinational players such as BASF SE, The Dow Chemicals Company, DIC Corporation, and Lawter Inc. It is also a mature market with the presence of established players, which makes the entry of new companies relatively difficult. Several large-sized companies operating in the market have adopted the strategy of new product development, especially the development of sustainable and eco-friendly ink resins, in order to compete effectively in the market. For example, BASF SE has launched several new ink resins under the brand name of Versamid. Furthermore, it is focused on the production of eco-friendly ink resins under the brand name of Joncryl. About Transparency Market Research Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. TMR's data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. Contact 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207 Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Northbrook, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- According to the new market research report "Human Centric Lighting Market by Offering (Hardware (Lighting fixtures and Lighting Controllers), Software, and Services), Installation Type (New Installations and Retrofit Installations), Application, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2024", published by MarketsandMarkets, the Human Centric Lighting Market is projected to grow from USD 810 million in 2019 to USD 3,655 million by 2024-growing a CAGR of 35.2%. The growth of the human centric lighting market is driven by the high adoption of LED lighting solutions; initiatives toward establishing smart cities; and the rise in the demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions. Implementation of wireless technology for LED lighting is expected to provide substantial growth opportunities to market players. Ask for PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=165368838 "Lighting controllers to witness highest CAGR in human centric lighting market during 20192024" The market for lighting controllers is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2019 to 2024. The human centric lighting market for lighting controllers has been further segmented into sensors, switches and dimmers, LED drivers, microcontrollers and microprocessors, and transmitters and receivers. The control and communications components include LED drivers and ballasts, sensors, dimmers and switches, and wireless receivers and transmitters. These lighting controls enable the implementation of intelligent lighting solutions and connect human centric lighting in various spaces. "Residential applications are expected to witness highest growth rate during forecast period" The human centric lighting market for the residential application is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2019 to 2024. Factors such as ongoing technological advancements, increasing consumer preferences for better interior designing, and rising need for energy-efficient lighting are driving the growth of the market for decorative as well as smart lighting. Also, in residential settings, i.e., at home or in elderly care, human centric lighting can reduce sleep disorders, thereby limiting the need for cost-intensive medication and reducing nursing efforts. The growing implementation of smart lighting will lead to the increase in the demand for human centric lighting solutions in the residential sector. "Growing infrastructure and urbanization will boost demand for human centric lighting solutions in APAC during forecast period" The human centric lighting market in APAC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Factors driving the growth of the market in this region include the rise in industrialization and commercialization and high demand for energy-efficient solutions in developing countries. In a few countries such as South Korea and Malaysia, the success of the market for energy-efficient products such as LED products depends on the ability of light source manufacturers to form a rapport with local partners. Browse in-depth TOC on "Human Centric Lighting Market" 67 Tables 44 Figures 163 Pages Request Sample pages of the Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=165368838 Key players in the market include Signify Lighting NV (Netherlands), OSRAM Licht AG (Germany), Acuity Brands, Inc. (US), Cree, Inc. (US), Legrand SA (France), Hubbell Inc. (US), Zumtobel Group AG (Austria), Wipro Enterprises (P) Ltd. (India), Glamox AS (Norway), and Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. (US). These players are increasingly undertaking product launches and developments, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, partnerships, and agreements to develop and introduce new solutions in the market. About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledge Store" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Shelly Singh MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research titled 'Industrial Agitator Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 20192027, the global industrial agitator market is expected to reach US$ 2,324.9 Mn by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2019 to 2027. In terms of volume, the global industrial agitator market is expected to reach 424.8 '000 units by 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period. Based on region, the global market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South America. North America is the second-largest market for industrial agitator in the world. Various end-use industries, ranging from oil, gas and petrochemical to water and wastewater treatment, utilize industrial agitators for mixing purposes. In North America, the U.S. is a prominent market for industrial agitator, followed by Canada. The U.S. is a major producers of natural gas, including shale gas, in the world. As per the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in December 2018, the U.S. produced about 65 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas (shale gas and tight oil), which is about 70.0% of total U.S. natural gas production. Browse The Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/industrial-agitator-market.html Furthermore, in December 2018, the country produced about seven million barrels per day (b/d) of crude oil, which is 60.0% of the total U.S. oil production. Compared to production a decade ago, in December 2008, natural gas (shale gas and tight oil) accounted for 16% of total U.S. gas production and about 12% of U.S. total crude oil production. Thus, a rise in the demand for shale gas across the U.S. is boosting the demand for industrial agitators across North America. Europe is the third-largest market for industrial agitator in the world. Among the various end-use industries that use industrial agitators across Europe, food & beverage is a prominent end-user. The food & beverage industry is a prominent manufacturing industry in Europe, in terms of gross value added to the economy and number of people employed. Germany, the U.K., and France are major markets for industrial agitator in Europe. In terms of value addition by the food & beverage sector, Germany is a notable market in Europe. Therefore, a rise in the demand for food & beverage products is driving the production of food & beverage, which is subsequently propelling the demand for industrial agitators in Germany. Asia Pacific is a significant market for industrial agitator in the world. In Asia Pacific, China is a major market for industrial agitator, followed by Japan and India. As per the CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council), China increased its share of global chemical sales from 14.8% in 2007 to 37.2% in 2017. Both South Korea and India increased their share of global chemical sales from 3.3% and 2.1% in 2007, respectively, to 3.5% and 2.9% in 2017, respectively. On the other hand, the share held by Japan of the global chemical sales declined from 6.8% in 2007 to 4.4% in 2017. Therefore, a rise in the demand for chemicals across the countries in Asia Pacific is propelling the demand for industrial agitators in the region. Get PDF Sample for this Research Report @ https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=7421 Middle East & Africa (MEA) is a relatively minor market for industrial agitator in the world. GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, which include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, is a prominent market for industrial agitator in the region. South Africa is the second-largest market in MEA. South America is the fourth-largest market for industrial agitator in the world. Brazil is a prominent market for industrial agitator in South America. Expansion of oil & gas industry in Brazil is driving the demand for industrial agitators in Brazil. The study provides a conclusive view of the global industrial agitator market by segmenting it in terms of product type and end-use industry. In terms of product type, the global industrial agitator market has been classified into top-mounted vertical/ top-entry, side entry/ side-mounted horizontal, static mixer, bottom entry and portable. In terms of end-use industry, the global industrial agitator market has been divided into water and wastewater treatment, food & beverage, chemical, oil, gas and petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and others. South Africa: IEC declares ANC as winner of 2019 Elections The ruling African National Congress (ANC) has bagged victory in the 2019 Elections, with 57.50% of the total national votes cast in the hotly contested polls. The final results in the National and Provincial Elections were announced by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) at the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) on Saturday. The announcement came three days after over 17 million of the 26 779 025 registered South Africans took to the polls on Wednesday. A record 48 political parties contested the elections, making it the most contested polls since the dawn of democracy. The final results of the 6th National and Provincial elections, announced by IEC Chairperson, Glen Mashinini, show that the Democratic Alliance (DA) will still remain the official opposition party, as it gained 20.77% of the votes. In 2014, the party received 22.23% of the total votes cast in the National Election. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) cemented their place in the leadership ranks by gaining 10.79% of the votes cast nationally. This is an increase for the five-year-old party, which managed to get 6.35% in the 2014 Elections. The top three are followed by Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) at number four, which received 3.38%; the Freedom Front Plus (VF PLUS) with 2.38%, the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) with 0.84 % and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) with 0.45%. The top 10 is completed by newcomers African Transformation Movement (ATM), with 0.44% of the votes, and GOOD with 0.40%, followed by the National Freedom Party (NFP), with 0.35% of the votes. Because these were National Elections, the IEC had to break down the number of seats that each political party will get in the National Assembly of Parliament, using a quota of the proportional representation system or party list system. There are 400 seats to go around in the National Assembly. In order to translate these numbers into Parliamentary seats, IEC officials had to divide the total number of votes - 17 666 260 million in this case - by the number of Parliamentary seats - 400 - in order to generate a quota. Once the quota was established, the IEC divided it by the number of votes each party received. According to the IEC numbers, the ANC will be sending 230 of its members to Parliament. In the 2014 Elections, the party acquired 249 seats, while it had 264 seats in the 2009 Elections. The DA will be sending 84 of its members to Parliament. In the 2014 Elections, the DA had 89 seats and 67 in 2009. In third place, in terms of seat allocation, will be the EFF with 44 seats, an increase from the 25 seats the party had in 2014. Coming in fourth place will be the IFP, which secured 14 seats, up from 10 in the last elections. VF Plus comes into the top five, with 10 seats allocated. In the fifth Parliament, the party ranked seventh with only four seats. The ACDP and the UDM bagged 4 and 2 seats respectively. Provinces In the Provincial Elections, the results stand as follows: Eastern Cape: The African Transformation Movement with one (1) seat The Vryheidsfront Plus with one (1) seat The United Democratic Movement with two (2) seats The Economic Freedom Fighters with five (5) seats The Democratic Alliance with ten (10) seats The African National Congress with forty four (44) seats Free State: The Vryheidsfront Plus with one (1) seat The Economic Freedom Fighters with four (4) seats The Democratic Alliance with six (6) seats The African National Congress with nineteen(19) seats Gauteng: The African Christian Democratic Party with one (1) seat The Inkatha Freedom Party with one (1) seat The Economic Freedom Fighters with eleven (11) seats The Democratic Alliance with twenty (20) seats The African National Congress with thirty seven (37) seats KwaZulu-Natal: The African Transformation Movement with one (1) seat The African Christian Democratic Party with one (1) seat The Minority Front with one (1) seat The National Freedom Party with one (1) seat The Economic Freedom Fighters with eight (8) seats The Democratic Alliance with eleven (11) seats The Inkatha Freedom Party with thirteen (13) seats The African National Congress with forty four (44) seats Limpopo: The Vryheidsfront Plus with one (1) seat The Democratic Alliance with three (3) seats The Economic Freedom Fighters with seven (7) seats The African National Congress with thirty eight (38) seats Mpumalanga: The Vryheidsfront Plus with one (1) seat The Democratic Alliance with three (3) seats The Economic Freedom Fighters with four (4) seats The African National Congress with twenty two (22) seats North West: The Vryheidsfront Plus with two (2) seats The Democratic Alliance with four (4) seats The Economic Freedom Fighters with six (6) seats The African National Congress with twenty one (21) seats Northern Cape: The Vryheidsfront Plus with one (1) seat The Economic Freedom Fighters with three (3) seats The Democratic Alliance with eight (8) seats The African National Congress with eighteen (18) seats Western Cape: Al-jamah with one (1) seat The Vryheidsfront Plus with one (1) seat The African Christian Democratic Party with one (1) seat The Good Party with one (1) seat The Economic Freedom Fighters with two (2) seats The African National Congress with twelve (12) seats The Democratic Alliance with twenty four (24) seats Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo thanked voters, who came out in their numbers to cast their votes, and politicians, government and volunteers who assisted in the voting stations. He said despite the challenges encountered, the IEC has come through the elections even stronger as an institution. As the Electoral Commission, we have learned that there is always hope for evolution in systems, people and persistence, Mamabolo said. With the results announced, attention now moves to the political parties who will have to finalise their lists of representatives they will send to serve Parliament over a period of five years. According to the Constitution, both Houses of Parliament must be established within 14 days of the IECs declaring results of the election. The first sitting of the National Assembly is provisionally scheduled for 22 May and that of the National Council of Provinces for 23 May. However, the Chief Justice has the powers, under the Constitution, to determine the dates and times. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-05-11. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- The global Medical Robots market is driven by innovation and technological advancements which have played a vital role in contributing to the growth of this market. Due to innovation and technological advancements, patients are benefited in terms of shortened recovery time and reduced pain after surgery. Moreover, the companies are focusing on fund raising to strengthen the Medical Robots market for long run. However, safety concerns over robotic surgeries are likely to restrain the market. The evolution in innovation and technology has played a significant role in contributing to the growth of the global Medical Robots industry. The innovation of robotic partial nephrectomy techniques has led to increase the technical advances in the performance of partial nephrectomy surgery and improved the outcomes of nephron sparing surgery. Moreover, due to the advancements in robotic surgical methodology, patients are getting benefits such as shortened hospital stay and reduced pain after surgery. Additionally, advances in robotic colonoscopy helps to remove risks of cross infection of the colonoscope to the patient. These factors are anticipated to present a lucrative growth opportunity for the global Medical Robots market in the coming years. * Get Sample Report_ https://www.marketindustryreports.com/pdf/63 The Global Medical Robots market is estimated to be over US$ 6.0 Bn in 2018. It is anticipated to grow at a double digit CAGR from 2019 to 2030. Medical Robots are the robots that are used in hospitals and medical institutions to perform highly complex surgeries. Robots can be utilized as surgical assistants to surgeons that perform minimally invasive procedures. Rehabilitation robots play an important role to recover patients with disabilities. Moreover, robots are able to disinfect and clean the room from any microbes and viruses. Additionally, the biggest benefit of using Medical Robots is precision and speed. The continual growth of the Medical Robots market can be attributed to several factors which have led to wide-scale adoption of these products. The introduction of number of Medical Robots has enhanced medical practice due to the advanced technologies. To obtain better insights regarding the market scenario, prominent players are increasingly focusing on innovation and advancements in technologies. To keep up the substantial growth of the global medical robotics market, companies are raising their funds for Medical Robots research. For instance, Auris Health, Inc. has raised $220 Mn to support its next generation monarch robotic interventional platform. However, safety concerns over robotic surgery devices can restrain the growth of overall market. RAISE IN FUND FOR MEDICAL ROBOT RESEARCH Fundraising plays a vital role in strengthening the medical robot industry for long run survival. For instance, The University of South Alabama got approval of $1.7 Mn from the USA foundation board to purchase two new Medical Robots. Furthermore, CMR surgical Ltd. has raised $ 46 Mn in total from existing investors. Moreover, Japanese company called Meltin MMI has raised $18 Mn for developing new avatar robots and Medical Robots. Increasing R&D investments and spending is anticipated to positively contribute to the growth of the global Medical Robots market. SAFETY CONCERNS OVER ROBOTIC-ASSISTED SURGERY According to recent studies, the procedures that are used in robotic systems have experienced a number of risks and obstacles. Robotic-assisted surgery holds the same risks of laparoscopic surgeries that include bleeding, cross-infection and some risks of anesthesia. Failure of the components such as camera, binocular lens, robotic tower, robotic arms and instruments can be an additional risk of mechanical failure. Patients can be affected by nerve palsy disorder which is caused due to direct nerve compression from the robotic arms. Therefore, safety worries over robotic surgical methodology and devices can restrict the growth of Medical Robots markets. * Follow this link for Buy with Discount_ https://www.marketindustryreports.com/checkout/63 RAPID GROWTH OF THE ASIA PACIFIC MARKET Asia Pacific is estimated to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing population, continuously growing economy and increasing awareness is expected to aid the growth of the Medical Robots market in this region. Additionally, this region is expected to show the fastest growth due to increasing demand for medical robotic systems. One of the most important growth driver for this market is increasing awareness about minimally invasive surgeries. Surgical robots and non-invasive radiosurgery systems are the products that majorly contribute to the growth of Asia Pacific. Emerging economies such as China, India and Saudi Arabia are establishing new refined healthcare facilities. Thus, this is an opportunity for market leaders to release their robots in this region. MAJOR PLAYERS IN THE MEDICAL ROBOTS MARKET The prominent players in the Medical Robots market are Intuitive Surgical, Inc. iRobot Corporation, Mazor Robotics, Auris Health, Inc., Accuray, Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc., Arxium, Kirby Lester, Stereotaxis, Inc., Titan Medical among others. Continue..... More Details_ https://www.marketindustryreports.com/63/medical-robots-market About MIR, Market Industry Reports is a global leader in market measurement & advisory services, Market Industry Reports is at the forefront of innovation to address the worldwide industry trends and opportunities. We identified the caliber of market dynamics & hence we excel in the areas of innovation and optimization, integrity, curiosity, customer and brand experience, and strategic business intelligence through our research. We offer our clients a unique depth of market intelligence in an actionable format to move their business forward. Our analysis incorporates the consumer study in more than 100 countries that provide a tactical approach to drive the sustained growth for the business. We continue to pioneer state-of-the-art approach in research & analysis that makes complex world simpler to stay ahead of the curve. By nurturing the perception of genius and optimized market intelligence we bring proficient contingency to our clients in the evolving world of technologies, megatrends and industry convergence. We empower and inspire Vanguards to fuel and shape their business to build and grow world-class consumer products. Market Industry Reports, Office No. 502, Sai Radhe, Kennedy Road, Behind Hotel Sheraton Grand, Near Pune Station, Pune 411 001, Maharashtra, India, sales@marketindustryreports.com Website: - https://www.marketindustryreports.com Tel: + 91 9673 535 933 / + 91 8956 767 535 Portland, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- mHealth (mobile health) is a generic term for the use of cell phones and other wireless technologies in medical care. The most common application of mHealth is to use mobile devices to educate consumers about preventive health care services. However, mHealth is also used for disease surveillance, treatment support, epidemic tracking, and chronic disease management. The mHealth market is in its nascent stage and is expected to yield significant revenues with increasing awareness and favorable regulatory impositions specific to the quality and feasibility of mobile-based medical devices. Penetration of mobile phones in healthcare segment has had a significant impact on the overall healthcare industry. Global mHealth market Report, published by Allied Market Research, was valued at $10.5 billion in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 33.5% during 2015-2020. Mobile health provides health service and information through mobile communication devices to address the health priorities and concerns. Download Sample Report @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/676 The advanced mobile and wireless technologies have transformed the face of healthcare services across the globe and are rendering the growth of mHealth market. Moreover, the continued growth in coverage of mobile cellular networks, rapid advances in mobile technologies & applications, increasing lifestyle diseases and growing awareness among patient population in emerging economies, are some of the key factors fostering the growth of mHealth market. On contrary, the lower accuracy of the devices, technology's infancy in middle and lower income economies, weak reimbursement coverage, uncertainty in government regulations in certain regions, and low adoption among ageing population is hampering the market growth to a certain extent. The major chunk of mHealth devices market - i.e. ~71% - is collectively commanded by BP monitors, blood glucose monitors and cardiac monitors. The largest share of these monitors can be attributed to increased affordability of mobile compatible devices, integration of innovative technologies in monitoring devices and the increasing lifestyle disease such as diabetes, stroke, COPD, ischemic heart to name a few. Within mHealth services, diagnostic, monitoring and treatment services collectively hold about 74% of the market. The rapid growth of mHealth services market is attributed to rising government initiatives, increasing mHealth awareness programs in underdeveloped regions etc. Send Enquiry on this report @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/77 Key finding of mhealth Market: - Blood glucose meters are projected to be the fastest growing segment in mHealth devices market registering a CAGR of 41% during the forecast period - United States continueto be the leading market in the North America mHealth market throughout the forecast period - Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing mHealth market registering a CAGR of 35.9% during 2015-2020 - United Kingdome, France and Germany collectively accounts to 45% share in the Europe mHealth device market in 2014 - Cardiovascular and diabetes mHelath application market remains the lucrative market segment for manufacturers Geographically, North America and Europe constitute the two largest markets for mHealth and collectively accounted for 67% of the market revenue in 2014. They are expected to continue its hold on the global market throughout the forecast period. Early adoption of innovative technology, large patient population and high capacity to pay for services are some of the key factors responsible for the growth of mHealth market in these regions. However, the market outlook across developing economies is looking favorable and strong owing to the increasing awareness of chronic diseases, favorable government regulations and increased healthcare expenditure. Philips healthcare, Bayer Healthcare and Sanofi are some of the key companies enjoying a strong foothold in mHealth market, especially in Asian countries. Key players profiled in this report include - Philips healthcare, Omron HealthCare Inc., Bayer Healthcare, LifeWatch, Cardionet Inc., Masimo Corporation, Sanofi, Boston Scientific, AT&T Inc., and Johnson & Johnson. Get 20% Free Customization In This Report @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/676 About us Allied Market Research, a market research and advisory company of Allied Analytics LLP, provides business insights and market research reports to large as well as small & medium enterprises. The company assists its clients to strategize business policies and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. Allied Market Research provides one stop solution from the beginning of data collection to investment advice. The analysts at Allied Market Research dig out factors that help clients to understand the significance and impact of market dynamics. The company amplies client's 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. San Jose, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- "Pneumatic Rollers Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking: Global Market Insights 2018 to 2028" is an analytical study that offers actionable intelligence on several segments of the pneumatic rollers market. The report also reveals the sales and demand scenario of pneumatic rollers across key regions globally. Comprehensive report on pneumatic rollers market covers analysis on various dynamics impacting growth. It also provides historical data, current market scenario and future insights on pneumatic rollers market. The pneumatic rollers market report is skilfully drafted with a chapter wise analysis for convenience of the reader. Chapter 1 Executive Summary This chapter provides an in-depth overview of the pneumatic rollers market. It also includes opportunity assessment along with wheel of fortune that reveals segmental assessment of pneumatic rollers market. The chapter highlights various mega trends that influence the growth of pneumatic rollers market along with key insights provided by XploreMR analysts. Get Sample Copy of this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/2175 Chapter 2 Introduction The pneumatic rollers market report covers a brief introduction on the market. It provides opinions of key participants, overview of construction industry, outlook on construction equipment across key regions (BRIC & TRIAD), financial services, potential of aftermarket services and challenges in the pneumatic rollers market. Chapter 3 Scope This chapter covers market segmentation along with definition of pneumatic rollers. It defines the entire scope of the report and various facets it is describing. Chapter 4 Associated Industry Assessment This chapter covers road infrastructure scenario, major construction projects worldwide, need of compaction machines and compaction machine value and volume sales and forecasts. Chapter 5 Market Dynamics & Key Indicators This chapter includes key dynamics focusing on drivers, restraints, opportunities and trends in the pneumatic rollers market. It also highlights value chain analysis, product life cycle and technology roadmap. Chapter 6 Pricing Analysis This chapter provides price point analysis by region, by loading capacity and other forecasts. This delivers intelligence on various pricing aspects influencing sales of pneumatic rollers. Chapter 7 Pneumatic Rollers Market Analysis and Forecast This chapter of the pneumatic rollers market report includes a year-on-year growth assessment, absolute dollar opportunity analysis, pneumatic rollers market volume forecasts, and impact analysis. This chapter further covers intelligence on sales and demand of pneumatic rollers across key regions, and segmental information on pneumatic rollers by engine capacity, by operating capacity, and by drum width. It also reveals market attractiveness index of each segment and region. Chapter 8 North America Pneumatic Rollers Market Analysis This chapter includes assessment on pneumatic rollers sales across major countries of United States and Canada along with detailed segmental outlook across these countries for the forecasted period. Chapter 9 Latin America Pneumatic Rollers Market Analysis Major countries of Brazil, Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Mexico are assessed apropos to the adoption of pneumatic rollers. Potential of these countries complementing to the growth of the Latin America pneumatic rollers market with y-o-y growth assessments are revealed here. Chapter 10 Europe Pneumatic Rollers Market Analysis This chapter of the pneumatic rollers market report includes insights on demand and sales of pneumatic rollers across Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, BENELUX, Nordic and Italy. Revenue generation through sales of pneumatic rollers and their demand in these countries is provided in this chapter. Chapter 11 CIS & Russia Pneumatic Rollers Market Analysis The demand for pneumatic rollers in CIS & Russia is analyzed and future potential of the pneumatic rollers market in this region is revealed in the chapter. Segmental snapshot of pneumatic rollers market is chalked in this section. Chapter 12 Japan Pneumatic Rollers Market Analysis The sales of pneumatic rollers in Japan are assessed and future projections of the Japanese pneumatic rollers market is revealed in this chapter. Segmental analysis of pneumatic rollers market in this country is included in this section. Chapter 13 Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ) Pneumatic Rollers Market Analysis Countries of Greater China, ASEAN, India, and Australia & New Zealand are assessed and sales assessment of pneumatic rollers in these countries is covered. A market attractiveness index and incremental opportunity along with year-on-year growth rate of APEJ pneumatic rollers market is provided here. Chapter 14 Middle East and Africa (MEA) Pneumatic Rollers Market Analysis This chapter focuses on pneumatic rollers market scenario across GCC countries, Israel, South Africa, and Turkey. Application wise analysis of pneumatic rollers market in these countries is covered in this chapter. Chapter 15 Pneumatic rollers Market Competitive Assessment This extensive section provides competitive intelligence to the reader by covering major companies participating in manufacturing and dealership of pneumatic rollers. This chapter provides market structure analysis, company share assessment including Tier 1 and Tier 2 players and region wise positioning assessment. Chapter 16 Company Profiles This chapter includes profiling of key market players involved in manufacturing of pneumatic rollers and their distribution. In-depth company share analysis along with company overview, key design innovations and developments, SWOT analysis and key financial aspects are covered. Chapter 17 Research Methodology This section gives a brief overview on the entire research process carried out to garner key information and statistics on pneumatic rollers market. It also covers detailed intelligence on various sources used. A brief overview of secondary sources used to glean the market information and details on primary interviews initiated with opinion leaders, market observers and other stakeholders in the pneumatic rollers market is covered here. Get Full Report Access @ https://www.xploremr.com/cart/2175/SL Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/10/2019 -- Small animal imaging (In vivo) is a technique used for imaging biological processes in living animals which shows the changes in cellular activity to study the effect of drugs and disease progression. Small animal imaging is used in clinical research for drug development. Small animal imaging helps to study the drug assessment on various diseases. The small animal imaging includes whole body scan of small animals which is a cost effective method for regular validation and commercialization of new drugs. Small animal imaging is in vivo classification and measurement of biologic process at molecular level which involves the study of specific targeted molecule. Small animal imaging includes micro CT, micro MRI, digital angiography, micro SPECT, micro PET magnetic particle imaging and x-ray imaging. Small Animal Imaging (In vivo) Market: Drivers & Restraints Small animal imaging market is an emerging due to the advancements in technology and increase in healthcare expenditure. There is an enormous increase in pharmaceutical companies and research institutions elevation in usage of small animal imaging techniques across the globe. Although, high equipment cost and limitation in technology is expected to hinder the market growth of small animal imaging market over the forecast period. Also, surviving in highly competitive market and inaccessibility of radiopharmaceuticals are the main challenges to overcome for small players. Whereas, innovations in MRI imaging techniques as well in other imaging techniques, usage in many applications and emerging markets are some of the favorable factors for small animal imaging market growth. Small animal imaging market is also being affected by some factors such as insufficient infrastructure for research amenities and shortage of skilled personnel in developing regions. Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1334 Small Animal Imaging (In vivo) Market: Segmentation Small animal imaging Market is classified on the basis of application, technology and geography. Based on application, the small animal imaging market is segmented into the following: Monitoring Drug Treatment Response Bio Distribution Studies Cancer Cell Detection Biomarkers Longitudinal Studies Epigenetics Based on technology, the small animal imaging market is segmented into the following: Micro-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Micro-MRI) Digital Angiography Ultrasound Nuclear Imaging Micro-Positron Emission Tomography (Micro-PET) Micro-Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (Micro-SPECT) Optical Imaging (OI) Bioluminescence Imaging Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging Others Micro-Ultrasound Imaging Micro-Computerized Tomography (Micro-CT) Based on geography, the small animal imaging market is segmented into following: North America (U.S., Canada) Latin America (Mexico, Brazil) Western Europe (Germany, Italy, U.K, Spain, France, Rest of Western Europe) Eastern Europe (Russia) Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand) Japan Middle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa) Small Animal Imaging (In vivo) Market: Overview Small animal imaging market is expected to grow at a good pace. Enormous increase in number of pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, rise in usage of functional imaging and growing adoption rate for small animal imaging are the factors expected to boost the market growth over the forecast period.The swift progression in technology, many applications and growing base of research are some of the key factors to drive the growth of small animal imaging globally.Emerging countries will be growing with a faster CAGR related to other parts of the world as expenditure in these region on research is growing. Small Animal Imaging (In vivo) Market: Region-wise Outlook Depending on geographic region, small animal imaging market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. North America contributes the maximum share in small animal imaging market. Eastern and Western Europe will show a good growth as the need for drug development through small animal imaging will be increasing. Asia Pacific is growing with a significant CAGR for small animal imaging market due to increase in healthcare expenditure and investment in research. Amongst the Asian countries, China, India and South Korea will be the more promising because of having a good economy and more expenditure on research. Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1334 Small Animal Imaging (In vivo) Market: Key Players Some of the key participating global players in small animal imaging (In vivo) marketare Berthold Technologies, Spectral Instruments Imaging, Agilent Technologies, Inc., Aspect Imaging, Bioscan, Inc., Bruker Corporation, Gamma Medica-Ideas, Inc., Genovis Ab, Li-Cor Biosciences, Life Technologies Corporation, Mediso Medical Imaging Systems, Miltenyi Biotec Gmbh, Perkinelmer, Inc., Promega Corporation, Scanco Medical Ag, Siemens Ag, Sofie Biosciences, Inc., Targeson, Inc., Uvp. LLC, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Thermo Fischer Scientific. Royal Caribbean International's 168,666gt Quantum Ultra ship is on a 14-night cruise from Dubai to Singapore. The next port call is Cochin on Saturday. 'Largest and most innovative' Spectrum of the Seas is 'the largest and most innovative [cruise ship[ yet to touch Indian shores,' Mumbai Port CEO Varun Chadha said. 'Her deployment in Singapore in May and then in Shanghai June onwards will give Indians access to the best of cruising while visiting exciting destinations in Thailand, Malaysia and Japan.' Plaques were exchanged between Spectrum of the Seas Capt. Charles Teige and Jaykumar Rawal, tourism minister of Maharashtra; Sanjay Bhatia, chairman of Mumbai Port; and Keki Master, SVP of JM Baxi. Press Release May 11, 2019 ANGARA TO VOTERS: 'ALAGANG ANGARA' FAMILY LEGACY TO CONTINUE Senator Sonny Angara said on Saturday that the Filipino people could count on him to continue the "Alagang Angara" family legacy should they reelect him to the Senate, as he appealed to voters to take into account his track record as a public servant when they cast their ballots on Monday. Angara, who has been a lawmaker for 15 years--9 years as Aurora congressman and 6 years as senator--also paid tribute to his father, the late Senate President Edgardo Angara, whose first death anniversary coincides with the May 13 midterm elections. "From my father, I received a huge mission and a legacy to pass on and I intend to do just that," Angara said, as he spent the last day of campaigning in Metro Manila that will culminate in the "Miting de Avance" of PDP-Laban, the political party of President Rodrigo Duterte, in Pasig City after 90 days of grueling campaign. Angara said he was proud to carry forward his father's legacy of public service and noteworthy advocacies under the brand "Alagang Angara," which is anchored on education, health, job creation and social protection. "Where my father made high school free, we did the same for kindergarten and college," said Angara, one of the authors of the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act which made tuition and miscellaneous fees free in public universities and colleges, and the Free Kindergarten Law. He added: "Where my father established PhilHealth, we were among those who worked on the newly enacted Universal Health Care Act which among other things aims to make check-ups and lab tests free for every Filipino. Where my father established TESDA to promote better work-skills, we expanded the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), established DOLE's JobStart Program, and made sure that every province, city, municipality in this country has a Public Employment Service Office (PESO) that will help jobseekers find employment." According to Angara, his track record speaks volumes of what he has accomplished as a lawmaker and a staunch advocate of giving every Filipino equal opportunity for a better life through quality and free education and health care and decent jobs. "Our track record speaks for itself. Hopefully, our track record shows that in many ways, we're building on and improving the good things, the institutions that those who came before us had already set up. Hopefully, our track record underscores that we are worth voting for again in the elections on Monday," he said. Angara, one of the leading senatorial candidates based on various independent pre-election surveys, has earned the endorsements of several political leaders and influential groups, the latest of them were the religious organizations Iglesia ni Cristo and El Shadddai. At least seven senators, including the top four leaders of the Senate, are also vocal in their support for Angara's reelection bid. They are Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri, Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, and Senators Loren Legarda, Joel Villanueva and Sherwin Gatchalian. Angara's candidacy is also backed by several organizations, cause-oriented groups, political parties such as One Batangas; Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations Inc.; Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement (FPJPM); Coalition of the Elderly Inc.; Alyansa ng May Kapansanang Pinoy (AKAP-Pinoy); Tahanang Walang Hagdan Inc.; Philippine Paralympic Committee; Coop-NATCCO Party-list; health advocacy groups PGH Cancer Survivors Organization (PCSORG), the Ostomy Association of the Philippines (OAP), and breast cancer survivors' group KaBoobs; Davao-based District III Women Federation Inc.; and the seafarers' ANGKLA party-list group. He is also being endorsed by Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HnP), the influential regional political party led by presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, and President Duterte's PDP-Laban. Angara chairs the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino, the political party once led by his father, who was behind landmark legislation that created the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Free College High School Act, the Senior Citizens Act, and the National Health Insurance Act that created the PhilHealth. Since becoming a legislator in 2004, first as representative of the lone district of Aurora and later as senator in 2013, the younger Angara authored and sponsored more than 180 national and local laws, and vowed to continue his legislative agenda of helping every member of the Filipino family if voters return him to the Senate. Among his notable legislation are the free kindergarten and college laws; VAT exemption for senior citizens and persons with disability; free medical check-up, laboratory tests and some medicines under PhilHealth; year-round student fare discount; establishment of the Expanded Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in every local government unit to assist people seeking employment; tax exemption of "balikbayan" boxes of overseas Filipino workers; free government-issued documents for first-time jobseekers; and the scrapping of the 12-percent VAT on maintenance medicines for diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. Press Release May 11, 2019 Joint Congressional Power Commission OKs EPIRA IRR amendments The Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC) has greenlit the amendments to the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act Law (EPIRA) in order for communities to feel the benefits of hosting power generation facilities as quickly as possible. During the last JCPC hearing for the 17th Congress, both panels of the Senate and House of Representative approved Department of Energy Circulars 2018-03-005 and 2018-08-0021 that aim to include indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples in the list of host communities, and fast track the release and use of the funds to host communities, respectively. JCPC co-chair Senator Win Gatchalian stressed the need to amend the IRR concerning benefits to host communities of the EPIRA Law to empower and to speedily give host communities the benefits mandated by law, but also to promote harmony and cooperation among the LGUs, residents, and generation companies or energy-resource developers. "As we speak right now, the total fund for benefits for host communities in the entire country is P12 billion. As of August of last year, only P6 billion has either been utilized or allocated for use because of red tape," the lawmaker said during the hearing. Gatchalian said the fund can be used for rural electrification, development and livelihood, and rehabilitation of watershed management, health, and environmental enhancement projects. However, Gatchalian pointed out that these funds take years to trickle down to host communities because of the current procedure in the EPIRA IRR. Under the present setup, generation companies will remit the funds to the DOE, which in turn will release the fund to host communities that will implement the projects subject to submission of various documentary requirements. The lawmaker said Department Circular (DC) 2018-08-0021 removes DOE from the picture and allows the generation companies to directly remit the funds to the host communities. On the other hand, DC 2018-03-005 expands the benefits to indigenous cultural communities and indigenous peoples who were previously not included as beneficiaries. Gatchalian believes that these twin department circulars will eliminate the prevailing red tape that complicates the process of giving the funds to the host communities. "On behalf of the Senate, after reviewing thoroughly the proposals of the Department of Energy, we definitely want to empower and to give the benefits as quickly as possible to the LGUs," the senator said. The House of Representatives also joined the senate in its approval of the said request of the DOE. A certificate error that impromptu disabled all add-ons on Mozilla's Firefox browser has been finally fixed. In its official blog, the company explained that a Firefox release version 66.0.4 on Desktop and Android, and version 60.6.2 for ESR repairs the certificate chain to re-enable web extensions, themes, search engines, and language packs that had been disabled. Terming the Rafale deal a question of national security, Attorney General K.K. Venugopal told a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi: "We have signed an IGA ... which we are obliged to follow ... Rafale is not for ornamentation. It is essential for protection of each and everyone of us ... nowhere in the world do such matters go before the court." New Delhi: The Centre on Friday told the Supreme Court that there is "no corruption" in the Rafale deal and it is bound to maintain secrecy on pricing as per the Inter-Government Agreement (IGA) signed with France, while stressing defence deals are not examined in a court of law. He also said that in accordance with the IGA's Article 10, the pricing cannot be disclosed. "... the secrecy clause of the inter-governmental agreement between India and France pertains to defence deals and not to the award of contract for construction of flyover or dams," he said insisting on the dismissal of review petitions. Former Union Ministers Yashwant Sinha and Arun Shourie and activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who have filed the review petitions, however, contended before the top court that it should set aside December 14, 2018 verdict, which dismissed their plea for criminal investigation into the Rafale deal. The court then reserved verdict on the batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14 judgment. Bhushan alleged suppression of material facts from the court, and an FIR should be registered and a criminal investigation initiated. He also argued that the three-member Indian Negotiation Team had objected to parallel negotiations by the PMO, which allegedly led to the deal become more expensive. Objecting to the review petition, the Attorney General said the basic grounds for seeking review of the December verdict were similar to the main petition. He also rubbished the allegations that the Centre has played a fraud on the court regarding the information on the deal. "The petitioners are seeking review on the basis of stolen documents ... they committed theft by accessing incomplete file notings of government departments," he said. Bhushan argued that eight critical clauses, including on anti-corruption, were dropped on the deal, and the objection of three experts on pricing of the aircraft deal ignored. "The Centre should place the entire file of the negotiations team before the court ... for the deal to go through, the Centre also breached the ceiling price. The French government issued a letter of comfort, which was not off any comfort," he said. Shourie, who briefly argued, told the court that it has been "misled", and although, the government has given all the documents regarding the deal to CAG, "why can't they share then with the court". He also shared a document published on the Ministry of Home Affairs website, which mandates the government has to share information on defence deals. The Attorney General, however, argued that the document is old, and in accordance with the IGA, the government has to oblige its terms, regarding secrecy. He also said that the Rafale deal has come to fruition stage after many years, and if any delay is caused, developing a new Request for Proposal (RFP) and then floating it will take another five years. "This delay will affect the security and safety of the country ... the court should not be going into how the jets were purchased ... if we had seen prima facie in the case, we would have not produced the documents (regarding the deal) before the court," he said. At this, Bhushan said: "We are not in favour of the cancellation of the contract, but criminal investigation should be made by the CBI into the deal ... as the material information has been suppressed, we cannot reach to the root of the matter. Ultimately, the deal went ahead without any guarantee, no bank guarantee or sovereign guarantee". Firing a volley of queries at the Attorney General regarding the deal, the court first asked him on the registration of the FIR and he said that there "should be a prima facie cognizable offence". The court then asked about transfer of technology, which was an integral component of the deal under negotiation during the UPA time, and its benefits. At this, Venugopal retorted: "Who is to decide that? Will this court decide?" As the court asked about the sovereign guarantee, the Attorney General cited precedents with Russia and US, where bank guarantees were waived for defence deals. Finally, the court asked Venugopal's opinion on the dissent of three domain experts, but he said they had eventually consented. "They examined the whole aspect. The concerns raised by the three members were referred to Defence Acquisition Committee. Eventually, they agreed," he said, adding that he can produce the documents related to their consent. The tally by cybersecurity firm Recorded Future found that at least 170 county, city or state government systems have been attacked since 2013, including at least 45 police and sheriff's offices, CNN reported on Friday. Washington: Targeted ransomware attacks on US government entities, cities, police stations and schools, are on the rise, costing localities millions as some pay off the perpetrators in an effort to untangle themselves and restore vital systems, the media reported. The firm compiled all known instances of ransomware infections of local government systems, a type of cyberattack that encrypts a computer's files, where the attacker demands payment, usually in bitcoin, for a key to unlock them. The federal government and the FBI do not track the attacks nationwide. There have been 22 known public-sector attacks so far in 2019, which would outpace 2018, and that does not take into account that attacks often aren't reported until months or years after they're discovered. The latest major city to be hit is Baltimore, which was infected with ransomware on Tuesday. It has quarantined its networks and been forced to provide most of its municipal services manually. At the end of March, New York's state capital, Albany, admitted it had been hit with ransomware. Law enforcement also was targeted in Texas in March, when the Fisher County sheriff's office was infected and reportedly lost the ability to connect to a state-wide law enforcement database. Late April, Genesee County, Michigan, announced that it was finally ransomware-free, after an attack effectively shut down the county's tax department for most of the month. The first known small government ransomware infection hit the small town of Greenland, New Hampshire, in 2013 but the number of attacks didn't explode until 2016, when there were 46. The number dropped to 38 in 2017 -- indicative of a temporary worldwide reduction in ransomware infections -- before rising to 53 last year. In his 11-page reply, Rahul Gandhi also told the Election Commission to be fair and non-discriminatory in dealing with complaints of poll code breach. : Congress president Rahul Gandhi has told the Election Commission that he did not violate the poll code when he claimed that the Narendra Modi government had enacted a new law that allowed tribals to be shot at. Rahul Gandhi's reply was in response to a show cause notice by the EC for the claim he made while addressing an election rally in Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh on April 23. Rahul Gandhi told the poll panel that he had tried to summarise a proposed amendment to the Indian Forest Act in a simple language during his speech. Rahul said his words, in Hindi, were used in a "free flow of a political speech" and there was no intention of "misleading, misrepresenting or stating false and non-existent facts". He claimed there was no violation of the Model Code of Conduct by him during his speech and his criticism was confined to the policies and programmes and work of the Modi government. The Congress chief said the complaint was lodged against him by the BJP only to distract him from campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections as he is the head of a political party and also its star campaigner. Rahul Gandhi told the Election Commission that election is an "expression of popular will" and the "object of elections cannot be achieved" unless there is freedom of speech and the merits or demerits of a policy are exposed for people to judge. Rahul Gandhi said the remarks made by him are part of present political rhetoric, confined to the BJP's "anti-tribal policies" and urged the commission to dismiss the complaint against him not initiate further action in the matter. The Congress president also provided a set of documents pertaining to the issue in question as evidence along with his reply. System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedbbbb30)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedba87b0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedbbbb30)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedba87b0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3feda89098)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedba87b0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedba87b0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fed259070)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fedc53cd0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fedc53cd0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedc42ab8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc0ad20)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedc42ab8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc0ad20)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedb78238)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc0ad20)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc0ad20)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fed258f80)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fedb9c8b8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fedb9c8b8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedb06970)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc0f2d0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedb06970)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc0f2d0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedaf6298)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc0f2d0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc0f2d0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fed258b18)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3feda3e300)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3feda3e300)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedb68538)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc04d18)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedb68538)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc04d18)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedb97118)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc04d18)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedc04d18)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fed258560)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3feda8fb70)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3feda8fb70)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3ff0155d78)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3ff15390c0)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3ff0155d78)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3ff15390c0)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3ff0341650)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3ff15390c0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3ff15390c0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3ff1e16db8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3ff1ffb6c0)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3ff1ffb6c0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedb282f0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedb7a1c8)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedb282f0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedb7a1c8)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedb76f90)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedb7a1c8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedb7a1c8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fed2590d0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fedc61848)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3fedc61848)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3feda820b8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3feda6e768)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3feda820b8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3feda6e768)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedbab138)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3feda6e768)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3feda6e768)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fed258548)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3feda82298)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3feda82298)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3feda7c380)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedb69540)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3feda7c380)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedb69540)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f3fedbd1130)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedb69540)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fedb69540)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f3fed257bc0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3feda6b088)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f3feda6b088)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Uber shifts into reverse in disappointing Wall Street debut New York, May 10 (AFP) May 10, 2019 Uber shares skidded Friday in a disappointing Wall Street debut following a massive public offering from the global ride-hailing giant. After pricing at $45 for the initial public offering (IPO) -- translating to a market value of $82 billion -- Uber shares began the trading day lower, and closed with a loss of 7.6 percent at $41.57. The decline, in a volatile session for Wall Street, came amid doubts over Uber's path to profitability despite one of the biggest tech IPOs ever. The drop was a "big disappointment" and suggested lower demand than expected for a major name like Uber, said Matt Kennedy, senior IPO market strategist at Renaissance Capital. Kennedy said that both Uber and US rival Lyft were lower on concerns about hefty losses at the ride-hailing services. "Silicon Valley may not care about losses, but Wall Street does," he said. Ross Gerber of the investment firm Gerber Kawasaki said Uber had been overhyped, despite concerns about its business model, and estimated Uber's value at no more than $60 billion. "I don't buy ride sharing and the current economics," Gerber tweeted. "Questionable employment practices. And an unsustainable pricing structure. We're passing on $uber and $lyft for now." Despite the staggering valuation, Uber dialed back some of its earlier ambitions for a value exceeding $100 billion after a rocky start for Lyft earlier this year. Lyft, meanwhile, slumped more than seven percent, bringing its shares down about 29 percent since its March debut. - NYSE fanfare - Chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi and an Uber team rang the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange after the firm raised about $8.1 billion in the IPO. While Uber has lost billions since launching its first rides in 2011 in San Francisco, the company is aiming to develop a global brand that helps transform local transportation. Whether Uber can drive to profitability using this model as it disrupts traditional taxi and transport services is a key question. Daniel Ives at Wedbush Securities was upbeat on Uber despite the weaker-than-anticipated valuation. Ives said in a research note that Uber has "established itself as the clear number one player in the ridesharing industry and is paving a similar road to what Amazon did to transform retail/ecommerce and Facebook did for social media." - Risks to business model - Some of the risks surrounding Uber and its rivals were highlighted Wednesday as thousands of drivers turned off their apps in a US-wide strike over pay and working conditions. The strikes targeting Uber and Lyft highlighted a dilemma for rideshare firms, which have faced challenges from regulators and traditional taxi operators for using a business model relying on independent contractors. One group protested outside the New York Stock Exchange, some holding signs that read "Invest in our lives -- Not their stocks." "While we aim to provide an earnings opportunity comparable to that available in retail, wholesale, or restaurant services or other similar work, we continue to experience dissatisfaction with our platform from a significant number of drivers," Uber said in a filing with securities regulators. In a securities filing on Thursday, Uber said it had reached an agreement with a large majority of the roughly 60,000 drivers contesting their status as independent contractors and who had instituted arbitration proceedings against the firm. The company anticipates the total cost of the individual settlements, combined with attorneys' fees, will fall between $146 million and $170 million. Uber maintained it was sticking to its plans on how it classifies drivers. "Our business would be adversely affected if drivers were classified as employees instead of independent contractors," the company said. Uber's IPO was underwritten by Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and other large banks. - Sharing the future - Uber envisions becoming the "Amazon of transportation" in a future where people share instead of owning vehicles. If all goes to plan, commuters could ride an e-scooter to a transit station, take a train, then grab an e-bike or e-scooter to complete a journey using the Uber smartphone app. Uber is also taking to the sky with an Elevate project to have electric aircraft carry people between "skyports," taking off and landing vertically. bur-rl/it The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2018 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement 70 countries urge North Korea to scrap nuclear, ballistic weapons United Nations, United States, May 11 (AFP) May 11, 2019 Seventy countries urged North Korea on Friday to scrap its nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and related programs, decrying the "undiminished threat" posed to world peace. Signatories included the United States and South Korea, as well as nations in Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe. Russia and China, supporters of Pyongyang, did not sign the document drafted by France. With two missile launches in a week, Pyongyang is walking a fine line between increasing pressure on the US and not derailing nuclear negotiations -- all while giving itself room to escalate, analysts say. According to a diplomatic source, about 15 countries asked to sign on to the request for North Korean disarmament after the new missile firings. The signatories "strongly deplore the grave and undiminished threat to regional and international peace and security posed by the ongoing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles programmes that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has developed," the text said. "We encourage the DPRK to avoid any provocation," it added. "We also call for the DPRK to continue discussions with the United States on denuclearization." Pyongyang fired two short-range missiles Thursday following an earlier drill on Saturday. The North had not launched any since November 2017, shortly before leader Kim Jong Un embarked on diplomatic overtures. Kim declared an end to the testing of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles during rapid rapprochement last year. North Korea's missile tests not 'breach of trust': Trump Washington, May 11 (AFP) May 11, 2019 North Korean missile launches over the past week have not affected Donald Trump's relationship with Kim Jong Un, the US president said Friday, in a change of course after initially expressing his dissatisfaction. Pyongyang fired two short-range missiles Thursday following an earlier drill the previous Saturday -- the first in 18 months. The North had not launched any missiles since November 2017, shortly before once reclusive Kim embarked on diplomatic overtures. "I don't consider that a breach of trust at all. And, you know, at some point I may. But at this point no," Trump said in an interview with Politico. "These were short-range missiles and very standard stuff. Very standard." Twenty-four hours earlier, however, Trump showed his irritation and impatience on an issue where he hopes to succeed while all his predecessors -- Republicans and Democrats -- have failed. "Nobody's happy about it," he told reporters, in reaction to the launches. "We'll see what happens," Trump added. "I know they want to negotiate, they're talking about negotiating. But I don't think they are ready to negotiate." Will the US president at some point lose faith in Kim? He has met twice with the North Korean leader and claimed that the two have a special friendship and even "love." "I mean it's possible that at some point I will, but right now not at all," he told Politico. - 'Undiminished threat' - The first face-to-face historic meeting between the two men in June 2018 in Singapore produced only a vague statement about denuclearization, allowing both sides to make very different interpretations of it. February's second summit, in Hanoi, broke up without a deal after they failed to agree on what Pyongyang would be willing to give up in exchange for sanctions relief. Since then, Kim has accused Washington of acting in "bad faith" and given it until the end of the year to change its approach. North Korea's Rodong Sinmun newspaper, the mouthpiece of the ruling party, devoted its entire front page and half of page two to the launch on Friday, with 16 pictures, the main one of Kim watching the launch from a camouflaged shelter. Despite recent threats by the North to seek a new path, the nature and presentation of the two recent launches demonstrate that Pyongyang does not intend to walk away from talks any time soon, analysts say. On Friday at the United Nations, 70 countries urged North Korea to scrap its nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and related programs, decrying the "undiminished threat" posed to world peace. Signatories included the United States and South Korea, as well as nations in Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe. Russia and China, supporters of Pyongyang, did not sign the document drafted by France. According to a diplomatic source, about 15 countries asked to sign on to the request for North Korean disarmament after the new missile firings. Belgian leaders mull suspension of Saudi arms sales Brussels, May 11 (AFP) May 11, 2019 Belgian leaders are mulling the suspension of arms sales to Saudi Arabia, national broadcaster RTBF said Saturday after it was reported they had been used in Yemen. Foreign Minister Didier Reynders told RTBF: "I think it would be good to suspend arms deliveries to Saudi Arabia" if it were shown they had been used "in an ongoing conflict, such as in Yemen," in which case he said the regional Walloonian government "must" take that decision. Belgium's constitution places responsibility for such decisions on the producer region, in this case Wallonia, which owns the arms manufacturer FN Herstal. Regional president Willy Borsus told RTBF it "could go as far as suspending existing arms export licenses" if conditions under which they were granted had been violated. Belgian newspaper Le Soir said Wednesday an investigation showed Ryad had used Belgian arms and technology in operations against Huthi rebels in Yemen, where more than four years of fighting has killed tens of thousands of people, relief agencies say. The fighting has triggered what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 3.3 million people still displaced and 24.1 million -- more than two-thirds of the population -- in need of aid. The issue of Saudi arms sales divides European governments, with French President Emmanuel Macron defending such sales Thursday as part of "the fight against terrorism." Germany however suspended arms sales to Riyad after the killing last year of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, posing a problem for European partners because it can affect weapons produced jointly. A diplomatic source said the issue would be discussed Monday by EU foreign ministers in Brussels, because Saudi Arabia is also backing Libyan rebel leader Khalifa Haftar in his bid to overthrow a government in Tripoli that has EU backing. The EU has committed to enforcing a UN arms embargo in Libya. French FM urges Iran to show 'political maturity' over US nuclear deal pullout Paris, May 11 (AFP) May 11, 2019 French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has described Tehran's threat to resume nuclear work -- in what would be a contravention of its commitments under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal -- as a "bad reaction", calling on Tehran to show "political maturity". "Iran has had a bad reaction, faced with a bad US decision to withdraw from the Vienna agreements and impose sanctions," Le Drian said in an interview published online by Le Parisien, referring to the 2015 deal signed in Vienna. "It is a pity that the United States is not honouring its commitments, Iran must show its political maturity," Le Drian added. Iran announced earlier this month that it will stop respecting some limits on its nuclear activities imposed under the landmark 2015 deal. The announcement came exactly a year after the US withdrew from the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with further measures threatened if the agreement's other signatories fail to mitigate the impact of renewed American sanctions within 60 days. Le Drian also warned against a "bellicose spiral", stressing the "responsibility" of the Americans and the importance of dialogue with Tehran. Why does Trump let his two horsemen of the apocalypse get away with this? by Eric S. Margolis Is it just a coincidence that TV networks are re-running old Dirty Harry films just as a powerful US Naval armada and Air Force B-52 bombers are headed for what could be a clash with Iran? Here we go again with the good guys versus the bad guys, and make my day. Maybe its more bluffing? The current US military deployment was scheduled before the latest flare-up with Iran, but the bellicose threats of White House neocon crusaders like John Bolton and Mike Pompeo certainly create the impression that the US wants war. Adding to the warlike excitement, President Trump just ordered seizure of a large North Korean bulk cargo ship. This was clearly a brazen act of war and violation of international law. More dangerous brinkmanship by administration war-mongers who increasingly appear besotted by power and hubris. So much for the president who vowed to avoid foreign wars - and so much for the millions of anti-war voters who believed him. Why does Trump let his two horsemen of the apocalypse get away with this? Im following this latest gunboat diplomacy with particular interest because I had the privilege in 1994 of going to sea on the very same aircraft carrier, CVN-72 USS Abraham Lincoln that is now reportedly steaming towards Irans coast. With it are a nuclear submarine, a cruiser and a group of destroyers, all equipped with land-attack missiles. As a former soldier and war correspondent, I was deeply impressed by the Lincoln and her youthful crew. They were efficient, motivated and superbly well-organized. In our lifetime, no other navy will ever equal the skills of the US carrier fleet. The only real threat to Americas huge carriers is the growing power and accuracy of Russian, Chinese and Indian heavy anti-ship missiles. The Navy task force is backed up by B-52 nuclear-capable heavy bombers now stationed in Qatar, and US warplanes from other bases in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkey, Jordan, and Pakistan that effectively surround Iran. The carriers are just for show and threat. Israel, which is eager to see the US attack Iran, has helpfully provided intelligence allegedly showing that Iran is planning to attack certain US installations in the Mideast. Interestingly, Israel and its American supporters did the same thing in 2001 and 2003, pushing the US to attack its foe Iraq. Washington largely relied on Israeli intelligence about Iraq since its own resources were so weak and senior Bush administration neocons kept touting the claims from Israel. President Trump sees himself as an emperor besieged by Washington Lilliputians. Theres nothing like a jolly little war to shut up all his critics and garner media support. Even better, the bad guys in this case are Eye-ranian Muslims. Trumps religious base would thrill at the prospect of pounding the Islamic Republic. During the Bush administration years, over 80% of so-called born again Christians backed war against Iraq. What happened to turn the other cheek? This administrations neocons have made it their lifes work to destroy Iran, which is considered Israels only serious enemy and a champion of the Palestinian cause. The Trump administration has largely fallen under the influence of Israels hard right in foreign and military affairs. So Bolton and Pompeo are clearly trying to engineer an incident that would spark war. Not full-scale war, but an excuse for the US and Israel to bomb Irans nuclear facilities, key military sites and communications infrastructure as was done with Iraq. It wont be back all the way to the Stone Age, but half way, so that Irans development is set back by a decade. Israel will then use its control over the US Congress to keep Iran under a very tight embargo. The Pentagons original plan to punish Iran called for some 2,300 air strikes on Day 1 alone. Washingtons hope, as usual, is that growing misery and hardship in Iran will provoke a revolt to oust the Islamic government, allowing the US to install the exiled Iranian royalists it has waiting in Southern California. This was the pattern in Cuba, Nicaragua, Iraq, Syria, Libya and now Venezuela. Its not diplomacy, just brute force. It is neither China nor the Chinese; it is simply the CPEC which has become a pain in the neck for the world around by Ali Sukhanver Now-a-days, the hottest topic of discussion in Pakistan is the recent arrest of 13 Chinese men from Lahore. These men were arrested on the charges of human trafficking. According to the media details, these men allegedly married Pakistani girls, took them to China and there forced them to get involved in prostitution. With a mix feeling of fear, apprehension and of surprise, the topic is being discussed everywhere from offices to the markets. Some of the learned analysts are trying their best to name this incident as hazards of the CPEC. They are trying to make the people realize that after the completion of the CPEC, the insurgency of the Chinese people into our Pakistani society would grow more serious and would become a grave threat to our social system. Some people are of the opinion that by the time the CPEC starts its complete working, the number of Chinese workers would increase many times. The Chinese do drink as wine is not prohibited in their social set-up; their religion does not stop them from eating donkey and dog-meat, so they do eat it. The increasing presence of Chinese in Pakistani society would attract the locals towards their bad-habits, some people fear. All these apprehensions might be somewhat close to reality but let us look at the other side of this picture. People all over the world do migrate to other countries; some for a short time span and some for their whole life but it always depends upon the individual, how deeply he accepts the foreign culture and how forcefully he affects the society he has become the part of. According to a report in 2012 there were more than 5000 students in China and in 2016, this number reached 19,000. Pakistani students studying at Chinese universities, make Pakistan the fourth largest source of international students in the country. The main disciplines of studies include medicine; engineering, economics and management. Pakistanis in China consist largely of temporary residents, including international students and cross-border traders. Usually they are concentrated in the Xinjiang autonomous region of northwest China. The report further says that in 2017 there were approximately 14335 Pakistanis in China but most of them stayed there on temporary basis. Let us cast a look at the present number of Chinese in Pakistan which was somewhere around 20,000 in 2013 and in 2018 it was reaching the figure of 60,000. This increase in number of Chinese in Pakistan is directly linked with the ongoing completion work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This fact must also be kept in mind that in 2018 the total population of Pakistan was 200,813,818 whereas the total population of China in 2018 was around 1,415,045,928. The question here arises is very interesting; did the Pakistanis in China start eating dogs and donkeys and taking wine during their stay there? Did the Chinese give up eating frogs, monkeys and snakes following the Pakistani Muslims? There could be a few examples on both sides but a few ones are never ranked as the Standard. If 13 out of 60000 (2018) Chinese are found guilty of deceiving Pakistani girls, it does not mean that all Chinese in Pakistan are temperamentally of the same nature. The problem which is bothering some internal and external well-wishers of Pakistan is not the presence of Chinese in Pakistan but the CPEC which is being termed as the game-changer. It is neither China nor the Chinese; it is simply the CPEC which has become a pain in the neck for the world around. Forces hostile to Pakistan are not happy over materialization of CPEC; the dreamlike project. The most important reality regarding this project is that it would provide Pakistan an opportunity of getting free from the clutches of the west, politically, financially and militarily. It would help Pakistan in coming out of a state of dependence. Experts say that CPEC will prove itself a connector of different cultures and civilizations and it would guarantee collective economic development to all those who join it. Direct and indirect foreign investment is also expected in bulk. The CPEC would further minimize the role of India in the present geo-political scenario because Pakistan would become the focus of all attention. It is a bitter reality that internationally, countries like US are frightened of the CPEC because this project has brought Pakistan and China more close to each other molding them into a new identity. US is frightened that after the completion of this project, her role in Afghanistan would simply come to an end and her dream of making India the Regional Super Power would also reach a catastrophic ending. Now a new wave of defaming China and the CPEC for the criminal activities of some Chinese individuals seems a part of the same movement which had once started with the killing and kidnapping of Chinese engineers and laborers working on the CPEC route in Pakistan. US has to keep its fingers crossed whether it can continue to be America first. by N.S.Venkataraman In the last Presidential election in USA, Presidential candidate Trump used the slogan America first very effectively, which largely caught the imagination of US citizens and satisfied their ego. Aided by this single slogan, Trump successfully became the US President. In the last several decades after the second world war, US citizens have been believing and have been made to believe by the political leaders in USA that USA is the super power in the world and would remain so for all time to come. This thought process created a sort of superiority complex amongst US citizens in general and many of them even started imagining that God has created USA to police the world. Past challenges : It is not as if the so called superiority of USA has not been challenged on several times in the past. The cold war with Soviet Union was the major challenge and ultimately USA emerged triumphant, with Soviet Union disintegrating and communist movement in the world almost entirely collapsing. While USA tried to dominate the world under the impression that everything in the world should take place only with the approval of USA, this view was challenged by national leadership in a few countries such as Vietnam, Korea, Iraq , Cuba, Iran and others. Of course, in all these cases, US emerged triumphant due to its military muscle power and financial strength, backed by a large agricultural base , technological achievements and natural resources. Will USA continue to remain first ? : Will such situation of USA remaining first in the world continue to be prevalent in the coming years ? Many observers think that it would not be so, as the challenges ahead for USA remaining first in the world will be increasingly become stronger and more severe. The three challenges : At present, the three challenges faced by US in maintaining its super power status in the world arise largely due to the following factors. 1. China is emerging as a strong economic and military power, though not matching USA till now, but likely to do so in not distant future, due to the strong and totalitarian government in China with ambitious leadership. ( somewhat similar to Nazi government in Germany under Hitlers leadership). 2. The steady growth of Islamic fundamentalism and Islamic terrorists have now reached alarming proportions, with Muslims constituting around 22% of world population and with steadily increasing population growth amongst Muslims that is likely to touch 50% of world population in the future. September 11 , 2001 attack on World Trade Centre by determined Islamic extremists , killing and injuring thousands of innocent citizens in the heart of USA , clearly exhibited the vulnerability of US to the attack by Islamic extremists. Though attacks of such magnitude have not taken place in USA since then, the threat is real and possible at any time, in spite of the vigilance exercised by US government. 3. There is increasingly visible divisiveness and lack of cohesion amongst the US population due to dilution of population caused by steady increase in the influx of Asians, Muslims, refugees / illegal entrants from Mexico, apart from historical blacks and whites divide. 4. Such scenario is leading to spread of suspicions and hatred , which is an internal threat that can weaken USA considerably. Of late, shoot outs in universities , shopping malls and other public places have become disturbingly too frequent and US government has offered no tangible explanation for such violent incidents ,which are disturbing social stability. While it is vaguely argued that gun culture is the reason, no efforts have been made by US government to curb the gun culture effectively with the seriousness that it deserves. Are strategies of US government adequate ? Above three challenges to the status of USA as super power in the world is clearly evident and US President is certainly aware of this . US government has taken some definite steps to checkmate China by launching a trade war and is condemning Islamic terrorism around the world. However, many people think that US Presidents efforts to control such trends appear to be weak, lack fundamental strength and even look like cosmetic. The forces challenging USA remain growing and strong. The very fact that US President thought it necessary to meet the President of North Korea , which is a weak and isolated country, by travelling to Singapore to talk peace, makes one suspicious whether US lacks confidence that it can continue to browbeat the world. The recent shootings and violent incidents all over USA , though isolated ones , is clearly showing rising trend and nothing worthwhile has been done by US government to solve this issue so far. In the past decades, US was able to manage many challenges largely by using its military power and economic strength. In the case of the present three challenges faced by USA, it appears that military supremacy and strong financial strength by themselves, would not be adequate. Whither strategies ? US President Trump gives an impression of remaining confused, not knowing how exactly to go about in meeting the challenges ahead. In the case of trade war with China, both USA and China are losing, in view of the mutual dependence built over the years by way of large scale US investments and technology going into China and US market becoming the largest dumping ground for China. The Muslim terrorists cannot be defeated by a war process and alternate strategies to tackle them are needed and are yet to be evolved. The internal unrest in USA needs a strong, responsive and matured leadership, which present USA does not seem to have. US has to keep its fingers crossed whether it can continue to be America first. BOC only Sri Lankan Bank to exceed Rs.50 billion brand value View(s): Bank of Ceylon (BOC), whilst becoming the first bank to exceed Rs.50 billion in Brand value, has retained its position as the No.1 brand in the Banking sector according to the Brand Finance Lanka. Figures further confirmed that the BOC brand has performed 21 per cent brand value growth over the previous year with the highest growth the brand has ever recorded and now counts for an impressive Rs. 51.8 billion Brand value. A BOC media release said that Brand Finance Lanka identifies Sri Lankas most valuable and strongest brands annually through a detailed analysis of data that is obtained from exclusive market research carried out by an independent research firm and publicly available financial information. These findings assist brands to make a clear assessment of their brand performance. The Bank of Ceylon has always looked towards long term strategies that bring genuine value added services to all our stakeholders, which has been the base of strengthening our brand. The brand was able to build trust and confidence among all stakeholders through its responsible business practices, stated BOC Chairman Ronald C. Perera. BOC is Sri Lankas highest profit earning single business entity and the first to push forward its balance-sheet over a trillion figure, which now holds over Rs.2.3 trillion Asset base, over Rs.1.5 trillion loans and advances and over Rs.1.7 trillion deposit base. Being a catalyst in the national economy whose financial expertise, innovative spirit and service excellence has empowered Sri Lankan aspirations; BOCs unequivocal pledge to all its customers is to provide memorable seamless banking solutions at each of its customer touch points, said BOC CEO/GM Senarath Bandara. Small cattle farmers seek state support By Quintus Perera View(s): View(s): His day begins in the wee hours of the morning at 3.30 am, while his working day spans more than 15 hours for almost 365 days. Muthuwadige Shelton Alwis, now around 55 years and a small scale cattle farmer, has eight milking cows. In an economic sense, he falls into the category of informal entrepreneur, yet is a real hero of our times, though forgotten and ignored. Mr. Alwis, studied at the Delatura, Ja-Ela Catholic School and after schooling, started his normal life by getting involved in various jobs, working as a security guard, a factory hand and at times even as a labourer. He married and brought up three children, who are all grown-up youngsters including one who is married and living separately. Mr. Alwis can be considered a successful man since, until he was 40 years, with his earnings from a normal 8am-5pm job he built his own house and attended to all the other things that entail the necessities of life and family needs. If was only after that did he venture to start cattle farming milk production, which is really extremely hard work as he does not use any machinery or nothing of new technology. The Business Times last week met him just as he was commencing his daily routine, living at the far end of Nelum Vila Mawatha at the edge of the Muthurajawela marshes. The Muthurajawela marshes are in fact almost entirety reclaimed and people like Mr Alwis are on the verge of getting knocked off due to the so-called development which meticulously eliminates the rural peasantry. His residence is near the Katunayake-Colombo Expressway. Land is very scarce and he maintains his cattle farm on a tiny patch of not even 13 perches. On a larger portion stands the house, while the cattle shed is squeezed in on the side of the house. In this small shed there are eight cows and several calves are housed and one could barely move inside the shed. The shed is kept clean and it is a wonder that no foul odour could be found inside the house or outside the neighbourhood. The animals excrete every now and then and the cow dung is removed quickly. He was seen removing all the cow dung into a wheel-barrow nearby; then washing the entire shed as well the animals. He takes particular care to wash the breast part of the cows. Handy with a bucket he starts milking the cows, while his wife Nirosha Shiromani Kekulawas stands-by to milk the cows alternately. The milk is put into large number of bottles and containers. The bottles and containers are loaded into his three-wheeler for distribution. In the vehicle he takes a pair of gum-boots and a sickle to cut some grass on his return home to feed the animals. When he starts his distribution round, already nearly five hours is passed and starts only by about 9 am. He said: I cover a large area which includes houses and tea kiosks and whatever the balance I sell to a cheese manufacturing factory. Averaging around eight bottles per cow, he could obtain about 80 bottles per day. He said that he sells them at the rate of Rs. 130 a bottle. After the sales he comes home after 1 pm, he said. After lunch, he gets back to work, cleaning the shed and cleaning all the utensils. He collects a large amount of cow dung and as he fights for land space, to dry the cow dung he transports them in his wheelbarrow to a nearby land. He said that once they are dry, a large gunny full of cow dung is sold at the rate of Rs. 375 per bag. He said that animals are taken for grazing to the nearby marshes. He said that the cattle farm expenditure would be around Rs. 5,000 while his income averaging per month would be around Rs. 50,000. He said that these monies are spent on household needs and no savings is made. Mr.Alwis said that though he likes to expand his farm, the handicap is enough land and noted that though there appears to be various support for farmers like him, it is not that easy to obtain such assistance. It is very unfortunate that this small cattle farmer is unable to advance to having a large scale farm with state support and in turn help the countrys fresh milk output. While there are many organised agencies and institutions such as micro financing, they are so institutionalised that farmers like Mr Alwis would never be counted. Social media woes View(s): Serapina was in a foul mood this morning. Balanna Akkey, Facebook block-karala aapahuw (See, Sister, Facebook has been blocked once again), she said, angrily. was in a foul mood this morning. Balanna Akkey, Facebook block-karala aapahuw (See, Sister, Facebook has been blocked once again), she said, angrily. It was the morning after the clashes between two groups in Negombo had resulted in the authorities blocking most social media sites, essentially as a precaution to prevent hate speech. Serapina was seated under the Margosa tree with Kussi Amma Sera and Mabel Rasthiyadu, sipping cups of tea and discussing the previous nights events. Api dannawa mey dawastike, karadarak wunoth, samaja maadya avahira karanawa kiyala. Habai eka honda-da? (We know that these days when there is some trouble, social media will get blocked. But is that right?), asked Mabel Rasthiyadu. Playing the devils advocate, Kussi Amma Sera said: Meka kere kalabala-kari thathwaya adukaranna (It was done to reduce tensions). As I watched the trio discussing a very complex issue that has gripped Sri Lanka blocking social media sites when a crisis (be it political, social, ethnic or criminal) occurs I wondered whether there are different ways of reducing tension during these periods rather than blocking access to these sites. In a way, social media has become the biggest purveyor of news and views in general across all platforms and in todays age, followed and used by millions in Sri Lanka. For that matter, anyone with a mobile phone and an Internet connection is switched onto some form of social media, as official data show. They get more information through these platforms than normal print, radio and television media. More on the data later. As I pondered these complex questions which often have difficult and no easy answers, the landline rang. It was Shifty Silva, the always-inquisitive IT expert, on the line. It was a welcome call as I had intended to contact him to get some comments on the impact of blocking social media sites. While most social media sites were blocked for several days after the Easter Sunday bombings, it was for a few hours in the case of the latest clashes in Negombo, a few days back. During these times, social media users resorted to other ways like proxy sites or VPN (virtual private network) to get their information and this was confirmed by Shifty Silva. From three-wheel drivers to corporate executives, everyone knows about VPN, said Shifty, adding: In that sense, blocking social media to minimise the flow of information particularly hate or provocative messages becomes meaningless. On the other hand, does blocking social media affect business? I asked. Yes in many ways. Lots of small businesses even small bakeries use platforms like Instagram to promote their products. Social media is a powerful tool used by a cross-section of small businesses as it is cheap, effective and provides instant access, he replied. He said that it was understandable if social media was blocked for a few hours, like in the aftermath of the Negombo incidents, but was inadvisable to block it for long spells like in the case of last years Kandy riots and last months Easter Sunday crisis. Somehow people will get their information through other social media sites, he said. The more popular platforms are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Whatsapp and Viber among others. What is interesting and which Sri Lankan authorities should take note of and possibly do is develop a policy on tackling social media and moderating messages whenever a crisis occurs. Otherwise, a clamp down on social media affects a sizable number of big and small businesses which use it as a promoting and selling platform. A bumptious bureaucrat stopping access to these platforms on a directive from a Government high-up, means cutting a lifeline to many small businesses, which in todays context are already suffering due to poor consumer sentiment for many months now. And to those who rely on social media for information, blocking these platforms is like those good old days when censorship was imposed on newspapers, radio and television during a crisis. Information was controlled by a Competent Authority. Likewise, blocking social media websites is a censorship of news. It never really works. To what extent is social media used in Sri Lanka? Statistics show that among the countrys 21 million population, there are 6.71 million Internet users of which 6 million are active social media users. Among them 5.5 million are on Facebook. According to Central Bank data for 2018, the total number of mobile telephone connections increased significantly by 15.4 per cent to 32.5 million connections in 2018. Total fixed wireline telephone connections increased by 1.5 per cent, while total fixed wireless connections showed a decline of 9.7 per cent. Total Internet connections recorded a growth of 23 per cent in 2018 with the support of increased fixed Internet connections. Fixed Internet connections grew by 25.2 per cent to 1,530,099, while mobile Internet connections increased by 22.4 per cent to 5,733,062 connections. Other sources say that from mid-2016, the number of Facebook users in Sri Lanka increased to 5 million from 4 million with more women between the ages of 18-24 being on Facebook than men. Today, social media usage unlike in the recent past, cuts across all age groups. A friend related a story of how an ageing couple was bored at home and often feeling depressed as they didnt have many things to do. A family member then provided them with two smartphones with Internet connections and soon they were sharing messages and views with other family members on Facebook. It kept them occupied, their minds alert and the regular use of the keyboard on the phone meant their fingers were also active, most of the time. It was a great reliever from boredom. At this moment, Kussi Amma Sera walks in with another cup of tea that I had requested and says, Apey putha-ta mama kathakera (I spoke to my son). She had been trying to contact her son, who is in the village, on Whatsapp the previous night without success. While in this day and age information cannot be curbed by blocking popular social media sites, the Government, as stated earlier, needs to devise a policy on how to handle social media in times of crises to curb hate and provocative messages which could escalate tensions and lead to violence like what happened in Kandy last year. Such a policy should also take into account that small businesses and self-made entrepreneurs suffer the most when social media is blacked out. Sri Lanka to defuse the pension payment time bomb By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s): Sri Lanka has initiated action to defuse an inter-generational time bomb as future generations will have to bear the rapidly increasing fiscal burden for public sector pension payments. The government, having identified the growing challenge that Sri Lanka has to face with an ageing population, has proposed the introduction of a National Pension Plan with a sustainable financing structure, official sources revealed. A senior Treasury official told the Business Times that a nationwide contributory pension scheme is now being formulated and implemented soon. Government expenditure on pensions has been on the rise and in 2018, Rs. 194.5 billion was paid accounting for 9.3 per cent of recurrent expenditure, Central Bank data showed. By February 2019, there were 623,417 pensioners which is 2.9 per cent of the total population, the official said adding that around 10 per cent of the governments recurrent expenditure is spent directly on less than 3 per cent of the total population. According to the Census of Public and Semi Government Sector Employment conducted in 2016, 84,084 public and semi government sector employees, excluding armed forces (7.6 per cent of the total employed) were over 56 years of age and 854,300 (77.4 per cent) were between 30 55 years of age. Under this scenario, the government will have to bear the cost of pensions of over 80,000 additional pensioners by 2020 and over 800,000 additional pensioners in the forthcoming 30 years, he asserted. Since the Public Sector Pension Scheme (PSPS) is a non-contributory scheme with defined benefits, the burden on government expenditure will escalate in the coming years, he predicted. These contributions from employees, and the government could be invested in financial markets including government securities. When the employees reach the retirement age, their benefit could be returned in the form of an annualised pension, he said. According to a recent World Bank report, the limited savings and instructional support mechanisms should be in place to support this rapidly expanding elderly population. Increasing costs mean that programmes such as the PSPS could struggle to deliver on their benefit promises over the long run, while the EPF the employer-based defined contribution saving scheme for formal private sector workers appears inadequate to meet the costs associated with over two decades of retirement. Tariffs and the law of unintended consequences By Aneetha Warusavitarana View(s): View(s): The law of unintended consequences is a theory that dates back to Adam Smith, but was popularised by the sociologist Robert K. Merton. In short, the law explains the reality that when governments intervene to create a set of outcomes, as the theory of cetris paribus (holding other factors constant) cannot be achieved in a market situation the result is a series of unintended consequences. Colonial India and Cobras This law is also known as the Cobra Effect, dating all the way back to when the British first colonised India. The British were understandably concerned about poisonous snakes in India, cobras apparently being a source of some worry. The solution they presented was to provide a reward for every cobra that was killed, creating a clear incentive for locals to capture and kill any cobras in the vicinity. While this worked well in the short term, the British slowly realised that enterprising individuals were actively breeding cobras; creating a very profitable business out of collecting bounties. Once this was clear, the British removed the bounty, and now as this was no longer a profitable venture, the breeders released all their cobras. The final outcome of this was an increase in the general Cobra population, completely the opposite of what the intervention set out to achieve. While this makes a good anecdote, the economic realities of the law of unintended consequences are often more dire. Interventions into the market are often well-intended, but have the potential to backfire. A shining example of this is the case of tariffs. Forbes recently published an article which detailed the unintended consequences of a washing machine tariff imposed in the US. This well-meaning tariff was introduced to protect domestic producers in the US, and boost employment in that industry. If one evaluates the effectiveness of the tariff simply on those two criteria, then the tariff has been a resounding success; US washer and dryer industry created around 1,800 new jobs. This could easily be written off as a success story. Cobra effect on washing machines However, the focus here is only on the producer, and the consumer has been removed from the narrative. The first unintended consequence was that as imported machines were now more expensive, domestic manufacturers could safely raise their prices, without fear of losing out on sales. The second unintended consequence was that dryers also became more expensive. As a complementary good to washing machines in the US, manufacturers of dryers saw this as the perfect window in which to raise their prices and increase their profits (clotheslines would save Sri Lanka from this unintended consequence). Taking all this into account, according to Forbes, this has cost American consumers around US$1.5 billion. One could argue that this increase in prices and resultant cost to consumers can be justified by the 1,800 jobs that were created. The reality is that each job is equivalent to $815,000 in increased consumer costs. This tariff policy effectively protects the local industry at the cost of their own consumers. Why should Sri Lankans care about washing machine prices in the US? While we can agree that this does appear to be an unfortunate example of unintended consequences, and that it is pretty clear that domestic consumers got a bad deal here, why should the average Sri Lankan care? After all, we have sunlight soap and clotheslines. Sri Lankan consumers should care because the same unintended consequences that took place oceans away in the US is happening here, in our little island nation. Tariffs have long been the favoured tool of successive governments. Tariffs sound really good on paper, and better if said paper is an election manifesto. We will protect our domestic producers is a statement that tugs at the heartstrings of too many voters. The fine print at the cost of domestic consumers is not something that is publicised, but it should be. Tariffs have been imposed on goods ranging from household care, personal care and food. The price of items as diverse as school shoes and construction material are affected by this. The entire country complains about how the cost of living is too high, and unreasonably high tariffs are one of the drivers behind this. Unfortunately for us, the imposition of these tariffs create exactly the same series of unintended consequences that American consumers have to face. The price of the weekly shoping an average Sri Lankan does whether it is from the Delkanda pola, the closest supermarket or the handiye kade is affected by tariffs. A potato, even if it is locally produced is more expensive than it needs to be, because tariffs push the price of imported tomatoes up, allowing domestic producers to raise prices with the consumer losing out. Tariffs on essential goods in Sri Lanka can range from 45 per cent to 107.6 per cent. There needs to be a serious re-evaluation of the role of tariffs in our economy the rationale behind imposing them, the consequences of the tariff (which are well understood and cannot be discounted or ignored), and ideally a faster regime for phasing them out. (The writer is a Research Analyst at the Advocata Institute. She can be reached at aneetha@advocata.org or @AneethaW on Twitter). Technology to tackle fraudulent weighing techniques in tea estates By Raj Moorthy View(s): View(s): NUWARA ELIYA While daily wages are a major challenge for estate workers in the plantation sector in Sri Lanka, a key factor among tea estate workers is the weight of tea plucked by each individual not being calculated to the person who plucks tea leaves. Estate managers are seen favouring some of the other tea pluckers who are advantageous to them and they get paid well with a small cut going to estate mangers pockets by the end of the month. Hayleys Plantations has come up with a technology to tackle this favouritism among the estate managers by introducing identification cards to all its estate workers (tea pluckers). The identification card is scanned on a mobile phone which has a bluetooth connectivity to an electronic weighing scale and then recorded on an online data base where each estate worker knows how much tea they have plucked during the day and it will automatically be calculated by the end of the month for payments. This data base is made online so that the management of Hayleys Plantations can view and monitor how much tea is plucked per day, per month, per week and by per person eliminating manual book keeping and fraudulent activities. Recently the Business Times was among a group of media colleagues who were taken on a tour to the Hayleys Kelani Valley Plantations in Nuwara Eliya to explore how the new technology benefits estate workers. The tour also helped understand how tea estates are well maintained and a factory visit which gave a glimpse of the process of tea manufacturing and the lifestyles of estate workers there. During the tour, Kelani Valley Plantations PLC, HR and Corporate Sustainability, Deputy General Manager, Anuruddha Gamage told the Business Times that tea pluckers work for a minimum of eight hours a day and on average they pluck around 18-20 kg of tea. If this number exceeds 20 kg their daily wage increases, he added. He also explained the lifetime of a tea plant. It takes three years for a tea seed to grow into a plant. Plucked tea is withered for 12-14 hours to remove moisture. Around 10,000-12,000 thousand leaves are plucked per day. Withered leaves are then rolled which is known as oxidisation and then filtered and left to dry again. The leaves are rolled into tiny particles and dried further to obtain pure tea. Workers at the estates have benefits such as free medical facilities, free education for kids and so on. It was also mentioned during the tour that Hayleys Plantations has invested around Rs. 9 million in 2017 and 2018, and Rs. 11 million so far this year on training and development of estate workers. Terrorism and tourism View(s): The Eastern coastal belt of Sri Lanka, stretching about 300 kilometres from Pulmoddai to Arugam Bay was freed from the 30-year long conflict in 2009. The sand beaches and marble beaches as well as lagoons and bays of the Eastern province were gradually opened to welcome tourists. There was intense competition among the investors to invest in hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related facilities on the coastal belt. Jayanath, with whom I had a chat a few days ago, was one of the many investors who decided to put money in building a boutique hotel on the sea front. Total investment was close to Rs. 1 billion. It was contributed by Jayanath and his partners as equity capital, while the balance was raised from a bank loan. The land by the beach was purchased, and the boutique hotel was put up. Employees all together 60 employees mostly from the local communities within close proximity were recruited and trained. The hotel was open for business in May 2016; guests started making reservations, one by one; there was a growing number of tourists visiting year by year. As usual, the business was scheduled to come to its break-even point of making profits only after 4-5 years in operation. Jayanath and his partners were looking forward to a thriving tourism in the Eastern coastal belt, and to reaping good returns on investment. Eastern obstacles For the Eastern province, it might take even longer to reach the break-even point of deriving good returns to investment as there were other obstacles too. As a maiden tourist destination, usually it might take time to promote the Eastern coast for international tourism. Even for promotion, perhaps, the major issue was the lack of physical connectivity. In spite of the geographical smallness of the country, the physical distance to the Eastern province continued to remain a problem for people and goods to traverse. And resolving that issue might take years or decades! For a European tourist who takes an 8 10 hour flight from a European destination to Colombo, provided that there are direct flights, it may not be practical to advise spending another 8 10 hours to reach the Eastern coast by road. The only option as at present is to take a domestic flight, which may also not be a good travel advice to most of the tourists. The 6 12 seater smaller planes pose many questions, including high cost per passenger. Despite all the obstacles that are yet to be resolved, the investors saw the long-term potential for thriving tourism in the Eastern coast. They invested even if there is delay in returns to investment. Beyond seasonal tourism With the opening of the Eastern province for tourism as well as the changes in global tourism patterns, it is wrong to attribute tourism to a season today. It was traditionally considered that November March is the peak tourist season. It coincides with the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere where the international tourists originated from in travelling to countries like Sri Lanka. International tourism dominated by countries in the Northern Hemisphere is no longer the case today. Tourists are originating increasingly from the emerging economies in the Asia Pacific region as well. And some of these countries are generating tourists outside the traditional peak season. The local concept of peak tourist season also coincides with Sri Lankas tourist locations in the Western coastal belt. Given the monsoon wind patterns, the Western coast is calm and beautiful during peak tourist season. But now the Eastern coastal belt is giving birth to a new tourist season in the middle of the year, which is yet to be exploited in the years to come. Anyway, both seasons are still about sun, sand, and sea! Tourism today is much more diverse; in fact, Sri Lanka also has the capacity to cater to more diverse tourist purposes than to those attached to tropical beaches, while such tourism has no seasons. Thriving tourism Similar to Jayanaths boutique hotel, there was a large number of hotels that were put up along the Eastern coast during the same period. According to Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) data, out of the total 350 hotel projects of the entire country, all three districts of the Eastern province Ampara, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee together had 44 projects by the end of 2018. As tourism was thriving after the war, there was a rapid increase in tourist arrivals to 2.3 million in 2018 from less than 500,000, 10 years ago. During this period, the number of hotel rooms in the country has increased from 14,000 to 25,000. Both direct and indirect job opportunities have increased from 125,000 to 400,000. And tourist income from US$ 350 million to over $4 billion to become the second largest export income after textiles and garments worth $5 billion. Easter Sunday It was on Easter Sunday, April 21 that a wave of terrorist attacks took place in churches and hotels; one of the blasts was also at a church in Batticaloa! Ten years of peace in Sri Lanka was shattered. As per news, hotels all around the island went without guests as there was a flood of cancellations. Tourism, much more than any other industry, is sensitive to volatile security conditions at both local and global levels. Rumours about security lapses were more damaging to tourism than the actual incidences. Rich countries are today more destabilised by security threats than developing countries, but within a few days or at least within a few weeks, they are back to normal. There is no one, issuing travel warnings against them. As all the hotels in the country experienced a wave of booking cancellations, Jayanaths boutique hotel on the Eastern coast was no exception: It had 60 per cent occupancy rate in April, which was down to less than 10 per cent in May. The main problem that Jayanath and his partners had to face was not the loss of hope for reaching the break-even point of returns to investment, but at least how to meet the monthly minimum expenses. Even if the rooms are kept closed, lights switched off, and food and drinks not prepared, there is about minimum Rs. 10 million expenditure per month, which does not depend on whether there are guests or not. It includes the payment of Rs. 6 million bank loan instalment, Rs. 2 million minimum wage bill and, other maintenance costs. Multiple charges by multiple agencies Tourists who check-in to a hotel or dine at a restaurant were often displeased or even angry to find out that their bills come with multiple charges added to the basic cost resulting in almost 30 per cent cost increase: Service Charge (10 per cent), Nation Building Tax (1 per cent), Tourism Development Levy (2 per cent), and Value Added Tax (15 per cent). In addition to the above, local government authorities demand 1 per cent of the turnover as trade licence; and the hotels also require Tourist Board licence and liquor licence. It was a commendable move that this week the government decided to cut down the VAT from 15 per cent to 5 per cent but temporarily. It is necessary to do away with various charges, while simplifying and reducing the charges and taxes competitively and permanently. In addition, it is necessary to ease the burden of the tourism industry and protect the investors during this difficult time, which is only a temporary matter. At the same time, the tourism industry needs to look at beyond the short-term: Is Sri Lanka a competitive tourist destination among other popular tourist destinations in Asia? Does Sri Lanka tourism actually provide value for money to the tourists? Given the sudden influx of tourist arrivals on the one hand, and the prevailing supply shortages on the other hand, the market is apparently distorted. As it takes time for the market to settle down, it is also better to address the above questions at policy level. (The writer is a Professor of Economics at the University of Colombo and can be reached at sirimal@econ.cmb.ac.lk). Tourism industry seeks more concessions By Sunimalee Dias Temporary staff to be sent on compulsory leave View(s): View(s): Three weeks after the Easter Sunday bombings, the tourism industry has no ray of hope even from the government as the relief package offered has left them confused and disappointed even as some hotels prepare to send workers on compulsory leave. The moratorium on loans requested was to cover the entire tourism industry but the confusion arose since the Central Bank issued the statement on this detailing that it was to be granted on a case-by-case basis. In addition, employee loans that were also raised during the meetings, with the authorities, to be granted a moratorium as the crisis affects them as per personal loans and leases, has also not been addressed at all by the government, the industry states. The situation is very confusing because the Central Bank circular says the moratorium will be given on a case-by-case basis but what we have requested is for the entire industry (and all stakeholders) to be granted this concession, Hoteliers Association President Sanath Ukwatte said. The employees are also not included in the circular so we are disappointed, he said adding that they would be appealing to the Cabinet Sub-committee appointed in this regard to address these matters. If the package is not coming through as per request the staff will have to face severe hardships, he noted. In this respect, most hotels have decided to send their staff employed on a casual and contractual basis on compulsory leave and also curtail hotel operations to a bare minimum. Hotels around the country employ about 200,000 staff and in total there are about 500,000 working directly and indirectly for the industry affecting nearly two million lives. We hope the government will come to our rescue, Mr. Ukwatte said asserting that this problem had arisen as a result of a security lapse and that the current situation was beyond their control. Industry-wise we were concentrating on bringing people into the country and overnight we crashed to zero because of terrorism and the security issue, he complained. Hotels like The Kingsbury that came under attack will be coming up with certain attractive packages for the domestic and foreign markets. The hotels Director Marketing Denesh Silva stated that relief packages need to be coming in, in order for all of us to survive. Currently the biggest issue is the travel advisory, City Hotels President M. Shanthikumar said adding that the associations were meeting the respective embassies and have also requested the government to issue a joint statement from the President, Prime Minister and the security forces assuring that the security situation in the country is under control. In addition, the industry has met with airlines to ensure they could initiate a promotion campaign similar to the one they did back in 2002 with all airlines, DMCs and hotels offering a buy one get one free package to bring back the tourists to Sri Lanka. All guns blazing, but whats the use? View(s): My dear Field Marshall, I thought I must write to you after listening to you speak in Parliament the other day, giving us your thoughts about what has happened to our Paradise after the Easter attacks, and what you thought should be done about it and also about how you are prevented from doing anything about it. Field Marshall, we also heard you say that your expertise as the man who spearheaded the previous war against terror could be of use to the country, and that you were happy to offer your services once again as a minister, but that Aiyo Sirisena does not wish to appoint you for reasons best known to him. Some Greens have written to Aiyo Sirisena asking that you be appointed minister in charge of Law and Order but he is keeping the job for himself. That is after even Mahinda maama agreed that you know better than anyone else in this government about what needs to be done at this time to curb terrorism. Your speeches in Parliament didnt spare anyone, be they Blue, Green or from the pohottuwa. You lashed out, not only at Aiyo Sirisena and his henchmen, but also at the Green Man and his colleagues. You said they were all meddling with the fate of the nation for political gain which we realise too. You called out Aiyo Sirisenas bluff, describing how he went shopping in Singapore and had a meal at a restaurant, while the country he was supposed to lead was burning. The only action he is supposed to have taken was to instruct the Security Council to ban the Green Man from attending its meeting. You also said that he was reportedly looking at the ceiling and staring in ignorance at Security Council meetings when the threats of attacks were discussed. You were quite clear that you didnt, even for a moment, believe Aiyo Sirisena when he said that he was not informed of these threats. In any event, Aiyo Sirisena himself got his sarong in a twist the other day, telling us that he heard of attacks at 10 oclock in the morning. Now, if that was Singapore time, that would be 7.30 in the morning in Paradise which was before the attacks giving him more than an hour to act on it. On the other hand, if he meant 10 oclock Paradise time, that was more than an hour after the attacks, and after most of us knew of the attacks, which were announced in the media right away. If that is what really happened, then there is something really wrong in the way he runs his government! Field Marshall, you criticised not only Aiyo Sirisena, but the Green Man too, because he didnt even talk to you, leave alone ask for your advice, for days after the attack. I think he doesnt mind you having the limelight as long as he is in charge, but he also fears being upstaged by you. You also had some stern words for Avant Garde Wijey, who makes a lizard blush with his ability to change colours. He is saying I told you so. Well, at the time he claims he warned us about all this, he was in charge of Justice but he didnt do anything about it so he should share some of the blame too. Then, you also took a swipe at the chap who, you said, claimed he did everything except remove teeth. I think we all know who that is and having him as Cabinet spokesman has been entertaining, but hasnt helped the Cabinet or the country, especially when he makes outrageous claims day after day. What I was also curious about was that many expected you to take a swipe at Mahinda maama, Gota and the clan. Instead, you said that while you still had your differences with them which you will never forget, you appreciated the fact that they handled national security far better than this lot. You must surely realise, Field Marshall, that none of what you said will get you the Ministry of Law and Order. These days, Aiyo Sirisena is paranoid about everyone. He does only what is in his own best interests, whether it be sacking Prime Ministers and Defence Secretaries or shopping at Mustafas! It is unfortunate that you, despite all the experience you have on terrorism, are being forced to the sidelines, while a bunch of incompetent Blues and Greens dabble in matters which they know little about, while the lives of the rest of us are at stake. So, soon it may be Paradise lost for all of us! Yours truly, Punchi Putha PS: Aiyo Sirisena retaining the Ministry of Law and Order and not giving it to you is like having Sangakkara in the squad and making him 12th man while sending Upul Tharanga to bat he will last a little while before getting out! Speaking of comparisons with Sangakkara, he was elected President of the MCC recently. Maybe it is time for you too to have presidential ambitions again, Field Marshall? More baloney right from the top View(s): If this column returns to the subject of the dastardly terrorist bombings on Easter Sunday, it is not without cause. The security forces, now acting with extra powers under their belt, continue to scour the country for members and supporters of the jihadi organisation that unleashed the terror killing innocent people. They are also searching for the extremist organisations safe houses, weapons caches and its stored and hidden financial assets. While there are daily reports of a range of assets being discovered and alleged terrorists and supporters being rounded up what the country has been looking forward to is more authoritative information on what happened before the deadly multiple attacks, how expeditiously the political leaders then in the country or abroad were informed and how quickly the leaders gathered to map out strategy and seek external assistance, if necessary. It is true that those in responsible positions and others with speculative theories and fancy tales have held media conferences and been interviewed by foreign media, often passing the buck as it were, to other responsible officials, claiming or feigning ignorance of foreign intelligence alerts informing Sri Lanka of planned attacks. The more the Sri Lankan people hear of those intelligence reports the more they are angered by the insouciance of officials and the seeming casualness of politicians who have undertaken the responsibility of safeguarding the country and its people. The initial shock and bewilderment of the public at what appeared to be a well-planned attack of such devastation, has quickly turned to anger as information of the passing of intelligence by a concerned neighbouring country well before the mass bombing, began to circulate. Moreover, there were several questions for which authoritative and truthful answers were awaited by a disgusted public increasingly losing faith in a bunch of people known as professional politicians whose sole task is seen by many to be feathering their own nests and teaching the art of plundering to their progeny. That is why the public were anxiously looking ahead to last weeks parliamentary debate which they hoped would provide clear answers to vexed questions. They expected the head of state to provide credible responses especially since he is, apart from being our head is also the Commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Defence Minister and now also Law and Order Minister, a portfolio he grabbed, people believe, to serve his political interests. I listened quite attentively to President Sirisenas speech hoping to gather important information relating to what happened before and after Easters mass killings and which fingers were pointed at whom. I also read the English translation of the speech put out by his officials which adds to the hilarity. If I was reminded of then British Prime Minister Tony Blairs explanation for joining battle alongside his friend across the pond, President George Bush, and his refusal to accept that he had done wrong and apologise to the leaders and people of Iraq for the illegal invasion of their country, our president sounded like Blair. When it comes to justifying his actions and throwing a veil over his indiscretions, Sirisena certainly has outdone Blair or Phoney Tony as he came to be called. If the two Bs (Bush and Blair) could not find Iraqs weapons of mass destruction (WMD) which was their excuse for waging war, Sirisenas speech to parliament was words of mass distraction. For 45 minutes, one waited expectantly for our great leader to answer the questions that have been asked and until then remained unanswered. But if one expected Sirisena to supply the answers we were truly disappointed. Into the bogus bundle of explanations that had piled up over the days, he added a new factor which made obfuscation even worse. Sri Lankas president faced with an unprecedented terrorist attack and a major national crisis said that he was in Singapore when he got the news at about 10am. Now here is what confuses the listener/reader. Is he referring to Singapore time or Sri Lanka time? If it is Singapore time then it should be 7.30am in Sri Lanka when the suicide bombers were probably still strapping on the explosive vests for the first attacks starting at around 8.15am. So the person who gave the president the news must be clairvoyant unlike Mahinda Rajapaksas one time astrologer. Look at the flip of the coin. If about 10am refers to Sri Lanka time when in Singapore it would be 12.30pm what in heaven was his informant doing when the first bombs had already been exploded 2 hours earlier and the dead and dying had possibly been removed. The question that remains for the president to answer is whether it is Singapore or Sri Lanka time he referred to in parliament. Throughout his speech he talks of criticism directed at him and others without being aware of the facts. He wants his critics and others to know the truth first before making statements sans knowledge. One cannot quarrel with that conclusion. But then why did he not clarify the issue and state the fact relating to the time without fuelling more speculation especially in what is called the social media. Here was an opportunity for the president to crush the speculation by disclosing the fact, on the floor of the House, too. Moreover he fails to mention who passed him the information of the bombing. Was it an official from the intelligence services or a bureaucrat or just a friend like the one who showed him the letter circulated by a senior policeman alerting some of his colleagues to an impending attack? President Sirisena rails against those who speak without facts in hand and spread false or fake news a phrase Donald Trump has popularised to describe any news critical of him. Yet when he has the chance to provide the facts, Sirisena shies away from it. Why? Sirisena glorifies himself by saying that he opened the doors of the National Security Council to invite outsiders. He mentioned Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith as one of the persons so invited. Days earlier Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka told parliament recently that Thilanga Sumathipala attended NSC deliberations which have not been contradicted. Strangely Sirisena fails to mention that he had invited a person rejected by the voters at the general election and whose interest lies more in the direction of horses than national security. What makes him suitable to be invited to deliberations that are of a confidential nature and should remain so? That is unless Sumathipala was expected to inject some horse sense into matters dealing with security! He takes credit for opening the NSC to others so the NSC could be so open that it could meet at the race course. While letting in those the public wanted kept out, Sirisena conveniently refuses to say why he has kept his own prime minister and State Minister of Defence out of the NSC meetings they have attended previously and have a right to attend and have been a part of it until Sirisena in one of his peevish and irascible moods excluded them both. Only from October last year when his coup failed to oust his prime minister. One of the problems with Sirisenas governance is that he has this great capacity of finding rounded individuals to fill square holes. In fact, he has done the same to the presidency. No wonder, he seems to admire Trump who trumped so many officials out of the White House. Having spent 10 days after the Easter disaster reading about international terrorism, Sirisena is now prepared to lecture any one on the subject. Why, he told parliament that even the worlds leading powers have been the victims of terrorism and even they did not see it coming. He is trying to compare the experience of those countries to our own tragedy, that none of them knew about the attacks that caught them by surprise. It is true that most of those countries were unaware of the coming catastrophe. But that is just the point. Sri Lanka was not like the others. We were informed two weeks before that Easter would be our Ides of March. We were not warned once about the terrorist attack but several times. But Sirisena remains silent on this, making nonsense of a comparison and putting Sri Lanka in the same basket as other victims of terrorism. If intelligence was passed on as early as two weeks before Easter, is it Sirisenas claim that he did not know anything about these alerts until that day in Singapore? If you have no idea what is baloney, here it is right from the top. President Sirisena leaves for China tomorrow Zahran prepared for a second wave of attacks Former US Ambassador Blake plays role of peace broker Speaker reveals plot to attack parliament on April 21 At least a section of the government those with the Presidency appear to believe that the worst is over after the April 21 Easter Sunday carnage. This has in no small measure fueled euphoria and even overconfidence in them. In reality, the armed forces and the police through a coordinated campaign against IS-backed terrorists are slowly but surely, unravelling those behind a ruthless network, their financial operations backed by foreign sources and those operating under cover. That continuing process is time consuming. More importantly, the focus is entirely on operational aspects of all that happened. What of the other key aspects? Who are the political masterminds including government politicians who allegedly aided, abetted, raised funds and defended those involved? This has not received attention so far, not even a probe. It is no secret that powerful elements are stifling them. What is the degree of foreign involvement and leadership that helped build a carefully thought out process of recruitment and mental inculcation for suicide bombings? Would threats emanating from an international terror group which has been resisting some of the worlds strongest military forces such as those of the United States succeed in building a terror machine in Sri Lanka and accomplishing targets to its liking, simply fold up after just one bloody rampage? Have the names of those key persons behind the copper factory at Wellampitiya, that provided the inputs for bomb making, been identified? Did they use a retired intelligence officer for a cover-up? Police are only now probing their own blunder how bail was given to nine suspects working at the factory. Just another of the comedy of errors they are causing every week. There were more, too. The detection of a mere jacket worn over a T-shirt was branded a suicide jacket. Bare land in some areas were identified as training camps making them a laughing stock among their counterparts. High time the acting Police Chief Chandana Wickremeratne worries about his own Departments credibility. Thanks to the armed Forces and even the Police who moved in after the carnage, there is public confidence. It is their role that is helping in the gradual return of an air of normalcy, for businesses to resume, for offices to open, for banks to do business and even politicians to engage in their popular art make contradictory or ill-informed statements on the intricacies of international terrorism. Yet, none of the security bosses or the acting police chief has declared so far that there was normalcy and IS terrorism is a thing of the past in Sri Lanka. They know they cannot say so just yet. The main force, in the counter-terrorism exercise after April 21, is the Sri Lanka Army. Its Commander Lt Gen Mahesh Senanayake has been working late hours in the campaign together with Navy Chief Vice Admiral Piyal de Silva, Air Force Chief Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy and the acting Police Chief Chandana Wickremeratne. This new terrorist phenomenon is not something unusual for a country like Sri Lanka, which has suffered under separatist terrorism for nearly three decades. That, too, from a group more sophisticated than the pro-IS extremists. After a major attack, it is a pattern for guerrillas to maintain a lull on the operational front. This is when the alertness of the Security Forces and Police is at maximum with stringent security measures at peak. They seize the opportunity when such high levels of security inevitably drop. Geographically, the Tiger guerrilla terrorism was centered largely on the North and the East, their so-called homeland. They did carry out sporadic attacks every now and then on targets elsewhere. In the case of the IS-backed terrorists, the attacks on six different targets on April 21, show a larger footprint. This is where the remarks of President Maithripala Sirisena to the diplomatic community and UN agencies last Tuesday become cause for very serious concern. Ninety-five percent of the terrorist suspects have already been arrested or accounted for and only two or three suspects are to be apprehended, he declared. He said he was confident that with the help of foreign intelligence agencies, the threat of terrorism could be curbed very soon. Therefore, President Sirisena made the unusual request to the envoys to lift travel restrictions. It is the sole prerogative of the countries concerned, which have their own channel for feedbacks from Sri Lanka, coupled with their own intelligence inputs, to take such a decision. If President Sirisenas statements are to be taken seriously, only a meagre five percent of the IS terrorism remains to be tackled and he assures they will end very soon. He later raised it to 99 per cent when he spoke in Parliament leaving only a minuscular one percent. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne gave a power point presentation and provided the names of those who were now being sought after. The Thai Ambassador Chulamanee Chartsuwan asked whether a list of wanted persons could be made available to her. She wanted to on pass them to her government for action. President Sirisena agreed that it could be done confidentially. A UN official said some countries had agreed to take some of the Ahmadi Muslim refugees who had come here from Pakistan and sought asylum from the UN refugee agency. They have left their homes in Negombo fearing attacks. Some crowded a garage at the Negombo Police Station. She did not name the countries and said the matter was still being worked out. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka and its people, President Sirisena is alone in making the assertion that the IS terrorism in Sri Lanka would end soon. Quite understandably he wants normalcy soon, but that sends a wrong message. He even brushed aside advice from members of his family to delay the wedding of his son. He argued that would show the world there is still no normalcy. Therefore, he held a wedding ceremony at the Colombo Hilton under a very heavy security cordon. His son Daham married Nipuni, daughter of Athula Weerarathne, the owner of Elcardo, an aluminum products company. Except for family, friends and select prominent businessmen, no politicians were invited. There were businessman Harry Jayawardena, Dhammika Perera, Sumal Perera, Raja Mahendran and Ashok Pathirage among them. The wedding was originally scheduled to be held at the Shangri La Hotel. The hotel management of this hotel sought time from Sirisena, after he met representatives of the business community on May 6, to apologize over the inability to host the wedding. The Colombo Hilton was like a fortress. Hundreds of troops surrounded the hotel complex and visitors there were frisked. The roads were blocked off, some areas by lining up buses to form a wall. Plainclothesmen swarmed the environs of the five-star hotel in Fort. Funny enough, some came in three-wheeler scooters which they drove. President Sirisenas partner in governance, the United National Party (UNP)-led United National Front (UNF) does not claim the IS menace would end soon. Instead, many of its ministers are still laying the blame on Sirisena for not acting on intelligence warnings. The President claims he was unaware. On Friday (May 3) Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe did not take part in a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) though he was invited. Such meetings are taking place at least three times a week now. Contradictory statements President Sirisena and Premier Wickremesinghe were also contradicting each other. President Sirisena told Parliament last Tuesday, Our intelligence services are doing a good job 99 per cent of those responsible have been arrested and within the next three days the rest of them will be taken in. However, Premier Wickremesinghe declared on the same day, As I have mentioned on several occasions the threat is not over as yet. This is because we are subjected to global terrorism. Though persons involved have been arrested in Sri Lanka, there are other ways these terrorists can intervene in Sri Lanka. This view was in fact endorsed by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, the man who led troops to military victory against Tiger guerrillas, in May 2009. Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, he declared that it would take a minimum of two years to eradicate the new terrorist menace. The contradictory remarks prompted Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa to say in Parliament that the government should speak in one voice. The bitterness between the two ruling leaders is so high it would be much easier to put a Sri Lankan on the moon. President Sirisena also told the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday that the main IS-backed terrorist cell in Sri Lanka had been busted. He appears to have taken a leaf from former US President Barack Obama. On no occasion did Sirisena refer to IS or ISIS in his Sinhala speech. Instead he made reference to Akuru Dekey Sanvidanaya and Akuru Hatarey Sanvidanaya or the two letters as well as four letter group. At the same cabinet meeting, there was also an incident which highlighted that all was not well within the UNP. Ports and Shipping Minister Sagala Ratnayake had presented a cabinet memorandum to increase port tariffs. First to raise objections was Minister Malik Samarawickrema. He said President Sirisena had told a meeting of business leaders on May 6 that he would not impose any more tariffs. Minister Ratnayakes proposal, he said, would go counter to the assurances given by the President. That saw Samarawickrema having arguments with with both Minister Ratnayake and Premier Wickremesinghe. At the end, the cabinet memorandum was not approved. The issue became the talking point at the highest levels of the UNP as internal feuding is reaching newer levels. It is in this uneasy backdrop that President Sirisena, perhaps confident that nothing untoward will happen or prompted by a sense of urgency, leaves tomorrow for a visit to Beijing, the Chinese capital. Though the visit is from May 12 to 16, he will stay in Beijing for a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. He will also have a meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang. Officially he is expected to take part in a Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations that will open on Wednesday an event attended by 2,000 government officials and representatives from 47 Asian countries. The sudden visit has raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles in Colombo. The political heat generated by the Easter Sunday carnage has not cooled down. Questions are being raised over the urgency of the visit with unverified claims by sections backing the presidency that the IS attacks were aimed at stifling Chinas Belt-and-Road Initiative (BRI). These sections confirmed President Sirisena would discuss matters arising from the carnage and brief Chinese leaders on the steps taken so far by his government. Among those killed in the April 21 Shangri-La hotel blast were four Chinese scientists from their Oceanographic institute. They were in Colombo as part of their BRI programme. The backdrop to the visit is the rapidly mounting military tensions this week between the United States and China. It comes just weeks after Admiral Philip Davidson, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. In his statement Admiral David renounced Beijing and called for stronger US-Sri Lanka military relations. Among the highlights: .. Sri Lanka has handed over the deep water port of Hambantota to China on a 99-year lease due to its mounting debts to China, which has caused international concern. Despite the political upheaval, it is in our interests to continue military collaboration and cooperation with Sri Lankan Forces. USINDOPACOM cooperation with the Sri Lankan Military centres on building capacity in maritime security and maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief as well as humanitarian demining, medical assistance, and peacekeeping operations.. Among other matters President Sirisena proposes to discuss, sources close to the Presidency said, would be projects over which he is seeking assistance from China. They include ones which he wants China to set up in the Polonnaruwa District. Among them: a housing complex, a water project, a modernised railway line and an irrigation project. Some of the Chinese companies and a leading business conglomerate, which has access at the highest levels, have laid the ground work. These sources said some of the proposals awaiting fruition were unsolicited. One of the Chinese companies vying for a project was in the eye of a controversy and a local official involved is hiding. In fact, Interpol assistance has been sought to track him down. The fact that President Sirisena has prioritised plans to further develop Polonnaruwa, his home turf, makes it evident that he had no plans to call for an early presidential election. He wants to make sure the new projects are fast tracked too in the belief that it would generate employment and more votes. Winning such votes, particularly for those on both sides of the government, the President and the UNF, is an extremely challenging task. Their internecine battles, as bad as fighting IS terror if not more, are at a peak and the resultant developments have had an adverse impact in many areas. One such area is the Catholic Church whose devotees, innocent men, women and children, were the targets of the terrorist attacks. The matter came up for discussion at the Bishops Conference held at the Archbishops House this week. The special invitee for the event was Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa. Speakers were strongly critical of both President Sirisena and Premier Wickremesinghe. At least two of them said that they should democratically work towards the establishment of a new government since the duo have let down the Catholic community. One speaker was to note that a winning political party could work with moderate and responsible Muslim politicians. A Muslim minister from the Mannar District, who even operates a Tamil language television station, came in for severe criticism for the alleged support he had extended to IS extremists. They lamented that no action has still been taken against him. On Friday, soon after the poruwa ceremony of his son, President Sirisena drove to Archbishops House in Borella for a meeting with Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. Then he hurried back to Colombo Hilton. Such was the significance the President attached to meeting the Catholic hierarchy in Sri Lanka. Here again, it is President Sirisena who is personally engaged in an offensive to say there is near normalcy in the country. He was to assure the prelate that the security situation had vastly improved and urged the resumption of Sunday mass in Catholic churches. He also urged the re-opening of Catholic schools. Cardinal Ranjith held a news conference where he announced Sunday mass would resume from today. He said he would review the situation before re-opening schools by May 14 so they could do so the next day if he felt the security situation was suitable. Otherwise, he said, it would be after the Vesak holidays. SLPP-SLFP dialogue The Easter Sunday carnage also did not auger well for the SLFP delegation that met their SLPP counterparts at the Opposition Leaders office at Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha on Thursday. There were only two representing the SLPP G.L. Peiris and Jagath Agalawatte. Dullas Alahapperuma was away in Matara attending a function. The SLFP side included General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera and Thilanga Sumathipala. Dr Peiris began the dialogue by saying that at this stage there was no purpose in talking other issues. National security, he said, was of utmost priority. He said they could discuss that matter. Dr Peiris, the token leader of the SLPP, said that there was no purpose in discussing security issues without referring to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghes plans to push through the Counter Terrorism Bill. He said even Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa had asked for a Parliamentary Select Committee to examine the draft in detail. In fact, Defence Ministry officials who took part in the Parliamentary Oversight Committee meeting last Tuesday opined that there was no need for new legislation. They said that the present laws and powers vested in the President were adequate. They said that they were also opposed to many other provisions in the draft. Then came the unexpected shock at the SLFP-SLPP talks. At least one SLFP member kicked into the partys own goal. They were complaining of the leadership deciding on one thing in the morning and changing it in the evening. Their lament somewhat moderated Peiriss stance. The meeting adjourned just after half an hour. They agreed to meet on May 30. Both sides seem wanting to keep the dialogue going, however aimless it is for now. Herein lies a very important factor which can change the political landscape of the country. As is clear, most SLFP parliamentarians are disgruntled. This is also evident from the absence of any one of them when President Sirisena met an Opposition delegation or even Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. They were scarcely identifying themselves in Sirisenas public appearances. The reasons are many. A few of the SLFPers, former ministers, are continuing to use their official vehicles though they are not ministers any more. However, they are now shaken by another event. This is after the Colombo High Court Judge Gihan Kulathunga on May 6 sentenced P.H. Piyasena, former Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP for Digamadulla District, to four years rigorous imprisonment for misusing his official vehicle, without returning it upon being unseated as an MP. The vehicle used by Anuradhapura District parliamentarian and former Minister Duminda Dissanayake has been withdrawn. It has forced him to use an old Land Rover to travel around Colombo. Of course, he has been identified by the SLFP leadership as pro-UNP. There is an issue over the official vehicle now used by former minister Mahinda Amaraweera, General Secretary of the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA). A Cabinet Paper is now being formulated to make a case for Ameraweera to retain his official vehicle. This is on the basis that he is the Opposition Whip. What of the others? They complain that they have no political future remaining in the SLFP for fear of defeat at a parliamentary election. Thus, some are veering towards the SLPP and are already making informal soundings. Naturally, such a move would further isolate President Sirisena. Needless to say, such a move would further strengthen the SLPP at a time when the UNF has also become increasingly unpopular and is riven by mounting internecine battles. Another factor that was cause for concern was a revelation made by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya when he met party leaders on Monday, just a day ahead of the Parliament debate on the carnage. He began by urging leaders to tell their MPs to behave in a civilized manner during the debate. He said that Parliament was to be attacked on Easter Sunday April 21 at 7.29 a.m. He said it was unclear why they picked on a Sunday since none of the 225 MPs would be present in the House. He said the Australian government had donated new security equipment for use in Parliament. For some time both Ministers and MPs would be subject to searches, he added. The plot to explode a bomb in Parliament was uncovered on April 24 at Kirimetihena in Balangoda following a Police search operation. Nishardeen Nizalam (27) was arrested allegedly in possession of three mobile telephones, 13 SIM cards, two T-56 rounds of ammunition, six entry passes to Parliament and a sketch of the internal roads in the Parliament complex. Police also found a hidden compartment in the Double Cab Nizalam was using. Other Police investigations from Colombo have revealed that the suspect taken into custody was a friend of a contractor who had been given the task of reconstructing the road network inside the Parliament complex. The contractor had earlier sought a map. The examination of the passes had revealed that they were outdated. Police suspect that IS backed terrorists had wanted to attack Parliament, which was not sitting that Sunday, for symbolic reasons, to generate publicity and demonstrate their strike capability. However, it failed. The Sri Lanka Armys knowledge base of links by Sri Lankan Muslim youth with the ISIS, an investigation by the Sunday Times, revealed is the main cause for the Armys rapid success in unravelling new activity. The information has been collected by the Armys Intelligence arm together with systems that were upgraded during the near three decade long separatist war. The recent story goes back to July 2015 when five Muslim youth joined the ISIS together with their immediate families, numbering 34. It came to light after a person identified as Nilam was killed in combat in Syria. The closely knit groups 34 members had been moving between Iraq and Syria and later operating in Syria. It transpired that an IS military instructor came to Sri Lanka and circulated on the internet various messages to Muslim youth. The theme of this exercise was mental inculcation of IS ideology. Army trails pro-IS group The Army began monitoring one social group which was closely connected. Upon reading material on the internet, the comments viewers posted showed they endorsed IS ideology and have been consumed by the propaganda. Views expressed were extremist. It is this group that morphed into Jamiathul Millathul Ibrahim (JMI). It was headed by Umar Mohamed who is now in custody. He is spilling the beans. Towards the end of 2017, divisions erupted in JMI. The issue was over whether they should carry out attacks in Sri Lanka or not. Leader Mohamed had objected and said they should go and fight shoulder to shoulder with brethren in Syria. The in-fighting led to a breakup of the JMI. A small group broke away and did not attend JMI meetings. They took up the position that they would not interfere with other groups with their policy being live and let live. Later, they joined the National Thowheed Jamaath (NTJ) which was led by Mohamed Cassim Mohamed Zahran. This group came into being in 2016 after they were identified by two different names earlier in 2012 as Sri Lanka Thowheed Jamaath (SLTJ) and earlier as All Ceylon Thowheed Jamaath (ACTJ), the oldest. In March of 2017, Zahran who was wanted by the Police went missing. From an unknown location he kept on posting highly inflammatory and extremist IS material on the internet. His Facebook account too contained such posts and video footage. He exhorted the killing of what he called infidels or non-Muslims, a barbarous act which goes against the basic tenets of Islam. A leadership crisis broke out in the NTJ. A section accused Zahran of being a sex maniac, of misappropriating money and being exceedingly aggressive. Yet, he was backed by the majority. In his absence Thowfeek Mowlavi became acting leader. Some investigators believe Zahran went to South India through illegal means and was hiding there. However, they have no evidence to confirm this. Joining them was a third person Mohamed Nowfer from Qatar. He has been posting IS materials directed at Sri Lankan Muslim youth when he was in Qatar. Later, in Sri Lanka, Zahran and Nowfer together continued to upload IS video material on the internet. Nawfer has now been arrested in the Kingdom along with another key member Milshan from Saudi Arabia. Not surprisingly, Dayasiri Jayasekera, the General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), President Sirisenas party, told a news conference in Colombo this week that Qatar and Saudi Arabia were funding terrorism. The Sunday Times asked the envoys of Qatari and Saudi Embassies in Colombo to respond to these accusations. An e mail sent to the former and a fax message to the latter, at the request of their respective personal secretaries, went unanswered. Other than the hard-core cadres taught in Iraq and Syria, the training for local recruits had been minimal and lasted only three or four days. Zahran who conducted them in areas such as Aruppola (Mawanella), Nuwara Eliya, Hambantota and Malwana focused on mental inculcation. His brother Rilwan had been well trained in bomb manufacture and died in the blasts at the safe house in Sainthamaruthu. He has had several injuries to his fingers when testing explosive devices in 2018. Also explosive experts were his other brother, Zain. Contrary to Police claims there have been no training camps like the ones used by Tiger guerrillas. When Zahran re-appeared, he cunningly ended the leadership crisis. He circulated among Thowfeek, Naufer and Milshan a video. It said that Thowfeek, evidently a non-Sri Lankan did not have a visa. Hence a foreign sounding voice said Zahran would be the leader of the NTJ. The voice also said that more youth should be recruited and trained. There were arguments back and forth. One side was in favour of training cadres and sending them to Syria. The other backed by Zahran insisted that they should go ahead with plans to take on targets in Sri Lanka. With enormous financial resources at their disposal, surveillance of targets began. It was only on Friday that Police arrested a leading tea export firms employee who held Rs 89 million in a bank account for use by extremist Muslim IS groups. One of the five members whom the Army identified in July 2015 as fighting with the IS was Mohamed Aroos. He has been in regular contact with Zahran by telephone and has been helping the latter. Aroos has since been taken into custody recently by the US troops operating in Syria and is under interrogation. The explosive the local pro-IS groups used has been further confirmed as Triacetone Triperoxide or TATP, the type used by ISIS. A large stock of bomb making material and detonators, locally available as well as those suspected to be smuggled from India after purchase in the black market, were destroyed when a suicide bomber exploded himself in a hideout in Sainthamaruthu (Batticaloa District) when troops surrounded it. Evidence has surfaced that Zahran had plans for a second wave of attacks. The wife of Haktun, the suicide bomber who attacked St Sebastian Church in Katuwapitiya has confirmed that large stocks of white cloth had been purchased from a shop in Giriulla. Were they for use as pilgrims at temples or during the Vesak celebrations? There was also evidence pointing to the likelihood of a long-term plan to use it as a disguise during the Esala Perehera in Kandy. SLPP-Blake camaraderie Since the April 21 Easter Sunday carnage, international interest in Sri Lanka has increased and several dignitaries have been visiting Colombo. The latest is Robert O Blake, the former US Ambassador in Sri Lanka and thereafter in Indonesia. Though he was a guest of former Minister Milinda Moragodas Pathfinder Foundation, Blake who counts wide influence in Washington DC was a key player in the constitutional crisis that began in October last year. He played a role behind the scenes, particularly talking to two of Sirisenas legal advisors and those in the UNF. On Tuesday night, former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa attended a dinner hosted for Blake by Ashrof Omar, a leading bhsinessman. There, Blake praised the three Rajapaksas Mahinda, Gotabaya and paid a glowing compliment to Basil for being the brains behind the new opposition SLPP. The rumour mill took over immediately thereafter. The story did the rounds that the United States was seeking a nexus with the Rajapaksas, a claim which was far from the truth. Such rumours only exacerbated after Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa invited Blake for a meeting. The latter did use the opportunity to seek Rajapaksas views on many areas. The most important among them was the question of national reconciliation and issues related to the Tamil community should they assume power. Why did a dialogue with Blake, a seasoned diplomat well connected in Washington circles and was touring India and Indonesia before coming to Colombo, become necessary for the Opposition? For many months there have been strong apprehensions in Opposition circles that the United States Embassy in Colombo had insulated itself and shunned the Opposition. One senior Opposition member complained we felt that they were looking at Sri Lanka only through the eyes of a single cabinet minister and a single state minister. We wanted to deliver our own message since he (Blake) understands Sri Lanka and our democracy better. The aftermath saw US Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz calling on Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa at his Wijerama Road official residence on Thursday. Accompanying her was Anthony Renzuli, the Political Officer who earlier served in Pakistan. This weeks events provide a lot of food for thought for Sri Lankans. On the one hand, like lighting a bulb with an on/off switch, a section of the government has chosen to make the people believe all is well in this island paradise. No matter a contemptuous disregard for Intelligence warnings led to a catastrophe. On the other hand, another larger section, that is taking swipes at the other, believes that it will take a lot more time and effort. Whatever happens, one thing is becoming increasingly clear. Those in the IS extremist group will be identified and punished. What about those local masterminds including ruling politicians? With little or no probe on them, they retain the clout and resources for a replay. They cannot remain hidden. A nation knows their role. Nor can political manipulations make it a forgotten episode since it will haunt the conscience of right thinking people. That is Sri Lanka! Resilience the rock of ages View(s): Next weekend is when the country should be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the defeat of terrorism and the return of peace. Instead, Sri Lanka has seen a return to terrorism of a different kind, but terrorism nevertheless. The people are under a cloud of anxiety, fear and foreboding. Having gone through temple, train and Central Bank bombings and massacres of innocent civilians at places of religious worship including Anuradhapura and Kattankudy, many are grappling with what it is now that such a people find difficult to cope with. How is it that having undergone 30 years of terrorism, people are virtually paralysed by fear after one day of terrorism? Is it that the Government, having underplayed early warning signals of imminent attacks is now overplaying the issue; and in the process contributing to what the locals call the goni billa syndrome. The fact that there is little confidence in a Government plagued by in-fighting is as much a factor as that there is Intelligence that there remain sleepers among the terrorist group that mapped out the Easter Sunday attacks. Many of those who overcame terrorism are retired from service. And the Government has not yet found a way of providing the people with credible information with every second person to whom a microphone is thrust giving an opinion, often contradictory opinions. Government Ministers surrounded by a phalanx of armed guards do not infuse any confidence when they ask children to go to school this week. Unfortunately, we did not see any Ministers taking their children or grandchildren to school. The collective shock effect of the Easter Sunday bombings resembles the situation when the ambush of 13 soldiers at Thinnaveli in Jaffna in 1983 occurred. The reactions, however, contrast. The Church hierarchy was able to defuse the emotions among their flock from turning into violence. On the other hand, in 1983, angry mourners were whipped into a frenzied mob that set alight the country. And yet, as the northern civil commotion of the time developed into a war, civilians became desensitised to death, destruction and casualties, and the killing of 600 policemen in one day in the East or nearly 1,000 soldiers when a camp was overrun in Pooneryn received muted reaction. Time is the great healer. Provided, however, there are no more blunders and blasts of such a scale as we witnessed on April 21. The climate of vigilance is paramount as much as the on-going exercise to flush out the terrorists needs to be clinical and not breed more terrorists. It is going to be a long haul and no quick fixes are available. Even the policemen on the street doing searches these days should be ordered to be polite and courteous, not to think that the Emergency powers vested in them are a licence to be obnoxious. Muslim leaders, both political and religious, must take the lead as an embarrassed community and an embattled Government desperately tries to gain credibility among the people in fostering an environment where every Muslim is not seen as a terrorist suspect. Even in the United States, the then President Barack Obama had to caution his Police Departments not to think of every Black American youth wearing a hoodie as a criminal. Experienced psychiatrists would say that people do develop resilience after trauma. To do so, they need to be secure in the knowledge that everything possible is being done to prevent a recurrence; that they will be adequately warned of future threats and constantly kept informed by credible information. Sri Lankans developed resilience during the Eelam wars, and the 2004 tsunami. There is no reason they cannot do so again. Eagle eyes on Madrasas needed The issue of the mushrooming Islamic study centres (Madrasas) and the Arabisation of the Muslim community of Sri Lanka has been the talk of every town in the country since the roundly condemned Easter Sunday bombings attributed to misguided elements within the Islamic faith. The statistics of the numbers of Arabic colleges and Madrassas that have opened up in recent years are mind-boggling, to say the least. In the heat of the Easter Sunday attacks, theres a rush to look at these twin issues. It is not unusual for this easy-going island nation of so-called lotus-eaters to wake up to reality only when some shocking event occurs. Muslim community leaders argue that the trend towards Arabisation has its roots in those returning from work in Arab countries and is no different to other Sri Lankans who go to the West and return Westernized with Western habits and dress forms. They admit that the Arabic dress codes that make for high visibility in multi ethnic societies especially when the garment is black, may also hinder social interaction. Black has no religious significance and the same garment in pastel shades might blend better with the rest of society and facilitate wider participation by the wearer in the life of such a multi-cultural society. The Madrasas however, is an even more serious issue, one that the mainstream Muslim community has long been discussing and debating because of the informal and ad hoc way they have been established. They, too, have called for a common curriculum, a matter now under consideration. There is a justifiable call that these Madrasas come under the purview of the Central Government (not the Provincial Councils) and the Ministry of Education. The Muslim Affairs Ministry is more susceptible to pressures from clerics and politicians. The problem, however, is the lack of staff proficient in Arabic which brings out the question as to the need for so many Arabic colleges in this country. What does a graduate from these Arabic colleges do in Sri Lanka other than teach Arabic to more and more students. This can even be equated to the inward-looking demand by some for a ban on private tuition classes on Sundays and insisting that young Buddhists attend Daham Pasalas at the expense of a general education that will enable students find places in the job markets and contribute to the economy of the country. Muslim leaders point out that none of the Easter Sunday bombers was educated in Madrasas, except for the leader who, in fact, was expelled from one of them. The rest were students of international schools! The confusion may be that Madrasas in Pakistan were known to produce young people with militant ideology, but it is a fact that the number of foreign teachers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan etc., with such extreme ideology were given easy entre to Sri Lanka. The visa requirements for religious teachers also must meet not only the stipulations of the Line Ministry (the Muslim Affairs Ministry), but those of either the Education, Defence, Law and Order or Home Ministry. In the UK, it is the Home Office. Likewise, the controversial Shariah University in Batticaloa must be made a campus for all within the university system of Sri Lanka. Pearson and other for-profits gain direct UK government funding View(s): A college owned by FTSE 100 company Pearson and another owned by a private equity firm are among the for-profit higher education providers set to receive direct UK government funding for the first time. The recurrent teaching grant announcement released by Englands Office for Students on 9 May lists 25 new providers in receipt of direct public funding in 2019-20, after they were included on the OfS new register of providers. The grant funding, for high-cost subjects and the costs of teaching disadvantaged students, amounts to about 10 million between these new providers, or 0.8 per cent of total sector grant funding. The need for the OfS to spread teaching grant across new providers students is among the factors that will cause average grant funding per student across all providers, including universities, to drop by 4 per cent. Of the new providers now being funded by the OfS, the biggest recipients of grant will be for-profits. The biggest recipients are the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM), a music college owned by Sovereign Capital (teaching grant of 2.4 million, including 853,000 in high-cost subject funding); Arden University, owned by for-profit group Global University Systems (1.5 million); SAE Education (1.4 million); the University of Law, also owned by GUS (733,000); and Pearson College, owned by Pearson (707,000). While these institutions have previously been in receipt of indirect public funding via the student loans system, they have not previously been in receipt of direct government funding through grants. Other colleges now in receipt of smaller amounts of direct public funding for the first time include a clutch of theological training institutions, such as Cliff College (which describes itself as having a focus on evangelism), Nazarene Theological College, Moorlands College (another evangelical institution) and the Queens Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education. The direct public funding for new and for-profit providers follows the governments 2017 Higher Education and Research Act, which established the OfS and the register of providers. The government aimed to encourage new providers to enter the sector to compete with universities and to establish a level playing field between new and traditionally publicly funded institutions. While the OfS grant budget sees a small increase in cash terms to 1.039 billion in 2019-20, because of a transfer of nursing students previously funded by the Department of Health, extra medical students and the funding of new providers not previously funded by the OfS, average funding per student declines by 4 per cent across all institutions. The changes on health courses mean that the OfS has to fund 25,000 extra students in 2019-20, while the new providers bring 17,000 extra students. Within its overall budget, the OfS has also set aside 14 million to fund students at new providers that may be added to the register at a later date, which is yet to be allocated. Universities saw major variations in their funding levels, related not just to their mix of students in terms of those who are disadvantaged or studying high-cost subjects, but also to their recruitment levels. Oxford Brookes University, for example, sees an 18 per cent decline in its funding in 2019-20. But the University of Bedfordshire, for example, sees a 13 per cent increase. Courtesy-THE Happy Mothers Day ! View(s): My mothers name is Shifani. She is a very good mother. She is short and fair. She has curly hair. She is very kind and loves me a lot. She was a former lecturer at the University of Peradeniya. She can teach many subjects to me. She is a nice mother. She advises me when necessary. She cooks tasty food. She makes many kinds of food. I love my mother very much and I respect my mother. Yusuf-ul-haq (7 years) Matale Int. School My mothers name is Mrs. Krishanthi Jayawardhana. She is 33 years old. She is a teacher. My mother is very kind. Her favourite colour is pink. She likes to eat noodles. She likes to drink milk. Her hobby is watering plants. She has a brother and a sister. She helps me to do my work. I love my mother. Sidangana Thathsarani (7 years) Royal Int. School, Kegalle My mother is Chrishmalie Silva. My mother is the principal of St. Marys School in Hapugoda, Kandana. She is 48 years old. My mother is beautiful. She brings me tasty food. She has a car. She was teaching at Kanuwana St. Josephs Junior School when I was born. I used to travel with her to her school every day when I was a small child. She always helps me to do my homework in the evenings and prays with me in the morning before leaving to go to school. I, along with my mother, father and younger sister, go to Sunday mass and usually my mother encourages me to pray to God for the success of my education. I love my mother and she loves me. Minush Pathinisekara (Grade 5) Lyceum Int. School, Wattala My mothers name is Shazmila. She is 30 years old. She likes to eat sweets. She likes to drink milk. Her favourite colour is yellow. She is a teacher. She is thin. She has long hair. She gives me everything I want. Her birthday is on July 7. I am happy to have a mother like her. I love her a lot and she loves me too. Reema Ghazni (9 years) Najaa Int. School, Mt. Lavinia Our mother works hard She washes clothes and cleans our yard She send us to school and cooks our tifin Thats how our mother works hard She mops our house She wipes the windows And she helps us to study Thats why we love her so much She boils water to make tea She cooks dinner And she takes us to classes That is why we say Our mother loves us so much. Ummashankar Lavernaesh (10 years) St. Peters College, Colombo 4 My mothers name is Priyangani. She is 32 years old. She has curly hair. She likes to eat rice and curry. She can cook well. I love my mother very much. Sankalpana Sadasarani (7 years) Royal Int. School, Kegalle BRIDAL EPISODES : TURNING A NEW LEAF IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY View(s): White Episodes, a boutique fine art photography company specializing in Wedding Photography and Wedding film hosted the first session of Bridal Episodes last week at the White Episodes HQ located at Cambridge Terrace, Colombo 7. Bridal Episodes, an event aimed at fostering a bond between brides and grooms to be and their respective wedding partners, was an evening of cocktails and conversations with couples who would be tying the knot soon and industry experts in the field of photography, wedding film, bridal hair and make up and costume design. Expressing his views on the event, Nipun Fernando, a Director of White Episodes stated that the core idea behind this event was to create a comfortable environment for the brides and grooms to be on their wedding day. He further stated, rather than working with a group of strangers, it is always better and comfortable for a couple to work with friends, which takes a way a huge portion of stress during the wedding. Professionals in the wedding industry and couples to be married soon graced the event. The guests at the event were able to talk of their wedding plans and get tips and suggestions from the wedding partners present at the event. Moreover, they were able to mingle with other couples and share ideas and clarify concerns that they had regarding their upcoming nuptials. Committed to building meaningful relationships within the Wedding Industry Speaking of the future plans of the company, Shivani Gregory, the Client Relationship Manager of White Episodes stated that this session of Bridal Episodes was the pilot event and that in future that they plan of having frequent events with more wedding partners attending. She went on to state we do not want to just be a wedding supplier but we want to build a meaningful relationship with our clients and other partners, which grows into beautiful friendships. The White Episodes team comprises of photographers and cinematographers with over 6 years of experience in Wedding Photography and Film. The company only accepts a limited number of bookings for a month and works closely with other partners of the industry to innovate unique and trendy methods of making their clients special day memorable. There is nepotism and favouritism in local TV award festivals View(s): Ranga, son of renowned playwright and filmmaker Dharmasiri Bandaranayake, joined cinema and the theatre as a child actor. He played in number of his fathers directions while being a student of Kalutara Maha Vidyalaya, St Johns Girls College, Panadura and D. S. Senanayake College Colombo. Continuing footsteps of his father Ranga, worked as a stage manager in a number of his fathers plays and later played in films like Chitty and Sudath Mahadivulwewas telefilms Dande lu Gini. He played the main role in Sunil Chandrasiris play Gini Dandu Hewana made based on Sean OCaseys play The Shadow of a Gunman. Started television career as a News Coordinator at the TNL television in 1995, Ranga later joined Salacine Television Institute which was under the government. In 1997 he joined Teledrama Unit of the SLRC as a producer. Ranga directed Bhawanthara, 40-episode teleserial, a production which was both popular and artistically rich. In addition to producing large number of documentary and docudrama Ranga also has directed around 50 one-episode poya dramas Sitha Niwana Katha. I first came to know about this international film festival from discarded papers found from a dustbin at the SLRC. Having gone through the festival details, I applied with one of my documentaries featuring former LTTE cadre. It was titled Life without love, love without life, Ranga said describing his discovery of the DetectiveFEST in Russia. Ranga applied for the festival together with his Rupavahini colleagues Athula Peiris, and Shiran Ratnayake in 2018. Along with Ranga Athula Pieris Brethren and Shiran Rathnayakes Have a Safe Journey were nominated for the final round of the XX DetectiveFEST International Film Festival. The nominations were out of 600 submission from 71 countries. There Athula Peiris won the first place in humanity category. Ranga won the Diploma award in against terrorism category while Shiran Ratnayake won the Diploma award in the Road safety category. In 2018 we got some financial support from the Presidents office. But unfortunately we couldnt get any support this year and finally Nishadi and I went on our own with our personal money and salaries which we collected early, Ranga said unravelling the arduous journey that award winning artistes who bring glory to the country, have to be followed. It was good that we went to Russia as the Festival organisers were planning to stop accepting productions in future in case if anyone of us failed to represent the country this year, the filmmaker said. The festival was against terrorism and we went to Russia on the day after the terrible Easter attack on April 21. So there was lot of attention for us and our country which had become the latest target of international terrorism, Ranga described the importance of Sri Lankan being represented in Russia. The award wining audio-visual director also revealed the bitter truth about Sri Lankas television award ceremonies and the selections and awards they offer. Some of these dramas and documentaries we send for the television festivals in Sri Lanka but unfortunately they even didnt get nominations. We see that how much these television festivals are infected with favouritism and nepotism,. This shows the appalling situation of art and cinema in our country. It is no wonder that many vices like so many murders, fights and rapes are taking on daily basis. When there is no proper art, the country leads to a desperate situation like this,. An uneasy calm haunts Negombo By Namini Wijedasa View(s): View(s): In Negombo, beneath the outward calm lies a simmering tension. Three weeks after the Easter Sunday bombings, the city is not at peace. Catholic leaders say it will take a while, as well as reassurance from local Muslims, for their community to feel safe. There is tension among the people, said Father Clement, a priest from the Negombo deanery who asked to be identified by one name. And fear about the future. There is no security. No certificate to say everything is cleared. Since early this week, mosques dont broadcast prayers. The clergy said churches had requested them not to because it would feel like an affront to Catholics whose own prayer houses were locked up after the bombings. Negombos Muslims who had nothing to do with the massacres obliged. It is likely to be temporary. Catholic prayer services only returned to some normalcy this week. But they are shorter and fewer in number; and the nervousness among worshippers is palpable. All but one gate in churches are closed and padlocked from the inside. Two police officers and members of parish vigilance committees are present throughout the day. For Friday Muslim prayers, the Air Force was deployed around mosques to prevent violence. Clashes between Muslim and Sinhala groups at Pothupitiya on Sunday night had made everyone nervous. But the day passed without incident. There were no gatherings outside any of the mosques. Negombo is usually a crowded place, said Father Clement. Now its like a ghost town. The shops are open but there are no customers. Traffic moves much quicker than usual. The roads empty out faster towards evening. And it is only those going to work and back who are out. Wellaweediya, or Sea Street, which is Negombos tourism hotspot, is deserted. Hotel guests vanished soon after the bombings and havent returned. Restaurants are empty. Shops have no business. And several of the Muslim establishments that were targeted in the Pothupitiya riot remain closed. After April 21, I made one sale of Rs1,000, said H A Prasanthi, a 48-year-old proprietor of a shop selling clothes for tourists. Our customers all left. I have bank loans and vehicle leases to pay off. The overheads remain the same. But there is no business. It was the same tale everywhere. From three-wheeler drivers to five-star hotels, everyone is suffering. Not only has the economy taken a severe hit. Race relations are at their lowest. Prasanthi pointed to a Muslim-owned shop opposite hers. We were very close to them, she said. Whenever they cooked something special, they would share it with us. And whenever we cooked something special, we would send it to them. But with all these swords and daggers that are being found in mosques, how can we trust them? Now I have told my daughters not to eat anything even if they give it to us, she admitted. I bought material and Ayurveda products from Muslims. We are their customers. But why do mosques have swords and daggers? If the bombings were a tragedy, this breakdown of relationships business and personal compounds it. Muslims feel it too. They spoke of the unfairness of being branded as terrorists, or terrorist sympathisers, when they had nothing to do with the events of April 21. And they suspect that jealousy about their success in business might also be motivating some of the discrimination they are now experiencing. Latent biases are surfacing on all sides. The Easter Sunday bombings have hit the ordinary Muslim community hard. Grief over human loss is still raw. Prasanthi cried as she spoke of her 38-year-old close friend, Chandima, whose two young daughters and husband died in the St Sebastians Church, Katuwapitiya explosion. She could not attend their funeral because she was in hospital, she said. She asks what she has to live for now. She doesnt want compensation. She wants her children back. Businesses that were identified by name are now called Muslim shop or Sinhala shop in Negombo. Sameera, a three-wheeler driver who complains that he cant earn even Rs100 a day now, says he cant trust Muslims anymore. The subject of swords and daggers comes up repeatedly. More even than the bombings, this appears to have left a lasting and damaging impression on Sinhala minds in Negombo. There is no confidence in the Government and its ability to deal with terrorism or provide security. Special Task Force Commandant Senior DIG M R Latheef had promised churches to train members of their vigilance communities who would be checking the belongings of people entering premises. He gave his mobile number, said one Catholic priest, who did not wish to be named. And said he would be happy to oblige if the Fathers request. But he doesnt answer the phone. There were insufficient security checks in Negombo, they felt. The Cardinal also said at the Bishops Conference to search shops and houses and mosques, the priest said. The Government is not taking anything seriously. They only want to be in power, thinking of the next election. People are angry with the Government. Father Clement felt that suspicions among communities will prevail for some time. But, he said, the Muslims could help by volunteering information about mosques belonging to various groups so that they could be investigated. What happened in Pothupitiya The clash started on May 5 on the border between a Muslim and Sinhala settlement in Pothupitiya, a coastal village. Locals insist it broke out over longstanding tensions about a hut, but escalated into an ethnic riot. Around 1pm on May 5, a group of young Sinhala men got drunk in a village tavern. Inside a hut on the beach another group of men were playing draughts. Adjoining was their three-wheeler park. This hut has been a problem for a while, said Nirasha, who owns a small grocery store on the border. Its an unauthorised structure built with Muslim political patronage, and unwanted things were happening there throughout the night, she claimed. But the clash on Sunday was triggered by the inebriated men. They walked up and down a few times, shouting ISIS and making derogatory remarks. This was despite there also being some Sinhalese men in the hut playing draughts at the time, according to a woman who lives in a house on the beach. Then, unexpectedly, one of the drunken men took up the draughts board and landed it on the head of a Muslim man in the hut before they all ran back towards the Muslim settlement. Mohamed Farook Shiyam Mohamed, 36, was in his minimart, which is also on the beachfront. There have been tensions over his building, too. The Sinhalese claim it was built illegally on Coast Conservation Department land like the hut with the support of a local politician named Harees. Farook is Hareess nephew. He heard the fight break out and called his uncle. Nirasha and others agree that measures were quickly taken to settle the brawl. It was on the shape side, said Farook. But, then, the rocks started flying. There is no consensus on where they came from first. The Muslims say they were flung from the Sinhala side. The Sinhalese claim the opposite. Some shattered the window panes of Farooks shop. People from other areas of Negombo rapidly started streaming towards Pothupitiya, wielding poles and sharp implements. Muslim shops in other streets were also targeted. Some remain closed. I am from this area and I know what has been going on, said Nirasha, 49. There were problems for a long time over these unauthorised structures and the three-wheeler park. The Sinhalese felt there were unwanted activities going on and there have been disputes on and off. This time, it escalated because people came from outside. Nirasha says if a fight breaks out in future, the outcome could be worse. That is also because, she explained, a certain class of people live here. Those with greater understanding would not have become this agitated, she said. Farook expressed hurt. We lived in harmony before, he said. Sinhalese people came to my shop and would even take loans from me. We want to live in peace. But if they come to beat us in future, we will also hit back. Easter Sunday attacks-The need to act with foresight View(s): In the wake of unexpected and unprecedented terror attacks unleashed on innocent human beings on Easter Sunday, it is not surprising that the country is still trying to figure out what went wrong and why it happened. In a democratic society, where informed discussion and decision making plays a big part in addressing issues faced by the country, it is only natural that everyone has opinions and theories about what may have happened. These theories can be tested out through discussions and dialogues within civil society forums, which can better inform those concerned. Yet, when it comes to Government and decision makers, including all legislators, the responsibility is greater. The issues have to be examined dispassionately and from all angles, with a view to providing a solution that ensures non recurrence of the type of violent terrorist acts that the country had to face last month. Medical personnel are familiar with the fact that a wrong diagnosis or wrong medical treatment can, not only not cure the malady, but can have unintended side effects. Dealing with complex social issues require much more reflection and study, before action is taken. It is also necessary to prioritise what action should be taken in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. The first is to ensure the security of the people and the country. The second is to bring the perpetrators to book. This the Government seems to be doing satisfactorily, although there is still some degree of fear among the people, mainly because of the Governments chronic inability to effectively communicate what action it has taken, as well as the irresponsibility of sections of the media, in the manner of reporting current happenings. There is also the need to simultaneously ensure that the needs of the victims of the blasts and their families are addressed. It is not only their physical needs that have to be met, but psychosocial support to mitigate the impact on them and their families. This task falls not only on the Christians, but the entire country, which must consider it a national priority. An examination of some of the public responses clearly demonstrate some degree of confused thinking and a Koheda Yanney Malle Pol approach to the issues revolving around the tragic events that took place on Easter Sunday. If such courses of action are followed, without a rigorous examination of the pros and cons of the suggested solutions, the country may be lulled into a false sense of complacency, that everything has been taken care of, but the pathway to acts of terrorism may not have been closed. One of the knee-jerk solutions that have been offered is the regulation of Madrasas. The issue of regulating the Madrasas, which mainly conduct religious teaching, has been engaging the attention of the Muslim community for a considerable length of time, mainly, to raise the quality of religious education, as well as to ensure a uniform curriculum. Even prior to these incidents, the Ministry of Muslim Affairs has addressed this issue and it is believed that a uniform curriculum is already being implemented. The issue of regulating Madrasas is not likely to be objected to by anyone from within the Muslim community. It is, however, more prudent to have a common mechanism to monitor religious teaching in institutions of all religions, rather than only in Madrasas, because it will be in conformity with the principle of sensitivity, when handling situations of this nature, and avoid accusations of targetting a particular community. In setting up such a regulatory mechanism, one has also to guard against the intrusion of the State into religious education and the values it can impart. But, what is more critical to the current discussion is that, by regulating Madrasas, the current concerns will not be addressed. It is very apparent that the germ of indoctrination that finally manifested itself in the recent terror attacks did not originate in the Madrasas, but on online terrorist platforms. Many of those who were involved in the terrorist attacks were highly educated individuals, whose interest may have been aroused initially by accessing such terrorist sites. Thereafter, they may have pursued such interests through the internet, in the seclusion of their rooms, over a period of time, which resulted in their absorbing a terrorist mindset. Thereafter, their interests may have been fertilized by the interaction with others of their ilk. Another feature of such a phenomenon is that, these activities are carried out clandestinely and not in public forums. This is not only an unconscious recognition by such individuals that, what they are engaged in is unacceptable, but prevents their perceptions being corrected through intellectual and religious interaction. The need to monitor the accessing of terrorist sites by individuals is therefore, imperative. Otherwise left to themselves, those who do so may begin a journey of their own and end up on a lone wolf operation like in New Zealand recently. And such lone wolves can emerge from any community or from any strata of society. In developing such monitoring mechanisms, care should be taken to consult human rights experts, to ensure that such processes do not infringe on democratic norms and that the country does not descend to a State that rules by surveillance. Another response articulated in different forums is that, there should be a uniform Law for all individuals in this country. In fact, there is a uniform Law for all citizens subject to a very small area, which relates mainly to personal Laws. In the case of Muslims, it is only confined to Marriage, Divorce and its consequences, inheritance and the administration of Mosques. How the existence of such a Law is related to terrorism is difficult to fathom, more so because it has existed in our statute books for such a long period of time. In contrast, the All Ceylon Jemmiyathul Ulema (the apex body of theologians) had responded to the reasonable request of the security forces, by requesting Muslim women not to use the face covering. This was done even before the ban on the face veil was imposed by the Government. This was mainly to assist the security operations in the country, although there was no evidence that any of those involved in the terrorist attacks had used face veils. Nor had there been any concern regarding the face veil at any time during the 3-decade-old civil war in the country. It is important to respond to the challenges in the country in a way that will ensure that the objectives of those responses are met. An example of a wrong response to a critical situation is the case of the passage of the 6th Amendment to the Constitution. When Parliament passed the 6th Amendment in haste, with the public galleries closed, in a knee-jerk reaction to the anti-Tamil pogrom of 1983, it did not realise that, by excluding the Tamil polity from the democratic mainstream, it drove the democratic movement underground, which resulted in terrorism in a virulent form. Fortunately, many of the hasty solutions suggested in the aftermath of the April tragedy, may not result in such a disaster. What is more likely is that, by mistaking the woods for the trees, the country may be lulled into complacency by the wrong steps taken. As a result, the countrys gaze may be elsewhere, when, to use Rugby parlance, one or more lone wolves may work the blind side and wreak havoc on the country. God forbid. (javidyusuf@gmail.com). Govt. Analyst to determine cause of British womans death in hotel View(s): A Government Analysts report has been called for to determine the cause of the death of a newly wedded British woman, who died at a leading hotel in Galle. The woman, Usheila Patel, 31, and her husband Khilan Chandaria 33 had both fallen ill after they ate a sandwich ordered from the hotel and consumed Vodka from a bottle they had bought overseas. A senior Police officer involved in the investigations said the Vodka bottle and an uneaten sandwitch had been sent to the Government Analysts Department, along with samples of vomit for the investigators to determine the cause of the death. He said they had checked the CCTV footage outside the hotel room and found that there been no external intervention by any persons. He said there were also no external injuries on the woman who died. Police said that Mr Chandaria has been requested to remain in the country until the investigations were completed. The couple were married less than a month ago in north London and had travelled to Sri Lanka for their honeymoon. Pictures courtesy dailymail.co.uk Lead kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom View(s): The Archbishop of Colombo, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, presided at a concelebrated Holy Mass at St. Lucias Cathedral in Kotahena to pray for the victims of the Easter Sunday terror attacks. Among those who took part in the service was a woman, who was injured in the blast. She came on a wheelchair to join the congregation in prayer. Those present included people and victims from St. Anthonys Church in Kochchikade and the Katuwapitiya St. Sebastians Church which were attacked by the suicide bombers. Tight security was maintained with the people being bodychecked and having their identity cards checked. Pic by Priyantha Wickremarachchi William Campbell-Corbis via Getty Images(NEW YORK) -- Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, a Democrat many suspect will soon jump into the crowded 2020 candidate field, teased a "big announcement" in a video on Twitter Saturday. The governor, who was elected in 2012, leads a state President Donald Trump won by 20 points in the 2016 presidential election. Bullock won his re-election the same year despite the state's support for Trump -- a theme highlighted in the video. "The only Democratic contender who won a Trump state will make a big announcement," according to the video, with large, white letters written over black-and-white photos of Bullock. At one point in the video's mash-up of interviews the governor has done over the past year, NBC's Chuck Todd tells Bullock he's "this, like, weird creature from outer space." Later, the video features MSNBC's Willie Geist listing off the two-term governor's record: "A Democratic governor in that state who's pro-choice, you're for marriage equality, you've expanded Medicaid, you've expanded spending on education, you've protected the environment from corporate interests." Bullock would be at least the 24th person to become a contender for the Democratic party nomination, joining a field that includes other candidates from Trump-supporting states such as Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana, and Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan. The most recent candidate to enter the race was Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. New appointments at AGs Dept. View(s): Senior Additional Solicitor General Dilrukshi Dias Wickremasinghe has been recommended to the Public Service Commission (PSC) to be the new Solicitor General. The recommendation has been made by the newly appointed Attorney General, Dappula De Livera, who held the post before being appointed as the AG. In other recommendations, Additional Solicitor General Sarath Jayamannes name has been proposed for the post of Senior Additional Solicitor General, while the names of senior Deputy Solicitors General Susantha Balapatabendi and Sumathi Dharmawardena have been proposed for the posts of Additional Solicitors General. New laws to regulate Madrasas; introduced by Muslim Affairs Ministry By Namini Wijedasa View(s): View(s): The Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry has presented to the Government a bill called the Madrasa Education Regulatory Act that seeks to set up a Board with powers of regulation, registration, supervision, control and development of education within Madrasas in Sri Lanka. The Sunday Times obtained a copy of the draft which is seen as a move towards addressing a longstanding vacuum in Madrasa regulation. The Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs Department said this week that there were 1,675 Quran Madrasas across 24 districts in the country. The only district without one is Kilinochchi, which also does not have Arabic Colleges or Ahadiya (Sunday) schools. The highest number of 344 is in the Ampara district, followed by Colombo which has 161 and Batticaloa 148. Arabic colleges are also most numerous in the Ampara district, with 42, followed by Puttalam with 38 and Kandy 28. The Madrasa Education Regulatory Act envisages the creation of a Madrasa Education Board comprising nine Muslim members to advise the Minister on policy matters. The power of regulation, registration, supervision, control, development and improvement of Madrasa education in Sri Lanka shall vest in the Board. It has a separate provision that states that an employee of an affiliated Madrasa shall not take part in, or subscribe in aid of, or assist in any way, any movement or any activities tending directly or indirectly to excite disaffection against the Government as by law established, or to promote feelings of hatred or enmity between different communities of citizens of Sri Lanka, or to disturb the peace and order. The Madrasa Education Board shall cause the registration of all Madrasas, Arabic Colleges or other such institutions teaching Quran, Arabic language, Islamiatthat is, Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh, Kalam, Usul, Maqulat, Faraid and relevant subjectswhether incorporated or not. None of them would be permitted to function unless registered under the proposed law. The Board members will include three Islamic theologians with expertise in Madrasa education; three eminent persons with considerable experience in education; representatives of the Ministries of Education and of Skills Development; and the Director of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs. The Registrar, Controller of Examinations and the Inspector of Madrasas are among the public officers to be appointed. The Board will have power to grant or withhold or withdraw registration from a Madrasa based on its compliance of standards set out in a quality assurance manual. It could prescribe curricula and recommend examinations and assessments; prescribe criteria for the annual students intake based on needs; and develop and promote studies in humanities including Arabic language and literature, Islamic history, Sri Lankan history, Sinhala and English languages and culture. A quality assurance manual will be developed with details of registration procedure, student admissions, regular monitoring, qualifications of teaching staff, courses delivered as per curriculum, and basic infrastructure requirements. The Board could grant certificates, diplomas and higher national diplomas to persons who have passed its examinations and also withdrew these if required. It could hold and manage endowments and award scholarships, stipends, medals and prizes. And it could liaise with the Ministries of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development to improve Madrasa instruction. The Act will also set up a Madrasa Fund to accept all grants, donations, gifts, contribution and bequests made to or in favour of the Fund. At present, there is no serious oversight of Madrasas which have mushroomed around the country in recent years. The syllabuses are not unified and the ones offered by Arabic Colleges are in Arabic. They are only looked at by the Department during registration. There is no monitoring or review process. The Muslim authorities also recognised that the products of these religious schools and Arabic Colleges were not suited to the job market, said M R M Malik, Director of the Department. In 2017, the Ministry set up an expert committee to look at whether a national examination could be conducted based on a unified syllabus under the Examinations Department but the plan did not reach fruition. The opening of so many religious schools is also facilitated by West Asian donors who believe the most merit is earned from funding water projects, facilities for fatherless children and religious institutions like mosques and Madrasas. Government MPs have in the meantime asked the Madrasas to be brought under the Education Ministry. President rushes to China for confab on Asian civilisation By Our Political Editor To meet President Xi Jinping on sidelines; will he appoint an Acting Defence Minister? View(s): View(s): President Maithripala Sirisena will leave tomorrow for China on a three-day visit in a move that has surprised both political and diplomatic circles over its urgency. Formally, he is attending a Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilisations that will open on May 15. The official website of the event said, more than 2,000 government officials and representatives of various circles from 47 Asian countries will attend. However, sources close to the Presidency said that during diplomatic consultations between Colombo and Beijing, a one-on-one meeting has been arranged for President Sirisena with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday. A similar meeting has also been arranged with Prime Minister Le Keqiang, they said. These sources said he would also attend an international event in Beijing. What President Sirisena will discuss with the Chinese President has not been explained. These sources, however, said the recent IS-backed massacre will figure when Sirisena briefs him on measures taken by the government. Also on the cards is a catalogue of projects for which he is seeking Chinese assistance an issue which would not have necessitated top priority consideration in the prevailing security situation in the country. It is not yet known if he will appoint an Acting Defence Minister in his absence. This week, military tensions between the United States and China have risen to a new peak. It comes in the wake of the Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command testifying before the Senate Armed Forces Committee in Washington urging military co-operation between the US and Sri Lanka to counter China. That the trip comes just three weeks after the deadly IS-backed terrorist massacre that left more than 250 dead and over 400 injured. President Sirisena told Parliament this week that the 99 percent of those involved had been arrested and there would be normalcy soon. However, senior security officials, who did not wish to be named, told the Sunday Times it would take a longer period to return to normalcy. The key question raised in political circles is whether President Sirisena will name an acting Defence Minister in his absence or allow the security chiefs to remain in touch with him in the Chinese capital. President Sirisena is due to return to Sri Lanka on Thursday. ALSO SEE POLITICAL COMMENTARY ON PAGES 12 AND 13. Refugees have no place to lay their heads as Southern Governor, UNHCR squabble over site By Namini Wijedasa View(s): View(s): Southern Province Governor Keerthi Tennakoon has lashed out at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for rejecting his offer of the Ridiyagama State detention centre to house 1,063 refugees and asylum seekers evicted from their rented homes after the Easter Sunday bombings. But the UNHCR said the location was turned down after a joint assessment by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the UN for several reasonsincluding that it would require multiple court orders to transfer refugees and asylum seekers to a detention centre, and separate court orders to permit the accommodation of children there. The lackadaisical approach of the UNHCR has endangered the refugees and asylum seekers and Sri Lankan Government is left to deal with the consequences of the slow response of the UN, said Mr Tennekoon, in a seething letter to diplomats, also shared with media. This is not the first time this has happened. A similar situation was created with the Rohingya refugees here. By keeping refugees and asylum seekers in three centres that are not equipped to house a large number of people, the UNHCR has ensured that their rights are violated and endangered the safety of women and children, he wrote. While urging the UNHCR to rethink their strategy in Sri Lanka, I thank the embassies who had shown interest in assisting these refugees and asylum seekers. Refugees and asylum seekers are in Sri Lanka only till their claims are processed and they either return to their own countries or are resettled elsewhere. Those living around Negombo and Pasyala were evicted and are now crammed into two mosques in Negombo and Pasyala as well as the Negombo police station. The situation at the Negombo police station is dire, with 158 people sharing a single toilet. There are 296 in the mosque in Negombo and 609 in Pasyala. Of these, 325 are children. Mr Tennekoon says his offer to house all refugees and asylum seekers was supported by President Maithripala Sirisena. He says the detention centre is on 170 acres of land, is relatively isolated and safe. However, the UNHCR did not find the facilities at the centre satisfactory, he wrote. Pointing that only 250 people can live there, they insisted that there needs to be new construction. The Southern Province assured that the necessary constructions could be finished within two weeks and appointed a 12-member committee to commence procurement. Mr Tennekoon says that, as Governor, he has absolute powers under emergency laws to ensure the safety of these groups. But he admitted that he would not be able to stand against residents of the Ridiyagama area if they protested the move. Therefore, he says, he urged the UNHCR to act fast before the window of opportunity closes. On the afternoon of the day that Mr Tennekoon made the offer, a team comprising multiple UN agencies and a MoFA representative visited the site but were shown a bare land with shrubs by officials appointed by the Governor. There was nothing on itno water or electricity supply, and no building. A decision was jointly taken by the UN and the MoFA that the site did not suit the immediacy of needs. However, a second visit was carried out by the UNHCR when Mr Tennekoon insisted there were buildings (which had initially not been shown to them). The detention facility was examined, but significant challenges were identified. For instance, none of the buildings was unoccupied. The Governor offered to vacate some and fence off a separate area for the asylum seekers and refugees but this was also not deemed to be a suitable option. There was also a question of obtaining court orders. There were too many barriers, an authoritative source said. The discussion went up to the UNHCR headquarters in Geneva and it was decided to go back to the Government for another solution. Mr Tennekoon, meanwhile, indicated in his letter that the window of opportunity is now closed as some residents of Ridiyagama have started protesting against his proposal. The situation of refugees and asylum seekers in Sri Lanka has always been less than optimum owing to the adults being barred from working, and their children having no access to the education system. Free Government health facilities, however, are available. Third country resettlement often takes years. When asylum seekers and refugees are in Sri Lanka, they are expected to stay from anywhere between three to seven years, said Menique Amarasinghe, Head of the UNHCR national office, at a recent UN-organised Colombo Development Dialogues. With the shrinking resettlement environment, its expected that this will increase. In mid-2018, there were 20.2mn refugees under UNHCRs mandate but only 81,000 resettlement allocations. Two issues have come up consistently in annual conversations with asylum seekers and refugees. Their key concerns are access to education and access to work, Ms Amarasinghe said. Without a legal right to work, they have to survive on their savings or from foreign remittances. There is now more difficulty accessing those funds owing to Exchange regulations. The UNHCR provides limited monthly cash assistance to refugees (not asylum seekers). Donors also give support but there isnt a systematic approach to ensure everyone gets assistance or that it goes to anyone that needs it. They are urban refugees so they need to live in cities, Ms Amarasinghe said. They need to pay their rent, pay for their food, clothing and the needs of their children out of whatever money they have. Many asylum seekers and refugees have said they manage on one meal a day. If they do engage in employment illegally, they run the risk of being exploited, underpaid or detained if caught. They have not only fled difficult situations in their home countries, they are struggling here. The mental issue of not being able to work is a very big one, Ms Amarasinghe said. They get depressed because they cant engage in anything productive. They find it difficult that their families are struggling. And their children sometimes may be having one meal a day but they cant really augment that. Theres a lot of frustration, theres a feeling of disempowerment. This also affects them quite fundamentally during their stay here. Residence visas for foreigners: SIS clearance needed By Damith Wickremasekara View(s): View(s): Clearance from the State Intelligence Service (SIS) will be required to obtain residence visas for foreigners, the Government has decided. Accordingly, those applying for residence visas for any category will have to be cleared by the SIS in contrast to the existing system where the line Ministry and the Defence Ministry clear the visas. The move is among a series of measures being introduced by the Immigration Department to tighten visa procedures amidst fresh reports that there are, at least, 1000 foreigners overstaying their visas. A senior immigration official said the procedure of seeking SIS clearance would be useful as they would be checking with international agencies including Interpol for persons who may already have been blacklisted. He said the department had also urged the government to review the visa policy towards Maldivians and Egyptians covered under existing agreements. He said that at present, some of the Maldivians arrived on visit visas and thereafter applied for residence visas. Under the new arrangements, the Maldivians too would have to get SIS clearance if they wished to apply for residence visas. He said that, according to latest statistics, there were around 200 foreigners, including people from Pakistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Iran and Saudi Arabia involved in religious work after obtaining visas on the recommendations of the Muslim Affairs Ministry. In a related move, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed the Home Affairs Ministry to introduce a better monitoring system on detecting people overstaying visas and detecting any blacklisted persons who may have entered the country. Home Affairs Minister Vajira Abeywardena told the Sunday Times that in two weeks, they would be submitting a report to the cabinet on his recommendations about the implementation of the proposals. He said the Maldives had proposed that its government provide full data of its citizens arriving in Sri Lanka, enabling the authorities to ensure that persons blacklisted could not enter the country. This issue was taken up during discussions with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid who was in Sri Lanka. He said that at present there were about 8,000 Maldivian students in Sri Lanka. Some are with their parents. Sunday Mass resumes today; no decision on Catholic schools yet View(s): Sunday Mass will resume in Catholic churches today (12) after a lapse of three weeks . The churches have been advised by the Archdiocese to appoint vigilance committees made up of parishioners, who will liaise closely with the Police and Security Forces to ensure security of the congregation, said Rev. Fr. Edmond Thilakarathna, spokesman for the Church. Church officials, however, said that no final decision had still been reached on reopening Catholic private schools. In a media briefing attended by Bishops from all 12 Dioceses in the country, on Thursday (8), Archbishop of Colombo His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith told journalists they were hoping to open Catholic private schools on Tuesday (14), subject to the security situation. He however, said no final decision had been reached. Church officials told the Sunday Times yesterday that the May 14 reopening date for schools was yet to be finalized, as the security situation was still being assessed. In the event they are not satisfied with the security situation, Catholic private schools will remain closed till after Vesak, the Archbishop of Colombo told the media. While the conducting of Sunday Mass in the Colombo Archdiocese will recommence today, it will be up to the Bishops of each Diocese to decide whether they will recommence conducting Sunday Mass. This can be done after consulting the local security forces commanders and police officers in their areas and obtaining security guarantees. Sunday Mass in some parts of the island commenced last week. Sunday Mass in the Galle Diocese was held last Sunday. Meanwhile, many Buddhist Sunday Dhamma Schools in the country too, are unlikely to open till at least after Vesak. Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs (Dhamma Schools) H.N. Kumari told the Sunday Times they had earlier advised that Dhamma Schools be reopened only after schools reopened. As of now, schools havent fully reopened, with Primary sections still remaining closed, so its unlikely that many Dhamma Schools will reopen, she said. Ms Kumari though, said the chief incumbents of temples can reopen Dhamma Schools in their temples, after consultation with the security committees of their areas and the local police. Terrorists destroyed my happy family, says Sanjaya By Augistin Fernando View(s): View(s): We were a happy family. I was in Italy and I used to speak to my wife and my children two to three times every day. We built our lives around each other. Now some terrorist criminals have snatched our happiness away from us. I do not wish that such a sadness should ever be felt by anyone. This was the reaction of Ranil Sanjaya who lost both his children and his wife in the Katuwapitiya explosion. Sanjaya, was in Italy when a series of explosions rocked Sri Lanka, targeting churches and hotels. I got a message saying that bombs had gone off in Sri Lanka. I didnt think that my daughters and wife had gone to the service in Katuwapitiya. Now my two small angels and my beloved wife have left me alone on this Earth, Ranil Sanjaya said. Sanjaya lost wife Priyadharshani Fernandopulle (40), and daughters Raveena Elisa Fernando (14) and Marianne Sanjana Fernando (11) in the blast that left many families in Sri Lanka lost and broken. Sanjaya had rented a house in Katuwapitiya as it was close to his daughters school. Now, I think that convenience has turned into an immense sadness for me. He stated that his wife and children usually go to a small church at Sellakanda. They had chosen to go to the Katuwapitiya Church as it was Easter Sunday. A possible man- eater on the prowl in Kumana? By Sunel Senerath Banda Rambukpotha View(s): View(s): Four days after the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, on April 18, the news went around that a leopard had attacked a casual employee working on road constructions in the Yala East National Park. On this day the crew was working on the Babaragasthalawa road on the Bagura Plains. At about 4.30 in the evening four workers with the victim had taken a break, resting in the shade of a tree when a leopard sprang on him. Typical of a leopard the victim was dragged away from the spot into the bush. A brave jeep driver had driven up to the spot to help and was attacked by the leopard suffering severe injuries as well. It is not at all normal for a leopard to attack a human. Leopards usually avoid human confrontation if they are in the same territory at the same time. Lankan folklore says Kotiyata dawas hathaka una enawa minihek dakkama a leopard gets fever for seven days if it sees a human being at close quarters. These stories have been told by ancient people who lived in the forested villages in our country and had come to terms with and understood the behaviour of all living beings including the leopard. I am not an expert on leopards but a keen enthusiast of their behaviour. One can learn a lot by reading the books, My India, The Man Eaters of Kumoan, Leopard of Rudraprayag, written by the famous Englishman, Jim Corbett who shot some notorious man-eaters in affected villages in India. His notes on these experiences with man-eating tigers and leopards is a good guideline to anyone handling such a situation. We have also had our own man-eaters, the most famous being from Poonani in the eastern jungles of Sri Lanka. After a long period of terror during which it accounted for many human lives, this beast was killed by a brave man Shelton Egar. In his book Man Eater of Poonani he gives a detailed description of what a dangerous beast a man-eater could be. It is difficult for one to believe how an animal could have the type of intelligence and understanding to adapt its skills to attack human targets instead of the usual prey like deer, sambhur or a boar. Sometimes a leopard will attack humans because of its inability to hunt due to an injury. Wounded paws or limbs, damaged claw nails, infected and festering wounds are critical for leopards. Hunting porcupine may well be a reason. In situations like this, leopards depend on left-over carcasses, small mammals which are easy prey and refrain from attacking bigger animals. In cases like this they would definitely attack a human being at the first given chance. In this particular incident we do not know the condition of the Bambaragasthalawa leopard; whether it was suffering from an injury and unable to hunt or whether it was reacting to learnt lessons. Hence it is absolutely necessary to investigate and find out the cause for such an attack. Leopards can change territories and adapt to new conditions very quickly, even when close to human habitats.They tend to use their intelligence and adopt shrewd cunning systems to attack a human being, very different from other prey. A human will not put up resistance or fight back like a full grown deer, sambhur or wild boar. A human target is an easy kill -which they will learn from the first experience itself. Given the chance to repeat a leopard would not let the chance go a-begging. According to information so far, this unfortunate incident does not look like a mistake or accident at all. The leopard would have watched its target carefully and targeted him before it attacked. The presence of three other men did not deter it. The attack on the jeep driver immediately after that shows it had no fear of humans. It is reported that the rescue team had to shoot the leopard with rubber bullets to chase it away in their efforts to recover the body of the victim. If the Department of Wildlife is to ignore this or treat it as an isolated incident it might be at the cost of a critical situation in the future. Having a fearless leopard which dares to attack humans in a National Park is very much of a concern. It will affect all operational aspects of the parks management. Will the Park Warden risk the life of his staff and detail field work like repairs to roads, tank bunds etc. and hope for things to work out smoothly? The festival of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devale will begin soon and thousands of pilgrims will walk through this terrain in the Pada Yathra. Department staff will have to be placed inside the park for essential duties. They will be joined by personnel from the forces. How does any officer guarantee safety to anyone under these conditions? Three years ago we learnt about the attack on a school teacher who came along with the Pada Yathra and met with her death on the banks of the Menik at Kosgasmankada. She had walked with her group of pilgrims all the way, even passed through the Yala East National Park and come to the borders of Block 2 when this incident happened. Having spent the night at Kosgasmankada she had gone down to the river for a wash and was resting under a tree before they started the journey that morning. The leopard broke cover through the scrub and pounced on her causing fatal injuries to which she succumbed later. This may well be the same leopard we do not know. Leopard incidents In the later part of the 1980s very few people visited the National Parks due to the situation in the country. Lal Anthonis was then a consultant to the Department of Wildlife and the then Director of Wildlife Dr.Shelton Attapathu wanted him to study some issues concerning the development of infrastructure in the National Parks. I accompanied him on some of these trips. During this period the strange behaviour of a leopard caused concern at Heenwewa in the Yala NP block 1. Lal was asked to investigate and report on some incidents that had already taken place. Incident 1 Guide Sumanadasa had just retired to his quarters after a full days tour in Yala with his visitors staying at the Heenwewa Bungalow. The department tractor that does the routine rounds of supplies to the bungalows in the park had brought a letter for Sumanadasa and he was on his camp bed, reading the letter. The leopard boldly entered Sumanadasas quarters through the front door. He put up a fight and chased it away but received severe injuries. He was rushed to hospital with the help of the visitors occupying the Heenwewa bungalow at the time. Incident 2 Another incident at Heenwewa bungalow was when the Chairman of a leading mercantile firm in Colombo occupied this bungalow. He had a habit of wearing shoes while in the park and removed them on his return, leaving them on the steps to the verandah of the bungalow. He had shared his days happenings with the rest of his crew, had dinner and gone to sleep just before 10 p.m. In the morning he realized one shoe was missing. They had sufficient evidence that it was taken away by a leopard as they clearly saw the pug marks of a full grown male on the sandy lawn of the bungalow. So the leopard had come right up to the gate of the surrounding half wall of the bungalow and may have been lying on the steps biting the shoe before taking it away. The badly chewed-up shoe was later recovered from the forest.With these two incidents the Park Warden decided to close Heenwewa for visitors. I joined Lal on one of his investigating trips to Heenwewa. We spent some sleepless nights at the Heenwewa bungalow. During the day we investigated the movements of leopards following their pug marks trying to establish recognition from one leopard to the other. We found the prints of a mother and cub who seemed to be roaming the area but had no signs of the character that we wanted. Sometimes you got the feeling that you were very close to it. The fear that can get into you is hard to describe. In dead silence you wait with the feeling that the beast may appear from anywhere. Then the surroundings once again become lively and the tension moves away. The movements of the leopard were becoming distant as weeks and months passed till one day we had news from some people living around the area that a leopard had attacked a foreign nun who was meditating close to the caves of the Magul Maha Viharaya, resulting in major injuries to the nun. The department staff set up a special team to investigate. It was later reported that a partly decomposed carcass of full grown male leopard was found in close proximity to the viharaya. They also found that its right paw was badly infected with wounds caused by three porcupine quills having pierced right across the pads of the right paw through the flesh. However no more incidents were reported from the area and it was assumed that it was the same leopard that was involved in all these incidents. Incident 3 Several years earlier the bungalow keeper at the New Butthuwa bungalow was attacked while he was walking up to the new bungalow from the old one only metres away. Incidents like this may happen especially in a case where you are confronted unexpectedly at close proximity. The leopard vanished from the area and no incidents were reported thereafter. Having seen much work done on the leopard by keen young nature lovers in recent times I am sure there are capable people who could investigate this matter. The Department of Wildlife I am sure could find a competent person or team to take up this challenge and provide the infrastructure to expedite this matter. Discovering the heart of Vietnam in banh mi By Smriti Daniel View(s): View(s): There is something about a first meal in a new country: youre tired, and perhaps disoriented. The days of your vacation stretch ahead, a blank canvas. You look for food, because it centres you, allows heart and mind to settle. In Vietnam, we decide this moment calls for banh mi. Costing on average 30,000 Vietnamese ng, the banh mi is a glorious deal despite the alarming zeros, it actually amounts to just around 300 Sri Lankan rupees. Not bad for what is often celebrated as one of the greatest sandwiches in the world. I do not know this yet, but a banh mi stands and falls by the quality of the baguette used to make it after all, the literal translation of the name is bread or wheat cake. The best loaves are golden and crusty on the outside and riven by shallow craters running along their length; within, the crust yields to an interior that is soft, almost fluffy. The most serious banh mi sellers keep their bread warm for you in a hot oven behind the counter. Across Vietnam, there are hundreds of thousands of banh mi stands, and likely as many versions of the iconic sandwich. While vegetarian options are available incorporating avocado and tofu, this meal is chiefly a carnivores delight, centred on roast pork laced with melting lines of fat. Much variation comes from the selection of spreads, cold meats and vegetables included in the dish. Some sandwich makers opt to begin not with butter but with creamy golden chicken fat or homemade mayonnaise; inside they might layer cold meats, ham or sausages; there could be sprigs of fresh coriander or tart pickled carrot and daikon, raw cucumber for crunch and jalapenos or chili paste for heat. We eat our first banh mi in Hanoi, buying it from a small shop on the side of the road, all but squatting on the child-sized miniature chairs crowded into a small room. From our vantage point, we can watch the banh mi constructed with brisk precision. It is warmed in a toaster and then handed to me wrapped in paper. Several quick mouthfuls later, I am an ardent convert. As we travel from Hanoi in the north, down to Ho Chi Minh in the South, we make it a point to eat banh mi every day, even finding room for three each when a particularly famous stall seems to call for it. Eating is for me at the heart of travel. Food inspires curiosity, is a source of joy and comfort; it tests my willingness to immerse myself in the unknown, to share a table with strangers. And in Vietnam, nothing feels more natural. Before we left on holiday, I asked friends who knew the country what I should do and seeand they came back to me with lists of food. These included (but were not limited to) white dumplings with translucent petals like white roses; thick noodles fermented and steamed three times; charred, melting pork served with noodles and vegetables in a broth;delicate snails cooked in butter. There was also egg coffee, which feels like the most decadent of desserts with a shot of bitter espresso hidden beneath a towering cap of sweet froth. We ate and drank all this and more, but to me banh mi seemed to offer a profound insight into Vietnams history, and a glimpse of one way in which the country had made peace with its past. One could trace the origins of the sandwich to the first sighting of French gunships in Saigon. The three-decade long war which followed would swell to encompass Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. When the dust settled, it was on the new federation of Indochina. That was in 1887 but the region would know little rest: two world wars, a long struggle for independence from the French and then a final civil war would keep conflicts raging. Today, as you drive along the citys wide tree-lined avenues, you can still see the stately European mansions, their windows adorned with wooden carvings and guarded by narrow wooden louvers so reminiscent of the French. Within these homes too, the French sought to distinguish themselves from the people they ruled. And one place to do it was in the dining room. What you found on your plate became a tangible reminder of the difference between the invader and the native. The French claimed that bread and meat made them strong, while fish and rice made the Vietnamese weak. As an extension of this belief, culinary boundaries between the races were set and adhered to. Bread, in particular, was considered even more of a luxury because the countrys climate did not nurture wheat and imported flour cost more than your average Vietnamese person could afford. It was during the First World War that a surplus of European perishables meant Vietnams middle class were for the first time easily able to partake of luxuries like European beer, cheese and meat. Those who fought in Europe during the World Wars also had their chance to sample the continents cooking. Back in Vietnam, boundaries blurred further as French imports thinned out thanks to attacks on shipping routes, and more colonisers began eating local. Later, after the defeat of the French and the rise of Ho Chi Minh, the civil war came to an end with the fall of Saigon. Vietnam entered a period of communist austerity. Those fleeing the South on American planes found their way to California, and there banh mi found new fame and, eventually, a global following. I am glad that the first time I eat this amazing sandwich is in Vietnam. In each city we find something to love, and a unique spin on this classic dish. An unassuming little cart, Bahn Mi 25 in Hanoi, is our introduction. Then we meet the trio of women who run an assembly line style banh mi cart at Banh My Sum in Hoi An (dont forget to add a bottle of cold pressed tender corn milk to your order). The incredible stick bread and pork floss at Ba Lan in Danang wins our hearts, and we come away panting from the burn generated by a generous portion of green chilies. Finally, in Saigon, we find ourselves in the birthplace of banh mi. It is also home to one of the most famous banh mi joints in the country: Banh Mi HongHoa. They bake their own bread, and racks of it are stacked in a long room behind the display couriers arrive regularly to carry away armloads for other banh mi shops. Despite their fame, they are not purists. The banh mi chabong, filled with pork floss or the banh mi xiumai, made with meatballs, can also be found on the menu. On the day we leave, we eat our last banh mi with gratitude. We have learnt a few things: some of the best banh mi joints are small and out of the way finding them is half the fun. Weve learned never to trust the tourist version with its supersized portions of meat, instead the layers of a banh mi must be perfectly balanced. And when they ask you if you want chilli? Say yes. Hamilton Canal is dead! By Kumudini Hettiarachchi The garbage dump at Kerawalapitiya is the final nail in the coffin for this historic waterway View(s): View(s): Here and there, the skeleton of a fish bobs on the surface of the water, starkly white against the black or is found entangled in the grasses edging the bank. There are no birds because the fish and other crustaceans are dead. The water too is still, having taken on the colour of murky black, whereas earlier it had been flowing clear and transparent. The Hamilton Canal is dead! Many blame it on a massive discharge from the Kerawalapitiya garbage dump run by the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC). The mourners are many for the life-giving artery that is the man-made Hamilton Canal which runs from Mattakkuliya, starting at the Kelani moya kata (the entry of the Kelani river into the sea) and flowing under the Palliyawatte-Dickowita-Uswetakeiyawa-Kadalawala-Mattampaduwa-Pulluhena-Indigaslanda-Pamunugama-Sedawatte Palamas (bridges), finally ending in the meegamu kalapuwa (Negombo lagoon). The troubles had begun when the rains came about three weeks ago and many people living along the canal are stridently clear about what happened the muck from the Kerawalapitiya garbage dump in Muthurajawela had got washed into the canal, leaving its waters thick black, with oily sedimentation settling on its bed, ringing the death knell for even the hardiest of creatures. An urgent petition is being passed from home to home and activist Seebert Nanayakkara is hoping to collect at least 1,500 signatures. The petition supported by the Catholic priest and the Buddhist monk in the area is appealing that the authorities study this crisis of the canal by getting experts to give an opinion and then take action to redress the situation immediately. Referring to the starting point of the garbage-dumping issue, Seebert says that first the authorities wanted to bring the garbage to Pattiyawala in Uswetakeiyawa, then following major protests, they shifted their focus to Bopitiya and ultimately to Delatura but were pre-empted from doing so due to a court order. Under cover of the security zone of Kerawalapitiya which is guarded, now the garbage is being dumped there, he said, adding that they will be sending the petition to the Gampaha Office of the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). With regard to the current canal crisis, first came a thel gathiyak (oily substance), says a small knot of fishermen tending their empty nets very close to the Pulluhena Palama, while boats in their numbers line the canal banks. Pointing out the black water-mark clearly seen on the built banks of the canal, fisherman Tissa Jayamaha says that fish died in their hundreds, rotted and bima giya (got absorbed by the sedimentary canal-bed). Recalling how as boys they would jump into the waters of the canal as soon as they returned home from school and everyone used to bathe here, take the water for cooking and also washing pots and pans, he says the trouble began about two years ago when factories and pig and poultry farms began channelling their waste. Before that we did everything with the waters of the canal, only getting our drinking water from elsewhere, says Tissa. Unique, is the canal, he says, explaining how udahata (at the top) the gange wathura (river water which is fresh) mixes with the waters of the canal and pahalata (at the bottom) how the kalapu wathura (lagoon waters which are brackish) mixes with the canal waters. The brackish water acts as a natural disinfectant. Just about three weeks ago, an unimaginable disaster has occurred killing all the fish, sighs Tissa who used veesi-del (throw-nets) to get a catch, with the others nodding vigorously. They believe the culprit is the run-off from the Kerawalapitiya garbage dump. All the fish in the Hamilton Canal have died they include korali, keba, thilapi, batto, pethiyo, even the very hardy karakuddu and also the prawns. Den mokakwath ne, he says, pointing out that there is nothing left. A few robust ones like angulo which could escape to the lagoon did, but all the others died. Okkoma merila. (All have died) The views we hear our similar all along the canal. Two to three weeks ago there was rain and that is when the trouble started, says Vijitha Kumara who lives close to the Uswetakeiyawa Meda Palama, lifting up a covering to show us laksha ganaka del (fishing nets costing several lakhs), now idling. His family too surrounds us and his son shows us the dark waters of a branch canal flowing just in front of their humble home. Their home is close to the Kerawalapitiya garbage dump and Vijitha says that the kunu kande wathura elata berenna patan gaththa (the water from the garbage hill streamed into the canal). Hamilton ela, kunu wuna, he says, stressing that the stench was unbearable and they were not able to stay in their home. It was as if a load of tar had been unloaded into the canal. Usually, if there is mild pollution, the process of wada-diya (high tide) and ba-diya (low tide) clears it up, but not this time. This has never happened before, laments Vijitha. Water sent for testing: CEA and NARA The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) and the National Aquatic Resources, Research and Development Agency (NARA) have taken water samples for testing to scientifically determine what has caused the massive pollution of the Hamilton Canal, the Sunday Times learns.When we got to know about the problem, my officers inspected the canal and collected water samples for testing to find out the pollutants. They also inspected the compost plant of the SLLRDC, said the Acting Director of the CEA Gampaha Office, M. Sivakumar, adding that the report is due tomorrow.He reiterated that there is an urgent need to draw up a long-term rehabilitation plan for the canal, especially as new development projects are due to take place. Even by the time the latest issue cropped up, the canal was severely polluted due to many discharging rubbish into its waters.NARA Chairperson E.A.S.K. Edirisinghe said that on a complaint received a week ago, a team visited the area and also the waste-dumping site. They physically observed a black liquid oozing out of the dump-site and found that the treatment plant there had not been functioning. Even though the team was told that the overflowing liquid was being channelled to a closed-circuit canal which was not connected to the Hamilton Canal and as such was not discharging waste into the latter, that canal seemed to be linked to the main canal, he said, adding that the report will be ready next week. The NARA team had found that oxygen levels in the waters of the Hamilton Canal were low and was checking whether any chemical flowing into it was causing this problem, it is learnt. Kerawalapitiya, a temporary measure: SLLRDC We are checking whether there has been leaching from the garbage dumping yard at Kerawalapitiya, said SLLRDC Vice Chairman Aruna Gunawardena when contacted by the Sunday Times. Kerawalapitiya was a temporary measure taken soon after the Meethotamulla disaster in April 2018. The garbage is kept in piles here for the manufacture of compost, he said, reiterating that it was a temporary solution, when taking into account all factors including the environment. Mr. Gunawardena said that the permanent solution for garbage is the sanitary landfill at Aruwakkaru. All the work is done there and we have been telling the Colombo Municipal Council to take their rubbish there in the last two-three months. Meanwhile, SLLRDCs Deputy General Manager (Drainage & Reclamation), S.P. Muthumala said that until the rains recently, there was no problem at Kerawalapitiya, since the garbage was sent there for about a year now. There is no leakage from the treatment plant, but the garbage which may have been stockpiled outside may have leaked into the canal with the rains, he said, adding that as a damage-control measure they had increased the volume of the plant. Garbage arriving from Colombo Lines of trucks with garbage from the Colombo Municipal Council and the Gampaha Municipal Council could be seen coming to the area, when the Sunday Times was there on Wednesday.This was while the giant-arm of a backhoe, in the distance, as we were not allowed to go near, could be seen pushing the garbage hither and thither. Earlier in the day, Trump sent a series of tweets on the escalating trade war with China, as the U.S. increased tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. Beijing has vowed to retaliate for the U.S. action. After the talks ended, U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted Friday that the relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping remains "a very strong one" and that conversations "will continue" but that the U.S. is imposing tariffs on China which "may or may not be removed." On Friday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer met briefly with the Chinese delegation led by Vice Premier Liu He. After the talks, Mnuchin briefly spoke to reporters saying that discussions had been "constructive." There have been no further comments from the administration. The Chinese delegation is scheduled to return to Beijing late Friday. The United States and China appear to have ended their latest round of trade negotiations without announcing any agreement. "We have lost 500 Billion Dollars a year, for many years, on Crazy Trade with China. NO MORE!" Trump went on to tweet that trade talks with China are proceeding in a "congenial manner" and "there is absolutely no need to rush" to finalize a trade agreement. The president threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on an additional $325 billion worth of Chinese goods. He noted that Washington sells Beijing about $100 billion worth of goods, and with the more than $100 billion in tariffs received, the U.S. will buy agricultural products from U.S. farmers and send them as humanitarian assistance to nations in need. While some taxes are paid directly to the government when products are imported, these taxes, also known as customs duties, are frequently added to the price of the imported product. This means the taxes are paid by those who buy the product. In this case, it would be the American consumer. Trump also chided China for trying to "redo" the deal at the last minute after the terms already had been set. Trump said he also received "a beautiful letter" from Chinese President Xi Jinping that expressed a sentiment of "let's work together." Trump told reporters he believes "tariffs for our country are very powerful," and would benefit America's economy. Some economists, however, predict such tariffs would cut the U.S. economic growth rate. David French of the U.S. National Retail Federation said in a VOA interview "a negotiating strategy based on tariffs is the wrong direction" and expressed hope the Chinese "make substantial concessions to avert this disaster." Shanghai University economics professor Ding Jianping told VOA the tariffs would also adversely impact the U.S. financial markets, which have climbed to record highs. Jianping said the record performance makes the markets "most vulnerable" because they are "not supported by science and technology." He added, "The peak created by fiscal and monetary policy is unsustainable." The Trump administration hopes the new tariffs will force changes in China's trade, subsidy and intellectual property practices. The two sides have been unable to reach a deal due, in part, to differences over the enforcement of an agreement and a timeline for removing the tariffs. A look at Muslim-Christian ties in the 19th and 20th century Batticaloa View(s): I recall these facts not to hurt or embarrass anyone but to point out a way to establish a better and more cordial relationship between two communities. 19th century Many schools were established by Christian missionaries in Muslim villages in the 19th century and Muslims of that time had no objection to these schools being built with Christian missionary funds. Muslim elders of that time accepted and encouraged this gesture. It may be claimed, that these schools were established with the aim of converting Muslim children to Christianity. But it is relevant to remember that missionaries did not insist that they first convert before the schools were put up. They just left the question to the free will of the people who benefited by their goodwill. To give a few examples of these schools: Methodist schools were established in Sainthamaruthu (1878), Sammanthurai (1878) and Nintavur (1885). In 1871, Ms Beauchamp set up Methodist Mission schools in Eravur and Akkaraipattu. Three other Methodist schools were started. These include the Vilaakanth Methodist Mission School renamed Al Muneera Vidyalaya and the Akkaraipattu Methodist Mission School renamed Al-Zahira Vidyalaya. The name changes took place after the government takeover of schools in 1962. In 1881 there were 43,000 Muslims in the Eastern Province and there wasnt a single Muslim-established secular school. All the schools and school buildings in Muslim areas were put up by Christians out of church funds. 20th century In the early 20th century, most of the leading and prominent Muslim leaders such as the Kariappars, the Mustaphas and the Sinnelebbes leaders who contributed greatly to the progress of Muslims received their English education in Christian secondary schools like Methodist Central College, St Michaels College or Vincent School, Batticaloa, at a time when there were no secondary schools in any Muslim areas. These educated Muslims became eminent professional men and women, and were the great pioneers in the uplift of the Muslim community. Furthermore, medical units were established in Muslim areas by missionaries, when knowledge of hygiene, disease prevention and treatment were at a minimum among the natives. Dedicated and selfless women missionaries like Ms Clegg (known as Clegg Amma), Ms Chadwick and Ms Raymond worked tirelessly and fearlessly at times of outbreaks of cholera and smallpox epidemics, that decimated the population in the Batticaloa District. Irrespective of religious differences, they worked to save lives. One cannot forget their yeomen service. One should not forget or hide these facts from future generations. It should be taught as part of our school curriculum, with the aim of promoting greater cordial and understanding relationships that will eliminate hatred and violence in our country. Shirley W Somanader Retired Assistant Director of Education Sri Lanka cant see the wood for the trees Post incident? By Colonel (retired) Parakrama Dissanayake View(s): View(s): Pre-incident: The saying cant see the wood for the trees stands true with Sri Lanka getting caught up with the sensationalised news of Namal Kumara, Makandure Madush and drugs. Sometimes people do not know whether to cry or laugh. The overall purpose of the article is to point out how much we are missing out on the more important things in national life. The 1998 bomb attacks in Coimbatore, India have been the base for this research. Why? The attacks took place under similar circumstances and still holds water. Coimbatore, for some time, had been a hotbed of Islamic fundamentalism. The Al Ummah terror group came to be known in Tamil Nadu, after the Babri Masjid demolition in India, in 1992. February 14, 1998 saw the group killing 58 people and injuring more than 200 people by carrying out 12 bomb attacks within an area of 12 sq km. The suicide attackers, however, were said to have missed their target Bharatiya Janatha Party stalwart L K Advani. The purpose of the attack was established to avenge the killing of 18 cadres. The authorities missed out on the intelligence. Two decades later in Sri Lanka, the pre-incident activity and the modus operandi of the terror attacks are similar. Inaction on intelligence, multiple targets at a time and ideology of the perpetrators are very conspicuous. In Sri Lanka, the motive of the attack is not yet established, other than assumptions. If any of these assumptions are believed, without rationale, substance and argument, results would be catastrophic. A plot to kill Hindu Makkal Katchchi leader Arjun Sampath and Shakthi Sena leader Anbu Mari in November 2018 in Coimbatore was to lay bare a bigger threat. None realised it would open another chapter in the annals of global terror. That was to be Sri Lanka. Reasons for the attack Times changed, situations changed and technology changed, but not the extremist ideology and the will to kill. The genesis of the attack was an intelligence report from the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on April 4. Many quarters, on different platforms, have given many different reasons for the attack and its background. The official one was given by the State Minister of Defence, stating in Parliament that this was to avenge the killings of Muslim worshippers in New Zealand on March 15. The Minister bases his information on what he is being told by authoritative sources. Suffice to say, multiple attacks of this nature take months of preparation: Possibly six months or more, considering the planning, surveillance, logistics, training and indoctrination efforts that go into them. The period from March 15 to April 21 was just over a month. A social media news item, which is going viral, speculates that an ambassador of a powerful nation, who happened to have served in many hot spots before Sri Lanka, is part of the plot. This opinion is gathering momentum and the culmination would be when politicians bring it out at media discussions. The danger is, at a time like this, the people believe anything and everything. Some subscribe to the theory that it was a lesson for the Americans and anyone cooperating with them. True, some Americans, too, were killed. Going further, the attack is attributed to the defence agreement signed by the two countries. An extremely balanced view is needed in such thoughts. All Sri Lankan armed forces personnel will be happy with extended cooperation, due to the experience and exposure they gain both in the country and in the US. No national security issue could be compromised, even if logistic assistance is provided, as happens in many countries. One must not forget that the US and its citizens have been the prime target since 9/11. Thus, the US primary concern is to protect its borders and people. In such situations, with its counter-terror action, many countries will stand to benefit from the spillover effect. Having been on US higher training, I am of the opinion that the US has everything that it needs to know about Sri Lanka. Many other countries, too, have this capability. Yet another topic is the weak security situation. We do not need specialists to tell us this. It would have been more convincing if the argument was put forward with evidence and facts comparing such attacks in other nations and their state of preparedness. Indian and other media were flooded with much information connected to the incident and its background. The most interesting revelation is about the appearance of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the elusive leader of the ISIS, in a video clip released on April 29. ISIS on the run Baghouz, the last bastion of the ISIS in Syria, fell in March 2019. With the battle of Baghouz done and dusted, the ISIS is now on the run. When they were riding high, they controlled vast swathes of land and people. Mosul alone had about 2 million people. They have now been relegated to a withdrawing army. No more holding territory. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi appeared in the Great Mosque of Al Nuri in Mosul in 2014. The morale was high then. Public executions, people being burnt alive were shown as force multipliers. They held Mosul till 2017. He went off the radar after 2014. Suddenly, he appeared on April 29 and surprised the world. His message was loud and clear. He said: Your brothers in Sri Lanka have healed the hearts of the monotheists, with their suicide bombings, which shook the beds of the crusaders during Easter The attacks would continue We will be everywhere, in different places Our battle today is a war of attrition to harm the enemy and they should know that Jihad will continue until doomsday There will be more to come He also said the attack was to avenge your brothers in Baghouz. Crusaders (Christians) the world over would be targeted. The global Jihad is a fact. He didnt make a direct claim for the attack, as one of their own (normally they would, to raise the morale of cadres). No mention of US contracts, New Zealand or weak security. After all, this comes from the horses mouth, to all followers and supporters. This is the latest piece of information that we can analyse. This is the real threat we are confronted with, the one to be appraised and told to the general public. The US President, however, said mission accomplished, the war is over. Not really. Emerging roles Over the years, several groups outside the Middle East have pledged their allegiance to ISIS. They have struck with devastating results. The UN in 2016, estimated them to be about 304. Therefore, in the current context, we need to think of the real threat and the role to be played in a wider dimension. The trend is self radicalised groups, from among the former, operating independent terror cells throughout the world, with adequate funding, but not directly members of the ISIS. Thus, we cannot place all mundane security matters in the hands of the armed forces and the police and sit by. Imagine how it would look, if they are to guard and protect every place of worship, hotel, bank and school for the next few years. Specific international support Much of the international contribution will be in the form of knowledge and technology exchange. Although our experience in fighting the LTTE is unmatched, India and the US will be looked upon to fill the critical gaps. The US involvement to raise the Mujahideen and the Indian involvement to raise the LTTE are all but similar. The damage they did to the core of society in the respective countries and the lessons learnt are difficult to ignore. In fact, Hillary Clinton admitted recently that the US was the father to the former. India has already demonstrated its ability and will to play a role on the issue. That said, India is on record as one of the most affected countries by terrorism. Once the Indian elections are concluded, we need to be able to work more closely with the authorities. In this situation, India would be happy to have its southern border protected. It could then concentrate more on the vulnerable Pakistani and Chinese fronts. If Sri Lanka is protected and secure, India, too, will benefit and vice versa. With regard to the US, the proposition is no different, although we are not close neighbours. In counter-terrorism today, a key weakness is that it does not address the causes. No strategy that attempts to deal with terrorism can be successful if it does not recognise the nature and seriousness of terrorisms causes. In such a situation, a large volume of data needs to be analysed. Sourcing international platforms and initiatives aggressively will be to our advantage. The state needs to interact with countries like the US and others to strategise our response. At the moment, the political leadership implies that military response is the answer to the question. The Sri Lanka Institute of Strategic Studies, the Institute of National Security Studies, the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies, the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, where art thou? Corporate community Long-term reliance on state resources like the military and the police will be unfair and impossible, other than for specific tasks. Some hotels have employed commandos and sniffer dogs for security. The latter will have more serious issues to deal with. Corporates will have to spend time and money to devise basic security mechanisms which go beyond the normal manpower. Developments in technology are one hope. Video auditing, motion detection on CCTV, explosives and narcotics sniffers are just some to mention. Legal challenges I heard over radio, some lawyers have decided not to appear for the suspects. My idiom holds. A citizen should have trust and confidence over various institutions of the Sate, as Justice Praba Sridevan of India has said. We remember the 9/1 and the 19/2 Detention Orders during the earlier conflict. My experience in the last conflict is that we made more enemies by remanding suspects and not putting them on trial. Innocent families were made hapless and helpless by depriving them of their sole breadwinner in recent times, the remanding of military personnel without trial. Legal knowledge, education and literacy on basic laws to the armed forces are a must at this point. What about the call to surrender? Hardly anything has been spoken about this aspect. Giving confidence to the wrongdoers and the indoctrinated is most important, at least, for the sake of their families. This is nothing new. We have gone through this process many years ago. The committee report on the bomb attack was handed over to the Attorney General on May 8. Again, going back to Coimbatore, the Retired Justice Gopalkrishman Committee interviewed 1,300 witnesses. The attack took place in 1998 and the judgment was delivered in 2007. A key suspect, Madani, was acquitted. This is not taking into account the appeals. Such is the challenge for the legal fraternity. Protection of witnesses and sources of information, too, will be a need, as most of them will be from the Muslim community. Nothing will come out if their life is under threat. Already a case of killing an informant has been reported from Wathupitiwela in Nittambuwa. Conclusion As much as combating terrorism and fundamentalism is important, combating hate speech and propaganda to prevent communal clashes is extremely important. Weaknesses in State policy and lethargy in institutions will only be won over by multidisciplinary cooperation. The saying its not the gun that wins the battle, but the soldier behind it, cannot be more true. Its not the State but the people who will be decisive in winning this battle for the nation. (The writer can be contacted via para.stormsat@gmail.com) Ernie Watts Quartet Planet Love (1969) A1 Going Home A2 Knowing When To Leave A3 Black Is Beautiful A4 Wichita Lineman B1 Boo B2 Planet Love B3 Fourth Dynasty Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone Ernie Watts Bass Stanley Gilbert Drums Robert Morin Piano Clarence McDonald Super rare, deep and funky Jazz on World Pacific - 'Boo' is a killer track ! ---soundsoftheuniverse.com Born in Norfolk, Virginia, but raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Ernie Watts is an American jazz saxophonist and composer, especially known for his incomparable, always-recognized sound. Greatly influenced by John Coltranes playing on Kind of Blue, Watts began studying saxophone at 13. At 16 he played with the Delaware Symphony as a featured soloist, but also was learning jazz by ear. After high school Watts studied music at West Chester University, then won a Downbeat scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, renowned as a school for jazz. In 1966, while at Berklee, he was asked to join Buddy Richs big band, and toured the world with Buddy. By 1968 he had moved to LA, playing with the big bands of Gerald Wilson, Louis Bellson, and Oliver Nelson, with whom he also toured Africa. Watts became first-call for reeds in the LA studios, winning Most Valuable Player awards several times doing film, television, and music recording for over 25 years. Film scores where Watts is heard include The Color Purple, Ghostbusters, Tootsie, Fame and The Fabulous Baker Boys, among many others. He also recorded studio albums with Marvin Gaye, Frank Zappa, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, and many other pop, rock, and R&B groups, and was a member of the Doc Severinsen Big Band on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson for 20 years. But his first love remained jazz. He recorded with Thelonious Monk, Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Quincy Jones, who produced Watts first Grammy-winning album Chariots of Fire. Watts toured Asia with Pat Metheny in the 80s as part of Methenys Special Quartet, which included Charlie Haden. Haden began a new group, Quartet West, and Watts, a charter member, played and recorded with the late, critically-acclaimed Haden for over 25 years. The Quartet West recordings brought Watts to the attention of a wider jazz audience, and playing with Haden inspired him further to focus on playing acoustic jazz. Today Watts has his own jazz groups on several continents, and works frequently in Europe with his Ernie Watts Quartet of over 15 years, based there. Under his own name, he has recorded with many jazz artists including Kenny Barron, Arturo Sandoval, Mulgrew Miller, Jack DeJohnette, and Eddie Gomez. In 2004, Watts founded Flying Dolphin Records with his wife Patricia, releasing eight albums on his label so far. This gives me the flexibility and control I need to record my music as I hear it, he says. Ernie Watts has played on more than 500 recordings, teaches master classes at colleges and universities, and performs orchestral programs with symphonies internationally. With 24 albums in his own name, he has generated an impressive artistic legacy through his over fifty-year careernot only in the studio but also on the worlds major stages. Watts has been awarded two Grammys, and the Frankfurt Music Prize for lifetime achievement in performance and composition. ---jazzmusicarchives.com download (mp3 @320 kbs): yandex mediafire ulozto gett bayfiles back LOBAMBA There was a showdown in parliament when Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Joel Nhleko challenged an MPs line of questioning during a probe on government spending. The PS took exception to assertions made by Lobamba MP Allan Stewart, who registered discontent with public servants who do not have the best interest of the country at heart. This was after some members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) felt that the ministry officials were dragging feet in reclaiming money from the sale of two government houses in Kenya. The houses were sold when the country decided to move the Embassy to Ethiopia. Chairperson of the PAC Phila Buthelezi read a letter from the lawyers who were charged with selling the houses on behalf of the government, where they questioned reasons for delays by the Eswatini Government in giving them bank account details to deposit the money. The letter dated February 2019 was a reminder, which means the ministry had been delaying for some time. On a few occasions, the PS told the PAC that the bank details were still to be forwarded to the lawyers but there were unforeseen delays. The amount in question is E12 million. MP Stewart then said there were public servants who do not have the best interest of the government at heart yet they were holding public office. sensitive The PS asked to respond outside the hansard (a parliamentary recording device) but the PAC chairperson said he could only do that if he wanted to share sensitive information not just a sentiment. He then said the account would definitely be conveyed to the lawyers. Sometimes when we sell these buildings we then run short of money to build new houses for officials in foreign missions. He said this eventually meant government had to rent out premises to house officials. It is wrong to say we do not have the best interest of the country. It is wrong for Honourable Stewart to say so. The Chairperson, Buthelezi, then said MP Stewart merely said Nhleko should withdraw a statement he had made to the effect that all civil servants had the best interest of the country at heart. MP Stewart then said: It is disappointing that you feel offended by the statement I made. The Chairperson then asked that the session takes a short break saying this will also help to calm the tempters. However, during the break, the PS went straight to MP Stewart and sought clarity on his statement. Stewart went outside the House of assembly, but Nhleko grabbed his hand and went out with him. A few minutes later MP Mduduzi Magagula came back with the PS and asked him to calm down. When the session returned, after 15 minutes, the Chairperson warned that the spat between the two should be put aside. I have been informed that the Controlling Officer (PS) was shouting along the hallway of the parliament and this does not augur well for the work we are here to do. Eventually, the MP came to me saying he was now scared to return to the house and was thinking of going home. Let us put the matter to rest please, he said. PS Nhleko then apologised and asked that the house continues with business. MANZINI Tears welled up in the eyes of six Mhubhe High School pupils, as they saw their future disintegrate before them. Their future is in a dilemma following the Sarafina movie like violence that took place at their school on Wednesday morning, which resulted in them being charged with malicious damage to property and theft. Sarafina was a post-apartheid movie that sought to highlight injustices that were suffered by ethnic South Africans at the hands of a minority white population. Its storyline was centred on vocal learners, who adopted militant tactics, to have their voices heard. The six pupils were informed that they allegedly damaged property at the school during the mayhem which amounted to E44 140. They were further accused of contributing to the theft of E10 650. Ringleaders This is because following the riot, which resulted in the indefinite closure of the school, the police sought pupils suspected to be the ringleaders of the mayhem. Consequently, a day after the incident, they (police) had rounded up and detained four learners accused of being in the forefront. As the police proceeded with their investigations, yesterday morning, they detained three more learners. This tallied the number to seven detainees. However, six of them were slapped with the two aforesaid charges. Those charged were: Siyabonga Juice Sihlongonyane (21) of Ngculwini, Bavukile Matsenjwa (22) of Maphungwane, Xolani Chillies Dube (20) from Maliyaduma, Mcondisi Raymond Sikhondze (19) from Ngculwini, Thokozani TK Khumalo (19) from Vulamehlo and Innocent Siyabonga Mavishi Dlamini (19) from Fairview. Suspects Following the additional arrests yesterday morning, members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) brought the suspects to the Manzini Magistrates Court at about 10:05am. Subsequent to their arrival at the court premises, the suspects spent about an hour and a half packed like sardines at the back of a white police van, a Toyota Hilux. This is because after alighting from the car, the three police officers that brought them to court spent about an hour and a half in the offices, doing administrative procedures. They eventually resurfaced from the offices just before noon. That is when the pupils alighted from the back of the van and were escorted into the court room where they made their first appearance before Magistrate Philisiwe Simelane. Since the matter was brought late to court, the prosecution started by negotiating with the magistrate to preside over it. After successfully negotiating with her, the Crown applied that the accused persons be remanded back to custody until May 17, 2019 pending their trial date setting. Justice Their bail is opposed for now because it will not be in the interest of justice for them to be released, the Crown submitted. The prosecution claimed that it had reasonable grounds and believes that the accused persons were planning to burn down Mhubhe High School as per information attained from their mobile phones. Cameroon\s main opposition party on Friday called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all political prisoners, during talks with Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute on resolving the country\s regional conflict with anglophone separatists. At the meeting in Bamenda, capital of the restive anglophone Northwest Region, Social Democratic Front (SDF) leader Ni John Fru Ndi also called for the appointment of a mediator for resolving the conflict "Everyone must be listened to. The SDF is for inclusive political debate on the crisis," said SDF official Jean Robert Wafo. "We can listen to the secessionists without, however, agreeing to the principle," he said explaining that a "clear and unambiguous" against secession had to be taken. During Friday\s discussion the federalist SDF recommended four measures to resolve the crisis, according to a party statement received by AFP. The federalist party called for "an immediate ceasefire" and the demobilisation of all separatist forces as well as "the immediate release of all political prisoners held as part of this crisis" as well as the naming of a mediator to prepare negotiations. On Thursday, Dion Ngute arrived in Bamenda with the message that the government was ready for dialogue to resolve the regional conflict with separatists, while stressing that independence was not on the table. He said President Paul Biya was "ready to organise a formal dialogue to resolve the socio-political crisis" while stressing that independence was not on the table. Since 2017, fighting between government troops and anglophone separatists demanding independence in the Southwest and Northwest regions has killed hundreds and forced nearly 500,000 people from their homes. English-speaking communities chafe at what they see as discrimination from the French-speaking majority. But the government rejects demands for autonomy and has dispatched thousands of troops in a crackdown. At the moment there are no channels for dialogue between the government and the rebels. Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Monday that Cameroon authorities have regularly tortured and held incommunicado detainees arrested in the government\s crackdown on the armed separatist movement. In October 2017, radicals declared the creation of the "Republic of Ambazonia," covering the two English-speaking regions incorporated into francophone Cameroon in 1961. The declaration went largely unnoticed outside Cameroon, and "Ambazonia" named after a bay at the mouth of the Douala River has been recognised by no-one. Dion Ngute was also due to visit the other anglophone region the Southwest Region. The separatist conflict has forced more than 530,000 people to flee their homes while 32,000 others have sought refuge in neighbouring Nigeria. The UN Security Council will hold its first meeting this month to discuss the country\s separatist conflict. SOURCE: AFP Israeli gunfire killed one Palestinian at a weekly demonstration along the Gaza-Israel border fence, Gaza officials said Friday, in the first escalation after a cease-fire deal ended a bloody bout of fighting and saw Israel reopening the fishing zone off the Gaza coast. Last weekend\s spate of violence, which killed four Israeli civilians and 25 Palestinians, including 10 militants, was the worst combat since a 2014 war between Israel and Gaza\s Hamas rulers. Gaza\s health ministry said that 24-year-old Abdullah Abed al-Al was killed and 30 Palestinians injured by Israeli fire in the border demonstration, including a medic who was moderately wounded by a gunshot to the head. Hamas has orchestrated the weekly protests since March 2018, primarily to draw international attention to the dire living conditions. A crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade was imposed on the territory, after Hamas seized control of Gaza twelve years ago. More than 200 Palestinians and an Israeli soldier have been killed during the yearlong marches. The protests have often devolved into cycles of cross-border conflicts quickly defused with short-lived truces mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations. On May 15, protest organizers are calling for a massive border march to mark the 71st anniversary of what Palestinians call the "Nakba," or catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were forced from their homes in the 1948 war that led to the establishment of Israel. This year, Nakba day protests fall during the week of the hugely popular Eurovision Song Contest in Israel, putting Israeli officials on edge. The contest will draw thousands of foreign visitors to Tel Aviv. Earlier Friday, COGAT, the Israeli defense body responsible for Palestinian civilian affairs, said Israel would expand the Palestinian fishing zone to a maximum of 12 nautical miles to "prevent the deterioration in humanitarian conditions" in the blockaded Strip. The cease-fire deal is believed to loosen tight restrictions on goods and people coming in and out of Gaza, as well as provide economic aid and development programs to the territory, which has suffered for years from soaring unemployment and deepening poverty. SOURCE: AP Venezuela braced Saturday for another day of nationwide protests after President Nicolas Maduro clamped down further on opposition leader Juan Guaido, locking up his deputy in a military prison following a dramatic arrest. Edgar Zambrano, deputy speaker of the opposition-majority National Assembly, is being held in preventive detention for "the flagrant commission of the crimes of treason, conspiracy and civil rebellion," the Supreme Court said in a statement announcing the verdict of a lower court. Zambrano was arrested by Maduro\s SEBIN intelligence service in dramatic circumstances on Wednesday for supporting the April 30 revolt organized by US-backed Guaido. Maduro also accused his sacked intelligence chief of being a CIA "mole" and the architect of the failed military uprising. He said General Christopher Figuera was "the one who orchestrated the coup d\etat" by contacting the group of around 30 members of the armed forces who joined Guaido\s mass demonstration. "He was captured by the CIA a year ago and was working as a traitor, mole and infiltrator," Maduro said of Figuera, whose defection to the opposition saw him rewarded earlier this week by the US, which removed him from its sanctions list. The latest regime actions ratcheted up tensions ahead of a national demonstration Guaido called for Saturday to reject measures taken by the Supreme Court against opposition lawmakers. Zambrano is one of 10 charged by the Supreme Court for participating in the April 30 movement. He was transferred to the Caracas headquarters of the military police, Fort Tiuna, the court said. Possible move \against Guaido\ One of the other charged lawmakers, Luis Florido, announced in a video on Friday that he had fled to neighboring Colombia, "sheltered from a regime that is willing to imprison deputies," he said. Three others Richard Blanco, Mariela Magallanes and Americo De Grazia have sought refuge in the Argentine and Italian embassies in Caracas. Zambrano\s lawyer Lilia Camejo denounced the procedure under which Zambrano, a civilian, was sent to a military prison, and said his rights had been violated. "From the moment of the arrest, they have violated the deputy\s rights. We did not have access to the file, nor could we be appointed in his defense," Camejo told reporters. Guaido said on Thursday the arrests were part of a bid by Maduro to dismantle the National Assembly legislature, Venezuela\s sole opposition-controlled institution but one which had already been rendered powerless by the pro-Maduro Supreme Court. "If we can talk about a coup d\etat in Venezuela, here it is: the dismantling of the national parliament," Guaido told a news conference, accusing Maduro\s regime of "state terrorism." The increase in regime repression "may be a precursor" to targeting Guaido himself, said Latin American analyst Risa Grais-Targow of Eurasia Group. "Zambrano\s arrest may be a test to gauge the response of the international community before it moves against Guaido." His arrest on Wednesday night was both bizarre and dramatic. The lawmaker commented on events live on Twitter as they unfolded. The 64-year-old\s car was surrounded outside his Democratic Action Party\s headquarters before it was towed, with him still inside, to the notorious Helicoide prison inside SEBIN headquarters. Guaido\s latest attempt to undermine armed forces support for the embattled Maduro fizzled out after two days of clashes between protesters and the security services that left several people dead. Uncertainty Venezuela was plunged into turmoil in January when Guaido declared himself acting president in a direct challenge to Maduro\s authority. He has since been recognized by more than 50 countries as he steps up the pressure to oust Maduro, whom he considers illegitimate after 2018 elections widely seen as fraudulent. But through months of crisis, Maduro supported by China, Russia and his armed forces has stood firm. "The existing external and internal pressures have not been enough to convince Maduro and his inner circle to negotiate their exit ramp. What happens next in Venezuela is highly uncertain," said Moises Rendon of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Separately on Friday, Venezuela announced it was re-opening its land border with Brazil after Maduro ordered it shut in February, frustrating Guaido\s attempt to bring stockpiled mostly-US humanitarian aid across the border. Vice President Tareck El Aissami said the frontier with Brazil was "once again restored," and maritime links with the Caribbean island of Aruba were also reopened. However, the border with Colombia and links with other parts of the former Dutch Antilles closed at the same time on Maduro\s orders will remain shut, El Aissami said. Venezuela has suffered more than four years of recession marked by shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicine. The United Nations says a quarter of its 30 million population are in urgent need of aid, and more than 2.7 million have fled the deprivation. SOURCE. AFP Dubai-based P&O Ports, a leading shipping and ports services provider, said it has signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Serbian government to operate the country's Port of Novi Sad. Under this deal, the Dubai group will retain exclusive rights to undertake all waterside operations, container handling, project cargo and fertilizer activities, said a statement from P&O Ports. The Port of Novi Sad is located on a 24-hectare site on the Danube river and it is operated by the last remaining port operator in the country owned and operated by the government with an estimated throughput of around 1 million tons a year. The current quay is 500-m-long and its features include cargo handling, warehousing facilities, storage of bulk cargo and general cargo connections to the national railway network. The development plan will include construction of 189 m of new vertical quay wall, new silo capacities, new handling equipment and refurbishment of existing machinery plus installation of a terminal operating system. In partnership with the Serbian Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, the Dubai group will also study the possibility of construction of the container terminals. The move comes as part of a long-term investment plan to upgrade equipment and services and to support the Serbian governments strategy to create an intermodal terminal and logistics centre with rail, road and inland waterways links to the rest of Europe, it added. This agreement grants P&O Ports a right to operate the Serbian port for an initial 25 years with an option to renew by both parties for another 25 years on expiry, said Dragan Stevanovic, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economy after signing the deal with P&O Ports CEO Rado Antolovic. The SPA for obtaining the property rights on the capital and assets of the port operator of the Port of Novi Sad comes following a MoU signed last year by Deputy Prime Minister Zorana Mihajlovic and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of P&O Ports. After signing the MoU, Bin Sulayem said: "The Port of Novi Sad provides connections with DP World Constanza, Romania, with onward handling of bulk cargos in Jebel Ali Port, Dubai. It also has capacity to connect with our operations elsewhere adding value to customers and our partners in getting goods to local, regional and international markets." "There is also an opportunity to handle bulk commodities in the steel and construction sectors, food and coal," he stated. According to him, this agreement is another example of P&O Ports strategy to provide further services across the global supply chain, creating efficiencies of its customers and supporting the development of nations. "By linking with our operations across Europe we can provide further added value through Novi Sad," he added.-TradeArabia News Service The UK Government has appointed Dr Andrew Murrison as the new Minister of State for the Middle East at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in replacement of Former Minister Alistair Burt, said a report. Andrew previously served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence and Minister for International Security Strategy from September 2012 until July 2014, according to GOV.UK. He also worked as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office from July 2014 to March 2015. Dr Murrison served for 18 years as a medical officer in the Royal Navy, leaving in October 2000 as a Surgeon Commander.-TradeArabia News Service Kuwait's leading low-cost airline Jazeera Airways has announced that it has for the first time begun serving the coastal city of Bodrum in Turkey with three weekly flights. The new Turkish destination is an addition to the three flights a week recently launched to Istanbuls Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), and the existing daily flights to the new Istanbul Airport (IST), said the airline in its statement. The inaugural flight took off from Kuwait International Airport (KWI) on Thursday (May 9) at 11.45am and landed at the Bodrum Airport (BJV) at 3.35pm (local time). Flights to Bodrum come in response to high demand during the peak travel season to the popular summer destination located on the Aegean Sea. Jazeera Airways, which operates regionally and internationally, has also enhanced its schedule to Istanbul to offer customers the choice between landing or departing from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport or the Istanbul Airport. Sabiha Gokcen is located in the Asian side of Istanbul while Istanbul Airport is located on the European side of the city. Speaking of the launch, CEO, Rohit Ramachandran, said: "We are very excited to be starting flights to Bodrum during the summer season. It has become an extremely popular leisure destination for the Kuwaiti market." Until October 26, Jazeera will be launching Flight J9-309 on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays from KWI at 11:45am which will land in Bodrum Airport (BJV) at 3.35pm. On return journey, J9-310 will take off from the Turkish city on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays at 4:20pm and arrive in KWI at 7:50pm. "We are also pleased to have increased flights to Istanbul and offer our customers the choice of airport to fly through. Istanbul is a great touristic destination that never ceases to amaze with every visit thanks to its deeply-rooted history and culture," he added.-TradeArabia News Service This is the first of two posts that highlight work from the 2019 Havana Biennial in and around Old Havana area. Look for Part 2 next week. // Contributed by Katarina Wong / After being postponed due to hurricane damage from 2017, the Havana Biennial, organized by the Centro de Arte Contemporaneo Wifredo Lam, launched on April 12. Taking place in more than 40 locations in Havana, the 13th iteration is curated is around the theme La Construccion de lo Posible(The Construction of the Possible). Historically dedicated to showcasing work from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, this biennial is an invitation to institutions, artists, and viewers to reclaim personal and collective power to imagine and forge new realities. Those visions are sometimes bittersweet, sometimes cheeky, sometimes utopian, and in the best cases, deeply complex. Centro de Arte Contemporaneo Wifredo Lam, Old Havana The biennials organizing institution is showing a beautifully curated selection of site-specific installations, video, sculpture, painting, and fabric works that focus on creating different ways to understand the present by investigating or reclaiming the past. Cuban artist David Beltran uses paint to depict the deconstruction of paint. At first glance, his series Arqueologia de Color (Archeology of Color) looks like abstract landscapes. The large paintings are based on photographs of tiny paint samples taken from the Equestrian Portrait of Felipe III by Diego Velazquez that show the different strata of the painting. (Image at top of post) Tania Candiani, from Mexico, filmed Del sonido de la labor: Cantos de trabajo (From the Sound of Labor: Songs of Work) in the Valle de Ingenios in Cuba, the heart of the sugar industry. Candiani uses sugar cane fields and slave barracks as backdrops for the performance of traditional songs that were sung by slaves as they worked the fields. In this piece, sites of enslavement and brutality become places of fierce and defiant remembrance. In Evidencia (Evidence), Uruguayan artist Fernando Foglino memorializes vandalized art from Grecian times through the 20th century by creating shiny replicas of the stolen parts, or in the case of the Girl with Dove, the entire piece. In an accompanying video, the artist creates a digital narrative in which he is the thief who defiles statues in order to reclaim them in the exhibition. Abdoulaye Konate was born in Mali and studied at the Instituto Superior del Arte in Havana. He uses traditional textile dyeing techniques from his home country to create his large fabric pieces. Through his work, Konate addresses issues ranging from the AIDs epidemic to environmental concerns. In Papillon ak 3, a glorious butterfly (or moth) both fills and disintegrates into the background. Gran Teatro, Old Havana Facing the Future 10 Artists from China The pieces in this strong exhibition of contemporary artwork from China present various meditations on time. The artists stretch the past into the future or linger in long moments of the present. Contemporary Cubans Like the Facing the Future exhibition, Contemporary Cubans also overlays the past whether personal time or historical time onto the present. Pieces reflect the vivacity and contradictions of contemporary Cuban culture, where 1950s American cars rubble down the streets or gargantuan cruise ships glide by the 16th century Spanish fort. (Curiously, the only information about the work was the artist names.) Arte Continua, Barrio Chino Arte Continua is located in a former movie theatre in Chinatown. The owners of the gallery wisely kept the fundamental structure of the space so that exhibitions are in dialogue with the buildings history. For the Biennial, Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadyrova created two site-specific installations. In Permit for the Cocktail she uses architectural elements she found in Cuba to create elements of a tantalizing, lively tropical drink. Set against the permanent Anish Kapoor installation When I am Pregnant (behind the stage), the pieces in Cocktail are oversized, hinting at a mixture so large everyone is welcome to partake, but also suggesting that, as with construction, permission is needed. In what used to be the balcony seats, Kadryova installed Second Hand. She uses tiles from the Hospital Antituberculoso Joaquin G. Lebredo to create sculptures resembling scrubs and patient gowns. The hospital was built in 1936 and abandoned after the Soviet Union fell causing reverberations in Cuba and her home country. Although the pieces hang from construction scaffolding, they almost look like objects from an exclusive boutique. The accompanying photographs, however, remind us of their origins. Fototeca, Plaza Vieja, Old Havana French artist Emmanuel Tussore draws from current events to create Study for a Soap. Using one of the oldest soap-making techniques (which happens to come from Aleppo), Tussore constructed a desolate cityscape of bombed out buildings that sits in the center of the room, flanked by photographic portraits of the soap sculpture buildings. In this work, history, people, life are poised to be washed away through destructive acts of war. Detras del Muro (Behind the Wall), Malecon The Maleconis the famed sea wall that extends from Old Havana westward and is an ideal place to feature public artwork. Some artists also engaged with the buildings that face the Malecon, creating surprising interventions. Elio Jesus inserted hundreds, if not thousands of rolled up scraps of paper into the pock-marked columns of a building along the Malecon. The building, like many others that face the sea, is weather-beaten by the salt water and sun. By literally plugging the holes, the artists gentle intervention resembles paper barnacles growing up the walls, exaggerating its uneven surface. At the head of the Malecon, a lone unicorn stands. Its not the powerful, white mythical depiction we see flying on rainbows, but a bedraggled, exhausted beast heading towards its end. Perhaps its depleted from being overused and overexposed. Perhaps it signifies the obvious end of all dreams. 19:30, the time of sunset, is an invitation to stop, sit, and share a moment with strangers. The chairs are a mismatched collection of common chairs found in Cuban households. Some rickety, some cobbled together, they still gather to offer support and respite. The Museo de Bellas Artess five-part La posibilidad infinita: pensando en la nacion (The Infinite Possibility: Thinking about the nation) at will be reviewed in the next installation about the Havana Biennial. La Construccion de lo Posible(The Construction of the Possible), XIII Havana Biennial, in locations throughout Havana and across the Cuba. April 12 to May 14, 2019. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week. About the author: Katarina Wong is an artist, curator and writer. She is also the program manager of the Arts Administration graduate programat Teachers College, Columbia University. Follow her on Instagram,Facebookand Twitter. Related posts: Zilia Sanchez, surrounded by the sea Artist to artist: An exchange with Cuba Of Latino descent: Radical Women in LA Image: Boeing Boeing 737 MAX That design is so utterly incompetent and the FAA allowing it is so utterly incompetent that it boggles the mind of this pilot flying for 35 years! Clearly the airline rule of requiring redundancy of any component with a greater than 1 in 10,000,000 chance of failure was ignored. Considering the MCAS system, even with two AOA sensors, the chance of failure, such as in icing, of sticking the nose in the ground and killing everyone when flying at low altitude is much higher than 1 in 10,000,000. Weve seen two cases of massively fatal accidents when, likely, without the system there would have been no accident. At the very least the FAA should have required: The system also considered GPS groundspeed (yeah, install two $100 GPS sensors) so that if good groundspeed and hence likely good airspeed MCAS stays sleeping. An altitude sensor (radar, etc.) so that if close to the ground do not point the nose down! A clear warning when it is activated. An OFF switch so that a pilot can disable it before or after it grabs the stick. Real training. I should note that I am a retired electrical engineer and computer programmer specializing in designing redundant computers and software and computer security so Im experienced at analyzing failure modes. I bet that Boeings engineers objected to this terrible system but management overrode them. A real investigation likely will bear this out, similar to Challenger. Bob Toxen I did not read all of the comments because I was shocked at the callous indifference to human life. If only one person died FAA, Boeing and the attention of everyone else should have been focused on caring for the loss. For anyone to be faced with finding an attorney to seek help is not right. Lives are more important than reputation, bureaucracy or business. On the matter of concern for safety and any loss of life I find everyone guilty and lacking. Don Lineback Your coverage has disgusted me. Any trim runaway on the B737, from the beginning, has had the potential to overpower pilot inputs. The non-normal procedures resolve the issue, when applied appropriately. While it appears that implementation of MCAS introduced an additional failure mode, it also appears that Boeing has moved expeditiously to fix that issue. What [] else should we expect? Wayne James Justinen While the pile on Boeing continues to grow I have several questions. One; What was a 200-hour pilot doing in the right seat? By the accounts I have read he hammered home the final nail in the coffin when his lack of training, understanding and competence led him to reactivate MCAS by turning the trim system back on. Two; The two MAX crashes and Air France 447 were all related to Angle of Attack sensor failures. How many other AOA sensor failures have been squawked since theyve had a decisive hand in aircraft fly by wire systems? Of those, how many were on third world airlines? Is there data to compare the various maintenance centers and their handling of AOA issues? Three; Where is the press to pile on the AOA manufacturer whose sensors failed? How did bad or marginal sensors escape their quality system and get out into the world? How much long-term testing has there been on their product? Four; I cant help but notice how the call for AOA indicators to be installed on every aircraft has gone quiet of late. Could it be that we are finally going to call for airmanship to be practiced rather than putting another gadget in the cockpit to pull the pilots situational awareness from the sky around him to the panel? Richard Girard By WestKyStar & Paducah Public Schools Staff May. 10, 2019 | 09:25 PM | PADUCAH The contest, which is sponsored by the Paducah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, began last fall with a theme of The 50th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing. The contest has 7 categories Poem, Short Story, Banner, Poster, Stamp, Photographic essay and Community Service. It is available to all students in grades K-12. Local entries were received and judged with 1st place winners sent to the state level contest. Those who were selected as 1st place in the state were entered in the East Central division contest, which comprises 5 states. Those who received 1st place in the division were entered in the national level contest. In the short story category, Clark fourth grader Caroline Adkins was state runner-up. In the poster category, Clark second grader Bennett Seaton was state runner-up. In the banner category, Clark fifth graders Bailey Beyer, Kara Brien, Elizabeth Esper, and fourth grader Cromwell Hancock were state champions, division champions, and national runner-up. Clark Elementary students won multiple state, division, and national awards in the National Junior American Citizen contest. Advertisement By WestKyStar & MCHS Staff May. 10, 2019 | BENTON, KY By WestKyStar & MCHS Staff May. 10, 2019 | 09:31 PM | BENTON, KY Marshall County High School is proud to announce that juniors Luke Wyatt, Conor Washburn and Cody Sorrells have been accepted to attend the American Legion Boys State program, held at Campbellsville University in Campbellsville, KY. Kentucky Boys State is a highly-regarded leadership training program that enables high school juniors to become a part of the operation of their local, county and state governments. Participants at Boys State attend legislative sessions, court proceedings and law enforcement presentations, and are given training in various topics. They are exposed to the rights and privilegesalong with the duties and responsibilitiesthat come with being a franchised citizen. The Boys State program first came to Kentucky in 1940; since this initial session, over 20,000 outstanding young men throughout the state have attended the program and learned first-hand about democratic government, good citizenship and governmental operations. High school juniors are selected to attend the program by their local American Legion Posts. American Legion Post 236 in Calvert City is sponsoring Luke Wyatt and Conor Washburn, and American Legion Post 85 in Benton is sponsoring Cody Sorrells. By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 11, 2019 | 07:51 AM | PADUCAH According to Paducah Police, 14-year-old Brandon Martinez was reported missing late Friday night. He was last seen at his home on South 22nd Street in Paducah at 3:00 Friday afternoon. Martinez is described as 5'5", 130 pounds, with brown hair above the ears. Anyone with information about Martinez is asked to contact the Paducah Police Department at 270-444-8548. Law enforcement is requesting the public's help with the search for a missing Paducah teen. Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan (2nd R, front), also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits a community health service center in Chaoyang District in Beijing, capital of China. Sun extended greetings to the country's over 4 million nurses as she visited the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and the community health service center in Beijing's Chaoyang District ahead of the International Nurses Day which falls on May 12. [Xinhua/Zhang Ling] Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan stressed the need for quality nursing services to improve people's health and well-being ahead of the International Nurses Day. Sun, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, extended greetings to the country's over 4 million nurses as she visited the China-Japan Friendship Hospital and a community health service center in Beijing's Chaoyang District. Sun noted that China has made remarkable achievements in nursing services with an ever-increasing number of professional nurses. Sun emphasized the need for innovating nursing services, deepening the integration of nursing services with the Internet and big data, and promoting online and intelligent nursing services. The vice premier also called for efforts to address the shortage of nursing staff in the face of an aging population, adding vocational institutions should increase enrollment of students specialized in rehabilitation, nursing and elderly care this year. The International Nurses Day falls on May 12. (Source: Xinhua) Mackova Viktoria and Kamensky Samuel, both middle school students from Slovakia, here on Friday won the first two places at the 2019 "Chinese Bridge" Regional Contest of Chinese Proficiency for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. They will represent the two countries to China to compete in the final world-wide contest later this year. Under the theme of "One World, One Family," nine contestants from middle schools and universities in the two countries demonstrated their Chinese language skills by making a free speech in Chinese, going through a Q&A and performing culture and talents show. On the occasion, Zhao Changtao, official from Chinese Embassy in Czech Republic, said in the past years, more and more students in the two countries began to learn Chinese and love Chinese culture. "Chinese Bridge is not only a bridge for visiting China but also a bridge of great opportunity for the future," he said, adding that he hopes there would be more and more bilingual talents in the two countries in the future. The regional contest was co-organized by the Confucius Institute at Palacky University in Olomouc and the Chinese Embassy in the Czech Republic. (Source: Xinhua) Qin Shoucheng, Qin Tingting's father, picks her up after class in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on May 9, 2019. Qin Tingting, originally from north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is a freshman of Harbin Engineering University. Suffering from Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS, also known as muscle weakness), she has to sit on a wheelchair and make much more effort than average people. After being diagnosed with CMS, Qin never gave up her dream that she wanted to get into university. She was admitted to the College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering of Harbin Engineering University in 2018. Qin said she wanted to become a physics teacher. Like Stephen Hawking, he had been through darkness but eventually he found the light, so would I, she said. [Xinhua/Wang Song] Assembly Members past and present mark 20th anniversary of Welsh devolution This article is old - Published: Saturday, May 11th, 2019 Assembly Members past and present gathered for an address and reception last week to mark the 20th anniversary of the first elections to the Senedd. In her address, the Llywydd, Elin Jones (Plaid, Ceredigion), recounted how nervous and excited the Class of 99 were when they first took their seats, but added that nonetheless devolution has allowed Wales to plough its own furrow, becoming the first legislature in the world to achieve gender balance in 2003. Since 1999, 142 individuals have served as AMs. Llywydd, Elin Jones: We, elected AMs and staff, have overseen the building of our new democracy over this last 20 years and it will be the youth parliamentarians of today and others who will be here to continue our work. They have never lived in a Wales without its own Parliament. For them, devolution will one day be a distant memory belonging to a time before governing our own affairs was the natural state of being for our nation, just as it is for all nations. The Llywydd also called for an increase in the number of AMs adding that in order to represent the people of Wales the best we can, it is imperative now that more members are elected. The First Minister, Mark Drakefords (Lab, Cardiff West) core message was that while it was time to celebrate whats been achieved, it was also time to face up to the challenges ahead. Other future challenges picked up on by the First Minster include climate change and generational inequality. The First Minister added: That sense of a progressive social justice agenda for Wales has been the hallmark of our first 20 years, and I hope it will be there through the next 20 years as well. Just as I hope that we will demonstrate that the devolution journey is not yet over, that the things that we have added to the repertoire of our responsibilities in the first 20 years are not the end of devolution. Keep up to date with what is going on in the Senedd via SeneddHome.com Clwyd South MP calls on government to improve road safety laws This article is old - Published: Saturday, May 11th, 2019 The MP for Clwyd South has called on the Leader of the House of Commons to make time for a parliamentary debate on road safety issues. Susan Elan Jones MP expressed concerns about excessive speeds and the need to make sure that driving bans are issued. Speaking after her question in the House of Commons, Susan Elan Jones MP said: There are far too many examples of people going at ridiculously high speeds on our roads and more needs to be done to tackle the problem. I will certainly be putting in for a parliamentary debate with a Minister about this really important issue. Weve seen on the A5 here in North Wales a crazy situation where a driver can do 122 miles per hour and get a driving ban of only 56 days, or 138 miles per hours and a ban of only 90 days that needs to change. Coleg Cambria student who battled back from leukaemia set to study medicine at university This article is old - Published: Saturday, May 11th, 2019 An inspirational student who missed four years of school after being diagnosed with leukaemia has battled back to fitness and been offered a place to study medicine at a top university. Coleg Cambria student Jack Edwards will begin life as a student at Plymouth University this September, an achievement he never would have thought possible. Jack was 12 year-old and studying at Mold Alun High School when he was found to have acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a type of cancer that affects the white bloody cells. He spent years undergoing treatment at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, in an attempt to rebuild his immune system, before eventually returning to school in Year 11 at the age of 16. However, Jack was still recuperating and unable to attend regularly, so he was forced to play catch up on his studies at home and in his own time. Remarkably, with the support of family and friends, he was able to do so, before taking and passing all his GCSEs and joining Deeside Sixth Form Centre in 2017. Now 18 and in good health, he is on track to successfully achieve A levels and begin a degree in Medicine at Plymouth later this year. It was a massive shock and very difficult for a long time, as I fought back against the leukaemia, said Jack, from Mold. My education suffered badly as I couldnt go to school and was in no fit state to learn while at hospital, so there was very little I could do. When I began to get better and went back to school in Year 11 I was still only able to go 50% of the time so I relied on a family friend who had studied chemistry at university to help me with extra lessons, and of course I did as much as I could in my own time. He added: To then pass all of my GCSEs with straight Bs was amazing, a total shock but something Im very proud of. After that I moved on to Deeside Sixth, and it was the best decision I could have made theyve been brilliant. Jack is now getting back into sport and regularly visits the gym in a bid to regain full fitness. I couldnt even lift a pencil a few years ago so Ive come a long way, and to receive an offer to study Medicine is the icing on the cake, he said. I suppose being so sick did play a part in me choosing Medicine, as while at hospital I saw first-hand the amazing work they do. I havent yet decided which area of medicine Ill specialise in but oncology is a serious option, it would be amazing to give something back. That goes for all the staff and lecturers at Deeside Sixth Form Centre as well, who have been so helpful and supportive. Jack is one of 14 Cambria students to have been offered places to study Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science next academic year. Nora Richardson, Deputy Director for Maths, Science and PE, praised Jack for his bravery in achieving such amazing results against the odds. He is truly an inspiration and has shown what you can do with hard work and a positive attitude, she added. To have done all of this in such a short space of time while recovering from such a serious illness is miraculous, and we are all so very proud of him. For more information on the courses available at Coleg Cambria, visit www.cambria.ac.uk Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 01:52:43|Editor: yan Video Player Close TIRANA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The Albanian government declared Friday a national mourning day in honor of Albanian Armed Forces member Zarife Hasanaj, who died on Monday in an explosion of a wartime mine while participating in a NATO-led mission to dispose World War II explosives in Latvia. On Friday, all government buildings and institutions lowered their flags at half-mast to pay condolences to the victim and one-minute silence mourning for the deceased was observed at 12:00 local time. The body of the First Lieutenant Hasanaj arrived at the International Airport in Tirana on Thursday escorted by a military ceremony. Two other Albanian officers, a major and a sergeant were also injured during the explosion. Some 20 members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) contingent of the Albanian Armed Forced are in Latvia to dismantle land mines left over from the Second World War, as part of a NATO Enhanced Forward Presence mission. Albania joined NATO in April 2009 and contributes with over 200 army members to NATO and international peacekeeping missions in Latvia, Afghanistan, the Aegean Sea, Mali and South Sudan. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 02:43:00|Editor: yan Video Player Close RABAT, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Over 2.5 million tourists visited Morocco in the first quarter of 2019, up 4.1 percent from last year, Moroccan Tourism Ministry said Friday. Between January and March, the number of foreign tourists rose 4 percent while the arrivals of Moroccans living abroad grew 5 percent, according to the ministry statistics. The growth was mainly driven by the continued rise in the tourists from the traditional European markets, as statistics show an increase of 10 percent in French tourist arrivals, 8 percent for Italian and Dutch tourists, 3 percent for British tourists, and 1 percent for Spanish tourists. Morocco's major tourist destinations Marrakech and Agadir posted increases of 8 percent and 4 percent respectively. In 2018, 12.28 million tourists visited Morocco, up 8.3 percent from 2017. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 02:48:06|Editor: Xiaoxia Video Player Close Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops on the Gaza-Israel border, east of Gaza City, May 10, 2019. At least one Palestinian demonstrator was killed and 30 others wounded on Friday during their clashes with Israeli soldiers stationed on the border between the eastern Gaza Strip and Israel. (Xinhua) GAZA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- At least one Palestinian demonstrator was killed and 30 others wounded on Friday during their clashes with Israeli soldiers stationed on the border between the eastern Gaza Strip and Israel. Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the Health Ministry in Gaza told reporters that Abdulla Abdel Aal, a 24-year-old from the southern Gaza Strip town of Rafah, died after he was shot by Israeli soldiers in his abdomen. Meanwhile, 30 demonstrators were wounded by Israeli gunfire, including a field paramedic who was shot in the head and is in moderate condition, he added. On Friday afternoon, hundreds of Palestinian demonstrators headed to the area between eastern Gaza and Israel in protest against the peace plan the United States will announce soon, better known as the "Deal of the Century." The demonstrators joined the weekly anti-Israel rally, known as the Great March of Return, which has been going on since the end of March last year. Earlier in the day, the Gaza Health Ministry said the Israeli army has killed 304 Palestinians and wounded 17,301 others including 3,544 children and 1,168 women, since the beginning of the weekly rally. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 03:03:17|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Kyriakos Mitsotakis (R, bottom), leader of the main opposition party New Democracy (ND), addresses lawmakers at the Greek Parliament, in Athens, Greece, on May 10, 2019. The government of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras won a confidence vote in parliament on Friday evening, ahead of the European parliament elections which will be conducted on May 26 in Greece. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) ATHENS, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The government of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras won a confidence vote in parliament on Friday evening, ahead of the European parliament elections which will be conducted on May 26 in Greece. A total of 153 MPs voted to support the government, while 136 voted against with 289 lawmakers participating in the roll call vote in the 300-member strong assembly, which was broadcast live on Greek national broadcaster ERT. In addition to the 145 deputies the Radical Left SYRIZA ruling party has in the plenary, independent lawmakers cast a vote of confidence to the government. The government has relied on the independents' in many votes in parliament after the departure earlier this year of the junior partner in the coalition which co-ruled since 2015. Friday's vote was called by Tsipras in response to a motion of censure filed by the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party against Deputy Health Minister Pavlos Polakis. The conservatives tabled the censure against Polakis following controversial posts on social media he uploaded a few days ago against a paraplegic candidate in the upcoming European parliament elections who runs with ND. Polakis criticized wheelchair-bound Stelios Kibouropoulos of "abusing" equal hiring legislation which helps the disabled to find employment, when the latter was hired in the Greek national health service. During the three-day heated debate in the parliament, SYRIZA and opposition parties clashed mainly over the government's economic policy, urging voters to send a message in the upcoming elections. "Greek people will send a strong and clear message on May 26," Tsipras said, delivering a speech shortly before the vote. "Citizens can make a first step on May 26 for political change," ND leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on his part. In all recent opinion surveys, the conservatives lead over SYRIZA in both the European parliament elections and the national elections which Tsipras has said will be conducted early October this year, once the government's four-year term expires. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 03:08:24|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, May 10 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Friday voiced concern over consecutive attacks in southern Libya by the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group. "We are extremely concerned about another attack in Libya claimed by Da'esh yesterday in Ghadwa, south of Sabha, in which several civilians lost their lives," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, using another name of the IS. He noted that Thursday's attack was the second claimed by the IS in one week. "This is another reason why we need to have a cease-fire and to resume a political process that will reunite the Libyans and enable them to join forces in the fight against terrorism," Haq told a regular press briefing. IS militants on Thursday launched an attack on the southern town of Ghadwa, 60km south of Sabha city, killing two and injuring several others. A separate attack several days earlier on an army training center in Sabha killed nine soldiers. Sabha, southern Libya's largest city, is currently under the control of the east-based army led by Khalifa Haftar. Haftar's forces are in a military campaign to take over the capital city of Tripoli from the UN-recognized government. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 03:23:29|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, May 10 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday welcomed the decision of Belize and Guatemala to refer their territorial dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The secretary-general took note of the decision of the people of Belize and Guatemala to submit their border dispute to the ICJ for a final settlement, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for Guterres, in a statement. The secretary-general welcomes the spirit of cooperation with which both countries have sought to resolve this matter, it said. Established by the UN Charter as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, the ICJ is an essential mechanism for the peaceful settlement of disputes, said the statement. The territory of Belize has been claimed in whole or in part by Guatemala since 1821. Belize and Guatemala held referenda -- on May 8, 2019, and in April 2018 respectively -- on the referral of the dispute to the ICJ. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 03:58:44|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, May 10 (Xinhua) -- On the heels of killer Cyclone Kenneth, humanitarian workers in northern Mozambique are hampered by damaged infrastructure while trying to reach thousands of victims in need of aid, a UN spokesman said on Friday. "Damaged roads and bridges continue to prevent relief teams from reaching thousands of people in need as floodwaters from Cyclone Kenneth recede," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The storm left 50 people dead -- 43 in Mozambique and seven in the Comoros, Haq said. Nearly 45,400 houses were destroyed in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces with over 1,300 houses flooded in Cabo Delgado, according to the government of Mozambique's latest report. More than 66,100 people had been reached earlier this week with food assistance provided by the World Food Programme, accompanying assistance provided by the National Disaster Management Institute, he said. The spokesman said cholera control efforts are continuing with 109 cases recorded in the Pemba, Mecufi, and Metuge areas. He said that in the Comoros, almost 186,000 people are in need of immediate multi-sectoral assistance. Tropical Cyclone Kenneth struck the Comoros and Mozambique's northern provinces late last month after Cyclone Idai dealt a deadly blow in early March to Mozambique's mid-section, hitting landfall near Beira and continuing inland to lash southern Malawi and eastern Zimbabwe, killing more than 1,000 people in its wake. "Tropical Cyclone Kenneth made landfall in northern Mozambique on April 25, near the border with Tanzania, in an area where no tropical cyclone has been observed since the satellite era," the World Meteorological Organization said. "There is no record of two storms of such intensity striking Mozambique in the same season." Meteorological agencies say Cyclone Idai was the deadliest and costliest storm of the Southwest Indian Ocean Basin this season and one of the worst on record. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 04:44:01|Editor: yan Video Player Close ACCRA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- China's 300-community satellite television project for Ghana which started since September has been completed. Handing over the completed project here on Friday, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Wang Shiting underscored the need for Ghana and China to work together to eliminate the digital divide. "Since our poor communities still lack the ability to have the whole world in view, as well as the means to participate in cultural exchanges, let us work hard together to eliminate the digital divide," Wang said. The completion of the project, according to Ghana's Deputy Minister for Communications George Andah, was another step in the strengthening of the strong relations between Ghana and China. He said 660 Ghanaians have acquired technical training on the installation of satellite dishes through the project, which has given them skills to set up their own installation businesses. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 04:54:06|Editor: yan Video Player Close BRUSSELS, May 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has for the second time this week canceled part of his travel plans in Europe, cutting short a trip that was supposed to shore up U.S. commitment and ties with traditional allies. Instead, he left a trail of disagreements that dogged the transatlantic relations. CLIMATE CHANGE Pompeo's first stop was about the Arctic, where the Arctic Council for the first time in 23 years did not issue a declaration that would also act as a guideline for the next chairing country. The embarrassment was a direct result of Trump administration's outlier position on climate change: whereas other participants sent warnings over the melting of the Arctic sea ice, Pompeo praised it. "The Arctic is at the forefront of opportunity and abundance," he said. "It houses 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil, 30 percent of its undiscovered gas, an abundance of uranium, rare-earth minerals, gold, diamonds, and millions of square miles of untapped resources, fisheries galore." Such tone-deaf rhetoric appears to suggest that the melting wasn't rapid enough: "Steady reductions in sea ice are opening new passageways and new opportunities for trade. This could potentially slash the time it takes to travel between Asia and the West by as much as 20 days," he said. No wonder other participants couldn't stomach that. In fact, the Trump administration's rejection of climate change is widely opposed by Europe, especially France, where the Paris accord was inked. In April, France's reluctance for giving a mandate to European Commission to engage the U.S. on trade talks was only overcome at the last minute. "France battled very hard against this mandate until the last minute, due to Paris climate agreement difference with Washington, and it is only at the 11th hour that its concern was appeased and consensus was found," said Aline Doussin, a trade law expert at the international law firm Hogan Lovells. IRAN DEAL Pompeo was then supposed to go to Berlin, until he canceled the trip at the last minute, due to unspecified "pressing issues." That was clearly an affront to Germany, whose largest broadsheet newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung seethed "The German-American relationship is in tatters." It later turned out that Pompeo paid an unscheduled trip to Iraq, because of the situation in neighboring Iran. But perhaps no other subject than the Iran nuclear deal better illustrated the stark differences across the Atlantic. European powers, including France, Germany and the United Kingdom, as well as the European Union (EU), have steadfastly upheld the deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA), after the Trump administration withdrew from it. On Thursday, they said in a joint statement that they "recall our own firm commitments under the agreement including as regards sanctions-lifting for the benefit of the Iranian people. In this regard, we regret the re-imposition of sanctions by the United States following their withdrawal from the JCPoA." In fact, Jeremy Hunt, the UK's foreign secretary, said to Pompeo's face in London that the nuclear deal was an important achievement of Western diplomacy and "For as long as Iran keeps its commitments, then so too will the United Kingdom." Pompeo had been scheduled to leave London for a visit to Greenland on Thursday, but again changed course. Instead, he directly headed home. TRADE UNCERTAINTY While Pompeo talks up a potential trade deal with the UK after its withdrawal from the EU, deep suspicions linger on the other side of the English Channel over the bloc's own future trade talks with the U.S. That's partly due to the memory of the TTIP, or Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the largest bilateral trade initiative ever negotiated but pronounced dead by the Trump administration, which went on to stoke trade tensions with its traditional ally as well as the rest of the world. In April, the European Union finalized its position to initiate new trade talks with the U.S., but some say the talks might be doomed before they even start. Peter Holmes, trade expert and economics lecturer at University of Sussex told Xinhua that "I think the prospects for a new TTIP deal between the EU and the U.S. are very limited. The U.S. attitude towards the WTO and its international commitments makes the EU reluctant to reopen wider trade policy and regulatory issues. The U.S. published proposals for an agenda for talks is very biased towards U.S. special interests than the EU. The EU would be willing to enter talks with the U.S. on tariffs alone but the U.S. has indicated that this would probably not be acceptable." The U.S. has insisted on including agricultural products in the trade talks, while the EU wanted "a trade agreement strictly focused on industrial goods, excluding agricultural products." With U.S. tariffs over EU metal exports still reigning, President Donald Trump's threat of more levies continued to loom over EU's car exports. "They barely take our agricultural products, and yet they can sell Mercedes Benz and they can sell anything they want in our country including their farm products, and it's not fair," he said in April. Germany certainly got the most to lose if car tariffs were imposed. There, companies dislike trade tensions. "ZF advocates free trade because it has been shown that free trade has brought growth to the world economy. A trade conflict only produces losers and has no winners in the long run. An escalation of the trade conflict would hit ZF as a global automotive supplier, because the global automotive industry is a highly complex network of goods flows," said Andreas Veil, Spokesman, Head of Business and Finance Communications for German auto supplier ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Also looming over transatlantic trade ties are ratchet-up fights over the protracted dispute over respective industrial subsidies to Airbus and Boeing, with the U.S. planning to impose tariffs on 11 billion U.S. dollars worth of EU products, after which Brussels came up with a 20-billion hit list of American goods. "It is likely that the Trump administration is using this tariff threat to leverage its negotiations with the EU, pushing the latter to lower its industrial tariffs to the U.S., and to force the EU to follow the U.S. more closely in multilateral and geopolitical settings," said Wallace Shuaihua Cheng, Research Fellow at Germans Development Institute. Recent discord over intensified U.S. sanctions against Cuba added another layer of strains to relations between the U.S. and the EU, which slammed U.S. unilateralism as contrary to international law. Brussels has pledged to take all appropriate measures to protect its interests. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 04:59:10|Editor: yan Video Player Close SKOPJE, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Three people suspected of involving in drug trafficking were arrested after a police operation on Thursday night in the capital city Skopje, Interior Ministry of North Macedonia said in a press release on Friday. According to the press release, another suspect is still at large. During the operation, the police also seized a considerable amount of cocaine, weapons, luxury vehicles and other materials. The police operation came after an over three-month investigation into the four-member organized criminal group. The criminal group is accused of being involved in a large cocaine purchase, distribution and sale in the areas of Skopje as well as in other cities. "Through the sale of cocaine, the group earned large amount of money, which they invested in buying luxury cars, homes and other property," the press release said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 06:50:07|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close NEW YORK, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices were mixed on Friday as signs of tightening global energy market counterweighted concerns over lower fuel demand. The West Texas Intermediate for June delivery was down 0.04 U.S. dollar to settle at 61.66 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for July delivery rose 0.23 dollar to close at 70.62 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange. The tightening oil market continued with the voluntary and involuntary production cuts of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies as the main driver. OPEC and other major oil producers, including Russia, pledged in December to cut production by 1.2 million barrels per day in order to prop up prices, effective from this January. "U.S. sanctions against Iran and Venezuela have resulted in involuntary production cuts in the two OPEC countries exempted from cuts. The tightness has been intensified following lower Russian production amid the contamination of a major pipeline from Russia to Europe and lower North Sea output related to maintenance," Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS said Friday in a note. A report by U.S. energy services firm Baker Hughes showed U.S. oil-rig count edged lower in the latest week. The number of active U.S. oil drilling rigs dropped by two to 805 in the week to May 10, Baker Hughes said Friday. The market gains were capped as traders also grew concerned about possible slower energy demand amid global economic uncertainties. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 07:00:12|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close ALGIERS, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Tens of thousands of Algerians took to the streets on Friday to express their rejection of the presidential election scheduled for July 4, calling for a year-long transition period. The protesters hailed the jailing of former intelligence leaders and the brother of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's, as well as the anti-corruption trials launched against several businessmen and politicians. However, they warned that these measures have not met their major demand for radical change of the regime. The ongoing mass popular movement erupted on Feb. 22 as Algerians opposed Boutelika's decision to seek a fifth presidential term. On April 2, Bouteflika announced his resignation under mass pressure. Last week, both the interim president and the military institution expressed their insistence on holding the presidential election on July 4 in accordance with the constitution. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 07:29:21|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close Tourists visit the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition in Yanqing District of Beijing, capital of China, May 10, 2019. The Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition has welcomed a large number of tourists from home and abroad since the opening. As of May 9, it has seen more than 500,000 visitors, according to the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition Coordination Bureau. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 07:15:17|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close KIGALI, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda Development Board (RDB) on Friday signed an agreement with Pink Mango C&D, a Chinese firm, to establish a "modern" garment factory in Kigali, capital city of Rwanda. The factory to be located in Kigali Special Economic zone will produce garments for both the domestic and export market, the Rwandan government department said in a statement. The Chinese firm is expected to provide 7,500 jobs for Rwandans by the fifth year and create cumulative export earnings of 20 million U.S. dollars over the next five years, said the statement. It is also expected to build capacity and skills transfer to 500 workers of local garment cooperatives, who will also benefit from some of supply contracts through an outsourcing model, it said. The investment of the Chinese firm will upskill Rwandans, giving them access to productive jobs and hence ensuring them to have a better standard of living, RDB deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer Emmanuel Hategeka said in the statement. The investment will not only enable the central African country to increase its exports but also reduce imports of clothing as the country has been using fiscal measures to progressively discourage the importation of second-hand clothes, said Hategeka. The importation of second-hand clothes was hurting the growth of the domestic textile and garment industry, according to him. The Rwandan government said in June last year that it maintained its stand that the country would stick to the decision to discourage imports of used clothes, in order to promote "Made in Rwanda" products, after the United States suspended duty-free status for Rwandan apparel products under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Photo provided by Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 5, 2019 shows the site of a strike drill of defense units of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). (Xinhua/KCNA) SEOUL, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Stephen Biegun, U.S. special representative for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) affairs, said Friday that the door remained open for the DPRK's return to negotiations. Biegun made the remarks during his courtesy call to South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, according to Seoul's foreign ministry. The U.S. diplomat arrived here Wednesday for his four-day trip. The remark came a day after the DPRK fired two unidentified projectiles, presumed to be short-range missiles, from its northwestern region. They traveled eastward about 420 km and 270 km at an altitude of 45 km to 50 km. Five days earlier, Pyongyang fired several short-range projectiles into the sea off its east coast. The projectiles flew between 70 km and 240 km at an altitude of some 60 km. Kang said the DPRK's recent projectile launches were an act that is of no help for the improvement of inter-Korean relations and efforts to defuse military tensions on the peninsula, expressing her worry about it. The top South Korean diplomat emphasized the importance for earnest dialogues between Seoul, Pyongyang and Washington for the complete denuclearization and the lasting peace settlement. After the courtesy call, Biegun presided over the working group meeting together with Lee Do-hoon, South Korean special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, according to the Seoul ministry. The working group was launched last November to coordinate between Seoul and Washington the Korean Peninsula issues such as denuclearization, sanctions and inter-Korean cooperation. During the meeting, Lee and Biegun made in-depth discussions on ways to advance the complete denuclearization of and the settlement of permanent peace on the peninsula, sharing their assessment on recent situations, including the DPRK's projectile launches. The working group meeting was attended by South Korean officials from the defense and unification ministries and the presidential Blue House, according to local media reports. From the U.S. side, participants were Alex Wong, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of state for DPRK affairs, and Allison Hooker, director of the White House National Security Council for the DPRK. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 10:36:13|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close WASHINGTON, May 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan agreed to send an amphibious transport dock and air defense system to the Middle East, Pentagon said in a statement on Friday. Shanahan has approved the U.S. Central Command's request earlier this week of deploying the amphibious transport dock U.S.S. Arlington and a Patriot missile battery to the Middle East, said the statement. U.S.S. Arlington is a San Antonio-class ship with the capability to support amphibious assault, special operations, or expeditionary warfare missions, according to the statement. The statement also said the amphibious transport dock also provides command and control capability and interoperability with U.S. regional allies. The Patriot missile system is a long-range air defense system to intercept incoming missiles and aircraft. This latest deployment came days after the White House announcement of sending the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier group and bombers to the region. These newly deployed assets would respond to "indications of heightened Iranian readiness to conduct offensive operations against U.S. forces and our interests," the Pentagon statement noted. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif dismissed such accusations. "If U.S. and clients don't feel safe, it's because they're despised by the people of the region -- blaming Iran won't reverse that," he tweeted Tuesday. Over the recent weeks, Washington has ratcheted up pressure against Tehran with a series of sanctions, designations and military threats. In response, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Wednesday announced Tehran's withdrawal from complying with the restrictions posed by the Iran nuclear deal on the country's enriched uranium reserves and heavy water supplies. Rouhani also set a 60-day deadline for the remaining parties to the deal to fulfill their obligations, particularly in preserving Iran's interests in the areas of banking and oil. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 11:46:44|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close YANGON, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi has called for working together with the private sector to achieve the country's development goals, while ensuring the maintenance of a responsible and sustainable business environment. In her video message on the occasion of the Yangon Region Investment Forum 2019, which began on Friday, Aung San Suu Kyi affirmed her belief in the power of collaboration to achieve the development goals, encouraging investors to consider public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms. She emphasized that trade and investment remained the two major drivers of Myanmar's economic development, citing that investment in the manufacturing sector represented 31 percent of the total investment in fiscal year 2017-18, while there was only 0.3 percent in 2010-11. The sector's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) reached 24 percent in that year. The Yangon Investment Forum was the second of its kind designed to allow domestic and international investors to gain first-hand information about investment potential in the region. According to statistics, in the first seven months of the fiscal year 2018-19 which began in October, 2.54 billion U.S. dollars of foreign direct investment flowed into Myanmar. Yangon region accounts for 25 percent of the national gross domestic products, growing at an average rate of 9.2 percent year-on-year. The region also takes up 85 percent of the total foreign trade, having attracted a total of 20.2 billion U.S. dollars of foreign investment from 845 enterprises up to the fiscal year 2017-18 since 1988-89. The region's population is predicted to grow from the current 7 million to 10 million by 2030. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 11:51:46|Editor: ZX Video Player Close Photo taken on May 10, 2019 shows a conference entitled "Italy-China Partnership in the New Silk Road" held in Rome, Italy. The conference was held Friday here, at which Italian government officials and experts voiced their support for the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), discussing the possibility of Italy becoming the BRI's terminal in southern Europe. (Xinhua/Cheng Tingting) ROME, May 10 (Xinhua) -- A conference entitled "Italy-China Partnership in the New Silk Road" was held Friday here, at which Italian government officials and experts voiced their support for the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), discussing the possibility of Italy becoming the BRI's terminal in southern Europe. Joining the BRI could be an opportunity to join a new global path of concrete multilateralism, said Manlio Di Stefano, Italian Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at the conference. "Italy is a natural terminal for the new Silk Road" despite strong pressure endured during negotiations to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China to join the BRI, he said. Italy has the edge as the first G7 power to sign an MoU, although the edge will not last forever, said Di Stefano. "The (Italian) government looks very kindly on the agreements inked with China. We have to stay the course," added the undersecretary. Among the experts attending the conference, Vladimiro Giacche, president of Italian think tank Centro Europa Ricerche (CER), said the BRI is the only project that aims to relaunch growth with real investment after the 2008 financial crisis. According to an analysis conducted by the CER, the BRI could unleash the potential of international trade through reinforcing connectivity, said Giacche. General Manager of COSCO Shipping Lines Italy Marco Donati believes that the BRI's goal is not to colonize, because "the Chinese culture does not have the concept of colonization." According to Donati, BRI logistic improvements will benefit both countries and such a logistic edge will be fundamental for Italy to become competitive on the global stage, considering its export-centered economy. "For COSCO, Italy is the second most important country in Europe, second only to Germany, and we are getting closer," said Donati. Closing the conference, Senator Vito Petrocelli, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Senate, stressed the possible role that the BRI will play in helping Italy reduce its North-South development gap, enhancing people-to-people exchanges and promoting cooperation in third countries. The presence of Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte at the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in April is evidence enough of Italy's acknowledgement of the BRI, Petrocelli told Xinhua. Petrocelli said Italy is ready to become BRI's terminal in southern Europe, not just in the distribution of goods because "New Silk Road" also means people-to-people cooperation. The event, organized by the Italian parliamentary group Unione Interparlamentare di Amicizia Italia-Cina, was also attended by Chinese Ambassador to Italy Li Ruiyu, who highlighted the need for both Italy and China to nurture the Belt and Road, expand infrastructure connectivity and create new channels for people-to-people exchanges. Over the past six years, total trade between China and other countries participating in the BRI has exceeded 6 trillion dollars, and China's investment in these countries has surpassed 80 billion dollars, with nearly 300,000 jobs created so far, according to official data. Source: Xinhua| 2019-05-11 11:56:48|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close MACAO, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The economic growth rate of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was projected at 4.3 percent in 2019 and about 4.0 percent over the medium term, the SAR's monetary watchdog said on Saturday, quoting a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Monetary Authority of Macao said IMF concluded the 2019 Article IV Consultation with Macao SAR and published its staff report on Friday. The report affirms Macao's strong fiscal and external financial positions, credible linked exchange rate system, sound financial system, wide-ranging plans of economic diversification and prudent macroeconomic policies. On economic outlook, the IMF mission expects the SAR's economy to achieve relatively stable and solid growth over the medium term, driven by tourism and continued diversification efforts. Economic growth rate is projected at 4.3 percent in 2019 and about 4.0 percent over the medium term. The mission also recognizes the prudent macroeconomic policies of the SAR government with zero gross debt, which has endowed Macao with large fiscal and external financial buffers. These buffers will continuously anchor the stability of the economy and reduce external vulnerabilities emanating from global economic uncertainties. On the external financial front, the SAR remains a net foreign creditor, driven by its sizable current account surplus and reserves as well as the external position of its banking sector. Macao's ample net foreign assets will underpin its medium-term external solvency. The report mentions Macao's sound financial sector and welcomes the progress in strengthening its anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism framework. The financial soundness indicators regarding asset quality, earnings, and liquidity remain robust. The current macroprudential regulations with respect to the real estate market appear broadly appropriate while systemic risks are largely contained, it added. In addition, the IMF welcomes the incentives of the Monetary Authority of Macao in strengthening cross-border supervisory cooperation, which are deemed to facilitate the prevention of regulatory arbitrage and avoidance.